Everyday Joy - Be Content - Dr. Blake Ligon

Um, there's multiple passages of Um, there's multiple passages of scripture that say that what's happening scripture that say that what's happening scripture that say that what's happening on earth is being celebrated in heaven. on earth is being celebrated in heaven. on earth is being celebrated in heaven. And uh, so as as we were clapping right And uh, so as as we were clapping right And uh, so as as we were clapping right there uh, for this young man uh, giving there uh, for this young man uh, giving there uh, for this young man uh, giving his life to Christ and being baptized, I his life to Christ and being baptized, I his life to Christ and being baptized, I just had this this this this picture just had this this this this picture just had this this this this picture that this is a small gathering here, but that this is a small gathering here, but that this is a small gathering here, but heaven, all of heaven is rejoicing over heaven, all of heaven is rejoicing over heaven, all of heaven is rejoicing over one sinner coming to repentance. And so, one sinner coming to repentance. And so, one sinner coming to repentance. And so, man, that's awesome. That's fun to think man, that's awesome. That's fun to think man, that's awesome. That's fun to think about. Well, hey, listen. I'm Blake if I about. Well, hey, listen. I'm Blake if I about. Well, hey, listen. I'm Blake if I haven't met you. Super excited that you haven't met you. Super excited that you haven't met you. Super excited that you all are here. And I want to let you all are here. And I want to let you all are here. And I want to let you about something new that's right in about something new that's right in about something new that's right in front of you and you didn't even know front of you and you didn't even know front of you and you didn't even know it. Unless you're on the front row and it. Unless you're on the front row and it. Unless you're on the front row and it's not in front of you, okay? Uh but it's not in front of you, okay? Uh but it's not in front of you, okay? Uh but right in front of you in those chairs, right in front of you in those chairs, right in front of you in those chairs, y'all see that little QR code right y'all see that little QR code right y'all see that little QR code right there? Was there the whole time? If it's there? Was there the whole time? If it's there? Was there the whole time? If it's a snake, it would have bit you. All a snake, it would have bit you. All a snake, it would have bit you. All right. Uh that QR code is for a couple right. Uh that QR code is for a couple right. Uh that QR code is for a couple of reasons. Number one is we want you of reasons. Number one is we want you of reasons. Number one is we want you guys, if you're brand new and you've guys, if you're brand new and you've guys, if you're brand new and you've never been here before, welcome. you're never been here before, welcome. you're never been here before, welcome. you're our guest and we're glad that you're our guest and we're glad that you're our guest and we're glad that you're with us and we want to know that you are with us and we want to know that you are with us and we want to know that you are with us. And so if you take a quick with us. And so if you take a quick with us. And so if you take a quick moment, grab your phone, scan the QR moment, grab your phone, scan the QR moment, grab your phone, scan the QR code and say, it'll take you to a link code and say, it'll take you to a link code and say, it'll take you to a link that says I'm new here and we want you that says I'm new here and we want you that says I'm new here and we want you to fill that out. It sends it to our to fill that out. It sends it to our to fill that out. It sends it to our team and we want to pray for you, follow team and we want to pray for you, follow team and we want to pray for you, follow up with you. However we can serve you, up with you. However we can serve you, up with you. However we can serve you, we want to do that. So make sure to do we want to do that. So make sure to do we want to do that. So make sure to do that. Then also those who aren't new, that. Then also those who aren't new, that. Then also those who aren't new, that QR code is for you to know that QR code is for you to know that QR code is for you to know everything going on at Central. I could everything going on at Central. I could everything going on at Central. I could spend 45 minutes up here today just spend 45 minutes up here today just spend 45 minutes up here today just telling you all the opportunities we telling you all the opportunities we telling you all the opportunities we have for you to grow in your have for you to grow in your have for you to grow in your relationship with Jesus, but we don't relationship with Jesus, but we don't relationship with Jesus, but we don't have time for that. So that's your way have time for that. So that's your way have time for that. So that's your way to find out what's going on. It's like to find out what's going on. It's like to find out what's going on. It's like the oldtimey church bulletin just in a the oldtimey church bulletin just in a the oldtimey church bulletin just in a new way. So those are right there for

new way. So those are right there for new way. So those are right there for you guys and wanted you to know that. you guys and wanted you to know that. you guys and wanted you to know that. But then also uh if you're a member, But then also uh if you're a member, But then also uh if you're a member, last thing and uh you have not yet voted last thing and uh you have not yet voted last thing and uh you have not yet voted for uh deacons who you think uh we for uh deacons who you think uh we for uh deacons who you think uh we should nominate for our deacons, make should nominate for our deacons, make should nominate for our deacons, make sure to do that. And I'm excited to sure to do that. And I'm excited to sure to do that. And I'm excited to announce also uh that we have filled announce also uh that we have filled announce also uh that we have filled every for us to go to four services in every for us to go to four services in every for us to go to four services in two weeks, September 20th, which is two weeks, September 20th, which is two weeks, September 20th, which is awesome for everyone but me. But uh I'm awesome for everyone but me. But uh I'm awesome for everyone but me. But uh I'm just kidding. I'm excited about it. just kidding. I'm excited about it. just kidding. I'm excited about it. Really excited about it, actually. Um, Really excited about it, actually. Um, Really excited about it, actually. Um, but to do that, we needed uh workers in but to do that, we needed uh workers in but to do that, we needed uh workers in the uh kids ministry for all four of the uh kids ministry for all four of the uh kids ministry for all four of those services. I'm excited to announce those services. I'm excited to announce those services. I'm excited to announce all of those services are covered except all of those services are covered except all of those services are covered except 11:30. So, if you haven't yet, answer 11:30. So, if you haven't yet, answer 11:30. So, if you haven't yet, answer God's tug on your heart to serve our God's tug on your heart to serve our God's tug on your heart to serve our next generation at 11:30. This is your next generation at 11:30. This is your next generation at 11:30. This is your opportunity to do that. We've got a few opportunity to do that. We've got a few opportunity to do that. We've got a few more spots left. Now, with that being more spots left. Now, with that being more spots left. Now, with that being said, I want to share with you a story said, I want to share with you a story said, I want to share with you a story about my wife, and she is not here about my wife, and she is not here about my wife, and she is not here today. She's actually at the Jonesboro today. She's actually at the Jonesboro today. She's actually at the Jonesboro campus, so it's perfect timing. Okay, so campus, so it's perfect timing. Okay, so campus, so it's perfect timing. Okay, so uh Joy when but her parents are here, so uh Joy when but her parents are here, so uh Joy when but her parents are here, so I had I do have some accountability here I had I do have some accountability here I had I do have some accountability here this morning. Joy, when she was growing this morning. Joy, when she was growing this morning. Joy, when she was growing up, her family, uh they love going to up, her family, uh they love going to up, her family, uh they love going to Fyville to watch the Razerbacks, play Fyville to watch the Razerbacks, play Fyville to watch the Razerbacks, play football, basketball, baseball, all that football, basketball, baseball, all that football, basketball, baseball, all that good stuff. And so I don't know why, but good stuff. And so I don't know why, but good stuff. And so I don't know why, but nonetheless, uh I'm just kidding. I'm nonetheless, uh I'm just kidding. I'm nonetheless, uh I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. Uh but they do. And so just kidding. Uh but they do. And so just kidding. Uh but they do. And so their route would always take them by their route would always take them by their route would always take them by Russellville, Arkansas. And Russellville, Arkansas. And Russellville, Arkansas. And Russellville, uh has or had at least a Russellville, uh has or had at least a Russellville, uh has or had at least a restaurant called, many of you know,

restaurant called, many of you know, restaurant called, many of you know, Waterburger. Not the chain Waterburger, Waterburger. Not the chain Waterburger, Waterburger. Not the chain Waterburger, the one and only Waterburger. How many the one and only Waterburger. How many the one and only Waterburger. How many of y'all been there by the way? Okay, a of y'all been there by the way? Okay, a of y'all been there by the way? Okay, a few of y'all. A few of y'all. Okay. Uh few of y'all. A few of y'all. Okay. Uh few of y'all. A few of y'all. Okay. Uh you'll probably die a little bit sooner you'll probably die a little bit sooner you'll probably die a little bit sooner than the rest of us. Okay. Uh cuz it's than the rest of us. Okay. Uh cuz it's than the rest of us. Okay. Uh cuz it's pretty greasy establishment, but it's so pretty greasy establishment, but it's so pretty greasy establishment, but it's so good. So, they would go often to this good. So, they would go often to this good. So, they would go often to this place. Now, my wife, what she would do place. Now, my wife, what she would do place. Now, my wife, what she would do when she would go to Waterburger is she when she would go to Waterburger is she when she would go to Waterburger is she would buy a cheeseburger and she'd buy would buy a cheeseburger and she'd buy would buy a cheeseburger and she'd buy onion rings and she'd buy a vanilla onion rings and she'd buy a vanilla onion rings and she'd buy a vanilla milkshake. And then the unthinkable milkshake. And then the unthinkable milkshake. And then the unthinkable would happen. She would take that would happen. She would take that would happen. She would take that milkshake milkshake milkshake and take those onion rings and dip them and take those onion rings and dip them and take those onion rings and dip them in the milkshake. So, listen. They take in the milkshake. So, listen. They take in the milkshake. So, listen. They take me to a game one day and we go to me to a game one day and we go to me to a game one day and we go to Waterburger. I'm pumped. They're all Waterburger. I'm pumped. They're all Waterburger. I'm pumped. They're all excited about it. Um, we go to excited about it. Um, we go to excited about it. Um, we go to Waterburger. She gets her her her meal Waterburger. She gets her her her meal Waterburger. She gets her her her meal and we go to sit down. We're dating at and we go to sit down. We're dating at and we go to sit down. We're dating at the time. Okay. So, we're trying to the time. Okay. So, we're trying to the time. Okay. So, we're trying to figure this thing out. Like, is this figure this thing out. Like, is this figure this thing out. Like, is this really really the one? Is this really really really the one? Is this really really really the one? Is this really the one? I don't know. Trying to figure the one? I don't know. Trying to figure the one? I don't know. Trying to figure this out. This girl orders her onion this out. This girl orders her onion this out. This girl orders her onion rings in a vanilla milkshake. She's rings in a vanilla milkshake. She's rings in a vanilla milkshake. She's sitting across from me and she goes and sitting across from me and she goes and sitting across from me and she goes and starts dipping her onion rings in this starts dipping her onion rings in this starts dipping her onion rings in this milkshake. And I start thinking, Lord, milkshake. And I start thinking, Lord, milkshake. And I start thinking, Lord, give me the words to break up with her give me the words to break up with her give me the words to break up with her right now. Like, what do I what DO I right now. Like, what do I what DO I right now. Like, what do I what DO I NEED TO SAY HERE? THIS IS this is this NEED TO SAY HERE? THIS IS this is this NEED TO SAY HERE? THIS IS this is this is a catastrophe here. This is is a catastrophe here. This is is a catastrophe here. This is absolutely terrible. And I looked at absolutely terrible. And I looked at absolutely terrible. And I looked at her, I was like, "What are you doing?"

her, I was like, "What are you doing?" her, I was like, "What are you doing?" And she was like, "Try it." Now, let me And she was like, "Try it." Now, let me And she was like, "Try it." Now, let me tell you what. We've been to Waterburger tell you what. We've been to Waterburger tell you what. We've been to Waterburger a lot. One time she let me try this one a lot. One time she let me try this one a lot. One time she let me try this one time because after that she wouldn't time because after that she wouldn't time because after that she wouldn't share. Okay, she wouldn't share. I take share. Okay, she wouldn't share. I take share. Okay, she wouldn't share. I take one of her onion rings and I dip it in one of her onion rings and I dip it in one of her onion rings and I dip it in this milkshake this milkshake this milkshake and it was incredible. It was good and it was incredible. It was good and it was incredible. It was good because you have that unique combination because you have that unique combination because you have that unique combination of of fried and salty with that sweet of of fried and salty with that sweet of of fried and salty with that sweet and sugar. When you take those two and sugar. When you take those two and sugar. When you take those two contrasting things, it makes magic. contrasting things, it makes magic. contrasting things, it makes magic. Magic. Some of y'all have stuff like Magic. Some of y'all have stuff like Magic. Some of y'all have stuff like that in your life, right? you you mix that in your life, right? you you mix that in your life, right? you you mix certain foods and you love it and some certain foods and you love it and some certain foods and you love it and some of you it's genius and for some of you of you it's genius and for some of you of you it's genius and for some of you you need counseling. Okay, there's some you need counseling. Okay, there's some you need counseling. Okay, there's some crazy stuff y'all are mixing together. crazy stuff y'all are mixing together. crazy stuff y'all are mixing together. But the reality is like there's certain But the reality is like there's certain But the reality is like there's certain things that when you combine them it things that when you combine them it things that when you combine them it just makes it better. And onion rings just makes it better. And onion rings just makes it better. And onion rings and vanilla milkshake for most of us at and vanilla milkshake for most of us at and vanilla milkshake for most of us at least it makes it better. Now why am I least it makes it better. Now why am I least it makes it better. Now why am I telling this story? What does this have telling this story? What does this have telling this story? What does this have to do with you and your spiritual life? to do with you and your spiritual life? to do with you and your spiritual life? Well actually a lot. Because there are Well actually a lot. Because there are Well actually a lot. Because there are certain things in our lives that we just certain things in our lives that we just certain things in our lives that we just think don't mix. They don't need to mix.

think don't mix. They don't need to mix. think don't mix. They don't need to mix. You got your onion rings and you got You got your onion rings and you got You got your onion rings and you got your vanilla milkshake. And what I mean your vanilla milkshake. And what I mean your vanilla milkshake. And what I mean by that spiritually is that a lot of us by that spiritually is that a lot of us by that spiritually is that a lot of us for a significant amount of time, we for a significant amount of time, we for a significant amount of time, we think or we have our faith, our our think or we have our faith, our our think or we have our faith, our our relationship with Jesus, church, all relationship with Jesus, church, all relationship with Jesus, church, all those things. And we have our finances. those things. And we have our finances. those things. And we have our finances. And those are two distinct things. They And those are two distinct things. They And those are two distinct things. They don't go together. Matter of fact, a lot don't go together. Matter of fact, a lot don't go together. Matter of fact, a lot of a lot of you here were like me uh for of a lot of you here were like me uh for of a lot of you here were like me uh for a long season of my life where it's like a long season of my life where it's like a long season of my life where it's like I got my money and I spend my money the I got my money and I spend my money the I got my money and I spend my money the way I need to and I want to, then I've way I need to and I want to, then I've way I need to and I want to, then I've also got my faith. And those are not also got my faith. And those are not also got my faith. And those are not simply two things that need to be mixed. simply two things that need to be mixed. simply two things that need to be mixed. But what I want us to see this morning But what I want us to see this morning But what I want us to see this morning is while you may look at your faith and is while you may look at your faith and is while you may look at your faith and your finances and think they don't mix. your finances and think they don't mix. your finances and think they don't mix. They don't go together. Or you don't They don't go together. Or you don't They don't go together. Or you don't want them to go together. It's like no, want them to go together. It's like no, want them to go together. It's like no, I'm good. I've got my faith. I've got my I'm good. I've got my faith. I've got my I'm good. I've got my faith. I've got my money. I don't want to mix them. But money. I don't want to mix them. But money. I don't want to mix them. But what we're going to find this morning in what we're going to find this morning in what we're going to find this morning in scripture is when we combine them, when scripture is when we combine them, when scripture is when we combine them, when we take our relationship with Jesus and we take our relationship with Jesus and we take our relationship with Jesus and what Jesus has entrusted to us what Jesus has entrusted to us what Jesus has entrusted to us financially and we bring them together, financially and we bring them together, financially and we bring them together, it actually makes for a pretty awesome it actually makes for a pretty awesome it actually makes for a pretty awesome combination. It is onion rings and combination. It is onion rings and combination. It is onion rings and milkshakes. And we're going to see what milkshakes. And we're going to see what milkshakes. And we're going to see what God does when you and I bring these two God does when you and I bring these two God does when you and I bring these two things together. Now, I want to make a things together. Now, I want to make a things together. Now, I want to make a disclaimer. Some of you already, I can disclaimer. Some of you already, I can disclaimer. Some of you already, I can see it in your body language, have see it in your body language, have see it in your body language, have checked out or you're getting defensive checked out or you're getting defensive checked out or you're getting defensive or frustrated. Let me just invite you or frustrated. Let me just invite you or frustrated. Let me just invite you into something.

into something. into something. This passage This passage This passage >> will encourage you and bless you in ways >> will encourage you and bless you in ways >> will encourage you and bless you in ways that you didn't know you needed today. that you didn't know you needed today. that you didn't know you needed today. >> Because what God has entrusted to you >> Because what God has entrusted to you >> Because what God has entrusted to you and what Jesus has done for you are not and what Jesus has done for you are not and what Jesus has done for you are not in opposition to each other. They in opposition to each other. They in opposition to each other. They actually can work beautifully together actually can work beautifully together actually can work beautifully together if you'll let it. So, let's dive in this if you'll let it. So, let's dive in this if you'll let it. So, let's dive in this passage of scripture this morning to see passage of scripture this morning to see passage of scripture this morning to see how you and I can take our faith and our how you and I can take our faith and our how you and I can take our faith and our finances and make magic. Make finances and make magic. Make finances and make magic. Make vanilla milkshakes and onion rings. vanilla milkshakes and onion rings. vanilla milkshakes and onion rings. Y'all are never going to. And some of Y'all are never going to. And some of Y'all are never going to. And some of y'all right now, you're like, you're y'all right now, you're like, you're y'all right now, you're like, you're already hungry. I messed you up. I already hungry. I messed you up. I already hungry. I messed you up. I apologize. Let's dive in this passage to apologize. Let's dive in this passage to apologize. Let's dive in this passage to see two actions Paul calls us to make in see two actions Paul calls us to make in see two actions Paul calls us to make in regards to our faith and our finances. regards to our faith and our finances. regards to our faith and our finances. Paul says in verse 10, "But I rejoiced Paul says in verse 10, "But I rejoiced Paul says in verse 10, "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly." Now remember, he's in the Lord greatly." Now remember, he's in the Lord greatly." Now remember, he's finishing his letter right here. And the finishing his letter right here. And the finishing his letter right here. And the whole purpose of this letter to the whole purpose of this letter to the whole purpose of this letter to the church at Philippian or the church at church at Philippian or the church at church at Philippian or the church at Philippi is their joy. They were Philippi is their joy. They were Philippi is their joy. They were stressed. They were anxious. They had a stressed. They were anxious. They had a stressed. They were anxious. They had a lot going on. And it's very important lot going on. And it's very important lot going on. And it's very important that he ends this letter with finances that he ends this letter with finances that he ends this letter with finances because a lot of us know, all of us know because a lot of us know, all of us know because a lot of us know, all of us know actually, if you're over 18 and and have actually, if you're over 18 and and have actually, if you're over 18 and and have any type of financial responsibility at any type of financial responsibility at any type of financial responsibility at all, you know that finances have a all, you know that finances have a all, you know that finances have a really great way of stressing us out.

really great way of stressing us out. really great way of stressing us out. Paul's addressing it here with how we're Paul's addressing it here with how we're Paul's addressing it here with how we're supposed to intermingle these two things supposed to intermingle these two things supposed to intermingle these two things and how it can be beautiful when we do. and how it can be beautiful when we do. and how it can be beautiful when we do. But I rejoice greatly in the Lord that But I rejoice greatly in the Lord that But I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you have revived your now at last you have revived your now at last you have revived your concern for me. Indeed, you were concern for me. Indeed, you were concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked concerned before, but you lacked concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, opportunity. Not that I speak from want, opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I've learned to be content in for I've learned to be content in for I've learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how whatever circumstances I am. I know how whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means and also to get along with humble means and also to get along with humble means and also know how to live in prosperity in any know how to live in prosperity in any know how to live in prosperity in any and every circumstance. I've learned the and every circumstance. I've learned the and every circumstance. I've learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, secret of being filled and going hungry, secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering both of having abundance and suffering both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things. Here's the need. I can do all things. Here's the need. I can do all things. Here's the famous passage. I can do all things famous passage. I can do all things famous passage. I can do all things through him or through Christ who through him or through Christ who through him or through Christ who strengthens me. We're going to dive in strengthens me. We're going to dive in strengthens me. We're going to dive in this passage of scripture and pray this passage of scripture and pray this passage of scripture and pray together as we as we combine these two together as we as we combine these two together as we as we combine these two polar opposite things into something polar opposite things into something polar opposite things into something awesome that will bless you truly. Let's awesome that will bless you truly. Let's awesome that will bless you truly. Let's pray. pray. pray. Father, I I pray that today everyone in Father, I I pray that today everyone in Father, I I pray that today everyone in this room, everyone in the warehouse, this room, everyone in the warehouse, this room, everyone in the warehouse, everyone watching online will not hear everyone watching online will not hear everyone watching online will not hear from me. I'm the last person they need from me. I'm the last person they need from me. I'm the last person they need to hear from today. But God, I pray that to hear from today. But God, I pray that to hear from today. But God, I pray that they would hear from your word and your they would hear from your word and your they would hear from your word and your spirit and it would bless them and it spirit and it would bless them and it spirit and it would bless them and it would bring great blessing to their would bring great blessing to their would bring great blessing to their lives for generations to come. Father, I lives for generations to come. Father, I lives for generations to come. Father, I pray uh Lord, as we even mention money, pray uh Lord, as we even mention money, pray uh Lord, as we even mention money, Lord, there's so much entangled in that.

Lord, there's so much entangled in that. Lord, there's so much entangled in that. There's stress in this room. There's There's stress in this room. There's There's stress in this room. There's frustration in this room. There's frustration in this room. There's frustration in this room. There's skepticism in this room. Uh Lord, and so skepticism in this room. Uh Lord, and so skepticism in this room. Uh Lord, and so Lord, I I just pray that your spirit Lord, I I just pray that your spirit Lord, I I just pray that your spirit would meet each person uniquely in this would meet each person uniquely in this would meet each person uniquely in this room right now. Some are financially room right now. Some are financially room right now. Some are financially stressed. Some are financially blessed stressed. Some are financially blessed stressed. Some are financially blessed beyond belief. And so, Father, I pray beyond belief. And so, Father, I pray beyond belief. And so, Father, I pray that you would help us to learn these that you would help us to learn these that you would help us to learn these two things and to live this out all the two things and to live this out all the two things and to live this out all the days that you've entrusted to us in days that you've entrusted to us in days that you've entrusted to us in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Now, remember, Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Now, remember, Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Now, remember, Paul is writing to Christians, okay? Paul is writing to Christians, okay? Paul is writing to Christians, okay? This is not a general insight for This is not a general insight for This is not a general insight for everybody. He's writing to specifically everybody. He's writing to specifically everybody. He's writing to specifically people who have repented and believed in people who have repented and believed in people who have repented and believed in Christ. They're born again. And he Christ. They're born again. And he Christ. They're born again. And he starts off this first action that you starts off this first action that you starts off this first action that you and I need to learn. And I love the and I need to learn. And I love the and I need to learn. And I love the language he uses. We really do need to language he uses. We really do need to language he uses. We really do need to learn this. He says, "First, the first learn this. He says, "First, the first learn this. He says, "First, the first action that you and I need to take is we action that you and I need to take is we action that you and I need to take is we need to be content by God's power." need to be content by God's power." need to be content by God's power." Contentment in regards to our finances Contentment in regards to our finances Contentment in regards to our finances and our faith. The first thing that you and our faith. The first thing that you and our faith. The first thing that you and I need to learn is contentment. Now, and I need to learn is contentment. Now, and I need to learn is contentment. Now, look what Paul does right here. Paul's look what Paul does right here. Paul's look what Paul does right here. Paul's ending his letter celebrating the ending his letter celebrating the ending his letter celebrating the Philippian church for how they had given Philippian church for how they had given Philippian church for how they had given to him financially. Remember Paul was a to him financially. Remember Paul was a to him financially. Remember Paul was a missionary. Okay, he went on three major missionary. Okay, he went on three major missionary. Okay, he went on three major mission trips all over the known world mission trips all over the known world mission trips all over the known world and eventually lost his life because of and eventually lost his life because of and eventually lost his life because of it. Was beheaded in Rome because of his it. Was beheaded in Rome because of his it. Was beheaded in Rome because of his faith in Jesus and these missionary faith in Jesus and these missionary faith in Jesus and these missionary journeys. But there were certain people journeys. But there were certain people journeys. But there were certain people who would financially support him while who would financially support him while who would financially support him while he was doing these trips. And so he's he was doing these trips. And so he's he was doing these trips. And so he's he's he's ending his letter saying, he's he's ending his letter saying, he's he's ending his letter saying, "Hey, thank you guys so much for "Hey, thank you guys so much for "Hey, thank you guys so much for supporting me financially." But he says supporting me financially." But he says supporting me financially." But he says this, "I've learned that whether your

this, "I've learned that whether your this, "I've learned that whether your gift comes and helps me or not, I've gift comes and helps me or not, I've gift comes and helps me or not, I've learned a secret. A secret that you and learned a secret. A secret that you and learned a secret. A secret that you and I need to learn as well." Look what he I need to learn as well." Look what he I need to learn as well." Look what he says here. I'm going to hop on the iPad says here. I'm going to hop on the iPad says here. I'm going to hop on the iPad to see what the secret is. I have to see what the secret is. I have to see what the secret is. I have learned I can get my pen out there. learned I can get my pen out there. learned I can get my pen out there. There we go. I've learned. There we go. He says, "I've learned There we go. He says, "I've learned something. I've learned to be content in something. I've learned to be content in something. I've learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." He's whatever circumstances I am." He's whatever circumstances I am." He's learned something as a follower of learned something as a follower of learned something as a follower of Jesus. It's not something that's natural Jesus. It's not something that's natural Jesus. It's not something that's natural to us, which should give us grace to us, which should give us grace to us, which should give us grace because contentment is not something because contentment is not something because contentment is not something that you and I naturally gravitate that you and I naturally gravitate that you and I naturally gravitate towards. What you and I naturally towards. What you and I naturally towards. What you and I naturally gravitate towards is want. More, more, gravitate towards is want. More, more, gravitate towards is want. More, more, more. That's not only the human way. more. That's not only the human way. more. That's not only the human way. That's the American way. That's great. That's the American way. That's great. That's the American way. That's great. You've got this, get more. You've bought You've got this, get more. You've bought You've got this, get more. You've bought that, buy bigger. You have this, get that, buy bigger. You have this, get that, buy bigger. You have this, get more. And Paul's saying, I've learned more. And Paul's saying, I've learned more. And Paul's saying, I've learned something in this life. I've learned to something in this life. I've learned to something in this life. I've learned to be content regardless of my be content regardless of my be content regardless of my circumstances. Look at his circumstances circumstances. Look at his circumstances circumstances. Look at his circumstances here. We're going to go through these.

here. We're going to go through these. here. We're going to go through these. He says, here's my circumstances. I've He says, here's my circumstances. I've He says, here's my circumstances. I've learned to get along with humble means, learned to get along with humble means, learned to get along with humble means, and also, I've learned to live in and also, I've learned to live in and also, I've learned to live in prosperity. He's literally saying that prosperity. He's literally saying that prosperity. He's literally saying that there are days where I've been in there are days where I've been in there are days where I've been in poverty eating ramen noodles and and and poverty eating ramen noodles and and and poverty eating ramen noodles and and and praying that God provides the next day. praying that God provides the next day. praying that God provides the next day. and then also in prosperity. Two and then also in prosperity. Two and then also in prosperity. Two different circumstances. Some of you different circumstances. Some of you different circumstances. Some of you here are in in one of these two here are in in one of these two here are in in one of these two circumstances. Look, I've learned that circumstances. Look, I've learned that circumstances. Look, I've learned that he says literally sometimes I'm hungry. he says literally sometimes I'm hungry. he says literally sometimes I'm hungry. I'm going hungry and then also uh I also I'm going hungry and then also uh I also I'm going hungry and then also uh I also am filled. He also says I've learned am filled. He also says I've learned am filled. He also says I've learned about having abundance and suffering about having abundance and suffering about having abundance and suffering need. Paul's saying that there's been need. Paul's saying that there's been need. Paul's saying that there's been seasons in his life where he's been so seasons in his life where he's been so seasons in his life where he's been so blessed that he doesn't have a need in blessed that he doesn't have a need in blessed that he doesn't have a need in the world. And he's also learning that the world. And he's also learning that the world. And he's also learning that there's seasons or he's learned that there's seasons or he's learned that there's seasons or he's learned that there's seasons where he's suffering there's seasons where he's suffering there's seasons where he's suffering need. I would argue that there's need. I would argue that there's need. I would argue that there's probably not a soul in this room, maybe probably not a soul in this room, maybe probably not a soul in this room, maybe a few, who have genuinely suffered need, a few, who have genuinely suffered need, a few, who have genuinely suffered need, meaning that your five basic needs were meaning that your five basic needs were meaning that your five basic needs were not being met. Food, water, shelter, not being met. Food, water, shelter, not being met. Food, water, shelter, clothing, and then the fifth that clothing, and then the fifth that clothing, and then the fifth that scientists would say is love. Now, all scientists would say is love. Now, all scientists would say is love. Now, all of us have experienced probably that, of us have experienced probably that, of us have experienced probably that, but the first four, a lot of people in but the first four, a lot of people in but the first four, a lot of people in this room have not ever suffered in this room have not ever suffered in this room have not ever suffered in their life. And Paul's saying, "I've had their life. And Paul's saying, "I've had their life. And Paul's saying, "I've had abundance and I've had absolute poverty.

abundance and I've had absolute poverty. abundance and I've had absolute poverty. And I've learned something through it." And I've learned something through it." And I've learned something through it." It's a lesson that you and I need to It's a lesson that you and I need to It's a lesson that you and I need to learn because there's some in this room, learn because there's some in this room, learn because there's some in this room, you are beyond blessed. You've got you are beyond blessed. You've got you are beyond blessed. You've got financial means. You have possessions. financial means. You have possessions. financial means. You have possessions. You've got all this stuff. And the the You've got all this stuff. And the the You've got all this stuff. And the the fear or or excuse me, the concern for fear or or excuse me, the concern for fear or or excuse me, the concern for those people in this room who have way those people in this room who have way those people in this room who have way more than you ever imagined was to put more than you ever imagined was to put more than you ever imagined was to put your hope and your trust in that stuff. your hope and your trust in that stuff. your hope and your trust in that stuff. And the flip side of that is those who And the flip side of that is those who And the flip side of that is those who are here and you're making it monthto are here and you're making it monthto are here and you're making it monthto month. And right now you're in this room month. And right now you're in this room month. And right now you're in this room and you can't even fully focus because and you can't even fully focus because and you can't even fully focus because you are extremely stressed that it's not you are extremely stressed that it's not you are extremely stressed that it's not going to work this month, that it's going to work this month, that it's going to work this month, that it's going to all fall apart this month. And going to all fall apart this month. And going to all fall apart this month. And Paul's saying there's a secret. It's not Paul's saying there's a secret. It's not Paul's saying there's a secret. It's not that you're going to find the secret of that you're going to find the secret of that you're going to find the secret of contentment in having a bunch of stuff contentment in having a bunch of stuff contentment in having a bunch of stuff and you're not going to find the secret and you're not going to find the secret and you're not going to find the secret to contentment in having a bunch of or to contentment in having a bunch of or to contentment in having a bunch of or having nothing. The contentment is having nothing. The contentment is having nothing. The contentment is Christ. Christ. Christ. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Which what this is what ultimately Paul >> Which what this is what ultimately Paul >> Which what this is what ultimately Paul was saying. Contentment isn't based on was saying. Contentment isn't based on was saying. Contentment isn't based on our circumstances changing, but based on our circumstances changing, but based on our circumstances changing, but based on God's unchanging character. God's unchanging character. God's unchanging character. >> Because here's the deal. Those of you in >> Because here's the deal. Those of you in >> Because here's the deal. Those of you in this room who have everything you ever this room who have everything you ever this room who have everything you ever need, in a second it can be gone.

need, in a second it can be gone. need, in a second it can be gone. >> In a second. absolutely vanish. >> In a second. absolutely vanish. >> In a second. absolutely vanish. And those of you in this room who have And those of you in this room who have And those of you in this room who have nothing nothing nothing in a second, that could change. And what in a second, that could change. And what in a second, that could change. And what Paul's saying is, I don't let my Paul's saying is, I don't let my Paul's saying is, I don't let my circumstances determine my contentment. circumstances determine my contentment. circumstances determine my contentment. Cuz some of you here this morning, and Cuz some of you here this morning, and Cuz some of you here this morning, and and myself a lot, I do. When I'm good, and myself a lot, I do. When I'm good, and myself a lot, I do. When I'm good, I'm good. What I mean by that is when I'm good. What I mean by that is when I'm good. What I mean by that is when I'm financially, everybody's secure, I'm financially, everybody's secure, I'm financially, everybody's secure, everybody's healthy, every I've got everybody's healthy, every I've got everybody's healthy, every I've got everything we need and want, I'm good. everything we need and want, I'm good. everything we need and want, I'm good. I'm content. That's not real I'm content. That's not real I'm content. That's not real contentment, though. Because if I was contentment, though. Because if I was contentment, though. Because if I was content on the stuff that I had, then if content on the stuff that I had, then if content on the stuff that I had, then if you take it away, what happens? you take it away, what happens? you take it away, what happens? It's false contentment. It's not true It's false contentment. It's not true It's false contentment. It's not true contentment. It's a facade. contentment. It's a facade. contentment. It's a facade. >> So what Paul's saying here is >> So what Paul's saying here is >> So what Paul's saying here is contentment isn't getting everything you contentment isn't getting everything you contentment isn't getting everything you want. It's not getting everything you want. It's not getting everything you want. It's not getting everything you want. It's learning to trust that Christ want. It's learning to trust that Christ want. It's learning to trust that Christ is everything you need. is everything you need. is everything you need. >> Contentment is not getting everything >> Contentment is not getting everything >> Contentment is not getting everything you want. It's learning that Christ is you want. It's learning that Christ is you want. It's learning that Christ is everything you need in this life and in everything you need in this life and in everything you need in this life and in the next. that what Jesus did on the the next. that what Jesus did on the the next. that what Jesus did on the cross and resurrection is enough. Listen cross and resurrection is enough. Listen cross and resurrection is enough. Listen to this. I I put it like this this week.

to this. I I put it like this this week. to this. I I put it like this this week. Our contentment not must not be based on Our contentment not must not be based on Our contentment not must not be based on what we have. Our contentment must be what we have. Our contentment must be what we have. Our contentment must be based on who has us. based on who has us. based on who has us. >> That's what you need to think about in >> That's what you need to think about in >> That's what you need to think about in regards to contentment. Some of you have regards to contentment. Some of you have regards to contentment. Some of you have so much. Here's the danger. Do you trust so much. Here's the danger. Do you trust so much. Here's the danger. Do you trust in it? And I'm going to say something to in it? And I'm going to say something to in it? And I'm going to say something to you as well. There are some of you that you as well. There are some of you that you as well. There are some of you that God has not just abundantly blessed you God has not just abundantly blessed you God has not just abundantly blessed you financially yet because the reality is financially yet because the reality is financially yet because the reality is he doesn't have your heart. And if you he doesn't have your heart. And if you he doesn't have your heart. And if you got it, the greatest test in life, in my got it, the greatest test in life, in my got it, the greatest test in life, in my opinion, for adults at least, is not to opinion, for adults at least, is not to opinion, for adults at least, is not to live in poverty. Matter of fact, when live in poverty. Matter of fact, when live in poverty. Matter of fact, when you live in poverty, when you're living you live in poverty, when you're living you live in poverty, when you're living like paycheck to paycheck, it's one of like paycheck to paycheck, it's one of like paycheck to paycheck, it's one of the best places for you to be the best places for you to be the best places for you to be spiritually because you're fully relying spiritually because you're fully relying spiritually because you're fully relying on God. When you get everything you on God. When you get everything you on God. When you get everything you want, there's great danger in that want, there's great danger in that want, there's great danger in that because then you start trusting in because then you start trusting in because then you start trusting in yourself and your power and your yourself and your power and your yourself and your power and your abilities and what you have. Solomon abilities and what you have. Solomon abilities and what you have. Solomon said it thousand years before Paul's said it thousand years before Paul's said it thousand years before Paul's writing this. He said, "Be careful. writing this. He said, "Be careful. writing this. He said, "Be careful. Watch when you have abundance and Watch when you have abundance and Watch when you have abundance and prosperity because abundance and prosperity because abundance and prosperity because abundance and prosperity can show you your true prosperity can show you your true prosperity can show you your true heart."

heart." heart." Some of you, he hadn't given you Some of you, he hadn't given you Some of you, he hadn't given you everything you want because he knows he everything you want because he knows he everything you want because he knows he doesn't have your heart. And if he gave doesn't have your heart. And if he gave doesn't have your heart. And if he gave you that extra zero on your paycheck or you that extra zero on your paycheck or you that extra zero on your paycheck or he gave you this inheritance or whatever he gave you this inheritance or whatever he gave you this inheritance or whatever else, you blow it on you and have else, you blow it on you and have else, you blow it on you and have nothing to show for it in the kingdom of nothing to show for it in the kingdom of nothing to show for it in the kingdom of God. God. God. >> Nothing. >> Nothing. >> Nothing. And so he's saying, listen, it's it's And so he's saying, listen, it's it's And so he's saying, listen, it's it's not based on what we have. It's based on not based on what we have. It's based on not based on what we have. It's based on who has us. And so he's learned the who has us. And so he's learned the who has us. And so he's learned the secret. How do what is the secret to secret. How do what is the secret to secret. How do what is the secret to being content? Well, he gives it to us being content? Well, he gives it to us being content? Well, he gives it to us in a verse that's oftentimes misqued or in a verse that's oftentimes misqued or in a verse that's oftentimes misqued or misunderstood. He says this, "I can do misunderstood. He says this, "I can do misunderstood. He says this, "I can do all things. I can go through all of all things. I can go through all of all things. I can go through all of these different circumstances, all of these different circumstances, all of these different circumstances, all of these different trials, poverty and these different trials, poverty and these different trials, poverty and prosperity. I can go through all of it prosperity. I can go through all of it prosperity. I can go through all of it by one way. Through him who strengthens by one way. Through him who strengthens by one way. Through him who strengthens me through Christ who gives me strength. me through Christ who gives me strength. me through Christ who gives me strength. That when I have prosperity, That when I have prosperity, That when I have prosperity, Christ is walking with me through it, Christ is walking with me through it, Christ is walking with me through it, leading me to give to things, leading me leading me to give to things, leading me leading me to give to things, leading me to be content and not what I have, but to be content and not what I have, but to be content and not what I have, but who has me. And when I'm in poverty, he who has me. And when I'm in poverty, he who has me. And when I'm in poverty, he strengthens me. Listen, Philippians strengthens me. Listen, Philippians strengthens me. Listen, Philippians 4:13, because it's often used for like 4:13, because it's often used for like 4:13, because it's often used for like athletes and different people when they athletes and different people when they athletes and different people when they achieve something great or it's on the achieve something great or it's on the achieve something great or it's on the door or wall of someone's house. Listen, door or wall of someone's house. Listen, door or wall of someone's house. Listen, Philippians 4:13 is not about winning Philippians 4:13 is not about winning Philippians 4:13 is not about winning championships for Jesus. Okay? It's not championships for Jesus. Okay? It's not championships for Jesus. Okay? It's not about winning championships for Jesus.

about winning championships for Jesus. about winning championships for Jesus. It's about learning contentment in It's about learning contentment in It's about learning contentment in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. It's saying it doesn't matter what this It's saying it doesn't matter what this It's saying it doesn't matter what this life brings at me. I'm content because life brings at me. I'm content because life brings at me. I'm content because Christ is strengthening me. It's not Christ is strengthening me. It's not Christ is strengthening me. It's not about celebrating what God helps you about celebrating what God helps you about celebrating what God helps you accomplish. It's about celebrating that accomplish. It's about celebrating that accomplish. It's about celebrating that Christ has saved you, that you're in Christ has saved you, that you're in Christ has saved you, that you're in Christ. That's what this passage Christ. That's what this passage Christ. That's what this passage actually means. actually means. actually means. It's learning to rejoice in who God is, It's learning to rejoice in who God is, It's learning to rejoice in who God is, not just what he's helped you win. I can not just what he's helped you win. I can not just what he's helped you win. I can do all things through Christ who do all things through Christ who do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Let me tell you one of strengthens me. Let me tell you one of strengthens me. Let me tell you one of the ways that I learned this about how the ways that I learned this about how the ways that I learned this about how Christ can strengthen us. Christ can strengthen us. Christ can strengthen us. So, I I've told you guys before and and So, I I've told you guys before and and So, I I've told you guys before and and if you're new, uh, welcome. I'm Blake if you're new, uh, welcome. I'm Blake if you're new, uh, welcome. I'm Blake and I'm a recovering materialist. and I'm a recovering materialist. and I'm a recovering materialist. Recovering materialist. What I mean by Recovering materialist. What I mean by Recovering materialist. What I mean by that is for a long period of my life, I that is for a long period of my life, I that is for a long period of my life, I believed in materialism. They didn't say believed in materialism. They didn't say believed in materialism. They didn't say that, but I believed in it. In that, I that, but I believed in it. In that, I that, but I believed in it. In that, I knew or felt in my soul that if I could knew or felt in my soul that if I could knew or felt in my soul that if I could get the right stuff, I would be the get the right stuff, I would be the get the right stuff, I would be the right kind of person. Ultimately, what right kind of person. Ultimately, what right kind of person. Ultimately, what it meant for me was if I could buy the it meant for me was if I could buy the it meant for me was if I could buy the things that I wanted, then it would things that I wanted, then it would things that I wanted, then it would impress people and people would like me.

impress people and people would like me. impress people and people would like me. So, I was a recovering materialist. I So, I was a recovering materialist. I So, I was a recovering materialist. I wanted stuff and stuff gave me a false wanted stuff and stuff gave me a false wanted stuff and stuff gave me a false sense of substance. So, I'm going to sense of substance. So, I'm going to sense of substance. So, I'm going to recover materialis. Okay, I'm just recover materialis. Okay, I'm just recover materialis. Okay, I'm just confessing that to you guys this confessing that to you guys this confessing that to you guys this morning. And so, this kind of reared its morning. And so, this kind of reared its morning. And so, this kind of reared its ugly head a few times in my life, but ugly head a few times in my life, but ugly head a few times in my life, but one of the times that it reared its ugly one of the times that it reared its ugly one of the times that it reared its ugly head was in seminary, which is head was in seminary, which is head was in seminary, which is embarrassing to say out loud, but I embarrassing to say out loud, but I embarrassing to say out loud, but I loved mountain biking in college. I fell loved mountain biking in college. I fell loved mountain biking in college. I fell in love with it, and I was like, "Dude, in love with it, and I was like, "Dude, in love with it, and I was like, "Dude, this is awesome. I love being in the this is awesome. I love being in the this is awesome. I love being in the mountains." And so I had bought a couple mountains." And so I had bought a couple mountains." And so I had bought a couple of mountain bikes before and uh I got to of mountain bikes before and uh I got to of mountain bikes before and uh I got to seminary and there was a there was a seminary and there was a there was a seminary and there was a there was a trail literally like a mile and a half trail literally like a mile and a half trail literally like a mile and a half from my house, multiple. And I was like, from my house, multiple. And I was like, from my house, multiple. And I was like, "This is awesome." And I told Joy, I was "This is awesome." And I told Joy, I was "This is awesome." And I told Joy, I was like, "I'm going to sell my bike and I'm like, "I'm going to sell my bike and I'm like, "I'm going to sell my bike and I'm going to build a new bike, this ultimate going to build a new bike, this ultimate going to build a new bike, this ultimate mountain bike." And she was like, "Okay, mountain bike." And she was like, "Okay, mountain bike." And she was like, "Okay, whatever. Sounds weird, but that's whatever. Sounds weird, but that's whatever. Sounds weird, but that's fine." Like many of you are thinking fine." Like many of you are thinking fine." Like many of you are thinking now. So I sell my bike and I get another now. So I sell my bike and I get another now. So I sell my bike and I get another job. I was an intern at a church and job. I was an intern at a church and job. I was an intern at a church and then I started working uh for uh Cumins then I started working uh for uh Cumins then I started working uh for uh Cumins diesel uh a Cumins diesel plant cleaning diesel uh a Cumins diesel plant cleaning diesel uh a Cumins diesel plant cleaning uh engines for them to make money on the uh engines for them to make money on the uh engines for them to make money on the side so that I could buy this bike. And side so that I could buy this bike. And side so that I could buy this bike. And as I was working these two jobs, I was as I was working these two jobs, I was as I was working these two jobs, I was also uh I was also picking out each also uh I was also picking out each also uh I was also picking out each individual part from the wheels to the individual part from the wheels to the individual part from the wheels to the tires to the handlebar. Everything I was tires to the handlebar. Everything I was tires to the handlebar. Everything I was distinctly picking. I was putting so distinctly picking. I was putting so distinctly picking. I was putting so much energy and time into this project much energy and time into this project much energy and time into this project and it took me about a year to raise the and it took me about a year to raise the and it took me about a year to raise the money and to buy all the parts and money and to buy all the parts and money and to buy all the parts and eventually I was able to have everything eventually I was able to have everything eventually I was able to have everything together and I build this toy. AND I WAS

together and I build this toy. AND I WAS together and I build this toy. AND I WAS LIKE, "YES, THIS IS IT. I've done it." I LIKE, "YES, THIS IS IT. I've done it." I LIKE, "YES, THIS IS IT. I've done it." I was so excited. And literally, I kept it was so excited. And literally, I kept it was so excited. And literally, I kept it in a bedroom uh in our apartment. It had in a bedroom uh in our apartment. It had in a bedroom uh in our apartment. It had its own bedroom because we had a its own bedroom because we had a its own bedroom because we had a three-bedroom apartment. It's only me three-bedroom apartment. It's only me three-bedroom apartment. It's only me and Joy. We didn't have the kids yet. and Joy. We didn't have the kids yet. and Joy. We didn't have the kids yet. And so it's like one bedroom was the And so it's like one bedroom was the And so it's like one bedroom was the mountain bike bedroom, one bedroom was mountain bike bedroom, one bedroom was mountain bike bedroom, one bedroom was the ping pong room because we had a ping the ping pong room because we had a ping the ping pong room because we had a ping pong table in there, which was funny pong table in there, which was funny pong table in there, which was funny because you had about this room between because you had about this room between because you had about this room between the table and the wall. So it was like the table and the wall. So it was like the table and the wall. So it was like kind of like tight. Yeah. Anyway, um kind of like tight. Yeah. Anyway, um kind of like tight. Yeah. Anyway, um and then we had our bedroom. And so I and then we had our bedroom. And so I and then we had our bedroom. And so I walked into the mountain bike room just walked into the mountain bike room just walked into the mountain bike room just to look at it, just to like celebrate it to look at it, just to like celebrate it to look at it, just to like celebrate it one morning before I went to seminary. one morning before I went to seminary. one morning before I went to seminary. Never ridden it, never taken it outside Never ridden it, never taken it outside Never ridden it, never taken it outside yet, just celebrating. I walk in, I look yet, just celebrating. I walk in, I look yet, just celebrating. I walk in, I look at it, and the Lord, I'm telling you, at it, and the Lord, I'm telling you, at it, and the Lord, I'm telling you, just as clearly and as calmly as I can just as clearly and as calmly as I can just as clearly and as calmly as I can possibly imagine, said, "Sell it. possibly imagine, said, "Sell it. possibly imagine, said, "Sell it. >> Sell it." >> Sell it." >> Sell it." And I remember looking at the Lord And I remember looking at the Lord And I remember looking at the Lord saying, "You funny. I selling this saying, "You funny. I selling this saying, "You funny. I selling this thing. I worked hard for this. I was thing. I worked hard for this. I was thing. I worked hard for this. I was cleaning diesel engines. I put work in. cleaning diesel engines. I put work in. cleaning diesel engines. I put work in. I didn't just rely on somebody. I didn't I didn't just rely on somebody. I didn't I didn't just rely on somebody. I didn't have a silver spoon in my mouth. I have a silver spoon in my mouth. I have a silver spoon in my mouth. I earned this thing. I worked for this earned this thing. I worked for this earned this thing. I worked for this thing. I picked out every piece of this thing. I picked out every piece of this thing. I picked out every piece of this thing." And the Holy Spirit was like, thing." And the Holy Spirit was like, thing." And the Holy Spirit was like, "That's great.

"That's great. "That's great. sell it. I wish I could have told you sell it. I wish I could have told you sell it. I wish I could have told you that that was like the moment where I that that was like the moment where I that that was like the moment where I just fell before the Lord and said, just fell before the Lord and said, just fell before the Lord and said, "God, I trust you with everything I "God, I trust you with everything I "God, I trust you with everything I have. It's yours." Nope. I fought him. I have. It's yours." Nope. I fought him. I have. It's yours." Nope. I fought him. I fought him for a month and a half. Like, fought him for a month and a half. Like, fought him for a month and a half. Like, I'm not selling this thing. I'm not I'm not selling this thing. I'm not I'm not selling this thing. I'm not going to do it. This is mine. I earned going to do it. This is mine. I earned going to do it. This is mine. I earned this. Ultimately, what I had done was I this. Ultimately, what I had done was I this. Ultimately, what I had done was I had made this thing an idol. Christians had made this thing an idol. Christians had made this thing an idol. Christians think we can't struggle with idolatry. think we can't struggle with idolatry. think we can't struggle with idolatry. Oh, yes, we can. Yes, we can. We can Oh, yes, we can. Yes, we can. We can Oh, yes, we can. Yes, we can. We can make our children an idol. We can make make our children an idol. We can make make our children an idol. We can make stuff an idol. We can make sin an idol. stuff an idol. We can make sin an idol. stuff an idol. We can make sin an idol. And I I'm telling you, I'm telling me, I And I I'm telling you, I'm telling me, I And I I'm telling you, I'm telling me, I made that thing an idol. And I wouldn't made that thing an idol. And I wouldn't made that thing an idol. And I wouldn't let it go. So, kept wrestling with God let it go. So, kept wrestling with God let it go. So, kept wrestling with God about it. And one worship service, a a about it. And one worship service, a a about it. And one worship service, a a pastor came who was speaking at the pastor came who was speaking at the pastor came who was speaking at the seminary, and God just wrecked me. It seminary, and God just wrecked me. It seminary, and God just wrecked me. It was the worst, one of the worst months was the worst, one of the worst months was the worst, one of the worst months of my life spiritually because I was of my life spiritually because I was of my life spiritually because I was fighting with God. Some of you are fighting with God. Some of you are fighting with God. Some of you are fighting with God this morning. Let me fighting with God this morning. Let me fighting with God this morning. Let me just tell you, just give up. Just just tell you, just give up. Just just tell you, just give up. Just surrender. It's not worth it. He'll make surrender. It's not worth it. He'll make surrender. It's not worth it. He'll make you miserable. I was miserable. And I you miserable. I was miserable. And I you miserable. I was miserable. And I finally just fell for the Lord and said, finally just fell for the Lord and said, finally just fell for the Lord and said, "You got it. You got it." But here's "You got it. You got it." But here's "You got it. You got it." But here's what I did. Watch this. Not a good idea.

what I did. Watch this. Not a good idea. what I did. Watch this. Not a good idea. Don't listen to your pastor on this. Don't listen to your pastor on this. Don't listen to your pastor on this. Okay? But I said, "God, you've got Okay? But I said, "God, you've got Okay? But I said, "God, you've got Listen to God. You've got a week. You've Listen to God. You've got a week. You've Listen to God. You've got a week. You've got a week." It was a Wednesday and I got a week." It was a Wednesday and I got a week." It was a Wednesday and I said, "If you don't sell it by said, "If you don't sell it by said, "If you don't sell it by Wednesday, I'm keeping it. That's going Wednesday, I'm keeping it. That's going Wednesday, I'm keeping it. That's going to be my sign. I believe you have power to be my sign. I believe you have power to be my sign. I believe you have power to do stuff. Do it. Show up. Be big, to do stuff. Do it. Show up. Be big, to do stuff. Do it. Show up. Be big, God." God." God." Not a good idea, by the way, because Not a good idea, by the way, because Not a good idea, by the way, because within 24 hours, somebody was driving within 24 hours, somebody was driving within 24 hours, somebody was driving from Georgia to buy this bike. So, the from Georgia to buy this bike. So, the from Georgia to buy this bike. So, the guy shows up and he's looking at it and guy shows up and he's looking at it and guy shows up and he's looking at it and he's like, "Dude, these has this bike he's like, "Dude, these has this bike he's like, "Dude, these has this bike even been outside?" I'm like, "It has even been outside?" I'm like, "It has even been outside?" I'm like, "It has not." He said, "Have you ever ridden it?" I He said, "Have you ever ridden it?" I said, "I have not. I have not." And he said, "I have not. I have not." And he said, "I have not. I have not." And he said, "Why are you selling this? There's said, "Why are you selling this? There's said, "Why are you selling this? There's not a bike like this in the world. This not a bike like this in the world. This not a bike like this in the world. This is truly a one-of-a-kind piece. Why are is truly a one-of-a-kind piece. Why are is truly a one-of-a-kind piece. Why are you selling it? And I said, "Because the you selling it? And I said, "Because the you selling it? And I said, "Because the Lord told me to." He said, "What?" Lord told me to." He said, "What?" Lord told me to." He said, "What?" I said, "Man, I'm being honest with you. I said, "Man, I'm being honest with you. I said, "Man, I'm being honest with you. I made this bike an idol." And I told I made this bike an idol." And I told I made this bike an idol." And I told him my whole story. And I was like, "I him my whole story. And I was like, "I him my whole story. And I was like, "I built it and God told me to sell it. So, built it and God told me to sell it. So, built it and God told me to sell it. So, so I'm selling it." And he was like, so I'm selling it." And he was like, so I'm selling it." And he was like, "Well, "Well, "Well, I'm not."

I'm not." I'm not." So he gave me the money and I was able So he gave me the money and I was able So he gave me the money and I was able to share the gospel with him and his dad to share the gospel with him and his dad to share the gospel with him and his dad >> about what Jesus had been doing in my >> about what Jesus had been doing in my >> about what Jesus had been doing in my life and what he did by saving me, put life and what he did by saving me, put life and what he did by saving me, put my faith and trust in Christ. And they my faith and trust in Christ. And they my faith and trust in Christ. And they were like I just remember they were were like I just remember they were were like I just remember they were like, "All right, that's cool. Thanks like, "All right, that's cool. Thanks like, "All right, that's cool. Thanks for the bike." And uh rolled off. Now, I for the bike." And uh rolled off. Now, I for the bike." And uh rolled off. Now, I don't know what happened. Maybe God don't know what happened. Maybe God don't know what happened. Maybe God saved them. I don't know. But I I had saved them. I don't know. But I I had saved them. I don't know. But I I had the opportunity to share the gospel with the opportunity to share the gospel with the opportunity to share the gospel with them. That's great. And I was like, them. That's great. And I was like, them. That's great. And I was like, "Okay, awesome." But here's the deal. I "Okay, awesome." But here's the deal. I "Okay, awesome." But here's the deal. I had a pocket full of cash. I WAS LIKE, had a pocket full of cash. I WAS LIKE, had a pocket full of cash. I WAS LIKE, "LET'S GO. I'LL take this. All right. I "LET'S GO. I'LL take this. All right. I "LET'S GO. I'LL take this. All right. I saw my bike, but I still got all this saw my bike, but I still got all this saw my bike, but I still got all this money. this is wonderful for about six money. this is wonderful for about six money. this is wonderful for about six minutes and then God literally give that money away. give that money away. Give it away. Like, are you kidding me? Give it away. Like, are you kidding me? Give it away. Like, are you kidding me? I'm an intern at a church. Joy is a I'm an intern at a church. Joy is a I'm an intern at a church. Joy is a part-time teacher. We have nothing. This part-time teacher. We have nothing. This part-time teacher. We have nothing. This could help. And the Lord was like, get could help. And the Lord was like, get could help. And the Lord was like, get rid of it. Now, I was going on a mission rid of it. Now, I was going on a mission rid of it. Now, I was going on a mission trip a few weeks after that and the Lord trip a few weeks after that and the Lord trip a few weeks after that and the Lord just so clearly said, "Give it to that just so clearly said, "Give it to that just so clearly said, "Give it to that orphanage. Give it."

orphanage. Give it." orphanage. Give it." And I was so reluctant and I fought it. And I was so reluctant and I fought it. And I was so reluctant and I fought it. I packed it in my bag. I showed up to I packed it in my bag. I showed up to I packed it in my bag. I showed up to that place. I pulled the leader aside that place. I pulled the leader aside that place. I pulled the leader aside and I I pulled it out and I said, "The and I I pulled it out and I said, "The and I I pulled it out and I said, "The Lord wants me to have for you to have Lord wants me to have for you to have Lord wants me to have for you to have this, so I'm giving it to you." this, so I'm giving it to you." this, so I'm giving it to you." And can I tell you something? And can I tell you something? And can I tell you something? That moment was one of the most That moment was one of the most That moment was one of the most incredible moments of my life. One of incredible moments of my life. One of incredible moments of my life. One of the absolute incredible moments of my the absolute incredible moments of my the absolute incredible moments of my life because I learned in that moment to life because I learned in that moment to life because I learned in that moment to be content with what you have been be content with what you have been be content with what you have been given. And I don't tell you that story given. And I don't tell you that story given. And I don't tell you that story to be like, "Wow, Pastor Blake's so to be like, "Wow, Pastor Blake's so to be like, "Wow, Pastor Blake's so spiritual." Because if you didn't catch spiritual." Because if you didn't catch spiritual." Because if you didn't catch it, I wasn't spiritual through the whole it, I wasn't spiritual through the whole it, I wasn't spiritual through the whole stinking thing. I didn't want to do it. stinking thing. I didn't want to do it. stinking thing. I didn't want to do it. I had nothing to do with it. Who was I had nothing to do with it. Who was I had nothing to do with it. Who was then doing that through me? Christ. then doing that through me? Christ. then doing that through me? Christ. And I have not missed that bike once. And I have not missed that bike once. And I have not missed that bike once. Not once. The thing that had every bit Not once. The thing that had every bit Not once. The thing that had every bit of my heart now I don't care anything of my heart now I don't care anything of my heart now I don't care anything about. That's what an idol does. It has about. That's what an idol does. It has about. That's what an idol does. It has this false promise of security and life.

this false promise of security and life. this false promise of security and life. And then when you get rid of it, And then when you get rid of it, And then when you get rid of it, nothing. nothing. nothing. So you and I first of all need to be So you and I first of all need to be So you and I first of all need to be content with what we have. I've got content with what we have. I've got content with what we have. I've got another story for you, but I'm going to another story for you, but I'm going to another story for you, but I'm going to go into this next truth. Okay. Some more go into this next truth. Okay. Some more go into this next truth. Okay. Some more embarrassing moments for Blake. embarrassing moments for Blake. embarrassing moments for Blake. Here's the second truth that you and I Here's the second truth that you and I Here's the second truth that you and I need to to live out. Not only do you and need to to live out. Not only do you and need to to live out. Not only do you and I need to learn to be content with what I need to learn to be content with what I need to learn to be content with what we've been given, but also you and I we've been given, but also you and I we've been given, but also you and I need to be generous to God's people. need to be generous to God's people. need to be generous to God's people. It's not enough just to be like, "Okay, It's not enough just to be like, "Okay, It's not enough just to be like, "Okay, God, I'm good with what I have. If you God, I'm good with what I have. If you God, I'm good with what I have. If you give me a lot, or if you give me a give me a lot, or if you give me a give me a lot, or if you give me a little, I'm content in you. I'm good." little, I'm content in you. I'm good." little, I'm content in you. I'm good." Okay, that's not that's the first thing. Okay, that's not that's the first thing. Okay, that's not that's the first thing. But the second thing is that you and I But the second thing is that you and I But the second thing is that you and I are called to be generous to God's are called to be generous to God's are called to be generous to God's people. Paul's going to celebrate this people. Paul's going to celebrate this people. Paul's going to celebrate this in the church. So, join back with me in in the church. So, join back with me in in the church. So, join back with me in verse 14. He goes on to say, verse 14. He goes on to say, verse 14. He goes on to say, "Nevertheless, you've done well to share "Nevertheless, you've done well to share "Nevertheless, you've done well to share with me in my affliction." Verse 14. So, with me in my affliction." Verse 14. So, with me in my affliction." Verse 14. So, what Paul is saying is, "You have what Paul is saying is, "You have what Paul is saying is, "You have contributed to my ministry, and it is contributed to my ministry, and it is contributed to my ministry, and it is good for you that you did this." We're good for you that you did this." We're good for you that you did this." We're going to we're going to walk through going to we're going to walk through going to we're going to walk through this passage to help us understand that this passage to help us understand that this passage to help us understand that what Paul is doing is he's not what Paul is doing is he's not what Paul is doing is he's not commanding giving. He's celebrating it commanding giving. He's celebrating it commanding giving. He's celebrating it on the back end. You yourselves also on the back end. You yourselves also on the back end. You yourselves also know verse 15 Philippians that the first know verse 15 Philippians that the first know verse 15 Philippians that the first preaching of the gospel after I left preaching of the gospel after I left preaching of the gospel after I left Macedonia no church shared with me in Macedonia no church shared with me in Macedonia no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but the matter of giving and receiving but the matter of giving and receiving but you alone. For even at Thessalonica you you alone. For even at Thessalonica you you alone. For even at Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.

sent a gift more than once for my needs. sent a gift more than once for my needs. But not that I seek the gift itself but But not that I seek the gift itself but But not that I seek the gift itself but I seek for the profit which increases to I seek for the profit which increases to I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received your account. But I have received your account. But I have received everything in full and have an everything in full and have an everything in full and have an abundance. And I'm amply supplied having abundance. And I'm amply supplied having abundance. And I'm amply supplied having received from Apapraditis what you sent. received from Apapraditis what you sent. received from Apapraditis what you sent. fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice well pleasing to God. And we're going to well pleasing to God. And we're going to well pleasing to God. And we're going to land here on verse 19. And my God will land here on verse 19. And my God will land here on verse 19. And my God will supply all of your needs according to supply all of your needs according to supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Not his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Not his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Not only do you and I need to be content by only do you and I need to be content by only do you and I need to be content by God's power, but we need to be generous God's power, but we need to be generous God's power, but we need to be generous to God's people. So the Philippian to God's people. So the Philippian to God's people. So the Philippian church, as we've already shared, they church, as we've already shared, they church, as we've already shared, they were generous to Paul's missionary were generous to Paul's missionary were generous to Paul's missionary trips. And you and I need to understand trips. And you and I need to understand trips. And you and I need to understand something about that. He's celebrating something about that. He's celebrating something about that. He's celebrating it. Why? Because when you and I give it. Why? Because when you and I give it. Why? Because when you and I give towards a kingdom endeavor, when we live towards a kingdom endeavor, when we live towards a kingdom endeavor, when we live generously, which is completely opposite generously, which is completely opposite generously, which is completely opposite of the way the world teaches us to do of the way the world teaches us to do of the way the world teaches us to do with our money, right? The world tells with our money, right? The world tells with our money, right? The world tells us to do two things with our money. Save us to do two things with our money. Save us to do two things with our money. Save it and blow it on ourselves. That's what it and blow it on ourselves. That's what it and blow it on ourselves. That's what the world teaches us. Save it for the world teaches us. Save it for the world teaches us. Save it for yourself or blow it. And the kingdom of yourself or blow it. And the kingdom of yourself or blow it. And the kingdom of God, that's what the kingdom of God is God, that's what the kingdom of God is God, that's what the kingdom of God is the complete opposite. Because the the complete opposite. Because the the complete opposite. Because the kingdom of God, and Paul's celebrating kingdom of God, and Paul's celebrating kingdom of God, and Paul's celebrating this, Paul, Paul is literally this, Paul, Paul is literally this, Paul, Paul is literally highlighting the idea that you guys gave highlighting the idea that you guys gave highlighting the idea that you guys gave it away and it's actually good for you.

it away and it's actually good for you. it away and it's actually good for you. that the kingdom of God is flipped. That that the kingdom of God is flipped. That that the kingdom of God is flipped. That in the kingdom of God, when you and I in the kingdom of God, when you and I in the kingdom of God, when you and I give, we actually are given more. It give, we actually are given more. It give, we actually are given more. It makes no sense because the kingdom of makes no sense because the kingdom of makes no sense because the kingdom of God is opposite of the world. And so, God is opposite of the world. And so, God is opposite of the world. And so, he's rejoicing in their giving because he's rejoicing in their giving because he's rejoicing in their giving because when you and I give towards something, when you and I give towards something, when you and I give towards something, we're not simply funding someone's we're not simply funding someone's we're not simply funding someone's ministry. We're partnering in their ministry. We're partnering in their ministry. We're partnering in their ministry. We're joining what God is ministry. We're joining what God is ministry. We're joining what God is doing through them. And so when you and doing through them. And so when you and doing through them. And so when you and I give towards anything, we are we are I give towards anything, we are we are I give towards anything, we are we are partnering or participating in what God partnering or participating in what God partnering or participating in what God is doing through that person. That's why is doing through that person. That's why is doing through that person. That's why he says, "You've shared with me in my he says, "You've shared with me in my he says, "You've shared with me in my afflictions and it's done well for you." afflictions and it's done well for you." afflictions and it's done well for you." He goes on to say this. I'm going to hop He goes on to say this. I'm going to hop He goes on to say this. I'm going to hop back into this passage. He says, back into this passage. He says, back into this passage. He says, "Listen, "Listen, "Listen, I don't Let me find this right there. I don't Let me find this right there. I don't Let me find this right there. There it is. Not that I seek the gift There it is. Not that I seek the gift There it is. Not that I seek the gift itself, itself, itself, but I seek the profit which increases to but I seek the profit which increases to but I seek the profit which increases to your account. Oh, your account. Oh, your account. Oh, what Paul's saying here is you and I what Paul's saying here is you and I what Paul's saying here is you and I always need to be aware of that if always need to be aware of that if always need to be aware of that if there's a leader or a ministry there's a leader or a ministry there's a leader or a ministry entrepreneur, whatever it is, that their entrepreneur, whatever it is, that their entrepreneur, whatever it is, that their their heart has got to be, I'm not their heart has got to be, I'm not their heart has got to be, I'm not trying to get something out of you. I'm trying to get something out of you. I'm trying to get something out of you. I'm trying to bring God's blessing to you.

trying to bring God's blessing to you. trying to bring God's blessing to you. That's what Paul's saying. and say, That's what Paul's saying. and say, That's what Paul's saying. and say, "Listen, I'm not just I'm not just "Listen, I'm not just I'm not just "Listen, I'm not just I'm not just trying to use you to get money." That's trying to use you to get money." That's trying to use you to get money." That's the statement. He's I'm not seeking the the statement. He's I'm not seeking the the statement. He's I'm not seeking the gift itself to use you. He's saying, gift itself to use you. He's saying, gift itself to use you. He's saying, "I'm celebrating the fact that because "I'm celebrating the fact that because "I'm celebrating the fact that because you gave, God is going to bring back to you gave, God is going to bring back to you gave, God is going to bring back to you. God is going to this is going to be you. God is going to this is going to be you. God is going to this is going to be accredited. Look, it for the profit accredited. Look, it for the profit accredited. Look, it for the profit which increases to your account." You which increases to your account." You which increases to your account." You ever thought about that? You've got bank ever thought about that? You've got bank ever thought about that? You've got bank accounts, savings accounts, 401k accounts, savings accounts, 401k accounts, savings accounts, 401k accounts. You ever thought about you accounts. You ever thought about you accounts. You ever thought about you have a spiritual account? have a spiritual account? have a spiritual account? you have a spiritual account in heaven you have a spiritual account in heaven you have a spiritual account in heaven that that that God is keeping track of that that that God is keeping track of that that that God is keeping track of every penny that you and I give towards every penny that you and I give towards every penny that you and I give towards kingdom endeavors. That's why I believe kingdom endeavors. That's why I believe kingdom endeavors. That's why I believe when when Jesus taught about the first when when Jesus taught about the first when when Jesus taught about the first will be last and last will be first. will be last and last will be first. will be last and last will be first. That's what I think he's meaning. I That's what I think he's meaning. I That's what I think he's meaning. I really do. I I believe that he's really do. I I believe that he's really do. I I believe that he's teaching that those who have little in teaching that those who have little in teaching that those who have little in their spiritual account and have a lot their spiritual account and have a lot their spiritual account and have a lot in their earthly account, they're the in their earthly account, they're the in their earthly account, they're the first. And when they enter the kingdom first. And when they enter the kingdom first. And when they enter the kingdom of God, they are saved. of God, they are saved. of God, they are saved. They're going to be last.

They're going to be last. They're going to be last. And the last on this earth who have And the last on this earth who have And the last on this earth who have nothing on this earth, no no no no great nothing on this earth, no no no no great nothing on this earth, no no no no great possessions, no huge 401ks. The people possessions, no huge 401ks. The people possessions, no huge 401ks. The people who lived in poverty but lived who lived in poverty but lived who lived in poverty but lived generously giving what God had entrusted generously giving what God had entrusted generously giving what God had entrusted to them. Those people who are living to them. Those people who are living to them. Those people who are living with nothing in heaven, with nothing in heaven, with nothing in heaven, it'll be flipped. The kingdom of God, it'll be flipped. The kingdom of God, it'll be flipped. The kingdom of God, the principles are always flipped. I the principles are always flipped. I the principles are always flipped. I listen, I'm not telling this about you. listen, I'm not telling this about you. listen, I'm not telling this about you. I'm tell about me that there's going to I'm tell about me that there's going to I'm tell about me that there's going to be so many people in heaven that have a be so many people in heaven that have a be so many people in heaven that have a closer mansion to the throne room than I closer mansion to the throne room than I closer mansion to the throne room than I will because I have lived so much of my will because I have lived so much of my will because I have lived so much of my life selfishly. And there are going to life selfishly. And there are going to life selfishly. And there are going to be people in third world countries that be people in third world countries that be people in third world countries that are literally living in nothing are literally living in nothing are literally living in nothing but will be kings in the kingdom. but will be kings in the kingdom. but will be kings in the kingdom. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And I won't be that close. >> And I won't be that close. >> And I won't be that close. Matter of fact, I think there's a lot of Matter of fact, I think there's a lot of Matter of fact, I think there's a lot of American Christians who will be last in American Christians who will be last in American Christians who will be last in the kingdom because they've lived life the kingdom because they've lived life the kingdom because they've lived life first. first. first. It's my money, my stuff, my prosperity, It's my money, my stuff, my prosperity, It's my money, my stuff, my prosperity, my possessions, my things. And doesn't my possessions, my things. And doesn't my possessions, my things. And doesn't mean you're not saved, but it means in mean you're not saved, but it means in mean you're not saved, but it means in the kingdom when the kingdom comes will the kingdom when the kingdom comes will the kingdom when the kingdom comes will be last and a whole different population be last and a whole different population be last and a whole different population will be first. The whole thing will be will be first. The whole thing will be will be first. The whole thing will be flipped. There's an account in heaven.

flipped. There's an account in heaven. flipped. There's an account in heaven. And Paul says when you give, God is And Paul says when you give, God is And Paul says when you give, God is going to give back to you. It's a going to give back to you. It's a going to give back to you. It's a kingdom principle. It's not prosperity kingdom principle. It's not prosperity kingdom principle. It's not prosperity gospel. It's just a truth. You and I gospel. It's just a truth. You and I gospel. It's just a truth. You and I cannot cannot outgive God. I remember I cannot cannot outgive God. I remember I cannot cannot outgive God. I remember I heard a a story of someone that was heard a a story of someone that was heard a a story of someone that was connected to the church that was talking connected to the church that was talking connected to the church that was talking to someone else that was connected to to someone else that was connected to to someone else that was connected to the church. And it got back to me. And the church. And it got back to me. And the church. And it got back to me. And what they said was what this second what they said was what this second what they said was what this second party said was there's no way that me party said was there's no way that me party said was there's no way that me and and me and me and my family could and and me and me and my family could and and me and me and my family could give financially to anything. There's no give financially to anything. There's no give financially to anything. There's no way we could give to financially way we could give to financially way we could give to financially anything because if we did, we'd go anything because if we did, we'd go anything because if we did, we'd go broke. We'd go broke. There's no way we broke. We'd go broke. There's no way we broke. We'd go broke. There's no way we could do anything like that could do anything like that could do anything like that sacrificially or live generous. There's sacrificially or live generous. There's sacrificially or live generous. There's no way because we'd go broke. And when I no way because we'd go broke. And when I no way because we'd go broke. And when I heard that, it didn't make me mad. heard that, it didn't make me mad. heard that, it didn't make me mad. Didn't frustrate me or like like ah I'm Didn't frustrate me or like like ah I'm Didn't frustrate me or like like ah I'm going to preach on giving next week. It going to preach on giving next week. It going to preach on giving next week. It really didn't. What it did in my heart really didn't. What it did in my heart really didn't. What it did in my heart is it it it actually hurt me. It like is it it it actually hurt me. It like is it it it actually hurt me. It like made me sad because I thought no one's made me sad because I thought no one's made me sad because I thought no one's actually taught them that when we open actually taught them that when we open actually taught them that when we open our hands to God, he opens his hands to our hands to God, he opens his hands to our hands to God, he opens his hands to us.

us. us. You know, think about it. When you hold You know, think about it. When you hold You know, think about it. When you hold your hands like this, when you hold on your hands like this, when you hold on your hands like this, when you hold on everything you've got, if someone tried everything you've got, if someone tried everything you've got, if someone tried to give you something, it's kind of hard to give you something, it's kind of hard to give you something, it's kind of hard to hold on to it. But when you and I to hold on to it. But when you and I to hold on to it. But when you and I live open-handed before the Lord, when live open-handed before the Lord, when live open-handed before the Lord, when you and I say, "All right, God, it's all you and I say, "All right, God, it's all you and I say, "All right, God, it's all yours anyway. You want it, take it. You yours anyway. You want it, take it. You yours anyway. You want it, take it. You want a little bit of this, take this. want a little bit of this, take this. want a little bit of this, take this. You want all this, take it." When we You want all this, take it." When we You want all this, take it." When we live like that, live like that, live like that, we're in a posture to also receive. we're in a posture to also receive. we're in a posture to also receive. And Paul is saying, when you live like And Paul is saying, when you live like And Paul is saying, when you live like this, God's going to pour his blessing this, God's going to pour his blessing this, God's going to pour his blessing on you. He's going to increase the on you. He's going to increase the on you. He's going to increase the profit to your account. We cannot profit to your account. We cannot profit to your account. We cannot outgive God. And it broke me because I outgive God. And it broke me because I outgive God. And it broke me because I thought, man, nobody's ever taught them thought, man, nobody's ever taught them thought, man, nobody's ever taught them this. No one has ever said, listen, this. No one has ever said, listen, this. No one has ever said, listen, God's going to give back to you. I can't God's going to give back to you. I can't God's going to give back to you. I can't tell you how many times that Joy and I tell you how many times that Joy and I tell you how many times that Joy and I have not needed to give. It was dumb for have not needed to give. It was dumb for have not needed to give. It was dumb for us to give to anything. us to give to anything. us to give to anything. But we made a commitment and said, "All But we made a commitment and said, "All But we made a commitment and said, "All right, we're going to do it. We're going right, we're going to do it. We're going right, we're going to do it. We're going to trust God." And he returns it. And he to trust God." And he returns it. And he to trust God." And he returns it. And he returns it more than what what we had returns it more than what what we had returns it more than what what we had given before. You can't outgive him. given before. You can't outgive him. given before. You can't outgive him. It's the only thing, by the way. It's the only thing, by the way. It's the only thing, by the way. Generosity is the only thing in Generosity is the only thing in Generosity is the only thing in scripture. In the book of Malachi, God scripture. In the book of Malachi, God scripture. In the book of Malachi, God says, "Test me. Test me. Test me with says, "Test me. Test me. Test me with says, "Test me. Test me. Test me with the money that I've entrusted to you.

the money that I've entrusted to you. the money that I've entrusted to you. Test me. See what I won't do if you Test me. See what I won't do if you Test me. See what I won't do if you don't open your hands to me." It's the don't open your hands to me." It's the don't open your hands to me." It's the only thing God calls us to test him. Let only thing God calls us to test him. Let only thing God calls us to test him. Let me share something with you. I don't me share something with you. I don't me share something with you. I don't know your financial situation. People know your financial situation. People know your financial situation. People think I I I like um people think I like think I I I like um people think I like think I I I like um people think I like like pastor break you were preaching like pastor break you were preaching like pastor break you were preaching right to me this morning. It's like right to me this morning. It's like right to me this morning. It's like listen and I tell them I was like well listen and I tell them I was like well listen and I tell them I was like well I've been reading your emails and it's I've been reading your emails and it's I've been reading your emails and it's like what? I don't read anybody's like what? I don't read anybody's like what? I don't read anybody's emails. Okay. emails. Okay. emails. Okay. But here's some because I know this is But here's some because I know this is But here's some because I know this is true for my own life. Some of you this true for my own life. Some of you this true for my own life. Some of you this is your story. You are right now in a is your story. You are right now in a is your story. You are right now in a financial situation that is extremely financial situation that is extremely financial situation that is extremely tight. Extremely tight. This is not tight. Extremely tight. This is not tight. Extremely tight. This is not everybody, but some of you are in everybody, but some of you are in everybody, but some of you are in extremely tight financial situation. And extremely tight financial situation. And extremely tight financial situation. And it's because you have not lived it's because you have not lived it's because you have not lived open-handed before God. You try to hold open-handed before God. You try to hold open-handed before God. You try to hold it all yourself. I can I can manage it all yourself. I can I can manage it all yourself. I can I can manage this. I can contain this. I can control this. I can contain this. I can control this. I can contain this. I can control this. And God is putting you and this. And God is putting you and this. And God is putting you and straining you financially until you say, straining you financially until you say, straining you financially until you say, "All right, when when are you going to "All right, when when are you going to "All right, when when are you going to trust me? When are you going to trust me trust me? When are you going to trust me trust me? When are you going to trust me with what I've given you?" Some of you with what I've given you?" Some of you with what I've given you?" Some of you have brought the financial tightness on have brought the financial tightness on have brought the financial tightness on yourself yourself yourself because you've lived with fists because you've lived with fists because you've lived with fists clenched.

clenched. clenched. And Paul's saying to the Philippian And Paul's saying to the Philippian And Paul's saying to the Philippian church, you haven't. And God is going to church, you haven't. And God is going to church, you haven't. And God is going to increase that to your account. This is increase that to your account. This is increase that to your account. This is cheesy. Okay? He goes on to say, "It's a cheesy. Okay? He goes on to say, "It's a cheesy. Okay? He goes on to say, "It's a fragrant aroma. It's an acceptable fragrant aroma. It's an acceptable fragrant aroma. It's an acceptable sacrifice and it's well pleasing to the sacrifice and it's well pleasing to the sacrifice and it's well pleasing to the Lord when you and I give financially." Lord when you and I give financially." Lord when you and I give financially." This is cheesy, but what Paul's saying This is cheesy, but what Paul's saying This is cheesy, but what Paul's saying is that is that when you and I live is that is that when you and I live is that is that when you and I live generously, when we give, it's a generously, when we give, it's a generously, when we give, it's a financial investment in the future and financial investment in the future and financial investment in the future and in our present. That's what's awesome. in our present. That's what's awesome. in our present. That's what's awesome. Now, this is cheesy, but I want Now, this is cheesy, but I want Now, this is cheesy, but I want hopefully it sticks with you. Giving is hopefully it sticks with you. Giving is hopefully it sticks with you. Giving is not a 401k. not a 401k. not a 401k. It's a forever 01kh. It's a forever 01kh. It's a forever 01kh. Okay, I may not do that again, but you Okay, I may not do that again, but you Okay, I may not do that again, but you get the point. And let's end it right get the point. And let's end it right get the point. And let's end it right here. Paul's not only saying God's going here. Paul's not only saying God's going here. Paul's not only saying God's going to increase your account, he doubles to increase your account, he doubles to increase your account, he doubles down on that when he goes into verse 19. down on that when he goes into verse 19. down on that when he goes into verse 19. He says, "My God will supply all your He says, "My God will supply all your He says, "My God will supply all your needs." Look at that word right there. needs." Look at that word right there. needs." Look at that word right there. Not your wants. The prosperity gospel Not your wants. The prosperity gospel Not your wants. The prosperity gospel will teach when you give, God will give will teach when you give, God will give will teach when you give, God will give you a Ferrari.

you a Ferrari. you a Ferrari. God's going to give you a big old house God's going to give you a big old house God's going to give you a big old house when you give. That's prosperity gospel. when you give. That's prosperity gospel. when you give. That's prosperity gospel. That's not truth. That's not truth. That's not truth. It says when you and I give, God will It says when you and I give, God will It says when you and I give, God will supply every one of our needs. Now, if supply every one of our needs. Now, if supply every one of our needs. Now, if he gives you over and abundant, praise he gives you over and abundant, praise he gives you over and abundant, praise the Lord, the Lord, the Lord, but not our wants, according to his but not our wants, according to his but not our wants, according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. riches and glory in Christ Jesus. riches and glory in Christ Jesus. Remember, scripture teaches God owns the Remember, scripture teaches God owns the Remember, scripture teaches God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Meaning, the cattle on a thousand hills. Meaning, the cattle on a thousand hills. Meaning, the phrase means God owns everything. He phrase means God owns everything. He phrase means God owns everything. He owns everything. owns everything. owns everything. Here's what this here's what Paul is Here's what this here's what Paul is Here's what this here's what Paul is ultimately saying to the church. And ultimately saying to the church. And ultimately saying to the church. And we're going to bring this together this we're going to bring this together this we're going to bring this together this morning. I'm going invite the band back morning. I'm going invite the band back morning. I'm going invite the band back up. Paul's saying God is generous to up. Paul's saying God is generous to up. Paul's saying God is generous to generous people. generous people. generous people. God is generous to generous people. God, God is generous to generous people. God, God is generous to generous people. God, another way of saying that is God gives another way of saying that is God gives another way of saying that is God gives to giving people. He gives to giving to giving people. He gives to giving to giving people. He gives to giving people. That's that's what he's saying people. That's that's what he's saying people. That's that's what he's saying here. He's celebrating this. And what I here. He's celebrating this. And what I here. He's celebrating this. And what I want you to hear loud and clear is this want you to hear loud and clear is this want you to hear loud and clear is this is not Pastor Blake talking about is not Pastor Blake talking about is not Pastor Blake talking about tithing. I haven't mentioned tithing tithing. I haven't mentioned tithing tithing. I haven't mentioned tithing once and I haven't mentioned this church once and I haven't mentioned this church once and I haven't mentioned this church once because this is bigger than church.

once because this is bigger than church. once because this is bigger than church. This is your heart and this isn't about This is your heart and this isn't about This is your heart and this isn't about tithing. tithing. tithing. This is about you, your faith and your This is about you, your faith and your This is about you, your faith and your finances. finances. finances. And between those two things, you know And between those two things, you know And between those two things, you know what's between them? Your heart. what's between them? Your heart. what's between them? Your heart. Your heart. Whenever Journey was launching the Whenever Journey was launching the Journey campus, I was at Central Journey campus, I was at Central Journey campus, I was at Central Jonesboro. I came out of seminary. You Jonesboro. I came out of seminary. You Jonesboro. I came out of seminary. You thought I'd learn my lesson, right? Got thought I'd learn my lesson, right? Got thought I'd learn my lesson, right? Got to central, started making a full-time to central, started making a full-time to central, started making a full-time paycheck. paycheck. paycheck. It was amazing. Joy got a full-time job It was amazing. Joy got a full-time job It was amazing. Joy got a full-time job as a teacher and we thought we were as a teacher and we thought we were as a teacher and we thought we were billionaires. It was amazing. It's billionaires. It was amazing. It's billionaires. It was amazing. It's amazing. So, we start making money and amazing. So, we start making money and amazing. So, we start making money and here's the deal. I I I here's the deal. I I I here's the deal. I I I uh I wanted I needed a new truck. uh I wanted I needed a new truck. uh I wanted I needed a new truck. I wanted a new truck. So, what I started I wanted a new truck. So, what I started I wanted a new truck. So, what I started doing now that we were making money, we doing now that we were making money, we doing now that we were making money, we didn't have any kids in the house, you didn't have any kids in the house, you didn't have any kids in the house, you know, when we were junior high pastor at know, when we were junior high pastor at know, when we were junior high pastor at Central making billions, Central making billions, Central making billions, not not not making more than we had. We were t making more than we had. We were t making more than we had. We were t bringing in more than we were spending.

bringing in more than we were spending. bringing in more than we were spending. And so I said, you know what? I want to And so I said, you know what? I want to And so I said, you know what? I want to get a new truck. I need a new truck. I get a new truck. I need a new truck. I get a new truck. I need a new truck. I did need a new vehicle. And so I started did need a new vehicle. And so I started did need a new vehicle. And so I started paying myself a car payment. You you paying myself a car payment. You you paying myself a car payment. You you ever done that before? So I'm putting ever done that before? So I'm putting ever done that before? So I'm putting money back each month to save up some money back each month to save up some money back each month to save up some cash so that when I go and buy this cash so that when I go and buy this cash so that when I go and buy this vehicle, I've got a lot of cash to pay. vehicle, I've got a lot of cash to pay. vehicle, I've got a lot of cash to pay. So I'm not going into debt, not So I'm not going into debt, not So I'm not going into debt, not stretching it out. I was doing it the stretching it out. I was doing it the stretching it out. I was doing it the wise way. And not only that, but I was wise way. And not only that, but I was wise way. And not only that, but I was putting that money back so that in my putting that money back so that in my putting that money back so that in my personal budget, I could feel that money personal budget, I could feel that money personal budget, I could feel that money coming out and I could live with that coming out and I could live with that coming out and I could live with that money coming out so that when I did buy money coming out so that when I did buy money coming out so that when I did buy the truck and I had to finance a little the truck and I had to finance a little the truck and I had to finance a little bit of it, I knew what I had to finance. bit of it, I knew what I had to finance. bit of it, I knew what I had to finance. And so, hey, man, this was good. I I was And so, hey, man, this was good. I I was And so, hey, man, this was good. I I was I was going to be able to handle this. I I was going to be able to handle this. I I was going to be able to handle this. I was doing it extremely was doing it extremely was doing it extremely wisely. wisely. wisely. And Central was going to be building a And Central was going to be building a And Central was going to be building a building for Journey campus. And I building for Journey campus. And I building for Journey campus. And I thought, great for Journey. That's thought, great for Journey. That's thought, great for Journey. That's awesome. don't have anything to do with awesome. don't have anything to do with awesome. don't have anything to do with me, but great for Journey. And so, me, but great for Journey. And so, me, but great for Journey. And so, Pastor Archie started this giving Pastor Archie started this giving Pastor Archie started this giving campaign and we were going to build a campaign and we were going to build a campaign and we were going to build a building for Journey. And I was like, building for Journey. And I was like, building for Journey. And I was like, "Well, good luck, Journey. I'll pray for "Well, good luck, Journey. I'll pray for "Well, good luck, Journey. I'll pray for you." And some of the rich people in you." And some of the rich people in you." And some of the rich people in Central, they can do that, too. I That's Central, they can do that, too. I That's Central, they can do that, too. I That's not me. That ain't my baby. I ain't not me. That ain't my baby. I ain't not me. That ain't my baby. I ain't rocking it. So, rocking it. So, rocking it. So, about a week into the campaign, the Lord about a week into the campaign, the Lord about a week into the campaign, the Lord started knocking on my heart again. I started knocking on my heart again. I started knocking on my heart again. I said, "Blake, you need to give towards said, "Blake, you need to give towards said, "Blake, you need to give towards that building for Journey."

that building for Journey." that building for Journey." And I sat there for a second. And I was And I sat there for a second. And I was And I sat there for a second. And I was like, I'm not hearing you. I'm not like, I'm not hearing you. I'm not like, I'm not hearing you. I'm not listening. I'm good. I'm saving money. I listening. I'm good. I'm saving money. I listening. I'm good. I'm saving money. I got I got I got stuff to buy, God. I got got I got I got stuff to buy, God. I got got I got I got stuff to buy, God. I got stuff I need. I need a four-wheel drive stuff I need. I need a four-wheel drive stuff I need. I need a four-wheel drive truck. truck. truck. And the Lord put a number on my heart And the Lord put a number on my heart And the Lord put a number on my heart that I was supposed to give towards the that I was supposed to give towards the that I was supposed to give towards the building of the journey campus. 36 building of the journey campus. 36 building of the journey campus. 36 months. You break it out over 36 months, months. You break it out over 36 months, months. You break it out over 36 months, however you want to do it, but that however you want to do it, but that however you want to do it, but that that's what I was going to do. And when that's what I was going to do. And when that's what I was going to do. And when he when he gave me that number, I was he when he gave me that number, I was he when he gave me that number, I was like, like, like, "You funny. No, thank you. I'M GOOD. "You funny. No, thank you. I'M GOOD. "You funny. No, thank you. I'M GOOD. THAT'S NO WAY. I NEVER even seen that THAT'S NO WAY. I NEVER even seen that THAT'S NO WAY. I NEVER even seen that much money that he called me to give. I much money that he called me to give. I much money that he called me to give. I was like, "No, I'm not doing that. Not was like, "No, I'm not doing that. Not was like, "No, I'm not doing that. Not doing that. Let's Let's drop that down a doing that. Let's Let's drop that down a doing that. Let's Let's drop that down a little bit. Can we bargain here a little little bit. Can we bargain here a little little bit. Can we bargain here a little bit?" Like, "No." So, out of curiosity, bit?" Like, "No." So, out of curiosity, bit?" Like, "No." So, out of curiosity, I knew what I was giving putting back I knew what I was giving putting back I knew what I was giving putting back each month. I knew what I was doing. each month. I knew what I was doing. each month. I knew what I was doing. Okay? I knew how much money that was. Okay? I knew how much money that was. Okay? I knew how much money that was. Out of curiosity, I took that number Out of curiosity, I took that number Out of curiosity, I took that number that I felt like the Lord was calling us that I felt like the Lord was calling us that I felt like the Lord was calling us to give, big total, and I divided it by to give, big total, and I divided it by to give, big total, and I divided it by 36 months. Do you know how much it was? 36 months. Do you know how much it was? 36 months. Do you know how much it was? to the penny what I was putting back for to the penny what I was putting back for to the penny what I was putting back for myself for that new truck. And I was myself for that new truck. And I was myself for that new truck. And I was like, "God, are you serious right now? I like, "God, are you serious right now? I like, "God, are you serious right now? I can't get what I want. I'm doing it the can't get what I want. I'm doing it the can't get what I want. I'm doing it the right way. I'm doing it wisely.

right way. I'm doing it wisely. right way. I'm doing it wisely. Seriously?" Seriously?" Seriously?" And the Lord said, "Yeah, give it. Trust And the Lord said, "Yeah, give it. Trust And the Lord said, "Yeah, give it. Trust me. Give it." It's like, "Man, It's like, "Man, I thought it was just going to be the I thought it was just going to be the I thought it was just going to be the bike. Now you want my truck, man. Now you want my truck, man. And so I did. And so I did. And so I did. For 36 months, what should have been For 36 months, what should have been For 36 months, what should have been mine was going to something else. It had mine was going to something else. It had mine was going to something else. It had nothing to do with me. nothing to do with me. nothing to do with me. Let me tell you, at the end of that 36 Let me tell you, at the end of that 36 Let me tell you, at the end of that 36 months, God had worked such a powerful months, God had worked such a powerful months, God had worked such a powerful work in my heart to learn to be content work in my heart to learn to be content work in my heart to learn to be content with what he'd given me and drive that with what he'd given me and drive that with what he'd given me and drive that old car for three more years because old car for three more years because old car for three more years because he'd called me to do something more. he'd called me to do something more. he'd called me to do something more. And can I be honest with you? And can I be honest with you? And can I be honest with you? After that 36 months, I bought the truck After that 36 months, I bought the truck After that 36 months, I bought the truck and the darn thing was a lemon. and the darn thing was a lemon. and the darn thing was a lemon. I had to sell it because it was a piece I had to sell it because it was a piece I had to sell it because it was a piece of junk.

of junk. of junk. But what I got out of those 36 months But what I got out of those 36 months But what I got out of those 36 months was way better than a truck. was way better than a truck. was way better than a truck. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Because there's another lesson where God >> Because there's another lesson where God >> Because there's another lesson where God taught me because he provided for us taught me because he provided for us taught me because he provided for us every step of the way. He took care of every step of the way. He took care of every step of the way. He took care of us. We weren't rolling. We weren't us. We weren't rolling. We weren't us. We weren't rolling. We weren't living in a mansion. living in a mansion. living in a mansion. But God cared for us. He provided for But God cared for us. He provided for But God cared for us. He provided for us. us. us. And I'm still learning this, by the way. And I'm still learning this, by the way. And I'm still learning this, by the way. I don't want y'all to think, well, I don't want y'all to think, well, I don't want y'all to think, well, Pastor Blake's arrived, so we all got Pastor Blake's arrived, so we all got Pastor Blake's arrived, so we all got I'm still learning this about being I'm still learning this about being I'm still learning this about being content and generous. content and generous. content and generous. But by the grace of God, I'm going to But by the grace of God, I'm going to But by the grace of God, I'm going to keep learning these lessons. And the keep learning these lessons. And the keep learning these lessons. And the calling of God on your life this morning calling of God on your life this morning calling of God on your life this morning is remember the context of this whole is remember the context of this whole is remember the context of this whole book is anxiety. Some of you are anxious book is anxiety. Some of you are anxious book is anxiety. Some of you are anxious about your finances because you're not about your finances because you're not about your finances because you're not content or you're not generous or both. content or you're not generous or both. content or you're not generous or both. You want the next thing. You want the You want the next thing. You want the You want the next thing. You want the bigger thing. You want the forever home. bigger thing. You want the forever home. bigger thing. You want the forever home. And can I say something about the And can I say something about the And can I say something about the forever home right now? I love y'all. forever home right now? I love y'all. forever home right now? I love y'all. Some of y'all posted about your forever Some of y'all posted about your forever Some of y'all posted about your forever homes online. I love you. Okay, so this homes online. I love you. Okay, so this homes online. I love you. Okay, so this I don't know who did because I spend I don't know who did because I spend I don't know who did because I spend about six minutes on Facebook a week. about six minutes on Facebook a week. about six minutes on Facebook a week. But let me tell you something. You did But let me tell you something. You did But let me tell you something. You did not build your forever home.

not build your forever home. not build your forever home. You are, some of you are hoping so bad, You are, some of you are hoping so bad, You are, some of you are hoping so bad, build my forever home. Let me tell you build my forever home. Let me tell you build my forever home. Let me tell you something. That is not your forever something. That is not your forever something. That is not your forever home. Your forever home is in the home. Your forever home is in the home. Your forever home is in the kingdom of God. >> In 20 in 30 years, you will be dead and >> In 20 in 30 years, you will be dead and someone that you don't even know will someone that you don't even know will someone that you don't even know will buy your forever home. That's not your forever home. Jesus says That's not your forever home. Jesus says this. I'm going to end this this morning this. I'm going to end this this morning this. I'm going to end this this morning because the invitation is for your because the invitation is for your because the invitation is for your heart, not your giving, not your tithes. heart, not your giving, not your tithes. heart, not your giving, not your tithes. I'm not asking for tithes. I'm not asking for tithes. I'm not asking for tithes. Christ is asking for our hearts. And Christ is asking for our hearts. And Christ is asking for our hearts. And Jesus says this, where your treasure is, Jesus says this, where your treasure is, Jesus says this, where your treasure is, there your heart is also. there your heart is also. there your heart is also. >> So the question this morning for you is >> So the question this morning for you is >> So the question this morning for you is where's your treasure? where's your treasure? where's your treasure? Where's all your money and time and Where's all your money and time and Where's all your money and time and focus and energy and devotion and focus and energy and devotion and focus and energy and devotion and idolatry going towards? Is it building idolatry going towards? Is it building idolatry going towards? Is it building your kingdom, buying your stuff, taking your kingdom, buying your stuff, taking your kingdom, buying your stuff, taking care of your own, or is it in the care of your own, or is it in the care of your own, or is it in the kingdom?

kingdom? kingdom? So, the invitation this morning is for So, the invitation this morning is for So, the invitation this morning is for Jesus that Lord, search my heart. Some Jesus that Lord, search my heart. Some Jesus that Lord, search my heart. Some of you are not content. You're just not. of you are not content. You're just not. of you are not content. You're just not. You want the next best thing. You're so You want the next best thing. You're so You want the next best thing. You're so mad at God because he hadn't given you mad at God because he hadn't given you mad at God because he hadn't given you this or given you that. Some of you, he this or given you that. Some of you, he this or given you that. Some of you, he hadn't given it to you yet because he hadn't given it to you yet because he hadn't given it to you yet because he knows you'd blow it if you got it. you'd knows you'd blow it if you got it. you'd knows you'd blow it if you got it. you'd waste it. waste it. waste it. And so this morning, And so this morning, And so this morning, are you content? are you content? are you content? And are you living a life of generosity? And are you living a life of generosity? And are you living a life of generosity? Because if you're not, the invitation is Because if you're not, the invitation is Because if you're not, the invitation is for you to surrender to find the peace for you to surrender to find the peace for you to surrender to find the peace that I found when God fought me and I that I found when God fought me and I that I found when God fought me and I let go. let go. let go. And you can't do that without God's And you can't do that without God's And you can't do that without God's help. And so the altar is going to be help. And so the altar is going to be help. And so the altar is going to be open for you to come before the Lord and open for you to come before the Lord and open for you to come before the Lord and say, "I need your help for whatever it say, "I need your help for whatever it say, "I need your help for whatever it is." Pastors will be here to pray over is." Pastors will be here to pray over is." Pastors will be here to pray over you. leaders will be here to pray over you. leaders will be here to pray over you. leaders will be here to pray over you. Just give. Maybe it's your you. Just give. Maybe it's your you. Just give. Maybe it's your financial situation that is killing you financial situation that is killing you financial situation that is killing you right now and you just bring it to the right now and you just bring it to the right now and you just bring it to the altar and say, "God, I don't know what altar and say, "God, I don't know what altar and say, "God, I don't know what you're calling me to do, but I'm just you're calling me to do, but I'm just you're calling me to do, but I'm just bringing our financial situation to the bringing our financial situation to the bringing our financial situation to the altar and asking you to work." Some of altar and asking you to work." Some of altar and asking you to work." Some of you, God's calling you to give towards you, God's calling you to give towards you, God's calling you to give towards something big, something unique, some something big, something unique, some something big, something unique, some kingdom endeavor. Do it. This is God kingdom endeavor. Do it. This is God kingdom endeavor. Do it. This is God telling do it.

telling do it. telling do it. Give to that missionary. Give to that Give to that missionary. Give to that Give to that missionary. Give to that organization. Give towards it. you'll organization. Give towards it. you'll organization. Give towards it. you'll never regret it. And so I'm going to never regret it. And so I'm going to never regret it. And so I'm going to pray over us and then you surrender to pray over us and then you surrender to pray over us and then you surrender to Christ. And if you're here this morning Christ. And if you're here this morning Christ. And if you're here this morning and you've not yet given your life to and you've not yet given your life to and you've not yet given your life to Jesus, you've not repented and believed Jesus, you've not repented and believed Jesus, you've not repented and believed and been baptized, the leaders are also and been baptized, the leaders are also and been baptized, the leaders are also here for you to find Christ. So I'm here for you to find Christ. So I'm here for you to find Christ. So I'm going to pray over us. Respond to Jesus going to pray over us. Respond to Jesus going to pray over us. Respond to Jesus this morning and find onion rings and a this morning and find onion rings and a this morning and find onion rings and a milkshake. milkshake. milkshake. Father, I I thank you so much that you Father, I I thank you so much that you Father, I I thank you so much that you teach us about everything in your word, teach us about everything in your word, teach us about everything in your word, about faith and about parenting and about faith and about parenting and about faith and about parenting and about marriages and about anxiety and about marriages and about anxiety and about marriages and about anxiety and also about our finances. And so, Father, also about our finances. And so, Father, also about our finances. And so, Father, I I pray that you would capture hearts I I pray that you would capture hearts I I pray that you would capture hearts this morning. My heart so often is this morning. My heart so often is this morning. My heart so often is wandered away from you and trusted in wandered away from you and trusted in wandered away from you and trusted in what I have or what I want. And God, I'm what I have or what I want. And God, I'm what I have or what I want. And God, I'm sorry for that. And Father, I pray that sorry for that. And Father, I pray that sorry for that. And Father, I pray that there's anyone here that that struggles there's anyone here that that struggles there's anyone here that that struggles like I do. I pray that you would help like I do. I pray that you would help like I do. I pray that you would help them to put their trust in you to walk them to put their trust in you to walk them to put their trust in you to walk humbly with you to be content and humbly with you to be content and humbly with you to be content and generous.

generous. generous. And Lord, I pray that you would pour out And Lord, I pray that you would pour out And Lord, I pray that you would pour out your blessing and your favor on those your blessing and your favor on those your blessing and your favor on those who open their hands to you. And I pray who open their hands to you. And I pray who open their hands to you. And I pray that that would start right now during that that would start right now during that that would start right now during this invitation in Jesus name. Amen. this invitation in Jesus name. Amen. this invitation in Jesus name. Amen. Friends, I invite you to stand and you Friends, I invite you to stand and you Friends, I invite you to stand and you respond to Christ.