What Happened to You Isn’t the End of the Story

Well, a big welcome to Life Church. No Well, a big welcome to Life Church. No matter what your day has looked like, I matter what your day has looked like, I matter what your day has looked like, I am so glad that you found yourself here am so glad that you found yourself here am so glad that you found yourself here right now. You are joining up with right now. You are joining up with right now. You are joining up with people from all around the world, people from all around the world, people from all around the world, including people from 46 different Life including people from 46 different Life including people from 46 different Life Church locations in the US. And we are Church locations in the US. And we are Church locations in the US. And we are all here for one reason, to grow in our all here for one reason, to grow in our all here for one reason, to grow in our faith, [music] to chase Jesus. And it is faith, [music] to chase Jesus. And it is faith, [music] to chase Jesus. And it is a good day to be here. We are wrapping a good day to be here. We are wrapping a good day to be here. We are wrapping up our current series called Esther. And up our current series called Esther. And up our current series called Esther. And before I talk about the message, I've before I talk about the message, I've before I talk about the message, I've just got to let you know, too. If you're just got to let you know, too. If you're just got to let you know, too. If you're here for the first time, we want to know here for the first time, we want to know here for the first time, we want to know that you're here. Go ahead and say hi. that you're here. Go ahead and say hi. that you're here. Go ahead and say hi. You can find a link on the screen or in You can find a link on the screen or in You can find a link on the screen or in the chat or just type in the chat or just type in the chat or just type in life.urch/hello. [music] life.urch/hello. [music] life.urch/hello. [music] Fill out that quick form, introduce Fill out that quick form, introduce Fill out that quick form, introduce yourself, and that's going to give us yourself, and that's going to give us yourself, and that's going to give us the ability to connect with [music] you. the ability to connect with [music] you. the ability to connect with [music] you. But back to Esther. So, what I love But back to Esther. So, what I love But back to Esther. So, what I love about this series and what feels about this series and what feels about this series and what feels bittersweet to be wrapping up today is bittersweet to be wrapping up today is bittersweet to be wrapping up today is that every single week [music] has that every single week [music] has that every single week [music] has reminded us that God is working even if reminded us that God is working even if reminded us that God is working even if we don't recognize it in the moment. So, we don't recognize it in the moment. So, we don't recognize it in the moment. So, we've looked at unexpected moments we've looked at unexpected moments we've looked at unexpected moments [music] in Esther's life. We've looked [music] in Esther's life. We've looked [music] in Esther's life. We've looked at ordinary moments and even moments at ordinary moments and even moments at ordinary moments and even moments that she would have never chosen. that she would have never chosen. that she would have never chosen. [music] And what happens all along those [music] And what happens all along those [music] And what happens all along those moments is God bringing about his moments is God bringing about his moments is God bringing about his supernatural plan. And I believe that supernatural plan. And I believe that supernatural plan. And I believe that he's going to do the same today [music] he's going to do the same today [music] he's going to do the same today [music] in your life. So, I can't wait to get in your life. So, I can't wait to get in your life. So, I can't wait to get there. Um, but before we do, quick story there. Um, but before we do, quick story there. Um, but before we do, quick story for you. We're going into worship. And I for you. We're going into worship. And I for you. We're going into worship. And I truly believe that worship has the truly believe that worship has the truly believe that worship has the [music] ability to change everything. It [music] ability to change everything. It [music] ability to change everything. It changes the atmosphere. It changes our changes the atmosphere. It changes our changes the atmosphere. It changes our minds and our peace. [music] And I minds and our peace. [music] And I minds and our peace. [music] And I experienced that this morning with my experienced that this morning with my experienced that this morning with my daughter. So, she is 7 years old. And we daughter. So, she is 7 years old. And we daughter. So, she is 7 years old. And we were having a rough morning. For all my were having a rough morning. For all my were having a rough morning. For all my parents, you know exactly what I'm parents, you know exactly what I'm parents, you know exactly what I'm talking about. There was one thing that talking about. There was one thing that talking about. There was one thing that made her spiral into a lot of different made her spiral into a lot of different made her spiral into a lot of different things. There were tears. And so, I

things. There were tears. And so, I things. There were tears. And so, I decided, you know what? I'm just going decided, you know what? I'm just going decided, you know what? I'm just going to [music] throw on some worship music. to [music] throw on some worship music. to [music] throw on some worship music. I'm going to put on some worship music I'm going to put on some worship music I'm going to put on some worship music from Life Kids that she's used to from Life Kids that she's used to from Life Kids that she's used to hearing. And I'm telling you, song one, hearing. And I'm telling you, song one, hearing. And I'm telling you, song one, the tears went away. She started the tears went away. She started the tears went away. She started listening to the worship. Song two, I listening to the worship. Song two, I listening to the worship. Song two, I could see her like dancing a little bit could see her like dancing a little bit could see her like dancing a little bit to the songs. And then we got in the car to the songs. And then we got in the car to the songs. And then we got in the car to go drop her off. And by the end of to go drop her off. And by the end of to go drop her off. And by the end of dropping her off, she was screaming, dropping her off, she was screaming, dropping her off, she was screaming, "Greater is he that is in me." And I "Greater is he that is in me." And I "Greater is he that is in me." And I just love that picture of what worship just love that picture of what worship just love that picture of what worship [music] can do. When we bring our [music] can do. When we bring our [music] can do. When we bring our emotions and our thoughts and whatever emotions and our thoughts and whatever emotions and our thoughts and whatever circumstances we're facing, [music] when circumstances we're facing, [music] when circumstances we're facing, [music] when we bring them to God, he gives us his we bring them to God, he gives us his we bring them to God, he gives us his peace. It's a promise that surpasses all peace. It's a promise that surpasses all peace. It's a promise that surpasses all understanding. So that's my prayer right understanding. So that's my prayer right understanding. So that's my prayer right now for you as we go into worship. now for you as we go into worship. now for you as we go into worship. [music] That whatever you're facing, you [music] That whatever you're facing, you [music] That whatever you're facing, you would bring those thoughts to him and would bring those thoughts to him and would bring those thoughts to him and that he would flood you with his peace. that he would flood you with his peace. that he would flood you with his peace. Let's go and worship him right now. Let's go and worship him right now. Let's go and worship him right now. All around this room, would you stand up All around this room, would you stand up All around this room, would you stand up to [music] your feet? We're going to to [music] your feet? We're going to to [music] your feet? We're going to worship the King of Kings together. God, worship the King of Kings together. God, worship the King of Kings together. God, we give it all to [music] you right now. we give it all to [music] you right now. we give it all to [music] you right now. Yeah. I got a reason I got a reason to trust in the trial.

to trust in the trial. to trust in the trial. I got a reason I got a reason I got a reason to face down [music] the flames. to face down [music] the flames. to face down [music] the flames. I got a reason I got a reason I got a reason [music] to fill [singing] these lungs [music] to fill [singing] these lungs [music] to fill [singing] these lungs with gratitude. I got a reason I got a reason to dance in the desert. I got a [music] to dance in the desert. I got a [music] to dance in the desert. I got a [music] reason reason reason to walk on the waves. to walk on the waves. to walk on the waves. I got a reason I got a reason I got a reason to fill these lungs with bre. [music] [music] It's you. It's you, Jesus. [singing] It's you. It's you, Jesus. [singing] It's you. It's you, Jesus. [singing] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat.

>> I got a freom, >> I got a freom, a heart that's for kids. a heart that's for kids. a heart that's for kids. I got a [music] future, I got a [music] future, I got a [music] future, a past erase. a past erase. a past erase. I [music] got a savior I [music] got a savior I [music] got a savior who died for me [singing] who died for me [singing] who died for me [singing] in every way. [music] It's you. It's you, Jesus. [music] It's you. It's you, Jesus. [music] You are my joy. You are my joy. You are my joy. You [music] are my song. You [music] are my song. You [music] are my song. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] No, No, I'm never running out of resentance.

[music] Come on, sing this out. [music] Come on, sing this out. My God is good. His mercy [music] My God is good. His mercy [music] My God is good. His mercy [music] endures forever. My God is good. His endures forever. My God is good. His endures forever. My God is good. His [music] mercy endures forever. My God is [music] mercy endures forever. My God is [music] mercy endures forever. My God is good. His [music and singing] mercy good. His [music and singing] mercy good. His [music and singing] mercy endures forever. My God is good. His endures forever. My God is good. His endures forever. My God is good. His mercy endures forever. mercy endures forever. mercy endures forever. [music and singing] My God. [music and singing] My God. [music and singing] My God. His mercy. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. [singing] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. forever. forever. [music] [music] [music] Come on. Come on. What a good God that Come on. Come on. What a good God that Come on. Come on. What a good God that we serve. What a good God that we sing we serve. What a good God that we sing we serve. What a good God that we sing to, that we give praise to. His name is to, that we give praise to. His name is to, that we give praise to. His name is great. We thank you, Lord. This is our great. We thank you, Lord. This is our great. We thank you, Lord. This is our time to worship you. time to worship you. time to worship you. This is our time to sing to you. This is our time to sing to you. This is our time to sing to you. We give you [music] everything that we We give you [music] everything that we We give you [music] everything that we are. You sing You sing time and time again. time and time again. time and time again. We've asked if you [music] were able. We've asked if you [music] were able. We've asked if you [music] were able. And time and time again, [music] And time and time again, [music] And time and time again, [music] you prove.

You're the God of our salvation. [music] You're the God of our salvation. [music] and worthy of our praises. [music] and worthy of our praises. [music] and worthy of our praises. [music] And time and time again we worship you. Oh, anyone [music] with eyes can see Oh, anyone [music] with eyes can see your mountain. [music] Anyone with faith will see it [music] Anyone with faith will see it move. overwhelm overwhelm you. It's the God who goes before me. you. It's the God who goes before me. you. It's the God who goes before me. [music] [music] [music] Friends of peace. Friends of peace. Friends of peace. My [singing] heart is found. [music] My [singing] heart is found. [music] My [singing] heart is found. [music] You're the father, son, and the holy You're the father, son, and the holy You're the father, son, and the holy ghost. [music] ghost. [music] ghost. [music] There's no end to who you are. There's There's no end to who you are. There's There's no end to who you are. There's [music] no limit to your throne.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, merciful and true, >> Oh, merciful and true, >> Oh, merciful and true, the God of every virtue, the God of every virtue, the God of every virtue, the solid rock we're standing on. the solid rock we're standing on. the solid rock we're standing on. [music] [music] [music] You hold me in your car. You mey You hold me in your car. You mey You hold me in your car. You mey [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] the way you are. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Heat.

Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Yeah.

Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] Heat.

Heat. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. [music] [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> This is how I find my battle.

>> This is how I find my battle. >> This is how I find my battle. This is how I find my battle. This is how I find my battle. This is how I find my battle. [music] This is how I fight [singing] my [music] This is how I fight [singing] my [music] This is how I fight [singing] my battle. battle. battle. This is how I fight. Yeah. Yes, I do. This is how I fight. Yeah. Yes, I do. This is how I fight. Yeah. Yes, I do. [music] Oh well, oh king, you're the God who Oh well, oh king, you're the God who goes before me goes before me goes before me and prince [singing] and prince [singing] and prince [singing] of peace. My heart has found a home. of peace. My heart has found a home. of peace. My heart has found a home. You're the father, [singing] son, You're the father, [singing] son, You're the father, [singing] son, and the holy and the holy and the holy ghost. ghost. ghost. [music] [music] [music] And there's no end to who you are. And And there's no end to who you are. And And there's no end to who you are. And there's [music] no limit to your throne. The spirit of the [singing] Lord is in The spirit of the [singing] Lord is in [music] the room.

The spirit of [singing] the Lord is in The spirit of [singing] the Lord is in [music] the room. [music] the room. [music] the room. Every [singing] life will change. Every [singing] life will change. Every [singing] life will change. [music] every heart be cuz the spirit of [music and singing] cuz the spirit of [music and singing] the Lord is in the room. the Lord is in the room. the Lord is in the room. There's [music] a holy light [singing] There's [music] a holy light [singing] There's [music] a holy light [singing] of heaven breaking through. of heaven breaking through. of heaven breaking through. There's a holy [singing] light of heaven There's a holy [singing] light of heaven There's a holy [singing] light of heaven breaking through. Every hand is [singing] raised, every Every hand is [singing] raised, every eye on you. eye on you. eye on you. There's a holy light of heaven [singing] There's a holy light of heaven [singing] There's a holy light of heaven [singing] breaking through. breaking through. breaking through. So make [singing] way, make way for the So make [singing] way, make way for the So make [singing] way, make way for the king of kings. Come take your [singing] king of kings. Come take your [singing] king of kings. Come take your [singing] place [music] as your people place [music] as your people place [music] as your people sing. sing. sing. All power be [singing and music] unto your be [singing and music] unto your Lord Jesus. Come have your way. [music] There's a [music] well living water There's a [music] well living water pouring out.

pouring out. pouring out. There [music] is evidence of heaven all There [music] is evidence of heaven all There [music] is evidence of heaven all around. around. around. [singing] [singing] [singing] Every story by every heartbeat. make make [music] [singing] [singing] [music] to your name. Lord [music] Jesus, come to your name. Lord [music] Jesus, come have way. Come and have your way.

Come and have your way. be [singing] thrown upon [music] our be [singing] thrown upon [music] our be [singing] thrown upon [music] our praise. King of majesty, praise. King of majesty, praise. King of majesty, hosana, hosana, hosana, hosana, hosana, hosana, come and have your way. come and have your way. come and have your way. Let your presence fill this place. King Let your presence fill this place. King Let your presence fill this place. King [singing] of majesty. [music] [singing] of majesty. [music] [singing] of majesty. [music] Hos Heat.

Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] [singing] Heat. is [music] is [music] your majesty. your majesty. your majesty. [music] [music] [music] So make So make So make way for the king [singing] of kings. way for the king [singing] of kings. way for the king [singing] of kings. Come [music] take your place as your Come [music] take your place as your Come [music] take your place as your people people people sing.

sing. sing. All power, all honor be unto your name. All power, all honor be unto your name. All power, all honor be unto your name. Lord [music] Jesus, come have your way. Lord [music] Jesus, come have your way. Lord [music] Jesus, come have your way. [singing] Oh, come [music] and move how you want Oh, come [music] and move how you want to, Lord. to, Lord. to, Lord. Oh, we surrender to you and to your Oh, we surrender to you and to your Oh, we surrender to you and to your will. will. will. Your kingdom [music] come. Your Your kingdom [music] come. Your Your kingdom [music] come. Your [singing] will be done. Lord, [singing] will be done. Lord, [singing] will be done. Lord, come and have your way. [music] >> Well, hello and welcome back. Or if you >> Well, hello and welcome back. Or if you just found us, came in during worship.

just found us, came in during worship. just found us, came in during worship. I'm so glad that I get to be the first I'm so glad that I get to be the first I'm so glad that I get to be the first to welcome you. It is an honor to get to to welcome you. It is an honor to get to to welcome you. It is an honor to get to be one of your pastors here today. And be one of your pastors here today. And be one of your pastors here today. And you came in during truly a fantastic you came in during truly a fantastic you came in during truly a fantastic week. We have been in a really special week. We have been in a really special week. We have been in a really special series called Esther where we've been series called Esther where we've been series called Esther where we've been going chapter by chapter in that book going chapter by chapter in that book going chapter by chapter in that book learning from her story. And something I learning from her story. And something I learning from her story. And something I love is that we can all relate to it love is that we can all relate to it love is that we can all relate to it [music] because if Esther would have [music] because if Esther would have [music] because if Esther would have like drafted up a little 5-year plan, like drafted up a little 5-year plan, like drafted up a little 5-year plan, things didn't definitely didn't go things didn't definitely didn't go things didn't definitely didn't go according to that plan. Nothing was on according to that plan. Nothing was on according to that plan. Nothing was on her bingo card that happened. I mean, her bingo card that happened. I mean, her bingo card that happened. I mean, unexpected ordinary moments, moments unexpected ordinary moments, moments unexpected ordinary moments, moments that she would have never asked for, but that she would have never asked for, but that she would have never asked for, but God [music] was at work the entire time. God [music] was at work the entire time. God [music] was at work the entire time. So, I can't wait to get to our message So, I can't wait to get to our message So, I can't wait to get to our message here in a few moments. here in a few moments. here in a few moments. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I know that Pastor Craig is going to >> I know that Pastor Craig is going to >> I know that Pastor Craig is going to speak something from God's word that is speak something from God's word that is speak something from God's word that is going to impact you and add value to going to impact you and add value to going to impact you and add value to your life. But before we get there, I'm your life. But before we get there, I'm your life. But before we get there, I'm actually joining up with my friend, one actually joining up with my friend, one actually joining up with my friend, one of your favorites, Pastor Sam. You of your favorites, Pastor Sam. You of your favorites, Pastor Sam. You notice things are a little bit different notice things are a little bit different notice things are a little bit different today. I'm here by myself, but I'm today. I'm here by myself, but I'm today. I'm here by myself, but I'm actually not by myself because Pastor actually not by myself because Pastor actually not by myself because Pastor Sam is joining up with us from Mexico Sam is joining up with us from Mexico Sam is joining up with us from Mexico right now. We're going to catch up with right now. We're going to catch up with right now. We're going to catch up with him and see what's going on. him and see what's going on. him and see what's going on. >> Hey, Britain. Yes, I am in the heart of >> Hey, Britain. Yes, I am in the heart of >> Hey, Britain. Yes, I am in the heart of [music] beautiful Mexico City, Lasad the [music] beautiful Mexico City, Lasad the [music] beautiful Mexico City, Lasad the Mexico. And this place is special. And I Mexico. And this place is special. And I Mexico. And this place is special. And I just want you to understand actually just want you to understand actually just want you to understand actually Mexico is one of the countries where we Mexico is one of the countries where we Mexico is one of the countries where we have the most attendance [music] at Life have the most attendance [music] at Life have the most attendance [music] at Life Church online. So to all mismanos, Church online. So to all mismanos, Church online. So to all mismanos, mismanas, all my pyanos, hey, welcome to mismanas, all my pyanos, hey, welcome to mismanas, all my pyanos, hey, welcome to Life Church Beneos. And um this place Life Church Beneos. And um this place Life Church Beneos. And um this place [music] is special. This is my [music] is special. This is my [music] is special. This is my birthplace. In fact, I got to go visit birthplace. In fact, I got to go visit birthplace. In fact, I got to go visit the apartment complex where I lived when the apartment complex where I lived when the apartment complex where I lived when I was 5 years old. [music] What's crazy I was 5 years old. [music] What's crazy I was 5 years old. [music] What's crazy is that when I was 5 years old back in is that when I was 5 years old back in is that when I was 5 years old back in 1985, Mexico had a massive earthquake.

1985, Mexico had a massive earthquake. 1985, Mexico had a massive earthquake. Total devastation. Thousands of lives Total devastation. Thousands of lives Total devastation. Thousands of lives were lost. And I remember it. I were lost. And I remember it. I were lost. And I remember it. I experienced it. And I want you to know experienced it. And I want you to know experienced it. And I want you to know something. When you give here at Life something. When you give here at Life something. When you give here at Life Church, tithes and offerings, when you Church, tithes and offerings, when you Church, tithes and offerings, when you help us [music] support global help us [music] support global help us [music] support global organizations, as the church, we could organizations, as the church, we could organizations, as the church, we could show up. We could show up for people show up. We could show up for people show up. We could show up for people when devastation strikes. And if you've when devastation strikes. And if you've when devastation strikes. And if you've seen the news, there's been earthquakes seen the news, there's been earthquakes seen the news, there's been earthquakes all over Venezuela, Colombia. There's all over Venezuela, Colombia. There's all over Venezuela, Colombia. There's been earthquakes happening all around been earthquakes happening all around been earthquakes happening all around the world. And so just recognize that the world. And so just recognize that the world. And so just recognize that [music] when you give, you help us to be [music] when you give, you help us to be [music] when you give, you help us to be able to show up immediately through able to show up immediately through able to show up immediately through these other organizations who are these other organizations who are these other organizations who are bringing aid to [music] people who have bringing aid to [music] people who have bringing aid to [music] people who have lost everything. I just I think about it lost everything. I just I think about it lost everything. I just I think about it and it's just it gets me emotional to and it's just it gets me emotional to and it's just it gets me emotional to think about just a 5-year-old kid who's think about just a 5-year-old kid who's think about just a 5-year-old kid who's lost everything, who's scared, [music] lost everything, who's scared, [music] lost everything, who's scared, [music] and that you and I could be the church and that you and I could be the church and that you and I could be the church to them and to their families and bring to them and to their families and bring to them and to their families and bring support and bring love and bring the support and bring love and bring the support and bring love and bring the hope of Jesus. So today when you give, I hope of Jesus. So today when you give, I hope of Jesus. So today when you give, I hope you feel it in your heart. the hope you feel it in your heart. the hope you feel it in your heart. the blessing that it is [music] to show up blessing that it is [music] to show up blessing that it is [music] to show up as the church. Britain, I'm going to as the church. Britain, I'm going to as the church. Britain, I'm going to stop talking cuz I I'm going start stop talking cuz I I'm going start stop talking cuz I I'm going start crying if I don't. And so, I'm going to crying if I don't. And so, I'm going to crying if I don't. And so, I'm going to go get me some tacos cuz Mexico City's go get me some tacos cuz Mexico City's go get me some tacos cuz Mexico City's got the best tacos in the country. But got the best tacos in the country. But got the best tacos in the country. But I'll toss it back to you, Sam. It is so I'll toss it back to you, Sam. It is so I'll toss it back to you, Sam. It is so cool to get a glimpse and literally get cool to get a glimpse and literally get cool to get a glimpse and literally get to picture the work that is happening on to picture the work that is happening on to picture the work that is happening on the ground right there from Mexico. And the ground right there from Mexico. And the ground right there from Mexico. And it just reminds me that when we give it just reminds me that when we give it just reminds me that when we give through our local church that it doesn't through our local church that it doesn't through our local church that it doesn't stay within our walls, but it actually stay within our walls, but it actually stay within our walls, but it actually goes out literally into the entire world goes out literally into the entire world goes out literally into the entire world where we get to partner with where we get to partner with where we get to partner with organizations that are already making a organizations that are already making a organizations that are already making a difference. They are experts in meeting difference. They are experts in meeting difference. They are experts in meeting the needs of people around the world.

the needs of people around the world. the needs of people around the world. And what we get to do is we get to fuel And what we get to do is we get to fuel And what we get to do is we get to fuel their work. We get to fuel them with their work. We get to fuel them with their work. We get to fuel them with funding and prayers and believe that God funding and prayers and believe that God funding and prayers and believe that God is just getting started in the work that is just getting started in the work that is just getting started in the work that he's doing. So again, thank you so much he's doing. So again, thank you so much he's doing. So again, thank you so much Sam for sharing. And some of you, you Sam for sharing. And some of you, you Sam for sharing. And some of you, you feel kind of a tug with this right now. feel kind of a tug with this right now. feel kind of a tug with this right now. you know that this is what you want your you know that this is what you want your you know that this is what you want your finances to be connected with with finances to be connected with with finances to be connected with with kingdom purpose. And I just want to kingdom purpose. And I just want to kingdom purpose. And I just want to encourage you right now, however God is encourage you right now, however God is encourage you right now, however God is leading you and prompting you to give, I leading you and prompting you to give, I leading you and prompting you to give, I would just respond with obedience. You would just respond with obedience. You would just respond with obedience. You can do that in the Life Church app and can do that in the Life Church app and can do that in the Life Church app and set up a recurring gift. And what that set up a recurring gift. And what that set up a recurring gift. And what that does is it sets a practice in [music] does is it sets a practice in [music] does is it sets a practice in [music] your life. You're no longer going to your life. You're no longer going to your life. You're no longer going to have to give when you feel or when you have to give when you feel or when you have to give when you feel or when you think about it, but you're prioritizing think about it, but you're prioritizing think about it, but you're prioritizing to be a part of what God is doing all to be a part of what God is doing all to be a part of what God is doing all around the world. And so I just want to around the world. And so I just want to around the world. And so I just want to encourage you and say you are going to encourage you and say you are going to encourage you and say you are going to see God's faithfulness in that area. Um see God's faithfulness in that area. Um see God's faithfulness in that area. Um but before we get to our final week of but before we get to our final week of but before we get to our final week of Esther, I want to give a final reminder Esther, I want to give a final reminder Esther, I want to give a final reminder to all my girls in the room. If you're to all my girls in the room. If you're to all my girls in the room. If you're not a girl, you know a girl, make sure not a girl, you know a girl, make sure not a girl, you know a girl, make sure she knows that sisters is happening this she knows that sisters is happening this she knows that sisters is happening this week. Um the first time is happening on week. Um the first time is happening on week. Um the first time is happening on August 31st. If you happen to miss that August 31st. If you happen to miss that August 31st. If you happen to miss that or can't make it, we have another um or can't make it, we have another um or can't make it, we have another um showing on September 5th. And so make showing on September 5th. And so make showing on September 5th. And so make sure circle that date again. Make sure sure circle that date again. Make sure sure circle that date again. Make sure you gather up all your girls for [music] you gather up all your girls for [music] you gather up all your girls for [music] a girls night to celebrate what God is a girls night to celebrate what God is a girls night to celebrate what God is doing in the women of our church. We're doing in the women of our church. We're doing in the women of our church. We're going to hear an amazing message from going to hear an amazing message from going to hear an amazing message from Pastor Amy Gchell and get to worship Pastor Amy Gchell and get to worship Pastor Amy Gchell and get to worship together. But right now, let's go to the together. But right now, let's go to the together. But right now, let's go to the final week [music] of Esther with Pastor final week [music] of Esther with Pastor final week [music] of Esther with Pastor Craig. And I'm telling you, you are Craig. And I'm telling you, you are Craig. And I'm telling you, you are going to want to open up your hearts going to want to open up your hearts going to want to open up your hearts right now. Open up your minds. Also, right now. Open up your minds. Also, right now. Open up your minds. Also, open up your Bibles and your notes cuz I open up your Bibles and your notes cuz I open up your Bibles and your notes cuz I can promise you that [music] God has a can promise you that [music] God has a can promise you that [music] God has a special word for you today. Let's join special word for you today. Let's join special word for you today. Let's join up with Pastor Craig right now.

up with Pastor Craig right now. up with Pastor Craig right now. [music] >> Hey church family, I'm uh very very >> Hey church family, I'm uh very very excited to bring the word today. And excited to bring the word today. And excited to bring the word today. And before we do that, I need to tell you before we do that, I need to tell you before we do that, I need to tell you what's coming up. Now, my campus pastor what's coming up. Now, my campus pastor what's coming up. Now, my campus pastor just asked all the ladies to raise their just asked all the ladies to raise their just asked all the ladies to raise their hand. And so I'm going to ask you to do hand. And so I'm going to ask you to do hand. And so I'm going to ask you to do it again. Ladies, all of our churches, it again. Ladies, all of our churches, it again. Ladies, all of our churches, every single one of them, raise your every single one of them, raise your every single one of them, raise your hand if you will. Raise them. Raise hand if you will. Raise them. Raise hand if you will. Raise them. Raise them. Good. Good. Good. Good. Hey, them. Good. Good. Good. Good. Hey, them. Good. Good. Good. Good. Hey, Monday night is sisters unless it's Monday night is sisters unless it's Monday night is sisters unless it's Tuesday. Tuesday. Tuesday. Most places it's Monday. Unless it's Most places it's Monday. Unless it's Most places it's Monday. Unless it's Tuesday, you do not want to miss it. I Tuesday, you do not want to miss it. I Tuesday, you do not want to miss it. I promise. We only do this once a year and promise. We only do this once a year and promise. We only do this once a year and it's um one of the most special events it's um one of the most special events it's um one of the most special events that we do. Um ladies come. Amy's got an that we do. Um ladies come. Amy's got an that we do. Um ladies come. Amy's got an amazing word and you can get to know amazing word and you can get to know amazing word and you can get to know each other and more importantly get each other and more importantly get each other and more importantly get close to God. Now, next weekend I have close to God. Now, next weekend I have close to God. Now, next weekend I have something exciting to tell you. Uh we something exciting to tell you. Uh we something exciting to tell you. Uh we have probably the most requested guest have probably the most requested guest have probably the most requested guest speaker at Life Church coming next week. speaker at Life Church coming next week. speaker at Life Church coming next week. Pastor Robert Moo will be in the house.

Pastor Robert Moo will be in the house. Pastor Robert Moo will be in the house. I know you're excited. Everybody always I know you're excited. Everybody always I know you're excited. Everybody always says, "Can we just keep him?" We can't says, "Can we just keep him?" We can't says, "Can we just keep him?" We can't keep him. He just comes on loan. And keep him. He just comes on loan. And keep him. He just comes on loan. And then following that, we're starting a then following that, we're starting a then following that, we're starting a new message series called Asking for a new message series called Asking for a new message series called Asking for a Friend. And you've been asking Friend. And you've been asking Friend. And you've been asking questions. I'll tell you right now, you questions. I'll tell you right now, you questions. I'll tell you right now, you have asked some of the most personal um have asked some of the most personal um have asked some of the most personal um intimate and I'll just be honest, intimate and I'll just be honest, intimate and I'll just be honest, controversial questions. Even some funny controversial questions. Even some funny controversial questions. Even some funny ones like, "Could Jack have fit on the ones like, "Could Jack have fit on the ones like, "Could Jack have fit on the door in Titanic?" Not exactly a door in Titanic?" Not exactly a door in Titanic?" Not exactly a spiritual question, but I will answer spiritual question, but I will answer spiritual question, but I will answer it. Yes, he could if there was room. it. Yes, he could if there was room. it. Yes, he could if there was room. Scoot over rows. We all know it. And Scoot over rows. We all know it. And Scoot over rows. We all know it. And that's just the way it is. And so, there that's just the way it is. And so, there that's just the way it is. And so, there is time to ask real questions. Uh, you is time to ask real questions. Uh, you is time to ask real questions. Uh, you can just tap the seatbacks in front of can just tap the seatbacks in front of can just tap the seatbacks in front of you. You'd like to ask a question. The you. You'd like to ask a question. The you. You'd like to ask a question. The harder your question is, the more likely harder your question is, the more likely harder your question is, the more likely we'll talk about it. We're going to go we'll talk about it. We're going to go we'll talk about it. We're going to go there. Asking for a friend starts in two there. Asking for a friend starts in two there. Asking for a friend starts in two weeks. Um, now we're going to dive in weeks. Um, now we're going to dive in weeks. Um, now we're going to dive in for uh week number five of the book of for uh week number five of the book of for uh week number five of the book of Esther. If you're ready, say, "I'm Esther. If you're ready, say, "I'm Esther. If you're ready, say, "I'm ready." Are you ready? ready." Are you ready? ready." Are you ready? >> Ready. >> Ready. >> Ready. >> Well, today we are in week number five. >> Well, today we are in week number five. >> Well, today we are in week number five. We're concluding the message series on We're concluding the message series on We're concluding the message series on the book of Esther. And what I want to the book of Esther. And what I want to the book of Esther. And what I want to do is I want to talk to those of you who do is I want to talk to those of you who do is I want to talk to those of you who have something in your life that you'd have something in your life that you'd have something in your life that you'd like to see change, but you're worried like to see change, but you're worried like to see change, but you're worried that it's too late. You'd love to see that it's too late. You'd love to see that it's too late. You'd love to see something. It could be uh you hope for a something. It could be uh you hope for a something. It could be uh you hope for a godly marriage, but you think, man, godly marriage, but you think, man, godly marriage, but you think, man, maybe it's too late for me to have a maybe it's too late for me to have a maybe it's too late for me to have a godly marriage. Or you've been praying godly marriage. Or you've been praying godly marriage. Or you've been praying and praying and praying that you'd feel and praying and praying that you'd feel and praying and praying that you'd feel better in your health, and you wonder if better in your health, and you wonder if better in your health, and you wonder if I could ever ever feel better. Or maybe I could ever ever feel better. Or maybe I could ever ever feel better. Or maybe you're hoping to overcome some kind of you're hoping to overcome some kind of you're hoping to overcome some kind of habit, that one thing that you've habit, that one thing that you've habit, that one thing that you've confessed over and over and over again.

confessed over and over and over again. confessed over and over and over again. And the harder you try, the more it And the harder you try, the more it And the harder you try, the more it seems to come back, and you wonder, can seems to come back, and you wonder, can seems to come back, and you wonder, can I ever change this habit? It could be a I ever change this habit? It could be a I ever change this habit? It could be a dream, something that you've been hoping dream, something that you've been hoping dream, something that you've been hoping to do one day, and you wonder, is it too to do one day, and you wonder, is it too to do one day, and you wonder, is it too late for that dream? Or maybe the thing late for that dream? Or maybe the thing late for that dream? Or maybe the thing that you've been just taken to God in that you've been just taken to God in that you've been just taken to God in prayer, believing like the persistent prayer, believing like the persistent prayer, believing like the persistent widow that comes again and again. God, I widow that comes again and again. God, I widow that comes again and again. God, I believe you can do this, but he hasn't. believe you can do this, but he hasn't. believe you can do this, but he hasn't. And you wonder, could he ever do it? Um And you wonder, could he ever do it? Um And you wonder, could he ever do it? Um Esther had maybe some similar questions Esther had maybe some similar questions Esther had maybe some similar questions and today we're going to see God's and today we're going to see God's and today we're going to see God's answer as we wrap up the message series answer as we wrap up the message series answer as we wrap up the message series on Esther. Would you pray with me? Uh on Esther. Would you pray with me? Uh on Esther. Would you pray with me? Uh Father, I thank you that your Holy Father, I thank you that your Holy Father, I thank you that your Holy Spirit is prepared to speak to every Spirit is prepared to speak to every Spirit is prepared to speak to every person here. God, would you open up our person here. God, would you open up our person here. God, would you open up our hearts to hear what you want to say? I hearts to hear what you want to say? I hearts to hear what you want to say? I pray God that your word would accomplish pray God that your word would accomplish pray God that your word would accomplish your perfect purposes in every single your perfect purposes in every single your perfect purposes in every single life and that your Holy Spirit would do life and that your Holy Spirit would do life and that your Holy Spirit would do a work in us so we could be your church a work in us so we could be your church a work in us so we could be your church in this world. We pray this in Jesus in this world. We pray this in Jesus in this world. We pray this in Jesus name. And if you agree, say amen. Type name. And if you agree, say amen. Type name. And if you agree, say amen. Type [clears throat] it in the comment [clears throat] it in the comment [clears throat] it in the comment section. Amen. We're glad you're with us section. Amen. We're glad you're with us section. Amen. We're glad you're with us online. All right, online. All right, online. All right, let's review the book of Esther. For let's review the book of Esther. For let's review the book of Esther. For those of you that say, "We've been those of you that say, "We've been those of you that say, "We've been reviewing every week. I'm tired of the reviewing every week. I'm tired of the reviewing every week. I'm tired of the review." Congratulations to you. That review." Congratulations to you. That review." Congratulations to you. That means you've been coming to church. Good means you've been coming to church. Good means you've been coming to church. Good job for you. This is for the rest of the job for you. This is for the rest of the job for you. This is for the rest of the people. So, we're going to review. There people. So, we're going to review. There people. So, we're going to review. There are five main characters in the book of are five main characters in the book of are five main characters in the book of Esther. The starting lineup starts with Esther. The starting lineup starts with Esther. The starting lineup starts with the drunk king, King Xerxes. If you the drunk king, King Xerxes. If you the drunk king, King Xerxes. If you remember, he's throwing big parties.

remember, he's throwing big parties. remember, he's throwing big parties. He's drunk and wants to show off his He's drunk and wants to show off his He's drunk and wants to show off his beautiful wife, the queen, Queen Vasti. beautiful wife, the queen, Queen Vasti. beautiful wife, the queen, Queen Vasti. He says, "Hey babe, come out. I want to He says, "Hey babe, come out. I want to He says, "Hey babe, come out. I want to show you off." And she says, "No, I'm show you off." And she says, "No, I'm show you off." And she says, "No, I'm tired of being objectified. I'm not tired of being objectified. I'm not tired of being objectified. I'm not going to do it." He gets embarrassed. He going to do it." He gets embarrassed. He going to do it." He gets embarrassed. He gets humiliated. He gets his feelings gets humiliated. He gets his feelings gets humiliated. He gets his feelings hurt. So he banishes the queen and hurt. So he banishes the queen and hurt. So he banishes the queen and suddenly there's an opening and they suddenly there's an opening and they suddenly there's an opening and they need to fill the queen's role. So they need to fill the queen's role. So they need to fill the queen's role. So they do a nationwide search. We got to find a do a nationwide search. We got to find a do a nationwide search. We got to find a new queen. One of the girls chosen as a new queen. One of the girls chosen as a new queen. One of the girls chosen as a potential candidate is a little Jewish potential candidate is a little Jewish potential candidate is a little Jewish orphan girl named Esther who after a orphan girl named Esther who after a orphan girl named Esther who after a year process is chosen to be the queen. year process is chosen to be the queen. year process is chosen to be the queen. But Esther has to hide her identity. But Esther has to hide her identity. But Esther has to hide her identity. Why? because she's in a Persian culture Why? because she's in a Persian culture Why? because she's in a Persian culture and she's Jewish and the Persian people and she's Jewish and the Persian people and she's Jewish and the Persian people hated the Jewish people. So now she's a hated the Jewish people. So now she's a hated the Jewish people. So now she's a Jewish queen keeping her Jewish identity Jewish queen keeping her Jewish identity Jewish queen keeping her Jewish identity secret. Then she has a cousin. What's secret. Then she has a cousin. What's secret. Then she has a cousin. What's his name? If you know, say it out loud. his name? If you know, say it out loud. his name? If you know, say it out loud. It's It's It's >> very good. Good God. Good job. Good job. >> very good. Good God. Good job. Good job. >> very good. Good God. Good job. Good job. Good job. Gold star. Gold star. Gold Good job. Gold star. Gold star. Gold Good job. Gold star. Gold star. Gold star. Gold star. Moreai. A good and star. Gold star. Moreai. A good and star. Gold star. Moreai. A good and honorable man. Uh there's the bad guy.

honorable man. Uh there's the bad guy. honorable man. Uh there's the bad guy. What's his name? What's his name? What's his name? >> Hmon. The bad guy Hmon who rises in >> Hmon. The bad guy Hmon who rises in >> Hmon. The bad guy Hmon who rises in power. And Hmon hates Morai, who's power. And Hmon hates Morai, who's power. And Hmon hates Morai, who's Esther's cousin. See why we're reviewing Esther's cousin. See why we're reviewing Esther's cousin. See why we're reviewing because this is really complicated. And because this is really complicated. And because this is really complicated. And Hmon, the bad guy, convinces the king to Hmon, the bad guy, convinces the king to Hmon, the bad guy, convinces the king to kill every Jewish person in the empire. kill every Jewish person in the empire. kill every Jewish person in the empire. The king falls for Hmon's plot. And then The king falls for Hmon's plot. And then The king falls for Hmon's plot. And then he makes this decree. And this decree is he makes this decree. And this decree is he makes this decree. And this decree is sealed. According to the law, the decree sealed. According to the law, the decree sealed. According to the law, the decree cannot be undone. So Mori, who's cannot be undone. So Mori, who's cannot be undone. So Mori, who's Esther's cousin, says, "Esther, you got Esther's cousin, says, "Esther, you got Esther's cousin, says, "Esther, you got to do something about this. I know it's to do something about this. I know it's to do something about this. I know it's a big risk to you. It could cost you a big risk to you. It could cost you a big risk to you. It could cost you your life, but maybe God puts you here your life, but maybe God puts you here your life, but maybe God puts you here for such a time as this." She prays for such a time as this." She prays for such a time as this." She prays about it. She takes an enormous risk and about it. She takes an enormous risk and about it. She takes an enormous risk and a step of faith and tells the king about a step of faith and tells the king about a step of faith and tells the king about Hmon's plot. The bad guy is exposed. The Hmon's plot. The bad guy is exposed. The Hmon's plot. The bad guy is exposed. The king then kills and executes Hmon, but king then kills and executes Hmon, but king then kills and executes Hmon, but the decree still stands. So, here's the decree still stands. So, here's the decree still stands. So, here's where we are. The bad guy is gone. The where we are. The bad guy is gone. The where we are. The bad guy is gone. The villain is gone, but the verdict villain is gone, but the verdict villain is gone, but the verdict remains. There's still this decree to remains. There's still this decree to remains. There's still this decree to kill all the Jewish people. So, Esther kill all the Jewish people. So, Esther kill all the Jewish people. So, Esther now has the king's favor. He says, "Ask now has the king's favor. He says, "Ask now has the king's favor. He says, "Ask for anything that you want." And she for anything that you want." And she for anything that you want." And she could have said, "Hey, protect me." She could have said, "Hey, protect me." She could have said, "Hey, protect me." She could have asked for personal safety, could have asked for personal safety, could have asked for personal safety, but she doesn't. In Esther 8:6, here's but she doesn't. In Esther 8:6, here's but she doesn't. In Esther 8:6, here's what we read. She says,"For how can I what we read. She says,"For how can I what we read. She says,"For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people?

bear to see disaster fall on my people? bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of How can I bear to see the destruction of How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?" Her heart my family?" Her heart my family?" Her heart is breaking for the people that she is breaking for the people that she is breaking for the people that she loves. And she doesn't just say, "How loves. And she doesn't just say, "How loves. And she doesn't just say, "How can I stop this?" But she asks, "How can can I stop this?" But she asks, "How can can I stop this?" But she asks, "How can I bear this?" And some of you can relate I bear this?" And some of you can relate I bear this?" And some of you can relate to this because there are those of you, to this because there are those of you, to this because there are those of you, you have someone in your life right now you have someone in your life right now you have someone in your life right now that you love so much that their pain that you love so much that their pain that you love so much that their pain actually becomes your pain. If you're a actually becomes your pain. If you're a actually becomes your pain. If you're a parent, you probably experienced this at parent, you probably experienced this at parent, you probably experienced this at some time. You watch your kids hurt and some time. You watch your kids hurt and some time. You watch your kids hurt and you want to fix it, but you can't fix it you want to fix it, but you can't fix it you want to fix it, but you can't fix it and it completely wrecks you. Or there's and it completely wrecks you. Or there's and it completely wrecks you. Or there's someone in your life, maybe they've got someone in your life, maybe they've got someone in your life, maybe they've got um they're stuck in an addiction and um they're stuck in an addiction and um they're stuck in an addiction and they can't overcome it and it's they can't overcome it and it's they can't overcome it and it's destroying them and you want to help, destroying them and you want to help, destroying them and you want to help, but you just can't help them. This is but you just can't help them. This is but you just can't help them. This is kind of where Esther is. Her people are kind of where Esther is. Her people are kind of where Esther is. Her people are vulnerable and she has all the power of vulnerable and she has all the power of vulnerable and she has all the power of the queen, but she's still powerless in the queen, but she's still powerless in the queen, but she's still powerless in this moment. And so all she can do is this moment. And so all she can do is this moment. And so all she can do is ask. And she does. She pleads with the ask. And she does. She pleads with the ask. And she does. She pleads with the king. And the king listens and does king. And the king listens and does king. And the king listens and does something remarkable in Esther 88. The something remarkable in Esther 88. The something remarkable in Esther 88. The king says this. Now write another king says this. Now write another king says this. Now write another decree. There's already a decree that decree. There's already a decree that decree. There's already a decree that says kill all the Jewish people. Now says kill all the Jewish people. Now says kill all the Jewish people. Now write another decree in the king's name write another decree in the king's name write another decree in the king's name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to in behalf of the Jews as seems best to in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you. Write a new decree and seal it with you. Write a new decree and seal it with you. Write a new decree and seal it with the king's signate ring. For no document the king's signate ring. For no document the king's signate ring. For no document written in the king's name and sealed

written in the king's name and sealed written in the king's name and sealed with his ring can be revoked. In other with his ring can be revoked. In other with his ring can be revoked. In other words, there's this other decree that words, there's this other decree that words, there's this other decree that you can't undo. So the only thing you you can't undo. So the only thing you you can't undo. So the only thing you can do is write a new decree that can do is write a new decree that can do is write a new decree that overpowers the other one. Issue a new overpowers the other one. Issue a new overpowers the other one. Issue a new decree that overpowers the first one. If decree that overpowers the first one. If decree that overpowers the first one. If that sounds confusing, I'll explain it that sounds confusing, I'll explain it that sounds confusing, I'll explain it to you this way. to you this way. to you this way. In the GCell household, I issued a nonnegotiable I issued a nonnegotiable decree. decree. decree. I told the family in my kingdom that we would never get a cat. that we would never get a cat. And you say, "Now, Craig, why would we And you say, "Now, Craig, why would we And you say, "Now, Craig, why would we never get a cat?" And the reason is never get a cat?" And the reason is never get a cat?" And the reason is because because because cats are not Christians. And a few of you are applauding because And a few of you are applauding because you know this because you've had one you know this because you've had one you know this because you've had one before. And [laughter] and if you if you before. And [laughter] and if you if you before. And [laughter] and if you if you think I'm being unfair, dogs love you think I'm being unfair, dogs love you think I'm being unfair, dogs love you unconditionally.

unconditionally. unconditionally. Cats have terms and conditions. That is Cats have terms and conditions. That is Cats have terms and conditions. That is not the fruit of the spirit. And without not the fruit of the spirit. And without not the fruit of the spirit. And without the fruits of the spirit, you don't have the fruits of the spirit, you don't have the fruits of the spirit, you don't have the spirit of God living inside of you. the spirit of God living inside of you. the spirit of God living inside of you. And so my kids knew about the decree and And so my kids knew about the decree and And so my kids knew about the decree and they didn't like the king's they didn't like the king's they didn't like the king's decree. decree. decree. And so they pleaded with me and they And so they pleaded with me and they And so they pleaded with me and they begged and they prayed. True story. I begged and they prayed. True story. I begged and they prayed. True story. I had two campus pastors contact me had two campus pastors contact me had two campus pastors contact me personally telling me that my kids had personally telling me that my kids had personally telling me that my kids had submitted written prayer requests asking submitted written prayer requests asking submitted written prayer requests asking God to change the heart of their dad. God to change the heart of their dad. God to change the heart of their dad. But I had issued the decree. And then But I had issued the decree. And then But I had issued the decree. And then Amy came along and said, "Craig, maybe Amy came along and said, "Craig, maybe Amy came along and said, "Craig, maybe we soften the law." we soften the law." we soften the law." But I could not do that for I am a man But I could not do that for I am a man But I could not do that for I am a man of integrity and had issued the decree. of integrity and had issued the decree. of integrity and had issued the decree. The decree must stand. And so she said, The decree must stand. And so she said, The decree must stand. And so she said, "Well, honey, "Well, honey, "Well, honey, how about if you don't do it for them, but you do it for me."

but you do it for me." And now I'm trapped. [laughter] And now I'm trapped. [laughter] And now I'm trapped. [laughter] I'd already made the law and I couldn't I'd already made the law and I couldn't I'd already made the law and I couldn't undo undo undo the law. So, the only thing I could do the law. So, the only thing I could do the law. So, the only thing I could do is overrule it. And so, technically, I is overrule it. And so, technically, I is overrule it. And so, technically, I kept my word. And this is very kept my word. And this is very kept my word. And this is very important. If you're not a parent yet, important. If you're not a parent yet, important. If you're not a parent yet, you need to understand that you need to understand that you need to understand that technically you have to stand by things. technically you have to stand by things. technically you have to stand by things. Technically, I kept my word. We never Technically, I kept my word. We never Technically, I kept my word. We never got a cat. We got two cats. got a cat. We got two cats. got a cat. We got two cats. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> AND NOT FOR MY KIDS, BUT FOR AMY. I kept >> AND NOT FOR MY KIDS, BUT FOR AMY. I kept >> AND NOT FOR MY KIDS, BUT FOR AMY. I kept my word. And maybe we got a few more in my word. And maybe we got a few more in my word. And maybe we got a few more in the years to come. Because yes, I'm a the years to come. Because yes, I'm a the years to come. Because yes, I'm a softy. Technically, I didn't break the softy. Technically, I didn't break the softy. Technically, I didn't break the first decree. We overruled it. Now, kind first decree. We overruled it. Now, kind first decree. We overruled it. Now, kind of a funny story, but to illustrate, of a funny story, but to illustrate, of a funny story, but to illustrate, this is what's going on there. There is this is what's going on there. There is this is what's going on there. There is this decree that cannot be o cannot be this decree that cannot be o cannot be this decree that cannot be o cannot be undone. You can overrule it, and that's undone. You can overrule it, and that's undone. You can overrule it, and that's the only thing. And where does this the only thing. And where does this the only thing. And where does this apply to you? Well, some of you right apply to you? Well, some of you right apply to you? Well, some of you right now, you may be living with what we may now, you may be living with what we may now, you may be living with what we may call a decree that feels permanent. It's call a decree that feels permanent. It's call a decree that feels permanent. It's something that happened in your life something that happened in your life something that happened in your life that you never ever wanted to happen, that you never ever wanted to happen, that you never ever wanted to happen, something that you couldn't stop it. It something that you couldn't stop it. It something that you couldn't stop it. It might be the divorce. You never wanted might be the divorce. You never wanted might be the divorce. You never wanted that and now you found yourself divorced that and now you found yourself divorced that and now you found yourself divorced and it's real. Or the loss that happened and it's real. Or the loss that happened and it's real. Or the loss that happened and it still hurts to this very moment.

and it still hurts to this very moment. and it still hurts to this very moment. Or the diagnosis that you're facing that Or the diagnosis that you're facing that Or the diagnosis that you're facing that the doctors say they've done the test the doctors say they've done the test the doctors say they've done the test and it's real. Or the anxiety that feels and it's real. Or the anxiety that feels and it's real. Or the anxiety that feels completely crushing to you. or the dream completely crushing to you. or the dream completely crushing to you. or the dream that you had that you always hoped for that you had that you always hoped for that you had that you always hoped for and now it feels dead and at first maybe and now it feels dead and at first maybe and now it feels dead and at first maybe you fought it and you asked God to you fought it and you asked God to you fought it and you asked God to change it and then nothing changed and change it and then nothing changed and change it and then nothing changed and somewhere along the way you stopped somewhere along the way you stopped somewhere along the way you stopped asking God to change it and you just asking God to change it and you just asking God to change it and you just kind of learn to live under it because kind of learn to live under it because kind of learn to live under it because that's what a decree often does. It it that's what a decree often does. It it that's what a decree often does. It it doesn't just describe what happens next, doesn't just describe what happens next, doesn't just describe what happens next, but it defines what you believe is who but it defines what you believe is who but it defines what you believe is who you are in in your life. And you think, you are in in your life. And you think, you are in in your life. And you think, well, I'm divorced and so I'm always well, I'm divorced and so I'm always well, I'm divorced and so I'm always going to be alone. Or I'm not feeling going to be alone. Or I'm not feeling going to be alone. Or I'm not feeling well right now, so I'll never ever feel well right now, so I'll never ever feel well right now, so I'll never ever feel good again. Or I made a big mistake. I good again. Or I made a big mistake. I good again. Or I made a big mistake. I did something I hate. I regret it. I did something I hate. I regret it. I did something I hate. I regret it. I wish I hadn't had done it, but now I wish I hadn't had done it, but now I wish I hadn't had done it, but now I feel like God's never going to bless me feel like God's never going to bless me feel like God's never going to bless me because of what I did. And that's why I because of what I did. And that's why I because of what I did. And that's why I want to speak directly to someone who want to speak directly to someone who want to speak directly to someone who feels like you're facing something feels like you're facing something feels like you're facing something that's final and tell you what right now that's final and tell you what right now that's final and tell you what right now that what happened to you is not who you that what happened to you is not who you that what happened to you is not who you are.

are. are. Your identity Your identity Your identity is not your identity. It's not your is not your identity. It's not your is not your identity. It's not your name. It's not your final verdict. Now, name. It's not your final verdict. Now, name. It's not your final verdict. Now, the enemy's verdict, it it may be real, the enemy's verdict, it it may be real, the enemy's verdict, it it may be real, but it's not final. but it's not final. but it's not final. And this is where Esther was. She's And this is where Esther was. She's And this is where Esther was. She's facing a decree that's very, very real. facing a decree that's very, very real. facing a decree that's very, very real. And that's where her people were. And And that's where her people were. And And that's where her people were. And the decree was sealed and it was legal the decree was sealed and it was legal the decree was sealed and it was legal and it was real. and it was real. and it was real. But real doesn't mean final. But real doesn't mean final. But real doesn't mean final. I'm going to say it again because if you I'm going to say it again because if you I'm going to say it again because if you haven't said amen yet, this is a really haven't said amen yet, this is a really haven't said amen yet, this is a really good place to say it. Real doesn't mean good place to say it. Real doesn't mean good place to say it. Real doesn't mean final. final. final. >> God can issue a new decree that >> God can issue a new decree that >> God can issue a new decree that overpowers the previous one because our overpowers the previous one because our overpowers the previous one because our God is all powerful. Our God is all God is all powerful. Our God is all God is all powerful. Our God is all good. And our God is ever present. Our good. And our God is ever present. Our good. And our God is ever present. Our God is with you. He sees you. And what God is with you. He sees you. And what God is with you. He sees you. And what you may be facing may be real, but real you may be facing may be real, but real you may be facing may be real, but real doesn't mean final. doesn't mean final. doesn't mean final. >> Esther 9:1. Here's what we see. The >> Esther 9:1. Here's what we see. The >> Esther 9:1. Here's what we see. The Bible says this. On that day, now what Bible says this. On that day, now what Bible says this. On that day, now what day is that day? That on that day. That day is that day? That on that day. That day is that day? That on that day. That was the very day that the Jews were was the very day that the Jews were was the very day that the Jews were scheduled to be executed. On that very scheduled to be executed. On that very scheduled to be executed. On that very day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them. But quite the to overpower them. But quite the to overpower them. But quite the opposite happened. It was the Jews who opposite happened. It was the Jews who opposite happened. It was the Jews who overpowered their enemy. What did God overpowered their enemy. What did God overpowered their enemy. What did God do? God turned it around. God turned it do? God turned it around. God turned it do? God turned it around. God turned it around. God took something that looked around. God took something that looked around. God took something that looked real and was real, but it wasn't final.

real and was real, but it wasn't final. real and was real, but it wasn't final. And the good news is that's what our God And the good news is that's what our God And the good news is that's what our God does. Our God's been turning things does. Our God's been turning things does. Our God's been turning things around since we first needed grace. around since we first needed grace. around since we first needed grace. >> And what I want to do is I want to >> And what I want to do is I want to >> And what I want to do is I want to explain to you the gospel. And I'm going explain to you the gospel. And I'm going explain to you the gospel. And I'm going to go as slow and deliberate as I can to go as slow and deliberate as I can to go as slow and deliberate as I can because there are some of you who have because there are some of you who have because there are some of you who have grown up around this. You kind of know grown up around this. You kind of know grown up around this. You kind of know it and it's right here in your head. And it and it's right here in your head. And it and it's right here in your head. And I'm praying today it moves 18 in from I'm praying today it moves 18 in from I'm praying today it moves 18 in from your head down into your heart. I want your head down into your heart. I want your head down into your heart. I want you to hear it maybe like you've never you to hear it maybe like you've never you to hear it maybe like you've never ever heard it before. I want you to hear ever heard it before. I want you to hear ever heard it before. I want you to hear it like you've heard it for the very it like you've heard it for the very it like you've heard it for the very very first time. Do not tune it out. very first time. Do not tune it out. very first time. Do not tune it out. Don't don't don't explain it away. as Don't don't don't explain it away. as Don't don't don't explain it away. as simply as I can. Every single one of us simply as I can. Every single one of us simply as I can. Every single one of us was created by God in his image to be in was created by God in his image to be in was created by God in his image to be in a relationship with him. But every a relationship with him. But every a relationship with him. But every single one of us, including you, single one of us, including you, single one of us, including you, including me, has turned away from God. including me, has turned away from God. including me, has turned away from God. We've lied. We've lied. We've lied. We've lusted. We've lusted. We've lusted. We've stolen, cheated, been been proud.

We've stolen, cheated, been been proud. We've stolen, cheated, been been proud. We've done what we wanted instead of We've done what we wanted instead of We've done what we wanted instead of whatever God wanted. And the Bible calls whatever God wanted. And the Bible calls whatever God wanted. And the Bible calls that sin. that sin. that sin. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> To be clear, sin is not just a mistake >> To be clear, sin is not just a mistake >> To be clear, sin is not just a mistake that we make. Sin separates us from a that we make. Sin separates us from a that we make. Sin separates us from a holy God. And sin comes with a decree. holy God. And sin comes with a decree. holy God. And sin comes with a decree. What is the decree? Romans 6:23 tells us What is the decree? Romans 6:23 tells us What is the decree? Romans 6:23 tells us this. For the wages of sin is death. this. For the wages of sin is death. this. For the wages of sin is death. >> That's the decree. Sin earns death. >> That's the decree. Sin earns death. >> That's the decree. Sin earns death. Because we've sinned, we deserve death. Because we've sinned, we deserve death. Because we've sinned, we deserve death. Not just physical death, but spiritual Not just physical death, but spiritual Not just physical death, but spiritual death. Separated from God because our death. Separated from God because our death. Separated from God because our sin separates us from him. We can't talk sin separates us from him. We can't talk sin separates us from him. We can't talk our way out of it. We can't work our way our way out of it. We can't work our way our way out of it. We can't work our way out of it. We can't be religious out of out of it. We can't be religious out of out of it. We can't be religious out of it. We can't be good enough to get out it. We can't be good enough to get out it. We can't be good enough to get out of it. The decree stands. of it. The decree stands. of it. The decree stands. So So So God didn't erase the decree.

God didn't erase the decree. God didn't erase the decree. God overpowered it. God overpowered it. God overpowered it. >> And what did he do? God became flesh. >> And what did he do? God became flesh. >> And what did he do? God became flesh. For God so loved the world that he sent For God so loved the world that he sent For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son Jesus. His son his one and only son Jesus. His son his one and only son Jesus. His son Jesus lived the life we couldn't live. Jesus lived the life we couldn't live. Jesus lived the life we couldn't live. Perfect in every way. A lamb without Perfect in every way. A lamb without Perfect in every way. A lamb without spot or wrinkle. Sinless life. And he spot or wrinkle. Sinless life. And he spot or wrinkle. Sinless life. And he died the death that we deserved. died the death that we deserved. died the death that we deserved. condemned, condemned, condemned, crucified, and buried. Watch this. The crucified, and buried. Watch this. The crucified, and buried. Watch this. The cross was real. cross was real. cross was real. The tomb was real. The tomb was real. The tomb was real. >> His death was real. >> His death was real. >> His death was real. >> But real doesn't mean final. >> But real doesn't mean final. >> But real doesn't mean final. >> Because three days later, when the stone >> Because three days later, when the stone >> Because three days later, when the stone was rolled away, Jesus was not there. was rolled away, Jesus was not there. was rolled away, Jesus was not there. And our good God issued a greater And our good God issued a greater And our good God issued a greater decree. The first decree is still there. decree. The first decree is still there. decree. The first decree is still there. What is it? For the wages of sin is What is it? For the wages of sin is What is it? For the wages of sin is death. But God overruled that and said, death. But God overruled that and said, death. But God overruled that and said, "BUT THE GIFT OF God is eternal life in "BUT THE GIFT OF God is eternal life in "BUT THE GIFT OF God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Think about Christ Jesus our Lord." Think about Christ Jesus our Lord." Think about this. Whenever Jesus gave his life for this. Whenever Jesus gave his life for this. Whenever Jesus gave his life for my sins, for your sins on the cross, the my sins, for your sins on the cross, the my sins, for your sins on the cross, the enemy thought that he'd won.

enemy thought that he'd won. enemy thought that he'd won. But God had the final word. God's been But God had the final word. God's been But God had the final word. God's been turning things around since we needed turning things around since we needed turning things around since we needed grace. Hear it, feel it, internalize it. grace. Hear it, feel it, internalize it. grace. Hear it, feel it, internalize it. We've all sinned. We've all sinned. We've all sinned. >> We've all messed up. You feel that that >> We've all messed up. You feel that that >> We've all messed up. You feel that that that guilt and that sense like, "Oh, I I that guilt and that sense like, "Oh, I I that guilt and that sense like, "Oh, I I I feel dirty, so I want to work my way I feel dirty, so I want to work my way I feel dirty, so I want to work my way to YOU CAN'T WORK YOUR WAY TO HIM." to YOU CAN'T WORK YOUR WAY TO HIM." to YOU CAN'T WORK YOUR WAY TO HIM." >> The decree stands. Our sin separates us >> The decree stands. Our sin separates us >> The decree stands. Our sin separates us from God, but God, who is full of mercy, from God, but God, who is full of mercy, from God, but God, who is full of mercy, draws us with his loving kindness. draws us with his loving kindness. draws us with his loving kindness. Overpowered the first decree, did what Overpowered the first decree, did what Overpowered the first decree, did what we couldn't do for ourselves, sent his we couldn't do for ourselves, sent his we couldn't do for ourselves, sent his son to die in our place and raised him son to die in our place and raised him son to die in our place and raised him from the dead. So that anyone, it from the dead. So that anyone, it from the dead. So that anyone, it doesn't matter what you've done, listen, doesn't matter what you've done, listen, doesn't matter what you've done, listen, that doesn't matter how dark your life that doesn't matter how dark your life that doesn't matter how dark your life is, how much you've done wrong. Anyone is, how much you've done wrong. Anyone is, how much you've done wrong. Anyone who calls on his name, the name of who calls on his name, the name of who calls on his name, the name of Jesus, the name that is above every Jesus, the name that is above every Jesus, the name that is above every name, your sins would be forgiven, name, your sins would be forgiven, name, your sins would be forgiven, separated from you as far as the east is separated from you as far as the east is separated from you as far as the east is from the west, and your name written in from the west, and your name written in from the west, and your name written in the book of life. And you belong to him, the book of life. And you belong to him, the book of life. And you belong to him, not because you're good, but because he not because you're good, but because he not because you're good, but because he is that good. Anytime you want to give is that good. Anytime you want to give is that good. Anytime you want to give him some praise, wherever you are today, him some praise, wherever you are today, him some praise, wherever you are today, wherever I hope you give him some praise wherever I hope you give him some praise wherever I hope you give him some praise because the old decree stands, but he because the old decree stands, but he because the old decree stands, but he overpowered overpowered overpowered it. Our God it. Our God it. Our God is so good. And we see that in our story is so good. And we see that in our story is so good. And we see that in our story in the book of Esther. The king couldn't in the book of Esther. The king couldn't in the book of Esther. The king couldn't undo the decree, so he made a new one.

undo the decree, so he made a new one. undo the decree, so he made a new one. And the new decree said that the Jews And the new decree said that the Jews And the new decree said that the Jews had the right to defend themselves and had the right to defend themselves and had the right to defend themselves and to fight back. And so when the day came to fight back. And so when the day came to fight back. And so when the day came that they were supposed to be destroyed, that they were supposed to be destroyed, that they were supposed to be destroyed, it wasn't even close. The day of their it wasn't even close. The day of their it wasn't even close. The day of their destruction became the day of their destruction became the day of their destruction became the day of their deliverance. Look at look at God's word. deliverance. Look at look at God's word. deliverance. Look at look at God's word. Esther 9 20 and 22. He says, "Mori Esther 9 20 and 22. He says, "Mori Esther 9 20 and 22. He says, "Mori recorded these events and he sent recorded these events and he sent recorded these events and he sent letters to all the Jews to have them letters to all the Jews to have them letters to all the Jews to have them celebrate annually as their time when celebrate annually as their time when celebrate annually as their time when the Jews got relief from their enemies the Jews got relief from their enemies the Jews got relief from their enemies as the month when their watch this when as the month when their watch this when as the month when their watch this when their sorrow was turned into joy and their sorrow was turned into joy and their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of their mourning into a day of their mourning into a day of celebration. when their sorrow was celebration. when their sorrow was celebration. when their sorrow was turned into joy and they find themselves turned into joy and they find themselves turned into joy and they find themselves their mourning turned into to dancing. their mourning turned into to dancing. their mourning turned into to dancing. The day that they were supposed to be The day that they were supposed to be The day that they were supposed to be destroyed became the day of their destroyed became the day of their destroyed became the day of their deliverance. And so that's why I want to deliverance. And so that's why I want to deliverance. And so that's why I want to talk to those of you who feel like talk to those of you who feel like talk to those of you who feel like you're waiting on something that may you're waiting on something that may you're waiting on something that may never come.

never come. never come. Whatever you're facing, Whatever you're facing, Whatever you're facing, do not mistake what's real for what's do not mistake what's real for what's do not mistake what's real for what's final. final. final. And I know many of you are facing And I know many of you are facing And I know many of you are facing something very real. The pain is real. something very real. The pain is real. something very real. The pain is real. The diagnosis is real. The betrayal, The diagnosis is real. The betrayal, The diagnosis is real. The betrayal, what they did to hurt you is real. The what they did to hurt you is real. The what they did to hurt you is real. The loss is real. We serve a God who's been loss is real. We serve a God who's been loss is real. We serve a God who's been turning things around since we first turning things around since we first turning things around since we first needed grace. We see it in Esther's needed grace. We see it in Esther's needed grace. We see it in Esther's story. And if you're open to the work of story. And if you're open to the work of story. And if you're open to the work of the power of the spirit in you, we will the power of the spirit in you, we will the power of the spirit in you, we will see it in your story. see it in your story. see it in your story. There are those of you that I believe There are those of you that I believe There are those of you that I believe [clears throat] God is issuing a new [clears throat] God is issuing a new [clears throat] God is issuing a new decree over your life, even as we speak. decree over your life, even as we speak. decree over your life, even as we speak. Not the one that the enemy wrote, Not the one that the enemy wrote, Not the one that the enemy wrote, not the one that's been haunting you not the one that's been haunting you not the one that's been haunting you your whole life. A new one with greater your whole life. A new one with greater your whole life. A new one with greater authority that overpowers all the authority that overpowers all the authority that overpowers all the others. others. others. Hear it, feel it, and believe it. You Hear it, feel it, and believe it. You Hear it, feel it, and believe it. You are not who they said that you are.

are not who they said that you are. are not who they said that you are. You are not what that season says about You are not what that season says about You are not what that season says about you. you. you. >> You're not defined by a failure that >> You're not defined by a failure that >> You're not defined by a failure that felt permanent in your life. The enemy felt permanent in your life. The enemy felt permanent in your life. The enemy doesn't get the final word over your doesn't get the final word over your doesn't get the final word over your life. Our good God does. life. Our good God does. life. Our good God does. >> Our God gets the final word. >> Our God gets the final word. >> Our God gets the final word. Now, [applause] Now, [applause] Now, [applause] I know what some of you are thinking. I know what some of you are thinking. I know what some of you are thinking. Well, easy for you to say, Pastor Craig, Well, easy for you to say, Pastor Craig, Well, easy for you to say, Pastor Craig, with your easy little cushy life and with your easy little cushy life and with your easy little cushy life and your stupid cats. your stupid cats. your stupid cats. We do not have any cats anymore. We are We do not have any cats anymore. We are We do not have any cats anymore. We are cat-free, just so you know. Completely cat-free, just so you know. Completely cat-free, just so you know. Completely cat-free to the glory of God. cat-free to the glory of God. cat-free to the glory of God. But we do have grandkids. So, oh dear. But we do have grandkids. So, oh dear. But we do have grandkids. So, oh dear. [laughter] You never know what Amy will [laughter] You never know what Amy will [laughter] You never know what Amy will get with those things go. Um, get with those things go. Um, get with those things go. Um, I'll tell you right now that there are I'll tell you right now that there are I'll tell you right now that there are um there are so many different areas of um there are so many different areas of um there are so many different areas of my my life where there are voices that my my life where there are voices that my my life where there are voices that feel like a final verdict. [music] And feel like a final verdict. [music] And feel like a final verdict. [music] And um and my whole life, I'm not going to um and my whole life, I'm not going to um and my whole life, I'm not going to lie to you, my whole life, I've heard lie to you, my whole life, I've heard lie to you, my whole life, I've heard this voice over and over and over again this voice over and over and over again this voice over and over and over again that tells me, Craig, [music] you're not that tells me, Craig, [music] you're not that tells me, Craig, [music] you're not enough. And enough. And enough. And I mean, every version of that you can I mean, every version of that you can I mean, every version of that you can imagine. You're not smart enough. You're imagine. You're not smart enough. You're imagine. You're not smart enough. You're not good enough. you're not spiritual not good enough. you're not spiritual not good enough. you're not spiritual enough, you'll never be enough.

enough, you'll never be enough. enough, you'll never be enough. And then the problem I have is that And then the problem I have is that And then the problem I have is that because I believe that it puts me into a because I believe that it puts me into a because I believe that it puts me into a tail spin because I care so much about tail spin because I care so much about tail spin because I care so much about you as as the flock entrusted to my care you as as the flock entrusted to my care you as as the flock entrusted to my care and I want to I want to be there. I want and I want to I want to be there. I want and I want to I want to be there. I want to be available for everybody and I to be available for everybody and I to be available for everybody and I can't like I can't. And so what happens can't like I can't. And so what happens can't like I can't. And so what happens is sometimes I disappoint people that I is sometimes I disappoint people that I is sometimes I disappoint people that I love and it wrecks me and the voice love and it wrecks me and the voice love and it wrecks me and the voice says, "See, says, "See, says, "See, told you you weren't enough. See, I told told you you weren't enough. See, I told told you you weren't enough. See, I told you you're not a good pastor. See, I you you're not a good pastor. See, I you you're not a good pastor. See, I told you you will never ever be enough." told you you will never ever be enough." told you you will never ever be enough." And the hardest part about that decree I'll never be enough. I'll never be enough. I am not smart enough I am not smart enough I am not smart enough and I am not good enough and I still and I am not good enough and I still and I am not good enough and I still fall short and I still sin and I'm not fall short and I still sin and I'm not fall short and I still sin and I'm not I'm not sometimes spiritual enough.

I'm not sometimes spiritual enough. I'm not sometimes spiritual enough. That decree is true. I'm not enough. That decree is true. I'm not enough. That decree is true. I'm not enough. But truth is not final But truth is not final But truth is not final because my [music] God issued a greater because my [music] God issued a greater because my [music] God issued a greater decree that overrules that. And the decree that overrules that. And the decree that overrules that. And the greater degree says God says my grace greater degree says God says my grace greater degree says God says my grace [music] [music] [music] is sufficient for you. And God says my is sufficient for you. And God says my is sufficient for you. And God says my power is made perfect in your weakness. power is made perfect in your weakness. power is made perfect in your weakness. And so all of the sudden I can say, And so all of the sudden I can say, And so all of the sudden I can say, "Hey, I actually embrace that weakness, "Hey, I actually embrace that weakness, "Hey, I actually embrace that weakness, my not enoughness." Because in my not my not enoughness." Because in my not my not enoughness." Because in my not enoughness, his power is more than enoughness, his power is more than enoughness, his power is more than enoughness. I just said that. I don't enoughness. I just said that. I don't enoughness. I just said that. I don't know if it made sense, but you know what know if it made sense, but you know what know if it made sense, but you know what I'm saying. In my weakness, in my I'm saying. In my weakness, in my I'm saying. In my weakness, in my frailty, in my lack, his power is more frailty, in my lack, his power is more frailty, in my lack, his power is more than enough. His power is made PERFECT than enough. His power is made PERFECT than enough. His power is made PERFECT IN MY NOT ENOUGHNESS. So my not IN MY NOT ENOUGHNESS. So my not IN MY NOT ENOUGHNESS. So my not enoughness isn't really a weakness, but enoughness isn't really a weakness, but enoughness isn't really a weakness, but it's a conduit to his power to work it's a conduit to his power to work it's a conduit to his power to work through me. So when the devil tells me through me. So when the devil tells me through me. So when the devil tells me you're not enough, I can say, "Well, you're not enough, I can say, "Well, you're not enough, I can say, "Well, actually, you're right. I'm not enough."

actually, you're right. I'm not enough." actually, you're right. I'm not enough." But I serve a God who is more than But I serve a God who is more than But I serve a God who is more than enough and his power is working in me enough and his power is working in me enough and his power is working in me and through me right now. and through me right now. and through me right now. [applause and music] [applause and music] [applause and music] And so I pray when I and I'm I'm just And so I pray when I and I'm I'm just And so I pray when I and I'm I'm just like it's so when I tell you LIKE HEAR like it's so when I tell you LIKE HEAR like it's so when I tell you LIKE HEAR THE GOSPEL like you've heard it for the THE GOSPEL like you've heard it for the THE GOSPEL like you've heard it for the first time. And and and I and I tell you first time. And and and I and I tell you first time. And and and I and I tell you like I I I I want you if I could talk to like I I I I want you if I could talk to like I I I I want you if I could talk to every single one of you personally, what every single one of you personally, what every single one of you personally, what I would do is I would look across the I would do is I would look across the I would do is I would look across the table and tell you the same thing I tell table and tell you the same thing I tell table and tell you the same thing I tell myself. And that's this. Whatever voice myself. And that's this. Whatever voice myself. And that's this. Whatever voice has been naming you, accusing you, has been naming you, accusing you, has been naming you, accusing you, robbing you, lying to you. Don't give it robbing you, lying to you. Don't give it robbing you, lying to you. Don't give it authority that God never gave it. authority that God never gave it. authority that God never gave it. >> Don't give IT AUTHORITY THAT GOD never >> Don't give IT AUTHORITY THAT GOD never >> Don't give IT AUTHORITY THAT GOD never gave it. gave it. gave it. GOD GETS THE final word. GOD GETS THE final word. GOD GETS THE final word. >> And so you're if you're IN SOME PLACE IN >> And so you're if you're IN SOME PLACE IN >> And so you're if you're IN SOME PLACE IN YOUR life right now and you can't see YOUR life right now and you can't see YOUR life right now and you can't see his hand, his hand, his hand, Esther couldn't either. Esther couldn't either. Esther couldn't either. But watch this. God was working in all But watch this. God was working in all But watch this. God was working in all things. If you've been with us, think things. If you've been with us, think things. If you've been with us, think about it. Think about it. THINK ABOUT about it. Think about it. THINK ABOUT about it. Think about it. THINK ABOUT IT. WHERE WAS GOD WORKING? Where was God IT. WHERE WAS GOD WORKING? Where was God IT. WHERE WAS GOD WORKING? Where was God working? Through a drunk, drunk king working? Through a drunk, drunk king working? Through a drunk, drunk king full of himself. through a defiant queen full of himself. through a defiant queen full of himself. through a defiant queen standing up for herself. Through an standing up for herself. Through an standing up for herself. Through an empty throne, through a little Jewish empty throne, through a little Jewish empty throne, through a little Jewish orphan raised by her cousin, THROUGH AN orphan raised by her cousin, THROUGH AN orphan raised by her cousin, THROUGH AN UNEXPECTED CROWN, through a good deed UNEXPECTED CROWN, through a good deed UNEXPECTED CROWN, through a good deed with with Mori, from something that was with with Mori, from something that was with with Mori, from something that was recorded and then forgotten, then

recorded and then forgotten, then recorded and then forgotten, then through an evil decree, then a sleepless through an evil decree, then a sleepless through an evil decree, then a sleepless night and a boring book and one woman's night and a boring book and one woman's night and a boring book and one woman's bold step of faith. than a new decree bold step of faith. than a new decree bold step of faith. than a new decree that overruled the first decree that that overruled the first decree that that overruled the first decree that delivered a nation and set some people delivered a nation and set some people delivered a nation and set some people free. Come on, church. Don't just sit free. Come on, church. Don't just sit free. Come on, church. Don't just sit there. Give God praise. And what I want there. Give God praise. And what I want there. Give God praise. And what I want you to realize, you to realize, you to realize, remember week one, what was the unusual remember week one, what was the unusual remember week one, what was the unusual fact about the book of Esther? Do you fact about the book of Esther? Do you fact about the book of Esther? Do you remember what it is about God's name? remember what it is about God's name? remember what it is about God's name? Think what was it? God's name is never Think what was it? God's name is never Think what was it? God's name is never mentioned in the whole book. mentioned in the whole book. mentioned in the whole book. God's name is never mentioned in the God's name is never mentioned in the God's name is never mentioned in the whole book. whole book. whole book. And yet he's working in every detail on And yet he's working in every detail on And yet he's working in every detail on every page. And he was working in every every page. And he was working in every every page. And he was working in every detail then and he's working in every detail then and he's working in every detail then and he's working in every detail now. detail now. detail now. So if you're tempted to give up, So if you're tempted to give up, So if you're tempted to give up, don't. don't. don't. If you're tempted to stop praying, If you're tempted to stop praying, If you're tempted to stop praying, [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] pray again.

pray again. pray again. If you stop dreaming, dream again. Why? If you stop dreaming, dream again. Why? If you stop dreaming, dream again. Why? Because your story isn't over. Because your story isn't over. Because your story isn't over. And real doesn't mean final. And real doesn't mean final. And real doesn't mean final. I came to tell somebody the truth of I came to tell somebody the truth of I came to tell somebody the truth of God's word. That God gets the final God's word. That God gets the final God's word. That God gets the final word. And what he says about you is word. And what he says about you is word. And what he says about you is true. The devil is a liar. And God's true. The devil is a liar. And God's true. The devil is a liar. And God's word is true about you. So, Holy Spirit, word is true about you. So, Holy Spirit, word is true about you. So, Holy Spirit, do a healing work in a way that only you do a healing work in a way that only you do a healing work in a way that only you can do. God, renew our minds with truth. can do. God, renew our minds with truth. can do. God, renew our minds with truth. Silence the lies of the devil. And God, Silence the lies of the devil. And God, Silence the lies of the devil. And God, whatever ungodly decree has been issued whatever ungodly decree has been issued whatever ungodly decree has been issued over someone today, we pray that you over someone today, we pray that you over someone today, we pray that you would overrule it with your truth. As would overrule it with your truth. As would overrule it with your truth. As you're praying today at all of our you're praying today at all of our you're praying today at all of our churches, I want to talk directly to churches, I want to talk directly to churches, I want to talk directly to those of you who feel like there's those of you who feel like there's those of you who feel like there's something in your life that you want to something in your life that you want to something in your life that you want to change. And maybe you're worried that change. And maybe you're worried that change. And maybe you're worried that it's too late. Could be a diagnosis, it's too late. Could be a diagnosis, it's too late. Could be a diagnosis, could be a financial situation, it could could be a financial situation, it could could be a financial situation, it could be a dream, it could be a relationship, be a dream, it could be a relationship, be a dream, it could be a relationship, it could be someone you're praying for it could be someone you're praying for it could be someone you're praying for to come to Jesus and it looks like to come to Jesus and it looks like to come to Jesus and it looks like they're never going to come. It could be they're never going to come. It could be they're never going to come. It could be uh your marriage, it could be something uh your marriage, it could be something uh your marriage, it could be something with a child. Those of you, there's with a child. Those of you, there's with a child. Those of you, there's something in your life that that you're something in your life that that you're something in your life that that you're believing for change. You believe so believing for change. You believe so believing for change. You believe so long you feel like it's not going to long you feel like it's not going to long you feel like it's not going to change. Would you raise your hand right change. Would you raise your hand right change. Would you raise your hand right now? All of our churches, raise your now? All of our churches, raise your now? All of our churches, raise your hands online, type in the comments hands online, type in the comments hands online, type in the comments section, I'm believing for God to show section, I'm believing for God to show section, I'm believing for God to show up and do something. How? Type it up and do something. How? Type it up and do something. How? Type it however you want to. That wasn't very

however you want to. That wasn't very however you want to. That wasn't very good. I God, I'm I'm believing that good. I God, I'm I'm believing that good. I God, I'm I'm believing that you're going to hear my prayer. As your you're going to hear my prayer. As your you're going to hear my prayer. As your hands are raised up, just just as even hands are raised up, just just as even hands are raised up, just just as even as an act of worship toward God in as an act of worship toward God in as an act of worship toward God in heaven, we're going to pray. heaven, we're going to pray. heaven, we're going to pray. Father, you hear the cries of our heart. Father, you hear the cries of our heart. Father, you hear the cries of our heart. You've always been faithful. You've always been faithful. You've always been faithful. God, your word is true, and your word God, your word is true, and your word God, your word is true, and your word always accomplishes your purposes. So always accomplishes your purposes. So always accomplishes your purposes. So God, right now, if we're facing God, right now, if we're facing God, right now, if we're facing something that is real and painful, God, something that is real and painful, God, something that is real and painful, God, we give you praise that real is not we give you praise that real is not we give you praise that real is not final. final. final. God, for every decree that's been spoken God, for every decree that's been spoken God, for every decree that's been spoken or issued over someone that is not your or issued over someone that is not your or issued over someone that is not your best, God, overrule it [music] best, God, overrule it [music] best, God, overrule it [music] with your truth. with your truth. with your truth. God, we pray for miracles. We pray for God, we pray for miracles. We pray for God, we pray for miracles. We pray for breakthrough. We pray for We pray for breakthrough. We pray for We pray for breakthrough. We pray for We pray for healing. God, we pray for restoration. healing. God, we pray for restoration. healing. God, we pray for restoration. God, we pray for new relationships. God, God, we pray for new relationships. God, God, we pray for new relationships. God, we pray for healing of faith. we pray for healing of faith. we pray for healing of faith. God, we look to you, believing by your God, we look to you, believing by your God, we look to you, believing by your power, you will overcome all the lies of power, you will overcome all the lies of power, you will overcome all the lies of the enemy. God, overcome them with your the enemy. God, overcome them with your the enemy. God, overcome them with your truth.

truth. truth. As you keep praying today at all of our As you keep praying today at all of our As you keep praying today at all of our churches, there are those of you that churches, there are those of you that churches, there are those of you that you you you don't know where you stand you you you don't know where you stand you you you don't know where you stand with God. Let me talk to you again. And with God. Let me talk to you again. And with God. Let me talk to you again. And I'm going to slow this down. Nobody I'm going to slow this down. Nobody I'm going to slow this down. Nobody looking around. And I want to slow this looking around. And I want to slow this looking around. And I want to slow this down. Do you know? Are you confident of down. Do you know? Are you confident of down. Do you know? Are you confident of where you stand with God? [music] where you stand with God? [music] where you stand with God? [music] If you're not, just just listen very If you're not, just just listen very If you're not, just just listen very very carefully. Hear it. Maybe you've very carefully. Hear it. Maybe you've very carefully. Hear it. Maybe you've grown up around it. Hear it like you've grown up around it. Hear it like you've grown up around it. Hear it like you've never heard it before. never heard it before. never heard it before. God created all of us to know him. And God created all of us to know him. And God created all of us to know him. And all of us have turned to our own way. all of us have turned to our own way. all of us have turned to our own way. We've sinned. And there is a decree that We've sinned. And there is a decree that We've sinned. And there is a decree that says the wages of sin is death. [music] says the wages of sin is death. [music] says the wages of sin is death. [music] Sin separates us from a holy God. But Sin separates us from a holy God. But Sin separates us from a holy God. But God overruled that decree. The wages of God overruled that decree. The wages of God overruled that decree. The wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is sin is death. But the gift of God is sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our eternal life through Christ Jesus our eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Who is Jesus? He is the sinless Lord. Who is Jesus? He is the sinless Lord. Who is Jesus? He is the sinless son of God who didn't come to condemn son of God who didn't come to condemn son of God who didn't come to condemn the world but to forgive and to free the the world but to forgive and to free the the world but to forgive and to free the world. [music] He did not come for those world. [music] He did not come for those world. [music] He did not come for those who are righteous. He came for sinners.

who are righteous. He came for sinners. who are righteous. He came for sinners. He came for broken people. He came for He came for broken people. He came for He came for broken people. He came for those who were hurting. Jesus the son of those who were hurting. Jesus the son of those who were hurting. Jesus the son of God who was without sin paid the price God who was without sin paid the price God who was without sin paid the price and died the death that we should have and died the death that we should have and died the death that we should have paid and died and we should have died paid and died and we should have died paid and died and we should have died and God raised him from the dead and God raised him from the dead and God raised him from the dead overruling the previous decree. And now overruling the previous decree. And now overruling the previous decree. And now anyone who calls on his name would be anyone who calls on his name would be anyone who calls on his name would be forgiven. Today there are those of you forgiven. Today there are those of you forgiven. Today there are those of you you may have prayed a little prayer. You you may have prayed a little prayer. You you may have prayed a little prayer. You you may have got baptized as a kid not you may have got baptized as a kid not you may have got baptized as a kid not really understood it. You may have grown really understood it. You may have grown really understood it. You may have grown up in Sunday school. You may be so far up in Sunday school. You may be so far up in Sunday school. You may be so far from God and can't even believe you're from God and can't even believe you're from God and can't even believe you're in church right now, but there's in church right now, but there's in church right now, but there's something drawing you to him. What I something drawing you to him. What I something drawing you to him. What I want you to do today is I want you to want you to do today is I want you to want you to do today is I want you to recognize that that the new decree has recognize that that the new decree has recognize that that the new decree has overpowered it. And I want you to overpowered it. And I want you to overpowered it. And I want you to receive it. It is the gift of God. receive it. It is the gift of God. receive it. It is the gift of God. Scripture says that we're saved [music] Scripture says that we're saved [music] Scripture says that we're saved [music] not by works, but by the grace of God not by works, but by the grace of God not by works, but by the grace of God through faith. It's the gift of eternal through faith. It's the gift of eternal through faith. It's the gift of eternal life. Today at all of our churches, life. Today at all of our churches, life. Today at all of our churches, those who say, "I really don't know those who say, "I really don't know those who say, "I really don't know where [music] I stand, but I hear the where [music] I stand, but I hear the where [music] I stand, but I hear the gospel. This is the good news. It's such gospel. This is the good news. It's such gospel. This is the good news. It's such good news because you can't earn it. You good news because you can't earn it. You good news because you can't earn it. You don't deserve it. It is the gift of God.

don't deserve it. It is the gift of God. don't deserve it. It is the gift of God. You say, "That's too good to be true." You say, "That's too good to be true." You say, "That's too good to be true." It's too good not to be true. That's how It's too good not to be true. That's how It's too good not to be true. That's how much God loves you. He sent his son to much God loves you. He sent his son to much God loves you. He sent his son to die in our place and was raised so you die in our place and was raised so you die in our place and was raised so you could be forgiven and experience [music] could be forgiven and experience [music] could be forgiven and experience [music] God's grace in his life. And all of our God's grace in his life. And all of our God's grace in his life. And all of our churches, those who say, "That's me churches, those who say, "That's me churches, those who say, "That's me today. I'm stepping away from my sin. today. I'm stepping away from my sin. today. I'm stepping away from my sin. I'm calling on Jesus. When you do, he'll I'm calling on Jesus. When you do, he'll I'm calling on Jesus. When you do, he'll hear your prayer, forgive all your sins, hear your prayer, forgive all your sins, hear your prayer, forgive all your sins, and [music] make you brand new." Listen, and [music] make you brand new." Listen, and [music] make you brand new." Listen, you are not here by accident. It's by you are not here by accident. It's by you are not here by accident. It's by the providence of God this moment. Some the providence of God this moment. Some the providence of God this moment. Some of you, your your heart's beating right of you, your your heart's beating right of you, your your heart's beating right now. You feel it like, "Should I do now. You feel it like, "Should I do now. You feel it like, "Should I do this?" Yeah, absolutely. God's been this?" Yeah, absolutely. God's been this?" Yeah, absolutely. God's been drawing you here. You're here for this drawing you here. You're here for this drawing you here. You're here for this reason. This is your moment. This is reason. This is your moment. This is reason. This is your moment. This is your moment. This is the moment of your your moment. This is the moment of your your moment. This is the moment of your salvation. All of our churches, you say, salvation. All of our churches, you say, salvation. All of our churches, you say, "Okay, it's me. Yes, it's me. Yes, I "Okay, it's me. Yes, it's me. Yes, I "Okay, it's me. Yes, it's me. Yes, I need his grace. I need his forgiveness need his grace. I need his forgiveness need his grace. I need his forgiveness today. I'm stepping away from my sin. today. I'm stepping away from my sin. today. I'm stepping away from my sin. I'm giving my life to Jesus. When you I'm giving my life to Jesus. When you I'm giving my life to Jesus. When you do, he hears your prayers, forgives your do, he hears your prayers, forgives your do, he hears your prayers, forgives your sins, and makes you new." That's your sins, and makes you new." That's your sins, and makes you new." That's your prayer. And say, "Yes, Jesus. I give you prayer. And say, "Yes, Jesus. I give you prayer. And say, "Yes, Jesus. I give you my life." That's your prayer. Lift your my life." That's your prayer. Lift your my life." That's your prayer. Lift your hand high right now all over the place. hand high right now all over the place. hand high right now all over the place. And say, "Yes." God bless you there. And And say, "Yes." God bless you there. And And say, "Yes." God bless you there. And right back here are others saying yes right back here are others saying yes right back here are others saying yes Jesus right over there as well. Oh Jesus right over there as well. Oh Jesus right over there as well. Oh praise God up here. And yes here. Right praise God up here. And yes here. Right praise God up here. And yes here. Right back there. God bless you guys. Come on back there. God bless you guys. Come on back there. God bless you guys. Come on church. Give God some praise for both of church. Give God some praise for both of church. Give God some praise for both of you. Much love. Let's much love. Others you. Much love. Let's much love. Others you. Much love. Let's much love. Others today say yes Jesus I surrender. Online today say yes Jesus I surrender. Online today say yes Jesus I surrender. Online just type in the comment section. I'm just type in the comment section. I'm just type in the comment section. I'm surrendering my life to Christ. Church surrendering my life to Christ. Church surrendering my life to Christ. Church in this holy moment.

in this holy moment. in this holy moment. Would you just pray with those around Would you just pray with those around Would you just pray with those around you? Pray. Heavenly father you? Pray. Heavenly father you? Pray. Heavenly father >> I know I've sinned. >> I know I've sinned. >> I know I've sinned. I turn from my sin. I turn from my sin. I turn from my sin. >> And I turn to Jesus. >> And I turn to Jesus. >> And I turn to Jesus. >> Jesus, save me. >> Jesus, save me. >> Jesus, save me. >> Forgive my sins. >> Forgive my sins. >> Forgive my sins. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> I receive your gift. >> I receive your gift. >> I receive your gift. >> Receive your gift. >> Receive your gift. >> Receive your gift. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> So I could know you. >> So I could know you. >> So I could know you. >> So I could serve you >> So I could serve you >> So I could serve you >> with my whole life. My life is no longer >> with my whole life. My life is no longer >> with my whole life. My life is no longer my own. my own. my own. I give it all to you. I give it all to you. I give it all to you. God, thank you for new life. You have God, thank you for new life. You have God, thank you for new life. You have all of mine. [music] In Jesus name I all of mine. [music] In Jesus name I all of mine. [music] In Jesus name I pray. Church, would you celebrate big? pray. Church, would you celebrate big? pray. Church, would you celebrate big? Come on, somebody. Come on. >> Congratulations to those of you who just >> Congratulations to those of you who just surrendered your life to Jesus and said surrendered your life to Jesus and said surrendered your life to Jesus and said yes to him. I am not overstating this yes to him. I am not overstating this yes to him. I am not overstating this when I say that your life will truly when I say that your life will truly when I say that your life will truly never be the same. When you say yes to never be the same. When you say yes to never be the same. When you say yes to Jesus, scripture says that you are a new Jesus, scripture says that you are a new Jesus, scripture says that you are a new creation. The old [music] life, it's creation. The old [music] life, it's creation. The old [music] life, it's gone. Your new life is here. You gone. Your new life is here. You gone. Your new life is here. You literally have the spirit of God, the literally have the spirit of God, the literally have the spirit of God, the same spirit that raised Jesus from the same spirit that raised Jesus from the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead living in you. So, you are walking dead living in you. So, you are walking dead living in you. So, you are walking out of this service different and I out of this service different and I out of this service different and I could not be more thrilled for you.

could not be more thrilled for you. could not be more thrilled for you. [music] There's two things I want you to [music] There's two things I want you to [music] There's two things I want you to do though before you leave service do though before you leave service do though before you leave service today. One, I want you to tell someone today. One, I want you to tell someone today. One, I want you to tell someone about this decision. It could be a about this decision. It could be a about this decision. It could be a friend, a family member, a co-orker that friend, a family member, a co-orker that friend, a family member, a co-orker that comes to mind. Shoot them [music] a comes to mind. Shoot them [music] a comes to mind. Shoot them [music] a text. Let them know that I gave my life text. Let them know that I gave my life text. Let them know that I gave my life to Jesus and allow them to celebrate to Jesus and allow them to celebrate to Jesus and allow them to celebrate with you. Second thing is we want to get with you. Second thing is we want to get with you. Second thing is we want to get a resource in your hand. You probably a resource in your hand. You probably a resource in your hand. You probably have questions about, okay, I made this have questions about, okay, I made this have questions about, okay, I made this decision today, but what does tomorrow decision today, but what does tomorrow decision today, but what does tomorrow look like? How do I actually get to know look like? How do I actually get to know look like? How do I actually get to know God? And I want to let you know those God? And I want to let you know those God? And I want to let you know those are completely normal questions. And we are completely normal questions. And we are completely normal questions. And we actually created a resource with you in actually created a resource with you in actually created a resource with you in mind that's called You [music] Said Yes. mind that's called You [music] Said Yes. mind that's called You [music] Said Yes. It is a 21-day devotional that you can It is a 21-day devotional that you can It is a 21-day devotional that you can do alongside other people. You can get do alongside other people. You can get do alongside other people. You can get that by downloading the um book at the that by downloading the um book at the that by downloading the um book at the link on the screen or in [music] the link on the screen or in [music] the link on the screen or in [music] the chat. When you give us your information, chat. When you give us your information, chat. When you give us your information, we're going to send that right to your we're going to send that right to your we're going to send that right to your inbox. And I can't wait to see the value inbox. And I can't wait to see the value inbox. And I can't wait to see the value that this is going to add to your life. that this is going to add to your life. that this is going to add to your life. Well, we are here the final week of Well, we are here the final week of Well, we are here the final week of Esther. I'm telling you, it's a little Esther. I'm telling you, it's a little Esther. I'm telling you, it's a little bittersweet. And if there is one thing bittersweet. And if there is one thing bittersweet. And if there is one thing that I hope you walk away from this that I hope you walk away from this that I hope you walk away from this series with [music] is that even when series with [music] is that even when series with [music] is that even when you don't see God, even when life you don't see God, even when life you don't see God, even when life literally goes nothing according to literally goes nothing according to literally goes nothing according to plan, I want you to remember that he is plan, I want you to remember that he is plan, I want you to remember that he is present and that he is working. And this present and that he is working. And this present and that he is working. And this is going to be a series that I believe is going to be a series that I believe is going to be a series that I believe we're all going to be revisiting in the we're all going to be revisiting in the we're all going to be revisiting in the future. But that doesn't mean we don't future. But that doesn't mean we don't future. But that doesn't mean we don't have awesome things coming up. Next week have awesome things coming up. Next week have awesome things coming up. Next week we have one of the friends of our we have one of the friends of our we have one of the friends of our church, one of the very favorites, church, one of the very favorites, church, one of the very favorites, Pastor Robert Moo from Social Dallas Pastor Robert Moo from Social Dallas Pastor Robert Moo from Social Dallas joining us. And so go ahead and get the joining us. And so go ahead and get the joining us. And so go ahead and get the word out. Tell your friends, bring them word out. Tell your friends, bring them word out. Tell your friends, bring them back with you because we don't just say back with you because we don't just say back with you because we don't just say it, we mean it when we say that whoever it, we mean it when we say that whoever it, we mean it when we say that whoever finds God finds [music] life. We'll see finds God finds [music] life. We'll see finds God finds [music] life. We'll see you later.

Heat. Heat. [music]