TABERNACLE PRAYER - CHRIS HODGES

All right. Who's glad to be in church All right. Who's glad to be in church today? Anybody? Anybody? today? Anybody? Anybody? today? Anybody? Anybody? How about giving Jesus a big hand clap How about giving Jesus a big hand clap How about giving Jesus a big hand clap of praise, everybody? Woo. So good to of praise, everybody? Woo. So good to of praise, everybody? Woo. So good to see you guys. Welcome to Highlands, see you guys. Welcome to Highlands, see you guys. Welcome to Highlands, everybody. Especially those that are everybody. Especially those that are everybody. Especially those that are here for the first time. We're so glad here for the first time. We're so glad here for the first time. We're so glad uh that you're here. Let me look into uh that you're here. Let me look into uh that you're here. Let me look into the camera before we get started. Say the camera before we get started. Say the camera before we get started. Say hello to all of our campuses. We are one hello to all of our campuses. We are one hello to all of our campuses. We are one church that meets in 26 locations all church that meets in 26 locations all church that meets in 26 locations all across Alabama and in Georgia. Also in across Alabama and in Georgia. Also in across Alabama and in Georgia. Also in the uh to the men and women in the the uh to the men and women in the the uh to the men and women in the Alabama Department of Corrections. We're Alabama Department of Corrections. We're Alabama Department of Corrections. We're in all 20 28 of those facilities and and in all 20 28 of those facilities and and in all 20 28 of those facilities and and now beginning to add some in Georgia as now beginning to add some in Georgia as now beginning to add some in Georgia as well. And then to everybody that's well. And then to everybody that's well. And then to everybody that's watching live online right now or maybe watching live online right now or maybe watching live online right now or maybe later on demand, Grant Smile, come on later on demand, Grant Smile, come on later on demand, Grant Smile, come on like you've never done it before. Say a like you've never done it before. Say a like you've never done it before. Say a big hello. big hello. big hello. [applause] [applause] [applause] Thank you for that. And before I get Thank you for that. And before I get Thank you for that. And before I get into this standalone message today, next into this standalone message today, next into this standalone message today, next week we're starting a brand new series week we're starting a brand new series week we're starting a brand new series uh on the Holy Spirit. Pastor Mark's uh on the Holy Spirit. Pastor Mark's uh on the Holy Spirit. Pastor Mark's going to be teaching about the person of going to be teaching about the person of going to be teaching about the person of the Holy Spirit. I'm going to do a the Holy Spirit. I'm going to do a the Holy Spirit. I'm going to do a little standalone uh message here today little standalone uh message here today little standalone uh message here today to kick us off with the 21 days of to kick us off with the 21 days of to kick us off with the 21 days of prayer. But I wanted to take a second prayer. But I wanted to take a second prayer. But I wanted to take a second and give you a Highlands College update.

and give you a Highlands College update. and give you a Highlands College update. I know a lot of you guys know that about I know a lot of you guys know that about I know a lot of you guys know that about a year and a half ago handed the the the a year and a half ago handed the the the a year and a half ago handed the the the reigns of Church of the Highlands over reigns of Church of the Highlands over reigns of Church of the Highlands over to Pastor Mark and Jill so I could give to Pastor Mark and Jill so I could give to Pastor Mark and Jill so I could give my attention fully to this university my attention fully to this university my attention fully to this university that we're building. I'm so very very that we're building. I'm so very very that we're building. I'm so very very passionate about it. I'm 63 years old. I passionate about it. I'm 63 years old. I passionate about it. I'm 63 years old. I think I got another 25 years in me to think I got another 25 years in me to think I got another 25 years in me to leave this thing. Everybody, come on. leave this thing. Everybody, come on. leave this thing. Everybody, come on. Y'all encourage me. And uh I wake up Y'all encourage me. And uh I wake up Y'all encourage me. And uh I wake up every day thinking about meeting the every day thinking about meeting the every day thinking about meeting the this prayer of Jesus in Luke 10:2 where this prayer of Jesus in Luke 10:2 where this prayer of Jesus in Luke 10:2 where he said the harvest is plentiful and the he said the harvest is plentiful and the he said the harvest is plentiful and the laborers refuse. Never been more true. laborers refuse. Never been more true. laborers refuse. Never been more true. Uh we actually have the the highest Uh we actually have the the highest Uh we actually have the the highest hunger for God in America in 40 years. hunger for God in America in 40 years. hunger for God in America in 40 years. Thank God for that. Uh but voca Yeah, Thank God for that. Uh but voca Yeah, Thank God for that. Uh but voca Yeah, you want to thank the Lord for that, you you want to thank the Lord for that, you you want to thank the Lord for that, you can. All right. [applause] can. All right. [applause] can. All right. [applause] But we also have a vocational ministry But we also have a vocational ministry But we also have a vocational ministry leadership in decline at the same time, leadership in decline at the same time, leadership in decline at the same time, which is tragic, which will also be a which is tragic, which will also be a which is tragic, which will also be a huge problem in a few years if we don't huge problem in a few years if we don't huge problem in a few years if we don't do something about it. So, I'm doing do something about it. So, I'm doing do something about it. So, I'm doing everything I can uh to help build this everything I can uh to help build this everything I can uh to help build this great university. And it's it's amazing. great university. And it's it's amazing. great university. And it's it's amazing. You go check it out at highlandscol.edu.

You go check it out at highlandscol.edu. You go check it out at highlandscol.edu. All that we're doing, but I'll give you All that we're doing, but I'll give you All that we're doing, but I'll give you a couple updates. We actually are very a couple updates. We actually are very a couple updates. We actually are very close to opening up our third residence close to opening up our third residence close to opening up our third residence hall. It's a sevenstory dormatory hall. It's a sevenstory dormatory hall. It's a sevenstory dormatory that'll be open in December. We'll have that'll be open in December. We'll have that'll be open in December. We'll have students in it in January. and it's students in it in January. and it's students in it in January. and it's beautiful. And then we've also are about beautiful. And then we've also are about beautiful. And then we've also are about completed with what we call the Olsen completed with what we call the Olsen completed with what we call the Olsen Rec Center, the Olsen family. We're very Rec Center, the Olsen family. We're very Rec Center, the Olsen family. We're very very generous and we're the primary uh very generous and we're the primary uh very generous and we're the primary uh givers toward this this uh place that givers toward this this uh place that givers toward this this uh place that has all of our fitness equipment and has all of our fitness equipment and has all of our fitness equipment and pickle ball, you know, all all the all pickle ball, you know, all all the all pickle ball, you know, all all the all the things that that keep them not only the things that that keep them not only the things that that keep them not only spiritual but also healthy physically. spiritual but also healthy physically. spiritual but also healthy physically. And so we're very excited about that. And so we're very excited about that. And so we're very excited about that. God's doing some great things. And then God's doing some great things. And then God's doing some great things. And then in the previous service, we actually in the previous service, we actually in the previous service, we actually awarded a scholarship. Uh we have a awarded a scholarship. Uh we have a awarded a scholarship. Uh we have a scholarship in my dad's name. My dad was scholarship in my dad's name. My dad was scholarship in my dad's name. My dad was the first administrator of Church of the the first administrator of Church of the the first administrator of Church of the Highlands. He um his thumbrints are all Highlands. He um his thumbrints are all Highlands. He um his thumbrints are all over this place. I need more time to over this place. I need more time to over this place. I need more time to tell you about how my dad's impact on tell you about how my dad's impact on tell you about how my dad's impact on this church is here. And when he went to this church is here. And when he went to this church is here. And when he went to be with the Lord in 2010, u people gave be with the Lord in 2010, u people gave be with the Lord in 2010, u people gave to his memory, as often happens in to his memory, as often happens in to his memory, as often happens in situations like that. And the family and situations like that. And the family and situations like that. And the family and I, I'm the middle of three. My older I, I'm the middle of three. My older I, I'm the middle of three. My older brother, younger sister, and I decided brother, younger sister, and I decided brother, younger sister, and I decided to put every dollar of that toward a to put every dollar of that toward a to put every dollar of that toward a scholarship in his name that we continue scholarship in his name that we continue scholarship in his name that we continue to contribute toward as a family. Uh and to contribute toward as a family. Uh and to contribute toward as a family. Uh and every year uh a student that here's the every year uh a student that here's the every year uh a student that here's the qualifications. They have to be a Church qualifications. They have to be a Church qualifications. They have to be a Church of the Highlands student and the family of the Highlands student and the family of the Highlands student and the family has to be a Church of the Highlands has to be a Church of the Highlands has to be a Church of the Highlands family who are not only members but also family who are not only members but also family who are not only members but also on the gone through the grow track on a on the gone through the grow track on a on the gone through the grow track on a the dream team. This student actually u the dream team. This student actually u the dream team. This student actually u uh has is just so involved leads small uh has is just so involved leads small uh has is just so involved leads small groups. one of our interns, summer groups. one of our interns, summer groups. one of our interns, summer interns, and just an amazing student.

interns, and just an amazing student. interns, and just an amazing student. And we was just a joy to award that in And we was just a joy to award that in And we was just a joy to award that in the previous service. And I wanted to the previous service. And I wanted to the previous service. And I wanted to take this time just to say thank you to take this time just to say thank you to take this time just to say thank you to you for your generosity. You've been so you for your generosity. You've been so you for your generosity. You've been so incredibly generous. I want to thank you incredibly generous. I want to thank you incredibly generous. I want to thank you for that in every way because when you for that in every way because when you for that in every way because when you guys give here at Highlands, a part of guys give here at Highlands, a part of guys give here at Highlands, a part of your mission's giving. Uh part of that your mission's giving. Uh part of that your mission's giving. Uh part of that goes to scholarships at at Highlands goes to scholarships at at Highlands goes to scholarships at at Highlands College. So, thank you very very much College. So, thank you very very much College. So, thank you very very much for that. We often get asked uh by for that. We often get asked uh by for that. We often get asked uh by adults, man, I wish I was I wish I was adults, man, I wish I was I wish I was adults, man, I wish I was I wish I was 18 again so I could be a part of this. 18 again so I could be a part of this. 18 again so I could be a part of this. And often times there are even adults And often times there are even adults And often times there are even adults who uh have a call of God in their life who uh have a call of God in their life who uh have a call of God in their life and just for whatever reason life and just for whatever reason life and just for whatever reason life brought you on a different pathway but brought you on a different pathway but brought you on a different pathway but you're looking for a way back uh to you're looking for a way back uh to you're looking for a way back uh to something like that. We actually have an something like that. We actually have an something like that. We actually have an evening program of Highlands College evening program of Highlands College evening program of Highlands College called the Highlands College Leadership called the Highlands College Leadership called the Highlands College Leadership Institute. It's one night a week and it Institute. It's one night a week and it Institute. It's one night a week and it awards one of three certificates of awards one of three certificates of awards one of three certificates of learning. Uh one one is in just in learning. Uh one one is in just in learning. Uh one one is in just in Christian ministry. So that's for those Christian ministry. So that's for those Christian ministry. So that's for those who actually want to get back into who actually want to get back into who actually want to get back into ministry. In fact, uh we're we're ministry. In fact, uh we're we're ministry. In fact, uh we're we're placing a lot of these graduates into placing a lot of these graduates into placing a lot of these graduates into full-time ministry. They're very very full-time ministry. They're very very full-time ministry. They're very very actually we have we have more requests actually we have we have more requests actually we have we have more requests than we have graduates to fill. Uh but than we have graduates to fill. Uh but than we have graduates to fill. Uh but there's also degrees in Christian there's also degrees in Christian there's also degrees in Christian leadership. In other words, if you want leadership. In other words, if you want leadership. In other words, if you want to you want to learn Christian to you want to learn Christian to you want to learn Christian leadership to bring it into the leadership to bring it into the leadership to bring it into the marketplace. And then there's one in marketplace. And then there's one in marketplace. And then there's one in biblical studies and theology too if you biblical studies and theology too if you biblical studies and theology too if you just want to learn more about the Bible.

just want to learn more about the Bible. just want to learn more about the Bible. So if you're interested in that, we'll So if you're interested in that, we'll So if you're interested in that, we'll let the team put on the screen. You can let the team put on the screen. You can let the team put on the screen. You can text HI to 94,000. I don't even know text HI to 94,000. I don't even know text HI to 94,000. I don't even know what that all that means. I think that's what that all that means. I think that's what that all that means. I think that's on your text thing, whatever. All right. on your text thing, whatever. All right. on your text thing, whatever. All right. I'm not very techsavvy, but just do I'm not very techsavvy, but just do I'm not very techsavvy, but just do that. I don't know how five numbers is that. I don't know how five numbers is that. I don't know how five numbers is enough, but it sounds like it is. So, enough, but it sounds like it is. So, enough, but it sounds like it is. So, anyway, there you go. So, hi to 94 uh anyway, there you go. So, hi to 94 uh anyway, there you go. So, hi to 94 uh th000 something like Yeah, you you saw th000 something like Yeah, you you saw th000 something like Yeah, you you saw it. Didn't you see it everybody? You saw it. Didn't you see it everybody? You saw it. Didn't you see it everybody? You saw it. Okay. it. Okay. it. Okay. Today is day one of 21 days of prayer. Today is day one of 21 days of prayer. Today is day one of 21 days of prayer. Who's glad we're starting 21 days of Who's glad we're starting 21 days of Who's glad we're starting 21 days of prayer? I am. Oh, yeah. prayer? I am. Oh, yeah. prayer? I am. Oh, yeah. And uh this is something our church has And uh this is something our church has And uh this is something our church has been doing since the beginning. It been doing since the beginning. It been doing since the beginning. It actually starts officially today will actually starts officially today will actually starts officially today will end on on August 22nd. And what that end on on August 22nd. And what that end on on August 22nd. And what that means is is for the next 21 days on means is is for the next 21 days on means is is for the next 21 days on Sundays the prayer is in church but Sundays the prayer is in church but Sundays the prayer is in church but Monday through Friday we're going to Monday through Friday we're going to Monday through Friday we're going to join at every one of our campuses at join at every one of our campuses at join at every one of our campuses at 6:00 am of course 700 a.m. if you're in 6:00 am of course 700 a.m. if you're in 6:00 am of course 700 a.m. if you're in the Eastern time zone with our Georgia the Eastern time zone with our Georgia the Eastern time zone with our Georgia campuses and then at 900 a.m. on campuses and then at 900 a.m. on campuses and then at 900 a.m. on Saturdays for live prayer and if you've Saturdays for live prayer and if you've Saturdays for live prayer and if you've never been you needed to show up. I It's never been you needed to show up. I It's never been you needed to show up. I It's just amazing. Thousands will be here. Uh just amazing. Thousands will be here. Uh just amazing. Thousands will be here. Uh it's it's just amazing how it caught on it's it's just amazing how it caught on it's it's just amazing how it caught on here at our church. And it's a lot of here at our church. And it's a lot of here at our church. And it's a lot of fun. It's New Testament style prayer.

fun. It's New Testament style prayer. fun. It's New Testament style prayer. It's very, very vibrant, full band. It's It's very, very vibrant, full band. It's It's very, very vibrant, full band. It's a great experience. If you can't make it a great experience. If you can't make it a great experience. If you can't make it live, we actually stream it live every live, we actually stream it live every live, we actually stream it live every single day. So, if you're getting kids single day. So, if you're getting kids single day. So, if you're getting kids out to school or just whatever, you're out to school or just whatever, you're out to school or just whatever, you're getting ready for work, you know, flip getting ready for work, you know, flip getting ready for work, you know, flip your iPad open wherever you are in your your iPad open wherever you are in your your iPad open wherever you are in your in your house and you can just pray in your house and you can just pray in your house and you can just pray along with us during those times. And along with us during those times. And along with us during those times. And then it's actually on demand for the then it's actually on demand for the then it's actually on demand for the next 24 hours. So, if you want to just next 24 hours. So, if you want to just next 24 hours. So, if you want to just catch it at the time that's best for catch it at the time that's best for catch it at the time that's best for you, uh it'll be available for the next you, uh it'll be available for the next you, uh it'll be available for the next 24 hours into the next prayer time. So, 24 hours into the next prayer time. So, 24 hours into the next prayer time. So, would love for you to be a part of that would love for you to be a part of that would love for you to be a part of that if you can. Tomorrow morning we'll be if you can. Tomorrow morning we'll be if you can. Tomorrow morning we'll be here. Pastor Mark's leading. I'm leading here. Pastor Mark's leading. I'm leading here. Pastor Mark's leading. I'm leading another day later later this week. So, another day later later this week. So, another day later later this week. So, it's going to be a awesome uh time it's going to be a awesome uh time it's going to be a awesome uh time together. I I want to I want to talk together. I I want to I want to talk together. I I want to I want to talk about prayer a little bit. In fact, about prayer a little bit. In fact, about prayer a little bit. In fact, Pastor Mark says, "Hey, teach teach the Pastor Mark says, "Hey, teach teach the Pastor Mark says, "Hey, teach teach the church how to pray." This is something church how to pray." This is something church how to pray." This is something that I'm very passionate about because that I'm very passionate about because that I'm very passionate about because I've been in church my whole life. And I've been in church my whole life. And I've been in church my whole life. And if you're just even remotely Christian, if you're just even remotely Christian, if you're just even remotely Christian, like you just like just kind of dabble like you just like just kind of dabble like you just like just kind of dabble in Christianity or you're you're a in Christianity or you're you're a in Christianity or you're you're a person of faith, you know, just you not person of faith, you know, just you not person of faith, you know, just you not really full in. I encourage you, by the really full in. I encourage you, by the really full in. I encourage you, by the way, to go allin with God, everybody. way, to go allin with God, everybody. way, to go allin with God, everybody. It's a it's a great experience. But even It's a it's a great experience. But even It's a it's a great experience. But even some people that are not Christians know some people that are not Christians know some people that are not Christians know prayer is important. And here's the prayer is important. And here's the prayer is important. And here's the thing about it. You rarely find anybody thing about it. You rarely find anybody thing about it. You rarely find anybody who likes to do it. Like they they know who likes to do it. Like they they know who likes to do it. Like they they know it's important. In fact, try it at a it's important. In fact, try it at a it's important. In fact, try it at a restaurant. Hey Ralph, say our prayer.

restaurant. Hey Ralph, say our prayer. restaurant. Hey Ralph, say our prayer. You'll see him turn completely red and You'll see him turn completely red and You'll see him turn completely red and not know what to say. Come here. You not know what to say. Come here. You not know what to say. Come here. You know what I'm talking about? Just people know what I'm talking about? Just people know what I'm talking about? Just people feel awkward in their prayer. They just feel awkward in their prayer. They just feel awkward in their prayer. They just don't know what. This was my story. I don't know what. This was my story. I don't know what. This was my story. I grew up in church knowing it was grew up in church knowing it was grew up in church knowing it was important, not knowing how to do it. And important, not knowing how to do it. And important, not knowing how to do it. And so when I gave my life to Jesus at 15 so when I gave my life to Jesus at 15 so when I gave my life to Jesus at 15 years old, uh my pastor is the most years old, uh my pastor is the most years old, uh my pastor is the most prayingest pastor I have I've ever met. prayingest pastor I have I've ever met. prayingest pastor I have I've ever met. And he taught it. Uh in fact, our church And he taught it. Uh in fact, our church And he taught it. Uh in fact, our church was called Bethany World Prayer Center. was called Bethany World Prayer Center. was called Bethany World Prayer Center. It was just focused on on prayer and It was just focused on on prayer and It was just focused on on prayer and taught me how to pray. And what changed taught me how to pray. And what changed taught me how to pray. And what changed everything for me was giving me everything for me was giving me everything for me was giving me outlines, outlines that are in the outlines, outlines that are in the outlines, outlines that are in the Bible. In other words, plans for prayer Bible. In other words, plans for prayer Bible. In other words, plans for prayer of which the Lord's Prayer is one of of which the Lord's Prayer is one of of which the Lord's Prayer is one of those. So here's what a lot of people those. So here's what a lot of people those. So here's what a lot of people don't know is that the Lord's prayer don't know is that the Lord's prayer don't know is that the Lord's prayer isn't a prayer to pray just that 26 isn't a prayer to pray just that 26 isn't a prayer to pray just that 26 seconds worth. It's actually rabbis seconds worth. It's actually rabbis seconds worth. It's actually rabbis taught in outlines. So when Jesus gave taught in outlines. So when Jesus gave taught in outlines. So when Jesus gave us the Lord's prayer, uh he was giving a us the Lord's prayer, uh he was giving a us the Lord's prayer, uh he was giving a pattern for prayer. He was given pattern for prayer. He was given pattern for prayer. He was given elements to to cover in your prayer elements to to cover in your prayer elements to to cover in your prayer time. Well, when I learned that, it time. Well, when I learned that, it time. Well, when I learned that, it revolutionized everything. So when I got revolutionized everything. So when I got revolutionized everything. So when I got into ministry in my early 20s, I taught into ministry in my early 20s, I taught into ministry in my early 20s, I taught students how to pray and it worked. Uh, students how to pray and it worked. Uh, students how to pray and it worked. Uh, in fact, I would get all these models in fact, I would get all these models in fact, I would get all these models and all these examples and I would print and all these examples and I would print and all these examples and I would print them out on paper and staple them and them out on paper and staple them and them out on paper and staple them and and I brought them. It was just really and I brought them. It was just really and I brought them. It was just really old school, you know, just handed handed old school, you know, just handed handed old school, you know, just handed handed them out. They would come into my house.

them out. They would come into my house. them out. They would come into my house. We'd have a hundred kids showing up on We'd have a hundred kids showing up on We'd have a hundred kids showing up on the night before our youth service on a the night before our youth service on a the night before our youth service on a Tuesday night. And I called it prayer Tuesday night. And I called it prayer Tuesday night. And I called it prayer warriors and I was passing out ex uh warriors and I was passing out ex uh warriors and I was passing out ex uh more content than they had time to pray more content than they had time to pray more content than they had time to pray for, which is I always thought this is for, which is I always thought this is for, which is I always thought this is the secret like give them enough to say the secret like give them enough to say the secret like give them enough to say and to do and and they'll do it because and to do and and they'll do it because and to do and and they'll do it because people want to sufficiently inspired people want to sufficiently inspired people want to sufficiently inspired don't know what to do. That was my don't know what to do. That was my don't know what to do. That was my thesis. And so it worked. And so when we thesis. And so it worked. And so when we thesis. And so it worked. And so when we started Highlands 25 years ago, did the started Highlands 25 years ago, did the started Highlands 25 years ago, did the same thing. In fact, we have a February same thing. In fact, we have a February same thing. In fact, we have a February anniversary here at Highlands because we anniversary here at Highlands because we anniversary here at Highlands because we wanted to take January of 01, the year wanted to take January of 01, the year wanted to take January of 01, the year the church started, and we had 21 days the church started, and we had 21 days the church started, and we had 21 days of prayer. In fact, before there was a of prayer. In fact, before there was a of prayer. In fact, before there was a church, there was 21 days of prayer. We church, there was 21 days of prayer. We church, there was 21 days of prayer. We were seeking God and asking God to move were seeking God and asking God to move were seeking God and asking God to move uh in our church. And that's why we just uh in our church. And that's why we just uh in our church. And that's why we just continue continued to do that. And so continue continued to do that. And so continue continued to do that. And so anyway, and it worked and caught on and anyway, and it worked and caught on and anyway, and it worked and caught on and and now again, you'll see it tomorrow. and now again, you'll see it tomorrow. and now again, you'll see it tomorrow. There be thousands of people at all of There be thousands of people at all of There be thousands of people at all of our locations going after God with all our locations going after God with all our locations going after God with all our heart. Kind of pulling us out of our heart. Kind of pulling us out of our heart. Kind of pulling us out of that summer slump, right? A lot of us that summer slump, right? A lot of us that summer slump, right? A lot of us take vacations from God, too. All of us take vacations from God, too. All of us take vacations from God, too. All of us do that. And then and then also gives us do that. And then and then also gives us do that. And then and then also gives us a chance to pray for everything that's a chance to pray for everything that's a chance to pray for everything that's going to happen this fall, this fall going to happen this fall, this fall going to happen this fall, this fall harvest. We see lots of people come to harvest. We see lots of people come to harvest. We see lots of people come to faith in Jesus during the fall time. So, faith in Jesus during the fall time. So, faith in Jesus during the fall time. So, it's it's it's an exciting time. In it's it's it's an exciting time. In it's it's it's an exciting time. In fact, somewhere along the way, we even fact, somewhere along the way, we even fact, somewhere along the way, we even had uh we developed like a rally cry and had uh we developed like a rally cry and had uh we developed like a rally cry and I I think we stumbled on it. I think I I I think we stumbled on it. I think I I I think we stumbled on it. I think I mentioned it in a in a message and it mentioned it in a in a message and it mentioned it in a in a message and it just caught on and that was pray first.

just caught on and that was pray first. just caught on and that was pray first. In fact, tomorrow when you come there In fact, tomorrow when you come there In fact, tomorrow when you come there will be prayer booklets. My little will be prayer booklets. My little will be prayer booklets. My little staple pages are now in a in a bound staple pages are now in a in a bound staple pages are now in a in a bound little booklet you can take home. And little booklet you can take home. And little booklet you can take home. And then we have little rubber braces that then we have little rubber braces that then we have little rubber braces that say pray first. And we we realized that say pray first. And we we realized that say pray first. And we we realized that if everybody just would you don't have if everybody just would you don't have if everybody just would you don't have to pray long but just pray first. Like to pray long but just pray first. Like to pray long but just pray first. Like before you go to work or go to school, before you go to work or go to school, before you go to work or go to school, pray first, you know, before you before pray first, you know, before you before pray first, you know, before you before you you know you have that meeting, pray you you know you have that meeting, pray you you know you have that meeting, pray first. before you answer that email. A first. before you answer that email. A first. before you answer that email. A lot of you need to pray first. Everybody lot of you need to pray first. Everybody lot of you need to pray first. Everybody like your email would be much nicer, you like your email would be much nicer, you like your email would be much nicer, you know, and you can just in every know, and you can just in every know, and you can just in every situation that prayer should be our situation that prayer should be our situation that prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. first response, not our last resort. first response, not our last resort. Like what would that look like if we Like what would that look like if we Like what would that look like if we just had a habit of just in the shower, just had a habit of just in the shower, just had a habit of just in the shower, in the car, where just take a few in the car, where just take a few in the car, where just take a few minutes and just tell God what's on your minutes and just tell God what's on your minutes and just tell God what's on your heart. So in 2022, I actually wrote a heart. So in 2022, I actually wrote a heart. So in 2022, I actually wrote a book on it. And the heart of the book is book on it. And the heart of the book is book on it. And the heart of the book is seven chapters on these seven models seven chapters on these seven models seven chapters on these seven models that are all found in the Bible, ways to that are all found in the Bible, ways to that are all found in the Bible, ways to pray. There's all these different pray. There's all these different pray. There's all these different sections of the book that I won't take sections of the book that I won't take sections of the book that I won't take time. You can check it out if you're time. You can check it out if you're time. You can check it out if you're interested in that. But I want to give interested in that. But I want to give interested in that. But I want to give you one of those models. And I want to you one of those models. And I want to you one of those models. And I want to do it by showing you a theme verse in do it by showing you a theme verse in do it by showing you a theme verse in Ephesians chapter 6. Look at it on the Ephesians chapter 6. Look at it on the Ephesians chapter 6. Look at it on the screen. Uh, and if you have your app, screen. Uh, and if you have your app, screen. Uh, and if you have your app, this is probably the best. If you're not this is probably the best. If you're not this is probably the best. If you're not even a regular app user for a message, even a regular app user for a message, even a regular app user for a message, you might want to follow along today you might want to follow along today you might want to follow along today because I'm going to give you pictures because I'm going to give you pictures because I'm going to give you pictures and examples and graphics and all kind and examples and graphics and all kind and examples and graphics and all kind of cool stuff that you might want to of cool stuff that you might want to of cool stuff that you might want to see. But in Ephesians chapter 6 verse see. But in Ephesians chapter 6 verse see. But in Ephesians chapter 6 verse 18, the Bible says pray in the spirit.

18, the Bible says pray in the spirit. 18, the Bible says pray in the spirit. And look what it says in every And look what it says in every And look what it says in every situation. That means pray first. So situation. That means pray first. So situation. That means pray first. So that means you don't reserve it for that means you don't reserve it for that means you don't reserve it for church or mornings, your quiet time. church or mornings, your quiet time. church or mornings, your quiet time. Like it can be anywhere. It can be the Like it can be anywhere. It can be the Like it can be anywhere. It can be the shower, the car, it could be before a shower, the car, it could be before a shower, the car, it could be before a meeting, right? In every situation. And meeting, right? In every situation. And meeting, right? In every situation. And then look what it says next. and use then look what it says next. and use then look what it says next. and use every kind of prayer and request that every kind of prayer and request that every kind of prayer and request that there is to which some of you thinking, there is to which some of you thinking, there is to which some of you thinking, well, I didn't know there were different well, I didn't know there were different well, I didn't know there were different kinds. And that's why I'm teaching you kinds. And that's why I'm teaching you kinds. And that's why I'm teaching you this today. And there's a bunch of them. this today. And there's a bunch of them. this today. And there's a bunch of them. But I want to share with you my But I want to share with you my But I want to share with you my favorite. So, of the seven different favorite. So, of the seven different favorite. So, of the seven different ways that I pray, I actually just wake ways that I pray, I actually just wake ways that I pray, I actually just wake up not even sure which one I want to up not even sure which one I want to up not even sure which one I want to use. I just keep it fresh. But my use. I just keep it fresh. But my use. I just keep it fresh. But my favorite one, probably seven out of 10 favorite one, probably seven out of 10 favorite one, probably seven out of 10 times, I'm going to pray what I was times, I'm going to pray what I was times, I'm going to pray what I was taught and was called tabernacle prayer. taught and was called tabernacle prayer. taught and was called tabernacle prayer. And in the book, I call it the prayer of And in the book, I call it the prayer of And in the book, I call it the prayer of Moses. And what it is, it's a pattern or Moses. And what it is, it's a pattern or Moses. And what it is, it's a pattern or an example of this thing called the an example of this thing called the an example of this thing called the tabernacle. Now, the tabernacle, let me tabernacle. Now, the tabernacle, let me tabernacle. Now, the tabernacle, let me explain that to you very quickly. The explain that to you very quickly. The explain that to you very quickly. The tabernacle was a portable church. tabernacle was a portable church. tabernacle was a portable church. Because if you know the story of Moses, Because if you know the story of Moses, Because if you know the story of Moses, you know that God raised up Moses as a you know that God raised up Moses as a you know that God raised up Moses as a deliverer because there were 4 million deliverer because there were 4 million deliverer because there were 4 million Israelites as slaves in Egypt building Israelites as slaves in Egypt building Israelites as slaves in Egypt building pyramids and stuff, right? And so God pyramids and stuff, right? And so God pyramids and stuff, right? And so God wanted to deliver them. He sent Moses.

wanted to deliver them. He sent Moses. wanted to deliver them. He sent Moses. And so when they came out of Egypt, And so when they came out of Egypt, And so when they came out of Egypt, their first stop was at Mount Si and their first stop was at Mount Si and their first stop was at Mount Si and they got the Ten Commandments. That's they got the Ten Commandments. That's they got the Ten Commandments. That's usually the only part of the story usually the only part of the story usually the only part of the story everybody knows. But what you didn't everybody knows. But what you didn't everybody knows. But what you didn't know is right after that, they're know is right after that, they're know is right after that, they're eventually going to go to what God eventually going to go to what God eventually going to go to what God called the promised land or Canaan. We called the promised land or Canaan. We called the promised land or Canaan. We know it as an Israel, modern day Israel know it as an Israel, modern day Israel know it as an Israel, modern day Israel today, right? But they're going to go to today, right? But they're going to go to today, right? But they're going to go to this promised land and they got to cross this promised land and they got to cross this promised land and they got to cross the Arabian Peninsula to do it. Instead the Arabian Peninsula to do it. Instead the Arabian Peninsula to do it. Instead of just going straight to it, uh they of just going straight to it, uh they of just going straight to it, uh they were stubborn and God had to teach them were stubborn and God had to teach them were stubborn and God had to teach them some things. This sounds like a lot of some things. This sounds like a lot of some things. This sounds like a lot of our lives. And they ended up just our lives. And they ended up just our lives. And they ended up just circling Saudi Arabia for 40 years. circling Saudi Arabia for 40 years. circling Saudi Arabia for 40 years. Okay. And in the meantime, God knew they Okay. And in the meantime, God knew they Okay. And in the meantime, God knew they needed to kind of go to church, right? needed to kind of go to church, right? needed to kind of go to church, right? So he said, "Hey, I want you to do this. So he said, "Hey, I want you to do this. So he said, "Hey, I want you to do this. Have the people, look in your notes. Have the people, look in your notes. Have the people, look in your notes. Have the people of Israel build a holy Have the people of Israel build a holy Have the people of Israel build a holy sanctuary." Why? Because I want to I sanctuary." Why? Because I want to I sanctuary." Why? Because I want to I want to spend time with them. I want to want to spend time with them. I want to want to spend time with them. I want to live among them. I want to stop right live among them. I want to stop right live among them. I want to stop right there. Everybody look in my eyes. there. Everybody look in my eyes. there. Everybody look in my eyes. If I do my job right today, you'll say If I do my job right today, you'll say If I do my job right today, you'll say that when I pray now, because what we that when I pray now, because what we that when I pray now, because what we learned in church today, what I learned learned in church today, what I learned learned in church today, what I learned about prayer today, it feels like I get about prayer today, it feels like I get about prayer today, it feels like I get to live with God. Like he's not my to live with God. Like he's not my to live with God. Like he's not my religion. Listen to me. God's not your religion. Listen to me. God's not your religion. Listen to me. God's not your religion. He doesn't want to be your religion. He doesn't want to be your religion. He doesn't want to be your religion. God wants to be your religion. God wants to be your religion. God wants to be your relationship. He wants to live among relationship. He wants to live among relationship. He wants to live among you. He wants to like just like do you you. He wants to like just like do you you. He wants to like just like do you the people you text all day long. You're the people you text all day long. You're the people you text all day long. You're talking all day to these people, you talking all day to these people, you talking all day to these people, you know, just all day long, right? And know, just all day long, right? And know, just all day long, right? And God's like, "Hey, I'd like to have that God's like, "Hey, I'd like to have that God's like, "Hey, I'd like to have that kind of He wants to live among you.

kind of He wants to live among you. kind of He wants to live among you. Everybody. All right. So, build a Everybody. All right. So, build a Everybody. All right. So, build a tabernacle. Back to our verse. Build a tabernacle. Back to our verse. Build a tabernacle. Back to our verse. Build a tabernacle. And it's and this is an tabernacle. And it's and this is an tabernacle. And it's and this is an important word. It's furnishings important word. It's furnishings important word. It's furnishings exactly according to and and I exactly according to and and I exactly according to and and I highlighted this word, a pattern. Now, I highlighted this word, a pattern. Now, I highlighted this word, a pattern. Now, I think God's a pattern guy. I think God think God's a pattern guy. I think God think God's a pattern guy. I think God gives us patterns to show us things that gives us patterns to show us things that gives us patterns to show us things that are his principles in his heart. And in are his principles in his heart. And in are his principles in his heart. And in the Old Testament, the patterns were the Old Testament, the patterns were the Old Testament, the patterns were stuff you had to do. He was it was a stuff you had to do. He was it was a stuff you had to do. He was it was a law. He was a law God. Thank goodness in law. He was a law God. Thank goodness in law. He was a law God. Thank goodness in the New Testament it's stuff you get to the New Testament it's stuff you get to the New Testament it's stuff you get to do. Come on say amen right there do. Come on say amen right there do. Come on say amen right there everybody. Right. So everything I'm everybody. Right. So everything I'm everybody. Right. So everything I'm saying to you is not you don't have to saying to you is not you don't have to saying to you is not you don't have to do it. But I think the patterns didn't do it. But I think the patterns didn't do it. But I think the patterns didn't change with God just because we are in change with God just because we are in change with God just because we are in the New Testament now. So he said build the New Testament now. So he said build the New Testament now. So he said build this tabernacle. I'm going to show you this tabernacle. I'm going to show you this tabernacle. I'm going to show you what it looks like. So here's this what it looks like. So here's this what it looks like. So here's this tabernacle. This is actually what it tabernacle. This is actually what it tabernacle. This is actually what it looked like. It was a tent with no top. looked like. It was a tent with no top. looked like. It was a tent with no top. And if you'll notice at the bottom there And if you'll notice at the bottom there And if you'll notice at the bottom there it's darker. That's what was called the it's darker. That's what was called the it's darker. That's what was called the gates to the temple. And it's where you gates to the temple. And it's where you gates to the temple. And it's where you you split the curtain and you went you split the curtain and you went you split the curtain and you went through it. You went in went in through through it. You went in went in through through it. You went in went in through the gates of the temple. And when you the gates of the temple. And when you the gates of the temple. And when you went in, that whole area out there that went in, that whole area out there that went in, that whole area out there that you can see was called the outer court.

you can see was called the outer court. you can see was called the outer court. And it had two pieces of furniture And it had two pieces of furniture And it had two pieces of furniture there. And I'm going to talk to you there. And I'm going to talk to you there. And I'm going to talk to you about those in a second. And then you'll about those in a second. And then you'll about those in a second. And then you'll notice there's another tent, and it's notice there's another tent, and it's notice there's another tent, and it's got a top. And what you can't see got a top. And what you can't see got a top. And what you can't see because it's got a top is there's a because it's got a top is there's a because it's got a top is there's a curtain in the middle of it that divides curtain in the middle of it that divides curtain in the middle of it that divides it into two halves. And the first half it into two halves. And the first half it into two halves. And the first half is called the holy place. And the second is called the holy place. And the second is called the holy place. And the second half is called the Holy of Holies. And half is called the Holy of Holies. And half is called the Holy of Holies. And in the first half, there's three pieces in the first half, there's three pieces in the first half, there's three pieces of furniture in case you can't see it of furniture in case you can't see it of furniture in case you can't see it because it has a top. And then on the because it has a top. And then on the because it has a top. And then on the other side of of the curtain is the ark other side of of the curtain is the ark other side of of the curtain is the ark of the covenant. And everybody probably of the covenant. And everybody probably of the covenant. And everybody probably knows what that looks like if you've knows what that looks like if you've knows what that looks like if you've ever seen Raiders of the Lost Ark. Okay. ever seen Raiders of the Lost Ark. Okay. ever seen Raiders of the Lost Ark. Okay. Okay. And the curtain that separates it Okay. And the curtain that separates it Okay. And the curtain that separates it into two halves is called the veil. Now, into two halves is called the veil. Now, into two halves is called the veil. Now, that might sound familiar if you've ever that might sound familiar if you've ever that might sound familiar if you've ever we sing it in songs and be like, you we sing it in songs and be like, you we sing it in songs and be like, you sing the veil has been torn. Like you sing the veil has been torn. Like you sing the veil has been torn. Like you don't even know what you're talking don't even know what you're talking don't even know what you're talking about, right? And what that was, you about, right? And what that was, you about, right? And what that was, you couldn't go beyond the veil because couldn't go beyond the veil because couldn't go beyond the veil because that's where God was and he was holy. that's where God was and he was holy. that's where God was and he was holy. So, he kept people away from him because So, he kept people away from him because So, he kept people away from him because they weren't holy. Jesus hadn't paid for they weren't holy. Jesus hadn't paid for they weren't holy. Jesus hadn't paid for sins yet. But the Bible says that when sins yet. But the Bible says that when sins yet. But the Bible says that when Jesus paid for our sins, the veil was Jesus paid for our sins, the veil was Jesus paid for our sins, the veil was split in two. And you never have to earn split in two. And you never have to earn split in two. And you never have to earn your way to God ever again. You can come your way to God ever again. You can come your way to God ever again. You can come boldly into his throne, everybody.

boldly into his throne, everybody. boldly into his throne, everybody. That's good news. [applause] That's good news. [applause] That's good news. [applause] Okay. Okay. Okay. And it says in Exodus 33, inside the And it says in Exodus 33, inside the And it says in Exodus 33, inside the tent of meeting, that's that holy of tent of meeting, that's that holy of tent of meeting, that's that holy of holies. That's the place where God is. holies. That's the place where God is. holies. That's the place where God is. And by the way, he was a fire by day and And by the way, he was a fire by day and And by the way, he was a fire by day and a a cloud by day and a fire by night. So a a cloud by day and a fire by night. So a a cloud by day and a fire by night. So it didn't need to be fire in the day it didn't need to be fire in the day it didn't need to be fire in the day because they could see the cloud, but because they could see the cloud, but because they could see the cloud, but the cloud would disappear at night. So the cloud would disappear at night. So the cloud would disappear at night. So he illuminated it and it became looking he illuminated it and it became looking he illuminated it and it became looking look fiery. And and God hovered over look fiery. And and God hovered over look fiery. And and God hovered over that ark of the covenant. You've seen that ark of the covenant. You've seen that ark of the covenant. You've seen it. It's got those angels got their it. It's got those angels got their it. It's got those angels got their wings out covering their eyes and the wings out covering their eyes and the wings out covering their eyes and the tips of the two wings of each side are tips of the two wings of each side are tips of the two wings of each side are touching each other. And that was called touching each other. And that was called touching each other. And that was called the mercy seat. And that's where God the mercy seat. And that's where God the mercy seat. And that's where God hung out. He's hovered right over that hung out. He's hovered right over that hung out. He's hovered right over that ark of the covenant. And God would move. ark of the covenant. And God would move. ark of the covenant. And God would move. Remember that 40 years they circling Remember that 40 years they circling Remember that 40 years they circling around Saudi Arabia? God would move and around Saudi Arabia? God would move and around Saudi Arabia? God would move and they didn't know when he was going to they didn't know when he was going to they didn't know when he was going to move. So they just wait. They'd just move. So they just wait. They'd just move. So they just wait. They'd just stay there and then all of a sudden that stay there and then all of a sudden that stay there and then all of a sudden that cloud would just move and they had to cloud would just move and they had to cloud would just move and they had to hurry up, pack everything up and they hurry up, pack everything up and they hurry up, pack everything up and they just follow they followed the cloud and just follow they followed the cloud and just follow they followed the cloud and when it stopped they reset up church. when it stopped they reset up church. when it stopped they reset up church. Okay? Okay. And they did that for 40 Okay? Okay. And they did that for 40 Okay? Okay. And they did that for 40 years. And it says that in the tent of years. And it says that in the tent of years. And it says that in the tent of meeting, Exodus 33, that the Lord in meeting, Exodus 33, that the Lord in meeting, Exodus 33, that the Lord in that little spot back there where God that little spot back there where God that little spot back there where God hovered would speak to Moses as one hovered would speak to Moses as one hovered would speak to Moses as one friend speaks to another friend. All friend speaks to another friend. All friend speaks to another friend. All right, look at my eyes. That's when right, look at my eyes. That's when right, look at my eyes. That's when prayer gets amazing. You never have to prayer gets amazing. You never have to prayer gets amazing. You never have to say, "Hey everybody, y'all need to go say, "Hey everybody, y'all need to go say, "Hey everybody, y'all need to go out. Y'all need to pray in the morning."

out. Y'all need to pray in the morning." out. Y'all need to pray in the morning." No. If God shows up, you going to show No. If God shows up, you going to show No. If God shows up, you going to show up, everybody. And my job today is to is up, everybody. And my job today is to is up, everybody. And my job today is to is to show you a way that I think God gets to show you a way that I think God gets to show you a way that I think God gets attracted to. I think the pattern he attracted to. I think the pattern he attracted to. I think the pattern he gave us back then is one he's still gave us back then is one he's still gave us back then is one he's still willing to do today. But not it's not a willing to do today. But not it's not a willing to do today. But not it's not a law. It's something we get to do. So let law. It's something we get to do. So let law. It's something we get to do. So let me give you these six pieces of me give you these six pieces of me give you these six pieces of furniture. There's seven steps because furniture. There's seven steps because furniture. There's seven steps because we have the first that outer court or we have the first that outer court or we have the first that outer court or that gate. And that's where at the outer that gate. And that's where at the outer that gate. And that's where at the outer court, according to the Bible, the first court, according to the Bible, the first court, according to the Bible, the first thing you do as you're approaching God, thing you do as you're approaching God, thing you do as you're approaching God, or let me say it this way, the first or let me say it this way, the first or let me say it this way, the first thing you do in prayer is you give God thing you do in prayer is you give God thing you do in prayer is you give God thanks. Now, why do we do that? And thanks. Now, why do we do that? And thanks. Now, why do we do that? And that's because God is relational and he that's because God is relational and he that's because God is relational and he doesn't want you going straight in and doesn't want you going straight in and doesn't want you going straight in and just giving you getting his the latest just giving you getting his the latest just giving you getting his the latest list you have for him. Give me, give me, list you have for him. Give me, give me, list you have for him. Give me, give me, give me. My name is Jimmy. Come on. give me. My name is Jimmy. Come on. give me. My name is Jimmy. Come on. Ain't that right, everybody? And it Ain't that right, everybody? And it Ain't that right, everybody? And it sounds like some of our prayers. Walk sounds like some of our prayers. Walk sounds like some of our prayers. Walk straight in. Now, think about how rude straight in. Now, think about how rude straight in. Now, think about how rude this is if it was a person. Walk this is if it was a person. Walk this is if it was a person. Walk straight in. Hey, this what this Hey, I straight in. Hey, this what this Hey, I straight in. Hey, this what this Hey, I need you to do this, this, this, and need you to do this, this, this, and need you to do this, this, this, and this, and and this is going to pot, and this, and and this is going to pot, and this, and and this is going to pot, and this is I'm broke here, and I'm sad this is I'm broke here, and I'm sad this is I'm broke here, and I'm sad here, and let's let's get after it. All here, and let's let's get after it. All here, and let's let's get after it. All right, let's go. And he's willing to do right, let's go. And he's willing to do right, let's go. And he's willing to do all those things. But don't you agree all those things. But don't you agree all those things. But don't you agree that we should probably thank him for that we should probably thank him for that we should probably thank him for what he's already done before we ask him what he's already done before we ask him what he's already done before we ask him for what he will do in the f. Like, for what he will do in the f. Like, for what he will do in the f. Like, that's just called manners. I mean, can that's just called manners. I mean, can that's just called manners. I mean, can you imagine your kid walking, "Hey, Dad.

you imagine your kid walking, "Hey, Dad. you imagine your kid walking, "Hey, Dad. I I appreciate all you do for us, but I I appreciate all you do for us, but I I appreciate all you do for us, but here's what I need. I need I need I need here's what I need. I need I need I need here's what I need. I need I need I need I need I need. I'm like, bro, you ain't I need I need. I'm like, bro, you ain't I need I need. I'm like, bro, you ain't getting none of that. I'm not giving you getting none of that. I'm not giving you getting none of that. I'm not giving you any of that. That's not happening. But any of that. That's not happening. But any of that. That's not happening. But if they walked in and had relationship, if they walked in and had relationship, if they walked in and had relationship, you understand? And that's why the Bible you understand? And that's why the Bible you understand? And that's why the Bible says in Psalm 100, one of the most says in Psalm 100, one of the most says in Psalm 100, one of the most famous Psalms, you enter those gates famous Psalms, you enter those gates famous Psalms, you enter those gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with thanksgiving and into his courts with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and with praise. Give thanks to him and with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. What does that mean? bless his name. What does that mean? bless his name. What does that mean? That the first thing we should do is That the first thing we should do is That the first thing we should do is say, "God, look at me, everybody. If you say, "God, look at me, everybody. If you say, "God, look at me, everybody. If you never do another thing for me, you've never do another thing for me, you've never do another thing for me, you've already done enough for me. In fact, I already done enough for me. In fact, I already done enough for me. In fact, I love something I say every morning in love something I say every morning in love something I say every morning in prayer. You owe me nothing. I owe you prayer. You owe me nothing. I owe you prayer. You owe me nothing. I owe you everything. I thank God you will answer everything. I thank God you will answer everything. I thank God you will answer my prayers. But that's not why I'm here. my prayers. But that's not why I'm here. my prayers. But that's not why I'm here. I'm here just to say, God, I'm just so I'm here just to say, God, I'm just so I'm here just to say, God, I'm just so grateful. Is there anybody at Church of grateful. Is there anybody at Church of grateful. Is there anybody at Church of the Highlands that's grateful for what the Highlands that's grateful for what the Highlands that's grateful for what God has already done for you? Come on God has already done for you? Come on God has already done for you? Come on now. Yeah. now. Yeah. now. Yeah. And I'm telling you something. If we And I'm telling you something. If we And I'm telling you something. If we would get more grateful, we'd be more would get more grateful, we'd be more would get more grateful, we'd be more positive and have less anxiety in our positive and have less anxiety in our positive and have less anxiety in our life. In fact, I truly believe that life. In fact, I truly believe that life. In fact, I truly believe that gratitude, it's impossible to be gratitude, it's impossible to be gratitude, it's impossible to be grateful and negative at the same time.

grateful and negative at the same time. grateful and negative at the same time. >> I wrote a a a chapter uh in my book that >> I wrote a a a chapter uh in my book that >> I wrote a a a chapter uh in my book that I released this year called Legacy I released this year called Legacy I released this year called Legacy Letters. It's 31 of my life principles. Letters. It's 31 of my life principles. Letters. It's 31 of my life principles. And one of them is called the gratitude And one of them is called the gratitude And one of them is called the gratitude principle. And here's what it says. And principle. And here's what it says. And principle. And here's what it says. And that is gratitude turns what you have that is gratitude turns what you have that is gratitude turns what you have into enough. into enough. into enough. >> Now, do I want more? Yes. I have some >> Now, do I want more? Yes. I have some >> Now, do I want more? Yes. I have some things I want to talk to God about. But things I want to talk to God about. But things I want to talk to God about. But the truth be known, God has been good to the truth be known, God has been good to the truth be known, God has been good to me if he never does another thing for me if he never does another thing for me if he never does another thing for me. So, one of my disciplines for you me. So, one of my disciplines for you me. So, one of my disciplines for you notetakers, jot this down. Every day I notetakers, jot this down. Every day I notetakers, jot this down. Every day I try to think of a fresh reason to thank try to think of a fresh reason to thank try to think of a fresh reason to thank God for what he's done for me. And when God for what he's done for me. And when God for what he's done for me. And when I get there, in fact, Tyler, are you I get there, in fact, Tyler, are you I get there, in fact, Tyler, are you back there? Worship guy. I need a back there? Worship guy. I need a back there? Worship guy. I need a psalmist. There he is. Okay. Um, y'all psalmist. There he is. Okay. Um, y'all psalmist. There he is. Okay. Um, y'all give Tyler a hand, everybody. Right. give Tyler a hand, everybody. Right. give Tyler a hand, everybody. Right. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And if y'all will permit me in just in >> And if y'all will permit me in just in >> And if y'all will permit me in just in the next 15 minutes, I'm going to model the next 15 minutes, I'm going to model the next 15 minutes, I'm going to model this for you. So, I'm not just going to this for you. So, I'm not just going to this for you. So, I'm not just going to teach you. Play in the key. Are you in teach you. Play in the key. Are you in teach you. Play in the key. Are you in the key of D? Okay. [music] That's my the key of D? Okay. [music] That's my the key of D? Okay. [music] That's my favorite singing key. Now, I know music. favorite singing key. Now, I know music. favorite singing key. Now, I know music. I know you're thinking, "What in the I know you're thinking, "What in the I know you're thinking, "What in the world's he talking? He don't know no key world's he talking? He don't know no key world's he talking? He don't know no key d." Yes, I do. d." Yes, I do. d." Yes, I do. I did classical music my whole life. I I did classical music my whole life. I I did classical music my whole life. I was Church of the Highlands first was Church of the Highlands first was Church of the Highlands first worship leader for the first four years.

worship leader for the first four years. worship leader for the first four years. And how it grew, I have no idea. After And how it grew, I have no idea. After And how it grew, I have no idea. After you hear me sing, you're going to think, you hear me sing, you're going to think, you hear me sing, you're going to think, "Yeah, that was definitely God." anyway "Yeah, that was definitely God." anyway "Yeah, that was definitely God." anyway because I can't sing but I can lead because I can't sing but I can lead because I can't sing but I can lead and every day I sing. It sounds terrible and every day I sing. It sounds terrible and every day I sing. It sounds terrible but I can but I every day I sing and all but I can but I every day I sing and all but I can but I every day I sing and all these steps I'm giving you I I have a these steps I'm giving you I I have a these steps I'm giving you I I have a playlist on Spotify with songs that playlist on Spotify with songs that playlist on Spotify with songs that match what were these seven things. So match what were these seven things. So match what were these seven things. So my first few songs they're they're not my first few songs they're they're not my first few songs they're they're not any asking songs. They're not any asking songs. They're not any asking songs. They're not declaration songs. They're thank you declaration songs. They're thank you declaration songs. They're thank you songs. And the you want to hear you want songs. And the you want to hear you want songs. And the you want to hear you want to hear the latest one I've added to the to hear the latest one I've added to the to hear the latest one I've added to the list? list? list? >> Yes or no? Do you want to hear it or >> Yes or no? Do you want to hear it or >> Yes or no? Do you want to hear it or not? not? not? >> Okay. Okay. It's who am I that you keep >> Okay. Okay. It's who am I that you keep >> Okay. Okay. It's who am I that you keep [music] me on your mind? God, I'm just [music] me on your mind? God, I'm just [music] me on your mind? God, I'm just grateful for you. God, I'm just grateful grateful for you. God, I'm just grateful grateful for you. God, I'm just grateful for you all my life and [music] all my for you all my life and [music] all my for you all my life and [music] all my life. You've been right here by my side. life. You've been right here by my side. life. You've been right here by my side. God, [music] I'm just grateful for you. God, [music] I'm just grateful for you. God, [music] I'm just grateful for you. God, I'm just God, I'm just God, I'm just And then it gets into [music] cuz you And then it gets into [music] cuz you And then it gets into [music] cuz you never you just never gave up on me. You never you just never gave up on me. You never you just never gave up on me. You keep giving me chance after chance keep giving me chance after chance keep giving me chance after chance [music] after chance after chance. I was [music] after chance after chance. I was [music] after chance after chance. I was a knucklehead and you let me off the a knucklehead and you let me off the a knucklehead and you let me off the hook again. I'm just grateful for you.

hook again. I'm just grateful for you. hook again. I'm just grateful for you. You know what I'm saying? And this is You know what I'm saying? And this is You know what I'm saying? And this is what prayer could look like. If y'all what prayer could look like. If y'all what prayer could look like. If y'all know me, if I'm anything, I'm know me, if I'm anything, I'm know me, if I'm anything, I'm intentional, man. I I I plan my my time intentional, man. I I I plan my my time intentional, man. I I I plan my my time with God. You want your prayer life to with God. You want your prayer life to with God. You want your prayer life to be better? Plan for it. be better? Plan for it. be better? Plan for it. I mean, some of us plan more for dates I mean, some of us plan more for dates I mean, some of us plan more for dates with our wife or our girlfriend than we with our wife or our girlfriend than we with our wife or our girlfriend than we do with God. I Let's Let's Let's be do with God. I Let's Let's Let's be do with God. I Let's Let's Let's be intentional about this. Can I get a intentional about this. Can I get a intentional about this. Can I get a better amen out there? Anybody? [music] better amen out there? Anybody? [music] better amen out there? Anybody? [music] And then the next piece of furniture is And then the next piece of furniture is And then the next piece of furniture is this giant box. Got blood everywhere. this giant box. Got blood everywhere. this giant box. Got blood everywhere. Fresh blood. Had to have fresh blood on Fresh blood. Had to have fresh blood on Fresh blood. Had to have fresh blood on it every day on the corner. They call it it every day on the corner. They call it it every day on the corner. They call it the horns of the altar. if you've ever the horns of the altar. if you've ever the horns of the altar. if you've ever seen that in the Bible. And they had to seen that in the Bible. And they had to seen that in the Bible. And they had to kill animals to pay for sins because kill animals to pay for sins because kill animals to pay for sins because without the shedding of blood, there is without the shedding of blood, there is without the shedding of blood, there is no remission for sins. no remission for sins. no remission for sins. And then Jesus came and paid. He was the And then Jesus came and paid. He was the And then Jesus came and paid. He was the ultimate sacrifice. So we come on, all ultimate sacrifice. So we come on, all ultimate sacrifice. So we come on, all you animal lovers would love this. We you animal lovers would love this. We you animal lovers would love this. We never have to kill any more animals never have to kill any more animals never have to kill any more animals there. Jesus paid it all. He paid it there. Jesus paid it all. He paid it there. Jesus paid it all. He paid it all. It's his blood. So the brazen altar all. It's his blood. So the brazen altar all. It's his blood. So the brazen altar doesn't represent animal blood. It's doesn't represent animal blood. It's doesn't represent animal blood. It's where I now focus on the cross. And where I now focus on the cross. And where I now focus on the cross. And after I thank God, I just go picture after I thank God, I just go picture after I thank God, I just go picture that cross in my mind [music] and I just that cross in my mind [music] and I just that cross in my mind [music] and I just thank him, God. Oh Lord. And I here's thank him, God. Oh Lord. And I here's thank him, God. Oh Lord. And I here's the key. I remember the benefits of the the key. I remember the benefits of the the key. I remember the benefits of the cross. Cuz some of you think it's only cross. Cuz some of you think it's only cross. Cuz some of you think it's only sins. Jesus died on the cross pay me sins. Jesus died on the cross pay me sins. Jesus died on the cross pay me from save me from my sins. That's only from save me from my sins. That's only from save me from my sins. That's only partially true. Psalm 103 says, "Praise partially true. Psalm 103 says, "Praise partially true. Psalm 103 says, "Praise the Lord, oh my soul, all that's within the Lord, oh my soul, all that's within the Lord, oh my soul, all that's within me. Praise his holy name, forgetting not me. Praise his holy name, forgetting not me. Praise his holy name, forgetting not all his benefits." Who? Five things.

all his benefits." Who? Five things. all his benefits." Who? Five things. Forgives all my sin. By the way, that's Forgives all my sin. By the way, that's Forgives all my sin. By the way, that's past, present, future. past, present, future. past, present, future. Who heals all my diseases? [music] And Who heals all my diseases? [music] And Who heals all my diseases? [music] And that's not just your sicknesses. That's that's not just your sicknesses. That's that's not just your sicknesses. That's every place you are diseased. every place you are diseased. every place you are diseased. That's where you're anxious. Some of you That's where you're anxious. Some of you That's where you're anxious. Some of you are sad today. Some of you didn't sleep are sad today. Some of you didn't sleep are sad today. Some of you didn't sleep a wink last night because of what's on a wink last night because of what's on a wink last night because of what's on your mind. Some of you are all out your mind. Some of you are all out your mind. Some of you are all out depressed. Others of you are angry and depressed. Others of you are angry and depressed. Others of you are angry and you're diseased. And the Bible says that you're diseased. And the Bible says that you're diseased. And the Bible says that God went to the cross. Jesus went to the God went to the cross. Jesus went to the God went to the cross. Jesus went to the cross to take care of your diseases. cross to take care of your diseases. cross to take care of your diseases. He'll heal you and I thank him for it He'll heal you and I thank him for it He'll heal you and I thank him for it every day. Who redeems my life from the every day. Who redeems my life from the every day. Who redeems my life from the pit. That means whatever the devil's pit. That means whatever the devil's pit. That means whatever the devil's plan was, he pulls me out of that muddy plan was, he pulls me out of that muddy plan was, he pulls me out of that muddy place and sets my feet on a rock. He place and sets my feet on a rock. He place and sets my feet on a rock. He took a C student from LSU took a C student from LSU took a C student from LSU who failed his speech class at a school who failed his speech class at a school who failed his speech class at a school they don't even speak English. Come on, they don't even speak English. Come on, they don't even speak English. Come on, everybody, right? everybody, right? everybody, right? And turned him into a chancellor. And turned him into a chancellor. And turned him into a chancellor. Well, that's comical. I wish my teachers Well, that's comical. I wish my teachers Well, that's comical. I wish my teachers could see me today. It's just they would could see me today. It's just they would could see me today. It's just they would fall down and worship God because fall down and worship God because fall down and worship God because they're like, "Man, I know that kid.

they're like, "Man, I know that kid. they're like, "Man, I know that kid. Ain't no way that happened." Why? That's Ain't no way that happened." Why? That's Ain't no way that happened." Why? That's God taking me out of a muddy place and God taking me out of a muddy place and God taking me out of a muddy place and setting me in a place Chris Hodes could setting me in a place Chris Hodes could setting me in a place Chris Hodes could have never gotten to. I'm telling you, have never gotten to. I'm telling you, have never gotten to. I'm telling you, no way. [music] no way. [music] no way. [music] No way. No way. No way. And then he crowns me with love and And then he crowns me with love and And then he crowns me with love and compassion. That means he starts to compassion. That means he starts to compassion. That means he starts to change you. Some of you when you got change you. Some of you when you got change you. Some of you when you got saved, you were mean. You were mean. had saved, you were mean. You were mean. had saved, you were mean. You were mean. had bad thoughts, but little by little, he's bad thoughts, but little by little, he's bad thoughts, but little by little, he's making you nice, kind, what is that? He making you nice, kind, what is that? He making you nice, kind, what is that? He crowned me with love, turned me into crowned me with love, turned me into crowned me with love, turned me into somebody I don't even recognize anymore. somebody I don't even recognize anymore. somebody I don't even recognize anymore. [music] And he satisfies my desires with [music] And he satisfies my desires with [music] And he satisfies my desires with good things. That makes he I always say good things. That makes he I always say good things. That makes he I always say it this way. He saves me, heals me, it this way. He saves me, heals me, it this way. He saves me, heals me, redeems me, transforms me, and blesses redeems me, transforms me, and blesses redeems me, transforms me, and blesses me. He gives me things I just didn't me. He gives me things I just didn't me. He gives me things I just didn't deserve. Ah, blessings I do not deserve deserve. Ah, blessings I do not deserve deserve. Ah, blessings I do not deserve [music] cuz God did it. And every day I [music] cuz God did it. And every day I [music] cuz God did it. And every day I just worship the blood. Oh, the blood of just worship the blood. Oh, the blood of just worship the blood. Oh, the blood of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Sing it with me if you know it. Oh, the Sing it with me if you know it. Oh, the Sing it with me if you know it. Oh, the blood. Don't be shy. of Jesus. [music] And oh, the blood of Jesus.

And oh, the blood of Jesus. It washes. [music] What? Do you know It washes. [music] What? Do you know It washes. [music] What? Do you know this old hymn? At the cross. And at the this old hymn? At the cross. And at the this old hymn? At the cross. And at the cross. at. Come on, Baptist. Help me cross. at. Come on, Baptist. Help me cross. at. Come on, Baptist. Help me out. Where I first saw the light and the out. Where I first saw the light and the out. Where I first saw the light and the burden of my heart rolled away. burden of my heart rolled away. burden of my heart rolled away. And it was there by faith I received my And it was there by faith I received my And it was there by faith I received my sight. And now I am happy all the day. I sight. And now I am happy all the day. I sight. And now I am happy all the day. I just sing about the blood. I got songs, just sing about the blood. I got songs, just sing about the blood. I got songs, just blood songs, cross songs. Watch just blood songs, cross songs. Watch just blood songs, cross songs. Watch this. Because the cross reminds us this. Because the cross reminds us this. Because the cross reminds us that the greatest needs of my life have that the greatest needs of my life have that the greatest needs of my life have already been met. already been met. already been met. >> So don't get in a hurry to give him your >> So don't get in a hurry to give him your >> So don't get in a hurry to give him your list. We're going to get to your list. list. We're going to get to your list. list. We're going to get to your list. We're going to pray your list. We're going to pray your list. We're going to pray your list. But I thank him. Go to the cross. And But I thank him. Go to the cross. And But I thank him. Go to the cross. And then the third. Y'all getting anything then the third. Y'all getting anything then the third. Y'all getting anything out of this? I'm having a bowl. out of this? I'm having a bowl. out of this? I'm having a bowl. >> Then there's had this bowl. That was the >> Then there's had this bowl. That was the >> Then there's had this bowl. That was the second piece on the outside bowl about second piece on the outside bowl about second piece on the outside bowl about this big. Full of water. Made of this big. Full of water. Made of this big. Full of water. Made of mirrors. by the way. So that when you mirrors. by the way. So that when you mirrors. by the way. So that when you washed, watch this, you had to see your washed, watch this, you had to see your washed, watch this, you had to see your condition.

condition. condition. And it's a place that before you got to And it's a place that before you got to And it's a place that before you got to where God is, you say, "God, you've where God is, you say, "God, you've where God is, you say, "God, you've already saved. You paid for it. That's already saved. You paid for it. That's already saved. You paid for it. That's good." We don't we don't say, "Oh, God, good." We don't we don't say, "Oh, God, good." We don't we don't say, "Oh, God, please save." No, he's already saved please save." No, he's already saved please save." No, he's already saved you. You're forgiven. You're going to you. You're forgiven. You're going to you. You're forgiven. You're going to heaven. But we can still change, get heaven. But we can still change, get heaven. But we can still change, get better, clean up, right? And this is better, clean up, right? And this is better, clean up, right? And this is where I say, "God, will you help me where I say, "God, will you help me where I say, "God, will you help me become a better version of myself?" And become a better version of myself?" And become a better version of myself?" And I Here's the labor. I offer every part I Here's the labor. I offer every part I Here's the labor. I offer every part of my life and my body and my body parts of my life and my body and my body parts of my life and my body and my body parts to God. to God. to God. Why? Romans 12:1. [music] Why? Romans 12:1. [music] Why? Romans 12:1. [music] Therefore, brothers and sisters, Therefore, brothers and sisters, Therefore, brothers and sisters, I am all out urging you, in other words, I am all out urging you, in other words, I am all out urging you, in other words, I'm begging you in view of the fact that I'm begging you in view of the fact that I'm begging you in view of the fact that God's willing to let you off the hook God's willing to let you off the hook God's willing to let you off the hook again, he's merciful again, he's merciful again, he's merciful to offer your body to God as a living to offer your body to God as a living to offer your body to God as a living sacrifice. This is actually the kind of sacrifice. This is actually the kind of sacrifice. This is actually the kind of worship that's holy and pleasing to our worship that's holy and pleasing to our worship that's holy and pleasing to our God. God. God. What does that look like? It's literally What does that look like? It's literally What does that look like? It's literally what it looks like. I'm going to pray it what it looks like. I'm going to pray it what it looks like. I'm going to pray it in front [music] of you. God, would you in front [music] of you. God, would you in front [music] of you. God, would you take my eyes today and make sure they take my eyes today and make sure they take my eyes today and make sure they don't stray away to something that don't stray away to something that don't stray away to something that displeases you? As the book of Job said, displeases you? As the book of Job said, displeases you? As the book of Job said, God, would you help me make a covenant God, would you help me make a covenant God, would you help me make a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a with my eyes not to look lustfully at a with my eyes not to look lustfully at a maiden? God, give me ears that are maiden? God, give me ears that are maiden? God, give me ears that are listening to your voice and know the listening to your voice and know the listening to your voice and know the difference between the God and the devil difference between the God and the devil difference between the God and the devil and let me turn away from the voice of and let me turn away from the voice of and let me turn away from the voice of the devil. This that's John chapter 10.

the devil. This that's John chapter 10. the devil. This that's John chapter 10. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> God. Philippians 4, would you give me a >> God. Philippians 4, would you give me a >> God. Philippians 4, would you give me a mind that is holy, pure, is excellent, mind that is holy, pure, is excellent, mind that is holy, pure, is excellent, praiseworthy. It thinks on the right praiseworthy. It thinks on the right praiseworthy. It thinks on the right things so that the God of peace may things so that the God of peace may things so that the God of peace may transcend my heart and my mind in Christ transcend my heart and my mind in Christ transcend my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. God, would you take my hands Jesus. God, would you take my hands Jesus. God, would you take my hands today and let them let me live my life today and let them let me live my life today and let them let me live my life open-handed. I'm not here for me. I'm open-handed. I'm not here for me. I'm open-handed. I'm not here for me. I'm here for others. God, would you order my here for others. God, would you order my here for others. God, would you order my steps? My feet. I'm giving you my feet steps? My feet. I'm giving you my feet steps? My feet. I'm giving you my feet today, Lord. Your word says that the today, Lord. Your word says that the today, Lord. Your word says that the steps of a righteous person are ordered steps of a righteous person are ordered steps of a righteous person are ordered the Lord. So God, I have appointments the Lord. So God, I have appointments the Lord. So God, I have appointments today, but I want to do the ones you today, but I want to do the ones you today, but I want to do the ones you want me to do. Let me go where you want want me to do. Let me go where you want want me to do. Let me go where you want me to go. Are y'all following me, me to go. Are y'all following me, me to go. Are y'all following me, everybody? everybody? everybody? What would your life look like if you What would your life look like if you What would your life look like if you did that every day? did that every day? did that every day? What would your life look like if you What would your life look like if you What would your life look like if you said, "Hey God, would you take my mouth said, "Hey God, would you take my mouth said, "Hey God, would you take my mouth and according to Ephesians chapter 4, and according to Ephesians chapter 4, and according to Ephesians chapter 4, make sure that no unh wholesome talk make sure that no unh wholesome talk make sure that no unh wholesome talk comes out of my mouth, but only that comes out of my mouth, but only that comes out of my mouth, but only that which is helpful for building up others which is helpful for building up others which is helpful for building up others that it might benefit the listener. Let that it might benefit the listener. Let that it might benefit the listener. Let me say things that only build people up. me say things that only build people up. me say things that only build people up. I'm not going to use this thing to tear I'm not going to use this thing to tear I'm not going to use this thing to tear anybody down today. [music] anybody down today. [music] anybody down today. [music] Today, your life would be so much Today, your life would be so much Today, your life would be so much better. And because you don't even know better. And because you don't even know better. And because you don't even know the areas that grieve God. So maybe you the areas that grieve God. So maybe you the areas that grieve God. So maybe you just mention them, I pray one more just mention them, I pray one more just mention them, I pray one more prayer. [music] Psalm 139. All right, prayer. [music] Psalm 139. All right, prayer. [music] Psalm 139. All right, Lord. Now search me. Know me. Test me.

Lord. Now search me. Know me. Test me. Lord. Now search me. Know me. Test me. Lord, is there something in my life Lord, is there something in my life Lord, is there something in my life that's offending you? that's offending you? that's offending you? Is there any offensive way in me? And Is there any offensive way in me? And Is there any offensive way in me? And would you lead me out of that? lead me would you lead me out of that? lead me would you lead me out of that? lead me in the way of everlasting. [music] And in the way of everlasting. [music] And in the way of everlasting. [music] And sure enough, guys, every time he goes, sure enough, guys, every time he goes, sure enough, guys, every time he goes, "Yep, there is one." And [music] he "Yep, there is one." And [music] he "Yep, there is one." And [music] he like, "Okay, got it. I got it. I got it. like, "Okay, got it. I got it. I got it. like, "Okay, got it. I got it. I got it. I got it." Just the other day, I was I got it." Just the other day, I was I got it." Just the other day, I was pray, "Lord, search me. Know me. Am I pray, "Lord, search me. Know me. Am I pray, "Lord, search me. Know me. Am I doing anything that offends you?" And he doing anything that offends you?" And he doing anything that offends you?" And he went, "Yep." Remember when you called went, "Yep." Remember when you called went, "Yep." Remember when you called that guy an idiot on Highway 280? that guy an idiot on Highway 280? that guy an idiot on Highway 280? Yes, sir. That was my idiot. Like, I Yes, sir. That was my idiot. Like, I Yes, sir. That was my idiot. Like, I love him. I died for him. I'm so sorry, love him. I died for him. I'm so sorry, love him. I died for him. I'm so sorry, God. Are y'all hanging with me? because we Are y'all hanging with me? because we going to get to our list, right? But going to get to our list, right? But going to get to our list, right? But before God changes our situation, before God changes our situation, before God changes our situation, sometimes he wants to change us sometimes he wants to change us sometimes he wants to change us and we need to let him. And now we go and we need to let him. And now we go and we need to let him. And now we go into that tent, a smaller tent. And the into that tent, a smaller tent. And the into that tent, a smaller tent. And the first thing you see is what's called the first thing you see is what's called the first thing you see is what's called the candlestick. It's that sevenprong candlestick. It's that sevenprong candlestick. It's that sevenprong manura. manura. manura. And the candlestick, write this down, is And the candlestick, write this down, is And the candlestick, write this down, is where we invite the work of the Holy where we invite the work of the Holy where we invite the work of the Holy Spirit. Every place in scripture, that Spirit. Every place in scripture, that Spirit. Every place in scripture, that candle represented the spirit of God, candle represented the spirit of God, candle represented the spirit of God, the fire of God, the work of God, the fire of God, the work of God, the fire of God, the work of God, because we just got all that junk out because we just got all that junk out because we just got all that junk out with the labor right now. God, put with the labor right now. God, put with the labor right now. God, put inside of me Isaiah 11:2, give me the inside of me Isaiah 11:2, give me the inside of me Isaiah 11:2, give me the spirit of the Lord, the spirit of spirit of the Lord, the spirit of spirit of the Lord, the spirit of wisdom, counsel, might, knowledge, and wisdom, counsel, might, knowledge, and wisdom, counsel, might, knowledge, and understanding. Give me the fear of God.

understanding. Give me the fear of God. understanding. Give me the fear of God. God, would you put your spirit inside of God, would you put your spirit inside of God, would you put your spirit inside of me? Especially the fear of the Lord. A me? Especially the fear of the Lord. A me? Especially the fear of the Lord. A lot of us need the fear of the Lord. Not lot of us need the fear of the Lord. Not lot of us need the fear of the Lord. Not you're not afraid of God, but you have you're not afraid of God, but you have you're not afraid of God, but you have healthy respect for God, and it keeps healthy respect for God, and it keeps healthy respect for God, and it keeps you from doing stuff that's stupid. you from doing stuff that's stupid. you from doing stuff that's stupid. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You ain't supposed to do it. And then I >> You ain't supposed to do it. And then I >> You ain't supposed to do it. And then I pray for the fruit of the spirit. pray for the fruit of the spirit. pray for the fruit of the spirit. Galatians chapter 5, love, joy, peace, Galatians chapter 5, love, joy, peace, Galatians chapter 5, love, joy, peace, patience, [music] kindness, goodness, patience, [music] kindness, goodness, patience, [music] kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. What would your life look like if every What would your life look like if every What would your life look like if every day you said, "God, would you make me day you said, "God, would you make me day you said, "God, would you make me kinder? kinder? kinder? God, would you make me more patient? God, would you make me more patient? God, would you make me more patient? God, would you make me more just gentle? God, would you make me more just gentle? God, would you make me more just gentle? [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] God, would you make me more loving?" God, would you make me more loving?" God, would you make me more loving?" And little by little, the Holy Spirit's And little by little, the Holy Spirit's And little by little, the Holy Spirit's work will happen into you. And now you work will happen into you. And now you work will happen into you. And now you move to the gifts of the spirit. God, move to the gifts of the spirit. God, move to the gifts of the spirit. God, [music] would you fan into flame? This [music] would you fan into flame? This [music] would you fan into flame? This is second Timothy. Fan into flame the is second Timothy. Fan into flame the is second Timothy. Fan into flame the gift, the preaching gift, the leadership gift, the preaching gift, the leadership gift, the preaching gift, the leadership gift. God, would you anoint me to be a gift. God, would you anoint me to be a gift. God, would you anoint me to be a better chancellor? better chancellor? better chancellor? Cuz what I want, look at me, church. You Cuz what I want, look at me, church. You Cuz what I want, look at me, church. You don't want the best version of you. don't want the best version of you. don't want the best version of you. God, if God, if if all you saw and if God, if God, if if all you saw and if God, if God, if if all you saw and if all I did was give you was what I'm good all I did was give you was what I'm good all I did was give you was what I'm good at, I would be able to accomplish at, I would be able to accomplish at, I would be able to accomplish nothing.

nothing. nothing. We can't God wants to anoint you. He We can't God wants to anoint you. He We can't God wants to anoint you. He wants to you go as far as you can and wants to you go as far as you can and wants to you go as far as you can and God's spirit goes, "Oh, watch this." And God's spirit goes, "Oh, watch this." And God's spirit goes, "Oh, watch this." And he pushes you forward. Write it down if he pushes you forward. Write it down if he pushes you forward. Write it down if you're to taking notes. The Holy Spirit you're to taking notes. The Holy Spirit you're to taking notes. The Holy Spirit helps me become a better version of helps me become a better version of helps me become a better version of myself. Somebody I could have never been myself. Somebody I could have never been myself. Somebody I could have never been on my own. This is not false humility. on my own. This is not false humility. on my own. This is not false humility. Listen to me. There's no way the guy Listen to me. There's no way the guy Listen to me. There's no way the guy you're looking at could be doing what you're looking at could be doing what you're looking at could be doing what I'm doing today. You're [music] seeing I'm doing today. You're [music] seeing I'm doing today. You're [music] seeing what God can do in somebody. I am what God can do in somebody. I am what God can do in somebody. I am completely unqualified. And that's why completely unqualified. And that's why completely unqualified. And that's why every day I say, "God, I need the Holy every day I say, "God, I need the Holy every day I say, "God, I need the Holy Spirit, [music] the anointing of a Spirit, [music] the anointing of a Spirit, [music] the anointing of a of a college university chancellor. God, of a college university chancellor. God, of a college university chancellor. God, would you whatever that is, God, would would you whatever that is, God, would would you whatever that is, God, would you anoint me? Is anybody with me said you anoint me? Is anybody with me said you anoint me? Is anybody with me said good amen? It just encouraged the good amen? It just encouraged the good amen? It just encouraged the preacher up here a little bit. And then preacher up here a little bit. And then preacher up here a little bit. And then you turn to the other side and there was you turn to the other side and there was you turn to the other side and there was this what's called the table of this what's called the table of this what's called the table of showbread. That's not a incorrect showbread. That's not a incorrect showbread. That's not a incorrect [music] [music] [music] u spelling. That's how they spelled it. u spelling. That's how they spelled it. u spelling. That's how they spelled it. The table of showbread. 12 freshly baked The table of showbread. 12 freshly baked The table of showbread. 12 freshly baked loaves of bread. Can you smell it? Can loaves of bread. Can you smell it? Can loaves of bread. Can you smell it? Can you resist it? Just need a little you resist it? Just need a little you resist it? Just need a little butter. Can I get an amen, everybody?

butter. Can I get an amen, everybody? butter. Can I get an amen, everybody? Now, is there anything better? And do Now, is there anything better? And do Now, is there anything better? And do you know what the bread Old Testament you know what the bread Old Testament you know what the bread Old Testament you represents? The word of God. This is you represents? The word of God. This is you represents? The word of God. This is where I now say, "God, put your word in where I now say, "God, put your word in where I now say, "God, put your word in me. I want to feed on God's word and I'm me. I want to feed on God's word and I'm me. I want to feed on God's word and I'm going to use it to fight my battles." going to use it to fight my battles." going to use it to fight my battles." And so, I actually in prayer will open And so, I actually in prayer will open And so, I actually in prayer will open up my Bible and just find me some verses up my Bible and just find me some verses up my Bible and just find me some verses [music] that I can claim. Jesus Jesus [music] that I can claim. Jesus Jesus [music] that I can claim. Jesus Jesus said, "Man shall not live on bread said, "Man shall not live on bread said, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but every word that proceeds out alone, but every word that proceeds out alone, but every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, I feed on it. I use of the mouth of God, I feed on it. I use of the mouth of God, I feed on it. I use it [music] and then I use it to fight it [music] and then I use it to fight it [music] and then I use it to fight the devil. So I'll find verses, Lord, if the devil. So I'll find verses, Lord, if the devil. So I'll find verses, Lord, if if you're broke, oh Lord God, I'm asking if you're broke, oh Lord God, I'm asking if you're broke, oh Lord God, I'm asking you God that you supply all my need you God that you supply all my need you God that you supply all my need according to your riches in Christ according to your riches in Christ according to your riches in Christ Jesus. If you feel defeated today, Lord Jesus. If you feel defeated today, Lord Jesus. If you feel defeated today, Lord God, would you make me Romans chapter 8 God, would you make me Romans chapter 8 God, would you make me Romans chapter 8 more than a conqueror through him who more than a conqueror through him who more than a conqueror through him who loved me? If you're feeling depressed loved me? If you're feeling depressed loved me? If you're feeling depressed and you wonder where God is, God, you're and you wonder where God is, God, you're and you wonder where God is, God, you're the light of my salvation. Whom shall I the light of my salvation. Whom shall I the light of my salvation. Whom shall I fear? I'm not going to walk around this fear? I'm not going to walk around this fear? I'm not going to walk around this life full of fear. [music] life full of fear. [music] life full of fear. [music] If you're going to the dentist, Lord, If you're going to the dentist, Lord, If you're going to the dentist, Lord, crown me with cruy crowns. No, that's crown me with cruy crowns. No, that's crown me with cruy crowns. No, that's not a verse. I'm just kidding. All not a verse. I'm just kidding. All not a verse. I'm just kidding. All right. right. right. There is a verse though in Psalm. It There is a verse though in Psalm. It There is a verse though in Psalm. It says, "Open wide your mouth and I will says, "Open wide your mouth and I will says, "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." So anyway, there's your fill it." So anyway, there's your fill it." So anyway, there's your dentist verse. Okay.

dentist verse. Okay. dentist verse. Okay. But the Bible says in Ephesians 6, you But the Bible says in Ephesians 6, you But the Bible says in Ephesians 6, you can be strong in the Lord and in his can be strong in the Lord and in his can be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power and you can put on the full mighty power and you can put on the full mighty power and you can put on the full armor of God. And one of those is you armor of God. And one of those is you armor of God. And one of those is you can take the sword of the spirit, which can take the sword of the spirit, which can take the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, and fight your is the word of God, and fight your is the word of God, and fight your battles today. battles today. battles today. So what do we do here? The word of God So what do we do here? The word of God So what do we do here? The word of God feeds me feeds me feeds me and fights [music] my battles. and fights [music] my battles. and fights [music] my battles. This is this is my favorite way to pray. This is this is my favorite way to pray. This is this is my favorite way to pray. I thank thank God. I focus on the cross. I thank thank God. I focus on the cross. I thank thank God. I focus on the cross. I let him clean me up. God, would you I let him clean me up. God, would you I let him clean me up. God, would you put the Holy Spirit in me? I'm going to put the Holy Spirit in me? I'm going to put the Holy Spirit in me? I'm going to get that word now to fight my battles. get that word now to fight my battles. get that word now to fight my battles. And the last place you went before you And the last place you went before you And the last place you went before you went where God was was called an altered went where God was was called an altered went where God was was called an altered incense. About the size of this beastro incense. About the size of this beastro incense. About the size of this beastro table, about this tall, but it was table, about this tall, but it was table, about this tall, but it was square. square. square. And had incense rising. It was burning. And had incense rising. It was burning. And had incense rising. It was burning. It smelled like Bed Bath and Beyond. It smelled like Bed Bath and Beyond. It smelled like Bed Bath and Beyond. Come on, everybody. Come on, everybody. Come on, everybody. And all throughout the Bible, Old and And all throughout the Bible, Old and And all throughout the Bible, Old and New Testament, incense is worship. To New Testament, incense is worship. To New Testament, incense is worship. To which you might be thinking, well, I which you might be thinking, well, I which you might be thinking, well, I thought we already did that. [music] No, thought we already did that. [music] No, thought we already did that. [music] No, we praised. You praise God for what he we praised. You praise God for what he we praised. You praise God for what he does. You worship him for who he is.

does. You worship him for who he is. does. You worship him for who he is. And this is where we worship his name. And this is where we worship his name. And this is where we worship his name. His character is found in his name. The His character is found in his name. The His character is found in his name. The righteous, Proverbs 18 says, the righteous, Proverbs 18 says, the righteous, Proverbs 18 says, the righteous run to the names of God and righteous run to the names of God and righteous run to the names of God and that's where they find [music] safety. that's where they find [music] safety. that's where they find [music] safety. So I just mentioned the the names of So I just mentioned the the names of So I just mentioned the the names of God. What a beautiful name it is. God. What a beautiful name it is. God. What a beautiful name it is. What a beautiful name it is. Sing it What a beautiful name it is. Sing it What a beautiful name it is. Sing it with me. The name of Jesus with me. The name of Jesus with me. The name of Jesus [music] Christ my If you love him, sing [music] Christ my If you love him, sing [music] Christ my If you love him, sing a little louder. What a beautiful name a little louder. What a beautiful name a little louder. What a beautiful name [music] it is. [music] it is. [music] it is. And nothing compares to this. And nothing compares to this. And nothing compares to this. What a beautiful name it is. The [music] What a beautiful name it is. The [music] What a beautiful name it is. The [music] name of Jes. And I think about he's name of Jes. And I think about he's name of Jes. And I think about he's righteousness, he's peace, he's righteousness, he's peace, he's righteousness, he's peace, he's comforter, he's defender, he's comforter, he's defender, he's comforter, he's defender, he's protector, [music] protector, [music] protector, [music] he's provider, he's the one who's always he's provider, he's the one who's always he's provider, he's the one who's always there. He's my sanctifier. He called me. there. He's my sanctifier. He called me. there. He's my sanctifier. He called me. [music] I just I worship his name. [music] I just I worship his name. [music] I just I worship his name. Worship his names. And what happens? I Worship his names. And what happens? I Worship his names. And what happens? I mean, watch me. Watch this. Don't miss mean, watch me. Watch this. Don't miss mean, watch me. Watch this. Don't miss this. If you want to know what worship this. If you want to know what worship this. If you want to know what worship does, that's why we come [music] to does, that's why we come [music] to does, that's why we come [music] to church.

church. church. Life and problems big, God small. And Life and problems big, God small. And Life and problems big, God small. And the more we worship >> God big [music] >> God big [music] problem small problem small problem small >> when God gets bigger in our eyes our >> when God gets bigger in our eyes our >> when God gets bigger in our eyes our problems will get [music] smaller when problems will get [music] smaller when problems will get [music] smaller when God so don't talk about yourself why God so don't talk about yourself why God so don't talk about yourself why would you waste all this time on your would you waste all this time on your would you waste all this time on your prayers talking about yourself talk prayers talking about yourself talk prayers talking about yourself talk about God in fact don't tell your God about God in fact don't tell your God about God in fact don't tell your God about your problems tell your problems about your problems tell your problems about your problems tell your problems about your God everybody about your God everybody about your God everybody >> yeah and watch what happens because it >> yeah and watch what happens because it >> yeah and watch what happens because it gives you faith to step into the final gives you faith to step into the final gives you faith to step into the final place and I'm done and there. Now you're place and I'm done and there. Now you're place and I'm done and there. Now you're at the arc of the covenant. There's at the arc of the covenant. There's at the arc of the covenant. There's there's God, right? And you would think there's God, right? And you would think there's God, right? And you would think this is where you get to finally give this is where you get to finally give this is where you get to finally give them your list. Guess what they what he them your list. Guess what they what he them your list. Guess what they what he wants us to do there? Actually, to wants us to do there? Actually, to wants us to do there? Actually, to intercede for others. intercede for others. intercede for others. In fact, there's a verse in 1 Timothy In fact, there's a verse in 1 Timothy In fact, there's a verse in 1 Timothy that says, "I'm urging you Christians that says, "I'm urging you Christians that says, "I'm urging you Christians [music] first of all to offer up your [music] first of all to offer up your [music] first of all to offer up your prayers, petitions, intercession not to prayers, petitions, intercession not to prayers, petitions, intercession not to yourself, but [music] to kings and those yourself, but [music] to kings and those yourself, but [music] to kings and those in authority that you might lead a quiet in authority that you might lead a quiet in authority that you might lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness."

and peaceable life in all godliness." and peaceable life in all godliness." What does that mean? that I'm going to What does that mean? that I'm going to What does that mean? that I'm going to pray for others starting with those in pray for others starting with those in pray for others starting with those in authority. So, I pray for my parents. I authority. So, I pray for my parents. I authority. So, I pray for my parents. I don't like my parents. I don't care. don't like my parents. I don't care. don't like my parents. I don't care. We're going to bless them anyway. I'm We're going to bless them anyway. I'm We're going to bless them anyway. I'm going to pray for my boss. Well, I don't going to pray for my boss. Well, I don't going to pray for my boss. Well, I don't like my boss. I don't care. God, I'm like my boss. I don't care. God, I'm like my boss. I don't care. God, I'm going pray your blessing over the Let going pray your blessing over the Let going pray your blessing over the Let the company prosper so they can give me the company prosper so they can give me the company prosper so they can give me a raise. Can I get an amen, everybody? a raise. Can I get an amen, everybody? a raise. Can I get an amen, everybody? Right. Bless the I'm going to pray for Right. Bless the I'm going to pray for Right. Bless the I'm going to pray for my governor, my president, my my Supreme my governor, my president, my my Supreme my governor, my president, my my Supreme Court. Like pray for kings and those in Court. Like pray for kings and those in Court. Like pray for kings and those in authority so that you can leave a quiet authority so that you can leave a quiet authority so that you can leave a quiet peaceful pray for your pastor. I like my peaceful pray for your pastor. I like my peaceful pray for your pastor. I like my pastor. Thank you very much. Right. pastor. Thank you very much. Right. pastor. Thank you very much. Right. Yeah. Pray. Pray for your small group Yeah. Pray. Pray for your small group Yeah. Pray. Pray for your small group leader. We're going to pray for those leader. We're going to pray for those leader. We're going to pray for those who speak into our lives. We're [music] who speak into our lives. We're [music] who speak into our lives. We're [music] going to pray for our cities. God bless going to pray for our cities. God bless going to pray for our cities. God bless Birmingham. I have every day of my life Birmingham. I have every day of my life Birmingham. I have every day of my life I speak a blessing over Birmingham, over I speak a blessing over Birmingham, over I speak a blessing over Birmingham, over Alabama. God, would you bless Auburn, Alabama. God, would you bless Auburn, Alabama. God, would you bless Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Oxford, Huntsville, the Tuscaloosa, Oxford, Huntsville, the Tuscaloosa, Oxford, Huntsville, the Scholes. God, would you move by the Scholes. God, would you move by the Scholes. God, would you move by the power of your spirit in Montgomery? God power of your spirit in Montgomery? God power of your spirit in Montgomery? God and Jesus just pray for bless him Jesus. and Jesus just pray for bless him Jesus. and Jesus just pray for bless him Jesus. We're going to do that tomorrow morning. We're going to do that tomorrow morning. We're going to do that tomorrow morning. Are y'all getting excited about prayer Are y'all getting excited about prayer Are y'all getting excited about prayer like I am? I love this stuff. And then like I am? I love this stuff. And then like I am? I love this stuff. And then at the very end and God here's what I at the very end and God here's what I at the very end and God here's what I have. I'm asking you to move in my life have. I'm asking you to move in my life have. I'm asking you to move in my life and I give him my needs. And here's what and I give him my needs. And here's what and I give him my needs. And here's what I want you to know. Here's what I want I want you to know. Here's what I want I want you to know. Here's what I want you to discover. Here's what you're you to discover. Here's what you're you to discover. Here's what you're going to realize that the tabernacle was going to realize that the tabernacle was going to realize that the tabernacle was never about the furniture. It was about never about the furniture. It was about never about the furniture. It was about just getting closer to God.

just getting closer to God. just getting closer to God. And I would love for you to try. We'll And I would love for you to try. We'll And I would love for you to try. We'll have all the I'll have it actually have have all the I'll have it actually have have all the I'll have it actually have it in book booklet form with all the it in book booklet form with all the it in book booklet form with all the pictures you just saw so you can get pictures you just saw so you can get pictures you just saw so you can get closer to God. I know this if we'll closer to God. I know this if we'll closer to God. I know this if we'll commit these next 21 days saying God I'm commit these next 21 days saying God I'm commit these next 21 days saying God I'm going after you heart and soul. Watch going after you heart and soul. Watch going after you heart and soul. Watch what happens. And if everybody here at what happens. And if everybody here at what happens. And if everybody here at Highland says you know what PC pastor Highland says you know what PC pastor Highland says you know what PC pastor Mark I'm all in. I'm going to join you. Mark I'm all in. I'm going to join you. Mark I'm all in. I'm going to join you. Would you just say a good Would you just say a good Would you just say a good >> amen? Come on. Give God praise together >> amen? Come on. Give God praise together >> amen? Come on. Give God praise together everybody. Yeah. Let's thank the Lord. everybody. Yeah. Let's thank the Lord. everybody. Yeah. Let's thank the Lord. So God, we're going to launch these 21 So God, we're going to launch these 21 So God, we're going to launch these 21 days asking you to move by the power of days asking you to move by the power of days asking you to move by the power of your spirit. God, as [music] we your spirit. God, as [music] we your spirit. God, as [music] we intercede for the people who don't even intercede for the people who don't even intercede for the people who don't even know you yet in our in our world and in know you yet in our in our world and in know you yet in our in our world and in our cities and in our churches, God, our cities and in our churches, God, our cities and in our churches, God, would you just anoint our time together would you just anoint our time together would you just anoint our time together in Jesus name? Every head bowed, would in Jesus name? Every head bowed, would in Jesus name? Every head bowed, would you close your eyes? [music] Would you you close your eyes? [music] Would you you close your eyes? [music] Would you not move around at all just for a not move around at all just for a not move around at all just for a second, please? Just very still at every second, please? Just very still at every second, please? Just very still at every location. Just give me one more minute. location. Just give me one more minute. location. Just give me one more minute. You know, anytime the word of God is You know, anytime the word of God is You know, anytime the word of God is preached, people come under conviction.

preached, people come under conviction. preached, people come under conviction. And if you're convicted today, you like, And if you're convicted today, you like, And if you're convicted today, you like, "Man, I'm not right with God." Can I "Man, I'm not right with God." Can I "Man, I'm not right with God." Can I pray for you right there? If you're just pray for you right there? If you're just pray for you right there? If you're just not right with God, and you want to get not right with God, and you want to get not right with God, and you want to get right with God, I'm not going to have right with God, I'm not going to have right with God, I'm not going to have you stand up. I'm not going to call you you stand up. I'm not going to call you you stand up. I'm not going to call you to the front, but would you just with a to the front, but would you just with a to the front, but would you just with a just a hand lifted and put right back just a hand lifted and put right back just a hand lifted and put right back up, say, "God, that's me. I need this. up, say, "God, that's me. I need this. up, say, "God, that's me. I need this. I'm committing my life to you again. I'm committing my life to you again. I'm committing my life to you again. Would you just lift it high and put it Would you just lift it high and put it Would you just lift it high and put it right back down?" Yep. Yep. [music] Yep. right back down?" Yep. Yep. [music] Yep. right back down?" Yep. Yep. [music] Yep. Yep. Yep. Anybody else? Yep. Just yep. Yep. Yep. Anybody else? Yep. Just yep. Yep. Yep. Anybody else? Yep. Just yep. God bless you. Anybody else? Thank you. God bless you. Anybody else? Thank you. God bless you. Anybody else? Thank you. And pray this simple little prayer. Say, And pray this simple little prayer. Say, And pray this simple little prayer. Say, "Jesus, [music] would you forgive me? "Jesus, [music] would you forgive me? "Jesus, [music] would you forgive me? Would you forgive me for living my life Would you forgive me for living my life Would you forgive me for living my life without you? I want to thank you, Jesus, without you? I want to thank you, Jesus, without you? I want to thank you, Jesus, for going to the cross and paying for for going to the cross and paying for for going to the cross and paying for what I did. Come live inside of me. what I did. Come live inside of me. what I did. Come live inside of me. Change me." Now, say this because I Change me." Now, say this because I Change me." Now, say this because I believe you really are the son of God believe you really are the son of God believe you really are the son of God who rose from the dead. And today I put who rose from the dead. And today I put who rose from the dead. And today I put my faith in you. In your name I pray. my faith in you. In your name I pray. my faith in you. In your name I pray. Amen. How about a hand clap for Amen. How about a hand clap for Amen. How about a hand clap for everybody who just prayed that prayer? everybody who just prayed that prayer? everybody who just prayed that prayer? God bless you church.