Healed Days | Pastor Daniel Floyd

Good morning. Welcome to church Good morning. Welcome to church everybody. Come on every campus. Put everybody. Come on every campus. Put everybody. Come on every campus. Put your hands together for Jesus today. your hands together for Jesus today. your hands together for Jesus today. He is worthy. He is worthy. He is worthy. [applause and music] [applause and music] [applause and music] All of our worship. Want to say hello to All of our worship. Want to say hello to All of our worship. Want to say hello to all of our locations. Everyone joining all of our locations. Everyone joining all of our locations. Everyone joining us online or on demand later in the us online or on demand later in the us online or on demand later in the week. of course, [music] our gateway week. of course, [music] our gateway week. of course, [music] our gateway gatherings and our prison campuses. And gatherings and our prison campuses. And gatherings and our prison campuses. And if you're here for the first time or if you're here for the first time or if you're here for the first time or maybe the first time in a long time, uh maybe the first time in a long time, uh maybe the first time in a long time, uh we want to say welcome. Come on, every we want to say welcome. Come on, every we want to say welcome. Come on, every campus. Let's put our hands together for campus. Let's put our hands together for campus. Let's put our hands together for those who are with us and maybe the those who are with us and maybe the those who are with us and maybe the first time in a little while. We're first time in a little while. We're first time in a little while. We're honored that you chose to spend the honored that you chose to spend the honored that you chose to spend the morning with us. We are in week two of a morning with us. We are in week two of a morning with us. We are in week two of a series called Best Days. And uh we've series called Best Days. And uh we've series called Best Days. And uh we've been Last week we talked about last week been Last week we talked about last week been Last week we talked about last week your best days are your faithfilled your best days are your faithfilled your best days are your faithfilled days. And today I want to talk on this days. And today I want to talk on this days. And today I want to talk on this idea that your best days are your healed idea that your best days are your healed idea that your best days are your healed days. days. days. That God could have so many wonderful That God could have so many wonderful That God could have so many wonderful things for you in your future, but if things for you in your future, but if things for you in your future, but if you walk into them wounded, you will you walk into them wounded, you will you walk into them wounded, you will miss out. And so we want to talk about miss out. And so we want to talk about miss out. And so we want to talk about your best days are your healed days. So your best days are your healed days. So your best days are your healed days. So if you're the note-taking type, write if you're the note-taking type, write if you're the note-taking type, write that down. If not, write it down that down. If not, write it down that down. If not, write it down anyways. And I do want to remind you anyways. And I do want to remind you anyways. And I do want to remind you September the 13th, don't miss that September the 13th, don't miss that September the 13th, don't miss that Sunday. Having a series called This is Sunday. Having a series called This is Sunday. Having a series called This is Us. We're going to be talking about Us. We're going to be talking about Us. We're going to be talking about where God's leading us as a church. And where God's leading us as a church. And where God's leading us as a church. And so, if this is home for you, uh, then so, if this is home for you, uh, then so, if this is home for you, uh, then you want to make sure you're in the room you want to make sure you're in the room you want to make sure you're in the room for all of that series. Psalms 61 verse for all of that series. Psalms 61 verse for all of that series. Psalms 61 verse 1-4, David writes this in a really tough 1-4, David writes this in a really tough 1-4, David writes this in a really tough time in his life. He says, "Hear my cry, time in his life. He says, "Hear my cry, time in his life. He says, "Hear my cry, oh God. Listen to my prayer. From the oh God. Listen to my prayer. From the oh God. Listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth, I call to you. I call

ends of the earth, I call to you. I call ends of the earth, I call to you. I call as my heart grows faint. Lead me to the as my heart grows faint. Lead me to the as my heart grows faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have rock that is higher than I. For you have rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against been my refuge, a strong tower against been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent the foe. I long to dwell in your tent the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter forever and take refuge in the shelter forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Talk to you about healed of your wings. Talk to you about healed of your wings. Talk to you about healed days. Let's pray together. Father, our days. Let's pray together. Father, our days. Let's pray together. Father, our heart and our minds is open to you heart and our minds is open to you heart and our minds is open to you today. So, Holy Spirit, speak to us. We today. So, Holy Spirit, speak to us. We today. So, Holy Spirit, speak to us. We believe your word can change us, can believe your word can change us, can believe your word can change us, can heal us, can transform us. And so, would heal us, can transform us. And so, would heal us, can transform us. And so, would you do that in this place? And we ask you do that in this place? And we ask you do that in this place? And we ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. this in the mighty name of Jesus. this in the mighty name of Jesus. Everybody said, "Amen." Everybody said, "Amen." Everybody said, "Amen." >> Amen. How many of you have ever been >> Amen. How many of you have ever been >> Amen. How many of you have ever been around two children and they get into around two children and they get into around two children and they get into the my dad is conversation? the my dad is conversation? the my dad is conversation? My dad's stronger than your dad. My dad My dad's stronger than your dad. My dad My dad's stronger than your dad. My dad can beat up your dad. Anybody ever been can beat up your dad. Anybody ever been can beat up your dad. Anybody ever been around that? Like my dad um I mean it'll around that? Like my dad um I mean it'll around that? Like my dad um I mean it'll get to the place of where my dad lifts get to the place of where my dad lifts get to the place of where my dad lifts can lift a car. I mean it just it it can lift a car. I mean it just it it can lift a car. I mean it just it it escalates really fast, right, everyone? escalates really fast, right, everyone? escalates really fast, right, everyone? Um, and what what's happening in the Um, and what what's happening in the Um, and what what's happening in the conversation is this. They're just conversation is this. They're just conversation is this. They're just basically saying, "I've got a lot of basically saying, "I've got a lot of basically saying, "I've got a lot of confidence in my dad." Um, you can see confidence in my dad." Um, you can see confidence in my dad." Um, you can see it on the playground, right? I know when it on the playground, right? I know when it on the playground, right? I know when our kids were were little and maybe a our kids were were little and maybe a our kids were were little and maybe a first time into a new environment or first time into a new environment or first time into a new environment or first time on a playground, we may have first time on a playground, we may have first time on a playground, we may have been to the park or even walking into been to the park or even walking into been to the park or even walking into school, they'd kind of make their way by school, they'd kind of make their way by school, they'd kind of make their way by themselves, but look back over to make themselves, but look back over to make themselves, but look back over to make sure that mom and dad was still present, sure that mom and dad was still present, sure that mom and dad was still present, right? Why? because the presence of right? Why? because the presence of right? Why? because the presence of their parents brought confidence to their parents brought confidence to their parents brought confidence to them, right? And and how many of you

them, right? And and how many of you them, right? And and how many of you know that whenever they got hurt on the know that whenever they got hurt on the know that whenever they got hurt on the playground, then they quickly run over playground, then they quickly run over playground, then they quickly run over to mom and dad, right? Expecting that to mom and dad, right? Expecting that to mom and dad, right? Expecting that you can fix it, that you can solve the you can fix it, that you can solve the you can fix it, that you can solve the problem, that that the scraped knee can problem, that that the scraped knee can problem, that that the scraped knee can be resolved if I can just get to mom and be resolved if I can just get to mom and be resolved if I can just get to mom and dad. And and here's the reality of it is dad. And and here's the reality of it is dad. And and here's the reality of it is my kids never were concerned about my kids never were concerned about my kids never were concerned about whether or not their scraped knee whether or not their scraped knee whether or not their scraped knee mattered to me. They never asked, "Dad, mattered to me. They never asked, "Dad, mattered to me. They never asked, "Dad, do you care about this?" They assumed I do you care about this?" They assumed I do you care about this?" They assumed I did and ran to me. Really to Tammy did and ran to me. Really to Tammy did and ran to me. Really to Tammy first, if she was Come on, everybody first, if she was Come on, everybody first, if she was Come on, everybody runs to mom first. We're second dad. We runs to mom first. We're second dad. We runs to mom first. We're second dad. We We understand that. And so all of us had We understand that. And so all of us had We understand that. And so all of us had those people in our life, father figure, those people in our life, father figure, those people in our life, father figure, an uncle, somebody in your life that an uncle, somebody in your life that an uncle, somebody in your life that you're like, "Man, their presence brings you're like, "Man, their presence brings you're like, "Man, their presence brings me confidence. And whenever I'm hurting, me confidence. And whenever I'm hurting, me confidence. And whenever I'm hurting, I could run to them as a child." And I could run to them as a child." And I could run to them as a child." And here's what I've noticed is that when here's what I've noticed is that when here's what I've noticed is that when you're wounded as a kid, you're quick to you're wounded as a kid, you're quick to you're wounded as a kid, you're quick to run to those who can help you. When run to those who can help you. When run to those who can help you. When you're wounded as an adult, you hesitate you're wounded as an adult, you hesitate you're wounded as an adult, you hesitate to run. to run. to run. That whenever something gets wounded in That whenever something gets wounded in That whenever something gets wounded in our soul because what do you do in life our soul because what do you do in life our soul because what do you do in life when it's not a straight knee anymore when it's not a straight knee anymore when it's not a straight knee anymore and it's it's not a a hurt feelings and and it's it's not a a hurt feelings and and it's it's not a a hurt feelings and it's not something happening on the it's not something happening on the it's not something happening on the playground and I bump my knee? What do playground and I bump my knee? What do playground and I bump my knee? What do you do when the wound is deeper? What do you do when the wound is deeper? What do you do when the wound is deeper? What do you do when the wound is in your soul?

you do when the wound is in your soul? you do when the wound is in your soul? What do you do with a wounded soul? What do you do with a wounded soul? What do you do with a wounded soul? Because here's the reality is that you Because here's the reality is that you Because here's the reality is that you will never live your best days if you're will never live your best days if you're will never live your best days if you're walking wounded. You'll never experience walking wounded. You'll never experience walking wounded. You'll never experience everything that God has for you in life everything that God has for you in life everything that God has for you in life if you're walking with a wounded soul. if you're walking with a wounded soul. if you're walking with a wounded soul. Because here's why. Because your wounds Because here's why. Because your wounds Because here's why. Because your wounds become the window through which you see become the window through which you see become the window through which you see everything. everything. everything. Your wounds become the window through Your wounds become the window through Your wounds become the window through which you see your relationships and you which you see your relationships and you which you see your relationships and you see friends and you see marriage and you see friends and you see marriage and you see friends and you see marriage and you see parenting and you see how you see parenting and you see how you see parenting and you see how you develop in your career. Everything gets develop in your career. Everything gets develop in your career. Everything gets filtered through the window of wounds. filtered through the window of wounds. filtered through the window of wounds. Let me say it this way. It becomes the Let me say it this way. It becomes the Let me say it this way. It becomes the lens through which you see everything. lens through which you see everything. lens through which you see everything. Have you ever been taking a picture or Have you ever been taking a picture or Have you ever been taking a picture or maybe a selfie with some friends and you maybe a selfie with some friends and you maybe a selfie with some friends and you hold it up and it's it's like cloudy the hold it up and it's it's like cloudy the hold it up and it's it's like cloudy the picture is and someone's like, "Give me picture is and someone's like, "Give me picture is and someone's like, "Give me the phone." They take their shirt and the phone." They take their shirt and the phone." They take their shirt and they clean off the lens, right? Here's they clean off the lens, right? Here's they clean off the lens, right? Here's what a lot of us do. Instead of fixing what a lot of us do. Instead of fixing what a lot of us do. Instead of fixing the lens, we want to fix the picture. the lens, we want to fix the picture. the lens, we want to fix the picture. So, if I could fix the boss, if I could So, if I could fix the boss, if I could So, if I could fix the boss, if I could fix my wife, if I could fix the kids, if fix my wife, if I could fix the kids, if fix my wife, if I could fix the kids, if I could fix the church, if I could fix I could fix the church, if I could fix I could fix the church, if I could fix the whatever, fill in the blank, then the whatever, fill in the blank, then the whatever, fill in the blank, then maybe it would fix everything. So, we maybe it would fix everything. So, we maybe it would fix everything. So, we spend all of our energies wanting to fix spend all of our energies wanting to fix spend all of our energies wanting to fix people. And maybe, just maybe, God is people. And maybe, just maybe, God is people. And maybe, just maybe, God is saying, "If you would change the window saying, "If you would change the window saying, "If you would change the window through which you're seeing life, maybe through which you're seeing life, maybe through which you're seeing life, maybe it would fix a whole lot of things.

it would fix a whole lot of things. it would fix a whole lot of things. Maybe I'm just proposing, remember, I'm Maybe I'm just proposing, remember, I'm Maybe I'm just proposing, remember, I'm your friend, your friend, your friend, that the that the picture doesn't need that the that the picture doesn't need that the that the picture doesn't need to be fixed. Maybe it's something in you to be fixed. Maybe it's something in you to be fixed. Maybe it's something in you that needs to be healed that needs to be healed that needs to be healed because we look through the window of because we look through the window of because we look through the window of our wounds." our wounds." our wounds." Peter Scazario in his book, The Peter Scazario in his book, The Peter Scazario in his book, The Emotionally Healthy Leader, calls this Emotionally Healthy Leader, calls this Emotionally Healthy Leader, calls this the shadow side. That we all have this the shadow side. That we all have this the shadow side. That we all have this shadow side. And I love the way he says shadow side. And I love the way he says shadow side. And I love the way he says it. I want to read the quote to you. He it. I want to read the quote to you. He it. I want to read the quote to you. He says, "Your shadow is the accumulation says, "Your shadow is the accumulation says, "Your shadow is the accumulation of untamed emotions. It's less than pure of untamed emotions. It's less than pure of untamed emotions. It's less than pure motives and thought that while largely motives and thought that while largely motives and thought that while largely are unconscious, listen to this, are unconscious, listen to this, are unconscious, listen to this, strongly influence and shape behaviors. strongly influence and shape behaviors. strongly influence and shape behaviors. It is the damaged but most hidden It is the damaged but most hidden It is the damaged but most hidden version of who you are. It's the wounded version of who you are. It's the wounded version of who you are. It's the wounded part of you. In the book, Meeting the part of you. In the book, Meeting the part of you. In the book, Meeting the Shadow, the psychologist Connie Zwg Shadow, the psychologist Connie Zwg Shadow, the psychologist Connie Zwg writes this. It is dangerous. It's writes this. It is dangerous. It's writes this. It is dangerous. It's disorderly and forever in hiding as if disorderly and forever in hiding as if disorderly and forever in hiding as if the light of consciousness would steal the light of consciousness would steal the light of consciousness would steal its very life. It is the part of you its very life. It is the part of you its very life. It is the part of you that whether through life experience or that whether through life experience or that whether through life experience or circumstances or whatever it may be, circumstances or whatever it may be, circumstances or whatever it may be, trauma of the past, something someone trauma of the past, something someone trauma of the past, something someone has spoken over you, sometimes someone has spoken over you, sometimes someone has spoken over you, sometimes someone hurt you, they didn't stand up for you, hurt you, they didn't stand up for you, hurt you, they didn't stand up for you, whatever it may be, whatever caused the whatever it may be, whatever caused the whatever it may be, whatever caused the wound in your life, it is that part of wound in your life, it is that part of wound in your life, it is that part of you that wants to stay hidden. Matter of you that wants to stay hidden. Matter of you that wants to stay hidden. Matter of fact, the enemy wants you to keep it fact, the enemy wants you to keep it fact, the enemy wants you to keep it hidden because what you hide cannot get hidden because what you hide cannot get hidden because what you hide cannot get healed.

healed. healed. But whenever you're willing to expose it But whenever you're willing to expose it But whenever you're willing to expose it to God, God has a way of healing the to God, God has a way of healing the to God, God has a way of healing the deepest wounds in your heart. But the deepest wounds in your heart. But the deepest wounds in your heart. But the enemy wants you to keep it hidden. Why? enemy wants you to keep it hidden. Why? enemy wants you to keep it hidden. Why? Because it will undermine the very best Because it will undermine the very best Because it will undermine the very best of you. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4 of you. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4 of you. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4 that we have this treasure which is that we have this treasure which is that we have this treasure which is Christ in us, the hope of glory, Christ in us, the hope of glory, Christ in us, the hope of glory, but it is in earthn vessels. but it is in earthn vessels. but it is in earthn vessels. So we have this beautiful treasure which So we have this beautiful treasure which So we have this beautiful treasure which is Christ. If you've placed your faith is Christ. If you've placed your faith is Christ. If you've placed your faith in him, you have this beautiful in him, you have this beautiful in him, you have this beautiful treasure. If not, I'll give you an treasure. If not, I'll give you an treasure. If not, I'll give you an opportunity to do that today. But it is opportunity to do that today. But it is opportunity to do that today. But it is housed within earthn vessels. In other housed within earthn vessels. In other housed within earthn vessels. In other words, beautiful treasure. Clay pots. words, beautiful treasure. Clay pots. words, beautiful treasure. Clay pots. Could I say cracked pots? How many even know we've all got some How many even know we've all got some cracked areas in our life? None of us cracked areas in our life? None of us cracked areas in our life? None of us have arrived yet. None of us are perfect have arrived yet. None of us are perfect have arrived yet. None of us are perfect yet. And so it's this it's this tension yet. And so it's this it's this tension yet. And so it's this it's this tension of we have this beautiful treasure of of we have this beautiful treasure of of we have this beautiful treasure of Christ, but it's in these earthn Christ, but it's in these earthn Christ, but it's in these earthn vessels. And these earthn vessels are vessels. And these earthn vessels are vessels. And these earthn vessels are subject to pain and they're subject to subject to pain and they're subject to subject to pain and they're subject to issues and they're subject to issues and they're subject to issues and they're subject to challenges. And it's that shadow side.

challenges. And it's that shadow side. challenges. And it's that shadow side. Let me say it this way. That shadow side Let me say it this way. That shadow side Let me say it this way. That shadow side is the part of you that caused you to is the part of you that caused you to is the part of you that caused you to respond with a higher level of anger to respond with a higher level of anger to respond with a higher level of anger to your children than the moment really your children than the moment really your children than the moment really deserved this week. And in in the deserved this week. And in in the deserved this week. And in in the moment, you knew this has nothing to do moment, you knew this has nothing to do moment, you knew this has nothing to do with them. with them. with them. Is this too real? Is this too real? Is this too real? >> It's the part of you that you've been >> It's the part of you that you've been >> It's the part of you that you've been walking with Jesus for 40 years, but you walking with Jesus for 40 years, but you walking with Jesus for 40 years, but you still can't say certain names without still can't say certain names without still can't say certain names without tightening your jaw. tightening your jaw. tightening your jaw. That's the shadow. That's the shadow. That's the shadow. That's the shadow. And it undermines the That's the shadow. And it undermines the That's the shadow. And it undermines the very best of you. The shadow side of you very best of you. The shadow side of you very best of you. The shadow side of you keeps you from being able to be a safe keeps you from being able to be a safe keeps you from being able to be a safe place for other wounded people. place for other wounded people. place for other wounded people. Because whenever you're hurt, hurt Because whenever you're hurt, hurt Because whenever you're hurt, hurt people hurt people. people hurt people. people hurt people. And whenever you're wounded, you judge And whenever you're wounded, you judge And whenever you're wounded, you judge in others what you disdain in yourself. in others what you disdain in yourself. in others what you disdain in yourself. But can I tell you something? The good But can I tell you something? The good But can I tell you something? The good news is healed people can heal people. news is healed people can heal people. news is healed people can heal people. >> And Jesus has the power to heal whatever >> And Jesus has the power to heal whatever >> And Jesus has the power to heal whatever wound that you're dealing with. Let me wound that you're dealing with. Let me wound that you're dealing with. Let me explain it to you this way. Did you know explain it to you this way. Did you know explain it to you this way. Did you know you're made up of three parts?

you're made up of three parts? you're made up of three parts? You're like, I thought I got more parts You're like, I thought I got more parts You're like, I thought I got more parts than that. than that. than that. According to the Bible, you are body, According to the Bible, you are body, According to the Bible, you are body, that's this, your flesh. your soul, that's this, your flesh. your soul, that's this, your flesh. your soul, that's your mind, will and emotions, and that's your mind, will and emotions, and that's your mind, will and emotions, and then your spirit. Your spirit is made then your spirit. Your spirit is made then your spirit. Your spirit is made alive whenever you come to Christ. But alive whenever you come to Christ. But alive whenever you come to Christ. But how many of you know your mind, will, how many of you know your mind, will, how many of you know your mind, will, and emotions have had a whole life and emotions have had a whole life and emotions have had a whole life experience. experience. experience. >> And so your spirit is saying, "Forgive >> And so your spirit is saying, "Forgive >> And so your spirit is saying, "Forgive them, love them, care for them." Your them, love them, care for them." Your them, love them, care for them." Your soul is going, "I want to give them a soul is going, "I want to give them a soul is going, "I want to give them a piece of my mind. I want to punch them piece of my mind. I want to punch them piece of my mind. I want to punch them in the throat." And God is in the in the throat." And God is in the in the throat." And God is in the process of sanctifying. This is the process of sanctifying. This is the process of sanctifying. This is the process of sanctification. your mind, process of sanctification. your mind, process of sanctification. your mind, will and emotions so that your body acts will and emotions so that your body acts will and emotions so that your body acts more like Jesus and less like you. more like Jesus and less like you. more like Jesus and less like you. And the wounds happen in your soul. And the wounds happen in your soul. And the wounds happen in your soul. So the spirit of God is wanting to So the spirit of God is wanting to So the spirit of God is wanting to transform and heal that part of you transform and heal that part of you transform and heal that part of you so that your mind, will, and emotions so that your mind, will, and emotions so that your mind, will, and emotions come into line with who Jesus is and how come into line with who Jesus is and how come into line with who Jesus is and how he wants you to live in this life. Are he wants you to live in this life. Are he wants you to live in this life. Are y'all tracking with me?

y'all tracking with me? y'all tracking with me? And so the world tells us And so the world tells us And so the world tells us medicate it. medicate it. medicate it. The world tells us brand it. In other The world tells us brand it. In other The world tells us brand it. In other words, give an image to everybody around words, give an image to everybody around words, give an image to everybody around you that everything's good on the you that everything's good on the you that everything's good on the inside. inside. inside. The world tells you to suff it. Forget The world tells you to suff it. Forget The world tells you to suff it. Forget about it. But David gives us another about it. But David gives us another about it. But David gives us another option in Psalms chapter 61. I'm going option in Psalms chapter 61. I'm going option in Psalms chapter 61. I'm going to show you today. to show you today. to show you today. David is writing this psalm in the David is writing this psalm in the David is writing this psalm in the context. If you're with me, say amen. We context. If you're with me, say amen. We context. If you're with me, say amen. We good? Dave's writing this. David is good? Dave's writing this. David is good? Dave's writing this. David is Dave. We'll call him Dave now. King Dave. We'll call him Dave now. King Dave. We'll call him Dave now. King Dave, Dave, Dave, new name. [laughter] Psalm 61. Most scholars believe the Psalm 61. Most scholars believe the context of this that he's writing this context of this that he's writing this context of this that he's writing this while he's running. Listen to this. From while he's running. Listen to this. From while he's running. Listen to this. From his son Abselum. his son Abselum. his son Abselum. So if you know the Old Testament story, So if you know the Old Testament story, So if you know the Old Testament story, his son Abselum instead of waiting his his son Abselum instead of waiting his his son Abselum instead of waiting his turn to become king because he would turn to become king because he would turn to become king because he would have been heer apparent to the throne. have been heer apparent to the throne. have been heer apparent to the throne. He decides to get ahead of God and ahead He decides to get ahead of God and ahead He decides to get ahead of God and ahead of timing. And so he begins to curry of timing. And so he begins to curry of timing. And so he begins to curry favor with the people. And he starts to favor with the people. And he starts to favor with the people. And he starts to sit at the city gate and say things sit at the city gate and say things sit at the city gate and say things like, "Hey, if I were king, I'd do it like, "Hey, if I were king, I'd do it like, "Hey, if I were king, I'd do it this way." And so people begin to become this way." And so people begin to become this way." And so people begin to become endeared to him. And he begins to build endeared to him. And he begins to build endeared to him. And he begins to build some followers. While David is out some followers. While David is out some followers. While David is out fighting battles, David comes back and fighting battles, David comes back and fighting battles, David comes back and his son is trying to overthrow the his son is trying to overthrow the his son is trying to overthrow the kingdom. And so David is now on the run kingdom. And so David is now on the run kingdom. And so David is now on the run because Abselum wants his dad dead. Let because Abselum wants his dad dead. Let because Abselum wants his dad dead. Let me just pause here and say that it's me just pause here and say that it's me just pause here and say that it's often not the Philistine or Goliath or a often not the Philistine or Goliath or a often not the Philistine or Goliath or a stranger that gives you your deepest stranger that gives you your deepest stranger that gives you your deepest wounds.

wounds. wounds. >> It's often the people that are closest >> It's often the people that are closest >> It's often the people that are closest to you. to you. to you. >> Because people that you do not open your >> Because people that you do not open your >> Because people that you do not open your heart to cannot hurt you. But the people heart to cannot hurt you. But the people heart to cannot hurt you. But the people you open your heart to, you're you open your heart to, you're you open your heart to, you're vulnerable for hurt. vulnerable for hurt. vulnerable for hurt. And here's the deal. You can either And here's the deal. You can either And here's the deal. You can either choose to live life without hurt. You'll choose to live life without hurt. You'll choose to live life without hurt. You'll also choose to live life without love. So it's David is wounded and you hear it So it's David is wounded and you hear it in the psalm because he says, "Oh Lord, in the psalm because he says, "Oh Lord, in the psalm because he says, "Oh Lord, hear my cry." I wonder if you've ever hear my cry." I wonder if you've ever hear my cry." I wonder if you've ever been there where you're like, "God, are been there where you're like, "God, are been there where you're like, "God, are you even listening to me?" This is what you even listening to me?" This is what you even listening to me?" This is what David is saying. God, can you even hear David is saying. God, can you even hear David is saying. God, can you even hear what I'm saying to you right now? He what I'm saying to you right now? He what I'm saying to you right now? He says, "Oh Lord, hear my cry. I'm at the says, "Oh Lord, hear my cry. I'm at the says, "Oh Lord, hear my cry. I'm at the end of the earth." In other words, I end of the earth." In other words, I end of the earth." In other words, I feel like I'm at the end of my rope. feel like I'm at the end of my rope. feel like I'm at the end of my rope. like I've got nowhere else to go. I like I've got nowhere else to go. I like I've got nowhere else to go. I don't know what else to do. This is the don't know what else to do. This is the don't know what else to do. This is the cry. I love the vulnerability of David. cry. I love the vulnerability of David. cry. I love the vulnerability of David. Aren't you thankful that the people that Aren't you thankful that the people that Aren't you thankful that the people that we learn about in the scriptures aren't we learn about in the scriptures aren't we learn about in the scriptures aren't like, "Well, bless the Lord. Everything like, "Well, bless the Lord. Everything like, "Well, bless the Lord. Everything is wonderful." And aren't you just glad is wonderful." And aren't you just glad is wonderful." And aren't you just glad that there's some rawness? How many of that there's some rawness? How many of that there's some rawness? How many of you are encouraged? There's a little bit you are encouraged? There's a little bit you are encouraged? There's a little bit of dysfunction in David's family. Come of dysfunction in David's family. Come of dysfunction in David's family. Come on, somebody. All of you have a little on, somebody. All of you have a little on, somebody. All of you have a little bit of bit of bit of All of you have a little bit of All of you have a little bit of All of you have a little bit of dysfunction in your family. And if dysfunction in your family. And if dysfunction in your family. And if you're like, "No, I don't. You're the you're like, "No, I don't. You're the you're like, "No, I don't. You're the dysfunction." Okay.

I just love the rawness of him. But I I just love the rawness of him. But I love what David says next. He says, "But love what David says next. He says, "But love what David says next. He says, "But lead me to the rock that is higher than lead me to the rock that is higher than lead me to the rock that is higher than I." I." I." This is this is a man that is done with This is this is a man that is done with This is this is a man that is done with self-help and self-t talk and self-help and self-t talk and self-help and self-t talk and self-medication. self-medication. self-medication. This is a man that knows that healing This is a man that knows that healing This is a man that knows that healing has to come from something that is has to come from something that is has to come from something that is beyond him. beyond him. beyond him. that he needs God, that he needs the that he needs God, that he needs the that he needs God, that he needs the presence of God in his life to heal him. presence of God in his life to heal him. presence of God in his life to heal him. Can I tell you something? The presence Can I tell you something? The presence Can I tell you something? The presence of God or the Holy Spirit working in of God or the Holy Spirit working in of God or the Holy Spirit working in your life doesn't make you better than your life doesn't make you better than your life doesn't make you better than anyone else. It makes you better than anyone else. It makes you better than anyone else. It makes you better than you. you. you. >> How many of you know you need something >> How many of you know you need something >> How many of you know you need something better than you? That there's some better than you? That there's some better than you? That there's some things that like how good you are, smart things that like how good you are, smart things that like how good you are, smart you are, how much resources you have you are, how much resources you have you are, how much resources you have will not accomplish. You need the power will not accomplish. You need the power will not accomplish. You need the power and the presence of Almighty God working and the presence of Almighty God working and the presence of Almighty God working in your life. And David is saying, "I in your life. And David is saying, "I in your life. And David is saying, "I need you to lead me to the rock that is need you to lead me to the rock that is need you to lead me to the rock that is higher than me, that [laughter] is higher than me, that [laughter] is higher than me, that [laughter] is outside of me, that is beyond me, that outside of me, that is beyond me, that outside of me, that is beyond me, that is supernatural. I need something. I is supernatural. I need something. I is supernatural. I need something. I can't fix this." And I wonder if you've ever been in that And I wonder if you've ever been in that place. If you were to take the church place. If you were to take the church place. If you were to take the church face off today face off today face off today and just say, "I need something beyond and just say, "I need something beyond and just say, "I need something beyond me.

me. me. I'm I'm tired of carrying this wound. I'm I'm tired of carrying this wound. I'm I'm tired of carrying this wound. I'm tired of every time that subject I'm tired of every time that subject I'm tired of every time that subject comes up, it's like a scab and it's not comes up, it's like a scab and it's not comes up, it's like a scab and it's not yet a scar. yet a scar. yet a scar. I'm tired every time I run into that I'm tired every time I run into that I'm tired every time I run into that person, it reignites person, it reignites person, it reignites that feeling. I'm tired of every time I that feeling. I'm tired of every time I that feeling. I'm tired of every time I go to that place, walk into that go to that place, walk into that go to that place, walk into that environment environment environment that it it boils up again in my life. that it it boils up again in my life. that it it boils up again in my life. I'm tired of carrying. Can I tell you I'm tired of carrying. Can I tell you I'm tired of carrying. Can I tell you something? You'll never heal what you something? You'll never heal what you something? You'll never heal what you hide. This is where David is. He's This is where David is. He's he's got a wounded soul. he's got a wounded soul. he's got a wounded soul. But then in verse three and four, he But then in verse three and four, he But then in verse three and four, he gives us four places to run. It's almost gives us four places to run. It's almost gives us four places to run. It's almost like David's reminding himself in the like David's reminding himself in the like David's reminding himself in the moment, okay, I've been at this place moment, okay, I've been at this place moment, okay, I've been at this place before. I've been distraught before. before. I've been distraught before. before. I've been distraught before. Hello, he lost a little child. I've been Hello, he lost a little child. I've been Hello, he lost a little child. I've been at the depths before, at the depths before, at the depths before, but I remember some things. And I just but I remember some things. And I just but I remember some things. And I just want to give you four places that you want to give you four places that you want to give you four places that you can run can run can run when you have a wounded soul. Four when you have a wounded soul. Four when you have a wounded soul. Four places that bring healing into your places that bring healing into your places that bring healing into your life. And it's found in verse three and life. And it's found in verse three and life. And it's found in verse three and verse four. David lists them. He says verse four. David lists them. He says verse four. David lists them. He says this.

this. this. He says, "For you have been my refuge." He says, "For you have been my refuge." He says, "For you have been my refuge." It's number one. A strong tower against It's number one. A strong tower against It's number one. A strong tower against the foe. That's number two. I long to the foe. That's number two. I long to the foe. That's number two. I long to dwell in your tent forever. Number dwell in your tent forever. Number dwell in your tent forever. Number three. And take refuge in the shelter of three. And take refuge in the shelter of three. And take refuge in the shelter of your wings. And so we're just going to your wings. And so we're just going to your wings. And so we're just going to those four things from the scripture. I those four things from the scripture. I those four things from the scripture. I want to break those down for us. Number want to break those down for us. Number want to break those down for us. Number one, my refuge. David said, "You've been one, my refuge. David said, "You've been one, my refuge. David said, "You've been my refuge." If you want to write this my refuge." If you want to write this my refuge." If you want to write this down beside that, it's a place of down beside that, it's a place of down beside that, it's a place of protection. protection. protection. The refuge of God is a place of The refuge of God is a place of The refuge of God is a place of protection. We see this over and over protection. We see this over and over protection. We see this over and over again in Psalms. I want to read you two again in Psalms. I want to read you two again in Psalms. I want to read you two of them. Psalms 46:1 says this, "God is of them. Psalms 46:1 says this, "God is of them. Psalms 46:1 says this, "God is our refuge and strength and everpresent our refuge and strength and everpresent our refuge and strength and everpresent help in trouble." help in trouble." help in trouble." Psalms 91:2 says, "I will save the Lord. Psalms 91:2 says, "I will save the Lord. Psalms 91:2 says, "I will save the Lord. He is my refuge and my fortress. These He is my refuge and my fortress. These He is my refuge and my fortress. These aren't words that we use today like aren't words that we use today like aren't words that we use today like fortress, refuge. fortress, refuge. fortress, refuge. What it basically means is he is our What it basically means is he is our What it basically means is he is our shelter. He's our place of safety. He's shelter. He's our place of safety. He's shelter. He's our place of safety. He's the place where we can run into and the place where we can run into and the place where we can run into and nothing else can get to us. He's a nothing else can get to us. He's a nothing else can get to us. He's a covering for us. He He is where we find covering for us. He He is where we find covering for us. He He is where we find safety from the storms that come into safety from the storms that come into safety from the storms that come into our life. I I think about it like this.

our life. I I think about it like this. our life. I I think about it like this. You ever watched a movie? Um, You ever watched a movie? Um, You ever watched a movie? Um, okay. They don't watch movies at South okay. They don't watch movies at South okay. They don't watch movies at South Lake. I know they do at Frisco. You Lake. I know they do at Frisco. You Lake. I know they do at Frisco. You watch movies. watch movies. watch movies. No, I'm holy. I just read my Bible. No, I'm holy. I just read my Bible. No, I'm holy. I just read my Bible. I don't know what to do for you. Um, you I don't know what to do for you. Um, you I don't know what to do for you. Um, you ever watching a movie where someone is ever watching a movie where someone is ever watching a movie where someone is being chased and they're running and being chased and they're running and being chased and they're running and someone is chasing them and the music someone is chasing them and the music someone is chasing them and the music intensifies and your heart is, you know, intensifies and your heart is, you know, intensifies and your heart is, you know, like your your heart is elevating. And like your your heart is elevating. And like your your heart is elevating. And you're like you're you're in the moment you're like you're you're in the moment you're like you're you're in the moment with them and it's moving and the base with them and it's moving and the base with them and it's moving and the base is going and the whole thing and then is going and the whole thing and then is going and the whole thing and then they run into the run. They slam the they run into the run. They slam the they run into the run. They slam the door and they're safe and all of a door and they're safe and all of a door and they're safe and all of a sudden this calm comes over you. sudden this calm comes over you. sudden this calm comes over you. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] You ever notice that? Like your blood You ever notice that? Like your blood You ever notice that? Like your blood pressure goes down, your heart rate goes pressure goes down, your heart rate goes pressure goes down, your heart rate goes down. Why? They found safety. down. Why? They found safety. down. Why? They found safety. This is the picture that things in life This is the picture that things in life This is the picture that things in life are chasing you. That enemy of your soul are chasing you. That enemy of your soul are chasing you. That enemy of your soul is chasing you. And God is the place is chasing you. And God is the place is chasing you. And God is the place where you go. >> I can breathe again.

>> I can breathe again. I'm at peace. The shalom of God. My I'm at peace. The shalom of God. My I'm at peace. The shalom of God. My heart rate goes down. He's my place of heart rate goes down. He's my place of heart rate goes down. He's my place of refuge. refuge. refuge. My place of safety. When my soul is My place of safety. When my soul is My place of safety. When my soul is wounded, where do I run to? I run to wounded, where do I run to? I run to wounded, where do I run to? I run to God. Why? Because he is my refuge. I God. Why? Because he is my refuge. I God. Why? Because he is my refuge. I think about the cities of refuge in the think about the cities of refuge in the think about the cities of refuge in the Old Testament. Israel had six cities of Old Testament. Israel had six cities of Old Testament. Israel had six cities of refuge. They were pre pre-established refuge. They were pre pre-established refuge. They were pre pre-established places for people to run to and they places for people to run to and they places for people to run to and they were all within a day's run. Anywhere were all within a day's run. Anywhere were all within a day's run. Anywhere you were in Israel, you were within a you were in Israel, you were within a you were in Israel, you were within a day to get to a city of refuge. God day to get to a city of refuge. God day to get to a city of refuge. God created these places of safety created these places of safety created these places of safety physically in the nation of Israel physically in the nation of Israel physically in the nation of Israel before the city of refuge was ever before the city of refuge was ever before the city of refuge was ever needed. needed. needed. And can I tell you something that in And can I tell you something that in And can I tell you something that in Jesus we have a city of refuge, a place Jesus we have a city of refuge, a place Jesus we have a city of refuge, a place to run, a place of safety, a place where to run, a place of safety, a place where to run, a place of safety, a place where we can find content, where our blood we can find content, where our blood we can find content, where our blood pressure can we can go, God, I don't pressure can we can go, God, I don't pressure can we can go, God, I don't know what's there's chaos all around me. know what's there's chaos all around me. know what's there's chaos all around me. There's hurt coming at me, but you are There's hurt coming at me, but you are There's hurt coming at me, but you are my place of safety. It's because I dwell my place of safety. It's because I dwell my place of safety. It's because I dwell with you. Psalms 1991, right? I dwell in with you. Psalms 1991, right? I dwell in with you. Psalms 1991, right? I dwell in the shadow of the almighty. It's my the shadow of the almighty. It's my the shadow of the almighty. It's my place of refuge.

place of refuge. place of refuge. Okay. Do you ever play, let me Okay. Do you ever play, let me Okay. Do you ever play, let me illustrate it this way. Do you ever play illustrate it this way. Do you ever play illustrate it this way. Do you ever play um tag when you were a kid? um tag when you were a kid? um tag when you were a kid? >> I was thinking about this. I don't think >> I was thinking about this. I don't think >> I was thinking about this. I don't think my kids have ever played tag. my kids have ever played tag. my kids have ever played tag. >> They played Minecraft. >> They played Minecraft. >> They played Minecraft. Played Pokemon. I don't think [laughter] Played Pokemon. I don't think [laughter] Played Pokemon. I don't think [laughter] they I don't know if they ever played they I don't know if they ever played they I don't know if they ever played tag. But whenever you play tag, what tag. But whenever you play tag, what tag. But whenever you play tag, what happened? You had a base, right? The happened? You had a base, right? The happened? You had a base, right? The base was the place of safety. And then base was the place of safety. And then base was the place of safety. And then you went and hid. And then someone find you went and hid. And then someone find you went and hid. And then someone find you. you take off running and you just you. you take off running and you just you. you take off running and you just got to make it to base and they can't got to make it to base and they can't got to make it to base and they can't get you when you get to base. Well, the get you when you get to base. Well, the get you when you get to base. Well, the base wasn't it wasn't because of how base wasn't it wasn't because of how base wasn't it wasn't because of how fast they were, how good they were. It's fast they were, how good they were. It's fast they were, how good they were. It's because of where they were standing that because of where they were standing that because of where they were standing that made them safe from anybody that was made them safe from anybody that was made them safe from anybody that was chasing them. Can I tell you something? chasing them. Can I tell you something? chasing them. Can I tell you something? Whenever you are wounded, it is not time Whenever you are wounded, it is not time Whenever you are wounded, it is not time to push away from God. It is time to run to push away from God. It is time to run to push away from God. It is time to run to God because he's base. He's a place to God because he's base. He's a place to God because he's base. He's a place of safety. [applause] of safety. [applause] of safety. [applause] He's a place of protection. He's the He's a place of protection. He's the He's a place of protection. He's the refuge. Number two, he said, "You, refuge. Number two, he said, "You, refuge. Number two, he said, "You, you've been my strong tower."

you've been my strong tower." you've been my strong tower." If you want to write this down beside If you want to write this down beside If you want to write this down beside it, this is a place of perspective. it, this is a place of perspective. it, this is a place of perspective. It's a place of perspective. It's a place of perspective. It's a place of perspective. Isaiah 58 says this, 55:8, I'm sorry. He Isaiah 58 says this, 55:8, I'm sorry. He Isaiah 58 says this, 55:8, I'm sorry. He said, "For my thoughts are not your said, "For my thoughts are not your said, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts." thoughts." thoughts." In other words, I don't see it the way In other words, I don't see it the way In other words, I don't see it the way that you see it. God says, "Neither are that you see it. God says, "Neither are that you see it. God says, "Neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. your ways my ways, declares the Lord. your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the For as the heavens are higher than the For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your earth, so are my ways higher than your earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts ways, and my thoughts ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. If you've been than your thoughts. If you've been than your thoughts. If you've been around church, you'd recognize this one. around church, you'd recognize this one. around church, you'd recognize this one. Proverbs 3:5 and six. Trust in the Lord Proverbs 3:5 and six. Trust in the Lord Proverbs 3:5 and six. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your with all your heart. Lean not on your with all your heart. Lean not on your own understandings. own understandings. own understandings. Understanding all your ways. Submit to Understanding all your ways. Submit to Understanding all your ways. Submit to him and he'll make your paths straight. him and he'll make your paths straight. him and he'll make your paths straight. Lean not on your own understanding, your Lean not on your own understanding, your Lean not on your own understanding, your own perspective. God says, "My ways are own perspective. God says, "My ways are own perspective. God says, "My ways are higher than yours. My thoughts are higher than yours. My thoughts are higher than yours. My thoughts are higher than yours. The tower is a place higher than yours. The tower is a place higher than yours. The tower is a place of perspective. Why? Because when you of perspective. Why? Because when you of perspective. Why? Because when you climb up in a tower, you see it from a climb up in a tower, you see it from a climb up in a tower, you see it from a different vantage point.

How many of you know that whenever How many of you know that whenever you're wounded in your soul, all you can you're wounded in your soul, all you can you're wounded in your soul, all you can see is what's right in front of you. see is what's right in front of you. see is what's right in front of you. Why? Because it becomes the window that Why? Because it becomes the window that Why? Because it becomes the window that you look at things through. you look at things through. you look at things through. All you can see is right when you get up All you can see is right when you get up All you can see is right when you get up in a tower, you can see what's in front in a tower, you can see what's in front in a tower, you can see what's in front of you. You can see what's around you of you. You can see what's around you of you. You can see what's around you and you can see what has been behind and you can see what has been behind and you can see what has been behind you. You get perspective. You can see it you. You get perspective. You can see it you. You get perspective. You can see it from a different view. The battle from a different view. The battle from a different view. The battle doesn't change. doesn't change. doesn't change. The perspective changes. The perspective changes. The perspective changes. The fight hasn't changed. How you see The fight hasn't changed. How you see The fight hasn't changed. How you see the fight has changed, which changes the fight has changed, which changes the fight has changed, which changes everything. You get a different everything. You get a different everything. You get a different perspective in the tower. When watchmen perspective in the tower. When watchmen perspective in the tower. When watchmen were put up on the wall, why did they go were put up on the wall, why did they go were put up on the wall, why did they go up on the wall? so that they could see up on the wall? so that they could see up on the wall? so that they could see things from a higher view. God is things from a higher view. God is things from a higher view. God is saying, "My ways are not your ways and saying, "My ways are not your ways and saying, "My ways are not your ways and my thoughts are not your thoughts." I'm my thoughts are not your thoughts." I'm my thoughts are not your thoughts." I'm trying to elevate your perspective so trying to elevate your perspective so trying to elevate your perspective so you can see things from a different you can see things from a different you can see things from a different level so that when chaos is going on level so that when chaos is going on level so that when chaos is going on around you. It doesn't have to go on around you. It doesn't have to go on around you. It doesn't have to go on inside of you because you see what I'm inside of you because you see what I'm inside of you because you see what I'm doing. Can I tell you when you get up in doing. Can I tell you when you get up in doing. Can I tell you when you get up in the tower of God, you can see the the tower of God, you can see the the tower of God, you can see the future. And that provides hope for you future. And that provides hope for you future. And that provides hope for you to know that I may be facing something to know that I may be facing something to know that I may be facing something right now, but I know the God that I right now, but I know the God that I right now, but I know the God that I serve, that he has good plans for me, serve, that he has good plans for me, serve, that he has good plans for me, that my best days are in front of me, that my best days are in front of me, that my best days are in front of me, that that's a promise of God, that he's that that's a promise of God, that he's that that's a promise of God, that he's moving me from victory to victory. I can moving me from victory to victory. I can moving me from victory to victory. I can see out in front of me, but I can see see out in front of me, but I can see see out in front of me, but I can see beside me, I'm not the only one walking beside me, I'm not the only one walking beside me, I'm not the only one walking through this. That if I'll run to God,

through this. That if I'll run to God, through this. That if I'll run to God, when I run to God, I end up running with when I run to God, I end up running with when I run to God, I end up running with God's people. And I got some people God's people. And I got some people God's people. And I got some people that'll fight the battle with me and that'll fight the battle with me and that'll fight the battle with me and walk alongside with me. This is why you walk alongside with me. This is why you walk alongside with me. This is why you need to be in community. It's why you need to be in community. It's why you need to be in community. It's why you need to be in a small group. Right now, need to be in a small group. Right now, need to be in a small group. Right now, we're in small group season. You need to we're in small group season. You need to we're in small group season. You need to get into a group. Why? Because there get into a group. Why? Because there get into a group. Why? Because there going to come some moments in your life going to come some moments in your life going to come some moments in your life where you're finally willing to take the where you're finally willing to take the where you're finally willing to take the mask off. And you need to know there's mask off. And you need to know there's mask off. And you need to know there's some people beside me that'll carry me some people beside me that'll carry me some people beside me that'll carry me and walk with me, celebrate with me. But and walk with me, celebrate with me. But and walk with me, celebrate with me. But you also can see behind you. And that's you also can see behind you. And that's you also can see behind you. And that's an important one because when you get an important one because when you get an important one because when you get the perspective to see behind you, you the perspective to see behind you, you the perspective to see behind you, you can see how many times God has been can see how many times God has been can see how many times God has been faithful in your life. And the God that faithful in your life. And the God that faithful in your life. And the God that was faithful before will be faithful was faithful before will be faithful was faithful before will be faithful today and he'll be faithful in all of today and he'll be faithful in all of today and he'll be faithful in all of your tomorrows. So you can worship him your tomorrows. So you can worship him your tomorrows. So you can worship him knowing he's got my back. [applause] So the tower gives me perspective, So the tower gives me perspective, helps me to see. David went on to say, helps me to see. David went on to say, helps me to see. David went on to say, Dave, our friend, he said, you've been my tent.

he said, you've been my tent. The tent, you can write this beside it, The tent, you can write this beside it, The tent, you can write this beside it, is a place of his presence. is a place of his presence. is a place of his presence. Psalm 16:11 said, "You make known to me Psalm 16:11 said, "You make known to me Psalm 16:11 said, "You make known to me the paths of life, and you will fill me the paths of life, and you will fill me the paths of life, and you will fill me with joy in your," everybody say it with joy in your," everybody say it with joy in your," everybody say it together, "in your together, "in your together, "in your in your presence with eternal pleasures in your presence with eternal pleasures in your presence with eternal pleasures at your right hand." There's joy in the at your right hand." There's joy in the at your right hand." There's joy in the presence of God. Exodus 33:7-9, Moses presence of God. Exodus 33:7-9, Moses presence of God. Exodus 33:7-9, Moses said this. Now, Moses would used to take said this. Now, Moses would used to take said this. Now, Moses would used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp the tent and pitch it outside the camp the tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the tent some distance away, calling it the tent some distance away, calling it the tent of meeting. of meeting. of meeting. And anyone inquiring of the Lord would And anyone inquiring of the Lord would And anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the go to the tent of meeting outside the go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. And whenever Moses went out to the camp. And whenever Moses went out to the camp. And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at tent, all the people rose and stood at tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances of their tents, watching the entrances of their tents, watching the entrances of their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. How Moses until he entered the tent. How Moses until he entered the tent. How many times can we say tent? many times can we say tent? many times can we say tent? As Moses went into the tent, the pillar As Moses went into the tent, the pillar As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud, the presence of God would come of cloud, the presence of God would come of cloud, the presence of God would come down and stay at the entrance while the down and stay at the entrance while the down and stay at the entrance while the Lord spoke spoke to Moses. Lord spoke spoke to Moses. Lord spoke spoke to Moses. This is where God invites me to connect This is where God invites me to connect This is where God invites me to connect with his presence.

with his presence. with his presence. The tent of meeting, this is the place The tent of meeting, this is the place The tent of meeting, this is the place of worship, the place of prayer, the of worship, the place of prayer, the of worship, the place of prayer, the place of the word. And can I tell you place of the word. And can I tell you place of the word. And can I tell you something that where the presence of God something that where the presence of God something that where the presence of God resides, the power of God resides. resides, the power of God resides. resides, the power of God resides. that where the presence of God resides, that where the presence of God resides, that where the presence of God resides, the power of God resides. The power to the power of God resides. The power to the power of God resides. The power to heal, the power to save, the power to heal, the power to save, the power to heal, the power to save, the power to set free, the power to forgive. Whatever set free, the power to forgive. Whatever set free, the power to forgive. Whatever it is that you need in your life, where it is that you need in your life, where it is that you need in your life, where the presence of God is, the power of God the presence of God is, the power of God the presence of God is, the power of God is. But I I want to point out something is. But I I want to point out something is. But I I want to point out something to you in that passage in Exodus 33 is to you in that passage in Exodus 33 is to you in that passage in Exodus 33 is that the tent of meeting was that the tent of meeting was that the tent of meeting was established. Moses would go to the tent. established. Moses would go to the tent. established. Moses would go to the tent. Then God's presence would descend and Then God's presence would descend and Then God's presence would descend and set at the entrance of the tent. So God set at the entrance of the tent. So God set at the entrance of the tent. So God met Moses at the point of his pursuit. met Moses at the point of his pursuit. met Moses at the point of his pursuit. God met Moses at the point of his God met Moses at the point of his God met Moses at the point of his pursuit. And his presence will meet you pursuit. And his presence will meet you pursuit. And his presence will meet you at the point of your pursuit. at the point of your pursuit. at the point of your pursuit. Notice that the cloud didn't run around Notice that the cloud didn't run around Notice that the cloud didn't run around the camp trying to find Moses.

the camp trying to find Moses. the camp trying to find Moses. It didn't say the cloud by day was like It didn't say the cloud by day was like It didn't say the cloud by day was like running through the camp going, "Hey, running through the camp going, "Hey, running through the camp going, "Hey, somebody meet with me." No, God's not somebody meet with me." No, God's not somebody meet with me." No, God's not needy. needy. needy. >> No, it said when Moses determined when >> No, it said when Moses determined when >> No, it said when Moses determined when Moses went when everyone went whenever Moses went when everyone went whenever Moses went when everyone went whenever anyone wanted to go inquire of the Lord, anyone wanted to go inquire of the Lord, anyone wanted to go inquire of the Lord, they went to the tent of meeting. In they went to the tent of meeting. In they went to the tent of meeting. In other words, they set a sacred space. other words, they set a sacred space. other words, they set a sacred space. And you and I, we're going to have to And you and I, we're going to have to And you and I, we're going to have to set a sacred space. If if Sunday is the set a sacred space. If if Sunday is the set a sacred space. If if Sunday is the only nourishment you're getting of God's only nourishment you're getting of God's only nourishment you're getting of God's presence and God's word, you're going to presence and God's word, you're going to presence and God's word, you're going to be emaciated spiritually. If you only be emaciated spiritually. If you only be emaciated spiritually. If you only ate once a week, you would not be ate once a week, you would not be ate once a week, you would not be healthy. How in the world could you be healthy. How in the world could you be healthy. How in the world could you be spiritually healthy if all you get is spiritually healthy if all you get is spiritually healthy if all you get is what our team provides in worship and what our team provides in worship and what our team provides in worship and then the word that you get on Sunday? then the word that you get on Sunday? then the word that you get on Sunday? No, you've got to determine every day, No, you've got to determine every day, No, you've got to determine every day, I'm going to make my own tent of I'm going to make my own tent of I'm going to make my own tent of meeting. I'm going to find a place where meeting. I'm going to find a place where meeting. I'm going to find a place where I invite the presence of God and I seek I invite the presence of God and I seek I invite the presence of God and I seek the presence of God and I get in the the presence of God and I get in the the presence of God and I get in the word of God and I worship God and I cry word of God and I worship God and I cry word of God and I worship God and I cry out in prayer. It's got to be a part of out in prayer. It's got to be a part of out in prayer. It's got to be a part of your every day. God isn't confined to your every day. God isn't confined to your every day. God isn't confined to the walls of our campuses. He is the walls of our campuses. He is the walls of our campuses. He is everywhere at all times. He can meet you everywhere at all times. He can meet you everywhere at all times. He can meet you in your car. He can meet you on the in your car. He can meet you on the in your car. He can meet you on the interstate. He can meet you in your dorm interstate. He can meet you in your dorm interstate. He can meet you in your dorm room. He can meet you in the boardroom.

room. He can meet you in the boardroom. room. He can meet you in the boardroom. The presence of God can meet you The presence of God can meet you The presence of God can meet you wherever you determine to set a tent of wherever you determine to set a tent of wherever you determine to set a tent of meeting. meeting. meeting. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and say, "God, I need you to meet me >> and say, "God, I need you to meet me >> and say, "God, I need you to meet me here. here. here. I need you to tabernacle in this place I need you to tabernacle in this place I need you to tabernacle in this place because in the presence of God, there is because in the presence of God, there is because in the presence of God, there is the power of God. And where there is the the power of God. And where there is the the power of God. And where there is the power of God, the healing of God can power of God, the healing of God can power of God, the healing of God can happen to a wounded soul. happen to a wounded soul. happen to a wounded soul. You need the presence of God in your You need the presence of God in your You need the presence of God in your life." life." life." You met Moses at the point of his You met Moses at the point of his You met Moses at the point of his pursuit. pursuit. pursuit. So the question is, are you pursuing his So the question is, are you pursuing his So the question is, are you pursuing his presence? Are you creating space in your life for Are you creating space in your life for his presence and power to heal the most his presence and power to heal the most his presence and power to heal the most wounded parts of your life? wounded parts of your life? wounded parts of your life? Finally, he says, you're my shelter. Finally, he says, you're my shelter. Finally, he says, you're my shelter. He said, actually, I find refuge in the He said, actually, I find refuge in the He said, actually, I find refuge in the shelter of your wings. shelter of your wings. shelter of your wings. This is a place of promise. Deuteronomy 31:6 says this, "Be strong Deuteronomy 31:6 says this, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or and courageous. Do not be afraid or and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them. For the Lord terrified because of them. For the Lord terrified because of them. For the Lord your God goes with you, he'll never your God goes with you, he'll never your God goes with you, he'll never leave you, never forsake you."

leave you, never forsake you." leave you, never forsake you." I love what Isaiah 54:10 says. "Though I love what Isaiah 54:10 says. "Though I love what Isaiah 54:10 says. "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be the mountains be shaken and the hills be the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you removed, yet my unfailing love for you removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken." Listen to this. will not be shaken." Listen to this. will not be shaken." Listen to this. "Nor [music] my covenant of peace." How "Nor [music] my covenant of peace." How "Nor [music] my covenant of peace." How many you are grateful today that God is many you are grateful today that God is many you are grateful today that God is a covenantkeeping God? a covenantkeeping God? a covenantkeeping God? My covenant of peace will not be My covenant of peace will not be My covenant of peace will not be removed, says the Lord, who has removed, says the Lord, who has removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you. He said, 'Don't be compassion on you. He said, 'Don't be compassion on you. He said, 'Don't be terrified. I'm going to go with you. He terrified. I'm going to go with you. He terrified. I'm going to go with you. He said, the heels may be shaken, but my said, the heels may be shaken, but my said, the heels may be shaken, but my covenant for you covenant for you covenant for you will not be shaken. will not be shaken. will not be shaken. The shelter of his wings is a place of The shelter of his wings is a place of The shelter of his wings is a place of promise. It's a place of I got you. It's promise. It's a place of I got you. It's promise. It's a place of I got you. It's a place of I'm covering you. a place of I'm covering you. a place of I'm covering you. Now, I've never been under the wings of Now, I've never been under the wings of Now, I've never been under the wings of an animal. an animal. an animal. I don't know if [laughter] you have I don't know if [laughter] you have I don't know if [laughter] you have never experienced that. never experienced that. never experienced that. But I have read a little bit about how But I have read a little bit about how But I have read a little bit about how eagles, when little eaglets hatch and eagles, when little eaglets hatch and eagles, when little eaglets hatch and they're in the nest, they're in the nest, they're in the nest, there's a whole interesting thing about there's a whole interesting thing about there's a whole interesting thing about how an eagle works with its eaglets and how an eagle works with its eaglets and how an eagle works with its eaglets and how actually when they're trying to get how actually when they're trying to get how actually when they're trying to get them strong and fly, they'll remove the them strong and fly, they'll remove the them strong and fly, they'll remove the bottom so the thorns poke them from the bottom so the thorns poke them from the bottom so the thorns poke them from the nest. So, they actually begin to get nest. So, they actually begin to get nest. So, they actually begin to get [music] strength in their legs because [music] strength in their legs because [music] strength in their legs because to build strength, you got to have to build strength, you got to have to build strength, you got to have resistance.

resistance. resistance. But it says that it'll gather the little But it says that it'll gather the little But it says that it'll gather the little eaglets. It'll land on its necks. It'll eaglets. It'll land on its necks. It'll eaglets. It'll land on its necks. It'll gather the little eiglets under the gather the little eiglets under the gather the little eiglets under the wings. And here's what I just imagine is wings. And here's what I just imagine is wings. And here's what I just imagine is true is that if you're under wings, you true is that if you're under wings, you true is that if you're under wings, you can't see what's happening on the can't see what's happening on the can't see what's happening on the outside. outside. outside. And some of us, we're wanting God to And some of us, we're wanting God to And some of us, we're wanting God to show us step 12, 13, and 14. And he's show us step 12, 13, and 14. And he's show us step 12, 13, and 14. And he's like, "I just need you to trust me." like, "I just need you to trust me." like, "I just need you to trust me." But here's what I do know is that if But here's what I do know is that if But here's what I do know is that if you're under wings, you're under wings, you're under wings, you've got to be close enough to feel you've got to be close enough to feel you've got to be close enough to feel the heartbeat of the one covering you. the heartbeat of the one covering you. the heartbeat of the one covering you. And this is the point. God said, "I'm And this is the point. God said, "I'm And this is the point. God said, "I'm going to shelter you under my wings. going to shelter you under my wings. going to shelter you under my wings. [music] Why? I want you to learn my [music] Why? I want you to learn my [music] Why? I want you to learn my heart. And in learning my heart, you find And in learning my heart, you find healing for a wounded soul. healing for a wounded soul. healing for a wounded soul. I want you to learn my heart. I want you I want you to learn my heart. I want you I want you to learn my heart. I want you to learn my heart for you. I want you to to learn my heart for you. I want you to to learn my heart for you. I want you to learn my heart for others. I want you to learn my heart for others. I want you to learn my heart for others. I want you to learn my heart for that situation you're learn my heart for that situation you're learn my heart for that situation you're walking through. I want you to learn my walking through. I want you to learn my walking through. I want you to learn my heart.

Shelter. Shelter. It's a place of promise. If God said It's a place of promise. If God said It's a place of promise. If God said he'll do it, he'll do it. If God said he'll do it, he'll do it. If God said he'll do it, he'll do it. If God said it'll come to pass, it will come to pass it'll come to pass, it will come to pass it'll come to pass, it will come to pass in your life. in your life. in your life. He is good on his promises. He is a He is good on his promises. He is a He is good on his promises. He is a covenantkeeping covenantkeeping covenantkeeping God. God. God. And so what do we do practically? And so what do we do practically? And so what do we do practically? Three thoughts real quick as we wrap up. Three thoughts real quick as we wrap up. Three thoughts real quick as we wrap up. Number one, you find help in God. Number one, you find help in God. Number one, you find help in God. You've got to run to God. You've got to run to God. You've got to run to God. You You'll never heal a wounded soul You You'll never heal a wounded soul You You'll never heal a wounded soul trying to figure it out on your own. trying to figure it out on your own. trying to figure it out on your own. And so you've got to run to God. Some of And so you've got to run to God. Some of And so you've got to run to God. Some of you have never done that. And today, I'm you have never done that. And today, I'm you have never done that. And today, I'm going to give you the opportunity. going to give you the opportunity. going to give you the opportunity. You've never surrendered your life to You've never surrendered your life to You've never surrendered your life to Jesus. Maybe you've done church. Maybe Jesus. Maybe you've done church. Maybe Jesus. Maybe you've done church. Maybe you've done religion, but you've never you've done religion, but you've never you've done religion, but you've never fully surrendered your life to Jesus. fully surrendered your life to Jesus. fully surrendered your life to Jesus. Today will be a day that you do that. Today will be a day that you do that. Today will be a day that you do that. Number two, you find hope in God's Number two, you find hope in God's Number two, you find hope in God's presence. presence. presence. The presence of God brings hope. It The presence of God brings hope. It The presence of God brings hope. It brings strength. Wouldn't he say, "I brings strength. Wouldn't he say, "I brings strength. Wouldn't he say, "I find joy in your presence."

find joy in your presence." find joy in your presence." But number three, you find healing with But number three, you find healing with But number three, you find healing with God's people. God's people. God's people. you find healing with God's people. 1 you find healing with God's people. 1 you find healing with God's people. 1 John 1:9 says what? Confess your sins to John 1:9 says what? Confess your sins to John 1:9 says what? Confess your sins to God and he you will be forgiven. God and he you will be forgiven. God and he you will be forgiven. James 5:16 says you got to confess to James 5:16 says you got to confess to James 5:16 says you got to confess to somebody else to find healing. somebody else to find healing. somebody else to find healing. Forgiveness comes from God. Healing Forgiveness comes from God. Healing Forgiveness comes from God. Healing happens with God's people. I don't like happens with God's people. I don't like happens with God's people. I don't like it that way. I didn't make it that way. it that way. I didn't make it that way. it that way. I didn't make it that way. God did. take that up with him. God did. take that up with him. God did. take that up with him. Which you know what that means? Which you know what that means? Which you know what that means? That means at some point pride has to That means at some point pride has to That means at some point pride has to come down. come down. come down. At some point you've got to be willing At some point you've got to be willing At some point you've got to be willing to take the mask off the church mask to take the mask off the church mask to take the mask off the church mask that so many times we wear. How are you that so many times we wear. How are you that so many times we wear. How are you today? I'm blessed and highly favored. today? I'm blessed and highly favored. today? I'm blessed and highly favored. What are you talking about? What are you talking about? What are you talking about? You cussed your child out this week. You cussed your child out this week. You cussed your child out this week. You're not blessed and highly favored.

You're not blessed and highly favored. You're not blessed and highly favored. You're wounded and you need healing. You're wounded and you need healing. You're wounded and you need healing. You switch campuses cuz you can't see You switch campuses cuz you can't see You switch campuses cuz you can't see somebody that you're bitter towards. You're wounded. You're wounded. That's a wounded soul. And God never That's a wounded soul. And God never That's a wounded soul. And God never meant for you to live that way. But you meant for you to live that way. But you meant for you to live that way. But you have to come to some point in your life have to come to some point in your life have to come to some point in your life where you go, I'm sick and tired of where you go, I'm sick and tired of where you go, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I'm sick and tired being sick and tired. I'm sick and tired being sick and tired. I'm sick and tired of giving the enemy a playground in my of giving the enemy a playground in my of giving the enemy a playground in my life. I'm sick and tired of carrying life. I'm sick and tired of carrying life. I'm sick and tired of carrying that wound day after day, moment after that wound day after day, moment after that wound day after day, moment after moment. I'm sick and tired of not being moment. I'm sick and tired of not being moment. I'm sick and tired of not being able to go in that environment because able to go in that environment because able to go in that environment because this thing comes back up in me. I'm sick this thing comes back up in me. I'm sick this thing comes back up in me. I'm sick and tired of it and today I'm getting and tired of it and today I'm getting and tired of it and today I'm getting healing for it. healing for it. healing for it. So you find healing with God's people. So you find healing with God's people. So you find healing with God's people. That means in just a few moments when we That means in just a few moments when we That means in just a few moments when we open the altars for prayer at every open the altars for prayer at every open the altars for prayer at every campus, campus, campus, you should slip out, make your way, I've you should slip out, make your way, I've you should slip out, make your way, I've never done that. I've never asked for never done that. I've never asked for never done that. I've never asked for prayer, pastor. prayer, pastor. prayer, pastor. Well, if you want to keep getting what Well, if you want to keep getting what Well, if you want to keep getting what you've always got, keep doing what you've always got, keep doing what you've always got, keep doing what you've always done. you've always done. you've always done. But at some point you got to do a new But at some point you got to do a new But at some point you got to do a new way. At some point you got to go God's way. At some point you got to go God's way. At some point you got to go God's way. You have to come down and grab one way. You have to come down and grab one way. You have to come down and grab one of these prayer and say, "This is my of these prayer and say, "This is my of these prayer and say, "This is my wound.

wound. wound. This is the struggle. This is the thing This is the struggle. This is the thing This is the struggle. This is the thing I'm dealing with." We're going to pray I'm dealing with." We're going to pray I'm dealing with." We're going to pray together and believe by faith that together and believe by faith that together and believe by faith that there's healing in the presence of God there's healing in the presence of God there's healing in the presence of God among God's people. among God's people. among God's people. And today is going to be a day where you And today is going to be a day where you And today is going to be a day where you draw a line in the sand. And I'm draw a line in the sand. And I'm draw a line in the sand. And I'm believing today is going to be a day of believing today is going to be a day of believing today is going to be a day of transformation in your life. That transformation in your life. That transformation in your life. That something's going to lift off your life. something's going to lift off your life. something's going to lift off your life. That God's going to touch you in a That God's going to touch you in a That God's going to touch you in a powerful way. But you've got to be powerful way. But you've got to be powerful way. But you've got to be willing to take the step willing to take the step willing to take the step because you find healing with God's because you find healing with God's because you find healing with God's people. Will you pray with me? Every people. Will you pray with me? Every people. Will you pray with me? Every head bowed, every eye closed, all of our head bowed, every eye closed, all of our head bowed, every eye closed, all of our locations if you can where you are locations if you can where you are locations if you can where you are online today. you you can't take the step of [music] you you can't take the step of [music] healing your wounded soul because you've healing your wounded soul because you've healing your wounded soul because you've never encountered the healer never encountered the healer never encountered the healer and his name is Jesus. and his name is Jesus. and his name is Jesus. And today, you need to take the step of And today, you need to take the step of And today, you need to take the step of receiving him as your Lord and as your receiving him as your Lord and as your receiving him as your Lord and as your savior.

savior. savior. You need to take the step of You need to take the step of You need to take the step of surrendering your life to Jesus. In just surrendering your life to Jesus. In just surrendering your life to Jesus. In just a moment, we're going to pray together. a moment, we're going to pray together. a moment, we're going to pray together. And there's not anything special And there's not anything special And there's not anything special particularly about the words I say. It's particularly about the words I say. It's particularly about the words I say. It's just me helping you communicate your just me helping you communicate your just me helping you communicate your heart to God's heart. It's your faith heart to God's heart. It's your faith heart to God's heart. It's your faith that matters. that matters. that matters. It's you saying, "Jesus, I need you. It's you saying, "Jesus, I need you. It's you saying, "Jesus, I need you. I want you to forgive me of all my sin. I want you to forgive me of all my sin. I want you to forgive me of all my sin. I want you to give me a brand new start I want you to give me a brand new start I want you to give me a brand new start today. I make you the Lord of my life." today. I make you the Lord of my life." today. I make you the Lord of my life." In other words, he's [music] in control. In other words, he's [music] in control. In other words, he's [music] in control. If you've never taken that step, I'm not If you've never taken that step, I'm not If you've never taken that step, I'm not asking you if you've done church or if asking you if you've done church or if asking you if you've done church or if you're a member somewhere or if you've you're a member somewhere or if you've you're a member somewhere or if you've been through confirmation. I I'm not been through confirmation. I I'm not been through confirmation. I I'm not asking that. I'm asking, do you have a asking that. I'm asking, do you have a asking that. I'm asking, do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? For personal relationship with Jesus? For personal relationship with Jesus? For some of you today, there was a time when some of you today, there was a time when some of you today, there was a time when you were really walking with the Lord you were really walking with the Lord you were really walking with the Lord and you know that you're far from God and you know that you're far from God and you know that you're far from God right now and you need a fresh start. right now and you need a fresh start. right now and you need a fresh start. You need a it's a moment to come back You need a it's a moment to come back You need a it's a moment to come back home to him. And if that's you, before home to him. And if that's you, before home to him. And if that's you, before we pray, no one's going to come to you we pray, no one's going to come to you we pray, no one's going to come to you or point you out, but I'm going to count or point you out, but I'm going to count or point you out, but I'm going to count to three and I'm going ask you just to to three and I'm going ask you just to to three and I'm going ask you just to shoot your hand up high enough long shoot your hand up high enough long shoot your hand up high enough long enough for myself or the pastor at your enough for myself or the pastor at your enough for myself or the pastor at your location to see. We just want to know location to see. We just want to know location to see. We just want to know who we're praying with and then we're who we're praying with and then we're who we're praying with and then we're going to pray together. When I count to going to pray together. When I count to going to pray together. When I count to three, if God is speaking to you, you three, if God is speaking to you, you three, if God is speaking to you, you shoot your hand up high and long enough shoot your hand up high and long enough shoot your hand up high and long enough for us to see and then we'll pray for us to see and then we'll pray for us to see and then we'll pray together. On three. One, two, three.

together. On three. One, two, three. together. On three. One, two, three. Shoot your hand up. God bless you. Shoot Shoot your hand up. God bless you. Shoot Shoot your hand up. God bless you. Shoot it up high. God bless you. I see you. it up high. God bless you. I see you. it up high. God bless you. I see you. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you in the very back. God bless you in the very back. God bless you in the very back. Beautiful. Over to my right. I see you. Beautiful. Over to my right. I see you. Beautiful. Over to my right. I see you. God bless you. You can put it down. God bless you. You can put it down. God bless you. You can put it down. Church, will you pray this out loud with Church, will you pray this out loud with Church, will you pray this out loud with me for the benefit of all those who just me for the benefit of all those who just me for the benefit of all those who just slip their hand up? Say, "Jesus, I need slip their hand up? Say, "Jesus, I need slip their hand up? Say, "Jesus, I need you. I ask you to forgive me of all my you. I ask you to forgive me of all my you. I ask you to forgive me of all my sin. I believe you died for me. I sin. I believe you died for me. I sin. I believe you died for me. I believe God raised you from the dead. believe God raised you from the dead. believe God raised you from the dead. Today, I make you my Lord and Savior. Today, I make you my Lord and Savior. Today, I make you my Lord and Savior. Thank you for a brand new beginning Thank you for a brand new beginning Thank you for a brand new beginning in Jesus' name." Everyone said, "Amen." in Jesus' name." Everyone said, "Amen." in Jesus' name." Everyone said, "Amen." Amen. Can we put our hands together and Amen. Can we put our hands together and Amen. Can we put our hands together and celebrate those made that decision?