2024/Sunday Worship, April 7, 2024_transcript.txt

[0.00 --> 29.98]  Thank you.
[30.00 --> 59.98]  Thank you.
[60.00 --> 89.98]  Thank you.
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[270.00 --> 299.98]  Thank you.
[300.00 --> 329.98]  Thank you.
[330.00 --> 359.98]  Thank you.
[360.00 --> 389.98]  Thank you.
[390.00 --> 419.98]  Thank you.
[420.00 --> 449.98]  Thank you.
[450.00 --> 479.96]  Thank you.
[479.96 --> 509.94]  Thank you.
[509.94 --> 539.92]  Thank you.
[539.94 --> 569.92]  Thank you.
[570.60 --> 572.60]  It's treat tag again, Josh.
[572.82 --> 574.02]  What are we gonna do?
[574.52 --> 575.94]  I have an idea.
[576.42 --> 577.46]  I don't know, Josh.
[577.82 --> 579.66]  Last year didn't end so well for you.
[580.20 --> 580.74]  No, no, no.
[581.42 --> 582.70]  This one can't go wrong.
[599.92 --> 609.94]  Welcome to Jurassic Park.
[609.94 --> 612.66]  Welcome to Jurassic Park.
[612.66 --> 612.70]  Welcome to Jurassic Park.
[612.70 --> 613.70]  Welcome to Jurassic Park.
[613.70 --> 618.88]  I'm not sure I like this idea, Josh.
[618.88 --> 648.86]  What's that noise.
[648.88 --> 678.86]  It's coming.
[678.88 --> 708.88]  Once again, it's the month of the day,
[708.88 --> 712.22]  is the day today, the so you're going to, you know,
[712.22 --> 717.50]  something to give, look up people in the directory, look at people at your church, show up at their
[717.50 --> 722.36]  doorstep, put it in their mailbox, whatever creative way you can think of, go and tag
[722.36 --> 728.52]  someone with that treat. And then if you get tagged by someone, pay it forward, go tag
[728.52 --> 733.40]  one or two or eight other people with a gift or treat.
[733.40 --> 739.78]  When you tag people, you can choose to do that anonymously. You can choose to do that
[739.78 --> 747.22]  with a card that says who it's from. You can choose to do that by knocking on the door and running away
[747.22 --> 754.18]  as they come to open it and find the gift there. Or you can stand and wait and say, treat tag and hand
[754.18 --> 759.86]  them their box of candy or their bag of books or whatever it is that you are giving.
[759.86 --> 766.18]  Basically, there is no rules. There are some tags that you can print and use with your treats here at the
[766.18 --> 770.90]  link below this video, or you can find some in the midweek memo or bulletin as well.
[770.90 --> 777.86]  So one last time, make sure that you are tagging as many people as you can, but especially those people
[777.86 --> 783.62]  whom you may not know or haven't yet met, reach out to them. If you're not sure how to connect with
[783.62 --> 791.14]  people or how to tag someone, you can contact us or the church office and we will happily get you
[791.14 --> 797.38]  connected there. And then when you do share, share that online. We want to encourage you this year
[797.38 --> 806.18]  to use the hashtag LICRC treat tag 24. And that way we'll be able to collect all of those and see the
[806.18 --> 814.26]  way it's spread around in our community together. In the meantime, I wonder how Josh is doing?
[814.26 --> 827.38]  guys, this was definitely a bad idea.
[827.38 --> 828.02]  treat K!
[831.06 --> 831.86]  man, i'm hungry.
[838.90 --> 839.54]  treat K!
[844.26 --> 855.62]  okay, so it is treat tag. Thanks, linda. If you would like to get started right away, there are some
[855.62 --> 862.42]  tags on the connect booth. You can grab, take home and use those as you are tagging people. I'm going
[862.42 --> 870.90]  to invite the worship leaders up front and we can come together and worship our God. As we gather in
[870.90 --> 876.82]  worship, we know that God is in this place and we mark that by receiving his greeting. And so as
[876.82 --> 881.38]  these ones come up, I invite you also, if you're able and where you are, to stand.
[886.90 --> 893.14]  After we receive God's greeting, I invite you to turn to those around you and to greet them in
[893.14 --> 897.86]  worship this morning. And you can do so in various ways with a handshake or a head nod or a fist bump.
[897.86 --> 902.98]  If you're not, you can say, peace of Christ be with you or the Lord be with you or welcome. However it is,
[902.98 --> 908.02]  you are moved to do that. We encourage you just to welcome everyone into this space. Receive the greeting
[908.02 --> 915.46]  of God. Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ,
[915.46 --> 922.34]  Son and our Savior, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
[927.86 --> 942.18]  Same if Gina Taunel from someone.
[944.26 --> 948.34]  Isn't that safe?
[948.34 --> 950.66]  Target килom,
[950.66 --> 951.70]  especially when it comes in.
[951.70 --> 973.28]  is from Psalm 145.
[974.40 --> 977.36]  I will exalt you, my God the King.
[977.66 --> 980.16]  I will praise your name forever and ever.
[980.16 --> 984.18]  Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.
[984.54 --> 986.72]  His greatness no one can fathom.
[987.46 --> 990.46]  One generation commends your works to another.
[990.90 --> 992.90]  They tell of your mighty acts.
[994.08 --> 998.12]  This passage for the call to worship this morning
[998.12 --> 1001.18]  is fitting as we celebrate God's faithfulness
[1001.18 --> 1006.54]  in witnessing the number of generations of past and present
[1006.54 --> 1009.40]  and future gems worshiping here today.
[1010.16 --> 1015.76]  So I'm going to ask this question to all of the current gems and leaders
[1015.76 --> 1019.40]  and also any past gems or Calvinettes or leaders.
[1019.92 --> 1021.82]  So what does the Lord require of you?
[1022.08 --> 1026.64]  To act justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with your God.
[1026.80 --> 1028.82]  Micah 6 verse 8.
[1028.82 --> 1028.86]  Micah 6 verse 8.
[1028.86 --> 1035.92]  Let's worship together.
[1035.92 --> 1054.56]  You give life.
[1054.56 --> 1055.56]  You are love.
[1055.56 --> 1057.56]  You bring life.
[1057.56 --> 1060.68]  You bring life to the darkness.
[1060.68 --> 1062.56]  You give up.
[1062.56 --> 1063.56]  You restore.
[1063.56 --> 1069.10]  Every heart that is broken.
[1069.10 --> 1070.10]  You bring life to the darkness.
[1070.10 --> 1082.96]  You bring life to the darkness.
[1082.96 --> 1087.86]  You bring life to the darkness.
[1087.86 --> 1091.30]  our lives
[1101.86 --> 1113.30]  you give life you are love you bring life to the darkness you give hope you restore
[1113.30 --> 1118.34]  every heart that is broken
[1118.34 --> 1125.30]  pray on you lord
[1125.30 --> 1137.86]  it's your breath in our mouths so we pour out our praise pour out our praise it's your breath in our
[1137.86 --> 1143.78]  lungs so we pour out our praise to
[1143.78 --> 1157.54]  them
[1157.54 --> 1172.04]  And all the earth will shout a praise
[1172.04 --> 1176.54]  Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
[1176.54 --> 1183.94]  Wake up, you Lord
[1183.94 --> 1189.08]  And all the earth will shout your praise
[1189.08 --> 1193.54]  Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
[1193.54 --> 1200.14]  Wake up, you Lord
[1200.14 --> 1205.88]  And all the earth will shout your praise
[1205.88 --> 1210.00]  Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
[1210.00 --> 1217.54]  Great for you, Lord
[1217.54 --> 1221.48]  Your breath in our lives
[1221.48 --> 1225.86]  That we pour out our praise, pour out our praise
[1225.86 --> 1229.42]  It's your breath in our lives
[1229.42 --> 1233.50]  That we pour out our praise to the Lord
[1233.50 --> 1237.56]  It's your breath in our lives
[1237.56 --> 1240.20]  Till we pour out our praise
[1240.20 --> 1242.06]  Pour out our praise
[1242.06 --> 1245.66]  It's your breath in our lives
[1245.66 --> 1249.78]  Till we pour out our praise to all
[1263.50 --> 1290.78]  In the darkness we were waiting
[1290.78 --> 1294.60]  Without hope, without light
[1294.60 --> 1297.80]  Till the heavens had been running
[1297.80 --> 1301.94]  There was mercy in your eyes
[1301.94 --> 1305.10]  To declare the law and prophets
[1305.10 --> 1308.86]  To a virgin came the word
[1308.86 --> 1312.14]  From a throne of endless glory
[1312.14 --> 1316.62]  To a cradle in the dirt
[1316.62 --> 1325.08]  Praise the Father
[1325.08 --> 1328.58]  Praise the Son
[1328.58 --> 1332.06]  Praise the Spirit
[1332.06 --> 1335.70]  Free in one
[1335.70 --> 1339.24]  God of glory
[1339.24 --> 1342.62]  Let His feet
[1342.62 --> 1350.08]  Praise forever to the King of kings
[1350.08 --> 1357.44]  To reveal the kingdom coming
[1357.44 --> 1361.04]  Back to the heavens of the lost
[1361.04 --> 1364.22]  To redeem the whole creation
[1364.22 --> 1368.08]  Through Him not disguise the lies
[1368.08 --> 1371.00]  For we made the suffering
[1371.00 --> 1374.76]  His heart to the other side
[1374.76 --> 1377.78]  Knowing this was my salvation
[1377.78 --> 1382.48]  Dreams before our Savior died
[1382.48 --> 1390.54]  Praise the Father
[1390.54 --> 1393.54]  Praise the Son
[1393.54 --> 1396.92]  Praise the Spirit
[1396.92 --> 1400.00]  Free in one
[1400.00 --> 1404.00]  God of glory
[1404.00 --> 1407.00]  Let His feet
[1407.00 --> 1415.00]  Praise forever to the King of kings
[1415.00 --> 1419.46]  For the Lord
[1419.46 --> 1421.96]  In the morning that you rose
[1421.96 --> 1425.64]  All of heaven held its breath
[1425.64 --> 1429.10]  Till the stone was moved for good
[1429.10 --> 1432.86]  For the Lamb had conquered death
[1432.86 --> 1436.32]  And the dead rose from their tombs
[1436.32 --> 1439.92]  And the angels stood in awe
[1439.92 --> 1443.32]  For the souls of all who'd come
[1443.32 --> 1446.38]  To the Father are restored
[1446.38 --> 1450.44]  And the church of Christ was born
[1450.44 --> 1454.02]  And the Spirit lit the flame
[1454.02 --> 1457.32]  Now that His gospel to the gold
[1457.32 --> 1460.38]  Shall not heal and shall not faint
[1460.38 --> 1464.28]  And His blood in His name
[1464.28 --> 1467.62]  In His freedom I am free
[1467.62 --> 1471.12]  For the love of Jesus Christ
[1471.12 --> 1474.90]  Who has resurrected me
[1474.90 --> 1483.38]  Praise the Father
[1483.38 --> 1486.52]  Praise the Son
[1486.52 --> 1489.90]  Praise the Spirit
[1489.90 --> 1490.90]  Praise the Spirit
[1490.90 --> 1492.90]  Three in one
[1492.90 --> 1496.90]  God of glory
[1496.90 --> 1498.90]  Majesty
[1498.90 --> 1507.44]  Praise forever to the King of kings
[1507.44 --> 1515.98]  Praise forever to the King of kings
[1515.98 --> 1527.72]  Praise the Orient
[1527.72 --> 1528.52] sek
[1528.62 --> 1530.50]  Import Musik
[1530.50 --> 1532.36] onne
[1532.36 --> 1533.36] Women
[1533.36 --> 1534.40] ốn
[1534.40 --> 1536.32]  Arbor
[1536.32 --> 1537.30]  Jingle
[1538.88 --> 1540.40]  in
[1540.44 --> 1541.78]  La
[1541.78 --> 1542.60]  j
[1542.78 --> 1543.14] 放
[1543.14 --> 1543.98]  seventh
[1543.98 --> 1544.50]  stump
[1544.50 --> 1545.60]  ăn
[1545.60 --> 1557.22]  Come all you weary, come all you thirsty, come to the well that never runs dry.
[1557.22 --> 1563.32]  Drink of the water, come and thirst no more.
[1566.10 --> 1574.78]  Come all you sinners, come find His mercy, come to the table He will satisfy.
[1575.60 --> 1580.82]  Taste of His goodness, find what you'll look for.
[1583.76 --> 1593.68]  For God so loved, the world that He gave us is one and only Son to save us.
[1593.82 --> 1598.92]  Whoever believes in Him will live forever.
[1598.92 --> 1610.92]  Bring all your failures, bring your addictions, come lay them down at the foot of the cross.
[1610.92 --> 1618.32]  Jesus is waiting there with love in arms.
[1618.32 --> 1629.60]  For God so loved, the world that He gave us is one and only Son to save us.
[1629.60 --> 1635.60]  Whoever believes in Him will live forever.
[1637.76 --> 1642.74]  The power of hell forever defeated.
[1643.10 --> 1647.30]  Now it is well of walking in freedom.
[1647.30 --> 1653.92]  For God so loved, God so loved the world.
[1653.92 --> 1664.08]  Praise God, praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
[1664.08 --> 1674.26]  Praise Him, praise Him, for the wonders of His love.
[1674.26 --> 1682.60]  Praise God, praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
[1682.60 --> 1692.42]  Praise Him, praise Him, for the wonders of His love.
[1692.42 --> 1704.42]  For God so loved, the world that He gave us is one and only Son to save us.
[1704.42 --> 1713.26]  For God so loved, the world that He gave us is one and only Son to save us.
[1713.26 --> 1718.26]  Whoever believes in Him will live forever.
[1718.26 --> 1720.26]  Whoever believes in Him will live forever.
[1720.26 --> 1722.26]  Whoever believes in Him will live forever.
[1722.26 --> 1726.26]  The power of hell forever defeated.
[1726.26 --> 1730.26]  Now it is well, I'm walking in freedom.
[1730.26 --> 1738.26]  For God so loved, God so loved the world.
[1738.26 --> 1749.26]  Bring all your failures, bring your addictions, come lay them down at the foot of the cross.
[1749.26 --> 1757.26]  Jesus is waiting, God so loved the world.
[1768.26 --> 1773.26]  Please pray with me.
[1773.26 --> 1782.26]  Our Heavenly Father, we come to you this morning as a church family, but also as individuals who need your grace and mercy.
[1782.26 --> 1786.26]  We have all sinned, as we have just sung.
[1786.26 --> 1791.26]  Some of us are weary and feel like failures in our own sinfulness.
[1791.26 --> 1794.26]  We are thirsty for your love and mercy.
[1794.26 --> 1799.26]  We are so thankful that you are the well that never runs dry.
[1799.26 --> 1809.26]  Dear God, you know our hearts, you know our failures, you know our addictions, and we lay them all now at the foot of the cross in a moment of silent prayer.
[1809.26 --> 1810.26]  You know our hearts Alan...
[1810.26 --> 1811.26]  Peace...
[1811.26 --> 1812.26]  Please...
[1812.26 --> 1813.26]  May help...
[1813.26 --> 1814.26] andelnie...
[1814.26 --> 1815.26]  Maybe hello to God, be on hold...
[1815.26 --> 1816.26]  Maybe.
[1816.26 --> 1817.26]  Welcome.
[1817.26 --> 1818.26]  Peace...
[1818.26 --> 1819.26]  Your wonderful powers...
[1819.26 --> 1820.26]  And from theogamy...
[1820.26 --> 1822.26]  My Little Hip of Nós...
[1822.26 --> 1824.26]  Your mosquito recicon...
[1824.26 --> 1825.26]  Matt Position...
[1825.26 --> 1826.26]  So it would just listen...
[1826.26 --> 1830.76]  Help...
[1831.26 --> 1836.26]  To your heavenly Lily...
[1836.26 --> 1842.58]  we thank you God
[1842.58 --> 1845.28]  that you so loved the world
[1845.28 --> 1848.10]  that you sacrificed your one and only son
[1848.10 --> 1849.24]  for us who believe
[1849.24 --> 1852.28]  we thank you that the power of hell
[1852.28 --> 1853.80]  has been defeated
[1853.80 --> 1857.14]  so that we will live forever with you
[1857.14 --> 1859.08]  praise God
[1859.08 --> 1860.66]  praise God
[1860.66 --> 1862.96]  in Jesus we pray
[1862.96 --> 1864.00]  amen
[1864.00 --> 1864.56]  amen
[1864.56 --> 1867.18]  amen
[1894.00 --> 1900.00]  I love you Lord
[1900.00 --> 1906.00]  Oh your mercy never fails me
[1906.00 --> 1912.00]  All my days I have held in your hands
[1912.00 --> 1916.00]  The moment I wake up
[1916.00 --> 1920.00]  Until I lay my head
[1920.00 --> 1928.00]  I will sing of the goodness of God
[1928.00 --> 1936.00]  All my life you have been faithful
[1936.00 --> 1944.00]  All my life you have been so, so good
[1944.00 --> 1948.00]  With every breath that I am in
[1948.00 --> 1954.00]  I will sing of the goodness of God
[1954.00 --> 1958.00]  I love your voice
[1958.00 --> 1964.00]  You have led me through the fire
[1964.00 --> 1966.00]  The darkest night
[1966.00 --> 1970.00]  You are close like no other
[1970.00 --> 1974.00]  I've known you as a father
[1974.00 --> 1978.00]  I've known you as a friend
[1978.00 --> 1984.00]  I will sing of the goodness of God
[1984.00 --> 1994.00]  All my life you have been faithful
[1994.00 --> 2000.00]  All my life you have been so, so good
[2000.00 --> 2006.00]  With every breath that I am in
[2006.00 --> 2012.00]  I will sing of the goodness of God
[2012.00 --> 2018.00]  Your goodness is running out
[2018.00 --> 2022.00]  It's running out for me
[2022.00 --> 2024.00]  Your goodness is running out
[2024.00 --> 2028.00]  It's running out for me
[2028.00 --> 2030.00]  Your goodness is running out
[2030.00 --> 2032.00]  It's running out for me
[2032.00 --> 2034.00]  Your goodness is running out for me
[2034.00 --> 2048.00]  Your goodness is running out for me
[2048.00 --> 2054.00]  Your goodness is running out for me
[2054.00 --> 2064.00]  Your goodness is running out for me
[2064.00 --> 2069.00]  Your goodness is running out for me
[2069.00 --> 2073.00]  And all my life you have been faithful
[2073.00 --> 2076.78]  And all my life you have been faithful.
[2079.10 --> 2086.54]  And all my life you have been so, so good.
[2086.54 --> 2098.90]  With every breath that I am made of, I will sing of the goodness of God.
[2098.90 --> 2106.58]  I will sing of the goodness of God.
[2128.90 --> 2145.14]  When you go, I'll go.
[2145.14 --> 2147.14]  Where you stay, I'll stay.
[2148.10 --> 2150.42]  When you move, I'll move.
[2150.70 --> 2151.98]  I will follow.
[2153.10 --> 2155.44]  Where you go, I'll go.
[2155.90 --> 2158.08]  Where you stay, I'll stay.
[2158.48 --> 2160.68]  When you move, I'll move.
[2160.96 --> 2162.26]  I will follow.
[2162.26 --> 2175.40]  Where you ways are good.
[2175.74 --> 2177.86]  All your ways are sure.
[2179.30 --> 2182.72]  I will trust in you alone.
[2183.06 --> 2185.26]  Higher than my sight.
[2185.56 --> 2187.64]  High above my God.
[2187.64 --> 2193.64]  I will trust in you alone.
[2197.64 --> 2199.70]  When you go, I'll go.
[2200.04 --> 2201.64]  Where you stay, I'll stay.
[2202.46 --> 2204.32]  When you move, I'll move.
[2204.74 --> 2206.04]  I will follow.
[2206.94 --> 2209.44]  When you love, I'll love.
[2209.68 --> 2211.76]  When you serve, I'll serve.
[2211.76 --> 2214.20]  In this life, my dreams.
[2214.50 --> 2216.76]  I will follow you.
[2217.64 --> 2222.64]  I will follow you.
[2226.64 --> 2228.74]  Light into the world.
[2229.04 --> 2232.04]  Light into my mind.
[2232.50 --> 2235.88]  I will live for you alone.
[2236.20 --> 2237.64]  You're the one I see.
[2238.60 --> 2241.76]  Knowing I will find.
[2241.76 --> 2245.76]  All I need is you alone.
[2250.76 --> 2252.76]  When you go, I'll go.
[2252.86 --> 2255.00]  When you stay, I'll stay.
[2255.26 --> 2257.36]  When you move, I'll move.
[2257.62 --> 2259.76]  I will follow you.
[2259.76 --> 2262.22]  When you love, I'll love.
[2262.46 --> 2264.52]  When you serve, I'll serve.
[2264.52 --> 2265.52]  When you serve, I'll move.
[2265.52 --> 2266.52]  When you serve, I'll move.
[2266.52 --> 2269.52]  When you serve, I'll follow you.
[2269.52 --> 2270.52]  I will follow you.
[2270.52 --> 2271.52]  Yeah.
[2271.52 --> 2272.52]  I will follow you.
[2272.52 --> 2273.52]  I will follow you.
[2273.52 --> 2274.52]  Yeah.
[2274.52 --> 2275.52]  Yeah.
[2275.52 --> 2276.52]  When you serve, I'll move.
[2276.52 --> 2277.52]  Yeah.
[2277.52 --> 2278.52]  Yeah.
[2278.52 --> 2282.52]  In you, there's life everlasting.
[2282.52 --> 2288.52]  In you, there's freedom for my soul.
[2288.52 --> 2289.52]  Give you joy.
[2289.52 --> 2290.52]  In you, there's joy.
[2290.52 --> 2291.52]  In you, there's joy.
[2291.52 --> 2293.52]  And in you, there's joy.
[2293.52 --> 2295.52]  I will follow you.
[2295.52 --> 2297.52]  I will follow you.
[2297.52 --> 2300.52]  pineapple
[2300.52 --> 2301.24]  Where you go, I'll go.
[2301.42 --> 2303.92]  Where you ocean, sadece, SAID,
[2304.52 --> 2305.52]  Where you move, I'll move.
[2305.52 --> 2307.62]  I will follow you.
[2308.52 --> 2311.52]  I will follow you.
[2312.78 --> 2313.52]  Your little Italy
[2314.52 --> 2319.98]  I will follow you.
[2319.98 --> 2321.98]  Oh
[2349.98 --> 2351.90]  a
[2379.98 --> 2389.14]  Hello, my name is Courtney and I'm the coordinator for the Langley Emanuel CRC GEMS program.
[2389.62 --> 2394.50]  GEMS stands for Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior, and its vision is to see girls around
[2394.50 --> 2399.00]  the world actively and enthusiastically expressing love for God and for others.
[2399.60 --> 2403.90]  Girls equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith.
[2404.42 --> 2409.02]  The mission of GEMS is to bring girls everywhere into a living dynamic relationship with Jesus
[2409.02 --> 2415.46]  Christ. Langley Emanuel GEMS does this through Bible study, badges, crafts, songs, having
[2415.46 --> 2421.16]  conversations, and so much more. We currently have 10 leaders and 40 girls, ranging in ages
[2421.16 --> 2427.26]  from grade 3 to grade 7. This year the theme has been Rise Up, which has helped us to explore
[2427.26 --> 2432.02]  the story of Esther. We have been learning about how God can use an ordinary person to
[2432.02 --> 2437.32]  do extraordinary things, how Esther was more than an orphan or a pretty face. She was a
[2437.32 --> 2441.94]  girl who could rise up in faith and stand her ground because she put her hope in God alone.
[2442.72 --> 2447.42]  But in order for us to trust God, we have to know who he is. We saw part of God's character
[2447.42 --> 2453.70]  through these five Bible-based truths. God is king. God is our deliverer. God is trustworthy.
[2454.48 --> 2460.16]  God is always at work. God is with you wherever you go. The girls were reminded to put their faith
[2460.16 --> 2463.42]  in God through our theme verse this year, which they will share now.
[2463.42 --> 2487.48]  There is nothing easy about being a girl or living in our world today. We face unique challenges
[2487.48 --> 2495.02]  and unsustainable pressures in a culture of confusion about who God is and what truth is, or what is truth.
[2495.56 --> 2501.46]  Sometimes it can feel overwhelming and hopeless, but we gather on this Gem Sunday in the hope of Jesus Christ.
[2501.46 --> 2531.44]  Jesus Christ.
[2531.44 --> 2534.70]  Let's learn these five truths about who God is and what he has promised.
[2535.44 --> 2537.62]  God is king.
[2538.52 --> 2540.84]  The Lord is my God.
[2541.52 --> 2543.90]  The great king over all the earth.
[2544.64 --> 2546.72]  Psalm 47, verse 2.
[2548.14 --> 2550.44]  God is our deliverer.
[2551.94 --> 2553.62]  The Lord is my rock.
[2553.94 --> 2556.26]  My fortress and my deliverer.
[2556.66 --> 2558.42]  My God is my rock.
[2558.42 --> 2560.42]  In whom I take refuge.
[2560.42 --> 2563.42]  My shield and the horn of my salvation.
[2563.42 --> 2565.50]  My strong will.
[2565.50 --> 2568.04]  Psalm 18, verse 2.
[2568.04 --> 2571.04]  God is trust worthy.
[2571.04 --> 2574.04]  He is who he says he is.
[2574.04 --> 2576.86]  And he will do what he says he will do.
[2578.12 --> 2581.52]  The Lord is trust worthy in all the promises.
[2582.18 --> 2584.32]  And faithful in all the dust.
[2584.88 --> 2587.66]  Psalm 145, verse 13.
[2587.66 --> 2592.14]  God is always at work.
[2592.50 --> 2593.58]  He is near.
[2594.12 --> 2597.80]  The Lord is near to all who call on him.
[2598.16 --> 2600.06]  To all who call on him.
[2601.06 --> 2603.96]  Psalm 145, verse 13.
[2605.66 --> 2608.96]  God is with you wherever you go.
[2608.96 --> 2611.30]  Do not be afraid.
[2611.58 --> 2613.20]  Do not be discouraged.
[2613.72 --> 2617.46]  For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
[2617.88 --> 2619.82]  Joshua 1, verse 13.
[2621.22 --> 2626.92]  Thanks be to the God of hope who renews our strength so that we can rise up in every circumstance.
[2627.46 --> 2633.28]  Stand secure in our faith and have the confidence that when we put our hope in him, we will be okay.
[2633.28 --> 2634.22]  No matter what.
[2638.96 --> 2658.94]  Tell me the story of the girl without a mother.
[2658.94 --> 2662.38]  Of the girl without a father.
[2662.80 --> 2665.22]  Who found favor with the king.
[2665.22 --> 2668.84]  Tell me again.
[2669.24 --> 2672.30]  About how he beheld her beauty.
[2672.58 --> 2675.74]  About the way she stepped out bravely.
[2675.94 --> 2678.34]  All her life an offering.
[2679.84 --> 2682.64]  She fell to her knees.
[2683.76 --> 2686.00]  While she begged him, please.
[2686.68 --> 2688.32]  To spare my people.
[2688.84 --> 2691.52]  Or set them free or king.
[2692.22 --> 2694.08]  Give them a merit.
[2694.08 --> 2695.64]  To spare belonging.
[2695.64 --> 2698.96]  To a kingdom that is coming.
[2699.52 --> 2702.34]  With the song they'll keep on singing.
[2702.82 --> 2705.60]  With the bells they'll keep on ringing.
[2706.14 --> 2709.08]  Oh, I'm swept up in a story.
[2709.50 --> 2711.96]  All that I don't want to miss.
[2712.34 --> 2714.94]  So I will rise up.
[2714.94 --> 2717.30]  For such a time is late.
[2717.30 --> 2718.04]  Tell me again.
[2718.04 --> 2726.04]  Tell me again.
[2726.04 --> 2729.00]  What a god man come from glory.
[2729.00 --> 2732.32]  Why they said he had no beauty.
[2732.32 --> 2735.46]  He was the flavor of the king.
[2736.84 --> 2738.98]  Tell me again.
[2739.22 --> 2742.30]  About the way he loved the lonely.
[2742.72 --> 2745.56]  Healed the sick and fed the hungry.
[2745.56 --> 2748.52]  All his life an offering.
[2748.52 --> 2752.36]  He hung on a tree.
[2752.36 --> 2753.72]  He cried.
[2753.72 --> 2755.48]  Oh, fall and flee.
[2756.48 --> 2758.36]  Slay all people.
[2759.12 --> 2760.40]  Oh, set them free.
[2762.12 --> 2764.04]  Give them a merit.
[2764.04 --> 2768.82]  To a kingdom that is coming.
[2768.82 --> 2772.14]  It's the song they'll keep on singing.
[2772.58 --> 2775.46]  It's the bells they'll keep on ringing.
[2776.00 --> 2779.04]  They'll be swept up in a story.
[2779.48 --> 2782.10]  Oh, that they don't want to miss.
[2782.42 --> 2784.92]  So I will rise up.
[2784.92 --> 2787.34]  Oh, such a time is late.
[2789.44 --> 2792.36]  Oh, and he is able.
[2792.92 --> 2795.60]  We have a place here at the table.
[2796.12 --> 2798.66]  Our deliverance has come.
[2798.66 --> 2802.16]  His steadfast love will bring us home.
[2802.62 --> 2805.58]  He holds all things together.
[2805.96 --> 2808.88]  We already have his favor.
[2809.30 --> 2812.32]  We'll give honest, surrendered years.
[2812.32 --> 2818.86]  Because of all his faithfulness.
[2820.16 --> 2822.26]  Tell me a story.
[2822.56 --> 2825.56]  About the way I'm loved completely.
[2825.88 --> 2828.88]  Because your beauty is my cover.
[2829.22 --> 2831.92]  I have a favor of the king.
[2833.50 --> 2835.52]  Tell me again.
[2835.90 --> 2839.02]  About how I can stand up only.
[2839.02 --> 2842.38]  I will heed the things you've told me.
[2842.60 --> 2845.10]  And make my life and my soul.
[2845.90 --> 2849.26]  So I, oh, so my need.
[2849.52 --> 2852.68]  So I, beg your father please.
[2853.02 --> 2855.56]  Set all your people free.
[2856.12 --> 2858.74]  Help us live what we believe.
[2859.00 --> 2862.26]  We have a merit in belonging.
[2862.26 --> 2865.60]  To a kingdom that is coming.
[2866.10 --> 2868.76]  It's the song we'll keep on singing.
[2869.46 --> 2872.06]  It's the bells we'll keep on ringing.
[2872.74 --> 2875.72]  We'll be swept up in a story.
[2876.18 --> 2878.72]  Oh, do we all want to miss?
[2878.96 --> 2881.52]  So we will rise up.
[2881.52 --> 2884.42]  Such a time in our place.
[2885.86 --> 2888.98]  Oh, we're swept up in a story.
[2888.98 --> 2892.04]  All that we don't want to miss.
[2892.38 --> 2894.96]  So we will rise up.
[2895.28 --> 2897.82]  Such a time in our place.
[2897.82 --> 2901.78]  Oh, oh, oh.
[2901.78 --> 2904.54]  Oh, oh, oh.
[2904.54 --> 2916.62]  All right.
[2916.68 --> 2919.80]  The first offering today is for our budget and the needs of our church.
[2919.94 --> 2923.18]  The second offering is for the GEMS Ministry of North America.
[2923.28 --> 2929.04]  This money is used to run GEMS on a larger scale, to help develop curriculum, to provide
[2929.04 --> 2933.38]  staff support for the various clubs, and to help spread the word about GEMS.
[2933.38 --> 2935.14]  And to help set up new clubs.
[2935.80 --> 2938.02]  So please give generously as God has given to you.
[2938.02 --> 2947.44]  From rejected to accepted.
[2947.44 --> 2953.16]  From forgotten to remembered.
[2954.16 --> 2958.78]  From the victim to the victor.
[2959.60 --> 2962.30]  Who we are is not the same.
[2962.30 --> 2964.92]  And the changes night and day.
[2964.92 --> 2968.54]  No longer orphans.
[2968.54 --> 2970.86]  Now sons and daughters.
[2970.86 --> 2973.18]  Worthy and wanted.
[2973.72 --> 2975.56]  We belong.
[2975.56 --> 2981.18]  We are, we are, we are, we are, we are, we are, crowned in dignity.
[2982.18 --> 2986.48]  We are, we are, we are, we are, we are, we are, heirs to majesty.
[2986.90 --> 2989.18]  We're made for victory.
[2989.56 --> 2995.58]  We're given authority to reign like kings and queens.
[2996.24 --> 2997.56]  We're royalties.
[2997.56 --> 3005.10]  We're royalties.
[3005.10 --> 3006.10]  We're royalties.
[3007.10 --> 3011.50]  From abandoned to exalted.
[3012.38 --> 3017.02]  From so broken to beloved.
[3018.02 --> 3023.54]  From the shadows to the light, from the dead brought back to life.
[3023.54 --> 3026.30]  Who we are is not the same
[3026.30 --> 3029.18]  And the change is man and day
[3029.18 --> 3032.52]  No longer orphans
[3032.52 --> 3034.84]  Now sons and daughters
[3034.84 --> 3037.20]  Worthy and wanted
[3037.20 --> 3040.34]  We belong, yeah
[3040.34 --> 3043.06]  We are, we are, we are, we are
[3043.06 --> 3045.20]  Crown and dignity
[3045.20 --> 3048.50]  We are, we are, we are, we are
[3048.50 --> 3050.50]  Heirs to majesty
[3050.50 --> 3053.16]  We're made for victory
[3053.16 --> 3055.78]  We're given authority
[3055.78 --> 3059.72]  To reign like kings and queens
[3059.72 --> 3061.56]  We're royalty
[3061.56 --> 3064.36]  We are, we are, we are, we are
[3064.36 --> 3066.96]  We're royalty
[3066.96 --> 3069.86]  We are, we are, we are, we are
[3069.86 --> 3075.24]  Every lie beneath our feet
[3075.24 --> 3077.82]  When we see the way you see
[3077.82 --> 3082.24]  We know we're chosen and redeemed
[3082.24 --> 3088.36]  We are, we are, we are, we are
[3088.36 --> 3091.02]  Renamed, adopted in
[3091.02 --> 3093.44]  We are, we are, we are, we are
[3093.44 --> 3096.62]  Kings in a kingdom with no end
[3096.62 --> 3098.94]  We are, we are, we are, we are
[3098.94 --> 3101.20]  Crown and dignity
[3101.20 --> 3104.40]  We are, we are, we are, we are, we are
[3104.40 --> 3105.92]  We are, we are, we are
[3105.92 --> 3107.76]  We are, we are, we are
[3107.76 --> 3110.02]  Clean land moves
[3110.02 --> 3112.42]  We need authority
[3113.26 --> 3115.60]  We are, we are, we are
[3115.60 --> 3116.38]  We are, we are, we are
[3116.38 --> 3117.76]  Giants of majesty
[3117.76 --> 3119.64]  When we are
[3119.64 --> 3121.24]  Gottes O person with no end
[3121.24 --> 3121.52]  We are
[3121.52 --> 3122.62]  We're copying
[3122.62 --> 3123.52]  Gerald pens
[3123.52 --> 3124.52]  Then we have
[3124.52 --> 3125.58]  We are, we are, we are
[3125.58 --> 3126.10]  We are, we are, we are
[3126.10 --> 3126.62]  We are, we are, we are, we are
[3126.62 --> 3127.14]  We are, we are, we are, we are
[3127.14 --> 3127.66]  We're everything we are, we are, we are
[3127.66 --> 3129.66]  We're all your team
[3129.66 --> 3131.66]  We're all your team
[3131.66 --> 3133.66]  We're all your team
[3133.66 --> 3135.66]  We're all your team
[3135.66 --> 3137.66]  We're all your team
[3137.66 --> 3139.66]  They say
[3139.66 --> 3141.66]  You're the king of everything
[3141.66 --> 3143.66]  The one who taught the wind to sing
[3143.66 --> 3145.66]  The source of the rhythm
[3145.66 --> 3147.66]  My heart keeps beating
[3147.66 --> 3149.66]  They say
[3149.66 --> 3151.66]  You can give the blind their sight
[3151.66 --> 3153.66]  And you can bring the dead to life
[3153.66 --> 3155.66]  You can be the hope
[3155.66 --> 3157.66]  My soul's been seeking
[3157.66 --> 3159.66]  I wanna tell you now that I believe it
[3159.66 --> 3161.66]  I wanna tell you now that I believe it
[3161.66 --> 3163.66]  I do
[3163.66 --> 3165.66]  That you can make me new
[3165.66 --> 3167.66]  Oh
[3167.66 --> 3169.66]  I'm an empty place
[3169.66 --> 3171.66]  I'm an open book
[3171.66 --> 3173.66]  Write your story on my heart
[3173.66 --> 3175.66]  Come on and make your mark
[3175.66 --> 3177.66]  Author of my hope
[3177.66 --> 3179.66]  Maker of the stars
[3179.66 --> 3181.66]  Let me be your work of art
[3181.66 --> 3183.66]  Won't you write your story on my heart
[3183.66 --> 3185.66]  Write your story
[3185.66 --> 3187.66]  Write your story
[3187.66 --> 3189.66]  Write your story
[3189.66 --> 3191.66]  Write your story
[3191.66 --> 3193.66]  Come on and write your story
[3193.66 --> 3195.66]  Come on and write your story
[3195.66 --> 3197.66]  I'm an open book
[3197.66 --> 3199.66]  I'm an empty place
[3199.66 --> 3201.66]  I'm an empty place
[3201.66 --> 3203.66]  I'm an empty place
[3203.66 --> 3205.66]  I'm an empty place
[3205.66 --> 3207.66]  I'm an empty place
[3207.66 --> 3209.66]  I'm an empty place
[3209.66 --> 3211.66]  We have to have many kids here
[3211.66 --> 3213.66]  Who are age 3 up to grade 4
[3213.66 --> 3215.66]  To join us at the front
[3215.66 --> 3217.66]  Before we head off to children's worship time
[3217.66 --> 3219.66]  In the back
[3219.66 --> 3221.66]  And if you're visiting with us
[3221.66 --> 3223.66]  And have kids in that age group
[3223.66 --> 3225.66]  They're welcome to come up here
[3225.66 --> 3227.66]  Or follow us as we leave
[3227.66 --> 3229.66]  And join us in our worship together
[3229.66 --> 3231.66]  Back in the other rooms
[3231.66 --> 3233.66]  Good morning
[3233.66 --> 3235.66]  Oh that was nice and loud
[3235.66 --> 3240.66]  I'm wondering if you guys can think of anything
[3240.66 --> 3242.66]  That you know is real
[3242.66 --> 3244.66]  But that you can't see
[3244.66 --> 3249.66]  Something you know is real
[3249.66 --> 3251.66]  But that you can't see with your eyes
[3251.66 --> 3253.66]  Like that might be invisible
[3253.66 --> 3255.66]  Something in like in the world
[3255.66 --> 3259.66]  We do know Jesus is real, yes
[3259.66 --> 3260.66]  And we can't see him
[3260.66 --> 3262.66]  But something else
[3262.66 --> 3263.66]  Can anyone think of anything?
[3263.66 --> 3265.66]  Can anyone think of anything?
[3265.66 --> 3266.66]  No?
[3266.66 --> 3267.66]  It's a kind of a hard question
[3267.66 --> 3269.66]  Okay, I have one
[3269.66 --> 3271.66]  What about the wind?
[3271.66 --> 3273.66]  Have you ever seen the wind?
[3273.66 --> 3276.66]  So how do we know the wind is real
[3276.66 --> 3278.66]  If we can't see it?
[3278.66 --> 3279.66]  Haley?
[3279.66 --> 3280.66]  We can feel it?
[3280.66 --> 3283.66]  Yeah, how else can we know the wind is real?
[3285.66 --> 3286.66]  You can hear it sometimes
[3286.66 --> 3287.66]  If it's really loud
[3287.66 --> 3288.66]  It might make a loud noise
[3288.66 --> 3291.66]  Yeah, we can see it blowing in the trees
[3291.66 --> 3293.66]  Today we're going to
[3293.66 --> 3294.66]  In children's worship time
[3294.66 --> 3295.66]  We're going to be talking about
[3295.66 --> 3298.66]  How sometimes it's hard to believe in things
[3298.66 --> 3299.66]  That we can't see
[3299.66 --> 3301.66]  And there's a person in the Bible named Thomas
[3301.66 --> 3304.66]  And he had a hard time believing something
[3304.66 --> 3305.66]  That he couldn't see
[3305.66 --> 3307.66]  And we're going to see what we can learn
[3307.66 --> 3308.66]  From Jesus
[3308.66 --> 3309.66]  About Jesus from that story
[3309.66 --> 3311.66]  So we're going to stand up
[3311.66 --> 3313.66]  And we're going to have to be nice and loud today
[3313.66 --> 3315.66]  Because lots of our big kids aren't here
[3315.66 --> 3316.66]  For gems
[3316.66 --> 3317.66]  For gems
[3317.66 --> 3318.66]  And we're going to do our blessings
[3318.66 --> 3320.66]  So I invite everyone to stand up with us
[3320.66 --> 3321.66]  While we bless you
[3321.66 --> 3322.66]  And receive your blessing
[3322.66 --> 3323.66]  And receive your blessing
[3323.66 --> 3325.66]  Thank you
[3325.66 --> 3352.60]  Good morning, everyone.
[3352.60 --> 3356.34]  My name is Ken. I am one of the elders here at Emanuel Church.
[3357.30 --> 3362.04]  First off, it's so great seeing all you gems here and all the participation in this service.
[3362.04 --> 3365.52]  It's really amazing, the offering and the welcome we got.
[3365.72 --> 3370.22]  And the praise team up here is really cool seeing you guys joining in and leading us in worship.
[3370.36 --> 3371.50]  So thank you so much for that.
[3372.32 --> 3375.56]  Just a couple of announcements I have from the council.
[3376.06 --> 3382.28]  We have a council meeting this week, so I ask you to uphold that in prayer as we seek to do God's work in our church council.
[3382.60 --> 3392.50]  And it's also entering the last week and day for our nominations for the upcoming new office bearers that we're looking for.
[3392.60 --> 3405.32]  So we ask you to continue to prayerfully seek out nominating individuals that you think would be called into that work for our church and for God.
[3405.32 --> 3412.50]  And if you yourself are still feeling called as well, please be sure to get those nominations in very shortly.
[3412.68 --> 3419.48]  There is a form that should be available at the Connect booth as well as they've been emailed and accessible through our e-bulletin.
[3420.82 --> 3424.28]  Additionally, next week, Sunday, we will be celebrating Lord's Supper.
[3424.28 --> 3432.34]  So take this week to prepare your hearts and to prepare for gathering together around the Lord's table.
[3433.16 --> 3437.64]  So at this point, I'd like to lead us in our time of prayer as a congregation.
[3438.58 --> 3439.34]  Let's pray.
[3439.34 --> 3444.94]  Lord our God, as we sang this morning, you give life.
[3445.54 --> 3446.16]  You are love.
[3446.86 --> 3448.48]  You bring light to our darkness.
[3449.38 --> 3450.00]  You give hope.
[3450.64 --> 3452.84]  And you restore every heart that is broken.
[3453.46 --> 3454.76]  Great are you, Lord.
[3455.54 --> 3460.46]  We pour out our praise to you this morning, Lord, and humbly bring our requests to you.
[3460.46 --> 3465.34]  We praise you, Lord, for the gift of our children who are a heritage from the Lord.
[3465.92 --> 3467.34]  We pray for parents.
[3467.78 --> 3470.94]  Help us to teach our kids to know you through your word.
[3471.64 --> 3476.12]  We thank you for girls everywhere meeting the Savior as we celebrate the gems today.
[3476.88 --> 3482.14]  And we praise you, Lord, for the work and dedication of the counselors and ask your blessing on them and their work.
[3483.74 --> 3485.86]  Lord, we pray for new young parents.
[3485.86 --> 3489.96]  We lift up Joanna and Mike and their two-week-old baby, McKenna.
[3491.04 --> 3495.40]  We also pray for those whose life stories include struggles with infertility.
[3495.92 --> 3500.72]  Lord, we pray that you bless medical treatments that are being taken for infertility.
[3501.34 --> 3505.12]  And we pray for your blessing for those who are on journeys toward adoption.
[3506.52 --> 3512.50]  And today, Lord, in addition to Gem Sunday, we get to hear from the Mexico team who returned two weeks ago
[3512.50 --> 3515.56]  and will share the work you did in them and through them.
[3516.56 --> 3519.50]  May the seeds that were sown and relationships that were cultivated
[3519.50 --> 3521.96]  produce a fruitful harvest for your kingdom, Lord.
[3522.96 --> 3528.26]  We ask that you work through our missionaries who you have called to go out and spread the gospel.
[3528.90 --> 3535.58]  And likewise, Lord, please work through the rest of us who you have called to spread the gospel within our communities at home.
[3535.58 --> 3541.66]  Lord, we lift up those in our congregation and those we know with various health concerns.
[3542.44 --> 3543.38]  Heal our diseases.
[3544.42 --> 3549.72]  We think of Grace Vanderdeen's mom who had an angioplasty done last week, and we pray for her recovery.
[3549.72 --> 3556.26]  We also uphold to you, Lord, Matthew and Rachel Skipper and their kids as Rachel's health continues to decline.
[3556.86 --> 3560.60]  Lord, we ask for your miraculous healing hand on Rachel and the family.
[3561.70 --> 3567.10]  We pray for Kobe DeBoorsap as she's ongoing cancer treatments and is presently at home.
[3567.76 --> 3572.34]  Help their young family feel your nearness in this time and bring Kobe healing recovery.
[3572.34 --> 3578.64]  We lift up those who have various struggles with mental health, anxiety, and depression.
[3579.18 --> 3583.94]  Lord, when we are weary and burdened, draw us to you and you will give us rest.
[3584.62 --> 3592.26]  Transform us, Lord, by the renewing of our minds and help us cast all our anxiety on you because you care for us.
[3593.52 --> 3596.24]  We pray, too, for those who are in seasons of mourning.
[3596.98 --> 3600.80]  We lift up Karen Walker as she mourns the passing of her husband Kevin last week.
[3600.80 --> 3606.38]  And we also pray that you give Rosita all she needs to walk alongside her friend Karen in this time.
[3607.56 --> 3615.76]  We pray for all who mourn the loss of loved ones, having just celebrated Easter without a loved one for the first time or maybe many times over again.
[3616.70 --> 3626.28]  Help the Easter resurrection truth comfort us in knowing that death has lost its sting and been swallowed up in the victory we have in our Lord Jesus Christ.
[3626.28 --> 3631.08]  Lord, we pray for our church and ministries here at Emanuel CRC.
[3631.86 --> 3635.32]  Bless the work of the staff, volunteers, and council members.
[3635.98 --> 3638.94]  Lead them to hear your will and direction for your church.
[3640.00 --> 3643.64]  We pray for your hand on the council nomination process that is underway.
[3644.36 --> 3649.16]  Stir in the hearts of those you are calling to the noble task of serving your church.
[3649.16 --> 3658.26]  We pray for each of us this week as we examine ourselves and prepare our hearts to gather around your table in communion next week.
[3659.46 --> 3666.52]  And now, as we open your word and hear your message, we pray that you open the eyes of our hearts, Lord, and help us to see you.
[3667.04 --> 3675.34]  Help us not merely listen to the word and so deceive ourselves, but help us to really hear it today and to go out doing what it says.
[3675.34 --> 3680.54]  Help us act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
[3681.26 --> 3689.34]  We pray all these things in your most holy name, not because we're worthy, but because you have allowed us to approach your throne of grace with confidence.
[3689.68 --> 3691.56]  In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
[3692.10 --> 3692.36]  Amen.
[3705.34 --> 3724.26]  As we've already heard, this year the Gems have been taking this theme verse from Isaiah 40, verse 31, sorry,
[3724.62 --> 3732.18]  and reading the book of Esther and learning the story of Esther through that lens.
[3732.18 --> 3736.16]  So we're going to do the same thing in our time together this morning.
[3736.24 --> 3738.18]  So I'm going to begin once again.
[3738.32 --> 3751.80]  I'll read Isaiah 40, verse 31, and then we will sort of rehearse the story of Esther through the themes of the five truths that the Gems are looking at.
[3751.88 --> 3762.16]  And so allow me to start with Isaiah 40, verse 31, where we read that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
[3762.18 --> 3765.52]  They will soar on wings like eagles.
[3765.90 --> 3767.92]  They will run and not grow weary.
[3768.38 --> 3770.52]  They will walk and not be faint.
[3770.98 --> 3772.30]  This is the word of the Lord.
[3775.52 --> 3782.58]  So you girls, over the course of this year, have been focusing on five truths.
[3782.66 --> 3786.94]  Now we've heard them, but I'm going to put them on the screen again so you can see them.
[3786.94 --> 3792.32]  And I've also reordered them slightly for the purposes of this telling of the story.
[3793.24 --> 3804.84]  But those five truths are God is king, God is trustworthy, God is our deliverer, God is near, and God is with you.
[3804.84 --> 3820.54]  As we hear these truths again, and as we look at the story of Esther, I want to challenge you, even as we look at particular characters,
[3820.54 --> 3833.76]  to realize that the story that's told here is first and foremost for the purpose of revealing God who is behind the story.
[3833.76 --> 3839.60]  But in Esther, that's a particular challenge.
[3840.84 --> 3844.78]  Because I don't know how many of you have read the book of Esther recently,
[3845.06 --> 3851.70]  but the book of Esther doesn't mention the name God at all.
[3851.70 --> 3858.92]  The word God and its various forms of God's names are not used.
[3860.34 --> 3865.12]  God is not a character on the surface of the story of Esther.
[3865.60 --> 3872.72]  And so how can we learn these truths about who God is from a story that seemingly doesn't even mention him?
[3873.88 --> 3877.84]  That's the challenge that's kind of in front of us this morning.
[3877.84 --> 3884.58]  Those are the kinds of questions that the story of Esther invites us to ask.
[3886.04 --> 3888.48]  Because throughout the whole book, there isn't one mention of God.
[3888.82 --> 3891.12]  His name doesn't appear at all.
[3893.28 --> 3895.76]  And here's why I think this matters for us this morning.
[3896.94 --> 3903.26]  Because it's so easy in our own lives and in our own stories, right, to not see God.
[3904.40 --> 3906.46]  And to not know where he is.
[3907.84 --> 3910.66]  And to not be sure if he's even in the mix at all.
[3912.18 --> 3917.00]  Esther starts equipping us to understand how he might be.
[3918.90 --> 3922.12]  Now the book of Esther tells us a particular story.
[3922.22 --> 3926.34]  And I want to walk you through that story for those of you who aren't as familiar with it.
[3927.12 --> 3932.84]  The book of Esther tells the story of the people of God who have been taken into exile.
[3933.12 --> 3935.90]  And they are now in the Persian Empire.
[3935.90 --> 3941.68]  This is taking place in a city called Susa, which is one of the capitals of the empire at the time.
[3942.42 --> 3948.30]  And so real quick, after the people leave Egypt, they spent 400 years there in slavery.
[3948.44 --> 3949.88]  Then you get the story of the Exodus.
[3950.26 --> 3953.04]  And they cross the Red Sea, the Ten Commandments.
[3953.10 --> 3956.44]  And then they end up wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.
[3956.44 --> 3960.02]  After 40 years, they enter the land.
[3960.70 --> 3962.18]  They take possession of it.
[3962.18 --> 3967.02]  They didn't push out the people as they were commanded to.
[3967.24 --> 3975.74]  And so throughout the next hundreds of years, there's a conflict that continues, that exists.
[3975.84 --> 3978.34]  And it's a conflict of nations and of peoples.
[3978.34 --> 3987.32]  But also, there's a conflict that exists within the nation of Israel, that exists within the hearts of the people who live there,
[3987.40 --> 3990.68]  about whether or not they will follow God's ways.
[3991.98 --> 4000.18]  In the time of the judges and in the time of the kings, there's a few examples of people doing right and of leaders doing right.
[4000.18 --> 4004.84]  But by and large, what is happening is people are doing what's right in their own eyes.
[4005.50 --> 4011.16]  People are compromising and they're not living faithfully in relationship to God.
[4012.08 --> 4020.42]  And so, because of that, God allows his people to be taken into exile in Babylon and Persia.
[4020.98 --> 4026.62]  The story of Esther happens in the middle of this exile story,
[4026.62 --> 4029.74]  in the middle of the people being carried away in captivity.
[4030.18 --> 4037.22]  And so in terms of the whole Bible, for a very short period, the location focus shifts.
[4038.38 --> 4040.64]  It's kind of a story within a story.
[4041.50 --> 4047.34]  And because of that, Esther offers for us a really unique perspective to reflect on,
[4047.50 --> 4050.82]  and a really unique way of seeing God at work in the world.
[4052.28 --> 4056.62]  The Persian Empire stretched from India to Ethiopia.
[4056.62 --> 4064.98]  And the story begins when Xerxes, who is king, summons his queen, Vashti,
[4065.48 --> 4069.96]  to appear before his officials and to show her beauty.
[4071.08 --> 4075.88]  Now Vashti does the unthinkable and she defies the king.
[4075.88 --> 4082.22]  Right, the king, who's powerful in the world, cannot rule his own home.
[4082.94 --> 4086.88]  And so if you read the story, he becomes humiliated and angry.
[4087.24 --> 4092.30]  He listens to some counselors that he has and he deposes Vashti from her throne.
[4092.30 --> 4098.64]  And he issues a decree that throughout the empire, all women should honor their husbands.
[4100.34 --> 4103.88]  So he was a scorned man by his wife.
[4104.80 --> 4106.88]  And then again, the location shifts.
[4107.68 --> 4112.40]  After the power and the pride of the king are revealed to the readers,
[4112.66 --> 4115.90]  the main characters of the story, as it will continue, are introduced.
[4115.90 --> 4122.10]  We meet a woman named Hadassah, who is also called Esther.
[4122.88 --> 4127.86]  She's a Jewish woman living outside the realm of the Jews
[4127.86 --> 4130.72]  because she was part of the people carried into exile,
[4130.96 --> 4133.86]  and her uncle named Mordecai.
[4135.10 --> 4140.10]  Now Mordecai tells her not to reveal to the king and to the council
[4140.10 --> 4143.70]  that she is Jewish because the king, in looking for a new wife,
[4143.76 --> 4150.04]  has called for a beauty contest that he might find a new wife,
[4150.04 --> 4153.06]  or at least another one to add to his collection of wives.
[4156.02 --> 4163.78]  And throughout the immediate events of a seemingly random story,
[4163.78 --> 4169.50]  a plot is actually being skillfully crafted.
[4170.10 --> 4177.04]  And by chapter 3, the plot thickens with the introduction of a man named Haman.
[4178.26 --> 4184.02]  Now Haman is promoted to effectively like prime minister in the king's court, right?
[4184.08 --> 4186.62]  And an honor that in the story, as you're reading it,
[4186.66 --> 4190.10]  you might expect to go to Mordecai, but it doesn't.
[4191.80 --> 4194.50]  So if chapter 2, when we read these first characters,
[4194.68 --> 4198.66]  raises the question about where, whether or not Jews can live in a foreign land
[4198.66 --> 4204.76]  and how they might, chapter 3 in the raising of Haman brings this tension to a head.
[4205.42 --> 4210.30]  Haman is described in chapter 3 as an agagite,
[4211.16 --> 4216.50]  which is a term that scholars have argued connects him back to the Amalekites,
[4216.96 --> 4220.78]  which is the historic enemy of Israel from the time of the Exodus.
[4220.78 --> 4226.64]  When Israel left the Exodus, they were harried and had to fight the Amalekites all along.
[4226.74 --> 4230.56]  And all throughout Israel's history, the Amalekites are a thorn in their side.
[4230.66 --> 4237.08]  And so they become representative of all the enemies that they face.
[4237.44 --> 4241.78]  And so here is Haman connected to the Amalekites, an enemy of Israel.
[4241.78 --> 4250.86]  Haman gets angry and boils over because Mordecai refused to bow down in his presence.
[4251.96 --> 4256.88]  So Mordecai is doing to Haman, in a sense, what Vashti first did to Xerxes.
[4257.34 --> 4261.94]  And as a result, Haman turns his wrath not just against Mordecai,
[4262.08 --> 4265.16]  but against all of the Jews, all of the people of God.
[4265.16 --> 4272.82]  And so you have this man who represents the historic enmity towards God's people,
[4273.56 --> 4278.72]  and he brings that enmity on the whole of the people who are in exile
[4278.72 --> 4284.50]  by casting lots, throwing dice to determine how he will destroy them.
[4286.26 --> 4290.66]  Now, Haman plots and fools the king into following along with this plan,
[4290.66 --> 4293.94]  but the king doesn't yet realize that by doing so,
[4293.94 --> 4296.74]  he's going to end up killing his new wife.
[4298.20 --> 4304.12]  And as the edict to destroy the people of God goes out and around Susa and around the empire,
[4304.90 --> 4306.74]  Mordecai tears his clothes.
[4308.12 --> 4310.96]  He puts on traditional mourning sackcloth and ashes,
[4311.16 --> 4317.22]  and he goes to Esther, who's now in the queen's court,
[4317.66 --> 4321.70]  living there in the home of the king.
[4321.70 --> 4327.98]  And he tells her that she has a responsibility for her people,
[4328.20 --> 4331.56]  a responsibility to protect them and to speak to the king.
[4332.22 --> 4336.20]  And Esther says, if I go speak to the king, unbidden by him,
[4336.34 --> 4340.00]  if I go without him asking me to come, he will kill me.
[4340.52 --> 4341.34]  That's what he does.
[4341.34 --> 4346.36]  And Mordecai says, you will be killed regardless.
[4347.66 --> 4348.36]  You are Jewish.
[4348.52 --> 4350.10]  You can't keep that secret forever.
[4350.50 --> 4354.30]  Either you will die in the throne room or with the rest of your people.
[4354.30 --> 4357.56]  But maybe you can save us all.
[4357.56 --> 4360.80]  And then Mordecai says,
[4360.80 --> 4363.64]  for if you remain silent at this time,
[4364.00 --> 4367.40]  relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place,
[4367.94 --> 4371.12]  but you and your father's family will perish.
[4372.50 --> 4376.64]  Now, interestingly, this is the one place in the story
[4376.64 --> 4382.06]  where it seems that there's even a veiled reference to God, right?
[4382.06 --> 4385.50]  That deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place.
[4385.60 --> 4388.70]  And so scholars have debated, is this, is they talking about God?
[4388.74 --> 4390.40]  Because God is deliverer.
[4390.42 --> 4392.40]  That's a word that's regularly used about him.
[4392.42 --> 4394.38]  But again, he's just not mentioned.
[4395.96 --> 4397.56]  And it continues to debate.
[4397.66 --> 4400.50]  It's a vague reference at best,
[4400.50 --> 4407.00]  but perhaps all Mordecai knows is that God will protect his people.
[4407.56 --> 4411.64]  He doesn't know how or where or if or when,
[4412.36 --> 4414.76]  just that he has.
[4415.82 --> 4418.38]  And then Mordecai adds his own reference.
[4418.54 --> 4420.20]  He says, and who knows,
[4420.66 --> 4425.68]  but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this.
[4425.68 --> 4433.76]  And that is the line from the story of Esther that people hang on to, right?
[4433.84 --> 4436.64]  For such a time as this.
[4437.88 --> 4440.36]  Maybe everything that's happened to you
[4440.36 --> 4443.06]  was so that you could be right here,
[4444.12 --> 4446.52]  right now, in this moment,
[4446.88 --> 4449.42]  able to save all of these lives.
[4449.52 --> 4451.44]  Maybe every struggle and every worry,
[4451.44 --> 4456.46]  every fight was to prepare you for this battle.
[4456.98 --> 4460.12]  Maybe every tear, every hurt, every pain
[4460.12 --> 4463.70]  was in order to get you to this place.
[4464.60 --> 4466.58]  Maybe every seeming failure,
[4466.98 --> 4469.02]  every time it just didn't work out,
[4469.12 --> 4471.48]  every setback was to make sure
[4471.48 --> 4475.00]  that you wouldn't miss this opportunity.
[4476.50 --> 4477.92]  And I want to suggest to you
[4477.92 --> 4480.42]  that this is why we have the book of Esther.
[4481.44 --> 4482.76]  To think like that.
[4483.06 --> 4484.22]  To ask these questions.
[4485.06 --> 4486.18]  Because it's still true
[4486.18 --> 4490.30]  that the Bible reveals the action of God in history.
[4490.46 --> 4493.58]  And that the Bible is the true story of the whole world.
[4493.66 --> 4495.62]  And the Bible is teaching us about the nature
[4495.62 --> 4497.22]  and the character of God.
[4497.56 --> 4499.24]  And Esther is now,
[4499.46 --> 4502.92]  the story of Esther is broadening our understanding
[4502.92 --> 4507.88]  to include times even when God doesn't seem present.
[4508.00 --> 4510.26]  Even when we don't acknowledge God,
[4510.26 --> 4512.04]  He's still working.
[4512.04 --> 4515.02]  He's still making His will come about.
[4516.28 --> 4517.82]  Or more pointedly,
[4518.46 --> 4522.66]  even when we refuse to name His presence,
[4523.54 --> 4524.88]  He is still present.
[4526.64 --> 4530.84]  Even when we can't see the main action,
[4531.04 --> 4533.58]  we can know because of stories like Esther
[4533.58 --> 4535.72]  that God is the main actor.
[4535.72 --> 4539.02]  Even when things seem to be going wrong
[4539.02 --> 4542.38]  and life is just hanging in this tenuous balance,
[4542.84 --> 4544.24]  God is still present
[4544.24 --> 4548.94]  and guiding His history for His glory.
[4548.94 --> 4554.22]  And that's because God is king.
[4554.58 --> 4558.84]  That's the first truth that the gems have been looking at.
[4558.90 --> 4561.48]  And the story of Esther isn't just a contest
[4561.48 --> 4563.66]  between Xerxes and the people of God.
[4563.72 --> 4566.16]  This is a contest of kings.
[4566.72 --> 4570.08]  Xerxes and the true king of God's people
[4570.08 --> 4570.90]  and of the world.
[4570.90 --> 4573.08]  And so in this story,
[4573.50 --> 4575.72]  who is it that orchestrated the exile
[4575.72 --> 4577.24]  to take place in the first place?
[4578.44 --> 4579.04]  God did.
[4580.14 --> 4583.26]  God orchestrated that Hadassah, Esther,
[4583.62 --> 4585.30]  would be in the right place
[4585.30 --> 4587.24]  at the right time for her people.
[4587.90 --> 4588.74]  God did that.
[4590.20 --> 4593.54]  Kings in this world rule cities and empires.
[4593.54 --> 4596.06]  God is king of this world.
[4596.82 --> 4597.64]  He rules it all.
[4598.58 --> 4600.34]  Nothing happens without His will
[4600.34 --> 4601.60]  and without His purpose.
[4603.04 --> 4605.42]  And because God is king,
[4606.06 --> 4608.54]  even when you can't see Him,
[4609.42 --> 4611.48]  His action, His reign,
[4611.74 --> 4613.40]  is happening all around you.
[4613.90 --> 4616.44]  History is the servant of God.
[4616.54 --> 4618.72]  It moves at His direction.
[4618.90 --> 4621.06]  That's what it means that God is king.
[4621.06 --> 4624.66]  In fact,
[4626.22 --> 4631.66]  only if God is king
[4631.66 --> 4634.92]  does any of this,
[4635.22 --> 4636.38]  the story in Esther,
[4636.48 --> 4637.28]  but also this,
[4637.40 --> 4640.12]  any of this make sense.
[4641.26 --> 4642.08]  What I mean is that
[4642.08 --> 4645.00]  only if God is king
[4645.00 --> 4647.26]  can any of our life
[4647.26 --> 4648.50]  and our doing
[4648.50 --> 4650.62]  and our activity have purpose.
[4650.62 --> 4652.78]  Only if God is king
[4652.78 --> 4654.64]  can any of your suffering
[4654.64 --> 4656.06]  or your struggling
[4656.06 --> 4658.06]  or the hardships that you face
[4658.06 --> 4659.74]  have a meaning behind them.
[4660.46 --> 4662.06]  If God isn't king,
[4662.24 --> 4663.46]  if God isn't sovereign,
[4663.66 --> 4665.22]  if He isn't in control
[4665.22 --> 4667.06]  of history
[4667.06 --> 4668.56]  and of everything that happens
[4668.56 --> 4669.50]  in this world,
[4669.66 --> 4672.80]  that means you can never be sure,
[4673.44 --> 4674.92]  you can never have any confidence
[4674.92 --> 4677.46]  that what you are facing in life
[4677.46 --> 4679.08]  or that what you are doing in life
[4679.08 --> 4681.52]  has any purpose at all,
[4682.74 --> 4682.88]  right,
[4682.90 --> 4684.44]  or that any of it is part of a plan.
[4685.10 --> 4686.04]  At best,
[4686.44 --> 4687.54]  if God isn't king,
[4687.68 --> 4689.00]  it's just a guessing game.
[4691.10 --> 4692.80]  You can never be sure
[4692.80 --> 4695.32]  that what happens to you
[4695.32 --> 4698.02]  is meaningful.
[4698.02 --> 4701.70]  The only thing you can be sure of,
[4701.76 --> 4702.14]  actually,
[4702.14 --> 4704.00]  is that it might be meaningless.
[4704.90 --> 4706.40]  It might all be purposeless.
[4707.56 --> 4709.40]  And, honestly,
[4710.14 --> 4712.42]  if any of our struggle
[4712.42 --> 4713.22]  is meaningless,
[4713.76 --> 4715.20]  if any of the things
[4715.20 --> 4716.40]  that we face in this life
[4716.40 --> 4717.30]  are meaningless,
[4718.46 --> 4721.84]  why even bother doing life?
[4722.66 --> 4724.02]  Why even bother enduring?
[4724.02 --> 4724.58]  But,
[4724.58 --> 4728.22]  what Esther is saying
[4728.22 --> 4730.56]  is that God is king.
[4731.20 --> 4732.28]  God is king.
[4732.40 --> 4733.80]  He does have a purpose
[4733.80 --> 4734.96]  and He does have a plan.
[4735.26 --> 4735.56]  And yet,
[4735.70 --> 4736.90]  you may not see it.
[4738.40 --> 4739.86]  You may not even see Him.
[4741.02 --> 4742.06]  But, like Esther,
[4742.56 --> 4743.66]  you can know
[4743.66 --> 4745.02]  that He's done it.
[4745.74 --> 4746.60]  You can know
[4746.60 --> 4748.42]  that He has a plan,
[4748.50 --> 4749.84]  that He has a purpose.
[4749.96 --> 4750.52]  Like Esther,
[4750.52 --> 4751.52]  you can know
[4751.52 --> 4752.66]  that someone,
[4753.44 --> 4755.18]  that He is somewhere.
[4756.02 --> 4756.70]  That someone,
[4756.96 --> 4757.68]  namely God,
[4757.76 --> 4759.20]  is in control.
[4759.34 --> 4760.24]  And, like Esther,
[4761.12 --> 4762.08]  you can trust Him.
[4763.12 --> 4764.32]  That's the second truth
[4764.32 --> 4765.66]  of this story,
[4765.70 --> 4767.26]  that God is trustworthy.
[4767.52 --> 4768.72]  And it comes immediately
[4768.72 --> 4769.62]  out of the fact
[4769.62 --> 4770.46]  that God is king.
[4771.42 --> 4772.84]  And it comes out of the fact
[4772.84 --> 4773.80]  that He is holy
[4773.80 --> 4774.56]  and good
[4774.56 --> 4775.74]  and beautiful.
[4776.58 --> 4777.22]  That God is,
[4777.44 --> 4778.62]  the Latin phrase is,
[4778.72 --> 4779.76]  the sunum bonum,
[4779.76 --> 4781.30]  the ultimate good,
[4781.42 --> 4782.28]  the ultimate true,
[4782.40 --> 4783.40]  the ultimate beautiful.
[4784.00 --> 4784.96]  And over and over
[4784.96 --> 4785.70]  and over again
[4785.70 --> 4786.32]  in the Bible,
[4786.60 --> 4788.14]  we read how God
[4788.14 --> 4789.76]  remembers His people.
[4790.46 --> 4791.36]  We read how God
[4791.36 --> 4792.16]  comes alongside
[4792.16 --> 4793.30]  of His people.
[4793.44 --> 4794.24]  We read how God
[4794.24 --> 4795.44]  hears His people
[4795.44 --> 4796.96]  when they cry out to Him.
[4797.22 --> 4798.64]  Even when His people
[4798.64 --> 4799.58]  do what is right
[4799.58 --> 4800.50]  in their own eyes.
[4800.64 --> 4801.90]  Even when they are
[4801.90 --> 4803.10]  more ruled by sin
[4803.10 --> 4804.18]  than they are by Him.
[4804.54 --> 4806.04]  Even in these moments,
[4806.18 --> 4807.76]  God never forgets
[4807.76 --> 4809.86]  His people
[4809.86 --> 4811.94]  because that's who He is.
[4812.94 --> 4813.70]  And that's why
[4813.70 --> 4814.32]  He's trustworthy.
[4816.44 --> 4817.38]  Now, I want to illustrate
[4817.38 --> 4818.04]  this point.
[4818.56 --> 4819.10]  And to do that,
[4819.12 --> 4819.44]  I'm going to need
[4819.44 --> 4820.14]  a couple volunteers.
[4821.04 --> 4821.80]  So I'm going to need
[4821.80 --> 4823.30]  one GEMS girl
[4823.30 --> 4825.24]  to come to the front.
[4827.04 --> 4828.08]  Someone who hasn't been
[4828.08 --> 4829.28]  on stage yet this morning.
[4830.04 --> 4831.16]  Amara, you want to come up?
[4831.58 --> 4832.10]  Thank you.
[4832.10 --> 4833.18]  And then I need
[4833.18 --> 4834.54]  four counselors.
[4836.56 --> 4838.14]  Four GEMS counselors.
[4841.88 --> 4842.20]  Counselors,
[4842.26 --> 4842.74]  if you come up
[4842.74 --> 4843.12]  to the front,
[4843.20 --> 4843.96]  you don't have to come
[4843.96 --> 4844.56]  on stage.
[4844.70 --> 4845.38]  Amara does.
[4847.38 --> 4847.66]  Two.
[4847.80 --> 4848.64]  Hey, there we go.
[4850.46 --> 4851.00]  Very good.
[4851.04 --> 4851.60]  Let's thank them
[4851.60 --> 4852.14]  for coming up
[4852.14 --> 4852.56]  to the front.
[4853.88 --> 4854.24]  Awesome.
[4854.78 --> 4855.14]  All right.
[4856.10 --> 4856.94]  I need two of you
[4856.94 --> 4857.38]  on this side
[4857.38 --> 4857.84]  and two of you
[4857.84 --> 4858.44]  on this side.
[4859.10 --> 4859.72]  Amara, you need to stand
[4859.72 --> 4860.34]  right on the edge.
[4861.04 --> 4861.52]  Turn around.
[4861.52 --> 4864.16]  Put your hands
[4864.16 --> 4864.52]  in the air.
[4866.40 --> 4867.08]  Look at me.
[4868.16 --> 4868.94]  Fall backwards.
[4870.68 --> 4871.98]  You should see her face.
[4872.30 --> 4873.18]  Her face literally
[4873.18 --> 4874.52]  just like went ghost white.
[4876.44 --> 4876.80]  No?
[4877.00 --> 4877.20]  Okay.
[4877.42 --> 4878.10]  Courtney, tell her
[4878.10 --> 4878.38]  you're there.
[4881.42 --> 4882.96]  No, we don't want
[4882.96 --> 4883.42]  to do that.
[4884.18 --> 4884.78]  You want to try?
[4885.00 --> 4885.74]  They're behind you.
[4885.88 --> 4886.34]  You can hear them.
[4886.52 --> 4886.80]  Hear them.
[4887.42 --> 4887.60]  Oh.
[4889.40 --> 4889.92]  Hear them.
[4891.12 --> 4891.46]  Hey.
[4891.52 --> 4893.94]  Good job.
[4894.56 --> 4895.38]  Thank you.
[4899.54 --> 4900.06]  Okay.
[4900.26 --> 4901.80]  Really simple illustration.
[4902.68 --> 4902.88]  Right?
[4903.46 --> 4904.78]  She couldn't see
[4904.78 --> 4906.96]  the people behind her.
[4906.96 --> 4910.46]  She couldn't be sure,
[4910.84 --> 4911.88]  at least with her own eyes,
[4912.02 --> 4912.70]  that they were there.
[4913.92 --> 4915.08]  But she could hear them.
[4916.20 --> 4917.72]  She could hear their word
[4917.72 --> 4918.60]  to her
[4918.60 --> 4919.32]  that says,
[4919.46 --> 4919.80]  we're here.
[4920.60 --> 4921.84]  And she could trust that.
[4923.44 --> 4924.10]  And so,
[4924.32 --> 4924.90]  like Esther,
[4925.00 --> 4926.26]  who couldn't see God,
[4927.26 --> 4927.54]  right,
[4927.66 --> 4929.28]  she could hear his word,
[4929.78 --> 4930.76]  the story that she had been
[4930.76 --> 4931.68]  raised on and told
[4931.68 --> 4932.54]  over and over
[4932.54 --> 4933.36]  and over again,
[4933.36 --> 4934.70]  and she could fall
[4934.70 --> 4935.70]  back into him,
[4936.80 --> 4937.28]  trusting
[4937.28 --> 4939.34]  that he is there
[4939.34 --> 4940.72]  to catch her.
[4941.52 --> 4942.78]  But not only that,
[4943.02 --> 4943.28]  girls,
[4943.44 --> 4944.52]  your theme for the year
[4944.52 --> 4946.26]  is to find his rise up,
[4947.12 --> 4947.36]  right,
[4947.44 --> 4949.66]  that God will lift you up,
[4949.74 --> 4950.60]  he will be the one
[4950.60 --> 4951.54]  to cause you to soar.
[4951.78 --> 4952.84]  As you fall back
[4952.84 --> 4953.46]  into him
[4953.46 --> 4955.30]  and they catch you,
[4956.00 --> 4957.24]  they can lift you up.
[4957.24 --> 4959.44]  But that's what God
[4959.44 --> 4961.00]  does with his word
[4961.00 --> 4961.94]  and with his people
[4961.94 --> 4963.04]  in our lives
[4963.04 --> 4964.34]  as we trust in him.
[4964.62 --> 4965.66]  He reveals himself
[4965.66 --> 4966.32]  to us
[4966.32 --> 4967.70]  through them.
[4968.42 --> 4968.66]  And so,
[4968.74 --> 4969.56]  Gems Counselors,
[4969.86 --> 4971.26]  you are a revelation
[4971.26 --> 4971.86]  of God
[4971.86 --> 4972.40]  to these girls.
[4973.84 --> 4974.54]  That's what you do.
[4975.00 --> 4976.78]  You are teaching them
[4976.78 --> 4977.96]  the voice of God
[4977.96 --> 4979.18]  and the presence of God
[4979.18 --> 4981.00]  so that they can trust him.
[4982.24 --> 4982.76]  Girls,
[4983.58 --> 4984.76]  that's what these other women
[4984.76 --> 4986.08]  are to you,
[4986.78 --> 4987.04]  right,
[4987.04 --> 4988.02]  the voice of God
[4988.02 --> 4988.68]  to each other
[4988.68 --> 4989.66]  and you
[4989.66 --> 4990.84]  to your friends,
[4991.62 --> 4991.88]  right,
[4991.92 --> 4992.70]  and to your family,
[4992.84 --> 4993.74]  the voice of God
[4993.74 --> 4994.76]  to trust him
[4994.76 --> 4995.48]  and to know
[4995.48 --> 4996.18]  that he is there.
[4996.78 --> 4997.20]  And really,
[4997.28 --> 4998.30]  that's a microcosm
[4998.30 --> 4999.14]  of all of us,
[4999.80 --> 4999.92]  right,
[4999.96 --> 5001.34]  this is all of us
[5001.34 --> 5002.40]  who are here
[5002.40 --> 5004.96]  to be the revelation
[5004.96 --> 5005.68]  of God
[5005.68 --> 5006.40]  to each other.
[5006.60 --> 5008.18]  As we hold up his word,
[5008.72 --> 5010.02]  as we speak that
[5010.02 --> 5010.76]  to each other,
[5010.96 --> 5012.20]  we reveal God
[5012.20 --> 5012.90]  as king
[5012.90 --> 5014.62]  and as trustworthy.
[5016.12 --> 5016.58]  We can follow
[5016.58 --> 5017.48]  and fall back
[5017.48 --> 5019.08]  into the arms
[5019.08 --> 5019.70]  of God
[5019.70 --> 5020.40]  so that he
[5020.40 --> 5022.94]  can raise us up.
[5024.98 --> 5025.84]  Mordecai said
[5025.84 --> 5027.10]  to Esther,
[5027.26 --> 5028.36]  relief and deliverance
[5028.36 --> 5029.02]  for the Jews
[5029.02 --> 5030.08]  may arise
[5030.08 --> 5031.06]  from another place,
[5032.14 --> 5033.04]  but maybe
[5033.04 --> 5034.38]  for such a time
[5034.38 --> 5035.00]  as this,
[5035.48 --> 5036.40]  you are the one
[5036.40 --> 5037.02]  through whom
[5037.02 --> 5038.06]  it will rise.
[5038.46 --> 5039.72]  And that's the third truth
[5039.72 --> 5040.30]  then,
[5040.40 --> 5041.44]  that coming out
[5041.44 --> 5042.34]  of God as king
[5042.34 --> 5043.40]  and him being trustworthy
[5043.40 --> 5044.78]  is that God
[5044.78 --> 5047.02]  is our deliverer.
[5048.82 --> 5048.96]  Right,
[5049.04 --> 5049.66]  Mordecai knew
[5049.66 --> 5051.68]  enough of his own story,
[5051.86 --> 5052.66]  he knew enough
[5052.66 --> 5053.24]  of the stories
[5053.24 --> 5053.70]  of faith
[5053.70 --> 5054.92]  from his upbringing
[5054.92 --> 5055.96]  to trust
[5055.96 --> 5056.72]  and to believe
[5056.72 --> 5057.40]  that God
[5057.40 --> 5058.62]  is his deliverer.
[5058.92 --> 5059.58]  And that's again
[5059.58 --> 5060.42]  why we do
[5060.42 --> 5061.18]  what we do here
[5061.18 --> 5061.82]  every week.
[5062.28 --> 5063.46]  To hear this story
[5063.46 --> 5064.34]  over and over
[5064.34 --> 5065.18]  and over again
[5065.18 --> 5066.04]  so it takes root
[5066.04 --> 5067.50]  deep within us.
[5068.04 --> 5068.92]  And then we model it
[5068.92 --> 5069.68]  and we practice it
[5069.68 --> 5070.18]  in gems
[5070.18 --> 5071.32]  and in other places
[5071.32 --> 5072.20]  and in care groups
[5072.20 --> 5073.40]  and coming together
[5073.40 --> 5074.94]  and in our own crises
[5074.94 --> 5076.10]  and moments of trial
[5076.10 --> 5076.72]  and pain
[5076.72 --> 5078.20]  we hear this promise
[5078.20 --> 5079.12]  that God
[5079.12 --> 5081.24]  is our deliverer.
[5085.32 --> 5086.44]  Now the fact
[5086.44 --> 5088.26]  that this is true
[5088.26 --> 5089.66]  is seen
[5089.66 --> 5093.40]  if mysteriously
[5093.40 --> 5094.82]  and behind the scenes
[5094.82 --> 5096.00]  in the story of Esther.
[5097.14 --> 5097.82]  But it's seen
[5097.82 --> 5099.12]  most evidently
[5099.12 --> 5100.14]  and most clearly
[5100.14 --> 5101.48]  in another person
[5101.48 --> 5102.32]  in history.
[5103.28 --> 5104.12]  And like Esther
[5104.12 --> 5104.98]  this person
[5104.98 --> 5106.24]  intervened
[5106.24 --> 5108.04]  in humanity's struggles
[5108.04 --> 5109.70]  under constant threat
[5109.70 --> 5110.22]  of death.
[5111.04 --> 5111.94]  And like Esther
[5111.94 --> 5112.60]  this person
[5112.60 --> 5113.82]  accepted the reality
[5113.82 --> 5116.80]  and possibility
[5116.80 --> 5117.64]  of death
[5117.64 --> 5119.44]  and still went forward
[5119.44 --> 5121.28]  as God's means
[5121.28 --> 5122.42]  of deliverance
[5122.42 --> 5123.70]  as his agent
[5123.70 --> 5124.56]  of redemption.
[5125.74 --> 5126.86]  But unlike Esther
[5126.86 --> 5127.64]  this man
[5127.64 --> 5128.36]  whom we know
[5128.36 --> 5129.16]  as Jesus
[5129.16 --> 5130.32]  the Messiah
[5130.32 --> 5130.94]  of Israel
[5130.94 --> 5131.50]  the Savior
[5131.50 --> 5132.16]  of the world
[5132.16 --> 5132.98]  this man
[5132.98 --> 5134.38]  did go all the way
[5134.38 --> 5135.22]  to death
[5135.22 --> 5137.12]  to bring his deliverance.
[5137.78 --> 5138.56]  Paul says
[5138.56 --> 5140.12]  in Romans 5
[5140.12 --> 5141.88]  he says
[5141.88 --> 5142.44]  you see
[5142.44 --> 5142.46]  you see
[5142.46 --> 5143.84]  at just the right
[5143.84 --> 5144.50]  time
[5144.50 --> 5146.10]  when we were
[5146.10 --> 5146.92]  still powerless
[5146.92 --> 5147.92]  Christ died
[5147.92 --> 5148.96]  for the ungodly.
[5149.76 --> 5150.40]  Very rarely
[5150.40 --> 5151.16]  will anyone die
[5151.16 --> 5152.26]  for a righteous man
[5152.26 --> 5152.88]  though
[5152.88 --> 5154.06]  for a good man
[5154.06 --> 5154.74]  someone might
[5154.74 --> 5155.96]  possibly dare to die
[5155.96 --> 5156.82]  but God
[5156.82 --> 5157.38]  demonstrates
[5157.38 --> 5158.38]  his own love
[5158.38 --> 5158.88]  for us
[5158.88 --> 5159.32]  in this
[5159.32 --> 5160.26]  while we were
[5160.26 --> 5160.98]  still sinners
[5160.98 --> 5162.38]  Christ died
[5162.38 --> 5163.38]  for us.
[5164.94 --> 5165.78]  Did you catch that?
[5166.16 --> 5166.30]  Right?
[5166.36 --> 5167.46]  At just the right
[5167.46 --> 5168.16]  time.
[5169.22 --> 5170.56]  At just the right time.
[5170.56 --> 5171.76]  Things couldn't get
[5171.76 --> 5172.34]  any worse
[5172.34 --> 5173.50]  for God's people
[5173.50 --> 5174.16]  at this time
[5174.16 --> 5174.60]  in history.
[5174.90 --> 5175.54]  It's like
[5175.54 --> 5176.90]  in the time
[5176.90 --> 5177.36]  of Esther
[5177.36 --> 5177.70]  again.
[5177.88 --> 5178.46]  This time
[5178.46 --> 5178.88]  in history
[5178.88 --> 5179.46]  is horrible
[5179.46 --> 5179.92]  for them.
[5180.26 --> 5180.32]  Right?
[5180.42 --> 5181.00]  Humanity
[5181.00 --> 5181.78]  is behaving
[5181.78 --> 5182.54]  vilely.
[5182.82 --> 5183.64]  Roman rule
[5183.64 --> 5184.52]  has overtaken
[5184.52 --> 5185.38]  godly rule.
[5185.74 --> 5186.90]  Roman sympathizers
[5186.90 --> 5187.46]  are sitting
[5187.46 --> 5188.26]  on the throne
[5188.26 --> 5189.16]  as Jewish
[5189.16 --> 5189.96]  puppet kings.
[5190.56 --> 5192.04]  And in all honesty
[5192.04 --> 5192.48]  right?
[5192.58 --> 5192.70]  Like
[5192.70 --> 5194.72]  things are horrible
[5194.72 --> 5196.10]  in the world
[5196.10 --> 5196.96]  and yet
[5196.96 --> 5198.82]  at just
[5198.82 --> 5199.72]  the right
[5199.72 --> 5200.76]  time.
[5202.22 --> 5202.86]  Perhaps
[5202.86 --> 5203.48]  for such
[5203.48 --> 5204.14]  a time
[5204.14 --> 5205.30]  as this.
[5206.32 --> 5206.76]  Nothing
[5206.76 --> 5207.48]  seems to be
[5207.48 --> 5208.04]  adding up
[5208.04 --> 5208.68]  nothing seems
[5208.68 --> 5209.56]  to be making sense
[5209.56 --> 5210.54]  at just
[5210.54 --> 5211.24]  the right
[5211.24 --> 5212.10]  time.
[5212.90 --> 5213.58]  God seems
[5213.58 --> 5214.14]  to have forgotten
[5214.14 --> 5214.78]  his people
[5214.78 --> 5215.56]  he seems
[5215.56 --> 5216.02]  distant
[5216.02 --> 5217.76]  or uninvolved
[5217.76 --> 5218.80]  but he's not
[5218.80 --> 5219.50]  because it's
[5219.50 --> 5219.86]  just
[5219.86 --> 5220.64]  the right
[5220.64 --> 5221.44]  time.
[5222.40 --> 5222.50]  Right?
[5222.58 --> 5223.18]  God came
[5223.18 --> 5223.74]  in Jesus
[5223.74 --> 5224.34]  to live
[5224.34 --> 5224.80]  the life
[5224.80 --> 5225.06]  that we
[5225.06 --> 5225.46]  were called
[5225.46 --> 5225.94]  to live
[5225.94 --> 5226.62]  at just
[5226.62 --> 5227.04]  the right
[5227.04 --> 5227.60]  time
[5227.60 --> 5227.84]  and he
[5227.84 --> 5228.14]  came
[5228.14 --> 5228.58]  in Jesus
[5228.58 --> 5229.04]  to die
[5229.04 --> 5229.48]  the death
[5229.48 --> 5229.84]  that we
[5229.84 --> 5230.48]  deserve
[5230.48 --> 5231.06]  at just
[5231.06 --> 5231.64]  the right
[5231.64 --> 5232.36]  time.
[5234.36 --> 5235.10]  And who
[5235.10 --> 5235.56]  knows
[5235.56 --> 5237.00]  but that
[5237.00 --> 5237.80]  you have
[5237.80 --> 5238.22]  come
[5238.22 --> 5239.08]  to royal
[5239.08 --> 5239.58]  position
[5239.58 --> 5240.76]  for such
[5240.76 --> 5241.42]  a time
[5241.42 --> 5242.60]  as this.
[5243.44 --> 5243.54]  Right?
[5243.58 --> 5244.32]  Esther teaches
[5244.32 --> 5245.10]  us that God
[5245.10 --> 5246.24]  is our king
[5246.24 --> 5246.90]  that God
[5246.90 --> 5247.50]  is trustworthy
[5247.50 --> 5248.36]  and that God
[5248.36 --> 5249.16]  is our
[5249.16 --> 5249.78]  deliverer
[5249.78 --> 5250.50]  and Esther
[5250.50 --> 5251.06]  ultimately
[5251.06 --> 5251.74]  brings us
[5251.74 --> 5252.32]  to Jesus
[5252.32 --> 5252.78]  where we
[5252.78 --> 5253.44]  see that
[5253.44 --> 5253.86]  truth
[5253.86 --> 5254.84]  most clearly
[5254.84 --> 5255.38]  and in
[5255.38 --> 5255.72]  Jesus
[5255.72 --> 5256.84]  we see
[5256.84 --> 5257.54]  also
[5257.54 --> 5258.80]  that God
[5258.80 --> 5260.30]  is near.
[5261.26 --> 5261.36]  Right?
[5261.38 --> 5261.70]  That God
[5261.70 --> 5262.26]  is always
[5262.26 --> 5262.68]  present
[5262.68 --> 5262.94]  that he
[5262.94 --> 5263.42]  is always
[5263.42 --> 5264.12]  working
[5264.12 --> 5264.86]  guiding
[5264.86 --> 5265.44]  history
[5265.44 --> 5266.34]  to his
[5266.34 --> 5266.72]  ends.
[5267.04 --> 5267.36]  Esther
[5267.36 --> 5267.78]  in her
[5267.78 --> 5268.08]  story
[5268.08 --> 5268.38]  says
[5268.38 --> 5268.76]  if I
[5268.76 --> 5269.10]  die
[5269.10 --> 5269.94]  I die
[5269.94 --> 5270.76]  and yet
[5270.76 --> 5271.54]  did not
[5271.54 --> 5271.80]  die.
[5271.94 --> 5272.30]  She is
[5272.30 --> 5272.68]  teaching
[5272.68 --> 5273.16]  us
[5273.16 --> 5274.44]  that God's
[5274.44 --> 5275.44]  work in
[5275.44 --> 5275.92]  the world
[5275.92 --> 5276.82]  is active
[5276.82 --> 5278.10]  his providence
[5278.10 --> 5278.70]  is the word
[5278.70 --> 5279.38]  that we use
[5279.38 --> 5281.40]  is to
[5281.40 --> 5283.40]  bring about
[5283.40 --> 5284.12]  not only
[5284.12 --> 5285.02]  cosmically
[5285.02 --> 5285.98]  and globally
[5285.98 --> 5286.84]  his purposes
[5286.84 --> 5287.54]  and ends
[5287.54 --> 5287.94]  but in the
[5287.94 --> 5288.62]  term providence
[5288.62 --> 5289.48]  we were talking
[5289.48 --> 5290.24]  about like
[5290.24 --> 5291.44]  locally
[5291.44 --> 5292.28]  and in
[5292.28 --> 5293.18]  your life
[5293.18 --> 5293.92]  in your
[5293.92 --> 5294.50]  heart.
[5295.68 --> 5295.76]  Right?
[5295.84 --> 5296.68]  God's providence
[5296.68 --> 5297.72]  is his sovereignty
[5297.72 --> 5298.80]  coming near
[5298.80 --> 5299.68]  to you.
[5300.42 --> 5300.90]  Right?
[5300.92 --> 5301.36]  When we say
[5301.36 --> 5302.18]  God is near
[5302.18 --> 5303.06]  what we mean
[5303.06 --> 5303.60]  by that is
[5303.60 --> 5304.38]  like not a hair
[5304.38 --> 5304.84]  can fall
[5304.84 --> 5305.46]  from my head
[5305.46 --> 5306.12]  without the will
[5306.12 --> 5306.68]  of my father
[5306.68 --> 5307.10]  in heaven.
[5308.24 --> 5308.36]  Right?
[5308.44 --> 5309.14]  God's nearness
[5309.14 --> 5310.10]  is shown to us
[5310.10 --> 5310.98]  in the incarnation
[5310.98 --> 5311.84]  when God
[5311.84 --> 5312.64]  took on flesh
[5312.64 --> 5313.54]  and made his
[5313.54 --> 5314.90]  dwelling among us.
[5315.00 --> 5315.08]  Right?
[5315.12 --> 5315.64]  He became
[5315.64 --> 5317.00]  as a man.
[5317.68 --> 5317.78]  Right?
[5318.14 --> 5319.10]  Eugene Peterson
[5319.10 --> 5319.76]  says that
[5319.76 --> 5320.80]  his dwelling
[5320.80 --> 5321.26]  among us
[5321.26 --> 5321.78]  he translates
[5321.78 --> 5322.66]  that by saying
[5322.66 --> 5323.54]  God moved
[5323.54 --> 5324.06]  into the
[5324.06 --> 5324.38]  neighborhood.
[5325.60 --> 5326.52]  God is
[5326.52 --> 5327.12]  near.
[5328.56 --> 5329.04]  Sometimes
[5329.04 --> 5331.16]  we can't
[5331.16 --> 5331.62]  see him.
[5333.72 --> 5334.28]  Sometimes
[5334.28 --> 5335.78]  we need
[5335.78 --> 5336.06]  him
[5336.06 --> 5336.80]  to reveal
[5336.80 --> 5337.52]  his nearness
[5337.52 --> 5338.34]  to us
[5338.34 --> 5339.26]  by the people
[5339.26 --> 5339.92]  who lift us
[5339.92 --> 5340.18]  up
[5340.18 --> 5341.22]  when we fall
[5341.22 --> 5341.92]  back in despair.
[5343.14 --> 5343.86]  That's how
[5343.86 --> 5345.14]  God is
[5345.14 --> 5345.92]  near.
[5347.06 --> 5347.78]  And through
[5347.78 --> 5348.34]  it all
[5348.34 --> 5349.82]  through it all
[5349.82 --> 5350.44]  God
[5350.44 --> 5351.48]  is
[5351.48 --> 5352.76]  with you.
[5353.84 --> 5354.58]  God is
[5354.58 --> 5355.38]  with you.
[5355.50 --> 5356.14]  Those who hope
[5356.14 --> 5356.70]  in the Lord
[5356.70 --> 5357.20]  will renew
[5357.20 --> 5357.82]  their strength.
[5357.96 --> 5358.22]  They will
[5358.22 --> 5359.52]  soar on wings
[5359.52 --> 5360.10]  like eagles.
[5360.22 --> 5360.78]  They will run
[5360.78 --> 5361.78]  and not grow weary.
[5362.12 --> 5362.86]  They will walk
[5362.86 --> 5364.30]  and not be faint.
[5365.04 --> 5365.74]  God is
[5365.74 --> 5366.86]  with you.
[5368.48 --> 5368.86]  And girls
[5368.86 --> 5369.32]  I'm actually
[5369.32 --> 5369.54]  going to
[5369.54 --> 5371.04]  sorry to the
[5371.04 --> 5371.52]  people running
[5371.52 --> 5371.96]  the camera
[5371.96 --> 5372.62]  they're going
[5372.62 --> 5372.86]  to hate
[5372.86 --> 5373.32]  this part
[5373.32 --> 5373.56]  but
[5373.56 --> 5376.78]  as
[5376.78 --> 5377.58]  you
[5377.58 --> 5378.66]  go
[5378.66 --> 5379.84]  from today
[5379.84 --> 5380.64]  and in
[5380.64 --> 5381.08]  gems
[5381.08 --> 5382.14]  but
[5382.14 --> 5382.78]  like I
[5382.78 --> 5382.96]  just
[5382.96 --> 5387.88]  my prayer
[5387.88 --> 5390.70]  my prayer
[5390.70 --> 5391.26]  for you
[5391.26 --> 5391.60]  my
[5391.60 --> 5393.02]  I don't
[5393.02 --> 5393.22]  want to
[5393.22 --> 5393.72]  say singular
[5393.72 --> 5394.20]  but it's
[5394.20 --> 5394.56]  like my
[5394.56 --> 5395.14]  top three
[5395.14 --> 5395.58]  prayers
[5395.58 --> 5396.06]  for all
[5396.06 --> 5396.46]  of you
[5396.46 --> 5397.06]  is that
[5397.06 --> 5397.54]  you will
[5397.54 --> 5397.90]  know
[5397.90 --> 5398.70]  that God
[5398.70 --> 5399.48]  is
[5399.48 --> 5400.30]  near
[5400.30 --> 5402.22]  that he
[5402.22 --> 5402.94]  is here
[5402.94 --> 5403.80]  with you
[5403.80 --> 5404.54]  and in
[5404.54 --> 5404.74]  you
[5404.74 --> 5405.14]  by his
[5405.14 --> 5405.78]  Holy Spirit
[5405.78 --> 5406.88]  right
[5406.88 --> 5407.26]  if your
[5407.26 --> 5407.62]  purpose
[5407.62 --> 5408.04]  at gems
[5408.04 --> 5408.52]  is girls
[5408.52 --> 5408.92]  everywhere
[5408.92 --> 5409.44]  meeting the
[5409.44 --> 5409.70]  Savior
[5409.70 --> 5410.26]  what I
[5410.26 --> 5410.58]  want you
[5410.58 --> 5410.94]  to know
[5410.94 --> 5411.28]  is that
[5411.28 --> 5411.68]  the Savior
[5411.68 --> 5412.42]  meets
[5412.42 --> 5413.00]  you
[5413.00 --> 5414.56]  he comes
[5414.56 --> 5415.20]  to you
[5415.20 --> 5416.00]  first
[5416.00 --> 5417.20]  right
[5417.20 --> 5417.40]  he's
[5417.40 --> 5417.76]  gathering
[5417.76 --> 5418.26]  you
[5418.26 --> 5418.56]  he's
[5418.56 --> 5418.84]  calling
[5418.84 --> 5419.36]  you
[5419.36 --> 5419.94]  into
[5419.94 --> 5420.20]  his
[5420.20 --> 5420.58]  presence
[5420.58 --> 5421.02]  and
[5421.02 --> 5421.30]  making
[5421.30 --> 5421.90]  you
[5421.90 --> 5422.48]  a
[5422.48 --> 5422.94]  loved
[5422.94 --> 5423.72]  daughter
[5423.72 --> 5424.78]  of the
[5424.78 --> 5425.12]  Father
[5425.12 --> 5426.34]  God
[5426.34 --> 5426.76]  is
[5426.76 --> 5427.76]  near
[5427.76 --> 5428.96]  if
[5428.96 --> 5429.18]  there's
[5429.18 --> 5429.58]  one
[5429.58 --> 5430.34]  message
[5430.34 --> 5430.96]  one
[5430.96 --> 5431.42]  message
[5431.42 --> 5431.66]  that
[5431.66 --> 5432.38]  anyone
[5432.38 --> 5432.82]  in our
[5432.82 --> 5433.06]  world
[5433.06 --> 5433.28]  needs
[5433.28 --> 5433.62]  to hear
[5433.62 --> 5434.46]  but
[5434.46 --> 5434.78]  perhaps
[5434.78 --> 5435.10]  most
[5435.10 --> 5435.70]  especially
[5435.70 --> 5436.66]  right now
[5436.66 --> 5437.20]  in today's
[5437.20 --> 5437.46]  world
[5437.46 --> 5437.80]  and in
[5437.80 --> 5438.16]  today's
[5438.16 --> 5438.52]  culture
[5438.52 --> 5439.36]  is
[5439.36 --> 5440.10]  you
[5440.10 --> 5440.88]  girls
[5440.88 --> 5441.96]  God
[5441.96 --> 5443.32]  is
[5443.32 --> 5444.52]  near
[5444.52 --> 5446.24]  doesn't
[5446.24 --> 5446.40]  matter
[5446.40 --> 5447.14]  how far
[5447.14 --> 5447.62]  you may
[5447.62 --> 5448.06]  wander
[5448.06 --> 5449.46]  God
[5449.46 --> 5449.64]  is
[5449.64 --> 5449.88]  near
[5449.88 --> 5450.70]  doesn't
[5450.70 --> 5450.88]  matter
[5450.88 --> 5451.44]  how bad
[5451.44 --> 5451.78]  things
[5451.78 --> 5452.00]  may
[5452.00 --> 5452.28]  get
[5452.28 --> 5452.84]  God
[5452.84 --> 5453.00]  is
[5453.00 --> 5453.20]  near
[5453.20 --> 5453.32]  it
[5453.32 --> 5453.46]  doesn't
[5453.46 --> 5453.62]  matter
[5453.62 --> 5454.22]  how hard
[5454.22 --> 5454.58]  life
[5454.58 --> 5454.80]  may
[5454.80 --> 5455.08]  be
[5455.08 --> 5455.50]  God
[5455.50 --> 5455.62]  is
[5455.62 --> 5455.78]  near
[5455.78 --> 5455.90]  it
[5455.90 --> 5456.14]  doesn't
[5456.14 --> 5456.36]  matter
[5456.36 --> 5456.56]  how
[5456.56 --> 5457.02]  mean
[5457.02 --> 5457.28]  some
[5457.28 --> 5457.48]  other
[5457.48 --> 5457.76]  people
[5457.76 --> 5457.98]  might
[5457.98 --> 5458.18]  be
[5458.18 --> 5458.70]  God
[5458.70 --> 5458.98]  is
[5458.98 --> 5459.24]  near
[5459.24 --> 5460.84]  God
[5460.84 --> 5462.04]  is
[5462.04 --> 5463.06]  near
[5463.06 --> 5464.12]  and
[5464.12 --> 5464.26]  if
[5464.26 --> 5464.46]  you
[5464.46 --> 5464.82]  can't
[5464.82 --> 5465.08]  see
[5465.08 --> 5465.38]  him
[5465.38 --> 5466.72]  look
[5466.72 --> 5467.00]  around
[5467.00 --> 5467.22]  you
[5467.22 --> 5468.28]  seriously
[5468.28 --> 5468.60]  stand
[5468.60 --> 5468.90]  up
[5468.90 --> 5469.96]  stand
[5469.96 --> 5470.20]  up
[5470.20 --> 5470.58]  gems
[5470.58 --> 5470.80]  girls
[5470.80 --> 5471.02]  look
[5471.02 --> 5471.28]  around
[5471.28 --> 5473.92]  Ali
[5473.92 --> 5474.18]  you can
[5474.18 --> 5474.38]  finish
[5474.38 --> 5474.48]  your
[5474.48 --> 5474.68]  drawing
[5474.68 --> 5474.94]  later
[5474.94 --> 5475.34]  look
[5475.34 --> 5475.68]  around
[5475.68 --> 5477.20]  it's
[5477.20 --> 5477.44]  of me
[5477.44 --> 5477.90]  perfect
[5477.90 --> 5479.24]  look
[5479.24 --> 5479.54]  around
[5479.54 --> 5480.50]  you
[5480.50 --> 5480.64]  see
[5480.64 --> 5480.84]  these
[5480.84 --> 5481.20]  people
[5481.20 --> 5483.42]  God
[5483.42 --> 5483.64]  is
[5483.64 --> 5483.96]  near
[5483.96 --> 5485.86]  in
[5485.86 --> 5486.06]  their
[5486.06 --> 5486.56]  faces
[5486.56 --> 5488.12]  in
[5488.12 --> 5488.30]  their
[5488.30 --> 5488.74]  love
[5488.74 --> 5489.60]  and
[5489.60 --> 5489.74]  in
[5489.74 --> 5489.90]  their
[5489.90 --> 5490.36]  prayers
[5490.36 --> 5491.48]  gems
[5491.48 --> 5491.88]  counselor
[5491.88 --> 5492.24]  stand
[5492.24 --> 5492.98]  up
[5492.98 --> 5497.16]  parents
[5497.16 --> 5497.56]  of
[5497.56 --> 5497.76]  these
[5497.76 --> 5498.12]  girls
[5498.12 --> 5498.58]  members
[5498.58 --> 5498.80]  of
[5498.80 --> 5498.94]  our
[5498.94 --> 5499.32]  church
[5499.32 --> 5500.06]  look
[5500.06 --> 5500.18]  at
[5500.18 --> 5500.34]  these
[5500.34 --> 5500.82]  counselors
[5500.82 --> 5501.52]  and
[5501.52 --> 5501.88]  know
[5501.88 --> 5502.38]  that
[5502.38 --> 5502.70]  they
[5502.70 --> 5502.96]  are
[5502.96 --> 5503.28]  God
[5503.28 --> 5503.46]  to
[5503.46 --> 5503.62]  your
[5503.62 --> 5503.94]  daughters
[5503.94 --> 5504.22]  they
[5504.22 --> 5504.44]  are
[5504.44 --> 5504.96]  revealing
[5504.96 --> 5505.42]  God
[5505.42 --> 5505.88]  to
[5505.88 --> 5506.08]  them
[5506.08 --> 5506.26]  and
[5506.26 --> 5506.52]  so
[5506.52 --> 5507.16]  love
[5507.16 --> 5507.40]  them
[5507.40 --> 5507.58]  and
[5507.58 --> 5507.96]  support
[5507.96 --> 5508.24]  them
[5508.24 --> 5508.38]  and
[5508.38 --> 5508.84]  encourage
[5508.84 --> 5509.24]  them
[5509.24 --> 5510.04]  remember
[5510.04 --> 5510.52]  them
[5510.52 --> 5510.66]  in
[5510.66 --> 5510.80]  your
[5510.80 --> 5511.20]  prayers
[5511.20 --> 5512.32]  because
[5512.32 --> 5512.60]  this
[5512.60 --> 5512.72]  is
[5512.72 --> 5512.86]  how
[5512.86 --> 5513.02]  we
[5513.02 --> 5513.20]  see
[5513.20 --> 5513.42]  God
[5513.42 --> 5513.58]  is
[5513.58 --> 5513.76]  near
[5513.76 --> 5515.00]  and
[5515.00 --> 5515.12]  now
[5515.12 --> 5515.38]  everyone
[5515.38 --> 5515.60]  else
[5515.60 --> 5515.86]  stand
[5515.86 --> 5516.26]  up
[5516.26 --> 5520.28]  look
[5520.28 --> 5520.30]  look
[5520.30 --> 5522.32]  look
[5522.32 --> 5524.62]  look
[5524.62 --> 5524.82]  around
[5524.82 --> 5525.10]  on the
[5525.10 --> 5525.38]  face
[5525.38 --> 5525.54]  of
[5525.54 --> 5525.96]  every
[5525.96 --> 5526.38]  person
[5526.38 --> 5526.64]  you
[5526.64 --> 5527.02]  see
[5527.02 --> 5528.46]  Jesus
[5528.46 --> 5528.90]  Christ
[5528.90 --> 5530.72]  God
[5530.72 --> 5531.82]  is
[5531.82 --> 5532.74]  near
[5532.74 --> 5534.52]  God
[5534.52 --> 5534.72]  is
[5534.72 --> 5535.28]  present
[5535.28 --> 5535.90]  in
[5535.90 --> 5536.14]  and
[5536.14 --> 5536.42]  through
[5536.42 --> 5536.80]  each
[5536.80 --> 5537.04]  and
[5537.04 --> 5537.40]  every
[5537.40 --> 5537.70]  one
[5537.70 --> 5537.90]  of
[5537.90 --> 5538.12]  you
[5538.12 --> 5538.58]  and
[5538.58 --> 5542.70]  may
[5542.70 --> 5542.90]  I
[5542.90 --> 5543.30]  say
[5543.30 --> 5545.60]  that
[5545.60 --> 5545.78]  there
[5545.78 --> 5545.92]  are
[5545.92 --> 5546.14]  some
[5546.14 --> 5546.30]  of
[5546.30 --> 5546.54]  us
[5546.54 --> 5546.94]  here
[5546.94 --> 5547.30]  right
[5547.30 --> 5547.70]  now
[5547.70 --> 5548.38]  in
[5548.38 --> 5548.82]  this
[5548.82 --> 5549.58]  place
[5549.58 --> 5550.38]  who
[5550.38 --> 5550.58]  are
[5550.58 --> 5551.22]  only
[5551.22 --> 5551.78]  here
[5551.78 --> 5552.38]  because
[5552.38 --> 5553.52]  our
[5553.52 --> 5554.08]  hearts
[5554.08 --> 5554.74]  need
[5554.74 --> 5555.20]  God
[5555.20 --> 5556.28]  who
[5556.28 --> 5556.42]  are
[5556.42 --> 5556.82]  only
[5556.82 --> 5557.10]  here
[5557.10 --> 5557.30]  because
[5557.30 --> 5557.44]  we
[5557.44 --> 5557.56]  are
[5557.56 --> 5558.04]  crying
[5558.04 --> 5558.42]  out
[5558.42 --> 5558.74]  in
[5558.74 --> 5559.20]  agony
[5559.20 --> 5559.66]  God
[5559.66 --> 5560.28]  God
[5560.28 --> 5560.58]  where
[5560.58 --> 5560.88]  are
[5560.88 --> 5561.18]  you
[5561.18 --> 5563.50]  look
[5563.50 --> 5563.88]  around
[5563.88 --> 5565.88]  would
[5565.88 --> 5565.98]  you
[5565.98 --> 5566.18]  be
[5566.18 --> 5566.52]  God's
[5566.52 --> 5566.82]  presence
[5566.82 --> 5567.06]  to
[5567.06 --> 5567.30]  those
[5567.30 --> 5567.68]  people
[5567.68 --> 5569.78]  God
[5569.78 --> 5569.96]  is
[5569.96 --> 5570.24]  near
[5570.24 --> 5572.38]  you
[5572.38 --> 5573.24]  are
[5573.24 --> 5573.44]  how
[5573.44 --> 5573.72]  God
[5573.72 --> 5573.90]  is
[5573.90 --> 5574.12]  near
[5574.12 --> 5575.14]  amen
[5575.14 --> 5576.82]  stay
[5576.82 --> 5577.20]  standing
[5577.20 --> 5577.56]  I'm
[5577.56 --> 5577.62]  going
[5577.62 --> 5577.70]  to
[5577.70 --> 5577.88]  pray
[5577.88 --> 5581.14]  holy
[5581.14 --> 5582.08]  holy
[5582.08 --> 5582.92]  God
[5582.92 --> 5584.14]  we
[5584.14 --> 5584.52]  thank
[5584.52 --> 5584.70]  you
[5584.70 --> 5584.90]  for
[5584.90 --> 5585.12]  how
[5585.12 --> 5585.42]  you
[5585.42 --> 5585.84]  are
[5585.84 --> 5586.40]  here
[5586.40 --> 5586.84]  how
[5586.84 --> 5587.10]  you
[5587.10 --> 5587.46]  are
[5587.46 --> 5588.06]  near
[5588.06 --> 5588.30]  we
[5588.30 --> 5588.70]  thank
[5588.70 --> 5588.94]  you
[5588.94 --> 5589.20]  for
[5589.20 --> 5589.64]  how
[5589.64 --> 5589.86]  we
[5589.86 --> 5590.18]  see
[5590.18 --> 5590.40]  in
[5590.40 --> 5590.56]  the
[5590.56 --> 5590.94]  story
[5590.94 --> 5591.24]  of
[5591.24 --> 5591.72]  Esther
[5591.72 --> 5592.34]  that
[5592.34 --> 5592.68]  you
[5592.68 --> 5593.20]  are
[5593.20 --> 5593.64]  with
[5593.64 --> 5594.02]  us
[5594.02 --> 5594.20]  that
[5594.20 --> 5594.48]  you
[5594.48 --> 5594.86]  are
[5594.86 --> 5595.28]  our
[5595.28 --> 5595.86]  deliverer
[5595.86 --> 5596.04]  that
[5596.04 --> 5596.28]  you
[5596.28 --> 5596.64]  are
[5596.64 --> 5597.26]  trustworthy
[5597.26 --> 5598.16]  because
[5598.16 --> 5598.96]  you
[5598.96 --> 5599.68]  are
[5599.68 --> 5600.36]  king
[5600.36 --> 5602.80]  holy
[5602.80 --> 5603.50]  holy
[5603.50 --> 5603.90]  God
[5603.90 --> 5604.10]  we
[5604.10 --> 5604.66]  praise
[5604.66 --> 5604.92]  your
[5604.92 --> 5605.46]  name
[5605.46 --> 5605.96]  as
[5605.96 --> 5606.36]  king
[5606.36 --> 5607.80]  and
[5607.80 --> 5608.10]  as
[5608.10 --> 5608.54]  king
[5608.54 --> 5608.88]  whom
[5608.88 --> 5609.14]  we
[5609.14 --> 5609.62]  trust
[5609.62 --> 5610.32]  as
[5610.32 --> 5610.70]  king
[5610.70 --> 5611.04]  who
[5611.04 --> 5611.74]  delivers
[5611.74 --> 5612.08]  us
[5612.08 --> 5612.38]  as
[5612.38 --> 5612.76]  king
[5612.76 --> 5613.10]  who
[5613.10 --> 5613.66]  is
[5613.66 --> 5614.06]  with
[5614.06 --> 5614.44]  us
[5614.44 --> 5614.66]  who
[5614.66 --> 5615.04]  is
[5615.04 --> 5615.64]  near
[5615.64 --> 5616.24]  we
[5616.24 --> 5616.72]  pray
[5616.72 --> 5617.26]  now
[5617.26 --> 5617.62]  Lord
[5617.62 --> 5618.08]  God
[5618.08 --> 5618.98]  raise
[5618.98 --> 5619.52]  us
[5619.52 --> 5620.06]  up
[5620.06 --> 5620.40]  a
[5620.40 --> 5620.74]  mighty
[5620.74 --> 5621.36]  army
[5621.36 --> 5621.90]  for
[5621.90 --> 5622.06]  the
[5622.06 --> 5622.32]  Lord
[5622.32 --> 5622.80]  raise
[5622.80 --> 5623.18]  us
[5623.18 --> 5623.58]  up
[5623.58 --> 5624.00]  that
[5624.00 --> 5624.14]  we
[5624.14 --> 5624.34]  might
[5624.34 --> 5624.80]  rise
[5624.80 --> 5625.02]  on
[5625.02 --> 5625.34]  wings
[5625.34 --> 5625.62]  like
[5625.62 --> 5625.90]  eagles
[5625.90 --> 5626.08]  and
[5626.08 --> 5626.22]  that
[5626.22 --> 5626.42]  we
[5626.42 --> 5626.70]  might
[5626.70 --> 5627.30]  minister
[5627.30 --> 5627.96]  your
[5627.96 --> 5628.62]  presence
[5628.62 --> 5628.90]  to
[5628.90 --> 5629.32]  those
[5629.32 --> 5629.84]  in
[5629.84 --> 5630.20]  need
[5630.20 --> 5630.52]  to
[5630.52 --> 5630.82]  those
[5630.82 --> 5631.02]  whether
[5631.02 --> 5631.22]  they
[5631.22 --> 5631.38]  are
[5631.38 --> 5631.64]  sitting
[5631.64 --> 5632.12]  here
[5632.12 --> 5632.84]  standing
[5632.84 --> 5633.26]  here
[5633.26 --> 5633.80]  today
[5633.80 --> 5634.24]  or
[5634.24 --> 5634.38]  to
[5634.38 --> 5634.74]  those
[5634.74 --> 5634.94]  whom
[5634.94 --> 5635.14]  we
[5635.14 --> 5635.44]  meet
[5635.44 --> 5636.00]  tomorrow
[5636.00 --> 5636.52]  or
[5636.52 --> 5636.64]  in
[5636.64 --> 5636.78]  the
[5636.78 --> 5637.14]  days
[5637.14 --> 5637.52]  and
[5637.52 --> 5637.82]  weeks
[5637.82 --> 5638.10]  to
[5638.10 --> 5638.40]  come
[5638.40 --> 5640.42]  send
[5640.42 --> 5640.44]  send
[5640.44 --> 5640.68]  us
[5640.68 --> 5640.94]  out
[5640.94 --> 5641.14]  as
[5641.14 --> 5641.82]  ambassadors
[5641.82 --> 5642.54]  of
[5642.54 --> 5642.96]  your
[5642.96 --> 5643.78]  presence
[5643.78 --> 5644.16]  because
[5644.16 --> 5644.68]  you
[5644.68 --> 5645.50]  are
[5645.50 --> 5646.20]  God
[5646.20 --> 5646.48]  for
[5646.48 --> 5647.00]  such
[5647.00 --> 5647.36]  a
[5647.36 --> 5647.78]  time
[5647.78 --> 5648.04]  as
[5648.04 --> 5648.42]  this
[5648.42 --> 5648.94]  you
[5648.94 --> 5649.22]  have
[5649.22 --> 5649.78]  called
[5649.78 --> 5650.34]  us
[5650.34 --> 5650.90]  to
[5650.90 --> 5651.22]  go
[5651.22 --> 5651.52]  and
[5651.52 --> 5651.90]  so
[5651.90 --> 5652.20]  we
[5652.20 --> 5652.60]  go
[5652.60 --> 5653.38]  having
[5653.38 --> 5653.84]  met
[5653.84 --> 5654.46]  you
[5654.46 --> 5654.86]  Lord
[5654.86 --> 5655.34]  Jesus
[5655.34 --> 5655.80]  our
[5655.80 --> 5656.16]  Savior
[5656.16 --> 5656.72]  and
[5656.72 --> 5657.16]  so
[5657.16 --> 5657.56]  we
[5657.56 --> 5658.00]  go
[5658.00 --> 5660.10]  to
[5660.10 --> 5660.40]  act
[5660.40 --> 5660.94]  justly
[5660.94 --> 5662.12]  to
[5662.12 --> 5662.46]  love
[5662.46 --> 5662.90]  mercy
[5662.90 --> 5663.88]  and to
[5663.88 --> 5664.24]  walk
[5664.24 --> 5664.92]  humbly
[5664.92 --> 5665.74]  with
[5665.74 --> 5665.92]  our
[5665.92 --> 5666.22]  God
[5666.22 --> 5667.10]  all
[5667.10 --> 5667.34]  God's
[5667.34 --> 5667.50]  people
[5667.50 --> 5667.80]  said
[5667.80 --> 5669.18]  Amen
[5669.18 --> 5669.22]  Amen
[5669.22 --> 5670.80]  Strength
[5670.80 --> 5686.60]  will
[5686.60 --> 5687.68]  rise
[5687.68 --> 5688.10]  as we
[5688.10 --> 5688.76]  wait
[5688.76 --> 5689.14]  upon
[5689.14 --> 5689.48]  the
[5689.48 --> 5689.76]  Lord
[5689.76 --> 5690.02]  we
[5690.02 --> 5690.28]  will
[5690.28 --> 5690.90]  wait
[5690.90 --> 5691.40]  upon
[5691.40 --> 5691.68]  the
[5691.68 --> 5691.94]  Lord
[5691.94 --> 5692.18]  we
[5692.18 --> 5692.48]  will
[5692.48 --> 5693.08]  wait
[5693.08 --> 5693.56]  upon
[5693.56 --> 5693.82]  the
[5693.82 --> 5694.60]  Lord
[5694.60 --> 5695.60]  we
[5695.60 --> 5696.06]  will
[5696.06 --> 5697.06]  wait
[5697.06 --> 5697.90]  upon
[5697.90 --> 5698.14]  the
[5698.14 --> 5698.48]  Lord
[5698.48 --> 5698.74]  we
[5698.74 --> 5699.00]  will
[5699.00 --> 5699.58]  wait
[5699.58 --> 5700.06]  upon
[5700.06 --> 5700.34]  the
[5700.34 --> 5700.62]  Lord
[5700.62 --> 5700.90]  we
[5700.90 --> 5701.14]  will
[5701.14 --> 5701.76]  wait
[5701.76 --> 5702.18]  upon
[5702.18 --> 5702.54]  the
[5702.54 --> 5702.82]  Lord
[5702.82 --> 5703.98]  God
[5703.98 --> 5705.26]  you
[5705.26 --> 5706.02]  reign
[5706.02 --> 5707.98]  forever
[5707.98 --> 5711.06]  our
[5711.06 --> 5712.18]  Lord
[5712.18 --> 5713.06]  our
[5713.06 --> 5713.76]  strong
[5713.76 --> 5714.98]  deliver
[5714.98 --> 5718.44]  God
[5718.44 --> 5719.44]  you
[5719.44 --> 5720.44]  you
[5720.44 --> 5721.44]  are
[5721.44 --> 5722.44]  the
[5722.44 --> 5722.64]  everlasting
[5722.64 --> 5724.44]  God
[5724.44 --> 5725.22]  the
[5725.22 --> 5726.44]  everlasting
[5726.44 --> 5728.44]  God
[5728.44 --> 5729.52]  you
[5729.52 --> 5729.94]  do
[5729.94 --> 5730.64]  not
[5730.64 --> 5731.22]  need
[5731.22 --> 5731.74]  you
[5731.74 --> 5732.86]  won't
[5732.86 --> 5734.20]  grow
[5734.20 --> 5735.52]  weary
[5735.52 --> 5737.78]  for the
[5737.78 --> 5738.30]  deep
[5738.30 --> 5738.86]  end
[5738.86 --> 5739.90]  of
[5739.90 --> 5740.44]  the
[5740.44 --> 5741.36]  we
[5741.36 --> 5742.60]  you
[5742.60 --> 5743.30]  ever
[5743.30 --> 5744.30]  comes
[5744.30 --> 5744.78]  in
[5744.78 --> 5746.06]  we
[5746.06 --> 5747.06]  lift
[5747.06 --> 5748.06]  us
[5748.06 --> 5748.56]  up
[5748.56 --> 5749.20]  our
[5749.20 --> 5750.24]  wings
[5750.24 --> 5751.64]  like
[5751.64 --> 5752.72]  he
[5752.72 --> 5754.34]  goes
[5754.34 --> 5764.68]  we
[5764.68 --> 5766.14]  wait
[5766.14 --> 5766.64]  upon
[5766.64 --> 5766.94]  the
[5766.94 --> 5767.22]  Lord
[5767.22 --> 5767.50]  we
[5767.50 --> 5767.78]  will
[5767.78 --> 5768.38]  wait
[5768.38 --> 5768.88]  upon
[5768.88 --> 5769.18]  the
[5769.18 --> 5769.46]  Lord
[5769.46 --> 5769.74]  we
[5769.74 --> 5769.98]  will
[5769.98 --> 5770.60]  wait
[5770.60 --> 5771.10]  upon
[5771.10 --> 5771.36]  the
[5771.36 --> 5772.24]  Lord
[5772.24 --> 5773.34]  strength
[5773.34 --> 5773.64]  will
[5773.64 --> 5773.96]  rise
[5773.96 --> 5774.14]  as
[5774.14 --> 5774.38]  we
[5774.38 --> 5775.02]  wait
[5775.02 --> 5775.52]  upon
[5775.52 --> 5775.78]  the
[5775.78 --> 5776.08]  Lord
[5776.08 --> 5776.52]  we
[5776.52 --> 5776.60]  will
[5776.60 --> 5777.20]  wait
[5777.20 --> 5777.72]  upon
[5777.72 --> 5777.98]  the
[5777.98 --> 5778.24]  Lord
[5778.24 --> 5778.52]  we
[5778.52 --> 5778.78]  will
[5778.78 --> 5779.36]  wait
[5779.36 --> 5779.86]  upon
[5779.86 --> 5780.10]  the
[5780.10 --> 5780.38]  Lord
[5780.38 --> 5780.92]  our
[5780.92 --> 5782.38]  God
[5782.38 --> 5783.02]  you
[5783.02 --> 5783.66]  reign
[5783.66 --> 5786.86]  forever
[5786.86 --> 5788.60]  our
[5788.60 --> 5789.92]  hope
[5789.92 --> 5790.72]  and
[5790.72 --> 5791.36]  strong
[5791.36 --> 5792.64]  deliver
[5792.64 --> 5797.48]  you
[5797.48 --> 5798.02]  are
[5798.02 --> 5798.58]  the
[5798.58 --> 5800.30]  everlasting
[5800.30 --> 5801.80]  God
[5801.80 --> 5809.22] 你
[5811.54 --> 5813.70]  now
[5813.70 --> 5814.12]  we
[5814.12 --> 5814.50]  good
[5814.50 --> 5818.30]  Jesus
[5818.30 --> 5818.38]  is
[5818.38 --> 5820.42]  he
[5820.42 --> 5821.28]  we
[5821.28 --> 5824.98]  Lord
[5824.98 --> 5825.40]  you
[5825.40 --> 5827.32]  let
[5827.32 --> 5848.16]  Amen.
[5848.16 --> 5848.22]  Amen.
[5849.42 --> 5854.72]  Once again, as we go, go first with two invitations.
[5854.72 --> 5860.86]  The first, stick around following our worship time together as we gather for fellowship.
[5861.06 --> 5862.78]  There should be some refreshments and the like.
[5863.58 --> 5869.24]  Maybe talk to some of the gems and ask how they have seen God at work in this past year
[5869.24 --> 5875.52]  or share with them how you have seen God at work in your own life and ask what they've been up to.
[5875.52 --> 5881.30]  As well, go with an invitation to stick around following that for lunch
[5881.30 --> 5887.76]  and a time of hearing how God worked through our Mexico mission team together.
[5888.32 --> 5893.98]  That will be a good time and we'll move into that following our time of fellowship together.
[5894.86 --> 5898.58]  Lastly, go with God's blessing.
[5899.06 --> 5902.02]  Receive the blessing of God for the journey of life and faith ahead.
[5902.02 --> 5905.84]  God, go before you to lead you.
[5906.24 --> 5908.22]  God, go behind you to guard you.
[5909.10 --> 5911.30]  God, go beneath you to support you.
[5911.48 --> 5914.70]  And God, go beside you to protect you, to befriend you.
[5915.22 --> 5916.94]  Do not be afraid.
[5917.42 --> 5919.20]  Let the blessing of God come upon you today.
[5919.20 --> 5927.56]  Do not be afraid, but go in peace to reveal God as near to a world in need.
[5928.16 --> 5928.48]  Amen.
[5932.02 --> 5959.70]  Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon a throne.
[5959.70 --> 5970.16]  And unto the Lamb of praise and glory, wisdom and thanks,
[5970.66 --> 5974.90]  Honor and power and strength.
[5974.90 --> 5979.92]  He to our God forever and ever.
[5979.92 --> 5984.76]  King to our God forever and ever.
[5984.98 --> 5989.68]  King to our God forever and ever.
[5989.74 --> 5990.38]  Amen.
[5990.38 --> 5999.08]  We the redeemed shall be strong
[5999.08 --> 6003.56]  In purpose and unity
[6003.56 --> 6008.66]  Declaring our love
[6008.66 --> 6013.52]  Praise and glory, wisdom and grace
[6013.52 --> 6018.30]  Honor and power and strength
[6018.30 --> 6023.28]  We to our God forever and ever
[6023.28 --> 6033.66]  Amen
[6033.66 --> 6043.00]  We to our God forever and ever
[6043.00 --> 6047.98]  We to our God forever and ever
[6047.98 --> 6052.98]  We to our God forever and ever
[6052.98 --> 6055.00]  Amen
[6055.00 --> 6061.98]  We to our God forever and ever
[6061.98 --> 6066.96]  We to our God forever and ever
[6066.96 --> 6070.96]  We to our God forever and ever
[6070.96 --> 6072.96]  Amen
[6072.96 --> 6073.96]  Amen
[6073.96 --> 6076.96]  Amen
[6076.96 --> 6078.96]  Amen
[6078.96 --> 6080.96]  Amen
[6080.96 --> 6082.96]  Amen
[6082.96 --> 6084.96]  Amen
[6084.96 --> 6086.98]  Amen
[6086.98 --> 6088.98]  Amen
[6088.98 --> 6089.96]  Amen
[6096.20 --> 6098.90]  Amen
[6098.90 --> 6098.96]  Amen
[6098.96 --> 6099.96]  Amen
[6099.96 --> 6099.98]  Amen
[6099.98 --> 6100.24]  Amen
[6100.24 --> 6101.06]  Amen
[6101.08 --> 6101.98]  Amen
[6101.98 --> 6104.24]  Amen
[6104.24 --> 6104.94]  Amen
[6106.32 --> 6106.88]  Amen
[6106.88 --> 6107.10]  Amen
[6107.10 --> 6108.14]  Amen
[6108.14 --> 6108.24]  Amen
[6108.24 --> 6108.78]  Amen
[6108.78 --> 6110.04]  Amen
[6110.04 --> 6110.32]  Amen
[6110.32 --> 6110.34]  Amen
[6110.34 --> 6117.94]  Amen
[6117.94 --> 6143.38]  Self- napkin
[6147.94 --> 6177.92]  Thank you.
[6177.94 --> 6207.92]  Thank you.
[6207.94 --> 6237.92]  Thank you.
[6237.94 --> 6267.92]  Thank you.
[6267.94 --> 6297.92]  Thank you.
[6297.94 --> 6327.92]  Thank you.
[6327.94 --> 6357.92]  Thank you.
[6357.94 --> 6387.92]  Thank you.
[6387.94 --> 6417.92]  Thank you.
[6417.94 --> 6447.92]  Thank you.
[6447.94 --> 6477.92]  Thank you.
[6477.94 --> 6507.92]  Thank you.
[6507.94 --> 6537.92]  Thank you.
[6537.94 --> 6567.92]  Thank you.
[6567.94 --> 6597.92]  Thank you.
[6597.94 --> 6627.92]  Thank you.