The Refreshment of the Spirit in Times of Trial | Shaped by God

For America's 250th birthday, Greg For America's 250th birthday, Greg Laurie recommends a great film about the Laurie recommends a great film about the Laurie recommends a great film about the man behind the spiritual [music] man behind the spiritual [music] man behind the spiritual [music] awakening of our nation. awakening of our nation. awakening of our nation. >> Just as surely as George Washington is >> Just as surely as George Washington is >> Just as surely as George Washington is our founding father, George Whitfield is our founding father, George Whitfield is our founding father, George Whitfield is our spiritual founding [music] father. our spiritual founding [music] father. our spiritual founding [music] father. Two Georges played a role in founding Two Georges played a role in founding Two Georges played a role in founding the United States. So, find out more the United States. So, find out more the United States. So, find out more about George Whitfield [music] in this about George Whitfield [music] in this about George Whitfield [music] in this film that's called A Great Awakening, film that's called A Great Awakening, film that's called A Great Awakening, and we'll send it to you for your and we'll send it to you for your and we'll send it to you for your [music] gift of any size. [music] gift of any size. [music] gift of any size. >> Available on DVD at harvest.org. >> God allows trials in our lives so >> God allows trials in our lives so [music] we will grow up spiritually. [music] we will grow up spiritually. [music] we will grow up spiritually. >> We may not like trials, but Pastor Greg >> We may not like trials, but Pastor Greg >> We may not like trials, but Pastor Greg Laurie [music] points out that God can Laurie [music] points out that God can Laurie [music] points out that God can often refine us best during those times often refine us best during those times often refine us best during those times of challenge. of challenge. of challenge. >> God has a plan. God has a purpose. Iron >> God has a plan. God has a purpose. Iron >> God has a plan. God has a purpose. Iron is [music] entering your soul. God is is [music] entering your soul. God is is [music] entering your 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. [music] And remember in the future. [music] And remember in the future. [music] And remember this, even when things look bleak, all this, even when things look bleak, all this, even when things look bleak, all things work together for God's glory and things work together for God's glory and things work together for God's glory and your ultimate good. your ultimate good. your ultimate good. >> [music] [music] [music] >> Wood that's been split and sawn, sanded >> Wood that's been split and sawn, sanded >> Wood that's been split and sawn, sanded and shaped can make some fine furniture.

and shaped can make some fine furniture. and shaped can make some fine furniture. But if our compassion [music] should get But if our compassion [music] should get But if our compassion [music] should get the best of us and we didn't want to see the best of us and we didn't want to see the best of us and we didn't want to see that wood face that stress, that wood face that stress, that wood face that stress, well, most of us would just have [music] well, most of us would just have [music] well, most of us would just have [music] some chunks of trees sitting in our some chunks of trees sitting in our some chunks of trees sitting in our living rooms. living rooms. living rooms. Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie points out [music] how the Laurie points out [music] how the Laurie points out [music] how the sanding and shaping in our lives helps sanding and shaping in our lives helps sanding and shaping in our lives helps us mature into the kind of people God us mature into the kind of people God us mature into the kind of people God wants us to be. Good encouragement wants us to be. Good encouragement wants us to be. Good encouragement coming today. coming today. coming today. >> [music] >> 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. I would love to perpetually live else. I would love to perpetually live else. I would love to perpetually live on a mountaintop, never having an on a mountaintop, never having an on a mountaintop, never having an emotional low, but the reality is emotional low, but the reality is emotional low, but the reality is spiritual fruit does not grow on spiritual fruit does not grow on spiritual fruit does not grow on mountaintops, it grows in valleys. mountaintops, it grows in valleys. mountaintops, it grows in valleys. But why do I have to go through trials But why do I have to go through trials But why do I have to go through trials as a follower of Jesus? Here's the as a follower of Jesus? Here's the as a follower of Jesus? Here's the answer, James answer, James answer, James Dear brothers and sisters, "When Dear brothers and sisters, "When Dear brothers and sisters, "When troubles of any kind come your way, troubles of any kind come your way, troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great consider it an opportunity for great consider it an opportunity for great joy. In other words, when your faith is joy. In other words, when your faith is joy. In other words, when your faith is tested, your endurance is a chance to tested, your endurance is a chance to tested, your endurance is a chance to grow. So, let it grow. And when your grow. So, let it grow. And when your grow. So, let it grow. And when your endurance is fully developed, you'll be endurance is fully developed, you'll be endurance is fully developed, you'll be perfect and complete." We'll stop there.

perfect and complete." We'll stop there. perfect and complete." We'll stop there. So, if you're taking notes, here's point So, if you're taking notes, here's point So, if you're taking notes, here's point number one. God allows trials in the number one. God allows trials in the number one. God allows trials in the life of the Christian so we will grow up life of the Christian so we will grow up life of the 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. So, iron will enter our soul. Let me So, iron will enter our soul. Let me So, iron will enter our soul. Let me explain. explain. explain. You've heard the story of Joseph. He's You've heard the story of Joseph. He's You've heard the story of Joseph. He's in the Old Testament book of Genesis. He in the Old Testament book of Genesis. He in the Old Testament book of Genesis. He was one of the sons of Jacob. And Jacob was one of the sons of Jacob. And Jacob was one of the sons of Jacob. And Jacob favored Joseph. By the way, your kids favored Joseph. By the way, your kids favored Joseph. By the way, your kids know if you favor one of their siblings know if you favor one of their siblings know if you favor one of their siblings over another. over another. over another. You think you're very secretive and You think you're very secretive and You think you're very secretive and even-handed, they know. even-handed, they know. even-handed, they know. And they probably have little debates And they probably have little debates And they probably have little debates about who is your favorite child or about who is your favorite child or about who is your favorite child or favorite grandchild. My grandchildren favorite grandchild. My grandchildren favorite grandchild. My grandchildren come to me, "Who's your favorite come to me, "Who's your favorite come to me, "Who's your favorite grandchild, Papa?" I say, "You're all my grandchild, Papa?" I say, "You're all my grandchild, Papa?" I say, "You're all my favorite." "No, come on. Who's your favorite." "No, come on. Who's your favorite." "No, come on. Who's your favorite?" favorite?" favorite?" And so, all of the brothers of Joseph And so, all of the brothers of Joseph And so, all of the brothers of Joseph knew that dad favored Joseph over them. knew that dad favored Joseph over them. knew that dad favored Joseph over them. And one of the ways he showed it was he And one of the ways he showed it was he And one of the ways he showed it was he gave him what is called a coat of many gave him what is called a coat of many gave him what is called a coat of many colors. Now, this basically was just a a colors. Now, this basically was just a a colors. Now, this basically was just a a a coat that was more reserved for a coat that was more reserved for a coat that was more reserved for someone that was someone that was someone that was didn't have to work in the fields. And didn't have to work in the fields. And didn't have to work in the fields. And so his brothers wore cut-off clothing, so his brothers wore cut-off clothing, so his brothers wore cut-off clothing, they're out there laboring, and Joseph they're out there laboring, and Joseph they're out there laboring, and Joseph would come cruising in in his cool coat.

would come cruising in in his cool coat. would come cruising in in his cool coat. Hey guys, how's it going? And he would Hey guys, how's it going? And he would Hey guys, how's it going? And he would rat his brothers out. rat his brothers out. rat his brothers out. And tell dad what the brothers were up And tell dad what the brothers were up And tell dad what the brothers were up to. And one day the brothers said, to. And one day the brothers said, to. And one day the brothers said, "Yeah, we can't take this anymore. "Yeah, we can't take this anymore. "Yeah, we can't take this anymore. Let's just kill him." Let's just kill him." Let's just kill him." Seems like an overreaction to me. Seems like an overreaction to me. Seems like an overreaction to me. Let's kill our brother Joseph. And then Let's kill our brother Joseph. And then Let's kill our brother Joseph. And then Reuben, the oldest brother, sees a Reuben, the oldest brother, sees a Reuben, the oldest brother, sees a group of slave traders traveling by. He group of slave traders traveling by. He group of slave traders traveling by. He says, "Why don't we just sell him to the says, "Why don't we just sell him to the says, "Why don't we just sell him to the slave traders instead? We'll make a slave traders instead? We'll make a slave traders instead? We'll make a little money on the side." They all little money on the side." They all little money on the side." They all thought that was a great idea. Then they thought that was a great idea. Then they thought that was a great idea. Then they took that beautiful coat Jacob gave to took that beautiful coat Jacob gave to took that beautiful coat Jacob gave to his son, tore it up, covered it in his son, tore it up, covered it in his son, tore it up, covered it in blood, and went home to dad and said, blood, and went home to dad and said, blood, and went home to dad and said, "Oh dad, worst thing ever, your son that "Oh dad, worst thing ever, your son that "Oh dad, worst thing ever, your son that you loved so much is dead. He was you loved so much is dead. He was you loved so much is dead. He was killed." And Jacob was brokenhearted. killed." And Jacob was brokenhearted. killed." And Jacob was brokenhearted. And so what happens to Joseph? He's He's And so what happens to Joseph? He's He's And so what happens to Joseph? He's He's bought by a guy who effectively was bought by a guy who effectively was bought by a guy who effectively was ahead of the secret service for the ahead of the secret service for the ahead of the secret service for the Pharaoh. And this man had a huge estate, Pharaoh. And this man had a huge estate, Pharaoh. And this man had a huge estate, his name was Potiphar. And Joseph was so his name was Potiphar. And Joseph was so his name was Potiphar. And Joseph was so responsible that Potiphar kept giving responsible that Potiphar kept giving responsible that Potiphar kept giving him more and more responsibilities. Next him more and more responsibilities. Next him more and more responsibilities. Next thing you know, Joseph is running thing you know, Joseph is running thing you know, Joseph is running everything. Well, Potiphar had a wife.

everything. Well, Potiphar had a wife. everything. Well, Potiphar had a wife. She was the original cougar. She saw the handsome young Joseph and She saw the handsome young Joseph and started to hit on him. Her name was Mrs. started to hit on him. Her name was Mrs. started to hit on him. Her name was Mrs. Robinson. Robinson. Robinson. The wrong story. That's a dated cultural The wrong story. That's a dated cultural The wrong story. That's a dated cultural reference. Google it. I don't even want reference. Google it. I don't even want reference. Google it. I don't even want to go into that. But anyway, to go into that. But anyway, to go into that. But anyway, if you know the movie, she was like Mrs. if you know the movie, she was like Mrs. if you know the movie, she was like Mrs. Robinson trying to get Joseph to be Robinson trying to get Joseph to be Robinson trying to get Joseph to be involved with her sexually. He resisted involved with her sexually. He resisted involved with her sexually. He resisted her advances, and then she falsely her advances, and then she falsely her advances, and then she falsely accuses him of rape, and he's sent off accuses him of rape, and he's sent off accuses him of rape, and he's sent off to prison. Now he's sitting in a prison to prison. Now he's sitting in a prison to prison. Now he's sitting in a prison cell. cell. cell. How easily could have thought, "Well, is How easily could have thought, "Well, is How easily could have thought, "Well, is this what you get for following God? this what you get for following God? this what you get for following God? I made a principled stand. I resisted I made a principled stand. I resisted I made a principled stand. I resisted the enticements of this woman and I'm in the enticements of this woman and I'm in the enticements of this woman and I'm in prison. But God was at work. And it's prison. But God was at work. And it's prison. But God was at work. And it's interesting because he had an iron interesting because he had an iron interesting because he had an iron collar around his neck. collar around his neck. collar around his neck. And then we read this interesting verse, And then we read this interesting verse, And then we read this interesting verse, Psalm 105 verse 18, "They bruised his Psalm 105 verse 18, "They bruised his Psalm 105 verse 18, "They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in feet with fetters and placed his neck in feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar." A different translation an iron collar." A different translation an iron collar." A different translation emerges from the original here which emerges from the original here which emerges from the original here which says, "As he laid in iron, iron entered says, "As he laid in iron, iron entered says, "As he laid in iron, iron entered his soul."

his soul." his soul." He was getting toughened up. Guess what? He was getting toughened up. Guess what? He was getting toughened up. Guess what? God was preparing Joseph for something God was preparing Joseph for something God was preparing Joseph for something big. big. big. Maybe God's preparing you for something Maybe God's preparing you for something Maybe God's preparing you for something big, too. big, too. big, too. Iron is entering your soul. God is Iron is entering your soul. God is Iron is entering your 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. Here's another point. God's purpose. Here's another point. God's purpose. Here's another point. God's ultimate purpose for us is to be ultimate purpose for us is to be ultimate purpose for us is to be conformed into the image of Jesus. conformed into the image of Jesus. conformed into the image of Jesus. We often quote Romans 8:28, "For we know We often quote Romans 8:28, "For we know We often quote Romans 8:28, "For we know that all things work together to those that all things work together to those that all things work together to those who love God and are called according to who love God and are called according to who love God and are called according to his purpose." But verse 29 says, "For his purpose." But verse 29 says, "For his purpose." But verse 29 says, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did whom he did foreknow, he also did whom he did foreknow, he also did predestine to be conformed into the predestine to be conformed into the predestine to be conformed into the image of his own dear son." So, put it image of his own dear son." So, put it image of his own dear son." So, put it together. Here's what it says, "Whatever together. Here's what it says, "Whatever together. Here's what it says, "Whatever you're going through in life, God will you're going through in life, God will you're going through in life, God will ultimately work it for good, but his end ultimately work it for good, but his end ultimately work it for good, but his end game is actually to make you more like game is actually to make you more like game is actually to make you more like Jesus." Jesus." Jesus." See, we miss that last part. Well, yeah, See, we miss that last part. Well, yeah, See, we miss that last part. Well, yeah, I'm going through a hard time. Where's I'm going through a hard time. Where's I'm going through a hard time. Where's the good? I don't see the good.

the good? I don't see the good. the good? I don't see the good. God will work all things together for God will work all things together for God will work all things together for good to those who love him, good to those who love him, good to those who love him, and then he wants to make you more like and then he wants to make you more like and then he wants to make you more like Jesus. So, we have to get the bigger Jesus. So, we have to get the bigger Jesus. So, we have to get the bigger picture because God is preparing us for picture because God is preparing us for picture because God is preparing us for heaven. Here's another one. Suffering heaven. Here's another one. Suffering heaven. Here's another one. Suffering can bring glory to God. can bring glory to God. can bring glory to God. Suffering can bring glory to God in our Suffering can bring glory to God in our Suffering can bring glory to God in our lives. Listen, any fool can be happy lives. Listen, any fool can be happy lives. Listen, any fool can be happy when the sky is blue and the sun is when the sky is blue and the sun is when the sky is blue and the sun is shining. shining. shining. But when you're going through a storm, But when you're going through a storm, But when you're going through a storm, it's a different matter. it's a different matter. it's a different matter. You know, you might have people that You know, you might have people that You know, you might have people that know you who are not Christians. And know you who are not Christians. And know you who are not Christians. And they say, "Look at this Christian, they say, "Look at this Christian, they say, "Look at this Christian, smiling, all happy. smiling, all happy. smiling, all happy. They go to church on Sunday. They go to church on Sunday. They go to church on Sunday. They're so happy, praise the Lord, They're so happy, praise the Lord, They're so happy, praise the Lord, whatever." whatever." whatever." And then one day crisis hits your life. And then one day crisis hits your life. And then one day crisis hits your life. Something horrible happens. Now they're Something horrible happens. Now they're Something horrible happens. Now they're watching. watching. watching. And you still have a smile on your face. And you still have a smile on your face. And you still have a smile on your face. And you still have faith in God. And And you still have faith in God. And And you still have faith in God. And they say, "Whoa. they say, "Whoa. they say, "Whoa. Maybe I needed to take a second look at Maybe I needed to take a second look at Maybe I needed to take a second look at this Christianity thing.

this Christianity thing. this Christianity thing. Because maybe there's something to it." Because maybe there's something to it." Because maybe there's something to it." That's right. Because when a Christian That's right. Because when a Christian That's right. Because when a Christian can glorify God in a time of difficulty, can glorify God in a time of difficulty, can glorify God in a time of difficulty, it is a powerful testimony to a lost and it is a powerful testimony to a lost and it is a powerful testimony to a lost and watching world. watching world. watching world. Case in point, Paul and Silas. They were Case in point, Paul and Silas. They were Case in point, Paul and Silas. They were arrested for preaching the gospel. arrested for preaching the gospel. arrested for preaching the gospel. They were treated in a very cruel way by They were treated in a very cruel way by They were treated in a very cruel way by a Roman guard who whipped them and then a Roman guard who whipped them and then a Roman guard who whipped them and then put their feet in stocks. put their feet in stocks. put their feet in stocks. And we read, "At midnight, Paul and And we read, "At midnight, Paul and And we read, "At midnight, Paul and Silas sang praises to God." Silas sang praises to God." Silas sang praises to God." And then we also read, "And the other And then we also read, "And the other And then we also read, "And the other prisoners were listening." And that prisoners were listening." And that prisoners were listening." And that could be translated they were listening could be translated they were listening could be translated they were listening with pleasure. with pleasure. with pleasure. Because I don't think those other Because I don't think those other Because I don't think those other prisoners had ever heard anyone sing prisoners had ever heard anyone sing prisoners had ever heard anyone sing praises to God in that hellhole, praises to God in that hellhole, praises to God in that hellhole, in that dungeon. I don't know if Paul in that dungeon. I don't know if Paul in that dungeon. I don't know if Paul and Silas had done like a two-part and Silas had done like a two-part and Silas had done like a two-part Lennon-McCartney harmony or, you know, Lennon-McCartney harmony or, you know, Lennon-McCartney harmony or, you know, all I know is these people had never all I know is these people had never all I know is these people had never heard that kind of thing before. heard that kind of thing before. heard that kind of thing before. Suddenly a great earthquake comes, the Suddenly a great earthquake comes, the Suddenly a great earthquake comes, the walls are shaken and collapse, and the walls are shaken and collapse, and the walls are shaken and collapse, and the Roman jailer knows he's dead. He'll be Roman jailer knows he's dead. He'll be Roman jailer knows he's dead. He'll be executed for losing the prisoners. He executed for losing the prisoners. He executed for losing the prisoners. He pulls out his sword, he's ready to kill pulls out his sword, he's ready to kill pulls out his sword, he's ready to kill himself, and Paul stops him and says, himself, and Paul stops him and says, himself, and Paul stops him and says, "Don't hurt yourself. We're still here."

"Don't hurt yourself. We're still here." "Don't hurt yourself. We're still here." And this guy drops down on his knees and And this guy drops down on his knees and And this guy drops down on his knees and says, says, says, "What must I do to be saved?" "What must I do to be saved?" "What must I do to be saved?" Why? Why? Why? Paul and Silas earned the right Paul and Silas earned the right Paul and Silas earned the right for this man to hear the gospel by the for this man to hear the gospel by the for this man to hear the gospel by the way they lived in adversity. They way they lived in adversity. They way they lived in adversity. They weren't praising God when the walls weren't praising God when the walls weren't praising God when the walls collapsed of the prison. They were collapsed of the prison. They were collapsed of the prison. They were praising God when they were in stocks in praising God when they were in stocks in praising God when they were in stocks in the prison, and that man came to faith the prison, and that man came to faith the prison, and that man came to faith as a result. [music] Yes, God can work as a result. [music] Yes, God can work as a result. [music] Yes, God can work through these situations. >> [music] >> [music] >> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second >> Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second >> Pastor Greg Laurie 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. >> You know, I've [music] heard people >> You know, I've [music] heard people >> You know, I've [music] heard people describe a trip to Israel as seeing the describe a trip to Israel as seeing the describe a trip to Israel as seeing the Bible actually come [music] to life. Hey Bible actually come [music] to life. Hey Bible actually come [music] to life. Hey everybody, Greg Laurie, and I've been to everybody, Greg Laurie, and I've been to everybody, Greg Laurie, and I've been to Israel many times and I've led a lot of Israel many times and I've led a lot of Israel many times and I've led a lot of tours, [music] and I have to say that's tours, [music] and I have to say that's tours, [music] and I have to say that's absolutely true. Listen, when you're absolutely true. Listen, when you're absolutely true. Listen, when you're walking on the same [music] stones that walking on the same [music] stones that walking on the same [music] stones that Jesus himself walked on, well, that's Jesus himself walked on, well, that's Jesus himself walked on, well, that's something that's enriching to your something that's enriching to your something that's enriching to your faith. It's not just a travel [music] faith. It's not just a travel [music] faith. It's not just a travel [music] experience, it actually energizes and experience, it actually energizes and experience, it actually energizes and enhances your study of the Bible.

enhances your study of the Bible. enhances your study of the Bible. [music] [music] [music] Think of it this way, it's a vacation Think of it this way, it's a vacation Think of it this way, it's a vacation with a purpose, and we're going to be with a purpose, and we're going to be with a purpose, and we're going to be [music] taking a tour of Israel April [music] taking a tour of Israel April [music] taking a tour of Israel April 6th to 15th, 2027. [music] 6th to 15th, 2027. [music] 6th to 15th, 2027. [music] You can find out more at You can find out more at You can find out more at israel.harvest.org. >> Step right [music] into biblical >> Step right [music] into biblical history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of history. Join Pastor Greg for a tour of the Holy Land April 6th [music] through the Holy Land April 6th [music] through the Holy Land April 6th [music] through 15th, 2027. 15th, 2027. 15th, 2027. Get details at israel.harvest.org. Get details at israel.harvest.org. Get details at israel.harvest.org. [music] [music] [music] Well, today Pastor Greg is pointing out Well, today Pastor Greg is pointing out Well, today Pastor Greg is pointing out the purpose of the challenging times in the purpose of the challenging times in the purpose of the challenging times in our lives. our lives. our lives. Good encouragement for times of trial. Good encouragement for times of trial. Good encouragement for times of trial. >> Suffering can be used to prepare us for >> Suffering can be used to prepare us for >> Suffering can be used to prepare us for a special a special a special task. Back to Joseph. task. Back to Joseph. task. Back to Joseph. He's in a prison cell. He's in a prison cell. He's in a prison cell. So two other guys are arrested. They So two other guys are arrested. They So two other guys are arrested. They work for the Pharaoh. It was the baker work for the Pharaoh. It was the baker work for the Pharaoh. It was the baker and the butler. So I guess the butler and the butler. So I guess the butler and the butler. So I guess the butler did it. did it. did it. He did something. He did something. He did something. And they had these weird dreams, and And they had these weird dreams, and And they had these weird dreams, and Joseph interpreted their dreams. And he Joseph interpreted their dreams. And he Joseph interpreted their dreams. And he said, "When you get out of here, make said, "When you get out of here, make said, "When you get out of here, make sure you help me. I'm the guy that can sure you help me. I'm the guy that can sure you help me. I'm the guy that can interpret dreams, okay?" They forgot all interpret dreams, okay?" They forgot all interpret dreams, okay?" They forgot all about him. He sat there another 2 years.

about him. He sat there another 2 years. about him. He sat there another 2 years. One day the pharaoh had a troubling One day the pharaoh had a troubling One day the pharaoh had a troubling dream. dream. dream. And it was actually a dream about the And it was actually a dream about the And it was actually a dream about the future of Egypt and the famine that was future of Egypt and the famine that was future of Egypt and the famine that was coming. And then the butler remembered, coming. And then the butler remembered, coming. And then the butler remembered, and he said, "Hey, I know a guy in and he said, "Hey, I know a guy in and he said, "Hey, I know a guy in prison. He can interpret dreams." prison. He can interpret dreams." prison. He can interpret dreams." Pharaoh says, "Bring him up here." Pharaoh says, "Bring him up here." Pharaoh says, "Bring him up here." Joseph comes before the pharaoh. He Joseph comes before the pharaoh. He Joseph comes before the pharaoh. He interprets the pharaoh's dream. Pharaoh interprets the pharaoh's dream. Pharaoh interprets the pharaoh's dream. Pharaoh was so impressed. He says, "I'm making was so impressed. He says, "I'm making was so impressed. He says, "I'm making you you you the one who's in command of the food the one who's in command of the food the one who's in command of the food supply of Egypt." And Joseph went from supply of Egypt." And Joseph went from supply of Egypt." And Joseph went from the prison to the palace and became the the prison to the palace and became the the prison to the palace and became the second most powerful man on the planet. second most powerful man on the planet. second most powerful man on the planet. So, the famine came. And it hit his So, the famine came. And it hit his So, the famine came. And it hit his brothers way back where they were brothers way back where they were brothers way back where they were living. And so, Jacob said, "Go to Egypt living. And so, Jacob said, "Go to Egypt living. And so, Jacob said, "Go to Egypt and get us some food." So, when to the and get us some food." So, when to the and get us some food." So, when to the palace come the brothers of Joseph, and palace come the brothers of Joseph, and palace come the brothers of Joseph, and he recognizes them, but they don't he recognizes them, but they don't he recognizes them, but they don't recognize him. recognize him. recognize him. See, he didn't dress like they did See, he didn't dress like they did See, he didn't dress like they did anymore. Now, he looked like an anymore. Now, he looked like an anymore. Now, he looked like an Egyptian. Egyptian. Egyptian. He walked like an Egyptian. He walked like an Egyptian. He walked like an Egyptian. And he probably had guy liner on, right? And he probably had guy liner on, right? And he probably had guy liner on, right? And a shaved head. And a shaved head. And a shaved head. He recognizes them. He starts talking to He recognizes them. He starts talking to He recognizes them. He starts talking to them. They don't know they're talking to them. They don't know they're talking to them. They don't know they're talking to their brother they sold.

their brother they sold. their brother they sold. And then he says, "Everyone leave the And then he says, "Everyone leave the And then he says, "Everyone leave the room." And he looks at his brothers and room." And he looks at his brothers and room." And he looks at his brothers and he says, "I am Joseph." he says, "I am Joseph." he says, "I am Joseph." I wonder if that reverberated. I wonder if that reverberated. I wonder if that reverberated. "I am Joseph." So, so, so, so. "I am Joseph." So, so, so, so. "I am Joseph." So, so, so, so. And they looked at him and collectively And they looked at him and collectively And they looked at him and collectively thought, "And we are dead, dead, dead, thought, "And we are dead, dead, dead, thought, "And we are dead, dead, dead, dead, dead." dead, dead." dead, dead." But no, he didn't condemn them to death. But no, he didn't condemn them to death. But no, he didn't condemn them to death. It would have been the ultimate payback It would have been the ultimate payback It would have been the ultimate payback story. story. story. But it wasn't. But it wasn't. But it wasn't. It was the ultimate forgiveness story. It was the ultimate forgiveness story. It was the ultimate forgiveness story. He forgave his brothers for the horrible He forgave his brothers for the horrible He forgave his brothers for the horrible things they did to him. But then he made things they did to him. But then he made things they did to him. But then he made this amazing statement. He said, "You this amazing statement. He said, "You this amazing statement. He said, "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for meant it for evil, but God meant it for meant it for evil, but God meant it for good to save many people alive." good to save many people alive." good to save many people alive." Incredible. I know what was in your Incredible. I know what was in your Incredible. I know what was in your heart. I know you were evil, but God heart. I know you were evil, but God heart. I know you were evil, but God used it for his glory. God may have used it for his glory. God may have used it for his glory. God may have preserved you for something that is preserved you for something that is preserved you for something that is coming. And here's the thing, when coming. And here's the thing, when coming. And here's the thing, when you've gone through a hard time, you can you've gone through a hard time, you can you've gone through a hard time, you can really minister to someone else who is really minister to someone else who is really minister to someone else who is going through a hard time. going through a hard time. going through a hard time. Paul actually writes over in 2 Paul actually writes over in 2 Paul actually writes over in 2 Corinthians Corinthians Corinthians that we can comfort others with the that we can comfort others with the that we can comfort others with the comfort we have been comforted with.

comfort we have been comforted with. comfort we have been comforted with. Paul writes, "He comforts us in all of Paul writes, "He comforts us in all of Paul writes, "He comforts us in all of our troubles so we can comfort others." our troubles so we can comfort others." our troubles so we can comfort others." So, if you're a cancer survivor So, if you're a cancer survivor So, if you're a cancer survivor and someone finds out they have cancer and someone finds out they have cancer and someone finds out they have cancer boy, you're the person they need to talk boy, you're the person they need to talk boy, you're the person they need to talk to. to. to. I saw a I saw a I saw a woman who posted on our Harvest at Home woman who posted on our Harvest at Home woman who posted on our Harvest at Home service, she's had some miscarriages. service, she's had some miscarriages. service, she's had some miscarriages. And she has a ministry to other women And she has a ministry to other women And she has a ministry to other women who've had miscarriages. See, here's how who've had miscarriages. See, here's how who've had miscarriages. See, here's how I got through it. I got through it. I got through it. My wife and I and our son, we have a My wife and I and our son, we have a My wife and I and our son, we have a ministry that we never wanted. ministry that we never wanted. ministry that we never wanted. We have a ministry to parents who've We have a ministry to parents who've We have a ministry to parents who've lost children. lost children. lost children. I never wanted to join that club I never wanted to join that club I never wanted to join that club but I became a bonafide member when our but I became a bonafide member when our but I became a bonafide member when our son went to be with the Lord some 13 son went to be with the Lord some 13 son went to be with the Lord some 13 years ago. years ago. years ago. And as a pastor, I've performed many And as a pastor, I've performed many And as a pastor, I've performed many funeral services. funeral services. funeral services. Far too many for children, which are the Far too many for children, which are the Far too many for children, which are the hardest hardest hardest cuz you're trying to find the right cuz you're trying to find the right cuz you're trying to find the right words. words. words. And I look at parents sitting in the And I look at parents sitting in the And I look at parents sitting in the front row and I think, "What can I say front row and I think, "What can I say front row and I think, "What can I say to bring a measure of comfort and hope to bring a measure of comfort and hope to bring a measure of comfort and hope to them?" And then one day I woke up and to them?" And then one day I woke up and to them?" And then one day I woke up and I was in the front row. And the pastor I was in the front row. And the pastor I was in the front row. And the pastor was speaking to me.

was speaking to me. was speaking to me. And I remember the devastation. I And I remember the devastation. I And I remember the devastation. I remember wondering how I would get remember wondering how I would get remember wondering how I would get through it, how I would survive it. through it, how I would survive it. through it, how I would survive it. But the Lord has helped us and continues But the Lord has helped us and continues But the Lord has helped us and continues to help us. Though we still miss our son to help us. Though we still miss our son to help us. Though we still miss our son so much, but the point is is now I can so much, but the point is is now I can so much, but the point is is now I can comfort others with the comfort that comfort others with the comfort that comfort others with the comfort that I've been comforted with. I've been comforted with. I've been comforted with. And I found one of the things I do more And I found one of the things I do more And I found one of the things I do more of now than I used to do before our son of now than I used to do before our son of now than I used to do before our son had died is I I'm a better listener. had died is I I'm a better listener. had died is I I'm a better listener. I'm not so quick on the draw with the I'm not so quick on the draw with the I'm not so quick on the draw with the Bible verse. I'll listen. Tell me what Bible verse. I'll listen. Tell me what Bible verse. I'll listen. Tell me what happened. I'm so sorry. happened. I'm so sorry. happened. I'm so sorry. Well, let me just share a few things Well, let me just share a few things Well, let me just share a few things that we learned in this journey that that we learned in this journey that that we learned in this journey that we're still on. And they'll listen to me we're still on. And they'll listen to me we're still on. And they'll listen to me and to my wife and to my son because and to my wife and to my son because and to my wife and to my son because they know we've gone through it. So they know we've gone through it. So they know we've gone through it. So listen, there's things that have listen, there's things that have listen, there's things that have happened to you that you wish did not happened to you that you wish did not happened to you that you wish did not happen to you, but did ever occur to you happen to you, but did ever occur to you happen to you, but did ever occur to you God allowed them to happen to you so you God allowed them to happen to you so you God allowed them to happen to you so you can help others that are going through can help others that are going through can help others that are going through those same things. those same things. those same things. This is very important for us to realize This is very important for us to realize This is very important for us to realize God has a plan and God has a purpose and God has a plan and God has a purpose and God has a plan and God has a purpose and he can use all of these things in our he can use all of these things in our he can use all of these things in our lives and in the lives of others. Now, lives and in the lives of others. Now, lives and in the lives of others. Now, let me close with one thought.

let me close with one thought. let me close with one thought. And thoughts can be long. And thoughts can be long. And thoughts can be long. This could be a 30-minute thought. This could be a 30-minute thought. This could be a 30-minute thought. This could be a 4-minute thought, but This could be a 4-minute thought, but This could be a 4-minute thought, but it's going to be a shorter one, not a it's going to be a shorter one, not a it's going to be a shorter one, not a longer one. longer one. longer one. The greatest travesty of justice in all The greatest travesty of justice in all The greatest travesty of justice in all of human history, of human history, of human history, the worst crime that was ever the worst crime that was ever the worst crime that was ever perpetrated against any man was the perpetrated against any man was the perpetrated against any man was the arrest, arrest, arrest, execution, execution, execution, and bloody murder of Jesus Christ, the and bloody murder of Jesus Christ, the and bloody murder of Jesus Christ, the son of God, on the cross. son of God, on the cross. son of God, on the cross. People want to blame someone for it. It People want to blame someone for it. It People want to blame someone for it. It was the Romans that did it. Others will was the Romans that did it. Others will was the Romans that did it. Others will say, "It's the Jewish people that did say, "It's the Jewish people that did say, "It's the Jewish people that did it." Let me say something that'll blow it." Let me say something that'll blow it." Let me say something that'll blow your mind. It's God that did it. your mind. It's God that did it. your mind. It's God that did it. Because the Bible says it pleased the Because the Bible says it pleased the Because the Bible says it pleased the Father to bruise him. Father to bruise him. Father to bruise him. Oh, no, the Father took no pleasure in Oh, no, the Father took no pleasure in Oh, no, the Father took no pleasure in watching the son suffer and die, but the watching the son suffer and die, but the watching the son suffer and die, but the Father knew that through the death of Father knew that through the death of Father knew that through the death of his son on the cross that salvation his son on the cross that salvation his son on the cross that salvation would be purchased for all of humanity. would be purchased for all of humanity. would be purchased for all of humanity. So out of the greatest travesty of So out of the greatest travesty of So out of the greatest travesty of justice came the greatest good of all justice came the greatest good of all justice came the greatest good of all time, your salvation and mine.

time, your salvation and mine. time, your salvation and mine. Isn't that great to know? Isn't that great to know? Isn't that great to know? >> [applause] >> The fact is Jesus voluntarily went to >> The fact is Jesus voluntarily went to that cross. No one took his life. that cross. No one took his life. that cross. No one took his life. Jesus said, "Greater love has no man Jesus said, "Greater love has no man Jesus said, "Greater love has no man than this, than this, than this, that he lay down his life for his that he lay down his life for his that he lay down his life for his friends." He laid his life down. He went friends." He laid his life down. He went friends." He laid his life down. He went voluntarily to that cross. He died voluntarily to that cross. He died voluntarily to that cross. He died there. As I've often said, it wasn't there. As I've often said, it wasn't there. As I've often said, it wasn't nails that held Jesus to the cross, it nails that held Jesus to the cross, it nails that held Jesus to the cross, it was love for you and for me. God loves was love for you and for me. God loves was love for you and for me. God loves you. you. you. God wants to forgive you. God wants to forgive you. God wants to forgive you. And I don't know why you're here today, And I don't know why you're here today, And I don't know why you're here today, how you got here today. Maybe this is how you got here today. Maybe this is how you got here today. Maybe this is your first time at church. your first time at church. your first time at church. Maybe you were brought by a friend. Maybe you were brought by a friend. Maybe you were brought by a friend. Maybe something bad has happened in your Maybe something bad has happened in your Maybe something bad has happened in your life and it's got your attention. I want life and it's got your attention. I want life and it's got your attention. I want to just say first of all, I'm just glad to just say first of all, I'm just glad to just say first of all, I'm just glad you're here. you're here. you're here. And I want you to know that God will And I want you to know that God will And I want you to know that God will help you help you help you if you'll call out to him if you'll call out to him if you'll call out to him and ask for his forgiveness. Because and ask for his forgiveness. Because and ask for his forgiveness. Because Jesus didn't stay on that cross, did he? Jesus didn't stay on that cross, did he? Jesus didn't stay on that cross, did he? He rose again from the dead 3 days He rose again from the dead 3 days He rose again from the dead 3 days later. later. later. And he's with us right now in this And he's with us right now in this And he's with us right now in this place, standing at the door of your life place, standing at the door of your life place, standing at the door of your life and knocking. And he says, "If you'll and knocking. And he says, "If you'll and knocking. And he says, "If you'll hear his voice and open the door, he hear his voice and open the door, he hear his voice and open the door, he will come in."

will come in." will come in." Jesus can come into your pain. He can Jesus can come into your pain. He can Jesus can come into your pain. He can come into your struggle. He can come come into your struggle. He can come come into your struggle. He can come into your life and he can forgive you of into your life and he can forgive you of into your life and he can forgive you of all of your sin and give you the all of your sin and give you the all of your sin and give you the assurance that you'll go to heaven when assurance that you'll go to heaven when assurance that you'll go to heaven when you die. And then, if that wasn't you die. And then, if that wasn't you die. And then, if that wasn't enough, and then enough, and then enough, and then he'll give to you the meaning of life. he'll give to you the meaning of life. he'll give to you the meaning of life. You wonder, "What is the meaning of You wonder, "What is the meaning of You wonder, "What is the meaning of life? Why am I here?" Short answer, the life? Why am I here?" Short answer, the life? Why am I here?" Short answer, the meaning of life is to come into a meaning of life is to come into a meaning of life is to come into a relationship with God and to walk with relationship with God and to walk with relationship with God and to walk with him. And he'll show you what your life him. And he'll show you what your life him. And he'll show you what your life is all about and where your life should is all about and where your life should is all about and where your life should go. go. go. But he won't force this in your life. But he won't force this in your life. But he won't force this in your life. You have to ask for him to come in and You have to ask for him to come in and You have to ask for him to come in and forgive you of your sin. And in a moment forgive you of your sin. And in a moment forgive you of your sin. And in a moment we're going to close in prayer and I'm we're going to close in prayer and I'm we're going to close in prayer and I'm going to extend an invitation for you to going to extend an invitation for you to going to extend an invitation for you to believe in Jesus and be forgiven of your believe in Jesus and be forgiven of your believe in Jesus and be forgiven of your sin and I'm telling you it can happen in sin and I'm telling you it can happen in sin and I'm telling you it can happen in just a second. It's so amazing how just a second. It's so amazing how just a second. It's so amazing how quickly quickly quickly we can change. I remember when I was we can change. I remember when I was we can change. I remember when I was just a kid, 17 years old just a kid, 17 years old just a kid, 17 years old and I was on my high school campus, and I was on my high school campus, and I was on my high school campus, Harbor High School. Harbor High School. Harbor High School. And uh And uh And uh I saw the Christians sitting there. I I saw the Christians sitting there. I I saw the Christians sitting there. I just went to look at them.

just went to look at them. just went to look at them. And and I thought they're so weird. And and I thought they're so weird. And and I thought they're so weird. And there's no way this is true. It's And there's no way this is true. It's And there's no way this is true. It's not true. not true. not true. They're crazy. Look at them. They're crazy. Look at them. They're crazy. Look at them. And but I just kept watching them. And but I just kept watching them. And but I just kept watching them. They're singing songs about Jesus and They're singing songs about Jesus and They're singing songs about Jesus and and then a guy got up to speak and I and then a guy got up to speak and I and then a guy got up to speak and I thought, "Okay, what's this all about?" thought, "Okay, what's this all about?" thought, "Okay, what's this all about?" And I don't remember most of what he And I don't remember most of what he And I don't remember most of what he said, but when he said, "Jesus said said, but when he said, "Jesus said said, but when he said, "Jesus said you're either for me or against me." you're either for me or against me." you're either for me or against me." Suddenly I looked at the Christians and Suddenly I looked at the Christians and Suddenly I looked at the Christians and I thought, "It's all true." I thought, "It's all true." I thought, "It's all true." How did that happen? How did they go How did that happen? How did they go How did that happen? How did they go from saying it's not true, I don't from saying it's not true, I don't from saying it's not true, I don't believe any of it, it couldn't be true believe any of it, it couldn't be true believe any of it, it couldn't be true to it's all true and I want it? I don't to it's all true and I want it? I don't to it's all true and I want it? I don't know how, but I didn't do it. God did know how, but I didn't do it. God did know how, but I didn't do it. God did it. it. it. It's the work of the Holy Spirit and you It's the work of the Holy Spirit and you It's the work of the Holy Spirit and you experienced it as well, didn't you? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> You know, people have said to me, "Greg, >> You know, people have said to me, "Greg, >> You know, people have said to me, "Greg, you're an evangelist. Tell us the one you're an evangelist. Tell us the one you're an evangelist. Tell us the one thing you can say to an unbeliever to thing you can say to an unbeliever to thing you can say to an unbeliever to make them believe." make them believe." make them believe." What do you think I carry that around in What do you think I carry that around in What do you think I carry that around in my back pocket? my back pocket? my back pocket? If I knew such a thing, I would have If I knew such a thing, I would have If I knew such a thing, I would have already told you, trust me.

already told you, trust me. already told you, trust me. There's no one thing I could say to make There's no one thing I could say to make There's no one thing I could say to make a person believe. a person believe. a person believe. But I do know as we proclaim the gospel, But I do know as we proclaim the gospel, But I do know as we proclaim the gospel, as we share our faith with others, God's as we share our faith with others, God's as we share our faith with others, God's Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit will open their hearts up and they can will open their hearts up and they can will open their hearts up and they can believe just like that. Like that man, believe just like that. Like that man, believe just like that. Like that man, going back to the story of Paul and going back to the story of Paul and going back to the story of Paul and Silas and the Roman jailer, he just Silas and the Roman jailer, he just Silas and the Roman jailer, he just said, "What do I need to do to be saved? said, "What do I need to do to be saved? said, "What do I need to do to be saved? What do I need to do to have what you What do I need to do to have what you What do I need to do to have what you have?" Hey, believe in Jesus, he said. I have?" Hey, believe in Jesus, he said. I have?" Hey, believe in Jesus, he said. I believe in Jesus. And that can happen believe in Jesus. And that can happen believe in Jesus. And that can happen for you for you for you right here, right now. right here, right now. right here, right now. The Bible says whoever will call upon The Bible says whoever will call upon The Bible says whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be be the name of the Lord will be be the name of the Lord will be be So, we're going to pray and then I'll So, we're going to pray and then I'll So, we're going to pray and then I'll extend this invitation extend this invitation extend this invitation for you to come to Christ today, for you for you to come to Christ today, for you for you to come to Christ today, for you to change your eternal destiny, for you to change your eternal destiny, for you to change your eternal destiny, for you to find the meaning and purpose of life. to find the meaning and purpose of life. to find the meaning and purpose of life. If you need Jesus, respond now. Let's If you need Jesus, respond now. Let's If you need Jesus, respond now. Let's pray. Father, thank you for your word to pray. Father, thank you for your word to pray. Father, thank you for your word to us. us. us. Thank you for your love for us. Thank you for your love for us. Thank you for your love for us. And I pray for any person here, And I pray for any person here, And I pray for any person here, Lord, if they don't know you, Lord, if they don't know you, Lord, if they don't know you, let this be the moment [music] they let this be the moment [music] they let this be the moment [music] they believe.

believe. believe. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. >> Pastor Greg Laurie [music] >> Pastor Greg Laurie [music] with an important prayer. with an important prayer. with an important prayer. And if you'd like to make that kind of And if you'd like to make that kind of And if you'd like to make that kind of change today in your relationship with change today in your relationship with change today in your relationship with the Lord, Pastor Greg will help you do the Lord, Pastor Greg will help you do the Lord, Pastor Greg will help you do that in just a moment before we wrap up that in just a moment before we wrap up that in just a moment before we wrap up today here on A New Beginning. today here on A New Beginning. today here on A New Beginning. Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily Are you receiving Pastor Greg's daily devotion each day via email? devotion each day via email? devotion each day via email? If not, let's take care of that right If not, let's take care of that right If not, let's take care of that right now. You can sign up today free of now. You can sign up today free of now. You can sign up today free of charge at harvest.org, charge at harvest.org, charge at harvest.org, and you'll receive a daily inspirational and you'll receive a daily inspirational and you'll receive a daily inspirational thought from God's word each day in your thought from God's word each day in your thought from God's word each day in your inbox. Again, go to harvest.org. inbox. Again, go to harvest.org. inbox. Again, go to harvest.org. And then, uh Pastor Greg, just before we And then, uh Pastor Greg, just before we And then, uh Pastor Greg, just before we go, would you mind praying with the go, would you mind praying with the go, would you mind praying with the person listening who wants to make a person listening who wants to make a person listening who wants to make a change today in their relationship with change today in their relationship with change today in their relationship with the Lord? the Lord? the Lord? >> I'd be happy to, Dave. You know, as >> I'd be happy to, Dave. You know, as >> I'd be happy to, Dave. You know, as you've been listening to this today, you've been listening to this today, you've been listening to this today, maybe you've heard another voice. By maybe you've heard another voice. By maybe you've heard another voice. By that I mean, yeah, you heard me say a that I mean, yeah, you heard me say a that I mean, yeah, you heard me say a few things, but you heard God's voice few things, but you heard God's voice few things, but you heard God's voice speak to you.

speak to you. speak to you. Deep in the recesses of your heart, and Deep in the recesses of your heart, and Deep in the recesses of your heart, and it suddenly dawned on you, this is what it suddenly dawned on you, this is what it suddenly dawned on you, this is what I need, or to state it more accurately, I need, or to state it more accurately, I need, or to state it more accurately, this is who I need. I need Jesus, and I this is who I need. I need Jesus, and I this is who I need. I need Jesus, and I want Jesus, but maybe you don't know how want Jesus, but maybe you don't know how want Jesus, but maybe you don't know how to make that connection. Let me help to make that connection. Let me help to make that connection. Let me help you. you. you. God is only a prayer away. God is only a prayer away. God is only a prayer away. He stands at the door of your heart and He stands at the door of your heart and He stands at the door of your heart and he knocks and Jesus says, "If you'll he knocks and Jesus says, "If you'll he knocks and Jesus says, "If you'll hear his voice and open the door, he'll hear his voice and open the door, he'll hear his voice and open the door, he'll come in." Let me help you open the door, come in." Let me help you open the door, come in." Let me help you open the door, so to speak, of your heart as you invite so to speak, of your heart as you invite so to speak, of your heart as you invite Jesus to be your savior and Lord. So, Jesus to be your savior and Lord. So, Jesus to be your savior and Lord. So, here's what I would like you to do. here's what I would like you to do. here's what I would like you to do. I'd like you to stop what you're doing I'd like you to stop what you're doing I'd like you to stop what you're doing and I want you to pray a prayer after and I want you to pray a prayer after and I want you to pray a prayer after me. I'll lead you in this prayer and as me. I'll lead you in this prayer and as me. I'll lead you in this prayer and as you pray it, God will hear you. Pray you pray it, God will hear you. Pray you pray it, God will hear you. Pray this after me right now if you want this after me right now if you want this after me right now if you want Jesus Christ to come into your life. Jesus Christ to come into your life. Jesus Christ to come into your life. Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner I know I am a sinner I know I am a sinner and I am sorry for my sin and I am sorry for my sin and I am sorry for my sin and I need your forgiveness right now. and I need your forgiveness right now. and I need your forgiveness right now. Would you come into my heart and my life Would you come into my heart and my life Would you come into my heart and my life as savior, as savior, as savior, as God, as friend?

as God, as friend? as God, as friend? I choose to follow you from this moment I choose to follow you from this moment I choose to follow you from this moment forward. forward. forward. Thank you for calling me, Thank you for calling me, Thank you for calling me, and accepting me, and forgiving me. and accepting me, and forgiving me. and accepting me, and forgiving me. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. I know that was a relatively short I know that was a relatively short I know that was a relatively short prayer. Maybe you felt something as you prayer. Maybe you felt something as you prayer. Maybe you felt something as you prayed it, maybe you felt nothing. That prayed it, maybe you felt nothing. That prayed it, maybe you felt nothing. That doesn't really matter because God's word doesn't really matter because God's word doesn't really matter because God's word says, "These things we write to you that says, "These things we write to you that says, "These things we write to you that believe on the name of the Son of God believe on the name of the Son of God believe on the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal that you may know that you have eternal that you may know that you have eternal life." It doesn't say, "So you may think life." It doesn't say, "So you may think life." It doesn't say, "So you may think you have it or you may hope you have it you have it or you may hope you have it you have it or you may hope you have it if God's in a good mood." No, that you if God's in a good mood." No, that you if God's in a good mood." No, that you can know it and I want you to know, if can know it and I want you to know, if can know it and I want you to know, if you prayed that prayer and meant it, you prayed that prayer and meant it, you prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has come Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has come Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has come into your life. So, congratulations. into your life. So, congratulations. into your life. So, congratulations. You're now a Christian. Now, continue to You're now a Christian. Now, continue to You're now a Christian. Now, continue to follow the Lord. follow the Lord. follow the Lord. >> Yeah, and to help you follow the Lord, >> Yeah, and to help you follow the Lord, >> Yeah, and to help you follow the Lord, we'd like to send you Pastor Greg's New we'd like to send you Pastor Greg's New we'd like to send you Pastor Greg's New Believer's Bible. It's in an Believer's Bible. It's in an Believer's Bible. It's in an easy-to-understand translation with easy-to-understand translation with easy-to-understand translation with hundreds of helps specifically for those hundreds of helps specifically for those hundreds of helps specifically for those who are new to the faith. It'll answer who are new to the faith. It'll answer who are new to the faith. It'll answer many of the questions you may have and many of the questions you may have and many of the questions you may have and get you started off right in your new get you started off right in your new get you started off right in your new relationship with the Lord. So, get in relationship with the Lord. So, get in relationship with the Lord. So, get in touch and ask for the New Believer's touch and ask for the New Believer's touch and ask for the New Believer's Bible. We'll send it free of charge.

Bible. We'll send it free of charge. Bible. We'll send it free of charge. Just call 1-800-821-3300. That's our 24-hour phone number, That's our 24-hour phone number, 1-800-821-3300. Or go online to harvest.org Or go online to harvest.org and click know God. and click know God. and click know God. And then let us say a word of thanks to And then let us say a word of thanks to And then let us say a word of thanks to those who support us financially. Those those who support us financially. Those those who support us financially. Those who make it possible for us to bring you who make it possible for us to bring you who make it possible for us to bring you these studies each day. We are these studies each day. We are these studies each day. We are definitely a listener-supported definitely a listener-supported definitely a listener-supported ministry. It's the generosity of ministry. It's the generosity of ministry. It's the generosity of listeners that help us be here with listeners that help us be here with listeners that help us be here with these programs. these programs. these programs. So, if you've partnered with us, thank So, if you've partnered with us, thank So, if you've partnered with us, thank you. you. you. And if you have yet to partner with us, And if you have yet to partner with us, And if you have yet to partner with us, well, I hope you'll get in touch today well, I hope you'll get in touch today well, I hope you'll get in touch today and let us know that you're standing and let us know that you're standing and let us know that you're standing with us. Even a small investment would with us. Even a small investment would with us. Even a small investment would help. It's actually an investment in help. It's actually an investment in help. It's actually an investment in changing lives. Thank you for partnering changing lives. Thank you for partnering changing lives. Thank you for partnering with us. You can donate securely online with us. You can donate securely online with us. You can donate securely online at harvest.org at harvest.org at harvest.org or call us at 1-800-821-3300. Well, next time, as [music] Pastor Greg Well, next time, as [music] Pastor Greg continues his refresh series, we'll continues his refresh series, we'll continues his refresh series, we'll consider how revival is the ultimate consider how revival is the ultimate consider how revival is the ultimate [music] spiritual refreshment.

[music] spiritual refreshment. [music] spiritual refreshment. Join us here on A New Beginning with Join us here on A New Beginning with Join us here on A New Beginning with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg Laurie. Pastor and Bible teacher Greg Laurie. Pastor and Bible teacher Greg Laurie. >> This is the day >> This is the day >> This is the day >> [music] >> when >> when life begins.