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Good morning. Good morning. Welcome to Good morning. Good morning. Welcome to church. Stand to your feet today. church. Stand to your feet today. church. Stand to your feet today. The God of the universe is here. The God The God of the universe is here. The God The God of the universe is here. The God who transforms us, who takes us from who transforms us, who takes us from who transforms us, who takes us from darkness to light. So let's give him our darkness to light. So let's give him our darkness to light. So let's give him our praise. Let's give him our song. The enemy tried to end my story. The enemy tried to end my story. Come on. Come on. Come on. But God had a different plan. But God had a different plan. But God had a different plan. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. See, he took my sin and he broke my See, he took my sin and he broke my See, he took my sin and he broke my bondage. And he raised me up right out of that And he raised me up right out of that grave Oh, and I'm so glad that Jesus saves.

Oh, and I'm so glad that Jesus saves. Let's sing it. Let's sing it. Let's sing it. I was sinking, I was sinking, I was sinking, but I'm singing now. I was but God, but but I'm singing now. I was but God, but but I'm singing now. I was but God, but God have different plan. God have different plan. God have different plan. I was drowning, I was drowning, I was drowning, but I'm dancing now. I was the God, but but I'm dancing now. I was the God, but but I'm dancing now. I was the God, but God had different ways. And I'm not praising because I'm And I'm not praising because I'm perfect. I'm praising him because he brought me I'm praising him because he brought me through. through. through. And I worship because his name is And I worship because his name is And I worship because his name is worthy. Yes, he is. worthy. Yes, he is. worthy. Yes, he is. And I've seen what his grace can do. And I've seen what his grace can do. And I've seen what his grace can do. And if he did it for me, then he'll do And if he did it for me, then he'll do And if he did it for me, then he'll do it for you.

it for you. it for you. Oh, Oh, Oh, I was thinking, I was thinking, I was thinking, but I'm singing now. I was But God, but but I'm singing now. I was But God, but but I'm singing now. I was But God, but God had a different plan. God had a different plan. God had a different plan. And I was And I was And I was but I'm but I'm but I'm now I was but God but God had a now I was but God but God had a now I was but God but God had a different plan. But God had a different different plan. But God had a different different plan. But God had a different plan. But God had he has good plans for you today. he has good plans for you today. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> Hope and a future. >> Hope and a future. >> Hope and a future. >> All grace to the great. >> All grace to the great. >> All grace to the great. >> Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. >> Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. >> Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Saved a broken wretch like me.

>> Saved a broken wretch like me. >> Saved a broken wretch like me. >> Oh, praise to the great I am. >> Oh, praise to the great I am. >> Oh, praise to the great I am. >> I once was lost, but now I'm found. >> I once was lost, but now I'm found. >> I once was lost, but now I'm found. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. But now my heart can sing. All praise to But now my heart can sing. All praise to But now my heart can sing. All praise to the great I am. when we've been left the great I am. when we've been left the great I am. when we've been left 10,000 years. 10,000 years. 10,000 years. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. bright shining as a sun for grace is bright shining as a sun for grace is bright shining as a sun for grace is greater and we no less straight the god I got a different plan. the god I got a different plan. I was trying I was trying I was trying but I was but God but God has been was but God but God has been all praise to the great praise. All all praise to the great praise. All all praise to the great praise. All praise to the All praise to the All praise to the All praise to the great I am. All praise to praise to the great I am. All praise to praise to the great I am. All praise to the great I am.

All praise to the great. We give you All praise to the great. We give you praise. All praise to the great. All praise to the great. Come on church, celebrate his name. Come on church, celebrate his name. Come on church, celebrate his name. Jesus. Thanking him Thanking him for what he's done. for what he's done. for what he's done. He's not against us. Amen. He's for us. He's not against us. Amen. He's for us. He's not against us. Amen. He's for us. We get to worship him with some of We get to worship him with some of We get to worship him with some of victory today. victory today. victory today. So lift your worship. Come on, let's So lift your worship. Come on, let's So lift your worship. Come on, let's sing together. This This will last darkness will last darkness will last darkness in hope that's in the blood. in hope that's in the blood. in hope that's in the blood. This future grace that's mine today that This future grace that's mine today that This future grace that's mine today that Jesus Christ has the one. That's right. Jesus Christ has the one. That's right. Jesus Christ has the one. That's right. So I can face tomorrow. Come on, that's So I can face tomorrow. Come on, that's So I can face tomorrow. Come on, that's good. Cuz tomorrow's in your hands. good. Cuz tomorrow's in your hands. good. Cuz tomorrow's in your hands. And all I need, you will provide just And all I need, you will provide just And all I need, you will provide just like you like you like you have.

have. have. Thank you, Lord. are fall in the quiet. No matter what comes my way, No matter what comes my way, I will I will I will come. Don't know what you do, come. Don't know what you do, come. Don't know what you do, God. But I know what you know. see see the way. Yes, there is. And then the the way. Yes, there is. And then the the way. Yes, there is. And then the forest gone. I know you're not. You are my hope gone. I know you're not. You are my hope instead.

instead. instead. Cuz when the sea is raging, Cuz when the sea is raging, Cuz when the sea is raging, God, your spirit is my head. God, your spirit is my head. God, your spirit is my head. He'll fix my eyes on Jesus Christ. I'll He'll fix my eyes on Jesus Christ. I'll He'll fix my eyes on Jesus Christ. I'll sing that is the world. Sing it again. I sing that is the world. Sing it again. I sing that is the world. Sing it again. I know that. No matter what No matter what my way, my way, my way, I will I will I will come. Don't know what you do. know. You already won.

know. You already won. Come on. This is our story we say. Come on. This is our story we say. Come on. This is our story we say. I know how the story end. I know how the story end. I know how the story end. Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. We will be there with you again. You're my savior. You're my savior. defense. defense. defense. This is our hope church. This is our hope church. This is our hope church. No more fears No more fears No more fears for for for Are you ready? Sing it again. Come on. Are you ready? Sing it again. Come on. Are you ready? Sing it again. Come on. >> I know how this story ends. no matter what comes my way.

no matter what comes my way. I will I will I will I will come. Don't know what you do. I'm fighting a battle. I'm fighting a battle. You already won. I'm fighting a battle. I'm fighting a battle. You already won. We thank you Lord. We thank you Jesus. We thank you Lord. We thank you Jesus. We thank you Jesus. We thank you Jesus. We thank you Jesus. If you're grateful what you tell them If you're grateful what you tell them If you're grateful what you tell them that are your words.

that are your words. that are your words. Thank you for what you've done. If Thank you for what you've done. If Thank you for what you've done. If you're redeemed in the room, if you're you're redeemed in the room, if you're you're redeemed in the room, if you're saved, if you've been forgiven, you got saved, if you've been forgiven, you got saved, if you've been forgiven, you got a reason to worship. So lift your a reason to worship. So lift your a reason to worship. So lift your worship right now still. worship right now still. worship right now still. No one else is worthy. No one else is worthy. No one else is worthy. No one else deserve my praise. No one else deserve my praise. No one else deserve my praise. Only you are worthy. Holy, you're holy. Only you are worthy. Holy, you're holy. Only you are worthy. Holy, you're holy. Oh Oh Oh Jesus. Oh worthy. Oh worthy. Worthy you are. Worthy you will be Worthy you are. Worthy you will be Worthy you are. Worthy you will be forever. forever. forever. Worthy word. Worthy you are. Worthy. Worthy word. Worthy you are. Worthy. Worthy word. Worthy you are. Worthy. You're worthy. You're worthy.

You're worthy. You're worthy. You're worthy. You're worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Is he worthy? Yes. Yes. He is worthy. Worthy are Yes. Yes. He is worthy. Worthy are worthy. Oh, worthy you are. Worthy are worthy Oh, worthy you are. Worthy are worthy forever. forever. forever. Worthy are worthy Your Your is to be to be your your your history to be praised.

to be praised. Heat. Heat. Heat. you you forever.

Most worthy, Most worthy, worthy of praise, worthy of praise, worthy of praise, exalted exalted exalted above all things. My God, above all things. My God, above all things. My God, you are my God. you are my God. you are my God. Your splender Your splender Your splender and majesty, and majesty, and majesty, your wonder, your wonder, your wonder, it fills everything. it fills everything. it fills everything. My God, My God, My God, you are my God. you are my God. you are my God. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord Almighty. Seated on the Holy is the Lord Almighty. Seated on the Holy is the Lord Almighty. Seated on the throne. throne. throne. Seated on the throne of glory. I lift it Seated on the throne of glory. I lift it Seated on the throne of glory. I lift it up. Your presence fills the temple when up. Your presence fills the temple when up. Your presence fills the temple when we worship you. we worship you. we worship you. Oh, we worship you. Creation Creation points to the king of heaven.

I sing to you. To you our God. Holy is I sing to you. To you our God. Holy is the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Holy is the Lord almighty. Seed all the Holy is the Lord almighty. Seed all the Holy is the Lord almighty. Seed all the throne. throne. throne. Se the throne of glory. Highly lifted Se the throne of glory. Highly lifted Se the throne of glory. Highly lifted up. Your presence fills the temple where up. Your presence fills the temple where up. Your presence fills the temple where we worship you. we worship you. we worship you. Oh, we worship you. We sing holy, Oh, we worship you. We sing holy, Oh, we worship you. We sing holy, >> holy Lord. Holy, holy Lord Almighty. >> holy Lord. Holy, holy Lord Almighty. >> holy Lord. Holy, holy Lord Almighty. Seated on the throne. Seated on the throne. Seated on the throne. Seated on the throne of glory. I lift it Seated on the throne of glory. I lift it Seated on the throne of glory. I lift it up. up. up. Your presence fills the temple where we Your presence fills the temple where we Your presence fills the temple where we worship you. Oh, we thought you gone. Oh, we thought you gone. Hallelujah to the one who came and made Hallelujah to the one who came and made Hallelujah to the one who came and made the way. the way. the way. Hallelujah to the one who died and rose Hallelujah to the one who died and rose Hallelujah to the one who died and rose again.

again. again. Hallelujah to the only name above all Hallelujah to the only name above all Hallelujah to the only name above all name. All glory and honor and power name. All glory and honor and power name. All glory and honor and power forever. forever. forever. Hallelujah to the one who gave the name. Hallelujah to the one who gave the name. Hallelujah to the one who gave the name. Hallelujah to the one who died and rose Hallelujah to the one who died and rose Hallelujah to the one who died and rose again. again. again. Hallelujah to the name above all names. Hallelujah to the name above all names. Hallelujah to the name above all names. Glory and honor and power forever. Glory and honor and power forever. Glory and honor and power forever. Oh, glory and honor and power forever. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord Almighty. Seated on the Holy is the Lord Almighty. Seated on the Holy is the Lord Almighty. Seated on the throne. throne. throne. He's seated on the throne of glory. I He's seated on the throne of glory. I He's seated on the throne of glory. I lift it up. Your presence fills the lift it up. Your presence fills the lift it up. Your presence fills the temple where we worship you.

temple where we worship you. temple where we worship you. Oh, we worship you. Oh, we worship you. Oh, we worship you. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord Almighty. Seore of glory. He's highly lifted up. of glory. He's highly lifted up. The presence fills the temple where we The presence fills the temple where we The presence fills the temple where we worship you. worship you. worship you. Oh, we worship you. Hallelujah. Oh, we worship you. Hallelujah. Oh, we worship you. Hallelujah. Hallelujah to the one who came and made Hallelujah to the one who came and made Hallelujah to the one who came and made away. away. away. Hallelujah to the one who died and rose Hallelujah to the one who died and rose Hallelujah to the one who died and rose again. again. again. Hallelujah to the name above all. Glory Hallelujah to the name above all. Glory Hallelujah to the name above all. Glory and honor and power forever. and honor and power forever. and honor and power forever. Glory to the one who came and made away.

Glory to the one who came and made away. Glory to the one who came and made away. H to the one who died rose again. H to the one who died rose again. H to the one who died rose again. Hallelujah to the only name above all Hallelujah to the only name above all Hallelujah to the only name above all name. Glory and honor and power forever. name. Glory and honor and power forever. name. Glory and honor and power forever. All glory, honor, All glory, honor, All glory, honor, and power forever. and power forever. and power forever. Glory and honor and power forever. Come on, church. Come on, let's look it Come on, church. Come on, let's look it up. God, we thank you. You are holy. You up. God, we thank you. You are holy. You up. God, we thank you. You are holy. You are high and lifted up. Isaiah said he are high and lifted up. Isaiah said he are high and lifted up. Isaiah said he saw the Lord high and lifted up and his saw the Lord high and lifted up and his saw the Lord high and lifted up and his train filled the temple. Father, your train filled the temple. Father, your train filled the temple. Father, your presence is here right now. presence is here right now. presence is here right now. And we give you honor and glory for your And we give you honor and glory for your And we give you honor and glory for your presence because where the spirit of the presence because where the spirit of the presence because where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Lord is, there is freedom. Lord is, there is freedom. And we thank you, God, that we have that And we thank you, God, that we have that And we thank you, God, that we have that freedom in you to believe, freedom in you to believe, freedom in you to believe, to trust.

to trust. to trust. No matter where we walked in today, God, No matter where we walked in today, God, No matter where we walked in today, God, we pause in this moment and we give you we pause in this moment and we give you we pause in this moment and we give you our affection and our attention. our affection and our attention. our affection and our attention. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord. Come on, church. Let's Holy is the Lord. Come on, church. Let's Holy is the Lord. Come on, church. Let's join in with heaven and say holy. join in with heaven and say holy. join in with heaven and say holy. Angels fly around the throne saying Angels fly around the throne saying Angels fly around the throne saying holy, holy, holy. It's the Lord God holy, holy, holy. It's the Lord God holy, holy, holy. It's the Lord God Almighty. Almighty. Almighty. We honor you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. We honor you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. We honor you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Come on. If you're grateful for a Amen. Come on. If you're grateful for a Amen. Come on. If you're grateful for a great God, clap those hands like the great God, clap those hands like the great God, clap those hands like the devil's in between them. Could you help me real quick? 12 stone, Could you help me real quick? 12 stone, can you welcome about three people can you welcome about three people can you welcome about three people around you and say, "Welcome to church. around you and say, "Welcome to church. around you and say, "Welcome to church. Be the official greeter team." Welcome Be the official greeter team." Welcome Be the official greeter team." Welcome to church. It's good to see you. Happy to church. It's good to see you. Happy to church. It's good to see you. Happy 4th of July. 4th of July. 4th of July. All right, All right, All right, you guys can go ahead and be seated.

you guys can go ahead and be seated. you guys can go ahead and be seated. What I'm so grateful for as a church, if What I'm so grateful for as a church, if What I'm so grateful for as a church, if you are here for the first time, we are you are here for the first time, we are you are here for the first time, we are a church that believes that worship is a church that believes that worship is a church that believes that worship is not just a song, but worship is also not just a song, but worship is also not just a song, but worship is also what we offer to God. what we offer to God. what we offer to God. >> And so, in this moment, we're going to >> And so, in this moment, we're going to >> And so, in this moment, we're going to be receiving our offering and our day be receiving our offering and our day be receiving our offering and our day makers are going to get in position. But makers are going to get in position. But makers are going to get in position. But before we do, I want to thank you, before we do, I want to thank you, before we do, I want to thank you, church, for being a church that's church, for being a church that's church, for being a church that's intentional about your impact. You're intentional about your impact. You're intentional about your impact. You're not just meeting the needs of our not just meeting the needs of our not just meeting the needs of our church, but you're serving communities church, but you're serving communities church, but you're serving communities around the world with the gospel of around the world with the gospel of around the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ with what you're doing Jesus Christ with what you're doing Jesus Christ with what you're doing through Unshakable. Somebody say, through Unshakable. Somebody say, through Unshakable. Somebody say, "Unshakable." "Unshakable." "Unshakable." >> It's a collective effort of every >> It's a collective effort of every >> It's a collective effort of every location to say, "God, we're trusting location to say, "God, we're trusting location to say, "God, we're trusting you with our finances to make a you with our finances to make a you with our finances to make a difference in the world." So before we difference in the world." So before we difference in the world." So before we give, I want to pray and believe that as give, I want to pray and believe that as give, I want to pray and believe that as we give, we give on purpose with we give, we give on purpose with we give, we give on purpose with purpose. Let's do that, church. God, purpose. Let's do that, church. God, purpose. Let's do that, church. God, thank you for the opportunity we have to thank you for the opportunity we have to thank you for the opportunity we have to give, give, give, for the impact that it's making on our for the impact that it's making on our for the impact that it's making on our children, on our youth and around our children, on our youth and around our children, on our youth and around our world. Would you use us? And for those world. Would you use us? And for those world. Would you use us? And for those that are not trusting you yet, God, I that are not trusting you yet, God, I that are not trusting you yet, God, I pray, Holy Spirit, would you speak to pray, Holy Spirit, would you speak to pray, Holy Spirit, would you speak to them them them and remind them that you gave your son and remind them that you gave your son and remind them that you gave your son first, so giving is an opportunity they first, so giving is an opportunity they first, so giving is an opportunity they can step into. In Jesus name, I pray.

can step into. In Jesus name, I pray. can step into. In Jesus name, I pray. Somebody say, Somebody say, Somebody say, >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> Amen. And amen. Day makers, you may pass >> Amen. And amen. Day makers, you may pass >> Amen. And amen. Day makers, you may pass the baskets. Listen guys, I'm excited the baskets. Listen guys, I'm excited the baskets. Listen guys, I'm excited about what God is going to do today. Who about what God is going to do today. Who about what God is going to do today. Who had a good Fourth of July? Wave at me. had a good Fourth of July? Wave at me. had a good Fourth of July? Wave at me. You ate too much. You pop firecrackers. You ate too much. You pop firecrackers. You ate too much. You pop firecrackers. Well, listen. If you are ready to Well, listen. If you are ready to Well, listen. If you are ready to receive the word of God, I know God is receive the word of God, I know God is receive the word of God, I know God is going to speak to you. We have Pastor going to speak to you. We have Pastor going to speak to you. We have Pastor Dave Carr who spoke last year, but he's Dave Carr who spoke last year, but he's Dave Carr who spoke last year, but he's our developmental pastor for our our developmental pastor for our our developmental pastor for our residency. He develops our next residency. He develops our next residency. He develops our next generation leaders. Who's excited to generation leaders. Who's excited to generation leaders. Who's excited to hear him preach today? I know I am. hear him preach today? I know I am. hear him preach today? I know I am. But listen, before he preaches today, But listen, before he preaches today, But listen, before he preaches today, before he preaches today, we prayed for before he preaches today, we prayed for before he preaches today, we prayed for him last morning and we believing that him last morning and we believing that him last morning and we believing that God's going to use him. But we like to God's going to use him. But we like to God's going to use him. But we like to have a little fun around here at have a little fun around here at have a little fun around here at 12stone. So you guys may or may not know 12stone. So you guys may or may not know 12stone. So you guys may or may not know Travis Bilbert, but he did something Travis Bilbert, but he did something Travis Bilbert, but he did something crazy. He pop quizzed us on 250 years of crazy. He pop quizzed us on 250 years of crazy. He pop quizzed us on 250 years of history, our church staff. Let's see how history, our church staff. Let's see how history, our church staff. Let's see how we did. Y'all want to see? Let's check we did. Y'all want to see? Let's check we did. Y'all want to see? Let's check it out. America.

America. America. What are you looking at? Huh? Look What are you looking at? Huh? Look What are you looking at? Huh? Look pretty good for 250, do I? pretty good for 250, do I? pretty good for 250, do I? >> Heck yeah. >> Heck yeah. >> Heck yeah. >> Happy birthday, America. That's right. >> Happy birthday, America. That's right. >> Happy birthday, America. That's right. 250 years. Looks good on you. You don't 250 years. Looks good on you. You don't 250 years. Looks good on you. You don't look a day over 240. Let's go see how look a day over 240. Let's go see how look a day over 240. Let's go see how much our staff knows about the good old much our staff knows about the good old much our staff knows about the good old United States of A. United States of United States of A. United States of United States of A. United States of good old US of A. good old US of A. good old US of A. That's an eagle. Let's see what they can That's an eagle. Let's see what they can That's an eagle. Let's see what they can do. do. do. >> Hey guys. >> Hey guys. >> Hey guys. >> Uh, what's the national anthem? >> Uh, what's the national anthem? >> Uh, what's the national anthem? >> Oh, say, can you see >> Oh, say, can you see >> Oh, say, can you see >> the name of it? >> the name of it? >> the name of it? >> What's the name of it? >> What's the name of it? >> What's the name of it? >> National >> National >> National >> Oh, no. Star Spangle Banner. You guys >> Oh, no. Star Spangle Banner. You guys >> Oh, no. Star Spangle Banner. You guys want to see how much you know about want to see how much you know about want to see how much you know about America? America? America? >> I don't. I was raised in Alabama. >> I don't. I was raised in Alabama. >> I don't. I was raised in Alabama. >> You were raised in Alabama. Spell >> You were raised in Alabama. Spell >> You were raised in Alabama. Spell liberty. liberty. liberty. >> L I B E R T Y. >> L I B E R T Y. >> L I B E R T Y. >> Correct. Semiquincentennial. >> Correct. Semiquincentennial. >> Correct. Semiquincentennial. >> S E M I Q U I N C E N. Spell USA. >> S E M I Q U I N C E N. Spell USA. >> S E M I Q U I N C E N. Spell USA. >> USA. >> USA. >> USA. >> Semiquincentennial. >> Semiquincentennial. >> Semiquincentennial. >> Okay. S M E. >> Okay. S M E. >> Okay. S M E. >> No. S M. No. How much do you know about >> No. S M. No. How much do you know about >> No. S M. No. How much do you know about America? America? America? >> Oh my gosh. I'm trying to avoid you like >> Oh my gosh. I'm trying to avoid you like >> Oh my gosh. I'm trying to avoid you like all day long.

all day long. all day long. >> You sound like my wife. >> You sound like my wife. >> You sound like my wife. >> Spell America. >> Spell America. >> Spell America. >> Uh, A M I C R I A. >> Uh, A M I C R I A. >> Uh, A M I C R I A. >> Nope. >> Nope. >> Nope. >> That's a Mikra. Spell freedom. >> That's a Mikra. Spell freedom. >> That's a Mikra. Spell freedom. >> Uh, F R E V O M. >> Uh, F R E V O M. >> Uh, F R E V O M. >> Nope. >> Nope. >> Nope. >> Oh my >> Oh my >> Oh my god. god. god. >> Finish the sentence. God bless >> Finish the sentence. God bless >> Finish the sentence. God bless >> America. >> America. >> America. >> America. From sea to >> America. From sea to >> America. From sea to >> sea. >> sea. >> sea. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Shining sea. >> Shining sea. >> Shining sea. >> Sweet land of >> Sweet land of >> Sweet land of >> the free. >> the free. >> the free. >> No. No. >> No. No. >> No. No. >> Liberty. >> Liberty. >> Liberty. >> Sweet land. Liberty. >> Sweet land. Liberty. >> Sweet land. Liberty. >> America runs on >> America runs on >> America runs on >> Duncan. Oh je. He gets that one. >> Duncan. Oh je. He gets that one. >> Duncan. Oh je. He gets that one. America. America. America. >> Paul. How American are you? >> Paul. How American are you? >> Paul. How American are you? >> Get over here. >> Get over here. >> Get over here. >> Canada. >> Canada. >> Canada. >> No. Wrong country. >> No. Wrong country. >> No. Wrong country. >> America. >> America. >> America. >> Oh god. There's camera. >> Oh god. There's camera. >> Oh god. There's camera. >> Oh god. There's two. >> Oh god. There's two. >> Oh god. There's two. >> Math question. What is 2026US >> Math question. What is 2026US >> Math question. What is 2026US 1,776? 1,776? 1,776? 300. 300. 300. >> No. 250. It's our birthday. >> No. 250. It's our birthday. >> No. 250. It's our birthday. >> Oh, yeah. Quincentennial. >> Oh, yeah. Quincentennial. >> Oh, yeah. Quincentennial. >> Semiquincentennial. >> Semiquincentennial. >> Semiquincentennial. >> Well, it happens every semi. >> Well, it happens every semi. >> Well, it happens every semi. >> What state is Washington DC in? It's >> What state is Washington DC in? It's >> What state is Washington DC in? It's technically not a state. Look at you. technically not a state. Look at you. technically not a state. Look at you. >> And what do the stars in the flag >> And what do the stars in the flag >> And what do the stars in the flag represent? represent? represent? >> The states.

>> The states. >> The states. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> How about the stripes? What do they >> How about the stripes? What do they >> How about the stripes? What do they represent? represent? represent? >> Uh, 13 original colonies. >> Uh, 13 original colonies. >> Uh, 13 original colonies. >> You can't spell with a list. >> You can't spell with a list. >> You can't spell with a list. >> But I know my American history. Don't >> But I know my American history. Don't >> But I know my American history. Don't ask me to spell again, please. ask me to spell again, please. ask me to spell again, please. >> Name the president by the picture. >> Name the president by the picture. >> Name the president by the picture. >> Abraham Lincoln. >> Abraham Lincoln. >> Abraham Lincoln. >> Hey, how about you? >> Hey, how about you? >> Hey, how about you? >> Jason Barry. >> Jason Barry. >> Jason Barry. >> No. No, not even close. That's Chester >> No. No, not even close. That's Chester >> No. No, not even close. That's Chester Arthur. Everyone knows that. Name the Arthur. Everyone knows that. Name the Arthur. Everyone knows that. Name the state by the shape. state by the shape. state by the shape. >> Texas. >> Texas. >> Texas. >> Uh, Wyoming. No. Um, out of Colorado. >> Uh, Wyoming. No. Um, out of Colorado. >> Uh, Wyoming. No. Um, out of Colorado. >> We'll say Wyoming. >> We'll say Wyoming. >> We'll say Wyoming. >> What the? >> What the? >> What the? >> Colorado. >> Colorado. >> Colorado. >> Would you like to participate in the >> Would you like to participate in the >> Would you like to participate in the age-old tradition of throwing tea in the age-old tradition of throwing tea in the age-old tradition of throwing tea in the harbor? harbor? harbor? >> Yeah. Let's take it to the prince. >> Yeah. Let's take it to the prince. >> Yeah. Let's take it to the prince. >> That's a take it, Prince. Take it like a >> That's a take it, Prince. Take it like a >> That's a take it, Prince. Take it like a man. man. man. >> Let's go. And happy 4th of July, everybody. And happy 4th of July, everybody. Welcome in. Glad you made it today. Uh, Welcome in. Glad you made it today. Uh, Welcome in. Glad you made it today. Uh, man, that's Travis is a pretty good man, that's Travis is a pretty good man, that's Travis is a pretty good singer. Actually, turns out Travis can singer. Actually, turns out Travis can singer. Actually, turns out Travis can sing. All right. Welcome to church. My sing. All right. Welcome to church. My sing. All right. Welcome to church. My name is Dave. I get to be one of the name is Dave. I get to be one of the name is Dave. I get to be one of the pastors around here. Um, I help lead our pastors around here. Um, I help lead our pastors around here. Um, I help lead our residency and our internship programs.

residency and our internship programs. residency and our internship programs. Um, that's what I do. Um, I'm also a Um, that's what I do. Um, I'm also a Um, that's what I do. Um, I'm also a follower of Jesus like a lot of you. Um, follower of Jesus like a lot of you. Um, follower of Jesus like a lot of you. Um, I'm a dad. Uh, and I'm a husband. And, I'm a dad. Uh, and I'm a husband. And, I'm a dad. Uh, and I'm a husband. And, um, I want to show you my family. um, I want to show you my family. um, I want to show you my family. Actually, this is a picture of us from Actually, this is a picture of us from Actually, this is a picture of us from last summer. And I already know what last summer. And I already know what last summer. And I already know what you're thinking when I throw the picture you're thinking when I throw the picture you're thinking when I throw the picture up. I know what you're thinking. We look up. I know what you're thinking. We look up. I know what you're thinking. We look good. good. good. I know you were thinking. I could read I know you were thinking. I could read I know you were thinking. I could read it on your face. And we I mean, we do. it on your face. And we I mean, we do. it on your face. And we I mean, we do. Shel looks Then, my wife Shelby, she Shel looks Then, my wife Shelby, she Shel looks Then, my wife Shelby, she looks amazing. This is our one and a looks amazing. This is our one and a looks amazing. This is our one and a halfyear-old son, Marshall. Um, he's got halfyear-old son, Marshall. Um, he's got halfyear-old son, Marshall. Um, he's got like two little teeth poking out at the like two little teeth poking out at the like two little teeth poking out at the bottom there. I did all right, too. And bottom there. I did all right, too. And bottom there. I did all right, too. And um the reason that I'm showing you the um the reason that I'm showing you the um the reason that I'm showing you the picture is because we're a perfect picture is because we're a perfect picture is because we're a perfect family with no problems. And I wanted to family with no problems. And I wanted to family with no problems. And I wanted to rub it in your face this Fourth of July rub it in your face this Fourth of July rub it in your face this Fourth of July weekend. weekend. weekend. Just wanted you to know. Come on. You Just wanted you to know. Come on. You Just wanted you to know. Come on. You anyone with kids knows that that picture anyone with kids knows that that picture anyone with kids knows that that picture is a lie. Okay? What that picture does is a lie. Okay? What that picture does is a lie. Okay? What that picture does not tell you is what was happening five not tell you is what was happening five not tell you is what was happening five seconds before the picture got taken. seconds before the picture got taken. seconds before the picture got taken. And what was happening 5 seconds before And what was happening 5 seconds before And what was happening 5 seconds before the picture got taken was an absolute the picture got taken was an absolute the picture got taken was an absolute meltdown. I'm talking weeping and meltdown. I'm talking weeping and meltdown. I'm talking weeping and nashing of teeth. Okay.

nashing of teeth. Okay. nashing of teeth. Okay. Now, luckily, I was able to pull myself Now, luckily, I was able to pull myself Now, luckily, I was able to pull myself together before we said cheese. But it together before we said cheese. But it together before we said cheese. But it was fine. was fine. was fine. Uh maybe you can relate, but anybody Uh maybe you can relate, but anybody Uh maybe you can relate, but anybody else have a moment where you got places else have a moment where you got places else have a moment where you got places in your life kind of like this picture in your life kind of like this picture in your life kind of like this picture where there's just like it looks good on where there's just like it looks good on where there's just like it looks good on the outside, but there's way more going the outside, but there's way more going the outside, but there's way more going on beneath the surface than you can see. on beneath the surface than you can see. on beneath the surface than you can see. You got a moment like that. We had a You got a moment like that. We had a You got a moment like that. We had a moment like this actually at our Buford moment like this actually at our Buford moment like this actually at our Buford campus a couple months back. Anybody campus a couple months back. Anybody campus a couple months back. Anybody remember the ice storms? I said multiple remember the ice storms? I said multiple remember the ice storms? I said multiple ice storms plural. Never thought I'd say ice storms plural. Never thought I'd say ice storms plural. Never thought I'd say that living in the south. Uh back it was that living in the south. Uh back it was that living in the south. Uh back it was that time when bread and batteries were that time when bread and batteries were that time when bread and batteries were currency for about a week, you know, and currency for about a week, you know, and currency for about a week, you know, and I think a lot of us did basically the I think a lot of us did basically the I think a lot of us did basically the same thing where you stay inside all same thing where you stay inside all same thing where you stay inside all night, the ice storm's coming. You've night, the ice storm's coming. You've night, the ice storm's coming. You've never prayed harder in your life that never prayed harder in your life that never prayed harder in your life that the electricity would stay on. And then the electricity would stay on. And then the electricity would stay on. And then for me, I never prayed harder that God for me, I never prayed harder that God for me, I never prayed harder that God would somehow lower my electricity bill would somehow lower my electricity bill would somehow lower my electricity bill and I wouldn't have to pay for the and I wouldn't have to pay for the and I wouldn't have to pay for the electricity staying on. And then the electricity staying on. And then the electricity staying on. And then the next morning when the storm passes, you next morning when the storm passes, you next morning when the storm passes, you walk outside of your apartment or maybe walk outside of your apartment or maybe walk outside of your apartment or maybe you walk outside your house and we all you walk outside your house and we all you walk outside your house and we all kind of do the same thing where we like kind of do the same thing where we like kind of do the same thing where we like look around and assess the damage. You look around and assess the damage. You look around and assess the damage. You know, you're like, "Is there anything know, you're like, "Is there anything know, you're like, "Is there anything visibly broken?"

visibly broken?" visibly broken?" No. Okay, praise God. This is amazing. No. Okay, praise God. This is amazing. No. Okay, praise God. This is amazing. We survived the ice storm. Well, Pastor We survived the ice storm. Well, Pastor We survived the ice storm. Well, Pastor Steve did the same thing with our Buford Steve did the same thing with our Buford Steve did the same thing with our Buford campus. So the storm passes. Pastor campus. So the storm passes. Pastor campus. So the storm passes. Pastor Steve hops in the car. He drives around Steve hops in the car. He drives around Steve hops in the car. He drives around the Buford campus just to get a look at the Buford campus just to get a look at the Buford campus just to get a look at things, make sure that there's nothing things, make sure that there's nothing things, make sure that there's nothing that's like visibly broken. And that's like visibly broken. And that's like visibly broken. And everything, you know, on the surface everything, you know, on the surface everything, you know, on the surface looked normal. And so he went back home looked normal. And so he went back home looked normal. And so he went back home and carried on like life was normal for and carried on like life was normal for and carried on like life was normal for the next couple of weeks the next couple of weeks the next couple of weeks until he got a call from the city. until he got a call from the city. until he got a call from the city. The city of Buford called Pastor Steve. The city of Buford called Pastor Steve. The city of Buford called Pastor Steve. And for context, just to let you know, And for context, just to let you know, And for context, just to let you know, that campus uses about 2 to 300 gallons that campus uses about 2 to 300 gallons that campus uses about 2 to 300 gallons of water per day on a regular basis. of water per day on a regular basis. of water per day on a regular basis. It was using 40,000 gallons of water per It was using 40,000 gallons of water per It was using 40,000 gallons of water per day after the ice storm. So the city day after the ice storm. So the city day after the ice storm. So the city calls Pastor Steven's like, "Hey, I calls Pastor Steven's like, "Hey, I calls Pastor Steven's like, "Hey, I think you might have a problem on your think you might have a problem on your think you might have a problem on your hands." Well, it turns out a sinkhole hands." Well, it turns out a sinkhole hands." Well, it turns out a sinkhole had actually formed in the parking lot had actually formed in the parking lot had actually formed in the parking lot at the Buford campus. There was a at the Buford campus. There was a at the Buford campus. There was a sinkhole that had formed. Now, Buford, I sinkhole that had formed. Now, Buford, I sinkhole that had formed. Now, Buford, I want to make sure that you know, and I want to make sure that you know, and I want to make sure that you know, and I have receipts to prove it, that we took have receipts to prove it, that we took have receipts to prove it, that we took care of the sinkhole in the parking lot.

care of the sinkhole in the parking lot. care of the sinkhole in the parking lot. Okay? Your car is not going to be Okay? Your car is not going to be Okay? Your car is not going to be swallowed up by the earth while you're swallowed up by the earth while you're swallowed up by the earth while you're in church this morning. If it is, it in church this morning. If it is, it in church this morning. If it is, it might be a sign. I don't know. But might be a sign. I don't know. But might be a sign. I don't know. But that's this is literally us repairing that's this is literally us repairing that's this is literally us repairing the sinkhole that formed in the parking the sinkhole that formed in the parking the sinkhole that formed in the parking lot at the Buford campus. And I don't lot at the Buford campus. And I don't lot at the Buford campus. And I don't know what you think about when you think know what you think about when you think know what you think about when you think about like the word sinkhole. Um, for about like the word sinkhole. Um, for about like the word sinkhole. Um, for me, I kind of loop it in the same me, I kind of loop it in the same me, I kind of loop it in the same category as quicksand. You know, it's category as quicksand. You know, it's category as quicksand. You know, it's one of those things as a kid watching a one of those things as a kid watching a one of those things as a kid watching a lot of Disney that I was convinced was lot of Disney that I was convinced was lot of Disney that I was convinced was going to be a major problem in my adult going to be a major problem in my adult going to be a major problem in my adult life and then have never once life and then have never once life and then have never once encountered to where I kind of think encountered to where I kind of think encountered to where I kind of think that maybe it was just all made up. You that maybe it was just all made up. You that maybe it was just all made up. You can kind of think the same way about can kind of think the same way about can kind of think the same way about sinkholes, sinkholes, sinkholes, but I can assure you sink holes are but I can assure you sink holes are but I can assure you sink holes are very, very real. And Pastor Steve can very, very real. And Pastor Steve can very, very real. And Pastor Steve can assure you sink holes are very, very assure you sink holes are very, very assure you sink holes are very, very real. real. real. Here's how they work. There's there's Here's how they work. There's there's Here's how they work. There's there's typically an event that takes place typically an event that takes place typically an event that takes place above the surface. In this case, it was above the surface. In this case, it was above the surface. In this case, it was the ice storm. And that event will the ice storm. And that event will the ice storm. And that event will actually create a void beneath the actually create a void beneath the actually create a void beneath the surface. Now again, when you're looking surface. Now again, when you're looking surface. Now again, when you're looking at the surface, everything looks normal, at the surface, everything looks normal, at the surface, everything looks normal, but underneath the surface, that void is but underneath the surface, that void is but underneath the surface, that void is forming and you can't see it. And as forming and you can't see it. And as forming and you can't see it. And as long as that void is not fixed, it will long as that void is not fixed, it will long as that void is not fixed, it will grow.

grow. grow. So over time, that void will eventually So over time, that void will eventually So over time, that void will eventually grow to get so big that the stuff that's grow to get so big that the stuff that's grow to get so big that the stuff that's holding up everything underneath the holding up everything underneath the holding up everything underneath the surface will have gone away to where the surface will have gone away to where the surface will have gone away to where the sinkhole will be so big underneath that sinkhole will be so big underneath that sinkhole will be so big underneath that it will collapse literally everything it will collapse literally everything it will collapse literally everything that is underneath the surface on top of that is underneath the surface on top of that is underneath the surface on top of it. And all things considered, you know, it. And all things considered, you know, it. And all things considered, you know, the sinkhole at Buford was actually the sinkhole at Buford was actually the sinkhole at Buford was actually pretty minor. Like we can actually do pretty minor. Like we can actually do pretty minor. Like we can actually do something about that. But there are some something about that. But there are some something about that. But there are some sink holes that can do some pretty major sink holes that can do some pretty major sink holes that can do some pretty major damage. Couple years ago, there was one damage. Couple years ago, there was one damage. Couple years ago, there was one in Guatemala, Guatemala City that looked in Guatemala, Guatemala City that looked in Guatemala, Guatemala City that looked like this. Isn't that insane? like this. Isn't that insane? like this. Isn't that insane? Sink holes are very, very real. Sink holes are very, very real. Sink holes are very, very real. And so, you might be wondering, well, And so, you might be wondering, well, And so, you might be wondering, well, why are we talking about sinkholes? why are we talking about sinkholes? why are we talking about sinkholes? We're talking about sinkholes because we We're talking about sinkholes because we We're talking about sinkholes because we all have one. all have one. all have one. A sinkhole is any place in our life A sinkhole is any place in our life A sinkhole is any place in our life where things look better on the outside where things look better on the outside where things look better on the outside than they actually are on the inside. than they actually are on the inside. than they actually are on the inside. You know, a sinkhole You know, a sinkhole You know, a sinkhole is when your family looks amazing on is when your family looks amazing on is when your family looks amazing on Instagram, Instagram, Instagram, but when you're at home, you guys cannot but when you're at home, you guys cannot but when you're at home, you guys cannot stand to be around each other.

A sinkhole is when your house or your A sinkhole is when your house or your car or that vacation that you just went car or that vacation that you just went car or that vacation that you just went on looked unbelievable. I mean, they're on looked unbelievable. I mean, they're on looked unbelievable. I mean, they're pristine from the outside, but the debt pristine from the outside, but the debt pristine from the outside, but the debt that you took on to acquire those things that you took on to acquire those things that you took on to acquire those things is drowning you financially. is drowning you financially. is drowning you financially. A sinkhole is when your grades look A sinkhole is when your grades look A sinkhole is when your grades look perfect on paper, but you know that you perfect on paper, but you know that you perfect on paper, but you know that you used AI to get there, and you're just used AI to get there, and you're just used AI to get there, and you're just waiting and hoping that no one will find waiting and hoping that no one will find waiting and hoping that no one will find out. out. out. A sinkhole is when you are the person A sinkhole is when you are the person A sinkhole is when you are the person that everybody calls when their life that everybody calls when their life that everybody calls when their life falls apart, falls apart, falls apart, but you don't have anyone to call when but you don't have anyone to call when but you don't have anyone to call when your life falls apart. your life falls apart. your life falls apart. A sinkhole A sinkhole A sinkhole is when you serve on Sundays or when you is when you serve on Sundays or when you is when you serve on Sundays or when you serve on Wednesdays or maybe you even serve on Wednesdays or maybe you even serve on Wednesdays or maybe you even attend a small group during the week, attend a small group during the week, attend a small group during the week, but it's been years since the last time but it's been years since the last time but it's been years since the last time that you obeyed God in a way that cost that you obeyed God in a way that cost that you obeyed God in a way that cost you something. you something. you something. We all have sinkholes. We all have sinkholes. We all have sinkholes. We all have places where things look We all have places where things look We all have places where things look better on the outside than they are on better on the outside than they are on better on the outside than they are on the inside. And so the question that the inside. And so the question that the inside. And so the question that we're going to go after today is if we we're going to go after today is if we we're going to go after today is if we all have sink holes, then what do we do all have sink holes, then what do we do all have sink holes, then what do we do with the sink holes in our lives?

with the sink holes in our lives? with the sink holes in our lives? What are we supposed to do with the sink What are we supposed to do with the sink What are we supposed to do with the sink holes in our lives? Now, last week, and holes in our lives? Now, last week, and holes in our lives? Now, last week, and I want to pause and take a second and I want to pause and take a second and I want to pause and take a second and shout out all of the campus pastors shout out all of the campus pastors shout out all of the campus pastors across the campuses. Can we just say across the campuses. Can we just say across the campuses. Can we just say thank you to our campus pastors for the thank you to our campus pastors for the thank you to our campus pastors for the word that they brought last week? word that they brought last week? word that they brought last week? They taught on an Old Testament king, They taught on an Old Testament king, They taught on an Old Testament king, Hezekiah. And this week, we're going to Hezekiah. And this week, we're going to Hezekiah. And this week, we're going to talk about another Old Testament king. talk about another Old Testament king. talk about another Old Testament king. and and he's one of the most well-known and and he's one of the most well-known and and he's one of the most well-known Old Testament kings. In fact, his name Old Testament kings. In fact, his name Old Testament kings. In fact, his name is Solomon. Now, I'm going to give you a is Solomon. Now, I'm going to give you a is Solomon. Now, I'm going to give you a fair warning as we get into Solomon's fair warning as we get into Solomon's fair warning as we get into Solomon's story. When we look at Solomon's story, story. When we look at Solomon's story, story. When we look at Solomon's story, it will not look like he's got a it will not look like he's got a it will not look like he's got a sinkhole in his life. In fact, from the sinkhole in his life. In fact, from the sinkhole in his life. In fact, from the outside looking in, Solomon's life is outside looking in, Solomon's life is outside looking in, Solomon's life is pretty fantastic. He's the son of King pretty fantastic. He's the son of King pretty fantastic. He's the son of King David. Like that King David, the one the David. Like that King David, the one the David. Like that King David, the one the movie was just made about that guy. Uh movie was just made about that guy. Uh movie was just made about that guy. Uh he was the richest person in all of he was the richest person in all of he was the richest person in all of scripture. His net worth is estimated to scripture. His net worth is estimated to scripture. His net worth is estimated to be somewhere around two trillion which be somewhere around two trillion which be somewhere around two trillion which is double uh Elon Musk if you're keeping is double uh Elon Musk if you're keeping is double uh Elon Musk if you're keeping score. Uh he's responsible for the score. Uh he's responsible for the score. Uh he's responsible for the construction of the temple which was one construction of the temple which was one construction of the temple which was one of the like architectural wonders of the of the like architectural wonders of the of the like architectural wonders of the world at the time that it was built. But world at the time that it was built. But world at the time that it was built. But if all that's not enough for you and you if all that's not enough for you and you if all that's not enough for you and you know you don't you're not impressed by know you don't you're not impressed by know you don't you're not impressed by construction and you're not impressed by construction and you're not impressed by construction and you're not impressed by his money and his prestige. He just his money and his prestige. He just his money and his prestige. He just happens to be the wisest person in all happens to be the wisest person in all happens to be the wisest person in all of scripture too. So, it's like when you of scripture too. So, it's like when you of scripture too. So, it's like when you look at Solomon's life, what scoreboard look at Solomon's life, what scoreboard look at Solomon's life, what scoreboard is he not winning on? You know, like his is he not winning on? You know, like his is he not winning on? You know, like his life looks amazing. He's he is the kind life looks amazing. He's he is the kind life looks amazing. He's he is the kind of person that gets the invite to the of person that gets the invite to the of person that gets the invite to the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding this weekend. You know, this weekend. You know, this weekend. You know, on the outside things look amazing, but

on the outside things look amazing, but on the outside things look amazing, but there was something that was off on the there was something that was off on the there was something that was off on the inside. inside. inside. And the first indication that we get And the first indication that we get And the first indication that we get that there was something that was off that there was something that was off that there was something that was off beneath the surface of Solomon's life beneath the surface of Solomon's life beneath the surface of Solomon's life comes in First Kings 3:1. comes in First Kings 3:1. comes in First Kings 3:1. says that Solomon made an alliance with says that Solomon made an alliance with says that Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and he Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and he Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and he married his daughter. Now, you might be married his daughter. Now, you might be married his daughter. Now, you might be thinking, "That's the sinkhole. Doesn't thinking, "That's the sinkhole. Doesn't thinking, "That's the sinkhole. Doesn't seem like that big of a deal, to be seem like that big of a deal, to be seem like that big of a deal, to be honest." You might even be looking at honest." You might even be looking at honest." You might even be looking at that and saying, "Honestly, that kind of that and saying, "Honestly, that kind of that and saying, "Honestly, that kind of looks like Solomon's wisdom on display. looks like Solomon's wisdom on display. looks like Solomon's wisdom on display. He just made an alliance with a rival He just made an alliance with a rival He just made an alliance with a rival powerful kingdom. That seems like powerful kingdom. That seems like powerful kingdom. That seems like wisdom." wisdom." wisdom." But can I tell you something? But can I tell you something? But can I tell you something? It is never wise to do what God has It is never wise to do what God has It is never wise to do what God has specifically told you not to do. And God had specifically instructed And God had specifically instructed Israel to not do the thing that Solomon Israel to not do the thing that Solomon Israel to not do the thing that Solomon did all the way back in Deuteronomy did all the way back in Deuteronomy did all the way back in Deuteronomy chapter 7. Take a look at this. This is chapter 7. Take a look at this. This is chapter 7. Take a look at this. This is God speaking to the nation of Israel God speaking to the nation of Israel God speaking to the nation of Israel through Moses.

through Moses. through Moses. He says, "Do not intermar with them." He says, "Do not intermar with them." He says, "Do not intermar with them." Talking about the rival kingdoms of Talking about the rival kingdoms of Talking about the rival kingdoms of Israel. And do not give your daughters Israel. And do not give your daughters Israel. And do not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters to their sons, or take their daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your for your sons, for they will turn your for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following me to serve children away from following me to serve children away from following me to serve other gods. And then the Lord's anger other gods. And then the Lord's anger other gods. And then the Lord's anger will burn against you and will quickly will burn against you and will quickly will burn against you and will quickly destroy you. So when you look at First Kings 3, So when you look at First Kings 3, marrying Pharaoh's daughter may not seem marrying Pharaoh's daughter may not seem marrying Pharaoh's daughter may not seem like that big a deal. It might seem like like that big a deal. It might seem like like that big a deal. It might seem like something small, but that's the thing something small, but that's the thing something small, but that's the thing about sinkholes, isn't it? They rarely about sinkholes, isn't it? They rarely about sinkholes, isn't it? They rarely start big. start big. start big. They usually begin with something so They usually begin with something so They usually begin with something so small that over time is given permission small that over time is given permission small that over time is given permission to grow. to grow. to grow. The reason that what happened in first The reason that what happened in first The reason that what happened in first kings 3 was a really big deal is because kings 3 was a really big deal is because kings 3 was a really big deal is because it grew. it grew. it grew. And the evidence of it growing next pops And the evidence of it growing next pops And the evidence of it growing next pops up in first kings chapter 6. Says in the up in first kings chapter 6. Says in the up in first kings chapter 6. Says in the 11th year in the month of Bull, the 11th year in the month of Bull, the 11th year in the month of Bull, the eighth month, the temple was finished in eighth month, the temple was finished in eighth month, the temple was finished in all of its details according to its all of its details according to its all of its details according to its specifications. He talking about Solomon specifications. He talking about Solomon specifications. He talking about Solomon had spent seven years building it. Now I had spent seven years building it. Now I had spent seven years building it. Now I want to pause right here because there's want to pause right here because there's want to pause right here because there's a chapter break and you're going to go a chapter break and you're going to go a chapter break and you're going to go into the next chapter which is first into the next chapter which is first into the next chapter which is first Kings 7. These are meant to be contrasts Kings 7. These are meant to be contrasts Kings 7. These are meant to be contrasts of each other. So what happens at the of each other. So what happens at the of each other. So what happens at the end of chapter 6 is supposed to be held end of chapter 6 is supposed to be held end of chapter 6 is supposed to be held up to what happens in the beginning of up to what happens in the beginning of up to what happens in the beginning of chapter 7 and you're supposed to take a chapter 7 and you're supposed to take a chapter 7 and you're supposed to take a look at how they appear next to each look at how they appear next to each look at how they appear next to each other. So at the end of chapter 6, other. So at the end of chapter 6, other. So at the end of chapter 6, Solomon finishes the temple in seven Solomon finishes the temple in seven Solomon finishes the temple in seven years. Right? Here's what it says in

years. Right? Here's what it says in years. Right? Here's what it says in First Kings 7:1. It took Solomon 13 First Kings 7:1. It took Solomon 13 First Kings 7:1. It took Solomon 13 years, however, to complete the years, however, to complete the years, however, to complete the construction of his palace. construction of his palace. construction of his palace. Does that bother you at all Does that bother you at all Does that bother you at all that Solomon would take seven years to that Solomon would take seven years to that Solomon would take seven years to build God's house and 13 years to build build God's house and 13 years to build build God's house and 13 years to build his? his? his? It should. The problem is anyone at the time would The problem is anyone at the time would have a hard time being convinced that have a hard time being convinced that have a hard time being convinced that there's a problem there because on the there's a problem there because on the there's a problem there because on the outside everything looked amazing. outside everything looked amazing. outside everything looked amazing. Everything looked amazing. And you could Everything looked amazing. And you could Everything looked amazing. And you could even argue that in construction the the even argue that in construction the the even argue that in construction the the the project that's got the higher the project that's got the higher the project that's got the higher priority would be the thing that gets priority would be the thing that gets priority would be the thing that gets done first, right? And if all of the done first, right? And if all of the done first, right? And if all of the things were created equal, I might things were created equal, I might things were created equal, I might actually agree with that. actually agree with that. actually agree with that. The problem with this is the the temple The problem with this is the the temple The problem with this is the the temple project and Solomon's palace project project and Solomon's palace project project and Solomon's palace project were not equal. were not equal. were not equal. Solomon built his temple as or his Solomon built his temple as or his Solomon built his temple as or his palace as high as he built the temple, palace as high as he built the temple, palace as high as he built the temple, but he built his palace four times as but he built his palace four times as but he built his palace four times as big.

big. big. So it took double the time because it So it took double the time because it So it took double the time because it was four times the size. was four times the size. was four times the size. But again, you'd have a hard time But again, you'd have a hard time But again, you'd have a hard time convincing anyone at that time that convincing anyone at that time that convincing anyone at that time that there's a problem there there's a problem there there's a problem there because everything from the outside look because everything from the outside look because everything from the outside look looks like it's going great. In fact, I looks like it's going great. In fact, I looks like it's going great. In fact, I mean, the temple gets constructed. mean, the temple gets constructed. mean, the temple gets constructed. Israel's enemies had been defeated at Israel's enemies had been defeated at Israel's enemies had been defeated at that point. And the economy in Israel that point. And the economy in Israel that point. And the economy in Israel had literally never done better in its had literally never done better in its had literally never done better in its history. Everything when you looked at history. Everything when you looked at history. Everything when you looked at Solomon's life felt like the things that Solomon's life felt like the things that Solomon's life felt like the things that Solomon was touching were turning to Solomon was touching were turning to Solomon was touching were turning to gold. gold. gold. And I would even argue the next there's And I would even argue the next there's And I would even argue the next there's another passage in First Kings chapter another passage in First Kings chapter another passage in First Kings chapter 10 that goes on to kind of reiterate 10 that goes on to kind of reiterate 10 that goes on to kind of reiterate that point where in first Kings 10, that point where in first Kings 10, that point where in first Kings 10, things already look like they're going things already look like they're going things already look like they're going great. But then we get introduced to great. But then we get introduced to great. But then we get introduced to this leader called the Queen of Sheba. this leader called the Queen of Sheba. this leader called the Queen of Sheba. She's this world leader who's heard She's this world leader who's heard She's this world leader who's heard stories about the greatness of Solomon stories about the greatness of Solomon stories about the greatness of Solomon and the beauty of the temple that he and the beauty of the temple that he and the beauty of the temple that he built and the the massive expansion of built and the the massive expansion of built and the the massive expansion of the kingdom that he was leading. And she the kingdom that he was leading. And she the kingdom that he was leading. And she heard all the stories and wanted to see heard all the stories and wanted to see heard all the stories and wanted to see for herself if they were true. And you for herself if they were true. And you for herself if they were true. And you can literally read this in First Kings can literally read this in First Kings can literally read this in First Kings chapter 10. She makes her way to chapter 10. She makes her way to chapter 10. She makes her way to Jerusalem. She comes and meets with Jerusalem. She comes and meets with Jerusalem. She comes and meets with Solomon. And scripture tells us that Solomon. And scripture tells us that Solomon. And scripture tells us that after she met Solomon and after she laid after she met Solomon and after she laid after she met Solomon and after she laid eyes on his kingdom and after she met eyes on his kingdom and after she met eyes on his kingdom and after she met the officials that worked for Solomon, the officials that worked for Solomon, the officials that worked for Solomon, the the passage says that it took her the the passage says that it took her the the passage says that it took her breath away.

breath away. breath away. Solomon was actually better than Solomon was actually better than Solomon was actually better than advertised. advertised. advertised. From the outside, when you look at From the outside, when you look at From the outside, when you look at Solomon, everything looks like it's Solomon, everything looks like it's Solomon, everything looks like it's being blessed by God. You don't think being blessed by God. You don't think being blessed by God. You don't think you're looking at a sinkhole. You think you're looking at a sinkhole. You think you're looking at a sinkhole. You think you're looking at the blessing of God. you're looking at the blessing of God. you're looking at the blessing of God. But that's the thing about sink holes. But that's the thing about sink holes. But that's the thing about sink holes. Sink holes don't deal with what's going Sink holes don't deal with what's going Sink holes don't deal with what's going on on the surface. on on the surface. on on the surface. Sinkholes deal with what's happening Sinkholes deal with what's happening Sinkholes deal with what's happening underneath the surface. underneath the surface. underneath the surface. And what's true about Solomon is that And what's true about Solomon is that And what's true about Solomon is that the entire time that he was building the entire time that he was building the entire time that he was building this kingdom, this kingdom, this kingdom, the entire time he was accumulating this the entire time he was accumulating this the entire time he was accumulating this wealth, the entire time that his wealth, the entire time that his wealth, the entire time that his reputation continued to grow, the reputation continued to grow, the reputation continued to grow, the sinkhole in his heart had been growing sinkhole in his heart had been growing sinkhole in his heart had been growing too. too. too. First Kingsap 11 is the moment where First Kingsap 11 is the moment where First Kingsap 11 is the moment where everything finally collapses. everything finally collapses. everything finally collapses. Here's what it says. As Solomon grew Here's what it says. As Solomon grew Here's what it says. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after old, his wives turned his heart after old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, just like God said they other gods, just like God said they other gods, just like God said they would.

would. would. And his heart was not fully devoted to And his heart was not fully devoted to And his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David the Lord his God, as the heart of David the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. And so Solomon did his father had been. And so Solomon did his father had been. And so Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He didn't evil in the eyes of the Lord. He didn't evil in the eyes of the Lord. He didn't follow the Lord completely as David his follow the Lord completely as David his follow the Lord completely as David his father had done. And the Lord became father had done. And the Lord became father had done. And the Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had angry with Solomon because his heart had angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of turned away from the Lord, the God of turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to Although he had forbidden Solomon to Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep follow other gods, Solomon did not keep follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord's command. And so the Lord said the Lord's command. And so the Lord said the Lord's command. And so the Lord said to Solomon, "Since this is your to Solomon, "Since this is your to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude, and you have not kept my attitude, and you have not kept my attitude, and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I covenant and my decrees, which I covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, commanded you, commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom I will most certainly tear the kingdom I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it away to one of away from you and give it away to one of away from you and give it away to one of your subordinates." And not long after that, everything that And not long after that, everything that Solomon had spent his life building, Solomon had spent his life building, Solomon had spent his life building, his reputation, his reputation, his reputation, his family lineage, his family lineage, his family lineage, his temple, his temple, his temple, his kingdom, his kingdom, his kingdom, all of them came crashing down.

And this is the part of Solomon's story And this is the part of Solomon's story where it's really tempting to check out where it's really tempting to check out where it's really tempting to check out because the truth is for most of us, we because the truth is for most of us, we because the truth is for most of us, we don't identify as the most rich, don't identify as the most rich, don't identify as the most rich, powerful, wise person in our lifetime, powerful, wise person in our lifetime, powerful, wise person in our lifetime, you know, and if you do, I would love to you know, and if you do, I would love to you know, and if you do, I would love to be friends. Like, we can go get lunch be friends. Like, we can go get lunch be friends. Like, we can go get lunch after this. That's fine. Let me know. after this. That's fine. Let me know. after this. That's fine. Let me know. But most of us can't relate to an Old But most of us can't relate to an Old But most of us can't relate to an Old Testament king. Testament king. Testament king. But all of us have a kingdom. All of us have a place where we get to All of us have a place where we get to call the shots. Now maybe your kingdom call the shots. Now maybe your kingdom call the shots. Now maybe your kingdom is your family. is your family. is your family. Maybe it's your your job. It could be Maybe it's your your job. It could be Maybe it's your your job. It could be your finances. It could be your stuff. your finances. It could be your stuff. your finances. It could be your stuff. It might be your thoughts. It might be It might be your thoughts. It might be It might be your thoughts. It might be your attitude. But all of us have a your attitude. But all of us have a your attitude. But all of us have a kingdom where we get to call the shots. kingdom where we get to call the shots. kingdom where we get to call the shots. And just like Solomon, And just like Solomon, And just like Solomon, all of us have the potential to develop all of us have the potential to develop all of us have the potential to develop a sinkhole in our kingdom. We all have a sinkhole in our kingdom. We all have a sinkhole in our kingdom. We all have places where things in our kingdom look places where things in our kingdom look places where things in our kingdom look better on the outside than they are on better on the outside than they are on better on the outside than they are on the inside. So, I would argue that as the inside. So, I would argue that as the inside. So, I would argue that as tempting as it is to check out, you tempting as it is to check out, you tempting as it is to check out, you might have more in common with Solomon might have more in common with Solomon might have more in common with Solomon than you think.

than you think. than you think. And I would even go as far as to say And I would even go as far as to say And I would even go as far as to say it's a whole lot easier to become like it's a whole lot easier to become like it's a whole lot easier to become like Solomon than we think. I should know I watched it happen to my I should know I watched it happen to my dad. dad. dad. I saw it. Now, what I want to begin by I saw it. Now, what I want to begin by I saw it. Now, what I want to begin by saying is I really love my dad. saying is I really love my dad. saying is I really love my dad. I think I love my dad. Um, he was I think I love my dad. Um, he was I think I love my dad. Um, he was married to my mom for 28 years. He had married to my mom for 28 years. He had married to my mom for 28 years. He had two boys, me and my brother. And, um, he two boys, me and my brother. And, um, he two boys, me and my brother. And, um, he had this amazing like turnaround had this amazing like turnaround had this amazing like turnaround driveway jump shot that I just never I driveway jump shot that I just never I driveway jump shot that I just never I could never figure out how to guard it. could never figure out how to guard it. could never figure out how to guard it. He always beat me in basketball. He always beat me in basketball. He always beat me in basketball. Uh, he was also a really incredible Uh, he was also a really incredible Uh, he was also a really incredible preacher and a really incredible pastor. preacher and a really incredible pastor. preacher and a really incredible pastor. In fact, he wasn't much older than I am In fact, he wasn't much older than I am In fact, he wasn't much older than I am now when he became the senior pastor of now when he became the senior pastor of now when he became the senior pastor of a church of about a hundred people. And a church of about a hundred people. And a church of about a hundred people. And over time, he grew that church into the over time, he grew that church into the over time, he grew that church into the largest, most influential church in our largest, most influential church in our largest, most influential church in our area. Like my dad had a lot of things area. Like my dad had a lot of things area. Like my dad had a lot of things going for him. What was unfortunate was going for him. What was unfortunate was going for him. What was unfortunate was that he also had a sinkhole.

The event that started it all was when The event that started it all was when he was seven and his dad walked out. his he was seven and his dad walked out. his he was seven and his dad walked out. his dad left and they never reconciled. So, dad left and they never reconciled. So, dad left and they never reconciled. So, it wasn't like he got to go spend every it wasn't like he got to go spend every it wasn't like he got to go spend every other weekend with his dad. He didn't go other weekend with his dad. He didn't go other weekend with his dad. He didn't go to graduations. He didn't show up to my to graduations. He didn't show up to my to graduations. He didn't show up to my mom and dad's wedding. Like, when my mom and dad's wedding. Like, when my mom and dad's wedding. Like, when my dad's father walked out when he was dad's father walked out when he was dad's father walked out when he was seven, that was it. And they were done. seven, that was it. And they were done. seven, that was it. And they were done. And the moment that that happened, a And the moment that that happened, a And the moment that that happened, a void was created in my dad's heart where void was created in my dad's heart where void was created in my dad's heart where he believed that he wasn't good enough he believed that he wasn't good enough he believed that he wasn't good enough for his dad to want to stay. He just walked around with a hole in his He just walked around with a hole in his heart thinking he wasn't good enough for heart thinking he wasn't good enough for heart thinking he wasn't good enough for his dad to want to stay. And so he his dad to want to stay. And so he his dad to want to stay. And so he decided that the way that he was going decided that the way that he was going decided that the way that he was going to try and fill the void, he was going to try and fill the void, he was going to try and fill the void, he was going to fix the void was performing. And to fix the void was performing. And to fix the void was performing. And perform my dad did. He became a college perform my dad did. He became a college perform my dad did. He became a college athlete. He married my mom. He built athlete. He married my mom. He built athlete. He married my mom. He built this great-looking family at work. He this great-looking family at work. He this great-looking family at work. He was crushing it. His reputation in the was crushing it. His reputation in the was crushing it. His reputation in the community that we lived in was second to community that we lived in was second to community that we lived in was second to none.

Everything looked better from the Everything looked better from the outside than it really was on the outside than it really was on the outside than it really was on the inside. And my dad had his own um first inside. And my dad had his own um first inside. And my dad had his own um first Kings 11 moment in 2018 when he was Kings 11 moment in 2018 when he was Kings 11 moment in 2018 when he was asked to resign from the church. it came out that he'd been abusing my it came out that he'd been abusing my mom for a long time. mom for a long time. mom for a long time. And so when news like that breaks, And so when news like that breaks, And so when news like that breaks, you know, especially if you're in you know, especially if you're in you know, especially if you're in ministry, I mean, your career and your ministry, I mean, your career and your ministry, I mean, your career and your reputation in the community, all of a reputation in the community, all of a reputation in the community, all of a sudden those just came crashing down. sudden those just came crashing down. sudden those just came crashing down. Uh not long after that, my mom filed for Uh not long after that, my mom filed for Uh not long after that, my mom filed for divorce and her and my brother left. And divorce and her and my brother left. And divorce and her and my brother left. And so the family and the marriage that my so the family and the marriage that my so the family and the marriage that my dad had spent a long time building that dad had spent a long time building that dad had spent a long time building that came crashing down came crashing down came crashing down after all that went down. My dad just after all that went down. My dad just after all that went down. My dad just wanted to get away from everything. And wanted to get away from everything. And wanted to get away from everything. And so he moved out of state and the so he moved out of state and the so he moved out of state and the community that he had spent so many community that he had spent so many community that he had spent so many years pouring into and building up and years pouring into and building up and years pouring into and building up and the connections that he had made, all of the connections that he had made, all of the connections that he had made, all of that just that just that just came crashing down.

And all of that culminated, you know, he And all of that culminated, you know, he had kind of isolated himself had kind of isolated himself had kind of isolated himself at that point. And nine months after all at that point. And nine months after all at that point. And nine months after all of that began, of that began, of that began, everything culminated when my dad, nine everything culminated when my dad, nine everything culminated when my dad, nine months later in April of 2019, months later in April of 2019, months later in April of 2019, decided to take his own life. I know what a sinkhole that goes I know what a sinkhole that goes unadressed can become. And the irony of all of it is after my And the irony of all of it is after my dad died, dad died, dad died, I noticed that the same sinkhole started I noticed that the same sinkhole started I noticed that the same sinkhole started to form in my own heart. to form in my own heart. to form in my own heart. Again, at the end of his life, he was Again, at the end of his life, he was Again, at the end of his life, he was kind of isolated to where the last kind of isolated to where the last kind of isolated to where the last person that he really had an ongoing person that he really had an ongoing person that he really had an ongoing relationship with and that he would relationship with and that he would relationship with and that he would regularly talk to was me. And so, after regularly talk to was me. And so, after regularly talk to was me. And so, after he had been stripped of everything else, he had been stripped of everything else, he had been stripped of everything else, when he had been stripped of his title when he had been stripped of his title when he had been stripped of his title as a pastor, he'd been stripped of his as a pastor, he'd been stripped of his as a pastor, he'd been stripped of his title as a husband, he lost his friends title as a husband, he lost his friends title as a husband, he lost his friends and his standing in the community, the and his standing in the community, the and his standing in the community, the last thing that he had left was being my last thing that he had left was being my last thing that he had left was being my dad.

dad. dad. And I remember thinking to myself after And I remember thinking to myself after And I remember thinking to myself after he died that I wasn't enough for him to he died that I wasn't enough for him to he died that I wasn't enough for him to want to stay around. Same exact void that he dealt with when Same exact void that he dealt with when his dad left. And again, I didn't just have the same And again, I didn't just have the same void. void. void. I also had the same temptation for how I also had the same temptation for how I also had the same temptation for how to fix the void. to fix the void. to fix the void. I began to think that maybe I could I began to think that maybe I could I began to think that maybe I could perform my way into filling the void. perform my way into filling the void. perform my way into filling the void. Maybe if I could just be impressive Maybe if I could just be impressive Maybe if I could just be impressive enough, enough, enough, you know, maybe we we he was in you know, maybe we we he was in you know, maybe we we he was in ministry, too. Maybe if I could just ministry, too. Maybe if I could just ministry, too. Maybe if I could just work at a big enough church, work at a big enough church, work at a big enough church, maybe if enough people could know my maybe if enough people could know my maybe if enough people could know my name, name, name, maybe that would maybe that would fix maybe that would maybe that would fix maybe that would maybe that would fix the void. the void. the void. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, Unfortunately, I knew too much. I knew too much. I knew too much. I had seen where that road would lead. I had seen where that road would lead. I had seen where that road would lead. And I knew pretty early on in that And I knew pretty early on in that And I knew pretty early on in that journey that I had a choice to make.

And I want some of you to know that you And I want some of you to know that you have a choice to make, too. I don't know what your sinkhole is. I don't know what your sinkhole is. Maybe it started when your dad left. Maybe your sinkhole happened on the Maybe your sinkhole happened on the other side of abuse. other side of abuse. other side of abuse. Maybe it was a prayer that God didn't Maybe it was a prayer that God didn't Maybe it was a prayer that God didn't answer. Maybe it was a betrayal that you answer. Maybe it was a betrayal that you answer. Maybe it was a betrayal that you just never saw coming. just never saw coming. just never saw coming. I don't know what the event was that did I don't know what the event was that did I don't know what the event was that did it for you. But what I do know is that it for you. But what I do know is that it for you. But what I do know is that that event has created a void in your that event has created a void in your that event has created a void in your heart. And the question is not whether heart. And the question is not whether heart. And the question is not whether or not there's a void in your heart. The or not there's a void in your heart. The or not there's a void in your heart. The question is what you're doing about it. Because regardless of what happened to Because regardless of what happened to you, even though what happened wasn't you, even though what happened wasn't you, even though what happened wasn't your fault, your fault, your fault, addressing the sinkhole in your heart is addressing the sinkhole in your heart is addressing the sinkhole in your heart is your responsibility. And I'm telling you, what you do with And I'm telling you, what you do with the sinkhole in your heart is one of the the sinkhole in your heart is one of the the sinkhole in your heart is one of the most important decisions that you can most important decisions that you can most important decisions that you can make. I'm telling you, I know what a make. I'm telling you, I know what a make. I'm telling you, I know what a sinkhole that goes unadressed can sinkhole that goes unadressed can sinkhole that goes unadressed can become.

become. become. And so, I want to go back to our And so, I want to go back to our And so, I want to go back to our original question for the day. If we all original question for the day. If we all original question for the day. If we all have sinkholes and what we do with them have sinkholes and what we do with them have sinkholes and what we do with them is mightily important then is mightily important then is mightily important then then what do we do with the sink holes then what do we do with the sink holes then what do we do with the sink holes in our heart and I best I can figure out in our heart and I best I can figure out in our heart and I best I can figure out there's two things that we can decide to there's two things that we can decide to there's two things that we can decide to do. Number one is you can try and fix it do. Number one is you can try and fix it do. Number one is you can try and fix it yourself. yourself. yourself. Number two is you can ask for help. And Number two is you can ask for help. And Number two is you can ask for help. And can I be honest with you? can I be honest with you? can I be honest with you? Most of us try and fix it ourselves. Most of us try and fix ourselves. We Most of us try and fix ourselves. We perform harder and try to achieve more perform harder and try to achieve more perform harder and try to achieve more thinking that the next achievement or thinking that the next achievement or thinking that the next achievement or the next set of letters after our name the next set of letters after our name the next set of letters after our name or whatever it is would be the thing or whatever it is would be the thing or whatever it is would be the thing that ultimately fills the void in our that ultimately fills the void in our that ultimately fills the void in our heart. heart. heart. Or maybe we try and spend our way out of Or maybe we try and spend our way out of Or maybe we try and spend our way out of it and we think a bigger house and a it and we think a bigger house and a it and we think a bigger house and a better location or a nicer faster car or better location or a nicer faster car or better location or a nicer faster car or a better longer vac. That's the thing a better longer vac. That's the thing a better longer vac. That's the thing that will ultimately fill the void in that will ultimately fill the void in that will ultimately fill the void in our heart. Maybe uh you try and numb out our heart. Maybe uh you try and numb out our heart. Maybe uh you try and numb out and so you have another drink or you and so you have another drink or you and so you have another drink or you scroll a little bit more or you Yes, scroll a little bit more or you Yes, scroll a little bit more or you Yes, Netflix I am still watching. You watch Netflix I am still watching. You watch Netflix I am still watching. You watch another episode, you know, trying to another episode, you know, trying to another episode, you know, trying to numb out and avoid feeling the pain even numb out and avoid feeling the pain even numb out and avoid feeling the pain even for just a little bit.

for just a little bit. for just a little bit. Or for some of us, we try and fix it Or for some of us, we try and fix it Or for some of us, we try and fix it ourselves by just staying as busy as ourselves by just staying as busy as ourselves by just staying as busy as possible. And we think that time will possible. And we think that time will possible. And we think that time will heal all wounds. And so we just sort of heal all wounds. And so we just sort of heal all wounds. And so we just sort of kick the can down the road and think kick the can down the road and think kick the can down the road and think maybe if I could just stay busy long maybe if I could just stay busy long maybe if I could just stay busy long enough I won't have to feel it and it'll enough I won't have to feel it and it'll enough I won't have to feel it and it'll take care of itself. And what we don't take care of itself. And what we don't take care of itself. And what we don't realize is that time does not heal all realize is that time does not heal all realize is that time does not heal all wounds. Time will infect all wounds that wounds. Time will infect all wounds that wounds. Time will infect all wounds that are not dealt with. are not dealt with. are not dealt with. Most of us try and fix it ourselves. Most of us try and fix it ourselves. Most of us try and fix it ourselves. And what I found is that most of us And what I found is that most of us And what I found is that most of us don't try and fix it ourselves because don't try and fix it ourselves because don't try and fix it ourselves because we're like these evil dark people. we're like these evil dark people. we're like these evil dark people. Most of us try and fix ourselves because Most of us try and fix ourselves because Most of us try and fix ourselves because we know that getting help and asking for we know that getting help and asking for we know that getting help and asking for help is expensive. Asking for help is really expensive. And Asking for help is really expensive. And for many of us, we'd rather try and for many of us, we'd rather try and for many of us, we'd rather try and handle it on our own than pay the cost handle it on our own than pay the cost handle it on our own than pay the cost of what it would require to get help. I of what it would require to get help. I of what it would require to get help. I learned this the hard way this year. learned this the hard way this year. learned this the hard way this year. Back in October, uh Shelby and I bought Back in October, uh Shelby and I bought Back in October, uh Shelby and I bought our very first house. Okay. Uh really our very first house. Okay. Uh really our very first house. Okay. Uh really exciting stuff. We were looking forward exciting stuff. We were looking forward exciting stuff. We were looking forward to it. We've been praying about it for a to it. We've been praying about it for a to it. We've been praying about it for a while. Um, also in October, however, we while. Um, also in October, however, we while. Um, also in October, however, we learned that we were going to get to learned that we were going to get to learned that we were going to get to renovate our first house. And, uh, we renovate our first house. And, uh, we renovate our first house. And, uh, we didn't plan on it. We weren't looking didn't plan on it. We weren't looking didn't plan on it. We weren't looking forward to it. Uh, but we found out very forward to it. Uh, but we found out very forward to it. Uh, but we found out very quickly that that was going to be part quickly that that was going to be part quickly that that was going to be part of the journey. And so, to be honest of the journey. And so, to be honest of the journey. And so, to be honest with you, this is this is what I'm with you, this is this is what I'm with you, this is this is what I'm talking about. Like, it it wasn't like talking about. Like, it it wasn't like talking about. Like, it it wasn't like putting some shiplap on a wall or we putting some shiplap on a wall or we putting some shiplap on a wall or we didn't like a light fixture. Like, I'm didn't like a light fixture. Like, I'm didn't like a light fixture. Like, I'm looking into the crawl space for my looking into the crawl space for my looking into the crawl space for my dining room. That kind of renovation.

dining room. That kind of renovation. dining room. That kind of renovation. Here's the kitchen, by the way. Here's the kitchen, by the way. Here's the kitchen, by the way. And I'll tell you my first thought when And I'll tell you my first thought when And I'll tell you my first thought when I learned that we were going to have to I learned that we were going to have to I learned that we were going to have to renovate the house. renovate the house. renovate the house. Actually, I can't tell you that one. But Actually, I can't tell you that one. But Actually, I can't tell you that one. But the second thought after I learned that the second thought after I learned that the second thought after I learned that we were going to renovate the house was, we were going to renovate the house was, we were going to renovate the house was, "Oh man, good for Shelby. "Oh man, good for Shelby. "Oh man, good for Shelby. She's going to find out what kind of man She's going to find out what kind of man She's going to find out what kind of man she married. You know, I'm going to she married. You know, I'm going to she married. You know, I'm going to build my wife a house with my bare hands build my wife a house with my bare hands build my wife a house with my bare hands like a man." like a man." like a man." Which is actually pretty ironic because Which is actually pretty ironic because Which is actually pretty ironic because I used a saw for the second time in my I used a saw for the second time in my I used a saw for the second time in my life in October. But sure, I'll build a life in October. But sure, I'll build a life in October. But sure, I'll build a house. You know, so I did, you know, house. You know, so I did, you know, house. You know, so I did, you know, what all of us do. I went to Home Depot. what all of us do. I went to Home Depot. what all of us do. I went to Home Depot. I bought a lot of things I didn't know I bought a lot of things I didn't know I bought a lot of things I didn't know the names of. I most definitely did not the names of. I most definitely did not the names of. I most definitely did not ask for help when they offered it 13 ask for help when they offered it 13 ask for help when they offered it 13 times. I'll tell you that much. I times. I'll tell you that much. I times. I'll tell you that much. I watched a couple of YouTube tutorials. I watched a couple of YouTube tutorials. I watched a couple of YouTube tutorials. I started wearing more car hurt. Uh, and I started wearing more car hurt. Uh, and I started wearing more car hurt. Uh, and I was ready to go. It took about 48 hours for reality to It took about 48 hours for reality to set in.

set in. set in. Uh, I realized as I was doing the Uh, I realized as I was doing the Uh, I realized as I was doing the projects that there kept becoming more projects that there kept becoming more projects that there kept becoming more projects than I thought there were going projects than I thought there were going projects than I thought there were going to be. Like everything I touched seemed to be. Like everything I touched seemed to be. Like everything I touched seemed to create two more projects because I to create two more projects because I to create two more projects because I broke the original project. broke the original project. broke the original project. Now, the problem was I I didn't want to Now, the problem was I I didn't want to Now, the problem was I I didn't want to ask for help. And part of why I didn't ask for help. And part of why I didn't ask for help. And part of why I didn't want to ask for help is because I'm a want to ask for help is because I'm a want to ask for help is because I'm a man and I have pride. Okay, I admit it. man and I have pride. Okay, I admit it. man and I have pride. Okay, I admit it. It's fine. The second thing that made me It's fine. The second thing that made me It's fine. The second thing that made me not want to ask for help was I didn't not want to ask for help was I didn't not want to ask for help was I didn't want to pay for help. want to pay for help. want to pay for help. I thought that if I could just fix it I thought that if I could just fix it I thought that if I could just fix it myself that maybe I could do it cheaper, myself that maybe I could do it cheaper, myself that maybe I could do it cheaper, you know. Now, luckily, you know. Now, luckily, you know. Now, luckily, I had some really great guys in my life, I had some really great guys in my life, I had some really great guys in my life, some really great friends, and my wife some really great friends, and my wife some really great friends, and my wife finally convinced me that maybe the best finally convinced me that maybe the best finally convinced me that maybe the best thing for me to do for the renovation thing for me to do for the renovation thing for me to do for the renovation would be to ask for help. And so, we would be to ask for help. And so, we would be to ask for help. And so, we have a family friend of ours who's a have a family friend of ours who's a have a family friend of ours who's a general contractor. general contractor. general contractor. I gave him a call. I asked him to come I gave him a call. I asked him to come I gave him a call. I asked him to come out and take a look at things. And he out and take a look at things. And he out and take a look at things. And he was walking through the house and I was was walking through the house and I was was walking through the house and I was really nervous guy. Like we're walking really nervous guy. Like we're walking really nervous guy. Like we're walking through the house and he's like he's not through the house and he's like he's not through the house and he's like he's not saying anything at first and so I'm just saying anything at first and so I'm just saying anything at first and so I'm just walking like with my hands in my pockets walking like with my hands in my pockets walking like with my hands in my pockets like I don't know. Am I in trouble? Like like I don't know. Am I in trouble? Like like I don't know. Am I in trouble? Like am I in trouble with my contractor for am I in trouble with my contractor for am I in trouble with my contractor for what I did to my house? I'm thinking I what I did to my house? I'm thinking I what I did to my house? I'm thinking I broke it. Like I think it I I broke the broke it. Like I think it I I broke the broke it. Like I think it I I broke the house. I killed the house. We can't live house. I killed the house. We can't live house. I killed the house. We can't live here anymore.

here anymore. here anymore. The first thing he said to me after we The first thing he said to me after we The first thing he said to me after we walked through it was, "Dave, I got good walked through it was, "Dave, I got good walked through it was, "Dave, I got good news for you." I said, "Oh, thank God. news for you." I said, "Oh, thank God. news for you." I said, "Oh, thank God. It's all fixable." Like, "All right. It's all fixable." Like, "All right. It's all fixable." Like, "All right. Okay. I didn't break it. It's good. Okay. I didn't break it. It's good. Okay. I didn't break it. It's good. Great. The second thing he said, it Great. The second thing he said, it Great. The second thing he said, it wasn't this potent. He was kinder about wasn't this potent. He was kinder about wasn't this potent. He was kinder about it, but this is what I heard. It just it, but this is what I heard. It just it, but this is what I heard. It just can't be fixed by you. Fair enough. Fair enough. Fair enough. Fair enough. So, eventually I just, you know, paid So, eventually I just, you know, paid So, eventually I just, you know, paid what it cost to get help from people who what it cost to get help from people who what it cost to get help from people who had the tools that they needed and the had the tools that they needed and the had the tools that they needed and the expertise that was needed to actually expertise that was needed to actually expertise that was needed to actually get the job done. And you know the best get the job done. And you know the best get the job done. And you know the best decision I made in that whole renovation decision I made in that whole renovation decision I made in that whole renovation project, project, project, the best decision I made was wearing the best decision I made was wearing the best decision I made was wearing more car heart for sure. Don't regret more car heart for sure. Don't regret more car heart for sure. Don't regret that one bit. But the second best that one bit. But the second best that one bit. But the second best decision I made decision I made decision I made was stopping was stopping was stopping to stop trying and fix it myself to stop trying and fix it myself to stop trying and fix it myself and to pay whatever it costs to ask for and to pay whatever it costs to ask for and to pay whatever it costs to ask for help.

And so it is with the sink holes in our And so it is with the sink holes in our hearts. The good news, you know, my friend, the The good news, you know, my friend, the contractor, he told me, "Hey, all of it contractor, he told me, "Hey, all of it contractor, he told me, "Hey, all of it can be fixed. It just can't be fixed by can be fixed. It just can't be fixed by can be fixed. It just can't be fixed by you." I think if Jesus could look you in you." I think if Jesus could look you in you." I think if Jesus could look you in the eye and talk to you about the the eye and talk to you about the the eye and talk to you about the sinkhole in your heart, you know what I sinkhole in your heart, you know what I sinkhole in your heart, you know what I think he'd tell you? I got good news for think he'd tell you? I got good news for think he'd tell you? I got good news for you. you. you. All of this can be fixed. All of this can be fixed. All of this can be fixed. It just can't be fixed by you. It just can't be fixed by you. You're It just can't be fixed by you. You're not going to be able to fix this not going to be able to fix this not going to be able to fix this yourself. It doesn't matter how much yourself. It doesn't matter how much yourself. It doesn't matter how much more money you make. It does not matter more money you make. It does not matter more money you make. It does not matter how much bigger your house is or how how much bigger your house is or how how much bigger your house is or how much nicer your car is. It does not much nicer your car is. It does not much nicer your car is. It does not matter how much better shape you get in. matter how much better shape you get in. matter how much better shape you get in. It doesn't matter how many episodes you It doesn't matter how many episodes you It doesn't matter how many episodes you watch on Netflix or how many touchdowns watch on Netflix or how many touchdowns watch on Netflix or how many touchdowns you score, how many scholarship offers you score, how many scholarship offers you score, how many scholarship offers you. You cannot fix this on your own. you. You cannot fix this on your own. you. You cannot fix this on your own. And the longer you try and fix it And the longer you try and fix it And the longer you try and fix it yourself, the more time that that yourself, the more time that that yourself, the more time that that sinkhole has permission to grow. sinkhole has permission to grow. sinkhole has permission to grow. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. We need help We need help We need help from the only person who has exactly from the only person who has exactly from the only person who has exactly what is needed to fix every sink hole in what is needed to fix every sink hole in what is needed to fix every sink hole in every human heart. And the help we need every human heart. And the help we need every human heart. And the help we need can only come from Jesus.

can only come from Jesus. can only come from Jesus. >> It can only come from Jesus. In fact, Jesus actually said as much in In fact, Jesus actually said as much in a service much like this. He reads, he's a service much like this. He reads, he's a service much like this. He reads, he's in the synagogue in a service in front in the synagogue in a service in front in the synagogue in a service in front of the congregation and he's reading a of the congregation and he's reading a of the congregation and he's reading a passage from Isaiah chapter 61 where passage from Isaiah chapter 61 where passage from Isaiah chapter 61 where Isaiah is prophesying about this figure Isaiah is prophesying about this figure Isaiah is prophesying about this figure who is to come in the future. And as he who is to come in the future. And as he who is to come in the future. And as he reads, he reads that the spirit of the reads, he reads that the spirit of the reads, he reads that the spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to has anointed me to proclaim good news to has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the the poor. He has sent me to bind up the the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted brokenhearted brokenhearted and to proclaim freedom for the captives and to proclaim freedom for the captives and to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the and release from darkness for the and release from darkness for the prisoners. And after he finished reading prisoners. And after he finished reading prisoners. And after he finished reading that passage, he closes the scroll in that passage, he closes the scroll in that passage, he closes the scroll in Luke chapter 4 where this story is Luke chapter 4 where this story is Luke chapter 4 where this story is taking place says that Jesus stood in taking place says that Jesus stood in taking place says that Jesus stood in front of everybody and he said, "Today front of everybody and he said, "Today front of everybody and he said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your this scripture is fulfilled in your this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." hearing." hearing." You know what Jesus was saying? I am who You know what Jesus was saying? I am who You know what Jesus was saying? I am who Isaiah was saying would come.

Isaiah was saying would come. Isaiah was saying would come. Everything that he's talking about is Everything that he's talking about is Everything that he's talking about is who I am. I am here to bind up the who I am. I am here to bind up the who I am. I am here to bind up the brokenhearted. I am here to make you brokenhearted. I am here to make you brokenhearted. I am here to make you whole when you're not whole. I am here whole when you're not whole. I am here whole when you're not whole. I am here to fix the sinkhole. to fix the sinkhole. to fix the sinkhole. And so, back to our original question, And so, back to our original question, And so, back to our original question, what do we do with the sink holes in our what do we do with the sink holes in our what do we do with the sink holes in our lives? lives? lives? We ask for help from the one who can fix We ask for help from the one who can fix We ask for help from the one who can fix them. them. them. You don't try harder to fix it yourself. You don't try harder to fix it yourself. You don't try harder to fix it yourself. You ask for help from the one who can You ask for help from the one who can You ask for help from the one who can fix them. But I'm going to warn you, fix them. But I'm going to warn you, fix them. But I'm going to warn you, asking for help will cost you. Oh, it'll cost you so much. It'll cost Oh, it'll cost you so much. It'll cost you your pride. you your pride. you your pride. It'll cost you some hard conversations It'll cost you some hard conversations It'll cost you some hard conversations that maybe you've been avoiding for that maybe you've been avoiding for that maybe you've been avoiding for years. years. years. It'll cost you your image and your It'll cost you your image and your It'll cost you your image and your reputation that you've worked so hard to reputation that you've worked so hard to reputation that you've worked so hard to build up and maintain over the last few build up and maintain over the last few build up and maintain over the last few years. It might cost you your standard years. It might cost you your standard years. It might cost you your standard of living if that's the way that you've of living if that's the way that you've of living if that's the way that you've been trying to cover up and fix the been trying to cover up and fix the been trying to cover up and fix the sinkhole in your life.

sinkhole in your life. sinkhole in your life. Like asking for help will cost you. Like asking for help will cost you. Like asking for help will cost you. And I it is not lost on me how expensive And I it is not lost on me how expensive And I it is not lost on me how expensive that cost is. that cost is. that cost is. In fact, that cost is so expensive that In fact, that cost is so expensive that In fact, that cost is so expensive that there's a very real temptation there's a very real temptation there's a very real temptation to just get up, leave the room, go home to just get up, leave the room, go home to just get up, leave the room, go home today, and hope that the sinkhole can today, and hope that the sinkhole can today, and hope that the sinkhole can last another year. Maybe you get five last another year. Maybe you get five last another year. Maybe you get five years out of it and just pretend like years out of it and just pretend like years out of it and just pretend like nothing's happening nothing's happening nothing's happening because you don't think that the cost is because you don't think that the cost is because you don't think that the cost is worth it. But here's what I need you to worth it. But here's what I need you to worth it. But here's what I need you to hear. hear. hear. The sinkhole is going to cost you either The sinkhole is going to cost you either The sinkhole is going to cost you either way. way. way. You know what I learned while I was You know what I learned while I was You know what I learned while I was doing the renovation on my house? doing the renovation on my house? doing the renovation on my house? Whether I chose to try and fix it myself Whether I chose to try and fix it myself Whether I chose to try and fix it myself and then ask for help or whether I just and then ask for help or whether I just and then ask for help or whether I just asked for help from the get-go, I was asked for help from the get-go, I was asked for help from the get-go, I was going to have to pay the cost to get going to have to pay the cost to get going to have to pay the cost to get help no matter what. Whether you try and fix the sinkhole Whether you try and fix the sinkhole yourself for a little while yourself for a little while yourself for a little while or whether you decide to ask for help or whether you decide to ask for help or whether you decide to ask for help today, today, today, the sinkhole is going to cost you either the sinkhole is going to cost you either the sinkhole is going to cost you either way. And so if the sinkhole is going to way. And so if the sinkhole is going to way. And so if the sinkhole is going to cost you either way, then you get to decide which cost you're then you get to decide which cost you're going to pay. Jesus said it like this in going to pay. Jesus said it like this in going to pay. Jesus said it like this in Matthew chapter 16. I think it's Matthew chapter 16. I think it's Matthew chapter 16. I think it's brilliant. Whoever wants to save their brilliant. Whoever wants to save their brilliant. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses life will lose it, but whoever loses life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What their life for me will find it. What their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the good will it be for someone to gain the good will it be for someone to gain the whole world and yet forfeit their soul?

What good is a beautiful life built on a What good is a beautiful life built on a sinkhole? That sinkhole is going to cost you That sinkhole is going to cost you either way. So, you get to decide if either way. So, you get to decide if either way. So, you get to decide if it's going to cost you either way, which it's going to cost you either way, which it's going to cost you either way, which cost would you like to pay? cost would you like to pay? cost would you like to pay? The cost of The cost of The cost of asking for help and fixing the sinkhole asking for help and fixing the sinkhole asking for help and fixing the sinkhole now now now or the cost of rebuilding it when that or the cost of rebuilding it when that or the cost of rebuilding it when that sinkhole collapses? I want to actually give us an I want to actually give us an opportunity in the room to be able to do opportunity in the room to be able to do opportunity in the room to be able to do something with that question today. But something with that question today. But something with that question today. But before I do, I want to make a couple of before I do, I want to make a couple of before I do, I want to make a couple of things really, really clear. things really, really clear. things really, really clear. First of all, First of all, First of all, knowing that you have a sinkhole is not knowing that you have a sinkhole is not knowing that you have a sinkhole is not the same as fixing the sinkhole. Secondly, Secondly, wanting to fix the sinkhole is not the wanting to fix the sinkhole is not the wanting to fix the sinkhole is not the same as fixing the sinkhole. same as fixing the sinkhole. same as fixing the sinkhole. If you're serious about fixing the If you're serious about fixing the If you're serious about fixing the sinkhole, sinkhole, sinkhole, you're going to have to pay what it you're going to have to pay what it you're going to have to pay what it costs to ask for help.

And can I just tell you that was a super And can I just tell you that was a super hard thing for me to accept after my dad hard thing for me to accept after my dad hard thing for me to accept after my dad died. I wanted to get better. I just didn't do I wanted to get better. I just didn't do what it would cost to get better. But what it would cost to get better. But what it would cost to get better. But eventually I had to step into some eventually I had to step into some eventually I had to step into some things that cost me. The first thing I things that cost me. The first thing I things that cost me. The first thing I did after my dad died that really cost did after my dad died that really cost did after my dad died that really cost me was I started going to see a really me was I started going to see a really me was I started going to see a really great Christian counselor. great Christian counselor. great Christian counselor. And that And that And that that cost me. that cost me. that cost me. For starters, it cost me having to admit For starters, it cost me having to admit For starters, it cost me having to admit to myself that I was the kind of person to myself that I was the kind of person to myself that I was the kind of person that needed counseling. that needed counseling. that needed counseling. I'd taken a lot of pride in not being as I'd taken a lot of pride in not being as I'd taken a lot of pride in not being as broken as everybody else. broken as everybody else. broken as everybody else. Then it cost me every time I went back Then it cost me every time I went back Then it cost me every time I went back to have to say things to another human to have to say things to another human to have to say things to another human being that I had only ever thought in my being that I had only ever thought in my being that I had only ever thought in my head. Things that did not make me look head. Things that did not make me look head. Things that did not make me look good or sound holy or sound like I had a good or sound holy or sound like I had a good or sound holy or sound like I had a strong faith in God. And then quite strong faith in God. And then quite strong faith in God. And then quite literally every hour I sat there cost me literally every hour I sat there cost me literally every hour I sat there cost me money and time.

money and time. money and time. That cost me That cost me That cost me something else I did. I knew that I had something else I did. I knew that I had something else I did. I knew that I had a proclivity just like my dad to try and a proclivity just like my dad to try and a proclivity just like my dad to try and fix it by performing. fix it by performing. fix it by performing. And so I had a couple of friends that I And so I had a couple of friends that I And so I had a couple of friends that I wasn't wasn't wasn't trying to impress. trying to impress. trying to impress. And we started meeting together every And we started meeting together every And we started meeting together every other week to practice confession. other week to practice confession. other week to practice confession. And what confession was for me was the And what confession was for me was the And what confession was for me was the antithesis of performing. I had to look antithesis of performing. I had to look antithesis of performing. I had to look two grown men in the eye every other two grown men in the eye every other two grown men in the eye every other week that I love dearly week that I love dearly week that I love dearly and rehearse to them the parts of my and rehearse to them the parts of my and rehearse to them the parts of my life that I am the most embarrassed of. life that I am the most embarrassed of. life that I am the most embarrassed of. The parts of my life that I was the most The parts of my life that I was the most The parts of my life that I was the most ashamed of. The parts that I wanted to ashamed of. The parts that I wanted to ashamed of. The parts that I wanted to run away from and hide from. I had to run away from and hide from. I had to run away from and hide from. I had to confess things to them that I previously confess things to them that I previously confess things to them that I previously would have tried to hide at all costs. with God. Personally, with God. Personally, I started to practice silence and I started to practice silence and I started to practice silence and solitude.

One of my temptations was to try and One of my temptations was to try and stay busy. stay busy. stay busy. And the reason I wanted to stay busy was And the reason I wanted to stay busy was And the reason I wanted to stay busy was because I knew that there were things because I knew that there were things because I knew that there were things inside of me, um, fears, inside of me, um, fears, inside of me, um, fears, uh, some questions, uh, some questions, uh, some questions, some moments where I wasn't sure if I some moments where I wasn't sure if I some moments where I wasn't sure if I was going to keep my faith, was going to keep my faith, was going to keep my faith, a lot of anger. I didn't want to face all of that. I was I didn't want to face all of that. I was kind of afraid of opening up my heart kind of afraid of opening up my heart kind of afraid of opening up my heart and seeing what was in there because I and seeing what was in there because I and seeing what was in there because I wasn't sure what was going to come out. wasn't sure what was going to come out. wasn't sure what was going to come out. And so, I wanted to stay busy. But in And so, I wanted to stay busy. But in And so, I wanted to stay busy. But in silence, in solitude, what what that did silence, in solitude, what what that did silence, in solitude, what what that did for me was I got to sit with God and for me was I got to sit with God and for me was I got to sit with God and honestly feel all of the things that honestly feel all of the things that honestly feel all of the things that were deep inside of me rather than avoid were deep inside of me rather than avoid were deep inside of me rather than avoid them and push them away. them and push them away. them and push them away. And feeling all of that And feeling all of that And feeling all of that cost me. cost me. cost me. And you know what the worst part about And you know what the worst part about And you know what the worst part about all of that was? all of that was? all of that was? None of it fixed the problem. Counseling didn't fix it. Counseling didn't fix it. Confession didn't fix it. Silence and Confession didn't fix it. Silence and Confession didn't fix it. Silence and solitude, they did not fix what was solitude, they did not fix what was solitude, they did not fix what was broken in my heart. But you know what broken in my heart. But you know what broken in my heart. But you know what they did?

they did? they did? They weakened my natural propensity to They weakened my natural propensity to They weakened my natural propensity to try and fix things myself. And every try and fix things myself. And every try and fix things myself. And every time I went to counseling, every time I time I went to counseling, every time I time I went to counseling, every time I practiced confession, every time I sat practiced confession, every time I sat practiced confession, every time I sat in silence and solitude again, every in silence and solitude again, every in silence and solitude again, every time I went back to counseling again, time I went back to counseling again, time I went back to counseling again, what it did was it built the muscle of what it did was it built the muscle of what it did was it built the muscle of learning how to ask for help. learning how to ask for help. learning how to ask for help. None of those things could fix the None of those things could fix the None of those things could fix the problem that was broken in my heart. But problem that was broken in my heart. But problem that was broken in my heart. But they taught me the one thing that I they taught me the one thing that I they taught me the one thing that I needed to learn that would ultimately needed to learn that would ultimately needed to learn that would ultimately lead to it being fixed, which was lead to it being fixed, which was lead to it being fixed, which was learning how to ask for help from the learning how to ask for help from the learning how to ask for help from the one person who could give it. one person who could give it. one person who could give it. Now, what's true for everyone Now, what's true for everyone Now, what's true for everyone is that you are on your own journey with is that you are on your own journey with is that you are on your own journey with God. And what it might look like to God. And what it might look like to God. And what it might look like to address the sinkhole in your heart might address the sinkhole in your heart might address the sinkhole in your heart might be different than how it looked for me. be different than how it looked for me. be different than how it looked for me. that those three things are not that those three things are not that those three things are not prescription. They're just description prescription. They're just description prescription. They're just description of what I had to do. You might be on of what I had to do. You might be on of what I had to do. You might be on your own journey with God and it might your own journey with God and it might your own journey with God and it might look different for you. But I can tell look different for you. But I can tell look different for you. But I can tell you one thing that will absolutely be you one thing that will absolutely be you one thing that will absolutely be the same.

the same. the same. You're not going to be able to fix it You're not going to be able to fix it You're not going to be able to fix it yourself. yourself. yourself. It's going to require you to pay the It's going to require you to pay the It's going to require you to pay the cost to ask for help and to get help cost to ask for help and to get help cost to ask for help and to get help from the one person who can fix the from the one person who can fix the from the one person who can fix the sinkhole in your heart. sinkhole in your heart. sinkhole in your heart. And that's exactly what I want to give And that's exactly what I want to give And that's exactly what I want to give you an opportunity to do right now. So, you an opportunity to do right now. So, you an opportunity to do right now. So, fair warning, just so you know, it's fair warning, just so you know, it's fair warning, just so you know, it's coming. coming. coming. In a moment, I'm going to invite a few In a moment, I'm going to invite a few In a moment, I'm going to invite a few of you to stand up in your chair, just of you to stand up in your chair, just of you to stand up in your chair, just right where you're at. Not yet. I'm going to invite you to stand up in I'm going to invite you to stand up in your chair if you've got a sinkhole that your chair if you've got a sinkhole that your chair if you've got a sinkhole that you're ready to have fixed and you're you're ready to have fixed and you're you're ready to have fixed and you're ready to ask for help on. ready to ask for help on. ready to ask for help on. Now, here's what it means and here's Now, here's what it means and here's Now, here's what it means and here's what it doesn't mean to stand. Uh what what it doesn't mean to stand. Uh what what it doesn't mean to stand. Uh what it does not mean is that you have it all it does not mean is that you have it all it does not mean is that you have it all figured out. figured out. figured out. What it doesn't mean is that you're What it doesn't mean is that you're What it doesn't mean is that you're weird. weird. weird. What it doesn't mean is that you even What it doesn't mean is that you even What it doesn't mean is that you even have an idea of what it will actually have an idea of what it will actually have an idea of what it will actually cost you to address this thing. What it cost you to address this thing. What it cost you to address this thing. What it means for you to stand up is to say, "I means for you to stand up is to say, "I means for you to stand up is to say, "I know I have a sinkhole and I'm ready to know I have a sinkhole and I'm ready to know I have a sinkhole and I'm ready to stop trying to fix it on my own and I'm stop trying to fix it on my own and I'm stop trying to fix it on my own and I'm willing to ask for help from the only willing to ask for help from the only willing to ask for help from the only one who can give it to me." That's it.

one who can give it to me." That's it. one who can give it to me." That's it. And by the way, it's going to cost you And by the way, it's going to cost you And by the way, it's going to cost you to stand up. to stand up. to stand up. It's going to cost you your pride. It's going to cost you your pride. It's going to cost you your pride. It might cost you what the person It might cost you what the person It might cost you what the person sitting next to you thinks about you. It sitting next to you thinks about you. It sitting next to you thinks about you. It might cost you an awkward car ride might cost you an awkward car ride might cost you an awkward car ride conversation on the way home today. conversation on the way home today. conversation on the way home today. And you know, to be honest, I've been And you know, to be honest, I've been And you know, to be honest, I've been thinking about this a lot this week. I think if Solomon were in the room, I think if Solomon were in the room, I think he'd be nodding along saying I think he'd be nodding along saying I think he'd be nodding along saying amen. I think he'd probably feel amen. I think he'd probably feel amen. I think he'd probably feel conviction of the Holy Spirit to stand conviction of the Holy Spirit to stand conviction of the Holy Spirit to stand up and I think he would stay in his up and I think he would stay in his up and I think he would stay in his seat. This one is much less theory. I watched This one is much less theory. I watched it happen. If my dad were in the room, it happen. If my dad were in the room, it happen. If my dad were in the room, he would nod along. he would nod along. he would nod along. He would agree. He'd say, "Amen." He would agree. He'd say, "Amen." He would agree. He'd say, "Amen." And I think he'd feel conviction from And I think he'd feel conviction from And I think he'd feel conviction from the Holy Spirit to stand up and he would the Holy Spirit to stand up and he would the Holy Spirit to stand up and he would stay sitting. stay sitting. stay sitting. And it wasn't because either of them And it wasn't because either of them And it wasn't because either of them were evil, horrible people. It's because were evil, horrible people. It's because were evil, horrible people. It's because it would have cost them.

it would have cost them. it would have cost them. And they felt like the cost was too And they felt like the cost was too And they felt like the cost was too expensive. I would just argue that the expensive. I would just argue that the expensive. I would just argue that the cost that they ended up paying for not cost that they ended up paying for not cost that they ended up paying for not standing and for allowing the sinkhole standing and for allowing the sinkhole standing and for allowing the sinkhole to grow until it collapsed their life to grow until it collapsed their life to grow until it collapsed their life cost them so much more. cost them so much more. cost them so much more. And my challenge to you is to learn from And my challenge to you is to learn from And my challenge to you is to learn from Solomon. Please learn from my dad and do Solomon. Please learn from my dad and do Solomon. Please learn from my dad and do not let their story become your story. not let their story become your story. not let their story become your story. After all, what good is a beautiful life built on a what good is a beautiful life built on a sinkhole? And by the way, Jesus already knows And by the way, Jesus already knows what's underneath the surface anyway. He is not going to be surprised by He is not going to be surprised by what's under there. He's not even what's under there. He's not even what's under there. He's not even waiting for you to clean up. You know waiting for you to clean up. You know waiting for you to clean up. You know what he's waiting on? what he's waiting on? what he's waiting on? He's just waiting on you to ask for his He's just waiting on you to ask for his He's just waiting on you to ask for his help. help. help. And that's what we're going to do right And that's what we're going to do right And that's what we're going to do right now. So, if you're ready to ask for help now. So, if you're ready to ask for help now. So, if you're ready to ask for help to deal with the sink hole in your to deal with the sink hole in your to deal with the sink hole in your heart, you don't have to tell anybody heart, you don't have to tell anybody heart, you don't have to tell anybody what it is right now. All I want to do what it is right now. All I want to do what it is right now. All I want to do is if you want to ask for help from the is if you want to ask for help from the is if you want to ask for help from the only person who can fill the sinkhole in only person who can fill the sinkhole in only person who can fill the sinkhole in your heart, I want you to go ahead and your heart, I want you to go ahead and your heart, I want you to go ahead and stand up right here in your chair.

stand up right here in your chair. stand up right here in your chair. Wherever you're at here at Wherever you're at here at Wherever you're at here at Lawrenceville, across the campuses, some Lawrenceville, across the campuses, some Lawrenceville, across the campuses, some of you are standing right now and of you are standing right now and of you are standing right now and there's some of you who are in your seat there's some of you who are in your seat there's some of you who are in your seat right now who are counting the cost. right now who are counting the cost. right now who are counting the cost. You're not sure if it's worth it to You're not sure if it's worth it to You're not sure if it's worth it to stand up. That's fine. You take your stand up. That's fine. You take your stand up. That's fine. You take your time. But when you're ready, I want you time. But when you're ready, I want you time. But when you're ready, I want you to stand up. You can stand up the whole to stand up. You can stand up the whole to stand up. You can stand up the whole time I'm praying. time I'm praying. time I'm praying. But I want to invite you But I want to invite you But I want to invite you to pay the cost because it's going to to pay the cost because it's going to to pay the cost because it's going to cost you anyway. cost you anyway. cost you anyway. I just think this cost is the right one I just think this cost is the right one I just think this cost is the right one to pay. to pay. to pay. And for those of you who are standing in And for those of you who are standing in And for those of you who are standing in every room, I want to invite you to do every room, I want to invite you to do every room, I want to invite you to do something with me. I want you to hold something with me. I want you to hold something with me. I want you to hold your hands out like this. All this is All this is is a picture of what's going on in your is a picture of what's going on in your is a picture of what's going on in your heart. You cannot fix it yourself using heart. You cannot fix it yourself using heart. You cannot fix it yourself using your hands like this. You can't fix your hands like this. You can't fix your hands like this. You can't fix stuff like this, but you can certainly stuff like this, but you can certainly stuff like this, but you can certainly ask for help like this. ask for help like this. ask for help like this. And so I want to have a moment that I've And so I want to have a moment that I've And so I want to have a moment that I've been praying would be a clear BC A been praying would be a clear BC A been praying would be a clear BC A moment in your life right now moment in your life right now moment in your life right now where you have a moment before God. It's where you have a moment before God. It's where you have a moment before God. It's not just a transition out of the not just a transition out of the not just a transition out of the service. It's not not the end of the service. It's not not the end of the service. It's not not the end of the sermon. It's a holy moment where God of sermon. It's a holy moment where God of sermon. It's a holy moment where God of the God of the universe can meet you and the God of the universe can meet you and the God of the universe can meet you and can change you and can do things in an can change you and can do things in an can change you and can do things in an instant that you've been trying to do instant that you've been trying to do instant that you've been trying to do for a whole lifetime. I want to pray for a whole lifetime. I want to pray for a whole lifetime. I want to pray that he would meet you and that he would that he would meet you and that he would that he would meet you and that he would begin the work that only he could do of begin the work that only he could do of begin the work that only he could do of fixing the sinkhole in your heart. And fixing the sinkhole in your heart. And fixing the sinkhole in your heart. And what I need you to do is believe that he what I need you to do is believe that he what I need you to do is believe that he can actually do it.

can actually do it. can actually do it. All it requires is the faith of a All it requires is the faith of a All it requires is the faith of a mustard seed. mustard seed. mustard seed. So, Father, I thank you for every person So, Father, I thank you for every person So, Father, I thank you for every person who is standing in the room where I'm at who is standing in the room where I'm at who is standing in the room where I'm at in every room across the campuses at in every room across the campuses at in every room across the campuses at home. home. home. Thank you for every person who's had the Thank you for every person who's had the Thank you for every person who's had the courage courage courage to acknowledge that they have a sinkhole to acknowledge that they have a sinkhole to acknowledge that they have a sinkhole and that they need help, that they can't and that they need help, that they can't and that they need help, that they can't do it on their own. And before I get any do it on their own. And before I get any do it on their own. And before I get any further into the prayer, I think the further into the prayer, I think the further into the prayer, I think the thing that you want to whisper to them thing that you want to whisper to them thing that you want to whisper to them just as a father to his kids just as a father to his kids just as a father to his kids is, "I'm so proud of you. is, "I'm so proud of you. is, "I'm so proud of you. Thank you for standing up. I've been Thank you for standing up. I've been Thank you for standing up. I've been waiting for this. I've been waiting for waiting for this. I've been waiting for waiting for this. I've been waiting for this. And Lord, now I pray that you would get And Lord, now I pray that you would get to work in the way that only you could. to work in the way that only you could. to work in the way that only you could. Would you fill every sinkhole in every Would you fill every sinkhole in every Would you fill every sinkhole in every human heart under the sound of my voice? human heart under the sound of my voice? human heart under the sound of my voice? Every wound, whether it's 20 years old Every wound, whether it's 20 years old Every wound, whether it's 20 years old or whether it's fresh, would you heal or whether it's fresh, would you heal or whether it's fresh, would you heal it? Every void that's been in a person's it? Every void that's been in a person's it? Every void that's been in a person's heart, whether it's brand new or whether heart, whether it's brand new or whether heart, whether it's brand new or whether it's been growing for a lifetime, would it's been growing for a lifetime, would it's been growing for a lifetime, would you fill it? And would you make them you fill it? And would you make them you fill it? And would you make them whole again in the way that only you whole again in the way that only you whole again in the way that only you could?

could? could? Don't just do it 20 years from now. Now Don't just do it 20 years from now. Now Don't just do it 20 years from now. Now I pray God that you would do it now. I pray God that you would do it now. I pray God that you would do it now. Today is the day of salvation. Would you Today is the day of salvation. Would you Today is the day of salvation. Would you begin the work today in Jesus name? And begin the work today in Jesus name? And begin the work today in Jesus name? And everybody said, "Amen." Amen. Amen. everybody said, "Amen." Amen. Amen. everybody said, "Amen." Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Can we all stand? In a moment like this where we're all In a moment like this where we're all standing, standing, standing, I want to go ahead and call the prayer I want to go ahead and call the prayer I want to go ahead and call the prayer team out. They're coming now. team out. They're coming now. team out. They're coming now. And this is a holy moment. And this is a holy moment. And this is a holy moment. And for those that stood up and made And for those that stood up and made And for those that stood up and made that decision, that decision, that decision, this may be a moment where you need this may be a moment where you need this may be a moment where you need prayer. And let me say it like this. prayer. And let me say it like this. prayer. And let me say it like this. This is a moment you need prayer. This is a moment you need prayer. This is a moment you need prayer. And we want you to come down and maybe And we want you to come down and maybe And we want you to come down and maybe receive prayer receive prayer receive prayer because we have to seal this decision because we have to seal this decision because we have to seal this decision with you and God. with you and God. with you and God. And sometimes that requires a step of And sometimes that requires a step of And sometimes that requires a step of faith. faith. faith. And so I want to let you know I am proud And so I want to let you know I am proud And so I want to let you know I am proud of you, but the work is just beginning.

of you, but the work is just beginning. of you, but the work is just beginning. This was a repairing word, a surgical This was a repairing word, a surgical This was a repairing word, a surgical word. For those in the room that really word. For those in the room that really word. For those in the room that really needed it, don't let it pass you by. needed it, don't let it pass you by. needed it, don't let it pass you by. The first step is to pray with someone. The first step is to pray with someone. The first step is to pray with someone. We've all had that moment where we We've all had that moment where we We've all had that moment where we needed to agree needed to agree needed to agree and believe. Second, we have these and believe. Second, we have these and believe. Second, we have these things at 12 called groups. things at 12 called groups. things at 12 called groups. Groups are where you can have deeper Groups are where you can have deeper Groups are where you can have deeper conversation and connection conversation and connection conversation and connection because some things take time to because some things take time to because some things take time to process, to walk through. Sink holes process, to walk through. Sink holes process, to walk through. Sink holes don't change overnight and you need a don't change overnight and you need a don't change overnight and you need a group. If that's what you need, let us group. If that's what you need, let us group. If that's what you need, let us know. We want to get you around a know. We want to get you around a know. We want to get you around a community of believers that can help you community of believers that can help you community of believers that can help you walk this thing out. walk this thing out. walk this thing out. And last but not least, if you're here And last but not least, if you're here And last but not least, if you're here for the first time or you want to talk for the first time or you want to talk for the first time or you want to talk with a pastor, our team will be right with a pastor, our team will be right with a pastor, our team will be right back here in the green room. Something back here in the green room. Something back here in the green room. Something we call all access. we call all access. we call all access. Right back here behind this curtain. We Right back here behind this curtain. We Right back here behind this curtain. We can talk with you, connect with you. We can talk with you, connect with you. We can talk with you, connect with you. We would love wave atom team. We would love would love wave atom team. We would love would love wave atom team. We would love to meet you to meet you to meet you and seal this moment in a real way.

and seal this moment in a real way. and seal this moment in a real way. And so church, I want to pray one more And so church, I want to pray one more And so church, I want to pray one more time time time because this was a holy moment. Let's because this was a holy moment. Let's because this was a holy moment. Let's pray. God, thank you. pray. God, thank you. pray. God, thank you. Thank you for your kindness and your Thank you for your kindness and your Thank you for your kindness and your grace to speak to us in such a direct grace to speak to us in such a direct grace to speak to us in such a direct way. way. way. Help us, Lord God, not to leave the same Help us, Lord God, not to leave the same Help us, Lord God, not to leave the same way we came, but to surrender some of way we came, but to surrender some of way we came, but to surrender some of the things in our heart that need the things in our heart that need the things in our heart that need repairing. repairing. repairing. Holy Spirit, I pray for those that need Holy Spirit, I pray for those that need Holy Spirit, I pray for those that need to take another step. They stood up, but to take another step. They stood up, but to take another step. They stood up, but they need to they need to come and have they need to they need to come and have they need to they need to come and have a conversation. They need prayer. Let nothing keep them from that moment Let nothing keep them from that moment in Jesus name. Amen. in Jesus name. Amen. in Jesus name. Amen. >> Well church for God is good >> Well church for God is good >> Well church for God is good >> all the time >> all the time >> all the time >> and all the time is good.