Trust Fund | First Things First; Giving God Your First

Well, good morning church. How is Well, good morning church. How is everybody today? Come on. Anybody glad everybody today? Come on. Anybody glad everybody today? Come on. Anybody glad to be in the house of God? Yes. And how to be in the house of God? Yes. And how to be in the house of God? Yes. And how many of you parents are glad? KIDS ABOUT many of you parents are glad? KIDS ABOUT many of you parents are glad? KIDS ABOUT READY TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL? Come on. READY TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL? Come on. READY TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL? Come on. Y'all give God some praise for that. Y'all give God some praise for that. Y'all give God some praise for that. Right. It's so good to have everybody Right. It's so good to have everybody Right. It's so good to have everybody here today. Of course, here at Lakewood here today. Of course, here at Lakewood here today. Of course, here at Lakewood Ranch, we have those also that are Ranch, we have those also that are Ranch, we have those also that are watching online in our county jails. watching online in our county jails. watching online in our county jails. Let's see. Uh Sarasota County, Hardy Let's see. Uh Sarasota County, Hardy Let's see. Uh Sarasota County, Hardy County, Hope County, and Manatee County. County, Hope County, and Manatee County. County, Hope County, and Manatee County. Come on. Can we welcome those guys and Come on. Can we welcome those guys and Come on. Can we welcome those guys and all of our other locations as well. Good all of our other locations as well. Good all of our other locations as well. Good to have you guys with us. Yeah. to have you guys with us. Yeah. to have you guys with us. Yeah. [applause] [applause] [applause] So, uh today we're beginning a new So, uh today we're beginning a new So, uh today we're beginning a new series. It's two weeks. Uh, and for series. It's two weeks. Uh, and for series. It's two weeks. Uh, and for those of you that maybe are new, what a those of you that maybe are new, what a those of you that maybe are new, what a series is is just we take multiple weeks series is is just we take multiple weeks series is is just we take multiple weeks to kind of hone in on a particular to kind of hone in on a particular to kind of hone in on a particular topic. And today we're starting a topic. And today we're starting a topic. And today we're starting a two-eek series on finances. And you may two-eek series on finances. And you may two-eek series on finances. And you may say, come on. We got a couple people say, come on. We got a couple people say, come on. We got a couple people saying, "Woo!" All right. So, uh, let me saying, "Woo!" All right. So, uh, let me saying, "Woo!" All right. So, uh, let me just, uh, can I take a moment though and just, uh, can I take a moment though and just, uh, can I take a moment though and and just I I did some research obviously and just I I did some research obviously and just I I did some research obviously and I wanted to see what's the state of and I wanted to see what's the state of and I wanted to see what's the state of people's lives and understanding of people's lives and understanding of people's lives and understanding of what's going on in regards to to what's going on in regards to to what's going on in regards to to finances. Listen to this. This is new finances. Listen to this. This is new finances. Listen to this. This is new information from the uh, from this year.

information from the uh, from this year. information from the uh, from this year. This the number one source of stress This the number one source of stress This the number one source of stress today in homes is financial pressure. today in homes is financial pressure. today in homes is financial pressure. The number one stress, listen to this. The number one stress, listen to this. The number one stress, listen to this. 69% of Americans say that financial 69% of Americans say that financial 69% of Americans say that financial stress it affects their sleep and they stress it affects their sleep and they stress it affects their sleep and they actually because of that are even actually because of that are even actually because of that are even dealing with depression. In other words, dealing with depression. In other words, dealing with depression. In other words, what things like this are telling me is what things like this are telling me is what things like this are telling me is that money is not just a math problem, that money is not just a math problem, that money is not just a math problem, it's an emotional problem. it's an emotional problem. it's an emotional problem. >> And and so listen, I'll dig in here a >> And and so listen, I'll dig in here a >> And and so listen, I'll dig in here a little bit more. 91% of Americans say little bit more. 91% of Americans say little bit more. 91% of Americans say the reason why they're feeling so much the reason why they're feeling so much the reason why they're feeling so much stress, it's just inflation. I mean, stress, it's just inflation. I mean, stress, it's just inflation. I mean, it's just it's it's out of control. the it's just it's it's out of control. the it's just it's it's out of control. the gas prices which you know result in in gas prices which you know result in in gas prices which you know result in in goods costing more money so people have goods costing more money so people have goods costing more money so people have to charge more and it's just kind of to charge more and it's just kind of to charge more and it's just kind of this ripple effect and no one seems in this ripple effect and no one seems in this ripple effect and no one seems in control and you don't know tomorrow if control and you don't know tomorrow if control and you don't know tomorrow if gas prices are going to be up 25 cents gas prices are going to be up 25 cents gas prices are going to be up 25 cents or whether they're going to stay the or whether they're going to stay the or whether they're going to stay the same and so it's causing all of this same and so it's causing all of this same and so it's causing all of this insecurity in all of our lives and as a insecurity in all of our lives and as a insecurity in all of our lives and as a result of that it's put Americans in a result of that it's put Americans in a result of that it's put Americans in a really bad spot listen to this four out really bad spot listen to this four out really bad spot listen to this four out of 10 Americans would struggle with a of 10 Americans would struggle with a of 10 Americans would struggle with a $500 $00 surprise.

$500 $00 surprise. $500 $00 surprise. In other words, they wouldn't have cash In other words, they wouldn't have cash In other words, they wouldn't have cash reserves reserves reserves in order to handle a $500 emergency. in order to handle a $500 emergency. in order to handle a $500 emergency. Well, guess what? Tires blow out. Air Well, guess what? Tires blow out. Air Well, guess what? Tires blow out. Air conditioning breaks in Florida. How many conditioning breaks in Florida. How many conditioning breaks in Florida. How many you know you got to have air you know you got to have air you know you got to have air conditioning? Come on, somebody. It's conditioning? Come on, somebody. It's conditioning? Come on, somebody. It's hot. It's almost hot as hell. So, we can preach on hell. I'm going to take we can preach on hell. I'm going to take it outside. Preach on hell. Everybody's it outside. Preach on hell. Everybody's it outside. Preach on hell. Everybody's going to get saved. Okay. Four four out of 10 Americans like are four out of 10 Americans like are surprised when when when something surprised when when when something surprised when when when something happens, a medical bill. Even this 26% happens, a medical bill. Even this 26% happens, a medical bill. Even this 26% of Americans skip medical care because of Americans skip medical care because of Americans skip medical care because of cost. of cost. of cost. 18% of Americans are dealing with debt 18% of Americans are dealing with debt 18% of Americans are dealing with debt regarding paying off medical bills. regarding paying off medical bills. regarding paying off medical bills. And most Americans, in other words, And most Americans, in other words, And most Americans, in other words, we're not getting ahead. We're actually we're not getting ahead. We're actually we're not getting ahead. We're actually recovering from the last emergency so we recovering from the last emergency so we recovering from the last emergency so we can get ready for the next one that's can get ready for the next one that's can get ready for the next one that's going to arrive. going to arrive. going to arrive. That's the kind of cycle. I mean, I I That's the kind of cycle. I mean, I I That's the kind of cycle. I mean, I I could go on. There were pages of things could go on. There were pages of things could go on. There were pages of things from the Federal Reserve of the from the Federal Reserve of the from the Federal Reserve of the condition of what's happening in America condition of what's happening in America condition of what's happening in America in finances. And listen, I say this all in finances. And listen, I say this all in finances. And listen, I say this all the time around here. Bayside is a the time around here. Bayside is a the time around here. Bayside is a Biblebased church. How many of you guys Biblebased church. How many of you guys Biblebased church. How many of you guys thank the Lord that we don't just thank the Lord that we don't just thank the Lord that we don't just moisten our finger and stick it up in moisten our finger and stick it up in moisten our finger and stick it up in the air? We're not we're not reading the the air? We're not we're not reading the the air? We're not we're not reading the newspaper to see what we should preach newspaper to see what we should preach newspaper to see what we should preach on newspaper. Like, do we even have on newspaper. Like, do we even have on newspaper. Like, do we even have newspapers anymore? Okay. You're not newspapers anymore? Okay. You're not newspapers anymore? Okay. You're not reading, you know, news feeds on your on reading, you know, news feeds on your on reading, you know, news feeds on your on your social media to figure out what to your social media to figure out what to your social media to figure out what to preach. We're preaching the word of God preach. We're preaching the word of God preach. We're preaching the word of God here. This is a Bible-based church and

here. This is a Bible-based church and here. This is a Bible-based church and we believe that all truth is derived we believe that all truth is derived we believe that all truth is derived from that. from that. from that. >> And I say that all the time, and I'm >> And I say that all the time, and I'm >> And I say that all the time, and I'm thankful. I think we do a good job of thankful. I think we do a good job of thankful. I think we do a good job of preaching around here on spiritual preaching around here on spiritual preaching around here on spiritual topics and spiritual things. But I have topics and spiritual things. But I have topics and spiritual things. But I have to repent to you today. I had to do this to repent to you today. I had to do this to repent to you today. I had to do this one other time in our church and and I one other time in our church and and I one other time in our church and and I actually for some reason I don't know actually for some reason I don't know actually for some reason I don't know why. I think it's of some insecurity in why. I think it's of some insecurity in why. I think it's of some insecurity in me but I have a hard time preaching and me but I have a hard time preaching and me but I have a hard time preaching and teaching on finances. Uh you know we teaching on finances. Uh you know we teaching on finances. Uh you know we talk about money but I don't teach on it talk about money but I don't teach on it talk about money but I don't teach on it and I don't preach on it. And this you and I don't preach on it. And this you and I don't preach on it. And this you know God got a hold of me years ago when know God got a hold of me years ago when know God got a hold of me years ago when there was a financial crisis in 2008 9 there was a financial crisis in 2008 9 there was a financial crisis in 2008 9 and 10 during that time. Same thing. and 10 during that time. Same thing. and 10 during that time. Same thing. Like Randy, the Bible says, Hosea, look Like Randy, the Bible says, Hosea, look Like Randy, the Bible says, Hosea, look at this. My people are destroyed for at this. My people are destroyed for at this. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. lack of knowledge. lack of knowledge. Look at that verse. Look at that verse. Look at that verse. My people are destroyed from lack of My people are destroyed from lack of My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Randy, the reason why people knowledge. Randy, the reason why people knowledge. Randy, the reason why people at Bayside are struggling is because at Bayside are struggling is because at Bayside are struggling is because you're not teaching them what my word you're not teaching them what my word you're not teaching them what my word says about this topic. says about this topic. says about this topic. >> I had to repent for that back in 2008 or >> I had to repent for that back in 2008 or >> I had to repent for that back in 2008 or nine, and I'm doing that again to you nine, and I'm doing that again to you nine, and I'm doing that again to you today, church. as your pastor, I have today, church. as your pastor, I have today, church. as your pastor, I have not done a good job at all on teaching not done a good job at all on teaching not done a good job at all on teaching on this particular topic. So, would you on this particular topic. So, would you on this particular topic. So, would you please forgive me? But from today, I'm please forgive me? But from today, I'm please forgive me? But from today, I'm I'm changing that. I'm going to teach I'm changing that. I'm going to teach I'm changing that. I'm going to teach you today. I'm going to give you the you today. I'm going to give you the you today. I'm going to give you the knowledge. I'm going to give you the knowledge. I'm going to give you the knowledge. I'm going to give you the information what the Bible says information what the Bible says information what the Bible says regarding finances. And uh listen, but regarding finances. And uh listen, but regarding finances. And uh listen, but let me be very clear. I don't have a let me be very clear. I don't have a let me be very clear. I don't have a prescription for a spiritual um I don't prescription for a spiritual um I don't prescription for a spiritual um I don't know what you would call it, a a know what you would call it, a a know what you would call it, a a spiritual like a oimpic.

spiritual like a oimpic. spiritual like a oimpic. I can't get I can't just give you a shot I can't get I can't just give you a shot I can't get I can't just give you a shot and take away the financial weight of and take away the financial weight of and take away the financial weight of what you're dealing with. I I also I what you're dealing with. I I also I what you're dealing with. I I also I don't have a peptide shot to give you don't have a peptide shot to give you don't have a peptide shot to give you today either that's going to all of a today either that's going to all of a today either that's going to all of a sudden magically boost your revenue to sudden magically boost your revenue to sudden magically boost your revenue to where all of a sudden it overcomes the where all of a sudden it overcomes the where all of a sudden it overcomes the difficulties. But what I do have is I difficulties. But what I do have is I difficulties. But what I do have is I have wisdom from the Bible. Everybody have wisdom from the Bible. Everybody have wisdom from the Bible. Everybody say amen to that. say amen to that. say amen to that. >> And the Bible is loaded with principles >> And the Bible is loaded with principles >> And the Bible is loaded with principles and things that we can learn and and things that we can learn and and things that we can learn and insights regarding finances. 40% of the insights regarding finances. 40% of the insights regarding finances. 40% of the parables that Jesus taught were on parables that Jesus taught were on parables that Jesus taught were on possessions and money. And so we're possessions and money. And so we're possessions and money. And so we're going to cover that today. And once going to cover that today. And once going to cover that today. And once again, I apologize for not not teaching again, I apologize for not not teaching again, I apologize for not not teaching on that. And uh but I wonder why even do on that. And uh but I wonder why even do on that. And uh but I wonder why even do we find oursel in this state that I just we find oursel in this state that I just we find oursel in this state that I just told you about just a moment ago? Why told you about just a moment ago? Why told you about just a moment ago? Why why would we even find ourselves in a why would we even find ourselves in a why would we even find ourselves in a situation like that? And it's because we situation like that? And it's because we situation like that? And it's because we have the wrong view of money. have the wrong view of money. have the wrong view of money. We don't have the right lens to look at We don't have the right lens to look at We don't have the right lens to look at it. I was in my office last week it. I was in my office last week it. I was in my office last week studying at my house and uh some of our studying at my house and uh some of our studying at my house and uh some of our grandkids come by came by. Ruby and grandkids come by came by. Ruby and grandkids come by came by. Ruby and Margot came by the house and they're Margot came by the house and they're Margot came by the house and they're they're three in one, right? Uh so they they're three in one, right? Uh so they they're three in one, right? Uh so they come by the house and they want to see come by the house and they want to see come by the house and they want to see me. They come in Poppy's office to see me. They come in Poppy's office to see me. They come in Poppy's office to see me and I'm talking to them and all this me and I'm talking to them and all this me and I'm talking to them and all this stuff. And then and somehow for some stuff. And then and somehow for some stuff. And then and somehow for some reason sitting on my desk is a dollar reason sitting on my desk is a dollar reason sitting on my desk is a dollar bill. And so I don't even know why it bill. And so I don't even know why it bill. And so I don't even know why it was there. And so I just I grabbed it was there. And so I just I grabbed it was there. And so I just I grabbed it and I go, "Hey girls, look at this.

and I go, "Hey girls, look at this. and I go, "Hey girls, look at this. Poppy's got a dollar here. Let me give Poppy's got a dollar here. Let me give Poppy's got a dollar here. Let me give it to you." And I expected them to go, it to you." And I expected them to go, it to you." And I expected them to go, "Whoa, "Whoa, "Whoa, thank you, Poppy." When I was three thank you, Poppy." When I was three thank you, Poppy." When I was three years old, a dollar would have changed years old, a dollar would have changed years old, a dollar would have changed my life. And they were like, "This could And they were like, "This could thank you, Bobby." And they kind of thank you, Bobby." And they kind of thank you, Bobby." And they kind of dropped it on the floor. They didn't dropped it on the floor. They didn't dropped it on the floor. They didn't even care. And thank God for my even care. And thank God for my even care. And thank God for my daughter-in-law's table. She goes, daughter-in-law's table. She goes, daughter-in-law's table. She goes, "Well, they actually think it's like a "Well, they actually think it's like a "Well, they actually think it's like a ticket or something cuz money is ticket or something cuz money is ticket or something cuz money is digital." Like they don't they don't digital." Like they don't they don't digital." Like they don't they don't they've never seen a dollar before. just they've never seen a dollar before. just they've never seen a dollar before. just everything's done digital and so they everything's done digital and so they everything's done digital and so they were like they think it's a ticket like were like they think it's a ticket like were like they think it's a ticket like you know you give somebody a ticket so you know you give somebody a ticket so you know you give somebody a ticket so you can get into something that's you can get into something that's you can get into something that's actually money it costs to do all those actually money it costs to do all those actually money it costs to do all those things and I thought if they knew what things and I thought if they knew what things and I thought if they knew what this could do this could buy them some this could do this could buy them some this could do this could buy them some candy they could go have some ice cream candy they could go have some ice cream candy they could go have some ice cream or at least you know a half of a scoop or at least you know a half of a scoop or at least you know a half of a scoop a free sample maybe or something like a free sample maybe or something like a free sample maybe or something like that I don't know this could go towards that I don't know this could go towards that I don't know this could go towards a princess dress or something but what a princess dress or something but what a princess dress or something but what they didn't know they had the wrong view they didn't know they had the wrong view they didn't know they had the wrong view of money they didn't understand the of money they didn't understand the of money they didn't understand the value of that and They also didn't value of that and They also didn't value of that and They also didn't understand that the dude that they were understand that the dude that they were understand that the dude that they were talking to had enough money to buy them talking to had enough money to buy them talking to had enough money to buy them all the ice cream they wanted or all the ice cream they wanted or all the ice cream they wanted or whatever princess dress they wanted, whatever princess dress they wanted, whatever princess dress they wanted, right? Which you think about it though, right? Which you think about it though, right? Which you think about it though, by the way, I had the wrong view of by the way, I had the wrong view of by the way, I had the wrong view of money, too. Because I'm like, well, it's money, too. Because I'm like, well, it's money, too. Because I'm like, well, it's just a dollar. What's the point?

just a dollar. What's the point? just a dollar. What's the point? That's a wrong view as well. Every That's a wrong view as well. Every That's a wrong view as well. Every dollar is important. And if we don't dollar is important. And if we don't dollar is important. And if we don't look at dollars as important, then we'll look at dollars as important, then we'll look at dollars as important, then we'll manage our dollars improperly and we'll manage our dollars improperly and we'll manage our dollars improperly and we'll find oursel in a situation just like we find oursel in a situation just like we find oursel in a situation just like we have. have. have. >> I don't know if you guys agree with >> I don't know if you guys agree with >> I don't know if you guys agree with that, but that's the truth, right? So that, but that's the truth, right? So that, but that's the truth, right? So here's here's what we're doing. We're here's here's what we're doing. We're here's here's what we're doing. We're doing an allout blitz on the financial doing an allout blitz on the financial doing an allout blitz on the financial pressure. So I'm pre preaching on it for pressure. So I'm pre preaching on it for pressure. So I'm pre preaching on it for two weeks. And next week, which is two weeks. And next week, which is two weeks. And next week, which is August, what is the date? Uh August 16th August, what is the date? Uh August 16th August, what is the date? Uh August 16th at 5:00 p. p.m. at all of our campuses, at 5:00 p. p.m. at all of our campuses, at 5:00 p. p.m. at all of our campuses, we're doing a financial workshop. we're doing a financial workshop. we're doing a financial workshop. >> Food is provided, child care is >> Food is provided, child care is >> Food is provided, child care is provided. You just have to sign up. provided. You just have to sign up. provided. You just have to sign up. Okay? So we're ready for you. All of our Okay? So we're ready for you. All of our Okay? So we're ready for you. All of our campuses, five o'clock, we're going to campuses, five o'clock, we're going to campuses, five o'clock, we're going to give you training. We're going to give give you training. We're going to give give you training. We're going to give you tools. We're going to help you write you tools. We're going to help you write you tools. We're going to help you write a financial vision for your life. Like a financial vision for your life. Like a financial vision for your life. Like what is it that you want to see in your what is it that you want to see in your what is it that you want to see in your family, in your own life financially? family, in your own life financially? family, in your own life financially? You're going to write that vision out You're going to write that vision out You're going to write that vision out because where there is no vision, people because where there is no vision, people because where there is no vision, people perish. perish. perish. >> Okay? So, we're going to give you a >> Okay? So, we're going to give you a >> Okay? So, we're going to give you a vision and then we're going to create a vision and then we're going to create a vision and then we're going to create a plan to help you go live in financial plan to help you go live in financial plan to help you go live in financial freedom. Don't want to miss it. Sign up freedom. Don't want to miss it. Sign up freedom. Don't want to miss it. Sign up for it. August 16th, 5:00 p.m. You can for it. August 16th, 5:00 p.m. You can for it. August 16th, 5:00 p.m. You can go on the app and sign up for that under go on the app and sign up for that under go on the app and sign up for that under events and register for that. You you events and register for that. You you events and register for that. You you don't want to miss it. Okay, everybody don't want to miss it. Okay, everybody don't want to miss it. Okay, everybody take out your Bible to Malachi chapter 6 take out your Bible to Malachi chapter 6 take out your Bible to Malachi chapter 6 or click to Malachi chapter uh one.

or click to Malachi chapter uh one. or click to Malachi chapter uh one. Sorry. Malachi chapter 1. It's the last Sorry. Malachi chapter 1. It's the last Sorry. Malachi chapter 1. It's the last book in the Old Testament, by the way, book in the Old Testament, by the way, book in the Old Testament, by the way, if you want to know where to go. So, if you want to know where to go. So, if you want to know where to go. So, kind of almost in the middle, a little kind of almost in the middle, a little kind of almost in the middle, a little bit more than the middle of the of the bit more than the middle of the of the bit more than the middle of the of the Bible, and you'll find it there. Malachi Bible, and you'll find it there. Malachi Bible, and you'll find it there. Malachi or go to Matthew and just go left a or go to Matthew and just go left a or go to Matthew and just go left a little bit. All right. So, uh let me tell you what's going on So, uh let me tell you what's going on right here. It's uh so it it's roughly right here. It's uh so it it's roughly right here. It's uh so it it's roughly 400 years before Jesus comes. Uh and 400 years before Jesus comes. Uh and 400 years before Jesus comes. Uh and this is the last thing that God says to this is the last thing that God says to this is the last thing that God says to the Israelites. They go into this season the Israelites. They go into this season the Israelites. They go into this season of the silent years, if you will. God of the silent years, if you will. God of the silent years, if you will. God doesn't say anything for like 400 years doesn't say anything for like 400 years doesn't say anything for like 400 years after what we're going to read right after what we're going to read right after what we're going to read right here. And then all a sudden, Jesus is here. And then all a sudden, Jesus is here. And then all a sudden, Jesus is born. By the way, I don't know if you're born. By the way, I don't know if you're born. By the way, I don't know if you're in a silent season right now and you in a silent season right now and you in a silent season right now and you feel like you're not hearing from God feel like you're not hearing from God feel like you're not hearing from God and you're not getting direction. I'm and you're not getting direction. I'm and you're not getting direction. I'm going to just prophesy to you right now. going to just prophesy to you right now. going to just prophesy to you right now. God's about to speak to you. God's about to speak to you. God's about to speak to you. >> So, position your heart, prepare your >> So, position your heart, prepare your >> So, position your heart, prepare your heart, open your spiritual ears to hear heart, open your spiritual ears to hear heart, open your spiritual ears to hear what he's saying. It may not be what you what he's saying. It may not be what you what he's saying. It may not be what you expect, but turn your spiritual ears on. expect, but turn your spiritual ears on. expect, but turn your spiritual ears on. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Raise your spiritual spidey senses if >> Raise your spiritual spidey senses if >> Raise your spiritual spidey senses if you will. Okay? Because some of you, I you will. Okay? Because some of you, I you will. Okay? Because some of you, I feel like, are in a spiritually dead feel like, are in a spiritually dead feel like, are in a spiritually dead season and God wants to breathe life.

season and God wants to breathe life. season and God wants to breathe life. Somebody say, "Amen." Somebody say, "Amen." Somebody say, "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> God, please do that in Jesus name. Even >> God, please do that in Jesus name. Even >> God, please do that in Jesus name. Even today, right now, speak life, breathe today, right now, speak life, breathe today, right now, speak life, breathe life, uh give direction, give wisdom in life, uh give direction, give wisdom in life, uh give direction, give wisdom in Jesus name. Amen. Okay, that's just Jesus name. Amen. Okay, that's just Jesus name. Amen. Okay, that's just free. I know God that just dropped that free. I know God that just dropped that free. I know God that just dropped that wasn't even in my notes. So, there you wasn't even in my notes. So, there you wasn't even in my notes. So, there you go. All right. Malachi. So, the go. All right. Malachi. So, the go. All right. Malachi. So, the Israelites had just turned returned to Israelites had just turned returned to Israelites had just turned returned to Jerusalem from uh exile with the with Jerusalem from uh exile with the with Jerusalem from uh exile with the with the Babylonians, which by the way, just the Babylonians, which by the way, just the Babylonians, which by the way, just so you can get a reference, they were in so you can get a reference, they were in so you can get a reference, they were in exile in Iraq, what is modern day Iraq. exile in Iraq, what is modern day Iraq. exile in Iraq, what is modern day Iraq. And they come back and they go to And they come back and they go to And they come back and they go to Jerusalem. They rebuild the temple and Jerusalem. They rebuild the temple and Jerusalem. They rebuild the temple and life seems to be doing okay. outwardly life seems to be doing okay. outwardly life seems to be doing okay. outwardly if you were to look at them and go, if you were to look at them and go, if you were to look at them and go, "Wow, things seem to be going pretty "Wow, things seem to be going pretty "Wow, things seem to be going pretty well." But there was this really like a well." But there was this really like a well." But there was this really like a spiritual cancer kind of eating away at spiritual cancer kind of eating away at spiritual cancer kind of eating away at the inside of them because they had the inside of them because they had the inside of them because they had subtly allowed other things to take subtly allowed other things to take subtly allowed other things to take precedence over God, right? When they precedence over God, right? When they precedence over God, right? When they were in exile under Babylonian RULE, GOD were in exile under Babylonian RULE, GOD were in exile under Babylonian RULE, GOD WILL DO ANYTHING. JUST GET US BACK. And WILL DO ANYTHING. JUST GET US BACK. And WILL DO ANYTHING. JUST GET US BACK. And then they come back and all of a sudden then they come back and all of a sudden then they come back and all of a sudden there's this complacency that starts there's this complacency that starts there's this complacency that starts happening. all of a sudden they start happening. all of a sudden they start happening. all of a sudden they start realizing they're struggling realizing they're struggling realizing they're struggling economically.

economically. economically. Uh their their their their harvest the Uh their their their their harvest the Uh their their their their harvest the the things that they're they're plowing the things that they're they're plowing the things that they're they're plowing and working and and trying to harvest and working and and trying to harvest and working and and trying to harvest it's it's it's struggling. Inflation is it's it's it's struggling. Inflation is it's it's it's struggling. Inflation is hitting because there's lower amounts of hitting because there's lower amounts of hitting because there's lower amounts of crops. So things are costing more. crops. So things are costing more. crops. So things are costing more. They're dealing with a lot of the same They're dealing with a lot of the same They're dealing with a lot of the same things even that we're dealing right things even that we're dealing right things even that we're dealing right now. And they have this attitude. now. And they have this attitude. now. And they have this attitude. They're like, "God, we obey you. We even They're like, "God, we obey you. We even They're like, "God, we obey you. We even go to the temple in worship. go to the temple in worship. go to the temple in worship. God, why are you letting this happen? God, why are you letting this happen? God, why are you letting this happen? Why are we facing all these challenges? Why are we facing all these challenges? Why are we facing all these challenges? I submit to you, it's the questions you I submit to you, it's the questions you I submit to you, it's the questions you ask, whether they're out loud or whether ask, whether they're out loud or whether ask, whether they're out loud or whether they're silently. God, I don't they're silently. God, I don't they're silently. God, I don't understand. I'm a Christ follower. I'm a understand. I'm a Christ follower. I'm a understand. I'm a Christ follower. I'm a Christian. Why are these things Why are Christian. Why are these things Why are Christian. Why are these things Why are you letting them happen to me? That's you letting them happen to me? That's you letting them happen to me? That's what we're going to study today. And I'm what we're going to study today. And I'm what we're going to study today. And I'm going to bring some insight, some going to bring some insight, some going to bring some insight, some wisdom, and some understanding. Okay? wisdom, and some understanding. Okay? wisdom, and some understanding. Okay? So, let's pray. Uh would you would you So, let's pray. Uh would you would you So, let's pray. Uh would you would you close your eyes? all of our campuses. close your eyes? all of our campuses. close your eyes? all of our campuses. I'm I'm going to pray for all of us here I'm I'm going to pray for all of us here I'm I'm going to pray for all of us here and I'm also going to pray for some of and I'm also going to pray for some of and I'm also going to pray for some of the prayer requests that have come in the prayer requests that have come in the prayer requests that have come in online regarding finances through our online regarding finances through our online regarding finances through our app. God, I thank you for your word app. God, I thank you for your word app. God, I thank you for your word today. I thank you for the opportunity today. I thank you for the opportunity today. I thank you for the opportunity that we have to hear from you. God, that we have to hear from you. God, that we have to hear from you. God, please help me to communicate what you please help me to communicate what you please help me to communicate what you want to say. And God, please help Randy want to say. And God, please help Randy want to say. And God, please help Randy like even my own insecurities about like even my own insecurities about like even my own insecurities about teaching and what people will think.

teaching and what people will think. teaching and what people will think. God, I pray that you would help me to God, I pray that you would help me to God, I pray that you would help me to not be in the way. But God, you speak not be in the way. But God, you speak not be in the way. But God, you speak your words today. you you have wisdom. your words today. you you have wisdom. your words today. you you have wisdom. You have understanding. You you have the You have understanding. You you have the You have understanding. You you have the resources to help us to understand the resources to help us to understand the resources to help us to understand the stress that we're dealing with to help stress that we're dealing with to help stress that we're dealing with to help us overcome that. So please, Lord, us overcome that. So please, Lord, us overcome that. So please, Lord, today, would you bring peace, God? Would today, would you bring peace, God? Would today, would you bring peace, God? Would you bring strength in everybody's life you bring strength in everybody's life you bring strength in everybody's life here today and help us receive your here today and help us receive your here today and help us receive your word? And even for Jill, Lord, at word? And even for Jill, Lord, at word? And even for Jill, Lord, at Lakewood Ranch Campus, uh I'm praying, Lakewood Ranch Campus, uh I'm praying, Lakewood Ranch Campus, uh I'm praying, God, that that you would do things that God, that that you would do things that God, that that you would do things that only you can do. She's looking for a only you can do. She's looking for a only you can do. She's looking for a steady job and she's mentally struggling steady job and she's mentally struggling steady job and she's mentally struggling and she's constantly challenged every and she's constantly challenged every and she's constantly challenged every day. I pray God as well that you would day. I pray God as well that you would day. I pray God as well that you would answer that prayer. I pray God for Janie answer that prayer. I pray God for Janie answer that prayer. I pray God for Janie at Beayhore Gardens God. She's lifting at Beayhore Gardens God. She's lifting at Beayhore Gardens God. She's lifting up her financial situation that you up her financial situation that you up her financial situation that you would open a door and make it able for would open a door and make it able for would open a door and make it able for her to be able to provide for her and her to be able to provide for her and her to be able to provide for her and her family. And God also for SA God, her family. And God also for SA God, her family. And God also for SA God, thank you God for provisions to help her thank you God for provisions to help her thank you God for provisions to help her be a good steward of what you've given be a good steward of what you've given be a good steward of what you've given her. Everybody who's here today with a her. Everybody who's here today with a her. Everybody who's here today with a prayer request for their finances, I prayer request for their finances, I prayer request for their finances, I pray you would meet it and work on pray you would meet it and work on pray you would meet it and work on behalf of them in Jesus name. Amen. behalf of them in Jesus name. Amen. behalf of them in Jesus name. Amen. >> Come on everybody, give God some praise.

>> Come on everybody, give God some praise. >> Come on everybody, give God some praise. [applause] [applause] [applause] Right. Right. Right. By the way, I love our new app. It's By the way, I love our new app. It's By the way, I love our new app. It's interactive. It's not a static place to interactive. It's not a static place to interactive. It's not a static place to go. You can read scriptures there, make go. You can read scriptures there, make go. You can read scriptures there, make comments, see what other people learning comments, see what other people learning comments, see what other people learning from scriptures, submit prayers. I'm on from scriptures, submit prayers. I'm on from scriptures, submit prayers. I'm on there all the time. All of our staff, there all the time. All of our staff, there all the time. All of our staff, all of our leaders, everybody's on there all of our leaders, everybody's on there all of our leaders, everybody's on there all the time praying for all of those all the time praying for all of those all the time praying for all of those things. What an incredible time to have things. What an incredible time to have things. What an incredible time to have interaction with your church Monday interaction with your church Monday interaction with your church Monday through Saturday and not just on Sunday. through Saturday and not just on Sunday. through Saturday and not just on Sunday. I highly recommend you download the app. I highly recommend you download the app. I highly recommend you download the app. So here we are dealing with stress So here we are dealing with stress So here we are dealing with stress similar to what the Israelites were similar to what the Israelites were similar to what the Israelites were doing back in Malachi. And uh what is doing back in Malachi. And uh what is doing back in Malachi. And uh what is the first thing that God wants us to the first thing that God wants us to the first thing that God wants us to understand in regards to this? Malachi understand in regards to this? Malachi understand in regards to this? Malachi 1:6. 1:6. 1:6. A son honors his father and a servant A son honors his father and a servant A son honors his father and a servant respects his master. If I am your father respects his master. If I am your father respects his master. If I am your father and your master, where are the honor and and your master, where are the honor and and your master, where are the honor and respect that I deserve? You have shown respect that I deserve? You have shown respect that I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name. Write this down. contempt for my name. Write this down. contempt for my name. Write this down. Here's our first thought. Financial Here's our first thought. Financial Here's our first thought. Financial peace begins with honor.

Now, my tendency today is I have so much Now, my tendency today is I have so much stuff I want to say is to go fast, but stuff I want to say is to go fast, but stuff I want to say is to go fast, but I'm just going to go until the Lord I'm just going to go until the Lord I'm just going to go until the Lord tells me to stop. Okay, so we may be tells me to stop. Okay, so we may be tells me to stop. Okay, so we may be here till 1:00. >> All right, three of you. >> All right, three of you. Lock the doors. No, [laughter] Lock the doors. No, [laughter] Lock the doors. No, [laughter] >> that word honor uh kavided uh is the is >> that word honor uh kavided uh is the is >> that word honor uh kavided uh is the is the the Hebrew word. It actually means the the Hebrew word. It actually means the the Hebrew word. It actually means to give preference to something. And we to give preference to something. And we to give preference to something. And we understand this word honor. You think understand this word honor. You think understand this word honor. You think about it when you see somebody that is about it when you see somebody that is about it when you see somebody that is in military. I don't know about you, but in military. I don't know about you, but in military. I don't know about you, but I I see the Marine Corps or a t-shirt or I I see the Marine Corps or a t-shirt or I I see the Marine Corps or a t-shirt or something military. I just want to stop something military. I just want to stop something military. I just want to stop and honor them. Say, "Thank you so much and honor them. Say, "Thank you so much and honor them. Say, "Thank you so much for your service." That's what honor for your service." That's what honor for your service." That's what honor giving preference to them. I like how giving preference to them. I like how giving preference to them. I like how Delta does it. You wait to get on the Delta does it. You wait to get on the Delta does it. You wait to get on the plane. They let the military on first. plane. They let the military on first. plane. They let the military on first. That's that's showing honor. As a matter That's that's showing honor. As a matter That's that's showing honor. As a matter of fact, real quick, would we just honor of fact, real quick, would we just honor of fact, real quick, would we just honor all of those that have served and are all of those that have served and are all of those that have served and are serving our military? Yes. Our civil serving our military? Yes. Our civil serving our military? Yes. Our civil servants, police, and sheriffs and all servants, police, and sheriffs and all servants, police, and sheriffs and all of them. Come on. Yeah. Let's give it of them. Come on. Yeah. Let's give it of them. Come on. Yeah. Let's give it up. Let's show some honor to them, up. Let's show some honor to them, up. Let's show some honor to them, church. Yes. [applause] Think about it. We show honor like that.

Think about it. We show honor like that. You don't know where they served, how You don't know where they served, how You don't know where they served, how they served, when they served, or what they served, when they served, or what they served, when they served, or what they did. All you know is I should show they did. All you know is I should show they did. All you know is I should show them honor because the freedom I live in them honor because the freedom I live in them honor because the freedom I live in is because of what they've done. is because of what they've done. is because of what they've done. >> Right? And God is saying, "Well, wait a >> Right? And God is saying, "Well, wait a >> Right? And God is saying, "Well, wait a minute. You're not showing me honor." In minute. You're not showing me honor." In minute. You're not showing me honor." In fact, he says, "You're showing fact, he says, "You're showing fact, he says, "You're showing contempt." It means to think lightly of contempt." It means to think lightly of contempt." It means to think lightly of something, to actually show little value something, to actually show little value something, to actually show little value towards something. You see, the towards something. You see, the towards something. You see, the Israelites were crying out to God when Israelites were crying out to God when Israelites were crying out to God when they needed help. And then once he did they needed help. And then once he did they needed help. And then once he did it, they no longer were crying out to it, they no longer were crying out to it, they no longer were crying out to him. They were showing contempt. Oh, him. They were showing contempt. Oh, him. They were showing contempt. Oh, they were honoring him when they WERE IN they were honoring him when they WERE IN they were honoring him when they WERE IN TROUBLE. OH GOD, PLEASE GET US OUT OF TROUBLE. OH GOD, PLEASE GET US OUT OF TROUBLE. OH GOD, PLEASE GET US OUT OF EXILE. GOD, please solve this problem. EXILE. GOD, please solve this problem. EXILE. GOD, please solve this problem. And then as soon as he did, they started And then as soon as he did, they started And then as soon as he did, they started showing contempt, gave little value to showing contempt, gave little value to showing contempt, gave little value to him. And uh listen, he Jesus said it him. And uh listen, he Jesus said it him. And uh listen, he Jesus said it this way. These people honor me with this way. These people honor me with this way. These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far their lips, but their hearts are far their lips, but their hearts are far from me. So my question then is if honor from me. So my question then is if honor from me. So my question then is if honor is the most important thing we could do is the most important thing we could do is the most important thing we could do in regards to our finances, then uh how in regards to our finances, then uh how in regards to our finances, then uh how do I actually even know if I am honoring do I actually even know if I am honoring do I actually even know if I am honoring God? I write this thought down. Honor God? I write this thought down. Honor God? I write this thought down. Honor means I give my first and I give my means I give my first and I give my means I give my first and I give my best.

best. best. Honor means I give my first, I give my Honor means I give my first, I give my Honor means I give my first, I give my best. Here we go. Continuing in Malachi best. Here we go. Continuing in Malachi best. Here we go. Continuing in Malachi uh one, God says, "But you ask, how have uh one, God says, "But you ask, how have uh one, God says, "But you ask, how have we ever shown contempt for your name?" we ever shown contempt for your name?" we ever shown contempt for your name?" You have shown contempt by offering You have shown contempt by offering You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar. Then you defiled sacrifices on my altar. Then you defiled sacrifices on my altar. Then you ask, "How have we defiled the ask, "How have we defiled the ask, "How have we defiled the sacrifices?" You defile them by saying, sacrifices?" You defile them by saying, sacrifices?" You defile them by saying, "The altar of the Lord deserves no "The altar of the Lord deserves no "The altar of the Lord deserves no respect." When you give blind animals as respect." When you give blind animals as respect." When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn't that wrong? And isn't sacrifices, isn't that wrong? And isn't sacrifices, isn't that wrong? And isn't it wrong to offer animals that are it wrong to offer animals that are it wrong to offer animals that are crippled in diseased? Try giving gifts crippled in diseased? Try giving gifts crippled in diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor and see how like that to your governor and see how like that to your governor and see how pleased he is, says the Lord Almighty. pleased he is, says the Lord Almighty. pleased he is, says the Lord Almighty. Go ahead, beg God to be merciful to you. Go ahead, beg God to be merciful to you. Go ahead, beg God to be merciful to you. But when you bring that kind of But when you bring that kind of But when you bring that kind of offering, why should he show any favor offering, why should he show any favor offering, why should he show any favor at all? Asked the Lord Almighty. How I at all? Asked the Lord Almighty. How I at all? Asked the Lord Almighty. How I wish one of you would shut the temple wish one of you would shut the temple wish one of you would shut the temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices doors so that these worthless sacrifices doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered. I'm not pleased could not be offered. I'm not pleased could not be offered. I'm not pleased with you, says the Lord Almighty, and I with you, says the Lord Almighty, and I with you, says the Lord Almighty, and I will not accept your offerings. But my will not accept your offerings. But my will not accept your offerings. But my name is honored by people in other name is honored by people in other name is honored by people in other nations from morning until night. All nations from morning until night. All nations from morning until night. All around the world, they offer sweet around the world, they offer sweet around the world, they offer sweet incense and pure offerings in honor of incense and pure offerings in honor of incense and pure offerings in honor of my name. For my name is great among the my name. For my name is great among the my name. For my name is great among the nations, says the Lord Almighty. But you nations, says the Lord Almighty. But you nations, says the Lord Almighty. But you dishonor my name with your actions by dishonor my name with your actions by dishonor my name with your actions by bringing contemptable food. You are bringing contemptable food. You are bringing contemptable food. You are saying it's all right to defile the saying it's all right to defile the saying it's all right to defile the Lord's table. By the way, when we're Lord's table. By the way, when we're Lord's table. By the way, when we're reading this, first of all, God's not reading this, first of all, God's not reading this, first of all, God's not necessarily talking about animals and necessarily talking about animals and necessarily talking about animals and sacrifices. This is their modern-day sacrifices. This is their modern-day sacrifices. This is their modern-day currency. Okay? This is what we would currency. Okay? This is what we would currency. Okay? This is what we would like the the the dollar I was talking like the the the dollar I was talking like the the the dollar I was talking about. And so, that's really what he's

about. And so, that's really what he's about. And so, that's really what he's talking about. But he says on here that talking about. But he says on here that talking about. But he says on here that their sacrifices were worthless. Isn't their sacrifices were worthless. Isn't their sacrifices were worthless. Isn't that interesting? Worthless. He also that interesting? Worthless. He also that interesting? Worthless. He also says that I'd rather you shut the door says that I'd rather you shut the door says that I'd rather you shut the door to the temple. In other words, God to the temple. In other words, God to the temple. In other words, God doesn't want us simply to go through doesn't want us simply to go through doesn't want us simply to go through religious ceremonial duties. ticking a religious ceremonial duties. ticking a religious ceremonial duties. ticking a box. I went to church. Aren't you proud box. I went to church. Aren't you proud box. I went to church. Aren't you proud of me, God? I put some money in there. of me, God? I put some money in there. of me, God? I put some money in there. Aren't you proud of me, God? We're not Aren't you proud of me, God? We're not Aren't you proud of me, God? We're not doing God a favor by attending and just doing God a favor by attending and just doing God a favor by attending and just tipping God a little bit. tipping God a little bit. tipping God a little bit. >> And God is saying, "I'd rather you not >> And God is saying, "I'd rather you not >> And God is saying, "I'd rather you not even come with that." Why is that? even come with that." Why is that? even come with that." Why is that? Because God looks at the heart before he Because God looks at the heart before he Because God looks at the heart before he looks at the sacrifice. looks at the sacrifice. looks at the sacrifice. >> It's not what you give or how much you >> It's not what you give or how much you >> It's not what you give or how much you give. It's the heart that you give it. give. It's the heart that you give it. give. It's the heart that you give it. >> We all know the story of the woman of >> We all know the story of the woman of >> We all know the story of the woman of the the widow who gave one little might the the widow who gave one little might the the widow who gave one little might And it was her offering was greater than And it was her offering was greater than And it was her offering was greater than the others because she did it from a the others because she did it from a the others because she did it from a heart of worship whereas the others did heart of worship whereas the others did heart of worship whereas the others did it as a duty to God. How do you know if your heart is in the How do you know if your heart is in the right place? I'll tell you this. Write right place? I'll tell you this. Write right place? I'll tell you this. Write this down. My priorities speak about my this down. My priorities speak about my this down. My priorities speak about my heart.

heart. heart. You know, since the beginning of time, You know, since the beginning of time, You know, since the beginning of time, uh God has been trying to communicate to uh God has been trying to communicate to uh God has been trying to communicate to us that he wants to be first in our us that he wants to be first in our us that he wants to be first in our lives. So, right, we had Adam and Eve lives. So, right, we had Adam and Eve lives. So, right, we had Adam and Eve and they had two sons, Cain and Abel. and they had two sons, Cain and Abel. and they had two sons, Cain and Abel. And you can see from how they gave their And you can see from how they gave their And you can see from how they gave their sacrifices to the Lord that God looked sacrifices to the Lord that God looked sacrifices to the Lord that God looked at one favorable and one was at one favorable and one was at one favorable and one was unfavorable. Here we are in Genesis unfavorable. Here we are in Genesis unfavorable. Here we are in Genesis chapter 4 chapter 4 chapter 4 says, "Now Abel kept flocks. He was a says, "Now Abel kept flocks. He was a says, "Now Abel kept flocks. He was a shepherd. Cain worked the soil. He was shepherd. Cain worked the soil. He was shepherd. Cain worked the soil. He was just a farmer." Notice these words in just a farmer." Notice these words in just a farmer." Notice these words in the course of time. This is Genesis 4 the course of time. This is Genesis 4 the course of time. This is Genesis 4 verse two. in the course of time. verse two. in the course of time. verse two. in the course of time. Everybody say the course of time. Everybody say the course of time. Everybody say the course of time. >> What happened? Cain brought some of the >> What happened? Cain brought some of the >> What happened? Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the fruits of the soil as an offering to the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But look at Abel. He brought fat Lord. But look at Abel. He brought fat Lord. But look at Abel. He brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of portions from some of the firstborn of portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on his flock. The Lord looked with favor on his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel in his offering. But Cain and his Abel in his offering. But Cain and his Abel in his offering. But Cain and his offering, he did not look with favor. So offering, he did not look with favor. So offering, he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry and his face was Cain was very angry and his face was Cain was very angry and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face "Why are you angry? Why is your face "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will downcast? If you do what is right, will downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not you not be accepted? But if you do not you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at do what is right, sin is crouching at do what is right, sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you, but your door. It desires to have you, but your door. It desires to have you, but you must master it. The difference isn't you must master it. The difference isn't you must master it. The difference isn't what they brought, it's when they what they brought, it's when they what they brought, it's when they brought it. Cain did it whenever he gets brought it. Cain did it whenever he gets brought it. Cain did it whenever he gets around to it. Like, God, if I if I around to it. Like, God, if I if I around to it. Like, God, if I if I decide to bring you something, I will.

decide to bring you something, I will. decide to bring you something, I will. Whereas Abel gave some of the first. Whereas Abel gave some of the first. Whereas Abel gave some of the first. It's all about priority. You see, we It's all about priority. You see, we It's all about priority. You see, we can't bargain with God. He's either can't bargain with God. He's either can't bargain with God. He's either first or he's not. Well, he's either first or he's not. Well, he's either first or he's not. Well, he's either first or Ricky Bobby, you last, right? first or Ricky Bobby, you last, right? first or Ricky Bobby, you last, right? Okay. Okay. Okay. It's true, though. If you're not first, It's true, though. If you're not first, It's true, though. If you're not first, then God is he's he's last. And that then God is he's he's last. And that then God is he's he's last. And that that he wants that place. It's a that he wants that place. It's a that he wants that place. It's a dishonoring him. Our priorities show dishonoring him. Our priorities show dishonoring him. Our priorities show what we really honor. And isn't it what we really honor. And isn't it what we really honor. And isn't it interesting that it's even mentioned interesting that it's even mentioned interesting that it's even mentioned here to Cain that look, sin is crouching here to Cain that look, sin is crouching here to Cain that look, sin is crouching at your door, but you must master it. In at your door, but you must master it. In at your door, but you must master it. In other words, you must have control over other words, you must have control over other words, you must have control over that. And the only way to overcome to that. And the only way to overcome to that. And the only way to overcome to have control over temptation and sin in have control over temptation and sin in have control over temptation and sin in your life is God has to be highest your life is God has to be highest your life is God has to be highest priority in your life. He is almighty. priority in your life. He is almighty. priority in your life. He is almighty. He can do anything. But he can only do He can do anything. But he can only do He can do anything. But he can only do everything if you put him in the right everything if you put him in the right everything if you put him in the right place. place. place. >> If God is left over, then that's what >> If God is left over, then that's what >> If God is left over, then that's what you're going to get. You're going to get you're going to get. You're going to get you're going to get. You're going to get leftover God. But if God is first, leftover God. But if God is first, leftover God. But if God is first, you're going to get the best.

you're going to get the best. you're going to get the best. >> That's why Jesus said this. No one can >> That's why Jesus said this. No one can >> That's why Jesus said this. No one can serve two masters. Either you'll hate serve two masters. Either you'll hate serve two masters. Either you'll hate the one and love the other or you'll be the one and love the other or you'll be the one and love the other or you'll be devoted to the one and despise the devoted to the one and despise the devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and other. You cannot serve both God and other. You cannot serve both God and money. What he's talking about here is money. What he's talking about here is money. What he's talking about here is things that you trust in. And if you things that you trust in. And if you things that you trust in. And if you don't trust in God and have him first in don't trust in God and have him first in don't trust in God and have him first in your priorities, what ends up happening your priorities, what ends up happening your priorities, what ends up happening is you start despising God and actually is you start despising God and actually is you start despising God and actually you'll despise other people that you see you'll despise other people that you see you'll despise other people that you see the blessings of God on. the blessings of God on. the blessings of God on. Because Cain got to God in the course of Because Cain got to God in the course of Because Cain got to God in the course of time, but Abel honored him first. It time, but Abel honored him first. It time, but Abel honored him first. It stirred up this spirit of anger inside stirred up this spirit of anger inside stirred up this spirit of anger inside Cain. And he actually even murdered his Cain. And he actually even murdered his Cain. And he actually even murdered his own brother. own brother. own brother. You and I can't serve God and serve You and I can't serve God and serve You and I can't serve God and serve possessions. God has to be number one in possessions. God has to be number one in possessions. God has to be number one in our lives. And so, you cannot serve or our lives. And so, you cannot serve or our lives. And so, you cannot serve or yield or give priority to two things. yield or give priority to two things. yield or give priority to two things. Either one or the other. Everybody say, Either one or the other. Everybody say, Either one or the other. Everybody say, "Amen." "Amen." "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And so, here's the next thought. My >> And so, here's the next thought. My >> And so, here's the next thought. My first leads to God's best.

first leads to God's best. first leads to God's best. So in Malachi it continues this. It So in Malachi it continues this. It So in Malachi it continues this. It says, "Return to me and I will return to says, "Return to me and I will return to says, "Return to me and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty. But if you you, says the Lord Almighty. But if you you, says the Lord Almighty. But if you ask, how are we to return? We're a mere ask, how are we to return? We're a mere ask, how are we to return? We're a mere mortal. Rob God, yet you rob me. But you mortal. Rob God, yet you rob me. But you mortal. Rob God, yet you rob me. But you ask, how are we robbing you?" In tithes ask, how are we robbing you?" In tithes ask, how are we robbing you?" In tithes and offerings, you are under a curse. and offerings, you are under a curse. and offerings, you are under a curse. Your whole nation because you are Your whole nation because you are Your whole nation because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in the storehouse that there may be food in the storehouse that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord my house. Test me in this, says the Lord my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw Almighty, and see if I will not throw Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven, and pour open the floodgates of heaven, and pour open the floodgates of heaven, and pour out so much of a blessing, there will be out so much of a blessing, there will be out so much of a blessing, there will be not room enough to store it. I'll not room enough to store it. I'll not room enough to store it. I'll prevent the pest from devouring your prevent the pest from devouring your prevent the pest from devouring your crops. And the vines in your fields, crops. And the vines in your fields, crops. And the vines in your fields, they will not drop their fruit before they will not drop their fruit before they will not drop their fruit before it's actually ripe, says the Lord it's actually ripe, says the Lord it's actually ripe, says the Lord Almighty. Then all nations will call you Almighty. Then all nations will call you Almighty. Then all nations will call you blessed. Everybody say blessed. blessed. Everybody say blessed. blessed. Everybody say blessed. >> Blessed. >> Blessed. >> Blessed. >> Say blessed. >> Say blessed. >> Say blessed. >> Blessed. For yours will be a delightful >> Blessed. For yours will be a delightful >> Blessed. For yours will be a delightful land, says the Lord Almighty. Everybody land, says the Lord Almighty. Everybody land, says the Lord Almighty. Everybody say return. say return. say return. >> Return. >> Return. >> Return. >> It's return. Not because you want God to >> It's return. Not because you want God to >> It's return. Not because you want God to do something, but it's a return of the do something, but it's a return of the do something, but it's a return of the heart. Remember, God wants your heart.

heart. Remember, God wants your heart. heart. Remember, God wants your heart. And your priorities show where your And your priorities show where your And your priorities show where your heart is. It kind of reminds me of uh my heart is. It kind of reminds me of uh my heart is. It kind of reminds me of uh my my daughter Emily. Her dog, his name is my daughter Emily. Her dog, his name is my daughter Emily. Her dog, his name is Bella. And uh and she's a golden doodle. Bella. And uh and she's a golden doodle. Bella. And uh and she's a golden doodle. And we have Budro. Amy and I have a And we have Budro. Amy and I have a And we have Budro. Amy and I have a golden doodle. We call him Budro. I golden doodle. We call him Budro. I golden doodle. We call him Budro. I Isn't that so funny? Problem with him, Isn't that so funny? Problem with him, Isn't that so funny? Problem with him, these golden doodles, they're so smart. these golden doodles, they're so smart. these golden doodles, they're so smart. That budro is smarter than the budro That budro is smarter than the budro That budro is smarter than the budro that I tell jokes about, right? that I tell jokes about, right? that I tell jokes about, right? Literally. But anyway, Bella is one of Literally. But anyway, Bella is one of Literally. But anyway, Bella is one of those dogs where she won't listen. If those dogs where she won't listen. If those dogs where she won't listen. If you let her out to eat, she goes and you let her out to eat, she goes and you let her out to eat, she goes and she's barking and carrying on. By the she's barking and carrying on. By the she's barking and carrying on. By the way, if you are an Amazon driver or a way, if you are an Amazon driver or a way, if you are an Amazon driver or a UPS driver, you come to my house, I'm so UPS driver, you come to my house, I'm so UPS driver, you come to my house, I'm so sorry if Bella's there cuz she will sorry if Bella's there cuz she will sorry if Bella's there cuz she will chase them like to the neighbor's front chase them like to the neighbor's front chase them like to the neighbor's front porch and they're like backed up here porch and they're like backed up here porch and they're like backed up here and she's like after I don't know what and she's like after I don't know what and she's like after I don't know what happened. We got her when she was like a happened. We got her when she was like a happened. We got her when she was like a year old, but something happened with a year old, but something happened with a year old, but something happened with a UPS driver and she is triggered every UPS driver and she is triggered every UPS driver and she is triggered every time a delivery person shows up. Anyway, time a delivery person shows up. Anyway, time a delivery person shows up. Anyway, even if there's no delivery person out even if there's no delivery person out even if there's no delivery person out there, she's just out there doing her there, she's just out there doing her there, she's just out there doing her own thing and we like calling her to own thing and we like calling her to own thing and we like calling her to return. Bella, come here. She's return. Bella, come here. She's return. Bella, come here. She's doing whatever she wants to do. Now, if doing whatever she wants to do. Now, if doing whatever she wants to do. Now, if you say, "Bella, treat." Hey, all of a you say, "Bella, treat." Hey, all of a you say, "Bella, treat." Hey, all of a sudden, what? [laughter] and then she'll return because she wants and then she'll return because she wants the treat.

the treat. the treat. I'm not teaching this stuff because I I'm not teaching this stuff because I I'm not teaching this stuff because I want you to come to the Lord so he can want you to come to the Lord so he can want you to come to the Lord so he can bless you. bless you. bless you. I'm teaching this because I want you to I'm teaching this because I want you to I'm teaching this because I want you to come to the Lord because he needs first come to the Lord because he needs first come to the Lord because he needs first place in your life. place in your life. place in your life. >> And when he is first place in your life, >> And when he is first place in your life, >> And when he is first place in your life, then he does take care of all these then he does take care of all these then he does take care of all these things. He's a promise maker. He's a things. He's a promise maker. He's a things. He's a promise maker. He's a promise keeper, church. promise keeper, church. promise keeper, church. >> He doesn't say things and not fulfill >> He doesn't say things and not fulfill >> He doesn't say things and not fulfill them. But I'm telling you this because them. But I'm telling you this because them. But I'm telling you this because the Lord wants you to return. He's the Lord wants you to return. He's the Lord wants you to return. He's really speaking about your heart really speaking about your heart really speaking about your heart >> trusting him. Which means this. Write >> trusting him. Which means this. Write >> trusting him. Which means this. Write this down. Tithing is a trust test. this down. Tithing is a trust test. this down. Tithing is a trust test. Now, some of you may not even know what Now, some of you may not even know what Now, some of you may not even know what tithing means. Like, pastor Randy, you tithing means. Like, pastor Randy, you tithing means. Like, pastor Randy, you speak in Greek to me. Well, actually, speak in Greek to me. Well, actually, speak in Greek to me. Well, actually, that is true. It is Greek. Okay. It that is true. It is Greek. Okay. It that is true. It is Greek. Okay. It actually means to put God first. It actually means to put God first. It actually means to put God first. It means 10%, but it's the first 10%. I means 10%, but it's the first 10%. I means 10%, but it's the first 10%. I mean, God chose that in honoring him mean, God chose that in honoring him mean, God chose that in honoring him that we should surrender the first 10 to that we should surrender the first 10 to that we should surrender the first 10 to him. And you go, "Well, why did God him. And you go, "Well, why did God him. And you go, "Well, why did God choose 10?" I don't know. I'll ask him choose 10?" I don't know. I'll ask him choose 10?" I don't know. I'll ask him when I get there. Maybe he thought 10% when I get there. Maybe he thought 10% when I get there. Maybe he thought 10% was fair, you know, equity, everybody.

was fair, you know, equity, everybody. was fair, you know, equity, everybody. Whether you make 50 or $500,000 a year, Whether you make 50 or $500,000 a year, Whether you make 50 or $500,000 a year, it's, you know, it it's the same. But I it's, you know, it it's the same. But I it's, you know, it it's the same. But I do know this that in the Bible that the do know this that in the Bible that the do know this that in the Bible that the number 10 represents number 10 represents number 10 represents uh season or it represents testing. uh season or it represents testing. uh season or it represents testing. Okay, you guys ready? We're going to Okay, you guys ready? We're going to Okay, you guys ready? We're going to play a little game. Okay, you ready for play a little game. Okay, you ready for play a little game. Okay, you ready for this? How many plagues were there in this? How many plagues were there in this? How many plagues were there in Egypt to the Pharaoh before he let the Egypt to the Pharaoh before he let the Egypt to the Pharaoh before he let the people go? people go? people go? >> Everybody say 10. Okay, I'm I'm gonna >> Everybody say 10. Okay, I'm I'm gonna >> Everybody say 10. Okay, I'm I'm gonna help you out for a minute. All right, help you out for a minute. All right, help you out for a minute. All right, there was 10. How many commandments are there was 10. How many commandments are there was 10. How many commandments are there? there? there? >> 10. >> 10. >> 10. >> Okay, all of our campuses, you guys not >> Okay, all of our campuses, you guys not >> Okay, all of our campuses, you guys not answering. How many commandments were answering. How many commandments were answering. How many commandments were there? there? there? >> 10. >> 10. >> 10. >> Jacob in the Old Testament, he had his >> Jacob in the Old Testament, he had his >> Jacob in the Old Testament, he had his wages changed how many times? wages changed how many times? wages changed how many times? >> 10. >> 10. >> 10. >> Okay, you guys are getting this. All >> Okay, you guys are getting this. All >> Okay, you guys are getting this. All right. Daniel was tested how many days? right. Daniel was tested how many days? right. Daniel was tested how many days? >> Or how many times? wasn't 10 days. Okay. >> Or how many times? wasn't 10 days. Okay. >> Or how many times? wasn't 10 days. Okay. There were how many lepers that Jesus There were how many lepers that Jesus There were how many lepers that Jesus tested and he healed all of them. How tested and he healed all of them. How tested and he healed all of them. How many of them were there? many of them were there? many of them were there? >> 10. >> 10. >> 10. >> 10. With the virgins that didn't have >> 10. With the virgins that didn't have >> 10. With the virgins that didn't have any oil in the lamp, how many were any oil in the lamp, how many were any oil in the lamp, how many were there? there? there? >> And how many disciples were there? >> And how many disciples were there? >> And how many disciples were there? >> Hey, you guys.

>> Hey, you guys. >> Hey, you guys. I was just making sure you were paying I was just making sure you were paying I was just making sure you were paying attention. Yeah. >> So, it's very clear that that 10 is an >> So, it's very clear that that 10 is an important number to God. important number to God. important number to God. And uh and it doesn't just mean 10. It And uh and it doesn't just mean 10. It And uh and it doesn't just mean 10. It actually refers to the first 10. Let me actually refers to the first 10. Let me actually refers to the first 10. Let me read a few scriptures to teach you this. read a few scriptures to teach you this. read a few scriptures to teach you this. Exodus chapter 13. The Lord said to Exodus chapter 13. The Lord said to Exodus chapter 13. The Lord said to Moses, "Consecrate to me every Moses, "Consecrate to me every Moses, "Consecrate to me every firstborn." Right? The first offering of firstborn." Right? The first offering of firstborn." Right? The first offering of every womb among the Israelites belong every womb among the Israelites belong every womb among the Israelites belong to me. You are to give over to the Lord to me. You are to give over to the Lord to me. You are to give over to the Lord the first offspring of every womb. All the first offspring of every womb. All the first offspring of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock the firstborn males of your livestock the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the Lord. It goes on to say in belong to the Lord. It goes on to say in belong to the Lord. It goes on to say in Exodus 23:19, "Bring the best of the Exodus 23:19, "Bring the best of the Exodus 23:19, "Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil to the house first fruits of your soil to the house first fruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God." Proverbs 3, of the Lord your God." Proverbs 3, of the Lord your God." Proverbs 3, "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of your crops. Then the first fruits of your crops. Then the first fruits of your crops. Then your barns will be filled and your barns will be filled and your barns will be filled and overflowing, and your vats will brim overflowing, and your vats will brim overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." It's a trust test.

over with new wine." It's a trust test. over with new wine." It's a trust test. In other words, it's giving God the In other words, it's giving God the In other words, it's giving God the first before you even know what's going first before you even know what's going first before you even know what's going to happen with the rest of the month. to happen with the rest of the month. to happen with the rest of the month. That's trusting God. You also understand That's trusting God. You also understand That's trusting God. You also understand that Jesus says that without faith, it that Jesus says that without faith, it that Jesus says that without faith, it is impossible to please God. But you is impossible to please God. But you is impossible to please God. But you cannot please God unless you are doing cannot please God unless you are doing cannot please God unless you are doing something in faith. You're taking steps something in faith. You're taking steps something in faith. You're taking steps of faith. You're trusting God in an area of faith. You're trusting God in an area of faith. You're trusting God in an area that you're concerned about. And that's that you're concerned about. And that's that you're concerned about. And that's why giving God the first shows God, I why giving God the first shows God, I why giving God the first shows God, I trust you for the rest. In fact, the trust you for the rest. In fact, the trust you for the rest. In fact, the first is the one that has the blessing. first is the one that has the blessing. first is the one that has the blessing. If you give God the first, it causes him If you give God the first, it causes him If you give God the first, it causes him to multiply the rest. In other words, to multiply the rest. In other words, to multiply the rest. In other words, the blessing's in the first. It's not in the blessing's in the first. It's not in the blessing's in the first. It's not in the let's just wait and see if we can do the let's just wait and see if we can do the let's just wait and see if we can do something for God. Oh, okay. It was the something for God. Oh, okay. It was the something for God. Oh, okay. It was the end of the month. It worked out. We end of the month. It worked out. We end of the month. It worked out. We didn't have any tires or air didn't have any tires or air didn't have any tires or air conditioning issues. Let's just put a conditioning issues. Let's just put a conditioning issues. Let's just put a little bit in there. That's that's not little bit in there. That's that's not little bit in there. That's that's not where the blessing rests. It only rests where the blessing rests. It only rests where the blessing rests. It only rests when you're giving God the first. Amy when you're giving God the first. Amy when you're giving God the first. Amy and I have been doing this since even and I have been doing this since even and I have been doing this since even before we were married, but obviously as before we were married, but obviously as before we were married, but obviously as a couple, we have been doing that. Uh we a couple, we have been doing that. Uh we a couple, we have been doing that. Uh we used to write a check and it was the used to write a check and it was the used to write a check and it was the first one we wrote. Thank God for tap first one we wrote. Thank God for tap first one we wrote. Thank God for tap features and transactional giving. It's features and transactional giving. It's features and transactional giving. It's set up every month. The first dollar set up every month. The first dollar set up every month. The first dollar that comes out of our account, it that comes out of our account, it that comes out of our account, it doesn't go to pennymac.

doesn't go to pennymac. doesn't go to pennymac. It doesn't go to Target. It's not going It doesn't go to Target. It's not going It doesn't go to Target. It's not going to Publix. It's not going anywhere else. to Publix. It's not going anywhere else. to Publix. It's not going anywhere else. Is going to the house of God because I Is going to the house of God because I Is going to the house of God because I know there's a blessing that is attached know there's a blessing that is attached know there's a blessing that is attached with my faith by giving God first place. with my faith by giving God first place. with my faith by giving God first place. Everybody say first place. Everybody say first place. Everybody say first place. >> Bayside has been doing this since the >> Bayside has been doing this since the >> Bayside has been doing this since the beginning of the church. We raised money beginning of the church. We raised money beginning of the church. We raised money to start the church. First thing we did, to start the church. First thing we did, to start the church. First thing we did, we didn't secure a building. We didn't we didn't secure a building. We didn't we didn't secure a building. We didn't buy equipment. No, we gave it away to buy equipment. No, we gave it away to buy equipment. No, we gave it away to missions. We gave we we sent it away. We missions. We gave we we sent it away. We missions. We gave we we sent it away. We didn't keep it for ourselves. And didn't keep it for ourselves. And didn't keep it for ourselves. And listen, um I think that that's something listen, um I think that that's something listen, um I think that that's something for us to realize. Even in the for us to realize. Even in the for us to realize. Even in the Israelites when they went into the Israelites when they went into the Israelites when they went into the promised land, the first city they promised land, the first city they promised land, the first city they conquered was Jericho. They kept nothing conquered was Jericho. They kept nothing conquered was Jericho. They kept nothing for themselves. Well, Achen did anyway. for themselves. Well, Achen did anyway. for themselves. Well, Achen did anyway. You don't know what happened to him. So, You don't know what happened to him. So, You don't know what happened to him. So, [laughter] but but the first the first [laughter] but but the first the first [laughter] but but the first the first city actually belonged to the God to city actually belonged to the God to city actually belonged to the God to God. And he's saying here, and it's to God. And he's saying here, and it's to God. And he's saying here, and it's to test me in this. I love this because test me in this. I love this because test me in this. I love this because that word test means to prove genuine.

that word test means to prove genuine. that word test means to prove genuine. You don't use cash very often, but You don't use cash very often, but You don't use cash very often, but sometimes if you are using cash, I sometimes if you are using cash, I sometimes if you are using cash, I forget how long ago it was. I was at a forget how long ago it was. I was at a forget how long ago it was. I was at a store or somewhere and I was paying for store or somewhere and I was paying for store or somewhere and I was paying for something and I had a $100 bill and I something and I had a $100 bill and I something and I had a $100 bill and I gave it to them and the first thing they gave it to them and the first thing they gave it to them and the first thing they do is hold it up into this light to look do is hold it up into this light to look do is hold it up into this light to look and see if it's counterfeit or not. They and see if it's counterfeit or not. They and see if it's counterfeit or not. They want to test to make sure that it's want to test to make sure that it's want to test to make sure that it's genuine, right? genuine, right? genuine, right? When's the last time any of you had a When's the last time any of you had a When's the last time any of you had a $100 bill in your hand? Raise your hand $100 bill in your hand? Raise your hand $100 bill in your hand? Raise your hand if you Okay, everybody take note and go if you Okay, everybody take note and go if you Okay, everybody take note and go talk to them right after service because talk to them right after service because talk to them right after service because that might be the Lord's answer to your that might be the Lord's answer to your that might be the Lord's answer to your stress. [laughter] But when we test God, it's proving that But when we test God, it's proving that he is genuine, that God can do what he he is genuine, that God can do what he he is genuine, that God can do what he says that he's going to do. And so he says that he's going to do. And so he says that he's going to do. And so he says, "But be careful that you're not says, "But be careful that you're not says, "But be careful that you're not robbing me." That word rob actually robbing me." That word rob actually robbing me." That word rob actually means to spoil. means to spoil. means to spoil. You know when you and I keep something You know when you and I keep something You know when you and I keep something that is not ours that it actually that is not ours that it actually that is not ours that it actually spoils. In other words, what you think spoils. In other words, what you think spoils. In other words, what you think it'll bring you in pleasure in it'll bring you in pleasure in it'll bring you in pleasure in provision, it actually spoils and it provision, it actually spoils and it provision, it actually spoils and it doesn't.

doesn't. doesn't. >> In other words, you can negotiate with >> In other words, you can negotiate with >> In other words, you can negotiate with God all you want, but you're spoiling God all you want, but you're spoiling God all you want, but you're spoiling God's blessing when you don't honor him God's blessing when you don't honor him God's blessing when you don't honor him and put him first. God has a way of and put him first. God has a way of and put him first. God has a way of opening things that can't be opened when opening things that can't be opened when opening things that can't be opened when we choose to honor and put him first. we choose to honor and put him first. we choose to honor and put him first. Proverbs says, "There is a way that Proverbs says, "There is a way that Proverbs says, "There is a way that seems right to someone, but in the end, seems right to someone, but in the end, seems right to someone, but in the end, it leads to death." Now, here's what you it leads to death." Now, here's what you it leads to death." Now, here's what you need to know through all of these need to know through all of these need to know through all of these principles. Let's finish with this principles. Let's finish with this principles. Let's finish with this thought. Write this down. God's plan is thought. Write this down. God's plan is thought. Write this down. God's plan is for you to flourish. for you to flourish. for you to flourish. Now, it is interesting though, right? Now, it is interesting though, right? Now, it is interesting though, right? Because God says in this verse that he Because God says in this verse that he Because God says in this verse that he talks about a curse. And I've heard some talks about a curse. And I've heard some talks about a curse. And I've heard some people sometimes teach this and talk people sometimes teach this and talk people sometimes teach this and talk about this concept that God is going to about this concept that God is going to about this concept that God is going to put a curse on you if you don't. That's put a curse on you if you don't. That's put a curse on you if you don't. That's not what God is saying. By the way, you not what God is saying. By the way, you not what God is saying. By the way, you need to understand something. This whole need to understand something. This whole need to understand something. This whole world that we live in is cursed. world that we live in is cursed. world that we live in is cursed. Why? Because of Adam. How many of y'all Why? Because of Adam. How many of y'all Why? Because of Adam. How many of y'all can't wait to slap him in the mouth when can't wait to slap him in the mouth when can't wait to slap him in the mouth when you get to heaven? But you had it you get to heaven? But you had it you get to heaven? But you had it perfect. Okay. and you messed it up. But perfect. Okay. and you messed it up. But perfect. Okay. and you messed it up. But let's all be real. We would have chosen let's all be real. We would have chosen let's all be real. We would have chosen the same thing.

the same thing. the same thing. >> It's in a in a person's heart. So, what >> It's in a in a person's heart. So, what >> It's in a in a person's heart. So, what I'm teaching you is counterintuitive. I'm teaching you is counterintuitive. I'm teaching you is counterintuitive. It's to trust in self and not God. And It's to trust in self and not God. And It's to trust in self and not God. And we've been dealing with this since the we've been dealing with this since the we've been dealing with this since the beginning of time. Here's the problem, beginning of time. Here's the problem, beginning of time. Here's the problem, though. Adam sinned and it brought a though. Adam sinned and it brought a though. Adam sinned and it brought a curse on the land. Like there were curse on the land. Like there were curse on the land. Like there were thistles and thorns. In other words, thistles and thorns. In other words, thistles and thorns. In other words, there the the land, the earth, it's there the the land, the earth, it's there the the land, the earth, it's going to be a difficult place. There's going to be a difficult place. There's going to be a difficult place. There's going to be problems. There's going to going to be problems. There's going to going to be problems. There's going to be hurricanes and fires and droughts and be hurricanes and fires and droughts and be hurricanes and fires and droughts and all floods and all of these things. Then all floods and all of these things. Then all floods and all of these things. Then he also said there's going to be death, he also said there's going to be death, he also said there's going to be death, spiritual death. Adam didn't physically spiritual death. Adam didn't physically spiritual death. Adam didn't physically die, but he spiritually died. We also die, but he spiritually died. We also die, but he spiritually died. We also know that there was emotional and know that there was emotional and know that there was emotional and relational pain related to that. In relational pain related to that. In relational pain related to that. In other words, a curse came on the earth, other words, a curse came on the earth, other words, a curse came on the earth, and we're living under that curse and we're living under that curse and we're living under that curse because of what Adam did. Here's what because of what Adam did. Here's what because of what Adam did. Here's what God is saying. When you choose to trust God is saying. When you choose to trust God is saying. When you choose to trust me first, then my desire is in that that me first, then my desire is in that that me first, then my desire is in that that I can remove the curse. So, you're not I can remove the curse. So, you're not I can remove the curse. So, you're not living under it. You're actually living living under it. You're actually living living under it. You're actually living above it. Jesus already paid the price above it. Jesus already paid the price above it. Jesus already paid the price of the curse. He paid for your sin. He of the curse. He paid for your sin. He of the curse. He paid for your sin. He paid for all that. The Bible says in paid for all that. The Bible says in paid for all that. The Bible says in Galatians that Jesus became a curse so Galatians that Jesus became a curse so Galatians that Jesus became a curse so that we could be free. So Jesus has that we could be free. So Jesus has that we could be free. So Jesus has removed the curse, but we have to honor removed the curse, but we have to honor removed the curse, but we have to honor God so that God can remove it from us.

God so that God can remove it from us. God so that God can remove it from us. So, it's not dictating our lives, but So, it's not dictating our lives, but So, it's not dictating our lives, but the hand and the favor of God is doing the hand and the favor of God is doing the hand and the favor of God is doing that. Somebody ought to say, "Amen." that. Somebody ought to say, "Amen." that. Somebody ought to say, "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> So, the promise, let's go back and read >> So, the promise, let's go back and read >> So, the promise, let's go back and read these two verses again. Test me in this, these two verses again. Test me in this, these two verses again. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I says the Lord Almighty, and see if I says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of will not throw open the floodgates of will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much of a heaven and pour out so much of a heaven and pour out so much of a blessing that there will not be room blessing that there will not be room blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I'll prevent pest enough to store it. I'll prevent pest enough to store it. I'll prevent pest from devouring your crops. The vines in from devouring your crops. The vines in from devouring your crops. The vines in your fields will not drop their fruit your fields will not drop their fruit your fields will not drop their fruit before it's ripe, says the Lord before it's ripe, says the Lord before it's ripe, says the Lord Almighty. Then all nations will call you Almighty. Then all nations will call you Almighty. Then all nations will call you blessed. Everybody say blessed. blessed. Everybody say blessed. blessed. Everybody say blessed. >> Blessed. >> Blessed. >> Blessed. >> For yours will be a delightful land, >> For yours will be a delightful land, >> For yours will be a delightful land, says the Lord Almighty. I like that. God says the Lord Almighty. I like that. God says the Lord Almighty. I like that. God is saying to test. So I want to give you is saying to test. So I want to give you is saying to test. So I want to give you an opportunity to test the Lord. an opportunity to test the Lord. an opportunity to test the Lord. In fact, I'm going to give you a 90-day In fact, I'm going to give you a 90-day In fact, I'm going to give you a 90-day challenge to test the Lord. Here's what challenge to test the Lord. Here's what challenge to test the Lord. Here's what I want you to do for the next 90 days. I I want you to do for the next 90 days. I I want you to do for the next 90 days. I want you to begin to practice this idea want you to begin to practice this idea want you to begin to practice this idea of honoring God first. Give him the of honoring God first. Give him the of honoring God first. Give him the first part of your day, the first part first part of your day, the first part first part of your day, the first part of your week. That's why I think it's of your week. That's why I think it's of your week. That's why I think it's awesome that church is on Sunday with awesome that church is on Sunday with awesome that church is on Sunday with your resources, your finances. Give God your resources, your finances. Give God your resources, your finances. Give God the first of that. Try it for 90 days.

the first of that. Try it for 90 days. the first of that. Try it for 90 days. And here's what I'm going to do. I'm And here's what I'm going to do. I'm And here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to lay this out there. I didn't going to lay this out there. I didn't going to lay this out there. I didn't run this by the team, so I'm probably run this by the team, so I'm probably run this by the team, so I'm probably going to get in all kinds of trouble, going to get in all kinds of trouble, going to get in all kinds of trouble, but but but I'm the big [music] dog. So, no, I'm the big [music] dog. So, no, I'm the big [music] dog. So, no, now I'm really in trouble by Amy. So, now I'm really in trouble by Amy. So, now I'm really in trouble by Amy. So, but I'm going to do it anyway. I want but I'm going to do it anyway. I want but I'm going to do it anyway. I want [music] you to try this for 90 days, [music] you to try this for 90 days, [music] you to try this for 90 days, the end of November. Okay? If if you've the end of November. Okay? If if you've the end of November. Okay? If if you've done this for 90 days, honoring God by done this for 90 days, honoring God by done this for 90 days, honoring God by putting in the first and your life is putting in the first and your life is putting in the first and your life is not any different at all, I will let you not any different at all, I will let you not any different at all, I will let you record a video and you can tell the record a video and you can tell the record a video and you can tell the whole church, I tried all this God whole church, I tried all this God whole church, I tried all this God stuff, principal stuff, and honoring him stuff, principal stuff, and honoring him stuff, principal stuff, and honoring him with the finances and it's bogus. It with the finances and it's bogus. It with the finances and it's bogus. It doesn't work. doesn't work. doesn't work. I'll let you do that. Maybe you want to I'll let you do that. Maybe you want to I'll let you do that. Maybe you want to like write out your face so people can't like write out your face so people can't like write out your face so people can't see. Or you can write it and I'll read see. Or you can write it and I'll read see. Or you can write it and I'll read it. Okay. But if you try for 90 days and it. Okay. But if you try for 90 days and it. Okay. But if you try for 90 days and you see God in your life in a way that you see God in your life in a way that you see God in your life in a way that he hasn't been, then you also have to he hasn't been, then you also have to he hasn't been, then you also have to write send me an email or shoot a video write send me an email or shoot a video write send me an email or shoot a video saying, "Church, it really is true. saying, "Church, it really is true. saying, "Church, it really is true. God's word works. I believe God will God's word works. I believe God will God's word works. I believe God will show you that it works." Okay? I'm I show you that it works." Okay? I'm I show you that it works." Okay? I'm I know I'm going out on a limb, but I feel know I'm going out on a limb, but I feel know I'm going out on a limb, but I feel pretty good about this place where I'm pretty good about this place where I'm pretty good about this place where I'm hanging out at. Okay?

hanging out at. Okay? hanging out at. Okay? So, let's test the Lord and see and see So, let's test the Lord and see and see So, let's test the Lord and see and see that he doesn't work in ways in your that he doesn't work in ways in your that he doesn't work in ways in your life that you can't do when you're life that you can't do when you're life that you can't do when you're spoiling the blessing that God has spoiling the blessing that God has spoiling the blessing that God has because we're not honoring him [music] because we're not honoring him [music] because we're not honoring him [music] with the first. Would you bow your heads with the first. Would you bow your heads with the first. Would you bow your heads and close your eyes? Let's pray. God, and close your eyes? Let's pray. God, and close your eyes? Let's pray. God, thank you so much for the privilege that thank you so much for the privilege that thank you so much for the privilege that we have to hear your word today. Now, I we have to hear your word today. Now, I we have to hear your word today. Now, I know, devil, that your plan is to come know, devil, that your plan is to come know, devil, that your plan is to come and to rob it and steal it right away. and to rob it and steal it right away. and to rob it and steal it right away. Good news is devil, we preached on this Good news is devil, we preached on this Good news is devil, we preached on this a couple of weeks ago. We know that you a couple of weeks ago. We know that you a couple of weeks ago. We know that you want to bring weeds in our life, want to bring weeds in our life, want to bring weeds in our life, problems in our life to try to choke out problems in our life to try to choke out problems in our life to try to choke out the word of God. But I'm going to tell the word of God. But I'm going to tell the word of God. But I'm going to tell you right now, devil, you're not going you right now, devil, you're not going you right now, devil, you're not going to have your way anymore. Every person to have your way anymore. Every person to have your way anymore. Every person that is under stress, every person that that is under stress, every person that that is under stress, every person that is concerned and worried about their is concerned and worried about their is concerned and worried about their finances in the future, from this day finances in the future, from this day finances in the future, from this day forward, we say, God, we will trust you forward, we say, God, we will trust you forward, we say, God, we will trust you first. first. first. And God, we're going to just depend on And God, we're going to just depend on And God, we're going to just depend on your word that it always accomplishes your word that it always accomplishes your word that it always accomplishes [music] what you say and it never [music] what you say and it never [music] what you say and it never returns void in Jesus name. Amen.

returns void in Jesus name. Amen. returns void in Jesus name. Amen. >> Come on, church.