Living a Life That Matters | Doug Sauder | Ecclesiastes 6-7:10

How can I live a life How can I live a life that matters? that matters? that matters? That's not just a Christian question That's not just a Christian question That's not just a Christian question or a question we ask in church. It's a or a question we ask in church. It's a or a question we ask in church. It's a human question. human question. human question. Everyone is looking for a sense of why Everyone is looking for a sense of why Everyone is looking for a sense of why am I here and what can I do that am I here and what can I do that am I here and what can I do that matters? How do I find purpose and matters? How do I find purpose and matters? How do I find purpose and meaning in life? How do I find joy in meaning in life? How do I find joy in meaning in life? How do I find joy in moments of life? Because it seems like moments of life? Because it seems like moments of life? Because it seems like as I go on in life, I keep missing it. as I go on in life, I keep missing it. as I go on in life, I keep missing it. And this is what the book of And this is what the book of And this is what the book of Ecclesiastes is all about. Ecclesiastes is all about. Ecclesiastes is all about. Solomon is our guide. He's the preacher. Solomon is our guide. He's the preacher. Solomon is our guide. He's the preacher. He's the one taking us on this search. He's the one taking us on this search. He's the one taking us on this search. And he he said, "You know, I've I've And he he said, "You know, I've I've And he he said, "You know, I've I've been looking for meaning and purpose in been looking for meaning and purpose in been looking for meaning and purpose in life. And I tried everything and it life. And I tried everything and it life. And I tried everything and it still seems to be elusive. It seems to still seems to be elusive. It seems to still seems to be elusive. It seems to be out of reach. That life under the sun be out of reach. That life under the sun be out of reach. That life under the sun isn't what we expect. That it's more isn't what we expect. That it's more isn't what we expect. That it's more uphill uphill uphill than downhill. seems like there's more than downhill. seems like there's more than downhill. seems like there's more obstacles than there are green lights obstacles than there are green lights obstacles than there are green lights and open road. And I I sometimes wonder and open road. And I I sometimes wonder and open road. And I I sometimes wonder like that sense of why can't I find that like that sense of why can't I find that like that sense of why can't I find that thing I'm looking for? In every part of thing I'm looking for? In every part of thing I'm looking for? In every part of the 12 chapters of Ecclesiastes as the 12 chapters of Ecclesiastes as the 12 chapters of Ecclesiastes as Solomon goes on this existential search Solomon goes on this existential search Solomon goes on this existential search from from searching to discovering to from from searching to discovering to from from searching to discovering to finding that's not it. He gets more more finding that's not it. He gets more more finding that's not it. He gets more more discouraged like what's the point to the discouraged like what's the point to the discouraged like what's the point to the point where his favorite word in point where his favorite word in point where his favorite word in Ecclesiastes is the word he Ecclesiastes is the word he Ecclesiastes is the word he say heaven. That life is he 38 times he say heaven. That life is he 38 times he say heaven. That life is he 38 times he says life is he. That life is like a

says life is he. That life is like a says life is he. That life is like a vapor. It's here and then it's gone. And vapor. It's here and then it's gone. And vapor. It's here and then it's gone. And it looks like in life that you can see it looks like in life that you can see it looks like in life that you can see it and you can grasp it. But by the time it and you can grasp it. But by the time it and you can grasp it. But by the time you grasp it and you open your hand, you grasp it and you open your hand, you grasp it and you open your hand, there's nothing there. That life under there's nothing there. That life under there's nothing there. That life under the sun is beyond grasp, the sun is beyond grasp, the sun is beyond grasp, vanity, vanity, vanity, meaningless. meaningless. meaningless. Have you ever felt the he Have you ever felt the he Have you ever felt the he of life? of life? of life? No matter what you accomplish, it seems No matter what you accomplish, it seems No matter what you accomplish, it seems like there's something missing, like there's something missing, like there's something missing, something more. Or maybe you're chasing something more. Or maybe you're chasing something more. Or maybe you're chasing and you're young. You don't know yet and you're young. You don't know yet and you're young. You don't know yet that once you get the promotion and once that once you get the promotion and once that once you get the promotion and once you get the house and once you get the you get the house and once you get the you get the house and once you get the kids and once you get the degree and kids and once you get the degree and kids and once you get the degree and once you get the all the things you want once you get the all the things you want once you get the all the things you want for that that you're not going to be for that that you're not going to be for that that you're not going to be ever fully ever fully ever fully satisfied satisfied satisfied under the sun and and this is raw and under the sun and and this is raw and under the sun and and this is raw and it's authentic and it digs into the it's authentic and it digs into the it's authentic and it digs into the realness of life. And so we are going to realness of life. And so we are going to realness of life. And so we are going to let Solomon be our guide. He is the most let Solomon be our guide. He is the most let Solomon be our guide. He is the most powerful, the richest, powerful, the richest, powerful, the richest, the smartest, wisest man of his time.

the smartest, wisest man of his time. the smartest, wisest man of his time. and he's going to take us on this and he's going to take us on this and he's going to take us on this existential journey and it's going to be existential journey and it's going to be existential journey and it's going to be discouraging and sometimes when you read discouraging and sometimes when you read discouraging and sometimes when you read what you read you're going to go, "Huh, what you read you're going to go, "Huh, what you read you're going to go, "Huh, that's in the Bible." But know that that's in the Bible." But know that that's in the Bible." But know that Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes is pointing us forward. And we're going is pointing us forward. And we're going is pointing us forward. And we're going to see how that points us forward to to see how that points us forward to to see how that points us forward to Jesus in a moment. But let's look at Jesus in a moment. But let's look at Jesus in a moment. But let's look at Ecclesiastes chapter 6 verse 1. And you Ecclesiastes chapter 6 verse 1. And you Ecclesiastes chapter 6 verse 1. And you can feel the burden in Solomon's voice. can feel the burden in Solomon's voice. can feel the burden in Solomon's voice. I have seen another evil under the sun, I have seen another evil under the sun, I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on mankind. and it weighs heavily on mankind. and it weighs heavily on mankind. God gives some people wealth, God gives some people wealth, God gives some people wealth, possessions, and honor so that they lack possessions, and honor so that they lack possessions, and honor so that they lack nothing their hearts desire. But God nothing their hearts desire. But God nothing their hearts desire. But God does not grant them the ability to enjoy does not grant them the ability to enjoy does not grant them the ability to enjoy them. And a stranger enjoys them them. And a stranger enjoys them them. And a stranger enjoys them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous instead. This is meaningless, a grievous instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil. A a man may have a hundred evil. A a man may have a hundred evil. A a man may have a hundred children and live many years. Yet no children and live many years. Yet no children and live many years. Yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot matter how long he lives, if he cannot matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not enjoy his prosperity and does not enjoy his prosperity and does not receive a proper burial, I say that a receive a proper burial, I say that a receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.

stillborn child is better off than he. stillborn child is better off than he. It comes without meaning. It departs in It comes without meaning. It departs in It comes without meaning. It departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is darkness, and in darkness its name is darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. No, it never saw the sun or shrouded. No, it never saw the sun or shrouded. No, it never saw the sun or knew anything. It has more rest than knew anything. It has more rest than knew anything. It has more rest than does that man, even if he lives a does that man, even if he lives a does that man, even if he lives a thousand years twice over, but fails to thousand years twice over, but fails to thousand years twice over, but fails to enjoy his prosperity. enjoy his prosperity. enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place. Do not all go to the same place. Do not all go to the same place. Solomon is perplexed. Solomon is perplexed. Solomon is perplexed. He is weighed down. He is weighed down. He is weighed down. It's like, what would happen if a man, It's like, what would happen if a man, It's like, what would happen if a man, if a woman got everything they desired, if a woman got everything they desired, if a woman got everything they desired, wealth and prosperity and influence? wealth and prosperity and influence? wealth and prosperity and influence? What if it their life when you looked at What if it their life when you looked at What if it their life when you looked at it they had they lived a hundred years it they had they lived a hundred years it they had they lived a hundred years they had a hundred children they had they had a hundred children they had they had a hundred children they had millions of dollars their life looked millions of dollars their life looked millions of dollars their life looked full but actually on the inside they full but actually on the inside they full but actually on the inside they were empty were empty were empty that it's possible to get everything that it's possible to get everything that it's possible to get everything you've ever wanted in life and not be you've ever wanted in life and not be you've ever wanted in life and not be able able able to enjoy it and Solomon says then to enjoy it and Solomon says then to enjoy it and Solomon says then what's the point what's the point what's the point what's the point of life if you chase what's the point of life if you chase what's the point of life if you chase and get all these things, but if you and get all these things, but if you and get all these things, but if you can't enjoy them, well, that that's the can't enjoy them, well, that that's the can't enjoy them, well, that that's the worst thing in the world. And if you worst thing in the world. And if you worst thing in the world. And if you don't get a proper burial, don't get a proper burial, don't get a proper burial, you're better off if you would have died you're better off if you would have died you're better off if you would have died in childbirth. That your life shrouded in childbirth. That your life shrouded in childbirth. That your life shrouded in darkness that never was. And you can in darkness that never was. And you can in darkness that never was. And you can see that these questions are leading see that these questions are leading see that these questions are leading Solomon to despair, Solomon to despair, Solomon to despair, a life under the sun. And then in verse

a life under the sun. And then in verse a life under the sun. And then in verse six, and who knows what's going to six, and who knows what's going to six, and who knows what's going to happen after you die? Now, you're like, happen after you die? Now, you're like, happen after you die? Now, you're like, "Wait a second. Solomon doesn't know "Wait a second. Solomon doesn't know "Wait a second. Solomon doesn't know what's going to happen after you die." what's going to happen after you die." what's going to happen after you die." You see, starting in chapter six and You see, starting in chapter six and You see, starting in chapter six and moving on in Ecclesiastes, he's going to moving on in Ecclesiastes, he's going to moving on in Ecclesiastes, he's going to be thinking a lot about life after be thinking a lot about life after be thinking a lot about life after death. And he doesn't know what life death. And he doesn't know what life death. And he doesn't know what life after death is like. There's moments after death is like. There's moments after death is like. There's moments where he says there's eternity in where he says there's eternity in where he says there's eternity in people's hearts. There's moments where people's hearts. There's moments where people's hearts. There's moments where he say there's there's no one who's he say there's there's no one who's he say there's there's no one who's righteous before God. There there's a righteous before God. There there's a righteous before God. There there's a sin that separates us from God. But he sin that separates us from God. But he sin that separates us from God. But he he can't see clearly what happens after he can't see clearly what happens after he can't see clearly what happens after death. And so we don't want to take his death. And so we don't want to take his death. And so we don't want to take his questions as well maybe there is no life questions as well maybe there is no life questions as well maybe there is no life after death. No, he's on the search. And after death. No, he's on the search. And after death. No, he's on the search. And here's the crazy thing. Solomon at the here's the crazy thing. Solomon at the here's the crazy thing. Solomon at the time of this writing is the wisest man time of this writing is the wisest man time of this writing is the wisest man who ever lives. He prays to God for who ever lives. He prays to God for who ever lives. He prays to God for wisdom. And the Bible says in First wisdom. And the Bible says in First wisdom. And the Bible says in First Kings chapter 4, this description of Kings chapter 4, this description of Kings chapter 4, this description of Solomon that God answered his prayer and Solomon that God answered his prayer and Solomon that God answered his prayer and gave him wisdom as measurless as the gave him wisdom as measurless as the gave him wisdom as measurless as the sand on the seashore, a depth of insight sand on the seashore, a depth of insight sand on the seashore, a depth of insight that made him wiser than all the men of that made him wiser than all the men of that made him wiser than all the men of the east and all the men of Egypt. And the east and all the men of Egypt. And the east and all the men of Egypt. And that kings would come from miles around that kings would come from miles around that kings would come from miles around to to see for themselves the legend of to to see for themselves the legend of to to see for themselves the legend of Solomon's wisdom and wealth. In fact, Solomon's wisdom and wealth. In fact, Solomon's wisdom and wealth. In fact, maybe you know the story of the Queen of maybe you know the story of the Queen of maybe you know the story of the Queen of Sheba. She traveled over 1,500 miles, a Sheba. She traveled over 1,500 miles, a Sheba. She traveled over 1,500 miles, a 2 to threemonth journey to see if all 2 to threemonth journey to see if all 2 to threemonth journey to see if all the rumors of Solomon's wisdom were the rumors of Solomon's wisdom were the rumors of Solomon's wisdom were true. And when she saw what Solomon was true. And when she saw what Solomon was true. And when she saw what Solomon was doing and how he spoke, she said, "I

doing and how he spoke, she said, "I doing and how he spoke, she said, "I haven't even heard the half of the haven't even heard the half of the haven't even heard the half of the wisdom that God has given you." wisdom that God has given you." wisdom that God has given you." And yet And yet And yet he can't see clearly to what happens he can't see clearly to what happens he can't see clearly to what happens after death. And and you're like, well, after death. And and you're like, well, after death. And and you're like, well, if Solomon, if Solomon, if Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, can't the wisest man who ever lived, can't the wisest man who ever lived, can't figure it out, how in the world am I figure it out, how in the world am I figure it out, how in the world am I going to figure it out? And it creates a going to figure it out? And it creates a going to figure it out? And it creates a sense of angst in us, like the tension sense of angst in us, like the tension sense of angst in us, like the tension of all these unanswered questions and of all these unanswered questions and of all these unanswered questions and all the feelings we have and what do we all the feelings we have and what do we all the feelings we have and what do we do with all that stuff? But aren't you do with all that stuff? But aren't you do with all that stuff? But aren't you thankful for Jesus? thankful for Jesus? thankful for Jesus? >> So check this out. >> So check this out. >> So check this out. Jesus is talking to the people of his Jesus is talking to the people of his Jesus is talking to the people of his day about Solomon. And he talks about day about Solomon. And he talks about day about Solomon. And he talks about how God granted Solomon wisdom and how how God granted Solomon wisdom and how how God granted Solomon wisdom and how people traveled for miles to hear him people traveled for miles to hear him people traveled for miles to hear him talk. And then he says this, "But one talk. And then he says this, "But one talk. And then he says this, "But one greater than Solomon greater than Solomon greater than Solomon is here." is here." is here." And what Jesus is doing is he's And what Jesus is doing is he's And what Jesus is doing is he's answering the question that Solomon answering the question that Solomon answering the question that Solomon couldn't answer. What happens after you couldn't answer. What happens after you couldn't answer. What happens after you die? Jesus is answering or resolving the die? Jesus is answering or resolving the die? Jesus is answering or resolving the tension of all the pages before him. all tension of all the pages before him. all tension of all the pages before him. all the questions, all the prophecies that the questions, all the prophecies that the questions, all the prophecies that make us GO, "WELL, HOW HOW IS all this make us GO, "WELL, HOW HOW IS all this make us GO, "WELL, HOW HOW IS all this going to work out? What is God's plan?"

going to work out? What is God's plan?" going to work out? What is God's plan?" And Jesus says of one greater than And Jesus says of one greater than And Jesus says of one greater than Solomon is here, let me tell you that Solomon is here, let me tell you that Solomon is here, let me tell you that for thousands of years, the human for thousands of years, the human for thousands of years, the human tension of how do you live a life that tension of how do you live a life that tension of how do you live a life that matters? What's the point? How do we matters? What's the point? How do we matters? What's the point? How do we answer these questions? Why do why do answer these questions? Why do why do answer these questions? Why do why do good things happen to bad people? All good things happen to bad people? All good things happen to bad people? All the questions we ask the questions we ask the questions we ask well are revealed in Jesus coming to well are revealed in Jesus coming to well are revealed in Jesus coming to earth, dying in our place, making a way earth, dying in our place, making a way earth, dying in our place, making a way for us to be in heaven with him. And for us to be in heaven with him. And for us to be in heaven with him. And here's how the Apostle Paul describes here's how the Apostle Paul describes here's how the Apostle Paul describes it. That for centuries this wisdom was it. That for centuries this wisdom was it. That for centuries this wisdom was hidden, hidden, hidden, but it has now been revealed but it has now been revealed but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our savior through the appearing of our savior through the appearing of our savior Christ Jesus who has destroyed death and Christ Jesus who has destroyed death and Christ Jesus who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to has brought life and immortality to has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. light through the gospel. light through the gospel. The question Solomon's asking, he The question Solomon's asking, he The question Solomon's asking, he doesn't have the answers to. But Jesus doesn't have the answers to. But Jesus doesn't have the answers to. But Jesus says, "I am the answer. I am the way and says, "I am the answer. I am the way and says, "I am the answer. I am the way and I am the truth and I am the life and I I am the truth and I am the life and I I am the truth and I am the life and I can resolve every question. I'm the can resolve every question. I'm the can resolve every question. I'm the answer to every question. I'm the the answer to every question. I'm the the answer to every question. I'm the the fulfillment of every prophecy and every fulfillment of every prophecy and every fulfillment of every prophecy and every desire. And if you want to live a life desire. And if you want to live a life desire. And if you want to live a life that matters, then then look at Jesus.

that matters, then then look at Jesus. that matters, then then look at Jesus. And so as we read some of these very And so as we read some of these very And so as we read some of these very depressing moments and questions about depressing moments and questions about depressing moments and questions about the afterlife and immortality, know that the afterlife and immortality, know that the afterlife and immortality, know that this was hidden from Solomon. It was this was hidden from Solomon. It was this was hidden from Solomon. It was hidden from the prophets. It was hidden hidden from the prophets. It was hidden hidden from the prophets. It was hidden from angels until it was revealed in the from angels until it was revealed in the from angels until it was revealed in the perfect time of Jesus. And so Solomon is perfect time of Jesus. And so Solomon is perfect time of Jesus. And so Solomon is feeling the weight, the despair of life feeling the weight, the despair of life feeling the weight, the despair of life where there is no eternity, there is no where there is no eternity, there is no where there is no eternity, there is no life after death. And in verse 7, he life after death. And in verse 7, he life after death. And in verse 7, he continues, continues, continues, "Everyone's toil is for their mouth, yet "Everyone's toil is for their mouth, yet "Everyone's toil is for their mouth, yet their appetite is never satisfied. What their appetite is never satisfied. What their appetite is never satisfied. What advantage have the wise over the fools? advantage have the wise over the fools? advantage have the wise over the fools? And what do the poor gain by knowing how And what do the poor gain by knowing how And what do the poor gain by knowing how to conduct themselves before others? to conduct themselves before others? to conduct themselves before others? Better what the eye sees than the roving Better what the eye sees than the roving Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite? This too is of the appetite? This too is of the appetite? This too is meaningless. A chasing after the wind. meaningless. A chasing after the wind. meaningless. A chasing after the wind. Whatever exists has already been named. Whatever exists has already been named. Whatever exists has already been named. And what humanity is has been known. No And what humanity is has been known. No And what humanity is has been known. No one can contend without someone who is one can contend without someone who is one can contend without someone who is stronger. The more the words, the less stronger. The more the words, the less stronger. The more the words, the less the meaning. And how does that profit the meaning. And how does that profit the meaning. And how does that profit anyone? For who knows what is good for a anyone? For who knows what is good for a anyone? For who knows what is good for a person in life during the few person in life during the few person in life during the few meaningless days they pass through like meaningless days they pass through like meaningless days they pass through like a shadow? Who can tell them what will a shadow? Who can tell them what will a shadow? Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are happen under the sun after they are happen under the sun after they are gone?

gone? gone? You feel the weight. You feel the weight. You feel the weight. What's the point of learning? What's the What's the point of learning? What's the What's the point of learning? What's the point of many words? What's the point of point of many words? What's the point of point of many words? What's the point of all your strength? What's the point of all your strength? What's the point of all your strength? What's the point of all your money? What's the point of any all your money? What's the point of any all your money? What's the point of any of it? It all feels of it? It all feels of it? It all feels he he he meaningless, beyond grasping, beyond meaningless, beyond grasping, beyond meaningless, beyond grasping, beyond figuring out. figuring out. figuring out. Solomon understands that work is hard Solomon understands that work is hard Solomon understands that work is hard and doesn't always bring you the and doesn't always bring you the and doesn't always bring you the fulfillment that you've desired. I mean, fulfillment that you've desired. I mean, fulfillment that you've desired. I mean, how many of you feel the tension of work how many of you feel the tension of work how many of you feel the tension of work is not always what you want it to be? is not always what you want it to be? is not always what you want it to be? Come on. If your boss is next to you, Come on. If your boss is next to you, Come on. If your boss is next to you, just just just there's frustration at work and it's not there's frustration at work and it's not there's frustration at work and it's not because of your boss or the job you have because of your boss or the job you have because of your boss or the job you have or the place you work. It's because of or the place you work. It's because of or the place you work. It's because of the curse of sin. The curse of sin makes the curse of sin. The curse of sin makes the curse of sin. The curse of sin makes the labor. We were designed by God to the labor. We were designed by God to the labor. We were designed by God to work. But the curse work. But the curse work. But the curse of Eden, of Eden, of Eden, the sin of man has made work difficult. the sin of man has made work difficult. the sin of man has made work difficult. Thorns and thistles and sweat and Thorns and thistles and sweat and Thorns and thistles and sweat and frustration and futility. And Solomon frustration and futility. And Solomon frustration and futility. And Solomon says you're going to feel that when you says you're going to feel that when you says you're going to feel that when you work really hard, it's not always going work really hard, it's not always going work really hard, it's not always going to feel good. And as you accumulate to feel good. And as you accumulate to feel good. And as you accumulate money or look for pleasure or power, money or look for pleasure or power, money or look for pleasure or power, it's not going to satisfy. It's like it's not going to satisfy. It's like it's not going to satisfy. It's like trying to fill this void inside you that trying to fill this void inside you that trying to fill this void inside you that nothing else can fill. But people pour nothing else can fill. But people pour nothing else can fill. But people pour themselves. And if you see this verse themselves. And if you see this verse themselves. And if you see this verse seven, the appetite is never satisfied.

seven, the appetite is never satisfied. seven, the appetite is never satisfied. In verse 9, the roving of the appetite, In verse 9, the roving of the appetite, In verse 9, the roving of the appetite, the desire for more, the desire to say, the desire for more, the desire to say, the desire for more, the desire to say, I want to live a life that matters and I I want to live a life that matters and I I want to live a life that matters and I don't feel it right now, so I'm going to don't feel it right now, so I'm going to don't feel it right now, so I'm going to see if I can figure it out. And some see if I can figure it out. And some see if I can figure it out. And some people try to figure that out in work. people try to figure that out in work. people try to figure that out in work. I'm going to work my way to meaning and I'm going to work my way to meaning and I'm going to work my way to meaning and purpose. I'm going to wake up early. I'm purpose. I'm going to wake up early. I'm purpose. I'm going to wake up early. I'm going to stay up late. I'm going to get going to stay up late. I'm going to get going to stay up late. I'm going to get the promotion. I want to be running the the promotion. I want to be running the the promotion. I want to be running the company one day. and I'm going to be on company one day. and I'm going to be on company one day. and I'm going to be on the the more more more. I'm going to the the more more more. I'm going to the the more more more. I'm going to chase this idea of satisfaction. Solomon chase this idea of satisfaction. Solomon chase this idea of satisfaction. Solomon says, "Don't do it because you're going says, "Don't do it because you're going says, "Don't do it because you're going to find that it is out of reach." Some to find that it is out of reach." Some to find that it is out of reach." Some people try it through education. If I people try it through education. If I people try it through education. If I learn more, then those things that I learn more, then those things that I learn more, then those things that I learn, the knowledge I have will help me learn, the knowledge I have will help me learn, the knowledge I have will help me to feel better about my life as I lay my to feel better about my life as I lay my to feel better about my life as I lay my head on my pillow at night and as I look head on my pillow at night and as I look head on my pillow at night and as I look in the mirror in the morning. Solomon in the mirror in the morning. Solomon in the mirror in the morning. Solomon says, "Many words don't make your life says, "Many words don't make your life says, "Many words don't make your life better. They can also make your life better. They can also make your life better. They can also make your life more frustrating. You're not going to more frustrating. You're not going to more frustrating. You're not going to find an education. Maybe if I can't work find an education. Maybe if I can't work find an education. Maybe if I can't work my way to satisfaction, maybe I can buy my way to satisfaction, maybe I can buy my way to satisfaction, maybe I can buy my way to satisfaction.

my way to satisfaction. my way to satisfaction. If I just bought this or if I just If I just bought this or if I just If I just bought this or if I just bought that and and and and this is one bought that and and and and this is one bought that and and and and this is one of the greatest temptations of the world of the greatest temptations of the world of the greatest temptations of the world we live in today. I I can't be bored for we live in today. I I can't be bored for we live in today. I I can't be bored for more than a minute. I need to entertain more than a minute. I need to entertain more than a minute. I need to entertain myself. I I saw this latest new thing. myself. I I saw this latest new thing. myself. I I saw this latest new thing. And I was happy until I saw that. And And I was happy until I saw that. And And I was happy until I saw that. And now I'm not happy. I I I used to love now I'm not happy. I I I used to love now I'm not happy. I I I used to love my life, my house, until I saw my my life, my house, until I saw my my life, my house, until I saw my neighbor's life and my neighbor's house. neighbor's life and my neighbor's house. neighbor's life and my neighbor's house. Maybe you've heard this phrase before Maybe you've heard this phrase before Maybe you've heard this phrase before that comparison is the thief of joy. that comparison is the thief of joy. that comparison is the thief of joy. You're happy You're happy You're happy until you see someone else who has until you see someone else who has until you see someone else who has something you don't have and you're something you don't have and you're something you don't have and you're like, "Oh, now I'm not happy." And now like, "Oh, now I'm not happy." And now like, "Oh, now I'm not happy." And now you drive to get more. And then you get you drive to get more. And then you get you drive to get more. And then you get what your neighbor had and then you're what your neighbor had and then you're what your neighbor had and then you're happy for a moment and then someone else happy for a moment and then someone else happy for a moment and then someone else gets something else and now you're not gets something else and now you're not gets something else and now you're not happy anymore. And you find yourself happy anymore. And you find yourself happy anymore. And you find yourself your appetite is never satisfied. Your your appetite is never satisfied. Your your appetite is never satisfied. Your eyes are never satisfied. The moment you eyes are never satisfied. The moment you eyes are never satisfied. The moment you get something you're satisfied but then get something you're satisfied but then get something you're satisfied but then it lasts just a moment. it lasts just a moment. it lasts just a moment. Your eyes your appetite Solomon says are Your eyes your appetite Solomon says are Your eyes your appetite Solomon says are never full.

never full. never full. So think about this for a second. When So think about this for a second. When So think about this for a second. When was the last time was the last time was the last time you ate so much food you ate so much food you ate so much food that you said, "I don't want to see food that you said, "I don't want to see food that you said, "I don't want to see food or eat food or eat food or eat food for like a week." All right. For me, the for like a week." All right. For me, the for like a week." All right. For me, the last time it happened, I went to a last time it happened, I went to a last time it happened, I went to a Brazilian steakhouse. Brazilian steakhouse. Brazilian steakhouse. And as a good German, you got to get And as a good German, you got to get And as a good German, you got to get your money's worth. So, you can eat as your money's worth. So, you can eat as your money's worth. So, you can eat as much as you can. And I ate so much at much as you can. And I ate so much at much as you can. And I ate so much at that Brazilian steakhouse that when I that Brazilian steakhouse that when I that Brazilian steakhouse that when I got in my car, I was sweating. got in my car, I was sweating. got in my car, I was sweating. You ever You ever eat so much you sweat? You ever You ever eat so much you sweat? You ever You ever eat so much you sweat? Two other gluttons that are honest. Two other gluttons that are honest. Two other gluttons that are honest. three. I was sweating and I was like, I three. I was sweating and I was like, I three. I was sweating and I was like, I ate too much. ate too much. ate too much. And at that moment, if you would ask me, And at that moment, if you would ask me, And at that moment, if you would ask me, hey Doug, hey Doug, hey Doug, you want any food? I don't want to see you want any food? I don't want to see you want any food? I don't want to see food for like a month. And then three food for like a month. And then three food for like a month. And then three hours later, hours later, hours later, I was hungry again. That's Solomon's I was hungry again. That's Solomon's I was hungry again. That's Solomon's point. SOLOMON SAYS, "NO MATTER HOW MUCH point. SOLOMON SAYS, "NO MATTER HOW MUCH point. SOLOMON SAYS, "NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU THINK, IF I GET THAT, I will be YOU THINK, IF I GET THAT, I will be YOU THINK, IF I GET THAT, I will be fully satisfied." He goes, "That's a lie fully satisfied." He goes, "That's a lie fully satisfied." He goes, "That's a lie you're telling yourself. That's the you're telling yourself. That's the you're telling yourself. That's the futility of more, more, more, more." And futility of more, more, more, more." And futility of more, more, more, more." And the more you pursue more, the more you pursue more, the more you pursue more, the more empty the more empty the more empty and the more isolated you will become.

and the more isolated you will become. and the more isolated you will become. Think with me. Solomon is trying to get Think with me. Solomon is trying to get Think with me. Solomon is trying to get us to think. And in a western culture, us to think. And in a western culture, us to think. And in a western culture, listen, in a western culture where we listen, in a western culture where we listen, in a western culture where we have more wealth, more convenience, more have more wealth, more convenience, more have more wealth, more convenience, more comfort than any group of people who comfort than any group of people who comfort than any group of people who have ever lived ever on the planet. have ever lived ever on the planet. have ever lived ever on the planet. Are we satisfied with what we have? Are we satisfied with what we have? Are we satisfied with what we have? We are exhibit A. We have more than We are exhibit A. We have more than We are exhibit A. We have more than Solomon. Solomon. Solomon. And yet there's this insatiability in And yet there's this insatiability in And yet there's this insatiability in us. There's always more. And Solomon us. There's always more. And Solomon us. There's always more. And Solomon says the pursuit of more will lead you says the pursuit of more will lead you says the pursuit of more will lead you to be empty to be empty to be empty and isolated. Why empty? Because the and isolated. Why empty? Because the and isolated. Why empty? Because the thing we're pursuing thing we're pursuing thing we're pursuing that more is subject to something called that more is subject to something called that more is subject to something called the law of diminishing returns. the law of diminishing returns. the law of diminishing returns. Novelty wears off. Novelty wears off. Novelty wears off. The thing that you get when you get it The thing that you get when you get it The thing that you get when you get it that you love it, that you love it, that you love it, well, the first time you eat that meal, well, the first time you eat that meal, well, the first time you eat that meal, you love it. It's the best meal you've you love it. It's the best meal you've you love it. It's the best meal you've ever had. The second time you eat it, ever had. The second time you eat it, ever had. The second time you eat it, it's good. The third time you eat it, it's good. The third time you eat it, it's good. The third time you eat it, it's it's good. It's okay. The 37th time it's it's good. It's okay. The 37th time it's it's good. It's okay. The 37th time you eat it, nah. What happened? IT'S THE you eat it, nah. What happened? IT'S THE you eat it, nah. What happened? IT'S THE SAME MEAL. WHAT'S HAPPENING? It's the SAME MEAL. WHAT'S HAPPENING? It's the SAME MEAL. WHAT'S HAPPENING? It's the human appetite. If you continue to human appetite. If you continue to human appetite. If you continue to follow it, we experience this. So, here follow it, we experience this. So, here follow it, we experience this. So, here here's another way to ask this question.

here's another way to ask this question. here's another way to ask this question. How many of you right now you love love How many of you right now you love love How many of you right now you love love love the car you drive? Raise your hand. love the car you drive? Raise your hand. love the car you drive? Raise your hand. Oh, okay. What a thought. Oh, okay. What a thought. Oh, okay. What a thought. Now, all of us probably loved the car we Now, all of us probably loved the car we Now, all of us probably loved the car we drive the day we bought it. The new car drive the day we bought it. The new car drive the day we bought it. The new car smell or the new to us car smell. We smell or the new to us car smell. We smell or the new to us car smell. We don't smell the burning oil from our old don't smell the burning oil from our old don't smell the burning oil from our old car. car. car. the AC works and we're excited about our the AC works and we're excited about our the AC works and we're excited about our new car but over time new car but over time new car but over time like ah this car or we just take it for like ah this car or we just take it for like ah this car or we just take it for granted or we see someone else's car and granted or we see someone else's car and granted or we see someone else's car and now we don't like our car now we don't like our car now we don't like our car that that happens to everything in life that that happens to everything in life that that happens to everything in life and so say the more you try to do more and so say the more you try to do more and so say the more you try to do more the actual more empty you're going to the actual more empty you're going to the actual more empty you're going to feel inside it's a paradox feel inside it's a paradox feel inside it's a paradox it's beyond grasp it's vanity it's it's beyond grasp it's vanity it's it's beyond grasp it's vanity it's chasing after the wind in chasing after the wind in chasing after the wind in There's a moment where the people of There's a moment where the people of There's a moment where the people of Israel are not content with what they Israel are not content with what they Israel are not content with what they have, even though God has brought them have, even though God has brought them have, even though God has brought them out of Egypt, taken them through the Red out of Egypt, taken them through the Red out of Egypt, taken them through the Red Sea, and God is literally feeding them Sea, and God is literally feeding them Sea, and God is literally feeding them with bread from heaven, mana from with bread from heaven, mana from with bread from heaven, mana from heaven, and they say to God, "We want heaven, and they say to God, "We want heaven, and they say to God, "We want more. We want meat."

more. We want meat." more. We want meat." And so God And so God And so God decides to send them meat. But look at decides to send them meat. But look at decides to send them meat. But look at what happens when they get what they what happens when they get what they what happens when they get what they asked for. asked for. asked for. Psalm 106 says this. And God gave them Psalm 106 says this. And God gave them Psalm 106 says this. And God gave them their request, what they asked for, but their request, what they asked for, but their request, what they asked for, but sent leanness into their soul. sent leanness into their soul. sent leanness into their soul. What does that mean? They fed their What does that mean? They fed their What does that mean? They fed their appetite appetite appetite and they lost themselves. and they lost themselves. and they lost themselves. They fed. They got what they wanted. They fed. They got what they wanted. They fed. They got what they wanted. But their soul But their soul But their soul became more disconnected from God became more disconnected from God became more disconnected from God and from themselves. and from themselves. and from themselves. the pursuit of more, getting what you the pursuit of more, getting what you the pursuit of more, getting what you wish for, getting what you want all the wish for, getting what you want all the wish for, getting what you want all the time. time. time. It has a danger. It has a danger. It has a danger. And in in the wealthiest society And in in the wealthiest society And in in the wealthiest society that the world has ever known, this is a that the world has ever known, this is a that the world has ever known, this is a prophetic warning for us prophetic warning for us prophetic warning for us for the thing that we're chasing for the thing that we're chasing for the thing that we're chasing that it might lead us to a greater that it might lead us to a greater that it might lead us to a greater emptiness once we look fuller on the emptiness once we look fuller on the emptiness once we look fuller on the outside.

outside. outside. Jesus would say it this way. Jesus would say it this way. Jesus would say it this way. be careful you don't gain the whole be careful you don't gain the whole be careful you don't gain the whole world world world and lose your soul. and lose your soul. and lose your soul. And this is what Solomon is saying when And this is what Solomon is saying when And this is what Solomon is saying when he sees under the sun that the pursuit he sees under the sun that the pursuit he sees under the sun that the pursuit of more will lead you to a deeper sense of more will lead you to a deeper sense of more will lead you to a deeper sense of emptiness. And not just that, but of emptiness. And not just that, but of emptiness. And not just that, but isolation. Because when you're living isolation. Because when you're living isolation. Because when you're living all for yourself achievement, I can't be all for yourself achievement, I can't be all for yourself achievement, I can't be average. I have to be exceptional. So, average. I have to be exceptional. So, average. I have to be exceptional. So, I'm going to work hard and I want to I'm going to work hard and I want to I'm going to work hard and I want to provide. I want to provide for my family provide. I want to provide for my family provide. I want to provide for my family and my friends. I'm going to work really and my friends. I'm going to work really and my friends. I'm going to work really hard. But now I'm missing all these hard. But now I'm missing all these hard. But now I'm missing all these moments moments moments because it's during dinner with my because it's during dinner with my because it's during dinner with my family that I got to answer this family that I got to answer this family that I got to answer this question because I got to answer this question because I got to answer this question because I got to answer this because I got to make this deal because because I got to make this deal because because I got to make this deal because I got to make this deal because I got to I got to make this deal because I got to I got to make this deal because I got to feed my family and provide all the feed my family and provide all the feed my family and provide all the things they need. And and then I start things they need. And and then I start things they need. And and then I start to get resentful because I'm working so to get resentful because I'm working so to get resentful because I'm working so hard and they don't say thank you and hard and they don't say thank you and hard and they don't say thank you and now I'm in my own world all the time. now I'm in my own world all the time. now I'm in my own world all the time. And Solomon's like, "What? What's the And Solomon's like, "What? What's the And Solomon's like, "What? What's the point if you can buy dinner for everyone point if you can buy dinner for everyone point if you can buy dinner for everyone in the restaurant, in the restaurant, in the restaurant, but no one wants to eat with you?" but no one wants to eat with you?" but no one wants to eat with you?" Hm. He says, "This is a grievous burden Hm. He says, "This is a grievous burden Hm. He says, "This is a grievous burden I see. You can get all the stuff.

I see. You can get all the stuff. I see. You can get all the stuff. Goodbye whatever your eyes see and you Goodbye whatever your eyes see and you Goodbye whatever your eyes see and you can still feel empty on the inside." can still feel empty on the inside." can still feel empty on the inside." Jeff Cook says it this way. The more I Jeff Cook says it this way. The more I Jeff Cook says it this way. The more I make my life, my well-being, my make my life, my well-being, my make my life, my well-being, my enlightenment, my success primary, enlightenment, my success primary, enlightenment, my success primary, the farther I step from reality. the farther I step from reality. the farther I step from reality. Thus, the hellbound do not travel Thus, the hellbound do not travel Thus, the hellbound do not travel downward. downward. downward. They travel inward, They travel inward, They travel inward, cocooning themselves behind a mask of cocooning themselves behind a mask of cocooning themselves behind a mask of vanity, vanity, vanity, personal rights, religiosity, and personal rights, religiosity, and personal rights, religiosity, and defensiveness. defensiveness. defensiveness. An obsession with self is the defining An obsession with self is the defining An obsession with self is the defining mark of a disintegrating mark of a disintegrating mark of a disintegrating soul. soul. soul. And so, we have to stop and pause and And so, we have to stop and pause and And so, we have to stop and pause and let Solomon's words rest on us, the let Solomon's words rest on us, the let Solomon's words rest on us, the weight of it. He says it's a heavy weight of it. He says it's a heavy weight of it. He says it's a heavy burden to have things that you can't burden to have things that you can't burden to have things that you can't enjoy. enjoy. enjoy. It's a heavy burden. It's a futility to It's a heavy burden. It's a futility to It's a heavy burden. It's a futility to chase chase chase chase chase what's chase chase chase chase chase what's chase chase chase chase chase what's driving you when at the end you might driving you when at the end you might driving you when at the end you might feel more empty and be more alone than feel more empty and be more alone than feel more empty and be more alone than when you started. And so here here's a when you started. And so here here's a when you started. And so here here's a question for us. This this is where the question for us. This this is where the question for us. This this is where the Bible becomes a mirror where we ask Bible becomes a mirror where we ask Bible becomes a mirror where we ask ourselves this question. God, what is ourselves this question. God, what is ourselves this question. God, what is driving me?

What am I working so hard What am I working so hard for? for? for? And will it matter And will it matter And will it matter in the end? in the end? in the end? And as we think like, I'm working so And as we think like, I'm working so And as we think like, I'm working so hard because I need to get this degree. hard because I need to get this degree. hard because I need to get this degree. I got to get this promotion. I got to I got to get this promotion. I got to I got to get this promotion. I got to got to raise this family. I got to got got to raise this family. I got to got got to raise this family. I got to got to get a bigger or better. to get a bigger or better. to get a bigger or better. And is that because And is that because And is that because on the inside you're fighting that voice on the inside you're fighting that voice on the inside you're fighting that voice from that person who said from that person who said from that person who said you're never going to be anything and you want to prove something to them. and you want to prove something to them. Maybe it's your own voice Maybe it's your own voice Maybe it's your own voice that being average that being average that being average is not acceptable. is not acceptable. is not acceptable. Maybe Maybe Maybe all of your effort and thoughts are all of your effort and thoughts are all of your effort and thoughts are about your own personal kingdom and about your own personal kingdom and about your own personal kingdom and you've neglected the kingdom of God and you've neglected the kingdom of God and you've neglected the kingdom of God and what God's doing. what God's doing. what God's doing. And so your drive is really, if you're And so your drive is really, if you're And so your drive is really, if you're honest, if you're really honest and you honest, if you're really honest and you honest, if you're really honest and you look in the mirror, your drive is all look in the mirror, your drive is all look in the mirror, your drive is all about you in the end.

about you in the end. about you in the end. And Solomon says, 'I just want to warn And Solomon says, 'I just want to warn And Solomon says, 'I just want to warn you. If you live this way, you. If you live this way, you. If you live this way, you will feel empty at the end and you will feel empty at the end and you will feel empty at the end and you'll live a life that didn't matter, you'll live a life that didn't matter, you'll live a life that didn't matter, like a stillborn child. It would have like a stillborn child. It would have like a stillborn child. It would have been better if you were never born. And been better if you were never born. And been better if you were never born. And these words are heavy and sobering. You these words are heavy and sobering. You these words are heavy and sobering. You can see the the discouragement in his can see the the discouragement in his can see the the discouragement in his voice. And then voice. And then voice. And then Solomon, who's looking for clarity, he's Solomon, who's looking for clarity, he's Solomon, who's looking for clarity, he's looking for hope, he's looking for looking for hope, he's looking for looking for hope, he's looking for perspective, is going to find it in a perspective, is going to find it in a perspective, is going to find it in a place that you won't expect. place that you won't expect. place that you won't expect. He's going to find clarity and wisdom at He's going to find clarity and wisdom at He's going to find clarity and wisdom at a funeral. Look with me at chapter 7 a funeral. Look with me at chapter 7 a funeral. Look with me at chapter 7 verse 1. verse 1. verse 1. A good name is better than fine perfume, A good name is better than fine perfume, A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day and the day of death better than the day and the day of death better than the day of birth. It's better to go to a house of birth. It's better to go to a house of birth. It's better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of of mourning than to go to a house of of mourning than to go to a house of feasting. For death is the destiny of feasting. For death is the destiny of feasting. For death is the destiny of everyone, and the living should take everyone, and the living should take everyone, and the living should take this to heart. Frustration is better this to heart. Frustration is better this to heart. Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is than laughter, because a sad face is than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the good for the heart. The heart of the good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but wise is in the house of mourning, but wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of the heart of fools is in the house of the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.

pleasure. pleasure. It's better to heed the rebuke of a wise It's better to heed the rebuke of a wise It's better to heed the rebuke of a wise person and listen to the song of fools. person and listen to the song of fools. person and listen to the song of fools. And like the crackling of thorns under And like the crackling of thorns under And like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. the pot, so is the laughter of fools. the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless. This too is meaningless. This too is meaningless. Extortion turns a wise person into a Extortion turns a wise person into a Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. And the end of a matter is better than And the end of a matter is better than And the end of a matter is better than its beginning. And patience is better its beginning. And patience is better its beginning. And patience is better than pride. So do not quickly be than pride. So do not quickly be than pride. So do not quickly be provoked in your spirit for anger provoked in your spirit for anger provoked in your spirit for anger resides in the lap of fools. And do not resides in the lap of fools. And do not resides in the lap of fools. And do not say, "Why were the old days better than say, "Why were the old days better than say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such these?" For it is not wise to ask such these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions. questions. questions. Solomon Solomon Solomon is searching for meaning is searching for meaning is searching for meaning and he says, "You know, you're not going and he says, "You know, you're not going and he says, "You know, you're not going to find meaning at a party where people to find meaning at a party where people to find meaning at a party where people are singing their songs and they're are singing their songs and they're are singing their songs and they're laughing and all the conversation is laughing and all the conversation is laughing and all the conversation is about a half inch deep. about a half inch deep. about a half inch deep. But if you want to find out the But if you want to find out the But if you want to find out the perspective and wisdom of life, go to a perspective and wisdom of life, go to a perspective and wisdom of life, go to a funeral funeral funeral because a funeral reminds you of your because a funeral reminds you of your because a funeral reminds you of your future."

future." future." You see, there's a certainty about You see, there's a certainty about You see, there's a certainty about death. We're all going to die. death. We're all going to die. death. We're all going to die. The uncertainty is when we're going to The uncertainty is when we're going to The uncertainty is when we're going to die. die. die. All of us know we're going to die, but All of us know we're going to die, but All of us know we're going to die, but we don't know when we're going to die. we don't know when we're going to die. we don't know when we're going to die. And a funeral provides us a moment of And a funeral provides us a moment of And a funeral provides us a moment of clarity where we can go, wait, clarity where we can go, wait, clarity where we can go, wait, that person I knew, they died suddenly, that person I knew, they died suddenly, that person I knew, they died suddenly, [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] and now people are sharing about them, and now people are sharing about them, and now people are sharing about them, and they're talking about what that and they're talking about what that and they're talking about what that person meant. And he says this good person meant. And he says this good person meant. And he says this good reputation is like an aroma, like reputation is like an aroma, like reputation is like an aroma, like perfume. And when you go to a funeral perfume. And when you go to a funeral perfume. And when you go to a funeral and you hear people talk about someone and you hear people talk about someone and you hear people talk about someone who's died and it's a good word. There's who's died and it's a good word. There's who's died and it's a good word. There's something that's instructive about that. something that's instructive about that. something that's instructive about that. Psalm is not being morbid like, "Hey, Psalm is not being morbid like, "Hey, Psalm is not being morbid like, "Hey, the best thing you could do is go to a the best thing you could do is go to a the best thing you could do is go to a funeral." No, he's saying a funeral can funeral." No, he's saying a funeral can funeral." No, he's saying a funeral can make you a person of depth. make you a person of depth. make you a person of depth. It can make you ask questions beyond the It can make you ask questions beyond the It can make you ask questions beyond the surface about the score of the game or surface about the score of the game or surface about the score of the game or the weather or your investments the weather or your investments the weather or your investments or your golf game or what you bought on or your golf game or what you bought on or your golf game or what you bought on Amazon. Amazon. Amazon. Cuz at a funeral, most people aren't Cuz at a funeral, most people aren't Cuz at a funeral, most people aren't thinking about those things. They're thinking about those things. They're thinking about those things. They're thinking about thinking about thinking about where am I at with God?

where am I at with God? where am I at with God? Where I'm at with the people around me? Where I'm at with the people around me? Where I'm at with the people around me? Is there anything left undone? Any Is there anything left undone? Any Is there anything left undone? Any promises promises promises I have made but I haven't kept. any I have made but I haven't kept. any I have made but I haven't kept. any grudges that need to be healed and made grudges that need to be healed and made grudges that need to be healed and made whole. A funeral makes you a wiser whole. A funeral makes you a wiser whole. A funeral makes you a wiser person if you're paying attention and person if you're paying attention and person if you're paying attention and allows you to reshape your goals. allows you to reshape your goals. allows you to reshape your goals. Because if you go to a funeral and then Because if you go to a funeral and then Because if you go to a funeral and then you imagine yourself being in the casket you imagine yourself being in the casket you imagine yourself being in the casket and imagine who's going to say what and imagine who's going to say what and imagine who's going to say what about me and you don't like what you about me and you don't like what you about me and you don't like what you think they would say, you have a chance think they would say, you have a chance think they would say, you have a chance to change that to allow your life to be to change that to allow your life to be to change that to allow your life to be reshaped by that moment. And so he says, reshaped by that moment. And so he says, reshaped by that moment. And so he says, "This is the house of [snorts] "This is the house of [snorts] "This is the house of [snorts] wisdom." Now look at verse one for a wisdom." Now look at verse one for a wisdom." Now look at verse one for a second. He says, "The day of your death second. He says, "The day of your death second. He says, "The day of your death is better than the day of your birth." is better than the day of your birth." is better than the day of your birth." Is Solomon saying that death is better Is Solomon saying that death is better Is Solomon saying that death is better than life? than life? than life? No. In the context, No. In the context, No. In the context, he says, you know, the end of the thing he says, you know, the end of the thing he says, you know, the end of the thing is better than the beginning. So let's is better than the beginning. So let's is better than the beginning. So let's think about this for a second. Have you think about this for a second. Have you think about this for a second. Have you ever been to a hospital, maternity ward, ever been to a hospital, maternity ward, ever been to a hospital, maternity ward, and seen a brand new baby? Anybody?

and seen a brand new baby? Anybody? and seen a brand new baby? Anybody? Now, here's the question. Solomon's Now, here's the question. Solomon's Now, here's the question. Solomon's asking us think about this question. asking us think about this question. asking us think about this question. What can we say about this baby? This What can we say about this baby? This What can we say about this baby? This little beautiful baby girl. little beautiful baby girl. little beautiful baby girl. Not not much. Maybe she looks a little Not not much. Maybe she looks a little Not not much. Maybe she looks a little like her mother, like her grandmother, like her mother, like her grandmother, like her mother, like her grandmother, like her father, like her grandfather. like her father, like her grandfather. like her father, like her grandfather. We don't know much about this little We don't know much about this little We don't know much about this little baby. But now, fast forward 80 years, baby. But now, fast forward 80 years, baby. But now, fast forward 80 years, and that little baby girl has grown up and that little baby girl has grown up and that little baby girl has grown up and lived a full life, and now it's her and lived a full life, and now it's her and lived a full life, and now it's her funeral. funeral. funeral. What can we say about her now? What can we say about her now? What can we say about her now? Oh, all kinds of things. You see, over Oh, all kinds of things. You see, over Oh, all kinds of things. You see, over here it was all about her potential, but here it was all about her potential, but here it was all about her potential, but over here it's all about the way that over here it's all about the way that over here it's all about the way that she lived, the fulfillment of that she lived, the fulfillment of that she lived, the fulfillment of that potential. And Solomon is saying, when potential. And Solomon is saying, when potential. And Solomon is saying, when you're 80 and at a funeral, there's so you're 80 and at a funeral, there's so you're 80 and at a funeral, there's so many things that we could say about you. many things that we could say about you. many things that we could say about you. Oh, oh, she loved Jesus. Oh, she always Oh, oh, she loved Jesus. Oh, she always Oh, oh, she loved Jesus. Oh, she always opened her door to strangers. opened her door to strangers. opened her door to strangers. She always offered a wise word. She was She always offered a wise word. She was She always offered a wise word. She was such a great listener. She was so such a great listener. She was so such a great listener. She was so generous. And at at at that moment, the generous. And at at at that moment, the generous. And at at at that moment, the end of that little baby girl's life is end of that little baby girl's life is end of that little baby girl's life is better than the beginning because she better than the beginning because she better than the beginning because she has lived out her life in a life in a has lived out her life in a life in a has lived out her life in a life in a way that's mattered.

way that's mattered. way that's mattered. And that should cause us And that should cause us And that should cause us to think because we were once that baby to think because we were once that baby to think because we were once that baby and we're between the day of our birth and we're between the day of our birth and we're between the day of our birth and the day of our death. and the day of our death. and the day of our death. And if we want to be people of depth, And if we want to be people of depth, And if we want to be people of depth, if we want to live a life that matters, if we want to live a life that matters, if we want to live a life that matters, we should pay attention. So yesterday So yesterday there was a memorial service here for there was a memorial service here for there was a memorial service here for one one one of our of our of our best best best John Beaniro. John Beaniro. John Beaniro. He led in our kids ministry. You know He led in our kids ministry. You know He led in our kids ministry. You know when you drop your kids off and you when you drop your kids off and you when you drop your kids off and you wonder will they be safe? Will they be wonder will they be safe? Will they be wonder will they be safe? Will they be loved? Will they be cared for me? John loved? Will they be cared for me? John loved? Will they be cared for me? John led all that. led all that. led all that. He loved Jesus. He loved his wife. He He loved Jesus. He loved his wife. He He loved Jesus. He loved his wife. He loved his kids. He loved his team. And loved his kids. He loved his team. And loved his kids. He loved his team. And yesterday this place was full of people yesterday this place was full of people yesterday this place was full of people who remembered him. And I just paid who remembered him. And I just paid who remembered him. And I just paid attention to some of the words that were attention to some of the words that were attention to some of the words that were shared. shared. shared. And I want to share them with you And I want to share them with you And I want to share them with you because they could be instructive.

because they could be instructive. because they could be instructive. They could make this a house of wisdom. They could make this a house of wisdom. They could make this a house of wisdom. Someone said of John, "I'll always Someone said of John, "I'll always Someone said of John, "I'll always remember him as a steady, involved, remember him as a steady, involved, remember him as a steady, involved, giving, fully present person in the giving, fully present person in the giving, fully present person in the lives of those around him. He had the lives of those around him. He had the lives of those around him. He had the rare ability to lift the whole rare ability to lift the whole rare ability to lift the whole atmosphere atmosphere atmosphere of a place. of a place. of a place. Think about that. Think about that. Think about that. This person says, "You know what I This person says, "You know what I This person says, "You know what I remember is when he walked into a room, remember is when he walked into a room, remember is when he walked into a room, the atmosphere the atmosphere the atmosphere lifted. lifted. lifted. Would someone say that Would someone say that Would someone say that about me?" about me?" about me?" He wanted me to succeed. He worked hard He wanted me to succeed. He worked hard He wanted me to succeed. He worked hard to make sure I did. to make sure I did. to make sure I did. And I'll be turning 12 in a few days. And I'll be turning 12 in a few days. And I'll be turning 12 in a few days. And I want to make him proud. That 8-year-old or nine-year-old that's That 8-year-old or nine-year-old that's watched John's life, watched John's life, watched John's life, that's looked him in the eyes, that's looked him in the eyes, that's looked him in the eyes, wants to make him proud. wants to make him proud. wants to make him proud. That That That is a life that matters. What about this?

is a life that matters. What about this? is a life that matters. What about this? He always stopped to thank me for He always stopped to thank me for He always stopped to thank me for serving and he always remembered my serving and he always remembered my serving and he always remembered my name. or this one. He simply couldn't help or this one. He simply couldn't help himself from stepping in wherever he saw himself from stepping in wherever he saw himself from stepping in wherever he saw a need. a need. a need. His goal was always to help us, to make His goal was always to help us, to make His goal was always to help us, to make our jobs easier, and to teach us along our jobs easier, and to teach us along our jobs easier, and to teach us along the way. the way. the way. Never too much in a hurry to notice Never too much in a hurry to notice Never too much in a hurry to notice people to see what they needed to speak people to see what they needed to speak people to see what they needed to speak into their life. into their life. into their life. My favorite came from his his son, Mark. My favorite came from his his son, Mark. My favorite came from his his son, Mark. My dad was the greatest man I've ever My dad was the greatest man I've ever My dad was the greatest man I've ever known. You know, I think in life if you want to You know, I think in life if you want to live a life that matters, the goal would be to be the most loved the goal would be to be the most loved and most respected by the people who and most respected by the people who and most respected by the people who know you best. know you best. know you best. And Mark went on to talk about his dad, And Mark went on to talk about his dad, And Mark went on to talk about his dad, the quiet example from home, the public the quiet example from home, the public the quiet example from home, the public example from work, and the way that his example from work, and the way that his example from work, and the way that his dad lived his life.

dad lived his life. dad lived his life. And now the question is this. And now the question is this. And now the question is this. Solomon's asking us, if yesterday was Solomon's asking us, if yesterday was Solomon's asking us, if yesterday was your funeral, your funeral, your funeral, who would have stepped up who would have stepped up who would have stepped up and what would they have said? and what would they have said? and what would they have said? And Psalmist says, "Think about that And Psalmist says, "Think about that And Psalmist says, "Think about that because that'll make you a person of because that'll make you a person of because that'll make you a person of wisdom. wisdom. wisdom. It'll make you a person of death. It'll make you a person of death. It'll make you a person of death. Death." Because death is the destiny of Death." Because death is the destiny of Death." Because death is the destiny of every person. every person. every person. And so we want that wisdom to lay on us. And so we want that wisdom to lay on us. And so we want that wisdom to lay on us. And and in verse seven, he says there's And and in verse seven, he says there's And and in verse seven, he says there's lots of shortcuts to a life of lots of shortcuts to a life of lots of shortcuts to a life of integrity. You could take a bribe and integrity. You could take a bribe and integrity. You could take a bribe and give up your integrity. In verse nine, give up your integrity. In verse nine, give up your integrity. In verse nine, you can give way to anger you can give way to anger you can give way to anger and reveal that your desire is to and reveal that your desire is to and reveal that your desire is to control people. control people. control people. You can live in the past in nostalgia You can live in the past in nostalgia You can live in the past in nostalgia that the old days were better. You could that the old days were better. You could that the old days were better. You could live in partying in escapism live in partying in escapism live in partying in escapism that leads to numbing yourself and not that leads to numbing yourself and not that leads to numbing yourself and not thinking deeply about life. Just going thinking deeply about life. Just going thinking deeply about life. Just going from high to high, from thing to thing.

from high to high, from thing to thing. from high to high, from thing to thing. You could those are all You could those are all You could those are all counterfeits counterfeits counterfeits to a life that will matter in the end. to a life that will matter in the end. to a life that will matter in the end. But death itself is a preacher. But death itself is a preacher. But death itself is a preacher. Death itself is an evangelist. And if we Death itself is an evangelist. And if we Death itself is an evangelist. And if we stop and think, stop and think, stop and think, he will give us wisdom. he will give us wisdom. he will give us wisdom. And this is where Solomon And this is where Solomon And this is where Solomon just stops and gets us to think. just stops and gets us to think. just stops and gets us to think. Now, how do we apply this to our lives Now, how do we apply this to our lives Now, how do we apply this to our lives two or 3,000 years after it was written? two or 3,000 years after it was written? two or 3,000 years after it was written? says, "I have I have two things I want says, "I have I have two things I want says, "I have I have two things I want us to think about." The first one is us to think about." The first one is us to think about." The first one is this. If you want to live a life that this. If you want to live a life that this. If you want to live a life that matters, practice enjoying moments. matters, practice enjoying moments. matters, practice enjoying moments. All of chapter six is about living life All of chapter six is about living life All of chapter six is about living life and working hard and getting more and and working hard and getting more and and working hard and getting more and not being able to enjoy not being able to enjoy not being able to enjoy what you have. what you have. what you have. And sometimes when we think about And sometimes when we think about And sometimes when we think about enjoyment, we're like, "Wait, am I enjoyment, we're like, "Wait, am I enjoyment, we're like, "Wait, am I allowed as a Christian to enjoy things?"

allowed as a Christian to enjoy things?" allowed as a Christian to enjoy things?" I feel like a lot of Christianity is I feel like a lot of Christianity is I feel like a lot of Christianity is don't do this and don't do this and don't do this and don't do this and don't do this and don't do this and don't do this. don't do this. don't do this. But if you've read the Bible as a series But if you've read the Bible as a series But if you've read the Bible as a series of don'ts, don't enjoy. I just want to of don'ts, don't enjoy. I just want to of don'ts, don't enjoy. I just want to remind you what is the root word of remind you what is the root word of remind you what is the root word of enjoy. enjoy. enjoy. Joy. Joy. Joy. And in the Bible, we are commanded to be And in the Bible, we are commanded to be And in the Bible, we are commanded to be joyful. Not because God is a cosmic joyful. Not because God is a cosmic joyful. Not because God is a cosmic narcissist, but because he has given us narcissist, but because he has given us narcissist, but because he has given us good gifts and that when we enjoy those good gifts and that when we enjoy those good gifts and that when we enjoy those good gifts, we connect to him in a good gifts, we connect to him in a good gifts, we connect to him in a spiritual way. This is not positivity or spiritual way. This is not positivity or spiritual way. This is not positivity or hedonism hedonism hedonism or optimism. This is recognizing that or optimism. This is recognizing that or optimism. This is recognizing that God gives the best gifts. And when we God gives the best gifts. And when we God gives the best gifts. And when we receive them with joy, it draws us close receive them with joy, it draws us close receive them with joy, it draws us close to him. This spiritual connection, to him. This spiritual connection, to him. This spiritual connection, you see, you have a choice when you're you see, you have a choice when you're you see, you have a choice when you're given the gift. You can either receive given the gift. You can either receive given the gift. You can either receive the gift the gift the gift or you can reject the gift. Those are or you can reject the gift. Those are or you can reject the gift. Those are your only two choices. your only two choices. your only two choices. And you think about the original sin of And you think about the original sin of And you think about the original sin of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve. They rejected the gifts of God. GOD GAVE They rejected the gifts of God. GOD GAVE They rejected the gifts of God. GOD GAVE HIM ALL THIS stuff HIM ALL THIS stuff HIM ALL THIS stuff and they're like, "No, we we want that.

and they're like, "No, we we want that. and they're like, "No, we we want that. We want more. We want more. We want more. So all you've given us, God, is not So all you've given us, God, is not So all you've given us, God, is not enough. enough. enough. We reject your gift and we're going to We reject your gift and we're going to We reject your gift and we're going to find our own way." find our own way." find our own way." And so we want to be thoughtful. You And so we want to be thoughtful. You And so we want to be thoughtful. You Jesus knew how to enjoy the gifts of his Jesus knew how to enjoy the gifts of his Jesus knew how to enjoy the gifts of his father when he's on earth. I mean, if father when he's on earth. I mean, if father when he's on earth. I mean, if you look through the Gospels, it's you look through the Gospels, it's you look through the Gospels, it's shocking how often Jesus and food are shocking how often Jesus and food are shocking how often Jesus and food are mentioned together. mentioned together. mentioned together. Jesus is always eating at a table. He's Jesus is always eating at a table. He's Jesus is always eating at a table. He's always at a party. One commentator said, always at a party. One commentator said, always at a party. One commentator said, "It's like Jesus ate his way through the "It's like Jesus ate his way through the "It's like Jesus ate his way through the Gospels. Gospels. Gospels. Jesus was a foodie. He loved a good Jesus was a foodie. He loved a good Jesus was a foodie. He loved a good dinner. He loved a good party. He loved dinner. He loved a good party. He loved dinner. He loved a good party. He loved a good conversation. He was fully a good conversation. He was fully a good conversation. He was fully alive." alive." alive." And so we can learn from Jesus just by And so we can learn from Jesus just by And so we can learn from Jesus just by the way that he lived his life and the way that he lived his life and the way that he lived his life and practiced enjoying the good gifts of practiced enjoying the good gifts of practiced enjoying the good gifts of God. I I'm if I'm being honest, I'm a hard I I'm if I'm being honest, I'm a hard hard person to buy gifts for cuz if my hard person to buy gifts for cuz if my hard person to buy gifts for cuz if my wife at Christmas, my birthday, Father's wife at Christmas, my birthday, Father's wife at Christmas, my birthday, Father's Day, what do you want? I'm like nothing.

Day, what do you want? I'm like nothing. Day, what do you want? I'm like nothing. If I have coffee and dark chocolate, I'm If I have coffee and dark chocolate, I'm If I have coffee and dark chocolate, I'm happy. That's all I need. happy. That's all I need. happy. That's all I need. And yet my wife And yet my wife And yet my wife disregards disregards disregards what I ask and she always gets me what I ask and she always gets me what I ask and she always gets me something I ask for. You know what I'm something I ask for. You know what I'm something I ask for. You know what I'm talking about? That person it's hard to talking about? That person it's hard to talking about? That person it's hard to buy gifts for. Like h and those gifts buy gifts for. Like h and those gifts buy gifts for. Like h and those gifts are always surprising. are always surprising. are always surprising. Now imagine she puts all this thought Now imagine she puts all this thought Now imagine she puts all this thought into buying me a gift that I don't think into buying me a gift that I don't think into buying me a gift that I don't think I need or never thought about. And I I need or never thought about. And I I need or never thought about. And I open it and I'm like, "What'd you buy open it and I'm like, "What'd you buy open it and I'm like, "What'd you buy this for? How much more How much more does God feel when he's given us all does God feel when he's given us all does God feel when he's given us all these beautiful gifts and we're like me these beautiful gifts and we're like me these beautiful gifts and we're like me and we're not enjoying them. Psalm says and we're not enjoying them. Psalm says and we're not enjoying them. Psalm says this is one of the worst burdens that this is one of the worst burdens that this is one of the worst burdens that people experience in life is they have people experience in life is they have people experience in life is they have all these things all these things all these things and they don't enjoy any of them. and they don't enjoy any of them. and they don't enjoy any of them. That's not the way to live a life that That's not the way to live a life that That's not the way to live a life that matters. So, how can I learn to receive matters. So, how can I learn to receive matters. So, how can I learn to receive the good gifts of God? Listen again, the good gifts of God? Listen again, the good gifts of God? Listen again, this is not this is not this is not positivity or positivity or positivity or hedonism or optimism. There's something hedonism or optimism. There's something hedonism or optimism. There's something deeply spiritual that happens when you deeply spiritual that happens when you deeply spiritual that happens when you receive the gifts of God. You actually receive the gifts of God. You actually receive the gifts of God. You actually experience the presence of God in experience the presence of God in experience the presence of God in tangible ways. David, the psalmist, tangible ways. David, the psalmist, tangible ways. David, the psalmist, would write it this way. You make known would write it this way. You make known would write it this way. You make known to me the path of life. You fill me with to me the path of life. You fill me with to me the path of life. You fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal joy in your presence, with eternal joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

pleasures at your right hand. pleasures at your right hand. Some versions of the Bible say, "In the Some versions of the Bible say, "In the Some versions of the Bible say, "In the presence of God, there is fullness of presence of God, there is fullness of presence of God, there is fullness of joy." So David says, "When I experience joy." So David says, "When I experience joy." So David says, "When I experience the pleasure and enjoyment of the good the pleasure and enjoyment of the good the pleasure and enjoyment of the good gifts God gives, I realize these gifts God gives, I realize these gifts God gives, I realize these pleasures are are also eternal. They pleasures are are also eternal. They pleasures are are also eternal. They come from his right hand. And in those come from his right hand. And in those come from his right hand. And in those moments, I can experience his presence moments, I can experience his presence moments, I can experience his presence and fullness in a way I can't if I and fullness in a way I can't if I and fullness in a way I can't if I choose not to enjoy something. choose not to enjoy something. choose not to enjoy something. Which means every meal, every bite of Which means every meal, every bite of Which means every meal, every bite of really good food, really good food, really good food, every satisfying drink, every sunset's every satisfying drink, every sunset's every satisfying drink, every sunset's actually a glimpse actually a glimpse actually a glimpse of something that's not temporary, but of something that's not temporary, but of something that's not temporary, but something that's eternal. When you read something that's eternal. When you read something that's eternal. When you read references of heaven sitting down at a references of heaven sitting down at a references of heaven sitting down at a table eating the best meat and the best table eating the best meat and the best table eating the best meat and the best wine, you you you get these images of wine, you you you get these images of wine, you you you get these images of this feast, this that's coming before this feast, this that's coming before this feast, this that's coming before us. And that means every bite is a us. And that means every bite is a us. And that means every bite is a appetizer for eternity, reminding you're appetizer for eternity, reminding you're appetizer for eternity, reminding you're in the presence of God. So, how do we in the presence of God. So, how do we in the presence of God. So, how do we practice practice practice enjoying life? First, just just a enjoying life? First, just just a enjoying life? First, just just a question. Scale of 1 to 10.

question. Scale of 1 to 10. question. Scale of 1 to 10. Scale of 1 to 10, ask yourself this Scale of 1 to 10, ask yourself this Scale of 1 to 10, ask yourself this question. question. question. How much am I enjoying my life right How much am I enjoying my life right How much am I enjoying my life right now? now? now? Important question. Important question. Important question. All of chapter six is about living a All of chapter six is about living a All of chapter six is about living a life you're not enjoying. life you're not enjoying. life you're not enjoying. Now, some of you are like, Now, some of you are like, Now, some of you are like, I'm seven most days. I'm seven most days. I'm seven most days. Some of you like I'm Some of you like I'm Some of you like I'm I'm like a three. I'm like a three. I'm like a three. Some of you like, you know, I I would be Some of you like, you know, I I would be Some of you like, you know, I I would be a seven if I got a raise. a seven if I got a raise. a seven if I got a raise. I would be a nine I would be a nine I would be a nine if I could actually retire. if I could actually retire. if I could actually retire. So like my enjoyment is in the future. So like my enjoyment is in the future. So like my enjoyment is in the future. But Solomon would ask the question, how But Solomon would ask the question, how But Solomon would ask the question, how do you know you're going to live till do you know you're going to live till do you know you're going to live till retirement? You're you're saving all of your You're you're saving all of your enjoyment for some point in the future enjoyment for some point in the future enjoyment for some point in the future that you may never experience. Why would you do that? You don't know Why would you do that? You don't know how long you're going to live?

how long you're going to live? how long you're going to live? Why not practice enjoying your life Why not practice enjoying your life Why not practice enjoying your life today? today? today? Again, Solomon's making us think. Again, Solomon's making us think. Again, Solomon's making us think. God's invited us to joy every moment. God's invited us to joy every moment. God's invited us to joy every moment. Rejoice. I say it again. Rejoice. I say it again. Rejoice. I say it again. In the presence of God, there's fullness In the presence of God, there's fullness In the presence of God, there's fullness of joy. of joy. of joy. We live lives of gratitude and thanks. We live lives of gratitude and thanks. We live lives of gratitude and thanks. And listen, if we live this way, we will And listen, if we live this way, we will And listen, if we live this way, we will be the most attractive people on the be the most attractive people on the be the most attractive people on the planet. If all of us were living in the planet. If all of us were living in the planet. If all of us were living in the nine or 10 phase of life, then people nine or 10 phase of life, then people nine or 10 phase of life, then people like, "What is it about? Why are you like, "What is it about? Why are you like, "What is it about? Why are you smiling right now? Don't you know smiling right now? Don't you know smiling right now? Don't you know there's a war and economy and all these there's a war and economy and all these there's a war and economy and all these things are happening?" Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. things are happening?" Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. things are happening?" Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But God is good. I've tasted and Yeah. But God is good. I've tasted and Yeah. But God is good. I've tasted and seen that God is good. So, so how do we seen that God is good. So, so how do we seen that God is good. So, so how do we how do we practice this? how do we practice this? how do we practice this? [applause] Because maybe Because maybe maybe the best days of your life are maybe the best days of your life are maybe the best days of your life are right now. right now. right now. again because all of us think like like again because all of us think like like again because all of us think like like tomorrow it'll be better tomorrow it'll be better tomorrow it'll be better but not necessarily but not necessarily but not necessarily when I get that promotion well that when I get that promotion well that when I get that promotion well that promotion will come with more pressure promotion will come with more pressure promotion will come with more pressure and more problems.

and more problems. and more problems. So enjoy the moment you're in let's talk So enjoy the moment you're in let's talk So enjoy the moment you're in let's talk about practicing enjoyment practicing about practicing enjoyment practicing about practicing enjoyment practicing enjoying God's gifts is a simple enjoying God's gifts is a simple enjoying God's gifts is a simple practice. It takes a few seconds, a few practice. It takes a few seconds, a few practice. It takes a few seconds, a few moments. So I'll give you some because moments. So I'll give you some because moments. So I'll give you some because I've been practicing all week. So I've been practicing all week. So I've been practicing all week. So you got to preach the sermon to yourself you got to preach the sermon to yourself you got to preach the sermon to yourself first. That's how it goes. first. That's how it goes. first. That's how it goes. So the last couple days I've when I wake So the last couple days I've when I wake So the last couple days I've when I wake up I take a breath a deep breath up I take a breath a deep breath up I take a breath a deep breath [snorts] and I en enjoy the breath. My lungs work and I en enjoy the breath. My lungs work and that breath brought me to life and that breath brought me to life and that breath brought me to life and God you're good. And then and God you're good. And then and God you're good. And then and then I walk into the kitchen and I and then I walk into the kitchen and I and then I walk into the kitchen and I grind some fresh beans of coffee. grind some fresh beans of coffee. grind some fresh beans of coffee. And before I put them in the brevel, And before I put them in the brevel, And before I put them in the brevel, I just do this I just do this I just do this fresh ground coffee beans. God, you are fresh ground coffee beans. God, you are fresh ground coffee beans. God, you are so good. You make coffee beans and the so good. You make coffee beans and the so good. You make coffee beans and the smell is so good. And I'm just going to smell is so good. And I'm just going to smell is so good. And I'm just going to enjoy that you are a good God who gives enjoy that you are a good God who gives enjoy that you are a good God who gives good gifts to me and this is so good.

good gifts to me and this is so good. good gifts to me and this is so good. I'm not I'm not done yet. Hold on. And then you And then you open the Bible and you see God's word. open the Bible and you see God's word. open the Bible and you see God's word. You're like, I You're like, I You're like, I you wrote this for me you wrote this for me you wrote this for me and you want to talk to me today. and you want to talk to me today. and you want to talk to me today. Your word is sweet like honey. Help me Your word is sweet like honey. Help me Your word is sweet like honey. Help me to enjoy what I'm about to read. to enjoy what I'm about to read. to enjoy what I'm about to read. And then I get in my car and it starts And then I get in my car and it starts And then I get in my car and it starts and I realize for thousands of years of and I realize for thousands of years of and I realize for thousands of years of human history, human history, human history, people have walked people have walked people have walked and I don't want to walk to work. and I don't want to walk to work. and I don't want to walk to work. And then as I thank God that my car And then as I thank God that my car And then as I thank God that my car starts, that cold AC blows on me. Oh, starts, that cold AC blows on me. Oh, starts, that cold AC blows on me. Oh, thank God. God, you are good. The thank God. God, you are good. The thank God. God, you are good. The coolness and refreshment coolness and refreshment coolness and refreshment of Mazda technology. And then And then as I back out of my driveway, as I back out of my driveway, as I back out of my driveway, that first song comes on.

that first song comes on. that first song comes on. God, God, God, thank you for that worship leader. Thank thank you for that worship leader. Thank thank you for that worship leader. Thank you for their voice. Thank you for the you for their voice. Thank you for the you for their voice. Thank you for the skills of the way they play. Thank you skills of the way they play. Thank you skills of the way they play. Thank you for the words of that song that are for the words of that song that are for the words of that song that are bringing me life and courage for today. bringing me life and courage for today. bringing me life and courage for today. God, you are so good. You created music. God, you are so good. You created music. God, you are so good. You created music. You created them. You created this You created them. You created this You created them. You created this moment and I'm just going to soak it in moment and I'm just going to soak it in moment and I'm just going to soak it in just for like 10 seconds. God, I'm just for like 10 seconds. God, I'm just for like 10 seconds. God, I'm enjoying this car with this air enjoying this car with this air enjoying this car with this air conditioning with this music and you are conditioning with this music and you are conditioning with this music and you are so good. so good. so good. That's that's just the first few moments That's that's just the first few moments That's that's just the first few moments of your day. Just practicing, stopping, of your day. Just practicing, stopping, of your day. Just practicing, stopping, enjoying, thanking God, rejoicing. God, enjoying, thanking God, rejoicing. God, enjoying, thanking God, rejoicing. God, you give good gifts. I receive these you give good gifts. I receive these you give good gifts. I receive these good gifts and they remind me this is good gifts and they remind me this is good gifts and they remind me this is just an appetizer for what heaven's just an appetizer for what heaven's just an appetizer for what heaven's going to be like. What would happen if going to be like. What would happen if going to be like. What would happen if you did that every day? you did that every day? you did that every day? Maybe for you your life has gotten just Maybe for you your life has gotten just Maybe for you your life has gotten just kind of monotonous like summer la kind of monotonous like summer la kind of monotonous like summer la everyday is the same la feels everyday is the same la feels everyday is the same la feels meaningless blah blah blah blah blah meaningless blah blah blah blah blah meaningless blah blah blah blah blah blah I go to work the next day okay so blah I go to work the next day okay so blah I go to work the next day okay so try something new try a new restaurant try something new try a new restaurant try something new try a new restaurant go watch a sunset go out to sawrass and go watch a sunset go out to sawrass and go watch a sunset go out to sawrass and watch the sun set over the sawrass watch the sun set over the sawrass watch the sun set over the sawrass go to a place you've never been before go to a place you've never been before go to a place you've never been before try a new hobby this year my wife and I try a new hobby this year my wife and I try a new hobby this year my wife and I my wife looked at me she's like get me my wife looked at me she's like get me my wife looked at me she's like get me out of South Florida it's so hot here so out of South Florida it's so hot here so out of South Florida it's so hot here so we're like what's cold we went all the we're like what's cold we went all the we're like what's cold we went all the way to like Washington state where It way to like Washington state where It way to like Washington state where It was like 55 in the morning and 65 in the was like 55 in the morning and 65 in the was like 55 in the morning and 65 in the afternoon afternoon afternoon and we went to places we'd never been and we went to places we'd never been and we went to places we'd never been before. I mean, as we drove around this before. I mean, as we drove around this before. I mean, as we drove around this beautiful country, well, we we saw these beautiful country, well, we we saw these beautiful country, well, we we saw these spruce trees like an a thousand-year-old spruce trees like an a thousand-year-old spruce trees like an a thousand-year-old spruce tree. We couldn't we couldn't see spruce tree. We couldn't we couldn't see spruce tree. We couldn't we couldn't see the top. It was just massive. And we the top. It was just massive. And we the top. It was just massive. And we just soaked in like the the cold air of

just soaked in like the the cold air of just soaked in like the the cold air of the forest. You could smell the coolness the forest. You could smell the coolness the forest. You could smell the coolness of the air and all the leaves. And of the air and all the leaves. And of the air and all the leaves. And you're like, God, you created this you're like, God, you created this you're like, God, you created this beautiful place. And and then we went to beautiful place. And and then we went to beautiful place. And and then we went to the the beach or what looks like the the the beach or what looks like the the the beach or what looks like the beach there, which is cliffs and sand beach there, which is cliffs and sand beach there, which is cliffs and sand and hay stacks and starfish and all and hay stacks and starfish and all and hay stacks and starfish and all kinds of stuff that you don't see here. kinds of stuff that you don't see here. kinds of stuff that you don't see here. And you're like, "God, you are so good." And you're like, "God, you are so good." And you're like, "God, you are so good." And and you're experiencing all this And and you're experiencing all this And and you're experiencing all this beauty. But but then how many of you beauty. But but then how many of you beauty. But but then how many of you know that life happens know that life happens know that life happens that even when you're on vacation, that even when you're on vacation, that even when you're on vacation, things don't work like you think they're things don't work like you think they're things don't work like you think they're going to work. That and when that going to work. That and when that going to work. That and when that happens, you're like, "Oh man." So we happens, you're like, "Oh man." So we happens, you're like, "Oh man." So we built this whole trip around Mount built this whole trip around Mount built this whole trip around Mount Reneer, this beautiful mountain. We're Reneer, this beautiful mountain. We're Reneer, this beautiful mountain. We're going to hike all around Reneer. And we going to hike all around Reneer. And we going to hike all around Reneer. And we get there and it's like just clouds get there and it's like just clouds get there and it's like just clouds everywhere. everywhere. everywhere. You can't see it. You can't see it. You can't see it. And it wasn't just the day we got there And it wasn't just the day we got there And it wasn't just the day we got there or the day after. The whole week was or the day after. The whole week was or the day after. The whole week was like, "Hey, the reason you came here, like, "Hey, the reason you came here, like, "Hey, the reason you came here, you can't see it." you can't see it." you can't see it." So, we're sitting in a lodge. So, we're sitting in a lodge. So, we're sitting in a lodge. We drove all We flew all this way. We We drove all We flew all this way. We We drove all We flew all this way. We drove all this way. I want to ENJOY THIS. GOD, SHOW IT TO I want to ENJOY THIS. GOD, SHOW IT TO ME. NOTHING.

ME. NOTHING. ME. NOTHING. What do you do in moments like that? What do you do in moments like that? What do you do in moments like that? Moments your car doesn't start. Moments your car doesn't start. Moments your car doesn't start. Moments you're out of coffee. [snorts] Moments you're out of coffee. [snorts] Moments you're out of coffee. [snorts] Part of it's like, God, okay, I want to Part of it's like, God, okay, I want to Part of it's like, God, okay, I want to be curious. be curious. be curious. I want to reframe. I want to reframe. I want to reframe. This is the day you've made. So, I'm This is the day you've made. So, I'm This is the day you've made. So, I'm going to rejoice. I know you have a going to rejoice. I know you have a going to rejoice. I know you have a surprise for us because you're good. surprise for us because you're good. surprise for us because you're good. So, help us to find it. So, help us to find it. So, help us to find it. And so after being depressed for a And so after being depressed for a And so after being depressed for a little bit, sit in the lodge. What are little bit, sit in the lodge. What are little bit, sit in the lodge. What are we going to do, we go on this random we going to do, we go on this random we going to do, we go on this random hike hike hike thinking, I don't know if we're going to thinking, I don't know if we're going to thinking, I don't know if we're going to see anything. It's not on Reneer. It's see anything. It's not on Reneer. It's see anything. It's not on Reneer. It's on the mountains behind Reneer. on the mountains behind Reneer. on the mountains behind Reneer. And after an hour of hiking, we come And after an hour of hiking, we come And after an hour of hiking, we come across this landscape across this landscape across this landscape and it was like this beautiful alpine and it was like this beautiful alpine and it was like this beautiful alpine lake, lake, lake, these beautiful mountains. You could these beautiful mountains. You could these beautiful mountains. You could hear streams. We saw like a baby deer hear streams. We saw like a baby deer hear streams. We saw like a baby deer that was just born and the mom teaching that was just born and the mom teaching that was just born and the mom teaching this little Bambi baby how to nurse.

this little Bambi baby how to nurse. this little Bambi baby how to nurse. And I was with the wife of my youth in And I was with the wife of my youth in And I was with the wife of my youth in this beautiful space where God allowed this beautiful space where God allowed this beautiful space where God allowed us to reframe. And and even that night, us to reframe. And and even that night, us to reframe. And and even that night, our accommodations that night weren't our accommodations that night weren't our accommodations that night weren't great. It was a little 10x10 little great. It was a little 10x10 little great. It was a little 10x10 little shack shack shack and we ate our little we ate we ate our and we ate our little we ate we ate our and we ate our little we ate we ate our little ramen bowl. you know, you the little ramen bowl. you know, you the little ramen bowl. you know, you the ramen bowls when there's nothing else to ramen bowls when there's nothing else to ramen bowls when there's nothing else to eat around and we sat by the fire and eat around and we sat by the fire and eat around and we sat by the fire and honestly that was the best day of our honestly that was the best day of our honestly that was the best day of our trip because even when things go wrong, trip because even when things go wrong, trip because even when things go wrong, God has a surprise for you. God has a surprise for you. God has a surprise for you. There's always a reason There's always a reason There's always a reason to rejoice. to rejoice. to rejoice. Paul and Silas in the prison singing Paul and Silas in the prison singing Paul and Silas in the prison singing songs. Jesus on the eve of his songs. Jesus on the eve of his songs. Jesus on the eve of his crucifixion singing songs, breaking crucifixion singing songs, breaking crucifixion singing songs, breaking bread, thanking God. There's always a bread, thanking God. There's always a bread, thanking God. There's always a reason to rejoice. So we want to be the reason to rejoice. So we want to be the reason to rejoice. So we want to be the people who practice enjoying moments. people who practice enjoying moments. people who practice enjoying moments. And then finally, the lesson of And then finally, the lesson of And then finally, the lesson of Ecclesiastes 7, pursue what lasts. If Ecclesiastes 7, pursue what lasts. If Ecclesiastes 7, pursue what lasts. If you want to live a life that matters, you want to live a life that matters, you want to live a life that matters, you have to pursue what lasts. What is you have to pursue what lasts. What is you have to pursue what lasts. What is eternal? eternal? eternal? What's eternal in your life? It's people What's eternal in your life? It's people What's eternal in your life? It's people in your life. If you look at the Bible, in your life. If you look at the Bible, in your life. If you look at the Bible, what is eternal? It's the word of God what is eternal? It's the word of God what is eternal? It's the word of God and souls, people.

and souls, people. and souls, people. And so, how am I investing in someone in And so, how am I investing in someone in And so, how am I investing in someone in a way that's going to last? And that a way that's going to last? And that a way that's going to last? And that should make us curious like of all the should make us curious like of all the should make us curious like of all the things I'm doing, notice at John's things I'm doing, notice at John's things I'm doing, notice at John's memorial, they didn't say, "Well, he memorial, they didn't say, "Well, he memorial, they didn't say, "Well, he bought this kind of house, he drove this bought this kind of house, he drove this bought this kind of house, he drove this kind of car, he has this much net kind of car, he has this much net kind of car, he has this much net worth." Those things don't come up at worth." Those things don't come up at worth." Those things don't come up at funeral because they don't matter in the funeral because they don't matter in the funeral because they don't matter in the end. It's the human relationships you end. It's the human relationships you end. It's the human relationships you build. So, how do I practice pursuing build. So, how do I practice pursuing build. So, how do I practice pursuing what lasts? Well, who are you praying what lasts? Well, who are you praying what lasts? Well, who are you praying for right now? for right now? for right now? And how might those prayers affect And how might those prayers affect And how might those prayers affect someone's someone's someone's eternity? eternity? eternity? Who have you invited invited to church Who have you invited invited to church Who have you invited invited to church or shared the gospel with or shared the gospel with or shared the gospel with the last few weeks? the last few weeks? the last few weeks? You start thinking about these moments. You start thinking about these moments. You start thinking about these moments. Who have you pulled aside and said, Who have you pulled aside and said, Who have you pulled aside and said, "Hey, I want to meet every week over "Hey, I want to meet every week over "Hey, I want to meet every week over lunch and I want to help you understand lunch and I want to help you understand lunch and I want to help you understand the Bible like someone helped me. the Bible like someone helped me. the Bible like someone helped me. I want to open up my home to couples I want to open up my home to couples I want to open up my home to couples to talk to them about marriage.

to talk to them about marriage. to talk to them about marriage. I want to begin to serve. I want to begin to serve. I want to begin to serve. I might I still remember the I might I still remember the I might I still remember the conversations. This last week I conversations. This last week I conversations. This last week I celebrated 38 years of following Jesus, celebrated 38 years of following Jesus, celebrated 38 years of following Jesus, right? right? right? >> Yeah. July 8th was my spiritual >> Yeah. July 8th was my spiritual >> Yeah. July 8th was my spiritual birthday. And I I still remember some of birthday. And I I still remember some of birthday. And I I still remember some of the conversations I had a couple weeks the conversations I had a couple weeks the conversations I had a couple weeks before I became a Christian. people who before I became a Christian. people who before I became a Christian. people who were asking me questions, challenging my were asking me questions, challenging my were asking me questions, challenging my thinking, listening to my objections, thinking, listening to my objections, thinking, listening to my objections, and patiently lifting up God's word to and patiently lifting up God's word to and patiently lifting up God's word to me. Those men and women made an eternal me. Those men and women made an eternal me. Those men and women made an eternal investment in me. And there's fruit that investment in me. And there's fruit that investment in me. And there's fruit that lasts there. lasts there. lasts there. And so, how can we be those type of And so, how can we be those type of And so, how can we be those type of people? And maybe it's people we don't people? And maybe it's people we don't people? And maybe it's people we don't even know. Like this week a couple text even know. Like this week a couple text even know. Like this week a couple text me and said, "Hey, we want to make sure me and said, "Hey, we want to make sure me and said, "Hey, we want to make sure that every high school and middle school that every high school and middle school that every high school and middle school student who want to go to YE Youth student who want to go to YE Youth student who want to go to YE Youth Encounter but can't afford it can go. Encounter but can't afford it can go. Encounter but can't afford it can go. So, So, So, how many scholarship requests do you how many scholarship requests do you how many scholarship requests do you have?" And I'm like, I'm going to call have?" And I'm like, I'm going to call have?" And I'm like, I'm going to call the team. We have 106 requests of kids the team. We have 106 requests of kids the team. We have 106 requests of kids who want to come to YU who can't afford who want to come to YU who can't afford who want to come to YU who can't afford it. Some are full scholarships, some are it. Some are full scholarships, some are it. Some are full scholarships, some are partial scholarships. And he's like, partial scholarships. And he's like, partial scholarships. And he's like, I'll call you back.

I'll call you back. I'll call you back. He says, "My wife and I, we decided to He says, "My wife and I, we decided to He says, "My wife and I, we decided to provide scholarships for all those provide scholarships for all those provide scholarships for all those kids." Right? kids." Right? kids." Right? Now, Now, Now, [applause] he said, "Don't tell anybody my name. I he said, "Don't tell anybody my name. I don't want people to know who it is." don't want people to know who it is." don't want people to know who it is." But here's what I imagine. But here's what I imagine. But here's what I imagine. When that couple When that couple When that couple passes on passes on passes on and they get to heaven, and they get to heaven, and they get to heaven, I imagine the scene where someone comes I imagine the scene where someone comes I imagine the scene where someone comes up behind him, taps him on the shoulder. up behind him, taps him on the shoulder. up behind him, taps him on the shoulder. Hey, Hey, Hey, hey, I just wanted to say thank you hey, I just wanted to say thank you hey, I just wanted to say thank you because the summer of 2026, I really because the summer of 2026, I really because the summer of 2026, I really wanted to go to this church camp, but I wanted to go to this church camp, but I wanted to go to this church camp, but I couldn't afford it and you provided a couldn't afford it and you provided a couldn't afford it and you provided a scholarship for me to come and I came to scholarship for me to come and I came to scholarship for me to come and I came to know Jesus and it changed my life and it know Jesus and it changed my life and it know Jesus and it changed my life and it changed my family, changed the changed my family, changed the changed my family, changed the trajectory of my life and I just want to trajectory of my life and I just want to trajectory of my life and I just want to say thank you. say thank you. say thank you. That's what it means to pursue the That's what it means to pursue the That's what it means to pursue the eternal. eternal. eternal. And so as you think about your life, And so as you think about your life, And so as you think about your life, is my drive and my effort all about my is my drive and my effort all about my is my drive and my effort all about my life or am I thinking broader? Thinking life or am I thinking broader? Thinking life or am I thinking broader? Thinking about something that lasts?

Am I thinking about the vulnerable? Am I thinking about the vulnerable? Caring for kids in foster care, for Caring for kids in foster care, for Caring for kids in foster care, for single moms, for kids in other countries single moms, for kids in other countries single moms, for kids in other countries who are hungry. When I think of food who are hungry. When I think of food who are hungry. When I think of food share, people are hungry in our share, people are hungry in our share, people are hungry in our neighborhood. Have I ever dropped food neighborhood. Have I ever dropped food neighborhood. Have I ever dropped food off to feed someone else? Have I dropped off to feed someone else? Have I dropped off to feed someone else? Have I dropped off school supplies or only think about off school supplies or only think about off school supplies or only think about my own kids? or I'm a pass kids that's my own kids? or I'm a pass kids that's my own kids? or I'm a pass kids that's not my thing. You see, all those not my thing. You see, all those not my thing. You see, all those physical investments, the way that you physical investments, the way that you physical investments, the way that you give, the way that you serve, those give, the way that you serve, those give, the way that you serve, those things have a way to ripple into things have a way to ripple into things have a way to ripple into eternity in ways that we can't explain. eternity in ways that we can't explain. eternity in ways that we can't explain. And it actually changes us. And it actually changes us. And it actually changes us. Even though Jesus was a foodie, there Even though Jesus was a foodie, there Even though Jesus was a foodie, there were moments where he was hungry, but were moments where he was hungry, but were moments where he was hungry, but didn't allow the physical hunger to stop didn't allow the physical hunger to stop didn't allow the physical hunger to stop him from doing what God wanted him to him from doing what God wanted him to him from doing what God wanted him to do. There's a day where all the do. There's a day where all the do. There's a day where all the disciples are so hungry, they go into disciples are so hungry, they go into disciples are so hungry, they go into town in Samaria, and he has this town in Samaria, and he has this town in Samaria, and he has this conversation with this woman and changes conversation with this woman and changes conversation with this woman and changes her life. And the disciples are like, her life. And the disciples are like, her life. And the disciples are like, "Aren't you hungry?" And he said, "My "Aren't you hungry?" And he said, "My "Aren't you hungry?" And he said, "My food is to do the will of my father in food is to do the will of my father in food is to do the will of my father in heaven. heaven. heaven. There's a way that you can be satisfied There's a way that you can be satisfied There's a way that you can be satisfied in a spiritual appetite that you can in a spiritual appetite that you can in a spiritual appetite that you can never be satisfied in a physical way never be satisfied in a physical way never be satisfied in a physical way because we don't live by bread alone, because we don't live by bread alone, because we don't live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the but by every word that proceeds from the but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." And this changes us.

mouth of God." And this changes us. mouth of God." And this changes us. Pursuing what lasts isn't just about the Pursuing what lasts isn't just about the Pursuing what lasts isn't just about the people that we change or that God uses people that we change or that God uses people that we change or that God uses change. It's about how we change. change. It's about how we change. change. It's about how we change. Because there's a moment you're going to Because there's a moment you're going to Because there's a moment you're going to offer yourself to God offer yourself to God offer yourself to God in heaven. Here's who I am. in heaven. Here's who I am. in heaven. Here's who I am. Here's who I became Here's who I became Here's who I became as I gave, as I became more generous, as as I gave, as I became more generous, as as I gave, as I became more generous, as I didn't make it about myself. I didn't make it about myself. I didn't make it about myself. And that's something we don't think a And that's something we don't think a And that's something we don't think a lot about. Who am I becoming? lot about. Who am I becoming? lot about. Who am I becoming? What will I offer to God as a result of What will I offer to God as a result of What will I offer to God as a result of the work of his Holy Spirit in my life the work of his Holy Spirit in my life the work of his Holy Spirit in my life over the decades? over the decades? over the decades? And so maybe you begin to invest in the And so maybe you begin to invest in the And so maybe you begin to invest in the eternal by just reading the Bible every eternal by just reading the Bible every eternal by just reading the Bible every day and asking God, "How do I do one day and asking God, "How do I do one day and asking God, "How do I do one thing I've read today?" thing I've read today?" thing I've read today?" Maybe as you read, you get convicted Maybe as you read, you get convicted Maybe as you read, you get convicted because you haven't served. You've just because you haven't served. You've just because you haven't served. You've just been receiving, consuming, and God been receiving, consuming, and God been receiving, consuming, and God convicts you. Hey, serve two hours a convicts you. Hey, serve two hours a convicts you. Hey, serve two hours a week. week. week. Find a way to serve in the church, out Find a way to serve in the church, out Find a way to serve in the church, out the church. Find a way to do something the church. Find a way to do something the church. Find a way to do something that's not about you. And watch your that's not about you. And watch your that's not about you. And watch your heart become more generous, more heart become more generous, more heart become more generous, more expansive. expansive. expansive. watch the gospel re rescue you from that watch the gospel re rescue you from that watch the gospel re rescue you from that toxic self-absorption toxic self-absorption toxic self-absorption that our world feeds that our world feeds that our world feeds maybe maybe maybe you forgive a family member you forgive a family member you forgive a family member or a friend because the grudge has been or a friend because the grudge has been or a friend because the grudge has been so long it's like an old shoe you just so long it's like an old shoe you just so long it's like an old shoe you just keep wearing it and everyone who sees keep wearing it and everyone who sees keep wearing it and everyone who sees you is like waiting for the gospel to you is like waiting for the gospel to you is like waiting for the gospel to take root in that part of your life take root in that part of your life take root in that part of your life where you can do something that's going where you can do something that's going where you can do something that's going to be really hard for you to do but it's to be really hard for you to do but it's to be really hard for you to do but it's going to make you free in the end going to make you free in the end going to make you free in the end whatever it is all those things are whatever it is all those things are whatever it is all those things are eternal

eternal eternal And so Solomon is saying, the gospel is And so Solomon is saying, the gospel is And so Solomon is saying, the gospel is saying, if you want to live a life that saying, if you want to live a life that saying, if you want to live a life that matters, matters, matters, practice enjoying moments, practice enjoying moments, practice enjoying moments, pursue what lasts. pursue what lasts. pursue what lasts. And Solomon, And Solomon, And Solomon, he couldn't see everything we see now. he couldn't see everything we see now. he couldn't see everything we see now. We have a benefit of having more wisdom We have a benefit of having more wisdom We have a benefit of having more wisdom than him because of the gospel. [snorts] than him because of the gospel. [snorts] than him because of the gospel. [snorts] and and something he didn't get to see. and and something he didn't get to see. and and something he didn't get to see. If you turn to just a few last pages of If you turn to just a few last pages of If you turn to just a few last pages of the Bible, the Bible, the Bible, Revelation 21, I want to show you Revelation 21, I want to show you Revelation 21, I want to show you something that Solomon didn't see that something that Solomon didn't see that something that Solomon didn't see that we have the benefit of seeing. we have the benefit of seeing. we have the benefit of seeing. And John gets this revelation And John gets this revelation And John gets this revelation in the last days of his life. in the last days of his life. in the last days of his life. This is what happens after This is what happens after This is what happens after death. death. death. And I heard a loud voice from the throne And I heard a loud voice from the throne And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look, God's dwelling place is saying, 'Look, God's dwelling place is saying, 'Look, God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell now among the people, and he will dwell now among the people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, with them, and they will be his people, with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be and God himself will be with them and be and God himself will be with them and be their God, and he will wipe away every their God, and he will wipe away every their God, and he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be tear from their eyes, and there will be tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or no more death or mourning or crying or no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has pain, for the old order of things has pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

passed away. passed away. And he was seated on the throne said, "I And he was seated on the throne said, "I And he was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything am making everything am making everything new. new. new. That's going to be a really good day." That's going to be a really good day." That's going to be a really good day." Aren't you excited about the future that Aren't you excited about the future that Aren't you excited about the future that God has for those who are in Christ? God has for those who are in Christ? God has for those who are in Christ? Now, think about the difference between Now, think about the difference between Now, think about the difference between what Solomon showed us what Solomon showed us what Solomon showed us and what Jesus is showing us. and what Jesus is showing us. and what Jesus is showing us. Solomon says, "Eat and drink and enjoy Solomon says, "Eat and drink and enjoy Solomon says, "Eat and drink and enjoy life as much as you can because pretty life as much as you can because pretty life as much as you can because pretty soon your life will be over." soon your life will be over." soon your life will be over." Jesus says, "One day you're going to eat Jesus says, "One day you're going to eat Jesus says, "One day you're going to eat and drink in the kingdom of God and and drink in the kingdom of God and and drink in the kingdom of God and death will be over, death will be over, death will be over, right? right? right? No more death, no more sorrow, no more No more death, no more sorrow, no more No more death, no more sorrow, no more pain, no more tears. He makes all things pain, no more tears. He makes all things pain, no more tears. He makes all things new. new. new. And this is the gift of Jesus. Joy And this is the gift of Jesus. Joy And this is the gift of Jesus. Joy uninterrupted. Death swallowed up in uninterrupted. Death swallowed up in uninterrupted. Death swallowed up in victory. Because of what Jesus did in victory. Because of what Jesus did in victory. Because of what Jesus did in the coming from heaven to earth and his the coming from heaven to earth and his the coming from heaven to earth and his death on the cross and his resurrection.

death on the cross and his resurrection. death on the cross and his resurrection. This revelation is available to us today This revelation is available to us today This revelation is available to us today to live a life that matters and look to live a life that matters and look to live a life that matters and look forward to death not as the end but as a forward to death not as the end but as a forward to death not as the end but as a door into eternity. And just another door into eternity. And just another door into eternity. And just another glimpse of how good this will be. glimpse of how good this will be. glimpse of how good this will be. Revelation 22. Then the angel showed me Revelation 22. Then the angel showed me Revelation 22. Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life as clear the river of the water of life as clear the river of the water of life as clear as crystal flowing from the throne of as crystal flowing from the throne of as crystal flowing from the throne of God and the lamb down the middle of the God and the lamb down the middle of the God and the lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side great street of the city. On each side great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life of the river stood the tree of life of the river stood the tree of life bearing 12 crops of fruit yielding its bearing 12 crops of fruit yielding its bearing 12 crops of fruit yielding its fruit every month. fruit every month. fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree And the leaves of the tree And the leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations. for the healing of the nations. for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. No longer will there be any curse. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and the lamb will be The throne of God and the lamb will be The throne of God and the lamb will be in the city and his servants will serve in the city and his servants will serve in the city and his servants will serve him and they will see his face him and they will see his face him and they will see his face and his name will be on their foreheads and his name will be on their foreheads and his name will be on their foreheads and there will be no more night and there will be no more night and there will be no more night and they will not need the lamp the and they will not need the lamp the and they will not need the lamp the light or the light of the sun for the light or the light of the sun for the light or the light of the sun for the Lord God will give them light and they Lord God will give them light and they Lord God will give them light and they will reign will reign will reign forever forever forever and ever and ever and ever because of Jesus.

because of Jesus. because of Jesus. This is our future. This is our future. This is our future. This is our hope. This is our hope. This is our hope. And we long for that day when Eden is And we long for that day when Eden is And we long for that day when Eden is restored, when all the sad things of restored, when all the sad things of restored, when all the sad things of this world become untrue. this world become untrue. this world become untrue. And this is a gift of God. And so as his And this is a gift of God. And so as his And this is a gift of God. And so as his grateful people, can we just respond in grateful people, can we just respond in grateful people, can we just respond in thanksgiving to God for his goodness and thanksgiving to God for his goodness and thanksgiving to God for his goodness and his grace and his love and his power. And I pray this week you can live with And I pray this week you can live with eternity in mind. You can enjoy these eternity in mind. You can enjoy these eternity in mind. You can enjoy these moments as a foretaste. moments as a foretaste. moments as a foretaste. But I know there's some people in this But I know there's some people in this But I know there's some people in this room who don't have that relationship room who don't have that relationship room who don't have that relationship with God because maybe you're asking the with God because maybe you're asking the with God because maybe you're asking the question like, "Does everyone go to question like, "Does everyone go to question like, "Does everyone go to heaven?" I want to show you one more heaven?" I want to show you one more heaven?" I want to show you one more verse in the book of Revelation. verse in the book of Revelation. verse in the book of Revelation. It says, "Nothing impure will ever enter It says, "Nothing impure will ever enter It says, "Nothing impure will ever enter heaven. Nor will anyone who does what is heaven. Nor will anyone who does what is heaven. Nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those shameful or deceitful, but only those shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's whose names are written in the Lamb's whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." book of life." book of life." Again, this is where the Bible makes us Again, this is where the Bible makes us Again, this is where the Bible makes us think. Not everyone goes to heaven. think. Not everyone goes to heaven. think. Not everyone goes to heaven. What? Wait, wait. Only those people What? Wait, wait. Only those people What? Wait, wait. Only those people whose names are written in this book.

whose names are written in this book. whose names are written in this book. Like, how does that happen? And that Like, how does that happen? And that Like, how does that happen? And that would be an important question. would be an important question. would be an important question. If heaven is not our default If heaven is not our default If heaven is not our default destination, then how do we get our name destination, then how do we get our name destination, then how do we get our name in that book? The Bible tells us by in that book? The Bible tells us by in that book? The Bible tells us by acknowledging that you're a sinner, that acknowledging that you're a sinner, that acknowledging that you're a sinner, that you live in a sinful, broken world, and you live in a sinful, broken world, and you live in a sinful, broken world, and that sin separates you from God, but that sin separates you from God, but that sin separates you from God, but that Jesus came from heaven to earth to that Jesus came from heaven to earth to that Jesus came from heaven to earth to restore you back to God, to pay your sin restore you back to God, to pay your sin restore you back to God, to pay your sin debt, to cover your shame and your debt, to cover your shame and your debt, to cover your shame and your guilt, and to make you a new person, and guilt, and to make you a new person, and guilt, and to make you a new person, and to provide an adoption for you into the to provide an adoption for you into the to provide an adoption for you into the family of God so that you can receive family of God so that you can receive family of God so that you can receive the gift of salvation. He's already paid the gift of salvation. He's already paid the gift of salvation. He's already paid the price. the price. the price. But as I said earlier, you can either But as I said earlier, you can either But as I said earlier, you can either receive a gift or reject a gift. And receive a gift or reject a gift. And receive a gift or reject a gift. And this decision, this choice is given to this decision, this choice is given to this decision, this choice is given to every human being who's ever lived every human being who's ever lived every human being who's ever lived through the history of the world. And through the history of the world. And through the history of the world. And today, it's going to be given today. today, it's going to be given today. today, it's going to be given today. If you don't know Jesus, If you don't know Jesus, If you don't know Jesus, if you don't know that if you died if you don't know that if you died if you don't know that if you died today, you would be in his presence in today, you would be in his presence in today, you would be in his presence in heaven experiencing eternal life. I'm heaven experiencing eternal life. I'm heaven experiencing eternal life. I'm going to give you the opportunity going to give you the opportunity going to give you the opportunity to decide to decide to decide I've tried it on my own long enough.

I've tried it on my own long enough. I've tried it on my own long enough. I'm going to go all in with Jesus to put I'm going to go all in with Jesus to put I'm going to go all in with Jesus to put my faith and trust in him. And here we my faith and trust in him. And here we my faith and trust in him. And here we do that by just an expression of faith. do that by just an expression of faith. do that by just an expression of faith. We play a song and say if you want to We play a song and say if you want to We play a song and say if you want to start a relationship with God through start a relationship with God through start a relationship with God through his son Jesus, if you're ready to his son Jesus, if you're ready to his son Jesus, if you're ready to believe the good news of the gospel, believe the good news of the gospel, believe the good news of the gospel, this revelation that maybe is just this revelation that maybe is just this revelation that maybe is just making things click for you today for making things click for you today for making things click for you today for the first time, we're going to ask you the first time, we're going to ask you the first time, we're going to ask you to get up out of your seats and come and to get up out of your seats and come and to get up out of your seats and come and stand right here. We're going to pray stand right here. We're going to pray stand right here. We're going to pray over you and celebrate what new life over you and celebrate what new life over you and celebrate what new life looks like. looks like. looks like. If right now you feel the longing If right now you feel the longing If right now you feel the longing because you felt the distance, because you felt the distance, because you felt the distance, God is allowing that to draw you to his God is allowing that to draw you to his God is allowing that to draw you to his love. If that's you, stand and walk this love. If that's you, stand and walk this love. If that's you, stand and walk this way and we will celebrate with all of way and we will celebrate with all of way and we will celebrate with all of heaven as you come. Come on. Are you hurting and broken within? Are you hurting and broken within? [music] [music] [music] Overwhelmed [singing] Overwhelmed [singing] Overwhelmed [singing] by the weight of your sin, Jesus is by the weight of your sin, Jesus is by the weight of your sin, Jesus is calling. [music] Have [singing] you come to the [music] Have [singing] you come to the end of yourself? end of yourself? end of yourself? Do [music] you thirst for a drink from Do [music] you thirst for a drink from Do [music] you thirst for a drink from the well Jesus is calling.

Oh, come to the altar. [singing] Oh, come to the altar. [singing] [music] [music] [music] The father's arms are open wide. The father's arms are open wide. The father's arms are open wide. Forgiveness Forgiveness Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of was bought with the precious blood of was bought with the precious blood of Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Christ. Oh, come to [singing] Christ. Oh, come to [singing] Christ. Oh, come to [singing] the altar. [music] the altar. [music] the altar. [music] The father's arms are open [singing] The father's arms are open [singing] The father's arms are open [singing] wide. forgiveness wide. forgiveness wide. forgiveness was bought with the precious [music] was bought with the precious [music] was bought with the precious [music] blood of Jesus [singing] blood of Jesus [singing] blood of Jesus [singing] Christ. Oh, we are so glad that you're here Oh, we are so glad that you're here today. [music] We celebrate this today. [music] We celebrate this today. [music] We celebrate this decision of faith decision of faith decision of faith and we're excited for what God's going and we're excited for what God's going and we're excited for what God's going to do in your life as you make this to do in your life as you make this to do in your life as you make this confession. He's going to forgive your confession. He's going to forgive your confession. He's going to forgive your sins. sins. sins. You promised us to take away the guilt You promised us to take away the guilt You promised us to take away the guilt of your sin and the shame of your sin of your sin and the shame of your sin of your sin and the shame of your sin and begin the work of new creation. and begin the work of new creation. and begin the work of new creation. I'm smiling because it's just a I'm smiling because it's just a I'm smiling because it's just a reflection of God's smile over you and reflection of God's smile over you and reflection of God's smile over you and the joy that's in this room right now.

the joy that's in this room right now. the joy that's in this room right now. It's a beautiful reflection of heaven, It's a beautiful reflection of heaven, It's a beautiful reflection of heaven, of God's love for you. So, I'm just of God's love for you. So, I'm just of God's love for you. So, I'm just going to offer some simple words that going to offer some simple words that going to offer some simple words that you can say to God. He's going to hear you can say to God. He's going to hear you can say to God. He's going to hear your make this confession your make this confession your make this confession and he's going to answer this prayer in and he's going to answer this prayer in and he's going to answer this prayer in your life. So just say this to God right your life. So just say this to God right your life. So just say this to God right now. Say this out loud. Say this. Lord now. Say this out loud. Say this. Lord now. Say this out loud. Say this. Lord God, God, God, I open my heart. I invite you inside. I open my heart. I invite you inside. I open my heart. I invite you inside. Forgive my sin. Forgive my sin. Forgive my sin. Today I repent Today I repent Today I repent now. Fill me with your spirit now. Fill me with your spirit now. Fill me with your spirit and I will walk with you all the days of and I will walk with you all the days of and I will walk with you all the days of my life. I pray this in Jesus name. my life. I pray this in Jesus name. my life. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Guys, congratulations. Welcome to the Guys, congratulations. Welcome to the Guys, congratulations. Welcome to the family of God. We are so glad you're family of God. We are so glad you're family of God. We are so glad you're here. [applause] here. [applause] here. [applause] If you could just give us a few moments, If you could just give us a few moments, If you could just give us a few moments, I would love to shake your hand I would love to shake your hand I would love to shake your hand personally. So, if you can follow Tony personally. So, if you can follow Tony personally. So, if you can follow Tony to that open door, we'll give you a to that open door, we'll give you a to that open door, we'll give you a Bible and give you just a few moments of Bible and give you just a few moments of Bible and give you just a few moments of conversation back with your friends in a conversation back with your friends in a conversation back with your friends in a moment. Let's give them a hand as they moment. Let's give them a hand as they moment. Let's give them a hand as they go this way. Church, thanks for [music] go this way. Church, thanks for [music] go this way. Church, thanks for [music] listening to today's message. You know, listening to today's message. You know, listening to today's message. You know, here at Calvary, we believe a here at Calvary, we believe a here at Calvary, we believe a relationship with Jesus changes relationship with Jesus changes relationship with Jesus changes everything. And if you've decided to everything. And if you've decided to everything. And if you've decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text the word believe to 31352 the word believe to 31352 the word believe to 31352 so you can find out what it means to so you can find out what it means to so you can find out what it means to follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're free to visit calvaryftl.org.