Pause Week Four | The Parable of the Sower | Pastor Randy Bezet

[music] We worship God because of who he [music] We worship God because of who he is. He is the alpha and the omega, the is. He is the alpha and the omega, the is. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, the lion of the beginning and the end, the lion of the beginning and the end, the lion of the tribe of Judah. Come on. Does anybody tribe of Judah. Come on. Does anybody tribe of Judah. Come on. Does anybody believe in Jesus Christ, son of the believe in Jesus Christ, son of the believe in Jesus Christ, son of the living God? [music] So, it's not your living God? [music] So, it's not your living God? [music] So, it's not your good deeds that lead people to Jesus. good deeds that lead people to Jesus. good deeds that lead people to Jesus. It's his good deeds. It's not how good It's his good deeds. It's not how good It's his good deeds. It's not how good you are. It's not how good you act. It's you are. It's not how good you act. It's you are. It's not how good you act. It's not if you don't mess up or no, no, no. not if you don't mess up or no, no, no. not if you don't mess up or no, no, no. It's all about Jesus. You're not It's all about Jesus. You're not It's all about Jesus. You're not becoming the light. You're just becoming the light. You're just becoming the light. You're just reflecting the light that Jesus is reflecting the light that Jesus is reflecting the light that Jesus is putting off. putting off. putting off. You don't know what God brought me You don't know what God brought me You don't know what God brought me through. You don't know what he did in through. You don't know what he did in through. You don't know what he did in my life. And so when I sing and I dance my life. And so when I sing and I dance my life. And so when I sing and I dance and I praise and I shout the way that I and I praise and I shout the way that I and I praise and I shout the way that I do, it's because I know how good God is. do, it's because I know how good God is. do, it's because I know how good God is. God has plans to bless you and to God has plans to bless you and to God has plans to bless you and to prosper [music] you, not to harm you or prosper [music] you, not to harm you or prosper [music] you, not to harm you or hurt you. He has plans to take your life hurt you. He has plans to take your life hurt you. He has plans to take your life and use it for incredible things, but it and use it for incredible things, but it and use it for incredible things, but it requires [music] requires [music] requires [music] full obedience.

And the fact that you are here right And the fact that you are here right now, it is a testament of the miracle now, it is a testament of the miracle now, it is a testament of the miracle working power of Jesus Christ. And it is working power of Jesus Christ. And it is working power of Jesus Christ. And it is him and him alone that has kept you, him and him alone that has kept you, him and him alone that has kept you, that has saved you, that has delivered that has saved you, that has delivered that has saved you, that has delivered you, that has bought you up and bought you, that has bought you up and bought you, that has bought you up and bought you out. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Oh, come on, church. Can we give God >> Oh, come on, church. Can we give God >> Oh, come on, church. Can we give God some praise [cheering] some praise [cheering] some praise [cheering] for what just happened this week? Yeah. for what just happened this week? Yeah. for what just happened this week? Yeah. >> [applause] >> Now, look, I I know as the pastor of >> Now, look, I I know as the pastor of this church, I'm I should be excited this church, I'm I should be excited this church, I'm I should be excited about Christmas and Easter. Those are about Christmas and Easter. Those are about Christmas and Easter. Those are all right. But I'm just going to tell all right. But I'm just going to tell all right. But I'm just going to tell you, I think my favorite week every year you, I think my favorite week every year you, I think my favorite week every year is 12 conference. There's just something is 12 conference. There's just something is 12 conference. There's just something about seeing a room full of the future about seeing a room full of the future about seeing a room full of the future of this church, the future of this of this church, the future of this of this church, the future of this country, the future of the church country, the future of the church country, the future of the church worldwide. And really everything is in worldwide. And really everything is in worldwide. And really everything is in that room and they are so passionately that room and they are so passionately that room and they are so passionately just going after God. Their lives are just going after God. Their lives are just going after God. Their lives are being changed. They're being saved and being changed. They're being saved and being changed. They're being saved and delivered and set free. Um spirits of delivered and set free. Um spirits of delivered and set free. Um spirits of heaviness and depression are being broke

heaviness and depression are being broke heaviness and depression are being broke off of them. Their lives are being off of them. Their lives are being off of them. Their lives are being marked forever and ever and ever and marked forever and ever and ever and marked forever and ever and ever and ever. And not only are their lives being ever. And not only are their lives being ever. And not only are their lives being marked Yeah, y'all can give God some marked Yeah, y'all can give God some marked Yeah, y'all can give God some praise. Go ahead. [applause] But what's being planted in them isn't But what's being planted in them isn't even for later. I see it happening even for later. I see it happening even for later. I see it happening instantaneously. instantaneously. instantaneously. That those students are going to the That those students are going to the That those students are going to the workers at the Yingling Arena who are workers at the Yingling Arena who are workers at the Yingling Arena who are not church people at all and they're not church people at all and they're not church people at all and they're approaching them and asking them how approaching them and asking them how approaching them and asking them how they can pray for them and they're they can pray for them and they're they can pray for them and they're encouraging them. They're all rallying encouraging them. They're all rallying encouraging them. They're all rallying around them and praying them. They are around them and praying them. They are around them and praying them. They are living what God has planted inside them living what God has planted inside them living what God has planted inside them even right now. And so, come on, give even right now. And so, come on, give even right now. And so, come on, give God some praise for what's happening. God some praise for what's happening. God some praise for what's happening. >> [applause] >> So, I planned my whole summer vacation >> So, I planned my whole summer vacation on coming back to be here for that. And on coming back to be here for that. And on coming back to be here for that. And so, uh, Amy and I were were just so, uh, so, uh, Amy and I were were just so, uh, so, uh, Amy and I were were just so, uh, just full at the end of that. You know, just full at the end of that. You know, just full at the end of that. You know, you've been so full and excited and you've been so full and excited and you've been so full and excited and exhausted at the same time. That's a exhausted at the same time. That's a exhausted at the same time. That's a good combination right there, let me good combination right there, let me good combination right there, let me tell you. Uh, but listen, there's a tell you. Uh, but listen, there's a tell you. Uh, but listen, there's a special happening for next year's special happening for next year's special happening for next year's conference 2027. We're going back to uh, conference 2027. We're going back to uh, conference 2027. We're going back to uh, USF. We're going back to the Engling USF. We're going back to the Engling USF. We're going back to the Engling Arena. uh as this thing just continues Arena. uh as this thing just continues Arena. uh as this thing just continues to grow, uh we we have to continue to to to grow, uh we we have to continue to to to grow, uh we we have to continue to to stay there. Praise God. What a good stay there. Praise God. What a good stay there. Praise God. What a good problem to have. But you know what? You problem to have. But you know what? You problem to have. But you know what? You can get your ticket right now. It's can get your ticket right now. It's can get your ticket right now. It's actually the tickets right now at the actually the tickets right now at the actually the tickets right now at the lowest price they've ever been. They're lowest price they've ever been. They're lowest price they've ever been. They're normally like $250 and they're $175 for normally like $250 and they're $175 for normally like $250 and they're $175 for this week. So go to 12 Conference and uh this week. So go to 12 Conference and uh this week. So go to 12 Conference and uh and get your tickets now. And uh I can't

and get your tickets now. And uh I can't and get your tickets now. And uh I can't wait to see what God does next year. Can wait to see what God does next year. Can wait to see what God does next year. Can we give him praise one more time for we give him praise one more time for we give him praise one more time for what just happened this last week? Yeah. what just happened this last week? Yeah. what just happened this last week? Yeah. In fact, Amy and I ran into several In fact, Amy and I ran into several In fact, Amy and I ran into several people throughout the the the the week people throughout the the the the week people throughout the the the the week after the conference just in the after the conference just in the after the conference just in the community. We were at the movies the community. We were at the movies the community. We were at the movies the other day and saw this student came up other day and saw this student came up other day and saw this student came up to us and he I don't I guess he's to us and he I don't I guess he's to us and he I don't I guess he's doesn't go to church here or whatever doesn't go to church here or whatever doesn't go to church here or whatever and he's like, "Wait a minute. You were and he's like, "Wait a minute. You were and he's like, "Wait a minute. You were you at the in Tampa or something the you at the in Tampa or something the you at the in Tampa or something the other day and anyway, he started telling other day and anyway, he started telling other day and anyway, he started telling us about how God just radically impacted us about how God just radically impacted us about how God just radically impacted his life." So, I'm excited about that. his life." So, I'm excited about that. his life." So, I'm excited about that. Let's keep doing it. Amen. Let's keep doing it. Amen. Let's keep doing it. Amen. >> Okay. So, I have this uh apple seed in >> Okay. So, I have this uh apple seed in >> Okay. So, I have this uh apple seed in my hand. Obviously, there's no way my hand. Obviously, there's no way my hand. Obviously, there's no way you'll be able to see it, but uh I'm you'll be able to see it, but uh I'm you'll be able to see it, but uh I'm just holding an apple seed here. And just holding an apple seed here. And just holding an apple seed here. And inside this seed is an incredible inside this seed is an incredible inside this seed is an incredible potential. Actually, there's a potential potential. Actually, there's a potential potential. Actually, there's a potential for an entire orchard, right? Apple for an entire orchard, right? Apple for an entire orchard, right? Apple orchard inside this seed right here. But orchard inside this seed right here. But orchard inside this seed right here. But only if it's planted, right? This has to only if it's planted, right? This has to only if it's planted, right? This has to be planted and then it's actually be planted and then it's actually be planted and then it's actually conditional that you can plant it and conditional that you can plant it and conditional that you can plant it and still not see any fruit from it. It still not see any fruit from it. It still not see any fruit from it. It actually has to be planted in good soil, actually has to be planted in good soil, actually has to be planted in good soil, right? It has to be planted in a healthy right? It has to be planted in a healthy right? It has to be planted in a healthy environment. I want you to understand environment. I want you to understand environment. I want you to understand something today that this is God's word.

something today that this is God's word. something today that this is God's word. If you have your Bible, come on, hold it If you have your Bible, come on, hold it If you have your Bible, come on, hold it up. If it's not a printed Bible, hold up up. If it's not a printed Bible, hold up up. If it's not a printed Bible, hold up your digital device because that's the your digital device because that's the your digital device because that's the word of God right there as well, right? word of God right there as well, right? word of God right there as well, right? Come on, hold it up all of our campuses Come on, hold it up all of our campuses Come on, hold it up all of our campuses and just I want you to understand this and just I want you to understand this and just I want you to understand this right here is seed as well. And this right here is seed as well. And this right here is seed as well. And this right here has potential to do right here has potential to do right here has potential to do incredible things in our lives. This is incredible things in our lives. This is incredible things in our lives. This is not just God's word. This actually is not just God's word. This actually is not just God's word. This actually is God. If you want to get to know who he God. If you want to get to know who he God. If you want to get to know who he is, if you want to understand God, if is, if you want to understand God, if is, if you want to understand God, if you want to see your full potential in you want to see your full potential in you want to see your full potential in life and what he's able to accomplish, life and what he's able to accomplish, life and what he's able to accomplish, this right here is the seed of God that this right here is the seed of God that this right here is the seed of God that he wants planted in your life that can he wants planted in your life that can he wants planted in your life that can produce incredible things. Because this produce incredible things. Because this produce incredible things. Because this word right here says that God is word right here says that God is word right here says that God is omnipotent. omnipotent. omnipotent. Come on, church. He's all powerful. Come on, church. He's all powerful. Come on, church. He's all powerful. Somebody say amen right there. He's all Somebody say amen right there. He's all Somebody say amen right there. He's all powerful. So I don't know what you need, powerful. So I don't know what you need, powerful. So I don't know what you need, but the power that you need in order to but the power that you need in order to but the power that you need in order to live the full life that God has for you. live the full life that God has for you. live the full life that God has for you. It's inside the seed. The potential is It's inside the seed. The potential is It's inside the seed. The potential is here has to be planted in your life. And here has to be planted in your life. And here has to be planted in your life. And it is as you plant this word of God in it is as you plant this word of God in it is as you plant this word of God in your own life, in your own heart. Well, your own life, in your own heart. Well, your own life, in your own heart. Well, that's when you begin to see, no, I know that's when you begin to see, no, I know that's when you begin to see, no, I know the world is chaotic, but God is still the world is chaotic, but God is still the world is chaotic, but God is still my peace.

my peace. my peace. >> And I know that I have needs, but God is >> And I know that I have needs, but God is >> And I know that I have needs, but God is still my provider. I know that I'm not still my provider. I know that I'm not still my provider. I know that I'm not finished with this battle over my kid's finished with this battle over my kid's finished with this battle over my kid's salvation or this business situation salvation or this business situation salvation or this business situation that's happening, but I just know that that's happening, but I just know that that's happening, but I just know that God is my victory no matter what. I know God is my victory no matter what. I know God is my victory no matter what. I know I'm walking into something, God, that I I'm walking into something, God, that I I'm walking into something, God, that I don't really know how to handle. And don't really know how to handle. And don't really know how to handle. And I've never been in a situation like this I've never been in a situation like this I've never been in a situation like this before, but God, your word says that you before, but God, your word says that you before, but God, your word says that you are my everpresent help in times of are my everpresent help in times of are my everpresent help in times of trouble. And I have that because this trouble. And I have that because this trouble. And I have that because this seed can be planted in my life. And it seed can be planted in my life. And it seed can be planted in my life. And it can't come to full fruit and and can't come to full fruit and and can't come to full fruit and and fruition of that unless it's planted in fruition of that unless it's planted in fruition of that unless it's planted in the right soil. Come on, everybody say, the right soil. Come on, everybody say, the right soil. Come on, everybody say, "This is my Bible." "This is my Bible." "This is my Bible." >> That's right. That's your Bible. It's >> That's right. That's your Bible. It's >> That's right. That's your Bible. It's God's word. It wants to be planted in God's word. It wants to be planted in God's word. It wants to be planted in your life, but it has to be in the right your life, but it has to be in the right your life, but it has to be in the right soil. I get so frustrated every time I soil. I get so frustrated every time I soil. I get so frustrated every time I go to my son Connor's house, him and go to my son Connor's house, him and go to my son Connor's house, him and Brook's house, because they planted Brook's house, because they planted Brook's house, because they planted these incredible, beautiful flowers in these incredible, beautiful flowers in these incredible, beautiful flowers in there. uh is is really like a shrub, but there. uh is is really like a shrub, but there. uh is is really like a shrub, but it has all these amazing flowers all it has all these amazing flowers all it has all these amazing flowers all over and it's just everywhere. He was over and it's just everywhere. He was over and it's just everywhere. He was telling me the other day, he goes, "Dad, telling me the other day, he goes, "Dad, telling me the other day, he goes, "Dad, it it's too many of them. I got to cut it it's too many of them. I got to cut it it's too many of them. I got to cut them back and they're they're taking them back and they're they're taking them back and they're they're taking over everything." Well, when I saw them over everything." Well, when I saw them over everything." Well, when I saw them the first time, I thought, I like those.

the first time, I thought, I like those. the first time, I thought, I like those. So, I planted them in my flower bed. So, I planted them in my flower bed. So, I planted them in my flower bed. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] They're gone. They just died. They don't They're gone. They just died. They don't They're gone. They just died. They don't even exist. I mean, they just I was even exist. I mean, they just I was even exist. I mean, they just I was like, "What in the world?" same flowers, like, "What in the world?" same flowers, like, "What in the world?" same flowers, same environment. I live in Florida, he same environment. I live in Florida, he same environment. I live in Florida, he lives here, too, right? And it didn't lives here, too, right? And it didn't lives here, too, right? And it didn't work for me. You know why? Something's work for me. You know why? Something's work for me. You know why? Something's wrong with the soil. wrong with the soil. wrong with the soil. Too many times Too many times Too many times people look at the word of God and they people look at the word of God and they people look at the word of God and they go, "Well, it's not working for me." go, "Well, it's not working for me." go, "Well, it's not working for me." And I just want to submit to you that And I just want to submit to you that And I just want to submit to you that the word of God does work. the word of God does work. the word of God does work. It needs to be planted in the right It needs to be planted in the right It needs to be planted in the right environment. Somebody say amen to that. environment. Somebody say amen to that. environment. Somebody say amen to that. >> We are continuing our Paul's series >> We are continuing our Paul's series >> We are continuing our Paul's series today. Uh we do this every summer and today. Uh we do this every summer and today. Uh we do this every summer and it's an opportunity for us in the it's an opportunity for us in the it's an opportunity for us in the craziness and the busyiness and the the craziness and the busyiness and the the craziness and the busyiness and the the outside the normal schedules to make outside the normal schedules to make outside the normal schedules to make sure that every day we're pausing and sure that every day we're pausing and sure that every day we're pausing and getting into God's word so that that getting into God's word so that that getting into God's word so that that word can be get can get into us so that word can be get can get into us so that word can be get can get into us so that we can live the life that he's called us we can live the life that he's called us we can live the life that he's called us to live. And in fact, on our app, by the to live. And in fact, on our app, by the to live. And in fact, on our app, by the way, we have a new app. And I don't know way, we have a new app. And I don't know way, we have a new app. And I don't know if you guys have downloaded it yet, but if you guys have downloaded it yet, but if you guys have downloaded it yet, but you need to download it because it's not you need to download it because it's not you need to download it because it's not just a stagnant kind of a place where just a stagnant kind of a place where just a stagnant kind of a place where you go to see what's happening at the you go to see what's happening at the you go to see what's happening at the church or whatever. Although, there are church or whatever. Although, there are church or whatever. Although, there are a lot of things going on around here.

a lot of things going on around here. a lot of things going on around here. And I don't know what you're struggling And I don't know what you're struggling And I don't know what you're struggling with and what you feel void and empty with and what you feel void and empty with and what you feel void and empty and you need resources or encouragement and you need resources or encouragement and you need resources or encouragement and help, but I'm telling you, this and help, but I'm telling you, this and help, but I'm telling you, this place is better than like Super Target, place is better than like Super Target, place is better than like Super Target, okay? I mean, whatever it is that's okay? I mean, whatever it is that's okay? I mean, whatever it is that's going on in your life, I believe that going on in your life, I believe that going on in your life, I believe that that we as a church can help pastor you that we as a church can help pastor you that we as a church can help pastor you and lead you in that. But there's and lead you in that. But there's and lead you in that. But there's actually community that happens there. actually community that happens there. actually community that happens there. People are there's daily Bible verses People are there's daily Bible verses People are there's daily Bible verses that are being sent to you. You open up that are being sent to you. You open up that are being sent to you. You open up the app and you're reading them and the app and you're reading them and the app and you're reading them and other people are making comments and other people are making comments and other people are making comments and people are sharing their prayer requests people are sharing their prayer requests people are sharing their prayer requests and there's all kind of community like and there's all kind of community like and there's all kind of community like what you feel when you come here like what you feel when you come here like what you feel when you come here like you belong. You know how it feels when you belong. You know how it feels when you belong. You know how it feels when you come to church and people for the you come to church and people for the you come to church and people for the first time overwhelmingly say, "I don't first time overwhelmingly say, "I don't first time overwhelmingly say, "I don't know what it is about this place. I just know what it is about this place. I just know what it is about this place. I just feel like I belong here. Well, that's feel like I belong here. Well, that's feel like I belong here. Well, that's now happening through the app Monday now happening through the app Monday now happening through the app Monday through Saturday as well. And so through Saturday as well. And so through Saturday as well. And so download it for the resources. The download it for the resources. The download it for the resources. The reading plan for this series is there. reading plan for this series is there. reading plan for this series is there. There's all kind of other things that There's all kind of other things that There's all kind of other things that are happening. I encourage you to do are happening. I encourage you to do are happening. I encourage you to do that. So every day you can be a part of that. So every day you can be a part of that. So every day you can be a part of the reading plan and studying these the reading plan and studying these the reading plan and studying these parables that we're covering. Okay. parables that we're covering. Okay. parables that we're covering. Okay. Today I'm going to be covering the Today I'm going to be covering the Today I'm going to be covering the parable of the swer. And if you look in parable of the swer. And if you look in parable of the swer. And if you look in your Bible, it's in there's three your Bible, it's in there's three your Bible, it's in there's three gospels that this parable of the swer is gospels that this parable of the swer is gospels that this parable of the swer is actually read in or you can read it in.

actually read in or you can read it in. actually read in or you can read it in. We're going to cover primarily Luke We're going to cover primarily Luke We're going to cover primarily Luke chapter 8. So you can turn in your chapter 8. So you can turn in your chapter 8. So you can turn in your Bibles to there. I'm going to use a Bibles to there. I'm going to use a Bibles to there. I'm going to use a little bit of the Mark chapter 4. It's little bit of the Mark chapter 4. It's little bit of the Mark chapter 4. It's also in Matthew chapter 13 as well, but also in Matthew chapter 13 as well, but also in Matthew chapter 13 as well, but turn to Luke chapter 8 and and then you turn to Luke chapter 8 and and then you turn to Luke chapter 8 and and then you can turn to Mark chapter 4. Put your can turn to Mark chapter 4. Put your can turn to Mark chapter 4. Put your finger in there. What we're going to finger in there. What we're going to finger in there. What we're going to read some of that as well and you can read some of that as well and you can read some of that as well and you can kind of hold it. But I want to submit to kind of hold it. But I want to submit to kind of hold it. But I want to submit to you that I I think that what really is you that I I think that what really is you that I I think that what really is going on here is not the parable of the going on here is not the parable of the going on here is not the parable of the swer. This is not about God's word. This swer. This is not about God's word. This swer. This is not about God's word. This is about the soil, the condition of our is about the soil, the condition of our is about the soil, the condition of our heart. So I'm going to pray today that heart. So I'm going to pray today that heart. So I'm going to pray today that we are going to receive from God today we are going to receive from God today we are going to receive from God today and our hearts are going to be ready to and our hearts are going to be ready to and our hearts are going to be ready to receive. And then we're going to leave receive. And then we're going to leave receive. And then we're going to leave this place different than we came in this place different than we came in this place different than we came in Jesus name. Somebody say amen. Jesus name. Somebody say amen. Jesus name. Somebody say amen. >> Okay, everybody close your eyes, open >> Okay, everybody close your eyes, open >> Okay, everybody close your eyes, open your heart. Would you actually I if you your heart. Would you actually I if you your heart. Would you actually I if you feel comfortable, would you lift both feel comfortable, would you lift both feel comfortable, would you lift both your hands just for a a moment of kind your hands just for a a moment of kind your hands just for a a moment of kind of like surrendering? Actually, I would of like surrendering? Actually, I would of like surrendering? Actually, I would submit to you even if you don't feel submit to you even if you don't feel submit to you even if you don't feel comfortable, do it anyway. Uh because uh comfortable, do it anyway. Uh because uh comfortable, do it anyway. Uh because uh serving God isn't supposed to be serving God isn't supposed to be serving God isn't supposed to be comfortable. God didn't come here. He comfortable. God didn't come here. He comfortable. God didn't come here. He didn't send his son so we could be didn't send his son so we could be didn't send his son so we could be comfortable. He sent his son here so we comfortable. He sent his son here so we comfortable. He sent his son here so we could be changed. So So why don't you do could be changed. So So why don't you do could be changed. So So why don't you do something different? Why don't you lift something different? Why don't you lift something different? Why don't you lift both your hands? And uh God, we pray both your hands? And uh God, we pray both your hands? And uh God, we pray right now for this time that we have right now for this time that we have right now for this time that we have together.

together. together. Uh God, please uh I don't want to get in Uh God, please uh I don't want to get in Uh God, please uh I don't want to get in the way. I I don't want to cause your the way. I I don't want to cause your the way. I I don't want to cause your word to to be ineffective. Rather, as I word to to be ineffective. Rather, as I word to to be ineffective. Rather, as I scatter your word, is that we we study scatter your word, is that we we study scatter your word, is that we we study this word today, I pray that it would this word today, I pray that it would this word today, I pray that it would fall on good hearts. God, help us to fall on good hearts. God, help us to fall on good hearts. God, help us to receive it with gladness. receive it with gladness. receive it with gladness. Help us to receive it with expectation Help us to receive it with expectation Help us to receive it with expectation so that we can be changed and we will so that we can be changed and we will so that we can be changed and we will not we will not leave this place the not we will not leave this place the not we will not leave this place the same as we came. And devil uh you will same as we came. And devil uh you will same as we came. And devil uh you will not steal the word today, but it'll not steal the word today, but it'll not steal the word today, but it'll produce a mighty harvest even up to a produce a mighty harvest even up to a produce a mighty harvest even up to a hundfold in Jesus name. And everybody hundfold in Jesus name. And everybody hundfold in Jesus name. And everybody shout it. Come on, everybody shout it. shout it. Come on, everybody shout it. shout it. Come on, everybody shout it. >> Amen. Okay. Luke chapter 8. Here we go. >> Amen. Okay. Luke chapter 8. Here we go. >> Amen. Okay. Luke chapter 8. Here we go. We're going to read this whole parable We're going to read this whole parable We're going to read this whole parable and uh and then we're going to we're and uh and then we're going to we're and uh and then we're going to we're going to teach it. We're going to look going to teach it. We're going to look going to teach it. We're going to look at it. Okay. Luke 8:1. I'm reading in at it. Okay. Luke 8:1. I'm reading in at it. Okay. Luke 8:1. I'm reading in the NIV version. After this, Jesus the NIV version. After this, Jesus the NIV version. After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village traveled about from one town and village traveled about from one town and village to another proclaiming the good news of to another proclaiming the good news of to another proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The 12 were with him the kingdom of God. The 12 were with him the kingdom of God. The 12 were with him and also some women who had been cured and also some women who had been cured and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Mary of evil spirits and diseases. Mary of evil spirits and diseases. Mary called Magdalene from whom seven demons called Magdalene from whom seven demons called Magdalene from whom seven demons had come out. Joanna the wife Chuza the had come out. Joanna the wife Chuza the had come out. Joanna the wife Chuza the manager of Herod Herod's household manager of Herod Herod's household manager of Herod Herod's household Susanna and many others these women were Susanna and many others these women were Susanna and many others these women were helping support them out of their own helping support them out of their own helping support them out of their own means. Verse four continues, "While a means. Verse four continues, "While a means. Verse four continues, "While a large crowd was gathering and people large crowd was gathering and people large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after were coming to Jesus from town after were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told them this parable. A town, he told them this parable. A town, he told them this parable. A farmer went out to sew his seed. As he farmer went out to sew his seed. As he farmer went out to sew his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along was scattering the seed, some fell along was scattering the seed, some fell along the path it was trampled on, and the

the path it was trampled on, and the the path it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants ground, and when it came up, the plants ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. withered because they had no moisture. withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew Other seed fell among thorns, which grew Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up, and it choked out the plants. Still up, and it choked out the plants. Still up, and it choked out the plants. Still other fell on good soil. It came up and other fell on good soil. It came up and other fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop a 100 times more than was yielded a crop a 100 times more than was yielded a crop a 100 times more than was sown. When he said this, he called out, sown. When he said this, he called out, sown. When he said this, he called out, "Whoever has ears, let them hear." His "Whoever has ears, let them hear." His "Whoever has ears, let them hear." His disciples asked him the meaning of what disciples asked him the meaning of what disciples asked him the meaning of what this parable meant. And he said, "The this parable meant. And he said, "The this parable meant. And he said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God have been given to you, but of God have been given to you, but of God have been given to you, but others I will speak in parables so that others I will speak in parables so that others I will speak in parables so that their seeing they though seeing they may their seeing they though seeing they may their seeing they though seeing they may not see, though hearing they may not not see, though hearing they may not not see, though hearing they may not understand." This is the meaning of the understand." This is the meaning of the understand." This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. parable. The seed is the word of God. parable. The seed is the word of God. Everybody say the word. Everybody say the word. Everybody say the word. >> Word. Those along the path are the ones >> Word. Those along the path are the ones >> Word. Those along the path are the ones who hear and that the devil comes and who hear and that the devil comes and who hear and that the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts so takes away the word from their hearts so takes away the word from their hearts so that they may not believe and be saved. that they may not believe and be saved. that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky ground are the ones Those on the rocky ground are the ones Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they who receive the word with joy when they who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They hear it, but they have no root. They hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of believe for a while, but in the time of believe for a while, but in the time of testing, they fall away. The seed that testing, they fall away. The seed that testing, they fall away. The seed that fell among the thorns stands for those fell among the thorns stands for those fell among the thorns stands for those who hear. But as they go on their way, who hear. But as they go on their way, who hear. But as they go on their way, they are choked by life's worries, they are choked by life's worries, they are choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not riches, and pleasures, and they do not riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands mature. But the seed on good soil stands mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, for those with a noble and good heart, for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by who hear the word, retain it, and by who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Everybody persevering produce a crop. Everybody persevering produce a crop. Everybody say, "Amen."

say, "Amen." say, "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Okay. So I want to look at the different >> Okay. So I want to look at the different >> Okay. So I want to look at the different types of soil or the different kinds of types of soil or the different kinds of types of soil or the different kinds of hearts so we can evaluate where do I hearts so we can evaluate where do I hearts so we can evaluate where do I stand and how can I receive God's word stand and how can I receive God's word stand and how can I receive God's word so that it produces a hundfold in my so that it produces a hundfold in my so that it produces a hundfold in my life. Here we go. First one is write life. Here we go. First one is write life. Here we go. First one is write this down the hard heart. this down the hard heart. this down the hard heart. We're going to look at the back in Luke We're going to look at the back in Luke We're going to look at the back in Luke and we're going to jump in the verse and we're going to jump in the verse and we're going to jump in the verse that explains it uh or the verse that that explains it uh or the verse that that explains it uh or the verse that that teaches the parable and then that teaches the parable and then that teaches the parable and then explains it and then we'll dive into it. explains it and then we'll dive into it. explains it and then we'll dive into it. Okay. It says a farmer went to sew his Okay. It says a farmer went to sew his Okay. It says a farmer went to sew his seed as he was scattering. This is the seed as he was scattering. This is the seed as he was scattering. This is the ones that fell along the path, right? It ones that fell along the path, right? It ones that fell along the path, right? It was trampled on and the birds ate it. was trampled on and the birds ate it. was trampled on and the birds ate it. Explanation all the way down in 11. This Explanation all the way down in 11. This Explanation all the way down in 11. This is the meaning of the parable. We just is the meaning of the parable. We just is the meaning of the parable. We just read this, but it says that the seed is read this, but it says that the seed is read this, but it says that the seed is the word of God. Those along the path the word of God. Those along the path the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear and the devil are the ones who hear and the devil are the ones who hear and the devil comes and takes the word from their comes and takes the word from their comes and takes the word from their hearts so that they may not believe and hearts so that they may not believe and hearts so that they may not believe and be saved. I like this part in helping be saved. I like this part in helping be saved. I like this part in helping you understand the fact that this seed you understand the fact that this seed you understand the fact that this seed was sown on what this passage calls a was sown on what this passage calls a was sown on what this passage calls a path.

path. path. really it's some areas where often times really it's some areas where often times really it's some areas where often times farmers if you were at a farm you would farmers if you were at a farm you would farmers if you were at a farm you would see there's normal places that they walk see there's normal places that they walk see there's normal places that they walk all the time and it creates a path or a all the time and it creates a path or a all the time and it creates a path or a very trampled on area so that when very trampled on area so that when very trampled on area so that when they're scattering seed it may land they're scattering seed it may land they're scattering seed it may land there but it can't get inside because there but it can't get inside because there but it can't get inside because it's actually you know there's a routine it's actually you know there's a routine it's actually you know there's a routine of them walking all the time and of them walking all the time and of them walking all the time and actually becomes hard and the seed won't actually becomes hard and the seed won't actually becomes hard and the seed won't get in there and I'm here to tell you get in there and I'm here to tell you get in there and I'm here to tell you that I believe that there are hard areas that I believe that there are hard areas that I believe that there are hard areas in our life for the word to penetrate us in our life for the word to penetrate us in our life for the word to penetrate us because we have these normal patterns, because we have these normal patterns, because we have these normal patterns, these ways of living our life and it's these ways of living our life and it's these ways of living our life and it's hard to break those. So, the word of God hard to break those. So, the word of God hard to break those. So, the word of God can change our routines and our habits. can change our routines and our habits. can change our routines and our habits. >> It's kind of like driving. >> It's kind of like driving. >> It's kind of like driving. You ever been driving home from You ever been driving home from You ever been driving home from somewhere that you normally go and you somewhere that you normally go and you somewhere that you normally go and you get home and all of a sudden you get home and all of a sudden you get home and all of a sudden you realize, I don't even remember the realize, I don't even remember the realize, I don't even remember the drive. Come on. Right? Listen, I have drive. Come on. Right? Listen, I have drive. Come on. Right? Listen, I have pulled out of my house before going to a pulled out of my house before going to a pulled out of my house before going to a particular place, but because of particular place, but because of particular place, but because of routines and habits, I just started routines and habits, I just started routines and habits, I just started driving here to the church and I'm driving here to the church and I'm driving here to the church and I'm halfway here and I realized where where halfway here and I realized where where halfway here and I realized where where where am I going? You know, I mean, my where am I going? You know, I mean, my where am I going? You know, I mean, my body arrives, but my mind was was not body arrives, but my mind was was not body arrives, but my mind was was not there, right? You know what I'm talking there, right? You know what I'm talking there, right? You know what I'm talking about? That is a perfect example of our about? That is a perfect example of our about? That is a perfect example of our lives is that we come here to church a lives is that we come here to church a lives is that we come here to church a lot of times and you hear the word of lot of times and you hear the word of lot of times and you hear the word of God and then all of a sudden we jump God and then all of a sudden we jump God and then all of a sudden we jump back into our same old routines, same back into our same old routines, same back into our same old routines, same conversations, same patterns, same ways conversations, same patterns, same ways conversations, same patterns, same ways of thinking. And because of that, the of thinking. And because of that, the of thinking. And because of that, the word of God never gets into our lives

word of God never gets into our lives word of God never gets into our lives and our hearts. It never actually and our hearts. It never actually and our hearts. It never actually produces any kind of change. God's word produces any kind of change. God's word produces any kind of change. God's word never gets below the surface because we never gets below the surface because we never gets below the surface because we just immediately fall right back into just immediately fall right back into just immediately fall right back into our same patterns of living again. And our same patterns of living again. And our same patterns of living again. And it's not because the seed isn't it's not because the seed isn't it's not because the seed isn't powerful. It's because we are not powerful. It's because we are not powerful. It's because we are not receptive. receptive. receptive. Imagine if you were to join a gym Imagine if you were to join a gym Imagine if you were to join a gym and you were to get a membership, you and you were to get a membership, you and you were to get a membership, you were to pay the dudes, bought some new were to pay the dudes, bought some new were to pay the dudes, bought some new shoes, you got that new outfit, you got shoes, you got that new outfit, you got shoes, you got that new outfit, you got your new workout clothes, like you were your new workout clothes, like you were your new workout clothes, like you were just like looking like you ought to go just like looking like you ought to go just like looking like you ought to go to the gym. to the gym. to the gym. You show up, you take pictures in the You show up, you take pictures in the You show up, you take pictures in the mirror like pulling it up a little bit, trying to pulling it up a little bit, trying to flex. All right, but you never lifted a flex. All right, but you never lifted a flex. All right, but you never lifted a weight. weight. weight. Eventually, you would say the gym Eventually, you would say the gym Eventually, you would say the gym doesn't work. No, the gym works. You doesn't work. No, the gym works. You doesn't work. No, the gym works. You didn't. And just because we got the church And just because we got the church merch, just because we bring our Bible merch, just because we bring our Bible merch, just because we bring our Bible or just because you show up for church, or just because you show up for church, or just because you show up for church, just because you take a picture and go, just because you take a picture and go, just because you take a picture and go, "Oh, what a great word today by Pastor "Oh, what a great word today by Pastor "Oh, what a great word today by Pastor Randy."

Randy." Randy." [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] >> But if you don't let the word of God >> But if you don't let the word of God >> But if you don't let the word of God change your everyday life, then it's change your everyday life, then it's change your everyday life, then it's never going to produce anything. You know, I'll never forget um when I You know, I'll never forget um when I gave my life to Christ, I had an old way gave my life to Christ, I had an old way gave my life to Christ, I had an old way of living, right? Those of you who don't of living, right? Those of you who don't of living, right? Those of you who don't know, I was heavily involved in drugs know, I was heavily involved in drugs know, I was heavily involved in drugs and alcohol. In fact, I overdosed one and alcohol. In fact, I overdosed one and alcohol. In fact, I overdosed one time and was brought to the hospital. time and was brought to the hospital. time and was brought to the hospital. And of course, God gave me life again. And of course, God gave me life again. And of course, God gave me life again. But here here's my point is that the But here here's my point is that the But here here's my point is that the moment I gave my life to Christ, I moment I gave my life to Christ, I moment I gave my life to Christ, I immediately said, "I have to change immediately said, "I have to change immediately said, "I have to change patterns." patterns." patterns." And I immediately went to my Jeep and I And I immediately went to my Jeep and I And I immediately went to my Jeep and I throw I threw away all of everything in throw I threw away all of everything in throw I threw away all of everything in that Jeep that had any patterns from my that Jeep that had any patterns from my that Jeep that had any patterns from my old way of living. I got rid of the old way of living. I got rid of the old way of living. I got rid of the music I listened to. I cleaned out, man. music I listened to. I cleaned out, man. music I listened to. I cleaned out, man. I had all kinds of drug paraphernelia I had all kinds of drug paraphernelia I had all kinds of drug paraphernelia and stuff in there. I wanted to get rid and stuff in there. I wanted to get rid and stuff in there. I wanted to get rid of those patterns so it could soften my of those patterns so it could soften my of those patterns so it could soften my heart to learn a new pattern with God. heart to learn a new pattern with God. heart to learn a new pattern with God. So that's how the word of God produced a So that's how the word of God produced a So that's how the word of God produced a hundfold in my life. I've been free ever hundfold in my life. I've been free ever hundfold in my life. I've been free ever since January 30th, 1992. Come on, since January 30th, 1992. Come on, since January 30th, 1992. Come on, somebody.

somebody. somebody. >> [applause] >> Everybody say patterns. >> Everybody say patterns. >> Patterns. >> Patterns. >> Patterns. >> I don't know what kind of patterns >> I don't know what kind of patterns >> I don't know what kind of patterns you're living in. Just like you almost you're living in. Just like you almost you're living in. Just like you almost don't even think about it. You just kind don't even think about it. You just kind don't even think about it. You just kind of react and go in that direction and of react and go in that direction and of react and go in that direction and live that lifestyle and participate in live that lifestyle and participate in live that lifestyle and participate in those things, but maybe in order for those things, but maybe in order for those things, but maybe in order for God's word to produce something new in God's word to produce something new in God's word to produce something new in your life, you have to break some your life, you have to break some your life, you have to break some patterns. You have to do something patterns. You have to do something patterns. You have to do something different. That's why the Bible says in different. That's why the Bible says in different. That's why the Bible says in James, don't just listen to God's word. James, don't just listen to God's word. James, don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you You must do what it says. Otherwise, you You must do what it says. Otherwise, you just fooling yourself. If you hear it just fooling yourself. If you hear it just fooling yourself. If you hear it and you don't do it, you just like a and you don't do it, you just like a and you don't do it, you just like a fool. The Bible says, it says, "But if fool. The Bible says, it says, "But if fool. The Bible says, it says, "But if you look carefully into the perfect law you look carefully into the perfect law you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free and you do what it that sets you free and you do what it that sets you free and you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, says and don't forget what you heard, says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." I then God will bless you for doing it." I then God will bless you for doing it." I don't think our problem is a lack of don't think our problem is a lack of don't think our problem is a lack of information. Our problem is a lack of information. Our problem is a lack of information. Our problem is a lack of changing our patterns changing our patterns changing our patterns in life. We have to, it says you have to in life. We have to, it says you have to in life. We have to, it says you have to look carefully. It means to to to scope look carefully. It means to to to scope look carefully. It means to to to scope it hard, like to to even stoop and it hard, like to to even stoop and it hard, like to to even stoop and strain your eyes into understanding what strain your eyes into understanding what strain your eyes into understanding what that means. Look, I'm I'm getting old that means. Look, I'm I'm getting old that means. Look, I'm I'm getting old now, and when I'm trying to read a label now, and when I'm trying to read a label now, and when I'm trying to read a label or something, it's, you know, if I don't or something, it's, you know, if I don't or something, it's, you know, if I don't have any like readers, then I have to have any like readers, then I have to have any like readers, then I have to take a picture of it and then zoom it.

take a picture of it and then zoom it. take a picture of it and then zoom it. You know, any of y'all old people do You know, any of y'all old people do You know, any of y'all old people do that? that? that? I'm having to strain really hard to see I'm having to strain really hard to see I'm having to strain really hard to see what it says. And I'm here to tell you what it says. And I'm here to tell you what it says. And I'm here to tell you that's how we handle God's word. God, that's how we handle God's word. God, that's how we handle God's word. God, what are you really saying to me through what are you really saying to me through what are you really saying to me through this? Straining, looking intently to this? Straining, looking intently to this? Straining, looking intently to say, God, I want to understand your say, God, I want to understand your say, God, I want to understand your word. What needs to get deposited in my word. What needs to get deposited in my word. What needs to get deposited in my life so I don't live the same patterns, life so I don't live the same patterns, life so I don't live the same patterns, but I live a new pattern according to but I live a new pattern according to but I live a new pattern according to your word in Jesus name. Come on. That's your word in Jesus name. Come on. That's your word in Jesus name. Come on. That's the hard heart. the hard heart. the hard heart. How about the shallow heart? How about the shallow heart? How about the shallow heart? We're going to jump in Mark chapter 4 We're going to jump in Mark chapter 4 We're going to jump in Mark chapter 4 and and look at this one. Let's look at and and look at this one. Let's look at and and look at this one. Let's look at the parable and then the meaning. Some the parable and then the meaning. Some the parable and then the meaning. Some seed fell on rocky places where it did seed fell on rocky places where it did seed fell on rocky places where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly not have much soil. It sprang up quickly not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. But when because the soil was shallow. But when because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came, the plants were scorched the sun came, the plants were scorched the sun came, the plants were scorched and they withered because they had no and they withered because they had no and they withered because they had no root. Others, like seeds sewn on rocky root. Others, like seeds sewn on rocky root. Others, like seeds sewn on rocky places, hear the word and at once places, hear the word and at once places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have receive it with joy. But since they have receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time.

no root, they last only a short time. no root, they last only a short time. when trouble or persecution comes when trouble or persecution comes when trouble or persecution comes because of the word they quickly fall because of the word they quickly fall because of the word they quickly fall away. This soil, the shallow soil away. This soil, the shallow soil away. This soil, the shallow soil represents emotional soil or an represents emotional soil or an represents emotional soil or an emotional heart. This is the person that emotional heart. This is the person that emotional heart. This is the person that receives the word of God like amen. receives the word of God like amen. receives the word of God like amen. That's right. Everybody say amen. That's right. Everybody say amen. That's right. Everybody say amen. >> Amen. But but you do it in a way of like >> Amen. But but you do it in a way of like >> Amen. But but you do it in a way of like you're excited about what God is saying you're excited about what God is saying you're excited about what God is saying to you, but then you leave and then the to you, but then you leave and then the to you, but then you leave and then the problems come in life and the problems come in life and the problems come in life and the difficulties come in life and then difficulties come in life and then difficulties come in life and then because you don't nurture the roots of because you don't nurture the roots of because you don't nurture the roots of that, it ends up falling away and then that, it ends up falling away and then that, it ends up falling away and then it never really produces any harvest in it never really produces any harvest in it never really produces any harvest in our lives because it says when the sun our lives because it says when the sun our lives because it says when the sun comes out, the sun represents trials, uh comes out, the sun represents trials, uh comes out, the sun represents trials, uh represents testing, persecution, represents testing, persecution, represents testing, persecution, difficulties in life. And when those difficulties in life. And when those difficulties in life. And when those things happen, a lot of times if all things happen, a lot of times if all things happen, a lot of times if all you're doing is living by the emotion of you're doing is living by the emotion of you're doing is living by the emotion of things, your emotions will start to fade things, your emotions will start to fade things, your emotions will start to fade because of the problems and you'll give because of the problems and you'll give because of the problems and you'll give up on the word of God and that stuff up on the word of God and that stuff up on the word of God and that stuff will choke out God's promises mainly will choke out God's promises mainly will choke out God's promises mainly because you're focusing on your emotions because you're focusing on your emotions because you're focusing on your emotions and rather than the word.

and rather than the word. and rather than the word. See, the same son that destroys one See, the same son that destroys one See, the same son that destroys one thing will bring life to another. thing will bring life to another. thing will bring life to another. You see the same difficulties in some You see the same difficulties in some You see the same difficulties in some people's life stirs up their faith faith people's life stirs up their faith faith people's life stirs up their faith faith other people will give up. It really other people will give up. It really other people will give up. It really depends on what you're feeding in life. depends on what you're feeding in life. depends on what you're feeding in life. I was I was looking at my sprinklers I was I was looking at my sprinklers I was I was looking at my sprinklers this not long ago cuz you know we this not long ago cuz you know we this not long ago cuz you know we weren't getting any rain and it was like weren't getting any rain and it was like weren't getting any rain and it was like 195 degrees outside. 195 degrees outside. 195 degrees outside. So you know normally in the summer you So you know normally in the summer you So you know normally in the summer you don't need a sprinkler system but my don't need a sprinkler system but my don't need a sprinkler system but my goodness it's been hot. But and I was goodness it's been hot. But and I was goodness it's been hot. But and I was adjusting my sprinkler heads and I adjusting my sprinkler heads and I adjusting my sprinkler heads and I noticed one of them was just sprinkling noticed one of them was just sprinkling noticed one of them was just sprinkling the conservation area. the conservation area. the conservation area. My yard was brown. It looked terrible. My yard was brown. It looked terrible. My yard was brown. It looked terrible. But the conservation area was But the conservation area was But the conservation area was flourishing. flourishing. flourishing. The poison ivy was like wret to get onto The poison ivy was like wret to get onto The poison ivy was like wret to get onto somebody, you know, like it was growing, somebody, you know, like it was growing, somebody, you know, like it was growing, flourishing. flourishing. flourishing. Why? Cuz I was watering the wrong thing. Why? Cuz I was watering the wrong thing. Why? Cuz I was watering the wrong thing. And when you get caught up in your And when you get caught up in your And when you get caught up in your emotions in life, like I don't know, emotions in life, like I don't know, emotions in life, like I don't know, man. It just doesn't feel right. I just man. It just doesn't feel right. I just man. It just doesn't feel right. I just don't. And you start feeding that, then don't. And you start feeding that, then don't. And you start feeding that, then what happens is that's what grows. The what happens is that's what grows. The what happens is that's what grows. The poison ivy in your life grows. The weeds poison ivy in your life grows. The weeds poison ivy in your life grows. The weeds in your life grow and it chokes out the in your life grow and it chokes out the in your life grow and it chokes out the promises of God because you have just promises of God because you have just promises of God because you have just forgotten about this and you're feeding forgotten about this and you're feeding forgotten about this and you're feeding something else. I said this a couple of something else. I said this a couple of something else. I said this a couple of months ago in one of my messages and months ago in one of my messages and months ago in one of my messages and that is what you look at determines what that is what you look at determines what that is what you look at determines what you look like.

you look like. you look like. If if you look at your problems, if you If if you look at your problems, if you If if you look at your problems, if you look at at all your difficulties and the look at at all your difficulties and the look at at all your difficulties and the things that are not going right, then things that are not going right, then things that are not going right, then that's exactly what you will feed and that's exactly what you will feed and that's exactly what you will feed and that's what your life will look like. that's what your life will look like. that's what your life will look like. But if you're looking at God's promises, But if you're looking at God's promises, But if you're looking at God's promises, if you're looking at God's word, if if you're looking at God's word, if if you're looking at God's word, if you're focused on that, if you have new you're focused on that, if you have new you're focused on that, if you have new patterns of stains connected to this, patterns of stains connected to this, patterns of stains connected to this, then that's what your life will look then that's what your life will look then that's what your life will look like because that's what you've been like because that's what you've been like because that's what you've been looking at. Somebody ought to say amen looking at. Somebody ought to say amen looking at. Somebody ought to say amen to that. to that. to that. Sometimes problems uh destroy people and Sometimes problems uh destroy people and Sometimes problems uh destroy people and sometimes it builds their faith. It just sometimes it builds their faith. It just sometimes it builds their faith. It just depends on what you're feeding, right? depends on what you're feeding, right? depends on what you're feeding, right? So every morning you got to decide what So every morning you got to decide what So every morning you got to decide what you're going to water, fear or faith, you're going to water, fear or faith, you're going to water, fear or faith, gratitude or bitterness, right? Hope or gratitude or bitterness, right? Hope or gratitude or bitterness, right? Hope or anxiety because whatever you water, anxiety because whatever you water, anxiety because whatever you water, whatever you feed grows. I love this whatever you feed grows. I love this whatever you feed grows. I love this psalm. It says, "This is the day that psalm. It says, "This is the day that psalm. It says, "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. I read that verse and glad in it. I read that verse and glad in it. I read that verse and there's no like little little asterisk there's no like little little asterisk there's no like little little asterisk and you go down to the bottom of the and you go down to the bottom of the and you go down to the bottom of the footnote in the Bible and it says, well, footnote in the Bible and it says, well, footnote in the Bible and it says, well, you only have to rejoice on the good you only have to rejoice on the good you only have to rejoice on the good days.

days. days. >> And and only the good days are the ones >> And and only the good days are the ones >> And and only the good days are the ones made by the Lord. The good days are his. made by the Lord. The good days are his. made by the Lord. The good days are his. The bad days are his. We have to choose The bad days are his. We have to choose The bad days are his. We have to choose what are we going to water. I'm going to what are we going to water. I'm going to what are we going to water. I'm going to water the seed that God you are over my water the seed that God you are over my water the seed that God you are over my life. No matter what the circumstances life. No matter what the circumstances life. No matter what the circumstances say, I choose today to rejoice. say, I choose today to rejoice. say, I choose today to rejoice. Everybody say, "Rejoice and give him Everybody say, "Rejoice and give him Everybody say, "Rejoice and give him some praise." Cuz he deserves every bit some praise." Cuz he deserves every bit some praise." Cuz he deserves every bit of that. I don't know. Look, I don't of that. I don't know. Look, I don't of that. I don't know. Look, I don't know what your day looks like, but today know what your day looks like, but today know what your day looks like, but today is the day you can choose to water your is the day you can choose to water your is the day you can choose to water your faith in God and choosing to praise him faith in God and choosing to praise him faith in God and choosing to praise him regardless of what the day looks like. I regardless of what the day looks like. I regardless of what the day looks like. I know what what it looks like if I look know what what it looks like if I look know what what it looks like if I look at him in Jesus name. Amen. at him in Jesus name. Amen. at him in Jesus name. Amen. >> How about the crowded heart? >> How about the crowded heart? >> How about the crowded heart? Mark 4, we're going to read verse 7 and Mark 4, we're going to read verse 7 and Mark 4, we're going to read verse 7 and then the explanation. And it says other then the explanation. And it says other then the explanation. And it says other seed fell among thorns which grew up and seed fell among thorns which grew up and seed fell among thorns which grew up and choked the plants. So they did not bear choked the plants. So they did not bear choked the plants. So they did not bear grain or bear fruit. Explanation is grain or bear fruit. Explanation is grain or bear fruit. Explanation is still others like seeds sown among the still others like seeds sown among the still others like seeds sown among the thorns. They hear the word but the thorns. They hear the word but the thorns. They hear the word but the worries of life, the deceitfulness of worries of life, the deceitfulness of worries of life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desire for other things wealth and the desire for other things wealth and the desire for other things come in and choke the word making it come in and choke the word making it come in and choke the word making it unfruitful. Thorny soil is what this is.

unfruitful. Thorny soil is what this is. unfruitful. Thorny soil is what this is. Or really this is a crowded life because Or really this is a crowded life because Or really this is a crowded life because so many other things are in our life. It so many other things are in our life. It so many other things are in our life. It ends up choking out the promises of God. ends up choking out the promises of God. ends up choking out the promises of God. This really represents a busy life. I This really represents a busy life. I This really represents a busy life. I mean I think it's it's almost like a mean I think it's it's almost like a mean I think it's it's almost like a badge of honor these days when you talk badge of honor these days when you talk badge of honor these days when you talk to people, right? How you doing? Oh, to people, right? How you doing? Oh, to people, right? How you doing? Oh, this just busy, man. You know, so so this just busy, man. You know, so so this just busy, man. You know, so so busy, right? It's almost like, well, I'm busy, right? It's almost like, well, I'm busy, right? It's almost like, well, I'm I'm busy, so then that means I'm I'm busy, so then that means I'm I'm busy, so then that means I'm actually it's important what I'm doing. actually it's important what I'm doing. actually it's important what I'm doing. And I'm here to tell you that I think us And I'm here to tell you that I think us And I'm here to tell you that I think us being so busy in life that a lot of being so busy in life that a lot of being so busy in life that a lot of times those things cause us to be busy times those things cause us to be busy times those things cause us to be busy with things that won't necessarily feed with things that won't necessarily feed with things that won't necessarily feed our faith or the word of God. our faith or the word of God. our faith or the word of God. You know, the plants only grow if you You know, the plants only grow if you You know, the plants only grow if you continue to water them, which means you continue to water them, which means you continue to water them, which means you have to give attention to them. And it's have to give attention to them. And it's have to give attention to them. And it's not just hearing the word of God in our not just hearing the word of God in our not just hearing the word of God in our lives, but it's actually feeding that lives, but it's actually feeding that lives, but it's actually feeding that and not letting the busyiness of life and not letting the busyiness of life and not letting the busyiness of life take us away from doing this. Not just take us away from doing this. Not just take us away from doing this. Not just on a Sunday, but on a regular basis, on a Sunday, but on a regular basis, on a Sunday, but on a regular basis, feeding God's word. The weeds will feeding God's word. The weeds will feeding God's word. The weeds will slowly steal everything. Look, busyiness slowly steal everything. Look, busyiness slowly steal everything. Look, busyiness keeps us from allowing God's word to keeps us from allowing God's word to keeps us from allowing God's word to produce in our life. And I think, look, produce in our life. And I think, look, produce in our life. And I think, look, if the devil can't make us bad, you know if the devil can't make us bad, you know if the devil can't make us bad, you know what he'll do? He'll make us busy what he'll do? He'll make us busy what he'll do? He'll make us busy because he knows if we're just busy with because he knows if we're just busy with because he knows if we're just busy with all sorts of things in life, but we're all sorts of things in life, but we're all sorts of things in life, but we're not busy about sticking with watering not busy about sticking with watering not busy about sticking with watering the seed that he's planted in our lives, the seed that he's planted in our lives, the seed that he's planted in our lives, then those other things in life that then those other things in life that then those other things in life that we're so busy doing will choke out the we're so busy doing will choke out the we're so busy doing will choke out the life of God and we'll never live in all life of God and we'll never live in all life of God and we'll never live in all that he has for us. He says that there

that he has for us. He says that there that he has for us. He says that there are things that that do that. He said are things that that do that. He said are things that that do that. He said the worries of life, the wealth of life, the worries of life, the wealth of life, the worries of life, the wealth of life, and the wants or the desires of our and the wants or the desires of our and the wants or the desires of our life. Look, the busyiness of our life. Look, the busyiness of our life. Look, the busyiness of our schedules and sports, careers, Netflix schedules and sports, careers, Netflix schedules and sports, careers, Netflix and vacations and kids activities and and vacations and kids activities and and vacations and kids activities and work and all of those things, they're work and all of those things, they're work and all of those things, they're not necessarily evil things, but good not necessarily evil things, but good not necessarily evil things, but good things, if we spend too much time doing things, if we spend too much time doing things, if we spend too much time doing them, will steal God's things that is them, will steal God's things that is them, will steal God's things that is going to happen in our life. going to happen in our life. going to happen in our life. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> I uh actually was thinking about this >> I uh actually was thinking about this >> I uh actually was thinking about this the other day when I was watching the the other day when I was watching the the other day when I was watching the the FIFA World Cup. I don't know about the FIFA World Cup. I don't know about the FIFA World Cup. I don't know about you guys, but I only time I've ever you guys, but I only time I've ever you guys, but I only time I've ever watched soccer was when my kids were watched soccer was when my kids were watched soccer was when my kids were younger and they were into soccer. And younger and they were into soccer. And younger and they were into soccer. And even then, don't tell them, but I wasn't even then, don't tell them, but I wasn't even then, don't tell them, but I wasn't even into it. I just watched it because even into it. I just watched it because even into it. I just watched it because they were into it. I always thought, they were into it. I always thought, they were into it. I always thought, man, as we watch this thing, it's a man, as we watch this thing, it's a man, as we watch this thing, it's a 90minute game and it's one to zero or 90minute game and it's one to zero or 90minute game and it's one to zero or something like, man, score some more something like, man, score some more something like, man, score some more goals here, right? But the FIFA World goals here, right? But the FIFA World goals here, right? But the FIFA World Cup was a LIKE I WATCHED SOCCER. I Cup was a LIKE I WATCHED SOCCER. I Cup was a LIKE I WATCHED SOCCER. I WATCHED people I don't care. Cape Verie.

WATCHED people I don't care. Cape Verie. WATCHED people I don't care. Cape Verie. I don't even know where that country is, I don't even know where that country is, I don't even know where that country is, but I watched their soccer game. You but I watched their soccer game. You but I watched their soccer game. You know, I'm sorry, football. I watched know, I'm sorry, football. I watched know, I'm sorry, football. I watched their football game. And you know what? their football game. And you know what? their football game. And you know what? I why I fell in love with it, it took me I why I fell in love with it, it took me I why I fell in love with it, it took me a little while to figure it out, but but a little while to figure it out, but but a little while to figure it out, but but the reason why I I fell in love with it, the reason why I I fell in love with it, the reason why I I fell in love with it, I was enjoying it so much because of the I was enjoying it so much because of the I was enjoying it so much because of the fans. Like, they were rowdy. You could fans. Like, they were rowdy. You could fans. Like, they were rowdy. You could hear them over the announcers during the hear them over the announcers during the hear them over the announcers during the game singing their song, doing their game singing their song, doing their game singing their song, doing their cheers, all the things that they have. cheers, all the things that they have. cheers, all the things that they have. They wouldn't stop. It's like the whole They wouldn't stop. It's like the whole They wouldn't stop. It's like the whole time just going and I thought, man, they time just going and I thought, man, they time just going and I thought, man, they are having so much fun. And then what is are having so much fun. And then what is are having so much fun. And then what is so different than what happens here in so different than what happens here in so different than what happens here in America when the game ended, no one America when the game ended, no one America when the game ended, no one left. left. left. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] I would imagine some couple of hours I would imagine some couple of hours I would imagine some couple of hours later finally they're flicking the later finally they're flicking the later finally they're flicking the lights on the stadium like you people lights on the stadium like you people lights on the stadium like you people got to go. But they would stay and got to go. But they would stay and got to go. But they would stay and continue to sing their songs and continue to sing their songs and continue to sing their songs and celebrate and cheering and just I just I celebrate and cheering and just I just I celebrate and cheering and just I just I couldn't believe it. And I thought how couldn't believe it. And I thought how couldn't believe it. And I thought how much different is that than in America?

much different is that than in America? much different is that than in America? Like we're watching our team and we're Like we're watching our team and we're Like we're watching our team and we're like, well, if we leave right now, we like, well, if we leave right now, we like, well, if we leave right now, we can get ahead of everybody else and [crying] [crying] we got to hurry up and get to the I we got to hurry up and get to the I we got to hurry up and get to the I don't know, Applebees to eat our wings. don't know, Applebees to eat our wings. don't know, Applebees to eat our wings. I don't know where you're trying to go I don't know where you're trying to go I don't know where you're trying to go after the game. Waffle House is about after the game. Waffle House is about after the game. Waffle House is about the only thing open anyway. the only thing open anyway. the only thing open anyway. No, but America, we just can't wait to No, but America, we just can't wait to No, but America, we just can't wait to move to the next thing. And we miss move to the next thing. And we miss move to the next thing. And we miss celebrating and enjoying and being a celebrating and enjoying and being a celebrating and enjoying and being a part of what experience is still part of what experience is still part of what experience is still happening in our lives. happening in our lives. happening in our lives. >> Oh man. And that happens in church too. You guys have figured out the pattern. You guys have figured out the pattern. The pastor prays at the end. It's time The pastor prays at the end. It's time The pastor prays at the end. It's time for me to grab your stuff. As soon as he for me to grab your stuff. As soon as he for me to grab your stuff. As soon as he says amen, baby, we're out of here. I think some of the most powerful I think some of the most powerful moments happen because we choose to moments happen because we choose to moments happen because we choose to linger around what God is doing and linger around what God is doing and linger around what God is doing and allow that stuff to marinate and allow that stuff to marinate and allow that stuff to marinate and meditate in us and you just can't wait meditate in us and you just can't wait meditate in us and you just can't wait to get to the parking lot. I don't know to get to the parking lot. I don't know to get to the parking lot. I don't know about you, but I know the parking lot about you, but I know the parking lot about you, but I know the parking lot ain't going to set me free. Probably ain't going to set me free. Probably ain't going to set me free. Probably make me angry.

But what else could I possibly be going But what else could I possibly be going to that is more valuable than the word to that is more valuable than the word to that is more valuable than the word of God in this environment where my soil of God in this environment where my soil of God in this environment where my soil is receptive to see and I just can't is receptive to see and I just can't is receptive to see and I just can't wait to put it down and run out of here. wait to put it down and run out of here. wait to put it down and run out of here. And then those are the things that choke And then those are the things that choke And then those are the things that choke out what I receive here because I'm more out what I receive here because I'm more out what I receive here because I'm more feeding them than I am what God is doing feeding them than I am what God is doing feeding them than I am what God is doing here. And we wonder why I am not living here. And we wonder why I am not living here. And we wonder why I am not living in God's best. in God's best. in God's best. I wonder how many miracles people miss I wonder how many miracles people miss I wonder how many miracles people miss out on because they can't wait to get to out on because they can't wait to get to out on because they can't wait to get to the parking lot. the parking lot. the parking lot. >> How many marriages have never been >> How many marriages have never been >> How many marriages have never been restored because you just hurry up and restored because you just hurry up and restored because you just hurry up and let's get out of here. Let's move on to let's get out of here. Let's move on to let's get out of here. Let's move on to the next thing when we ought to be the next thing when we ought to be the next thing when we ought to be lingering in what God is trying to say lingering in what God is trying to say lingering in what God is trying to say to us. The seed that he's scattering in to us. The seed that he's scattering in to us. The seed that he's scattering in our lives and he wants it to fall on our lives and he wants it to fall on our lives and he wants it to fall on good ground, but we have to be at a good ground, but we have to be at a good ground, but we have to be at a place where we say, "I'm not running to place where we say, "I'm not running to place where we say, "I'm not running to something else." God, what is it that something else." God, what is it that something else." God, what is it that you're saying to me? Listen, he is the you're saying to me? Listen, he is the you're saying to me? Listen, he is the answer. answer. answer. >> Come on, church. He's the answer for >> Come on, church. He's the answer for >> Come on, church. He's the answer for what ails us.

what ails us. what ails us. He's the answer for what troubles us. He's the answer for what troubles us. He's the answer for what troubles us. God's seed gets planted in our life. And God's seed gets planted in our life. And God's seed gets planted in our life. And by the way, this parable isn't just by the way, this parable isn't just by the way, this parable isn't just talking about listening to sermons, talking about listening to sermons, talking about listening to sermons, although I'm scattering seed right now. although I'm scattering seed right now. although I'm scattering seed right now. It's anytime you spend time in the word. It's anytime you spend time in the word. It's anytime you spend time in the word. And if I were you, I would make sure I'm And if I were you, I would make sure I'm And if I were you, I would make sure I'm scattering seed every day in my life. scattering seed every day in my life. scattering seed every day in my life. And uh Jesus describes this whole And uh Jesus describes this whole And uh Jesus describes this whole concept concept concept and he says uh in Luke chapter 10, and he says uh in Luke chapter 10, and he says uh in Luke chapter 10, Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you're worried and upset about many you're worried and upset about many you're worried and upset about many things. Can we just stop? I I wanted to things. Can we just stop? I I wanted to things. Can we just stop? I I wanted to take this scripture which is still take this scripture which is still take this scripture which is still relevant for today. relevant for today. relevant for today. And you could insert your name there. And you could insert your name there. And you could insert your name there. And I want you to know right now, you're And I want you to know right now, you're And I want you to know right now, you're worried about many things. worried about many things. worried about many things. But there are a few things that are But there are a few things that are But there are a few things that are really needed. Indeed, really only one. really needed. Indeed, really only one. really needed. Indeed, really only one. And Mary has chosen what is better. And And Mary has chosen what is better. And And Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not, I declare, it will not be it will not, I declare, it will not be it will not, I declare, it will not be taken from you. If you choose today what taken from you. If you choose today what taken from you. If you choose today what is better, then I submit to you, it will is better, then I submit to you, it will is better, then I submit to you, it will not be taken away because you will not be taken away because you will not be taken away because you will continue to water this seed and it'll continue to water this seed and it'll continue to water this seed and it'll end up dropping in your lives. and end up dropping in your lives. and end up dropping in your lives. and setting you free in Jesus name. Amen.

setting you free in Jesus name. Amen. setting you free in Jesus name. Amen. >> Okay, we got to hurry. >> Okay, we got to hurry. >> Okay, we got to hurry. Should have known. This is my first time Should have known. This is my first time Should have known. This is my first time back in like five weeks. Some of you back in like five weeks. Some of you back in like five weeks. Some of you didn't even know I was gone, but I was. didn't even know I was gone, but I was. didn't even know I was gone, but I was. And so, uh, listen, let me just let me And so, uh, listen, let me just let me And so, uh, listen, let me just let me just read the part about the good heart, just read the part about the good heart, just read the part about the good heart, and then I'm going to tell you what and then I'm going to tell you what and then I'm going to tell you what we're going to do here for a couple of we're going to do here for a couple of we're going to do here for a couple of moments. And those of you that have moments. And those of you that have moments. And those of you that have crowded lives or you have a hardened crowded lives or you have a hardened crowded lives or you have a hardened path patterns in life to just get out of path patterns in life to just get out of path patterns in life to just get out of here, can we just please, I'm begging here, can we just please, I'm begging here, can we just please, I'm begging you as your pastor with all that you you as your pastor with all that you you as your pastor with all that you have. Would you just linger for a few have. Would you just linger for a few have. Would you just linger for a few moments once I'm done so that we can moments once I'm done so that we can moments once I'm done so that we can create a moment for you to receive from create a moment for you to receive from create a moment for you to receive from God and him plant something in your God and him plant something in your God and him plant something in your heart today? I'm I'm I'm desperately heart today? I'm I'm I'm desperately heart today? I'm I'm I'm desperately asking you today for that. So, let's asking you today for that. So, let's asking you today for that. So, let's just read what is a good heart. I'm just read what is a good heart. I'm just read what is a good heart. I'm going to read this one verse and then uh going to read this one verse and then uh going to read this one verse and then uh we're going to create this moment. The we're going to create this moment. The we're going to create this moment. The worship team can can come on out and worship team can can come on out and worship team can can come on out and join me at all of our locations right join me at all of our locations right join me at all of our locations right now. A good heart. Verse 15, it says, now. A good heart. Verse 15, it says, now. A good heart. Verse 15, it says, "But the seed on good soil stands for "But the seed on good soil stands for "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and a good heart who those with a noble and a good heart who those with a noble and a good heart who hear the word, listen to this, hear the hear the word, listen to this, hear the hear the word, listen to this, hear the word, retain it, and by persevering word, retain it, and by persevering word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." Uh what that means is produce a crop." Uh what that means is produce a crop." Uh what that means is if we're going to have a heart that if we're going to have a heart that if we're going to have a heart that actually receives from God, then we have actually receives from God, then we have actually receives from God, then we have to actually create a right heart. And I to actually create a right heart. And I to actually create a right heart. And I love what David said. He prayed, "God, love what David said. He prayed, "God, love what David said. He prayed, "God, create in me a pure, a clean heart." As

create in me a pure, a clean heart." As create in me a pure, a clean heart." As we're going to have a moment here in we're going to have a moment here in we're going to have a moment here in just a second, asking the Lord, God, to just a second, asking the Lord, God, to just a second, asking the Lord, God, to prepare my heart. God, create in me a prepare my heart. God, create in me a prepare my heart. God, create in me a clean heart so that I can receive from clean heart so that I can receive from clean heart so that I can receive from you. Then we're going to hear God's you. Then we're going to hear God's you. Then we're going to hear God's word. God's going to he's probably word. God's going to he's probably word. God's going to he's probably already spoken to you something today. already spoken to you something today. already spoken to you something today. And so then we got to create our clean And so then we got to create our clean And so then we got to create our clean heart. We got to hear God's word and we heart. We got to hear God's word and we heart. We got to hear God's word and we have to retain it. It means like to stay have to retain it. It means like to stay have to retain it. It means like to stay focused on it. That means you need to focused on it. That means you need to focused on it. That means you need to write it down somewhere. You need to write it down somewhere. You need to write it down somewhere. You need to remind yourself of it. That's like remind yourself of it. That's like remind yourself of it. That's like feeding the seed in your heart of what feeding the seed in your heart of what feeding the seed in your heart of what God has spoken so that it will produce a God has spoken so that it will produce a God has spoken so that it will produce a harvest. The Bible said there even a harvest. The Bible said there even a harvest. The Bible said there even a hundfold what was sown sown. In other hundfold what was sown sown. In other hundfold what was sown sown. In other words, when you get a promise from God words, when you get a promise from God words, when you get a promise from God and you get a glimpse of your life, of and you get a glimpse of your life, of and you get a glimpse of your life, of what God can do, it's a hundred times what God can do, it's a hundred times what God can do, it's a hundred times more than that. more than that. more than that. But you have to be the kind of person But you have to be the kind of person But you have to be the kind of person that creates an atmosphere for your that creates an atmosphere for your that creates an atmosphere for your heart to receive. And when he puts it in heart to receive. And when he puts it in heart to receive. And when he puts it in there, like retain it, write it down. there, like retain it, write it down. there, like retain it, write it down. I'm not going to let go of it. And then I'm not going to let go of it. And then I'm not going to let go of it. And then persevere persevere persevere because storms [music] and troubles and because storms [music] and troubles and because storms [music] and troubles and difficulties come. But we have to say, difficulties come. But we have to say, difficulties come. But we have to say, "No, God, I'm going to hold on to it no "No, God, I'm going to hold on to it no "No, God, I'm going to hold on to it no matter what." That's what produces a matter what." That's what produces a matter what." That's what produces a great harvest [music] in our lives. So, great harvest [music] in our lives. So, great harvest [music] in our lives. So, at all of our campuses, I'm going to ask at all of our campuses, I'm going to ask at all of our campuses, I'm going to ask you guys to participate for the next you guys to participate for the next you guys to participate for the next [music] few moments. Here's what I want [music] few moments. Here's what I want [music] few moments. Here's what I want you to do. I want you to just stay you to do. I want you to just stay you to do. I want you to just stay there. We're going to go into this there. We're going to go into this there. We're going to go into this worship song. It's about being still, worship song. It's about being still, worship song. It's about being still, settling ourselves to receive from God.

settling ourselves to receive from God. settling ourselves to receive from God. So, just a few moments. If you want to So, just a few moments. If you want to So, just a few moments. If you want to stand and you want to worship [music] stand and you want to worship [music] stand and you want to worship [music] and sing along, you can. But I ask you and sing along, you can. But I ask you and sing along, you can. But I ask you right now, please just forget who's right now, please just forget who's right now, please just forget who's here. Just forget about what you have to here. Just forget about what you have to here. Just forget about what you have to go do. Turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn your phone off set it turn turn turn your phone off set it turn turn turn your phone off set it down face down on the ground I don't down face down on the ground I don't down face down on the ground I don't know man just get rid of distractions so know man just get rid of distractions so know man just get rid of distractions so we can create this place to to be still we can create this place to to be still we can create this place to to be still and hear from God and then in this and hear from God and then in this and hear from God and then in this moment during this time of this song and moment during this time of this song and moment during this time of this song and this worship when you when you feel like this worship when you when you feel like this worship when you when you feel like God is speaking something to would you God is speaking something to would you God is speaking something to would you write it write it down that's retaining write it write it down that's retaining write it write it down that's retaining it [music] to write it down like God I'm it [music] to write it down like God I'm it [music] to write it down like God I'm going to hold tightly to this and then going to hold tightly to this and then going to hold tightly to this and then it's through his spirit he's going to it's through his spirit he's going to it's through his spirit he's going to deposit faith [music] into you to deposit faith [music] into you to deposit faith [music] into you to persevere persevere persevere so that you can see this thing produce a so that you can see this thing produce a so that you can see this thing produce a hundfold in your life. So, I'm going to hundfold in your life. So, I'm going to hundfold in your life. So, I'm going to pray and we're going to go into this pray and we're going to go into this pray and we're going to go into this time of this song of worship and time of this song of worship and time of this song of worship and reflection. God, thank you for your reflection. God, thank you for your reflection. God, thank you for your word. Thank you that it has been sown word. Thank you that it has been sown word. Thank you that it has been sown [music] and God, you're going to produce [music] and God, you're going to produce [music] and God, you're going to produce something incredible today. I speak something incredible today. I speak something incredible today. I speak against distractions [music] and those against distractions [music] and those against distractions [music] and those that even now the devil's bringing that even now the devil's bringing that even now the devil's bringing thoughts and things to them that that thoughts and things to them that that thoughts and things to them that that would be silence, that that would begin would be silence, that that would begin would be silence, that that would begin to become quiet so that your voice could to become quiet so that your voice could to become quiet so that your voice could be loud. And I pray that you would be loud. And I pray that you would be loud. And I pray that you would speak. we would receive it, retain it, speak. we would receive it, retain it, speak. we would receive it, retain it, persevere in it to live in all that you persevere in it to live in all that you persevere in it to live in all that you have for [music] us in Jesus name.

have for [music] us in Jesus name. have for [music] us in Jesus name. Church, just just stay for a few moments Church, just just stay for a few moments Church, just just stay for a few moments and receive from the Lord. Emmanuel, [singing] Emmanuel, [singing] God's with us. [music] The Lord of hosts [singing] is ever The Lord of hosts [singing] is ever [music] [music] [music] present. The God [music and singing] who saves is The God [music and singing] who saves is our deliverer. He's our [music and singing] hope and He's our [music and singing] hope and he's our helper. >> [music] >> [music] >> He's our hope. He's our helper. [music] And And [music] [music] [music] that he is God. [singing] that he is God. [singing] that he is God. [singing] He is God.

and [music and singing] know and [music and singing] know that he is [music] is [music] God. God. God. He You are God. You are God. [music] You You are God. You are God. [music] You are faithful. You are faithful. You are faithful. You are more than [music] able. You are more than [music] able. You are more than [music] able. You are gracious.

You are gracious. You are gracious. You are [music] small to able. You are [music] small to able. You are [music] small to able. You are with us. You are ever praising. You are with us. You are ever praising. You are with us. You are ever praising. Jesus, [music] you are faithful. you are faithful. [music] You are more than able. [music] You are more than able. [music] You are more than able. You are so gracious. You are so gracious. You are so gracious. You are slow to [music] anger. You are slow to [music] anger. You are slow to [music] anger. You are with us. [music] You are with us. [music] You are with us. [music] You are ever present. You are ever present. You are ever present. >> [music] >> You are >> You are [music] [music] [music] You are You are unable. [music] You are unable. [music] You are precious. You are precious. You are precious. [music] You are so [music] You are so [music] You are so You are You are You are [music] [music] [music] You are great.

You are great. You are great. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Oh, you are [music] Oh, you are [music] still [music] [music] you. In this same [music] attitude of this In this same [music] attitude of this atmosphere that is in here, what is it atmosphere that is in here, what is it atmosphere that is in here, what is it that God spoke to you? You [music] just that God spoke to you? You [music] just that God spoke to you? You [music] just created a heart to receive. I want you created a heart to receive. I want you created a heart to receive. I want you to take a moment before you leave. I to take a moment before you leave. I to take a moment before you leave. I want you to write that down so that you want you to write that down so that you want you to write that down so that you can retain [music] it and persevere in can retain [music] it and persevere in can retain [music] it and persevere in it. So, please don't leave here without it. So, please don't leave here without it. So, please don't leave here without having received that. Would you [music] having received that. Would you [music] having received that. Would you [music] please do that as we're staying in this please do that as we're staying in this please do that as we're staying in this attitude of worship?

Pull out your phone, however [music] you Pull out your phone, however [music] you going to do it. Write it down on going to do it. Write it down on going to do it. Write it down on something. What has God spoken? [music] What seed What has God spoken? [music] What seed has he given you? What promise has he has he given you? What promise has he has he given you? What promise has he spoken to you? What pattern do you need spoken to you? What pattern do you need spoken to you? What pattern do you need [music] to change in your life? What [music] to change in your life? What [music] to change in your life? What thing do you need to weed from your life thing do you need to weed from your life thing do you need to weed from your life to get out of your life? What is it that to get out of your life? What is it that to get out of your life? What is it that [music] he's spoken to you [music] he's spoken to you [music] he's spoken to you that he's asking of you right now? that he's asking of you right now? that he's asking of you right now? Let's seal that. Come on, write [music] Let's seal that. Come on, write [music] Let's seal that. Come on, write [music] that down. Be committed to it. Retain that down. Be committed to it. Retain that down. Be committed to it. Retain it. Persevere on it [music] in Jesus it. Persevere on it [music] in Jesus it. Persevere on it [music] in Jesus name. >> Thank you, Father, for [music] the >> Thank you, Father, for [music] the deposit that you put in us today.

deposit that you put in us today. deposit that you put in us today. Thank you, Jesus, for your teachings Thank you, Jesus, for your teachings Thank you, Jesus, for your teachings that do not fall on deaf ears, but that do not fall on deaf ears, but that do not fall on deaf ears, but rather a heart that is ready to receive. rather a heart that is ready to receive. rather a heart that is ready to receive. Thank you for exposing [music] the devil Thank you for exposing [music] the devil Thank you for exposing [music] the devil and how he wants to steal and take away and how he wants to steal and take away and how he wants to steal and take away the promises and the seeds of potential the promises and the seeds of potential the promises and the seeds of potential that God puts in [music] our lives. The that God puts in [music] our lives. The that God puts in [music] our lives. The devil, you have been exposed today. We devil, you have been exposed today. We devil, you have been exposed today. We understand your plan, [music] but we understand your plan, [music] but we understand your plan, [music] but we understand the ways in which you try to understand the ways in which you try to understand the ways in which you try to steal that potential and we will not steal that potential and we will not steal that potential and we will not allow them to lead our lives [music] allow them to lead our lives [music] allow them to lead our lives [music] anymore. But from this day forward, we anymore. But from this day forward, we anymore. But from this day forward, we will live in all that God has for us. We will live in all that God has for us. We will live in all that God has for us. We thank you for it, Lord. thank you for it, Lord. thank you for it, Lord. Now, with your eyes still [music] closed Now, with your eyes still [music] closed Now, with your eyes still [music] closed and heads bowed for just a moment, and heads bowed for just a moment, and heads bowed for just a moment, perhaps you're in here and the greatest perhaps you're in here and the greatest perhaps you're in here and the greatest seed of potential that needs to be swn seed of potential that needs to be swn seed of potential that needs to be swn in your life is salvation. Maybe you've in your life is salvation. Maybe you've in your life is salvation. Maybe you've [music] never done that before. Maybe [music] never done that before. Maybe [music] never done that before. Maybe you've never allowed your life to be you've never allowed your life to be you've never allowed your life to be settled in relationship with Jesus. You settled in relationship with Jesus. You settled in relationship with Jesus. You you you might be religious. You you may you you might be religious. You you may you you might be religious. You you may come to church. You may say that you come to church. You may say that you come to church. You may say that you believe in God, but that's different believe in God, but that's different believe in God, but that's different than Jesus being your Lord and [music] than Jesus being your Lord and [music] than Jesus being your Lord and [music] Savior. And I'm going to count to three Savior. And I'm going to count to three Savior. And I'm going to count to three in just a moment. And if that's you, in just a moment. And if that's you, in just a moment. And if that's you, you're like, "Yeah, I'm ready to do you're like, "Yeah, I'm ready to do you're like, "Yeah, I'm ready to do that." I want you to just raise your that." I want you to just raise your that." I want you to just raise your hand just as a sign of faith and so that hand just as a sign of faith and so that hand just as a sign of faith and so that I can lead us [music] in a prayer in I can lead us [music] in a prayer in I can lead us [music] in a prayer in just a moment. If you know right now if just a moment. If you know right now if just a moment. If you know right now if you died, you wouldn't spend eternity in you died, you wouldn't spend eternity in you died, you wouldn't spend eternity in heaven with God. And you want to know heaven with God. And you want to know heaven with God. And you want to know for sure, then on the count of three, I for sure, then on the count of three, I for sure, then on the count of three, I want you to raise your hand. We're going want you to raise your hand. We're going want you to raise your hand. We're going to pray this prayer in just a moment.

to pray this prayer in just a moment. to pray this prayer in just a moment. One, two, three. Come on all over this One, two, three. Come on all over this One, two, three. Come on all over this place. If that's you, don't let this place. If that's you, don't let this place. If that's you, don't let this moment pass [music] you by. That's moment pass [music] you by. That's moment pass [music] you by. That's right. Praise the Lord. right. Praise the Lord. right. Praise the Lord. Love it. Okay, let's all pray this Love it. Okay, let's all pray this Love it. Okay, let's all pray this prayer together. Say, "Heavenly Father, prayer together. Say, "Heavenly Father, prayer together. Say, "Heavenly Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for thank you for your love. Thank you for thank you for your love. Thank you for drawing me, pursuing me, coming after me drawing me, pursuing me, coming after me drawing me, pursuing me, coming after me because you want relationship with me. I because you want relationship with me. I because you want relationship with me. I receive that today. My life, Jesus, is receive that today. My life, Jesus, is receive that today. My life, Jesus, is yours. You are my Lord. [music] You are yours. You are my Lord. [music] You are yours. You are my Lord. [music] You are my Savior. The work you did on the cross my Savior. The work you did on the cross my Savior. The work you did on the cross was for me. You died with my sins so was for me. You died with my sins so was for me. You died with my sins so that I can be free. I so believe it in that I can be free. I so believe it in that I can be free. I so believe it in my heart and my [music] mouth is my heart and my [music] mouth is my heart and my [music] mouth is declaring Jesus you are my Lord you are declaring Jesus you are my Lord you are declaring Jesus you are my Lord you are my savior in Jesus [music and singing] my savior in Jesus [music and singing] my savior in Jesus [music and singing] name. Amen. Now just a moment before we name. Amen. Now just a moment before we name. Amen. Now just a moment before we praise God and then we leave. Those of praise God and then we leave. Those of praise God and then we leave. Those of you that have made that decision for you that have made that decision for you that have made that decision for Christ or maybe recently you have and Christ or maybe recently you have and Christ or maybe recently you have and you haven't been water baptized. We are you haven't been water baptized. We are you haven't been water baptized. We are [music] doing water baptism today. And [music] doing water baptism today. And [music] doing water baptism today. And so we got clothes, we got shirts, so we got clothes, we got shirts, so we got clothes, we got shirts, [music] we got shorts, we got towels, we [music] we got shorts, we got towels, we [music] we got shorts, we got towels, we got everything you need. And it's got everything you need. And it's got everything you need. And it's happening right outside in the in the happening right outside in the in the happening right outside in the in the roundabout on the is it east side or the roundabout on the is it east side or the roundabout on the is it east side or the west side?

west side? west side? On the west side, which is [music] it's On the west side, which is [music] it's On the west side, which is [music] it's west. Never eat soggy waffles. It's west, Never eat soggy waffles. It's west, which is this way. [music] Okay, just so which is this way. [music] Okay, just so which is this way. [music] Okay, just so you guys know. So towards your left. you guys know. So towards your left. you guys know. So towards your left. Okay. Anyway, what a great celebration Okay. Anyway, what a great celebration Okay. Anyway, what a great celebration to see people making a fresh decision. to see people making a fresh decision. to see people making a fresh decision. What a great way to memorialize that What a great way to memorialize that What a great way to memorialize that you're going after God. So, we would you're going after God. So, we would you're going after God. So, we would love to see you out there and celebrate love to see you out there and celebrate love to see you out there and celebrate with you uh for [music] your decision. with you uh for [music] your decision. with you uh for [music] your decision. Uh whether you made it today or recently Uh whether you made it today or recently Uh whether you made it today or recently or you want to rededicate your life to or you want to rededicate your life to or you want to rededicate your life to the Lord through water baptism, all the Lord through water baptism, all the Lord through water baptism, all those [music] are a great opportunity. those [music] are a great opportunity. those [music] are a great opportunity. So, all right. Uh we're going to praise So, all right. Uh we're going to praise So, all right. Uh we're going to praise God. We're going to clap and shout for God. We're going to clap and shout for God. We're going to clap and shout for God for what he's done. That's how we're God for what he's done. That's how we're God for what he's done. That's how we're going to lead [music] today. But if you going to lead [music] today. But if you going to lead [music] today. But if you have something on your heart, you need have something on your heart, you need have something on your heart, you need prayer, you need encouragement, our prayer, you need encouragement, our prayer, you need encouragement, our prayer team is right down here. Anything prayer team is right down here. Anything prayer team is right down here. Anything we can pray with you about, encourage we can pray with you about, encourage we can pray with you about, encourage you before you leave. Okay. God did a you before you leave. Okay. God did a you before you leave. Okay. God did a work today in our lives. Can we give him work today in our lives. Can we give him work today in our lives. Can we give him some praise? Come on, church. some praise? Come on, church. some praise? Come on, church. Yes. God bless you. We'll see you guys Yes. God bless you. We'll see you guys Yes. God bless you. We'll see you guys [music] next week.