The Hidden Dangers of Success

One of life's biggest challenges is One of life's biggest challenges is something most people don't see as a something most people don't see as a something most people don't see as a problem at all. problem at all. problem at all. Success. Success. Success. We've all failed. If you're mature, you We've all failed. If you're mature, you We've all failed. If you're mature, you handle failure with dignity and grace, handle failure with dignity and grace, handle failure with dignity and grace, learn from it, and move on. learn from it, and move on. learn from it, and move on. How you deal with failure reveals a lot How you deal with failure reveals a lot How you deal with failure reveals a lot about your character. about your character. about your character. But many times the more difficult test But many times the more difficult test But many times the more difficult test is not how you handle failure, is not how you handle failure, is not how you handle failure, but how you handle success. but how you handle success. but how you handle success. Will your ego and pride get the best of Will your ego and pride get the best of Will your ego and pride get the best of you? you? you? Will you continue to trust God? Will you continue to trust God? Will you continue to trust God? Or will you begin to rely on yourself? Or will you begin to rely on yourself? Or will you begin to rely on yourself? 80% of lottery winners in this country 80% of lottery winners in this country 80% of lottery winners in this country file bankruptcy within five years of file bankruptcy within five years of file bankruptcy within five years of their big win. their big win. their big win. Five years. For years, they buy lottery Five years. For years, they buy lottery Five years. For years, they buy lottery tickets hoping for a life-changing tickets hoping for a life-changing tickets hoping for a life-changing jackpot. They win it, spend it, and lose jackpot. They win it, spend it, and lose jackpot. They win it, spend it, and lose it quick. it quick. it quick. They just can't handle the success. Now, They just can't handle the success. Now, They just can't handle the success. Now, I know what you're thinking. You're I know what you're thinking. You're I know what you're thinking. You're saying, "I'd be willing to see how I saying, "I'd be willing to see how I saying, "I'd be willing to see how I would do with that. Give me give me 10 would do with that. Give me give me 10 would do with that. Give me give me 10 or 20 or couple hundred million dollars, or 20 or couple hundred million dollars, or 20 or couple hundred million dollars, and I guarantee I won't be broke in 12 and I guarantee I won't be broke in 12 and I guarantee I won't be broke in 12 months."

months." months." By the way, if you win the lottery, the By the way, if you win the lottery, the By the way, if you win the lottery, the tithe on that is 30%. A lot of money and a little time is just A lot of money and a little time is just one example of the kind of success one example of the kind of success one example of the kind of success people struggle with. But I want to go people struggle with. But I want to go people struggle with. But I want to go deeper. deeper. deeper. Over the last 25 years as pastor, I've Over the last 25 years as pastor, I've Over the last 25 years as pastor, I've observed something that troubles me. observed something that troubles me. observed something that troubles me. When people suddenly or finally find When people suddenly or finally find When people suddenly or finally find success, it's often a red flag success, it's often a red flag success, it's often a red flag spiritually. spiritually. spiritually. They're making more money than ever They're making more money than ever They're making more money than ever before. before. before. They discover a new sport they're good They discover a new sport they're good They discover a new sport they're good at. They become popular at school. at. They become popular at school. at. They become popular at school. Something good happens and they change, Something good happens and they change, Something good happens and they change, but not necessarily for the better. but not necessarily for the better. but not necessarily for the better. Have you ever known someone who when Have you ever known someone who when Have you ever known someone who when they finally made it, they changed? they finally made it, they changed? they finally made it, they changed? On their way to the top, they were kind On their way to the top, they were kind On their way to the top, they were kind and friendly, but when they got to the and friendly, but when they got to the and friendly, but when they got to the top, they suddenly didn't have time for top, they suddenly didn't have time for top, they suddenly didn't have time for people like you. people like you. people like you. On their way to the top, they were On their way to the top, they were On their way to the top, they were humble servants, but when they got to humble servants, but when they got to humble servants, but when they got to the top, they were completely different.

the top, they were completely different. the top, they were completely different. On their way to the top, they recognized On their way to the top, they recognized On their way to the top, they recognized the value of others as a team, but when the value of others as a team, but when the value of others as a team, but when they got to the top, they were convinced they got to the top, they were convinced they got to the top, they were convinced they'd done it all on their own. We they'd done it all on their own. We they'd done it all on their own. We don't like people who gloat, boast, and don't like people who gloat, boast, and don't like people who gloat, boast, and take all the credit. But there's take all the credit. But there's take all the credit. But there's something inside of each of us that something inside of each of us that something inside of each of us that struggles with success. struggles with success. struggles with success. It's sneaky. It's sneaky. It's sneaky. If the enemy can't get you by ruining If the enemy can't get you by ruining If the enemy can't get you by ruining your life, he'll make your life so good your life, he'll make your life so good your life, he'll make your life so good that you ruin your eternity. When you fail, you have no trouble When you fail, you have no trouble giving things to God and turning to him. giving things to God and turning to him. giving things to God and turning to him. How often moments of failure do people How often moments of failure do people How often moments of failure do people pray, "Lord, I give this business to pray, "Lord, I give this business to pray, "Lord, I give this business to you. It belongs to you, Lord. Do with it you. It belongs to you, Lord. Do with it you. It belongs to you, Lord. Do with it as you will. Lord, I give this marriage as you will. Lord, I give this marriage as you will. Lord, I give this marriage to you. Lord, I give my family to you." to you. Lord, I give my family to you." to you. Lord, I give my family to you." But when you succeed, But when you succeed, But when you succeed, you have a tendency to forget the God you have a tendency to forget the God you have a tendency to forget the God who's blessed you and instead take the who's blessed you and instead take the who's blessed you and instead take the credit yourself. Because after all, you credit yourself. Because after all, you credit yourself. Because after all, you worked hard. worked hard. worked hard. You stayed up late. You studied extra.

You stayed up late. You studied extra. You stayed up late. You studied extra. You made good decisions. You invested You made good decisions. You invested You made good decisions. You invested wise. You had the winning idea. You did wise. You had the winning idea. You did wise. You had the winning idea. You did it right. I want to tell a story from way back I want to tell a story from way back almost 22 years ago. almost 22 years ago. almost 22 years ago. August 18th, 2004. August 18th, 2004. August 18th, 2004. I was walking alongside the Indian Ocean I was walking alongside the Indian Ocean I was walking alongside the Indian Ocean outside my my hotel in Darc Salam, outside my my hotel in Darc Salam, outside my my hotel in Darc Salam, Tanzania. Tanzania. Tanzania. I was scheduled to begin speaking that I was scheduled to begin speaking that I was scheduled to begin speaking that night at the general council of the night at the general council of the night at the general council of the Assemblies of God in Tanzania. A a Assemblies of God in Tanzania. A a Assemblies of God in Tanzania. A a series of meetings for pastors from all series of meetings for pastors from all series of meetings for pastors from all over the country from over 200 churches. over the country from over 200 churches. over the country from over 200 churches. They were coming. I was the speaker. I They were coming. I was the speaker. I They were coming. I was the speaker. I admit I was feeling pretty good about admit I was feeling pretty good about admit I was feeling pretty good about myself. This was it. I had arrived. It's myself. This was it. I had arrived. It's myself. This was it. I had arrived. It's the first time I was ever invited to the first time I was ever invited to the first time I was ever invited to speak at a national convention. speak at a national convention. speak at a national convention. I walked along the ocean and I walked along the ocean and I walked along the ocean and I was feeling pretty impressed with I was feeling pretty impressed with I was feeling pretty impressed with myself. I was thinking how wonderful I'd myself. I was thinking how wonderful I'd myself. I was thinking how wonderful I'd do that night. Begin to grow in my mind.

do that night. Begin to grow in my mind. do that night. Begin to grow in my mind. Tanzania would just be phase one of my Tanzania would just be phase one of my Tanzania would just be phase one of my international preaching campaign. international preaching campaign. international preaching campaign. Requests would flood in from all over Requests would flood in from all over Requests would flood in from all over the world. They would it'd be so big the the world. They would it'd be so big the the world. They would it'd be so big the meetings, we wouldn't be able to house meetings, we wouldn't be able to house meetings, we wouldn't be able to house them in churches. We'd have to rent them in churches. We'd have to rent them in churches. We'd have to rent soccer stadiums. I mean, I was I was soccer stadiums. I mean, I was I was soccer stadiums. I mean, I was I was internationally famous in my mind. internationally famous in my mind. internationally famous in my mind. Now, I know you're disappointed, but Now, I know you're disappointed, but Now, I know you're disappointed, but the story isn't finished yet, so just the story isn't finished yet, so just the story isn't finished yet, so just hold off on your judgment. hold off on your judgment. hold off on your judgment. As I was saying, there's a tendency in As I was saying, there's a tendency in As I was saying, there's a tendency in all of us when we achieve some degree of all of us when we achieve some degree of all of us when we achieve some degree of success to become enamored with success to become enamored with success to become enamored with ourselves and take more credit than we ourselves and take more credit than we ourselves and take more credit than we should. should. should. I was walking along the ocean, I was walking along the ocean, I was walking along the ocean, impressed with myself. impressed with myself. impressed with myself. There wasn't an audible voice from There wasn't an audible voice from There wasn't an audible voice from heaven, but all of a sudden, I had this heaven, but all of a sudden, I had this heaven, but all of a sudden, I had this overwhelming sense that I was pretty overwhelming sense that I was pretty overwhelming sense that I was pretty sure from God. sure from God. sure from God. I was supposed to face the ocean and I was supposed to face the ocean and I was supposed to face the ocean and yell. I know it sounds silly, but I did it. I I know it sounds silly, but I did it. I toughened my voice. I yelled, "I am Rod toughened my voice. I yelled, "I am Rod toughened my voice. I yelled, "I am Rod Lloyd."

And then I sensed God speak these words And then I sensed God speak these words to my heart. Hey, did anyone hear that? to my heart. Hey, did anyone hear that? to my heart. Hey, did anyone hear that? See anyone impressed? See anyone impressed? See anyone impressed? Does anyone even know you're here? Does anyone even know you're here? Does anyone even know you're here? Hey Rod, I created that ocean and your Hey Rod, I created that ocean and your Hey Rod, I created that ocean and your voice will never be heard over the roar voice will never be heard over the roar voice will never be heard over the roar of my ocean. of my ocean. of my ocean. I got the message, sat down on the edge I got the message, sat down on the edge I got the message, sat down on the edge of the cliff, changed my prayer. of the cliff, changed my prayer. of the cliff, changed my prayer. I wrote it down in my journal that day. I wrote it down in my journal that day. I wrote it down in my journal that day. I I prayed, "God, I lay down my crowns, I I prayed, "God, I lay down my crowns, I I prayed, "God, I lay down my crowns, my accomplishments at your feet. Any my accomplishments at your feet. Any my accomplishments at your feet. Any success I have in this world is only success I have in this world is only success I have in this world is only because of you. There's nothing special because of you. There's nothing special because of you. There's nothing special about me. Everything about you is about me. Everything about you is about me. Everything about you is special. Forgive me for thinking I'm the special. Forgive me for thinking I'm the special. Forgive me for thinking I'm the point. I'm not the point. You're the point. I'm not the point. You're the point. I'm not the point. You're the point. And God, if you would please point. And God, if you would please point. And God, if you would please speak through me with a message of hope speak through me with a message of hope speak through me with a message of hope and encouragement for these pastors and encouragement for these pastors and encouragement for these pastors tonight. tonight. tonight. I walked beside the ocean that afternoon I walked beside the ocean that afternoon I walked beside the ocean that afternoon and I cried for two reasons. First, I and I cried for two reasons. First, I and I cried for two reasons. First, I cried tears of shame cried tears of shame cried tears of shame that for a short period of time, I had that for a short period of time, I had that for a short period of time, I had really lost sight of what mattered.

really lost sight of what mattered. really lost sight of what mattered. Second, I cried tears of joy that God Second, I cried tears of joy that God Second, I cried tears of joy that God would love and use me in spite of my would love and use me in spite of my would love and use me in spite of my weakness and that I figured it out weakness and that I figured it out weakness and that I figured it out before I made a big fool of myself. before I made a big fool of myself. before I made a big fool of myself. I had a great time with God headed to I had a great time with God headed to I had a great time with God headed to the meeting. When we got there, the room the meeting. When we got there, the room the meeting. When we got there, the room was full. There were 1500 to 2,000 was full. There were 1500 to 2,000 was full. There were 1500 to 2,000 African pastors packed in that place for African pastors packed in that place for African pastors packed in that place for a business session before the service. I a business session before the service. I a business session before the service. I was escorted the platform, special seat was escorted the platform, special seat was escorted the platform, special seat at the table. I sat down, waited for my at the table. I sat down, waited for my at the table. I sat down, waited for my time to speak. And they handed me a copy time to speak. And they handed me a copy time to speak. And they handed me a copy of the conference program and I that's of the conference program and I that's of the conference program and I that's good. I wanted it because I want to send good. I wanted it because I want to send good. I wanted it because I want to send it to my mom. And I opened the program it to my mom. And I opened the program it to my mom. And I opened the program to see my picture and the name of me, to see my picture and the name of me, to see my picture and the name of me, the keynote speaker. But instead of the keynote speaker. But instead of the keynote speaker. But instead of saying Rod Ly, it said Lord Roy. I remembered my God moment and just I remembered my God moment and just started laughing. God was reminding me started laughing. God was reminding me started laughing. God was reminding me really wasn't about me. In fact, they really wasn't about me. In fact, they really wasn't about me. In fact, they didn't even know my name.

didn't even know my name. didn't even know my name. And so I I silently prayed, "Okay, God, And so I I silently prayed, "Okay, God, And so I I silently prayed, "Okay, God, I get it." I get it." I get it." Second second way, you let me know. Second second way, you let me know. Second second way, you let me know. Thanks. I'm with you. I got it. The Thanks. I'm with you. I got it. The Thanks. I'm with you. I got it. The election they were having was taking a election they were having was taking a election they were having was taking a long time. I sat there for about an long time. I sat there for about an long time. I sat there for about an hour, and I'll never forget what hour, and I'll never forget what hour, and I'll never forget what happened next. I saw the leader of the happened next. I saw the leader of the happened next. I saw the leader of the churches in Tanzania motion to Greg churches in Tanzania motion to Greg churches in Tanzania motion to Greg Begs, my missionary host, and they kind Begs, my missionary host, and they kind Begs, my missionary host, and they kind of went back uh backstage and talked. of went back uh backstage and talked. of went back uh backstage and talked. And when they were done, Greg motioned And when they were done, Greg motioned And when they were done, Greg motioned to me. And I went back, he said, "Rod, to me. And I went back, he said, "Rod, to me. And I went back, he said, "Rod, um they're really embarrassed to ask um they're really embarrassed to ask um they're really embarrassed to ask this, but would you mind if we cancelled this, but would you mind if we cancelled this, but would you mind if we cancelled the service tonight? the service tonight? the service tonight? Uh no one wants to offend you, but it's Uh no one wants to offend you, but it's Uh no one wants to offend you, but it's been a long day. The preachers haven't been a long day. The preachers haven't been a long day. The preachers haven't eaten, and they're wore out. What do you eaten, and they're wore out. What do you eaten, and they're wore out. What do you think? My first general counsel, they decided My first general counsel, they decided they'd rather eat dinner than hear me they'd rather eat dinner than hear me they'd rather eat dinner than hear me speak.

speak. speak. They were worried I would be offended. They were worried I would be offended. They were worried I would be offended. Instead, I snuck behind the stage. I Instead, I snuck behind the stage. I Instead, I snuck behind the stage. I looked to heaven and said, "God, you are looked to heaven and said, "God, you are looked to heaven and said, "God, you are so good at driving points home. so good at driving points home. so good at driving points home. I get it." That's time number three. I get it." That's time number three. I get it." That's time number three. Lesson learned. It is not about me. It Lesson learned. It is not about me. It Lesson learned. It is not about me. It is all about you. The next night, I was is all about you. The next night, I was is all about you. The next night, I was scheduled to speak again. scheduled to speak again. scheduled to speak again. Sitting on the platform during worship, Sitting on the platform during worship, Sitting on the platform during worship, I noticed none of the missionaries were I noticed none of the missionaries were I noticed none of the missionaries were in the service. I was by myself with the in the service. I was by myself with the in the service. I was by myself with the African pastors. African pastors. African pastors. And when the time came for me to be And when the time came for me to be And when the time came for me to be introduced, introduced, introduced, the leader got up and said, "Mission the leader got up and said, "Mission the leader got up and said, "Mission Greg Begs was supposed to introduce our Greg Begs was supposed to introduce our Greg Begs was supposed to introduce our speaker, but since he isn't here, here speaker, but since he isn't here, here speaker, but since he isn't here, here is Lord Roy." And walking to the pulpit, And walking to the pulpit, I silently prayed. I silently prayed. I silently prayed. I got the message. God got it. It's not I got the message. God got it. It's not I got the message. God got it. It's not about me. No one is here to listen to about me. No one is here to listen to about me. No one is here to listen to me. They don't even know who I am. They me. They don't even know who I am. They me. They don't even know who I am. They aren't here for me. They're here for aren't here for me. They're here for aren't here for me. They're here for you. I get it.

you. I get it. you. I get it. Not about me. I ask you to speak through Not about me. I ask you to speak through Not about me. I ask you to speak through me. me. me. Anytime I start feeling a little full of Anytime I start feeling a little full of Anytime I start feeling a little full of myself, myself, myself, I remember that moment and that lesson. I remember that moment and that lesson. I remember that moment and that lesson. We're studying lessons from the early We're studying lessons from the early We're studying lessons from the early church. There's a lot to learn from how church. There's a lot to learn from how church. There's a lot to learn from how Paul handled a moment of remarkable Paul handled a moment of remarkable Paul handled a moment of remarkable success. But before we get to Paul, I success. But before we get to Paul, I success. But before we get to Paul, I want to look at another key figure from want to look at another key figure from want to look at another key figure from that time. Not a church leader, but a that time. Not a church leader, but a that time. Not a church leader, but a political leader, King Herod. The story political leader, King Herod. The story political leader, King Herod. The story is found in Acts 12. On the appointed is found in Acts 12. On the appointed is found in Acts 12. On the appointed day, Herod, wearing his royal robe, sat day, Herod, wearing his royal robe, sat day, Herod, wearing his royal robe, sat on his throne, delivered a public on his throne, delivered a public on his throne, delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, address to the people. They shouted, address to the people. They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not a man." "This is the voice of a god, not a man." "This is the voice of a god, not a man." We don't know what he talked about. We don't know what he talked about. We don't know what he talked about. Apparently, he was a really good Apparently, he was a really good Apparently, he was a really good speaker. So much so that people decided speaker. So much so that people decided speaker. So much so that people decided he was a god. he was a god. he was a god. And we learned several lessons from And we learned several lessons from And we learned several lessons from Herod, a man who couldn't handle Herod, a man who couldn't handle Herod, a man who couldn't handle success. First, don't believe everything success. First, don't believe everything success. First, don't believe everything you hear. you hear. you hear. [snorts] If you look hard enough, you [snorts] If you look hard enough, you [snorts] If you look hard enough, you can find someone to tell you how can find someone to tell you how can find someone to tell you how wonderful you are. Before long, you can wonderful you are. Before long, you can wonderful you are. Before long, you can start believing it. Well, I am the best start believing it. Well, I am the best start believing it. Well, I am the best speaker they ever heard.

speaker they ever heard. speaker they ever heard. I did make all this money on my own. I did make all this money on my own. I did make all this money on my own. I might really be the smartest person in I might really be the smartest person in I might really be the smartest person in the world. the world. the world. I am the best athlete. They wouldn't win I am the best athlete. They wouldn't win I am the best athlete. They wouldn't win without me. without me. without me. You know, I've looked around and they're You know, I've looked around and they're You know, I've looked around and they're right. I am the prettiest girl in the right. I am the prettiest girl in the right. I am the prettiest girl in the room. room. room. These people are sure lucky that they These people are sure lucky that they These people are sure lucky that they get to know me. get to know me. get to know me. God's even lucky that he has me in his God's even lucky that he has me in his God's even lucky that he has me in his church. church. church. If you want to mishandle success, If you want to mishandle success, If you want to mishandle success, believe everything you hear. Accept the believe everything you hear. Accept the believe everything you hear. Accept the praise and flattery of people because praise and flattery of people because praise and flattery of people because after all, you deserve it, right? after all, you deserve it, right? after all, you deserve it, right? Look what happened to Herod. Verse 23. Look what happened to Herod. Verse 23. Look what happened to Herod. Verse 23. Immediately, because Herod did not give Immediately, because Herod did not give Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord praise to God, an angel of the Lord praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down. He was eaten by worms struck him down. He was eaten by worms struck him down. He was eaten by worms and died. and died. and died. People praised him as a God. when he People praised him as a God. when he People praised him as a God. when he didn't give praise to one and only true didn't give praise to one and only true didn't give praise to one and only true God and angels struck him down, the God and angels struck him down, the God and angels struck him down, the worms ate him, he was dead. So maybe the worms ate him, he was dead. So maybe the worms ate him, he was dead. So maybe the best example in the whole Bible, pride best example in the whole Bible, pride best example in the whole Bible, pride goes before a fall. Now that seems goes before a fall. Now that seems goes before a fall. Now that seems pretty extreme, right? But God was pretty extreme, right? But God was pretty extreme, right? But God was sending a message. Unchecked pride sending a message. Unchecked pride sending a message. Unchecked pride always carries consequences.

always carries consequences. always carries consequences. Herod didn't die the death of a hero. He Herod didn't die the death of a hero. He Herod didn't die the death of a hero. He was by eaten by worms and died all was by eaten by worms and died all was by eaten by worms and died all because he couldn't handle success. And because he couldn't handle success. And because he couldn't handle success. And I love the next sentence, the end of I love the next sentence, the end of I love the next sentence, the end of this four verse story. this four verse story. this four verse story. But the word of God continued to But the word of God continued to But the word of God continued to increase and spread. increase and spread. increase and spread. Herod was dead and that affected things. Herod was dead and that affected things. Herod was dead and that affected things. How? How? How? Not at all. The word of God continued to Not at all. The word of God continued to Not at all. The word of God continued to increase and spread. It's a painful increase and spread. It's a painful increase and spread. It's a painful lesson, but it's true. Life goes on. lesson, but it's true. Life goes on. lesson, but it's true. Life goes on. Have you ever left somewhere convinced Have you ever left somewhere convinced Have you ever left somewhere convinced they just couldn't make it without you? they just couldn't make it without you? they just couldn't make it without you? You discover in a few weeks they can You discover in a few weeks they can You discover in a few weeks they can make it without you. make it without you. make it without you. They can live without you. Might even do They can live without you. Might even do They can live without you. Might even do better. Life goes on. There's an old better. Life goes on. There's an old better. Life goes on. There's an old saying, stick your hand in a bucket of saying, stick your hand in a bucket of saying, stick your hand in a bucket of water. Now pull it out. The hole that water. Now pull it out. The hole that water. Now pull it out. The hole that remains is a measure of how much you'll remains is a measure of how much you'll remains is a measure of how much you'll be missed. be missed. be missed. No one is indispensable. No one is No one is indispensable. No one is No one is indispensable. No one is irreplaceable.

irreplaceable. irreplaceable. That truth can sting when you first hear That truth can sting when you first hear That truth can sting when you first hear it. It's also incredibly freeing. The it. It's also incredibly freeing. The it. It's also incredibly freeing. The weight of the world is not on your weight of the world is not on your weight of the world is not on your shoulders. God's work will go on. shoulders. God's work will go on. shoulders. God's work will go on. Success story number two is found in Success story number two is found in Success story number two is found in Acts 14. Once again, the crowd had a Acts 14. Once again, the crowd had a Acts 14. Once again, the crowd had a hero worship moment. This time directed hero worship moment. This time directed hero worship moment. This time directed towards Paul and Barnabas, who handled towards Paul and Barnabas, who handled towards Paul and Barnabas, who handled it much different. And from their it much different. And from their it much different. And from their example, we learn the right way to example, we learn the right way to example, we learn the right way to handle success. We pick it up in verse handle success. We pick it up in verse handle success. We pick it up in verse eight. Enlist her there sat a man eight. Enlist her there sat a man eight. Enlist her there sat a man crippled in his feet who was lame from crippled in his feet who was lame from crippled in his feet who was lame from birth and never walked. He listened to birth and never walked. He listened to birth and never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw he had faith to be directly at him, saw he had faith to be directly at him, saw he had faith to be healed and called out, "You stand up on healed and called out, "You stand up on healed and called out, "You stand up on your feet." your feet." your feet." At that the man jumped up and began to At that the man jumped up and began to At that the man jumped up and began to walk. Paul's speaking before a crowd walk. Paul's speaking before a crowd walk. Paul's speaking before a crowd doing very well. Crowd hang on every doing very well. Crowd hang on every doing very well. Crowd hang on every word. In the middle of the message, Paul word. In the middle of the message, Paul word. In the middle of the message, Paul saw a man who had never walked, never saw a man who had never walked, never saw a man who had never walked, never stood on his own in his life.

stood on his own in his life. stood on his own in his life. In the culture of that day, this man was In the culture of that day, this man was In the culture of that day, this man was useless. He was a beggar. He was good useless. He was a beggar. He was good useless. He was a beggar. He was good for nothing. And his condition was for nothing. And his condition was for nothing. And his condition was because someone had sinned. because someone had sinned. because someone had sinned. But in spite of his success and the But in spite of his success and the But in spite of his success and the praise of the crowd, Paul noticed the praise of the crowd, Paul noticed the praise of the crowd, Paul noticed the man everyone else ignored. man everyone else ignored. man everyone else ignored. When you become too important to notice When you become too important to notice When you become too important to notice the hurting, they aren't the losers. You the hurting, they aren't the losers. You the hurting, they aren't the losers. You are. are. are. No matter how important you become, how No matter how important you become, how No matter how important you become, how big you get, how much money you have, big you get, how much money you have, big you get, how much money you have, how in demand you are. Never forget, how in demand you are. Never forget, how in demand you are. Never forget, every soul matters to God. every soul matters to God. every soul matters to God. God doesn't look down at you and say, God doesn't look down at you and say, God doesn't look down at you and say, "Wow, I'm sure glad she's in the kingdom "Wow, I'm sure glad she's in the kingdom "Wow, I'm sure glad she's in the kingdom because she's a success. because she's a success. because she's a success. Well, he has a lot of money. I sure like Well, he has a lot of money. I sure like Well, he has a lot of money. I sure like him better than those poor people. him better than those poor people. him better than those poor people. No, God looks at every soul and simply No, God looks at every soul and simply No, God looks at every soul and simply sees individuals that matter to him. sees individuals that matter to him. sees individuals that matter to him. The man got up. He'd never walked his The man got up. He'd never walked his The man got up. He'd never walked his life. He got up and began to walk. He's life. He got up and began to walk. He's life. He got up and began to walk. He's going crazy. The crowd's going crazy.

going crazy. The crowd's going crazy. going crazy. The crowd's going crazy. And the crowd decided Paul was more than And the crowd decided Paul was more than And the crowd decided Paul was more than a great speaker. When the crowd saw what a great speaker. When the crowd saw what a great speaker. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted, "The gods Paul had done, they shouted, "The gods Paul had done, they shouted, "The gods have come down in human form." have come down in human form." have come down in human form." Barnabas they called Zeus. Paul they Barnabas they called Zeus. Paul they Barnabas they called Zeus. Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief called Hermes because he was the chief called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. speaker. speaker. What would you do if a big crowd of What would you do if a big crowd of What would you do if a big crowd of people decided you were God? people decided you were God? people decided you were God? You might tell them all to go home and You might tell them all to go home and You might tell them all to go home and get their jewelry and their money and get their jewelry and their money and get their jewelry and their money and bring it to you. bring it to you. bring it to you. Maybe you'd have them feed you grapes Maybe you'd have them feed you grapes Maybe you'd have them feed you grapes and fan you. and fan you. and fan you. had to be a heady emotional experience. had to be a heady emotional experience. had to be a heady emotional experience. Just like Herod, Paul and Barnabas in Just like Herod, Paul and Barnabas in Just like Herod, Paul and Barnabas in the eyes of the crowd were gods. The the eyes of the crowd were gods. The the eyes of the crowd were gods. The lesson, beware of flattery. lesson, beware of flattery. lesson, beware of flattery. Be careful. It is nice to hear people Be careful. It is nice to hear people Be careful. It is nice to hear people say wonderful things about you, but say wonderful things about you, but say wonderful things about you, but Proverbs 31:30 says, "Charm is Proverbs 31:30 says, "Charm is Proverbs 31:30 says, "Charm is deceitful." deceitful." deceitful." You can be deceived by flattery into You can be deceived by flattery into You can be deceived by flattery into thinking you are more than you are. thinking you are more than you are. thinking you are more than you are. I thank God for a long-term team, for I thank God for a long-term team, for I thank God for a long-term team, for trusted leaders, and for a sometimes trusted leaders, and for a sometimes trusted leaders, and for a sometimes painfully honest family who tell me painfully honest family who tell me painfully honest family who tell me difficult truths. It's important.

difficult truths. It's important. difficult truths. It's important. Accountability and honest feedback keeps Accountability and honest feedback keeps Accountability and honest feedback keeps you from mistakes and failures. All too you from mistakes and failures. All too you from mistakes and failures. All too often, when you hear feedback you don't often, when you hear feedback you don't often, when you hear feedback you don't like or a friend challenges you on a like or a friend challenges you on a like or a friend challenges you on a decision, you paint that person as an decision, you paint that person as an decision, you paint that person as an enemy. But you need loving, honest, enemy. But you need loving, honest, enemy. But you need loving, honest, caring, truthtelling friends in your caring, truthtelling friends in your caring, truthtelling friends in your life. You need people who will say life. You need people who will say life. You need people who will say you're being a jerk. You need to be you're being a jerk. You need to be you're being a jerk. You need to be quiet. quiet. quiet. Are there people in your life who tell Are there people in your life who tell Are there people in your life who tell you the truth you the truth you the truth even if it's not what you want to hear? even if it's not what you want to hear? even if it's not what you want to hear? Or are you surrounded by people who just Or are you surrounded by people who just Or are you surrounded by people who just tell you what you want to hear? tell you what you want to hear? tell you what you want to hear? In this case, I think Paul and Barnabas In this case, I think Paul and Barnabas In this case, I think Paul and Barnabas had heard the herit story. Crowd called had heard the herit story. Crowd called had heard the herit story. Crowd called him God. He liked it. Struck dead, eaten him God. He liked it. Struck dead, eaten him God. He liked it. Struck dead, eaten by worms. So, they weren't going to make by worms. So, they weren't going to make by worms. So, they weren't going to make the same mistake. the same mistake. the same mistake. They had the opposite reaction. The They had the opposite reaction. The They had the opposite reaction. The priest of Zeus, whose temple is just priest of Zeus, whose temple is just priest of Zeus, whose temple is just outside the city, brought bulls and outside the city, brought bulls and outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and wreaths to the city gates because he and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifice to the crowd wanted to offer sacrifice to the crowd wanted to offer sacrifice to them. But when Paul and Barnabas heard them. But when Paul and Barnabas heard them. But when Paul and Barnabas heard this, they tore their clothes, they this, they tore their clothes, they this, they tore their clothes, they rushed into the crowd, shouting, "Men, rushed into the crowd, shouting, "Men, rushed into the crowd, shouting, "Men, why are you doing this? We too were only why are you doing this? We too were only why are you doing this? We too were only men just like you." As the crowd started men just like you." As the crowd started men just like you." As the crowd started to offer sacrifices, Paul and Barnabas to offer sacrifices, Paul and Barnabas to offer sacrifices, Paul and Barnabas interrupt him and said, "You got it all interrupt him and said, "You got it all interrupt him and said, "You got it all wrong. We are not gods. There's nothing wrong. We are not gods. There's nothing wrong. We are not gods. There's nothing special about us. We are ordinary special about us. We are ordinary special about us. We are ordinary people. We're just like you.

people. We're just like you. people. We're just like you. Now, you say, "I'm gonna do okay on this Now, you say, "I'm gonna do okay on this Now, you say, "I'm gonna do okay on this one, Rod, because I've never had anyone one, Rod, because I've never had anyone one, Rod, because I've never had anyone think I was a god. And I don't I never think I was a god. And I don't I never think I was a god. And I don't I never thought I was. This will be easy." Now, thought I was. This will be easy." Now, thought I was. This will be easy." Now, understand people probably aren't going understand people probably aren't going understand people probably aren't going to rush your house bringing bulls to to rush your house bringing bulls to to rush your house bringing bulls to sacrifice before you, but people may sacrifice before you, but people may sacrifice before you, but people may decide you have all the answers. decide you have all the answers. decide you have all the answers. They may decide you don't make mistakes. They may decide you don't make mistakes. They may decide you don't make mistakes. They may think you're the smartest, the They may think you're the smartest, the They may think you're the smartest, the wealthiest, the wisest, the best. When wealthiest, the wisest, the best. When wealthiest, the wisest, the best. When that happens, be realistic. What you that happens, be realistic. What you that happens, be realistic. What you have. And what you are is because God have. And what you are is because God have. And what you are is because God has gifted you. has gifted you. has gifted you. If you have wisdom, it's from God. If If you have wisdom, it's from God. If If you have wisdom, it's from God. If you have wealth, it's from him. If you you have wealth, it's from him. If you you have wealth, it's from him. If you have success, it's from him. We're just have success, it's from him. We're just have success, it's from him. We're just humans, humans, humans, capable mistakes and failures. Be capable mistakes and failures. Be capable mistakes and failures. Be realistic. realistic. realistic. Paul continued to say to the crowd, Paul continued to say to the crowd, Paul continued to say to the crowd, "We're only men like you. We're bringing "We're only men like you. We're bringing "We're only men like you. We're bringing you good news, telling you to turn from you good news, telling you to turn from you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things, all the stuff these worthless things, all the stuff these worthless things, all the stuff you're bringing us to the living God who you're bringing us to the living God who you're bringing us to the living God who made heaven and earth and sea and made heaven and earth and sea and made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. Paul and Barnabas everything in them. Paul and Barnabas everything in them. Paul and Barnabas were realistic. Then they went right were realistic. Then they went right were realistic. Then they went right back to what they were supposed to be back to what they were supposed to be back to what they were supposed to be doing, sharing the good news about God doing, sharing the good news about God doing, sharing the good news about God and his power.

and his power. and his power. If you forget your purpose, what God has If you forget your purpose, what God has If you forget your purpose, what God has told you to do, you will quickly short told you to do, you will quickly short told you to do, you will quickly short circuit your success. circuit your success. circuit your success. Even when things are going well, Even when things are going well, Even when things are going well, especially when things are going well, especially when things are going well, especially when things are going well, remember your assignment. remember your assignment. remember your assignment. Generally, we all have the same Generally, we all have the same Generally, we all have the same assignment. You are salt and light. Your assignment. You are salt and light. Your assignment. You are salt and light. Your job is to share the love of Jesus in a job is to share the love of Jesus in a job is to share the love of Jesus in a sin-filled world. sin-filled world. sin-filled world. Specifically, God has directed you and Specifically, God has directed you and Specifically, God has directed you and gifted you to make a difference. gifted you to make a difference. gifted you to make a difference. Don't let success move you away from Don't let success move you away from Don't let success move you away from that assignment. that assignment. that assignment. Don't get so busy that you forget your Don't get so busy that you forget your Don't get so busy that you forget your calling. calling. calling. Don't make the mistake of thinking that Don't make the mistake of thinking that Don't make the mistake of thinking that his blessings are for your advancement. his blessings are for your advancement. his blessings are for your advancement. His blessings are to advance his His blessings are to advance his His blessings are to advance his kingdom. kingdom. kingdom. But we see it all the time. But we see it all the time. But we see it all the time. He was incredibly faithful to God when He was incredibly faithful to God when He was incredibly faithful to God when things were going wrong, times were things were going wrong, times were things were going wrong, times were hard. hard. hard. He trusted God. He prayed for help. Then He trusted God. He prayed for help. Then He trusted God. He prayed for help. Then when business got better and the money when business got better and the money when business got better and the money was flowing again, he got busy because was flowing again, he got busy because was flowing again, he got busy because there were things to do. He dropped out there were things to do. He dropped out there were things to do. He dropped out of ministry of ministry of ministry because he he was too busy. Then his because he he was too busy. Then his because he he was too busy. Then his church attendance got sporadic. And then church attendance got sporadic. And then church attendance got sporadic. And then one day he decided he just didn't have one day he decided he just didn't have one day he decided he just didn't have time for church anymore. What happened time for church anymore. What happened time for church anymore. What happened in the light of success? He forgot his in the light of success? He forgot his in the light of success? He forgot his assignment.

assignment. assignment. Every once in a while I get Every once in a while I get Every once in a while I get opportunities to speak or serve on opportunities to speak or serve on opportunities to speak or serve on boards. In those moments I remember my boards. In those moments I remember my boards. In those moments I remember my assignment. I love this local church. I assignment. I love this local church. I assignment. I love this local church. I want to reach lost people in central want to reach lost people in central want to reach lost people in central Arkansas. Those other things are Arkansas. Those other things are Arkansas. Those other things are sometimes good, but only if I stay sometimes good, but only if I stay sometimes good, but only if I stay focused on what God has called me to do, focused on what God has called me to do, focused on what God has called me to do, my primary assignment right here with my primary assignment right here with my primary assignment right here with you. you. you. Paul continued, "In the past, he let all Paul continued, "In the past, he let all Paul continued, "In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not nations go their own way. Yet he has not nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony. He's left himself without testimony. He's left himself without testimony. He's shown kindness by giving you rain from shown kindness by giving you rain from shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons. He heaven and crops in their seasons. He heaven and crops in their seasons. He provides you with plenty of food and provides you with plenty of food and provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. In reaction fills your hearts with joy. In reaction fills your hearts with joy. In reaction to their success, Paul and Barnabas to their success, Paul and Barnabas to their success, Paul and Barnabas modeled an important response. Give God modeled an important response. Give God modeled an important response. Give God the glory. the glory. the glory. Remember the importance of every soul. Remember the importance of every soul. Remember the importance of every soul. Beware of flattery. Be realistic. Beware of flattery. Be realistic. Beware of flattery. Be realistic. Remember your assignment. Do all that, Remember your assignment. Do all that, Remember your assignment. Do all that, but never forget to give God the glory. but never forget to give God the glory. but never forget to give God the glory. Why? Because he deserves it.

Why? Because he deserves it. Why? Because he deserves it. >> God alone is your source and provider. >> God alone is your source and provider. >> God alone is your source and provider. He is the source of your joy. When you He is the source of your joy. When you He is the source of your joy. When you succeed, instead of being puffed up with succeed, instead of being puffed up with succeed, instead of being puffed up with pride, give God the glory. Point to his pride, give God the glory. Point to his pride, give God the glory. Point to his strength, to his power, and to his strength, to his power, and to his strength, to his power, and to his grace. grace. grace. It's especially easy to fall into pride It's especially easy to fall into pride It's especially easy to fall into pride when you struggle with insecurity. when you struggle with insecurity. when you struggle with insecurity. Instead of boasting about your Instead of boasting about your Instead of boasting about your accomplishments to earn the praise of accomplishments to earn the praise of accomplishments to earn the praise of others or covering up your flaws with others or covering up your flaws with others or covering up your flaws with confidence that it isn't real, remember confidence that it isn't real, remember confidence that it isn't real, remember it was never about your accomplishments it was never about your accomplishments it was never about your accomplishments to begin with. As you shift from to begin with. As you shift from to begin with. As you shift from glorifying yourself to glorifying God, glorifying yourself to glorifying God, glorifying yourself to glorifying God, he will heal the insecurities you're he will heal the insecurities you're he will heal the insecurities you're trying to hide. trying to hide. trying to hide. Paul and Barnabas gave God the glory. Paul and Barnabas gave God the glory. Paul and Barnabas gave God the glory. But even with those words, they had But even with those words, they had But even with those words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from difficulty keeping the crowd from difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing them. sacrificing them. sacrificing them. Then some Jews came from Antioch and Then some Jews came from Antioch and Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over it. They Iconium and won the crowd over it. They Iconium and won the crowd over it. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the stoned Paul and dragged him outside the stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city think he was dead. city think he was dead. city think he was dead. What What What a few minutes ago they were ready to a few minutes ago they were ready to a few minutes ago they were ready to make sacrifices of Paul as a god.

make sacrifices of Paul as a god. make sacrifices of Paul as a god. Critics showed up with a few negative Critics showed up with a few negative Critics showed up with a few negative words. The crowd changed their words. The crowd changed their words. The crowd changed their collective mind. Instead of worshiping collective mind. Instead of worshiping collective mind. Instead of worshiping Paul, they decided to stone him to throw Paul, they decided to stone him to throw Paul, they decided to stone him to throw rocks at him till he died. And when they rocks at him till he died. And when they rocks at him till he died. And when they were done, they drugg his body outside were done, they drugg his body outside were done, they drugg his body outside the city and left it there, thinking he the city and left it there, thinking he the city and left it there, thinking he was dead. Pretty big switch. was dead. Pretty big switch. was dead. Pretty big switch. Probably not what Paul expected. Probably not what Paul expected. Probably not what Paul expected. Your success may last longer than Your success may last longer than Your success may last longer than Paul's, Paul's, Paul's, but it won't last forever. but it won't last forever. but it won't last forever. The same crowd that loved you can turn The same crowd that loved you can turn The same crowd that loved you can turn on you. The same people who supported on you. The same people who supported on you. The same people who supported you can leave you. The same business you can leave you. The same business you can leave you. The same business that made a million can lose a million. that made a million can lose a million. that made a million can lose a million. The same people who once sang your The same people who once sang your The same people who once sang your praise can turn into loud, angry praise can turn into loud, angry praise can turn into loud, angry critics. critics. critics. That's why it's so important to stay on That's why it's so important to stay on That's why it's so important to stay on mission and give God the glory. mission and give God the glory. mission and give God the glory. Don't get on that endless roller coaster Don't get on that endless roller coaster Don't get on that endless roller coaster of emotion. You've seen it. When things of emotion. You've seen it. When things of emotion. You've seen it. When things are going great, they're world beaters. are going great, they're world beaters. are going great, they're world beaters. When it takes a turn for the worst, they When it takes a turn for the worst, they When it takes a turn for the worst, they fall into depression. fall into depression. fall into depression. I know this doesn't seem very I know this doesn't seem very I know this doesn't seem very encouraging, but it's an important encouraging, but it's an important encouraging, but it's an important success lesson. Remember, success success lesson. Remember, success success lesson. Remember, success doesn't last forever.

doesn't last forever. doesn't last forever. What lasts forever? God's love lasts What lasts forever? God's love lasts What lasts forever? God's love lasts forever. God's grace lasts forever. forever. God's grace lasts forever. forever. God's grace lasts forever. God's forgiveness lasts forever. God's God's forgiveness lasts forever. God's God's forgiveness lasts forever. God's mercy lasts forever. God's faithfulness mercy lasts forever. God's faithfulness mercy lasts forever. God's faithfulness lasts forever. God's kindness lasts lasts forever. God's kindness lasts lasts forever. God's kindness lasts forever. If you're going to put your forever. If you're going to put your forever. If you're going to put your trust and hope in something, choose trust and hope in something, choose trust and hope in something, choose something eternal, something eternal, something eternal, not something as temporary as money, not something as temporary as money, not something as temporary as money, attention, position, or fame. attention, position, or fame. attention, position, or fame. Paul was left for dead. Paul was left for dead. Paul was left for dead. But after the disciples had gathered But after the disciples had gathered But after the disciples had gathered around them, which you can read that around them, which you can read that around them, which you can read that mean prayed for him, he got up, went mean prayed for him, he got up, went mean prayed for him, he got up, went back into the city. The next day he and back into the city. The next day he and back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derby. They preached Barnabas left for Derby. They preached Barnabas left for Derby. They preached the good news in that city and won a the good news in that city and won a the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. large number of disciples. large number of disciples. The world may write you off as dead The world may write you off as dead The world may write you off as dead and done. and done. and done. In their eyes, you're a has been, but In their eyes, you're a has been, but In their eyes, you're a has been, but even in the face of persecution and even in the face of persecution and even in the face of persecution and hardship, Paul demonstrated you can't hardship, Paul demonstrated you can't hardship, Paul demonstrated you can't keep God's men down.

keep God's men down. keep God's men down. After almost being killed, Paul got After almost being killed, Paul got After almost being killed, Paul got right back on mission, preaching the right back on mission, preaching the right back on mission, preaching the good news, and people came to Jesus. good news, and people came to Jesus. good news, and people came to Jesus. Paul recognized success was never his in Paul recognized success was never his in Paul recognized success was never his in the first place. It all belonged to God. the first place. It all belonged to God. the first place. It all belonged to God. Now, I want to end this service a little Now, I want to end this service a little Now, I want to end this service a little different different different than usual. than usual. than usual. We often pray for people who are We often pray for people who are We often pray for people who are struggling, having problems, struggling, having problems, struggling, having problems, and and that's important. We need to do and and that's important. We need to do and and that's important. We need to do that as a church. If you came today and that as a church. If you came today and that as a church. If you came today and you're struggling, I encourage you after you're struggling, I encourage you after you're struggling, I encourage you after service, go right through these doors. service, go right through these doors. service, go right through these doors. The prayer room is the third door on the The prayer room is the third door on the The prayer room is the third door on the left. Our prayer pastors there. We want left. Our prayer pastors there. We want left. Our prayer pastors there. We want to pray with you. But I want to do to pray with you. But I want to do to pray with you. But I want to do something different today. I want to something different today. I want to something different today. I want to pray for you if things are going well. pray for you if things are going well. pray for you if things are going well. We don't often pray for people things We don't often pray for people things We don't often pray for people things are going good. are going good. are going good. But success can be a trap. But success can be a trap. But success can be a trap. Success can be the moment where you most Success can be the moment where you most Success can be the moment where you most often walk away from the Lord. I You often walk away from the Lord. I You often walk away from the Lord. I You know what? Over the years, I've seen it.

know what? Over the years, I've seen it. know what? Over the years, I've seen it. I've seen more people walk away from God I've seen more people walk away from God I've seen more people walk away from God when they were successful than when they when they were successful than when they when they were successful than when they failed. failed. failed. And so, I want to pray for you. I want And so, I want to pray for you. I want And so, I want to pray for you. I want to pray God's protection. to pray God's protection. to pray God's protection. I want to pray that you'll be wise. I want to pray that you'll be wise. I want to pray that you'll be wise. I want to pray that he'll continue to I want to pray that he'll continue to I want to pray that he'll continue to bless you. I want to pray that you'll bless you. I want to pray that you'll bless you. I want to pray that you'll use his blessings to advance his use his blessings to advance his use his blessings to advance his kingdom. If things are going well, I kingdom. If things are going well, I kingdom. If things are going well, I want to pray for you. So, if things are want to pray for you. So, if things are want to pray for you. So, if things are going good right now, health is good, uh going good right now, health is good, uh going good right now, health is good, uh you're doing good financially, you're doing good financially, you're doing good financially, everything's kind of rocking along, everything's kind of rocking along, everything's kind of rocking along, would you stand? I want to pray for you. Don't you don't have to be ashamed or Don't you don't have to be ashamed or embarrassed. It's okay that things are embarrassed. It's okay that things are embarrassed. It's okay that things are going good. going good. going good. But I want to pray for you. Now, we're going to do the same thing we Now, we're going to do the same thing we do when someone's hurting. If somebody do when someone's hurting. If somebody do when someone's hurting. If somebody near you is standing, would you stand near you is standing, would you stand near you is standing, would you stand with them? with them? with them? Put your hand on their shoulder or put Put your hand on their shoulder or put Put your hand on their shoulder or put your arm around them your arm around them your arm around them and we're going to pray together.

People standing with you are going to People standing with you are going to pray. I'm going to pray and we're going pray. I'm going to pray and we're going pray. I'm going to pray and we're going to believe with you. to believe with you. to believe with you. Lord, I pray for people in this room and Lord, I pray for people in this room and Lord, I pray for people in this room and people watching online people watching online people watching online who are experiencing success. [music] who are experiencing success. [music] who are experiencing success. [music] Things are going well. Lord, you're Things are going well. Lord, you're Things are going well. Lord, you're blessing them. Business is doing good. blessing them. Business is doing good. blessing them. Business is doing good. Financially, they're doing good. Uh Financially, they're doing good. Uh Financially, they're doing good. Uh their family is doing well. God, I pray their family is doing well. God, I pray their family is doing well. God, I pray that in the in even in the middle of that in the in even in the middle of that in the in even in the middle of success, they would recognize that success, they would recognize that success, they would recognize that everything they have comes from you and everything they have comes from you and everything they have comes from you and belongs to you. that you are the source belongs to you. that you are the source belongs to you. that you are the source of all good things, that you are the of all good things, that you are the of all good things, that you are the source of success. source of success. source of success. I pray God that they would be realistic. I pray God that they would be realistic. I pray God that they would be realistic. Never think it's because of themselves, Never think it's because of themselves, Never think it's because of themselves, but always remember it's because of you. but always remember it's because of you. but always remember it's because of you. I pray God that they would have loving I pray God that they would have loving I pray God that they would have loving truth tellers in their lives who truth tellers in their lives who truth tellers in their lives who continue to speak [music] truth to them.

continue to speak [music] truth to them. continue to speak [music] truth to them. Lord, I pray that they would give you Lord, I pray that they would give you Lord, I pray that they would give you the glory and the honor and the credit the glory and the honor and the credit the glory and the honor and the credit and the praise. Lord, I pray [music] and the praise. Lord, I pray [music] and the praise. Lord, I pray [music] that they would notice hurting people that they would notice hurting people that they would notice hurting people around them and reach out and care to around them and reach out and care to around them and reach out and care to those around them. those around them. those around them. And Lord, I pray that everything you've And Lord, I pray that everything you've And Lord, I pray that everything you've blessed them with, blessed them with, blessed them with, they would see that's not just something they would see that's not just something they would see that's not just something for them to consume, but that's for them to consume, but that's for them to consume, but that's something to share to advance your something to share to advance your something to share to advance your kingdom. Lord, I pray you'd bless them kingdom. Lord, I pray you'd bless them kingdom. Lord, I pray you'd bless them even more. even more. even more. Pour out your goodness and pour out your Pour out your goodness and pour out your Pour out your goodness and pour out your blessings on their lives, Lord. Not so blessings on their lives, Lord. Not so blessings on their lives, Lord. Not so they can have more, but so they can do they can have more, but so they can do they can have more, but so they can do more and give more and and honor you. more and give more and and honor you. more and give more and and honor you. Bless your blessed people. I pray Bless your blessed people. I pray Bless your blessed people. I pray we give you the glory and you the praise we give you the glory and you the praise we give you the glory and you the praise and you the honor and you the credit and you the honor and you the credit and you the honor and you the credit because you deserve it and you are because you deserve it and you are because you deserve it and you are worthy. and we thank you for trusting worthy. and we thank you for trusting worthy. and we thank you for trusting [music] us in Jesus name.

[music] us in Jesus name. [music] us in Jesus name. >> Amen.