The Most Excellent Way | Pastor Charlotte Gambill

Well, it's so good to be with you, Well, it's so good to be with you, Bayside. If you're wondering who is this Bayside. If you're wondering who is this Bayside. If you're wondering who is this English-sounding person, I am an auntie English-sounding person, I am an auntie English-sounding person, I am an auntie of this house. It is a great joy and of this house. It is a great joy and of this house. It is a great joy and honor and privilege to be entrusted to honor and privilege to be entrusted to honor and privilege to be entrusted to come and be part of the team here. I come and be part of the team here. I come and be part of the team here. I love this house. I love every part of love this house. I love every part of love this house. I love every part of the team and the staff, and I'm just so the team and the staff, and I'm just so the team and the staff, and I'm just so thankful that God knit our hearts thankful that God knit our hearts thankful that God knit our hearts together. And I always get excited when together. And I always get excited when together. And I always get excited when I know that this is coming up in my I know that this is coming up in my I know that this is coming up in my calendar. I actually stalk you. I just calendar. I actually stalk you. I just calendar. I actually stalk you. I just have to confess it. I actually I have to confess it. I actually I have to confess it. I actually I actually know what you're up to when I'm actually know what you're up to when I'm actually know what you're up to when I'm not here. I follow along because we're not here. I follow along because we're not here. I follow along because we're family. I want to know what God's family. I want to know what God's family. I want to know what God's speaking to you. I know I want to know speaking to you. I know I want to know speaking to you. I know I want to know what God's moving and doing. And so, I'm what God's moving and doing. And so, I'm what God's moving and doing. And so, I'm so grateful for the entrustment to get so grateful for the entrustment to get so grateful for the entrustment to get to add my voice a week before to add my voice a week before to add my voice a week before Independence Day. Thank you for still Independence Day. Thank you for still Independence Day. Thank you for still accepting this English lady. You know accepting this English lady. You know accepting this English lady. You know what I'm saying? Like like I'm glad what I'm saying? Like like I'm glad what I'm saying? Like like I'm glad you're not that independent. you're not that independent. you're not that independent. I remind my husband all the time, you I remind my husband all the time, you I remind my husband all the time, you can have your day, but you're still can have your day, but you're still can have your day, but you're still married to an English woman. You know married to an English woman. You know married to an English woman. You know what I'm saying? Like you can be what I'm saying? Like you can be what I'm saying? Like you can be independent all for one day. I I And I'm independent all for one day. I I And I'm independent all for one day. I I And I'm thankful that God knit our hearts thankful that God knit our hearts thankful that God knit our hearts together. And I know you've been in a together. And I know you've been in a together. And I know you've been in a series, um which I've loved. There's series, um which I've loved. There's series, um which I've loved. There's been a series that you've been in on the been a series that you've been in on the been a series that you've been in on the foundations of leadership. And I'm so foundations of leadership. And I'm so foundations of leadership. And I'm so grateful for a church that talks around grateful for a church that talks around grateful for a church that talks around leadership because sometimes we save leadership because sometimes we save leadership because sometimes we save those subjects for a leadership those subjects for a leadership those subjects for a leadership conference. But if you're in this room, conference. But if you're in this room, conference. But if you're in this room, if you're under the sound of my voice in if you're under the sound of my voice in if you're under the sound of my voice in any campus or online, you are called to any campus or online, you are called to any campus or online, you are called to lead. You are a citizen of heaven. You

lead. You are a citizen of heaven. You lead. You are a citizen of heaven. You are an ambassador of heaven. And so, are an ambassador of heaven. And so, are an ambassador of heaven. And so, we're called in our workplaces, in our we're called in our workplaces, in our we're called in our workplaces, in our families, in our relational life, we're families, in our relational life, we're families, in our relational life, we're called to be leaders. And so, this called to be leaders. And so, this called to be leaders. And so, this emphasis needs to come to every single emphasis needs to come to every single emphasis needs to come to every single one of our lives because we all need to one of our lives because we all need to one of our lives because we all need to learn how to lead better. And so, learn how to lead better. And so, learn how to lead better. And so, because you've been in that emphasis, I because you've been in that emphasis, I because you've been in that emphasis, I really wanted to help you lead today in really wanted to help you lead today in really wanted to help you lead today in an area where a lot of us mess up. Let's an area where a lot of us mess up. Let's an area where a lot of us mess up. Let's just be honest. This is an area where a just be honest. This is an area where a just be honest. This is an area where a lot of us, if there's going to be a lot of us, if there's going to be a lot of us, if there's going to be a problem, it's in this area. Some of you problem, it's in this area. Some of you problem, it's in this area. Some of you are brilliant leading when you're doing are brilliant leading when you're doing are brilliant leading when you're doing your thing, your gift, your talent, your your thing, your gift, your talent, your your thing, your gift, your talent, your business, but you're terrible leading business, but you're terrible leading business, but you're terrible leading when it comes to relationships. when it comes to relationships. when it comes to relationships. I want to talk about leading I want to talk about leading I want to talk about leading relationally well. I want to talk about relationally well. I want to talk about relationally well. I want to talk about making sure that we lead in a way that making sure that we lead in a way that making sure that we lead in a way that actually somebody wants to follow you. actually somebody wants to follow you. actually somebody wants to follow you. If you don't lead well, people don't If you don't lead well, people don't If you don't lead well, people don't want to follow you. And the idea of want to follow you. And the idea of want to follow you. And the idea of leadership is that people would want to leadership is that people would want to leadership is that people would want to follow you. If you call yourself a follow you. If you call yourself a follow you. If you call yourself a leader, but no one is following you, leader, but no one is following you, leader, but no one is following you, you're just taking a walk.

you're just taking a walk. you're just taking a walk. Let's be honest. There's no one behind Let's be honest. There's no one behind Let's be honest. There's no one behind you. There's no one beside you. You're you. There's no one beside you. You're you. There's no one beside you. You're in a delusion that you're leading cuz no in a delusion that you're leading cuz no in a delusion that you're leading cuz no one wants to follow you. And I love the one wants to follow you. And I love the one wants to follow you. And I love the example of Jesus. Because Jesus did not example of Jesus. Because Jesus did not example of Jesus. Because Jesus did not compromise the truth. compromise the truth. compromise the truth. Jesus did not water down the message. Jesus did not water down the message. Jesus did not water down the message. Jesus confronted what needed Jesus confronted what needed Jesus confronted what needed confronting. He challenged what needed confronting. He challenged what needed confronting. He challenged what needed challenging. He spoke boldly and plainly challenging. He spoke boldly and plainly challenging. He spoke boldly and plainly about what needed to be said, but Jesus about what needed to be said, but Jesus about what needed to be said, but Jesus never was looking for followers. They never was looking for followers. They never was looking for followers. They just found him. He was an attractional just found him. He was an attractional just found him. He was an attractional leader. Even though he said hard things, leader. Even though he said hard things, leader. Even though he said hard things, he said them in a way that meant people he said them in a way that meant people he said them in a way that meant people still wanted to follow him. And I want still wanted to follow him. And I want still wanted to follow him. And I want us to be the kind of people that can us to be the kind of people that can us to be the kind of people that can lead our families, our marriages, our lead our families, our marriages, our lead our families, our marriages, our children, our communities in a way where children, our communities in a way where children, our communities in a way where we don't compromise, but we're able to we don't compromise, but we're able to we don't compromise, but we're able to lead and speak in a way that people lead and speak in a way that people lead and speak in a way that people actually want to be around us. They actually want to be around us. They actually want to be around us. They actually want to be a part of whatever actually want to be a part of whatever actually want to be a part of whatever it is that we uh leading. And the key to it is that we uh leading. And the key to it is that we uh leading. And the key to leading well leading well leading well is loving well.

is loving well. is loving well. Today, I want to ask you, are you loving Today, I want to ask you, are you loving Today, I want to ask you, are you loving well so that you can lead well? If you well so that you can lead well? If you well so that you can lead well? If you want a leadership foundational want a leadership foundational want a leadership foundational principle, it is a principle called principle, it is a principle called principle, it is a principle called love. God is love. Jesus led with love. love. God is love. Jesus led with love. love. God is love. Jesus led with love. And when you lead with love, you are far And when you lead with love, you are far And when you lead with love, you are far easier to follow than you don't when the easier to follow than you don't when the easier to follow than you don't when the when you don't lead with love. Today, in when you don't lead with love. Today, in when you don't lead with love. Today, in your area of relationships, your area of relationships, your area of relationships, I know there's a lot of us that are I know there's a lot of us that are I know there's a lot of us that are facing facing facing those those moments, those conversations those those moments, those conversations those those moments, those conversations that can feel challenging. that can feel challenging. that can feel challenging. Maybe you came in here today and there's Maybe you came in here today and there's Maybe you came in here today and there's a relational area in your life right a relational area in your life right a relational area in your life right now. And if you were really honest with now. And if you were really honest with now. And if you were really honest with yourself, you would say, "I don't know yourself, you would say, "I don't know yourself, you would say, "I don't know that I'm leading the best." that I'm leading the best." that I'm leading the best." I don't know that I'm leading my I don't know that I'm leading my I don't know that I'm leading my marriage the best, my family the best. I marriage the best, my family the best. I marriage the best, my family the best. I don't know if I'm leading my employees don't know if I'm leading my employees don't know if I'm leading my employees the best. Like the like there's some the best. Like the like there's some the best. Like the like there's some tension, maybe potentially challenging tension, maybe potentially challenging tension, maybe potentially challenging decisions. It's like when we when we're decisions. It's like when we when we're decisions. It's like when we when we're leading and we're clear about where leading and we're clear about where leading and we're clear about where we're going, everything's great. But in we're going, everything's great. But in we're going, everything's great. But in relationships, how many of you know, not relationships, how many of you know, not relationships, how many of you know, not everybody's always in agreement.

everybody's always in agreement. everybody's always in agreement. And so there's moments in our And so there's moments in our And so there's moments in our relationships where we need to have a relationships where we need to have a relationships where we need to have a conversation about where we're going, conversation about where we're going, conversation about where we're going, the direction we're going. And in those the direction we're going. And in those the direction we're going. And in those moments, it's like an intersection. It's moments, it's like an intersection. It's moments, it's like an intersection. It's like a crossroads. And in those moments, like a crossroads. And in those moments, like a crossroads. And in those moments, you really do discover if you're a good you really do discover if you're a good you really do discover if you're a good leader or not. Anyone can be a good leader or not. Anyone can be a good leader or not. Anyone can be a good leader on a great day when everybody's leader on a great day when everybody's leader on a great day when everybody's doing what you want them to do and doing what you want them to do and doing what you want them to do and saying what you want them to say. But saying what you want them to say. But saying what you want them to say. But those moments where the intersection those moments where the intersection those moments where the intersection happens, where one wants to go left, the happens, where one wants to go left, the happens, where one wants to go left, the other wants to go right, where your other wants to go right, where your other wants to go right, where your flesh is pulling you one way, but the flesh is pulling you one way, but the flesh is pulling you one way, but the spirit wants you to go another, that's spirit wants you to go another, that's spirit wants you to go another, that's when you discover whether you are a good when you discover whether you are a good when you discover whether you are a good leader or not. And I want to help any leader or not. And I want to help any leader or not. And I want to help any today today today that find themselves at a an that find themselves at a an that find themselves at a an intersection, intersection, intersection, a crossroads in an area of your life, a a crossroads in an area of your life, a a crossroads in an area of your life, a transitional point where you know there transitional point where you know there transitional point where you know there are some choices you need to make, are some choices you need to make, are some choices you need to make, there's some transitions that need to there's some transitions that need to there's some transitions that need to happen, and you want to lead well in happen, and you want to lead well in happen, and you want to lead well in that season of crossroads and that season of crossroads and that season of crossroads and transition. transition. transition. There is a scripture There is a scripture There is a scripture where God tries to help his people where God tries to help his people where God tries to help his people who are not leading well.

who are not leading well. who are not leading well. They're at an intersection. They're at a They're at an intersection. They're at a They're at an intersection. They're at a crossroads. And God knows if I don't crossroads. And God knows if I don't crossroads. And God knows if I don't help them, if I don't speak to them help them, if I don't speak to them help them, if I don't speak to them right now, they're going to make another right now, they're going to make another right now, they're going to make another dumb decision. I don't want anyone to dumb decision. I don't want anyone to dumb decision. I don't want anyone to make another dumb decision today. Do not make another dumb decision today. Do not make another dumb decision today. Do not elbow the person next to you. I am elbow the person next to you. I am elbow the person next to you. I am talking to you. talking to you. talking to you. Right? This is a very easy message to Right? This is a very easy message to Right? This is a very easy message to think this is totally for my wife. This think this is totally for my wife. This think this is totally for my wife. This is totally for my son. No, it's totally is totally for my son. No, it's totally is totally for my son. No, it's totally for you. God will deal with them. You for you. God will deal with them. You for you. God will deal with them. You need to deal with you. Right? Listen for need to deal with you. Right? Listen for need to deal with you. Right? Listen for you today. you today. you today. And and so there's this moment where And and so there's this moment where And and so there's this moment where God's people are at yet another God's people are at yet another God's people are at yet another intersection. They need to make a choice intersection. They need to make a choice intersection. They need to make a choice and they keep messing up. They keep and they keep messing up. They keep and they keep messing up. They keep leading poorly. So God uses his leading poorly. So God uses his leading poorly. So God uses his spokesperson, which is Jeremiah. He uses spokesperson, which is Jeremiah. He uses spokesperson, which is Jeremiah. He uses his prophet at that time to go and give his prophet at that time to go and give his prophet at that time to go and give them some advice. So I'm going to give them some advice. So I'm going to give them some advice. So I'm going to give you the same advice that God himself you the same advice that God himself you the same advice that God himself gave his people who kept making dumb gave his people who kept making dumb gave his people who kept making dumb decisions. This is what God told decisions. This is what God told decisions. This is what God told Jeremiah to say to them. Jeremiah to say to them. Jeremiah to say to them. Jeremiah 6:16.

Jeremiah 6:16. Jeremiah 6:16. This is what the Lord says. This is what the Lord says. This is what the Lord says. Stand at the crossroads, the Stand at the crossroads, the Stand at the crossroads, the intersection, intersection, intersection, and look. and look. and look. Ask for the ancient paths. Ask for the ancient paths. Ask for the ancient paths. Ask where the good way is Ask where the good way is Ask where the good way is and walk in it. and walk in it. and walk in it. And you will find rest for your souls. And you will find rest for your souls. And you will find rest for your souls. Stand at the crossroads and look. Today, Stand at the crossroads and look. Today, Stand at the crossroads and look. Today, I want to give you some simple points of I want to give you some simple points of I want to give you some simple points of how do I lead well relationally when I how do I lead well relationally when I how do I lead well relationally when I know I'm potentially in a discussion or know I'm potentially in a discussion or know I'm potentially in a discussion or in a situation that could go either way. in a situation that could go either way. in a situation that could go either way. And the first thing that Jeremiah tells And the first thing that Jeremiah tells And the first thing that Jeremiah tells the people to do is slow the people to do is slow the people to do is slow down. down. down. Turn to the person next to you and say, Turn to the person next to you and say, Turn to the person next to you and say, "Slow down." "Slow down." "Slow down." Slow down. Slow down. Why do we need to Slow down. Slow down. Why do we need to Slow down. Slow down. Why do we need to do everything fast? We eat fast, we text do everything fast? We eat fast, we text do everything fast? We eat fast, we text fast, we drive fast, we move fast. fast, we drive fast, we move fast. fast, we drive fast, we move fast. Everything about our world is Everything about our world is Everything about our world is fast-paced, fast-moving. We barely fast-paced, fast-moving. We barely fast-paced, fast-moving. We barely digest our meal and we're on to the next digest our meal and we're on to the next digest our meal and we're on to the next thing. We have fast conversations, fast thing. We have fast conversations, fast thing. We have fast conversations, fast interactions. We send a tweet, we send a interactions. We send a tweet, we send a interactions. We send a tweet, we send a text instead of having a meaningful text instead of having a meaningful text instead of having a meaningful conversation. We live in a fast-paced conversation. We live in a fast-paced conversation. We live in a fast-paced world and if you don't slow down when world and if you don't slow down when world and if you don't slow down when you get to intersections in your life, you get to intersections in your life, you get to intersections in your life, you are going to have a casualty.

you are going to have a casualty. you are going to have a casualty. There is going to be some kind of There is going to be some kind of There is going to be some kind of collision because at a crossroads you collision because at a crossroads you collision because at a crossroads you have to, if you want to survive, slow have to, if you want to survive, slow have to, if you want to survive, slow down. In England, when we were in down. In England, when we were in down. In England, when we were in school, primary school, we would have school, primary school, we would have school, primary school, we would have the highway code taught to us. I don't the highway code taught to us. I don't the highway code taught to us. I don't know if you do that in American primary know if you do that in American primary know if you do that in American primary school, but they would take the entire school, but they would take the entire school, but they would take the entire class class class of little kids and we would go outside of little kids and we would go outside of little kids and we would go outside and they would literally stand us on the and they would literally stand us on the and they would literally stand us on the side of the road. side of the road. side of the road. Teachers would be either end and we'd be Teachers would be either end and we'd be Teachers would be either end and we'd be in a long line and we'd all stand there in a long line and we'd all stand there in a long line and we'd all stand there and they'd say, "We're going to teach and they'd say, "We're going to teach and they'd say, "We're going to teach you what was called the green cross you what was called the green cross you what was called the green cross code. This is how you cross a road." code. This is how you cross a road." code. This is how you cross a road." And so we would all stand and the And so we would all stand and the And so we would all stand and the teachers first instruction WOULD BE, teachers first instruction WOULD BE, teachers first instruction WOULD BE, "EVERYBODY STOP! "EVERYBODY STOP! "EVERYBODY STOP! STOP! DON'T MOVE. DON'T PUT YOUR FOOT STOP! DON'T MOVE. DON'T PUT YOUR FOOT STOP! DON'T MOVE. DON'T PUT YOUR FOOT OFF THE PAVEMENT, OFF the sidewalk, onto OFF THE PAVEMENT, OFF the sidewalk, onto OFF THE PAVEMENT, OFF the sidewalk, onto the road. Stop before you step out. the road. Stop before you step out. the road. Stop before you step out. Stop! Stop! Stop! Why? Because there's potentially traffic Why? Because there's potentially traffic Why? Because there's potentially traffic heading this way." heading this way." heading this way." And they'd say, "I need you to stop." And they'd say, "I need you to stop." And they'd say, "I need you to stop." And then they would say, "And now I need And then they would say, "And now I need And then they would say, "And now I need all the students to look." You'd have to all the students to look." You'd have to all the students to look." You'd have to look to your left, to look to your look to your left, to look to your look to your left, to look to your right. Need to look, "Do you see a car?

right. Need to look, "Do you see a car? right. Need to look, "Do you see a car? Do you see a vehicle? If you do, then Do you see a vehicle? If you do, then Do you see a vehicle? If you do, then don't step out." And then they would don't step out." And then they would don't step out." And then they would say, "Now also listen." say, "Now also listen." say, "Now also listen." Cuz you might not see a car, but that Cuz you might not see a car, but that Cuz you might not see a car, but that doesn't mean there isn't one coming. So, doesn't mean there isn't one coming. So, doesn't mean there isn't one coming. So, do you hear a car? Stop, look, listen. do you hear a car? Stop, look, listen. do you hear a car? Stop, look, listen. If after doing all those three things, If after doing all those three things, If after doing all those three things, it is clear, then we can cross. And the it is clear, then we can cross. And the it is clear, then we can cross. And the Holy Spirit wants to say TO SOME OF YOU Holy Spirit wants to say TO SOME OF YOU Holy Spirit wants to say TO SOME OF YOU TODAY, "WHOA, STOP. BEFORE YOU SAY WHAT TODAY, "WHOA, STOP. BEFORE YOU SAY WHAT TODAY, "WHOA, STOP. BEFORE YOU SAY WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO SAY, YOU'RE ABOUT TO SAY, YOU'RE ABOUT TO SAY, BEFORE YOU TWEET WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO BEFORE YOU TWEET WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO BEFORE YOU TWEET WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO TWEET, BEFORE YOU HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT TWEET, BEFORE YOU HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT TWEET, BEFORE YOU HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO HAVE AN OPINION, WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO HAVE AN OPINION, WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO HAVE AN OPINION, BEFORE YOU ENTER into that conversation BEFORE YOU ENTER into that conversation BEFORE YOU ENTER into that conversation with that teenager yet again, with that teenager yet again, with that teenager yet again, I'm trying to save you from a collision. I'm trying to save you from a collision. I'm trying to save you from a collision. I need you to stop. I need you to stop. I need you to stop. I need you to look. I need you to look. I need you to look. And I need you to listen. And I need you to listen. And I need you to listen. God's trying to reduce the casualties in God's trying to reduce the casualties in God's trying to reduce the casualties in his children. He's saying to Jeremiah, his children. He's saying to Jeremiah, his children. He's saying to Jeremiah, "You You've got to help them. You've got "You You've got to help them. You've got "You You've got to help them. You've got to tell them to stand still. You've got to tell them to stand still. You've got to tell them to stand still. You've got to tell them to take a breath. You've to tell them to take a breath. You've to tell them to take a breath. You've got to tell them to slow down." And some got to tell them to slow down." And some got to tell them to slow down." And some of you today need to slow down. You of you today need to slow down. You of you today need to slow down. You young people need to slow down. I know young people need to slow down. I know young people need to slow down. I know you're 15 and you're single, but it's you're 15 and you're single, but it's you're 15 and you're single, but it's all good.

all good. all good. Slow down. Slow down. Slow down. Like Like there's something worse than Like Like there's something worse than Like Like there's something worse than being single, and it's marrying a fool. being single, and it's marrying a fool. being single, and it's marrying a fool. Slow down. Slow down. Slow down. I'm saying, slow down. I'm saying, slow down. I'm saying, slow down. I know your hormones are raging. I know I know your hormones are raging. I know I know your hormones are raging. I know passion IS RAGING, BUT PASSION will soon passion IS RAGING, BUT PASSION will soon passion IS RAGING, BUT PASSION will soon fade, and you're going to live in the fade, and you're going to live in the fade, and you're going to live in the reality of a decision that if you just reality of a decision that if you just reality of a decision that if you just slowed down, you might have made a slowed down, you might have made a slowed down, you might have made a different decision. I know in your different decision. I know in your different decision. I know in your marriage you want to retaliate because marriage you want to retaliate because marriage you want to retaliate because what they said has drove you crazy, but what they said has drove you crazy, but what they said has drove you crazy, but are you really wanting to live in the are you really wanting to live in the are you really wanting to live in the consequences of saying those words you consequences of saying those words you consequences of saying those words you can't take back? Why don't you slow can't take back? Why don't you slow can't take back? Why don't you slow down? There'd be so less collisions if down? There'd be so less collisions if down? There'd be so less collisions if we just slow down. And if you want to we just slow down. And if you want to we just slow down. And if you want to lead well, lead well, lead well, you've got to learn at intersections how you've got to learn at intersections how you've got to learn at intersections how to slow down, how to take a pause, how to slow down, how to take a pause, how to slow down, how to take a pause, how to listen, and how to look before you to listen, and how to look before you to listen, and how to look before you step into the traffic. Jeremiah, tell step into the traffic. Jeremiah, tell step into the traffic. Jeremiah, tell them. them. them. Let them know. Let them know. Let them know. They're at an intersection, and I need They're at an intersection, and I need They're at an intersection, and I need them to stand still.

them to stand still. them to stand still. I need them to look. I need them to look. I need them to look. Then he says this, Then he says this, Then he says this, then tell them to ask for the ancient then tell them to ask for the ancient then tell them to ask for the ancient paths. paths. paths. Ask where the good way is. You're like, Ask where the good way is. You're like, Ask where the good way is. You're like, well, what does that mean? well, what does that mean? well, what does that mean? Like ancient is one of those words that Like ancient is one of those words that Like ancient is one of those words that your kids use about you when you get to your kids use about you when you get to your kids use about you when you get to a certain age. You're ancient, right? a certain age. You're ancient, right? a certain age. You're ancient, right? You're ancient, Mom. You ain't got a You're ancient, Mom. You ain't got a You're ancient, Mom. You ain't got a clue. I'm like, I ain't ancient. I'm 53. clue. I'm like, I ain't ancient. I'm 53. clue. I'm like, I ain't ancient. I'm 53. Thank you very much. Ancient is one of Thank you very much. Ancient is one of Thank you very much. Ancient is one of those words that we think it's like a those words that we think it's like a those words that we think it's like a relic. It's like old-fashioned. But relic. It's like old-fashioned. But relic. It's like old-fashioned. But actually in the Hebrew actually in the Hebrew actually in the Hebrew in the Bible translation of this word in the Bible translation of this word in the Bible translation of this word ancient that is used in Jeremiah is ancient that is used in Jeremiah is ancient that is used in Jeremiah is actually a Hebrew word called olam. actually a Hebrew word called olam. actually a Hebrew word called olam. And olam literally means the everlasting And olam literally means the everlasting And olam literally means the everlasting way. way. way. So God's saying, tell them to ask So God's saying, tell them to ask So God's saying, tell them to ask for the everlasting for the everlasting for the everlasting way. Do you know there is a way way. Do you know there is a way way. Do you know there is a way that is everlasting? that is everlasting? that is everlasting? It never grows old. It's never out of It never grows old. It's never out of It never grows old. It's never out of date. It's always current. It's always date. It's always current. It's always date. It's always current. It's always relevant. And in a world that always is relevant. And in a world that always is relevant. And in a world that always is grabbing off the shelf the latest grabbing off the shelf the latest grabbing off the shelf the latest leadership gurus' mantras, the latest leadership gurus' mantras, the latest leadership gurus' mantras, the latest code of how you raise your kids or how code of how you raise your kids or how code of how you raise your kids or how you run your marriage, I'm sure there's you run your marriage, I'm sure there's you run your marriage, I'm sure there's some great wisdom out there, but none of some great wisdom out there, but none of some great wisdom out there, but none of their opinions can hold a match to God's their opinions can hold a match to God's their opinions can hold a match to God's word. God's word is tried and tested. It word. God's word is tried and tested. It word. God's word is tried and tested. It is an everlasting is an everlasting is an everlasting way.

way. way. So I'm going to give some of you an So I'm going to give some of you an So I'm going to give some of you an everlasting way today everlasting way today everlasting way today to lead relationally. And I'm going to to lead relationally. And I'm going to to lead relationally. And I'm going to give a disclaimer before I give you the give a disclaimer before I give you the give a disclaimer before I give you the word. word. word. You're not going to like it. It's way too simple. It's way too simple. It's way too obvious. It's way too obvious. It's way too obvious. It It's so obvious you're going to leave It It's so obvious you're going to leave It It's so obvious you're going to leave this room and you know what God is this room and you know what God is this room and you know what God is saying. It There's no air about it of saying. It There's no air about it of saying. It There's no air about it of doubt. It's so clear, which is why we doubt. It's so clear, which is why we doubt. It's so clear, which is why we often don't like God's word cuz there's often don't like God's word cuz there's often don't like God's word cuz there's no room for margin to try and fudge it no room for margin to try and fudge it no room for margin to try and fudge it with our word. But God says if you're at a crossroads, But God says if you're at a crossroads, you want to lead well, I need you to you want to lead well, I need you to you want to lead well, I need you to stop and then I need you to ask for the stop and then I need you to ask for the stop and then I need you to ask for the everlasting way. God, what is the everlasting way. God, what is the everlasting way. God, what is the everlasting everlasting everlasting way of how I live my life way of how I live my life way of how I live my life in a more excellent way. in a more excellent way. in a more excellent way. Well, there's actually a passage Well, there's actually a passage Well, there's actually a passage in the Bible that's actually called the in the Bible that's actually called the in the Bible that's actually called the most excellent way. most excellent way. most excellent way. And if you want to lead well, you need And if you want to lead well, you need And if you want to lead well, you need to learn to live the most excellent way.

to learn to live the most excellent way. to learn to live the most excellent way. Some of you have been praying, God, give Some of you have been praying, God, give Some of you have been praying, God, give me a sign. me a sign. me a sign. Give me a sign in this relationship. Give me a sign in this relationship. Give me a sign in this relationship. Give me a sign if I should move on. Give Give me a sign if I should move on. Give Give me a sign if I should move on. Give me a sign in that situation. Lord, send me a sign in that situation. Lord, send me a sign in that situation. Lord, send me a sign about what I should do in the me a sign about what I should do in the me a sign about what I should do in the circumstance. Well, you know what? God's circumstance. Well, you know what? God's circumstance. Well, you know what? God's going to give you a sign. You might not going to give you a sign. You might not going to give you a sign. You might not like it, but you're about to get it. like it, but you're about to get it. like it, but you're about to get it. Signy my sign. Literally, I'm going to Signy my sign. Literally, I'm going to Signy my sign. Literally, I'm going to give you a sign. give you a sign. give you a sign. You're never going to forget this sign. You're never going to forget this sign. You're never going to forget this sign. It's going to be so obvious. We have a It's going to be so obvious. We have a It's going to be so obvious. We have a sign. The Bible tells us The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 in 1 Corinthians 13 in 1 Corinthians 13 that there is an excellent way to live. that there is an excellent way to live. that there is an excellent way to live. There is a way where you are going to There is a way where you are going to There is a way where you are going to lead well, and it is the way of love. lead well, and it is the way of love. lead well, and it is the way of love. There is a right way and there is a There is a right way and there is a There is a right way and there is a wrong way. And today, I want to ask YOU wrong way. And today, I want to ask YOU wrong way. And today, I want to ask YOU AT THE CROSSROADS of your life, at an AT THE CROSSROADS of your life, at an AT THE CROSSROADS of your life, at an intersection in your relationship, are intersection in your relationship, are intersection in your relationship, are you going THE RIGHT WAY? BEFORE YOU STEP you going THE RIGHT WAY? BEFORE YOU STEP you going THE RIGHT WAY? BEFORE YOU STEP OUT, ASK YOURSELF, am I going the right OUT, ASK YOURSELF, am I going the right OUT, ASK YOURSELF, am I going the right way? Is this the right way to respond?

way? Is this the right way to respond? way? Is this the right way to respond? Is this the right way to react? Is this Is this the right way to react? Is this Is this the right way to react? Is this the right way to speak? BECAUSE THERE'S the right way to speak? BECAUSE THERE'S the right way to speak? BECAUSE THERE'S A RIGHT WAY and there is a wrong way. A RIGHT WAY and there is a wrong way. A RIGHT WAY and there is a wrong way. Let me read from 1 Corinthians 13 verse Let me read from 1 Corinthians 13 verse Let me read from 1 Corinthians 13 verse 4. It says the most excellent way is 4. It says the most excellent way is 4. It says the most excellent way is love. love. love. Love is patient. Love is patient. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is kind. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not envy. It does not envy. It does not boast. It does not boast. It does not boast. It is not proud. It is not proud. It is not proud. It does not dishonor others. It does not dishonor others. It does not dishonor others. It is not self-seeking. It is not self-seeking. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no It is not easily angered. It keeps no It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. record of wrongs. record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but Love does not delight in evil, but Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always rejoices with the truth. It always rejoices with the truth. It always protects. It always trusts. It always protects. It always trusts. It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It always perseveres. Verse 8, hopes. It always perseveres. Verse 8, hopes. It always perseveres. Verse 8, love never fails. Now, we know in love never fails. Now, we know in love never fails. Now, we know in scripture that it tells us that God is scripture that it tells us that God is scripture that it tells us that God is love. love. love. So, actually, I could reread this verse So, actually, I could reread this verse So, actually, I could reread this verse to you with that revelation in mind to you with that revelation in mind to you with that revelation in mind that this is actually telling us the way that this is actually telling us the way that this is actually telling us the way God is.

God is. God is. God is patient. God is patient. God is patient. God is kind. God is kind. God is kind. God does not envy. God does not God is God does not envy. God does not God is God does not envy. God does not God is not proud. God does not dishonor others. not proud. God does not dishonor others. not proud. God does not dishonor others. God is not self-seeking. God is not God is not self-seeking. God is not God is not self-seeking. God is not easily angered. God keeps no record of easily angered. God keeps no record of easily angered. God keeps no record of wrongs. Thank God. wrongs. Thank God. wrongs. Thank God. God does not delight in delight in evil, God does not delight in delight in evil, God does not delight in delight in evil, but God rejoices with the truth. God but God rejoices with the truth. God but God rejoices with the truth. God always protects. God always trusts. God always protects. God always trusts. God always protects. God always trusts. God always hopes. God always perseveres. And always hopes. God always perseveres. And always hopes. God always perseveres. And God never fails. This is how God is. This This This is why we said yes to following This is why we said yes to following This is why we said yes to following Jesus because when someone leads this Jesus because when someone leads this Jesus because when someone leads this way, why would you not want to follow way, why would you not want to follow way, why would you not want to follow this way? God leads with love, which is this way? God leads with love, which is this way? God leads with love, which is why we don't mind following God because why we don't mind following God because why we don't mind following God because even when he says something strong, like even when he says something strong, like even when he says something strong, like this verse is, there is in it the love this verse is, there is in it the love this verse is, there is in it the love that helps us absorb the truth that God that helps us absorb the truth that God that helps us absorb the truth that God wants to use to help free us from going wants to use to help free us from going wants to use to help free us from going the wrong way in our circumstance. So, the wrong way in our circumstance. So, the wrong way in our circumstance. So, we're just going to spend a few moments we're just going to spend a few moments we're just going to spend a few moments getting a little uncomfortable.

getting a little uncomfortable. getting a little uncomfortable. Getting all the way up in your business Getting all the way up in your business Getting all the way up in your business today. today. today. Asking you, are you going the right way? Asking you, are you going the right way? Asking you, are you going the right way? Are you going the right way as a Are you going the right way as a Are you going the right way as a husband? Are you going the right way as husband? Are you going the right way as husband? Are you going the right way as a wife? Are you going right way as a a wife? Are you going right way as a a wife? Are you going right way as a son? Are you going the right way as a son? Are you going the right way as a son? Are you going the right way as a daughter? Are you going right way as a daughter? Are you going right way as a daughter? Are you going right way as a boss, as an employee? Are you going the boss, as an employee? Are you going the boss, as an employee? Are you going the right way? Are you leading the most right way? Are you leading the most right way? Are you leading the most excellent way? excellent way? excellent way? Here's how you'll know Here's how you'll know Here's how you'll know if you're leading the most excellent if you're leading the most excellent if you're leading the most excellent way. way. way. Love's posture Love's posture Love's posture is patient. is patient. is patient. Don't elbow anybody. Don't elbow anybody. Don't elbow anybody. Don't say this is for you. Don't say this is for you. Don't say this is for you. Because we all get tested in this area. Because we all get tested in this area. Because we all get tested in this area. Is your leadership, is your love Is your leadership, is your love Is your leadership, is your love patient? patient? patient? Are you patient with your children? Are you patient with your children? Are you patient with your children? Are you patient with your friends and Are you patient with your friends and Are you patient with your friends and family? Is there an air of patience in family? Is there an air of patience in family? Is there an air of patience in the way you lead? And by the way, this the way you lead? And by the way, this the way you lead? And by the way, this is not the posture of patience.

Gritting your teeth. Gritting your teeth. Tapping your toes. Folding your arms. Tapping your toes. Folding your arms. Tapping your toes. Folding your arms. Just waiting for them to do what they Just waiting for them to do what they Just waiting for them to do what they need to do. That is not the posture of need to do. That is not the posture of need to do. That is not the posture of patience. And I've had to learn this patience. And I've had to learn this patience. And I've had to learn this over and over again because so often I over and over again because so often I over and over again because so often I feel my way is the right way. feel my way is the right way. feel my way is the right way. Like I know what my kids should do. I Like I know what my kids should do. I Like I know what my kids should do. I know the decisions they should make. And know the decisions they should make. And know the decisions they should make. And now, my kids are not at the age where I now, my kids are not at the age where I now, my kids are not at the age where I can just tell them, "You do this. You do can just tell them, "You do this. You do can just tell them, "You do this. You do that." They're 20 and 23. They're making that." They're 20 and 23. They're making that." They're 20 and 23. They're making decisions for themselves and it's very decisions for themselves and it's very decisions for themselves and it's very hard at times to watch your children hard at times to watch your children hard at times to watch your children that are now grown make decisions when that are now grown make decisions when that are now grown make decisions when you want to push them one way, but the you want to push them one way, but the you want to push them one way, but the decisions might be another way. That's decisions might be another way. That's decisions might be another way. That's when you've got to learn to lead with when you've got to learn to lead with when you've got to learn to lead with patience just like God has been patient patience just like God has been patient patience just like God has been patient with you. Just like when you made a with you. Just like when you made a with you. Just like when you made a wrong turn, God did not tap his toe or wrong turn, God did not tap his toe or wrong turn, God did not tap his toe or fold his arms. In fact, if you want to fold his arms. In fact, if you want to fold his arms. In fact, if you want to know the posture of how God waits for know the posture of how God waits for know the posture of how God waits for us, us, us, it's shown to us in the parable of the it's shown to us in the parable of the it's shown to us in the parable of the prodigal son. prodigal son. prodigal son. The prodigal son is just like you and I The prodigal son is just like you and I The prodigal son is just like you and I whenever we have rebelled, whenever we whenever we have rebelled, whenever we whenever we have rebelled, whenever we have fallen short, whenever we've gone have fallen short, whenever we've gone have fallen short, whenever we've gone our way over God's way, we were like our way over God's way, we were like our way over God's way, we were like that prodigal son.

that prodigal son. that prodigal son. But you don't see the father chasing But you don't see the father chasing But you don't see the father chasing after the son. after the son. after the son. You don't see the father wagging a You don't see the father wagging a You don't see the father wagging a finger in the son's face. You see the finger in the son's face. You see the finger in the son's face. You see the father adopt a posture father adopt a posture father adopt a posture which is arms extended. which is arms extended. which is arms extended. And I'm just going to be patient. And I'm just going to be patient. And I'm just going to be patient. I know there's going to be a moment when I know there's going to be a moment when I know there's going to be a moment when you hit rock bottom. you hit rock bottom. you hit rock bottom. I know there's going to be a moment when I know there's going to be a moment when I know there's going to be a moment when you realize you've gone the wrong way, you realize you've gone the wrong way, you realize you've gone the wrong way, and when you realize you've gone the and when you realize you've gone the and when you realize you've gone the wrong way, I want the image in your head wrong way, I want the image in your head wrong way, I want the image in your head to be of your father at home patiently to be of your father at home patiently to be of your father at home patiently waiting for God to do what only God can waiting for God to do what only God can waiting for God to do what only God can do so you know you can come right back do so you know you can come right back do so you know you can come right back to where you belong. God's posture to where you belong. God's posture to where you belong. God's posture is patient. is patient. is patient. If you do not adopt a posture of If you do not adopt a posture of If you do not adopt a posture of patience, patience, patience, you will adopt a future of Ishmaels. you will adopt a future of Ishmaels. you will adopt a future of Ishmaels. Ishmael Ishmael Ishmael was not God's idea. was not God's idea. was not God's idea. Ishmael was what was forced because Ishmael was what was forced because Ishmael was what was forced because someone could not be patient enough to someone could not be patient enough to someone could not be patient enough to wait for the promise.

wait for the promise. wait for the promise. And once you create an Ishmael, And once you create an Ishmael, And once you create an Ishmael, it's not on God to pay for Ishmael. It's it's not on God to pay for Ishmael. It's it's not on God to pay for Ishmael. It's not on God TO DO PARENTAL SUPPORT TO not on God TO DO PARENTAL SUPPORT TO not on God TO DO PARENTAL SUPPORT TO ISHMAEL, that falls to you. ISHMAEL, that falls to you. ISHMAEL, that falls to you. And I don't know how many Ishmaels you And I don't know how many Ishmaels you And I don't know how many Ishmaels you want to have to support. I don't know want to have to support. I don't know want to have to support. I don't know how many Ishmaels you want to have TO how many Ishmaels you want to have TO how many Ishmaels you want to have TO PAY FOR, BUT MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE, PAY FOR, BUT MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE, PAY FOR, BUT MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE, instead of having Ishmaels that you have instead of having Ishmaels that you have instead of having Ishmaels that you have to take care of, why don't you be to take care of, why don't you be to take care of, why don't you be patient and wait for the Isaac that God patient and wait for the Isaac that God patient and wait for the Isaac that God has for you. If you just wait a little has for you. If you just wait a little has for you. If you just wait a little longer, you will step into your promise longer, you will step into your promise longer, you will step into your promise rather than having the problem that you rather than having the problem that you rather than having the problem that you created from your impatience. created from your impatience. created from your impatience. Impatience says things it shouldn't say. Impatience says things it shouldn't say. Impatience says things it shouldn't say. Impatience reacts in a way it should not Impatience reacts in a way it should not Impatience reacts in a way it should not react. I guess another description of react. I guess another description of react. I guess another description of patience would be patience is long patience would be patience is long patience would be patience is long obedience. obedience. obedience. How long can you be obedient? How long can you be obedient? How long can you be obedient? How long can you trust and wait? If we How long can you trust and wait? If we How long can you trust and wait? If we want to lead well, want to lead well, want to lead well, we have to have a posture we have to have a posture we have to have a posture of patience.

of patience. of patience. Love's cadence. Love's cadence. Love's cadence. The sound of love, the way love acts, The sound of love, the way love acts, The sound of love, the way love acts, love's cadence is kind. love's cadence is kind. love's cadence is kind. Do you lead Do you lead Do you lead with kindness? with kindness? with kindness? Kindness is so powerful. In fact, it Kindness is so powerful. In fact, it Kindness is so powerful. In fact, it talks about how kindness leads people to talks about how kindness leads people to talks about how kindness leads people to repentance because kindness is so repentance because kindness is so repentance because kindness is so attractional, and everything about the attractional, and everything about the attractional, and everything about the way God leads is kind, even if what he way God leads is kind, even if what he way God leads is kind, even if what he has to say is hard to hear. He says it has to say is hard to hear. He says it has to say is hard to hear. He says it in a way that is kind. You know, there's in a way that is kind. You know, there's in a way that is kind. You know, there's a way to discipline your children that a way to discipline your children that a way to discipline your children that is strong but kind. is strong but kind. is strong but kind. There's a way to say things in a There's a way to say things in a There's a way to say things in a marriage that is strong but kind. marriage that is strong but kind. marriage that is strong but kind. Kindness changes the tone of your voice. Kindness changes the tone of your voice. Kindness changes the tone of your voice. Kindness changes the way that you speak Kindness changes the way that you speak Kindness changes the way that you speak and the way that you act. Love has a and the way that you act. Love has a and the way that you act. Love has a sound, and it sound is kind. Kindness sound, and it sound is kind. Kindness sound, and it sound is kind. Kindness always sees the person always sees the person always sees the person before it sees the problem. before it sees the problem. before it sees the problem. Think about Jesus.

Think about Jesus. Think about Jesus. Jesus sees a guy up a tree. Jesus sees a guy up a tree. Jesus sees a guy up a tree. Before he calls him any other name, he Before he calls him any other name, he Before he calls him any other name, he calls him by his name. Even though he calls him by his name. Even though he calls him by his name. Even though he was a thief, even though he was was a thief, even though he was was a thief, even though he was dishonest, even though he hurt and dishonest, even though he hurt and dishonest, even though he hurt and stolen from people, Jesus did not stolen from people, Jesus did not stolen from people, Jesus did not respond to him in the way he deserved respond to him in the way he deserved respond to him in the way he deserved it, but Jesus spoke to him in kindness, it, but Jesus spoke to him in kindness, it, but Jesus spoke to him in kindness, and kindness got the guy out of the and kindness got the guy out of the and kindness got the guy out of the tree. Kindness got the guy at the table. tree. Kindness got the guy at the table. tree. Kindness got the guy at the table. Kindness got a conversation going that Kindness got a conversation going that Kindness got a conversation going that would change the man's life around would change the man's life around would change the man's life around because kindness can do in moments what because kindness can do in moments what because kindness can do in moments what your anger can never do in moments. your anger can never do in moments. your anger can never do in moments. Kindness is the way that God walks. Do Kindness is the way that God walks. Do Kindness is the way that God walks. Do you walk in the way of kindness? you walk in the way of kindness? you walk in the way of kindness? Kindness sees the person before the Kindness sees the person before the Kindness sees the person before the project. project. project. Anyone that is a boss and you employ Anyone that is a boss and you employ Anyone that is a boss and you employ people, do you see people or do you see people, do you see people or do you see people, do you see people or do you see projects? projects? projects? You know the difference if you've ever You know the difference if you've ever You know the difference if you've ever worked for an employee, an employee that worked for an employee, an employee that worked for an employee, an employee that saw the project but didn't see you as saw the project but didn't see you as saw the project but didn't see you as the person. You realize I don't think the person. You realize I don't think the person. You realize I don't think they're interested in me, and you they're interested in me, and you they're interested in me, and you realize I don't know if I want to follow realize I don't know if I want to follow realize I don't know if I want to follow this company cuz it seems to be more this company cuz it seems to be more this company cuz it seems to be more about the project than it is about the about the project than it is about the about the project than it is about the person. But when someone sees you as a person. But when someone sees you as a person. But when someone sees you as a person, you want to stay with that person, you want to stay with that person, you want to stay with that company. Why? Cuz you realize their company. Why? Cuz you realize their company. Why? Cuz you realize their kindness sees you before they see what kindness sees you before they see what kindness sees you before they see what they need you to do.

they need you to do. they need you to do. Jesus Jesus Jesus modeled kindness. modeled kindness. modeled kindness. We're called to lead with kindness. Are We're called to lead with kindness. Are We're called to lead with kindness. Are you going in the right direction? Is you going in the right direction? Is you going in the right direction? Is your cadence kind? your cadence kind? your cadence kind? Because if your cadence is not kind, Because if your cadence is not kind, Because if your cadence is not kind, then your cadence is going to be unkind. then your cadence is going to be unkind. then your cadence is going to be unkind. And right now in your marriage, if And right now in your marriage, if And right now in your marriage, if unkind words have been spoken, right now unkind words have been spoken, right now unkind words have been spoken, right now in your family, if unkind things are in your family, if unkind things are in your family, if unkind things are happening, right now if you're going happening, right now if you're going happening, right now if you're going this direction, I just want you to know this direction, I just want you to know this direction, I just want you to know at any point in time, you can make a at any point in time, you can make a at any point in time, you can make a decision to lead well. decision to lead well. decision to lead well. And that might mean you have to swallow And that might mean you have to swallow And that might mean you have to swallow your pride your pride your pride and say, "I think I have to do a U-turn. and say, "I think I have to do a U-turn. and say, "I think I have to do a U-turn. I think we're going in the wrong I think we're going in the wrong I think we're going in the wrong direction in this relationship. I think direction in this relationship. I think direction in this relationship. I think I want us to go a different direction, I want us to go a different direction, I want us to go a different direction, and that starts with my tone. It starts and that starts with my tone. It starts and that starts with my tone. It starts with my mouth. It starts with my way with my mouth. It starts with my way with my mouth. It starts with my way that I act. Is there a kindness that I act. Is there a kindness that I act. Is there a kindness in the way you lead?" in the way you lead?" in the way you lead?" Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, his cadence was kind. his cadence was kind. his cadence was kind. If you want to lead well, If you want to lead well, If you want to lead well, you've got to love well.

you've got to love well. you've got to love well. And that means you've got to be fluent And that means you've got to be fluent And that means you've got to be fluent in something that a lot of us are not in something that a lot of us are not in something that a lot of us are not fluent in. fluent in. fluent in. And that is you've got to be fluent And that is you've got to be fluent And that is you've got to be fluent in forgiveness. in forgiveness. in forgiveness. I don't know what happened I don't know what happened I don't know what happened when I got married. when I got married. when I got married. We got married, Steve and I have been We got married, Steve and I have been We got married, Steve and I have been together now 34 years, but when we got together now 34 years, but when we got together now 34 years, but when we got married, people like, "Oh my gosh, married, people like, "Oh my gosh, married, people like, "Oh my gosh, you're getting married. It's going to be you're getting married. It's going to be you're getting married. It's going to be the honeymoon period. Oh, you're in the the honeymoon period. Oh, you're in the the honeymoon period. Oh, you're in the honeymoon You're going to be like a year honeymoon You're going to be like a year honeymoon You're going to be like a year in, 2 years in. You're in the honeymoon in, 2 years in. You're in the honeymoon in, 2 years in. You're in the honeymoon period." I go home and I think, "I don't period." I go home and I think, "I don't period." I go home and I think, "I don't know what they're talking about. This is know what they're talking about. This is know what they're talking about. This is the nightmare period. This is not the the nightmare period. This is not the the nightmare period. This is not the honeymoon period. Like, I thought I honeymoon period. Like, I thought I honeymoon period. Like, I thought I married Prince Charming. TURNS OUT HE'S married Prince Charming. TURNS OUT HE'S married Prince Charming. TURNS OUT HE'S SHREK. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. LIKE, SHREK. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. LIKE, SHREK. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. LIKE, I don't know what happened. Like, like I don't know what happened. Like, like I don't know what happened. Like, like suddenly he's green and he leaves things suddenly he's green and he leaves things suddenly he's green and he leaves things on THE FLOOR AND LIKE HE DOESN'T SMELL on THE FLOOR AND LIKE HE DOESN'T SMELL on THE FLOOR AND LIKE HE DOESN'T SMELL the same or look the same. LIKE, WHAT IS the same or look the same. LIKE, WHAT IS the same or look the same. LIKE, WHAT IS GOING ON?" I don't know my fairy tale. GOING ON?" I don't know my fairy tale. GOING ON?" I don't know my fairy tale. When I hit the reality of marriage, When I hit the reality of marriage, When I hit the reality of marriage, suddenly it didn't look like I thought suddenly it didn't look like I thought suddenly it didn't look like I thought it would look and I don't know what it would look and I don't know what it would look and I don't know what happened to me. But suddenly a word was happened to me. But suddenly a word was happened to me. But suddenly a word was removed from my vocabulary. removed from my vocabulary. removed from my vocabulary. And the word, every time I TRIED TO SAY And the word, every time I TRIED TO SAY And the word, every time I TRIED TO SAY IT, IT LIKE GOT STUCK IN MY THROAT.

IT, IT LIKE GOT STUCK IN MY THROAT. IT, IT LIKE GOT STUCK IN MY THROAT. THE WORD WAS I COULDN'T say it. I just couldn't say I COULDN'T say it. I just couldn't say sorry. sorry. sorry. Cuz I knew Cuz I knew Cuz I knew you're wrong and I'm right. you're wrong and I'm right. you're wrong and I'm right. Like, like I don't I don't need to say Like, like I don't I don't need to say Like, like I don't I don't need to say sorry. Surely you understand when we got sorry. Surely you understand when we got sorry. Surely you understand when we got married that you would be the one saying married that you would be the one saying married that you would be the one saying sorry, not I sorry, not I sorry, not I saying sorry. Like, this is how it saying sorry. Like, this is how it saying sorry. Like, this is how it works. And so, the first couple of years works. And so, the first couple of years works. And so, the first couple of years of our marriage, it was not heaven on of our marriage, it was not heaven on of our marriage, it was not heaven on earth. It was hell on earth. It was a earth. It was hell on earth. It was a earth. It was hell on earth. It was a nightmare. I wanted to pack my bags and nightmare. I wanted to pack my bags and nightmare. I wanted to pack my bags and go home to my mama. I'm like, "Nobody go home to my mama. I'm like, "Nobody go home to my mama. I'm like, "Nobody told me about this." And I realized I told me about this." And I realized I told me about this." And I realized I have a decision to make. have a decision to make. have a decision to make. Because if I want OUR MARRIAGE TO GO Because if I want OUR MARRIAGE TO GO Because if I want OUR MARRIAGE TO GO WELL, I'm going to have to love well. WELL, I'm going to have to love well. WELL, I'm going to have to love well. And if I'm going to have to love well, And if I'm going to have to love well, And if I'm going to have to love well, I'm going to have to forgive well. I'm going to have to forgive well. I'm going to have to forgive well. And some of you right now, everything And some of you right now, everything And some of you right now, everything about your life feels hard, but the about your life feels hard, but the about your life feels hard, but the reason it feels hard is because every reason it feels hard is because every reason it feels hard is because every day you're walking in the wrong day you're walking in the wrong day you're walking in the wrong direction. And the more you go in this direction. And the more you go in this direction. And the more you go in this direction, the more you consider bad direction, the more you consider bad direction, the more you consider bad options. options. options. So, you got to realize I I got to walk So, you got to realize I I got to walk So, you got to realize I I got to walk in the way of forgiveness. Oh, and and in the way of forgiveness. Oh, and and in the way of forgiveness. Oh, and and don't let me forget to tell you I had a don't let me forget to tell you I had a don't let me forget to tell you I had a filing system filing system filing system for the record of wrongs.

for the record of wrongs. for the record of wrongs. I mean, I had chapter and verse. I had a I mean, I had chapter and verse. I had a I mean, I had chapter and verse. I had a cabinet full. I could tell you the day cabinet full. I could tell you the day cabinet full. I could tell you the day you said something dumb. I could tell you said something dumb. I could tell you said something dumb. I could tell you what I was wearing when you said it. you what I was wearing when you said it. you what I was wearing when you said it. I could tell you how you made me feel I could tell you how you made me feel I could tell you how you made me feel about it. And I could go back 5 years, 6 about it. And I could go back 5 years, 6 about it. And I could go back 5 years, 6 years. I could I COULD ATTACH, PASTE, years. I could I COULD ATTACH, PASTE, years. I could I COULD ATTACH, PASTE, AND COPY THE FILE TO GIVE you evidence AND COPY THE FILE TO GIVE you evidence AND COPY THE FILE TO GIVE you evidence that you have not just done this once, that you have not just done this once, that you have not just done this once, YOU HAVE DONE THIS 13 times in the last YOU HAVE DONE THIS 13 times in the last YOU HAVE DONE THIS 13 times in the last 12 months. I had a filing Rolodex system 12 months. I had a filing Rolodex system 12 months. I had a filing Rolodex system of all my husband's wrongs. And some of you And some of you have kept your record of wrongs, have kept your record of wrongs, have kept your record of wrongs, which is why it's really hard to lead which is why it's really hard to lead which is why it's really hard to lead well because you don't know how to love well because you don't know how to love well because you don't know how to love well because the more you keep a record well because the more you keep a record well because the more you keep a record of wrongs, the more you get stuck in the of wrongs, the more you get stuck in the of wrongs, the more you get stuck in the past and in the pay. past and in the pay. past and in the pay. And thank God And thank God And thank God that God did not keep a record of your that God did not keep a record of your that God did not keep a record of your wrongs. wrongs. wrongs. Thank God he didn't open a file and say, Thank God he didn't open a file and say, Thank God he didn't open a file and say, "I'm just going to remind you of all the "I'm just going to remind you of all the "I'm just going to remind you of all the ways you sinned and all the ways you ways you sinned and all the ways you ways you sinned and all the ways you failed." Some of you, there's not A failed." Some of you, there's not A failed." Some of you, there's not A FILING SYSTEM BIG ENOUGH to record all FILING SYSTEM BIG ENOUGH to record all FILING SYSTEM BIG ENOUGH to record all the wrongs that God would have had to the wrongs that God would have had to the wrongs that God would have had to record.

record. record. Thank God that the BIBLE SAYS HE WIPES Thank God that the BIBLE SAYS HE WIPES Thank God that the BIBLE SAYS HE WIPES THEM FROM AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE THEM FROM AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE THEM FROM AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST, HE FORGIVES OUR SINS. His love WEST, HE FORGIVES OUR SINS. His love WEST, HE FORGIVES OUR SINS. His love covers us. Why? Cuz when God leads, he covers us. Why? Cuz when God leads, he covers us. Why? Cuz when God leads, he walks in the way of love. And if you're walks in the way of love. And if you're walks in the way of love. And if you're willing to receive his forgiveness, willing to receive his forgiveness, willing to receive his forgiveness, how in the world are you going to have how in the world are you going to have how in the world are you going to have the audacity not give forgiveness? When we lead well, When we lead well, we forgive a lot. we forgive a lot. we forgive a lot. It does not mean that what they did was It does not mean that what they did was It does not mean that what they did was not wrong. not wrong. not wrong. It does not mean that they could not It does not mean that they could not It does not mean that they could not have handled you better or said have handled you better or said have handled you better or said something better, but it frees you from something better, but it frees you from something better, but it frees you from a life that goes the wrong direction cuz a life that goes the wrong direction cuz a life that goes the wrong direction cuz the more you walk in unforgiveness, the the more you walk in unforgiveness, the the more you walk in unforgiveness, the more you walk in anger. The more you more you walk in anger. The more you more you walk in anger. The more you walk in unforgiveness, the more you walk in unforgiveness, the more you walk in unforgiveness, the more you recall the wrongs. The more you walk in recall the wrongs. The more you walk in recall the wrongs. The more you walk in unforgiveness, the more you dishonor unforgiveness, the more you dishonor unforgiveness, the more you dishonor your husband, dishonor your wife, your husband, dishonor your wife, your husband, dishonor your wife, dishonor your kids. dishonor your kids. dishonor your kids. And so you have to ask yourself, And so you have to ask yourself, And so you have to ask yourself, what direction do I want my future to go what direction do I want my future to go what direction do I want my future to go in? in? in? Am I walking the most excellent way? It Am I walking the most excellent way? It Am I walking the most excellent way? It has a has a has a fluency in forgiveness.

fluency in forgiveness. fluency in forgiveness. And then it says, love And then it says, love And then it says, love it's consistent it's consistent it's consistent in its perseverance. in its perseverance. in its perseverance. Love always protects. Love always protects. Love always protects. Love always trusts. Love always trusts. Love always trusts. Love always hopes. Love always hopes. Love always hopes. Love always perseveres. And I don't know Love always perseveres. And I don't know Love always perseveres. And I don't know who needs to hear this today, who needs to hear this today, who needs to hear this today, but some of you are about to make a but some of you are about to make a but some of you are about to make a really dumb choice. really dumb choice. really dumb choice. And the reason you're about to make a And the reason you're about to make a And the reason you're about to make a dumb choice is not because it's the dumb choice is not because it's the dumb choice is not because it's the right choice, but you're just so tired. right choice, but you're just so tired. right choice, but you're just so tired. You're just so worn out that you've You're just so worn out that you've You're just so worn out that you've decided it's just easier to quit than it decided it's just easier to quit than it decided it's just easier to quit than it is to carry on. is to carry on. is to carry on. It's just simpler to stop pursuing and It's just simpler to stop pursuing and It's just simpler to stop pursuing and stop hoping and stop believing than it stop hoping and stop believing than it stop hoping and stop believing than it is to walk in the way of love. And I is to walk in the way of love. And I is to walk in the way of love. And I just need to remind someone today that just need to remind someone today that just need to remind someone today that God's love never fails. It never quits. God's love never fails. It never quits. God's love never fails. It never quits. It always perseveres. And some of you It always perseveres. And some of you It always perseveres. And some of you need to get perseverance back need to get perseverance back need to get perseverance back into the middle of your marriage, into into the middle of your marriage, into into the middle of your marriage, into the middle of your family, and the middle of your family, and the middle of your family, and persevere.

Listen, life isn't always smooth. Listen, life isn't always smooth. I lived in England. We lived in the I lived in England. We lived in the I lived in England. We lived in the countryside, and we lived amongst this countryside, and we lived amongst this countryside, and we lived amongst this beautiful village of windy roads and beautiful village of windy roads and beautiful village of windy roads and lots of hills. lots of hills. lots of hills. And so my vehicle that was kind of And so my vehicle that was kind of And so my vehicle that was kind of sporty and zipped me through the back sporty and zipped me through the back sporty and zipped me through the back paths right near our house was awesome paths right near our house was awesome paths right near our house was awesome in the summer. in the summer. in the summer. But it was terrible in the winter. But it was terrible in the winter. But it was terrible in the winter. In the winter it would slide on the In the winter it would slide on the In the winter it would slide on the hills and it had no grip that would help hills and it had no grip that would help hills and it had no grip that would help me in the snow and me in the snow and me in the snow and and so I knew when the season changed, and so I knew when the season changed, and so I knew when the season changed, the terrain changed, the vehicle was the terrain changed, the vehicle was the terrain changed, the vehicle was going to not be as helpful to me unless going to not be as helpful to me unless going to not be as helpful to me unless I did something. I did something. I did something. But never at one point did I think, "I'm But never at one point did I think, "I'm But never at one point did I think, "I'm going to just trash this vehicle." Cuz going to just trash this vehicle." Cuz going to just trash this vehicle." Cuz you know what? It can't handle the road. you know what? It can't handle the road. you know what? It can't handle the road. It's a waste of my money. It's a waste It's a waste of my money. It's a waste It's a waste of my money. It's a waste of my time. I never once discarded the of my time. I never once discarded the of my time. I never once discarded the vehicle just because the weather and the vehicle just because the weather and the vehicle just because the weather and the terrain changed. terrain changed. terrain changed. But I did take the vehicle to the But I did take the vehicle to the But I did take the vehicle to the mechanics. mechanics. mechanics. And I would say to the mechanic, "Hey, And I would say to the mechanic, "Hey, And I would say to the mechanic, "Hey, it's that time of year again." it's that time of year again." it's that time of year again." And he would say, "I got you." And we And he would say, "I got you." And we And he would say, "I got you." And we would go into the workshop and he would would go into the workshop and he would would go into the workshop and he would get out the tires that had a different get out the tires that had a different get out the tires that had a different tread.

tread. tread. Tires that were built for snow, tires Tires that were built for snow, tires Tires that were built for snow, tires that were built to hold the grip in that were built to hold the grip in that were built to hold the grip in different terrain. And I WOULD PUT NEW different terrain. And I WOULD PUT NEW different terrain. And I WOULD PUT NEW TIRES ON MY VEHICLE AND I WOULD ZIP BACK TIRES ON MY VEHICLE AND I WOULD ZIP BACK TIRES ON MY VEHICLE AND I WOULD ZIP BACK OUT OF THAT GARAGE AND NOW I was able TO OUT OF THAT GARAGE AND NOW I was able TO OUT OF THAT GARAGE AND NOW I was able TO KEEP DRIVING. WHY? CUZ I CHOSEN a KEEP DRIVING. WHY? CUZ I CHOSEN a KEEP DRIVING. WHY? CUZ I CHOSEN a different tire. Some of you about to different tire. Some of you about to different tire. Some of you about to quit the vehicle. The vehicle's not the quit the vehicle. The vehicle's not the quit the vehicle. The vehicle's not the issue, the tires are. issue, the tires are. issue, the tires are. And you just need to learn in certain And you just need to learn in certain And you just need to learn in certain seasons how to persevere, how to change seasons how to persevere, how to change seasons how to persevere, how to change THE TIRES, HOW TO PUT SOME MORE TRACTION THE TIRES, HOW TO PUT SOME MORE TRACTION THE TIRES, HOW TO PUT SOME MORE TRACTION down on the ground. I know your KIDS down on the ground. I know your KIDS down on the ground. I know your KIDS MIGHT BE DRIVING YOU CRAZY right now, MIGHT BE DRIVING YOU CRAZY right now, MIGHT BE DRIVING YOU CRAZY right now, BUT YOU WERE once someone's kid. You drove them crazy. How quickly we You drove them crazy. How quickly we forget what a nightmare we were when we forget what a nightmare we were when we forget what a nightmare we were when we have a nightmare in our house. have a nightmare in our house. have a nightmare in our house. Can I just say as someone with kids that Can I just say as someone with kids that Can I just say as someone with kids that are now in their 20s, are now in their 20s, are now in their 20s, like don't quit. like don't quit. like don't quit. Like change the tires if you have to. Like change the tires if you have to. Like change the tires if you have to. Find a way to have a different Find a way to have a different Find a way to have a different conversation. Pray harder. I KNOW ASK conversation. Pray harder. I KNOW ASK conversation. Pray harder. I KNOW ASK GOD FOR a way to navigate forward. Some GOD FOR a way to navigate forward. Some GOD FOR a way to navigate forward. Some of you about to spend some of the summer of you about to spend some of the summer of you about to spend some of the summer with family and you are not looking with family and you are not looking with family and you are not looking forward to it.

forward to it. forward to it. Got the in-laws and the outlaws all Got the in-laws and the outlaws all Got the in-laws and the outlaws all gathering and you're like it's going to gathering and you're like it's going to gathering and you're like it's going to be a showdown. It's going to be a hot be a showdown. It's going to be a hot be a showdown. It's going to be a hot mess. mess. mess. Everyone's going to be firing off their Everyone's going to be firing off their Everyone's going to be firing off their comments AND SHOOTING OFF THEIR mouths comments AND SHOOTING OFF THEIR mouths comments AND SHOOTING OFF THEIR mouths and and YOU NORMALLY GET SUCKED into it. and and YOU NORMALLY GET SUCKED into it. and and YOU NORMALLY GET SUCKED into it. And then you leave the family gathering And then you leave the family gathering And then you leave the family gathering and you for days for weeks afterwards and you for days for weeks afterwards and you for days for weeks afterwards you and your wife are arguing about it you and your wife are arguing about it you and your wife are arguing about it and what you should have said and what and what you should have said and what and what you should have said and what you shouldn't have said and and all of you shouldn't have said and and all of you shouldn't have said and and all of the dysfunction. And I'm just letting the dysfunction. And I'm just letting the dysfunction. And I'm just letting you know you don't have to be sucked in you know you don't have to be sucked in you know you don't have to be sucked in to walking the wrong way. You can in the to walking the wrong way. You can in the to walking the wrong way. You can in the middle of that chaos change your tires middle of that chaos change your tires middle of that chaos change your tires and say I'm not [music] retaliating. I'm and say I'm not [music] retaliating. I'm and say I'm not [music] retaliating. I'm not getting angry. I'm going to be not getting angry. I'm going to be not getting angry. I'm going to be patient. I'm going to persevere because patient. I'm going to persevere because patient. I'm going to persevere because love doesn't quit and love doesn't give love doesn't quit and love doesn't give love doesn't quit and love doesn't give up and love protects and love is true. up and love protects and love is true. up and love protects and love is true. There is a way. It is the most excellent There is a way. It is the most excellent There is a way. It is the most excellent way and they may bait you and they may way and they may bait you and they may way and they may bait you and they may try AND DRAG YOU IN BUT IF YOU ARE GOING try AND DRAG YOU IN BUT IF YOU ARE GOING try AND DRAG YOU IN BUT IF YOU ARE GOING TO LEAD WELL YOU'RE GOING to love well. TO LEAD WELL YOU'RE GOING to love well. TO LEAD WELL YOU'RE GOING to love well. And I want to encourage you. And I want to encourage you. And I want to encourage you. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I want to encourage you. >> I want to encourage you. >> I want to encourage you. Some of you need to find the most Some of you need to find the most Some of you need to find the most [music] excellent way.

[music] excellent way. [music] excellent way. And then in Jeremiah And then in Jeremiah And then in Jeremiah he tells them stand, stop, look. he tells them stand, stop, look. he tells them stand, stop, look. He tells them ask for the everlasting He tells them ask for the everlasting He tells them ask for the everlasting way. way. way. But then he also says this But then he also says this But then he also says this and then walk in it. and then walk in it. and then walk in it. And you will find rest for your soul. And you will find rest for your soul. And you will find rest for your soul. And I just have this feeling And I just have this feeling And I just have this feeling that many of you are restless. that many of you are restless. that many of you are restless. And a vacation this summer is not going And a vacation this summer is not going And a vacation this summer is not going to fix the ache in your soul. to fix the ache in your soul. to fix the ache in your soul. And a few days out is not going to make And a few days out is not going to make And a few days out is not going to make you come back feeling different about you come back feeling different about you come back feeling different about the circumstance that you know is the circumstance that you know is the circumstance that you know is waiting for you when you walk walk waiting for you when you walk walk waiting for you when you walk walk through the doors. Escaping is not going through the doors. Escaping is not going through the doors. Escaping is not going to make it go away. So God's letting you to make it go away. So God's letting you to make it go away. So God's letting you know I can't I'm not trying to give you know I can't I'm not trying to give you know I can't I'm not trying to give you an escape route. I'm trying to give you an escape route. I'm trying to give you an escape route. I'm trying to give you a better way. a better way. a better way. And the way you get rest for your soul And the way you get rest for your soul And the way you get rest for your soul is beginning to walk differently than is beginning to walk differently than is beginning to walk differently than you did walk before. The way that you you did walk before. The way that you you did walk before. The way that you get rest from your soul is not taking get rest from your soul is not taking get rest from your soul is not taking I'm glad you took a photograph a moment I'm glad you took a photograph a moment I'm glad you took a photograph a moment ago. Somebody took a photograph of sign.

ago. Somebody took a photograph of sign. ago. Somebody took a photograph of sign. I'm glad you took a photograph. Take a I'm glad you took a photograph. Take a I'm glad you took a photograph. Take a photograph. But what do you have to do photograph. But what do you have to do photograph. But what do you have to do after taking the photograph is you have after taking the photograph is you have after taking the photograph is you have to walk in it. to walk in it. to walk in it. You have to have TO WALK IN IT. WHEN you You have to have TO WALK IN IT. WHEN you You have to have TO WALK IN IT. WHEN you tempted to go this WAY YOU GOT TO WALK tempted to go this WAY YOU GOT TO WALK tempted to go this WAY YOU GOT TO WALK in it. You got to hold yourself to in it. You got to hold yourself to in it. You got to hold yourself to account. You got to walk in it. account. You got to walk in it. account. You got to walk in it. And you're going to find rest. I believe And you're going to find rest. I believe And you're going to find rest. I believe God this summer God this summer God this summer wants to give some of you the best rest wants to give some of you the best rest wants to give some of you the best rest you've ever had. you've ever had. you've ever had. And that is not dependent on your And that is not dependent on your And that is not dependent on your vacation spot. It's not dependent on the vacation spot. It's not dependent on the vacation spot. It's not dependent on the weather. weather. weather. It's not dependent on the circumstances. It's not dependent on the circumstances. It's not dependent on the circumstances. It's actually a choice It's actually a choice It's actually a choice that you're going to make you and God. that you're going to make you and God. that you're going to make you and God. God, I'm going to walk the most God, I'm going to walk the most God, I'm going to walk the most excellent way. excellent way. excellent way. I realize I've been going the wrong way. I realize I've been going the wrong way. I realize I've been going the wrong way. I realize there's been some I realize there's been some I realize there's been some conversations that have been going the conversations that have been going the conversations that have been going the total wrong direction. And I'm going to total wrong direction. And I'm going to total wrong direction. And I'm going to make a decision this summer to do a make a decision this summer to do a make a decision this summer to do a U-turn and walk in a different way. I'm U-turn and walk in a different way. I'm U-turn and walk in a different way. I'm telling you if you walk in it, you will telling you if you walk in it, you will telling you if you walk in it, you will find rest for your soul. find rest for your soul. find rest for your soul. When you walk this way, When you walk this way, When you walk this way, when you walk in the way of anger, when you walk in the way of anger, when you walk in the way of anger, dishonor, frustration, self-seeking, dishonor, frustration, self-seeking, dishonor, frustration, self-seeking, envy, it's very easy to contemplate envy, it's very easy to contemplate envy, it's very easy to contemplate quitting.

quitting. quitting. Very easy to think, you know what, I Very easy to think, you know what, I Very easy to think, you know what, I don't care. So I'm just going to do don't care. So I'm just going to do don't care. So I'm just going to do something reckless cuz I don't care cuz something reckless cuz I don't care cuz something reckless cuz I don't care cuz all of this takes you in a direction all of this takes you in a direction all of this takes you in a direction where you become numb. where you become numb. where you become numb. But it's really hard to quit But it's really hard to quit But it's really hard to quit when you walk in in a way that keeps when you walk in in a way that keeps when you walk in in a way that keeps loving, when you walk in in a way that loving, when you walk in in a way that loving, when you walk in in a way that keeps forgiving, when you walk in in a keeps forgiving, when you walk in in a keeps forgiving, when you walk in in a way that's kind. way that's kind. way that's kind. And God just wants to help some of you And God just wants to help some of you And God just wants to help some of you this summer this summer this summer lead well lead well lead well by learning to love well. by learning to love well. by learning to love well. Your family needs it. Your family needs it. Your family needs it. Your marriage needs it. Your own soul Your marriage needs it. Your own soul Your marriage needs it. Your own soul needs it. needs it. needs it. You've asked God for a sign. You've asked God for a sign. You've asked God for a sign. He's given you one. He's given you one. He's given you one. You might not like it, but it's the You might not like it, but it's the You might not like it, but it's the everlasting way. everlasting way. everlasting way. It's all across the house, right where It's all across the house, right where It's all across the house, right where you are. Just close your eyes. you are. Just close your eyes. you are. Just close your eyes. God, we thank you for the clarity of God, we thank you for the clarity of God, we thank you for the clarity of your word. your word. your word. There's no mixture in you. There's no mixture in you. There's no mixture in you. There's no confusion in you. There's no confusion in you. There's no confusion in you. God, there's just a way. God, there's just a way. God, there's just a way. And in that way is a light and is a And in that way is a light and is a And in that way is a light and is a lamp, and in that way is freedom.

lamp, and in that way is freedom. lamp, and in that way is freedom. And I pray over every single person And I pray over every single person And I pray over every single person under the sound of my voice today. under the sound of my voice today. under the sound of my voice today. God, I pray that they would become so God, I pray that they would become so God, I pray that they would become so aware aware aware that God to lead well means to love that God to lead well means to love that God to lead well means to love well. well. well. And God, I thank you for the challenge And God, I thank you for the challenge And God, I thank you for the challenge today today today to examine our own hearts, examine our to examine our own hearts, examine our to examine our own hearts, examine our own lives, and stop and slow down. And own lives, and stop and slow down. And own lives, and stop and slow down. And God, I I we pray just like David did, God, I I we pray just like David did, God, I I we pray just like David did, would you test me? Would you search me, would you test me? Would you search me, would you test me? Would you search me, God? God? God? God, help me walk the most excellent way God, help me walk the most excellent way God, help me walk the most excellent way this summer with my children. this summer with my children. this summer with my children. Help me walk in the way of love in my Help me walk in the way of love in my Help me walk in the way of love in my marriage. marriage. marriage. God, in my place of work, God, in the God, in my place of work, God, in the God, in my place of work, God, in the community you've put me in, God, help me community you've put me in, God, help me community you've put me in, God, help me find the patience, find the patience, find the patience, find that place of hope and find that place of hope and find that place of hope and perseverance. perseverance. perseverance. God, I pray today as we dismiss in a God, I pray today as we dismiss in a God, I pray today as we dismiss in a moment and as we go about our week, God, moment and as we go about our week, God, moment and as we go about our week, God, I pray the sign would be burned onto the I pray the sign would be burned onto the I pray the sign would be burned onto the inside of our hearts. I pray we'd have inside of our hearts. I pray we'd have inside of our hearts. I pray we'd have conversations around our kitchen table conversations around our kitchen table conversations around our kitchen table about walking the most excellent way. I about walking the most excellent way. I about walking the most excellent way. I pray parents will begin to come onto the pray parents will begin to come onto the pray parents will begin to come onto the same page about how they handle their same page about how they handle their same page about how they handle their children.

children. children. I pray there'd be a a unity in our I pray there'd be a a unity in our I pray there'd be a a unity in our households because we're deciding, even households because we're deciding, even households because we're deciding, even though we have lots of different though we have lots of different though we have lots of different opinions, we're deciding to walk the opinions, we're deciding to walk the opinions, we're deciding to walk the most excellent way together. most excellent way together. most excellent way together. I pray for healing. I pray for healing. I pray for healing. And I pray, God, like your word says, And I pray, God, like your word says, And I pray, God, like your word says, that as we walk in it, we would find that as we walk in it, we would find that as we walk in it, we would find rest for our souls. rest for our souls. rest for our souls. If you're in the house today as eyes are If you're in the house today as eyes are If you're in the house today as eyes are closed, closed, closed, we're just in this moment of prayer and we're just in this moment of prayer and we're just in this moment of prayer and you know you're not where you should be you know you're not where you should be you know you're not where you should be with God. with God. with God. You know that actually you've been going You know that actually you've been going You know that actually you've been going the wrong way for quite some time. the wrong way for quite some time. the wrong way for quite some time. Well, God's posture today is just like Well, God's posture today is just like Well, God's posture today is just like the father's that I mentioned earlier. the father's that I mentioned earlier. the father's that I mentioned earlier. His arms are extended. His heart is His arms are extended. His heart is His arms are extended. His heart is open. All you have to do is turn around. open. All you have to do is turn around. open. All you have to do is turn around. And if today you need to turn around And if today you need to turn around And if today you need to turn around back in the way of salvation, if today back in the way of salvation, if today back in the way of salvation, if today you need to say, "God, I've been far you need to say, "God, I've been far you need to say, "God, I've been far from you and I repent and I come home from you and I repent and I come home from you and I repent and I come home today. I need you as Lord and savior." today. I need you as Lord and savior." today. I need you as Lord and savior." Then this moment is for you. Make a Then this moment is for you. Make a Then this moment is for you. Make a choice now to go the most excellent way. choice now to go the most excellent way. choice now to go the most excellent way. As eyes are closed, you're saying that's As eyes are closed, you're saying that's As eyes are closed, you're saying that's me today. Just lift your hand right me today. Just lift your hand right me today. Just lift your hand right where you are. In every location, you're where you are. In every location, you're where you are. In every location, you're just saying that's me. I I need this just saying that's me. I I need this just saying that's me. I I need this moment. A hand just acknowledging, "God, moment. A hand just acknowledging, "God, moment. A hand just acknowledging, "God, I I need to turn. I need to do a U-turn I I need to turn. I need to do a U-turn I I need to turn. I need to do a U-turn today. I want to go the most excellent today. I want to go the most excellent today. I want to go the most excellent way."

way." way." All those hands that you're raising, All those hands that you're raising, All those hands that you're raising, just take that same hand that you just just take that same hand that you just just take that same hand that you just raised on your heart. raised on your heart. raised on your heart. I'm going to pray this prayer and then I'm going to pray this prayer and then I'm going to pray this prayer and then you need to make this your own right you need to make this your own right you need to make this your own right now. now. now. God, I come to you today and I ask for God, I come to you today and I ask for God, I come to you today and I ask for forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. God, I'm aware I've been going the wrong God, I'm aware I've been going the wrong God, I'm aware I've been going the wrong way, the wrong direction, but today I way, the wrong direction, but today I way, the wrong direction, but today I slow down and I choose, God. I choose slow down and I choose, God. I choose slow down and I choose, God. I choose you. you. you. I choose to surrender. I choose to ask I choose to surrender. I choose to ask I choose to surrender. I choose to ask for forgiveness. God, I choose to go the for forgiveness. God, I choose to go the for forgiveness. God, I choose to go the most excellent way. most excellent way. most excellent way. God, thank you in this moment. You're God, thank you in this moment. You're God, thank you in this moment. You're meeting me with your grace and your meeting me with your grace and your meeting me with your grace and your forgiveness and your love and your forgiveness and your love and your forgiveness and your love and your mercy. God, I thank you today for mercy. God, I thank you today for mercy. God, I thank you today for salvation and I thank you today for salvation and I thank you today for salvation and I thank you today for transformation. transformation. transformation. And God, I pray in every one of these And God, I pray in every one of these And God, I pray in every one of these decisions there wouldn't just be a yes decisions there wouldn't just be a yes decisions there wouldn't just be a yes to you, God, but there'd be a walking in to you, God, but there'd be a walking in to you, God, but there'd be a walking in the way of love that follows. the way of love that follows. the way of love that follows. God, put your grace and put your hand on God, put your grace and put your hand on God, put your grace and put your hand on every life right now that's responding. every life right now that's responding. every life right now that's responding. We give you all the glory and all the We give you all the glory and all the We give you all the glory and all the honor for it. honor for it. honor for it. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. Amen. And amen. Amen. And amen. Amen. And amen. >> Amen. Thank you.