Everyday Joy - Be Content - Dr. Archie Mason

Amen. And amen. Hey, can we give it up Amen. And amen. Hey, can we give it up one more time for our worship team? Wow, one more time for our worship team? Wow, one more time for our worship team? Wow, great job, man. Appreciate these guys so great job, man. Appreciate these guys so great job, man. Appreciate these guys so much. They uh serve the Lord and do such much. They uh serve the Lord and do such much. They uh serve the Lord and do such a great job leading us uh in a time of a great job leading us uh in a time of a great job leading us uh in a time of worship and singing. Hey, if you got a worship and singing. Hey, if you got a worship and singing. Hey, if you got a Bible with you today, maybe you don't. Bible with you today, maybe you don't. Bible with you today, maybe you don't. Maybe you got your phone that has a Maybe you got your phone that has a Maybe you got your phone that has a Bible on it. Maybe you don't have that. Bible on it. Maybe you don't have that. Bible on it. Maybe you don't have that. We'll have it on the screen. If you We'll have it on the screen. If you We'll have it on the screen. If you don't have either one, but we're going don't have either one, but we're going don't have either one, but we're going to be in Philippians chapter 4. We're to be in Philippians chapter 4. We're to be in Philippians chapter 4. We're going to be in verse 10. The subject going to be in verse 10. The subject going to be in verse 10. The subject today is be content. Talking about being today is be content. Talking about being today is be content. Talking about being contentedness. definition of being contentedness. definition of being contentedness. definition of being content is basically an inward an inward content is basically an inward an inward content is basically an inward an inward peace uh an inward submissiveness uh to peace uh an inward submissiveness uh to peace uh an inward submissiveness uh to God that's not based upon outward God that's not based upon outward God that's not based upon outward circumstances but based upon the circumstances but based upon the circumstances but based upon the sufficiency of Christ. Now the issue sufficiency of Christ. Now the issue sufficiency of Christ. Now the issue that we face many times is that we live that we face many times is that we live that we face many times is that we live in what's known as the upgrade culture. in what's known as the upgrade culture. in what's known as the upgrade culture. Okay, the upgrade culture is a culture Okay, the upgrade culture is a culture Okay, the upgrade culture is a culture that that basically says I am going to that that basically says I am going to that that basically says I am going to be happy when I get and you can kind of be happy when I get and you can kind of be happy when I get and you can kind of fill in the blank X if you want to say fill in the blank X if you want to say fill in the blank X if you want to say I'm going to be happy. But what you got I'm going to be happy. But what you got I'm going to be happy. But what you got to realize is when it when you buy into to realize is when it when you buy into to realize is when it when you buy into that I'm going to be happy when I get X that I'm going to be happy when I get X that I'm going to be happy when I get X you whatever it is when I get it there's you whatever it is when I get it there's you whatever it is when I get it there's always another it that comes later. Let always another it that comes later. Let always another it that comes later. Let me give you uh an example. So in my me give you uh an example. So in my me give you uh an example. So in my pocket I have my phone. My phone uh pocket I have my phone. My phone uh pocket I have my phone. My phone uh stays with me all the time. Uh it is my stays with me all the time. Uh it is my stays with me all the time. Uh it is my alarm clock. It is how I check the alarm clock. It is how I check the alarm clock. It is how I check the weather. Uh, it's how we do a lot of weather. Uh, it's how we do a lot of weather. Uh, it's how we do a lot of communication through a lot of texts.

communication through a lot of texts. communication through a lot of texts. It's how I check emails. It's a lot of It's how I check emails. It's a lot of It's how I check emails. It's a lot of stuff. Now, maybe you're not like that, stuff. Now, maybe you're not like that, stuff. Now, maybe you're not like that, but I have my phone all the time. Now, but I have my phone all the time. Now, but I have my phone all the time. Now, it's an older phone and I have to charge it's an older phone and I have to charge it's an older phone and I have to charge it at least three times a day. Can I get it at least three times a day. Can I get it at least three times a day. Can I get a witness from anybody? I mean, I'm a witness from anybody? I mean, I'm a witness from anybody? I mean, I'm looking at it won't be long. It's going looking at it won't be long. It's going looking at it won't be long. It's going to be dead just cuz I pulled it out and to be dead just cuz I pulled it out and to be dead just cuz I pulled it out and looked at just happens like that. And looked at just happens like that. And looked at just happens like that. And now I know what happens. So any company now I know what happens. So any company now I know what happens. So any company the other night I was watching a the other night I was watching a the other night I was watching a television and maybe I know maybe it television and maybe I know maybe it television and maybe I know maybe it happens when you get older or whatever happens when you get older or whatever happens when you get older or whatever but I was watching two movies at the but I was watching two movies at the but I was watching two movies at the same time. These were old movies. Angie same time. These were old movies. Angie same time. These were old movies. Angie had already gone to bed. They were old had already gone to bed. They were old had already gone to bed. They were old movies like 80s or 90s uh kind of stuff movies like 80s or 90s uh kind of stuff movies like 80s or 90s uh kind of stuff kind of classics kind of stuff. And so kind of classics kind of stuff. And so kind of classics kind of stuff. And so they were on different channels. And so they were on different channels. And so they were on different channels. And so what I do is I'd hit previous and go what I do is I'd hit previous and go what I do is I'd hit previous and go from one to the other back and forth you from one to the other back and forth you from one to the other back and forth you know. So whenever commercials come I'd know. So whenever commercials come I'd know. So whenever commercials come I'd switch back over to the other one uh and switch back over to the other one uh and switch back over to the other one uh and maybe watch that. And what I've learned maybe watch that. And what I've learned maybe watch that. And what I've learned is they had some of the same commercials is they had some of the same commercials is they had some of the same commercials and stuff on that. But if you just kind and stuff on that. But if you just kind and stuff on that. But if you just kind of pay attention, whether you're of pay attention, whether you're of pay attention, whether you're watching the news or whatever's taking watching the news or whatever's taking watching the news or whatever's taking place, you see commercials. There's place, you see commercials. There's place, you see commercials. There's nothing wrong with the commercials, but nothing wrong with the commercials, but nothing wrong with the commercials, but they don't have to convince you that they don't have to convince you that they don't have to convince you that their product is good. Stay with me. their product is good. Stay with me. their product is good. Stay with me. They just have to convince you that what They just have to convince you that what They just have to convince you that what you have is not good enough. Let me say you have is not good enough. Let me say you have is not good enough. Let me say it one more time. Now, it's neutral. We it one more time. Now, it's neutral. We it one more time. Now, it's neutral. We all buy products. We all get all buy products. We all get all buy products. We all get information. I mean, there's nothing information. I mean, there's nothing information. I mean, there's nothing wrong with that. But they don't have to wrong with that. But they don't have to wrong with that. But they don't have to convince you that their product is so convince you that their product is so convince you that their product is so good. They just have to convince you good. They just have to convince you good. They just have to convince you that what you have is not good enough.

that what you have is not good enough. that what you have is not good enough. Let me give you another example. So last Let me give you another example. So last Let me give you another example. So last week the logos guy came. It's a software week the logos guy came. It's a software week the logos guy came. It's a software program. Uh a lot of us as pastors have program. Uh a lot of us as pastors have program. Uh a lot of us as pastors have it. Some of you have it. Uh some of you it. Some of you have it. Uh some of you it. Some of you have it. Uh some of you are teachers and leaders uh in the are teachers and leaders uh in the are teachers and leaders uh in the church. And so it's a study uh software church. And so it's a study uh software church. And so it's a study uh software program. Been around a long time. I've program. Been around a long time. I've program. Been around a long time. I've had it since I've been in seminary. And had it since I've been in seminary. And had it since I've been in seminary. And so the guy was here doing a teaching so the guy was here doing a teaching so the guy was here doing a teaching time uh regarding it last Sunday time uh regarding it last Sunday time uh regarding it last Sunday afternoon. And he made a comment. So I'm afternoon. And he made a comment. So I'm afternoon. And he made a comment. So I'm listening to him. I'm sitting in the listening to him. I'm sitting in the listening to him. I'm sitting in the back of the room. Uh I'm taking a few back of the room. Uh I'm taking a few back of the room. Uh I'm taking a few notes and all that stuff. And he made notes and all that stuff. And he made notes and all that stuff. And he made this statement. And he said, 'You know, this statement. And he said, 'You know, this statement. And he said, 'You know, he said, so I when I was in seminary, he said, so I when I was in seminary, he said, so I when I was in seminary, you know, I had the software program. My you know, I had the software program. My you know, I had the software program. My two sons are in seminary. And he said, two sons are in seminary. And he said, two sons are in seminary. And he said, when I'm home, I'm studying. You know, when I'm home, I'm studying. You know, when I'm home, I'm studying. You know, it's got a mobile app. He kept pulling it's got a mobile app. He kept pulling it's got a mobile app. He kept pulling out his phone, said, you can use it on out his phone, said, you can use it on out his phone, said, you can use it on your mobile app and you can do all this your mobile app and you can do all this your mobile app and you can do all this on your desktop, be on your iPad. He on your desktop, be on your iPad. He on your desktop, be on your iPad. He said, but at home, he said, I have a said, but at home, he said, I have a said, but at home, he said, I have a gaming TV. Now, I was paying attention, gaming TV. Now, I was paying attention, gaming TV. Now, I was paying attention, but he really I don't know if anybody but he really I don't know if anybody but he really I don't know if anybody else in the room caught that. He kind of else in the room caught that. He kind of else in the room caught that. He kind of got my attention. I said, a gaming TV? got my attention. I said, a gaming TV? got my attention. I said, a gaming TV? Now, I thought, okay, I think that's a Now, I thought, okay, I think that's a Now, I thought, okay, I think that's a TV that has like because I'm not a TV that has like because I'm not a TV that has like because I'm not a gamer, and he said he wasn't a gamer. He gamer, and he said he wasn't a gamer. He gamer, and he said he wasn't a gamer. He said, "But you know, it's got all the said, "But you know, it's got all the said, "But you know, it's got all the stuff that goes with it." He said, stuff that goes with it." He said, stuff that goes with it." He said, "Man," he said, "I can take my software "Man," he said, "I can take my software "Man," he said, "I can take my software program. I'd be studying the word of program. I'd be studying the word of program. I'd be studying the word of God. I can I can get into something like God. I can I can get into something like God. I can I can get into something like Why the Donkey Talk, you know, in the Why the Donkey Talk, you know, in the Why the Donkey Talk, you know, in the Old Testament or whatever." And I got it Old Testament or whatever." And I got it Old Testament or whatever." And I got it all over that screen. And I thought to all over that screen. And I thought to all over that screen. And I thought to myself, I got a TV at home.

myself, I got a TV at home. myself, I got a TV at home. You know, about six months ago, I was so You know, about six months ago, I was so You know, about six months ago, I was so excited. I go to a local store and I buy excited. I go to a local store and I buy excited. I go to a local store and I buy this TV. It's about this big. It's a this TV. It's about this big. It's a this TV. It's about this big. It's a smart TV, which means it's smart. So, smart TV, which means it's smart. So, smart TV, which means it's smart. So, smart TV. And uh it took me about 30 smart TV. And uh it took me about 30 smart TV. And uh it took me about 30 minutes how to figure out to hook it minutes how to figure out to hook it minutes how to figure out to hook it into my computer so I could have that into my computer so I could have that into my computer so I could have that monitor also. So you know how it is, you monitor also. So you know how it is, you monitor also. So you know how it is, you know, you should I should have called know, you should I should have called know, you should I should have called somebody younger, but it took about that somebody younger, but it took about that somebody younger, but it took about that long. And so I can pull it up and then I long. And so I can pull it up and then I long. And so I can pull it up and then I figured out how to do the input buttons, figured out how to do the input buttons, figured out how to do the input buttons, you know, so I can make I can I got two you know, so I can make I can I got two you know, so I can make I can I got two screens at home in my home office. And screens at home in my home office. And screens at home in my home office. And so you know, he mentioned that gaming TV so you know, he mentioned that gaming TV so you know, he mentioned that gaming TV and I was thinking about my little TV at and I was thinking about my little TV at and I was thinking about my little TV at home. So I got home that night and I sat home. So I got home that night and I sat home. So I got home that night and I sat down and I thought, "Well, that TV's down and I thought, "Well, that TV's down and I thought, "Well, that TV's little." little." little." And then I looked at the wall in front And then I looked at the wall in front And then I looked at the wall in front of my desk and I thought, you know, if I of my desk and I thought, you know, if I of my desk and I thought, you know, if I had one of those big screen gaming TVs, had one of those big screen gaming TVs, had one of those big screen gaming TVs, I could put it right here. And I thought I could put it right here. And I thought I could put it right here. And I thought I could put my software program, I could I could put my software program, I could I could put my software program, I could study the word of God. I thought it will study the word of God. I thought it will study the word of God. I thought it will make me a better preacher. That's what I make me a better preacher. That's what I make me a better preacher. That's what I thought. I began to justify that. Now, thought. I began to justify that. Now, thought. I began to justify that. Now, now it's nothing wrong with a big screen now it's nothing wrong with a big screen now it's nothing wrong with a big screen TV or something. There's nothing wrong TV or something. There's nothing wrong TV or something. There's nothing wrong with that. But what happened was he did with that. But what happened was he did with that. But what happened was he did and he it was not intentional, but that and he it was not intentional, but that and he it was not intentional, but that seed stuck in my head because I'm in an seed stuck in my head because I'm in an seed stuck in my head because I'm in an upgrade culture. He didn't have to upgrade culture. He didn't have to upgrade culture. He didn't have to convince me that the product was good.

convince me that the product was good. convince me that the product was good. All he had to do was convince me that All he had to do was convince me that All he had to do was convince me that mine wasn't good enough. You see, mine wasn't good enough. You see, mine wasn't good enough. You see, sometimes what happens with us, we try sometimes what happens with us, we try sometimes what happens with us, we try to find our our contentness and to find our our contentness and to find our our contentness and circumstance. And circumstances are circumstance. And circumstances are circumstance. And circumstances are going to go up and down uh like this. going to go up and down uh like this. going to go up and down uh like this. And so what Paul is teaching us uh in And so what Paul is teaching us uh in And so what Paul is teaching us uh in this passage of scripture that you this passage of scripture that you this passage of scripture that you cannot base your happiness, you cannot cannot base your happiness, you cannot cannot base your happiness, you cannot base your joy upon the circumstances of base your joy upon the circumstances of base your joy upon the circumstances of life because they will change. And just life because they will change. And just life because they will change. And just because maybe you got bad circumstances because maybe you got bad circumstances because maybe you got bad circumstances does not mean that God loves you less. does not mean that God loves you less. does not mean that God loves you less. But what he's teaching us in the passage But what he's teaching us in the passage But what he's teaching us in the passage is that you're going to find contentment is that you're going to find contentment is that you're going to find contentment in Christ. That Christ is enough. That in Christ. That Christ is enough. That in Christ. That Christ is enough. That what he's doing in the passage helping what he's doing in the passage helping what he's doing in the passage helping the Philippians understand it's not the Philippians understand it's not the Philippians understand it's not about being self-sufficient. It's about about being self-sufficient. It's about about being self-sufficient. It's about being Christ sufficient. That being Christ sufficient. That being Christ sufficient. That contentment. Now look too for those who contentment. Now look too for those who contentment. Now look too for those who are believers in the room today. This is are believers in the room today. This is are believers in the room today. This is going to be a reminder. It's going to be going to be a reminder. It's going to be going to be a reminder. It's going to be a renewing. It's going to be a a renewing. It's going to be a a renewing. It's going to be a refreshing. It's going to be, hey, you refreshing. It's going to be, hey, you refreshing. It's going to be, hey, you know, I've had some stuff in my life. I' know, I've had some stuff in my life. I' know, I've had some stuff in my life. I' i've kind of got off into my i've kind of got off into my i've kind of got off into my circumstances and maybe a relationship circumstances and maybe a relationship circumstances and maybe a relationship or a job or my vehicle or maybe my TV or or a job or my vehicle or maybe my TV or or a job or my vehicle or maybe my TV or I've got off into that trying to find I've got off into that trying to find I've got off into that trying to find joy. And you're going to be you're going joy. And you're going to be you're going joy. And you're going to be you're going to be pulled back. The Holy Spirit's to be pulled back. The Holy Spirit's to be pulled back. The Holy Spirit's going to pull you back, point you to going to pull you back, point you to going to pull you back, point you to Christ. But for others in the room, I Christ. But for others in the room, I Christ. But for others in the room, I didn't come to faith in Christ. I was didn't come to faith in Christ. I was didn't come to faith in Christ. I was 25. This is not some self-help message 25. This is not some self-help message 25. This is not some self-help message like do these three things, your life's like do these three things, your life's like do these three things, your life's going to be better. It's not that. your going to be better. It's not that. your going to be better. It's not that. your life. If you're here today without life. If you're here today without life. If you're here today without Christ and you're searching for peace Christ and you're searching for peace Christ and you're searching for peace and joy and an inward satisfaction, it's and joy and an inward satisfaction, it's and joy and an inward satisfaction, it's not going to be found in chasing after not going to be found in chasing after not going to be found in chasing after all this stuff only going to be found in all this stuff only going to be found in all this stuff only going to be found in Christ because Jesus Christ is enough

Christ because Jesus Christ is enough Christ because Jesus Christ is enough and he is everything. And so you that's and he is everything. And so you that's and he is everything. And so you that's the deal here today that there are some the deal here today that there are some the deal here today that there are some in this room, some uh joining with us, in this room, some uh joining with us, in this room, some uh joining with us, engaging with us online by television. engaging with us online by television. engaging with us online by television. It's a relationship with Christ. See, It's a relationship with Christ. See, It's a relationship with Christ. See, there's a passage in here, two passages. there's a passage in here, two passages. there's a passage in here, two passages. There's a passage says, "I can do all There's a passage says, "I can do all There's a passage says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens things through Christ who strengthens things through Christ who strengthens me." Has anybody ever heard of that? me." Has anybody ever heard of that? me." Has anybody ever heard of that? Okay, lot of hands. We may be taking it Okay, lot of hands. We may be taking it Okay, lot of hands. We may be taking it out of context. out of context. out of context. It also says, as Pastor Corey quoted, It also says, as Pastor Corey quoted, It also says, as Pastor Corey quoted, "My God was flying my needs uh according "My God was flying my needs uh according "My God was flying my needs uh according to his riches uh in Christ Jesus." to his riches uh in Christ Jesus." to his riches uh in Christ Jesus." Sometimes we get that a little squirly Sometimes we get that a little squirly Sometimes we get that a little squirly also. And so, we're going to work also. And so, we're going to work also. And so, we're going to work through those ps. Hey, if you're able, I through those ps. Hey, if you're able, I through those ps. Hey, if you're able, I know you just got comfortable. Would you know you just got comfortable. Would you know you just got comfortable. Would you stand with me for the public reading? stand with me for the public reading? stand with me for the public reading? I'll pick up in verse 10. But this is I'll pick up in verse 10. But this is I'll pick up in verse 10. But this is Paul. Remember, he's in jail. I've Paul. Remember, he's in jail. I've Paul. Remember, he's in jail. I've rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for last you have revived your concern for last you have revived your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned before, me. Indeed, you were concerned before, me. Indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I but you lacked opportunity. Not that I but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I've learned to be speak from want, for I've learned to be speak from want, for I've learned to be content in whatever circumstances I'm content in whatever circumstances I'm content in whatever circumstances I'm in. I am. I know how to get along with in. I am. I know how to get along with in. I am. I know how to get along with humble needs. I also know how to live in humble needs. I also know how to live in humble needs. I also know how to live in prosperity in any and every prosperity in any and every prosperity in any and every circumstance. I've learned the secret. I circumstance. I've learned the secret. I circumstance. I've learned the secret. I know. Don't start think, oh, is a secret know. Don't start think, oh, is a secret know. Don't start think, oh, is a secret going to be revealed. This is not going to be revealed. This is not going to be revealed. This is not mystical here. We're going to work mystical here. We're going to work mystical here. We're going to work through that. I've learned the secret of through that. I've learned the secret of through that. I've learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of being filled and going hungry, both of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundant, suffering, need. I can having abundant, suffering, need. I can having abundant, suffering, need. I can do all things through him who do all things through him who do all things through him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you've strengthens me. Nevertheless, you've strengthens me. Nevertheless, you've done well to share with me in my done well to share with me in my done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, affliction. You yourselves also know, affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, at the first preaching of Philippians, at the first preaching of Philippians, at the first preaching of the gospel after I left Macedonia, no the gospel after I left Macedonia, no the gospel after I left Macedonia, no church share with me in the matter of church share with me in the matter of church share with me in the matter of giving and receiving, but you alone. For giving and receiving, but you alone. For giving and receiving, but you alone. For even in Thessonica, you send a gift more even in Thessonica, you send a gift more even in Thessonica, you send a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek than once for my needs. Not that I seek than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the the gift itself, but I seek for the the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.

profit which increases to your account. profit which increases to your account. Now, that's kind of wild right there in Now, that's kind of wild right there in Now, that's kind of wild right there in a good way. But I've received everything a good way. But I've received everything a good way. But I've received everything in full and have abundance. I'm afully in full and have abundance. I'm afully in full and have abundance. I'm afully supplied, having received from supplied, having received from supplied, having received from Apaproditis what you have sent, a Apaproditis what you have sent, a Apaproditis what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, acceptable sacrifice, fragrant aroma, acceptable sacrifice, fragrant aroma, acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God will well pleasing to God. And my God will well pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to his supply all your needs according to his supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and father be the glory forever our God and father be the glory forever our God and father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint uh in and ever. Amen. Greet every saint uh in and ever. Amen. Greet every saint uh in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you all the saints greet you me greet you all the saints greet you me greet you all the saints greet you especially those of Caesar's household. especially those of Caesar's household. especially those of Caesar's household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Father, thank you for with your spirit. Father, thank you for with your spirit. Father, thank you for today. Uh Lord Jesus, thank you for today. Uh Lord Jesus, thank you for today. Uh Lord Jesus, thank you for going to that cross and shedding your going to that cross and shedding your going to that cross and shedding your precious, holy blood at Calvary for all precious, holy blood at Calvary for all precious, holy blood at Calvary for all of us, Lord, that we might have life. of us, Lord, that we might have life. of us, Lord, that we might have life. Thank you for coming out of the grave on Thank you for coming out of the grave on Thank you for coming out of the grave on the third day. Thank you. Give us the third day. Thank you. Give us the third day. Thank you. Give us victory of sin and death. And Lord, victory of sin and death. And Lord, victory of sin and death. And Lord, thank you that you're coming back. So thank you that you're coming back. So thank you that you're coming back. So Lord, many believers here today, Lord, many believers here today, Lord, many believers here today, disciple us, teach us, uh Lord, some of disciple us, teach us, uh Lord, some of disciple us, teach us, uh Lord, some of us have really moved away from our us have really moved away from our us have really moved away from our finding our contentment in you and have finding our contentment in you and have finding our contentment in you and have moved to finding our contentment in moved to finding our contentment in moved to finding our contentment in stuff. And so Lord, I pray burn stuff. And so Lord, I pray burn stuff. And so Lord, I pray burn conviction, but also Lord, I know there conviction, but also Lord, I know there conviction, but also Lord, I know there are those here who need to be saved.

are those here who need to be saved. are those here who need to be saved. It's a Holy Spirit. Draw someone to you It's a Holy Spirit. Draw someone to you It's a Holy Spirit. Draw someone to you today. Convict them of sin. Con uh today. Convict them of sin. Con uh today. Convict them of sin. Con uh convict them of uh unrighteousness. And convict them of uh unrighteousness. And convict them of uh unrighteousness. And Lord, that they may confess you, Lord Lord, that they may confess you, Lord Lord, that they may confess you, Lord Jesus, in faith and repentance and be Jesus, in faith and repentance and be Jesus, in faith and repentance and be saved today. In your name we pray, the saved today. In your name we pray, the saved today. In your name we pray, the name of Christ. And all God's people name of Christ. And all God's people name of Christ. And all God's people said, "Amen." Amen. Please be seated if said, "Amen." Amen. Please be seated if said, "Amen." Amen. Please be seated if you would. Again, thanks for standing you would. Again, thanks for standing you would. Again, thanks for standing for the uh public reading. So, how do we for the uh public reading. So, how do we for the uh public reading. So, how do we have this this inward peace? Okay, how have this this inward peace? Okay, how have this this inward peace? Okay, how does that take place? How does that does that take place? How does that does that take place? How does that happen? Well, it's by God's power and happen? Well, it's by God's power and happen? Well, it's by God's power and it's by God's provision. So, we're going it's by God's provision. So, we're going it's by God's provision. So, we're going to break this down uh in two different to break this down uh in two different to break this down uh in two different ways today. God's power. Uh first and ways today. God's power. Uh first and ways today. God's power. Uh first and foremost, you cannot let your foremost, you cannot let your foremost, you cannot let your circumstances control your contentment. circumstances control your contentment. circumstances control your contentment. You're going to have to learn not to let You're going to have to learn not to let You're going to have to learn not to let c your dishwasher is going to break c your dishwasher is going to break c your dishwasher is going to break down, your refrigerator's going to go down, your refrigerator's going to go down, your refrigerator's going to go out, your washing machine's going to out, your washing machine's going to out, your washing machine's going to something's going to happen, your dog's something's going to happen, your dog's something's going to happen, your dog's going to get sick. There's things that's going to get sick. There's things that's going to get sick. There's things that's going to happen uh in life. And it going to happen uh in life. And it going to happen uh in life. And it doesn't mean they're not legitimate. It doesn't mean they're not legitimate. It doesn't mean they're not legitimate. It just means you cannot let these just means you cannot let these just means you cannot let these circumstances begin to control uh how circumstances begin to control uh how circumstances begin to control uh how your content was. that inward your content was. that inward your content was. that inward satisfaction, that inward peace that's satisfaction, that inward peace that's satisfaction, that inward peace that's only found in the person of the Lord only found in the person of the Lord only found in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. So Paul basically says, Jesus Christ. So Paul basically says, Jesus Christ. So Paul basically says, "I'm rejoicing in the Lord greatly." Now "I'm rejoicing in the Lord greatly." Now "I'm rejoicing in the Lord greatly." Now just to kind of we'll call it the kind just to kind of we'll call it the kind just to kind of we'll call it the kind of the overall of the passage. These of the overall of the passage. These of the overall of the passage. These folks sent him a gift by a guy named folks sent him a gift by a guy named folks sent him a gift by a guy named Apaproditis. Okay? Paul is chained up to Apaproditis. Okay? Paul is chained up to Apaproditis. Okay? Paul is chained up to a Roman guard. He's there. That's when a Roman guard. He's there. That's when a Roman guard. He's there. That's when he says, "And those of Caesar's he says, "And those of Caesar's he says, "And those of Caesar's household greet you." So there were household greet you." So there were household greet you." So there were believers in Caesar's household. He says believers in Caesar's household. He says believers in Caesar's household. He says it there at the end. So he's chained up.

it there at the end. So he's chained up. it there at the end. So he's chained up. And so he says, "Hey, by the way, thank And so he says, "Hey, by the way, thank And so he says, "Hey, by the way, thank you for your gift because you remember you for your gift because you remember you for your gift because you remember back when I left, nobody else helped me back when I left, nobody else helped me back when I left, nobody else helped me out, but you guys did." And you know, out, but you guys did." And you know, out, but you guys did." And you know, basically say, "I know you don't have a basically say, "I know you don't have a basically say, "I know you don't have a lot. I'm very grateful for that." So lot. I'm very grateful for that." So lot. I'm very grateful for that." So that's kind of the uh idea here. But he that's kind of the uh idea here. But he that's kind of the uh idea here. But he believes in a providence of God. He believes in a providence of God. He believes in a providence of God. He says, "I rejoice in the Lord greatly." says, "I rejoice in the Lord greatly." says, "I rejoice in the Lord greatly." He didn't say, "I don't know why I'm He didn't say, "I don't know why I'm He didn't say, "I don't know why I'm here. I wish this wouldn't have happened here. I wish this wouldn't have happened here. I wish this wouldn't have happened to me. I wish these circumstances." Now, to me. I wish these circumstances." Now, to me. I wish these circumstances." Now, did he want freedom? Yes. But his did he want freedom? Yes. But his did he want freedom? Yes. But his happiness and his joy was not wrapped up happiness and his joy was not wrapped up happiness and his joy was not wrapped up in that circumstance. his happiness, his in that circumstance. his happiness, his in that circumstance. his happiness, his joy was wrapped up in the person of the joy was wrapped up in the person of the joy was wrapped up in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. that Christ is enough Lord Jesus Christ. that Christ is enough Lord Jesus Christ. that Christ is enough and that all this he says so even in the and that all this he says so even in the and that all this he says so even in the midst it's not that he was not praying midst it's not that he was not praying midst it's not that he was not praying that my circumstances would change but that my circumstances would change but that my circumstances would change but what he was he's like I have joy in the what he was he's like I have joy in the what he was he's like I have joy in the midst of this says I rejoice in the Lord midst of this says I rejoice in the Lord midst of this says I rejoice in the Lord greatly he says uh and and so it's a greatly he says uh and and so it's a greatly he says uh and and so it's a it's a part of remembering you know in a it's a part of remembering you know in a it's a part of remembering you know in a Christian life a lot of what we do is Christian life a lot of what we do is Christian life a lot of what we do is remembering what God has done in our remembering what God has done in our remembering what God has done in our life it's remembering salvation never life it's remembering salvation never life it's remembering salvation never forget when you were saved I want to forget when you were saved I want to forget when you were saved I want to encourage you so you say I was six I encourage you so you say I was six I encourage you so you say I was six I don't remember a whole lot about it. I don't remember a whole lot about it. I don't remember a whole lot about it. I just know I was under conviction of sin.

just know I was under conviction of sin. just know I was under conviction of sin. I know I repented of my sins. I know I know I repented of my sins. I know I know I repented of my sins. I know that the pastor or friend or my mom or that the pastor or friend or my mom or that the pastor or friend or my mom or dad helped uh me to come to know Christ dad helped uh me to come to know Christ dad helped uh me to come to know Christ and I've been discipled against him. and I've been discipled against him. and I've been discipled against him. Never never forget that. Or don't forget Never never forget that. Or don't forget Never never forget that. Or don't forget when you're my age and you're 25. You're when you're my age and you're 25. You're when you're my age and you're 25. You're 25. There been a whole lot of water 25. There been a whole lot of water 25. There been a whole lot of water under the bridge. A whole lot of stuff. under the bridge. A whole lot of stuff. under the bridge. A whole lot of stuff. Don't Hey, you go back. Hey, there are Don't Hey, you go back. Hey, there are Don't Hey, you go back. Hey, there are times I will I can be out messing with times I will I can be out messing with times I will I can be out messing with cows and almost go to weeping over the cows and almost go to weeping over the cows and almost go to weeping over the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that he grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that he grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that he would reach down would reach down would reach down [clears throat] and save a sinner like [clears throat] and save a sinner like [clears throat] and save a sinner like me. You say, I rejoice in the Lord great me. You say, I rejoice in the Lord great me. You say, I rejoice in the Lord great in the sovereignty and the providence of in the sovereignty and the providence of in the sovereignty and the providence of God. Paul is rejoicing in the Lord. He's God. Paul is rejoicing in the Lord. He's God. Paul is rejoicing in the Lord. He's rejoicing in the gift that they have rejoicing in the gift that they have rejoicing in the gift that they have sent him. He does not pass that by. It sent him. He does not pass that by. It sent him. He does not pass that by. It has met his needs. He's rejoicing in has met his needs. He's rejoicing in has met his needs. He's rejoicing in their friendship. You see, you cannot their friendship. You see, you cannot their friendship. You see, you cannot let your circumstances uh determine uh let your circumstances uh determine uh let your circumstances uh determine uh your contentment. But also too, you have your contentment. But also too, you have your contentment. But also too, you have to learn contentment. Now you say learn. to learn contentment. Now you say learn. to learn contentment. Now you say learn. Yeah. What happens is in the ups and Yeah. What happens is in the ups and Yeah. What happens is in the ups and downs of life, Paul had learned. We are downs of life, Paul had learned. We are downs of life, Paul had learned. We are not born basically understanding not born basically understanding not born basically understanding contentment. We are basically taught contentment. We are basically taught contentment. We are basically taught that. And so I would say now later in that. And so I would say now later in that. And so I would say now later in life uh following after Christ for many life uh following after Christ for many life uh following after Christ for many years there's more contentment in my years there's more contentment in my years there's more contentment in my life than there was when I first became life than there was when I first became life than there was when I first became a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. And a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. And a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so again he says I have learned I have so again he says I have learned I have so again he says I have learned I have learned the secret. Now a lot of times learned the secret. Now a lot of times learned the secret. Now a lot of times you see that word secret people like hey you see that word secret people like hey you see that word secret people like hey I just need a word from the Lord. I need I just need a word from the Lord. I need I just need a word from the Lord. I need a I need a secret word. Well this was a I need a secret word. Well this was a I need a secret word. Well this was going on uh in the early churchnosticism

going on uh in the early churchnosticism going on uh in the early churchnosticism because they would say well there's because they would say well there's because they would say well there's secret knowledge out here that's only a secret knowledge out here that's only a secret knowledge out here that's only a few in the church have the secret few in the church have the secret few in the church have the secret knowledge. Well, that's not true. Okay, knowledge. Well, that's not true. Okay, knowledge. Well, that's not true. Okay, this secret here, basically Paul says, this secret here, basically Paul says, this secret here, basically Paul says, "I have learned to be content in all "I have learned to be content in all "I have learned to be content in all circumstances." He goes on, he says, "I circumstances." He goes on, he says, "I circumstances." He goes on, he says, "I have learned I have learned how to get have learned I have learned how to get have learned I have learned how to get along with nothing along with nothing along with nothing and not become bitter against God." Paul and not become bitter against God." Paul and not become bitter against God." Paul could have said, "I've learned I've could have said, "I've learned I've could have said, "I've learned I've learned how to be hungry. I've learned learned how to be hungry. I've learned learned how to be hungry. I've learned how to not have anything. I've learned how to not have anything. I've learned how to not have anything. I've learned how to be shipwrecked. I've learned how how to be shipwrecked. I've learned how how to be shipwrecked. I've learned how to be beaten and left for dead. I've to be beaten and left for dead. I've to be beaten and left for dead. I've learned how people have hated me. I've learned how people have hated me. I've learned how people have hated me. I've learned all that. in the midst of that learned all that. in the midst of that learned all that. in the midst of that that's all happened to me. But I have that's all happened to me. But I have that's all happened to me. But I have learned contentment and I know that learned contentment and I know that learned contentment and I know that scarcity does not mean that God has scarcity does not mean that God has scarcity does not mean that God has abandoned me. You see, Paul says, I've abandoned me. You see, Paul says, I've abandoned me. You see, Paul says, I've learned I've learned the secret of that learned I've learned the secret of that learned I've learned the secret of that that my my joy, my happiness, my that my my joy, my happiness, my that my my joy, my happiness, my contentness is not based upon my contentness is not based upon my contentness is not based upon my circumstances, but are found in Christ. circumstances, but are found in Christ. circumstances, but are found in Christ. But also too, here's what he says. But But also too, here's what he says. But But also too, here's what he says. But I've also learned how to be full. I've I've also learned how to be full. I've I've also learned how to be full. I've also learned to have resources. I've also learned to have resources. I've also learned to have resources. I've also learned how when it's good that I also learned how when it's good that I also learned how when it's good that I have a job. I've also learned that Paul have a job. I've also learned that Paul have a job. I've also learned that Paul would say when I was preaching, people would say when I was preaching, people would say when I was preaching, people got saved. You know, he would say, "I've got saved. You know, he would say, "I've got saved. You know, he would say, "I've learned how to get along with prosperity learned how to get along with prosperity learned how to get along with prosperity and not become proud." You see, either and not become proud." You see, either and not become proud." You see, either one has dangers of it. When we allow our one has dangers of it. When we allow our one has dangers of it. When we allow our circumstances to determine how we how we circumstances to determine how we how we circumstances to determine how we how we feel about the Lord God Almighty, what feel about the Lord God Almighty, what feel about the Lord God Almighty, what happens is we can allow our happens is we can allow our happens is we can allow our circumstances to make us bitter or we circumstances to make us bitter or we circumstances to make us bitter or we can allow our circumstances to make us can allow our circumstances to make us can allow our circumstances to make us proud. We are a blessed people in the proud. We are a blessed people in the proud. We are a blessed people in the United States of America. I've shared United States of America. I've shared United States of America. I've shared this many times. I'll probably keep this many times. I'll probably keep this many times. I'll probably keep sharing it, but some of you don't sharing it, but some of you don't sharing it, but some of you don't remember coach Kotchel who was a coach

remember coach Kotchel who was a coach remember coach Kotchel who was a coach at Arkansas State University and uh a at Arkansas State University and uh a at Arkansas State University and uh a follower of Jesus. But in a lunch follower of Jesus. But in a lunch follower of Jesus. But in a lunch meeting, I asked him, I said, "Why is meeting, I asked him, I said, "Why is meeting, I asked him, I said, "Why is there complacency a Jonesburg?" He said, there complacency a Jonesburg?" He said, there complacency a Jonesburg?" He said, "Because people think they don't need "Because people think they don't need "Because people think they don't need God." And so I'm like, "Well, how can a God." And so I'm like, "Well, how can a God." And so I'm like, "Well, how can a person think they don't need God?" He person think they don't need God?" He person think they don't need God?" He said, "Because they got everything." You said, "Because they got everything." You said, "Because they got everything." You see a danger of prosperity. The Bible see a danger of prosperity. The Bible see a danger of prosperity. The Bible says that God gives us ability to make says that God gives us ability to make says that God gives us ability to make wealth. There's nothing wrong with wealth. There's nothing wrong with wealth. There's nothing wrong with having those resources. What becomes having those resources. What becomes having those resources. What becomes wrong with it is when you begin to base wrong with it is when you begin to base wrong with it is when you begin to base all your content upon those resources all your content upon those resources all your content upon those resources that you have. And what happens? It that you have. And what happens? It that you have. And what happens? It moves from something like a simple phone moves from something like a simple phone moves from something like a simple phone upgrade to like I'm going to upgrade a upgrade to like I'm going to upgrade a upgrade to like I'm going to upgrade a relationship. I'm going to upgrade this. relationship. I'm going to upgrade this. relationship. I'm going to upgrade this. I'm going to It moves from the hand to I'm going to It moves from the hand to I'm going to It moves from the hand to the heart. It becomes really serious in the heart. It becomes really serious in the heart. It becomes really serious in that. You see, it has a danger. And Paul that. You see, it has a danger. And Paul that. You see, it has a danger. And Paul says, I have learned the secret of both. says, I have learned the secret of both. says, I have learned the secret of both. So whether I have a lot or whether I So whether I have a lot or whether I So whether I have a lot or whether I have a little, I'm content because have a little, I'm content because have a little, I'm content because Christ is more than enough. You see what Christ is more than enough. You see what Christ is more than enough. You see what he tells us here is that again we got to he tells us here is that again we got to he tells us here is that again we got to learn to be content where we're now this learn to be content where we're now this learn to be content where we're now this thing about learning to be content too. thing about learning to be content too. thing about learning to be content too. Let me give you a couple things real Let me give you a couple things real Let me give you a couple things real quick. Our circumstances reveal what is quick. Our circumstances reveal what is quick. Our circumstances reveal what is in us. You see circumstances usually in us. You see circumstances usually in us. You see circumstances usually don't bring about something that's in don't bring about something that's in don't bring about something that's in us. It reveals what is in us. Difficult us. It reveals what is in us. Difficult us. It reveals what is in us. Difficult circumstances don't always create what's circumstances don't always create what's circumstances don't always create what's inside of us. They often expose what's inside of us. They often expose what's inside of us. They often expose what's already there. Pressure has a way of already there. Pressure has a way of already there. Pressure has a way of revealing who or what we're trusting in.

revealing who or what we're trusting in. revealing who or what we're trusting in. And so you can ask yourself that. You And so you can ask yourself that. You And so you can ask yourself that. You say, "Well, this caused me to be like say, "Well, this caused me to be like say, "Well, this caused me to be like us." No, it was revealing something that us." No, it was revealing something that us." No, it was revealing something that was already there. But also, the Lord was already there. But also, the Lord was already there. But also, the Lord will use these circumstances to develop will use these circumstances to develop will use these circumstances to develop us and grow us spiritually in that. You us and grow us spiritually in that. You us and grow us spiritually in that. You know, the Lord uses adversity and know, the Lord uses adversity and know, the Lord uses adversity and prosperity to girls and teach us that prosperity to girls and teach us that prosperity to girls and teach us that because we gota we have been in a because we gota we have been in a because we gota we have been in a culture where there've been folks culture where there've been folks culture where there've been folks preaching and they were wrong by the preaching and they were wrong by the preaching and they were wrong by the way. But they were preaching, hey, if way. But they were preaching, hey, if way. But they were preaching, hey, if you got a lot of stuff, then you know you got a lot of stuff, then you know you got a lot of stuff, then you know God really loves you more than he loves God really loves you more than he loves God really loves you more than he loves somebody else. That is an absolute lie. somebody else. That is an absolute lie. somebody else. That is an absolute lie. >> You need to understand that. That's >> You need to understand that. That's >> You need to understand that. That's what's called that prosperity gospel what's called that prosperity gospel what's called that prosperity gospel stuff that's out there. It's a false stuff that's out there. It's a false stuff that's out there. It's a false gospel. What Paul is teaching us, the gospel. What Paul is teaching us, the gospel. What Paul is teaching us, the Holy Spirit is teaching us whether Holy Spirit is teaching us whether Holy Spirit is teaching us whether there's nothing or whether there's a there's nothing or whether there's a there's nothing or whether there's a lot, you find your contentment in the lot, you find your contentment in the lot, you find your contentment in the Lord Jesus Christ. Because these Lord Jesus Christ. Because these Lord Jesus Christ. Because these circumstances are going to do this in circumstances are going to do this in circumstances are going to do this in life. And so this verse that says uh I life. And so this verse that says uh I life. And so this verse that says uh I can do all things through Christ who can do all things through Christ who can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. This strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. This strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. This where we got to depend upon the Lord where we got to depend upon the Lord where we got to depend upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Angie and I were on our Jesus Christ. Angie and I were on our Jesus Christ. Angie and I were on our way to Florida one day. This is years way to Florida one day. This is years way to Florida one day. This is years ago. This I was in this point of ago. This I was in this point of ago. This I was in this point of disciplehip from coming to faith in disciplehip from coming to faith in disciplehip from coming to faith in Christ is in the act business. And so Christ is in the act business. And so Christ is in the act business. And so either the grandparents had the kids, either the grandparents had the kids, either the grandparents had the kids, something was going on, but the kids something was going on, but the kids something was going on, but the kids weren't with us. And I I was in a point weren't with us. And I I was in a point weren't with us. And I I was in a point in my life, I had every Jesus t-shirt in my life, I had every Jesus t-shirt in my life, I had every Jesus t-shirt known to man. Everything had Jesus. I known to man. Everything had Jesus. I known to man. Everything had Jesus. I had all kinds of scripture verse. I had had all kinds of scripture verse. I had had all kinds of scripture verse. I had all kinds of stuff. I was a walking all kinds of stuff. I was a walking all kinds of stuff. I was a walking billboard sign for Jesus all time. Had billboard sign for Jesus all time. Had billboard sign for Jesus all time. Had it all going on. And so uh I had a it all going on. And so uh I had a it all going on. And so uh I had a t-shirt on one day. I I was I was loud t-shirt on one day. I I was I was loud t-shirt on one day. I I was I was loud and proud about Jesus. Okay. I was I we and proud about Jesus. Okay. I was I we and proud about Jesus. Okay. I was I we sent something like a Macer's restaurant sent something like a Macer's restaurant sent something like a Macer's restaurant somewhere between here and there. And somewhere between here and there. And somewhere between here and there. And I'm sitting there and I feel this tap on I'm sitting there and I feel this tap on I'm sitting there and I feel this tap on my shoulder and I turn around. I said, my shoulder and I turn around. I said, my shoulder and I turn around. I said, "Guy." He said, "Hey." He said, "I saw

"Guy." He said, "Hey." He said, "I saw "Guy." He said, "Hey." He said, "I saw your t-shirt." I said, 'Really?' I'm your t-shirt." I said, 'Really?' I'm your t-shirt." I said, 'Really?' I'm thinking, look at here, Jesus. Look at thinking, look at here, Jesus. Look at thinking, look at here, Jesus. Look at here, Jesus. I'm I'm a witness for you. here, Jesus. I'm I'm a witness for you. here, Jesus. I'm I'm a witness for you. He says, there's a verse on the back. He says, there's a verse on the back. He says, there's a verse on the back. Then I thought, I don't even know what Then I thought, I don't even know what Then I thought, I don't even know what shirt I got on. I said, there's a verse shirt I got on. I said, there's a verse shirt I got on. I said, there's a verse on my back. Yeah. It's like I said, on my back. Yeah. It's like I said, on my back. Yeah. It's like I said, there's a verse on my back. He said, there's a verse on my back. He said, there's a verse on my back. He said, yeah. He said, Philippians 4:13. I said, yeah. He said, Philippians 4:13. I said, yeah. He said, Philippians 4:13. I said, oh yeah. He said, what's it say? oh yeah. He said, what's it say? oh yeah. He said, what's it say? Oo. Oo. Oo. And I sat there for a minute and I And I sat there for a minute and I And I sat there for a minute and I thought, well, apparently I cannot lie thought, well, apparently I cannot lie thought, well, apparently I cannot lie to him. He was trying to initiate a to him. He was trying to initiate a to him. He was trying to initiate a conversation. He was a believer. And he conversation. He was a believer. And he conversation. He was a believer. And he says, ' Doesn't it say something like I says, ' Doesn't it say something like I says, ' Doesn't it say something like I can do all things through Christ who can do all things through Christ who can do all things through Christ who strengthen me? Then I started thinking, strengthen me? Then I started thinking, strengthen me? Then I started thinking, did I do something weird while I'm did I do something weird while I'm did I do something weird while I'm eating? That's what I was. He said, ' Do eating? That's what I was. He said, ' Do eating? That's what I was. He said, ' Do you know what it means? And I said, you know what it means? And I said, you know what it means? And I said, 'Well, I can do all things through 'Well, I can do all things through 'Well, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I don't Christ who strengthens me. I don't Christ who strengthens me. I don't remember exactly what he said, but I remember exactly what he said, but I remember exactly what he said, but I know I felt about this tall and came out know I felt about this tall and came out know I felt about this tall and came out of there. He was a older believer who of there. He was a older believer who of there. He was a older believer who was trying to help me. Because see was trying to help me. Because see was trying to help me. Because see what's happened in many of our lives in what's happened in many of our lives in what's happened in many of our lives in the times past. It's like we want to use the times past. It's like we want to use the times past. It's like we want to use that verse for whatever we want to do. that verse for whatever we want to do. that verse for whatever we want to do. So, for example, in the preaching world, So, for example, in the preaching world, So, for example, in the preaching world, in the church, we're going to say, "You in the church, we're going to say, "You in the church, we're going to say, "You know what? We're going to build this big know what? We're going to build this big know what? We're going to build this big building. We're going to go borrow this building. We're going to go borrow this building. We're going to go borrow this money because I can do all things money because I can do all things money because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

through Christ who strengthens me." through Christ who strengthens me." You're taking it out of context. You're taking it out of context. You're taking it out of context. Paul did not say this because he had Paul did not say this because he had Paul did not say this because he had this dream. It's contextual. He says, this dream. It's contextual. He says, this dream. It's contextual. He says, "Regardless if circumstances are good or "Regardless if circumstances are good or "Regardless if circumstances are good or circumstances are bad, I can face those circumstances are bad, I can face those circumstances are bad, I can face those circumstances circumstances circumstances because Christ strengthens me." because Christ strengthens me." because Christ strengthens me." So, I've learned how to face the So, I've learned how to face the So, I've learned how to face the circumstances of prosperity without circumstances of prosperity without circumstances of prosperity without becoming prideful. becoming prideful. becoming prideful. I've learned how not to to look down on I've learned how not to to look down on I've learned how not to to look down on others that may not have as much as I others that may not have as much as I others that may not have as much as I have because Christ stren I've learned have because Christ stren I've learned have because Christ stren I've learned how to give. I've learned how to help. how to give. I've learned how to help. how to give. I've learned how to help. I've learned how to to be involved in I've learned how to to be involved in I've learned how to to be involved in people's liv. But I've also learned not people's liv. But I've also learned not people's liv. But I've also learned not to get bitter because I don't have to get bitter because I don't have to get bitter because I don't have anything because another brother or anything because another brother or anything because another brother or sister has something. I I've learned sister has something. I I've learned sister has something. I I've learned because Christ strengthens me because he because Christ strengthens me because he because Christ strengthens me because he is more than enough. And it may be that is more than enough. And it may be that is more than enough. And it may be that you're in a circumstance, good or bad, you're in a circumstance, good or bad, you're in a circumstance, good or bad, that it may be that you're, and I that it may be that you're, and I that it may be that you're, and I probably say a bad circumstance where probably say a bad circumstance where probably say a bad circumstance where you're praying, God, change my you're praying, God, change my you're praying, God, change my circumstance. There's nothing wrong with circumstance. There's nothing wrong with circumstance. There's nothing wrong with that. If you're here today and you need that. If you're here today and you need that. If you're here today and you need a job, hey, there's going to be some a job, hey, there's going to be some a job, hey, there's going to be some folks, there'll be some guys here.

folks, there'll be some guys here. folks, there'll be some guys here. There's always ladies pray ladies, men There's always ladies pray ladies, men There's always ladies pray ladies, men with men. You need a job. You need with men. You need a job. You need with men. You need a job. You need somebody to pray for you. Okay? You say, somebody to pray for you. Okay? You say, somebody to pray for you. Okay? You say, "I need to change my circumstance. I "I need to change my circumstance. I "I need to change my circumstance. I need a job." Come on. Let's pray for you need a job." Come on. Let's pray for you need a job." Come on. Let's pray for you at the end of the service. Let's pray. at the end of the service. Let's pray. at the end of the service. Let's pray. There may be somebody here says, "I'm There may be somebody here says, "I'm There may be somebody here says, "I'm looking for somebody. I want to give him looking for somebody. I want to give him looking for somebody. I want to give him a job. I don't know. I'm just using that a job. I don't know. I'm just using that a job. I don't know. I'm just using that example. So, you have to come. There's example. So, you have to come. There's example. So, you have to come. There's nothing too big, nothing too small. So, nothing too big, nothing too small. So, nothing too big, nothing too small. So, there's nothing wrong with changing your there's nothing wrong with changing your there's nothing wrong with changing your circumstance. Ask God. Maybe you're circumstance. Ask God. Maybe you're circumstance. Ask God. Maybe you're hearing this a terminal illness. And you hearing this a terminal illness. And you hearing this a terminal illness. And you say, "If God doesn't supernaturally heal say, "If God doesn't supernaturally heal say, "If God doesn't supernaturally heal me, then I may not be here a year from me, then I may not be here a year from me, then I may not be here a year from now." Now, I know that's morbid, but now." Now, I know that's morbid, but now." Now, I know that's morbid, but it's life. It's truth. In a church this it's life. It's truth. In a church this it's life. It's truth. In a church this size, it's it's always this happens. size, it's it's always this happens. size, it's it's always this happens. There's nothing wrong with you coming There's nothing wrong with you coming There's nothing wrong with you coming forward and say, "You know what? Can I forward and say, "You know what? Can I forward and say, "You know what? Can I get one of the pastors to pray over me? get one of the pastors to pray over me? get one of the pastors to pray over me? Can I get one of them to to pray over me Can I get one of them to to pray over me Can I get one of them to to pray over me and ask God to heal me? We want to do and ask God to heal me? We want to do and ask God to heal me? We want to do that. Ask God to change your that. Ask God to change your that. Ask God to change your circumstance. Okay? So, I'm going from a circumstance. Okay? So, I'm going from a circumstance. Okay? So, I'm going from a job to a terminalist. There's nothing job to a terminalist. There's nothing job to a terminalist. There's nothing wrong with that. Okay? We always pray wrong with that. Okay? We always pray wrong with that. Okay? We always pray God's will be done. We want God to God's will be done. We want God to God's will be done. We want God to change those circumstances. But in many change those circumstances. But in many change those circumstances. But in many cases, what God will do, God will do a cases, what God will do, God will do a cases, what God will do, God will do a change in you change in you change in you and give you strength to face the and give you strength to face the and give you strength to face the circumstances that you're in. Now, I circumstances that you're in. Now, I circumstances that you're in. Now, I know a lot of us are like, "Oh Lord, get know a lot of us are like, "Oh Lord, get know a lot of us are like, "Oh Lord, get me out of this thing as soon as you me out of this thing as soon as you me out of this thing as soon as you can." Have you ever made a deal with can." Have you ever made a deal with can." Have you ever made a deal with God? Do not answer that question. If you God? Do not answer that question. If you God? Do not answer that question. If you ever made a deal with God, God, I'm ever made a deal with God, God, I'm ever made a deal with God, God, I'm going to serve you. God, if you get me going to serve you. God, if you get me going to serve you. God, if you get me out of this circumstance, I'm going to out of this circumstance, I'm going to out of this circumstance, I'm going to work in a wana every Wednesday night.

Yeah. Oh, God. I'm going to work in Yeah. Oh, God. I'm going to work in vacation Bible school. I'm going to be vacation Bible school. I'm going to be vacation Bible school. I'm going to be here. I'm going be the first one. God, here. I'm going be the first one. God, here. I'm going be the first one. God, if you'll just do this. We probably all if you'll just do this. We probably all if you'll just do this. We probably all made deals. made deals. made deals. The guy may be saying, "Hey, I love The guy may be saying, "Hey, I love The guy may be saying, "Hey, I love you." And it's not because, yeah, I know you." And it's not because, yeah, I know you." And it's not because, yeah, I know you're in pain. I know you're hurting. I you're in pain. I know you're hurting. I you're in pain. I know you're hurting. I know everything. know everything. know everything. But in the midst of this, I'm going to But in the midst of this, I'm going to But in the midst of this, I'm going to allow you to face this circumstance. allow you to face this circumstance. allow you to face this circumstance. That may be what God is doing. That's That may be what God is doing. That's That may be what God is doing. That's what Paul says. Paul says, so don't ever what Paul says. Paul says, so don't ever what Paul says. Paul says, so don't ever take that verse out of context that it's take that verse out of context that it's take that verse out of context that it's some kind of dream about a big dream you some kind of dream about a big dream you some kind of dream about a big dream you have for God. And so it's contextual have for God. And so it's contextual have for God. And so it's contextual about can face the good and the bad about can face the good and the bad about can face the good and the bad because Christ is enough. But it's also because Christ is enough. But it's also because Christ is enough. But it's also about provision. So here's where he about provision. So here's where he about provision. So here's where he launches in about provision here. He launches in about provision here. He launches in about provision here. He says this in uh verse uh uh 14. He says, says this in uh verse uh uh 14. He says, says this in uh verse uh uh 14. He says, "You've done well well to share with me "You've done well well to share with me "You've done well well to share with me in my affliction." So he doesn't hide. in my affliction." So he doesn't hide. in my affliction." So he doesn't hide. He calls it an affliction. He has been He calls it an affliction. He has been He calls it an affliction. He has been afflicted. Okay? He's in jail. He's afflicted. Okay? He's in jail. He's afflicted. Okay? He's in jail. He's chained up. He got all this stuff going. chained up. He got all this stuff going. chained up. He got all this stuff going. He said, "Done well." He's basically He said, "Done well." He's basically He said, "Done well." He's basically saying, "Thank you for a gift. We're to saying, "Thank you for a gift. We're to saying, "Thank you for a gift. We're to share with other people and giving." You share with other people and giving." You share with other people and giving." You know, God blesses us. God blesses us to know, God blesses us. God blesses us to know, God blesses us. God blesses us to be a giver and to to helping other be a giver and to to helping other be a giver and to to helping other people. God necessarily doesn't bless us people. God necessarily doesn't bless us people. God necessarily doesn't bless us just to raise our standard of living. He just to raise our standard of living. He just to raise our standard of living. He blesses us to raise our standard of blesses us to raise our standard of blesses us to raise our standard of giving. And giving may not always be giving. And giving may not always be giving. And giving may not always be financial stuff. It can be time. It can financial stuff. It can be time. It can financial stuff. It can be time. It can be ability. It can be the the talents be ability. It can be the the talents be ability. It can be the the talents that God has given you. It can be uh in that God has given you. It can be uh in that God has given you. It can be uh in the area of service in that. And so the area of service in that. And so the area of service in that. And so Paul, as he's writing to him, he says, Paul, as he's writing to him, he says, Paul, as he's writing to him, he says, "Hey, you've done well." And he says, "Hey, you've done well." And he says, "Hey, you've done well." And he says, "Hey, you're the one that helped me.

"Hey, you're the one that helped me. "Hey, you're the one that helped me. Other people didn't." But then he says Other people didn't." But then he says Other people didn't." But then he says this. He says, "You basically need to this. He says, "You basically need to this. He says, "You basically need to view what you've done as an act of view what you've done as an act of view what you've done as an act of worship." worship." worship." So he's thankful for their giving, but So he's thankful for their giving, but So he's thankful for their giving, but he says, "You need to view what you he says, "You need to view what you he says, "You need to view what you done." He mentions a word. It's an done." He mentions a word. It's an done." He mentions a word. It's an acceptable aroma. Goes up to God. It is acceptable aroma. Goes up to God. It is acceptable aroma. Goes up to God. It is sacrificial giving. They didn't have a sacrificial giving. They didn't have a sacrificial giving. They didn't have a lot. what they had. They put together a lot. what they had. They put together a lot. what they had. They put together a gift. He brought it. He's grateful for gift. He brought it. He's grateful for gift. He brought it. He's grateful for it. But he says, "This is an act of of it. But he says, "This is an act of of it. But he says, "This is an act of of worship, an acceptable aroma to God." worship, an acceptable aroma to God." worship, an acceptable aroma to God." Yes, it's met my need. I'm amply Yes, it's met my need. I'm amply Yes, it's met my need. I'm amply supplied. I have abundance. It could supplied. I have abundance. It could supplied. I have abundance. It could have been medicine. It could have been have been medicine. It could have been have been medicine. It could have been writing materials. It could have been writing materials. It could have been writing materials. It could have been all kinds of stuff. I'm amply supplied. all kinds of stuff. I'm amply supplied. all kinds of stuff. I'm amply supplied. Thank you. But realize this is for your Thank you. But realize this is for your Thank you. But realize this is for your account. I rejoice for your account. You account. I rejoice for your account. You account. I rejoice for your account. You see, giving is an act of worship. So, see, giving is an act of worship. So, see, giving is an act of worship. So, uh, here at Central, I was in the uh, here at Central, I was in the uh, here at Central, I was in the membership class last week and I shared membership class last week and I shared membership class last week and I shared with them if you haven't been through with them if you haven't been through with them if you haven't been through the membership class. We encourage you the membership class. We encourage you the membership class. We encourage you to go through the next one if you're to go through the next one if you're to go through the next one if you're considering church membership and I considering church membership and I considering church membership and I talked about tithing. I said, you know, talked about tithing. I said, you know, talked about tithing. I said, you know, I grew up watching my daddy tithe all I grew up watching my daddy tithe all I grew up watching my daddy tithe all the time. Didn't really understand it. the time. Didn't really understand it. the time. Didn't really understand it. Didn't come to Faith in Christ age 25. Didn't come to Faith in Christ age 25. Didn't come to Faith in Christ age 25. But when I came to Faith in Christ, I But when I came to Faith in Christ, I But when I came to Faith in Christ, I was being discipled by some men. They was being discipled by some men. They was being discipled by some men. They began to teach me about tithing. They began to teach me about tithing. They began to teach me about tithing. They said, "Archie, you need to tithe." I said, "Archie, you need to tithe." I said, "Archie, you need to tithe." I said, "Well, I watch my daddy do it."

said, "Well, I watch my daddy do it." said, "Well, I watch my daddy do it." And I asked what everybody asked. Do I And I asked what everybody asked. Do I And I asked what everybody asked. Do I tithe off the net or do I tithe off the tithe off the net or do I tithe off the tithe off the net or do I tithe off the gross? Okay, 10%. And uh they said, gross? Okay, 10%. And uh they said, gross? Okay, 10%. And uh they said, 'Well, you're going to have to determine 'Well, you're going to have to determine 'Well, you're going to have to determine that with the Lord. I said, 'Okay. I that with the Lord. I said, 'Okay. I that with the Lord. I said, 'Okay. I thought the net sounds better than the thought the net sounds better than the thought the net sounds better than the gross right now. But anyhow, so Angie gross right now. But anyhow, so Angie gross right now. But anyhow, so Angie and I began to tithe. I don't know who and I began to tithe. I don't know who and I began to tithe. I don't know who gives what in the church. I don't know. gives what in the church. I don't know. gives what in the church. I don't know. I can't If you came to me and said, "Can I can't If you came to me and said, "Can I can't If you came to me and said, "Can the church give me some money? Give me the church give me some money? Give me the church give me some money? Give me some money." Like, I have no idea. I some money." Like, I have no idea. I some money." Like, I have no idea. I can't write a check. I can give you can't write a check. I can give you can't write a check. I can give you something. I cannot sign stuff. Now, I'm something. I cannot sign stuff. Now, I'm something. I cannot sign stuff. Now, I'm involved administratively in the life of involved administratively in the life of involved administratively in the life of the church, but I don't know who gives the church, but I don't know who gives the church, but I don't know who gives what. That kind of stuff. I'm just what. That kind of stuff. I'm just what. That kind of stuff. I'm just thankful for your generosity. But I want thankful for your generosity. But I want thankful for your generosity. But I want to encourage you every time you give, to encourage you every time you give, to encourage you every time you give, it's an act of worship unto the Lord. it's an act of worship unto the Lord. it's an act of worship unto the Lord. Don't don't look at as that. So, Angie Don't don't look at as that. So, Angie Don't don't look at as that. So, Angie and I began to tithe and we began to and I began to tithe and we began to and I began to tithe and we began to tithe off our growth. So, here's what that means. Are we back? So, here's what that means. Are we back? It's of the Lord. Here we go. Okay. So, It's of the Lord. Here we go. Okay. So, It's of the Lord. Here we go. Okay. So, so you know, isn't that funny? It's not so you know, isn't that funny? It's not so you know, isn't that funny? It's not funny, but it's how it works. Okay. So, funny, but it's how it works. Okay. So, funny, but it's how it works. Okay. So, so we began to tithe and we're we're so we began to tithe and we're we're so we began to tithe and we're we're tithing off the gross. And I want to tithing off the gross. And I want to tithing off the gross. And I want to tell you when those guys first said they tell you when those guys first said they tell you when those guys first said they should tithe, I went home. You know, should tithe, I went home. You know, should tithe, I went home. You know, Angie and I are older and kids are Angie and I are older and kids are Angie and I are older and kids are grown, that kind of stuff. And so, you grown, that kind of stuff. And so, you grown, that kind of stuff. And so, you know, we we're we're better off than we know, we we're we're better off than we know, we we're we're better off than we were at age 25. 25, we don't have were at age 25. 25, we don't have were at age 25. 25, we don't have anything. We have any money. I put it anything. We have any money. I put it anything. We have any money. I put it down on paper. I come back, my group of down on paper. I come back, my group of down on paper. I come back, my group of men. I'm like, this won't work. I said, men. I'm like, this won't work. I said, men. I'm like, this won't work. I said, numbers don't lie. There's not enough.

numbers don't lie. There's not enough. numbers don't lie. There's not enough. There's not enough money at the end of There's not enough money at the end of There's not enough money at the end of the month or enough month at the end of the month or enough month at the end of the month or enough month at the end of the month or whatever. I mean, it is the month or whatever. I mean, it is the month or whatever. I mean, it is ain't enough. Said it won't work. They ain't enough. Said it won't work. They ain't enough. Said it won't work. They said, "Trust us." I said, "Yeah, you're said, "Trust us." I said, "Yeah, you're said, "Trust us." I said, "Yeah, you're like 20 years older than me. You know, like 20 years older than me. You know, like 20 years older than me. You know, you trust you. You're 20 years older you trust you. You're 20 years older you trust you. You're 20 years older than me. I'm I'm like brand new to this. than me. I'm I'm like brand new to this. than me. I'm I'm like brand new to this. I said, "Trust us." I'm going tell you I said, "Trust us." I'm going tell you I said, "Trust us." I'm going tell you what, God has never failed. what, God has never failed. what, God has never failed. >> It wouldn't work on paper. It's so >> It wouldn't work on paper. It's so >> It wouldn't work on paper. It's so crazy. And it's not that you give to crazy. And it's not that you give to crazy. And it's not that you give to get. It's just so crazy in giving of get. It's just so crazy in giving of get. It's just so crazy in giving of what h and I I began to as I was a what h and I I began to as I was a what h and I I began to as I was a disciple, I began to learn this is an disciple, I began to learn this is an disciple, I began to learn this is an act of worship. I'm not just giving to act of worship. I'm not just giving to act of worship. I'm not just giving to maybe meet a need of an individual, the maybe meet a need of an individual, the maybe meet a need of an individual, the need of the church. It's an act of of need of the church. It's an act of of need of the church. It's an act of of worship. Now, here we are all these worship. Now, here we are all these worship. Now, here we are all these years later that I've been walking with years later that I've been walking with years later that I've been walking with Christ. And so Angie and I, we tithe, we Christ. And so Angie and I, we tithe, we Christ. And so Angie and I, we tithe, we give, we also give to missions. And so give, we also give to missions. And so give, we also give to missions. And so we have a lot of stuff going on in we have a lot of stuff going on in we have a lot of stuff going on in regard missions and church plants all regard missions and church plants all regard missions and church plants all around the world. So we give to that. around the world. So we give to that. around the world. So we give to that. And there been times we built so much And there been times we built so much And there been times we built so much stuff here. We have these building stuff here. We have these building stuff here. We have these building campaigns. And so on these building campaigns. And so on these building campaigns. And so on these building campaigns, we would give to the building campaigns, we would give to the building campaigns, we would give to the building campaign. We'd be tithing, giving the campaign. We'd be tithing, giving the campaign. We'd be tithing, giving the mission, giving the building campaign. I mission, giving the building campaign. I mission, giving the building campaign. I I remember coming telling Angie, I'm I remember coming telling Angie, I'm I remember coming telling Angie, I'm going, you know, I know I got a going, you know, I know I got a going, you know, I know I got a retirement plan, but I'm going to take retirement plan, but I'm going to take retirement plan, but I'm going to take some money out of that and I need to some money out of that and I need to some money out of that and I need to give to building of this campus. I said, give to building of this campus. I said, give to building of this campus. I said, because I got to lead out in this. Angie because I got to lead out in this. Angie because I got to lead out in this. Angie said, "Well, now you're going to have to said, "Well, now you're going to have to said, "Well, now you're going to have to follow the Lord on that, but one day follow the Lord on that, but one day follow the Lord on that, but one day we're going to be old." I said, "I we're going to be old." I said, "I we're going to be old." I said, "I know." You know, and she said, "But and know." You know, and she said, "But and know." You know, and she said, "But and so, man, it would be a sacrifice. I so, man, it would be a sacrifice. I so, man, it would be a sacrifice. I would look at all that and I'd think we would look at all that and I'd think we would look at all that and I'd think we are going to die." That's what I would are going to die." That's what I would are going to die." That's what I would think. And I'd say, "Lord, now I'm going think. And I'd say, "Lord, now I'm going think. And I'd say, "Lord, now I'm going to have wisdom, but I'm going to operate to have wisdom, but I'm going to operate to have wisdom, but I'm going to operate in faith and I'm going to trust you. I'm in faith and I'm going to trust you. I'm in faith and I'm going to trust you. I'm going to trust you. I Because when we going to trust you. I Because when we going to trust you. I Because when we give sacrificially, it hurts.

give sacrificially, it hurts. give sacrificially, it hurts. It It hurt." And so, we've done a lot of It It hurt." And so, we've done a lot of It It hurt." And so, we've done a lot of these things. And so, we give them. these things. And so, we give them. these things. And so, we give them. Guess what? God would always bless. And Guess what? God would always bless. And Guess what? God would always bless. And so here we stand. so here we stand. so here we stand. Joy Lian stood right here. They've been Joy Lian stood right here. They've been Joy Lian stood right here. They've been gone for eight years. Okay? Lots them gone for eight years. Okay? Lots them gone for eight years. Okay? Lots them out with a whole bunch of folks. Been out with a whole bunch of folks. Been out with a whole bunch of folks. Been gone for eight years. 1,300 baptisms in gone for eight years. 1,300 baptisms in gone for eight years. 1,300 baptisms in eight years. I mean, just want you just eight years. I mean, just want you just eight years. I mean, just want you just think about that for a minute. think about that for a minute. think about that for a minute. In times past, I would struggle in a In times past, I would struggle in a In times past, I would struggle in a building campaign to the journey church. building campaign to the journey church. building campaign to the journey church. And the amount of money I would just And the amount of money I would just And the amount of money I would just process on that the the word campus process on that the the word campus process on that the the word campus going out church over in Newport Miss I going out church over in Newport Miss I going out church over in Newport Miss I would I would look at and I always say would I would look at and I always say would I would look at and I always say Lord but you have never failed me yet. Lord but you have never failed me yet. Lord but you have never failed me yet. You have always provided. And I stand You have always provided. And I stand You have always provided. And I stand right here and I look back eight years right here and I look back eight years right here and I look back eight years ago of a struggle about giving and a ago of a struggle about giving and a ago of a struggle about giving and a struggle here with your resources to struggle here with your resources to struggle here with your resources to commit the resources of this campus to commit the resources of this campus to commit the resources of this campus to go there. a a an absolute spiritual go there. a a an absolute spiritual go there. a a an absolute spiritual struggle about what to do and and to be struggle about what to do and and to be struggle about what to do and and to be able to stand here eight years later able to stand here eight years later able to stand here eight years later debtree.

debtree. debtree. Debtree on all campuses in 1300 baptisms Debtree on all campuses in 1300 baptisms Debtree on all campuses in 1300 baptisms it I mean like praise God hallelujah it I mean like praise God hallelujah it I mean like praise God hallelujah I mean really and it's not us it's him I mean really and it's not us it's him I mean really and it's not us it's him and it goes up as worship. And so Ang and it goes up as worship. And so Ang and it goes up as worship. And so Ang and I we we give through online giving. and I we we give through online giving. and I we we give through online giving. I'm an old check writer because I guess I'm an old check writer because I guess I'm an old check writer because I guess I like control but I give online to the I like control but I give online to the I like control but I give online to the church. And you may say, "Well, how's church. And you may say, "Well, how's church. And you may say, "Well, how's that an act of worship if you've signed that an act of worship if you've signed that an act of worship if you've signed up an app and you get online?" Because up an app and you get online?" Because up an app and you get online?" Because I'll get a text. We get paid every two I'll get a text. We get paid every two I'll get a text. We get paid every two weeks. I'll get a text because I've got weeks. I'll get a text because I've got weeks. I'll get a text because I've got direct deposit going. I get a text say, direct deposit going. I get a text say, direct deposit going. I get a text say, "Thank you for your giving. Thank you "Thank you for your giving. Thank you "Thank you for your giving. Thank you for your giving to missions." It is an for your giving to missions." It is an for your giving to missions." It is an act of worship. And Paul says, "I'm act of worship. And Paul says, "I'm act of worship. And Paul says, "I'm grateful for your gift." But basically, grateful for your gift." But basically, grateful for your gift." But basically, I'm more grateful because it goes to I'm more grateful because it goes to I'm more grateful because it goes to your account. It's been a fragrant aroma your account. It's been a fragrant aroma your account. It's been a fragrant aroma unto the Lord. Here, I will explain this unto the Lord. Here, I will explain this unto the Lord. Here, I will explain this to you. God is going to do what he's to you. God is going to do what he's to you. God is going to do what he's going to do with you or without you. going to do with you or without you. going to do with you or without you. with you, with me or without me, God is with you, with me or without me, God is with you, with me or without me, God is going to do. And here's what I learned. going to do. And here's what I learned. going to do. And here's what I learned. I just want to get on get in on what God I just want to get on get in on what God I just want to get on get in on what God is doing. is doing. is doing. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And and and to see that I could just go >> And and and to see that I could just go >> And and and to see that I could just go on and on. There's others around this on and on. There's others around this on and on. There's others around this room that give testimony after testimony room that give testimony after testimony room that give testimony after testimony in regard to giving. You see, you got to in regard to giving. You see, you got to in regard to giving. You see, you got to look at giving as it's an act of of look at giving as it's an act of of look at giving as it's an act of of worship in that. And and two, to realize worship in that. And and two, to realize worship in that. And and two, to realize that Christ will meet your needs and that Christ will meet your needs and that Christ will meet your needs and that according to it's not out of it's that according to it's not out of it's that according to it's not out of it's according to his riches. Let me share according to his riches. Let me share according to his riches. Let me share something with you real quick. So the something with you real quick. So the something with you real quick. So the Lord knows. He knows exactly what you Lord knows. He knows exactly what you Lord knows. He knows exactly what you need. Okay? God has what you need. Knows need. Okay? God has what you need. Knows need. Okay? God has what you need. Knows what you need. He has what you need. And what you need. He has what you need. And what you need. He has what you need. And God knows when you need it. And he knows

God knows when you need it. And he knows God knows when you need it. And he knows how to provide it. Let me say that one how to provide it. Let me say that one how to provide it. Let me say that one more time. That's real quick. God knows more time. That's real quick. God knows more time. That's real quick. God knows what you need. He has what you need. He what you need. He has what you need. He what you need. He has what you need. He knows when you need it. And he knows how knows when you need it. And he knows how knows when you need it. And he knows how to provide it. You see, the Lord knows to provide it. You see, the Lord knows to provide it. You see, the Lord knows these things. He says, he says, "And my these things. He says, he says, "And my these things. He says, he says, "And my Lord, according those riches, he will Lord, according those riches, he will Lord, according those riches, he will meet your needs." And I I don't know meet your needs." And I I don't know meet your needs." And I I don't know where you are this morning in this place where you are this morning in this place where you are this morning in this place of invitation. It it may be that in of invitation. It it may be that in of invitation. It it may be that in circumstances it can't I know across circumstances it can't I know across circumstances it can't I know across this room there's all kinds of stuff this room there's all kinds of stuff this room there's all kinds of stuff going on. I know across this room going on. I know across this room going on. I know across this room there's some bad circumstances, okay? there's some bad circumstances, okay? there's some bad circumstances, okay? And it may be it's okay. As I said, you And it may be it's okay. As I said, you And it may be it's okay. As I said, you want to come to this altar, let's pray. want to come to this altar, let's pray. want to come to this altar, let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray God will give you Let's pray. Let's pray God will give you Let's pray. Let's pray God will give you a job. Let's pray that that God will a job. Let's pray that that God will a job. Let's pray that that God will bring healing in your life. Let's pray bring healing in your life. Let's pray bring healing in your life. Let's pray that that God will bring the prodal back that that God will bring the prodal back that that God will bring the prodal back home in your family. Let let's pray for home in your family. Let let's pray for home in your family. Let let's pray for whatever we want to do that. But we also whatever we want to do that. But we also whatever we want to do that. But we also need to pray and say, "Okay, God, if you need to pray and say, "Okay, God, if you need to pray and say, "Okay, God, if you change it, praise God. Hallelujah. But change it, praise God. Hallelujah. But change it, praise God. Hallelujah. But if you don't change it, show me how to if you don't change it, show me how to if you don't change it, show me how to face it because you are faithful." And face it because you are faithful." And face it because you are faithful." And it may be today that God is doing a work it may be today that God is doing a work it may be today that God is doing a work in your life and showing you how to face in your life and showing you how to face in your life and showing you how to face some circumstance. We we'll pray for you some circumstance. We we'll pray for you some circumstance. We we'll pray for you uh in that way. It it may be this uh in that way. It it may be this uh in that way. It it may be this morning uh that you're here and uh that morning uh that you're here and uh that morning uh that you're here and uh that you you realize that hey, you know what?

you you realize that hey, you know what? you you realize that hey, you know what? In regard to get I didn't look at giving In regard to get I didn't look at giving In regard to get I didn't look at giving as an act of worship. I didn't have an as an act of worship. I didn't have an as an act of worship. I didn't have an understanding uh about that. Maybe you understanding uh about that. Maybe you understanding uh about that. Maybe you could be right where Angie and I were could be right where Angie and I were could be right where Angie and I were all those years ago. You say, "Art, if all those years ago. You say, "Art, if all those years ago. You say, "Art, if you put this stuff on paper, it just you put this stuff on paper, it just you put this stuff on paper, it just doesn't work." You know, when you go doesn't work." You know, when you go doesn't work." You know, when you go into the book of Malachi, I preached a into the book of Malachi, I preached a into the book of Malachi, I preached a series one time called about leftovers. series one time called about leftovers. series one time called about leftovers. You see, because you give God first and You see, because you give God first and You see, because you give God first and not the leftovers. You go to the book of not the leftovers. You go to the book of not the leftovers. You go to the book of Malachi, here's what the Lord says. He Malachi, here's what the Lord says. He Malachi, here's what the Lord says. He doesn't say anywhere it said here. He doesn't say anywhere it said here. He doesn't say anywhere it said here. He said, "Test me now in this and see if I said, "Test me now in this and see if I said, "Test me now in this and see if I not open the windows of heaven." It's not open the windows of heaven." It's not open the windows of heaven." It's not you give in order to get, but he not you give in order to get, but he not you give in order to get, but he says you test me in this. It may be the says you test me in this. It may be the says you test me in this. It may be the day that you leave here and you say, day that you leave here and you say, day that you leave here and you say, "You know what, Lord? It won't work on "You know what, Lord? It won't work on "You know what, Lord? It won't work on paper. I just want to I want to see you paper. I just want to I want to see you paper. I just want to I want to see you work. I'm going to trust you and I know work. I'm going to trust you and I know work. I'm going to trust you and I know that you're sufficient." Maybe that's a that you're sufficient." Maybe that's a that you're sufficient." Maybe that's a decision as a believer that the Lord is decision as a believer that the Lord is decision as a believer that the Lord is leading you in right now. And so maybe leading you in right now. And so maybe leading you in right now. And so maybe this morning you want to come. Maybe this morning you want to come. Maybe this morning you want to come. Maybe you're here and you say, "Archie, it's you're here and you say, "Archie, it's you're here and you say, "Archie, it's not a bad circumstance. I have somebody not a bad circumstance. I have somebody not a bad circumstance. I have somebody else in my life, family, friend. I want else in my life, family, friend. I want else in my life, family, friend. I want to pray for them. We encourage you to to pray for them. We encourage you to to pray for them. We encourage you to come." Okay? Ladies with the ladies, men come." Okay? Ladies with the ladies, men come." Okay? Ladies with the ladies, men with the men. This can be a place of with the men. This can be a place of with the men. This can be a place of prayer. Okay? But then also most prayer. Okay? But then also most prayer. Okay? But then also most importantly, this is not some self-help importantly, this is not some self-help importantly, this is not some self-help sermon. It's not some book you say, sermon. It's not some book you say, sermon. It's not some book you say, "Okay, I'm going to do these three "Okay, I'm going to do these three "Okay, I'm going to do these three things. My life's going to be better."

things. My life's going to be better." things. My life's going to be better." If you don't have a relationship with If you don't have a relationship with If you don't have a relationship with Christ, your life is not going to be Christ, your life is not going to be Christ, your life is not going to be better. It is a train wreck waiting to better. It is a train wreck waiting to better. It is a train wreck waiting to happen. You say, "You don't know that. happen. You say, "You don't know that. happen. You say, "You don't know that. Oh, I know. I've had a train wreck in my Oh, I know. I've had a train wreck in my Oh, I know. I've had a train wreck in my life before. It's a train wreck waiting life before. It's a train wreck waiting life before. It's a train wreck waiting to happen. You're going to chase empty to happen. You're going to chase empty to happen. You're going to chase empty stuff. You're never going to find stuff. You're never going to find stuff. You're never going to find fulfillment. You're never going to find fulfillment. You're never going to find fulfillment. You're never going to find peace." You say, "Oh, you're just a peace." You say, "Oh, you're just a peace." You say, "Oh, you're just a preacher. You're supposed to say that." preacher. You're supposed to say that." preacher. You're supposed to say that." No, I say that because God changed my No, I say that because God changed my No, I say that because God changed my life. I don't say it just because I'm a life. I don't say it just because I'm a life. I don't say it just because I'm a preacher. I say it because he changed my preacher. I say it because he changed my preacher. I say it because he changed my life. I am evidence of him changing my life. I am evidence of him changing my life. I am evidence of him changing my life. But I had to come to the place of life. But I had to come to the place of life. But I had to come to the place of repentance. You know, I had to repent of repentance. You know, I had to repent of repentance. You know, I had to repent of thinking I can earn it. That was my thinking I can earn it. That was my thinking I can earn it. That was my deal. Now, yes, there was a lot of sin, deal. Now, yes, there was a lot of sin, deal. Now, yes, there was a lot of sin, a lot of drunkenness, a lot of stuff. a lot of drunkenness, a lot of stuff. a lot of drunkenness, a lot of stuff. And yes, that's all bad. But I had to And yes, that's all bad. But I had to And yes, that's all bad. But I had to repent of trying to earn it. I had to repent of trying to earn it. I had to repent of trying to earn it. I had to repent of trying to be good enough repent of trying to be good enough repent of trying to be good enough because I was denying what the cross was because I was denying what the cross was because I was denying what the cross was declaring. I didn't understand it at declaring. I didn't understand it at declaring. I didn't understand it at that time. So, I came to that place that time. So, I came to that place that time. So, I came to that place finally just of repenting. When I cried finally just of repenting. When I cried finally just of repenting. When I cried out, "Oh, God, save me." It was out, "Oh, God, save me." It was out, "Oh, God, save me." It was repenting of trying to be good enough. repenting of trying to be good enough. repenting of trying to be good enough. Lord, I can't do this. Lord, Lord, I can't do this. Lord, Lord, I can't do this. Lord, I'm I'm, you know, I would say stuff I'm I'm, you know, I would say stuff I'm I'm, you know, I would say stuff like, I work hard. I work daylight till like, I work hard. I work daylight till like, I work hard. I work daylight till dark. I'm trained in agriculture. And dark. I'm trained in agriculture. And dark. I'm trained in agriculture. And two, I probably was a little arrogant, two, I probably was a little arrogant, two, I probably was a little arrogant, but I thought, I'm pretty good at what I but I thought, I'm pretty good at what I but I thought, I'm pretty good at what I do. I can make this thing happen. I'm do. I can make this thing happen. I'm do. I can make this thing happen. I'm I'm strong willed. I can do this on my I'm strong willed. I can do this on my I'm strong willed. I can do this on my own. And he broke me and brought me to own. And he broke me and brought me to own. And he broke me and brought me to the place the place the place of finally saying, you know what? I of finally saying, you know what? I of finally saying, you know what? I can't do this on my own. Oh, God, save can't do this on my own. Oh, God, save can't do this on my own. Oh, God, save me. Boom. Amen.

me. Boom. Amen. me. Boom. Amen. >> That was it. You say, "Did you hear >> That was it. You say, "Did you hear >> That was it. You say, "Did you hear angels?" "Nope." "Did Angie start angels?" "Nope." "Did Angie start angels?" "Nope." "Did Angie start singing in the bed?" "Nope." You know, singing in the bed?" "Nope." You know, singing in the bed?" "Nope." You know, but I knew because see, the Holy Spirit but I knew because see, the Holy Spirit but I knew because see, the Holy Spirit brings clarity. brings clarity. brings clarity. The enemy brings confusion. The Holy The enemy brings confusion. The Holy The enemy brings confusion. The Holy Spirit brings clarity. For some, today Spirit brings clarity. For some, today Spirit brings clarity. For some, today is the day of salvation. The Holy Spirit is the day of salvation. The Holy Spirit is the day of salvation. The Holy Spirit has spoken. He's clear. has spoken. He's clear. has spoken. He's clear. Come to the Lord today. Confession, Come to the Lord today. Confession, Come to the Lord today. Confession, repentance. There is not magical magical repentance. There is not magical magical repentance. There is not magical magical words. It's something like the attitude words. It's something like the attitude words. It's something like the attitude of your heart, your mind, your soul, of your heart, your mind, your soul, of your heart, your mind, your soul, your spirit. Lord God, I'm a sinner. your spirit. Lord God, I'm a sinner. your spirit. Lord God, I'm a sinner. You're the savior. Lord God, save me. You're the savior. Lord God, save me. You're the savior. Lord God, save me. Lord, I believe you died on that cross Lord, I believe you died on that cross Lord, I believe you died on that cross at Calvary. I believe you came out of at Calvary. I believe you came out of at Calvary. I believe you came out of the grave at third day. Lord, I've heard the grave at third day. Lord, I've heard the grave at third day. Lord, I've heard Archie say it a hundred times, but now Archie say it a hundred times, but now Archie say it a hundred times, but now it's actually sinking into my heart. it's actually sinking into my heart. it's actually sinking into my heart. Lord, I repent. Lord, I repent. Then it Lord, I repent. Lord, I repent. Then it Lord, I repent. Lord, I repent. Then it may be there's just a bunch of stuff, may be there's just a bunch of stuff, may be there's just a bunch of stuff, but it may be I repent of just trying to but it may be I repent of just trying to but it may be I repent of just trying to be good. I repent of trusting myself. I be good. I repent of trusting myself. I be good. I repent of trusting myself. I I repent of not not depending on you, I repent of not not depending on you, I repent of not not depending on you, Jesus. But I understand today, Lord, Jesus. But I understand today, Lord, Jesus. But I understand today, Lord, save me. Guess what? Not based upon me, save me. Guess what? Not based upon me, save me. Guess what? Not based upon me, but based upon what he has right here in but based upon what he has right here in but based upon what he has right here in his word, he says he'll save you if you his word, he says he'll save you if you his word, he says he'll save you if you call upon him. And aren't you glad it's call upon him. And aren't you glad it's call upon him. And aren't you glad it's not based upon what I say? Aren't you not based upon what I say? Aren't you not based upon what I say? Aren't you glad it's based upon God's word? Come glad it's based upon God's word? Come glad it's based upon God's word? Come on. Amen. I mean, it's a promise from on. Amen. I mean, it's a promise from on. Amen. I mean, it's a promise from him. He loves you. He'll save you today.

him. He loves you. He'll save you today. him. He loves you. He'll save you today. Don't let this pass you by today. You Don't let this pass you by today. You Don't let this pass you by today. You got to put feet to your faith. Come tell got to put feet to your faith. Come tell got to put feet to your faith. Come tell one of these men up here, "Hey, today one of these men up here, "Hey, today one of these men up here, "Hey, today I'm giving my life to Christ." Come tell I'm giving my life to Christ." Come tell I'm giving my life to Christ." Come tell one of these men, I need somebody to one of these men, I need somebody to one of these men, I need somebody to pray for me today. Father, as we do pray for me today. Father, as we do pray for me today. Father, as we do pray, this is a place of response, Lord. pray, this is a place of response, Lord. pray, this is a place of response, Lord. Now, I know what happens right now. Now, I know what happens right now. Now, I know what happens right now. Folks are hungry. People got stuff they Folks are hungry. People got stuff they Folks are hungry. People got stuff they want to do. Things are happening. But want to do. Things are happening. But want to do. Things are happening. But Lord, these next two, three minutes are Lord, these next two, three minutes are Lord, these next two, three minutes are so important. Lord, I pray that the so important. Lord, I pray that the so important. Lord, I pray that the enemy is not I pray you're hedging enemy is not I pray you're hedging enemy is not I pray you're hedging people right now. That the enemy is not people right now. That the enemy is not people right now. That the enemy is not able to speak a lie into their mind or able to speak a lie into their mind or able to speak a lie into their mind or something. Lord, I pray right now that something. Lord, I pray right now that something. Lord, I pray right now that they are really discerning, really they are really discerning, really they are really discerning, really listening, and Lord, I pray they are listening, and Lord, I pray they are listening, and Lord, I pray they are answering your call upon their life, answering your call upon their life, answering your call upon their life, whatever it may be. Lord, ready to whatever it may be. Lord, ready to whatever it may be. Lord, ready to respond to how you are leading them. I respond to how you are leading them. I respond to how you are leading them. I pray that is taking place today. May it pray that is taking place today. May it pray that is taking place today. May it be for your glory. May it be for your be for your glory. May it be for your be for your glory. May it be for your honor, Lord, today. In your name we honor, Lord, today. In your name we honor, Lord, today. In your name we pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Can we stand, please?