Time is a Gift from God! | A.R. Bernard & Jamaal Bernard

wow that song is amazing and before I go wow that song is amazing and before I go into prayer I just want to read the into prayer I just want to read the into prayer I just want to read the first part of the verse Oh the first first part of the verse Oh the first first part of the verse Oh the first part of the uh the song it says I saw part of the uh the song it says I saw part of the uh the song it says I saw Mercy Mercy seated where the judge Mercy Mercy seated where the judge Mercy Mercy seated where the judge should be was guilty guilty and getting should be was guilty guilty and getting should be was guilty guilty and getting out of jail free how could it be I out of jail free how could it be I out of jail free how could it be I didn't get the life I deserved and when didn't get the life I deserved and when didn't get the life I deserved and when I heard that I was like man I you know I heard that I was like man I you know I heard that I was like man I you know just just just realizing the love of God and then it realizing the love of God and then it realizing the love of God and then it continues goes on it says and the only continues goes on it says and the only continues goes on it says and the only thing that he thing that he thing that he wanted was my heart and return turn and wanted was my heart and return turn and wanted was my heart and return turn and every time I every time I every time I think about every time I thought was the think about every time I thought was the think about every time I thought was the end I'm I'm caught up wondering again end I'm I'm caught up wondering again end I'm I'm caught up wondering again where would I be where would I be if it where would I be where would I be if it where would I be where would I be if it wasn't for the love of God wow wasn't for the love of God wow wasn't for the love of God wow wow you know I that expresses how Grace wow you know I that expresses how Grace wow you know I that expresses how Grace and law actually work together Jesus and law actually work together Jesus and law actually work together Jesus didn't say I come to abolish the law he didn't say I come to abolish the law he didn't say I come to abolish the law he said I came to fulfill the law which said I came to fulfill the law which said I came to fulfill the law which means that without Grace we can't means that without Grace we can't means that without Grace we can't fulfill the law yes yep the only way we fulfill the law yes yep the only way we fulfill the law yes yep the only way we could fulfill the law is with Grace could fulfill the law is with Grace could fulfill the law is with Grace because there's only one perfect being because there's only one perfect being because there's only one perfect being Flawless being and that's God yes so we Flawless being and that's God yes so we Flawless being and that's God yes so we all need Grace yes in order to rise up all need Grace yes in order to rise up all need Grace yes in order to rise up to the standard of the law and and and to the standard of the law and and and to the standard of the law and and and the re one of the other reasons that the re one of the other reasons that the re one of the other reasons that love

love love mercy and Justice run in tandem come on mercy and Justice run in tandem come on mercy and Justice run in tandem come on say it again love mercy and Justice say it again love mercy and Justice say it again love mercy and Justice right went in tandem so he has he had to right went in tandem so he has he had to right went in tandem so he has he had to meet every aspect of those three things meet every aspect of those three things meet every aspect of those three things in order to respond to the condition of in order to respond to the condition of in order to respond to the condition of man so just once again like I said you man so just once again like I said you man so just once again like I said you know two weeks ago of how smart God is know two weeks ago of how smart God is know two weeks ago of how smart God is you know so I'm just an awe um father you know so I'm just an awe um father you know so I'm just an awe um father God we thank you so much for the God we thank you so much for the God we thank you so much for the opportunity always approach the throne opportunity always approach the throne opportunity always approach the throne of grace always having access even in of grace always having access even in of grace always having access even in spite of who we spite of who we spite of who we are and as the song says Lord where are and as the song says Lord where are and as the song says Lord where would I be if it wasn't for your would I be if it wasn't for your would I be if it wasn't for your love so as we end this year of 2023 and love so as we end this year of 2023 and love so as we end this year of 2023 and go into 2024 Lord take my heart take our hearts as we move towards a deeper hearts as we move towards a deeper profound relationship with you have your profound relationship with you have your profound relationship with you have your way over today's service Lord touch our way over today's service Lord touch our way over today's service Lord touch our ears to hear Word season specific bless ears to hear Word season specific bless ears to hear Word season specific bless you Jesus you Jesus you Jesus Lord touch our minds to understand to Lord touch our minds to understand to Lord touch our minds to understand to comprehend how the word in season speaks comprehend how the word in season speaks comprehend how the word in season speaks specifically into our situation and specifically into our situation and specifically into our situation and circumstances Lord touch our eyes to see circumstances Lord touch our eyes to see circumstances Lord touch our eyes to see our our mouths to be able to articulate our our mouths to be able to articulate our our mouths to be able to articulate what we have learned Lord Lord we pray what we have learned Lord Lord we pray what we have learned Lord Lord we pray for word that will take us from season for word that will take us from season for word that will take us from season to season not just one that uplifts us to season not just one that uplifts us to season not just one that uplifts us in one particular season but Lord that in one particular season but Lord that in one particular season but Lord that will nourish us through season after will nourish us through season after will nourish us through season after season Lord so we have your way touch season Lord so we have your way touch season Lord so we have your way touch the man of God as he speak a word in

the man of God as he speak a word in the man of God as he speak a word in season in Jesus precious name amen and season in Jesus precious name amen and season in Jesus precious name amen and amen amen said touch the man of God so amen amen said touch the man of God so amen amen said touch the man of God so that's both of that's both of that's both of us we haven't ministered together in a us we haven't ministered together in a us we haven't ministered together in a while I know I'm excited this is great while I know I'm excited this is great while I know I'm excited this is great yeah and it is the last day of yeah and it is the last day of yeah and it is the last day of 2023 yes and I've been just this past 2023 yes and I've been just this past 2023 yes and I've been just this past week week week reflecting uh on the gift of time yes reflecting uh on the gift of time yes reflecting uh on the gift of time yes and how God gives us stewardship and how God gives us stewardship and how God gives us stewardship responsibility over our time mhm our responsibility over our time mhm our responsibility over our time mhm our talent yes our talent yes our talent yes our treasury relationships that are god- treasury relationships that are god- treasury relationships that are god- given and opportunities that God brings given and opportunities that God brings given and opportunities that God brings our way and time is where we're all our way and time is where we're all our way and time is where we're all created equal yeah you say that again created equal yeah you say that again created equal yeah you say that again you got to say that again no matter you got to say that again no matter you got to say that again no matter where you are economically socially where you are economically socially where you are economically socially ethnically doesn't matter time has no ethnically doesn't matter time has no ethnically doesn't matter time has no respect of your class your education respect of your class your education respect of your class your education your family name nothing we all get 24 your family name nothing we all get 24 your family name nothing we all get 24 hours yes and it's what we do with the hours yes and it's what we do with the hours yes and it's what we do with the time that makes a difference in terms of time that makes a difference in terms of time that makes a difference in terms of how our life turns out and we must how our life turns out and we must how our life turns out and we must appreciate time as a gift yes time must appreciate time as a gift yes time must appreciate time as a gift yes time must be understood is a gift every day that be understood is a gift every day that be understood is a gift every day that you wake up yep and you can now engage you wake up yep and you can now engage you wake up yep and you can now engage another day that's a gift from God you another day that's a gift from God you another day that's a gift from God you know and as you mature in life you know and as you mature in life you know and as you mature in life you appreciate the gift of time a little bit appreciate the gift of time a little bit appreciate the gift of time a little bit more than when you were young because

more than when you were young because more than when you were young because you're young you I got all the time in you're young you I got all the time in you're young you I got all the time in the world and I'm going to squander it m the world and I'm going to squander it m the world and I'm going to squander it m and people have a there are people who and people have a there are people who and people have a there are people who have a bad relationship with time yeah have a bad relationship with time yeah have a bad relationship with time yeah you know uh and until you get a handle you know uh and until you get a handle you know uh and until you get a handle on your time and how you utilize your on your time and how you utilize your on your time and how you utilize your time your life is not going to be a life time your life is not going to be a life time your life is not going to be a life of Peace yeah and it's so true and you of Peace yeah and it's so true and you of Peace yeah and it's so true and you know the old adage is that uh time is know the old adage is that uh time is know the old adage is that uh time is one thing that you can never store up y one thing that you can never store up y one thing that you can never store up y right once it's gone it's gone you know right once it's gone it's gone you know right once it's gone it's gone you know you can't add more to it and I think as you can't add more to it and I think as you can't add more to it and I think as I've gotten more mature and looking at I've gotten more mature and looking at I've gotten more mature and looking at things from different things from different things from different perspective your your value system is perspective your your value system is perspective your your value system is the thing that helps determine how you the thing that helps determine how you the thing that helps determine how you spend your time come on how you spend spend your time come on how you spend spend your time come on how you spend your time is an expression of what you your time is an expression of what you your time is an expression of what you value yes what your priorities are how value yes what your priorities are how value yes what your priorities are how you spend your time how you spend your you spend your time how you spend your you spend your time how you spend your money yep those you give me you give me money yep those you give me you give me money yep those you give me you give me your checkbook and your calendar and I your checkbook and your calendar and I your checkbook and your calendar and I know what's important to you exactly you know what's important to you exactly you know what's important to you exactly you got that yep checkbook and your calendar got that yep checkbook and your calendar got that yep checkbook and your calendar well we don't use checks that much well we don't use checks that much well we don't use checks that much everything is digital all right but you everything is digital all right but you everything is digital all right but you know what I'm saying because yeah how know what I'm saying because yeah how know what I'm saying because yeah how you spend your time and how you spend you spend your time and how you spend you spend your time and how you spend your money is an expression of what you your money is an expression of what you your money is an expression of what you value in life what your priorities are value in life what your priorities are value in life what your priorities are yep you know I never forget when you're yep you know I never forget when you're yep you know I never forget when you're mother before all the digital stuff I mother before all the digital stuff I mother before all the digital stuff I used to have a handwritten daytime or used to have a handwritten daytime or used to have a handwritten daytime or calendar I remember that I put your calendar I remember that I put your calendar I remember that I put your mom's name in there be you know and she mom's name in there be you know and she mom's name in there be you know and she said why why am I in your calendar you said why why am I in your calendar you said why why am I in your calendar you can't remember me I said that's why it's can't remember me I said that's why it's can't remember me I said that's why it's because you're that important baby yep because you're that important baby yep because you're that important baby yep you if you're in my book in my calendar you if you're in my book in my calendar you if you're in my book in my calendar it's like my Bible yep and and I it's like my Bible yep and and I it's like my Bible yep and and I remember those days I'm like daddyy uh

remember those days I'm like daddyy uh remember those days I'm like daddyy uh we do such and such wait let me go to my we do such and such wait let me go to my we do such and such wait let me go to my book okay it's in once it's in there you book okay it's in once it's in there you book okay it's in once it's in there you know I said but Daddy you write with know I said but Daddy you write with know I said but Daddy you write with pencil you know that means you can erase it anyway so yeah I you know I was it anyway so yeah I you know I was thinking also today the end of 2023 next thinking also today the end of 2023 next thinking also today the end of 2023 next year is year is year is 2024 it is a an election cycle that 2024 it is a an election cycle that 2024 it is a an election cycle that we're in president of the United States we're in president of the United States we're in president of the United States and it is an interesting time uh next and it is an interesting time uh next and it is an interesting time uh next year is going to be very very year is going to be very very year is going to be very very interesting politically and soci interesting politically and soci interesting politically and soci economically um we're in a good place economically um we're in a good place economically um we're in a good place we've weathered uh pretty much weathered we've weathered uh pretty much weathered we've weathered uh pretty much weathered uh a uh inflation and things are uh a uh inflation and things are uh a uh inflation and things are continuing to grow beyond that it'll be continuing to grow beyond that it'll be continuing to grow beyond that it'll be interesting to see how interest rates go interesting to see how interest rates go interesting to see how interest rates go uh 2025 will start a new leadership uh 2025 will start a new leadership uh 2025 will start a new leadership cycle in the white house but 2026 will cycle in the white house but 2026 will cycle in the white house but 2026 will be the semi quincentennial of the United be the semi quincentennial of the United be the semi quincentennial of the United States wow it'll be the 250th States wow it'll be the 250th States wow it'll be the 250th anniversary of our nation and the anniversary of our nation and the anniversary of our nation and the question is how are we going to reach question is how are we going to reach question is how are we going to reach that how are we going to embrace it will that how are we going to embrace it will that how are we going to embrace it will it be a continuation of the present it be a continuation of the present it be a continuation of the present divisions and polarizations or will it divisions and polarizations or will it divisions and polarizations or will it be a point of inflection where we wake be a point of inflection where we wake be a point of inflection where we wake up and say hey yes we've got to come up and say hey yes we've got to come up and say hey yes we've got to come together to preserve this Union that we together to preserve this Union that we together to preserve this Union that we want to see as a more perfect union you want to see as a more perfect union you want to see as a more perfect union you know a place of equality and and and uh know a place of equality and and and uh know a place of equality and and and uh and Justice and peace all that America and Justice and peace all that America and Justice and peace all that America stands for so you know we're looking Y

stands for so you know we're looking Y stands for so you know we're looking Y at a very important place in time when at a very important place in time when at a very important place in time when it comes to the history and progression it comes to the history and progression it comes to the history and progression of of our nation how are we going to of of our nation how are we going to of of our nation how are we going to celebrate it yeah will we will celebrate celebrate it yeah will we will celebrate celebrate it yeah will we will celebrate it will we celebrate it divided on each it will we celebrate it divided on each it will we celebrate it divided on each side or will we celebrate it side or will we celebrate it side or will we celebrate it United or will people be willing to United or will people be willing to United or will people be willing to celebrate it yeah right uh because celebrate it yeah right uh because celebrate it yeah right uh because patriotism is low right the the the the patriotism is low right the the the the patriotism is low right the the the the connection with the American flag you uh connection with the American flag you uh connection with the American flag you uh which symbolize you know this level of which symbolize you know this level of which symbolize you know this level of Pride and Authority is not the same as Pride and Authority is not the same as Pride and Authority is not the same as it is yeah you and as you say time I I it is yeah you and as you say time I I it is yeah you and as you say time I I think looking at think looking at think looking at 2024 we are going to be put into a 2024 we are going to be put into a 2024 we are going to be put into a position more so the church uh of of position more so the church uh of of position more so the church uh of of seeing okay what do we value right and seeing okay what do we value right and seeing okay what do we value right and because we for the past two to three because we for the past two to three because we for the past two to three years we've allowed some of the Nuance years we've allowed some of the Nuance years we've allowed some of the Nuance secondary and tiary things to divide us secondary and tiary things to divide us secondary and tiary things to divide us and I think we need to say okay what is and I think we need to say okay what is and I think we need to say okay what is our Val what do we value and that will our Val what do we value and that will our Val what do we value and that will lead to a place either of unity or more lead to a place either of unity or more lead to a place either of unity or more separation yeah yeah and you know look separation yeah yeah and you know look separation yeah yeah and you know look we we've come off of three actually two we we've come off of three actually two we we've come off of three actually two great great great Awakenings the the first in the early Awakenings the the first in the early Awakenings the the first in the early 1700s but the Second Great Awakening and 1700s but the Second Great Awakening and 1700s but the Second Great Awakening and the Second Great Awakening and we're the Second Great Awakening and we're the Second Great Awakening and we're talking about religious fervor and talking about religious fervor and talking about religious fervor and religious commitment that was stirred in religious commitment that was stirred in religious commitment that was stirred in the early uh 1800s 19th century and and the early uh 1800s 19th century and and the early uh 1800s 19th century and and carried over into the 20th century you carried over into the 20th century you carried over into the 20th century you know that was a moral and ethical

know that was a moral and ethical know that was a moral and ethical Revival and it characterized by personal Revival and it characterized by personal Revival and it characterized by personal salvation emotional experiences were salvation emotional experiences were salvation emotional experiences were part of it you know and out of that came part of it you know and out of that came part of it you know and out of that came the Pentecostal and charismatic the Pentecostal and charismatic the Pentecostal and charismatic movements Etc um also social reform MH movements Etc um also social reform MH movements Etc um also social reform MH that was an element we saw a lot of that was an element we saw a lot of that was an element we saw a lot of organizations that were birthed you know organizations that were birthed you know organizations that were birthed you know to hold uh to hold uh to hold uh Society accountable yep for moral Society accountable yep for moral Society accountable yep for moral standards and ethical standards um and standards and ethical standards um and standards and ethical standards um and then we saw something in the 1960s then we saw something in the 1960s then we saw something in the 1960s and70s I got saved in and70s I got saved in and70s I got saved in 19705 we saw the Jesus movement and it 19705 we saw the Jesus movement and it 19705 we saw the Jesus movement and it was another Resurgence of the same was another Resurgence of the same was another Resurgence of the same attitudes that characterize the Great attitudes that characterize the Great attitudes that characterize the Great Awakening we haven't had a third Great Awakening we haven't had a third Great Awakening we haven't had a third Great Awakening there are those who may call Awakening there are those who may call Awakening there are those who may call the 1960s and70s uh the great awaken the 1960s and70s uh the great awaken the 1960s and70s uh the great awaken awake a third Great Awakening but really awake a third Great Awakening but really awake a third Great Awakening but really it didn't you know do what we thought it it didn't you know do what we thought it it didn't you know do what we thought it would do there's so much going on but would do there's so much going on but would do there's so much going on but then we then we then we saw the Christian Community in America saw the Christian Community in America saw the Christian Community in America especially certain segment of the especially certain segment of the especially certain segment of the Evangelical Community turned to politics Evangelical Community turned to politics Evangelical Community turned to politics yes and I think that's where we began to yes and I think that's where we began to yes and I think that's where we began to vear off this 1980s and tail end of vear off this 1980s and tail end of vear off this 1980s and tail end of 1970s into the 1980s and all of a sudden 1970s into the 1980s and all of a sudden 1970s into the 1980s and all of a sudden you know political power was going to you know political power was going to you know political power was going to usher in the kingdom of God and that's usher in the kingdom of God and that's usher in the kingdom of God and that's that's wrong so you know we've got to that's wrong so you know we've got to that's wrong so you know we've got to deal with this political idolatry that deal with this political idolatry that deal with this political idolatry that we've seen within our nation and we've seen within our nation and we've seen within our nation and hopefully as we move towards the 250th

hopefully as we move towards the 250th hopefully as we move towards the 250th anniversary which is just a short period anniversary which is just a short period anniversary which is just a short period of time you know two years a two-year of time you know two years a two-year of time you know two years a two-year window you know uh prayerfully things window you know uh prayerfully things window you know uh prayerfully things are going to change yeah I I agree are going to change yeah I I agree are going to change yeah I I agree because looking at the Inception of because looking at the Inception of because looking at the Inception of America uh and you know it it wasn't set America uh and you know it it wasn't set America uh and you know it it wasn't set up as a Christian Nation but the the the up as a Christian Nation but the the the up as a Christian Nation but the the the major influence of Christianity yeah it major influence of Christianity yeah it major influence of Christianity yeah it wasn't and some of the divine wasn't and some of the divine wasn't and some of the divine inspiration that happened as they you inspiration that happened as they you inspiration that happened as they you know created the Constitution and know created the Constitution and know created the Constitution and designed the government in such a way uh designed the government in such a way uh designed the government in such a way uh is something I would like to see you is something I would like to see you is something I would like to see you know come back yeah there's no doubt know come back yeah there's no doubt know come back yeah there's no doubt that that Christianity and the Bible that that Christianity and the Bible that that Christianity and the Bible played a very influential role in played a very influential role in played a very influential role in shaping this nation we are not shaping this nation we are not shaping this nation we are not constitutionally a Christian Nation constitutionally a Christian Nation constitutionally a Christian Nation which was which was which was intentional by the founding fathers intentional by the founding fathers intentional by the founding fathers because they didn't want you know a because they didn't want you know a because they didn't want you know a reoccurrence of what took place the reoccurrence of what took place the reoccurrence of what took place the Bloodshed that took place in Europe yep Bloodshed that took place in Europe yep Bloodshed that took place in Europe yep so they didn't want a state religion but so they didn't want a state religion but so they didn't want a state religion but they wanted the freedom the Liberty they wanted the freedom the Liberty they wanted the freedom the Liberty religious liberty uh uh to be part of religious liberty uh uh to be part of religious liberty uh uh to be part of our nation but we are definitely our nation but we are definitely our nation but we are definitely ceremonially and culturally Christian ceremonially and culturally Christian ceremonially and culturally Christian here in America there's no doubt about here in America there's no doubt about here in America there's no doubt about that and you know I don't I don't that and you know I don't I don't that and you know I don't I don't apologize for that I think the Christian apologize for that I think the Christian apologize for that I think the Christian social ethic is great we have to be social ethic is great we have to be social ethic is great we have to be careful how we try to impose that on a careful how we try to impose that on a careful how we try to impose that on a pluralistic society and a religiously pluralistic society and a religiously pluralistic society and a religiously plural and racially and ethnically plural and racially and ethnically plural and racially and ethnically plural plural society you know we have plural plural society you know we have plural plural society you know we have to be very careful with that I'm getting to be very careful with that I'm getting to be very careful with that I'm getting all tongue tied here but um but yeah I I all tongue tied here but um but yeah I I all tongue tied here but um but yeah I I think the Christian social ethic really

think the Christian social ethic really think the Christian social ethic really speaks to who we are as a nation and our speaks to who we are as a nation and our speaks to who we are as a nation and our national uh identity and it respects and national uh identity and it respects and national uh identity and it respects and honors other religious Expressions you honors other religious Expressions you honors other religious Expressions you know because we talk about we begin with know because we talk about we begin with know because we talk about we begin with the life and dignity of the human person the life and dignity of the human person the life and dignity of the human person yes right uh the common good the Dignity yes right uh the common good the Dignity yes right uh the common good the Dignity of work community you know all of those of work community you know all of those of work community you know all of those things uh those are very very real so I things uh those are very very real so I things uh those are very very real so I don't know how we got off in I know don't know how we got off in I know don't know how we got off in I know right we're talking about time and here right we're talking about time and here right we're talking about time and here we are the last you know service yes in we are the last you know service yes in we are the last you know service yes in 2023 and we're preparing our hearts and 2023 and we're preparing our hearts and 2023 and we're preparing our hearts and Minds to move into uh Minds to move into uh Minds to move into uh 2024 um and I I think we can reflect on 2024 um and I I think we can reflect on 2024 um and I I think we can reflect on time as a gift yes and if we were to time as a gift yes and if we were to time as a gift yes and if we were to Define time you know a simple definition Define time you know a simple definition Define time you know a simple definition time is the occurrence of events but time is the occurrence of events but time is the occurrence of events but time is a is a time is a is a time is a is a measurable measurable measurable period occupied by events period occupied by events period occupied by events processes actions or conditions that processes actions or conditions that processes actions or conditions that create change or secure create change or secure create change or secure continuity explain that to create change continuity explain that to create change continuity explain that to create change or secure continuity because time is a or secure continuity because time is a or secure continuity because time is a measure of change yes even no change measure of change yes even no change measure of change yes even no change is a measurement yes because there are is a measurement yes because there are is a measurement yes because there are times when we don't want change we want times when we don't want change we want times when we don't want change we want things to continue a certain way and things to continue a certain way and things to continue a certain way and that is securing continuity but

that is securing continuity but that is securing continuity but essentially time is a measurement of essentially time is a measurement of essentially time is a measurement of change and I think about the text in change and I think about the text in change and I think about the text in Genesis chapter 1 uh verse Genesis chapter 1 uh verse Genesis chapter 1 uh verse 14 all right and God said let there be 14 all right and God said let there be 14 all right and God said let there be lights in the expanse of the Heavens to lights in the expanse of the Heavens to lights in the expanse of the Heavens to separate the day from the night and let separate the day from the night and let separate the day from the night and let them be for signs and for seasons and them be for signs and for seasons and them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years and this is all for days and years and this is all for days and years and this is all expressing time yes and thank God that expressing time yes and thank God that expressing time yes and thank God that you know time has broken down into you know time has broken down into you know time has broken down into minutes you know hours days weeks months minutes you know hours days weeks months minutes you know hours days weeks months you know because it allows for us to you know because it allows for us to you know because it allows for us to change to recalibrate to change our change to recalibrate to change our change to recalibrate to change our thinking our perspective uh to revisit thinking our perspective uh to revisit thinking our perspective uh to revisit our sense of vision me meaning purpose our sense of vision me meaning purpose our sense of vision me meaning purpose those are all important things and we we those are all important things and we we those are all important things and we we can do that because of the gift of time can do that because of the gift of time can do that because of the gift of time you've heard us say again and again here you've heard us say again and again here you've heard us say again and again here at CCC that change is the only constant at CCC that change is the only constant at CCC that change is the only constant in life well time is a measurement of in life well time is a measurement of in life well time is a measurement of change yes or no change you know that's change yes or no change you know that's change yes or no change you know that's important it is it is and when you look important it is it is and when you look important it is it is and when you look at uh back in Genesis and the the the at uh back in Genesis and the the the at uh back in Genesis and the the the reality that for The Human Experience reality that for The Human Experience reality that for The Human Experience time was needed yeah time played a part time was needed yeah time played a part time was needed yeah time played a part in it and uh often we are Reckless with in it and uh often we are Reckless with in it and uh often we are Reckless with time Ecclesiastes chapter 3 beautiful time Ecclesiastes chapter 3 beautiful time Ecclesiastes chapter 3 beautiful expression there's a time and a purpose

expression there's a time and a purpose expression there's a time and a purpose uh and a season rather for every purpose uh and a season rather for every purpose uh and a season rather for every purpose under heaven and then it just goes under heaven and then it just goes under heaven and then it just goes through if you ever read chapter 3 you through if you ever read chapter 3 you through if you ever read chapter 3 you will you'll enjoy it yes there's a time will you'll enjoy it yes there's a time will you'll enjoy it yes there's a time for everything and Discerning the times for everything and Discerning the times for everything and Discerning the times Jesus said is Jesus said is Jesus said is important understanding the social important understanding the social important understanding the social political uh pop culture all of the political uh pop culture all of the political uh pop culture all of the trends yes that are shaping the current trends yes that are shaping the current trends yes that are shaping the current social political economic spiritual social political economic spiritual social political economic spiritual narrative within a society that's what narrative within a society that's what narrative within a society that's what the signs of the times essentially is as the signs of the times essentially is as the signs of the times essentially is as well as Discerning the times of you well as Discerning the times of you well as Discerning the times of you personally what's what's what are the personally what's what's what are the personally what's what's what are the times in the seasons of your life times in the seasons of your life times in the seasons of your life personally right because too often we we personally right because too often we we personally right because too often we we think about the macro and we don't look think about the macro and we don't look think about the macro and we don't look at the micro aspect of what God is doing at the micro aspect of what God is doing at the micro aspect of what God is doing in our lives personally and we can miss in our lives personally and we can miss in our lives personally and we can miss something that's important what you just something that's important what you just something that's important what you just said very very important especially in said very very important especially in said very very important especially in the management of time one of the things the management of time one of the things the management of time one of the things and we're kind of we're going to review and we're kind of we're going to review and we're kind of we're going to review because we're going to talk about time because we're going to talk about time because we're going to talk about time and then review occupy yes because that and then review occupy yes because that and then review occupy yes because that was the key word that challenged so many was the key word that challenged so many was the key word that challenged so many Y and we got great response for that and Y and we got great response for that and Y and we got great response for that and we're going to continue talking about we're going to continue talking about we're going to continue talking about occupying but tonight we're going to occupying but tonight we're going to occupying but tonight we're going to launch our theme for launch our theme for launch our theme for 2024 which I'm excited about you better 2024 which I'm excited about you better 2024 which I'm excited about you better make sure you're there we're going to make sure you're there we're going to make sure you're there we're going to give some principles and we're going to give some principles and we're going to give some principles and we're going to dig into this uh particular theme but dig into this uh particular theme but dig into this uh particular theme but when we think about uh time and and when we think about uh time and and when we think about uh time and and progress and forward movement time progress and forward movement time progress and forward movement time allows us to reflect on the past yes allows us to reflect on the past yes allows us to reflect on the past yes past judgment on it and then imagine the

past judgment on it and then imagine the past judgment on it and then imagine the future taking the lessons learned from future taking the lessons learned from future taking the lessons learned from the past and applying them to the the past and applying them to the the past and applying them to the imagining of the future imagining of the future imagining of the future yes you know my mind just went yes you know my mind just went yes you know my mind just went so you Spar so many different ideas so you Spar so many different ideas so you Spar so many different ideas realities and and and um realities and and and um realities and and and um when we look at time and Imagining the when we look at time and Imagining the when we look at time and Imagining the uh the future we also look at uh the future we also look at uh the future we also look at the I love it because growing up you you the I love it because growing up you you the I love it because growing up you you taught us this thing called smart right taught us this thing called smart right taught us this thing called smart right uh smart goals and and a part of that uh smart goals and and a part of that uh smart goals and and a part of that smart is time what is the time that's smart is time what is the time that's smart is time what is the time that's going to be needed in order to achieve going to be needed in order to achieve going to be needed in order to achieve set goal yeah right and so as we look at set goal yeah right and so as we look at set goal yeah right and so as we look at uh Jud judging the past okay did did uh Jud judging the past okay did did uh Jud judging the past okay did did that take too long right if it was a that take too long right if it was a that take too long right if it was a good outcome did it take that long and good outcome did it take that long and good outcome did it take that long and could it have been done shorter or if could it have been done shorter or if could it have been done shorter or if it's a bad outcome and say okay what it's a bad outcome and say okay what it's a bad outcome and say okay what took so long why you know what was I took so long why you know what was I took so long why you know what was I going through when I didn't want to going through when I didn't want to going through when I didn't want to change or did certain things didn't change or did certain things didn't change or did certain things didn't change and I think retrospectively or change and I think retrospectively or change and I think retrospectively or introspectively looking at that it plays introspectively looking at that it plays introspectively looking at that it plays a part in the success of an individual a part in the success of an individual a part in the success of an individual again and and then just go back to what again and and then just go back to what again and and then just go back to what you said about micro and macro yes so in you said about micro and macro yes so in you said about micro and macro yes so in in my calendar I had the year at a in my calendar I had the year at a in my calendar I had the year at a glance M I had the month at a glance and glance M I had the month at a glance and glance M I had the month at a glance and I had the week I had the week I had the week and the day and the reason I had it like and the day and the reason I had it like and the day and the reason I had it like that is because I wanted the big picture that is because I wanted the big picture that is because I wanted the big picture view so I can understand right so if view so I can understand right so if view so I can understand right so if someone said you know you know I I'd someone said you know you know I I'd someone said you know you know I I'd like an appointment to meet with you or

like an appointment to meet with you or like an appointment to meet with you or whatever I would look at the whole month whatever I would look at the whole month whatever I would look at the whole month then I'll look at that week then I want then I'll look at that week then I want then I'll look at that week then I want to know what's H what am I doing the day to know what's H what am I doing the day to know what's H what am I doing the day before or the day after the day that before or the day after the day that before or the day after the day that you're asking to meet with me what am I you're asking to meet with me what am I you're asking to meet with me what am I doing that day because otherwise you you doing that day because otherwise you you doing that day because otherwise you you your your calendar just become spaces your your calendar just become spaces your your calendar just become spaces that you fill in without meaning or that you fill in without meaning or that you fill in without meaning or purpose without any rhythm to it and you purpose without any rhythm to it and you purpose without any rhythm to it and you will burn out real quick if all you do will burn out real quick if all you do will burn out real quick if all you do is fill in those boxes and spaces and is fill in those boxes and spaces and is fill in those boxes and spaces and people some people uh get excited people some people uh get excited people some people uh get excited because they now they think that they're because they now they think that they're because they now they think that they're busy right they they're do they're busy busy right they they're do they're busy busy right they they're do they're busy doing something and that's not doing something and that's not doing something and that's not necessarily good well there's a necessarily good well there's a necessarily good well there's a wonderful text in Deuteronomy that you wonderful text in Deuteronomy that you wonderful text in Deuteronomy that you and I were talking about you know where and I were talking about you know where and I were talking about you know where it's easy um you got the text it's easy um you got the text it's easy um you got the text Deuteronomy I think 2 Deuteronomy I think 2 Deuteronomy I think 2 three oh I was studying some other three oh I was studying some other three oh I was studying some other stuff 2 three yeah some there children stuff 2 three yeah some there children stuff 2 three yeah some there children of Israel Y and that third verse you of Israel Y and that third verse you of Israel Y and that third verse you could read verses 3-8 uh Deuteronomy 2: could read verses 3-8 uh Deuteronomy 2: could read verses 3-8 uh Deuteronomy 2: 3 through 8 but it's that third verse 3 through 8 but it's that third verse 3 through 8 but it's that third verse that I think is really really critical that I think is really really critical that I think is really really critical what does what was that third verse what what does what was that third verse what what does what was that third verse what do not contend with them for I will not do not contend with them for I will not do not contend with them for I will not give you any of their land is that the give you any of their land is that the give you any of their land is that the verse uh no Deuteronomy chapter 2 two verse uh no Deuteronomy chapter 2 two verse uh no Deuteronomy chapter 2 two two verse three ver three you have been two verse three ver three you have been two verse three ver three you have been uh traveling around this Mountain uh traveling around this Mountain uh traveling around this Mountain Country long enough there it is turn Country long enough there it is turn Country long enough there it is turn northward that that's it that's it they northward that that's it that's it they northward that that's it that's it they were going in were going in were going in circles never and you've heard this circles never and you've heard this circles never and you've heard this again and again never confuse movement

again and again never confuse movement again and again never confuse movement with with with progress Pastor Jamal talked about being progress Pastor Jamal talked about being progress Pastor Jamal talked about being busy yes all right just because you're busy yes all right just because you're busy yes all right just because you're busy doesn't mean you're progressing yes busy doesn't mean you're progressing yes busy doesn't mean you're progressing yes never confuse movement with progress never confuse movement with progress never confuse movement with progress going in circles is movement but that's going in circles is movement but that's going in circles is movement but that's not progress and here God had to check not progress and here God had to check not progress and here God had to check in on his people because and he let and in on his people because and he let and in on his people because and he let and that's the thing about God will let you that's the thing about God will let you that's the thing about God will let you go in circles did you hear that God will go in circles did you hear that God will go in circles did you hear that God will let you go in circles and they going let you go in circles and they going let you go in circles and they going around that mountain and finally God around that mountain and finally God around that mountain and finally God said okay enough enough with these said okay enough enough with these said okay enough enough with these people you've been circling this people you've been circling this people you've been circling this mountain too long long enough it's time mountain too long long enough it's time mountain too long long enough it's time to pick a direction and begin to move in to pick a direction and begin to move in to pick a direction and begin to move in that direction beautiful beautiful text that direction beautiful beautiful text that direction beautiful beautiful text and of course time as the measurement of and of course time as the measurement of and of course time as the measurement of productivity yes um Luke uh productivity yes um Luke uh productivity yes um Luke uh 13 and the parable of the the tree and 13 and the parable of the the tree and 13 and the parable of the the tree and Jesus you know um talking really talking Jesus you know um talking really talking Jesus you know um talking really talking about the nation Luke Chapter 13 Verse 6 about the nation Luke Chapter 13 Verse 6 about the nation Luke Chapter 13 Verse 6 and he told this Parable a man had a fig and he told this Parable a man had a fig and he told this Parable a man had a fig tree planted in his Vineyard and he came tree planted in his Vineyard and he came tree planted in his Vineyard and he came seeking fruit on it and found none and seeking fruit on it and found none and seeking fruit on it and found none and he said to the vine dresser look for he said to the vine dresser look for he said to the vine dresser look for three years time right the measure of three years time right the measure of three years time right the measure of change now for three years now I have change now for three years now I have change now for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree time come seeking fruit on this fig tree time come seeking fruit on this fig tree time a measure of change there was no change a measure of change there was no change a measure of change there was no change it can and that's a measure yes right

it can and that's a measure yes right it can and that's a measure yes right and on the Fig Tre and I find and on the Fig Tre and I find and on the Fig Tre and I find none cut it down why should it use up none cut it down why should it use up none cut it down why should it use up the ground and he answered him sir let the ground and he answered him sir let the ground and he answered him sir let it alone this year also until I dig it alone this year also until I dig it alone this year also until I dig around it and put on manure then if it around it and put on manure then if it around it and put on manure then if it should bear fruit next year well and should bear fruit next year well and should bear fruit next year well and good but if not then you can cut it down good but if not then you can cut it down good but if not then you can cut it down and that's a beautiful expression of and that's a beautiful expression of and that's a beautiful expression of God's grace yes when God comes to us and God's grace yes when God comes to us and God's grace yes when God comes to us and he's checking the figs Y no figs all he's checking the figs Y no figs all he's checking the figs Y no figs all right what are you going to do about right what are you going to do about right what are you going to do about that the law says cut it down but Grace that the law says cut it down but Grace that the law says cut it down but Grace says no let's give it an extra year in says no let's give it an extra year in says no let's give it an extra year in this particular Parable let's give some this particular Parable let's give some this particular Parable let's give some time let's give the gift of time let's give the gift of time let's give the gift of time so that we can come back and time so that we can come back and time so that we can come back and measure change and where would I be if measure change and where would I be if measure change and where would I be if it wasn't for the love of God come on it wasn't for the love of God come on it wasn't for the love of God come on come on the principle that you that come on the principle that you that come on the principle that you that we've taught many years here Christian we've taught many years here Christian we've taught many years here Christian Cultural Center all right there must be Cultural Center all right there must be Cultural Center all right there must be measurable progress in reasonable time measurable progress in reasonable time measurable progress in reasonable time yeah otherwise you need to make some yeah otherwise you need to make some yeah otherwise you need to make some substantial changes mhm and that's substantial changes mhm and that's substantial changes mhm and that's important you give time for people to important you give time for people to important you give time for people to change for things to change Etc but change for things to change Etc but change for things to change Etc but there comes a point where you have to there comes a point where you have to there comes a point where you have to say things are not changing and we've say things are not changing and we've say things are not changing and we've got to cut this off all right or got to cut this off all right or got to cut this off all right or sometimes cut that person off you know sometimes cut that person off you know sometimes cut that person off you know Jesus said if every branching me that Jesus said if every branching me that Jesus said if every branching me that bears fruit I'll prune it every branch bears fruit I'll prune it every branch bears fruit I'll prune it every branch that doesn't bear fruit all right I'm

that doesn't bear fruit all right I'm that doesn't bear fruit all right I'm going to cut it I'm going to cut it away going to cut it I'm going to cut it away going to cut it I'm going to cut it away so I think this is very important so I think this is very important so I think this is very important another thing that comes out of this as another thing that comes out of this as another thing that comes out of this as as we're talking about this there must as we're talking about this there must as we're talking about this there must be measurable progress in reasonable be measurable progress in reasonable be measurable progress in reasonable time all right you only manage what you time all right you only manage what you time all right you only manage what you measure mhm say it again please you only measure mhm say it again please you only measure mhm say it again please you only manage what you measure if you're not ma manage what you measure if you're not ma manage what you measure if you're not ma measuring it you're not going to man measuring it you're not going to man measuring it you're not going to man manage it yep if you're not watching manage it yep if you're not watching manage it yep if you're not watching your money and your time how you spend your money and your time how you spend your money and your time how you spend your money how you spend your time if your money how you spend your time if your money how you spend your time if you're not managing ma ma if you're not you're not managing ma ma if you're not you're not managing ma ma if you're not measuring it yes you're not going to measuring it yes you're not going to measuring it yes you're not going to manage it you're just going to let it go manage it you're just going to let it go manage it you're just going to let it go and wonder why you've got the financial and wonder why you've got the financial and wonder why you've got the financial problems you've got problems you've got problems you've got why you've got the time issues that why you've got the time issues that why you've got the time issues that you've got you know um that's real so we you've got you know um that's real so we you've got you know um that's real so we we manage what we measure yep we manage we manage what we measure yep we manage we manage what we measure yep we manage what we measure write that down we what we measure write that down we what we measure write that down we manage what we measure yeah yeah time is manage what we measure yeah yeah time is manage what we measure yeah yeah time is a a measurement of growth yep personal a a measurement of growth yep personal a a measurement of growth yep personal growth and development corporate growth growth and development corporate growth growth and development corporate growth and development you know we look at CCC and development you know we look at CCC and development you know we look at CCC where we've come from the various where we've come from the various where we've come from the various challenges that we've had along the way challenges that we've had along the way challenges that we've had along the way and changes and changes and changes that we've had to make you're making uh that we've had to make you're making uh that we've had to make you're making uh some incredible changes in the some incredible changes in the some incredible changes in the operations uh utilizing the team I operations uh utilizing the team I operations uh utilizing the team I didn't get a chance to say this um uh didn't get a chance to say this um uh didn't get a chance to say this um uh Sunday before last but you know one Sunday before last but you know one Sunday before last but you know one person God takes that person infuses a person God takes that person infuses a person God takes that person infuses a vision in their heart they become the vision in their heart they become the vision in their heart they become the Visionary right and they manage

Visionary right and they manage Visionary right and they manage continuity and change but as that thing continuity and change but as that thing continuity and change but as that thing grows and prospers it outgrows the grows and prospers it outgrows the grows and prospers it outgrows the ability of one person so now you have to ability of one person so now you have to ability of one person so now you have to have a team if there's anything that have a team if there's anything that have a team if there's anything that you're doing well is utilizing teams you're doing well is utilizing teams you're doing well is utilizing teams people feel involved they're measuring people feel involved they're measuring people feel involved they're measuring success they're discussing it and making success they're discussing it and making success they're discussing it and making the adjustments and changes along the the adjustments and changes along the the adjustments and changes along the way and and thank you so much and like I way and and thank you so much and like I way and and thank you so much and like I said you know go I got to give a shout said you know go I got to give a shout said you know go I got to give a shout out to my team the team has done a great out to my team the team has done a great out to my team the team has done a great job and part of it is helping them job and part of it is helping them job and part of it is helping them manage their time right because if you manage their time right because if you manage their time right because if you don't manage your time correctly you can don't manage your time correctly you can don't manage your time correctly you can stifle creativity okay right say that stifle creativity okay right say that stifle creativity okay right say that again if you don't manage your time again if you don't manage your time again if you don't manage your time correctly you can stifle creativity AB correctly you can stifle creativity AB correctly you can stifle creativity AB you're so busy busy either catching up you're so busy busy either catching up you're so busy busy either catching up making up fixing some things that you making up fixing some things that you making up fixing some things that you know if I manage my time then I have a know if I manage my time then I have a know if I manage my time then I have a specific time where I say okay I'm specific time where I say okay I'm specific time where I say okay I'm intentionally going to be creative at intentionally going to be creative at intentionally going to be creative at this specific time instead of trying to this specific time instead of trying to this specific time instead of trying to well and then people what they do is well and then people what they do is well and then people what they do is they borrow from Peter and pay Paul so they borrow from Peter and pay Paul so they borrow from Peter and pay Paul so take from this hour and put you know put take from this hour and put you know put take from this hour and put you know put it in that hour and next thing you know it in that hour and next thing you know it in that hour and next thing you know they still deal with the same mission they still deal with the same mission they still deal with the same mission for the rest of the day absolutely for the rest of the day absolutely for the rest of the day absolutely absolutely that's good stuff Hebrews absolutely that's good stuff Hebrews absolutely that's good stuff Hebrews chap chap chap 5:3 says for everyone who lives in fact 5:3 says for everyone who lives in fact 5:3 says for everyone who lives in fact Let me let me go back ah yeah verse 12 Let me let me go back ah yeah verse 12 Let me let me go back ah yeah verse 12 for though by this time Paul the Apostle for though by this time Paul the Apostle for though by this time Paul the Apostle Paul is rebuking all right if we ascribe Paul is rebuking all right if we ascribe Paul is rebuking all right if we ascribe this to Paul Hebrews for though by this this to Paul Hebrews for though by this this to Paul Hebrews for though by this time you ought to be teachers so there time you ought to be teachers so there time you ought to be teachers so there should be growth and development where should be growth and development where should be growth and development where not only are you a student but you can not only are you a student but you can not only are you a student but you can now communicate the things that you've now communicate the things that you've now communicate the things that you've learned that's why CCC we're Teaching

learned that's why CCC we're Teaching learned that's why CCC we're Teaching Ministry because we want you to grow yes Ministry because we want you to grow yes Ministry because we want you to grow yes you know the uh the the uh the Apostle you know the uh the the uh the Apostle you know the uh the the uh the Apostle Paul told Timothy in in in 2 Timothy Paul told Timothy in in in 2 Timothy Paul told Timothy in in in 2 Timothy Chapter 2 he said commit these things to Chapter 2 he said commit these things to Chapter 2 he said commit these things to Faithful Men Who Shall be able to teach Faithful Men Who Shall be able to teach Faithful Men Who Shall be able to teach others so we teach so that you can teach others so we teach so that you can teach others so we teach so that you can teach yes so you're we're always a student yes so you're we're always a student yes so you're we're always a student sometimes a teacher but we should sometimes a teacher but we should sometimes a teacher but we should graduate we should move to the level of graduate we should move to the level of graduate we should move to the level of teaching so though by this time you teaching so though by this time you teaching so though by this time you ought to be teachers you need someone to ought to be teachers you need someone to ought to be teachers you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of teach you again the basic principles of teach you again the basic principles of the Oracles of God you need milk not the Oracles of God you need milk not the Oracles of God you need milk not solid food solid food solid food see and if you give a baby a steak that see and if you give a baby a steak that see and if you give a baby a steak that the baby doesn't have teeth to chew the baby doesn't have teeth to chew the baby doesn't have teeth to chew what's the baby going to do gum it what's the baby going to do gum it what's the baby going to do gum it you're ignoring you're ignoring you're ignoring it what happen here come on people so it what happen here come on people so it what happen here come on people so verse 13 for everyone who lives on milk verse 13 for everyone who lives on milk verse 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of is unskilled in the word of is unskilled in the word of righteousness since he or she is a child righteousness since he or she is a child righteousness since he or she is a child but solid food is for the mature for but solid food is for the mature for but solid food is for the mature for those who have their powers of those who have their powers of those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice discernment trained by constant practice discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from Evil and isn't to distinguish good from Evil and isn't to distinguish good from Evil and isn't that what life is about yes that what life is about yes that what life is about yes distinguishing good from evil I love distinguishing good from evil I love distinguishing good from evil I love this text because it makes the demand it this text because it makes the demand it this text because it makes the demand it says hey you got to grow up yeah you got says hey you got to grow up yeah you got says hey you got to grow up yeah you got to study the word m you've got to become to study the word m you've got to become to study the word m you've got to become a disciple of Christ and we've come a disciple of Christ and we've come a disciple of Christ and we've come through uh three decades of Seeker through uh three decades of Seeker through uh three decades of Seeker friendly which was good that the church friendly which was good that the church friendly which was good that the church was reaching out but I think what the

was reaching out but I think what the was reaching out but I think what the church did was reach out only and not church did was reach out only and not church did was reach out only and not disciple yeah yeah it's true because I I disciple yeah yeah it's true because I I disciple yeah yeah it's true because I I think if the church was doing a better think if the church was doing a better think if the church was doing a better job at discipling uh what happened job at discipling uh what happened job at discipling uh what happened during covid to devastate the church during covid to devastate the church during covid to devastate the church wouldn't have not had the same effect wouldn't have not had the same effect wouldn't have not had the same effect yeah I 100% totally different 100% we yeah I 100% totally different 100% we yeah I 100% totally different 100% we respond based upon our level of maturity respond based upon our level of maturity respond based upon our level of maturity yep that's true in Ministry it's true yep that's true in Ministry it's true yep that's true in Ministry it's true for an organization uh it's true for you for an organization uh it's true for you for an organization uh it's true for you personally you got you got you got to personally you got you got you got to personally you got you got you got to say that again you said we respond based say that again you said we respond based say that again you said we respond based upon our level of maturity yes right upon our level of maturity yes right upon our level of maturity yes right that down please yeah and that's why you that down please yeah and that's why you that down please yeah and that's why you know it's important that you mature and know it's important that you mature and know it's important that you mature and change is the essence of maturation yes change is the essence of maturation yes change is the essence of maturation yes you'll never mature unless you're you'll never mature unless you're you'll never mature unless you're willing to change MH hey oh you'll never willing to change MH hey oh you'll never willing to change MH hey oh you'll never mature unless you're willing to change mature unless you're willing to change mature unless you're willing to change people who refuse to change don't grow people who refuse to change don't grow people who refuse to change don't grow up yes and they remain immature and they up yes and they remain immature and they up yes and they remain immature and they miss out on opportunities that are miss out on opportunities that are miss out on opportunities that are strictly solid food yes right there are strictly solid food yes right there are strictly solid food yes right there are big opportunities that we call solid big opportunities that we call solid big opportunities that we call solid food everything and everyone in the food everything and everyone in the food everything and everyone in the universe changes but God yeah that's why universe changes but God yeah that's why universe changes but God yeah that's why he's Timeless that's why he's Eternal he's Timeless that's why he's Eternal he's Timeless that's why he's Eternal because he doesn't change he's the same because he doesn't change he's the same because he doesn't change he's the same yesterday today forever but we and this yesterday today forever but we and this yesterday today forever but we and this universe in which we live change is the universe in which we live change is the universe in which we live change is the constant in life it's a measure so um we constant in life it's a measure so um we constant in life it's a measure so um we were going to recap we talk about time were going to recap we talk about time were going to recap we talk about time yeah cuz you you you we started out with yeah cuz you you you we started out with yeah cuz you you you we started out with one theme in the beginning of the year

one theme in the beginning of the year one theme in the beginning of the year right Revival and and then all of a right Revival and and then all of a right Revival and and then all of a sudden you was blessed with this word uh sudden you was blessed with this word uh sudden you was blessed with this word uh in a timely manner right in a time uh at in a timely manner right in a time uh at in a timely manner right in a time uh at a specific time that I think was so a specific time that I think was so a specific time that I think was so necessary I I think it was more than necessary I I think it was more than necessary I I think it was more than just a word I think it was a prophetic just a word I think it was a prophetic just a word I think it was a prophetic word right because I I I when I heard word right because I I I when I heard word right because I I I when I heard that message I was sitting right there that message I was sitting right there that message I was sitting right there in that seat and I said man this is this in that seat and I said man this is this in that seat and I said man this is this is being you know analytical to the is being you know analytical to the is being you know analytical to the present but also predictive to the fure present but also predictive to the fure present but also predictive to the fure the future right and I said wow this is the future right and I said wow this is the future right and I said wow this is an amazing word and you and I talked an amazing word and you and I talked an amazing word and you and I talked about an hour and a half on the phone about an hour and a half on the phone about an hour and a half on the phone after that service about word you keep after that service about word you keep after that service about word you keep talking I'm GNA change this and when we talking I'm GNA change this and when we talking I'm GNA change this and when we look at it right so we got the and the look at it right so we got the and the look at it right so we got the and the word we're talking about is occupy and word we're talking about is occupy and word we're talking about is occupy and the need for the church not just to the need for the church not just to the need for the church not just to occupy but there's an intentionality occupy but there's an intentionality occupy but there's an intentionality behind the methodology in which you use behind the methodology in which you use behind the methodology in which you use to occupy yeah and we're not talking to occupy yeah and we're not talking to occupy yeah and we're not talking about military occupation and oppression about military occupation and oppression about military occupation and oppression no and colonization no that's not we're no and colonization no that's not we're no and colonization no that's not we're talking about we're talking about talking about we're talking about talking about we're talking about productivity and Fidelity yes the two productivity and Fidelity yes the two productivity and Fidelity yes the two passages that really hone in on this passages that really hone in on this passages that really hone in on this Luke chapter 19 the parable of the Luke chapter 19 the parable of the Luke chapter 19 the parable of the talents right uh the pounds and Matthew talents right uh the pounds and Matthew talents right uh the pounds and Matthew 25 which is the the parable of the 25 which is the the parable of the 25 which is the the parable of the talent so um get them confused sometimes talent so um get them confused sometimes talent so um get them confused sometimes pounds and talents you know Miners and pounds and talents you know Miners and pounds and talents you know Miners and you you know what we're talking about you you know what we're talking about you you know what we're talking about but in both uh interestingly enough in

but in both uh interestingly enough in but in both uh interestingly enough in Luke 19 Luke 19 Luke 19 you know there was an equal distribution you know there was an equal distribution you know there was an equal distribution M of wealth yes in Matthew M of wealth yes in Matthew M of wealth yes in Matthew 25 there was a distribution of wealth 25 there was a distribution of wealth 25 there was a distribution of wealth based upon capacity and ability so one based upon capacity and ability so one based upon capacity and ability so one got you know got five one got two the got you know got five one got two the got you know got five one got two the other one got one so and and what was other one got one so and and what was other one got one so and and what was the bottom line to do whether it's an the bottom line to do whether it's an the bottom line to do whether it's an equal distribution of wealth or whether equal distribution of wealth or whether equal distribution of wealth or whether it's wealth distributed based upon it's wealth distributed based upon it's wealth distributed based upon ability all right the bottom line is ability all right the bottom line is ability all right the bottom line is that's a message right there that that's a message right there that that's a message right there that statement right there I know but we're statement right there I know but we're statement right there I know but we're not going to start trouble any year off not going to start trouble any year off not going to start trouble any year off on a good note but economic system on a good note but economic system on a good note but economic system socialism capitalism yeah okay okay but socialism capitalism yeah okay okay but socialism capitalism yeah okay okay but the the the fact is that there's an the the the fact is that there's an the the the fact is that there's an element of capacity right yeah so element of capacity right yeah so element of capacity right yeah so everybody had capacity different levels everybody had capacity different levels everybody had capacity different levels but there was capacity body ha capacity but there was capacity body ha capacity but there was capacity body ha capacity you know and the reality is this if you you know and the reality is this if you you know and the reality is this if you take all the wealth in the world and take all the wealth in the world and take all the wealth in the world and distribute it equally amongst every distribute it equally amongst every distribute it equally amongst every individual right it'll eventually end up individual right it'll eventually end up individual right it'll eventually end up back in the hands of those who know what back in the hands of those who know what back in the hands of those who know what to do with it yep and out of the hands to do with it yep and out of the hands to do with it yep and out of the hands who don't know what to do with them who don't know what to do with them who don't know what to do with them exactly that's why the measure for both exactly that's why the measure for both exactly that's why the measure for both Parables no matter how wealth was Parables no matter how wealth was Parables no matter how wealth was distributed was one word productivity Y distributed was one word productivity Y distributed was one word productivity Y what did you do yes how did you do and what did you do yes how did you do and what did you do yes how did you do and that will be the measuring so regardless that will be the measuring so regardless that will be the measuring so regardless of how the wealth got into your hands of how the wealth got into your hands of how the wealth got into your hands all right regardless of the economic all right regardless of the economic all right regardless of the economic system what did you do with it yes were system what did you do with it yes were system what did you do with it yes were you productive with it did you multiply you productive with it did you multiply you productive with it did you multiply so productivity is critical and we've so productivity is critical and we've so productivity is critical and we've defined that as making Max maximum use

defined that as making Max maximum use defined that as making Max maximum use maximum use of our time Talent Treasury maximum use of our time Talent Treasury maximum use of our time Talent Treasury and opportunities I I said we have and opportunities I I said we have and opportunities I I said we have stewardship responsibility over time stewardship responsibility over time stewardship responsibility over time Talent treasury relationships and Talent treasury relationships and Talent treasury relationships and opportunities I took relationship out of opportunities I took relationship out of opportunities I took relationship out of this definition for this particular this definition for this particular this definition for this particular context because we don't want to think context because we don't want to think context because we don't want to think of of of relationships in a transactional way relationships in a transactional way relationships in a transactional way yeah like you know using your yeah like you know using your yeah like you know using your relationships yeah if it's mutually it relationships yeah if it's mutually it relationships yeah if it's mutually it should be m truly beneficial we have to should be m truly beneficial we have to should be m truly beneficial we have to be careful with that and that's why I be careful with that and that's why I be careful with that and that's why I extracted that but opportunities you extracted that but opportunities you extracted that but opportunities you know that are there and here's the thing know that are there and here's the thing know that are there and here's the thing in both Parables Luke 19 and Matthew 25 in both Parables Luke 19 and Matthew 25 in both Parables Luke 19 and Matthew 25 the master did not tell them how when or the master did not tell them how when or the master did not tell them how when or where to invest yep did you hear that M where to invest yep did you hear that M where to invest yep did you hear that M God is not going to tell you how when God is not going to tell you how when God is not going to tell you how when where to invest he's going to leave it where to invest he's going to leave it where to invest he's going to leave it to your inventiveness and your to your inventiveness and your to your inventiveness and your stewardship the careful stewardship the careful stewardship the careful responsibility management of something responsibility management of something responsibility management of something that God in trust to your care it that God in trust to your care it that God in trust to your care it requires Ingenuity yes right off the bat requires Ingenuity yes right off the bat requires Ingenuity yes right off the bat you and I were talking about Ingenuity you and I were talking about Ingenuity you and I were talking about Ingenuity and you had a great definition you have and you had a great definition you have and you had a great definition you have that definition that definition that definition well I'm sorry I was still you on on the well I'm sorry I was still you on on the well I'm sorry I was still you on on the whole idea of occupy and the the um that whole idea of occupy and the the um that whole idea of occupy and the the um that even though within the two texts that even though within the two texts that even though within the two texts that there was a Time Factor right so we there was a Time Factor right so we there was a Time Factor right so we started out with talking about time and

started out with talking about time and started out with talking about time and the reality that there's still even the reality that there's still even the reality that there's still even though he says yep he didn't tell you though he says yep he didn't tell you though he says yep he didn't tell you how to do it he didn't tell you when to how to do it he didn't tell you when to how to do it he didn't tell you when to do it I I'm where you know he didn't but do it I I'm where you know he didn't but do it I I'm where you know he didn't but he gave you the freedom for that but the he gave you the freedom for that but the he gave you the freedom for that but the one thing that you didn't have full one thing that you didn't have full one thing that you didn't have full Freedom was is the time Factor he said Freedom was is the time Factor he said Freedom was is the time Factor he said I'll be back I'll be back y so and when I'll be back I'll be back y so and when I'll be back I'll be back y so and when I come back I'mma check the face yes I come back I'mma check the face yes I come back I'mma check the face yes right so's see what you do so there was right so's see what you do so there was right so's see what you do so there was no the freedom for time was different no the freedom for time was different no the freedom for time was different right um uh the fact is that you still right um uh the fact is that you still right um uh the fact is that you still have to do something within a specific have to do something within a specific have to do something within a specific time with an expectation that you are time with an expectation that you are time with an expectation that you are going to bring increase yeah yeah the going to bring increase yeah yeah the going to bring increase yeah yeah the only hint of time was in Luke 19 cuz he only hint of time was in Luke 19 cuz he only hint of time was in Luke 19 cuz he went to a far country yes so that was went to a far country yes so that was went to a far country yes so that was the only indication that okay this going the only indication that okay this going the only indication that okay this going to take a minute but still it was out of to take a minute but still it was out of to take a minute but still it was out of his control cuz when he showed up he his control cuz when he showed up he his control cuz when he showed up he showed up you know right that's the showed up you know right that's the showed up you know right that's the point you don't know when you're going point you don't know when you're going point you don't know when you're going to be called into account for the to be called into account for the to be called into account for the blessings the opportunities and all of blessings the opportunities and all of blessings the opportunities and all of that that God's given you for you to do that that God's given you for you to do that that God's given you for you to do something with it and that's why I like something with it and that's why I like something with it and that's why I like Ingenuity uh one of the uh aspects Ingenuity uh one of the uh aspects Ingenuity uh one of the uh aspects because the reality is you know the because the reality is you know the because the reality is you know the biggest thing that people complain about biggest thing that people complain about biggest thing that people complain about is um I don't know how uh or I don't is um I don't know how uh or I don't is um I don't know how uh or I don't have access I don't have this and and have access I don't have this and and have access I don't have this and and basically say no it's he gives you and basically say no it's he gives you and basically say no it's he gives you and now it's your responsibility to be you now it's your responsibility to be you now it's your responsibility to be you know to have Ingenuity and Ingenuity know to have Ingenuity and Ingenuity know to have Ingenuity and Ingenuity refers to the quality of being clever refers to the quality of being clever refers to the quality of being clever right clever and you uh original right clever and you uh original right clever and you uh original original and inventive ah which you got original and inventive ah which you got original and inventive ah which you got to dig into your own creativity yes what

to dig into your own creativity yes what to dig into your own creativity yes what did Jesus say wise is serpents right but did Jesus say wise is serpents right but did Jesus say wise is serpents right but Hess is doves he's show he say you got Hess is doves he's show he say you got Hess is doves he's show he say you got to be there's Ingenuity even for the to be there's Ingenuity even for the to be there's Ingenuity even for the aspect of living out this Christian walk aspect of living out this Christian walk aspect of living out this Christian walk and and you're and you're being all and and you're and you're being all and and you're and you're being all right Ingenuity you're being clever right Ingenuity you're being clever right Ingenuity you're being clever original to what end often in the original to what end often in the original to what end often in the context of solving problems and creating context of solving problems and creating context of solving problems and creating new things ooh is solving problems and new things ooh is solving problems and new things ooh is solving problems and creating new innovation creating new creating new innovation creating new creating new innovation creating new things Innovation creativity and in things Innovation creativity and in things Innovation creativity and in Ovation and that's why I love because Ovation and that's why I love because Ovation and that's why I love because years ago you you ministered this years ago you you ministered this years ago you you ministered this message about being problem solvers message about being problem solvers message about being problem solvers right had God designed us to be problem right had God designed us to be problem right had God designed us to be problem solvers that comes out of our Ingenuity solvers that comes out of our Ingenuity solvers that comes out of our Ingenuity as individuals and people can get lazy as individuals and people can get lazy as individuals and people can get lazy yes and I me just say this cuz you said yes and I me just say this cuz you said yes and I me just say this cuz you said something that sparked something in me something that sparked something in me something that sparked something in me all right the Bible always starts with all right the Bible always starts with all right the Bible always starts with what's in your hand yes we God does not what's in your hand yes we God does not what's in your hand yes we God does not start you thinking about what you don't start you thinking about what you don't start you thinking about what you don't have exactly the resources you don't have exactly the resources you don't have exactly the resources you don't have access to he asked one question have access to he asked one question have access to he asked one question what's in your possession what do you what's in your possession what do you what's in your possession what do you have that can be a seed to be sown yes have that can be a seed to be sown yes have that can be a seed to be sown yes and become the Catalyst for Change and and become the Catalyst for Change and and become the Catalyst for Change and forward movement and and then one of the forward movement and and then one of the forward movement and and then one of the things you said also in this whole thing things you said also in this whole thing things you said also in this whole thing about capacity is I mean our occupy is about capacity is I mean our occupy is about capacity is I mean our occupy is that for the very thing that God is that for the very thing that God is that for the very thing that God is requiring of you at the time that he's requiring of you at the time that he's requiring of you at the time that he's requiring it you have the base capacity requiring it you have the base capacity requiring it you have the base capacity to get it started it's there right so to get it started it's there right so to get it started it's there right so every individual when God is ask you to every individual when God is ask you to every individual when God is ask you to do something even though you know if it do something even though you know if it do something even though you know if it doesn't scare you right it's not it's doesn't scare you right it's not it's doesn't scare you right it's not it's not big enough Vision right but we have not big enough Vision right but we have not big enough Vision right but we have the capacity and the beginning aspects

the capacity and the beginning aspects the capacity and the beginning aspects of everything that God has asked us and of everything that God has asked us and of everything that God has asked us and the encouragement is now unto him who's the encouragement is now unto him who's the encouragement is now unto him who's able to do exceeding abundantly above able to do exceeding abundantly above able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask think or imagine all we can ask think or imagine all we can ask think or imagine according to the power that's not at according to the power that's not at according to the power that's not at work in God but according to the power work in God but according to the power work in God but according to the power that's at work in US yes yes it's what that's at work in US yes yes it's what that's at work in US yes yes it's what he's put inside of us that he wants us he's put inside of us that he wants us he's put inside of us that he wants us to tap into did you hear to tap into did you hear to tap into did you hear that it's what he put inside of us that that it's what he put inside of us that that it's what he put inside of us that he wants us to tap into and then we've he wants us to tap into and then we've he wants us to tap into and then we've got to be willing to be persistent got to be willing to be persistent got to be willing to be persistent perseverance yes got to be willing to perseverance yes got to be willing to perseverance yes got to be willing to persevere uh I heard one one message persevere uh I heard one one message persevere uh I heard one one message with ch Chuck swindall who preach this with ch Chuck swindall who preach this with ch Chuck swindall who preach this he said persistence is he said persistence is he said persistence is omnipotent I love it wow he said he said omnipotent I love it wow he said he said omnipotent I love it wow he said he said you know persistence is about outlasting you know persistence is about outlasting you know persistence is about outlasting everything and everybody all of the everything and everybody all of the everything and everybody all of the challenges that comes your way one of challenges that comes your way one of challenges that comes your way one of the things that we talked about so the things that we talked about so the things that we talked about so ingenuity persever ingenuity persever ingenuity persever but also something that we touched on but also something that we touched on but also something that we touched on but I really didn't unpack it risk but I really didn't unpack it risk but I really didn't unpack it risk tolerance risk tolerance if ever you're tolerance risk tolerance if ever you're tolerance risk tolerance if ever you're going to start investing in stock market going to start investing in stock market going to start investing in stock market in bonds stock whatever it is the first in bonds stock whatever it is the first in bonds stock whatever it is the first thing that has to be assessed is your thing that has to be assessed is your thing that has to be assessed is your risk tolerance yes in other words you risk tolerance yes in other words you risk tolerance yes in other words you know there's a degree of know there's a degree of know there's a degree of uncertainty and potential loss that each uncertainty and potential loss that each uncertainty and potential loss that each person is willing to suffer and it's person is willing to suffer and it's person is willing to suffer and it's different yes some folks will freak

different yes some folks will freak different yes some folks will freak out all right if if if there's that much out all right if if if there's that much out all right if if if there's that much of a loss exactly the higher the risk of a loss exactly the higher the risk of a loss exactly the higher the risk the greater the gain but risk tenger is the greater the gain but risk tenger is the greater the gain but risk tenger is critical so what so when he says occupy critical so what so when he says occupy critical so what so when he says occupy occupy requires Ingenuity perseverance occupy requires Ingenuity perseverance occupy requires Ingenuity perseverance but also assessing your risk tolerance but also assessing your risk tolerance but also assessing your risk tolerance and that's different for each person mhm and that's different for each person mhm and that's different for each person mhm we don't know what you are willing to be we don't know what you are willing to be we don't know what you are willing to be uncertain about what you're willing to uncertain about what you're willing to uncertain about what you're willing to lose what you're willing to endure in lose what you're willing to endure in lose what you're willing to endure in pursuit of a particular goal or outcome pursuit of a particular goal or outcome pursuit of a particular goal or outcome I've seen people I've seen people I've seen people sacrifice sacrifice sacrifice all in order to achieve a certain goal all in order to achieve a certain goal all in order to achieve a certain goal or an outcome and I see people when they or an outcome and I see people when they or an outcome and I see people when they look at what that's how I'm going to I look at what that's how I'm going to I look at what that's how I'm going to I don't I don't think so they back off yes don't I don't think so they back off yes don't I don't think so they back off yes it scares them and that's where faith it scares them and that's where faith it scares them and that's where faith faith is taking yes that's essentially faith is taking yes that's essentially faith is taking yes that's essentially what faith is it's it's a reasonable what faith is it's it's a reasonable what faith is it's it's a reasonable trust in God but it's also taking risk trust in God but it's also taking risk trust in God but it's also taking risk so that's it well when you look at the so that's it well when you look at the so that's it well when you look at the whole idea of risk it uh the risk one whole idea of risk it uh the risk one whole idea of risk it uh the risk one with is willing to take it varies in with is willing to take it varies in with is willing to take it varies in degrees right so if I'm good at degrees right so if I'm good at degrees right so if I'm good at something I I'll tend to take a bigger something I I'll tend to take a bigger something I I'll tend to take a bigger risk because based on that Faith which risk because based on that Faith which risk because based on that Faith which you said is a reasonable trust I have you said is a reasonable trust I have you said is a reasonable trust I have analytics that helps me understand at a analytics that helps me understand at a analytics that helps me understand at a different level different level different level yeah I feel more confident compared to yeah I feel more confident compared to yeah I feel more confident compared to stepping into something which is what is stepping into something which is what is stepping into something which is what is demanded for a lot of us to step outside demanded for a lot of us to step outside demanded for a lot of us to step outside of our comfort zone right now we're of our comfort zone right now we're of our comfort zone right now we're stepping into what this world's called

stepping into what this world's called stepping into what this world's called the unknown and now the risk uh the unknown and now the risk uh the unknown and now the risk uh tolerance decreases based on the lack of tolerance decreases based on the lack of tolerance decreases based on the lack of information know ah you know I think information know ah you know I think information know ah you know I think about basic message that we preach for about basic message that we preach for about basic message that we preach for years here at CCC if you're going to do years here at CCC if you're going to do years here at CCC if you're going to do something right the first thing you got something right the first thing you got something right the first thing you got to do is get serious yep serious means to do is get serious yep serious means to do is get serious yep serious means you are will willing to pay the price y you are will willing to pay the price y you are will willing to pay the price y you're willing to burn the Midnight Oil you're willing to burn the Midnight Oil you're willing to burn the Midnight Oil you're willing to beat the pavement you're willing to beat the pavement you're willing to beat the pavement you're willing to do whatever it takes you're willing to do whatever it takes you're willing to do whatever it takes in order to achieve this goal second in order to achieve this goal second in order to achieve this goal second thing get smart yes you've got to know thing get smart yes you've got to know thing get smart yes you've got to know all there is to know all right you may all there is to know all right you may all there is to know all right you may not use all the information but you need not use all the information but you need not use all the information but you need to know all the information that you can to know all the information that you can to know all the information that you can get about what you want to do what the get about what you want to do what the get about what you want to do what the industry is what the marketplace is like industry is what the marketplace is like industry is what the marketplace is like for that industry what the experts say for that industry what the experts say for that industry what the experts say about that industry exactly and that's about that industry exactly and that's about that industry exactly and that's important because you can't decide that important because you can't decide that important because you can't decide that that you're you're going to make um that you're you're going to make um that you're you're going to make um vinyl vinyl vinyl records nobody wants nobody's buying records nobody wants nobody's buying records nobody wants nobody's buying vinyl records so you but I love making vinyl records so you but I love making vinyl records so you but I love making vinyl records yeah exactly but do do vinyl records yeah exactly but do do vinyl records yeah exactly but do do does somebody love buying vinyl you can does somebody love buying vinyl you can does somebody love buying vinyl you can decide to do something that there's no decide to do something that there's no decide to do something that there's no demand for yes and you've got to that's demand for yes and you've got to that's demand for yes and you've got to that's why getting smart is like okay I like why getting smart is like okay I like why getting smart is like okay I like doing this but is there a demand for doing this but is there a demand for doing this but is there a demand for this and and you can't force unless you this and and you can't force unless you this and and you can't force unless you got billions of dollars to spend on Mar got billions of dollars to spend on Mar got billions of dollars to spend on Mar marke to create an appetite within the marke to create an appetite within the marke to create an appetite within the public all right most people don't Noe public all right most people don't Noe public all right most people don't Noe you have to say what are people looking you have to say what are people looking you have to say what are people looking for what do they want you may like it

for what do they want you may like it for what do they want you may like it but if the public doesn't like it if the but if the public doesn't like it if the but if the public doesn't like it if the marketplace doesn't like it you know marketplace doesn't like it you know marketplace doesn't like it you know you're not going to so you got to get you're not going to so you got to get you're not going to so you got to get smart yes knowing how to run the smart yes knowing how to run the smart yes knowing how to run the business because most businesses fail business because most businesses fail business because most businesses fail within the first 5 years 85% of them within the first 5 years 85% of them within the first 5 years 85% of them fail because of a lack of management fail because of a lack of management fail because of a lack of management poor manage great product great service poor manage great product great service poor manage great product great service but poor management and these are all but poor management and these are all but poor management and these are all the things that you need to think about the things that you need to think about the things that you need to think about when you are thinking about occupy yes when you are thinking about occupy yes when you are thinking about occupy yes so as you think about 24 2024 and you so as you think about 24 2024 and you so as you think about 24 2024 and you should have more than a one-year plan should have more than a one-year plan should have more than a one-year plan yeah have a 5year plan have a 10year yeah have a 5year plan have a 10year yeah have a 5year plan have a 10year plan and if you really want to fly with plan and if you really want to fly with plan and if you really want to fly with the Eagles have a life the Eagles have a life the Eagles have a life plan your whole life then you'll be plan your whole life then you'll be plan your whole life then you'll be soaring with the Eagles because then soaring with the Eagles because then soaring with the Eagles because then you're looking out you're looking at you're looking out you're looking at you're looking out you're looking at your life as an opportunity and then you your life as an opportunity and then you your life as an opportunity and then you break it up into intervals and what do I break it up into intervals and what do I break it up into intervals and what do I need to accomplish by that I'm I'm need to accomplish by that I'm I'm need to accomplish by that I'm I'm pushing cuz you know your nieces and pushing cuz you know your nieces and pushing cuz you know your nieces and nephews I got grandchildren that are nephews I got grandchildren that are nephews I got grandchildren that are approaching their 30s and I'm I'm making approaching their 30s and I'm I'm making approaching their 30s and I'm I'm making them feel nervous about it yeah good I'm them feel nervous about it yeah good I'm them feel nervous about it yeah good I'm saying okay you going hit the big three saying okay you going hit the big three saying okay you going hit the big three we have our oldest my oldest grandchild we have our oldest my oldest grandchild we have our oldest my oldest grandchild his oldest niece is hit 30 years old uh his oldest niece is hit 30 years old uh his oldest niece is hit 30 years old uh this uh this month yeah this week this uh this month yeah this week this uh this month yeah this week December right uh no two weeks ago ago December right uh no two weeks ago ago December right uh no two weeks ago ago right and I'm pressing let's check the right and I'm pressing let's check the right and I'm pressing let's check the figs where are you what does the next 10 figs where are you what does the next 10 figs where are you what does the next 10 years look like you're now entering a years look like you're now entering a years look like you're now entering a new decade you know talk to me tell me new decade you know talk to me tell me new decade you know talk to me tell me what's going to happen what's going to what's going to happen what's going to what's going to happen what's going to go down so and the last thing with go down so and the last thing with go down so and the last thing with occupy is Fidelity Y and that's one of occupy is Fidelity Y and that's one of occupy is Fidelity Y and that's one of my favorite aspects uh especially as you my favorite aspects uh especially as you my favorite aspects uh especially as you try I try to encourage Christians to

try I try to encourage Christians to try I try to encourage Christians to stay focused uh because you you you you stay focused uh because you you you you stay focused uh because you you you you uh sent us this um you sent me this uh sent us this um you sent me this uh sent us this um you sent me this definition because we were talking about definition because we were talking about definition because we were talking about that and you said remaining steadfast that and you said remaining steadfast that and you said remaining steadfast committed to the person works and committed to the person works and committed to the person works and teachings of Jesus in the midst of one teachings of Jesus in the midst of one teachings of Jesus in the midst of one challenges ooh ooh wait wait wait wait challenges ooh ooh wait wait wait wait challenges ooh ooh wait wait wait wait that was a good definition but this is that was a good definition but this is that was a good definition but this is you sent me this you sent me this you sent me this you sent me this you sent me this you sent me this remaining steadfast yep what was the remaining steadfast yep what was the remaining steadfast yep what was the other one uh committed committed to the other one uh committed committed to the other one uh committed committed to the person person of Jesus yep works the person person of Jesus yep works the person person of Jesus yep works the works of Jesus and the teachings of works of Jesus and the teachings of works of Jesus and the teachings of Jesus the teachings of Jesus the Jesus the teachings of Jesus the Jesus the teachings of Jesus the doctrine of Jesus we're going to we're doctrine of Jesus we're going to we're doctrine of Jesus we're going to we're going to unpack that for you not today going to unpack that for you not today going to unpack that for you not today but we got to we have to yeah we got we but we got to we have to yeah we got we but we got to we have to yeah we got we got to break that down uh in the face of got to break that down uh in the face of got to break that down uh in the face of challenges challenges uncertainty challenges challenges uncertainty challenges challenges uncertainty uncertainties and the passing of time uncertainties and the passing of time uncertainties and the passing of time ooh the passing of time yes that's the ooh the passing of time yes that's the ooh the passing of time yes that's the measure to change yes we got to stop measure to change yes we got to stop measure to change yes we got to stop right there yeah yeah okay we promise right there yeah yeah okay we promise right there yeah yeah okay we promise you yes we're going to unpack Fidelity you yes we're going to unpack Fidelity you yes we're going to unpack Fidelity in in a different way you know when when in in a different way you know when when in in a different way you know when when Pastor Jamal and I thought about this Pastor Jamal and I thought about this Pastor Jamal and I thought about this morning service and what we want to morning service and what we want to morning service and what we want to share um as we close out one year and share um as we close out one year and share um as we close out one year and prepare to enter a new year we wanted to prepare to enter a new year we wanted to prepare to enter a new year we wanted to talk about time which we did we wanted talk about time which we did we wanted talk about time which we did we wanted to reflect on occupy because you want to to reflect on occupy because you want to to reflect on occupy because you want to take that into take that into take that into 2024 amen these principles that you

2024 amen these principles that you 2024 amen these principles that you heard today and yeah there were an heard today and yeah there were an heard today and yeah there were an abundance of principles right they were abundance of principles right they were abundance of principles right they were just popping out uh oozing out you want just popping out uh oozing out you want just popping out uh oozing out you want to take those with you as you prepare to take those with you as you prepare to take those with you as you prepare your mindset you did teaching on mindset your mindset you did teaching on mindset your mindset you did teaching on mindset um as you prepare your mindset for the um as you prepare your mindset for the um as you prepare your mindset for the year ahead the next two years 3 years 5 year ahead the next two years 3 years 5 year ahead the next two years 3 years 5 years ahead and continue to build that years ahead and continue to build that years ahead and continue to build that out to the rest of your life God wants out to the rest of your life God wants out to the rest of your life God wants you to be productive amen the Bible's you to be productive amen the Bible's you to be productive amen the Bible's grand theme is human flourishing yes God grand theme is human flourishing yes God grand theme is human flourishing yes God created his creation then he established created his creation then he established created his creation then he established a covenant MH and then he a covenant MH and then he a covenant MH and then he established Mo mediators of that established Mo mediators of that established Mo mediators of that Covenant M who are human beings yes Covenant M who are human beings yes Covenant M who are human beings yes right right and human flourishing right right and human flourishing right right and human flourishing beloved I wish above all things that you beloved I wish above all things that you beloved I wish above all things that you prosper yep and be in health prosper yep and be in health prosper yep and be in health mhm a even as your soul prospers amen mhm a even as your soul prospers amen mhm a even as your soul prospers amen boom yes that was good that was good boom yes that was good that was good boom yes that was good that was good thank you thank you so you and and we thank you thank you so you and and we thank you thank you so you and and we have someone who going to pray one of have someone who going to pray one of have someone who going to pray one of our Paul come in and pray excellent our Paul come in and pray excellent our Paul come in and pray excellent Minister Paul Cody so don't Minister Paul Cody so don't Minister Paul Cody so don't move the Lord gives Joshua two clear the Lord gives Joshua two clear instructions the first is to be strong instructions the first is to be strong instructions the first is to be strong and and and courageous and the second was like the

courageous and the second was like the courageous and the second was like the first be very strong and first be very strong and first be very strong and courageous but the place where we courageous but the place where we courageous but the place where we exercise the most exercise the most exercise the most courage is the courage to change and courage is the courage to change and courage is the courage to change and many of you watching right now many of you watching right now many of you watching right now are wrestling with are wrestling with are wrestling with change all change begins with a change all change begins with a change all change begins with a decision and there's no better decision and there's no better decision and there's no better decision no more important decision than decision no more important decision than decision no more important decision than you can you can you can make than to giving your life to Jesus so I want to invite you to take Jesus so I want to invite you to take courage this courage this courage this morning and give your heart to morning and give your heart to morning and give your heart to Jesus how do I do that that you may Jesus how do I do that that you may Jesus how do I do that that you may ask Romans 10:9 And1 gives us a clear ask Romans 10:9 And1 gives us a clear ask Romans 10:9 And1 gives us a clear blueprint see this is not about religion blueprint see this is not about religion blueprint see this is not about religion or a system it is purely about a or a system it is purely about a or a system it is purely about a relationship that the god of the relationship that the god of the relationship that the god of the universe wants to have with universe wants to have with universe wants to have with you and so in Romans 10:9 and10 it says you and so in Romans 10:9 and10 it says you and so in Romans 10:9 and10 it says this that if you would confess with your this that if you would confess with your this that if you would confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that mouth and believe in your heart that mouth and believe in your heart that Christ was raised from the dead that you Christ was raised from the dead that you Christ was raised from the dead that you shall be saved and that is with the shall be saved and that is with the shall be saved and that is with the mouth that confession is made and it's mouth that confession is made and it's mouth that confession is made and it's with the heart that you believe in the with the heart that you believe in the with the heart that you believe in the finished work of Jesus being raised from finished work of Jesus being raised from finished work of Jesus being raised from the the the dead if you believe that if you dead if you believe that if you dead if you believe that if you responded to that if you're responding

responded to that if you're responding responded to that if you're responding to to to that I'm going to ask you to repeat that I'm going to ask you to repeat that I'm going to ask you to repeat after after after me me me father thank you for rescuing me and father thank you for rescuing me and father thank you for rescuing me and saving me from my sin saving me from my sin saving me from my sin thank you from for bringing me from thank you from for bringing me from thank you from for bringing me from Death to life and from Darkness to Death to life and from Darkness to Death to life and from Darkness to light I give my life and my heart to you light I give my life and my heart to you light I give my life and my heart to you today in Jesus today in Jesus today in Jesus name name name amen if you prayed that prayer with me amen if you prayed that prayer with me amen if you prayed that prayer with me this this this morning would you do us a favor and text morning would you do us a favor and text morning would you do us a favor and text saved to saved to saved to 631 631 631 250 250 250 2688 or simply call 2688 or simply call 2688 or simply call 718 61 all I can say is if you made a 61 all I can say is if you made a decision today what a way to end the decision today what a way to end the decision today what a way to end the year off with a family of Believers year off with a family of Believers year off with a family of Believers being in right relationship with Christ being in right relationship with Christ being in right relationship with Christ so I say congratulations we say so I say congratulations we say so I say congratulations we say congratulations welcome to the family of congratulations welcome to the family of congratulations welcome to the family of believers believers believers I I always say this it's not an easy I I always say this it's not an easy I I always say this it's not an easy Journey but it's a possible journey and Journey but it's a possible journey and Journey but it's a possible journey and it the ease increases when you're in it the ease increases when you're in it the ease increases when you're in fellowship with each other uh so let's fellowship with each other uh so let's fellowship with each other uh so let's we walk this walk together we uh do this we walk this walk together we uh do this we walk this walk together we uh do this thing together so welcome to the body of thing together so welcome to the body of thing together so welcome to the body of Believers congratulations amen Faith

Believers congratulations amen Faith Believers congratulations amen Faith doesn't make life easy yes it makes it doesn't make life easy yes it makes it doesn't make life easy yes it makes it possible amen amen that's where it's possible amen amen that's where it's possible amen amen that's where it's difficult life is difficult a challenge difficult life is difficult a challenge difficult life is difficult a challenge it is no doubt yep um housekeeping uh we it is no doubt yep um housekeeping uh we it is no doubt yep um housekeeping uh we I'm so excited about tonight tonight's I'm so excited about tonight tonight's I'm so excited about tonight tonight's service uh for those individuals uh service uh for those individuals uh service uh for those individuals uh we're going to be in the building we're going to be in the building we're going to be in the building together at the Long Island Campus as together at the Long Island Campus as together at the Long Island Campus as well as the Brooklyn campus we're still well as the Brooklyn campus we're still well as the Brooklyn campus we're still working on Orlando campus uh next year working on Orlando campus uh next year working on Orlando campus uh next year they'll be with us we'll be three they'll be with us we'll be three they'll be with us we'll be three campuses New Year service which is a campuses New Year service which is a campuses New Year service which is a first for CCC history but I'm excited first for CCC history but I'm excited first for CCC history but I'm excited because we're going to be together and because we're going to be together and because we're going to be together and we're going to be bringing in the New we're going to be bringing in the New we're going to be bringing in the New Year together and this is the first time Year together and this is the first time Year together and this is the first time since Co well before Co that we are since Co well before Co that we are since Co well before Co that we are bringing a New Year in together so bringing a New Year in together so bringing a New Year in together so please come out hang out let's have fun please come out hang out let's have fun please come out hang out let's have fun and uh I think no better way to end the and uh I think no better way to end the and uh I think no better way to end the year off than to be in the house of the year off than to be in the house of the year off than to be in the house of the Lord amen to that yes so it starts at 8 Lord amen to that yes so it starts at 8 Lord amen to that yes so it starts at 8 I mean at 10: sorry yeah 10:00 10:00 10 I mean at 10: sorry yeah 10:00 10:00 10 I mean at 10: sorry yeah 10:00 10:00 10 p.m. Standard Time Y in brookin and long p.m. Standard Time Y in brookin and long p.m. Standard Time Y in brookin and long Allen we'll be in person yes in both Allen we'll be in person yes in both Allen we'll be in person yes in both campuses and we'll be breaking into the campuses and we'll be breaking into the campuses and we'll be breaking into the new year together who knows what's going new year together who knows what's going new year together who knows what's going to happen at midnight yep so I'm excited to happen at midnight yep so I'm excited to happen at midnight yep so I'm excited say um you asked me to close out yes say um you asked me to close out yes say um you asked me to close out yes pleas uh I want to refer to a text a pleas uh I want to refer to a text a pleas uh I want to refer to a text a very important text it's it's found in 1 very important text it's it's found in 1 very important text it's it's found in 1 Chronicles chapter 29 and begins at Chronicles chapter 29 and begins at Chronicles chapter 29 and begins at verse 11 this should be your verse 11 this should be your verse 11 this should be your foundational text for life this should foundational text for life this should foundational text for life this should set your world view it should set your

set your world view it should set your set your world view it should set your theology everything in this text should theology everything in this text should theology everything in this text should be foundational let me read it to you it be foundational let me read it to you it be foundational let me read it to you it is actually a prayer is actually a prayer is actually a prayer that David King David was praying as he that David King David was praying as he that David King David was praying as he spoke prophetically concerning the spoke prophetically concerning the spoke prophetically concerning the building of the temple which his son building of the temple which his son building of the temple which his son Solomon would build so it has personal Solomon would build so it has personal Solomon would build so it has personal value to me at this point in in my life value to me at this point in in my life value to me at this point in in my life and and in our ministry but here it is and and in our ministry but here it is and and in our ministry but here it is begins at verse 11 I'm reading in the begins at verse 11 I'm reading in the begins at verse 11 I'm reading in the English Standard Version yours oh Lord English Standard Version yours oh Lord English Standard Version yours oh Lord is the greatness and the power and the is the greatness and the power and the is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the Majesty glory and the victory and the Majesty glory and the victory and the Majesty for all that is in the heavens and in for all that is in the heavens and in for all that is in the heavens and in the Earth is Yours in Jesus is in in his the Earth is Yours in Jesus is in in his the Earth is Yours in Jesus is in in his prayer the Our father he ends it with prayer the Our father he ends it with prayer the Our father he ends it with for thine is the kingdom the power and for thine is the kingdom the power and for thine is the kingdom the power and the glory forever and ever you the glory forever and ever you the glory forever and ever you understand how he took from the Old understand how he took from the Old understand how he took from the Old Testament so I'm read it again yours O Testament so I'm read it again yours O Testament so I'm read it again yours O Lord is the greatness and the power and Lord is the greatness and the power and Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the Victory and the the glory and the Victory and the the glory and the Victory and the Majesty for all that is in the heavens Majesty for all that is in the heavens Majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours yours is the and in the earth is yours yours is the and in the earth is yours yours is the kingdom oh Lord kingdom oh Lord kingdom oh Lord and you are exalted as head above all and you are exalted as head above all and you are exalted as head above all both riches and honor come from you and both riches and honor come from you and both riches and honor come from you and you rule over all in your hand are power you rule over all in your hand are power you rule over all in your hand are power and might and in your hand it is to make and might and in your hand it is to make and might and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all and

great and to give strength to all and great and to give strength to all and now we thank you our God and praise your now we thank you our God and praise your now we thank you our God and praise your glorious name amen yes and all I can say glorious name amen yes and all I can say glorious name amen yes and all I can say to that is amen amen God bless you have to that is amen amen God bless you have to that is amen amen God bless you have a wonderful day and if you're going to a wonderful day and if you're going to a wonderful day and if you're going to join us we're excited about you joining join us we're excited about you joining join us we're excited about you joining uh us uh in in service tonight but make uh us uh in in service tonight but make uh us uh in in service tonight but make 2024 one of the best Years yet and that 2024 one of the best Years yet and that 2024 one of the best Years yet and that comes with the right attitude amen amen comes with the right attitude amen amen comes with the right attitude amen amen yes so we'll say something good good as yes so we'll say something good good as yes so we'll say something good good as we leave this place but never God's we leave this place but never God's we leave this place but never God's presence Jesus is Lord we believe it we presence Jesus is Lord we believe it we presence Jesus is Lord we believe it we Proclaim it and we're seeing it come to Proclaim it and we're seeing it come to Proclaim it and we're seeing it come to pass God bless and get enjoy the rest of pass God bless and get enjoy the rest of pass God bless and get enjoy the rest of your New Year's your New Year's your New Year's Eve family thank you so much for Eve family thank you so much for Eve family thank you so much for watching ccc's YouTube channel if you watching ccc's YouTube channel if you watching ccc's YouTube channel if you feel what you just experienced impacted feel what you just experienced impacted feel what you just experienced impacted your life in any way we encourage you to your life in any way we encourage you to your life in any way we encourage you to like subscribe and share this video with like subscribe and share this video with like subscribe and share this video with others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world we welcome you to check out the world we welcome you to check out the world we welcome you to check out some of our other videos also make sure some of our other videos also make sure some of our other videos also make sure to click the notification Bell so you to click the notification Bell so you to click the notification Bell so you are the first to know when we post a new are the first to know when we post a new are the first to know when we post a new one our praise and worship team brings one our praise and worship team brings one our praise and worship team brings us a powerful and dynamic live worship us a powerful and dynamic live worship us a powerful and dynamic live worship experience every Sunday and trust me and experience every Sunday and trust me and experience every Sunday and trust me and Cameron when I say you do not want to Cameron when I say you do not want to Cameron when I say you do not want to miss it streaming times are in the miss it streaming times are in the miss it streaming times are in the description box below and if you are description box below and if you are description box below and if you are looking for any other information about looking for any other information about looking for any other information about what's happening here at CCC visit www what's happening here at CCC visit www what's happening here at CCC visit www cccinfo.org we hope to see you next

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