Dudley Rutherford - Look to the Ant (Part 1)

May 26, 2026 | 27:29

Pastor Dudley Rutherford seeks to "lift up the name of Jesus across the country and the world through uncompromising biblical teaching."

#Bible #Study #SpiritualGrowth #Stewardship #Wisdom #Work #TrustGod #Obedience #DudleyRutherford

Closed captions

Show Timecode

| Dudley Rutherford - Look to the Ant (Part 1) | May 26, 2026

...
00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.756
...
00:00:02.223 --> 00:00:05.760
Male announcer: you make decisions
00:00:10.531 --> 00:00:11.732
That shape your future.
00:00:11.832 --> 00:00:13.067
You don't need another trend, you need truth from above.
00:00:13.200 --> 00:00:16.737
In pastor dudley's new series "just don't survive, flourish,"
00:00:16.837 --> 00:00:17.905
He uncovers the bible's divine nuggets of truth,
00:00:21.008 --> 00:00:24.078
Guidance, and instruction.
00:00:24.078 --> 00:00:26.180
This year, don't just survive, open god's word and flourish.
00:00:26.180 --> 00:00:31.952
Join us next on "lift up jesus" for the series
00:00:31.952 --> 00:00:35.723
"don't just survive, flourish."
00:00:35.723 --> 00:00:38.726
Pastor dudley rutherford: be like the ant
00:00:42.063 --> 00:00:44.865
Who says nothing, but accomplishes much.
00:00:44.865 --> 00:00:52.206
"go to the ant, you sluggard.
00:00:52.206 --> 00:00:55.810
Consider its ways and be wise."
00:00:55.810 --> 00:01:01.582
♪♪♪
00:01:01.582 --> 00:01:16.931
Cc by aberdeen captioning 1-800-688-6621 www.aberdeen.io
00:01:06.921 --> 00:01:21.936
Pastor dudley: thank you so much for joining me
00:01:21.936 --> 00:01:23.571
Here today on "lift up jesus."
00:01:23.571 --> 00:01:26.140
I'm pastor dudley rutherford, and i'm so glad
00:01:26.140 --> 00:01:29.043
That you've chosen to tune in to our television broadcast.
00:01:29.043 --> 00:01:32.947
Let me ask you this question: do you ever visit
00:01:32.947 --> 00:01:36.450
Southern california?
00:01:36.450 --> 00:01:38.185
If you do, consider this a personal invitation
00:01:38.185 --> 00:01:41.589
To visit us here at shepherd church.
00:01:41.589 --> 00:01:44.492
You'll meet some amazing people,
00:01:44.492 --> 00:01:46.827
And it would be an honor to have you drop by.
00:01:46.827 --> 00:01:49.797
Visit our website at liftupjesus.com
00:01:49.797 --> 00:01:52.900
To get service times and locations.
00:01:52.900 --> 00:01:56.170
And now, let's get right to today's message,
00:01:56.170 --> 00:01:59.373
Because i believe it's a word that you need to hear.
00:01:59.373 --> 00:02:02.443
So grab your bible, your notes, and a pen,
00:02:02.443 --> 00:02:05.112
And let's begin.
00:02:05.112 --> 00:02:06.814
♪♪♪
00:02:06.814 --> 00:02:10.551
Pastor dudley: and i want you to take your bibles
00:02:10.551 --> 00:02:13.020
And turn to proverbs chapter 6.
00:02:13.020 --> 00:02:15.723
Our theme this year is to flourish,
00:02:15.723 --> 00:02:17.825
And we really want you to look back over the year
00:02:17.825 --> 00:02:21.162
And not think, "man, i survived."
00:02:21.162 --> 00:02:24.465
I want you, at the end of this year,
00:02:24.465 --> 00:02:25.833
To look back over the course of your life
00:02:25.833 --> 00:02:27.835
And think, "man, this was the year
00:02:27.835 --> 00:02:30.538
Where god truly blessed my life.
00:02:30.538 --> 00:02:33.707
I thrived, i flourished, i didn't just survive."
00:02:33.707 --> 00:02:37.978
And i get letters all the time,
00:02:37.978 --> 00:02:40.214
People asking me to make statements,
00:02:40.214 --> 00:02:41.849
And i understand your desire for me to do that,
00:02:41.849 --> 00:02:45.753
But it never stops.
00:02:45.753 --> 00:02:50.724
It's every weekend, and i find myself in this turmoil.
00:02:50.724 --> 00:02:55.362
Am i supposed to be making statements
00:02:55.362 --> 00:02:57.131
Here at the church, and if i say one thing
00:02:57.131 --> 00:02:59.733
That i'm accused of being political,
00:02:59.733 --> 00:03:01.068
If i don't say something, i--it's really confusing.
00:03:01.068 --> 00:03:04.838
I find it exhausting, pers--just personally,
00:03:04.838 --> 00:03:07.675
I'm exhausted by it all.
00:03:07.675 --> 00:03:09.009
I--the division in our country,
00:03:09.009 --> 00:03:12.012
The politics of our country drive me nuts.
00:03:12.012 --> 00:03:18.018
And i'm convinced more than ever before
00:03:18.018 --> 00:03:21.722
That we have to keep our eyes,
00:03:21.722 --> 00:03:26.060
Our ears, our minds fixed on the things of god.
00:03:26.060 --> 00:03:34.235
Our world desperately needs jesus.
00:03:34.235 --> 00:03:41.842
This city, los angeles, needs jesus.
00:03:41.842 --> 00:03:46.547
The united states of america needs jesus.
00:03:46.547 --> 00:03:50.484
Our politicians need jesus.
00:03:50.484 --> 00:03:57.524
Hollywood needs jesus.
00:03:57.524 --> 00:04:03.430
You need jesus.
00:04:03.430 --> 00:04:04.765
I need jesus.
00:04:04.765 --> 00:04:06.934
I've been preaching here at this church,
00:04:06.934 --> 00:04:08.669
Just so you know,
00:04:08.669 --> 00:04:13.007
Next year will be 40 years.
00:04:13.007 --> 00:04:20.147
That's four decades i've been standing here,
00:04:20.147 --> 00:04:24.585
Preaching out of this book.
00:04:24.585 --> 00:04:26.654
I know it seems like 60 years to some of you.
00:04:26.654 --> 00:04:31.992
I honestly, sincerely don't mean this in any bad way.
00:04:31.992 --> 00:04:37.031
If you do not know what i stand for
00:04:37.031 --> 00:04:39.366
After preaching here for 40 years,
00:04:39.366 --> 00:04:41.101
Then you've not been listening.
00:04:41.101 --> 00:04:45.039
That's on you.
00:04:45.039 --> 00:04:47.141
You don't need to come in this church and wonder
00:04:47.141 --> 00:04:49.410
Whether or not i'm for or against idolatry.
00:04:49.410 --> 00:04:53.981
You don't need to walk in here and wonder,
00:04:53.981 --> 00:04:55.816
"is our pastor for or against racism?"
00:04:55.816 --> 00:04:59.486
You don't need to ask yourself that question.
00:04:59.486 --> 00:05:02.356
You don't need to come in here and ask,
00:05:02.356 --> 00:05:04.291
"is our pastor for or against biblical marriage?"
00:05:04.291 --> 00:05:07.361
You don't need to ask yourself that question.
00:05:07.361 --> 00:05:09.997
I've been standing here for 40 years,
00:05:09.997 --> 00:05:12.833
Declaring the name and person of jesus christ,
00:05:12.833 --> 00:05:16.036
And preaching every word-- every sermon from god's word.
00:05:16.036 --> 00:05:20.541
[applause]
00:05:20.541 --> 00:05:25.245
"pastor, are you for justice or are you for mercy?"
00:05:25.245 --> 00:05:29.616
You really have to ask yourself that question.
00:05:29.616 --> 00:05:32.820
I'm for both.
00:05:32.820 --> 00:05:34.188
I'm for justice and i'm for mercy.
00:05:34.188 --> 00:05:36.990
I hope and i pray you lean towards mercy.
00:05:36.990 --> 00:05:40.894
I know that god is a just god,
00:05:40.894 --> 00:05:43.097
But i also know that god is a merciful god.
00:05:43.097 --> 00:05:46.834
And so jesus said these words,
00:05:46.834 --> 00:05:48.802
And i'm gonna get to preaching here in a minute.
00:05:48.802 --> 00:05:51.038
He said that the world will know who we are
00:05:51.038 --> 00:05:53.807
If we have love for one another.
00:05:53.807 --> 00:05:58.679
And i want you to know that i love you.
00:05:58.679 --> 00:06:02.783
I don't care if you pray or if you don't pray,
00:06:02.783 --> 00:06:06.620
I love you.
00:06:06.620 --> 00:06:08.088
I don't care if you believe or you don't believe,
00:06:08.088 --> 00:06:12.493
I still love you.
00:06:12.493 --> 00:06:14.061
I don't care how you vote,
00:06:14.061 --> 00:06:15.629
What side of the aisle you vote,
00:06:15.629 --> 00:06:17.030
I still love you.
00:06:17.030 --> 00:06:18.766
I don't care if you stand with the president
00:06:18.766 --> 00:06:21.135
Or you're 100% against the president,
00:06:21.135 --> 00:06:23.237
I want you to know that i love you.
00:06:23.237 --> 00:06:25.305
Those things do not determine,
00:06:25.305 --> 00:06:26.874
Have any factor on whether or not i love you.
00:06:26.874 --> 00:06:30.477
And i've said this many, many times.
00:06:30.477 --> 00:06:32.780
I wish that the whole world, including every politician,
00:06:32.780 --> 00:06:37.117
Could come in here and see this church
00:06:37.117 --> 00:06:39.553
And experience for themselves as you look around
00:06:39.553 --> 00:06:43.424
How we love one another here at this church, shepherd church.
00:06:43.424 --> 00:06:47.261
I do not see the division that i see in the country,
00:06:47.261 --> 00:06:52.366
I do not see it here in this room.
00:06:52.366 --> 00:06:54.735
[applause]
00:06:54.735 --> 00:06:57.838
And that speaks to who you are.
00:06:57.838 --> 00:07:00.808
That speaks to the type of person you are.
00:07:00.808 --> 00:07:03.811
That we're in here together, doing the best we can, amen?
00:07:03.811 --> 00:07:09.550
And we will continue to stand against idolatry.
00:07:09.550 --> 00:07:12.453
We will continue to stand against all forms of racism.
00:07:12.453 --> 00:07:15.856
We will continue to believe, and preach, and teach
00:07:15.856 --> 00:07:18.592
That this word of god is the only thing
00:07:18.592 --> 00:07:20.794
That's true in our world, and to build your life,
00:07:20.794 --> 00:07:23.230
To build your home, to build your family,
00:07:23.230 --> 00:07:25.065
To build your marriage on the truth of god's word,
00:07:25.065 --> 00:07:27.835
Amen and amen.
00:07:27.835 --> 00:07:31.805
If you have doubts about that,
00:07:31.805 --> 00:07:33.440
You can come talk to me, okay, amen?
00:07:33.440 --> 00:07:37.478
Now, i believe that god has a special word
00:07:37.478 --> 00:07:40.047
For us today.
00:07:40.047 --> 00:07:43.250
And the word is in the form of a tiny bug.
00:07:43.250 --> 00:07:50.090
In our text, god does not point us
00:07:50.090 --> 00:07:53.460
To a philosopher, he does not point us to a poet,
00:07:53.460 --> 00:07:58.432
He does not point us to a prophet,
00:07:58.432 --> 00:08:01.502
He does not point us to a politician.
00:08:01.502 --> 00:08:05.839
In our text today, he points us to a bug.
00:08:05.839 --> 00:08:10.244
A tiny bug called an ant.
00:08:10.244 --> 00:08:15.082
In the book of proverbs, i don't know if you know this--
00:08:15.082 --> 00:08:18.452
We're looking through this book,
00:08:18.452 --> 00:08:19.820
I'm encouraging you to read the book of proverbs.
00:08:19.820 --> 00:08:22.856
There are numbers of different types of animals
00:08:22.856 --> 00:08:26.126
In the book of proverbs.
00:08:26.126 --> 00:08:28.862
I'll read to you a few of them.
00:08:28.862 --> 00:08:31.398
Did you know that there are snakes that are found
00:08:31.398 --> 00:08:34.501
In this book?
00:08:34.501 --> 00:08:36.136
And bears are in this book.
00:08:36.136 --> 00:08:39.606
Birds, and dogs, and eagles, and goats, and lions,
00:08:39.606 --> 00:08:46.380
And horses, and lambs, and roosters, and locusts,
00:08:46.380 --> 00:08:50.984
And oxen, and gazelles, and spiders,
00:08:50.984 --> 00:08:54.421
And even pigs are found in this book.
00:08:54.421 --> 00:08:58.725
Nowhere did we find cats anywhere--
00:08:58.725 --> 00:09:02.062
They are not mentioned.
00:09:02.062 --> 00:09:03.897
If you find one, you let me know.
00:09:03.897 --> 00:09:07.534
But today, we want to look at another animal
00:09:07.534 --> 00:09:09.736
That's mentioned in the book of proverbs.
00:09:09.736 --> 00:09:11.405
It is one of god's tiniest,
00:09:11.405 --> 00:09:14.074
Yet one of the most powerful creatures
00:09:14.074 --> 00:09:16.343
On the planet, a little tiny ant.
00:09:16.343 --> 00:09:20.948
One of my favorite ant jokes is this:
00:09:20.948 --> 00:09:23.684
What did the pink panther say when he stepped on an ant?
00:09:23.684 --> 00:09:28.589
What did he say?
00:09:28.589 --> 00:09:29.957
[to the tune of "pink panther"] he said, ♪ dead ant, dead ant ♪
00:09:29.957 --> 00:09:32.125
♪ dead ant, dead ant, dead ant, dead ant ♪♪
00:09:32.125 --> 00:09:33.927
That's the-- that's how that joke goes.
00:09:33.927 --> 00:09:35.462
I know it's terrible.
00:09:35.462 --> 00:09:38.265
Now, i know that ants look cute
00:09:38.265 --> 00:09:39.800
When you're standing way up here,
00:09:39.800 --> 00:09:41.134
But this is what they look like when their faces are,
00:09:41.134 --> 00:09:43.236
Like, full magnified.
00:09:43.236 --> 00:09:50.410
That's a little scary.
00:09:50.410 --> 00:09:52.613
I do want you to know that this--
00:09:52.613 --> 00:09:54.448
These are the good-looking ants.
00:09:54.448 --> 00:09:57.684
I literally had to find the two that didn't look as scary
00:09:57.684 --> 00:10:00.387
As the rest,
00:10:00.387 --> 00:10:02.356
And truth be told, if you magnified my face like that,
00:10:02.356 --> 00:10:05.492
It would be just as scary.
00:10:05.492 --> 00:10:06.827
Can someone say amen?
00:10:06.827 --> 00:10:08.762
So we'll take that off there, take that off there.
00:10:08.762 --> 00:10:11.865
You can look that up. those guys are scary-looking.
00:10:11.865 --> 00:10:15.135
But whenever you look down and you see an ant,
00:10:15.135 --> 00:10:18.071
If you ever see one ant, don't say, "man, that ant looks cute."
00:10:18.071 --> 00:10:23.910
Because that ant is an advanced scout,
00:10:23.910 --> 00:10:28.048
And he's looking for a tiny crumb
00:10:28.048 --> 00:10:31.318
On your kitchen counter.
00:10:31.318 --> 00:10:34.354
And the moment he finds one crumb
00:10:34.354 --> 00:10:37.891
On your kitchen counter, he radios ant headquarters,
00:10:37.891 --> 00:10:44.598
And he says, "i have found the promised land."
00:10:44.598 --> 00:10:48.869
And ten minutes later, it's going to look
00:10:48.869 --> 00:10:51.371
Like "ants of the caribbean" in your kitchen.
00:10:51.371 --> 00:10:55.042
An entire marching band of ants.
00:10:55.042 --> 00:10:58.412
In proverbs chapter 6, verses 6, 7, 8, and 9,
00:10:58.412 --> 00:11:01.348
God uses the ant to teach us some valuable lessons
00:11:01.348 --> 00:11:04.151
As it relates to flourishing.
00:11:04.151 --> 00:11:07.220
The main text says, "look to the ant, you sluggard.
00:11:07.220 --> 00:11:13.326
Consider its ways and be wise."
00:11:13.326 --> 00:11:19.099
Now just go back just a step in this entire series,
00:11:19.099 --> 00:11:21.835
We're looking and dancing our way
00:11:21.835 --> 00:11:23.704
Through the book of proverbs.
00:11:23.704 --> 00:11:25.405
There are some 800 different verses in proverbs,
00:11:25.405 --> 00:11:28.475
Each of them i call a "ted talk," all by itself.
00:11:28.475 --> 00:11:32.646
And through the entire book, on every issue,
00:11:32.646 --> 00:11:34.815
There's always, like, two sides of a coin.
00:11:34.815 --> 00:11:38.318
And on one side is god's word, god's truth, god's wisdom.
00:11:38.318 --> 00:11:43.023
On the other side is foolishness.
00:11:43.023 --> 00:11:46.493
And anyone, as you go through the entire book of proverbs,
00:11:46.493 --> 00:11:49.763
It doesn't matter what the topic is,
00:11:49.763 --> 00:11:51.732
If a man decides to listen to god's word
00:11:51.732 --> 00:11:55.168
And to follow god's wisdom, he will be blessed.
00:11:55.168 --> 00:11:59.473
There's always a flip side to that coin
00:11:59.473 --> 00:12:01.641
As you go through proverbs.
00:12:01.641 --> 00:12:03.710
On the flip side, if you choose to ignore god's laws,
00:12:03.710 --> 00:12:08.381
If you ignore god's principles,
00:12:08.381 --> 00:12:11.485
Then that person's life will end up in calamity.
00:12:11.485 --> 00:12:15.922
And we see that here in this text,
00:12:15.922 --> 00:12:18.492
There are two sides of this particular coin.
00:12:18.492 --> 00:12:22.162
One is an ant, and the other is a sluggard.
00:12:22.162 --> 00:12:26.666
And the person who lives like an ant
00:12:26.666 --> 00:12:29.002
Is going to be blessed.
00:12:29.002 --> 00:12:30.737
Let's look at these two characters,
00:12:30.737 --> 00:12:32.839
Completely opposite one from the other.
00:12:32.839 --> 00:12:34.775
The first in your notes, the sluggard who talks big,
00:12:34.775 --> 00:12:40.714
But moves little.
00:12:40.714 --> 00:12:44.084
He talks big, but he moves little.
00:12:44.084 --> 00:12:50.624
The word "sluggard" refers-- you can write this down--
00:12:50.624 --> 00:12:54.327
To the person who's lazy.
00:12:54.327 --> 00:12:59.332
"sluggard" looks like its namesake: the slug.
00:12:59.332 --> 00:13:05.038
I don't think there's any professional football teams
00:13:05.038 --> 00:13:07.374
With the nickname "slug,"
00:13:07.374 --> 00:13:10.076
Because slugs are slow, and they're directionless,
00:13:10.076 --> 00:13:13.847
They're lazy.
00:13:13.847 --> 00:13:15.715
"slug" sounds like "lazy."
00:13:15.715 --> 00:13:19.419
Now, there's several characteristics of a sluggard,
00:13:19.419 --> 00:13:23.723
One is they are procrastinators.
00:13:23.723 --> 00:13:27.060
They're always putting stuff off.
00:13:27.060 --> 00:13:29.563
Proverbs 6:9 says, "how long will you lie there,
00:13:29.563 --> 00:13:34.267
You sluggard?
00:13:34.267 --> 00:13:36.169
When are you going to get up from your sleep?"
00:13:36.169 --> 00:13:40.707
How long are you going to lie there?
00:13:40.707 --> 00:13:43.476
These are the folks that keep hitting
00:13:43.476 --> 00:13:45.979
The snooze button...
00:13:45.979 --> 00:13:49.649
These are the folks that are late for everything.
00:13:49.649 --> 00:13:56.523
They put things off to the last second.
00:13:56.523 --> 00:13:58.425
They never finish what they start.
00:13:58.425 --> 00:13:59.960
They tire easily.
00:13:59.960 --> 00:14:01.995
They give up rather than finish the job.
00:14:01.995 --> 00:14:04.998
Oh, they got big plans.
00:14:04.998 --> 00:14:06.333
They got big plans to get in shape.
00:14:06.333 --> 00:14:08.268
They got big plans to read their bible.
00:14:08.268 --> 00:14:10.737
They got big plans to start that new venture.
00:14:10.737 --> 00:14:13.506
They got big plans to clean out that garage.
00:14:13.506 --> 00:14:16.209
They got big plans to get baptized one day.
00:14:16.209 --> 00:14:19.079
They got big plans to start that project.
00:14:19.079 --> 00:14:21.615
They got big plans, but they never get around
00:14:21.615 --> 00:14:23.483
To doing any of them.
00:14:23.483 --> 00:14:26.319
Skip down and read verse 9, 10, 11,
00:14:26.319 --> 00:14:28.121
"how long will you lie there, you sluggard?
00:14:28.121 --> 00:14:29.589
Will you get up--how-- when will you get up
00:14:29.589 --> 00:14:31.558
From your sleep?"
00:14:31.558 --> 00:14:32.893
Verse 10, just "a little bit of sleep,
00:14:32.893 --> 00:14:35.695
And a little bit of slumber,
00:14:35.695 --> 00:14:37.664
And a little folding of the hands to rest--
00:14:37.664 --> 00:14:42.335
And poverty will come on you like a--" what?
00:14:42.335 --> 00:14:46.139
"like a bandit."
00:14:46.139 --> 00:14:48.775
Secondly--write this down-- sluggers are irritating
00:14:48.775 --> 00:14:53.013
To everyone around them,
00:14:53.013 --> 00:14:55.916
Especially to folks who are busy.
00:14:55.916 --> 00:15:00.754
Proverbs chapter 10 says, "as vinegar to the teeth--"
00:15:00.754 --> 00:15:05.325
You ever tasted vinegar?
00:15:05.325 --> 00:15:06.660
"as vinegar to the teeth and smoke to your eyes,
00:15:06.660 --> 00:15:10.397
So is a sluggard to those who send him."
00:15:10.397 --> 00:15:12.966
In other words, you send off a sluggard
00:15:12.966 --> 00:15:14.601
To get something done,
00:15:14.601 --> 00:15:16.303
It's as irritating as vinegar to the teeth
00:15:16.303 --> 00:15:18.405
And as smoke to your eyes.
00:15:18.405 --> 00:15:21.207
Busy people who work and accomplish
00:15:21.207 --> 00:15:23.977
Have little compassion for lazy and indifferent people.
00:15:23.977 --> 00:15:28.281
Don't expect a sluggard to get the job done.
00:15:28.281 --> 00:15:31.217
They have a hard time just getting out of bed, amen.
00:15:31.217 --> 00:15:35.021
The third thing about sluggards is they will always be lacking,
00:15:35.021 --> 00:15:39.626
Always be lacking.
00:15:39.626 --> 00:15:42.095
Proverbs 19:15 says it's "laziness that brings on
00:15:42.095 --> 00:15:46.933
Deep sleep.
00:15:46.933 --> 00:15:49.302
The shiftless man--" the guy that doesn't work,
00:15:49.302 --> 00:15:53.473
He "will go hungry."
00:15:53.473 --> 00:15:56.743
You know, i struggle--i have a hard time sleeping at night.
00:15:56.743 --> 00:15:59.179
How many of you have a hard time sleeping at night?
00:15:59.179 --> 00:16:01.448
It's a big problem, and the-- and i've thought about this.
00:16:01.448 --> 00:16:06.252
It's such a problem in my life.
00:16:06.252 --> 00:16:07.587
I--the reason i can't sleep half the time is
00:16:07.587 --> 00:16:09.656
Because i'm thinking about a 1000 things
00:16:09.656 --> 00:16:11.458
I've got to do the next day,
00:16:11.458 --> 00:16:14.461
And it almost makes me wish i was lazy.
00:16:14.461 --> 00:16:19.165
Because i think if i didn't have anything i had to do
00:16:19.165 --> 00:16:21.134
The next day, i think i'd sleep like a baby.
00:16:21.134 --> 00:16:24.204
If i can stay on the couch all day,
00:16:24.204 --> 00:16:27.407
If i could stay in bed all day,
00:16:27.407 --> 00:16:29.976
If i could play video games all day,
00:16:29.976 --> 00:16:33.246
Eventually, i'm going to go hungry.
00:16:33.246 --> 00:16:36.216
I'm going to be lacking.
00:16:36.216 --> 00:16:38.618
That's why i love the story of burt bachmann, who--
00:16:38.618 --> 00:16:41.521
From the valley here, and he became a car salesman
00:16:41.521 --> 00:16:44.290
Over at galpin ford back in 1953.
00:16:44.290 --> 00:16:47.460
He just started off as a car salesman,
00:16:47.460 --> 00:16:50.330
But he worked so hard and so diligently,
00:16:50.330 --> 00:16:53.933
Within 15 years, he worked his way up
00:16:53.933 --> 00:16:56.436
Into the company where he actually became
00:16:56.436 --> 00:16:58.571
The owner of galpin ford,
00:16:58.571 --> 00:17:00.473
And he worked there for over 70 years.
00:17:00.473 --> 00:17:04.944
The hardest-working person in the company,
00:17:04.944 --> 00:17:07.747
Even up into his 80s.
00:17:07.747 --> 00:17:09.249
He passed away a couple of years ago,
00:17:09.249 --> 00:17:11.451
But for 30-plus years, it was the largest ford dealership
00:17:11.451 --> 00:17:15.455
In the world.
00:17:15.455 --> 00:17:16.990
And there's something that equates there
00:17:16.990 --> 00:17:19.325
Between someone who's willing to get up and work hard
00:17:19.325 --> 00:17:22.629
Every single day of his life, and then having plenty.
00:17:22.629 --> 00:17:27.667
And it's a thing that we see borne out
00:17:27.667 --> 00:17:30.303
Time and time again.
00:17:30.303 --> 00:17:32.105
The last thing about sluggards is they love to make excuses.
00:17:32.105 --> 00:17:36.576
They love to make excuses.
00:17:36.576 --> 00:17:39.145
Proverbs chapter 22, verse 13, this is kind of funny.
00:17:39.145 --> 00:17:42.582
"the sluggard says, 'i can't do that.
00:17:42.582 --> 00:17:44.717
There's a lion outside!
00:17:44.717 --> 00:17:49.989
I can't go out there, i'll be murdered
00:17:49.989 --> 00:17:52.659
Out in the streets!'"
00:17:52.659 --> 00:17:53.993
"if the lions don't get me, i'm gonna be murdered."
00:17:53.993 --> 00:17:56.296
Those are excuses.
00:17:56.296 --> 00:17:58.598
See, sluggards blame everything and everyone for their problems.
00:17:58.598 --> 00:18:03.403
It's never their fault.
00:18:03.403 --> 00:18:05.872
If you don't want to do something,
00:18:05.872 --> 00:18:07.307
Any excuse will do.
00:18:07.307 --> 00:18:08.875
"son, take out that garbage." "dad, it's windy outside."
00:18:08.875 --> 00:18:13.379
"can you pick me up at the airport?"
00:18:13.379 --> 00:18:14.714
"ah, it's too early."
00:18:14.714 --> 00:18:17.117
"you need to study your bible."
00:18:17.117 --> 00:18:18.518
"i'm too tired."
00:18:18.518 --> 00:18:21.121
Excuses, proverbs chapter 26, verse 14, says,
00:18:21.121 --> 00:18:24.357
"as a door turns on its hinges--"
00:18:24.357 --> 00:18:27.026
That's all the door does-- is turn on its hinges.
00:18:27.026 --> 00:18:29.229
"as the door turns on its hinges,
00:18:29.229 --> 00:18:31.231
So a sluggard just turns on his bed," all night long.
00:18:31.231 --> 00:18:35.101
It's a great analogy.
00:18:35.101 --> 00:18:37.036
If you look at this list, the qualities of a sluggard--
00:18:37.036 --> 00:18:39.139
They're procrastinators, they're irritating,
00:18:39.139 --> 00:18:40.773
They're always hungry, they're always lacking,
00:18:40.773 --> 00:18:42.442
They sleep too much, they love to make excuses.
00:18:42.442 --> 00:18:46.346
That's one side of the coin,
00:18:46.346 --> 00:18:47.814
These people that are sluggards,
00:18:47.814 --> 00:18:49.649
But in proverbs chapter 6, verse 6,
00:18:49.649 --> 00:18:52.185
We wanna look at-- not at the sluggard,
00:18:52.185 --> 00:18:54.020
We wanna look at the ant.
00:18:54.020 --> 00:18:55.688
Point number two: be like the ant
00:18:55.688 --> 00:18:59.292
Who says nothing, but accomplishes much.
00:18:59.292 --> 00:19:06.633
"go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!"
00:19:06.633 --> 00:19:15.375
Pastor dudley: oh, aren't you so glad
00:19:18.711 --> 00:19:20.046
That god is faithful in all that he does,
00:19:20.046 --> 00:19:23.283
That he's full of unfailing love,
00:19:23.283 --> 00:19:26.052
And that he alone saves?
00:19:26.052 --> 00:19:28.555
I'm so thankful we serve a god like that, amen?
00:19:28.555 --> 00:19:32.425
Amen, every week here at "lift up jesus,"
00:19:32.425 --> 00:19:35.728
We study god's word, and we get to know him better.
00:19:35.728 --> 00:19:38.932
And we want to take the truth of god's word
00:19:38.932 --> 00:19:41.801
To the four corners of the world through radio, television,
00:19:41.801 --> 00:19:45.738
And the internet.
00:19:45.738 --> 00:19:47.407
If you'd like to partner with our ministry
00:19:47.407 --> 00:19:49.375
Through prayer or financial giving,
00:19:49.375 --> 00:19:52.212
Please call the number on the screen below
00:19:52.212 --> 00:19:54.847
Or visit our website at liftupjesus.com.
00:19:54.847 --> 00:19:58.585
It's our goal to reach as many people as possible
00:19:58.585 --> 00:20:02.088
With the gospel, which has the power
00:20:02.088 --> 00:20:04.757
To heal hearts, restore lives, and to save souls.
00:20:04.757 --> 00:20:09.295
We'd be honored if you'd join us in this mission.
00:20:09.295 --> 00:20:12.799
Thank you for spending this time with me today,
00:20:12.799 --> 00:20:15.068
And please tune-in again next week,
00:20:15.068 --> 00:20:17.170
Same time, same place.
00:20:17.170 --> 00:20:19.205
And remember, whatever you're doing,
00:20:19.205 --> 00:20:20.873
And wherever you're going,
00:20:20.873 --> 00:20:22.775
Don't forget to always lift up jesus.
00:20:22.775 --> 00:20:26.412
Female: my name is jennifer chou.
00:20:28.514 --> 00:20:30.383
I grew up in taiwan.
00:20:30.383 --> 00:20:31.784
I all the time feel
00:20:31.784 --> 00:20:33.119
I was rejected by my biological parents,
00:20:33.119 --> 00:20:37.624
And my foster parents let me feel that i was unworthy.
00:20:37.624 --> 00:20:43.963
I made a decision that i want to give my daughter
00:20:43.963 --> 00:20:47.033
The best environment and education.
00:20:47.033 --> 00:20:50.770
I feel here is the safe place we can live and survive.
00:20:50.770 --> 00:20:56.175
That's why we came here.
00:20:56.175 --> 00:20:58.111
I want to build up a kingdom and financial security
00:20:58.111 --> 00:21:02.448
For my daughter.
00:21:02.448 --> 00:21:04.250
So that brought me to focus on money and materials
00:21:04.250 --> 00:21:10.990
And also brought me incarcerated later.
00:21:10.990 --> 00:21:15.295
While i was in jail, i received the letters
00:21:15.295 --> 00:21:18.498
From american bible academy, the invitation to take a class.
00:21:18.498 --> 00:21:24.070
But i don't feel i was qualified and capable to be
00:21:24.070 --> 00:21:30.710
A workman of god.
00:21:30.710 --> 00:21:35.014
I still feel i'm not worthy.
00:21:35.014 --> 00:21:38.418
But finally, i just think why not?
00:21:38.418 --> 00:21:42.322
Maybe that's god's calling.
00:21:42.322 --> 00:21:44.290
So i pursued the class and continue finish it.
00:21:44.290 --> 00:21:48.761
And at that time, i found a book in my in my cell
00:21:48.761 --> 00:21:53.866
And that book helped me a lot is a pastor's testimony.
00:21:53.866 --> 00:22:00.506
And after i finished that book,
00:22:00.506 --> 00:22:02.975
I think if he can do it and god choose him,
00:22:02.975 --> 00:22:06.846
God will choose me too.
00:22:06.846 --> 00:22:09.615
So i started taking the book from moody bible institution,
00:22:09.615 --> 00:22:16.122
Then i finished it.
00:22:16.122 --> 00:22:18.191
I was released on 2013, december 21.
00:22:18.191 --> 00:22:23.896
And after i released, then i don't have any possessions.
00:22:23.896 --> 00:22:29.802
I live with my daughter in a studio apartment,
00:22:29.802 --> 00:22:33.706
And i sleep on floor with a mat.
00:22:33.706 --> 00:22:38.378
And i applied twice the general relief.
00:22:38.378 --> 00:22:42.648
It has been denied, rejected.
00:22:42.648 --> 00:22:45.218
I remember when i walked out of the office,
00:22:45.218 --> 00:22:48.921
I was standing on the hill. i cried out to god.
00:22:48.921 --> 00:22:52.692
I said, "show me the way. i don't know how to walk."
00:22:52.692 --> 00:22:58.097
The next day and that at that time,
00:22:58.097 --> 00:23:01.434
In my heart, i have the desire to serve,
00:23:01.434 --> 00:23:05.838
But i don't know how and that i don't know where to serve.
00:23:05.838 --> 00:23:10.576
And one of my friend said, "have you heard of a ski roll?"
00:23:10.576 --> 00:23:14.814
I said, "no."
00:23:14.814 --> 00:23:16.449
Then he said, "let me take you to have a ride there."
00:23:16.449 --> 00:23:21.554
When i saw it, i say, "i'm not the worst one.
00:23:21.554 --> 00:23:25.291
I'm not the one in the worst situation."
00:23:25.291 --> 00:23:28.995
So i decided i want to serve in there.
00:23:28.995 --> 00:23:33.232
And that's god's harvest field.
00:23:33.232 --> 00:23:36.569
And later on, friends helped me out.
00:23:36.569 --> 00:23:39.939
Then we do it together.
00:23:39.939 --> 00:23:42.475
A few weeks, i didn't see that person.
00:23:42.475 --> 00:23:45.211
He showed up, so i called his name.
00:23:45.211 --> 00:23:48.181
He just shouted to the person around him and said,
00:23:48.181 --> 00:23:52.285
"did you hear?
00:23:52.285 --> 00:23:53.619
Did you hear?
00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:54.954
She knows my name. she called my name."
00:23:54.954 --> 00:23:57.156
That's how jesus knows my name ministry born at that day.
00:23:57.156 --> 00:24:02.462
And since then, god's provide-- at the beginning,
00:24:02.462 --> 00:24:07.667
I worry about the manpower and financially,
00:24:07.667 --> 00:24:11.270
But god provide.
00:24:11.270 --> 00:24:13.473
God find me another job, and the job,
00:24:13.473 --> 00:24:17.343
The pay is a little bit better.
00:24:17.343 --> 00:24:19.745
So i told god, "this extra money not belongs to me.
00:24:19.745 --> 00:24:24.317
It belongs to your ministry."
00:24:24.317 --> 00:24:27.220
So continue blessed by god
00:24:27.220 --> 00:24:30.189
That auto shop donated a parking lot for us
00:24:30.189 --> 00:24:35.795
So we can do our ministry there.
00:24:35.795 --> 00:24:38.264
And then later on, we have a table, have a chair.
00:24:38.264 --> 00:24:42.134
Then i started, share my experience of god's grace
00:24:42.134 --> 00:24:49.909
And share the gospel with the people
00:24:49.909 --> 00:24:53.079
Who nobody wants them.
00:24:53.079 --> 00:24:55.381
Our church, small church's name is called
00:24:55.381 --> 00:24:59.085
The church without wars.
00:24:59.085 --> 00:25:01.020
We don't need to need war.
00:25:01.020 --> 00:25:02.989
We need an open ground to let every person,
00:25:02.989 --> 00:25:07.260
Every people can freely come to hear bible.
00:25:07.260 --> 00:25:12.198
And i do believe that we are a life bible to some people.
00:25:12.198 --> 00:25:18.471
They never read the bible.
00:25:18.471 --> 00:25:20.339
They never has a chance to read the bible,
00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:22.975
And we live out our life, live out the word,
00:25:22.975 --> 00:25:26.579
And be their first bible they can read.
00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:31.450
♪♪♪
00:25:31.450 --> 00:25:40.192
Kayla francis: "godly goosebumps"
00:25:43.963 --> 00:25:45.298
Is a podcast hosted by pastor dudley rutherford.
00:25:45.298 --> 00:25:48.467
Each week we study a story from history, the bible,
00:25:48.467 --> 00:25:51.504
And even in our own community at shepherd church.
00:25:51.504 --> 00:25:54.206
These stories reveal god doing the extraordinary,
00:25:54.206 --> 00:25:56.842
Doing what only he could do.
00:25:56.842 --> 00:25:58.744
We hope you're encouraged and excited
00:25:58.744 --> 00:26:00.947
To share with others god's providence,
00:26:00.947 --> 00:26:03.449
Protection, and provision.
00:26:03.449 --> 00:26:05.151
Visit godlygoosebumps.com, youtube, or find us
00:26:05.151 --> 00:26:08.621
Wherever you listen to podcasts.
00:26:08.621 --> 00:26:10.990
Announcer: research proves that it's
00:26:14.393 --> 00:26:15.728
The regular hearing and teaching of the word of god
00:26:15.728 --> 00:26:18.531
That takes our christian life to a new level.
00:26:18.531 --> 00:26:21.434
That's why we invite you to meet dudley rutherford
00:26:21.434 --> 00:26:23.836
Every week on this station
00:26:23.836 --> 00:26:25.504
For another powerful message straight from the bible.
00:26:25.504 --> 00:26:28.674
You can also visit liftupjesus.com to sign up
00:26:28.674 --> 00:26:31.911
For a monthly email devotional,
00:26:31.911 --> 00:26:33.846
Discover pastor dudley's books and other resources,
00:26:33.846 --> 00:26:37.216
And see our national tv and radio schedule.
00:26:37.216 --> 00:26:40.453
And don't hesitate to reach out on the phone or online.
00:26:40.453 --> 00:26:44.290
Pastor dudley has a passion and vision
00:26:44.290 --> 00:26:46.692
To reach more people with a message of hope.
00:26:46.692 --> 00:26:49.595
And if you'd like to partner with us to touch the world,
00:26:49.595 --> 00:26:52.298
We'd love to hear from you.
00:26:52.298 --> 00:26:53.866
Your financial gift will do so much to help us impact
00:26:53.866 --> 00:26:57.303
The nations for christ.
00:26:57.303 --> 00:26:59.071
And if you're ever in the southern california area,
00:26:59.071 --> 00:27:01.507
We invite you to visit us at shepherd church
00:27:01.507 --> 00:27:03.909
Here in los angeles.
00:27:03.909 --> 00:27:05.244
It's an amazing experience you'll never forget.
00:27:05.244 --> 00:27:08.147
Until next time, remember to always lift up jesus.
00:27:08.147 --> 00:27:16.656
...
00:27:19.892 --> 00:27:19.892

Dudley Rutherford - Look to the Ant (Part 1)

May 26, 2026 | 27:29

Closed captions

Share