If I Had More Time | A Talking Donkey

Welcome to the If I Had More Time Welcome to the If I Had More Time podcast. Thanks so much for joining us podcast. Thanks so much for joining us podcast. Thanks so much for joining us today. I'm here with the lead pastor of today. I'm here with the lead pastor of today. I'm here with the lead pastor of our San Clemeni congregation, Gavin our San Clemeni congregation, Gavin our San Clemeni congregation, Gavin Laming. Hello. Laming. Hello. Laming. Hello. >> And I have John Thomas here, our Irvine >> And I have John Thomas here, our Irvine >> And I have John Thomas here, our Irvine disciplehip pastor. Thank you guys for disciplehip pastor. Thank you guys for disciplehip pastor. Thank you guys for being here. being here. being here. >> Excited to be here. >> Excited to be here. >> Excited to be here. >> It's a pleasure. >> It's a pleasure. >> It's a pleasure. >> So fun. I have to say I It's been a few >> So fun. I have to say I It's been a few >> So fun. I have to say I It's been a few years of us doing this podcast. One of years of us doing this podcast. One of years of us doing this podcast. One of my favorite things is getting to my favorite things is getting to my favorite things is getting to basically hang out with my friends and basically hang out with my friends and basically hang out with my friends and we could just talk about what God's we could just talk about what God's we could just talk about what God's doing in our church. doing in our church. doing in our church. >> Friends though, is that >> Friends though, is that >> Friends though, is that >> equal footing? One more than the other >> equal footing? One more than the other >> equal footing? One more than the other one previous weeks actually one previous weeks actually one previous weeks actually had. No, no, it's a blast. It's fun to had. No, no, it's a blast. It's fun to had. No, no, it's a blast. It's fun to have both you guys on here and for our have both you guys on here and for our have both you guys on here and for our church to get to know you guys, too. church to get to know you guys, too. church to get to know you guys, too. It's really great. So, like I said, It's really great. So, like I said, It's really great. So, like I said, Gavin's down in San Clemeni. How is it Gavin's down in San Clemeni. How is it Gavin's down in San Clemeni. How is it down there? How's the surf? down there? How's the surf? down there? How's the surf? >> It's the best. The surf is amazing as >> It's the best. The surf is amazing as >> It's the best. The surf is amazing as always. weather is amazing. Superior to always. weather is amazing. Superior to always. weather is amazing. Superior to others perhaps. Just kidding. Um, but others perhaps. Just kidding. Um, but others perhaps. Just kidding. Um, but no, things are going really well. God's no, things are going really well. God's no, things are going really well. God's on the move and and he's doing beautiful on the move and and he's doing beautiful on the move and and he's doing beautiful things. things. things. >> Beautiful. >> Beautiful. >> Beautiful. >> What I love about you, Gavin, and I know >> What I love about you, Gavin, and I know >> What I love about you, Gavin, and I know this isn't what we're talking about this isn't what we're talking about this isn't what we're talking about today, but dude, you've always you've today, but dude, you've always you've today, but dude, you've always you've always got a story to share what God is always got a story to share what God is always got a story to share what God is doing doing doing >> uh in that context, I mean, you're >> uh in that context, I mean, you're >> uh in that context, I mean, you're someone who's so relationally connected someone who's so relationally connected someone who's so relationally connected in with your community, with your in with your community, with your in with your community, with your neighbors.

neighbors. neighbors. >> I mean, you're doing incredible >> I mean, you're doing incredible >> I mean, you're doing incredible incredible work. Always got a story to incredible work. Always got a story to incredible work. Always got a story to share. So, I'm going to ask you now, share. So, I'm going to ask you now, share. So, I'm going to ask you now, just give us a small snapshot, something just give us a small snapshot, something just give us a small snapshot, something that you've seen recently of how God's that you've seen recently of how God's that you've seen recently of how God's working in and through the community working in and through the community working in and through the community there in San. there in San. there in San. >> Oh, man. We just had VBS uh two weeks >> Oh, man. We just had VBS uh two weeks >> Oh, man. We just had VBS uh two weeks ago, was it two weeks ago? Right. ago, was it two weeks ago? Right. ago, was it two weeks ago? Right. >> Um and God exceeded our expectations >> Um and God exceeded our expectations >> Um and God exceeded our expectations remarkably. One way in particular, huge remarkably. One way in particular, huge remarkably. One way in particular, huge highlight. Nine kids said, "I believe highlight. Nine kids said, "I believe highlight. Nine kids said, "I believe and put their faith in Jesus for the and put their faith in Jesus for the and put their faith in Jesus for the first time." first time." first time." >> Amazing. >> Amazing. >> Amazing. >> Yeah. When we talk about VBS being a >> Yeah. When we talk about VBS being a >> Yeah. When we talk about VBS being a foundational aspect for many people's foundational aspect for many people's foundational aspect for many people's lives, lives, lives, >> it's true. and and we're at the >> it's true. and and we're at the >> it's true. and and we're at the forefront of it. And so that's one forefront of it. And so that's one forefront of it. And so that's one highlight. There's a thousand stories highlight. There's a thousand stories highlight. There's a thousand stories even within just that one day of EBS. even within just that one day of EBS. even within just that one day of EBS. But um yeah, it's been a it's been a But um yeah, it's been a it's been a But um yeah, it's been a it's been a really exciting, beautiful ride. really exciting, beautiful ride. really exciting, beautiful ride. >> Yeah, man. That's great, dude. >> Yeah, man. That's great, dude. >> Yeah, man. That's great, dude. Incredible. And you get to teach this Incredible. And you get to teach this Incredible. And you get to teach this weekend, too, right? Get to lead a weekend, too, right? Get to lead a weekend, too, right? Get to lead a really fun passage and stuff happening. really fun passage and stuff happening. really fun passage and stuff happening. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Talking donkeys and a prophet and >> Yeah. Talking donkeys and a prophet and >> Yeah. Talking donkeys and a prophet and a king and all sorts of fun things and a king and all sorts of fun things and a king and all sorts of fun things and numbers like every passage. numbers like every passage. numbers like every passage. >> I'm so excited for this week with the >> I'm so excited for this week with the >> I'm so excited for this week with the talking donkey. ever. Eric told us it talking donkey. ever. Eric told us it talking donkey. ever. Eric told us it was just like I mean how exciting is was just like I mean how exciting is was just like I mean how exciting is this? I'm gonna see a donkey talk. I this? I'm gonna see a donkey talk. I this? I'm gonna see a donkey talk. I think you referenced it in your message.

think you referenced it in your message. think you referenced it in your message. Of course, Of course, Of course, >> you're gonna see a donkey. That's like >> you're gonna see a donkey. That's like >> you're gonna see a donkey. That's like high. We're doing that. We're similating high. We're doing that. We're similating high. We're doing that. We're similating that. that. that. >> Yeah, I think so. Actually, we'll have >> Yeah, I think so. Actually, we'll have >> Yeah, I think so. Actually, we'll have talking donkeys at all congregations talking donkeys at all congregations talking donkeys at all congregations this weekend. this weekend. this weekend. >> Oh my goodness. I'm >> Oh my goodness. I'm >> Oh my goodness. I'm >> You were going somewhere though. I know >> You were going somewhere though. I know >> You were going somewhere though. I know where you were going. What's the where you were going. What's the where you were going. What's the cultural reference of this passage? Make cultural reference of this passage? Make cultural reference of this passage? Make the connection for us, Liz. the connection for us, Liz. the connection for us, Liz. Now I feel a lot of pressure because I Now I feel a lot of pressure because I Now I feel a lot of pressure because I haven't watched this movie in at least a haven't watched this movie in at least a haven't watched this movie in at least a decade. But it's one of the great decade. But it's one of the great decade. But it's one of the great expecting a great expecting a great expecting a great Shrek of course. And we have our our Shrek of course. And we have our our Shrek of course. And we have our our friend Donkey in there. I loved your friend Donkey in there. I loved your friend Donkey in there. I loved your reference for that. He's you got to just reference for that. He's you got to just reference for that. He's you got to just watch that with your son. Is that watch that with your son. Is that watch that with your son. Is that >> for the first time? Yes. He watched one >> for the first time? Yes. He watched one >> for the first time? Yes. He watched one of the greats Shrek. And from that of the greats Shrek. And from that of the greats Shrek. And from that moment on, most nights he'd go to bed moment on, most nights he'd go to bed moment on, most nights he'd go to bed saying in the morning I'm making saying in the morning I'm making saying in the morning I'm making waffles. So good. And he still does it. waffles. So good. And he still does it. waffles. So good. And he still does it. He still does it. He still does it. He still does it. >> Still want Eddie Murphy voice of hope >> Still want Eddie Murphy voice of hope >> Still want Eddie Murphy voice of hope too. Yes, the four-year-old is quite too. Yes, the four-year-old is quite too. Yes, the four-year-old is quite good at that. Absolutely. good at that. Absolutely. good at that. Absolutely. >> That's so impressive. Yes. Gavin, among >> That's so impressive. Yes. Gavin, among >> That's so impressive. Yes. Gavin, among many of our lead pastors, we're teaching many of our lead pastors, we're teaching many of our lead pastors, we're teaching through this passage this weekend in our through this passage this weekend in our through this passage this weekend in our seventh week of the book of Numbers.

seventh week of the book of Numbers. seventh week of the book of Numbers. Amazing. I can't believe it's coming to Amazing. I can't believe it's coming to Amazing. I can't believe it's coming to a close. a close. a close. >> We've seen some incredible scenes >> We've seen some incredible scenes >> We've seen some incredible scenes throughout this whole summer. and um throughout this whole summer. and um throughout this whole summer. and um yeah, so Gavin and a few others, Numbers yeah, so Gavin and a few others, Numbers yeah, so Gavin and a few others, Numbers 22 and a couple other chapters as well. 22 and a couple other chapters as well. 22 and a couple other chapters as well. But gosh, this story is pretty amazing. But gosh, this story is pretty amazing. But gosh, this story is pretty amazing. It's exciting. So, I I'd love for us to It's exciting. So, I I'd love for us to It's exciting. So, I I'd love for us to jump in and um just share a little bit jump in and um just share a little bit jump in and um just share a little bit about I don't know what we what stuck about I don't know what we what stuck about I don't know what we what stuck out to us from this and some things that out to us from this and some things that out to us from this and some things that we'd want to share further with we'd want to share further with we'd want to share further with everybody. So, um, I mean, we we everybody. So, um, I mean, we we everybody. So, um, I mean, we we practiced though beforehand, full practiced though beforehand, full practiced though beforehand, full disclosure, everybody, on some of these disclosure, everybody, on some of these disclosure, everybody, on some of these pronunciations of the names. pronunciations of the names. pronunciations of the names. >> Set it out for us right now because I I >> Set it out for us right now because I I >> Set it out for us right now because I I completely I wrote them down. We've got completely I wrote them down. We've got completely I wrote them down. We've got a couple characters in here. We have a couple characters in here. We have a couple characters in here. We have >> See, see, here we go. >> See, see, here we go. >> See, see, here we go. >> I'm now I'm stressed. >> I'm now I'm stressed. >> I'm now I'm stressed. >> You got it. Balam. >> You got it. Balam. >> You got it. Balam. >> Balam. Yep. He's the prophet. >> Balam. Yep. He's the prophet. >> Balam. Yep. He's the prophet. >> Yes. Pagan prophet. >> Yes. Pagan prophet. >> Yes. Pagan prophet. >> And then we have >> And then we have >> And then we have >> Oh, wait. I forgot. Ba. Ba. >> Oh, wait. I forgot. Ba. Ba. >> Oh, wait. I forgot. Ba. Ba. >> But did we say it was something >> But did we say it was something >> But did we say it was something different? I think that's it. different? I think that's it. different? I think that's it. >> However we say it, someone's going to >> However we say it, someone's going to >> However we say it, someone's going to say that we say it wrong. So just say say that we say it wrong. So just say say that we say it wrong. So just say confidently. I'm feeling good about and confidently. I'm feeling good about and confidently. I'm feeling good about and Baick.

Baick. Baick. >> Amazing. And who are these two >> Amazing. And who are these two >> Amazing. And who are these two characters? Yes. characters? Yes. characters? Yes. >> Now that we can pronounce her name >> Now that we can pronounce her name >> Now that we can pronounce her name successful. successful. successful. >> I think that was a question for you. >> I think that was a question for you. >> I think that was a question for you. >> That's great. That is the right >> That's great. That is the right >> That's great. That is the right question. So yes, there are three question. So yes, there are three question. So yes, there are three characters in the story. Balam, Baleik, characters in the story. Balam, Baleik, characters in the story. Balam, Baleik, and said talking donkey. Um and said talking donkey. Um and said talking donkey. Um >> unnamed. >> unnamed. >> unnamed. >> Unnamed. Just donkey. >> Unnamed. Just donkey. >> Unnamed. Just donkey. >> Yeah. Easy. >> Yeah. Easy. >> Yeah. Easy. >> Similar to Shrek >> Similar to Shrek >> Similar to Shrek >> but different. Um >> but different. Um >> but different. Um yeah. So, uh, Bailo is a king, king of yeah. So, uh, Bailo is a king, king of yeah. So, uh, Bailo is a king, king of Moab, um, which is a region where, uh, Moab, um, which is a region where, uh, Moab, um, which is a region where, uh, the Israelites have settled shortly the Israelites have settled shortly the Israelites have settled shortly before they're going to enter the before they're going to enter the before they're going to enter the promised land. Um, and then you have promised land. Um, and then you have promised land. Um, and then you have Balam, who is a pagan prophet. It is Balam, who is a pagan prophet. It is Balam, who is a pagan prophet. It is unclear whether or not he has made his unclear whether or not he has made his unclear whether or not he has made his allegiance to Yahweh, God of Israel, allegiance to Yahweh, God of Israel, allegiance to Yahweh, God of Israel, although he does refer to God as Yahweh, although he does refer to God as Yahweh, although he does refer to God as Yahweh, which would be the correct um, which would be the correct um, which would be the correct um, affiliation to God's people in the way affiliation to God's people in the way affiliation to God's people in the way that they would address him. that they would address him. that they would address him. >> Yeah. However, he is a pagan prophet and >> Yeah. However, he is a pagan prophet and >> Yeah. However, he is a pagan prophet and he is a professional seer, spiritual he is a professional seer, spiritual he is a professional seer, spiritual seer, quote unquote, that speaks to a seer, quote unquote, that speaks to a seer, quote unquote, that speaks to a number of different little G gods. And number of different little G gods. And number of different little G gods. And so when Bale comes to Balam, he's so when Bale comes to Balam, he's so when Bale comes to Balam, he's fearful, afraid of what might happen to fearful, afraid of what might happen to fearful, afraid of what might happen to him and his people. Um, and he goes to him and his people. Um, and he goes to him and his people. Um, and he goes to Balam because he has this international Balam because he has this international Balam because he has this international reputation as a spiritual seer. And in reputation as a spiritual seer. And in reputation as a spiritual seer. And in the text, it says, "Those who you bless the text, it says, "Those who you bless the text, it says, "Those who you bless are blessed and those who you curse are are blessed and those who you curse are are blessed and those who you curse are cursed." And so really what Balam cursed." And so really what Balam cursed." And so really what Balam functions as is um a person who holds functions as is um a person who holds functions as is um a person who holds the power and ability to communicate the power and ability to communicate the power and ability to communicate with the spiritual realm um and is going with the spiritual realm um and is going with the spiritual realm um and is going to try and do that with said capital G

to try and do that with said capital G to try and do that with said capital G God Yahweh. Although he may or may not God Yahweh. Although he may or may not God Yahweh. Although he may or may not have already spoken or encountered have already spoken or encountered have already spoken or encountered Yahweh, Yahweh, Yahweh, >> um he is now being hired to do so for >> um he is now being hired to do so for >> um he is now being hired to do so for the sake of the sake of the sake of >> Bao. Because Bailo is afraid, >> Bao. Because Bailo is afraid, >> Bao. Because Bailo is afraid, >> correct, >> correct, >> correct, >> of the Israelites sieging his own >> of the Israelites sieging his own >> of the Israelites sieging his own people. people. people. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> He's heard the stories. He's seen them >> He's heard the stories. He's seen them >> He's heard the stories. He's seen them attack neighboring or go against other attack neighboring or go against other attack neighboring or go against other neighboring nations and now he's worried neighboring nations and now he's worried neighboring nations and now he's worried about, oh man, are they going to come? about, oh man, are they going to come? about, oh man, are they going to come? >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> So that's where he's >> So that's where he's >> So that's where he's >> exactly hired out this spiritual seer. >> exactly hired out this spiritual seer. >> exactly hired out this spiritual seer. >> Yeah. You you set you set up the scene >> Yeah. You you set you set up the scene >> Yeah. You you set you set up the scene perfectly. So Israel has just moved perfectly. So Israel has just moved perfectly. So Israel has just moved through a region where the Amorites through a region where the Amorites through a region where the Amorites lived. Yeah. lived. Yeah. lived. Yeah. >> Um and >> Um and >> Um and >> completely destroyed them. Um yeah >> completely destroyed them. Um yeah >> completely destroyed them. Um yeah although Israel tried to do it although Israel tried to do it although Israel tried to do it peacefully the the leader of that region peacefully the the leader of that region peacefully the the leader of that region declined and tried to attack them and declined and tried to attack them and declined and tried to attack them and eventually lost. eventually lost. eventually lost. >> Yeah. And this is them laying siege of >> Yeah. And this is them laying siege of >> Yeah. And this is them laying siege of the promised land which they promised. the promised land which they promised. the promised land which they promised. Right. And then Right. And then Right. And then >> totally. Yes. And what's more even >> totally. Yes. And what's more even >> totally. Yes. And what's more even another layer within that is that the another layer within that is that the another layer within that is that the Amorites had previously defeated the Amorites had previously defeated the Amorites had previously defeated the Moabites. Moabites. Moabites. >> And so essentially Bal is bail is so >> And so essentially Bal is bail is so >> And so essentially Bal is bail is so scared because scared because scared because >> the enemy who defeated him has now been >> the enemy who defeated him has now been >> the enemy who defeated him has now been defeated by the Israelites. And the defeated by the Israelites. And the defeated by the Israelites. And the Israelites are Israelites are Israelites are >> right next to him at this point. And and >> right next to him at this point. And and >> right next to him at this point. And and so he's he's a little nervous.

so he's he's a little nervous. so he's he's a little nervous. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Right. >> Yeah. Right. >> Yeah. Right. >> So, we watch these interactions happen >> So, we watch these interactions happen >> So, we watch these interactions happen with Yahweh, the big G God. I'm glad with Yahweh, the big G God. I'm glad with Yahweh, the big G God. I'm glad that you referenced him like that. that you referenced him like that. that you referenced him like that. That's helpful for us. That's helpful for us. That's helpful for us. >> These interactions are kind of >> These interactions are kind of >> These interactions are kind of surprising because he does allow some of surprising because he does allow some of surprising because he does allow some of these things. You'd think this pagan these things. You'd think this pagan these things. You'd think this pagan prophet, he's totally going to be an prophet, he's totally going to be an prophet, he's totally going to be an enemy of God. God's going to smite him enemy of God. God's going to smite him enemy of God. God's going to smite him right there and everything's going to be right there and everything's going to be right there and everything's going to be over. But no, there's actually some over. But no, there's actually some over. But no, there's actually some allowances that kind of happen. allowances that kind of happen. allowances that kind of happen. >> What do we what do we really make of >> What do we what do we really make of >> What do we what do we really make of that? And are there other places in that? And are there other places in that? And are there other places in scripture where we actually see this scripture where we actually see this scripture where we actually see this principle that that would connect to principle that that would connect to principle that that would connect to that? that? that? >> Yeah, good question. So, >> Yeah, good question. So, >> Yeah, good question. So, Balum uh approaches Yahweh and uh well, Balum uh approaches Yahweh and uh well, Balum uh approaches Yahweh and uh well, rather, let me rewind. messengers from rather, let me rewind. messengers from rather, let me rewind. messengers from bail come and send the message to Balam bail come and send the message to Balam bail come and send the message to Balam that Balik sorry these word these names that Balik sorry these word these names that Balik sorry these word these names are hard it's hard to say in are hard it's hard to say in are hard it's hard to say in >> it's a lot of back and forth >> it's a lot of back and forth >> it's a lot of back and forth >> bail has sent a message to Balam asking >> bail has sent a message to Balam asking >> bail has sent a message to Balam asking him to come and curse Israel um and him to come and curse Israel um and him to come and curse Israel um and Balam tells these messengers stay the Balam tells these messengers stay the Balam tells these messengers stay the night I'll go talk to Yahweh and see night I'll go talk to Yahweh and see night I'll go talk to Yahweh and see what he has to say God shows up and what he has to say God shows up and what he has to say God shows up and speaks to him and says no do not go with speaks to him and says no do not go with speaks to him and says no do not go with these people do not curse them these these people do not curse them these these people do not curse them these people are blessed He's referring back people are blessed He's referring back people are blessed He's referring back to Genesis 12 where he tells Abraham, he to Genesis 12 where he tells Abraham, he to Genesis 12 where he tells Abraham, he makes the covenant with Abraham, "Your makes the covenant with Abraham, "Your makes the covenant with Abraham, "Your people will be blessed. Um, I will bless people will be blessed. Um, I will bless people will be blessed. Um, I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who bless you and I will curse those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you."

those who curse you." those who curse you." >> And so there there's correlation here in >> And so there there's correlation here in >> And so there there's correlation here in the ways that you can see um scripture the ways that you can see um scripture the ways that you can see um scripture overlapping with scripture in in in a overlapping with scripture in in in a overlapping with scripture in in in a really beautiful and profound way. really beautiful and profound way. really beautiful and profound way. >> Um and and yet God meets this pagan >> Um and and yet God meets this pagan >> Um and and yet God meets this pagan prophet and and speaks to him and gives prophet and and speaks to him and gives prophet and and speaks to him and gives him very clear instruction. him very clear instruction. him very clear instruction. >> Do not go, do not curse them. >> Do not go, do not curse them. >> Do not go, do not curse them. um that then transcends and and the um that then transcends and and the um that then transcends and and the message is sent back to Balum and he message is sent back to Balum and he message is sent back to Balum and he does not go. Although um or sorry to Ba. does not go. Although um or sorry to Ba. does not go. Although um or sorry to Ba. Balum is very Balum is very Balum is very >> specific in what he relays back to them. >> specific in what he relays back to them. >> specific in what he relays back to them. He does not say He does not say He does not say >> God told me I cannot curse Israel. What >> God told me I cannot curse Israel. What >> God told me I cannot curse Israel. What he says is God said I can't go with you. he says is God said I can't go with you. he says is God said I can't go with you. >> So he leaves the door open a little bit. >> So he leaves the door open a little bit. >> So he leaves the door open a little bit. Right. Right. Right. >> Which then means that they go back to uh >> Which then means that they go back to uh >> Which then means that they go back to uh Balum. Bailick, excuse me. Balum. Bailick, excuse me. Balum. Bailick, excuse me. >> Yep. Yep. It's a lot back and forth. >> Yep. Yep. It's a lot back and forth. >> Yep. Yep. It's a lot back and forth. back to the king of Moab. There we go. back to the king of Moab. There we go. back to the king of Moab. There we go. Goes back to the king Goes back to the king Goes back to the king >> and he's not satisfied with the answer. >> and he's not satisfied with the answer. >> and he's not satisfied with the answer. >> And because Balam left the door open, he >> And because Balam left the door open, he >> And because Balam left the door open, he sends even more with a better offer of sends even more with a better offer of sends even more with a better offer of riches and things and promises.

riches and things and promises. riches and things and promises. >> And uh again, God had already spoken >> And uh again, God had already spoken >> And uh again, God had already spoken clearly to the prophet. He said, "Don't clearly to the prophet. He said, "Don't clearly to the prophet. He said, "Don't do this." do this." do this." >> And yet when the second offer comes, he >> And yet when the second offer comes, he >> And yet when the second offer comes, he says, "Let me see what else he has to says, "Let me see what else he has to says, "Let me see what else he has to say." say." say." >> And so he goes back to God a second >> And so he goes back to God a second >> And so he goes back to God a second time. And in that moment, God says, time. And in that moment, God says, time. And in that moment, God says, "Okay, go with him, but do what I say." "Okay, go with him, but do what I say." "Okay, go with him, but do what I say." >> And it's interesting because it begs the >> And it's interesting because it begs the >> And it's interesting because it begs the question, question, question, did God change his mind? did God change his mind? did God change his mind? >> Did God did did the prophet bend the >> Did God did did the prophet bend the >> Did God did did the prophet bend the will of God towards what he wanted to will of God towards what he wanted to will of God towards what he wanted to do, do, do, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> The short answer is no. Of course, >> The short answer is no. Of course, >> The short answer is no. Of course, >> God cannot be coerced. Yeah. >> God cannot be coerced. Yeah. >> God cannot be coerced. Yeah. >> Especially by a pagan prophet. >> Especially by a pagan prophet. >> Especially by a pagan prophet. >> Totally. >> Totally. >> Totally. >> Um but God tells him to go. And to your >> Um but God tells him to go. And to your >> Um but God tells him to go. And to your question, um, why it correlates to question, um, why it correlates to question, um, why it correlates to Romans 1 and other aspects of scripture Romans 1 and other aspects of scripture Romans 1 and other aspects of scripture as well where God says that, uh, rather as well where God says that, uh, rather as well where God says that, uh, rather Paul says about God that there were Paul says about God that there were Paul says about God that there were people who knew God but wouldn't do what people who knew God but wouldn't do what people who knew God but wouldn't do what he says. And therefore, God handed them he says. And therefore, God handed them he says. And therefore, God handed them over to the desires of their heart. over to the desires of their heart. over to the desires of their heart. Essentially, he said, "If this is really Essentially, he said, "If this is really Essentially, he said, "If this is really what you want, have at it, what you want, have at it, what you want, have at it, >> right?

>> right? >> right? >> We'll see what happens." And that's a >> We'll see what happens." And that's a >> We'll see what happens." And that's a bit of what we see in this narrative. bit of what we see in this narrative. bit of what we see in this narrative. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> He's like, "If if this is really what >> He's like, "If if this is really what >> He's like, "If if this is really what you want to do, if you're really going you want to do, if you're really going you want to do, if you're really going to come back to me, I already spoke. I to come back to me, I already spoke. I to come back to me, I already spoke. I already was clear to you. If you really already was clear to you. If you really already was clear to you. If you really want to do this, want to do this, want to do this, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> go and we'll see what happens. >> go and we'll see what happens. >> go and we'll see what happens. >> That's right. Yeah. God is sovereign. He >> That's right. Yeah. God is sovereign. He >> That's right. Yeah. God is sovereign. He works out his promises and his plans and works out his promises and his plans and works out his promises and his plans and his promises and his plans will always his promises and his plans will always his promises and his plans will always prevail. prevail. prevail. >> They always will. But there is a sense >> They always will. But there is a sense >> They always will. But there is a sense of where he will accommodate and will he of where he will accommodate and will he of where he will accommodate and will he meet and well he'll work through the meet and well he'll work through the meet and well he'll work through the >> individual's dignity of causality to >> individual's dignity of causality to >> individual's dignity of causality to accomplish his plans. Absolutely. But accomplish his plans. Absolutely. But accomplish his plans. Absolutely. But it's not this God grabbing people in a it's not this God grabbing people in a it's not this God grabbing people in a robotic sense like a great chess player robotic sense like a great chess player robotic sense like a great chess player and moving people without their will or and moving people without their will or and moving people without their will or without having any causality in what's without having any causality in what's without having any causality in what's happening. But ultimately God does happening. But ultimately God does happening. But ultimately God does achieve his plans and he'll achieve his achieve his plans and he'll achieve his achieve his plans and he'll achieve his plans by any means necessary. plans by any means necessary. plans by any means necessary. >> Pagan prophet talking donkeys. >> Pagan prophet talking donkeys. >> Pagan prophet talking donkeys. >> I mean Rahab I mean you can go through >> I mean Rahab I mean you can go through >> I mean Rahab I mean you can go through the whole story of scripture and there's the whole story of scripture and there's the whole story of scripture and there's nothing that will stop uh the plans the nothing that will stop uh the plans the nothing that will stop uh the plans the plans of God and he'll work it through plans of God and he'll work it through plans of God and he'll work it through any means any any means any any means any >> means necessary. I find it so >> means necessary. I find it so >> means necessary. I find it so interesting in this part of the passage interesting in this part of the passage interesting in this part of the passage as well. I'm sure all of us at this as well. I'm sure all of us at this as well. I'm sure all of us at this table relate and people who are table relate and people who are table relate and people who are listening. Yeah. The negotiation that listening. Yeah. The negotiation that listening. Yeah. The negotiation that happens between our selfish desires. Oh happens between our selfish desires. Oh happens between our selfish desires. Oh yeah. And God, yeah. And God, yeah. And God, >> you know, we in our finite ability to >> you know, we in our finite ability to >> you know, we in our finite ability to understand often want things that may understand often want things that may understand often want things that may not actually be good for us.

not actually be good for us. not actually be good for us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And God in his kindness and mercy and >> And God in his kindness and mercy and >> And God in his kindness and mercy and sovereignty sovereignty sovereignty is willing to allow us to go down that is willing to allow us to go down that is willing to allow us to go down that road. That's right. road. That's right. road. That's right. >> Yeah. And it doesn't mean he doesn't >> Yeah. And it doesn't mean he doesn't >> Yeah. And it doesn't mean he doesn't love us. It doesn't mean we are changing love us. It doesn't mean we are changing love us. It doesn't mean we are changing his mind. But what it means is that he his mind. But what it means is that he his mind. But what it means is that he loves us so much. He's willing to let us loves us so much. He's willing to let us loves us so much. He's willing to let us learn learn learn >> by going down that road. And what we see >> by going down that road. And what we see >> by going down that road. And what we see through the story and throughout all of through the story and throughout all of through the story and throughout all of scripture is that he's going to go with scripture is that he's going to go with scripture is that he's going to go with us. us. us. >> And ultimately, that's what we see as >> And ultimately, that's what we see as >> And ultimately, that's what we see as the story begins to unfold. But man, how the story begins to unfold. But man, how the story begins to unfold. But man, how many times I have been at a crossroads many times I have been at a crossroads many times I have been at a crossroads of life and been like this, I just of life and been like this, I just of life and been like this, I just really need this thing. like God really need this thing. like God really need this thing. like God >> grant me this one wish or answer this >> grant me this one wish or answer this >> grant me this one wish or answer this one prayer one prayer one prayer >> only to find out whether it is answered >> only to find out whether it is answered >> only to find out whether it is answered or denied somewhere down the road of or denied somewhere down the road of or denied somewhere down the road of like oh man I was so foolish I was so like oh man I was so foolish I was so like oh man I was so foolish I was so nearsighted I I was so blind to what God nearsighted I I was so blind to what God nearsighted I I was so blind to what God was actually doing and yet we negotiate was actually doing and yet we negotiate was actually doing and yet we negotiate of like I want God and and God's like of like I want God and and God's like of like I want God and and God's like it's not God and it's God or and if you it's not God and it's God or and if you it's not God and it's God or and if you choose that way choose that way choose that way >> it might be more difficult but I will >> it might be more difficult but I will >> it might be more difficult but I will still be there with you as well.

still be there with you as well. still be there with you as well. >> Yeah. And it's so beautiful, right? That >> Yeah. And it's so beautiful, right? That >> Yeah. And it's so beautiful, right? That I mean that's the story of the gospel I mean that's the story of the gospel I mean that's the story of the gospel and the way in which we've been saved. and the way in which we've been saved. and the way in which we've been saved. But um yeah, it it almost is a scary But um yeah, it it almost is a scary But um yeah, it it almost is a scary thought to think that even if something thought to think that even if something thought to think that even if something is not going to be good for us, God will is not going to be good for us, God will is not going to be good for us, God will allow us to go down it. allow us to go down it. allow us to go down it. >> Totally. >> Totally. >> Totally. >> That puts a lot of pressure on us. >> That puts a lot of pressure on us. >> That puts a lot of pressure on us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. And what does that reveal >> Yeah. Yeah. And what does that reveal >> Yeah. Yeah. And what does that reveal about who God is? It reveals his about who God is? It reveals his about who God is? It reveals his patience, his kindness. It reveals that patience, his kindness. It reveals that patience, his kindness. It reveals that he's relational in his very nature and he's relational in his very nature and he's relational in his very nature and character and who he is. is that he's character and who he is. is that he's character and who he is. is that he's not here to force or coersse you, but not here to force or coersse you, but not here to force or coersse you, but he's here to like with his proximate he's here to like with his proximate he's here to like with his proximate love to draw you unto himself even when love to draw you unto himself even when love to draw you unto himself even when you wander, even when you go your own you wander, even when you go your own you wander, even when you go your own way. Right? It's that well-known quote way. Right? It's that well-known quote way. Right? It's that well-known quote by CS Lewis and it's not a podcast until by CS Lewis and it's not a podcast until by CS Lewis and it's not a podcast until we have a CS Lewis. we have a CS Lewis. we have a CS Lewis. >> Of course not. I was waiting on you, >> Of course not. I was waiting on you, >> Of course not. I was waiting on you, >> right? That's the one. There's only two >> right? That's the one. There's only two >> right? That's the one. There's only two people, right? Two people uh one to um people, right? Two people uh one to um people, right? Two people uh one to um Oh man, I'm going to butcher it. Oh my Oh man, I'm going to butcher it. Oh my Oh man, I'm going to butcher it. Oh my gosh. gosh. gosh. >> He's got it. Say to God, >> He's got it. Say to God, >> He's got it. Say to God, >> yeah, thy will be done. The person who >> yeah, thy will be done. The person who >> yeah, thy will be done. The person who says, "Thy will be done." And to whom says, "Thy will be done." And to whom says, "Thy will be done." And to whom God says in the end, "Thy will be done." God says in the end, "Thy will be done." God says in the end, "Thy will be done." Right. And that's the the pharaoh the Right. And that's the the pharaoh the Right. And that's the the pharaoh the hearting of of a heart where God will hearting of of a heart where God will hearting of of a heart where God will allow you to make those decisions and allow you to make those decisions and allow you to make those decisions and >> and that's probably part of all of our >> and that's probably part of all of our >> and that's probably part of all of our stories where we've made those decisions stories where we've made those decisions stories where we've made those decisions and we've turned we've repented. We've and we've turned we've repented. We've and we've turned we've repented. We've we've come around we've come to our we've come around we've come to our we've come around we've come to our senses like the the wandering prodical senses like the the wandering prodical senses like the the wandering prodical son where we've we've returned returned son where we've we've returned returned son where we've we've returned returned home and God will use those those home and God will use those those home and God will use those those wandering seasons to draw us back into wandering seasons to draw us back into wandering seasons to draw us back into himself. But he does it in a way that is himself. But he does it in a way that is himself. But he does it in a way that is >> is loving. It's gracious and it's kind.

>> is loving. It's gracious and it's kind. >> is loving. It's gracious and it's kind. It's his kindness that leads us to It's his kindness that leads us to It's his kindness that leads us to repentance even when we make a mess of repentance even when we make a mess of repentance even when we make a mess of our lives. It'd be so much easier for our lives. It'd be so much easier for our lives. It'd be so much easier for him just to zap, force, and make us and him just to zap, force, and make us and him just to zap, force, and make us and cause us to do that decision. And you cause us to do that decision. And you cause us to do that decision. And you know, we're as a parent, we there's so know, we're as a parent, we there's so know, we're as a parent, we there's so many times for my own kids where I don't many times for my own kids where I don't many times for my own kids where I don't make that choice. I know where that make that choice. I know where that make that choice. I know where that choice is going, and I'm going to set choice is going, and I'm going to set choice is going, and I'm going to set the parameters of values and the parameters of values and the parameters of values and understandings, but even as my oldest understandings, but even as my oldest understandings, but even as my oldest daughter, you know, comes into her daughter, you know, comes into her daughter, you know, comes into her senior year, it's like, man, senior year, it's like, man, senior year, it's like, man, >> I can't make decisions for her in every >> I can't make decisions for her in every >> I can't make decisions for her in every turn and every direction. I can only turn and every direction. I can only turn and every direction. I can only hope and pray that what she's seen, hope and pray that what she's seen, hope and pray that what she's seen, what's been instilled with her will what's been instilled with her will what's been instilled with her will equip her to make good and wise equip her to make good and wise equip her to make good and wise decisions, decisions, decisions, >> but often she's got to make those by >> but often she's got to make those by >> but often she's got to make those by herself and herself and herself and >> experience the benefits or experience >> experience the benefits or experience >> experience the benefits or experience the consequences of that. the consequences of that. the consequences of that. >> And that's so much of who God is as >> And that's so much of who God is as >> And that's so much of who God is as well. well. well. >> Absolutely. Yeah. >> Absolutely. Yeah. >> Absolutely. Yeah. >> Oh, I've I've en enjoyed just the >> Oh, I've I've en enjoyed just the >> Oh, I've I've en enjoyed just the sweetness of God's mercy so much because sweetness of God's mercy so much because sweetness of God's mercy so much because of the times he's allowed me to of the times he's allowed me to of the times he's allowed me to >> walk myself into some destruction. And I >> walk myself into some destruction. And I >> walk myself into some destruction. And I could look back and I there have been could look back and I there have been could look back and I there have been moments where I'm like, why'd you let me moments where I'm like, why'd you let me moments where I'm like, why'd you let me do that? You know, but when I can really do that? You know, but when I can really do that? You know, but when I can really pause and relish in how I've experienced pause and relish in how I've experienced pause and relish in how I've experienced his grace because of those moments, his grace because of those moments, his grace because of those moments, >> it's formed the deep deepest in intimacy >> it's formed the deep deepest in intimacy >> it's formed the deep deepest in intimacy with him, you know. And so, um, gosh, at with him, you know. And so, um, gosh, at with him, you know. And so, um, gosh, at first when we were talking about this first when we were talking about this first when we were talking about this idea that he will let us walk down those idea that he will let us walk down those idea that he will let us walk down those paths, it's kind of scary. And I'm like, paths, it's kind of scary. And I'm like, paths, it's kind of scary. And I'm like, the last thing I want is my will be the last thing I want is my will be the last thing I want is my will be done. God, please protect me from my done. God, please protect me from my done. God, please protect me from my will. And then I remember the moments of will. And then I remember the moments of will. And then I remember the moments of the closest that I've ever felt to him the closest that I've ever felt to him the closest that I've ever felt to him has been when I've received the mercy has been when I've received the mercy has been when I've received the mercy from him after that.

from him after that. from him after that. >> It would be such a scary thought if >> It would be such a scary thought if >> It would be such a scary thought if >> not for Jesus. Right. >> not for Jesus. Right. >> not for Jesus. Right. >> You can't you continue reading the book >> You can't you continue reading the book >> You can't you continue reading the book of Romans and you realize, you know, of Romans and you realize, you know, of Romans and you realize, you know, after chapter 5 there's the turn towards after chapter 5 there's the turn towards after chapter 5 there's the turn towards uh what great news this is that even uh what great news this is that even uh what great news this is that even though God handed us over to our ways though God handed us over to our ways though God handed us over to our ways and will allow us to go down a selfish and will allow us to go down a selfish and will allow us to go down a selfish road while we were still sinners, Christ road while we were still sinners, Christ road while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Right. Beautiful. And and died for us. Right. Beautiful. And and died for us. Right. Beautiful. And and so it it seems scary. It could be scary. so it it seems scary. It could be scary. so it it seems scary. It could be scary. And thank God for Jesus that we have And thank God for Jesus that we have And thank God for Jesus that we have this safety net. Not that we should go this safety net. Not that we should go this safety net. Not that we should go on sinning as scripture would say on sinning as scripture would say on sinning as scripture would say clearly. Um but that we have uh a clearly. Um but that we have uh a clearly. Um but that we have uh a benevolent, loving, kind, gracious benevolent, loving, kind, gracious benevolent, loving, kind, gracious father who has made a way when we go father who has made a way when we go father who has made a way when we go astray like the good shepherd does to astray like the good shepherd does to astray like the good shepherd does to bring us back. That's right. bring us back. That's right. bring us back. That's right. >> Yeah. That's great. >> Yeah. That's great. >> Yeah. That's great. >> You referenced uh Romans earlier, Romans >> You referenced uh Romans earlier, Romans >> You referenced uh Romans earlier, Romans 1. Romans 1. Um, and I would love for us 1. Romans 1. Um, and I would love for us 1. Romans 1. Um, and I would love for us to talk about some of the other places to talk about some of the other places to talk about some of the other places that this story shows up in scripture. that this story shows up in scripture. that this story shows up in scripture. We've got John talking about in We've got John talking about in We've got John talking about in Revelation, Jude, Peter. Why don't let's Revelation, Jude, Peter. Why don't let's Revelation, Jude, Peter. Why don't let's share a little bit. I mean, just what's share a little bit. I mean, just what's share a little bit. I mean, just what's the significance of that?

the significance of that? the significance of that? >> I think the significance first is just >> I think the significance first is just >> I think the significance first is just to see scripture as one continuing to see scripture as one continuing to see scripture as one continuing narrative, right? So, narrative, right? So, narrative, right? So, >> and even when you look at a a story like >> and even when you look at a a story like >> and even when you look at a a story like Numbers 22-2 and you got this talking Numbers 22-2 and you got this talking Numbers 22-2 and you got this talking donkey, I get it. Like, donkey, I get it. Like, donkey, I get it. Like, >> really? I mean, we're talking about >> really? I mean, we're talking about >> really? I mean, we're talking about Shrek and we're having a good time and Shrek and we're having a good time and Shrek and we're having a good time and we're laughing about it. we're laughing about it. we're laughing about it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, how do we interpret what we see in a >> So, how do we interpret what we see in a >> So, how do we interpret what we see in a in a movie and what we read in in a movie and what we read in in a movie and what we read in scripture? Is is this is this valid? Is scripture? Is is this is this valid? Is scripture? Is is this is this valid? Is this like hyperbole? Like, what's going this like hyperbole? Like, what's going this like hyperbole? Like, what's going on here? But you see the fact that this on here? But you see the fact that this on here? But you see the fact that this story is referenced, you know, three story is referenced, you know, three story is referenced, you know, three times in the New Testament. And I think times in the New Testament. And I think times in the New Testament. And I think that's significant for us because it that's significant for us because it that's significant for us because it shows us like, man, what we're reading shows us like, man, what we're reading shows us like, man, what we're reading is is is trustworthy. Um, it's is is is trustworthy. Um, it's is is is trustworthy. Um, it's infallible. Like, this is not just infallible. Like, this is not just infallible. Like, this is not just mystic fairy tale. Like, this is a a mystic fairy tale. Like, this is a a mystic fairy tale. Like, this is a a real story that happened to real people real story that happened to real people real story that happened to real people at a real time. And so I think there at a real time. And so I think there at a real time. And so I think there there's a sense sense of that and I get there's a sense sense of that and I get there's a sense sense of that and I get it for some we we look at these stories it for some we we look at these stories it for some we we look at these stories and we struggle and we're like ah um but and we struggle and we're like ah um but and we struggle and we're like ah um but man if you were to remove the miraculous man if you were to remove the miraculous man if you were to remove the miraculous stories that happen within scripture you stories that happen within scripture you stories that happen within scripture you would not have scripture at all. I mean would not have scripture at all. I mean would not have scripture at all. I mean Thomas Jefferson right famously wanted Thomas Jefferson right famously wanted Thomas Jefferson right famously wanted to subtract all the miracle narratives to subtract all the miracle narratives to subtract all the miracle narratives and the virgin birth and everything out and the virgin birth and everything out and the virgin birth and everything out of the gospels and then what what do you of the gospels and then what what do you of the gospels and then what what do you have there? Well you have a moralistic have there? Well you have a moralistic have there? Well you have a moralistic teaching that basically tells you to do teaching that basically tells you to do teaching that basically tells you to do better be better and try and try harder.

better be better and try and try harder. better be better and try and try harder. So I think there's significance in that So I think there's significance in that So I think there's significance in that that this is miraculous that this is miraculous that this is miraculous >> and it should be because we're talking >> and it should be because we're talking >> and it should be because we're talking about the creator of about the creator of about the creator of >> of heaven and earth and Jesus who >> of heaven and earth and Jesus who >> of heaven and earth and Jesus who resurrected. So I could believe and resurrected. So I could believe and resurrected. So I could believe and trust the reliability of resurrection. I trust the reliability of resurrection. I trust the reliability of resurrection. I can certainly believe and trust in a can certainly believe and trust in a can certainly believe and trust in a story about a talking donkey. story about a talking donkey. story about a talking donkey. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then it's not just blind faith. You >> And then it's not just blind faith. You >> And then it's not just blind faith. You see it repeated, you know, the three see it repeated, you know, the three see it repeated, you know, the three passages that you mentioned, but how passages that you mentioned, but how passages that you mentioned, but how it's repeated and how it's talked about, it's repeated and how it's talked about, it's repeated and how it's talked about, I think, is also also significant. I think, is also also significant. I think, is also also significant. >> Yeah. I mean the underlying themes in >> Yeah. I mean the underlying themes in >> Yeah. I mean the underlying themes in this story are pride and greed as seen this story are pride and greed as seen this story are pride and greed as seen through Balam. Um and these references through Balam. Um and these references through Balam. Um and these references point back to that in a sense of uh a point back to that in a sense of uh a point back to that in a sense of uh a warning. Don't be like these people um warning. Don't be like these people um warning. Don't be like these people um that were so blind that were so blind that were so blind >> to God in their midst by way of their >> to God in their midst by way of their >> to God in their midst by way of their pride, by way of their greed, by way of pride, by way of their greed, by way of pride, by way of their greed, by way of their facade of spirituality or fear or their facade of spirituality or fear or their facade of spirituality or fear or worry were son so unable to see God that worry were son so unable to see God that worry were son so unable to see God that that God had to open the mouth of a that God had to open the mouth of a that God had to open the mouth of a donkey to speak to them. donkey to speak to them. donkey to speak to them. >> And you know, essentially the warning is >> And you know, essentially the warning is >> And you know, essentially the warning is don't be like these people. Don't miss don't be like these people. Don't miss don't be like these people. Don't miss God in your midst because you are are God in your midst because you are are God in your midst because you are are too prideful. You are too uh fixated on too prideful. You are too uh fixated on too prideful. You are too uh fixated on yourself and what you can gain or what yourself and what you can gain or what yourself and what you can gain or what people think about you or how you're people think about you or how you're people think about you or how you're perceived or the things that you're perceived or the things that you're perceived or the things that you're worried about. And and to your point, worried about. And and to your point, worried about. And and to your point, the way that it all connects and I love the way that it all connects and I love the way that it all connects and I love how the Bible is just such a a work of how the Bible is just such a a work of how the Bible is just such a a work of art in a lot of ways.

art in a lot of ways. art in a lot of ways. >> You see all these teachings the antidote >> You see all these teachings the antidote >> You see all these teachings the antidote through the way of Jesus. Even just the through the way of Jesus. Even just the through the way of Jesus. Even just the sermon on the mount, you know, consider sermon on the mount, you know, consider sermon on the mount, you know, consider the birds of the air. Does your heavenly the birds of the air. Does your heavenly the birds of the air. Does your heavenly father not care for them? father not care for them? father not care for them? >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> you don't need to worry. Don't be >> you don't need to worry. Don't be >> you don't need to worry. Don't be anxious. Um, when it comes to to pride anxious. Um, when it comes to to pride anxious. Um, when it comes to to pride or greed, we we see numerous times or greed, we we see numerous times or greed, we we see numerous times throughout scripture in the ways that uh throughout scripture in the ways that uh throughout scripture in the ways that uh God opposes the proud or in the ways God opposes the proud or in the ways God opposes the proud or in the ways that we experience an abundance of life that we experience an abundance of life that we experience an abundance of life through generosity. through generosity. through generosity. >> And so, you begin to interpret scripture >> And so, you begin to interpret scripture >> And so, you begin to interpret scripture with scripture and you can see very with scripture and you can see very with scripture and you can see very clearly how Jesus has given us a path clearly how Jesus has given us a path clearly how Jesus has given us a path that leads to life. So, don't be like that leads to life. So, don't be like that leads to life. So, don't be like these people who missed it and couldn't these people who missed it and couldn't these people who missed it and couldn't see God in their midst. see God in their midst. see God in their midst. >> Yeah. be more like Jesus. That's good. >> Yeah. be more like Jesus. That's good. >> Yeah. be more like Jesus. That's good. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's great. >> It's great. >> It's great. >> Yeah. So, we got a chance to look >> Yeah. So, we got a chance to look >> Yeah. So, we got a chance to look through some of Gavin's message for this through some of Gavin's message for this through some of Gavin's message for this weekend. Again, we've got lead pastors weekend. Again, we've got lead pastors weekend. Again, we've got lead pastors teaching at a lot of congregations, teaching at a lot of congregations, teaching at a lot of congregations, >> which we haven't heard it yet, right? >> which we haven't heard it yet, right? >> which we haven't heard it yet, right? >> But through the manuscript and just >> But through the manuscript and just >> But through the manuscript and just knowing who Gavin is. knowing who Gavin is. knowing who Gavin is. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It's got to be awesome. >> It's got to be awesome. >> It's got to be awesome. >> You basically have it's got to be so >> You basically have it's got to be so >> You basically have it's got to be so good. good. good. >> Exactly. Yes. >> Exactly. Yes. >> Exactly. Yes. >> So, um but you kind of identified this >> So, um but you kind of identified this >> So, um but you kind of identified this decision-m process decision-m process decision-m process >> that's in this passage as uh observe, >> that's in this passage as uh observe, >> that's in this passage as uh observe, absorb, and act. And we saw how so much absorb, and act. And we saw how so much absorb, and act. And we saw how so much fear was absorbed by was it Balock fear was absorbed by was it Balock fear was absorbed by was it Balock >> Bale Balick >> Bale Balick >> Bale Balick of of of >> the king. Okay, I'm throwing it out out >> the king. Okay, I'm throwing it out out >> the king. Okay, I'm throwing it out out the window. I can't do it. Okay. So, we the window. I can't do it. Okay. So, we the window. I can't do it. Okay. So, we saw how how much fear he had like you saw how how much fear he had like you saw how how much fear he had like you were referencing, John, were referencing, John, were referencing, John, >> and how he kind of took that in from the >> and how he kind of took that in from the >> and how he kind of took that in from the people around him and then made it made people around him and then made it made people around him and then made it made some

some some >> tough decisions. >> tough decisions. >> tough decisions. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, what do we what do we learn about >> So, what do we what do we learn about >> So, what do we what do we learn about that? It wasn't even based in reality that? It wasn't even based in reality that? It wasn't even based in reality even. And I think all of us when we look even. And I think all of us when we look even. And I think all of us when we look at this at this at this >> there's some resonance that happens. You >> there's some resonance that happens. You >> there's some resonance that happens. You know, we've seen this in our own life. know, we've seen this in our own life. know, we've seen this in our own life. We've se we've acted out of fear or We've se we've acted out of fear or We've se we've acted out of fear or worry. Totally. worry. Totally. worry. Totally. >> So, how do we what do we take from this >> So, how do we what do we take from this >> So, how do we what do we take from this for ourselves? for ourselves? for ourselves? >> Yeah. So, let me give some context just >> Yeah. So, let me give some context just >> Yeah. So, let me give some context just to set this up. So, the king bail is to set this up. So, the king bail is to set this up. So, the king bail is worried that he's going to be attacked worried that he's going to be attacked worried that he's going to be attacked by Israel because they're close and by Israel because they're close and by Israel because they're close and they're numerous and they are going to they're numerous and they are going to they're numerous and they are going to defeat him. simultaneously when you read defeat him. simultaneously when you read defeat him. simultaneously when you read Deuteronomy 2, you see that God speaking Deuteronomy 2, you see that God speaking Deuteronomy 2, you see that God speaking to Moses at the same time. So, so two to Moses at the same time. So, so two to Moses at the same time. So, so two separate occasions happening at the same separate occasions happening at the same separate occasions happening at the same time, um God tells Moses, "Do not time, um God tells Moses, "Do not time, um God tells Moses, "Do not provoke Moab. Don't provoke them into provoke Moab. Don't provoke them into provoke Moab. Don't provoke them into battle. Leave them alone." battle. Leave them alone." battle. Leave them alone." >> So, when you say it's it's not even >> So, when you say it's it's not even >> So, when you say it's it's not even founded in reality, it's not. And founded in reality, it's not. And founded in reality, it's not. And there's no way that King Bail would have there's no way that King Bail would have there's no way that King Bail would have known this, known this, known this, >> right? But it is to say he observed his >> right? But it is to say he observed his >> right? But it is to say he observed his surroundings and saw that this could go surroundings and saw that this could go surroundings and saw that this could go really poorly for me. And the people really poorly for me. And the people really poorly for me. And the people were starting to get anxious. So much so were starting to get anxious. So much so were starting to get anxious. So much so they went to the Midianites, their they went to the Midianites, their they went to the Midianites, their neighbor, to say, "Hey, aren't you neighbor, to say, "Hey, aren't you neighbor, to say, "Hey, aren't you worried about this, too? We need your worried about this, too? We need your worried about this, too? We need your help. Come join forces with us."

help. Come join forces with us." help. Come join forces with us." >> And so, King Bailo is seeing not only >> And so, King Bailo is seeing not only >> And so, King Bailo is seeing not only his surroundings physically, but he's his surroundings physically, but he's his surroundings physically, but he's also absorbing the anxiousness of his also absorbing the anxiousness of his also absorbing the anxiousness of his people. and it causes him to make a rash people. and it causes him to make a rash people. and it causes him to make a rash decision out of protection for himself decision out of protection for himself decision out of protection for himself and for his people. Um, that actually is and for his people. Um, that actually is and for his people. Um, that actually is the undoing of what he's trying to do. the undoing of what he's trying to do. the undoing of what he's trying to do. Because again, we go back to Genesis 12 Because again, we go back to Genesis 12 Because again, we go back to Genesis 12 and see that God said, "I will bless and see that God said, "I will bless and see that God said, "I will bless those who bless you. I will curse those those who bless you. I will curse those those who bless you. I will curse those who curse you." Yeah. who curse you." Yeah. who curse you." Yeah. >> Unbeknownst to him, he's actually >> Unbeknownst to him, he's actually >> Unbeknownst to him, he's actually putting himself under the curse now, putting himself under the curse now, putting himself under the curse now, which is going to lead to his demise. which is going to lead to his demise. which is going to lead to his demise. But what it shows us about worry and But what it shows us about worry and But what it shows us about worry and anxiousness is that um it often can anxiousness is that um it often can anxiousness is that um it often can cause us to have tunnel vision where all cause us to have tunnel vision where all cause us to have tunnel vision where all we can see is the problem right in front we can see is the problem right in front we can see is the problem right in front of us. And that problem will inform all of us. And that problem will inform all of us. And that problem will inform all of our decision- making moving forward. of our decision- making moving forward. of our decision- making moving forward. >> And it also reveals the fact that that >> And it also reveals the fact that that >> And it also reveals the fact that that there are times where our worry is fully there are times where our worry is fully there are times where our worry is fully based on assumption and not necessarily based on assumption and not necessarily based on assumption and not necessarily in reality. Right? in reality. Right? in reality. Right? >> I think Mark Twain had this quote. He >> I think Mark Twain had this quote. He >> I think Mark Twain had this quote. He said, um, I've had many worries in my said, um, I've had many worries in my said, um, I've had many worries in my life, some of which have happened.

life, some of which have happened. life, some of which have happened. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's so true, right? And and Jesus >> It's so true, right? And and Jesus >> It's so true, right? And and Jesus speaks about it. How how much can worry speaks about it. How how much can worry speaks about it. How how much can worry add to your days? add to your days? add to your days? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> None. And yet, it's human. It's natural. >> None. And yet, it's human. It's natural. >> None. And yet, it's human. It's natural. We all feel it, right? I'm sure there's We all feel it, right? I'm sure there's We all feel it, right? I'm sure there's things that we're holding now. things that we're holding now. things that we're holding now. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, and it's it's difficult in in one >> Um, and it's it's difficult in in one >> Um, and it's it's difficult in in one sense. Can you blame him, sense. Can you blame him, sense. Can you blame him, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> For the information that he had that he >> For the information that he had that he >> For the information that he had that he moved the way that he did. moved the way that he did. moved the way that he did. >> Yeah. Yeah. And not to be too dismissive >> Yeah. Yeah. And not to be too dismissive >> Yeah. Yeah. And not to be too dismissive about worry. I mean there are things about worry. I mean there are things about worry. I mean there are things that we all face, things that people are that we all face, things that people are that we all face, things that people are listening to right now that they're listening to right now that they're listening to right now that they're facing where they are real sources of facing where they are real sources of facing where they are real sources of worry. I mean people are facing worry. I mean people are facing worry. I mean people are facing >> complex relationships, families are >> complex relationships, families are >> complex relationships, families are busting apart busting apart busting apart >> vocation. I mean things are just not not >> vocation. I mean things are just not not >> vocation. I mean things are just not not right. right. right. >> Um but often you can take even observing >> Um but often you can take even observing >> Um but often you can take even observing facts which are detrimental and could be facts which are detrimental and could be facts which are detrimental and could be really harmful and those facts can then really harmful and those facts can then really harmful and those facts can then >> be invented into supercharged reality. >> be invented into supercharged reality. >> be invented into supercharged reality. So you take facts and you make them even So you take facts and you make them even So you take facts and you make them even bigger than they are. Totally. bigger than they are. Totally. bigger than they are. Totally. >> Right. So whatever I'm facing, this >> Right. So whatever I'm facing, this >> Right. So whatever I'm facing, this difficulty right now is my demise. It's difficulty right now is my demise. It's difficulty right now is my demise. It's it's never going to get any better. This it's never going to get any better. This it's never going to get any better. This is the only thing. And so how do I is the only thing. And so how do I is the only thing. And so how do I respond in that? Well, people respond respond in that? Well, people respond respond in that? Well, people respond typically in one or two ways.

typically in one or two ways. typically in one or two ways. >> Either they retreat, they go to >> Either they retreat, they go to >> Either they retreat, they go to self-medicating, um they withdraw from self-medicating, um they withdraw from self-medicating, um they withdraw from others, they try to numb it, or they others, they try to numb it, or they others, they try to numb it, or they ignore it and just power up and go ignore it and just power up and go ignore it and just power up and go through. And both of us, both of them through. And both of us, both of them through. And both of us, both of them draw us away from draw us away from draw us away from >> God's grace and his provision and from >> God's grace and his provision and from >> God's grace and his provision and from his and from his presence. Yeah. But his and from his presence. Yeah. But his and from his presence. Yeah. But yeah, there there and I love what you yeah, there there and I love what you yeah, there there and I love what you said about tunnel vision. When something said about tunnel vision. When something said about tunnel vision. When something is wrong, broken, whether fictionalized is wrong, broken, whether fictionalized is wrong, broken, whether fictionalized or whether we're observing really true or whether we're observing really true or whether we're observing really true facts, facts, facts, >> um we often look down, we look at >> um we often look down, we look at >> um we often look down, we look at ourselves, yeah, ourselves, yeah, ourselves, yeah, >> we become self-deprecating. We >> we become self-deprecating. We >> we become self-deprecating. We >> um make the narrative bigger than it >> um make the narrative bigger than it >> um make the narrative bigger than it really is. And all the while, God is really is. And all the while, God is really is. And all the while, God is standing there like arms wide open, standing there like arms wide open, standing there like arms wide open, right? right? right? >> Come to me. >> Come to me. >> Come to me. >> Right? >> Right? >> Right? >> I'm not placating your worry. Like, yes, >> I'm not placating your worry. Like, yes, >> I'm not placating your worry. Like, yes, this is difficult, this is difficult, this is difficult, >> but I've actually I've got a provision >> but I've actually I've got a provision >> but I've actually I've got a provision for and the provision is my presence, for and the provision is my presence, for and the provision is my presence, you know? And so that's what he's doing you know? And so that's what he's doing you know? And so that's what he's doing in this passage. is what he does to for in this passage. is what he does to for in this passage. is what he does to for all of us. all of us. all of us. >> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. In preparing for >> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. In preparing for >> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. In preparing for this, I came across this um this, I came across this um this, I came across this um >> neuroscience >> neuroscience >> neuroscience term. I don't I I'm not a term. I don't I I'm not a term. I don't I I'm not a neuroscientist. So, if you're out there neuroscientist. So, if you're out there neuroscientist. So, if you're out there and you are, then please let me know. Um and you are, then please let me know. Um and you are, then please let me know. Um but it's the idea of automaticity. And but it's the idea of automaticity. And but it's the idea of automaticity. And really what that is is autopilot. So, we really what that is is autopilot. So, we really what that is is autopilot. So, we do a lot of things in our lives on do a lot of things in our lives on do a lot of things in our lives on autopilot. Think about driving. You're autopilot. Think about driving. You're autopilot. Think about driving. You're not thinking about how far you need to not thinking about how far you need to not thinking about how far you need to turn the wheel when you're making a turn the wheel when you're making a turn the wheel when you're making a right turn or how far to push. You're right turn or how far to push. You're right turn or how far to push. You're just kind of you you're doing it. um just kind of you you're doing it. um just kind of you you're doing it. um chewing, you're you're chewing, you're you're chewing, you're you're >> breathing, you're chewing, you're taking >> breathing, you're chewing, you're taking >> breathing, you're chewing, you're taking bites, but you're not thinking like is bites, but you're not thinking like is bites, but you're not thinking like is this too big, is this too small? It's this too big, is this too small? It's this too big, is this too small? It's like you you just know.

like you you just know. like you you just know. >> The same thing is true when we are >> The same thing is true when we are >> The same thing is true when we are facing difficult seasons of life, facing difficult seasons of life, facing difficult seasons of life, >> except it works uh backwards for our >> except it works uh backwards for our >> except it works uh backwards for our brains. And so what happens is we start brains. And so what happens is we start brains. And so what happens is we start to observe patterns that we have seen to observe patterns that we have seen to observe patterns that we have seen before and our brain begins to respond before and our brain begins to respond before and our brain begins to respond in the same way it did then in this in the same way it did then in this in the same way it did then in this occasion. But what happens is it's occasion. But what happens is it's occasion. But what happens is it's filling in gaps. filling in gaps. filling in gaps. >> So it's saying because this happened >> So it's saying because this happened >> So it's saying because this happened before, it is definitely going to happen before, it is definitely going to happen before, it is definitely going to happen again. So therefore, you must act. again. So therefore, you must act. again. So therefore, you must act. >> And what happens when you gap fill is >> And what happens when you gap fill is >> And what happens when you gap fill is you're you're living in a future reality you're you're living in a future reality you're you're living in a future reality that might not actually be real, which that might not actually be real, which that might not actually be real, which is what we see through the story. is what we see through the story. is what we see through the story. >> And it's easy to apply this on like a >> And it's easy to apply this on like a >> And it's easy to apply this on like a huge scale where it's like, oh my god. huge scale where it's like, oh my god. huge scale where it's like, oh my god. >> But when you think about dayto-day >> But when you think about dayto-day >> But when you think about dayto-day >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So like the workplace, let's think about >> So like the workplace, let's think about >> So like the workplace, let's think about the workplace for a second. you start the workplace for a second. you start the workplace for a second. you start you've worked with someone for 10 years you've worked with someone for 10 years you've worked with someone for 10 years and and you've observed the way they and and you've observed the way they and and you've observed the way they work and things like that and suddenly work and things like that and suddenly work and things like that and suddenly something a situation emerges and you something a situation emerges and you something a situation emerges and you automatically go this is what's going to automatically go this is what's going to automatically go this is what's going to happen because I've seen it happen happen because I've seen it happen happen because I've seen it happen before so this is what's going to happen before so this is what's going to happen before so this is what's going to happen and then you make a series of judgments and then you make a series of judgments and then you make a series of judgments and assumptions and you act accordingly and assumptions and you act accordingly and assumptions and you act accordingly you don't actually know if that thing is you don't actually know if that thing is you don't actually know if that thing is going to happen right and yet you have going to happen right and yet you have going to happen right and yet you have made a decision based on made a decision based on made a decision based on >> a lack of information or a lack of >> a lack of information or a lack of >> a lack of information or a lack of reality reality reality >> right um that is going to inform an >> right um that is going to inform an >> right um that is going to inform an outcome.

outcome. outcome. >> And and so it's interesting, you know, >> And and so it's interesting, you know, >> And and so it's interesting, you know, how do we keep this in check, right? how do we keep this in check, right? how do we keep this in check, right? >> Yeah. So, how do we get out of there? >> Yeah. So, how do we get out of there? >> Yeah. So, how do we get out of there? We're all we're all like, "Yeah, that's We're all we're all like, "Yeah, that's We're all we're all like, "Yeah, that's me. The story I'm telling myself right me. The story I'm telling myself right me. The story I'm telling myself right now." now." now." >> So, how do I fix it? What's this term >> So, how do I fix it? What's this term >> So, how do I fix it? What's this term you call you call you call >> the the story we're telling ourselves? >> the the story we're telling ourselves? >> the the story we're telling ourselves? Exactly. Um you know, there's two Exactly. Um you know, there's two Exactly. Um you know, there's two practices I learned from uh emotionally practices I learned from uh emotionally practices I learned from uh emotionally healthy relationships from Pete Scazero. healthy relationships from Pete Scazero. healthy relationships from Pete Scazero. Amazing material, amazing amazing Amazing material, amazing amazing Amazing material, amazing amazing source. One is check assumptions which source. One is check assumptions which source. One is check assumptions which is real simple um and also quite is real simple um and also quite is real simple um and also quite difficult because with a person you have difficult because with a person you have difficult because with a person you have to go to that person and be like hey to go to that person and be like hey to go to that person and be like hey here's the story I'm telling myself is here's the story I'm telling myself is here's the story I'm telling myself is this this this >> help me understand is the greatest >> help me understand is the greatest >> help me understand is the greatest phrase of all time. I'm glad you said phrase of all time. I'm glad you said phrase of all time. I'm glad you said that. that. that. >> Um and the other you can do this in >> Um and the other you can do this in >> Um and the other you can do this in tandem or you can do this separately is tandem or you can do this separately is tandem or you can do this separately is is to be charitable in your mind. is to be charitable in your mind. is to be charitable in your mind. >> Don't go down the path of the negative >> Don't go down the path of the negative >> Don't go down the path of the negative assumption assumption assumption >> every time no matter what. That's the >> every time no matter what. That's the >> every time no matter what. That's the autopilot mode. Your brain's going to go autopilot mode. Your brain's going to go autopilot mode. Your brain's going to go there no matter what. try and reel it in there no matter what. try and reel it in there no matter what. try and reel it in and be charitable that okay I don't and be charitable that okay I don't and be charitable that okay I don't actually know so what might be an actually know so what might be an actually know so what might be an alternative alternative alternative >> and for me my recommendation would be >> and for me my recommendation would be >> and for me my recommendation would be move towards the person move towards move towards the person move towards move towards the person move towards checking the assumption checking the assumption checking the assumption >> um try and validate or invalidate the >> um try and validate or invalidate the >> um try and validate or invalidate the story that you're telling yourself story that you're telling yourself story that you're telling yourself >> um don't >> um don't >> um don't fall back on well I'm just a discerning fall back on well I'm just a discerning fall back on well I'm just a discerning person person person >> or I have really good intuition >> or I have really good intuition >> or I have really good intuition >> that may be true and also The odds of >> that may be true and also The odds of >> that may be true and also The odds of you having it 100% right every single you having it 100% right every single you having it 100% right every single time is probably slim to none.

time is probably slim to none. time is probably slim to none. >> Yeah. Yeah. That's good, dude. It's >> Yeah. Yeah. That's good, dude. It's >> Yeah. Yeah. That's good, dude. It's really helpful, man. That's a great really helpful, man. That's a great really helpful, man. That's a great framework. I'm glad you're not just framework. I'm glad you're not just framework. I'm glad you're not just leaving us in the tension, but you're leaving us in the tension, but you're leaving us in the tension, but you're giving us some tools which are written. giving us some tools which are written. giving us some tools which are written. Really good. Really good. Really good. >> Yeah, it's important. >> Yeah, it's important. >> Yeah, it's important. >> I might come hear you preach this Sunday >> I might come hear you preach this Sunday >> I might come hear you preach this Sunday now. This is This is great. now. This is This is great. now. This is This is great. >> Do that' be amazing. >> Do that' be amazing. >> Do that' be amazing. >> You'll get sunshine. You go to the beach >> You'll get sunshine. You go to the beach >> You'll get sunshine. You go to the beach after after after pizza. pizza. pizza. >> John's over here feverishly writing >> John's over here feverishly writing >> John's over here feverishly writing notes and I want to know what he's notes and I want to know what he's notes and I want to know what he's writing down. I'm just running the writing down. I'm just running the writing down. I'm just running the phonetic spellings of all these names phonetic spellings of all these names phonetic spellings of all these names and and who's got it right and who's got and and who's got it right and who's got and and who's got it right and who's got it wrong so far. All right. So far, Liz, it wrong so far. All right. So far, Liz, it wrong so far. All right. So far, Liz, you are in the lead. Liz five to two. you are in the lead. Liz five to two. you are in the lead. Liz five to two. So, So, So, >> it's also good to have spoken the least. >> it's also good to have spoken the least. >> it's also good to have spoken the least. >> So, well done. The probability was high. >> So, well done. The probability was high. >> So, well done. The probability was high. >> I'm just taking it's really good, man. >> I'm just taking it's really good, man. >> I'm just taking it's really good, man. It's really helpful. Great insight. It's really helpful. Great insight. It's really helpful. Great insight. >> I'm over I really am. I mean, I'm I'm >> I'm over I really am. I mean, I'm I'm >> I'm over I really am. I mean, I'm I'm feeling conviction and just an feeling conviction and just an feeling conviction and just an invitation from God to like really invitation from God to like really invitation from God to like really evaluate like check myself in everything evaluate like check myself in everything evaluate like check myself in everything that you're sharing. So, that you're sharing. So, that you're sharing. So, >> um, I' I'd love for us to just close >> um, I' I'd love for us to just close >> um, I' I'd love for us to just close with this idea. I mean, we we saw God do with this idea. I mean, we we saw God do with this idea. I mean, we we saw God do uh this thing that he does in scripture uh this thing that he does in scripture uh this thing that he does in scripture where he asked those questions to us as where he asked those questions to us as where he asked those questions to us as if he's looking for information from us.

if he's looking for information from us. if he's looking for information from us. >> Um, he did in in this passage with Balam >> Um, he did in in this passage with Balam >> Um, he did in in this passage with Balam to and and he asked him, "Who are these to and and he asked him, "Who are these to and and he asked him, "Who are these men?" men?" men?" >> Um, as if he needed Balam to inform him. >> Um, as if he needed Balam to inform him. >> Um, as if he needed Balam to inform him. And uh I'd love for us to just talk And uh I'd love for us to just talk And uh I'd love for us to just talk about I mean what does what does this about I mean what does what does this about I mean what does what does this really teach us about God and about how really teach us about God and about how really teach us about God and about how he interacts with his people with us? he interacts with his people with us? he interacts with his people with us? >> Yeah. I mean again it's it's God is >> Yeah. I mean again it's it's God is >> Yeah. I mean again it's it's God is relational, right? So he's he's not relational, right? So he's he's not relational, right? So he's he's not often going to force his own discovery often going to force his own discovery often going to force his own discovery on us. Um he's going to draw us into on us. Um he's going to draw us into on us. Um he's going to draw us into himself for sure. But there is something himself for sure. But there is something himself for sure. But there is something beautiful about often how he works is beautiful about often how he works is beautiful about often how he works is he's waiting for us to come into that he's waiting for us to come into that he's waiting for us to come into that realization of the drawing of his grace realization of the drawing of his grace realization of the drawing of his grace and his presence in his life. and his presence in his life. and his presence in his life. >> Yeah. And nothing will do that better >> Yeah. And nothing will do that better >> Yeah. And nothing will do that better often than than questions. Questions often than than questions. Questions often than than questions. Questions that cause like honest reflection. Yeah. that cause like honest reflection. Yeah. that cause like honest reflection. Yeah. It's not that he's surprised. It's not It's not that he's surprised. It's not It's not that he's surprised. It's not that he's unaware, that he's unaware, that he's unaware, >> but he's wanting us to be aware. Yeah. >> but he's wanting us to be aware. Yeah. >> but he's wanting us to be aware. Yeah. And so that when we become aware, And so that when we become aware, And so that when we become aware, >> we're either drawn towards repentance >> we're either drawn towards repentance >> we're either drawn towards repentance and drawn towards him or we're repelled and drawn towards him or we're repelled and drawn towards him or we're repelled further. I mean, questions have a way of further. I mean, questions have a way of further. I mean, questions have a way of revealing, you know, our character and revealing, you know, our character and revealing, you know, our character and our action. So, I think that's again our action. So, I think that's again our action. So, I think that's again just the relational nature of who God just the relational nature of who God just the relational nature of who God is. And you see it all throughout is. And you see it all throughout is. And you see it all throughout scripture.

scripture. scripture. >> Where are you? Do you love me? >> Where are you? Do you love me? >> Where are you? Do you love me? >> Yeah. Who do you say that I am? I mean, >> Yeah. Who do you say that I am? I mean, >> Yeah. Who do you say that I am? I mean, that's often what he's what he's doing that's often what he's what he's doing that's often what he's what he's doing again, not to force himself on us, but again, not to force himself on us, but again, not to force himself on us, but to give us the opportunity to discover to give us the opportunity to discover to give us the opportunity to discover who he is through our, who he is through our, who he is through our, >> you know, coming to that realization, >> you know, coming to that realization, >> you know, coming to that realization, through those questions. Yeah, that's through those questions. Yeah, that's through those questions. Yeah, that's good. Yeah. He's not asking questions good. Yeah. He's not asking questions good. Yeah. He's not asking questions for information. To your point, he it's for information. To your point, he it's for information. To your point, he it's an invitation. an invitation. an invitation. >> That's right. You know, I I just thought >> That's right. You know, I I just thought >> That's right. You know, I I just thought of the pictures you were sharing of a a of the pictures you were sharing of a a of the pictures you were sharing of a a parent coming home to a kid that has parent coming home to a kid that has parent coming home to a kid that has marker all over their arms and face and marker all over their arms and face and marker all over their arms and face and and it's all over the walls and the and it's all over the walls and the and it's all over the walls and the floor and and the parent asked the kid floor and and the parent asked the kid floor and and the parent asked the kid who wrote on the walls. who wrote on the walls. who wrote on the walls. >> You know the answer. It's all over their >> You know the answer. It's all over their >> You know the answer. It's all over their face. You know, it's and yet you're face. You know, it's and yet you're face. You know, it's and yet you're giving the child the opportunity to be giving the child the opportunity to be giving the child the opportunity to be forthright and to be honest. um not so forthright and to be honest. um not so forthright and to be honest. um not so that you can punish them, but just to that you can punish them, but just to that you can punish them, but just to say, "Hey, there's a lesson to be say, "Hey, there's a lesson to be say, "Hey, there's a lesson to be learned here and I'm giving you the learned here and I'm giving you the learned here and I'm giving you the opportunity to learn that. Um so lean opportunity to learn that. Um so lean opportunity to learn that. Um so lean into it." And and I think for us, you into it." And and I think for us, you into it." And and I think for us, you know, so often we find ourselves at know, so often we find ourselves at know, so often we find ourselves at crossroads of life where we're asking crossroads of life where we're asking crossroads of life where we're asking God questions about what should we do or God questions about what should we do or God questions about what should we do or where should we go or how do we navigate where should we go or how do we navigate where should we go or how do we navigate this difficult season and often times I this difficult season and often times I this difficult season and often times I think he asks answers the question with think he asks answers the question with think he asks answers the question with a question like you said, who do you say a question like you said, who do you say a question like you said, who do you say that I am? Well, you know, if we are that I am? Well, you know, if we are that I am? Well, you know, if we are asking him big questions and trying to asking him big questions and trying to asking him big questions and trying to get wisdom and discernment in the get wisdom and discernment in the get wisdom and discernment in the direction we should go and he direction we should go and he direction we should go and he >> is inviting us to trust him and he asks >> is inviting us to trust him and he asks >> is inviting us to trust him and he asks the question um who do you say that I am the question um who do you say that I am the question um who do you say that I am >> the answer is in the question, right?

>> the answer is in the question, right? >> the answer is in the question, right? It's like you're God. You know It's like you're God. You know It's like you're God. You know everything. everything. everything. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I can trust you. You're faithful. You're >> I can trust you. You're faithful. You're >> I can trust you. You're faithful. You're good. You're kind. And and so even in good. You're kind. And and so even in good. You're kind. And and so even in this rhetorical question in our own this rhetorical question in our own this rhetorical question in our own lives, there is always an invitation lives, there is always an invitation lives, there is always an invitation that he is calling us into, that he is calling us into, that he is calling us into, >> the question is not um what's the right >> the question is not um what's the right >> the question is not um what's the right answer. The question is what is God answer. The question is what is God answer. The question is what is God revealing about himself through the revealing about himself through the revealing about himself through the questions that I'm asking and he's questions that I'm asking and he's questions that I'm asking and he's asking. asking. asking. >> Totally. >> Totally. >> Totally. >> Um but it it is really powerful. Yeah. >> Um but it it is really powerful. Yeah. >> Um but it it is really powerful. Yeah. >> That God doesn't force himself on us. >> That God doesn't force himself on us. >> That God doesn't force himself on us. that he's not this like master puppeteer that he's not this like master puppeteer that he's not this like master puppeteer up in the sky who's pulling strings to up in the sky who's pulling strings to up in the sky who's pulling strings to manipulate us, but instead he's a loving manipulate us, but instead he's a loving manipulate us, but instead he's a loving father that's saying, father that's saying, father that's saying, >> "I'm gonna give you the opportunity." >> "I'm gonna give you the opportunity." >> "I'm gonna give you the opportunity." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Are you going to step into this? >> Are you going to step into this? >> Are you going to step into this? >> Yeah. And I'm convinced he's speaking >> Yeah. And I'm convinced he's speaking >> Yeah. And I'm convinced he's speaking way more often than we realize. way more often than we realize. way more often than we realize. >> Um if we would quiet our own hearts. >> Um if we would quiet our own hearts. >> Um if we would quiet our own hearts. Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely. >> And come to the end of our own questions >> And come to the end of our own questions >> And come to the end of our own questions of why did this happen? You know, when of why did this happen? You know, when of why did this happen? You know, when are you going to come after this person? are you going to come after this person? are you going to come after this person? How am I going to get out of this mess? How am I going to get out of this mess? How am I going to get out of this mess? Don't you see? Don't you understand? I Don't you see? Don't you understand? I Don't you see? Don't you understand? I mean, legitimate questions that we ask mean, legitimate questions that we ask mean, legitimate questions that we ask when we're in the middle of broken when we're in the middle of broken when we're in the middle of broken circumstances. But if we would just circumstances. But if we would just circumstances. But if we would just quiet our own heart and say, "God, what quiet our own heart and say, "God, what quiet our own heart and say, "God, what what would you ask of me? Like, what are what would you ask of me? Like, what are what would you ask of me? Like, what are you saying to me in this? Get off of you saying to me in this? Get off of you saying to me in this? Get off of myself, looking down, naval gazing, and myself, looking down, naval gazing, and myself, looking down, naval gazing, and look up to him and hear his voice." And look up to him and hear his voice." And look up to him and hear his voice." And he has way more to say than we often um he has way more to say than we often um he has way more to say than we often um realize.

realize. realize. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> It's beautiful. It's beautiful. Really >> It's beautiful. It's beautiful. Really >> It's beautiful. It's beautiful. Really good, guys. Thank you so much for good, guys. Thank you so much for good, guys. Thank you so much for jumping in today and talking about this. jumping in today and talking about this. jumping in today and talking about this. Yeah. This passage. And I I am I mean Yeah. This passage. And I I am I mean Yeah. This passage. And I I am I mean I'm always stunned whenever we get to go I'm always stunned whenever we get to go I'm always stunned whenever we get to go through these narrative scriptures the through these narrative scriptures the through these narrative scriptures the or narrative books in the Bible or narrative books in the Bible or narrative books in the Bible >> and how exciting it could be and um how >> and how exciting it could be and um how >> and how exciting it could be and um how much it does just point me to God point much it does just point me to God point much it does just point me to God point me to his character and reveal more to me to his character and reveal more to me to his character and reveal more to >> more to me about him. So thank you guys >> more to me about him. So thank you guys >> more to me about him. So thank you guys so much for everything you shared and so much for everything you shared and so much for everything you shared and for for for >> jumping in. I'm so glad. >> jumping in. I'm so glad. >> jumping in. I'm so glad. >> Good to be here >> Good to be here >> Good to be here >> guys. Thanks so much for joining us for >> guys. Thanks so much for joining us for >> guys. Thanks so much for joining us for the If I Had More Time podcast.