1 00:00:30,499 --> 00:00:31,539 I don't need anything else. 2 00:00:31,539 --> 00:00:32,099 Amen. 3 00:00:32,659 --> 00:00:33,299 Amen. 4 00:00:33,379 --> 00:00:38,379 I again think about how many things in our life would be totally 5 00:00:38,379 --> 00:00:41,699 different if we would just keep our eyes on Jesus Christ. 6 00:00:41,939 --> 00:00:44,219 If we just simply continue to focus on him. 7 00:00:44,219 --> 00:00:47,219 If you would, in your Bibles this morning, turn to Psalm 147, 8 00:00:47,859 --> 00:00:50,179 Psalm 147 around Thanksgiving. 9 00:00:50,819 --> 00:00:54,899 We have touched on this psalm at various times over the years. 10 00:00:54,899 --> 00:00:56,419 It's just a wonderful psalm. 11 00:00:56,899 --> 00:00:58,579 A psalm of Thanksgiving. 12 00:00:58,979 --> 00:01:00,259 A psalm of Thanksgiving. 13 00:01:00,259 --> 00:01:03,939 And yes, Brother House was hopefully going to be here this morning. 14 00:01:03,939 --> 00:01:04,819 He didn't feel well. 15 00:01:05,139 --> 00:01:08,579 I did offer an invitation for next week if he's. 16 00:01:08,819 --> 00:01:09,779 If he's feeling good. 17 00:01:09,779 --> 00:01:11,699 So listen, it's just going to be kind of one of those things. 18 00:01:11,859 --> 00:01:14,819 You show up and he's here, or you show up and you get me. 19 00:01:14,819 --> 00:01:16,899 You know, it's the way it goes. 20 00:01:18,499 --> 00:01:26,869 But I am always thankful that I have such good men in my life who 21 00:01:26,869 --> 00:01:29,989 have influenced me, and Brother House is one of those. 22 00:01:29,989 --> 00:01:36,189 And I am so thankful, many, many years ago, over 30 years ago, 23 00:01:36,189 --> 00:01:36,989 that I met him. 24 00:01:37,549 --> 00:01:41,669 And what a blessing he's been to me and to this church over the 25 00:01:41,669 --> 00:01:41,949 years. 26 00:01:42,589 --> 00:01:47,389 And so we'll invite and continue to extend the invitation 27 00:01:47,959 --> 00:01:50,799 to him and just say, hey, if you get up in the morning, you feel 28 00:01:50,799 --> 00:01:51,559 good, come on. 29 00:01:52,039 --> 00:01:53,239 And he's just 90. 30 00:01:53,319 --> 00:01:57,479 I mean, it's not like, you know, 90 years old. 31 00:01:59,639 --> 00:02:00,399 Thanksgiving. 32 00:02:00,399 --> 00:02:02,119 A Psalm of Thanksgiving. 33 00:02:02,759 --> 00:02:04,439 Let's look at verse one. 34 00:02:04,839 --> 00:02:06,279 I'm going to read the whole chapters. 35 00:02:06,839 --> 00:02:08,199 Praise ye the Lord. 36 00:02:08,679 --> 00:02:11,879 For it is good to sing praises unto our God. 37 00:02:12,519 --> 00:02:15,669 For it is pleasant and praise is comely. 38 00:02:16,069 --> 00:02:18,229 The Lord doth build up Jerusalem. 39 00:02:18,389 --> 00:02:21,189 He gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. 40 00:02:21,349 --> 00:02:25,829 He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds. 41 00:02:26,229 --> 00:02:28,149 He telleth the number of the stars. 42 00:02:28,629 --> 00:02:31,189 He calleth them all by their names. 43 00:02:31,589 --> 00:02:34,789 Great is our Lord, and of great power. 44 00:02:35,349 --> 00:02:37,269 His understanding is infinite. 45 00:02:37,909 --> 00:02:39,669 The Lord lifteth up the meek. 46 00:02:40,129 --> 00:02:42,289 He casteth the wicked down to the ground. 47 00:02:42,929 --> 00:02:44,849 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving. 48 00:02:45,409 --> 00:02:50,329 Sing praise upon the harp unto our God who covereth the heavens 49 00:02:50,329 --> 00:02:54,689 with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass 50 00:02:54,689 --> 00:02:56,288 to grow upon the mountains. 51 00:02:56,369 --> 00:02:59,529 He giveth to the beasts his food and to the young raven which 52 00:02:59,529 --> 00:03:02,369 cry, he delighteth in the strength. 53 00:03:02,609 --> 00:03:05,329 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse. 54 00:03:05,779 --> 00:03:08,339 He taketh no pleasure in the legs of man. 55 00:03:08,899 --> 00:03:12,459 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that 56 00:03:12,459 --> 00:03:13,619 hope, in his mercy. 57 00:03:14,019 --> 00:03:14,819 Praise the Lord. 58 00:03:14,819 --> 00:03:15,859 O Jerusalem. 59 00:03:16,259 --> 00:03:18,099 Praise thy God, O Zion. 60 00:03:18,499 --> 00:03:21,059 For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates. 61 00:03:21,379 --> 00:03:23,859 He hath blessed thy children within thee. 62 00:03:24,099 --> 00:03:26,459 He maketh peace in thy borders. 63 00:03:26,459 --> 00:03:28,819 He filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. 64 00:03:29,059 --> 00:03:32,479 He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth. 65 00:03:32,639 --> 00:03:35,279 His word runneth very swiftly. 66 00:03:35,439 --> 00:03:40,319 He giveth snow like wool, he scattereth the hoar frost like ashes. 67 00:03:40,559 --> 00:03:43,599 He casteth forth his ice like morsels. 68 00:03:44,239 --> 00:03:46,639 Who can stand before his cold? 69 00:03:47,119 --> 00:03:49,279 He sendeth out his word. 70 00:03:49,279 --> 00:03:50,479 He melteth them. 71 00:03:50,719 --> 00:03:54,079 He causeth his wind to blow and the waters flow. 72 00:03:54,479 --> 00:03:58,849 He showeth his word unto Jacob, he his statutes and his judgments 73 00:03:58,849 --> 00:03:59,769 unto Israel. 74 00:04:00,249 --> 00:04:02,889 He hath not dealt so with any nation. 75 00:04:03,609 --> 00:04:07,209 And as for his judgments, they have not known them. 76 00:04:08,089 --> 00:04:09,369 Praise ye the Lord. 77 00:04:09,449 --> 00:04:10,049 Let's pray. 78 00:04:10,049 --> 00:04:12,809 Heavenly Father, we do want to praise you and thank you this morning, 79 00:04:13,449 --> 00:04:17,689 Lord, for your providential care, for your protection, for, Lord, 80 00:04:17,689 --> 00:04:20,089 all that you've done, the grace that you've so richly given 81 00:04:20,089 --> 00:04:20,569 to us. 82 00:04:21,049 --> 00:04:23,329 Lord, I pray this morning again, we would see that. 83 00:04:23,329 --> 00:04:25,129 That we would never take it for granted. 84 00:04:25,949 --> 00:04:28,469 And, Lord, again, we just want to thank you. 85 00:04:28,469 --> 00:04:30,349 In Jesus name, Amen. 86 00:04:30,989 --> 00:04:32,269 We think about psalm. 87 00:04:32,269 --> 00:04:34,829 We think about, again, a book of songs. 88 00:04:35,549 --> 00:04:39,269 This was the songbook for the Jewish people. 89 00:04:39,269 --> 00:04:44,349 For Israel, it was poems that God's people had put together. 90 00:04:44,349 --> 00:04:46,829 And again, there's a whole list of those, and I'll give you 91 00:04:46,829 --> 00:04:47,709 a few in a moment. 92 00:04:48,429 --> 00:04:51,849 It's songs that would direct their hearts and their ways. 93 00:04:51,849 --> 00:04:52,209 It would. 94 00:04:52,209 --> 00:04:56,569 It's songs that would direct the thoughts of Israel to the ways, 95 00:04:56,569 --> 00:04:59,009 the works and the words of God. 96 00:05:00,049 --> 00:05:04,929 And especially as God relates to his children, by the way, as God 97 00:05:04,929 --> 00:05:05,889 relates to our lives. 98 00:05:07,169 --> 00:05:07,809 Our lives. 99 00:05:09,249 --> 00:05:10,449 It was wholesome music. 100 00:05:12,129 --> 00:05:13,009 Wholesome music. 101 00:05:13,409 --> 00:05:15,889 I don't know if I want to get off on all that this morning, but 102 00:05:16,209 --> 00:05:19,679 wholesome music for the nation of Israel, it provided them songs 103 00:05:19,679 --> 00:05:22,279 to sing that were wholesome, that were godward. 104 00:05:22,279 --> 00:05:26,999 They were directed and gave so many things and characteristics of 105 00:05:26,999 --> 00:05:27,399 God. 106 00:05:27,399 --> 00:05:34,599 Can I just, again, encourage parents, do your utmost to make your 107 00:05:34,599 --> 00:05:42,839 home a place of safety, a place where there is shelter from 108 00:05:42,839 --> 00:05:45,319 the outside world, especially when it comes to music. 109 00:05:46,209 --> 00:05:51,409 Think about how much we listen to music every day, how much we listen 110 00:05:51,409 --> 00:05:53,649 to podcasts every day, or whatever it is. 111 00:05:53,729 --> 00:05:57,569 Would you, as a parent, not take the effort? 112 00:05:58,209 --> 00:06:00,929 Would you, as a parent, ought to take the effort? 113 00:06:01,169 --> 00:06:04,089 You, as a parent, ought to be in charge of what your kids are listening 114 00:06:04,089 --> 00:06:05,889 to, make sure it's wholesome. 115 00:06:06,529 --> 00:06:09,329 You should know what podcasts or anything else they're listening 116 00:06:09,329 --> 00:06:09,569 to. 117 00:06:10,289 --> 00:06:10,849 Hello. 118 00:06:11,419 --> 00:06:13,739 And that's what the children of Israel had this psalm book for. 119 00:06:13,819 --> 00:06:18,939 It gave them wholesome music for their homes and for the temple. 120 00:06:19,179 --> 00:06:23,419 In fact, Psalm 147 may have been written for the dedication of 121 00:06:23,419 --> 00:06:27,099 the second temple and it alludes to it. 122 00:06:29,659 --> 00:06:31,339 Take care in what you're listening to. 123 00:06:31,899 --> 00:06:34,459 So it was provide good music for the children of Israel. 124 00:06:34,619 --> 00:06:36,699 There are ten types of psalms. 125 00:06:37,249 --> 00:06:39,489 Instructional, historical, confessional. 126 00:06:40,929 --> 00:06:42,049 Psalms about needs. 127 00:06:42,129 --> 00:06:44,769 Psalms about destroying their enemies. 128 00:06:44,929 --> 00:06:48,049 Psalms, Messianic psalms, Psalms about nature. 129 00:06:49,409 --> 00:06:51,409 Psalms of praise and thanksgiving. 130 00:06:51,409 --> 00:06:54,849 That's what we have here today, a thanksgiving psalm. 131 00:06:55,809 --> 00:06:59,409 There are seven known writers of the Psalms, mostly David. 132 00:07:00,129 --> 00:07:03,819 But there are 50 anonymous writers, but many of them probably 133 00:07:03,819 --> 00:07:05,099 attributed to David. 134 00:07:06,459 --> 00:07:07,499 Psalms is quoted. 135 00:07:07,499 --> 00:07:08,059 Listen to this. 136 00:07:08,059 --> 00:07:10,899 Psalms is quoted or alluded to in the New Testament. 137 00:07:10,899 --> 00:07:11,979 How many times you think? 138 00:07:13,179 --> 00:07:15,179 454 times. 139 00:07:16,379 --> 00:07:20,459 May I again remind you, as I've done, I think two or three times 140 00:07:20,459 --> 00:07:25,899 the last five or six Sundays that the New Testament writers wrote. 141 00:07:25,899 --> 00:07:29,129 In light of that, you already know your Old Testament. 142 00:07:29,599 --> 00:07:30,239 Think about it. 143 00:07:30,639 --> 00:07:35,439 454 times the new Testament quotes the book of Psalms. 144 00:07:37,199 --> 00:07:40,999 How are you going to know what those psalms were intended for or 145 00:07:40,999 --> 00:07:43,439 what they mean unless you go back and read them? 146 00:07:44,799 --> 00:07:47,479 When Jesus quotes a psalm, you ought to go back and read the psalm 147 00:07:47,479 --> 00:07:49,839 and see what it has to do with it. 148 00:07:50,159 --> 00:07:52,639 In other words, again, so important. 149 00:07:52,879 --> 00:07:57,479 The Old Testament is the foundation of the New Testament Psalm. 150 00:07:58,679 --> 00:08:02,839 Psalms is a great source to help deepen our devotional life. 151 00:08:04,119 --> 00:08:07,359 They, that is the psalms are great source of commentary on the 152 00:08:07,359 --> 00:08:08,439 attributes of God. 153 00:08:09,079 --> 00:08:12,999 A great source, maybe the greatest source besides maybe Romans 154 00:08:13,079 --> 00:08:15,799 on the attributes of God about who God is. 155 00:08:16,439 --> 00:08:17,599 It's a great source. 156 00:08:17,599 --> 00:08:19,799 Therefore, it helps us to know him. 157 00:08:20,439 --> 00:08:23,039 And the more we know him, the more accurately we understand who 158 00:08:23,039 --> 00:08:23,479 he is. 159 00:08:23,629 --> 00:08:25,619 We the greater impact it'll have on us. 160 00:08:26,739 --> 00:08:31,059 The greater, the more accurate our understanding and knowledge and 161 00:08:31,219 --> 00:08:34,259 how we view God is, the greater impact it'll have on every 162 00:08:34,259 --> 00:08:38,099 decision you make when you're in the hospital. 163 00:08:38,899 --> 00:08:40,899 It'll help you make the right decision. 164 00:08:42,259 --> 00:08:44,339 It'll help you make the right decision financially. 165 00:08:44,339 --> 00:08:45,939 All these things, man. 166 00:08:45,939 --> 00:08:48,259 What we think about God is the most important thing about us. 167 00:08:49,389 --> 00:08:52,549 Aw tozer the Psalms. 168 00:08:52,549 --> 00:08:53,949 What a great book. 169 00:08:55,069 --> 00:08:56,109 Poetical book. 170 00:08:58,269 --> 00:09:02,189 In our chapter today we have again a psalm of Thanksgiving. 171 00:09:03,389 --> 00:09:07,229 In Psalm 147 it describes Israel back in the land. 172 00:09:07,709 --> 00:09:11,669 They've been in captivity for 70 years and now they're back in 173 00:09:11,669 --> 00:09:12,189 the land. 174 00:09:12,589 --> 00:09:17,069 And it seems as though, and I think it does portray that not only 175 00:09:17,309 --> 00:09:20,589 have the houses been rebuilt, but now the temple is finished. 176 00:09:21,629 --> 00:09:24,469 And either this is a dedication psalm for the temple, 177 00:09:24,469 --> 00:09:26,509 or it's closely associated with It. 178 00:09:26,749 --> 00:09:30,189 And therefore they sing praises and thanksgiving to God. 179 00:09:30,429 --> 00:09:35,589 And they sing praises in Psalm 147 for his goodness, for his mercy, 180 00:09:35,589 --> 00:09:37,869 for his grace, for his wisdom, for his power. 181 00:09:40,109 --> 00:09:41,799 We serve a great God. 182 00:09:42,679 --> 00:09:44,199 And they were recognizing that. 183 00:09:46,039 --> 00:09:49,479 In verses 1 through 6 we see they sing of his great power. 184 00:09:50,439 --> 00:09:51,399 His great power. 185 00:09:51,399 --> 00:09:53,719 Praise the Lord, he says, for unto his good. 186 00:09:53,719 --> 00:09:56,279 I'm not going to reread the whole thing, but he speaks about 187 00:09:56,279 --> 00:09:59,919 again them being outcast now brought back to Israel, and that 188 00:09:59,919 --> 00:10:01,159 God would heal the broken heart. 189 00:10:01,159 --> 00:10:02,839 And he binded up their wounds. 190 00:10:05,239 --> 00:10:09,869 Israel had been outcasts for 70 years now back in the land, and 191 00:10:09,869 --> 00:10:13,149 God was binding their wounds, healing them. 192 00:10:15,469 --> 00:10:17,069 Says it is good to praise Him. 193 00:10:17,629 --> 00:10:18,469 What does that mean? 194 00:10:18,469 --> 00:10:20,429 Well, comely, that means appropriate. 195 00:10:21,789 --> 00:10:23,189 I mean, how good God is. 196 00:10:23,189 --> 00:10:24,749 It's just appropriate to praise him. 197 00:10:25,149 --> 00:10:26,749 It's reasonable to praise him. 198 00:10:27,469 --> 00:10:28,749 We should praise him. 199 00:10:29,789 --> 00:10:30,509 Praise him. 200 00:10:31,069 --> 00:10:36,089 Praise and thanksgiving go hand in hand, both one and the other 201 00:10:36,089 --> 00:10:40,049 together, praising him and thanking him for how good and how 202 00:10:40,049 --> 00:10:41,129 good he's been to us. 203 00:10:42,569 --> 00:10:44,129 He's been good by way of his grace. 204 00:10:44,129 --> 00:10:46,209 Verses 2 and 3 He brought them back. 205 00:10:46,209 --> 00:10:47,609 He built Jerusalem again. 206 00:10:47,689 --> 00:10:51,209 And they were back in their land, back in the city. 207 00:10:53,529 --> 00:10:55,369 Even though Israel had forsaken him. 208 00:10:56,649 --> 00:10:58,729 Even though Israel is the one who left him. 209 00:11:00,179 --> 00:11:05,979 Even though Israel had traced other gods, yet in God's grace, man, 210 00:11:05,979 --> 00:11:14,019 wonderful grace of God in their sin, God saw them. 211 00:11:14,019 --> 00:11:15,939 In their sorrow, God saw them. 212 00:11:16,819 --> 00:11:19,539 And God gave to them what they did not deserve. 213 00:11:20,339 --> 00:11:21,539 He showed them grace. 214 00:11:22,339 --> 00:11:23,339 He showed them grace. 215 00:11:23,339 --> 00:11:27,519 God's unmerited, unearned favorite even into enablement. 216 00:11:28,159 --> 00:11:30,799 Can I tell you today, all of us have experienced the grace of 217 00:11:30,799 --> 00:11:31,759 God at one time or another. 218 00:11:32,559 --> 00:11:35,919 And I especially experienced the grace of God when I got saved, 219 00:11:36,719 --> 00:11:39,039 when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. 220 00:11:39,199 --> 00:11:41,519 The Bible says, for we are all sinners. 221 00:11:41,678 --> 00:11:46,719 Israel, they forsook God, and yet God brought them back. 222 00:11:47,679 --> 00:11:49,759 So thankful that God brings us back. 223 00:11:50,399 --> 00:11:52,479 God wants a personal relationship with us. 224 00:11:52,939 --> 00:11:54,779 God desires our affection. 225 00:11:54,859 --> 00:11:56,379 God desires our love. 226 00:11:56,379 --> 00:11:58,379 God desires for us to know Him. 227 00:11:59,739 --> 00:12:01,739 God desires that personal relationship. 228 00:12:01,979 --> 00:12:03,579 Christianity is not a religion. 229 00:12:04,539 --> 00:12:05,819 It's not a set of rules. 230 00:12:06,539 --> 00:12:07,739 It's a relationship. 231 00:12:08,618 --> 00:12:12,859 It truly is about walking in the steps of Jesus, following him, 232 00:12:13,339 --> 00:12:14,939 loving him, walking with him. 233 00:12:16,059 --> 00:12:17,179 That's his desire. 234 00:12:18,549 --> 00:12:21,949 I'm thankful that I, at the age of six years old, knelt in my 235 00:12:21,949 --> 00:12:24,149 pastor's office and accepted Christ as my Savior. 236 00:12:25,029 --> 00:12:27,629 I'm thankful for the time the Holy Spirit convicted my heart, that 237 00:12:27,629 --> 00:12:29,989 I was a sinner in need of a Savior. 238 00:12:30,629 --> 00:12:34,228 Even at the age of 6 years old realizing that unless I accepted 239 00:12:34,228 --> 00:12:38,189 Christ as my Savior, unless I came to him in my sin and asked him 240 00:12:38,189 --> 00:12:41,629 to forgive me of my sins, which put him on the cross that he 241 00:12:41,629 --> 00:12:43,469 died for me, that he shed his blood for me. 242 00:12:43,469 --> 00:12:45,269 Unless it did that I would die and go to hell. 243 00:12:47,259 --> 00:12:47,539 Thankful. 244 00:12:47,539 --> 00:12:52,139 At the age of six years old, I put my trust in Jesus Christ, his 245 00:12:52,139 --> 00:12:53,819 life, his death and his resurrection. 246 00:12:54,859 --> 00:12:55,899 You know what happened? 247 00:12:56,939 --> 00:12:58,379 God showed his grace to me. 248 00:12:59,419 --> 00:13:01,099 God's grace abounded to me. 249 00:13:01,979 --> 00:13:05,099 And the Holy Spirit came to abide in me and live in my heart. 250 00:13:05,579 --> 00:13:07,259 And I was gloriously saved. 251 00:13:09,339 --> 00:13:10,659 Have you experienced salvation? 252 00:13:10,659 --> 00:13:12,299 Do you know Jesus as your Savior? 253 00:13:13,439 --> 00:13:14,039 And we're fixing. 254 00:13:14,039 --> 00:13:16,079 We're coming right up to Christmas. 255 00:13:16,079 --> 00:13:16,719 Here we go. 256 00:13:17,039 --> 00:13:22,359 When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world, who 257 00:13:22,359 --> 00:13:24,239 came to seek and to save that which is lost. 258 00:13:25,519 --> 00:13:27,279 And we were all lost without Him. 259 00:13:29,039 --> 00:13:30,559 I'm so thankful I got found. 260 00:13:32,399 --> 00:13:33,439 Have you been found? 261 00:13:34,879 --> 00:13:35,919 The grace of God. 262 00:13:36,159 --> 00:13:38,239 They were praising him for the grace of God. 263 00:13:38,319 --> 00:13:42,239 Praising him for giving them what they did not deserve. 264 00:13:42,239 --> 00:13:43,679 I did not deserve heaven. 265 00:13:44,079 --> 00:13:44,919 I deserved hell. 266 00:13:44,919 --> 00:13:47,039 Because of my selfishness, because of my sin. 267 00:13:47,439 --> 00:13:49,519 But Jesus came and died for my sin. 268 00:13:49,519 --> 00:13:51,319 He paid the penalty for my sin. 269 00:13:51,319 --> 00:13:52,599 He died in my place. 270 00:13:52,599 --> 00:13:55,599 He took the wrath of God for me. 271 00:13:57,519 --> 00:13:58,319 That's grace. 272 00:13:59,838 --> 00:14:00,959 God's unmerited. 273 00:14:00,959 --> 00:14:02,079 God's earned favor. 274 00:14:02,079 --> 00:14:02,959 Aren't you glad it's free? 275 00:14:04,159 --> 00:14:08,479 I'm glad salvation's free for you and for me. 276 00:14:08,719 --> 00:14:10,639 I'm glad salvation's free. 277 00:14:11,359 --> 00:14:14,959 For it's the gift of God, not a works that any man should boast. 278 00:14:17,999 --> 00:14:20,679 God showed his grace to the nation of Israel, though they did 279 00:14:20,679 --> 00:14:21,519 not deserve it. 280 00:14:22,399 --> 00:14:24,719 He showed his care and compassionate. 281 00:14:25,279 --> 00:14:27,599 And they were making that case to him. 282 00:14:27,599 --> 00:14:30,679 That it's very evident, God, that you love me, that you care for 283 00:14:30,679 --> 00:14:30,959 me. 284 00:14:31,039 --> 00:14:32,639 Because you brought us back into the land. 285 00:14:32,639 --> 00:14:39,289 You rebuilt us, protected us by way of his power. 286 00:14:41,849 --> 00:14:42,969 Verses 4 and 5. 287 00:14:43,369 --> 00:14:43,689 Man. 288 00:14:43,689 --> 00:14:44,729 What power he has. 289 00:14:45,609 --> 00:14:47,529 He telleth the number of the stars. 290 00:14:48,009 --> 00:14:49,609 He calleth them all by name. 291 00:14:50,569 --> 00:14:51,609 That's pretty powerful. 292 00:14:52,489 --> 00:14:53,089 That's all. 293 00:14:53,089 --> 00:14:57,769 Knowing God is an eternal God. 294 00:14:58,489 --> 00:15:00,089 He's an everlasting God. 295 00:15:01,209 --> 00:15:02,249 We are finite. 296 00:15:06,399 --> 00:15:07,679 He telleth the stars. 297 00:15:08,079 --> 00:15:09,999 It's an old word, but we still use it. 298 00:15:10,639 --> 00:15:12,039 I went this last week. 299 00:15:12,039 --> 00:15:15,239 I went up to the bank and I had to go inside for something. 300 00:15:15,239 --> 00:15:20,799 So I went into the bank to get some cash and I approached a teller. 301 00:15:22,159 --> 00:15:22,959 Telleth. 302 00:15:22,959 --> 00:15:23,919 Telleth count. 303 00:15:24,959 --> 00:15:25,719 You know what she did? 304 00:15:25,719 --> 00:15:27,279 She counted out some bills for me. 305 00:15:29,849 --> 00:15:34,409 He telleth the number of the stars. 306 00:15:36,649 --> 00:15:37,929 He numbers them. 307 00:15:39,209 --> 00:15:42,169 He knows how Many stars there are. 308 00:15:44,569 --> 00:15:47,209 Scientists say there are millions of galaxies. 309 00:15:48,969 --> 00:15:51,609 There are trillions upon trillions of stars. 310 00:15:53,289 --> 00:15:55,049 Nobody really knows how many. 311 00:15:57,059 --> 00:15:58,499 Because he's an infinite God. 312 00:15:58,739 --> 00:16:00,179 He knows the infinite number. 313 00:16:01,539 --> 00:16:03,299 And because we're finite, we don't. 314 00:16:04,339 --> 00:16:10,099 In fact, our brains can't even wrap around an infinite number because 315 00:16:10,099 --> 00:16:11,539 it just doesn't exist. 316 00:16:13,299 --> 00:16:14,499 God is wholly other. 317 00:16:15,379 --> 00:16:16,659 He's transcendent. 318 00:16:17,219 --> 00:16:18,259 He is infinite. 319 00:16:19,139 --> 00:16:26,989 He is beyond our reach of understanding in every way. 320 00:16:27,389 --> 00:16:30,509 We can know him in some ways because he revealed it to us. 321 00:16:31,789 --> 00:16:34,749 But we won't get to know him in every way until we get to heaven. 322 00:16:35,549 --> 00:16:36,189 Amen. 323 00:16:37,149 --> 00:16:41,949 That's the kind of God we'll be able to learn about him and have 324 00:16:41,949 --> 00:16:44,749 that relationship with him forever and ever and ever and never, 325 00:16:45,229 --> 00:16:46,669 never come to the end of it. 326 00:16:47,659 --> 00:16:48,859 Wrap your head around that one. 327 00:16:50,539 --> 00:16:52,859 God is so big, he telleth the stars. 328 00:16:53,659 --> 00:16:56,379 He knows them all by name. 329 00:16:58,299 --> 00:17:02,939 Man, there are some crazy, crazy street names. 330 00:17:03,419 --> 00:17:05,859 And I've used this illustration before, you know, over 331 00:17:05,859 --> 00:17:06,979 here in Sundera Rancho. 332 00:17:06,979 --> 00:17:12,539 It's like Sidewinder, Horse Run. 333 00:17:13,349 --> 00:17:14,949 But I was coming back from a wedding. 334 00:17:15,349 --> 00:17:19,469 I performed a wedding down in Cleburne here about a week ago for 335 00:17:19,469 --> 00:17:21,829 a fireman and his future spouse. 336 00:17:22,069 --> 00:17:24,549 And so I was driving back, it was getting dark and I was looking 337 00:17:24,549 --> 00:17:27,749 at my GPS and I wanted. 338 00:17:28,869 --> 00:17:31,189 Honestly, I hadn't had supper yet and I was starving. 339 00:17:31,829 --> 00:17:38,549 It was about 6:30 and there was a QT at the corner of 35. 340 00:17:40,799 --> 00:17:41,839 One of those other streets. 341 00:17:41,839 --> 00:17:44,519 Anyway, they're in Alvarado, you say. 342 00:17:44,519 --> 00:17:46,919 Well, isn't there like a bunch of restaurants across the street? 343 00:17:46,919 --> 00:17:47,999 No, no qt. 344 00:17:48,159 --> 00:17:49,039 I wanted qt. 345 00:17:49,039 --> 00:17:49,799 I wanted Taquito. 346 00:17:49,799 --> 00:17:50,559 It's what I wanted. 347 00:17:51,199 --> 00:17:54,399 And I wanted a cold drink in a foam cup. 348 00:17:57,999 --> 00:18:00,079 So as I was going there, I. 349 00:18:00,159 --> 00:18:00,879 It was just. 350 00:18:00,879 --> 00:18:01,359 It was. 351 00:18:01,759 --> 00:18:03,759 I even took a picture and sent it to my wife. 352 00:18:04,889 --> 00:18:06,169 The traffic was terrible. 353 00:18:06,169 --> 00:18:08,089 And I took a picture and sent to her and said I'm going to be here 354 00:18:08,089 --> 00:18:08,649 for an hour. 355 00:18:08,809 --> 00:18:12,009 When I finally got up, I saw the street signs next to it. 356 00:18:12,089 --> 00:18:16,009 Street signs like this one, Cow Pasture Street. 357 00:18:17,849 --> 00:18:18,249 Really? 358 00:18:19,049 --> 00:18:19,369 Really? 359 00:18:19,369 --> 00:18:20,728 That's all you could come up with? 360 00:18:20,889 --> 00:18:26,089 Cow Pasture Street, Hay Meadow Street. 361 00:18:27,129 --> 00:18:30,909 And if I named the other ones, like one of them was Big Tree Street, 362 00:18:31,709 --> 00:18:33,309 I guess there's a big tree. 363 00:18:33,389 --> 00:18:33,909 I don't know. 364 00:18:33,909 --> 00:18:36,109 I didn't go down that particular street. 365 00:18:36,109 --> 00:18:40,189 But God knows All the stars by name. 366 00:18:43,229 --> 00:18:47,389 We have a lot of people who lack intelligence, who put names 367 00:18:47,389 --> 00:18:48,269 of streets together. 368 00:18:51,149 --> 00:18:51,629 I just. 369 00:18:51,629 --> 00:18:53,389 It just floors me, some of the names. 370 00:18:54,589 --> 00:18:56,429 God Knows all the Stars by name. 371 00:18:57,439 --> 00:19:03,439 You realize when he put Adam in the garden that Adam and I'm telling 372 00:19:03,439 --> 00:19:05,679 you, we're going to get to heaven to find out that the pre flood 373 00:19:05,679 --> 00:19:07,359 world was so different. 374 00:19:07,839 --> 00:19:08,479 So different. 375 00:19:09,199 --> 00:19:17,199 And that our ancestors, Adam and his offspring, were much smarter 376 00:19:17,919 --> 00:19:19,439 than we are. 377 00:19:20,719 --> 00:19:23,819 And that we think they are. 378 00:19:24,939 --> 00:19:26,699 Adam named every animal. 379 00:19:27,739 --> 00:19:29,099 Pretty impressive, isn't it? 380 00:19:29,099 --> 00:19:31,339 When we can't even come up with names for streets. 381 00:19:32,859 --> 00:19:33,899 Cow pasture. 382 00:19:33,899 --> 00:19:34,299 Really? 383 00:19:34,459 --> 00:19:35,299 Where do you live? 384 00:19:35,299 --> 00:19:36,179 I live on one. 385 00:19:36,179 --> 00:19:36,579 On one? 386 00:19:36,579 --> 00:19:37,419 Cow pasture. 387 00:19:37,579 --> 00:19:37,899 Really? 388 00:19:37,899 --> 00:19:39,138 You living out in the cow pasture? 389 00:19:39,138 --> 00:19:39,819 No, it's a street. 390 00:19:39,979 --> 00:19:40,859 Cow pasture. 391 00:19:41,179 --> 00:19:42,619 Now I live in the Hay Meadow. 392 00:19:42,699 --> 00:19:43,739 Hay Meadow Street. 393 00:19:44,379 --> 00:19:45,659 No, it's just not right. 394 00:19:47,499 --> 00:19:47,779 No. 395 00:19:47,779 --> 00:19:49,019 Adam named all the animals. 396 00:19:49,709 --> 00:19:51,709 Shows amazing intelligence. 397 00:19:54,349 --> 00:19:57,949 God knows every name of the stars. 398 00:19:58,189 --> 00:20:01,709 Romans 11 tells us that that's power. 399 00:20:02,429 --> 00:20:03,749 He's an all knowing God. 400 00:20:03,749 --> 00:20:04,829 An infinite God. 401 00:20:06,509 --> 00:20:07,229 We're not careful. 402 00:20:07,229 --> 00:20:07,869 We lose. 403 00:20:08,669 --> 00:20:14,029 We become sometimes familiar with things, especially some things 404 00:20:14,029 --> 00:20:14,549 about God. 405 00:20:14,549 --> 00:20:18,529 And we lose the awe or the wow. 406 00:20:21,009 --> 00:20:23,169 He knows every star by name. 407 00:20:23,729 --> 00:20:26,769 And yet he knows every sparrow that falls. 408 00:20:27,809 --> 00:20:31,809 Matthew tells us in Matthew that God knows every sparrow that 409 00:20:31,809 --> 00:20:32,209 dies. 410 00:20:34,689 --> 00:20:36,529 There are lots of sparrows. 411 00:20:37,169 --> 00:20:38,809 I won't go into that illustration again. 412 00:20:38,809 --> 00:20:43,569 But great is our God and greatly to be praised. 413 00:20:47,009 --> 00:20:48,409 Dr. Barber used to say. 414 00:20:48,409 --> 00:20:51,089 Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God? 415 00:20:52,449 --> 00:20:53,969 Nothing surprises God? 416 00:20:55,089 --> 00:20:56,289 No one can teach him. 417 00:20:56,529 --> 00:20:57,489 He knows everything. 418 00:21:00,049 --> 00:21:01,489 He knows our heart. 419 00:21:03,329 --> 00:21:06,929 He knows our minds inside and out. 420 00:21:08,079 --> 00:21:12,159 Psalm 44, verse 21 says he knows the secrets of our heart. 421 00:21:15,119 --> 00:21:19,039 The prophet Ezekiel says He knows every thought we've ever had. 422 00:21:20,079 --> 00:21:24,119 And again, I remind you, if your spouse knew every thought that 423 00:21:24,119 --> 00:21:27,119 you ever had, would they still be your spouse? 424 00:21:28,799 --> 00:21:30,399 And yet God still loves you. 425 00:21:31,279 --> 00:21:32,639 And God still loves me. 426 00:21:34,009 --> 00:21:36,409 That's the kind of God we serve. 427 00:21:37,609 --> 00:21:41,529 What a compassionate, gracious God. 428 00:21:42,169 --> 00:21:47,409 One who is so merciful not to give me what I deserve because I 429 00:21:47,409 --> 00:21:49,849 don't deserve the goodness of God. 430 00:21:52,089 --> 00:21:54,289 Then verse 6 speaks of his past judgments. 431 00:21:54,289 --> 00:21:59,459 And he speaks of the meek, not the weak, by the way, the meek. 432 00:21:59,459 --> 00:21:59,899 Verse 6. 433 00:21:59,899 --> 00:22:00,659 Look there, where it gives me. 434 00:22:00,659 --> 00:22:02,099 And the Lord lifted up the meek. 435 00:22:02,339 --> 00:22:04,179 He casteth the wicked down to the ground. 436 00:22:04,339 --> 00:22:05,619 He lifteth up the meek. 437 00:22:05,619 --> 00:22:06,779 The meek shall inherit the earth. 438 00:22:06,779 --> 00:22:08,099 The Bible says in the New Testament. 439 00:22:08,499 --> 00:22:10,179 By the way, meek is not weak. 440 00:22:10,579 --> 00:22:11,619 It's not weakness. 441 00:22:11,619 --> 00:22:12,979 It's strength under control. 442 00:22:13,859 --> 00:22:15,019 Go read about Moses. 443 00:22:15,019 --> 00:22:18,659 The Bible describes Moses as the meekest man alive at the time. 444 00:22:19,939 --> 00:22:21,459 But the wicked shall be judged. 445 00:22:23,379 --> 00:22:25,019 Can I tell you I read the back of the book. 446 00:22:25,019 --> 00:22:25,619 And we win. 447 00:22:27,239 --> 00:22:27,439 Yeah. 448 00:22:27,439 --> 00:22:28,599 The wicked shall be judged. 449 00:22:31,319 --> 00:22:32,639 And then we see not only God's. 450 00:22:32,639 --> 00:22:32,999 Great power. 451 00:22:32,999 --> 00:22:34,519 We see God's great provision. 452 00:22:34,919 --> 00:22:36,279 God provided for them. 453 00:22:36,439 --> 00:22:39,559 Verses 7 through 11 sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving. 454 00:22:39,559 --> 00:22:40,439 Sing upon the harp. 455 00:22:40,439 --> 00:22:42,919 Who covereth the heavens with the clouds, who prepareth the rain 456 00:22:43,079 --> 00:22:44,039 and he goes on. 457 00:22:44,119 --> 00:22:45,999 He delights in taking care of the beasts. 458 00:22:45,999 --> 00:22:48,679 He delighteth not in the strength of horses. 459 00:22:49,239 --> 00:22:50,639 But the Lord takes pleasure. 460 00:22:50,639 --> 00:22:51,559 God provides. 461 00:22:52,609 --> 00:22:54,049 His provision is endless. 462 00:22:54,529 --> 00:22:55,969 He provides the rain. 463 00:22:57,249 --> 00:22:59,329 He gives what the plants need. 464 00:23:00,129 --> 00:23:02,529 We need rain, especially in Texas. 465 00:23:02,529 --> 00:23:03,489 We just need rain. 466 00:23:03,809 --> 00:23:05,169 Thankful for the rain lately. 467 00:23:05,809 --> 00:23:07,569 Help that winter grass grow up. 468 00:23:08,369 --> 00:23:14,129 Feed my goats so they in turn can feed me or someone else. 469 00:23:14,529 --> 00:23:16,209 Aren't you thankful the grass grows? 470 00:23:17,009 --> 00:23:22,059 Because that's where cows eat and I need cows to eat so I can eat 471 00:23:22,059 --> 00:23:22,339 them. 472 00:23:24,419 --> 00:23:25,819 I mentioned that last Sunday morning. 473 00:23:25,819 --> 00:23:26,739 I won't go into that. 474 00:23:29,299 --> 00:23:31,939 God is so good to provide for us. 475 00:23:33,859 --> 00:23:35,059 He takes care of us. 476 00:23:36,419 --> 00:23:41,179 He takes pleasure, The Bible says here, in our affection, our 477 00:23:41,179 --> 00:23:42,019 affection to Him. 478 00:23:42,019 --> 00:23:45,059 He desires us to love Him. 479 00:23:46,419 --> 00:23:49,699 He does not take desire, does not take delight in human strength, 480 00:23:49,859 --> 00:23:53,859 horses, but he takes delight in our dependence upon him. 481 00:23:54,499 --> 00:23:59,539 Those that hope in him, those who fear him and hope in his mercy. 482 00:23:59,859 --> 00:24:00,979 Takes delight in. 483 00:24:03,299 --> 00:24:09,059 God is so good, not only in his provision, but in his providence. 484 00:24:11,949 --> 00:24:13,629 He never fails us, the Bible says. 485 00:24:13,629 --> 00:24:14,909 He never forsakes us. 486 00:24:16,109 --> 00:24:20,669 He doesn't forget us, but again provides for us. 487 00:24:21,069 --> 00:24:21,789 Verse 14. 488 00:24:22,509 --> 00:24:27,509 He maketh peace in thy borders and filleth thee with the finest 489 00:24:27,509 --> 00:24:28,269 of the wheat. 490 00:24:31,149 --> 00:24:32,429 He provides for us. 491 00:24:33,309 --> 00:24:38,949 Here they're describing God providing for them peace and prosperity. 492 00:24:39,669 --> 00:24:40,709 Providing for them. 493 00:24:41,189 --> 00:24:43,109 He strengthened the gates of the city. 494 00:24:43,429 --> 00:24:44,789 He is protecting them. 495 00:24:45,269 --> 00:24:46,709 He's taking care of them. 496 00:24:49,349 --> 00:24:52,309 By the way, that's applicable to all of us. 497 00:24:53,029 --> 00:24:55,909 That God provides for us. 498 00:24:57,269 --> 00:24:58,469 He protects us. 499 00:25:00,229 --> 00:25:02,949 He strengthens the gates for us. 500 00:25:06,089 --> 00:25:08,329 It speaks here about the winter. 501 00:25:09,129 --> 00:25:10,889 I thought that was appropriate this morning. 502 00:25:15,769 --> 00:25:20,329 Very appropriate, right in Texas for us to get up. 503 00:25:20,409 --> 00:25:22,249 Yesterday was like summer. 504 00:25:22,809 --> 00:25:24,249 Today is winter. 505 00:25:25,929 --> 00:25:27,049 There is no in between. 506 00:25:29,019 --> 00:25:33,699 Yesterday I was out in my T shirt and jeans checking on the goats 507 00:25:33,699 --> 00:25:34,219 and chickens. 508 00:25:34,219 --> 00:25:38,059 Today I'll be hunkered down, hoping they live without me. 509 00:25:38,939 --> 00:25:43,659 Yeah, we'll take care of them. 510 00:25:43,739 --> 00:25:49,259 I don't mean that, but he provides in all seasons. 511 00:25:49,899 --> 00:25:53,819 In fact, what it's saying here is that he provides the seasons. 512 00:25:55,349 --> 00:26:01,029 The four seasons are necessary for growth, for plant growth and 513 00:26:01,029 --> 00:26:01,669 all these things. 514 00:26:01,669 --> 00:26:03,269 They're necessary for us. 515 00:26:03,829 --> 00:26:05,429 At least in this region it is. 516 00:26:09,109 --> 00:26:10,229 He provides that. 517 00:26:12,229 --> 00:26:16,509 Can I remind you that God made a promise to Noah when Noah got off 518 00:26:16,509 --> 00:26:17,029 the ark. 519 00:26:18,869 --> 00:26:24,359 He promised Noah that until he returns, that there will be summer, 520 00:26:24,359 --> 00:26:25,999 winter, springtime, and harvest. 521 00:26:27,519 --> 00:26:30,999 I want to remind you that, too, because there's a lot of, as 522 00:26:30,999 --> 00:26:36,239 I said last Sunday morning, a lot of weird beliefs out there and 523 00:26:36,399 --> 00:26:40,239 a lot of worshiping the creature more than the Creator. 524 00:26:41,119 --> 00:26:45,279 And I want to remind you that your Bible says because God said 525 00:26:45,359 --> 00:26:51,499 to Noah, he promised that when he returned that summer, winter, 526 00:26:51,499 --> 00:26:53,859 springtime and harvest would still be in place. 527 00:26:54,659 --> 00:26:55,939 Well, what does that mean to us? 528 00:26:56,179 --> 00:27:00,859 Well, it means when Jesus returns, there'll still be four seasons 529 00:27:00,859 --> 00:27:01,299 in place. 530 00:27:03,379 --> 00:27:05,739 And we kid in Texas that there's not four seasons, but there 531 00:27:05,739 --> 00:27:06,019 is. 532 00:27:08,259 --> 00:27:13,979 And the rainbow was put in the air, put in the sky to remind us 533 00:27:13,979 --> 00:27:17,269 of the promise that God would never bring a flood again. 534 00:27:17,749 --> 00:27:20,069 But the promise wasn't just that he would not bring a flood. 535 00:27:20,069 --> 00:27:23,909 The promise was also that there would be four seasons in place 536 00:27:24,549 --> 00:27:25,749 when he returns. 537 00:27:27,189 --> 00:27:29,469 Some of y' all can read into that. 538 00:27:29,469 --> 00:27:31,509 I got off onto that last Sunday. 539 00:27:31,509 --> 00:27:32,469 I'm not going to do it today. 540 00:27:35,189 --> 00:27:36,389 But God is so good. 541 00:27:38,309 --> 00:27:40,469 When you see the rainbow, you ought to remember the promise. 542 00:27:41,479 --> 00:27:42,679 By the way, what is a rainbow? 543 00:27:43,719 --> 00:27:45,719 It's a bow without an arrow in it. 544 00:27:46,839 --> 00:27:48,439 It's a bow with no ammunition. 545 00:27:49,399 --> 00:27:50,919 It's a bow with no wrath. 546 00:27:52,919 --> 00:27:56,599 God's wrath was spilled out in the flood. 547 00:27:58,119 --> 00:28:05,319 God's wrath was appeased just as it was on the cross of Calvary. 548 00:28:06,529 --> 00:28:10,009 And because Noah and his family were in the ark, which is 549 00:28:10,009 --> 00:28:15,049 a picture of Christ, they were saved from the wrath of God upon 550 00:28:15,049 --> 00:28:16,529 the sin of all mankind. 551 00:28:17,329 --> 00:28:22,449 The bow, the great promise, the reoccurring season are expression 552 00:28:22,449 --> 00:28:23,369 of God's loving care. 553 00:28:23,369 --> 00:28:27,009 And I'm done today, a reminder that we ought to be thankful. 554 00:28:27,489 --> 00:28:29,009 We ought to be a thankful people. 555 00:28:29,729 --> 00:28:32,329 And that God in His great power provides for us. 556 00:28:32,329 --> 00:28:33,809 He protects us. 557 00:28:35,099 --> 00:28:39,899 His providence, he guides us and cares for us in every way, every 558 00:28:39,899 --> 00:28:40,939 facet of our lives. 559 00:28:42,939 --> 00:28:44,539 And we ought to praise him for it. 560 00:28:46,459 --> 00:28:49,179 We ought to be thankful for Him. 561 00:28:49,659 --> 00:28:53,419 And as I said Wednesday night or Tuesday night, a thankful people 562 00:28:54,379 --> 00:28:55,819 are a thankful people. 563 00:28:56,699 --> 00:29:00,659 God is good and that praise and thanksgiving should be expressed. 564 00:29:00,659 --> 00:29:04,869 You did it the this morning by way of singing the hymns, we ought 565 00:29:04,869 --> 00:29:08,989 to praise him and thank him, express that to him on a regular 566 00:29:08,989 --> 00:29:09,469 basis. 567 00:29:10,669 --> 00:29:11,509 He loves us. 568 00:29:11,509 --> 00:29:12,389 He cares for us. 569 00:29:12,389 --> 00:29:13,269 He provides for us. 570 00:29:13,269 --> 00:29:14,109 He protects us. 571 00:29:15,069 --> 00:29:21,629 What a gracious, loving, caring, merciful God we serve. 572 00:29:21,629 --> 00:29:22,509 Let's all stand.