06.07.26 - 11 AM Sunday Service // My Favorite Story // Tim Caldwell

Good morning and thanks so much for Good morning and thanks so much for joining us online for our worship joining us online for our worship joining us online for our worship services today. My name is Mark Henry. services today. My name is Mark Henry. services today. My name is Mark Henry. I'm one of the teaching pastors here at I'm one of the teaching pastors here at I'm one of the teaching pastors here at Fellowship and I serve alongside our Fellowship and I serve alongside our Fellowship and I serve alongside our other pastors to help lead and teach our other pastors to help lead and teach our other pastors to help lead and teach our church in a very team oriented way. And church in a very team oriented way. And church in a very team oriented way. And if you're new with us today, we're so if you're new with us today, we're so if you're new with us today, we're so excited that you're here and we'd love excited that you're here and we'd love excited that you're here and we'd love to connect with you and help you take to connect with you and help you take to connect with you and help you take your next step at fellowship. You can do your next step at fellowship. You can do your next step at fellowship. You can do that by using the QR code located there that by using the QR code located there that by using the QR code located there on the bottom of the screen or reaching on the bottom of the screen or reaching on the bottom of the screen or reaching out through our website. And if you're out through our website. And if you're out through our website. And if you're attending in person, you can drop by our attending in person, you can drop by our attending in person, you can drop by our connection center on any of our connection center on any of our connection center on any of our campuses. A Fellowship Bible Church campuses. A Fellowship Bible Church campuses. A Fellowship Bible Church started in Little Rock, Arkansas, where started in Little Rock, Arkansas, where started in Little Rock, Arkansas, where our West Little Rock campuses, but we've our West Little Rock campuses, but we've our West Little Rock campuses, but we've grown into seven different campuses over grown into seven different campuses over grown into seven different campuses over the last 48 years. Now we're located in the last 48 years. Now we're located in the last 48 years. Now we're located in Benton, Kabat, Midtown, Little Rock, Benton, Kabat, Midtown, Little Rock, Benton, Kabat, Midtown, Little Rock, Mal, North Little Rock, and our Espanol Mal, North Little Rock, and our Espanol Mal, North Little Rock, and our Espanol campus. We are one church that meets in campus. We are one church that meets in campus. We are one church that meets in multiple locations in central Arkansas. multiple locations in central Arkansas. multiple locations in central Arkansas. But what unites us together is a common But what unites us together is a common But what unites us together is a common vision and mission. Our mission here at vision and mission. Our mission here at vision and mission. Our mission here at Fellowship is to make disciples who live Fellowship is to make disciples who live Fellowship is to make disciples who live by God's grace and for his glory at home by God's grace and for his glory at home by God's grace and for his glory at home and across the world. And we're so and across the world. And we're so and across the world. And we're so excited that you're joining us online excited that you're joining us online excited that you're joining us online today. And I want to encourage you to today. And I want to encourage you to today. And I want to encourage you to fully engage with us wherever you are. I fully engage with us wherever you are. I fully engage with us wherever you are. I know that the Lord has something he know that the Lord has something he know that the Lord has something he wants to do in your heart and life as we wants to do in your heart and life as we wants to do in your heart and life as we worship and learn from his word together worship and learn from his word together worship and learn from his word together today. If you call Fellowship Home, I today. If you call Fellowship Home, I today. If you call Fellowship Home, I want to encourage you to worship God want to encourage you to worship God want to encourage you to worship God with us through your giving. There are with us through your giving. There are with us through your giving. There are many ways to give at fellowship. One of many ways to give at fellowship. One of many ways to give at fellowship. One of the most popular is to give through our the most popular is to give through our the most popular is to give through our website. And when you give, God uses website. And when you give, God uses website. And when you give, God uses your faithful giving to bless others in

your faithful giving to bless others in your faithful giving to bless others in central Arkansas and across the world. central Arkansas and across the world. central Arkansas and across the world. Again, thank you for joining us today. Again, thank you for joining us today. Again, thank you for joining us today. And we pray that God will move in all And we pray that God will move in all And we pray that God will move in all our hearts as he accomplishes his our hearts as he accomplishes his our hearts as he accomplishes his purpose in us and through us together. Well, hey, good morning fellowship. So Well, hey, good morning fellowship. So good to see you all this morning. Would good to see you all this morning. Would good to see you all this morning. Would you stand [music] as we enter into a you stand [music] as we enter into a you stand [music] as we enter into a time of worship?

time of worship? time of worship? [music] The song says, "We praise you." [music] The song says, "We praise you." [music] The song says, "We praise you." That's what we're here to do this That's what we're here to do this That's what we're here to do this morning. We praise the King of Kings and morning. We praise the King of Kings and morning. We praise the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Y'all sing this with the Lord of Lords. Y'all sing this with the Lord of Lords. Y'all sing this with us. us. us. [music] Let praise be a weapon that silences Let praise be a weapon that silences [singing] [singing] [singing] the enemy. the enemy. the enemy. Let praise be a weapon that conquers Let praise be a weapon that conquers Let praise be a weapon that conquers [music and singing] all anxiety. [music and singing] all anxiety. [music and singing] all anxiety. Let it rise. We sing your name in the dark and it We sing your name in the dark and it changes everything. changes everything. changes everything. We sing with all we [music and singing] We sing with all we [music and singing] We sing with all we [music and singing] are and we claim your victory. are and we claim your victory. are and we claim your victory. Let it rise. [singing] We'll [music] see you break down every We'll [music] see you break down every wall. We'll watch the giants fall.

wall. We'll watch the giants fall. wall. We'll watch the giants fall. [music] You cannot survive [singing] [music] You cannot survive [singing] [music] You cannot survive [singing] when we praise you. The God [music] of when we praise you. The God [music] of when we praise you. The God [music] of breakthroughs on our side [singing] breakthroughs on our side [singing] breakthroughs on our side [singing] forever. Lift him [music] high. With all forever. Lift him [music] high. With all forever. Lift him [music] high. With all creation cry, God we praise [music] you. creation cry, God we praise [music] you. creation cry, God we praise [music] you. Oh, [music] [music] let faith be the song that overcomes let faith be the song that overcomes let faith be the song that overcomes [singing] the raging sea. [singing] the raging sea. [singing] the raging sea. Let faith be the song that calms the Let faith be the song that calms the Let faith be the song that calms the [music] storm inside of me. Let it rise. [music] storm inside of me. Let it rise. [music] storm inside of me. Let it rise. [singing and music] Let praise arise. Let praise arise. [music] We'll see you break down every wall. We'll see you break down every wall. We'll [music] watch the giants fall. We'll [music] watch the giants fall. We'll [music] watch the giants fall. Fear cannot survive when we praise you. Fear cannot survive when we praise you. Fear cannot survive when we praise you. The God of [music] breakthroughs on our The God of [music] breakthroughs on our The God of [music] breakthroughs on our [singing] side forever. Lift him high [singing] side forever. Lift him high [singing] side forever. Lift him high with all creation cry.

with all creation cry. with all creation cry. [music and singing] God, we praise you. [music and singing] God, we praise you. [music and singing] God, we praise you. Oh, [music] [music] we praise you. Oh, [singing] [music] [music] this is what living looks like. This is this is what living looks like. This is this is what living looks like. This is what freedom [singing] feels like. This what freedom [singing] feels like. This what freedom [singing] feels like. This is what heaven sounds like. We praise is what heaven sounds like. We praise is what heaven sounds like. We praise you. We praise you. [music] This is what you. We praise you. [music] This is what you. We praise you. [music] This is what living looks [singing] like. This is living looks [singing] like. This is living looks [singing] like. This is what freedom feels like. This is what what freedom feels like. This is what what freedom feels like. This is what heaven [music] heaven [music] heaven [music] sounds like. We praise you. We praise sounds like. We praise you. We praise sounds like. We praise you. We praise you. This is what living looks you. This is what living looks you. This is what living looks [music and singing] like. This is what [music and singing] like. This is what [music and singing] like. This is what heaven feels like. This is what heaven heaven feels like. This is what heaven heaven feels like. This is what heaven sounds like. We [music] praise you. We sounds like. We [music] praise you. We sounds like. We [music] praise you. We praise you. This is what living like. praise you. This is what living like. praise you. This is what living like. [music] This is what freedom [singing] [music] This is what freedom [singing] [music] This is what freedom [singing] feels like. This is what heaven sounds feels like. This is what heaven sounds feels like. This is what heaven sounds like. We praise [music] you. We praise. like. We praise [music] you. We praise. like. We praise [music] you. We praise. We'll see you break down every [music] We'll see you break down every [music] We'll see you break down every [music] wall. We'll watch the giant wall. We'll watch the giant wall. We'll watch the giant You cannot survive when we praise You cannot survive when we praise You cannot survive when we praise [music] [music] [music] you. The God of raises on our side you. The God of raises on our side you. The God of raises on our side forever [music] forever [music] forever [music] high with all creation.

high with all creation. high with all creation. We praise you [music] We praise you [music] We praise you [music] on every wall. Watch the giants [music] on every wall. Watch the giants [music] on every wall. Watch the giants [music] fall. fall. fall. You cannot survive when we praise You cannot survive when we praise You cannot survive when we praise [music] you. [music] you. [music] you. On our side with all creation, [music and singing] with all creation, [music and singing] we praise you. we praise you. we praise you. [music] We praise you. We praise you. [music] [music] [music] We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. [music] We praise you. We praise you. [music] Yes. [music] Give the Lord some praise Yes. [music] Give the Lord some praise this morning. Yes, man. That's what this morning. Yes, man. That's what this morning. Yes, man. That's what we're here for today. To praise him, to we're here for today. To praise him, to we're here for today. To praise him, to lift his name up on high. Psalm 145 says lift his name up on high. Psalm 145 says lift his name up on high. Psalm 145 says that we will praise [music] him forever.

that we will praise [music] him forever. that we will praise [music] him forever. I will praise him each and every day. I will praise him each and every day. I will praise him each and every day. That's why we're here today to praise That's why we're here today to praise That's why we're here today to praise the name that is above every name, the the name that is above every name, the the name that is above every name, the name of the Lord Jesus. Why don't you name of the Lord Jesus. Why don't you name of the Lord Jesus. Why don't you grab a seat today? Well, listen. If you grab a seat today? Well, listen. If you grab a seat today? Well, listen. If you are a guest with us, man, we are so glad are a guest with us, man, we are so glad are a guest with us, man, we are so glad uh that you're with us today. My name is uh that you're with us today. My name is uh that you're with us today. My name is Mark. Uh I'm one of the teaching pastors Mark. Uh I'm one of the teaching pastors Mark. Uh I'm one of the teaching pastors here at Fellowship. We're so glad you're here at Fellowship. We're so glad you're here at Fellowship. We're so glad you're with us. Want to encourage you after the with us. Want to encourage you after the with us. Want to encourage you after the service, drop by the connection center service, drop by the connection center service, drop by the connection center so we can help you uh take your next so we can help you uh take your next so we can help you uh take your next step here at Fellowship. If you're step here at Fellowship. If you're step here at Fellowship. If you're watching us online, you see the QR code watching us online, you see the QR code watching us online, you see the QR code there uh on your screen. Uh please take there uh on your screen. Uh please take there uh on your screen. Uh please take a shot of that and sign up for that and a shot of that and sign up for that and a shot of that and sign up for that and we'll get in contact with you this week we'll get in contact with you this week we'll get in contact with you this week as well. We've got uh a lot of things as well. We've got uh a lot of things as well. We've got uh a lot of things going on uh each and every week here at going on uh each and every week here at going on uh each and every week here at Fellowship. That's why I encourage you Fellowship. That's why I encourage you Fellowship. That's why I encourage you uh when you come in here, grab one of uh when you come in here, grab one of uh when you come in here, grab one of these uh bulletins, look through that these uh bulletins, look through that these uh bulletins, look through that because there's a lot happening. But I because there's a lot happening. But I because there's a lot happening. But I do want to take a moment here uh and do want to take a moment here uh and do want to take a moment here uh and mention a few things to you. One is uh mention a few things to you. One is uh mention a few things to you. One is uh this week we have a special camp uh here this week we have a special camp uh here this week we have a special camp uh here at the West Little Rock uh campus. We at the West Little Rock uh campus. We at the West Little Rock uh campus. We have a windshaped camp. We have 360 have a windshaped camp. We have 360 have a windshaped camp. We have 360 kids. Yes. [cheering] kids. Yes. [cheering] kids. Yes. [cheering] Um K through sixth grade. And uh all the Um K through sixth grade. And uh all the Um K through sixth grade. And uh all the parents in here are clapping, right? Uh parents in here are clapping, right? Uh parents in here are clapping, right? Uh yeah. Uh but we have some of our yeah. Uh but we have some of our yeah. Uh but we have some of our Windshaped counselors over here. Not all Windshaped counselors over here. Not all Windshaped counselors over here. Not all of them are here. Let's show them some of them are here. Let's show them some of them are here. Let's show them some love. Let's give them uh a fellowship love. Let's give them uh a fellowship love. Let's give them uh a fellowship welcome. We're so glad uh to have you welcome. We're so glad uh to have you welcome. We're so glad uh to have you with us uh in Little Rock and a part of with us uh in Little Rock and a part of with us uh in Little Rock and a part of this. Thanks for being here. It means a

this. Thanks for being here. It means a this. Thanks for being here. It means a ton. Uh, as you know, we've been in a ton. Uh, as you know, we've been in a ton. Uh, as you know, we've been in a summer uh feeding initiative and we've summer uh feeding initiative and we've summer uh feeding initiative and we've been talking about this uh for almost a been talking about this uh for almost a been talking about this uh for almost a month now that uh one of the biggest month now that uh one of the biggest month now that uh one of the biggest issues in our city is food insecurity. issues in our city is food insecurity. issues in our city is food insecurity. And so, man, it's been incredible over And so, man, it's been incredible over And so, man, it's been incredible over these past few weeks. We've had 3,000 these past few weeks. We've had 3,000 these past few weeks. We've had 3,000 boxes picked up. Uh far exceeded what we boxes picked up. Uh far exceeded what we boxes picked up. Uh far exceeded what we thought was going to happen. Uh and and thought was going to happen. Uh and and thought was going to happen. Uh and and God has really shown up in that. uh so God has really shown up in that. uh so God has really shown up in that. uh so much so that Walmart uh here in central much so that Walmart uh here in central much so that Walmart uh here in central Arkansas has run out of some of the Arkansas has run out of some of the Arkansas has run out of some of the supplies uh for those boxes which has supplies uh for those boxes which has supplies uh for those boxes which has been really cool. So, thank you uh for been really cool. So, thank you uh for been really cool. So, thank you uh for your generous and gracious response in your generous and gracious response in your generous and gracious response in that. Just a reminder that today is the that. Just a reminder that today is the that. Just a reminder that today is the last day to turn in your box. You see last day to turn in your box. You see last day to turn in your box. You see that uh right out there in the lobby by that uh right out there in the lobby by that uh right out there in the lobby by the missions wall there. You drop your the missions wall there. You drop your the missions wall there. You drop your box off. If you forgot it this morning, box off. If you forgot it this morning, box off. If you forgot it this morning, just bring it back uh this afternoon and just bring it back uh this afternoon and just bring it back uh this afternoon and drop it off there. Thank you so much for drop it off there. Thank you so much for drop it off there. Thank you so much for being a part of that. We're going to being a part of that. We're going to being a part of that. We're going to take those boxes out this week and we'll take those boxes out this week and we'll take those boxes out this week and we'll be delivering those to elementary be delivering those to elementary be delivering those to elementary schools, to food banks, to other people, schools, to food banks, to other people, schools, to food banks, to other people, and being the hands and feet of Jesus.

and being the hands and feet of Jesus. and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Jesus cares about the hungry. Matthew 25 Jesus cares about the hungry. Matthew 25 Jesus cares about the hungry. Matthew 25 tells us. And we want to care about the tells us. And we want to care about the tells us. And we want to care about the hungry in our city as well. Well, uh, hungry in our city as well. Well, uh, hungry in our city as well. Well, uh, also this time of year is when we wrap also this time of year is when we wrap also this time of year is when we wrap up our financial year, which wraps up at up our financial year, which wraps up at up our financial year, which wraps up at the end of June. And so, uh, as you have the end of June. And so, uh, as you have the end of June. And so, uh, as you have opportunity, we want to encourage you as opportunity, we want to encourage you as opportunity, we want to encourage you as we kind of bring, uh, that to an end we kind of bring, uh, that to an end we kind of bring, uh, that to an end here at the end of June, if you have the here at the end of June, if you have the here at the end of June, if you have the opportunity to maybe make a special opportunity to maybe make a special opportunity to maybe make a special gift, uh, to fellowship to help us end gift, uh, to fellowship to help us end gift, uh, to fellowship to help us end our financial year, uh, in a stronger our financial year, uh, in a stronger our financial year, uh, in a stronger position than we are, man, we would position than we are, man, we would position than we are, man, we would greatly appreciate that. You can do that greatly appreciate that. You can do that greatly appreciate that. You can do that over the next few weeks. Well, I'm over the next few weeks. Well, I'm over the next few weeks. Well, I'm excited today because we're beginning a excited today because we're beginning a excited today because we're beginning a new series called My Favorite Story. And new series called My Favorite Story. And new series called My Favorite Story. And what we've asked is for our teaching what we've asked is for our teaching what we've asked is for our teaching pastors and our campus pastors to pastors and our campus pastors to pastors and our campus pastors to identify what would be their favorite identify what would be their favorite identify what would be their favorite story in the Bible and to come and share story in the Bible and to come and share story in the Bible and to come and share that uh with our church. And so over the that uh with our church. And so over the that uh with our church. And so over the next few weeks uh really through the next few weeks uh really through the next few weeks uh really through the rest of the summer, we're going to be in rest of the summer, we're going to be in rest of the summer, we're going to be in this series, my favorite story. And so this series, my favorite story. And so this series, my favorite story. And so there'll be some some different speakers there'll be some some different speakers there'll be some some different speakers that'll be coming through here today.

that'll be coming through here today. that'll be coming through here today. We're privileged uh my friend and We're privileged uh my friend and We're privileged uh my friend and teammate Tim Cwell who's our Midtown teammate Tim Cwell who's our Midtown teammate Tim Cwell who's our Midtown campus pastor is going to come and share campus pastor is going to come and share campus pastor is going to come and share with us out of 1 Samuel. It's going to with us out of 1 Samuel. It's going to with us out of 1 Samuel. It's going to be a great morning together. Well, let be a great morning together. Well, let be a great morning together. Well, let me pray for us. Let's stand together. me pray for us. Let's stand together. me pray for us. Let's stand together. We're going to continue to worship We're going to continue to worship We're going to continue to worship together, continue to to praise him. together, continue to to praise him. together, continue to to praise him. Father, thank you. You are the one and Father, thank you. You are the one and Father, thank you. You are the one and the only one who is worthy of all the only one who is worthy of all the only one who is worthy of all praise. Your name is above every name. praise. Your name is above every name. praise. Your name is above every name. You are the King of Kings and the Alpha You are the King of Kings and the Alpha You are the King of Kings and the Alpha and the Omega. We lift your name up on and the Omega. We lift your name up on and the Omega. We lift your name up on high. We give you all the praise, the high. We give you all the praise, the high. We give you all the praise, the glory, and the honor in Jesus name. glory, and the honor in Jesus name. glory, and the honor in Jesus name. Amen. >> I've been [music] blinded by counterfeit >> I've been [music] blinded by counterfeit treasure.

treasure. treasure. Set my heart on the [music] things that Set my heart on the [music] things that Set my heart on the [music] things that would fade. would fade. would fade. wandered [music] wandered [music] wandered [music] far and have left you neglected. far and have left you neglected. far and have left you neglected. Still you know me and love me the Still you know me and love me the Still you know me and love me the [music] same. [music] same. [music] same. I've cast judgement on other believers. I've cast judgement on other believers. I've cast judgement on other believers. [music] Let my pride Let my pride all they've done. [music] But my sin is the same to the father But my sin is the same to the father and [music] I'm just as in need of the and [music] I'm just as in need of the and [music] I'm just as in need of the blood. blood. blood. Oh, sing of his mercy, of his grace. Oh, sing of his mercy, of his grace. Oh, sing of his mercy, of his grace. Lord, your [music] kindness leads me to Lord, your [music] kindness leads me to Lord, your [music] kindness leads me to [singing] [singing] [singing] repentance. repentance. repentance. Mercy makes my heart [music and singing] Mercy makes my heart [music and singing] Mercy makes my heart [music and singing] long to obey.

long to obey. long to obey. I [music] can stand here today [singing] I [music] can stand here today [singing] I [music] can stand here today [singing] only by your grace. Teach my heart to only by your grace. Teach my heart to only by your grace. Teach my heart to [singing] delight in your ways. [singing] delight in your ways. [singing] delight in your ways. [music] I have taken [music] I have taken [music] your presence [singing] for granted. your presence [singing] for granted. your presence [singing] for granted. saw [music] your hand without seeking saw [music] your hand without seeking saw [music] your hand without seeking your face. your face. your face. May my selfish ambition [music] May my selfish ambition [music] May my selfish ambition [music] in my eyes, [singing] but your [music] love still but your [music] love still me to change. me to change. me to change. But your [music] kindness leads me to But your [music] kindness leads me to But your [music] kindness leads me to repentance. [singing] Mercy [music] makes my heart long to Mercy [music] makes my heart long to obey. obey. obey. I can stand [music] here [singing] I can stand [music] here [singing] I can stand [music] here [singing] today only by your grace. [music] today only by your grace. [music] today only by your grace. [music] Teach my heart to delight in your Teach my heart to delight in your Teach my heart to delight in your [music] ways.

[music] [music] Your love be the [singing] banner above Your love be the [singing] banner above Your love be the [singing] banner above me. me. me. Let [music] your grace be the theme of Let [music] your grace be the theme of Let [music] your grace be the theme of my soul. my soul. my soul. Let [music and singing] me walk in the Let [music and singing] me walk in the Let [music and singing] me walk in the freedom you offer freedom you offer freedom you offer and delight [music and singing] in you and delight [music and singing] in you and delight [music and singing] in you always my God. That's our prayer this morning that we That's our prayer this morning that we would delight in him, delight in his would delight in him, delight in his would delight in him, delight in his ways, delight in his word. So, we're ways, delight in his word. So, we're ways, delight in his word. So, we're going to sing this bridge. That's just a going to sing this bridge. That's just a going to sing this bridge. That's just a prayer. Lord, I want to delight. I want prayer. Lord, I want to delight. I want prayer. Lord, I want to delight. I want to delight you and you alone. So, you to delight you and you alone. So, you to delight you and you alone. So, you got to sing this with us. got to sing this with us. got to sing this with us. [music] Want to delight. Want to delight. Want to delight. We sing. I want to delight We sing. I want to delight delight [music] delight [music] delight [music] delight in you. [singing] delight in you. [singing] delight in you. [singing] I want to delight [music] I want to delight [music] I want to delight [music] delight delight delight delight in you. [music] delight in you. [music] delight in you. [music] I want to delight I want to delight I want to delight delight delight delight [music] delight in you my lord.

[music] [music] I want to delight I want to delight I want to delight delight delight delight delight [singing] delight [singing] delight [singing] in you. [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] >> We sing that bridge again. Just [music] >> We sing that bridge again. Just [music] your voice. That's our prayer. I want to your voice. That's our prayer. I want to your voice. That's our prayer. I want to delight. I want to delight. delight. I want to delight. delight. I want to delight. Delight.

Delight. Delight. Delight in you. I want to [music] Delight in you. I want to [music] Delight in you. I want to [music] delight. delight. delight. Delight. Delight. Delight. Delight in you. Delight in you. Delight in you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I want to delight >> I want to delight >> I want to delight delight delight delight to delight in you my Lord. to delight in you my Lord. to delight in you my Lord. Amen. Oh, your mercy [music] Oh, your mercy [music] never fails me. never fails me. never fails me. All [music] my days All [music] my days All [music] my days I've been held [singing] in your hands.

I've been held [singing] in your hands. I've been held [singing] in your hands. From the moment that I wake up From the moment that I wake up From the moment that I wake up until I lay my head. [music and singing] until I lay my head. [music and singing] until I lay my head. [music and singing] Oh, I will sing of the goodness Oh, I will sing of the goodness Oh, I will sing of the goodness of [music] God. [music] Cuz all [singing] my life you [music] Cuz all [singing] my life you have been faithful. have been faithful. have been faithful. Yes, you [music and singing] have. Yes, you [music and singing] have. Yes, you [music and singing] have. All my life you have been so so All my life you have been so so All my life you have been so so [singing] good. [singing] good. [singing] good. [music] [music] [music] With every breath that I am able [music] for I will sing of the goodness [music] for I will sing of the goodness [music] of God of God of God and I [music] love your voice. [singing] Oh, you have led me through the fire. Oh, you have led me through the fire. In the darkest night, [music] In the darkest night, [music] In the darkest night, [music] you are [singing] close like no other.

you are [singing] close like no other. you are [singing] close like no other. Oh, I've known you [music] as a Oh, I've known you [music] as a Oh, I've known you [music] as a [singing] father. [singing] father. [singing] father. I've known you as a friend I've known you as a friend I've known you as a friend and I have and I have and I have in the [music and singing] goodness in the [music and singing] goodness in the [music and singing] goodness of God. of God. of God. Cuz [music] Cuz [music] Cuz [music] all my life you have [singing] been all my life you have [singing] been all my life you have [singing] been faithful. [music] All my [singing] life you have [music] All my [singing] life you have been so so good. been so so good. been so so good. [music] [music] [music] With every [singing] breath that I am With every [singing] breath that I am With every [singing] breath that I am able. able. able. Oh, I will sing of the goodness [music] Oh, I will sing of the goodness [music] Oh, I will sing of the goodness [music] of God. Your [music] goodness is running after Your [music] goodness is running after running after me. running after me. running after me. Your [music] goodness is running after Your [music] goodness is running after Your [music] goodness is running after running with my life [music] with my life [music] down. [singing] Surrender now. I give down. [singing] Surrender now. I give down. [singing] Surrender now. I give you everything. [music] Your goodness is running after. [music] Your goodness is running after. [music] is running after me. Your goodness.

is running after me. Your goodness. is running after me. Your goodness. Your goodness [music and singing] Your goodness [music and singing] Your goodness [music and singing] is running after is running after me. is running after is running after me. is running after is running after me. [music] Your goodness is running after [music] Your goodness is running after [music] Your goodness is running after running to me. running to me. running to me. With my [music] life laid down, With my [music] life laid down, With my [music] life laid down, surrender now. I give you everything. surrender now. I give you everything. surrender now. I give you everything. [music] [music] [music] Your goodness is running after running Your goodness is running after running Your goodness is running after running after [music] after [music] after [music] me. All my [singing] life [music] you have All my [singing] life [music] you have been faith. been faith. been faith. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. All my life [singing] All my life [singing] All my life [singing] you have been so [music] so good. you have been so [music] so good. you have been so [music] so good. With every [singing] breath that I am With every [singing] breath that I am With every [singing] breath that I am able. able. able. Oh, I'm going to say [music] Oh, I'm going to say [music] Oh, I'm going to say [music] of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness of God.

of God. of God. Of your goodness. Of your goodness. Of your goodness. Your goodness. Your goodness. Your goodness. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] [music] So so good So so good So so good with every breath that I [music] am with every breath that I [music] am with every breath that I [music] am able. able. able. Oh, I'm going [singing] to say Oh, I'm going [singing] to say Oh, I'm going [singing] to say of [music] the goodness of [music] the goodness of [music] the goodness of God. of God. of God. Oh, I'm going to say of the goodness Oh, I'm going to say of the goodness Oh, I'm going to say of the goodness [music] [music] [music] of God. of God. of God. [music] [music] [music] love your goodness. Amen. If we could in this place, just Amen. If we could in this place, just close our eyes for a second. We're going close our eyes for a second. We're going close our eyes for a second. We're going to sing one more chorus, but I'm blown to sing one more chorus, but I'm blown to sing one more chorus, but I'm blown away at the lyrics about his away at the lyrics about his away at the lyrics about his faithfulness. You know, it says, "All my faithfulness. You know, it says, "All my faithfulness. You know, it says, "All my life, you have been faithful. All my life, you have been faithful. All my life, you have been faithful. All my life, you have been so good." And maybe life, you have been so good." And maybe life, you have been so good." And maybe you don't feel that goodness right now.

you don't feel that goodness right now. you don't feel that goodness right now. You know, one of those verses says, "You You know, one of those verses says, "You You know, one of those verses says, "You have led me through the fire." Maybe have led me through the fire." Maybe have led me through the fire." Maybe that's where you find yourself. this that's where you find yourself. this that's where you find yourself. this [music] morning in the middle of that [music] morning in the middle of that [music] morning in the middle of that fire, in the middle of a Psalm 23 valley fire, in the middle of a Psalm 23 valley fire, in the middle of a Psalm 23 valley season, season, season, we can look back and see how he's been we can look back and see how he's been we can look back and see how he's been faithful. That gives us hope and trust faithful. That gives us hope and trust faithful. That gives us hope and trust in his faithfulness moving forward. in his faithfulness moving forward. in his faithfulness moving forward. Could we [music] just sing this chorus Could we [music] just sing this chorus Could we [music] just sing this chorus about his faithfulness? You guys sing about his faithfulness? You guys sing about his faithfulness? You guys sing this with us. this with us. this with us. In great is thy faithfulness. In great is thy faithfulness. In great is thy faithfulness. Oh, great is [music] thy [singing] Oh, great is [music] thy [singing] Oh, great is [music] thy [singing] faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. Morning [music and singing] Morning [music and singing] Morning [music and singing] by morning, by morning, by morning, new mercies [music and singing] new mercies [music and singing] new mercies [music and singing] have seen. All I have needed, [music] All I have needed, [music] [singing] thy and have proide. Oh, [music] great [singing] is thy Oh, [music] great [singing] is thy faithfulness, faithfulness, faithfulness, [music] [music] [music] Lord, unto Lord, unto Lord, unto me. We sing [music] that again.

me. We sing [music] that again. me. We sing [music] that again. Oh, great [singing] Oh, great [singing] Oh, great [singing] is thy faithfulness. is thy faithfulness. is thy faithfulness. Oh, great is [music] Oh, great is [music] Oh, great is [music] thy [singing] thy [singing] thy [singing] faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. Morning. Morning. Morning. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Your mercies Your mercies Your mercies have [singing] [music] all I have [music] all I have in thy hand. [music] in thy hand. [music] in thy hand. [music] [singing] Great [singing] Great [singing] is thy faithfulness. is thy faithfulness. is thy faithfulness. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Great is [singing] thy faithfulness. >> Great is [singing] thy faithfulness. >> Great is [singing] thy faithfulness. Great [music and singing] is thy Great [music and singing] is thy Great [music and singing] is thy faithfulness Lord unto [music] Lord unto [music] me.

>> Amen. So Lord this morning we say great >> Amen. So Lord this morning we say great is your [music] faithfulness is your [music] faithfulness is your [music] faithfulness Lord. your steadfast mercy, your Lord. your steadfast mercy, your Lord. your steadfast mercy, your steadfast grace to us, Lord. steadfast grace to us, Lord. steadfast grace to us, Lord. You've led us through the fire. Lord, You've led us through the fire. Lord, You've led us through the fire. Lord, you're with us in the fire if that's you're with us in the fire if that's you're with us in the fire if that's where we are right now. Lord, your word where we are right now. Lord, your word where we are right now. Lord, your word never promises [music] that we won't never promises [music] that we won't never promises [music] that we won't experience storms or valley seasons or experience storms or valley seasons or experience storms or valley seasons or fires, but Lord, your word promises that fires, but Lord, your word promises that fires, but Lord, your word promises that you will be with us in those. you will be with us in those. you will be with us in those. So God, I thank you for your nearness So God, I thank you for your nearness So God, I thank you for your nearness this morning. I thank you for your this morning. I thank you for your this morning. I thank you for your presence this morning to us. presence this morning to us. presence this morning to us. And Lord, we just praise you for your And Lord, we just praise you for your And Lord, we just praise you for your faithfulness. God, we thank you for your character, God, we thank you for your character, who you are to us, all you have done for who you are to us, all you have done for who you are to us, all you have done for us this morning. We love you. We pray us this morning. We love you. We pray us this morning. We love you. We pray all this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. You all this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. You all this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. You may be seated. We're going to continue may be seated. We're going to continue may be seated. We're going to continue our [music] time of worship and just our [music] time of worship and just our [music] time of worship and just step into a time of offering where we step into a time of offering where we step into a time of offering where we take what the Lord has given to us, take what the Lord has given to us, take what the Lord has given to us, generously, graciously, undeservingly generously, graciously, undeservingly generously, graciously, undeservingly given [music] to us. And we're just given [music] to us. And we're just given [music] to us. And we're just giving those things back to him so that giving those things back to him so that giving those things back to him so that he can continue to use those gifts, he can continue to use those gifts, he can continue to use those gifts, those finances, those resources [music] those finances, those resources [music] those finances, those resources [music] for his glory, for his name's sake here for his glory, for his name's sake here for his glory, for his name's sake here in central Arkansas and all across in central Arkansas and all across in central Arkansas and all across [music] the world. You can see the [music] the world. You can see the [music] the world. You can see the various ways you can hop in and give on various ways you can hop in and give on various ways you can hop in and give on the screen. If you're watching online, the screen. If you're watching online, the screen. If you're watching online, you can see that at the bottom of your you can see that at the bottom of your you can see that at the bottom of your screen. Maybe you brought something in screen. Maybe you brought something in screen. Maybe you brought something in person [music] here in the worship person [music] here in the worship person [music] here in the worship center. You can drop those in the giving center. You can drop those in the giving center. You can drop those in the giving boxes at the exits.

boxes at the exits. boxes at the exits. Well, like Mark said, our Midtown campus Well, like Mark said, our Midtown campus Well, like Mark said, our Midtown campus pastor Tim [music] is here. So, we could pastor Tim [music] is here. So, we could pastor Tim [music] is here. So, we could just could we prepare our hearts for just could we prepare our hearts for just could we prepare our hearts for just a moment. Ask that the Lord would just a moment. Ask that the Lord would just a moment. Ask that the Lord would continue to speak to us, continue to continue to speak to us, continue to continue to speak to us, continue to move in this place [music] just for a move in this place [music] just for a move in this place [music] just for a few moments, and then Tim will come and few moments, and then Tim will come and few moments, and then Tim will come and bring the word. bring the word. bring the word. Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [music] >> All right. Well, Fellowship West Little >> All right. Well, Fellowship West Little Rock, good morning. Rock, good morning. Rock, good morning. >> And even those who would be joining us >> And even those who would be joining us >> And even those who would be joining us online or in the chapel, so many of you online or in the chapel, so many of you online or in the chapel, so many of you helped pioneer this place called helped pioneer this place called helped pioneer this place called Fellowship. We're grateful for your Fellowship. We're grateful for your Fellowship. We're grateful for your faithfulness. Um, and the 10 of the best faithfulness. Um, and the 10 of the best faithfulness. Um, and the 10 of the best years of my life were here um in this years of my life were here um in this years of my life were here um in this room, on this campus. I'm so grateful room, on this campus. I'm so grateful room, on this campus. I'm so grateful for fellowship. And honestly, when we for fellowship. And honestly, when we for fellowship. And honestly, when we showed up from Texas, my kids were six, showed up from Texas, my kids were six, showed up from Texas, my kids were six, four, and two. And then it's a little four, and two. And then it's a little four, and two. And then it's a little bit of time has gone since then. And so bit of time has gone since then. And so bit of time has gone since then. And so now they're 24 and married and 23 and 20 now they're 24 and married and 23 and 20 now they're 24 and married and 23 and 20 and 15. And so that's us. And um a lot and 15. And so that's us. And um a lot and 15. And so that's us. And um a lot has a lot has grown in the last 18

has a lot has grown in the last 18 has a lot has grown in the last 18 years, but I'm still at the church that years, but I'm still at the church that years, but I'm still at the church that I love. And so this whole strategy of of I love. And so this whole strategy of of I love. And so this whole strategy of of planting campuses and eight years ago, planting campuses and eight years ago, planting campuses and eight years ago, we went out um and planted the Midtown we went out um and planted the Midtown we went out um and planted the Midtown campus. But the fact that teaching campus. But the fact that teaching campus. But the fact that teaching pastors not only here, they're also pastors not only here, they're also pastors not only here, they're also there. It's working. The Lord is working there. It's working. The Lord is working there. It's working. The Lord is working outside of these walls. But it's really outside of these walls. But it's really outside of these walls. But it's really good to be back and to see his good to be back and to see his good to be back and to see his faithfulness in so many of you who faithfulness in so many of you who faithfulness in so many of you who invested in us and our family and you're invested in us and our family and you're invested in us and our family and you're still walking with the Lord faithfully. still walking with the Lord faithfully. still walking with the Lord faithfully. So, thank you for letting me be here So, thank you for letting me be here So, thank you for letting me be here with you guys today. Um if you'll have with you guys today. Um if you'll have with you guys today. Um if you'll have if you have a Bible with you, 1st Samuel if you have a Bible with you, 1st Samuel if you have a Bible with you, 1st Samuel 18, we're going to start. And here's the 18, we're going to start. And here's the 18, we're going to start. And here's the deal. I have this my favorite story and deal. I have this my favorite story and deal. I have this my favorite story and what we're going to say today is a story what we're going to say today is a story what we're going to say today is a story of David and Jonathan. And David and of David and Jonathan. And David and of David and Jonathan. And David and Jonathan is a story of friendship. It's Jonathan is a story of friendship. It's Jonathan is a story of friendship. It's not a manual on that. It's just we're not a manual on that. It's just we're not a manual on that. It's just we're going to look at their life and probably going to look at their life and probably going to look at their life and probably take some things from that. But we're take some things from that. But we're take some things from that. But we're going to do since it's a story, we're going to do since it's a story, we're going to do since it's a story, we're going to have four acts. So we're going going to have four acts. So we're going going to have four acts. So we're going to when they meet some things that to when they meet some things that to when they meet some things that happen in the middle and the conflict happen in the middle and the conflict happen in the middle and the conflict and the resolution and then even at the and the resolution and then even at the and the resolution and then even at the end of their friendship is where we're end of their friendship is where we're end of their friendship is where we're going to be going today. And I'll just going to be going today. And I'll just going to be going today. And I'll just make this confession. This has not make this confession. This has not make this confession. This has not always been my favorite story. It is always been my favorite story. It is always been my favorite story. It is now, but I don't know for you. You might now, but I don't know for you. You might now, but I don't know for you. You might have a plethora of friends. When we have a plethora of friends. When we have a plethora of friends. When we moved to Little Rock, there were people moved to Little Rock, there were people moved to Little Rock, there were people who had high school like they had lived who had high school like they had lived who had high school like they had lived here their whole life and they had more here their whole life and they had more here their whole life and they had more friends than they knew what to do with.

friends than they knew what to do with. friends than they knew what to do with. Like they had to schedule them out on Like they had to schedule them out on Like they had to schedule them out on the days and that's just not been my the days and that's just not been my the days and that's just not been my problem. Actually, I think it was my problem. Actually, I think it was my problem. Actually, I think it was my junior year was the very first time I junior year was the very first time I junior year was the very first time I looked around and everybody else had looked around and everybody else had looked around and everybody else had their people and they had their friends their people and they had their friends their people and they had their friends and I was like, "Well, they're just and I was like, "Well, they're just and I was like, "Well, they're just weird." And then I had this realization weird." And then I had this realization weird." And then I had this realization like everybody has their people but me, like everybody has their people but me, like everybody has their people but me, like maybe I'm the weird one, right? I'm like maybe I'm the weird one, right? I'm like maybe I'm the weird one, right? I'm the one who doesn't have a group. And the one who doesn't have a group. And the one who doesn't have a group. And and I thought maybe for a second, well, and I thought maybe for a second, well, and I thought maybe for a second, well, that's because I gave my life to the that's because I gave my life to the that's because I gave my life to the Lord. I'm spiritual and they're not. No, Lord. I'm spiritual and they're not. No, Lord. I'm spiritual and they're not. No, I think I was just weird and I didn't I think I was just weird and I didn't I think I was just weird and I didn't peak until maybe college or or or later peak until maybe college or or or later peak until maybe college or or or later on. And I just wonder if that's for you on. And I just wonder if that's for you on. And I just wonder if that's for you that I probably had more of my life that I probably had more of my life that I probably had more of my life without deep friendships than I have had without deep friendships than I have had without deep friendships than I have had them. But that's become a very very them. But that's become a very very them. But that's become a very very precious part of my life [snorts] is precious part of my life [snorts] is precious part of my life [snorts] is friendships. And so I was drawn to this friendships. And so I was drawn to this friendships. And so I was drawn to this story of David and Jonathan as we look story of David and Jonathan as we look story of David and Jonathan as we look at this today. So 1st Samuel 18 is where at this today. So 1st Samuel 18 is where at this today. So 1st Samuel 18 is where we're going to begin. We'll read through we're going to begin. We'll read through we're going to begin. We'll read through the story. It's going to span about five the story. It's going to span about five the story. It's going to span about five different chapters. actually 16 different chapters. actually 16 different chapters. actually 16 chapters, but five different chapters chapters, but five different chapters chapters, but five different chapters we'll discuss today. I wonder today if we'll discuss today. I wonder today if we'll discuss today. I wonder today if if you're able to, would you stand? Um, if you're able to, would you stand? Um, if you're able to, would you stand? Um, this is not in my honor, this is not in my honor, this is not in my honor, but maybe just to remind ourselves, this but maybe just to remind ourselves, this but maybe just to remind ourselves, this is not just a story. This is not just a is not just a story. This is not just a is not just a story. This is not just a book. This is the word of God. It's book. This is the word of God. It's book. This is the word of God. It's living and active, sharper than the living and active, sharper than the living and active, sharper than the two-edged sword. And if the Lord is two-edged sword. And if the Lord is two-edged sword. And if the Lord is speaking today, we want to hear it. So, speaking today, we want to hear it. So, speaking today, we want to hear it. So, let's read and let's start off the let's read and let's start off the let's read and let's start off the story. 1st Samuel chapter 18 verse one.

story. 1st Samuel chapter 18 verse one. story. 1st Samuel chapter 18 verse one. It says, "As soon as David had finished It says, "As soon as David had finished It says, "As soon as David had finished speaking to Saul, the son of Jonathan speaking to Saul, the son of Jonathan speaking to Saul, the son of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and was knit to the soul of David, and was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let Saul took him that day and would not let Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then him return to his father's house. Then him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David Jonathan made a covenant with David Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul." because he loved him as his own soul." because he loved him as his own soul." And Joseph and Jonathan stripped himself And Joseph and Jonathan stripped himself And Joseph and Jonathan stripped himself of his robe that was on him and gave it of his robe that was on him and gave it of his robe that was on him and gave it to David and his armor and even his to David and his armor and even his to David and his armor and even his sword and his bow and his belt. sword and his bow and his belt. sword and his bow and his belt. I wonder if you'll close your eyes for I wonder if you'll close your eyes for I wonder if you'll close your eyes for just a moment. just a moment. just a moment. Would you just like He can hear your Would you just like He can hear your Would you just like He can hear your thoughts. Would you just ask the Lord to thoughts. Would you just ask the Lord to thoughts. Would you just ask the Lord to speak to you today? speak to you today? speak to you today? Maybe just tell him that you don't want Maybe just tell him that you don't want Maybe just tell him that you don't want to miss anything he has for you today. God, today we [snorts] we have your holy God, today we [snorts] we have your holy word, your Holy Spirit. would enable our word, your Holy Spirit. would enable our word, your Holy Spirit. would enable our hearts to hear and our ears to hear to hearts to hear and our ears to hear to hearts to hear and our ears to hear to take away whatever distractions and take away whatever distractions and take away whatever distractions and whatever you want to show us today Lord whatever you want to show us today Lord whatever you want to show us today Lord I pray that that we would get it would I pray that that we would get it would I pray that that we would get it would be loud and clear that Lord if you want be loud and clear that Lord if you want be loud and clear that Lord if you want to speak to the people here today then to speak to the people here today then to speak to the people here today then Lord we say speak for your servants are Lord we say speak for your servants are Lord we say speak for your servants are listening we ask for your help and we listening we ask for your help and we listening we ask for your help and we pray this in Jesus name amen you guys pray this in Jesus name amen you guys pray this in Jesus name amen you guys can go ahead and be seated can go ahead and be seated can go ahead and be seated all right well let me just tell you all right well let me just tell you all right well let me just tell you where we are in the story chapter 17 is where we are in the story chapter 17 is where we are in the story chapter 17 is David and Goliath and so there's a David and Goliath and so there's a David and Goliath and so there's a chapter there he does the sling And then chapter there he does the sling And then chapter there he does the sling And then he cuts his head off. And if you read he cuts his head off. And if you read he cuts his head off. And if you read through the story, which I would through the story, which I would through the story, which I would encourage you to do, I think David's encourage you to do, I think David's encourage you to do, I think David's really excited because he carries his really excited because he carries his really excited because he carries his head around wherever he goes. I mean, he

head around wherever he goes. I mean, he head around wherever he goes. I mean, he goes and he changes and he takes off his goes and he changes and he takes off his goes and he changes and he takes off his armor and Saul calls him and he shows up armor and Saul calls him and he shows up armor and Saul calls him and he shows up with Saul and he he's got I mean, he's with Saul and he he's got I mean, he's with Saul and he he's got I mean, he's like he's there and he's he's answering like he's there and he's he's answering like he's there and he's he's answering these questions. He's just had his these questions. He's just had his these questions. He's just had his biggest moment. And that's what in verse biggest moment. And that's what in verse biggest moment. And that's what in verse chapter 18 verse one, as soon as he gets chapter 18 verse one, as soon as he gets chapter 18 verse one, as soon as he gets done talking with Saul, it says, "As done talking with Saul, it says, "As done talking with Saul, it says, "As soon as he finished speaking to Saul, soon as he finished speaking to Saul, soon as he finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the the soul of Jonathan was knit to the the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David. And Jonathan loved him as soul of David. And Jonathan loved him as soul of David. And Jonathan loved him as his own soul." Have you ever had that his own soul." Have you ever had that his own soul." Have you ever had that happen to you? Like you meet somebody at happen to you? Like you meet somebody at happen to you? Like you meet somebody at work and it's a new co-orker and you're work and it's a new co-orker and you're work and it's a new co-orker and you're like, "My soul is knit to yours. I I like, "My soul is knit to yours. I I like, "My soul is knit to yours. I I love you as I love myself." love you as I love myself." love you as I love myself." Maybe there's some translation things Maybe there's some translation things Maybe there's some translation things 3,000 years later, but somehow there's 3,000 years later, but somehow there's 3,000 years later, but somehow there's this instant connection between David this instant connection between David this instant connection between David and Jonathan. And right off the bat, and Jonathan. And right off the bat, and Jonathan. And right off the bat, there's commitment. He says, "Then there's commitment. He says, "Then there's commitment. He says, "Then Jonathan, in verse three, made a Jonathan, in verse three, made a Jonathan, in verse three, made a covenant with David because he loved him covenant with David because he loved him covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul that he stripped himself as his own soul that he stripped himself as his own soul that he stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it of the robe that was on him and gave it of the robe that was on him and gave it to David and his armor and even his to David and his armor and even his to David and his armor and even his sword and his bow and his belts." All sword and his bow and his belts." All sword and his bow and his belts." All right. So, they're they're they're right. So, they're they're they're right. So, they're they're they're committing this covenant or commitment committing this covenant or commitment committing this covenant or commitment like from the very get-go. They just like from the very get-go. They just like from the very get-go. They just met, but somehow their souls are knit met, but somehow their souls are knit met, but somehow their souls are knit together. they have this covenant and together. they have this covenant and together. they have this covenant and they're exchanging some items and so his they're exchanging some items and so his they're exchanging some items and so his royal robe um some of like his bow his royal robe um some of like his bow his royal robe um some of like his bow his sword and he would give those and if you sword and he would give those and if you sword and he would give those and if you look up some of those it was common in look up some of those it was common in look up some of those it was common in covenants to to pass something each each covenants to to pass something each each covenants to to pass something each each commentator would say something commentator would say something commentator would say something different so I don't I don't want to try different so I don't I don't want to try different so I don't I don't want to try to make it something that it's not but to make it something that it's not but to make it something that it's not but he would give him a sword I just happen he would give him a sword I just happen he would give him a sword I just happen one of my staff members has this in his one of my staff members has this in his one of my staff members has this in his office office office [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] [snorts] why would you give somebody

[snorts] why would you give somebody [snorts] why would you give somebody your sword One time when I worked with junior high One time when I worked with junior high students, this was part of the students, this was part of the students, this was part of the curriculum and it was a plastic sword, curriculum and it was a plastic sword, curriculum and it was a plastic sword, but I just handed this person a sword. I but I just handed this person a sword. I but I just handed this person a sword. I was like, why would what what would you was like, why would what what would you was like, why would what what would you do with this sword? And he like came at do with this sword? And he like came at do with this sword? And he like came at me. I mean, like his first instinct, the me. I mean, like his first instinct, the me. I mean, like his first instinct, the student was like and and we were talking student was like and and we were talking student was like and and we were talking about David and Jonathan, and you're about David and Jonathan, and you're about David and Jonathan, and you're like, man, I thought he would defend me. like, man, I thought he would defend me. like, man, I thought he would defend me. Oh, no. Like, first thing was just he Oh, no. Like, first thing was just he Oh, no. Like, first thing was just he was going to lunge me through. And and I was going to lunge me through. And and I was going to lunge me through. And and I guess really that's guess really that's guess really that's that's really the risk in it all. Like that's really the risk in it all. Like that's really the risk in it all. Like if you were really to give somebody your if you were really to give somebody your if you were really to give somebody your sword, you were to be vulnerable and sword, you were to be vulnerable and sword, you were to be vulnerable and say, "Here's where I'm weak. Here's say, "Here's where I'm weak. Here's say, "Here's where I'm weak. Here's where I have fallen. Here's my story. where I have fallen. Here's my story. where I have fallen. Here's my story. Here here's the parts that other people Here here's the parts that other people Here here's the parts that other people don't know of me." Then yeah, they can don't know of me." Then yeah, they can don't know of me." Then yeah, they can defend you. That they can sense maybe defend you. That they can sense maybe defend you. That they can sense maybe when you're tired, when they're walking when you're tired, when they're walking when you're tired, when they're walking along the journey, when to come along the journey, when to come along the journey, when to come alongside, when to prop you up, when to alongside, when to prop you up, when to alongside, when to prop you up, when to pray for you, when to come and fight for pray for you, when to come and fight for pray for you, when to come and fight for you. you. you. or they could use that as ammo and they or they could use that as ammo and they or they could use that as ammo and they could attack you and sabotage you. But could attack you and sabotage you. But could attack you and sabotage you. But that's the risk of that's the risk of that's the risk of opening up yourself and letting yourself opening up yourself and letting yourself opening up yourself and letting yourself be really known amongst some friends.

be really known amongst some friends. be really known amongst some friends. And it was a risk that this giant slayer And it was a risk that this giant slayer And it was a risk that this giant slayer David and Jonathan were willing to to to David and Jonathan were willing to to to David and Jonathan were willing to to to make there there's a a scripture, it's make there there's a a scripture, it's make there there's a a scripture, it's in Ecclesiastes chapter 4, it would in Ecclesiastes chapter 4, it would in Ecclesiastes chapter 4, it would speak to this and it says, "Two are speak to this and it says, "Two are speak to this and it says, "Two are better than one because they have a good better than one because they have a good better than one because they have a good return on their labor. If either one of return on their labor. If either one of return on their labor. If either one of them falls down, then one can help the them falls down, then one can help the them falls down, then one can help the other up. But pity the one who falls and other up. But pity the one who falls and other up. But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up. So two are has no one to help him up. So two are has no one to help him up. So two are better than one. Jonathan and David, better than one. Jonathan and David, better than one. Jonathan and David, they would admit to that. They they they would admit to that. They they they would admit to that. They they believe that. And here's why. When believe that. And here's why. When believe that. And here's why. When you're walking with somebody else and you're walking with somebody else and you're walking with somebody else and you fall, that that's embarrassing. you fall, that that's embarrassing. you fall, that that's embarrassing. But at least you have somebody to help But at least you have somebody to help But at least you have somebody to help you up and to fight for you. Pity the you up and to fight for you. Pity the you up and to fight for you. Pity the man, the one who has no one to help them man, the one who has no one to help them man, the one who has no one to help them up. up. up. Two are better than one. And Jonathan Two are better than one. And Jonathan Two are better than one. And Jonathan and David would find that. And I just and David would find that. And I just and David would find that. And I just wonder for you, um, do you know that two wonder for you, um, do you know that two wonder for you, um, do you know that two are better than one? are better than one? are better than one? Have you entrusted yourself to others? Have you entrusted yourself to others? Have you entrusted yourself to others? Maybe that was high school or college Maybe that was high school or college Maybe that was high school or college for you and now you're grown or you're for you and now you're grown or you're for you and now you're grown or you're adult or you're a senior. Like, not in the past. I'm saying now because not in the past. I'm saying now because the enemy roars around like a roaring the enemy roars around like a roaring the enemy roars around like a roaring lion, right? Seeking whom he may devour.

lion, right? Seeking whom he may devour. lion, right? Seeking whom he may devour. Like who who would fight for you? who Like who who would fight for you? who Like who who would fight for you? who would walk with you in this thing called would walk with you in this thing called would walk with you in this thing called life. It's not meant to do alone. And I life. It's not meant to do alone. And I life. It's not meant to do alone. And I just wonder, have you handed your sword? just wonder, have you handed your sword? just wonder, have you handed your sword? You've been vulnerable. You've been vulnerable. You've been vulnerable. You've shared your story, your You've shared your story, your You've shared your story, your weaknesses so that others can fight weaknesses so that others can fight weaknesses so that others can fight along for you. Well, that's how the along for you. Well, that's how the along for you. Well, that's how the story starts with David and Jonathan. story starts with David and Jonathan. story starts with David and Jonathan. That's act one. For act two, we're going That's act one. For act two, we're going That's act one. For act two, we're going to go forward to chapter 20. Chapter 20. to go forward to chapter 20. Chapter 20. to go forward to chapter 20. Chapter 20. Now, David and Jonathan, they're fast Now, David and Jonathan, they're fast Now, David and Jonathan, they're fast friends and they're they're doing just friends and they're they're doing just friends and they're they're doing just fine. There's just one little problem. fine. There's just one little problem. fine. There's just one little problem. um and that's Jonathan's dad's a um and that's Jonathan's dad's a um and that's Jonathan's dad's a murderer, right? And he wants to murder murderer, right? And he wants to murder murderer, right? And he wants to murder David and him and his army. And so that David and him and his army. And so that David and him and his army. And so that becomes quite problematic if you're becomes quite problematic if you're becomes quite problematic if you're going to have a sleepover or if you're going to have a sleepover or if you're going to have a sleepover or if you're going to go to dinner with your friends. going to go to dinner with your friends. going to go to dinner with your friends. Um that that's Um that that's Um that that's that that's where we are. And so let's that that's where we are. And so let's that that's where we are. And so let's let's just look at this the situation. let's just look at this the situation. let's just look at this the situation. Act two chapter 20. It says this. Then Act two chapter 20. It says this. Then Act two chapter 20. It says this. Then David fled from Naoth and Rama and came David fled from Naoth and Rama and came David fled from Naoth and Rama and came and said before Jonathan, what have I and said before Jonathan, what have I and said before Jonathan, what have I done? What is my guilt? What is my sin done? What is my guilt? What is my sin done? What is my guilt? What is my sin before your father that he seeks my before your father that he seeks my before your father that he seeks my life? And he said, "No, no, no. Far be life? And he said, "No, no, no. Far be life? And he said, "No, no, no. Far be it from me. You shall not die. Behold, it from me. You shall not die. Behold, it from me. You shall not die. Behold, my father does neither either great or my father does neither either great or my father does neither either great or small without disclosing it to me. And small without disclosing it to me. And small without disclosing it to me. And why should my father hide this from me?

why should my father hide this from me? why should my father hide this from me? It is not so." Jonathan is is in denial It is not so." Jonathan is is in denial It is not so." Jonathan is is in denial about who his dad is and what he's about who his dad is and what he's about who his dad is and what he's doing. But but David vowed again, doing. But but David vowed again, doing. But but David vowed again, saying, "Your father knows well that I saying, "Your father knows well that I saying, "Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he have found favor in your eyes, and he have found favor in your eyes, and he thinks, do not let Jonathan know this, thinks, do not let Jonathan know this, thinks, do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved. But truly, as the lest he be grieved. But truly, as the lest he be grieved. But truly, as the Lord lives, as my soul lives, there is Lord lives, as my soul lives, there is Lord lives, as my soul lives, there is but a step between me and death. Then but a step between me and death. Then but a step between me and death. Then Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you say, I will do." At first, he's like, say, I will do." At first, he's like, say, I will do." At first, he's like, "Come on, come on. You're you're you're "Come on, come on. You're you're you're "Come on, come on. You're you're you're overplaying this, David. I mean, my dad, overplaying this, David. I mean, my dad, overplaying this, David. I mean, my dad, you you don't know him." And he's like, you you don't know him." And he's like, you you don't know him." And he's like, "No, no, I do know him." And he's "No, no, I do know him." And he's "No, no, I do know him." And he's throwing a spear at me and he's trying throwing a spear at me and he's trying throwing a spear at me and he's trying to kill me. Finally, Jonathan comes to to kill me. Finally, Jonathan comes to to kill me. Finally, Jonathan comes to that and he commits himself to Jonathan. that and he commits himself to Jonathan. that and he commits himself to Jonathan. I mean, to David. I mean, to David. I mean, to David. Many times you hear this saying that Many times you hear this saying that Many times you hear this saying that blood is thicker than water. Not here. blood is thicker than water. Not here. blood is thicker than water. Not here. Actually, he's going to be committed to Actually, he's going to be committed to Actually, he's going to be committed to David and not to his father, David and not to his father, David and not to his father, not to his royal lineage. not to his royal lineage. not to his royal lineage. He's committed to him. And then when he He's committed to him. And then when he He's committed to him. And then when he says, "Whatever it is, whatever you say, says, "Whatever it is, whatever you say, says, "Whatever it is, whatever you say, I will do for you." Now, David's going I will do for you." Now, David's going I will do for you." Now, David's going to tell him a plan. All right? David has to tell him a plan. All right? David has to tell him a plan. All right? David has a plan to save his own life. And you're a plan to save his own life. And you're a plan to save his own life. And you're going to see that played out before we going to see that played out before we going to see that played out before we get there. It'll it'll start in 24. But get there. It'll it'll start in 24. But get there. It'll it'll start in 24. But I want I just want to say two things as I want I just want to say two things as I want I just want to say two things as you're reading through this this week.

you're reading through this this week. you're reading through this this week. You're We don't have enough time. You're You're We don't have enough time. You're You're We don't have enough time. You're going to miss plenty of things. So, going to miss plenty of things. So, going to miss plenty of things. So, verse 16, I want I want to just hit on a verse 16, I want I want to just hit on a verse 16, I want I want to just hit on a couple highlights and then you can read couple highlights and then you can read couple highlights and then you can read this later this week. But verse 16, this later this week. But verse 16, this later this week. But verse 16, there's something interesting before there's something interesting before there's something interesting before this plan unfolds. It says, "And this plan unfolds. It says, "And this plan unfolds. It says, "And Jonathan made a covenant with the house Jonathan made a covenant with the house Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the Lord take of David, saying, "May the Lord take of David, saying, "May the Lord take vengeance on David's enemies." So, so vengeance on David's enemies." So, so vengeance on David's enemies." So, so there's that word again. Jonathan made there's that word again. Jonathan made there's that word again. Jonathan made another covenant, another commitment another covenant, another commitment another covenant, another commitment with not just David, but the house of with not just David, but the house of with not just David, but the house of David, David, David, him and his family, him and his him and his family, him and his him and his family, him and his descendants. descendants. descendants. And he said, ' May the Lord take And he said, ' May the Lord take And he said, ' May the Lord take vengeance on David's enemies. Who's vengeance on David's enemies. Who's vengeance on David's enemies. Who's David's enemy right now? Yeah, David's enemy right now? Yeah, David's enemy right now? Yeah, Jonathan's dad. Jonathan's dad. Jonathan's dad. So here's my question for you. This So here's my question for you. This So here's my question for you. This word, and it's going to come up two more word, and it's going to come up two more word, and it's going to come up two more times today. They keep making covenants times today. They keep making covenants times today. They keep making covenants and commitments. So what does that look and commitments. So what does that look and commitments. So what does that look like for you if you were to make a like for you if you were to make a like for you if you were to make a covenant with a friend? When I was in elementary, I don't know When I was in elementary, I don't know if it's still a thing, but but there was if it's still a thing, but but there was if it's still a thing, but but there was something called blood brothers. So when something called blood brothers. So when something called blood brothers. So when we were like hanging out in the in the we were like hanging out in the in the we were like hanging out in the in the apartment complex and we would move apartment complex and we would move apartment complex and we would move every couple years, people were like, every couple years, people were like, every couple years, people were like, "Hey, if you're in, we'll be blood "Hey, if you're in, we'll be blood "Hey, if you're in, we'll be blood brothers." [clears throat] Which means brothers." [clears throat] Which means brothers." [clears throat] Which means you cut yourself and they cut themselves you cut yourself and they cut themselves you cut yourself and they cut themselves and you mix blood. Horrible idea for and you mix blood. Horrible idea for and you mix blood. Horrible idea for hepatitis and Ebola and HIV and all of hepatitis and Ebola and HIV and all of hepatitis and Ebola and HIV and all of those things. But as seven-year-olds, we those things. But as seven-year-olds, we those things. But as seven-year-olds, we felt like men, like we had just made a felt like men, like we had just made a felt like men, like we had just made a covenant to each other for that week or covenant to each other for that week or covenant to each other for that week or for however long. I mean, that that's for however long. I mean, that that's for however long. I mean, that that's how we did it. But but how would we do how we did it. But but how would we do how we did it. But but how would we do that even today? I mean, can you imagine that even today? I mean, can you imagine that even today? I mean, can you imagine meeting somebody at work and being like, meeting somebody at work and being like, meeting somebody at work and being like, "Hey, can we make this official? Can we "Hey, can we make this official? Can we "Hey, can we make this official? Can we be friends?" I mean, you and me forever.

be friends?" I mean, you and me forever. be friends?" I mean, you and me forever. I mean, here, sign on the dotted line. I mean, here, sign on the dotted line. I mean, here, sign on the dotted line. That sounds quite desperate, weird. That sounds quite desperate, weird. That sounds quite desperate, weird. Maybe it sounded fine here. What What Maybe it sounded fine here. What What Maybe it sounded fine here. What What What does it look like to be committed What does it look like to be committed What does it look like to be committed to a group of friends? think about the the most significant think about the the most significant things in your life usually come because things in your life usually come because things in your life usually come because of commitment. of commitment. of commitment. Your commitment to your spouse or to Your commitment to your spouse or to Your commitment to your spouse or to your family or to your kids or to your your family or to your kids or to your your family or to your kids or to your parents. Like there's just faithfulness parents. Like there's just faithfulness parents. Like there's just faithfulness because you're committed to them for because you're committed to them for because you're committed to them for life. And sometimes the most significant life. And sometimes the most significant life. And sometimes the most significant things happen as a result of that. But things happen as a result of that. But things happen as a result of that. But then we get into a friendship, no then we get into a friendship, no then we get into a friendship, no commitment at all. And yet we want it to commitment at all. And yet we want it to commitment at all. And yet we want it to be the most significant life-giving be the most significant life-giving be the most significant life-giving thing ever. And maybe we're missing thing ever. And maybe we're missing thing ever. And maybe we're missing something. May maybe David and Jonathan something. May maybe David and Jonathan something. May maybe David and Jonathan were on to something by making these were on to something by making these were on to something by making these covenants and committing, saying, "We're covenants and committing, saying, "We're covenants and committing, saying, "We're I'm with you." I'm with you." I'm with you." What would that look like today if you What would that look like today if you What would that look like today if you were to make a covenant with some other were to make a covenant with some other were to make a covenant with some other people? people? people? Maybe when that's a little bit um Maybe when that's a little bit um Maybe when that's a little bit um a little bit extreme, but but there were a little bit extreme, but but there were a little bit extreme, but but there were some some students who were FSM students some some students who were FSM students some some students who were FSM students back in the day and now they're all back in the day and now they're all back in the day and now they're all grown and they have kids and they're grown and they have kids and they're grown and they have kids and they're thinking of buying one plot of land with thinking of buying one plot of land with thinking of buying one plot of land with four houses in the same backyard and as four houses in the same backyard and as four houses in the same backyard and as long as they live, they're going to do long as they live, they're going to do long as they live, they're going to do life together.

life together. life together. it's coming into the works that there's it's coming into the works that there's it's coming into the works that there's a group who was here 10 years ago before a group who was here 10 years ago before a group who was here 10 years ago before they came to Midtown. They live in they came to Midtown. They live in they came to Midtown. They live in Midtown, but they just said, "Hey, Midtown, but they just said, "Hey, Midtown, but they just said, "Hey, unless the Lord moves us out of the unless the Lord moves us out of the unless the Lord moves us out of the city, as long as we're in the city, city, as long as we're in the city, city, as long as we're in the city, we're committed to each other. We're we're committed to each other. We're we're committed to each other. We're committed to raising our kids together, committed to raising our kids together, committed to raising our kids together, then playing sports together, [snorts] then playing sports together, [snorts] then playing sports together, [snorts] being there for each other." And 10 being there for each other." And 10 being there for each other." And 10 years later, they're still at it. And years later, they're still at it. And years later, they're still at it. And and devil's advocate, you might be like, and devil's advocate, you might be like, and devil's advocate, you might be like, "Well, that sounds like a holy huddle." "Well, that sounds like a holy huddle." "Well, that sounds like a holy huddle." And and it might be, but but not really. And and it might be, but but not really. And and it might be, but but not really. that they're tied and they're close and that they're tied and they're close and that they're tied and they're close and they fight for each other, but they also they fight for each other, but they also they fight for each other, but they also listen, they're like this power center listen, they're like this power center listen, they're like this power center and then they go out and they minister and then they go out and they minister and then they go out and they minister inner city and to others and they lead inner city and to others and they lead inner city and to others and they lead people to the Lord and they disciple people to the Lord and they disciple people to the Lord and they disciple them. So they're stronger like two is them. So they're stronger like two is them. So they're stronger like two is better than one that that's what they better than one that that's what they better than one that that's what they do. And and I just wonder what if what do. And and I just wonder what if what do. And and I just wonder what if what if some people that you are friends with if some people that you are friends with if some people that you are friends with what if you were just to declare we're what if you were just to declare we're what if you were just to declare we're committed to you unless the Lord ever committed to you unless the Lord ever committed to you unless the Lord ever moves us out of this city. We are moves us out of this city. We are moves us out of this city. We are committed to you. That's what David and committed to you. That's what David and committed to you. That's what David and Jonathan did. And you'll just see this Jonathan did. And you'll just see this Jonathan did. And you'll just see this word again and again, covenant, come up. word again and again, covenant, come up. word again and again, covenant, come up. That there's one other thing I want to That there's one other thing I want to That there's one other thing I want to just highlight. Verse 17, it says, "And just highlight. Verse 17, it says, "And just highlight. Verse 17, it says, "And Jonathan made David swear again by his Jonathan made David swear again by his Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him that he loved him as he love for him that he loved him as he love for him that he loved him as he loved his own."

loved his own." loved his own." There's a lot of sappiness here. Um There's a lot of sappiness here. Um There's a lot of sappiness here. Um it says that they loved each other. They it says that they loved each other. They it says that they loved each other. They were knit together for their own soul. were knit together for their own soul. were knit together for their own soul. Love for him. They made him swear his Love for him. They made him swear his Love for him. They made him swear his love for him as he loved him as his own. love for him as he loved him as his own. love for him as he loved him as his own. There's a time at the end, the kiss. There's a time at the end, the kiss. There's a time at the end, the kiss. They love each other more than even a They love each other more than even a They love each other more than even a female is what it says. And and if you female is what it says. And and if you female is what it says. And and if you go on social media, you look, there's a go on social media, you look, there's a go on social media, you look, there's a lot of people and they want this to they lot of people and they want this to they lot of people and they want this to they make this say whatever they wanted to make this say whatever they wanted to make this say whatever they wanted to say. And so if you were to put this in say. And so if you were to put this in say. And so if you were to put this in the context of 2026 in America, the context of 2026 in America, the context of 2026 in America, then they would say, "Well, they were then they would say, "Well, they were then they would say, "Well, they were same-sex attracted. This is actually a same-sex attracted. This is actually a same-sex attracted. This is actually a sexual relationship." sexual relationship." sexual relationship." But that's not what the scriptures say. But that's not what the scriptures say. But that's not what the scriptures say. If it is, then we would deal with it. It If it is, then we would deal with it. It If it is, then we would deal with it. It doesn't say that. doesn't say that. doesn't say that. We have a friendship. And sometimes in We have a friendship. And sometimes in We have a friendship. And sometimes in our culture, we don't know what to do our culture, we don't know what to do our culture, we don't know what to do with a close relationship between two with a close relationship between two with a close relationship between two guys or two ladies that's not sexual. guys or two ladies that's not sexual. guys or two ladies that's not sexual. But could it be, let me just ask you for But could it be, let me just ask you for But could it be, let me just ask you for a moment. Could it be that maybe this a moment. Could it be that maybe this a moment. Could it be that maybe this culture is different than America in culture is different than America in culture is different than America in 2026, 3,000 years ago? Um, 2026, 3,000 years ago? Um, 2026, 3,000 years ago? Um, let me ask you a question. If you think let me ask you a question. If you think let me ask you a question. If you think about when you've gone to another about when you've gone to another about when you've gone to another country, the very first time I went to country, the very first time I went to country, the very first time I went to another country, it was I was 12 years another country, it was I was 12 years another country, it was I was 12 years old. I went to Mexico. And when I went old. I went to Mexico. And when I went old. I went to Mexico. And when I went to Mexico, first thing we were to Mexico, first thing we were to Mexico, first thing we were introduced to this family. I was 12.

introduced to this family. I was 12. introduced to this family. I was 12. They had a daughter who was 16. She came They had a daughter who was 16. She came They had a daughter who was 16. She came and when they said hello, she just and when they said hello, she just and when they said hello, she just kissed me. I mean like viva la Mexico. I kissed me. I mean like viva la Mexico. I kissed me. I mean like viva la Mexico. I mean I was like I don't know. I don't mean I was like I don't know. I don't mean I was like I don't know. I don't know why she just did that and she know why she just did that and she know why she just did that and she picked me out and then I started picked me out and then I started picked me out and then I started watching and you know what they do there watching and you know what they do there watching and you know what they do there is when you greet you kiss like both is when you greet you kiss like both is when you greet you kiss like both people kiss cheeks but I'm just sitting people kiss cheeks but I'm just sitting people kiss cheeks but I'm just sitting there like receiving it and going like there like receiving it and going like there like receiving it and going like this is amazing cuz I didn't know. and this is amazing cuz I didn't know. and this is amazing cuz I didn't know. and even guys like like it's a much more even guys like like it's a much more even guys like like it's a much more affectionate culture. affectionate culture. affectionate culture. Not only that, if you were to go to Not only that, if you were to go to Not only that, if you were to go to Kenya, we have actually a team right now Kenya, we have actually a team right now Kenya, we have actually a team right now who's there in Kenya. You you'll walk if who's there in Kenya. You you'll walk if who's there in Kenya. You you'll walk if you if you're walking down the streets, you if you're walking down the streets, you if you're walking down the streets, you'll sometimes you don't usually see a you'll sometimes you don't usually see a you'll sometimes you don't usually see a man and a woman holding hands or showing man and a woman holding hands or showing man and a woman holding hands or showing a public display of affection. But a public display of affection. But a public display of affection. But you'll see two guys, teenagers just you'll see two guys, teenagers just you'll see two guys, teenagers just walking down, right? And I asked one walking down, right? And I asked one walking down, right? And I asked one time, I like are Oh, they're just good time, I like are Oh, they're just good time, I like are Oh, they're just good friends. Guys and girls, they'll hold friends. Guys and girls, they'll hold friends. Guys and girls, they'll hold hands and walk. And it's not a thing hands and walk. And it's not a thing hands and walk. And it's not a thing there. It is here, but it it's not there. It is here, but it it's not there. It is here, but it it's not there. there. there. Ethiopia, we have a family from Ethiopia Ethiopia, we have a family from Ethiopia Ethiopia, we have a family from Ethiopia um at Midtown, and they were telling me, um at Midtown, and they were telling me, um at Midtown, and they were telling me, Hille was just telling me that what they Hille was just telling me that what they Hille was just telling me that what they do in their culture, he like his kids do in their culture, he like his kids do in their culture, he like his kids are getting older, he still feeds them are getting older, he still feeds them are getting older, he still feeds them and their wife. Like if you were to go and their wife. Like if you were to go and their wife. Like if you were to go to Ethiopian's house and you were to Ethiopian's house and you were to Ethiopian's house and you were trusted, they would feed you. Now, trusted, they would feed you. Now, trusted, they would feed you. Now, pause. If if you're watching a show and pause. If if you're watching a show and pause. If if you're watching a show and people start feeding each other and you people start feeding each other and you people start feeding each other and you have kids in the room, like you're have kids in the room, like you're have kids in the room, like you're getting ready, right, to fast forward it getting ready, right, to fast forward it getting ready, right, to fast forward it because it might get a little spicy. All because it might get a little spicy. All because it might get a little spicy. All right, feeding somebody else. We just right, feeding somebody else. We just right, feeding somebody else. We just naturally go there. That's just common naturally go there. That's just common naturally go there. That's just common place closeness, plutonic closeness in place closeness, plutonic closeness in place closeness, plutonic closeness in other countries. Could it be that this other countries. Could it be that this other countries. Could it be that this is a different culture? So when it talks

is a different culture? So when it talks is a different culture? So when it talks about all these things, loving them as about all these things, loving them as about all these things, loving them as their own, souls being knit together, their own, souls being knit together, their own, souls being knit together, kissed, just want to address that because many just want to address that because many people will try to say things that people will try to say things that people will try to say things that aren't here in the scriptures. So that aren't here in the scriptures. So that aren't here in the scriptures. So that being said, let's read about this plan being said, let's read about this plan being said, let's read about this plan that David has concocted and let's see that David has concocted and let's see that David has concocted and let's see if it works. Verse 24. if it works. Verse 24. if it works. Verse 24. So David hid himself in the field and So David hid himself in the field and So David hid himself in the field and when the new moon festival came, the when the new moon festival came, the when the new moon festival came, the king sat down to eat food. He sat on his king sat down to eat food. He sat on his king sat down to eat food. He sat on his seat as as at other times on the seat by seat as as at other times on the seat by seat as as at other times on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat opposite and the wall. Jonathan sat opposite and the wall. Jonathan sat opposite and Abner sat by Saul's side. And David's Abner sat by Saul's side. And David's Abner sat by Saul's side. And David's place was empty. place was empty. place was empty. Yet Saul did not say anything that first Yet Saul did not say anything that first Yet Saul did not say anything that first day for he thought something has day for he thought something has day for he thought something has happened to him. He is not clean. Surely happened to him. He is not clean. Surely happened to him. He is not clean. Surely he is not clean. Okay, so there's this he is not clean. Okay, so there's this he is not clean. Okay, so there's this really big festival, a new moon really big festival, a new moon really big festival, a new moon festival, right? And if you're invited festival, right? And if you're invited festival, right? And if you're invited by the king, you show up and David's by the king, you show up and David's by the king, you show up and David's just not there. just not there. just not there. He gets grace that first time and it He gets grace that first time and it He gets grace that first time and it just goes on. on it says, "But on the just goes on. on it says, "But on the just goes on. on it says, "But on the second day, the day after the new moon, second day, the day after the new moon, second day, the day after the new moon, David's place was empty, and Saul asked David's place was empty, and Saul asked David's place was empty, and Saul asked Jonathan, why has not the son of Jesse Jonathan, why has not the son of Jesse Jonathan, why has not the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or come to the meal either yesterday or come to the meal either yesterday or today?" Now, pause. How do you read that today?" Now, pause. How do you read that today?" Now, pause. How do you read that question?

question? question? Is that Saul missing David? Man, I wish Is that Saul missing David? Man, I wish Is that Saul missing David? Man, I wish David would be here. David would be here. David would be here. Is it passive aggressive? Is it loaded? Is it passive aggressive? Is it loaded? Is it passive aggressive? Is it loaded? Why hasn't David been here? Verse 28. Why hasn't David been here? Verse 28. Why hasn't David been here? Verse 28. Jonathan answered Saul. David earnestly Jonathan answered Saul. David earnestly Jonathan answered Saul. David earnestly asked leave to me to go to Bethlehem. asked leave to me to go to Bethlehem. asked leave to me to go to Bethlehem. For he said, ' Let me go, for my clan For he said, ' Let me go, for my clan For he said, ' Let me go, for my clan holds a sacrifice in the city, and my holds a sacrifice in the city, and my holds a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. So brother has commanded me to be there. So brother has commanded me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, now, if I have found favor in your eyes, now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away and see my brothers. For let me get away and see my brothers. For let me get away and see my brothers. For this reason, he has not come to the this reason, he has not come to the this reason, he has not come to the king's table. Get ready. king's table. Get ready. king's table. Get ready. Then Saul's anger was kindled against Then Saul's anger was kindled against Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said, "You son of a Jonathan, and he said, "You son of a Jonathan, and he said, "You son of a perverse, rebellious woman. Do I not perverse, rebellious woman. Do I not perverse, rebellious woman. Do I not know that you have chosen the son of know that you have chosen the son of know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame Jesse to your own shame and to the shame Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? For as long of your mother's nakedness? For as long of your mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be neither you nor your kingdom shall be neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore, send him to me, established. Therefore, send him to me, established. Therefore, send him to me, for he will surely die. Then Jonathan for he will surely die. Then Jonathan for he will surely die. Then Jonathan answered Saul his father. Why should he answered Saul his father. Why should he answered Saul his father. Why should he be put to death? What has he done? But be put to death? What has he done? But be put to death? What has he done? But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike Saul hurled his spear at him to strike Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father him. So Jonathan knew that his father him. So Jonathan knew that his father had determined to put David to death.

had determined to put David to death. had determined to put David to death. And Jonathan rose from the table in And Jonathan rose from the table in And Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second fierce anger and ate no food the second fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month for he was grieved for day of the month for he was grieved for day of the month for he was grieved for David for his father had disgraced him. David for his father had disgraced him. David for his father had disgraced him. So this plan with David in the field and So this plan with David in the field and So this plan with David in the field and just let's see what the reaction of the just let's see what the reaction of the just let's see what the reaction of the king is if he's kind of cooled down and king is if he's kind of cooled down and king is if he's kind of cooled down and he gets all fired up and actually a he gets all fired up and actually a he gets all fired up and actually a really good friend Jonathan would take really good friend Jonathan would take really good friend Jonathan would take the brunt. He would be cursed, called the brunt. He would be cursed, called the brunt. He would be cursed, called son of a perverse woman. And even his son of a perverse woman. And even his son of a perverse woman. And even his mother's nakedness, shame, like you you mother's nakedness, shame, like you you mother's nakedness, shame, like you you want to talk about at this festival want to talk about at this festival want to talk about at this festival that's supposed to be joyous, he gets that's supposed to be joyous, he gets that's supposed to be joyous, he gets shamed. And not only shamed, he would shamed. And not only shamed, he would shamed. And not only shamed, he would take a spear and have to evade it. take a spear and have to evade it. take a spear and have to evade it. But he would take that for his friend. But he would take that for his friend. But he would take that for his friend. Think about this for just a moment. He Think about this for just a moment. He Think about this for just a moment. He would take the curse of his father. He would take the curse of his father. He would take the curse of his father. He would even take a spear so that another would even take a spear so that another would even take a spear so that another could go free. Have Have you ever heard could go free. Have Have you ever heard could go free. Have Have you ever heard that story before? that story before? that story before? Cuz there's one that would come later. Cuz there's one that would come later. Cuz there's one that would come later. And he would take the wrath that his And he would take the wrath that his And he would take the wrath that his father had for sin. His name was Jesus. father had for sin. His name was Jesus. father had for sin. His name was Jesus. And he would take that on himself. And And he would take that on himself. And And he would take that on himself. And even what would finally end it would be even what would finally end it would be even what would finally end it would be a spear so that we could have a spear so that we could have a spear so that we could have forgiveness and go free. What a picture.

forgiveness and go free. What a picture. forgiveness and go free. What a picture. What a great friend Jonathan is. And What a great friend Jonathan is. And What a great friend Jonathan is. And what a picture of the one who sticks what a picture of the one who sticks what a picture of the one who sticks closer than a brother. So things have closer than a brother. So things have closer than a brother. So things have gotten heated, you guys, in scene two. gotten heated, you guys, in scene two. gotten heated, you guys, in scene two. Is there ever resolve? Is there ever resolve? Is there ever resolve? If you'll turn to chapter 23, we're If you'll turn to chapter 23, we're If you'll turn to chapter 23, we're going to do act three. Starts off so going to do act three. Starts off so going to do act three. Starts off so beautiful. It could be a Hallmark movie. beautiful. It could be a Hallmark movie. beautiful. It could be a Hallmark movie. Now it comes to action. There's Now it comes to action. There's Now it comes to action. There's betrayal. There's cursing, betrayal. There's cursing, betrayal. There's cursing, attempted murder. attempted murder. attempted murder. Act three is in chapter 3. We'll we'll Act three is in chapter 3. We'll we'll Act three is in chapter 3. We'll we'll start in verse 15. You're just getting start in verse 15. You're just getting start in verse 15. You're just getting another little snapshot. another little snapshot. another little snapshot. David saw that Saul had come to seek his David saw that Saul had come to seek his David saw that Saul had come to seek his life. And David was in the wilderness of life. And David was in the wilderness of life. And David was in the wilderness of Zip of Hores. And Jonathan Saul's son Zip of Hores. And Jonathan Saul's son Zip of Hores. And Jonathan Saul's son rose and went to David at Hores and rose and went to David at Hores and rose and went to David at Hores and strengthen his hand in God. We might be able to put in there David We might be able to put in there David saw that Saul had come out to seek his saw that Saul had come out to seek his saw that Saul had come out to seek his life again. Like listen, that first time life again. Like listen, that first time life again. Like listen, that first time he's trying to kill him and then there's he's trying to kill him and then there's he's trying to kill him and then there's another time and then there's another another time and then there's another another time and then there's another time. This is a continual. And I don't time. This is a continual. And I don't time. This is a continual. And I don't know if you've ever gone through know if you've ever gone through know if you've ever gone through something that that's hard and something that that's hard and something that that's hard and disheartening, but when it passes, disheartening, but when it passes, disheartening, but when it passes, that's one thing. when it keeps that's one thing. when it keeps that's one thing. when it keeps reoccurring and reoccurring and reoccurring and reoccurring and reoccurring and reoccurring and reoccurring, it has a cumulative effect reoccurring, it has a cumulative effect reoccurring, it has a cumulative effect and it starts to weigh on you, somebody and it starts to weigh on you, somebody and it starts to weigh on you, somebody who wants you dead again and again and who wants you dead again and again and who wants you dead again and again and again. And so this time because of again. And so this time because of again. And so this time because of weariness or whatever else, it says that weariness or whatever else, it says that weariness or whatever else, it says that Jonathan rose and went to David. If you Jonathan rose and went to David. If you Jonathan rose and went to David. If you want to underline that for just a want to underline that for just a want to underline that for just a moment, he would go to him.

moment, he would go to him. moment, he would go to him. Listen, when you're friends with Listen, when you're friends with Listen, when you're friends with somebody else, you just show up for somebody else, you just show up for somebody else, you just show up for them. you make yourself like you go over them. you make yourself like you go over them. you make yourself like you go over even without an invitation in the good even without an invitation in the good even without an invitation in the good times and in the bad times you show up. times and in the bad times you show up. times and in the bad times you show up. So I remember 20 25 years ago our 25th So I remember 20 25 years ago our 25th So I remember 20 25 years ago our 25th anniversary we had like a little anniversary we had like a little anniversary we had like a little ceremony where um where we renewed our ceremony where um where we renewed our ceremony where um where we renewed our vows. It was so sweet with my wife and I vows. It was so sweet with my wife and I vows. It was so sweet with my wife and I like when like it was better than our like when like it was better than our like when like it was better than our wedding. Um after 25 years we knew what wedding. Um after 25 years we knew what wedding. Um after 25 years we knew what we were getting. We stood there in our we were getting. We stood there in our we were getting. We stood there in our living room in front of our kids living room in front of our kids living room in front of our kids declaring that. And some of our good declaring that. And some of our good declaring that. And some of our good friends, you know what they did right friends, you know what they did right friends, you know what they did right before the ceremony? I mean it was just before the ceremony? I mean it was just before the ceremony? I mean it was just our family. They brought a little our family. They brought a little our family. They brought a little wedding cake and they said, "Hey, we wedding cake and they said, "Hey, we wedding cake and they said, "Hey, we want to celebrate with you." These are want to celebrate with you." These are want to celebrate with you." These are some of the same friends that not only some of the same friends that not only some of the same friends that not only are there with us in the good time that are there with us in the good time that are there with us in the good time that would celebrate us in the good times. would celebrate us in the good times. would celebrate us in the good times. There was another time years ago when I There was another time years ago when I There was another time years ago when I came out of surgery um because of my came out of surgery um because of my came out of surgery um because of my shoulder and I was got the news that I shoulder and I was got the news that I shoulder and I was got the news that I was going to have to go that weekend to was going to have to go that weekend to was going to have to go that weekend to Maine to go say goodbye to my mother Maine to go say goodbye to my mother Maine to go say goodbye to my mother because she was not going to make it. because she was not going to make it. because she was not going to make it. And so my my world was and there was a And so my my world was and there was a And so my my world was and there was a group of friends that I was committed group of friends that I was committed group of friends that I was committed to. And you know what they did so that I to. And you know what they did so that I to. And you know what they did so that I could sleep after shoulder surgery.

could sleep after shoulder surgery. could sleep after shoulder surgery. There was already a recliner. I never There was already a recliner. I never There was already a recliner. I never asked for it in my like some it just asked for it in my like some it just asked for it in my like some it just showed up. There were gift cards and and showed up. There were gift cards and and showed up. There were gift cards and and and Door Dash things that just showed and Door Dash things that just showed and Door Dash things that just showed up. There were prayers and texts that up. There were prayers and texts that up. There were prayers and texts that just showed up. They didn't ask. They just showed up. They didn't ask. They just showed up. They didn't ask. They just showed up much like Jonathan just just showed up much like Jonathan just just showed up much like Jonathan just showed up because David is in distress. showed up because David is in distress. showed up because David is in distress. And I I don't know for you and how you And I I don't know for you and how you And I I don't know for you and how you do this. You probably know better than do this. You probably know better than do this. You probably know better than this. But in our culture sometimes when this. But in our culture sometimes when this. But in our culture sometimes when somebody's going through something you somebody's going through something you somebody's going through something you text because you don't want to evict, text because you don't want to evict, text because you don't want to evict, you know, you don't want to get into you know, you don't want to get into you know, you don't want to get into their personal stuff. Hey, just want to their personal stuff. Hey, just want to their personal stuff. Hey, just want to let you know I'm praying for you. If if let you know I'm praying for you. If if let you know I'm praying for you. If if I can do anything, let me know. Now, I can do anything, let me know. Now, I can do anything, let me know. Now, pause. Don't do that. If you're their pause. Don't do that. If you're their pause. Don't do that. If you're their friends, you're saying, "Hey, you're friends, you're saying, "Hey, you're friends, you're saying, "Hey, you're going through it. So, if you have the going through it. So, if you have the going through it. So, if you have the mental space to think about a plan that mental space to think about a plan that mental space to think about a plan that I could help you, then instruct me in I could help you, then instruct me in I could help you, then instruct me in that." No, no, no. If they're going that." No, no, no. If they're going that." No, no, no. If they're going through something, you show up. through something, you show up. through something, you show up. You bring whatever you need to bring. You bring whatever you need to bring. You bring whatever you need to bring. You You just friendship like Jonathan. You You just friendship like Jonathan. You You just friendship like Jonathan. And you know what? It may not be a good And you know what? It may not be a good And you know what? It may not be a good time, time, time, but in the chance that it is, you're but in the chance that it is, you're but in the chance that it is, you're there. You're there and you're present. there. You're there and you're present. there. You're there and you're present. And somehow Jonathan just being there, And somehow Jonathan just being there, And somehow Jonathan just being there, he's going to say just a couple things. he's going to say just a couple things. he's going to say just a couple things. It says he strengthened his hand in God.

It says he strengthened his hand in God. It says he strengthened his hand in God. Have Do you have a friend like that? Are Have Do you have a friend like that? Are Have Do you have a friend like that? Are you a friend like that? Somebody just you a friend like that? Somebody just you a friend like that? Somebody just shows up and maybe they don't say shows up and maybe they don't say shows up and maybe they don't say anything at all, but just the fact that anything at all, but just the fact that anything at all, but just the fact that they're there, you you you can't stay they're there, you you you can't stay they're there, you you you can't stay stuck. I I mean, you are encouraged. Do stuck. I I mean, you are encouraged. Do stuck. I I mean, you are encouraged. Do you have somebody that you're picturing you have somebody that you're picturing you have somebody that you're picturing that maybe you hope would be a friend of that maybe you hope would be a friend of that maybe you hope would be a friend of yours? yours? yours? Acts 4, you can write that down. There's Acts 4, you can write that down. There's Acts 4, you can write that down. There's this story that the disciples, they're this story that the disciples, they're this story that the disciples, they're being threatened. They just are in being threatened. They just are in being threatened. They just are in custody. They get out and it says the custody. They get out and it says the custody. They get out and it says the first thing they do is they go find first thing they do is they go find first thing they do is they go find their friends. And as soon as they start their friends. And as soon as they start their friends. And as soon as they start talking to their friends, their friends talking to their friends, their friends talking to their friends, their friends start praying. They start believing that start praying. They start believing that start praying. They start believing that the Lord's in this. I mean, the place is the Lord's in this. I mean, the place is the Lord's in this. I mean, the place is shaken. And they go out and they change shaken. And they go out and they change shaken. And they go out and they change the world because two are better than the world because two are better than the world because two are better than one. And their hands were strengthened one. And their hands were strengthened one. And their hands were strengthened in God. So that's what's happening here. in God. So that's what's happening here. in God. So that's what's happening here. Go, go to your friends, strengthen their Go, go to your friends, strengthen their Go, go to your friends, strengthen their hand in God. Verse 17 says this, "And hand in God. Verse 17 says this, "And hand in God. Verse 17 says this, "And Jonathan said,"Do not fear, for the hand Jonathan said,"Do not fear, for the hand Jonathan said,"Do not fear, for the hand of Saul, my father, shall not find you. of Saul, my father, shall not find you. of Saul, my father, shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I You shall be king over Israel, and I You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you." Saul, my father, shall be next to you." Saul, my father, shall be next to you." Saul, my father, knows this." And the two of them made a knows this." And the two of them made a knows this." And the two of them made a what? Covenant before the Lord. David what? Covenant before the Lord. David what? Covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home. So, he's going to go and home. So, he's going to go and home. So, he's going to go and strengthen his hand. He's going to say, strengthen his hand. He's going to say, strengthen his hand. He's going to say, "Do not fear." And did you see what who "Do not fear." And did you see what who "Do not fear." And did you see what who is the rightful throne, like heir to the is the rightful throne, like heir to the is the rightful throne, like heir to the throne?

throne? throne? Jonathan. Jonathan, his dad is the king Jonathan. Jonathan, his dad is the king Jonathan. Jonathan, his dad is the king and he's going to be the king and he's going to be the king and he's going to be the king and he's going to hand that over to and he's going to hand that over to and he's going to hand that over to David David David who hands over what is rightfully his, who hands over what is rightfully his, who hands over what is rightfully his, the kingdom to a best friend. the kingdom to a best friend. the kingdom to a best friend. He says, "You shall be king and I shall He says, "You shall be king and I shall He says, "You shall be king and I shall be next to you." Like he's okay with it. be next to you." Like he's okay with it. be next to you." Like he's okay with it. He's handing the kingdom over. Who does He's handing the kingdom over. Who does He's handing the kingdom over. Who does that? You want to talk about a that? You want to talk about a that? You want to talk about a selflessness that we see in Jonathan? selflessness that we see in Jonathan? selflessness that we see in Jonathan? Wow. To have a friend like him. Wow. To have a friend like him. Wow. To have a friend like him. Can you think of another person who Can you think of another person who Can you think of another person who would hand over a kingdom? what was would hand over a kingdom? what was would hand over a kingdom? what was rightfully his for the sake of another. I just I just I just I just there was a king there was a king there was a king and it would say this about him. He did and it would say this about him. He did and it would say this about him. He did not count equality with God a thing to not count equality with God a thing to not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but he emptied himself taking be grasped but he emptied himself taking be grasped but he emptied himself taking the form of a servant being born in the the form of a servant being born in the the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men and being found in human likeness of men and being found in human likeness of men and being found in human form he humbled himself even being form he humbled himself even being form he humbled himself even being obedient to the point of death and death obedient to the point of death and death obedient to the point of death and death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly on a cross. Therefore, God has highly on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him a name exalted him and bestowed on him a name exalted him and bestowed on him a name that is above every other name. That at that is above every other name. That at that is above every other name. That at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow the name of Jesus, every knee will bow the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the in heaven and on earth and under the in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess earth, and every tongue will confess earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Yes, there was the one who the Father. Yes, there was the one who the Father. Yes, there was the one who reigns reigns reigns and he would empty himself of that and and he would empty himself of that and and he would empty himself of that and he would take on a cross and he would be he would take on a cross and he would be he would take on a cross and he would be crucified. He would be buried and then crucified. He would be buried and then crucified. He would be buried and then he would be risen from the dead and he's he would be risen from the dead and he's he would be risen from the dead and he's alive today and he's the King of Kings alive today and he's the King of Kings alive today and he's the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And why would he and Lord of Lords. And why would he and Lord of Lords. And why would he empty himself of those things for a time empty himself of those things for a time empty himself of those things for a time so you could rule and reign with him?

so you could rule and reign with him? so you could rule and reign with him? Wow. Wow. Wow. For us. I don't get it. For us. I don't get it. For us. I don't get it. But it's good. It's good. Okay. But it's good. It's good. Okay. But it's good. It's good. Okay. There we go. Act three. We got one more There we go. Act three. We got one more There we go. Act three. We got one more act. act. act. Act four. I'll read from 2 Samuel. Act four. I'll read from 2 Samuel. Act four. I'll read from 2 Samuel. It's a little bit Shakespearean in the It's a little bit Shakespearean in the It's a little bit Shakespearean in the way because um because Jonathan dies way because um because Jonathan dies way because um because Jonathan dies he and Saul and so much of the army dies he and Saul and so much of the army dies he and Saul and so much of the army dies and it's only been like 10 years. So Jon and it's only been like 10 years. So Jon and it's only been like 10 years. So Jon David writes this whole lament David writes this whole lament David writes this whole lament in 2 Samuel 1 verse 25 says it this way. in 2 Samuel 1 verse 25 says it this way. in 2 Samuel 1 verse 25 says it this way. How the mighty have fallen in the midst How the mighty have fallen in the midst How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle. Jonathan lies slain on of the battle. Jonathan lies slain on of the battle. Jonathan lies slain on your high places and I'm distressed for your high places and I'm distressed for your high places and I'm distressed for you. My brother Jonathan, very pleasant you. My brother Jonathan, very pleasant you. My brother Jonathan, very pleasant have you been to me. Your love to me was have you been to me. Your love to me was have you been to me. Your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing that of even extraordinary, surpassing that of even extraordinary, surpassing that of even women. How the mighty have fallen and women. How the mighty have fallen and women. How the mighty have fallen and the weapons of war perished. the weapons of war perished. the weapons of war perished. I mean, what a gift. I mean, no one's I mean, what a gift. I mean, no one's I mean, what a gift. I mean, no one's been tighter than David and Jonathan, been tighter than David and Jonathan, been tighter than David and Jonathan, but it's only been 10 years, and so much but it's only been 10 years, and so much but it's only been 10 years, and so much of that they were separated. Why the why of that they were separated. Why the why of that they were separated. Why the why would the Lord allow this? Some of you would the Lord allow this? Some of you would the Lord allow this? Some of you in this room, you've had the gift of in this room, you've had the gift of in this room, you've had the gift of friendship before, but you moved or that friendship before, but you moved or that friendship before, but you moved or that was a long time ago was a long time ago was a long time ago and that's not your story anymore.

and that's not your story anymore. and that's not your story anymore. You might be saying," Lord, why why You might be saying," Lord, why why You might be saying," Lord, why why would you take such a good thing for for would you take such a good thing for for would you take such a good thing for for many of us in this room? Why why would I many of us in this room? Why why would I many of us in this room? Why why would I not have somebody like a David and not have somebody like a David and not have somebody like a David and Jonathan to get through? Like life is Jonathan to get through? Like life is Jonathan to get through? Like life is hard enough. Why not give this gift to hard enough. Why not give this gift to hard enough. Why not give this gift to all of us for all time?" all of us for all time?" all of us for all time?" What happens if you find yourself at a What happens if you find yourself at a What happens if you find yourself at a place without good friends? I I was place without good friends? I I was place without good friends? I I was looking at some research in the Pew Pew looking at some research in the Pew Pew looking at some research in the Pew Pew research, pretty unbiased. It said that research, pretty unbiased. It said that research, pretty unbiased. It said that 31% of Americans 31% of Americans either 31% of Americans 31% of Americans either 31% of Americans 31% of Americans either usually or always feel lonely. Now, maybe that's just all the people Now, maybe that's just all the people out there, right? Because we're not a out there, right? Because we're not a out there, right? Because we're not a part of church and troops and all those part of church and troops and all those part of church and troops and all those things. You guys probably don't ever things. You guys probably don't ever things. You guys probably don't ever wrestle with that at all. We are like we wrestle with that at all. We are like we wrestle with that at all. We are like we we've got David and Jonathan's all over we've got David and Jonathan's all over we've got David and Jonathan's all over the place. the place. the place. Or maybe that which is true of those Or maybe that which is true of those Or maybe that which is true of those outside of this room are also true outside of this room are also true outside of this room are also true inside of this room or in the chapel or inside of this room or in the chapel or inside of this room or in the chapel or online. online. online. I've talked with enough men at lunches I've talked with enough men at lunches I've talked with enough men at lunches and they don't have life-giving friends and they don't have life-giving friends and they don't have life-giving friends and they could be surrounded. Like and they could be surrounded. Like and they could be surrounded. Like there's a lot of people and everyone there's a lot of people and everyone there's a lot of people and everyone knows about you but no one really knows knows about you but no one really knows knows about you but no one really knows you.

you. you. I have people all the way from 70 to I have people all the way from 70 to I have people all the way from 70 to teenagers and they're going I would love teenagers and they're going I would love teenagers and they're going I would love friendship and I don't have that. friendship and I don't have that. friendship and I don't have that. So what happens if we find ourselves So what happens if we find ourselves So what happens if we find ourselves there? there? there? If the stats are right, a third of you If the stats are right, a third of you If the stats are right, a third of you in this room. You would long to have a in this room. You would long to have a in this room. You would long to have a friend like a David and Jonathan. Is there any hope from this story that Is there any hope from this story that we could have? we could have? we could have? There's three things on your handout. There's three things on your handout. There's three things on your handout. The very first one I want you to The very first one I want you to The very first one I want you to consider is that friendship with the consider is that friendship with the consider is that friendship with the Lord might be the first invitation. Lord might be the first invitation. Lord might be the first invitation. Friendship with the Lord might be the Friendship with the Lord might be the Friendship with the Lord might be the first invitation. first invitation. first invitation. Here's a I've told you about my life. Here's a I've told you about my life. Here's a I've told you about my life. There's been more times when I haven't There's been more times when I haven't There's been more times when I haven't had good friends than when I have. had good friends than when I have. had good friends than when I have. And I've tried to wrestle with that and And I've tried to wrestle with that and And I've tried to wrestle with that and and maybe I have a different perspective and maybe I have a different perspective and maybe I have a different perspective now. But but in sometimes I'm going now. But but in sometimes I'm going now. But but in sometimes I'm going surely it's not just always me. Maybe it surely it's not just always me. Maybe it surely it's not just always me. Maybe it is. Surely maybe [snorts] I Here's what I think. I think the Lord Here's what I think. I think the Lord has intentionally put me at places where has intentionally put me at places where has intentionally put me at places where I don't have friends in seasons I don't have friends in seasons I don't have friends in seasons as an invitation for friendship with as an invitation for friendship with as an invitation for friendship with him.

him. him. I don't know where that's at in the I don't know where that's at in the I don't know where that's at in the scriptures. I just know that there's scriptures. I just know that there's scriptures. I just know that there's been plenty of times it should have been plenty of times it should have been plenty of times it should have worked out or I shouldn't have moved or worked out or I shouldn't have moved or worked out or I shouldn't have moved or what whatever it is. And I had great what whatever it is. And I had great what whatever it is. And I had great friends and then I didn't all of a friends and then I didn't all of a friends and then I didn't all of a sudden. And as opposed to this being sudden. And as opposed to this being sudden. And as opposed to this being punishment or I'm just like really weird punishment or I'm just like really weird punishment or I'm just like really weird or I don't know how to do this. It's or I don't know how to do this. It's or I don't know how to do this. It's almost like the Lord just pushed me almost like the Lord just pushed me almost like the Lord just pushed me aside just a little just pulls me to aside just a little just pulls me to aside just a little just pulls me to himself. And so as opposed to this himself. And so as opposed to this himself. And so as opposed to this posture from the Lord, it's like he's posture from the Lord, it's like he's posture from the Lord, it's like he's inviting me for friendship with him. And inviting me for friendship with him. And inviting me for friendship with him. And I just wonder if you have this ache of I just wonder if you have this ache of I just wonder if you have this ache of loneliness to be known, what if what if loneliness to be known, what if what if loneliness to be known, what if what if it's not a curse? What if it's an it's not a curse? What if it's an it's not a curse? What if it's an invitation that he would call you to invitation that he would call you to invitation that he would call you to himself? Is that in the scriptures? himself? Is that in the scriptures? himself? Is that in the scriptures? [snorts] Psalm 25:14 says this, "The [snorts] Psalm 25:14 says this, "The [snorts] Psalm 25:14 says this, "The friendship of the Lord is for those who friendship of the Lord is for those who friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him." And he makes known to them fear him." And he makes known to them fear him." And he makes known to them his covenant. his covenant. his covenant. Friendship with the most high. What? And Friendship with the most high. What? And Friendship with the most high. What? And and he's going to make known his and he's going to make known his and he's going to make known his covenant, his commitment. covenant, his commitment. covenant, his commitment. What a gift. Okay, you might say, "Well, What a gift. Okay, you might say, "Well, What a gift. Okay, you might say, "Well, Tim, that's Old Testament. What about Tim, that's Old Testament. What about Tim, that's Old Testament. What about New Testament?" Okay, Mark 3:14. Write New Testament?" Okay, Mark 3:14. Write New Testament?" Okay, Mark 3:14. Write it down. This is why he calls the it down. This is why he calls the it down. This is why he calls the disciples to himself. It says this. He disciples to himself. It says this. He disciples to himself. It says this. He appointed 12 whom he named apostles so appointed 12 whom he named apostles so appointed 12 whom he named apostles so that they would be with him and that he that they would be with him and that he that they would be with him and that he might send them out to preach. Why did might send them out to preach. Why did might send them out to preach. Why did Jesus call the 12 disciples? Yeah, they Jesus call the 12 disciples? Yeah, they Jesus call the 12 disciples? Yeah, they were going to change the world. He's were going to change the world. He's were going to change the world. He's going to send them out but before them going to send them out but before them going to send them out but before them so they would just be with him.

so they would just be with him. so they would just be with him. The king of the universe would call them The king of the universe would call them The king of the universe would call them to himself. John 15:15, he'll say it to himself. John 15:15, he'll say it to himself. John 15:15, he'll say it very specifically. very specifically. very specifically. He says, 'N no longer do I call you He says, 'N no longer do I call you He says, 'N no longer do I call you servants, for a servant doesn't know servants, for a servant doesn't know servants, for a servant doesn't know what his master is doing, but I have what his master is doing, but I have what his master is doing, but I have called you friends. called you friends. called you friends. For all that I have heard from my For all that I have heard from my For all that I have heard from my father, I've made known to you. Do you father, I've made known to you. Do you father, I've made known to you. Do you see this? He calls his disciples see this? He calls his disciples see this? He calls his disciples friends. Can you imagine the Most High friends. Can you imagine the Most High friends. Can you imagine the Most High calling you friend? And maybe that's the calling you friend? And maybe that's the calling you friend? And maybe that's the invitation. May maybe you've seen this invitation. May maybe you've seen this invitation. May maybe you've seen this loneliness as maybe something that's loneliness as maybe something that's loneliness as maybe something that's wrong with you or maybe you just don't wrong with you or maybe you just don't wrong with you or maybe you just don't have the favor of God. And what if it's have the favor of God. And what if it's have the favor of God. And what if it's not a pushing away? What if he's not a pushing away? What if he's not a pushing away? What if he's inviting this loneliness that you have inviting this loneliness that you have inviting this loneliness that you have so that you would first be friends with so that you would first be friends with so that you would first be friends with him? That does not happen overnight. But him? That does not happen overnight. But him? That does not happen overnight. But what if he's inviting you into that what if he's inviting you into that what if he's inviting you into that today? Just this week at Midtown, we had today? Just this week at Midtown, we had today? Just this week at Midtown, we had a a lady. She's in med school, but she a a lady. She's in med school, but she a a lady. She's in med school, but she grew up in going to Mount and and grew up in going to Mount and and grew up in going to Mount and and Catholic school. And so she was around Catholic school. And so she was around Catholic school. And so she was around stuff all the time, but a friend of hers stuff all the time, but a friend of hers stuff all the time, but a friend of hers has been talking to her about the has been talking to her about the has been talking to her about the gospel. And she came to us and she goes, gospel. And she came to us and she goes, gospel. And she came to us and she goes, "I don't know the presence of God. Y'all "I don't know the presence of God. Y'all "I don't know the presence of God. Y'all keep talking about a relationship with keep talking about a relationship with keep talking about a relationship with God and the presence of God. I don't God and the presence of God. I don't God and the presence of God. I don't know what that is."

know what that is." know what that is." And so our children's minister just went And so our children's minister just went And so our children's minister just went ahead and shed the said the gospel and ahead and shed the said the gospel and ahead and shed the said the gospel and said, "You want to think about it?" said, "You want to think about it?" said, "You want to think about it?" She's like, "I want it like now. I want She's like, "I want it like now. I want She's like, "I want it like now. I want that." And this barrier of sin that." And this barrier of sin that." And this barrier of sin and confessing him as Lord and giving and confessing him as Lord and giving and confessing him as Lord and giving her life to him, just tears started her life to him, just tears started her life to him, just tears started flowing. And what she's been seeking flowing. And what she's been seeking flowing. And what she's been seeking out, even though she's lived in the city out, even though she's lived in the city out, even though she's lived in the city all the time, she is beginning on a all the time, she is beginning on a all the time, she is beginning on a journey of a relationship and friendship journey of a relationship and friendship journey of a relationship and friendship with the Lord. If you're here today and with the Lord. If you're here today and with the Lord. If you're here today and you do not have a relationship with the you do not have a relationship with the you do not have a relationship with the Lord, there's an invitation to you. Lord, there's an invitation to you. Lord, there's an invitation to you. Jesus Christ would die on a cross to pay Jesus Christ would die on a cross to pay Jesus Christ would die on a cross to pay for the sin and the penalty you deserved for the sin and the penalty you deserved for the sin and the penalty you deserved so that if you would confess your sin so that if you would confess your sin so that if you would confess your sin and follow him that he he would call you and follow him that he he would call you and follow him that he he would call you to himself. If you wanted to do that at to himself. If you wanted to do that at to himself. If you wanted to do that at the very bottom of your bulletin, you the very bottom of your bulletin, you the very bottom of your bulletin, you can write your name and your contact can write your name and your contact can write your name and your contact info. You can put I want to have a info. You can put I want to have a info. You can put I want to have a conversation about following Jesus. You conversation about following Jesus. You conversation about following Jesus. You can put it in the plates at the end or can put it in the plates at the end or can put it in the plates at the end or the boxes at the end when you leave. Or the boxes at the end when you leave. Or the boxes at the end when you leave. Or you can just stop by the connection you can just stop by the connection you can just stop by the connection center. Like this girl, she did not want center. Like this girl, she did not want center. Like this girl, she did not want to wait. She wanted a relationship with to wait. She wanted a relationship with to wait. She wanted a relationship with Jesus. And so maybe that's you today. Jesus. And so maybe that's you today. Jesus. And so maybe that's you today. Please say yes to that invitation. But Please say yes to that invitation. But Please say yes to that invitation. But but since [snorts] I lived here for 10 but since [snorts] I lived here for 10 but since [snorts] I lived here for 10 years in West Lock, years in West Lock, years in West Lock, most of us in this room, we have a most of us in this room, we have a most of us in this room, we have a relationship with the Lord. But I wonder relationship with the Lord. But I wonder relationship with the Lord. But I wonder how surfacy it is. Is it the same as it how surfacy it is. Is it the same as it how surfacy it is. Is it the same as it was 10 years ago or 20 years ago?

was 10 years ago or 20 years ago? was 10 years ago or 20 years ago? My friendships, the longer I have them My friendships, the longer I have them My friendships, the longer I have them with people, they grow and they grow and with people, they grow and they grow and with people, they grow and they grow and they grow. And what if the Lord is they grow. And what if the Lord is they grow. And what if the Lord is calling you more as the invitation to calling you more as the invitation to calling you more as the invitation to himself to know him well? And maybe the himself to know him well? And maybe the himself to know him well? And maybe the loneliness is not just circumstances. loneliness is not just circumstances. loneliness is not just circumstances. Maybe it's a draw and invitation first Maybe it's a draw and invitation first Maybe it's a draw and invitation first to him. Friendship with the Lord might to him. Friendship with the Lord might to him. Friendship with the Lord might first of all be invitational. Second first of all be invitational. Second first of all be invitational. Second thing, I'll just give us a confession on thing, I'll just give us a confession on thing, I'll just give us a confession on your handout. It says, "Fear of your handout. It says, "Fear of your handout. It says, "Fear of rejection might be holding you back." rejection might be holding you back." rejection might be holding you back." This this is what held me back. We moved This this is what held me back. We moved This this is what held me back. We moved 2018 from West Little Rock to Midtown. 2018 from West Little Rock to Midtown. 2018 from West Little Rock to Midtown. We had friends. We We had a culde-sac We had friends. We We had a culde-sac We had friends. We We had a culde-sac with like 19 kids. It was like Mayberry. with like 19 kids. It was like Mayberry. with like 19 kids. It was like Mayberry. It was beautiful. It was amazing. And we It was beautiful. It was amazing. And we It was beautiful. It was amazing. And we moved and we started over. moved and we started over. moved and we started over. Not long after that, 2020 came and COVID Not long after that, 2020 came and COVID Not long after that, 2020 came and COVID and I felt like I was back in the second and I felt like I was back in the second and I felt like I was back in the second grade. I'm going to call some people and grade. I'm going to call some people and grade. I'm going to call some people and say, "Hey, do you want to be in my group say, "Hey, do you want to be in my group say, "Hey, do you want to be in my group and be friends and be friends and be friends and I really was worried about and I really was worried about and I really was worried about rejection. I called a lot of people over rejection. I called a lot of people over rejection. I called a lot of people over this COVID year that I was just like, this COVID year that I was just like, this COVID year that I was just like, "Hey, I'm going to start a guy's group." "Hey, I'm going to start a guy's group." "Hey, I'm going to start a guy's group." And I had like seven guys. They just And I had like seven guys. They just And I had like seven guys. They just never showed. I mean, like, what was never showed. I mean, like, what was never showed. I mean, like, what was there to do during COVID but sit in our there to do during COVID but sit in our there to do during COVID but sit in our homes, right? We were going to be homes, right? We were going to be homes, right? We were going to be socially distanced. I'm like, "Come on, socially distanced. I'm like, "Come on, socially distanced. I'm like, "Come on, let's do this together." And they didn't let's do this together." And they didn't let's do this together." And they didn't show. Seven of them didn't. But seven of show. Seven of them didn't. But seven of show. Seven of them didn't. But seven of them did and and it forged some them did and and it forged some them did and and it forged some friendships that are still today.

friendships that are still today. friendships that are still today. I just wonder for you, are you fearing I just wonder for you, are you fearing I just wonder for you, are you fearing rejection like with new friendships and rejection like with new friendships and rejection like with new friendships and that's why you just kind of keep to that's why you just kind of keep to that's why you just kind of keep to career and family or whatever you do. career and family or whatever you do. career and family or whatever you do. Sometimes I fear rejection because if Sometimes I fear rejection because if Sometimes I fear rejection because if like if you think highly of me from like if you think highly of me from like if you think highly of me from afar, I don't want to mess that up. If afar, I don't want to mess that up. If afar, I don't want to mess that up. If you really knew about my life, you may you really knew about my life, you may you really knew about my life, you may not think as much of me if you really not think as much of me if you really not think as much of me if you really knew all the dark side and shadow side. knew all the dark side and shadow side. knew all the dark side and shadow side. Sometimes if I'm going to pursue Sometimes if I'm going to pursue Sometimes if I'm going to pursue someone, want even a commitment with someone, want even a commitment with someone, want even a commitment with them, like let's let's let's do this them, like let's let's let's do this them, like let's let's let's do this thing of being committed to each other thing of being committed to each other thing of being committed to each other and you hand somebody your sword or you and you hand somebody your sword or you and you hand somebody your sword or you tell them your weaknesses. I mean, they tell them your weaknesses. I mean, they tell them your weaknesses. I mean, they can do anything with that. They might can do anything with that. They might can do anything with that. They might just ghost you. They might just want to just ghost you. They might just want to just ghost you. They might just want to stay on surface. And so maybe it is for stay on surface. And so maybe it is for stay on surface. And so maybe it is for some of us here that rejection. Because of rejection and fear rejection, Because of rejection and fear rejection, we don't ever take the first step of we don't ever take the first step of we don't ever take the first step of what God has for us. But what's what God has for us. But what's what God has for us. But what's hindering you from friendship? Mine was hindering you from friendship? Mine was hindering you from friendship? Mine was rejection and I was crazy that in my rejection and I was crazy that in my rejection and I was crazy that in my mid40s I still feel the same way as in mid40s I still feel the same way as in mid40s I still feel the same way as in high school. There's a blank there for you. You can There's a blank there for you. You can maybe name this afternoon when you look maybe name this afternoon when you look maybe name this afternoon when you look at this again. You can name what it is at this again. You can name what it is at this again. You can name what it is that's hindering you from what God's that's hindering you from what God's that's hindering you from what God's calling you to in relationships. The calling you to in relationships. The calling you to in relationships. The very last one is this is forging a path very last one is this is forging a path very last one is this is forging a path to be closer to true friends. Forge a to be closer to true friends. Forge a to be closer to true friends. Forge a path. I would say it's a path. Um my my path. I would say it's a path. Um my my path. I would say it's a path. Um my my my middle daughter, she's so funny. She my middle daughter, she's so funny. She my middle daughter, she's so funny. She said something that's so profound. She's said something that's so profound. She's said something that's so profound. She's like, "Dad, the one miracle, the like, "Dad, the one miracle, the like, "Dad, the one miracle, the greatest miracle of Jesus that no one greatest miracle of Jesus that no one greatest miracle of Jesus that no one ever talks about is that he had 12 male ever talks about is that he had 12 male ever talks about is that he had 12 male friends in his 30s, [laughter] right? I friends in his 30s, [laughter] right? I friends in his 30s, [laughter] right? I mean, how rare is that?"

mean, how rare is that?" mean, how rare is that?" But it's true. A miracle. And I say that But it's true. A miracle. And I say that But it's true. A miracle. And I say that for this reason. If you want to be like for this reason. If you want to be like for this reason. If you want to be like Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, the four gospels, he spends most of his the four gospels, he spends most of his the four gospels, he spends most of his time with his friends, his disciples. time with his friends, his disciples. time with his friends, his disciples. like four gospels and there's these 12 like four gospels and there's these 12 like four gospels and there's these 12 there's these seven like there's these there's these seven like there's these there's these seven like there's these people who are close dear friends of his people who are close dear friends of his people who are close dear friends of his e even when you think about I mean David e even when you think about I mean David e even when you think about I mean David and Goliath gets one chapter yet David and Goliath gets one chapter yet David and Goliath gets one chapter yet David and Jonathan spans over 16 that's a lot and Jonathan spans over 16 that's a lot and Jonathan spans over 16 that's a lot of real estate in here maybe God is of real estate in here maybe God is of real estate in here maybe God is trying to tell us something about trying to tell us something about trying to tell us something about friendships friendships friendships and they don't always start overnight and they don't always start overnight and they don't always start overnight but I just wonder if much like Jesus but I just wonder if much like Jesus but I just wonder if much like Jesus Jesus had Sabbath and he did fasting and Jesus had Sabbath and he did fasting and Jesus had Sabbath and he did fasting and he did praying and he did friendships he did praying and he did friendships he did praying and he did friendships but what if you just started committing but what if you just started committing but what if you just started committing yourself as you're learning to grow and yourself as you're learning to grow and yourself as you're learning to grow and to pray and to read the word what if you to pray and to read the word what if you to pray and to read the word what if you started going, "This is a part of the started going, "This is a part of the started going, "This is a part of the Christian life, and I'm just going to Christian life, and I'm just going to Christian life, and I'm just going to the next years commit myself to the next years commit myself to the next years commit myself to friendship. I have a discipline. It's friendship. I have a discipline. It's friendship. I have a discipline. It's just a one, it's a one-hour conversation just a one, it's a one-hour conversation just a one, it's a one-hour conversation with a friend each week. I don't go with a friend each week. I don't go with a friend each week. I don't go without it." And many times there's many without it." And many times there's many without it." And many times there's many of those, but just an hour-long of those, but just an hour-long of those, but just an hour-long conversation with a friend. It's just a conversation with a friend. It's just a conversation with a friend. It's just a discipline. Like when I pray or Sabbath discipline. Like when I pray or Sabbath discipline. Like when I pray or Sabbath or anything else like that, it's just or anything else like that, it's just or anything else like that, it's just one of the parts of following Jesus.

one of the parts of following Jesus. one of the parts of following Jesus. It's because what he did. And what a It's because what he did. And what a It's because what he did. And what a gift. And how much more fun than gift. And how much more fun than gift. And how much more fun than fasting? I mean, friendship. I mean, you fasting? I mean, friendship. I mean, you fasting? I mean, friendship. I mean, you know what I'm saying? I mean, so there's know what I'm saying? I mean, so there's know what I'm saying? I mean, so there's denial and then there's things that are denial and then there's things that are denial and then there's things that are for feasting. And what if just to be for feasting. And what if just to be for feasting. And what if just to be more like Jesus? We were to do something more like Jesus? We were to do something more like Jesus? We were to do something like that. like that. like that. Some of you would probably say, Tim, Some of you would probably say, Tim, Some of you would probably say, Tim, you're a pastor. If you're talking about you're a pastor. If you're talking about you're a pastor. If you're talking about friendships, you're probably going to friendships, you're probably going to friendships, you're probably going to mention D-groups. Yes, I am. Um, mention D-groups. Yes, I am. Um, mention D-groups. Yes, I am. Um, honestly, the all skate that we're honestly, the all skate that we're honestly, the all skate that we're invited into, I've been in a lot of invited into, I've been in a lot of invited into, I've been in a lot of D-groups, and some of those are lifelong D-groups, and some of those are lifelong D-groups, and some of those are lifelong friends, and other ones we journey friends, and other ones we journey friends, and other ones we journey together for a season, and both of them together for a season, and both of them together for a season, and both of them are really good. But for us to ignore are really good. But for us to ignore are really good. But for us to ignore the all call, waiting on God to like put the all call, waiting on God to like put the all call, waiting on God to like put a Jonathan right in front of us and not a Jonathan right in front of us and not a Jonathan right in front of us and not just be a part of community like he just be a part of community like he just be a part of community like he called us to. Listen, jump into a group called us to. Listen, jump into a group called us to. Listen, jump into a group if you're not. Or if you have been in a if you're not. Or if you have been in a if you're not. Or if you have been in a group for a long time, how about how group for a long time, how about how group for a long time, how about how about we start taking out our sword and about we start taking out our sword and about we start taking out our sword and just being real. Let's not waste just being real. Let's not waste just being real. Let's not waste anybody's time. Like everybody's too anybody's time. Like everybody's too anybody's time. Like everybody's too busy for that. busy for that. busy for that. What if it's it's a risk, but what if What if it's it's a risk, but what if What if it's it's a risk, but what if you were just to be really known that so you were just to be really known that so you were just to be really known that so much so that they would know your much so that they would know your much so that they would know your weaknesses, they would know your weaknesses, they would know your weaknesses, they would know your celebrations, that they could fight for celebrations, that they could fight for celebrations, that they could fight for you? It's risky. But I just wonder you? It's risky. But I just wonder you? It's risky. But I just wonder I wonder I wonder I wonder there there's just a couple books there there's just a couple books there there's just a couple books because I feel like I've been on a because I feel like I've been on a because I feel like I've been on a journey the last eight years and I've journey the last eight years and I've journey the last eight years and I've read lots of books and and there's no read lots of books and and there's no read lots of books and and there's no like three little points, but Jenny like three little points, but Jenny like three little points, but Jenny Allen, Find Your People is one. It just Allen, Find Your People is one. It just Allen, Find Your People is one. It just the whole thing is about relationships.

the whole thing is about relationships. the whole thing is about relationships. There's another one that just finished There's another one that just finished There's another one that just finished reading Justin Whitmail early made for reading Justin Whitmail early made for reading Justin Whitmail early made for people and he even talks about covenant people and he even talks about covenant people and he even talks about covenant friends in there. There's just ways like friends in there. There's just ways like friends in there. There's just ways like not today but like over the next years. not today but like over the next years. not today but like over the next years. What if you just started like this is What if you just started like this is What if you just started like this is supposed to be a part of our life. It's supposed to be a part of our life. It's supposed to be a part of our life. It's an invitation from the Lord to do this an invitation from the Lord to do this an invitation from the Lord to do this with people. with people. with people. And what if we were And what if we were And what if we were So the last thing I'll say is this. Um So the last thing I'll say is this. Um So the last thing I'll say is this. Um that feeling of loneliness that feeling of loneliness that feeling of loneliness that's not very pervasive in my life that's not very pervasive in my life that's not very pervasive in my life anymore. anymore. anymore. about eight years ago, um I just started about eight years ago, um I just started about eight years ago, um I just started a journey and said, "If this is Jesus's a journey and said, "If this is Jesus's a journey and said, "If this is Jesus's life, I'm going to do the same." And and life, I'm going to do the same." And and life, I'm going to do the same." And and I probably I would admit I think I've I probably I would admit I think I've I probably I would admit I think I've initiated a lot more than people have initiated a lot more than people have initiated a lot more than people have initiated with me. And that's okay. I initiated with me. And that's okay. I initiated with me. And that's okay. I know that men a lot of times don't know know that men a lot of times don't know know that men a lot of times don't know how to initiate or even reciprocate. And how to initiate or even reciprocate. And how to initiate or even reciprocate. And that's fine. I know what I want to be that's fine. I know what I want to be that's fine. I know what I want to be committed to. And I'm just going to keep committed to. And I'm just going to keep committed to. And I'm just going to keep showing up and keep showing up and keep showing up and keep showing up and keep showing up and keep showing up and keep showing up. And it's it's actually one showing up. And it's it's actually one showing up. And it's it's actually one of the most life-giving things about my of the most life-giving things about my of the most life-giving things about my life now. thought like I can have life now. thought like I can have life now. thought like I can have amazing friendship with the Lord and amazing friendship with the Lord and amazing friendship with the Lord and time with him and church can be going time with him and church can be going time with him and church can be going well and family can be going well and well and family can be going well and well and family can be going well and yet if I don't have an hourlong yet if I don't have an hourlong yet if I don't have an hourlong conversation with a friend or if I don't conversation with a friend or if I don't conversation with a friend or if I don't ever get to be and celebrate with them ever get to be and celebrate with them ever get to be and celebrate with them there's like almost a little bit of a there's like almost a little bit of a there's like almost a little bit of a hole in my heart because that's become hole in my heart because that's become hole in my heart because that's become so much of my life and I I think we're so much of my life and I I think we're so much of my life and I I think we're all invited into something like that.

all invited into something like that. all invited into something like that. David and Jonathan is a beautiful story David and Jonathan is a beautiful story David and Jonathan is a beautiful story a beautiful story that maybe it is that a beautiful story that maybe it is that a beautiful story that maybe it is that we could live that out on this side of we could live that out on this side of we could live that out on this side of eternity. So, I ask the band to come on eternity. So, I ask the band to come on eternity. So, I ask the band to come on up and I'd love to pray for the people up and I'd love to pray for the people up and I'd love to pray for the people in this room and in the chapel right in this room and in the chapel right in this room and in the chapel right now. And even if you're at home, I'd now. And even if you're at home, I'd now. And even if you're at home, I'd like to pray for you as well, too. So, like to pray for you as well, too. So, like to pray for you as well, too. So, let's go before him. God, it's been a while since I've I've God, it's been a while since I've I've been on this campus, but um been on this campus, but um been on this campus, but um I was here long enough that I'm pretty I was here long enough that I'm pretty I was here long enough that I'm pretty sure that there's enough people, and it sure that there's enough people, and it sure that there's enough people, and it doesn't matter if they're in their 70s doesn't matter if they're in their 70s doesn't matter if they're in their 70s or if they're in their early teens, that or if they're in their early teens, that or if they're in their early teens, that they long for friendship. And maybe it sounds a little desperate And maybe it sounds a little desperate or down to even say that or put that or down to even say that or put that or down to even say that or put that into words, but that's where their heart into words, but that's where their heart into words, but that's where their heart there's an ache. There's a longing. first as an invitation so that they first as an invitation so that they would know you because you're the one would know you because you're the one would know you because you're the one that satisfies.

that satisfies. that satisfies. You're the fountain of living water that You're the fountain of living water that You're the fountain of living water that we're longing for. You're the ones who we're longing for. You're the ones who we're longing for. You're the ones who can know us and love us fully. So God, I pray that the people in the So God, I pray that the people in the room that they would they could stop room that they would they could stop room that they would they could stop scrolling and they could turn their gaze scrolling and they could turn their gaze scrolling and they could turn their gaze towards you. [snorts] an invitation to towards you. [snorts] an invitation to towards you. [snorts] an invitation to be friends with the most high. God, I pray that we would be known as a God, I pray that we would be known as a people who walk with you. So, so would people who walk with you. So, so would people who walk with you. So, so would you do that? Don't let us settle for any you do that? Don't let us settle for any you do that? Don't let us settle for any surface level shallow relationship with you. shallow relationship with you. We want all of you, Lord, and we want to We want all of you, Lord, and we want to We want all of you, Lord, and we want to know you well. So I pray that that over know you well. So I pray that that over know you well. So I pray that that over these people and and I also just pray these people and and I also just pray these people and and I also just pray very practically some of us in this room very practically some of us in this room very practically some of us in this room we have been rejected. We don't have we have been rejected. We don't have we have been rejected. We don't have friends or or or close ones or we're friends or or or close ones or we're friends or or or close ones or we're surrounded by people but it's not of the surrounded by people but it's not of the surrounded by people but it's not of the same heart and mind and David and same heart and mind and David and same heart and mind and David and Jonathan feels like a very far cry. Jonathan feels like a very far cry. Jonathan feels like a very far cry. So God would you So God would you So God would you [snorts] would you show us what's next?

[snorts] would you show us what's next? [snorts] would you show us what's next? [music] Would you give courage and faith [music] Would you give courage and faith [music] Would you give courage and faith over rejection? over rejection? over rejection? I pray that there would not be a lonely I pray that there would not be a lonely I pray that there would not be a lonely person, a person of need in our midst person, a person of need in our midst person, a person of need in our midst because you would begin to meet that. because you would begin to meet that. because you would begin to meet that. God, would you [music] let community God, would you [music] let community God, would you [music] let community swell up in this place? Let it be a a swell up in this place? Let it be a a swell up in this place? Let it be a a signature of our lives and of our signature of our lives and of our signature of our lives and of our church. church. church. This example that you've put in the This example that you've put in the This example that you've put in the scriptures, we we want to live that out scriptures, we we want to live that out scriptures, we we want to live that out and we don't know exactly how. So, if and we don't know exactly how. So, if and we don't know exactly how. So, if you'll lead, Lord, we're listening and you'll lead, Lord, we're listening and you'll lead, Lord, we're listening and we'll obey and follow. [music] we'll obey and follow. [music] we'll obey and follow. [music] Lord, we love you. We just want to abide Lord, we love you. We just want to abide Lord, we love you. We just want to abide with you. We want to walk with you and with you. We want to walk with you and with you. We want to walk with you and we don't want to miss anything you have we don't want to miss anything you have we don't want to miss anything you have for us. So I pray that in Jesus name. for us. So I pray that in Jesus name. for us. So I pray that in Jesus name. [music] Amen. Amen. Let's stand and respond and Amen. Let's stand and respond and worship together. breath.

breath. For my [music and singing] daily For my [music and singing] daily For my [music and singing] daily breath, breath, breath, I [music and singing] depend on you. I [music and singing] depend on you. I [music and singing] depend on you. I depend [music and singing] on you I depend [music and singing] on you I depend [music and singing] on you for the sun to rise for the sun to rise for the sun to rise for [music] my sleep at night. for [music] my sleep at night. for [music] my sleep at night. I depend on you. I depend on you. I depend on you. Yes, I [singing] depend [music] on you. Yes, I [singing] depend [music] on you. Yes, I [singing] depend [music] on you. You're the way, truth, You're the way, truth, You're the way, truth, [music and singing] and life. [music and singing] and life. [music and singing] and life. You're the world that never runs dry. You're the world that never runs dry. You're the world that never runs dry. I'm [music] the branch and you are I'm [music] the branch and you are I'm [music] the branch and you are [singing] mine. [singing] mine. [singing] mine. Draw me [music] close and teach me to Draw me [music] close and teach me to Draw me [music] close and teach me to abide. But teach me But teach me [music] [music] [music] where the spirit where the spirit where the spirit leads leads leads as I'm [music and singing] following.

I [music and singing] deepen on you. I [music and singing] deepen on you. Oh, I depend on [music and singing] you Oh, I depend on [music and singing] you Oh, I depend on [music and singing] you for the victory. Still [music] in front of [singing] Still [music] in front of [singing] me. me. me. I deepen on [singing] I deepen on [singing] I deepen on [singing] you. you. you. [music] Yes, I deepen on you. [music] Yes, I deepen on you. [music] Yes, I deepen on you. You're [music] the way, truth, and life. You're [music] the way, truth, and life. You're [music] the way, truth, and life. [singing] [singing] [singing] You're the [music] world that never runs You're the [music] world that never runs You're the [music] world that never runs dry. dry. dry. I draw me close [music and singing] and draw me close [music and singing] and teach me to teach me to teach me to be my strength, [music] be my strength, [music] be my strength, [music] my [singing] song in the night. my [singing] song in the night. my [singing] song in the night. Be my Be my Be my treasure. [music and singing] I am yours [music] forever. You're mine. I am yours [music] forever. You're mine. Draw me close and [music] teach me to when I [singing] pass [music] through when I [singing] pass [music] through death.

death. death. As I enter, As I enter, As I enter, [music] I [singing] defend on you. I [singing] defend on you. Yes, [music] I deepen on you. Yes, [music] I deepen on you. Yes, [music] I deepen on you. for your life for your life for your life to be risen [music] [music] on you. [music] on you. I deepen on you. I deepen on you. I deepen on you. You're the [music] way through. You're the [music] way through. You're the [music] way through. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Would you teach me to? Would you teach me to? [music] Would you teach me? Would you [music] Would you teach me? Would you [music] teach me to want [music] to deepen want [music] to deepen your Lord? Oh, I [singing] deepen on you. Oh, I [singing] deepen on you. I deepen on [singing] you.

I deepen on [singing] you. I deepen on [singing] you. I [music] deepen on you. I [music] deepen on you. I [music] deepen on you. Yes, I deepen [singing and music] on Yes, I deepen [singing and music] on Yes, I deepen [singing and music] on you. you. you. Oh, I depend on you. [music] Oh, I depend on you. [music] Oh, I depend on you. [music] Every moment Every moment Every moment I depend on you. All my life I depend on you. All my life I depend on you. All my life [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] I depend on you. I depend on you. I depend on you. Yes, I [music and singing] depend on Yes, I [music and singing] depend on Yes, I [music and singing] depend on you. What a beautiful morning, Tim. Thanks What a beautiful morning, Tim. Thanks for [music] that powerful reminder of for [music] that powerful reminder of for [music] that powerful reminder of the importance of friendships. It starts the importance of friendships. It starts the importance of friendships. It starts first with [snorts] being a friend with first with [snorts] being a friend with first with [snorts] being a friend with the Lord Jesus, but also with each the Lord Jesus, but also with each the Lord Jesus, but also with each other. And listen, if you're here today other. And listen, if you're here today other. And listen, if you're here today and maybe you don't have those kinds of and maybe you don't have those kinds of and maybe you don't have those kinds of relationships, we'd love [music] to help relationships, we'd love [music] to help relationships, we'd love [music] to help you here at Fellowship. Take a step into you here at Fellowship. Take a step into you here at Fellowship. Take a step into those kinds of relationships. drop by those kinds of relationships. drop by those kinds of relationships. drop by the connection center uh after the the connection center uh after the the connection center uh after the service. We can help you begin that service. We can help you begin that service. We can help you begin that journey. Also want to encourage you journey. Also want to encourage you journey. Also want to encourage you after the service. We have a special after the service. We have a special after the service. We have a special baptism service outside uh today. We've baptism service outside uh today. We've baptism service outside uh today. We've got several people that are getting got several people that are getting got several people that are getting baptized or encourage you. Come join us baptized or encourage you. Come join us baptized or encourage you. Come join us for that celebration. If you're for that celebration. If you're for that celebration. If you're interested in getting baptized, you can interested in getting baptized, you can interested in getting baptized, you can see up there the website uh the the the see up there the website uh the the the see up there the website uh the the the email to reach out to for baptism.

email to reach out to for baptism. email to reach out to for baptism. [music] We'd love to help you take that [music] We'd love to help you take that [music] We'd love to help you take that step. Thanks for being here today. We'll step. Thanks for being here today. We'll step. Thanks for being here today. We'll see you next week as we continue [music] see you next week as we continue [music] see you next week as we continue [music] our series together.