What the Bible Says About Enduring Hard Seasons | Pastor Mike Breaux

Hey guys, thanks for checking out this Hey guys, thanks for checking out this Bible [music] teaching. Every week we Bible [music] teaching. Every week we Bible [music] teaching. Every week we release a podcast that corresponds to release a podcast that corresponds to release a podcast that corresponds to the sermon. It's like a little bit of a the sermon. It's like a little bit of a the sermon. It's like a little bit of a deeper dive where we hit some things deeper dive where we hit some things deeper dive where we hit some things that didn't [music] make it into the that didn't [music] make it into the that didn't [music] make it into the sermon, some theological concepts. We sermon, some theological concepts. We sermon, some theological concepts. We talk about things that are going on in talk about things that are going on in talk about things that are going on in our culture and how to think about them our culture and how to think about them our culture and how to think about them from a biblical perspective. We call from a biblical perspective. We call from a biblical perspective. We call that podcast Live Free and episode that podcast Live Free and episode that podcast Live Free and episode releases every Monday that corresponds releases every Monday that corresponds releases every Monday that corresponds to the sermon. If you would [music] like to the sermon. If you would [music] like to the sermon. If you would [music] like to check out Live Free, just go to the to check out Live Free, just go to the to check out Live Free, just go to the Lake Point YouTube channel and look for Lake Point YouTube channel and look for Lake Point YouTube channel and look for the podcast tab there. We'll see you at the podcast tab there. We'll see you at the podcast tab there. We'll see you at Live Free. Now, enjoy this Bible Live Free. Now, enjoy this Bible Live Free. Now, enjoy this Bible teaching. teaching. teaching. >> All right, what is up Lake Point family? >> All right, what is up Lake Point family? >> All right, what is up Lake Point family? Great to see you guys. Thanks for being Great to see you guys. Thanks for being Great to see you guys. Thanks for being here today. Hey, I want to congratulate here today. Hey, I want to congratulate here today. Hey, I want to congratulate all those uh families that were up here all those uh families that were up here all those uh families that were up here a little while ago. Man, all of our a little while ago. Man, all of our a little while ago. Man, all of our campuses are doing it and it's so cool campuses are doing it and it's so cool campuses are doing it and it's so cool to see uh parents wanting to to see uh parents wanting to to see uh parents wanting to uh raise their kids on a strong uh raise their kids on a strong uh raise their kids on a strong foundation of Jesus Christ. And I want foundation of Jesus Christ. And I want foundation of Jesus Christ. And I want to thank all you who came along to to thank all you who came along to to thank all you who came along to support them. You know, grandparents, support them. You know, grandparents, support them. You know, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts and uncles and great grandparents, aunts and uncles and great grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins and friends and neighbors showed cousins and friends and neighbors showed cousins and friends and neighbors showed up today to cheer them on, encourage up today to cheer them on, encourage up today to cheer them on, encourage them, and that means a ton uh to these them, and that means a ton uh to these them, and that means a ton uh to these families. So, we just celebrate these families. So, we just celebrate these families. So, we just celebrate these families one more time.

families one more time. families one more time. So proud of you guys. So proud of you guys. So proud of you guys. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I also want to take this opportunity to >> I also want to take this opportunity to >> I also want to take this opportunity to welcome those who might be joining welcome those who might be joining welcome those who might be joining online today. And maybe you're one of online today. And maybe you're one of online today. And maybe you're one of our campuses as well. Super grateful for our campuses as well. Super grateful for our campuses as well. Super grateful for y'all. My name is Bro, by the way, and I y'all. My name is Bro, by the way, and I y'all. My name is Bro, by the way, and I get to be on the the teaching team. And get to be on the the teaching team. And get to be on the the teaching team. And we are we are in week four, I think, of we are we are in week four, I think, of we are we are in week four, I think, of this little series we're calling Fight this little series we're calling Fight this little series we're calling Fight the Good Fight. And um it's in it's it's the Good Fight. And um it's in it's it's the Good Fight. And um it's in it's it's based on a letter of written it's it's based on a letter of written it's it's based on a letter of written it's it's tucked in the back of the Bible called tucked in the back of the Bible called tucked in the back of the Bible called Second Timothy. And we're going to be in Second Timothy. And we're going to be in Second Timothy. And we're going to be in chapter two today. So, if you got your chapter two today. So, if you got your chapter two today. So, if you got your Bible, you can turn to Second Timothy Bible, you can turn to Second Timothy Bible, you can turn to Second Timothy chapter two. Or if you need a bigger chapter two. Or if you need a bigger chapter two. Or if you need a bigger font like I do, use your app and blow it font like I do, use your app and blow it font like I do, use your app and blow it up so you can see it. Or maybe you got up so you can see it. Or maybe you got up so you can see it. Or maybe you got like a like a like a picked up one of these picked up one of these picked up one of these uh scripture journals. You can open that uh scripture journals. You can open that uh scripture journals. You can open that up, too, and you can take some notes up, too, and you can take some notes up, too, and you can take some notes today. Uh but just a real quick recap. today. Uh but just a real quick recap. today. Uh but just a real quick recap. Uh this letter is written by a guy named Uh this letter is written by a guy named Uh this letter is written by a guy named Paul who most likely Paul who most likely Paul who most likely is uh somewhere in his 60s. Uh written is uh somewhere in his 60s. Uh written is uh somewhere in his 60s. Uh written to a young guy named Timothy that is to a young guy named Timothy that is to a young guy named Timothy that is most likely somewhere in his late 30s. most likely somewhere in his late 30s. most likely somewhere in his late 30s. And Paul's been mentoring, he'd been And Paul's been mentoring, he'd been And Paul's been mentoring, he'd been pouring into, he's been coaching Timothy pouring into, he's been coaching Timothy pouring into, he's been coaching Timothy for over 20 years. And Timothy is now a for over 20 years. And Timothy is now a for over 20 years. And Timothy is now a pastor serving in a growing church in a pastor serving in a growing church in a pastor serving in a growing church in a crazy city uh called Ephesus. And crazy city uh called Ephesus. And crazy city uh called Ephesus. And there's a real special place in Paul's there's a real special place in Paul's there's a real special place in Paul's heart for the church of Ephesus. And heart for the church of Ephesus. And heart for the church of Ephesus. And man, he loves Timothy like he's his own man, he loves Timothy like he's his own man, he loves Timothy like he's his own son. So, he writes him this letter and son. So, he writes him this letter and son. So, he writes him this letter and he writes it from a dark, damp, cold he writes it from a dark, damp, cold he writes it from a dark, damp, cold prison cell in Rome just before he is prison cell in Rome just before he is prison cell in Rome just before he is executed in AD 67. The Roman emperor,

executed in AD 67. The Roman emperor, executed in AD 67. The Roman emperor, guy named Nero, have you heard of this guy named Nero, have you heard of this guy named Nero, have you heard of this guy? guy? guy? Uh he had been slowly sinking Uh he had been slowly sinking Uh he had been slowly sinking as Zach Top sings, somewhere south of as Zach Top sings, somewhere south of as Zach Top sings, somewhere south of sanity. sanity. sanity. Uh about about 10 years into his reign, Uh about about 10 years into his reign, Uh about about 10 years into his reign, the guy's going crazy. And there's this the guy's going crazy. And there's this the guy's going crazy. And there's this great fire in Rome that destroys about great fire in Rome that destroys about great fire in Rome that destroys about half the city and most historians half the city and most historians half the city and most historians believe that Nero himself had the fire believe that Nero himself had the fire believe that Nero himself had the fire set because he wanted to rebuild a more set because he wanted to rebuild a more set because he wanted to rebuild a more opulent city, one that was more liking opulent city, one that was more liking opulent city, one that was more liking to his taste. I mean, we're talking to his taste. I mean, we're talking to his taste. I mean, we're talking crazy evil dude. crazy evil dude. crazy evil dude. So, with the residents of Rome in a So, with the residents of Rome in a So, with the residents of Rome in a absolute uproar, absolute uproar, absolute uproar, Nero starts to feel the heat, like Nero starts to feel the heat, like Nero starts to feel the heat, like literally. So, he places the blame of literally. So, he places the blame of literally. So, he places the blame of the fire on these {quote} a derogatory the fire on these {quote} a derogatory the fire on these {quote} a derogatory term uh meaning little Christ, making fun of uh meaning little Christ, making fun of them for like following a dead guy and them for like following a dead guy and them for like following a dead guy and worshipping only one God. And so, he worshipping only one God. And so, he worshipping only one God. And so, he begins to persecute them begins to persecute them begins to persecute them in horrific in horrific in horrific ways. ways. ways. And so, Paul And so, Paul And so, Paul as one of the main leaders of this Jesus as one of the main leaders of this Jesus as one of the main leaders of this Jesus movement, he knows.

movement, he knows. movement, he knows. He knows that his time is short. He knows that his time is short. He knows that his time is short. And whenever he is executed, it'll be And whenever he is executed, it'll be And whenever he is executed, it'll be unjust, unjust, unjust, but it's going to make things hard on but it's going to make things hard on but it's going to make things hard on everybody, especially young leaders like everybody, especially young leaders like everybody, especially young leaders like Timothy. So, he takes the time, Timothy. So, he takes the time, Timothy. So, he takes the time, led by the Holy Spirit of God to write led by the Holy Spirit of God to write led by the Holy Spirit of God to write this super encouraging letter to his this super encouraging letter to his this super encouraging letter to his young pastor friend. young pastor friend. young pastor friend. It's kind of a It's kind of a It's kind of a be strong and courageous be strong and courageous be strong and courageous baton pass. baton pass. baton pass. Back in the late '90s, I was a young Back in the late '90s, I was a young Back in the late '90s, I was a young pastor. Had hair and everything. I was I pastor. Had hair and everything. I was I pastor. Had hair and everything. I was I was I was taking a baton pass from a was I was taking a baton pass from a was I was taking a baton pass from a highly respected, legendary pastor who highly respected, legendary pastor who highly respected, legendary pastor who was 30 years older than me. was 30 years older than me. was 30 years older than me. And I got to be honest, I was And I got to be honest, I was And I got to be honest, I was I was scared to death. I knew it wasn't I was scared to death. I knew it wasn't I was scared to death. I knew it wasn't going to be easy. New transition was going to be easy. New transition was going to be easy. New transition was hard on people. And so, I just said, hard on people. And so, I just said, hard on people. And so, I just said, "God, why would you call me to do this? "God, why would you call me to do this? "God, why would you call me to do this? I love what I'm doing with my life right I love what I'm doing with my life right I love what I'm doing with my life right now. Why Why Why would you ask me to go now. Why Why Why would you ask me to go now. Why Why Why would you ask me to go do this?" I was I was scared. And one do this?" I was I was scared. And one do this?" I was I was scared. And one day in prayer, I was just pouring out my day in prayer, I was just pouring out my day in prayer, I was just pouring out my heart to God like that. And I felt like heart to God like that. And I felt like heart to God like that. And I felt like God gave me God gave me God gave me the words that he gave to Joshua when he the words that he gave to Joshua when he the words that he gave to Joshua when he took the baton from Moses. I felt like took the baton from Moses. I felt like took the baton from Moses. I felt like God like spoke this into me saying, God like spoke this into me saying, God like spoke this into me saying, "Have I not commanded you, "Have I not commanded you, "Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous. Don't be be strong and courageous. Don't be be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid. Don't be discouraged, for the afraid. Don't be discouraged, for the afraid. Don't be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be Lord your God will be Lord your God will be with you with you with you wherever you go."

wherever you go." wherever you go." And I didn't tell anybody And I didn't tell anybody And I didn't tell anybody about that verse that God stuck in my about that verse that God stuck in my about that verse that God stuck in my heart. heart. heart. And I cannot tell you as things got And I cannot tell you as things got And I cannot tell you as things got challenging, how many notes and how many challenging, how many notes and how many challenging, how many notes and how many encouraging cards, how many emails I encouraging cards, how many emails I encouraging cards, how many emails I received from people at the bottom they received from people at the bottom they received from people at the bottom they would write, "Joshua 1:9." would write, "Joshua 1:9." would write, "Joshua 1:9." And so, this letter is Paul, the And so, this letter is Paul, the And so, this letter is Paul, the 30-years-older guy, 30-years-older guy, 30-years-older guy, kind of doing that with young Timothy. kind of doing that with young Timothy. kind of doing that with young Timothy. Reminding him of God's presence and Reminding him of God's presence and Reminding him of God's presence and God's power God's power God's power in his life. in his life. in his life. So, the last 3 weeks, Pastor Josh let us So, the last 3 weeks, Pastor Josh let us So, the last 3 weeks, Pastor Josh let us through the amazing first chapter. And through the amazing first chapter. And through the amazing first chapter. And then he bounced a little bit last week then he bounced a little bit last week then he bounced a little bit last week to chapter 4. So much good stuff in to chapter 4. So much good stuff in to chapter 4. So much good stuff in there. You ought to go back and read it there. You ought to go back and read it there. You ought to go back and read it all. Uh listen to the messages on the all. Uh listen to the messages on the all. Uh listen to the messages on the app. Uh some super helpful stuff, I app. Uh some super helpful stuff, I app. Uh some super helpful stuff, I think. And today, we are going to jump think. And today, we are going to jump think. And today, we are going to jump into chapter 2. And we've just been kind into chapter 2. And we've just been kind into chapter 2. And we've just been kind of going verse by verse through this of going verse by verse through this of going verse by verse through this letter. And today, we're just going to letter. And today, we're just going to letter. And today, we're just going to chew on like seven verses and then pick chew on like seven verses and then pick chew on like seven verses and then pick it pick it back up from there next week. it pick it back up from there next week. it pick it back up from there next week. But really I want to hang this whole But really I want to hang this whole But really I want to hang this whole message on just like one verse. message on just like one verse. message on just like one verse. What Paul says in this first verse, in What Paul says in this first verse, in What Paul says in this first verse, in fact, I think it might be the most fact, I think it might be the most fact, I think it might be the most important verse important verse important verse in this entire letter.

in this entire letter. in this entire letter. And when I read it, it got me to And when I read it, it got me to And when I read it, it got me to thinking if I thinking if I thinking if I a guy with a six in front of my age a guy with a six in front of my age a guy with a six in front of my age were saying something to a bunch of men were saying something to a bunch of men were saying something to a bunch of men and women who were 20, 30, 40, 50 years and women who were 20, 30, 40, 50 years and women who were 20, 30, 40, 50 years younger than me, younger than me, younger than me, this might be what I'd tell them too. this might be what I'd tell them too. this might be what I'd tell them too. Check it out. Timothy, Check it out. Timothy, Check it out. Timothy, my dear son, my dear son, my dear son, be strong through the grace be strong through the grace be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. that God gives you in Christ Jesus. that God gives you in Christ Jesus. Timothy, my dear son, Timothy, my dear son, Timothy, my dear son, be strong be strong be strong through the grace through the grace through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. I that God gives you in Christ Jesus. I that God gives you in Christ Jesus. I mean, if the theme of this letter is mean, if the theme of this letter is mean, if the theme of this letter is fight the good fight, Paul is saying, fight the good fight, Paul is saying, fight the good fight, Paul is saying, in Timothy, this is how you do it. in Timothy, this is how you do it. in Timothy, this is how you do it. Be strong through the grace that God Be strong through the grace that God Be strong through the grace that God gives you. gives you. gives you. You know, Paul doesn't say, "Hey, listen You know, Paul doesn't say, "Hey, listen You know, Paul doesn't say, "Hey, listen up, Tim. My time is almost over, so up, Tim. My time is almost over, so up, Tim. My time is almost over, so dude, I'm going to need you to man up." dude, I'm going to need you to man up." dude, I'm going to need you to man up." He doesn't do like coach speak and say, He doesn't do like coach speak and say, He doesn't do like coach speak and say, you know, "You need to step up. You need you know, "You need to step up. You need you know, "You need to step up. You need to suck it up. You need to walk it off. to suck it up. You need to walk it off. to suck it up. You need to walk it off. Rub some dirt on it. Don't be such a Rub some dirt on it. Don't be such a Rub some dirt on it. Don't be such a baby. Man up." None of that.

baby. Man up." None of that. baby. Man up." None of that. He affectionately calls him "My dear He affectionately calls him "My dear He affectionately calls him "My dear son." And then gives him the advice that son." And then gives him the advice that son." And then gives him the advice that I think every good dad ought to model I think every good dad ought to model I think every good dad ought to model and pass on to their sons and daughters. and pass on to their sons and daughters. and pass on to their sons and daughters. Be strong Be strong Be strong through the grace that God gives you through the grace that God gives you through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. in Christ Jesus. in Christ Jesus. You know, I've always been a fan of You know, I've always been a fan of You know, I've always been a fan of grit. grit. grit. I like to work hard. I just do. I I like I like to work hard. I just do. I I like I like to work hard. I just do. I I like to sweat. I like to get a little grimy. to sweat. I like to get a little grimy. to sweat. I like to get a little grimy. Uh you've heard of a Dirty Jobs with Uh you've heard of a Dirty Jobs with Uh you've heard of a Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, right? You've heard of that? Mike Rowe, right? You've heard of that? Mike Rowe, right? You've heard of that? Dirtier Jobs with Mike Rowe. I'm just Dirtier Jobs with Mike Rowe. I'm just Dirtier Jobs with Mike Rowe. I'm just saying. saying. saying. I love to get my hands dirty. I love to I love to get my hands dirty. I love to I love to get my hands dirty. I love to end the day covered in sweat and end the day covered in sweat and end the day covered in sweat and sawdust, grass clippings, you name it. I sawdust, grass clippings, you name it. I sawdust, grass clippings, you name it. I like grit. like grit. like grit. And and I think my initial love for all And and I think my initial love for all And and I think my initial love for all things grit came from my eighth grade things grit came from my eighth grade things grit came from my eighth grade shop class. Anybody take shop when they shop class. Anybody take shop when they shop class. Anybody take shop when they were like in middle school? You know were like in middle school? You know were like in middle school? You know what I'm talking about? Our shop what I'm talking about? Our shop what I'm talking about? Our shop teacher, he looked like he'd had a hard teacher, he looked like he'd had a hard teacher, he looked like he'd had a hard life. Outdoor face, steely blue eyes. He life. Outdoor face, steely blue eyes. He life. Outdoor face, steely blue eyes. He would teach us about the planer and the would teach us about the planer and the would teach us about the planer and the lathe and the drill press and the table lathe and the drill press and the table lathe and the drill press and the table saw and and the band saw, all that saw and and the band saw, all that saw and and the band saw, all that stuff. But I I can remember the day he stuff. But I I can remember the day he stuff. But I I can remember the day he gave us gave us gave us what I would call now the sandpaper what I would call now the sandpaper what I would call now the sandpaper lecture.

lecture. lecture. He stood up with his unique Kentucky He stood up with his unique Kentucky He stood up with his unique Kentucky accent accent accent and said, "Now boys, and said, "Now boys, and said, "Now boys, this right here is your 200 grit. this right here is your 200 grit. this right here is your 200 grit. You use your 200 grit when your You use your 200 grit when your You use your 200 grit when your project's just about done to get it real project's just about done to get it real project's just about done to get it real smooth so you can put your lacquer on smooth so you can put your lacquer on smooth so you can put your lacquer on it. it. it. This right here is your 150 grit. You This right here is your 150 grit. You This right here is your 150 grit. You use your 150 grit before you get to your use your 150 grit before you get to your use your 150 grit before you get to your 200 grit. This right here is your 100 200 grit. This right here is your 100 200 grit. This right here is your 100 grit. You use your 100 grit before you grit. You use your 100 grit before you grit. You use your 100 grit before you get to your 150 grit." Then he holds up get to your 150 grit." Then he holds up get to your 150 grit." Then he holds up a piece of paper and says, "This right a piece of paper and says, "This right a piece of paper and says, "This right here now, boys, here now, boys, here now, boys, this is 60 grit. this is 60 grit. this is 60 grit. It'll plow through the tough stuff." It'll plow through the tough stuff." It'll plow through the tough stuff." And as I now think back, I guess that's And as I now think back, I guess that's And as I now think back, I guess that's kind of what I've always really wanted kind of what I've always really wanted kind of what I've always really wanted to become. to become. to become. A 60 grit kind of guy. A 60 grit kind of guy. A 60 grit kind of guy. The kind of man that can plow through The kind of man that can plow through The kind of man that can plow through the tough stuff, maybe make things the tough stuff, maybe make things the tough stuff, maybe make things smoother smoother smoother for other people in this life. for other people in this life. for other people in this life. The kind of guy that chases hard after The kind of guy that chases hard after The kind of guy that chases hard after God, the kind of man that won't give up God, the kind of man that won't give up God, the kind of man that won't give up easily. easily. easily. And along the way, maybe makes a eternal And along the way, maybe makes a eternal And along the way, maybe makes a eternal difference with his life.

difference with his life. difference with his life. Cuz you see, here's the deal. Cuz you see, here's the deal. Cuz you see, here's the deal. You and I can pump up and pull up and be You and I can pump up and pull up and be You and I can pump up and pull up and be incredibly strong men and women on the incredibly strong men and women on the incredibly strong men and women on the outside outside outside and still possess a tragically weak and still possess a tragically weak and still possess a tragically weak character. character. character. You and I can be rugged and ripped and You and I can be rugged and ripped and You and I can be rugged and ripped and covered in sweat and sawdust and dirt covered in sweat and sawdust and dirt covered in sweat and sawdust and dirt and still lack what I would call true and still lack what I would call true and still lack what I would call true grit. grit. grit. I gave you this formula probably about 5 I gave you this formula probably about 5 I gave you this formula probably about 5 years ago now. It it it formula is this, years ago now. It it it formula is this, years ago now. It it it formula is this, G plus R equals IT. And you're looking G plus R equals IT. And you're looking G plus R equals IT. And you're looking at that going, bro, you are a at that going, bro, you are a at that going, bro, you are a communication genius. That spells the communication genius. That spells the communication genius. That spells the word grit. I just need simple stuff like word grit. I just need simple stuff like word grit. I just need simple stuff like this that that to help me. But it But this that that to help me. But it But this that that to help me. But it But let me let me give you the results out let me let me give you the results out let me let me give you the results out of the equation first. G plus R equals of the equation first. G plus R equals of the equation first. G plus R equals internal toughness. internal toughness. internal toughness. G plus R equals internal toughness. If G plus R equals internal toughness. If G plus R equals internal toughness. If you want to develop internal toughness, you want to develop internal toughness, you want to develop internal toughness, I'm not talking about some external I'm not talking about some external I'm not talking about some external tough guy image, but true grit. tough guy image, but true grit. tough guy image, but true grit. Internal toughness, deep character. If Internal toughness, deep character. If Internal toughness, deep character. If you want to become a 60-grit kind of you want to become a 60-grit kind of you want to become a 60-grit kind of guy, a 60-grit kind of woman, guy, a 60-grit kind of woman, guy, a 60-grit kind of woman, here's how the formula works. Grace plus here's how the formula works. Grace plus here's how the formula works. Grace plus reliance reliance reliance equals internal toughness.

equals internal toughness. equals internal toughness. Grace plus reliance equals internal Grace plus reliance equals internal Grace plus reliance equals internal toughness. So, Paul is telling Timothy toughness. So, Paul is telling Timothy toughness. So, Paul is telling Timothy and all of us, a firm grasp of the grace and all of us, a firm grasp of the grace and all of us, a firm grasp of the grace of God, the radical, relentless, of God, the radical, relentless, of God, the radical, relentless, unfailing love of God for you, that's unfailing love of God for you, that's unfailing love of God for you, that's where it all begins. And if you and I where it all begins. And if you and I where it all begins. And if you and I will humble ourselves and rely on his will humble ourselves and rely on his will humble ourselves and rely on his strength every day, and rely on his strength every day, and rely on his strength every day, and rely on his power throughout our day, we will power throughout our day, we will power throughout our day, we will develop true grit. develop true grit. develop true grit. Now, think about who was writing this. Now, think about who was writing this. Now, think about who was writing this. You talk about a gritty guy. You talk about a gritty guy. You talk about a gritty guy. At one time, Paul was known as Saul of At one time, Paul was known as Saul of At one time, Paul was known as Saul of Tarsus. Tarsus. Tarsus. Externally tough, a bad, don't mess with Externally tough, a bad, don't mess with Externally tough, a bad, don't mess with me kind of dude. But then he encounters me kind of dude. But then he encounters me kind of dude. But then he encounters the amazing grace of Jesus Christ and is the amazing grace of Jesus Christ and is the amazing grace of Jesus Christ and is radically changed from the inside out. radically changed from the inside out. radically changed from the inside out. And he goes on to be the primary And he goes on to be the primary And he goes on to be the primary spokesperson for the good news of God's spokesperson for the good news of God's spokesperson for the good news of God's love all around the world. And man, love all around the world. And man, love all around the world. And man, would he ever need a huge supply would he ever need a huge supply would he ever need a huge supply of internal toughness. I mean, as Josh of internal toughness. I mean, as Josh of internal toughness. I mean, as Josh pointed out last weekend, this dude was pointed out last weekend, this dude was pointed out last weekend, this dude was ridiculed, he was criticized, beat up, ridiculed, he was criticized, beat up, ridiculed, he was criticized, beat up, stoned, whipped, arrested, lied about, stoned, whipped, arrested, lied about, stoned, whipped, arrested, lied about, betrayed, falsely accused, shipwrecked, betrayed, falsely accused, shipwrecked, betrayed, falsely accused, shipwrecked, he went hungry, cold, he was in chains.

he went hungry, cold, he was in chains. he went hungry, cold, he was in chains. I mean, one time he's praying to God, I mean, one time he's praying to God, I mean, one time he's praying to God, and he talked about how he would would and he talked about how he would would and he talked about how he would would talk to God about something painful talk to God about something painful talk to God about something painful going on in his life. going on in his life. going on in his life. And so he he talked to God about what he And so he he talked to God about what he And so he he talked to God about what he was struggling with and then he wrote was struggling with and then he wrote was struggling with and then he wrote about how God would answer him back and about how God would answer him back and about how God would answer him back and he says this in 2 Corinthians 12. Each he says this in 2 Corinthians 12. Each he says this in 2 Corinthians 12. Each time God would say to me, "My grace is time God would say to me, "My grace is time God would say to me, "My grace is all you need." all you need." all you need." "My grace is all you need cuz my power "My grace is all you need cuz my power "My grace is all you need cuz my power works best in weakness. And so now I'm works best in weakness. And so now I'm works best in weakness. And so now I'm glad to boast about my weaknesses so glad to boast about my weaknesses so glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ that the power of Christ that the power of Christ can work through me." can work through me." can work through me." Gang, that's grit. Gang, that's grit. Gang, that's grit. God says, "You want to develop some God says, "You want to develop some God says, "You want to develop some internal toughness? internal toughness? internal toughness? Then my grace is sufficient for you." Then my grace is sufficient for you." Then my grace is sufficient for you." And then Paul writes this to the church And then Paul writes this to the church And then Paul writes this to the church that Timothy was the pastor of. He says that Timothy was the pastor of. He says that Timothy was the pastor of. He says this, "I pray that out of his glorious this, "I pray that out of his glorious this, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power riches he may strengthen you with power riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being through his spirit in your inner being through his spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts so that Christ may dwell in your hearts so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. through faith. through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and And I pray that you, being rooted and And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power established in love, may have power established in love, may have power together with all the Lord's holy people together with all the Lord's holy people together with all the Lord's holy people to grasp how wide and long and high and to grasp how wide and long and high and to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. To actually deep is the love of Christ. To actually deep is the love of Christ. To actually know this love that surpasses knowledge know this love that surpasses knowledge know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of that you may be filled to the measure of that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

all the fullness of God." all the fullness of God." I did a little word study on that word I did a little word study on that word I did a little word study on that word grasp. grasp. grasp. The root word in Greek literally means The root word in Greek literally means The root word in Greek literally means to rust, corrode, or eat all the way to rust, corrode, or eat all the way to rust, corrode, or eat all the way through. through. through. So you see what Paul's saying here? So you see what Paul's saying here? So you see what Paul's saying here? I don't want you just to show up at I don't want you just to show up at I don't want you just to show up at church and just hear some things about church and just hear some things about church and just hear some things about the love of God. the love of God. the love of God. I pray that the amazing grace of God, I pray that the amazing grace of God, I pray that the amazing grace of God, the high wide deep long love of Jesus the high wide deep long love of Jesus the high wide deep long love of Jesus Christ would eat all the way through Christ would eat all the way through Christ would eat all the way through you. you. you. So he's saying to Timothy, "I pray So he's saying to Timothy, "I pray So he's saying to Timothy, "I pray it would just eat through you, man. it would just eat through you, man. it would just eat through you, man. That you would find your purpose and That you would find your purpose and That you would find your purpose and your courage and your strength and your your courage and your strength and your your courage and your strength and your toughness the same way that I have toughness the same way that I have toughness the same way that I have through the grace through the grace through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let everything of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let everything of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let everything you do flow out of the truth that you you do flow out of the truth that you you do flow out of the truth that you are are are loved by the creator of the universe, loved by the creator of the universe, loved by the creator of the universe, the lover of your soul. That's your the lover of your soul. That's your the lover of your soul. That's your identity, Timothy. Your identity is not identity, Timothy. Your identity is not identity, Timothy. Your identity is not the lead pastor of the church of the lead pastor of the church of the lead pastor of the church of Ephesus. You are a treasured child of Ephesus. You are a treasured child of Ephesus. You are a treasured child of the most high God. That's your identity. the most high God. That's your identity. the most high God. That's your identity. That's your security. That's your That's your security. That's your That's your security. That's your supernatural strength. So, stay supernatural strength. So, stay supernatural strength. So, stay dependent upon him because grace plus dependent upon him because grace plus dependent upon him because grace plus reliance equals internal reliance equals internal reliance equals internal toughness.

toughness. toughness. Well, I noticed last night the football Well, I noticed last night the football Well, I noticed last night the football is back. is back. is back. I was in a Oxnard, California a couple I was in a Oxnard, California a couple I was in a Oxnard, California a couple of weeks ago. I was playing golf with a of weeks ago. I was playing golf with a of weeks ago. I was playing golf with a buddy and the particular course we were buddy and the particular course we were buddy and the particular course we were playing the 13th hole is right next to playing the 13th hole is right next to playing the 13th hole is right next to the Dallas Cowboys training camp. It was the Dallas Cowboys training camp. It was the Dallas Cowboys training camp. It was like a chain link fence in between the like a chain link fence in between the like a chain link fence in between the fairway and there So, I'm watching them fairway and there So, I'm watching them fairway and there So, I'm watching them stretch out and run. They got some big stretch out and run. They got some big stretch out and run. They got some big dudes over there. dudes over there. dudes over there. And I really do think they have a And I really do think they have a And I really do think they have a legitimate shot legitimate shot legitimate shot of making the playoffs. I really do. I of making the playoffs. I really do. I of making the playoffs. I really do. I really do. really do. really do. Sorry, I'm a Bengals fan. Uh but there's Sorry, I'm a Bengals fan. Uh but there's Sorry, I'm a Bengals fan. Uh but there's this famous verse that sometimes we'll this famous verse that sometimes we'll this famous verse that sometimes we'll see football players, sometimes they'll see football players, sometimes they'll see football players, sometimes they'll write it on their cleats or they'll put write it on their cleats or they'll put write it on their cleats or they'll put put you know, put the black under their put you know, put the black under their put you know, put the black under their eyes and they'll they'll put the eyes and they'll they'll put the eyes and they'll they'll put the scripture verse on the black under their scripture verse on the black under their scripture verse on the black under their eyes. Some of you might even have this eyes. Some of you might even have this eyes. Some of you might even have this verse tattooed somewhere on your body. verse tattooed somewhere on your body. verse tattooed somewhere on your body. Paul wrote this in Philippians 4:13. He Paul wrote this in Philippians 4:13. He Paul wrote this in Philippians 4:13. He says, "For I can do everything through says, "For I can do everything through says, "For I can do everything through Christ Christ Christ who gives me strength." Let's read that who gives me strength." Let's read that who gives me strength." Let's read that out loud together from the screen. "For out loud together from the screen. "For out loud together from the screen. "For I can do everything through Christ who I can do everything through Christ who I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength." Paul's saying, gives me strength." Paul's saying, gives me strength." Paul's saying, "That's the secret of my life. "That's the secret of my life. "That's the secret of my life. That's the source of my internal That's the source of my internal That's the source of my internal toughness. I used to think I was this toughness. I used to think I was this toughness. I used to think I was this big and bad powerful dude, but I gave up big and bad powerful dude, but I gave up big and bad powerful dude, but I gave up that charade. I now embrace the grace of that charade. I now embrace the grace of that charade. I now embrace the grace of God and I rely on the power of the one God and I rely on the power of the one God and I rely on the power of the one who came back from the dead. And I know who came back from the dead. And I know who came back from the dead. And I know that he's not only with me, God's spirit that he's not only with me, God's spirit that he's not only with me, God's spirit now is in me. So, I lean into him every now is in me. So, I lean into him every now is in me. So, I lean into him every day and as I do that, I can do all day and as I do that, I can do all day and as I do that, I can do all things through Christ things through Christ things through Christ who gives me strength."

who gives me strength." who gives me strength." Since we're doing a little mathematical Since we're doing a little mathematical Since we're doing a little mathematical equations today, equations today, equations today, here's another little formula that's here's another little formula that's here's another little formula that's really helped me get a handle on all really helped me get a handle on all really helped me get a handle on all this. Self-reliance this. Self-reliance this. Self-reliance plus self-deception plus self-deception plus self-deception equals self-destruction. equals self-destruction. equals self-destruction. Self-reliance Self-reliance Self-reliance plus self-deception equals plus self-deception equals plus self-deception equals self-destruction. When you and I go self-destruction. When you and I go self-destruction. When you and I go through life trying to project this through life trying to project this through life trying to project this tough image saying, "I got this. tough image saying, "I got this. tough image saying, "I got this. I can handle this on my own. I don't I can handle this on my own. I don't I can handle this on my own. I don't need no stinking help. Band of brothers, need no stinking help. Band of brothers, need no stinking help. Band of brothers, what? Band of sisters, no way. I don't what? Band of sisters, no way. I don't what? Band of sisters, no way. I don't need I don't need anybody else." need I don't need anybody else." need I don't need anybody else." You're just lying to yourself. You're just lying to yourself. You're just lying to yourself. And I'm telling you this equation will And I'm telling you this equation will And I'm telling you this equation will play out every single time. play out every single time. play out every single time. Self-reliance plus self-deception equals Self-reliance plus self-deception equals Self-reliance plus self-deception equals self-destruction. self-destruction. self-destruction. I love what Paul, this gritty guy Paul, I love what Paul, this gritty guy Paul, I love what Paul, this gritty guy Paul, writes in 2 Corinthians chapter 1. He writes in 2 Corinthians chapter 1. He writes in 2 Corinthians chapter 1. He says, "We felt we were doomed to die and says, "We felt we were doomed to die and says, "We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help saw how powerless we were to help saw how powerless we were to help ourselves." ourselves." ourselves." But that was good. But that was good. But that was good. That was good for then we put everything That was good for then we put everything That was good for then we put everything in the hands of God who alone could save in the hands of God who alone could save in the hands of God who alone could save us for even he can even raise the dead.

us for even he can even raise the dead. us for even he can even raise the dead. You see gang, it's a really good day You see gang, it's a really good day You see gang, it's a really good day when you and I finally come to God and when you and I finally come to God and when you and I finally come to God and say, "God, I need your help. say, "God, I need your help. say, "God, I need your help. I need your help to be a good man. I I need your help to be a good man. I I need your help to be a good man. I need your help to be a good dad. I need need your help to be a good dad. I need need your help to be a good dad. I need your help to be a good husband. I need your help to be a good husband. I need your help to be a good husband. I need your help to be a good wife, a good mom, your help to be a good wife, a good mom, your help to be a good wife, a good mom, a good friend." When we humble ourselves a good friend." When we humble ourselves a good friend." When we humble ourselves and finally say, "Father, I cannot kick and finally say, "Father, I cannot kick and finally say, "Father, I cannot kick this habit on my own. I can't live this this habit on my own. I can't live this this habit on my own. I can't live this life in my own feeble strength, my own life in my own feeble strength, my own life in my own feeble strength, my own puny willpower. I need to rely on a puny willpower. I need to rely on a puny willpower. I need to rely on a higher power. I need the love and higher power. I need the love and higher power. I need the love and strength of the everlasting God surging strength of the everlasting God surging strength of the everlasting God surging through my veins." When we do that, through my veins." When we do that, through my veins." When we do that, that's when God starts developing true that's when God starts developing true that's when God starts developing true grit within you and me. Grace plus grit within you and me. Grace plus grit within you and me. Grace plus reliance reliance reliance equals internal toughness. equals internal toughness. equals internal toughness. And I think Paul is emphasizing this And I think Paul is emphasizing this And I think Paul is emphasizing this because this because this because this this is his final letter. this is his final letter. this is his final letter. And in this letter he's passing the And in this letter he's passing the And in this letter he's passing the baton to Timothy saying, "I'm passing baton to Timothy saying, "I'm passing baton to Timothy saying, "I'm passing the torch to you, man. the torch to you, man. the torch to you, man. And if you try to be strong in your own And if you try to be strong in your own And if you try to be strong in your own abilities, and your own intellect, and abilities, and your own intellect, and abilities, and your own intellect, and your own skill set alone, your own skill set alone, your own skill set alone, you're going to drop it.

you're going to drop it. you're going to drop it. You got to be strong in the grace of the You got to be strong in the grace of the You got to be strong in the grace of the Lord. You got to rely on his ability, Lord. You got to rely on his ability, Lord. You got to rely on his ability, and his wisdom, and his perspective, and and his wisdom, and his perspective, and and his wisdom, and his perspective, and his power. his power. his power. So, okay, we've covered one verse. So, okay, we've covered one verse. So, okay, we've covered one verse. But, it's one verse that we all need to But, it's one verse that we all need to But, it's one verse that we all need to stick in our heart and live by every stick in our heart and live by every stick in our heart and live by every day. Paul goes on verse two, he says, day. Paul goes on verse two, he says, day. Paul goes on verse two, he says, "You've heard me teach things that have "You've heard me teach things that have "You've heard me teach things that have been confirmed been confirmed been confirmed by many reliable witnesses." He's by many reliable witnesses." He's by many reliable witnesses." He's saying, "This stuff is not a fairy tale. saying, "This stuff is not a fairy tale. saying, "This stuff is not a fairy tale. It's not a fable. You know, Timothy, It's not a fable. You know, Timothy, It's not a fable. You know, Timothy, this is real, man. This is the epic this is real, man. This is the epic this is real, man. This is the epic story of creator God pouring out his story of creator God pouring out his story of creator God pouring out his grace and reconciling people, bringing grace and reconciling people, bringing grace and reconciling people, bringing them back to himself. And Timothy, you them back to himself. And Timothy, you them back to himself. And Timothy, you know what? You have seen Man, you've know what? You have seen Man, you've know what? You have seen Man, you've seen all kinds of miracles happen. You seen all kinds of miracles happen. You seen all kinds of miracles happen. You have had a front row with me to witness have had a front row with me to witness have had a front row with me to witness so much life change. You've heard the so much life change. You've heard the so much life change. You've heard the truth over and over and over, so now truth over and over and over, so now truth over and over and over, so now teach these truths to other trustworthy teach these truths to other trustworthy teach these truths to other trustworthy people people people who will be able to pass them on to who will be able to pass them on to who will be able to pass them on to others. I'm passing the baton to you. others. I'm passing the baton to you. others. I'm passing the baton to you. And I want you to pass it on to other And I want you to pass it on to other And I want you to pass it on to other people, too. people, too. people, too. You see, leaders are at their best You see, leaders are at their best You see, leaders are at their best when they're developing other leaders.

when they're developing other leaders. when they're developing other leaders. And you know what? True leaders, And you know what? True leaders, And you know what? True leaders, they don't need the title of leader. they don't need the title of leader. they don't need the title of leader. They don't need to be the star. They They don't need to be the star. They They don't need to be the star. They don't need to be the headliner. They don't need to be the headliner. They don't need to be the headliner. They don't need to be the face of the place. don't need to be the face of the place. don't need to be the face of the place. They could care less if they get any They could care less if they get any They could care less if they get any credit whatsoever. credit whatsoever. credit whatsoever. Now, of course, Paul gets singled out Now, of course, Paul gets singled out Now, of course, Paul gets singled out because of his incredible passion, his because of his incredible passion, his because of his incredible passion, his story, his journeys, his writings, story, his journeys, his writings, story, his journeys, his writings, impact of his life. But, make no impact of his life. But, make no impact of his life. But, make no mistake, Paul was an absolute team guy. mistake, Paul was an absolute team guy. mistake, Paul was an absolute team guy. He was a developer, an encourager, a He was a developer, an encourager, a He was a developer, an encourager, a mentor, a coach, a good friend, a mentor, a coach, a good friend, a mentor, a coach, a good friend, a disciple maker. He used the term we a disciple maker. He used the term we a disciple maker. He used the term we a whole lot talking about his ministry. He whole lot talking about his ministry. He whole lot talking about his ministry. He was always sharing the load. He was was always sharing the load. He was was always sharing the load. He was always sharing the credit. Not only did always sharing the credit. Not only did always sharing the credit. Not only did he coach and mentor and team up with he coach and mentor and team up with he coach and mentor and team up with Timothy, but also people like Barnabas Timothy, but also people like Barnabas Timothy, but also people like Barnabas and Silas and Titus and Epaphroditus and and Silas and Titus and Epaphroditus and and Silas and Titus and Epaphroditus and Phoebe and Phoebe and Phoebe and Philemon and Priscilla and Aquila and Philemon and Priscilla and Aquila and Philemon and Priscilla and Aquila and Apollos and Junia and and Luke and Mark Apollos and Junia and and Luke and Mark Apollos and Junia and and Luke and Mark and Mary and Peter and James and John and Mary and Peter and James and John and Mary and Peter and James and John and James brother Jesus and Dorcas and and James brother Jesus and Dorcas and and James brother Jesus and Dorcas and Urbanus and Clement. I mean, he mentions Urbanus and Clement. I mean, he mentions Urbanus and Clement. I mean, he mentions 19 men and 10 women in Romans chapter 16 19 men and 10 women in Romans chapter 16 19 men and 10 women in Romans chapter 16 alone.

alone. alone. Not to mention all the other shout-outs Not to mention all the other shout-outs Not to mention all the other shout-outs he gives in every other letter to those he gives in every other letter to those he gives in every other letter to those who were on team Jesus with him. So, who were on team Jesus with him. So, who were on team Jesus with him. So, here's this team-oriented, older, here's this team-oriented, older, here's this team-oriented, older, faithful, humble, courageous, 60-grit faithful, humble, courageous, 60-grit faithful, humble, courageous, 60-grit kind of guy. Now passing the baton to kind of guy. Now passing the baton to kind of guy. Now passing the baton to Timothy saying, "Man, you got to keep Timothy saying, "Man, you got to keep Timothy saying, "Man, you got to keep the good news rolling. the good news rolling. the good news rolling. Cuz this stuff is real and it's Cuz this stuff is real and it's Cuz this stuff is real and it's absolutely life-changing. You know that absolutely life-changing. You know that absolutely life-changing. You know that the things that Jesus said and did were the things that Jesus said and did were the things that Jesus said and did were not done in some dark corner somewhere. not done in some dark corner somewhere. not done in some dark corner somewhere. His miracles, his teaching, his truth, His miracles, his teaching, his truth, His miracles, his teaching, his truth, his compassion, his resurrection from his compassion, his resurrection from his compassion, his resurrection from the dead is confirmed by so many the dead is confirmed by so many the dead is confirmed by so many reliable, trustworthy people. And listen reliable, trustworthy people. And listen reliable, trustworthy people. And listen to me, Tim, people need hope. And they to me, Tim, people need hope. And they to me, Tim, people need hope. And they need the hope that only Jesus Christ can need the hope that only Jesus Christ can need the hope that only Jesus Christ can give. So, be strong in his grace, rely give. So, be strong in his grace, rely give. So, be strong in his grace, rely on his power, and teach and share and on his power, and teach and share and on his power, and teach and share and encourage and model and equip and invest encourage and model and equip and invest encourage and model and equip and invest in and team up with and develop other in and team up with and develop other in and team up with and develop other people so that they can teach and share people so that they can teach and share people so that they can teach and share and model and develop and equip and and model and develop and equip and and model and develop and equip and invest so that someday invest so that someday invest so that someday the gospel of Jesus Christ will ripple the gospel of Jesus Christ will ripple the gospel of Jesus Christ will ripple all around the world and that's exactly all around the world and that's exactly all around the world and that's exactly what has happened and is happening.

what has happened and is happening. what has happened and is happening. And Lakepoint family, let me remind us And Lakepoint family, let me remind us And Lakepoint family, let me remind us as I have many times, as I have many times, as I have many times, the good news the good news the good news has rippled all the way to Texas and on has rippled all the way to Texas and on has rippled all the way to Texas and on us us us because faithful people like Timothy did because faithful people like Timothy did because faithful people like Timothy did not drop the baton. not drop the baton. not drop the baton. And now we are called And now we are called And now we are called to make some ripples with our lives. to make some ripples with our lives. to make some ripples with our lives. To touch a life who will touch a life To touch a life who will touch a life To touch a life who will touch a life who will touch a life who will touch a who will touch a life who will touch a who will touch a life who will touch a life who will touch a life and long life who will touch a life and long life who will touch a life and long after we're dead and gone, when we have after we're dead and gone, when we have after we're dead and gone, when we have fought the good fight and we have fought the good fight and we have fought the good fight and we have finished the race, the ripples will just finished the race, the ripples will just finished the race, the ripples will just keep going and going and going and keep going and going and going and keep going and going and going and going. going. going. And Paul gets really real with Timothy. And Paul gets really real with Timothy. And Paul gets really real with Timothy. And he gets real with us. He says, "Man, And he gets real with us. He says, "Man, And he gets real with us. He says, "Man, listen, you can look at my life and you listen, you can look at my life and you listen, you can look at my life and you can tell can tell can tell this ain't going to be easy. this ain't going to be easy. this ain't going to be easy. You will have to endure suffering You will have to endure suffering You will have to endure suffering along with me." along with me." along with me." Now, Tim, make no mistake, this this Now, Tim, make no mistake, this this Now, Tim, make no mistake, this this really is the best life. This is, as really is the best life. This is, as really is the best life. This is, as Jesus called it, the abundant life. Jesus called it, the abundant life. Jesus called it, the abundant life. Never forget how deeply you are loved by Never forget how deeply you are loved by Never forget how deeply you are loved by God. And and think about this, man, we God. And and think about this, man, we God. And and think about this, man, we get to share we get to share the good get to share we get to share the good get to share we get to share the good news of God's love. We get to experience news of God's love. We get to experience news of God's love. We get to experience incredible joy. We get to witness people incredible joy. We get to witness people incredible joy. We get to witness people all the time being set free. So, never all the time being set free. So, never all the time being set free. So, never forget, Timothy, that we get to do this.

forget, Timothy, that we get to do this. forget, Timothy, that we get to do this. But also know that ministry can be hard. But also know that ministry can be hard. But also know that ministry can be hard. And I know it can be especially hard in And I know it can be especially hard in And I know it can be especially hard in Ephesus and it's likely to get harder. Ephesus and it's likely to get harder. Ephesus and it's likely to get harder. But you know what, Tim, that's what we But you know what, Tim, that's what we But you know what, Tim, that's what we signed up for. signed up for. signed up for. And you know that Jesus told his And you know that Jesus told his And you know that Jesus told his followers straight up that we would have followers straight up that we would have followers straight up that we would have to endure ridicule and criticism and to endure ridicule and criticism and to endure ridicule and criticism and mocking and slander and suffering and mocking and slander and suffering and mocking and slander and suffering and persecution for his sake. So, persecution for his sake. So, persecution for his sake. So, don't be surprised when it comes. don't be surprised when it comes. don't be surprised when it comes. But don't let it take you out. But But don't let it take you out. But But don't let it take you out. But always remember, like I told you a few always remember, like I told you a few always remember, like I told you a few paragraphs back, he has not given you a paragraphs back, he has not given you a paragraphs back, he has not given you a spirit of fear but one of power, love, spirit of fear but one of power, love, spirit of fear but one of power, love, and a sound mind. and a sound mind. and a sound mind. I like the way Greg Levoy puts it. He I like the way Greg Levoy puts it. He I like the way Greg Levoy puts it. He says, "Jesus promised those says, "Jesus promised those says, "Jesus promised those who would follow him only three things, who would follow him only three things, who would follow him only three things, that they would be absurdly happy, that they would be absurdly happy, that they would be absurdly happy, entirely fearless, and always in entirely fearless, and always in entirely fearless, and always in trouble." trouble." trouble." And by the way, that's what we all And by the way, that's what we all And by the way, that's what we all signed up for, too, you know. signed up for, too, you know. signed up for, too, you know. So, Timothy, endure suffering along with So, Timothy, endure suffering along with So, Timothy, endure suffering along with me. And then he uses three examples of me. And then he uses three examples of me. And then he uses three examples of perseverance. He says, "First of all, perseverance. He says, "First of all, perseverance. He says, "First of all, endure suffering along with me as a good endure suffering along with me as a good endure suffering along with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. I know you do soldier of Christ Jesus. I know you do soldier of Christ Jesus. I know you do as well, as well, as well, but I have a deep respect for men and but I have a deep respect for men and but I have a deep respect for men and women who have selflessly served our women who have selflessly served our women who have selflessly served our country country country as good soldiers. My dad as good soldiers. My dad as good soldiers. My dad was one of them.

was one of them. was one of them. Yeah. I uh I uh I keep this box behind me on my desk at I keep this box behind me on my desk at I keep this box behind me on my desk at home. home. home. Within that box is the Purple Heart Within that box is the Purple Heart Within that box is the Purple Heart medal that was given to my dad for medal that was given to my dad for medal that was given to my dad for injuries that hospitalized him for over injuries that hospitalized him for over injuries that hospitalized him for over 6 months 6 months 6 months in France in France in France after being part of the second wave on after being part of the second wave on after being part of the second wave on the beaches of Normandy in World War II. the beaches of Normandy in World War II. the beaches of Normandy in World War II. And I'm proud of his selflessness and And I'm proud of his selflessness and And I'm proud of his selflessness and his sacrifice. He was a good soldier. his sacrifice. He was a good soldier. his sacrifice. He was a good soldier. And I talked last week with my buddy And I talked last week with my buddy And I talked last week with my buddy Gerald. I told him I was working through Gerald. I told him I was working through Gerald. I told him I was working through this passage and I needed some this passage and I needed some this passage and I needed some perspective. perspective. perspective. Gerald was a good soldier. Gerald was a good soldier. Gerald was a good soldier. He was a point man, like the first guy He was a point man, like the first guy He was a point man, like the first guy in, in, in, uh, as a 19-year-old in Vietnam. I mean, uh, as a 19-year-old in Vietnam. I mean, uh, as a 19-year-old in Vietnam. I mean, Gerald, big, strong, jacked-up, tough Gerald, big, strong, jacked-up, tough Gerald, big, strong, jacked-up, tough guy back then, guy back then, guy back then, who has been transformed by Jesus into a who has been transformed by Jesus into a who has been transformed by Jesus into a 60-grit kind of tough guy from the 60-grit kind of tough guy from the 60-grit kind of tough guy from the inside out these days. He's a really inside out these days. He's a really inside out these days. He's a really cool guy. cool guy. cool guy. But I read him these verses and I asked But I read him these verses and I asked But I read him these verses and I asked him, "Hey Gerald, so tell me, what what him, "Hey Gerald, so tell me, what what him, "Hey Gerald, so tell me, what what makes a good soldier?" And he talked and makes a good soldier?" And he talked and makes a good soldier?" And he talked and talked. It just flowed out of him. And I talked. It just flowed out of him. And I talked. It just flowed out of him. And I was trying to jot it all down as fast as was trying to jot it all down as fast as was trying to jot it all down as fast as I could, type it into my phone. I said, I could, type it into my phone. I said, I could, type it into my phone. I said, "Hey, dude, could you just text me some "Hey, dude, could you just text me some "Hey, dude, could you just text me some thoughts?"

thoughts?" thoughts?" So he did. And this is what he text me So he did. And this is what he text me So he did. And this is what he text me back. "Well, bro, I'm guessing walking back. "Well, bro, I'm guessing walking back. "Well, bro, I'm guessing walking point in a combat combat zone and point in a combat combat zone and point in a combat combat zone and leading a church have many similarities. leading a church have many similarities. leading a church have many similarities. A willingness to lead, a willingness to A willingness to lead, a willingness to A willingness to lead, a willingness to sacrifice, compassion for the people, sacrifice, compassion for the people, sacrifice, compassion for the people, attention to details, ability to spot attention to details, ability to spot attention to details, ability to spot danger or potential trouble, avoiding danger or potential trouble, avoiding danger or potential trouble, avoiding the easy trail that can lead to booby the easy trail that can lead to booby the easy trail that can lead to booby traps and ambushes." traps and ambushes." traps and ambushes." I text him back, I text him back, I text him back, "Well, it's not quite the same." "Well, it's not quite the same." "Well, it's not quite the same." I mean, I have taken some shots along I mean, I have taken some shots along I mean, I have taken some shots along the way, but I've never been shot at, the way, but I've never been shot at, the way, but I've never been shot at, yet. And he laughed and he said, "Well, yet. And he laughed and he said, "Well, yet. And he laughed and he said, "Well, being a good soldier, I think requires being a good soldier, I think requires being a good soldier, I think requires courage and focus, love for your courage and focus, love for your courage and focus, love for your brothers, selflessness, and believe it brothers, selflessness, and believe it brothers, selflessness, and believe it or not, or not, or not, a healthy fear a healthy fear a healthy fear and a big dose of humility." and a big dose of humility." and a big dose of humility." And that describes what Paul refers to And that describes what Paul refers to And that describes what Paul refers to as a good soldier. He says in verse 4, as a good soldier. He says in verse 4, as a good soldier. He says in verse 4, "Soldiers don't get tied up in the "Soldiers don't get tied up in the "Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for they can't affairs of civilian life, for they can't affairs of civilian life, for they can't please the officer who enlisted them. please the officer who enlisted them. please the officer who enlisted them. He's saying good soldiers, I'm talking He's saying good soldiers, I'm talking He's saying good soldiers, I'm talking 60-grit men and women.

60-grit men and women. 60-grit men and women. They're not easily distracted by the They're not easily distracted by the They're not easily distracted by the world. Cuz they they live on mission, world. Cuz they they live on mission, world. Cuz they they live on mission, man. They're laser-focused. They aren't man. They're laser-focused. They aren't man. They're laser-focused. They aren't They aren't chasing fame or acclaim or They aren't chasing fame or acclaim or They aren't chasing fame or acclaim or applause or attention applause or attention applause or attention or or attention. Their their world or or attention. Their their world or or attention. Their their world doesn't like revolve around looks and doesn't like revolve around looks and doesn't like revolve around looks and reposts and followers and likes and reposts and followers and likes and reposts and followers and likes and such. They are content such. They are content such. They are content with the salute of the God who called with the salute of the God who called with the salute of the God who called them them them and enlisted them. and enlisted them. and enlisted them. And then Paul moves from soldiers to And then Paul moves from soldiers to And then Paul moves from soldiers to athletes. He says this, verse five, "And athletes. He says this, verse five, "And athletes. He says this, verse five, "And athletes, athletes, athletes, they cannot win the prize they cannot win the prize they cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules." Now, we unless they follow the rules." Now, we unless they follow the rules." Now, we respect and admire athletes respect and admire athletes respect and admire athletes who train hard and compete with grit and who train hard and compete with grit and who train hard and compete with grit and integrity, don't we? integrity, don't we? integrity, don't we? But the ones who like But the ones who like But the ones who like bend the rules a little bit to gain an bend the rules a little bit to gain an bend the rules a little bit to gain an advantage, advantage, advantage, we don't respect them as much, right? we don't respect them as much, right? we don't respect them as much, right? Fact, I was I was I was reading this Fact, I was I was I was reading this Fact, I was I was I was reading this text this week, and I had a flashback. text this week, and I had a flashback. text this week, and I had a flashback. Haven't thought of this in like 50 Haven't thought of this in like 50 Haven't thought of this in like 50 years, 40 years. years, 40 years. years, 40 years. I was a track meet I was in back in high I was a track meet I was in back in high I was a track meet I was in back in high school, and this event was an all relays school, and this event was an all relays school, and this event was an all relays kind of a race. I ran the 800 and the kind of a race. I ran the 800 and the kind of a race. I ran the 800 and the the mile. I mean, this looks like the the mile. I mean, this looks like the the mile. I mean, this looks like the body of a lean and hungry miler, doesn't body of a lean and hungry miler, doesn't body of a lean and hungry miler, doesn't it? Just kidding, it does not. Um so, it it? Just kidding, it does not. Um so, it it? Just kidding, it does not. Um so, it was a it was a four-man four-mile relay.

was a it was a four-man four-mile relay. was a it was a four-man four-mile relay. Each guy had to run four laps around the Each guy had to run four laps around the Each guy had to run four laps around the track to pass the baton. The next guy, track to pass the baton. The next guy, track to pass the baton. The next guy, he take off, he run four laps. Well, I he take off, he run four laps. Well, I he take off, he run four laps. Well, I was the anchor man of the relay team. was the anchor man of the relay team. was the anchor man of the relay team. You know, the guy that like makes up You know, the guy that like makes up You know, the guy that like makes up ground on the last leg. ground on the last leg. ground on the last leg. Well, after three guys went 12 laps, Well, after three guys went 12 laps, Well, after three guys went 12 laps, by the time I got the baton, we were by the time I got the baton, we were by the time I got the baton, we were almost two full laps behind the person almost two full laps behind the person almost two full laps behind the person in last place. in last place. in last place. There was no hope for me to make up any There was no hope for me to make up any There was no hope for me to make up any ground, and it was super embarrassing ground, and it was super embarrassing ground, and it was super embarrassing running all by myself. I'm just running running all by myself. I'm just running running all by myself. I'm just running around the track with people getting on around the track with people getting on around the track with people getting on their buses to leave and go back home. their buses to leave and go back home. their buses to leave and go back home. So, in my 16-year-old mind, I came this So, in my 16-year-old mind, I came this So, in my 16-year-old mind, I came this close to cutting across that football close to cutting across that football close to cutting across that football field. Just go the other side of the field. Just go the other side of the field. Just go the other side of the track, nobody would ever known, nobody track, nobody would ever known, nobody track, nobody would ever known, nobody would ever cared. would ever cared. would ever cared. But man, you can't do that. You you you But man, you can't do that. You you you But man, you can't do that. You you you got to follow the rules. got to follow the rules. got to follow the rules. I I was listening a couple of weeks ago I I was listening a couple of weeks ago I I was listening a couple of weeks ago to some of the speeches that were given to some of the speeches that were given to some of the speeches that were given by by by new inductees into the Basketball Hall new inductees into the Basketball Hall new inductees into the Basketball Hall of Fame. And some of the common themes of Fame. And some of the common themes of Fame. And some of the common themes were man, it takes a lot of sacrifice, were man, it takes a lot of sacrifice, were man, it takes a lot of sacrifice, you got to be disciplined, you got to you got to be disciplined, you got to you got to be disciplined, you got to have consistent training, you got to have consistent training, you got to have consistent training, you got to have people in your corner that believe have people in your corner that believe have people in your corner that believe in you, you got to trust the work that in you, you got to trust the work that in you, you got to trust the work that that you put in, you got to play by the that you put in, you got to play by the that you put in, you got to play by the rules, you got to compete with rules, you got to compete with rules, you got to compete with integrity, and no shortcuts.

integrity, and no shortcuts. integrity, and no shortcuts. And Paul says, "Tim, live your life and And Paul says, "Tim, live your life and And Paul says, "Tim, live your life and ministry like that. Man, work hard. ministry like that. Man, work hard. ministry like that. Man, work hard. Let the Holy Spirit be your trainer. Let the Holy Spirit be your trainer. Let the Holy Spirit be your trainer. Have a great team around you. Be Have a great team around you. Be Have a great team around you. Be disciplined, be consistent, live with disciplined, be consistent, live with disciplined, be consistent, live with integrity, and no integrity, and no integrity, and no shortcuts. shortcuts. shortcuts. So, endure like a soldier, So, endure like a soldier, So, endure like a soldier, run your race like an athlete, and then run your race like an athlete, and then run your race like an athlete, and then verse six he talks about and work like a verse six he talks about and work like a verse six he talks about and work like a farmer. farmer. farmer. I heard a story years ago about a farmer I heard a story years ago about a farmer I heard a story years ago about a farmer about a pastor who was visiting a farmer about a pastor who was visiting a farmer about a pastor who was visiting a farmer who happened to be a member of a small who happened to be a member of a small who happened to be a member of a small country church. This guy lived on a country church. This guy lived on a country church. This guy lived on a farm, worked the land for over 50 years, farm, worked the land for over 50 years, farm, worked the land for over 50 years, had a real tan face, a white bald head had a real tan face, a white bald head had a real tan face, a white bald head from wearing a John Deere hat every day, from wearing a John Deere hat every day, from wearing a John Deere hat every day, 60 grit handshake, that guy. 60 grit handshake, that guy. 60 grit handshake, that guy. As they're walking around the farm, the As they're walking around the farm, the As they're walking around the farm, the young pastor would say things like, young pastor would say things like, young pastor would say things like, "Wow, the Lord sure has a beautiful farm "Wow, the Lord sure has a beautiful farm "Wow, the Lord sure has a beautiful farm here." here." here." And the farmer would nod and say, "Yes, And the farmer would nod and say, "Yes, And the farmer would nod and say, "Yes, he does." He said, "Wow, the Lord has an he does." He said, "Wow, the Lord has an he does." He said, "Wow, the Lord has an awesome barn over there." The old farmer awesome barn over there." The old farmer awesome barn over there." The old farmer just nodded his head. "Oh my goodness, just nodded his head. "Oh my goodness, just nodded his head. "Oh my goodness, the Lord has miles of perfect fence the Lord has miles of perfect fence the Lord has miles of perfect fence rows. The Lord has so many crops out rows. The Lord has so many crops out rows. The Lord has so many crops out there." As they're walking back to the there." As they're walking back to the there." As they're walking back to the house, "Oh, the Lord has a beautiful house, "Oh, the Lord has a beautiful house, "Oh, the Lord has a beautiful farmhouse here."

farmhouse here." farmhouse here." Finally, the old farmer says, "Pastor, I Finally, the old farmer says, "Pastor, I Finally, the old farmer says, "Pastor, I hear what you're saying, hear what you're saying, hear what you're saying, and I'm grateful, and I don't mean no and I'm grateful, and I don't mean no and I'm grateful, and I don't mean no disrespect, but you should have seen disrespect, but you should have seen disrespect, but you should have seen this place when the Lord had it all to this place when the Lord had it all to this place when the Lord had it all to himself." See, farmers are known for working hard, See, farmers are known for working hard, man, man, man, and farmers really have no choice and farmers really have no choice and farmers really have no choice but to partner with God. but to partner with God. but to partner with God. And Paul says, verse 6, "And hardworking And Paul says, verse 6, "And hardworking And Paul says, verse 6, "And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the farmers should be the first to enjoy the farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor." He's saying, fruit of their labor." He's saying, fruit of their labor." He's saying, "Listen, Timothy, listen. You will work "Listen, Timothy, listen. You will work "Listen, Timothy, listen. You will work hard. hard. hard. And man, you're going to have to plow And man, you're going to have to plow And man, you're going to have to plow some very hard fields. And you're going some very hard fields. And you're going some very hard fields. And you're going to sow a whole bunch of seed, and you're to sow a whole bunch of seed, and you're to sow a whole bunch of seed, and you're going to plant a whole bunch of hope. going to plant a whole bunch of hope. going to plant a whole bunch of hope. And guess what? You may experience And guess what? You may experience And guess what? You may experience drought and storms and opposition. And drought and storms and opposition. And drought and storms and opposition. And you may not see a whole lot of immediate you may not see a whole lot of immediate you may not see a whole lot of immediate fruit. So, like a farmer, fruit. So, like a farmer, fruit. So, like a farmer, you will have to patiently wait on God's you will have to patiently wait on God's you will have to patiently wait on God's timing. But I'm telling you, dude, timing. But I'm telling you, dude, timing. But I'm telling you, dude, someday you will thank him someday you will thank him someday you will thank him for the harvest. for the harvest. for the harvest. This kind of echoes Paul's word over This kind of echoes Paul's word over This kind of echoes Paul's word over over in Galatians 6:9, kind of a famous over in Galatians 6:9, kind of a famous over in Galatians 6:9, kind of a famous verse. "Let us not become weary in doing verse. "Let us not become weary in doing verse. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will good, for at the proper time we will good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don't give up."

reap a harvest if we don't give up." reap a harvest if we don't give up." So, Paul says to Timothy, "Think about So, Paul says to Timothy, "Think about So, Paul says to Timothy, "Think about what I'm saying, man. what I'm saying, man. what I'm saying, man. Take it all in. The Lord will help you Take it all in. The Lord will help you Take it all in. The Lord will help you understand what I've been trying to understand what I've been trying to understand what I've been trying to teach and model for you the last 20 teach and model for you the last 20 teach and model for you the last 20 years of my life. Always be humble, years of my life. Always be humble, years of my life. Always be humble, always be grateful, be courageous, be always be grateful, be courageous, be always be grateful, be courageous, be consistent, be persistent, be patient, consistent, be persistent, be patient, consistent, be persistent, be patient, but most of all, be strong in the grace but most of all, be strong in the grace but most of all, be strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." of our Lord Jesus Christ." of our Lord Jesus Christ." I was out for a I was out for a I was out for a walk this morning about 6:30 walk this morning about 6:30 walk this morning about 6:30 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. And this happens to me sometimes. And this happens to me sometimes. And this happens to me sometimes. Wasn't planned on this at all. Wasn't planned on this at all. Wasn't planned on this at all. But I'm listening to worship music and But I'm listening to worship music and But I'm listening to worship music and I'm just praying as I'm walking. I'm just praying as I'm walking. I'm just praying as I'm walking. And this just kind of flowed out of me. And this just kind of flowed out of me. And this just kind of flowed out of me. So, So, So, uh just indulge me. uh just indulge me. uh just indulge me. If you're going to fight what's called If you're going to fight what's called If you're going to fight what's called the good fight, the good fight, the good fight, you need to know Jesus' burden is light. you need to know Jesus' burden is light. you need to know Jesus' burden is light. He is humble and gentle, and his yoke is He is humble and gentle, and his yoke is He is humble and gentle, and his yoke is easy. He'll lead you straight. No lies, easy. He'll lead you straight. No lies, easy. He'll lead you straight. No lies, no deceiving. Lay you down by still no deceiving. Lay you down by still no deceiving. Lay you down by still waters so you can catch your breath. waters so you can catch your breath. waters so you can catch your breath. Even stay with you in the valley of Even stay with you in the valley of Even stay with you in the valley of death. So, be strong and courageous and death. So, be strong and courageous and death. So, be strong and courageous and rely on his grace cuz you're going to rely on his grace cuz you're going to rely on his grace cuz you're going to need it as you run your race. You're need it as you run your race. You're need it as you run your race. You're accepted, you're gifted, you're chosen accepted, you're gifted, you're chosen accepted, you're gifted, you're chosen and called, you're treasured and and called, you're treasured and and called, you're treasured and priceless and been given all you need priceless and been given all you need priceless and been given all you need through His wisdom, His power, and through His wisdom, His power, and through His wisdom, His power, and grace. All that you need to finish your grace. All that you need to finish your grace. All that you need to finish your race. His love is wide, and high, and race. His love is wide, and high, and race. His love is wide, and high, and deep, and long. His love is perfect, and deep, and long. His love is perfect, and deep, and long. His love is perfect, and safe, enduring, and strong. His love is safe, enduring, and strong. His love is safe, enduring, and strong. His love is constant, unfailing, relentless, and constant, unfailing, relentless, and constant, unfailing, relentless, and fierce. Just look at His hands, and how fierce. Just look at His hands, and how fierce. Just look at His hands, and how they were pierced. He died on a cross.

they were pierced. He died on a cross. they were pierced. He died on a cross. Our sins made Him bleed, and He says, Our sins made Him bleed, and He says, Our sins made Him bleed, and He says, "My grace is all that you need. So, know "My grace is all that you need. So, know "My grace is all that you need. So, know that I'm with you when you walk, stand, that I'm with you when you walk, stand, that I'm with you when you walk, stand, or sit, and know that I'm in you or sit, and know that I'm in you or sit, and know that I'm in you to give you true to give you true to give you true grit." >> Brannon is becoming a 60-grit kind of >> Brannon is becoming a 60-grit kind of guy. He and his wife, Becca, guy. He and his wife, Becca, guy. He and his wife, Becca, and their sons, Daxton and Scout, are and their sons, Daxton and Scout, are and their sons, Daxton and Scout, are part of our awesome East Dallas campus. part of our awesome East Dallas campus. part of our awesome East Dallas campus. And as you will see, there was a time And as you will see, there was a time And as you will see, there was a time that he tried to be that he tried to be that he tried to be externally tough guy. externally tough guy. externally tough guy. But, then he humbled himself. But, then he humbled himself. But, then he humbled himself. And he and his wife both went to our And he and his wife both went to our And he and his wife both went to our ministry called Re-Gen, ministry called Re-Gen, ministry called Re-Gen, where he began to embrace God's grace, where he began to embrace God's grace, where he began to embrace God's grace, and rely on God's strength. Check this and rely on God's strength. Check this and rely on God's strength. Check this out. out. out. >> I remember finally slamming the car door >> I remember finally slamming the car door >> I remember finally slamming the car door shut with the boys in the back, and just shut with the boys in the back, and just shut with the boys in the back, and just having to let out a scream.

>> Dax, my older son, >> Dax, my older son, he reaches out a hand to his little he reaches out a hand to his little he reaches out a hand to his little brother, and he goes, brother, and he goes, brother, and he goes, "It's okay, Scout. Dad's yelled at me "It's okay, Scout. Dad's yelled at me "It's okay, Scout. Dad's yelled at me lots of times." My wife and I are high school My wife and I are high school sweethearts, got married right after sweethearts, got married right after sweethearts, got married right after graduating college. graduating college. graduating college. Growing up the youngest of seven kids Growing up the youngest of seven kids Growing up the youngest of seven kids very much sometimes [music] felt like very much sometimes [music] felt like very much sometimes [music] felt like just in in of chaos all the time. I just in in of chaos all the time. I just in in of chaos all the time. I remember remember remember it kind of was culminating in this it kind of was culminating in this it kind of was culminating in this season of trying to earn God's love. season of trying to earn God's love. season of trying to earn God's love. I just started to realize there was this I just started to realize there was this I just started to realize there was this recurring thing that would happen where recurring thing that would happen where recurring thing that would happen where >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I would blow up at my kids. >> I would blow up at my kids. >> I would blow up at my kids. I can't be yelling at my kids seven I can't be yelling at my kids seven I can't be yelling at my kids seven times a week. times a week. times a week. This behavior, [music] This behavior, [music] This behavior, [music] these patterns, they're not only these patterns, they're not only these patterns, they're not only affecting my kids, it's keeping me from affecting my kids, it's keeping me from affecting my kids, it's keeping me from being the dad, the husband, the leader being the dad, the husband, the leader being the dad, the husband, the leader of my house that God has called me to of my house that God has called me to of my house that God has called me to be.

be. be. That was really this moment where I That was really this moment where I That was really this moment where I realized this is not okay with me. realized this is not okay with me. realized this is not okay with me. This, not dealt with, is going in This, not dealt with, is going in This, not dealt with, is going in [music] the wrong direction. [music] the wrong direction. [music] the wrong direction. That's the day where That's the day where That's the day where the car episode happened. the car episode happened. the car episode happened. I was at Region the next Tuesday night. I had become really, really good [music] I had become really, really good [music] at controlling the narrative. And with at controlling the narrative. And with at controlling the narrative. And with me wanting [music] everyone to be me wanting [music] everyone to be me wanting [music] everyone to be impressed and everyone to be happy and impressed and everyone to be happy and impressed and everyone to be happy and no one to be offended, it created the no one to be offended, it created the no one to be offended, it created the impossible situation, which is where impossible situation, which is where impossible situation, which is where >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the anxiety came from. >> the anxiety came from. >> the anxiety came from. As God looks into my eyes, he wants me As God looks into my eyes, he wants me As God looks into my eyes, he wants me to [music] find freedom. He wants me to to [music] find freedom. He wants me to to [music] find freedom. He wants me to live in victory. He wants me to live in victory. He wants me to live in victory. He wants me to flourish. The slips, the mistakes, the flourish. The slips, the mistakes, the flourish. The slips, the mistakes, the sin, sin, >> [music] >> these are not things that changes his >> these are not things that changes his >> these are not things that changes his love for me. love for me. love for me. Dads, husbands, men of God, you don't Dads, husbands, men of God, you don't Dads, husbands, men of God, you don't have to do better tomorrow and then have to do better tomorrow and then have to do better tomorrow and then we'll talk about God's love. Here, we'll talk about God's love. Here, we'll talk about God's love. Here, in this moment, not because of anything in this moment, not because of anything in this moment, not because of anything you've done or any mistake you've made you've done or any mistake you've made you've done or any mistake you've made or accomplishment you've found, or accomplishment you've found, or accomplishment you've found, Jesus loves [music] you deeply.

My name is Brandon Briscoe and this is My name is Brandon Briscoe and this is how Jesus changed my life.