The Season Of Parenting | Father's Day

I'm going to talk to the dads today. And I'm going to talk to the dads today. And I I like to aim a sermon at the men, I I like to aim a sermon at the men, I I like to aim a sermon at the men, uh but I don't like this place to become uh but I don't like this place to become uh but I don't like this place to become or a church to become like a laboratory or a church to become like a laboratory or a church to become like a laboratory for guilt. I've noticed a lot of times for guilt. I've noticed a lot of times for guilt. I've noticed a lot of times on Mother's Day, we encourage the women, on Mother's Day, we encourage the women, on Mother's Day, we encourage the women, we tell them how great they are, and we tell them how great they are, and we tell them how great they are, and then the men, we just we just rip them then the men, we just we just rip them then the men, we just we just rip them apart the whole time. apart the whole time. apart the whole time. Uh I don't necessarily know why that Uh I don't necessarily know why that Uh I don't necessarily know why that happens. That's not going to happen happens. That's not going to happen happens. That's not going to happen today, but I am going to speak to the today, but I am going to speak to the today, but I am going to speak to the men. But I think everybody can catch men. But I think everybody can catch men. But I think everybody can catch something in this whole thing uh that something in this whole thing uh that something in this whole thing uh that could help us uh because we all need to could help us uh because we all need to could help us uh because we all need to grow in God. Can I have an amen in that? grow in God. Can I have an amen in that? grow in God. Can I have an amen in that? So, I don't know how it's going in your So, I don't know how it's going in your So, I don't know how it's going in your walk with the Lord right now. Uh but we walk with the Lord right now. Uh but we walk with the Lord right now. Uh but we have celebrated 25 years as a church have celebrated 25 years as a church have celebrated 25 years as a church this year. I've been going around to this year. I've been going around to this year. I've been going around to every campus, all 18 campuses. By the every campus, all 18 campuses. By the every campus, all 18 campuses. By the way, we will have 20 campuses after the way, we will have 20 campuses after the way, we will have 20 campuses after the month of August. We're adding two more, month of August. We're adding two more, month of August. We're adding two more, Bentonville and Sherwood. Praise God, Bentonville and Sherwood. Praise God, Bentonville and Sherwood. Praise God, we're finally uh able to get to those we're finally uh able to get to those we're finally uh able to get to those places. places. places. And uh so, I'm going to speak to you And uh so, I'm going to speak to you And uh so, I'm going to speak to you from scripture, uh but I'm also going to from scripture, uh but I'm also going to from scripture, uh but I'm also going to speak honestly about mistakes that I've speak honestly about mistakes that I've speak honestly about mistakes that I've made made made as a dad. And um and I certainly have. I as a dad. And um and I certainly have. I as a dad. And um and I certainly have. I got a pretty large family, easy to make got a pretty large family, easy to make got a pretty large family, easy to make mistakes around a lot. This is my This mistakes around a lot. This is my This mistakes around a lot. This is my This is my family uh right here. And um is my family uh right here. And um is my family uh right here. And um I I always joke around that I got so I I always joke around that I got so I I always joke around that I got so many grandkids. Hey, they're not that many grandkids. Hey, they're not that many grandkids. Hey, they're not that ugly.

ugly. ugly. Keep it up. Show off. Okay, here we go. Keep it up. Show off. Okay, here we go. Keep it up. Show off. Okay, here we go. Coming back. It's coming back. Coming back. It's coming back. Coming back. It's coming back. That's my family. I always joke around That's my family. I always joke around That's my family. I always joke around that I have so many grandkids that I that I have so many grandkids that I that I have so many grandkids that I don't know all of their names. Uh but don't know all of their names. Uh but don't know all of their names. Uh but that's not true. I know all of their that's not true. I know all of their that's not true. I know all of their names. I just don't know their first names. I just don't know their first names. I just don't know their first names. And um names. And um names. And um >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> but I'm trying to to do the best that I >> but I'm trying to to do the best that I >> but I'm trying to to do the best that I can. And you know, when you get older, can. And you know, when you get older, can. And you know, when you get older, um 64 now, I'll be 65 in a month or so, um 64 now, I'll be 65 in a month or so, um 64 now, I'll be 65 in a month or so, uh you you just you you think back on uh you you just you you think back on uh you you just you you think back on things that you wish you would have done things that you wish you would have done things that you wish you would have done differently. differently. differently. And uh but even better than that, you And uh but even better than that, you And uh but even better than that, you try to think about how people can get it try to think about how people can get it try to think about how people can get it better uh that are around you. And you better uh that are around you. And you better uh that are around you. And you try to coach them. try to coach them. try to coach them. And so, I want to encourage you. I And so, I want to encourage you. I And so, I want to encourage you. I remember years ago when I was in Bible remember years ago when I was in Bible remember years ago when I was in Bible school, uh I didn't really want to be school, uh I didn't really want to be school, uh I didn't really want to be there. For some reason, Bible school was there. For some reason, Bible school was there. For some reason, Bible school was it was long and intensive, and I loved it was long and intensive, and I loved it was long and intensive, and I loved the Bible, but it was every day for the Bible, but it was every day for the Bible, but it was every day for hours and learning Greek and Hebrew, and hours and learning Greek and Hebrew, and hours and learning Greek and Hebrew, and it was it was it was very intense.

very intense. very intense. And I almost quit. And I almost quit. And I almost quit. And then one day I got a word from the And then one day I got a word from the And then one day I got a word from the Lord to help me a lot, and it's going to Lord to help me a lot, and it's going to Lord to help me a lot, and it's going to show up today. show up today. show up today. And the word was, "Rick, I just want you And the word was, "Rick, I just want you And the word was, "Rick, I just want you to encourage to encourage to encourage people." people." people." I wrote that down, and that really is I wrote that down, and that really is I wrote that down, and that really is what I'm aiming at right now. But years what I'm aiming at right now. But years what I'm aiming at right now. But years later, I said, "Lord, why do you want me later, I said, "Lord, why do you want me later, I said, "Lord, why do you want me to encourage people so much?" to encourage people so much?" to encourage people so much?" And he showed me, he said, And he showed me, he said, And he showed me, he said, "Because my people are not encouraged "Because my people are not encouraged "Because my people are not encouraged enough. enough. enough. My people are discouraged. They're My people are discouraged. They're My people are discouraged. They're discouraged." discouraged." discouraged." So, with the men, if you see a family So, with the men, if you see a family So, with the men, if you see a family that doesn't know the Lord, and the man that doesn't know the Lord, and the man that doesn't know the Lord, and the man is the first one to meet Christ in that is the first one to meet Christ in that is the first one to meet Christ in that home, the whole family, there's a 77% home, the whole family, there's a 77% home, the whole family, there's a 77% chance that that whole family's going to chance that that whole family's going to chance that that whole family's going to follow after Christ. follow after Christ. follow after Christ. If it's the wife or the mom who meets If it's the wife or the mom who meets If it's the wife or the mom who meets Christ first, it's still great, but it's Christ first, it's still great, but it's Christ first, it's still great, but it's only around 20% of the family, all of only around 20% of the family, all of only around 20% of the family, all of the family will then serve the Lord. the family will then serve the Lord. the family will then serve the Lord. So, the way that I see it, and and it So, the way that I see it, and and it So, the way that I see it, and and it may not be accurate, and it may not be may not be accurate, and it may not be may not be accurate, and it may not be how you see it. You don't have to see it how you see it. You don't have to see it how you see it. You don't have to see it this way. You have the right to be wrong this way. You have the right to be wrong this way. You have the right to be wrong if you want to. Uh but the way I see it if you want to. Uh but the way I see it if you want to. Uh but the way I see it is that you really can't win a city is that you really can't win a city is that you really can't win a city until you win a household. And if until you win a household. And if until you win a household. And if there's a man in that household, you got there's a man in that household, you got there's a man in that household, you got to win you got to win the man. And I to win you got to win the man. And I to win you got to win the man. And I think that Satan is going after men and think that Satan is going after men and think that Satan is going after men and working hard at it. And uh and it's easy working hard at it. And uh and it's easy working hard at it. And uh and it's easy to get off track. And And so, that's why to get off track. And And so, that's why to get off track. And And so, that's why I'm speaking on this. Now, as you look I'm speaking on this. Now, as you look I'm speaking on this. Now, as you look at me, you might see that I have a at me, you might see that I have a at me, you might see that I have a weird-looking eye.

weird-looking eye. weird-looking eye. Uh I have an infection in my eye and Uh I have an infection in my eye and Uh I have an infection in my eye and it's highly contagious, but they say if it's highly contagious, but they say if it's highly contagious, but they say if you're before after the third row, you're before after the third row, you're before after the third row, you'll probably be okay. you'll probably be okay. you'll probably be okay. And uh but anybody else in the middle of And uh but anybody else in the middle of And uh but anybody else in the middle of the night, you'll start scratching your the night, you'll start scratching your the night, you'll start scratching your eye and then you'll scream by morning. eye and then you'll scream by morning. eye and then you'll scream by morning. Uh Dr. Frank, who's an eye doctor, has Uh Dr. Frank, who's an eye doctor, has Uh Dr. Frank, who's an eye doctor, has helped me and uh he told me what I have helped me and uh he told me what I have helped me and uh he told me what I have and it's a fancy term for septal and it's a fancy term for septal and it's a fancy term for septal cellulitis. And uh and he gave me some cellulitis. And uh and he gave me some cellulitis. And uh and he gave me some medicine for it. It was gummies and they medicine for it. It was gummies and they medicine for it. It was gummies and they make you feel great. And uh not really, make you feel great. And uh not really, make you feel great. And uh not really, he didn't do that. But he didn't do that. But he didn't do that. But but I'm thinking about this whole thing but I'm thinking about this whole thing but I'm thinking about this whole thing on raising kids, but let me just tell on raising kids, but let me just tell on raising kids, but let me just tell you, if anybody tells you, "This is how you, if anybody tells you, "This is how you, if anybody tells you, "This is how you do it and that's not how you do it." you do it and that's not how you do it." you do it and that's not how you do it." I would just stop listening as soon as I would just stop listening as soon as I would just stop listening as soon as you can you can you can and crawfish your way out. Crawfish swim and crawfish your way out. Crawfish swim and crawfish your way out. Crawfish swim backwards. Just swim back out and go backwards. Just swim back out and go backwards. Just swim back out and go somewhere else. somewhere else. somewhere else. Uh because really no one knows exactly Uh because really no one knows exactly Uh because really no one knows exactly how to do all this. how to do all this. how to do all this. We've all made so many mistakes.

We've all made so many mistakes. We've all made so many mistakes. And uh anyone in this room, if you've And uh anyone in this room, if you've And uh anyone in this room, if you've ever made a mistake in your family, ever made a mistake in your family, ever made a mistake in your family, raise your hand. raise your hand. raise your hand. Well, dads, we make the most mistakes, Well, dads, we make the most mistakes, Well, dads, we make the most mistakes, it seems like. it seems like. it seems like. And so we just need more grace. So, I'm And so we just need more grace. So, I'm And so we just need more grace. So, I'm a Cajun and if you go to a Cajun's home a Cajun and if you go to a Cajun's home a Cajun and if you go to a Cajun's home or if they invite you over and they go or if they invite you over and they go or if they invite you over and they go any if anyone invites you over to their any if anyone invites you over to their any if anyone invites you over to their home and they go, "Hey, I have a great home and they go, "Hey, I have a great home and they go, "Hey, I have a great recipe for gumbo. Come to my home." I'm recipe for gumbo. Come to my home." I'm recipe for gumbo. Come to my home." I'm going to tell you right now, it's not going to tell you right now, it's not going to tell you right now, it's not going to be good gumbo. going to be good gumbo. going to be good gumbo. Because it's not a recipe. Because it's not a recipe. Because it's not a recipe. It's watching your mom, your It's watching your mom, your It's watching your mom, your grandmother, your dad, somebody who's grandmother, your dad, somebody who's grandmother, your dad, somebody who's making that. It's the ingredients and making that. It's the ingredients and making that. It's the ingredients and learning the moves. learning the moves. learning the moves. And that's why I like the word because And that's why I like the word because And that's why I like the word because it it's not teaching you a recipe. it it's not teaching you a recipe. it it's not teaching you a recipe. It's teaching you the right moves. I It's teaching you the right moves. I It's teaching you the right moves. I remember a great business person told me remember a great business person told me remember a great business person told me years ago, uh they said, "Rick, uh you years ago, uh they said, "Rick, uh you years ago, uh they said, "Rick, uh you seem to be working really hard on your seem to be working really hard on your seem to be working really hard on your vision, and I respect that. I've never vision, and I respect that. I've never vision, and I respect that. I've never been a pastor, so that's probably been a pastor, so that's probably been a pastor, so that's probably proper, but I'll tell you what you proper, but I'll tell you what you proper, but I'll tell you what you better work on is your values."

better work on is your values." better work on is your values." And I said, "That's true." And And I said, "That's true." And And I said, "That's true." And And I said, "Why?" And he said, "Because And I said, "Why?" And he said, "Because And I said, "Why?" And he said, "Because your vision is going to shift around a your vision is going to shift around a your vision is going to shift around a lot, lot, lot, but your values better never move." but your values better never move." but your values better never move." So, I was thinking about that as I was So, I was thinking about that as I was So, I was thinking about that as I was putting this together. putting this together. putting this together. Try I can't read. I used to see the Try I can't read. I used to see the Try I can't read. I used to see the font. font. font. Really what happened is Harry and I got Really what happened is Harry and I got Really what happened is Harry and I got into a little spat. We got in a fight, into a little spat. We got in a fight, into a little spat. We got in a fight, and he messed me up a little bit, but and he messed me up a little bit, but and he messed me up a little bit, but he's not here, so I he's not here, so I he's not here, so I will not. But but I am concerned about will not. But but I am concerned about will not. But but I am concerned about the whole guilt thing when you speak on the whole guilt thing when you speak on the whole guilt thing when you speak on the fatherhood, and so I'm just going to the fatherhood, and so I'm just going to the fatherhood, and so I'm just going to ask for you guys not to participate in ask for you guys not to participate in ask for you guys not to participate in that that that because there's a lot of grace available because there's a lot of grace available because there's a lot of grace available to all of us. Can I have an amen? to all of us. Can I have an amen? to all of us. Can I have an amen? And so, I don't know how you are with And so, I don't know how you are with And so, I don't know how you are with grace, how you function with it, but God grace, how you function with it, but God grace, how you function with it, but God loves to give out grace. One way loves to give out grace. One way loves to give out grace. One way in being a dad and being a parent that in being a dad and being a parent that in being a dad and being a parent that he gives out grace is that kids don't he gives out grace is that kids don't he gives out grace is that kids don't have a memory until about 5 years of have a memory until about 5 years of have a memory until about 5 years of age. That is grace. age. That is grace. age. That is grace. And I love that about it, but as a dad, And I love that about it, but as a dad, And I love that about it, but as a dad, I've noticed I've noticed I've noticed that the grace that I really have to that the grace that I really have to that the grace that I really have to have have have is grace for my kids.

is grace for my kids. is grace for my kids. Like if you ever meet my kids, you might Like if you ever meet my kids, you might Like if you ever meet my kids, you might like them. Maybe you'll like them. I like them. Maybe you'll like them. I like them. Maybe you'll like them. I don't know. And they may even say don't know. And they may even say don't know. And they may even say something positive about me, and and something positive about me, and and something positive about me, and and that will be great. But what they're that will be great. But what they're that will be great. But what they're really doing is giving me grace. really doing is giving me grace. really doing is giving me grace. Recently, I was speaking to thousands of Recently, I was speaking to thousands of Recently, I was speaking to thousands of pastors, and it was awesome, but someone pastors, and it was awesome, but someone pastors, and it was awesome, but someone was going to introduce me, and I was was going to introduce me, and I was was going to introduce me, and I was just sitting there drinking some water, just sitting there drinking some water, just sitting there drinking some water, trying to be hydrated, and I heard trying to be hydrated, and I heard trying to be hydrated, and I heard Hunter's voice, my kid, introducing me, Hunter's voice, my kid, introducing me, Hunter's voice, my kid, introducing me, and I looked up. I didn't even know they and I looked up. I didn't even know they and I looked up. I didn't even know they were going to do that, and it was all were going to do that, and it was all were going to do that, and it was all four of my kids there just talking about four of my kids there just talking about four of my kids there just talking about me. It was amazing. me. It was amazing. me. It was amazing. And then when I went to walk up, I And then when I went to walk up, I And then when I went to walk up, I couldn't hardly keep it together and I couldn't hardly keep it together and I couldn't hardly keep it together and I stood up and I I didn't know what to stood up and I I didn't know what to stood up and I I didn't know what to say. I just thought, I better make these say. I just thought, I better make these say. I just thought, I better make these people laugh or I am toast. So, I stood people laugh or I am toast. So, I stood people laugh or I am toast. So, I stood up and I said, well, that was awesome, up and I said, well, that was awesome, up and I said, well, that was awesome, wasn't it? But, to be honest, none of wasn't it? But, to be honest, none of wasn't it? But, to be honest, none of those are really my kids. those are really my kids. those are really my kids. And uh and so we kind of laughed and And uh and so we kind of laughed and And uh and so we kind of laughed and moved on. But, the truth is, my kids moved on. But, the truth is, my kids moved on. But, the truth is, my kids could have said, could have said, could have said, we've seen our dad argue with their with we've seen our dad argue with their with we've seen our dad argue with their with our mom.

our mom. our mom. We've seen our dad when he really We've seen our dad when he really We've seen our dad when he really we wanted him there and he was not we wanted him there and he was not we wanted him there and he was not there. He was out of the country there. He was out of the country there. He was out of the country or some other place. or some other place. or some other place. Uh we've seen our dad preach a sermon Uh we've seen our dad preach a sermon Uh we've seen our dad preach a sermon that that week he didn't do well at that that week he didn't do well at that that week he didn't do well at home. home. home. Uh they could have said things like Uh they could have said things like Uh they could have said things like that. They They could say, uh I've that. They They could say, uh I've that. They They could say, uh I've talked to my dad when it was really talked to my dad when it was really talked to my dad when it was really important, but he wasn't really important, but he wasn't really important, but he wasn't really listening. He was thinking about other listening. He was thinking about other listening. He was thinking about other things. things. things. That's what he could have said. That's what he could have said. That's what he could have said. But, thank God they've extended grace. But, thank God they've extended grace. But, thank God they've extended grace. Listen, everyone here, your dad needs Listen, everyone here, your dad needs Listen, everyone here, your dad needs grace. grace. grace. It'll make him a better dad. So, today, It'll make him a better dad. So, today, It'll make him a better dad. So, today, not to let us not go through the punch not to let us not go through the punch not to let us not go through the punch list and try to figure out, oh yeah, my list and try to figure out, oh yeah, my list and try to figure out, oh yeah, my dad missed it on that. Let's try to find dad missed it on that. Let's try to find dad missed it on that. Let's try to find out where they made it and encourage out where they made it and encourage out where they made it and encourage them into what they do. Can I have an them into what they do. Can I have an them into what they do. Can I have an amen? amen? amen? It's scriptural. It's scriptural. It's scriptural. In Matthew 6:14, it says, for if In Matthew 6:14, it says, for if In Matthew 6:14, it says, for if Everybody say if. Everybody say if. Everybody say if. This means This means This means >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> what I'm about to say, if you don't do >> what I'm about to say, if you don't do >> what I'm about to say, if you don't do it, then it's not going to be great. So, it, then it's not going to be great. So, it, then it's not going to be great. So, so for if you forgive other people so for if you forgive other people so for if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly when they sin against you, your heavenly when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But, if father will also forgive you. But, if father will also forgive you. But, if you do not forgive others you do not forgive others you do not forgive others their sins, their sins, their sins, your father will not forgive your sins.

your father will not forgive your sins. your father will not forgive your sins. You'll never feel closer to God than You'll never feel closer to God than You'll never feel closer to God than when you decide to forgive someone who when you decide to forgive someone who when you decide to forgive someone who hurt you. hurt you. hurt you. Now, I didn't say trust. That would be a Now, I didn't say trust. That would be a Now, I didn't say trust. That would be a different sermon. Sometimes you have to different sermon. Sometimes you have to different sermon. Sometimes you have to earn that. But in Malachi, and here's earn that. But in Malachi, and here's earn that. But in Malachi, and here's the the hope I have for this talk, in the the hope I have for this talk, in the the hope I have for this talk, in Malachi 4:6 it says, "He will turn the Malachi 4:6 it says, "He will turn the Malachi 4:6 it says, "He will turn the hearts of the parents to the children hearts of the parents to the children hearts of the parents to the children and the hearts of the children to their and the hearts of the children to their and the hearts of the children to their parents." And it doesn't mean turn like parents." And it doesn't mean turn like parents." And it doesn't mean turn like the word we use turn, just kind of hang the word we use turn, just kind of hang the word we use turn, just kind of hang out and coexist with one another. No, out and coexist with one another. No, out and coexist with one another. No, this word is shiv, and it literally this word is shiv, and it literally this word is shiv, and it literally means that God will turn you back to one means that God will turn you back to one means that God will turn you back to one another, no matter how intense it is, no another, no matter how intense it is, no another, no matter how intense it is, no matter how off track it's been, and matter how off track it's been, and matter how off track it's been, and he'll put you back into a relationship he'll put you back into a relationship he'll put you back into a relationship where you can grow together the way where you can grow together the way where you can grow together the way heaven originally designed it. heaven originally designed it. heaven originally designed it. That's what he wants to do. That's what he wants to do. That's what he wants to do. And I'll give you the best example that And I'll give you the best example that And I'll give you the best example that I could give. I could give. I could give. When I was in the seventh grade, my mom When I was in the seventh grade, my mom When I was in the seventh grade, my mom and dad they they went through a and dad they they went through a and dad they they went through a horrible time.

horrible time. horrible time. Uh my dad will tell you this or I Uh my dad will tell you this or I Uh my dad will tell you this or I wouldn't tell you this. wouldn't tell you this. wouldn't tell you this. Uh he was caught in adultery. Uh he was caught in adultery. Uh he was caught in adultery. And and my mom saw the notes, and I was And and my mom saw the notes, and I was And and my mom saw the notes, and I was there. I was in the seventh grade, and I there. I was in the seventh grade, and I there. I was in the seventh grade, and I saw the notes, too. I read them. saw the notes, too. I read them. saw the notes, too. I read them. And my dad just said, "Enough then. I'm And my dad just said, "Enough then. I'm And my dad just said, "Enough then. I'm out." And he packed his bags, and out." And he packed his bags, and out." And he packed his bags, and he threw them in the back of the car, he threw them in the back of the car, he threw them in the back of the car, and and and I was like, "This is the end of of our I was like, "This is the end of of our I was like, "This is the end of of our family." So, I wrote a note, and I put family." So, I wrote a note, and I put family." So, I wrote a note, and I put it on the steering wheel of my dad's it on the steering wheel of my dad's it on the steering wheel of my dad's car, cuz I knew he loved me, and I knew car, cuz I knew he loved me, and I knew car, cuz I knew he loved me, and I knew he loved Randy. he loved Randy. he loved Randy. And so, I I said, "Just stay for us. I And so, I I said, "Just stay for us. I And so, I I said, "Just stay for us. I know you and Mom are not doing well. know you and Mom are not doing well. know you and Mom are not doing well. Stay for us." And I remember my dad and Stay for us." And I remember my dad and Stay for us." And I remember my dad and mom yelling so loud, and he got in the mom yelling so loud, and he got in the mom yelling so loud, and he got in the car, and he threw the note. He rolled car, and he threw the note. He rolled car, and he threw the note. He rolled down the window. down the window. down the window. He He grabbed that note that I wrote, He He grabbed that note that I wrote, He He grabbed that note that I wrote, and he threw it out the window, and he and he threw it out the window, and he and he threw it out the window, and he hit me in the chest hit me in the chest hit me in the chest and fell to the ground and fell to the ground and fell to the ground as he backed out of the driveway as he backed out of the driveway as he backed out of the driveway and I didn't see him again for a whole and I didn't see him again for a whole and I didn't see him again for a whole year.

year. year. So, you can imagine the intensity of So, you can imagine the intensity of So, you can imagine the intensity of that, the hurt. that, the hurt. that, the hurt. I remember I would get on I only knew I remember I would get on I only knew I remember I would get on I only knew how to play one song on the piano and it how to play one song on the piano and it how to play one song on the piano and it was somewhere over the rainbow and I was somewhere over the rainbow and I was somewhere over the rainbow and I would sit down with my brother who was 7 would sit down with my brother who was 7 would sit down with my brother who was 7 years younger than me years younger than me years younger than me and I would sing somewhere over the and I would sing somewhere over the and I would sing somewhere over the rainbow daddy lives. I would make up rainbow daddy lives. I would make up rainbow daddy lives. I would make up words, he'll never come back again. He words, he'll never come back again. He words, he'll never come back again. He doesn't want to be around us. He's gone. doesn't want to be around us. He's gone. doesn't want to be around us. He's gone. And my brother would just be crushed. I And my brother would just be crushed. I And my brother would just be crushed. I was getting into so much trouble at was getting into so much trouble at was getting into so much trouble at school in junior high and I the school in junior high and I the school in junior high and I the principal jumped on me and I I was so principal jumped on me and I I was so principal jumped on me and I I was so mad at him. I kept the door open in the mad at him. I kept the door open in the mad at him. I kept the door open in the back of the school and wedged it open back of the school and wedged it open back of the school and wedged it open and a friend of mine went out and got a and a friend of mine went out and got a and a friend of mine went out and got a cow in the in a place right next to the cow in the in a place right next to the cow in the in a place right next to the school and we brought it through the school and we brought it through the school and we brought it through the back door of that school and put it in back door of that school and put it in back door of that school and put it in the principal's office. And and so I the principal's office. And and so I the principal's office. And and so I never got to see the mess, but they never got to see the mess, but they never got to see the mess, but they still talk about it to this day. still talk about it to this day. still talk about it to this day. But I was hurting.

But I was hurting. But I was hurting. And then my my dad and mom that their And then my my dad and mom that their And then my my dad and mom that their marriage didn't make it. marriage didn't make it. marriage didn't make it. So, why am I bringing this up? Is it So, why am I bringing this up? Is it So, why am I bringing this up? Is it just like sort of fitting somewhere? just like sort of fitting somewhere? just like sort of fitting somewhere? No. No. No. I love my dad. I love my dad. I love my dad. And I I can't wait to see him this week. And I I can't wait to see him this week. And I I can't wait to see him this week. And every time I tell my dad And every time I tell my dad And every time I tell my dad that he's a great dad, he puts his head that he's a great dad, he puts his head that he's a great dad, he puts his head down. down. down. And he says, "No." And he says, "No." And he says, "No." Cuz I know he's remembering stuff Cuz I know he's remembering stuff Cuz I know he's remembering stuff that is not the best for him to that is not the best for him to that is not the best for him to remember. remember. remember. And and and so I always tell I've And and and so I always tell I've And and and so I always tell I've noticed in the last 10 years or so, when noticed in the last 10 years or so, when noticed in the last 10 years or so, when I tell him he was a great dad, he says, I tell him he was a great dad, he says, I tell him he was a great dad, he says, "Really? Why?" And he's not It's not as "Really? Why?" And he's not It's not as "Really? Why?" And he's not It's not as much shame. much shame. much shame. He's now given his heart to Christ. Can He's now given his heart to Christ. Can He's now given his heart to Christ. Can I have an amen on that? I have an amen on that? I have an amen on that? So, I'm talking about this guilt and So, I'm talking about this guilt and So, I'm talking about this guilt and grace. grace. grace. So, let's go ahead and make it point So, let's go ahead and make it point So, let's go ahead and make it point number one. Write Write this down.

number one. Write Write this down. number one. Write Write this down. You have notes with blanks in it. We've You have notes with blanks in it. We've You have notes with blanks in it. We've made it as easy as pie. made it as easy as pie. made it as easy as pie. Our families need more grace in every Our families need more grace in every Our families need more grace in every part part part of who we are. Cuz we've all been too judgmental or too Cuz we've all been too judgmental or too loud or too busy or too bossy. loud or too busy or too bossy. loud or too busy or too bossy. I remember when we moved here, uh my son I remember when we moved here, uh my son I remember when we moved here, uh my son Hunter, uh he was always homeschooled. Hunter, uh he was always homeschooled. Hunter, uh he was always homeschooled. We didn't homeschool because we thought We didn't homeschool because we thought We didn't homeschool because we thought that was the the only way you should do that was the the only way you should do that was the the only way you should do it. We did it cuz it was great for it. We did it cuz it was great for it. We did it cuz it was great for convenience for us, but when we moved convenience for us, but when we moved convenience for us, but when we moved here, we knew we were going to plant a here, we knew we were going to plant a here, we knew we were going to plant a church and we had to put my kids in in church and we had to put my kids in in church and we had to put my kids in in public school and I thought, "Man, public school and I thought, "Man, public school and I thought, "Man, Hunter, he's going to go to a public Hunter, he's going to go to a public Hunter, he's going to go to a public school. He's in the fifth grade. He He's school. He's in the fifth grade. He He's school. He's in the fifth grade. He He's never He doesn't even know what cussing never He doesn't even know what cussing never He doesn't even know what cussing is." And uh Michelle doesn't cuss is." And uh Michelle doesn't cuss is." And uh Michelle doesn't cuss at the house much, right? And so, at the house much, right? And so, at the house much, right? And so, so I thought, so I thought, so I thought, "You know, I got to tell him what "You know, I got to tell him what "You know, I got to tell him what cussing is." Well, how do you teach a cussing is." Well, how do you teach a cussing is." Well, how do you teach a fifth grader what cussing is? You really fifth grader what cussing is? You really fifth grader what cussing is? You really can't. I tried. And then, I finally can't. I tried. And then, I finally can't. I tried. And then, I finally realized this is not working. So, I had realized this is not working. So, I had realized this is not working. So, I had to go through a litany of the words.

to go through a litany of the words. to go through a litany of the words. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Cuss words. Don't look at me with >> Cuss words. Don't look at me with >> Cuss words. Don't look at me with judgmentalism. I was trying. judgmentalism. I was trying. judgmentalism. I was trying. And so, I'm going through the list and And so, I'm going through the list and And so, I'm going through the list and uh and it just all summer just trying to uh and it just all summer just trying to uh and it just all summer just trying to So, after he goes to school, So, after he goes to school, So, after he goes to school, "Hunter, have you heard any cussing?" He "Hunter, have you heard any cussing?" He "Hunter, have you heard any cussing?" He goes, "No, Dad, not yet." I was like, goes, "No, Dad, not yet." I was like, goes, "No, Dad, not yet." I was like, "Wow, what a great school." A month "Wow, what a great school." A month "Wow, what a great school." A month later, "Hunter, you heard any cussing?" later, "Hunter, you heard any cussing?" later, "Hunter, you heard any cussing?" "No, Dad." It's I said, "Wow, what a "No, Dad." It's I said, "Wow, what a "No, Dad." It's I said, "Wow, what a great school." Another month, great school." Another month, great school." Another month, "Have you heard any cussing yet?" He "Have you heard any cussing yet?" He "Have you heard any cussing yet?" He said, "Dad, look, the only person I've said, "Dad, look, the only person I've said, "Dad, look, the only person I've heard cuss was you all summer trying to heard cuss was you all summer trying to heard cuss was you all summer trying to tell me all this stuff." We've all made mistakes. We've all made mistakes. But I want you to know that Jesus had But I want you to know that Jesus had But I want you to know that Jesus had some trouble in his family. some trouble in his family. some trouble in his family. He didn't get married, but He didn't get married, but He didn't get married, but in Mark chapter 3, it says that his in Mark chapter 3, it says that his in Mark chapter 3, it says that his family family family kept saying, "Don't don't embarrass me." kept saying, "Don't don't embarrass me." kept saying, "Don't don't embarrass me." They wanted him institutionalized They wanted him institutionalized They wanted him institutionalized mentally cuz they thought he was crazy. mentally cuz they thought he was crazy. mentally cuz they thought he was crazy. Cuz if your brother is telling everybody Cuz if your brother is telling everybody Cuz if your brother is telling everybody he's the Messiah every day, he's the Messiah every day, he's the Messiah every day, you you're probably going to you you're probably going to you you're probably going to second-guess him.

second-guess him. second-guess him. And though if you want to look at And though if you want to look at And though if you want to look at another place, I mean let's let's take a another place, I mean let's let's take a another place, I mean let's let's take a a deep look at heaven. a deep look at heaven. a deep look at heaven. Heaven is a perfect place, but not Heaven is a perfect place, but not Heaven is a perfect place, but not always. At one point, Lucifer was there always. At one point, Lucifer was there always. At one point, Lucifer was there in charge of all the worship, Satan. in charge of all the worship, Satan. in charge of all the worship, Satan. And then one day he realized, "Well, I'm And then one day he realized, "Well, I'm And then one day he realized, "Well, I'm really good at this." And and he said, really good at this." And and he said, really good at this." And and he said, "I want y'all to worship me." "I want y'all to worship me." "I want y'all to worship me." So even the home of heaven got off track So even the home of heaven got off track So even the home of heaven got off track for a season. for a season. for a season. And not only was Lucifer kicked out, but And not only was Lucifer kicked out, but And not only was Lucifer kicked out, but the 1/3 of the the 1/3 of the the 1/3 of the the angels who were now demons uh were the angels who were now demons uh were the angels who were now demons uh were kicked out as well. kicked out as well. kicked out as well. Issues at home. Let's go to the first Issues at home. Let's go to the first Issues at home. Let's go to the first family in the Bible, Adam and Eve. I family in the Bible, Adam and Eve. I family in the Bible, Adam and Eve. I mean, my goodness, if you ever thought mean, my goodness, if you ever thought mean, my goodness, if you ever thought of this. Adam and Eve, you got two. of this. Adam and Eve, you got two. of this. Adam and Eve, you got two. They have two boys, Cain and Abel, two They have two boys, Cain and Abel, two They have two boys, Cain and Abel, two more. more. more. One of the boys didn't like the other One of the boys didn't like the other One of the boys didn't like the other boy, killed him, at least three. boy, killed him, at least three. boy, killed him, at least three. So at that point on the planet Earth, So at that point on the planet Earth, So at that point on the planet Earth, 33% of everyone on the planet was a 33% of everyone on the planet was a 33% of everyone on the planet was a murderer. murderer. murderer. That makes Little Rock look like Sesame That makes Little Rock look like Sesame That makes Little Rock look like Sesame Street.

Moses. Moses. He was a dad, but absentee for 40 years He was a dad, but absentee for 40 years He was a dad, but absentee for 40 years on the backside of a desert. on the backside of a desert. on the backside of a desert. I mean, if you think about David, he I mean, if you think about David, he I mean, if you think about David, he he was really frustrated with with his he was really frustrated with with his he was really frustrated with with his son Absalom. son Absalom. son Absalom. And uh there was a lot of tension there. And uh there was a lot of tension there. And uh there was a lot of tension there. And they really couldn't get it And they really couldn't get it And they really couldn't get it together, and it hurt the whole family together, and it hurt the whole family together, and it hurt the whole family and the whole kingdom. and the whole kingdom. and the whole kingdom. And you have people like Eli who was in And you have people like Eli who was in And you have people like Eli who was in love with the Lord, but his two boys love with the Lord, but his two boys love with the Lord, but his two boys running wild. running wild. running wild. So, Proverbs 24:3 says, "Homes are built So, Proverbs 24:3 says, "Homes are built So, Proverbs 24:3 says, "Homes are built on the foundation of wisdom and on the foundation of wisdom and on the foundation of wisdom and understanding." But, I want you to know understanding." But, I want you to know understanding." But, I want you to know there's wisdom in this whole grace there's wisdom in this whole grace there's wisdom in this whole grace teaching. And there's wisdom like Look teaching. And there's wisdom like Look teaching. And there's wisdom like Look at me for a minute. You You're never at me for a minute. You You're never at me for a minute. You You're never You're never going to just get there. No You're never going to just get there. No You're never going to just get there. No one's ever going to say, "Wow, my family one's ever going to say, "Wow, my family one's ever going to say, "Wow, my family was off track, and then somehow just bam was off track, and then somehow just bam was off track, and then somehow just bam bam bam, it's just worked out." bam bam, it's just worked out." bam bam, it's just worked out." No, because No, because No, because coasting always goes downhill. coasting always goes downhill. coasting always goes downhill. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And and so, >> And and so, >> And and so, let me show you the verse that'll help let me show you the verse that'll help let me show you the verse that'll help you a lot if you got a little bit of of you a lot if you got a little bit of of you a lot if you got a little bit of of an issue here and there in your home.

an issue here and there in your home. an issue here and there in your home. 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace God's grace God's grace God's grace is sufficient for you. is sufficient for you. is sufficient for you. It's enough. It's enough. It's enough. For my power For my power For my power is made perfect in weakness." Listen, is made perfect in weakness." Listen, is made perfect in weakness." Listen, God wants to turn to you with his grace God wants to turn to you with his grace God wants to turn to you with his grace and hope and love and forgiveness, not and hope and love and forgiveness, not and hope and love and forgiveness, not Satan. Satan wants to turn to you with Satan. Satan wants to turn to you with Satan. Satan wants to turn to you with despair and guilt and hate, not hope. He despair and guilt and hate, not hope. He despair and guilt and hate, not hope. He hates hope. He hates this sermon. hates hope. He hates this sermon. hates hope. He hates this sermon. Point number two, Point number two, Point number two, live like you want your kids to live. live like you want your kids to live. live like you want your kids to live. I'm not living the way I want my kids to I'm not living the way I want my kids to I'm not living the way I want my kids to live cuz I can't even break 80 anymore. live cuz I can't even break 80 anymore. live cuz I can't even break 80 anymore. I don't want that I don't want that I don't want that But, there's things that are in my life, But, there's things that are in my life, But, there's things that are in my life, my gosh. my gosh. my gosh. Am I Am I a model? I don't know. Uh what Am I Am I a model? I don't know. Uh what Am I Am I a model? I don't know. Uh what is a role model mean? It's It's a is a role model mean? It's It's a is a role model mean? It's It's a confusing term. But, my goodness, I I confusing term. But, my goodness, I I confusing term. But, my goodness, I I know I have a role to play in in raising know I have a role to play in in raising know I have a role to play in in raising my kids. I'm so thankful for Michelle my kids. I'm so thankful for Michelle my kids. I'm so thankful for Michelle cuz Michelle just She was so helpful cuz cuz Michelle just She was so helpful cuz cuz Michelle just She was so helpful cuz I'm I'm a bulldog.

I'm I'm a bulldog. I'm I'm a bulldog. You hear me speak right now and I You You hear me speak right now and I You You hear me speak right now and I You know, I was saying all these things, but know, I was saying all these things, but know, I was saying all these things, but man, I want to get things done and I'll man, I want to get things done and I'll man, I want to get things done and I'll get them done. And Michelle was the one get them done. And Michelle was the one get them done. And Michelle was the one who was the balancer in my home. And she who was the balancer in my home. And she who was the balancer in my home. And she would say, "Ricky, you've been working would say, "Ricky, you've been working would say, "Ricky, you've been working too many hours." too many hours." too many hours." And I would say, "No, not really." She And I would say, "No, not really." She And I would say, "No, not really." She goes, "Yeah, you haven't spent enough goes, "Yeah, you haven't spent enough goes, "Yeah, you haven't spent enough time with the kids." And I go, "Yeah, I time with the kids." And I go, "Yeah, I time with the kids." And I go, "Yeah, I have. I have." And she go, "Well, okay, have. I have." And she go, "Well, okay, have. I have." And she go, "Well, okay, I'll give you credit, you have, but not I'll give you credit, you have, but not I'll give you credit, you have, but not with all of them. You haven't been with with all of them. You haven't been with with all of them. You haven't been with this kid lately." And I'd look over and this kid lately." And I'd look over and this kid lately." And I'd look over and I go, I go, I go, "I don't even know what that kid's name "I don't even know what that kid's name "I don't even know what that kid's name is." is." is." And Michelle would just resuscitator And Michelle would just resuscitator And Michelle would just resuscitator reset my life. reset my life. reset my life. We have to have We have to have We have to have a relationship that resets. Uh not long a relationship that resets. Uh not long a relationship that resets. Uh not long ago, I had one of my children there was ago, I had one of my children there was ago, I had one of my children there was just something going on. I could I could just something going on. I could I could just something going on. I could I could sense that they were at a major sense that they were at a major sense that they were at a major distance. distance. distance. And then I started getting aggravated And then I started getting aggravated And then I started getting aggravated with them. with them. with them. Like, what's going on? Like, what's going on? Like, what's going on? And And then I realized, And And then I realized, And And then I realized, because Michelle told me, because Michelle told me, because Michelle told me, uh uh uh that we need to go and sit down that we need to go and sit down that we need to go and sit down with this kid.

with this kid. with this kid. And And so I did. And while I was there, And And so I did. And while I was there, And And so I did. And while I was there, I said, I said, I said, "Is there anything I've done wrong? Is "Is there anything I've done wrong? Is "Is there anything I've done wrong? Is something going on? Is something going on? Is something going on? Is anything you need to forgive me for?" anything you need to forgive me for?" anything you need to forgive me for?" And this kid said, "I don't need to And this kid said, "I don't need to And this kid said, "I don't need to forgive you. forgive you. forgive you. I just need a hug." It's amazing how much grace God will It's amazing how much grace God will give you give you give you when you just make a move. when you just make a move. when you just make a move. This applies to all of you, young This applies to all of you, young This applies to all of you, young people, older people. people, older people. people, older people. You need more grace cuz something's You need more grace cuz something's You need more grace cuz something's going on in your life? going on in your life? going on in your life? Just extend it Just extend it Just extend it to others. Number three, keep Jesus in to others. Number three, keep Jesus in to others. Number three, keep Jesus in your ordinary day-to-day life. Uh your ordinary day-to-day life. Uh your ordinary day-to-day life. Uh early on, early on, early on, we would we would always try to we would we would always try to we would we would always try to devotions with my family. Now, look here devotions with my family. Now, look here devotions with my family. Now, look here for a minute. I'm a I'm a pastor, but for a minute. I'm a I'm a pastor, but for a minute. I'm a I'm a pastor, but please don't be under the deception that please don't be under the deception that please don't be under the deception that my kids were at the house going, "Dad, my kids were at the house going, "Dad, my kids were at the house going, "Dad, preach another sermon. It's just so preach another sermon. It's just so preach another sermon. It's just so good."

good." good." No way. So, we did devotions every No way. So, we did devotions every No way. So, we did devotions every morning and I for the life of me could morning and I for the life of me could morning and I for the life of me could not figure out why we were doing it cuz not figure out why we were doing it cuz not figure out why we were doing it cuz they hated it. I thought they hated it. they hated it. I thought they hated it. they hated it. I thought they hated it. And cuz but I did it anyway, every And cuz but I did it anyway, every And cuz but I did it anyway, every morning. Let's open and they were sleepy morning. Let's open and they were sleepy morning. Let's open and they were sleepy and they were hardly looking and they and they were hardly looking and they and they were hardly looking and they were rubbing their eyes. were rubbing their eyes. were rubbing their eyes. But we did it. But we did it. But we did it. And now my kids are doing devotions. It And now my kids are doing devotions. It And now my kids are doing devotions. It was a horrible devotion. was a horrible devotion. was a horrible devotion. They just didn't seem to want to be They just didn't seem to want to be They just didn't seem to want to be there. there. there. But somehow the Lord graced that. I But somehow the Lord graced that. I But somehow the Lord graced that. I remember one day it's not on my notes. remember one day it's not on my notes. remember one day it's not on my notes. One day One day One day uh there was like they weren't uh there was like they weren't uh there was like they weren't listening. I said, "Guys, this is the listening. I said, "Guys, this is the listening. I said, "Guys, this is the word of God. Like if Jesus walked in word of God. Like if Jesus walked in word of God. Like if Jesus walked in that door and he looked at each one of that door and he looked at each one of that door and he looked at each one of you and he wrote something on the piece you and he wrote something on the piece you and he wrote something on the piece of paper and then he walked out and of paper and then he walked out and of paper and then he walked out and looked at another and wrote it on the looked at another and wrote it on the looked at another and wrote it on the piece of paper and then looked at piece of paper and then looked at piece of paper and then looked at another and wrote and looked at each of another and wrote and looked at each of another and wrote and looked at each of you and then left, what would you do you and then left, what would you do you and then left, what would you do first?" And then one of them, "I would first?" And then one of them, "I would first?" And then one of them, "I would go there and I would read it." go there and I would read it." go there and I would read it." And I said, "Yeah. And I said, "Yeah. And I said, "Yeah. Well, that's exactly what the word of Well, that's exactly what the word of Well, that's exactly what the word of God is. It's a note for you. God is. It's a note for you. God is. It's a note for you. So, let's lean in." So, let's lean in." So, let's lean in." Did it help? No, still didn't help. But Did it help? No, still didn't help. But Did it help? No, still didn't help. But it was the best I had. But look at this it was the best I had. But look at this it was the best I had. But look at this in Acts 4:13.

in Acts 4:13. in Acts 4:13. The members of the council were amazed The members of the council were amazed The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and when they saw the boldness of Peter and when they saw the boldness of Peter and John. John. John. For they could see that they were For they could see that they were For they could see that they were ordinary men ordinary men ordinary men with no special training in scriptures. with no special training in scriptures. with no special training in scriptures. And they also recognized them as men who And they also recognized them as men who And they also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. had been with Jesus. had been with Jesus. Get your family Get your family Get your family around Christ. around Christ. around Christ. Just get them around Christ. Just get them around Christ. Just get them around Christ. Number four. Pick a good church and be Number four. Pick a good church and be Number four. Pick a good church and be faithful to it. Look, we tell you every faithful to it. Look, we tell you every faithful to it. Look, we tell you every week this is not the best church in week this is not the best church in week this is not the best church in town, town, town, but you need to be in a church. but you need to be in a church. but you need to be in a church. Most of the scripture, when it uses the Most of the scripture, when it uses the Most of the scripture, when it uses the word church, it's talking about a local word church, it's talking about a local word church, it's talking about a local church. church. church. It's not talking about the universal It's not talking about the universal It's not talking about the universal church, everyone who's ever been saved. church, everyone who's ever been saved. church, everyone who's ever been saved. Some people say, "I don't need I don't Some people say, "I don't need I don't Some people say, "I don't need I don't need a church. I'm a Christian." Well, need a church. I'm a Christian." Well, need a church. I'm a Christian." Well, that's true, but the way that we carry that's true, but the way that we carry that's true, but the way that we carry out our walk with God is in church. The out our walk with God is in church. The out our walk with God is in church. The last time I preached to you, I said, last time I preached to you, I said, last time I preached to you, I said, "How do we even know you're doing good "How do we even know you're doing good "How do we even know you're doing good in your faith? Like, how do we know in your faith? Like, how do we know in your faith? Like, how do we know you're doing good with pride if it's not you're doing good with pride if it's not you're doing good with pride if it's not displayed out in a relationship?" This displayed out in a relationship?" This displayed out in a relationship?" This is why it says in the church you forgive is why it says in the church you forgive is why it says in the church you forgive one another, you pray for one another, one another, you pray for one another, one another, you pray for one another, you serve one another. You're there for you serve one another. You're there for you serve one another. You're there for one another. It happens in a body of one another. It happens in a body of one another. It happens in a body of believers. It doesn't happen like a a believers. It doesn't happen like a a believers. It doesn't happen like a a person who lived a thousand years ago.

person who lived a thousand years ago. person who lived a thousand years ago. Yeah, they're a part of the church, the Yeah, they're a part of the church, the Yeah, they're a part of the church, the entire church, but how can you carry out entire church, but how can you carry out entire church, but how can you carry out your faith around them? You cannot. your faith around them? You cannot. your faith around them? You cannot. Picking a good church is a huge Picking a good church is a huge Picking a good church is a huge I remember I remember I remember one man, one man, one man, he was so faithful to the church, and he was so faithful to the church, and he was so faithful to the church, and then one day he he left. then one day he he left. then one day he he left. And this happens at other churches as And this happens at other churches as And this happens at other churches as well. well. well. And I said, "What happened?" Cuz he came And I said, "What happened?" Cuz he came And I said, "What happened?" Cuz he came back. back. back. And I said, "What happened?" He goes, And I said, "What happened?" He goes, And I said, "What happened?" He goes, "Well, my daughter, "Well, my daughter, "Well, my daughter, uh she told me she wasn't getting fed uh she told me she wasn't getting fed uh she told me she wasn't getting fed anymore in the youth group." anymore in the youth group." anymore in the youth group." And I said, "Well, that's a bummer." And I said, "Well, that's a bummer." And I said, "Well, that's a bummer." He said, "But after we left to the other He said, "But after we left to the other He said, "But after we left to the other church, we realized that she was just church, we realized that she was just church, we realized that she was just there for a boyfriend. And then they there for a boyfriend. And then they there for a boyfriend. And then they broke up, so we're back." broke up, so we're back." broke up, so we're back." And I thought, "Man, And I thought, "Man, And I thought, "Man, we can't just change." we can't just change." we can't just change." Look, you're either going to have a a Look, you're either going to have a a Look, you're either going to have a a God-centered home God-centered home God-centered home or a child-centered home. or a child-centered home. or a child-centered home. And right now, if you want to know the And right now, if you want to know the And right now, if you want to know the one thing one thing one thing that I see in West Little Rock since that I see in West Little Rock since that I see in West Little Rock since I've moved here, I've moved here, I've moved here, there was a portion of this in Conway as there was a portion of this in Conway as there was a portion of this in Conway as well, well, well, is kids are worshipped now.

is kids are worshipped now. is kids are worshipped now. And it's okay to love your kids, And it's okay to love your kids, And it's okay to love your kids, but the Lord wants to be number one in but the Lord wants to be number one in but the Lord wants to be number one in your life. Can I have an amen? your life. Can I have an amen? your life. Can I have an amen? >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Keep your kids in church. Keep your kids in church. Keep your kids in church. Michelle and I have even seen people Michelle and I have even seen people Michelle and I have even seen people punish their kids from going to church. punish their kids from going to church. punish their kids from going to church. And uh it just it's it's so important. And uh it just it's it's so important. And uh it just it's it's so important. It doesn't have to be here. It doesn't have to be here. It doesn't have to be here. I would prefer it to be here cuz no one I would prefer it to be here cuz no one I would prefer it to be here cuz no one wants to kick you out. wants to kick you out. wants to kick you out. But just be faithful to a church. But just be faithful to a church. But just be faithful to a church. There's this man in our church that he There's this man in our church that he There's this man in our church that he he goes to the lake a lot. And and he he goes to the lake a lot. And and he he goes to the lake a lot. And and he and he and on Sunday instead of coming and he and on Sunday instead of coming and he and on Sunday instead of coming back he you know it's so far and then go back he you know it's so far and then go back he you know it's so far and then go again. He goes to one of our campuses again. He goes to one of our campuses again. He goes to one of our campuses there. there. there. He just and I said, "What's going on He just and I said, "What's going on He just and I said, "What's going on with all that?" He goes, "I want my with all that?" He goes, "I want my with all that?" He goes, "I want my family to see that God is the most family to see that God is the most family to see that God is the most important thing and we go to church." important thing and we go to church." important thing and we go to church." The average person in the church in The average person in the church in The average person in the church in America goes to what they call their America goes to what they call their America goes to what they call their church four times a year. church four times a year. church four times a year. Number five, don't make excuses for your Number five, don't make excuses for your Number five, don't make excuses for your kids or for yourself.

kids or for yourself. kids or for yourself. I've never met anybody yet that says, I've never met anybody yet that says, I've never met anybody yet that says, "Man, I just like victims, you know, I "Man, I just like victims, you know, I "Man, I just like victims, you know, I just love a victim mentality. I love it just love a victim mentality. I love it just love a victim mentality. I love it when someone's blaming everybody for when someone's blaming everybody for when someone's blaming everybody for stuff that happens to them." But it stuff that happens to them." But it stuff that happens to them." But it comes in different forms and I'll tell comes in different forms and I'll tell comes in different forms and I'll tell you where it could land on people who you where it could land on people who you where it could land on people who don't even like a victim mentality. And don't even like a victim mentality. And don't even like a victim mentality. And it would be the people who never admit it would be the people who never admit it would be the people who never admit that they're wrong. that they're wrong. that they're wrong. Or never like it when someone Or never like it when someone Or never like it when someone accuses one of their kids of being accuses one of their kids of being accuses one of their kids of being wrong. wrong. wrong. I have seen it. Uh for years years ago I I have seen it. Uh for years years ago I I have seen it. Uh for years years ago I was over a school I was over like 12 was over a school I was over like 12 was over a school I was over like 12 different things at this church. I was different things at this church. I was different things at this church. I was the executive pastor. the executive pastor. the executive pastor. And I was over the school and I was And I was over the school and I was And I was over the school and I was amazed at how many parents amazed at how many parents amazed at how many parents would drive to the school just because a would drive to the school just because a would drive to the school just because a a teacher a teacher a teacher would discipline their kid or just would discipline their kid or just would discipline their kid or just correct them. Pull them aside and say, correct them. Pull them aside and say, correct them. Pull them aside and say, "Hey, uh you're talking too much. I'm "Hey, uh you're talking too much. I'm "Hey, uh you're talking too much. I'm trying to teach here." Anything like trying to teach here." Anything like trying to teach here." Anything like that. And they would just drive to the that. And they would just drive to the that. And they would just drive to the school or a coach who puts a a kid on school or a coach who puts a a kid on school or a coach who puts a a kid on the sidelines or on the bench and just the sidelines or on the bench and just the sidelines or on the bench and just drive me with a coach who's constantly drive me with a coach who's constantly drive me with a coach who's constantly trying to stir up all this stuff.

trying to stir up all this stuff. trying to stir up all this stuff. Listen, I'm going to tell you there's Listen, I'm going to tell you there's Listen, I'm going to tell you there's another way to look at it, and that is another way to look at it, and that is another way to look at it, and that is to be thankful when your kid has a to be thankful when your kid has a to be thankful when your kid has a teacher who's not treating them right. teacher who's not treating them right. teacher who's not treating them right. Because are you going to run to the Because are you going to run to the Because are you going to run to the university when he gets off track? university when he gets off track? university when he gets off track? Some of you might. Some of you might. Some of you might. But are you going to run to Steven's But are you going to run to Steven's But are you going to run to Steven's Inc. if they get a job over there and Inc. if they get a job over there and Inc. if they get a job over there and say say say uh Mr. Warren, please want to talk to uh Mr. Warren, please want to talk to uh Mr. Warren, please want to talk to him or whatever. him or whatever. him or whatever. It's just not going to work. It's just not going to work. It's just not going to work. And I think it's good when your kids are And I think it's good when your kids are And I think it's good when your kids are around things that do do not work around things that do do not work around things that do do not work perfectly for them. What are they going perfectly for them. What are they going perfectly for them. What are they going to need then? They're going to need to need then? They're going to need to need then? They're going to need Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And then we can rescue our kids some, And then we can rescue our kids some, And then we can rescue our kids some, but you can see it early on. Some of but you can see it early on. Some of but you can see it early on. Some of sometimes your kid, like a 4-year-old, sometimes your kid, like a 4-year-old, sometimes your kid, like a 4-year-old, is just being in a bad mood and uh and a is just being in a bad mood and uh and a is just being in a bad mood and uh and a parent they we just go to this stuff. We parent they we just go to this stuff. We parent they we just go to this stuff. We don't admit. You can hear it and just don't admit. You can hear it and just don't admit. You can hear it and just listen to it in the hidden language. listen to it in the hidden language. listen to it in the hidden language. They'll say, "Oh, I'm sorry. They're They'll say, "Oh, I'm sorry. They're They'll say, "Oh, I'm sorry. They're just tired." just tired." just tired." Or I'm sorry they haven't had anything Or I'm sorry they haven't had anything Or I'm sorry they haven't had anything to eat yet. to eat yet. to eat yet. Or I'm sorry and they're they're pop Or I'm sorry and they're they're pop Or I'm sorry and they're they're pop they're won't admit. Just say, "I'm they're won't admit. Just say, "I'm they're won't admit. Just say, "I'm sorry. We're working on that right now."

Can I have an amen? Can I have an amen? Some of you don't like this. Some of you don't like this. Some of you don't like this. And you need to work on this right now. And you need to work on this right now. And you need to work on this right now. Number six, be led by the spirit. Number six, be led by the spirit. Number six, be led by the spirit. Those who are led by the spirit of God Those who are led by the spirit of God Those who are led by the spirit of God are children of God. are children of God. are children of God. My kids can tell you they're scattered My kids can tell you they're scattered My kids can tell you they're scattered out right now in different places, but out right now in different places, but out right now in different places, but Grayson Kyle are here. And Grace can Grayson Kyle are here. And Grace can Grayson Kyle are here. And Grace can tell you tell you tell you uh that I use the phrase uh I have a uh that I use the phrase uh I have a uh that I use the phrase uh I have a check in my spirit about something. They check in my spirit about something. They check in my spirit about something. They they want to do so. I remember Tanner they want to do so. I remember Tanner they want to do so. I remember Tanner one time, I don't know how what age he one time, I don't know how what age he one time, I don't know how what age he was at. 12, 13, 14. He wanted to go to a was at. 12, 13, 14. He wanted to go to a was at. 12, 13, 14. He wanted to go to a place in Hot Springs, uh Magic Mountain place in Hot Springs, uh Magic Mountain place in Hot Springs, uh Magic Mountain or Springs. What's it called? And uh or Springs. What's it called? And uh or Springs. What's it called? And uh they rides and stuff. And he wanted to they rides and stuff. And he wanted to they rides and stuff. And he wanted to go with all of his friends. go with all of his friends. go with all of his friends. And I could tell he really wanted to go. And I could tell he really wanted to go. And I could tell he really wanted to go. He gave me a great sales pitch. He gave me a great sales pitch. He gave me a great sales pitch. Dad, just he went gave me a bio of every Dad, just he went gave me a bio of every Dad, just he went gave me a bio of every kid. kid. kid. And uh they go to New Life. And uh they go to New Life. And uh they go to New Life. Like that's going to change my opinion Like that's going to change my opinion Like that's going to change my opinion anyway. So I So I told him I said, uh anyway. So I So I told him I said, uh anyway. So I So I told him I said, uh I'll pray about it. And when I prayed I'll pray about it. And when I prayed I'll pray about it. And when I prayed about it, I just didn't have a peace about it, I just didn't have a peace about it, I just didn't have a peace about it.

about it. about it. But then I didn't want to tell him no But then I didn't want to tell him no But then I didn't want to tell him no cuz I knew he really wanted to go. cuz I knew he really wanted to go. cuz I knew he really wanted to go. And it was a real hard conversation. So And it was a real hard conversation. So And it was a real hard conversation. So I I I I just said, "Son, I I prayed about it. I just said, "Son, I I prayed about it. I just said, "Son, I I prayed about it. I have a check in my spirit about it. I have a check in my spirit about it. I have a check in my spirit about it. I can't let you go." And he was just I can't let you go." And he was just I can't let you go." And he was just brokenhearted. brokenhearted. brokenhearted. And um but he took it. And um but he took it. And um but he took it. He's pretty tough kid. He's pretty tough kid. He's pretty tough kid. And he goes, "Okay, And he goes, "Okay, And he goes, "Okay, Dad." Dad." Dad." This check in the spirit, I was a kind This check in the spirit, I was a kind This check in the spirit, I was a kind of dad that said no to just about of dad that said no to just about of dad that said no to just about everything anyway. everything anyway. everything anyway. So Michelle would pull me to the side. So Michelle would pull me to the side. So Michelle would pull me to the side. She goes, "Do you have a check in your She goes, "Do you have a check in your She goes, "Do you have a check in your spirit or you just being a butt?" That's spirit or you just being a butt?" That's spirit or you just being a butt?" That's what you said. what you said. what you said. And I said, "I think I'm just being a And I said, "I think I'm just being a And I said, "I think I'm just being a butt." Okay. When when Grace met Kyle, I butt." Okay. When when Grace met Kyle, I butt." Okay. When when Grace met Kyle, I didn't want anybody talking to Grace. didn't want anybody talking to Grace. didn't want anybody talking to Grace. She's my youngest girl. She's my youngest girl. She's my youngest girl. And I just didn't want it. And Kyle and And I just didn't want it. And Kyle and And I just didn't want it. And Kyle and Grace started talking. Grace started talking. Grace started talking. And Grace I could tell she was falling And Grace I could tell she was falling And Grace I could tell she was falling for him. for him. for him. I couldn't even pray for the brother. I couldn't even pray for the brother. I couldn't even pray for the brother. I said mean things to him. I don't even I said mean things to him. I don't even I said mean things to him. I don't even want to tell you. You'll leave the want to tell you. You'll leave the want to tell you. You'll leave the church. church. church. And so but I wouldn't pray for him. And And so but I wouldn't pray for him. And And so but I wouldn't pray for him. And then one day Grace came in this is a then one day Grace came in this is a then one day Grace came in this is a year down the road or longer.

year down the road or longer. year down the road or longer. She came into my office, not my bedroom. She came into my office, not my bedroom. She came into my office, not my bedroom. She goes, "Dad, I need to talk to you." She goes, "Dad, I need to talk to you." She goes, "Dad, I need to talk to you." And she started crying. And she started crying. And she started crying. She said, "Dad, I love Kyle. And I want to marry him. And I want to marry him. But if you have a check about it, I'll But if you have a check about it, I'll But if you have a check about it, I'll shut it down. shut it down. shut it down. Cuz I know that that check Cuz I know that that check Cuz I know that that check it saved our family. it saved our family. it saved our family. But if you're just being a butt, But if you're just being a butt, But if you're just being a butt, I need to know. I need to know. I need to know. And I said, "I think I'm just being a And I said, "I think I'm just being a And I said, "I think I'm just being a butt." butt." butt." And she said, "Well, have you prayed for And she said, "Well, have you prayed for And she said, "Well, have you prayed for him?" I said, "No." And she said, "Well, let's pray right And she said, "Well, let's pray right now." now." now." And she made me get on her And she made me get on her And she made me get on her on my knees on my knees on my knees and pray. She's a real driven lady. and pray. She's a real driven lady. and pray. She's a real driven lady. And I prayed for Kyle and And I prayed for Kyle and And I prayed for Kyle and and I fell in love with Kyle. and I fell in love with Kyle. and I fell in love with Kyle. I was the I was the I was the best possible husband in the world for best possible husband in the world for best possible husband in the world for her. her. her. It's amazing that he's a part of my It's amazing that he's a part of my It's amazing that he's a part of my family.

family. family. I'm just really thankful for that. I'm just really thankful for that. I'm just really thankful for that. And uh but I was on the wrong side. So, And uh but I was on the wrong side. So, And uh but I was on the wrong side. So, check in your spirit is not just an check in your spirit is not just an check in your spirit is not just an excuse excuse excuse just a throw out terms. just a throw out terms. just a throw out terms. It's a real check. Look for it. Like It's a real check. Look for it. Like It's a real check. Look for it. Like keep your eyes on them. Look look for keep your eyes on them. Look look for keep your eyes on them. Look look for that peace. Don't just trust everybody. that peace. Don't just trust everybody. that peace. Don't just trust everybody. Well, they go to New Life. What does Well, they go to New Life. What does Well, they go to New Life. What does that got to do with it? that got to do with it? that got to do with it? What is the Lord saying? I told Tanner What is the Lord saying? I told Tanner What is the Lord saying? I told Tanner and the way he finally accepted I said, and the way he finally accepted I said, and the way he finally accepted I said, "Tanner, I don't have a peace about it. "Tanner, I don't have a peace about it. "Tanner, I don't have a peace about it. And think about it, as your dad, what if And think about it, as your dad, what if And think about it, as your dad, what if you went there you went there you went there and something happened and I knew I had and something happened and I knew I had and something happened and I knew I had a check in my heart about it. a check in my heart about it. a check in my heart about it. But I let you go. I could never But I let you go. I could never But I let you go. I could never get over that." get over that." get over that." And I just think that the spirit of God And I just think that the spirit of God And I just think that the spirit of God tries to lead us tries to lead us tries to lead us in what we do. Number seven, being an in what we do. Number seven, being an in what we do. Number seven, being an encourager with your words. I'm going to encourager with your words. I'm going to encourager with your words. I'm going to pass through this one pretty fast. pass through this one pretty fast. pass through this one pretty fast. But I do want to say words matter. The But I do want to say words matter. The But I do want to say words matter. The old adage, "Sticks and stones may break old adage, "Sticks and stones may break old adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." my bones, but words will never hurt me." my bones, but words will never hurt me." That's That's bunk. That's That's not That's That's bunk. That's That's not That's That's bunk. That's That's not scripture. Words matter. And uh if I scripture. Words matter. And uh if I scripture. Words matter. And uh if I could give you any tip, it would be if could give you any tip, it would be if could give you any tip, it would be if words are flying around in your home words are flying around in your home words are flying around in your home that have that have gotten off track, that have that have gotten off track, that have that have gotten off track, it's good. It's It's That's not good, it's good. It's It's That's not good, it's good. It's It's That's not good, but it's good to fix it. Go home and but it's good to fix it. Go home and but it's good to fix it. Go home and just call a family meeting and walk just call a family meeting and walk just call a family meeting and walk through your home and ask God to forgive through your home and ask God to forgive through your home and ask God to forgive you. And just start with different you. And just start with different you. And just start with different words.

words. words. But number eight, and this is where I'm But number eight, and this is where I'm But number eight, and this is where I'm going to wrap up. going to wrap up. going to wrap up. Have fun in your home. Have fun in your home. Have fun in your home. Just let it be a place of laughter. When Just let it be a place of laughter. When Just let it be a place of laughter. When they're little kids, just anything. It they're little kids, just anything. It they're little kids, just anything. It could be a pillow fight. It could be a pillow fight. It could be a pillow fight. It It could be It could be It could be uh uh uh self-deprecating self-deprecating self-deprecating stories. It could be playing hide and stories. It could be playing hide and stories. It could be playing hide and seek. Or you know, when they're little, seek. Or you know, when they're little, seek. Or you know, when they're little, it's just easier to come up with things. it's just easier to come up with things. it's just easier to come up with things. I would chase after Grace and she would I would chase after Grace and she would I would chase after Grace and she would be laughing so hard. She would fall down be laughing so hard. She would fall down be laughing so hard. She would fall down and I would act act like I couldn't get and I would act act like I couldn't get and I would act act like I couldn't get to her. Just joy, having joy in the to her. Just joy, having joy in the to her. Just joy, having joy in the home. home. home. I'm going to tell you why. I'm going to tell you why. I'm going to tell you why. Because the first year that I was here, Because the first year that I was here, Because the first year that I was here, I did a family series. And I was on my I did a family series. And I was on my I did a family series. And I was on my way to church and I was at a traffic way to church and I was at a traffic way to church and I was at a traffic light. light. light. And on my right was a minivan. And on my right was a minivan. And on my right was a minivan. And on my left was a minivan. If you And on my left was a minivan. If you And on my left was a minivan. If you have enough kids, you're going to end up have enough kids, you're going to end up have enough kids, you're going to end up with one. And it's not that cool. with one. And it's not that cool. with one. And it's not that cool. But they were there. And I looked at one But they were there. And I looked at one But they were there. And I looked at one family and they were laughing family and they were laughing family and they were laughing and having a blast. and having a blast. and having a blast. And the other family And the other family And the other family they just you could just tell they just you could just tell they just you could just tell the tension.

And it was about the same size family. And it was about the same size family. Completely different vibe. The joy. The joy. The joy of the Lord. Where the spirit of The joy of the Lord. Where the spirit of The joy of the Lord. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there's freedom. A merry the Lord is, there's freedom. A merry the Lord is, there's freedom. A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a heart does good like a medicine, but a heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. broken spirit dries up the bones. broken spirit dries up the bones. Enjoy life with your wife whom you love Enjoy life with your wife whom you love Enjoy life with your wife whom you love all the days of your life. all the days of your life. all the days of your life. Deuteronomy, I'm not going to read it, Deuteronomy, I'm not going to read it, Deuteronomy, I'm not going to read it, but it says this commandment I give to but it says this commandment I give to but it says this commandment I give to you today to impress them on your you today to impress them on your you today to impress them on your children and your family. When you do children and your family. When you do children and your family. When you do it, when you're walking on down the road it, when you're walking on down the road it, when you're walking on down the road or when you're It doesn't say in a car, or when you're It doesn't say in a car, or when you're It doesn't say in a car, but it would if it was saying it now. but it would if it was saying it now. but it would if it was saying it now. When you're doing life together and When you're doing life together and When you're doing life together and you're just hanging out, like bring the you're just hanging out, like bring the you're just hanging out, like bring the word into all of that. word into all of that. word into all of that. And And And it'll help you. it'll help you. it'll help you. So, to close out, I want to read a poem So, to close out, I want to read a poem So, to close out, I want to read a poem to you to you to you that is going to be hard-hitting, but that is going to be hard-hitting, but that is going to be hard-hitting, but there's grace in it that you need. And there's grace in it that you need. And there's grace in it that you need. And see if you can find the grace in this see if you can find the grace in this see if you can find the grace in this um um um because there's a supernatural grace in because there's a supernatural grace in because there's a supernatural grace in it. it. it. But, it's hard to spot. But, it's hard to spot. But, it's hard to spot. It's a poem entitled No Time to Play.

It's a poem entitled No Time to Play. It's a poem entitled No Time to Play. My precious boy with golden hair came up My precious boy with golden hair came up My precious boy with golden hair came up one day beside my chair one day beside my chair one day beside my chair and fell upon his bended knee and said, and fell upon his bended knee and said, and fell upon his bended knee and said, "Daddy or Mommy, "Daddy or Mommy, "Daddy or Mommy, please play with me." please play with me." please play with me." I said, "Not now, son. Go on and play. I I said, "Not now, son. Go on and play. I I said, "Not now, son. Go on and play. I got so much to do today." got so much to do today." got so much to do today." And he smiled through tears and eyes so And he smiled through tears and eyes so And he smiled through tears and eyes so blue when I said, blue when I said, blue when I said, "We'll play when I get through." "We'll play when I get through." "We'll play when I get through." But, the work lasted all through the day But, the work lasted all through the day But, the work lasted all through the day and I never did find time to play. and I never did find time to play. and I never did find time to play. And when supper was over, supper was And when supper was over, supper was And when supper was over, supper was over and the dishes done, I was way too over and the dishes done, I was way too over and the dishes done, I was way too tired for my little son. tired for my little son. tired for my little son. So, I tucked him in and kissed his cheek So, I tucked him in and kissed his cheek So, I tucked him in and kissed his cheek and watched my angel fall asleep. And as and watched my angel fall asleep. And as and watched my angel fall asleep. And as I tossed and turned upon my bed, those I tossed and turned upon my bed, those I tossed and turned upon my bed, those words kept ringing in my head, "Not now, words kept ringing in my head, "Not now, words kept ringing in my head, "Not now, son. Go on and play. I got too much to son. Go on and play. I got too much to son. Go on and play. I got too much to do today." do today." do today." And I fell asleep and in a minute's And I fell asleep and in a minute's And I fell asleep and in a minute's span, span, span, my little boy is a full-grown man. my little boy is a full-grown man. my little boy is a full-grown man. No toys are there to clutter the floor.

No toys are there to clutter the floor. No toys are there to clutter the floor. No dirty fingerprints on the door. No dirty fingerprints on the door. No dirty fingerprints on the door. No snacks to fix and no tears to dry. No snacks to fix and no tears to dry. No snacks to fix and no tears to dry. The rooms just echo my lonely sigh. The rooms just echo my lonely sigh. The rooms just echo my lonely sigh. And now I've got time to play. And now I've got time to play. And now I've got time to play. But, my precious boy is gone away. But, my precious boy is gone away. But, my precious boy is gone away. And I awoke myself with a pitiful scream And I awoke myself with a pitiful scream And I awoke myself with a pitiful scream and realized that it was just a dream. and realized that it was just a dream. and realized that it was just a dream. For across the room in his little bed For across the room in his little bed For across the room in his little bed lay my curly-haired boy, the sleepier. lay my curly-haired boy, the sleepier. lay my curly-haired boy, the sleepier. My work will wait till another day. For My work will wait till another day. For My work will wait till another day. For now, now, now, I'm going to find some time to play. I'm going to find some time to play. I'm going to find some time to play. Listen to me. Listen to me. Listen to me. I can't do anything about yesterday. I can't do anything about yesterday. I can't do anything about yesterday. The word can't, I can't. The word can't, I can't. The word can't, I can't. But I'll tell you what, the Lord will But I'll tell you what, the Lord will But I'll tell you what, the Lord will teach you how to make every day count. teach you how to make every day count. teach you how to make every day count. And the best families that I see that And the best families that I see that And the best families that I see that walk with Christ are families that were walk with Christ are families that were walk with Christ are families that were far, far away from Christ. far, far away from Christ. far, far away from Christ. And they gave the Lord a chance to move And they gave the Lord a chance to move And they gave the Lord a chance to move in.

in. in. Boy, can he do an acquisition. In Jesus' name, let's bow our heads. In Jesus' name, let's bow our heads. Lord, I thank you Lord, I thank you Lord, I thank you for being here as we talk about family for being here as we talk about family for being here as we talk about family and and and we just want to get this right. Be with we just want to get this right. Be with we just want to get this right. Be with the dads, Lord. the dads, Lord. the dads, Lord. Please don't let these dads do the Please don't let these dads do the Please don't let these dads do the checklist of failure. checklist of failure. checklist of failure. No, Lord, I pray that just look at you. No, Lord, I pray that just look at you. No, Lord, I pray that just look at you. We all need you. We all need you. We all need you. Your word says if we're guilty of Your word says if we're guilty of Your word says if we're guilty of disobeying in one commandment, disobeying in one commandment, disobeying in one commandment, we are guilty of disobeying every one of we are guilty of disobeying every one of we are guilty of disobeying every one of them. them. them. And that's all of us. And that's all of us. And that's all of us. So, Lord, we ask that you forgive us. If So, Lord, we ask that you forgive us. If So, Lord, we ask that you forgive us. If you're here right now and you just need you're here right now and you just need you're here right now and you just need some extra grace in your life for some extra grace in your life for some extra grace in your life for whatever reason, whatever reason, whatever reason, I'm not going to point you out, but I'm not going to point you out, but I'm not going to point you out, but would you just look at me until I see would you just look at me until I see would you just look at me until I see you around the room? See you. I got it. you around the room? See you. I got it. you around the room? See you. I got it. I got it. I got it. I got it. Can't really see that good in the back, Can't really see that good in the back, Can't really see that good in the back, but I know that people are moving and but I know that people are moving and but I know that people are moving and looking around. looking around. looking around. And um so, let's let's say this prayer. And um so, let's let's say this prayer. And um so, let's let's say this prayer. Also, if you do not know the Lord, he he Also, if you do not know the Lord, he he Also, if you do not know the Lord, he he he's knocking at the door, it's what he he's knocking at the door, it's what he he's knocking at the door, it's what he says.

And those that want him like we confess And those that want him like we confess our our our sins sins sins and repent of our sins, that he'll come and sup with us, live that he'll come and sup with us, live with us. with us. with us. That's what the cross is all about. That's what the cross is all about. That's what the cross is all about. Lord, we just thank you for your grace. Lord, we just thank you for your grace. Lord, we just thank you for your grace. We're sorry for times that we We're sorry for times that we We're sorry for times that we disappointed you. When you said one disappointed you. When you said one disappointed you. When you said one thing and we said no, we're going in a thing and we said no, we're going in a thing and we said no, we're going in a different way. different way. different way. We apologize for that. We apologize for that. We apologize for that. And we ask, Lord God, that you move into And we ask, Lord God, that you move into And we ask, Lord God, that you move into our lives and show us our lives and show us our lives and show us how to walk with you now. how to walk with you now. how to walk with you now. And I thank you, Lord Jesus, that you're And I thank you, Lord Jesus, that you're And I thank you, Lord Jesus, that you're not here not here not here to point people out to leave them there. to point people out to leave them there. to point people out to leave them there. It's always to get them to turn to you. It's always to get them to turn to you. It's always to get them to turn to you. The most positive word in the Bible, The most positive word in the Bible, The most positive word in the Bible, repent. repent. repent. Cuz cuz of the power of the cross that Cuz cuz of the power of the cross that Cuz cuz of the power of the cross that can turn to you and walk with you. So can turn to you and walk with you. So can turn to you and walk with you. So amazing. amazing. amazing. So, we invite you in. We thank you for So, we invite you in. We thank you for So, we invite you in. We thank you for the cross and your forgiveness and your the cross and your forgiveness and your the cross and your forgiveness and your grace grace grace and the blood of the lamb. and the blood of the lamb. and the blood of the lamb. In Jesus' name we pray.

In Jesus' name we pray. In Jesus' name we pray. And everybody said And everybody said And everybody said Amen. Would you