The Simplicity of Stability

If you have a Bible, if you'll turn to If you have a Bible, if you'll turn to James chapter 1, and I want to start uh I'll read verses and I want to start uh I'll read verses basically verses 1-8 basically verses 1-8 basically verses 1-8 for today. for today. for today. This letter is from James, a slave of This letter is from James, a slave of This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm writing to the 12 tribes, Jewish writing to the 12 tribes, Jewish writing to the 12 tribes, Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings. believers scattered abroad. Greetings. believers scattered abroad. Greetings. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an come your way, consider it an come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. opportunity for great joy. opportunity for great joy. A lot of people don't like that verse. A lot of people don't like that verse. A lot of people don't like that verse. When troubles come your way, consider it When troubles come your way, consider it When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. an opportunity for great joy. an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is For you know that when your faith is For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to tested, your endurance has a chance to tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. grow. grow. So let it grow. So let it grow. So let it grow. For when your endurance is fully For when your endurance is fully For when your endurance is fully developed, you'll be perfect and developed, you'll be perfect and developed, you'll be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

complete, needing nothing. complete, needing nothing. Who wouldn't want that? Who wouldn't want that? Who wouldn't want that? If you need wisdom, ask our generous If you need wisdom, ask our generous If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will God, and he will give it to you. He will God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you not rebuke you for asking. But when you not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in ask him, be sure that your faith is in ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. God alone. God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided Do not waver, for a person with divided Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that's blown and tossed by the wind. sea that's blown and tossed by the wind. sea that's blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive Such people should not expect to receive Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. anything from the Lord. anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and Their loyalty is divided between God and Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in the world, and they are unstable in the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. And we're going to go back up to the top And we're going to go back up to the top and walk through this. and walk through this. and walk through this. But verse seven, such people should not expect to receive such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord because their anything from the Lord because their anything from the Lord because their loyalty is divided between God and the loyalty is divided between God and the loyalty is divided between God and the world and they're unstable in everything world and they're unstable in everything world and they're unstable in everything they do. I think this text, in fact, all they do. I think this text, in fact, all they do. I think this text, in fact, all biblical texts frankly provide an biblical texts frankly provide an biblical texts frankly provide an opportunity for us to do an inventory.

opportunity for us to do an inventory. opportunity for us to do an inventory. You may not hear another thing I say if You may not hear another thing I say if You may not hear another thing I say if you want to spend time really reflecting you want to spend time really reflecting you want to spend time really reflecting through how those last two verses in through how those last two verses in through how those last two verses in particular is your loyalty divided. We want to talk about that We want to talk about that and it's really what I've calling it is and it's really what I've calling it is and it's really what I've calling it is the simplicity of stability. Stability the simplicity of stability. Stability the simplicity of stability. Stability seems something we want, we need, we seems something we want, we need, we seems something we want, we need, we crave it, we try to get it in various crave it, we try to get it in various crave it, we try to get it in various ways but there's simplicity in the ways but there's simplicity in the ways but there's simplicity in the stability of what God does for us. We stability of what God does for us. We stability of what God does for us. We can read that cover to cover in his word can read that cover to cover in his word can read that cover to cover in his word and have the spirit leading us in and have the spirit leading us in and have the spirit leading us in moments that seem complex. But he brings moments that seem complex. But he brings moments that seem complex. But he brings us peace, even some sense of simplicity us peace, even some sense of simplicity us peace, even some sense of simplicity in the most difficult of situations. Most of us pray for stability in our Most of us pray for stability in our lives for a lot of reasons. lives for a lot of reasons. lives for a lot of reasons. We we want to um if I were to ask you We we want to um if I were to ask you We we want to um if I were to ask you how much you pray for calmer days or how much you pray for calmer days or how much you pray for calmer days or cooler minds or a more stable situation, cooler minds or a more stable situation, cooler minds or a more stable situation, most of you would raise your hand most of you would raise your hand most of you would raise your hand whether you're in it now, but we've all whether you're in it now, but we've all whether you're in it now, but we've all been there at some point.

been there at some point. been there at some point. And there's trials in life that always And there's trials in life that always And there's trials in life that always bring a sense of danger and fear and bring a sense of danger and fear and bring a sense of danger and fear and instability, even anger. Many more words instability, even anger. Many more words instability, even anger. Many more words describe the trials we encounter and describe the trials we encounter and describe the trials we encounter and endure. How do we handle trials? Who do endure. How do we handle trials? Who do endure. How do we handle trials? Who do we talk to? How long will this trial we talk to? How long will this trial we talk to? How long will this trial last? How long will this anxiety be last? How long will this anxiety be last? How long will this anxiety be taking over my heart and soul and mind? taking over my heart and soul and mind? taking over my heart and soul and mind? How about this depression that I can't How about this depression that I can't How about this depression that I can't seem to get rid of? There's all kinds of seem to get rid of? There's all kinds of seem to get rid of? There's all kinds of things that make us feel unsettled, things that make us feel unsettled, things that make us feel unsettled, unstable, afraid. Kim and I were watching a show the other Kim and I were watching a show the other night and uh it was about kind of a a night and uh it was about kind of a a night and uh it was about kind of a a great documentary on Roy Moy, the great documentary on Roy Moy, the great documentary on Roy Moy, the golfer. And this it was fascinating. golfer. And this it was fascinating. golfer. And this it was fascinating. And he mentioned in different pockets of And he mentioned in different pockets of And he mentioned in different pockets of the interview that he had consulted with the interview that he had consulted with the interview that he had consulted with Dr. Bob Rotella, widely recognized as a Dr. Bob Rotella, widely recognized as a Dr. Bob Rotella, widely recognized as a leading psychologist in golf. Bob leading psychologist in golf. Bob leading psychologist in golf. Bob Rotella has helped countless players Rotella has helped countless players Rotella has helped countless players fulfill their potential by improving fulfill their potential by improving fulfill their potential by improving their mentality on the golf course. I their mentality on the golf course. I their mentality on the golf course. I need to find Bob or throw the clubs away.

or throw the clubs away. It's the hardest, nastiest game. I love It's the hardest, nastiest game. I love It's the hardest, nastiest game. I love it. I love doing it. I love being out it. I love doing it. I love being out it. I love doing it. I love being out there. The people who play golf with me, there. The people who play golf with me, there. The people who play golf with me, it's usually a one and done. Once is it's usually a one and done. Once is it's usually a one and done. Once is enough. Uh enough. Uh enough. Uh because I zigzag. I don't want to go because I zigzag. I don't want to go because I zigzag. I don't want to go straight. Who wants to go straight down straight. Who wants to go straight down straight. Who wants to go straight down the fairway? I want to go over here and the fairway? I want to go over here and the fairway? I want to go over here and see the pond. I want to go over here and see the pond. I want to go over here and see the pond. I want to go over here and see the woods. I'm going to go over here see the woods. I'm going to go over here see the woods. I'm going to go over here and see the back of this house. Well, and see the back of this house. Well, and see the back of this house. Well, that's a cool house. You know, that's that's a cool house. You know, that's that's a cool house. You know, that's add all the way through, you know. And add all the way through, you know. And add all the way through, you know. And so, anyway, that's my golf story. No, so, anyway, that's my golf story. No, so, anyway, that's my golf story. No, but so I I need to find Bob here. Uh it but so I I need to find Bob here. Uh it but so I I need to find Bob here. Uh it would be great. He's the author of would be great. He's the author of would be great. He's the author of several best-selling books, including several best-selling books, including several best-selling books, including the hugely influential Golf is not a the hugely influential Golf is not a the hugely influential Golf is not a game of perfect. Yeah, right. game of perfect. Yeah, right. game of perfect. Yeah, right. Golf is not a game of perfect. Golf is not a game of perfect. Golf is not a game of perfect. I loved hearing that. Which is the I loved hearing that. Which is the I loved hearing that. Which is the bestselling sport psychology book of all bestselling sport psychology book of all bestselling sport psychology book of all time and one of the three bestselling time and one of the three bestselling time and one of the three bestselling golf books of all time. And along with golf books of all time. And along with golf books of all time. And along with his books, he's gained much acclaim for his books, he's gained much acclaim for his books, he's gained much acclaim for his work at the highest level of the his work at the highest level of the his work at the highest level of the sport, has achieved almost unparalleled sport, has achieved almost unparalleled sport, has achieved almost unparalleled success as a golf coach. success as a golf coach. success as a golf coach. and the list of those professional and the list of those professional and the list of those professional golfers who've benefited from his help golfers who've benefited from his help golfers who've benefited from his help is quite long.

is quite long. is quite long. So, we're watching this documentary and So, we're watching this documentary and So, we're watching this documentary and uh I I caught a quote and they were at uh I I caught a quote and they were at uh I I caught a quote and they were at this point Dr. Rotella was on on screen this point Dr. Rotella was on on screen this point Dr. Rotella was on on screen making his a comment and talking about making his a comment and talking about making his a comment and talking about the game and talking about uh uh the the game and talking about uh uh the the game and talking about uh uh the golfers he's worked with and he says golfers he's worked with and he says golfers he's worked with and he says this. but doubt and fear will kill you. but doubt and fear will kill you. I'd never thought about it that way. I'd never thought about it that way. I'd never thought about it that way. Failure never ruins anybody. Failure never ruins anybody. Failure never ruins anybody. We're all dealing with doubt and fear. We're all dealing with doubt and fear. We're all dealing with doubt and fear. Failure never ruins anybody. Doubt and Failure never ruins anybody. Doubt and Failure never ruins anybody. Doubt and fear will kill you. Jesus told his fear will kill you. Jesus told his fear will kill you. Jesus told his disciples in John 14:27, he says, "Peace disciples in John 14:27, he says, "Peace disciples in John 14:27, he says, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I I leave with you. My peace I give you. I I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." do not give to you as the world gives." do not give to you as the world gives." Thank God for that.

Thank God for that. Thank God for that. Do not let your hearts be troubled and Do not let your hearts be troubled and Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. One of the great do not be afraid. One of the great do not be afraid. One of the great blessings I believe in following Jesus blessings I believe in following Jesus blessings I believe in following Jesus and there are so many. That's why we can and there are so many. That's why we can and there are so many. That's why we can preach sermons forever in the scriptures preach sermons forever in the scriptures preach sermons forever in the scriptures in this Bible and we never run out of in this Bible and we never run out of in this Bible and we never run out of material throughout centuries. No material throughout centuries. No material throughout centuries. No pastor, no spiritual Christian leader pastor, no spiritual Christian leader pastor, no spiritual Christian leader Jesus follower has ever run out of Jesus follower has ever run out of Jesus follower has ever run out of material. And one of the great blessings material. And one of the great blessings material. And one of the great blessings of following Jesus is the peace that he of following Jesus is the peace that he of following Jesus is the peace that he brings in our worst moments. brings in our worst moments. brings in our worst moments. If you'll let him, he'll calm the storms If you'll let him, he'll calm the storms If you'll let him, he'll calm the storms of our lives. He always offers an of our lives. He always offers an of our lives. He always offers an opportunity for us to learn something in opportunity for us to learn something in opportunity for us to learn something in those moments to go through to grow those moments to go through to grow those moments to go through to grow through the difficult times of life. through the difficult times of life. through the difficult times of life. Jesus always offers stability and peace Jesus always offers stability and peace Jesus always offers stability and peace in the turmoil. in the turmoil. in the turmoil. And I've always believed that. I've And I've always believed that. I've And I've always believed that. I've experienced it. And I just for you may experienced it. And I just for you may experienced it. And I just for you may not sure about this yet. You're not sure not sure about this yet. You're not sure not sure about this yet. You're not sure you've been where I'm I'm I've been in you've been where I'm I'm I've been in you've been where I'm I'm I've been in that text. I'm not sure you've heard that text. I'm not sure you've heard that text. I'm not sure you've heard that verse before and now you may be that verse before and now you may be that verse before and now you may be hearing it for the first time. That's hearing it for the first time. That's hearing it for the first time. That's what I love about our church, by the what I love about our church, by the what I love about our church, by the way.

way. way. I'm just here to give you some good I'm just here to give you some good I'm just here to give you some good news. Jesus offers stability and peace. news. Jesus offers stability and peace. news. Jesus offers stability and peace. And you'll find what feels stable at And you'll find what feels stable at And you'll find what feels stable at times. In other ways, you'll find what times. In other ways, you'll find what times. In other ways, you'll find what feels like peace in other places. feels like peace in other places. feels like peace in other places. They're they're not bad. There are some They're they're not bad. There are some They're they're not bad. There are some good things that can bring you stability good things that can bring you stability good things that can bring you stability and peace. But there's only one that and peace. But there's only one that and peace. But there's only one that brings lasting, permanent stability and brings lasting, permanent stability and brings lasting, permanent stability and peace, and his name is Jesus. And I've peace, and his name is Jesus. And I've peace, and his name is Jesus. And I've always loved the story about Peter always loved the story about Peter always loved the story about Peter getting invited to walk on water with getting invited to walk on water with getting invited to walk on water with Jesus. They just fed thousands of people Jesus. They just fed thousands of people Jesus. They just fed thousands of people with five loaves and and fishes and two with five loaves and and fishes and two with five loaves and and fishes and two two fish. Five loaves of bread, two two fish. Five loaves of bread, two two fish. Five loaves of bread, two fish. Then Jesus made the disciples get fish. Then Jesus made the disciples get fish. Then Jesus made the disciples get into a boat, head across the other side. into a boat, head across the other side. into a boat, head across the other side. He needed time to be alone. He was going He needed time to be alone. He was going He needed time to be alone. He was going to go spend go up the mountain a little to go spend go up the mountain a little to go spend go up the mountain a little bit to pray. And this was a great story bit to pray. And this was a great story bit to pray. And this was a great story in the scriptures. So Jesus said to the in the scriptures. So Jesus said to the in the scriptures. So Jesus said to the disciples, "Get in the boat, head to the disciples, "Get in the boat, head to the disciples, "Get in the boat, head to the other side. I'll catch up with you other side. I'll catch up with you other side. I'll catch up with you later." And as was typical in that lake later." And as was typical in that lake later." And as was typical in that lake uh surrounded by mountains, the storms uh surrounded by mountains, the storms uh surrounded by mountains, the storms could come up fairly quickly and they could come up fairly quickly and they could come up fairly quickly and they could be very difficult storms. A could be very difficult storms. A could be very difficult storms. A typical uh day in that lake could could typical uh day in that lake could could typical uh day in that lake could could cause people tremendous fear. It can be cause people tremendous fear. It can be cause people tremendous fear. It can be beautiful sunlight through the day and beautiful sunlight through the day and beautiful sunlight through the day and then all of a sudden these storms then all of a sudden these storms then all of a sudden these storms depending on the winds and all kinds of depending on the winds and all kinds of depending on the winds and all kinds of factors in the sky can be terrifying.

factors in the sky can be terrifying. factors in the sky can be terrifying. The disciples get halfway across the The disciples get halfway across the The disciples get halfway across the lake. Strong storm comes up and the boat lake. Strong storm comes up and the boat lake. Strong storm comes up and the boat was encountering heavy waves. And all of was encountering heavy waves. And all of was encountering heavy waves. And all of a sudden, they see Jesus walking on the a sudden, they see Jesus walking on the a sudden, they see Jesus walking on the water, heading toward them in the middle water, heading toward them in the middle water, heading toward them in the middle of the storm. of the storm. of the storm. And if you've studied much about the And if you've studied much about the And if you've studied much about the Apostle Peter, he was rather impulsive. Apostle Peter, he was rather impulsive. Apostle Peter, he was rather impulsive. He was always ready to go. I want to do He was always ready to go. I want to do He was always ready to go. I want to do this. Let's go do this. I'm ready. And this. Let's go do this. I'm ready. And this. Let's go do this. I'm ready. And and he does it again. He he, you know, and he does it again. He he, you know, and he does it again. He he, you know, he says, "Let me come to you, Lord. If he says, "Let me come to you, Lord. If he says, "Let me come to you, Lord. If it's really you, let me walk to you." it's really you, let me walk to you." it's really you, let me walk to you." And you you know there's now there's And you you know there's now there's And you you know there's now there's part of me that can envision the other part of me that can envision the other part of me that can envision the other disciples. We're getting ready to drown disciples. We're getting ready to drown disciples. We're getting ready to drown and he wants to go grandstand all of us and he wants to go grandstand all of us and he wants to go grandstand all of us and go walk out to Jesus. Can you imagine taking that first, you Can you imagine taking that first, you know, when you step off the edge of that know, when you step off the edge of that know, when you step off the edge of that boat boat boat and he was walking and he was walking and he was walking on the water and this this was fine for a few and this this was fine for a few minutes, but all of a sudden he gets to minutes, but all of a sudden he gets to minutes, but all of a sudden he gets to kind of wanting to celebrate, starts kind of wanting to celebrate, starts kind of wanting to celebrate, starts looking around. And the minute he looks looking around. And the minute he looks looking around. And the minute he looks around, you know, you know the story, he around, you know, you know the story, he around, you know, you know the story, he falls into the water. Lesson learned.

falls into the water. Lesson learned. falls into the water. Lesson learned. As long as he had his eyes fixed on As long as he had his eyes fixed on As long as he had his eyes fixed on Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, he was going to be able to walk on that he was going to be able to walk on that he was going to be able to walk on that water. But the minute he took his eyes water. But the minute he took his eyes water. But the minute he took his eyes off Jesus, off Jesus, off Jesus, he fell into the water terrified, afraid he fell into the water terrified, afraid he fell into the water terrified, afraid he would surely drown. he would surely drown. he would surely drown. Let let me plant a seed in your mind Let let me plant a seed in your mind Let let me plant a seed in your mind today. today. today. Could today possibly be a day when Could today possibly be a day when Could today possibly be a day when you're ready to ask Jesus to take over your life? to take over your life? What if Jesus is inviting you to get out What if Jesus is inviting you to get out What if Jesus is inviting you to get out of the boat of the boat of the boat and if you just if this is so new to and if you just if this is so new to and if you just if this is so new to some of you and that's why I'm so some of you and that's why I'm so some of you and that's why I'm so thankful you're here. thankful you're here. thankful you're here. But there's days I believe Jesus is But there's days I believe Jesus is But there's days I believe Jesus is nudging us to get out of the boat. I nudging us to get out of the boat. I nudging us to get out of the boat. I think he does it to all of us all the think he does it to all of us all the think he does it to all of us all the time. For me, it's when you first come time. For me, it's when you first come time. For me, it's when you first come to Christ and Jesus says, "Here's what to Christ and Jesus says, "Here's what to Christ and Jesus says, "Here's what you here's your first step." And that you here's your first step." And that you here's your first step." And that first step feels terrifying the first first step feels terrifying the first first step feels terrifying the first time. When you literally say, "Okay, time. When you literally say, "Okay, time. When you literally say, "Okay, God, God, God, you can have me you can have me you can have me and I will listen.

and I will listen. and I will listen. I will read the Bible. I will read the Bible. I will read the Bible. I'll see what the directions are." But the minute we take our eyes off But the minute we take our eyes off Jesus, and even the best of believers do Jesus, and even the best of believers do Jesus, and even the best of believers do this occasionally, where we take things this occasionally, where we take things this occasionally, where we take things into our own hands, where we start into our own hands, where we start into our own hands, where we start looking for our own solutions, when all looking for our own solutions, when all looking for our own solutions, when all we really need to be doing is praying we really need to be doing is praying we really need to be doing is praying diligently for exactly what we believe diligently for exactly what we believe diligently for exactly what we believe God needs to do for us, whether we get God needs to do for us, whether we get God needs to do for us, whether we get it or not, but to keep our eyes fixed on it or not, but to keep our eyes fixed on it or not, but to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of our Jesus, the author and perfector of our Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy before him faith, who for the joy before him faith, who for the joy before him endured the cross, taking it shame endured the cross, taking it shame endured the cross, taking it shame because he loved us and and he wants because he loved us and and he wants because he loved us and and he wants something better for us and it's something better for us and it's something better for us and it's available if we just put our eyes on available if we just put our eyes on available if we just put our eyes on Jesus. God's wisdom is found in God's word. And God's wisdom is found in God's word. And Rick Warren once said this about wisdom. Rick Warren once said this about wisdom. Rick Warren once said this about wisdom. I love this phrase from him. If I want I love this phrase from him. If I want I love this phrase from him. If I want wisdom, I've got to get into his book. I wisdom, I've got to get into his book. I wisdom, I've got to get into his book. I get on my knees and pray, "God, tell me get on my knees and pray, "God, tell me get on my knees and pray, "God, tell me what to do. Give me wisdom and what to do. Give me wisdom and what to do. Give me wisdom and discernment." That to me is one of my discernment." That to me is one of my discernment." That to me is one of my favorite prayers, frankly.

favorite prayers, frankly. favorite prayers, frankly. Give me wisdom and discernment. Help me Give me wisdom and discernment. Help me Give me wisdom and discernment. Help me understand something I don't understand. understand something I don't understand. understand something I don't understand. And help me be very careful in how I And help me be very careful in how I And help me be very careful in how I look at others, treat others, what I look at others, treat others, what I look at others, treat others, what I say, and what I do. Give me, okay, I get say, and what I do. Give me, okay, I get say, and what I do. Give me, okay, I get it back to Rick's quote. If I want it back to Rick's quote. If I want it back to Rick's quote. If I want wisdom, I've got to get into his book. I wisdom, I've got to get into his book. I wisdom, I've got to get into his book. I get on my knees and pray. God, tell me get on my knees and pray. God, tell me get on my knees and pray. God, tell me what to do. Give me wisdom and what to do. Give me wisdom and what to do. Give me wisdom and discernment. Warren continues and he discernment. Warren continues and he discernment. Warren continues and he says this. I need to read, study, says this. I need to read, study, says this. I need to read, study, memorize, and meditate memorize, and meditate memorize, and meditate on this book. on this book. on this book. Psalm 119:105 says, "God's word is a Psalm 119:105 says, "God's word is a Psalm 119:105 says, "God's word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my lamp for my feet and a light for my lamp for my feet and a light for my path. It shows us the way." And that is path. It shows us the way." And that is path. It shows us the way." And that is true. true. true. Very true. Very true. Very true. And we do study. We do want to learn. We And we do study. We do want to learn. We And we do study. We do want to learn. We try to memorize as best we can try to memorize as best we can try to memorize as best we can scriptures that we can recall quickly scriptures that we can recall quickly scriptures that we can recall quickly when we need them or when they just come when we need them or when they just come when we need them or when they just come to us without us even asking for them. to us without us even asking for them. to us without us even asking for them. In our text this morning, James gives us In our text this morning, James gives us In our text this morning, James gives us similar advice. if we want stability in similar advice. if we want stability in similar advice. if we want stability in our lives and in the church. And if you our lives and in the church. And if you our lives and in the church. And if you want this, it's pretty simple, frankly, want this, it's pretty simple, frankly, want this, it's pretty simple, frankly, to get it. James says, if you want to get it. James says, if you want to get it. James says, if you want stability in your life, and he provides stability in your life, and he provides stability in your life, and he provides us a list here in these uh verse 2 us a list here in these uh verse 2 us a list here in these uh verse 2 through uh through 8. Here's his list.

through uh through 8. Here's his list. through uh through 8. Here's his list. We'll just go down the list here. We've We'll just go down the list here. We've We'll just go down the list here. We've got to do a couple of things. Number got to do a couple of things. Number got to do a couple of things. Number one, have the right attitude. James 1:es one, have the right attitude. James 1:es one, have the right attitude. James 1:es 2, 3, and 4. Here's what he says. 2, 3, and 4. Here's what he says. 2, 3, and 4. Here's what he says. Consider it pure joy, brothers, whenever Consider it pure joy, brothers, whenever Consider it pure joy, brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. Now that's a radical statement for those Now that's a radical statement for those who may not yet be following Jesus or who may not yet be following Jesus or who may not yet be following Jesus or not real clear or not weren't aware that not real clear or not weren't aware that not real clear or not weren't aware that Jesus even said this. Jesus even said this. Jesus even said this. So here it is God in flesh saying So here it is God in flesh saying So here it is God in flesh saying consider it pure joy you all whenever consider it pure joy you all whenever consider it pure joy you all whenever you face trials of many kinds. It's you face trials of many kinds. It's you face trials of many kinds. It's believe me for most of my life my my believe me for most of my life my my believe me for most of my life my my first thought when I ran into a trial first thought when I ran into a trial first thought when I ran into a trial was not to con look for pure joy to be was not to con look for pure joy to be was not to con look for pure joy to be joyful. Now you learn that over time. joyful. Now you learn that over time. joyful. Now you learn that over time. You learn that you know trial whether You learn that you know trial whether You learn that you know trial whether you whether you brought it on yourself you whether you brought it on yourself you whether you brought it on yourself and most of the time someone inflicted and most of the time someone inflicted and most of the time someone inflicted something on you the economy's tanked something on you the economy's tanked something on you the economy's tanked something you has put you in a trial. something you has put you in a trial. something you has put you in a trial. What I learned along the way following What I learned along the way following What I learned along the way following Jesus is those trials can be dealt with Jesus is those trials can be dealt with Jesus is those trials can be dealt with so differently as we mature in our faith so differently as we mature in our faith so differently as we mature in our faith and following Jesus.

and following Jesus. and following Jesus. Those are moments when I've got to Those are moments when I've got to Those are moments when I've got to decide, do I have faith or not? Is God decide, do I have faith or not? Is God decide, do I have faith or not? Is God in this or not? Will he get me through in this or not? Will he get me through in this or not? Will he get me through this or not? this or not? this or not? Consider it pure joy, my brothers. Consider it pure joy, my brothers. Consider it pure joy, my brothers. whenever, excuse me, whenever you face whenever, excuse me, whenever you face whenever, excuse me, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know trials of many kinds because you know trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces that the testing of your faith produces that the testing of your faith produces perseverance and we all need that. perseverance and we all need that. perseverance and we all need that. Perseverance must finish this work so Perseverance must finish this work so Perseverance must finish this work so you may be mature and complete not you may be mature and complete not you may be mature and complete not lacking anything. And James is saying lacking anything. And James is saying lacking anything. And James is saying here that when we are troubled by trials here that when we are troubled by trials here that when we are troubled by trials and difficulties, we can change our and difficulties, we can change our and difficulties, we can change our attitude. We can change our thinking in attitude. We can change our thinking in attitude. We can change our thinking in these moments. We can do that through these moments. We can do that through these moments. We can do that through Christ. Christ. Christ. This is doable. Consider it joy when you have trials of Consider it joy when you have trials of many kinds. Why would we do that? Well, many kinds. Why would we do that? Well, many kinds. Why would we do that? Well, because we're going to learn something because we're going to learn something because we're going to learn something here. here. here. We're going to be tested a bit. He says, We're going to be tested a bit. He says, We're going to be tested a bit. He says, you know, the testing of your faith, you know, the testing of your faith, you know, the testing of your faith, it's going to be tested. It's a good it's going to be tested. It's a good it's going to be tested. It's a good thing. It's usually not very thing. It's usually not very thing. It's usually not very comfortable, but it's a good thing. And comfortable, but it's a good thing. And comfortable, but it's a good thing. And the testing of your faith produces the testing of your faith produces the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Goodness knows we all need perseverance. Goodness knows we all need perseverance. Goodness knows we all need more of that.

more of that. more of that. And perseverance is going to finish its And perseverance is going to finish its And perseverance is going to finish its work in us. Why? So we can be mature and work in us. Why? So we can be mature and work in us. Why? So we can be mature and complete not lacking anything. complete not lacking anything. complete not lacking anything. And Jesus simply says your attitude can And Jesus simply says your attitude can And Jesus simply says your attitude can change. Your thinking can change. We change. Your thinking can change. We change. Your thinking can change. We consider sometimes we can run into a consider sometimes we can run into a consider sometimes we can run into a terrible difficult situation and terrible difficult situation and terrible difficult situation and eventually we can look back and say that eventually we can look back and say that eventually we can look back and say that was really a good thing that came along was really a good thing that came along was really a good thing that came along to me as hard as it was because I to me as hard as it was because I to me as hard as it was because I learned something I would never have learned something I would never have learned something I would never have learned otherwise. On the other side of learned otherwise. On the other side of learned otherwise. On the other side of the trial, we'll have a stronger faith. the trial, we'll have a stronger faith. the trial, we'll have a stronger faith. We'll have we'll be people of more We'll have we'll be people of more We'll have we'll be people of more perseverance. perseverance. perseverance. We'll be a little more mature than we We'll be a little more mature than we We'll be a little more mature than we were before the trial, complete, not were before the trial, complete, not were before the trial, complete, not lacking anything. lacking anything. lacking anything. Think of the psalmist. Even though I Think of the psalmist. Even though I Think of the psalmist. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of walk through the valley of the shadow of walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I'm not going to be afraid for he death, I'm not going to be afraid for he death, I'm not going to be afraid for he is with us. So, we have to have the is with us. So, we have to have the is with us. So, we have to have the right attitude. Secondly, we have to right attitude. Secondly, we have to right attitude. Secondly, we have to admit our need for God's wisdom. admit our need for God's wisdom. admit our need for God's wisdom. We have to admit our needs for God's We have to admit our needs for God's We have to admit our needs for God's wisdom. If over in chapter 3 verse 17, wisdom. If over in chapter 3 verse 17, wisdom. If over in chapter 3 verse 17, let me just go over because he makes a let me just go over because he makes a let me just go over because he makes a comment on wisdom when you get to comment on wisdom when you get to comment on wisdom when you get to chapter 3. But the wisdom from above, chapter 3. But the wisdom from above, chapter 3. But the wisdom from above, the wisdom that Jesus wants to give us the wisdom that Jesus wants to give us the wisdom that Jesus wants to give us is first of all pure.

is first of all pure. is first of all pure. It's peaceloving, It's peaceloving, It's peaceloving, gentle at all times, and willing to gentle at all times, and willing to gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and yield to others. It is full of mercy and yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are is always sincere. And those who are is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace peacemakers will plant seeds of peace peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and therefore reap a harvest of and therefore reap a harvest of and therefore reap a harvest of righteousness. That's it comes back that righteousness. That's it comes back that righteousness. That's it comes back that harvest of righteousness. You plant good harvest of righteousness. You plant good harvest of righteousness. You plant good seeds as a peacemaker. You plant the seeds as a peacemaker. You plant the seeds as a peacemaker. You plant the seeds of peace, folks, and you'll reap a seeds of peace, folks, and you'll reap a seeds of peace, folks, and you'll reap a harvest of righteousness of good things. harvest of righteousness of good things. harvest of righteousness of good things. Paul's very good at this statement of Paul's very good at this statement of Paul's very good at this statement of wisdom. wisdom. wisdom. It's a theme for him. It's a theme for him. It's a theme for him. We admit our need for him. We admit our need for him. We admit our need for him. And if you want wisdom, if you want to And if you want wisdom, if you want to And if you want wisdom, if you want to know what you want to know what God know what you want to know what God know what you want to know what God wants you to do, that brings wisdom. wants you to do, that brings wisdom. wants you to do, that brings wisdom. And difficult times, we have the courage And difficult times, we have the courage And difficult times, we have the courage to get honest with ourselves, to stop to get honest with ourselves, to stop to get honest with ourselves, to stop setting kind of setting God aside setting kind of setting God aside setting kind of setting God aside until you need him.

until you need him. until you need him. Maybe we begin to call out a little more Maybe we begin to call out a little more Maybe we begin to call out a little more to him or thank him a bit more than to him or thank him a bit more than to him or thank him a bit more than we've been thanking him. Maybe we're we've been thanking him. Maybe we're we've been thanking him. Maybe we're more mindful of the blessings that come more mindful of the blessings that come more mindful of the blessings that come our way just because somebody told us our way just because somebody told us our way just because somebody told us what it looked like and how it would what it looked like and how it would what it looked like and how it would happen that we would follow Jesus. happen that we would follow Jesus. happen that we would follow Jesus. We've got to have the right attitude. We We've got to have the right attitude. We We've got to have the right attitude. We have to admit God's need, our need for have to admit God's need, our need for have to admit God's need, our need for God's wisdom. Number three, we have to God's wisdom. Number three, we have to God's wisdom. Number three, we have to ask God for help. ask God for help. ask God for help. Verse five, if you need wisdom, if you Verse five, if you need wisdom, if you Verse five, if you need wisdom, if you want to know what God wants you to do, want to know what God wants you to do, want to know what God wants you to do, ask him. He will gladly tell you. He ask him. He will gladly tell you. He ask him. He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. will not resent your asking. will not resent your asking. I've always found great relief in trying I've always found great relief in trying I've always found great relief in trying times when I talk to someone who's times when I talk to someone who's times when I talk to someone who's experienced the in the in their past experienced the in the in their past experienced the in the in their past what I might be experiencing now. what I might be experiencing now. what I might be experiencing now. That's the beauty of a church. One of That's the beauty of a church. One of That's the beauty of a church. One of one of many many beauties of a church. one of many many beauties of a church. one of many many beauties of a church. So when I throughout the years of that I So when I throughout the years of that I So when I throughout the years of that I uh of being a part of this church, when uh of being a part of this church, when uh of being a part of this church, when I would run into a brick wall, when I I would run into a brick wall, when I I would run into a brick wall, when I would find myself in a trial, there were would find myself in a trial, there were would find myself in a trial, there were people around me in the church older people around me in the church older people around me in the church older than me typically who had been through a than me typically who had been through a than me typically who had been through a trial of some kind. I may have been I trial of some kind. I may have been I trial of some kind. I may have been I may have prayed for them when something may have prayed for them when something may have prayed for them when something was going terribly wrong at work. I may was going terribly wrong at work. I may was going terribly wrong at work. I may have prayed for them when there was a have prayed for them when there was a have prayed for them when there was a health crisis. I don't remember. But I health crisis. I don't remember. But I health crisis. I don't remember. But I could remember people that had gone could remember people that had gone could remember people that had gone through a very difficult moment in their through a very difficult moment in their through a very difficult moment in their life and they came through the other life and they came through the other life and they came through the other side, a different person.

side, a different person. side, a different person. And I never hesitated to search for And I never hesitated to search for And I never hesitated to search for those folks and say, "Take me back to those folks and say, "Take me back to those folks and say, "Take me back to that day that was one of the toughest that day that was one of the toughest that day that was one of the toughest days of your life. days of your life. days of your life. What what did you do to get to be able What what did you do to get to be able What what did you do to get to be able to move forward?" to move forward?" to move forward?" And I'd always find encouragement from And I'd always find encouragement from And I'd always find encouragement from them. them. them. I've always found someone who's I've always found someone who's I've always found someone who's experienced something that I'm now experienced something that I'm now experienced something that I'm now experiencing. I'm going to find them and experiencing. I'm going to find them and experiencing. I'm going to find them and I'm going to talk to them about what I'm going to talk to them about what I'm going to talk to them about what they experienced when they were they experienced when they were they experienced when they were experiencing the same thing I'm now experiencing the same thing I'm now experiencing the same thing I'm now experiencing. Godly men and women who experiencing. Godly men and women who experiencing. Godly men and women who I've watched handle head spinning I've watched handle head spinning I've watched handle head spinning difficult times in relationships, difficult times in relationships, difficult times in relationships, business, and yet in humility, business, and yet in humility, business, and yet in humility, Jesus would get through to them and walk Jesus would get through to them and walk Jesus would get through to them and walk with them through whatever they were with them through whatever they were with them through whatever they were going through. The attitude changed. going through. The attitude changed. going through. The attitude changed. The fear went away. The fear went away. The fear went away. It was in God's hands. They did the best It was in God's hands. They did the best It was in God's hands. They did the best they could with that situation and then they could with that situation and then they could with that situation and then it's in God's hands to see what can it's in God's hands to see what can it's in God's hands to see what can happen. This is one of the greatest happen. This is one of the greatest happen. This is one of the greatest blessings I think one has when you're blessings I think one has when you're blessings I think one has when you're involved in a caring, loving, involved in a caring, loving, involved in a caring, loving, transparent church.

transparent church. transparent church. I think that's one of the great things I think that's one of the great things I think that's one of the great things that happen that we can do this that happen that we can do this that happen that we can do this together. We do life together. I watch together. We do life together. I watch together. We do life together. I watch people all the time. They'll come and people all the time. They'll come and people all the time. They'll come and tell me sometimes, you know, I thought I tell me sometimes, you know, I thought I tell me sometimes, you know, I thought I was the only one in the room that was was the only one in the room that was was the only one in the room that was going through the train wreck that I'm going through the train wreck that I'm going through the train wreck that I'm in right now. I've heard people say in right now. I've heard people say in right now. I've heard people say that. Sometimes they'll go as far to that. Sometimes they'll go as far to that. Sometimes they'll go as far to say, "I'm in a train wreck that I've say, "I'm in a train wreck that I've say, "I'm in a train wreck that I've created. I wrecked the train and I'm created. I wrecked the train and I'm created. I wrecked the train and I'm loaded down with guilt. I'm going to loaded down with guilt. I'm going to loaded down with guilt. I'm going to lose friends over this. I may lose a lose friends over this. I may lose a lose friends over this. I may lose a marriage over this. I may lose my job marriage over this. I may lose my job marriage over this. I may lose my job over this. I've heard that so many over this. I've heard that so many over this. I've heard that so many times." But here's what I want you to times." But here's what I want you to times." But here's what I want you to know. When you have when when you are know. When you have when when you are know. When you have when when you are certain about some things. When you are certain about some things. When you are certain about some things. When you are ready to have the right attitude, when ready to have the right attitude, when ready to have the right attitude, when you're going to admit your need for you're going to admit your need for you're going to admit your need for God's wisdom, clearly there's times I God's wisdom, clearly there's times I God's wisdom, clearly there's times I say, "My wisdom has not worked well." say, "My wisdom has not worked well." say, "My wisdom has not worked well." And it's like God goes, "You think?" And it's like God goes, "You think?" And it's like God goes, "You think?" What was your first clue, Marty, that What was your first clue, Marty, that What was your first clue, Marty, that that wasn't going to work? But that's not what he says. But that's not what he says. He says, "Come on. He says, "Come on. He says, "Come on. Let's be ready for his answer. We're Let's be ready for his answer. We're Let's be ready for his answer. We're going to ask him for help. Keep asking going to ask him for help. Keep asking going to ask him for help. Keep asking him. He'll answer it."

him. He'll answer it." him. He'll answer it." Be careful what you pray for. And I Be careful what you pray for. And I Be careful what you pray for. And I encourage you to pray. Ask God what he encourage you to pray. Ask God what he encourage you to pray. Ask God what he sees in you. what he wants from you. Seek out wisdom from others. So, we have Seek out wisdom from others. So, we have to have the right attitude. Admit our to have the right attitude. Admit our to have the right attitude. Admit our need for his wisdom. We ask him for need for his wisdom. We ask him for need for his wisdom. We ask him for help. We've got to be ready then for the help. We've got to be ready then for the help. We've got to be ready then for the answer. Do we expect him to answer us answer. Do we expect him to answer us answer. Do we expect him to answer us when we ask? when we ask? when we ask? And then finally, we we can get here. We And then finally, we we can get here. We And then finally, we we can get here. We can stand firm in our faith. can stand firm in our faith. can stand firm in our faith. There's a progression here that James, There's a progression here that James, There's a progression here that James, he's painting this incredible picture, he's painting this incredible picture, he's painting this incredible picture, this progression of things that happen this progression of things that happen this progression of things that happen in a life when we truly are willing to in a life when we truly are willing to in a life when we truly are willing to put our life into God's hands to say, "I put our life into God's hands to say, "I put our life into God's hands to say, "I will follow Jesus. Jesus, I give you my will follow Jesus. Jesus, I give you my will follow Jesus. Jesus, I give you my life. I give you my heart, my mind, my life. I give you my heart, my mind, my life. I give you my heart, my mind, my soul. Will you I put my life in your soul. Will you I put my life in your soul. Will you I put my life in your hands." It's a great greatest prayer you hands." It's a great greatest prayer you hands." It's a great greatest prayer you ever pray. And then we learn what's it looked like And then we learn what's it looked like to grow as a believer? What's it look to grow as a believer? What's it look to grow as a believer? What's it look like to stand firm in your faith like like to stand firm in your faith like like to stand firm in your faith like James is talking about here? And you James is talking about here? And you James is talking about here? And you can't stand firm in your faith if your can't stand firm in your faith if your can't stand firm in your faith if your faith is weak. That's why you have to faith is weak. That's why you have to faith is weak. That's why you have to cultivate it. Have you cultivated faith cultivate it. Have you cultivated faith cultivate it. Have you cultivated faith in your daily life? Have you trusted God in your daily life? Have you trusted God in your daily life? Have you trusted God to do things you know you can't do? Have to do things you know you can't do? Have to do things you know you can't do? Have you trusted God to change an attitude you trusted God to change an attitude you trusted God to change an attitude about something or someone you're having about something or someone you're having about something or someone you're having trouble being around? What may what trouble being around? What may what trouble being around? What may what might it be for you? God calls us to might it be for you? God calls us to might it be for you? God calls us to stand firm in our faith. In James 1:6, stand firm in our faith. In James 1:6, stand firm in our faith. In James 1:6, he says, "For a doubtful mind he says, "For a doubtful mind he says, "For a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea is as unsettled as a wave of the sea is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

that is driven and tossed by the wind." that is driven and tossed by the wind." That's what a doubtful mind is. That's what a doubtful mind is. That's what a doubtful mind is. And James goes on to say in verse seven, And James goes on to say in verse seven, And James goes on to say in verse seven, this is this is kind of sobering here. this is this is kind of sobering here. this is this is kind of sobering here. People like that should not expect to People like that should not expect to People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord receive anything from the Lord receive anything from the Lord because they can't make up their minds. because they can't make up their minds. because they can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything They waver back and forth in everything They waver back and forth in everything they do. Simple Simple to the point, to the point, to the point, kind of brutal. We put those three verses back together We put those three verses back together again. For a doubtful mind is unsettled again. For a doubtful mind is unsettled again. For a doubtful mind is unsettled as a wave of the sea that's driven and as a wave of the sea that's driven and as a wave of the sea that's driven and tossed by the wind. People like that tossed by the wind. People like that tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything should not expect to receive anything should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their from the Lord. They can't make up their from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in minds. They waver back and forth in minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do. And that's why I'm everything they do. And that's why I'm everything they do. And that's why I'm always ready to ask you who've not yet always ready to ask you who've not yet always ready to ask you who've not yet decided, are you ready to make a decided, are you ready to make a decided, are you ready to make a commitment to the one who knows you commitment to the one who knows you commitment to the one who knows you better than anybody does, loves you more better than anybody does, loves you more better than anybody does, loves you more than anybody ever will, and would love than anybody ever will, and would love than anybody ever will, and would love to give you the kind of life you're to give you the kind of life you're to give you the kind of life you're capable of having capable of having capable of having to intentionally lean into Jesus.

to intentionally lean into Jesus. to intentionally lean into Jesus. It's the greatest step we ever take. So, as we close, I'm going to ask you to So, as we close, I'm going to ask you to join me in reading join me in reading join me in reading uh I think it's come up on four or five uh I think it's come up on four or five uh I think it's come up on four or five slides. It's long. I I thought about slides. It's long. I I thought about slides. It's long. I I thought about should I should I read this? Should I should I should I read this? Should I should I should I read this? Should I have you read it with me? And uh I have you read it with me? And uh I have you read it with me? And uh I thought I don't want to get excited by thought I don't want to get excited by thought I don't want to get excited by myself. myself. myself. So, I'm going to have you read it with So, I'm going to have you read it with So, I'm going to have you read it with me and and uh in a moment I'll call the me and and uh in a moment I'll call the me and and uh in a moment I'll call the after we're read this and pray together. after we're read this and pray together. after we're read this and pray together. The prayer teams will be at the front of The prayer teams will be at the front of The prayer teams will be at the front of every room. And if you are as you leave every room. And if you are as you leave every room. And if you are as you leave the rooms, you feel free to come to the the rooms, you feel free to come to the the rooms, you feel free to come to the front where there'll be people ready to front where there'll be people ready to front where there'll be people ready to pray for you and uh and we'll uh be pray for you and uh and we'll uh be pray for you and uh and we'll uh be praying for those who are asking for praying for those who are asking for praying for those who are asking for that. Okay, this goes back to 1920. that. Okay, this goes back to 1920. that. Okay, this goes back to 1920. I wasn't there at the time. I wasn't there at the time. I wasn't there at the time. So, let this be our closing prayer. So, let this be our closing prayer. So, let this be our closing prayer. And I think this was a statement of And I think this was a statement of And I think this was a statement of commitment. commitment. commitment. And let me give you a little history on And let me give you a little history on And let me give you a little history on it. A man was just beginning to grasp it. A man was just beginning to grasp it. A man was just beginning to grasp what it meant to follow Jesus. what it meant to follow Jesus. what it meant to follow Jesus. He came across a poem simply titled He came across a poem simply titled He came across a poem simply titled Fellowship of the Unashamed.

Fellowship of the Unashamed. Fellowship of the Unashamed. The story and if its authorship is not The story and if its authorship is not The story and if its authorship is not clear. However, Louise Robinson Chapman, clear. However, Louise Robinson Chapman, clear. However, Louise Robinson Chapman, a veteran missionary to Africa in the a veteran missionary to Africa in the a veteran missionary to Africa in the 1920s and 30s writes that the poem was 1920s and 30s writes that the poem was 1920s and 30s writes that the poem was found among the papers of a young pastor found among the papers of a young pastor found among the papers of a young pastor in Zimbabwe after he was martyed for his in Zimbabwe after he was martyed for his in Zimbabwe after he was martyed for his faith in Christ. faith in Christ. faith in Christ. In other words, he lost his life because In other words, he lost his life because In other words, he lost his life because he would not denounce Jesus. And he he would not denounce Jesus. And he he would not denounce Jesus. And he wrote this down and we're going to say wrote this down and we're going to say wrote this down and we're going to say it. Say it with me. Say it loud. Say it it. Say it with me. Say it loud. Say it it. Say it with me. Say it loud. Say it with emphasis. It deserves I'd have you with emphasis. It deserves I'd have you with emphasis. It deserves I'd have you stand, but not everybody may want to stand, but not everybody may want to stand, but not everybody may want to stand because I don't want anybody to stand because I don't want anybody to stand because I don't want anybody to miss seeing it. So, we're just going to miss seeing it. So, we're just going to miss seeing it. So, we're just going to stay seated. Unless you can't stand it, stay seated. Unless you can't stand it, stay seated. Unless you can't stand it, you can stand. But here we go. Okay, you can stand. But here we go. Okay, you can stand. But here we go. Okay, ready? Are you ready to do something? ready? Are you ready to do something? ready? Are you ready to do something? This is going to be great. I'm telling This is going to be great. I'm telling This is going to be great. I'm telling you, you, you, if it isn't great, you know, I I'll I'll if it isn't great, you know, I I'll I'll if it isn't great, you know, I I'll I'll see you next year. So, here we go. see you next year. So, here we go. see you next year. So, here we go. Ready? I'm a part of the fellowship of Ready? I'm a part of the fellowship of Ready? I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. the unashamed. The die has been cast. the unashamed. The die has been cast. I've stepped over the line. The decision I've stepped over the line. The decision I've stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of his.

has been made. I'm a disciple of his. has been made. I'm a disciple of his. And I won't look back, let up, slow And I won't look back, let up, slow And I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. That's down, back away, or be still. That's down, back away, or be still. That's good. My past is redeemed. My present good. My past is redeemed. My present good. My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I've makes sense. My future is secure. I've makes sense. My future is secure. I've done and finished with low living, sight done and finished with low living, sight done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, walking, small planning, smooth knees, walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, famed visions, mundane colorless dreams, famed visions, mundane colorless dreams, famed visions, mundane topping, cheap living, and dwarfed topping, cheap living, and dwarfed topping, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, goals. I no longer need preeminence, goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, prosperity, position, promotions, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right or first or tops or recognized be right or first or tops or recognized be right or first or tops or recognized or praised or rewarded. I live by faith, or praised or rewarded. I live by faith, or praised or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on his presence, walk by patience, lean on his presence, walk by patience, lean on his presence, walk by patience, live by prayer, and labor by the Holy live by prayer, and labor by the Holy live by prayer, and labor by the Holy Spirit power. My face is set. My gate is Spirit power. My face is set. My gate is Spirit power. My face is set. My gate is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, narrow, my way rough, my companions few, narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable, and my mission but my guide is reliable, and my mission but my guide is reliable, and my mission is clear. Here we keep going. I will not is clear. Here we keep going. I will not is clear. Here we keep going. I will not be bought, compromised, detourred, lured be bought, compromised, detourred, lured be bought, compromised, detourred, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.

away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of I will not flinch in the face of I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, or hesitate in the presence sacrifice, or hesitate in the presence sacrifice, or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate of the adversary. I will not negotiate of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the at the table of the enemy, ponder at the at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the pool of popularity, or meander in the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. maze of mediocrity. maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, led up until I won't give up, shut up, led up until I won't give up, shut up, led up until I've stayed up, stored up, prayed up, I've stayed up, stored up, prayed up, I've stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause paid up, and preached up for the cause paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I'm a disciple of Jesus. I of Christ. I'm a disciple of Jesus. I of Christ. I'm a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop. Preach until all must give until I drop. Preach until all must give until I drop. Preach until all know. Work until he comes. And when he know. Work until he comes. And when he know. Work until he comes. And when he does come for his own, he'll have no does come for his own, he'll have no does come for his own, he'll have no problems recognizing me, my banner will problems recognizing me, my banner will problems recognizing me, my banner will be clear. And all the people said, be clear. And all the people said, be clear. And all the people said, "Amen." Father, you are kind and loving to us Father, you are kind and loving to us and we are thankful. May we leave this and we are thankful. May we leave this and we are thankful. May we leave this place of worship and may we leave with place of worship and may we leave with place of worship and may we leave with our heads high. May we leave with a our heads high. May we leave with a our heads high. May we leave with a renewed sense of your love for us. May renewed sense of your love for us. May renewed sense of your love for us. May may some leave knowing it's time to get may some leave knowing it's time to get may some leave knowing it's time to get serious about following you, Lord.

serious about following you, Lord. serious about following you, Lord. Whatever your will is in this place Whatever your will is in this place Whatever your will is in this place today, we ask you to bring it. We pray today, we ask you to bring it. We pray today, we ask you to bring it. We pray in Jesus name. And everybody said, in Jesus name. And everybody said, in Jesus name. And everybody said, "Amen." And amen.