Celebrating God's Faithfulness Through Life's Journey

Summary

Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s faithfulness through every season of life. As I reflected on my 66th birthday, I was reminded of the journey—much like the historic Route 66, filled with stops, detours, and milestones. Each stage of life, from my humble beginnings in Pinal, Trinidad, to the present, has been marked by God’s presence and provision. Looking back, I see not only the challenges and mistakes but also the unmistakable hand of God guiding, sustaining, and providing at every turn.

The heart of our reflection centered on Psalm 37:25-26: “I have been young, and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” This is not just a statement about material provision, but a testimony to God’s unwavering faithfulness to those who walk in righteousness. We explored what it means to be “righteous”—not merely doing what is right in the eyes of others, but living with a moral center, a heart attuned to God’s justice (mishpat) and righteousness (tzedek). In the Old Testament, righteousness was about obedience to the law and doing right by others. But the New Testament reveals a deeper truth: our own efforts can never meet God’s perfect standard. All our righteousness is as filthy rags compared to His holiness.

Yet, there is hope. Through Jesus Christ, we are made righteous—not by our own works, but by His sacrifice. Like the prodigal son clothed in a new robe, we are covered in Christ’s righteousness when we trust in Him. This is the foundation of our confidence: God does not abandon His children. He sees our needs, as He saw Abraham’s on Mount Moriah, and provides—not always what we want, but always what we truly need for life and godliness.

As we partook in communion, we remembered God’s greatest provision: the sacrifice of His Son. Communion is a reminder that God has already provided for our deepest needs—salvation, forgiveness, and hope. No matter where we are on life’s journey, we can look back with gratitude and ahead with hope, knowing that God’s faithfulness endures.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Faithfulness Is Proven Over a Lifetime
Reflecting on the years, it becomes clear that God’s faithfulness is not a theory but a lived reality. Even in seasons of uncertainty, dryness, or detours, God’s presence and provision have been constant. The journey may not always make sense in the moment, but looking back reveals a tapestry of grace and guidance that only God could weave. [52:31]

- Righteousness Is More Than Good Deeds
True righteousness is not just about outward actions or following rules, but about having a heart that seeks justice and does what is right, even when no one is watching. The Old Testament calls us to live uprightly, but the New Testament reminds us that our best efforts fall short of God’s standard. Righteousness, then, is both a pursuit and a gift—a life lived in alignment with God’s heart, and a status granted through Christ. [01:10:08]

- Christ’s Sacrifice Is the Only Path to True Righteousness
No amount of religious activity or moral effort can make us right before God. The law and our own works are insufficient; only the sacrifice of Jesus can cleanse us once and for all. When we trust in Christ, we are justified—declared righteous—not because of what we have done, but because of what He has done for us. This is the robe of righteousness we wear as God’s beloved children. [01:21:44]

- God Provides What We Need, Not Always What We Want
God’s provision is often more abundant than we realize, but our perspective can blind us to His generosity. He promises to supply our needs, not our every desire. Sometimes, recognizing His provision requires gratitude and a willingness to see beyond our wants to the sufficiency of what He has already given. [01:26:17]

- Communion Reminds Us of God’s Ultimate Provision
The act of communion is a powerful reminder that God has already met our greatest need through the sacrifice of His Son. Just as Abraham discovered God’s provision on the mountain, we are invited to trust that God sees us, knows our needs, and has provided for our salvation and daily life. Communion is not just a ritual, but a call to remember and rest in God’s faithfulness. [01:38:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[52:31] - Reflections on Life’s Journey and Route 66
[56:12] - Looking Back with Gratitude, Ahead with Hope
[01:00:10] - Psalm 37: God’s Faithfulness to the Righteous
[01:07:00] - Who Are the Righteous? Old Testament Perspective
[01:10:08] - Righteousness and Justice: Sedeq and Mishpat
[01:13:02] - God’s Character: Righteousness and Justice
[01:14:16] - Living Uprightly: God’s Expectation
[01:17:24] - The New Testament View: Our Righteousness in Christ
[01:20:28] - The Inadequacy of Human Effort
[01:21:44] - Christ’s Sacrifice: The Robe of Righteousness
[01:23:21] - God’s Provision for His Children
[01:26:17] - Recognizing God’s Provision in Everyday Life
[01:31:11] - Abraham, Isaac, and Jehovah Jireh
[01:32:34] - God Sees and Provides: El-Rohi
[01:37:18] - Communion: Remembering God’s Ultimate Provision
[01:38:34] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: God’s Faithfulness Through Every Season

---

### Bible Reading

Psalm 37:25-26 (ESV)
> I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.

---

### Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 37:25-26, what has the psalmist observed about the righteous and their children?
2. In the sermon, what examples did the pastor give from his own life that showed God’s faithfulness and provision? [[52:31]]
3. How does the sermon describe what it means to be “righteous” in both the Old Testament and the New Testament? [[01:07:00]]
4. What does the pastor say about God’s provision—does He always give us what we want, or what we need? [[01:26:17]]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The psalmist says he has never seen the righteous forsaken. What does this suggest about God’s character and His relationship with those who trust Him? [[01:00:10]]
2. The sermon explains that our own good deeds are not enough to make us righteous before God. Why is this, and how does Jesus change our standing before God? [[01:17:24]]
3. The pastor shared about Abraham and the story of God providing a ram instead of Isaac. What does this story teach us about how God sees and provides for our needs? [[01:31:11]]
4. Communion was described as a reminder of God’s greatest provision. Why is it important to remember this regularly, and how does it affect our daily trust in God? [[01:38:34]]

---

### Application Questions

1. The pastor looked back on his life and saw a “tapestry of grace and guidance.” When you look back on your own journey, can you identify a time when God provided for you in a way you didn’t expect? How did it change your perspective? [[52:31]]
2. The sermon says true righteousness is not just about doing good things when people are watching, but having a heart that seeks justice and does what is right even when no one sees. Is there an area in your life where you feel challenged to do the right thing, even if it’s unnoticed? What would it look like to take a step in that direction this week? [[01:10:08]]
3. The pastor mentioned that sometimes we don’t recognize God’s provision because we are focused on what we want instead of what we need. Is there something in your life right now that you wish God would provide? How might your perspective change if you focused on gratitude for what He has already given? [[01:26:17]]
4. The sermon talked about the “robe of righteousness” we receive through Jesus. Do you ever struggle to accept that you are fully accepted and loved by God because of Christ, not your own efforts? How can you remind yourself of this truth when you feel unworthy? [[01:21:44]]
5. The pastor encouraged the church to see God as Jehovah Jireh—the God who sees and provides. Is there a practical way you can trust God with a current need or worry this week? What would it look like to surrender that to Him? [[01:31:11]]
6. During communion, we remember God’s ultimate provision in Jesus. How can you make the act of communion more meaningful in your own life, not just as a ritual but as a reminder of God’s faithfulness? [[01:38:34]]
7. The pastor shared about giving away what we have in abundance and being generous. Is there something you have more than enough of—time, resources, encouragement—that you could share with someone in need this week? [[01:26:17]]

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for His faithfulness in every season, for making us righteous through Jesus, and for providing what we truly need. Ask for eyes to see His provision and a heart to trust Him more each day.

Devotional

Day 1: God Never Forsakes the Righteous
No matter the twists and turns of life’s journey, God remains faithful to those who walk in righteousness. Even when circumstances seem uncertain or when feelings of abandonment arise, the assurance stands that God does not forget or forsake His people. The psalmist’s reflection, drawn from a lifetime of experience, is a testimony that God’s presence and provision are steadfast for those who trust in Him. You can rest in the truth that, despite challenges or seasons of dryness, God’s care is unwavering and His eyes are always on you. [01:05:00]

Psalm 37:25-26 (ESV)
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.

Reflection: When have you felt alone or forgotten, and how can you remind yourself today that God’s faithfulness has never left you—even in those moments?


Day 2: True Righteousness Comes Through Christ Alone
While doing what is right is important, true righteousness is not something we can achieve by our own efforts or good deeds. The standard of God’s holiness is unattainable by human means; all our righteousness is as filthy rags before Him. But through Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, we are made righteous—justified and accepted by God not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us. When you accept Jesus, you put on His righteousness, and God sees you as His beloved child. [01:23:21]

Romans 3:10 (ESV)
As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one.”

Reflection: In what ways do you still try to earn God’s approval through your own efforts, and how can you rest more fully in the righteousness Christ has given you?


Day 3: God Provides for Every Need, Not Every Want
God is Jehovah Jireh, the One who sees and provides for our needs—not always our wants. Sometimes, our perspective is clouded by comparison or consumerism, but when we look honestly, we see that God has already given us more than enough. He provides food, clothing, shelter, and daily sustenance, often in ways we overlook or take for granted. Trusting God as your provider means recognizing and being grateful for what you have, rather than focusing on what you lack. [01:29:03]

Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one area where you have been asking God for more, but now realize He has already provided what you truly need?


Day 4: Doing What Is Right and Just Reflects God’s Heart
God calls His people to live lives marked by righteousness and justice—doing what is right, loving kindness, and walking humbly with Him. This is not just about outward actions, but about having a heart that seeks to honor God and care for others. When you choose to act justly and uprightly, even when no one is watching, you reflect the character of God to the world around you. [01:14:16]

Micah 6:8 (ESV)
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Reflection: Is there a situation today where you are tempted to cut corners or ignore what is right? How can you choose justice and integrity in that moment?


Day 5: Communion Reminds Us of God’s Ultimate Provision
The act of communion is a powerful reminder that God has provided for our deepest need—salvation—through the sacrifice of His Son. Just as Abraham trusted God to provide a sacrifice on the mountain, we look to the cross and see that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. As you partake in communion, remember that God sees you, knows your needs, and has already made a way for you to be reconciled to Him. [01:38:34]

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV)
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Reflection: As you remember Christ’s sacrifice in communion, what specific need or burden can you lay at His feet today, trusting that He has already provided for you?

Quotes

So when we hear the psalmist talking about righteousness. And I was young, and now I am old, but I have not seen the righteous forsaken. He's saying those who do right by God, he says, will never be forsaken. Amen. So we're seeing this in the context of the law and the context of the things that we ought to do. [01:14:23] (21 seconds)  #NewTestamentRighteousnessInChrist Edit Clip

So in the New Testament context, when we talk about righteousness, we're talking about walking in the righteousness of Christ. Not my own righteousness. Not when I do the things that I think are right. Now that's good, and it's okay to do that, to do the things that are right. But now we're looking at it from a different, remember I said to you a while ago, the New Testament said that all our righteousness are like filthy rags. [01:17:14] (26 seconds)  #JesusPerfectsForever Edit Clip

So how do we fix that? How do we fix that? Well, the truth is we can't fix it. The truth is you can't fix it. The truth is I can't fix it. That's why scripture says, all our righteousness are like 30 acts. That he is not righteous, no one runs. But if there's not righteous, no, not one. And all our righteousness are like 30 acts. And we can't fix it. Well, where does this leave us? Where do we go from here? Then there's no hope in the world. I want you to know there is hope. And that's why we observe communion today, because God sent his son. [01:20:28] (32 seconds)  #GodProvidesForHisChildren Edit Clip

So sometimes, even though there's some things that are bent and misshapen in our lives, when God looks at us, what does he see? He sees the righteousness of his son that we have now put on to salvation. We have now put on the righteousness of Christ. So how do we become righteous? We become righteous through Jesus Christ. So it's not by the things that we have done. It's not by the things that we can do. It's not by our own efforts, but it's because of what God has done through his son. And that's how we become righteous. [01:23:21] (30 seconds)  #NeedsOverWants Edit Clip

You see, we always sing that song, God will provide Jehovah Jireh in the context of God will give me everything that I want. But that's not necessarily true. God will not give you everything you want. He will give you what you need. And that is the key to the whole thing. What do I need for life and godliness? What do I need to survive? What do I need to go through this journey of life? What do I need to get to the age of 66 in my life? God will provide us. [01:34:46] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

And I'll tell you this right now. I was young and now I'm old. I've not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread. And I remember those days when I didn't have a job. I remember those days when I had a child in the house and I didn't have money to buy food. But you know what? God provided. She has grown up. She's in her 30s now. She has an old job and making life. You know why? Because God has provided along the way. And we're here today. I remember when this church started and we didn't have a microphone. But you know what? God has provided. He saw what we needed and he has provided. Amen. [01:35:12] (37 seconds) Edit Clip

So as we get ready to partake, and I'm going to close now, we come to Holy Communion. And remember that communion is about God's greatest provision for us. He has provided for us. Once we were dead in our trespasses and sin, we had no hope of salvation. We were trying on our own to become righteous, but God saw what we needed, and he provided a sacrifice for us. Isn't that something? He provided a sacrifice for us. But none of us could mesh up to God's holy standard. We fell short by a mile. But in Christ, Paul says, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace. Grace. That's who we are. [01:36:31] (43 seconds) Edit Clip