The Refreshment of the Spirit in Times of Trial | Finding Hope in God

For America's 250th birthday, Greg Lorie For America's 250th birthday, Greg Lorie recommends a great film about the man recommends a great film about the man recommends a great film about the man behind the spiritual [music] awakening behind the spiritual [music] awakening behind the spiritual [music] awakening of our nation. Just as surely as George of our nation. Just as surely as George of our nation. Just as surely as George Washington is our founding father, Washington is our founding father, Washington is our founding father, George Whitfield is our spiritual George Whitfield is our spiritual George Whitfield is our spiritual founding [music] father. Two Georgees founding [music] father. Two Georgees founding [music] father. Two Georgees played a role in founding the United played a role in founding the United played a role in founding the United States. So find out more about George States. So find out more about George States. So find out more about George Whitfield [music] Whitfield [music] Whitfield [music] in this film that's called A Great in this film that's called A Great in this film that's called A Great Awakening and we'll send it to you for Awakening and we'll send it to you for Awakening and we'll send it to you for [music] your gift of any size. available [music] your gift of any size. available [music] your gift of any size. available on DVD at harvest.org. >> Sometimes [music] >> Sometimes [music] in the dry wastelands of life, I will in the dry wastelands of life, I will in the dry wastelands of life, I will find God more than I find him anywhere find God more than I find him anywhere find God more than I find him anywhere else. Do we grow closer to [music] the else. Do we grow closer to [music] the else. Do we grow closer to [music] the Lord in times of spiritual success and Lord in times of spiritual success and Lord in times of spiritual success and excitement? Pastor Greg Lorie says, "We excitement? Pastor Greg Lorie says, "We excitement? Pastor Greg Lorie says, "We often [music] realize God is all we need often [music] realize God is all we need often [music] realize God is all we need when he's all we have." I would love to when he's all we have." I would love to when he's all we have." I would love to perpetually live on a mountaintop, perpetually live on a mountaintop, perpetually live on a mountaintop, [music] never having an emotional low. [music] never having an emotional low. [music] never having an emotional low. But the reality is spiritual fruit does But the reality is spiritual fruit does But the reality is spiritual fruit does not grow on mountain tops. It grows in not grow on mountain tops. It grows in not grow on mountain tops. It grows in [music] valleys. [music] valleys. [music] valleys. >> This is the day when the lost are found.

>> This is the day when the lost are found. >> This is the day when the lost are found. This is the day for gra. gra. [music] [music] day [music] day when life begins. when life begins. when life begins. >> It's [music] been said that when we get >> It's [music] been said that when we get >> It's [music] been said that when we get to the end of our rope, we get to the to the end of our rope, we get to the to the end of our rope, we get to the beginning of God. A lot of truth [music] beginning of God. A lot of truth [music] beginning of God. A lot of truth [music] in that statement. When we're out of in that statement. When we're out of in that statement. When we're out of answers and short on hope, God opens his answers and short on hope, God opens his answers and short on hope, God opens his supply of reassurance and direction. And supply of reassurance and direction. And supply of reassurance and direction. And today on a new beginning, [music] today on a new beginning, [music] today on a new beginning, [music] Pastor Greg Lorie has good insight for Pastor Greg Lorie has good insight for Pastor Greg Lorie has good insight for those challenging times. We're glad those challenging times. We're glad those challenging times. We're glad you've joined [music] us for his new you've joined [music] us for his new you've joined [music] us for his new series called Refresh: What Every series called Refresh: What Every series called Refresh: What Every Christian Needs to Know. Valuable Christian Needs to Know. Valuable Christian Needs to Know. Valuable information for [music] believers who information for [music] believers who information for [music] believers who face the challenges of life. face the challenges of life. face the challenges of life. >> This is the day >> This is the day >> This is the day when life begins. >> Have you ever been working on your >> Have you ever been working on your computer and things sort of freeze and I computer and things sort of freeze and I computer and things sort of freeze and I have a little bar I'll tap trying to have a little bar I'll tap trying to have a little bar I'll tap trying to wake my computer up and sometimes it wake my computer up and sometimes it wake my computer up and sometimes it won't wake up. I may have to restart it, won't wake up. I may have to restart it, won't wake up. I may have to restart it, reboot it, and effectively refresh it.

reboot it, and effectively refresh it. reboot it, and effectively refresh it. In the same way in our lives as In the same way in our lives as In the same way in our lives as Christians, sometimes we find ourselves Christians, sometimes we find ourselves Christians, sometimes we find ourselves well, a little bit down, a little bit well, a little bit down, a little bit well, a little bit down, a little bit frozen. Uh we're not living the way we frozen. Uh we're not living the way we frozen. Uh we're not living the way we ought to be. It's not working as well ought to be. It's not working as well ought to be. It's not working as well for us. We're struggling spiritually. for us. We're struggling spiritually. for us. We're struggling spiritually. That is not a 21st century phenomena. That is not a 21st century phenomena. That is not a 21st century phenomena. Way back when the psalmist wrote these Way back when the psalmist wrote these Way back when the psalmist wrote these words in Psalm 42, "My heart is breaking words in Psalm 42, "My heart is breaking words in Psalm 42, "My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be." Can as I remember how it used to be." Can as I remember how it used to be." Can someone here say those words maybe today someone here say those words maybe today someone here say those words maybe today describing their life? There was a time describing their life? There was a time describing their life? There was a time when you were stronger spiritually than when you were stronger spiritually than when you were stronger spiritually than you are today. And so you say, "I you are today. And so you say, "I you are today. And so you say, "I remember how it used to be." And then remember how it used to be." And then remember how it used to be." And then the psalmist continues, "I walked among the psalmist continues, "I walked among the psalmist continues, "I walked among the crowds of worshippers leading a the crowds of worshippers leading a the crowds of worshippers leading a great procession to the house of God, great procession to the house of God, great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks. But singing for joy and giving thanks. But singing for joy and giving thanks. But then he honestly admits this. So why am then he honestly admits this. So why am then he honestly admits this. So why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? And that can happen to any of us. You And that can happen to any of us. You And that can happen to any of us. You can be in the middle of a worship can be in the middle of a worship can be in the middle of a worship service. You find yourself down. You're service. You find yourself down. You're service. You find yourself down. You're discouraged. You're sad. And I love it discouraged. You're sad. And I love it discouraged. You're sad. And I love it because in the middle of a psalm, he because in the middle of a psalm, he because in the middle of a psalm, he corrects himself. And he says, "I will corrects himself. And he says, "I will corrects himself. And he says, "I will put my hope in God. I'll praise him put my hope in God. I'll praise him put my hope in God. I'll praise him again. My savior and my God." Sometimes again. My savior and my God." Sometimes again. My savior and my God." Sometimes I do that. I preach to myself. I'll be I do that. I preach to myself. I'll be I do that. I preach to myself. I'll be thinking something. bobbed down about thinking something. bobbed down about thinking something. bobbed down about this or concerned about that or this or concerned about that or this or concerned about that or something else. And I'll even say, something else. And I'll even say, something else. And I'll even say, "Greg, shut up." I'm very close to "Greg, shut up." I'm very close to "Greg, shut up." I'm very close to myself. So, I can talk that way to myself. So, I can talk that way to myself. So, I can talk that way to myself. Greg, shut up. The Bible says,

myself. Greg, shut up. The Bible says, myself. Greg, shut up. The Bible says, and sometimes I'll quote the Bible out and sometimes I'll quote the Bible out and sometimes I'll quote the Bible out loud to myself to sort of write my loud to myself to sort of write my loud to myself to sort of write my course. Have you ever done that? Then course. Have you ever done that? Then course. Have you ever done that? Then the psalmist continues and says, "As the the psalmist continues and says, "As the the psalmist continues and says, "As the deer longs for streams of water, so I deer longs for streams of water, so I deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, oh God. I thirst for God, long for you, oh God. I thirst for God, long for you, oh God. I thirst for God, the living God." Here's what he's the living God." Here's what he's the living God." Here's what he's saying. I need some spiritual saying. I need some spiritual saying. I need some spiritual refreshment. And that's something God refreshment. And that's something God refreshment. And that's something God wants to give to every one of us. wants to give to every one of us. wants to give to every one of us. Remember in our last message we Remember in our last message we Remember in our last message we mentioned Ephesians 5 where Paul says be mentioned Ephesians 5 where Paul says be mentioned Ephesians 5 where Paul says be filled with the spirit speaking to filled with the spirit speaking to filled with the spirit speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns and yourself in psalms and hymns and yourself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing and making spiritual songs singing and making spiritual songs singing and making melody in your hearts to the lord. In melody in your hearts to the lord. In melody in your hearts to the lord. In the original Greek that is a command. So the original Greek that is a command. So the original Greek that is a command. So the lord is saying I command you to be the lord is saying I command you to be the lord is saying I command you to be filled with the spirit. Also in the filled with the spirit. Also in the filled with the spirit. Also in the Greek it speaks of something that's Greek it speaks of something that's Greek it speaks of something that's continuous. In other words, the Lord is continuous. In other words, the Lord is continuous. In other words, the Lord is saying, "I command you each and every saying, "I command you each and every saying, "I command you each and every day to be filled, refilled, and filled day to be filled, refilled, and filled day to be filled, refilled, and filled again with the Holy Spirit." So, we need again with the Holy Spirit." So, we need again with the Holy Spirit." So, we need to ask God to fill us. And by the way, to ask God to fill us. And by the way, to ask God to fill us. And by the way, that isn't an emotional thing that isn't an emotional thing that isn't an emotional thing necessarily. As I illustrated, I don't necessarily. As I illustrated, I don't necessarily. As I illustrated, I don't know about you, but I don't have an know about you, but I don't have an know about you, but I don't have an emotional experience when I fill my car emotional experience when I fill my car emotional experience when I fill my car with gas. Or if you have an electric with gas. Or if you have an electric with gas. Or if you have an electric car, when you plug it into the wall, car, when you plug it into the wall, car, when you plug it into the wall, it's emotional. Well, unless you're it's emotional. Well, unless you're it's emotional. Well, unless you're standing in water and you plug it in the standing in water and you plug it in the standing in water and you plug it in the wall, that will be very emotional. But wall, that will be very emotional. But wall, that will be very emotional. But no, the idea is is that it's just no, the idea is is that it's just no, the idea is is that it's just something you do. It's functional. And something you do. It's functional. And something you do. It's functional. And when you pray for God to fill you, it's when you pray for God to fill you, it's when you pray for God to fill you, it's not so much am I going to have an not so much am I going to have an not so much am I going to have an emotional experience, but rather am I emotional experience, but rather am I emotional experience, but rather am I going to receive this from the Lord? And

going to receive this from the Lord? And going to receive this from the Lord? And that brings you refreshment. As Peter that brings you refreshment. As Peter that brings you refreshment. As Peter said on the day of Pentecost, times of said on the day of Pentecost, times of said on the day of Pentecost, times of refreshment come from the presence of refreshment come from the presence of refreshment come from the presence of the Lord. Listen, God wants to refresh the Lord. Listen, God wants to refresh the Lord. Listen, God wants to refresh you today, right here, right now. How you today, right here, right now. How you today, right here, right now. How does he do that? Well, one way he does does he do that? Well, one way he does does he do that? Well, one way he does it is through reading and studying the it is through reading and studying the it is through reading and studying the Bible. Reading and studying the Bible Bible. Reading and studying the Bible Bible. Reading and studying the Bible because Psalm 19 says, "The word of the because Psalm 19 says, "The word of the because Psalm 19 says, "The word of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul." Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul." Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul." Proverbs 25:25 says, "Good news from far Proverbs 25:25 says, "Good news from far Proverbs 25:25 says, "Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty." away is like cold water to the thirsty." away is like cold water to the thirsty." So, as I read and study the word of God, So, as I read and study the word of God, So, as I read and study the word of God, it refreshes me. Number two, this is it refreshes me. Number two, this is it refreshes me. Number two, this is really important. I will find myself really important. I will find myself really important. I will find myself spiritually refreshed when I think of spiritually refreshed when I think of spiritually refreshed when I think of other people more than myself. other people more than myself. other people more than myself. That's counterintuitive. It seems to me That's counterintuitive. It seems to me That's counterintuitive. It seems to me that if I want to be refreshed, if I that if I want to be refreshed, if I that if I want to be refreshed, if I want to be happy, I have to focus on my want to be happy, I have to focus on my want to be happy, I have to focus on my needs. And I'll even find myself saying needs. And I'll even find myself saying needs. And I'll even find myself saying something along the lines of, "I I need something along the lines of, "I I need something along the lines of, "I I need more me time." And you even use that more me time." And you even use that more me time." And you even use that voice, which is especially obnoxious. I voice, which is especially obnoxious. I voice, which is especially obnoxious. I need more me time. You don't need more need more me time. You don't need more need more me time. You don't need more me time. You need more Jesus time. that me time. You need more Jesus time. that me time. You need more Jesus time. that that's what's going to refresh you that's what's going to refresh you that's what's going to refresh you spiritually and think of others.

spiritually and think of others. spiritually and think of others. [applause] [applause] [applause] Here's the reality. When I do things Here's the reality. When I do things Here's the reality. When I do things only for myself, that might bring a only for myself, that might bring a only for myself, that might bring a momentary happiness, but studies have momentary happiness, but studies have momentary happiness, but studies have found that selflessness brings found that selflessness brings found that selflessness brings happiness, not selfishness. happiness, not selfishness. happiness, not selfishness. They've even come up with a description They've even come up with a description They've even come up with a description of it. They call it the helper's high. of it. They call it the helper's high. of it. They call it the helper's high. You know it. When you do something for You know it. When you do something for You know it. When you do something for someone else, it can be as simple as someone else, it can be as simple as someone else, it can be as simple as holding the door open for someone or holding the door open for someone or holding the door open for someone or helping someone load their groceries helping someone load their groceries helping someone load their groceries into their car or it might be providing into their car or it might be providing into their car or it might be providing some food for someone that is in need or some food for someone that is in need or some food for someone that is in need or sharing your faith with someone. As you sharing your faith with someone. As you sharing your faith with someone. As you do that, you find yourself replenished do that, you find yourself replenished do that, you find yourself replenished in the process. And we're told in in the process. And we're told in in the process. And we're told in scripture, Proverbs 11:25, a generous scripture, Proverbs 11:25, a generous scripture, Proverbs 11:25, a generous person will prosper, and whoever person will prosper, and whoever person will prosper, and whoever refreshes others will be refreshed refreshes others will be refreshed refreshes others will be refreshed himself. Okay. So, here's another thing himself. Okay. So, here's another thing himself. Okay. So, here's another thing that brings refreshment. And this one that brings refreshment. And this one that brings refreshment. And this one might surprise you. Spiritual might surprise you. Spiritual might surprise you. Spiritual refreshment comes from times of refreshment comes from times of refreshment comes from times of spiritual testing. God says in Isaiah spiritual testing. God says in Isaiah spiritual testing. God says in Isaiah 43:19, "I'm about to do something new.

43:19, "I'm about to do something new. 43:19, "I'm about to do something new. See, I've already begun. Don't you see See, I've already begun. Don't you see See, I've already begun. Don't you see it? I'll make a pathway through the it? I'll make a pathway through the it? I'll make a pathway through the wilderness and rivers in the dry wilderness and rivers in the dry wilderness and rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be wasteland so my chosen people can be wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed." So, listen. Sometimes in the refreshed." So, listen. Sometimes in the refreshed." So, listen. Sometimes in the dry wastelands of life, I will find God dry wastelands of life, I will find God dry wastelands of life, I will find God more than I find him anywhere else. I more than I find him anywhere else. I more than I find him anywhere else. I would love to perpetually live on a would love to perpetually live on a would love to perpetually live on a mountaintop, never having an emotional mountaintop, never having an emotional mountaintop, never having an emotional low. But the reality is spiritual fruit low. But the reality is spiritual fruit low. But the reality is spiritual fruit does not grow on mountain tops. It grows does not grow on mountain tops. It grows does not grow on mountain tops. It grows in valleys. But why do I have to go in valleys. But why do I have to go in valleys. But why do I have to go through trials as a follower of Jesus? through trials as a follower of Jesus? through trials as a follower of Jesus? Here's the answer. James 1 verse two. Here's the answer. James 1 verse two. Here's the answer. James 1 verse two. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it of any kind come your way, consider it of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. And know an opportunity for great joy. And know an opportunity for great joy. And know that when your faith is tested, your that when your faith is tested, your that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let endurance has a chance to grow. So let endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow. And when your endurance is it grow. And when your endurance is it grow. And when your endurance is fully developed, you'll be perfect and fully developed, you'll be perfect and fully developed, you'll be perfect and complete. We'll stop there. One of the complete. We'll stop there. One of the complete. We'll stop there. One of the things that often happens when crisis things that often happens when crisis things that often happens when crisis comes our way, when hardship comes our comes our way, when hardship comes our comes our way, when hardship comes our way, maybe it's trouble at work, maybe way, maybe it's trouble at work, maybe way, maybe it's trouble at work, maybe it's trouble with your family, maybe it's trouble with your family, maybe it's trouble with your family, maybe it's trouble with your health, but it's trouble with your health, but it's trouble with your health, but whatever it is is you ask why. Why is whatever it is is you ask why. Why is whatever it is is you ask why. Why is this happening to me? What have I done this happening to me? What have I done this happening to me? What have I done to deserve such a fate? I've been to deserve such a fate? I've been to deserve such a fate? I've been walking with the Lord. I've been reading walking with the Lord. I've been reading walking with the Lord. I've been reading his word. I've been praying. I've been his word. I've been praying. I've been his word. I've been praying. I've been going to church. I'm doing all the right going to church. I'm doing all the right going to church. I'm doing all the right things. I'm checking all the boxes. And things. I'm checking all the boxes. And things. I'm checking all the boxes. And this hardship is happening. Why? Simple this hardship is happening. Why? Simple this hardship is happening. Why? Simple answer, for your own good. What? What?

answer, for your own good. What? What? answer, for your own good. What? What? Oh yeah. Trials are allowed in the life Oh yeah. Trials are allowed in the life Oh yeah. Trials are allowed in the life of the Christian for their own good. So of the Christian for their own good. So of the Christian for their own good. So you will grow up spiritually. In fact, you will grow up spiritually. In fact, you will grow up spiritually. In fact, first Peter says, "Don't be surprised at first Peter says, "Don't be surprised at first Peter says, "Don't be surprised at the fiery trials you're going through as the fiery trials you're going through as the fiery trials you're going through as though something strange were happening. though something strange were happening. though something strange were happening. Instead, be glad for these trials make Instead, be glad for these trials make Instead, be glad for these trials make you partners with Christ in his you partners with Christ in his you partners with Christ in his suffering." Look, it's not a matter of suffering." Look, it's not a matter of suffering." Look, it's not a matter of if you're going to have trials and if you're going to have trials and if you're going to have trials and hardship. It's just a matter of when. hardship. It's just a matter of when. hardship. It's just a matter of when. Jesus said, "In this world, you shall Jesus said, "In this world, you shall Jesus said, "In this world, you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer have tribulation, but be of good cheer have tribulation, but be of good cheer of overcome the world." So, if you're of overcome the world." So, if you're of overcome the world." So, if you're taking notes, here's point number one. taking notes, here's point number one. taking notes, here's point number one. God allows trials in the life of the God allows trials in the life of the God allows trials in the life of the Christian so we will grow up Christian so we will grow up Christian so we will grow up spiritually. Again, God allows trials in spiritually. Again, God allows trials in spiritually. Again, God allows trials in our lives so we will grow up our lives so we will grow up our lives so we will grow up spiritually. spiritually. spiritually. JB Phillips translates verse four as JB Phillips translates verse four as JB Phillips translates verse four as follows. Let this process go on until follows. Let this process go on until follows. Let this process go on until you have become men of mature character. you have become men of mature character. you have become men of mature character. Basically, it is God testing you to see Basically, it is God testing you to see Basically, it is God testing you to see if you've learned the material. Back if you've learned the material. Back if you've learned the material. Back when I was in school, I remember when when I was in school, I remember when when I was in school, I remember when the teacher would come out and say, the teacher would come out and say, the teacher would come out and say, "Close your textbooks. We're having a "Close your textbooks. We're having a "Close your textbooks. We're having a pop quiz." All the nerds and the geeks pop quiz." All the nerds and the geeks pop quiz." All the nerds and the geeks got excited.

got excited. got excited. They're all like, "Yeah." And they even They're all like, "Yeah." And they even They're all like, "Yeah." And they even had voices like that. Not really. But had voices like that. Not really. But had voices like that. Not really. But and I was not excited. And by the way, and I was not excited. And by the way, and I was not excited. And by the way, we don't call them nerds and geeks we don't call them nerds and geeks we don't call them nerds and geeks anymore, do we? We call them boss now. anymore, do we? We call them boss now. anymore, do we? We call them boss now. We probably work for them. Isn't it interesting how the word geek Isn't it interesting how the word geek is positive now, right? So you Yeah, I is positive now, right? So you Yeah, I is positive now, right? So you Yeah, I can't get my computer working. I need a can't get my computer working. I need a can't get my computer working. I need a geek. Help me someone. So they were geek. Help me someone. So they were geek. Help me someone. So they were excited. Why? Because they were excited. Why? Because they were excited. Why? Because they were prepared. They had studied the material. prepared. They had studied the material. prepared. They had studied the material. I was not excited. Why? because I was I was not excited. Why? because I was I was not excited. Why? because I was not prepared. I had not studied. not prepared. I had not studied. not prepared. I had not studied. Instead, I sat in the back of the Instead, I sat in the back of the Instead, I sat in the back of the classroom mocking people, creating classroom mocking people, creating classroom mocking people, creating disruptions, and perpetually being sent disruptions, and perpetually being sent disruptions, and perpetually being sent to the principal's office. Kids, don't to the principal's office. Kids, don't to the principal's office. Kids, don't do this at home. I'm a professional, do this at home. I'm a professional, do this at home. I'm a professional, idiot, so don't follow my example. idiot, so don't follow my example. idiot, so don't follow my example. But why would a teacher do that? They But why would a teacher do that? They But why would a teacher do that? They wanted to see if you were learning the wanted to see if you were learning the wanted to see if you were learning the material. Guess what? God gives pop material. Guess what? God gives pop material. Guess what? God gives pop quizzes, too. He wants to see if you're quizzes, too. He wants to see if you're quizzes, too. He wants to see if you're learning the material.

learning the material. learning the material. [music] [music] [music] >> Pastor Greg Lori will have the second >> Pastor Greg Lori will have the second >> Pastor Greg Lori will have the second half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. half of his message in just a moment. [music] Have you downloaded the Harvest [music] Have you downloaded the Harvest [music] Have you downloaded the Harvest Plus app yet? This is something you Plus app yet? This is something you Plus app yet? This is something you [music] need to get on your phone or [music] need to get on your phone or [music] need to get on your phone or your tablet or even on your television your tablet or even on your television your tablet or even on your television set. It's full of messages that I've set. It's full of messages that I've set. It's full of messages that I've given [music] and others. It has all the given [music] and others. It has all the given [music] and others. It has all the movies that we have done over the years movies that we have done over the years movies that we have done over the years like Johnny [music] Cash, the redemption like Johnny [music] Cash, the redemption like Johnny [music] Cash, the redemption of an American icon, Steve McQueen, the of an American icon, Steve McQueen, the of an American icon, Steve McQueen, the salvation of an American icon, [music] a salvation of an American icon, [music] a salvation of an American icon, [music] a rush of hope, and many more. As well as rush of hope, and many more. As well as rush of hope, and many more. As well as my sermons as well as our brand new my sermons as well as our brand new my sermons as well as our brand new [music] [music] [music] podcast and our radio show, well, the podcast and our radio show, well, the podcast and our radio show, well, the list just goes on and on. And the best list just goes on and on. And the best list just goes on and on. And the best thing of all, it's free. Download it now thing of all, it's free. Download it now thing of all, it's free. Download it now for your device and start [music] for your device and start [music] for your device and start [music] enjoying this library of spiritual enjoying this library of spiritual enjoying this library of spiritual resources right there at your fingertips resources right there at your fingertips resources right there at your fingertips to watch or listen to on demand. It's to watch or listen to on demand. It's to watch or listen to on demand. It's called Harvest [music] Plus. So download called Harvest [music] Plus. So download called Harvest [music] Plus. So download it now. You'll love it. it now. You'll love it. it now. You'll love it. Well, in today's study, Pastor Greg has Well, in today's study, Pastor Greg has Well, in today's study, Pastor Greg has been explaining how God often brings been explaining how God often brings been explaining how God often brings times of testing in our lives to see if times of testing in our lives to see if times of testing in our lives to see if we're learning the lessons he's teaching we're learning the lessons he's teaching we're learning the lessons he's teaching us. It helps us grow and mature.

us. It helps us grow and mature. us. It helps us grow and mature. Take as an example the children of Take as an example the children of Take as an example the children of Israel. Why did it take them 40 years to Israel. Why did it take them 40 years to Israel. Why did it take them 40 years to get from Egypt to Israel? I mean, if get from Egypt to Israel? I mean, if get from Egypt to Israel? I mean, if they took their time, they could have they took their time, they could have they took their time, they could have gotten there in 40 days. If they picked gotten there in 40 days. If they picked gotten there in 40 days. If they picked up the pace, they could have gotten up the pace, they could have gotten up the pace, they could have gotten there in 3 weeks or so. Why did they there in 3 weeks or so. Why did they there in 3 weeks or so. Why did they wonder like that? Because men were in wonder like that? Because men were in wonder like that? Because men were in charge and they would not stop and ask charge and they would not stop and ask charge and they would not stop and ask for directions. for directions. for directions. No, that's not the reason. Here's the No, that's not the reason. Here's the No, that's not the reason. Here's the real reason. Deuteronomy 8:2 says, real reason. Deuteronomy 8:2 says, real reason. Deuteronomy 8:2 says, "Remember how the Lord your God led you "Remember how the Lord your God led you "Remember how the Lord your God led you all this way in the wilderness 40 years all this way in the wilderness 40 years all this way in the wilderness 40 years to humble you, to test you in order to to humble you, to test you in order to to humble you, to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether you know what was in your heart, whether you know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not." God would keep his commandments or not." God would keep his commandments or not." God allows tests in our life to humble us. allows tests in our life to humble us. allows tests in our life to humble us. Because sometimes we think we're all Because sometimes we think we're all Because sometimes we think we're all that and a bag of chips. that and a bag of chips. that and a bag of chips. We kind of believe our own press. I am We kind of believe our own press. I am We kind of believe our own press. I am so awesome. I am so smart. I am so so awesome. I am so smart. I am so so awesome. I am so smart. I am so spiritual. you might need to be humbled spiritual. you might need to be humbled spiritual. you might need to be humbled a little bit and be brought back to a little bit and be brought back to a little bit and be brought back to reality. And so the Lord allows a test.

reality. And so the Lord allows a test. reality. And so the Lord allows a test. Here's a perfect illustration found in Here's a perfect illustration found in Here's a perfect illustration found in John chapter 6. A huge multitude John chapter 6. A huge multitude John chapter 6. A huge multitude gathered to hear Jesus and it was gathered to hear Jesus and it was gathered to hear Jesus and it was lunchtime and people were hungry. Maybe lunchtime and people were hungry. Maybe lunchtime and people were hungry. Maybe you heard their stomachs grumbling. You you heard their stomachs grumbling. You you heard their stomachs grumbling. You can set a clock to my stomach. I am can set a clock to my stomach. I am can set a clock to my stomach. I am ready to have lunch at 11:00, not 12. ready to have lunch at 11:00, not 12. ready to have lunch at 11:00, not 12. That's late to me. 11 o'clock. And I'm That's late to me. 11 o'clock. And I'm That's late to me. 11 o'clock. And I'm ready for dinner at 5, by the way. So ready for dinner at 5, by the way. So ready for dinner at 5, by the way. So the this they're hungry and so I love the this they're hungry and so I love the this they're hungry and so I love this because Jesus goes to Philillip and this because Jesus goes to Philillip and this because Jesus goes to Philillip and actually says to him, "Hey Phillip, actually says to him, "Hey Phillip, actually says to him, "Hey Phillip, where are we going to buy bread to feed where are we going to buy bread to feed where are we going to buy bread to feed all these people?" Do you think Jesus all these people?" Do you think Jesus all these people?" Do you think Jesus was like perplexed like what are we was like perplexed like what are we was like perplexed like what are we going to do? Philip, help me. No, of going to do? Philip, help me. No, of going to do? Philip, help me. No, of course not. He knew exactly what he was course not. He knew exactly what he was course not. He knew exactly what he was going to do. In fact, that verse goes on going to do. In fact, that verse goes on going to do. In fact, that verse goes on to say Jesus knew what he would do, but to say Jesus knew what he would do, but to say Jesus knew what he would do, but he was testing Philillip. Phillip, where he was testing Philillip. Phillip, where he was testing Philillip. Phillip, where are we going to find bread? where are we are we going to find bread? where are we are we going to find bread? where are we going to buy bread to feed the people? going to buy bread to feed the people? going to buy bread to feed the people? Philip's like, I have no idea. Andrew is Philip's like, I have no idea. Andrew is Philip's like, I have no idea. Andrew is standing nearby and he's listening. He standing nearby and he's listening. He standing nearby and he's listening. He says, well, there's this kid here with says, well, there's this kid here with says, well, there's this kid here with five loaves and two fish and and then five loaves and two fish and and then five loaves and two fish and and then catching himself, he says, ah, but what catching himself, he says, ah, but what catching himself, he says, ah, but what is that among so many? So, both of them is that among so many? So, both of them is that among so many? So, both of them effectively failed that test. What was effectively failed that test. What was effectively failed that test. What was the test? That test was, can you trust the test? That test was, can you trust the test? That test was, can you trust God when you need food on your table?

God when you need food on your table? God when you need food on your table? Can you trust God when you need your Can you trust God when you need your Can you trust God when you need your financial needs met? Can you trust God financial needs met? Can you trust God financial needs met? Can you trust God when you're having a challenge when you're having a challenge when you're having a challenge physically or in some other area? Can physically or in some other area? Can physically or in some other area? Can you believe that God will come through you believe that God will come through you believe that God will come through for you? He has, after all, promised to for you? He has, after all, promised to for you? He has, after all, promised to provide all of your needs according to provide all of your needs according to provide all of your needs according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. So, trust him and God will test you and So, trust him and God will test you and So, trust him and God will test you and retest you and retest you again. I had a retest you and retest you again. I had a retest you and retest you again. I had a physical recently. They tested my physical recently. They tested my physical recently. They tested my hearing. They tested uh my eyesight. hearing. They tested uh my eyesight. hearing. They tested uh my eyesight. They tested everything. And why? I did They tested everything. And why? I did They tested everything. And why? I did this a year ago. Why am I doing this this a year ago. Why am I doing this this a year ago. Why am I doing this again? Because you need to be tested and again? Because you need to be tested and again? Because you need to be tested and retested. Why am I going through this retested. Why am I going through this retested. Why am I going through this trial right now? Because you need to be trial right now? Because you need to be trial right now? Because you need to be tested and retested. Think of this tested and retested. Think of this tested and retested. Think of this another way. Instead of seeing these another way. Instead of seeing these another way. Instead of seeing these trials and challenges as horrible trials and challenges as horrible trials and challenges as horrible things, could you possibly think of them things, could you possibly think of them things, could you possibly think of them as good things accomplishing a greater as good things accomplishing a greater as good things accomplishing a greater thing? Another translation of James 1 is thing? Another translation of James 1 is thing? Another translation of James 1 is as follows. When all kinds of trials and as follows. When all kinds of trials and as follows. When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my temptations crowd into your lives, my temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't treat them as intruders, brothers, don't treat them as intruders, brothers, don't treat them as intruders, but treat them as friends. They've come but treat them as friends. They've come but treat them as friends. They've come to test your faith and produce in you a to test your faith and produce in you a to test your faith and produce in you a quality of endurance. So, let the quality of endurance. So, let the quality of endurance. So, let the process go on until the endurance is process go on until the endurance is process go on until the endurance is fully developed, and you'll find you fully developed, and you'll find you fully developed, and you'll find you become men and women of mature become men and women of mature become men and women of mature character, men and women of integrity character, men and women of integrity character, men and women of integrity with no weak spots. It's like going to with no weak spots. It's like going to with no weak spots. It's like going to the gym. How many of you like to go to the gym. How many of you like to go to the gym. How many of you like to go to the gym? You love to work out. Wow. Not

the gym? You love to work out. Wow. Not the gym? You love to work out. Wow. Not a real active bunch, are you? Well, I'm a real active bunch, are you? Well, I'm a real active bunch, are you? Well, I'm actually one of you. I don't like to, actually one of you. I don't like to, actually one of you. I don't like to, but I go to the gym a couple times a but I go to the gym a couple times a but I go to the gym a couple times a week. You'd probably be surprised to week. You'd probably be surprised to week. You'd probably be surprised to hear that maybe just to remain mobile, hear that maybe just to remain mobile, hear that maybe just to remain mobile, you know, to to to stay in relatively you know, to to to stay in relatively you know, to to to stay in relatively good shape. I would far rather skip it good shape. I would far rather skip it good shape. I would far rather skip it and sit around and eat donuts all day and sit around and eat donuts all day and sit around and eat donuts all day long. I love donuts. I watched a long. I love donuts. I watched a long. I love donuts. I watched a documentary the other day with my wife documentary the other day with my wife documentary the other day with my wife on donuts. Uh, and why would you even on donuts. Uh, and why would you even on donuts. Uh, and why would you even watch something like that? I don't know, watch something like that? I don't know, watch something like that? I don't know, but I did. And it's late at night and but I did. And it's late at night and but I did. And it's late at night and guess what? I wanted donuts. Where can I guess what? I wanted donuts. Where can I guess what? I wanted donuts. Where can I buy a doughnut at 9:20 at night? Answer: buy a doughnut at 9:20 at night? Answer: buy a doughnut at 9:20 at night? Answer: probably nowhere. Unless it's a probably nowhere. Unless it's a probably nowhere. Unless it's a supermarket and those don't count. Those supermarket and those don't count. Those supermarket and those don't count. Those are not legit donuts. Okay, I'm just are not legit donuts. Okay, I'm just are not legit donuts. Okay, I'm just What are you anti-s supermarket here? I What are you anti-s supermarket here? I What are you anti-s supermarket here? I don't know. don't know. don't know. But, you know, you go to the gym, people But, you know, you go to the gym, people But, you know, you go to the gym, people do interesting things in gyms, don't do interesting things in gyms, don't do interesting things in gyms, don't they? There's a person that dominates they? There's a person that dominates they? There's a person that dominates all the equipment like they they they're all the equipment like they they they're all the equipment like they they they're like using three things at once and you like using three things at once and you like using three things at once and you want to get in there but they've got want to get in there but they've got want to get in there but they've got their own private circuit going on. Then their own private circuit going on. Then their own private circuit going on. Then there's the guy who makes loud noises there's the guy who makes loud noises there's the guy who makes loud noises when HE LIFTS. IT'S JUST, [screaming] when HE LIFTS. IT'S JUST, [screaming] when HE LIFTS. IT'S JUST, [screaming] YOU KNOW, IT'S LIKE seriously he usually YOU KNOW, IT'S LIKE seriously he usually YOU KNOW, IT'S LIKE seriously he usually has headphones in and it's the same guy has headphones in and it's the same guy has headphones in and it's the same guy that when he's done drops his WEIGHT that when he's done drops his WEIGHT that when he's done drops his WEIGHT LIKE DROP BOOM it hits the ground. Then LIKE DROP BOOM it hits the ground. Then LIKE DROP BOOM it hits the ground. Then there's a person that gets on the there's a person that gets on the there's a person that gets on the treadmill and sweats on everything.

treadmill and sweats on everything. treadmill and sweats on everything. There's like pools of perspiration. There's like pools of perspiration. There's like pools of perspiration. People are fleeing in horror. People are fleeing in horror. People are fleeing in horror. Well, why don't we go to the gym to show Well, why don't we go to the gym to show Well, why don't we go to the gym to show off? I don't know. You go and you break off? I don't know. You go and you break off? I don't know. You go and you break your muscle down to build it up. Okay. your muscle down to build it up. Okay. your muscle down to build it up. Okay. Trials are like God's gym where he Trials are like God's gym where he Trials are like God's gym where he breaks us down to build us up. Not to breaks us down to build us up. Not to breaks us down to build us up. Not to make us weaker, but ultimately to make make us weaker, but ultimately to make make us weaker, but ultimately to make us stronger. Because character is not us stronger. Because character is not us stronger. Because character is not made in crisis. It is revealed. Now made in crisis. It is revealed. Now made in crisis. It is revealed. Now think about Joe because some people when think about Joe because some people when think about Joe because some people when they have hardship they just turn they have hardship they just turn they have hardship they just turn against God. They walk away from God. against God. They walk away from God. against God. They walk away from God. I've heard people say, "I lost my faith. I've heard people say, "I lost my faith. I've heard people say, "I lost my faith. This crisis hit. This tragedy happened. This crisis hit. This tragedy happened. This crisis hit. This tragedy happened. I lost my faith." Okay, maybe that's I lost my faith." Okay, maybe that's I lost my faith." Okay, maybe that's good. What was your faith in? Listen, good. What was your faith in? Listen, good. What was your faith in? Listen, your the faith that cannot be tested is your the faith that cannot be tested is your the faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted. Or what a faith that cannot be trusted. Or what a faith that cannot be trusted. Or what are you putting your faith in? Are you are you putting your faith in? Are you are you putting your faith in? Are you putting it in a person? Are you putting putting it in a person? Are you putting putting it in a person? Are you putting it in the church? Listen, put your faith it in the church? Listen, put your faith it in the church? Listen, put your faith in Christ and your faith will grow in Christ and your faith will grow in Christ and your faith will grow stronger through difficulty, not weaker.

stronger through difficulty, not weaker. stronger through difficulty, not weaker. [applause] So Job, poor old Job, the problem with So Job, poor old Job, the problem with Job is he never read the book of Job. Job is he never read the book of Job. Job is he never read the book of Job. Because if he had, he would have Because if he had, he would have Because if he had, he would have realized that God was in control. But he realized that God was in control. But he realized that God was in control. But he had not. He just woke up one morning and had not. He just woke up one morning and had not. He just woke up one morning and everything in his life collapsed. everything in his life collapsed. everything in his life collapsed. His children died. His career was gone. His children died. His career was gone. His children died. His career was gone. His health was gone. He probably wished His health was gone. He probably wished His health was gone. He probably wished his wife was gone too because of what his wife was gone too because of what his wife was gone too because of what she said to him. She looked at poor Job she said to him. She looked at poor Job she said to him. She looked at poor Job losing everything covered head to toe in losing everything covered head to toe in losing everything covered head to toe in massive boils and she says, "Why don't massive boils and she says, "Why don't massive boils and she says, "Why don't you just curse God and die?" Thank you you just curse God and die?" Thank you you just curse God and die?" Thank you for those encouraging words, Mrs. Job. I for those encouraging words, Mrs. Job. I for those encouraging words, Mrs. Job. I was kind of hoping for something a was kind of hoping for something a was kind of hoping for something a little more hopeful, right? little more hopeful, right? little more hopeful, right? But here's what Job did. He could have But here's what Job did. He could have But here's what Job did. He could have said, "I don't want to believe in you said, "I don't want to believe in you said, "I don't want to believe in you anymore, God. I've served you, and this anymore, God. I've served you, and this anymore, God. I've served you, and this is what you give me." No. Here's what we is what you give me." No. Here's what we is what you give me." No. Here's what we read. Job 1:21. He said, "I came naked read. Job 1:21. He said, "I came naked read. Job 1:21. He said, "I came naked from my mother's womb, and I'll be from my mother's womb, and I'll be from my mother's womb, and I'll be stripped of everything when I die. The stripped of everything when I die. The stripped of everything when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name Lord has taken it away. Praise the name Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord." And then it says, "Job did of the Lord." And then it says, "Job did of the Lord." And then it says, "Job did not sin by blaming God." This is the not sin by blaming God." This is the not sin by blaming God." This is the whole thing. We turn to God in times of whole thing. We turn to God in times of whole thing. We turn to God in times of trial. What is the purpose of trials trial. What is the purpose of trials trial. What is the purpose of trials again? to make us stronger spiritually.

again? to make us stronger spiritually. again? to make us stronger spiritually. So iron will enter our soul. God is So iron will enter our soul. God is So iron will enter our soul. God is toughening you up for something he has toughening you up for something he has toughening you up for something he has in the future. And remember this, even in the future. And remember this, even in the future. And remember this, even when things look bleak, all things work when things look bleak, all things work when things look bleak, all things work together for God's glory and your together for God's glory and your together for God's glory and your ultimate good. God has a plan. God has a ultimate good. God has a plan. God has a ultimate good. God has a plan. God has a purpose. You never know. I heard a purpose. You never know. I heard a purpose. You never know. I heard a story, actually read a story about a guy story, actually read a story about a guy story, actually read a story about a guy who was bitten by a great white shark. who was bitten by a great white shark. who was bitten by a great white shark. How many of you have been bitten by a How many of you have been bitten by a How many of you have been bitten by a great white shark? Okay, nobody. Okay. great white shark? Okay, nobody. Okay. great white shark? Okay, nobody. Okay. Well, this guy was bitten by a shark and Well, this guy was bitten by a shark and Well, this guy was bitten by a shark and the headline was, "Man is bitten by the headline was, "Man is bitten by the headline was, "Man is bitten by great white and is thankful it great white and is thankful it great white and is thankful it happened." I'm like, "What?" So, I click happened." I'm like, "What?" So, I click happened." I'm like, "What?" So, I click this and here's what happened. This this and here's what happened. This this and here's what happened. This guy's out swimming. He's attacked by a guy's out swimming. He's attacked by a guy's out swimming. He's attacked by a great white shark. He's rushed to the great white shark. He's rushed to the great white shark. He's rushed to the hospital and as they're doing surgery to hospital and as they're doing surgery to hospital and as they're doing surgery to save his life, they see that there is a save his life, they see that there is a save his life, they see that there is a tumor on his kidney. It's cancer. They tumor on his kidney. It's cancer. They tumor on his kidney. It's cancer. They remove the cancer and the man later said remove the cancer and the man later said remove the cancer and the man later said he was thankful for the shark attack he was thankful for the shark attack he was thankful for the shark attack because if the shark attack had not because if the shark attack had not because if the shark attack had not happened, he would not have known of the happened, he would not have known of the happened, he would not have known of the cancer. Who would ever think you would cancer. Who would ever think you would cancer. Who would ever think you would give thanks to God for being bitten by a give thanks to God for being bitten by a give thanks to God for being bitten by a great white shark?

great white shark? great white shark? They tried to contact the shark for They tried to contact the shark for They tried to contact the shark for comment, but he was unavailable. comment, but he was unavailable. comment, but he was unavailable. He was too busy looking for other people He was too busy looking for other people He was too busy looking for other people to bite, hoping for a positive outcome. to bite, hoping for a positive outcome. to bite, hoping for a positive outcome. But anyway, But anyway, But anyway, so there's a really bad thing that so there's a really bad thing that so there's a really bad thing that turned out to be a really good thing. turned out to be a really good thing. turned out to be a really good thing. Even when things look bleak, all things Even when things look bleak, all things Even when things look bleak, all things will ultimately work together for God's will ultimately work together for God's will ultimately work together for God's glory [music] glory [music] glory [music] and your good. and your good. and your good. [music] Important [music] insight today on a new Important [music] insight today on a new beginning from Pastor Greg Lory's beginning from Pastor Greg Lory's beginning from Pastor Greg Lory's message called the refreshment of the message called the refreshment of the message called the refreshment of the spirit in times of trial. Many of us in spirit in times of trial. Many of us in spirit in times of trial. Many of us in hindsight can look back and see how God hindsight can look back and see how God hindsight can look back and see how God used the challenging times of our lives used the challenging times of our lives used the challenging times of our lives to bring about a greater good. You know, to bring about a greater good. You know, to bring about a greater good. You know, it brings such a great sense of security it brings such a great sense of security it brings such a great sense of security to know that the Lord knows and cares to know that the Lord knows and cares to know that the Lord knows and cares for us. In Deuteronomy, we read, "The for us. In Deuteronomy, we read, "The for us. In Deuteronomy, we read, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be Lord himself goes before you and will be Lord himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor with you. He will never leave you nor with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.

discouraged. discouraged. But maybe you've never entered into a But maybe you've never entered into a But maybe you've never entered into a relationship with the Lord. Pastor Greg, relationship with the Lord. Pastor Greg, relationship with the Lord. Pastor Greg, what would you say about that? I would what would you say about that? I would what would you say about that? I would say that God is just a prayer away. You say that God is just a prayer away. You say that God is just a prayer away. You know, it doesn't take years to become a know, it doesn't take years to become a know, it doesn't take years to become a Christian. It doesn't take months. Christian. It doesn't take months. Christian. It doesn't take months. Frankly, it doesn't even take hours. It Frankly, it doesn't even take hours. It Frankly, it doesn't even take hours. It can happen so quickly. It just starts can happen so quickly. It just starts can happen so quickly. It just starts with you saying to God, "I know I'm a with you saying to God, "I know I'm a with you saying to God, "I know I'm a sinner. I know that you love me. I know sinner. I know that you love me. I know sinner. I know that you love me. I know that you sent Jesus to die on the cross that you sent Jesus to die on the cross that you sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sin and pay for those sins and for my sin and pay for those sins and for my sin and pay for those sins and then to rise again from the dead. And I then to rise again from the dead. And I then to rise again from the dead. And I want him to come into my life." So want him to come into my life." So want him to come into my life." So here's my question to you. Have you done here's my question to you. Have you done here's my question to you. Have you done that yet? Because Jesus, who did die on that yet? Because Jesus, who did die on that yet? Because Jesus, who did die on that cross and rose again from the dead that cross and rose again from the dead that cross and rose again from the dead 3 days later, is alive and standing at 3 days later, is alive and standing at 3 days later, is alive and standing at the door of your life right now. And the door of your life right now. And the door of your life right now. And he's knocking and he's saying, "If he's knocking and he's saying, "If he's knocking and he's saying, "If you'll hear my voice and open the door, you'll hear my voice and open the door, you'll hear my voice and open the door, I will come in." Would you like your sin I will come in." Would you like your sin I will come in." Would you like your sin forgiven? Would you like to know that forgiven? Would you like to know that forgiven? Would you like to know that when you die, you will go to heaven? Do when you die, you will go to heaven? Do when you die, you will go to heaven? Do you want Christ to come into your life you want Christ to come into your life you want Christ to come into your life right now? If so, why don't you just right now? If so, why don't you just right now? If so, why don't you just stop whatever it is you're doing and stop whatever it is you're doing and stop whatever it is you're doing and pray this prayer with me? You could pray pray this prayer with me? You could pray pray this prayer with me? You could pray it out loud. You can pray it in the it out loud. You can pray it in the it out loud. You can pray it in the quietness of your own heart. But pray quietness of your own heart. But pray quietness of your own heart. But pray this prayer to God. Say, "Lord Jesus, I this prayer to God. Say, "Lord Jesus, I this prayer to God. Say, "Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, but I know that know that I am a sinner, but I know that know that I am a sinner, but I know that you are the Savior who died on the cross you are the Savior who died on the cross you are the Savior who died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead.

for my sin and rose again from the dead. for my sin and rose again from the dead. I'm sorry for my sin and I turn from it I'm sorry for my sin and I turn from it I'm sorry for my sin and I turn from it now and I choose to follow you from this now and I choose to follow you from this now and I choose to follow you from this moment forward. I ask all of this in moment forward. I ask all of this in moment forward. I ask all of this in Jesus' name. Amen. Listen, if you just Jesus' name. Amen. Listen, if you just Jesus' name. Amen. Listen, if you just prayed that prayer, the Bible promises prayed that prayer, the Bible promises prayed that prayer, the Bible promises that God has heard your prayer and has that God has heard your prayer and has that God has heard your prayer and has answered that prayer. The Bible says if answered that prayer. The Bible says if answered that prayer. The Bible says if we will confess our sin, he's faithful we will confess our sin, he's faithful we will confess our sin, he's faithful and just to forgive us our sin and and just to forgive us our sin and and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So, cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So, cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So, God bless you. You've made the right God bless you. You've made the right God bless you. You've made the right decision, the decision to follow Jesus decision, the decision to follow Jesus decision, the decision to follow Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. >> Yeah, that's right. And listen, as you >> Yeah, that's right. And listen, as you >> Yeah, that's right. And listen, as you begin to live this new life, we want to begin to live this new life, we want to begin to live this new life, we want to send you something to help you get send you something to help you get send you something to help you get started off right. It's Pastor Greg's started off right. It's Pastor Greg's started off right. It's Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's an easy to New Believer's Bible. It's an easy to New Believer's Bible. It's an easy to understand translation, plus hundreds understand translation, plus hundreds understand translation, plus hundreds and hundreds of study helps, especially and hundreds of study helps, especially and hundreds of study helps, especially for those who are new to the faith. for those who are new to the faith. for those who are new to the faith. It'll answer the questions you might It'll answer the questions you might It'll answer the questions you might have. So get in touch for your new have. So get in touch for your new have. So get in touch for your new believer's Bible. We'll send it free of believer's Bible. We'll send it free of believer's Bible. We'll send it free of charge. Just call us at 18008213300.

You can call us anytime, night or day. You can call us anytime, night or day. Or write a new beginning, Box 4000, Or write a new beginning, Box 4000, Or write a new beginning, Box 4000, Riverside, California 92514. Riverside, California 92514. Riverside, California 92514. Or just go online to harvest.org and Or just go online to harvest.org and Or just go online to harvest.org and click know God. You know, Pastor Greg, click know God. You know, Pastor Greg, click know God. You know, Pastor Greg, we hear from people all the time who we hear from people all the time who we hear from people all the time who tell us how these daily studies have tell us how these daily studies have tell us how these daily studies have impacted their lives. So many have found impacted their lives. So many have found impacted their lives. So many have found the Lord and been encouraged through the Lord and been encouraged through the Lord and been encouraged through this teaching. this teaching. this teaching. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> And we hope our listeners might pray >> And we hope our listeners might pray >> And we hope our listeners might pray about making an investment so these about making an investment so these about making an investment so these studies can continue. studies can continue. studies can continue. >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, >> Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, and even a little bit helps, you know, and even a little bit helps, you know, and even a little bit helps, you know, people need to hear the gospel so badly. people need to hear the gospel so badly. people need to hear the gospel so badly. They need to hear the teaching of the They need to hear the teaching of the They need to hear the teaching of the word of God. It changes everything word of God. It changes everything word of God. It changes everything because it changes us. and I'm so because it changes us. and I'm so because it changes us. and I'm so passionate about it and I'm called to do passionate about it and I'm called to do passionate about it and I'm called to do it and I'm thankful for it. But I can't it and I'm thankful for it. But I can't it and I'm thankful for it. But I can't do it alone. So, I'm going to ask folks do it alone. So, I'm going to ask folks do it alone. So, I'm going to ask folks that are listening, if you think more that are listening, if you think more that are listening, if you think more people need to hear the gospel, if you people need to hear the gospel, if you people need to hear the gospel, if you believe more people need to hear the believe more people need to hear the believe more people need to hear the teaching of the word of God, then teaching of the word of God, then teaching of the word of God, then prayerfully consider investing in prayerfully consider investing in prayerfully consider investing in Harvest Ministries and maybe even become Harvest Ministries and maybe even become Harvest Ministries and maybe even become a Harvest partner, which means you're a Harvest partner, which means you're a Harvest partner, which means you're someone who stands with us every month someone who stands with us every month someone who stands with us every month in your faithful giving. And that opens in your faithful giving. And that opens in your faithful giving. And that opens up a lot of new opportunities for us.

up a lot of new opportunities for us. up a lot of new opportunities for us. So, thanks for that. Yeah, that's right. So, thanks for that. Yeah, that's right. So, thanks for that. Yeah, that's right. And we really are thankful for your And we really are thankful for your And we really are thankful for your partnership. You can reach us anytime, partnership. You can reach us anytime, partnership. You can reach us anytime, day or night, at 1 800-821-3300. or write a new beginning box 4000, or write a new beginning box 4000, Riverside, California 92514 Riverside, California 92514 Riverside, California 92514 or just go online to harvest.org. or just go online to harvest.org. or just go online to harvest.org. [music] [music] [music] Well, next time, more insight on the Well, next time, more insight on the Well, next time, more insight on the challenging times of trial and suffering challenging times of trial and suffering challenging times of trial and suffering [music] we may face and the way God will [music] we may face and the way God will [music] we may face and the way God will use those times to help us grow. Join us use those times to help us grow. Join us use those times to help us grow. Join us here on a new beginning with pastor and here on a new beginning with pastor and here on a new beginning with pastor and [music] Bible teacher Greg Lorie.