Everyday Joy - Winning The Battle Of The Mind - Dr. Blake Ligon

[applause] [applause] I have uh I've heard uh someone say I have uh I've heard uh someone say I have uh I've heard uh someone say before that that the that that the before that that the that that the before that that the that that the gathering of the local church on earth gathering of the local church on earth gathering of the local church on earth is rehearsal for what's going to happen is rehearsal for what's going to happen is rehearsal for what's going to happen in heaven. And if that's true, man, in heaven. And if that's true, man, in heaven. And if that's true, man, you're you guys are doing some you're you guys are doing some you're you guys are doing some rehearsing today. Uh so I uh uh I love rehearsing today. Uh so I uh uh I love rehearsing today. Uh so I uh uh I love that. So I want to invite if you have a that. So I want to invite if you have a that. So I want to invite if you have a Bible to turn with me to Philippians Bible to turn with me to Philippians Bible to turn with me to Philippians chapter 4. I want to say welcome to all chapter 4. I want to say welcome to all chapter 4. I want to say welcome to all of you who are here, those who are in of you who are here, those who are in of you who are here, those who are in the warehouse joining us, those joining the warehouse joining us, those joining the warehouse joining us, those joining us online. Uh man, we're so excited that us online. Uh man, we're so excited that us online. Uh man, we're so excited that you guys are joining us. Now before we you guys are joining us. Now before we you guys are joining us. Now before we dive into Philippians chapter 4, I do dive into Philippians chapter 4, I do dive into Philippians chapter 4, I do want to share with you guys a few want to share with you guys a few want to share with you guys a few opportunities that we have for you to opportunities that we have for you to opportunities that we have for you to grow in your relationship with Christ or grow in your relationship with Christ or grow in your relationship with Christ or to be a part of this church family. The to be a part of this church family. The to be a part of this church family. The first is uh for the first time in our first is uh for the first time in our first is uh for the first time in our church's history, we were offering two church's history, we were offering two church's history, we were offering two membership classes. Starting point is membership classes. Starting point is membership classes. Starting point is what we call them uh in one month what we call them uh in one month what we call them uh in one month because there were so many people who because there were so many people who because there were so many people who are wanting to join the church. And so are wanting to join the church. And so are wanting to join the church. And so we've already had one, we're going to we've already had one, we're going to we've already had one, we're going to have another one today at the 11:00 have another one today at the 11:00 have another one today at the 11:00 service. So, right after this service, service. So, right after this service, service. So, right after this service, if you're ready to join the church or if you're ready to join the church or if you're ready to join the church or just to learn more about our church, just to learn more about our church, just to learn more about our church, starting point is your next step. So, starting point is your next step. So, starting point is your next step. So, make sure to do that. Also, uh deacon make sure to do that. Also, uh deacon make sure to do that. Also, uh deacon nomination starts today. So, if you're a nomination starts today. So, if you're a nomination starts today. So, if you're a member of this church and you want to member of this church and you want to member of this church and you want to nominate someone that you believe would nominate someone that you believe would nominate someone that you believe would serve well in the office of deacon, uh serve well in the office of deacon, uh serve well in the office of deacon, uh someone who's been a member for longer someone who's been a member for longer someone who's been a member for longer than a year, uh someone who uh is 25 than a year, uh someone who uh is 25 than a year, uh someone who uh is 25 years or older, uh that that window will years or older, uh that that window will years or older, uh that that window will be open for about two weeks. And so we be open for about two weeks. And so we be open for about two weeks. And so we wanted you members to know that this is wanted you members to know that this is wanted you members to know that this is launching today. And then lastly for you launching today. And then lastly for you launching today. And then lastly for you ladies, September 14th, Flourish is ladies, September 14th, Flourish is ladies, September 14th, Flourish is coming. Um I uh I appreciate that. At coming. Um I uh I appreciate that. At coming. Um I uh I appreciate that. At 8:00 I had one guy be like, "Yeah." I

8:00 I had one guy be like, "Yeah." I 8:00 I had one guy be like, "Yeah." I was like, "I don't understand that. I was like, "I don't understand that. I was like, "I don't understand that. I don't know what's going on here, but so don't know what's going on here, but so don't know what's going on here, but so I appreciate you ladies being excited I appreciate you ladies being excited I appreciate you ladies being excited about it." Uh Joey and I were talking about it." Uh Joey and I were talking about it." Uh Joey and I were talking last night. Uh you have close to 500 last night. Uh you have close to 500 last night. Uh you have close to 500 women already signed up. We're over women already signed up. We're over women already signed up. We're over three weeks away. So, make sure to sign three weeks away. So, make sure to sign three weeks away. So, make sure to sign up because we will eventually close that up because we will eventually close that up because we will eventually close that because we really can't go past 1500 for because we really can't go past 1500 for because we really can't go past 1500 for like fire code purposes or whatever. Uh, like fire code purposes or whatever. Uh, like fire code purposes or whatever. Uh, so, uh, y'all need to make sure that you so, uh, y'all need to make sure that you so, uh, y'all need to make sure that you sign up for that. Super excited for the sign up for that. Super excited for the sign up for that. Super excited for the women in our church. That's going to be women in our church. That's going to be women in our church. That's going to be good times. Now, what I want to do this good times. Now, what I want to do this good times. Now, what I want to do this morning is I want to ask you a question morning is I want to ask you a question morning is I want to ask you a question that really helps us dive into this that really helps us dive into this that really helps us dive into this passage of scripture. Well, I really passage of scripture. Well, I really passage of scripture. Well, I really want you to think about this. want you to think about this. want you to think about this. The question is this. And before I ask The question is this. And before I ask The question is this. And before I ask the question, I want you to think about the question, I want you to think about the question, I want you to think about I want you to think about all the I want you to think about all the I want you to think about all the problems and the pressures and the problems and the pressures and the problems and the pressures and the stresses you have in your life right stresses you have in your life right stresses you have in your life right now. All of them. Now, I know you now. All of them. Now, I know you now. All of them. Now, I know you already are, many of you. I want you to already are, many of you. I want you to already are, many of you. I want you to like just kind of put them kind of like just kind of put them kind of like just kind of put them kind of around you. The financial strains, the around you. The financial strains, the around you. The financial strains, the relational strains, the work pressures, relational strains, the work pressures, relational strains, the work pressures, the like all the stuff, all of it right the like all the stuff, all of it right the like all the stuff, all of it right there. And then I want to ask you this there. And then I want to ask you this there. And then I want to ask you this one question.

one question. one question. How can you and I be people of peace How can you and I be people of peace How can you and I be people of peace when we are bombarded with problems? when we are bombarded with problems? when we are bombarded with problems? How can we actually be people of peace How can we actually be people of peace How can we actually be people of peace in the midst of all of these things that in the midst of all of these things that in the midst of all of these things that we've got in our lives right now? That's we've got in our lives right now? That's we've got in our lives right now? That's the question I want you to think about the question I want you to think about the question I want you to think about because a lot of you came in here this because a lot of you came in here this because a lot of you came in here this morning and the last word that you would morning and the last word that you would morning and the last word that you would use to describe your soul is peaceful. use to describe your soul is peaceful. use to describe your soul is peaceful. You're anxious, you're worried, you're You're anxious, you're worried, you're You're anxious, you're worried, you're fearful. I don't know what it is, but fearful. I don't know what it is, but fearful. I don't know what it is, but you and I battle you and I battle you and I battle with worry. We battle with anxiety, and with worry. We battle with anxiety, and with worry. We battle with anxiety, and we battle to have peace. And so, this we battle to have peace. And so, this we battle to have peace. And so, this morning, Paul is going to answer that morning, Paul is going to answer that morning, Paul is going to answer that question for us. How we can have the question for us. How we can have the question for us. How we can have the true peace of God even when everything true peace of God even when everything true peace of God even when everything else around us is on fire. Now, there's else around us is on fire. Now, there's else around us is on fire. Now, there's two types of peace the Bible talks about two types of peace the Bible talks about two types of peace the Bible talks about that I want to make sure we're we're that I want to make sure we're we're that I want to make sure we're we're clear on. There's eternal peace and clear on. There's eternal peace and clear on. There's eternal peace and internal peace. Two types of peace, internal peace. Two types of peace, internal peace. Two types of peace, okay? Eternal peace, okay, is the peace okay? Eternal peace, okay, is the peace okay? Eternal peace, okay, is the peace that you have when you give your life to that you have when you give your life to that you have when you give your life to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith.

Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. You have eternal peace. You do not have You have eternal peace. You do not have You have eternal peace. You do not have to worry from that moment forward if to worry from that moment forward if to worry from that moment forward if you're going to get to heaven, if you're you're going to get to heaven, if you're you're going to get to heaven, if you're a child of God, if you're forgiven for a child of God, if you're forgiven for a child of God, if you're forgiven for your sins, that when Jesus saves you, he your sins, that when Jesus saves you, he your sins, that when Jesus saves you, he seals you. Okay? That's eternal peace. seals you. Okay? That's eternal peace. seals you. Okay? That's eternal peace. Now, there's some here who don't have Now, there's some here who don't have Now, there's some here who don't have that eternal peace. You don't know in that eternal peace. You don't know in that eternal peace. You don't know in fact that if today was your last day, fact that if today was your last day, fact that if today was your last day, you would go be with Christ in heaven. you would go be with Christ in heaven. you would go be with Christ in heaven. And so, you are in the best place ever And so, you are in the best place ever And so, you are in the best place ever to be right here and hear the gospel to be right here and hear the gospel to be right here and hear the gospel this morning. But, um, this passage is this morning. But, um, this passage is this morning. But, um, this passage is not talking about eternal peace. This not talking about eternal peace. This not talking about eternal peace. This passage is talking about internal peace. passage is talking about internal peace. passage is talking about internal peace. How can those who have already gotten How can those who have already gotten How can those who have already gotten eternal peace have have eternal peace? eternal peace have have eternal peace? eternal peace have have eternal peace? I'll get it. Have internal peace in the I'll get it. Have internal peace in the I'll get it. Have internal peace in the midst of problems. How can we have midst of problems. How can we have midst of problems. How can we have internal peace as followers of Jesus in internal peace as followers of Jesus in internal peace as followers of Jesus in light of all the other things going on light of all the other things going on light of all the other things going on in our lives? And this passage is going in our lives? And this passage is going in our lives? And this passage is going to answer that question for us. So I to answer that question for us. So I to answer that question for us. So I want us to dive into this passage of want us to dive into this passage of want us to dive into this passage of scripture and see three actions that you scripture and see three actions that you scripture and see three actions that you and I can take to be people of peace. and I can take to be people of peace. and I can take to be people of peace. They are extremely simple. Some people They are extremely simple. Some people They are extremely simple. Some people sometimes criticize the church like it's sometimes criticize the church like it's sometimes criticize the church like it's too hard. It's too hard for me to too hard. It's too hard for me to too hard. It's too hard for me to understand. This is not an understand. This is not an understand. This is not an eight-year-old can understand what Paul eight-year-old can understand what Paul eight-year-old can understand what Paul is telling us to do today. The question is telling us to do today. The question is telling us to do today. The question is not whether you understand it. The is not whether you understand it. The is not whether you understand it. The question is, are you going to apply it question is, are you going to apply it question is, are you going to apply it >> and become a person of peace?

>> and become a person of peace? >> and become a person of peace? >> So, let's dive in this passage. >> So, let's dive in this passage. >> So, let's dive in this passage. Scripture beginning in verse six, Paul Scripture beginning in verse six, Paul Scripture beginning in verse six, Paul says, "Be anxious for nothing." Okay? says, "Be anxious for nothing." Okay? says, "Be anxious for nothing." Okay? But in everything by prayer and But in everything by prayer and But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your supplication with thanksgiving, let your supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the requests be made known to God. And the requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all peace of God, which surpasses all peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts comprehension, will guard your hearts comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. We're and your minds in Christ Jesus. We're and your minds in Christ Jesus. We're going to pause right there. and we're going to pause right there. and we're going to pause right there. and we're going to look at the first action that going to look at the first action that going to look at the first action that Paul calls us to, which is to pray Paul calls us to, which is to pray Paul calls us to, which is to pray right. To pray the right way. But let's right. To pray the right way. But let's right. To pray the right way. But let's pray together before we learn how to pray together before we learn how to pray together before we learn how to pray the right way. Father, I lift up pray the right way. Father, I lift up pray the right way. Father, I lift up this service to you. If we've been this service to you. If we've been this service to you. If we've been praying all morning, we pray for every praying all morning, we pray for every praying all morning, we pray for every soul that's in this room who's going to soul that's in this room who's going to soul that's in this room who's going to spend eternity somewhere. That God, they spend eternity somewhere. That God, they spend eternity somewhere. That God, they would not hear from me. They would hear would not hear from me. They would hear would not hear from me. They would hear from your word and they would hear from from your word and they would hear from from your word and they would hear from your spirit. And that we would be people your spirit. And that we would be people your spirit. And that we would be people who are anxious for nothing, who pray who are anxious for nothing, who pray who are anxious for nothing, who pray right, who think right, and who live right, who think right, and who live right, who think right, and who live right. God, help us to be people who right. God, help us to be people who right. God, help us to be people who live the way that Paul says for us to be live the way that Paul says for us to be live the way that Paul says for us to be and to do in this passage of scripture and to do in this passage of scripture and to do in this passage of scripture so that we can be people of peace. And I so that we can be people of peace. And I so that we can be people of peace. And I pray all these things in Jesus name.

pray all these things in Jesus name. pray all these things in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. The first action that Paul's going >> Amen. The first action that Paul's going >> Amen. The first action that Paul's going to give us very clearly if you and I to give us very clearly if you and I to give us very clearly if you and I want to stand firm in the Lord, which we want to stand firm in the Lord, which we want to stand firm in the Lord, which we talked about last week, is you and I talked about last week, is you and I talked about last week, is you and I have got to pray right. There is a right have got to pray right. There is a right have got to pray right. There is a right way to pray and a wrong wrong way to way to pray and a wrong wrong way to way to pray and a wrong wrong way to pray. And scripture talks oftentimes pray. And scripture talks oftentimes pray. And scripture talks oftentimes about the right way and the wrong way to about the right way and the wrong way to about the right way and the wrong way to pray. In this passage, Paul is helping pray. In this passage, Paul is helping pray. In this passage, Paul is helping us understand a right way to pray us understand a right way to pray us understand a right way to pray specifically when we're anxious. Look at specifically when we're anxious. Look at specifically when we're anxious. Look at the passage with me. We're going to hop the passage with me. We're going to hop the passage with me. We're going to hop on the iPad to kind of highlight a few on the iPad to kind of highlight a few on the iPad to kind of highlight a few things. He first says this, "Be anxious things. He first says this, "Be anxious things. He first says this, "Be anxious for nothing." Be anxious for nothing. for nothing." Be anxious for nothing. for nothing." Be anxious for nothing. So, it's a command. He's saying, "Do not So, it's a command. He's saying, "Do not So, it's a command. He's saying, "Do not be anxious about anything in your life." be anxious about anything in your life." be anxious about anything in your life." Easier said than done. It's really Easier said than done. It's really Easier said than done. It's really interesting. I want us to understand interesting. I want us to understand interesting. I want us to understand anxiety for a second. This word anxious, anxiety for a second. This word anxious, anxiety for a second. This word anxious, the Greek word here is really the Greek word here is really the Greek word here is really interesting. It means to be pulled interesting. It means to be pulled interesting. It means to be pulled apart. It means to be pulled apart. It apart. It means to be pulled apart. It apart. It means to be pulled apart. It means that there's something that is means that there's something that is means that there's something that is taking your mind and pulling it or taking your mind and pulling it or taking your mind and pulling it or stretching it. And so Paul's saying, stretching it. And so Paul's saying, stretching it. And so Paul's saying, don't be pulled apart in your minds don't be pulled apart in your minds don't be pulled apart in your minds about anything. Well, that's easier said about anything. Well, that's easier said about anything. Well, that's easier said than done. Here's a great definition for than done. Here's a great definition for than done. Here's a great definition for anxiety so that we can really understand anxiety so that we can really understand anxiety so that we can really understand what we're talking about today. The way what we're talking about today. The way what we're talking about today. The way I've defined anxiety is anxiety is I've defined anxiety is anxiety is I've defined anxiety is anxiety is mentally rehearsing mentally rehearsing mentally rehearsing a negative outcome that we cannot a negative outcome that we cannot a negative outcome that we cannot control.

control. control. mentally rehearsing a most of the time a mentally rehearsing a most of the time a mentally rehearsing a most of the time a negative outcome that we cannot control. negative outcome that we cannot control. negative outcome that we cannot control. That's what anxiety is. Ultimately, That's what anxiety is. Ultimately, That's what anxiety is. Ultimately, anxiety in your mind is you asking the anxiety in your mind is you asking the anxiety in your mind is you asking the question, what if? What if this happens? question, what if? What if this happens? question, what if? What if this happens? What if that takes place? What if we What if that takes place? What if we What if that takes place? What if we lose all our money? What if we go lose all our money? What if we go lose all our money? What if we go bankrupt? What if we do this? What if we bankrupt? What if we do this? What if we bankrupt? What if we do this? What if we do that? What if this happens? What if do that? What if this happens? What if do that? What if this happens? What if that happens? That's anxiety. Some of that happens? That's anxiety. Some of that happens? That's anxiety. Some of you think that that's just you being you think that that's just you being you think that that's just you being proactive. It's actually you being proactive. It's actually you being proactive. It's actually you being anxious. anxious. anxious. And from the very beginning of Genesis And from the very beginning of Genesis And from the very beginning of Genesis chapter 3, we have battled with anxiety. chapter 3, we have battled with anxiety. chapter 3, we have battled with anxiety. Why? Why do we battle with worry and Why? Why do we battle with worry and Why? Why do we battle with worry and anxiety? Because in Genesis chapter 3, anxiety? Because in Genesis chapter 3, anxiety? Because in Genesis chapter 3, when Adam and Eve sinned, here's what when Adam and Eve sinned, here's what when Adam and Eve sinned, here's what happens. They were separated from the happens. They were separated from the happens. They were separated from the one who's in control. So now that we're one who's in control. So now that we're one who's in control. So now that we're separated from the one who's in control separated from the one who's in control separated from the one who's in control because of sin, you know what we do? We because of sin, you know what we do? We because of sin, you know what we do? We try to get control. And what we learn try to get control. And what we learn try to get control. And what we learn really quickly is we can't control really quickly is we can't control really quickly is we can't control anything. anything. anything. >> We can't control a thing. And so because >> We can't control a thing. And so because >> We can't control a thing. And so because we try to get control, we can't truly we try to get control, we can't truly we try to get control, we can't truly guarantee control. It creates anxiety.

guarantee control. It creates anxiety. guarantee control. It creates anxiety. We ruminate on things that may happen in We ruminate on things that may happen in We ruminate on things that may happen in the future that are possibly and more the future that are possibly and more the future that are possibly and more than likely negative and we can't than likely negative and we can't than likely negative and we can't control them. It's a it's a it's a vein control them. It's a it's a it's a vein control them. It's a it's a it's a vein of thought that we get into. And so Paul of thought that we get into. And so Paul of thought that we get into. And so Paul says here, be anxious for nothing. So says here, be anxious for nothing. So says here, be anxious for nothing. So what he helps us understand is it's not what he helps us understand is it's not what he helps us understand is it's not that Christians don't need to be that Christians don't need to be that Christians don't need to be anxious. What he's about to give us is anxious. What he's about to give us is anxious. What he's about to give us is what do we do when we get anxious? What what do we do when we get anxious? What what do we do when we get anxious? What are we supposed to do when we get hit are we supposed to do when we get hit are we supposed to do when we get hit with anxiety? Can I be honest with you with anxiety? Can I be honest with you with anxiety? Can I be honest with you guys? Every week I battle with anxiety guys? Every week I battle with anxiety guys? Every week I battle with anxiety every single week. And what led me to every single week. And what led me to every single week. And what led me to burnout six years ago was the whatifs. burnout six years ago was the whatifs. burnout six years ago was the whatifs. Constantly whatifs. I get hit with Constantly whatifs. I get hit with Constantly whatifs. I get hit with anxiety on a Sunday morning all the anxiety on a Sunday morning all the anxiety on a Sunday morning all the time. I get nervous and worrisome before time. I get nervous and worrisome before time. I get nervous and worrisome before every single service before I come up every single service before I come up every single service before I come up here. Every single service I think, what here. Every single service I think, what here. Every single service I think, what if people leave the church after what I if people leave the church after what I if people leave the church after what I said something? What if they say this said something? What if they say this said something? What if they say this about me? What are they going to think about me? What are they going to think about me? What are they going to think when I make this announcement? What are when I make this announcement? What are when I make this announcement? What are they going to say whenever I say this they going to say whenever I say this they going to say whenever I say this about this? What are they going to say about this? What are they going to say about this? What are they going to say when I bring this up about the United when I bring this up about the United when I bring this up about the United States or I bring this up about what are States or I bring this up about what are States or I bring this up about what are they going to say? What if? What if they they going to say? What if? What if they they going to say? What if? What if they do this? And I'm constantly being bered do this? And I'm constantly being bered do this? And I'm constantly being bered by the whatifs. So, this is not by the whatifs. So, this is not by the whatifs. So, this is not something that Pastor Blake doesn't deal something that Pastor Blake doesn't deal something that Pastor Blake doesn't deal with. This is something I battle with with. This is something I battle with with. This is something I battle with every single day that led me to every single day that led me to every single day that led me to ultimately almost quit ministry ultimately almost quit ministry ultimately almost quit ministry completely. The whatifs.

completely. The whatifs. completely. The whatifs. I was so terrified of what you guys I was so terrified of what you guys I was so terrified of what you guys thought about me, what you how you felt thought about me, what you how you felt thought about me, what you how you felt about me. I would get done with a Sunday about me. I would get done with a Sunday about me. I would get done with a Sunday morning sermon. I'd get online. I'd get morning sermon. I'd get online. I'd get morning sermon. I'd get online. I'd get on Facebook and and Instagram just to on Facebook and and Instagram just to on Facebook and and Instagram just to see if somebody was going to say see if somebody was going to say see if somebody was going to say something negative about me. I was something negative about me. I was something negative about me. I was worried about it, constantly battling worried about it, constantly battling worried about it, constantly battling this. So, this isn't something that's this. So, this isn't something that's this. So, this isn't something that's like, oh, he doesn't get he Pastor like, oh, he doesn't get he Pastor like, oh, he doesn't get he Pastor Blake, he doesn't struggle with this. Blake, he doesn't struggle with this. Blake, he doesn't struggle with this. No, Pastor Blake very much struggles No, Pastor Blake very much struggles No, Pastor Blake very much struggles with this. But, I've learned how to with this. But, I've learned how to with this. But, I've learned how to combat it through what we're about to combat it through what we're about to combat it through what we're about to look at right here. Because what Paul look at right here. Because what Paul look at right here. Because what Paul says is when you get hit with anxiety, says is when you get hit with anxiety, says is when you get hit with anxiety, he it should prompt you to do three he it should prompt you to do three he it should prompt you to do three things. Make three shifts. So, when you things. Make three shifts. So, when you things. Make three shifts. So, when you get hit with anxiety, here's the three get hit with anxiety, here's the three get hit with anxiety, here's the three shifts. Here we So here's the first shifts. Here we So here's the first shifts. Here we So here's the first shift number one. One he says, "But in shift number one. One he says, "But in shift number one. One he says, "But in everything," so anything and everything everything," so anything and everything everything," so anything and everything that hits your anxiety radar, it could that hits your anxiety radar, it could that hits your anxiety radar, it could be something super huge, it could be be something super huge, it could be be something super huge, it could be something very small. But here's what something very small. But here's what something very small. But here's what you need to do. First shift, you need to do. First shift, you need to do. First shift, prayer. Prayer. Think about it like prayer. Prayer. Think about it like prayer. Prayer. Think about it like this. Anxiety is ruminating. this. Anxiety is ruminating. this. Anxiety is ruminating. Prayer is focusing on a relationship. Prayer is focusing on a relationship. Prayer is focusing on a relationship. Anxiety is what if this happens? What if Anxiety is what if this happens? What if Anxiety is what if this happens? What if that happens? And prayer shifts from a that happens? And prayer shifts from a that happens? And prayer shifts from a situation to a savior situation to a savior situation to a savior to a sovereign father, from rumination to a sovereign father, from rumination to a sovereign father, from rumination to relationship. That's the first shift.

to relationship. That's the first shift. to relationship. That's the first shift. When you start getting anxious instead When you start getting anxious instead When you start getting anxious instead of here's what I would do. I'd play the of here's what I would do. I'd play the of here's what I would do. I'd play the thought out. Okay, if this happens, then thought out. Okay, if this happens, then thought out. Okay, if this happens, then they would leave. And then they would they would leave. And then they would they would leave. And then they would leave. If that happens, and they they're leave. If that happens, and they they're leave. If that happens, and they they're really close to them, so they would really close to them, so they would really close to them, so they would leave. And then these people probably leave. And then these people probably leave. And then these people probably get mad at this. And that person, if get mad at this. And that person, if get mad at this. And that person, if they find out, they're probably going to they find out, they're probably going to they find out, they're probably going to post about something online, and they post about something online, and they post about something online, and they do. And and you play out the whole do. And and you play out the whole do. And and you play out the whole scenario. That's anxiety. That's scenario. That's anxiety. That's scenario. That's anxiety. That's ruminating. And what Paul says, instead ruminating. And what Paul says, instead ruminating. And what Paul says, instead of ruminating on these things, go to of ruminating on these things, go to of ruminating on these things, go to your relationship with your father. your relationship with your father. your relationship with your father. That's first shift. Second shift is he That's first shift. Second shift is he That's first shift. Second shift is he says supplication. You may be like, what says supplication. You may be like, what says supplication. You may be like, what is that word? That word is praying about is that word? That word is praying about is that word? That word is praying about specific things. When you are specific things. When you are specific things. When you are supplicating in prayer, you are praying supplicating in prayer, you are praying supplicating in prayer, you are praying and not generic things like God help me, and not generic things like God help me, and not generic things like God help me, God fix this, God change that. It's you God fix this, God change that. It's you God fix this, God change that. It's you saying, "God, I have a real fear that saying, "God, I have a real fear that saying, "God, I have a real fear that one of my children is going to die. So one of my children is going to die. So one of my children is going to die. So therefore, I'm giving this to you this therefore, I'm giving this to you this therefore, I'm giving this to you this morning." It's getting real with God. morning." It's getting real with God. morning." It's getting real with God. God wants you to get real with him. You God wants you to get real with him. You God wants you to get real with him. You know, he's not really interested in you know, he's not really interested in you know, he's not really interested in you praying a bunch of vague prayers that if praying a bunch of vague prayers that if praying a bunch of vague prayers that if he answered them, you wouldn't even know he answered them, you wouldn't even know he answered them, you wouldn't even know it. God bless me. God help me. He even it. God bless me. God help me. He even it. God bless me. God help me. He even if he blessed you, you wouldn't know it if he blessed you, you wouldn't know it if he blessed you, you wouldn't know it because it's so vague. And so what because it's so vague. And so what because it's so vague. And so what Paul's saying here is like don't just Paul's saying here is like don't just Paul's saying here is like don't just take this generic like God, I'm take this generic like God, I'm take this generic like God, I'm struggling today. take to God and say, struggling today. take to God and say, struggling today. take to God and say, "God, I'm fearful that we're going to go "God, I'm fearful that we're going to go "God, I'm fearful that we're going to go bankrupt this month. I'm terrified of bankrupt this month. I'm terrified of bankrupt this month. I'm terrified of this." You you bring this specific this." You you bring this specific this." You you bring this specific prayer to the Lord. So, you focus on prayer to the Lord. So, you focus on prayer to the Lord. So, you focus on relationship. You go to your father and relationship. You go to your father and relationship. You go to your father and you tell him exactly what's going on.

you tell him exactly what's going on. you tell him exactly what's going on. And then here's what you do. You don't And then here's what you do. You don't And then here's what you do. You don't just go to your father. You don't just just go to your father. You don't just just go to your father. You don't just pray about specifically. Here's a third pray about specifically. Here's a third pray about specifically. Here's a third shift. You do it with thanksgiving. shift. You do it with thanksgiving. shift. You do it with thanksgiving. >> With thanksgiving. This is important. >> With thanksgiving. This is important. >> With thanksgiving. This is important. This is crucial to your fight against This is crucial to your fight against This is crucial to your fight against anxiety. Because here's what anxiety anxiety. Because here's what anxiety anxiety. Because here's what anxiety says. Anxiety says, "What if this says. Anxiety says, "What if this says. Anxiety says, "What if this happens?" That's anxiety. What if this happens?" That's anxiety. What if this happens?" That's anxiety. What if this happens? Thanksgiving says, "Who is God happens? Thanksgiving says, "Who is God happens? Thanksgiving says, "Who is God even if it does?" even if it does?" even if it does?" >> ANXIETY SAYS, "WHOA, WHAT WHAT IF THIS >> ANXIETY SAYS, "WHOA, WHAT WHAT IF THIS >> ANXIETY SAYS, "WHOA, WHAT WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS? WHAT IF IT ALL FALLS APART?" HAPPENS? WHAT IF IT ALL FALLS APART?" HAPPENS? WHAT IF IT ALL FALLS APART?" AND thanksgiving says, "Who is God even AND thanksgiving says, "Who is God even AND thanksgiving says, "Who is God even if it does?" if it does?" if it does?" >> I read a I read a story of a man just >> I read a I read a story of a man just >> I read a I read a story of a man just this morning this morning this morning be before any before before any of this be before any before before any of this be before any before before any of this happened. I was reading in a book that happened. I was reading in a book that happened. I was reading in a book that I'm reading about Ecclesiastes and it I'm reading about Ecclesiastes and it I'm reading about Ecclesiastes and it told a story about a man who was in a told a story about a man who was in a told a story about a man who was in a car wreck. He was hit by a drunk driver car wreck. He was hit by a drunk driver car wreck. He was hit by a drunk driver and his wife, his mother and one of his and his wife, his mother and one of his and his wife, his mother and one of his four children died in that car wreck. He four children died in that car wreck. He four children died in that car wreck. He writes a book eight days later. The writes a book eight days later. The writes a book eight days later. The worst fear for all of us. He work he worst fear for all of us. He work he worst fear for all of us. He work he writes a book eight years later writes a book eight years later writes a book eight years later retelling the story and sharing with his retelling the story and sharing with his retelling the story and sharing with his audience, his readers, how now as he audience, his readers, how now as he audience, his readers, how now as he looks back nearly a decade later, he's looks back nearly a decade later, he's looks back nearly a decade later, he's grateful that the Lord allowed him to grateful that the Lord allowed him to grateful that the Lord allowed him to walk through that. Praise Jesus.

walk through that. Praise Jesus. walk through that. Praise Jesus. >> HOW >> HOW >> HOW HOW COULD SOMEBODY DO THAT? Because HOW COULD SOMEBODY DO THAT? Because HOW COULD SOMEBODY DO THAT? Because here's the deal. Sometimes the things here's the deal. Sometimes the things here's the deal. Sometimes the things that you are most anxious about, God is that you are most anxious about, God is that you are most anxious about, God is actually going to take you through to actually going to take you through to actually going to take you through to show you he's bigger than those things show you he's bigger than those things show you he's bigger than those things >> and that he will carry you through those >> and that he will carry you through those >> and that he will carry you through those things. Listen, I've gone through things. Listen, I've gone through things. Listen, I've gone through something big T trauma that we're not something big T trauma that we're not something big T trauma that we're not going to get into today, but wrecked me going to get into today, but wrecked me going to get into today, but wrecked me even before I burn out. Wrecked me. Got even before I burn out. Wrecked me. Got even before I burn out. Wrecked me. Got me to a place where I was like, I'm done me to a place where I was like, I'm done me to a place where I was like, I'm done with ministry. I'm not doing that. If with ministry. I'm not doing that. If with ministry. I'm not doing that. If that's what it's going to be like, I'm that's what it's going to be like, I'm that's what it's going to be like, I'm not doing it. It wrecked my family. not doing it. It wrecked my family. not doing it. It wrecked my family. Tore us to pieces. And now, Tore us to pieces. And now, Tore us to pieces. And now, now that I look back on that that on now that I look back on that that on now that I look back on that that on that 15 years ago moment, I look back at that 15 years ago moment, I look back at that 15 years ago moment, I look back at it not with a desire to go back through it not with a desire to go back through it not with a desire to go back through it again, but with gratitude. Why? it again, but with gratitude. Why? it again, but with gratitude. Why? Because that event made me a man. I was Because that event made me a man. I was Because that event made me a man. I was a boy before that happened. That event a boy before that happened. That event a boy before that happened. That event made me a man. It grew me up. It helped made me a man. It grew me up. It helped made me a man. It grew me up. It helped me realize and I had to go through me realize and I had to go through me realize and I had to go through suffering and what I was most fearful of suffering and what I was most fearful of suffering and what I was most fearful of that I don't wish again to happen. But that I don't wish again to happen. But that I don't wish again to happen. But it was the suffering that caused me to it was the suffering that caused me to it was the suffering that caused me to be sanctified. Some of the things that be sanctified. Some of the things that be sanctified. Some of the things that you're most afraid of, God was actually you're most afraid of, God was actually you're most afraid of, God was actually going to allow so that he can show you going to allow so that he can show you going to allow so that he can show you that he's bigger than all of it.

that he's bigger than all of it. that he's bigger than all of it. >> And so anxiety, when we're hit with it, >> And so anxiety, when we're hit with it, >> And so anxiety, when we're hit with it, we take this third shift of we take this third shift of we take this third shift of thanksgiving. Being thankful ultimately, thanksgiving. Being thankful ultimately, thanksgiving. Being thankful ultimately, my friends, isn't denying your problem my friends, isn't denying your problem my friends, isn't denying your problem exists. It reminds you that your problem exists. It reminds you that your problem exists. It reminds you that your problem is not your whole story. is not your whole story. is not your whole story. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Anxiety will hijack you. And all of >> Anxiety will hijack you. And all of >> Anxiety will hijack you. And all of y'all know that, right? When you get y'all know that, right? When you get y'all know that, right? When you get anxious about something like you can't anxious about something like you can't anxious about something like you can't even think about what you're going to even think about what you're going to even think about what you're going to eat for lunch. I mean, IT JUST LIKE eat for lunch. I mean, IT JUST LIKE eat for lunch. I mean, IT JUST LIKE WRECKS YOU. YOU THAT'S all you're WRECKS YOU. YOU THAT'S all you're WRECKS YOU. YOU THAT'S all you're thinking about. And what Thanksgiving thinking about. And what Thanksgiving thinking about. And what Thanksgiving does that combats that, which modern does that combats that, which modern does that combats that, which modern science is actually really strong in science is actually really strong in science is actually really strong in supporting that anxiety and Thanksgiving supporting that anxiety and Thanksgiving supporting that anxiety and Thanksgiving are counterintuitive. You can either be are counterintuitive. You can either be are counterintuitive. You can either be anxious or thankful. We don't have time anxious or thankful. We don't have time anxious or thankful. We don't have time to get into that. But thanksgiving is to get into that. But thanksgiving is to get into that. But thanksgiving is helping you realize that whatever you're helping you realize that whatever you're helping you realize that whatever you're anxious about right now is not your anxious about right now is not your anxious about right now is not your whole story. whole story. whole story. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> This is not the end. This is not the >> This is not the end. This is not the >> This is not the end. This is not the ultimate thing. This is the last thing ultimate thing. This is the last thing ultimate thing. This is the last thing that God's ever This is not your whole that God's ever This is not your whole that God's ever This is not your whole story. And thanksgiving helps you story. And thanksgiving helps you story. And thanksgiving helps you realize that. And look what happens. realize that. And look what happens. realize that. And look what happens. Look at the result. So when you and I do Look at the result. So when you and I do Look at the result. So when you and I do these things, when we bring these these things, when we bring these these things, when we bring these requests to God in thanksgiving, look requests to God in thanksgiving, look requests to God in thanksgiving, look what he says here. This is a promise what he says here. This is a promise what he says here. This is a promise that the peace of God that the peace of God that the peace of God that surpasses all comprehension. I call that surpasses all comprehension. I call that surpasses all comprehension. I call this odd piece will guard, watch this, this odd piece will guard, watch this, this odd piece will guard, watch this, your hearts and your minds. It will your hearts and your minds. It will your hearts and your minds. It will guard you both emotionally, your heart guard you both emotionally, your heart guard you both emotionally, your heart and your mind mentally. The peace of and your mind mentally. The peace of and your mind mentally. The peace of God. Notice what Paul doesn't say. That God. Notice what Paul doesn't say. That God. Notice what Paul doesn't say. That when you bring to him what you're when you bring to him what you're when you bring to him what you're anxious about, God's going to fix it.

anxious about, God's going to fix it. anxious about, God's going to fix it. He's going to change it. Watch this. He's going to change it. Watch this. He's going to change it. Watch this. Sometimes God will not change your Sometimes God will not change your Sometimes God will not change your situation. He will change you. situation. He will change you. situation. He will change you. >> Amen. Sometimes God's not going to fix >> Amen. Sometimes God's not going to fix >> Amen. Sometimes God's not going to fix the problem that you keep praying about. the problem that you keep praying about. the problem that you keep praying about. He will change you to where as you're He will change you to where as you're He will change you to where as you're walking through this really awful walking through this really awful walking through this really awful season, you are have this really odd season, you are have this really odd season, you are have this really odd peace. Sometimes the greatest witness peace. Sometimes the greatest witness peace. Sometimes the greatest witness that we have in the world is you and I that we have in the world is you and I that we have in the world is you and I going through suffering and we do it going through suffering and we do it going through suffering and we do it with joy. And then the people around us with joy. And then the people around us with joy. And then the people around us are like, "Why are you so content? Why are like, "Why are you so content? Why are like, "Why are you so content? Why are you so joyful in the midst of this are you so joyful in the midst of this are you so joyful in the midst of this awful situation?" awful situation?" awful situation?" It's cuz you have this really weird It's cuz you have this really weird It's cuz you have this really weird peace. this piece that surpasses peace. this piece that surpasses peace. this piece that surpasses comprehension. You cannot get there comprehension. You cannot get there comprehension. You cannot get there without God's help. Sometimes he's not without God's help. Sometimes he's not without God's help. Sometimes he's not going to change you or excuse me, going to change you or excuse me, going to change you or excuse me, sometimes he's not going to change your sometimes he's not going to change your sometimes he's not going to change your situation. He's going to change you. situation. He's going to change you. situation. He's going to change you. Biblical peace is not the absence of Biblical peace is not the absence of Biblical peace is not the absence of problems. problems. problems. It's the presence of God in the middle It's the presence of God in the middle It's the presence of God in the middle of it. of it. of it. Biblical peace is not the absence of Biblical peace is not the absence of Biblical peace is not the absence of problems. That's what we think problems. That's what we think problems. That's what we think sometimes. As long as everything that sometimes. As long as everything that sometimes. As long as everything that I'm worried about is not happening, I'm I'm worried about is not happening, I'm I'm worried about is not happening, I'm at peace. That's not real peace. That's at peace. That's not real peace. That's at peace. That's not real peace. That's a facade.

a facade. a facade. True peace, biblical peace, is not the True peace, biblical peace, is not the True peace, biblical peace, is not the absence of problems. It's the presence absence of problems. It's the presence absence of problems. It's the presence of God in the middle of them. You can go of God in the middle of them. You can go of God in the middle of them. You can go through any storm through any storm through any storm if you have the help and strength and if you have the help and strength and if you have the help and strength and peace of God. Some of you are trying to peace of God. Some of you are trying to peace of God. Some of you are trying to fix your problems this morning on your fix your problems this morning on your fix your problems this morning on your own. And what you need is to take your own. And what you need is to take your own. And what you need is to take your problems to the Lord problems to the Lord problems to the Lord >> and let him not necessarily change your >> and let him not necessarily change your >> and let him not necessarily change your situation, which he may still do. He's situation, which he may still do. He's situation, which he may still do. He's going to change you. going to change you. going to change you. Here's the second thing that Paul needs Here's the second thing that Paul needs Here's the second thing that Paul needs us to do in order for us to be people of us to do in order for us to be people of us to do in order for us to be people of peace. We got to pray right if we want peace. We got to pray right if we want peace. We got to pray right if we want to be people of peace. Second, we got to to be people of peace. Second, we got to to be people of peace. Second, we got to think right. You and I have got to think think right. You and I have got to think think right. You and I have got to think right. Dive back with me into this right. Dive back with me into this right. Dive back with me into this passage in verse eight. He says, passage in verse eight. He says, passage in verse eight. He says, "Finally, brethren or brothers and "Finally, brethren or brothers and "Finally, brethren or brothers and sisters, watch this. Whatever is true, sisters, watch this. Whatever is true, sisters, watch this. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is whatever is honorable, whatever is whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if lovely, whatever is of good repute, if lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there's any excellence, if there's there's any excellence, if there's there's any excellence, if there's anything worthy of praise, look what he anything worthy of praise, look what he anything worthy of praise, look what he says. Here's the only action. Dwell on says. Here's the only action. Dwell on says. Here's the only action. Dwell on these things.

these things. these things. >> Dwell on these things. We're going to >> Dwell on these things. We're going to >> Dwell on these things. We're going to hop back on the iPad to highlight this hop back on the iPad to highlight this hop back on the iPad to highlight this real quick. This word right here, dwell. real quick. This word right here, dwell. real quick. This word right here, dwell. It means to think. It means to think. It means to think. It means to think. Think on these It means to think. Think on these It means to think. Think on these things. So, what he's saying here is all things. So, what he's saying here is all things. So, what he's saying here is all of these things, look, and we're going of these things, look, and we're going of these things, look, and we're going to stay on this. The things that are to stay on this. The things that are to stay on this. The things that are true and honorable and right and pure true and honorable and right and pure true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and of good repute. If and lovely and of good repute. If and lovely and of good repute. If there's any excellence in anything there's any excellence in anything there's any excellence in anything worthy of praise, he says, "Think about worthy of praise, he says, "Think about worthy of praise, he says, "Think about these things. Control what Paul's these things. Control what Paul's these things. Control what Paul's saying, your thought life." You can saying, your thought life." You can saying, your thought life." You can control your thoughts. Matter of fact, control your thoughts. Matter of fact, control your thoughts. Matter of fact, Paul says later, he tells us to take Paul says later, he tells us to take Paul says later, he tells us to take every thought captive because you and I every thought captive because you and I every thought captive because you and I get thoughts from different places. You get thoughts from different places. You get thoughts from different places. You and I get thoughts first and foremost and I get thoughts first and foremost and I get thoughts first and foremost from ourselves. from ourselves. from ourselves. We think stuff. Sometimes we think We think stuff. Sometimes we think We think stuff. Sometimes we think really weird stuff, right? Like you just really weird stuff, right? Like you just really weird stuff, right? Like you just randomly think about a bag of Skittles randomly think about a bag of Skittles randomly think about a bag of Skittles or something. Now everybody's thinking or something. Now everybody's thinking or something. Now everybody's thinking about a bag of Skittles, right? Okay. about a bag of Skittles, right? Okay. about a bag of Skittles, right? Okay. You think about random things. Okay, you You think about random things. Okay, you You think about random things. Okay, you and I think thoughts. Also, and I think thoughts. Also, and I think thoughts. Also, the enemy will put thoughts into our the enemy will put thoughts into our the enemy will put thoughts into our brain. We're not going to get into brain. We're not going to get into brain. We're not going to get into spiritual warfare today, but that's spiritual warfare today, but that's spiritual warfare today, but that's often times how spiritual warfare works often times how spiritual warfare works often times how spiritual warfare works that the enemy uh demonic powers will that the enemy uh demonic powers will that the enemy uh demonic powers will put thoughts into your brain. They're put thoughts into your brain. They're put thoughts into your brain. They're always in first person, by the way, too.

always in first person, by the way, too. always in first person, by the way, too. I, me, that's how they work. I need to I, me, that's how they work. I need to I, me, that's how they work. I need to do this. I've never done this. I'm do this. I've never done this. I'm do this. I've never done this. I'm always this. I'm terrible at that. That always this. I'm terrible at that. That always this. I'm terrible at that. That that these are sometimes not you. that these are sometimes not you. that these are sometimes not you. They're they're they're they're shots They're they're they're they're shots They're they're they're they're shots from the enemy. He cannot read your from the enemy. He cannot read your from the enemy. He cannot read your mind. Okay? But he can put thoughts into mind. Okay? But he can put thoughts into mind. Okay? But he can put thoughts into your mind. And that's a very big your mind. And that's a very big your mind. And that's a very big distinction. God can read your mind, not distinction. God can read your mind, not distinction. God can read your mind, not the enemy, but he can put thoughts into the enemy, but he can put thoughts into the enemy, but he can put thoughts into your mind. And so what Paul's saying your mind. And so what Paul's saying your mind. And so what Paul's saying here is whatever's coming into your here is whatever's coming into your here is whatever's coming into your mind, you need to dwell on the right mind, you need to dwell on the right mind, you need to dwell on the right things. Here's what Paul's ultimately things. Here's what Paul's ultimately things. Here's what Paul's ultimately saying. He's saying what you think about saying. He's saying what you think about saying. He's saying what you think about today, watch this, shapes who you become today, watch this, shapes who you become today, watch this, shapes who you become tomorrow. tomorrow. tomorrow. What you think about today shapes who What you think about today shapes who What you think about today shapes who you become tomorrow. Let me give you a you become tomorrow. Let me give you a you become tomorrow. Let me give you a few examples that kind of help us few examples that kind of help us few examples that kind of help us understand what he means when he's understand what he means when he's understand what he means when he's saying take your thoughts captive. Dwell saying take your thoughts captive. Dwell saying take your thoughts captive. Dwell on these things. Think on these things. on these things. Think on these things. on these things. Think on these things. That if you are if your thoughts are That if you are if your thoughts are That if you are if your thoughts are repeatedly focused on what you don't repeatedly focused on what you don't repeatedly focused on what you don't have, you're constantly thinking about have, you're constantly thinking about have, you're constantly thinking about the money that you don't have, the house the money that you don't have, the house the money that you don't have, the house you don't have, the vacations you didn't you don't have, the vacations you didn't you don't have, the vacations you didn't get to go on. If you're always thinking get to go on. If you're always thinking get to go on. If you're always thinking about what you don't have, here's what's about what you don't have, here's what's about what you don't have, here's what's going to happen. You're going to become going to happen. You're going to become going to happen. You're going to become discontent, jealous, envious. If your discontent, jealous, envious. If your discontent, jealous, envious. If your thoughts are repeatedly focused, on the thoughts are repeatedly focused, on the thoughts are repeatedly focused, on the flip side, on what God has given you, flip side, on what God has given you, flip side, on what God has given you, you're going to become joyful, grateful, you're going to become joyful, grateful, you're going to become joyful, grateful, and thankful. If your thoughts are and thankful. If your thoughts are and thankful. If your thoughts are repeatedly focused on what others have repeatedly focused on what others have repeatedly focused on what others have done to you, there's a lot of people in done to you, there's a lot of people in done to you, there's a lot of people in our culture that have this victim our culture that have this victim our culture that have this victim mentality. Everybody's against me, and mentality. Everybody's against me, and mentality. Everybody's against me, and they view life that way. They view life they view life that way. They view life they view life that way. They view life like, "Oh, I'm I'm always a victim.

like, "Oh, I'm I'm always a victim. like, "Oh, I'm I'm always a victim. They're always coming after me." If you They're always coming after me." If you They're always coming after me." If you think that way, if you're always think that way, if you're always think that way, if you're always thinking about what others have done to thinking about what others have done to thinking about what others have done to you, you'll become bitter, you, you'll become bitter, you, you'll become bitter, closed off, negative. If your thoughts closed off, negative. If your thoughts closed off, negative. If your thoughts though are repeatedly focused on what though are repeatedly focused on what though are repeatedly focused on what God has done for you, you'll become God has done for you, you'll become God has done for you, you'll become thankful, joyful, and pleasant. If your thankful, joyful, and pleasant. If your thankful, joyful, and pleasant. If your thoughts are repeatedly focused on your thoughts are repeatedly focused on your thoughts are repeatedly focused on your failures, your your sins, your failures, your your sins, your failures, your your sins, your shortcomings, then you'll become shortcomings, then you'll become shortcomings, then you'll become ashamed. You'll live in the shadows. ashamed. You'll live in the shadows. ashamed. You'll live in the shadows. You'll live paralyzed. If your thoughts You'll live paralyzed. If your thoughts You'll live paralyzed. If your thoughts are repeatedly focused on God's grace are repeatedly focused on God's grace are repeatedly focused on God's grace towards you, you'll become humble and towards you, you'll become humble and towards you, you'll become humble and steady. steady. steady. If your thoughts are repeatedly focused If your thoughts are repeatedly focused If your thoughts are repeatedly focused on yourself, [snorts] on yourself, [snorts] on yourself, [snorts] on what you can get out of the on what you can get out of the on what you can get out of the situation, how much money you can make, situation, how much money you can make, situation, how much money you can make, what you can get out of the the the what you can get out of the the the what you can get out of the the the argument, your life, listen to this, argument, your life, listen to this, argument, your life, listen to this, your life will become meaningless. your life will become meaningless. your life will become meaningless. But if your thoughts are repeatedly But if your thoughts are repeatedly But if your thoughts are repeatedly focused on Christ, focused on Christ, focused on Christ, >> you'll find life to the fullest. Here's >> you'll find life to the fullest. Here's >> you'll find life to the fullest. Here's ultimately what Paul's saying here. Your ultimately what Paul's saying here. Your ultimately what Paul's saying here. Your mind is a garden. Your mind is a garden.

mind is a garden. Your mind is a garden. mind is a garden. Your mind is a garden. And what you repeatedly plant will And what you repeatedly plant will And what you repeatedly plant will eventually grow. eventually grow. eventually grow. Your mind is a garden. What you Your mind is a garden. What you Your mind is a garden. What you repeatedly plant will eventually grow. repeatedly plant will eventually grow. repeatedly plant will eventually grow. Let me talk to the young people for just Let me talk to the young people for just Let me talk to the young people for just a little bit. Okay? a little bit. Okay? a little bit. Okay? 18 and younger, 22 and younger. Okay? 18 and younger, 22 and younger. Okay? 18 and younger, 22 and younger. Okay? what you are repeatedly listening to what you are repeatedly listening to what you are repeatedly listening to from a music standpoint, what you're from a music standpoint, what you're from a music standpoint, what you're consuming in regards to content, the consuming in regards to content, the consuming in regards to content, the YouTube videos that you're watching YouTube videos that you're watching YouTube videos that you're watching today will become your character today will become your character today will become your character tomorrow. Information Information will either lead to your formation or will either lead to your formation or will either lead to your formation or your deformationation. It's extremely important to understand It's extremely important to understand the content. Guys, listen to this. This the content. Guys, listen to this. This the content. Guys, listen to this. This is for all of us, especially middle-aged is for all of us, especially middle-aged is for all of us, especially middle-aged parents. This is boomers. This is parents. This is boomers. This is parents. This is boomers. This is everybody across the board. What you everybody across the board. What you everybody across the board. What you consume consume consume will eventually consume you. will eventually consume you. will eventually consume you. What you consume will eventually consume What you consume will eventually consume What you consume will eventually consume you. Your algorithm will become your you. Your algorithm will become your you. Your algorithm will become your legacy. And so, it's so important.

legacy. And so, it's so important. legacy. And so, it's so important. That's why it breaks me. Y'all know I That's why it breaks me. Y'all know I That's why it breaks me. Y'all know I have a heart for men. It breaks me and have a heart for men. It breaks me and have a heart for men. It breaks me and terrifies me. And the data is already terrifies me. And the data is already terrifies me. And the data is already out and it's not great at all. Matter of out and it's not great at all. Matter of out and it's not great at all. Matter of fact, they've been consuming or creating fact, they've been consuming or creating fact, they've been consuming or creating this data for about 20 years that what this data for about 20 years that what this data for about 20 years that what happens to young men when they play in happens to young men when they play in happens to young men when they play in the most formative years of their life the most formative years of their life the most formative years of their life when they play video games for five, when they play video games for five, when they play video games for five, six, seven, eight hours a day, it is six, seven, eight hours a day, it is six, seven, eight hours a day, it is creating pathways in their brains while creating pathways in their brains while creating pathways in their brains while their brains are still wet concrete. their brains are still wet concrete. their brains are still wet concrete. That's why pornography is so dangerous, That's why pornography is so dangerous, That's why pornography is so dangerous, especially when you're younger. especially when you're younger. especially when you're younger. Because what you consume today will Because what you consume today will Because what you consume today will consume you tomorrow. I want to show you consume you tomorrow. I want to show you consume you tomorrow. I want to show you a picture of how this works in our a picture of how this works in our a picture of how this works in our brains. brains. brains. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] That's not what you were thinking was, That's not what you were thinking was, That's not what you were thinking was, was it? Let me let me show you all your was it? Let me let me show you all your was it? Let me let me show you all your brains right now. Boom. There it is. brains right now. Boom. There it is. brains right now. Boom. There it is. What an insult. I'm just kidding. So to What an insult. I'm just kidding. So to What an insult. I'm just kidding. So to to do to explain this, I want to explain to do to explain this, I want to explain to do to explain this, I want to explain a concept called neuroplasticity. Okay? a concept called neuroplasticity. Okay? a concept called neuroplasticity. Okay? Neuroplasticity. Now, I'm not a doctor Neuroplasticity. Now, I'm not a doctor Neuroplasticity. Now, I'm not a doctor or a scientist, but it's a pretty simple or a scientist, but it's a pretty simple or a scientist, but it's a pretty simple idea. It was discovered about 60 years idea. It was discovered about 60 years idea. It was discovered about 60 years ago. Scientists discovered the concept ago. Scientists discovered the concept ago. Scientists discovered the concept of neuroplasticity. The the name of neuroplasticity. The the name of neuroplasticity. The the name actually describes what it is. Neuro actually describes what it is. Neuro actually describes what it is. Neuro your brain. Plastic is plastic. So for your brain. Plastic is plastic. So for your brain. Plastic is plastic. So for hundreds of years, scientists believe hundreds of years, scientists believe hundreds of years, scientists believe that once you became an adult, your that once you became an adult, your that once you became an adult, your brain was fixed. Your mind was fixed.

brain was fixed. Your mind was fixed. brain was fixed. Your mind was fixed. How you think, your personality, How you think, your personality, How you think, your personality, everything about you is kind of done. everything about you is kind of done. everything about you is kind of done. It's like concrete. It's finished. But It's like concrete. It's finished. But It's like concrete. It's finished. But what they've discovered over the last what they've discovered over the last what they've discovered over the last few decades is that's actually not true. few decades is that's actually not true. few decades is that's actually not true. Here's a definition of neuroplasticity. Here's a definition of neuroplasticity. Here's a definition of neuroplasticity. is really important. Neuroplasticity is is really important. Neuroplasticity is is really important. Neuroplasticity is your brain's ability to change and to your brain's ability to change and to your brain's ability to change and to rewire itself based on, watch this, you rewire itself based on, watch this, you rewire itself based on, watch this, you have control over this, based on what have control over this, based on what have control over this, based on what you repeatedly think and do. So, here's you repeatedly think and do. So, here's you repeatedly think and do. So, here's what scientists have discovered. You are what scientists have discovered. You are what scientists have discovered. You are not fixed. You are not your personality. not fixed. You are not your personality. not fixed. You are not your personality. You are not like, "Okay, now that I'm You are not like, "Okay, now that I'm You are not like, "Okay, now that I'm adult, this is how I think. This is who adult, this is how I think. This is who adult, this is how I think. This is who I am. This is how I'll always be." I am. This is how I'll always be." I am. This is how I'll always be." That's actually not true. Matter of That's actually not true. Matter of That's actually not true. Matter of fact, I believe that's a lie in the pit fact, I believe that's a lie in the pit fact, I believe that's a lie in the pit of hell for every person that they can't of hell for every person that they can't of hell for every person that they can't change. Scientists and scripture are change. Scientists and scripture are change. Scientists and scripture are saying something very different. What saying something very different. What saying something very different. What they're saying is what you think about they're saying is what you think about they're saying is what you think about repeatedly and as a result, what you do repeatedly and as a result, what you do repeatedly and as a result, what you do actually forms that in your brain. actually forms that in your brain. actually forms that in your brain. Introduce you to my cow friend here. I Introduce you to my cow friend here. I Introduce you to my cow friend here. I grew up on a farm. I grew up having grew up on a farm. I grew up having grew up on a farm. I grew up having cows. Okay? So, we had a bunch of cows cows. Okay? So, we had a bunch of cows cows. Okay? So, we had a bunch of cows with my dad and we had multiple pastures with my dad and we had multiple pastures with my dad and we had multiple pastures with cows at one point. And I grew up with cows at one point. And I grew up with cows at one point. And I grew up seeing those right there. We called them seeing those right there. We called them seeing those right there. We called them cow paths, not cow patties. That's a cow paths, not cow patties. That's a cow paths, not cow patties. That's a very different thing. Cow paths. Okay.

very different thing. Cow paths. Okay. very different thing. Cow paths. Okay. What a cow path was was you had a a a What a cow path was was you had a a a What a cow path was was you had a a a place where you'd feed cows. Okay. And place where you'd feed cows. Okay. And place where you'd feed cows. Okay. And if you kind of kept them in a general if you kind of kept them in a general if you kind of kept them in a general area and the food was in another area, area and the food was in another area, area and the food was in another area, they would create a cow path because they would create a cow path because they would create a cow path because they are creatures of habit. meaning they are creatures of habit. meaning they are creatures of habit. meaning that they would walk the exact same that they would walk the exact same that they would walk the exact same route over and over and over and over route over and over and over and over route over and over and over and over again until you move the feed. And then again until you move the feed. And then again until you move the feed. And then once you move the feed, they would stop once you move the feed, they would stop once you move the feed, they would stop using this path and create another path. using this path and create another path. using this path and create another path. And what would happen with these paths And what would happen with these paths And what would happen with these paths if they stop using them or if you move if they stop using them or if you move if they stop using them or if you move the cows to a different pasture, which the cows to a different pasture, which the cows to a different pasture, which is what we did often. We'd kind of move is what we did often. We'd kind of move is what we did often. We'd kind of move them for grazing purposes. Then what them for grazing purposes. Then what them for grazing purposes. Then what would happen to these cow paths is would happen to these cow paths is would happen to these cow paths is they'd start growing and changing and they'd start growing and changing and they'd start growing and changing and eventually the grass would come back up eventually the grass would come back up eventually the grass would come back up in the middle and they would change. in the middle and they would change. in the middle and they would change. Once you change the cow's behavior, you Once you change the cow's behavior, you Once you change the cow's behavior, you would change the cow paths. Now on a would change the cow paths. Now on a would change the cow paths. Now on a very simple level, what Paul's saying very simple level, what Paul's saying very simple level, what Paul's saying here and what scientists have been here and what scientists have been here and what scientists have been saying for a while is that's our brains. saying for a while is that's our brains. saying for a while is that's our brains. And the cow that keeps walking through And the cow that keeps walking through And the cow that keeps walking through and creating this is our thoughts. If and creating this is our thoughts. If and creating this is our thoughts. If you keep ruminating over an anxious you keep ruminating over an anxious you keep ruminating over an anxious things, you will create an anxious things, you will create an anxious things, you will create an anxious brain. If you keep ruminating ruminating brain. If you keep ruminating ruminating brain. If you keep ruminating ruminating over materialism and and always wanting over materialism and and always wanting over materialism and and always wanting stuff and is I'm gonna I'm gonna be stuff and is I'm gonna I'm gonna be stuff and is I'm gonna I'm gonna be satisfied if I can buy the next thing or satisfied if I can buy the next thing or satisfied if I can buy the next thing or do the next thing, you're creating do the next thing, you're creating do the next thing, you're creating paths. But the moment that you start paths. But the moment that you start paths. But the moment that you start thinking differently and start acting thinking differently and start acting thinking differently and start acting differently, guess what happens? You differently, guess what happens? You differently, guess what happens? You start living differently. You are not start living differently. You are not start living differently. You are not fixed. And what Paul's saying here, fixed. And what Paul's saying here, fixed. And what Paul's saying here, 2,000 years before these scientists 2,000 years before these scientists 2,000 years before these scientists discovered, it's what you think about discovered, it's what you think about discovered, it's what you think about today becomes who you are tomorrow. So

today becomes who you are tomorrow. So today becomes who you are tomorrow. So what Paul is saying is, I want you guys what Paul is saying is, I want you guys what Paul is saying is, I want you guys to be truthful. I want you to be pure. I to be truthful. I want you to be pure. I to be truthful. I want you to be pure. I want you to be honorable. And so to be want you to be honorable. And so to be want you to be honorable. And so to be these things, think this way. And so for these things, think this way. And so for these things, think this way. And so for you and I to to to practically apply you and I to to to practically apply you and I to to to practically apply this is we've got to really think about this is we've got to really think about this is we've got to really think about what we're thinking about. We've got to what we're thinking about. We've got to what we're thinking about. We've got to take thoughts captive. You know, when I take thoughts captive. You know, when I take thoughts captive. You know, when I started coming re recovering from started coming re recovering from started coming re recovering from burnout is when I quit ruminating on burnout is when I quit ruminating on burnout is when I quit ruminating on what all of you think about me. what all of you think about me. what all of you think about me. That's when that's when it started to That's when that's when it started to That's when that's when it started to change. It started to change that that change. It started to change that that change. It started to change that that when someone says something negative when someone says something negative when someone says something negative about me, it doesn't it it don't it about me, it doesn't it it don't it about me, it doesn't it it don't it doesn't blast my identity. When somebody doesn't blast my identity. When somebody doesn't blast my identity. When somebody feels like they're going to go to feels like they're going to go to feels like they're going to go to another church because they don't like another church because they don't like another church because they don't like me or they don't like how we do stuff, me or they don't like how we do stuff, me or they don't like how we do stuff, it's like, okay, my identity is no it's like, okay, my identity is no it's like, okay, my identity is no longer fixed on what other people think longer fixed on what other people think longer fixed on what other people think about me. So now I love you. I love you about me. So now I love you. I love you about me. So now I love you. I love you guys. I just don't care what you have to guys. I just don't care what you have to guys. I just don't care what you have to say. say. say. And it's a good thing because you don't And it's a good thing because you don't And it's a good thing because you don't want me to. And the same is true for want me to. And the same is true for want me to. And the same is true for you. You need to know that you're loved you. You need to know that you're loved you. You need to know that you're loved by God. Your identity is established in by God. Your identity is established in by God. Your identity is established in Jesus. And no matter what people think Jesus. And no matter what people think Jesus. And no matter what people think or say about you, it doesn't matter. or say about you, it doesn't matter. or say about you, it doesn't matter. >> That's right.

>> That's right. >> That's right. >> The whatifs are gone. And here's the >> The whatifs are gone. And here's the >> The whatifs are gone. And here's the last thing that you and I need to do is last thing that you and I need to do is last thing that you and I need to do is not only do we need to think right and not only do we need to think right and not only do we need to think right and pray right. Lastly, my friends, we need pray right. Lastly, my friends, we need pray right. Lastly, my friends, we need to live right. We need to live right. to live right. We need to live right. to live right. We need to live right. Let's hop back into verse nine together. Let's hop back into verse nine together. Let's hop back into verse nine together. The things that you have learned, Paul The things that you have learned, Paul The things that you have learned, Paul writes, and received and heard and seen writes, and received and heard and seen writes, and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the in me, practice these things, and the in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Look what God of peace will be with you. Look what God of peace will be with you. Look what he says here. Let's hop back on the iPad he says here. Let's hop back on the iPad he says here. Let's hop back on the iPad real quick. The things, watch this. He real quick. The things, watch this. He real quick. The things, watch this. He the four things that he highlights here. the four things that he highlights here. the four things that he highlights here. The things that you have learned and The things that you have learned and The things that you have learned and received and heard and seen. He is received and heard and seen. He is received and heard and seen. He is alluding to their formation. We're going alluding to their formation. We're going alluding to their formation. We're going to leave that up there. I want to just to leave that up there. I want to just to leave that up there. I want to just leave that right there. That you and I leave that right there. That you and I leave that right there. That you and I grow in our relationship with Jesus as grow in our relationship with Jesus as grow in our relationship with Jesus as we learn, as we receive truth, as we we learn, as we receive truth, as we we learn, as we receive truth, as we hear truth, and as we see people living hear truth, and as we see people living hear truth, and as we see people living out truth. That's why the power of out truth. That's why the power of out truth. That's why the power of Dgroups and life groups, the power of Dgroups and life groups, the power of Dgroups and life groups, the power of having mentors is is so important in the having mentors is is so important in the having mentors is is so important in the Christian life because that's a huge Christian life because that's a huge Christian life because that's a huge part of it. That if you're not learning part of it. That if you're not learning part of it. That if you're not learning as a follower of Jesus, you're not as a follower of Jesus, you're not as a follower of Jesus, you're not really living the life Jesus wants you really living the life Jesus wants you really living the life Jesus wants you to live. That the word disciple, let me to live. That the word disciple, let me to live. That the word disciple, let me blow some of your minds for a second.

blow some of your minds for a second. blow some of your minds for a second. The word disciple in Greek, you know The word disciple in Greek, you know The word disciple in Greek, you know what it means? Learner. That you and I what it means? Learner. That you and I what it means? Learner. That you and I are constantly called to be learning. If are constantly called to be learning. If are constantly called to be learning. If there's if you can look back over the there's if you can look back over the there's if you can look back over the last three months, two months, two last three months, two months, two last three months, two months, two weeks, or two years, and not put to one weeks, or two years, and not put to one weeks, or two years, and not put to one point to one thing that you've learned point to one thing that you've learned point to one thing that you've learned in your relationship with Christ, well, in your relationship with Christ, well, in your relationship with Christ, well, then you're missing it. You're off then you're missing it. You're off then you're missing it. You're off somewhere. And if God hadn't left you, somewhere. And if God hadn't left you, somewhere. And if God hadn't left you, you've probably left him. Learning is a you've probably left him. Learning is a you've probably left him. Learning is a part of this experience. And Paul's part of this experience. And Paul's part of this experience. And Paul's reminding him this, but I want to make a reminding him this, but I want to make a reminding him this, but I want to make a very huge distinction here that Paul's very huge distinction here that Paul's very huge distinction here that Paul's already said. We're going to say it already said. We're going to say it already said. We're going to say it again, that you can learn, listen to again, that you can learn, listen to again, that you can learn, listen to this, because some of y'all, this is you this, because some of y'all, this is you this, because some of y'all, this is you right now. You can learn godly things right now. You can learn godly things right now. You can learn godly things and not live a godly life. It's and not live a godly life. It's and not live a godly life. It's possible. Because what Paul says here is possible. Because what Paul says here is possible. Because what Paul says here is he doesn't stop here and like, "Hey, I'm he doesn't stop here and like, "Hey, I'm he doesn't stop here and like, "Hey, I'm so glad you're learning and reading and so glad you're learning and reading and so glad you're learning and reading and receiving and hearing." Look what he receiving and hearing." Look what he receiving and hearing." Look what he says here. He says, "In light of all says here. He says, "In light of all says here. He says, "In light of all that stuff, HERE'S WHAT HE SAYS." that stuff, HERE'S WHAT HE SAYS." that stuff, HERE'S WHAT HE SAYS." PRACTICE these things. Do these things. PRACTICE these things. Do these things. PRACTICE these things. Do these things. Put them into action. Listen, some of Put them into action. Listen, some of Put them into action. Listen, some of you are so content in your spiritual you are so content in your spiritual you are so content in your spiritual life to just go from D-group to D-group life to just go from D-group to D-group life to just go from D-group to D-group to D-group to D-group to D-group to life to D-group to D-group to D-group to life to D-group to D-group to D-group to life group to life group to life group to group to life group to life group to group to life group to life group to life group to book study to book study life group to book study to book study life group to book study to book study to book study to book study and that's to book study to book study and that's to book study to book study and that's great. But you have not yet put into great. But you have not yet put into great. But you have not yet put into practice anything you've learned. You practice anything you've learned. You practice anything you've learned. You realize that if you and I learn all realize that if you and I learn all realize that if you and I learn all these things about God and yet still these things about God and yet still these things about God and yet still don't make disciples and we still don't don't make disciples and we still don't don't make disciples and we still don't share the gospel and we still don't fast share the gospel and we still don't fast share the gospel and we still don't fast and pray and we we still don't worship, and pray and we we still don't worship, and pray and we we still don't worship, you got professional Christians in this you got professional Christians in this you got professional Christians in this room that when you're worshiping, you room that when you're worshiping, you room that when you're worshiping, you look you're bored out of your mind.

look you're bored out of your mind. look you're bored out of your mind. And and and the reality is if you keep And and and the reality is if you keep And and and the reality is if you keep learning all this stuff, remember I said learning all this stuff, remember I said learning all this stuff, remember I said this a few weeks ago, God does not care this a few weeks ago, God does not care this a few weeks ago, God does not care what you know if it doesn't show. what you know if it doesn't show. what you know if it doesn't show. >> It doesn't matter. Paul's saying this >> It doesn't matter. Paul's saying this >> It doesn't matter. Paul's saying this great you're learning all these things. great you're learning all these things. great you're learning all these things. put them into practice. Start doing this put them into practice. Start doing this put them into practice. Start doing this stuff. Listen, here's what Jesus is not stuff. Listen, here's what Jesus is not stuff. Listen, here's what Jesus is not going to say to you one day when you get going to say to you one day when you get going to say to you one day when you get to heaven. He's not going to look at you to heaven. He's not going to look at you to heaven. He's not going to look at you and say, "Well done, good and faithful and say, "Well done, good and faithful and say, "Well done, good and faithful student." student." student." >> Well done, good and faithful student. >> Well done, good and faithful student. >> Well done, good and faithful student. Look at all that you've learned. Look at all that you've learned. Look at all that you've learned. No, he says to his followers, "Well No, he says to his followers, "Well No, he says to his followers, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Amen. done, good and faithful servant." Amen. done, good and faithful servant." Amen. >> The people who not only kept learning >> The people who not only kept learning >> The people who not only kept learning but who put it into practice. James says but who put it into practice. James says but who put it into practice. James says it later. He says, "Don't be hearers of it later. He says, "Don't be hearers of it later. He says, "Don't be hearers of the word alone. Be doers of the word." the word alone. Be doers of the word." the word alone. Be doers of the word." >> And so, let make this statement that's >> And so, let make this statement that's >> And so, let make this statement that's that's just reemphasizing this whole that's just reemphasizing this whole that's just reemphasizing this whole thing. Learning God's word, I want you thing. Learning God's word, I want you thing. Learning God's word, I want you to hear this all the way through. to hear this all the way through. to hear this all the way through. Learning God's word will not change your Learning God's word will not change your Learning God's word will not change your life. Learning God's word will not life. Learning God's word will not life. Learning God's word will not change your life. learning God's word change your life. learning God's word change your life. learning God's word and applying it will I heard a preacher and applying it will I heard a preacher and applying it will I heard a preacher say this last Paul David Trip he said say this last Paul David Trip he said say this last Paul David Trip he said Satan is thrilled that people in Satan is thrilled that people in Satan is thrilled that people in churches are learning information he churches are learning information he churches are learning information he loves that as long as he still has your loves that as long as he still has your loves that as long as he still has your heart heart heart >> come on >> come on >> come on >> man some of you are here look and I love >> man some of you are here look and I love >> man some of you are here look and I love you and this is why I'm saying this to you and this is why I'm saying this to you and this is why I'm saying this to you I I love you dearly but you are you I I love you dearly but you are you I I love you dearly but you are pleasing Satan this morning by just pleasing Satan this morning by just pleasing Satan this morning by just learning some new things about God and learning some new things about God and learning some new things about God and not actually going to put anything into

not actually going to put anything into not actually going to put anything into practice because there's something practice because there's something practice because there's something that's still of this world that has your that's still of this world that has your that's still of this world that has your heart. Maybe it's your anxiousness. heart. Maybe it's your anxiousness. heart. Maybe it's your anxiousness. Maybe it's your money or your Maybe it's your money or your Maybe it's your money or your possessions or your or your whatever it possessions or your or your whatever it possessions or your or your whatever it is. He wants you to learn truth this is. He wants you to learn truth this is. He wants you to learn truth this morning as long as he still has your morning as long as he still has your morning as long as he still has your heart. As long as the world has still heart. As long as the world has still heart. As long as the world has still captured you, as long as you're still captured you, as long as you're still captured you, as long as you're still mesmerized and treasuring something of mesmerized and treasuring something of mesmerized and treasuring something of the world, he is totally fine with you the world, he is totally fine with you the world, he is totally fine with you learning things. learning things. learning things. You, if you think about it, nobody on You, if you think about it, nobody on You, if you think about it, nobody on earth right now, no one on earth knows earth right now, no one on earth knows earth right now, no one on earth knows the Bible better than Satan. the Bible better than Satan. the Bible better than Satan. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. If you and I just learn it and don't do If you and I just learn it and don't do If you and I just learn it and don't do anything about it, you know what? This anything about it, you know what? This anything about it, you know what? This is harsh, but this is reality. We look a is harsh, but this is reality. We look a is harsh, but this is reality. We look a lot like Satan. lot like Satan. lot like Satan. >> I for one don't want to do that. >> I for one don't want to do that. >> I for one don't want to do that. >> I think you don't either. >> I think you don't either. >> I think you don't either. And so, here's what this looks like. And And so, here's what this looks like. And And so, here's what this looks like. And I'm going to invite the band back up as I'm going to invite the band back up as I'm going to invite the band back up as we bring this together this morning. we bring this together this morning. we bring this together this morning. Here's what this looks like when you and Here's what this looks like when you and Here's what this looks like when you and I here's let me just show you what this looks let me just show you what this looks like week in and week out for some some like week in and week out for some some like week in and week out for some some of us in this room. I want you to of us in this room. I want you to of us in this room. I want you to imagine with me that my wife uh comes to imagine with me that my wife uh comes to imagine with me that my wife uh comes to me and she says, "Blake, I want you. I me and she says, "Blake, I want you. I me and she says, "Blake, I want you. I love you. I want you." [laughter] love you. I want you." [laughter] love you. I want you." [laughter] Didn't start off the right way.

[laughter] [laughter] Woo! Okay, I got a hot flash just in Woo! Okay, I got a hot flash just in Woo! Okay, I got a hot flash just in gracious. gracious. gracious. Okay, what makes it even better is my Okay, what makes it even better is my Okay, what makes it even better is my in-laws are right there. That makes it in-laws are right there. That makes it in-laws are right there. That makes it even better. [laughter] even better. [laughter] even better. [laughter] Even better. Even better. Even better. Imagine Joy comes to me and says, "Hey, Imagine Joy comes to me and says, "Hey, Imagine Joy comes to me and says, "Hey, I love you. I'm super grateful for you." I love you. I'm super grateful for you." I love you. I'm super grateful for you." And and here I'm going to ask you to do And and here I'm going to ask you to do And and here I'm going to ask you to do something. Okay? I'm like, "All right, something. Okay? I'm like, "All right, something. Okay? I'm like, "All right, babe. Whatever. I love you, too. babe. Whatever. I love you, too. babe. Whatever. I love you, too. Whatever you want." And she says, "I Whatever you want." And she says, "I Whatever you want." And she says, "I want you to make dinner for our family." want you to make dinner for our family." want you to make dinner for our family." Okay? It's been a hard day. Kids and I, Okay? It's been a hard day. Kids and I, Okay? It's been a hard day. Kids and I, we've been all over the place. We're we've been all over the place. We're we've been all over the place. We're coming in hot. Like, will you just make coming in hot. Like, will you just make coming in hot. Like, will you just make our family dinner when you get home? And our family dinner when you get home? And our family dinner when you get home? And I'm like, "Yeah, babe. Yeah. I'll I'll I'm like, "Yeah, babe. Yeah. I'll I'll I'm like, "Yeah, babe. Yeah. I'll I'll do that. I'll do it." And so imagine do that. I'll do it." And so imagine do that. I'll do it." And so imagine after we hang up the phone, okay, I get after we hang up the phone, okay, I get after we hang up the phone, okay, I get my prayer journal out and I write down my prayer journal out and I write down my prayer journal out and I write down the date and I write down Joy asked me the date and I write down Joy asked me the date and I write down Joy asked me to make dinner for our family. to make dinner for our family. to make dinner for our family. THAT'S SO AWESOME. AND SHE SAYS SHE THAT'S SO AWESOME. AND SHE SAYS SHE THAT'S SO AWESOME. AND SHE SAYS SHE LOVES ME. LOVES ME. LOVES ME. YES. YES. YES. And then I say a little prayer. God, And then I say a little prayer. God, And then I say a little prayer. God, help me. Help me to make dinner for my help me. Help me to make dinner for my help me. Help me to make dinner for my family tonight in Jesus name. Amen.

family tonight in Jesus name. Amen. family tonight in Jesus name. Amen. Boom. And then after that, I meet with Boom. And then after that, I meet with Boom. And then after that, I meet with my small group. There's some guys in my small group. There's some guys in my small group. There's some guys in here in my D group right here. and and I here in my D group right here. and and I here in my D group right here. and and I meet with all them. We come together meet with all them. We come together meet with all them. We come together like, "Guys, you won't believe it. Joy like, "Guys, you won't believe it. Joy like, "Guys, you won't believe it. Joy told me today that she loves me and and told me today that she loves me and and told me today that she loves me and and she wants me to make dinner for her." she wants me to make dinner for her." she wants me to make dinner for her." AND ALL THE GUYS LIKE, "BRO, LET'S GO. AND ALL THE GUYS LIKE, "BRO, LET'S GO. AND ALL THE GUYS LIKE, "BRO, LET'S GO. THAT'S SICK." THAT'S SICK." THAT'S SICK." And I'm like, "But here's the deal, And I'm like, "But here's the deal, And I'm like, "But here's the deal, guys. That's hard for me and I struggle guys. That's hard for me and I struggle guys. That's hard for me and I struggle with that and that's difficult." And so, with that and that's difficult." And so, with that and that's difficult." And so, will you pray for me about this? And the will you pray for me about this? And the will you pray for me about this? And the guys rally around me like, "Bro, we'll guys rally around me like, "Bro, we'll guys rally around me like, "Bro, we'll pray for you." And we spend like two pray for you." And we spend like two pray for you." And we spend like two hours just talking about it and praying hours just talking about it and praying hours just talking about it and praying over it and celebrating it. And I leave over it and celebrating it. And I leave over it and celebrating it. And I leave out there and I'm like, "Yes." And I'm out there and I'm like, "Yes." And I'm out there and I'm like, "Yes." And I'm so fired up that I get my phone and I go so fired up that I get my phone and I go so fired up that I get my phone and I go over to Facebook and I and I create a over to Facebook and I and I create a over to Facebook and I and I create a post about it. And I look at I get on post about it. And I look at I get on post about it. And I look at I get on Facebook and I get this little these Facebook and I get this little these Facebook and I get this little these little editing apps and I'm like little editing apps and I'm like little editing apps and I'm like AND I PUT SOME KIND OF PHRASE IN THERE AND I PUT SOME KIND OF PHRASE IN THERE AND I PUT SOME KIND OF PHRASE IN THERE LIKE, "MAN, YOU WANT TO SERVE YOUR LIKE, "MAN, YOU WANT TO SERVE YOUR LIKE, "MAN, YOU WANT TO SERVE YOUR FAMILY? MAKE DINNER FOR THEM. # DINNER FAMILY? MAKE DINNER FOR THEM. # DINNER FAMILY? MAKE DINNER FOR THEM. # DINNER IS a winner. All right, LET'S GO." AND I IS a winner. All right, LET'S GO." AND I IS a winner. All right, LET'S GO." AND I POSTED AND MAN, THERE'S LIKE 300 PEOPLE POSTED AND MAN, THERE'S LIKE 300 PEOPLE POSTED AND MAN, THERE'S LIKE 300 PEOPLE THAT LIKE IT AND ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE THAT LIKE IT AND ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE THAT LIKE IT AND ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE COMMENTING ON IT LIKE, "YEAH, PRAISE COMMENTING ON IT LIKE, "YEAH, PRAISE COMMENTING ON IT LIKE, "YEAH, PRAISE GOD, PASTOR MIKE. LET'S GO. THAT'S GOD, PASTOR MIKE. LET'S GO. THAT'S GOD, PASTOR MIKE. LET'S GO. THAT'S AWESOME." AND then and then I even write AWESOME." AND then and then I even write AWESOME." AND then and then I even write a song about it.

a song about it. a song about it. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] And I truly wrote a song about it right And I truly wrote a song about it right And I truly wrote a song about it right before I came out here earlier. And I before I came out here earlier. And I before I came out here earlier. And I and I and I get ready and I'm so and I and I get ready and I'm so and I and I get ready and I'm so inspired and I just sing this song. inspired and I just sing this song. inspired and I just sing this song. [sighs] To the stove I will go To the stove I will go for my love so it shows. You want burgers, you want steak. You want burgers, you want steak. Girl, you got it. I ain't fake. And I do all this stuff. AND SO SHE And I do all this stuff. AND SO SHE COMES HOME. Y'ALL LIKE THAT? Come on. [music] [music] I wrote that coming out of the restroom I wrote that coming out of the restroom I wrote that coming out of the restroom right before this service. Okay. So, I right before this service. Okay. So, I right before this service. Okay. So, I do all those things. And so, when Joy do all those things. And so, when Joy do all those things. And so, when Joy GETS HOME, SHE WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR GETS HOME, SHE WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR GETS HOME, SHE WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR and she looks at me and [snorts] she and she looks at me and [snorts] she and she looks at me and [snorts] she smells and and she smells nothing.

smells and and she smells nothing. smells and and she smells nothing. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] And so, she comes around the corner and And so, she comes around the corner and And so, she comes around the corner and she looks at the stove and she looks at she looks at the stove and she looks at she looks at the stove and she looks at the oven. There's nothing in there. And the oven. There's nothing in there. And the oven. There's nothing in there. And she looks around and uh maybe he's she looks around and uh maybe he's she looks around and uh maybe he's ordered something. Maybe he's he's going ordered something. Maybe he's he's going ordered something. Maybe he's he's going to go pick something up. And she looks to go pick something up. And she looks to go pick something up. And she looks at me and she said, "Hey babe, where's at me and she said, "Hey babe, where's at me and she said, "Hey babe, where's dinner?" And I look at her and I say, dinner?" And I look at her and I say, dinner?" And I look at her and I say, "Oh, babe, look at this. LOOK AT MY "Oh, babe, look at this. LOOK AT MY "Oh, babe, look at this. LOOK AT MY PRAYER JOURNAL. I WROTE WHAT YOU SAID PRAYER JOURNAL. I WROTE WHAT YOU SAID PRAYER JOURNAL. I WROTE WHAT YOU SAID down and I prayed about it down and I prayed about it down and I prayed about it and then babe, look, I I I [laughter] and then babe, look, I I I [laughter] and then babe, look, I I I [laughter] even I went to my small group TODAY AND even I went to my small group TODAY AND even I went to my small group TODAY AND WE TALKED about it today in in small WE TALKED about it today in in small WE TALKED about it today in in small group and they prayed for me. WE TALKED group and they prayed for me. WE TALKED group and they prayed for me. WE TALKED ABOUT IT FOR TWO HOURS TODAY. ABOUT IT FOR TWO HOURS TODAY. ABOUT IT FOR TWO HOURS TODAY. And then look babe, look at this post And then look babe, look at this post And then look babe, look at this post that I made on Facebook about men making that I made on Facebook about men making that I made on Facebook about men making dinner for their wives and and HOW MUCH dinner for their wives and and HOW MUCH dinner for their wives and and HOW MUCH YOU YOU LOVE THAT. AND AND I EVEN HAD YOU YOU LOVE THAT. AND AND I EVEN HAD YOU YOU LOVE THAT. AND AND I EVEN HAD THAT COOL HASHTAG. IT'S LIKE I GOT so THAT COOL HASHTAG. IT'S LIKE I GOT so THAT COOL HASHTAG. IT'S LIKE I GOT so many # dinner is a winner. Look at that. many # dinner is a winner. Look at that. many # dinner is a winner. Look at that. And then girl, let me get you this song. And then girl, let me get you this song. And then girl, let me get you this song. I just wrote this song. You're going to I just wrote this song. You're going to I just wrote this song. You're going to love this. And and I'm not going to do love this. And and I'm not going to do love this. And and I'm not going to do it again, but it again, but it again, but I do all this stuff and and AND ALL I do all this stuff and and AND ALL I do all this stuff and and AND ALL THESE THINGS. I'M LIKE, AREN'T YOU THESE THINGS. I'M LIKE, AREN'T YOU THESE THINGS. I'M LIKE, AREN'T YOU IMPRESSED? Isn't this what you wanted?

IMPRESSED? Isn't this what you wanted? IMPRESSED? Isn't this what you wanted? And she's gonna look at me and say, And she's gonna look at me and say, And she's gonna look at me and say, "Babe, all those things are great, "Babe, all those things are great, "Babe, all those things are great, but you didn't make dinner. You didn't but you didn't make dinner. You didn't but you didn't make dinner. You didn't do what I asked you to do." And here's do what I asked you to do." And here's do what I asked you to do." And here's the reality for a lot of people in this the reality for a lot of people in this the reality for a lot of people in this church that I love dearly [music] church that I love dearly [music] church that I love dearly [music] is if you are going to live your entire is if you are going to live your entire is if you are going to live your entire life hearing THE COMMANDS OF GOD TO GO life hearing THE COMMANDS OF GOD TO GO life hearing THE COMMANDS OF GOD TO GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES TO WALK BY FAITH TO AND MAKE DISCIPLES TO WALK BY FAITH TO AND MAKE DISCIPLES TO WALK BY FAITH TO FAST AND PRAY TO SHARE THE GOSPEL AND FAST AND PRAY TO SHARE THE GOSPEL AND FAST AND PRAY TO SHARE THE GOSPEL AND YOU'RE GOING TO WRITE ABOUT IT IN YOUR YOU'RE GOING TO WRITE ABOUT IT IN YOUR YOU'RE GOING TO WRITE ABOUT IT IN YOUR PRAYER JOURNALS AND YOU'RE GOING TO TALK PRAYER JOURNALS AND YOU'RE GOING TO TALK PRAYER JOURNALS AND YOU'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT IT IN YOUR SMALL GROUPS AND YOU'RE ABOUT IT IN YOUR SMALL GROUPS AND YOU'RE ABOUT IT IN YOUR SMALL GROUPS AND YOU'RE GOING TO post about it on social media GOING TO post about it on social media GOING TO post about it on social media and you're GOING TO SING SONGS ON SUNDAY and you're GOING TO SING SONGS ON SUNDAY and you're GOING TO SING SONGS ON SUNDAY MORNING ABOUT HOW GOD WANTS US to go and MORNING ABOUT HOW GOD WANTS US to go and MORNING ABOUT HOW GOD WANTS US to go and DO AND OBEY AND WALK BY FAITH. But the DO AND OBEY AND WALK BY FAITH. But the DO AND OBEY AND WALK BY FAITH. But the reality is you're going to stand before reality is you're going to stand before reality is you're going to stand before God one day God one day God one day and all of these things won't matter. and all of these things won't matter. and all of these things won't matter. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> Because you didn't do what he wanted you >> Because you didn't do what he wanted you >> Because you didn't do what he wanted you to do. You just celebrated it. to do. You just celebrated it. to do. You just celebrated it. >> My friends, the time for us being people >> My friends, the time for us being people >> My friends, the time for us being people who just hear truth and not live it is who just hear truth and not live it is who just hear truth and not live it is over.

over. over. The world is getting darker. Christ is The world is getting darker. Christ is The world is getting darker. Christ is getting closer. And the days of being getting closer. And the days of being getting closer. And the days of being fake and playing church and just fake and playing church and just fake and playing church and just learning truth and going home and not learning truth and going home and not learning truth and going home and not changing anything in our lives has to be changing anything in our lives has to be changing anything in our lives has to be done today. done today. done today. >> PAUL SAYS, "PRACTICE THESE THINGS." >> PAUL SAYS, "PRACTICE THESE THINGS." >> PAUL SAYS, "PRACTICE THESE THINGS." >> And so this morning, >> And so this morning, >> And so this morning, this morning the altar is going to be this morning the altar is going to be this morning the altar is going to be open for people that are just saying, open for people that are just saying, open for people that are just saying, "Hey, I I haven't been thinking right or "Hey, I I haven't been thinking right or "Hey, I I haven't been thinking right or haven't been praying right. right? I've haven't been praying right. right? I've haven't been praying right. right? I've let my anxiety overcome my faith or I let my anxiety overcome my faith or I let my anxiety overcome my faith or I haven't been living right. I just keep haven't been living right. I just keep haven't been living right. I just keep learning and not living. I just keep learning and not living. I just keep learning and not living. I just keep knowing more stuff without showing it. knowing more stuff without showing it. knowing more stuff without showing it. And so the altar is going to be open for And so the altar is going to be open for And so the altar is going to be open for you just to pray, just to come before you just to pray, just to come before you just to pray, just to come before the Lord and just like lay that down. the Lord and just like lay that down. the Lord and just like lay that down. Or you may need to come and pray with Or you may need to come and pray with Or you may need to come and pray with somebody or force somebody that you know somebody or force somebody that you know somebody or force somebody that you know is not living the way we've talked about is not living the way we've talked about is not living the way we've talked about today. But if you want the peace of God, today. But if you want the peace of God, today. But if you want the peace of God, it starts with you praying the right way it starts with you praying the right way it starts with you praying the right way and thinking the right way and living and thinking the right way and living and thinking the right way and living the right way, putting into practice the right way, putting into practice the right way, putting into practice because look how he ends the passage.

because look how he ends the passage. because look how he ends the passage. When you practice these things, what When you practice these things, what When you practice these things, what does he say? And the God of peace will does he say? And the God of peace will does he say? And the God of peace will be with you. be with you. be with you. >> Those who obey God's commands will >> Those who obey God's commands will >> Those who obey God's commands will experience God's presence. He's experience God's presence. He's experience God's presence. He's commanding some of you to do something commanding some of you to do something commanding some of you to do something today. today. today. Say yes. Say yes. And if you're here Say yes. Say yes. And if you're here Say yes. Say yes. And if you're here this morning and you do not have the this morning and you do not have the this morning and you do not have the eternal peace that only Jesus can give eternal peace that only Jesus can give eternal peace that only Jesus can give you, you know that if you died today, you, you know that if you died today, you, you know that if you died today, you wouldn't spend eternity in heaven. you wouldn't spend eternity in heaven. you wouldn't spend eternity in heaven. The pastors, leaders will be here for The pastors, leaders will be here for The pastors, leaders will be here for you just to come forward and say, "I'm you just to come forward and say, "I'm you just to come forward and say, "I'm ready to be saved." Some of you this ready to be saved." Some of you this ready to be saved." Some of you this morning need to be saved and find that morning need to be saved and find that morning need to be saved and find that eternal peace. eternal peace. eternal peace. Some of you need [music] to change Some of you need [music] to change Some of you need [music] to change something so you can have internal something so you can have internal something so you can have internal peace. I don't know what it is, but