Entrusted ... and Empowered

Thank you crossings for your tremendous Thank you crossings for your tremendous uh support last Sunday. Uh it was it was uh support last Sunday. Uh it was it was uh support last Sunday. Uh it was it was kind of historic I think it's always kind of historic I think it's always kind of historic I think it's always pretty good but uh th this what happened pretty good but uh th this what happened pretty good but uh th this what happened last Sunday. You know I made some last Sunday. You know I made some last Sunday. You know I made some comments. I was talking about how we are comments. I was talking about how we are comments. I was talking about how we are a church that wants to be a a giving a church that wants to be a a giving a church that wants to be a a giving church. We want to be a a church that church. We want to be a a church that church. We want to be a a church that will always uh be generous and we can't will always uh be generous and we can't will always uh be generous and we can't be that we can't be generous to the be that we can't be generous to the be that we can't be generous to the community, to the city, to the state and community, to the city, to the state and community, to the city, to the state and beyond if you're not generous with what beyond if you're not generous with what beyond if you're not generous with what the Bible calls our tithes and the Bible calls our tithes and the Bible calls our tithes and offerings. So I you had a little card offerings. So I you had a little card offerings. So I you had a little card and just you know we're way everybody and just you know we're way everybody and just you know we're way everybody says we're way too large to be doing says we're way too large to be doing says we're way too large to be doing this when you hand out a card. You can this when you hand out a card. You can this when you hand out a card. You can vote on the budget, you can vote on vote on the budget, you can vote on vote on the budget, you can vote on elders and all that and uh but I at elders and all that and uh but I at elders and all that and uh but I at least I said last week and you won't least I said last week and you won't least I said last week and you won't know some of these people's names. You know some of these people's names. You know some of these people's names. You can you can get to know them. You can can you can get to know them. You can can you can get to know them. You can look at those details but I just said I look at those details but I just said I look at those details but I just said I hope you'll know that uh at least hope you'll know that uh at least hope you'll know that uh at least turning in that card if you feel so turning in that card if you feel so turning in that card if you feel so inclined would would give me a sense inclined would would give me a sense inclined would would give me a sense that you're okay with things. It's like that you're okay with things. It's like that you're okay with things. It's like your vote of approval. That would mean your vote of approval. That would mean your vote of approval. That would mean more than anything. Well, this uh and more than anything. Well, this uh and more than anything. Well, this uh and other pastors I've talked to, a few this other pastors I've talked to, a few this other pastors I've talked to, a few this week, they think I'm lying. Uh or I'm week, they think I'm lying. Uh or I'm week, they think I'm lying. Uh or I'm stretching the truth or evangelistically stretching the truth or evangelistically stretching the truth or evangelistically speaking speaking speaking and and I I've been guilty of that.

and and I I've been guilty of that. and and I I've been guilty of that. Today, I'm going to give you the facts. Today, I'm going to give you the facts. Today, I'm going to give you the facts. And this is mind-blower. And this is mind-blower. And this is mind-blower. I I don't even know how to I just need I I don't even know how to I just need I I don't even know how to I just need to quit talking about it and tell you to quit talking about it and tell you to quit talking about it and tell you 99.6% 6% of you voted to approve all of 99.6% 6% of you voted to approve all of 99.6% 6% of you voted to approve all of it. And that is unheard of. it. And that is unheard of. it. And that is unheard of. That 99% That 99% That 99% and we've we've identified the 24 who and we've we've identified the 24 who and we've we've identified the 24 who didn't vote for it. Just kidding. You you didn't have to Just kidding. You you didn't have to sign it. There were no names. So, he sign it. There were no names. So, he sign it. There were no names. So, he just But that that was a that meant a just But that that was a that meant a just But that that was a that meant a lot of things to our team, to our lot of things to our team, to our lot of things to our team, to our leadership, but uh it spoke volumes and leadership, but uh it spoke volumes and leadership, but uh it spoke volumes and we're thankful. I tell you what, when a we're thankful. I tell you what, when a we're thankful. I tell you what, when a church has unity, when we're unified, church has unity, when we're unified, church has unity, when we're unified, when we're enthused about what God is when we're enthused about what God is when we're enthused about what God is doing in our midst, there will be great doing in our midst, there will be great doing in our midst, there will be great things happen in a community where things happen in a community where things happen in a community where that's going on. And that's what's that's going on. And that's what's that's going on. And that's what's happening to us, that's what's happening happening to us, that's what's happening happening to us, that's what's happening in the community. And I'm thankful for in the community. And I'm thankful for in the community. And I'm thankful for that. I'm very thankful for that. Now, that. I'm very thankful for that. Now, that. I'm very thankful for that. Now, I'm going to talk to you today about uh I'm going to talk to you today about uh I'm going to talk to you today about uh before I jump in the message, uh there's before I jump in the message, uh there's before I jump in the message, uh there's another thing that's been happening and another thing that's been happening and another thing that's been happening and I thought I need to just tell you that I thought I need to just tell you that I thought I need to just tell you that it's on purpose and uh we're going to do it's on purpose and uh we're going to do it's on purpose and uh we're going to do more of it and that is the idea of our more of it and that is the idea of our more of it and that is the idea of our teaching team. Uh we've been doing this teaching team. Uh we've been doing this teaching team. Uh we've been doing this probably now for about a year and a probably now for about a year and a probably now for about a year and a half, maybe close to two years where half, maybe close to two years where half, maybe close to two years where there's been a team of us carrying the there's been a team of us carrying the there's been a team of us carrying the the the the bulk of the preaching the the the bulk of the preaching the the the bulk of the preaching assignment in our various rooms. I'm assignment in our various rooms. I'm assignment in our various rooms. I'm still preaching maybe just on my own uh still preaching maybe just on my own uh still preaching maybe just on my own uh lost up here on the stage by myself uh

lost up here on the stage by myself uh lost up here on the stage by myself uh 25 30 times a year right now maybe. But 25 30 times a year right now maybe. But 25 30 times a year right now maybe. But the teaching team has been uh something the teaching team has been uh something the teaching team has been uh something I always wanted to experiment with. I've I always wanted to experiment with. I've I always wanted to experiment with. I've seen other great churches across the seen other great churches across the seen other great churches across the country do this and what I'm finding is country do this and what I'm finding is country do this and what I'm finding is I tell you what drove me to it. Um I I tell you what drove me to it. Um I I tell you what drove me to it. Um I grew up in church. My dad was a grew up in church. My dad was a grew up in church. My dad was a phenomenal pastor. We had a very large phenomenal pastor. We had a very large phenomenal pastor. We had a very large church. I I I didn't know anything other church. I I I didn't know anything other church. I I I didn't know anything other than a larger church. Now, it was much than a larger church. Now, it was much than a larger church. Now, it was much smaller as a kid, but by the time I smaller as a kid, but by the time I smaller as a kid, but by the time I graduated from college and moved out graduated from college and moved out graduated from college and moved out here and left home in Ohio, dad's church here and left home in Ohio, dad's church here and left home in Ohio, dad's church was probably 2,000 people strong. I was was probably 2,000 people strong. I was was probably 2,000 people strong. I was accustomed to that. I was used to that accustomed to that. I was used to that accustomed to that. I was used to that kind of church. But I remember when my kind of church. But I remember when my kind of church. But I remember when my dad resigned and left the church, dad resigned and left the church, dad resigned and left the church, they loved my dad they loved my dad they loved my dad and so did I. and so did I. and so did I. There was some turmoil. Well, there was There was some turmoil. Well, there was There was some turmoil. Well, there was some conflict, which is not unusual in some conflict, which is not unusual in some conflict, which is not unusual in churches, in transitions. churches, in transitions. churches, in transitions. I've watched some of the greatest I've watched some of the greatest I've watched some of the greatest churches across the country because one churches across the country because one churches across the country because one guy leaves guy leaves guy leaves and everything seems to fall apart. And and everything seems to fall apart. And and everything seems to fall apart. And some pastors want that to happen.

some pastors want that to happen. some pastors want that to happen. They plan for it to fall apart. Thinks They plan for it to fall apart. Thinks They plan for it to fall apart. Thinks it'll make them look better, which it it'll make them look better, which it it'll make them look better, which it doesn't. So, I've watched all of this doesn't. So, I've watched all of this doesn't. So, I've watched all of this and I thought, Lord, I'm not going to and I thought, Lord, I'm not going to and I thought, Lord, I'm not going to give my life to this thing. And then one give my life to this thing. And then one give my life to this thing. And then one day when I'm too tired to either walk, day when I'm too tired to either walk, day when I'm too tired to either walk, talk, lose my mind, or die. One of the talk, lose my mind, or die. One of the talk, lose my mind, or die. One of the two. All the odds are pretty good. Uh, two. All the odds are pretty good. Uh, two. All the odds are pretty good. Uh, this church is gonna be stronger after this church is gonna be stronger after this church is gonna be stronger after me than it was before me. And that's me than it was before me. And that's me than it was before me. And that's very important that we never lose sight very important that we never lose sight very important that we never lose sight of that. Now, don't worry. I'm not I of that. Now, don't worry. I'm not I of that. Now, don't worry. I'm not I know you're waiting. Is he going to know you're waiting. Is he going to know you're waiting. Is he going to stop? Nope. Sorry, not yet. So, the teaching Nope. Sorry, not yet. So, the teaching team has been something that's been an team has been something that's been an team has been something that's been an answer to prayer. I just want you to answer to prayer. I just want you to answer to prayer. I just want you to know we're going to do more of it in know we're going to do more of it in know we're going to do more of it in this fall season and I think it's this fall season and I think it's this fall season and I think it's something that's here to stay. I see something that's here to stay. I see something that's here to stay. I see good things happening. The teaching team good things happening. The teaching team good things happening. The teaching team includes our location pastors Andy includes our location pastors Andy includes our location pastors Andy Rashkov, Bill Search, Blake Baston, Rashkov, Bill Search, Blake Baston, Rashkov, Bill Search, Blake Baston, Jared Chambers at Mayfair, Mark uh Young Jared Chambers at Mayfair, Mark uh Young Jared Chambers at Mayfair, Mark uh Young Bloodood Community Center, Joe Po Bloodood Community Center, Joe Po Bloodood Community Center, Joe Po Thompson, Jeff McMillan, and Edund. And Thompson, Jeff McMillan, and Edund. And Thompson, Jeff McMillan, and Edund. And then there's others on that team, me then there's others on that team, me then there's others on that team, me included. So again, it's a it's a an included. So again, it's a it's a an included. So again, it's a it's a an approach I believe is healthy for our approach I believe is healthy for our approach I believe is healthy for our church and it's something that we want church and it's something that we want church and it's something that we want to continue doing. I will occasionally to continue doing. I will occasionally to continue doing. I will occasionally through this fall season uh want to through this fall season uh want to through this fall season uh want to stream to the whole church at different stream to the whole church at different stream to the whole church at different times congregations. I'll be rotating times congregations. I'll be rotating times congregations. I'll be rotating through the rooms with all the others.

through the rooms with all the others. through the rooms with all the others. But I just wanted you to know that But I just wanted you to know that But I just wanted you to know that there's a reason for this and now you there's a reason for this and now you there's a reason for this and now you know why. And I believe it's healthy and know why. And I believe it's healthy and know why. And I believe it's healthy and I believe it's healthier for us going I believe it's healthier for us going I believe it's healthier for us going forward and I'm seeing such good things forward and I'm seeing such good things forward and I'm seeing such good things happen to us. One of the great models I happen to us. One of the great models I happen to us. One of the great models I observed doing this was Rick Warren's observed doing this was Rick Warren's observed doing this was Rick Warren's church out in California. they shifted church out in California. they shifted church out in California. they shifted to this approach and and Rick Warren is to this approach and and Rick Warren is to this approach and and Rick Warren is the happiest guy in California because the happiest guy in California because the happiest guy in California because his church has never grown so fast. And his church has never grown so fast. And his church has never grown so fast. And so that's what's wonderful about what so that's what's wonderful about what so that's what's wonderful about what can happen in this changing culture that can happen in this changing culture that can happen in this changing culture that we're in when we hear multiple voices. we're in when we hear multiple voices. we're in when we hear multiple voices. And I love the idea, as you know, we've And I love the idea, as you know, we've And I love the idea, as you know, we've already been doing it. Just wanted you already been doing it. Just wanted you already been doing it. Just wanted you to know we're going to do some more of to know we're going to do some more of to know we're going to do some more of it. So with all that said, there's a lot it. So with all that said, there's a lot it. So with all that said, there's a lot going on at Crossings. going on at Crossings. going on at Crossings. God's up to all kinds of things. God's up to all kinds of things. God's up to all kinds of things. And whether you drive out to Kovll and And whether you drive out to Kovll and And whether you drive out to Kovll and Air Depot Air Depot Air Depot or visit the community center or the or visit the community center or the or visit the community center or the clinics or one of the other locations, clinics or one of the other locations, clinics or one of the other locations, you just see God at work. If you don't you just see God at work. If you don't you just see God at work. If you don't get a chance to see God at work much and get a chance to see God at work much and get a chance to see God at work much and you haven't stopped by some of those you haven't stopped by some of those you haven't stopped by some of those places, stop by.

places, stop by. places, stop by. You know, we tithe on your tithe. When You know, we tithe on your tithe. When You know, we tithe on your tithe. When you give, we give. And that's how we do you give, we give. And that's how we do you give, we give. And that's how we do all these mission projects and give our all these mission projects and give our all these mission projects and give our money out to those things. That's our money out to those things. That's our money out to those things. That's our 10% tithe. I think that's why God 10% tithe. I think that's why God 10% tithe. I think that's why God blesses our church because we are a blesses our church because we are a blesses our church because we are a tithing church. We tithe on your tithe. tithing church. We tithe on your tithe. tithing church. We tithe on your tithe. So feel free to go see with your own So feel free to go see with your own So feel free to go see with your own eyes what God is doing in these places eyes what God is doing in these places eyes what God is doing in these places where doors open that we didn't even where doors open that we didn't even where doors open that we didn't even knock on those doors. And doors open and knock on those doors. And doors open and knock on those doors. And doors open and God said, "I believe you all have the God said, "I believe you all have the God said, "I believe you all have the potential to do this. Let's go do it." potential to do this. Let's go do it." potential to do this. Let's go do it." And thankfully we have people and And thankfully we have people and And thankfully we have people and leadership that says, "Let's go." When leadership that says, "Let's go." When leadership that says, "Let's go." When God opened the door and I'm very God opened the door and I'm very God opened the door and I'm very thankful for that. But one thing I think thankful for that. But one thing I think thankful for that. But one thing I think we've got to really focus on and I want we've got to really focus on and I want we've got to really focus on and I want to spend the next few minutes on on this to spend the next few minutes on on this to spend the next few minutes on on this subject and that is that uh we need to subject and that is that uh we need to subject and that is that uh we need to be sure we are a church that's spending be sure we are a church that's spending be sure we are a church that's spending a lot of time on our knees. a lot of time on our knees. a lot of time on our knees. We need to be a praying church. I We need to be a praying church. I We need to be a praying church. I believe we are. There's a lot of great believe we are. There's a lot of great believe we are. There's a lot of great praying that takes place in all the praying that takes place in all the praying that takes place in all the locations before and after services and locations before and after services and locations before and after services and through the week.

through the week. through the week. But we need to be very clear about that. But we need to be very clear about that. But we need to be very clear about that. It is prayer that will be the fuel of It is prayer that will be the fuel of It is prayer that will be the fuel of what God wants to do in our individual what God wants to do in our individual what God wants to do in our individual lives and in our church. lives and in our church. lives and in our church. So, let's talk about prayer. I this So, let's talk about prayer. I this So, let's talk about prayer. I this wasn't necessarily the plan for today, wasn't necessarily the plan for today, wasn't necessarily the plan for today, but the more I thought about it the last but the more I thought about it the last but the more I thought about it the last couple weeks, let's just get clear about couple weeks, let's just get clear about couple weeks, let's just get clear about prayer and the privileges we have that prayer and the privileges we have that prayer and the privileges we have that come with being people who will pray. come with being people who will pray. come with being people who will pray. Let's start at 1 Thessalonians 5. Let's start at 1 Thessalonians 5. Let's start at 1 Thessalonians 5. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances for this thankful in all circumstances for this thankful in all circumstances for this is God's will for you who belong to is God's will for you who belong to is God's will for you who belong to Jesus Christ. Don't miss this is God's Jesus Christ. Don't miss this is God's Jesus Christ. Don't miss this is God's will. will. will. >> We all want to know God's will. >> We all want to know God's will. >> We all want to know God's will. >> And and here's just a peak at part of >> And and here's just a peak at part of >> And and here's just a peak at part of God's will. Be thankful in all in God's will. Be thankful in all in God's will. Be thankful in all in circumstances for this is God's will for circumstances for this is God's will for circumstances for this is God's will for those who belong to Christ. Do not those who belong to Christ. Do not those who belong to Christ. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies. Test everything that is prophecies. Test everything that is prophecies. Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from evil. That's just pretty good old from evil. That's just pretty good old from evil. That's just pretty good old common sense. I could hear my own common sense. I could hear my own common sense. I could hear my own grandmother saying that. You know, you grandmother saying that. You know, you grandmother saying that. You know, you you just you test everything they say.

you just you test everything they say. you just you test everything they say. You hold on to what is good and you stay You hold on to what is good and you stay You hold on to what is good and you stay away from evil or I'm going to get the away from evil or I'm going to get the away from evil or I'm going to get the switch out and we'll have a chat. That switch out and we'll have a chat. That switch out and we'll have a chat. That my grandmother that would that would I my grandmother that would that would I my grandmother that would that would I heard her voice in that. But look what heard her voice in that. But look what heard her voice in that. But look what it's telling us to always be joyful. it's telling us to always be joyful. it's telling us to always be joyful. It's hard to be joyful. Some of you It's hard to be joyful. Some of you It's hard to be joyful. Some of you walked in here today carrying stuff and walked in here today carrying stuff and walked in here today carrying stuff and burdens and difficulties. It's hard to burdens and difficulties. It's hard to burdens and difficulties. It's hard to and you're hearing me say be joyful and and you're hearing me say be joyful and and you're hearing me say be joyful and you're going really and I'm going to you're going really and I'm going to you're going really and I'm going to say, "Yeah, say, "Yeah, say, "Yeah, we can be joyful in the worst of we can be joyful in the worst of we can be joyful in the worst of circumstances." Why? Because we're not circumstances." Why? Because we're not circumstances." Why? Because we're not alone in these circumstances. alone in these circumstances. alone in these circumstances. That's just one reason. We're not alone. That's just one reason. We're not alone. That's just one reason. We're not alone. We're surrounded by this cloud of We're surrounded by this cloud of We're surrounded by this cloud of witnesses. The Bible says we can be witnesses. The Bible says we can be witnesses. The Bible says we can be joyful. It's not easy, but if God is joyful. It's not easy, but if God is joyful. It's not easy, but if God is real and if he keeps his promises, then real and if he keeps his promises, then real and if he keeps his promises, then we know we can be joyful. There's always we know we can be joyful. There's always we know we can be joyful. There's always hope. hope. hope. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Always. Never stop praying. Let me ask >> Always. Never stop praying. Let me ask >> Always. Never stop praying. Let me ask you, are you praying at all? No one stopping you.

No one stopping you. Let's be praying for each other. Let's Let's be praying for each other. Let's Let's be praying for each other. Let's be praying for our church. Let's pray be praying for our church. Let's pray be praying for our church. Let's pray for our team. Pray for our pastors. for our team. Pray for our pastors. for our team. Pray for our pastors. Let's pray for wisdom and discernment. Let's pray for wisdom and discernment. Let's pray for wisdom and discernment. Let's pray that we'll hear only God's Let's pray that we'll hear only God's Let's pray that we'll hear only God's voice and not all the clutter and voice and not all the clutter and voice and not all the clutter and chatter that sometimes tends to drown chatter that sometimes tends to drown chatter that sometimes tends to drown out that voice. Let's be thankful in all out that voice. Let's be thankful in all out that voice. Let's be thankful in all circumstances. That's hard to do, but do circumstances. That's hard to do, but do circumstances. That's hard to do, but do we have faith? Can we be thankful in a we have faith? Can we be thankful in a we have faith? Can we be thankful in a moment that's difficult? moment that's difficult? moment that's difficult? Can we be thankful in a moment that we Can we be thankful in a moment that we Can we be thankful in a moment that we know is going to get more difficult? Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Let's not Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Let's not toss aside or ignore the gifts and the toss aside or ignore the gifts and the toss aside or ignore the gifts and the wisdom he gives us. Let's not toss aside wisdom he gives us. Let's not toss aside wisdom he gives us. Let's not toss aside when we get that holy nudge that we're when we get that holy nudge that we're when we get that holy nudge that we're supposed to do something, say something, supposed to do something, say something, supposed to do something, say something, give something, go somewhere. We and not give something, go somewhere. We and not give something, go somewhere. We and not ignore that. Let's not stifle what the ignore that. Let's not stifle what the ignore that. Let's not stifle what the spirit. We need to test those things. spirit. We need to test those things. spirit. We need to test those things. That's why sometimes you feel stirred. That's why sometimes you feel stirred. That's why sometimes you feel stirred. You feel like something's coming into You feel like something's coming into You feel like something's coming into your life. Something's hit your mind. your life. Something's hit your mind. your life. Something's hit your mind. Something that won't let you go. And Something that won't let you go. And Something that won't let you go. And when I get those things, certainly we when I get those things, certainly we when I get those things, certainly we turn to the word. We turn to prayer. But turn to the word. We turn to prayer. But turn to the word. We turn to prayer. But but I also turn to people I trust who but I also turn to people I trust who but I also turn to people I trust who who say, "Tell me what you think about who say, "Tell me what you think about who say, "Tell me what you think about this. Are you seeing this? Am I seeing this. Are you seeing this? Am I seeing this. Are you seeing this? Am I seeing this correctly?" We have that we've had this correctly?" We have that we've had this correctly?" We have that we've had that conversations hundreds of times that conversations hundreds of times that conversations hundreds of times >> in our journey as a church.

>> in our journey as a church. >> in our journey as a church. Let's not let's not toss aside or ignore Let's not let's not toss aside or ignore Let's not let's not toss aside or ignore the wisdom that the Holy Spirit will the wisdom that the Holy Spirit will the wisdom that the Holy Spirit will bring us. Let's not toss aside or scoff bring us. Let's not toss aside or scoff bring us. Let's not toss aside or scoff at prophecies. at prophecies. at prophecies. The prophecies that word kind of scares The prophecies that word kind of scares The prophecies that word kind of scares us a little bit. It It kind of What us a little bit. It It kind of What us a little bit. It It kind of What What's that mean? You know, some people What's that mean? You know, some people What's that mean? You know, some people think that sounds a little think that sounds a little think that sounds a little the Twilight Zone. the Twilight Zone. the Twilight Zone. That's not what it is. That's not what it is. That's not what it is. Basically, it's when God just seems to Basically, it's when God just seems to Basically, it's when God just seems to want to speak to us or get our attention want to speak to us or get our attention want to speak to us or get our attention or remind us of something that God has or remind us of something that God has or remind us of something that God has done in some great way throughout the done in some great way throughout the done in some great way throughout the scriptures that we're reminded of. When scriptures that we're reminded of. When scriptures that we're reminded of. When we and we get encouragement from that, we and we get encouragement from that, we and we get encouragement from that, we get some discernment out of that. we get some discernment out of that. we get some discernment out of that. What might God be wanting us to see or What might God be wanting us to see or What might God be wanting us to see or understand or say or do or not say? understand or say or do or not say? understand or say or do or not say? Test everything that is said. Test everything that is said. Test everything that is said. That just means let's make sure what is That just means let's make sure what is That just means let's make sure what is said is true. said is true. said is true. It's true and honest.

It's true and honest. It's true and honest. Hold on to what is good. That's what Hold on to what is good. That's what Hold on to what is good. That's what prayer means. That's what this prayer in prayer means. That's what this prayer in prayer means. That's what this prayer in first Thessalonians. Hold on to what is first Thessalonians. Hold on to what is first Thessalonians. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from evil. And let me good. Stay away from evil. And let me good. Stay away from evil. And let me just tell you, prayer is always worth just tell you, prayer is always worth just tell you, prayer is always worth the effort. And you already know we're the effort. And you already know we're the effort. And you already know we're serious about prayer in this place. serious about prayer in this place. serious about prayer in this place. Today, at the end of all of our Today, at the end of all of our Today, at the end of all of our services, we'll have prayer teams at the services, we'll have prayer teams at the services, we'll have prayer teams at the front of every room for people to pray. front of every room for people to pray. front of every room for people to pray. To pray for you, pray over you, pray To pray for you, pray over you, pray To pray for you, pray over you, pray with you, whatever you need. with you, whatever you need. with you, whatever you need. Jesus, of course, was the champion of Jesus, of course, was the champion of Jesus, of course, was the champion of prayer. One day, Jesus told his prayer. One day, Jesus told his prayer. One day, Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they disciples a story to show that they disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. should always pray and never give up. should always pray and never give up. That's Luke 18:1. That's Luke 18:1. That's Luke 18:1. So, let's let's pray. You should always So, let's let's pray. You should always So, let's let's pray. You should always pray and never give up. Prayer is is pray and never give up. Prayer is is pray and never give up. Prayer is is first. We start there. We tend to try first. We start there. We tend to try first. We start there. We tend to try everything else first and then if our everything else first and then if our everything else first and then if our thoughts or our wisdom doesn't seem to thoughts or our wisdom doesn't seem to thoughts or our wisdom doesn't seem to be making sense, we finally turn to be making sense, we finally turn to be making sense, we finally turn to Jesus and say, "Okay, Lord, I've tried Jesus and say, "Okay, Lord, I've tried Jesus and say, "Okay, Lord, I've tried everything else. Can you help me?" everything else. Can you help me?" everything else. Can you help me?" John 15:4, "Remain in me." John 15:4, "Remain in me." John 15:4, "Remain in me." Jesus said, "Remain in me and I'll Jesus said, "Remain in me and I'll Jesus said, "Remain in me and I'll remain in you. For a branch can't remain in you. For a branch can't remain in you. For a branch can't produce fruit if it's severed from the produce fruit if it's severed from the produce fruit if it's severed from the vine. And you cannot be fruitful unless vine. And you cannot be fruitful unless vine. And you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Here's the problem. A you remain in me. Here's the problem. A you remain in me. Here's the problem. A lot of people come to Christ. We follow lot of people come to Christ. We follow lot of people come to Christ. We follow Christ. We love all the benefits and Christ. We love all the benefits and Christ. We love all the benefits and awesome things that come through Christ awesome things that come through Christ awesome things that come through Christ when we feel like we he's answered when we feel like we he's answered when we feel like we he's answered prayer. When we feel like he has calmed prayer. When we feel like he has calmed prayer. When we feel like he has calmed a troubled spirit. When we feel like he a troubled spirit. When we feel like he a troubled spirit. When we feel like he is helping mend a relationship. But is helping mend a relationship. But is helping mend a relationship. But there are times when we think I can there are times when we think I can there are times when we think I can handle this on my own. You can't tear a handle this on my own. You can't tear a handle this on my own. You can't tear a branch off a tree, walk away, and then branch off a tree, walk away, and then branch off a tree, walk away, and then come back later and tape that branch come back later and tape that branch come back later and tape that branch back on the tree.

back on the tree. back on the tree. >> You're either abiding in that vine or >> You're either abiding in that vine or >> You're either abiding in that vine or you're not. And Jesus says, "You remain you're not. And Jesus says, "You remain you're not. And Jesus says, "You remain in me, I'll remain in you." For a branch in me, I'll remain in you." For a branch in me, I'll remain in you." For a branch can't produce fruit if it's severed from can't produce fruit if it's severed from can't produce fruit if it's severed from the vine. Stay connected to the vine. the vine. Stay connected to the vine. the vine. Stay connected to the vine. You can't be fruitful unless you remain You can't be fruitful unless you remain You can't be fruitful unless you remain in me. That's what Jesus tells us. in me. That's what Jesus tells us. in me. That's what Jesus tells us. That's the path to being fruitful. That's the path to being fruitful. That's the path to being fruitful. Remain, stay close by where you can hear Remain, stay close by where you can hear Remain, stay close by where you can hear his voice. Sense his nudge. his voice. Sense his nudge. his voice. Sense his nudge. I think that's one reason we gather for I think that's one reason we gather for I think that's one reason we gather for worship. worship. worship. I I think it's important that we gather I I think it's important that we gather I I think it's important that we gather for worship. I I think people may for worship. I I think people may for worship. I I think people may sometime use going to church as a way of sometime use going to church as a way of sometime use going to church as a way of checking a box. The current culture is checking a box. The current culture is checking a box. The current culture is checking the box one and a half times a checking the box one and a half times a checking the box one and a half times a month. I think that's absurd. month. I think that's absurd. month. I think that's absurd. I don't know if I'm stepping on some I don't know if I'm stepping on some I don't know if I'm stepping on some toes here or not, but if you can only ek toes here or not, but if you can only ek toes here or not, but if you can only ek out one and a half times a month to give out one and a half times a month to give out one and a half times a month to give glory to God, to come into his place to glory to God, to come into his place to glory to God, to come into his place to worship him and to pray, if you can just worship him and to pray, if you can just worship him and to pray, if you can just give him one and a half times a month, give him one and a half times a month, give him one and a half times a month, there's something really wrong with your there's something really wrong with your there's something really wrong with your schedule, your attitude, or your heart. schedule, your attitude, or your heart. schedule, your attitude, or your heart. Right.

Right. Right. >> You've got to be careful with this. >> You've got to be careful with this. >> You've got to be careful with this. >> We're taking it for granted. It's either >> We're taking it for granted. It's either >> We're taking it for granted. It's either a powerful moment when God's people a powerful moment when God's people a powerful moment when God's people gather for worship, for prayer, to gather for worship, for prayer, to gather for worship, for prayer, to support, to love each other, to support, to love each other, to support, to love each other, to encourage. That's a powerful thing that encourage. That's a powerful thing that encourage. That's a powerful thing that happens. Then why are so many of us happens. Then why are so many of us happens. Then why are so many of us saying, "Well, I can I can take one dose saying, "Well, I can I can take one dose saying, "Well, I can I can take one dose of it, but that's all I need." of it, but that's all I need." of it, but that's all I need." No wonder our lives can become a mess. No wonder we have families in trouble No wonder we have families in trouble and marriages in trouble. I'm not saying and marriages in trouble. I'm not saying and marriages in trouble. I'm not saying attending church solves all that, but attending church solves all that, but attending church solves all that, but I'm telling you this, a a family that I'm telling you this, a a family that I'm telling you this, a a family that will pray together, a couple that will will pray together, a couple that will will pray together, a couple that will pray together and worship together, pray together and worship together, pray together and worship together, there's a lot going on there that you're there's a lot going on there that you're there's a lot going on there that you're going to really appreciate one day when going to really appreciate one day when going to really appreciate one day when you wake up and realize what God is you wake up and realize what God is you wake up and realize what God is willing to do if we just put him first. willing to do if we just put him first. willing to do if we just put him first. >> Prayer is our privilege. >> Prayer is our privilege. >> Prayer is our privilege. >> We remain in him. We don't dive in and >> We remain in him. We don't dive in and >> We remain in him. We don't dive in and jump out and then jump in when we need jump out and then jump in when we need jump out and then jump in when we need him again. No, we remain. him again. No, we remain. him again. No, we remain. We stay. We hear his voice.

We stay. We hear his voice. We stay. We hear his voice. Many of you go to the gym every morning. Many of you go to the gym every morning. Many of you go to the gym every morning. I've heard it's uh something a lot of I've heard it's uh something a lot of I've heard it's uh something a lot of people do. Um and you know my, you know, people do. Um and you know my, you know, people do. Um and you know my, you know, you've been here a while, you know. Uh you've been here a while, you know. Uh you've been here a while, you know. Uh I' I've not been in one in a long time I' I've not been in one in a long time I' I've not been in one in a long time and haven't felt a need to be. I I mean, and haven't felt a need to be. I I mean, and haven't felt a need to be. I I mean, does it get any better looking than does it get any better looking than does it get any better looking than this? So, you know, so that's what I say this? So, you know, so that's what I say this? So, you know, so that's what I say all the time. I mean, it makes my family all the time. I mean, it makes my family all the time. I mean, it makes my family cringe, but you know, so many of you go cringe, but you know, so many of you go cringe, but you know, so many of you go to the gym every morning or several to the gym every morning or several to the gym every morning or several times a week. You want to be fit. You times a week. You want to be fit. You times a week. You want to be fit. You want to be in shape. Physical exercise want to be in shape. Physical exercise want to be in shape. Physical exercise is good for us. I get all that. It's is good for us. I get all that. It's is good for us. I get all that. It's good for the body. It's good for the good for the body. It's good for the good for the body. It's good for the heart. It's good for the mind. Timoth 1 heart. It's good for the mind. Timoth 1 heart. It's good for the mind. Timoth 1 Timothy 4:7, though, says this. Train Timothy 4:7, though, says this. Train Timothy 4:7, though, says this. Train yourself to be godly. >> Work out. That's great. >> Work out. That's great. I'm not I'm just joking about that I'm not I'm just joking about that I'm not I'm just joking about that stuff. It's good to do it. Train yourself though to what what's it Train yourself though to what what's it look like in your life for you to be look like in your life for you to be look like in your life for you to be godly? godly? godly? A reflection of God's grace and A reflection of God's grace and A reflection of God's grace and kindness, the love and forgiveness of kindness, the love and forgiveness of kindness, the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ who knowing the worst about Jesus Christ who knowing the worst about Jesus Christ who knowing the worst about us, loved us anyway and still does.

us, loved us anyway and still does. us, loved us anyway and still does. >> So what do we do? We pray. We ask God. >> So what do we do? We pray. We ask God. >> So what do we do? We pray. We ask God. We get honest with him. We tell him what We get honest with him. We tell him what We get honest with him. We tell him what we need. we need. we need. And I can guarantee you, he will always And I can guarantee you, he will always And I can guarantee you, he will always show up for you. So, just a couple of show up for you. So, just a couple of show up for you. So, just a couple of things I want to leave you with to kind things I want to leave you with to kind things I want to leave you with to kind of wrap this up. Three three thoughts of wrap this up. Three three thoughts of wrap this up. Three three thoughts about uh prayer that I I'd like to share about uh prayer that I I'd like to share about uh prayer that I I'd like to share with you. The first is this. Prayer is a with you. The first is this. Prayer is a with you. The first is this. Prayer is a privilege. Let's not forget that privilege. Let's not forget that privilege. Let's not forget that what a privilege it is that God made a what a privilege it is that God made a what a privilege it is that God made a way to invite us through the scriptures, way to invite us through the scriptures, way to invite us through the scriptures, through the Holy Spirit through the Holy Spirit through the Holy Spirit to talk to him. to talk to him. to talk to him. >> You don't have to go through anybody >> You don't have to go through anybody >> You don't have to go through anybody else. You got a direct line. else. You got a direct line. else. You got a direct line. >> It's a privilege. >> It's a privilege. >> It's a privilege. God's God's made clear, "Come to me all God's God's made clear, "Come to me all God's God's made clear, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened. you who are weary and burdened. you who are weary and burdened. Come to me Come to me Come to me >> and I'll give you rest. >> and I'll give you rest. >> and I'll give you rest. Come to him in prayer." It's amazing Come to him in prayer." It's amazing Come to him in prayer." It's amazing what prayer can do. Particularly when what prayer can do. Particularly when what prayer can do. Particularly when you hear a voice of another person that you hear a voice of another person that you hear a voice of another person that you might be praying with, whether it's you might be praying with, whether it's you might be praying with, whether it's your spouse or a close friend or your spouse or a close friend or your spouse or a close friend or somebody at your one of the prayer teams somebody at your one of the prayer teams somebody at your one of the prayer teams or in a class, wherever it may be, that or in a class, wherever it may be, that or in a class, wherever it may be, that you hear somebody's voice praying for you hear somebody's voice praying for you hear somebody's voice praying for you. Someone is just saying something on you. Someone is just saying something on you. Someone is just saying something on your behalf.

your behalf. your behalf. So many times I've prayed for a a friend So many times I've prayed for a a friend So many times I've prayed for a a friend or someone I I know and I've just said, or someone I I know and I've just said, or someone I I know and I've just said, "Lord, I just prayed today you'll you'll "Lord, I just prayed today you'll you'll "Lord, I just prayed today you'll you'll give clarity to my friend." And give clarity to my friend." And give clarity to my friend." And sometimes there's all kinds of things we sometimes there's all kinds of things we sometimes there's all kinds of things we can pray. Prayer is a privilege. can pray. Prayer is a privilege. can pray. Prayer is a privilege. When Daniel learned that the law had When Daniel learned that the law had When Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down been signed, he went home and knelt down been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual on his upstairs room with his as usual on his upstairs room with his as usual on his upstairs room with his windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day just he always had three times a day just he always had three times a day just he always had done, giving thanks. Let me read you done, giving thanks. Let me read you done, giving thanks. Let me read you this text. This is a long story. I'm not this text. This is a long story. I'm not this text. This is a long story. I'm not we don't have time for the whole story, we don't have time for the whole story, we don't have time for the whole story, but Daniel is part of the exile. They've but Daniel is part of the exile. They've but Daniel is part of the exile. They've been taken from their homeland. They've been taken from their homeland. They've been taken from their homeland. They've been taken from their promised land into been taken from their promised land into been taken from their promised land into exile. exile. exile. And in Daniel chapter 6, uh it's it says And in Daniel chapter 6, uh it's it says And in Daniel chapter 6, uh it's it says the king got to be kind of noticed. the king got to be kind of noticed. the king got to be kind of noticed. Daniel was very noticeable that he was a Daniel was very noticeable that he was a Daniel was very noticeable that he was a a strong man, loyal, that if you asked a strong man, loyal, that if you asked a strong man, loyal, that if you asked him to do something, he would do it and him to do something, he would do it and him to do something, he would do it and he kept his promises. All that kind of he kept his promises. All that kind of he kept his promises. All that kind of thing. And it says here because of thing. And it says here because of thing. And it says here because of Daniel's great ability, the king made Daniel's great ability, the king made Daniel's great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire plans to place him over the entire plans to place him over the entire empire. empire. empire. this exile not a native this exile not a native this exile not a native God said because of his ability king God said because of his ability king God said because of his ability king made plans to place him over the entire made plans to place him over the entire made plans to place him over the entire empire. Well, guess what? I'm sure empire. Well, guess what? I'm sure empire. Well, guess what? I'm sure you've never experienced this in your you've never experienced this in your you've never experienced this in your place of business. But the other place of business. But the other place of business. But the other administrators and high officers began administrators and high officers began administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way searching for some fault in the way searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling governor government Daniel was handling governor government Daniel was handling governor government affairs. But they couldn't find anything affairs. But they couldn't find anything affairs. But they couldn't find anything to criticize or condemn. He was to criticize or condemn. He was to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, completely faithful, always responsible, completely faithful, always responsible, completely trustworthy. So they concluded the only trustworthy. So they concluded the only trustworthy. So they concluded the only chance of finding grounds for accusing chance of finding grounds for accusing chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the Daniel will be in connection with the Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion because he spent rules of his religion because he spent rules of his religion because he spent three times every day he went out and he three times every day he went out and he three times every day he went out and he prayed. He went home and he opened up

prayed. He went home and he opened up prayed. He went home and he opened up the door of facing Jerusalem and he the door of facing Jerusalem and he the door of facing Jerusalem and he prayed. prayed. prayed. So we'll catch him there. So we'll catch him there. So we'll catch him there. We'll get a law made that you can't do We'll get a law made that you can't do We'll get a law made that you can't do that. that. that. You got to quit praying. You got to quit praying. You got to quit praying. It's a long long story and I I'm going It's a long long story and I I'm going It's a long long story and I I'm going to butcher it if I try to paraphrase any to butcher it if I try to paraphrase any to butcher it if I try to paraphrase any more of it. You get the gist. more of it. You get the gist. more of it. You get the gist. you. So when they hear that that he you. So when they hear that that he you. So when they hear that that he could be literally he could have his could be literally he could have his could be literally he could have his life taken from him and that's what they life taken from him and that's what they life taken from him and that's what they promised they would do and they tried to promised they would do and they tried to promised they would do and they tried to in the the lion's den in the the lion's den in the the lion's den but the minute they said you cannot pray but the minute they said you cannot pray but the minute they said you cannot pray anymore you cannot be caught praying anymore you cannot be caught praying anymore you cannot be caught praying what he do what d he did exactly what it what he do what d he did exactly what it what he do what d he did exactly what it is every day went home opened up the is every day went home opened up the is every day went home opened up the doors facing Jerusalem knelt down and doors facing Jerusalem knelt down and doors facing Jerusalem knelt down and prayed and of course he got in trouble prayed and of course he got in trouble prayed and of course he got in trouble they were going to kill him threw him in they were going to kill him threw him in they were going to kill him threw him in a furnace with a furnace with a furnace with they they were going to find a way to they they were going to find a way to they they were going to find a way to take Daniel's life. You got Shadrach, take Daniel's life. You got Shadrach, take Daniel's life. You got Shadrach, Meshach, Abedneo, you know, they they Meshach, Abedneo, you know, they they Meshach, Abedneo, you know, they they were part of the their story. They were part of the their story. They were part of the their story. They didn't do what God wanted or they didn't didn't do what God wanted or they didn't didn't do what God wanted or they didn't do what the powers would be that might do what the powers would be that might do what the powers would be that might have wanted. And Daniel is just going to have wanted. And Daniel is just going to have wanted. And Daniel is just going to serve Jesus regard. He's going to pray.

serve Jesus regard. He's going to pray. serve Jesus regard. He's going to pray. You're not going to stop him from You're not going to stop him from You're not going to stop him from praying. praying. praying. Throw him in the lion's den. Makes me always wonder these stories Makes me always wonder these stories when we have done the right thing when when we have done the right thing when when we have done the right thing when it's really hard to do it. When it's it's really hard to do it. When it's it's really hard to do it. When it's going to be painful, it's going to cause going to be painful, it's going to cause going to be painful, it's going to cause some kind of difficulty in your life. It some kind of difficulty in your life. It some kind of difficulty in your life. It could backfire on you. You could lose could backfire on you. You could lose could backfire on you. You could lose friendships over it. You could lose your friendships over it. You could lose your friendships over it. You could lose your job. Whatever it may be, Daniel's a story of what happens Daniel's a story of what happens when we just simply when we just simply when we just simply obey. obey. obey. Prayer is a privilege. Prayer is a privilege. Prayer is a privilege. He was a man devoted to prayer and He was a man devoted to prayer and He was a man devoted to prayer and nothing was going to stop that. You can nothing was going to stop that. You can nothing was going to stop that. You can the beauty about prayer is this. Here's the beauty about prayer is this. Here's the beauty about prayer is this. Here's another another great thing about I want another another great thing about I want another another great thing about I want you to know because we can pray anytime you to know because we can pray anytime you to know because we can pray anytime and anywhere and anywhere and anywhere anytime.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place got up and went out to an isolated place got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. to pray. to pray. I've always been convicted this way I've always been convicted this way I've always been convicted this way because if Jesus needed time first thing because if Jesus needed time first thing because if Jesus needed time first thing in the morning to pray, in the morning to pray, in the morning to pray, all the more do I need it. >> Matthew 26:42. Then Jesus left them a >> Matthew 26:42. Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, "My father, if second time and prayed, "My father, if second time and prayed, "My father, if this cup cannot be taken away, my this cup cannot be taken away, my this cup cannot be taken away, my father, if this cup cannot be taken father, if this cup cannot be taken father, if this cup cannot be taken away, unless I drink it, then your will away, unless I drink it, then your will away, unless I drink it, then your will be done." Wow. Jesus said, "Look at this. This is on Jesus said, "Look at this. This is on the cross. the cross. the cross. This is a man being brutally This is a man being brutally This is a man being brutally murdered. crown of thorns on his head, crown of thorns on his head, spear in his side, nails in his hands spear in his side, nails in his hands spear in his side, nails in his hands and feet. and feet. and feet. And yes, he's God. So I guess we can And yes, he's God. So I guess we can And yes, he's God. So I guess we can have to give him that that he can pull have to give him that that he can pull have to give him that that he can pull this off.

this off. this off. But it's sure a good example that in But it's sure a good example that in But it's sure a good example that in that moment he was able to say, "Father, that moment he was able to say, "Father, that moment he was able to say, "Father, forgive them. forgive them. forgive them. They just don't know what they're doing. They don't get it." Jesus knew that. They don't get it." Jesus knew that. They won't understand it until later if They won't understand it until later if They won't understand it until later if even if then because it's a privilege because it's a privilege because we can pray anywhere and any because we can pray anywhere and any because we can pray anywhere and any time. time. time. He prayed He prayed He prayed literally literally literally hanging on a cross forgiving those hanging on a cross forgiving those hanging on a cross forgiving those who literally were ripping his body who literally were ripping his body who literally were ripping his body apart. So we are given a pattern for prayer. So we are given a pattern for prayer. Once Jesus was in a certain place Once Jesus was in a certain place Once Jesus was in a certain place praying and as he finished one of his praying and as he finished one of his praying and as he finished one of his disciples came to him and said, "Lord, disciples came to him and said, "Lord, disciples came to him and said, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his teach us to pray just as John taught his teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples." disciples." disciples." And every relationship needs a plan.

And every relationship needs a plan. And every relationship needs a plan. Maybe prayer is still sort of new to Maybe prayer is still sort of new to Maybe prayer is still sort of new to you. Maybe you're the one of those you. Maybe you're the one of those you. Maybe you're the one of those coming through the door. You're curious. coming through the door. You're curious. coming through the door. You're curious. You're interested. You're not sure what You're interested. You're not sure what You're interested. You're not sure what to think about all of it. Thank you for to think about all of it. Thank you for to think about all of it. Thank you for trusting us and giving us a chance to trusting us and giving us a chance to trusting us and giving us a chance to help you find that. help you find that. help you find that. But the pattern was set forth in Matthew But the pattern was set forth in Matthew But the pattern was set forth in Matthew 6. Our father in heaven, hallowed be 6. Our father in heaven, hallowed be 6. Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will your name. Your kingdom come. Your will your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. be done on earth as it is in heaven. be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. and Give us this day our daily bread. and Give us this day our daily bread. and forgive us our debts as we also have forgive us our debts as we also have forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors and lead us not forgiven our debtors and lead us not forgiven our debtors and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from into temptation but deliver us from into temptation but deliver us from evil. That's Luke 11 verse one. Jesus showed us and taught us Jesus showed us and taught us Philippians 4:19. And this same God who Philippians 4:19. And this same God who Philippians 4:19. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all of your takes care of me will supply all of your takes care of me will supply all of your needs from his glorious riches which needs from his glorious riches which needs from his glorious riches which have been given to us in Jesus Christ. have been given to us in Jesus Christ. have been given to us in Jesus Christ. He's called us to pray, to come to him He's called us to pray, to come to him He's called us to pray, to come to him when we have needs, to come to him even when we have needs, to come to him even when we have needs, to come to him even when we don't have needs, just to say, when we don't have needs, just to say, when we don't have needs, just to say, "Thank you for what you're doing for me, "Thank you for what you're doing for me, "Thank you for what you're doing for me, Lord." And some of you, you know, I give Lord." And some of you, you know, I give Lord." And some of you, you know, I give you a prayer that might help you if you you a prayer that might help you if you you a prayer that might help you if you have any guilt about praying or not have any guilt about praying or not have any guilt about praying or not praying. Just start.

praying. Just start. praying. Just start. Don't hesitate to just start. You can Don't hesitate to just start. You can Don't hesitate to just start. You can pray while you're driving your car. pray while you're driving your car. pray while you're driving your car. Don't close your eyes, but you can pray Don't close your eyes, but you can pray Don't close your eyes, but you can pray when you're driving. I do it all the when you're driving. I do it all the when you're driving. I do it all the time. Just start talking. Just start talking. If you're wor worried about what other If you're wor worried about what other If you're wor worried about what other people are going to think to see some people are going to think to see some people are going to think to see some guy in there talking to himself, get guy in there talking to himself, get guy in there talking to himself, get your windows tinted. Wherever it is, it's okay Wherever it is, it's okay to just start talking to him. to just start talking to him. to just start talking to him. It's not complicated. It's not complicated. It's not complicated. Give him a chance Give him a chance Give him a chance to start stirring something inside of to start stirring something inside of to start stirring something inside of you that maybe you've never experienced you that maybe you've never experienced you that maybe you've never experienced before. >> Here's what we're hoping for. May the >> Here's what we're hoping for. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the love of God and the fellowship of the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with Holy Spirit be with Holy Spirit be with you all. you all. you all. Ephesians 3:14.

Ephesians 3:14 says this, "When I think Ephesians 3:14 says this, "When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray of all this, I fall to my knees and pray of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the father, the creator of everything to the father, the creator of everything to the father, the creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from in heaven and on earth. I pray that from in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious unlimited resources, he his glorious unlimited resources, he his glorious unlimited resources, he will empower you with inner strength will empower you with inner strength will empower you with inner strength through his spirit." through his spirit." through his spirit." And then we come to Hebrews 4 and then And then we come to Hebrews 4 and then And then we come to Hebrews 4 and then we'll close with this. Therefore, since we'll close with this. Therefore, since we'll close with this. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has we have a great high priest who has we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the son of ascended into heaven, Jesus the son of ascended into heaven, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we God, let us hold firmly to the faith we God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high profess. For we do not have a high profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with priest who is unable to empathize with priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses. our weaknesses. our weaknesses. But we have one who's been tempted in But we have one who's been tempted in But we have one who's been tempted in every way just as we are. Yet he did not every way just as we are. Yet he did not every way just as we are. Yet he did not sin. So let's approach God's throne of sin. So let's approach God's throne of sin. So let's approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may grace with confidence so that we may grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us receive mercy and find grace to help us receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. in our time of need. in our time of need. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> That's his promise. And for those of you that think this is And for those of you that think this is still you can't make sense of this yet, still you can't make sense of this yet, still you can't make sense of this yet, can I just say start somewhere? can I just say start somewhere? can I just say start somewhere? >> Just start.

>> Just start. >> Just start. If you don't have a Bible, get a Bible. If you don't have a Bible, get a Bible. If you don't have a Bible, get a Bible. You're not familiar with the Bible. Go You're not familiar with the Bible. Go You're not familiar with the Bible. Go into the New Testament. Go into the into the New Testament. Go into the into the New Testament. Go into the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Start there. If this is new, go go there Start there. If this is new, go go there Start there. If this is new, go go there and you'll see plenty of there that make and you'll see plenty of there that make and you'll see plenty of there that make sense. sense. sense. So many people have walked away from So many people have walked away from So many people have walked away from from the Lord, I believe, because it's from the Lord, I believe, because it's from the Lord, I believe, because it's happened so long ago. And it seems so happened so long ago. And it seems so happened so long ago. And it seems so historic and so many other people have historic and so many other people have historic and so many other people have been able to sort of talk you out of it. been able to sort of talk you out of it. been able to sort of talk you out of it. And there's people out there that can And there's people out there that can And there's people out there that can try to, you know, tear apart your faith. But what do you have to lose But what do you have to lose by simply giving God a chance by simply giving God a chance by simply giving God a chance to hear your voice? And maybe you to hear your voice? And maybe you to hear your voice? And maybe you sensing something beginning to change in sensing something beginning to change in sensing something beginning to change in your own heart and mind and soul. A lot your own heart and mind and soul. A lot your own heart and mind and soul. A lot of times, you know what? When I've had of times, you know what? When I've had of times, you know what? When I've had relational issues at times through the relational issues at times through the relational issues at times through the years with someone, years with someone, years with someone, usually it's in the church or somebody I usually it's in the church or somebody I usually it's in the church or somebody I know in the community, if there's is a know in the community, if there's is a know in the community, if there's is a conflict, conflict, conflict, I've just found that the sooner I start I've just found that the sooner I start I've just found that the sooner I start helping God and and inviting him in to helping God and and inviting him in to helping God and and inviting him in to helping me get some perspective, helping me get some perspective, helping me get some perspective, things begin to soften.

Who knows what he'd do for you Who knows what he'd do for you if you'll just if you'll just if you'll just give him a chance. give him a chance. give him a chance. Open your heart to him. Open your heart to him. Open your heart to him. Talk to him. Prayer is our greatest Talk to him. Prayer is our greatest Talk to him. Prayer is our greatest privilege. privilege. privilege. I'm going to close in prayer and then a I'm going to close in prayer and then a I'm going to close in prayer and then a moment uh the prayer teams will be at moment uh the prayer teams will be at moment uh the prayer teams will be at the front of all the rooms. Again, the front of all the rooms. Again, the front of all the rooms. Again, speaking of prayer, we'll be here to speaking of prayer, we'll be here to speaking of prayer, we'll be here to pray for you in the front of all the pray for you in the front of all the pray for you in the front of all the rooms wherever you're worshiping this rooms wherever you're worshiping this rooms wherever you're worshiping this morning. And we'll be happy to pray with morning. And we'll be happy to pray with morning. And we'll be happy to pray with you and pray for you. Let's pray. you and pray for you. Let's pray. you and pray for you. Let's pray. Father, we thank you so much for the Father, we thank you so much for the Father, we thank you so much for the privilege of this day. We thank you for privilege of this day. We thank you for privilege of this day. We thank you for the privilege and freedom we have of the privilege and freedom we have of the privilege and freedom we have of being a church. We thank you for the being a church. We thank you for the being a church. We thank you for the freedom we have to gather and worship. freedom we have to gather and worship. freedom we have to gather and worship. Father, we thank you for the way you Father, we thank you for the way you Father, we thank you for the way you bless us in ways we don't deserve it. bless us in ways we don't deserve it. bless us in ways we don't deserve it. And father, we thank you that we can And father, we thank you that we can And father, we thank you that we can come to you anytime come to you anytime come to you anytime knowing we will receive your love and knowing we will receive your love and knowing we will receive your love and your kindness, your forgiveness, your your kindness, your forgiveness, your your kindness, your forgiveness, your grace, grace, grace, as well as your strength to get up and as well as your strength to get up and as well as your strength to get up and keep moving in the direction you want us keep moving in the direction you want us keep moving in the direction you want us to go. Give us wisdom and courage in to go. Give us wisdom and courage in to go. Give us wisdom and courage in Jesus name. Amen.