1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Episodes
  4. Dudley Rutherford - Look To The Ant (Part 2)

Dudley Rutherford - Look To The Ant (Part 2)

June 4, 2026 | 27:29

Dudley Rutherford - Look To The Ant (Part 2)
Pastor Dudley Rutherford seeks to "lift up the name of Jesus across the country and the world through uncompromising biblical teaching."
#Faith #Accountability #Wisdom #WalkwithGod #TrustGod #Strength #Overcoming #Purpose #God'sWill #Serving #ServantofGod #DudleyRutherford

Closed captions

Show Timecode
| Dudley Rutherford - Look To The Ant (Part 2) | June 4, 2026
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.353
  • ...
  • 00:00:01.820 --> 00:00:05.391
  • Male announcer: you make decisions
  • 00:00:10.295 --> 00:00:11.630
  • That shape your future.
  • 00:00:11.630 --> 00:00:12.965
  • You don't need another trend.
  • 00:00:12.965 --> 00:00:14.533
  • You need truth from above.
  • 00:00:14.533 --> 00:00:16.735
  • In pastor dudley's new series,
  • 00:00:16.735 --> 00:00:18.604
  • "just don't survive-- flourish,"
  • 00:00:18.604 --> 00:00:20.939
  • He uncovers the bible's divine nuggets of truth,
  • 00:00:20.939 --> 00:00:24.076
  • Guidance, and instruction.
  • 00:00:24.076 --> 00:00:26.178
  • This year, don't just survive,
  • 00:00:26.178 --> 00:00:28.781
  • Open god's word and flourish.
  • 00:00:28.781 --> 00:00:31.950
  • Join us next on "lift up jesus"
  • 00:00:31.950 --> 00:00:34.453
  • For the series, "don't just survive--flourish."
  • 00:00:34.453 --> 00:00:37.856
  • Pastor dudley rutherford: you do not need a 6'5
  • 00:00:41.560 --> 00:00:44.263
  • Baldheaded preacher standing on a stage
  • 00:00:44.263 --> 00:00:47.833
  • To tell you any of this.
  • 00:00:47.833 --> 00:00:51.403
  • The most powerful preacher in the world
  • 00:00:51.403 --> 00:00:53.505
  • Is a tiny little ant who preaches to us
  • 00:00:53.505 --> 00:00:58.343
  • Participation, partnership, and preparedness.
  • 00:00:58.343 --> 00:01:03.515
  • And i say again, look up and see the harvest.
  • 00:01:03.515 --> 00:01:08.520
  • The lord is waiting for workers
  • 00:01:08.520 --> 00:01:10.756
  • In his harvest field, amen?
  • 00:01:10.756 --> 00:01:13.559
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:13.559 --> 00:01:30.309
  • Pastor dudley: thank you so much for joining
  • 00:01:34.213 --> 00:01:35.647
  • Me here today on "lift up jesus."
  • 00:01:35.647 --> 00:01:38.383
  • I'm pastor dudley rutherford, and i'm so glad
  • 00:01:38.383 --> 00:01:41.320
  • That you've chosen to tune in to our television broadcast.
  • 00:01:41.320 --> 00:01:45.124
  • Let me ask you this question:
  • 00:01:45.124 --> 00:01:46.458
  • Do you ever visit southern california?
  • 00:01:46.458 --> 00:01:50.462
  • If you do, consider this a personal invitation
  • 00:01:50.462 --> 00:01:53.866
  • To visit us here at shepherd church.
  • 00:01:53.866 --> 00:01:56.768
  • You'll meet some amazing people,
  • 00:01:56.768 --> 00:01:59.104
  • And it would be an honor to have you drop by.
  • 00:01:59.104 --> 00:02:02.040
  • Visit our website at liftupjesus.com
  • 00:02:02.040 --> 00:02:05.177
  • To get service times and locations,
  • 00:02:05.177 --> 00:02:08.547
  • And now let's get right to today's message
  • 00:02:08.547 --> 00:02:11.583
  • Because i believe it's a word that you need to hear.
  • 00:02:11.583 --> 00:02:14.720
  • So grab your bible, your notes, and a pen,
  • 00:02:14.720 --> 00:02:17.389
  • And let's begin.
  • 00:02:17.389 --> 00:02:19.491
  • Pastor dudley: excuses.
  • 00:02:22.494 --> 00:02:23.829
  • Proverbs chapter 26, verse 14 says:
  • 00:02:23.829 --> 00:02:25.831
  • "as a door turns on its hinges," that's all a door does
  • 00:02:25.831 --> 00:02:29.268
  • Is turn on its hinges.
  • 00:02:29.268 --> 00:02:30.702
  • "as a door turns on its hinges,
  • 00:02:30.702 --> 00:02:32.704
  • So a sluggard just turns on his bed all night long."
  • 00:02:32.704 --> 00:02:36.575
  • It's a great analogy.
  • 00:02:36.575 --> 00:02:38.577
  • You look at this list, the qualities of a sluggard,
  • 00:02:38.577 --> 00:02:40.612
  • They're procrastinators, they're irritating,
  • 00:02:40.612 --> 00:02:42.247
  • They're always hungry, they're always lacking.
  • 00:02:42.247 --> 00:02:43.916
  • They sleep too much.
  • 00:02:43.916 --> 00:02:45.317
  • They love to make excuses.
  • 00:02:45.317 --> 00:02:47.786
  • That's one side of the coin,
  • 00:02:47.786 --> 00:02:49.288
  • These people that are sluggards.
  • 00:02:49.288 --> 00:02:51.123
  • But in proverbs chapter 6, verse 6, we wanna look
  • 00:02:51.123 --> 00:02:54.159
  • Not at the sluggard, we wanna look at the ant.
  • 00:02:54.159 --> 00:02:57.162
  • Point number two, be like the ant
  • 00:02:57.162 --> 00:03:00.766
  • Who says nothing, but accomplishes much.
  • 00:03:00.766 --> 00:03:08.106
  • "go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!"
  • 00:03:08.106 --> 00:03:16.915
  • I wanna ask you a question: have you ever seen a lazy ant?
  • 00:03:16.915 --> 00:03:21.954
  • Have you ever seen a couch potato ant?
  • 00:03:21.954 --> 00:03:24.723
  • No, they're constantly moving.
  • 00:03:24.723 --> 00:03:27.359
  • There's no moss growing underneath their feet.
  • 00:03:27.359 --> 00:03:30.963
  • I want to give you some fun facts about ants,
  • 00:03:30.963 --> 00:03:32.931
  • And then i'm going to give you some qualities about ants
  • 00:03:32.931 --> 00:03:35.801
  • That we need to emulate.
  • 00:03:35.801 --> 00:03:37.402
  • First, some interesting facts.
  • 00:03:37.402 --> 00:03:39.204
  • An ant's life expectancy is about 2 months.
  • 00:03:39.204 --> 00:03:43.842
  • That little guy that you try to kill,
  • 00:03:43.842 --> 00:03:47.312
  • He's gonna be dead anyway in about 8 weeks.
  • 00:03:47.312 --> 00:03:50.249
  • Another interesting fact about ants is that there are
  • 00:03:50.249 --> 00:03:52.217
  • 10,000 different species of ants.
  • 00:03:52.217 --> 00:03:56.555
  • That's pretty amazing.
  • 00:03:56.555 --> 00:03:59.558
  • In other words, they're all ants,
  • 00:03:59.558 --> 00:04:00.892
  • But there are like 10,000 different kinds of ants.
  • 00:04:00.892 --> 00:04:04.162
  • And the thing that's interesting about that number to me
  • 00:04:04.162 --> 00:04:07.866
  • Is that that's about how many church families
  • 00:04:07.866 --> 00:04:11.870
  • We have in our church.
  • 00:04:11.870 --> 00:04:14.506
  • I mean, you all look the same here to me, basically, but we
  • 00:04:14.506 --> 00:04:18.143
  • Have about 10,000 different types of families here today.
  • 00:04:18.143 --> 00:04:25.751
  • And the third thing about these ants,
  • 00:04:25.751 --> 00:04:27.986
  • There are 20 quadrillion ants on the planet.
  • 00:04:27.986 --> 00:04:32.491
  • A quadrillion is the number 1 followed by 15 zeros.
  • 00:04:32.491 --> 00:04:37.896
  • A trillion has 12 zeros,
  • 00:04:37.896 --> 00:04:40.799
  • And it's not one quadrillion,
  • 00:04:40.799 --> 00:04:42.200
  • It's 20 quadrillion ants on the earth.
  • 00:04:42.200 --> 00:04:46.505
  • And this is just a bit of information.
  • 00:04:46.505 --> 00:04:48.173
  • This is just-- you might not know this,
  • 00:04:48.173 --> 00:04:51.810
  • But 19 quadrillion ants out of the 20 quadrillion ants
  • 00:04:51.810 --> 00:04:56.782
  • All live in porter ranch.
  • 00:04:56.782 --> 00:05:02.287
  • An ant can lift 50 times its body weight.
  • 00:05:02.287 --> 00:05:07.592
  • That'd be like you going out after church
  • 00:05:07.592 --> 00:05:09.628
  • And picking up your car and walking home
  • 00:05:09.628 --> 00:05:13.799
  • With your car above your head.
  • 00:05:13.799 --> 00:05:18.303
  • Ants live in every continent except one,
  • 00:05:18.303 --> 00:05:22.941
  • And what's the name of that one continent?
  • 00:05:22.941 --> 00:05:24.843
  • Ant-arctica. that's kind of interesting.
  • 00:05:24.843 --> 00:05:27.212
  • They make up 20% to 25%
  • 00:05:27.212 --> 00:05:29.381
  • Of all land animals' biomass on earth.
  • 00:05:29.381 --> 00:05:33.685
  • It's amazing how many ants.
  • 00:05:33.685 --> 00:05:35.187
  • There's like 2.5 million ants for every person.
  • 00:05:35.187 --> 00:05:39.791
  • Now, every colony, not some colonies,
  • 00:05:39.791 --> 00:05:43.328
  • Every colony has one queen.
  • 00:05:43.328 --> 00:05:46.932
  • And she spends her entire life
  • 00:05:46.932 --> 00:05:50.869
  • Just laying eggs, sometimes hundreds,
  • 00:05:50.869 --> 00:05:54.973
  • Sometimes thousands per day.
  • 00:05:54.973 --> 00:05:58.009
  • Now, all the ants that you see running around,
  • 00:05:58.009 --> 00:06:00.912
  • All of them doing the work, all of them,
  • 00:06:00.912 --> 00:06:03.582
  • They're all females, female ants.
  • 00:06:03.582 --> 00:06:06.752
  • The builders who dig the tunnels
  • 00:06:06.752 --> 00:06:08.754
  • Are female ants.
  • 00:06:08.754 --> 00:06:10.389
  • The hunters that bring the food into the colony
  • 00:06:10.389 --> 00:06:12.791
  • Are female ants.
  • 00:06:12.791 --> 00:06:15.160
  • The soldier ants that guard the colonies
  • 00:06:15.160 --> 00:06:19.398
  • Are female ants.
  • 00:06:19.398 --> 00:06:21.466
  • The nurse ants that take care of the young
  • 00:06:21.466 --> 00:06:24.503
  • And take care of the queen, they are female ants.
  • 00:06:24.503 --> 00:06:27.706
  • Now, if my wife was an ant, there's no question,
  • 00:06:27.706 --> 00:06:33.378
  • She's a nurse ant, she's a hunter ant,
  • 00:06:33.378 --> 00:06:35.647
  • She's a soldier ant, she's a builder ant,
  • 00:06:35.647 --> 00:06:38.116
  • And she would have her own category.
  • 00:06:38.116 --> 00:06:41.620
  • She would be what's called an amazon online shopper ant.
  • 00:06:41.620 --> 00:06:48.860
  • How many of you know what i'm talking about?
  • 00:06:48.860 --> 00:06:53.064
  • Every colony has a queen.
  • 00:06:53.064 --> 00:06:55.133
  • When you look out, i went out yesterday,
  • 00:06:55.133 --> 00:06:57.436
  • Looked down on the ground, there's ants everywhere.
  • 00:06:57.436 --> 00:06:59.471
  • They're all female ants doing all the work.
  • 00:06:59.471 --> 00:07:02.908
  • What about the male ants?
  • 00:07:02.908 --> 00:07:04.309
  • What do they do?
  • 00:07:04.309 --> 00:07:06.011
  • Basically, nothing.
  • 00:07:06.011 --> 00:07:09.080
  • This is true.
  • 00:07:09.080 --> 00:07:11.082
  • A male ant has one job.
  • 00:07:11.082 --> 00:07:15.921
  • He mates with the queen and then he dies.
  • 00:07:15.921 --> 00:07:22.594
  • That's his job.
  • 00:07:22.594 --> 00:07:23.929
  • It's kind of a catch-22 thing there.
  • 00:07:23.929 --> 00:07:28.633
  • Now, those are some fun facts.
  • 00:07:28.633 --> 00:07:31.069
  • But let's get around to the main reason why ants
  • 00:07:31.069 --> 00:07:33.371
  • Are even mentioned in the bible.
  • 00:07:33.371 --> 00:07:34.706
  • For three reasons, number one,
  • 00:07:34.706 --> 00:07:36.041
  • These are qualities that we need to emulate
  • 00:07:36.041 --> 00:07:38.109
  • That stand out as you really study ants.
  • 00:07:38.109 --> 00:07:40.545
  • Number one, the ants teach us participation.
  • 00:07:40.545 --> 00:07:45.083
  • Whenever you see an ant hill-- and this is not a joke:
  • 00:07:45.083 --> 00:07:49.855
  • This church was built on an anthill.
  • 00:07:49.855 --> 00:07:52.624
  • Ask any staff member.
  • 00:07:52.624 --> 00:07:55.494
  • We can't go one day without ants
  • 00:07:55.494 --> 00:07:57.863
  • 'cause this church was built on an ant hill.
  • 00:07:57.863 --> 00:08:00.899
  • You never see an ant just standing over there
  • 00:08:00.899 --> 00:08:03.735
  • Doing absolutely nothing, ever.
  • 00:08:03.735 --> 00:08:09.975
  • You don't see an ant just sitting down on a sofa.
  • 00:08:09.975 --> 00:08:15.113
  • Every ant has a job.
  • 00:08:15.113 --> 00:08:17.015
  • There's fire ants, carpenter ants,
  • 00:08:17.015 --> 00:08:19.150
  • Leaf-cutting ants, as i said, army ants,
  • 00:08:19.150 --> 00:08:21.853
  • There's weaver ants, there's nursing ants,
  • 00:08:21.853 --> 00:08:24.756
  • There's hunting ants.
  • 00:08:24.756 --> 00:08:26.825
  • The point is, every ant has a job.
  • 00:08:26.825 --> 00:08:31.096
  • And every ant participates.
  • 00:08:31.096 --> 00:08:34.533
  • Every ant has a task, a purpose, an assignment,
  • 00:08:34.533 --> 00:08:37.202
  • A sense of responsibility.
  • 00:08:37.202 --> 00:08:40.272
  • There shouldn't be anybody ever
  • 00:08:40.272 --> 00:08:43.475
  • Just sitting down, doing nothing.
  • 00:08:43.475 --> 00:08:48.680
  • Folks watching at home, just sitting there,
  • 00:08:48.680 --> 00:08:55.787
  • Taking up space.
  • 00:08:55.787 --> 00:08:58.323
  • Everyone should get off the couch.
  • 00:08:58.323 --> 00:09:00.258
  • Everyone should get into the fray.
  • 00:09:00.258 --> 00:09:02.193
  • Everyone should participate.
  • 00:09:02.193 --> 00:09:04.229
  • Everyone should be actively engaged.
  • 00:09:04.229 --> 00:09:06.364
  • If you go back up and look at verse 4 and 5,
  • 00:09:06.364 --> 00:09:08.166
  • And again, this is the two sides of the coin.
  • 00:09:08.166 --> 00:09:11.503
  • He says in proverbs 6, verse 4: "allow no sleep to your eyes,
  • 00:09:11.503 --> 00:09:15.707
  • No slumber to your eyelids.
  • 00:09:15.707 --> 00:09:19.744
  • Instead, free yourself,
  • 00:09:19.744 --> 00:09:21.179
  • Like a gazelle from the hand of a hunter,
  • 00:09:21.179 --> 00:09:24.382
  • Like a bird from the snare of the fowler."
  • 00:09:24.382 --> 00:09:26.985
  • In other words, don't get trapped into doing nothing.
  • 00:09:26.985 --> 00:09:30.355
  • Instead, the other side of that coin, verse 6,
  • 00:09:30.355 --> 00:09:33.592
  • Be like an ant.
  • 00:09:33.592 --> 00:09:35.827
  • Consider its ways, be active, participate,
  • 00:09:35.827 --> 00:09:39.731
  • Minister, use your gifts, get involved, sing,
  • 00:09:39.731 --> 00:09:45.370
  • Serve, give, volunteer, work.
  • 00:09:45.370 --> 00:09:49.641
  • Sitting around and doing nothing,
  • 00:09:49.641 --> 00:09:52.744
  • We have enough folks who do that.
  • 00:09:52.744 --> 00:09:57.115
  • We need everyone, not 10% doing 90% of the work
  • 00:09:57.115 --> 00:10:01.453
  • Or 20% of the people doing 80% of the work.
  • 00:10:01.453 --> 00:10:05.056
  • We need every single person here to participate, to be active.
  • 00:10:05.056 --> 00:10:10.562
  • The church is not a building.
  • 00:10:10.562 --> 00:10:12.530
  • The church is made up of people.
  • 00:10:12.530 --> 00:10:15.800
  • And every single person here,
  • 00:10:15.800 --> 00:10:17.469
  • God has put within you certain gifts,
  • 00:10:17.469 --> 00:10:20.972
  • Certain talents, and certain abilities.
  • 00:10:20.972 --> 00:10:23.808
  • He--god made you the way you are.
  • 00:10:23.808 --> 00:10:26.745
  • And the church is made up of people who come
  • 00:10:26.745 --> 00:10:29.280
  • And use those gifts and talents and abilities
  • 00:10:29.280 --> 00:10:33.118
  • To build up the body of christ.
  • 00:10:33.118 --> 00:10:36.121
  • That's what church is all about.
  • 00:10:36.121 --> 00:10:38.757
  • Now, the first thing is ants teach us how to participate.
  • 00:10:38.757 --> 00:10:42.460
  • Secondly, write this down,
  • 00:10:42.460 --> 00:10:43.795
  • Ants teach us what's called partnership.
  • 00:10:43.795 --> 00:10:46.931
  • He said to look to the ant in verse 6,
  • 00:10:46.931 --> 00:10:48.366
  • But verse 7 is an interesting verse.
  • 00:10:48.366 --> 00:10:50.602
  • It says that ants have no commander.
  • 00:10:50.602 --> 00:10:53.071
  • Now, think about this.
  • 00:10:53.071 --> 00:10:55.573
  • They have no overseer.
  • 00:10:55.573 --> 00:10:58.543
  • They have no ruler.
  • 00:10:58.543 --> 00:11:02.213
  • They don't really talk.
  • 00:11:02.213 --> 00:11:05.050
  • The only way they communicate, they believe,
  • 00:11:05.050 --> 00:11:07.052
  • Is by a sense of smell
  • 00:11:07.052 --> 00:11:08.520
  • Or by a chemical that is released.
  • 00:11:08.520 --> 00:11:12.524
  • But they know that they're in this colony together.
  • 00:11:12.524 --> 00:11:14.959
  • They live in community.
  • 00:11:14.959 --> 00:11:16.561
  • They're--they live together, they work together,
  • 00:11:16.561 --> 00:11:19.631
  • They serve together.
  • 00:11:19.631 --> 00:11:20.965
  • They are co-laborers together.
  • 00:11:20.965 --> 00:11:24.602
  • Ants don't need supervision.
  • 00:11:24.602 --> 00:11:26.504
  • They have no commander, no overseer, no ruler.
  • 00:11:26.504 --> 00:11:28.973
  • That means there's no boss.
  • 00:11:28.973 --> 00:11:30.775
  • That means there's no foreman.
  • 00:11:30.775 --> 00:11:32.377
  • That means there's no one yelling at an ant:
  • 00:11:32.377 --> 00:11:34.212
  • "you need to hurry up and do your job."
  • 00:11:34.212 --> 00:11:37.015
  • There's no preacher preaching to the ant: "hey, ant,
  • 00:11:37.015 --> 00:11:40.685
  • You gotta get involved."
  • 00:11:40.685 --> 00:11:42.821
  • There's no ego.
  • 00:11:42.821 --> 00:11:44.456
  • There's no one who says: "that's not my job."
  • 00:11:44.456 --> 00:11:47.325
  • They operate out of a sense of unity,
  • 00:11:47.325 --> 00:11:49.861
  • A sense of purpose,
  • 00:11:49.861 --> 00:11:51.329
  • A sense of we're in this thing together.
  • 00:11:51.329 --> 00:11:53.565
  • Even during a flood,
  • 00:11:53.565 --> 00:11:55.700
  • Which would typically wipe out a tiny ant,
  • 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:58.636
  • Literally thousands of ants will join hands together
  • 00:11:58.636 --> 00:12:01.439
  • And they form their own little raft
  • 00:12:01.439 --> 00:12:03.842
  • And they float together during those difficult times.
  • 00:12:03.842 --> 00:12:07.545
  • Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week,
  • 00:12:07.545 --> 00:12:09.714
  • No slacking, no excuses,
  • 00:12:09.714 --> 00:12:11.416
  • Every ant accepting their responsibility
  • 00:12:11.416 --> 00:12:14.586
  • Within that particular colony,
  • 00:12:14.586 --> 00:12:18.189
  • And that's the way we should be as a church, amen?
  • 00:12:18.189 --> 00:12:21.793
  • The new testament writer paul
  • 00:12:21.793 --> 00:12:23.294
  • In romans chapter 12, look at these words.
  • 00:12:23.294 --> 00:12:25.597
  • He basically says the same thing.
  • 00:12:25.597 --> 00:12:27.632
  • Verse 4: "for just as each of us individually,
  • 00:12:27.632 --> 00:12:32.237
  • We have one body with many members,
  • 00:12:32.237 --> 00:12:37.075
  • These members do not all have the same function,
  • 00:12:37.075 --> 00:12:41.279
  • So in christ we who are many,"
  • 00:12:41.279 --> 00:12:45.884
  • Look around, there are many of us here today.
  • 00:12:45.884 --> 00:12:47.986
  • "in christ we who are many, we form one body,
  • 00:12:47.986 --> 00:12:56.094
  • And each member-- each member belongs
  • 00:12:56.094 --> 00:13:02.066
  • To all the other members."
  • 00:13:02.066 --> 00:13:04.836
  • Verse 6 says: "we have different gifts."
  • 00:13:04.836 --> 00:13:07.172
  • We know that to be true. we're not all the same.
  • 00:13:07.172 --> 00:13:10.041
  • "we have different gifts,
  • 00:13:10.041 --> 00:13:11.376
  • According to the grace that was given to us."
  • 00:13:11.376 --> 00:13:12.844
  • In other words, god graced you
  • 00:13:12.844 --> 00:13:15.113
  • With certain gifts, talents, and abilities.
  • 00:13:15.113 --> 00:13:18.082
  • And then he says: "if a man's gift is prophesying,
  • 00:13:18.082 --> 00:13:20.218
  • Well then let him use that in proportion to his faith.
  • 00:13:20.218 --> 00:13:22.854
  • If he has the gift of serving, then let him serve;
  • 00:13:22.854 --> 00:13:26.024
  • If he has the gift of teaching, then let him teach;
  • 00:13:26.024 --> 00:13:29.561
  • If you have the gift of encouraging,
  • 00:13:29.561 --> 00:13:31.930
  • Then give encouragement; if you have
  • 00:13:31.930 --> 00:13:33.832
  • The gift of contributing to the needs of others,
  • 00:13:33.832 --> 00:13:36.868
  • Then give generously;
  • 00:13:36.868 --> 00:13:38.203
  • If you have the gift of leadership,
  • 00:13:38.203 --> 00:13:39.971
  • Then let him govern diligently;
  • 00:13:39.971 --> 00:13:41.973
  • And if you have a gift of showing mercy,
  • 00:13:41.973 --> 00:13:43.942
  • Then do so cheerfully."
  • 00:13:43.942 --> 00:13:47.178
  • But we all have a gift, amen?
  • 00:13:47.178 --> 00:13:49.981
  • In every church, there's three types of people.
  • 00:13:49.981 --> 00:13:52.217
  • Number one, there are builders who build the ministry,
  • 00:13:52.217 --> 00:13:57.155
  • There are watchers
  • 00:13:57.155 --> 00:13:58.790
  • Who just simply observe the ministry,
  • 00:13:58.790 --> 00:14:03.161
  • And then there are consumers who drain the ministry.
  • 00:14:03.161 --> 00:14:08.766
  • And the lesson of the ant is don't just be a consumer
  • 00:14:08.766 --> 00:14:13.638
  • And don't just be an observer.
  • 00:14:13.638 --> 00:14:16.241
  • Instead, start contributing, be a part of the team.
  • 00:14:16.241 --> 00:14:21.679
  • You say, "well, i'm waiting for a sign to get involved."
  • 00:14:21.679 --> 00:14:24.916
  • Your sign is the ant,
  • 00:14:24.916 --> 00:14:27.318
  • And there's 20 quadrillion of them.
  • 00:14:27.318 --> 00:14:30.755
  • Ants don't need applause.
  • 00:14:30.755 --> 00:14:32.523
  • Ants don't need recognition.
  • 00:14:32.523 --> 00:14:34.359
  • Ants don't need a platform.
  • 00:14:34.359 --> 00:14:36.094
  • Ants don't ask for permission.
  • 00:14:36.094 --> 00:14:38.396
  • They don't need to be motivated.
  • 00:14:38.396 --> 00:14:40.064
  • Ants simply do what they were created to do,
  • 00:14:40.064 --> 00:14:42.600
  • Which is to actively participate and to partner collectively.
  • 00:14:42.600 --> 00:14:47.739
  • There are thousands of things that we do as a church
  • 00:14:47.739 --> 00:14:49.774
  • That people have no clue to what we do
  • 00:14:49.774 --> 00:14:51.376
  • All around the world,
  • 00:14:51.376 --> 00:14:52.710
  • And it's really one of our biggest problems,
  • 00:14:52.710 --> 00:14:55.146
  • Is trying to convey to you
  • 00:14:55.146 --> 00:14:57.282
  • All the things that we do around the globe
  • 00:14:57.282 --> 00:15:00.084
  • And in this city, the lives that we touch,
  • 00:15:00.084 --> 00:15:02.987
  • The families that we help, the people that we serve,
  • 00:15:02.987 --> 00:15:05.757
  • The ministries that we have around the entire world.
  • 00:15:05.757 --> 00:15:09.761
  • People don't see the good that we do.
  • 00:15:09.761 --> 00:15:13.064
  • I think about the ants.
  • 00:15:13.064 --> 00:15:14.399
  • The ants, we don't really know what they do.
  • 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:16.567
  • They are soil engineers.
  • 00:15:16.567 --> 00:15:18.836
  • They dig millions of miles of tunnels
  • 00:15:18.836 --> 00:15:21.806
  • Underneath the surface of the earth.
  • 00:15:21.806 --> 00:15:24.842
  • And with those tunnels, they are aerating the soil.
  • 00:15:24.842 --> 00:15:27.512
  • They're adding oxygen to the soil.
  • 00:15:27.512 --> 00:15:30.615
  • Those tunnels improve the water absorption
  • 00:15:30.615 --> 00:15:33.084
  • When it rains.
  • 00:15:33.084 --> 00:15:34.886
  • Those tunnels prevent erosion.
  • 00:15:34.886 --> 00:15:36.854
  • If the tunnels weren't there,
  • 00:15:36.854 --> 00:15:38.523
  • The water would wipe all the soil away.
  • 00:15:38.523 --> 00:15:43.227
  • The tunnels that they dig
  • 00:15:43.227 --> 00:15:45.029
  • Increase the growth of roots of plants and shrubs.
  • 00:15:45.029 --> 00:15:49.400
  • Before a farmer ever plows a field,
  • 00:15:49.400 --> 00:15:51.936
  • The ants have already prepared the soil
  • 00:15:51.936 --> 00:15:54.272
  • For the farmer.
  • 00:15:54.272 --> 00:15:55.940
  • The ants remove all the dead insects.
  • 00:15:55.940 --> 00:15:58.910
  • If you see a dead insect,
  • 00:15:58.910 --> 00:16:00.845
  • The ants will get rid of the dead insects.
  • 00:16:00.845 --> 00:16:04.349
  • They control-- ants control termites,
  • 00:16:04.349 --> 00:16:07.752
  • And they control flies.
  • 00:16:07.752 --> 00:16:09.387
  • If there were no ants,
  • 00:16:09.387 --> 00:16:10.722
  • The flies would overtake the entire world.
  • 00:16:10.722 --> 00:16:13.791
  • They're part of the food chain of birds and lizards and frogs.
  • 00:16:13.791 --> 00:16:18.196
  • They also disperse seed so the forest can grow.
  • 00:16:18.196 --> 00:16:23.067
  • The earth itself would be much weaker
  • 00:16:23.067 --> 00:16:25.703
  • If god did not have his ants
  • 00:16:25.703 --> 00:16:29.340
  • Doing what he created them to do.
  • 00:16:29.340 --> 00:16:32.710
  • And in the same way, i believe the whole world
  • 00:16:32.710 --> 00:16:35.446
  • Would be a weaker place without the church
  • 00:16:35.446 --> 00:16:38.282
  • And without the members of the church
  • 00:16:38.282 --> 00:16:41.219
  • Doing what we've called to do.
  • 00:16:41.219 --> 00:16:44.088
  • This church makes a difference in this city.
  • 00:16:44.088 --> 00:16:47.125
  • This church makes a difference in our world.
  • 00:16:47.125 --> 00:16:50.762
  • This church makes a difference
  • 00:16:50.762 --> 00:16:52.697
  • In the lives of millions of people
  • 00:16:52.697 --> 00:16:55.366
  • Around the globe.
  • 00:16:55.366 --> 00:16:57.335
  • Go ahead and clap for that.
  • 00:16:57.335 --> 00:17:03.007
  • But it's amazing at what we could do,
  • 00:17:03.007 --> 00:17:05.109
  • What we could accomplish if we all participated,
  • 00:17:05.109 --> 00:17:07.745
  • If we all were truly engaged.
  • 00:17:07.745 --> 00:17:10.181
  • When you saw the music today, there were--
  • 00:17:10.181 --> 00:17:12.417
  • The music, there is a team,
  • 00:17:12.417 --> 00:17:14.886
  • Teams of people involved in the music department.
  • 00:17:14.886 --> 00:17:17.922
  • There are teams of people caring
  • 00:17:17.922 --> 00:17:20.258
  • For the young people in this church.
  • 00:17:20.258 --> 00:17:22.627
  • There are teams of people watching over the babies
  • 00:17:22.627 --> 00:17:25.430
  • In the nursery this very moment.
  • 00:17:25.430 --> 00:17:27.665
  • There are teams of people that work--
  • 00:17:27.665 --> 00:17:29.467
  • That do the usher and the greeting.
  • 00:17:29.467 --> 00:17:31.502
  • There are teams of people
  • 00:17:31.502 --> 00:17:32.870
  • Working in the media and the video department.
  • 00:17:32.870 --> 00:17:35.807
  • There are teams of people working in the life groups
  • 00:17:35.807 --> 00:17:38.709
  • And the discipleship groups in our church.
  • 00:17:38.709 --> 00:17:41.512
  • There are teams of people working in the parking crew,
  • 00:17:41.512 --> 00:17:45.149
  • And yet some people come to church,
  • 00:17:45.149 --> 00:17:46.884
  • But they never become the church.
  • 00:17:46.884 --> 00:17:50.021
  • They sit next to people,
  • 00:17:50.021 --> 00:17:51.489
  • But they don't connect to people.
  • 00:17:51.489 --> 00:17:55.026
  • They receive ministry, but they don't join in ministry.
  • 00:17:55.026 --> 00:18:00.498
  • They enjoy the worship,
  • 00:18:00.498 --> 00:18:01.899
  • But they don't participate in the worship.
  • 00:18:01.899 --> 00:18:05.403
  • And ladies and gentlemen, you need to know
  • 00:18:05.403 --> 00:18:06.904
  • That we were not called by god to sit.
  • 00:18:06.904 --> 00:18:09.907
  • We were called by god to serve, just like jesus.
  • 00:18:09.907 --> 00:18:16.314
  • And number three, the third thing ants teach us
  • 00:18:16.314 --> 00:18:20.084
  • Is what's--a thing called preparedness.
  • 00:18:20.084 --> 00:18:23.588
  • Now, this is a huge point in this message.
  • 00:18:23.588 --> 00:18:27.658
  • This ant has no commander, no overseer, no ruler.
  • 00:18:27.658 --> 00:18:31.829
  • They all participate, they're all engaged,
  • 00:18:31.829 --> 00:18:34.165
  • Yet what is it doing?
  • 00:18:34.165 --> 00:18:35.933
  • What is that ant doing?
  • 00:18:35.933 --> 00:18:38.369
  • It stores up its provisions during the summer
  • 00:18:38.369 --> 00:18:43.574
  • And gathers its food at the harvest.
  • 00:18:43.574 --> 00:18:46.878
  • You ever noticed that the ants are really active
  • 00:18:46.878 --> 00:18:48.846
  • In the hot summer months?
  • 00:18:48.846 --> 00:18:51.382
  • They are storing up their provisions.
  • 00:18:51.382 --> 00:18:55.419
  • Don't wait until the weather turns bad
  • 00:18:55.419 --> 00:18:59.824
  • To start preparing.
  • 00:18:59.824 --> 00:19:02.426
  • Most believers are not defeated in winter,
  • 00:19:02.426 --> 00:19:07.732
  • They're defeated in the summer.
  • 00:19:07.732 --> 00:19:11.903
  • Not when life is hard, but when life is comfortable,
  • 00:19:11.903 --> 00:19:15.673
  • When you have money in the bank
  • 00:19:15.673 --> 00:19:18.009
  • And your doctor says you're healthy
  • 00:19:18.009 --> 00:19:20.912
  • And your kids are fine and your schedule is relaxed
  • 00:19:20.912 --> 00:19:25.449
  • And the crisis is gone and your marriage,
  • 00:19:25.449 --> 00:19:28.452
  • You know, it feels stable and work is going well.
  • 00:19:28.452 --> 00:19:32.356
  • That's when most people stop praying.
  • 00:19:32.356 --> 00:19:34.792
  • That's when most people stop serving.
  • 00:19:34.792 --> 00:19:37.228
  • That's when most people stop giving.
  • 00:19:37.228 --> 00:19:39.597
  • That's when most people stop learning.
  • 00:19:39.597 --> 00:19:41.966
  • That's when most people stop participating.
  • 00:19:41.966 --> 00:19:46.637
  • But if you don't prepare now,
  • 00:19:46.637 --> 00:19:50.875
  • You're going to find yourself in a panic later.
  • 00:19:50.875 --> 00:19:55.613
  • Someone said if you binge watch netflix in the summer,
  • 00:19:55.613 --> 00:20:01.118
  • You're going to have to beg god in the winter.
  • 00:20:01.118 --> 00:20:05.723
  • Don't say, "one day i will volunteer,
  • 00:20:05.723 --> 00:20:08.025
  • One day i'll get involved, one day i'm gonna get baptized,
  • 00:20:08.025 --> 00:20:12.396
  • One day i'm gonna launch out in faith,
  • 00:20:12.396 --> 00:20:14.365
  • One day i'll serve, one day i will give,
  • 00:20:14.365 --> 00:20:17.201
  • One day i will participate."
  • 00:20:17.201 --> 00:20:19.036
  • No, start today.
  • 00:20:19.036 --> 00:20:20.504
  • Now's the time to do
  • 00:20:20.504 --> 00:20:22.073
  • What you're supposed to be doing.
  • 00:20:22.073 --> 00:20:27.878
  • Proverbs chapter 30, verse 27, all these little ants,
  • 00:20:27.878 --> 00:20:31.082
  • They are creatures of little--
  • 00:20:31.082 --> 00:20:32.483
  • They have little power compared to you and i.
  • 00:20:32.483 --> 00:20:36.287
  • Yet they store up their food in the summer.
  • 00:20:36.287 --> 00:20:40.925
  • They're getting prepared for what lies ahead.
  • 00:20:40.925 --> 00:20:43.027
  • I want to ask you this question:
  • 00:20:43.027 --> 00:20:44.362
  • Are you prepared right now, are you prepared
  • 00:20:44.362 --> 00:20:47.231
  • For the second coming of jesus christ?
  • 00:20:47.231 --> 00:20:51.669
  • Are you prepared for jesus's return?
  • 00:20:51.669 --> 00:20:57.675
  • The bible says that jesus christ
  • 00:20:57.675 --> 00:20:59.410
  • Could come back at any moment.
  • 00:20:59.410 --> 00:21:03.147
  • I don't know how you look at things going on in our world,
  • 00:21:03.147 --> 00:21:05.483
  • But all of it points to me
  • 00:21:05.483 --> 00:21:06.884
  • That the second coming of jesus christ
  • 00:21:06.884 --> 00:21:08.819
  • Is nearer than it's ever been before.
  • 00:21:08.819 --> 00:21:12.823
  • And so the question is, is there anything in your life
  • 00:21:12.823 --> 00:21:15.459
  • That god is leading you to do?
  • 00:21:15.459 --> 00:21:16.961
  • Is there something in your marriage,
  • 00:21:16.961 --> 00:21:18.929
  • Something where you work, something about your future?
  • 00:21:18.929 --> 00:21:22.433
  • Is there anything that god has asked you to do
  • 00:21:22.433 --> 00:21:25.002
  • As far as your church involvement?
  • 00:21:25.002 --> 00:21:27.438
  • Have you ever felt god speaking to you about getting baptized?
  • 00:21:27.438 --> 00:21:30.741
  • Have you ever felt god leading you
  • 00:21:30.741 --> 00:21:32.677
  • To get involved in a life group?
  • 00:21:32.677 --> 00:21:34.478
  • Have you ever sensed any type of leading from god
  • 00:21:34.478 --> 00:21:37.548
  • In regards to you being involved in ministry?
  • 00:21:37.548 --> 00:21:42.787
  • Now's the time.
  • 00:21:42.787 --> 00:21:45.056
  • You do not need a 6'5 baldheaded preacher
  • 00:21:45.056 --> 00:21:49.894
  • Standing on a stage to tell you any of this.
  • 00:21:49.894 --> 00:21:54.932
  • The most powerful preacher in the world
  • 00:21:54.932 --> 00:21:57.034
  • Is a tiny little ant who preaches
  • 00:21:57.034 --> 00:22:00.838
  • To us participation, partnership, and preparedness.
  • 00:22:00.838 --> 00:22:07.044
  • And i say again, look up and see the harvest.
  • 00:22:07.044 --> 00:22:12.083
  • The lord is waiting for workers
  • 00:22:12.083 --> 00:22:14.318
  • In his harvest field, amen?
  • 00:22:14.318 --> 00:22:16.654
  • Pastor dudley: oh, aren't you so glad
  • 00:22:20.491 --> 00:22:21.826
  • That god is faithful in all that he does,
  • 00:22:21.826 --> 00:22:25.062
  • That he's full of unfailing love,
  • 00:22:25.062 --> 00:22:27.865
  • And that he alone saves?
  • 00:22:27.865 --> 00:22:30.334
  • I'm so thankful we serve a god like that, amen?
  • 00:22:30.334 --> 00:22:34.205
  • Amen.
  • 00:22:34.205 --> 00:22:35.606
  • Every week here at "lift up jesus,"
  • 00:22:35.606 --> 00:22:37.375
  • We study god's word and we get to know him better,
  • 00:22:37.375 --> 00:22:40.711
  • And we want to take the truth of god's word
  • 00:22:40.711 --> 00:22:43.614
  • To the four corners of the world
  • 00:22:43.614 --> 00:22:45.850
  • Through radio, television, and the internet.
  • 00:22:45.850 --> 00:22:49.186
  • If you'd like to partner with our ministry
  • 00:22:49.186 --> 00:22:51.155
  • Through prayer or financial giving,
  • 00:22:51.155 --> 00:22:53.991
  • Please call the number on the screen below
  • 00:22:53.991 --> 00:22:56.627
  • Or visit our website at liftupjesus.com.
  • 00:22:56.627 --> 00:23:00.364
  • It's our goal to reach as many people as possible
  • 00:23:00.364 --> 00:23:03.868
  • With the gospel, which has the power
  • 00:23:03.868 --> 00:23:06.570
  • To heal hearts, restore lives,
  • 00:23:06.570 --> 00:23:09.173
  • And to save souls.
  • 00:23:09.173 --> 00:23:11.075
  • We'd be honored if you'd join us
  • 00:23:11.075 --> 00:23:12.977
  • In this mission.
  • 00:23:12.977 --> 00:23:14.578
  • Thank you for spending this time with me today,
  • 00:23:14.578 --> 00:23:16.847
  • And please tune in again next week,
  • 00:23:16.847 --> 00:23:19.116
  • Same time, same place.
  • 00:23:19.116 --> 00:23:20.985
  • And remember, whatever you're doing
  • 00:23:20.985 --> 00:23:22.653
  • And wherever you're going,
  • 00:23:22.653 --> 00:23:24.455
  • Don't forget to always lift up jesus.
  • 00:23:24.455 --> 00:23:27.892
  • Kayla francis: hi, i'm kayla francis,
  • 00:23:30.661 --> 00:23:32.096
  • Founder and executive director of influenceher group.
  • 00:23:32.096 --> 00:23:36.133
  • Influenceher group exists to help you discover and grow
  • 00:23:36.133 --> 00:23:40.104
  • Your god-given influence.
  • 00:23:40.104 --> 00:23:41.639
  • We want to help you to see
  • 00:23:41.639 --> 00:23:43.140
  • The truth of ephesians 2:10 realized in your life.
  • 00:23:43.140 --> 00:23:48.479
  • You're the precious work of god's hand.
  • 00:23:48.479 --> 00:23:50.614
  • You were made to do and accomplish good,
  • 00:23:50.614 --> 00:23:53.117
  • And all of that was prepared for you in advance.
  • 00:23:53.117 --> 00:23:56.921
  • I'd like to invite you to visit our website,
  • 00:23:56.921 --> 00:23:59.457
  • Influencehergroup.com.
  • 00:23:59.457 --> 00:24:02.159
  • Leave us your email address, and check out
  • 00:24:02.159 --> 00:24:03.928
  • Some of the resources that we have made available.
  • 00:24:03.928 --> 00:24:06.931
  • We offer events both online and in person
  • 00:24:06.931 --> 00:24:09.633
  • That will help you develop yourself
  • 00:24:09.633 --> 00:24:11.869
  • Within a community of like-minded women.
  • 00:24:11.869 --> 00:24:14.205
  • We'll see you there.
  • 00:24:14.205 --> 00:24:17.308
  • Pastor dudley: hey, it's pastor dudley rutherford
  • 00:24:21.378 --> 00:24:22.880
  • Here at lift up jesus radio and television ministry,
  • 00:24:22.880 --> 00:24:26.083
  • And i wanna thank you for being a part
  • 00:24:26.083 --> 00:24:28.419
  • Of this ministry listening here today.
  • 00:24:28.419 --> 00:24:30.788
  • Our desire is to take the gospel
  • 00:24:30.788 --> 00:24:32.990
  • To the entire world,
  • 00:24:32.990 --> 00:24:34.558
  • Not just to your city and not just to your house,
  • 00:24:34.558 --> 00:24:37.595
  • But to every city and to every house.
  • 00:24:37.595 --> 00:24:40.764
  • And in order to do that, we need people like you
  • 00:24:40.764 --> 00:24:43.367
  • Who believe in this ministry
  • 00:24:43.367 --> 00:24:45.536
  • To come alongside us and to support us faithfully
  • 00:24:45.536 --> 00:24:49.740
  • With their prayers, with their finances,
  • 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:52.209
  • With the word of mouth.
  • 00:24:52.209 --> 00:24:53.544
  • You can share this on social media,
  • 00:24:53.544 --> 00:24:55.913
  • But we need people like you who would seriously consider
  • 00:24:55.913 --> 00:24:59.183
  • Becoming a partner with us.
  • 00:24:59.183 --> 00:25:01.485
  • Go to our website, liftupjesus.com.
  • 00:25:01.485 --> 00:25:04.154
  • There's a button there that says, "partner with us."
  • 00:25:04.154 --> 00:25:07.324
  • We ask that you could do anything you possibly can
  • 00:25:07.324 --> 00:25:10.895
  • To help this ministry reach the four corners of this world.
  • 00:25:10.895 --> 00:25:15.165
  • God bless each and every one of you here today.
  • 00:25:15.165 --> 00:25:18.002
  • Announcer: the bible promises that anyone who meditates
  • 00:25:22.072 --> 00:25:24.475
  • Both day and night on the word of god will be blessed.
  • 00:25:24.475 --> 00:25:27.711
  • And what better way to get connected to the bible
  • 00:25:27.711 --> 00:25:30.347
  • Than with your very own personal bible study guide?
  • 00:25:30.347 --> 00:25:33.784
  • For your gift of any size to the lift up jesus ministry,
  • 00:25:33.784 --> 00:25:36.887
  • We'll send you our latest offer "anchored:
  • 00:25:36.887 --> 00:25:39.557
  • A 365-day bible-reading guide and journal."
  • 00:25:39.557 --> 00:25:42.993
  • "anchored" is an effective resource
  • 00:25:42.993 --> 00:25:44.695
  • That works with any version of the bible.
  • 00:25:44.695 --> 00:25:46.997
  • This daily devotional gives you selected scriptures
  • 00:25:46.997 --> 00:25:49.366
  • To choose from, plus study questions for you to complete.
  • 00:25:49.366 --> 00:25:53.404
  • We trust this bible-reading guide will engage you deeper
  • 00:25:53.404 --> 00:25:56.273
  • Into god's word and improve your daily walk with him.
  • 00:25:56.273 --> 00:26:00.210
  • Get your copy of "anchored: a 365-day bible-reading guide and journal"
  • 00:26:00.210 --> 00:26:04.815
  • Right now by calling the number on the screen
  • 00:26:04.815 --> 00:26:07.751
  • Or visit our website liftupjesus.com.
  • 00:26:07.751 --> 00:26:11.188
  • Why not start the new year in daily devotion
  • 00:26:11.188 --> 00:26:13.757
  • With one of the very best bible-reading guides
  • 00:26:13.757 --> 00:26:15.993
  • You will ever find?
  • 00:26:15.993 --> 00:26:17.494
  • Call us right now and get yourself "anchored" today.
  • 00:26:17.494 --> 00:26:19.830
  • Michael north: research proves that it's the regular hearing
  • 00:26:22.566 --> 00:26:24.401
  • And teaching of the word of god
  • 00:26:24.401 --> 00:26:26.870
  • That takes our christian life to a new level.
  • 00:26:26.870 --> 00:26:29.540
  • That's why we invite you to meet dudley rutherford every week
  • 00:26:29.540 --> 00:26:32.543
  • On this station for another powerful message
  • 00:26:32.543 --> 00:26:35.012
  • Straight from the bible.
  • 00:26:35.012 --> 00:26:36.914
  • You can also visit liftupjesus.com to sign up
  • 00:26:36.914 --> 00:26:39.683
  • For a monthly email devotional, discover pastor dudley's books
  • 00:26:39.683 --> 00:26:43.854
  • And other resources, and see our national tv
  • 00:26:43.854 --> 00:26:46.757
  • And radio schedule.
  • 00:26:46.757 --> 00:26:48.759
  • And don't hesitate to reach out on the phone or online.
  • 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:51.762
  • Pastor dudley has a passion and vision to reach more people
  • 00:26:51.762 --> 00:26:55.599
  • With the message of hope.
  • 00:26:55.599 --> 00:26:57.635
  • And if you'd like to partner with us to touch the world,
  • 00:26:57.635 --> 00:27:00.304
  • We'd love to hear from you.
  • 00:27:00.304 --> 00:27:02.106
  • Your financial gift will do so much to help us impact
  • 00:27:02.106 --> 00:27:05.075
  • The nations for christ.
  • 00:27:05.075 --> 00:27:07.144
  • And if you're ever in the southern california area,
  • 00:27:07.144 --> 00:27:09.446
  • We invite you to visit us at shepherd church
  • 00:27:09.446 --> 00:27:11.782
  • Here in los angeles.
  • 00:27:11.782 --> 00:27:13.417
  • It's an amazing experience you'll never forget.
  • 00:27:13.417 --> 00:27:16.220
  • Until next time, remember to always lift up jesus.
  • 00:27:16.220 --> 00:27:20.424
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:20.424 --> 00:27:26.063
  • ...
  • 00:27:26.063 --> 00:27:26.063