Anchored in Christ | Pastor Luke Pettrey | Tuesday Prayer Meeting | The Brooklyn Tabernacle

Well, good evening everyone. Well, good evening everyone. Everybody good? Everybody good? Everybody good? I hope you had a good day. whether you were at your job today whether you were at your job today working or maybe you were at home working or maybe you were at home working or maybe you were at home enjoying the day. But thank you so much enjoying the day. But thank you so much enjoying the day. But thank you so much that you're here tonight with us in the that you're here tonight with us in the that you're here tonight with us in the prayer meeting. And just in case there prayer meeting. And just in case there prayer meeting. And just in case there might be someone here that you might be might be someone here that you might be might be someone here that you might be feeling a little bit weary. feeling a little bit weary. feeling a little bit weary. So listen to the word of the Lord. Okay, So listen to the word of the Lord. Okay, So listen to the word of the Lord. Okay, this is from the prophet Isaiah. this is from the prophet Isaiah. this is from the prophet Isaiah. Do you not know? Do you not know? Do you not know? Have you not heard that the Lord is the Have you not heard that the Lord is the Have you not heard that the Lord is the everlasting God, everlasting God, everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth? the creator of the ends of the earth? the creator of the ends of the earth? He will not grow tired or weary, and his He will not grow tired or weary, and his He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Listen. understanding no one can fathom. Listen. understanding no one can fathom. Listen. He gives strength to the weary and He gives strength to the weary and He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even increases the power of the weak. Even increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary.

youths grow tired and weary. youths grow tired and weary. And young men, they stumble and fall. And young men, they stumble and fall. And young men, they stumble and fall. But hallelujah. But those who hope in But hallelujah. But those who hope in But hallelujah. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. the Lord will renew their strength. the Lord will renew their strength. Hallelujah. They will soar on wings like Hallelujah. They will soar on wings like Hallelujah. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow eagles. They will run and not grow eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk, hallelujah, and weary. They will walk, hallelujah, and weary. They will walk, hallelujah, and not faint. not faint. not faint. I don't read the King James version very I don't read the King James version very I don't read the King James version very often, but I like the fact that the King often, but I like the fact that the King often, but I like the fact that the King James version, that verse that I read to James version, that verse that I read to James version, that verse that I read to you, but those who hope in the Lord, but you, but those who hope in the Lord, but you, but those who hope in the Lord, but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew those who wait upon the Lord shall renew those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Hallelujah. If you're their strength. Hallelujah. If you're their strength. Hallelujah. If you're feeling a little bit weary tonight, feeling a little bit weary tonight, feeling a little bit weary tonight, you're in the right place. This is the you're in the right place. This is the you're in the right place. This is the place to be where we can pray, where we place to be where we can pray, where we place to be where we can pray, where we can wait on the Lord, where we can can wait on the Lord, where we can can wait on the Lord, where we can rejoice in the Lord, the the God of our rejoice in the Lord, the the God of our rejoice in the Lord, the the God of our salvation. salvation. salvation. So, I'm happy tonight. I'm happy to be So, I'm happy tonight. I'm happy to be So, I'm happy tonight. I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to be in the house of here. I'm happy to be in the house of here. I'm happy to be in the house of God tonight. And I hope you are, too.

God tonight. And I hope you are, too. God tonight. And I hope you are, too. And maybe if you were feeling a little And maybe if you were feeling a little And maybe if you were feeling a little bit weary, don't be ashamed. Come on out bit weary, don't be ashamed. Come on out bit weary, don't be ashamed. Come on out of your seat right now and stand up here of your seat right now and stand up here of your seat right now and stand up here with me. Because they that wait upon the with me. Because they that wait upon the with me. Because they that wait upon the Lord, I just read it to you, their Lord, I just read it to you, their Lord, I just read it to you, their strength shall be renewed. strength shall be renewed. strength shall be renewed. So come on. And those of you that want So come on. And those of you that want So come on. And those of you that want to encourage those that are coming, you to encourage those that are coming, you to encourage those that are coming, you can stand with them, too. We're going to can stand with them, too. We're going to can stand with them, too. We're going to sing, but the main thing that we're sing, but the main thing that we're sing, but the main thing that we're going to do tonight is we're going to going to do tonight is we're going to going to do tonight is we're going to pray. I want to pray and believe God for pray. I want to pray and believe God for pray. I want to pray and believe God for things tonight. How many know God things tonight. How many know God things tonight. How many know God answers? answers? answers? Come on, say it with me. God answers Come on, say it with me. God answers Come on, say it with me. God answers prayer. Come on, stand up with me right prayer. Come on, stand up with me right prayer. Come on, stand up with me right now. and you that have come forward, you now. and you that have come forward, you now. and you that have come forward, you lead the way as Pedro leads us in song. lead the way as Pedro leads us in song. lead the way as Pedro leads us in song. Let's sing together. >> Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. Hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus. Hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus. Hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus. Lord, we thank you, God, Lord, we thank you, God, Lord, we thank you, God, that you hear us, Lord. That you don't that you hear us, Lord. That you don't that you hear us, Lord. That you don't grow tired or weary of us coming to you, grow tired or weary of us coming to you, grow tired or weary of us coming to you, Lord, Tuesday after Tuesday, Sunday Lord, Tuesday after Tuesday, Sunday Lord, Tuesday after Tuesday, Sunday after Sunday, Lord. God, but you're a after Sunday, Lord. God, but you're a after Sunday, Lord. God, but you're a God who waits for us to come to you, who God who waits for us to come to you, who God who waits for us to come to you, who longs for us to be with you, longs for us to be with you, longs for us to be with you, oh Jesus, here we are. Would you have oh Jesus, here we are. Would you have oh Jesus, here we are. Would you have your way in this service tonight? Have your way in this service tonight? Have your way in this service tonight? Have your way in this place, in our hearts, your way in this place, in our hearts, your way in this place, in our hearts, God. Inhabit our praises, Lord, God. Inhabit our praises, Lord, God. Inhabit our praises, Lord, and hear our prayers tonight we pray in and hear our prayers tonight we pray in and hear our prayers tonight we pray in Jesus name. Can we sing together?

Jesus name. Can we sing together? Jesus name. Can we sing together? Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. Heat. Heat. Heat. Oh, you rescue the soul of what you fa Oh, you rescue the soul of what you fa certain Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Oh my

Oh my god. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Oh, come on. Would you just lift up a Oh, come on. Would you just lift up a shout of praise

to the King of Kings, to the Lord of to the King of Kings, to the Lord of Lords, Lords, Lords, to our wonderful, merciful Savior? to our wonderful, merciful Savior? to our wonderful, merciful Savior? Come on. Jesus is wonderful, isn't he? Come on. Jesus is wonderful, isn't he? Come on. Jesus is wonderful, isn't he? Has he been good to you? Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. We have so many reasons to thank you We have so many reasons to thank you We have so many reasons to thank you Jesus Jesus Jesus to praise you. to praise you. to praise you. Oh hallelujah. God, we fix our minds and our hearts on God, we fix our minds and our hearts on you, Jesus. Would you help us, God? You you, Jesus. Would you help us, God? You you, Jesus. Would you help us, God? You know, it can be so hard sometimes,

Lord, when we're coming from busy days, Lord, when we're coming from busy days, oh God, coming from burdens and oh God, coming from burdens and oh God, coming from burdens and discouragement, Jesus. God, but like pastor said, Lord, those God, but like pastor said, Lord, those who wait upon the Lord will renew their who wait upon the Lord will renew their who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, strength, strength, God. That's a promise that we're God. That's a promise that we're God. That's a promise that we're clinging to tonight, Jesus. clinging to tonight, Jesus. clinging to tonight, Jesus. Refresh, refresh us in your presence, Refresh, refresh us in your presence, Refresh, refresh us in your presence, God. Strengthen us, Lord, as we wait on God. Strengthen us, Lord, as we wait on God. Strengthen us, Lord, as we wait on you, Jesus. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. You know, I feel impressed right now You know, I feel impressed right now before we sit down and pray for some before we sit down and pray for some before we sit down and pray for some things tonight. I had a young lady in my things tonight. I had a young lady in my things tonight. I had a young lady in my office this afternoon office this afternoon office this afternoon and um I asked her, I said, "Tell me, and um I asked her, I said, "Tell me, and um I asked her, I said, "Tell me, tell me your testimony. How'd you come tell me your testimony. How'd you come tell me your testimony. How'd you come to Christ?" And she began to talk to me to Christ?" And she began to talk to me to Christ?" And she began to talk to me and tell me about stuff that I can't and tell me about stuff that I can't and tell me about stuff that I can't even tell you about about how her even tell you about about how her even tell you about about how her her father her father her father murdered her mother.

murdered her mother. murdered her mother. And then one thing after another, abuse, And then one thing after another, abuse, And then one thing after another, abuse, sexual abuse, all kind of stuff, chaos sexual abuse, all kind of stuff, chaos sexual abuse, all kind of stuff, chaos at every turn. And she kept talking. And at every turn. And she kept talking. And at every turn. And she kept talking. And then at one point, I just said, "Please then at one point, I just said, "Please then at one point, I just said, "Please stop. Stop. Stop. I I I can't I can't stop. Stop. Stop. I I I can't I can't stop. Stop. Stop. I I I can't I can't hear anymore." But but then tell me how hear anymore." But but then tell me how hear anymore." But but then tell me how did it all change? And when she started did it all change? And when she started did it all change? And when she started to tell me about how Christ came into to tell me about how Christ came into to tell me about how Christ came into her life, I just had to start weeping in her life, I just had to start weeping in her life, I just had to start weeping in my office. my office. my office. And it made me think about tonight that And it made me think about tonight that And it made me think about tonight that we're here in this prayer meeting and as we're here in this prayer meeting and as we're here in this prayer meeting and as I was standing there just now and I just I was standing there just now and I just I was standing there just now and I just looked out at all of you and I saw you looked out at all of you and I saw you looked out at all of you and I saw you and you all had your hands raised like and you all had your hands raised like and you all had your hands raised like this. this. this. We all have a testimony. We all have a testimony. We all have a testimony. Come on. We all have a testimony. Come on. We all have a testimony. Come on. We all have a testimony. You know, we weren't born a Christian. You know, we weren't born a Christian. You know, we weren't born a Christian. If you run into somebody and you and If you run into somebody and you and If you run into somebody and you and they tell you they were born a they tell you they were born a they tell you they were born a Christian, excuse the expression, Christian, excuse the expression, Christian, excuse the expression, they're lying. they're lying. they're lying. We all had to have that day. I like to We all had to have that day. I like to We all had to have that day. I like to call it the Damascus road experience call it the Damascus road experience call it the Damascus road experience when when Jesus came into our life, when when Jesus came into our life, when when Jesus came into our life, right? How many can say, "But for the right? How many can say, "But for the right? How many can say, "But for the grace of God, I wouldn't even be here grace of God, I wouldn't even be here grace of God, I wouldn't even be here tonight." It's all because of that sweet tonight." It's all because of that sweet tonight." It's all because of that sweet name Jesus that we were just singing name Jesus that we were just singing name Jesus that we were just singing about. So, you know what I want you to about. So, you know what I want you to about. So, you know what I want you to do for a moment while they play it? I do for a moment while they play it? I do for a moment while they play it? I want you to stand right where you're want you to stand right where you're want you to stand right where you're standing. And you don't have to grab the standing. And you don't have to grab the standing. And you don't have to grab the hand of the person next to you because hand of the person next to you because hand of the person next to you because you we all have our own personal you we all have our own personal you we all have our own personal testimonies. Just take a few minutes testimonies. Just take a few minutes testimonies. Just take a few minutes right now to thank God

right now to thank God right now to thank God out loud. Pray to him. Thank him for out loud. Pray to him. Thank him for out loud. Pray to him. Thank him for your salvation tonight. your salvation tonight. your salvation tonight. Thank him that you're in the land of the Thank him that you're in the land of the Thank him that you're in the land of the living tonight. Thank you that you're a living tonight. Thank you that you're a living tonight. Thank you that you're a child of God tonight. child of God tonight. child of God tonight. Come on. If it wasn't for Jesus, we Come on. If it wasn't for Jesus, we Come on. If it wasn't for Jesus, we wouldn't be here tonight. wouldn't be here tonight. wouldn't be here tonight. Don't be ashamed to open up your mouth Don't be ashamed to open up your mouth Don't be ashamed to open up your mouth and just say, "Thank you, Jesus. Come on. Give him a little more praise.

Come on. Give him a little more praise. Give him a little more thanksgiving. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Come on. Let's just Thank you, Lord. Come on. Let's just Thank you, Lord. Come on. Let's just take that song one more time on our lips take that song one more time on our lips take that song one more time on our lips and in our hearts in the sweet name of and in our hearts in the sweet name of and in our hearts in the sweet name of Jesus. Everybody lift your voice.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. So, Father, that's So, Father, that's that's all of our testimonies tonight.

that's all of our testimonies tonight. that's all of our testimonies tonight. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, the sweetest name we know. Jesus. It's the sweetest name we know. Jesus. It's the sweetest name we know. Jesus. It's only because of you that we're here only because of you that we're here only because of you that we're here tonight, God. tonight, God. tonight, God. Some of us, God, you took us out of a Some of us, God, you took us out of a Some of us, God, you took us out of a pit of sin. pit of sin. pit of sin. We were lost on our way. We had our We were lost on our way. We had our We were lost on our way. We had our fists pointed up at you, but you kept on fists pointed up at you, but you kept on fists pointed up at you, but you kept on loving us, Lord. loving us, Lord. loving us, Lord. And we're here tonight in this prayer And we're here tonight in this prayer And we're here tonight in this prayer meeting. And before we bring our request meeting. And before we bring our request meeting. And before we bring our request to you, we want to bring our to you, we want to bring our to you, we want to bring our thanksgiving to you and tell you how thanksgiving to you and tell you how thanksgiving to you and tell you how much we love you tonight, Jesus. So Lord, thank you. Thank you for every So Lord, thank you. Thank you for every soul here tonight. It's all to God be soul here tonight. It's all to God be soul here tonight. It's all to God be the glory. the glory. the glory. And Lord, we represent our families. And Lord, we represent our families. And Lord, we represent our families. And so God, even as we're standing here, And so God, even as we're standing here, And so God, even as we're standing here, we pray that our lights will shine we pray that our lights will shine we pray that our lights will shine bright, bright, bright, that our family members, our co-workers, that our family members, our co-workers, that our family members, our co-workers, our neighbors our neighbors our neighbors will see the difference. Hey, I knew her will see the difference. Hey, I knew her will see the difference. Hey, I knew her back in the day. I knew him back in the back in the day. I knew him back in the back in the day. I knew him back in the day. They're not the same person day. They're not the same person day. They're not the same person anymore. And we can tell them, you're anymore. And we can tell them, you're anymore. And we can tell them, you're right. It's all about Jesus.

And so, Father, thank you. We have And so, Father, thank you. We have nothing but thanksgiving in our hearts nothing but thanksgiving in our hearts nothing but thanksgiving in our hearts right now. We are overflowing with right now. We are overflowing with right now. We are overflowing with thanksgiving tonight. We may not have thanksgiving tonight. We may not have thanksgiving tonight. We may not have all the money in the world, but we have all the money in the world, but we have all the money in the world, but we have you, Jesus. And that's more than silver you, Jesus. And that's more than silver you, Jesus. And that's more than silver or gold. or gold. or gold. So, we bless you and we love you and we So, we bless you and we love you and we So, we bless you and we love you and we praise you in the wonderful name of praise you in the wonderful name of praise you in the wonderful name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. and let the whole church say and let the whole church say and let the whole church say >> amen. Amen. Hallelujah. >> amen. Amen. Hallelujah. >> amen. Amen. Hallelujah. One of the strategies of the enemy is to One of the strategies of the enemy is to One of the strategies of the enemy is to frustrate frustrate frustrate the Christian. And he does that in a the Christian. And he does that in a the Christian. And he does that in a number of ways. number of ways. number of ways. And one way that he does it is he tries And one way that he does it is he tries And one way that he does it is he tries to get us anxious about our finances. to get us anxious about our finances. to get us anxious about our finances. Maybe the bills are this high and the Maybe the bills are this high and the Maybe the bills are this high and the money coming in is not that high. money coming in is not that high. money coming in is not that high. And that might be your case tonight. And that might be your case tonight. And that might be your case tonight. But God says he'll supply your every But God says he'll supply your every But God says he'll supply your every need need need >> according to his riches in Christ Jesus.

>> according to his riches in Christ Jesus. >> according to his riches in Christ Jesus. That's that's one aspect of it that That's that's one aspect of it that That's that's one aspect of it that we're going to pray about. But the other we're going to pray about. But the other we're going to pray about. But the other thing is is that in the world we live thing is is that in the world we live thing is is that in the world we live in. It's just the way it is to get in. It's just the way it is to get in. It's just the way it is to get finances. Most times we need what's finances. Most times we need what's finances. Most times we need what's called a job. called a job. called a job. J O job. J O job. J O job. Job, right? Job, right? Job, right? work. The Bible says if you don't if you work. The Bible says if you don't if you work. The Bible says if you don't if you don't work, you shouldn't don't work, you shouldn't don't work, you shouldn't >> eat. Uh-oh. So, >> eat. Uh-oh. So, >> eat. Uh-oh. So, but you know what? Don't be don't be but you know what? Don't be don't be but you know what? Don't be don't be ashamed if you're here tonight and you ashamed if you're here tonight and you ashamed if you're here tonight and you don't have a job. You're looking for a don't have a job. You're looking for a don't have a job. You're looking for a job. You know, we can't just pray, "Oh, job. You know, we can't just pray, "Oh, job. You know, we can't just pray, "Oh, God, supply the job." And you don't want God, supply the job." And you don't want God, supply the job." And you don't want to go out there and look for the job, to go out there and look for the job, to go out there and look for the job, you know. But, um, I want to pray you know. But, um, I want to pray you know. But, um, I want to pray tonight. I want to pray for anybody, two tonight. I want to pray for anybody, two tonight. I want to pray for anybody, two pe two kinds of people that are either pe two kinds of people that are either pe two kinds of people that are either you're unemployed and you want to be you're unemployed and you want to be you're unemployed and you want to be employed. And come on, we're going to employed. And come on, we're going to employed. And come on, we're going to believe God tonight that that a door is believe God tonight that that a door is believe God tonight that that a door is going to open up for you so that you can going to open up for you so that you can going to open up for you so that you can work and that you can take care of your work and that you can take care of your work and that you can take care of your finances and maybe your home or whatever finances and maybe your home or whatever finances and maybe your home or whatever you might be struggling. But the other you might be struggling. But the other you might be struggling. But the other thing is you might even have a job, but thing is you might even have a job, but thing is you might even have a job, but you're just struggling with your you're just struggling with your you're just struggling with your finances. is. And that could be for a finances. is. And that could be for a finances. is. And that could be for a number of reasons that we're not going number of reasons that we're not going number of reasons that we're not going to get into. But may may the Lord give to get into. But may may the Lord give to get into. But may may the Lord give you wisdom on how to manage your money.

you wisdom on how to manage your money. you wisdom on how to manage your money. Maybe that's what you need. Maybe you Maybe that's what you need. Maybe you Maybe that's what you need. Maybe you need a a a different approach. Maybe you need a a a different approach. Maybe you need a a a different approach. Maybe you maybe you need to learn to to budget, maybe you need to learn to to budget, maybe you need to learn to to budget, you know, or maybe you need to just stop you know, or maybe you need to just stop you know, or maybe you need to just stop spending your money on a lot of things. spending your money on a lot of things. spending your money on a lot of things. You know, I heard Pastor Bergos Pastor You know, I heard Pastor Bergos Pastor You know, I heard Pastor Bergos Pastor Simble made reference to it recently. Simble made reference to it recently. Simble made reference to it recently. Pastor Bergos said a good thing years Pastor Bergos said a good thing years Pastor Bergos said a good thing years ago. He said, "You can tell where a ago. He said, "You can tell where a ago. He said, "You can tell where a person's heart is. Just look at their person's heart is. Just look at their person's heart is. Just look at their checkbook." checkbook." checkbook." Uh, quiet now. Okay. Uh, quiet now. Okay. Uh, quiet now. Okay. But it is true. It is true. But I want But it is true. It is true. But I want But it is true. It is true. But I want to pray. I want to pray for anybody that to pray. I want to pray for anybody that to pray. I want to pray for anybody that needs a job or anybody that maybe is needs a job or anybody that maybe is needs a job or anybody that maybe is just, you know, things are tight right just, you know, things are tight right just, you know, things are tight right now and you need to see some sort of a now and you need to see some sort of a now and you need to see some sort of a breakthrough. Don't be ashamed. If breakthrough. Don't be ashamed. If breakthrough. Don't be ashamed. If that's you right now, stand up. Stand that's you right now, stand up. Stand that's you right now, stand up. Stand up. If you need a job, that's it. just stand. Or if maybe that's it. just stand. Or if maybe you're having financial difficulties, you're having financial difficulties, you're having financial difficulties, okay, you know what? Do me a f come come okay, you know what? Do me a f come come okay, you know what? Do me a f come come on up front. Just come stand here. Stand on up front. Just come stand here. Stand on up front. Just come stand here. Stand here and face me. And the deacons and here and face me. And the deacons and here and face me. And the deacons and the deacons wise, they're going to come the deacons wise, they're going to come the deacons wise, they're going to come and they're just going to stand behind and they're just going to stand behind and they're just going to stand behind you. Come come real close. Deacons, wait you. Come come real close. Deacons, wait you. Come come real close. Deacons, wait a minute. Let them come.

a minute. Let them come. a minute. Let them come. All those that are standing in need of a All those that are standing in need of a All those that are standing in need of a job or maybe you just have a financial job or maybe you just have a financial job or maybe you just have a financial nothing to be ashamed of. nothing to be ashamed of. nothing to be ashamed of. But may as we pray, I'm going to ask But may as we pray, I'm going to ask But may as we pray, I'm going to ask Pastor James to come and he's going to Pastor James to come and he's going to Pastor James to come and he's going to help us to pray. Come just a little help us to pray. Come just a little help us to pray. Come just a little closer. closer. closer. And and and here's here's how we're And and and here's here's how we're And and and here's here's how we're praying you that came forward. We're praying you that came forward. We're praying you that came forward. We're praying that God is going to praying that God is going to praying that God is going to open up a door for you. You know, it's open up a door for you. You know, it's open up a door for you. You know, it's remember this. It's not so much about remember this. It's not so much about remember this. It's not so much about God, I want this kind of job or I want God, I want this kind of job or I want God, I want this kind of job or I want that kind of job. How many know it's not that kind of job. How many know it's not that kind of job. How many know it's not my will but thy will be done? my will but thy will be done? my will but thy will be done? You know, I heard someone recently You know, I heard someone recently You know, I heard someone recently talking and complaining and boohooing talking and complaining and boohooing talking and complaining and boohooing about the job that they have. I said, about the job that they have. I said, about the job that they have. I said, "Salah, stop. Stop. Stop. You have a "Salah, stop. Stop. Stop. You have a "Salah, stop. Stop. Stop. You have a job. You have a job. Be be thankful that job. You have a job. Be be thankful that job. You have a job. Be be thankful that you have a job." you have a job." you have a job." So, we want to pray for you tonight that So, we want to pray for you tonight that So, we want to pray for you tonight that God is going to going to just open up a God is going to going to just open up a God is going to going to just open up a door for you. That means that you have door for you. That means that you have door for you. That means that you have to get out there. You know, you got to to get out there. You know, you got to to get out there. You know, you got to do your part. But if but you know, the do your part. But if but you know, the do your part. But if but you know, the Lord's going to help us. And those of Lord's going to help us. And those of Lord's going to help us. And those of you that might be standing here that are you that might be standing here that are you that might be standing here that are going through some financial going through some financial going through some financial difficulties, ask God for wisdom. Point difficulties, ask God for wisdom. Point difficulties, ask God for wisdom. Point something out to you that maybe you're something out to you that maybe you're something out to you that maybe you're doing or you're not doing that's doing or you're not doing that's doing or you're not doing that's preventing the blessing of God from preventing the blessing of God from preventing the blessing of God from going forth. Okay. So, let's pray.

going forth. Okay. So, let's pray. going forth. Okay. So, let's pray. Jesus, you are our everything. You are Jesus, you are our everything. You are Jesus, you are our everything. You are our great provider. our great provider. our great provider. God, we thank you that we can come to God, we thank you that we can come to God, we thank you that we can come to you looking for employment. We can come you looking for employment. We can come you looking for employment. We can come to you for help with our finances, for to you for help with our finances, for to you for help with our finances, for wisdom on how to budget. If it concerns wisdom on how to budget. If it concerns wisdom on how to budget. If it concerns us, it concerns you. And there is us, it concerns you. And there is us, it concerns you. And there is nothing that's too difficult for you, oh nothing that's too difficult for you, oh nothing that's too difficult for you, oh God. Father, I pray, oh God, that God. Father, I pray, oh God, that God. Father, I pray, oh God, that according to the faith of my brothers according to the faith of my brothers according to the faith of my brothers and sisters that are standing here, that and sisters that are standing here, that and sisters that are standing here, that you would even this week, oh God, even you would even this week, oh God, even you would even this week, oh God, even this week, that you would open up doors this week, that you would open up doors this week, that you would open up doors in employment, Lord Jesus. God that even in employment, Lord Jesus. God that even in employment, Lord Jesus. God that even though God on the way home from church though God on the way home from church though God on the way home from church that they would get a call from that they would get a call from that they would get a call from someplace that they've applied someplace someplace that they've applied someplace someplace that they've applied someplace to which they've been inquiring and they to which they've been inquiring and they to which they've been inquiring and they would get that response they've been would get that response they've been would get that response they've been looking for. God is not impossible with looking for. God is not impossible with looking for. God is not impossible with you. It's not too hard for you. It you. It's not too hard for you. It you. It's not too hard for you. It doesn't matter what the economists say. doesn't matter what the economists say. doesn't matter what the economists say. It doesn't matter what the country says. It doesn't matter what the country says. It doesn't matter what the country says. What we listen to is what you say, Lord. What we listen to is what you say, Lord. What we listen to is what you say, Lord. And God, you are able to apply for your And God, you are able to apply for your And God, you are able to apply for your children, oh God. Your word tells us, oh children, oh God. Your word tells us, oh children, oh God. Your word tells us, oh God, time and time again, that you will God, time and time again, that you will God, time and time again, that you will provide for your children, oh God. So, provide for your children, oh God. So, provide for your children, oh God. So, Father, we pray, oh God, that you would Father, we pray, oh God, that you would Father, we pray, oh God, that you would open up the windows of heaven, oh God, open up the windows of heaven, oh God, open up the windows of heaven, oh God, and pour out your blessing, oh God, that and pour out your blessing, oh God, that and pour out your blessing, oh God, that doors will open, oh God, and windows of doors will open, oh God, and windows of doors will open, oh God, and windows of employment would open up, oh God, for my employment would open up, oh God, for my employment would open up, oh God, for my brothers and sisters, Lord Jesus. And brothers and sisters, Lord Jesus. And brothers and sisters, Lord Jesus. And God, we pray that until you do, until God, we pray that until you do, until God, we pray that until you do, until you give them a job, that you will meet you give them a job, that you will meet you give them a job, that you will meet every need, every financial need, every every need, every financial need, every every need, every financial need, every bill be paid, oh God, every rent bill be paid, oh God, every rent bill be paid, oh God, every rent payment, every mortgage payment, every payment, every mortgage payment, every payment, every mortgage payment, every meal covered, Lord Jesus, every supply meal covered, Lord Jesus, every supply meal covered, Lord Jesus, every supply that the children need, oh God, whatever

that the children need, oh God, whatever that the children need, oh God, whatever that need is until you open up a door that need is until you open up a door that need is until you open up a door for them to be able to uh get employment for them to be able to uh get employment for them to be able to uh get employment for themselves. We pray that you would for themselves. We pray that you would for themselves. We pray that you would somehow get the monies to them, oh God, somehow get the monies to them, oh God, somehow get the monies to them, oh God, and that you would give them favor with and that you would give them favor with and that you would give them favor with landlords, oh God. Favor with companies, landlords, oh God. Favor with companies, landlords, oh God. Favor with companies, oh God, so that they can do what they oh God, so that they can do what they oh God, so that they can do what they need to do until you give them that job, need to do until you give them that job, need to do until you give them that job, Father. And those who are working, oh Father. And those who are working, oh Father. And those who are working, oh God, but need help, oh God, additional God, but need help, oh God, additional God, but need help, oh God, additional financial help, Lord Jesus. Help in financial help, Lord Jesus. Help in financial help, Lord Jesus. Help in budgeting, help in knowing how to say no budgeting, help in knowing how to say no budgeting, help in knowing how to say no and when to say yes. God, we pray that and when to say yes. God, we pray that and when to say yes. God, we pray that you would give it to them, oh God. Your you would give it to them, oh God. Your you would give it to them, oh God. Your word says that those who lack wisdom word says that those who lack wisdom word says that those who lack wisdom should ask of you, and you give it should ask of you, and you give it should ask of you, and you give it freely without finding fault. So God, freely without finding fault. So God, freely without finding fault. So God, help them not to be ashamed, but to come help them not to be ashamed, but to come help them not to be ashamed, but to come to you boldly and trust and be obedient to you boldly and trust and be obedient to you boldly and trust and be obedient to what you tell them to do. Father God, to what you tell them to do. Father God, to what you tell them to do. Father God, I thank you that they will not be I thank you that they will not be I thank you that they will not be overwhelmed by their finances. They will overwhelmed by their finances. They will overwhelmed by their finances. They will not be overtaken by their situation. not be overtaken by their situation. not be overtaken by their situation. God, you are Lord. You are King. You are God, you are Lord. You are King. You are God, you are Lord. You are King. You are Jehovah Gyra. God, you will provide for Jehovah Gyra. God, you will provide for Jehovah Gyra. God, you will provide for their needs. So God, even now as I'm their needs. So God, even now as I'm their needs. So God, even now as I'm praying, I pray that you would build up praying, I pray that you would build up praying, I pray that you would build up their faith because you have a perfect their faith because you have a perfect their faith because you have a perfect track record. We cannot look back and track record. We cannot look back and track record. We cannot look back and say that you've disappointed us not even say that you've disappointed us not even say that you've disappointed us not even once. So be faithful to who you are. Be once. So be faithful to who you are. Be once. So be faithful to who you are. Be faithful to your promises. be faithful faithful to your promises. be faithful faithful to your promises. be faithful to your name, be faithful to the promise to your name, be faithful to the promise to your name, be faithful to the promise you given to your children and supply you given to your children and supply you given to your children and supply the needs that they've come to you and the needs that they've come to you and the needs that they've come to you and they've sent before you, Lord Jesus. And they've sent before you, Lord Jesus. And they've sent before you, Lord Jesus. And we pray that even next week that they we pray that even next week that they we pray that even next week that they would come up and say, "Look what the would come up and say, "Look what the would come up and say, "Look what the Lord has done." Even next week, they Lord has done." Even next week, they Lord has done." Even next week, they would come and start saying, "Not only would come and start saying, "Not only would come and start saying, "Not only do I have one job offer, but I have two.

do I have one job offer, but I have two. do I have one job offer, but I have two. I have three. Now I need God to show me I have three. Now I need God to show me I have three. Now I need God to show me which job to take, Lord. God, you can do which job to take, Lord. God, you can do which job to take, Lord. God, you can do it." So, we trust you and we thank you it." So, we trust you and we thank you it." So, we trust you and we thank you even before we see anything. We thank even before we see anything. We thank even before we see anything. We thank you because you are a God who answers you because you are a God who answers you because you are a God who answers prayer. You are a God who loves your prayer. You are a God who loves your prayer. You are a God who loves your children and you provide and you supply children and you provide and you supply children and you provide and you supply for their needs. We thank you that we for their needs. We thank you that we for their needs. We thank you that we can trust you and take you at your word can trust you and take you at your word can trust you and take you at your word because you have a faithful and perfect because you have a faithful and perfect because you have a faithful and perfect track record. In your precious and holy track record. In your precious and holy track record. In your precious and holy name, Jesus we pray. Amen. name, Jesus we pray. Amen. name, Jesus we pray. Amen. >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Listen, before you sit down, I when he Listen, before you sit down, I when he Listen, before you sit down, I when he was praying, I got to tell you this, was praying, I got to tell you this, was praying, I got to tell you this, okay? There's nothing God can't do. okay? There's nothing God can't do. okay? There's nothing God can't do. Okay? Those of you that are looking for Okay? Those of you that are looking for Okay? Those of you that are looking for a job, when I was before I was married, a job, when I was before I was married, a job, when I was before I was married, this is the truth before God. I've this is the truth before God. I've this is the truth before God. I've shared this here before. I needed a job shared this here before. I needed a job shared this here before. I needed a job or I I needed a job and um just praying or I I needed a job and um just praying or I I needed a job and um just praying about it. Was single, lived lived in about it. Was single, lived lived in about it. Was single, lived lived in Brooklyn, right on Lennox Road. And um I Brooklyn, right on Lennox Road. And um I Brooklyn, right on Lennox Road. And um I was actually home having a little bit of was actually home having a little bit of was actually home having a little bit of a private pity party with myself. But a private pity party with myself. But a private pity party with myself. But Christmas Eve, okay, Christmas Eve, I'm Christmas Eve, okay, Christmas Eve, I'm Christmas Eve, okay, Christmas Eve, I'm home and then the phone rings. This was home and then the phone rings. This was home and then the phone rings. This was in the evening, Christmas Eve, and I in the evening, Christmas Eve, and I in the evening, Christmas Eve, and I pick up the phone and I said, "Hello."

pick up the phone and I said, "Hello." pick up the phone and I said, "Hello." And the person says, "Is this Charles And the person says, "Is this Charles And the person says, "Is this Charles Hammond?" I said, "Yes." "Who's this?" Hammond?" I said, "Yes." "Who's this?" Hammond?" I said, "Yes." "Who's this?" And I I remember his name. His name is And I I remember his name. His name is And I I remember his name. His name is Jim Santel. He says, "This is Jim Santel Jim Santel. He says, "This is Jim Santel Jim Santel. He says, "This is Jim Santel from Sterling Drug Pharmaceutical." I from Sterling Drug Pharmaceutical." I from Sterling Drug Pharmaceutical." I says, "Yeah." He says, "You you you you says, "Yeah." He says, "You you you you says, "Yeah." He says, "You you you you filled out an application for a job here filled out an application for a job here filled out an application for a job here some time ago, and sorry that we're just some time ago, and sorry that we're just some time ago, and sorry that we're just getting around to it. Christmas Eve. getting around to it. Christmas Eve. getting around to it. Christmas Eve. Sorry that we're just getting around to Sorry that we're just getting around to Sorry that we're just getting around to it, but um we want you to come in. We it, but um we want you to come in. We it, but um we want you to come in. We want you to come in for an interview." want you to come in for an interview." want you to come in for an interview." And um on Christmas Eve, I got the call. And um on Christmas Eve, I got the call. And um on Christmas Eve, I got the call. And I went in for that interview. And And I went in for that interview. And And I went in for that interview. And guess what? It was no fluke cuz I worked guess what? It was no fluke cuz I worked guess what? It was no fluke cuz I worked at Sterling Drug for over 10 years. So at Sterling Drug for over 10 years. So at Sterling Drug for over 10 years. So listen, there's nothing that God can't listen, there's nothing that God can't listen, there's nothing that God can't do. Christmas Eve, whatever. So tonight, do. Christmas Eve, whatever. So tonight, do. Christmas Eve, whatever. So tonight, just believe Pastor James prayed and I just believe Pastor James prayed and I just believe Pastor James prayed and I want to I want you to come back and give want to I want you to come back and give want to I want you to come back and give us the the praise reports of the doors us the the praise reports of the doors us the the praise reports of the doors that God is going to open up. Come on, that God is going to open up. Come on, that God is going to open up. Come on, let's thank God one more time. let's thank God one more time. let's thank God one more time. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You may go back to your seats. You may go back to your seats. You may go back to your seats. God is able.

God is able. God is able. Oh yes, he is. Oh yes, he is. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Did you get a prayer request card when Did you get a prayer request card when Did you get a prayer request card when you came in? Take it out. Wave it at me you came in? Take it out. Wave it at me you came in? Take it out. Wave it at me so I see that you have it. Come on in so I see that you have it. Come on in so I see that you have it. Come on in the back there. Wave it at me. If you the back there. Wave it at me. If you the back there. Wave it at me. If you didn't get one, didn't get one, didn't get one, deacons, somebody help me. Make sure deacons, somebody help me. Make sure deacons, somebody help me. Make sure that everybody has one of these. Come on. We were praying. Come on. We were praying. We're thanking God for our own We're thanking God for our own We're thanking God for our own salvation. salvation. salvation. We're going to pray. We just prayed with We're going to pray. We just prayed with We're going to pray. We just prayed with these folks. God's going to open up these folks. God's going to open up these folks. God's going to open up doors this week. I'm excited to hear the doors this week. I'm excited to hear the doors this week. I'm excited to hear the praise reports that we're going to hear. praise reports that we're going to hear. praise reports that we're going to hear. And now this is an opportunity for us to And now this is an opportunity for us to And now this is an opportunity for us to what we call go into intercessory what we call go into intercessory what we call go into intercessory prayer. What's that? That's that's prayer. What's that? That's that's prayer. What's that? That's that's bringing this request. Those of you that bringing this request. Those of you that bringing this request. Those of you that might be visiting first- timers, we give might be visiting first- timers, we give might be visiting first- timers, we give these these cards come in from all over, these these cards come in from all over, these these cards come in from all over, not just predominantly around the not just predominantly around the not just predominantly around the country, but they even come in from country, but they even come in from country, but they even come in from around the world. And somebody wrote around the world. And somebody wrote around the world. And somebody wrote this card, in this case, mine is from this card, in this case, mine is from this card, in this case, mine is from somebody named Vanessa.

somebody named Vanessa. somebody named Vanessa. And it says, "Pray for healing from lung And it says, "Pray for healing from lung And it says, "Pray for healing from lung cancer for my brother Luke." How do you cancer for my brother Luke." How do you cancer for my brother Luke." How do you how do you how do you suppose she wants how do you how do you suppose she wants how do you how do you suppose she wants me to partner with her in prayer for me to partner with her in prayer for me to partner with her in prayer for that? And I'm going to do my best to cry that? And I'm going to do my best to cry that? And I'm going to do my best to cry out to the Lord. And that's what out to the Lord. And that's what out to the Lord. And that's what intercessory prayer is. Crying out to intercessory prayer is. Crying out to intercessory prayer is. Crying out to the Lord on behalf of Vanessa for her the Lord on behalf of Vanessa for her the Lord on behalf of Vanessa for her brother Luke. That I don't know where. brother Luke. That I don't know where. brother Luke. That I don't know where. It doesn't say where Luke lives. Doesn't It doesn't say where Luke lives. Doesn't It doesn't say where Luke lives. Doesn't even say whether Luke's a Christian, but even say whether Luke's a Christian, but even say whether Luke's a Christian, but I'm going to lift Luke up to the Lord. I'm going to lift Luke up to the Lord. I'm going to lift Luke up to the Lord. And God can not only I'm going to pray And God can not only I'm going to pray And God can not only I'm going to pray that God's not only going to uh touch that God's not only going to uh touch that God's not only going to uh touch his body and heal him from the cancer, his body and heal him from the cancer, his body and heal him from the cancer, but heal heal his spiritual heart, too, but heal heal his spiritual heart, too, but heal heal his spiritual heart, too, because that's that's the main thing. because that's that's the main thing. because that's that's the main thing. And whatever your card says, look at And whatever your card says, look at And whatever your card says, look at your card right now. Just look at your your card right now. Just look at your your card right now. Just look at your card. What does it say? card. What does it say? card. What does it say? It could be like mine for a physical It could be like mine for a physical It could be like mine for a physical healing or healing or healing or maybe maybe somebody is asking you to maybe maybe somebody is asking you to maybe maybe somebody is asking you to pray that a son or a daughter might be pray that a son or a daughter might be pray that a son or a daughter might be away from the Lord and that they would away from the Lord and that they would away from the Lord and that they would come back. Some kind of relationship.

come back. Some kind of relationship. come back. Some kind of relationship. Maybe it's a marital situation. Whatever Maybe it's a marital situation. Whatever Maybe it's a marital situation. Whatever it is, don't worry. God knows all the it is, don't worry. God knows all the it is, don't worry. God knows all the details details details and all he's asking of us to do. And and all he's asking of us to do. And and all he's asking of us to do. And please, if you're going to if you're please, if you're going to if you're please, if you're going to if you're going to really pray, please pray from going to really pray, please pray from going to really pray, please pray from with all your heart. This is not we this with all your heart. This is not we this with all your heart. This is not we this is not just a some prefuncter exercise is not just a some prefuncter exercise is not just a some prefuncter exercise we go through. We're going to believe we go through. We're going to believe we go through. We're going to believe God, right? The effectual fervent prayer God, right? The effectual fervent prayer God, right? The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man or woman. What of a righteous man or woman. What of a righteous man or woman. What avaleth much. So you and I right now avaleth much. So you and I right now avaleth much. So you and I right now have the opportunity to bring these have the opportunity to bring these have the opportunity to bring these requests before the Lord and see the see requests before the Lord and see the see requests before the Lord and see the see the heart of God to every prayer request the heart of God to every prayer request the heart of God to every prayer request that we're holding. You were standing that we're holding. You were standing that we're holding. You were standing for a while before I'm going to let you for a while before I'm going to let you for a while before I'm going to let you continue to sit now and go into your own continue to sit now and go into your own continue to sit now and go into your own private prayer closet. Your prayer private prayer closet. Your prayer private prayer closet. Your prayer closet is right where you're sitting closet is right where you're sitting closet is right where you're sitting right now. You and the Lord right now. right now. You and the Lord right now. right now. You and the Lord right now. Bring that request before God. Come on. Bring that request before God. Come on. Bring that request before God. Come on. Bring it to the Lord right now.

Lord Jesus you know all the needs on Lord Jesus you know all the needs on these cards Lord whether it's Neil needs these cards Lord whether it's Neil needs these cards Lord whether it's Neil needs for healing for healing for healing restoration in marriages God, restoration in marriages God, restoration in marriages God, weward children. weward children. weward children. Oh God, financial provision. Oh God, financial provision. Oh God, financial provision. Lord, you are our provider. Lord, you are our provider. Lord, you are our provider. And Lord, every card is important. And And Lord, every card is important. And And Lord, every card is important. And you've heard our cries. And we pray, you've heard our cries. And we pray, you've heard our cries. And we pray, God, that you will hear and that you God, that you will hear and that you God, that you will hear and that you will answer, Lord. We take this will answer, Lord. We take this will answer, Lord. We take this seriously, Lord. And we bring these seriously, Lord. And we bring these seriously, Lord. And we bring these requests to you, Jesus. You are sitting requests to you, Jesus. You are sitting requests to you, Jesus. You are sitting at the right hand of the father making at the right hand of the father making at the right hand of the father making intercession for each prayer request, intercession for each prayer request, intercession for each prayer request, God. And as we've prayed in our hearts, God. And as we've prayed in our hearts, God. And as we've prayed in our hearts, we're asking you, Lord, to give the we're asking you, Lord, to give the we're asking you, Lord, to give the answer. We're asking you, Lord, that you answer. We're asking you, Lord, that you answer. We're asking you, Lord, that you would strengthen each person who put would strengthen each person who put would strengthen each person who put that card through, that request through, that card through, that request through, that card through, that request through, that you'll encourage them, that you'll that you'll encourage them, that you'll that you'll encourage them, that you'll give them eyes of faith to look away give them eyes of faith to look away give them eyes of faith to look away from the situation, and to look at you, from the situation, and to look at you, from the situation, and to look at you, Lord Jesus, the author and the finisher Lord Jesus, the author and the finisher Lord Jesus, the author and the finisher of their faith. and God that they'll not of their faith. and God that they'll not of their faith. and God that they'll not as Peter once he looked away at you when as Peter once he looked away at you when as Peter once he looked away at you when he was on the water God and he sank Lord he was on the water God and he sank Lord he was on the water God and he sank Lord you gave him a hand of help and you you gave him a hand of help and you you gave him a hand of help and you asked where is your faith and Lord I asked where is your faith and Lord I asked where is your faith and Lord I pray that faith would arise in each and pray that faith would arise in each and pray that faith would arise in each and every one Lord God that put these every one Lord God that put these every one Lord God that put these requests through and as we're believing requests through and as we're believing requests through and as we're believing you Lord God we're asking you for the you Lord God we're asking you for the you Lord God we're asking you for the victory for yours is the kingdom and victory for yours is the kingdom and victory for yours is the kingdom and yours is the power and yours is the yours is the power and yours is the yours is the power and yours is the glory in Jesus' name we thank you for glory in Jesus' name we thank you for glory in Jesus' name we thank you for the victory victory. Amen. And amen.

One time we'll dedicated to them all of One time we'll dedicated to them all of these prayer requests. I am the Lord Take the Take the lift to the Lord. lift to the Lord. lift to the Lord. I am the Lord. take the card home with you if you would take the card home with you if you would like. Please, you can take it home and like. Please, you can take it home and like. Please, you can take it home and pull it out and as you remember to pray pull it out and as you remember to pray pull it out and as you remember to pray for it. We would be so appreciative.

for it. We would be so appreciative. for it. We would be so appreciative. Keep uh Pastor Michael Derso of Saints Keep uh Pastor Michael Derso of Saints Keep uh Pastor Michael Derso of Saints Church. He had a procedure today. Uh I Church. He had a procedure today. Uh I Church. He had a procedure today. Uh I believe it was a hip surgery. I tried to believe it was a hip surgery. I tried to believe it was a hip surgery. I tried to get an update before the meeting and I get an update before the meeting and I get an update before the meeting and I didn't I wasn't able to get through, but didn't I wasn't able to get through, but didn't I wasn't able to get through, but pray that everything went well today for pray that everything went well today for pray that everything went well today for our dear brother, Pastor Michael Dersel. our dear brother, Pastor Michael Dersel. our dear brother, Pastor Michael Dersel. I don't have the exact numbers, but um I don't have the exact numbers, but um I don't have the exact numbers, but um our CFO told me we're moving forward. our CFO told me we're moving forward. our CFO told me we're moving forward. So, praise God. For those of you that So, praise God. For those of you that So, praise God. For those of you that don't know what I'm talking about, the don't know what I'm talking about, the don't know what I'm talking about, the the kids ages 9 through 13, we're going the kids ages 9 through 13, we're going the kids ages 9 through 13, we're going to be able to send them away to camp for to be able to send them away to camp for to be able to send them away to camp for a whole week. And um that's three square a whole week. And um that's three square a whole week. And um that's three square meals a day. And to get them there, meals a day. And to get them there, meals a day. And to get them there, they're going to have fun. They're going they're going to have fun. They're going they're going to have fun. They're going to learn more about Jesus. But how could to learn more about Jesus. But how could to learn more about Jesus. But how could we possibly put that burden of the we possibly put that burden of the we possibly put that burden of the finance on the parents because it's finance on the parents because it's finance on the parents because it's going to cost probably close to $7 $800 going to cost probably close to $7 $800 going to cost probably close to $7 $800 per child. And so that that that's just per child. And so that that that's just per child. And so that that that's just uh overbearing. So we're going to just uh overbearing. So we're going to just uh overbearing. So we're going to just charge maybe $30 for as a registration charge maybe $30 for as a registration charge maybe $30 for as a registration fee to make sure we know what the fee to make sure we know what the fee to make sure we know what the numbers are. But we need we need serious numbers are. But we need we need serious numbers are. But we need we need serious help. So thank you. Thank you. You're help. So thank you. Thank you. You're help. So thank you. Thank you. You're giving somebody watching online and you giving somebody watching online and you giving somebody watching online and you want to uh bless us with a nice want to uh bless us with a nice want to uh bless us with a nice donation, we would appreciate that as donation, we would appreciate that as donation, we would appreciate that as well. And then of course we have our own well. And then of course we have our own well. And then of course we have our own needs here. So let's not uh be forgetful needs here. So let's not uh be forgetful needs here. So let's not uh be forgetful in that. There'll be baskets in the in that. There'll be baskets in the in that. There'll be baskets in the lobby as you leave if you want to give a lobby as you leave if you want to give a lobby as you leave if you want to give a physical offering for our offering physical offering for our offering physical offering for our offering tonight. So, Father, thank you for the

tonight. So, Father, thank you for the tonight. So, Father, thank you for the way you're helping us to uh secure the way you're helping us to uh secure the way you're helping us to uh secure the monies that we'll be able to see monies that we'll be able to see monies that we'll be able to see hundreds of these young people go away hundreds of these young people go away hundreds of these young people go away to camp. Uh give the give the parents a to camp. Uh give the give the parents a to camp. Uh give the give the parents a good break, but at more importantly to good break, but at more importantly to good break, but at more importantly to see these little young lives shaped into see these little young lives shaped into see these little young lives shaped into the image of Christ as they have a good the image of Christ as they have a good the image of Christ as they have a good week away. We thank you for the week away. We thank you for the week away. We thank you for the donations that are coming in and thank donations that are coming in and thank donations that are coming in and thank you for the monies coming in to help us you for the monies coming in to help us you for the monies coming in to help us here as a church. So we just thank you here as a church. So we just thank you here as a church. So we just thank you in Jesus' name. Amen. Pastor Luke, in Jesus' name. Amen. Pastor Luke, in Jesus' name. Amen. Pastor Luke, >> I want to really quickly get to the >> I want to really quickly get to the >> I want to really quickly get to the point of a word I feel like God put on point of a word I feel like God put on point of a word I feel like God put on my heart for tonight. So for those of us my heart for tonight. So for those of us my heart for tonight. So for those of us who were here on Sunday for Good News who were here on Sunday for Good News who were here on Sunday for Good News Sunday, really just shared the gospel Sunday, really just shared the gospel Sunday, really just shared the gospel from a different angle. Um, but I hope from a different angle. Um, but I hope from a different angle. Um, but I hope it was still helpful and encouraging it was still helpful and encouraging it was still helpful and encouraging reminding us what we've been given in reminding us what we've been given in reminding us what we've been given in Jesus. What this new life, the new heart Jesus. What this new life, the new heart Jesus. What this new life, the new heart that we've been given um, in putting our that we've been given um, in putting our that we've been given um, in putting our trust in him since we've been born trust in him since we've been born trust in him since we've been born again. But I want to start tonight by again. But I want to start tonight by again. But I want to start tonight by talking. Let's put up the first verse talking. Let's put up the first verse talking. Let's put up the first verse from First Peter. This is what the Bible from First Peter. This is what the Bible from First Peter. This is what the Bible says that you have also received.

says that you have also received. says that you have also received. Blessed be to God and father of our Lord Blessed be to God and father of our Lord Blessed be to God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to his great Jesus Christ. According to his great Jesus Christ. According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again mercy, he has caused us to be born again mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope. We'll just keep it to a living hope. We'll just keep it to a living hope. We'll just keep it there. there. there. You've been born again. You've been You've been born again. You've been You've been born again. You've been given a new heart. You've been given the given a new heart. You've been given the given a new heart. You've been given the Holy Spirit to empower you to walk in Holy Spirit to empower you to walk in Holy Spirit to empower you to walk in obedience and choose Christ rather than obedience and choose Christ rather than obedience and choose Christ rather than the world. You've been given forgiveness the world. You've been given forgiveness the world. You've been given forgiveness of all of your sins. But there's another of all of your sins. But there's another of all of your sins. But there's another thing that you've been given tonight thing that you've been given tonight thing that you've been given tonight that this says you have been born again that this says you have been born again that this says you have been born again into a living hope. into a living hope. into a living hope. >> It is a hope that you can now carry >> It is a hope that you can now carry >> It is a hope that you can now carry every day in every moment. Regardless of every day in every moment. Regardless of every day in every moment. Regardless of what you're facing, regardless of how what you're facing, regardless of how what you're facing, regardless of how bleak things seem or discouraging or bleak things seem or discouraging or bleak things seem or discouraging or setbacks, in every moment and for all setbacks, in every moment and for all setbacks, in every moment and for all things, you have a living hope in things, you have a living hope in things, you have a living hope in Christ. If you are born again and you're Christ. If you are born again and you're Christ. If you are born again and you're in Christ tonight, there is no reason in Christ tonight, there is no reason in Christ tonight, there is no reason for hopelessness in any area of your for hopelessness in any area of your for hopelessness in any area of your life because he is your savior. He saved life because he is your savior. He saved life because he is your savior. He saved you, called you, and you have been born you, called you, and you have been born you, called you, and you have been born again into a living hope in all things.

again into a living hope in all things. again into a living hope in all things. Let's put up the next verse in Hebrews. Let's put up the next verse in Hebrews. Let's put up the next verse in Hebrews. I love the way this is worded. It says, I love the way this is worded. It says, I love the way this is worded. It says, "We have this hope as an anchor for the "We have this hope as an anchor for the "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." I love the soul, firm and secure." I love the soul, firm and secure." I love the picture in that that the hope that we picture in that that the hope that we picture in that that the hope that we have is like a boat in the middle of a have is like a boat in the middle of a have is like a boat in the middle of a lake or the coastline of an ocean where lake or the coastline of an ocean where lake or the coastline of an ocean where because of wind, because of waves, because of wind, because of waves, because of wind, because of waves, because of storms, there are so many because of storms, there are so many because of storms, there are so many things that could come and push the boat things that could come and push the boat things that could come and push the boat away from its home base. away from its home base. away from its home base. But a boat has an anchor that goes down But a boat has an anchor that goes down But a boat has an anchor that goes down so that no matter what it faces, no so that no matter what it faces, no so that no matter what it faces, no matter what happens to it, it will not matter what happens to it, it will not matter what happens to it, it will not move. move. move. God's will for your life. What he's God's will for your life. What he's God's will for your life. What he's trying to do in your heart and in my trying to do in your heart and in my trying to do in your heart and in my heart as he's sanctifying us and heart as he's sanctifying us and heart as he's sanctifying us and perfecting our faith through the trials perfecting our faith through the trials perfecting our faith through the trials that we face. He is trying to make that that we face. He is trying to make that that we face. He is trying to make that anchor go down deeper and stronger in anchor go down deeper and stronger in anchor go down deeper and stronger in him. So that no matter what you face in him. So that no matter what you face in him. So that no matter what you face in life, nothing can pull you away from life, nothing can pull you away from life, nothing can pull you away from him. Nothing can pull you away from hope him. Nothing can pull you away from hope him. Nothing can pull you away from hope and peace. No disappointment, no setback and peace. No disappointment, no setback and peace. No disappointment, no setback can pull you away from wholeness in can pull you away from wholeness in can pull you away from wholeness in Christ. That's what he is doing in our Christ. That's what he is doing in our Christ. That's what he is doing in our lives today.

lives today. lives today. But for an anchor from a boat to be able But for an anchor from a boat to be able But for an anchor from a boat to be able to keep the boat from not moving, it to keep the boat from not moving, it to keep the boat from not moving, it needs to go down. It needs to be dropped needs to go down. It needs to be dropped needs to go down. It needs to be dropped down and it needs to catch on to down and it needs to catch on to down and it needs to catch on to something strong like a rock. something strong like a rock. something strong like a rock. It's not really the anchor that makes It's not really the anchor that makes It's not really the anchor that makes the boat uh stay put. It's that the the boat uh stay put. It's that the the boat uh stay put. It's that the anchor catches on to a rock and that anchor catches on to a rock and that anchor catches on to a rock and that rock is locked in and not moving, not rock is locked in and not moving, not rock is locked in and not moving, not going anywhere. And if that anchors in going anywhere. And if that anchors in going anywhere. And if that anchors in the rock, then there's no drifting. the rock, then there's no drifting. the rock, then there's no drifting. Right? Right? Right? That's what the picture we're being That's what the picture we're being That's what the picture we're being painted here today. That when your painted here today. That when your painted here today. That when your anchor is going into Christ, anchor is going into Christ, anchor is going into Christ, when your hope is put in Jesus for when your hope is put in Jesus for when your hope is put in Jesus for whatever it is that you face in life, whatever it is that you face in life, whatever it is that you face in life, you will not be moved. you will not be moved. you will not be moved. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. But when you find yourself beginning to But when you find yourself beginning to But when you find yourself beginning to drift and moving, then that's a sign drift and moving, then that's a sign drift and moving, then that's a sign that your anchor wasn't really in the that your anchor wasn't really in the that your anchor wasn't really in the rock. rock. rock. Your anchor maybe caught onto something, Your anchor maybe caught onto something, Your anchor maybe caught onto something, but it was a lot weaker. Maybe it got but it was a lot weaker. Maybe it got but it was a lot weaker. Maybe it got caught onto some debris and it kept some caught onto some debris and it kept some caught onto some debris and it kept some stability for a moment, but when a big stability for a moment, but when a big stability for a moment, but when a big enough storm came, that debris broke the enough storm came, that debris broke the enough storm came, that debris broke the anchor off and the drifting began.

anchor off and the drifting began. anchor off and the drifting began. in my life and in your life today. If in my life and in your life today. If in my life and in your life today. If there is a drifting of hope in your there is a drifting of hope in your there is a drifting of hope in your heart, heart, heart, if you find yourself overwhelmed and if you find yourself overwhelmed and if you find yourself overwhelmed and discouraged and not standing in discouraged and not standing in discouraged and not standing in wholeness and peace and hope, then that wholeness and peace and hope, then that wholeness and peace and hope, then that doesn't say that Jesus isn't faithful. doesn't say that Jesus isn't faithful. doesn't say that Jesus isn't faithful. It says that your anchor is not in him. It says that your anchor is not in him. It says that your anchor is not in him. It's in something else. It's in something else. It's in something else. This is something I found in my life. A This is something I found in my life. A This is something I found in my life. A lot of times I have said, "Oh God, I lot of times I have said, "Oh God, I lot of times I have said, "Oh God, I trust you. trust you. trust you. My hope is in you, but really my hope My hope is in you, but really my hope My hope is in you, but really my hope was in what I thought he should do. was in what I thought he should do. was in what I thought he should do. This is my idea of what needs to happen This is my idea of what needs to happen This is my idea of what needs to happen in this situation. So, I'm trusting that in this situation. So, I'm trusting that in this situation. So, I'm trusting that you will do this and this exactly. you will do this and this exactly. you will do this and this exactly. And here's the thing, the Bible doesn't And here's the thing, the Bible doesn't And here's the thing, the Bible doesn't say that specific prayers to God are say that specific prayers to God are say that specific prayers to God are bad. It doesn't say, have you ever met bad. It doesn't say, have you ever met bad. It doesn't say, have you ever met somebody I've been in some church somebody I've been in some church somebody I've been in some church circles before where when people would circles before where when people would circles before where when people would pray, they would not ask for anything. pray, they would not ask for anything. pray, they would not ask for anything. They would just say, "Oh God, let your They would just say, "Oh God, let your They would just say, "Oh God, let your will be done."

will be done." will be done." And that can sound spiritual, but Jesus And that can sound spiritual, but Jesus And that can sound spiritual, but Jesus says, "You have not because you ask says, "You have not because you ask says, "You have not because you ask not." God invites us to bring specific not." God invites us to bring specific not." God invites us to bring specific requests to him. He invites us to come requests to him. He invites us to come requests to him. He invites us to come to him with the best that we can tell to him with the best that we can tell to him with the best that we can tell needs to happen in our life. That's not needs to happen in our life. That's not needs to happen in our life. That's not wrong. wrong. wrong. But what if it doesn't go the way that But what if it doesn't go the way that But what if it doesn't go the way that you're hoping? you're hoping? you're hoping? What happens when you put your anchor What happens when you put your anchor What happens when you put your anchor down and you're saying, "I'm trusting in down and you're saying, "I'm trusting in down and you're saying, "I'm trusting in you." But you're really trusting in what you." But you're really trusting in what you." But you're really trusting in what you're saying God needs to do. And when you're saying God needs to do. And when you're saying God needs to do. And when it doesn't happen, that anchor breaks it doesn't happen, that anchor breaks it doesn't happen, that anchor breaks and the drifting begins to come. Right? and the drifting begins to come. Right? and the drifting begins to come. Right? We find ourselves far. Our hearts become We find ourselves far. Our hearts become We find ourselves far. Our hearts become cold and disillusioned. We begin to cold and disillusioned. We begin to cold and disillusioned. We begin to question, "God, are you really with me?" question, "God, are you really with me?" question, "God, are you really with me?" Earlier today, my brother-in-law, who is Earlier today, my brother-in-law, who is Earlier today, my brother-in-law, who is an Argentinian, an Argentinian, an Argentinian, he was on the clock, maybe hopefully he he was on the clock, maybe hopefully he he was on the clock, maybe hopefully he was on his lunch break, but I hear uh was on his lunch break, but I hear uh was on his lunch break, but I hear uh sounds coming from his office. And as I sounds coming from his office. And as I sounds coming from his office. And as I walk by, I see his face and I go on my walk by, I see his face and I go on my walk by, I see his face and I go on my phone and I see Argentina is down two.

phone and I see Argentina is down two. phone and I see Argentina is down two. This man is a man of faith, of hope. He This man is a man of faith, of hope. He This man is a man of faith, of hope. He never has a bad attitude. When I saw him never has a bad attitude. When I saw him never has a bad attitude. When I saw him today just through the window in his today just through the window in his today just through the window in his office, it looked, But guess what? Argentina scored three But guess what? Argentina scored three backto-back goals. And I walked by his backto-back goals. And I walked by his backto-back goals. And I walked by his office later and he was doing some dance office later and he was doing some dance office later and he was doing some dance with his hips. I don't even know. And with his hips. I don't even know. And with his hips. I don't even know. And you know what? That showed where his you know what? That showed where his you know what? That showed where his anchor was. anchor was. anchor was. You know, it's an interesting example You know, it's an interesting example You know, it's an interesting example though from the Bible of this. I want to though from the Bible of this. I want to though from the Bible of this. I want to look really quickly at John the Baptist. look really quickly at John the Baptist. look really quickly at John the Baptist. John the Baptist is the cousin of Jesus. John the Baptist is the cousin of Jesus. John the Baptist is the cousin of Jesus. He was a miracle his own life connected He was a miracle his own life connected He was a miracle his own life connected to a prophecy with his mom Elizabeth. to a prophecy with his mom Elizabeth. to a prophecy with his mom Elizabeth. And when Mary ends up having the angel And when Mary ends up having the angel And when Mary ends up having the angel come to her and say, "You are going to come to her and say, "You are going to come to her and say, "You are going to bear a child. His name will be Emanuel, bear a child. His name will be Emanuel, bear a child. His name will be Emanuel, God with us." She goes to Elizabeth and God with us." She goes to Elizabeth and God with us." She goes to Elizabeth and spends all this time with her and it's spends all this time with her and it's spends all this time with her and it's very clear this is an immaculate very clear this is an immaculate very clear this is an immaculate conception. Look at the glory of God in conception. Look at the glory of God in conception. Look at the glory of God in this situation. From the youngest age, this situation. From the youngest age, this situation. From the youngest age, John the Baptist had a front row seat to John the Baptist had a front row seat to John the Baptist had a front row seat to the life and the glory of Christ. And the life and the glory of Christ. And the life and the glory of Christ. And then later when Jesus's ministry begins, then later when Jesus's ministry begins, then later when Jesus's ministry begins, it begins with him going to John the it begins with him going to John the it begins with him going to John the Baptist to get baptized. And John knew Baptist to get baptized. And John knew Baptist to get baptized. And John knew what the deal was. He says, "I'm not what the deal was. He says, "I'm not what the deal was. He says, "I'm not even worthy to touch your sandals." And

even worthy to touch your sandals." And even worthy to touch your sandals." And Jesus says, "This has to happen." And Jesus says, "This has to happen." And Jesus says, "This has to happen." And John the Baptist baptizes him. And when John the Baptist baptizes him. And when John the Baptist baptizes him. And when he comes up, the audible voice of the he comes up, the audible voice of the he comes up, the audible voice of the father is heard saying, "This is my son father is heard saying, "This is my son father is heard saying, "This is my son in whom I'm well pleased." And the in whom I'm well pleased." And the in whom I'm well pleased." And the spirit of God comes down like a dove spirit of God comes down like a dove spirit of God comes down like a dove upon him. So John the Baptist has his upon him. So John the Baptist has his upon him. So John the Baptist has his entire life seen and known the glory of entire life seen and known the glory of entire life seen and known the glory of Christ in an undeniable way. But you Christ in an undeniable way. But you Christ in an undeniable way. But you know what happens towards the end of his know what happens towards the end of his know what happens towards the end of his life when he's imprisoned and about to life when he's imprisoned and about to life when he's imprisoned and about to die? He sends a messenger to go to Jesus die? He sends a messenger to go to Jesus die? He sends a messenger to go to Jesus to ask him, "Are you really the Messiah, to ask him, "Are you really the Messiah, to ask him, "Are you really the Messiah, the one that we've been waiting for the one that we've been waiting for the one that we've been waiting for here?" here?" here?" How do you go from everything that this How do you go from everything that this How do you go from everything that this man has witnessed about Christ to now man has witnessed about Christ to now man has witnessed about Christ to now you're asking him before you die, is you're asking him before you die, is you're asking him before you die, is that really who you are? that really who you are? that really who you are? Well, they had ideas about what the Well, they had ideas about what the Well, they had ideas about what the Messiah would come and do. Jesus was Messiah would come and do. Jesus was Messiah would come and do. Jesus was performing miracles left and right. His performing miracles left and right. His performing miracles left and right. His teaching was transforming the nation. teaching was transforming the nation. teaching was transforming the nation. Yet he was expecting as he's in prison, Yet he was expecting as he's in prison, Yet he was expecting as he's in prison, Jesus was supposed to come and overturn Jesus was supposed to come and overturn Jesus was supposed to come and overturn governments. And so if Jesus is our governments. And so if Jesus is our governments. And so if Jesus is our deliverer from these oppressive deliverer from these oppressive deliverer from these oppressive governments, why am I here about to get governments, why am I here about to get governments, why am I here about to get my head cut off?

my head cut off? my head cut off? Are you really the one? Isn't it Are you really the one? Isn't it Are you really the one? Isn't it interesting how we can have these interesting how we can have these interesting how we can have these encounters and experiences of God, but encounters and experiences of God, but encounters and experiences of God, but when disappointments and setbacks come, when disappointments and setbacks come, when disappointments and setbacks come, very quickly, we can find ourselves very quickly, we can find ourselves very quickly, we can find ourselves saying, "Are you really who you say you saying, "Are you really who you say you saying, "Are you really who you say you are? Do you really love me? Are you are? Do you really love me? Are you are? Do you really love me? Are you really faithful? How can you be who you really faithful? How can you be who you really faithful? How can you be who you say you are when this is what I'm say you are when this is what I'm say you are when this is what I'm facing?" All of us, starting with me in facing?" All of us, starting with me in facing?" All of us, starting with me in this room, have found themselves in that this room, have found themselves in that this room, have found themselves in that place. So, what So, what do we do when the things that we put our do we do when the things that we put our do we do when the things that we put our hope in, the things that we prayed for hope in, the things that we prayed for hope in, the things that we prayed for don't come through? What do we do when don't come through? What do we do when don't come through? What do we do when we're disappointed with God's plan? I want to just share a story that's been I want to just share a story that's been so impactful in my life. It's about a so impactful in my life. It's about a so impactful in my life. It's about a man in the late 1700s into the early man in the late 1700s into the early man in the late 1700s into the early 1800s 1800s 1800s named William Kerry who was a missionary named William Kerry who was a missionary named William Kerry who was a missionary from England who moved to India and from England who moved to India and from England who moved to India and had a call from God that you were to go had a call from God that you were to go had a call from God that you were to go there and learn the languages and there and learn the languages and there and learn the languages and translate the languages and give a Bible translate the languages and give a Bible translate the languages and give a Bible so that the church and the kingdom of so that the church and the kingdom of so that the church and the kingdom of God can begin to start moving in this God can begin to start moving in this God can begin to start moving in this nation. And so he receives this call and nation. And so he receives this call and nation. And so he receives this call and hops on a boat a weeks and weeks long hops on a boat a weeks and weeks long hops on a boat a weeks and weeks long long journey and it was really in a way long journey and it was really in a way long journey and it was really in a way a death sentence. There was no guarantee a death sentence. There was no guarantee a death sentence. There was no guarantee that he was ever going to come back home that he was ever going to come back home that he was ever going to come back home and see his family and everything that

and see his family and everything that and see his family and everything that he'd ever known. He was responding to he'd ever known. He was responding to he'd ever known. He was responding to the call of God on his life. And so he the call of God on his life. And so he the call of God on his life. And so he goes all the way to India and he starts goes all the way to India and he starts goes all the way to India and he starts something called the Sarpur mission something called the Sarpur mission something called the Sarpur mission where he with a couple other people on where he with a couple other people on where he with a couple other people on his team devoted their lives for decades his team devoted their lives for decades his team devoted their lives for decades to learning the native languages because to learning the native languages because to learning the native languages because there were all kinds of there's not just there were all kinds of there's not just there were all kinds of there's not just one central Indian language, right? one central Indian language, right? one central Indian language, right? There's all these kingdoms that were There's all these kingdoms that were There's all these kingdoms that were alongside each other that spoke alongside each other that spoke alongside each other that spoke different languages. And so he goes with different languages. And so he goes with different languages. And so he goes with his team and they begin to just go his team and they begin to just go his team and they begin to just go language after language after language language after language after language language after language after language creating uh an English to whatever that creating uh an English to whatever that creating uh an English to whatever that language is, dictionary, and then from language is, dictionary, and then from language is, dictionary, and then from there translate the Bible into that there translate the Bible into that there translate the Bible into that language. And so he's there beginning a language. And so he's there beginning a language. And so he's there beginning a church, doing this incredible work, church, doing this incredible work, church, doing this incredible work, pouring his life out. And he's doing it pouring his life out. And he's doing it pouring his life out. And he's doing it for two decades. for two decades. for two decades. But one But one But one month he goes on a trip to go minister month he goes on a trip to go minister month he goes on a trip to go minister in a different city and he gets a report in a different city and he gets a report in a different city and he gets a report and flies back home.

and flies back home. and flies back home. Gets home as fast as he can and gets Gets home as fast as he can and gets Gets home as fast as he can and gets back to the warehouse where the two back to the warehouse where the two back to the warehouse where the two decades worth of his work was. The decades worth of his work was. The decades worth of his work was. The printing press that they had that was printing press that they had that was printing press that they had that was worth thousands of dollars that was worth thousands of dollars that was worth thousands of dollars that was helping them put the Bible out. all of helping them put the Bible out. all of helping them put the Bible out. all of the manuscripts that they with the the manuscripts that they with the the manuscripts that they with the translations, the dictionaries and the translations, the dictionaries and the translations, the dictionaries and the Bible. All of this that he handwrote Bible. All of this that he handwrote Bible. All of this that he handwrote and he sees a fire came and two decades and he sees a fire came and two decades and he sees a fire came and two decades worth of work for God is gone. worth of work for God is gone. worth of work for God is gone. Two decades of him pouring everything he Two decades of him pouring everything he Two decades of him pouring everything he has to obey and follow the call of God has to obey and follow the call of God has to obey and follow the call of God on his life gone. on his life gone. on his life gone. If there could ever be a situation that If there could ever be a situation that If there could ever be a situation that could make somebody disillusioned with could make somebody disillusioned with could make somebody disillusioned with the will of God, that would probably be the will of God, that would probably be the will of God, that would probably be one of the top ones, right? I've just one of the top ones, right? I've just one of the top ones, right? I've just given you my whole life. Given you two given you my whole life. Given you two given you my whole life. Given you two decades of killing myself so that people decades of killing myself so that people decades of killing myself so that people can know that you love them and the work can know that you love them and the work can know that you love them and the work that I've done so that that can happen, that I've done so that that can happen, that I've done so that that can happen, you're just going to let burn in a fire. That's a moment that for many of us That's a moment that for many of us would absolutely break us and make us would absolutely break us and make us would absolutely break us and make us run back into trying to live life our run back into trying to live life our run back into trying to live life our own way own way own way or for maybe others maybe not run and do or for maybe others maybe not run and do or for maybe others maybe not run and do life your own way but just live with life your own way but just live with life your own way but just live with before God with a chip on your shoulder.

before God with a chip on your shoulder. before God with a chip on your shoulder. God isn't faithful. He hasn't come God isn't faithful. He hasn't come God isn't faithful. He hasn't come through. Those missionaries over there, through. Those missionaries over there, through. Those missionaries over there, they didn't have this issue that I have. they didn't have this issue that I have. they didn't have this issue that I have. God isn't faithful to me the way he's God isn't faithful to me the way he's God isn't faithful to me the way he's faithful to them. He doesn't really love faithful to them. He doesn't really love faithful to them. He doesn't really love me. So, you're still living a Christian me. So, you're still living a Christian me. So, you're still living a Christian life, but just with a bitter soul. You know what he did? He looked and he You know what he did? He looked and he said, "This was never my work. It's said, "This was never my work. It's said, "This was never my work. It's God's, and he's going to be faithful. God's, and he's going to be faithful. God's, and he's going to be faithful. We're going to trust him and press We're going to trust him and press We're going to trust him and press forward." And so, he starts with a fresh forward." And so, he starts with a fresh forward." And so, he starts with a fresh sheet of paper and begins to just sheet of paper and begins to just sheet of paper and begins to just translate the languages again. And with translate the languages again. And with translate the languages again. And with his team, they begin to just start his team, they begin to just start his team, they begin to just start putting in work one day at a time. And putting in work one day at a time. And putting in work one day at a time. And the story ends up going out through the the story ends up going out through the the story ends up going out through the world and people hear about the tragedy world and people hear about the tragedy world and people hear about the tragedy of what happened there. And you know of what happened there. And you know of what happened there. And you know what ends up happening? People's hearts what ends up happening? People's hearts what ends up happening? People's hearts break. God moves in the hearts of break. God moves in the hearts of break. God moves in the hearts of people. Many hear the story and say, people. Many hear the story and say, people. Many hear the story and say, "I'm going to move now and give the rest "I'm going to move now and give the rest "I'm going to move now and give the rest of my life to be a part of what he's of my life to be a part of what he's of my life to be a part of what he's doing." Many other people said, "This is doing." Many other people said, "This is doing." Many other people said, "This is money that God has given me, but it's money that God has given me, but it's money that God has given me, but it's for his kingdom, and I'm going to send for his kingdom, and I'm going to send for his kingdom, and I'm going to send it now to go help this guy with the work it now to go help this guy with the work it now to go help this guy with the work over there." And so, he begins to trust over there." And so, he begins to trust over there." And so, he begins to trust God and march forward. and the resources God and march forward. and the resources God and march forward. and the resources and people begin to come in alongside and people begin to come in alongside and people begin to come in alongside him. And in the coming next decade, him. And in the coming next decade, him. And in the coming next decade, they're able to do more work than they they're able to do more work than they they're able to do more work than they did in the two decades before.

did in the two decades before. did in the two decades before. They had translated the Bible into all They had translated the Bible into all They had translated the Bible into all of these languages. They translated the of these languages. They translated the of these languages. They translated the Bible into way more languages on the Bible into way more languages on the Bible into way more languages on the other side of it. Something that seemed other side of it. Something that seemed other side of it. Something that seemed like, how could God be good if he's like, how could God be good if he's like, how could God be good if he's allowing this? He didn't realize that allowing this? He didn't realize that allowing this? He didn't realize that God's goodness would be seen in the God's goodness would be seen in the God's goodness would be seen in the greatest way through this. How many moments do we find ourselves in How many moments do we find ourselves in our disappointment? In life not looking our disappointment? In life not looking our disappointment? In life not looking the way we think it should, in us the way we think it should, in us the way we think it should, in us feeling overlooked or betrayed or the feeling overlooked or betrayed or the feeling overlooked or betrayed or the things that we were hoping or or it's, things that we were hoping or or it's, things that we were hoping or or it's, you know, I've been trusting God and I you know, I've been trusting God and I you know, I've been trusting God and I know life's hard and I know, you know, know life's hard and I know, you know, know life's hard and I know, you know, it's going to be a process, but how much it's going to be a process, but how much it's going to be a process, but how much longer is this process going to play longer is this process going to play longer is this process going to play out? I feel like I've just been in this out? I feel like I've just been in this out? I feel like I've just been in this spot of trusting God, feeling stuck for spot of trusting God, feeling stuck for spot of trusting God, feeling stuck for years and years and years now. How much years and years and years now. How much years and years and years now. How much longer? I don't know how much longer I longer? I don't know how much longer I longer? I don't know how much longer I can handle this. I remember reading that story in college I remember reading that story in college and I prayed a a foolish prayer. I said, and I prayed a a foolish prayer. I said, and I prayed a a foolish prayer. I said, "God, if that ever happens in my life, "God, if that ever happens in my life, "God, if that ever happens in my life, let me respond in that way." And sure let me respond in that way." And sure let me respond in that way." And sure enough, I know a lot of people know enough, I know a lot of people know enough, I know a lot of people know couple years back um my wife and I couple years back um my wife and I couple years back um my wife and I closed on an apartment that we could closed on an apartment that we could closed on an apartment that we could barely afford. We went into all of this barely afford. We went into all of this barely afford. We went into all of this debt. It turned out to be this crazy debt. It turned out to be this crazy debt. It turned out to be this crazy thing. Our baby was born. and he was thing. Our baby was born. and he was thing. Our baby was born. and he was collic, screaming, crying. Her nerves collic, screaming, crying. Her nerves collic, screaming, crying. Her nerves were shot and we were two days away from were shot and we were two days away from were shot and we were two days away from moving into our home that we couldn't moving into our home that we couldn't moving into our home that we couldn't even afford, but we were so excited. It even afford, but we were so excited. It even afford, but we were so excited. It had been this long process and the whole had been this long process and the whole had been this long process and the whole thing catches on fire and burns down thing catches on fire and burns down thing catches on fire and burns down along with all of our stuff.

along with all of our stuff. along with all of our stuff. We find out that we thought we had We find out that we thought we had We find out that we thought we had insurance, but we didn't. And so now we insurance, but we didn't. And so now we insurance, but we didn't. And so now we have no coverage. There's a contractor, have no coverage. There's a contractor, have no coverage. There's a contractor, it was his fault, but he has an expired it was his fault, but he has an expired it was his fault, but he has an expired insurance certificate. So now there's no insurance certificate. So now there's no insurance certificate. So now there's no coverage at all. There's a million coverage at all. There's a million coverage at all. There's a million dollars worth of damage on top of the dollars worth of damage on top of the dollars worth of damage on top of the debt that we have and the rebuilding and debt that we have and the rebuilding and debt that we have and the rebuilding and all of the things that we now long no all of the things that we now long no all of the things that we now long no longer have. And I have the building longer have. And I have the building longer have. And I have the building coming to me saying because there's no coming to me saying because there's no coming to me saying because there's no insurance on this. You're about to get insurance on this. You're about to get insurance on this. You're about to get sued for like hundreds of thousands on sued for like hundreds of thousands on sued for like hundreds of thousands on top of that. And so I'm just sitting top of that. And so I'm just sitting top of that. And so I'm just sitting looking like I'm going to die. This is looking like I'm going to die. This is looking like I'm going to die. This is it. Can the rapture happen right now? it. Can the rapture happen right now? it. Can the rapture happen right now? And I remember this story and I was And I remember this story and I was And I remember this story and I was like, "Ah, I prayed that." like, "Ah, I prayed that." like, "Ah, I prayed that." And you know, I can't say that I walked And you know, I can't say that I walked And you know, I can't say that I walked through it perfectly. There were many through it perfectly. There were many through it perfectly. There were many moments of moments of moments of testing of faith and my soul drifting testing of faith and my soul drifting testing of faith and my soul drifting and losing it, being anchored in Christ. and losing it, being anchored in Christ. and losing it, being anchored in Christ. But can I tell you just in my life too, But can I tell you just in my life too, But can I tell you just in my life too, I've seen that that thing that I had no I've seen that that thing that I had no I've seen that that thing that I had no idea how it could possibly work out for idea how it could possibly work out for idea how it could possibly work out for good in every measurable way, God has good in every measurable way, God has good in every measurable way, God has worked for good in my life. He's brought worked for good in my life. He's brought worked for good in my life. He's brought restoration to it and some. And there restoration to it and some. And there restoration to it and some. And there was no clear trajectory. It wasn't like, was no clear trajectory. It wasn't like, was no clear trajectory. It wasn't like, oh well, yeah, but that can lead to that oh well, yeah, but that can lead to that oh well, yeah, but that can lead to that and that's how it could work out. It's and that's how it could work out. It's and that's how it could work out. It's like nothing. No clarity. God, I have no like nothing. No clarity. God, I have no like nothing. No clarity. God, I have no idea how you're going to come through in idea how you're going to come through in idea how you're going to come through in this.

this. this. My idea of what this should look like, My idea of what this should look like, My idea of what this should look like, this is definitely not it. This this is definitely not it. This this is definitely not it. This definitely doesn't seem good to me. definitely doesn't seem good to me. definitely doesn't seem good to me. But you know the promise that God has But you know the promise that God has But you know the promise that God has for you tonight. Let's put up the final for you tonight. Let's put up the final for you tonight. Let's put up the final verse. We all know it. And we know that God We all know it. And we know that God causes everything to work together for causes everything to work together for causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are the good of those who love God and are the good of those who love God and are called according to his purposes for called according to his purposes for called according to his purposes for them. them. them. That is a promise over every area of That is a promise over every area of That is a promise over every area of your life. your life. your life. What that means for you and I tonight is What that means for you and I tonight is What that means for you and I tonight is this. that if you're looking at an area this. that if you're looking at an area this. that if you're looking at an area of your life that it doesn't seem good, of your life that it doesn't seem good, of your life that it doesn't seem good, it's because God isn't done working it's because God isn't done working it's because God isn't done working there yet. there yet. there yet. >> And where you can look and say, "God, if >> And where you can look and say, "God, if >> And where you can look and say, "God, if you really loved me, it wouldn't look you really loved me, it wouldn't look you really loved me, it wouldn't look this way." God is like, "You have no this way." God is like, "You have no this way." God is like, "You have no idea how much I love you." And you're idea how much I love you." And you're idea how much I love you." And you're going to see it as you just trust me as going to see it as you just trust me as going to see it as you just trust me as you just let me walk with you through you just let me walk with you through you just let me walk with you through this. I'm going to sustain you. I'm this. I'm going to sustain you. I'm this. I'm going to sustain you. I'm everything you need. You don't need it everything you need. You don't need it everything you need. You don't need it to look the way you think it needs to to look the way you think it needs to to look the way you think it needs to look for you to be okay because you have look for you to be okay because you have look for you to be okay because you have me. and I'm gonna work through this to me. and I'm gonna work through this to me. and I'm gonna work through this to do something better than you could ask do something better than you could ask do something better than you could ask or imagine. Surely you will see my or imagine. Surely you will see my or imagine. Surely you will see my goodness in the land of the living.

goodness in the land of the living. goodness in the land of the living. >> That is the promise of God over our >> That is the promise of God over our >> That is the promise of God over our lives tonight. And so I only share that lives tonight. And so I only share that lives tonight. And so I only share that to say I believe a lot of us here are in to say I believe a lot of us here are in to say I believe a lot of us here are in certain situations where maybe you're certain situations where maybe you're certain situations where maybe you're tempted to run and do it your own way. tempted to run and do it your own way. tempted to run and do it your own way. Maybe you are just in the house of God Maybe you are just in the house of God Maybe you are just in the house of God with a bitter spirit just saying, "God with a bitter spirit just saying, "God with a bitter spirit just saying, "God is holding out on me. If God really is holding out on me. If God really is holding out on me. If God really loved me, my life wouldn't look this loved me, my life wouldn't look this loved me, my life wouldn't look this way. I wouldn't have to be dealing with way. I wouldn't have to be dealing with way. I wouldn't have to be dealing with this. this. this. But what God is saying to you tonight is But what God is saying to you tonight is But what God is saying to you tonight is do not anchor yourself in your ideas and do not anchor yourself in your ideas and do not anchor yourself in your ideas and expectations of what life should be. expectations of what life should be. expectations of what life should be. Anchor yourself in Jesus. Anchor yourself in Jesus. Anchor yourself in Jesus. >> Anchor yourself in the goodness of the >> Anchor yourself in the goodness of the >> Anchor yourself in the goodness of the God who loves you. God who loves you. God who loves you. You don't need to know how it's going to You don't need to know how it's going to You don't need to know how it's going to work out. You don't need to see where work out. You don't need to see where work out. You don't need to see where it's good because he is good. He will be it's good because he is good. He will be it's good because he is good. He will be faithful and it will be good. And so, faithful and it will be good. And so, faithful and it will be good. And so, how about tonight we respond to God's how about tonight we respond to God's how about tonight we respond to God's word, we strengthen ourselves in him. word, we strengthen ourselves in him. word, we strengthen ourselves in him. Where there's bitterness, let's repent Where there's bitterness, let's repent Where there's bitterness, let's repent of it. Where we feel weak in faith, and of it. Where we feel weak in faith, and of it. Where we feel weak in faith, and it's like, God, I'm one thing away from it's like, God, I'm one thing away from it's like, God, I'm one thing away from falling off. If you let me go through falling off. If you let me go through falling off. If you let me go through one more hard or frustrating or one more hard or frustrating or one more hard or frustrating or disappointing thing, I don't know if I'm disappointing thing, I don't know if I'm disappointing thing, I don't know if I'm going to keep going. No. Let's look at going to keep going. No. Let's look at going to keep going. No. Let's look at our life in a different way. God, you're our life in a different way. God, you're our life in a different way. God, you're working that and that and that and that working that and that and that and that working that and that and that and that together for good. and I'm gonna anchor together for good. and I'm gonna anchor together for good. and I'm gonna anchor myself in this today. If the band can myself in this today. If the band can myself in this today. If the band can come, come, come, let's sing and just come to Jesus now let's sing and just come to Jesus now let's sing and just come to Jesus now with whatever that thing is that you're with whatever that thing is that you're with whatever that thing is that you're carrying. I believe tonight can be a carrying. I believe tonight can be a carrying. I believe tonight can be a night of unbburdening your soul. Not night of unbburdening your soul. Not night of unbburdening your soul. Not because of the situation's fixed, but

because of the situation's fixed, but because of the situation's fixed, but because you are trusting in the goodness because you are trusting in the goodness because you are trusting in the goodness of God. And guess what? Even if it gets of God. And guess what? Even if it gets of God. And guess what? Even if it gets worse, that doesn't mean that he's still worse, that doesn't mean that he's still worse, that doesn't mean that he's still not with you. He's going to be faithful. not with you. He's going to be faithful. not with you. He's going to be faithful. >> And so, let's sing Goodness of God. If >> And so, let's sing Goodness of God. If >> And so, let's sing Goodness of God. If you're here and that speaks to you in you're here and that speaks to you in you're here and that speaks to you in some way, there's some situation in your some way, there's some situation in your some way, there's some situation in your life where you say, "That's me right now life where you say, "That's me right now life where you say, "That's me right now with this thing that I'm carrying, this with this thing that I'm carrying, this with this thing that I'm carrying, this thing that I'm facing." I want to just thing that I'm facing." I want to just thing that I'm facing." I want to just open up the altar here and give you an open up the altar here and give you an open up the altar here and give you an opportunity to come and bring that thing opportunity to come and bring that thing opportunity to come and bring that thing to God. Bring the disappointment. Say, to God. Bring the disappointment. Say, to God. Bring the disappointment. Say, "God, I'm bringing you this "God, I'm bringing you this "God, I'm bringing you this disappointment, and I'm going to trust, disappointment, and I'm going to trust, disappointment, and I'm going to trust, not that it's going to go the exact way not that it's going to go the exact way not that it's going to go the exact way I think it needs to go. I'm going to I think it needs to go. I'm going to I think it needs to go. I'm going to trust in your love and goodness for me." trust in your love and goodness for me." trust in your love and goodness for me." If that's where you are even now as we If that's where you are even now as we If that's where you are even now as we begin to sing, just come from wherever begin to sing, just come from wherever begin to sing, just come from wherever you are in the room. >> Sing, I love you, Lord. I love you, >> Sing, I love you, Lord. I love you, Lord.

For your mercy never fails me. For your mercy never fails me. All my days All my days All my days I've been held in your hands. I've been held in your hands. I've been held in your hands. From the moment that I wake up From the moment that I wake up From the moment that I wake up until I lay my hand, until I lay my hand, until I lay my hand, I will sing I will sing I will sing of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness of God. All my life you have been so so good. All my life you have been so so good. With every breath that I am made, I will sing I will sing of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness of God. of God. of God. I love your voice.

in darkest night. in darkest night. You are close. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. We trust in you.

We trust in you. Our hope is in you, Jesus. your goodness is running after. It's your goodness is running after. It's running after me. Your goodness is running after. Your goodness is running after. It's running It's running It's running to me. Turn

Turn your eyes your eyes your eyes upon Jesus. Just the voices one last time.

Just the voices one last time. Turn Turn Turn your eyes your eyes your eyes upon upon upon Jesus. So Jesus, we trust you tonight.

So Jesus, we trust you tonight. We put our hope in you and you alone. We put our hope in you and you alone. We put our hope in you and you alone. come, what may, whatever storms, come, what may, whatever storms, come, what may, whatever storms, whatever disappointments, whatever whatever disappointments, whatever whatever disappointments, whatever periods of continuing to wait, whatever periods of continuing to wait, whatever periods of continuing to wait, whatever any of those things are, you are any of those things are, you are any of those things are, you are faithful, Lord. You love us. You have faithful, Lord. You love us. You have faithful, Lord. You love us. You have promised to work everything together for promised to work everything together for promised to work everything together for good. And that is what we trust in good. And that is what we trust in good. And that is what we trust in today. Lord, strengthen that hope in us today. Lord, strengthen that hope in us today. Lord, strengthen that hope in us now, Lord. Help our hearts overflow with now, Lord. Help our hearts overflow with now, Lord. Help our hearts overflow with a hope in you. You will be faithful, a hope in you. You will be faithful, a hope in you. You will be faithful, God, with our families. in our weakness, in our finances, in our weakness, in our finances, in whatever is weighing on our heart in whatever is weighing on our heart in whatever is weighing on our heart today. God, we thank you that you will today. God, we thank you that you will today. God, we thank you that you will take the burden today. As you clothe us take the burden today. As you clothe us take the burden today. As you clothe us in hope, Lord, fill our hearts with a in hope, Lord, fill our hearts with a in hope, Lord, fill our hearts with a supernatural hope here, God, as we supernatural hope here, God, as we supernatural hope here, God, as we leave. Help us to go into this week with leave. Help us to go into this week with leave. Help us to go into this week with our eyes fixed on you, not what's going our eyes fixed on you, not what's going our eyes fixed on you, not what's going wrong, not with what what we don't like.

wrong, not with what what we don't like. wrong, not with what what we don't like. Help us to be consumed with the faithful Help us to be consumed with the faithful Help us to be consumed with the faithful love of Jesus. We give you all the glory, Lord. We We give you all the glory, Lord. We thank you for your power, your love. We thank you for your power, your love. We thank you for your power, your love. We thank you, God, that your truth sets us thank you, God, that your truth sets us thank you, God, that your truth sets us free. Thank you that you give us the free. Thank you that you give us the free. Thank you that you give us the word that speaks to our need and our word that speaks to our need and our word that speaks to our need and our burden and our battle when we need it. burden and our battle when we need it. burden and our battle when we need it. And so, Lord, bless us as we leave here And so, Lord, bless us as we leave here And so, Lord, bless us as we leave here tonight. Help us to go into this week tonight. Help us to go into this week tonight. Help us to go into this week walking in the spirit, trusting you, walking in the spirit, trusting you, walking in the spirit, trusting you, overflowing with hope. Be with us. overflowing with hope. Be with us. overflowing with hope. Be with us. Protect us as we get home tonight until Protect us as we get home tonight until Protect us as we get home tonight until we gather again on Sunday. We love you, we gather again on Sunday. We love you, we gather again on Sunday. We love you, Lord. We thank you. We ask this in Jesus Lord. We thank you. We ask this in Jesus Lord. We thank you. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Let's turn to name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Let's turn to name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Let's turn to somebody next to you. Give them a hug. somebody next to you. Give them a hug. somebody next to you. Give them a hug. We'll see you on Sunday. God bless you.