Church Online at First NLR

Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> Take >> Take >> Take the class. Hello everybody.

Hello everybody. Let's put our hands together. Amen. The world didn't give it The world didn't give it and it can't take it away. and it can't take it away. and it can't take it away. [music] It's down in my soul. [music] It's down in my soul. [music] It's down in my soul. Joy that won't let go. Joy that won't let go. Joy that won't let go. In every [music] season, In every [music] season, In every [music] season, it will never fade. it will never fade. it will never fade. [music] It's down in my soul. [music] It's down in my soul. [music] It's down in my soul. Joy won't let go. Darkness may come, [music] storms may Darkness may come, [music] storms may rain. One thing's for sure, this I know. rain. One thing's for sure, this I know. rain. One thing's for sure, this I know. [music] The joy of the Lord is my [music] The joy of the Lord is my [music] The joy of the Lord is my strength. The louder I sing, the more strength. The louder I sing, the more strength. The louder I sing, the more joy you [music] bring. The joy of the joy you [music] bring. The joy of the joy you [music] bring. The joy of the Lord is my strength. We bring that Lord is my strength. We bring that Lord is my strength. We bring that [music] cup, but it won't steal my joy.

>> of the real thing. >> of the real thing. >> Of the real thing [music] >> Of the real thing [music] >> Of the real thing [music] >> was down in my soul. >> was down in my soul. >> was down in my soul. >> Down in my soul. >> Down in my soul. >> Down in my soul. >> Joy. >> Joy. >> Joy. >> Joy that won't let [music] go. >> Joy that won't let [music] go. >> Joy that won't let [music] go. The garment I praise for [music] my The garment I praise for [music] my The garment I praise for [music] my heavy >> sound in my [music] >> sound in my [music] soul. soul. soul. >> Joy joy that won't let go. >> Joy joy that won't let go. >> Joy joy that won't let go. >> Darkness may go darkness. >> Darkness may go darkness. >> Darkness may go darkness. >> One thing's for sure. It is It is >> my louder [music] I sing. The more joy >> my louder [music] I sing. The more joy >> my louder [music] I sing. The more joy you bring. Joy of the Lord is [music] my you bring. Joy of the Lord is [music] my you bring. Joy of the Lord is [music] my strength. Weeping may come. My joy of strength. Weeping may come. My joy of strength. Weeping may come. My joy of the Lord the Lord the Lord is my strength. The power I sing for joy is my strength. The power I sing for joy is my strength. The power I sing for joy you bring. Joy [music] of the Lord is my you bring. Joy [music] of the Lord is my you bring. Joy [music] of the Lord is my strength. Weeping may come, but he won't strength. Weeping may come, but he won't strength. Weeping may come, but he won't steal my joy.

steal my joy. steal my joy. Come on, clap your hands everybody Come on, clap your hands everybody Come on, clap your hands everybody and let's just declare this. Come on. and let's just declare this. Come on. and let's just declare this. Come on. [music] [music] [music] Oh, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh, [music] the joy of the Lord is my Oh, [music] the joy of the Lord is my Oh, [music] the joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh, the joy of the [music] strength. Oh, the joy of the [music] strength. Oh, the joy of the [music] Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh, the joy of the Lord [music] is my strength. For the joy [music] is my strength. For the joy [music] is my strength. For the joy [singing] of the Lord is my strength. [singing] of the Lord is my strength. [singing] of the Lord is my strength. For the joy [music] of the Lord is my For the joy [music] of the Lord is my For the joy [music] of the Lord is my strength. For the joy of the Lord is my strength. For the joy of the Lord is my strength. For the joy of the Lord is my joy of the Lord. It is. It's my joy. joy of the Lord. It is. It's my joy. joy of the Lord. It is. It's my joy. [music] [music] [music] >> I can feel it rising. >> I can feel it rising. >> I can feel it rising. >> The joy of the Lord. Oh yeah. [music] >> The joy of the Lord. Oh yeah. [music] >> The joy of the Lord. Oh yeah. [music] >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Joy like a river. >> Joy like a river. >> Joy like a river. >> Joy like a river. >> Joy like a river. >> Joy like a river. >> I feel it right. [music] >> I feel it right. [music] >> I feel it right. [music] >> Come on for >> Come on for >> Come on for >> Somebody shout hallelujah. >> Somebody shout hallelujah. >> Somebody shout hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. You turn my morning into >> Hallelujah. You turn my morning into >> Hallelujah. You turn my morning into this. [music] this. [music] this. [music] >> Morning into >> Morning into >> Morning into >> and my sorrow into singing.

>> and my sorrow into singing. >> and my sorrow into singing. >> Sorrow into singing. [music] >> Sorrow into singing. [music] >> Sorrow into singing. [music] >> Shout it out loud. >> Shout it out loud. >> Shout it out loud. >> Shout it out loud. >> Shout it out loud. >> Shout it out loud. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> The joy of the Lord [music] >> The joy of the Lord [music] >> The joy of the Lord [music] is my joy of the Lord. It is my [music] is my joy of the Lord. It is my [music] is my joy of the Lord. It is my [music] joy. joy. joy. is my strength. is my strength. is my strength. Make me strong when I defeat. Make me strong when I defeat. Make me strong when I defeat. >> The joy of [music] the Lord is my >> The joy of [music] the Lord is my >> The joy of [music] the Lord is my strength. strength. strength. >> Oh, the joy of the Lord is my strength. >> Oh, the joy of the Lord is my strength. >> Oh, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh, the joy [music] of the Lord is my Oh, the joy [music] of the Lord is my Oh, the joy [music] of the Lord is my strength. Hallelujah. strength. Hallelujah. strength. Hallelujah. like like like >> I can feel >> I can feel >> I can feel >> I [music] feel somebody hallelujah somebody hallelujah [music] into singing into singing. [music] into singing into singing. [music] >> Shout it out loud. >> Shout it out loud. >> Shout it out loud. >> Shout it out loud.

[music] [music] >> I'll praise in the valley and I'll >> I'll praise in the valley and I'll >> I'll praise in the valley and I'll praise on the mountain. I'll praise when [music] I'm sure and I'll praise when [music] I'm sure and praise when I'm doubting. Hallelujah. praise when I'm doubting. Hallelujah. praise when I'm doubting. Hallelujah. [music] I'll praise when I'm not and [music] I'll praise when I'm not and [music] I'll praise when I'm not and I'll praise when surrounded. His praise is [music] the water my His praise is [music] the water my enemies drowning. Sing as long [music] enemies drowning. Sing as long [music] enemies drowning. Sing as long [music] as I'm breathing. As long as I'm as I'm breathing. As long as I'm as I'm breathing. As long as I'm breathing, I've got a reason to pray. breathing, I've got a reason to pray. breathing, I've got a reason to pray. Praise Praise Praise the Lord, [music] the Lord, [music] the Lord, [music] oh my soul. oh my soul. oh my soul. >> Praise the Lord. Say, "Praise the Lord, oh my soul. the Lord, oh my soul. I'll praise when I feel [music] it. I'll I'll praise when I feel [music] it. I'll I'll praise when I feel [music] it. I'll praise when I don't. I'll praise cuz [music] I know you're I'll praise cuz [music] I know you're still in control. Thank you, Jesus.

still in control. Thank you, Jesus. still in control. Thank you, Jesus. My praise is a weapon. My praise is a weapon. My praise is a weapon. It's more than a sound. Hallelujah. It's more than a sound. Hallelujah. It's more than a sound. Hallelujah. See, my praise is the shout that brings See, my praise is the shout that brings See, my praise is the shout that brings every down. See, as long as I'm every down. See, as long as I'm every down. See, as long as I'm breathing, [music] breathing, [music] breathing, [music] >> I'm >> I'm >> I'm got a reason to praise got a reason to praise got a reason to praise [music] [music] [music] the Lord, oh my soul. the Lord, oh my soul. the Lord, oh my soul. Praise the Lord, [music] the Lord, [music] oh my soul. oh my soul. oh my soul. I won't be quiet. My God is alive. How I won't be quiet. My God is alive. How I won't be quiet. My God is alive. How could [music] I keep it? Say, "Praise, could [music] I keep it? Say, "Praise, could [music] I keep it? Say, "Praise, praise the Lord, oh my [music] soul." the Lord, oh my [music] soul." Thank you. all praise cuz you're sovereign. Praise all praise cuz you're sovereign. Praise cuz you reign. Praise cuz you rose cuz you reign. Praise cuz you rose cuz you reign. Praise cuz you rose [music] and defeated the grave. Praise [music] and defeated the grave. Praise [music] and defeated the grave. Praise cuz you're faithful. Praise cuz you're cuz you're faithful. Praise cuz you're cuz you're faithful. Praise cuz you're true. Praise cuz there's [music] no true. Praise cuz there's [music] no true. Praise cuz there's [music] no greater than you. You say you're strong.

greater than you. You say you're strong. greater than you. You say you're strong. Praise God you made. Praise God you rose Praise God you made. Praise God you rose Praise God you made. Praise God you rose and defeated the grave. Oh, praise God and defeated the grave. Oh, praise God and defeated the grave. Oh, praise God [music] you fa. Praise God you're true. [music] you fa. Praise God you're true. [music] you fa. Praise God you're true. Praise God. There's nobody greater than Praise God. There's nobody greater than Praise God. There's nobody greater than you. Praise you. Praise you. Praise [music] [music] [music] the Lord. Oh my soul. Praise the Lord. the Lord. Oh my soul. Praise the Lord. the Lord. Oh my soul. Praise the Lord. Praise [music] the Lord. Oh my soul. [music] the Lord. Oh my soul. [music] Take me Take me Take me away, away, away, [music] [music] [music] oh my soul. The Lord, oh my soul. The Lord, oh my soul. See, I won't be quiet. [music] My God is See, I won't be quiet. [music] My God is See, I won't be quiet. [music] My God is alive. How could I keep it? I won't be alive. How could I keep it? I won't be alive. How could I keep it? I won't be [music] quiet. [music] quiet. [music] quiet. Quiet. My God is alive. How could Quiet. My God is alive. How could Quiet. My God is alive. How could [music] I keep it? I'm only quiet. [music] I keep it? I'm only quiet. [music] I keep it? I'm only quiet. Why is my God in?

Why is my God in? Why is my God in? How could I keep it inside? How could I keep it inside? How could I keep it inside? Praise Praise Praise [music] [music] [music] the Lord, oh my soul. >> Good morning. Thanks for worshiping >> Good morning. Thanks for worshiping [music] with us. Before you sit down, [music] with us. Before you sit down, [music] with us. Before you sit down, turn around, greet somebody. It's a good turn around, greet somebody. It's a good turn around, greet somebody. It's a good day to be together. >> Good morning again and welcome whether >> Good morning again and welcome whether online or in person. We are one church online or in person. We are one church online or in person. We are one church and one family. I'm glad to see you.

and one family. I'm glad to see you. and one family. I'm glad to see you. Please just take a moment and check in. Please just take a moment and check in. Please just take a moment and check in. You can do that on that on the app You can do that on that on the app You can do that on that on the app [music] or by tapping your phone on the [music] or by tapping your phone on the [music] or by tapping your phone on the circle on the chair back in front of circle on the chair back in front of circle on the chair back in front of you. If you're a guest today, if you you. If you're a guest today, if you you. If you're a guest today, if you take a moment and do that, I just want take a moment and do that, I just want take a moment and do that, I just want to send you something later this week to send you something later this week to send you something later this week [music] to say thank you again for being [music] to say thank you again for being [music] to say thank you again for being here today. I'd love to meet you. invite here today. I'd love to meet you. invite here today. I'd love to meet you. invite you to join me right after the service you to join me right after the service you to join me right after the service in our guest center which is just out in our guest center which is just out in our guest center which is just out these doors and across the main lobby. these doors and across the main lobby. these doors and across the main lobby. Um, no big pressure. I have a gift for Um, no big pressure. I have a gift for Um, no big pressure. I have a gift for you. If you've got questions, [music] you. If you've got questions, [music] you. If you've got questions, [music] I'd be glad to answer them forward for I'd be glad to answer them forward for I'd be glad to answer them forward for you. I guess there's also the place if you. I guess there's also the place if you. I guess there's also the place if you're ready to be a member of our you're ready to be a member of our you're ready to be a member of our church or if you want to find your place church or if you want to find your place church or if you want to find your place in ministry, [music] come on back and in ministry, [music] come on back and in ministry, [music] come on back and look forward to seeing you there. Over look forward to seeing you there. Over look forward to seeing you there. Over the next few weeks, we're going to look the next few weeks, we're going to look the next few weeks, we're going to look at a powerful passage [music] at a powerful passage [music] at a powerful passage [music] in 2 Corinthians chapter 9, starting in 2 Corinthians chapter 9, starting in 2 Corinthians chapter 9, starting with verse 6. Paul wrote, "Remember with verse 6. Paul wrote, "Remember with verse 6. Paul wrote, "Remember this. [music] Whoever sws sparingly will this. [music] Whoever sws sparingly will this. [music] Whoever sws sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sws also reap sparingly, and whoever sws also reap sparingly, and whoever sws generously will also reap generously."

generously will also reap generously." generously will also reap generously." We tend to flip that principle. We We tend to flip that principle. We We tend to flip that principle. We [music] say, "When I have more, I'll [music] say, "When I have more, I'll [music] say, "When I have more, I'll give more." Paul says, "When you give give more." Paul says, "When you give give more." Paul says, "When you give more, you'll have more. more, you'll have more. more, you'll have more. You don't have to wonder how much God You don't have to wonder how much God You don't have to wonder how much God will bless you. You get to determine the will bless you. You get to determine the will bless you. You get to determine the measure. If you give a little, you reap measure. If you give a little, you reap measure. If you give a little, you reap a little. But when you give generously, a little. But when you give generously, a little. But when you give generously, you reap generously. Almost every week, you reap generously. Almost every week, you reap generously. Almost every week, someone shares a story [music] with me someone shares a story [music] with me someone shares a story [music] with me how they finally decided to start how they finally decided to start how they finally decided to start tithing, to give God the first 10% of tithing, to give God the first 10% of tithing, to give God the first 10% of their income in response to his command their income in response to his command their income in response to his command and trusting him with their finances. and trusting him with their finances. and trusting him with their finances. And time after time, they write, "You And time after time, they write, "You And time after time, they write, "You won't believe what happened. How God won't believe what happened. How God won't believe what happened. How God came through." Yes, I do because [music] came through." Yes, I do because [music] came through." Yes, I do because [music] that's what he promised. Try it. Give that's what he promised. Try it. Give that's what he promised. Try it. Give obediently and generously [music] and obediently and generously [music] and obediently and generously [music] and watch what God does. That's what I want watch what God does. That's what I want watch what God does. That's what I want to pray for you. When I'm done praying, to pray for you. When I'm done praying, to pray for you. When I'm done praying, the ushers will come to receive our the ushers will come to receive our the ushers will come to receive our tithe and offering. [music] If you're tithe and offering. [music] If you're tithe and offering. [music] If you're watching online, you can give at watching online, you can give at watching online, you can give at firstnlr.com/give. firstnlr.com/give. firstnlr.com/give. [music] Lord, thank you. Thank you that uh you Lord, thank you. Thank you that uh you have given us the promise [music] that have given us the promise [music] that have given us the promise [music] that when we generously invest in your when we generously invest in your when we generously invest in your kingdom, you will respond kingdom, you will respond kingdom, you will respond with generosity towards us in return.

with generosity towards us in return. with generosity towards us in return. Lord, we don't give to get. Lord, we don't give to get. Lord, we don't give to get. We give [music] We give [music] We give [music] out of obedience and we give because we out of obedience and we give because we out of obedience and we give because we love you. But we do thank you that love you. But we do thank you that love you. But we do thank you that there's a blessing that [music] comes in there's a blessing that [music] comes in there's a blessing that [music] comes in response to our generosity. So I pray response to our generosity. So I pray response to our generosity. So I pray your blessing for every generous tither your blessing for every generous tither your blessing for every generous tither today. We love you and we worship you as today. We love you and we worship you as today. We love you and we worship you as we [music] give in Jesus name. Amen. And we [music] give in Jesus name. Amen. And we [music] give in Jesus name. Amen. And God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. God is doing amazing things at First NLR God is doing amazing things at First NLR God is doing amazing things at First NLR and it's time for you to be [music] a and it's time for you to be [music] a and it's time for you to be [music] a part of it. One of the best ways that part of it. One of the best ways that part of it. One of the best ways that you can do that is by joining a ministry you can do that is by joining a ministry you can do that is by joining a ministry team. God has called each of us to do team. God has called each of us to do team. God has called each of us to do our part to ensure that his church moves our part to ensure that his church moves our part to ensure that his church moves forward. No matter what your gift or forward. No matter what your gift or forward. No matter what your gift or talent may be, we have a place in talent may be, we have a place in talent may be, we have a place in ministry [music] for you. Whether it's ministry [music] for you. Whether it's ministry [music] for you. Whether it's welcoming people as a greeter, driving a welcoming people as a greeter, driving a welcoming people as a greeter, driving a shuttle, singing on the worship team, shuttle, singing on the worship team, shuttle, singing on the worship team, serving in kids or student ministry, serving in kids or student ministry, serving in kids or student ministry, whatever, there are dozens of whatever, there are dozens of whatever, there are dozens of opportunities to serve, and [music] I opportunities to serve, and [music] I opportunities to serve, and [music] I know we have the one that is perfect for know we have the one that is perfect for know we have the one that is perfect for you. So, stop by the guest center you. So, stop by the guest center you. So, stop by the guest center anytime before or after service [music] anytime before or after service [music] anytime before or after service [music] and talk to one of our ministry match and talk to one of our ministry match and talk to one of our ministry match team members.

team members. team members. We will help you find your place [music] We will help you find your place [music] We will help you find your place [music] in ministry. >> As we continue to spread the love and >> As we continue to spread the love and the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the beautiful people here, we want to say beautiful people here, we want to say beautiful people here, we want to say thank you for your love, encouragement, thank you for your love, encouragement, thank you for your love, encouragement, prayers, [singing] prayers, [singing] prayers, [singing] and support. and support. and support. [music] Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. shine. shine. >> Let it shine. >> Let it shine. >> Let it shine. >> Oh, this is the light of [music] mine. >> Oh, this is the light of [music] mine. >> Oh, this is the light of [music] mine. >> The light of mine. I'm going to let it >> The light of mine. I'm going to let it >> The light of mine. I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine. This is the light shine. Let it shine. This is the light shine. Let it shine. This is the light of mine. [music] of mine. [music] of mine. [music] I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine. I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine. I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine. [music] [music] [music] >> Over the last few months, because of >> Over the last few months, because of >> Over the last few months, because of your giving, we were able to help two your giving, we were able to help two your giving, we were able to help two new church plans put a roof on their new church plans put a roof on their new church plans put a roof on their building. Thank you. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Each week we travel hours to the most >> Each week we travel hours to the most >> Each week we travel hours to the most rural parts of Zambia just to tell the rural parts of Zambia just to tell the rural parts of Zambia just to tell the people how much God truly loves them and people how much God truly loves them and people how much God truly loves them and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> together. We are making a difference. >> together. We are making a difference. >> together. We are making a difference. Thank you for partnering with us. Thank you for partnering with us. Thank you for partnering with us. [music] >> The leader of the Assemblies of God at >> The leader of the Assemblies of God at Zambia, Leinga, and his wife Darlene uh Zambia, Leinga, and his wife Darlene uh Zambia, Leinga, and his wife Darlene uh watch online every week. So when their watch online every week. So when their watch online every week. So when their services are done, they go home. They're services are done, they go home. They're services are done, they go home. They're watching. So they're watching right now. watching. So they're watching right now. watching. So they're watching right now. and just want to say to my friends, uh, and just want to say to my friends, uh, and just want to say to my friends, uh, we love you and we are honored to we love you and we are honored to we love you and we are honored to partner with you. God bless you. partner with you. God bless you. partner with you. God bless you. Most of us know how to talk about faith. Most of us know how to talk about faith. Most of us know how to talk about faith. We know the right words, the right We know the right words, the right We know the right words, the right verses, verses, verses, what we're supposed to say. But there's what we're supposed to say. But there's what we're supposed to say. But there's a difference between talking about faith a difference between talking about faith a difference between talking about faith and living with faith when the pressure and living with faith when the pressure and living with faith when the pressure is on. is on. is on. Faith is easy when life is easy. When Faith is easy when life is easy. When Faith is easy when life is easy. When your health is good, your marriage is your health is good, your marriage is your health is good, your marriage is steady. When your kids are behaving, the steady. When your kids are behaving, the steady. When your kids are behaving, the bills are paid.

bills are paid. bills are paid. When the future feels predictable, When the future feels predictable, When the future feels predictable, but faith is tested. When life squeezes. but faith is tested. When life squeezes. but faith is tested. When life squeezes. When pressure shows up unexpectedly. When pressure shows up unexpectedly. When pressure shows up unexpectedly. When you're under attack. When you're under attack. When you're under attack. When you're tired, discouraged, When you're tired, discouraged, When you're tired, discouraged, overwhelmed, or afraid. overwhelmed, or afraid. overwhelmed, or afraid. When everything seems to be going wrong. When everything seems to be going wrong. When everything seems to be going wrong. That's when faith stops being a belief That's when faith stops being a belief That's when faith stops being a belief system and starts being a survival system and starts being a survival system and starts being a survival system. system. system. This series is called faith that works. This series is called faith that works. This series is called faith that works. Not faith that just looks good when Not faith that just looks good when Not faith that just looks good when you're at church. you're at church. you're at church. Not faith that just sounds good in Not faith that just sounds good in Not faith that just sounds good in conversation, but faith that works when conversation, but faith that works when conversation, but faith that works when life doesn't. life doesn't. life doesn't. We're going to spend the next few weeks We're going to spend the next few weeks We're going to spend the next few weeks in the book of James, a letter written in the book of James, a letter written in the book of James, a letter written to a group of people who were outcasts to a group of people who were outcasts to a group of people who were outcasts because of their faith. Their homes had because of their faith. Their homes had because of their faith. Their homes had been taken away. They were no longer been taken away. They were no longer been taken away. They were no longer together in one place, but scattered together in one place, but scattered together in one place, but scattered throughout the land. They were just throughout the land. They were just throughout the land. They were just starting to endure hard times. It was starting to endure hard times. It was starting to endure hard times. It was the very beginnings of persecution.

the very beginnings of persecution. the very beginnings of persecution. James wrote this letter knowing things James wrote this letter knowing things James wrote this letter knowing things were not going to get better. In fact, were not going to get better. In fact, were not going to get better. In fact, soon got much worse. Nero became emperor soon got much worse. Nero became emperor soon got much worse. Nero became emperor and became began the most horrific and became began the most horrific and became began the most horrific persecution of Christians the world had persecution of Christians the world had persecution of Christians the world had ever known. ever known. ever known. Christians were burned at the state to Christians were burned at the state to Christians were burned at the state to provide light for Nero's drunken provide light for Nero's drunken provide light for Nero's drunken parties. Believers were subjected to parties. Believers were subjected to parties. Believers were subjected to unbelievable atrocities. unbelievable atrocities. unbelievable atrocities. This book wasn't written to impress This book wasn't written to impress This book wasn't written to impress believers, but to prepare them. believers, but to prepare them. believers, but to prepare them. For many, it was already hard. Jews who For many, it was already hard. Jews who For many, it was already hard. Jews who became Christians face real became Christians face real became Christians face real difficulties. difficulties. difficulties. Following Jesus meant they lost family, Following Jesus meant they lost family, Following Jesus meant they lost family, relationships, jobs. relationships, jobs. relationships, jobs. Corrupt Jewish leaders persecuted Corrupt Jewish leaders persecuted Corrupt Jewish leaders persecuted Christians. Even James, the author of Christians. Even James, the author of Christians. Even James, the author of this letter, was stoned to death by the this letter, was stoned to death by the this letter, was stoned to death by the Jewish high priest about 10 years later. Jewish high priest about 10 years later. Jewish high priest about 10 years later. This wasn't just an idea for James. This wasn't just an idea for James. This wasn't just an idea for James. It would be his own life and death.

It would be his own life and death. It would be his own life and death. James knew something important. Token James knew something important. Token James knew something important. Token faith will not survive real pressure. faith will not survive real pressure. faith will not survive real pressure. Inspirational quotes won't sustain. Inspirational quotes won't sustain. Inspirational quotes won't sustain. Surface level belief won't last. So, Surface level belief won't last. So, Surface level belief won't last. So, James jumped right in and told them what James jumped right in and told them what James jumped right in and told them what real faith looks like when life is real faith looks like when life is real faith looks like when life is difficult. In chapter one, James difficult. In chapter one, James difficult. In chapter one, James answered a simple but uncomfortable answered a simple but uncomfortable answered a simple but uncomfortable question. What do you do when the question. What do you do when the question. What do you do when the pressure is on? pressure is on? pressure is on? If you're currently under pressure, If you're currently under pressure, If you're currently under pressure, you're facing a challenge, I want you to you're facing a challenge, I want you to you're facing a challenge, I want you to listen close. listen close. listen close. James, a servant of God and the Lord James, a servant of God and the Lord James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the 12 tribes scattered Jesus Christ, to the 12 tribes scattered Jesus Christ, to the 12 tribes scattered among the nations, greetings. Now, among the nations, greetings. Now, among the nations, greetings. Now, remember, these people were about to remember, these people were about to remember, these people were about to face unbelievable hardship. They weren't face unbelievable hardship. They weren't face unbelievable hardship. They weren't dealing with flat tires or bad grades, dealing with flat tires or bad grades, dealing with flat tires or bad grades, but imprisonment, beatings, death but imprisonment, beatings, death but imprisonment, beatings, death threats, and death. Knowing that makes threats, and death. Knowing that makes threats, and death. Knowing that makes James instruction all the more amazing. James instruction all the more amazing. James instruction all the more amazing. One sentence, greeting, and then right One sentence, greeting, and then right One sentence, greeting, and then right to the point. Consider it pure joy, my to the point. Consider it pure joy, my to the point. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, brothers, brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.

whenever you face trials of many kinds. whenever you face trials of many kinds. That's it. That's how we're supposed to That's it. That's how we're supposed to That's it. That's how we're supposed to face tough times. face tough times. face tough times. There's not 12 steps in this passage, There's not 12 steps in this passage, There's not 12 steps in this passage, only one. When trouble comes, consider only one. When trouble comes, consider only one. When trouble comes, consider pure joy and rejoice. pure joy and rejoice. pure joy and rejoice. When you have trouble and things aren't When you have trouble and things aren't When you have trouble and things aren't going your way, when Nero comes to get going your way, when Nero comes to get going your way, when Nero comes to get you, rejoice. you, rejoice. you, rejoice. No matter what kind of trial you face, No matter what kind of trial you face, No matter what kind of trial you face, no matter when you face it, rejoice. no matter when you face it, rejoice. no matter when you face it, rejoice. James didn't say, "Consider rejoicing or James didn't say, "Consider rejoicing or James didn't say, "Consider rejoicing or occasionally rejoice." James said, occasionally rejoice." James said, occasionally rejoice." James said, "Rejoice." "Rejoice." "Rejoice." Okay, Rod, that's what James said. But Okay, Rod, that's what James said. But Okay, Rod, that's what James said. But it this might be one of those parts of it this might be one of those parts of it this might be one of those parts of the Bible where they got the translation the Bible where they got the translation the Bible where they got the translation wrong wrong wrong because rejoicing in trouble doesn't because rejoicing in trouble doesn't because rejoicing in trouble doesn't seem reasonable. seem reasonable. seem reasonable. Just in case, let's check James word Just in case, let's check James word Just in case, let's check James word against a couple other passages. against a couple other passages. against a couple other passages. Jesus said in John 16:33, "In this Jesus said in John 16:33, "In this Jesus said in John 16:33, "In this world, you will have trouble, but take world, you will have trouble, but take world, you will have trouble, but take heart. I've overcome the world." The heart. I've overcome the world." The heart. I've overcome the world." The King James version says it this way, "In King James version says it this way, "In King James version says it this way, "In the world ye shall have tribulation, the world ye shall have tribulation, the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I've overcome the but be of good cheer. I've overcome the but be of good cheer. I've overcome the world." Take heart. Be of good cheer.

world." Take heart. Be of good cheer. world." Take heart. Be of good cheer. Sounds a lot like Sounds a lot like Sounds a lot like rejoice. rejoice. rejoice. Then look at the words of Jesus in Then look at the words of Jesus in Then look at the words of Jesus in Matthew 5. Matthew 5. Matthew 5. Blessed are you when people insult you, Blessed are you when people insult you, Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, falsely say all kinds of persecute you, falsely say all kinds of persecute you, falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. evil against you because of me. evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad Rejoice and be glad Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven. because great is your reward in heaven. because great is your reward in heaven. Another one, 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, Another one, 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, Another one, 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, be joyful always. be joyful always. be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all Pray continually. Give thanks in all Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. circumstances. circumstances. For this is God's will for you in Christ For this is God's will for you in Christ For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Give thanks in the good times, Jesus. Give thanks in the good times, Jesus. Give thanks in the good times, the bad times, all circumstances, and the bad times, all circumstances, and the bad times, all circumstances, and you're right in the middle of God's you're right in the middle of God's you're right in the middle of God's will. It's a clear pattern in scripture. will. It's a clear pattern in scripture. will. It's a clear pattern in scripture. When you face tough times, take heart, When you face tough times, take heart, When you face tough times, take heart, be of good cheer, give thanks, rejoice, be of good cheer, give thanks, rejoice, be of good cheer, give thanks, rejoice, and be glad. and be glad. and be glad. And right now you're thinking, I wish I And right now you're thinking, I wish I And right now you're thinking, I wish I wouldn't have come to church today.

wouldn't have come to church today. wouldn't have come to church today. This is crazy. This is crazy. This is crazy. This makes absolutely no sense. This makes absolutely no sense. This makes absolutely no sense. Rejoicing might have been okay for Rejoicing might have been okay for Rejoicing might have been okay for people being burned at the stake, but we people being burned at the stake, but we people being burned at the stake, but we have real problems. That's not really it. James must have That's not really it. James must have told them something. He must have given told them something. He must have given told them something. He must have given them a a longer formula for handling them a a longer formula for handling them a a longer formula for handling tough times. No. When trouble comes, the tough times. No. When trouble comes, the tough times. No. When trouble comes, the command is rejoice. command is rejoice. command is rejoice. Got a bad report from the doctor? Got a bad report from the doctor? Got a bad report from the doctor? Rejoice. Rejoice. Rejoice. Got a D in a class? Got a D in a class? Got a D in a class? Rejoice. Rejoice. Rejoice. Some of you do rejoice when you get a D. Some of you do rejoice when you get a D. Some of you do rejoice when you get a D. But your parents, they're a little But your parents, they're a little But your parents, they're a little slower to rejoice. slower to rejoice. slower to rejoice. Bills are piling up. Rejoice.

Bills are piling up. Rejoice. Bills are piling up. Rejoice. If you lost your job, If you lost your job, If you lost your job, rejoice. rejoice. rejoice. You got a traffic ticket on the way to You got a traffic ticket on the way to You got a traffic ticket on the way to church, church, church, rejoice. rejoice. rejoice. People treating you bad, rejoice. People treating you bad, rejoice. People treating you bad, rejoice. betrayed by someone you loved and betrayed by someone you loved and betrayed by someone you loved and trusted. trusted. trusted. Rejoice. Every time you face a trial, Rejoice. Every time you face a trial, Rejoice. Every time you face a trial, rejoice. rejoice. rejoice. You come in on Sunday morning, Pastor You come in on Sunday morning, Pastor You come in on Sunday morning, Pastor Tracy's excited, the music's hot, people Tracy's excited, the music's hot, people Tracy's excited, the music's hot, people around you look happy, but you had a around you look happy, but you had a around you look happy, but you had a hard week and you don't want to sing hard week and you don't want to sing hard week and you don't want to sing happy songs. happy songs. happy songs. You don't feel like it. All that's okay You don't feel like it. All that's okay You don't feel like it. All that's okay for the people who are in the good for the people who are in the good for the people who are in the good times, but it's different for you. Times times, but it's different for you. Times times, but it's different for you. Times are tough. James would say to you, are tough. James would say to you, are tough. James would say to you, "Rejoice. "Rejoice. "Rejoice. Be the first on your feet. Sing the Be the first on your feet. Sing the Be the first on your feet. Sing the loudest. Raise your hands in worship to loudest. Raise your hands in worship to loudest. Raise your hands in worship to your loving heavenly father and your loving heavenly father and your loving heavenly father and rejoice." rejoice." rejoice." When you face trouble and difficulty, When you face trouble and difficulty, When you face trouble and difficulty, the normal human reaction the normal human reaction the normal human reaction is to moan, is to moan, is to moan, complain, complain, complain, or maybe just suffer silently, but or maybe just suffer silently, but or maybe just suffer silently, but rejoice.

rejoice. rejoice. How in the world? How in the world? How in the world? James is smart. He knew people's James is smart. He knew people's James is smart. He knew people's reactions then would be a lot like yours reactions then would be a lot like yours reactions then would be a lot like yours now. James knew many of them would need now. James knew many of them would need now. James knew many of them would need more than a simple command from God. So more than a simple command from God. So more than a simple command from God. So even though he didn't have to, James even though he didn't have to, James even though he didn't have to, James explained a little more about the explained a little more about the explained a little more about the benefits of rejoicing through troubles benefits of rejoicing through troubles benefits of rejoicing through troubles and trials. Consider it pure joy, my and trials. Consider it pure joy, my and trials. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of brothers, whenever you face trials of brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing many kinds, because you know the testing many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. of your faith develops perseverance. of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so you Perseverance must finish its work so you Perseverance must finish its work so you you may be mature and complete, not you may be mature and complete, not you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. You can rejoice when lacking anything. You can rejoice when lacking anything. You can rejoice when difficulty comes because it will make difficulty comes because it will make difficulty comes because it will make you stronger. you stronger. you stronger. We don't really like that line of We don't really like that line of We don't really like that line of reasoning. That sounds suspiciously like reasoning. That sounds suspiciously like reasoning. That sounds suspiciously like this will build character. this will build character. this will build character. Well, I got enough character. Well, I got enough character. Well, I got enough character. James said, "Rejoice James said, "Rejoice James said, "Rejoice because God will use this trial to because God will use this trial to because God will use this trial to develop perseverance or endurance in develop perseverance or endurance in develop perseverance or endurance in you." Endurance is the ability to go on you." Endurance is the ability to go on you." Endurance is the ability to go on when others can't. In other words, this when others can't. In other words, this when others can't. In other words, this trial gives you strength for the next trial gives you strength for the next trial gives you strength for the next trial. And when you rejoice in the Lord, trial. And when you rejoice in the Lord, trial. And when you rejoice in the Lord, Nehemiah 8:10 says, "The joy of the Lord Nehemiah 8:10 says, "The joy of the Lord Nehemiah 8:10 says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength. His joy is what gives is your strength. His joy is what gives is your strength. His joy is what gives you the strength to make it through and you the strength to make it through and you the strength to make it through and into our hardships.

Let me show you what that looks like in Let me show you what that looks like in a real person's life. Not a theory or a a real person's life. Not a theory or a a real person's life. Not a theory or a slogan. slogan. slogan. Been a man who rejoiced by reaching for Been a man who rejoiced by reaching for Been a man who rejoiced by reaching for God in the worst moment of his life. God in the worst moment of his life. God in the worst moment of his life. Born in 1899 to a Baptist pastor and a Born in 1899 to a Baptist pastor and a Born in 1899 to a Baptist pastor and a church pianist, Thomas Dorsey grew up church pianist, Thomas Dorsey grew up church pianist, Thomas Dorsey grew up surrounded by faith and music. surrounded by faith and music. surrounded by faith and music. As a teenager, his musical talent took As a teenager, his musical talent took As a teenager, his musical talent took him into the jabs clubs of the Deep him into the jabs clubs of the Deep him into the jabs clubs of the Deep South, then to Chicago. South, then to Chicago. South, then to Chicago. But somewhere along the way, Thomas But somewhere along the way, Thomas But somewhere along the way, Thomas drifted from God. drifted from God. drifted from God. His talent opened doors, but his His talent opened doors, but his His talent opened doors, but his conscience wouldn't let him rest. Long conscience wouldn't let him rest. Long conscience wouldn't let him rest. Long nights, compromised choices, and nights, compromised choices, and nights, compromised choices, and spiritual emptiness wore him down. spiritual emptiness wore him down. spiritual emptiness wore him down. 21, Thomas had a genuine encounter with 21, Thomas had a genuine encounter with 21, Thomas had a genuine encounter with the Lord and committed his gifts and the Lord and committed his gifts and the Lord and committed his gifts and talents back to God. He poured his talents back to God. He poured his talents back to God. He poured his energy into God-honoring music, blending energy into God-honoring music, blending energy into God-honoring music, blending rhythm and blues with worship and rhythm and blues with worship and rhythm and blues with worship and praise. A new sound was born.

praise. A new sound was born. praise. A new sound was born. Thomas became music director at a Thomas became music director at a Thomas became music director at a Chicago church, married the love of his Chicago church, married the love of his Chicago church, married the love of his life, began to experience God's life, began to experience God's life, began to experience God's blessings. blessings. blessings. Life was good Life was good Life was good until in one devastating moment until in one devastating moment until in one devastating moment everything changed. everything changed. everything changed. After singing at a concert in St. Louis, After singing at a concert in St. Louis, After singing at a concert in St. Louis, Thomas was handed a telegram that Thomas was handed a telegram that Thomas was handed a telegram that contained just four words. Your wife contained just four words. Your wife contained just four words. Your wife just died. just died. just died. She had passed away in childbirth. She had passed away in childbirth. She had passed away in childbirth. He rushed home to Chicago He rushed home to Chicago He rushed home to Chicago only to lose his newborn son the next only to lose his newborn son the next only to lose his newborn son the next day. day. day. Thomas was crushed. He withdrew from Thomas was crushed. He withdrew from Thomas was crushed. He withdrew from people and grew angry with God. He later people and grew angry with God. He later people and grew angry with God. He later said, "I felt God had done me an said, "I felt God had done me an said, "I felt God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve him injustice. I didn't want to serve him injustice. I didn't want to serve him anymore or write gospel songs." anymore or write gospel songs." anymore or write gospel songs." One evening, a friend took him to a One evening, a friend took him to a One evening, a friend took him to a small neighborhood music school. As the small neighborhood music school. As the small neighborhood music school. As the sun was setting, Thomas sat down at a sun was setting, Thomas sat down at a sun was setting, Thomas sat down at a piano. He didn't perform.

piano. He didn't perform. piano. He didn't perform. He prayed. He poured out his broken He prayed. He poured out his broken He prayed. He poured out his broken heart to God. heart to God. heart to God. And out of that moment came these words. And out of that moment came these words. And out of that moment came these words. Precious Lord, Precious Lord, Precious Lord, take my hand. take my hand. take my hand. Lead me on. Lead me on. Lead me on. Let me stand. I'm tired. Let me stand. I'm tired. Let me stand. I'm tired. I'm weak. I'm weak. I'm weak. I'm mourn. I'm mourn. I'm mourn. Through the [music] storm, Through the [music] storm, Through the [music] storm, through the night. Lead me onto the through the night. Lead me onto the through the night. Lead me onto the light. light. light. Take my hand, precious Lord. Take my hand, precious Lord. Take my hand, precious Lord. Lead me home. >> [music] >> [music] >> Preious >> Preious >> Preious Lord, [music] take [music] take my hand. my hand. my hand. [music] Lead [music] Lead [music] Lead me on. Let me [music] stand. Let me [music] stand. I am tired.

I am tired. I am tired. I am [music] weak. I am [music] weak. I am [music] weak. I [singing] am warm. Through the [music] storm, Through the [music] storm, through through through the night. [music] Lead me on [music] Lead me on [music] to the light. to the light. to the light. Take my hand. Precious Lord Lord and lead and lead and lead me home [music] rose [singing] rose [singing] dream [music] dream [music] dream [music] precious Lord precious Lord precious Lord linger near [music] linger near [music] linger near [music] with my Night with my Night with my Night is is is all all all most gone.

Hear Hear my [music] call. Lest I fall. Lest I fall. Take my hand, [music] precious precious Lord, Lord, Lord, and lead [music] and lead [music] and lead [music] me home. me home. me home. [music] [music] [music] [applause] For the rest of his life, Thomas Dorsey For the rest of his life, Thomas Dorsey testified that God met him and healed testified that God met him and healed testified that God met him and healed him that night at the piano. He went on him that night at the piano. He went on him that night at the piano. He went on to write more than 3,000 songs, to write more than 3,000 songs, to write more than 3,000 songs, became one of the most influential became one of the most influential became one of the most influential gospel songwriters in history. gospel songwriters in history. gospel songwriters in history. That's what James was talking about. Not That's what James was talking about. Not That's what James was talking about. Not joy because the pain is gone, but joy joy because the pain is gone, but joy joy because the pain is gone, but joy that reaches for God in the pain.

that reaches for God in the pain. that reaches for God in the pain. James called that perseverance. God will James called that perseverance. God will James called that perseverance. God will use this trial to build an endurance you use this trial to build an endurance you use this trial to build an endurance you didn't have before. didn't have before. didn't have before. In his book, You'll Get Through This, In his book, You'll Get Through This, In his book, You'll Get Through This, Max Lucada wrote, "God hasn't forgotten Max Lucada wrote, "God hasn't forgotten Max Lucada wrote, "God hasn't forgotten you." Just the opposite. He's chosen to you." Just the opposite. He's chosen to you." Just the opposite. He's chosen to train you. The Hebrew word for test train you. The Hebrew word for test train you. The Hebrew word for test comes from a word that means to take a comes from a word that means to take a comes from a word that means to take a keen look at, to look, to choose. keen look at, to look, to choose. keen look at, to look, to choose. Dismiss the notion that God does not see Dismiss the notion that God does not see Dismiss the notion that God does not see your struggle. On the contrary, God is your struggle. On the contrary, God is your struggle. On the contrary, God is fully engaged. fully engaged. fully engaged. He sees the needs of tomorrow and He sees the needs of tomorrow and He sees the needs of tomorrow and accordingly uses your circumstances to accordingly uses your circumstances to accordingly uses your circumstances to create the test of today. create the test of today. create the test of today. The first time I ran a mile, I felt like The first time I ran a mile, I felt like The first time I ran a mile, I felt like I was going to die. I was going to die. I was going to die. But I didn't give up. I finished. And But I didn't give up. I finished. And But I didn't give up. I finished. And the next time it's a little easier. the next time it's a little easier. the next time it's a little easier. Before long, I was running two miles. Before long, I was running two miles. Before long, I was running two miles. I never could have run two miles in I never could have run two miles in I never could have run two miles in life. So, I first ran one mile. The life. So, I first ran one mile. The life. So, I first ran one mile. The first test gave me strength for the next first test gave me strength for the next first test gave me strength for the next test.

test. test. The first time I ran five miles, I The first time I ran five miles, I The first time I ran five miles, I thought my legs would fall off, that it thought my legs would fall off, that it thought my legs would fall off, that it would never end. would never end. would never end. But if I never ran five miles, I never But if I never ran five miles, I never But if I never ran five miles, I never would have been able to run 10 miles. would have been able to run 10 miles. would have been able to run 10 miles. Each distance, each test prepared me for Each distance, each test prepared me for Each distance, each test prepared me for the next more difficult test. the next more difficult test. the next more difficult test. February of this year, after taking February of this year, after taking February of this year, after taking several years off, I got back on the several years off, I got back on the several years off, I got back on the treadmill. treadmill. treadmill. First few days were agonizing. First few days were agonizing. First few days were agonizing. I'm not as fast as I once was. I can't I'm not as fast as I once was. I can't I'm not as fast as I once was. I can't go as far as I used to, but I'm slowly go as far as I used to, but I'm slowly go as far as I used to, but I'm slowly regaining strength and endurance. We regaining strength and endurance. We regaining strength and endurance. We understand that in physical training, so understand that in physical training, so understand that in physical training, so why don't we accept it in life? why don't we accept it in life? why don't we accept it in life? You gain strength from your trials and You gain strength from your trials and You gain strength from your trials and troubles. Each one makes you just a troubles. Each one makes you just a troubles. Each one makes you just a little bit stronger. You have a little little bit stronger. You have a little little bit stronger. You have a little more endurance. You can persevere a more endurance. You can persevere a more endurance. You can persevere a little bit longer. little bit longer. little bit longer. The church is the strongest when there's The church is the strongest when there's The church is the strongest when there's persecution.

persecution. persecution. The church in China was forced The church in China was forced The church in China was forced underground. When the cultural underground. When the cultural underground. When the cultural revolution came, when chairman Mao stood revolution came, when chairman Mao stood revolution came, when chairman Mao stood and said that Christianity would be and said that Christianity would be and said that Christianity would be destroyed in China, there wouldn't be a destroyed in China, there wouldn't be a destroyed in China, there wouldn't be a Christian left. There were about a Christian left. There were about a Christian left. There were about a 100,000 Christians at that time. 100,000 Christians at that time. 100,000 Christians at that time. When the persecution and pressure began When the persecution and pressure began When the persecution and pressure began to lift years later and the church came to lift years later and the church came to lift years later and the church came out of hiding, the church was not a out of hiding, the church was not a out of hiding, the church was not a 100,000, but it was millions of people. 100,000, but it was millions of people. 100,000, but it was millions of people. The church grows strong in times of The church grows strong in times of The church grows strong in times of trouble. trouble. trouble. So do you imagine that we learn through So do you imagine that we learn through So do you imagine that we learn through our troubles, our troubles, our troubles, we grow through our trials. we grow through our trials. we grow through our trials. We grow stronger We grow stronger We grow stronger in hard times. in hard times. in hard times. Years ago, Andre Crouch said it this Years ago, Andre Crouch said it this Years ago, Andre Crouch said it this way. way. way. Through it all, I've learned to trust in Through it all, I've learned to trust in Through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. I've learned to trust in God. I've had many tears and sorrows.

I've had many tears and sorrows. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] I've had questions for tomorrow. I've had questions for tomorrow. I've had questions for tomorrow. There have been times [music] There have been times [music] There have been times [music] I didn't know right from wrong. [music] But in every situation, [music] But in every situation, God gave blessed consolation [music] God gave blessed consolation [music] God gave blessed consolation [music] that my trials, they only come to make that my trials, they only come to make that my trials, they only come to make me strong. [singing] Oh, through it all. Oh, through it all. Through it all, [music] Through it all, [music] Through it all, [music] I've learned to trust in Jesus. I've learned to trust in Jesus. I've learned to trust in Jesus. I've learned to trust in [music] God. I've learned to trust in [music] God. I've learned to trust in [music] God. Through it all, Through it all, Through it all, [music] through it all, [music] through it all, [music] through it all, I've learned to depend [music] upon his I've learned to depend [music] upon his I've learned to depend [music] upon his word. I thank him for the mountains [music] I thank him for the mountains [music] and I I thank him for the valleys and I and I I thank him for the valleys and I and I I thank him for the valleys and I I thank him for the [music] storms he's I thank him for the [music] storms he's I thank him for the [music] storms he's brought me through.

Cuz if I never had a problem, [music] Cuz if I never had a problem, [music] I wouldn't know that God could solve I wouldn't know that God could solve I wouldn't know that God could solve them. I would know what faith in God them. I would know what faith in God them. I would know what faith in God [music] can do. [music] can do. [music] can do. Oh, Oh, Oh, through it all. [music] Through it all, Through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus. I've learned to trust in Jesus. I've learned to trust in Jesus. I've learned to trust in God. I've learned to trust in God. I've learned to trust in God. Through it all, Through it all, Through it all, [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] through it all, through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon his word. I've learned to depend upon his word. I've learned to depend upon his word. Through it all, through it all. Through it all, through it all. Through it all, through it all. Through it [music] all, Through it [music] all, Through it [music] all, I've learned to trust in Jesus. I've learned to trust in Jesus. I've learned to trust in Jesus. I've learned [music] to trust in God. I've learned [music] to trust in God. I've learned [music] to trust in God. Hallelujah. Through it all, Hallelujah. Through it all, Hallelujah. Through it all, [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] through it all, through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon his word.

I've learned to [music] depend upon his I've learned to [music] depend upon his word. James continued, James continued, "He knew not everyone was going to "He knew not everyone was going to "He knew not everyone was going to accept that reasoning. Some people were accept that reasoning. Some people were accept that reasoning. Some people were going to struggle with rejoicing in going to struggle with rejoicing in going to struggle with rejoicing in trials just because they were growing trials just because they were growing trials just because they were growing stronger. So he gave further stronger. So he gave further stronger. So he gave further instruction." instruction." instruction." If any of you lacks wisdom, in other If any of you lacks wisdom, in other If any of you lacks wisdom, in other words, if you can't understand how to do words, if you can't understand how to do words, if you can't understand how to do this, how to rejoice in trials, he this, how to rejoice in trials, he this, how to rejoice in trials, he should ask God, who gives generously to should ask God, who gives generously to should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will all without finding fault, and it will all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James didn't say, "Ask be given to him. James didn't say, "Ask be given to him. James didn't say, "Ask God, why am I having problems?" God, why am I having problems?" God, why am I having problems?" Instead, ask God for wisdom. Ask him to Instead, ask God for wisdom. Ask him to Instead, ask God for wisdom. Ask him to help you understand how he's going to help you understand how he's going to help you understand how he's going to use your trial. Instead of asking God use your trial. Instead of asking God use your trial. Instead of asking God why, ask God what. why, ask God what. why, ask God what. What do you want me to learn from this What do you want me to learn from this What do you want me to learn from this experience?

experience? experience? Rather than ask God to change your Rather than ask God to change your Rather than ask God to change your circumstances, ask him to use your circumstances, ask him to use your circumstances, ask him to use your circumstances to change you, to give you circumstances to change you, to give you circumstances to change you, to give you fresh wisdom and understanding. fresh wisdom and understanding. fresh wisdom and understanding. What you want to say is, "I don't want What you want to say is, "I don't want What you want to say is, "I don't want wisdom. wisdom. wisdom. I don't want understanding. I don't want I don't want understanding. I don't want I don't want understanding. I don't want some special knowledge about my problem. some special knowledge about my problem. some special knowledge about my problem. I don't even care to be stronger. I just I don't even care to be stronger. I just I don't even care to be stronger. I just want it to be done. want it to be done. want it to be done. God, make it stop. God, make it stop. God, make it stop. I understand. I've been there. But James said, "If you can't understand But James said, "If you can't understand how God's going to use your trial, ask how God's going to use your trial, ask how God's going to use your trial, ask him for wisdom." him for wisdom." him for wisdom." Wisdom is God's perspective on your Wisdom is God's perspective on your Wisdom is God's perspective on your situation. situation. situation. Instead of just seeing it through your Instead of just seeing it through your Instead of just seeing it through your your eyes, you get a glimpse of how God your eyes, you get a glimpse of how God your eyes, you get a glimpse of how God can use your struggle. can use your struggle. can use your struggle. How different would you approach things How different would you approach things How different would you approach things if you could see from God's perspective? if you could see from God's perspective? if you could see from God's perspective? I get frustrated over the smallest I get frustrated over the smallest I get frustrated over the smallest things.

things. things. Traffic jams, Traffic jams, Traffic jams, missed flights, missed flights, missed flights, emergency landings. emergency landings. emergency landings. And looking back, I wonder how many And looking back, I wonder how many And looking back, I wonder how many times have I I've been frustrated when times have I I've been frustrated when times have I I've been frustrated when God was protecting me. God was protecting me. God was protecting me. How many times has God used trouble to How many times has God used trouble to How many times has God used trouble to keep me from temptation or harm? keep me from temptation or harm? keep me from temptation or harm? How many times has trouble positioned me How many times has trouble positioned me How many times has trouble positioned me to minister to others? to minister to others? to minister to others? If I could just see things from his If I could just see things from his If I could just see things from his perspective, perspective, perspective, if I could only have wisdom, if I could only have wisdom, if I could only have wisdom, I would find it easier to rejoice in I would find it easier to rejoice in I would find it easier to rejoice in times of trouble. times of trouble. times of trouble. I want you to know that in the hard I want you to know that in the hard I want you to know that in the hard times, especially in the difficult times, especially in the difficult times, especially in the difficult times, times, times, your heavenly father is watching over your heavenly father is watching over your heavenly father is watching over you. [music] [music] Why Why Why should I feel [music] should I feel [music] should I feel [music] discouraged?

And why And why should the shadows [music and singing] should the shadows [music and singing] should the shadows [music and singing] come? And why And why should [music] my heart be lonely and long for heaven and long for heaven and home? [music] and home? [music] and home? [music] [singing] When Jesus When Jesus is is is my portion, my portion, my portion, [music] my constant [music] my constant [music] my constant friend friend friend is he. [music] His eyes His eyes is [music and singing] on is [music and singing] on is [music and singing] on the spo. And [music] I know And [music] I know he watches he watches he watches me. His eyes His eyes is [music] on is [music] on is [music] on the sparrow and I [music and singing] know and I [music and singing] know he watches he watches he watches me.

me. me. [music] I [singing] sing I [singing] sing because because because [music] I'm happy and I sing and I sing because [music] because [music] because [music] I'm free. [singing] His [music] eye His [music] eye is on the sparrow [music] and I know and I know he watches [music] he watches [music] he watches [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] me. me. me. [music] [music] [music] His eyes His eyes His eyes is [singing] on is [singing] on is [singing] on the sparrow and I know and I know he watches [music] [music] [music] Sing that part again, Tracy. I sing Sing that part again, Tracy. I sing Sing that part again, Tracy. I sing because of Because Because I'm happy and I sing and I sing because because because I am [music] free.

His eye His eye is on is on is on the sparrow. And I know And I know [music] he watches [music] he watches [music] he watches me. [music] I sing. [music] I sing. I sing. I sing. I sing because I sing. I sing. I sing because I sing. I sing. I sing because I'm happy. I'm happy. I'm happy. And I sing because I am free. And I sing because I am free. And I sing because I am free. His eye His eye His eye is on is on is on [music] the sparrow. And I know And I know he watches he watches he watches [music and singing] me. His eye His eye is on is on is on the spare.

And I [music] know And I [music] know he watches [singing] he watches [singing] he watches [singing] me. You can rejoice because you have wisdom. You can rejoice because you have wisdom. God's perspective. If his eye is on the God's perspective. If his eye is on the God's perspective. If his eye is on the sparrow, I know he's watching you. sparrow, I know he's watching you. sparrow, I know he's watching you. >> James continued, but when he asks, he >> James continued, but when he asks, he >> James continued, but when he asks, he must believe and not doubt because he must believe and not doubt because he must believe and not doubt because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea who doubts is like a wave of the sea who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind. That man blown and tossed by the wind. That man blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he'll receive any from should not think he'll receive any from should not think he'll receive any from the from the Lord. He's a double-minded the from the Lord. He's a double-minded the from the Lord. He's a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. man, unstable in all he does. man, unstable in all he does. So many times, your response to trouble So many times, your response to trouble So many times, your response to trouble is doubt. What did I do wrong? is doubt. What did I do wrong? is doubt. What did I do wrong? What did I possibly do to deserve this? God, where are you? Why me?

God, where are you? Why me? Why now? Why now? Why now? Is there really a God who loves me? Is there really a God who loves me? Is there really a God who loves me? How could a God that loves me let me go How could a God that loves me let me go How could a God that loves me let me go through this? through this? through this? James said, "Ask for wisdom and don't James said, "Ask for wisdom and don't James said, "Ask for wisdom and don't doubt. Because if you doubt, you're like doubt. Because if you doubt, you're like doubt. Because if you doubt, you're like a ship caught in a storm, battered by a ship caught in a storm, battered by a ship caught in a storm, battered by every wind and wave. every wind and wave. every wind and wave. Have you ever felt that way? Like life Have you ever felt that way? Like life Have you ever felt that way? Like life was completely out of control and was completely out of control and was completely out of control and trouble was driving you. trouble was driving you. trouble was driving you. You can rejoice in difficulty because You can rejoice in difficulty because You can rejoice in difficulty because you trust God. you trust God. you trust God. Pray this way. God, I trust you. I trust Pray this way. God, I trust you. I trust Pray this way. God, I trust you. I trust you will use this to produce endurance you will use this to produce endurance you will use this to produce endurance in my life. I trust you are with me and in my life. I trust you are with me and in my life. I trust you are with me and watching over me even though I don't watching over me even though I don't watching over me even though I don't understand why all this is happening. understand why all this is happening. understand why all this is happening. Even though I can't see your plan, I Even though I can't see your plan, I Even though I can't see your plan, I trust you. I choose to trust you. trust you. I choose to trust you. trust you. I choose to trust you. Trust is a choice. Trust is a choice. Trust is a choice. It's easy to trust in the good times. It's easy to trust in the good times. It's easy to trust in the good times. But if you're all if you're going to be But if you're all if you're going to be But if you're all if you're going to be a lifelong follower of Jesus, you also a lifelong follower of Jesus, you also a lifelong follower of Jesus, you also have to choose trust in the bad times.

have to choose trust in the bad times. have to choose trust in the bad times. James was basically saying, if you can't James was basically saying, if you can't James was basically saying, if you can't rejoice in times of trouble, you have a rejoice in times of trouble, you have a rejoice in times of trouble, you have a trust issue. trust issue. trust issue. Say, "Pastor Rod, come on. This is way Say, "Pastor Rod, come on. This is way Say, "Pastor Rod, come on. This is way too difficult. First, I'm supposed to too difficult. First, I'm supposed to too difficult. First, I'm supposed to rejoice. rejoice. rejoice. And now my response to the hard times of And now my response to the hard times of And now my response to the hard times of life is trust. life is trust. life is trust. Exactly. You're getting it. You can Exactly. You're getting it. You can Exactly. You're getting it. You can trust him. trust him. trust him. David said it this way in the 27th David said it this way in the 27th David said it this way in the 27th Psalm. For in the day of trouble, he Psalm. For in the day of trouble, he Psalm. For in the day of trouble, he will keep me safe in his dwelling. He will keep me safe in his dwelling. He will keep me safe in his dwelling. He will hide me in the shelter of his will hide me in the shelter of his will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the Then my head will be exalted above the Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me. At his enemies who surround me. At his enemies who surround me. At his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to of joy. I will sing and make music to of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Psalm 32, Lord, you're my hiding place. Psalm 32, Lord, you're my hiding place. Psalm 32, Lord, you're my hiding place. You will protect me from trouble and You will protect me from trouble and You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. surround me with songs of deliverance. surround me with songs of deliverance. David said the same thing you can say. David said the same thing you can say. David said the same thing you can say. Although there's trouble all around me, Although there's trouble all around me, Although there's trouble all around me, I trust God.

I trust God. I trust God. In the middle of my trouble, especially In the middle of my trouble, especially In the middle of my trouble, especially in my trouble, I will rejoice because I in my trouble, I will rejoice because I in my trouble, I will rejoice because I trust him. The Lord is wonderfully, trust him. The Lord is wonderfully, trust him. The Lord is wonderfully, [music] beautifully, always faithful. [music] beautifully, always faithful. [music] beautifully, always faithful. You can trust him. is so sweet [singing and music] is so sweet [singing and music] to trust in Jesus. to trust in Jesus. to trust in Jesus. just [singing] to take just [singing] to take just [singing] to take him at his [music] word. him at his [music] word. him at his [music] word. Just to [singing] rest Just to [singing] rest Just to [singing] rest upon [music] upon [music] upon [music] his promise. his promise. his promise. Just to know [music] Just to know [music] Just to know [music] the [singing] saith the Lord. Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. How I trust [music] How I trust [music] How I trust [music] him. How I've proved him. How I've proved him. How I've proved him [music] more and more.

him [music] more and more. him [music] more and more. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Precious [music] Jesus. Precious [music] Jesus. Precious [music] Jesus. Oh, for grace to trust Oh, for grace to trust Oh, for grace to trust [music and singing] in Lord. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] How I trust him. How I proved How I trust him. How I proved How I trust him. How I proved him [music] more and [singing] him [music] more and [singing] him [music] more and [singing] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, preious [music] Jesus. preious [music] Jesus. preious [music] Jesus. Oh, for grace to trust [music] him more. Oh, for [music] Oh, for [music] grace grace grace to trust him [singing] more. [music] Verse two said, "Consider it pure joy, Verse two said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of my brothers, when you face trials of my brothers, when you face trials of many times.

many times. many times. In the most difficult times of life, In the most difficult times of life, In the most difficult times of life, when trouble comes, rejoice. Choose your when trouble comes, rejoice. Choose your when trouble comes, rejoice. Choose your response to trouble. Choose to rejoice." response to trouble. Choose to rejoice." response to trouble. Choose to rejoice." Now, as difficult as that is to do, now Now, as difficult as that is to do, now Now, as difficult as that is to do, now verse 12, here's the reward. verse 12, here's the reward. verse 12, here's the reward. Blessed is the man who perseveres under Blessed is the man who perseveres under Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the trial because when he has stood the trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life test, he will receive the crown of life test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love that God has promised to those who love that God has promised to those who love him. Yes, you're growing stronger. You him. Yes, you're growing stronger. You him. Yes, you're growing stronger. You have wisdom. You trust him. But don't have wisdom. You trust him. But don't have wisdom. You trust him. But don't forget, for the follower of Jesus who is forget, for the follower of Jesus who is forget, for the follower of Jesus who is not defeated by trouble, there is a not defeated by trouble, there is a not defeated by trouble, there is a reward. reward. reward. Christians used to be tougher. Christians used to be tougher. Christians used to be tougher. When this church started 114 years ago, When this church started 114 years ago, When this church started 114 years ago, we weren't popular. Church members had we weren't popular. Church members had we weren't popular. Church members had to dodge rocks and eggs on the way to to dodge rocks and eggs on the way to to dodge rocks and eggs on the way to church. They were ridiculed and church. They were ridiculed and church. They were ridiculed and persecuted, but they came anyway. Why? persecuted, but they came anyway. Why? persecuted, but they came anyway. Why? Because they understood the reward, Because they understood the reward, Because they understood the reward, heaven. heaven. heaven. We struggle more with trials now. The We struggle more with trials now. The We struggle more with trials now. The trials of life challenge our faith. Too trials of life challenge our faith. Too trials of life challenge our faith. Too many times we give up because we've many times we give up because we've many times we give up because we've forgotten the reward. We have adjusted forgotten the reward. We have adjusted forgotten the reward. We have adjusted our theology to fit our expectations. We our theology to fit our expectations. We our theology to fit our expectations. We things like say things like I don't things like say things like I don't things like say things like I don't believe Christians should have problems.

I want to remind you the point of being I want to remind you the point of being a Christian is not a wonderful life here a Christian is not a wonderful life here a Christian is not a wonderful life here on earth. Although life with Jesus is on earth. Although life with Jesus is on earth. Although life with Jesus is infinitely better than life without infinitely better than life without infinitely better than life without Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. It is wonderful serving Jesus. But the It is wonderful serving Jesus. But the It is wonderful serving Jesus. But the ultimate goal of being a Christian is ultimate goal of being a Christian is ultimate goal of being a Christian is heaven. We persevere through troubles heaven. We persevere through troubles heaven. We persevere through troubles and trials. We remain strong in our and trials. We remain strong in our and trials. We remain strong in our faith. Faith that works. And when it's faith. Faith that works. And when it's faith. Faith that works. And when it's all done, we go to heaven. That's why all done, we go to heaven. That's why all done, we go to heaven. That's why you can rejoice. Because one day, the you can rejoice. Because one day, the you can rejoice. Because one day, the troubles of this life will be over. And troubles of this life will be over. And troubles of this life will be over. And you will see Jesus face to face. When you get to heaven, you will be so When you get to heaven, you will be so glad you persevered. Your troubles on glad you persevered. Your troubles on glad you persevered. Your troubles on earth will seem so small. earth will seem so small. earth will seem so small. The Apostle Paul said it this way. I The Apostle Paul said it this way. I The Apostle Paul said it this way. I consider that our present sufferings are consider that our present sufferings are consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that not worth comparing with the glory that not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. If you're will be revealed in us. If you're will be revealed in us. If you're struggling to find a reason to rejoice struggling to find a reason to rejoice struggling to find a reason to rejoice in the middle of trouble, here's the in the middle of trouble, here's the in the middle of trouble, here's the best reason of all. Heaven is waiting.

Thursday, just before noon, my dad Thursday, just before noon, my dad breathed his last breath on this earth. breathed his last breath on this earth. breathed his last breath on this earth. In the last 10 months, I've lost both my In the last 10 months, I've lost both my In the last 10 months, I've lost both my parents. parents. parents. The grief and sadness is real. But The grief and sadness is real. But The grief and sadness is real. But through it all, I still rejoice because through it all, I still rejoice because through it all, I still rejoice because I know heaven is real, and I'll see them I know heaven is real, and I'll see them I know heaven is real, and I'll see them soon. My parents are healed and whole soon. My parents are healed and whole soon. My parents are healed and whole and enjoying the reward of being and enjoying the reward of being and enjoying the reward of being faithful. They're rejoicing in the faithful. They're rejoicing in the faithful. They're rejoicing in the presence of Jesus. presence of Jesus. presence of Jesus. We all have that to look forward to We all have that to look forward to We all have that to look forward to one day soon. one day soon. one day soon. We used to sing it this way. Oh, I want We used to sing it this way. Oh, I want We used to sing it this way. Oh, I want to see him. Look upon his face. to see him. Look upon his face. to see him. Look upon his face. There to sing forever of his saving There to sing forever of his saving There to sing forever of his saving grace. On the streets of glory. Let me grace. On the streets of glory. Let me grace. On the streets of glory. Let me lift my voice. Cares all past home at lift my voice. Cares all past home at lift my voice. Cares all past home at last. last. last. Ever to rejoice. Ever to rejoice. Ever to rejoice. James said, "Consider it pure joy, my James said, "Consider it pure joy, my James said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many brothers, when you face trials of many brothers, when you face trials of many kinds. kinds. kinds. Are you facing a trial? Are you having Are you facing a trial? Are you having Are you facing a trial? Are you having trouble?

trouble? trouble? Rejoice. Rejoice. Rejoice. You will be stronger. You will gain You will be stronger. You will gain You will be stronger. You will gain God's perspective on your situation. You God's perspective on your situation. You God's perspective on your situation. You can trust him. And one day soon, can trust him. And one day soon, can trust him. And one day soon, it will be worth it all it will be worth it all it will be worth it all when you see [music] Jesus. when you see [music] Jesus. when you see [music] Jesus. So rejoice. Sometimes [music] the day seems along. Sometimes [music] the day seems along. Our trials hard [music] to bear. Our trials hard [music] to bear. Our trials hard [music] to bear. We're tempted to complain [music] to mur to mur and despair. [music] The Christ will soon appear [music] The Christ will soon appear [singing] to catch his [music] bright away. to catch his [music] bright away. [singing] All tears forever [music] All tears forever [music] over over over in God's eternal [music] in God's eternal [music] in God's eternal [music] day.

It will be worth it all. It will be worth it all. [music] When we see Jesus, [music] When we see Jesus, [music] When we see Jesus, [music] [music] [music] life's trials will seem so small. life's trials will seem so small. life's trials will seem so small. When [music] we see Christ, one [music] glimpse of his dear face, one [music] glimpse of his dear face, [singing] [singing] [singing] all sorrow all sorrow all sorrow will erase. [music] will erase. [music] will erase. [music] So bravely run the race So bravely run the race So bravely run the race [music] till we see Christ. >> Life's day will soon be yours. >> Life's day will soon be yours. All storms [music] All storms [music] All storms [music] forever forever forever past. past. past. We'll cross that [music] great divide. We'll cross that [music] great divide. We'll cross that [music] great divide. [singing] We'll share [music] in the joys of We'll share [music] in the joys of heaven.

heaven. heaven. A heart, [music] A heart, [music] A heart, [music] a home, a crown. a home, a crown. a home, a crown. The [music] temper will be banished. The [music] temper will be banished. The [music] temper will be banished. And we'll lay our burden down. It [music] will be worth it all. It [music] will be worth it all. [music] When we see Jesus [music] eyes, [music] eyes, we'll see so small. we'll see so small. we'll see so small. [music] [music] [music] When we seek Christ, all [singing] all [singing] sorrow [music] will wait. sorrow [music] will wait. sorrow [music] will wait. So great we are the race [music] So great we are the race [music] So great we are the race [music] till we see Christ.

So bravely [singing] So bravely [singing] run the race [music] run the race [music] run the race [music] till we see Christ. [music] till we see Christ. [music] till we see Christ. [music] >> Would you sing that with me? It will be >> Would you sing that with me? It will be >> Would you sing that with me? It will be worth it all worth it all worth it all when we [music] see Jesus. >> Life's trials >> Life's trials seem so small. seem so small. seem so small. When we see Christ, [music] [music] one glimpse of [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> till we see >> till we see >> till we see Christ if you're currently facing struggle, if you're currently facing struggle, trouble, trials, I [music] want to pray trouble, trials, I [music] want to pray trouble, trials, I [music] want to pray for you. I've left time. If that's you, for you. I've left time. If that's you, for you. I've left time. If that's you, I want you to come stand across the I want you to come stand across the I want you to come stand across the front and we're going to pray.

front and we're going to pray. front and we're going to pray. pray for you as a [music] church today. dear face dear face all sorrow all sorrow all sorrow will erase till we see till we see Christ, but everyone else stand with me as well. but everyone else stand with me as well. [music] We're going to come and pray [music] for We're going to come and pray [music] for you.

you. you. We're going to pray that you'll rejoice We're going to pray that you'll rejoice We're going to pray that you'll rejoice in the middle of the [music] trial. in the middle of the [music] trial. in the middle of the [music] trial. That God will give you wisdom, his That God will give you wisdom, his That God will give you wisdom, his perspective [music] on your situation, perspective [music] on your situation, perspective [music] on your situation, that you'll trust him more. that you'll trust him more. that you'll trust him more. And yeah, we're going to pray that he'll And yeah, we're going to pray that he'll And yeah, we're going to pray that he'll [music] see you through it, that you'll [music] see you through it, that you'll [music] see you through it, that you'll come through this trial, you'll come come through this trial, you'll come come through this trial, you'll come through this [music] struggle. This is through this [music] struggle. This is through this [music] struggle. This is not the end. not the end. not the end. [music] There's someone down here that [music] There's someone down here that [music] There's someone down here that you want to pray for. Come on. you want to pray for. Come on. you want to pray for. Come on. you can join us you can join us you can join us and we're going to pray and we're going to pray and we're going to pray and believe together because the [music] and believe together because the [music] and believe together because the [music] Lord who promised is faithful. Lord who promised is faithful. Lord who promised is faithful. He's always [music] been faithful. He'll He's always [music] been faithful. He'll He's always [music] been faithful. He'll always be faithful. always be faithful. always be faithful. Come on, let's pray together. not knowing [music and singing] how not knowing [music and singing] how we'll get through this test, but holding [music] on to faith. You but holding [music] on to faith. You know best.

Nothing [music] can catch you by Nothing [music] can catch you by surprise. surprise. surprise. You've got this [music] figured out and You've got this [music] figured out and You've got this [music] figured out and you're watching [singing] us now. And when [music] it looks [singing] as And when [music] it looks [singing] as if we can't win, you [music] wrap us in [singing] your you [music] wrap us in [singing] your arms and step in. And [music] everything we need you And [music] everything we need you supply. supply. supply. You've got this in control. And now we You've got this in control. And now we You've got this in control. And now we know [music] that you know [music] that you know [music] that you made our way. made our way. made our way. when our [music] backs were against the when our [music] backs were against the when our [music] backs were against the wall and it looked as if it was over. wall and it looked as if it was over. wall and it looked as if it was over. You You You made [music] made [music] made [music] a way a way a way and we're standing here only because you and we're standing here only because you and we're standing here only because you made a way.

Now we keep Now we keep [music] [music] [music] looking back on where we've come from looking back on where we've come from looking back on where we've come from [music] because of you and nothing [music] we've because of you and nothing [music] we've done to deserve the love and mercy you shown. to deserve the love and mercy you shown. Your grace was strong enough to pick Your grace was strong enough to pick Your grace was strong enough to pick [music] us up. And you [music] us up. And you [music] us up. And you made a way when [music] our backs were made a way when [music] our backs were made a way when [music] our backs were when our backs were against the when our backs were against the when our backs were against the [singing] wall. And it looked as if it [singing] wall. And it looked as if it [singing] wall. And it looked as if it was over. was over. was over. You You You made [music and singing] made [music and singing] made [music and singing] a way. And we're standing here. And a way. And we're standing here. And a way. And we're standing here. And we're standing here only because you we're standing here only because you we're standing here only because you made you made a way. made you made a way. made you made a way. [music and singing] When our backs were when our backs were When our backs were when our backs were against the wall and it looked as if against the wall and it looked as if against the wall and it looked as if [music] it was over [music] it was over [music] it was over you, you made [singing] a way. And we're you, you made [singing] a way. And we're you, you made [singing] a way. And we're standing here and we're standing here standing here and we're standing here standing here and we're standing here only because you [music] made a way.

[music] You move mountains. You move mountains. You cause [music] walls to fall with You cause [music] walls to fall with You cause [music] walls to fall with your power. your power. your power. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You perform miracles. >> You perform miracles. >> You perform miracles. There is nothing There is nothing There is nothing that's impossible. that's impossible. that's impossible. And we're standing here only because you And we're standing here only because you And we're standing here only because you made [music] made [music] made [music] you move. you move. you move. You caused walls [singing] You caused walls [singing] You caused walls [singing] to blow. [music] to blow. [music] to blow. [music] with your power with your power with your power performing performing performing [music] because there is nothing [music] because there is nothing [music] because there is nothing that's impossible and we're standing [music] and we're standing [music] here only because you cause [music] cause [music] the walls to fall with your power the walls to fall with your power the walls to fall with your power for near.

for near. for near. There is [music] nothing There is [music] nothing There is [music] nothing that's impossible. And we're [music] standing here only And we're [music] standing here only because you stand here. We're standing because you stand here. We're standing because you stand here. We're standing here only because here only because here only because you made a way. And we're standing here you made a way. And we're standing here you made a way. And we're standing here [music] [music] [music] only because you made a way. [music] only because you made a way. [music] only because you made a way. [music] Made a way. You You made [music and singing] a way. made [music and singing] a way. made [music and singing] a way. You made [music] You made [music] You made [music] You made a way. You made a way. You made a way. You made [music] a way. You made [music] a way. You made [music] a way. made a way. I don't [music] know how, made a way. I don't [music] know how, made a way. I don't [music] know how, but you did it. You made a [music] way. but you did it. You made a [music] way. but you did it. You made a [music] way. Don't know how, but you did it. You made Don't know how, but you did it. You made Don't know how, but you did it. You made a way. [music] a way. [music] a way. [music] Don't know how, but you did it. You made Don't know how, but you did it. You made Don't know how, but you did it. You made a way.

a way. a way. Don't [music] know how, but you did it. Don't [music] know how, but you did it. Don't [music] know how, but you did it. you made. you made. you made. >> And I don't know [music] why. >> And I don't know [music] why. >> And I don't know [music] why. >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> So grateful. [music] >> So grateful. [music] >> So grateful. [music] >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> Don't know why, but I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> Don't know [music] why, but I'm >> Don't know [music] why, but I'm >> Don't know [music] why, but I'm grateful. grateful. grateful. >> You keep on keeping me over and over >> You keep on keeping me over and over >> You keep on keeping me over and over again. again. again. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And I don't know how [music] I'm grateful. I'm grateful. So grateful. [music] >> I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. >> I'm grateful. [music] [music] [music] >> I don't know why. And we're standing [music] And we're standing [music] here only because you made here only because you made here only because you made And we're standing [music] And we're standing [music] And we're standing [music] here only because you made a way. And here only because you made a way. And here only because you made a way. And we're standing [music] here only because we're standing [music] here only because we're standing [music] here only because you made a way.

Even [music] when I don't see it, you're Even [music] when I don't see it, you're working. Even when I don't feel it, working. Even when I don't feel it, working. Even when I don't feel it, you're working. [music] Never stop. you're working. [music] Never stop. you're working. [music] Never stop. [singing] You never stop working. Never [singing] You never stop working. Never [singing] You never stop working. Never stop. No, you [music] never stop stop. No, you [music] never stop stop. No, you [music] never stop working. Even when I don't see it, working. Even when I don't see it, working. Even when I don't see it, you're working. Even [music] when I you're working. Even [music] when I you're working. Even [music] when I don't feel it, you're working. Never don't feel it, you're working. Never don't feel it, you're working. Never stop. You never stop [music] working. stop. You never stop [music] working. stop. You never stop [music] working. You never stop. No, you never stop You never stop. No, you never stop You never stop. No, you never stop working. Even when I [music] don't see working. Even when I [music] don't see working. Even when I [music] don't see it, you're working. Even when I don't it, you're working. Even when I don't it, you're working. Even when I don't feel it, you're working. You never stop. feel it, you're working. You never stop. feel it, you're working. You never stop. You never [music] stop working. You You never [music] stop working. You You never [music] stop working. You never stop. No, you never stop. Never never stop. No, you never stop. Never never stop. No, you never stop. Never stop. Even when I don't see it, you're stop. Even when I don't see it, you're stop. Even when I don't see it, you're working. Even when [music] I don't feel working. Even when [music] I don't feel working. Even when [music] I don't feel it, you're working. You never stop. You it, you're working. You never stop. You it, you're working. You never stop. You never stop working. You never stop. No, never stop working. You never stop. No, never stop working. You never stop. No, you never [music] stop. Giving way. Even you never [music] stop. Giving way. Even you never [music] stop. Giving way. Even when I don't see it, you're working. when I don't see it, you're working. when I don't see it, you're working. Even when I don't feel it, [music] Even when I don't feel it, [music] Even when I don't feel it, [music] you're working. You never stop. You you're working. You never stop. You you're working. You never stop. You never stop working. You never stop. No, never stop working. You never stop. No, never stop working. You never stop. No, you never stop [music] working. Even you never stop [music] working. Even you never stop [music] working. Even when I don't see it, you're working.

when I don't see it, you're working. when I don't see it, you're working. Even [music] when I don't feel it, Even [music] when I don't feel it, Even [music] when I don't feel it, you're working. You never stop. You you're working. You never stop. You you're working. You never stop. You never stop working. You never stop. We never stop working. You never stop. We never stop working. You never stop. We call [music] you way maker, miracle call [music] you way maker, miracle call [music] you way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in [music] worker, promise keeper, light in [music] worker, promise keeper, light in [music] the darkness. My God, that is who you the darkness. My God, that is who you the darkness. My God, that is who you are. Oh, we call [music] you way maker, are. Oh, we call [music] you way maker, are. Oh, we call [music] you way maker, miracle worker, promise keep, light in miracle worker, promise keep, light in miracle worker, promise keep, light in [music] the darkness. My God, that is [music] the darkness. My God, that is [music] the darkness. My God, that is who you [music] are. That is who you who you [music] are. That is who you who you [music] are. That is who you are. That is who you are. are. That is who you are. are. That is who you are. >> That is who [music] you are. Way maker >> That is who [music] you are. Way maker >> That is who [music] you are. Way maker is who you are. is who you are. is who you are. >> That is who you [music] are. My >> That is who you [music] are. My >> That is who you [music] are. My sustainer, my healer is who you are. sustainer, my healer is who you are. sustainer, my healer is who you are. >> That is who [music] you are. >> That is who [music] you are. >> That is who [music] you are. >> Oh, what a mighty God is who you are.

[music] [music] >> Would you lift your hands with me and >> Would you lift your hands with me and >> Would you lift your hands with me and let's just begin to God, we declare you. let's just begin to God, we declare you. let's just begin to God, we declare you. You are in control. There is nothing You are in control. There is nothing You are in control. There is nothing that [music] we face that you have not that [music] we face that you have not that [music] we face that you have not already declared is defeated in the name already declared is defeated in the name already declared is defeated in the name of Jesus. God, [music] I pray for my of Jesus. God, [music] I pray for my of Jesus. God, [music] I pray for my friends right now that you would give us friends right now that you would give us friends right now that you would give us joy unspeakable and full of glory. I joy unspeakable and full of glory. I joy unspeakable and full of glory. I pray the anointing and the power and the pray the anointing and the power and the pray the anointing and the power and the presence of Jesus would come down right presence of Jesus would come down right presence of Jesus would come down right now. Make a way where there seems to be now. Make a way where there seems to be now. Make a way where there seems to be none. Lord, I pray that the friends in none. Lord, I pray that the friends in none. Lord, I pray that the friends in this room who face [music] difficulty this room who face [music] difficulty this room who face [music] difficulty and mountains that they would be gone. and mountains that they would be gone. and mountains that they would be gone. That we would walk through this season That we would walk through this season That we would walk through this season with a smile on our face and [music] a with a smile on our face and [music] a with a smile on our face and [music] a song in our heart. Lord, we rejoice in song in our heart. Lord, we rejoice in song in our heart. Lord, we rejoice in you because heaven is sounding sweeter you because heaven is sounding sweeter you because heaven is sounding sweeter every day. Lord, we declare you're in every day. Lord, we declare you're in every day. Lord, we declare you're in control and now we can't wait to see control and now we can't wait to see control and now we can't wait to see what you're about to do. In your what you're about to do. In your what you're about to do. In your precious [music] name we pray. Amen. God bless you. Have a joyfilled week God bless you. Have a joyfilled week this week.

>> I'm standing [music and singing] on >> I'm standing [music and singing] on ancient truths ancient truths ancient truths and every day you show me [singing] and every day you show me [singing] and every day you show me [singing] something new. [music] And I've seen you move. And I've seen you move. [music] [music] [music] And I know I can put my hope in you. And I know I can put my hope in you. And I know I can put my hope in you. The night's [music] long and my strength The night's [music] long and my strength The night's [music] long and my strength is gone. I [singing] don't know what to is gone. I [singing] don't know what to is gone. I [singing] don't know what to do. do. do. I'm holding on [music] cuz God, I still I'm holding on [music] cuz God, I still I'm holding on [music] cuz God, I still believe. My hope My hope it comes from you. it comes from you. it comes from you. to all my fear [music] and doubt to say to all my fear [music] and doubt to say to all my fear [music] and doubt to say there is no. And this hope is more than [music] a And this hope is more than [music] a feeling. feeling. feeling. It's the truth and expectation [music] It's the truth and expectation [music] It's the truth and expectation [music] that you'll do what you say you'll do.

that you'll do what you say you'll do. that you'll do what you say you'll do. So I [music] So I [music] So I [music] will choose to worship will choose to worship will choose to worship my way through. [music] You're faithful through the [music] You're faithful through the [music] ages. ages. ages. Your word means you come alive. [music] [music] And I have seen the proof. [music] And I have seen the proof. And I know you will always [music] see And I know you will always [music] see And I know you will always [music] see me through. me through. me through. My hope My hope My hope comes from you. comes from you. comes from you. To [music] all my fear and doubt. To [music] all my fear and doubt. To [music] all my fear and doubt. [singing] You say there is no room. [singing] You say there is no room. [singing] You say there is no room. This home is [music] more than a feel. This home is [music] more than a feel. This home is [music] more than a feel. It's the truth and expect that you'll It's the truth and expect that you'll It's the truth and expect that you'll [music] do what you say you'll do.

[music] do what you say you'll do. [music] do what you say you'll do. So I will choose to worship So I will choose to worship So I will choose to worship my way through. >> [music] >> [music] >> You are hope for all the doubt, >> You are hope for all the doubt, >> You are hope for all the doubt, hope for all [music] the weak, hope for all [music] the weak, hope for all [music] the weak, hope for all the ones who carens hope for all the ones who carens hope for all the ones who carens no one sees. You are hope for all the no one sees. You are hope for all the no one sees. You are hope for all the aes, aes, aes, hope for every need, hope for every need, hope for every need, hope for all the ones who cannot rest hope for all the ones who cannot rest hope for all the ones who cannot rest and cannot sleep. You are hope for all and cannot sleep. You are hope for all and cannot sleep. You are hope for all addiction, addiction, addiction, hope for all disease, hope for all disease, hope for all disease, hope for all depression.

hope for all depression. hope for all depression. In Jesus name be free. You are hope for In Jesus name be free. You are hope for In Jesus name be free. You are hope for every family, every family, every family, hope for all who seek, hope for all who seek, hope for all who seek, hope for every open [music] heart hope for every open [music] heart hope for every open [music] heart chooses to believe. chooses to believe. chooses to believe. My hope, My hope, My hope, it comes from you. it comes from you. it comes from you. Through every fear and doubt, [music] Through every fear and doubt, [music] Through every fear and doubt, [music] you say there is no room. you say there is no room. you say there is no room. [music] This hope is more than a [music] This hope is more than a [music] This hope is more than a feeling. feeling. feeling. It's the truth and expectation [music] It's the truth and expectation [music] It's the truth and expectation [music] that you'll do what you say you'll do. that you'll do what you say you'll do. that you'll do what you say you'll do. So I will choose to worship So I will choose to worship So I will choose to worship my way through.

>> We will not [music] be shaken >> We will not [music] be shaken >> and we will not be moved. >> and we will not be moved. >> and we will not be moved. >> I won't go nowhere. No. >> I won't go nowhere. No. >> I won't go nowhere. No. >> The Lord is [music] beside us. >> The Lord is [music] beside us. >> The Lord is [music] beside us. >> With him. With him. We cannot move. >> With him. With him. We cannot move. >> With him. With him. We cannot move. >> No. The shadow [music] surrounds us. You don't have to be afraid. You don't have to be afraid. >> We will fear no evil. >> We will fear no evil. >> We will fear no evil. >> Going to trust in [music] the Lord. We >> Going to trust in [music] the Lord. We >> Going to trust in [music] the Lord. We trust in the Lord. With our hearts and trust in the Lord. With our hearts and trust in the Lord. With our hearts and in your joy, we will dwell forever. in your joy, we will dwell forever. in your joy, we will dwell forever. >> Dwell forever. >> I know >> I know >> coming in the morning. Cuz I [music] know Cuz I [music] know >> I know do [music] do [music] if Good day for me. I know she us [music] [music] forever.

[music] [music] >> I know. I know. I know. >> I know. I know. I know. >> I know. I know. I know. >> Joy is coming >> Joy is coming >> Joy is coming in the morning. Our prayers to you, in the morning. Our prayers to you, in the morning. Our prayers to you, [music] [music] [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Cuz I know joy is >> Cuz I know joy is >> Cuz I know joy is >> I know joy is coming >> I know joy is coming >> I know joy is coming from the nightmares. from the nightmares. from the nightmares. [music] [music] [music] >> Joy is coming >> Joy is coming >> Joy is coming coming. coming. coming. >> Oh, praise you. >> Oh, praise you. >> Oh, praise you. >> Oh, praise you, >> Oh, praise you, >> Oh, praise you, >> my master. >> my master. >> my master. >> I know. [music] >> I know. [music] >> I know. [music] >> I know. I know. I know. >> I know. I know. I know. >> I know. I know. I know. >> It's coming for me. It's coming for you. >> It's coming for me. It's coming for you. >> It's coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming. It's coming for me. It's It's coming. It's coming for me. It's It's coming. It's coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming for me. [music] [music] >> We won't sorrow. Our joy is coming in. >> We won't sorrow. Our joy is coming in. >> We won't sorrow. Our joy is coming in. >> We've been do it for a night. I know. I >> We've been do it for a night. I know. I >> We've been do it for a night. I know. I know. know. know. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> We may do it for a night. I know. >> We may do it for a night. I know. >> We may do it for a night. I know. You're like [music] our darkness and You're like [music] our darkness and You're like [music] our darkness and bring our joy and light.

bring our joy and light. bring our joy and light. [music] [music] [music] Our joy is coming in the morning. Got Our joy is coming in the morning. Got Our joy is coming in the morning. Got good news today. I've got good news good news today. I've got good news good news today. I've got good news today. today. today. >> In [music] the morning. >> In [music] the morning. >> In [music] the morning. It's in the morning. It's in the morning. It's in the morning. >> In the morning. [music] >> In the morning. [music] >> In the morning. [music] >> What you been praying for? It's in the >> What you been praying for? It's in the >> What you been praying for? It's in the morning. morning. morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. Needs to wake up. Wake up. [music] Wake Needs to wake up. Wake up. [music] Wake Needs to wake up. Wake up. [music] Wake up. up. up. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> You're taking good care of me. taking >> You're taking good care of me. taking >> You're taking good care of me. taking good care of me good care of me good care of me >> in the morning. >> in the morning. >> in the morning. >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, in the morning. in the morning. in the morning. [music] [music] [music] >> Everything you need is waiting on you in >> Everything you need is waiting on you in >> Everything you need is waiting on you in the morning. the morning. the morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> Everything you need is waiting on you in >> Everything you need is waiting on you in >> Everything you need is waiting on you in [music] the morning. [music] the morning. [music] the morning. >> Your m It's in the morning. It's in the morning. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. up. up. >> Wake up. Wake up. >> Wake up. Wake up. >> Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. [music] >> Oh, praise to you, King [music] Jesus.

>> Oh, praise to you, King [music] Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Cuz I know that >> Cuz I know that >> Cuz I know that >> I know. >> I know. >> I know. >> It's coming for you. >> It's coming for you. >> It's coming for you. >> It's coming for you. Coming for me. >> It's coming for you. Coming for me. >> It's coming for you. Coming for me. [music] [music] [music] >> It's coming for me. It's coming for you. >> It's coming for me. It's coming for you. >> It's coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming for [music] me. It's coming It's coming for [music] me. It's coming It's coming for [music] me. It's coming for you. It's coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming for me. It's coming for you. for you. for you. [music] All I want [singing] to do is worship All I want [singing] to do is worship you. I could do anything, [music] be you. I could do anything, [music] be you. I could do anything, [music] be anywhere, but you're the [singing] only anywhere, but you're the [singing] only anywhere, but you're the [singing] only one who could do anything, be anywhere.

one who could do anything, be anywhere. one who could do anything, be anywhere. And your love [music and singing] is all And your love [music and singing] is all And your love [music and singing] is all I want. I felt I felt [music] your love. And nothing can compare. And nothing can compare. [music and singing] It's all It's all I want. I want. I want. [music] And I [music and singing] know that I And I [music and singing] know that I can feel your love and presence all the can feel your love and presence all the can feel your love and presence all the [music and singing] time when I worship. [music and singing] time when I worship. [music and singing] time when I worship. just [music] worship. All [music] I want to do is worship you. All [music] I want to do is worship you. I could do anything, be anywhere. But I could do anything, be anywhere. But I could do anything, be anywhere. But you're the [music] only one who can do you're the [music] only one who can do you're the [music] only one who can do anything, be anywhere. And your love is anything, be anywhere. And your love is anything, be anywhere. And your love is all I want.

all I want. all I want. Don't want to be anywhere else. Do Don't want to be anywhere else. Do Don't want to be anywhere else. Do anything [music] else but worship you. anything [music] else but worship you. anything [music] else but worship you. Don't want to be anywhere else. Do Don't want to be anywhere else. Do Don't want to be anywhere else. Do anything [music and singing] else but anything [music and singing] else but anything [music and singing] else but worship you. Don't want to be anywhere worship you. Don't want to be anywhere worship you. Don't want to be anywhere else. Do anything else [music] but else. Do anything else [music] but else. Do anything else [music] but worship you. Don't want to be anywhere worship you. Don't want to be anywhere worship you. Don't want to be anywhere else. do [music] anything [singing] else. do [music] anything [singing] else. do [music] anything [singing] else but worship you. Don't want to be else but worship you. Don't want to be else but worship you. Don't want to be anywhere [music] else. Do anything else anywhere [music] else. Do anything else anywhere [music] else. Do anything else but worship you. Don't [music] want to but worship you. Don't [music] want to but worship you. Don't [music] want to be anywhere else. Do anything else but be anywhere else. Do anything else but be anywhere else. Do anything else but worship you. All I want to worship you. All I want to worship you. All I want to [music and singing] do is worship you. All I [music] want to do is worship you. All I [music] want to do is worship you. I could do anything, be anywhere. But I could do anything, be anywhere. But I could do anything, be anywhere. But you're the [music] only one who could do you're the [music] only one who could do you're the [music] only one who could do anything, be anywhere. [singing] anything, be anywhere. [singing] anything, be anywhere. [singing] And your love is all I want.

And your love is all I want. And your love is all I want. All I want to [music and singing] do is All I want to [music and singing] do is All I want to [music and singing] do is worship you. All I [music] want to do is worship you. All I [music] want to do is worship you. I could do anything, be [music] I could do anything, be [music] I could do anything, be [music] anywhere, but you're [singing] the only anywhere, but you're [singing] the only anywhere, but you're [singing] the only one who can do anything, [music] one who can do anything, [music] one who can do anything, [music] be anywhere. And your love is [singing] be anywhere. And your love is [singing] be anywhere. And your love is [singing] all I want.