Unfollow | Pastor Daniel Floyd

Good morning everybody. How are we Good morning everybody. How are we today? today? today? Come on. If we're going to put our hands Come on. If we're going to put our hands Come on. If we're going to put our hands together, let's give Jesus all the together, let's give Jesus all the together, let's give Jesus all the praise that he's due. Some of you may think, Some of you may think, man, this is a clappy [music] church. man, this is a clappy [music] church. man, this is a clappy [music] church. But when you have so much to celebrate, But when you have so much to celebrate, But when you have so much to celebrate, >> he's alive. The tomb is empty. Um, it's >> he's alive. The tomb is empty. Um, it's >> he's alive. The tomb is empty. Um, it's reason to clap. Matter of fact, the reason to clap. Matter of fact, the reason to clap. Matter of fact, the Bible says, "Clap your hands all you Bible says, "Clap your hands all you Bible says, "Clap your hands all you people. Shout unto God with a voice of people. Shout unto God with a voice of people. Shout unto God with a voice of triumph." So, nothing wrong with a clap. triumph." So, nothing wrong with a clap. triumph." So, nothing wrong with a clap. Nothing wrong with a thank you, Jesus. Nothing wrong with a thank you, Jesus. Nothing wrong with a thank you, Jesus. Right? We want to say hello to all of Right? We want to say hello to all of Right? We want to say hello to all of our campuses. Everybody joining us our campuses. Everybody joining us our campuses. Everybody joining us online or on demand later in the week or online or on demand later in the week or online or on demand later in the week or some other time in the year. of course some other time in the year. of course some other time in the year. of course all of our gateway gatherings and our all of our gateway gatherings and our all of our gateway gatherings and our prison campuses. And if you're here for prison campuses. And if you're here for prison campuses. And if you're here for the first time or the very first time in the first time or the very first time in the first time or the very first time in a long time at every campus, let's put a long time at every campus, let's put a long time at every campus, let's put our hands together and just say hello our hands together and just say hello our hands together and just say hello and welcome everyone that's joining us. and welcome everyone that's joining us. and welcome everyone that's joining us. [applause] [applause] [applause] We are glad that you are here. You We are glad that you are here. You We are glad that you are here. You picked a great Sunday to be in church. picked a great Sunday to be in church. picked a great Sunday to be in church. There's no better way to start your week There's no better way to start your week There's no better way to start your week than in God's house with God's people.

than in God's house with God's people. than in God's house with God's people. Um just Sunday's the best day. I I love Um just Sunday's the best day. I I love Um just Sunday's the best day. I I love Sundays. And so we're in this series Sundays. And so we're in this series Sundays. And so we're in this series called Tik Tok Theology. If you're new called Tik Tok Theology. If you're new called Tik Tok Theology. If you're new to church, series is simply a collection to church, series is simply a collection to church, series is simply a collection of talks around one common theme. And we of talks around one common theme. And we of talks around one common theme. And we began last week talking about the source began last week talking about the source began last week talking about the source of truth. If you missed that, I of truth. If you missed that, I of truth. If you missed that, I encourage you to go wherever we stream encourage you to go wherever we stream encourage you to go wherever we stream it online and catch that message. But it online and catch that message. But it online and catch that message. But we've been wrestling with this question. we've been wrestling with this question. we've been wrestling with this question. What is your feed feeding you? It's What is your feed feeding you? It's What is your feed feeding you? It's feeding all of us something. So, what is feeding all of us something. So, what is feeding all of us something. So, what is it feeding you? And this isn't a series it feeding you? And this isn't a series it feeding you? And this isn't a series about how Tik Tok's from the devil and about how Tik Tok's from the devil and about how Tik Tok's from the devil and you should delete it off your phone. Um, you should delete it off your phone. Um, you should delete it off your phone. Um, I I enjoy social media. I use it. I'm I I enjoy social media. I use it. I'm I I enjoy social media. I use it. I'm just wanting us to think about what's it just wanting us to think about what's it just wanting us to think about what's it feeding us [music] and how's that feeding us [music] and how's that feeding us [music] and how's that affecting us and let's make sure we're affecting us and let's make sure we're affecting us and let's make sure we're feeding ourselves the right things. Amen feeding ourselves the right things. Amen feeding ourselves the right things. Amen everybody. everybody. everybody. >> So I want to bring a message entitled >> So I want to bring a message entitled >> So I want to bring a message entitled this. If you're the notetaker, you can this. If you're the notetaker, you can this. If you're the notetaker, you can write it down. If you're not, write it write it down. If you're not, write it write it down. If you're not, write it down anyways. Um this is the message down anyways. Um this is the message down anyways. Um this is the message titled unfollow. titled unfollow. titled unfollow. Some of us need to unfollow Some of us need to unfollow Some of us need to unfollow some things in our life, maybe some some things in our life, maybe some some things in our life, maybe some people in our life. We're going to talk people in our life. We're going to talk people in our life. We're going to talk about that today. Before we do, let's about that today. Before we do, let's about that today. Before we do, let's pray together. Father, our hearts and pray together. Father, our hearts and pray together. Father, our hearts and minds are open to you. So, Holy Spirit, minds are open to you. So, Holy Spirit, minds are open to you. So, Holy Spirit, speak to us through your word. And we speak to us through your word. And we speak to us through your word. And we believe we'll never be the same because believe we'll never be the same because believe we'll never be the same because of it in Jesus' name. Everybody said, of it in Jesus' name. Everybody said, of it in Jesus' name. Everybody said, "Amen."

"Amen." "Amen." >> Amen. So, a little over uh 20 years ago, >> Amen. So, a little over uh 20 years ago, >> Amen. So, a little over uh 20 years ago, about 23 years ago, I guess now, um I I about 23 years ago, I guess now, um I I about 23 years ago, I guess now, um I I made the most expensive purchase of my made the most expensive purchase of my made the most expensive purchase of my life up to that point. life up to that point. life up to that point. And if you're a guy and you've ever been And if you're a guy and you've ever been And if you're a guy and you've ever been moving towards engagement, you've had moving towards engagement, you've had moving towards engagement, you've had the same experience. I sold things. I the same experience. I sold things. I the same experience. I sold things. I saved up money. I think I sold a nine saved up money. I think I sold a nine saved up money. I think I sold a nine millimeter millimeter millimeter someone had given me. I was just I was I someone had given me. I was just I was I someone had given me. I was just I was I was pawning everything to try to get was pawning everything to try to get was pawning everything to try to get this group of money together so I could this group of money together so I could this group of money together so I could go to the jewelry store there in go to the jewelry store there in go to the jewelry store there in Virginia and I could I could get this Virginia and I could I could get this Virginia and I could I could get this ring that um that my friend Fred, who ring that um that my friend Fred, who ring that um that my friend Fred, who ran that store, helped me design. ran that store, helped me design. ran that store, helped me design. Now, when we got engaged, Tammy and I, Now, when we got engaged, Tammy and I, Now, when we got engaged, Tammy and I, we were I was living in New York City we were I was living in New York City we were I was living in New York City and Staten Island, and it was a youth and Staten Island, and it was a youth and Staten Island, and it was a youth pastor there. And Tammy was living in pastor there. And Tammy was living in pastor there. And Tammy was living in well, she was based out of Virginia, but well, she was based out of Virginia, but well, she was based out of Virginia, but she was touring with a group. And so, we she was touring with a group. And so, we she was touring with a group. And so, we would only get really to see each other would only get really to see each other would only get really to see each other very rarely um during that year uh that very rarely um during that year uh that very rarely um during that year uh that we were engaged. But so, I had to drive we were engaged. But so, I had to drive we were engaged. But so, I had to drive down to see her, but we would talk on down to see her, but we would talk on down to see her, but we would talk on the phone a whole lot. And I'd put so the phone a whole lot. And I'd put so the phone a whole lot. And I'd put so much money into this ring in my much money into this ring in my much money into this ring in my perspective at that time. I'd put so perspective at that time. I'd put so perspective at that time. I'd put so much money into this ring that um I had much money into this ring that um I had much money into this ring that um I had a special place in my closet for it. Um a special place in my closet for it. Um a special place in my closet for it. Um I I I would say I guarded it, y'all.

I I I would say I guarded it, y'all. I I I would say I guarded it, y'all. Like we would talk on the phone at night Like we would talk on the phone at night Like we would talk on the phone at night whenever I get back from work and she whenever I get back from work and she whenever I get back from work and she would get done for the day. We would would get done for the day. We would would get done for the day. We would talk on the phone and sometimes I would talk on the phone and sometimes I would talk on the phone and sometimes I would have the box open talking to her, have the box open talking to her, have the box open talking to her, looking at it, looking at it, looking at it, thinking, "You have no idea. I'm about thinking, "You have no idea. I'm about thinking, "You have no idea. I'm about to ask you to marry me in a couple to ask you to marry me in a couple to ask you to marry me in a couple months on September 23rd. I'm going to months on September 23rd. I'm going to months on September 23rd. I'm going to ask you to marry me. And so I I but I ask you to marry me. And so I I but I ask you to marry me. And so I I but I would come home from work. I would go up would come home from work. I would go up would come home from work. I would go up to the closet and just make sure it's to the closet and just make sure it's to the closet and just make sure it's there. You know, no sign of breakin in there. You know, no sign of breakin in there. You know, no sign of breakin in my house. I'm just make and I I was my house. I'm just make and I I was my house. I'm just make and I I was living alone. Only guy in the h like I living alone. Only guy in the h like I living alone. Only guy in the h like I was just making sure it was there. How was just making sure it was there. How was just making sure it was there. How many of you know that when something is many of you know that when something is many of you know that when something is valuable, you guard it? Come on. Any valuable, you guard it? Come on. Any valuable, you guard it? Come on. Any dads with a daughter? dads with a daughter? dads with a daughter? >> Okay. Your sons, you're like, take care >> Okay. Your sons, you're like, take care >> Okay. Your sons, you're like, take care of yourself. Your girls, you're like, I of yourself. Your girls, you're like, I of yourself. Your girls, you're like, I could end up in jail for you and I would could end up in jail for you and I would could end up in jail for you and I would not be mad about it if someone hurt you. not be mad about it if someone hurt you. not be mad about it if someone hurt you. Um you why? Because you guard things Um you why? Because you guard things Um you why? Because you guard things that are valuable. The Bible tells us that are valuable. The Bible tells us that are valuable. The Bible tells us that there is something in our life we that there is something in our life we that there is something in our life we should be guarding above everything. I should be guarding above everything. I should be guarding above everything. I want to show it to you. Proverbs 4 23. want to show it to you. Proverbs 4 23. want to show it to you. Proverbs 4 23. You can look on the screen with me. It You can look on the screen with me. It You can look on the screen with me. It says this. Above all else, guard your says this. Above all else, guard your says this. Above all else, guard your everybody campus. Everybody say it out everybody campus. Everybody say it out everybody campus. Everybody say it out loud. Guard your loud. Guard your loud. Guard your >> guard your heart. Not just your >> guard your heart. Not just your >> guard your heart. Not just your engagement ring. Not just your children.

engagement ring. Not just your children. engagement ring. Not just your children. Not just the family that means good to Not just the family that means good to Not just the family that means good to you. Above everything. Above above your you. Above everything. Above above your you. Above everything. Above above your worship, guard your heart. worship, guard your heart. worship, guard your heart. Think about that. Above your prayer Think about that. Above your prayer Think about that. Above your prayer life, guard your heart. life, guard your heart. life, guard your heart. Why? Because everything you do flows Why? Because everything you do flows Why? Because everything you do flows from it. from it. from it. So the Bible is teaching us this So the Bible is teaching us this So the Bible is teaching us this principle that we all have to get today. principle that we all have to get today. principle that we all have to get today. super important principle in your life super important principle in your life super important principle in your life is that every decision you make, every is that every decision you make, every is that every decision you make, every choice you make, every place that you go choice you make, every place that you go choice you make, every place that you go in life, we talked about last week that in life, we talked about last week that in life, we talked about last week that your destiny in your life is the your destiny in your life is the your destiny in your life is the culmination of the choices that you culmination of the choices that you culmination of the choices that you make. But they begin in the heart. make. But they begin in the heart. make. But they begin in the heart. >> That everything, how I parent comes out >> That everything, how I parent comes out >> That everything, how I parent comes out of my heart. How I control my finances of my heart. How I control my finances of my heart. How I control my finances comes out of my heart. How I treat comes out of my heart. How I treat comes out of my heart. How I treat friends comes out of my heart. how I friends comes out of my heart. how I friends comes out of my heart. how I respond to people that aren't like me respond to people that aren't like me respond to people that aren't like me and don't look like me or think like me, and don't look like me or think like me, and don't look like me or think like me, that don't believe in Jesus, that's that don't believe in Jesus, that's that don't believe in Jesus, that's coming out of my heart because coming out of my heart because coming out of my heart because everything comes out of my heart. So, everything comes out of my heart. So, everything comes out of my heart. So, the Bible says, "Guard it above all the Bible says, "Guard it above all the Bible says, "Guard it above all else." Put some parameters around what else." Put some parameters around what else." Put some parameters around what you let into your heart. I like the way you let into your heart. I like the way you let into your heart. I like the way that the New Testament says it. It says, that the New Testament says it. It says, that the New Testament says it. It says, "A good person produces good fruit from "A good person produces good fruit from "A good person produces good fruit from the treasury." I love this mental image.

the treasury." I love this mental image. the treasury." I love this mental image. It's almost like when you put good and It's almost like when you put good and It's almost like when you put good and you deposit good into the treasury of you deposit good into the treasury of you deposit good into the treasury of your heart, then what happens? Good your heart, then what happens? Good your heart, then what happens? Good comes out of it. comes out of it. comes out of it. But if you're letting an evil produces But if you're letting an evil produces But if you're letting an evil produces person produces evil things from the person produces evil things from the person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. So here's treasury of an evil heart. So here's treasury of an evil heart. So here's here's what I want you to catch today is here's what I want you to catch today is here's what I want you to catch today is the actions of evil the actions of evil the actions of evil don't come because someone just acts don't come because someone just acts don't come because someone just acts evil. evil. evil. When you do something that you're like, When you do something that you're like, When you do something that you're like, "Oh, why did I do that? That isn't how I "Oh, why did I do that? That isn't how I "Oh, why did I do that? That isn't how I want to respond. That isn't how I want want to respond. That isn't how I want want to respond. That isn't how I want to live." We all have to grapple with to live." We all have to grapple with to live." We all have to grapple with this fact that its source or the origin this fact that its source or the origin this fact that its source or the origin of it was an evil heart. of it was an evil heart. of it was an evil heart. And we don't we don't want to think And we don't we don't want to think And we don't we don't want to think about it that way. So, let's go to the about it that way. So, let's go to the about it that way. So, let's go to the positive. When good comes out of you, positive. When good comes out of you, positive. When good comes out of you, >> it's not like, "Man, I just did good." >> it's not like, "Man, I just did good." >> it's not like, "Man, I just did good." No, it's because there was good in your No, it's because there was good in your No, it's because there was good in your heart. heart. heart. And the Bible says this, as a a person And the Bible says this, as a a person And the Bible says this, as a a person thinks in their heart, so are they. Now, thinks in their heart, so are they. Now, thinks in their heart, so are they. Now, think about that for a moment. You don't think about that for a moment. You don't think about that for a moment. You don't think with your heart. Your heart isn't think with your heart. Your heart isn't think with your heart. Your heart isn't a brain. So, what the Bible is telling a brain. So, what the Bible is telling a brain. So, what the Bible is telling us is that using this metaphor of what us is that using this metaphor of what us is that using this metaphor of what gets into our heart is really affected gets into our heart is really affected gets into our heart is really affected by how we think. We say it like this.

by how we think. We say it like this. by how we think. We say it like this. I've told my kids since they were I've told my kids since they were I've told my kids since they were little, what gets in your head gets in little, what gets in your head gets in little, what gets in your head gets in your heart. And what gets in your heart your heart. And what gets in your heart your heart. And what gets in your heart becomes your character. becomes your character. becomes your character. So, let's guard what gets in your head. So, let's guard what gets in your head. So, let's guard what gets in your head. Because as a man thinks in his heart, so Because as a man thinks in his heart, so Because as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Are y'all following me? And so, is he. Are y'all following me? And so, is he. Are y'all following me? And so, I'm asking you again, what is your feed I'm asking you again, what is your feed I'm asking you again, what is your feed feeding you? Is it storing up in the feeding you? Is it storing up in the feeding you? Is it storing up in the treasury of your heart treasury of your heart treasury of your heart good things, godly things? good things, godly things? good things, godly things? Or is it storing up in the treasure of Or is it storing up in the treasure of Or is it storing up in the treasure of your heart things that interrupt your your heart things that interrupt your your heart things that interrupt your relationship with God, that pull you relationship with God, that pull you relationship with God, that pull you away from God? away from God? away from God? And I, some of you may think, well, I'm And I, some of you may think, well, I'm And I, some of you may think, well, I'm not on social media, but we're all not on social media, but we're all not on social media, but we're all getting inputs from all different places getting inputs from all different places getting inputs from all different places of our life. of our life. of our life. Let me show you some of the stats that I Let me show you some of the stats that I Let me show you some of the stats that I found that were fascinating about us as found that were fascinating about us as found that were fascinating about us as Americans. That we spend 136 minutes a Americans. That we spend 136 minutes a Americans. That we spend 136 minutes a day on social media. day on social media. day on social media. Y'all, that's over two hours Y'all, that's over two hours Y'all, that's over two hours of our time. We're better than the rest of our time. We're better than the rest of our time. We're better than the rest of the world, though. 141.

of the world, though. 141. of the world, though. 141. If there's a positive to this, we're If there's a positive to this, we're If there's a positive to this, we're winning. Okay. winning. Okay. winning. Okay. But listen to this. This same study But listen to this. This same study But listen to this. This same study found that the average American spends found that the average American spends found that the average American spends only about 35 minutes per day only about 35 minutes per day only about 35 minutes per day intentionally socializing face to face. intentionally socializing face to face. intentionally socializing face to face. So, we're spending two hours So, we're spending two hours So, we're spending two hours letting inputs come from people we don't letting inputs come from people we don't letting inputs come from people we don't even know. Sometimes, don't know their even know. Sometimes, don't know their even know. Sometimes, don't know their values, don't know their thought. We're values, don't know their thought. We're values, don't know their thought. We're letting all these inputs come into our letting all these inputs come into our letting all these inputs come into our life, but we're only spending about 35 life, but we're only spending about 35 life, but we're only spending about 35 minutes a day actually looking face to minutes a day actually looking face to minutes a day actually looking face to face, eye to eye with people, and really face, eye to eye with people, and really face, eye to eye with people, and really building relationships and seeing life building relationships and seeing life building relationships and seeing life from a different perspective. Are you from a different perspective. Are you from a different perspective. Are you following me? And some of you may be following me? And some of you may be following me? And some of you may be like, "Well, I'm not on social media." like, "Well, I'm not on social media." like, "Well, I'm not on social media." Well, let me hit on your favorite news Well, let me hit on your favorite news Well, let me hit on your favorite news channel channel channel because they're all unbiased. If you believe that, I got something If you believe that, I got something else to sell you. else to sell you. else to sell you. So, here's what it means. It means that So, here's what it means. It means that So, here's what it means. It means that over an average lifespan age 13 to 80, over an average lifespan age 13 to 80, over an average lifespan age 13 to 80, if you continue in these patterns, if you continue in these patterns, if you continue in these patterns, you'll have spent six years and four you'll have spent six years and four you'll have spent six years and four months on social media.

months on social media. months on social media. Compared to spending one year and eight Compared to spending one year and eight Compared to spending one year and eight months having real conversations in real months having real conversations in real months having real conversations in real life. life. life. And here's the source if you need it. And here's the source if you need it. And here's the source if you need it. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. So, what's your feed feeding you? So, what's your feed feeding you? So, what's your feed feeding you? Not saying you get rid of it or it's not Not saying you get rid of it or it's not Not saying you get rid of it or it's not up to me. I'm just saying above all up to me. I'm just saying above all up to me. I'm just saying above all else, guard your heart. Be careful. What else, guard your heart. Be careful. What else, guard your heart. Be careful. What are the inputs that are coming into your are the inputs that are coming into your are the inputs that are coming into your life? Because what gets put in does come life? Because what gets put in does come life? Because what gets put in does come out eventually. out eventually. out eventually. And here's what we end up doing when we And here's what we end up doing when we And here's what we end up doing when we come to faith in Jesus or we come to God come to faith in Jesus or we come to God come to faith in Jesus or we come to God and we think, "I've got to change my and we think, "I've got to change my and we think, "I've got to change my life." We think, "I've got to be better. life." We think, "I've got to be better. life." We think, "I've got to be better. I've got to do hard, try harder. I I I've got to do hard, try harder. I I I've got to do hard, try harder. I I just need to be less angry. I need to be just need to be less angry. I need to be just need to be less angry. I need to be less judgmental. And so we go through less judgmental. And so we go through less judgmental. And so we go through all these things that we need to do and all these things that we need to do and all these things that we need to do and we're just like, I'm going to white we're just like, I'm going to white we're just like, I'm going to white knuckle it. And we're trying to deal knuckle it. And we're trying to deal knuckle it. And we're trying to deal with the output. with the output. with the output. I'm wanting to propose if you would deal I'm wanting to propose if you would deal I'm wanting to propose if you would deal with the input, some of the outputs with the input, some of the outputs with the input, some of the outputs would take care of themselves. That if would take care of themselves. That if would take care of themselves. That if you would let the right things in, then you would let the right things in, then you would let the right things in, then from the treasury of a good heart, good from the treasury of a good heart, good from the treasury of a good heart, good would come out. From a treasury of a would come out. From a treasury of a would come out. From a treasury of a godly heart, godliness would come out.

godly heart, godliness would come out. godly heart, godliness would come out. Are you following me? But we got to Are you following me? But we got to Are you following me? But we got to start putting the right treasuries into start putting the right treasuries into start putting the right treasuries into our heart so the right stuff comes out our heart so the right stuff comes out our heart so the right stuff comes out of us instead of just going I'll modify of us instead of just going I'll modify of us instead of just going I'll modify modify my behavior. That's why some of modify my behavior. That's why some of modify my behavior. That's why some of you you're like in with God and out with you you're like in with God and out with you you're like in with God and out with God and in with God because you're like God and in with God because you're like God and in with God because you're like I tried hard and I couldn't accomplish I tried hard and I couldn't accomplish I tried hard and I couldn't accomplish it. It was too hard. That's because it. It was too hard. That's because it. It was too hard. That's because Christianity isn't about trying. It's Christianity isn't about trying. It's Christianity isn't about trying. It's about surrendering and it's about going about surrendering and it's about going about surrendering and it's about going God what do you want to put into me so God what do you want to put into me so God what do you want to put into me so the right things come out of me. Come on the right things come out of me. Come on the right things come out of me. Come on let's put our hands together if you let's put our hands together if you let's put our hands together if you believe that. [applause] believe that. [applause] believe that. [applause] Okay. Okay. Okay. So, I want to give you a few things. You So, I want to give you a few things. You So, I want to give you a few things. You can make your own list. I'm not saying can make your own list. I'm not saying can make your own list. I'm not saying this is exhaustive, but I want to give this is exhaustive, but I want to give this is exhaustive, but I want to give you a few things that you need to you a few things that you need to you a few things that you need to unfollow in your life. All right? So, I unfollow in your life. All right? So, I unfollow in your life. All right? So, I want you to write these down. Number one want you to write these down. Number one want you to write these down. Number one is you need to unfollow negativity. is you need to unfollow negativity. is you need to unfollow negativity. Need to unfollow negativity. I love the Need to unfollow negativity. I love the Need to unfollow negativity. I love the way the amplified version of the Bible way the amplified version of the Bible way the amplified version of the Bible puts this scripture in Proverbs says uh puts this scripture in Proverbs says uh puts this scripture in Proverbs says uh soothing tongues what and this is it soothing tongues what and this is it soothing tongues what and this is it describes it in the brackets is the describes it in the brackets is the describes it in the brackets is the definition speaking words that build up definition speaking words that build up definition speaking words that build up in courage in courage in courage is a tree of life.

is a tree of life. is a tree of life. So you get to determine what you want to So you get to determine what you want to So you get to determine what you want to be but a perverse tongue speaking words be but a perverse tongue speaking words be but a perverse tongue speaking words that overwhelm and depress crushes the that overwhelm and depress crushes the that overwhelm and depress crushes the spirit. spirit. spirit. Have you ever been around those people? Have you ever been around those people? Have you ever been around those people? Don't raise your hand if you're sitting Don't raise your hand if you're sitting Don't raise your hand if you're sitting beside them that you don't ask them how they're that you don't ask them how they're doing because you don't want to know. doing because you don't want to know. doing because you don't want to know. Cuz you know the moment you go, "How you Cuz you know the moment you go, "How you Cuz you know the moment you go, "How you doing?" Well, let me tell you, everything's bad. The world's falling everything's bad. The world's falling apart. Do you see the news? Going to apart. Do you see the news? Going to apart. Do you see the news? Going to hell in a hand basket. That's what we're hell in a hand basket. That's what we're hell in a hand basket. That's what we're doing. negativity in, negativity in, it'll come out. Are you following me? it'll come out. Are you following me? it'll come out. Are you following me? Some of you are like, "No one ever asked Some of you are like, "No one ever asked Some of you are like, "No one ever asked me how I'm doing." Hey, I don't know Hey, I don't know if the spirit speaks. Listen. [laughter] if the spirit speaks. Listen. [laughter] if the spirit speaks. Listen. [laughter] Okay.

Are you following me though? And if if Are you following me though? And if if you're not careful, negativity sells. you're not careful, negativity sells. you're not careful, negativity sells. Positive doesn't get clicks. Positive doesn't get clicks. Positive doesn't get clicks. Are you following me? So if you think Are you following me? So if you think Are you following me? So if you think the feed is just feeding you godly stuff the feed is just feeding you godly stuff the feed is just feeding you godly stuff and good stuff and the best about and good stuff and the best about and good stuff and the best about humanity and the best of people, you're humanity and the best of people, you're humanity and the best of people, you're living in a fantasy land. living in a fantasy land. living in a fantasy land. What sells, what gets clicks is the What sells, what gets clicks is the What sells, what gets clicks is the negative. It's the awful story. I negative. It's the awful story. I negative. It's the awful story. I actually had a media outlet tell me one actually had a media outlet tell me one actually had a media outlet tell me one time, we were doing some really good time, we were doing some really good time, we were doing some really good stuff in the community. I said, ' Man, stuff in the community. I said, ' Man, stuff in the community. I said, ' Man, you should cover this story. You like to you should cover this story. You like to you should cover this story. You like to cover the things about us that, you cover the things about us that, you cover the things about us that, you know, you're not so kind about. You know, you're not so kind about. You know, you're not so kind about. You ought to cover the good. You know what ought to cover the good. You know what ought to cover the good. You know what they told me? Oh, we don't we don't they told me? Oh, we don't we don't they told me? Oh, we don't we don't cover things like that because positivity doesn't sell. because positivity doesn't sell. Are you following me? Are you following me? Are you following me? What's your feed feeding you? If you let What's your feed feeding you? If you let What's your feed feeding you? If you let negativity in, can I tell you something? negativity in, can I tell you something? negativity in, can I tell you something? The world's not going to hell in a hand The world's not going to hell in a hand The world's not going to hell in a hand basket. basket. basket. >> The church is on the rise. I mean, this >> The church is on the rise. I mean, this >> The church is on the rise. I mean, this is statistics. This isn't just my is statistics. This isn't just my is statistics. This isn't just my opinion. This is Barner Research. There opinion. This is Barner Research. There opinion. This is Barner Research. There are more young people coming to Jesus are more young people coming to Jesus are more young people coming to Jesus right now than ever before. Sales of the right now than ever before. Sales of the right now than ever before. Sales of the Bible are through the roof. There's a Bible are through the roof. There's a Bible are through the roof. There's a revival happening among young adults revival happening among young adults revival happening among young adults right now. This isn't going to hell in a right now. This isn't going to hell in a right now. This isn't going to hell in a hand basket because the tomb is empty.

hand basket because the tomb is empty. hand basket because the tomb is empty. And from generation to generation, And from generation to generation, And from generation to generation, civilization to civilization, the word civilization to civilization, the word civilization to civilization, the word of the Lord has remained. The spirit of of the Lord has remained. The spirit of of the Lord has remained. The spirit of God has remained. And the church has God has remained. And the church has God has remained. And the church has remained. remained. remained. >> Are y'all following me? We just need a >> Are y'all following me? We just need a >> Are y'all following me? We just need a little [applause] We get so myopic. We little [applause] We get so myopic. We little [applause] We get so myopic. We think about our generation. We just need think about our generation. We just need think about our generation. We just need to little read a little bit of history. to little read a little bit of history. to little read a little bit of history. >> The church has been okay for 2,000 >> The church has been okay for 2,000 >> The church has been okay for 2,000 years, everyone. years, everyone. years, everyone. >> And he's still on the throne. >> And he's still on the throne. >> And he's still on the throne. >> That's what we should be talking about. >> That's what we should be talking about. >> That's what we should be talking about. >> That's what we should be proclaiming. >> That's what we should be proclaiming. >> That's what we should be proclaiming. We should be like Paul encouraged the We should be like Paul encouraged the We should be like Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus. Don't let unh church in Ephesus. Don't let unh church in Ephesus. Don't let unh wholesome talk come out of your mouth. wholesome talk come out of your mouth. wholesome talk come out of your mouth. Don't let any unh wholesome talk Don't let any unh wholesome talk Don't let any unh wholesome talk but only what is helpful for building but only what is helpful for building but only what is helpful for building others up. Just stop and go. Is what I'm others up. Just stop and go. Is what I'm others up. Just stop and go. Is what I'm about to say helpful about to say helpful about to say helpful according to their needs. Why? So that according to their needs. Why? So that according to their needs. Why? So that everyone everyone everyone may benefit that listen. So anybody may benefit that listen. So anybody may benefit that listen. So anybody around that's hearing what you're around that's hearing what you're around that's hearing what you're saying. saying. saying. If they overheard your conversation, it If they overheard your conversation, it If they overheard your conversation, it would be beneficial.

would be beneficial. would be beneficial. Some of you need to unfollow Some of you need to unfollow Some of you need to unfollow negativity in your life. And some of negativity in your life. And some of negativity in your life. And some of you, depending on your family system or you, depending on your family system or you, depending on your family system or what you were raised in, it's the bent what you were raised in, it's the bent what you were raised in, it's the bent of of of the people in your life. the people in your life. the people in your life. And it may be a harder toe for you, but And it may be a harder toe for you, but And it may be a harder toe for you, but it doesn't mean that you can't move out it doesn't mean that you can't move out it doesn't mean that you can't move out of that. of that. of that. Can I tell you something? You can still Can I tell you something? You can still Can I tell you something? You can still love people and have boundaries with love people and have boundaries with love people and have boundaries with people. people. people. You can still love people and say, "Hey, You can still love people and say, "Hey, You can still love people and say, "Hey, we're not having that conversation. we're not having that conversation. we're not having that conversation. Hey, with me and you, you can talk about Hey, with me and you, you can talk about Hey, with me and you, you can talk about that with anybody else. With me and you, that with anybody else. With me and you, that with anybody else. With me and you, we're not going there. we're not going there. we're not going there. All right? So, we're going to unfollow All right? So, we're going to unfollow All right? So, we're going to unfollow negativity. Number two, unfollow negativity. Number two, unfollow negativity. Number two, unfollow temptation. temptation. temptation. Unfollow temptation. James chapter 1 Unfollow temptation. James chapter 1 Unfollow temptation. James chapter 1 talks to us about temptation. He says, talks to us about temptation. He says, talks to us about temptation. He says, "When tempted, no one should say, God "When tempted, no one should say, God "When tempted, no one should say, God tempted me." So, there's build some tempted me." So, there's build some tempted me." So, there's build some that's good theology. God doesn't tempt that's good theology. God doesn't tempt that's good theology. God doesn't tempt you. So, whenever you do something bad, you. So, whenever you do something bad, you. So, whenever you do something bad, it's not like God was leading you there. it's not like God was leading you there. it's not like God was leading you there. For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. So, it's clear as does he tempt anyone. So, it's clear as does he tempt anyone. So, it's clear as clear as mud, right? No, it's plain clear as mud, right? No, it's plain clear as mud, right? No, it's plain right there. But each person is tempted.

right there. But each person is tempted. right there. But each person is tempted. Here's when we're tempted. When they are Here's when we're tempted. When they are Here's when we're tempted. When they are dragged away by, watch this, their own dragged away by, watch this, their own dragged away by, watch this, their own evil desires and enticed. evil desires and enticed. evil desires and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it Then, after desire has conceived, it Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin. And sin, when it is gives birth to sin. And sin, when it is gives birth to sin. And sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. So, fully grown, gives birth to death. So, fully grown, gives birth to death. So, don't be deceived, my dear brothers and don't be deceived, my dear brothers and don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift sisters. Every good and perfect gift sisters. Every good and perfect gift comes from God above, coming down from comes from God above, coming down from comes from God above, coming down from the father of heavenly lights, who does the father of heavenly lights, who does the father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. So, not change like shifting shadows. So, not change like shifting shadows. So, time out. Let me insert this not a part time out. Let me insert this not a part time out. Let me insert this not a part of the message because I want to help of the message because I want to help of the message because I want to help some of you not feel so shamefilled. some of you not feel so shamefilled. some of you not feel so shamefilled. Being tempted is not a sin. It's when Being tempted is not a sin. It's when Being tempted is not a sin. It's when you give into the temptation that you you give into the temptation that you you give into the temptation that you have moved into the conception of sin. have moved into the conception of sin. have moved into the conception of sin. And then as sin grows, that's when it And then as sin grows, that's when it And then as sin grows, that's when it becomes destructive in your life. Are becomes destructive in your life. Are becomes destructive in your life. Are y'all following me? Some of you are so y'all following me? Some of you are so y'all following me? Some of you are so shamefilled because you're like, I'm shamefilled because you're like, I'm shamefilled because you're like, I'm still tempted by that. I'm I'm still still tempted by that. I'm I'm still still tempted by that. I'm I'm still have I'm still tempted sometime to take have I'm still tempted sometime to take have I'm still tempted sometime to take a drink and I'm still tempted sometime a drink and I'm still tempted sometime a drink and I'm still tempted sometime by that's not the temptation. The by that's not the temptation. The by that's not the temptation. The temptation is whenever you give into temptation is whenever you give into temptation is whenever you give into that thing. Does that make sense? Okay.

that thing. Does that make sense? Okay. that thing. Does that make sense? Okay. Is that helpful? Is that helpful? Is that helpful? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. And so temptation, we're not tempted And so temptation, we're not tempted And so temptation, we're not tempted because God did it. And the text doesn't because God did it. And the text doesn't because God did it. And the text doesn't even say we're tempted because the devil even say we're tempted because the devil even say we're tempted because the devil did it. did it. did it. It says we're tempted because we were It says we're tempted because we were It says we're tempted because we were drawn away by our own desire. drawn away by our own desire. drawn away by our own desire. Paul said it like this. We all have a Paul said it like this. We all have a Paul said it like this. We all have a sin that so easily besets us or gets us. sin that so easily besets us or gets us. sin that so easily besets us or gets us. In other words, the enemy knows where In other words, the enemy knows where In other words, the enemy knows where the in your armor is. And there's the in your armor is. And there's the in your armor is. And there's one thing. For some of you, it's anger. one thing. For some of you, it's anger. one thing. For some of you, it's anger. You explode. You can get there in a You explode. You can get there in a You explode. You can get there in a second. For some of you, you're so calm second. For some of you, you're so calm second. For some of you, you're so calm and chill, we wonder if you even have a and chill, we wonder if you even have a and chill, we wonder if you even have a blood pressure. Are you for some of us it's pride Are you for some of us it's pride and for others of us it's lust for it's and for others of us it's lust for it's and for others of us it's lust for it's all these different things in our life all these different things in our life all these different things in our life and the enemy knows the one but it is and the enemy knows the one but it is and the enemy knows the one but it is that thing in you that desire that draws that thing in you that desire that draws that thing in you that desire that draws you and so the question shouldn't be how you and so the question shouldn't be how you and so the question shouldn't be how much can I do and be okay it should be much can I do and be okay it should be much can I do and be okay it should be how much can I get out of my life so I how much can I get out of my life so I how much can I get out of my life so I create a big enough barrier that my create a big enough barrier that my create a big enough barrier that my desire ires don't drag me into sin. Are desire ires don't drag me into sin. Are desire ires don't drag me into sin. Are y'all following me? Whenever I was a y'all following me? Whenever I was a y'all following me? Whenever I was a student pastor, always the question was, student pastor, always the question was, student pastor, always the question was, "So, how far can I go with her before "So, how far can I go with her before "So, how far can I go with her before it's sin?"

It's like teenagers, come on. You know, It's like teenagers, come on. You know, all the temptations are around hormones. all the temptations are around hormones. all the temptations are around hormones. And I was like, the thing isn't how And I was like, the thing isn't how And I was like, the thing isn't how close can I get to the ledge without close can I get to the ledge without close can I get to the ledge without falling off. It's how far can I stay falling off. It's how far can I stay falling off. It's how far can I stay away from the ledge? away from the ledge? away from the ledge? Which means Which means Which means that if you're feeding your mind and that if you're feeding your mind and that if you're feeding your mind and your ears things that lead you toward your ears things that lead you toward your ears things that lead you toward temptation, then you need to unfollow. temptation, then you need to unfollow. temptation, then you need to unfollow. Because the more you feed that, the more Because the more you feed that, the more Because the more you feed that, the more you draw away from God and the more you draw away from God and the more you draw away from God and the more bondage there is. But the more you draw bondage there is. But the more you draw bondage there is. But the more you draw towards God, the more freedom there is. towards God, the more freedom there is. towards God, the more freedom there is. Away from God, bondage, towards God, Away from God, bondage, towards God, Away from God, bondage, towards God, freedom. Right? That's what the Bible freedom. Right? That's what the Bible freedom. Right? That's what the Bible says in second Corinthians that the Lord says in second Corinthians that the Lord says in second Corinthians that the Lord is spirit and what? Where the spirit of is spirit and what? Where the spirit of is spirit and what? Where the spirit of the Lord is. Everybody say it with me. the Lord is. Everybody say it with me. the Lord is. Everybody say it with me. There is There is There is >> there's freedom. That's really what we >> there's freedom. That's really what we >> there's freedom. That's really what we want the end of the day. All right. want the end of the day. All right. want the end of the day. All right. Number next, Number next, Number next, fear. fear. fear. Fear. Many of us are feeding fear by Fear. Many of us are feeding fear by Fear. Many of us are feeding fear by what we're following. The scripture says what we're following. The scripture says what we're following. The scripture says this that God hasn't given us a spirit this that God hasn't given us a spirit this that God hasn't given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of of fear but of power and of love and of of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

a sound mind. a sound mind. God fear in your life is not from the God fear in your life is not from the God fear in your life is not from the Lord Lord Lord because God's given us power, love, and because God's given us power, love, and because God's given us power, love, and a sound mind. a sound mind. a sound mind. And some of us, we we feed the fear. We And some of us, we we feed the fear. We And some of us, we we feed the fear. We we feed the fear by what we watch. We we feed the fear by what we watch. We we feed the fear by what we watch. We feed the fear by the headlines we read. feed the fear by the headlines we read. feed the fear by the headlines we read. We feed the fear by the things that we We feed the fear by the things that we We feed the fear by the things that we follow in the algorithm. And some of you follow in the algorithm. And some of you follow in the algorithm. And some of you are like, "Well, are you just saying you are like, "Well, are you just saying you are like, "Well, are you just saying you stick your head in the sand? You just stick your head in the sand? You just stick your head in the sand? You just don't know." No, but you can have don't know." No, but you can have don't know." No, but you can have selective hearing, everybody. selective hearing, everybody. selective hearing, everybody. You can choose that I don't have to hear You can choose that I don't have to hear You can choose that I don't have to hear and listen to everything that's coming and listen to everything that's coming and listen to everything that's coming at me every day of my life. This would at me every day of my life. This would at me every day of my life. This would be one for me is that um I learned that be one for me is that um I learned that be one for me is that um I learned that this is actually a word. I thought I this is actually a word. I thought I this is actually a word. I thought I made it up, but I like to I tend to made it up, but I like to I tend to made it up, but I like to I tend to catastrophize everything. catastrophize everything. catastrophize everything. Like I can get bad news and I'm I'm Like I can get bad news and I'm I'm Like I can get bad news and I'm I'm already I'm already like living on the already I'm already like living on the already I'm already like living on the streets and dead and my family is streets and dead and my family is streets and dead and my family is desolate. desolate. desolate. Come on. Anybody else be honest in the Come on. Anybody else be honest in the Come on. Anybody else be honest in the house of God? Every campus you got you house of God? Every campus you got you house of God? Every campus you got you you go to the end the worst possible. you go to the end the worst possible. you go to the end the worst possible. You know I can have a cough and I'm like You know I can have a cough and I'm like You know I can have a cough and I'm like I have lung cancer. I just know it. I I have lung cancer. I just know it. I I have lung cancer. I just know it. I don't say it out loud but it goes don't say it out loud but it goes don't say it out loud but it goes through my mind. I've learned to control through my mind. I've learned to control through my mind. I've learned to control my mind and my words and what I speak my mind and my words and what I speak my mind and my words and what I speak over my life. Are y'all following me?

over my life. Are y'all following me? over my life. Are y'all following me? But it goes to that place. Why? And so But it goes to that place. Why? And so But it goes to that place. Why? And so here's what I know in my life. I don't here's what I know in my life. I don't here's what I know in my life. I don't feed fear. feed fear. feed fear. >> I don't put things in my life. I don't >> I don't put things in my life. I don't >> I don't put things in my life. I don't watch things. I don't listen to things. watch things. I don't listen to things. watch things. I don't listen to things. I'll turn it off real quick. I if I I'll turn it off real quick. I if I I'll turn it off real quick. I if I don't care how much the mo I walk out of don't care how much the mo I walk out of don't care how much the mo I walk out of the movie. I don't feed fear in my life. the movie. I don't feed fear in my life. the movie. I don't feed fear in my life. I've got to feed faith. I've got to feed faith. I've got to feed faith. I don't follow things that incite fear. I don't follow things that incite fear. I don't follow things that incite fear. I don't read things that incite fear. I I don't read things that incite fear. I I don't read things that incite fear. I just don't do it. I feed faith over just don't do it. I feed faith over just don't do it. I feed faith over fear. I un I decided a long time ago I fear. I un I decided a long time ago I fear. I un I decided a long time ago I was unfollowing fear in my life because was unfollowing fear in my life because was unfollowing fear in my life because I refuse to be bound by it. And for some I refuse to be bound by it. And for some I refuse to be bound by it. And for some of you, you continue to you feed fear of you, you continue to you feed fear of you, you continue to you feed fear through what you watch, through what you through what you watch, through what you through what you watch, through what you listen to. You feed fear by the listen to. You feed fear by the listen to. You feed fear by the conversations you have with other conversations you have with other conversations you have with other people. You get together and you talk people. You get together and you talk people. You get together and you talk about things that'll probably never about things that'll probably never about things that'll probably never happen happen happen as if they are happening. And then you as if they are happening. And then you as if they are happening. And then you live in the reality that it's not even a live in the reality that it's not even a live in the reality that it's not even a reality of what could happen. And so reality of what could happen. And so reality of what could happen. And so then you limit yourself from all the then you limit yourself from all the then you limit yourself from all the wonderful things that God wants you to wonderful things that God wants you to wonderful things that God wants you to do. because you're afraid to take the do. because you're afraid to take the do. because you're afraid to take the step of faith because there's a step of faith because there's a step of faith because there's a possibility that down the road someone possibility that down the road someone possibility that down the road someone could say something that would do could say something that would do could say something that would do something and then the plane's going to something and then the plane's going to something and then the plane's going to fall right out of the sky and we're fall right out of the sky and we're fall right out of the sky and we're going to crash and that's why I won't go going to crash and that's why I won't go going to crash and that's why I won't go in the mission field. It's like what?

in the mission field. It's like what? in the mission field. It's like what? How did we get here? And so we live bound And so we live bound keeping us from experiencing everything keeping us from experiencing everything keeping us from experiencing everything God wants for us because of these fears. God wants for us because of these fears. God wants for us because of these fears. I'm not saying it's not real. I'm just I'm not saying it's not real. I'm just I'm not saying it's not real. I'm just saying you don't need to feed it. saying you don't need to feed it. saying you don't need to feed it. 1 John chapter 4 says this. 1 John chapter 4 says this. 1 John chapter 4 says this. There is no fear in love, but perfect There is no fear in love, but perfect There is no fear in love, but perfect love cast out fear because fear involves love cast out fear because fear involves love cast out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been torment. But he who fears has not been torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect by love. H how do I fight made perfect by love. H how do I fight made perfect by love. H how do I fight fear? I don't fight fear with just fear? I don't fight fear with just fear? I don't fight fear with just pulling myself up by my bootstraps and pulling myself up by my bootstraps and pulling myself up by my bootstraps and just, you know, I got to go face it. just, you know, I got to go face it. just, you know, I got to go face it. There is a piece to that. But the way There is a piece to that. But the way There is a piece to that. But the way that you kill fear in your life is you that you kill fear in your life is you that you kill fear in your life is you focus more on the love of God for you. focus more on the love of God for you. focus more on the love of God for you. If God loves you and God has good plans If God loves you and God has good plans If God loves you and God has good plans for you than if God's calling you to for you than if God's calling you to for you than if God's calling you to take a step of faith, then you don't take a step of faith, then you don't take a step of faith, then you don't need to fear because you have the love need to fear because you have the love need to fear because you have the love of a good God.

of a good God. of a good God. So you need to unfollow it. Number next, So you need to unfollow it. Number next, So you need to unfollow it. Number next, unfollow isolation. unfollow isolation. unfollow isolation. Proverbs 18:1 says this. Listen what Proverbs 18:1 says this. Listen what Proverbs 18:1 says this. Listen what happens when you isolate yourself. A man happens when you isolate yourself. A man happens when you isolate yourself. A man who isolates himself seeks his own who isolates himself seeks his own who isolates himself seeks his own desires. So selfishness and he rages desires. So selfishness and he rages desires. So selfishness and he rages against judgment. So you become unwise. against judgment. So you become unwise. against judgment. So you become unwise. Selfishness and you lose wisdom when you Selfishness and you lose wisdom when you Selfishness and you lose wisdom when you isolate yourself. Now can I say this to isolate yourself. Now can I say this to isolate yourself. Now can I say this to you? It's one of the one of the real you? It's one of the one of the real you? It's one of the one of the real cons I think of the media age we live cons I think of the media age we live cons I think of the media age we live in. And again I'm I'm not against it. I in. And again I'm I'm not against it. I in. And again I'm I'm not against it. I I use it. I'm I'm in it. I get that. But I use it. I'm I'm in it. I get that. But I use it. I'm I'm in it. I get that. But it not just isolates you into your own it not just isolates you into your own it not just isolates you into your own little world. It isolates you into your little world. It isolates you into your little world. It isolates you into your own little tribe own little tribe own little tribe because the algorithm will feed you the because the algorithm will feed you the because the algorithm will feed you the echo chamber of the things you want to echo chamber of the things you want to echo chamber of the things you want to hear and you never end up seeing the hear and you never end up seeing the hear and you never end up seeing the perspective of somebody else in the perspective of somebody else in the perspective of somebody else in the world. And so what happens whenever you world. And so what happens whenever you world. And so what happens whenever you get into this tribal idea of I'm just get into this tribal idea of I'm just get into this tribal idea of I'm just reading everyone that thinks like me, reading everyone that thinks like me, reading everyone that thinks like me, sees the world like me, sees ethics like sees the world like me, sees ethics like sees the world like me, sees ethics like me, sees people like me, thinks like and me, sees people like me, thinks like and me, sees people like me, thinks like and I'm just getting it feed and it's being I'm just getting it feed and it's being I'm just getting it feed and it's being reaffirmed, reaffirmed, reaffirmed, reaffirmed, reaffirmed, reaffirmed, reaffirmed, reaffirmed, reaffirmed, reaffirmed. And my endorphins are going reaffirmed. And my endorphins are going reaffirmed. And my endorphins are going off because that's what's happening off because that's what's happening off because that's what's happening biologically within you as it's being biologically within you as it's being biologically within you as it's being reaffirmed. And then what happens is reaffirmed. And then what happens is reaffirmed. And then what happens is it's starting to turn into us versus it's starting to turn into us versus it's starting to turn into us versus them.

them. them. >> And it's my perspective against them. >> And it's my perspective against them. >> And it's my perspective against them. And it's what I believe about the And it's what I believe about the And it's what I believe about the scriptures against them. And can I tell scriptures against them. And can I tell scriptures against them. And can I tell you something? How can you ever reach a you something? How can you ever reach a you something? How can you ever reach a world you are against? world you are against? world you are against? >> For God so loved the world. >> For God so loved the world. >> For God so loved the world. >> In other words, people that don't think >> In other words, people that don't think >> In other words, people that don't think like you, act like you, talk like you, like you, act like you, talk like you, like you, act like you, talk like you, didn't grow up with you, don't live in didn't grow up with you, don't live in didn't grow up with you, don't live in the neighborhood as you, if they become the neighborhood as you, if they become the neighborhood as you, if they become the enemy, how can they ever get the the enemy, how can they ever get the the enemy, how can they ever get the good news of the gospel? So isolation is good news of the gospel? So isolation is good news of the gospel? So isolation is dangerous as you begin to isolate in. dangerous as you begin to isolate in. dangerous as you begin to isolate in. Why? Because you become selfish. Why? Because you become selfish. Why? Because you become selfish. It's about me. I'm Daniel. I'm your It's about me. I'm Daniel. I'm your It's about me. I'm Daniel. I'm your friend. This is the Bible. Becomes about me. And you become unwise. Becomes about me. And you become unwise. Why? Because you never you don't have Why? Because you never you don't have Why? Because you never you don't have other collective varying voices. The other collective varying voices. The other collective varying voices. The Bible says in a multitude of counselors Bible says in a multitude of counselors Bible says in a multitude of counselors there's wisdom and you shut out wisdom. there's wisdom and you shut out wisdom. there's wisdom and you shut out wisdom. You don't sit down to go I never saw it You don't sit down to go I never saw it You don't sit down to go I never saw it that way before. Never thought about it that way before. Never thought about it that way before. Never thought about it for I I've never walked in your shoes for I I've never walked in your shoes for I I've never walked in your shoes before. Oh, I didn't know what it's like before. Oh, I didn't know what it's like before. Oh, I didn't know what it's like to be a single mom.

to be a single mom. to be a single mom. Sorry for some of the Sorry for some of the Sorry for some of the things I assumed. Oh, I didn't know what things I assumed. Oh, I didn't know what things I assumed. Oh, I didn't know what it was to walk through a divorce. Sorry it was to walk through a divorce. Sorry it was to walk through a divorce. Sorry for the things I Oh, I didn't know what for the things I Oh, I didn't know what for the things I Oh, I didn't know what it was to grow up in your neighborhood. it was to grow up in your neighborhood. it was to grow up in your neighborhood. Thanks for sharing that pro. But if I Thanks for sharing that pro. But if I Thanks for sharing that pro. But if I just get people that think like me, talk just get people that think like me, talk just get people that think like me, talk like me, and Are y'all following me? I like me, and Are y'all following me? I like me, and Are y'all following me? I isolate myself. And how can I ever be isolate myself. And how can I ever be isolate myself. And how can I ever be effective for the gospel effective for the gospel effective for the gospel if I'm living in isolation? if I'm living in isolation? if I'm living in isolation? The Bible tells us the opposite of this The Bible tells us the opposite of this The Bible tells us the opposite of this is finally you should sympathize with is finally you should sympathize with is finally you should sympathize with each other. You should love each other each other. You should love each other each other. You should love each other as brothers and sisters, not like as brothers and sisters, not like as brothers and sisters, not like teenage brothers and sisters when you're teenage brothers and sisters when you're teenage brothers and sisters when you're fighting adult ones when you should be fighting adult ones when you should be fighting adult ones when you should be getting along. getting along. getting along. Says, "Be tenderhearted." Says, "Be tenderhearted." Says, "Be tenderhearted." What if we all just followed this verse? What if we all just followed this verse? What if we all just followed this verse? Be tender-hearted and a humble attitude. Be tender-hearted and a humble attitude. Be tender-hearted and a humble attitude. It would change the world. It would change the world. It would change the world. Last one. You need to unfollow Last one. You need to unfollow Last one. You need to unfollow comparison. Need to unfollow comparison.

Need to unfollow comparison. Look what they have. Look what they did. Look what they have. Look what they did. Look what they have. Look what they did. Look what I don't have. Look what I don't have. Look what I don't have. Have you ever noticed that when we Have you ever noticed that when we Have you ever noticed that when we compare, we never compare to someone compare, we never compare to someone compare, we never compare to someone that has less than us? It's always someone that has something It's always someone that has something more than what we had. more than what we had. more than what we had. How many of you know that? How many of you know that? How many of you know that? And maybe you're at church today, And maybe you're at church today, And maybe you're at church today, but there's people that probably have but there's people that probably have but there's people that probably have racked up debt in their life because of racked up debt in their life because of racked up debt in their life because of comparison. I got to have what they comparison. I got to have what they comparison. I got to have what they have. Got to get what they got. I got to have. Got to get what they got. I got to have. Got to get what they got. I got to go where they went. I need those same go where they went. I need those same go where they went. I need those same pictures so I can post them about my pictures so I can post them about my pictures so I can post them about my vacation. Comparison will rob your joy. Comparison will rob your joy. It's the thief of contentment. It's the thief of contentment. It's the thief of contentment. The scripture says this in James chapter The scripture says this in James chapter The scripture says this in James chapter 3. It says, "But if you harbor envy, 3. It says, "But if you harbor envy, 3. It says, "But if you harbor envy, it's at the core of comparison. Selfish it's at the core of comparison. Selfish it's at the core of comparison. Selfish ambition in your hearts. Do not boast ambition in your hearts. Do not boast ambition in your hearts. Do not boast about it and deny the truth for such about it and deny the truth for such about it and deny the truth for such wisdom." It's like some of you are wisdom." It's like some of you are wisdom." It's like some of you are saying this is wise, but it's not. It saying this is wise, but it's not. It saying this is wise, but it's not. It doesn't come from heaven, but it's doesn't come from heaven, but it's doesn't come from heaven, but it's unspiritual. Listen to the strong unspiritual. Listen to the strong unspiritual. Listen to the strong language. It's demonic. For where you language. It's demonic. For where you language. It's demonic. For where you have envy, have envy, have envy, I wish I had what you had. Wish I could I wish I had what you had. Wish I could I wish I had what you had. Wish I could go where you go. Wish I could do what go where you go. Wish I could do what go where you go. Wish I could do what you do. Where you have that, it says you do. Where you have that, it says you do. Where you have that, it says there disorder and every evil practice.

This is the verse I I hope that you This is the verse I I hope that you would follow, that you'd get deep into would follow, that you'd get deep into would follow, that you'd get deep into your heart. Psalms 16. I love this your heart. Psalms 16. I love this your heart. Psalms 16. I love this verse. Lord, you alone are my portion in verse. Lord, you alone are my portion in verse. Lord, you alone are my portion in my cup. my cup. my cup. You make my lot secure. Here's the You make my lot secure. Here's the You make my lot secure. Here's the verse. The boundary lines have fallen in verse. The boundary lines have fallen in verse. The boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places. Surely, I have a pleasant places. Surely, I have a pleasant places. Surely, I have a delightful inheritance. My boundary lines have fallen in My boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places. Can I tell you how this pleasant places. Can I tell you how this pleasant places. Can I tell you how this works for me as a as a pastor? works for me as a as a pastor? works for me as a as a pastor? It took me a while to get here. I'll be It took me a while to get here. I'll be It took me a while to get here. I'll be honest honest honest to go, God, whether I speak to 10 or to go, God, whether I speak to 10 or to go, God, whether I speak to 10 or 10,000, 10,000, 10,000, my boundary lines have fallen in my boundary lines have fallen in my boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places. And if you want to do pleasant places. And if you want to do pleasant places. And if you want to do more in my life, I'm grateful and I'm more in my life, I'm grateful and I'm more in my life, I'm grateful and I'm going to give everything I have to serve going to give everything I have to serve going to give everything I have to serve you, but my boundary lines have fallen you, but my boundary lines have fallen you, but my boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places. in pleasant places. in pleasant places. I'm content. I'm grateful. I'm content. I'm grateful. I'm content. I'm grateful. And comparison will rob that from you. Some of you need need to mute some Some of you need need to mute some things things things because it's feeding discontentment in because it's feeding discontentment in because it's feeding discontentment in your life. Need to unfollow some things.

your life. Need to unfollow some things. your life. Need to unfollow some things. Need to stop watching some things. Why? Need to stop watching some things. Why? Need to stop watching some things. Why? Because it's feeding discontentment in Because it's feeding discontentment in Because it's feeding discontentment in your life. And it's not that God, you've your life. And it's not that God, you've your life. And it's not that God, you've determined my boundary lines. determined my boundary lines. determined my boundary lines. You've done more in my life than I could You've done more in my life than I could You've done more in my life than I could ever think or imagine. and they fall in, I love that word, and they fall in, I love that word, pleasant places. pleasant places. pleasant places. Man, I have a delightful inheritance. Man, I have a delightful inheritance. Man, I have a delightful inheritance. So, how do we do this? How do we So, how do we do this? How do we So, how do we do this? How do we unfollow these things? unfollow these things? unfollow these things? And why is it so important? I want to And why is it so important? I want to And why is it so important? I want to show you Romans chapter 12. Are you show you Romans chapter 12. Are you show you Romans chapter 12. Are you still with me? Say amen. still with me? Say amen. still with me? Say amen. >> All right. Romans chapter 12. It says >> All right. Romans chapter 12. It says >> All right. Romans chapter 12. It says this, and you should know this verse if this, and you should know this verse if this, and you should know this verse if you've been around church. If not, it's you've been around church. If not, it's you've been around church. If not, it's a powerful one for you to remember. a powerful one for you to remember. a powerful one for you to remember. says, "Dear brothers and sisters, I says, "Dear brothers and sisters, I says, "Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you, give your bodies to God plead with you, give your bodies to God plead with you, give your bodies to God because of all he has done. Let them be because of all he has done. Let them be because of all he has done. Let them be a living and a holy sacrifice." In other a living and a holy sacrifice." In other a living and a holy sacrifice." In other words, God wants your whole life, not words, God wants your whole life, not words, God wants your whole life, not just your Sunday, he wants your whole just your Sunday, he wants your whole just your Sunday, he wants your whole life, life, life, the kind that he will find acceptable. the kind that he will find acceptable. the kind that he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

This is truly the way to worship him. This is truly the way to worship him. All right? And then in verse two, he All right? And then in verse two, he All right? And then in verse two, he says this, "Don't copy the behaviors and says this, "Don't copy the behaviors and says this, "Don't copy the behaviors and customs of the world. customs of the world. customs of the world. But here's the alternative. Let God But here's the alternative. Let God But here's the alternative. Let God transform you." you. That word transform transform you." you. That word transform transform you." you. That word transform is where we get the idea of is where we get the idea of is where we get the idea of metamorphosis. It's a caterpillar to a metamorphosis. It's a caterpillar to a metamorphosis. It's a caterpillar to a butterfly so you become something that butterfly so you become something that butterfly so you become something that you were not before. you were not before. you were not before. Let him transform you into a new person. Let him transform you into a new person. Let him transform you into a new person. And here's how he's going to do it. And here's how he's going to do it. And here's how he's going to do it. God's not you're not going to wake up God's not you're not going to wake up God's not you're not going to wake up one day and all of a sudden go just one day and all of a sudden go just one day and all of a sudden go just living for God in every way. Just got living for God in every way. Just got living for God in every way. Just got this Christian thing nailed down. The this Christian thing nailed down. The this Christian thing nailed down. The Holy Spirit did it. All right. The Holy Holy Spirit did it. All right. The Holy Holy Spirit did it. All right. The Holy Spirit will help you. This is how God's Spirit will help you. This is how God's Spirit will help you. This is how God's going to transform you by changing the going to transform you by changing the going to transform you by changing the way you think. way you think. way you think. What gets in your head gets in your What gets in your head gets in your What gets in your head gets in your heart. And so God's going to change the heart. And so God's going to change the heart. And so God's going to change the way you think by renewing your mind. And way you think by renewing your mind. And way you think by renewing your mind. And why is this so important? Because then why is this so important? Because then why is this so important? Because then then you will learn to know what God's then you will learn to know what God's then you will learn to know what God's will for you. How many of you want to will for you. How many of you want to will for you. How many of you want to know that, right? know that, right? know that, right? >> And his will is what? It's pleasing and >> And his will is what? It's pleasing and >> And his will is what? It's pleasing and perfect. So here's why is this so perfect. So here's why is this so perfect. So here's why is this so important. what we're feeding into our important. what we're feeding into our important. what we're feeding into our heart and into our mind. Why? No matter heart and into our mind. Why? No matter heart and into our mind. Why? No matter the outlet that it's coming from. And the outlet that it's coming from. And the outlet that it's coming from. And this is why. So that you can hear the this is why. So that you can hear the this is why. So that you can hear the voice of God.

voice of God. voice of God. >> That's why this matters because I need >> That's why this matters because I need >> That's why this matters because I need to know the will of God which is to know the will of God which is to know the will of God which is pleasing and perfect. But if the voices pleasing and perfect. But if the voices pleasing and perfect. But if the voices that I have that are competing for God's that I have that are competing for God's that I have that are competing for God's voice, the voice of fear and comparison voice, the voice of fear and comparison voice, the voice of fear and comparison and isolation and I'm trying to figure and isolation and I'm trying to figure and isolation and I'm trying to figure out which one's God's voice out which one's God's voice out which one's God's voice >> because we're allowing all these other >> because we're allowing all these other >> because we're allowing all these other voices to get in. It's why it matters so voices to get in. It's why it matters so voices to get in. It's why it matters so much. So, three practical things real much. So, three practical things real much. So, three practical things real quick. I want to show you a verse, give quick. I want to show you a verse, give quick. I want to show you a verse, give you three practical things on how you do you three practical things on how you do you three practical things on how you do this. How do you do this in the every this. How do you do this in the every this. How do you do this in the every day of your life? And then we'll pray day of your life? And then we'll pray day of your life? And then we'll pray together. Paul tells the Corinthian together. Paul tells the Corinthian together. Paul tells the Corinthian church, he says this, we are human. church, he says this, we are human. church, he says this, we are human. Everybody agree? Everybody agree? Everybody agree? >> Okay. Just making sure you're way. >> Okay. Just making sure you're way. >> Okay. Just making sure you're way. >> But we don't wage war as humans do. So >> But we don't wage war as humans do. So >> But we don't wage war as humans do. So we're in a battle. That's the we're in a battle. That's the we're in a battle. That's the assumption. But we don't battle like the assumption. But we don't battle like the assumption. But we don't battle like the world. We use God's weapons. And they're world. We use God's weapons. And they're world. We use God's weapons. And they're mighty. They're not worldly. So it's not mighty. They're not worldly. So it's not mighty. They're not worldly. So it's not tanks and ammo and but we use God's. And tanks and ammo and but we use God's. And tanks and ammo and but we use God's. And what do we use them to? To knock down what do we use them to? To knock down what do we use them to? To knock down the strongholds of listen to this human the strongholds of listen to this human the strongholds of listen to this human reasoning.

reasoning. reasoning. So the way humans think and Paul calls So the way humans think and Paul calls So the way humans think and Paul calls them strongholds. these houses of them strongholds. these houses of them strongholds. these houses of thinking and we're going to use that to thinking and we're going to use that to thinking and we're going to use that to what? And to destroy false arguments. what? And to destroy false arguments. what? And to destroy false arguments. You ever argued with yourself? You ever argued with yourself? You ever argued with yourself? And so we destroy every proud obstacle And so we destroy every proud obstacle And so we destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from what? Knowing that keeps people from what? Knowing that keeps people from what? Knowing God. And here's how we do it. Here's the God. And here's how we do it. Here's the God. And here's how we do it. Here's the how. We capture rebellious thoughts and how. We capture rebellious thoughts and how. We capture rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. We capture teach them to obey Christ. We capture teach them to obey Christ. We capture rebellious thoughts. We teach them to rebellious thoughts. We teach them to rebellious thoughts. We teach them to obey Christ. So, here's super practical. obey Christ. So, here's super practical. obey Christ. So, here's super practical. You can take this home, start doing it You can take this home, start doing it You can take this home, start doing it today, and if you'll do it day after day today, and if you'll do it day after day today, and if you'll do it day after day after day, I promise it'll change your after day, I promise it'll change your after day, I promise it'll change your life. Number one, you got to recognize life. Number one, you got to recognize life. Number one, you got to recognize lies. lies. lies. That's it. He says, we're going to grab That's it. He says, we're going to grab That's it. He says, we're going to grab rebellious thoughts. Well, how do I do rebellious thoughts. Well, how do I do rebellious thoughts. Well, how do I do that? I got to recognize the lie. I'm that? I got to recognize the lie. I'm that? I got to recognize the lie. I'm never I'll never be enough. Lie. never I'll never be enough. Lie. never I'll never be enough. Lie. Not smart enough. Lie. Not smart enough. Lie. Not smart enough. Lie. I always live with fear. Lie.

I always live with fear. Lie. I always live with fear. Lie. God can't use me because of my past. God can't use me because of my past. God can't use me because of my past. Lie. Lie. Lie. Some of us, we just let thoughts run in Some of us, we just let thoughts run in Some of us, we just let thoughts run in our mind all day long and we never our mind all day long and we never our mind all day long and we never arrest them. We never stop them to go, arrest them. We never stop them to go, arrest them. We never stop them to go, "Is that really from God or is that from "Is that really from God or is that from "Is that really from God or is that from the enemy? Is that from something I've the enemy? Is that from something I've the enemy? Is that from something I've been fed or is that from what God has to been fed or is that from what God has to been fed or is that from what God has to say?" So, you got to stop and you got to say?" So, you got to stop and you got to say?" So, you got to stop and you got to recognize it. You got to take long recognize it. You got to take long recognize it. You got to take long enough to go, "That's not of God. enough to go, "That's not of God. enough to go, "That's not of God. No, I will live a long life. No, I will live a long life. No, I will live a long life. No, I my catastrophe isn't going to hit No, I my catastrophe isn't going to hit No, I my catastrophe isn't going to hit me. And if it does, God is with me and me. And if it does, God is with me and me. And if it does, God is with me and God is for me. God is for me. God is for me. >> You got to stop to recognize the lie. >> You got to stop to recognize the lie. >> You got to stop to recognize the lie. But then you can't just recognize that But then you can't just recognize that But then you can't just recognize that that's not enough. You have to replace that's not enough. You have to replace that's not enough. You have to replace it with truth. it with truth. it with truth. Let me give you an example. Everybody Let me give you an example. Everybody Let me give you an example. Everybody look at me. Every campus look right here look at me. Every campus look right here look at me. Every campus look right here real quick. I want you to think about a real quick. I want you to think about a real quick. I want you to think about a big beautiful purple elephant. big beautiful purple elephant. big beautiful purple elephant. You got it? It's like a plum purple. Can You got it? It's like a plum purple. Can You got it? It's like a plum purple. Can you see it? See the big trunk? It's just you see it? See the big trunk? It's just you see it? See the big trunk? It's just spraying water everywhere. Ain't it spraying water everywhere. Ain't it spraying water everywhere. Ain't it pretty? Big purple elephant. Now stop pretty? Big purple elephant. Now stop pretty? Big purple elephant. Now stop thinking about the purple elephant. Just thinking about the purple elephant. Just thinking about the purple elephant. Just stop it. Stop. Stop looking at the big stop it. Stop. Stop looking at the big stop it. Stop. Stop looking at the big elephant eating hay.

elephant eating hay. elephant eating hay. Moving along very slowly. This beautiful Moving along very slowly. This beautiful Moving along very slowly. This beautiful plum colored. plum colored. plum colored. And this is what some of us do. Stop And this is what some of us do. Stop And this is what some of us do. Stop being fearful. being fearful. being fearful. Stop being prideful. Stop being Stop being prideful. Stop being Stop being prideful. Stop being insecure. It doesn't work that way. To insecure. It doesn't work that way. To insecure. It doesn't work that way. To replace the purple elephant, you got to replace the purple elephant, you got to replace the purple elephant, you got to think about the pink zebra. Isn't that think about the pink zebra. Isn't that think about the pink zebra. Isn't that amazing? Pink and black. Can you see it? amazing? Pink and black. Can you see it? amazing? Pink and black. Can you see it? It's just pink and black. You have to It's just pink and black. You have to It's just pink and black. You have to replace it with some You can't just go replace it with some You can't just go replace it with some You can't just go stop being fearful. Stop being No, stop being fearful. Stop being No, stop being fearful. Stop being No, you've got to have a greater truth that you've got to have a greater truth that you've got to have a greater truth that says God hasn't given me a spirit of says God hasn't given me a spirit of says God hasn't given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a fear, but of power and of love and of a fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. And that's what I'm sound mind. And that's what I'm sound mind. And that's what I'm believing today. believing today. believing today. Are you for me? And so whenever I think Are you for me? And so whenever I think Are you for me? And so whenever I think that life is going to fall apart and I that life is going to fall apart and I that life is going to fall apart and I catastrophize, no. My God has good plans catastrophize, no. My God has good plans catastrophize, no. My God has good plans for me and they're not to harm me and for me and they're not to harm me and for me and they're not to harm me and but they give me a hope and a future and but they give me a hope and a future and but they give me a hope and a future and no weapon formed against me will no weapon formed against me will no weapon formed against me will prosper. This is my inheritance as a prosper. This is my inheritance as a prosper. This is my inheritance as a child of God. I have to take the time to child of God. I have to take the time to child of God. I have to take the time to recognize the lie, replace it with recognize the lie, replace it with recognize the lie, replace it with truth. truth. truth. I've got to meditate on it. This is what I've got to meditate on it. This is what I've got to meditate on it. This is what the scripture said. Oh, the joys of the scripture said. Oh, the joys of the scripture said. Oh, the joys of those who don't follow the advice of the those who don't follow the advice of the those who don't follow the advice of the wicked or stand with sinners. But here's wicked or stand with sinners. But here's wicked or stand with sinners. But here's what they do. They delight in the law of what they do. They delight in the law of what they do. They delight in the law of the Lord and they meditate on it every the Lord and they meditate on it every the Lord and they meditate on it every Sunday, day and night.

day and night. And if you do, they're like trees And if you do, they're like trees And if you do, they're like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing planted along the riverbank, bearing planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit in each season. fruit in each season. fruit in each season. Their leaves never wither, and they Their leaves never wither, and they Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. This is the word prosper in all they do. This is the word prosper in all they do. This is the word of the Lord for you. When you meditate of the Lord for you. When you meditate of the Lord for you. When you meditate on it day and night. on it day and night. on it day and night. [music] And so after you recognize it, you And so after you recognize it, you replace it. What do you do? You repeat. replace it. What do you do? You repeat. replace it. What do you do? You repeat. You keep doing it over and over and over You keep doing it over and over and over You keep doing it over and over and over and over again. And you know what'll and over again. And you know what'll and over again. And you know what'll happen? happen? happen? Your mind will be transformed. Your mind will be transformed. Your mind will be transformed. You'll know the voice of God. You'll know the voice of God. You'll know the voice of God. and you'll be able to discern the will and you'll be able to discern the will and you'll be able to discern the will of God in your life. of God in your life. of God in your life. So, let me share this with you in So, let me share this with you in So, let me share this with you in closing. This is my journal. closing. This is my journal. closing. This is my journal. I've visited almost every morning in my I've visited almost every morning in my I've visited almost every morning in my life. It's the current one. I I have life. It's the current one. I I have life. It's the current one. I I have ones for over the years. The team ones for over the years. The team ones for over the years. The team actually had this made for the staff and actually had this made for the staff and actually had this made for the staff and it says on the front of it, write it it says on the front of it, write it it says on the front of it, write it down anyway.

down anyway. down anyway. Isn't that funny? Isn't that funny? Isn't that funny? So, every morning I write what I feel So, every morning I write what I feel So, every morning I write what I feel like God's saying to me from what I read like God's saying to me from what I read like God's saying to me from what I read in his word. I journal things about the in his word. I journal things about the in his word. I journal things about the day before. Um, things I'm things that day before. Um, things I'm things that day before. Um, things I'm things that are coming up in the day. But, but are coming up in the day. But, but are coming up in the day. But, but there's index cards in here that hold my there's index cards in here that hold my there's index cards in here that hold my spot. spot. spot. And And And I I I don't read them every morning, but there don't read them every morning, but there don't read them every morning, but there was a time where I was holding them all was a time where I was holding them all was a time where I was holding them all during the day during the day during the day because there was some inputs because there was some inputs because there was some inputs that were causing fear, lacking peace that were causing fear, lacking peace that were causing fear, lacking peace that were creating some outputs in my that were creating some outputs in my that were creating some outputs in my life that I did not like. life that I did not like. life that I did not like. And so I wrote down some things and day And so I wrote down some things and day And so I wrote down some things and day after day I would meditate on the law of after day I would meditate on the law of after day I would meditate on the law of the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. You can do it digital but I went analog. You can do it digital but I went analog. You can do it digital but I went analog. These are called index cards. These are called index cards. These are called index cards. I used a pen. It's the instrument that I used a pen. It's the instrument that I used a pen. It's the instrument that you they say things like this. For God has they say things like this. For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of not given us a spirit of fear but of not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind.

power and love and of a sound mind. power and love and of a sound mind. had to remind myself of that when fear had to remind myself of that when fear had to remind myself of that when fear wanted to knock on my door. wanted to knock on my door. wanted to knock on my door. And my God will supply all your needs And my God will supply all your needs And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. Had to remember this one. Trust in the Had to remember this one. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't lean Lord with all your heart and don't lean Lord with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding. I underlined on your own understanding. I underlined on your own understanding. I underlined understanding. understanding. understanding. Some things didn't make sense to me. In Some things didn't make sense to me. In Some things didn't make sense to me. In all your ways acknowledge him and he all your ways acknowledge him and he all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. When I felt like I was losing hope, I When I felt like I was losing hope, I remember this one. But as for me, I will remember this one. But as for me, I will remember this one. But as for me, I will hope continually and I will praise you hope continually and I will praise you hope continually and I will praise you more and more. Read this one a lot. Finally, brethren, Read this one a lot. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever whatever things are true, whatever whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are things are noble, whatever things are things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever just, whatever things are pure, whatever just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are things are lovely, whatever things are things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, of good report, if there is any virtue, of good report, if there is any virtue, if there's anything praiseworthy, if there's anything praiseworthy, if there's anything praiseworthy, meditate. I wrote in parenthesis, let meditate. I wrote in parenthesis, let meditate. I wrote in parenthesis, let your mind dwell on these things. The your mind dwell on these things. The your mind dwell on these things. The things which you learned and received things which you learned and received things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, those do. And and heard and saw in me, those do. And and heard and saw in me, those do. And the God of peace will be with you.

the God of peace will be with you. the God of peace will be with you. Remember this one. The Lord is my light Remember this one. The Lord is my light Remember this one. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life. Whom Lord is the stronghold of my life. Whom Lord is the stronghold of my life. Whom shall I be afraid? How about this one? shall I be afraid? How about this one? shall I be afraid? How about this one? And the peace of God which surpasses all And the peace of God which surpasses all And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and understanding will guard your hearts and understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. minds in Christ Jesus. minds in Christ Jesus. For when I'm catastrophizing, have no For when I'm catastrophizing, have no For when I'm catastrophizing, have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked. For the Lord that overtakes the wicked. For the Lord that overtakes the wicked. For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep will be your confidence and will keep will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. In moments of discontentment, In moments of discontentment, Lord, you have assigned me my portion Lord, you have assigned me my portion Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup. You have made my lot secure. and my cup. You have made my lot secure. and my cup. You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in The boundary lines have fallen for me in The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. Surely, I have a pleasant places. Surely, I have a pleasant places. Surely, I have a delightful inheritance. delightful inheritance. delightful inheritance. And so day after day, And so day after day, And so day after day, day after day, day after day, day after day, day after day, day after day, day after day, day after day, just reading them, day after day, just reading them, day after day, just reading them, remembering them, remembering them, remembering them, remembering them until the voice of remembering them until the voice of remembering them until the voice of truth became the loudest voice in my truth became the loudest voice in my truth became the loudest voice in my mind and God gave me victory mind and God gave me victory mind and God gave me victory >> over >> over >> over fear.

fear. fear. [music] So recognize the lie, So recognize the lie, replace it with truth, replace it with truth, replace it with truth, and then repeat it until you have the and then repeat it until you have the and then repeat it until you have the victory. victory. victory. >> And what'll happen? >> And what'll happen? >> And what'll happen? You'll hear the voice of God. You'll be You'll hear the voice of God. You'll be You'll hear the voice of God. You'll be able to confirm his will, which is good, able to confirm his will, which is good, able to confirm his will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect. you receive the pleasing, and perfect. you receive the pleasing, and perfect. you receive the word of God today. Is that helpful? word of God today. Is that helpful? word of God today. Is that helpful? [applause] Will you pray with me? Heads bowed, eyes Will you pray with me? Heads bowed, eyes closed at every location. You know, this is only possible, this You know, this is only possible, this isn't self-help. It's only possible with isn't self-help. It's only possible with isn't self-help. It's only possible with the help of God in your life. the help of God in your life. the help of God in your life. And for some of you, the struggle that And for some of you, the struggle that And for some of you, the struggle that you're continually find yourself in you're continually find yourself in you're continually find yourself in of wanting to fix the outputs. I'm going of wanting to fix the outputs. I'm going of wanting to fix the outputs. I'm going to do better, be better, try harder.

to do better, be better, try harder. to do better, be better, try harder. That's not the pathway to Jesus. The That's not the pathway to Jesus. The That's not the pathway to Jesus. The pathway to Jesus is surrender. pathway to Jesus is surrender. pathway to Jesus is surrender. And some of you, that's the step you And some of you, that's the step you And some of you, that's the step you need to take today is to surrender your need to take today is to surrender your need to take today is to surrender your life to Jesus. life to Jesus. life to Jesus. You never really given him the reigns of You never really given him the reigns of You never really given him the reigns of your life. your life. your life. You've dipped your toe in. You've You've dipped your toe in. You've You've dipped your toe in. You've tried Christianity. You kind of make it tried Christianity. You kind of make it tried Christianity. You kind of make it a Sunday thing, but you've never a Sunday thing, but you've never a Sunday thing, but you've never surrendered fully to him, saying, "God, surrendered fully to him, saying, "God, surrendered fully to him, saying, "God, I'm going all in." I'm going all in." I'm going all in." If you've never done that, I want to If you've never done that, I want to If you've never done that, I want to give you the opportunity to do that. Or give you the opportunity to do that. Or give you the opportunity to do that. Or maybe you're here today and there was a maybe you're here today and there was a maybe you're here today and there was a time in your life where you were walking time in your life where you were walking time in your life where you were walking with the Lord, but you know right now with the Lord, but you know right now with the Lord, but you know right now that you're far from him. Some of you that you're far from him. Some of you that you're far from him. Some of you would say, if someone asked you, are you would say, if someone asked you, are you would say, if someone asked you, are you a Christian? You'd say, "Yeah." But if I a Christian? You'd say, "Yeah." But if I a Christian? You'd say, "Yeah." But if I were to ask you, are you close to God? were to ask you, are you close to God? were to ask you, are you close to God? you'd say he feels a million miles away. you'd say he feels a million miles away. you'd say he feels a million miles away. It doesn't have to be like that. It doesn't have to be like that. It doesn't have to be like that. The Bible says that if anybody's in The Bible says that if anybody's in The Bible says that if anybody's in Christ, they're a brand new creation. Christ, they're a brand new creation. Christ, they're a brand new creation. The old passes and the new comes. What The old passes and the new comes. What The old passes and the new comes. What that means is today can be a day of that means is today can be a day of that means is today can be a day of brand new beginnings for you.

brand new beginnings for you. brand new beginnings for you. Jesus, like the prodical son's father, Jesus, like the prodical son's father, Jesus, like the prodical son's father, is standing with arms open wide, just is standing with arms open wide, just is standing with arms open wide, just waiting for you to come to him. And I waiting for you to come to him. And I waiting for you to come to him. And I want to help you take that step of want to help you take that step of want to help you take that step of faith. And it's through prayer. And faith. And it's through prayer. And faith. And it's through prayer. And there's nothing special about the words there's nothing special about the words there's nothing special about the words I say. But if by faith you mean them, I say. But if by faith you mean them, I say. But if by faith you mean them, then according to God's word, today will then according to God's word, today will then according to God's word, today will be a day that your sins are forgiven. be a day that your sins are forgiven. be a day that your sins are forgiven. The old passes and the new comes. And so The old passes and the new comes. And so The old passes and the new comes. And so before we pray together at every before we pray together at every before we pray together at every location, no one's going to come to you location, no one's going to come to you location, no one's going to come to you or point you out. I promise you. But I or point you out. I promise you. But I or point you out. I promise you. But I just want to know who I'm praying with just want to know who I'm praying with just want to know who I'm praying with myself and the pastor at your location. myself and the pastor at your location. myself and the pastor at your location. So if you'd say, "That's me today. I So if you'd say, "That's me today. I So if you'd say, "That's me today. I need a fresh start in God." I'm going to need a fresh start in God." I'm going to need a fresh start in God." I'm going to count to three. I'm just going to ask count to three. I'm just going to ask count to three. I'm just going to ask you to shoot your hand up real high so you to shoot your hand up real high so you to shoot your hand up real high so we can see and then we're going to pray we can see and then we're going to pray we can see and then we're going to pray together. So on three, if God's speaking together. So on three, if God's speaking together. So on three, if God's speaking to you, you let us know. One, two, to you, you let us know. One, two, to you, you let us know. One, two, three, you just shoot your hand up high. three, you just shoot your hand up high. three, you just shoot your hand up high. God bless you. God bless you. Keep it up God bless you. God bless you. Keep it up God bless you. God bless you. Keep it up all over the room. all over the room. all over the room. I see you. More importantly, God sees I see you. More importantly, God sees I see you. More importantly, God sees you and all of heaven is rejoicing over you and all of heaven is rejoicing over you and all of heaven is rejoicing over you. You can put your hands down. you. You can put your hands down. you. You can put your hands down. Church, will you pray this out loud Church, will you pray this out loud Church, will you pray this out loud together for the benefit of those who together for the benefit of those who together for the benefit of those who just slipped their hand up? Just say, just slipped their hand up? Just say, just slipped their hand up? Just say, "Jesus, I need you. I ask you to forgive "Jesus, I need you. I ask you to forgive "Jesus, I need you. I ask you to forgive me of all my sin. I believe you died for me of all my sin. I believe you died for me of all my sin. I believe you died for me. I believe God raised you from the me. I believe God raised you from the me. I believe God raised you from the dead.

dead. 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 a big amen. in Jesus name. Everyone said a big amen. in Jesus name. Everyone said a big amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Will you put your hands together for all >> Will you put your hands together for all >> Will you put your hands together for all those who made that decision? Wow.