First Things First | Ben Graves | Elevation Church

Should I tell them? Do you want me to Should I tell them? Do you want me to tell them? tell them? tell them? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay, I'll I'll tell I'll tell them. >> Okay, I'll I'll tell I'll tell them. >> Okay, I'll I'll tell I'll tell them. >> Elevation nights 2026. >> Elevation nights 2026. >> Elevation nights 2026. >> Uhhuh. >> Uhhuh. >> Uhhuh. >> October 9th through October 18th. What >> October 9th through October 18th. What >> October 9th through October 18th. What is Elevation Nights? is Elevation Nights? is Elevation Nights? >> Oh, it's only the greatest night of your >> Oh, it's only the greatest night of your >> Oh, it's only the greatest night of your life. life. life. >> All your favorite songs. Believe in God >> All your favorite songs. Believe in God >> All your favorite songs. Believe in God with thousands of brothers and sisters with thousands of brothers and sisters with thousands of brothers and sisters in Christ. I'm going to bring a word. in Christ. I'm going to bring a word. in Christ. I'm going to bring a word. >> Yes, you are. >> Yes, you are. >> Yes, you are. >> Holly's gonna bring a word. >> Holly's gonna bring a word. >> Holly's gonna bring a word. >> He's coming. >> He's coming. >> He's coming. >> And I'm bringing you elevation worship. >> And I'm bringing you elevation worship. >> And I'm bringing you elevation worship. >> Elevation rhythm. >> Elevation rhythm. >> Elevation rhythm. >> We're all you. All right. Give them the >> We're all you. All right. Give them the >> We're all you. All right. Give them the cities. cities. cities. We're going to Lach, Dallas, Oklahoma We're going to Lach, Dallas, Oklahoma We're going to Lach, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Houston, City, Houston, City, Houston, >> Kansas City, Memphis, Birmingham, San >> Kansas City, Memphis, Birmingham, San >> Kansas City, Memphis, Birmingham, San Antonio. Antonio. Antonio. >> That's October 9th through 18th. Now, >> That's October 9th through 18th. Now, >> That's October 9th through 18th. Now, you got to get your tickets right now. you got to get your tickets right now. you got to get your tickets right now. elevation.com. And in the comments, let elevation.com. And in the comments, let elevation.com. And in the comments, let us know if you're coming, thinking about us know if you're coming, thinking about us know if you're coming, thinking about coming, or going to regret not coming coming, or going to regret not coming coming, or going to regret not coming for the rest of your life. Elevation for the rest of your life. Elevation for the rest of your life. Elevation Knights.com. We'll see you soon. Knights.com. We'll see you soon. Knights.com. We'll see you soon. >> Come on, Elevation Church. Why don't we >> Come on, Elevation Church. Why don't we >> Come on, Elevation Church. Why don't we lift up the name of Jesus all over this lift up the name of Jesus all over this lift up the name of Jesus all over this room? Come on. Anyone got a testimony, a room? Come on. Anyone got a testimony, a room? Come on. Anyone got a testimony, a story, story, story, guys? That song, guys? That song, guys? That song, that song, that song, that song, you know, I don't know if you study you know, I don't know if you study you know, I don't know if you study church history, uh, but you go back church history, uh, but you go back church history, uh, but you go back Welsh Revival, Great Awakening, Isuza Welsh Revival, Great Awakening, Isuza Welsh Revival, Great Awakening, Isuza Street, go through any of them. The Street, go through any of them. The Street, go through any of them. The common thread is as darkness began to common thread is as darkness began to common thread is as darkness began to prevail on a culture, racism, prevail on a culture, racism, prevail on a culture, racism, brokenness, division, disunityity. It brokenness, division, disunityity. It brokenness, division, disunityity. It was like at the right time, God would was like at the right time, God would was like at the right time, God would look at the brokenness of culture and look at the brokenness of culture and look at the brokenness of culture and say, "That's my moment to pour my spirit say, "That's my moment to pour my spirit say, "That's my moment to pour my spirit out." And I just want to prophesy and

out." And I just want to prophesy and out." And I just want to prophesy and declare this. Can we just say, "We're declare this. Can we just say, "We're declare this. Can we just say, "We're due for another great awakening. We're due for another great awakening. We're due for another great awakening. We're due for an outpouring of God's Holy due for an outpouring of God's Holy due for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit. Do it in our children, oh God. Spirit. Do it in our children, oh God. Spirit. Do it in our children, oh God. Do it in our nation, oh God." Do it in our nation, oh God." Do it in our nation, oh God." I'm just believing that's going to be I'm just believing that's going to be I'm just believing that's going to be like the soundtrack. like the soundtrack. like the soundtrack. And I'm just so grateful to be here. Uh And I'm just so grateful to be here. Uh And I'm just so grateful to be here. Uh God is doing a mighty thing in our day. God is doing a mighty thing in our day. God is doing a mighty thing in our day. Uh before we go a step further, can we Uh before we go a step further, can we Uh before we go a step further, can we just make sure we give honor where honor just make sure we give honor where honor just make sure we give honor where honor is due? Uh just before you you cheer, is due? Uh just before you you cheer, is due? Uh just before you you cheer, here's the thing you need to know about here's the thing you need to know about here's the thing you need to know about Elevation Church is this is a church Elevation Church is this is a church Elevation Church is this is a church that unapologetically that unapologetically that unapologetically believes that God's got a plan, a hope, believes that God's got a plan, a hope, believes that God's got a plan, a hope, and a future for the next generation. and a future for the next generation. and a future for the next generation. So if you showed up to church today and So if you showed up to church today and So if you showed up to church today and you're like, "Why are all these young you're like, "Why are all these young you're like, "Why are all these young people on stage?" I'll just say this that uh there's a I'll just say this that uh there's a cultural narrative that maybe the next cultural narrative that maybe the next cultural narrative that maybe the next generation is lost, the next generation generation is lost, the next generation generation is lost, the next generation is too much on their phone. That might is too much on their phone. That might is too much on their phone. That might be true.

be true. be true. That Tik Tok is infiltrating their That Tik Tok is infiltrating their That Tik Tok is infiltrating their culture and their mind and they're lost. culture and their mind and they're lost. culture and their mind and they're lost. I just want to deliver a different I just want to deliver a different I just want to deliver a different perspective. perspective. perspective. that we're about to see thousands of that we're about to see thousands of that we're about to see thousands of students from this community students from this community students from this community say, "I'mma lean into what God's doing." say, "I'mma lean into what God's doing." say, "I'mma lean into what God's doing." And I just think the darker the world, And I just think the darker the world, And I just think the darker the world, come on, the more tailor made anointing come on, the more tailor made anointing come on, the more tailor made anointing God has for this generation. My Bible God has for this generation. My Bible God has for this generation. My Bible tells me this, that in the last days, tells me this, that in the last days, tells me this, that in the last days, what's going to happen? The old men, but what's going to happen? The old men, but what's going to happen? The old men, but the young men will dream dreams and the young men will dream dreams and the young men will dream dreams and prophesy. And I just believe the best prophesy. And I just believe the best prophesy. And I just believe the best days are yet to come for the next days are yet to come for the next days are yet to come for the next generation. and you serve at a church that your and you serve at a church that your pastor's heart burns to see young people pastor's heart burns to see young people pastor's heart burns to see young people come to find Jesus. come to find Jesus. come to find Jesus. >> So, we'll put resources, we'll put time, >> So, we'll put resources, we'll put time, >> So, we'll put resources, we'll put time, we'll put effort, we'll put music. So, we'll put effort, we'll put music. So, we'll put effort, we'll put music. So, on behalf of what God has done, I just on behalf of what God has done, I just on behalf of what God has done, I just know this. This is how you honor a know this. This is how you honor a know this. This is how you honor a movement. You honor a movement by movement. You honor a movement by movement. You honor a movement by bringing it forward. And can we just bringing it forward. And can we just bringing it forward. And can we just take a moment right now and just give take a moment right now and just give take a moment right now and just give honor where honor is due to Pastor honor where honor is due to Pastor honor where honor is due to Pastor Steven and Holly Ferdick Steven and Holly Ferdick Steven and Holly Ferdick for creating a space and a room for the for creating a space and a room for the for creating a space and a room for the next generation.

next generation. next generation. Thank you for being a role model to so Thank you for being a role model to so Thank you for being a role model to so many young guys and girls like myself. many young guys and girls like myself. many young guys and girls like myself. We all just dream one day. Could we just We all just dream one day. Could we just We all just dream one day. Could we just be like even half as anointed and jacked be like even half as anointed and jacked be like even half as anointed and jacked as Pastor Steven Ferdick? as Pastor Steven Ferdick? as Pastor Steven Ferdick? Good Lord. My name is Ben Graves. I come Good Lord. My name is Ben Graves. I come Good Lord. My name is Ben Graves. I come from San Diego, California. And uh yeah, from San Diego, California. And uh yeah, from San Diego, California. And uh yeah, the land of Shamu SeaWorld the land of Shamu SeaWorld the land of Shamu SeaWorld really suffering for the gospel. really suffering for the gospel. really suffering for the gospel. Someone's got to do it. Is 75° year Someone's got to do it. Is 75° year Someone's got to do it. Is 75° year round. And um my wife and I, Brooke, and round. And um my wife and I, Brooke, and round. And um my wife and I, Brooke, and our two beautiful babies. I think we our two beautiful babies. I think we our two beautiful babies. I think we have a photo of them. Uh we just send have a photo of them. Uh we just send have a photo of them. Uh we just send our love. God's been so good to us. And our love. God's been so good to us. And our love. God's been so good to us. And um um um that's our daughter, Banks, and our that's our daughter, Banks, and our that's our daughter, Banks, and our little one, Benji. Uh I was thinking little one, Benji. Uh I was thinking little one, Benji. Uh I was thinking about this last week. I'll let you sit about this last week. I'll let you sit about this last week. I'll let you sit in a moment. I'm read scripture. But, in a moment. I'm read scripture. But, in a moment. I'm read scripture. But, uh, the the one with the cute pigtails, uh, the the one with the cute pigtails, uh, the the one with the cute pigtails, um, the craziest moment when she was um, the craziest moment when she was um, the craziest moment when she was born was of course like when it's born was of course like when it's born was of course like when it's delivered, and there's young people in delivered, and there's young people in delivered, and there's young people in the room, so I'll spare you the details. the room, so I'll spare you the details. the room, so I'll spare you the details. Um, but there's this moment, parents in Um, but there's this moment, parents in Um, but there's this moment, parents in the room, you know this moment where the room, you know this moment where the room, you know this moment where like you kind of live in this fairy tale like you kind of live in this fairy tale like you kind of live in this fairy tale land of like having nurses and doctors land of like having nurses and doctors land of like having nurses and doctors check in on you and they're teaching you check in on you and they're teaching you check in on you and they're teaching you how to change a diaper. And then this how to change a diaper. And then this how to change a diaper. And then this moment comes where you kind of sign your moment comes where you kind of sign your moment comes where you kind of sign your life away on these documents life away on these documents life away on these documents and then the nurse just kind of goes, and then the nurse just kind of goes, and then the nurse just kind of goes, "See you "See you "See you and you're like holding a car seat you and you're like holding a car seat you and you're like holding a car seat you learned how to put together on YouTube learned how to put together on YouTube learned how to put together on YouTube 15 minutes prior."

15 minutes prior." 15 minutes prior." I'll kind of look at my wife. I'm like, I'll kind of look at my wife. I'm like, I'll kind of look at my wife. I'm like, "They're just letting us leave. "They're just letting us leave. "They're just letting us leave. They didn't even background check me." They didn't even background check me." They didn't even background check me." And I'm a California driver. Yellow And I'm a California driver. Yellow And I'm a California driver. Yellow means go. But when that girl got in my means go. But when that girl got in my means go. But when that girl got in my car, car, car, all of a sudden I turned to 65 years all of a sudden I turned to 65 years all of a sudden I turned to 65 years old, leaving my retirement community. old, leaving my retirement community. old, leaving my retirement community. Slow down. Slow down. Slow down. And there's this portion of scripture And there's this portion of scripture And there's this portion of scripture that just reminds me of this moment cuz that just reminds me of this moment cuz that just reminds me of this moment cuz I went in one moment from just being Ben I went in one moment from just being Ben I went in one moment from just being Ben to like an instant getting this new to like an instant getting this new to like an instant getting this new title, Dad. I didn't earn it. I didn't title, Dad. I didn't earn it. I didn't title, Dad. I didn't earn it. I didn't really know what it all meant, but every really know what it all meant, but every really know what it all meant, but every day of my life has been a journey of day of my life has been a journey of day of my life has been a journey of growing and maturing into growing and maturing into growing and maturing into this title been given and Paul writes this title been given and Paul writes this title been given and Paul writes something in 2 Corinthians. I want to something in 2 Corinthians. I want to something in 2 Corinthians. I want to read this text for us today. He says read this text for us today. He says read this text for us today. He says this that we are now Christ's this that we are now Christ's this that we are now Christ's ambassador. ambassador. ambassador. >> I just felt for someone in the room like >> I just felt for someone in the room like >> I just felt for someone in the room like what is an ambassador? It's just someone what is an ambassador? It's just someone what is an ambassador? It's just someone who represents one kingdom inside of who represents one kingdom inside of who represents one kingdom inside of another.

another. another. And Paul doesn't say one day you will And Paul doesn't say one day you will And Paul doesn't say one day you will be. He doesn't say maybe when you get a be. He doesn't say maybe when you get a be. He doesn't say maybe when you get a certain degree you will be. He just says certain degree you will be. He just says certain degree you will be. He just says you are. you are. you are. And anyone ever struggle with this And anyone ever struggle with this And anyone ever struggle with this reality that you go from death to life, reality that you go from death to life, reality that you go from death to life, but there's still this part of you that but there's still this part of you that but there's still this part of you that sometimes doesn't feel like walking in sometimes doesn't feel like walking in sometimes doesn't feel like walking in this call of ambassadorship. this call of ambassadorship. this call of ambassadorship. When I think of being an ambassador, I When I think of being an ambassador, I When I think of being an ambassador, I think every person in this room, young think every person in this room, young think every person in this room, young or old, you have been giving a you have or old, you have been giving a you have or old, you have been giving a you have been given a sphere of influence, a been given a sphere of influence, a been given a sphere of influence, a domain that you are called to be a domain that you are called to be a domain that you are called to be a leader, an ambassador representing the leader, an ambassador representing the leader, an ambassador representing the kingdom of God in this kingdom here on kingdom of God in this kingdom here on kingdom of God in this kingdom here on earth. You have been given a family. earth. You have been given a family. earth. You have been given a family. Moms and dads, catch this. You've been Moms and dads, catch this. You've been Moms and dads, catch this. You've been given young people, children, even the given young people, children, even the given young people, children, even the snotty toddlers. You have been given a snotty toddlers. You have been given a snotty toddlers. You have been given a domain. domain. domain. And what I've just learned culturally, And what I've just learned culturally, And what I've just learned culturally, especially around this next generation, especially around this next generation, especially around this next generation, is some of us have forfeited or not is some of us have forfeited or not is some of us have forfeited or not lived up into this title of a lived up into this title of a lived up into this title of a representation of Christ pleading to a representation of Christ pleading to a representation of Christ pleading to a world come back to God because we spent world come back to God because we spent world come back to God because we spent a lot of time looking at the brokenness a lot of time looking at the brokenness a lot of time looking at the brokenness and the turmoil of the world. And some and the turmoil of the world. And some and the turmoil of the world. And some of us have just become like professional of us have just become like professional of us have just become like professional pointer outters of all the broken pointer outters of all the broken pointer outters of all the broken things.

things. things. And what we do when we focus on out And what we do when we focus on out And what we do when we focus on out there is sometimes we forfeit the there is sometimes we forfeit the there is sometimes we forfeit the territory God's given us here. territory God's given us here. territory God's given us here. And I just want to encourage someone. And I just want to encourage someone. And I just want to encourage someone. Maybe you felt like this week you didn't Maybe you felt like this week you didn't Maybe you felt like this week you didn't live like an ambassador for Christ. Felt live like an ambassador for Christ. Felt live like an ambassador for Christ. Felt like you live for an ambassador of like you live for an ambassador of like you live for an ambassador of insecurity, insecurity, insecurity, an ambassador of trauma. I just came an ambassador of trauma. I just came an ambassador of trauma. I just came today to say God's got a special amount today to say God's got a special amount today to say God's got a special amount of grace that he wants to impart into of grace that he wants to impart into of grace that he wants to impart into your heart this morning. Because here's your heart this morning. Because here's your heart this morning. Because here's what this next generation needs. It what this next generation needs. It what this next generation needs. It needs moms and dads and aunties and needs moms and dads and aunties and needs moms and dads and aunties and uncles and business owners and workplace uncles and business owners and workplace uncles and business owners and workplace leaders that would say, "I want to be a leaders that would say, "I want to be a leaders that would say, "I want to be a representation to this broken go world representation to this broken go world representation to this broken go world saying, come back to God." So Jesus, saying, come back to God." So Jesus, saying, come back to God." So Jesus, this morning this morning this morning we say, "Use us." Father, we don't want we say, "Use us." Father, we don't want we say, "Use us." Father, we don't want to vacate what you've called us to lead to vacate what you've called us to lead to vacate what you've called us to lead in. in. in. Love the words of Paul. God, we are. We Love the words of Paul. God, we are. We Love the words of Paul. God, we are. We grab on to that. I am. This is my core grab on to that. I am. This is my core grab on to that. I am. This is my core duty. This is my role. I'm a son and duty. This is my role. I'm a son and duty. This is my role. I'm a son and daughter of God. But then he gives me daughter of God. But then he gives me daughter of God. But then he gives me this mission to represent who Christ is.

this mission to represent who Christ is. this mission to represent who Christ is. Not just represent what he's against, Not just represent what he's against, Not just represent what he's against, but to represent who he is. So God, but to represent who he is. So God, but to represent who he is. So God, today I pray that every individual in today I pray that every individual in today I pray that every individual in this room, the sound of my voice this room, the sound of my voice this room, the sound of my voice watching online, watching all over the watching online, watching all over the watching online, watching all over the campuses, that today, Lord, their hearts campuses, that today, Lord, their hearts campuses, that today, Lord, their hearts would be softened and open to the would be softened and open to the would be softened and open to the reality that God, you want to use me. reality that God, you want to use me. reality that God, you want to use me. I didn't see it this way, but you want I didn't see it this way, but you want I didn't see it this way, but you want to use me. I'm just a mom, but you want to use me. I'm just a mom, but you want to use me. I'm just a mom, but you want to use me. I'm just a dad, but you want to use me. I'm just a dad, but you want to use me. I'm just a dad, but you want to use me today. God, I pray that your to use me today. God, I pray that your to use me today. God, I pray that your Holy Spirit would move all over this Holy Spirit would move all over this Holy Spirit would move all over this room. room. room. God, we don't want to leave the same. God, we don't want to leave the same. God, we don't want to leave the same. transform us from the inside out. Jesus, transform us from the inside out. Jesus, transform us from the inside out. Jesus, we love you. We praise you. And all we love you. We praise you. And all we love you. We praise you. And all God's beautiful people said, "Amen." God's beautiful people said, "Amen." God's beautiful people said, "Amen." Come on, why don't we give God a shout Come on, why don't we give God a shout Come on, why don't we give God a shout of praise? High five someone as you find of praise? High five someone as you find of praise? High five someone as you find your seat. What up, youth team? How we your seat. What up, youth team? How we your seat. What up, youth team? How we doing? The merch looks good. The merch doing? The merch looks good. The merch doing? The merch looks good. The merch looks good. I am beyond excited for what God's going I am beyond excited for what God's going to do today. Um, if you have your Bible, to do today. Um, if you have your Bible, to do today. Um, if you have your Bible, turn to the book of Judges, chapter 6.

turn to the book of Judges, chapter 6. turn to the book of Judges, chapter 6. Um, if you're new to this portion of Um, if you're new to this portion of Um, if you're new to this portion of scripture, really anytime we study the scripture, really anytime we study the scripture, really anytime we study the Old Testament in Israelites and the Old Testament in Israelites and the Old Testament in Israelites and the people of God, think of them really as people of God, think of them really as people of God, think of them really as an archetype of all of humanity in many an archetype of all of humanity in many an archetype of all of humanity in many ways, right? Like we see them in ways, right? Like we see them in ways, right? Like we see them in bondage, and slavery in Egypt. And what bondage, and slavery in Egypt. And what bondage, and slavery in Egypt. And what does God do? He frees them. This is the does God do? He frees them. This is the does God do? He frees them. This is the very same thing Christ does from your very same thing Christ does from your very same thing Christ does from your sin in bondage and slave. It is Holy sin in bondage and slave. It is Holy sin in bondage and slave. It is Holy Spirit through the blood of Jesus. What Spirit through the blood of Jesus. What Spirit through the blood of Jesus. What does it do? It frees you. So we look at does it do? It frees you. So we look at does it do? It frees you. So we look at the Israelites, it's like they're kind the Israelites, it's like they're kind the Israelites, it's like they're kind of even like schizophrenic in their in of even like schizophrenic in their in of even like schizophrenic in their in their walk with God because you see them their walk with God because you see them their walk with God because you see them being like the prize called chosen being like the prize called chosen being like the prize called chosen people of God. people of God. people of God. But then you see them not be able to let But then you see them not be able to let But then you see them not be able to let go of this love for other gods and other go of this love for other gods and other go of this love for other gods and other nations and other cultures. And in nations and other cultures. And in nations and other cultures. And in Judges chapter 6 where we land, you got Judges chapter 6 where we land, you got Judges chapter 6 where we land, you got to remember that this is before we ever to remember that this is before we ever to remember that this is before we ever saw kings step onto the scene. And uh a saw kings step onto the scene. And uh a saw kings step onto the scene. And uh a judge different than a judge in our judge different than a judge in our judge different than a judge in our culture. A judge in our culture would, culture. A judge in our culture would, culture. A judge in our culture would, you know, justify the law. A judge in you know, justify the law. A judge in you know, justify the law. A judge in this day would have been almost like a this day would have been almost like a this day would have been almost like a superhero given to the people of God. superhero given to the people of God. superhero given to the people of God. They were anointed to be a deliverer, They were anointed to be a deliverer, They were anointed to be a deliverer, someone to call the people back. So, someone to call the people back. So, someone to call the people back. So, watch this. When the Israelites would watch this. When the Israelites would watch this. When the Israelites would drift from God, he would then send a a drift from God, he would then send a a drift from God, he would then send a a judge. Now, you read the book of Judges judge. Now, you read the book of Judges judge. Now, you read the book of Judges and you'll see that there are 12 and you'll see that there are 12 and you'll see that there are 12 different judges mentioned in this book, different judges mentioned in this book, different judges mentioned in this book, which tells us that they would drift, which tells us that they would drift, which tells us that they would drift, God would send a judge, they would then God would send a judge, they would then God would send a judge, they would then drift again, and God would send another drift again, and God would send another drift again, and God would send another judge. 12 different times.

judge. 12 different times. judge. 12 different times. And that is because no human being is And that is because no human being is And that is because no human being is the answer to the condition of their the answer to the condition of their the answer to the condition of their heart. heart. heart. >> I mean Moses, Abraham, all the Old >> I mean Moses, Abraham, all the Old >> I mean Moses, Abraham, all the Old Testament, Gideon, Deborah, all the Testament, Gideon, Deborah, all the Testament, Gideon, Deborah, all the judges, all of them are just a preview judges, all of them are just a preview judges, all of them are just a preview pointing to we can't fix this, but God pointing to we can't fix this, but God pointing to we can't fix this, but God is sending someone who can, and his name is sending someone who can, and his name is sending someone who can, and his name is Jesus, his only son. So, we see God is Jesus, his only son. So, we see God is Jesus, his only son. So, we see God send judges to try and call the people send judges to try and call the people send judges to try and call the people back to God. And then once again the back to God. And then once again the back to God. And then once again the people would fall and fall and fall. And people would fall and fall and fall. And people would fall and fall and fall. And where we find ourselves in this text where we find ourselves in this text where we find ourselves in this text today is the reality that the people of today is the reality that the people of today is the reality that the people of God have once again did evil in the eyes God have once again did evil in the eyes God have once again did evil in the eyes of the Lord. I want to read this Judges of the Lord. I want to read this Judges of the Lord. I want to read this Judges chapter 6 1-6. And it says this, "The chapter 6 1-6. And it says this, "The chapter 6 1-6. And it says this, "The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. And for seven years, he gave them Lord. And for seven years, he gave them Lord. And for seven years, he gave them into the hands of the Midionites. into the hands of the Midionites. into the hands of the Midionites. Because the power of Midian was so Because the power of Midian was so Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared oppressive, the Israelites prepared oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain shelters for themselves in mountain shelters for themselves in mountain cliffs, caves, and strongholds. Whenever cliffs, caves, and strongholds. Whenever cliffs, caves, and strongholds. Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the the Israelites planted their crops, the the Israelites planted their crops, the Midionites, Amocites, and other eastern Midionites, Amocites, and other eastern Midionites, Amocites, and other eastern peoples invaded the country. They camped peoples invaded the country. They camped peoples invaded the country. They camped on the land and ruined their crops all on the land and ruined their crops all on the land and ruined their crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a the way to Gaza and did not spare a the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep living thing for Israel, neither sheep living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. They came up nor cattle nor donkeys. They came up nor cattle nor donkeys. They came up with their livestock in their tents like with their livestock in their tents like with their livestock in their tents like swarms of locust. This is fascinating swarms of locust. This is fascinating swarms of locust. This is fascinating imagery here, right? Because we saw in imagery here, right? Because we saw in imagery here, right? Because we saw in the delivery of God's people from Egypt.

the delivery of God's people from Egypt. the delivery of God's people from Egypt. What what do you remember how God judged What what do you remember how God judged What what do you remember how God judged the the the emperor at the time said he the the the emperor at the time said he the the the emperor at the time said he would send swarms of locusts. Now we see would send swarms of locusts. Now we see would send swarms of locusts. Now we see this imagery brought back into the text this imagery brought back into the text this imagery brought back into the text again. It's like saying the thing that again. It's like saying the thing that again. It's like saying the thing that God used to judge the enemy is now the God used to judge the enemy is now the God used to judge the enemy is now the thing that is conquering them in their thing that is conquering them in their thing that is conquering them in their oppression here. Oh, this is interesting oppression here. Oh, this is interesting oppression here. Oh, this is interesting because we see that no longer are the because we see that no longer are the because we see that no longer are the people of God because up at this point people of God because up at this point people of God because up at this point they have made it to the promised land. they have made it to the promised land. they have made it to the promised land. So they've made it now to what God has So they've made it now to what God has So they've made it now to what God has promised for them. promised for them. promised for them. But read this. They're getting so beat But read this. They're getting so beat But read this. They're getting so beat up and so defeated by the enemy up and so defeated by the enemy up and so defeated by the enemy that they have literally vacated the that they have literally vacated the that they have literally vacated the promise. promise. promise. And the Bible says they have made homes And the Bible says they have made homes And the Bible says they have made homes for themselves in mountain cliffs and for themselves in mountain cliffs and for themselves in mountain cliffs and caves. Now, I don't know if you've ever caves. Now, I don't know if you've ever caves. Now, I don't know if you've ever been in a season where you feel like been in a season where you feel like been in a season where you feel like you're just getting beat up left and you're just getting beat up left and you're just getting beat up left and right by the enemy. That you feel like, right by the enemy. That you feel like, right by the enemy. That you feel like, man, I thought I conquered this thing, man, I thought I conquered this thing, man, I thought I conquered this thing, but it keeps coming back into my current but it keeps coming back into my current but it keeps coming back into my current situation. situation. situation. Maybe some of you today, you feel like, Maybe some of you today, you feel like, Maybe some of you today, you feel like, man, I've had seasons of winning and man, I've had seasons of winning and man, I've had seasons of winning and seasons of losing. I just want to ease seasons of losing. I just want to ease seasons of losing. I just want to ease your heart a little bit. That's walking your heart a little bit. That's walking your heart a little bit. That's walking with Jesus.

with Jesus. with Jesus. That often times it doesn't always feel That often times it doesn't always feel That often times it doesn't always feel like up and to the right. But we see the like up and to the right. But we see the like up and to the right. But we see the people of God here make it to the people of God here make it to the people of God here make it to the promised land. And because they're so promised land. And because they're so promised land. And because they're so oppressed, because the enemy is running oppressed, because the enemy is running oppressed, because the enemy is running ravage in their day, it says that they ravage in their day, it says that they ravage in their day, it says that they vacate and they go and hide. Like I just vacate and they go and hide. Like I just vacate and they go and hide. Like I just imagine like what was one of the dads imagine like what was one of the dads imagine like what was one of the dads one day just like getting beat up and one day just like getting beat up and one day just like getting beat up and scrolling Zillow scrolling Zillow scrolling Zillow dingy dark cave dingy dark cave dingy dark cave fixer upper. I think he probably had a moment. I just I think he probably had a moment. I just imagine it this way. There was one dad imagine it this way. There was one dad imagine it this way. There was one dad who was just so tired of his food being who was just so tired of his food being who was just so tired of his food being plumaged, of his life being taken from plumaged, of his life being taken from plumaged, of his life being taken from him. He looked at his kids and went, him. He looked at his kids and went, him. He looked at his kids and went, "You know what? "You know what? "You know what? I think we could take them up to this I think we could take them up to this I think we could take them up to this cave cave cave and we could just hide out a little bit. and we could just hide out a little bit. and we could just hide out a little bit. The many nights can't get us up there The many nights can't get us up there The many nights can't get us up there and maybe just one family went up and and maybe just one family went up and and maybe just one family went up and made themselves a little shelter and one made themselves a little shelter and one made themselves a little shelter and one night turned to two nights and three night turned to two nights and three night turned to two nights and three nights turned to four nights and other nights turned to four nights and other nights turned to four nights and other families saw, man, they're safe up families saw, man, they're safe up families saw, man, they're safe up there. And then another family leaves there. And then another family leaves there. And then another family leaves and packs up.

and packs up. and packs up. I just wonder if they really meant for I just wonder if they really meant for I just wonder if they really meant for it to become their home. it to become their home. it to become their home. I think what they thought was going to I think what they thought was going to I think what they thought was going to be shelter for a night without knowing be shelter for a night without knowing be shelter for a night without knowing it became now their defense for life. it became now their defense for life. it became now their defense for life. And now the promised land of God And now the promised land of God And now the promised land of God is running with the enemy is running with the enemy is running with the enemy and the people of God are hiding. and the people of God are hiding. and the people of God are hiding. Remember same people shouted walls of Remember same people shouted walls of Remember same people shouted walls of Jericho fall down Jericho fall down Jericho fall down >> are now hiding watching the enemy run >> are now hiding watching the enemy run >> are now hiding watching the enemy run ravish. And here's what I know about our ravish. And here's what I know about our ravish. And here's what I know about our life. We all have Midianites. life. We all have Midianites. life. We all have Midianites. There are annoying things in our lives. There are annoying things in our lives. There are annoying things in our lives. Sin tendencies, background, family of Sin tendencies, background, family of Sin tendencies, background, family of origin, things that we sometimes feel origin, things that we sometimes feel origin, things that we sometimes feel like we have tried and tried and tried like we have tried and tried and tried like we have tried and tried and tried and you don't feel delivered. It's and you don't feel delivered. It's and you don't feel delivered. It's things that are beating you up, things things that are beating you up, things things that are beating you up, things that keep you feeling down. And I just that keep you feeling down. And I just that keep you feeling down. And I just learned that often times in my life, I learned that often times in my life, I learned that often times in my life, I have a tendency not to fight when I get have a tendency not to fight when I get have a tendency not to fight when I get tired, but to hide.

tired, but to hide. tired, but to hide. And hiding in 2026 is bougie, easy, and And hiding in 2026 is bougie, easy, and And hiding in 2026 is bougie, easy, and accessible. accessible. accessible. Cuz you ain't even got to go find a Cuz you ain't even got to go find a Cuz you ain't even got to go find a cave. You could just hop on your phone. cave. You could just hop on your phone. cave. You could just hop on your phone. >> I learned this thing as a dad. I was >> I learned this thing as a dad. I was >> I learned this thing as a dad. I was like, like, like, I get stressed, overwhelmed. I'm like, I get stressed, overwhelmed. I'm like, I get stressed, overwhelmed. I'm like, I'm just going to go take a bathroom I'm just going to go take a bathroom I'm just going to go take a bathroom break. And then God invented something called And then God invented something called YouTube golf. But I got convicted by the Lord one day. But I got convicted by the Lord one day. Don't imagine it too much, but I got Don't imagine it too much, but I got Don't imagine it too much, but I got convicted by the Lord convicted by the Lord convicted by the Lord because I could hear my kids outside because I could hear my kids outside because I could hear my kids outside and the Lord just said to me, "You're and the Lord just said to me, "You're and the Lord just said to me, "You're hiding. hiding. hiding. That's the domain I've called you to That's the domain I've called you to That's the domain I've called you to lead in." lead in." lead in." And you're hiding. And you're hiding. And you're hiding. I think for some of us, it's like I'm I think for some of us, it's like I'm I think for some of us, it's like I'm just so overwhelmed with the pressure to just so overwhelmed with the pressure to just so overwhelmed with the pressure to provide. I mean, let's just talk about provide. I mean, let's just talk about provide. I mean, let's just talk about being a mom or a dad. It's like now it's being a mom or a dad. It's like now it's being a mom or a dad. It's like now it's not even just can you raise kids to not even just can you raise kids to not even just can you raise kids to survive. It's like but can you make sure survive. It's like but can you make sure survive. It's like but can you make sure they get no red 40 and make sure that they get no red 40 and make sure that they get no red 40 and make sure that they eat perfectly and make sure they're they eat perfectly and make sure they're they eat perfectly and make sure they're working out. Inject peptides into them working out. Inject peptides into them working out. Inject peptides into them early so that they just get strong like early so that they just get strong like early so that they just get strong like and make sure you're watching all this and make sure you're watching all this and make sure you're watching all this stuff and learning this book and you're stuff and learning this book and you're stuff and learning this book and you're raising them up and it's just this whole raising them up and it's just this whole raising them up and it's just this whole thing. And I've just learned this. It's thing. And I've just learned this. It's thing. And I've just learned this. It's like also I got to provide and also I like also I got to provide and also I like also I got to provide and also I got to be fit and also I got to make got to be fit and also I got to make got to be fit and also I got to make sure they're in the right sports and sure they're in the right sports and sure they're in the right sports and also I got to make sure I'm smart and also I got to make sure I'm smart and also I got to make sure I'm smart and I'm reading my Bible and all of the I'm reading my Bible and all of the I'm reading my Bible and all of the different things sometimes can cause us different things sometimes can cause us different things sometimes can cause us to leave and just hide.

to leave and just hide. to leave and just hide. But can I remind you, you have not been But can I remind you, you have not been But can I remind you, you have not been called to vacate the promised land, called to vacate the promised land, called to vacate the promised land, parent, parent, parent, >> young person. You have been giving a >> young person. You have been giving a >> young person. You have been giving a sphere of influence. And what I've sphere of influence. And what I've sphere of influence. And what I've learned is when a sphere of influence is learned is when a sphere of influence is learned is when a sphere of influence is vacated by an ambassador, vacated by an ambassador, vacated by an ambassador, it becomes an open door for the enemy to it becomes an open door for the enemy to it becomes an open door for the enemy to rampage. rampage. rampage. >> And I wonder if you feel like there is >> And I wonder if you feel like there is >> And I wonder if you feel like there is chaos raving inside of your life right chaos raving inside of your life right chaos raving inside of your life right now. now. now. And could it be because God has called And could it be because God has called And could it be because God has called you to that domain to lead, to pray, to you to that domain to lead, to pray, to you to that domain to lead, to pray, to make sure you're interceding, to be make sure you're interceding, to be make sure you're interceding, to be present, present, present, but you find yourselves, like the but you find yourselves, like the but you find yourselves, like the Israelites in this text, often times Israelites in this text, often times Israelites in this text, often times retreating and hiding and not leading. retreating and hiding and not leading. retreating and hiding and not leading. They find themselves in caves. Well, the They find themselves in caves. Well, the They find themselves in caves. Well, the next time you see a cave in scripture, next time you see a cave in scripture, next time you see a cave in scripture, you would see in the book of Second you would see in the book of Second you would see in the book of Second Kings, you would see a man named Elijah Kings, you would see a man named Elijah Kings, you would see a man named Elijah just after defeating an enemy, he finds just after defeating an enemy, he finds just after defeating an enemy, he finds himself hiding out in a in a cave. himself hiding out in a in a cave. himself hiding out in a in a cave. You see this all over. You see David, You see this all over. You see David, You see this all over. You see David, King David, running from Saul, who's King David, running from Saul, who's King David, running from Saul, who's supposed to be his mentor, his king, supposed to be his mentor, his king, supposed to be his mentor, his king, who's insecure. And the Bible says that who's insecure. And the Bible says that who's insecure. And the Bible says that David runs and starts to hide out into a David runs and starts to hide out into a David runs and starts to hide out into a cave.

cave. cave. We can go to the New Testament. Two We can go to the New Testament. Two We can go to the New Testament. Two sisters, Mary and Martha, Jesus finds sisters, Mary and Martha, Jesus finds sisters, Mary and Martha, Jesus finds them weeping outside of a a cave as them weeping outside of a a cave as them weeping outside of a a cave as their their brother is now dead, their their brother is now dead, their their brother is now dead, Lazarus. Go Google what an ancient tomb Lazarus. Go Google what an ancient tomb Lazarus. Go Google what an ancient tomb looked like in biblical times. Even looked like in biblical times. Even looked like in biblical times. Even Jesus Jesus Jesus found himself inside of a cave. But you found himself inside of a cave. But you found himself inside of a cave. But you know what every cave in scripture has in know what every cave in scripture has in know what every cave in scripture has in common? Let's look at Elijah for a common? Let's look at Elijah for a common? Let's look at Elijah for a moment. What happens? He's depressed. moment. What happens? He's depressed. moment. What happens? He's depressed. He's anxious. He wants to take his own He's anxious. He wants to take his own He's anxious. He wants to take his own life. Guess who shows up? The spirit of life. Guess who shows up? The spirit of life. Guess who shows up? The spirit of God and brings him a meal. God and brings him a meal. God and brings him a meal. Go to King David. What happens? He's Go to King David. What happens? He's Go to King David. What happens? He's depressed. He's insecure. He's inside of depressed. He's insecure. He's inside of depressed. He's insecure. He's inside of a cave. Guess who shows up? God sends a cave. Guess who shows up? God sends a cave. Guess who shows up? God sends brothers, friends to lift him up. Go to brothers, friends to lift him up. Go to brothers, friends to lift him up. Go to Mary and Martha. They're crying outside Mary and Martha. They're crying outside Mary and Martha. They're crying outside of a gave. Jesus shows up, weeps with of a gave. Jesus shows up, weeps with of a gave. Jesus shows up, weeps with them. Powerful. them. Powerful. them. Powerful. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> And then says, "Lazarus, get out that >> And then says, "Lazarus, get out that >> And then says, "Lazarus, get out that cave." cave." cave." >> Because God is not afraid of caves. We >> Because God is not afraid of caves. We >> Because God is not afraid of caves. We serve a God who is in the business of serve a God who is in the business of serve a God who is in the business of showing up to caves and redeeming and showing up to caves and redeeming and showing up to caves and redeeming and calling out Jesus three days in a cave.

calling out Jesus three days in a cave. calling out Jesus three days in a cave. We all know the end of the story, We all know the end of the story, We all know the end of the story, friends, that he did not stay in that friends, that he did not stay in that friends, that he did not stay in that cave, but 3 days later, he got up out of cave, but 3 days later, he got up out of cave, but 3 days later, he got up out of the grave and defeated sin, death in the the grave and defeated sin, death in the the grave and defeated sin, death in the grave. So, here's what I know for your grave. So, here's what I know for your grave. So, here's what I know for your life. You might have been hiding. You life. You might have been hiding. You life. You might have been hiding. You might be in secret. You might be might be in secret. You might be might be in secret. You might be embroken. But good news that we serve a embroken. But good news that we serve a embroken. But good news that we serve a God who loves to show up in caves and God who loves to show up in caves and God who loves to show up in caves and call his sons and daughters back home. call his sons and daughters back home. call his sons and daughters back home. Come on. Can I get an amen in the house Come on. Can I get an amen in the house Come on. Can I get an amen in the house of God today? of God today? of God today? He's in the business of showing up in He's in the business of showing up in He's in the business of showing up in dark places. The Bible says that while dark places. The Bible says that while dark places. The Bible says that while we were still sinning, we were still sinning, we were still sinning, >> I'll be super plain with you. While you >> I'll be super plain with you. While you >> I'll be super plain with you. While you were hiding, while you were getting were hiding, while you were getting were hiding, while you were getting drunk, while you were messing up, while drunk, while you were messing up, while drunk, while you were messing up, while you were running from God, fill in the you were running from God, fill in the you were running from God, fill in the blank with whatever that sin issue is. blank with whatever that sin issue is. blank with whatever that sin issue is. The Bible says that while you were The Bible says that while you were The Bible says that while you were sinning, sinning, sinning, that's when he shows up. that's when he shows up. that's when he shows up. So, some of us, what we do is we go, So, some of us, what we do is we go, So, some of us, what we do is we go, man, I'm just in a bad season. I've been man, I'm just in a bad season. I've been man, I'm just in a bad season. I've been hiding. And what we do is we double hiding. And what we do is we double hiding. And what we do is we double down. And we make a lifestyle. What if down. And we make a lifestyle. What if down. And we make a lifestyle. What if God's called to be something you get God's called to be something you get God's called to be something you get called out of? called out of? called out of? And today, what I believe God is doing And today, what I believe God is doing And today, what I believe God is doing in a lot of our lives, you need to meet in a lot of our lives, you need to meet in a lot of our lives, you need to meet the man who will show up to your cave the man who will show up to your cave the man who will show up to your cave today. And he will call you home with today. And he will call you home with today. And he will call you home with his grace, his mercy, and his Holy his grace, his mercy, and his Holy his grace, his mercy, and his Holy Spirit. What he wants to do in and Spirit. What he wants to do in and Spirit. What he wants to do in and through your life, you have no idea. But through your life, you have no idea. But through your life, you have no idea. But here's what I know. You have been given here's what I know. You have been given here's what I know. You have been given a territory.

a territory. a territory. >> You have been given a promise. >> You have been given a promise. >> You have been given a promise. >> And this next generation needs leaders >> And this next generation needs leaders >> And this next generation needs leaders and parents and people who will not and parents and people who will not and parents and people who will not vacate the promise in the place God's vacate the promise in the place God's vacate the promise in the place God's given me and sit in hiding. But the given me and sit in hiding. But the given me and sit in hiding. But the spirit of the living God, here's what I spirit of the living God, here's what I spirit of the living God, here's what I know. There's a tailor-made anointing know. There's a tailor-made anointing know. There's a tailor-made anointing for you, Mom. for you, Mom. for you, Mom. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> There's a tailor made anointing for you >> There's a tailor made anointing for you >> There's a tailor made anointing for you to do the thing God's called you to do. to do the thing God's called you to do. to do the thing God's called you to do. You do know this. God will never call You do know this. God will never call You do know this. God will never call you to do something but not equip you you to do something but not equip you you to do something but not equip you through it. through it. through it. >> So, in every season you are in, remind >> So, in every season you are in, remind >> So, in every season you are in, remind yourself this today that even if I've yourself this today that even if I've yourself this today that even if I've been hiding, the hiding doesn't define been hiding, the hiding doesn't define been hiding, the hiding doesn't define me. me. me. >> And it's not where you were called to >> And it's not where you were called to >> And it's not where you were called to live. live. live. >> I get it. It's been a hard season. I get >> I get it. It's been a hard season. I get >> I get it. It's been a hard season. I get it. Things have been difficult. it. Things have been difficult. it. Things have been difficult. But you can't live there. But you can't live there. But you can't live there. There's too much at stake. There's too much at stake. There's too much at stake. Who else is coming for this next Who else is coming for this next Who else is coming for this next generation? generation? generation? Many of us are just like, "It's the Many of us are just like, "It's the Many of us are just like, "It's the youth pastor's job. It's the preachers's youth pastor's job. It's the preachers's youth pastor's job. It's the preachers's job. job. job. It's Bryce Crawford's job on Instagram." It's Bryce Crawford's job on Instagram." It's Bryce Crawford's job on Instagram." Whatever you're looking for, it's their Whatever you're looking for, it's their Whatever you're looking for, it's their job.

job. job. We need to take a hard look in the We need to take a hard look in the We need to take a hard look in the mirror and go, "No, no, no. If God's mirror and go, "No, no, no. If God's mirror and go, "No, no, no. If God's placed me here, that means he wants to placed me here, that means he wants to placed me here, that means he wants to use me to reach people out there. And we use me to reach people out there. And we use me to reach people out there. And we got to stop complaining about the cave got to stop complaining about the cave got to stop complaining about the cave and start stepping into the anointing and start stepping into the anointing and start stepping into the anointing God has given us to lead this next God has given us to lead this next God has given us to lead this next generation to the purpose of Jesus. How generation to the purpose of Jesus. How generation to the purpose of Jesus. How do we do it? Teach them how to pray. do we do it? Teach them how to pray. do we do it? Teach them how to pray. Teach them how to read your Bible. Teach Teach them how to read your Bible. Teach Teach them how to read your Bible. Teach them how to intercede. They need to them how to intercede. They need to them how to intercede. They need to watch Christians not be hiding, but watch Christians not be hiding, but watch Christians not be hiding, but Christians being ambassadors Christians being ambassadors Christians being ambassadors >> because we speak for who? God, >> because we speak for who? God, >> because we speak for who? God, the guy who stars into this galaxy, the the guy who stars into this galaxy, the the guy who stars into this galaxy, the guy who formed you in your mother's guy who formed you in your mother's guy who formed you in your mother's womb, the one who holds all this in the womb, the one who holds all this in the womb, the one who holds all this in the palm of his hands, you speak for for palm of his hands, you speak for for palm of his hands, you speak for for him. him. him. I don't think you're hearing this. God I don't think you're hearing this. God I don't think you're hearing this. God says you speak for him. When you cry out says you speak for him. When you cry out says you speak for him. When you cry out to a broken world, come home. which to a broken world, come home. which to a broken world, come home. which means the authority of God is on your means the authority of God is on your means the authority of God is on your life and your call for young people to life and your call for young people to life and your call for young people to come back to Jesus, for co-workers to come back to Jesus, for co-workers to come back to Jesus, for co-workers to come back to Jesus. He has anointed you come back to Jesus. He has anointed you come back to Jesus. He has anointed you and given him your power. So read in and given him your power. So read in and given him your power. So read in this text, they find themselves in a this text, they find themselves in a this text, they find themselves in a cave and Jesus shows up this time with a cave and Jesus shows up this time with a cave and Jesus shows up this time with a conversation. If you know this conversation. If you know this conversation. If you know this narrative, it's beautiful and it's narrative, it's beautiful and it's narrative, it's beautiful and it's powerful. But we see he shows up in powerful. But we see he shows up in powerful. But we see he shows up in verse 11. He says, "The angel of the verse 11. He says, "The angel of the verse 11. He says, "The angel of the Lord sat down in the oak of Oprah, which Lord sat down in the oak of Oprah, which Lord sat down in the oak of Oprah, which belonged to Joash the Brizzi, where his belonged to Joash the Brizzi, where his belonged to Joash the Brizzi, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a wine son Gideon was threshing wheat in a wine son Gideon was threshing wheat in a wine press to keep it from the Midionites."

press to keep it from the Midionites." press to keep it from the Midionites." Verse 12. When the angel of the Lord Verse 12. When the angel of the Lord Verse 12. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." is with you, mighty warrior." is with you, mighty warrior." Now, where does he find Gideon? We don't Now, where does he find Gideon? We don't Now, where does he find Gideon? We don't really know much about threshing wheat, really know much about threshing wheat, really know much about threshing wheat, but here's what I've just learned about but here's what I've just learned about but here's what I've just learned about it is normally the wheat threshing would it is normally the wheat threshing would it is normally the wheat threshing would take place on the top of a mountain take place on the top of a mountain take place on the top of a mountain where wind could blow through and help where wind could blow through and help where wind could blow through and help them to collect the wheat. So, he's them to collect the wheat. So, he's them to collect the wheat. So, he's doing a work on should be on top of a doing a work on should be on top of a doing a work on should be on top of a mountain, but he's doing it inside of a mountain, but he's doing it inside of a mountain, but he's doing it inside of a wine cave. wine cave. wine cave. So, he's trying to mow his lawn in his So, he's trying to mow his lawn in his So, he's trying to mow his lawn in his backyard. This thing doesn't make sense. backyard. This thing doesn't make sense. backyard. This thing doesn't make sense. Because when you're operating from a Because when you're operating from a Because when you're operating from a place of fear and hiding, place of fear and hiding, place of fear and hiding, often times you'll be trying to do the often times you'll be trying to do the often times you'll be trying to do the right thing, right thing, right thing, but it just won't make sense. And where but it just won't make sense. And where but it just won't make sense. And where we find Gideon here is operating in we find Gideon here is operating in we find Gideon here is operating in fear. He's operating in fear. We took my fear. He's operating in fear. We took my fear. He's operating in fear. We took my my my little daughter on a flight not my my little daughter on a flight not my my little daughter on a flight not too long ago and um I remember we were too long ago and um I remember we were too long ago and um I remember we were kind of taking off and I was surprised kind of taking off and I was surprised kind of taking off and I was surprised how chill she was about the whole flying how chill she was about the whole flying how chill she was about the whole flying experience and um we're kind of experience and um we're kind of experience and um we're kind of beginning our descent back into San beginning our descent back into San beginning our descent back into San Diego and I kind of look over at her and Diego and I kind of look over at her and Diego and I kind of look over at her and the window's open. She could see out the the window's open. She could see out the the window's open. She could see out the window. I look over and I go, "Hey babe, window. I look over and I go, "Hey babe, window. I look over and I go, "Hey babe, isn't this cool? We're flying."

isn't this cool? We're flying." isn't this cool? We're flying." She's like, "Yeah." Goes back to playing She's like, "Yeah." Goes back to playing She's like, "Yeah." Goes back to playing whatever's playing. And I go, "No." And whatever's playing. And I go, "No." And whatever's playing. And I go, "No." And I start to explain it to her. Look out I start to explain it to her. Look out I start to explain it to her. Look out there. there. there. We're in the air We're in the air We're in the air and see the little people down there. and see the little people down there. and see the little people down there. We're way above them. We're way above them. We're way above them. She's like, "Yeah." I go, "No, see the She's like, "Yeah." I go, "No, see the She's like, "Yeah." I go, "No, see the cloud right there? We're going to go cloud right there? We're going to go cloud right there? We're going to go through the cloud. We're hot." I'm through the cloud. We're hot." I'm through the cloud. We're hot." I'm trying to explain this to her. trying to explain this to her. trying to explain this to her. And then all of a sudden, we go under And then all of a sudden, we go under And then all of a sudden, we go under some cloud cover and it clicks in her some cloud cover and it clicks in her some cloud cover and it clicks in her head and she goes, head and she goes, head and she goes, "Shut the window. Shut the window. Shut "Shut the window. Shut the window. Shut "Shut the window. Shut the window. Shut the window. Shut the window." And for the rest of the flight, I would And for the rest of the flight, I would try and open that window. No, shut the try and open that window. No, shut the try and open that window. No, shut the window. Shut the window. Shut the window. Shut the window. Shut the window. Shut the window. Shut the window. window. window. She got a lens of fear She got a lens of fear She got a lens of fear and it changed how she operated on the and it changed how she operated on the and it changed how she operated on the flight. flight. flight. And I think some of us when we look And I think some of us when we look And I think some of us when we look backwards backwards backwards and we look at what happened to us, we and we look at what happened to us, we and we look at what happened to us, we looked at what happened to mom, looked looked at what happened to mom, looked looked at what happened to mom, looked at what happened to grandma, we look at at what happened to grandma, we look at at what happened to grandma, we look at what happened in our 20s, we looked at what happened in our 20s, we looked at what happened in our 20s, we looked at what happened. It has given you a lens what happened. It has given you a lens what happened. It has given you a lens of fear in how you see the future.

of fear in how you see the future. of fear in how you see the future. >> What is fear? It's just imagining a >> What is fear? It's just imagining a >> What is fear? It's just imagining a future without God in it. >> I just think for you today, >> I just think for you today, stop being so focused on what's in front stop being so focused on what's in front stop being so focused on what's in front of you that you forget who's above you. of you that you forget who's above you. of you that you forget who's above you. Because can I remind you in your fear Because can I remind you in your fear Because can I remind you in your fear that you might see turmoil, you might that you might see turmoil, you might that you might see turmoil, you might see no way out. You might see see no way out. You might see see no way out. You might see brokenness. and all of this in front of brokenness. and all of this in front of brokenness. and all of this in front of you. But some of us need to pause on a you. But some of us need to pause on a you. But some of us need to pause on a Monday morning and look up to heaven and Monday morning and look up to heaven and Monday morning and look up to heaven and say, "God, give me a perspective. Give say, "God, give me a perspective. Give say, "God, give me a perspective. Give me a fresh lens to me to see my kids, my me a fresh lens to me to see my kids, my me a fresh lens to me to see my kids, my family, my future like you see him, family, my future like you see him, family, my future like you see him, God." Cuz he says this to Gideon, mighty God." Cuz he says this to Gideon, mighty God." Cuz he says this to Gideon, mighty warrior. He didn't find him like bench pressing. He didn't find him like bench pressing. He didn't find him sharpening a spear. He didn't find him sharpening a spear. He didn't find him sharpening a spear. He finds him hiding. He finds him hiding. He finds him hiding. And that's because God sits in his And that's because God sits in his And that's because God sits in his prophetic future. He sits in his future prophetic future. He sits in his future prophetic future. He sits in his future and he's calling him out, speaking and he's calling him out, speaking and he's calling him out, speaking identity to him before he steps into it.

identity to him before he steps into it. identity to him before he steps into it. And what many of us do is we hear the And what many of us do is we hear the And what many of us do is we hear the prophetic word of God over our life. prophetic word of God over our life. prophetic word of God over our life. Ambassador Ambassador Ambassador and we go, there's no way, man. Not me. and we go, there's no way, man. Not me. and we go, there's no way, man. Not me. Have you seen my past? Have you seen Have you seen my past? Have you seen Have you seen my past? Have you seen what I've walked through? Have you seen what I've walked through? Have you seen what I've walked through? Have you seen what I've done? I am not that. But can I what I've done? I am not that. But can I what I've done? I am not that. But can I remind you sometimes you got to turn remind you sometimes you got to turn remind you sometimes you got to turn down the voice of lies in your mind and down the voice of lies in your mind and down the voice of lies in your mind and you need to get the voice of God in your you need to get the voice of God in your you need to get the voice of God in your prophetic future in your destiny calling prophetic future in your destiny calling prophetic future in your destiny calling you who you are. Mighty warrior, you who you are. Mighty warrior, you who you are. Mighty warrior, ambassador, son and daughter of God. ambassador, son and daughter of God. ambassador, son and daughter of God. This is what God does to his own son This is what God does to his own son This is what God does to his own son before Jesus ever does an act of before Jesus ever does an act of before Jesus ever does an act of ministry. What does the voice of the ministry. What does the voice of the ministry. What does the voice of the father speak over him? father speak over him? father speak over him? >> Identity. >> Identity. >> Identity. Now this has been like this is gospel. Now this has been like this is gospel. Now this has been like this is gospel. This is Bible. There's this book called This is Bible. There's this book called This is Bible. There's this book called Atomic Habits that came out that is now Atomic Habits that came out that is now Atomic Habits that came out that is now like reiterating the same thing. Atomic like reiterating the same thing. Atomic like reiterating the same thing. Atomic Habits says this that um before you can Habits says this that um before you can Habits says this that um before you can ever change what you get the outcome. ever change what you get the outcome. ever change what you get the outcome. You got to change what you do. But You got to change what you do. But You got to change what you do. But before you can change what you do, you before you can change what you do, you before you can change what you do, you got to change what who I am. He says got to change what who I am. He says got to change what who I am. He says identity drives what you do and what you identity drives what you do and what you identity drives what you do and what you do drives what you get. I I I love this do drives what you get. I I I love this do drives what you get. I I I love this because this is the gospel. before you because this is the gospel. before you because this is the gospel. before you ever have to earn anything, do anything, ever have to earn anything, do anything, ever have to earn anything, do anything, he just affirms your identity, son and he just affirms your identity, son and he just affirms your identity, son and daughter of God.

daughter of God. daughter of God. >> Now, a lot of times what we do is we go, >> Now, a lot of times what we do is we go, >> Now, a lot of times what we do is we go, I'm so broken and I'm so in this mess I'm so broken and I'm so in this mess I'm so broken and I'm so in this mess that what I do is I got to fix what I that what I do is I got to fix what I that what I do is I got to fix what I do. So, I'm going to grind harder and do. So, I'm going to grind harder and do. So, I'm going to grind harder and work harder and make sure I fix my work harder and make sure I fix my work harder and make sure I fix my habits and fix my screen time and fix habits and fix my screen time and fix habits and fix my screen time and fix all the things. And those things aren't all the things. And those things aren't all the things. And those things aren't all bad, but we get so focused on what all bad, but we get so focused on what all bad, but we get so focused on what we do that we forget the resources. I we do that we forget the resources. I we do that we forget the resources. I just got to get a fresh word from God just got to get a fresh word from God just got to get a fresh word from God and identity over who I am. And here's and identity over who I am. And here's and identity over who I am. And here's what I've learned. There is no way you what I've learned. There is no way you what I've learned. There is no way you can operate in freedom if you see can operate in freedom if you see can operate in freedom if you see yourself as a slave. yourself as a slave. yourself as a slave. >> There is no way you will see yourself as >> There is no way you will see yourself as >> There is no way you will see yourself as an ambassador if you see yourself as a an ambassador if you see yourself as a an ambassador if you see yourself as a havoc to the kingdom of God. havoc to the kingdom of God. havoc to the kingdom of God. >> When God called you, he knew your >> When God called you, he knew your >> When God called you, he knew your background. background. background. >> God's not in heaven like confused on who >> God's not in heaven like confused on who >> God's not in heaven like confused on who you are. you are. you are. >> Oh, in the 90s. Dang. >> Oh, in the 90s. Dang. >> Oh, in the 90s. Dang. Must have missed that part. Must have missed that part. Must have missed that part. All right, never mind. Send the kids All right, never mind. Send the kids All right, never mind. Send the kids back. back. back. When God called you, he knew your mess. When God called you, he knew your mess. When God called you, he knew your mess. He knew your breakup. He knew the He knew your breakup. He knew the He knew your breakup. He knew the everything that had ever happened to everything that had ever happened to everything that had ever happened to you. And still, what does he do? He you. And still, what does he do? He you. And still, what does he do? He calls you mighty warrior. Gideon gets calls you mighty warrior. Gideon gets calls you mighty warrior. Gideon gets this prophetic call from God. And for this prophetic call from God. And for this prophetic call from God. And for some of you today, what you need to get some of you today, what you need to get some of you today, what you need to get you out of this cave is you just need to you out of this cave is you just need to you out of this cave is you just need to be reminded you're called.

be reminded you're called. be reminded you're called. >> You're a leader. >> You're a leader. >> You're a leader. God's put something on the inside of God's put something on the inside of God's put something on the inside of you. you. you. God doesn't need another dad for those God doesn't need another dad for those God doesn't need another dad for those kids. He needs you. kids. He needs you. kids. He needs you. >> God could have had somebody else lead >> God could have had somebody else lead >> God could have had somebody else lead the business, but he put you there. the business, but he put you there. the business, but he put you there. >> So, some of you got to get some >> So, some of you got to get some >> So, some of you got to get some confidence back today and go, if God's confidence back today and go, if God's confidence back today and go, if God's placed my feet in this family, if God's placed my feet in this family, if God's placed my feet in this family, if God's fa my feet in this place, that means God fa my feet in this place, that means God fa my feet in this place, that means God wants to use me to for his kingdom. So, wants to use me to for his kingdom. So, wants to use me to for his kingdom. So, this is good news for us. So, so, so this is good news for us. So, so, so this is good news for us. So, so, so Gideon, we got wraps up. So, so Gideon Gideon, we got wraps up. So, so Gideon Gideon, we got wraps up. So, so Gideon has this moment. here is mighty warrior has this moment. here is mighty warrior has this moment. here is mighty warrior from him because God sees who he's from him because God sees who he's from him because God sees who he's becoming, not just who he is. And God becoming, not just who he is. And God becoming, not just who he is. And God will always speak to who you are will always speak to who you are will always speak to who you are becoming to help you get a picture and becoming to help you get a picture and becoming to help you get a picture and to guide your next step. This is why I to guide your next step. This is why I to guide your next step. This is why I love the Bible. It says it's a lamp unto love the Bible. It says it's a lamp unto love the Bible. It says it's a lamp unto our feet, not a headlight 50 ft in front our feet, not a headlight 50 ft in front our feet, not a headlight 50 ft in front of us. So, you need the word of God to of us. So, you need the word of God to of us. So, you need the word of God to just step into the identity, that next just step into the identity, that next just step into the identity, that next step. So, he speaks this into you. And step. So, he speaks this into you. And step. So, he speaks this into you. And then Gideon goes on this whole rant. He then Gideon goes on this whole rant. He then Gideon goes on this whole rant. He gives a TED talk on 20 reasons why God gives a TED talk on 20 reasons why God gives a TED talk on 20 reasons why God shouldn't use him. Anyone ever do this shouldn't use him. Anyone ever do this shouldn't use him. Anyone ever do this before?

before? before? You're like, God's like pumping your You're like, God's like pumping your You're like, God's like pumping your heart like, "Go pray for that person heart like, "Go pray for that person heart like, "Go pray for that person over there." And you're like, "Haven't over there." And you're like, "Haven't over there." And you're like, "Haven't had coffee yet. They have tattoos." I don't. They have tattoos." I don't. I don't know whatever reason. Watch what I don't know whatever reason. Watch what I don't know whatever reason. Watch what Gideon does in this response. He says, Gideon does in this response. He says, Gideon does in this response. He says, "Pardon me, my Lord." "Pardon me, my Lord." "Pardon me, my Lord." He tries to correct God. He tries to correct God. He tries to correct God. But if the Lord is with us, why has all But if the Lord is with us, why has all But if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? I just imagine he's this happened to us? I just imagine he's this happened to us? I just imagine he's got this like weak wimpy voice. I don't got this like weak wimpy voice. I don't got this like weak wimpy voice. I don't know where all the wonders of our know where all the wonders of our know where all the wonders of our ancestors told us about when they said ancestors told us about when they said ancestors told us about when they said to the Lord not bring you up out of to the Lord not bring you up out of to the Lord not bring you up out of Egypt. But now the Lord has abandoned Egypt. But now the Lord has abandoned Egypt. But now the Lord has abandoned us. Look at this. He's speaking like us. Look at this. He's speaking like us. Look at this. He's speaking like this is fact that God has abandoned him. this is fact that God has abandoned him. this is fact that God has abandoned him. Who's standing in front of him? He goes on and on. Pardon me, my lord. He goes on and on. Pardon me, my lord. How can I save Israel? My clan is the How can I save Israel? My clan is the How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Messiah. I'm the least in my weakest in Messiah. I'm the least in my weakest in Messiah. I'm the least in my family. The Lord answered. Watch this.

family. The Lord answered. Watch this. family. The Lord answered. Watch this. He doesn't rebuttal. He doesn't rebuttal. He doesn't rebuttal. He doesn't correct him. He doesn't correct him. He doesn't correct him. Gideon gives the list of the reasons why Gideon gives the list of the reasons why Gideon gives the list of the reasons why he shouldn't be used. And what does he he shouldn't be used. And what does he he shouldn't be used. And what does he say? say? say? I'll be with you. I'll be with you. I'll be with you. And some of you have memorized and And some of you have memorized and And some of you have memorized and gotten so obsessed with why God can't gotten so obsessed with why God can't gotten so obsessed with why God can't use you. use you. use you. And here's what I love about God. every And here's what I love about God. every And here's what I love about God. every time I've come to God and be like, "No, time I've come to God and be like, "No, time I've come to God and be like, "No, it's not me. I'm not the guy." it's not me. I'm not the guy." it's not me. I'm not the guy." God doesn't like fight with me. He's God doesn't like fight with me. He's God doesn't like fight with me. He's like, "Yeah, I know you're weak." like, "Yeah, I know you're weak." like, "Yeah, I know you're weak." Yeah, I I know your shortcoming. Yeah, I I know your shortcoming. Yeah, I I know your shortcoming. Yeah, I I know who your mom was. Yeah, I I know who your mom was. Yeah, I I know who your mom was. >> Yeah, I know what you did in high >> Yeah, I know what you did in high >> Yeah, I know what you did in high school, school, school, but I'll be with you but I'll be with you but I'll be with you >> because all you need is the Lord on your >> because all you need is the Lord on your >> because all you need is the Lord on your side. And what I've learned is you can side. And what I've learned is you can side. And what I've learned is you can line up every excuse of why God can't line up every excuse of why God can't line up every excuse of why God can't use you. And his response back will be, use you. And his response back will be, use you. And his response back will be, "I know, but I'll be with you." Anyone "I know, but I'll be with you." Anyone "I know, but I'll be with you." Anyone grateful that in your weak moments, God grateful that in your weak moments, God grateful that in your weak moments, God doesn't neglect you, he doesn't run from doesn't neglect you, he doesn't run from doesn't neglect you, he doesn't run from you, but he says, "I'll stand by your you, but he says, "I'll stand by your you, but he says, "I'll stand by your side." Translation: You plus God is all side." Translation: You plus God is all side." Translation: You plus God is all you need.

you need. you need. I love the workout program and I LOVE I love the workout program and I LOVE I love the workout program and I LOVE YOU'RE GETTING DIALED in theology and I YOU'RE GETTING DIALED in theology and I YOU'RE GETTING DIALED in theology and I love you're going to church. It's love you're going to church. It's love you're going to church. It's awesome. But you plus God is all you awesome. But you plus God is all you awesome. But you plus God is all you need. need. need. Some of you think I'm just not him. I'm Some of you think I'm just not him. I'm Some of you think I'm just not him. I'm not her. not her. not her. Some of you got to get the confidence Some of you got to get the confidence Some of you got to get the confidence going to give. So Gideon gets the going to give. So Gideon gets the going to give. So Gideon gets the confidence finally. Now he's like, confidence finally. Now he's like, confidence finally. Now he's like, "Okay, I'll do it." There's this testing "Okay, I'll do it." There's this testing "Okay, I'll do it." There's this testing moment and they go back and forth and moment and they go back and forth and moment and they go back and forth and finally God proves like, "I'm for real. finally God proves like, "I'm for real. finally God proves like, "I'm for real. You're going to be the one to deliver my You're going to be the one to deliver my You're going to be the one to deliver my people from the Midionites." And Gideon people from the Midionites." And Gideon people from the Midionites." And Gideon gets this call. He's like, "Okay, let's gets this call. He's like, "Okay, let's gets this call. He's like, "Okay, let's do it." And if I'm Gideon, I'm thinking, do it." And if I'm Gideon, I'm thinking, do it." And if I'm Gideon, I'm thinking, "Okay, uh, let's get the strongest boys, "Okay, uh, let's get the strongest boys, "Okay, uh, let's get the strongest boys, start sharpening the spear. start sharpening the spear. start sharpening the spear. Let's put Power by Kanye West on. Uh Let's put Power by Kanye West on. Uh Let's put Power by Kanye West on. Uh hey, hey, hey, let's rally the boys. We're going to let's rally the boys. We're going to let's rally the boys. We're going to war. We're watching Saving Private Ryan war. We're watching Saving Private Ryan war. We're watching Saving Private Ryan together. We're getting fired up and together. We're getting fired up and together. We're getting fired up and we're going to take down these we're going to take down these we're going to take down these Medianites and watch what God says back to him. and watch what God says back to him. That night, the Lord said to him, "Take That night, the Lord said to him, "Take That night, the Lord said to him, "Take your father's bowl in the second bowl," your father's bowl in the second bowl," your father's bowl in the second bowl," seven years old, "and pull down the seven years old, "and pull down the seven years old, "and pull down the altar to Baal that your father has, altar to Baal that your father has, altar to Baal that your father has, and cut down the astropole that is and cut down the astropole that is and cut down the astropole that is besides it, and build an altar to the besides it, and build an altar to the besides it, and build an altar to the Lord your God on top of the stronghold Lord your God on top of the stronghold Lord your God on top of the stronghold there with stones laid in due order.

there with stones laid in due order. there with stones laid in due order. Then take the second bull and offer as a Then take the second bull and offer as a Then take the second bull and offer as a burnt offering with the wood of the burnt offering with the wood of the burnt offering with the wood of the astral that you shall cut down." So, astral that you shall cut down." So, astral that you shall cut down." So, Gideon gets the confidence to go take Gideon gets the confidence to go take Gideon gets the confidence to go take down the enemy. You ever feel this? You down the enemy. You ever feel this? You down the enemy. You ever feel this? You feel real confident like, "Yeah, this feel real confident like, "Yeah, this feel real confident like, "Yeah, this addiction ran into me today. addiction ran into me today. addiction ran into me today. This mean person on the freeway ran into This mean person on the freeway ran into This mean person on the freeway ran into me today." You get fired up like God's me today." You get fired up like God's me today." You get fired up like God's going to use you. going to use you. going to use you. And God doesn't say the enemy is the And God doesn't say the enemy is the And God doesn't say the enemy is the Midionites. Watch what he does. He says, Midionites. Watch what he does. He says, Midionites. Watch what he does. He says, "Before you go to the battlefield, "Before you go to the battlefield, "Before you go to the battlefield, go to your backyard." The enemy wasn't the enemy. The enemy wasn't the enemy. The enemy was in their backyard. The enemy was in their backyard. The enemy was in their backyard. The Bible says that there was an altar, The Bible says that there was an altar, The Bible says that there was an altar, a statue to the false god of Baal. In a statue to the false god of Baal. In a statue to the false god of Baal. In this culture, Baal would have been the this culture, Baal would have been the this culture, Baal would have been the god that represents productivity, god that represents productivity, god that represents productivity, success, sexuality, all the things that success, sexuality, all the things that success, sexuality, all the things that they would go to in this culture. Now, they would go to in this culture. Now, they would go to in this culture. Now, this doesn't start in Judges 6. Go back this doesn't start in Judges 6. Go back this doesn't start in Judges 6. Go back to Judges chapter 1. to Judges chapter 1. to Judges chapter 1. God gives a very simple commandment to God gives a very simple commandment to God gives a very simple commandment to the people of God when it comes to the the people of God when it comes to the the people of God when it comes to the enemy nation. He doesn't say play with enemy nation. He doesn't say play with enemy nation. He doesn't say play with them. He doesn't say invite them in them. He doesn't say invite them in them. He doesn't say invite them in their house. He says, "Drive them out."

their house. He says, "Drive them out." their house. He says, "Drive them out." And all of Judges, you see a different And all of Judges, you see a different And all of Judges, you see a different people group, a different nation come people group, a different nation come people group, a different nation come through their lives and instead of them through their lives and instead of them through their lives and instead of them following what God said, drive them out. following what God said, drive them out. following what God said, drive them out. You know what he does? They do? They You know what he does? They do? They You know what he does? They do? They take some as workers, try and monetize take some as workers, try and monetize take some as workers, try and monetize what God asked them to drive out. They what God asked them to drive out. They what God asked them to drive out. They take some as wives take some as wives take some as wives and what God had called bondage. and what God had called bondage. and what God had called bondage. They've kept around They've kept around They've kept around for generation to generation. Now, this for generation to generation. Now, this for generation to generation. Now, this is interesting. God says, "Go to your is interesting. God says, "Go to your is interesting. God says, "Go to your father's house." Which tells me Gideon father's house." Which tells me Gideon father's house." Which tells me Gideon would have grown up would have grown up would have grown up watching his dad worship Baal, watching his dad worship Baal, watching his dad worship Baal, call himself a part of the people of call himself a part of the people of call himself a part of the people of God, God, God, but worship Baal. but worship Baal. but worship Baal. So for Gideon, he was just used to this. So for Gideon, he was just used to this. So for Gideon, he was just used to this. And the call from God to Gideon before And the call from God to Gideon before And the call from God to Gideon before it's go to the battlefield, it's go to the battlefield, it's go to the battlefield, he says, "Go deal with that thing in he says, "Go deal with that thing in he says, "Go deal with that thing in your dad's house your dad's house your dad's house because it's been running through the because it's been running through the because it's been running through the generation, but Gideon, it's about to generation, but Gideon, it's about to generation, but Gideon, it's about to run into you." Now, watch this. Gideon, run into you." Now, watch this. Gideon, run into you." Now, watch this. Gideon, many theologians believe Gideon was many theologians believe Gideon was many theologians believe Gideon was actually a nickname actually a nickname actually a nickname hacker hacker hacker that he would have gotten from being that he would have gotten from being that he would have gotten from being good at chopping wood.

So, when God calls him So, when God calls him Gideon thinks it's to like be a warrior. Gideon thinks it's to like be a warrior. Gideon thinks it's to like be a warrior. God's looking at his nickname and goes, God's looking at his nickname and goes, God's looking at his nickname and goes, "I'm going to use what you've been good "I'm going to use what you've been good "I'm going to use what you've been good at in your life, and you're going to use at in your life, and you're going to use at in your life, and you're going to use it to cut down a false altar." it to cut down a false altar." it to cut down a false altar." >> Now, when it happens, it says the fire >> Now, when it happens, it says the fire >> Now, when it happens, it says the fire god, he says, don't just cut it down, god, he says, don't just cut it down, god, he says, don't just cut it down, but build a new altar to King Jesus, to but build a new altar to King Jesus, to but build a new altar to King Jesus, to God. And when it happens, the Bible God. And when it happens, the Bible God. And when it happens, the Bible tells us this, that his father looks at tells us this, that his father looks at tells us this, that his father looks at him and gives him a new name. From the him and gives him a new name. From the him and gives him a new name. From the rest of this book, he's no longer called rest of this book, he's no longer called rest of this book, he's no longer called Gideon. and he's called Jerubal, Gideon. and he's called Jerubal, Gideon. and he's called Jerubal, which means let Baal which means let Baal which means let Baal contend with me. >> And here's what I came to preach to >> And here's what I came to preach to somebody today. somebody today. somebody today. That some of us, the war is not out That some of us, the war is not out That some of us, the war is not out there. there. there. The war is not that candidate. The war The war is not that candidate. The war The war is not that candidate. The war is not that issue. is not that issue. is not that issue. The war is something in my heart. It's The war is something in my heart. It's The war is something in my heart. It's pride. pride. pride. It's insecurity. It's insecurity. It's insecurity. I think very similar. Before you saw God I think very similar. Before you saw God I think very similar. Before you saw God give the people of God 40 years of give the people of God 40 years of give the people of God 40 years of freedom, freedom, freedom, he asked them to first tear down this he asked them to first tear down this he asked them to first tear down this altar. And I've learned this that every altar. And I've learned this that every altar. And I've learned this that every family passes something down.

family passes something down. family passes something down. For some of us, it's watches, its cars, For some of us, it's watches, its cars, For some of us, it's watches, its cars, its things, its last names. its things, its last names. its things, its last names. But many of us are very familiar with But many of us are very familiar with But many of us are very familiar with maybe the darker things that have been maybe the darker things that have been maybe the darker things that have been passed down. addiction, insecurity, passed down. addiction, insecurity, passed down. addiction, insecurity, divorce, brokenness. divorce, brokenness. divorce, brokenness. In my family, my grandfather, he just In my family, my grandfather, he just In my family, my grandfather, he just passed away just a couple months ago, passed away just a couple months ago, passed away just a couple months ago, and we're at his memorial. and we're at his memorial. and we're at his memorial. And my grandfather was a pastor, and man, for more than 40 plus years of and man, for more than 40 plus years of his life, he struggled with deep his life, he struggled with deep his life, he struggled with deep addiction. addiction. addiction. It messed up so many relationships. It messed up so many relationships. It messed up so many relationships. blew up a church, blew up a marriage, blew up a church, blew up a marriage, blew up a church, blew up a marriage, blew up relationship with his kids. blew up relationship with his kids. blew up relationship with his kids. It was like this thing he could not get It was like this thing he could not get It was like this thing he could not get over. over. over. But about 12 years ago, But about 12 years ago, But about 12 years ago, he looked back at his life and said, he looked back at his life and said, he looked back at his life and said, "Man, I've made a mess." "Man, I've made a mess." "Man, I've made a mess." But something in him said, "I still got But something in him said, "I still got But something in him said, "I still got some time in front of me."

some time in front of me." some time in front of me." about 12 years ago. He got clean, he did about 12 years ago. He got clean, he did about 12 years ago. He got clean, he did work, and he started ministry. work, and he started ministry. work, and he started ministry. Anytime a guy would here, we can clap. He attends life church. And anytime a He attends life church. And anytime a guy at Life Church would have a similar guy at Life Church would have a similar guy at Life Church would have a similar addiction, his pastor would call Ron. addiction, his pastor would call Ron. addiction, his pastor would call Ron. For 12 years of his life, he just met For 12 years of his life, he just met For 12 years of his life, he just met with men and met with guys and met with with men and met with guys and met with with men and met with guys and met with husbands and met with people struggling husbands and met with people struggling husbands and met with people struggling and people who were broken. and people who were broken. and people who were broken. My brother and I and our family got to My brother and I and our family got to My brother and I and our family got to sit as a memorial. sit as a memorial. sit as a memorial. Not with the name of sinner, Not with the name of sinner, Not with the name of sinner, addict, addict, addict, marriage recorder, marriage recorder, marriage recorder, moral failure. moral failure. moral failure. We sat in the front row of his memorial We sat in the front row of his memorial We sat in the front row of his memorial and watched dude after dude after dude and watched dude after dude after dude and watched dude after dude after dude get up on stage get up on stage get up on stage with tears in their eyes, with tears in their eyes, with tears in their eyes, say, "Ron saved my marriage." say, "Ron saved my marriage." say, "Ron saved my marriage." In my darkest moment, he showed up. When In my darkest moment, he showed up. When In my darkest moment, he showed up. When I didn't think I was going to make it, I didn't think I was going to make it, I didn't think I was going to make it, he invited me to his house.

he invited me to his house. he invited me to his house. I was thinking about this sitt in the I was thinking about this sitt in the I was thinking about this sitt in the memorial. memorial. memorial. His name could have been a lot of His name could have been a lot of His name could have been a lot of things, things, things, but somewhere he made a decision. but somewhere he made a decision. but somewhere he made a decision. I'm not going to let it define me. I'm not going to let it define me. I'm not going to let it define me. And I wonder today if there's a dad in And I wonder today if there's a dad in And I wonder today if there's a dad in the room who your name needs to be the room who your name needs to be the room who your name needs to be changed, the one that contended with changed, the one that contended with changed, the one that contended with addiction. addiction. addiction. There's a mom in the room today that There's a mom in the room today that There's a mom in the room today that your name needs to be changed. The one your name needs to be changed. The one your name needs to be changed. The one who contended for your kids. There's who contended for your kids. There's who contended for your kids. There's someone in the room today that says, "I someone in the room today that says, "I someone in the room today that says, "I contended for my college. I contended contended for my college. I contended contended for my college. I contended for my high school." Because there is a for my high school." Because there is a for my high school." Because there is a name for you on the other side of you name for you on the other side of you name for you on the other side of you embracing the grace of Jesus. And here's embracing the grace of Jesus. And here's embracing the grace of Jesus. And here's what I know. 50 years or so, he might what I know. 50 years or so, he might what I know. 50 years or so, he might have messed up. But the 12 years of have messed up. But the 12 years of have messed up. But the 12 years of faithfulness unlocked 50 plus years and faithfulness unlocked 50 plus years and faithfulness unlocked 50 plus years and 50 other people's lives. What's your legacy going to be? What's your legacy going to be? I know it's been hard. I know hiding has I know it's been hard. I know hiding has I know it's been hard. I know hiding has gotten comfortable.

gotten comfortable. gotten comfortable. But God today, like Gideon, is saying But God today, like Gideon, is saying But God today, like Gideon, is saying IT'S TIME TO TEAR THAT thing down. IT'S TIME TO TEAR THAT thing down. IT'S TIME TO TEAR THAT thing down. I know it's been living in your I know it's been living in your I know it's been living in your backyard. I KNOW IT'S BEEN IN YOUR backyard. I KNOW IT'S BEEN IN YOUR backyard. I KNOW IT'S BEEN IN YOUR HEART. I know it's been in your mind. HEART. I know it's been in your mind. HEART. I know it's been in your mind. But enough is enough. But enough is enough. But enough is enough. But don't just tear it down and stay But don't just tear it down and stay But don't just tear it down and stay there. you build a new altar unto me. there. you build a new altar unto me. there. you build a new altar unto me. Because when you tear down the sin and Because when you tear down the sin and Because when you tear down the sin and the brokenness of your life and receive the brokenness of your life and receive the brokenness of your life and receive grace and you make it worship unto God, grace and you make it worship unto God, grace and you make it worship unto God, what he will do is use you in ways you what he will do is use you in ways you what he will do is use you in ways you could never imagine. He'll send you to could never imagine. He'll send you to could never imagine. He'll send you to people that need your help. He'll break people that need your help. He'll break people that need your help. He'll break off things in your life to help you off things in your life to help you off things in your life to help you break off things in others. God's got a break off things in others. God's got a break off things in others. God's got a plan and a purpose for your life. plan and a purpose for your life. plan and a purpose for your life. Friends, Friends, Friends, you weren't called to you weren't called you weren't called to you weren't called you weren't called to you weren't called to a cave. You weren't called to hide. to a cave. You weren't called to hide. to a cave. You weren't called to hide. And I hope one day And I hope one day And I hope one day there would be people that would tell there would be people that would tell there would be people that would tell stories of your life stories of your life stories of your life that would be they helped. They set me that would be they helped. They set me that would be they helped. They set me free. So today when we stand up to our free. So today when we stand up to our free. So today when we stand up to our feet all over this room, some of us need to build a new altar some of us need to build a new altar right now.

right now. right now. Would you do this? Would you just put Would you do this? Would you just put Would you do this? Would you just put your hand over your heart and in the best way you know? and in the best way you know? Would you just say, "God, Would you just say, "God, Would you just say, "God, I give you everything in my life that is I give you everything in my life that is I give you everything in my life that is holding me back and keeping me hiding. holding me back and keeping me hiding. holding me back and keeping me hiding. And today, God, I say in this room, at And today, God, I say in this room, at And today, God, I say in this room, at this place, I'm building a new altar to this place, I'm building a new altar to this place, I'm building a new altar to you. you. you. God, use my weakness as worship. God, use my weakness as worship. God, use my weakness as worship. Use what should have taken me out as Use what should have taken me out as Use what should have taken me out as help for another individual. help for another individual. help for another individual. It's not in our strength, but today we It's not in our strength, but today we It's not in our strength, but today we remind our heart that the Lord is on our remind our heart that the Lord is on our remind our heart that the Lord is on our side. side. side. God, today would new stories be written? God, today would new stories be written? God, today would new stories be written? Would generational curses be broken? And Would generational curses be broken? And Would generational curses be broken? And God, would you raise up an army of God, would you raise up an army of God, would you raise up an army of ambassadors for Christ that would plead ambassadors for Christ that would plead ambassadors for Christ that would plead to their territory, to their promised to their territory, to their promised to their territory, to their promised land? There is nothing that is going to land? There is nothing that is going to land? There is nothing that is going to stop them. The Bible says this that the stop them. The Bible says this that the stop them. The Bible says this that the gates of hell will not prevail against gates of hell will not prevail against gates of hell will not prevail against the church of Jesus Christ. Which means the church of Jesus Christ. Which means the church of Jesus Christ. Which means the safest place we can be is in the one the safest place we can be is in the one the safest place we can be is in the one place in the bride in the church saying place in the bride in the church saying place in the bride in the church saying God protect me and use me oh God. Father God protect me and use me oh God. Father God protect me and use me oh God. Father we want to be ambassadors for you. So we want to be ambassadors for you. So we want to be ambassadors for you. So father right now I pray for a father right now I pray for a father right now I pray for a supernatural infusion of faith supernatural infusion of faith supernatural infusion of faith to our hearts to our minds. As I right to our hearts to our minds. As I right to our hearts to our minds. As I right now pray sins of addiction to fall off now pray sins of addiction to fall off now pray sins of addiction to fall off in the mighty name of Jesus.

in the mighty name of Jesus. in the mighty name of Jesus. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there Where the spirit of the Lord is, there Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we right now declare is freedom. And we right now declare is freedom. And we right now declare freedom over moms and dads and business freedom over moms and dads and business freedom over moms and dads and business owners and young people in this room owners and young people in this room owners and young people in this room today. today. today. Father, we thank you that our past does Father, we thank you that our past does Father, we thank you that our past does not disqualify us, but it makes room for not disqualify us, but it makes room for not disqualify us, but it makes room for your strength to be glorified. your strength to be glorified. your strength to be glorified. So today, God, we say, use us as a So today, God, we say, use us as a So today, God, we say, use us as a living offering, a living sacrifice. living offering, a living sacrifice. living offering, a living sacrifice. Would it be worship unto you? Everything Would it be worship unto you? Everything Would it be worship unto you? Everything that we are, every breath we take, we that we are, every breath we take, we that we are, every breath we take, we want to glorify you, King Jesus. want to glorify you, King Jesus. want to glorify you, King Jesus. So, Father, we give you the honor, we So, Father, we give you the honor, we So, Father, we give you the honor, we give you the glory, and we give you the give you the glory, and we give you the give you the glory, and we give you the praise. praise. praise. And all God's people said, "Amen and And all God's people said, "Amen and And all God's people said, "Amen and amen and amen." Come on, can we lift up amen and amen." Come on, can we lift up amen and amen." Come on, can we lift up a shout of praise all over this room? a shout of praise all over this room? a shout of praise all over this room? Come on. Is God being good to you? Has Come on. Is God being good to you? Has Come on. Is God being good to you? Has he set you free? Can I see a hand wave? he set you free? Can I see a hand wave? he set you free? Can I see a hand wave? If you're saying, "I want to be used by If you're saying, "I want to be used by If you're saying, "I want to be used by God in this next generation. I want to God in this next generation. I want to God in this next generation. I want to be an ambassador for King Jesus." Come be an ambassador for King Jesus." Come be an ambassador for King Jesus." Come on. The enemy's got a plan for Gen Z, on. The enemy's got a plan for Gen Z, on. The enemy's got a plan for Gen Z, but God's got a better one, and it's my but God's got a better one, and it's my but God's got a better one, and it's my name in it. I'm not going to allow the name in it. I'm not going to allow the name in it. I'm not going to allow the gates of hell to prevail on my family or gates of hell to prevail on my family or gates of hell to prevail on my family or my kids. Come on, give God a shout of my kids. Come on, give God a shout of my kids. Come on, give God a shout of praise all over this room.

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