Traditional Service — “Blessings from Trusting”, Dr. Jonathan Murphy

This is the day the Lord has made. Let This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Welcome to us rejoice and be glad in it. Welcome to us rejoice and be glad in it. Welcome to worship at Stone Brier. We're delighted worship at Stone Brier. We're delighted worship at Stone Brier. We're delighted that you've chosen to spend this hour that you've chosen to spend this hour that you've chosen to spend this hour with us as we come together to encounter with us as we come together to encounter with us as we come together to encounter God through his word, through singing God through his word, through singing God through his word, through singing together, through prayer. Calling us now together, through prayer. Calling us now together, through prayer. Calling us now into this hour of worship is our string into this hour of worship is our string into this hour of worship is our string octet. octet. octet. String octet. and they'll be playing a String octet. and they'll be playing a String octet. and they'll be playing a wonderful arrangement of a hymn that you wonderful arrangement of a hymn that you wonderful arrangement of a hymn that you might remember from years ago. might remember from years ago. might remember from years ago. The words to the refrain say, "Amazing The words to the refrain say, "Amazing The words to the refrain say, "Amazing love, how can it be that thou my God love, how can it be that thou my God love, how can it be that thou my God should die for me?" And in that spirit should die for me?" And in that spirit should die for me?" And in that spirit of gratitude to all that the Lord has of gratitude to all that the Lord has of gratitude to all that the Lord has done, let us now worship God. >> Thank you, sir Pete. and for our octet

>> Thank you, sir Pete. and for our octet for reminding us of God's great love for for reminding us of God's great love for for reminding us of God's great love for us and how we marvel how we worship him us and how we marvel how we worship him us and how we marvel how we worship him for that. It's a beautiful morning. Glad for that. It's a beautiful morning. Glad for that. It's a beautiful morning. Glad you are with us today. Thank you for you are with us today. Thank you for you are with us today. Thank you for being here at Stonewire Community Church being here at Stonewire Community Church being here at Stonewire Community Church this last Sunday in August. The burr this last Sunday in August. The burr this last Sunday in August. The burr months are lining up. They'll be here months are lining up. They'll be here months are lining up. They'll be here before you know it and you'll be before you know it and you'll be before you know it and you'll be layering. layering. layering. That's right. And the the heat will just That's right. And the the heat will just That's right. And the the heat will just be a distant memory. be a distant memory. be a distant memory. We're so thankful you decided to be here We're so thankful you decided to be here We're so thankful you decided to be here with us to worship God the Father, to with us to worship God the Father, to with us to worship God the Father, to proclaim Jesus Christ and the good news proclaim Jesus Christ and the good news proclaim Jesus Christ and the good news of him and the Holy Spirit, to allow him of him and the Holy Spirit, to allow him of him and the Holy Spirit, to allow him to unify our hearts together and help us to unify our hearts together and help us to unify our hearts together and help us in worshiping and receiving the word as in worshiping and receiving the word as in worshiping and receiving the word as Jonathan will come in a little bit and Jonathan will come in a little bit and Jonathan will come in a little bit and give us from the word encouragement. give us from the word encouragement. give us from the word encouragement. We're glad you are here. If you're a We're glad you are here. If you're a We're glad you are here. If you're a visitor for the first time or for uh a visitor for the first time or for uh a visitor for the first time or for uh a while, we're thankful you're here. We'd while, we're thankful you're here. We'd while, we're thankful you're here. We'd love to greet you. Let me ask you after love to greet you. Let me ask you after love to greet you. Let me ask you after the service is over to go out to the the service is over to go out to the the service is over to go out to the center of our atrium. We have our our center of our atrium. We have our our center of our atrium. We have our our information center there. We have information center there. We have information center there. We have several from our staff and also who several from our staff and also who several from our staff and also who serve on our hospitality team. Just want serve on our hospitality team. Just want serve on our hospitality team. Just want to get to know you better. How can we to get to know you better. How can we to get to know you better. How can we encourage you? How can we help you in encourage you? How can we help you in encourage you? How can we help you in your journey with Christ? uh we'd love your journey with Christ? uh we'd love your journey with Christ? uh we'd love for you to belong to this fellowship. Uh for you to belong to this fellowship. Uh for you to belong to this fellowship. Uh we need you and uh we need each other we need you and uh we need each other we need you and uh we need each other and it's a wonderful time to be together and it's a wonderful time to be together and it's a wonderful time to be together on a Sunday morning. So thank you for

on a Sunday morning. So thank you for on a Sunday morning. So thank you for being here. Also this week uh we well being here. Also this week uh we well being here. Also this week uh we well not this week but the following week the not this week but the following week the not this week but the following week the first week after Labor Day Monday we first week after Labor Day Monday we first week after Labor Day Monday we will start our midweek ministries and will start our midweek ministries and will start our midweek ministries and that's a time to be together to belong that's a time to be together to belong that's a time to be together to belong to grow uh in God's word and to be to grow uh in God's word and to be to grow uh in God's word and to be encouraged around others. We hope you encouraged around others. We hope you encouraged around others. We hope you will make make note of that and also will make make note of that and also will make make note of that and also participate. We'll say a moment about u participate. We'll say a moment about u participate. We'll say a moment about u more about that in just a moment with more about that in just a moment with more about that in just a moment with our stonebar minute. But now's a good our stonebar minute. But now's a good our stonebar minute. But now's a good time to stand and greet one another and time to stand and greet one another and time to stand and greet one another and say hello to someone around you this say hello to someone around you this say hello to someone around you this morning. Why don't we do that for a morning. Why don't we do that for a morning. Why don't we do that for a moment or two?

Well, as I mentioned, our midweek fall Well, as I mentioned, our midweek fall ministries will be beginning soon. And ministries will be beginning soon. And ministries will be beginning soon. And Katie Crowder, who serves on our staff, Katie Crowder, who serves on our staff, Katie Crowder, who serves on our staff, actually, she grew up here. She's Stone actually, she grew up here. She's Stone actually, she grew up here. She's Stone Brower's own, but she serves as our Brower's own, but she serves as our Brower's own, but she serves as our middle school ministry director. She's middle school ministry director. She's middle school ministry director. She's going to tell us a little bit more about going to tell us a little bit more about going to tell us a little bit more about that and how you can belong to our that and how you can belong to our that and how you can belong to our midweek ministries. Church is more than what happens on Church is more than what happens on Sunday. [music] Sunday. [music] Sunday. [music] It's the conversations that happen It's the conversations that happen It's the conversations that happen around a table, the friendships that around a table, the friendships that around a table, the friendships that grow over time, the people who know your grow over time, the people who know your grow over time, the people who know your name, [music] pray for you, encourage name, [music] pray for you, encourage name, [music] pray for you, encourage you, and walk with you through everyday you, and walk with you through everyday you, and walk with you through everyday life. That's one [music] of the great life. That's one [music] of the great life. That's one [music] of the great things about being part of a small things about being part of a small things about being part of a small group. You have a place to build group. You have a place to build group. You have a place to build friendships, grow in your faith, [music] friendships, grow in your faith, [music] friendships, grow in your faith, [music] and do life with people who are walking and do life with people who are walking and do life with people who are walking alongside you. And if you haven't found alongside you. And if you haven't found alongside you. And if you haven't found that place [music] yet, midweek is a that place [music] yet, midweek is a that place [music] yet, midweek is a great place to start. Come have dinner great place to start. Come have dinner great place to start. Come have dinner with us. Join a men's or women's study. with us. Join a men's or women's study. with us. Join a men's or women's study. Find a [music] group for your marriage. Find a [music] group for your marriage. Find a [music] group for your marriage. Sing with the choir. Or find a group for Sing with the choir. Or find a group for Sing with the choir. Or find a group for your kids from elementary through high your kids from elementary through high your kids from elementary through high school. Child care is [music] available, school. Child care is [music] available, school. Child care is [music] available, too. You don't have to do everything. too. You don't have to do everything. too. You don't have to do everything. Just take a step, find a place to Just take a step, find a place to Just take a step, find a place to connect, get to know some people, and connect, get to know some people, and connect, get to know some people, and grow together. We'd love to see you at grow together. We'd love to see you at grow together. We'd love to see you at midweek. Find your group at [music] midweek. Find your group at [music] midweek. Find your group at [music] stoneer.org/events.

>> of [music] God and King >> of [music] God and King of the Welel. [music] Oh yeah. Oh yeah. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] Praise [singing] God. Heat.

Heat. [singing] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. >> My soul [singing] >> My soul [singing] king of heaven king of heaven king of heaven to his teachings [music] [singing] [singing] joy [music] joy [music] joy [music] forgi. Give forgi. Give forgi. Give more his praise and sing. [singing] more his praise and sing. [singing] more his praise and sing. [singing] Halleluah. [music] Hallelu.

Hallelu. [singing] Praise the everlasting [singing] Praise the everlasting [singing] Praise the everlasting king. king. king. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. Praise the everlasting Praise the everlasting Praise the everlasting [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] king. Praise [music and singing] him for his Praise [music and singing] him for his grace and favor to our fathers in grace and favor to our fathers in grace and favor to our fathers in distress. distress. distress. Praise [music and singing] him still the Praise [music and singing] him still the Praise [music and singing] him still the same as ever. same as ever. same as ever. So [music and singing] you try and So [music and singing] you try and So [music and singing] you try and strength to bless. strength to bless. strength to bless. Hallelu [music] Hallelu [music] Hallelu [music] [singing] Hallelu. [music and singing] [music and singing] Halleluah. Halleluah. Halleluah. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [singing] Glorious [music] [singing] Glorious [music] [singing] Glorious [music] in his faithful days. in his faithful days. in his faithful days. [music] [music] [music] Father [singing] like he tends and Father [singing] like he tends and Father [singing] like he tends and spares us for our people. [music] Pray spares us for our people. [music] Pray spares us for our people. [music] Pray [singing] he knows.

[singing] he knows. [singing] he knows. In his hands he gently bears us. In his hands he gently bears us. In his hands he gently bears us. [music and singing] Rescues us from our [music and singing] Rescues us from our [music and singing] Rescues us from our f f f >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. [singing] >> Hallelujah. [singing] >> Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Mighty [singing] as his mercy. Mighty [singing] as his mercy. Mighty [singing] as his mercy. [music] Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [singing] [singing] [singing] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Mighty as his mercy. Mighty as his mercy. Mighty as his mercy. [music] >> Angels [singing] in all adore [music] >> Angels [singing] in all adore [music] you behold him face to face [singing] before him [music] before him [music] [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah.

>> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. [singing] [singing] [singing] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> God [singing] >> God [singing] >> God [singing] of praise. of praise. of praise. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Praise God. [singing] Praise God. [singing] Praise God. [singing] The God of praise. [music] The God of praise. [music] The God of praise. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [singing] Praise God. [music] [music] [singing] >> Hallelujah. Allelujah is our song and >> Hallelujah. Allelujah is our song and praise with us today the God of grace. praise with us today the God of grace. praise with us today the God of grace. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. At the core of Christian worship >> Amen. At the core of Christian worship >> Amen. At the core of Christian worship is the recognition of our sin is the recognition of our sin is the recognition of our sin and then a right understanding of who and then a right understanding of who and then a right understanding of who God is as expressed in his word. and God is as expressed in his word. and God is as expressed in his word. and we'll open the word together here in we'll open the word together here in we'll open the word together here in just a moment.

just a moment. just a moment. And then the moving of the spirit who And then the moving of the spirit who And then the moving of the spirit who says, "Yes, this is what the father has says, "Yes, this is what the father has says, "Yes, this is what the father has said in his word." So would you in said in his word." So would you in said in his word." So would you in response to these truths about which we response to these truths about which we response to these truths about which we sing, would you joyfully worship God sing, would you joyfully worship God sing, would you joyfully worship God together as we confess his word back to together as we confess his word back to together as we confess his word back to him? This is Psalm 148. Praise the Lord. him? This is Psalm 148. Praise the Lord. him? This is Psalm 148. Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord from the heavens. >> Praise the Lord from the heavens. >> Praise the Lord from the heavens. Praise him in the highest. Praise him Praise him in the highest. Praise him Praise him in the highest. Praise him all his angels. Praise him all his all his angels. Praise him all his all his angels. Praise him all his hosts. Praise him son and moon. Praise hosts. Praise him son and moon. Praise hosts. Praise him son and moon. Praise him all you shining stars. Praise him him all you shining stars. Praise him him all you shining stars. Praise him you highest heavens and you waters above you highest heavens and you waters above you highest heavens and you waters above the heavens. the heavens. the heavens. >> Let them praise the name of the Lord. >> Let them praise the name of the Lord. >> Let them praise the name of the Lord. For he commanded and they were created For he commanded and they were created For he commanded and they were created and he established them forever and and he established them forever and and he established them forever and ever. ever. ever. >> He gave a decree and it shall not pass >> He gave a decree and it shall not pass >> He gave a decree and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth. away. Praise the Lord from the earth. away. Praise the Lord from the earth. You great sea creatures and all deeps, You great sea creatures and all deeps, You great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind, fulfilling his word. Mountains and wind, fulfilling his word. Mountains and wind, fulfilling his word. Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, beasts and all livestock, creeping beasts and all livestock, creeping beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds, kings of the things and flying birds, kings of the things and flying birds, kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all earth and all peoples, princes and all earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth, young men and rulers of the earth, young men and rulers of the earth, young men and maidens together, old men and children.

maidens together, old men and children. maidens together, old men and children. >> Let them praise the name of the Lord. >> Let them praise the name of the Lord. >> Let them praise the name of the Lord. For his name alone is exalted. His For his name alone is exalted. His For his name alone is exalted. His majesty is above the earth and heaven. majesty is above the earth and heaven. majesty is above the earth and heaven. >> He has raised up a horn for his people. >> He has raised up a horn for his people. >> He has raised up a horn for his people. Praise for all his saints, for the Praise for all his saints, for the Praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who were near to him. people of Israel who were near to him. people of Israel who were near to him. >> Praise the Lord. >> Who else [singing] commands [music] all >> Who else [singing] commands [music] all the hosts of heaven? the hosts of heaven? the hosts of heaven? Who else could [singing] make every king Who else could [singing] make every king Who else could [singing] make every king bow down? bow down? bow down? Who [music] else can [singing] whisper Who [music] else can [singing] whisper Who [music] else can [singing] whisper and darkness tremble? and darkness tremble? and darkness tremble? Holy, [singing and music] holy God.

Holy, [singing and music] holy God. Holy, [singing and music] holy God. [chanting] [chanting] [chanting] [music] [music] [music] What other beauty deands What other beauty deands What other beauty deands [music and singing] such praises? [music and singing] such praises? [music and singing] such praises? What other splendor outshines the sun? What other splendor outshines the sun? What other splendor outshines the sun? [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] What other majesty rules with justice? What other majesty rules with justice? What other majesty rules with justice? [music and singing] Come [singing] Come [singing] and behold [music] and behold [music] and behold [music] him [singing] the one and bey him [singing] the one and bey him [singing] the one and bey [music] sing sing forever [music] forever [music] forever [music] a holy [singing] a holy [singing] a holy [singing] God. God. God. Come and worship the [singing] holy God. Come and worship the [singing] holy God. Come and worship the [singing] holy God. [music] [music] Glory consumes like fire.

[music] Glory consumes like fire. What [singing] other [music] power can What [singing] other [music] power can What [singing] other [music] power can raise the dead? raise the dead? raise the dead? Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] Heat. [singing] [music] >> Who else could resue me [music] from >> Who else could resue me [music] from [singing] my failing?

[singing] my failing? [singing] my failing? Who [music] else [singing] would offer Who [music] else [singing] would offer Who [music] else [singing] would offer his only son? his only son? his only son? Who else [music and singing] invites me Who else [music and singing] invites me Who else [music and singing] invites me to call him father? to call him father? to call him father? Heat. [music and singing] Heat. [music and singing] Heat. [music and singing] Heat. [music] [music] [singing] >> Come [singing and music] >> Come [singing and music] and behold and behold and behold him the one [music and singing] him the one [music and singing] him the one [music and singing] and behold.

Cry [singing and music] Cry [singing and music] out, sing holy out, sing holy out, sing holy forever, [music and singing] forever, [music and singing] forever, [music and singing] holy God. holy God. holy God. Come and worship [singing] the holy Come and worship [singing] the holy Come and worship [singing] the holy [music] [music] [music] God. God. God. [chanting] [chanting] [chanting] [singing] [singing] [singing] Holy, [music] Holy, [music] Holy, [music] holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, [singing] [singing] [singing] Lord Lord Lord God Almighty. [music] Early Early in [singing] the morning, in [singing] the morning, in [singing] the morning, my soul [singing and music] shall rise my soul [singing and music] shall rise my soul [singing and music] shall rise to thee. to thee. to thee. [music] [music] [music] Holy, holy, Holy, holy, Holy, holy, holy, [singing] merciful [singing] merciful [singing] [music] and mighty [music] and mighty [music] and mighty [singing] God [singing] God [singing] God in [music] mercy.

in [music] mercy. in [music] mercy. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] heat. heat. heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [singing] Hey, Hey, [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Yeah. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] [music]

[singing] [singing] [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Blessed [music] [music] [music] >> and in the joy that it is to be his >> and in the joy that it is to be his >> and in the joy that it is to be his redeemed people, we all said together, redeemed people, we all said together, redeemed people, we all said together, >> amen and amen. As scripture encourages to sing hymns As scripture encourages to sing hymns and spiritual songs together all of our and spiritual songs together all of our and spiritual songs together all of our days, we do so at this time of corporate days, we do so at this time of corporate days, we do so at this time of corporate worship because it helps us center our worship because it helps us center our worship because it helps us center our heart on the Lord, his mercifulness. heart on the Lord, his mercifulness. heart on the Lord, his mercifulness. He is mighty. He is great and he is He is mighty. He is great and he is He is mighty. He is great and he is good. And it helps to soften our hearts good. And it helps to soften our hearts good. And it helps to soften our hearts for his word to be received. For our for his word to be received. For our for his word to be received. For our God's always speaking first as it has God's always speaking first as it has God's always speaking first as it has been said, uh prayer is simply answering been said, uh prayer is simply answering been said, uh prayer is simply answering what God has already spoken in from his what God has already spoken in from his what God has already spoken in from his word and in times of singing his praises word and in times of singing his praises word and in times of singing his praises and in times of gathering. And so as our and in times of gathering. And so as our and in times of gathering. And so as our usher team will come in just a few usher team will come in just a few usher team will come in just a few moments uh to receive the offering, it moments uh to receive the offering, it moments uh to receive the offering, it brings us to this point of response of brings us to this point of response of brings us to this point of response of trusting the Lord. He desires our hearts trusting the Lord. He desires our hearts trusting the Lord. He desires our hearts and to give of what we have that he has

and to give of what we have that he has and to give of what we have that he has given to us back to him and to do so given to us back to him and to do so given to us back to him and to do so joyfully and generously as he has given joyfully and generously as he has given joyfully and generously as he has given to us. to us. to us. So would you join me in just a moment in So would you join me in just a moment in So would you join me in just a moment in praying? And there's several things that praying? And there's several things that praying? And there's several things that the God that God has spoken through this the God that God has spoken through this the God that God has spoken through this week that are happening in our world and week that are happening in our world and week that are happening in our world and also within our church community also within our church community also within our church community uh that we want to pray for. Of course, uh that we want to pray for. Of course, uh that we want to pray for. Of course, the devastation in Nepal and for those the devastation in Nepal and for those the devastation in Nepal and for those that have lost their lives and are that have lost their lives and are that have lost their lives and are grieving and Americans among them. Uh grieving and Americans among them. Uh grieving and Americans among them. Uh but that devastation, but that devastation, but that devastation, we want to pray for the teams responding we want to pray for the teams responding we want to pray for the teams responding over there. Also on Friday, uh if you over there. Also on Friday, uh if you over there. Also on Friday, uh if you know of UNU, uh the humanitarian arm of know of UNU, uh the humanitarian arm of know of UNU, uh the humanitarian arm of Crew Ministries, uh their warehouse in Crew Ministries, uh their warehouse in Crew Ministries, uh their warehouse in Kiev was destroyed uh in that war. And Kiev was destroyed uh in that war. And Kiev was destroyed uh in that war. And so we want to pray for them uh and uh so we want to pray for them uh and uh so we want to pray for them uh and uh for their uh mission and also just for their uh mission and also just for their uh mission and also just locally the fires in Palo Pinto County locally the fires in Palo Pinto County locally the fires in Palo Pinto County and in Texas as uh some even in our and in Texas as uh some even in our and in Texas as uh some even in our church that live out uh close to there church that live out uh close to there church that live out uh close to there have reported. And we want to pray for have reported. And we want to pray for have reported. And we want to pray for their safety and for those who are their safety and for those who are their safety and for those who are responding. And of course, the Lord has responding. And of course, the Lord has responding. And of course, the Lord has laid things on each of our hearts and he laid things on each of our hearts and he laid things on each of our hearts and he knows what they are and he is here. And knows what they are and he is here. And knows what they are and he is here. And so we want to respond to him in prayer.

so we want to respond to him in prayer. so we want to respond to him in prayer. So would you join me now? So would you join me now? So would you join me now? Father, you are holy. You are high above Father, you are holy. You are high above Father, you are holy. You are high above all this world. And the chaos we see is all this world. And the chaos we see is all this world. And the chaos we see is not part of your kingdom. not part of your kingdom. not part of your kingdom. uh you are sovereignly in control of all uh you are sovereignly in control of all uh you are sovereignly in control of all of that. We live in a broken world, of that. We live in a broken world, of that. We live in a broken world, Father. And we look to you now as we Father. And we look to you now as we Father. And we look to you now as we have just saying of your greatness, of have just saying of your greatness, of have just saying of your greatness, of your goodness to us and your redemption your goodness to us and your redemption your goodness to us and your redemption in Christ in Christ in Christ as we uh now prepare to give. and Lord as we uh now prepare to give. and Lord as we uh now prepare to give. and Lord center our hearts to you so that as center our hearts to you so that as center our hearts to you so that as Jonathan comes in just a few moments his Jonathan comes in just a few moments his Jonathan comes in just a few moments his message as he is prepared will we message as he is prepared will we message as he is prepared will we receive your word so that you can have receive your word so that you can have receive your word so that you can have our hearts so so that our response is to our hearts so so that our response is to our hearts so so that our response is to trust you and walk with you wherever you trust you and walk with you wherever you trust you and walk with you wherever you have us at the street level of our lives have us at the street level of our lives have us at the street level of our lives to see you at work to not be distracted to see you at work to not be distracted to see you at work to not be distracted or or not be uh burden, Father, but to or or not be uh burden, Father, but to or or not be uh burden, Father, but to trust in you. To put on the armor each trust in you. To put on the armor each trust in you. To put on the armor each day that you provide day that you provide day that you provide and in the righteousness of Christ and in the righteousness of Christ and in the righteousness of Christ approach the throne of grace with approach the throne of grace with approach the throne of grace with confidence not in ourselves but in you, confidence not in ourselves but in you, confidence not in ourselves but in you, that you are good, that you are working that you are good, that you are working that you are good, that you are working in the details in our very lives, in the details in our very lives, in the details in our very lives, and we can trust you and walk with you.

and we can trust you and walk with you. and we can trust you and walk with you. Father, we do pray for those who are Father, we do pray for those who are Father, we do pray for those who are suffering devastation in Nepal and suffering devastation in Nepal and suffering devastation in Nepal and Tibet. Be with those families that have Tibet. Be with those families that have Tibet. Be with those families that have lost. Be with those that are searching lost. Be with those that are searching lost. Be with those that are searching and those yet to hear. And Father, may and those yet to hear. And Father, may and those yet to hear. And Father, may the gospel go out in that area as it the gospel go out in that area as it the gospel go out in that area as it goes out in this city all for your glory goes out in this city all for your glory goes out in this city all for your glory that you desire none would perish, all that you desire none would perish, all that you desire none would perish, all would come to faith and salvation in would come to faith and salvation in would come to faith and salvation in Christ alone. Christ alone. Christ alone. Father, we pray for the ministry of unto Father, we pray for the ministry of unto Father, we pray for the ministry of unto and Father for that war in Ukraine. and Father for that war in Ukraine. and Father for that war in Ukraine. Lord, I pray you would be able to uh Lord, I pray you would be able to uh Lord, I pray you would be able to uh restore what they need and the work that restore what they need and the work that restore what they need and the work that they are doing both in giving of just they are doing both in giving of just they are doing both in giving of just the necessities but also their lives, the necessities but also their lives, the necessities but also their lives, their prayers and sharing of the gospel their prayers and sharing of the gospel their prayers and sharing of the gospel in Kiev and Ukraine and across that in Kiev and Ukraine and across that in Kiev and Ukraine and across that region of Europe. region of Europe. region of Europe. And father, I want to pray even for our And father, I want to pray even for our And father, I want to pray even for our uh area in Texas, for Palo Pinto and and uh area in Texas, for Palo Pinto and and uh area in Texas, for Palo Pinto and and those uh areas that are experiencing those uh areas that are experiencing those uh areas that are experiencing these devastating wildfires. Father, we these devastating wildfires. Father, we these devastating wildfires. Father, we ask that they would be brought under ask that they would be brought under ask that they would be brought under control. You protect those the lives of control. You protect those the lives of control. You protect those the lives of those out there and those that are those out there and those that are those out there and those that are responding uh to those emergencies.

responding uh to those emergencies. responding uh to those emergencies. Lord, we need you. That is clear. Our Lord, we need you. That is clear. Our Lord, we need you. That is clear. Our world is groaning, world is groaning, world is groaning, groaning for its redemption. And the groaning for its redemption. And the groaning for its redemption. And the only redemption we have is in Christ only redemption we have is in Christ only redemption we have is in Christ alone. alone. alone. And so thank you, Father. We praise you And so thank you, Father. We praise you And so thank you, Father. We praise you for how well you have loved us and for how well you have loved us and for how well you have loved us and [snorts] how well uh Christ leads us. [snorts] how well uh Christ leads us. [snorts] how well uh Christ leads us. And through your word, help us to trust And through your word, help us to trust And through your word, help us to trust you even more this day and this week. you even more this day and this week. you even more this day and this week. Father, encourage those who may be uh Father, encourage those who may be uh Father, encourage those who may be uh downtrodden, for those that are downtrodden, for those that are downtrodden, for those that are grieving. Father, your presence in that grieving. Father, your presence in that grieving. Father, your presence in that journey that it's hope we are after. It journey that it's hope we are after. It journey that it's hope we are after. It is hope you are leading them to in Jesus is hope you are leading them to in Jesus is hope you are leading them to in Jesus Christ. Father, where there is joy and Christ. Father, where there is joy and Christ. Father, where there is joy and where there are wonderful things that where there are wonderful things that where there are wonderful things that are happening among us, we praise you are happening among us, we praise you are happening among us, we praise you for that. We thank you for that. And for that. We thank you for that. And for that. We thank you for that. And now, Lord, would you lead us and and now, Lord, would you lead us and and now, Lord, would you lead us and and would you take these offerings and and would you take these offerings and and would you take these offerings and and bless your name with them? Thank you for bless your name with them? Thank you for bless your name with them? Thank you for those that are giving. Give us wisdom as those that are giving. Give us wisdom as those that are giving. Give us wisdom as we steward this all to worship you. All we steward this all to worship you. All we steward this all to worship you. All that the good news of Christ would go that the good news of Christ would go that the good news of Christ would go out and the love would be demonstrated out and the love would be demonstrated out and the love would be demonstrated in our lives wherever you have us in in our lives wherever you have us in in our lives wherever you have us in this city and beyond. So, Father, as uh this city and beyond. So, Father, as uh this city and beyond. So, Father, as uh the middle school will sing to us now, the middle school will sing to us now, the middle school will sing to us now, Lord, uh let us receive that. And as Lord, uh let us receive that. And as Lord, uh let us receive that. And as Jonathan will come and speak, let us Jonathan will come and speak, let us Jonathan will come and speak, let us receive that word. Lord, lead us

receive that word. Lord, lead us receive that word. Lord, lead us for your glory. We love you and thank for your glory. We love you and thank for your glory. We love you and thank you. It's in Jesus name that we pray. you. It's in Jesus name that we pray. you. It's in Jesus name that we pray. Amen. >> How far [singing] >> How far [singing] you saints of the Lord is [music] you saints of the Lord is [music] you saints of the Lord is [music] for your faith in his exile. for your faith in his exile. for your faith in his exile. What more can [music and singing] he say What more can [music and singing] he say What more can [music and singing] he say than to you? He has sent to you than to you? He has sent to you than to you? He has sent to you [music and singing] for refuge to Jesus. [music and singing] for refuge to Jesus. [music and singing] for refuge to Jesus. [music] Fear [singing] not, [music] Fear [singing] not, [music] I am with you. Be not dismayed. For I I am with you. Be not dismayed. For I I am with you. Be not dismayed. For I [music and singing] am your God and will [music and singing] am your God and will [music and singing] am your God and will still give you a still give you a still give you a strength that I help [music and singing] strength that I help [music and singing] strength that I help [music and singing] you and cause you to stand up by my you and cause you to stand up by my you and cause you to stand up by my [music] rightous through [music] the deep waters

through [music] the deep waters [singing] I call you to come. The rivers [singing] I call you to come. The rivers [singing] I call you to come. The rivers [music] [music] [music] of sorrow will [singing] not overflow. of sorrow will [singing] not overflow. of sorrow will [singing] not overflow. [music] For I will be with you. Your [music] For I will be with you. Your [music] For I will be with you. Your trles to bless [music] and [singing] trles to bless [music] and [singing] trles to bless [music] and [singing] sanify sanify sanify to you your deepest distress. to you your deepest distress. to you your deepest distress. [singing and music] The [music and singing] The [music and singing] soul on Jesus still lives for. soul on Jesus still lives for. soul on Jesus still lives for. I [music] will not I will not [singing] I [music] will not I will not [singing] I [music] will not I will not [singing] deserve to explode [music] deserve to explode [music] deserve to explode [music] the soul of all [singing] else should the soul of all [singing] else should the soul of all [singing] else should endeavor to shake. I'll [music] never endeavor to shake. I'll [music] never endeavor to shake. I'll [music] never never never never forsake [music] forsake [music] forsake [music] no [singing] >> Well, good morning everyone.

>> Well, good morning everyone. >> It is so good to see you. Thank you for >> It is so good to see you. Thank you for >> It is so good to see you. Thank you for being here. There's no better way than being here. There's no better way than being here. There's no better way than to start the week than with God's people to start the week than with God's people to start the week than with God's people celebrating Jesus Christ. So, thank you celebrating Jesus Christ. So, thank you celebrating Jesus Christ. So, thank you for for making the effort to get up on a for for making the effort to get up on a for for making the effort to get up on a Sunday morning and and joining us with Sunday morning and and joining us with Sunday morning and and joining us with that purpose in mind. A as a heads up uh that purpose in mind. A as a heads up uh that purpose in mind. A as a heads up uh for all of you, but especially if you're for all of you, but especially if you're for all of you, but especially if you're visiting us, next Sunday is what I'm visiting us, next Sunday is what I'm visiting us, next Sunday is what I'm calling vision Sunday. It's an calling vision Sunday. It's an calling vision Sunday. It's an opportunity for in one sermon uh us to opportunity for in one sermon uh us to opportunity for in one sermon uh us to get our heads around what God wants from get our heads around what God wants from get our heads around what God wants from us as a local church. So, uh, some of us as a local church. So, uh, some of us as a local church. So, uh, some of you who have been here for a little you who have been here for a little you who have been here for a little while heard us go through a series on while heard us go through a series on while heard us go through a series on that last year. But if you haven't, uh, that last year. But if you haven't, uh, that last year. But if you haven't, uh, heard that, if you were just, uh, heard that, if you were just, uh, heard that, if you were just, uh, joining us in the last few months or joining us in the last few months or joining us in the last few months or whatever, make sure you come back next whatever, make sure you come back next whatever, make sure you come back next Sunday and we'll see what God has for us Sunday and we'll see what God has for us Sunday and we'll see what God has for us here. And then the the week after that, here. And then the the week after that, here. And then the the week after that, we're going to start a series on the we're going to start a series on the we're going to start a series on the Gospel of Mark. And we're going to be in Gospel of Mark. And we're going to be in Gospel of Mark. And we're going to be in it for a little while, but we're going it for a little while, but we're going it for a little while, but we're going to be walking with Jesus. And so to be walking with Jesus. And so to be walking with Jesus. And so hopefully you'll be able to roll up your hopefully you'll be able to roll up your hopefully you'll be able to roll up your sleeves there and and enjoy this sleeves there and and enjoy this sleeves there and and enjoy this wonderful gospel and what God has for wonderful gospel and what God has for wonderful gospel and what God has for us. Okay. Today, turn to the book of the us. Okay. Today, turn to the book of the us. Okay. Today, turn to the book of the Psalms, Psalm 128. Psalm 128. And as you Psalms, Psalm 128. Psalm 128. And as you Psalms, Psalm 128. Psalm 128. And as you make your way there, let me tell you make your way there, let me tell you make your way there, let me tell you about a a little creature, a noisy about a a little creature, a noisy about a a little creature, a noisy little creature that lives in our home little creature that lives in our home little creature that lives in our home that that models for me how to live the that that models for me how to live the that that models for me how to live the Christian life.

Christian life. Christian life. Several times I've thought this. Oh, if Several times I've thought this. Oh, if Several times I've thought this. Oh, if I could only live for Jesus, like that I could only live for Jesus, like that I could only live for Jesus, like that little creature lives for the Murphy's. little creature lives for the Murphy's. little creature lives for the Murphy's. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] I only picked up on the lesson quite I only picked up on the lesson quite I only picked up on the lesson quite recently, just under a month ago. Uh recently, just under a month ago. Uh recently, just under a month ago. Uh despite the fact that this creature's despite the fact that this creature's despite the fact that this creature's been in our home a long, long time, uh been in our home a long, long time, uh been in our home a long, long time, uh my brother, who some of you met, he was my brother, who some of you met, he was my brother, who some of you met, he was visiting here uh a few a month ago or visiting here uh a few a month ago or visiting here uh a few a month ago or so. He's a pastor in Northern Ireland. so. He's a pastor in Northern Ireland. so. He's a pastor in Northern Ireland. He was visiting. And so we were sitting He was visiting. And so we were sitting He was visiting. And so we were sitting at the kitchen island sipping coffee, at the kitchen island sipping coffee, at the kitchen island sipping coffee, sharing stories like we were two broken sharing stories like we were two broken sharing stories like we were two broken pastors at a bar. [laughter] Yes. And my pastors at a bar. [laughter] Yes. And my pastors at a bar. [laughter] Yes. And my wife, she walked past us and she spoke wife, she walked past us and she spoke wife, she walked past us and she spoke some instructions to to Alexa, you know, some instructions to to Alexa, you know, some instructions to to Alexa, you know, the virtual assistant device that some the virtual assistant device that some the virtual assistant device that some of us have. Ours sits in the kitchen. of us have. Ours sits in the kitchen. of us have. Ours sits in the kitchen. And within seconds, this noisy little And within seconds, this noisy little And within seconds, this noisy little creature sprang into action, started creature sprang into action, started creature sprang into action, started humming, and ran right past in front of humming, and ran right past in front of humming, and ran right past in front of my brother and I like it was a a beetle my brother and I like it was a a beetle my brother and I like it was a a beetle or a cockroach trying to get away.

or a cockroach trying to get away. or a cockroach trying to get away. It was it was ready. It was focused. It It was it was ready. It was focused. It It was it was ready. It was focused. It was thankful even to be called up. And was thankful even to be called up. And was thankful even to be called up. And no, it's not the other little furry no, it's not the other little furry no, it's not the other little furry creature that lives in our home that I creature that lives in our home that I creature that lives in our home that I mention here regularly, the the demon mention here regularly, the the demon mention here regularly, the the demon dog. It's not the demon dog that I'm dog. It's not the demon dog that I'm dog. It's not the demon dog that I'm talking about. It's it's a it's a talking about. It's it's a it's a talking about. It's it's a it's a creature called Roomba. creature called Roomba. creature called Roomba. And some of you may have one at home. And some of you may have one at home. And some of you may have one at home. This this flat disc on wheels that that This this flat disc on wheels that that This this flat disc on wheels that that that goes around cleaning the house. that goes around cleaning the house. that goes around cleaning the house. It's a robotic vacuum cleaner. An It's a robotic vacuum cleaner. An It's a robotic vacuum cleaner. An amazing creature amazing creature amazing creature because it models the Christian life. because it models the Christian life. because it models the Christian life. Because it recently has become a Because it recently has become a Because it recently has become a professor of theology for me. I like to professor of theology for me. I like to professor of theology for me. I like to call it brother Roomba. call it brother Roomba. call it brother Roomba. And brother Roomba has a tough life And brother Roomba has a tough life And brother Roomba has a tough life serving the Murphy's. But but brother serving the Murphy's. But but brother serving the Murphy's. But but brother Roomba never complains. Roomba never complains. Roomba never complains. Brother Roomba doesn't complain and and Brother Roomba doesn't complain and and Brother Roomba doesn't complain and and doesn't give up. Brother Roomba is just doesn't give up. Brother Roomba is just doesn't give up. Brother Roomba is just faithful faithful faithful in in in its calling, happily moving in in in its calling, happily moving in in in its calling, happily moving around our home, tidying up everybody's around our home, tidying up everybody's around our home, tidying up everybody's mess.

mess. mess. And when it's tired, it just makes its And when it's tired, it just makes its And when it's tired, it just makes its way back to its charging dock. way back to its charging dock. way back to its charging dock. and it sits there waiting for my wife's and it sits there waiting for my wife's and it sits there waiting for my wife's voice to call again from on high. Now, now sometimes brother Roomba gets a Now, now sometimes brother Roomba gets a little bit confused and and gets a little bit confused and and gets a little bit confused and and gets a little bit distracted. He he bounces off little bit distracted. He he bounces off little bit distracted. He he bounces off baseboards. He he gets into rooms that baseboards. He he gets into rooms that baseboards. He he gets into rooms that he shouldn't be in uh and doesn't know he shouldn't be in uh and doesn't know he shouldn't be in uh and doesn't know how to get out. He gets distracted how to get out. He gets distracted how to get out. He gets distracted chewing on electric cables that he chewing on electric cables that he chewing on electric cables that he shouldn't be chewing on. But but it's shouldn't be chewing on. But but it's shouldn't be chewing on. But but it's never out of malice. It's usually never out of malice. It's usually never out of malice. It's usually ignorance. He needs a little bit more ignorance. He needs a little bit more ignorance. He needs a little bit more discipled, right, in the way of of life discipled, right, in the way of of life discipled, right, in the way of of life in the Murphy home. And and Brother in the Murphy home. And and Brother in the Murphy home. And and Brother Roomba has no eyes, no ears, no mouth, Roomba has no eyes, no ears, no mouth, Roomba has no eyes, no ears, no mouth, no arms, no legs, no arms, no legs, no arms, no legs, but clearly has a mind that understands but clearly has a mind that understands but clearly has a mind that understands why he exists. why he exists. why he exists. And he clearly has a heart to rush right And he clearly has a heart to rush right And he clearly has a heart to rush right into that calling every day in in its into that calling every day in in its into that calling every day in in its own little wee world of of limited own little wee world of of limited own little wee world of of limited comprehension of how life works. Brother comprehension of how life works. Brother comprehension of how life works. Brother Roomba understands his calling.

Roomba understands his calling. Roomba understands his calling. Brother Roomba understands what what Brother Roomba understands what what Brother Roomba understands what what faithful obedience to his calling is and faithful obedience to his calling is and faithful obedience to his calling is and just wants to fill his days fulfilling just wants to fill his days fulfilling just wants to fill his days fulfilling that as a duty every day. That's the that as a duty every day. That's the that as a duty every day. That's the good life for brother Roomba. the the good life for brother Roomba. the the good life for brother Roomba. the the robotic good life as it were. And so you robotic good life as it were. And so you robotic good life as it were. And so you can understand, I'm walking around the can understand, I'm walking around the can understand, I'm walking around the house watching him these days going, "If house watching him these days going, "If house watching him these days going, "If only I could serve Jesus [snorts] only I could serve Jesus [snorts] only I could serve Jesus [snorts] the way brother Roomba serves the the way brother Roomba serves the the way brother Roomba serves the Murphy's at home." Murphy's at home." Murphy's at home." I share that to plant a seed in your I share that to plant a seed in your I share that to plant a seed in your heart and in your head to get you heart and in your head to get you heart and in your head to get you thinking about how you live the godly thinking about how you live the godly thinking about how you live the godly life, life, life, how you fulfill your calling, how you how you fulfill your calling, how you how you fulfill your calling, how you carry out your duty as a child of God carry out your duty as a child of God carry out your duty as a child of God before God, and to consider whether like before God, and to consider whether like before God, and to consider whether like like me uh you're you're shown up a like me uh you're you're shown up a like me uh you're you're shown up a little bit by brother Roomba's little bit by brother Roomba's little bit by brother Roomba's dedication to his calling. and and and dedication to his calling. and and and dedication to his calling. and and and it has no hands, no legs, no eyes, no it has no hands, no legs, no eyes, no it has no hands, no legs, no eyes, no ears, no money, no title, no ears, no money, no title, no ears, no money, no title, no supernatural gift from the spirit of God supernatural gift from the spirit of God supernatural gift from the spirit of God from on high to fulfill its calling. And from on high to fulfill its calling. And from on high to fulfill its calling. And you do you do you do to get you thinking about whether you're to get you thinking about whether you're to get you thinking about whether you're you're walking in the very calling that you're walking in the very calling that you're walking in the very calling that that God has made for you as one who's that God has made for you as one who's that God has made for you as one who's created in his image and likeness.

created in his image and likeness. created in his image and likeness. and to consider whether sometimes you and to consider whether sometimes you and to consider whether sometimes you just roll around distracted just roll around distracted just roll around distracted and bouncing off whatever, getting into and bouncing off whatever, getting into and bouncing off whatever, getting into whatever room you shouldn't be in, whatever room you shouldn't be in, whatever room you shouldn't be in, chewing on whatever cables you shouldn't chewing on whatever cables you shouldn't chewing on whatever cables you shouldn't be chewing on. be chewing on. be chewing on. So, he's been discipling me a little bit So, he's been discipling me a little bit So, he's been discipling me a little bit this past few weeks and and I've this past few weeks and and I've this past few weeks and and I've appreciated it. And and part of what I appreciated it. And and part of what I appreciated it. And and part of what I love about it is that it points me back love about it is that it points me back love about it is that it points me back to the word of God where where where the to the word of God where where where the to the word of God where where where the analogy moves into reality where we analogy moves into reality where we analogy moves into reality where we begin to hear the voice of God directly begin to hear the voice of God directly begin to hear the voice of God directly instruct us as to the way to do life. instruct us as to the way to do life. instruct us as to the way to do life. And the book of Psalms, which we've been And the book of Psalms, which we've been And the book of Psalms, which we've been studying, uh is so helpful to that end. studying, uh is so helpful to that end. studying, uh is so helpful to that end. It passes on wisdom to us from those who It passes on wisdom to us from those who It passes on wisdom to us from those who have gone before. Raw wisdom. Real have gone before. Raw wisdom. Real have gone before. Raw wisdom. Real wisdom. Wisdom that works in life. And wisdom. Wisdom that works in life. And wisdom. Wisdom that works in life. And we've been in the pilgrim psalms, that we've been in the pilgrim psalms, that we've been in the pilgrim psalms, that little group inside of the Psalms that little group inside of the Psalms that little group inside of the Psalms that are songs sung by the people of God who are songs sung by the people of God who are songs sung by the people of God who lived many, many years ago ago that that lived many, many years ago ago that that lived many, many years ago ago that that help us learn how to navigate life well.

help us learn how to navigate life well. help us learn how to navigate life well. H how to how to heed wisdom, how to live H how to how to heed wisdom, how to live H how to how to heed wisdom, how to live in wisdom, uh to walk well in the in wisdom, uh to walk well in the in wisdom, uh to walk well in the spiritual war zone, right? to to be spiritual war zone, right? to to be spiritual war zone, right? to to be worshippers of God as we head to the new worshippers of God as we head to the new worshippers of God as we head to the new Jerusalem that ultimately live out our Jerusalem that ultimately live out our Jerusalem that ultimately live out our days in a way that honors him. days in a way that honors him. days in a way that honors him. And today we look at another wisdom, And today we look at another wisdom, And today we look at another wisdom, Psalm. Uh Psalm 128 is a companion to Psalm. Uh Psalm 128 is a companion to Psalm. Uh Psalm 128 is a companion to Psalm 127. They really go hand in hand Psalm 127. They really go hand in hand Psalm 127. They really go hand in hand together. They invite you to to pick the together. They invite you to to pick the together. They invite you to to pick the right path to walk. right path to walk. right path to walk. One of our dear members here who was on One of our dear members here who was on One of our dear members here who was on our trip to Ireland and Scotland uh our trip to Ireland and Scotland uh our trip to Ireland and Scotland uh posted a meme o on our group chat posted a meme o on our group chat posted a meme o on our group chat recently that made me laugh. It fit recently that made me laugh. It fit recently that made me laugh. It fit right in with today's psalm. It fit right in with today's psalm. It fit right in with today's psalm. It fit right in with last week's psalm. If right in with last week's psalm. If right in with last week's psalm. If you're here with last uh last week, you're here with last uh last week, you're here with last uh last week, you'll understand why. And and the meme you'll understand why. And and the meme you'll understand why. And and the meme said this, you got to be decisive. Be said this, you got to be decisive. Be said this, you got to be decisive. Be decisive. The road of life is paved with decisive. The road of life is paved with decisive. The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn't make a flat squirrels who couldn't make a flat squirrels who couldn't make a decision.

decision. decision. I thought that's that's right. That's I thought that's that's right. That's I thought that's that's right. That's right. If you were with us last week right. If you were with us last week right. If you were with us last week with my encounter with a squirrel, with my encounter with a squirrel, with my encounter with a squirrel, you'll understand why that's so true. you'll understand why that's so true. you'll understand why that's so true. But this psalm and and the psalm before But this psalm and and the psalm before But this psalm and and the psalm before it are are wisdom psalms. They they're it are are wisdom psalms. They they're it are are wisdom psalms. They they're they're presented to us so that you're they're presented to us so that you're they're presented to us so that you're decisive, so that you make a decision to decisive, so that you make a decision to decisive, so that you make a decision to walk well with God. walk well with God. walk well with God. Both inspire you to live for God by Both inspire you to live for God by Both inspire you to live for God by showing you the blessing that results showing you the blessing that results showing you the blessing that results from doing so. There is blessing to from doing so. There is blessing to from doing so. There is blessing to living life trusting God. living life trusting God. living life trusting God. Four spheres of life are presented here Four spheres of life are presented here Four spheres of life are presented here just like we saw in Psalm 127. There's just like we saw in Psalm 127. There's just like we saw in Psalm 127. There's much overlap. So turn there please. much overlap. So turn there please. much overlap. So turn there please. Psalm 128 Psalm 128 Psalm 128 and look at verse one before we get into and look at verse one before we get into and look at verse one before we get into the four spheres of life. I need you to the four spheres of life. I need you to the four spheres of life. I need you to understand verse one because everything understand verse one because everything understand verse one because everything flows out of verse one here. Who we're flows out of verse one here. Who we're flows out of verse one here. Who we're talking about. talking about. talking about. It says this, how blessed. And that It says this, how blessed. And that It says this, how blessed. And that simply means how happy, how fulfilled, simply means how happy, how fulfilled, simply means how happy, how fulfilled, how satisfied is everyone or all who how satisfied is everyone or all who how satisfied is everyone or all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.

fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. Now, this isn't everyone. Now, this isn't everyone. Now, this isn't everyone. This is everyone who fears the Lord and This is everyone who fears the Lord and This is everyone who fears the Lord and walks in his ways. This is a specific walks in his ways. This is a specific walks in his ways. This is a specific type of person that that is blessed with type of person that that is blessed with type of person that that is blessed with this deep sense of of happiness and this deep sense of of happiness and this deep sense of of happiness and fulfillment in life. I like how the net fulfillment in life. I like how the net fulfillment in life. I like how the net version of the Bible puts it. It says version of the Bible puts it. It says version of the Bible puts it. It says this, "How blessed this, "How blessed this, "How blessed is everyone is everyone is everyone is everyone of the Lord's loyal is everyone of the Lord's loyal is everyone of the Lord's loyal followers." Loyal followers. I love that followers." Loyal followers. I love that followers." Loyal followers. I love that they're trying to qualify it. What it they're trying to qualify it. What it they're trying to qualify it. What it means to fear the Lord, it's to be a means to fear the Lord, it's to be a means to fear the Lord, it's to be a loyal follower. The ones who keep his loyal follower. The ones who keep his loyal follower. The ones who keep his commands. That's what it means to walk commands. That's what it means to walk commands. That's what it means to walk in the ways of God. See, the word fear in the ways of God. See, the word fear in the ways of God. See, the word fear throws us off a little bit in English, throws us off a little bit in English, throws us off a little bit in English, right? In English, the primary sense right? In English, the primary sense right? In English, the primary sense that we use the word fear is often that we use the word fear is often that we use the word fear is often negative. It's a it's a state of one's negative. It's a it's a state of one's negative. It's a it's a state of one's being that that expresses itself as an being that that expresses itself as an being that that expresses itself as an emotion that we we don't like when we emotion that we we don't like when we emotion that we we don't like when we when we face danger. Usually, it doesn't when we face danger. Usually, it doesn't when we face danger. Usually, it doesn't feel good to fear in that sense. And so, feel good to fear in that sense. And so, feel good to fear in that sense. And so, the heart begins to beat a little bit the heart begins to beat a little bit the heart begins to beat a little bit faster. You lose your breath a little faster. You lose your breath a little faster. You lose your breath a little bit, right? The the body begins to bit, right? The the body begins to bit, right? The the body begins to tremble.

tremble. tremble. We're scared. That's what fear usually We're scared. That's what fear usually We're scared. That's what fear usually means. The boogeyman is under the bed. means. The boogeyman is under the bed. means. The boogeyman is under the bed. Did you see the size of that spider? Did you see the size of that spider? Did you see the size of that spider? The pastor might call me up to the The pastor might call me up to the The pastor might call me up to the pulpit to share a few words with all pulpit to share a few words with all pulpit to share a few words with all these people. I'm scared. Fear often these people. I'm scared. Fear often these people. I'm scared. Fear often means afraid. But but in English and in means afraid. But but in English and in means afraid. But but in English and in Hebrew, just like here, it also is used Hebrew, just like here, it also is used Hebrew, just like here, it also is used to def describe a profound inner sense to def describe a profound inner sense to def describe a profound inner sense of of reverence and awe. of of reverence and awe. of of reverence and awe. To fear the Lord is to to be in awe of To fear the Lord is to to be in awe of To fear the Lord is to to be in awe of who he is relative to who you are. To who he is relative to who you are. To who he is relative to who you are. To know your position in front of a holy know your position in front of a holy know your position in front of a holy God, God, God, to respect him, to reverence him. It's to respect him, to reverence him. It's to respect him, to reverence him. It's it's a heart posture of trust. it's a heart posture of trust. it's a heart posture of trust. That's the case here in verse one. It's That's the case here in verse one. It's That's the case here in verse one. It's repeated again in verse four. If you repeated again in verse four. If you repeated again in verse four. If you glance down at at verse four, you have glance down at at verse four, you have glance down at at verse four, you have it all over again. Yes indeed the man it all over again. Yes indeed the man it all over again. Yes indeed the man who fears the Lord will be blessed in who fears the Lord will be blessed in who fears the Lord will be blessed in this way.

So fear of the Lord here does not mean So fear of the Lord here does not mean being spooked by God. It means having being spooked by God. It means having being spooked by God. It means having real faith genuine faith in God. And and real faith genuine faith in God. And and real faith genuine faith in God. And and that type of fear that type of of faith that type of fear that type of of faith that type of fear that type of of faith wants to express itself also just like wants to express itself also just like wants to express itself also just like the other type of fear. It doesn't want the other type of fear. It doesn't want the other type of fear. It doesn't want to express itself with your your heart to express itself with your your heart to express itself with your your heart beating a little bit faster or or you're beating a little bit faster or or you're beating a little bit faster or or you're losing your breath or your or you're losing your breath or your or you're losing your breath or your or you're trembling, but it wants to walk. It trembling, but it wants to walk. It trembling, but it wants to walk. It wants to walk. It wants to walk itself wants to walk. It wants to walk itself wants to walk. It wants to walk itself out of you. It wants to spill out into out of you. It wants to spill out into out of you. It wants to spill out into your hands, into your feet, into your your hands, into your feet, into your your hands, into your feet, into your tongue, and into your wallet. That that tongue, and into your wallet. That that tongue, and into your wallet. That that type of faith, fear, if in uninterrupted type of faith, fear, if in uninterrupted type of faith, fear, if in uninterrupted by by dabbling with sin in the life of by by dabbling with sin in the life of by by dabbling with sin in the life of the believer, wants to produce a life the believer, wants to produce a life the believer, wants to produce a life that walks in the ways of God. That's a that walks in the ways of God. That's a that walks in the ways of God. That's a that's a basic teaching of the that's a basic teaching of the that's a basic teaching of the scriptures right across the scriptures. scriptures right across the scriptures. scriptures right across the scriptures. That's not works salvation. That's not works salvation. That's not works salvation. That's that's that's just faith alive That's that's that's just faith alive That's that's that's just faith alive and well uninterrupted by all the and well uninterrupted by all the and well uninterrupted by all the distractions of sin in life. So so faith distractions of sin in life. So so faith distractions of sin in life. So so faith fear in your heart wants to be a a faith fear in your heart wants to be a a faith fear in your heart wants to be a a faith walk in your life. A life of love and walk in your life. A life of love and walk in your life. A life of love and gratitude to God wants to express gratitude to God wants to express gratitude to God wants to express itself. That's what verse one is about.

itself. That's what verse one is about. itself. That's what verse one is about. You know, many of you know I've got kids You know, many of you know I've got kids You know, many of you know I've got kids and and uh they are mine. They had and and uh they are mine. They had and and uh they are mine. They had nothing to do with becoming mine. And nothing to do with becoming mine. And nothing to do with becoming mine. And and we're not getting into the specifics and we're not getting into the specifics and we're not getting into the specifics as to how they became mine, but but they as to how they became mine, but but they as to how they became mine, but but they know they're mine. And sometimes they know they're mine. And sometimes they know they're mine. And sometimes they don't behave like like they're mine. And don't behave like like they're mine. And don't behave like like they're mine. And sometimes they do. sometimes they do. sometimes they do. And sometimes out of gratitude for And sometimes out of gratitude for And sometimes out of gratitude for whatever I did, like like I bought them whatever I did, like like I bought them whatever I did, like like I bought them something that was unexpected. Sometimes something that was unexpected. Sometimes something that was unexpected. Sometimes they'll say thank you. they'll say thank you. they'll say thank you. They they'll express that gratitude with They they'll express that gratitude with They they'll express that gratitude with with words that ex that say thank you with words that ex that say thank you with words that ex that say thank you and uh thank you Dad. And and sometimes and uh thank you Dad. And and sometimes and uh thank you Dad. And and sometimes they will even say and and this is crazy they will even say and and this is crazy they will even say and and this is crazy because it never happens. They'll say, because it never happens. They'll say, because it never happens. They'll say, "Thank you, Dad. I want to pay you "Thank you, Dad. I want to pay you "Thank you, Dad. I want to pay you back." I love that desire. I love that desire. I love that they want to pay me back. I I love that they want to pay me back. I I love that they want to pay me back. I love that they that that they say thank love that they that that they say thank love that they that that they say thank you. But but but truth is I'm not you. But but but truth is I'm not you. But but but truth is I'm not looking for them to pay me back in kind looking for them to pay me back in kind looking for them to pay me back in kind with what with what I gifted them with.

with what with what I gifted them with. with what with what I gifted them with. But what I do want to see is responsible But what I do want to see is responsible But what I do want to see is responsible living that shows real gratitude. living that shows real gratitude. living that shows real gratitude. That's why I so love the NE's version of That's why I so love the NE's version of That's why I so love the NE's version of that verse. Loyalty. that verse. Loyalty. that verse. Loyalty. Loyalty is an expression in in life of Loyalty is an expression in in life of Loyalty is an expression in in life of someone who fears God who who wants to someone who fears God who who wants to someone who fears God who who wants to walk in his ways wants to keep his walk in his ways wants to keep his walk in his ways wants to keep his commands. want to wants to express commands. want to wants to express commands. want to wants to express genuine gratitude. genuine gratitude. genuine gratitude. Faith type of fear as we have here in Faith type of fear as we have here in Faith type of fear as we have here in verse one inside of the heart wants to verse one inside of the heart wants to verse one inside of the heart wants to express itself as a faith walk in your express itself as a faith walk in your express itself as a faith walk in your feet. feet. feet. A life of love and gratitude to God if A life of love and gratitude to God if A life of love and gratitude to God if it's genuine wants to express itself. it's genuine wants to express itself. it's genuine wants to express itself. Now it's possible you know to think that Now it's possible you know to think that Now it's possible you know to think that you fear the Lord. you fear the Lord. you fear the Lord. This week I was reading Second Kings and This week I was reading Second Kings and This week I was reading Second Kings and I came across a little section there in I came across a little section there in I came across a little section there in Second Kings and it had never stood out Second Kings and it had never stood out Second Kings and it had never stood out to me in the way it did this week to me in the way it did this week to me in the way it did this week perhaps because of what I was studying.

perhaps because of what I was studying. perhaps because of what I was studying. But in chapter 17 it tells us that some But in chapter 17 it tells us that some But in chapter 17 it tells us that some some and I quote fear the Lord but also some and I quote fear the Lord but also some and I quote fear the Lord but also serve their own false gods. serve their own false gods. serve their own false gods. That struck me. And then it goes on to That struck me. And then it goes on to That struck me. And then it goes on to say that some while they worshiped the say that some while they worshiped the say that some while they worshiped the Lord, they were also serving their Lord, they were also serving their Lord, they were also serving their idols. idols. idols. That's not the fear of the Lord that's That's not the fear of the Lord that's That's not the fear of the Lord that's being referred to here in verse one. being referred to here in verse one. being referred to here in verse one. And it is possible though it's not God's And it is possible though it's not God's And it is possible though it's not God's will for you to think that that you fear will for you to think that that you fear will for you to think that that you fear the Lord, but you're not really going to the Lord, but you're not really going to the Lord, but you're not really going to live for the Lord. We often call that live for the Lord. We often call that live for the Lord. We often call that some sort of cultural Christianity, some sort of cultural Christianity, some sort of cultural Christianity, right? right? right? Because, you know, I don't know, we're Because, you know, I don't know, we're Because, you know, I don't know, we're in the Bible belt. We drink sweet tea. in the Bible belt. We drink sweet tea. in the Bible belt. We drink sweet tea. We watch football and we go to church We watch football and we go to church We watch football and we go to church and we do Jesus. and we do Jesus. and we do Jesus. So we fear the Lord. So we fear the Lord. So we fear the Lord. That's not what we're talking about here That's not what we're talking about here That's not what we're talking about here in Psalm 128:1. in Psalm 128:1. in Psalm 128:1. These are true followers of God whose These are true followers of God whose These are true followers of God whose life naturally testifies to their heart life naturally testifies to their heart life naturally testifies to their heart posture, their heart's love, awe, posture, their heart's love, awe, posture, their heart's love, awe, reverence for God.

reverence for God. reverence for God. Now many of us are more familiar with Now many of us are more familiar with Now many of us are more familiar with the Apostle Paul's writings. And so the the Apostle Paul's writings. And so the the Apostle Paul's writings. And so the Apostle Paul, I think, articulates it Apostle Paul, I think, articulates it Apostle Paul, I think, articulates it this way. This is a believer who's this way. This is a believer who's this way. This is a believer who's walking in step with the spirit of God walking in step with the spirit of God walking in step with the spirit of God and so producing the fruit of the and so producing the fruit of the and so producing the fruit of the spirit, not walking in the flesh. spirit, not walking in the flesh. spirit, not walking in the flesh. Galatians 5. That's what we have here. Galatians 5. That's what we have here. Galatians 5. That's what we have here. And that person we're told is blessed. And that person we're told is blessed. And that person we're told is blessed. Experience is God's blessing. Experience is God's blessing. Experience is God's blessing. not to be read by our cultural not to be read by our cultural not to be read by our cultural definition of what blessing is, which definition of what blessing is, which definition of what blessing is, which usually means just money or wealth or or usually means just money or wealth or or usually means just money or wealth or or status or stuff. God may send that as a status or stuff. God may send that as a status or stuff. God may send that as a blessing for you to steward on his blessing for you to steward on his blessing for you to steward on his behalf. But but here blessing simply behalf. But but here blessing simply behalf. But but here blessing simply means a deep inner sense of happiness, means a deep inner sense of happiness, means a deep inner sense of happiness, satisfaction, satisfaction, satisfaction, contentment contentment contentment that God will inject into your life a a that God will inject into your life a a that God will inject into your life a a sense of of belonging of of being uh sense of of belonging of of being uh sense of of belonging of of being uh what you were supposed to be and what you were supposed to be and what you were supposed to be and experience what you were supposed to be experience what you were supposed to be experience what you were supposed to be experienced which is happiness. Just experienced which is happiness. Just experienced which is happiness. Just like Psalm 1 starts, blessed is the one like Psalm 1 starts, blessed is the one like Psalm 1 starts, blessed is the one who does not walk that way but walks who does not walk that way but walks who does not walk that way but walks this way. That inner sense of this way. That inner sense of this way. That inner sense of fulfillment and happiness. Now that all fulfillment and happiness. Now that all fulfillment and happiness. Now that all said in verse one, remember everything said in verse one, remember everything said in verse one, remember everything else spills out of that. We see in else spills out of that. We see in else spills out of that. We see in verses two all the way to the end four verses two all the way to the end four verses two all the way to the end four areas, four arenas or realms of life in areas, four arenas or realms of life in areas, four arenas or realms of life in which God wants to provide that type of which God wants to provide that type of which God wants to provide that type of blessing to the godly person. Let's look

blessing to the godly person. Let's look blessing to the godly person. Let's look at them. First sphere of life, work. at them. First sphere of life, work. at them. First sphere of life, work. work. God's blessing rests on the godly work. God's blessing rests on the godly work. God's blessing rests on the godly person's occupation. person's occupation. person's occupation. We start with an occupational blessing We start with an occupational blessing We start with an occupational blessing here. Happiness in in the workplace is here. Happiness in in the workplace is here. Happiness in in the workplace is possible with God. Whatever that career possible with God. Whatever that career possible with God. Whatever that career is, God can satisfy you there. God can is, God can satisfy you there. God can is, God can satisfy you there. God can inject you with a deep sense of inject you with a deep sense of inject you with a deep sense of happiness and joy and delight and happiness and joy and delight and happiness and joy and delight and fulfillment irrespective of what the job fulfillment irrespective of what the job fulfillment irrespective of what the job actually is if you fear the Lord and actually is if you fear the Lord and actually is if you fear the Lord and walk in his ways there. Look at verse walk in his ways there. Look at verse walk in his ways there. Look at verse two. When you shall eat of the fruit of two. When you shall eat of the fruit of two. When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, that's your work, you will your hands, that's your work, you will your hands, that's your work, you will be happy and it will be well with you. be happy and it will be well with you. be happy and it will be well with you. You will be blessed and it will be a You will be blessed and it will be a You will be blessed and it will be a blessing to you. Here we have a godly blessing to you. Here we have a godly blessing to you. Here we have a godly person enjoying the the the satisfaction person enjoying the the the satisfaction person enjoying the the the satisfaction that that that work provides for him. that that that work provides for him. that that that work provides for him. Remember God wants you to work. We saw Remember God wants you to work. We saw Remember God wants you to work. We saw that in Psalm 127. God wants you to work that in Psalm 127. God wants you to work that in Psalm 127. God wants you to work and to steward your work for him.

and to steward your work for him. and to steward your work for him. Whatever it may be, be it farming, Whatever it may be, be it farming, Whatever it may be, be it farming, building, financing, teaching, building, financing, teaching, building, financing, teaching, gardening, preaching, businessing, gardening, preaching, businessing, gardening, preaching, businessing, whatevering. We were created to manage whatevering. We were created to manage whatevering. We were created to manage life in the workplace productively for life in the workplace productively for life in the workplace productively for God and to the glory of God. God and to the glory of God. God and to the glory of God. And when we do that And when we do that And when we do that in the fear of the Lord and walking in in the fear of the Lord and walking in in the fear of the Lord and walking in his ways, he can satisfy you in there. his ways, he can satisfy you in there. his ways, he can satisfy you in there. He can inject you with his blessing, He can inject you with his blessing, He can inject you with his blessing, with his happiness so that you can enjoy with his happiness so that you can enjoy with his happiness so that you can enjoy the fruit of your labors. the fruit of your labors. the fruit of your labors. In fact, the book of Proverbs uh sort of In fact, the book of Proverbs uh sort of In fact, the book of Proverbs uh sort of gives us the opposite very often. The gives us the opposite very often. The gives us the opposite very often. The the the warning of of being lazy, right? the the warning of of being lazy, right? the the warning of of being lazy, right? How how laziness will will not fulfill How how laziness will will not fulfill How how laziness will will not fulfill your being. In fact, the Apostle Paul your being. In fact, the Apostle Paul your being. In fact, the Apostle Paul also in the letter to the Thessalonians, also in the letter to the Thessalonians, also in the letter to the Thessalonians, the second Thessalonians warns the second Thessalonians warns the second Thessalonians warns Christians against idleness. Work done unto the Lord can be very very Work done unto the Lord can be very very fulfilling. You know, corporations spend fulfilling. You know, corporations spend fulfilling. You know, corporations spend an awful lot of money helping employees an awful lot of money helping employees an awful lot of money helping employees enjoy their work and in their case, it's enjoy their work and in their case, it's enjoy their work and in their case, it's so that they increase profitability.

so that they increase profitability. so that they increase profitability. I was reading uh not too long ago about I was reading uh not too long ago about I was reading uh not too long ago about the Ritz Carlton, you know, the hotel the Ritz Carlton, you know, the hotel the Ritz Carlton, you know, the hotel and how it it empowered uh some of their and how it it empowered uh some of their and how it it empowered uh some of their hotel staff, some of their lower rung hotel staff, some of their lower rung hotel staff, some of their lower rung hotel staff to make decisions that would hotel staff to make decisions that would hotel staff to make decisions that would benefit their guests, right? a and even benefit their guests, right? a and even benefit their guests, right? a and even to allow them to spend up to $2,000 to allow them to spend up to $2,000 to allow them to spend up to $2,000 without getting approval from the without getting approval from the without getting approval from the supervisors if it enhanced the guest supervisors if it enhanced the guest supervisors if it enhanced the guest experience. experience. experience. And guess what happened? The employees And guess what happened? The employees And guess what happened? The employees felt valued. They felt a sense of of felt valued. They felt a sense of of felt valued. They felt a sense of of ownership and satisfaction in this ownership and satisfaction in this ownership and satisfaction in this project. And they rose to the project. And they rose to the project. And they rose to the responsibility. They blessed their responsibility. They blessed their responsibility. They blessed their guests which increased profitability for guests which increased profitability for guests which increased profitability for the hotel. the hotel. the hotel. But what greater incentive to work well But what greater incentive to work well But what greater incentive to work well than to see one's work as a stewardship than to see one's work as a stewardship than to see one's work as a stewardship under God, under God, under God, a divine calling, a sacred appointment, a divine calling, a sacred appointment, a divine calling, a sacred appointment, irrespective of how much you earn, irrespective of how much you earn, irrespective of how much you earn, irrespective of what it is you do, irrespective of what it is you do, irrespective of what it is you do, irrespective of who you do it with, irrespective of who you do it with, irrespective of who you do it with, irrespective of how uncool your boss is, irrespective of how uncool your boss is, irrespective of how uncool your boss is, when incentivized by displaying the when incentivized by displaying the when incentivized by displaying the glory of God because he called you to at glory of God because he called you to at glory of God because he called you to at you can head home happy. You can head you can head home happy. You can head you can head home happy. You can head home satisfied. You can head home home satisfied. You can head home home satisfied. You can head home fulfilled because you honored God today fulfilled because you honored God today fulfilled because you honored God today where he had you.

where he had you. where he had you. God injects that type of satisfaction God injects that type of satisfaction God injects that type of satisfaction into your being. If you fear the Lord into your being. If you fear the Lord into your being. If you fear the Lord and walk in his ways in the workplace, and walk in his ways in the workplace, and walk in his ways in the workplace, God's blessing will rest on the godly God's blessing will rest on the godly God's blessing will rest on the godly person's work. Second realm of life that person's work. Second realm of life that person's work. Second realm of life that this psalm celebrates is the home. Just this psalm celebrates is the home. Just this psalm celebrates is the home. Just like Psalm 127 did the home. God's like Psalm 127 did the home. God's like Psalm 127 did the home. God's blessing rests on the godly person's blessing rests on the godly person's blessing rests on the godly person's home. home. home. On the godly person's home, right? We're On the godly person's home, right? We're On the godly person's home, right? We're dealing with familial blessing. Now, dealing with familial blessing. Now, dealing with familial blessing. Now, happiness at home is possible with God. happiness at home is possible with God. happiness at home is possible with God. Look at verse three. Describing ju just Look at verse three. Describing ju just Look at verse three. Describing ju just generally God's blessing on a on a generally God's blessing on a on a generally God's blessing on a on a family. family. family. And note that the blessing isn't more And note that the blessing isn't more And note that the blessing isn't more square footage and more flat screens and square footage and more flat screens and square footage and more flat screens and more rooms than a bigger swimming pool. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house. Your children like within your house. Your children like within your house. Your children like olive plants around your table. The olive plants around your table. The olive plants around your table. The focus here is just on the general focus here is just on the general focus here is just on the general members of the family. And the pictures members of the family. And the pictures members of the family. And the pictures that are that are grabbed onto here are that are that are grabbed onto here are that are that are grabbed onto here are agricultural.

agricultural. agricultural. I had to do a little bit of digging here I had to do a little bit of digging here I had to do a little bit of digging here because I'm not living in I don't know because I'm not living in I don't know because I'm not living in I don't know uh 500 to 1,000 BC Israel, right? I I uh 500 to 1,000 BC Israel, right? I I uh 500 to 1,000 BC Israel, right? I I don't get these pictures as naturally as don't get these pictures as naturally as don't get these pictures as naturally as I would get a Roomba running around my I would get a Roomba running around my I would get a Roomba running around my living room. living room. living room. But these were the chief industries in But these were the chief industries in But these were the chief industries in the Israelite economy back then. the Israelite economy back then. the Israelite economy back then. vineyards and olive groves. vineyards and olive groves. vineyards and olive groves. They were they were pictures of of They were they were pictures of of They were they were pictures of of prosperity. They were pictures symbols prosperity. They were pictures symbols prosperity. They were pictures symbols of happiness and joy and satisfaction of happiness and joy and satisfaction of happiness and joy and satisfaction and fulfillment because of what they can and fulfillment because of what they can and fulfillment because of what they can produce for others. produce for others. produce for others. See, we don't see these as flattering See, we don't see these as flattering See, we don't see these as flattering images, right? I mean, if you were to images, right? I mean, if you were to images, right? I mean, if you were to home go home and say, "Hey, darling, I'm home go home and say, "Hey, darling, I'm home go home and say, "Hey, darling, I'm so happy because you're like a juicy so happy because you're like a juicy so happy because you're like a juicy grape to me. grape to me. grape to me. My guess is that's not going to go down My guess is that's not going to go down My guess is that's not going to go down too well. too well. too well. She's not going to feel special and go She's not going to feel special and go She's not going to feel special and go wobbly at the knees. But but back then wobbly at the knees. But but back then wobbly at the knees. But but back then that's a compliment to be referred to as that's a compliment to be referred to as that's a compliment to be referred to as a fruitful vine I is a compliment. It a fruitful vine I is a compliment. It a fruitful vine I is a compliment. It it's to speak of of the blessing that it's to speak of of the blessing that it's to speak of of the blessing that that has been produced in this land that has been produced in this land that has been produced in this land because of your existence and has been because of your existence and has been because of your existence and has been brought right into the home. You're a brought right into the home. You're a brought right into the home. You're a fruitful vine to this home. You produce fruitful vine to this home. You produce fruitful vine to this home. You produce joy and happiness joy and happiness joy and happiness to this family. Olive trees are another

to this family. Olive trees are another to this family. Olive trees are another little bit of horiculture that I had to little bit of horiculture that I had to little bit of horiculture that I had to do a little bit of digging in. do a little bit of digging in. do a little bit of digging in. They're not cultivated is my They're not cultivated is my They're not cultivated is my understanding by planting seeds. They understanding by planting seeds. They understanding by planting seeds. They actually rather emerge as identical actually rather emerge as identical actually rather emerge as identical shoots from the roots of the parent shoots from the roots of the parent shoots from the roots of the parent tree. Your children are like olive plants. It Your children are like olive plants. It says here, it speaks of blessing and says here, it speaks of blessing and says here, it speaks of blessing and vitality too. You know, olive trees are vitality too. You know, olive trees are vitality too. You know, olive trees are slow growing. slow growing. slow growing. Olive trees do nothing for you the first Olive trees do nothing for you the first Olive trees do nothing for you the first seven years of their lives. seven years of their lives. seven years of their lives. That's an interesting little sort of That's an interesting little sort of That's an interesting little sort of analogy, right? They don't produce analogy, right? They don't produce analogy, right? They don't produce anything for seven years. In fact, when anything for seven years. In fact, when anything for seven years. In fact, when they do start to produce, it's only they do start to produce, it's only they do start to produce, it's only slowly, and they really only kick into slowly, and they really only kick into slowly, and they really only kick into gear about 20 years into their little gear about 20 years into their little gear about 20 years into their little existence, [snorts] but they're enduring. And once they get but they're enduring. And once they get going, they bless life around them.

going, they bless life around them. going, they bless life around them. There's an olive tree, I'm told, in There's an olive tree, I'm told, in There's an olive tree, I'm told, in Gethsemane that [snorts] is 900 years Gethsemane that [snorts] is 900 years Gethsemane that [snorts] is 900 years old. old. old. These trees last. So here we have in in this verse here a So here we have in in this verse here a family that that's gathered around the family that that's gathered around the family that that's gathered around the kitchen table as it were. Dad's kitchen table as it were. Dad's kitchen table as it were. Dad's satisfied with work, whatever that work satisfied with work, whatever that work satisfied with work, whatever that work is, because he's walking well with God. is, because he's walking well with God. is, because he's walking well with God. And and mom is fulfilled and productive And and mom is fulfilled and productive And and mom is fulfilled and productive and and bringing joy to the home because and and bringing joy to the home because and and bringing joy to the home because she's walking well with God. And and she's walking well with God. And and she's walking well with God. And and kids are sprouting up around the table kids are sprouting up around the table kids are sprouting up around the table here as a blessing, too. here as a blessing, too. here as a blessing, too. But of course the agricultural picture But of course the agricultural picture But of course the agricultural picture remembers is making a theological point. remembers is making a theological point. remembers is making a theological point. That home life I is the good life is the That home life I is the good life is the That home life I is the good life is the satisfied life under God if it's done satisfied life under God if it's done satisfied life under God if it's done under God. under God. under God. God can satisfy you there. There's a God can satisfy you there. There's a God can satisfy you there. There's a famous old song that came to mind as I famous old song that came to mind as I famous old song that came to mind as I was reflecting on on this verse. It it was reflecting on on this verse. It it was reflecting on on this verse. It it was a massive hit when it emerged in the was a massive hit when it emerged in the was a massive hit when it emerged in the 1820s 1820s 1820s and it it ended up becoming known as the and it it ended up becoming known as the and it it ended up becoming known as the ballad of the Civil War because it was ballad of the Civil War because it was ballad of the Civil War because it was the favorite song sung by Union soldiers the favorite song sung by Union soldiers the favorite song sung by Union soldiers and Confederate soldiers.

and Confederate soldiers. and Confederate soldiers. In fact, it was so popular and so moving In fact, it was so popular and so moving In fact, it was so popular and so moving that in December 1862 that in December 1862 that in December 1862 uh as Christmas was approaching, it was uh as Christmas was approaching, it was uh as Christmas was approaching, it was actually banned from being sung around actually banned from being sung around actually banned from being sung around the campfires of the Union Army. Why? the campfires of the Union Army. Why? the campfires of the Union Army. Why? Because it created such desertion. Because it created such desertion. Because it created such desertion. People started to head home. People started to head home. People started to head home. Now, I was thinking of singing it to you Now, I was thinking of singing it to you Now, I was thinking of singing it to you or whistling it to you. or whistling it to you. or whistling it to you. In the first service, they clapped when In the first service, they clapped when In the first service, they clapped when I said, "I wouldn't do that." No, I want I said, "I wouldn't do that." No, I want I said, "I wouldn't do that." No, I want I'm I'm watching. I'm I'm watching. I'm I'm watching. Ah, nobody's clapping. Good, but I'm not Ah, nobody's clapping. Good, but I'm not Ah, nobody's clapping. Good, but I'm not going to do that. It was written by a going to do that. It was written by a going to do that. It was written by a guy called John Penn, not to be confused guy called John Penn, not to be confused guy called John Penn, not to be confused with John Wayne. He he he was living in with John Wayne. He he he was living in with John Wayne. He he he was living in Europe in Paris at the time. Uh, and he Europe in Paris at the time. Uh, and he Europe in Paris at the time. Uh, and he was longing for home. was longing for home. was longing for home. Longing for home. Uh, and the song is Longing for home. Uh, and the song is Longing for home. Uh, and the song is called Home Sweet Home. called Home Sweet Home. called Home Sweet Home. Familiar to many, it's a it's a human Familiar to many, it's a it's a human Familiar to many, it's a it's a human longing to be found gathered around this longing to be found gathered around this longing to be found gathered around this family kitchen table that's described family kitchen table that's described family kitchen table that's described here in Psalm 128.

Home life can be the good life, [snorts] Home life can be the good life, [snorts] can be the blessed life, can be the can be the blessed life, can be the can be the blessed life, can be the satisfied life if it's done under God satisfied life if it's done under God satisfied life if it's done under God according to his ways. If it's done with according to his ways. If it's done with according to his ways. If it's done with a heart posture that fears him and wants a heart posture that fears him and wants a heart posture that fears him and wants to walk in in the directives that he has to walk in in the directives that he has to walk in in the directives that he has given for home life. given for home life. given for home life. Third realm of life that is presented to Third realm of life that is presented to Third realm of life that is presented to us here is society. Again, like Psalm us here is society. Again, like Psalm us here is society. Again, like Psalm 127, society, God's blessing rests on a 127, society, God's blessing rests on a 127, society, God's blessing rests on a godly person's culture. godly person's culture. godly person's culture. God's blessing rests on the godly person God's blessing rests on the godly person God's blessing rests on the godly person and the godly person's culture. and the godly person's culture. and the godly person's culture. This song deals with societal blessing. This song deals with societal blessing. This song deals with societal blessing. uh God's favor will spill out of that uh God's favor will spill out of that uh God's favor will spill out of that home will will will exit that home and home will will will exit that home and home will will will exit that home and sweep across the neighborhoods and the sweep across the neighborhoods and the sweep across the neighborhoods and the towns and the cities and the metroplexes towns and the cities and the metroplexes towns and the cities and the metroplexes in in the nations where the godly just in in the nations where the godly just in in the nations where the godly just walk in the fear of the Lord keeping his walk in the fear of the Lord keeping his walk in the fear of the Lord keeping his commandments. [snorts] commandments. [snorts] commandments. [snorts] Happiness in society is possible out Happiness in society is possible out Happiness in society is possible out there. That's a very unhappy society out there. That's a very unhappy society out there. That's a very unhappy society out there.

there. there. But happiness, true happiness is But happiness, true happiness is But happiness, true happiness is possible out there under God. And God's possible out there under God. And God's possible out there under God. And God's people, that's you, have a key role in people, that's you, have a key role in people, that's you, have a key role in switching that on. switching that on. switching that on. Look at verse five. Look at verse five. Look at verse five. The Lord bless you from Zion. The Lord bless you from Zion. The Lord bless you from Zion. And may you see the prosperity or the And may you see the prosperity or the And may you see the prosperity or the blessing of Jerusalem all the days of blessing of Jerusalem all the days of blessing of Jerusalem all the days of your life. your life. your life. Then drop down to the very last phrase Then drop down to the very last phrase Then drop down to the very last phrase in verse six. We have a benediction in verse six. We have a benediction in verse six. We have a benediction of peace, of shalom, of flourishing. of peace, of shalom, of flourishing. of peace, of shalom, of flourishing. It's a it's a it's a conceptually it's It's a it's a it's a conceptually it's It's a it's a it's a conceptually it's another word for blessing that's another word for blessing that's another word for blessing that's pronounced upon the nation as a whole. pronounced upon the nation as a whole. pronounced upon the nation as a whole. Peace be upon Israel, the nation. Peace be upon Israel, the nation. Peace be upon Israel, the nation. So we have a geographical picture here So we have a geographical picture here So we have a geographical picture here that's making a theological point. that's making a theological point. that's making a theological point. Again, we have gathered the people of Again, we have gathered the people of Again, we have gathered the people of God around God in Zion. Remember that God around God in Zion. Remember that God around God in Zion. Remember that little rocky protrusion in the landscape little rocky protrusion in the landscape little rocky protrusion in the landscape that God picked for God's people to to that God picked for God's people to to that God picked for God's people to to to build his temple on where he would to build his temple on where he would to build his temple on where he would reside among them and they would do life reside among them and they would do life reside among them and they would do life around his presence, around his presence, around his presence, the temple, God's house, their their the temple, God's house, their their the temple, God's house, their their churchy space. remember to use our churchy space. remember to use our churchy space. remember to use our language a and and blessing is flowing language a and and blessing is flowing language a and and blessing is flowing out of there as God's people gather out of there as God's people gather out of there as God's people gather there and that blessing flows out to to there and that blessing flows out to to there and that blessing flows out to to Jerusalem to to the neighborhoods and Jerusalem to to the neighborhoods and Jerusalem to to the neighborhoods and the streets of the capital of the nation

the streets of the capital of the nation the streets of the capital of the nation and and then beyond right the and and then beyond right the and and then beyond right the benediction the shalom the peace being benediction the shalom the peace being benediction the shalom the peace being experienced across all of Israel the experienced across all of Israel the experienced across all of Israel the nation the towns the cities blessing on nation the towns the cities blessing on nation the towns the cities blessing on all of society all of society all of society the Lord's blessing the Lord Lord's the Lord's blessing the Lord Lord's the Lord's blessing the Lord Lord's injection of of happiness and true injection of of happiness and true injection of of happiness and true fulfillment and contentment right across fulfillment and contentment right across fulfillment and contentment right across the nation is possible. the nation is possible. the nation is possible. Blessing and happiness theologically Blessing and happiness theologically Blessing and happiness theologically speaking now spills out across a society speaking now spills out across a society speaking now spills out across a society when God's people center their lives in when God's people center their lives in when God's people center their lives in the fear of the Lord walking in his ways the fear of the Lord walking in his ways the fear of the Lord walking in his ways allowing faith to express itself. And by allowing faith to express itself. And by allowing faith to express itself. And by analogy, of course, in our era of analogy, of course, in our era of analogy, of course, in our era of history, when God's faith family history, when God's faith family history, when God's faith family gathers, the local church that that the gathers, the local church that that the gathers, the local church that that the New Testament is so geared toward New Testament is so geared toward New Testament is so geared toward helping, when the when that local church helping, when the when that local church helping, when the when that local church gathers in its sacred space, it becomes gathers in its sacred space, it becomes gathers in its sacred space, it becomes salt in a society, it becomes light in a salt in a society, it becomes light in a salt in a society, it becomes light in a very dark world, blessing flows into the very dark world, blessing flows into the very dark world, blessing flows into the rest of that society. When God's people rest of that society. When God's people rest of that society. When God's people just fear the Lord and walk in his ways, just fear the Lord and walk in his ways, just fear the Lord and walk in his ways, that's a truth that remains.

that's a truth that remains. that's a truth that remains. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> You have a very massive role to play in >> You have a very massive role to play in >> You have a very massive role to play in God's blessing upon this culture. In his God's blessing upon this culture. In his God's blessing upon this culture. In his book on the Psalms, Dr. Harold Bosley book on the Psalms, Dr. Harold Bosley book on the Psalms, Dr. Harold Bosley mentions a secular conference that mentions a secular conference that mentions a secular conference that occurred in 1947 that that reached a occurred in 1947 that that reached a occurred in 1947 that that reached a spiritual conclusion. spiritual conclusion. spiritual conclusion. 1947, remember, is just hot on the heels 1947, remember, is just hot on the heels 1947, remember, is just hot on the heels of one of the worst wars in human of one of the worst wars in human of one of the worst wars in human history. and Europe's in ashes and and history. and Europe's in ashes and and history. and Europe's in ashes and and the US and the Soviet Union at that the US and the Soviet Union at that the US and the Soviet Union at that point begin to emerge as superpowers point begin to emerge as superpowers point begin to emerge as superpowers head above everybody else a and they head above everybody else a and they head above everybody else a and they begin to look at each other with begin to look at each other with begin to look at each other with suspicion suspicion suspicion and there's a bit of an arms race and of and there's a bit of an arms race and of and there's a bit of an arms race and of course the atomic bomb has just been course the atomic bomb has just been course the atomic bomb has just been dropped so the atomic age has just dropped so the atomic age has just dropped so the atomic age has just emerged and it's a frightful time to emerged and it's a frightful time to emerged and it's a frightful time to live in live in live in so in New York this this conference is so in New York this this conference is so in New York this this conference is convened and it has leaders from across convened and it has leaders from across convened and it has leaders from across all sphere spheres of life, science, all sphere spheres of life, science, all sphere spheres of life, science, philosophy, government, media, philosophy, government, media, philosophy, government, media, education, religion, business, all education, religion, business, all education, religion, business, all meeting to to try and wrestle with the meeting to to try and wrestle with the meeting to to try and wrestle with the question that was formulated like this.

question that was formulated like this. question that was formulated like this. Modern man, slave or sovereign. Modern man, slave or sovereign. Modern man, slave or sovereign. Let's discuss this given what's just Let's discuss this given what's just Let's discuss this given what's just happened. happened. happened. Bosley writes this, and I quote, "All Bosley writes this, and I quote, "All Bosley writes this, and I quote, "All wanted modern civilization to survive, wanted modern civilization to survive, wanted modern civilization to survive, and all believed that it could, though and all believed that it could, though and all believed that it could, though not in its present form, which had been not in its present form, which had been not in its present form, which had been fashioned too much on the anvils of war fashioned too much on the anvils of war fashioned too much on the anvils of war and too little in the councils of peace. and too little in the councils of peace. and too little in the councils of peace. All believed that modern man had All believed that modern man had All believed that modern man had resources to redesign and rebuild the resources to redesign and rebuild the resources to redesign and rebuild the tottering world, but all doubted whether tottering world, but all doubted whether tottering world, but all doubted whether he was willing to do it. he was willing to do it. he was willing to do it. all agreed that the most important all agreed that the most important all agreed that the most important conclusion of the conference was as conclusion of the conference was as conclusion of the conference was as follows. And so he quotes Bosley quotes follows. And so he quotes Bosley quotes follows. And so he quotes Bosley quotes the conclusion of the secular the conclusion of the secular the conclusion of the secular conference. Quote, this basic spiritual conference. Quote, this basic spiritual conference. Quote, this basic spiritual values that are mankind's heritage from values that are mankind's heritage from values that are mankind's heritage from the past alone, that means Christianity, the past alone, that means Christianity, the past alone, that means Christianity, can assure the survival of human freedom can assure the survival of human freedom can assure the survival of human freedom in today's men world.

in today's men world. in today's men world. Hey, they concluded what the Bible Hey, they concluded what the Bible Hey, they concluded what the Bible teaches. teaches. teaches. They concluded what Psalm 128:5 is They concluded what Psalm 128:5 is They concluded what Psalm 128:5 is saying. A society can only be blessed A society can only be blessed if God does the blessing. And God does if God does the blessing. And God does if God does the blessing. And God does the blessing when we rediscover the blessing when we rediscover the blessing when we rediscover the spiritual values that God wants the the spiritual values that God wants the the spiritual values that God wants the society to function according to. And society to function according to. And society to function according to. And society can't discover those society can't discover those society can't discover those unless God's people are salt. unless God's people are salt. unless God's people are salt. Unless God's people are light. Unless God's people are light. Unless God's people are light. Unless God's people take up on the call Unless God's people take up on the call Unless God's people take up on the call to be a foundation or a pillar of truth to be a foundation or a pillar of truth to be a foundation or a pillar of truth in society as the household of God. But in society as the household of God. But in society as the household of God. But as the Apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy 3, God's blessing rests [snorts] God's blessing rests [snorts] on the godly person's culture. on the godly person's culture. on the godly person's culture. And when God's people fear the Lord and And when God's people fear the Lord and And when God's people fear the Lord and walk in his ways, the blessing doesn't walk in his ways, the blessing doesn't walk in his ways, the blessing doesn't just come to them. The blessing flows just come to them. The blessing flows just come to them. The blessing flows right out beyond them to the to the right out beyond them to the to the right out beyond them to the to the society they build.

society they build. society they build. Fourth, and lastly, Fourth, and lastly, Fourth, and lastly, a realm that really wasn't tapped into a realm that really wasn't tapped into a realm that really wasn't tapped into in Psalm 127, the companion psalm is the in Psalm 127, the companion psalm is the in Psalm 127, the companion psalm is the future. future. future. The future. God's blessing rests on the The future. God's blessing rests on the The future. God's blessing rests on the godly person's tomorrow. godly person's tomorrow. godly person's tomorrow. God wants to inject into your tomorrow a God wants to inject into your tomorrow a God wants to inject into your tomorrow a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment deep sense of happiness and fulfillment deep sense of happiness and fulfillment and contentment in life if you fear him and contentment in life if you fear him and contentment in life if you fear him and walk in his ways. and walk in his ways. and walk in his ways. And here in verse six, we see And here in verse six, we see And here in verse six, we see generational blessing being declared. generational blessing being declared. generational blessing being declared. God's blessing resting in your tomorrow, God's blessing resting in your tomorrow, God's blessing resting in your tomorrow, expressed in the language of what was expressed in the language of what was expressed in the language of what was deemed the the dream end of life back deemed the the dream end of life back deemed the the dream end of life back then, which I submit to you probably then, which I submit to you probably then, which I submit to you probably would be the dream end of life for would be the dream end of life for would be the dream end of life for anyone, unless there are other anyone, unless there are other anyone, unless there are other interruptions. interruptions. interruptions. A happy tomorrow is possible under God. A happy tomorrow is possible under God. A happy tomorrow is possible under God. Look at verse six. Indeed, may you see Look at verse six. Indeed, may you see Look at verse six. Indeed, may you see your children's children. your children's children. your children's children. May you see your children's children.

May you see your children's children. May you see your children's children. You know, life is hard. You know that. You know, life is hard. You know that. You know, life is hard. You know that. Life is dangerous. You know that. Life Life is dangerous. You know that. Life Life is dangerous. You know that. Life is fragile. You know that. Very fragile. is fragile. You know that. Very fragile. is fragile. You know that. Very fragile. And life is fast. Very fast. It seems to And life is fast. Very fast. It seems to And life is fast. Very fast. It seems to get faster, right? The older that you get faster, right? The older that you get faster, right? The older that you get. get. get. This song, in fact, moves generationally This song, in fact, moves generationally This song, in fact, moves generationally quite fast, too. One writer says it so quite fast, too. One writer says it so quite fast, too. One writer says it so well. He says we go from from bride to well. He says we go from from bride to well. He says we go from from bride to groom to grandparents in six verses. groom to grandparents in six verses. groom to grandparents in six verses. That's so true. That's so true. That's so true. What is a good end to life? What is a good end to life? What is a good end to life? Early retirement, high net worth, Early retirement, high net worth, Early retirement, high net worth, health, they're all good if they're health, they're all good if they're health, they're all good if they're stewarded by God because he gifted you stewarded by God because he gifted you stewarded by God because he gifted you that. But what is mentioned in this that. But what is mentioned in this that. But what is mentioned in this psalm goes back into the family life psalm goes back into the family life psalm goes back into the family life goes back to the home goes back to the home goes back to the home life with lots of other little olive life with lots of other little olive life with lots of other little olive shoots sprouting up. shoots sprouting up. shoots sprouting up. A as you know over the years I've told A as you know over the years I've told A as you know over the years I've told you I've been a very very successful you I've been a very very successful you I've been a very very successful assistant coach to the assistant coach assistant coach to the assistant coach assistant coach to the assistant coach to the assistant coach of the head coach to the assistant coach of the head coach to the assistant coach of the head coach in pew sports. Ah it's been amazing. Now in pew sports. Ah it's been amazing. Now in pew sports. Ah it's been amazing. Now I don't want to uh brag enough about my I don't want to uh brag enough about my I don't want to uh brag enough about my sporting success. This is not about sporting success. This is not about sporting success. This is not about celebrating me but but here's what I've celebrating me but but here's what I've celebrating me but but here's what I've noticed over the years as an assistant noticed over the years as an assistant noticed over the years as an assistant coach the assistant coach assistant coach the assistant coach assistant coach the assistant coach assistant coach or the head coach.

coach or the head coach. coach or the head coach. I've noticed the amount of grandparents I've noticed the amount of grandparents I've noticed the amount of grandparents that show up at peeweee sports that show up at peeweee sports that show up at peeweee sports on hot evenings on hot evenings on hot evenings just so that their little boys and girls just so that their little boys and girls just so that their little boys and girls get the encouragement, get the love of get the encouragement, get the love of get the encouragement, get the love of seeing their grandparents there. It's seeing their grandparents there. It's seeing their grandparents there. It's been remarkable to me to watch. My wife been remarkable to me to watch. My wife been remarkable to me to watch. My wife and I have repeatedly commented on how and I have repeatedly commented on how and I have repeatedly commented on how is it that that's happening? It's is it that that's happening? It's is it that that's happening? It's beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. See, where we come from, grandparents See, where we come from, grandparents See, where we come from, grandparents don't show up at at grandkid sports. don't show up at at grandkid sports. don't show up at at grandkid sports. It's just not done. But here, you're It's just not done. But here, you're It's just not done. But here, you're present in the the next little ones present in the the next little ones present in the the next little ones coming up in their lives. I love it. coming up in their lives. I love it. coming up in their lives. I love it. It's fantastic. It's fantastic. It's fantastic. What a blessing from God to be able, if What a blessing from God to be able, if What a blessing from God to be able, if possible, to live long enough to be possible, to live long enough to be possible, to live long enough to be around little ones. [snorts] around little ones. [snorts] around little ones. [snorts] Grandparents have a massive role in Grandparents have a massive role in Grandparents have a massive role in enjoying and rearing grandkids in the enjoying and rearing grandkids in the enjoying and rearing grandkids in the ways of the Lord. And many of you know ways of the Lord. And many of you know ways of the Lord. And many of you know that. Many of you are very much engaged that. Many of you are very much engaged that. Many of you are very much engaged in that. I just want to celebrate your in that. I just want to celebrate your in that. I just want to celebrate your commitment.

commitment. commitment. And I know that there are many of you And I know that there are many of you And I know that there are many of you who are doing so also as adopted who are doing so also as adopted who are doing so also as adopted grandparents because we're a faith grandparents because we're a faith grandparents because we're a faith family. family. family. They may not be physically your great or They may not be physically your great or They may not be physically your great or your grandchildren. Not your your grandchildren. Not your your grandchildren. Not your great-grandchildren. Maybe that's even great-grandchildren. Maybe that's even great-grandchildren. Maybe that's even more blessing. They're maybe not more blessing. They're maybe not more blessing. They're maybe not physically your grandchildren, but physically your grandchildren, but physically your grandchildren, but they're spiritually your grandchildren. they're spiritually your grandchildren. they're spiritually your grandchildren. And I've observed that there's many of And I've observed that there's many of And I've observed that there's many of you who have adopted you who have adopted you who have adopted grandkids to go and encourage. And as grandkids to go and encourage. And as grandkids to go and encourage. And as somebody who is not originally from somebody who is not originally from somebody who is not originally from here, whose parents and my wife's here, whose parents and my wife's here, whose parents and my wife's parents are way over there, I value parents are way over there, I value parents are way over there, I value those who step up and say, "Hey, let me those who step up and say, "Hey, let me those who step up and say, "Hey, let me show up at grandparents day at your kids show up at grandparents day at your kids show up at grandparents day at your kids school." When everybody else's school." When everybody else's school." When everybody else's grandparents are showing up, it's grandparents are showing up, it's grandparents are showing up, it's beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. To end your days pouring into youth is a To end your days pouring into youth is a To end your days pouring into youth is a blessing from God. That's deep blessing from God. That's deep blessing from God. That's deep satisfaction. Yes, they're a little satisfaction. Yes, they're a little satisfaction. Yes, they're a little noisy, but they're fun. noisy, but they're fun. noisy, but they're fun. It will impact the society that they It will impact the society that they It will impact the society that they build in the decades ahead if they know build in the decades ahead if they know build in the decades ahead if they know that you poured into them. You know, the that you poured into them. You know, the that you poured into them. You know, the last night I of our holiday back home in last night I of our holiday back home in last night I of our holiday back home in Northern Ireland this past summer, I saw Northern Ireland this past summer, I saw Northern Ireland this past summer, I saw this play out right before my eyes.

this play out right before my eyes. this play out right before my eyes. We were there in the back garden of my We were there in the back garden of my We were there in the back garden of my sister's home, all the Murphy's. I mean, sister's home, all the Murphy's. I mean, sister's home, all the Murphy's. I mean, there was 40 of us. there was 40 of us. there was 40 of us. Uh, and it was it was fantastic. We were Uh, and it was it was fantastic. We were Uh, and it was it was fantastic. We were all saying goodbye essentially because all saying goodbye essentially because all saying goodbye essentially because the next day we were leaving. My brother the next day we were leaving. My brother the next day we were leaving. My brother and his family who live in Florida, they and his family who live in Florida, they and his family who live in Florida, they were leaving. Uh, my sister and her were leaving. Uh, my sister and her were leaving. Uh, my sister and her family were going off to Spain to do family were going off to Spain to do family were going off to Spain to do missions there for a season. And so, it missions there for a season. And so, it missions there for a season. And so, it was a farewell time. And there were kids was a farewell time. And there were kids was a farewell time. And there were kids everywhere. everywhere. everywhere. not a big garden. Kids everywhere, food not a big garden. Kids everywhere, food not a big garden. Kids everywhere, food of all sorts, laughter, uh constant um of all sorts, laughter, uh constant um of all sorts, laughter, uh constant um games being played. We had a time of games being played. We had a time of games being played. We had a time of prayer. And in the middle of it all were prayer. And in the middle of it all were prayer. And in the middle of it all were my mom and dad, my mom and dad, my mom and dad, seasoned warriors of God who have feared seasoned warriors of God who have feared seasoned warriors of God who have feared the Lord and walked in his ways for the Lord and walked in his ways for the Lord and walked in his ways for decades decades decades in extremely hard environments on the in extremely hard environments on the in extremely hard environments on the mission field in Spain. And there they mission field in Spain. And there they mission field in Spain. And there they were in the middle of all of this with were in the middle of all of this with were in the middle of all of this with little tiny ones crawling all over them. little tiny ones crawling all over them. little tiny ones crawling all over them. It's a picture of the blessed life, It's a picture of the blessed life, It's a picture of the blessed life, the good life, the the injection of the good life, the the injection of the good life, the the injection of happiness and joy and contentment into happiness and joy and contentment into happiness and joy and contentment into their beings [laughter] a a reward their beings [laughter] a a reward their beings [laughter] a a reward because they did follow God well as God because they did follow God well as God because they did follow God well as God wants to be followed.

wants to be followed. wants to be followed. I remember leaving that night and I remember leaving that night and I remember leaving that night and thinking many times since I want to end thinking many times since I want to end thinking many times since I want to end like that. like that. like that. I want to end like that. God's blessing, I want to end like that. God's blessing, I want to end like that. God's blessing, God's satisfaction will rest on the God's satisfaction will rest on the God's satisfaction will rest on the godly persons tomorrow godly persons tomorrow godly persons tomorrow because they walk well with him as he because they walk well with him as he because they walk well with him as he desires for us to walk. friends. desires for us to walk. friends. desires for us to walk. friends. If Brother Roomba, if Brother Roomba, If Brother Roomba, if Brother Roomba, If Brother Roomba, if Brother Roomba, that little Frisbee like vacuum cleaner that little Frisbee like vacuum cleaner that little Frisbee like vacuum cleaner with no arms and no legs and and no with no arms and no legs and and no with no arms and no legs and and no eyes, uh, no ears, can live out its eyes, uh, no ears, can live out its eyes, uh, no ears, can live out its calling happily. And bless everybody in calling happily. And bless everybody in calling happily. And bless everybody in the Murphy household as a result, then the Murphy household as a result, then the Murphy household as a result, then you can live out your calling before God you can live out your calling before God you can live out your calling before God as an imagebearer of God. dwell too as an imagebearer of God. dwell too as an imagebearer of God. dwell too in an obedient faith in an obedient faith in an obedient faith and God will fill you with happiness and God will fill you with happiness and God will fill you with happiness because he designed you to to to to work because he designed you to to to to work because he designed you to to to to work and to live in that way. So don't waste and to live in that way. So don't waste and to live in that way. So don't waste your days bouncing off deadend your days bouncing off deadend your days bouncing off deadend baseboards baseboards baseboards getting yourself into rooms that you've getting yourself into rooms that you've getting yourself into rooms that you've no business being in and not knowing how no business being in and not knowing how no business being in and not knowing how to get out. Chewing on electric cables to get out. Chewing on electric cables to get out. Chewing on electric cables that you've no business chewing on.

that you've no business chewing on. that you've no business chewing on. Don't do any of that. Charge yourself in the word of God, Charge yourself in the word of God, right? Regularly meet with God's people right? Regularly meet with God's people right? Regularly meet with God's people and just watch the fruitfulness that and just watch the fruitfulness that and just watch the fruitfulness that will result of that because God blesses will result of that because God blesses will result of that because God blesses it and it'll spread through all the it and it'll spread through all the it and it'll spread through all the spheres of life in which you move. Your spheres of life in which you move. Your spheres of life in which you move. Your work, your home, your society, your work, your home, your society, your work, your home, your society, your neighborhood, and ultimately your neighborhood, and ultimately your neighborhood, and ultimately your future. So, oh, if I could live for Jesus So, oh, if I could live for Jesus [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] like brother Roomba lives for the like brother Roomba lives for the like brother Roomba lives for the Murphy's. Murphy's. Murphy's. Oh, if I could live for Jesus like Psalm Oh, if I could live for Jesus like Psalm Oh, if I could live for Jesus like Psalm 128 celebrates. What a blessing that would be. That's What a blessing that would be. That's wisdom right there. wisdom right there. wisdom right there. Take it. Be decisive. Take it. Be decisive. Take it. Be decisive. Walk toward it. Our time is gone. Let me Walk toward it. Our time is gone. Let me Walk toward it. Our time is gone. Let me pray and then we're going to stand and pray and then we're going to stand and pray and then we're going to stand and leave in song. Heavenly Father, we thank leave in song. Heavenly Father, we thank leave in song. Heavenly Father, we thank you once again for your word. We thank you once again for your word. We thank you once again for your word. We thank you for the psalms. We thank you for you for the psalms. We thank you for you for the psalms. We thank you for these pilgrim psalms that you've these pilgrim psalms that you've these pilgrim psalms that you've preserved for us so that we learn from preserved for us so that we learn from preserved for us so that we learn from those who have walked before with you those who have walked before with you those who have walked before with you how we can walk with you today.

how we can walk with you today. how we can walk with you today. I pray that you'd use this psalm in the I pray that you'd use this psalm in the I pray that you'd use this psalm in the lives of your people this week and that lives of your people this week and that lives of your people this week and that as a result we will make good decisions as a result we will make good decisions as a result we will make good decisions and of course the downstream effects of and of course the downstream effects of and of course the downstream effects of that will be blessing for all. Help us that will be blessing for all. Help us that will be blessing for all. Help us this week this week this week lift high the name of Jesus Christ in lift high the name of Jesus Christ in lift high the name of Jesus Christ in our lives to walk in step with the our lives to walk in step with the our lives to walk in step with the spirit to the glory of almighty God. In spirit to the glory of almighty God. In spirit to the glory of almighty God. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Let all things there create [music] or >> Let all things there create [music] or bless [singing] bless [singing] bless [singing] and worship him in humbleness. and worship him in humbleness. and worship him in humbleness. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Oh praise him. Hallelu. Oh praise him. Hallelu. Oh praise him. Hallelu. [music and singing] Praise praise the father. Praise the Son Praise praise the father. Praise the Son [music] [music] [music] and [singing] praise the spirit three in and [singing] praise the spirit three in and [singing] praise the spirit three in one.

one. one. [music] Oh, praise him. Oh, praise him. [music] Oh, praise him. Oh, praise him. [music] Oh, praise him. Oh, praise him. Hallelu. [music and singing] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Amen. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> [music] Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Thanks for worshiping [music] with us >> Thanks for worshiping [music] with us today. Let's take what we've heard from today. Let's take what we've heard from today. Let's take what we've heard from God's word and live it out this week. If God's word and live it out this week. If God's word and live it out this week. If you'd like to get connected [music] at you'd like to get connected [music] at you'd like to get connected [music] at Stonebrier, visit stonebryer.org to find

Stonebrier, visit stonebryer.org to find Stonebrier, visit stonebryer.org to find your next step. We'll see you next your next step. We'll see you next your next step. We'll see you next Sunday. [music]