Avoiding Tragedy | Pastor Jim Cymbala | Sunday Service | The Brooklyn Tabernacle

Good morning everyone. Good morning everyone. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Amen. Amen. Amen. I've been away for a couple of weeks and I've been away for a couple of weeks and I've been away for a couple of weeks and I can't tell you how happy I am to be I can't tell you how happy I am to be I can't tell you how happy I am to be with all of you today. I am so thankful with all of you today. I am so thankful with all of you today. I am so thankful for this church today. I was telling the for this church today. I was telling the for this church today. I was telling the choir and the band, I'm so thankful to choir and the band, I'm so thankful to choir and the band, I'm so thankful to be able to come to a place where people be able to come to a place where people be able to come to a place where people love the Lord, where they lift him up love the Lord, where they lift him up love the Lord, where they lift him up and where his presence comes and fills and where his presence comes and fills and where his presence comes and fills our hearts today. And we can never take our hearts today. And we can never take our hearts today. And we can never take that for granted. Amen. We can never that for granted. Amen. We can never that for granted. Amen. We can never take that for granted. It's not just take that for granted. It's not just take that for granted. It's not just another Sunday. It's it's a meeting with another Sunday. It's it's a meeting with another Sunday. It's it's a meeting with Jesus today. Amen. Amen. How many of you Jesus today. Amen. Amen. How many of you Jesus today. Amen. Amen. How many of you need more of the Lord today? Well, he need more of the Lord today? Well, he need more of the Lord today? Well, he inhabits the praises of his people. So inhabits the praises of his people. So inhabits the praises of his people. So let's lift our voices this morning. let's lift our voices this morning. let's lift our voices this morning. Let's invite his presence into this Let's invite his presence into this Let's invite his presence into this place and he will be faithful to come. place and he will be faithful to come. place and he will be faithful to come. Amen. Amen. We serve a good God. Amen. Amen. We serve a good God. Amen. Amen. We serve a good God. Hallelujah. Come on, lift your voices Hallelujah. Come on, lift your voices Hallelujah. Come on, lift your voices with all your heart. Oh, he is exalted.

with all your heart. Oh, he is exalted. with all your heart. Oh, he is exalted. He is exalted. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Hallelujah. Come on, lift your voice to Hallelujah. Come on, lift your voice to the Lord today. We exalt you. We exalt the Lord today. We exalt you. We exalt the Lord today. We exalt you. We exalt you. We bless you, Lord. We give you you. We bless you, Lord. We give you you. We bless you, Lord. We give you praise and honor. praise and honor. praise and honor. We worship and adore you. We worship and adore you. We worship and adore you. Hallelujah Jesus. Hallelujah Jesus. Hallelujah Jesus. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We worship you Jesus. We give you We worship you Jesus. We give you We worship you Jesus. We give you praise. praise. praise. Oh, we magnify your name. Jesus. Oh, we magnify your name. Jesus. Oh, we magnify your name. Jesus. We bless you Lord. We bless you Lord. We bless you Lord. Oh, we bless you Lord. We worship you Jesus.

We worship you Jesus. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We bless your name. Heat

Heat up your name. Your name

your name. Your name is is is your your your name. name. name. We lift up. We worship you. We worship you. Heat. Heat. Come on, just worship the Lord right

Come on, just worship the Lord right now. Lift your voice. now. Lift your voice. now. Lift your voice. Lift your voice. Lift your voice. Lift your voice. We bless the name of Jesus. We bless the name of Jesus. We bless the name of Jesus. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat up

Heat up here. Come on, let's sing that name together.

Come on, let's sing that name together. Jesus. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Amen. Can we clap to the Lord this Amen. Can we clap to the Lord this morning? morning? morning? We praise your name, Jesus. We praise your name, Jesus. We praise your name, Jesus. We praise your name. We praise your We praise your name. We praise your We praise your name. We praise your wonderful name in this place. Hallelujah Jesus. Hallelujah Jesus. Hallelujah Lord. Hallelujah Lord. Hallelujah Lord. Hallelujah Jesus. Hallelujah Jesus. Hallelujah Jesus. We give you praise.

Praise the Lord, church. How many are Praise the Lord, church. How many are grateful to be in his presence today? grateful to be in his presence today? grateful to be in his presence today? The word of God declares, "Let The word of God declares, "Let The word of God declares, "Let everything that has breath, that's you everything that has breath, that's you everything that has breath, that's you and that's me." So, would you sing with and that's me." So, would you sing with and that's me." So, would you sing with us as we lift high in the name of Jesus, us as we lift high in the name of Jesus, us as we lift high in the name of Jesus, Amen. Come on, let's sing. Praise him. Amen. Come on, let's sing. Praise him. Amen. Come on, let's sing. Praise him. Praise him in the sanctuary. Praise him in the sanctuary. Praise him in the sanctuary. Praise him in the Heat. Praise him in the Heat. Praise him in the Heat. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Oh, I will praise Oh, I will praise Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. We sing praise. We sing praise. We sing praise. Oh yes, Oh yes, Oh yes, praising Jesus. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. I remember a story I remember a story in the Bible days. You took a man called Moses You took a man called Moses with a rod with a rod with a rod in his hand. in his hand. in his hand. He told Moses, "Take the rod in your He told Moses, "Take the rod in your He told Moses, "Take the rod in your hand. hand. hand. Stretch it forth and walk on dry land. Stretch it forth and walk on dry land. Stretch it forth and walk on dry land. If you can use anything, Lord, you can If you can use anything, Lord, you can If you can use anything, Lord, you can use me. use me. use me. Use me. Jesus, use me.

I remember a story. I remember a story. I remember it well. He took a shepherd boy David He took a shepherd boy David with a sling with a sling with a sling in his hand. in his hand. in his hand. He took the rock with a sling in his He took the rock with a sling in his He took the rock with a sling in his hand. hand. hand. Evil on the rock and the dying fil dead. Evil on the rock and the dying fil dead. Evil on the rock and the dying fil dead. If you can use anything, God, you can If you can use anything, God, you can If you can use anything, God, you can use me. I want to be your surrender I want to be your surrender every day.

It doesn't matter how big or how small. It doesn't matter how big or how small. You can use me. You can use You can use me. me. me. Heat. Salvation Salvation and glory, to the Lord our God to the Lord our God for the Lord for the Lord for the Lord is mighty.

is mighty. is mighty. Yes. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. up

up here. Heat up Heat up here. Let's give God a hand clap of praise.

Let's give God a hand clap of praise. Everybody in the building, Everybody in the building, Everybody in the building, come on. Let's praise him. come on. Let's praise him. come on. Let's praise him. We praise you, Lord. We praise you. We love you, Lord. We love you, Lord. We We love you, Lord. We love you, Lord. We love you, Lord. >> I >> I just came to praise you.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. And all the people said,

And all the people said, "You may be seated." "You may be seated." "You may be seated." You may be seated. You may be seated. You may be seated. Praise report. My name is Goldie. I live Praise report. My name is Goldie. I live Praise report. My name is Goldie. I live in Ohio. I attend Brooklyn Tabernacles in Ohio. I attend Brooklyn Tabernacles in Ohio. I attend Brooklyn Tabernacles online services. Just this past Sunday, online services. Just this past Sunday, online services. Just this past Sunday, July 26, I joined the 9 9:00 a.m. July 26, I joined the 9 9:00 a.m. July 26, I joined the 9 9:00 a.m. service. Goldie, if you're watching, by service. Goldie, if you're watching, by service. Goldie, if you're watching, by the way, for all those watching online, the way, for all those watching online, the way, for all those watching online, congregation, let's welcome them. We congregation, let's welcome them. We congregation, let's welcome them. We welcome you from all over the world. I joined the 9 9:00 a.m. service heavy I joined the 9 9:00 a.m. service heavy with a huge financial burden on my mind. with a huge financial burden on my mind. with a huge financial burden on my mind. Just after the worship before the Just after the worship before the Just after the worship before the sermon, Pastor Simba asked those with sermon, Pastor Simba asked those with sermon, Pastor Simba asked those with financial needs to come forward. I financial needs to come forward. I financial needs to come forward. I wondered if it was God answering my wondered if it was God answering my wondered if it was God answering my prayer for a financial miracle. So I prayer for a financial miracle. So I prayer for a financial miracle. So I keyed in while Pastor Simba prayed and keyed in while Pastor Simba prayed and keyed in while Pastor Simba prayed and asked us to trust God to provide for us. asked us to trust God to provide for us. asked us to trust God to provide for us. Since then, I have reminded God about Since then, I have reminded God about Since then, I have reminded God about how he led the pastor to pray for us and how he led the pastor to pray for us and how he led the pastor to pray for us and asked him to please answer that prayer. asked him to please answer that prayer. asked him to please answer that prayer. Lo and behold, the Lord answered this Lo and behold, the Lord answered this Lo and behold, the Lord answered this prayer just this morning. The next day, prayer just this morning. The next day, prayer just this morning. The next day, as I was dreading how I was going to as I was dreading how I was going to as I was dreading how I was going to make it through the rest of this month, make it through the rest of this month, make it through the rest of this month, I decided to check my bank balance and I decided to check my bank balance and I decided to check my bank balance and was pleasantly surprised to see a was pleasantly surprised to see a was pleasantly surprised to see a transfer from my brother, which I wasn't transfer from my brother, which I wasn't transfer from my brother, which I wasn't expecting. Indeed, God leads his expecting. Indeed, God leads his expecting. Indeed, God leads his servants and answers prayer. Thank God.

servants and answers prayer. Thank God. servants and answers prayer. Thank God. Come on, let's thank him for that. Come on, let's thank him for that. Come on, let's thank him for that. So, God answers prayer. If we know So, God answers prayer. If we know So, God answers prayer. If we know anything in this church, we know that anything in this church, we know that anything in this church, we know that God answers prayer. My brother's going God answers prayer. My brother's going God answers prayer. My brother's going to pray for the offering. We really need to pray for the offering. We really need to pray for the offering. We really need uh help here. We're trying to do so many uh help here. We're trying to do so many uh help here. We're trying to do so many things and I know it's the summer and things and I know it's the summer and things and I know it's the summer and all of that, but we we need we need all of that, but we we need we need all of that, but we we need we need Donto. Donto. Donto. How many know what Diono is? We need the How many know what Diono is? We need the How many know what Diono is? We need the green stuff, right? We need green stuff, right? We need green stuff, right? We need um we need for you to share with how God um we need for you to share with how God um we need for you to share with how God has blessed you. Wait, I want to ask has blessed you. Wait, I want to ask has blessed you. Wait, I want to ask something. How many looking back on your something. How many looking back on your something. How many looking back on your life, God has been very good to you? life, God has been very good to you? life, God has been very good to you? Just lift your hand. All right. So, take Just lift your hand. All right. So, take Just lift your hand. All right. So, take some of the good that he's been to you some of the good that he's been to you some of the good that he's been to you and share it with his work. We're trying and share it with his work. We're trying and share it with his work. We're trying to do so many different things as you to do so many different things as you to do so many different things as you see. And last uh week see. And last uh week see. And last uh week wasn't discouraged, but I said, "Oh, wasn't discouraged, but I said, "Oh, wasn't discouraged, but I said, "Oh, God, you have we're trying to do this, God, you have we're trying to do this, God, you have we're trying to do this, that, and the other things." and people that, and the other things." and people that, and the other things." and people online are giving and um we need for online are giving and um we need for online are giving and um we need for everybody to participate everybody to participate everybody to participate and um help us meet our needs. Ron, come and um help us meet our needs. Ron, come and um help us meet our needs. Ron, come on brother, pray for this offering.

on brother, pray for this offering. on brother, pray for this offering. Let's all pray. Let's all pray. Let's all pray. >> Father, we bless you today. Lord, before >> Father, we bless you today. Lord, before >> Father, we bless you today. Lord, before we ask for anything, we take a second to we ask for anything, we take a second to we ask for anything, we take a second to give you thanks for all that we already give you thanks for all that we already give you thanks for all that we already have, oh God. Lord, you woke us up this have, oh God. Lord, you woke us up this have, oh God. Lord, you woke us up this morning. We have clothes on our backs. morning. We have clothes on our backs. morning. We have clothes on our backs. We ate something this morning, God. So We ate something this morning, God. So We ate something this morning, God. So many blessings. you kept us this week. many blessings. you kept us this week. many blessings. you kept us this week. So, Father, we take nothing for granted. So, Father, we take nothing for granted. So, Father, we take nothing for granted. We give you thanks for everything that We give you thanks for everything that We give you thanks for everything that we have. we have. we have. >> We honor your name, Lord, first and >> We honor your name, Lord, first and >> We honor your name, Lord, first and foremost. foremost. foremost. >> Father, you see the needs of our church. >> Father, you see the needs of our church. >> Father, you see the needs of our church. You see the needs of our city. You see You see the needs of our city. You see You see the needs of our city. You see the need of this world. the need of this world. the need of this world. >> Help us as a local assembly to do our >> Help us as a local assembly to do our >> Help us as a local assembly to do our part. Oh God, you have blessed so many part. Oh God, you have blessed so many part. Oh God, you have blessed so many of us. of us. of us. >> Help us, Lord, to give sacrificially, oh >> Help us, Lord, to give sacrificially, oh >> Help us, Lord, to give sacrificially, oh God. Lord, you see the camps that we're God. Lord, you see the camps that we're God. Lord, you see the camps that we're trying to do for the children. Oh God, trying to do for the children. Oh God, trying to do for the children. Oh God, you see how these parents can't afford you see how these parents can't afford you see how these parents can't afford it. Those in the shelters that are it. Those in the shelters that are it. Those in the shelters that are struggling, struggling, struggling, God, we have an opportunity to partner God, we have an opportunity to partner God, we have an opportunity to partner with you. We have an opportunity to put with you. We have an opportunity to put with you. We have an opportunity to put our shoulders to the plow financially, our shoulders to the plow financially, our shoulders to the plow financially, oh God, to do our part, Lord, to make a oh God, to do our part, Lord, to make a oh God, to do our part, Lord, to make a difference for this season and for this difference for this season and for this difference for this season and for this time you've called us here, oh God. So, time you've called us here, oh God. So, time you've called us here, oh God. So, Father God, help us to give liberally, Father God, help us to give liberally, Father God, help us to give liberally, oh God. How much God have you have given oh God. How much God have you have given oh God. How much God have you have given to us? Let us consider, oh God, how good to us? Let us consider, oh God, how good to us? Let us consider, oh God, how good you've been to us, oh God. How you have you've been to us, oh God. How you have you've been to us, oh God. How you have provided for us time and time again as a provided for us time and time again as a provided for us time and time again as a church, oh God. But Lord, we are your church, oh God. But Lord, we are your church, oh God. But Lord, we are your hands extended, oh God, to the people, hands extended, oh God, to the people, hands extended, oh God, to the people, oh God, in a tangible way, oh God. Help oh God, in a tangible way, oh God. Help oh God, in a tangible way, oh God. Help us to show that love of God by the way us to show that love of God by the way us to show that love of God by the way we give, oh God, by the way we stretch

we give, oh God, by the way we stretch we give, oh God, by the way we stretch our finances, oh God, to make a our finances, oh God, to make a our finances, oh God, to make a difference, Lord, in our church and in difference, Lord, in our church and in difference, Lord, in our church and in our city, oh God. You see the needs of our city, oh God. You see the needs of our city, oh God. You see the needs of our church. You see the needs of the our church. You see the needs of the our church. You see the needs of the ministries. You see the needs of our ministries. You see the needs of our ministries. You see the needs of our missionaries. You see the needs of the missionaries. You see the needs of the missionaries. You see the needs of the activities we're trying to do to bless activities we're trying to do to bless activities we're trying to do to bless families, oh God. To bless children, oh families, oh God. To bless children, oh families, oh God. To bless children, oh God. God. God. >> So, Father God, all these things we're >> So, Father God, all these things we're >> So, Father God, all these things we're doing to glorify and honor your name, doing to glorify and honor your name, doing to glorify and honor your name, Lord. So, God, put it in our hearts, Lord. So, God, put it in our hearts, Lord. So, God, put it in our hearts, Lord, to do what only you can do, Lord, Lord, to do what only you can do, Lord, Lord, to do what only you can do, Lord, by stirring our hearts to give in a by stirring our hearts to give in a by stirring our hearts to give in a generous way so that others may be generous way so that others may be generous way so that others may be blessed, so that they may feel the love blessed, so that they may feel the love blessed, so that they may feel the love of God in a tangible way. So, Father, we of God in a tangible way. So, Father, we of God in a tangible way. So, Father, we thank you, oh God, for how you're going thank you, oh God, for how you're going thank you, oh God, for how you're going to move on the hearts of the people to move on the hearts of the people to move on the hearts of the people today and help us, Lord, to give today and help us, Lord, to give today and help us, Lord, to give liberally. We bless you and we thank you liberally. We bless you and we thank you liberally. We bless you and we thank you for what you're going to do. In Jesus for what you're going to do. In Jesus for what you're going to do. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. name we pray. Amen. name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Thank you. Thank you, >> Amen. Amen. Thank you. Thank you, >> Amen. Amen. Thank you. Thank you, Deacon. Yeah. Yeah. Well, Well, Well, there are a lot of mysteries in the there are a lot of mysteries in the there are a lot of mysteries in the Bible.

Bible. Bible. I study the Bible every day of my life. I study the Bible every day of my life. I study the Bible every day of my life. I've been doing that for a long time. I've been doing that for a long time. I've been doing that for a long time. And there are still mysteries in here to And there are still mysteries in here to And there are still mysteries in here to me. How about you? me. How about you? me. How about you? I heard somebody discussing the the I heard somebody discussing the the I heard somebody discussing the the Trinity or the Godhead the other day. Trinity or the Godhead the other day. Trinity or the Godhead the other day. And I told the pastor, "Listen, if And I told the pastor, "Listen, if And I told the pastor, "Listen, if anyone comes to you and tells you they anyone comes to you and tells you they anyone comes to you and tells you they understand that there's one God, Father, understand that there's one God, Father, understand that there's one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, not three gods, Son, and Holy Spirit, not three gods, Son, and Holy Spirit, not three gods, but one God, and yet there's Father, but one God, and yet there's Father, but one God, and yet there's Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If they say they Son, and Holy Spirit. If they say they Son, and Holy Spirit. If they say they understand that, understand that, understand that, they're tripping, right? They're they're they're tripping, right? They're they're they're tripping, right? They're they're not they don't. No one understands that. not they don't. No one understands that. not they don't. No one understands that. How can a how could a finite mind How can a how could a finite mind How can a how could a finite mind understand infinite God? Amen. understand infinite God? Amen. understand infinite God? Amen. >> That's a mystery to me. Um, >> That's a mystery to me. Um, >> That's a mystery to me. Um, when did Jesus know that he was the son when did Jesus know that he was the son when did Jesus know that he was the son of God and the Messiah? He was born as a of God and the Messiah? He was born as a of God and the Messiah? He was born as a baby. He wasn't super baby, superman, baby. He wasn't super baby, superman, baby. He wasn't super baby, superman, super boy. When did that dawn on him? super boy. When did that dawn on him? super boy. When did that dawn on him? How did God lay all the sins of the How did God lay all the sins of the How did God lay all the sins of the world on Jesus? What What did that look world on Jesus? What What did that look world on Jesus? What What did that look like? How did that How did that figure like? How did that How did that figure like? How did that How did that figure out? I don't understand it. I accept it out? I don't understand it. I accept it out? I don't understand it. I accept it by faith. I know it's true.

by faith. I know it's true. by faith. I know it's true. But of all the mysteries in the Bible But of all the mysteries in the Bible But of all the mysteries in the Bible concerning people, there's nobody close, concerning people, there's nobody close, concerning people, there's nobody close, no one close to me no one close to me no one close to me uh to me in my understanding in terms of uh to me in my understanding in terms of uh to me in my understanding in terms of not understanding not understanding not understanding than one person. Hands down. I read I've than one person. Hands down. I read I've than one person. Hands down. I read I've been reading about him for been reading about him for been reading about him for all the time I've been in ministry and all the time I've been in ministry and all the time I've been in ministry and even before that and I do not understand even before that and I do not understand even before that and I do not understand it. I'm going to tell you about it. But it. I'm going to tell you about it. But it. I'm going to tell you about it. But but it's in the Bible and it takes up a but it's in the Bible and it takes up a but it's in the Bible and it takes up a lot of chapters. So it must be for our lot of chapters. So it must be for our lot of chapters. So it must be for our edification, edification, edification, our building up, our warning. our building up, our warning. our building up, our warning. There must be a real reason for this and There must be a real reason for this and There must be a real reason for this and that is Solomon. that is Solomon. that is Solomon. How can you figure out Solomon How can you figure out Solomon How can you figure out Solomon in some ways the greatest king of Israel in some ways the greatest king of Israel in some ways the greatest king of Israel and with an ending that nobody could and with an ending that nobody could and with an ending that nobody could ever anticipate? ever anticipate? ever anticipate? Why would God put it in the Bible? What Why would God put it in the Bible? What Why would God put it in the Bible? What good is it for us today? So, let's let's good is it for us today? So, let's let's good is it for us today? So, let's let's talk about the positive side because talk about the positive side because talk about the positive side because Solomon was the third king of Israel.

Solomon was the third king of Israel. Solomon was the third king of Israel. First was Saul, then came David, who First was Saul, then came David, who First was Saul, then came David, who happens to be Solomon's father. So happens to be Solomon's father. So happens to be Solomon's father. So Solomon had David as his father. And Solomon had David as his father. And Solomon had David as his father. And when he grew up in the palace, he had when he grew up in the palace, he had when he grew up in the palace, he had the best teachers, the best prophets the best teachers, the best prophets the best teachers, the best prophets around, spoke into his life. You talk around, spoke into his life. You talk around, spoke into his life. You talk about being discipled. How'd you like to about being discipled. How'd you like to about being discipled. How'd you like to have David as your father? As in Jesus, have David as your father? As in Jesus, have David as your father? As in Jesus, son of David. I found a man after my own son of David. I found a man after my own son of David. I found a man after my own heart. heart. heart. So let let's just try to gather this. So let let's just try to gather this. So let let's just try to gather this. And some of you aren't that aware of who And some of you aren't that aware of who And some of you aren't that aware of who Solomon is and what he was about. So Solomon is and what he was about. So Solomon is and what he was about. So let's review it. So when the time drew let's review it. So when the time drew let's review it. So when the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge near for David to die, he gave a charge near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon, his son. I am about to go to Solomon, his son. I am about to go to Solomon, his son. I am about to go the way of all the earth. He said, "So the way of all the earth. He said, "So the way of all the earth. He said, "So be strong. Act like a man be strong. Act like a man be strong. Act like a man and observe what the Lord your God and observe what the Lord your God and observe what the Lord your God requires. requires. requires. Walk in obedience to him, Solomon, and Walk in obedience to him, Solomon, and Walk in obedience to him, Solomon, and keep his decrees and commands, Solomon, keep his decrees and commands, Solomon, keep his decrees and commands, Solomon, his laws and regulations as written in his laws and regulations as written in his laws and regulations as written in the law of Moses. Do this so that you the law of Moses. Do this so that you the law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever may prosper in all you do and wherever may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.

you go. you go. And that the Lord may keep his promise And that the Lord may keep his promise And that the Lord may keep his promise to me, which was, "If your descendants to me, which was, "If your descendants to me, which was, "If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk watch how they live, and if they walk watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their faithfully before me with all their faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to heart and soul, you will never fail to heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of have a successor on the throne of have a successor on the throne of Israel." Israel." Israel." So here David handed over the keys of So here David handed over the keys of So here David handed over the keys of the kingdom to Solomon the kingdom to Solomon the kingdom to Solomon and told him this is the way it works. and told him this is the way it works. and told him this is the way it works. God has been good to me. God has been God has been good to me. God has been God has been good to me. God has been good to the people of Israel. God gave good to the people of Israel. God gave good to the people of Israel. God gave Moses centuries before the law. And if Moses centuries before the law. And if Moses centuries before the law. And if we'll look to God and keep trusting him we'll look to God and keep trusting him we'll look to God and keep trusting him and obeying him the best, we know with and obeying him the best, we know with and obeying him the best, we know with his help uh he's going to bless us. his help uh he's going to bless us. his help uh he's going to bless us. So then what else do we read about So then what else do we read about So then what else do we read about Solomon? We read this. Solomon? We read this. Solomon? We read this. The king Solomon went to Gibian to offer The king Solomon went to Gibian to offer The king Solomon went to Gibian to offer sacrifices for that was the most sacrifices for that was the most sacrifices for that was the most important high place. The temple had not important high place. The temple had not important high place. The temple had not been built. And Solomon offered a been built. And Solomon offered a been built. And Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.

thousand burnt offerings on that altar. thousand burnt offerings on that altar. A thousand. A thousand. A thousand. Talk about liberality. How about Talk about liberality. How about Talk about liberality. How about dropping a thousand on an altar? All for dropping a thousand on an altar? All for dropping a thousand on an altar? All for God. God. God. At Gibian, the Lord appeared to Solomon At Gibian, the Lord appeared to Solomon At Gibian, the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream. And God during the night in a dream. And God during the night in a dream. And God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to said, "Ask for whatever you want me to said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." give you." give you." And Solomon answered, "You have shown And Solomon answered, "You have shown And Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my great kindness to your servant, my great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to father David, because he was faithful to father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. you and righteous and upright in heart. you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness You have continued this great kindness You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit to him and have given him a son to sit to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day." In other on his throne this very day." In other on his throne this very day." In other words, him. Now Lord my God, you have words, him. Now Lord my God, you have words, him. Now Lord my God, you have made your servant king in the place of made your servant king in the place of made your servant king in the place of my father David. But I'm only like a my father David. But I'm only like a my father David. But I'm only like a little child. I'm only a little child little child. I'm only a little child little child. I'm only a little child and do not know how to carry out my and do not know how to carry out my and do not know how to carry out my duties. Humility. duties. Humility. duties. Humility. Your servants. Your servant is here Your servants. Your servant is here Your servants. Your servant is here among the people that you have chosen. A among the people that you have chosen. A among the people that you have chosen. A great people too numerous to count or great people too numerous to count or great people too numerous to count or number. number. number. So give your servant a discerning heart So give your servant a discerning heart So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish to govern your people and to distinguish to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able between right and wrong. For who is able between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?

to govern this great people of yours? to govern this great people of yours? The Lord was pleased that Solomon had The Lord was pleased that Solomon had The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. asked for this. asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have So God said to him, "Since you have So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this, and not for long life or asked for this, and not for long life or asked for this, and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for wealth for yourself, nor have asked for wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies, but for the death of your enemies, but for the death of your enemies, but for discernment in administering justice, I discernment in administering justice, I discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked, and I will will do what you have asked, and I will will do what you have asked, and I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so give you a wise and discerning heart, so give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone that there will never have been anyone that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be." So So hold on for one second there. hold on for one second there. hold on for one second there. The Lord appeared to him. Almighty God The Lord appeared to him. Almighty God The Lord appeared to him. Almighty God appeared to him. I never had God appear appeared to him. I never had God appear appeared to him. I never had God appear to me. I've had him draw close to me. to me. I've had him draw close to me. to me. I've had him draw close to me. I've had times of communion. Have you? I I've had times of communion. Have you? I I've had times of communion. Have you? I know you have. We felt his presence here know you have. We felt his presence here know you have. We felt his presence here today, but I never had the Lord appear today, but I never had the Lord appear today, but I never had the Lord appear to me. But Solomon did. But Solomon did. But then there's more.

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight and breath of understanding as insight and breath of understanding as insight and breath of understanding as measurless as the sand on the seashore. measurless as the sand on the seashore. measurless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the Solomon's wisdom was greater than the Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the east and wisdom of all the people of the east and wisdom of all the people of the east and greater than the wisdom than all the of greater than the wisdom than all the of greater than the wisdom than all the of the wisdom of Egypt. the wisdom of Egypt. the wisdom of Egypt. He spoke 3,000 proverbs. You've read He spoke 3,000 proverbs. You've read He spoke 3,000 proverbs. You've read some of them. I read one the other night. It was so I read one the other night. It was so good. It's better to eat alone on a good. It's better to eat alone on a good. It's better to eat alone on a roof. I'm paraphrasing it. Why are you roof. I'm paraphrasing it. Why are you roof. I'm paraphrasing it. Why are you laughing? laughing? laughing? Ah, I think you I see what you think I'm Ah, I think you I see what you think I'm Ah, I think you I see what you think I'm going. You know what? You're wrong. And going. You know what? You're wrong. And going. You know what? You're wrong. And I rebuke you for laughing at me. I rebuke you for laughing at me. I rebuke you for laughing at me. I know what you're thinking. No, not I know what you're thinking. No, not I know what you're thinking. No, not that one. that one. that one. It's better to live on the top of a roof It's better to live on the top of a roof It's better to live on the top of a roof and live and eat nothing than to have a and live and eat nothing than to have a and live and eat nothing than to have a huge feast where there's fighting. huge feast where there's fighting. huge feast where there's fighting. You're You're bad. You thought I would You're You're bad. You thought I would You're You're bad. You thought I would say, but a woman, a wife. Yeah, I'm say, but a woman, a wife. Yeah, I'm say, but a woman, a wife. Yeah, I'm telling my wife on you right now. She's telling my wife on you right now. She's telling my wife on you right now. She's probably watching right now. Carol, I probably watching right now. Carol, I probably watching right now. Carol, I did not refer to you at all. This did not refer to you at all. This did not refer to you at all. This congregation very bad.

congregation very bad. congregation very bad. So, he wrote that. He wrote 3,000 So, he wrote that. He wrote 3,000 So, he wrote that. He wrote 3,000 and his songs numbered a 105. He spoke and his songs numbered a 105. He spoke and his songs numbered a 105. He spoke about plant life from the cedar of about plant life from the cedar of about plant life from the cedar of Lebanon to the hip that grows out of the Lebanon to the hip that grows out of the Lebanon to the hip that grows out of the walls. He also spoke about animals and walls. He also spoke about animals and walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. From all birds, reptiles and fish. From all birds, reptiles and fish. From all nations, people came to listen to nations, people came to listen to nations, people came to listen to Solomon's wisdom sent by all the kings Solomon's wisdom sent by all the kings Solomon's wisdom sent by all the kings of the world who had heard of his of the world who had heard of his of the world who had heard of his wisdom. And by the way, while Solomon was king, And by the way, while Solomon was king, Israel extended its borders further than Israel extended its borders further than Israel extended its borders further than at any other time in the history of the at any other time in the history of the at any other time in the history of the country. country. country. It has its largest land mass that they It has its largest land mass that they It has its largest land mass that they controlled. let me just see here for a second let me just see here for a second where I'm going with where I'm going with where I'm going with Oh, yes.

Oh, yes. Oh, yes. You think appearing once is enough? No. You think appearing once is enough? No. You think appearing once is enough? No. Listen. Listen. Listen. When Solomon had finished building the When Solomon had finished building the When Solomon had finished building the temple, which took seven years, temple, which took seven years, temple, which took seven years, the temple of the Lord and the royal the temple of the Lord and the royal the temple of the Lord and the royal palace that took 13 years. Uh-oh. palace that took 13 years. Uh-oh. palace that took 13 years. Uh-oh. I'm sensing a problem. I'm sensing a problem. I'm sensing a problem. The temple took seven years. His palace The temple took seven years. His palace The temple took seven years. His palace took 13. took 13. took 13. Little sketchy. What do you think? and had achieved all he desired to do. and had achieved all he desired to do. The Lord appeared to him a second time The Lord appeared to him a second time The Lord appeared to him a second time as he had appeared to him at Gibian. The as he had appeared to him at Gibian. The as he had appeared to him at Gibian. The Lord said to him, "I have heard the Lord said to him, "I have heard the Lord said to him, "I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me. prayer and plea you have made before me. prayer and plea you have made before me. I have consecrated this temple which you I have consecrated this temple which you I have consecrated this temple which you have built by putting my name there have built by putting my name there have built by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will forever. My eyes and my heart will forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. always be there. always be there. As for you, Solomon, if you walk before As for you, Solomon, if you walk before As for you, Solomon, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart me faithfully with integrity of heart me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father and uprightness, as David your father and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my did, and do all I command and observe my did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your decrees and laws, I will establish your decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I royal throne over Israel forever, as I royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, promised David your father when I said, promised David your father when I said, "You shall never fail to have a "You shall never fail to have a "You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel. But successor on the throne of Israel. But successor on the throne of Israel. But if you or your descendants turn away if you or your descendants turn away if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe the commands from me and do not observe the commands from me and do not observe the commands and decrees that I have given you, and and decrees that I have given you, and and decrees that I have given you, and you go off to serve other gods and you go off to serve other gods and you go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off from worship them, then I will cut off from worship them, then I will cut off from Israel. I will cut off Israel from the Israel. I will cut off Israel from the Israel. I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them, and I will land I have given them, and I will land I have given them, and I will reject this temple that I have reject this temple that I have reject this temple that I have consecrated for my name. Israel then

consecrated for my name. Israel then consecrated for my name. Israel then will become a byword and an object of will become a byword and an object of will become a byword and an object of ridicule among all the peoples. This ridicule among all the peoples. This ridicule among all the peoples. This temple will become a heap of rubble. All temple will become a heap of rubble. All temple will become a heap of rubble. All who pass by will be appalled and will who pass by will be appalled and will who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, "Why has the Lord done scoff and say, "Why has the Lord done scoff and say, "Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this such a thing to this land and to this such a thing to this land and to this temple?" temple?" temple?" Solomon was the man. Solomon was the man. Solomon was the man. God blessed him. Did you know that under God blessed him. Did you know that under God blessed him. Did you know that under Solomon's reign, silver, he collected so Solomon's reign, silver, he collected so Solomon's reign, silver, he collected so many tons, hundreds of tons of gold for many tons, hundreds of tons of gold for many tons, hundreds of tons of gold for the temple and for his palace and cedar the temple and for his palace and cedar the temple and for his palace and cedar and every kind of thing. It says several and every kind of thing. It says several and every kind of thing. It says several times that silver was as common as times that silver was as common as times that silver was as common as stones stones stones on the ground. You know, you pick up on the ground. You know, you pick up on the ground. You know, you pick up little rocks. That's how common silver little rocks. That's how common silver little rocks. That's how common silver was. So So magnificence, fulfilling prophecy, um good childhood, um good childhood, good instruction, good instruction, good instruction, the Lord appears to him twice. How do the Lord appears to him twice. How do the Lord appears to him twice. How do you feel after you see the Lord and you you feel after you see the Lord and you you feel after you see the Lord and you have a vision of the Lord and he appears have a vision of the Lord and he appears have a vision of the Lord and he appears to you?

to you? to you? That must leave something on you for That must leave something on you for That must leave something on you for what, months, years? So then tell me brothers and sisters, So then tell me brothers and sisters, come on, you know your Bibles, you love come on, you know your Bibles, you love come on, you know your Bibles, you love God. Tell me how I can read this next God. Tell me how I can read this next God. Tell me how I can read this next passage. passage. passage. King Solomon, however, loved many King Solomon, however, loved many King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women foreign women foreign women beside Pharaoh's daughter, Moabites, beside Pharaoh's daughter, Moabites, beside Pharaoh's daughter, Moabites, Ammonites, Ammonites, Ammonites, Sidonians, and Hittites. Sidonians, and Hittites. Sidonians, and Hittites. They were from nations about which the They were from nations about which the They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, "You must Lord had told the Israelites, "You must Lord had told the Israelites, "You must not intermar with them because they will not intermar with them because they will not intermar with them because they will surely turn your hearts after their surely turn your hearts after their surely turn your hearts after their gods." Hold that for a second. The New gods." Hold that for a second. The New gods." Hold that for a second. The New Testament counterpart of that for all Testament counterpart of that for all Testament counterpart of that for all single people that are here. You don't single people that are here. You don't single people that are here. You don't marry a non-Christian. marry a non-Christian. marry a non-Christian. >> That's called unequally yolked. Don't >> That's called unequally yolked. Don't >> That's called unequally yolked. Don't say you're going to convert them. They say you're going to convert them. They say you're going to convert them. They couldn't convert you and turn your heart couldn't convert you and turn your heart couldn't convert you and turn your heart away from the Lord. away from the Lord. away from the Lord. So we won't if we judge that's we won't So we won't if we judge that's we won't So we won't if we judge that's we won't do a a wedding here. If one of a do a a wedding here. If one of a do a a wedding here. If one of a believer says I want to marry you know believer says I want to marry you know believer says I want to marry you know someone who's not a believer that that's someone who's not a believer that that's someone who's not a believer that that's looking for problems. If you're going to looking for problems. If you're going to looking for problems. If you're going to be married the Lord has a Christian for be married the Lord has a Christian for be married the Lord has a Christian for you. How many say amen?

you. How many say amen? you. How many say amen? >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> I know what you say guys but she fine. I >> I know what you say guys but she fine. I >> I know what you say guys but she fine. I know she fine but she fine wears off. Why you laughing? I just that's she fine Why you laughing? I just that's she fine wears off, right? It it wears off. We wears off, right? It it wears off. We wears off, right? It it wears off. We all get older. We all just It's the way all get older. We all just It's the way all get older. We all just It's the way life is. Listen, you marry someone for life is. Listen, you marry someone for life is. Listen, you marry someone for what's in their heart, what's in their heart, what's in their heart, >> not how their beauty or their or their >> not how their beauty or their or their >> not how their beauty or their or their shape or figure and all the rest. You shape or figure and all the rest. You shape or figure and all the rest. You you you marry because you know I love you you marry because you know I love you you marry because you know I love that person and then it's God's will and that person and then it's God's will and that person and then it's God's will and we we've had it confirmed. But you don't we we've had it confirmed. But you don't we we've had it confirmed. But you don't marry an unbeliever. Him. marry an unbeliever. Him. marry an unbeliever. Him. The very people that God said you shall The very people that God said you shall The very people that God said you shall not marry, Nevertheless, listen, although God had Nevertheless, listen, although God had said it, nevertheless, said it, nevertheless, said it, nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. It Solomon held fast to them in love. It Solomon held fast to them in love. It wasn't that he just slept with them. He wasn't that he just slept with them. He wasn't that he just slept with them. He loved them.

You get it? It wasn't just sexual. You get it? It wasn't just sexual. He loved them. He loved them. He loved them. He had 700 wives. I mean, really, you want to run around? I get it. But you want to run around? I get it. But 700, 700, 700, in the middle of the day when he said, in the middle of the day when he said, in the middle of the day when he said, "Honey, 700 people went, "What? What? "Honey, 700 people went, "What? What? "Honey, 700 people went, "What? What? You calling me?" You calling me?" You calling me?" It's like crazy. It's like crazy. It's like crazy. 700. 700. 700. Did you hear what I said? 700. Did you hear what I said? 700. Did you hear what I said? 700. How do you know their names? How do you know their names? How do you know their names? You ever think of that? And who was the You ever think of that? And who was the You ever think of that? And who was the minister that married them? The guy minister that married them? The guy minister that married them? The guy probably got worn out around number 300. probably got worn out around number 300. probably got worn out around number 300. 700 wives plus 300 concubines. 700 wives plus 300 concubines. 700 wives plus 300 concubines. And his wives led him astray. No. No. And his wives led him astray. No. No. And his wives led him astray. No. No. Listen. How could your wife lead you Listen. How could your wife lead you Listen. How could your wife lead you astray if you saw the Lord twice? astray if you saw the Lord twice? astray if you saw the Lord twice? They led him astray. If you have David as a father and you If you have David as a father and you had the best teachers growing up, how had the best teachers growing up, how had the best teachers growing up, how could you turn away from God? His wives could you turn away from God? His wives could you turn away from God? His wives led him astray.

led him astray. led him astray. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned As Solomon grew old, his wives turned As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods. See, that's his heart after other gods. See, that's his heart after other gods. See, that's what it all is, the heart. And his heart what it all is, the heart. And his heart what it all is, the heart. And his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his was not fully devoted to the Lord his was not fully devoted to the Lord his God as the heart of David his father had God as the heart of David his father had God as the heart of David his father had been. You see, David had slip ups. David been. You see, David had slip ups. David been. You see, David had slip ups. David failed God. But his heart always bounced failed God. But his heart always bounced failed God. But his heart always bounced back and looked toward God, cleaved to back and looked toward God, cleaved to back and looked toward God, cleaved to God. But Solomon now he's in never God. But Solomon now he's in never God. But Solomon now he's in never neverland. And this is in the Bible for neverland. And this is in the Bible for neverland. And this is in the Bible for some reason. He followed Ashareth, the goddess of the He followed Ashareth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech, the detest. See, Sidonians, and Molech, the detest. See, Sidonians, and Molech, the detest. See, the writer can't even just name it. He the writer can't even just name it. He the writer can't even just name it. He has to say the detestable god of the has to say the detestable god of the has to say the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He did not follow the eyes of the Lord. He did not follow the eyes of the Lord. He did not follow the Lord completely as David his father had Lord completely as David his father had Lord completely as David his father had done. done. done. On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Kosh, the built a high place for Kosh, the built a high place for Kosh, the detestable God of Moab. detestable God of Moab. detestable God of Moab. The older translations have the The older translations have the The older translations have the abominational the abominable gods abominational the abominable gods abominational the abominable gods because God God said these gods that because God God said these gods that because God God said these gods that that were around back then, they were that were around back then, they were that were around back then, they were hideous gods. They were not just idols hideous gods. They were not just idols hideous gods. They were not just idols and dead, but they stood for something and dead, but they stood for something and dead, but they stood for something demonic.

demonic. demonic. And they would sometimes demand children And they would sometimes demand children And they would sometimes demand children to be put in the fire. Little babies put to be put in the fire. Little babies put to be put in the fire. Little babies put in the fire in the fire in the fire and burnt to a crisp as a sacrifice for and burnt to a crisp as a sacrifice for and burnt to a crisp as a sacrifice for one of the gods. one of the gods. one of the gods. And for Molech, the detestable god of And for Molech, the detestable god of And for Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all the Ammonites. He did the same for all the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives who burned incense and his foreign wives who burned incense and his foreign wives who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods. So get offered sacrifices to their gods. So get offered sacrifices to their gods. So get it. He's in a huge building program. The it. He's in a huge building program. The it. He's in a huge building program. The same guy who built the temple at the end same guy who built the temple at the end same guy who built the temple at the end of his life, he's taxing his people till of his life, he's taxing his people till of his life, he's taxing his people till they have no more money. Why? He needs they have no more money. Why? He needs they have no more money. Why? He needs the money, needs the Benjamins so that the money, needs the Benjamins so that the money, needs the Benjamins so that he can build more temples for his wives he can build more temples for his wives he can build more temples for his wives who are then going to worship other who are then going to worship other who are then going to worship other gods. And they drag him with them. Do now you understand why I say I don't Do now you understand why I say I don't understand this. There's a lesson in here which we got to There's a lesson in here which we got to find. God. The Lord became angry with Solomon The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from because his heart had turned away from because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had the Lord, the God of Israel, who had the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had appeared to him twice. Although he had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord's Solomon did not keep the Lord's Solomon did not keep the Lord's commands.

commands. commands. So there we go. That's the human So there we go. That's the human So there we go. That's the human condition. No wonder the New Testament condition. No wonder the New Testament condition. No wonder the New Testament says, "Work out your salvation with says, "Work out your salvation with says, "Work out your salvation with >> fear and trembling." For it's God who >> fear and trembling." For it's God who >> fear and trembling." For it's God who works in you both to will and to do. So works in you both to will and to do. So works in you both to will and to do. So when someone says, "You can't believe when someone says, "You can't believe when someone says, "You can't believe what God can do." I totally agree with what God can do." I totally agree with what God can do." I totally agree with you. But I have another one for you. You you. But I have another one for you. You you. But I have another one for you. You can't believe what sin can do. Sin will can't believe what sin can do. Sin will can't believe what sin can do. Sin will always take you further than you want to always take you further than you want to always take you further than you want to go. go. go. And it's out of control. To think you And it's out of control. To think you And it's out of control. To think you can control sin is like you think you can control sin is like you think you can control sin is like you think you can control the wind. can control the wind. can control the wind. And and God put the Why would God tell And and God put the Why would God tell And and God put the Why would God tell us this? Why not just end the story and us this? Why not just end the story and us this? Why not just end the story and leave out what Solomon did? I mean, why leave out what Solomon did? I mean, why leave out what Solomon did? I mean, why do you have to go into such detail? I do you have to go into such detail? I do you have to go into such detail? I mean, 700 wives. mean, 700 wives. mean, 700 wives. Imagine if he needed marital counseling. So, So, what can we say to this?

what can we say to this? what can we say to this? Well, let's see if we can see things Well, let's see if we can see things Well, let's see if we can see things like that and you and me because like that and you and me because like that and you and me because remember it all has to do with the remember it all has to do with the remember it all has to do with the heart. All your bodies are here. My body heart. All your bodies are here. My body heart. All your bodies are here. My body is here. But where our hearts are, only is here. But where our hearts are, only is here. But where our hearts are, only God knows where our hearts are. You can God knows where our hearts are. You can God knows where our hearts are. You can come to church on Sunday and be a devil come to church on Sunday and be a devil come to church on Sunday and be a devil during the week. during the week. during the week. >> We all know that. Am I correct or not? >> We all know that. Am I correct or not? >> We all know that. Am I correct or not? In other words, you can just front by In other words, you can just front by In other words, you can just front by coming to church, but during the week, coming to church, but during the week, coming to church, but during the week, you got a lot of stuff going on that's you got a lot of stuff going on that's you got a lot of stuff going on that's shameful. shameful. shameful. And your heart isn't about God. It's And your heart isn't about God. It's And your heart isn't about God. It's about your money. It's about your job. about your money. It's about your job. about your money. It's about your job. It's about your friends. It's about It's about your friends. It's about It's about your friends. It's about whatever. whatever. whatever. And Satan is always looking for a way to And Satan is always looking for a way to And Satan is always looking for a way to use our weak spots or anything to draw use our weak spots or anything to draw use our weak spots or anything to draw our hearts away from God. if you believe our hearts away from God. if you believe our hearts away from God. if you believe in your heart. So So let's let's let's here's one one clue though because I here's one one clue though because I here's one one clue though because I want to understand how this happens so I want to understand how this happens so I want to understand how this happens so I cannot do it. How many do not want to be cannot do it. How many do not want to be cannot do it. How many do not want to be like Solomon at the end of your life?

like Solomon at the end of your life? like Solomon at the end of your life? Lift your hand up high. Okay. Lift your hand up high. Okay. Lift your hand up high. Okay. So we pick up this little clue. So we pick up this little clue. So we pick up this little clue. Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh, Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh, Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and married his daughter. king of Egypt, and married his daughter. king of Egypt, and married his daughter. He brought her to the city of David He brought her to the city of David He brought her to the city of David until he finished building his palace until he finished building his palace until he finished building his palace and the temple of the Lord and the wall and the temple of the Lord and the wall and the temple of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem. around Jerusalem. around Jerusalem. You weren't supposed to marry somebody You weren't supposed to marry somebody You weren't supposed to marry somebody from Egypt. You're supposed to marry a from Egypt. You're supposed to marry a from Egypt. You're supposed to marry a nice Jewish girl. Ah, he made an alliance. See, he was Ah, he made an alliance. See, he was clever. If I make an alliance with clever. If I make an alliance with clever. If I make an alliance with Egypt, then I'm protected on my southern Egypt, then I'm protected on my southern Egypt, then I'm protected on my southern front. And Egypt was still powerful front. And Egypt was still powerful front. And Egypt was still powerful then. So he got clever and to seal it, then. So he got clever and to seal it, then. So he got clever and to seal it, which was common place then, he married which was common place then, he married which was common place then, he married the daughter. Surely Pharaoh is not the daughter. Surely Pharaoh is not the daughter. Surely Pharaoh is not going to attack where his daughter is going to attack where his daughter is going to attack where his daughter is living. You get it? living. You get it? living. You get it? >> He was >> He was >> He was politically savvy, politically savvy, politically savvy, geopolitical. He had things in his mind.

geopolitical. He had things in his mind. geopolitical. He had things in his mind. I'll I'll protect myself, make an I'll I'll protect myself, make an I'll I'll protect myself, make an alliance like we have NATO and all these alliance like we have NATO and all these alliance like we have NATO and all these alliances people have uh nations have. alliances people have uh nations have. alliances people have uh nations have. He had an alliance with Egypt. But wait He had an alliance with Egypt. But wait He had an alliance with Egypt. But wait a minute, if God is for you, why do you a minute, if God is for you, why do you a minute, if God is for you, why do you need Egypt? >> I'm asking you, if God is with you and >> I'm asking you, if God is with you and has promised David, your father, and you has promised David, your father, and you has promised David, your father, and you that he will be with you, and he that he will be with you, and he that he will be with you, and he appeared twice to you, why do you have appeared twice to you, why do you have appeared twice to you, why do you have to marry someone from Egypt? Because God to marry someone from Egypt? Because God to marry someone from Egypt? Because God had told Israel all the time, Egypt's a had told Israel all the time, Egypt's a had told Israel all the time, Egypt's a type of the world. It's a picture of the type of the world. It's a picture of the type of the world. It's a picture of the world, a symbol of the world and all world, a symbol of the world and all world, a symbol of the world and all that's in the world. Never go back to that's in the world. Never go back to that's in the world. Never go back to Egypt. That was the warning God gave Egypt. That was the warning God gave Egypt. That was the warning God gave when he brought him out. Never go back. when he brought him out. Never go back. when he brought him out. Never go back. By going back, you're rejecting me. I By going back, you're rejecting me. I By going back, you're rejecting me. I brought you out to my plans. Why would brought you out to my plans. Why would brought you out to my plans. Why would you want to go back? you want to go back? you want to go back? So, what was going on there? Maybe a So, what was going on there? Maybe a So, what was going on there? Maybe a little in the armor there. little in the armor there. little in the armor there. And then there's the case of it's And then there's the case of it's And then there's the case of it's mentioned a few times. He he did 20 mentioned a few times. He he did 20 mentioned a few times. He he did 20 years of construction.

years of construction. years of construction. Seven on the temple, Seven on the temple, Seven on the temple, 13 on his palace. All right. I understand the seven years All right. I understand the seven years you're going to build for the glory of you're going to build for the glory of you're going to build for the glory of God, but for your own house. Your father God, but for your own house. Your father God, but for your own house. Your father used to live in a cave used to live in a cave used to live in a cave and write psalms and write psalms and write psalms and was a shepherd boy. and was a shepherd boy. and was a shepherd boy. Why you need all that? Why you need all that? Why you need all that? See material things, gold and silver, See material things, gold and silver, See material things, gold and silver, abundance. abundance. abundance. Jesus was the one who said it's harder Jesus was the one who said it's harder Jesus was the one who said it's harder for a rich man to go to heaven than it for a rich man to go to heaven than it for a rich man to go to heaven than it is for a camel to go through the eye of is for a camel to go through the eye of is for a camel to go through the eye of the needle. And the disciples said, the needle. And the disciples said, the needle. And the disciples said, "Well, then who can be saved?" Jesus "Well, then who can be saved?" Jesus "Well, then who can be saved?" Jesus said, "No, with man it's impossible. said, "No, with man it's impossible. said, "No, with man it's impossible. with God. It's possible. God can save with God. It's possible. God can save with God. It's possible. God can save anyone and keep any of us. Amen. anyone and keep any of us. Amen. anyone and keep any of us. Amen. >> But for rich people, because the riches >> But for rich people, because the riches >> But for rich people, because the riches just start pulling at your heart. just start pulling at your heart. just start pulling at your heart. You don't own the money. The money owns You don't own the money. The money owns You don't own the money. The money owns you. Your behavior patterns are based on you. Your behavior patterns are based on you. Your behavior patterns are based on the money. And to get more money.

the money. And to get more money. the money. And to get more money. You become a miser. You become a miser. You become a miser. I met someone the other day. They told I met someone the other day. They told I met someone the other day. They told me they walk 11 extra blocks to cash me they walk 11 extra blocks to cash me they walk 11 extra blocks to cash their check at a certain spot because if their check at a certain spot because if their check at a certain spot because if they cash it there, they lose $2.50. they cash it there, they lose $2.50. they cash it there, they lose $2.50. No, that's the truth. I'm not making No, that's the truth. I'm not making No, that's the truth. I'm not making that up. I'd say there's a problem that up. I'd say there's a problem that up. I'd say there's a problem there. What do you think? So with all that opulence around him So with all that opulence around him and all the gold and the silver, and all the gold and the silver, and all the gold and the silver, listen, money has a powerful influence. listen, money has a powerful influence. listen, money has a powerful influence. You cannot serve God and money. The You cannot serve God and money. The You cannot serve God and money. The Bible says mammon things Bible says mammon things Bible says mammon things grab your heart. grab your heart. grab your heart. Some of you, a lot of us know more about Some of you, a lot of us know more about Some of you, a lot of us know more about our phones than we do the book of our phones than we do the book of our phones than we do the book of Romans. Romans. Romans. >> But when you're in trouble, your phone >> But when you're in trouble, your phone >> But when you're in trouble, your phone won't help you. won't help you. won't help you. >> You need to know the book of Romans, the >> You need to know the book of Romans, the >> You need to know the book of Romans, the word of God. Am I right or wrong? word of God. Am I right or wrong? word of God. Am I right or wrong? >> Things >> Things >> Things we accumulate things.

By the way, do you ever see those By the way, do you ever see those stories on TV about hoarding? How many have ever seen one of those How many have ever seen one of those hoarding things? Is that nasty or what? hoarding things? Is that nasty or what? hoarding things? Is that nasty or what? So, that's an extreme disease, I guess. So, that's an extreme disease, I guess. So, that's an extreme disease, I guess. But some people have it in another way. But some people have it in another way. But some people have it in another way. Quite respectable. They're quite Quite respectable. They're quite Quite respectable. They're quite respectable, respectable, respectable, but it draws their heart. See, God is but it draws their heart. See, God is but it draws their heart. See, God is jealous. jealous. jealous. You know, he's jealous. Hey, I married You know, he's jealous. Hey, I married You know, he's jealous. Hey, I married you, Israel. I took you out of Egypt and you, Israel. I took you out of Egypt and you, Israel. I took you out of Egypt and we we married. I'm the groom and you're we we married. I'm the groom and you're we we married. I'm the groom and you're the bride. When you cheat with other the bride. When you cheat with other the bride. When you cheat with other boyfriends, that hurts me. And some of boyfriends, that hurts me. And some of boyfriends, that hurts me. And some of the boyfriends can be money, pleasure, the boyfriends can be money, pleasure, the boyfriends can be money, pleasure, hanging out. hanging out. hanging out. So, what's ironic about all this is So, what's ironic about all this is So, what's ironic about all this is Solomon is the guy who wrote this Solomon is the guy who wrote this Solomon is the guy who wrote this in Proverbs. Above all else, guard your in Proverbs. Above all else, guard your in Proverbs. Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from heart for everything you do flows from heart for everything you do flows from it.

it. it. Solomon wrote that when he was like sane Solomon wrote that when he was like sane Solomon wrote that when he was like sane spiritually attuned. spiritually attuned. spiritually attuned. Notice you can have experiences with Notice you can have experiences with Notice you can have experiences with God. You can know the Bible and end up a God. You can know the Bible and end up a God. You can know the Bible and end up a a deadbeat spiritually. a deadbeat spiritually. a deadbeat spiritually. Don't say no. God says yes. He put this Don't say no. God says yes. He put this Don't say no. God says yes. He put this story in the Bible so that all of us story in the Bible so that all of us story in the Bible so that all of us would encourage each other. As long as would encourage each other. As long as would encourage each other. As long as it's called today, lest any of you be it's called today, lest any of you be it's called today, lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Check it out in Hebrews. As long as it's Check it out in Hebrews. As long as it's Check it out in Hebrews. As long as it's called today, and every day you're called today, and every day you're called today, and every day you're breathing is today. breathing is today. breathing is today. Meet together, encourage each other, Meet together, encourage each other, Meet together, encourage each other, hear the preaching, sing together. Jesus hear the preaching, sing together. Jesus hear the preaching, sing together. Jesus Jesus. sing, encourage each other Jesus. sing, encourage each other Jesus. sing, encourage each other because Satan's always looking to because Satan's always looking to because Satan's always looking to deceive and pull away your heart and get deceive and pull away your heart and get deceive and pull away your heart and get your heart hard. your heart hard. your heart hard. And Solomon knew it when he was younger. And Solomon knew it when he was younger. And Solomon knew it when he was younger. He wrote, "Above everything. Don't watch He wrote, "Above everything. Don't watch He wrote, "Above everything. Don't watch your belongings. Don't watch your your belongings. Don't watch your your belongings. Don't watch your house." house." house." Watch your heart because from your heart Watch your heart because from your heart Watch your heart because from your heart comes the way you live.

comes the way you live. comes the way you live. >> You can tell how people live. It comes >> You can tell how people live. It comes >> You can tell how people live. It comes out of their heart. out of their heart. out of their heart. >> And what comes out of their heart is the >> And what comes out of their heart is the >> And what comes out of their heart is the way they live. and he wrote about it. way they live. and he wrote about it. way they live. and he wrote about it. Watch over your heart with all Watch over your heart with all Watch over your heart with all diligence, for out of it comes the diligence, for out of it comes the diligence, for out of it comes the issues of life. issues of life. issues of life. A bad heart makes for bad living. A bad heart makes for bad living. A bad heart makes for bad living. A devoted heart makes for Christian A devoted heart makes for Christian A devoted heart makes for Christian living. A wandering heart makes for living. A wandering heart makes for living. A wandering heart makes for shaky stuff. And he's saying, "Now, shaky stuff. And he's saying, "Now, shaky stuff. And he's saying, "Now, watch your heart." And then he wrote it. watch your heart." And then he wrote it. watch your heart." And then he wrote it. But that goes to show you that no But that goes to show you that no But that goes to show you that no one-time knowledge or one-time one-time knowledge or one-time one-time knowledge or one-time experience with God will keep you for experience with God will keep you for experience with God will keep you for the rest of your life. You got to walk the rest of your life. You got to walk the rest of your life. You got to walk this out day by day. Come on. Can we put this out day by day. Come on. Can we put this out day by day. Come on. Can we put our hands together? We got to walk this our hands together? We got to walk this our hands together? We got to walk this out day by day. Every day is important. out day by day. Every day is important. out day by day. Every day is important. This prayer meeting is important. Coming This prayer meeting is important. Coming This prayer meeting is important. Coming up Tuesday, if we live and see it, that up Tuesday, if we live and see it, that up Tuesday, if we live and see it, that Tuesday is important. Why? It's one more Tuesday is important. Why? It's one more Tuesday is important. Why? It's one more day we can keep drawing near to God and day we can keep drawing near to God and day we can keep drawing near to God and encourage each other. So be here. Oh no, encourage each other. So be here. Oh no, encourage each other. So be here. Oh no, I'm busy. I'm there, right? It's amazing I'm busy. I'm there, right? It's amazing I'm busy. I'm there, right? It's amazing how much time we have for other things how much time we have for other things how much time we have for other things that don't profit. And then for the few that don't profit. And then for the few that don't profit. And then for the few times, think of churches. By the way, times, think of churches. By the way, times, think of churches. By the way, churches are the most illused buildings churches are the most illused buildings churches are the most illused buildings in in in in existence. When do we meet in in in in existence. When do we meet in in in in existence. When do we meet here? This building.

here? This building. here? This building. We meet here on Sundays 9 and 12. The We meet here on Sundays 9 and 12. The We meet here on Sundays 9 and 12. The Spanish church at 3:00. Tuesday 12:00 noon. Tuesday night from Tuesday 12:00 noon. Tuesday night from 5:00 on. 5:00 on. 5:00 on. Then nothing in this building for the Then nothing in this building for the Then nothing in this building for the most part. choir has a practice on most part. choir has a practice on most part. choir has a practice on Wednesday night typically sometimes Wednesday night typically sometimes Wednesday night typically sometimes there's an odd meeting here women or there's an odd meeting here women or there's an odd meeting here women or something then Sunday again all those something then Sunday again all those something then Sunday again all those other hours it's laying dormant so we other hours it's laying dormant so we other hours it's laying dormant so we don't it's not like no you got to go to don't it's not like no you got to go to don't it's not like no you got to go to church every day every hour and all that church every day every hour and all that church every day every hour and all that no and then people can't even make it to no and then people can't even make it to no and then people can't even make it to that I wonder what's has their attention that I wonder what's has their attention that I wonder what's has their attention just saying just saying just saying because this thing happened to Solomon because this thing happened to Solomon because this thing happened to Solomon as I close very imperceptibly as I close very imperceptibly as I close very imperceptibly he never picked picked it up at one. he never picked picked it up at one. he never picked picked it up at one. See, that's the way Satan works. He See, that's the way Satan works. He See, that's the way Satan works. He doesn't punch you in the mouth because doesn't punch you in the mouth because doesn't punch you in the mouth because then you would know I just got punched then you would know I just got punched then you would know I just got punched in the mouth. No, what he does is just in the mouth. No, what he does is just in the mouth. No, what he does is just come on, you got to take care of that. come on, you got to take care of that. come on, you got to take care of that. How many have ever tried to read the How many have ever tried to read the How many have ever tried to read the Bible and your mind goes flying all over Bible and your mind goes flying all over Bible and your mind goes flying all over the place? How many have ever tried to the place? How many have ever tried to the place? How many have ever tried to pray and it's like a circus in your pray and it's like a circus in your pray and it's like a circus in your mind? How many? Come on. Right. Well, of mind? How many? Come on. Right. Well, of mind? How many? Come on. Right. Well, of course, prayer, Bible study, serving the course, prayer, Bible study, serving the course, prayer, Bible study, serving the Lord takes focus and you have to ask God Lord takes focus and you have to ask God Lord takes focus and you have to ask God for it. That was a very anointed prayer.

for it. That was a very anointed prayer. for it. That was a very anointed prayer. The deacon prayed. God, put it in our The deacon prayed. God, put it in our The deacon prayed. God, put it in our heart to give. Did you hear what he heart to give. Did you hear what he heart to give. Did you hear what he said? Put it in our heart because unless said? Put it in our heart because unless said? Put it in our heart because unless God puts something in your heart, it's God puts something in your heart, it's God puts something in your heart, it's it's not going to be good. So when when it's not going to be good. So when when it's not going to be good. So when when he married that first Sidonian he married that first Sidonian he married that first Sidonian Hittite, Jebusite, have your pick. when Hittite, Jebusite, have your pick. when Hittite, Jebusite, have your pick. when he first married that girl, he first married that girl, he first married that girl, don't you know, don't you know, don't you know, let's say he lay in bed and he let's say he lay in bed and he let's say he lay in bed and he consummated the wedding, the marriage, consummated the wedding, the marriage, consummated the wedding, the marriage, don't you think the Holy Spirit was don't you think the Holy Spirit was don't you think the Holy Spirit was bothering him? Come on. Am I right or bothering him? Come on. Am I right or bothering him? Come on. Am I right or wrong? wrong? wrong? And then all those verses he read from And then all those verses he read from And then all those verses he read from the book of the law that he heard from the book of the law that he heard from the book of the law that he heard from his father David and all those teachers his father David and all those teachers his father David and all those teachers that they brought in just for Solomon so that they brought in just for Solomon so that they brought in just for Solomon so he would have good religious he would have good religious he would have good religious instruction. Don't you think that instruction. Don't you think that instruction. Don't you think that bothered him? And you know what he did? bothered him? And you know what he did? bothered him? And you know what he did? He went, "No, no, no. Let's go to bed. I He went, "No, no, no. Let's go to bed. I He went, "No, no, no. Let's go to bed. I wonder who's sleeping with me tomorrow wonder who's sleeping with me tomorrow wonder who's sleeping with me tomorrow night." M and then the second night in other words and then the second night in other words all these things happen it's all these things happen it's all these things happen it's imperceptible and the next thing you imperceptible and the next thing you imperceptible and the next thing you know his heart he's building temples for know his heart he's building temples for know his heart he's building temples for idols idols idols you don't say to me nah that can't you don't say to me nah that can't you don't say to me nah that can't happen God put it in the Bible to tell happen God put it in the Bible to tell happen God put it in the Bible to tell us it can happen if it can happen to us it can happen if it can happen to us it can happen if it can happen to Solomon then we how many need the Lord Solomon then we how many need the Lord Solomon then we how many need the Lord every day of your life just lift your every day of your life just lift your every day of your life just lift your hand I need the Lord every day nobody hand I need the Lord every day nobody hand I need the Lord every day nobody can be on cruise control.

can be on cruise control. can be on cruise control. We need the Lord every day. No, but We need the Lord every day. No, but We need the Lord every day. No, but Pastor Simba, when I was growing up, we Pastor Simba, when I was growing up, we Pastor Simba, when I was growing up, we had a meeting. Ah, great. You can't had a meeting. Ah, great. You can't had a meeting. Ah, great. You can't serve God by by by experiences that serve God by by by experiences that serve God by by by experiences that happened 5 years ago, 10 years ago. You happened 5 years ago, 10 years ago. You happened 5 years ago, 10 years ago. You need every day walking with the Lord. need every day walking with the Lord. need every day walking with the Lord. >> Every day spending time in his word. I >> Every day spending time in his word. I >> Every day spending time in his word. I plead with you. I beg you, plead with you. I beg you, plead with you. I beg you, keep keeping this book every day, keep keeping this book every day, keep keeping this book every day, please. I beg you. I plead with you. God please. I beg you. I plead with you. God please. I beg you. I plead with you. God will talk to you if you read it. Don't will talk to you if you read it. Don't will talk to you if you read it. Don't say you don't have time. That's a lie. say you don't have time. That's a lie. say you don't have time. That's a lie. And don't do a quick one minute And don't do a quick one minute And don't do a quick one minute devotion. Take time. Speak to me, Lord. devotion. Take time. Speak to me, Lord. devotion. Take time. Speak to me, Lord. Holy Spirit, speak. Teach me your word. Holy Spirit, speak. Teach me your word. Holy Spirit, speak. Teach me your word. Oh, but we had a good meeting. You know, Oh, but we had a good meeting. You know, Oh, but we had a good meeting. You know, there's an old saying back in the 80s there's an old saying back in the 80s there's an old saying back in the 80s among preachers. It's not how high you among preachers. It's not how high you among preachers. It's not how high you jump, it's how straight you walk when jump, it's how straight you walk when jump, it's how straight you walk when you come down. It's not how high you you come down. It's not how high you you come down. It's not how high you jump in a in a in an experience with jump in a in a in an experience with jump in a in a in an experience with God. God. God. Oh my goodness. When I think Carol and I Oh my goodness. When I think Carol and I Oh my goodness. When I think Carol and I sometimes think about people who once sometimes think about people who once sometimes think about people who once sang in the choir and were in meetings.

sang in the choir and were in meetings. sang in the choir and were in meetings. Are you kidding? God came in the church Are you kidding? God came in the church Are you kidding? God came in the church building. They met God. Now I won't even building. They met God. Now I won't even building. They met God. Now I won't even tell you. tell you. tell you. One ended up serving I don't know how One ended up serving I don't know how One ended up serving I don't know how many years in prison in Florida. many years in prison in Florida. many years in prison in Florida. So that's why every day is important. So that's why every day is important. So that's why every day is important. Comprende. No compren. Comprende. No compren. Comprende. No compren. >> Every day is important. I'm supposed to >> Every day is important. I'm supposed to >> Every day is important. I'm supposed to be here every time I can to encourage be here every time I can to encourage be here every time I can to encourage you, encourage you. Let's stay close to you, encourage you. Let's stay close to you, encourage you. Let's stay close to the Lord. It's imperceptible how it the Lord. It's imperceptible how it the Lord. It's imperceptible how it happens. All right. So, let me just say happens. All right. So, let me just say happens. All right. So, let me just say one other thing that happened somewhere one other thing that happened somewhere one other thing that happened somewhere along the line here. Very important. along the line here. Very important. along the line here. Very important. When Paul was arrested one time and he's When Paul was arrested one time and he's When Paul was arrested one time and he's making a defense in front of I think it making a defense in front of I think it making a defense in front of I think it was Felix, the governor Felix, he said this. the governor Felix, he said this. However, I admit that I worship the God However, I admit that I worship the God However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the of our ancestors as a follower of the of our ancestors as a follower of the way. That's Christianity, which they way. That's Christianity, which they way. That's Christianity, which they call a sect. I believe everything that's call a sect. I believe everything that's call a sect. I believe everything that's in accordance with the law and that's in accordance with the law and that's in accordance with the law and that's written in the prophets. And I have the written in the prophets. And I have the written in the prophets. And I have the same hope in God as these men themselves same hope in God as these men themselves same hope in God as these men themselves have. Listen, that there will be a have. Listen, that there will be a have. Listen, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and resurrection of both the righteous and resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

the wicked. the wicked. So I strive So I strive So I strive always to keep my conscience clear always to keep my conscience clear always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. before God and man. before God and man. Sir, ma'am, Sir, ma'am, Sir, ma'am, that's an important verse. Paul said, "I that's an important verse. Paul said, "I that's an important verse. Paul said, "I strive not to get a lot of money. I strive not to get a lot of money. I strive not to get a lot of money. I don't strive to be famous. I strive to keep my conscience right I strive to keep my conscience right before God and people." What's that before God and people." What's that before God and people." What's that mean? You can't go to bed if it's not mean? You can't go to bed if it's not mean? You can't go to bed if it's not right with God. right with God. right with God. You can't have a secret that you know You can't have a secret that you know You can't have a secret that you know God is not happy with. You violate your God is not happy with. You violate your God is not happy with. You violate your conscience. God put the conscience in conscience. God put the conscience in conscience. God put the conscience in us. Some have more sensitive than us. Some have more sensitive than us. Some have more sensitive than others, but he put it in us so that it others, but he put it in us so that it others, but he put it in us so that it judges. No, what you just said was judges. No, what you just said was judges. No, what you just said was wrong. Ask for forgiveness. No, no, that wrong. Ask for forgiveness. No, no, that wrong. Ask for forgiveness. No, no, that was that's wrong what you're doing. The was that's wrong what you're doing. The was that's wrong what you're doing. The way you're spending your money is wrong. way you're spending your money is wrong. way you're spending your money is wrong. Your conscience tells you that. And he Your conscience tells you that. And he Your conscience tells you that. And he says, "You can have a good conscience or says, "You can have a good conscience or says, "You can have a good conscience or a bad conscience." And guess what?

a bad conscience." And guess what? a bad conscience." And guess what? Solomon lost his conscience. Solomon lost his conscience. Solomon lost his conscience. He violated it so many times now it He violated it so many times now it He violated it so many times now it became dead, inanimate. became dead, inanimate. became dead, inanimate. Paul says, "I want to have a clear Paul says, "I want to have a clear Paul says, "I want to have a clear conscience before God. I want to walk conscience before God. I want to walk conscience before God. I want to walk into I don't want to walk in this church into I don't want to walk in this church into I don't want to walk in this church and sit there and lift my hands while my and sit there and lift my hands while my and sit there and lift my hands while my daughter's leading and then have God daughter's leading and then have God daughter's leading and then have God say, "Are you kidding me? I know what say, "Are you kidding me? I know what say, "Are you kidding me? I know what you're doing. That's a serious word, but it's a good That's a serious word, but it's a good word for all of us. Because Paul said, I word for all of us. Because Paul said, I word for all of us. Because Paul said, I strive, a very strong word. I strive to strive, a very strong word. I strive to strive, a very strong word. I strive to keep a good conscience with God. Do we keep a good conscience with God. Do we keep a good conscience with God. Do we sin? Yeah. If anyone says he doesn't sin? Yeah. If anyone says he doesn't sin? Yeah. If anyone says he doesn't sin, he's a liar. The truth is not in sin, he's a liar. The truth is not in sin, he's a liar. The truth is not in him. But when you sin, you got to bring him. But when you sin, you got to bring him. But when you sin, you got to bring it to God. God, I agree with you. That's it to God. God, I agree with you. That's it to God. God, I agree with you. That's what confession is. When you agree with what confession is. When you agree with what confession is. When you agree with God, I agree with you. That was wrong. God, I agree with you. That was wrong. God, I agree with you. That was wrong. Forgive me. Then you go on your happy Forgive me. Then you go on your happy Forgive me. Then you go on your happy way. And the blood of Jesus Christ way. And the blood of Jesus Christ way. And the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. But if you cleanses us from all sin. But if you cleanses us from all sin. But if you keep a hold of the thing and think no keep a hold of the thing and think no keep a hold of the thing and think no one will find out. No one will ever one will find out. No one will ever one will find out. No one will ever know. Now you're violating your know. Now you're violating your know. Now you're violating your conscience. And that's how Solomon conscience. And that's how Solomon conscience. And that's how Solomon started. He started by violating his started. He started by violating his started. He started by violating his conscience. Then he had no conscience.

conscience. Then he had no conscience. conscience. Then he had no conscience. Now he's building temples for idols that Now he's building temples for idols that Now he's building temples for idols that God says are an abomination. Notice not God says are an abomination. Notice not God says are an abomination. Notice not just a good conscience with God, but a just a good conscience with God, but a just a good conscience with God, but a good conscience with people. If you have good conscience with people. If you have good conscience with people. If you have something off with people, you got to something off with people, you got to something off with people, you got to get it right. get it right. get it right. Remember Remember Remember what Jesus said? If you come and offer what Jesus said? If you come and offer what Jesus said? If you come and offer something at the offering at the at the something at the offering at the at the something at the offering at the at the temple, at the altar, and they know you temple, at the altar, and they know you temple, at the altar, and they know you have something wrong with your brother, have something wrong with your brother, have something wrong with your brother, that something's wrong, it's not right, that something's wrong, it's not right, that something's wrong, it's not right, leave your offering. It doesn't mean leave your offering. It doesn't mean leave your offering. It doesn't mean anything to me until you make it right anything to me until you make it right anything to me until you make it right with your brother. So, if you're with your brother. So, if you're with your brother. So, if you're cheating someone, lie to someone, owe cheating someone, lie to someone, owe cheating someone, lie to someone, owe someone money, and you think you're someone money, and you think you're someone money, and you think you're going to beat them out of the money, going to beat them out of the money, going to beat them out of the money, be careful. That's violating your be careful. That's violating your be careful. That's violating your conscience. Your conscience has told conscience. Your conscience has told conscience. Your conscience has told you. And then you tell your conscience, you. And then you tell your conscience, you. And then you tell your conscience, "Shh, shut up. I don't want to hear from "Shh, shut up. I don't want to hear from "Shh, shut up. I don't want to hear from you." you." you." The conscience won't go away so quick, The conscience won't go away so quick, The conscience won't go away so quick, but it will. You won't hear it, though. but it will. You won't hear it, though. but it will. You won't hear it, though. You keep violating it now. You don't You keep violating it now. You don't You keep violating it now. You don't hear it anymore. Haven't you met anyone? hear it anymore. Haven't you met anyone? hear it anymore. Haven't you met anyone? They have no conscience. They have no They have no conscience. They have no They have no conscience. They have no conscience. Bible talks about that. They conscience. Bible talks about that. They conscience. Bible talks about that. They not only live horrible lives, they cheer not only live horrible lives, they cheer not only live horrible lives, they cheer people who live horrible lives. Think of people who live horrible lives. Think of people who live horrible lives. Think of the culture we're in today. No the culture we're in today. No the culture we're in today. No conscience. Things that are godly or conscience. Things that are godly or conscience. Things that are godly or right according to the Bible, they mock right according to the Bible, they mock right according to the Bible, they mock and make fun of. and things that the and make fun of. and things that the and make fun of. and things that the Bible says are an abomination. They Bible says are an abomination. They Bible says are an abomination. They cheer for it. Am I right or wrong here, cheer for it. Am I right or wrong here, cheer for it. Am I right or wrong here, brothers and sisters?

brothers and sisters? brothers and sisters? Lost their conscience. No conscience Lost their conscience. No conscience Lost their conscience. No conscience between before God and man. between before God and man. between before God and man. So, you know the best way though to beat So, you know the best way though to beat So, you know the best way though to beat this? I'll give you the secret though to this? I'll give you the secret though to this? I'll give you the secret though to beating this so you don't have to be you beating this so you don't have to be you beating this so you don't have to be you and I don't have to be like Solomon. and I don't have to be like Solomon. and I don't have to be like Solomon. Don't play defense. Don't play defense. Don't play defense. Defense is like this. Defense is like this. Defense is like this. Oh, I wonder what they're going to do. Oh, I wonder what they're going to do. Oh, I wonder what they're going to do. Let me see if I can defend against it. Let me see if I can defend against it. Let me see if I can defend against it. That's just defense. But in the case of That's just defense. But in the case of That's just defense. But in the case of spiritual things, a good offense takes spiritual things, a good offense takes spiritual things, a good offense takes care of the defense. And what do I mean? care of the defense. And what do I mean? care of the defense. And what do I mean? I mean this. Look at what last verse. I mean this. Look at what last verse. I mean this. Look at what last verse. Look at what Jesus said. Blessed are Look at what Jesus said. Blessed are Look at what Jesus said. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for those who hunger and thirst for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. They will be filled. righteousness. They will be filled. righteousness. They will be filled. You know the best way not to drift away? You know the best way not to drift away? You know the best way not to drift away? Be seeking after righteousness. I want Be seeking after righteousness. I want Be seeking after righteousness. I want to be more like Jesus. I want to live a to be more like Jesus. I want to live a to be more like Jesus. I want to live a holy life. I want to have holy thoughts holy life. I want to have holy thoughts holy life. I want to have holy thoughts in Mikabesa. I want to speak words that in Mikabesa. I want to speak words that in Mikabesa. I want to speak words that are pure. I I I don't want any secrets. are pure. I I I don't want any secrets. are pure. I I I don't want any secrets. I God, fill me with your righteousness.

I God, fill me with your righteousness. I God, fill me with your righteousness. I want to be righteous in what I look I want to be righteous in what I look I want to be righteous in what I look at, what I read. I want to be holy like at, what I read. I want to be holy like at, what I read. I want to be holy like Jesus. I want to be exactly like Jesus. Jesus. I want to be exactly like Jesus. Jesus. I want to be exactly like Jesus. I'm not feeling a lot of love up here I'm not feeling a lot of love up here I'm not feeling a lot of love up here right now. Are are you with me or not right now. Are are you with me or not right now. Are are you with me or not with me? In other words, the best way with me? In other words, the best way with me? In other words, the best way not to drift is to be swimming with all not to drift is to be swimming with all not to drift is to be swimming with all your might toward the shore of Jesus your might toward the shore of Jesus your might toward the shore of Jesus Christ. Notice hunger and thirst after Christ. Notice hunger and thirst after Christ. Notice hunger and thirst after righteousness. Before we're saved, we righteousness. Before we're saved, we righteousness. Before we're saved, we want righteousness so that we we have a want righteousness so that we we have a want righteousness so that we we have a good standing, right standing with God. good standing, right standing with God. good standing, right standing with God. The only righteousness that will accept The only righteousness that will accept The only righteousness that will accept get God's acceptance is the one of Jesus get God's acceptance is the one of Jesus get God's acceptance is the one of Jesus Christ dying for us. We put our faith in Christ dying for us. We put our faith in Christ dying for us. We put our faith in him. Now I have righteousness that we him. Now I have righteousness that we him. Now I have righteousness that we can worship and pray. Not by my own can worship and pray. Not by my own can worship and pray. Not by my own works, right? You're saved not by your works, right? You're saved not by your works, right? You're saved not by your works. You're saved by faith in Christ. works. You're saved by faith in Christ. works. You're saved by faith in Christ. He took our sins. He gives us his He took our sins. He gives us his He took our sins. He gives us his righteousness. I sure got the best of righteousness. I sure got the best of righteousness. I sure got the best of that trade. that trade. that trade. So that's the righteousness we all need. So that's the righteousness we all need. So that's the righteousness we all need. But there's more after you become a But there's more after you become a But there's more after you become a Christian. You can't stop hungering and Christian. You can't stop hungering and Christian. You can't stop hungering and thirsting after righteousness because thirsting after righteousness because thirsting after righteousness because Jesus said you're blessed, you're happy, Jesus said you're blessed, you're happy, Jesus said you're blessed, you're happy, you're to be envied, you're filled with you're to be envied, you're filled with you're to be envied, you're filled with joy if you're hungering after something.

joy if you're hungering after something. joy if you're hungering after something. Now that the world says that's wrong. Now that the world says that's wrong. Now that the world says that's wrong. The world says this. When you get The world says this. When you get The world says this. When you get everything now you're happy. If you everything now you're happy. If you everything now you're happy. If you don't have what you want now you're don't have what you want now you're don't have what you want now you're unhappy. God says no. When it comes to unhappy. God says no. When it comes to unhappy. God says no. When it comes to righteousness just hungering and righteousness just hungering and righteousness just hungering and thirsting after it makes you blessed. thirsting after it makes you blessed. thirsting after it makes you blessed. Oh God, clean up my life. Clean up my Oh God, clean up my life. Clean up my Oh God, clean up my life. Clean up my thoughts. Clean up my mind. Clean up my thoughts. Clean up my mind. Clean up my thoughts. Clean up my mind. Clean up my mouth. mouth. mouth. Make my heart pure. Let me be more like Make my heart pure. Let me be more like Make my heart pure. Let me be more like Jesus. I want to be holy like you. Holy Jesus. I want to be holy like you. Holy Jesus. I want to be holy like you. Holy like you, Lord Jesus. Then you'll never like you, Lord Jesus. Then you'll never like you, Lord Jesus. Then you'll never be Solomon. be Solomon. be Solomon. When you're pursuing righteousness, h When you're pursuing righteousness, h When you're pursuing righteousness, h how how are how are 700 wives going to how how are how are 700 wives going to how how are how are 700 wives going to get you? You'll know it's wrong when you get you? You'll know it's wrong when you get you? You'll know it's wrong when you see him a mile away. see him a mile away. see him a mile away. God will keep your heart, your mind. But God will keep your heart, your mind. But God will keep your heart, your mind. But but what you have to do here is hunger but what you have to do here is hunger but what you have to do here is hunger and thirst after righteousness. You ever and thirst after righteousness. You ever and thirst after righteousness. You ever get hungry? How many here ever been get hungry? How many here ever been get hungry? How many here ever been hungry? hungry? hungry? Did you know that they say that most all Did you know that they say that most all Did you know that they say that most all of us that say we've been hungry, we've of us that say we've been hungry, we've of us that say we've been hungry, we've never been hungry compared to what real never been hungry compared to what real never been hungry compared to what real hunger is? You have to go to certain hunger is? You have to go to certain hunger is? You have to go to certain places in the earth where they have places in the earth where they have places in the earth where they have don't have any food at all and they get don't have any food at all and they get don't have any food at all and they get so hungry um you know people have been so hungry um you know people have been so hungry um you know people have been so hungry they turn to cannibalism.

so hungry they turn to cannibalism. so hungry they turn to cannibalism. That's hunger. You ever been thirsty? That's hunger. You ever been thirsty? That's hunger. You ever been thirsty? No. You got to be in the Sahara Desert No. You got to be in the Sahara Desert No. You got to be in the Sahara Desert and be ready to die. Then you'll know and be ready to die. Then you'll know and be ready to die. Then you'll know what thirst is. what thirst is. what thirst is. And Jesus said, "Blessed are those who And Jesus said, "Blessed are those who And Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are panting after being right. They want are panting after being right. They want are panting after being right. They want to be holy. They want to be pure. They to be holy. They want to be pure. They to be holy. They want to be pure. They come to me every day. Oh God, make me come to me every day. Oh God, make me come to me every day. Oh God, make me clean. Make me right. Make me loving. clean. Make me right. Make me loving. clean. Make me right. Make me loving. Make me pure. Make me peaceful. Oh God, Make me pure. Make me peaceful. Oh God, Make me pure. Make me peaceful. Oh God, I want it." And anytime you see I want it." And anytime you see I want it." And anytime you see something even approaching you, that's something even approaching you, that's something even approaching you, that's not, "Oh God, keep me from that. I'm not, "Oh God, keep me from that. I'm not, "Oh God, keep me from that. I'm hungry and thirsting after hungry and thirsting after hungry and thirsting after righteousness." righteousness." righteousness." Then that's the happiest person in the Then that's the happiest person in the Then that's the happiest person in the world. world. world. Did you know the the happiest day of Did you know the the happiest day of Did you know the the happiest day of your life is the holiest day of your your life is the holiest day of your your life is the holiest day of your life? The more you like uh the more you life? The more you like uh the more you life? The more you like uh the more you like Jesus, every day is like heaven. like Jesus, every day is like heaven. like Jesus, every day is like heaven. And when you're not like Jesus and And when you're not like Jesus and And when you're not like Jesus and there's junk in your trunk and you get there's junk in your trunk and you get there's junk in your trunk and you get it all messed up inside, those are bad it all messed up inside, those are bad it all messed up inside, those are bad days. I don't care if you get a raise days. I don't care if you get a raise days. I don't care if you get a raise and you eat steak for dinner. Bad day. and you eat steak for dinner. Bad day. and you eat steak for dinner. Bad day. Bad day.

So that's how to overcome Solomon. It's So that's how to overcome Solomon. It's not by saying, "Oh, God, keep me from not by saying, "Oh, God, keep me from not by saying, "Oh, God, keep me from this. Keep me from that." Yeah, there this. Keep me from that." Yeah, there this. Keep me from that." Yeah, there defense is needed. defense is needed. defense is needed. We're not ignorant of Satan's devices, We're not ignorant of Satan's devices, We're not ignorant of Satan's devices, but the best way is just if that's Satan but the best way is just if that's Satan but the best way is just if that's Satan and the world and Solomon at the end of and the world and Solomon at the end of and the world and Solomon at the end of his life, his life, his life, don't just fight it. Start swimming the don't just fight it. Start swimming the don't just fight it. Start swimming the other way. Jesus, I want more of you. I other way. Jesus, I want more of you. I other way. Jesus, I want more of you. I want to be holy like you, pure, clean. want to be holy like you, pure, clean. want to be holy like you, pure, clean. God, make me sensitive of the things the God, make me sensitive of the things the God, make me sensitive of the things the enemy is going to try to use to pull my enemy is going to try to use to pull my enemy is going to try to use to pull my heart away. For out of the heart comes heart away. For out of the heart comes heart away. For out of the heart comes the issues of life. Guard my heart. the issues of life. Guard my heart. the issues of life. Guard my heart. Protect my heart. Unite my heart to fear Protect my heart. Unite my heart to fear Protect my heart. Unite my heart to fear your name. Don't let me live with a your name. Don't let me live with a your name. Don't let me live with a divided heart. Don't let one foot in the divided heart. Don't let one foot in the divided heart. Don't let one foot in the world and that and then one foot in in world and that and then one foot in in world and that and then one foot in in church and Jesus. I want all Jesus. Do I church and Jesus. I want all Jesus. Do I church and Jesus. I want all Jesus. Do I get a witness? How many want all Jesus? get a witness? How many want all Jesus? get a witness? How many want all Jesus? All Jesus. Come on. All Jesus every day, All Jesus. Come on. All Jesus every day, All Jesus. Come on. All Jesus every day, every hour. every hour. every hour. Pastor Simba, Pastor Simba, Pastor Simba, Pastor Simba, you're moving into Pastor Simba, you're moving into Pastor Simba, you're moving into fanaticism. No, I'm not. I'm moving into fanaticism. No, I'm not. I'm moving into fanaticism. No, I'm not. I'm moving into the Bible.

So my wife wrote this song. I want to be So my wife wrote this song. I want to be holy like you. Not I want to go to church. Not even I Not I want to go to church. Not even I want to become a member. That's a good want to become a member. That's a good want to become a member. That's a good thing if God leads you. But thing if God leads you. But thing if God leads you. But not I want to have an experience with not I want to have an experience with not I want to have an experience with God. No, I want to be I want experiences God. No, I want to be I want experiences God. No, I want to be I want experiences with God. But only if they help me to be with God. But only if they help me to be with God. But only if they help me to be more like Jesus. This obviously is for all of us, This obviously is for all of us, starting with the preacher. starting with the preacher. starting with the preacher. Not too many sermons about this anymore, Not too many sermons about this anymore, Not too many sermons about this anymore, but we need it. Why else would God put but we need it. Why else would God put but we need it. Why else would God put Solomon in the Bible for us? So, we're all going to pray here at the So, we're all going to pray here at the end. But end. But end. But is there anybody here saying, "Pastor, I is there anybody here saying, "Pastor, I is there anybody here saying, "Pastor, I needed to hear that because Satan is needed to hear that because Satan is needed to hear that because Satan is like working overtime in my life to like working overtime in my life to like working overtime in my life to discourage me, pull my heart away from discourage me, pull my heart away from discourage me, pull my heart away from Jesus.

I need God to put it in my heart to be I need God to put it in my heart to be like Jesus." like Jesus." like Jesus." Just like the deacon prayed, God put it Just like the deacon prayed, God put it Just like the deacon prayed, God put it in my heart to want to be holy. Just stand up if you feel that need of Just stand up if you feel that need of special prayer. Stand up where you are, special prayer. Stand up where you are, special prayer. Stand up where you are, anywhere in the building. Don't be anywhere in the building. Don't be anywhere in the building. Don't be ashamed. Come on. Don't be embarrassed. ashamed. Come on. Don't be embarrassed. ashamed. Come on. Don't be embarrassed. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The balcony, just stand up. The balcony, just stand up. I don't want to hurt you. So, I just I don't want to hurt you. So, I just I don't want to hurt you. So, I just want to pray for you. If the Holy Spirit want to pray for you. If the Holy Spirit want to pray for you. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to you, be very careful now. is speaking to you, be very careful now. is speaking to you, be very careful now. Be sensitive with that. Don't grieve Be sensitive with that. Don't grieve Be sensitive with that. Don't grieve him. Don't quench what he's doing. him. Don't quench what he's doing. him. Don't quench what he's doing. It's for your good, for my good. If you're standing and you'd like If you're standing and you'd like prayer, prayer, prayer, this sermon had your name on it. Step this sermon had your name on it. Step this sermon had your name on it. Step out. Would you please come to the front out. Would you please come to the front out. Would you please come to the front from the balcony, too? Come on. Come from the balcony, too? Come on. Come from the balcony, too? Come on. Come one. Come on.

Don't move unless you're coming forward. Don't move unless you're coming forward. Please. He never turns away anyone who's honest. He never turns away anyone who's honest. Never choir just sing it once for us. choir just sing it once for us. Join with the choir. Those who are Join with the choir. Those who are Join with the choir. Those who are sitting holy holy like you >> If the spirit's speaking to you, come on >> If the spirit's speaking to you, come on forward. It's just saying, "God, I need forward. It's just saying, "God, I need forward. It's just saying, "God, I need you." That's all. Sing. Heat. Heat.

Those of you here in the front, lift up Those of you here in the front, lift up your hands and sing with us. Don't be embarrassed. Lift your hands. Don't be embarrassed. Lift your hands. Lord, I need you. Lord, I need you. Lord, I need you. I want to hunger and thirst after you, I want to hunger and thirst after you, I want to hunger and thirst after you, Lord, in your righteousness. Pursue peace with all men in holiness, Pursue peace with all men in holiness, without which no man will see the Lord. Heat. Heat. Heat. Just pray here in the front. Just pray. Just pray here in the front. Just pray. Talk to Jesus. He loves you. Maybe you're receiving him for the first Maybe you're receiving him for the first time so you can have right standing with time so you can have right standing with time so you can have right standing with God through faith in Christ, not by your God through faith in Christ, not by your God through faith in Christ, not by your own works. But maybe you're a Christian own works. But maybe you're a Christian own works. But maybe you're a Christian and you can see Satan's trying to do and you can see Satan's trying to do and you can see Satan's trying to do some Solomon tricks in your life.

some Solomon tricks in your life. some Solomon tricks in your life. pull you away. pull you away. pull you away. Let your heart drift away. Let your heart drift away. Let your heart drift away. Lose your first love. Lose your first love. Lose your first love. Start going after all kinds of crazy Start going after all kinds of crazy Start going after all kinds of crazy things that have no value. Lord Jesus, we love you today. Lord Jesus, we love you today. I come from myself, Lord. I come from myself, Lord. I come from myself, Lord. Fill me with your righteousness. Fill me with your righteousness. Fill me with your righteousness. Fill my heart, my mind, my mouth, my Fill my heart, my mind, my mouth, my Fill my heart, my mind, my mouth, my eyes eyes eyes with the righteousness with the righteousness with the righteousness that only you can give me. that only you can give me. that only you can give me. I can't change myself. I can't change myself. I can't change myself. Can a leopard change his spots? Can a leopard change his spots? Can a leopard change his spots? But with you, everything's possible, But with you, everything's possible, But with you, everything's possible, Lord. So help my friends that are in the Lord. So help my friends that are in the Lord. So help my friends that are in the front, the choir members behind me. front, the choir members behind me. front, the choir members behind me. Lord, Lord, Lord, you put Solomon in the Bible obviously you put Solomon in the Bible obviously you put Solomon in the Bible obviously as a warning for us. It's not how you as a warning for us. It's not how you as a warning for us. It's not how you start, it's how you finish.

start, it's how you finish. start, it's how you finish. It's not the beginning of the race. It's It's not the beginning of the race. It's It's not the beginning of the race. It's every day. every day. every day. So we can say with Paul, I have finished So we can say with Paul, I have finished So we can say with Paul, I have finished my course. my course. my course. I fought a good fight. Show us by your spirit things that we Show us by your spirit things that we need to get rid of in our lives that are need to get rid of in our lives that are need to get rid of in our lives that are not of you and they just mess up our not of you and they just mess up our not of you and they just mess up our love for you and our trust in you. love for you and our trust in you. love for you and our trust in you. People, People, People, things, things, things, entertainment, entertainment, entertainment, relationships, not of you. not of you. doesn't doesn't do our heart good. And doesn't doesn't do our heart good. And doesn't doesn't do our heart good. And out of our heart comes the issues of out of our heart comes the issues of out of our heart comes the issues of life. life. life. Let people laugh at us. We don't care Let people laugh at us. We don't care Let people laugh at us. We don't care who laughs at us. We want to be like who laughs at us. We want to be like who laughs at us. We want to be like Jesus today, Lord. Let the whole world Jesus today, Lord. Let the whole world Jesus today, Lord. Let the whole world laugh at us. And say, "What kind of laugh at us. And say, "What kind of laugh at us. And say, "What kind of crazy religion is that? We want to be crazy religion is that? We want to be crazy religion is that? We want to be like you, Jesus. We want to be like you, like you, Jesus. We want to be like you, like you, Jesus. We want to be like you, Jesus." Say that with me, folks, here in Jesus." Say that with me, folks, here in Jesus." Say that with me, folks, here in the front. We want to be like you, the front. We want to be like you, the front. We want to be like you, Jesus. Say it louder. We want to be like Jesus. Say it louder. We want to be like Jesus. Say it louder. We want to be like you, Jesus. One more time. We want to be you, Jesus. One more time. We want to be you, Jesus. One more time. We want to be like you, Jesus. And the way we talk, like you, Jesus. And the way we talk, like you, Jesus. And the way we talk, the way we act, the way we react, the way we act, the way we react, the way we act, the way we react, the way we spend our money, everything.

the way we spend our money, everything. the way we spend our money, everything. Lord, we wanted to be holy and pure and Lord, we wanted to be holy and pure and Lord, we wanted to be holy and pure and righteous and good. Satan, Satan, we're not we are aware of your devices we're not we are aware of your devices we're not we are aware of your devices and we come against you in the strong and we come against you in the strong and we come against you in the strong name of Jesus. We belong to the King of name of Jesus. We belong to the King of name of Jesus. We belong to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Kings and the Lord of Lords. Kings and the Lord of Lords. And he's going to take our hand and And he's going to take our hand and And he's going to take our hand and carry us right to the finish line. At carry us right to the finish line. At carry us right to the finish line. At the end of our lives, we're going to the end of our lives, we're going to the end of our lives, we're going to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful hear, "Well done, my good and faithful hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servants." servants." servants." That's what matters most. Lord, thank you for everyone who came forward. thank you for everyone who came forward. Thank you for this meeting. Thank you Thank you for this meeting. Thank you Thank you for this meeting. Thank you for the people going to become new for the people going to become new for the people going to become new members. members. members. Thank you for the offering you're going Thank you for the offering you're going Thank you for the offering you're going to give us. Oh God, have mercy and give to give us. Oh God, have mercy and give to give us. Oh God, have mercy and give us the offering we need. Just everything us the offering we need. Just everything us the offering we need. Just everything that happens at the end here, Lord, help that happens at the end here, Lord, help that happens at the end here, Lord, help us. us. us. But we're going to just sing to you, But we're going to just sing to you, But we're going to just sing to you, Lord, our prayer. Lord, our prayer. Lord, our prayer. In Jesus' name we pray.

In Jesus' name we pray. In Jesus' name we pray. Everybody stand in the building. We're Everybody stand in the building. We're Everybody stand in the building. We're going to sing for a little while. You going to sing for a little while. You going to sing for a little while. You want to sing, sing. You want to leave, want to sing, sing. You want to leave, want to sing, sing. You want to leave, you can leave. I want Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. up up here.

Amen. Amen. See you Tuesday. Turn around. Give See you Tuesday. Turn around. Give See you Tuesday. Turn around. Give someone a hug and a handshake. God bless someone a hug and a handshake. God bless someone a hug and a handshake. God bless you.