Living with the End in Mind | Doug Sauder | Ecclesiastes 12

is who I am. is who I am. Before I spoke [music] a word, Before I spoke [music] a word, Before I spoke [music] a word, before my life began before my life began before my life began in your [music] book was written. in your [music] book was written. in your [music] book was written. All my days ahead. How good it is to [music] be known by How good it is to [music] be known by you. you. you. You see me in ways I never thought to. You see me in ways I never thought to. You see me in ways I never thought to. Oh to me in your thoughts. [music] Oh to me in your thoughts. [music] Oh to me in your thoughts. [music] Oh to [singing] be spoken to. To be known about you. To be known about you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So [singing] >> So [singing] >> So [singing] sweet sweet sweet to surrender. [music] Oh, Oh, how it is to be known by you.

how it is to be known by you. how it is to be known by you. You see me wait I [music] never thought You see me wait I [music] never thought You see me wait I [music] never thought to hold to me in your thoughts. Oh to be to hold to me in your thoughts. Oh to be to hold to me in your thoughts. Oh to be spoken to [music] [music] Where can I run and light [singing] Where can I run and light [singing] Where can I run and light [singing] a shadow? [music] a shadow? [music] a shadow? [music] Your heart searching Your heart searching Your heart searching after mine. [music] after mine. [music] after mine. [music] And where can I go? Where grace [music] And where can I go? Where grace [music] And where can I go? Where grace [music] won't follow? won't follow? won't follow? You don't seem to change your [music] You don't seem to change your [music] You don't seem to change your [music] mind. How it is till we know How it is till we know [music and singing] about you.

[music and singing] about you. [music and singing] about you. You see me [music] awakes. I never You see me [music] awakes. I never You see me [music] awakes. I never thought to thought to thought to read your thoughts. read your thoughts. read your thoughts. We spoke [music] and it is telling me no. and it is telling me no. [music] Where [music and singing] can I go from Where [music and singing] can I go from your presence? Where can I [singing] hide from your Where can I [singing] hide from your love?

love? love? There's no [singing and music] place you There's no [singing and music] place you There's no [singing and music] place you wouldn't come find me. wouldn't come find me. wouldn't come find me. From valleys to mountains above, From valleys to mountains above, From valleys to mountains above, you guide me wherever [music] you guide me wherever [music] you guide me wherever [music] I go. Like [singing] a beacon of light. I go. Like [singing] a beacon of light. I go. Like [singing] a beacon of light. [music] You are a faithful [singing and music] You are a faithful [singing and music] father. You [singing] are an ever present You [singing] are an ever present [music] [music] [music] friend. friend. friend. You are a loving [music] You are a loving [music] You are a loving [music] God. You [music and singing] are the You [music and singing] are the livinging livinging livinging water. With you [singing] I'll never With you [singing] I'll never thirst again. [music] Your love is like no [singing] Your love is like no [singing] other [music] Where can I run when I'm broken?

Where can I run when I'm broken? [singing and music] When heartache and pain steal my [music] When heartache and pain steal my [music] mind, mind, mind, I've searched for [singing] the waters I've searched for [singing] the waters I've searched for [singing] the waters [music] to fill me. [music] to fill me. [music] to fill me. When [singing] wondering from you When [singing] wondering from you When [singing] wondering from you satisfies. satisfies. satisfies. Oh, [singing and music] you are a faithful [singing] you are a faithful [singing] father. father. father. [music] [music] [music] You are an ever present [singing] You are an ever present [singing] You are an ever present [singing] [music] friend. [music] friend. [music] friend. You are a love of God. [music] You are the [singing] livinging You are the [singing] livinging water. [music] With you [singing] I'll never thirst With you [singing] I'll never thirst [music] again. [music] again. [music] again. Your love is like no other. Cuz Your love is like no other. Cuz Your love is like no other. Cuz you're a [music] faithful, you're a [music] faithful, you're a [music] faithful, faithful faithful faithful father.

No high, [music] No high, [music] no death could stand no death could stand no death could stand against your love for me. [music] Oh, against your love for me. [music] Oh, against your love for me. [music] Oh, your love for me. No high [music] your love for me. No high [music] your love for me. No high [music] no death could stand no death could stand no death could stand against against against your love for me. Oh you for [music] your love for me. Oh you for [music] your love for me. Oh you for [music] me no heart no death could stand [music] me no heart no death could stand [music] me no heart no death could stand [music] against you for me. Oh, you are against you for me. Oh, you are against you for me. Oh, you are me [music] now. >> You are a faithful >> You are a faithful father.

You are [singing] an ever present You are [singing] an ever present [music] [music] [music] friend. friend. friend. You are a loving [singing] You are a loving [singing] You are a loving [singing] God. You [music] are the livinging [singing] You [music] are the livinging [singing] water. With you [singing] I'll never thirst With you [singing] I'll never thirst again. again. again. Your love is like [singing and music] no Your love is like [singing and music] no Your love is like [singing and music] no other. Cuz you're a faithful, [singing] Cuz you're a faithful, [singing] faithful faithful faithful father. I lay aside my understanding. I put my I lay aside my understanding. I put my work down and the planning just to know work down and the planning just to know work down and the planning just to know you and know your heart without a word or destination. [music] without a word or destination. [music] You held me in your imagination.

You held me in your imagination. You held me in your imagination. Now I know you and know [music] your Now I know you and know [music] your Now I know you and know [music] your heart. heart. heart. You come with your love. You come with your love. You come with your love. I come in the [singing] blood. Throw [music] open the doors and write Throw [music] open the doors and write to your heart to your heart to your heart before you [music and singing] love. before you [music and singing] love. before you [music and singing] love. I can't get enough. I hear you call my name. I hear you call my name. Wo. [music] Where did I pick up [singing] the Where did I pick up [singing] the thought? The measure [music] of love was thought? The measure [music] of love was thought? The measure [music] of love was what I brought. And to know you was to what I brought. And to know you was to what I brought. And to know you was to learn more things. [music] Day by day I start to see. The cross Day by day I start to see. The cross goes [music] deeper than I believe. The goes [music] deeper than I believe. The goes [music] deeper than I believe. The great finisher great finisher great finisher has finished me. with your [music] love.

has finished me. with your [music] love. has finished me. with your [music] love. I come in the door >> Welcome to Calvary Online. We are so >> Welcome to Calvary Online. We are so glad you're watching with us today. If glad you're watching with us today. If glad you're watching with us today. If we haven't had the chance to meet, we haven't had the chance to meet, we haven't had the chance to meet, [music] my name is Jimmy and I serve as [music] my name is Jimmy and I serve as [music] my name is Jimmy and I serve as one of the pastors here at Calvary one of the pastors here at Calvary one of the pastors here at Calvary Chapel. And I can't believe it's August Chapel. And I can't believe it's August Chapel. And I can't believe it's August already. It's time for us to enjoy that already. It's time for us to enjoy that already. It's time for us to enjoy that last bit of summer before the fall last bit of summer before the fall last bit of summer before the fall craziness kicks in. But as we head craziness kicks in. But as we head craziness kicks in. But as we head toward the fall, we want you to know toward the fall, we want you to know toward the fall, we want you to know about some great opportunities for you

about some great opportunities for you about some great opportunities for you to grow in your relationship with Jesus to grow in your relationship with Jesus to grow in your relationship with Jesus [music] and to grow in community as [music] and to grow in community as [music] and to grow in community as well. Our connect experience is a well. Our connect experience is a well. Our connect experience is a three-week experience where you can find three-week experience where you can find three-week experience where you can find your best next step here at Calvary. your best next step here at Calvary. your best next step here at Calvary. It's a great opportunity for you to It's a great opportunity for you to It's a great opportunity for you to share your story with us and for us to share your story with us and for us to share your story with us and for us to share our story with you. And you can share our story with you. And you can share our story with you. And you can find more info about our connect find more info about our connect find more info about our connect experience when [music] scan the QR code experience when [music] scan the QR code experience when [music] scan the QR code or head to the website that you see on or head to the website that you see on or head to the website that you see on the screen. And while you're there, you the screen. And while you're there, you the screen. And while you're there, you can also learn more about our Calvary can also learn more about our Calvary can also learn more about our Calvary [music] Women's Gathering coming August [music] Women's Gathering coming August [music] Women's Gathering coming August 21st and the men's huddle on September 21st and the men's huddle on September 21st and the men's huddle on September 11th. Really exciting events for men and 11th. Really exciting events for men and 11th. Really exciting events for men and for women, and I hope you'll check them for women, and I hope you'll check them for women, and I hope you'll check them [music] out. And today, we'll be [music] out. And today, we'll be [music] out. And today, we'll be wrapping up our teaching series through wrapping up our teaching series through wrapping up our teaching series through the book of Ecclesiastes. [music] the book of Ecclesiastes. [music] the book of Ecclesiastes. [music] There's so much wisdom in this book There's so much wisdom in this book There's so much wisdom in this book about life, wisdom behind what we're about life, wisdom behind what we're about life, wisdom behind what we're pursuing and why. And it's been amazing pursuing and why. And it's been amazing pursuing and why. And it's been amazing to journey through this book together as to journey through this book together as to journey through this book together as a church family. [music] And as we look a church family. [music] And as we look a church family. [music] And as we look at the final chapter, I think we'll be at the final chapter, I think we'll be at the final chapter, I think we'll be challenged in a really good way by the challenged in a really good way by the challenged in a really good way by the concept of living with the [music] end concept of living with the [music] end concept of living with the [music] end in mind. Then at the close of our in mind. Then at the close of our in mind. Then at the close of our service, we'll be celebrating the Lord's service, we'll be celebrating the Lord's service, we'll be celebrating the Lord's supper together. So if you've trusted in supper together. So if you've trusted in supper together. So if you've trusted in Christ as your savior and lord, if Christ as your savior and lord, if Christ as your savior and lord, if you've given your life to him, [music] you've given your life to him, [music] you've given your life to him, [music] we invite you to take communion with us we invite you to take communion with us we invite you to take communion with us wherever you are. We encourage you to wherever you are. We encourage you to wherever you are. We encourage you to find some bread or crackers and some find some bread or crackers and some find some bread or crackers and some [music] grape juice so you can be part [music] grape juice so you can be part [music] grape juice so you can be part of that moment as we come to the Lord's of that moment as we come to the Lord's of that moment as we come to the Lord's table together as a church family. So, table together as a church family. So, table together as a church family. So, let's open up our hearts and let's get let's open up our hearts and let's get let's open up our hearts and let's get ready to praise the only one who is ready to praise the only one who is ready to praise the only one who is worthy of all [music] of our worship.

worthy of all [music] of our worship. worthy of all [music] of our worship. Let's join the worship team now. Let's join the worship team now. Let's join the worship team now. Good [music] morning. Would you stand to Good [music] morning. Would you stand to Good [music] morning. Would you stand to your feet? Put your hands together. your feet? Put your hands together. your feet? Put your hands together. Teach you a new song. Goes like this. Teach you a new song. Goes like this. Teach you a new song. Goes like this. Lift up the [music] man. Oh, lift up his Lift up the [music] man. Oh, lift up his Lift up the [music] man. Oh, lift up his name. Jesus the savior is [music and singing] Jesus the savior is [music and singing] here in his praise for all of [music] eternity. Praise will for all of [music] eternity. Praise will resound. I [music] don't have to know. I'll sing. I [music] don't have to know. I'll sing. Come on. [music] Come on. [music] Come on. [music] He shall be praised. He shall be praised He shall be praised. He shall be praised He shall be praised. He shall be praised in heaven [music] in heaven [music] in heaven [music] and earth. and earth. and earth. He shall be praised. He shall be [music] He shall be praised. He shall be [music] He shall be praised. He shall be [music] forever forever forever [music] forever [music] and ever.

>> No trouble [music] or trial. My soul is >> No trouble [music] or trial. My soul is my soul. [singing] My strength is in [music and singing] My strength is in [music and singing] Jesus. The rock I stand on. Mountains and valleys my joy [music] Mountains and valleys my joy [music] will be made. will be made. will be made. Yes. Yes. Yes. [music] [music] [music] God. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Forever [music] and ever he Forever [music] and ever he shall be praised. shall be praised. shall be praised. [music] All right, this [music] is my favorite All right, this [music] is my favorite part.

part. part. So everybody clap your hands. Everybody So everybody clap your hands. Everybody So everybody clap your hands. Everybody [music] move your feet. Isn't he worthy? [music] move your feet. Isn't he worthy? [music] move your feet. Isn't he worthy? Worthy of everything. Give it all. Worthy of everything. Give it all. Worthy of everything. Give it all. [music] Don't hold back. Praise him with [music] Don't hold back. Praise him with [music] Don't hold back. Praise him with all you. Isn't he worthy? Worthy of all you. Isn't he worthy? Worthy of all you. Isn't he worthy? Worthy of everything. Everybody [music] clap your everything. Everybody [music] clap your everything. Everybody [music] clap your hands. Everybody move your feet. Is he hands. Everybody move your feet. Is he hands. Everybody move your feet. Is he [music] worthy? Worthy of everything. [music] worthy? Worthy of everything. [music] worthy? Worthy of everything. [singing] Praise him with all you have. Is [music] Praise him with all you have. Is [music] he worthy, worthy? he worthy, worthy? he worthy, worthy? Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] you you worthy [music] worthy [music] worthy [music] worthy of everything. worthy of everything. worthy of everything. He shall [music] be praised. sh sh [music]

Oh, he's shall be praised. Come on, Oh, he's shall be praised. Come on, Calvary. Would you lift up a shout Calvary. Would you lift up a shout Calvary. Would you lift up a shout [music] of praise to God today? >> Yes, he is worthy of every [music] ounce >> Yes, he is worthy of every [music] ounce of our praise. Amen. of our praise. Amen. of our praise. Amen. Today, we're just going to call out his Today, we're just going to call out his Today, we're just going to call out his name. We're going to speak it over name. We're going to speak it over name. We're going to speak it over everything in our life, over our family, everything in our life, over our family, everything in our life, over our family, [music] over sickness and disease, over [music] over sickness and disease, over [music] over sickness and disease, over fear. We're going to speak his name fear. We're going to speak his name fear. We're going to speak his name because there is authority and power because there is authority and power because there is authority and power [music] in his name. Amen. [music] in his name. Amen. [music] in his name. Amen. >> You're welcome [singing] here, Jesus. I pray into the [music and singing] I pray into the [music and singing] atmosphere. atmosphere. atmosphere. Spirit of God, you're here. You have Spirit of God, you're here. You have Spirit of God, you're here. You have all [singing and music] authority. And I pray [music] And I pray [music] over my heart [singing] and mind. over my heart [singing] and mind. over my heart [singing] and mind. I am healed by [music] your stripes. I am healed by [music] your stripes. I am healed by [music] your stripes. Your blood declares [singing] that I am Your blood declares [singing] that I am Your blood declares [singing] that I am free. In the mighty name of [music] free. In the mighty name of [music] free. In the mighty name of [music] Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I pray.

I pray. I pray. Calling on [music and singing] the power Calling on [music and singing] the power Calling on [music and singing] the power of heaven. of heaven. of heaven. I proclaim. I proclaim. I proclaim. Every [music] weapon formed against me. Every [music] weapon formed against me. Every [music] weapon formed against me. Come on. Must break. Sing it out. in the Come on. Must break. Sing it out. in the Come on. Must break. Sing it out. in the mighty name of Jesus. [music] And I [music] draw a permanent boundary And I [music] draw a permanent boundary line. line. line. The enemy [singing] has [music] no The enemy [singing] has [music] no The enemy [singing] has [music] no rights to come rights to come rights to come near my family. No, he doesn't. And no near my family. No, he doesn't. And no near my family. No, he doesn't. And no [music] scheme [singing] can ever undo [music] scheme [singing] can ever undo [music] scheme [singing] can ever undo God's plan. No matter the circumstance, God's plan. No matter the circumstance, God's plan. No matter the circumstance, [music] [music] [music] [singing] the cross has sealed my [singing] the cross has sealed my [singing] the cross has sealed my destiny. [music] destiny. [music] destiny. [music] In the mighty name of Jesus, In the mighty name of Jesus, In the mighty name of Jesus, [music] yes, I [singing] pray. [music] yes, I [singing] pray. [music] yes, I [singing] pray. Calling on the power of heaven. Calling on the power of heaven. Calling on the power of heaven. I proclaim [music] I proclaim [music] I proclaim [music] every weapon formed against me. [music] every weapon formed against me. [music] every weapon formed against me. [music] It must break [singing] It must break [singing] It must break [singing] in the mighty name of [music] Jesus.

[singing] [singing] In the mighty name of Jesus. In the mighty name of Jesus. In the mighty name of Jesus. Oh, I know [music and singing] Oh, I know [music and singing] Oh, I know [music and singing] all the power of fear and darkness all the power of fear and darkness all the power of fear and darkness [music] [music] [music] in my soul in my soul in my soul is every key to every victory. [music] is every key to every victory. [music] is every key to every victory. [music] I [singing] hope it's in the mighty name I [singing] hope it's in the mighty name I [singing] hope it's in the mighty name of Jesus. [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Let's declare it. I will not fear. I Let's declare it. I will not fear. I Let's declare it. I will not fear. I will not fear. When the enemy [singing] will not fear. When the enemy [singing] will not fear. When the enemy [singing] comes [music] near on the door frame of comes [music] near on the door frame of comes [music] near on the door frame of my life is the blood of Jesus [music] my life is the blood of Jesus [music] my life is the blood of Jesus [music] Christ. I will not [singing] fear. I Christ. I will not [singing] fear. I Christ. I will not [singing] fear. I will not fear. There's an [music] army will not fear. There's an [music] army will not fear. There's an [music] army of angels here, unprotected [singing] of angels here, unprotected [singing] of angels here, unprotected [singing] on all sides, protected by the blood of on all sides, protected by the blood of on all sides, protected by the blood of Jesus Christ. [music and singing] I will Jesus Christ. [music and singing] I will Jesus Christ. [music and singing] I will not fear. I will not fear when the enemy not fear. I will not fear when the enemy not fear. I will not fear when the enemy comes [music and singing] near on the comes [music and singing] near on the comes [music and singing] near on the door frame of my life. It's the blood of door frame of my life. It's the blood of door frame of my life. It's the blood of Jesus Christ. [music] I will not fear. I Jesus Christ. [music] I will not fear. I Jesus Christ. [music] I will not fear. I will not fear. There's an army of angels will not fear. There's an army of angels will not fear. There's an army of angels here. I'm protected [music] here. I'm protected [music] here. I'm protected [music] [singing] on all sides by the blood of [singing] on all sides by the blood of [singing] on all sides by the blood of Jesus Christ. [music] Jesus Christ. [music] Jesus Christ. [music] In the mighty name of Jesus, [singing] I pray I pray calling [music] on the heart of heaven.

calling [music] on the heart of heaven. calling [music] on the heart of heaven. I I I every weapon formed against [music] me In the mighty name of [music] Jesus. In the mighty name of [music] Jesus. I know [music] the power of [singing] I know [music] the power of [singing] I know [music] the power of [singing] fear in darkness. fear in darkness. fear in darkness. It was [music] It was [music] It was [music] the key to every victory. Oh, Oh, [music] [music] [music] it's in the mighty name of Jesus. [music] [music] We bless your name, Jesus.

We bless your name, Jesus. We bless your name, Jesus. Oh Lord my God, Oh Lord my God, Oh Lord my God, when I [music and singing] in awome when I [music and singing] in awome when I [music and singing] in awome wonder wonder wonder consider all [music] the [singing] consider all [music] the [singing] consider all [music] the [singing] worlds thy hands have made. worlds thy hands have made. worlds thy hands have made. And I see [music] the stars And I see [music] the stars And I see [music] the stars and I hear the rolling thunder. [music] and I hear the rolling thunder. [music] and I hear the rolling thunder. [music] Thy power throughout Thy power throughout Thy power throughout the universe [singing] the universe [singing] the universe [singing] [music] display. [music] display. [music] display. Then sings my soul. Then sings my soul. Then sings my soul. [music] >> Yes. How great thou was. >> Yes. How great thou was. How great thou [music and singing] was. How great thou [music and singing] was. How great thou [music and singing] was. Then sings my soul, Then sings my soul, Then sings my soul, my Savior God [music] my Savior God [music] my Savior God [music] to thee. to thee. to thee. How great thy was, How great thy was, How great thy was, how great thy was.

And when I think [music] And when I think [music] that God his son not sparing [music] that God his son not sparing [music] that God his son not sparing [music] sent him to thank you God our scarce can sent him to thank you God our scarce can sent him to thank you God our scarce can take [music and singing] it in. take [music and singing] it in. take [music and singing] it in. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. That on the [music] cross, That on the [music] cross, That on the [music] cross, my burning [singing] my burning [singing] my burning [singing] gladly being, gladly being, gladly being, he bled and died [singing] he bled and died [singing] he bled and died [singing] to take [music] to take [music] to take [music] away my sin. away my sin. away my sin. So then [music] sings [singing] my soul, So then [music] sings [singing] my soul, So then [music] sings [singing] my soul, my Savior God to thee, [music] my Savior God to thee, [music] my Savior God to thee, [music] how great [singing] thou was. how great [singing] thou was. how great [singing] thou was. How [music] great thou was. How [music] great thou was. How [music] great thou was. and sings my [music and singing] song, and sings my [music and singing] song, and sings my [music and singing] song, my Savior God to thee. my Savior God to thee. my Savior God to thee. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] How great thou art. How great thou art. How great thou art. How great thou are.

When Christ shall [music] come When Christ shall [music] come with shouts of acclamation with shouts of acclamation with shouts of acclamation and take me home and take me home and take me home with joy [music] shall [singing] fill my with joy [music] shall [singing] fill my with joy [music] shall [singing] fill my heart. heart. heart. >> Then I shall [music] bow >> Then I shall [music] bow >> Then I shall [music] bow in [singing] humble adoration [music] in [singing] humble adoration [music] in [singing] humble adoration [music] and their proclaim. and their proclaim. and their proclaim. My God, how great thou [music] this [music] is my son, my savior this [music] is my son, my savior [singing] [singing] [singing] to me. [music] to me. [music] to me. [music] How great thou was. How great thou was. How great thou was. How great th [music and singing] my savior [music and singing] my savior [music and singing] to thee. to thee. to thee. How great. [singing] How great th

How great th [music] [music] [music] How great th [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Would you just give them praise today? Would you just give them praise today? Would you just give them praise today? We thank you Jesus. We thank you Jesus. We thank you Jesus. God, you are great and you are greatly God, you are great and you are greatly God, you are great and you are greatly to be praised. to be praised. to be praised. There is no one like you in all the There is no one like you in all the There is no one like you in all the earth nor in heaven above. There is only earth nor in heaven above. There is only earth nor in heaven above. There is only one God. one God. one God. He is the name above every name. He is He is the name above every name. He is He is the name above every name. He is [music] Jesus. And in Jesus alone there [music] Jesus. And in Jesus alone there [music] Jesus. And in Jesus alone there is the power to save, redeem, and heal. is the power to save, redeem, and heal. is the power to save, redeem, and heal. We have been rescued and bought with a We have been rescued and bought with a We have been rescued and bought with a price. And we thank you, God. G, [music] price. And we thank you, God. G, [music] price. And we thank you, God. G, [music] we thank you, Lord Jesus. [applause] we thank you, Lord Jesus. [applause] we thank you, Lord Jesus. [applause] And it's because of you we have new And it's because of you we have new And it's because of you we have new life.

life. life. And there's something about making much And there's something about making much And there's something about making much of you. There's something about of you. There's something about of you. There's something about worshiping [music] you and fixing our worshiping [music] you and fixing our worshiping [music] you and fixing our eyes on you that that makes every other eyes on you that that makes every other eyes on you that that makes every other fear and every other thing in the back fear and every other thing in the back fear and every other thing in the back of our mind find its rightful place. of our mind find its rightful place. of our mind find its rightful place. [music] [music] [music] It has to submit to the authority of It has to submit to the authority of It has to submit to the authority of Jesus. And so, Lord, we thank you for Jesus. And so, Lord, we thank you for Jesus. And so, Lord, we thank you for your presence. We thank you for being your presence. We thank you for being your presence. We thank you for being great. And we thank you that you invite great. And we thank you that you invite great. And we thank you that you invite us every single day to trust you, to see us every single day to trust you, to see us every single day to trust you, to see you, to hear from you. And so right now, you, to hear from you. And so right now, you, to hear from you. And so right now, Lord, I pray by the power of your spirit Lord, I pray by the power of your spirit Lord, I pray by the power of your spirit that you would give us eyes to see, ears that you would give us eyes to see, ears that you would give us eyes to see, ears to hear what you are saying [music] to hear what you are saying [music] to hear what you are saying [music] through your word. through your word. through your word. Help us to see you rightly. Help us to Help us to see you rightly. Help us to Help us to see you rightly. Help us to see you fully, see you fully, see you fully, to get the right perspective, to make to get the right perspective, to make to get the right perspective, to make you not just our savior, but the lord of you not just our savior, but the lord of you not just our savior, but the lord of our life. Would you lead us? our life. Would you lead us? our life. Would you lead us? We love you. This morning is yours. This We love you. This morning is yours. This We love you. This morning is yours. This day is yours. Our lives are yours. day is yours. Our lives are yours. day is yours. Our lives are yours. [music] And it's in the precious name of [music] And it's in the precious name of [music] And it's in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Calvary Chapel we said. Calvary Chapel we said. Calvary Chapel we said. >> Amen. Amen. [music] Well, good morning Calvary. It's good to Well, good morning Calvary. It's good to see you here on this beautiful Sunday see you here on this beautiful Sunday see you here on this beautiful Sunday morning. And I want to celebrate morning. And I want to celebrate morning. And I want to celebrate something happened to me this week. This something happened to me this week. This something happened to me this week. This week I became a grandpa. My wife, my week I became a grandpa. My wife, my week I became a grandpa. My wife, my wife and I, our granddaughter Kalista wife and I, our granddaughter Kalista wife and I, our granddaughter Kalista May Sauer was born. We call her Callie May Sauer was born. We call her Callie May Sauer was born. We call her Callie and we are so excited. Listen, I got to and we are so excited. Listen, I got to and we are so excited. Listen, I got to say like my whole life if someone ever say like my whole life if someone ever say like my whole life if someone ever called me grandpa, I was totally called me grandpa, I was totally called me grandpa, I was totally insulted. insulted. insulted. Now you can call me grandpa all day Now you can call me grandpa all day Now you can call me grandpa all day long. I love it. So, it's a beautiful long. I love it. So, it's a beautiful long. I love it. So, it's a beautiful thing. All the grandparents know. Hey, thing. All the grandparents know. Hey, thing. All the grandparents know. Hey, if you're new here, we are in the book if you're new here, we are in the book if you're new here, we are in the book of Ecclesiastes and we're closing out of Ecclesiastes and we're closing out of Ecclesiastes and we're closing out the series in Ecclesiastes. So, we want the series in Ecclesiastes. So, we want the series in Ecclesiastes. So, we want you to grab a Bible if you don't have you to grab a Bible if you don't have you to grab a Bible if you don't have one. open to Ecclesiastes chapter 12 and one. open to Ecclesiastes chapter 12 and one. open to Ecclesiastes chapter 12 and Psalm 19. Love for you to follow along Psalm 19. Love for you to follow along Psalm 19. Love for you to follow along with us. We also invite you to scan the with us. We also invite you to scan the with us. We also invite you to scan the code that's on the screen behind me or code that's on the screen behind me or code that's on the screen behind me or the seat in front of you and because we the seat in front of you and because we the seat in front of you and because we get notes for this message today and get notes for this message today and get notes for this message today and also questions as you meet in your also questions as you meet in your also questions as you meet in your groups this week and you'll also find groups this week and you'll also find groups this week and you'll also find all that's happening around Calvary. So, all that's happening around Calvary. So, all that's happening around Calvary. So, a couple things we want you to know a couple things we want you to know a couple things we want you to know about it. Um, everyone say Wednesday.

about it. Um, everyone say Wednesday. about it. Um, everyone say Wednesday. >> Wednesday. >> Wednesday. >> Wednesday. >> So, we are going to shift our Tuesday >> So, we are going to shift our Tuesday >> So, we are going to shift our Tuesday prayer time that we've been doing every prayer time that we've been doing every prayer time that we've been doing every week to Wednesday. And I also want you week to Wednesday. And I also want you week to Wednesday. And I also want you to know that over the next couple of to know that over the next couple of to know that over the next couple of weeks, we're going to be adding weeks, we're going to be adding weeks, we're going to be adding different moments that happen on different moments that happen on different moments that happen on Wednesday nights. Uh there used to be a Wednesday nights. Uh there used to be a Wednesday nights. Uh there used to be a a vibrant community, people that all a vibrant community, people that all a vibrant community, people that all gather on the same night, and we want to gather on the same night, and we want to gather on the same night, and we want to do that again, create this deep sense of do that again, create this deep sense of do that again, create this deep sense of connection as our church, u people sit connection as our church, u people sit connection as our church, u people sit in round tables and get to know each in round tables and get to know each in round tables and get to know each other and and experience what it means other and and experience what it means other and and experience what it means to be in Christian community. So, um to be in Christian community. So, um to be in Christian community. So, um we're going to do a relationship series we're going to do a relationship series we're going to do a relationship series at the end of August. And so Wednesday at the end of August. And so Wednesday at the end of August. And so Wednesday nights is going to be that time where nights is going to be that time where nights is going to be that time where we're going to ask you to look at your we're going to ask you to look at your we're going to ask you to look at your fall calendar and go, "Man, I want to fall calendar and go, "Man, I want to fall calendar and go, "Man, I want to meet midweek with other Christians and meet midweek with other Christians and meet midweek with other Christians and spend time in prayer or the study of spend time in prayer or the study of spend time in prayer or the study of God's word or in care groups." And so we God's word or in care groups." And so we God's word or in care groups." And so we want you to know that the Tuesday prayer want you to know that the Tuesday prayer want you to know that the Tuesday prayer time is shifting to Wednesday this week. time is shifting to Wednesday this week. time is shifting to Wednesday this week. And then toward the end of the month, And then toward the end of the month, And then toward the end of the month, we'll be having more opportunities for we'll be having more opportunities for we'll be having more opportunities for classes and groups and engaging in classes and groups and engaging in classes and groups and engaging in scripture together. So I pray that you scripture together. So I pray that you scripture together. So I pray that you prioritize uh that as you look at your prioritize uh that as you look at your prioritize uh that as you look at your calendar in the fall. You'll also see uh calendar in the fall. You'll also see uh calendar in the fall. You'll also see uh the gatherings coming up in three weeks, the gatherings coming up in three weeks, the gatherings coming up in three weeks, our event for women. So, give it up for our event for women. So, give it up for our event for women. So, give it up for all the women in the house. Come on.

all the women in the house. Come on. all the women in the house. Come on. Come on, ladies. Usually you're louder Come on, ladies. Usually you're louder Come on, ladies. Usually you're louder than that. The men's hollow a month than that. The men's hollow a month than that. The men's hollow a month after that. And if you're a college after that. And if you're a college after that. And if you're a college student, 18 to 30, a CYA is meeting on student, 18 to 30, a CYA is meeting on student, 18 to 30, a CYA is meeting on Friday night. So, we have something for Friday night. So, we have something for Friday night. So, we have something for everyone. We'd love for you to find ways everyone. We'd love for you to find ways everyone. We'd love for you to find ways to engage outside of this room and in to engage outside of this room and in to engage outside of this room and in those moments of community. And now, those moments of community. And now, those moments of community. And now, let's take a moment and pray and invite let's take a moment and pray and invite let's take a moment and pray and invite God to speak to us through his word. Father, we come today Father, we come today and we're grateful that your eye is on and we're grateful that your eye is on and we're grateful that your eye is on us that you know how our week's been. us that you know how our week's been. us that you know how our week's been. every high, every high, every high, every low, every low, every low, every miracle, every miracle, every miracle, every disappointment. every disappointment. every disappointment. We bring all that to you and we invite We bring all that to you and we invite We bring all that to you and we invite you to give us peace and perspective and you to give us peace and perspective and you to give us peace and perspective and wisdom and grace that we leave here wisdom and grace that we leave here wisdom and grace that we leave here today with hope that's fresh and new. today with hope that's fresh and new. today with hope that's fresh and new. And God, that you would speak to us, And God, that you would speak to us, And God, that you would speak to us, maybe show us a part of us that needs maybe show us a part of us that needs maybe show us a part of us that needs your your change, your redemption as we your your change, your redemption as we your your change, your redemption as we take communion as we close and reflect take communion as we close and reflect take communion as we close and reflect in prayer that you would meet with us.

in prayer that you would meet with us. in prayer that you would meet with us. And we pray this with expectancy in And we pray this with expectancy in And we pray this with expectancy in Jesus name. Amen. Jesus name. Amen. Jesus name. Amen. >> So, I'll never forget the day it >> So, I'll never forget the day it >> So, I'll never forget the day it happened. I was 37 years old. I was happened. I was 37 years old. I was happened. I was 37 years old. I was playing basketball, the game that I playing basketball, the game that I playing basketball, the game that I love, and I'd just been through love, and I'd just been through love, and I'd just been through reconstructive surgery on my left knee reconstructive surgery on my left knee reconstructive surgery on my left knee because a year earlier I tore my ACL and because a year earlier I tore my ACL and because a year earlier I tore my ACL and miniscus and all the things and went miniscus and all the things and went miniscus and all the things and went through all the surgery and recovery and through all the surgery and recovery and through all the surgery and recovery and rehab. And it took me a couple months, rehab. And it took me a couple months, rehab. And it took me a couple months, but I was back playing with some but I was back playing with some but I was back playing with some 20-year-olds and I was dribbling the 20-year-olds and I was dribbling the 20-year-olds and I was dribbling the ball at the top of the key and I saw the ball at the top of the key and I saw the ball at the top of the key and I saw the the gap in the defense, a move I'd made the gap in the defense, a move I'd made the gap in the defense, a move I'd made a thousand times. Crossover, left hand, a thousand times. Crossover, left hand, a thousand times. Crossover, left hand, the big man approaches, do a spin move, the big man approaches, do a spin move, the big man approaches, do a spin move, left hand, layup. In my mind, I saw it. left hand, layup. In my mind, I saw it. left hand, layup. In my mind, I saw it. And for the first time in my life, And for the first time in my life, And for the first time in my life, my body did not respond. my body did not respond. my body did not respond. And I was like, whoa, And I was like, whoa, And I was like, whoa, what what just happened? Anyone know what what just happened? Anyone know what what just happened? Anyone know that disorienting feeling where your that disorienting feeling where your that disorienting feeling where your body does something over and over and body does something over and over and body does something over and over and then it doesn't work the same way then it doesn't work the same way then it doesn't work the same way anymore? And people told you, they said, anymore? And people told you, they said, anymore? And people told you, they said, "Doug, it's going to happen. You're 37.

"Doug, it's going to happen. You're 37. "Doug, it's going to happen. You're 37. You're playing with 20-year-olds. It's You're playing with 20-year-olds. It's You're playing with 20-year-olds. It's going to happen eventually." But in my going to happen eventually." But in my going to happen eventually." But in my mind, that sounded like a myth. It mind, that sounded like a myth. It mind, that sounded like a myth. It sounded like fantasy, like things old sounded like fantasy, like things old sounded like fantasy, like things old people say. people say. people say. And then it happens to me. And this is And then it happens to me. And this is And then it happens to me. And this is how Solomon closes the book of how Solomon closes the book of how Solomon closes the book of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. He gives us this reality check that all He gives us this reality check that all He gives us this reality check that all of us are going to die. Something we of us are going to die. Something we of us are going to die. Something we don't like to think about, but he's also don't like to think about, but he's also don't like to think about, but he's also going to tell us, "Hey, not only going going to tell us, "Hey, not only going going to tell us, "Hey, not only going to die, but you're going to age to die, but you're going to age to die, but you're going to age as you approach death. And all the as you approach death. And all the as you approach death. And all the things that we're working aren't going things that we're working aren't going things that we're working aren't going to work in the same way." and and he's to work in the same way." and and he's to work in the same way." and and he's going to speak to young people. He's going to speak to young people. He's going to speak to young people. He's going to say, "Young people, I want you going to say, "Young people, I want you going to say, "Young people, I want you to know this when you're young, so that to know this when you're young, so that to know this when you're young, so that when you're older, you're not caught off when you're older, you're not caught off when you're older, you're not caught off guard. You're not surprised." You see, guard. You're not surprised." You see, guard. You're not surprised." You see, because older people, any older people because older people, any older people because older people, any older people we have in the house, own it. Come on, we have in the house, own it. Come on, we have in the house, own it. Come on, own it. The older you are, the higher own it. The older you are, the higher own it. The older you are, the higher and longer your your view of life is. and longer your your view of life is. and longer your your view of life is. When you're a teenager in your 20s, When you're a teenager in your 20s, When you're a teenager in your 20s, you're like on the first and second you're like on the first and second you're like on the first and second floor. you can see things, floor. you can see things, floor. you can see things, but by the time you get older, you're on but by the time you get older, you're on but by the time you get older, you're on like the 30th or 40th floor, you can see like the 30th or 40th floor, you can see like the 30th or 40th floor, you can see a lot more broadly. And so Solomon is an a lot more broadly. And so Solomon is an a lot more broadly. And so Solomon is an old man. He's learned a lot. He's been old man. He's learned a lot. He's been old man. He's learned a lot. He's been on this search for what is the meaning on this search for what is the meaning on this search for what is the meaning of life? What does it all mean? And he of life? What does it all mean? And he of life? What does it all mean? And he wants to impart this final word of wants to impart this final word of wants to impart this final word of wisdom.

wisdom. wisdom. And that day at 37 years old, it And that day at 37 years old, it And that day at 37 years old, it reminded me of this proverb. reminded me of this proverb. reminded me of this proverb. When the student is ready, the teacher When the student is ready, the teacher When the student is ready, the teacher appears. appears. appears. And so, let's read this. And if you get And so, let's read this. And if you get And so, let's read this. And if you get it, then you'll get it. Ecclesiastes 12 it, then you'll get it. Ecclesiastes 12 it, then you'll get it. Ecclesiastes 12 verse 1. Remember your creator in the verse 1. Remember your creator in the verse 1. Remember your creator in the days of your youth. Before the days of days of your youth. Before the days of days of your youth. Before the days of trouble come and the years approach when trouble come and the years approach when trouble come and the years approach when you will say, I find no pleasure in you will say, I find no pleasure in you will say, I find no pleasure in them. Before the sun and the light and them. Before the sun and the light and them. Before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark and the the moon and the stars grow dark and the the moon and the stars grow dark and the clouds return after the rain. When the clouds return after the rain. When the clouds return after the rain. When the keepers of the house tremble, keepers of the house tremble, keepers of the house tremble, the strong men stoop. When the grinders the strong men stoop. When the grinders the strong men stoop. When the grinders cease because they're few. And those cease because they're few. And those cease because they're few. And those looking through the windows grow dim. looking through the windows grow dim. looking through the windows grow dim. When the doors to the street are closed When the doors to the street are closed When the doors to the street are closed and the sound of the grinding fades. and the sound of the grinding fades. and the sound of the grinding fades. When people rise up at the sound of the When people rise up at the sound of the When people rise up at the sound of the birds, but all their songs grow faint. birds, but all their songs grow faint. birds, but all their songs grow faint. When people are afraid of heights and of When people are afraid of heights and of When people are afraid of heights and of dangers of the streets. When the almond dangers of the streets. When the almond dangers of the streets. When the almond trees blossom and the grasshopper drags trees blossom and the grasshopper drags trees blossom and the grasshopper drags itself along and desire no longer is itself along and desire no longer is itself along and desire no longer is stirred, then people go to their eternal stirred, then people go to their eternal stirred, then people go to their eternal home and mourners go about to the home and mourners go about to the home and mourners go about to the streets. Remember him before the silver streets. Remember him before the silver streets. Remember him before the silver cord is severed and the golden bowl is cord is severed and the golden bowl is cord is severed and the golden bowl is broken. Before the pitcher is shattered broken. Before the pitcher is shattered broken. Before the pitcher is shattered at the spring and the wheel broken at at the spring and the wheel broken at at the spring and the wheel broken at the well and the dust returns to the the well and the dust returns to the the well and the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit ground it came from and the spirit ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

returns to God who gave it. returns to God who gave it. Meaningless. Meaningless says the Meaningless. Meaningless says the Meaningless. Meaningless says the teacher. Everything is meaningless. teacher. Everything is meaningless. teacher. Everything is meaningless. Solomon returns to his favorite phrase Solomon returns to his favorite phrase Solomon returns to his favorite phrase in the book of Ecclesiastes. in the book of Ecclesiastes. in the book of Ecclesiastes. Life is so hard to understand. This word Life is so hard to understand. This word Life is so hard to understand. This word he it's like life is a vapor. It's here he it's like life is a vapor. It's here he it's like life is a vapor. It's here and then it's gone. It goes so fast and and then it's gone. It goes so fast and and then it's gone. It goes so fast and to try to grasp it's like chasing the to try to grasp it's like chasing the to try to grasp it's like chasing the wind to try to keep everything like you wind to try to keep everything like you wind to try to keep everything like you want it to be. It seems so elusive. How want it to be. It seems so elusive. How want it to be. It seems so elusive. How do I find meaning and purpose when do I find meaning and purpose when do I find meaning and purpose when things don't happen as I expect them to? things don't happen as I expect them to? things don't happen as I expect them to? And he says life is like that. You're And he says life is like that. You're And he says life is like that. You're going to die and as you die you're going going to die and as you die you're going going to die and as you die you're going to age. And this is something you need to age. And this is something you need to age. And this is something you need to know when you're young. Twice he says to know when you're young. Twice he says to know when you're young. Twice he says one while while you're young remember one while while you're young remember one while while you're young remember your creator and he describes this your creator and he describes this your creator and he describes this process. The silver cord is severed process. The silver cord is severed process. The silver cord is severed death. The golden bowl is broken. The death. The golden bowl is broken. The death. The golden bowl is broken. The pitcher is shattered. You return to dust pitcher is shattered. You return to dust pitcher is shattered. You return to dust because you came from dust and the because you came from dust and the because you came from dust and the spirit that God gave you now returns to spirit that God gave you now returns to spirit that God gave you now returns to him. That's going to happen to all of him. That's going to happen to all of him. That's going to happen to all of us. That's what he's been describing.

us. That's what he's been describing. us. That's what he's been describing. Death is the destiny of every person and Death is the destiny of every person and Death is the destiny of every person and the why should take this to heart the why should take this to heart the why should take this to heart because it will teach you how to live. because it will teach you how to live. because it will teach you how to live. But now he gets a little more detailed. But now he gets a little more detailed. But now he gets a little more detailed. He describes the process of aging. Verse He describes the process of aging. Verse He describes the process of aging. Verse one, remember your creator before the one, remember your creator before the one, remember your creator before the days of trouble come. And he describes days of trouble come. And he describes days of trouble come. And he describes this process of things that are bright this process of things that are bright this process of things that are bright growing dark. Your eyes that were so growing dark. Your eyes that were so growing dark. Your eyes that were so sharp they were able to see things. Now sharp they were able to see things. Now sharp they were able to see things. Now as you get older, it's harder for you to as you get older, it's harder for you to as you get older, it's harder for you to see things. the light goes down. I don't see things. the light goes down. I don't see things. the light goes down. I don't know if if anybody that's older know if if anybody that's older know if if anybody that's older remembers that day where their eyes remembers that day where their eyes remembers that day where their eyes didn't work so good. I remember didn't work so good. I remember didn't work so good. I remember specifically like I think I was 40. My specifically like I think I was 40. My specifically like I think I was 40. My wife and I went on a date and then we wife and I went on a date and then we wife and I went on a date and then we went to Walgreens to pick up a went to Walgreens to pick up a went to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. And while she's picking up prescription. And while she's picking up prescription. And while she's picking up her prescription, I look at this like her prescription, I look at this like her prescription, I look at this like this like little row of like they're this like little row of like they're this like little row of like they're called readers. called readers. called readers. And so I just, you know, these are for And so I just, you know, these are for And so I just, you know, these are for old people. I put them on and I was old people. I put them on and I was old people. I put them on and I was like, "Whoa, like, "Whoa, like, "Whoa, whoa. I I could see what what happened whoa. I I could see what what happened whoa. I I could see what what happened to my eyes. this slow, gradual process to my eyes. this slow, gradual process to my eyes. this slow, gradual process of doing this of doing this of doing this and then your arm's not long enough and and then your arm's not long enough and and then your arm's not long enough and you got to get glasses. That's going to you got to get glasses. That's going to you got to get glasses. That's going to happen. That's a part of life. While happen. That's a part of life. While happen. That's a part of life. While you're young, no, your eyes aren't going you're young, no, your eyes aren't going you're young, no, your eyes aren't going to always work as as well as you think to always work as as well as you think to always work as as well as you think they are. And then he says, "And the they are. And then he says, "And the they are. And then he says, "And the sounds of sounds of sounds of the men working and the birds singing, the men working and the birds singing, the men working and the birds singing, it grows dimmer. Your ears don't work as it grows dimmer. Your ears don't work as it grows dimmer. Your ears don't work as as good as they used to." Verse three, as good as they used to." Verse three, as good as they used to." Verse three, the keepers of the house, they tremble.

the keepers of the house, they tremble. the keepers of the house, they tremble. Now, this is poetry. The keepers of the Now, this is poetry. The keepers of the Now, this is poetry. The keepers of the house, your hands, your hands that are house, your hands, your hands that are house, your hands, your hands that are so steady all of a sudden start to shake so steady all of a sudden start to shake so steady all of a sudden start to shake a little bit. You're like, "Oh, what a little bit. You're like, "Oh, what a little bit. You're like, "Oh, what what's that? What's that about?" And the what's that? What's that about?" And the what's that? What's that about?" And the back that is so strong begins to stoop. back that is so strong begins to stoop. back that is so strong begins to stoop. Like, why am I walking like this? You Like, why am I walking like this? You Like, why am I walking like this? You see pictures of yourself like what what see pictures of yourself like what what see pictures of yourself like what what what's happening to me? It gets worse. what's happening to me? It gets worse. what's happening to me? It gets worse. He says, "Your grinders cease because He says, "Your grinders cease because He says, "Your grinders cease because they are few. Your grinders are your they are few. Your grinders are your they are few. Your grinders are your teeth." Oh, man. I'm having problems teeth." Oh, man. I'm having problems teeth." Oh, man. I'm having problems with my eyes. I'm having problems with with my eyes. I'm having problems with with my eyes. I'm having problems with my ears. I'm having problems with my my ears. I'm having problems with my my ears. I'm having problems with my teeth. And then he says, "And the sound teeth. And then he says, "And the sound teeth. And then he says, "And the sound of birds wake you up, but then when you of birds wake you up, but then when you of birds wake you up, but then when you try to hear them, you can't hear them, try to hear them, you can't hear them, try to hear them, you can't hear them, which means it's hard for you to sleep. which means it's hard for you to sleep. which means it's hard for you to sleep. You're easily awakened, but then you You're easily awakened, but then you You're easily awakened, but then you can't hear very well." Anybody know what can't hear very well." Anybody know what can't hear very well." Anybody know what I'm talking about? Like, oh, this is I'm talking about? Like, oh, this is I'm talking about? Like, oh, this is getting depressing. Oh, it gets way getting depressing. Oh, it gets way getting depressing. Oh, it gets way worse than that. Check it check it out. worse than that. Check it check it out. worse than that. Check it check it out. And then he says, "And even the And then he says, "And even the And then he says, "And even the grasshopper drags itself along." Now, grasshopper drags itself along." Now, grasshopper drags itself along." Now, check this out. check this out. check this out. A grasshopper can jump 20 times its own A grasshopper can jump 20 times its own A grasshopper can jump 20 times its own height. So, if I was a grasshopper and I height. So, if I was a grasshopper and I height. So, if I was a grasshopper and I jump right now, I could touch the jump right now, I could touch the jump right now, I could touch the ceiling. Would that be impressive?

ceiling. Would that be impressive? ceiling. Would that be impressive? Solomon says, "There comes a point in a Solomon says, "There comes a point in a Solomon says, "There comes a point in a grasshopper's life where he grasshopper's life where he grasshopper's life where he just drags just drags just drags his foot his foot his foot around." around." around." And so, just this is just a side note. And so, just this is just a side note. And so, just this is just a side note. That's why you shouldn't be depressed That's why you shouldn't be depressed That's why you shouldn't be depressed that LeBron didn't come to Miami, then that LeBron didn't come to Miami, then that LeBron didn't come to Miami, then he went to Philly. is here's he went to Philly. is here's he went to Philly. is here's LeBron's going to continue to decline LeBron's going to continue to decline LeBron's going to continue to decline and he's going to go from jumping and and he's going to go from jumping and and he's going to go from jumping and dunking to shuffling dunking to shuffling dunking to shuffling because that's what everyone ends up because that's what everyone ends up because that's what everyone ends up doing in the end. Don't be depressed. doing in the end. Don't be depressed. doing in the end. Don't be depressed. We're going to be all right. Listen, We're going to be all right. Listen, We're going to be all right. Listen, it's it's not just that. It's desire is it's it's not just that. It's desire is it's it's not just that. It's desire is no longer stirred. Remember when you no longer stirred. Remember when you no longer stirred. Remember when you were young, you could go to that were young, you could go to that were young, you could go to that Brazilian steakhouse and you could kill Brazilian steakhouse and you could kill Brazilian steakhouse and you could kill all the food. You go to buffet, you eat all the food. You go to buffet, you eat all the food. You go to buffet, you eat all this food, you're always hungry, and all this food, you're always hungry, and all this food, you're always hungry, and now you're like, I'm just going to have now you're like, I'm just going to have now you're like, I'm just going to have oatmeal. oatmeal. oatmeal. And listen, this is a shocking thing. And listen, this is a shocking thing. And listen, this is a shocking thing. Sexual desire Sexual desire Sexual desire that drove you when you were a teenager that drove you when you were a teenager that drove you when you were a teenager in your 20s and maybe your 30s, and now in your 20s and maybe your 30s, and now in your 20s and maybe your 30s, and now you're like, I think I need a pill for you're like, I think I need a pill for you're like, I think I need a pill for that.

that. that. Yeah, that's that's going to happen Yeah, that's that's going to happen Yeah, that's that's going to happen to everybody. Solomon has given us a to everybody. Solomon has given us a to everybody. Solomon has given us a reality check. You see, because this reality check. You see, because this reality check. You see, because this idea, idea, idea, this idea that this idea that this idea that [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] this chiseled physique I have is going this chiseled physique I have is going this chiseled physique I have is going to last forever. Solomon said that to last forever. Solomon said that to last forever. Solomon said that chiseled physique you have, chiseled physique you have, chiseled physique you have, you're going to experience what my dad you're going to experience what my dad you're going to experience what my dad said said said happens to you in your 40s, maybe your happens to you in your 40s, maybe your happens to you in your 40s, maybe your 50s, is called furniture disease, where 50s, is called furniture disease, where 50s, is called furniture disease, where your chest falls into your drawers. That luxurious hair on your head. That luxurious hair on your head. I still remember the first gray hair I I still remember the first gray hair I I still remember the first gray hair I found. I'm like, "What's that?" found. I'm like, "What's that?" found. I'm like, "What's that?" That perfect skin. He's going to pass along on Sunday. He's going to pass along on Sunday. Solomon is preparing us for these Solomon is preparing us for these Solomon is preparing us for these moments where your body is going to moments where your body is going to moments where your body is going to fade.

fade. fade. And so he's saying, "I'm going to gently And so he's saying, "I'm going to gently And so he's saying, "I'm going to gently take you by the hand and I want you to take you by the hand and I want you to take you by the hand and I want you to walk with me because God's given me some walk with me because God's given me some walk with me because God's given me some wisdom about how life works. I have a wisdom about how life works. I have a wisdom about how life works. I have a perspective because I'm on a higher perspective because I'm on a higher perspective because I'm on a higher floor than you when you're young. I want floor than you when you're young. I want floor than you when you're young. I want to show you how it's going to work so to show you how it's going to work so to show you how it's going to work so that you prepared that way because that you prepared that way because that you prepared that way because well, if your body is the best thing you well, if your body is the best thing you well, if your body is the best thing you have, then every day you grow older, then every day you grow older, you're going to be losing. you're going to be losing. you're going to be losing. You're going to fight the process of You're going to fight the process of You're going to fight the process of aging. Now, now I'm not saying don't aging. Now, now I'm not saying don't aging. Now, now I'm not saying don't exercise and don't take care of your exercise and don't take care of your exercise and don't take care of your body. I exercise. I try to eat right. I body. I exercise. I try to eat right. I body. I exercise. I try to eat right. I want to be healthy because God's given want to be healthy because God's given want to be healthy because God's given us a body. He calls it a temple. We're us a body. He calls it a temple. We're us a body. He calls it a temple. We're called to take care of it. But there's a called to take care of it. But there's a called to take care of it. But there's a difference between taking care of your difference between taking care of your difference between taking care of your body body body and fighting aging, of living in denial and fighting aging, of living in denial and fighting aging, of living in denial like an ostrich putting his head in the like an ostrich putting his head in the like an ostrich putting his head in the ground. And we live in a culture that ground. And we live in a culture that ground. And we live in a culture that says your body is the most important says your body is the most important says your body is the most important thing about you. How you look and how thing about you. How you look and how thing about you. How you look and how you look to people and all the things you look to people and all the things you look to people and all the things you do. you do. you do. And if we listen to the words of the And if we listen to the words of the And if we listen to the words of the culture, culture, culture, well, we'll feel like we're losing every well, we'll feel like we're losing every well, we'll feel like we're losing every single day.

single day. single day. I don't know if you know this or not, I don't know if you know this or not, I don't know if you know this or not, but the wellness industry last year was but the wellness industry last year was but the wellness industry last year was a 7 billion a 7 billion a 7 billion industry. industry. industry. 7 billion dollars are spent on health 7 billion dollars are spent on health 7 billion dollars are spent on health and and wellness, on vitamins and and and wellness, on vitamins and and and wellness, on vitamins and supplements and peptides and cosmetic supplements and peptides and cosmetic supplements and peptides and cosmetic creams and plastic surgery. In fact, creams and plastic surgery. In fact, creams and plastic surgery. In fact, Miami is called the plastic surgery Miami is called the plastic surgery Miami is called the plastic surgery capital of the world because per capita, capital of the world because per capita, capital of the world because per capita, there's more plastic surgeons in Miami there's more plastic surgeons in Miami there's more plastic surgeons in Miami than anywhere else in the country. And than anywhere else in the country. And than anywhere else in the country. And so, it's a reminder of the fact that so, it's a reminder of the fact that so, it's a reminder of the fact that people are trying to cut this and nip people are trying to cut this and nip people are trying to cut this and nip that and tuck that, enhance this, reduce that and tuck that, enhance this, reduce that and tuck that, enhance this, reduce that, to do all these things to our body that, to do all these things to our body that, to do all these things to our body to make sure that people don't see that to make sure that people don't see that to make sure that people don't see that we're aging. Psalm says, "Be careful. we're aging. Psalm says, "Be careful. we're aging. Psalm says, "Be careful. No matter what you lift up, it will fall No matter what you lift up, it will fall No matter what you lift up, it will fall down." down." down." >> Come on, people. Let's just be honest. Just give it enough time and you'll see Just give it enough time and you'll see it's like chasing the wind. And and so it's like chasing the wind. And and so it's like chasing the wind. And and so here's the first big idea about what it here's the first big idea about what it here's the first big idea about what it means to grow old. Solomon's like, means to grow old. Solomon's like, means to grow old. Solomon's like, "Whatever you do, don't chase youth.

"Whatever you do, don't chase youth. "Whatever you do, don't chase youth. Don't chase Don't chase Don't chase staying young. Don't avoid the idea that staying young. Don't avoid the idea that staying young. Don't avoid the idea that you are going to age because every you are going to age because every you are going to age because every culture and every generation has tried culture and every generation has tried culture and every generation has tried this. I mean, we laugh at people like this. I mean, we laugh at people like this. I mean, we laugh at people like Pon Deon, an explorer who's going to Pon Deon, an explorer who's going to Pon Deon, an explorer who's going to travel the world looking for the travel the world looking for the travel the world looking for the fountain of youth. If I could just have fountain of youth. If I could just have fountain of youth. If I could just have one sip of that water, I won't age. I one sip of that water, I won't age. I one sip of that water, I won't age. I won't die. This is in the human psyche, won't die. This is in the human psyche, won't die. This is in the human psyche, desire not to grow old, to be immortal, desire not to grow old, to be immortal, desire not to grow old, to be immortal, to not die. In fact, you think about all to not die. In fact, you think about all to not die. In fact, you think about all of these of these of these entrepreneurs and business leaders. They entrepreneurs and business leaders. They entrepreneurs and business leaders. They they're figuring out how to conquer they're figuring out how to conquer they're figuring out how to conquer technology and now populate space with technology and now populate space with technology and now populate space with satellites. And now maybe we can go to satellites. And now maybe we can go to satellites. And now maybe we can go to Mars and live there. The only thing they Mars and live there. The only thing they Mars and live there. The only thing they haven't conquered yet is aging and haven't conquered yet is aging and haven't conquered yet is aging and death. Here's the problem. You can't death. Here's the problem. You can't death. Here's the problem. You can't conquer aging and death because you're conquer aging and death because you're conquer aging and death because you're not God. The only person who can conquer not God. The only person who can conquer not God. The only person who can conquer death is God himself. And he did that death is God himself. And he did that death is God himself. And he did that when he sent Jesus, his son, to come and when he sent Jesus, his son, to come and when he sent Jesus, his son, to come and die in our place and be raised from the die in our place and be raised from the die in our place and be raised from the dead. And so, there's this human pursuit dead. And so, there's this human pursuit dead. And so, there's this human pursuit of chasing youth, of avoiding aging. of chasing youth, of avoiding aging. of chasing youth, of avoiding aging. Psalm says, "Don't do that when you're Psalm says, "Don't do that when you're Psalm says, "Don't do that when you're young. Remember, this will happen to young. Remember, this will happen to young. Remember, this will happen to you." And this call is both urgent and you." And this call is both urgent and you." And this call is both urgent and calm. Psalm through the book of calm. Psalm through the book of calm. Psalm through the book of Ecclesiastes. Enjoy your life. Live the Ecclesiastes. Enjoy your life. Live the Ecclesiastes. Enjoy your life. Live the best life you can live. Live in wisdom.

best life you can live. Live in wisdom. best life you can live. Live in wisdom. Honor God. But also reflect. Calm. Think Honor God. But also reflect. Calm. Think Honor God. But also reflect. Calm. Think about your life. Think about how you're about your life. Think about how you're about your life. Think about how you're living. Think about what the end of your living. Think about what the end of your living. Think about what the end of your life will be like. And live with the end life will be like. And live with the end life will be like. And live with the end in mind. Because if you fight aging, in mind. Because if you fight aging, in mind. Because if you fight aging, listen, if you fight aging, you will not listen, if you fight aging, you will not listen, if you fight aging, you will not age well. I'm gonna say that again. age well. I'm gonna say that again. age well. I'm gonna say that again. If you fight aging, If you fight aging, If you fight aging, you will not age well. you will not age well. you will not age well. I remember all my great injury stories I remember all my great injury stories I remember all my great injury stories were like, I was playing basketball. I were like, I was playing basketball. I were like, I was playing basketball. I was doing this thing. Now my injuries was doing this thing. Now my injuries was doing this thing. Now my injuries are I got out of bed. Oh are I got out of bed. Oh are I got out of bed. Oh yeah, that that's going to happen in in yeah, that that's going to happen in in yeah, that that's going to happen in in life. And aging can make you the right life. And aging can make you the right life. And aging can make you the right kind of person or it can make you the kind of person or it can make you the kind of person or it can make you the wrong kind of person. Anybody know that wrong kind of person. Anybody know that wrong kind of person. Anybody know that old person who's angry, old person who's angry, old person who's angry, bitter, bitter, bitter, grumpy, grumpy, grumpy, cynical, get off my lawn, cynical, get off my lawn, cynical, get off my lawn, turn that music down. This generation, turn that music down. This generation, turn that music down. This generation, these kids, and nobody nobody like that.

these kids, and nobody nobody like that. these kids, and nobody nobody like that. If they're right next to you, don't look If they're right next to you, don't look If they're right next to you, don't look at them. Just at them. Just at them. Just We all know people like that. We all know people like that. We all know people like that. How did they get that way? That's an How did they get that way? That's an How did they get that way? That's an important question. They weren't always important question. They weren't always important question. They weren't always that way. that way. that way. Solomon says if you if you fight aging, Solomon says if you if you fight aging, Solomon says if you if you fight aging, you're losing control. If your body is you're losing control. If your body is you're losing control. If your body is what it's about, you're constantly what it's about, you're constantly what it's about, you're constantly losing every day. You're going to be losing every day. You're going to be losing every day. You're going to be losing more and more and more. And in losing more and more and more. And in losing more and more and more. And in that fight for control, you don't want that fight for control, you don't want that fight for control, you don't want to decline. It's going to come out in to decline. It's going to come out in to decline. It's going to come out in all these different ways. So don't be all these different ways. So don't be all these different ways. So don't be the person who fights Asian becomes that the person who fights Asian becomes that the person who fights Asian becomes that bitter, angry person. bitter, angry person. bitter, angry person. And And And don't be the person don't be the person don't be the person who just allows disappointment and anger who just allows disappointment and anger who just allows disappointment and anger to make you that kind of person that to make you that kind of person that to make you that kind of person that doesn't look at anyone or anything and doesn't look at anyone or anything and doesn't look at anyone or anything and find a level of joy or trust or love. find a level of joy or trust or love. find a level of joy or trust or love. There is a way to age. Psalm is inviting There is a way to age. Psalm is inviting There is a way to age. Psalm is inviting us to think about it will make us the us to think about it will make us the us to think about it will make us the right kind of person. right kind of person. right kind of person. What does it mean to grow old and to do What does it mean to grow old and to do What does it mean to grow old and to do it well? it well? it well? And so there's a verse in the Bible that And so there's a verse in the Bible that And so there's a verse in the Bible that for me is a vision for me and my wife of for me is a vision for me and my wife of for me is a vision for me and my wife of what we hope to be as we grow old. It's what we hope to be as we grow old. It's what we hope to be as we grow old. It's Psalm 92.

Psalm 92. Psalm 92. Here's what it says. The righteous will Here's what it says. The righteous will Here's what it says. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree. They will flourish like a palm tree. They will flourish like a palm tree. They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon planted in grow like a cedar of Lebanon planted in grow like a cedar of Lebanon planted in the house of the Lord. They will the house of the Lord. They will the house of the Lord. They will flourish in the courts of our God. And flourish in the courts of our God. And flourish in the courts of our God. And they will still bear fruit in old age. they will still bear fruit in old age. they will still bear fruit in old age. They will stay fresh and green, They will stay fresh and green, They will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright. He is proclaiming, "The Lord is upright. He is proclaiming, "The Lord is upright. He is my rock and there is no wickedness in my rock and there is no wickedness in my rock and there is no wickedness in him. him. him. Wow. What it be like to grow old and as Wow. What it be like to grow old and as Wow. What it be like to grow old and as you grow old, you don't get stale and you grow old, you don't get stale and you grow old, you don't get stale and isolated and angry and bitter. You don't isolated and angry and bitter. You don't isolated and angry and bitter. You don't become that person who people like, "Oh, become that person who people like, "Oh, become that person who people like, "Oh, that's pathetic. He's doing or she's that's pathetic. He's doing or she's that's pathetic. He's doing or she's doing all these things to pretend like doing all these things to pretend like doing all these things to pretend like they're not growing old like no one else they're not growing old like no one else they're not growing old like no one else can see. We can all see." No, no. You're can see. We can all see." No, no. You're can see. We can all see." No, no. You're a person who embraces. Okay, so I've a person who embraces. Okay, so I've a person who embraces. Okay, so I've lost my hair. I have wrinkles on my lost my hair. I have wrinkles on my lost my hair. I have wrinkles on my skin, but I'm becoming more generous. skin, but I'm becoming more generous. skin, but I'm becoming more generous. I'm becoming more other centered, more I'm becoming more other centered, more I'm becoming more other centered, more more loving, more fruitful. I'm still more loving, more fruitful. I'm still more loving, more fruitful. I'm still fresh and green. I wake up every day. fresh and green. I wake up every day. fresh and green. I wake up every day. Thank you, God. I'm alive today. I have Thank you, God. I'm alive today. I have Thank you, God. I'm alive today. I have joy and expectation for what God might joy and expectation for what God might joy and expectation for what God might do in my life and through my life. And do in my life and through my life. And do in my life and through my life. And there's a light in my eyes. Listen, there's a light in my eyes. Listen, there's a light in my eyes. Listen, that's a a vision that God has for his that's a a vision that God has for his that's a a vision that God has for his people. Do you have a vision for what it people. Do you have a vision for what it people. Do you have a vision for what it would be like for you to grow old?

would be like for you to grow old? would be like for you to grow old? Psalmist says, "When you're young, Psalmist says, "When you're young, Psalmist says, "When you're young, remember remember your creator when remember remember your creator when remember remember your creator when you're young and remember your end so you're young and remember your end so you're young and remember your end so you can live the life that I've given you can live the life that I've given you can live the life that I've given you as a gift." I want to give you a you as a gift." I want to give you a you as a gift." I want to give you a picture of what this looks like. There's picture of what this looks like. There's picture of what this looks like. There's a woman named Barbara and she's been a a woman named Barbara and she's been a a woman named Barbara and she's been a part of our church for years and she was part of our church for years and she was part of our church for years and she was happily married and at 55 her husband happily married and at 55 her husband happily married and at 55 her husband suddenly tragically died. suddenly tragically died. suddenly tragically died. And now she's 55 years old and she could And now she's 55 years old and she could And now she's 55 years old and she could be angry at God or disappointed at God. be angry at God or disappointed at God. be angry at God or disappointed at God. But she prays this prayer. God, I didn't But she prays this prayer. God, I didn't But she prays this prayer. God, I didn't ask for this, but I'm not in control. ask for this, but I'm not in control. ask for this, but I'm not in control. You are. So help me to figure out what You are. So help me to figure out what You are. So help me to figure out what it means to live this adventure with it means to live this adventure with it means to live this adventure with you. God calls her to the mission field. you. God calls her to the mission field. you. God calls her to the mission field. She goes to Mexico and to Nicaragua and She goes to Mexico and to Nicaragua and She goes to Mexico and to Nicaragua and Peru and India and begins to spend Peru and India and begins to spend Peru and India and begins to spend months of time serving the poor and and months of time serving the poor and and months of time serving the poor and and young people in those places. And then young people in those places. And then young people in those places. And then God brings her back here and she's like, God brings her back here and she's like, God brings her back here and she's like, "Well, now I'm back here and I'm all by "Well, now I'm back here and I'm all by "Well, now I'm back here and I'm all by myself." And she could have had the myself." And she could have had the myself." And she could have had the attitude, you know, it feels like this attitude, you know, it feels like this attitude, you know, it feels like this church is all about the young people and church is all about the young people and church is all about the young people and all the young programs and I'm older and all the young programs and I'm older and all the young programs and I'm older and I feel left behind. I'm just a widow. I feel left behind. I'm just a widow. I feel left behind. I'm just a widow. I'm over here. And she decided, I'm not I'm over here. And she decided, I'm not I'm over here. And she decided, I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to be going to do that. I'm not going to be going to do that. I'm not going to be that kind of person. So, she does that kind of person. So, she does that kind of person. So, she does something crazy. She goes and talks to something crazy. She goes and talks to something crazy. She goes and talks to one of our youth leaders and says, I one of our youth leaders and says, I one of our youth leaders and says, I want to start volunteering with want to start volunteering with want to start volunteering with teenagers. And people like, oh, Barbara, teenagers. And people like, oh, Barbara, teenagers. And people like, oh, Barbara, you're in your 70s. Like, I'm not sure you're in your 70s. Like, I'm not sure you're in your 70s. Like, I'm not sure that's going to connect. No, I want to that's going to connect. No, I want to that's going to connect. No, I want to try.

try. try. So she becomes this sort of grandmother So she becomes this sort of grandmother So she becomes this sort of grandmother figure who shows up at youth group figure who shows up at youth group figure who shows up at youth group ministry moments and college ministry ministry moments and college ministry ministry moments and college ministry moments and she showed up at Y a year moments and she showed up at Y a year moments and she showed up at Y a year ago and a whole bunch of kids gravitated ago and a whole bunch of kids gravitated ago and a whole bunch of kids gravitated toward her and she prayed over them. toward her and she prayed over them. toward her and she prayed over them. Some of them rededicated their life to Some of them rededicated their life to Some of them rededicated their life to Jesus and this year at youth encounter Jesus and this year at youth encounter Jesus and this year at youth encounter they all looked for her and they brought they all looked for her and they brought they all looked for her and they brought their friends and here here's just a their friends and here here's just a their friends and here here's just a picture of what that looks like. Here's picture of what that looks like. Here's picture of what that looks like. Here's what it looks like to live fresh and what it looks like to live fresh and what it looks like to live fresh and green with a bunch of teenagers and say, green with a bunch of teenagers and say, green with a bunch of teenagers and say, "Listen, this is this is what ministry "Listen, this is this is what ministry "Listen, this is this is what ministry and life look like." Because there is and life look like." Because there is and life look like." Because there is listen for all those people who are listen for all those people who are listen for all those people who are older. If you're older, raise your hand. older. If you're older, raise your hand. older. If you're older, raise your hand. Just own it. Just own it. It's okay, Just own it. Just own it. It's okay, Just own it. Just own it. It's okay, man. Some of you guys aren't owning it. man. Some of you guys aren't owning it. man. Some of you guys aren't owning it. That gray hair, there's a crown of That gray hair, there's a crown of That gray hair, there's a crown of wisdom like that that there's there's a wisdom like that that there's there's a wisdom like that that there's there's a need and a desire for this generation to need and a desire for this generation to need and a desire for this generation to have those spiritual fathers and mothers have those spiritual fathers and mothers have those spiritual fathers and mothers and grandparents speak into their life. and grandparents speak into their life. and grandparents speak into their life. There's a spiritual hunger there and we There's a spiritual hunger there and we There's a spiritual hunger there and we can be fresh and green. can be fresh and green. can be fresh and green. And so aging, you can age well And so aging, you can age well And so aging, you can age well or age, aging can make you the wrong or age, aging can make you the wrong or age, aging can make you the wrong kind of person. Now I want to say one kind of person. Now I want to say one kind of person. Now I want to say one more thing because Solomon was an more thing because Solomon was an more thing because Solomon was an achiever.

achiever. achiever. Solomon lived under this illusion that Solomon lived under this illusion that Solomon lived under this illusion that if I work hard, I accomplish my goals, I if I work hard, I accomplish my goals, I if I work hard, I accomplish my goals, I I marry the right people, in his case, I marry the right people, in his case, I marry the right people, in his case, have a lot of the right people. He had a have a lot of the right people. He had a have a lot of the right people. He had a thousand concubines and wives. I mean thousand concubines and wives. I mean thousand concubines and wives. I mean crazy. If I get all the degrees, if I crazy. If I get all the degrees, if I crazy. If I get all the degrees, if I learn, I'll be happy. that that is what learn, I'll be happy. that that is what learn, I'll be happy. that that is what he discovers is an illusion. And so he discovers is an illusion. And so he discovers is an illusion. And so Solomon writes from the sense of Solomon writes from the sense of Solomon writes from the sense of disillusionment, disillusionment, disillusionment, that whole journey of how do I find that whole journey of how do I find that whole journey of how do I find meaning? And and here's the thing, we meaning? And and here's the thing, we meaning? And and here's the thing, we see disillusionment as a bad thing, but see disillusionment as a bad thing, but see disillusionment as a bad thing, but disillusionment means to dispel disillusionment means to dispel disillusionment means to dispel an illusion. an illusion. an illusion. And so all of Ecclesiastes is about And so all of Ecclesiastes is about And so all of Ecclesiastes is about dispelling an illusion that you can find dispelling an illusion that you can find dispelling an illusion that you can find happiness in temporary things. happiness in temporary things. happiness in temporary things. that things that you have you'll keep, that things that you have you'll keep, that things that you have you'll keep, that you'll always be in control, that that you'll always be in control, that that you'll always be in control, that if you work hard enough, you'll be able if you work hard enough, you'll be able if you work hard enough, you'll be able to make sure the outcome happens as you to make sure the outcome happens as you to make sure the outcome happens as you wish. And he realized that's all an wish. And he realized that's all an wish. And he realized that's all an illusion illusion illusion and all that frustration led him on this and all that frustration led him on this and all that frustration led him on this journey. And so, one of the ways that we journey. And so, one of the ways that we journey. And so, one of the ways that we will remember our creator well is maybe will remember our creator well is maybe will remember our creator well is maybe to forget some things that we learned to forget some things that we learned to forget some things that we learned along the way, like a two-word phrase, I along the way, like a two-word phrase, I along the way, like a two-word phrase, I can. when you're young. I can work out can. when you're young. I can work out can. when you're young. I can work out and get in shape. I can get that degree.

and get in shape. I can get that degree. and get in shape. I can get that degree. I can start that business. I can achieve I can start that business. I can achieve I can start that business. I can achieve this goal. You set the bar high, I'll this goal. You set the bar high, I'll this goal. You set the bar high, I'll hit it. And a lot of us, we learn this hit it. And a lot of us, we learn this hit it. And a lot of us, we learn this because well, we when we're little kids, because well, we when we're little kids, because well, we when we're little kids, our our parents read us this story like our our parents read us this story like our our parents read us this story like the little engine that could remember the little engine that could remember the little engine that could remember the little engine that was like trying the little engine that was like trying the little engine that was like trying to find his way of like I can, I think I to find his way of like I can, I think I to find his way of like I can, I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. I can. I think I can. I think I can. I can. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. And and that mentality, it think I can. And and that mentality, it think I can. And and that mentality, it works for a while and then it stops works for a while and then it stops works for a while and then it stops working. I can feels empowering working. I can feels empowering working. I can feels empowering until it it doesn't. When all these until it it doesn't. When all these until it it doesn't. When all these things stop working the way they things stop working the way they things stop working the way they thought. So maybe a more empowering way thought. So maybe a more empowering way thought. So maybe a more empowering way to think about your life as you age is to think about your life as you age is to think about your life as you age is I can't I can't I can't think with me. I can't control think with me. I can't control think with me. I can't control aging. I can't stop growing old. aging. I can't stop growing old. aging. I can't stop growing old. I can't avoid death I can't avoid death I can't avoid death or sickness. or sickness. or sickness. I can't control my spouse or my kids or I can't control my spouse or my kids or I can't control my spouse or my kids or my grandkids or my friends. I can't my grandkids or my friends. I can't my grandkids or my friends. I can't control the people I work with. Some control the people I work with. Some control the people I work with. Some days I can't even control myself.

days I can't even control myself. days I can't even control myself. I'm not sure I can manage my finances or I'm not sure I can manage my finances or I'm not sure I can manage my finances or my anxiety. my anxiety. my anxiety. I'm not sure there's a lot of things I'm not sure there's a lot of things I'm not sure there's a lot of things that I can do. So, I'm just going to say that I can do. So, I'm just going to say that I can do. So, I'm just going to say I I I can't. And what turns out or what sounds can't. And what turns out or what sounds can't. And what turns out or what sounds to be like so defeating is actually to be like so defeating is actually to be like so defeating is actually empowering because then Solomon says empowering because then Solomon says empowering because then Solomon says because you can't now you look to the because you can't now you look to the because you can't now you look to the one who can. He is your creator. Think one who can. He is your creator. Think one who can. He is your creator. Think think with me. What can God do that you think with me. What can God do that you think with me. What can God do that you can't do? can't do? can't do? He can make the sun rise. He can make the sun rise. He can make the sun rise. He can give you breath. He can give you breath. He can give you breath. He can feed sparrows. He can clothe He can feed sparrows. He can clothe He can feed sparrows. He can clothe liies. He can answer prayer. He can move liies. He can answer prayer. He can move liies. He can answer prayer. He can move mountains. He can calm storms. He can mountains. He can calm storms. He can mountains. He can calm storms. He can part seas. part seas. part seas. He can provide wisdom. He can offer He can provide wisdom. He can offer He can provide wisdom. He can offer hope. He can restore sanity. He can hope. He can restore sanity. He can hope. He can restore sanity. He can guide the confused. He can comfort the guide the confused. He can comfort the guide the confused. He can comfort the lonely. He can liberate the oppressed. lonely. He can liberate the oppressed. lonely. He can liberate the oppressed. He can bless the humble. He can bring He can bless the humble. He can bring He can bless the humble. He can bring justice. He can topple rulers. He can justice. He can topple rulers. He can justice. He can topple rulers. He can raise new leaders up. He can forgive raise new leaders up. He can forgive raise new leaders up. He can forgive guilt and sin. He can redeem your life. guilt and sin. He can redeem your life. guilt and sin. He can redeem your life. He can secure your future. He can He can secure your future. He can He can secure your future. He can because he is God and you are not. And because he is God and you are not. And because he is God and you are not. And that's what we want to remember as his that's what we want to remember as his that's what we want to remember as his people.

people. people. [applause] [applause] [applause] Solomon Solomon Solomon says to all the young people, remember says to all the young people, remember says to all the young people, remember your creator while you are young. And your creator while you are young. And your creator while you are young. And then verse n, then verse n, then verse n, not only was the teacher wise, but he not only was the teacher wise, but he not only was the teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. also imparted knowledge to the people. also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in He pondered and searched out and set in He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The teacher order many proverbs. The teacher order many proverbs. The teacher searched to find just the right words. searched to find just the right words. searched to find just the right words. And what he wrote was upright and true. And what he wrote was upright and true. And what he wrote was upright and true. And the words of the wise are like And the words of the wise are like And the words of the wise are like goats. They are collected sayings like goats. They are collected sayings like goats. They are collected sayings like firmly embedded nails given by one firmly embedded nails given by one firmly embedded nails given by one shepherd. shepherd. shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in Be warned, my son, of anything in Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them, of making many books addition to them, of making many books addition to them, of making many books there is no end. And much study we Solomon speaking of himself in the third Solomon speaking of himself in the third person. I was the teacher and I went on person. I was the teacher and I went on person. I was the teacher and I went on this search to gain knowledge and all this search to gain knowledge and all this search to gain knowledge and all that I gained I want to impart to you that I gained I want to impart to you that I gained I want to impart to you the next generation so that you can live the next generation so that you can live the next generation so that you can live a life that is wise. Now he he says a life that is wise. Now he he says a life that is wise. Now he he says earlier in his letter that wisdom does earlier in his letter that wisdom does earlier in his letter that wisdom does not give you control of life. Just not give you control of life. Just not give you control of life. Just because you're wise doesn't mean you're because you're wise doesn't mean you're because you're wise doesn't mean you're in control. But it means you can live a in control. But it means you can live a in control. But it means you can live a sort of abundant life that people who sort of abundant life that people who sort of abundant life that people who live foolishly can't experience. Now how live foolishly can't experience. Now how live foolishly can't experience. Now how many proverbs did Solomon write? It says many proverbs did Solomon write? It says many proverbs did Solomon write? It says here many. But if you look at 2 Kings here many. But if you look at 2 Kings here many. But if you look at 2 Kings chapter 4, you get some specifics. Look chapter 4, you get some specifics. Look chapter 4, you get some specifics. Look what Kings says about Solomon's wisdom.

what Kings says about Solomon's wisdom. what Kings says about Solomon's wisdom. God gave Solomon wisdom and very great God gave Solomon wisdom and very great God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight and a breath of understanding as insight and a breath of understanding as insight and a breath of understanding as measurless as the sand of the seashore. measurless as the sand of the seashore. measurless as the sand of the seashore. Look at that description. Look at that description. Look at that description. Great insight, a breath of Great insight, a breath of Great insight, a breath of understanding, measurless as the sand of understanding, measurless as the sand of understanding, measurless as the sand of the seashore. And then it says he spoke the seashore. And then it says he spoke the seashore. And then it says he spoke 3,000 proverbs and his songs numbered a 3,000 proverbs and his songs numbered a 3,000 proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. thousand and five. thousand and five. Solomon saying of himself, I spent my Solomon saying of himself, I spent my Solomon saying of himself, I spent my whole life gathering wisdom and figuring whole life gathering wisdom and figuring whole life gathering wisdom and figuring out what the right way is to say this. out what the right way is to say this. out what the right way is to say this. And much of the wisdom literature in the And much of the wisdom literature in the And much of the wisdom literature in the Bible, the book of Proverbs, the book of Bible, the book of Proverbs, the book of Bible, the book of Proverbs, the book of Ecclesiastes, the book of Song of Ecclesiastes, the book of Song of Ecclesiastes, the book of Song of Solomon are all part of this wisdom Solomon are all part of this wisdom Solomon are all part of this wisdom that's being passed on to the next that's being passed on to the next that's being passed on to the next generation. generation. generation. Again, a gift from God from someone who Again, a gift from God from someone who Again, a gift from God from someone who lives at a higher floor looking down, lives at a higher floor looking down, lives at a higher floor looking down, helping the next generation know how to helping the next generation know how to helping the next generation know how to live. live. live. And he says something interesting in And he says something interesting in And he says something interesting in verse 11 that all of these wise words verse 11 that all of these wise words verse 11 that all of these wise words this collection they're like goats like this collection they're like goats like this collection they're like goats like firmly embedded firmly embedded firmly embedded nails.

nails. nails. Huh? Now typically when we think of Huh? Now typically when we think of Huh? Now typically when we think of wisdom we don't think of wisdom as wisdom we don't think of wisdom as wisdom we don't think of wisdom as something that hurts. Now we think of something that hurts. Now we think of something that hurts. Now we think of wisdom we're like Psalm 19. So I I ask wisdom we're like Psalm 19. So I I ask wisdom we're like Psalm 19. So I I ask you to look at Psalm 19. I'm just going you to look at Psalm 19. I'm just going you to look at Psalm 19. I'm just going to read. When we think of wisdom in the to read. When we think of wisdom in the to read. When we think of wisdom in the Bible here here's sort of how we think Bible here here's sort of how we think Bible here here's sort of how we think about wisdom. about wisdom. about wisdom. David writes this about wisdom in verse David writes this about wisdom in verse David writes this about wisdom in verse 7 of Psalm 19. The law of the Lord is 7 of Psalm 19. The law of the Lord is 7 of Psalm 19. The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. Wisdom perfect, refreshing the soul. Wisdom perfect, refreshing the soul. Wisdom revives you. It refreshes you. Like, oh, revives you. It refreshes you. Like, oh, revives you. It refreshes you. Like, oh, that was such a good word. It's going to that was such a good word. It's going to that was such a good word. It's going to help me live and make the right choices. help me live and make the right choices. help me live and make the right choices. The statutes of the Lord are The statutes of the Lord are The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise, the simple trustworthy, making wise, the simple trustworthy, making wise, the simple people who who don't think about all the people who who don't think about all the people who who don't think about all the the implications of their decision. the implications of their decision. the implications of their decision. Wisdom gives them a broader perspective Wisdom gives them a broader perspective Wisdom gives them a broader perspective to make better choices. The precepts of to make better choices. The precepts of to make better choices. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the the Lord are right, giving joy to the the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. Wisdom of God brings joy because heart. Wisdom of God brings joy because heart. Wisdom of God brings joy because when you do the right thing in the right when you do the right thing in the right when you do the right thing in the right way, there's a blessing and that's the way, there's a blessing and that's the way, there's a blessing and that's the invitation. invitation. invitation. The commands of the Lord are radiant, The commands of the Lord are radiant, The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. When you giving light to the eyes. When you giving light to the eyes. When you experience and live in the wisdom of experience and live in the wisdom of experience and live in the wisdom of God, there's a light in your eyes that God, there's a light in your eyes that God, there's a light in your eyes that you don't have in any other way. And you don't have in any other way. And you don't have in any other way. And then David goes on and says, "The wisdom then David goes on and says, "The wisdom then David goes on and says, "The wisdom of God is precious like gold. It's of God is precious like gold. It's of God is precious like gold. It's sweeter than honey.

sweeter than honey. sweeter than honey. And if you follow the wisdom of God, And if you follow the wisdom of God, And if you follow the wisdom of God, there is great reward." And so there's a there is great reward." And so there's a there is great reward." And so there's a part of the wisdom of God that's this part of the wisdom of God that's this part of the wisdom of God that's this sweetness. sweetness. sweetness. But Solomon talks about another side of But Solomon talks about another side of But Solomon talks about another side of God's wisdom that God's wisdom. God's wisdom that God's wisdom. God's wisdom that God's wisdom. Well, it can make you wse. What is a Well, it can make you wse. What is a Well, it can make you wse. What is a goat? A goat is this. It's like a cattle goat? A goat is this. It's like a cattle goat? A goat is this. It's like a cattle prod. It's what a shepherd or farmer prod. It's what a shepherd or farmer prod. It's what a shepherd or farmer would do to get the sheep to walk or the would do to get the sheep to walk or the would do to get the sheep to walk or the cattle to walk in a certain direction. cattle to walk in a certain direction. cattle to walk in a certain direction. So if the cow or the sheep went right, So if the cow or the sheep went right, So if the cow or the sheep went right, the the farmer would prod them with that the the farmer would prod them with that the the farmer would prod them with that sharp. Oh, I better go this way. If they sharp. Oh, I better go this way. If they sharp. Oh, I better go this way. If they go left, I'm going to go this way. If go left, I'm going to go this way. If go left, I'm going to go this way. If they try to back up, oh, and and the they try to back up, oh, and and the they try to back up, oh, and and the shepherd is inflicting pain on these shepherd is inflicting pain on these shepherd is inflicting pain on these animals so they go in the right animals so they go in the right animals so they go in the right direction so they don't walk off a cliff direction so they don't walk off a cliff direction so they don't walk off a cliff or isolate themselves so a predator or isolate themselves so a predator or isolate themselves so a predator could kill them. And and so the farmer, could kill them. And and so the farmer, could kill them. And and so the farmer, the shepherd is is helping to protect the shepherd is is helping to protect the shepherd is is helping to protect the sheep and guide the sheep by hurting the sheep and guide the sheep by hurting the sheep and guide the sheep by hurting them. them. them. And Solomon says the wisdom, all of this And Solomon says the wisdom, all of this And Solomon says the wisdom, all of this collected wisdom collected wisdom collected wisdom is like a goat, like a firmly embedded is like a goat, like a firmly embedded is like a goat, like a firmly embedded nail given by a shepherd.

nail given by a shepherd. nail given by a shepherd. And that makes us think about wisdom in And that makes us think about wisdom in And that makes us think about wisdom in a slightly different way. You can write a slightly different way. You can write a slightly different way. You can write it down this way. Wisdom often hurts it down this way. Wisdom often hurts it down this way. Wisdom often hurts before it helps. before it helps. before it helps. Wisdom is an invitation and it's also a Wisdom is an invitation and it's also a Wisdom is an invitation and it's also a warning. It makes you smile warning. It makes you smile warning. It makes you smile and it makes you wse. and it makes you wse. and it makes you wse. Remember the well-known story in the Remember the well-known story in the Remember the well-known story in the Bible of a man named Saul of Tarsus? Bible of a man named Saul of Tarsus? Bible of a man named Saul of Tarsus? He's on a horse. He's with an army. He's He's on a horse. He's with an army. He's He's on a horse. He's with an army. He's going to Damascus to arrest and kill going to Damascus to arrest and kill going to Damascus to arrest and kill Christians. He is sure in his young 20s Christians. He is sure in his young 20s Christians. He is sure in his young 20s and 30s that he is the right guy for the and 30s that he is the right guy for the and 30s that he is the right guy for the job. I can. I'm zealous. I'm right. job. I can. I'm zealous. I'm right. job. I can. I'm zealous. I'm right. They're wrong. We're going to show them. They're wrong. We're going to show them. They're wrong. We're going to show them. I can do it. And Jesus knocks Saul off I can do it. And Jesus knocks Saul off I can do it. And Jesus knocks Saul off his high horse onto the ground and his high horse onto the ground and his high horse onto the ground and blinds him and asks him this question. blinds him and asks him this question. blinds him and asks him this question. Saul, why are you kicking against the Saul, why are you kicking against the Saul, why are you kicking against the goats? Why are you going this direction? You're Why are you going this direction? You're going to inflict pain on yourself and going to inflict pain on yourself and going to inflict pain on yourself and other people. Stop kicking against the other people. Stop kicking against the other people. Stop kicking against the goats. And now Saul is blind and needs goats. And now Saul is blind and needs goats. And now Saul is blind and needs to be led and he's brought to a house to be led and he's brought to a house to be led and he's brought to a house and he's completely helpless. And that's and he's completely helpless. And that's and he's completely helpless. And that's where Jesus opens his eyes where Jesus opens his eyes where Jesus opens his eyes and gives him a vision for his life.

and gives him a vision for his life. and gives him a vision for his life. Jesus has to hurt Saul Jesus has to hurt Saul Jesus has to hurt Saul to help him. And that's something we to help him. And that's something we to help him. And that's something we should be curious about. How how might should be curious about. How how might should be curious about. How how might God be hurting me to help me? How might God be hurting me to help me? How might God be hurting me to help me? How might he be giving me wisdom to help me go in he be giving me wisdom to help me go in he be giving me wisdom to help me go in the right direction? And this is the the right direction? And this is the the right direction? And this is the invitation that God's always given to invitation that God's always given to invitation that God's always given to people. Here's the invitation he gave people. Here's the invitation he gave people. Here's the invitation he gave through Moses to the children of Israel. through Moses to the children of Israel. through Moses to the children of Israel. This day I call the heavens and the This day I call the heavens and the This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you. I have earth as witnesses against you. I have earth as witnesses against you. I have set before you life and death, blessing set before you life and death, blessing set before you life and death, blessing and curses. Now choose life so that you and curses. Now choose life so that you and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live. and your children may live. and your children may live. God gives you a choice. He always gives God gives you a choice. He always gives God gives you a choice. He always gives you a choice. And his desire is that you you a choice. And his desire is that you you a choice. And his desire is that you choose the right way. And he'll even use choose the right way. And he'll even use choose the right way. And he'll even use pain to sort of prod you in the right pain to sort of prod you in the right pain to sort of prod you in the right way. But he's not going to control your way. But he's not going to control your way. But he's not going to control your decision. He's going to always give you decision. He's going to always give you decision. He's going to always give you a choice. a choice. a choice. And did you notice that God's wisdom And did you notice that God's wisdom And did you notice that God's wisdom always goes against the flow of cultures always goes against the flow of cultures always goes against the flow of cultures cultures wisdom? cultures wisdom? cultures wisdom? The flow of the wisdom of our age says The flow of the wisdom of our age says The flow of the wisdom of our age says avoid aging. Don't think about death. avoid aging. Don't think about death. avoid aging. Don't think about death. The wisdom of God said no. If you think The wisdom of God said no. If you think The wisdom of God said no. If you think about your last day and live with the about your last day and live with the about your last day and live with the end in mind, you'll actually have a full end in mind, you'll actually have a full end in mind, you'll actually have a full life. The flow of the world's wisdom life. The flow of the world's wisdom life. The flow of the world's wisdom says it's all about you. It's your life.

says it's all about you. It's your life. says it's all about you. It's your life. It's your body. It's your truth. It's It's your body. It's your truth. It's It's your body. It's your truth. It's your money. Do what's best. Follow your your money. Do what's best. Follow your your money. Do what's best. Follow your heart. heart. heart. The wisdom of God says, "There's a way The wisdom of God says, "There's a way The wisdom of God says, "There's a way that seems right to you, but it'll lead that seems right to you, but it'll lead that seems right to you, but it'll lead to death." to death." to death." So, So, So, fear God and keep his commandments, and fear God and keep his commandments, and fear God and keep his commandments, and you will find life. you will find life. you will find life. But here's the problem. This is the But here's the problem. This is the But here's the problem. This is the problem we don't talk about in church a problem we don't talk about in church a problem we don't talk about in church a lot. that every time you make a selfish lot. that every time you make a selfish lot. that every time you make a selfish decision or foolish decision or decision decision or foolish decision or decision decision or foolish decision or decision that that the world says is good, that that the world says is good, that that the world says is good, things actually get better in your life things actually get better in your life things actually get better in your life for a period of time. for a period of time. for a period of time. For example, For example, For example, you're in a college class you're in a college class you're in a college class and and and this is an important test and you don't this is an important test and you don't this is an important test and you don't know the answer and the smartest kid is know the answer and the smartest kid is know the answer and the smartest kid is next to you next to you next to you and if you look and get the right answer and if you look and get the right answer and if you look and get the right answer and filled it and no one catches you, and filled it and no one catches you, and filled it and no one catches you, you pass the class and you're better you pass the class and you're better you pass the class and you're better off. You do something bad and something off. You do something bad and something off. You do something bad and something good happens right away. You're stressed good happens right away. You're stressed good happens right away. You're stressed out and you're like, "If I just took a out and you're like, "If I just took a out and you're like, "If I just took a drink or took some pills, I I would calm drink or took some pills, I I would calm drink or took some pills, I I would calm my anxiety." And you do and it does. You my anxiety." And you do and it does. You my anxiety." And you do and it does. You feel sexual tension. in your life, if I feel sexual tension. in your life, if I feel sexual tension. in your life, if I just act out on this tension with this just act out on this tension with this just act out on this tension with this one person or click on this one button, one person or click on this one button, one person or click on this one button, I'll feel good and gratified and you I'll feel good and gratified and you I'll feel good and gratified and you will. And that's the problem with sin.

will. And that's the problem with sin. will. And that's the problem with sin. It tempts. It feels so good for a little It tempts. It feels so good for a little It tempts. It feels so good for a little while, but then follow that along. And while, but then follow that along. And while, but then follow that along. And what happens what happens what happens to the character of a person? to the character of a person? to the character of a person? Your character gets wrecked over the Your character gets wrecked over the Your character gets wrecked over the long term? You become a certain type of long term? You become a certain type of long term? You become a certain type of person that's all about you or person that's all about you or person that's all about you or compromises your values or integrity for compromises your values or integrity for compromises your values or integrity for a moment of pleasure and then you find a moment of pleasure and then you find a moment of pleasure and then you find yourself what you thought was freedom yourself what you thought was freedom yourself what you thought was freedom becomes bondage. What you thought was becomes bondage. What you thought was becomes bondage. What you thought was fulfillment becomes emptiness and you fulfillment becomes emptiness and you fulfillment becomes emptiness and you find I feel empty find I feel empty find I feel empty and lonely and aimless. How did I get and lonely and aimless. How did I get and lonely and aimless. How did I get here? And that's what happens when you here? And that's what happens when you here? And that's what happens when you go with the flow of cultural wisdom. And go with the flow of cultural wisdom. And go with the flow of cultural wisdom. And Solomon's like when you're young Solomon's like when you're young Solomon's like when you're young remember your creator. And these words remember your creator. And these words remember your creator. And these words are goats. They help move you in the are goats. They help move you in the are goats. They help move you in the right direction. if you allow them to right direction. if you allow them to right direction. if you allow them to have their effect in your life. have their effect in your life. have their effect in your life. And so the world will constantly offer And so the world will constantly offer And so the world will constantly offer us these us these us these shortcuts. shortcuts. shortcuts. You undermine that person at work, you You undermine that person at work, you You undermine that person at work, you get the credit, you get the raise, they get the credit, you get the raise, they get the credit, you get the raise, they don't. It worked for a while.

don't. It worked for a while. don't. It worked for a while. If I write something crazy online, If I write something crazy online, If I write something crazy online, people will like it for a while. people will like it for a while. people will like it for a while. But you gain the world and lose your But you gain the world and lose your But you gain the world and lose your soul. soul. soul. So, what happens as Christians when we So, what happens as Christians when we So, what happens as Christians when we do this? I mean, we know in Christ we're do this? I mean, we know in Christ we're do this? I mean, we know in Christ we're forgiven, but what what about when we forgiven, but what what about when we forgiven, but what what about when we make foolish decisions as a Christian? make foolish decisions as a Christian? make foolish decisions as a Christian? Well, God loves us enough not just to Well, God loves us enough not just to Well, God loves us enough not just to go, "Well, go, "Well, go, "Well, you do you. Doesn't matter to me." No, you do you. Doesn't matter to me." No, you do you. Doesn't matter to me." No, he does what a good father does when he he does what a good father does when he he does what a good father does when he father sees a child doing something father sees a child doing something father sees a child doing something foolish. He disciplines that child for foolish. He disciplines that child for foolish. He disciplines that child for their good. The book of Hebrews their good. The book of Hebrews their good. The book of Hebrews describes what God will do to us. Like a describes what God will do to us. Like a describes what God will do to us. Like a shepherd to a sheep with a goat, he shepherd to a sheep with a goat, he shepherd to a sheep with a goat, he disciplines us. Here's what the book of disciplines us. Here's what the book of disciplines us. Here's what the book of Hebrews says. No discipline seems Hebrews says. No discipline seems Hebrews says. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later pleasant at the time, but painful. Later pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of on, however, it produces a harvest of on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who righteousness and peace for those who righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. have been trained by it. have been trained by it. And again, this is a powerful verse in And again, this is a powerful verse in And again, this is a powerful verse in in the way that God works in and through in the way that God works in and through in the way that God works in and through his people when they're failing, when his people when they're failing, when his people when they're failing, when they make the wrong decision. God they make the wrong decision. God they make the wrong decision. God doesn't go fine, forget it. Now he doesn't go fine, forget it. Now he doesn't go fine, forget it. Now he introduces pain introduces pain introduces pain into our life into our life into our life to reshape our character back toward to reshape our character back toward to reshape our character back toward what real life is all about. Just like a what real life is all about. Just like a what real life is all about. Just like a good father. Now notice the word harvest good father. Now notice the word harvest good father. Now notice the word harvest says when we are disciplined by God, says when we are disciplined by God, says when we are disciplined by God, it's not pleasant. Consequences come it's not pleasant. Consequences come it's not pleasant. Consequences come because of our sin. This is not God's because of our sin. This is not God's because of our sin. This is not God's rejection of us. It's his love drawing rejection of us. It's his love drawing rejection of us. It's his love drawing close to us. His discipline is painful,

close to us. His discipline is painful, close to us. His discipline is painful, but it causes a harvest. A harvest means but it causes a harvest. A harvest means but it causes a harvest. A harvest means you plant something, but you don't get you plant something, but you don't get you plant something, but you don't get it for a while. Which means it takes it for a while. Which means it takes it for a while. Which means it takes time for God not just to bring time for God not just to bring time for God not just to bring forgiveness, but to reshape the way you forgiveness, but to reshape the way you forgiveness, but to reshape the way you think and the way you live your life. think and the way you live your life. think and the way you live your life. And that harvest over time produces two And that harvest over time produces two And that harvest over time produces two things, righteousness things, righteousness things, righteousness and peace for those who've been trained and peace for those who've been trained and peace for those who've been trained by it. So when you sin as a Christian, by it. So when you sin as a Christian, by it. So when you sin as a Christian, embrace the discipline of God as the embrace the discipline of God as the embrace the discipline of God as the love of God, knowing he's drawing near love of God, knowing he's drawing near love of God, knowing he's drawing near to you to help reshape your heart, your to you to help reshape your heart, your to you to help reshape your heart, your actions, your thoughts to be more like actions, your thoughts to be more like actions, your thoughts to be more like his so ultimately you can experience his so ultimately you can experience his so ultimately you can experience peace and righteousness. This is the peace and righteousness. This is the peace and righteousness. This is the gift of God. Have you ever experienced gift of God. Have you ever experienced gift of God. Have you ever experienced the discipline of God? Think with me a the discipline of God? Think with me a the discipline of God? Think with me a time in your life you're like, I know I time in your life you're like, I know I time in your life you're like, I know I shouldn't do this, but I did it. shouldn't do this, but I did it. shouldn't do this, but I did it. these consequences come. these consequences come. these consequences come. Sometimes we can interpret that as God Sometimes we can interpret that as God Sometimes we can interpret that as God is punishing me. is punishing me. is punishing me. But the Bible says, "No, he's But the Bible says, "No, he's But the Bible says, "No, he's disciplining you. He's training you." disciplining you. He's training you." disciplining you. He's training you." And there's a big difference between And there's a big difference between And there's a big difference between those two things. And so Solomon reminds those two things. And so Solomon reminds those two things. And so Solomon reminds us us us God's word can make us smile, God's word can make us smile, God's word can make us smile, sweet as honey delight, and it can make sweet as honey delight, and it can make sweet as honey delight, and it can make us wse.

us wse. us wse. So let's talk about how that works in So let's talk about how that works in So let's talk about how that works in our life. How many of you know that our life. How many of you know that our life. How many of you know that you're made in the very image and you're made in the very image and you're made in the very image and likeness of God? likeness of God? likeness of God? Smile. You're made in the image and Smile. You're made in the image and Smile. You're made in the image and likeness of God. likeness of God. likeness of God. But the Bible also says you are a sinner But the Bible also says you are a sinner But the Bible also says you are a sinner and your sin separates you from God. and your sin separates you from God. and your sin separates you from God. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] These things are both true. These things are both true. These things are both true. God gives you free will to make God gives you free will to make God gives you free will to make decisions on your own. [sighs] decisions on your own. [sighs] decisions on your own. [sighs] And he's so generous. Wow. And he's so generous. Wow. And he's so generous. Wow. But I am not in control and never will But I am not in control and never will But I am not in control and never will be. But [snorts] I want to be. be. But [snorts] I want to be. be. But [snorts] I want to be. God has made you for a purpose. You are God has made you for a purpose. You are God has made you for a purpose. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your fearfully and wonderfully made. Your fearfully and wonderfully made. Your gifts, your experiences, your calling gifts, your experiences, your calling gifts, your experiences, your calling have created you to do something great have created you to do something great have created you to do something great in the world, but it's not about you. in the world, but it's not about you. in the world, but it's not about you. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] You start thinking about all these You start thinking about all these You start thinking about all these beautiful promises of God that make you beautiful promises of God that make you beautiful promises of God that make you smile and the ones that make you go, smile and the ones that make you go, smile and the ones that make you go, "Oh, yeah, that [snorts] grates on my "Oh, yeah, that [snorts] grates on my "Oh, yeah, that [snorts] grates on my own desire to do my own thing." And own desire to do my own thing." And own desire to do my own thing." And these things are both true about the these things are both true about the these things are both true about the wisdom of God. wisdom of God. wisdom of God. And then Solomon closes his book with And then Solomon closes his book with And then Solomon closes his book with these two verses.

these two verses. these two verses. So now all has been heard. So now all has been heard. So now all has been heard. Here is the conclusion of the matter Here is the conclusion of the matter Here is the conclusion of the matter after all this writing. Here we go. Fear after all this writing. Here we go. Fear after all this writing. Here we go. Fear God and keep his commandments. For this God and keep his commandments. For this God and keep his commandments. For this is the duty of all mankind. For God will is the duty of all mankind. For God will is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, bring every deed into judgment, bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it including every hidden thing, whether it including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. is good or evil. is good or evil. Solomon just steps back in a very calm Solomon just steps back in a very calm Solomon just steps back in a very calm but urgent way and said,"Ive I've I've but urgent way and said,"Ive I've I've but urgent way and said,"Ive I've I've done all this studying. I've done all done all this studying. I've done all done all this studying. I've done all this research. I've done this my life this research. I've done this my life this research. I've done this my life experience through failure and success experience through failure and success experience through failure and success and and I've concluded this that you and and I've concluded this that you and and I've concluded this that you want to live with the end in mind want to live with the end in mind want to live with the end in mind that there is a fear of God that is that there is a fear of God that is that there is a fear of God that is healthy, that is holy, that will help healthy, that is holy, that will help healthy, that is holy, that will help you in your life." you in your life." you in your life." And maybe we can phrase it this way And maybe we can phrase it this way And maybe we can phrase it this way because the idea of fear of God is because the idea of fear of God is because the idea of fear of God is something hard for us to understand. But something hard for us to understand. But something hard for us to understand. But I want you to think about it this way. I want you to think about it this way. I want you to think about it this way. Live in awe of God. The word fear, the Live in awe of God. The word fear, the Live in awe of God. The word fear, the word reverence, the word awe have very word reverence, the word awe have very word reverence, the word awe have very similar connotations to them. I don't I similar connotations to them. I don't I similar connotations to them. I don't I don't live my life afraid that every don't live my life afraid that every don't live my life afraid that every time I say or do something that God's time I say or do something that God's time I say or do something that God's going to smite me. But I do live in a going to smite me. But I do live in a going to smite me. But I do live in a sense of awe that every word I say, he sense of awe that every word I say, he sense of awe that every word I say, he hears. Every thought I think he can hears. Every thought I think he can hears. Every thought I think he can perceive. And he's gone before me. And perceive. And he's gone before me. And perceive. And he's gone before me. And every breath that I breathe is a gift of every breath that I breathe is a gift of every breath that I breathe is a gift of his. and ultimately all of my actions his. and ultimately all of my actions his. and ultimately all of my actions will be weighed.

will be weighed. will be weighed. And that gives me a soberness about how And that gives me a soberness about how And that gives me a soberness about how I live. Not a presumption, but a I live. Not a presumption, but a I live. Not a presumption, but a soberness of the reality of who God is soberness of the reality of who God is soberness of the reality of who God is and who I am. He is in heaven and I am and who I am. He is in heaven and I am and who I am. He is in heaven and I am not. He is wise and I think I am. But not. He is wise and I think I am. But not. He is wise and I think I am. But he's the one who's in control. And so, he's the one who's in control. And so, he's the one who's in control. And so, how do we live in awe of God? I was reading something this week and I was reading something this week and Two questions were posed and I think Two questions were posed and I think Two questions were posed and I think they were really good questions about they were really good questions about they were really good questions about living in the awe of God. And so here's living in the awe of God. And so here's living in the awe of God. And so here's the first one. Psalm says, "Fear God, the first one. Psalm says, "Fear God, the first one. Psalm says, "Fear God, live in awe and keep his commandments." live in awe and keep his commandments." live in awe and keep his commandments." This is the whole duty of mankind. So This is the whole duty of mankind. So This is the whole duty of mankind. So here's here's the first question. Do you here's here's the first question. Do you here's here's the first question. Do you live in awe of God? When was the last live in awe of God? When was the last live in awe of God? When was the last time that you read the Bible and you time that you read the Bible and you time that you read the Bible and you were amazed? were amazed? were amazed? When was the last time you approached When was the last time you approached When was the last time you approached the Bible with an expectation? God's the Bible with an expectation? God's the Bible with an expectation? God's going to speak to me. going to speak to me. going to speak to me. Not not how often do you read the Bible, Not not how often do you read the Bible, Not not how often do you read the Bible, but how do you approach the Bible? Not but how do you approach the Bible? Not but how do you approach the Bible? Not as like a history book or book of poetry as like a history book or book of poetry as like a history book or book of poetry or book of prophecy, but like a love or book of prophecy, but like a love or book of prophecy, but like a love letter from God to you. That it's a letter from God to you. That it's a letter from God to you. That it's a living and active word and he has a word living and active word and he has a word living and active word and he has a word for you because that's a posture of for you because that's a posture of for you because that's a posture of childlikeness.

childlikeness. childlikeness. It's a posture of a child looking to a It's a posture of a child looking to a It's a posture of a child looking to a father for good things. father for good things. father for good things. I It's a posture of relationship. I It's a posture of relationship. I It's a posture of relationship. And that's what it means to live in the And that's what it means to live in the And that's what it means to live in the awe of God. If maybe you've not awe of God. If maybe you've not awe of God. If maybe you've not experienced that sense of awe and maybe experienced that sense of awe and maybe experienced that sense of awe and maybe you don't read the Bible much, maybe go you don't read the Bible much, maybe go you don't read the Bible much, maybe go home and before you go to bed tonight, home and before you go to bed tonight, home and before you go to bed tonight, pray, "God, give me a sense of awe. Show pray, "God, give me a sense of awe. Show pray, "God, give me a sense of awe. Show me something. Reveal something to me me something. Reveal something to me me something. Reveal something to me about you and myself as I read and just about you and myself as I read and just about you and myself as I read and just open the Bible and watch God speak." open the Bible and watch God speak." open the Bible and watch God speak." Second thing, when was the last time you Second thing, when was the last time you Second thing, when was the last time you read something in the Bible and you read something in the Bible and you read something in the Bible and you submitted to what it said even though it submitted to what it said even though it submitted to what it said even though it hurt, hurt, hurt, even though it required you to change? That's a pretty good test of what it That's a pretty good test of what it means to live in the awe of God. means to live in the awe of God. means to live in the awe of God. He said like He said like He said like there's this person who really hurt me there's this person who really hurt me there's this person who really hurt me and and and I I just I can't forgive them because I I just I can't forgive them because I I just I can't forgive them because you don't understand like it all these you don't understand like it all these you don't understand like it all these things and then and then you read things and then and then you read things and then and then you read forgive as Christ forgave you and that forgive as Christ forgave you and that forgive as Christ forgave you and that now you have a choice. You let your now you have a choice. You let your now you have a choice. You let your thoughts and feelings about a situation thoughts and feelings about a situation thoughts and feelings about a situation and you weigh them next to what God says and you weigh them next to what God says and you weigh them next to what God says and you have a choice. If I live in awe and you have a choice. If I live in awe and you have a choice. If I live in awe of God, I submit to his way, trusting he of God, I submit to his way, trusting he of God, I submit to his way, trusting he knows best. Or I keep living my own life knows best. Or I keep living my own life knows best. Or I keep living my own life and doing it my own way. And we can do and doing it my own way. And we can do and doing it my own way. And we can do this in a thousand ways. In the way we this in a thousand ways. In the way we this in a thousand ways. In the way we express our sexuality, in the way we express our sexuality, in the way we express our sexuality, in the way we deal with our money, in the way we deal deal with our money, in the way we deal deal with our money, in the way we deal with conflict, in the way we deal with with conflict, in the way we deal with with conflict, in the way we deal with fame or trouble,

fame or trouble, fame or trouble, allowing God's word to be of greater allowing God's word to be of greater allowing God's word to be of greater weight than our own opinion. And this is weight than our own opinion. And this is weight than our own opinion. And this is one way to live in the awe of God. one way to live in the awe of God. one way to live in the awe of God. Psalm's like, Psalm's like, Psalm's like, I can conclude everything I've ever I can conclude everything I've ever I can conclude everything I've ever learned and written, the 3,000 proverbs learned and written, the 3,000 proverbs learned and written, the 3,000 proverbs by this. Just if you fear God and you by this. Just if you fear God and you by this. Just if you fear God and you keep his commandments, this is the whole keep his commandments, this is the whole keep his commandments, this is the whole duty of man. And then he says this, duty of man. And then he says this, duty of man. And then he says this, because there is a day coming where because there is a day coming where because there is a day coming where you're going to stand before God in you're going to stand before God in you're going to stand before God in judgment. Now, I don't know if you ever judgment. Now, I don't know if you ever judgment. Now, I don't know if you ever have experienced a recurring nightmare, have experienced a recurring nightmare, have experienced a recurring nightmare, but preachers have a recurring but preachers have a recurring but preachers have a recurring nightmare. I just had it two nights ago. nightmare. I just had it two nights ago. nightmare. I just had it two nights ago. You know what the preacher's recurring You know what the preacher's recurring You know what the preacher's recurring nightmare is? nightmare is? nightmare is? I'm standing up in front of all these I'm standing up in front of all these I'm standing up in front of all these people. You're all looking at me and I people. You're all looking at me and I people. You're all looking at me and I have no idea what I'm going to say. have no idea what I'm going to say. have no idea what I'm going to say. A preacher's biggest nightmare is I'm A preacher's biggest nightmare is I'm A preacher's biggest nightmare is I'm I'm unprepared for the moment. And I'm unprepared for the moment. And I'm unprepared for the moment. And Solomon is saying, Solomon is saying, Solomon is saying, "One of the worst things that could "One of the worst things that could "One of the worst things that could happen in your life is for you to be happen in your life is for you to be happen in your life is for you to be unprepared for the most important event unprepared for the most important event unprepared for the most important event or moment in your life. And it's not a or moment in your life. And it's not a or moment in your life. And it's not a dream you can wake up from.

dream you can wake up from. dream you can wake up from. You breathe your last breath. You're You breathe your last breath. You're You breathe your last breath. You're standing before God and now you're going standing before God and now you're going standing before God and now you're going to be judged. And and what does he say? to be judged. And and what does he say? to be judged. And and what does he say? Every deed will be brought into Every deed will be brought into Every deed will be brought into judgment, including everything that's judgment, including everything that's judgment, including everything that's hidden, whether it's good or evil. hidden, whether it's good or evil. hidden, whether it's good or evil. Solomon says most people spend most of Solomon says most people spend most of Solomon says most people spend most of their life not thinking about that most their life not thinking about that most their life not thinking about that most important day when their entire life is important day when their entire life is important day when their entire life is evaluated. And he's encouraging us live evaluated. And he's encouraging us live evaluated. And he's encouraging us live with that moment in mind. It won't be a with that moment in mind. It won't be a with that moment in mind. It won't be a dream. You won't be able to wake up from dream. You won't be able to wake up from dream. You won't be able to wake up from up. It's going to be real. Now, what up. It's going to be real. Now, what up. It's going to be real. Now, what does it mean to stand before God? I does it mean to stand before God? I does it mean to stand before God? I mean, just imagine the moment with me. mean, just imagine the moment with me. mean, just imagine the moment with me. You're going to breathe your last breath You're going to breathe your last breath You're going to breathe your last breath and you're going to stand before God and and you're going to stand before God and and you're going to stand before God and your mom's not going to be with you. your mom's not going to be with you. your mom's not going to be with you. Your dad's not going to be with you. Your dad's not going to be with you. Your dad's not going to be with you. Your pastor's not going to be with you. Your pastor's not going to be with you. Your pastor's not going to be with you. Your strong Christian friend's not going Your strong Christian friend's not going Your strong Christian friend's not going to be with you. Like, hey, what's the to be with you. Like, hey, what's the to be with you. Like, hey, what's the answer? answer? answer? You can be like there. And the Bible You can be like there. And the Bible You can be like there. And the Bible describes this moment in very vivid describes this moment in very vivid describes this moment in very vivid detail in the book of Hebrews. Here's detail in the book of Hebrews. Here's detail in the book of Hebrews. Here's what it says. Hebrews 4 verse 13. what it says. Hebrews 4 verse 13. what it says. Hebrews 4 verse 13. Nothing in all of creation is hidden Nothing in all of creation is hidden Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is from God's sight. Everything is from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes uncovered and laid bare before the eyes uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.

of him to whom we must give an account. of him to whom we must give an account. And then the author of Hebrews says, And then the author of Hebrews says, And then the author of Hebrews says, "That's why we want to worship God with "That's why we want to worship God with "That's why we want to worship God with reverence and fear and awe because our reverence and fear and awe because our reverence and fear and awe because our God is a consuming God is a consuming God is a consuming fire." fire." fire." We get a description of this in the New We get a description of this in the New We get a description of this in the New Testament where Jesus is guiding John Testament where Jesus is guiding John Testament where Jesus is guiding John along and showing him this moment of along and showing him this moment of along and showing him this moment of final judgment that every human being final judgment that every human being final judgment that every human being will stand before God. Here's how this will stand before God. Here's how this will stand before God. Here's how this the Bible describes it in Revelation 20. the Bible describes it in Revelation 20. the Bible describes it in Revelation 20. Then I saw a great white throne and him Then I saw a great white throne and him Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. And the earth and who was seated on it. And the earth and who was seated on it. And the earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and the heavens fled from his presence, and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw there was no place for them. And I saw there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing the dead, great and small, standing the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and the books were before the throne, and the books were before the throne, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, opened. And another book was opened, opened. And another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead which is the book of life. And the dead which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to what they had were judged according to what they had were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. done as recorded in the books. done as recorded in the books. And then in verse 15, John says, 'Anyone And then in verse 15, John says, 'Anyone And then in verse 15, John says, 'Anyone whose name was not found written in the whose name was not found written in the whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of book of life was thrown into the lake of book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Again, this is a sober moment. Again, this is a sober moment. Solomon says it, Jesus says it, John Solomon says it, Jesus says it, John Solomon says it, Jesus says it, John witnesses it. There's a moment where witnesses it. There's a moment where witnesses it. There's a moment where we're all going to stand before God and we're all going to stand before God and we're all going to stand before God and we're going to be our life is going to we're going to be our life is going to we're going to be our life is going to be evaluated. And that's not something be evaluated. And that's not something be evaluated. And that's not something that you can put off or avoid because that you can put off or avoid because that you can put off or avoid because it's not a dream you you can wake up it's not a dream you you can wake up it's not a dream you you can wake up from.

from. from. And this is again where we struggle. We And this is again where we struggle. We And this is again where we struggle. We like to think about well Jesus offers us like to think about well Jesus offers us like to think about well Jesus offers us heaven. But Jesus also talks about hell. heaven. But Jesus also talks about hell. heaven. But Jesus also talks about hell. And in fact Jesus makes one of the most And in fact Jesus makes one of the most And in fact Jesus makes one of the most dramatic and memorable statements about dramatic and memorable statements about dramatic and memorable statements about hell. He says to people don't don't fear hell. He says to people don't don't fear hell. He says to people don't don't fear the person who can kill your body. the person who can kill your body. the person who can kill your body. Fear the person who after your body is Fear the person who after your body is Fear the person who after your body is killed can take your body and throw your killed can take your body and throw your killed can take your body and throw your body into hell. That's the person you body into hell. That's the person you body into hell. That's the person you should fear. Who is Jesus talking about? should fear. Who is Jesus talking about? should fear. Who is Jesus talking about? He's not talking about the devil. He's not talking about the devil. He's not talking about the devil. He's talking about his father. And so He's talking about his father. And so He's talking about his father. And so that gives us a soberness like whoa what that gives us a soberness like whoa what that gives us a soberness like whoa what eternity. It does matter. The way I eternity. It does matter. The way I eternity. It does matter. The way I decide it does matter. Now, if you're a decide it does matter. Now, if you're a decide it does matter. Now, if you're a Christian, I want you to know that on Christian, I want you to know that on Christian, I want you to know that on that last day when you stand before God, that last day when you stand before God, that last day when you stand before God, you don't have to have a fearful, you don't have to have a fearful, you don't have to have a fearful, dreadful feeling before God because dreadful feeling before God because dreadful feeling before God because well, I want to tell you about this well, I want to tell you about this well, I want to tell you about this moment for me. I know I'm going to die moment for me. I know I'm going to die moment for me. I know I'm going to die and I'm going to stand before God and I'm going to stand before God and I'm going to stand before God and I know that my life will be and I know that my life will be and I know that my life will be evaluated and you know what? I'm looking evaluated and you know what? I'm looking evaluated and you know what? I'm looking forward to the day with confident forward to the day with confident forward to the day with confident expectation because here's what God's expectation because here's what God's expectation because here's what God's not going to say.

not going to say. not going to say. Doug, you get in because you did more Doug, you get in because you did more Doug, you get in because you did more good than bad. You helped some poor good than bad. You helped some poor good than bad. You helped some poor people, some kids in foster care, or you people, some kids in foster care, or you people, some kids in foster care, or you were the pastor of the church or you're were the pastor of the church or you're were the pastor of the church or you're a good husband or good father and you a good husband or good father and you a good husband or good father and you told more truths than lies and sang more told more truths than lies and sang more told more truths than lies and sang more praise songs than profanity. So, you're praise songs than profanity. So, you're praise songs than profanity. So, you're in. That's not that's not going to in. That's not that's not going to in. That's not that's not going to happen. You know, you know how I'm happen. You know, you know how I'm happen. You know, you know how I'm getting into heaven? getting into heaven? getting into heaven? Because when God looks at me and judges Because when God looks at me and judges Because when God looks at me and judges every deed and every thought, he's going every deed and every thought, he's going every deed and every thought, he's going to see the perfect righteousness of to see the perfect righteousness of to see the perfect righteousness of Jesus. Because Jesus took my place in Jesus. Because Jesus took my place in Jesus. Because Jesus took my place in the great exchange on the cross, when he the great exchange on the cross, when he the great exchange on the cross, when he died for every one of my sins and all died for every one of my sins and all died for every one of my sins and all the guilt and shame of my sins. I'm not the guilt and shame of my sins. I'm not the guilt and shame of my sins. I'm not going to heaven because I'm a good going to heaven because I'm a good going to heaven because I'm a good person. I'm going to heaven because I'm person. I'm going to heaven because I'm person. I'm going to heaven because I'm a forgiven person bought by the precious a forgiven person bought by the precious a forgiven person bought by the precious blood of Jesus. And so, church, I want blood of Jesus. And so, church, I want blood of Jesus. And so, church, I want you to know on that judgment day, the you to know on that judgment day, the you to know on that judgment day, the Bible says we shouldn't live in dread Bible says we shouldn't live in dread Bible says we shouldn't live in dread and fear. that perfect love casts out and fear. that perfect love casts out and fear. that perfect love casts out fear because fear has to do with fear because fear has to do with fear because fear has to do with judgment. But we know we've been bought judgment. But we know we've been bought judgment. But we know we've been bought with a price and we know we've repented with a price and we know we've repented with a price and we know we've repented of our sins and trust in Christ. And of our sins and trust in Christ. And of our sins and trust in Christ. And that's why when we take communion today, that's why when we take communion today, that's why when we take communion today, it's a beautiful celebration.

it's a beautiful celebration. it's a beautiful celebration. But for those of you who haven't made a But for those of you who haven't made a But for those of you who haven't made a decision like this, decision like this, decision like this, this is a serious and sober moment. And this is a serious and sober moment. And this is a serious and sober moment. And so I want to give you one last so I want to give you one last so I want to give you one last invitation. Here's what God says to his invitation. Here's what God says to his invitation. Here's what God says to his people about the condition where they people about the condition where they people about the condition where they are and the invitation are and the invitation are and the invitation to make a different decision. to make a different decision. to make a different decision. Come now, God says, "Let us reason Come now, God says, "Let us reason Come now, God says, "Let us reason together. together. together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they Though your sins are like scarlet, they Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be made white as snow. Though shall be made white as snow. Though shall be made white as snow. Though they're red as crimson, they'll be like they're red as crimson, they'll be like they're red as crimson, they'll be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, wool. If you are willing and obedient, wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat from the best of the land. you will eat from the best of the land. you will eat from the best of the land. But if you resist and rebel, you will be But if you resist and rebel, you will be But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of devoured by the sword. For the mouth of devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord the Lord the Lord has spoken." has spoken." has spoken." If you haven't lived well, if you lived If you haven't lived well, if you lived If you haven't lived well, if you lived apart from God, apart from God, apart from God, if maybe even today is coming to go if maybe even today is coming to go if maybe even today is coming to go like, maybe I'll just do my checkbox like, maybe I'll just do my checkbox like, maybe I'll just do my checkbox with God. We're good, right? with God. We're good, right? with God. We're good, right? That's not a relationship. That's you That's not a relationship. That's you That's not a relationship. That's you trying to manipulate God to live your trying to manipulate God to live your trying to manipulate God to live your life and be okay and have him approve life and be okay and have him approve life and be okay and have him approve it. That's a whole different thing. But it. That's a whole different thing. But it. That's a whole different thing. But God's not mocked. God's not fooled. God God's not mocked. God's not fooled. God God's not mocked. God's not fooled. God knows your thought process. He knows knows your thought process. He knows knows your thought process. He knows your motives. And he offers you. So, your motives. And he offers you. So, your motives. And he offers you. So, let's reason together. Think about this let's reason together. Think about this let's reason together. Think about this with me. I have offered you heaven for with me. I have offered you heaven for with me. I have offered you heaven for free. I gave my one and only son. I love free. I gave my one and only son. I love free. I gave my one and only son. I love you so much. I would watch my son suffer you so much. I would watch my son suffer you so much. I would watch my son suffer and die so you could be forgiven. So we and die so you could be forgiven. So we and die so you could be forgiven. So we could be together.

could be together. could be together. But I'm not going to make you. If you But I'm not going to make you. If you But I'm not going to make you. If you choose to go this way and stand in choose to go this way and stand in choose to go this way and stand in judgment with your own deeds, you will judgment with your own deeds, you will judgment with your own deeds, you will be judged be judged be judged and hell will be your destiny. and hell will be your destiny. and hell will be your destiny. But I hope But I hope But I hope that you can reason just for a moment to that you can reason just for a moment to that you can reason just for a moment to know my great love that's pursued you. know my great love that's pursued you. know my great love that's pursued you. that I want to forgive you. And if that I want to forgive you. And if that I want to forgive you. And if you're here today, we're not going to you're here today, we're not going to you're here today, we're not going to have a moment where you come forward, have a moment where you come forward, have a moment where you come forward, but I'm just in the quietness of your but I'm just in the quietness of your but I'm just in the quietness of your seat, I'm just going to invite you. If seat, I'm just going to invite you. If seat, I'm just going to invite you. If you if you know you need forgiveness, if you if you know you need forgiveness, if you if you know you need forgiveness, if you know you need to be right, if you you know you need to be right, if you you know you need to be right, if you want to stand before God without fear on want to stand before God without fear on want to stand before God without fear on that day and have your name be written that day and have your name be written that day and have your name be written in the book of life, you can just simply in the book of life, you can just simply in the book of life, you can just simply pray a prayer. Father, forgive my sin. I want to live for you. I want to live for you. So take my guilt and shame and wash it So take my guilt and shame and wash it So take my guilt and shame and wash it away. Fill me with your spirit. away. Fill me with your spirit. away. Fill me with your spirit. I trust Jesus that you came for me. You I trust Jesus that you came for me. You I trust Jesus that you came for me. You died in my place. died in my place. died in my place. And I receive your forgiveness And I receive your forgiveness And I receive your forgiveness and your adoption into your family.

and your adoption into your family. and your adoption into your family. And I pray this in Jesus name. If you prayed that prayer, I'm going to If you prayed that prayer, I'm going to invite you to join us in communion. I'm invite you to join us in communion. I'm invite you to join us in communion. I'm going to invite you to take out your going to invite you to take out your going to invite you to take out your communion elements right now. Communion communion elements right now. Communion communion elements right now. Communion is a time as Christians where we think is a time as Christians where we think is a time as Christians where we think about the love of God and the wisdom of about the love of God and the wisdom of about the love of God and the wisdom of God. God. God. That God so loved the world that he gave That God so loved the world that he gave That God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever his one and only son that whoever his one and only son that whoever believes and puts our faith and trust in believes and puts our faith and trust in believes and puts our faith and trust in him that we don't have to perish but we him that we don't have to perish but we him that we don't have to perish but we can have everlasting life. can have everlasting life. can have everlasting life. And so this is not for people who aren't And so this is not for people who aren't And so this is not for people who aren't Christians. It's for people who say by Christians. It's for people who say by Christians. It's for people who say by taking this bread and taking this cup I taking this bread and taking this cup I taking this bread and taking this cup I acknowledge this is personal for me. acknowledge this is personal for me. acknowledge this is personal for me. And so we're going to give you a moment And so we're going to give you a moment And so we're going to give you a moment to examine your heart. And I want you to to examine your heart. And I want you to to examine your heart. And I want you to examine your heart in light of the fact examine your heart in light of the fact examine your heart in light of the fact that you'll stand before God and nothing that you'll stand before God and nothing that you'll stand before God and nothing will be hidden from him. will be hidden from him. will be hidden from him. Bible says in 1 Corinthians 11 that we Bible says in 1 Corinthians 11 that we Bible says in 1 Corinthians 11 that we should judge ourselves as we sit at the should judge ourselves as we sit at the should judge ourselves as we sit at the communion table, evaluate ourselves so communion table, evaluate ourselves so communion table, evaluate ourselves so that we're not judged in the future. In that we're not judged in the future. In that we're not judged in the future. In other words, if there's any secret sin other words, if there's any secret sin other words, if there's any secret sin in your life, you have a chance to in your life, you have a chance to in your life, you have a chance to repent. repent. repent. There's any thought process There's any thought process There's any thought process that's that's that's rebelling against God's authority in rebelling against God's authority in rebelling against God's authority in your life that you can say, "God, your life that you can say, "God, your life that you can say, "God, forgive me.

forgive me. forgive me. Help me to live for you." Maybe today Help me to live for you." Maybe today Help me to live for you." Maybe today you need his comfort because you've been you need his comfort because you've been you need his comfort because you've been living it rightly, but it's been living it rightly, but it's been living it rightly, but it's been difficult. difficult. difficult. Well, just invite him to be your comfort Well, just invite him to be your comfort Well, just invite him to be your comfort and peace. But let's just spend a moment and peace. But let's just spend a moment and peace. But let's just spend a moment in reflection in reflection in reflection and evaluation before our savior. Then and evaluation before our savior. Then and evaluation before our savior. Then we're going to come back and take the we're going to come back and take the we're going to come back and take the bread and the cup. And then we're going bread and the cup. And then we're going bread and the cup. And then we're going to respond in worship and in prayer to to respond in worship and in prayer to to respond in worship and in prayer to God's good gifts. Let's take that moment God's good gifts. Let's take that moment God's good gifts. Let's take that moment to evaluate together. Thank [music] you for the cross,

Thank [music] you for the cross, Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> Thank you for the price >> Thank you for the price >> Thank you for the price you paid. you paid. you paid. Bearing [music and singing] all my sin Bearing [music and singing] all my sin Bearing [music and singing] all my sin and shame. and shame. and shame. In love [music and singing] you came In love [music and singing] you came In love [music and singing] you came and gave amazing and gave amazing and gave amazing grace. grace. grace. Thank you for this love Thank you for this love Thank you for this love Lord. Thank you [music] for the nail Thank you [music] for the nail pierced hands. pierced hands. pierced hands. Washed [music] me in your [singing] Washed [music] me in your [singing] Washed [music] me in your [singing] cleansing flow. cleansing flow. cleansing flow. Now all I [music] know is your [singing] Now all I [music] know is your [singing] Now all I [music] know is your [singing] forgiveness forgiveness forgiveness and embrace. Worthy [singing and music] Worthy [singing and music] is the lamb.

We crown [singing] you now with many We crown [singing] you now with many crowns. crowns. crowns. You reign victorious [singing] [music] high [singing] and lifted [music] high [singing] and lifted up. the darling of heaven, the darling of heaven, crucified. [music] [music] [music] Worthy [singing] is the lamb. Oh, Oh, worthy is [music and singing] the lamb. worthy is [music and singing] the lamb. worthy is [music and singing] the lamb. Oh, Paul says [music] that Paul says [music] that the treasures the treasures the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden of wisdom and knowledge are hidden of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ.

in Christ. in Christ. that all the things you'd ever want to that all the things you'd ever want to that all the things you'd ever want to know know know about how to live the life that you've about how to live the life that you've about how to live the life that you've always wanted, the life that God has for always wanted, the life that God has for always wanted, the life that God has for you. you. you. It's hidden in the treasure of Jesus, It's hidden in the treasure of Jesus, It's hidden in the treasure of Jesus, the one who made you, the one who loved the one who made you, the one who loved the one who made you, the one who loved you. If you ever wonder how much God you. If you ever wonder how much God you. If you ever wonder how much God loves you, just loves you, just loves you, just look at these elements. Look at the look at these elements. Look at the look at these elements. Look at the cross of Christ. God loved you so much. cross of Christ. God loved you so much. cross of Christ. God loved you so much. He watched his son suffer and die in He watched his son suffer and die in He watched his son suffer and die in your place, in my place, so that we your place, in my place, so that we your place, in my place, so that we could be together. That he could could be together. That he could could be together. That he could purchase our redemption. He could pay purchase our redemption. He could pay purchase our redemption. He could pay our ransom. our ransom. our ransom. And so we take communion today as And so we take communion today as And so we take communion today as grateful people. On the night that Jesus was arrested, he On the night that Jesus was arrested, he took this bread and he broke it. He took this bread and he broke it. He took this bread and he broke it. He said, "This is my body. It's given for said, "This is my body. It's given for said, "This is my body. It's given for you. Every time you eat it, eat it in you. Every time you eat it, eat it in you. Every time you eat it, eat it in remembrance of me." Let's remember Jesus remembrance of me." Let's remember Jesus remembrance of me." Let's remember Jesus together.

On that same night, he took the cup and On that same night, he took the cup and he said, "This cup is the new covenant he said, "This cup is the new covenant he said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. It's given for you. Every in my blood. It's given for you. Every in my blood. It's given for you. Every time you drink it, remember me." Let's time you drink it, remember me." Let's time you drink it, remember me." Let's remember Jesus together. And now we have a chance to respond. And now we have a chance to respond. And so we're going to take a few moments And so we're going to take a few moments And so we're going to take a few moments to respond in in worship and in prayer to respond in in worship and in prayer to respond in in worship and in prayer and reflection. And so welcome Jamie as and reflection. And so welcome Jamie as and reflection. And so welcome Jamie as he comes to lead us. As people continue in an attitude of As people continue in an attitude of prayer here at the Fort Lauderdale prayer here at the Fort Lauderdale prayer here at the Fort Lauderdale campus, I want to invite you to take a campus, I want to invite you to take a campus, I want to invite you to take a moment with God right where you are. moment with God right where you are. moment with God right where you are. Maybe you're walking through a Maybe you're walking through a Maybe you're walking through a challenging time right now and you need challenging time right now and you need challenging time right now and you need God's comfort, his help, maybe his God's comfort, his help, maybe his God's comfort, his help, maybe his wisdom. Or maybe you've been praying for wisdom. Or maybe you've been praying for wisdom. Or maybe you've been praying for someone else like a [music] friend or a someone else like a [music] friend or a someone else like a [music] friend or a family member, a close friend, maybe a family member, a close friend, maybe a family member, a close friend, maybe a neighbor. Whatever your situation, let's neighbor. Whatever your situation, let's neighbor. Whatever your situation, let's take a moment right now and let's pray take a moment right now and let's pray take a moment right now and let's pray together. Gracious Lord, heavenly together. Gracious Lord, heavenly together. Gracious Lord, heavenly father, we love you and we trust you.

father, we love you and we trust you. father, we love you and we trust you. the burdens we feel, the situations the burdens we feel, the situations the burdens we feel, the situations we're wrestling with, or even the people we're wrestling with, or even the people we're wrestling with, or even the people we're praying for right now. We just we're praying for right now. We just we're praying for right now. We just want to take a moment and surrender want to take a moment and surrender want to take a moment and surrender [music] them at your feet, knowing and [music] them at your feet, knowing and [music] them at your feet, knowing and trusting that you can do more with all trusting that you can do more with all trusting that you can do more with all of our requests and all of our burdens of our requests and all of our burdens of our requests and all of our burdens and situations. You can do more with and situations. You can do more with and situations. You can do more with those than we can. We trust you. We those than we can. We trust you. We those than we can. We trust you. We surrender our lives to you, [music] our surrender our lives to you, [music] our surrender our lives to you, [music] our burdens to you. Gracious Lord, you have burdens to you. Gracious Lord, you have burdens to you. Gracious Lord, you have been so kind to us. [music] And so, been so kind to us. [music] And so, been so kind to us. [music] And so, would you respond to our requests? Would would you respond to our requests? Would would you respond to our requests? Would you answer our prayers? We ask this in you answer our prayers? We ask this in you answer our prayers? We ask this in your name. Amen. The beautiful thing your name. Amen. The beautiful thing your name. Amen. The beautiful thing that we see in the scriptures is that that we see in the scriptures is that that we see in the scriptures is that God is faithful and he hears us whenever God is faithful and he hears us whenever God is faithful and he hears us whenever we [music] pray. And if you're looking we [music] pray. And if you're looking we [music] pray. And if you're looking for more prayer opportunities, here are for more prayer opportunities, here are for more prayer opportunities, here are a few ideas. First, you can also submit a few ideas. First, you can also submit a few ideas. First, you can also submit a prayer request to our prayer wall a prayer request to our prayer wall a prayer request to our prayer wall throughout the week. Just go to throughout the week. Just go to throughout the week. Just go to calvaryftl.org/p calvaryftl.org/p calvaryftl.org/p prayer and you'll see an opportunity to prayer and you'll see an opportunity to prayer and you'll see an opportunity to share your prayer request and also to share your prayer request and also to share your prayer request and also to pray with others. [music] And second, pray with others. [music] And second, pray with others. [music] And second, don't forget that you're also invited to don't forget that you're also invited to don't forget that you're also invited to the weekly night of prayer happening the weekly night of prayer happening the weekly night of prayer happening this Wednesday. [music] this Wednesday. [music] this Wednesday. [music] If you've been part of our prayer nights If you've been part of our prayer nights If you've been part of our prayer nights on Tuesdays in the past, we're actually on Tuesdays in the past, we're actually on Tuesdays in the past, we're actually starting a new midweek rhythm on starting a new midweek rhythm on starting a new midweek rhythm on Wednesday nights instead. And we would Wednesday nights instead. And we would Wednesday nights instead. And we would love to have you join us here in person love to have you join us here in person love to have you join us here in person at the Fort Lauderdale campus. But at the Fort Lauderdale campus. But at the Fort Lauderdale campus. But that's all for [music] now. We love you.

that's all for [music] now. We love you. that's all for [music] now. We love you. We hope you have a wonderful week and We hope you have a wonderful week and We hope you have a wonderful week and we'll see you soon. For the Lord our God, the Almighty. For the Lord our God, the Almighty. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] more than Lord our God, [music] the more than Lord our God, [music] the Almighty. You are King [music] of Kings You are King [music] of Kings and your Lord and your Lord and your Lord of Lords. of Lords. of Lords. You [singing] are king You [singing] are king You [singing] are king of kings [music] and your lord and your lord of lord. [music] Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] For the Lord our God we are mighty. For the Lord our God we are mighty. For the Lord our God we are mighty. [music] You are king You are king of kings of kings of kings and [music] you're lord and [music] you're lord and [music] you're lord of lord. [singing] You are king [music] You are king [music] of kings of kings of kings and your lord. and your lord. and your lord. [music] You are [music] king You are [music] king of kings of kings of kings and you're all [music] and you're all [music] and you're all [music] of you are king you are king of [music and singing] of [music and singing] of [music and singing] kings kings kings and lord and lord and lord of lord.

You are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. Oh, you are King you are King of Kings. of Kings. of Kings. You are Lord You are Lord You are Lord of Lords. You are king You are king of of of kings. kings. kings. You are Lord.