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[music] [music] Heat up here. >> Wait here. [music] >> Wait here. [music] I could wait here in this. I could wait here in this. I could wait here in this. I could [music] spend my life waiting I could [music] spend my life waiting I could [music] spend my life waiting for nothing. Wait here. I can't [music] for nothing. Wait here. I can't [music] for nothing. Wait here. I can't [music] wait here. I feel your love wait here. I feel your love wait here. I feel your love and [music] it's calling me to come. and [music] it's calling me to come. and [music] it's calling me to come. There's a God who wants your heart. Was There's a God who wants your heart. Was There's a God who wants your heart. Was a man [music] upon that cross and he a man [music] upon that cross and he a man [music] upon that cross and he came to take your place. He will take came to take your place. He will take came to take your place. He will take you higher. [music] you higher. [music] you higher. [music] You could never in your way. Nothing you You could never in your way. Nothing you You could never in your way. Nothing you could ever pay. But he came [music] to could ever pay. But he came [music] to could ever pay. But he came [music] to take your place. He will take you take your place. He will take you take your place. He will take you higher. [music] higher. [music] higher. [music] >> Now that you're here >> Now that you're here >> Now that you're here right at the door, right at the door, right at the door, I'll let you in just for [music] a I'll let you in just for [music] a I'll let you in just for [music] a moment. Now moment. Now moment. Now that I know you've [music] been here that I know you've [music] been here that I know you've [music] been here before.

before. before. Come on in for a moment. [music] [music] Every day. Every day. Every day. Every day. Your love the same. Every day. Your love the same. Every day. Your love the same. I could never [music] run from the arms I could never [music] run from the arms I could never [music] run from the arms of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. Oh Jesus, the King of Kings [music] Oh Jesus, the King of Kings [music] Oh Jesus, the King of Kings [music] and you're the only >> Hey y'all. How's it going? >> Hey y'all. How's it going? >> Talk back to me this morning. Come on. >> Talk back to me this morning. Come on. >> Talk back to me this morning. Come on. Good morning. You guys good? Good morning. You guys good? Good morning. You guys good? >> Good. So good to see you today. Uh, as >> Good. So good to see you today. Uh, as >> Good. So good to see you today. Uh, as you can see, we had all of the technical you can see, we had all of the technical you can see, we had all of the technical difficulties happen this morning. Uh, difficulties happen this morning. Uh, difficulties happen this morning. Uh, and so things are starting to get back and so things are starting to get back and so things are starting to get back up and we are going to worship Jesus up and we are going to worship Jesus up and we are going to worship Jesus because you never needed power to because you never needed power to because you never needed power to worship Jesus. Amen. He's the [music] worship Jesus. Amen. He's the [music] worship Jesus. Amen. He's the [music] power. Come on. I grew up in church. I power. Come on. I grew up in church. I power. Come on. I grew up in church. I was a little churchy. We're We're going was a little churchy. We're We're going was a little churchy. We're We're going to teach you a new song. This one's to teach you a new song. This one's to teach you a new song. This one's called Wild Rushing Wind. Emily's going called Wild Rushing Wind. Emily's going called Wild Rushing Wind. Emily's going to lead us. So, let me pray for us and to lead us. So, let me pray for us and to lead us. So, let me pray for us and then we're going to sing. Okay. God, then we're going to sing. Okay. God, then we're going to sing. Okay. God, thank you for your [music] presence thank you for your [music] presence thank you for your [music] presence that's already in the room. We pray for that's already in the room. We pray for that's already in the room. We pray for more of it. More wind, more fire, more more of it. More wind, more fire, more more of it. More wind, more fire, more [music] of your presence. It's in the [music] of your presence. It's in the [music] of your presence. It's in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. Come on, mighty name of Jesus. Amen. Come on, mighty name of Jesus. Amen. Come on, somebody say amen if you're ready to somebody say amen if you're ready to somebody say amen if you're ready to worship Jesus. Amen. Come on.

worship Jesus. Amen. Come on. worship Jesus. Amen. Come on. [music] Can you feel that something's changing? Can you feel that something's changing? [music] Something stiring [singing] Something stiring [singing] in the room. [music] All this holy expectation [music] All this holy expectation [music] [singing] of how the Lord is going to move. of how the Lord is going to move. [music] Do you feel the bondage [music] Do you feel the bondage [music] breaking? breaking? breaking? [singing] Do you feel the joy returning? Do you feel the joy returning? [music and singing] God exchanging all God exchanging all [music] wake up wake in [music] aries wake up wake in [music] aries [singing] right this [music] holy wild [singing] right this [music] holy wild [singing] right this [music] holy wild rush you there's no containing [singing] the rain [music] is coming here the the rain [music] is coming here the sound feel [singing] sound feel [singing] sound feel [singing] to see the glories [music] falling on to see the glories [music] falling on to see the glories [music] falling on the

Spirit, [music and singing] have your Spirit, [music and singing] have your way. Do what you want [singing] to. way. Do what you want [singing] to. way. Do what you want [singing] to. [music] [music] [music] Take your right place. Take your right place. Take your right place. This is your throne. [music and singing] This is your throne. [music and singing] This is your throne. [music and singing] Oh, fire of heaven. [music] Oh, fire of heaven. [music] Oh, fire of heaven. [music] We want your presence. [singing] We want your presence. [singing] We want your presence. [singing] Holy Spirit [music and singing] Spirit [music and singing] have your way. What you want [singing] What you want [singing] to take [music] your to take [music] your to take [music] your place where your presence where your presence >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> on your sping

wind, come and [music] breathe on us wind, come and [music] breathe on us [singing] again. Holy Spirit fan [music] [singing] again. Holy Spirit fan [music] [singing] again. Holy Spirit fan [music] the flame. We don't want to leave the flame. We don't want to leave the flame. We don't want to leave [singing] the same. Wild [music] [singing] the same. Wild [music] [singing] the same. Wild [music] rushing wind come and breathe [singing] rushing wind come and breathe [singing] rushing wind come and breathe [singing] on us again. Holy [music] Spirit f the on us again. Holy [music] Spirit f the on us again. Holy [music] Spirit f the flame. We all want to rushing. flame. We all want to rushing. flame. We all want to rushing. Rushing [music] away come and breathe on Rushing [music] away come and breathe on Rushing [music] away come and breathe on [singing] us again. Holy Spirit [music] [singing] us again. Holy Spirit [music] [singing] us again. Holy Spirit [music] in the flame. We all want [singing] to in the flame. We all want [singing] to in the flame. We all want [singing] to be the same. [music] be the same. [music] be the same. [music] Wild rushing. Wild rushing. Wild rushing. Come and bring [singing] on us again. Come and bring [singing] on us again. Come and bring [singing] on us again. Holy Spirit [music] fill the flame. We Holy Spirit [music] fill the flame. We Holy Spirit [music] fill the flame. We all all all [music] rushing away from everyone. [music] rushing away from everyone. [music] Holy Spirit opening everyone. [music] everyone. [music] Holy Spirit. [singing] Holy Spirit. [singing] Holy Spirit. [singing] We all want to be the [music] same.

We all want to be the [music] same. We all want to be the [music] same. Heat. your way to [music] what you want to your way to [music] what you want to take your ride. [music] take your ride. [music] take your ride. [music] This is your on your on your sp. [music] [music] [singing] [music] Come on, give Jesus a big shout [music] Come on, give Jesus a big shout of praise. Church, as we continue worshiping today, I as we continue worshiping today, I wanted to start [music] with a question.

wanted to start [music] with a question. wanted to start [music] with a question. When was the last time that you just sat When was the last time that you just sat When was the last time that you just sat in the presence of God? in the presence of God? in the presence of God? Not to ask him for something or not Not to ask him for something or not Not to ask him for something or not thinking about what was happening next, thinking about what was happening next, thinking about what was happening next, but when's the last time you just but when's the last time you just but when's the last time you just [music] sat in his presence? [music] sat in his presence? [music] sat in his presence? I think one of the greatest challenges I think one of the greatest challenges I think one of the greatest challenges of our generation [music] is that we're of our generation [music] is that we're of our generation [music] is that we're surrounded by notifications and surrounded by notifications and surrounded by notifications and deadlines and distractions deadlines and distractions deadlines and distractions [music] and we can neglect the very [music] and we can neglect the very [music] and we can neglect the very thing that our soul was made for to just thing that our soul was made for to just thing that our soul was made for to just be close to him. Church, we believe that God's presence Church, we believe that God's presence changes [music] everything. changes [music] everything. changes [music] everything. And when you're close to the presence of And when you're close to the presence of And when you're close to the presence of God, God, God, people don't leave the same way. people don't leave the same way. people don't leave the same way. In fact, Psalm 16 says that in his In fact, Psalm 16 says that in his In fact, Psalm 16 says that in his presence is the fullness of joy. presence is the fullness of joy. presence is the fullness of joy. It's a joy that exists beyond our It's a joy that exists beyond our It's a joy that exists beyond our circumstances or our success or circumstances or our success or circumstances or our success or failures. failures. failures. It's by just being in his presence.

It's by just being in his presence. It's by just being in his presence. And so, as we continue to worship this And so, as we continue to worship this And so, as we continue to worship this morning, I just want to encourage you. morning, I just want to encourage you. morning, I just want to encourage you. Whatever you walked in with today, maybe Whatever you walked in with today, maybe Whatever you walked in with today, maybe it feels like you have the weight of the it feels like you have the weight of the it feels like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Maybe you had world on your shoulders. Maybe you had world on your shoulders. Maybe you had to rush in the car to get here this to rush in the car to get here this to rush in the car to get here this morning. Maybe [music] you're distracted morning. Maybe [music] you're distracted morning. Maybe [music] you're distracted by what's going to happen an hour from by what's going to happen an hour from by what's going to happen an hour from now. And I just want to encourage you to now. And I just want to encourage you to now. And I just want to encourage you to remove the distractions and just be in remove the distractions and just be in remove the distractions and just be in his presence. his presence. his presence. If God came today and he didn't fix your If God came today and he didn't fix your If God came today and he didn't fix your situation, [music] but he promised to be close to you, but he promised to be close to you, would it be enough? would it be enough? would it be enough? So, Father, this morning, I pray for So, Father, this morning, I pray for So, Father, this morning, I pray for every person in this room who may be every person in this room who may be every person in this room who may be carrying the weight of the world on carrying the weight of the world on carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. their shoulders. their shoulders. And I ask, Father, that if you do And I ask, Father, that if you do And I ask, Father, that if you do anything for us this morning, [music] anything for us this morning, [music] anything for us this morning, [music] that you would feel close. We pray for that you would feel close. We pray for that you would feel close. We pray for your presence and your power today. And your presence and your power today. And your presence and your power today. And we ask for all this in your name. Amen. we ask for all this in your name. Amen. we ask for all this in your name. Amen. Let's continue worshiping together. Come on, sing it. I just [music] want to Come on, sing it. I just [music] want to sit here at your feet.

sit here at your feet. sit here at your feet. I'm caught up in this [music] holy I'm caught up in this [music] holy I'm caught up in this [music] holy moment [singing] Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, you don't owe me [music] Jesus, you don't owe me [music] Jesus, you don't owe me [music] anything, but more than anything [music] but more than anything [music] that you can [singing] do, that you can [singing] do, that you can [singing] do, I just want you. I just want you. I just want you. [music] [music] [music] Come on, sing a little louder. Come on, sing a little louder. Come on, sing a little louder. And I'm sorry And I'm sorry And I'm sorry when I've just gone [music] through the when I've just gone [music] through the when I've just gone [music] through the motions. I'm sorry motions. I'm sorry motions. I'm sorry when I [music] just sang [singing] when I [music] just sang [singing] when I [music] just sang [singing] another song. Take me back to where we another song. Take me back to where we another song. Take me back to where we started.

started. started. I [music and singing] open up my heart I [music and singing] open up my heart I [music and singing] open up my heart to you. to you. to you. [music] And I'm sorry And I'm sorry [music] [music] [music] when I've [singing] come with my agend. when I've [singing] come with my agend. when I've [singing] come with my agend. I'm [music] sorry I'm [music] sorry I'm [music] sorry when I forgot [singing] when I forgot [singing] when I forgot [singing] that you're [music] enough. Take me back that you're [music] enough. Take me back that you're [music] enough. Take me back to where I started. to where I started. to where I started. I [music and singing] open up my heart I [music and singing] open up my heart I [music and singing] open up my heart to you. to you. to you. Come on, lift your hands all over the Come on, lift your hands all over the Come on, lift your hands all over the room and sing it. [music] room and sing it. [music] room and sing it. [music] I'm caught up in your presence. I'm caught up in your presence. I'm caught up in your presence. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] I just want to see [music] you at your I just want to see [music] you at your feet. feet. feet. I'm caught up [music] in this holy I'm caught up [music] in this holy I'm caught up [music] in this holy [singing] moment [singing] moment [singing] moment [music] [music] [music] and I never want to leave. [singing] and I never want to leave. [singing] and I never want to leave. [singing] Oh [music] yeah.

Oh [music] yeah. Oh [music] yeah. Oh, I'm not here [singing] for Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus, you know Jesus, you know Jesus, you know anything [music and singing] more than anything more than anything that [music] you do. that [music] you do. that [music] you do. I just want you, [music] I just want you, [music] I just want you, [music] Jesus. Jesus, Jesus. I just want you Jesus. Jesus, Jesus. I just want you Jesus. Jesus, Jesus. I just want you and nothing else [music] and nothing else [music] and nothing else [music] and nothing else. and nothing else. and nothing else. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. I [music] just want you and nothing I [music] just want you and nothing I [music] just want you and nothing else. else. else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing [music] else. Nothing [music] else. Nothing [music] else. I just want you. I just want you [music] I just want you. I just want you [music] I just want you. I just want you [music] and nothing else. Come on, make that the and nothing else. Come on, make that the and nothing else. Come on, make that the cry of your heart today. Nothing else.

cry of your heart today. Nothing else. cry of your heart today. Nothing else. Nothing else. [music] I just want you. I Nothing else. [music] I just want you. I Nothing else. [music] I just want you. I just want you. just want you. just want you. And nothing [music] else. [singing] Nothing else. Oh yeah. Nothing [music] Nothing else. Oh yeah. Nothing [music] else. else. else. I just want you. I just [singing] want I just want you. I just [singing] want I just want you. I just [singing] want [music] you. [music] you. [music] you. Nothing else. Nothing [music] else. Nothing [music] else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. I just want you. I just [music] Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. No. [music] Nothing else. Nothing else. No. [music] Nothing else. Nothing else. No. [music] Nothing else. Nothing else. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Yeah. [music] Heat.

Nothing else. Nothing else. [music] Nothing else with you. Who thought I'd find you at [music] the Who thought I'd find you at [music] the lowest [singing] place? lowest [singing] place? lowest [singing] place? Who thought you'd feel me in the crowd? Who thought you'd feel me in the crowd? Who thought you'd feel me in the crowd? [singing] Who knew [music] you'd make good all my Who knew [music] you'd make good all my mistakes? mistakes? mistakes? [music] [music] [music] You're nothing like I thought you were. You're nothing like I thought you were. You're nothing like I thought you were. [singing] You're better. What [music] a [singing] You're better. What [music] a [singing] You're better. What [music] a God. What a God. God. What a God. God. What a God. Yes. [music] Yes. [music] Yes. [music] What a God. What a God. What a God. What a God. What a God. What a God. It's who you are. [music] What a God. It's who you are. [music] What a God. It's who you are. [music] What a God. What a God. [bell] [bell] And I thought you show for perfection.

And I thought you show for perfection. And I thought you show for perfection. [music and singing] Cuz what kind of God looks for the lost. Cuz what kind of God looks for the lost. [music] [music] [music] They say it's over for a sinner. They say it's over for a sinner. They say it's over for a sinner. Although you say [music] no it's not. No Although you say [music] no it's not. No Although you say [music] no it's not. No it's not. Go. it's not. Go. it's not. Go. [music] God. [music] God. [music] God. Yeah. Yeah. What a God. [music] What a God. >> We worship you, Jesus. [singing] >> We worship you, Jesus. [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> It's who you are.

>> Every voice, every voice. If the highest >> Every voice, every voice. If the highest place I reaches at your feet, then I've place I reaches at your feet, then I've place I reaches at your feet, then I've done it all. If [music] the best thing done it all. If [music] the best thing done it all. If [music] the best thing that I've seen is your glory. Yes, sir. that I've seen is your glory. Yes, sir. that I've seen is your glory. Yes, sir. >> Then I've seen it all. Your [music] love >> Then I've seen it all. Your [music] love >> Then I've seen it all. Your [music] love has changed my life. >> [music] >> [music] >> You are my everything. >> You are my everything. >> You are my everything. >> In [music] the highest place I reaches >> In [music] the highest place I reaches >> In [music] the highest place I reaches [singing] [singing] [singing] at your feet [music] and I've done it at your feet [music] and I've done it at your feet [music] and I've done it all. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] >> Jesus.

>> Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Heat. this place I reaches [music] this place I reaches [music] and your and your and your I've done it all and the best thing that I've done it all and the best thing that I've done it all and the best thing that [music] I've seen is your glory and I've [music] I've seen is your glory and I've [music] I've seen is your glory and I've seen it all.

seen it all. seen it all. Your love has changed my life. Forever Your love has changed my life. Forever Your love has changed my life. Forever satisfied. God, you are. satisfied. God, you are. satisfied. God, you are. >> And if one word and if one word is >> And if one word and if one word is >> And if one word and if one word is [music and singing] the only [music and singing] the only [music and singing] the only then I've heard it all. If [music] >> I still have it all. >> I still have it all. No treasure of his life [music] No treasure of his life [music] No treasure of his life [music] could ever satisfy. God, you are my could ever satisfy. God, you are my could ever satisfy. God, you are my everything. [music] everything. [music] everything. [music] God, you are my everything. [music] God, you are my everything. [music] God, you are my everything. [music] God, you are my [music] everything. God, you are my [music] everything. God, you are my [music] everything. Yes, you are. Come on, church, let's Yes, you are. Come on, church, let's Yes, you are. Come on, church, let's pray. [music] pray. [music] pray. [music] God, we honor you today. everything. God, we honor you today. everything. God, we honor you today. everything. >> We worship you because you're [music] >> We worship you because you're [music] >> We worship you because you're [music] good, good, good, God. We take a moment to acknowledge God. We take a moment to acknowledge God. We take a moment to acknowledge the times where we've [music] put so the times where we've [music] put so the times where we've [music] put so many things many things many things in front of you, in front of you, in front of you, in front of your hand, in front of your in front of your hand, in front of your in front of your hand, in front of your face, in front of [music] your presence.

face, in front of [music] your presence. face, in front of [music] your presence. We take a moment and acknowledge today We take a moment and acknowledge today We take a moment and acknowledge today that you are [music] our everything. Oh God, [music] Oh God, [music] you are my everything. you are my everything. you are my everything. God, you are my everything. [singing] God, you are my everything. [singing] God, you are my everything. [singing] >> Come on. Can [music] you lift your hands >> Come on. Can [music] you lift your hands >> Come on. Can [music] you lift your hands and sing it? God, you are my everything. and sing it? God, you are my everything. and sing it? God, you are my everything. [music] Come on, tell him, God, you are [music] Come on, tell him, God, you are [music] Come on, tell him, God, you are my Come on, [music] sing it from your my Come on, [music] sing it from your my Come on, [music] sing it from your heart. God, you are God. You are mine, heart. God, you are God. You are mine, heart. God, you are God. You are mine, [music] [music] [music] my everything. my everything. my everything. You are my [music and singing] You are my [music and singing] You are my [music and singing] everything. God, you are my everything. everything. God, you are my everything. everything. God, you are my everything. Oh, you are my [music] Oh, you are my [music] Oh, you are my [music] >> God. That's our prayer today. That's >> God. That's our prayer today. That's >> God. That's our prayer today. That's what we proclaim today. It's all for what we proclaim today. It's all for what we proclaim today. It's all for you. We give our lives [music] to you.

you. We give our lives [music] to you. you. We give our lives [music] to you. We give this day to you. It's in the We give this day to you. It's in the We give this day to you. It's in the mighty name of Jesus we pray. [music] mighty name of Jesus we pray. [music] mighty name of Jesus we pray. [music] Come on, somebody shout amen if you Come on, somebody shout amen if you Come on, somebody shout amen if you believe it. Amen. [music] [music] >> Well, hey, good morning and welcome to >> Well, hey, good morning and welcome to >> Well, hey, good morning and welcome to church today. I'm so thankful that church today. I'm so thankful that church today. I'm so thankful that you're here with us and what a time you're here with us and what a time you're here with us and what a time together to be able to worship the name together to be able to worship the name together to be able to worship the name of Jesus. It's one of my favorite things of Jesus. It's one of my favorite things of Jesus. It's one of my favorite things that we get to do is connect all that we get to do is connect all that we get to do is connect all throughout the globe, come together and throughout the globe, come together and throughout the globe, come together and lift up the name of Jesus. My name is lift up the name of Jesus. My name is lift up the name of Jesus. My name is Josiah Guardo and I get to serve here as Josiah Guardo and I get to serve here as Josiah Guardo and I get to serve here as your pastor of Battle Creek Church your pastor of Battle Creek Church your pastor of Battle Creek Church online and I'm so thankful to do that. online and I'm so thankful to do that. online and I'm so thankful to do that. It's such a blessing to be able to hear It's such a blessing to be able to hear It's such a blessing to be able to hear all that God is doing throughout our all that God is doing throughout our all that God is doing throughout our online ministry. And hey, if you're new online ministry. And hey, if you're new online ministry. And hey, if you're new to attending today, let me just tell you to attending today, let me just tell you to attending today, let me just tell you about our church, Battle Creek Church. about our church, Battle Creek Church. about our church, Battle Creek Church. We believe this that we exist to glorify We believe this that we exist to glorify We believe this that we exist to glorify God by helping all people of all ages God by helping all people of all ages God by helping all people of all ages all the time advance in their journey all the time advance in their journey all the time advance in their journey with Christ. And uh what I love about it with Christ. And uh what I love about it with Christ. And uh what I love about it is truly all people of all ages. And the is truly all people of all ages. And the is truly all people of all ages. And the other thing I love about that is it's other thing I love about that is it's other thing I love about that is it's [music] everyone has a place and every [music] everyone has a place and every [music] everyone has a place and every everyone has a journey and everyone is everyone has a journey and everyone is everyone has a journey and everyone is able to advance in their journey with able to advance in their journey with able to advance in their journey with Christ. Everyone has a next step. And Christ. Everyone has a next step. And Christ. Everyone has a next step. And that doesn't matter if you're new to the that doesn't matter if you're new to the that doesn't matter if you're new to the faith or you've been in the faith for a faith or you've been in the faith for a faith or you've been in the faith for a very long time. There's always a place very long time. There's always a place very long time. There's always a place for us to continue to develop and to for us to continue to develop and to for us to continue to develop and to grow. And uh and hey, maybe you're grow. And uh and hey, maybe you're grow. And uh and hey, maybe you're attending today and you've never got attending today and you've never got attending today and you've never got connected to Battle Creek Church. Well, connected to Battle Creek Church. Well, connected to Battle Creek Church. Well, let me just encourage you today. Would let me just encourage you today. Would let me just encourage you today. Would you take a moment? They're putting a you take a moment? They're putting a you take a moment? They're putting a connect card on the screen right now, a connect card on the screen right now, a connect card on the screen right now, a QR code and in the chat a link. And let

QR code and in the chat a link. And let QR code and in the chat a link. And let me just tell you, I would love for you me just tell you, I would love for you me just tell you, I would love for you to connect with us. I I believe that at to connect with us. I I believe that at to connect with us. I I believe that at times it's hard no matter where you're times it's hard no matter where you're times it's hard no matter where you're at in life or where you're at and at in life or where you're at and at in life or where you're at and attending from today that you can feel attending from today that you can feel attending from today that you can feel isolated. And and what we want to do is isolated. And and what we want to do is isolated. And and what we want to do is make you feel connected. And that can be make you feel connected. And that can be make you feel connected. And that can be in a different a couple different ways. in a different a couple different ways. in a different a couple different ways. It may be uh you want some more It may be uh you want some more It may be uh you want some more information about connecting to a information about connecting to a information about connecting to a community group that we have and we just community group that we have and we just community group that we have and we just launched our first online one. Or maybe launched our first online one. Or maybe launched our first online one. Or maybe uh you're saying, "Hey, I I just need uh you're saying, "Hey, I I just need uh you're saying, "Hey, I I just need someone to pray for me." And so you can someone to pray for me." And so you can someone to pray for me." And so you can connect on there and put prayer connect on there and put prayer connect on there and put prayer requests. Our team takes [music] time requests. Our team takes [music] time requests. Our team takes [music] time every single week to pray by request by every single week to pray by request by every single week to pray by request by name believing with you. Or maybe you're name believing with you. Or maybe you're name believing with you. Or maybe you're saying, "Hey, I'm attending for a while saying, "Hey, I'm attending for a while saying, "Hey, I'm attending for a while and it's time for me to get in the game. and it's time for me to get in the game. and it's time for me to get in the game. It's time for me to to jump in and to It's time for me to to jump in and to It's time for me to to jump in and to serve our local church, to serve our serve our local church, to serve our serve our local church, to serve our online community." We would love for you online community." We would love for you online community." We would love for you to do that. We're looking for people to to do that. We're looking for people to to do that. We're looking for people to host uh in the chat like you're seeing host uh in the chat like you're seeing host uh in the chat like you're seeing right now helping us in in all three of right now helping us in in all three of right now helping us in in all three of our services or maybe you're looking uh our services or maybe you're looking uh our services or maybe you're looking uh [music] to lead a community group as [music] to lead a community group as [music] to lead a community group as we're launching that. We're looking for we're launching that. We're looking for we're launching that. We're looking for people to do that or uh maybe you attend people to do that or uh maybe you attend people to do that or uh maybe you attend online and uh you're just not sure where online and uh you're just not sure where online and uh you're just not sure where to start. Fill out that connect card.

to start. Fill out that connect card. to start. Fill out that connect card. [music] [music] [music] It's a way for our team to reach out to It's a way for our team to reach out to It's a way for our team to reach out to you, hear all that God is doing and you, hear all that God is doing and you, hear all that God is doing and figuring out how can we serve you, how figuring out how can we serve you, how figuring out how can we serve you, how can [music] we pray for you, how can we can [music] we pray for you, how can we can [music] we pray for you, how can we help you advance in your journey with help you advance in your journey with help you advance in your journey with Christ. So fill that out. I know it can Christ. So fill that out. I know it can Christ. So fill that out. I know it can be intimidating at first and you're be intimidating at first and you're be intimidating at first and you're like, I'm not really sure. Hey, [music] like, I'm not really sure. Hey, [music] like, I'm not really sure. Hey, [music] we just let's just start with figuring we just let's just start with figuring we just let's just start with figuring what God is doing in your life and how what God is doing in your life and how what God is doing in your life and how we can serve you. So, fill out that we can serve you. So, fill out that we can serve you. So, fill out that connect card. I would love for you to do connect card. I would love for you to do connect card. I would love for you to do that. [music] This, uh, week, actually that. [music] This, uh, week, actually that. [music] This, uh, week, actually yesterday, we had the opportunity at yesterday, we had the opportunity at yesterday, we had the opportunity at some of our campuses, several of our some of our campuses, several of our some of our campuses, several of our campuses, uh, to our back to school campuses, uh, to our back to school campuses, uh, to our back to school event and we were able to give supplies event and we were able to give supplies event and we were able to give supplies out uh, and some food out and be able out uh, and some food out and be able out uh, and some food out and be able just to love on the community. [music] just to love on the community. [music] just to love on the community. [music] time for people to come together as we time for people to come together as we time for people to come together as we get ready for the fall. It's even in get ready for the fall. It's even in get ready for the fall. It's even in just crazy to think about. We're already just crazy to think about. We're already just crazy to think about. We're already in August, but it's a time for us to in August, but it's a time for us to in August, but it's a time for us to come and serve our community. And so, come and serve our community. And so, come and serve our community. And so, church, I just want to say thank you. church, I just want to say thank you. church, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for your generosity. Because Thank you for your generosity. Because Thank you for your generosity. Because of your generosity, it allows us to to of your generosity, it allows us to to of your generosity, it allows us to to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our be the hands and feet of Jesus to our be the hands and feet of Jesus to our local community. And and so, church, I local community. And and so, church, I local community. And and so, church, I just want to say thank you. People were just want to say thank you. People were just want to say thank you. People were blessed yesterday. People came and and blessed yesterday. People came and and blessed yesterday. People came and and and learned about our church. And so, I and learned about our church. And so, I and learned about our church. And so, I just want to say thank you. And if just want to say thank you. And if just want to say thank you. And if you've never given before, I would love you've never given before, I would love you've never given before, I would love to give you a chance to participate in to give you a chance to participate in to give you a chance to participate in generosity today. They're putting a link generosity today. They're putting a link generosity today. They're putting a link on the screen and in the chat right now.

on the screen and in the chat right now. on the screen and in the chat right now. And I would just love for you to to take And I would just love for you to to take And I would just love for you to to take that next step and uh to to [music] that next step and uh to to [music] that next step and uh to to [music] worship through our giving. And and like worship through our giving. And and like worship through our giving. And and like I said, I just want to say thank you. I said, I just want to say thank you. I said, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for believing in what God is Thank you for believing in what God is Thank you for believing in what God is doing through Battle Creek Church. And doing through Battle Creek Church. And doing through Battle Creek Church. And church, thank you for being the hands church, thank you for being the hands church, thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus. Hey, as we're going and feet of Jesus. Hey, as we're going and feet of Jesus. Hey, as we're going through this, there's something special through this, there's something special through this, there's something special happening this Wednesday night. We happening this Wednesday night. We happening this Wednesday night. We having a worship night. Woo. Can you put having a worship night. Woo. Can you put having a worship night. Woo. Can you put in the chat right now your favorite in the chat right now your favorite in the chat right now your favorite emoji? Come on. A a woohoo. Or where I'm emoji? Come on. A a woohoo. Or where I'm emoji? Come on. A a woohoo. Or where I'm in Oklahoma. Yee-haw. Whatever that is in Oklahoma. Yee-haw. Whatever that is in Oklahoma. Yee-haw. Whatever that is to celebrate. I love worship nights. to celebrate. I love worship nights. to celebrate. I love worship nights. It's some of my favorite nights of the It's some of my favorite nights of the It's some of my favorite nights of the year. And that's happening this year. And that's happening this year. And that's happening this Wednesday at 6:30. All of our campuses Wednesday at 6:30. All of our campuses Wednesday at 6:30. All of our campuses and online. And so we'd love for you to and online. And so we'd love for you to and online. And so we'd love for you to join us and just a time together. Come join us and just a time together. Come join us and just a time together. Come together to worship, to sing, to declare together to worship, to sing, to declare together to worship, to sing, to declare God's blessing over us. But also, it's God's blessing over us. But also, it's God's blessing over us. But also, it's also a time for us to pray. If you need also a time for us to pray. If you need also a time for us to pray. If you need prayer, if we love to partner in prayer prayer, if we love to partner in prayer prayer, if we love to partner in prayer with others, it's a time for us to come with others, it's a time for us to come with others, it's a time for us to come together and to pray and to believe and together and to pray and to believe and together and to pray and to believe and and as you kick off the fall semester, and as you kick off the fall semester, and as you kick off the fall semester, kids are going back to school, teachers kids are going back to school, teachers kids are going back to school, teachers going back and kind of things are going back and kind of things are going back and kind of things are getting back uh into the rhythm. We just getting back uh into the rhythm. We just getting back uh into the rhythm. We just want to we just want to come together want to we just want to come together want to we just want to come together and worship the name of Jesus and and and worship the name of Jesus and and and worship the name of Jesus and and I'd love to pray for you and with you.

I'd love to pray for you and with you. I'd love to pray for you and with you. And so, make sure you come invite And so, make sure you come invite And so, make sure you come invite somebody with you and send a link to somebody with you and send a link to somebody with you and send a link to somebody Wednesday at 6:30 a worship somebody Wednesday at 6:30 a worship somebody Wednesday at 6:30 a worship night. But hey, we are in our five love night. But hey, we are in our five love night. But hey, we are in our five love languages series. Our lead student uh languages series. Our lead student uh languages series. Our lead student uh director, Kate Downey, is going to be director, Kate Downey, is going to be director, Kate Downey, is going to be teaching today. And so, I'm excited for teaching today. And so, I'm excited for teaching today. And so, I'm excited for you to hear uh from her as we're talking you to hear uh from her as we're talking you to hear uh from her as we're talking about words of affirmation. And so, hey, about words of affirmation. And so, hey, about words of affirmation. And so, hey, uh grab your Bible, grab a pen, grab a uh grab your Bible, grab a pen, grab a uh grab your Bible, grab a pen, grab a notebook. Uh let me pray and then we'll notebook. Uh let me pray and then we'll notebook. Uh let me pray and then we'll jump in uh to the message today. Let's jump in uh to the message today. Let's jump in uh to the message today. Let's pray. God, we are so thankful for you, pray. God, we are so thankful for you, pray. God, we are so thankful for you, God. I thank you for all that you did God. I thank you for all that you did God. I thank you for all that you did yesterday in and through our church. I yesterday in and through our church. I yesterday in and through our church. I thank you for what you've been teaching thank you for what you've been teaching thank you for what you've been teaching us through our five love languages us through our five love languages us through our five love languages series. God, I just pray that today that series. God, I just pray that today that series. God, I just pray that today that we would if our if our love language is we would if our if our love language is we would if our if our love language is words of affirmation, we would learn words of affirmation, we would learn words of affirmation, we would learn more about it and we would learn how to more about it and we would learn how to more about it and we would learn how to receive love. If it's not, that we would receive love. If it's not, that we would receive love. If it's not, that we would still be fluent in it so we can love still be fluent in it so we can love still be fluent in it so we can love others if that is their love language. others if that is their love language. others if that is their love language. God, we love you. We thank you. In Jesus God, we love you. We thank you. In Jesus God, we love you. We thank you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. And amen. Let's jump name we pray. Amen. And amen. Let's jump name we pray. Amen. And amen. Let's jump in this morning.

I got a beat in my chest. I got a spring I got a beat in my chest. I got a spring in my step. I got a reason to run. in my step. I got a reason to run. in my step. I got a reason to run. You show me who I can be. And still it's You show me who I can be. And still it's You show me who I can be. And still it's hard to [music] believe. I'm so [music] matters. It's all because of [music] matters. It's all because of your love. You make me want to move. >> I should dance or uh pray or what I >> I should dance or uh pray or what I should do in that moment. Obviously, should do in that moment. Obviously, should do in that moment. Obviously, we're having technical difficulty. In we're having technical difficulty. In we're having technical difficulty. In fact, at 8:00, I I drove down to the fact, at 8:00, I I drove down to the fact, at 8:00, I I drove down to the quick trip to find the PSO guys and quick trip to find the PSO guys and quick trip to find the PSO guys and thank them because on the other side of thank them because on the other side of thank them because on the other side of the BA, the power's still out. But on the BA, the power's still out. But on the BA, the power's still out. But on this side, the power I is is restored. this side, the power I is is restored. this side, the power I is is restored. And uh we just thank the Lord for And uh we just thank the Lord for And uh we just thank the Lord for letting it come back on so that we could letting it come back on so that we could letting it come back on so that we could meet together. Uh and and and the guys meet together. Uh and and and the guys meet together. Uh and and and the guys who have been busting it since about who have been busting it since about who have been busting it since about 6:00 this morning to get it back on. 6:00 this morning to get it back on. 6:00 this morning to get it back on. Thank you. Uh it's good to see you. Uh Thank you. Uh it's good to see you. Uh Thank you. Uh it's good to see you. Uh I'm going to talk a little bit about I'm going to talk a little bit about I'm going to talk a little bit about where I've been the last few weeks and where I've been the last few weeks and where I've been the last few weeks and healthwise on Wednesday night at our healthwise on Wednesday night at our healthwise on Wednesday night at our worship night and uh what I've sensed worship night and uh what I've sensed worship night and uh what I've sensed the Lord saying. But if if you uh have the Lord saying. But if if you uh have the Lord saying. But if if you uh have never been to a worship night, all of never been to a worship night, all of never been to a worship night, all of our campuses this Wednesday night, you our campuses this Wednesday night, you our campuses this Wednesday night, you come and be a part of it. Teachers, come and be a part of it. Teachers, come and be a part of it. Teachers, students, uh administrators, you be a students, uh administrators, you be a students, uh administrators, you be a part. We're going to have a special part. We're going to have a special part. We're going to have a special prayer time over you as we commission prayer time over you as we commission prayer time over you as we commission you back into uh the mission field of you back into uh the mission field of you back into uh the mission field of our schools. A and uh we'll finish this

our schools. A and uh we'll finish this our schools. A and uh we'll finish this series next week, the love languages series next week, the love languages series next week, the love languages next week. And then two weeks from next week. And then two weeks from next week. And then two weeks from today, I'll start a brand new series on today, I'll start a brand new series on today, I'll start a brand new series on the Eucharist and the table of the Lord the Eucharist and the table of the Lord the Eucharist and the table of the Lord and what that means for us to go to the and what that means for us to go to the and what that means for us to go to the table of the Lord. So, you want to be table of the Lord. So, you want to be table of the Lord. So, you want to be here uh for that. But today, uh we have here uh for that. But today, uh we have here uh for that. But today, uh we have the privilege of hearing from our very the privilege of hearing from our very the privilege of hearing from our very own Kate Downing. A and uh Kate uh is own Kate Downing. A and uh Kate uh is own Kate Downing. A and uh Kate uh is words of affirmation yours. Yeah. Let me words of affirmation yours. Yeah. Let me words of affirmation yours. Yeah. Let me let me do this and just say to her, Kate let me do this and just say to her, Kate let me do this and just say to her, Kate is one of my favorite staff members of is one of my favorite staff members of is one of my favorite staff members of all time. all time. all time. A and uh what I would say to you is she A and uh what I would say to you is she A and uh what I would say to you is she is gentle, she is humble, godly, and is gentle, she is humble, godly, and is gentle, she is humble, godly, and extremely gifted at communicating the extremely gifted at communicating the extremely gifted at communicating the word of God. So gifted that almost every word of God. So gifted that almost every word of God. So gifted that almost every Monday I have her come in my office and Monday I have her come in my office and Monday I have her come in my office and read me my message uh so that I can hear read me my message uh so that I can hear read me my message uh so that I can hear uh what it sounds like coming out of her uh what it sounds like coming out of her uh what it sounds like coming out of her mouth because she's believable. Church, mouth because she's believable. Church, mouth because she's believable. Church, would you put your hands together and would you put your hands together and would you put your hands together and welcome Kate uh Downing to the stage welcome Kate uh Downing to the stage welcome Kate uh Downing to the stage [cheering] today. [cheering] today. [cheering] today. >> Thank you so much, Pastor Alex. Truly, >> Thank you so much, Pastor Alex. Truly, >> Thank you so much, Pastor Alex. Truly, thank you, thank you, thank you, man. What a what an intro. Thank you so man. What a what an intro. Thank you so man. What a what an intro. Thank you so much, Pastor Alex. Uh truly, our church much, Pastor Alex. Uh truly, our church much, Pastor Alex. Uh truly, our church is so blessed to have a leader and a is so blessed to have a leader and a is so blessed to have a leader and a pastor um like Pastor Alex. And so, I'm pastor um like Pastor Alex. And so, I'm pastor um like Pastor Alex. And so, I'm so thankful that we all have the so thankful that we all have the so thankful that we all have the opportunity to learn uh under him and opportunity to learn uh under him and opportunity to learn uh under him and alongside of him. And so, thank you for alongside of him. And so, thank you for alongside of him. And so, thank you for your leadership uh and for the your leadership uh and for the your leadership uh and for the opportunity to get to to teach today, to opportunity to get to to teach today, to opportunity to get to to teach today, to open up God's word. So, thank you, open up God's word. So, thank you, open up God's word. So, thank you, Pastor Alex. [applause] Well, I truly am so honored to get to Well, I truly am so honored to get to open up God's word alongside of you open up God's word alongside of you open up God's word alongside of you today. Uh like like Pastor Alex said, my

today. Uh like like Pastor Alex said, my today. Uh like like Pastor Alex said, my name is Kate. I get a chance to oversee name is Kate. I get a chance to oversee name is Kate. I get a chance to oversee uh our student ministries here at Battle uh our student ministries here at Battle uh our student ministries here at Battle Creek Church. And let me tell you, God Creek Church. And let me tell you, God Creek Church. And let me tell you, God is doing some incredible things in the is doing some incredible things in the is doing some incredible things in the lives of teenagers. I I mean, it is lives of teenagers. I I mean, it is lives of teenagers. I I mean, it is truly mind-blowing to to see not only truly mind-blowing to to see not only truly mind-blowing to to see not only how God is working in students, but how how God is working in students, but how how God is working in students, but how he's working through our students to he's working through our students to he's working through our students to bring their friends and their families bring their friends and their families bring their friends and their families to know Christ. God is an incredible to know Christ. God is an incredible to know Christ. God is an incredible God. He does incredible things. And so, God. He does incredible things. And so, God. He does incredible things. And so, as we begin this morning, would you take as we begin this morning, would you take as we begin this morning, would you take just a moment in your own heart, in your just a moment in your own heart, in your just a moment in your own heart, in your own mind, and would you praise the Lord own mind, and would you praise the Lord own mind, and would you praise the Lord for something? In Hebrews 13, we read for something? In Hebrews 13, we read for something? In Hebrews 13, we read this. It says, "Therefore, let us offer this. It says, "Therefore, let us offer this. It says, "Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual through Jesus a continual through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming with our mouths our allegiance to his with our mouths our allegiance to his with our mouths our allegiance to his name. Would you take just a moment and name. Would you take just a moment and name. Would you take just a moment and and offer to the Lord a sacrifice of and offer to the Lord a sacrifice of and offer to the Lord a sacrifice of praise to him?

Father God, we thank you. We praise you Father God, we thank you. We praise you that whatever position in life, whatever that whatever position in life, whatever that whatever position in life, whatever circumstances we may have come to this circumstances we may have come to this circumstances we may have come to this day with, Father, the truth is is that day with, Father, the truth is is that day with, Father, the truth is is that you are good. And the truth is is that you are good. And the truth is is that you are good. And the truth is is that you are fully in control. And the truth you are fully in control. And the truth you are fully in control. And the truth is is that you have a plan that that is is is that you have a plan that that is is is that you have a plan that that is good for our lives and is centered on good for our lives and is centered on good for our lives and is centered on bringing you glory. And so God, you are bringing you glory. And so God, you are bringing you glory. And so God, you are worthy of our praise. And we thank you worthy of our praise. And we thank you worthy of our praise. And we thank you that because of Jesus and his sacrifice that because of Jesus and his sacrifice that because of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross for our sins and through on the cross for our sins and through on the cross for our sins and through his resurrection and the hope and life his resurrection and the hope and life his resurrection and the hope and life that that brings to us, God, that we can that that brings to us, God, that we can that that brings to us, God, that we can offer to you a continual sacrifice of offer to you a continual sacrifice of offer to you a continual sacrifice of praise. Father, I pray that today the praise. Father, I pray that today the praise. Father, I pray that today the words of my mouth would be honoring to words of my mouth would be honoring to words of my mouth would be honoring to you, Lord. I pray that Holy Spirit, you you, Lord. I pray that Holy Spirit, you you, Lord. I pray that Holy Spirit, you would speak to our hearts through your would speak to our hearts through your would speak to our hearts through your word, the thing that never returns void, word, the thing that never returns void, word, the thing that never returns void, and that this morning would be an act of and that this morning would be an act of and that this morning would be an act of worship unto you. God, we give you this worship unto you. God, we give you this worship unto you. God, we give you this time. It's in your powerful. In your time. It's in your powerful. In your time. It's in your powerful. In your good name, Jesus, we pray. Amen. And good name, Jesus, we pray. Amen. And good name, Jesus, we pray. Amen. And amen. Uh well, the other day I I was amen. Uh well, the other day I I was amen. Uh well, the other day I I was talking with my best friend on the whole talking with my best friend on the whole talking with my best friend on the whole planet. Her name is Casey. She's from uh planet. Her name is Casey. She's from uh planet. Her name is Casey. She's from uh Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She's this Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She's this Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She's this little blonde. She's real southern. Uh little blonde. She's real southern. Uh little blonde. She's real southern. Uh we were talking over the phone, and I we were talking over the phone, and I we were talking over the phone, and I reminded her of a story that she reminded her of a story that she reminded her of a story that she absolutely hates for me to remind her absolutely hates for me to remind her absolutely hates for me to remind her of. Uh which is a time uh before she had of. Uh which is a time uh before she had of. Uh which is a time uh before she had kids, she was working at this really big kids, she was working at this really big kids, she was working at this really big company in Raleigh. And uh while she was company in Raleigh. And uh while she was company in Raleigh. And uh while she was working there, part of her job was to working there, part of her job was to working there, part of her job was to make cold calls. If you ever had to make make cold calls. If you ever had to make make cold calls. If you ever had to make cold calls for a job, pretty tough. And cold calls for a job, pretty tough. And cold calls for a job, pretty tough. And if you've done that before, you know you if you've done that before, you know you if you've done that before, you know you kind of learn a spiel. Like you learn kind of learn a spiel. Like you learn kind of learn a spiel. Like you learn your little like spiel and you just say your little like spiel and you just say your little like spiel and you just say it to everybody all the time. And she

it to everybody all the time. And she it to everybody all the time. And she was on like the 30th cold call of the was on like the 30th cold call of the was on like the 30th cold call of the day. And she reminded me and she was day. And she reminded me and she was day. And she reminded me and she was said, "Let's make sure that you remind said, "Let's make sure that you remind said, "Let's make sure that you remind the people that that I was I had drank the people that that I was I had drank the people that that I was I had drank coffee that day so I could not be coffee that day so I could not be coffee that day so I could not be responsible for the things that came out responsible for the things that came out responsible for the things that came out of my mouth." uh she was on like the of my mouth." uh she was on like the of my mouth." uh she was on like the 30th call of the day and then panicked 30th call of the day and then panicked 30th call of the day and then panicked and hung up the phone. and hung up the phone. and hung up the phone. And I love that story because honestly And I love that story because honestly And I love that story because honestly it speaks to her as just a prayer it speaks to her as just a prayer it speaks to her as just a prayer warrior that it is no shocker to me that warrior that it is no shocker to me that warrior that it is no shocker to me that on a lot of caffeine uh the thing that on a lot of caffeine uh the thing that on a lot of caffeine uh the thing that rolled off of her her tongue was prayer. rolled off of her her tongue was prayer. rolled off of her her tongue was prayer. But I also love that because it reminds But I also love that because it reminds But I also love that because it reminds me of the significance of our words and me of the significance of our words and me of the significance of our words and the right words at the right time. In the right words at the right time. In the right words at the right time. In fact, God's word is full of the fact, God's word is full of the fact, God's word is full of the significance of words. In Proverbs, we significance of words. In Proverbs, we significance of words. In Proverbs, we read a ton about words, the the read a ton about words, the the read a ton about words, the the significance of them. In Proverbs 18:20, significance of them. In Proverbs 18:20, significance of them. In Proverbs 18:20, we read this that wise words satisfy we read this that wise words satisfy we read this that wise words satisfy like a good meal. I love a good meal. like a good meal. I love a good meal. like a good meal. I love a good meal. The right words bring satisfaction. The right words bring satisfaction. The right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life. And The tongue can bring death or life. And The tongue can bring death or life. And those who love to talk will reap the those who love to talk will reap the those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

consequences. consequences. And as somebody who loves to talk, there And as somebody who loves to talk, there And as somebody who loves to talk, there are consequences involved. There is a are consequences involved. There is a are consequences involved. There is a weight to our words. In our words, there weight to our words. In our words, there weight to our words. In our words, there can be life and there can be death. can be life and there can be death. can be life and there can be death. Paul later on in the New Testament in Paul later on in the New Testament in Paul later on in the New Testament in Philippians says this that one day every Philippians says this that one day every Philippians says this that one day every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Lord to the glory of God the Father. Lord to the glory of God the Father. What an incredible thing we have to look What an incredible thing we have to look What an incredible thing we have to look forward to. What an incredible promise forward to. What an incredible promise forward to. What an incredible promise that every tongue, every nation, every that every tongue, every nation, every that every tongue, every nation, every language will declare that Jesus Christ language will declare that Jesus Christ language will declare that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. is Lord to the glory of God the Father. is Lord to the glory of God the Father. And that's the whole point behind And that's the whole point behind And that's the whole point behind language. That's the whole reason God language. That's the whole reason God language. That's the whole reason God designed it was so that it would be a designed it was so that it would be a designed it was so that it would be a way for us to declare his glory. And as way for us to declare his glory. And as way for us to declare his glory. And as we've been talking about in this series, we've been talking about in this series, we've been talking about in this series, he also designed it to be a way a way in he also designed it to be a way a way in he also designed it to be a way a way in which we can communicate his love to which we can communicate his love to which we can communicate his love to others. What a beautiful thing language others. What a beautiful thing language others. What a beautiful thing language is. We've been talking about this love is. We've been talking about this love is. We've been talking about this love language series. We've looked at acts of language series. We've looked at acts of language series. We've looked at acts of service and giving and receiving gifts.

service and giving and receiving gifts. service and giving and receiving gifts. Last week we talked about physical Last week we talked about physical Last week we talked about physical touch. And this week we're going to talk touch. And this week we're going to talk touch. And this week we're going to talk about the love language of words of about the love language of words of about the love language of words of affirmation. Now this one actually has affirmation. Now this one actually has affirmation. Now this one actually has to do with our real words, our language. to do with our real words, our language. to do with our real words, our language. And I love this one because it is my And I love this one because it is my And I love this one because it is my primary love language. If you remember, primary love language. If you remember, primary love language. If you remember, we all have a primary love language. we all have a primary love language. we all have a primary love language. Something that's the most natural for us Something that's the most natural for us Something that's the most natural for us to give and receive love in. which this to give and receive love in. which this to give and receive love in. which this just simply means that the most natural just simply means that the most natural just simply means that the most natural way for me to receive love is for people way for me to receive love is for people way for me to receive love is for people to affirm me. What a time. And the most to affirm me. What a time. And the most to affirm me. What a time. And the most natural way for me to give love is for natural way for me to give love is for natural way for me to give love is for me to affirm other people. So, I'm very me to affirm other people. So, I'm very me to affirm other people. So, I'm very thankful uh that I get the opportunity thankful uh that I get the opportunity thankful uh that I get the opportunity to open up God's word with you today and to open up God's word with you today and to open up God's word with you today and to see how God has designed words of to see how God has designed words of to see how God has designed words of affirmation to work. Now, if you've been affirmation to work. Now, if you've been affirmation to work. Now, if you've been with us for the past few weeks, you know with us for the past few weeks, you know with us for the past few weeks, you know that we've been looking at it through that we've been looking at it through that we've been looking at it through the lens of um uh the definition and the the lens of um uh the definition and the the lens of um uh the definition and the dialects and then the demonstration. So dialects and then the demonstration. So dialects and then the demonstration. So let's look together at the definition of let's look together at the definition of let's look together at the definition of words of affirmation. words of affirmation. words of affirmation. We see it says this, receiving love We see it says this, receiving love We see it says this, receiving love through spoken or written words that through spoken or written words that through spoken or written words that communicate care and encouragement. This communicate care and encouragement. This communicate care and encouragement. This one is really unique because there's two one is really unique because there's two one is really unique because there's two kind of ways in which this love language kind of ways in which this love language kind of ways in which this love language can be communicated. Both spoken and can be communicated. Both spoken and can be communicated. Both spoken and written. So spoken could be a long phone written. So spoken could be a long phone written. So spoken could be a long phone conversation like me and my friend Casey conversation like me and my friend Casey conversation like me and my friend Casey who lives on the other side of the who lives on the other side of the who lives on the other side of the world. Well, not really just the world. Well, not really just the world. Well, not really just the country, but close enough. It could be a country, but close enough. It could be a country, but close enough. It could be a quick hallway conversation at work. Uh, quick hallway conversation at work. Uh, quick hallway conversation at work. Uh, it could be through song in what I would

it could be through song in what I would it could be through song in what I would say is my absolute worst nightmare of say is my absolute worst nightmare of say is my absolute worst nightmare of being serenated to, okay? But it is a being serenated to, okay? But it is a being serenated to, okay? But it is a way to communicate words of affirmation, way to communicate words of affirmation, way to communicate words of affirmation, but it can also be written. So, this but it can also be written. So, this but it can also be written. So, this could be a long love letter to your long could be a long love letter to your long could be a long love letter to your long lost love or a quick text message sent lost love or a quick text message sent lost love or a quick text message sent sent to a friend you were thinking about sent to a friend you were thinking about sent to a friend you were thinking about that morning. Uh, in fact, the other day that morning. Uh, in fact, the other day that morning. Uh, in fact, the other day I was talking to one of our student I was talking to one of our student I was talking to one of our student ministers at our Midtown campus. So, ministers at our Midtown campus. So, ministers at our Midtown campus. So, shout out to Midtown this morning. I was shout out to Midtown this morning. I was shout out to Midtown this morning. I was talking with Rihanna and she shared that talking with Rihanna and she shared that talking with Rihanna and she shared that her mom who lives in Texas had sent her her mom who lives in Texas had sent her her mom who lives in Texas had sent her had mailed her, who knew that still had mailed her, who knew that still had mailed her, who knew that still existed, had mailed her a card. And in existed, had mailed her a card. And in existed, had mailed her a card. And in that card, her mom simply wrote one that card, her mom simply wrote one that card, her mom simply wrote one sentence. She said, "I'm thinking of sentence. She said, "I'm thinking of sentence. She said, "I'm thinking of you." And Rihanna said, "Kate, I was you." And Rihanna said, "Kate, I was you." And Rihanna said, "Kate, I was flying for the rest of the day." That's flying for the rest of the day." That's flying for the rest of the day." That's the power of words of affirmation. They the power of words of affirmation. They the power of words of affirmation. They don't have to be long or really don't have to be long or really don't have to be long or really eloquent. It's like a this shot of eloquent. It's like a this shot of eloquent. It's like a this shot of energy. It's like a five-hour energy or energy. It's like a five-hour energy or energy. It's like a five-hour energy or an Alani to my teenage girls that forget an Alani to my teenage girls that forget an Alani to my teenage girls that forget that water exists in this world. It's that water exists in this world. It's that water exists in this world. It's this this shot of energy to our souls, this this shot of energy to our souls, this this shot of energy to our souls, to our spirits. I joke often with my to our spirits. I joke often with my to our spirits. I joke often with my friends who are quality time people.

friends who are quality time people. friends who are quality time people. We're going to talk about quality time We're going to talk about quality time We're going to talk about quality time next week and so you better believe I'm next week and so you better believe I'm next week and so you better believe I'm going to be on this front row taking going to be on this front row taking going to be on this front row taking notes because that is not my primary notes because that is not my primary notes because that is not my primary love language. I joke with them all the love language. I joke with them all the love language. I joke with them all the time like you could send me a text time like you could send me a text time like you could send me a text message and say you're a great person message and say you're a great person message and say you're a great person [laughter] or I like you and I don't [laughter] or I like you and I don't [laughter] or I like you and I don't need to see you for a week. Like we need to see you for a week. Like we need to see you for a week. Like we don't need to see each other. Just send don't need to see each other. Just send don't need to see each other. Just send me a word of a affirmation. I'm good to me a word of a affirmation. I'm good to me a word of a affirmation. I'm good to go. In fact, Mark Twain who knew me and go. In fact, Mark Twain who knew me and go. In fact, Mark Twain who knew me and Mark were such besties for the resties. Mark were such besties for the resties. Mark were such besties for the resties. But Mark Twain says this. I can live for But Mark Twain says this. I can live for But Mark Twain says this. I can live for two months on a good compliment. I feel two months on a good compliment. I feel two months on a good compliment. I feel that on a spiritual level. I'm like, that on a spiritual level. I'm like, that on a spiritual level. I'm like, yeah, give me one compliment. We're the yeah, give me one compliment. We're the yeah, give me one compliment. We're the best friends. I haven't seen you in 10 best friends. I haven't seen you in 10 best friends. I haven't seen you in 10 years. No worries. We are We are one and years. No worries. We are We are one and years. No worries. We are We are one and the same. But that's the power of words the same. But that's the power of words the same. But that's the power of words of affirmation. They can be like this of affirmation. They can be like this of affirmation. They can be like this shot of energy to fill the love tank is shot of energy to fill the love tank is shot of energy to fill the love tank is often what this is described as to fill often what this is described as to fill often what this is described as to fill our spirits, our hearts with the love our spirits, our hearts with the love our spirits, our hearts with the love that God has designed for us to function that God has designed for us to function that God has designed for us to function from. That's the whole idea of words of from. That's the whole idea of words of from. That's the whole idea of words of affirmation or any of these love affirmation or any of these love affirmation or any of these love languages is that when we receive love languages is that when we receive love languages is that when we receive love in the way that we most naturally in the way that we most naturally in the way that we most naturally receive it and our love tank is filled, receive it and our love tank is filled, receive it and our love tank is filled, it's like the sky becomes bluer and the it's like the sky becomes bluer and the it's like the sky becomes bluer and the birds sing more beautifully and problems birds sing more beautifully and problems birds sing more beautifully and problems don't seem quite as overwhelming because don't seem quite as overwhelming because don't seem quite as overwhelming because we're able to function from the love we we're able to function from the love we we're able to function from the love we were designed to be filled with. But were designed to be filled with. But were designed to be filled with. But oftentimes when we don't receive love in oftentimes when we don't receive love in oftentimes when we don't receive love in the way we most naturally receive it, we the way we most naturally receive it, we the way we most naturally receive it, we can look a lot like this guy. Now, I'll can look a lot like this guy. Now, I'll can look a lot like this guy. Now, I'll tell you that um in my house, we've gone tell you that um in my house, we've gone tell you that um in my house, we've gone fully artificial, okay? When it comes to

fully artificial, okay? When it comes to fully artificial, okay? When it comes to plants, because this is about as good as plants, because this is about as good as plants, because this is about as good as I can keep a plant alive. [laughter] I can keep a plant alive. [laughter] I can keep a plant alive. [laughter] But very often when we don't receive But very often when we don't receive But very often when we don't receive love the way we most naturally receive love the way we most naturally receive love the way we most naturally receive it, we can look a lot like this guy. it, we can look a lot like this guy. it, we can look a lot like this guy. Dusty, crusty, not so attractive to the Dusty, crusty, not so attractive to the Dusty, crusty, not so attractive to the eyes. eyes. eyes. But the beauty of what God has designed But the beauty of what God has designed But the beauty of what God has designed with language, especially with words of with language, especially with words of with language, especially with words of affirmation, we see in uh in Proverbs, I affirmation, we see in uh in Proverbs, I affirmation, we see in uh in Proverbs, I want to read you this verse. I I love want to read you this verse. I I love want to read you this verse. I I love this verse. In Proverbs 25:25, this verse. In Proverbs 25:25, this verse. In Proverbs 25:25, God's word says this, "Like cold water God's word says this, "Like cold water God's word says this, "Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a to a weary soul is good news from a to a weary soul is good news from a distant land." Like cold water to a distant land." Like cold water to a distant land." Like cold water to a weary soul. I don't know if you've ever weary soul. I don't know if you've ever weary soul. I don't know if you've ever felt weary before. Maybe you came in felt weary before. Maybe you came in felt weary before. Maybe you came in this morning feeling a little like this this morning feeling a little like this this morning feeling a little like this plant, pretty weary. plant, pretty weary. plant, pretty weary. That's the beauty of God's design and That's the beauty of God's design and That's the beauty of God's design and words of affirmation that that he has words of affirmation that that he has words of affirmation that that he has given us words, language, a love given us words, language, a love given us words, language, a love language to be like cold water to our language to be like cold water to our language to be like cold water to our weary souls weary souls weary souls that as those words hit our weariness, that as those words hit our weariness, that as those words hit our weariness, we are brought to life. That's the idea we are brought to life. That's the idea we are brought to life. That's the idea of words of affirmation. that they are of words of affirmation. that they are of words of affirmation. that they are cold water, refreshing encouragement to cold water, refreshing encouragement to cold water, refreshing encouragement to our weary souls. So, we've looked at the our weary souls. So, we've looked at the our weary souls. So, we've looked at the definition of words of affirmation. But definition of words of affirmation. But definition of words of affirmation. But what are the dialects? If you remember, what are the dialects? If you remember, what are the dialects? If you remember, we've talked about the fact that each we've talked about the fact that each we've talked about the fact that each love language has multiple dialects love language has multiple dialects love language has multiple dialects underneath of it. Now, I don't speak

underneath of it. Now, I don't speak underneath of it. Now, I don't speak another language, but I do know that another language, but I do know that another language, but I do know that even in English, we have multiple even in English, we have multiple even in English, we have multiple dialects. Now, I speak the dialect of dialects. Now, I speak the dialect of dialects. Now, I speak the dialect of southern. Okay? And I'd like to just go southern. Okay? And I'd like to just go southern. Okay? And I'd like to just go ahead and put this out here that I love ahead and put this out here that I love ahead and put this out here that I love Oklahoma. It's a wonderful place. It is Oklahoma. It's a wonderful place. It is Oklahoma. It's a wonderful place. It is not the South, okay? And we can fight not the South, okay? And we can fight not the South, okay? And we can fight about that in the parking lot afterward about that in the parking lot afterward about that in the parking lot afterward if we need to, but it is not. I'm from if we need to, but it is not. I'm from if we need to, but it is not. I'm from the actual South, okay? Where uh all the actual South, okay? Where uh all the actual South, okay? Where uh all carbonated beverages are Cokes. Thank carbonated beverages are Cokes. Thank carbonated beverages are Cokes. Thank you. Uh also where the metal basket with you. Uh also where the metal basket with you. Uh also where the metal basket with the wheels at the grocery store that you the wheels at the grocery store that you the wheels at the grocery store that you push around to put your groceries in, push around to put your groceries in, push around to put your groceries in, that's called a buggy. Okay, that's the that's called a buggy. Okay, that's the that's called a buggy. Okay, that's the dialect that I speak. Southern. Now dialect that I speak. Southern. Now dialect that I speak. Southern. Now maybe you speak a dialect of southern as maybe you speak a dialect of southern as maybe you speak a dialect of southern as well and we can be besties for the well and we can be besties for the well and we can be besties for the rusties for that. But when it comes to rusties for that. But when it comes to rusties for that. But when it comes to words of affirmation, what are some of words of affirmation, what are some of words of affirmation, what are some of the dialects? Some of the ways in which the dialects? Some of the ways in which the dialects? Some of the ways in which we can better give or receive this we can better give or receive this we can better give or receive this language. Let's let's look at those language. Let's let's look at those language. Let's let's look at those together. The first one is this sincere together. The first one is this sincere together. The first one is this sincere praise. praise. praise. I love this one because that word I love this one because that word I love this one because that word sincere so key. If you're a words of sincere so key. If you're a words of sincere so key. If you're a words of affirmation person, you can spot out affirmation person, you can spot out affirmation person, you can spot out insincere real quick. somebody walks insincere real quick. somebody walks insincere real quick. somebody walks around like finger gunning you being around like finger gunning you being around like finger gunning you being like, "You're doing a great job and like, "You're doing a great job and like, "You're doing a great job and never is sincere about what they're never is sincere about what they're never is sincere about what they're saying, never calls out specifics."

saying, never calls out specifics." saying, never calls out specifics." You're like, "Yeah, no thank you. That You're like, "Yeah, no thank you. That You're like, "Yeah, no thank you. That is not cold water to my weary soul." But is not cold water to my weary soul." But is not cold water to my weary soul." But sincere praise, this is simply sincere praise, this is simply sincere praise, this is simply recognizing the uh accomplishments or recognizing the uh accomplishments or recognizing the uh accomplishments or the attributes, even the appearance of the attributes, even the appearance of the attributes, even the appearance of someone else and complimenting them on someone else and complimenting them on someone else and complimenting them on it. It looks like looking at your it. It looks like looking at your it. It looks like looking at your teenage daughter who tried a new teenage daughter who tried a new teenage daughter who tried a new hairstyle and saying, "Your hair looks hairstyle and saying, "Your hair looks hairstyle and saying, "Your hair looks good today." Or looking at your good today." Or looking at your good today." Or looking at your co-worker and saying, "I saw how much co-worker and saying, "I saw how much co-worker and saying, "I saw how much work you put into that slide deck. work you put into that slide deck. work you put into that slide deck. Really proud of you." Or looking at your Really proud of you." Or looking at your Really proud of you." Or looking at your husband and saying, "You put the dishes husband and saying, "You put the dishes husband and saying, "You put the dishes directly into the dishwasher this time directly into the dishwasher this time directly into the dishwasher this time and that was a blessing to my spirit." and that was a blessing to my spirit." and that was a blessing to my spirit." Now there's sometimes it's really Now there's sometimes it's really Now there's sometimes it's really difficult to offer sincere praise difficult to offer sincere praise difficult to offer sincere praise because uh we can't always praise the because uh we can't always praise the because uh we can't always praise the results like maybe your son mowed the results like maybe your son mowed the results like maybe your son mowed the lawn for right to correction or right to lawn for right to correction or right to lawn for right to correction or right to teaching him how to do it differently. teaching him how to do it differently. teaching him how to do it differently. What if you took a moment to say hey how What if you took a moment to say hey how What if you took a moment to say hey how could I offer some cold water to his could I offer some cold water to his could I offer some cold water to his weary soul? How could I fill him before weary soul? How could I fill him before weary soul? How could I fill him before easing effort easing effort easing effort saying, "Hey, son, you showed a lot of saying, "Hey, son, you showed a lot of saying, "Hey, son, you showed a lot of perseverance out there today. It was perseverance out there today. It was perseverance out there today. It was really hot and you didn't give up and really hot and you didn't give up and really hot and you didn't give up and I'm proud of you for that." Let that I'm proud of you for that." Let that I'm proud of you for that." Let that cold water, let that love fill him up cold water, let that love fill him up cold water, let that love fill him up before you approach the maybe we should before you approach the maybe we should before you approach the maybe we should do some things differently next time.

do some things differently next time. do some things differently next time. But that's the beauty of words of But that's the beauty of words of But that's the beauty of words of affirmation, even sincere praise, is affirmation, even sincere praise, is affirmation, even sincere praise, is even when we can't praise the results, even when we can't praise the results, even when we can't praise the results, we can praise the efforts. And in that, we can praise the efforts. And in that, we can praise the efforts. And in that, we can display love. And the beauty of we can display love. And the beauty of we can display love. And the beauty of this also is that not only is it a way this also is that not only is it a way this also is that not only is it a way for us to display our love to one for us to display our love to one for us to display our love to one another, but it's a way we can display another, but it's a way we can display another, but it's a way we can display love to the Lord. We see this in love to the Lord. We see this in love to the Lord. We see this in Hebrews. We read this just a few minutes Hebrews. We read this just a few minutes Hebrews. We read this just a few minutes ago that in Hebrews 13:15 we read, ago that in Hebrews 13:15 we read, ago that in Hebrews 13:15 we read, "Therefore, let us offer through Jesus, "Therefore, let us offer through Jesus, "Therefore, let us offer through Jesus, through his sacrifice on the cross, through his sacrifice on the cross, through his sacrifice on the cross, through his resurrection, let us offer through his resurrection, let us offer through his resurrection, let us offer through Jesus a continual through Jesus a continual through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise." sacrifice of praise." sacrifice of praise." Let me note here for a second if this is Let me note here for a second if this is Let me note here for a second if this is not your primary love language. It can not your primary love language. It can not your primary love language. It can feel like a sacrifice to try to praise feel like a sacrifice to try to praise feel like a sacrifice to try to praise someone else to offer words of someone else to offer words of someone else to offer words of encouragement or care. But that's the encouragement or care. But that's the encouragement or care. But that's the whole point of love in the first place. whole point of love in the first place. whole point of love in the first place. It is sacrificial. It is sacrificial. It is sacrificial. So let us offer a continual sacrifice of So let us offer a continual sacrifice of So let us offer a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming with our praise to God, proclaiming with our praise to God, proclaiming with our mouths our allegiance to his name. What mouths our allegiance to his name. What mouths our allegiance to his name. What a gift we have. What an opportunity we a gift we have. What an opportunity we a gift we have. What an opportunity we have to practice this. And let me tell have to practice this. And let me tell have to practice this. And let me tell you that if you are not great at this, you that if you are not great at this, you that if you are not great at this, if this is not your primary love if this is not your primary love if this is not your primary love language, one of the best ways to get language, one of the best ways to get language, one of the best ways to get better at offering words of affirmation better at offering words of affirmation better at offering words of affirmation or sincere praise to someone around you or sincere praise to someone around you or sincere praise to someone around you is to get good, to get diligent at is to get good, to get diligent at is to get good, to get diligent at offering it to the Lord first. The more offering it to the Lord first. The more offering it to the Lord first. The more that you recognize the characteristics

that you recognize the characteristics that you recognize the characteristics and the work and the glory of God, the and the work and the glory of God, the and the work and the glory of God, the more that is on the top of your mind and more that is on the top of your mind and more that is on the top of your mind and the tip of your tongue, the easier it the tip of your tongue, the easier it the tip of your tongue, the easier it will become to recognize the image of will become to recognize the image of will become to recognize the image of God in those around you to praise them God in those around you to praise them God in those around you to praise them for the image that they bear. What a for the image that they bear. What a for the image that they bear. What a gift we have to offer to God. A gift we have to offer to God. A gift we have to offer to God. A continual sacrifice of praise. So, we've continual sacrifice of praise. So, we've continual sacrifice of praise. So, we've seen sincere praise. We also see seen sincere praise. We also see seen sincere praise. We also see confident encouragement. Encouragement confident encouragement. Encouragement confident encouragement. Encouragement simply means to put courage in someone. simply means to put courage in someone. simply means to put courage in someone. I don't know why it's like really I don't know why it's like really I don't know why it's like really aggressive in my mind, but you're aggressive in my mind, but you're aggressive in my mind, but you're putting putting courage in someone. putting putting courage in someone. putting putting courage in someone. You're building them up. It's looking at You're building them up. It's looking at You're building them up. It's looking at the the work of someone or the the the work of someone or the the the work of someone or the personality of someone, maybe even the personality of someone, maybe even the personality of someone, maybe even the gifts of someone, and calling it out, gifts of someone, and calling it out, gifts of someone, and calling it out, allowing it to grow. allowing it to grow. allowing it to grow. Maybe it looks like looking at your Maybe it looks like looking at your Maybe it looks like looking at your teenager and saying, "Hey, I see in you teenager and saying, "Hey, I see in you teenager and saying, "Hey, I see in you leadership. I see how God has gifted you leadership. I see how God has gifted you leadership. I see how God has gifted you to lead your football team. I see how to lead your football team. I see how to lead your football team. I see how God has gifted you to to lead and God has gifted you to to lead and God has gifted you to to lead and influence your friend group. To look at influence your friend group. To look at influence your friend group. To look at your employee and say, "I I I've watched your employee and say, "I I I've watched your employee and say, "I I I've watched the effort, the hard work, the extra the effort, the hard work, the extra the effort, the hard work, the extra hours you've put in to to acquire a new hours you've put in to to acquire a new hours you've put in to to acquire a new client, and you've actually inspired the client, and you've actually inspired the client, and you've actually inspired the rest of our team to follow in your rest of our team to follow in your rest of our team to follow in your example."

example." example." Could look like looking at a friend. and Could look like looking at a friend. and Could look like looking at a friend. and you're driving in the car and they're you're driving in the car and they're you're driving in the car and they're singing along to the radio and you're singing along to the radio and you're singing along to the radio and you're like, "Man, you got a good voice. You like, "Man, you got a good voice. You like, "Man, you got a good voice. You should turn out for the worship team." should turn out for the worship team." should turn out for the worship team." And I'll be honest with you, I'm still And I'll be honest with you, I'm still And I'll be honest with you, I'm still waiting for somebody to be a good enough waiting for somebody to be a good enough waiting for somebody to be a good enough friend to tell me that. Okay? So, you friend to tell me that. Okay? So, you friend to tell me that. Okay? So, you can offer that to me later. That can offer that to me later. That can offer that to me later. That confident encouragement. confident encouragement. confident encouragement. But we read uh uh Gary Chapman uh one of But we read uh uh Gary Chapman uh one of But we read uh uh Gary Chapman uh one of the kind of founders of this idea of the the kind of founders of this idea of the the kind of founders of this idea of the love language. He writes this, "The love language. He writes this, "The love language. He writes this, "The latent potential within your spouse." latent potential within your spouse." latent potential within your spouse." Now, this obviously is riding toward Now, this obviously is riding toward Now, this obviously is riding toward married couples, but this also applies married couples, but this also applies married couples, but this also applies to friendships and and kids and to friendships and and kids and to friendships and and kids and co-working relationships. The latent co-working relationships. The latent co-working relationships. The latent potential within your spouse or those potential within your spouse or those potential within your spouse or those who are around you in his or her areas who are around you in his or her areas who are around you in his or her areas of insecurity may await your encouraging of insecurity may await your encouraging of insecurity may await your encouraging words. words. words. What if the gift, the seed of purpose What if the gift, the seed of purpose What if the gift, the seed of purpose that God has planted in your kid or that God has planted in your kid or that God has planted in your kid or planted in your spouse or planted in planted in your spouse or planted in planted in your spouse or planted in your employee is just waiting for you to your employee is just waiting for you to your employee is just waiting for you to pour the cold water of encouragement in pour the cold water of encouragement in pour the cold water of encouragement in order for that seed to sprout, for that order for that seed to sprout, for that order for that seed to sprout, for that purpose to take hold, for that gifting purpose to take hold, for that gifting purpose to take hold, for that gifting to be displayed. That's the beauty of to be displayed. That's the beauty of to be displayed. That's the beauty of confident encouragement. God can use it confident encouragement. God can use it confident encouragement. God can use it to be the very thing that sprouts in to be the very thing that sprouts in to be the very thing that sprouts in someone, the purpose, the gifting that someone, the purpose, the gifting that someone, the purpose, the gifting that they were created for in the first they were created for in the first they were created for in the first place. Again, we read about this in place. Again, we read about this in place. Again, we read about this in scripture. Paul says this in in scripture. Paul says this in in scripture. Paul says this in in Ephesians, "Let everything you say be

Ephesians, "Let everything you say be Ephesians, "Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will good and helpful so that your words will good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear be an encouragement to those who hear be an encouragement to those who hear them." This verse is plastered up in my them." This verse is plastered up in my them." This verse is plastered up in my bathroom because even though I'm a words bathroom because even though I'm a words bathroom because even though I'm a words of affirmation person, I have to be of affirmation person, I have to be of affirmation person, I have to be reminded that everything I say is reminded that everything I say is reminded that everything I say is supposed to be good and helpful so that supposed to be good and helpful so that supposed to be good and helpful so that my words will be an encouragement. They my words will be an encouragement. They my words will be an encouragement. They will build up those that God has put will build up those that God has put will build up those that God has put around me. So, we've talked about around me. So, we've talked about around me. So, we've talked about sincere praise and confident sincere praise and confident sincere praise and confident encouragement. Lastly, we have heartfelt encouragement. Lastly, we have heartfelt encouragement. Lastly, we have heartfelt affection. Heartfelt affection. This affection. Heartfelt affection. This affection. Heartfelt affection. This one's pretty easy to understand. This is one's pretty easy to understand. This is one's pretty easy to understand. This is simply just expressions of love. This is simply just expressions of love. This is simply just expressions of love. This is looking at your your for their first day looking at your your for their first day looking at your your for their first day of school and saying, "I'm really proud of school and saying, "I'm really proud of school and saying, "I'm really proud of you." of you." of you." Uh it can look like looking at a friend Uh it can look like looking at a friend Uh it can look like looking at a friend and saying, "Hey, your personality just and saying, "Hey, your personality just and saying, "Hey, your personality just is so welcoming. I feel so loved by by is so welcoming. I feel so loved by by is so welcoming. I feel so loved by by how you act, by who you are." Young how you act, by who you are." Young how you act, by who you are." Young adults, it could look like you picking adults, it could look like you picking adults, it could look like you picking up the phone this afternoon and calling up the phone this afternoon and calling up the phone this afternoon and calling your parent and saying,"I miss you." You your parent and saying,"I miss you." You your parent and saying,"I miss you." You want to talk about a great encouragement want to talk about a great encouragement want to talk about a great encouragement to your parent, tell them you miss him.

to your parent, tell them you miss him. to your parent, tell them you miss him. Pretty simple, pretty easy. They don't Pretty simple, pretty easy. They don't Pretty simple, pretty easy. They don't have to be eloquent. It doesn't have to have to be eloquent. It doesn't have to have to be eloquent. It doesn't have to be some saliloquy. It doesn't have to be be some saliloquy. It doesn't have to be be some saliloquy. It doesn't have to be some poem you write. It's just simply some poem you write. It's just simply some poem you write. It's just simply expressions of love. When I was a little expressions of love. When I was a little expressions of love. When I was a little girl, uh, my mom would often say to me, girl, uh, my mom would often say to me, girl, uh, my mom would often say to me, "You're the apple of my eye." "You're the apple of my eye." "You're the apple of my eye." So sweet, right? I didn't really know So sweet, right? I didn't really know So sweet, right? I didn't really know what that meant as a 5-year-old. I'll be what that meant as a 5-year-old. I'll be what that meant as a 5-year-old. I'll be honest with you, but I did know it was honest with you, but I did know it was honest with you, but I did know it was an expression of love. It it was a an expression of love. It it was a an expression of love. It it was a heartfelt expression of affection. And heartfelt expression of affection. And heartfelt expression of affection. And because I wanted to offer that back to because I wanted to offer that back to because I wanted to offer that back to her, that's kind of the beauty of words her, that's kind of the beauty of words her, that's kind of the beauty of words of affirmation is that very often it it of affirmation is that very often it it of affirmation is that very often it it creates a two-way street. because I creates a two-way street. because I creates a two-way street. because I wanted to offer that back to her because wanted to offer that back to her because wanted to offer that back to her because I loved her and I wanted to tell her I loved her and I wanted to tell her I loved her and I wanted to tell her that when she would tell me that I was that when she would tell me that I was that when she would tell me that I was the apple of her eye, I would tell her the apple of her eye, I would tell her the apple of her eye, I would tell her that she's the broccoli of my nose. that she's the broccoli of my nose. that she's the broccoli of my nose. It was heartfelt. It was heartfelt. It was heartfelt. It was affection. It was affection. It was affection. It didn't mean anything but by words, It didn't mean anything but by words, It didn't mean anything but by words, but it meant something by the affection but it meant something by the affection but it meant something by the affection that I was communicating. Now, again, that I was communicating. Now, again, that I was communicating. Now, again, what a ridiculous statement, but praise what a ridiculous statement, but praise what a ridiculous statement, but praise God, she understood it. It was affection God, she understood it. It was affection God, she understood it. It was affection that I wanted to communicate to her.

that I wanted to communicate to her. that I wanted to communicate to her. And honestly, what I'll say is my my And honestly, what I'll say is my my And honestly, what I'll say is my my parents did a really great job of this parents did a really great job of this parents did a really great job of this growing up. And what's fun is they're growing up. And what's fun is they're growing up. And what's fun is they're actually here today. So, shout out to my actually here today. So, shout out to my actually here today. So, shout out to my parents. Oh, precious. parents. Oh, precious. parents. Oh, precious. [applause] They did a really good job of [applause] They did a really good job of [applause] They did a really good job of this for my sisters and I. They built a this for my sisters and I. They built a this for my sisters and I. They built a home where words of affirmation were home where words of affirmation were home where words of affirmation were consistent and intentional. Both my mom consistent and intentional. Both my mom consistent and intentional. Both my mom and my dad would say, "I love you. We're and my dad would say, "I love you. We're and my dad would say, "I love you. We're proud of you. We're praying for you." proud of you. We're praying for you." proud of you. We're praying for you." They they were intentional in They they were intentional in They they were intentional in communicating those cool words, those communicating those cool words, those communicating those cool words, those sweet words to our weary souls. In fact, sweet words to our weary souls. In fact, sweet words to our weary souls. In fact, the couple of weeks ago, I had flown the couple of weeks ago, I had flown the couple of weeks ago, I had flown home to Georgia to visit my parents and home to Georgia to visit my parents and home to Georgia to visit my parents and on the day I was flying back, my mom on the day I was flying back, my mom on the day I was flying back, my mom packed me a little snack bag. Okay, what packed me a little snack bag. Okay, what packed me a little snack bag. Okay, what a gift. And honestly, it was a great a gift. And honestly, it was a great a gift. And honestly, it was a great picture of acts of service because I picture of acts of service because I picture of acts of service because I didn't have to go to the airport and didn't have to go to the airport and didn't have to go to the airport and spend time and money to buy snacks and spend time and money to buy snacks and spend time and money to buy snacks and sell my, you know, kidney for those. Uh, sell my, you know, kidney for those. Uh, sell my, you know, kidney for those. Uh, I I got those for free. And it also was I I got those for free. And it also was I I got those for free. And it also was a beautiful picture of giving gifts. I a beautiful picture of giving gifts. I a beautiful picture of giving gifts. I didn't ask for it. I didn't need it, but didn't ask for it. I didn't need it, but didn't ask for it. I didn't need it, but because she wanted to display love, she because she wanted to display love, she because she wanted to display love, she offered me this gift of a snack bag. But offered me this gift of a snack bag. But offered me this gift of a snack bag. But not only in that that bag were their um not only in that that bag were their um not only in that that bag were their um delicious snacks, but she also tucked delicious snacks, but she also tucked delicious snacks, but she also tucked into that bag this little post-it note.

into that bag this little post-it note. into that bag this little post-it note. Now, it's probably hard for you to read Now, it's probably hard for you to read Now, it's probably hard for you to read it, and that's okay. I'll read it to it, and that's okay. I'll read it to it, and that's okay. I'll read it to you. But it says, "We love you so much you. But it says, "We love you so much you. But it says, "We love you so much and are praying daily for you. Love, Mom and are praying daily for you. Love, Mom and are praying daily for you. Love, Mom and Dad." Now, it probably took her 30 and Dad." Now, it probably took her 30 and Dad." Now, it probably took her 30 seconds to write this post-it note. seconds to write this post-it note. seconds to write this post-it note. Probably didn't take her very long. But Probably didn't take her very long. But Probably didn't take her very long. But I'll tell you that long after those I'll tell you that long after those I'll tell you that long after those snacks were gone, and let me tell you, snacks were gone, and let me tell you, snacks were gone, and let me tell you, they were gone quick. These words of they were gone quick. These words of they were gone quick. These words of affirmation stayed. In fact, it stays affirmation stayed. In fact, it stays affirmation stayed. In fact, it stays right by my coffee pot, that's why it's right by my coffee pot, that's why it's right by my coffee pot, that's why it's smudged a little bit, stays by my coffee smudged a little bit, stays by my coffee smudged a little bit, stays by my coffee pot in the morning. So, when my soul is pot in the morning. So, when my soul is pot in the morning. So, when my soul is weary, and it usually is very weary in weary, and it usually is very weary in weary, and it usually is very weary in the morning, I can read these words of the morning, I can read these words of the morning, I can read these words of affirmation. and I can read this affirmation. and I can read this affirmation. and I can read this heartfelt affection and be reminded that heartfelt affection and be reminded that heartfelt affection and be reminded that my parents love me. That is like cold my parents love me. That is like cold my parents love me. That is like cold water to a weary soul. That's the water to a weary soul. That's the water to a weary soul. That's the significance of words of affirmation. significance of words of affirmation. significance of words of affirmation. Now, I know that for many of you, that Now, I know that for many of you, that Now, I know that for many of you, that may not be the story of your family. may not be the story of your family. may not be the story of your family. That may not be the story of the house That may not be the story of the house That may not be the story of the house that you grew up in or even the house that you grew up in or even the house that you grew up in or even the house that you're creating right now. And very that you're creating right now. And very that you're creating right now. And very often when something like that is not often when something like that is not often when something like that is not displayed for us, we can begin to displayed for us, we can begin to displayed for us, we can begin to believe the lie that words of believe the lie that words of believe the lie that words of affirmation, that encouragement is affirmation, that encouragement is affirmation, that encouragement is somehow weakness or is somehow shameful somehow weakness or is somehow shameful somehow weakness or is somehow shameful or especially for for men, it can feel or especially for for men, it can feel or especially for for men, it can feel like it's somehow not manly enough. But like it's somehow not manly enough. But like it's somehow not manly enough. But I want you to know that there is nothing I want you to know that there is nothing I want you to know that there is nothing there's no greater lie than the idea there's no greater lie than the idea there's no greater lie than the idea that expressing affection or expressing that expressing affection or expressing that expressing affection or expressing love would be weakness or shameful.

love would be weakness or shameful. love would be weakness or shameful. Because what we see in our creator God Because what we see in our creator God Because what we see in our creator God in the alpha and omega, the beginning in the alpha and omega, the beginning in the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, the king of kings and lord and the end, the king of kings and lord and the end, the king of kings and lord of lords, is that God himself did not of lords, is that God himself did not of lords, is that God himself did not shy away from communicating his love for shy away from communicating his love for shy away from communicating his love for his people. We see it in Jeremiah 31. his people. We see it in Jeremiah 31. his people. We see it in Jeremiah 31. Jeremiah, we read this. Long ago, the Jeremiah, we read this. Long ago, the Jeremiah, we read this. Long ago, the Lord said to Israel, "I have loved you, Lord said to Israel, "I have loved you, Lord said to Israel, "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. my people, with an everlasting love. my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love, I have drawn you to With unfailing love, I have drawn you to With unfailing love, I have drawn you to myself." myself." myself." God did not shy away from communicating God did not shy away from communicating God did not shy away from communicating his love clearly and intentionally. In his love clearly and intentionally. In his love clearly and intentionally. In fact, in the New Testament, we see this fact, in the New Testament, we see this fact, in the New Testament, we see this that at Jesus's baptism, that at Jesus's baptism, that at Jesus's baptism, Mark 1 11 says, "A voice from heaven Mark 1 11 says, "A voice from heaven Mark 1 11 says, "A voice from heaven said,"You said,"You said,"You are my dearly loved son and you bring me are my dearly loved son and you bring me are my dearly loved son and you bring me great joy." great joy." great joy." If words of affirmation are difficult If words of affirmation are difficult If words of affirmation are difficult for you, if this is a stretch, if there for you, if this is a stretch, if there for you, if this is a stretch, if there is a sacrifice involved in thinking of is a sacrifice involved in thinking of is a sacrifice involved in thinking of things to say to encourage or affirm or things to say to encourage or affirm or things to say to encourage or affirm or show affection to someone in your life, show affection to someone in your life, show affection to someone in your life, you can copy and paste God's words right you can copy and paste God's words right you can copy and paste God's words right here. Here are two great things that you here. Here are two great things that you here. Here are two great things that you can say to your kids. You want to see a can say to your kids. You want to see a can say to your kids. You want to see a change in your teenage daughter's life?

change in your teenage daughter's life? change in your teenage daughter's life? You want to see her walk in confidence? You want to see her walk in confidence? You want to see her walk in confidence? You want to see her walk in the calling You want to see her walk in the calling You want to see her walk in the calling that God has placed on her life? You that God has placed on her life? You that God has placed on her life? You want to see her pursue godly want to see her pursue godly want to see her pursue godly relationships? Tell her that she is your relationships? Tell her that she is your relationships? Tell her that she is your dearly loved daughter. You want to watch dearly loved daughter. You want to watch dearly loved daughter. You want to watch your your son seek honor in in uh in in your your son seek honor in in uh in in your your son seek honor in in uh in in uh honor in his relationships. You want uh honor in his relationships. You want uh honor in his relationships. You want to watch him be a man of God. You tell to watch him be a man of God. You tell to watch him be a man of God. You tell him consistently and clearly, you are my him consistently and clearly, you are my him consistently and clearly, you are my dearly loved son. You tell them, "You dearly loved son. You tell them, "You dearly loved son. You tell them, "You bring me great joy." bring me great joy." bring me great joy." God did not shy away from communicating God did not shy away from communicating God did not shy away from communicating his love even to his son. Later on in his love even to his son. Later on in his love even to his son. Later on in Jesus's ministry in Matthew 17, we read Jesus's ministry in Matthew 17, we read Jesus's ministry in Matthew 17, we read again, God say this, "This is my son again, God say this, "This is my son again, God say this, "This is my son whom I love. With him I am well whom I love. With him I am well whom I love. With him I am well pleased." pleased." pleased." God did not shy away from communicating God did not shy away from communicating God did not shy away from communicating his love with his son publicly, his love with his son publicly, his love with his son publicly, intentionally, intentionally, intentionally, clearly. clearly. clearly. We also see that Jesus didn't shy away We also see that Jesus didn't shy away We also see that Jesus didn't shy away from receiving that love. He accepted it from receiving that love. He accepted it from receiving that love. He accepted it freely.

freely. freely. That's the beauty of words of That's the beauty of words of That's the beauty of words of affirmation is they are powerful and affirmation is they are powerful and affirmation is they are powerful and they are a way for us to follow in the they are a way for us to follow in the they are a way for us to follow in the example of our creator God. So we've example of our creator God. So we've example of our creator God. So we've looked at sincere praise, we've looked looked at sincere praise, we've looked looked at sincere praise, we've looked at confident encouragement, we've even at confident encouragement, we've even at confident encouragement, we've even looked at heartfelt affection, but now looked at heartfelt affection, but now looked at heartfelt affection, but now let's look at how we give and receive let's look at how we give and receive let's look at how we give and receive words of affirmation through uh words of affirmation through uh words of affirmation through uh demonstration. We've looked at it demonstration. We've looked at it demonstration. We've looked at it through this chart over the past few through this chart over the past few through this chart over the past few weeks. How we give and receive through weeks. How we give and receive through weeks. How we give and receive through the spirit and then through the flesh. the spirit and then through the flesh. the spirit and then through the flesh. So what happens when we receive words of So what happens when we receive words of So what happens when we receive words of affirmation through the spirit? Well, we affirmation through the spirit? Well, we affirmation through the spirit? Well, we accept those words with gratitude. We accept those words with gratitude. We accept those words with gratitude. We don't brush them off. We don't laugh don't brush them off. We don't laugh don't brush them off. We don't laugh them off. We don't say, "Well, that's them off. We don't say, "Well, that's them off. We don't say, "Well, that's not true." We we accept them with not true." We we accept them with not true." We we accept them with gratitude. Hey, thank you for sharing gratitude. Hey, thank you for sharing gratitude. Hey, thank you for sharing that with me. Hey, thank you for that with me. Hey, thank you for that with me. Hey, thank you for encouraging me in that. I appreciate encouraging me in that. I appreciate encouraging me in that. I appreciate those words of affirmation. They're like those words of affirmation. They're like those words of affirmation. They're like cold water to my weary soul today. What cold water to my weary soul today. What cold water to my weary soul today. What happens when we give words of happens when we give words of happens when we give words of affirmation in the spirit? Well, you affirmation in the spirit? Well, you affirmation in the spirit? Well, you create powerful encouragement and create powerful encouragement and create powerful encouragement and lifegiving environments.

lifegiving environments. lifegiving environments. Powerfully are you able to encourage Powerfully are you able to encourage Powerfully are you able to encourage those God has put around you to water those God has put around you to water those God has put around you to water the seed of purpose and gifting in them the seed of purpose and gifting in them the seed of purpose and gifting in them and you create lifegiving environments. and you create lifegiving environments. and you create lifegiving environments. Remember scripture says that the power Remember scripture says that the power Remember scripture says that the power of life is in the tongue. You can create of life is in the tongue. You can create of life is in the tongue. You can create environments of safety and security for environments of safety and security for environments of safety and security for your kids, your your employees, your your kids, your your employees, your your kids, your your employees, your friends by speaking and giving words of friends by speaking and giving words of friends by speaking and giving words of affirmation in the spirit. But what affirmation in the spirit. But what affirmation in the spirit. But what happens when we do these in the flesh? happens when we do these in the flesh? happens when we do these in the flesh? Well, when we receive words of Well, when we receive words of Well, when we receive words of affirmation in the flesh, meaning apart affirmation in the flesh, meaning apart affirmation in the flesh, meaning apart from the presence and power of God, we from the presence and power of God, we from the presence and power of God, we become validation dependent. become validation dependent. become validation dependent. Truthfully, I think this is exactly why Truthfully, I think this is exactly why Truthfully, I think this is exactly why social media has become such a thing in social media has become such a thing in social media has become such a thing in the world that we we become almost like the world that we we become almost like the world that we we become almost like drug addicts, like jonesing for the next drug addicts, like jonesing for the next drug addicts, like jonesing for the next hit of affirmation. That's why social hit of affirmation. That's why social hit of affirmation. That's why social media has become so addicting because we media has become so addicting because we media has become so addicting because we get that hit of dopamine from a like or get that hit of dopamine from a like or get that hit of dopamine from a like or a comment or someone someone thinking a comment or someone someone thinking a comment or someone someone thinking that we look nice or being impressed by that we look nice or being impressed by that we look nice or being impressed by our family by what we post online. And our family by what we post online. And our family by what we post online. And we think when we are in the flesh that we think when we are in the flesh that we think when we are in the flesh that that validates us. But in reality only that validates us. But in reality only that validates us. But in reality only God can validate us. People can affirm God can validate us. People can affirm God can validate us. People can affirm us and they can encourage us and they us and they can encourage us and they us and they can encourage us and they can praise us and they can show can praise us and they can show can praise us and they can show affection to us. But only our creator affection to us. But only our creator affection to us. But only our creator can put his stamp of value on you and I.

can put his stamp of value on you and I. can put his stamp of value on you and I. Only he can bring value to us. Only he Only he can bring value to us. Only he Only he can bring value to us. Only he can validate who we are. But when we're can validate who we are. But when we're can validate who we are. But when we're receiving words of affirmation in the receiving words of affirmation in the receiving words of affirmation in the flesh, we can often begin to believe the flesh, we can often begin to believe the flesh, we can often begin to believe the lie that people and words validate us. lie that people and words validate us. lie that people and words validate us. But equally as dangerous is when we give But equally as dangerous is when we give But equally as dangerous is when we give words of affirmation in the flesh. When words of affirmation in the flesh. When words of affirmation in the flesh. When we do that, we use words to get we do that, we use words to get we do that, we use words to get something in return. something in return. something in return. Really, what this is is manipulation. Really, what this is is manipulation. Really, what this is is manipulation. This is using your words to gain This is using your words to gain This is using your words to gain something that you want back from that something that you want back from that something that you want back from that person. Scripture uses a different word person. Scripture uses a different word person. Scripture uses a different word for manipulation. It uses the word for manipulation. It uses the word for manipulation. It uses the word flattery. flattery. flattery. And Proverbs and Psalms are full of And Proverbs and Psalms are full of And Proverbs and Psalms are full of words in scripture talking about words in scripture talking about words in scripture talking about flattery. In Proverbs 26, we read this flattery. In Proverbs 26, we read this flattery. In Proverbs 26, we read this that a lying tongue hates its victims that a lying tongue hates its victims that a lying tongue hates its victims and flattering words cause ruin. In and flattering words cause ruin. In and flattering words cause ruin. In Psalm Psalm Psalm 12, we read this. Neighbors lie to each 12, we read this. Neighbors lie to each 12, we read this. Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and other, speaking with flattering lips and other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. May the Lord cut off deceitful hearts. May the Lord cut off deceitful hearts. May the Lord cut off their flattering lips and silence their their flattering lips and silence their their flattering lips and silence their boastful tongues.

boastful tongues. boastful tongues. Why does God speak so intensely Why does God speak so intensely Why does God speak so intensely regarding flattery? Why does he use such regarding flattery? Why does he use such regarding flattery? Why does he use such big words like cut off their lips? big words like cut off their lips? big words like cut off their lips? It's because God understands that It's because God understands that It's because God understands that manipulation and flattery are really manipulation and flattery are really manipulation and flattery are really counterfeits of his design. You see, God counterfeits of his design. You see, God counterfeits of his design. You see, God designed our words, our language to be a designed our words, our language to be a designed our words, our language to be a language of love. But flattery is a language of love. But flattery is a language of love. But flattery is a language of lust. Let me show you the language of lust. Let me show you the language of lust. Let me show you the difference. Lust says this. Lust wants difference. Lust says this. Lust wants difference. Lust says this. Lust wants to please self at the expense of someone to please self at the expense of someone to please self at the expense of someone else because lust wants to get I'll use else because lust wants to get I'll use else because lust wants to get I'll use my words to get what I want from you. my words to get what I want from you. my words to get what I want from you. Love on the other hand Love on the other hand Love on the other hand does this. that desires to please does this. that desires to please does this. that desires to please someone else at the expense of self someone else at the expense of self someone else at the expense of self because love wants to give. because love wants to give. because love wants to give. There is no greater picture of real true There is no greater picture of real true There is no greater picture of real true genuine love, sacrificial love than in genuine love, sacrificial love than in genuine love, sacrificial love than in what Jesus Christ did for you and I on what Jesus Christ did for you and I on what Jesus Christ did for you and I on the cross. that he loved us so much that the cross. that he loved us so much that the cross. that he loved us so much that he was willing to lay down his life he was willing to lay down his life he was willing to lay down his life to be the payment for your sins and my to be the payment for your sins and my to be the payment for your sins and my sins. To offer us the free gift of sins. To offer us the free gift of sins. To offer us the free gift of salvation and forgiveness from those salvation and forgiveness from those salvation and forgiveness from those sins to reconcile to bring back together sins to reconcile to bring back together sins to reconcile to bring back together our relationship with our father.

our relationship with our father. our relationship with our father. That is real love. That is real love. That is real love. Earlier we we talked about the thing we Earlier we we talked about the thing we Earlier we we talked about the thing we have to look forward to that Paul talks have to look forward to that Paul talks have to look forward to that Paul talks about in Proverbs or in in Philippians about in Proverbs or in in Philippians about in Proverbs or in in Philippians that he says one day every tongue will that he says one day every tongue will that he says one day every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. But why do we glory of God the Father. But why do we glory of God the Father. But why do we have this to look forward to? Why will have this to look forward to? Why will have this to look forward to? Why will every tongue in every language declare every tongue in every language declare every tongue in every language declare this truth? Well, he tells us just a few this truth? Well, he tells us just a few this truth? Well, he tells us just a few verses before in the same passage that verses before in the same passage that verses before in the same passage that Jesus Jesus Jesus humbled himself in obedience to God and humbled himself in obedience to God and humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal criminal's death on the died a criminal criminal's death on the died a criminal criminal's death on the cross. cross. cross. Why will every tongue confess that Jesus Why will every tongue confess that Jesus Why will every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father? It is because Jesus in Father? It is because Jesus in Father? It is because Jesus in sacrificial love was willing to lay down sacrificial love was willing to lay down sacrificial love was willing to lay down his life on the cross for you and I. But his life on the cross for you and I. But his life on the cross for you and I. But did you know how he did it? In humility.

did you know how he did it? In humility. did you know how he did it? In humility. That's the whole way. That's the whole That's the whole way. That's the whole That's the whole way. That's the whole point. That's the whole key to giving point. That's the whole key to giving point. That's the whole key to giving and receiving words of affirmation in and receiving words of affirmation in and receiving words of affirmation in the spirit is that we do so in humility. the spirit is that we do so in humility. the spirit is that we do so in humility. that we do what just a few verses even that we do what just a few verses even that we do what just a few verses even before verse 8 says that we would have before verse 8 says that we would have before verse 8 says that we would have the same mind the same attitude as the same mind the same attitude as the same mind the same attitude as Christ Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Jesus that we would give and receive words of that we would give and receive words of that we would give and receive words of affirmation in humility that's how we do affirmation in humility that's how we do affirmation in humility that's how we do it in the spirit it in the spirit it in the spirit but for many of you this may be a but for many of you this may be a but for many of you this may be a difficult concept to give and receive difficult concept to give and receive difficult concept to give and receive words of affirmation in the spirit words of affirmation in the spirit words of affirmation in the spirit because maybe you have never received because maybe you have never received because maybe you have never received the spirit the spirit the spirit meaning you've never put your faith and meaning you've never put your faith and meaning you've never put your faith and trust trust in Jesus Christ and his trust trust in Jesus Christ and his trust trust in Jesus Christ and his death on the cross and his resurrection death on the cross and his resurrection death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead. That you've never from the dead. That you've never from the dead. That you've never accepted his free gift of salvation. accepted his free gift of salvation. accepted his free gift of salvation. Well, I want you to know that today can Well, I want you to know that today can Well, I want you to know that today can be the day of change. It can be the day be the day of change. It can be the day be the day of change. It can be the day of decision for you. So, here in this of decision for you. So, here in this of decision for you. So, here in this room and in every room watching, those room and in every room watching, those room and in every room watching, those watching online, would you take just a watching online, would you take just a watching online, would you take just a moment and bow your heads? Would you moment and bow your heads? Would you moment and bow your heads? Would you close your eyes? We tell our students, close your eyes? We tell our students, close your eyes? We tell our students, we do this just so we can focus.

Has there ever been a time in your life Has there ever been a time in your life where you have put your faith and your where you have put your faith and your where you have put your faith and your trust in Jesus Christ, the son of God, trust in Jesus Christ, the son of God, trust in Jesus Christ, the son of God, who came to earth, lived a perfect life, who came to earth, lived a perfect life, who came to earth, lived a perfect life, the thing you and I could never do the thing you and I could never do the thing you and I could never do to become the payment for the sins, the to become the payment for the sins, the to become the payment for the sins, the things that we have thought and said and things that we have thought and said and things that we have thought and said and done that have separated us from God. done that have separated us from God. done that have separated us from God. That knowing that he didn't stay dead, That knowing that he didn't stay dead, That knowing that he didn't stay dead, he rose from the grave three days later, he rose from the grave three days later, he rose from the grave three days later, defeating death and shame and fear and defeating death and shame and fear and defeating death and shame and fear and guilt and all the things that have held guilt and all the things that have held guilt and all the things that have held us captive. us captive. us captive. If you have never put your faith in If you have never put your faith in If you have never put your faith in Jesus, would you Jesus, would you Jesus, would you make that decision today? make that decision today? make that decision today? Would you surrender today? Scripture Would you surrender today? Scripture Would you surrender today? Scripture says it's as simple as this. It's says it's as simple as this. It's says it's as simple as this. It's confessing with your mouth that Jesus is confessing with your mouth that Jesus is confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart that Lord and believing in your heart that Lord and believing in your heart that God raised him from the dead. So, I'll God raised him from the dead. So, I'll God raised him from the dead. So, I'll pray a prayer to help you do just that. pray a prayer to help you do just that. pray a prayer to help you do just that. To confess with your mouth what you're To confess with your mouth what you're To confess with your mouth what you're choosing to believe in your hearts. choosing to believe in your hearts. choosing to believe in your hearts. People all across the room will pray People all across the room will pray People all across the room will pray along with you. You won't pray alone, along with you. You won't pray alone, along with you. You won't pray alone, but if you're ready to put your faith in but if you're ready to put your faith in but if you're ready to put your faith in Jesus, would you pray this prayer with Jesus, would you pray this prayer with Jesus, would you pray this prayer with me? Dear Jesus, me? Dear Jesus, me? Dear Jesus, I confess that I'm a sinner.

I confess that I'm a sinner. I confess that I'm a sinner. There's nothing I can do There's nothing I can do There's nothing I can do to earn your forgiveness. to earn your forgiveness. to earn your forgiveness. I believe you died on the cross for my I believe you died on the cross for my I believe you died on the cross for my sin. sin. sin. I believe you rose from the grave I believe you rose from the grave I believe you rose from the grave in the best way I know how. in the best way I know how. in the best way I know how. I turn my back on my sin I turn my back on my sin I turn my back on my sin and I trust you alone, Jesus. and I trust you alone, Jesus. and I trust you alone, Jesus. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for saving me. Before we say Thank you for saving me. Before we say Thank you for saving me. Before we say amen, with every head still bowed and amen, with every head still bowed and amen, with every head still bowed and eyes still closed, there may be some eyes still closed, there may be some eyes still closed, there may be some here who have received the spirit in the here who have received the spirit in the here who have received the spirit in the past, whether it was last week or 10 past, whether it was last week or 10 past, whether it was last week or 10 years ago, years ago, years ago, and yet you're still battling to to know and yet you're still battling to to know and yet you're still battling to to know how to display love through your words. how to display love through your words. how to display love through your words. Maybe it feels difficult or or hard for Maybe it feels difficult or or hard for Maybe it feels difficult or or hard for you. Let me tell you that there is no you. Let me tell you that there is no you. Let me tell you that there is no one greater at helping your weakness one greater at helping your weakness one greater at helping your weakness than the King of Kings and Lord of than the King of Kings and Lord of than the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Lords. Lords. So today, if you recognize this is an So today, if you recognize this is an So today, if you recognize this is an area of weakness for me. This is area of weakness for me. This is area of weakness for me. This is something I've got to work on. God, something I've got to work on. God, something I've got to work on. God, would you take just a moment and ask would you take just a moment and ask would you take just a moment and ask our all powerful all good God to give our all powerful all good God to give our all powerful all good God to give you the strength to do what he has asked you the strength to do what he has asked you the strength to do what he has asked of you, to push through what is hard, of you, to push through what is hard, of you, to push through what is hard, [music] to do what is holy.

[music] to do what is holy. [music] to do what is holy. And if today you recognize you've used And if today you recognize you've used And if today you recognize you've used your words in in a manipulative way, your words in in a manipulative way, your words in in a manipulative way, maybe flattering others in order to gain maybe flattering others in order to gain maybe flattering others in order to gain something in return, let me tell you something in return, let me tell you something in return, let me tell you that First John tells us that if we that First John tells us that if we that First John tells us that if we confess our sin, and it is sin, that he confess our sin, and it is sin, that he confess our sin, and it is sin, that he is faithful and just to forgive us of is faithful and just to forgive us of is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin and to cleanse us from all our sin and to cleanse us from all our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. unrighteousness. unrighteousness. So would you confess that sin before him So would you confess that sin before him So would you confess that sin before him right now? Father God, we thank you that your word Father God, we thank you that your word is true and that you are faithful and is true and that you are faithful and is true and that you are faithful and you are just to forgive us of our sin you are just to forgive us of our sin you are just to forgive us of our sin and to cleanse us from all and to cleanse us from all and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And so, Lord, for those unrighteousness. And so, Lord, for those unrighteousness. And so, Lord, for those who have just now confessed that they who have just now confessed that they who have just now confessed that they have used their words manipulatively, have used their words manipulatively, have used their words manipulatively, God, that they've used their words to God, that they've used their words to God, that they've used their words to flatter someone else and in order to flatter someone else and in order to flatter someone else and in order to gain something in return, God, I I thank gain something in return, God, I I thank gain something in return, God, I I thank you that in that confession, you give us you that in that confession, you give us you that in that confession, you give us the opportunity to repent. And so Lord, the opportunity to repent. And so Lord, the opportunity to repent. And so Lord, I pray that there would be repentance. I pray that there would be repentance. I pray that there would be repentance. That we would turn from our sin and walk That we would turn from our sin and walk That we would turn from our sin and walk in a way that honors you, God. That you in a way that honors you, God. That you in a way that honors you, God. That you would put a guard over our mouths like would put a guard over our mouths like would put a guard over our mouths like David prays. That we would say only and David prays. That we would say only and David prays. That we would say only and all of what you desire for us to say.

all of what you desire for us to say. all of what you desire for us to say. God, that we would use our words to God, that we would use our words to God, that we would use our words to build others up. Lord, for those who build others up. Lord, for those who build others up. Lord, for those who recognize that that words of affirmation recognize that that words of affirmation recognize that that words of affirmation is a difficult love language to display, is a difficult love language to display, is a difficult love language to display, Lord, we thank you that we don't have to Lord, we thank you that we don't have to Lord, we thank you that we don't have to do anything in our own strength. and God do anything in our own strength. and God do anything in our own strength. and God that we can do all things through Christ that we can do all things through Christ that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. And so Lord, I pray who strengthens us. And so Lord, I pray who strengthens us. And so Lord, I pray that you would strengthen us in our that you would strengthen us in our that you would strengthen us in our weakness. God, would you uh reveal to us weakness. God, would you uh reveal to us weakness. God, would you uh reveal to us that that the idea that expressing that that the idea that expressing that that the idea that expressing affirmation or affection, Lord, that affirmation or affection, Lord, that affirmation or affection, Lord, that this lie that it is weakness or this lie that it is weakness or this lie that it is weakness or shameful, God, would you reveal that? shameful, God, would you reveal that? shameful, God, would you reveal that? Would you bring light to those parts of Would you bring light to those parts of Would you bring light to those parts of of our hearts and our minds? And would of our hearts and our minds? And would of our hearts and our minds? And would you help us to remember that you did not you help us to remember that you did not you help us to remember that you did not shy away from declaring your love toward shy away from declaring your love toward shy away from declaring your love toward us? So God, would we not shy away from us? So God, would we not shy away from us? So God, would we not shy away from declaring your love toward others? declaring your love toward others? declaring your love toward others? [music] We thank you God that you are [music] We thank you God that you are [music] We thank you God that you are powerful, that you are good, that you powerful, that you are good, that you powerful, that you are good, that you are a loving God, and it is in your are a loving God, and it is in your are a loving God, and it is in your name, Jesus, you're powerful and your name, Jesus, you're powerful and your name, Jesus, you're powerful and your good name we pray. Amen. And amen.

Come on. What a great message today. And Come on. What a great message today. And man, I hope this uh five love language man, I hope this uh five love language man, I hope this uh five love language series has been as beneficial to you as series has been as beneficial to you as series has been as beneficial to you as it has been to me. And and our prayer it has been to me. And and our prayer it has been to me. And and our prayer through this whole thing is that we through this whole thing is that we through this whole thing is that we wouldn't just learn about our specific wouldn't just learn about our specific wouldn't just learn about our specific love language, but we would be fluent in love language, but we would be fluent in love language, but we would be fluent in others so we can love others. We can others so we can love others. We can others so we can love others. We can reach others. We can love them the way reach others. We can love them the way reach others. We can love them the way they receive love. So don't forget that. they receive love. So don't forget that. they receive love. So don't forget that. Uh man, I love it. And we want to do Uh man, I love it. And we want to do Uh man, I love it. And we want to do that in the spirit, right? Not in the that in the spirit, right? Not in the that in the spirit, right? Not in the flesh, but in [music] the spirit. Hey, flesh, but in [music] the spirit. Hey, flesh, but in [music] the spirit. Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us today. I'm so glad that you joined us today. I'm so glad that you joined us today. And I hope that God spoke to you and I And I hope that God spoke to you and I And I hope that God spoke to you and I hope that uh this has been really hope that uh this has been really hope that uh this has been really encouraging. For more resources on our encouraging. For more resources on our encouraging. For more resources on our uh five love languages, you can go to uh five love languages, you can go to uh five love languages, you can go to our app, Battle Creek Church app. We our app, Battle Creek Church app. We our app, Battle Creek Church app. We have it on there, a resource page. You have it on there, a resource page. You have it on there, a resource page. You can even take the test [music] to figure can even take the test [music] to figure can even take the test [music] to figure out what your love language is. So don't out what your love language is. So don't out what your love language is. So don't forget to check that out. But hey, forget to check that out. But hey, forget to check that out. But hey, Wednesday night, worship night, 6:30 all Wednesday night, worship night, 6:30 all Wednesday night, worship night, 6:30 all of our campuses and online. Let's get of our campuses and online. Let's get of our campuses and online. Let's get ready to worship the name of Jesus. But ready to worship the name of Jesus. But ready to worship the name of Jesus. But hey, I love you. Have a fantastic couple hey, I love you. Have a fantastic couple hey, I love you. Have a fantastic couple of days. Invite somebody. I will see you of days. Invite somebody. I will see you of days. Invite somebody. I will see you Wednesday night at 6:30 and next Sunday. Wednesday night at 6:30 and next Sunday. Wednesday night at 6:30 and next Sunday. Love y'all. We'll talk to you soon.

>> Heat up >> Heat up [music]