Blessed Are Those Who Hunger And Thirst | Kingdom Culture

Uh, like Logan said, my name is Amir, Uh, like Logan said, my name is Amir, one of the pastors here and just really, one of the pastors here and just really, one of the pastors here and just really, really excited. Logan said, the word really excited. Logan said, the word really excited. Logan said, the word expectation has just been on my heart expectation has just been on my heart expectation has just been on my heart for today. And I really just also want for today. And I really just also want for today. And I really just also want to welcome we have a lot of friends and to welcome we have a lot of friends and to welcome we have a lot of friends and family friends who are here for baptism. family friends who are here for baptism. family friends who are here for baptism. Maybe you're checking out our church Maybe you're checking out our church Maybe you're checking out our church this weekend. Man, our our prayer is this weekend. Man, our our prayer is this weekend. Man, our our prayer is always that you're just encouraged by always that you're just encouraged by always that you're just encouraged by the Lord while you're here. We've been the Lord while you're here. We've been the Lord while you're here. We've been studying these biatitudes and we're studying these biatitudes and we're studying these biatitudes and we're calling it kingdom culture. And it's calling it kingdom culture. And it's calling it kingdom culture. And it's really what Jesus is intending when he really what Jesus is intending when he really what Jesus is intending when he starts the sermon on the mount. But one starts the sermon on the mount. But one starts the sermon on the mount. But one thing we I've told you guys that I thing we I've told you guys that I thing we I've told you guys that I really want us to get is I don't want us really want us to get is I don't want us really want us to get is I don't want us just to understand or know these just to understand or know these just to understand or know these biatitudes. But we want to live them biatitudes. But we want to live them biatitudes. But we want to live them out. That's how we experience something out. That's how we experience something out. That's how we experience something that is cultural in our lives, our that is cultural in our lives, our that is cultural in our lives, our homes, in our city. And as I was praying homes, in our city. And as I was praying homes, in our city. And as I was praying about this, I was reminded of what Jesus about this, I was reminded of what Jesus about this, I was reminded of what Jesus would later say in the Gospels and the would later say in the Gospels and the would later say in the Gospels and the Lord's Prayer. I feel like if we really Lord's Prayer. I feel like if we really Lord's Prayer. I feel like if we really live these kingdom culture beatitudes live these kingdom culture beatitudes live these kingdom culture beatitudes out, we'll experience this. Jesus said, out, we'll experience this. Jesus said, out, we'll experience this. Jesus said, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Can I get an earth as it is in heaven." Can I get an earth as it is in heaven." Can I get an amen? That's what we want to experience. amen? That's what we want to experience. amen? That's what we want to experience. Uh heaven coming down to earth. So we Uh heaven coming down to earth. So we Uh heaven coming down to earth. So we have our first beatitude for today. have our first beatitude for today. have our first beatitude for today. It'll be on the screen. I will start us.

It'll be on the screen. I will start us. It'll be on the screen. I will start us. But I want us to read it aloud. You But I want us to read it aloud. You But I want us to read it aloud. You know, I love to get I love to stand for know, I love to get I love to stand for know, I love to get I love to stand for the reading of God's word, but we've the reading of God's word, but we've the reading of God's word, but we've been doing these biatitudes. They're one been doing these biatitudes. They're one been doing these biatitudes. They're one verse. So I feel mean to get y'all to verse. So I feel mean to get y'all to verse. So I feel mean to get y'all to stand and sit down. So come August, stand and sit down. So come August, stand and sit down. So come August, we're standing. Just getting y'all ready we're standing. Just getting y'all ready we're standing. Just getting y'all ready now. Okay, [laughter] now. Okay, [laughter] now. Okay, [laughter] let's read this together. Blessed are let's read this together. Blessed are let's read this together. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for those who hunger and thirst for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. righteousness, for they will be filled. righteousness, for they will be filled. Amen. I want to unpack really what Jesus Amen. I want to unpack really what Jesus Amen. I want to unpack really what Jesus is saying contextually because then it is saying contextually because then it is saying contextually because then it helps us understand for the rest of our helps us understand for the rest of our helps us understand for the rest of our sermon where we're going. These words sermon where we're going. These words sermon where we're going. These words hunger and thirst are quite strong from hunger and thirst are quite strong from hunger and thirst are quite strong from Jesus. This word hunger in the Greek Jesus. This word hunger in the Greek Jesus. This word hunger in the Greek literally means to crave ardently. I literally means to crave ardently. I literally means to crave ardently. I didn't know what that word meant until didn't know what that word meant until didn't know what that word meant until today. Learn something new. It's today. Learn something new. It's today. Learn something new. It's passionately to seek with eager desire. passionately to seek with eager desire. passionately to seek with eager desire. This is not just being hungry. This is This is not just being hungry. This is This is not just being hungry. This is where you get to a place where you're where you get to a place where you're where you get to a place where you're desperate for food. To give you a simple desperate for food. To give you a simple desperate for food. To give you a simple example, in one chapter before Matthew example, in one chapter before Matthew example, in one chapter before Matthew 4, the Bible says that Jesus fasted for 4, the Bible says that Jesus fasted for 4, the Bible says that Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and he became 40 days and 40 nights and he became 40 days and 40 nights and he became hungry. It's the same word in the Greek. hungry. It's the same word in the Greek. hungry. It's the same word in the Greek. So you can imagine the the measure of So you can imagine the the measure of So you can imagine the the measure of hunger Jesus is trying to describe and hunger Jesus is trying to describe and hunger Jesus is trying to describe and it says thirst. This is this word thirst it says thirst. This is this word thirst it says thirst. This is this word thirst in the Greek simply means to suffer from in the Greek simply means to suffer from in the Greek simply means to suffer from thirst. Like you're so thirsty there's a thirst. Like you're so thirsty there's a thirst. Like you're so thirsty there's a measure of discomfort. And Jesus is measure of discomfort. And Jesus is measure of discomfort. And Jesus is brilliant. He's speaking to this culture brilliant. He's speaking to this culture brilliant. He's speaking to this culture because there's people in this moment, because there's people in this moment, because there's people in this moment, his followers and people that are his followers and people that are his followers and people that are listening on that maybe they would be listening on that maybe they would be listening on that maybe they would be hungry and thirsty in this day or in hungry and thirsty in this day or in hungry and thirsty in this day or in this moment. You know, there's certainly this moment. You know, there's certainly this moment. You know, there's certainly a lot of need in America, but most a lot of need in America, but most a lot of need in America, but most Americans don't go a day without food or Americans don't go a day without food or Americans don't go a day without food or water. May not have been the case for water. May not have been the case for water. May not have been the case for people that Jesus was talking to, but he people that Jesus was talking to, but he people that Jesus was talking to, but he says, "Hunger and thirst for what?"

says, "Hunger and thirst for what?" says, "Hunger and thirst for what?" Maybe the most important word in this Maybe the most important word in this Maybe the most important word in this biatitude, it's for righteousness. biatitude, it's for righteousness. biatitude, it's for righteousness. Righteousness. This word is used 92 Righteousness. This word is used 92 Righteousness. This word is used 92 times in the New Testament. It's pretty times in the New Testament. It's pretty times in the New Testament. It's pretty important. But righteousness really has important. But righteousness really has important. But righteousness really has two definitions biblically. Jesus was two definitions biblically. Jesus was two definitions biblically. Jesus was referring to the second one, but I'm referring to the second one, but I'm referring to the second one, but I'm going to give you both. The first going to give you both. The first going to give you both. The first definition of righteousness we see in definition of righteousness we see in definition of righteousness we see in God's word is when someone's approved by God's word is when someone's approved by God's word is when someone's approved by God. This happens by faith in Jesus and God. This happens by faith in Jesus and God. This happens by faith in Jesus and by faith in Jesus alone. This is how our by faith in Jesus alone. This is how our by faith in Jesus alone. This is how our sins are forgiven. The the legal term sins are forgiven. The the legal term sins are forgiven. The the legal term would be you're found not guilty. You've would be you're found not guilty. You've would be you're found not guilty. You've been made righteous because the finished been made righteous because the finished been made righteous because the finished work of the cross and by grace through work of the cross and by grace through work of the cross and by grace through faith, you received that gift from faith, you received that gift from faith, you received that gift from Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Um, you could say God's grace makes you Um, you could say God's grace makes you Um, you could say God's grace makes you righteous or you're in right standing righteous or you're in right standing righteous or you're in right standing with a holy God because he can't be with a holy God because he can't be with a holy God because he can't be around sin. This would be the biblical around sin. This would be the biblical around sin. This would be the biblical term. Maybe you've heard this term term. Maybe you've heard this term term. Maybe you've heard this term justification. This is what this simply justification. This is what this simply justification. This is what this simply means. But the second uh definition of means. But the second uh definition of means. But the second uh definition of righteousness, what Jesus is really righteousness, what Jesus is really righteousness, what Jesus is really referring to here is now as a follower.

referring to here is now as a follower. referring to here is now as a follower. He's speaking to followers. As a He's speaking to followers. As a He's speaking to followers. As a follower of Jesus, he wants you to live follower of Jesus, he wants you to live follower of Jesus, he wants you to live righteously. righteously. righteously. What does that mean? He wants you to put What does that mean? He wants you to put What does that mean? He wants you to put him first in everything. He wants you to him first in everything. He wants you to him first in everything. He wants you to live holy, obedient. live holy, obedient. live holy, obedient. He wants you, like we'll talked before, He wants you, like we'll talked before, He wants you, like we'll talked before, a pure heart and following him. This is a pure heart and following him. This is a pure heart and following him. This is the lifelong journey of following Jesus. the lifelong journey of following Jesus. the lifelong journey of following Jesus. And that God by his grace through the And that God by his grace through the And that God by his grace through the work of his Holy Spirit renews and heals work of his Holy Spirit renews and heals work of his Holy Spirit renews and heals and strengthens. Rom 8 says this way, and strengthens. Rom 8 says this way, and strengthens. Rom 8 says this way, you're being conformed to the image of you're being conformed to the image of you're being conformed to the image of Jesus one day at a time. It's the Jesus one day at a time. It's the Jesus one day at a time. It's the lifelong journey. That's what biblical lifelong journey. That's what biblical lifelong journey. That's what biblical term would be sanctification. This is term would be sanctification. This is term would be sanctification. This is what Jesus is referring to. And he says, what Jesus is referring to. And he says, what Jesus is referring to. And he says, hey, when you live righteously like this hey, when you live righteously like this hey, when you live righteously like this promise, you will be filled. promise, you will be filled. promise, you will be filled. Meaning in Greek, you will be satisfied. Meaning in Greek, you will be satisfied. Meaning in Greek, you will be satisfied. You will experience a fulfillment that You will experience a fulfillment that You will experience a fulfillment that nothing else in this world can offer. nothing else in this world can offer. nothing else in this world can offer. That's a powerful promise from Jesus That's a powerful promise from Jesus That's a powerful promise from Jesus that we'll continue to unpack. Let me that we'll continue to unpack. Let me that we'll continue to unpack. Let me tell you a story. This past week, Beth tell you a story. This past week, Beth tell you a story. This past week, Beth and I celebrated got to get away and and I celebrated got to get away and and I celebrated got to get away and celebrate 10 years of marriage and we celebrate 10 years of marriage and we celebrate 10 years of marriage and we saved up and we actually went where we saved up and we actually went where we saved up and we actually went where we went on our honeymoon in Mexico. It was went on our honeymoon in Mexico. It was went on our honeymoon in Mexico. It was absolutely amazing. I love y'all, but I absolutely amazing. I love y'all, but I absolutely amazing. I love y'all, but I love time with my wife way more. Okay.

love time with my wife way more. Okay. love time with my wife way more. Okay. And so we got away. We were leaving the And so we got away. We were leaving the And so we got away. We were leaving the place we were staying. We we had like place we were staying. We we had like place we were staying. We we had like 11:00. So we ate breakfast there a 11:00. So we ate breakfast there a 11:00. So we ate breakfast there a little after 7. We go to the airport. We little after 7. We go to the airport. We little after 7. We go to the airport. We got to get there super early at court got to get there super early at court got to get there super early at court for them. And then our flight to Dallas for them. And then our flight to Dallas for them. And then our flight to Dallas was during lunchtime, like to get to was during lunchtime, like to get to was during lunchtime, like to get to Dallas. So we're like, man, we'll eat a Dallas. So we're like, man, we'll eat a Dallas. So we're like, man, we'll eat a snack, but I don't know. We'll eat when snack, but I don't know. We'll eat when snack, but I don't know. We'll eat when we get to Dallas. Well, our flight's we get to Dallas. Well, our flight's we get to Dallas. Well, our flight's delayed 45 minutes. We still make it to delayed 45 minutes. We still make it to delayed 45 minutes. We still make it to Dallas. By the time you go through Dallas. By the time you go through Dallas. By the time you go through customs, immigration, all the things, customs, immigration, all the things, customs, immigration, all the things, get your bags. Me and Beth are hungry. get your bags. Me and Beth are hungry. get your bags. Me and Beth are hungry. We don't have time to eat. So, we're We don't have time to eat. So, we're We don't have time to eat. So, we're like taking the sky train they call in like taking the sky train they call in like taking the sky train they call in Dallas, which is massive to our Dallas, which is massive to our Dallas, which is massive to our terminal. And we have like five minutes terminal. And we have like five minutes terminal. And we have like five minutes to get to our gate. So, we did what you to get to our gate. So, we did what you to get to our gate. So, we did what you see in the movies. We just start see in the movies. We just start see in the movies. We just start running. And all I could hear is best running. And all I could hear is best running. And all I could hear is best sandals going through the airport and sandals going through the airport and sandals going through the airport and we're breathing hard because we've been we're breathing hard because we've been we're breathing hard because we've been eating a lot of food and my backpack's eating a lot of food and my backpack's eating a lot of food and my backpack's like hitting me in the bag and and it's like hitting me in the bag and and it's like hitting me in the bag and and it's like we look like crazy people. We're like we look like crazy people. We're like we look like crazy people. We're literally running through the airport literally running through the airport literally running through the airport like you see. And I was like we got to like you see. And I was like we got to like you see. And I was like we got to make it. We get there and the door is make it. We get there and the door is make it. We get there and the door is shut and it says door is closed. I'm shut and it says door is closed. I'm shut and it says door is closed. I'm like but can you open it? You know like like but can you open it? You know like like but can you open it? You know like I know you're in there and this guy I I know you're in there and this guy I I know you're in there and this guy I guess was just sitting there bystander guess was just sitting there bystander guess was just sitting there bystander and he looked at me. He goes you missed and he looked at me. He goes you missed and he looked at me. He goes you missed it by this much. I didn't know him. And it by this much. I didn't know him. And it by this much. I didn't know him. And I want to be like you missed it by this I want to be like you missed it by this I want to be like you missed it by this much. you know, like I don't know who much. you know, like I don't know who much. you know, like I don't know who you are, bro.

you are, bro. you are, bro. I'm like running my heart out trying to I'm like running my heart out trying to I'm like running my heart out trying to make my gate and you're over here. make my gate and you're over here. make my gate and you're over here. So, we're hungry. We're like, Kenny. So, So, we're hungry. We're like, Kenny. So, So, we're hungry. We're like, Kenny. So, we go to the little kiosk. Well, we go to the little kiosk. Well, we go to the little kiosk. Well, thankfully, we're in Dallas, so there's thankfully, we're in Dallas, so there's thankfully, we're in Dallas, so there's many flights to Little Rock. Hey, many flights to Little Rock. Hey, many flights to Little Rock. Hey, they're like, hey, there's actually a they're like, hey, there's actually a they're like, hey, there's actually a flight boards in 20 minutes. Great. We flight boards in 20 minutes. Great. We flight boards in 20 minutes. Great. We go. It's three gates down. I'm just go. It's three gates down. I'm just go. It's three gates down. I'm just looking at our door still like, come on, looking at our door still like, come on, looking at our door still like, come on, man. You can't open the door. We get on man. You can't open the door. We get on man. You can't open the door. We get on that flight. We're about to leave. They that flight. We're about to leave. They that flight. We're about to leave. They pull out from the gate. We're on the pull out from the gate. We're on the pull out from the gate. We're on the runway. And then the captain says, "Hey, runway. And then the captain says, "Hey, runway. And then the captain says, "Hey, there's not weather in Dallas, but there's not weather in Dallas, but there's not weather in Dallas, but there's weather all around." announcer. there's weather all around." announcer. there's weather all around." announcer. We're one of 20 trying to leave. We have We're one of 20 trying to leave. We have We're one of 20 trying to leave. We have to wait, guys. We wait on the runway for to wait, guys. We wait on the runway for to wait, guys. We wait on the runway for 55 minutes just sitting there. Mind you, 55 minutes just sitting there. Mind you, 55 minutes just sitting there. Mind you, our flight was 57 minutes. So, we wait our flight was 57 minutes. So, we wait our flight was 57 minutes. So, we wait for an hour, fly an hour to Little Rock. for an hour, fly an hour to Little Rock. for an hour, fly an hour to Little Rock. No, it gets better. So, then we land in No, it gets better. So, then we land in No, it gets better. So, then we land in Little Rock, pull up, and at our gate, Little Rock, pull up, and at our gate, Little Rock, pull up, and at our gate, there's a plane because of all this. So, there's a plane because of all this. So, there's a plane because of all this. So, our captain says, "Hey, there's a our captain says, "Hey, there's a our captain says, "Hey, there's a there's a plane at our gate. We're going there's a plane at our gate. We're going there's a plane at our gate. We're going to wait." And when it passes, 55 minutes to wait." And when it passes, 55 minutes to wait." And when it passes, 55 minutes sitting on the the runway Little Rock. sitting on the the runway Little Rock. sitting on the the runway Little Rock. Okay, guys. At this point, it's about Okay, guys. At this point, it's about Okay, guys. At this point, it's about 7:30. I haven't eaten in 12 hours. I'm 7:30. I haven't eaten in 12 hours. I'm 7:30. I haven't eaten in 12 hours. I'm hungry and my head is hurting. My hungry and my head is hurting. My hungry and my head is hurting. My stomach's hurting. And I feel irritated.

stomach's hurting. And I feel irritated. stomach's hurting. And I feel irritated. I guess this is what y'all call hangry, I guess this is what y'all call hangry, I guess this is what y'all call hangry, right? And I'm like, I'm a Christian, right? And I'm like, I'm a Christian, right? And I'm like, I'm a Christian, okay? I got to chill out a little. I'm okay? I got to chill out a little. I'm okay? I got to chill out a little. I'm lally teaching the church beatitudes, lally teaching the church beatitudes, lally teaching the church beatitudes, and I got to like be one right now. You and I got to like be one right now. You and I got to like be one right now. You know, don't talk to me anymore. Well, we know, don't talk to me anymore. Well, we know, don't talk to me anymore. Well, we get off the bag. We get off the plane. get off the bag. We get off the plane. get off the bag. We get off the plane. We go to get our bags. My bag never came We go to get our bags. My bag never came We go to get our bags. My bag never came in. Best bag came in. And at this point, in. Best bag came in. And at this point, in. Best bag came in. And at this point, I was like, I don't even care. I just I was like, I don't even care. I just I was like, I don't even care. I just want to go eat. Me and Beth drive to the want to go eat. Me and Beth drive to the want to go eat. Me and Beth drive to the nearest Chick-fil-A. Praise God. nearest Chick-fil-A. Praise God. nearest Chick-fil-A. Praise God. Saturday night it's 8:30. We get some Saturday night it's 8:30. We get some Saturday night it's 8:30. We get some Chick-fil-A. We eat it on the way home. Chick-fil-A. We eat it on the way home. Chick-fil-A. We eat it on the way home. But if I'm honest with you, not to be But if I'm honest with you, not to be But if I'm honest with you, not to be dramatic, I literally said this to Beth dramatic, I literally said this to Beth dramatic, I literally said this to Beth out my mouth best like, "How was your out my mouth best like, "How was your out my mouth best like, "How was your food?" I was like, "Babe, my food was food?" I was like, "Babe, my food was food?" I was like, "Babe, my food was good, but I thought it would satisfy me good, but I thought it would satisfy me good, but I thought it would satisfy me more." I don't know why. I don't know if more." I don't know why. I don't know if more." I don't know why. I don't know if it's because we went so long without it's because we went so long without it's because we went so long without eating and it was just a long day right eating and it was just a long day right eating and it was just a long day right after vacation, but I was like, "Man, I after vacation, but I was like, "Man, I after vacation, but I was like, "Man, I just thought it would hit different and just thought it would hit different and just thought it would hit different and it didn't. I felt unsatisfied." it didn't. I felt unsatisfied." it didn't. I felt unsatisfied." And you got to know when Jesus is And you got to know when Jesus is And you got to know when Jesus is teaching these uh on the sermon on the teaching these uh on the sermon on the teaching these uh on the sermon on the mount these biatitudes, there's a mount these biatitudes, there's a mount these biatitudes, there's a measure of people at their life at this measure of people at their life at this measure of people at their life at this moment. They're dissatisfied with moment. They're dissatisfied with moment. They're dissatisfied with something. Maybe you found yourself here something. Maybe you found yourself here something. Maybe you found yourself here this weekend. There's a measure of this weekend. There's a measure of this weekend. There's a measure of dissatisfaction in your life, in your dissatisfaction in your life, in your dissatisfaction in your life, in your what you thought your life could be or what you thought your life could be or what you thought your life could be or in your relationship with God. Or maybe in your relationship with God. Or maybe in your relationship with God. Or maybe you're here searching what what is God?

you're here searching what what is God? you're here searching what what is God? Who is that to me? And uh man, I someone Who is that to me? And uh man, I someone Who is that to me? And uh man, I someone just kind of invited me to church. I'm just kind of invited me to church. I'm just kind of invited me to church. I'm just trying to figure this out. And just trying to figure this out. And just trying to figure this out. And where Jesus is powerful is, you know, in where Jesus is powerful is, you know, in where Jesus is powerful is, you know, in the first three biatitudes, we have the first three biatitudes, we have the first three biatitudes, we have studied two of them. To be poor in studied two of them. To be poor in studied two of them. To be poor in spirit, Pastor Kurt taught, or or to to spirit, Pastor Kurt taught, or or to to spirit, Pastor Kurt taught, or or to to mourn over our sin like Marcus taught mourn over our sin like Marcus taught mourn over our sin like Marcus taught incredibly last week. Next week, Pastor incredibly last week. Next week, Pastor incredibly last week. Next week, Pastor Aaron's going to talk to us about being Aaron's going to talk to us about being Aaron's going to talk to us about being meek. Those three first beatitudes show meek. Those three first beatitudes show meek. Those three first beatitudes show us our need, our need for God, our need us our need, our need for God, our need us our need, our need for God, our need for savior. But it kind of comes to the for savior. But it kind of comes to the for savior. But it kind of comes to the those three come up to this apex where those three come up to this apex where those three come up to this apex where he says, you know how you fill that he says, you know how you fill that he says, you know how you fill that need? You hunger and thirst for need? You hunger and thirst for need? You hunger and thirst for righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. There you will be filled. There you seek There you will be filled. There you seek There you will be filled. There you seek after God for your whole life and God after God for your whole life and God after God for your whole life and God fills you in only ways he can. And this fills you in only ways he can. And this fills you in only ways he can. And this is beautiful. Then the fruit of that is beautiful. Then the fruit of that is beautiful. Then the fruit of that filling forms the next three biatitudes. filling forms the next three biatitudes. filling forms the next three biatitudes. There you will be merciful and There you will be merciful and There you will be merciful and experience mercy. There you will have a experience mercy. There you will have a experience mercy. There you will have a purid heart and you'll see God. There purid heart and you'll see God. There purid heart and you'll see God. There you will live as a peacemaker and people you will live as a peacemaker and people you will live as a peacemaker and people will say that's a children child of God. will say that's a children child of God. will say that's a children child of God. And of course he would go on to talk And of course he would go on to talk And of course he would go on to talk about being persecuted. I just love about being persecuted. I just love about being persecuted. I just love Jesus's heart. He's saying, "Hey, I Jesus's heart. He's saying, "Hey, I Jesus's heart. He's saying, "Hey, I always have more than you could ask, always have more than you could ask, always have more than you could ask, think, or imagine because he loves us.

think, or imagine because he loves us. think, or imagine because he loves us. He cares for us." So, I want to teach He cares for us." So, I want to teach He cares for us." So, I want to teach you three ways you can hunger more for you three ways you can hunger more for you three ways you can hunger more for the things of God uh really to walk out the things of God uh really to walk out the things of God uh really to walk out this beatitude. Number one, if you're this beatitude. Number one, if you're this beatitude. Number one, if you're taking notes, we got to starve the taking notes, we got to starve the taking notes, we got to starve the counterfeits. counterfeits. counterfeits. I'll explain, but we will get a little I'll explain, but we will get a little I'll explain, but we will get a little spicy. Okay? Starve the counterfeits. spicy. Okay? Starve the counterfeits. spicy. Okay? Starve the counterfeits. Our biatitude again, blessed are those Our biatitude again, blessed are those Our biatitude again, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Well, if you for they will be filled. Well, if you for they will be filled. Well, if you hunger and thirst for righteousness, hunger and thirst for righteousness, hunger and thirst for righteousness, you'll be filled. What happens in life you'll be filled. What happens in life you'll be filled. What happens in life where we hunger and thirst for other where we hunger and thirst for other where we hunger and thirst for other things? things? things? What is the byproduct? You know, if you What is the byproduct? You know, if you What is the byproduct? You know, if you think about hunger, hunger is this thing think about hunger, hunger is this thing think about hunger, hunger is this thing that God's hardwired us with. It's deep. that God's hardwired us with. It's deep. that God's hardwired us with. It's deep. It's profound. And the longer you go It's profound. And the longer you go It's profound. And the longer you go without eating, the stronger the hunger without eating, the stronger the hunger without eating, the stronger the hunger sensation is until it is satisfied. And sensation is until it is satisfied. And sensation is until it is satisfied. And and in ways you can kind of get a little and in ways you can kind of get a little and in ways you can kind of get a little desperate. And a a quick biblical desperate. And a a quick biblical desperate. And a a quick biblical example of this, you know, we I taught example of this, you know, we I taught example of this, you know, we I taught y'all on the prodical son before Easter, y'all on the prodical son before Easter, y'all on the prodical son before Easter, Luke 15. But the Bible says he got so Luke 15. But the Bible says he got so Luke 15. But the Bible says he got so hungry, he thought it would be good to hungry, he thought it would be good to hungry, he thought it would be good to just to eat the pig's food that he was just to eat the pig's food that he was just to eat the pig's food that he was serving. I mean, imagine that first of serving. I mean, imagine that first of serving. I mean, imagine that first of all, but then it left him unsatisfied.

all, but then it left him unsatisfied. all, but then it left him unsatisfied. So what did he do? He came to his So what did he do? He came to his So what did he do? He came to his senses. He realized I got to go back to senses. He realized I got to go back to senses. He realized I got to go back to my father's house. And this is my father's house. And this is my father's house. And this is physically. Yes, he was blessed with the physically. Yes, he was blessed with the physically. Yes, he was blessed with the meal to come back. There's a spiritual meal to come back. There's a spiritual meal to come back. There's a spiritual implication here is when he came back to implication here is when he came back to implication here is when he came back to the father's house, then he experienced the father's house, then he experienced the father's house, then he experienced fulfillment that the world could never fulfillment that the world could never fulfillment that the world could never give him. But he had to go home to meet give him. But he had to go home to meet give him. But he had to go home to meet the hunger. I want to give you a the hunger. I want to give you a the hunger. I want to give you a biblical principle that some mentors biblical principle that some mentors biblical principle that some mentors have taught me that changed my life that have taught me that changed my life that have taught me that changed my life that I believe if you take hold of could I believe if you take hold of could I believe if you take hold of could change yours. I want you to write this change yours. I want you to write this change yours. I want you to write this down if you're taking notes. And if down if you're taking notes. And if down if you're taking notes. And if you're not taking notes, I want you to you're not taking notes, I want you to you're not taking notes, I want you to write this down. write this down. write this down. What you feed yourself, you will hunger What you feed yourself, you will hunger What you feed yourself, you will hunger for. for. for. What you feed yourself, you will hunger What you feed yourself, you will hunger What you feed yourself, you will hunger for. You don't just get hungry for for. You don't just get hungry for for. You don't just get hungry for stuff. Although we have that natural stuff. Although we have that natural stuff. Although we have that natural desire, there's a direct correlation to desire, there's a direct correlation to desire, there's a direct correlation to what you eat is what later you will what you eat is what later you will what you eat is what later you will hunger for. So physically speaking, if hunger for. So physically speaking, if hunger for. So physically speaking, if you hunger for fast food or junk food or you hunger for fast food or junk food or you hunger for fast food or junk food or fried food, there's nothing evil about fried food, there's nothing evil about fried food, there's nothing evil about that or sweets. You're going to you're that or sweets. You're going to you're that or sweets. You're going to you're going to desire that if you feed going to desire that if you feed going to desire that if you feed yourself that. And that's hard for me yourself that. And that's hard for me yourself that. And that's hard for me because I love ice cream and I love because I love ice cream and I love because I love ice cream and I love chocolate chip cookies. I could even chocolate chip cookies. I could even chocolate chip cookies. I could even every day. I did that when we first got every day. I did that when we first got every day. I did that when we first got married and I gained a lot of weight and married and I gained a lot of weight and married and I gained a lot of weight and I learned, okay, you can't do that every I learned, okay, you can't do that every I learned, okay, you can't do that every day. So now I try to do it one day a day. So now I try to do it one day a day. So now I try to do it one day a week. But you got to think like our week. But you got to think like our week. But you got to think like our physical bodies have these desires.

physical bodies have these desires. physical bodies have these desires. Our soul has hunger and thirst desires, Our soul has hunger and thirst desires, Our soul has hunger and thirst desires, too. too. too. Maybe you never thought about that Maybe you never thought about that Maybe you never thought about that before, but our souls need spiritual before, but our souls need spiritual before, but our souls need spiritual nourishment. Really, uh, the Bible would nourishment. Really, uh, the Bible would nourishment. Really, uh, the Bible would tell us, let me give you a quick aside. tell us, let me give you a quick aside. tell us, let me give you a quick aside. We're three-part beings. Body, soul, We're three-part beings. Body, soul, We're three-part beings. Body, soul, spirit. And God's heart is that your spirit. And God's heart is that your spirit. And God's heart is that your spirit would be in lead and your body spirit would be in lead and your body spirit would be in lead and your body and soul would follow. And that's when and soul would follow. And that's when and soul would follow. And that's when you feed your spirit. But when you feed you feed your spirit. But when you feed you feed your spirit. But when you feed your flesh, you then your your your your flesh, you then your your your your flesh, you then your your your spirit's the caboose and your soul kind spirit's the caboose and your soul kind spirit's the caboose and your soul kind of follows your desires and it urges. of follows your desires and it urges. of follows your desires and it urges. Dr. Tony Evans, amazing pastor said it Dr. Tony Evans, amazing pastor said it Dr. Tony Evans, amazing pastor said it this way. Many of God's children who'll this way. Many of God's children who'll this way. Many of God's children who'll be on the screens are malnourished. Not be on the screens are malnourished. Not be on the screens are malnourished. Not because they don't eat, but because they because they don't eat, but because they because they don't eat, but because they eat the wrong things. eat the wrong things. eat the wrong things. Donuts taste good. Church, shout out Donuts taste good. Church, shout out Donuts taste good. Church, shout out Crispy Cream. but they have little to no Crispy Cream. but they have little to no Crispy Cream. but they have little to no nutritional value for you. And here's nutritional value for you. And here's nutritional value for you. And here's the reality I want you all to grasp. You the reality I want you all to grasp. You the reality I want you all to grasp. You can't have a donutlike spiritual diet can't have a donutlike spiritual diet can't have a donutlike spiritual diet and then wonder why you're not close to and then wonder why you're not close to and then wonder why you're not close to God. Wonder why you don't experience God. Wonder why you don't experience God. Wonder why you don't experience God. Why wonder why you're you're not God. Why wonder why you're you're not God. Why wonder why you're you're not being filled by the Lord? The question being filled by the Lord? The question being filled by the Lord? The question is, hey, what do you feed your soul is, hey, what do you feed your soul is, hey, what do you feed your soul every day? Maybe you've never thought every day? Maybe you've never thought every day? Maybe you've never thought about it like that because it will about it like that because it will about it like that because it will influence what you hunger for, influence what you hunger for, influence what you hunger for, especially if those things don't satisfy especially if those things don't satisfy especially if those things don't satisfy you.

you. you. So I would call them whether you realize So I would call them whether you realize So I would call them whether you realize or not they're counterfeits and God or not they're counterfeits and God or not they're counterfeits and God wants you to experience the real thing wants you to experience the real thing wants you to experience the real thing in Christ you must starve them. So as I in Christ you must starve them. So as I in Christ you must starve them. So as I was praying for y'all I thought of three was praying for y'all I thought of three was praying for y'all I thought of three big picture counterfeits I want to give big picture counterfeits I want to give big picture counterfeits I want to give youall I did this with a few message youall I did this with a few message youall I did this with a few message earlier just just give some handles uh earlier just just give some handles uh earlier just just give some handles uh and I'll explain them. The first one is and I'll explain them. The first one is and I'll explain them. The first one is happiness happiness happiness and I'll explain there's nothing evil and I'll explain there's nothing evil and I'll explain there's nothing evil wrong with wanting to be happy. Everyone wrong with wanting to be happy. Everyone wrong with wanting to be happy. Everyone would say in some measure they want to would say in some measure they want to would say in some measure they want to be happy. I'm talking about when you be happy. I'm talking about when you be happy. I'm talking about when you hunger and thirst for happiness hunger and thirst for happiness hunger and thirst for happiness where it starts to dictate and orient where it starts to dictate and orient where it starts to dictate and orient everything in your everyday life. Well, everything in your everyday life. Well, everything in your everyday life. Well, then what happens when you have a day then what happens when you have a day then what happens when you have a day you don't feel happy? What happens when you don't feel happy? What happens when you don't feel happy? What happens when you go through hard things? What happens you go through hard things? What happens you go through hard things? What happens when there's a curveball? Is God not when there's a curveball? Is God not when there's a curveball? Is God not good all of a sudden? Or is something good all of a sudden? Or is something good all of a sudden? Or is something wrong with you? Well, this is what you wrong with you? Well, this is what you wrong with you? Well, this is what you got to get biblically throughout the got to get biblically throughout the got to get biblically throughout the Bible. The Bible uh is never says that Bible. The Bible uh is never says that Bible. The Bible uh is never says that happiness is something we we're supposed happiness is something we we're supposed happiness is something we we're supposed to seek or focus on. rather happiness to seek or focus on. rather happiness to seek or focus on. rather happiness often and many other things are a result often and many other things are a result often and many other things are a result of seeking someone Jesus. Now Jesus of seeking someone Jesus. Now Jesus of seeking someone Jesus. Now Jesus wants to give you joy, the fruit of the wants to give you joy, the fruit of the wants to give you joy, the fruit of the spirit that's way more than happiness or spirit that's way more than happiness or spirit that's way more than happiness or seeking something righteousness.

seeking something righteousness. seeking something righteousness. So this is what we got to get church. So this is what we got to get church. So this is what we got to get church. We're unsatisfied We're unsatisfied We're unsatisfied because we are hungering for happiness because we are hungering for happiness because we are hungering for happiness before righteousness. before righteousness. before righteousness. No. No. Some of y'all didn't hear me. No. No. Some of y'all didn't hear me. No. No. Some of y'all didn't hear me. This will change your life. you were This will change your life. you were This will change your life. you were pursuing happiness instead of pursuing happiness instead of pursuing happiness instead of righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. But Jesus said, "Bless," which when you But Jesus said, "Bless," which when you But Jesus said, "Bless," which when you translate in the Greek is happy, translate in the Greek is happy, translate in the Greek is happy, content, filled. Blessed are those who content, filled. Blessed are those who content, filled. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for hunger and thirst for righteousness, for hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. You have it they will be filled. You have it they will be filled. You have it backwards. backwards. backwards. You love God, but you're LIKE, "NO, I'M You love God, but you're LIKE, "NO, I'M You love God, but you're LIKE, "NO, I'M JUST TRYING to be happy." And Jesus JUST TRYING to be happy." And Jesus JUST TRYING to be happy." And Jesus saying, "Hey, I never called you to be saying, "Hey, I never called you to be saying, "Hey, I never called you to be happiness. I called you to happiness. I called you to happiness. I called you to righteousness. I called you to holiness. righteousness. I called you to holiness. righteousness. I called you to holiness. I called you to seek me with all your I called you to seek me with all your I called you to seek me with all your heart." heart." heart." So you got to starve that. The second So you got to starve that. The second So you got to starve that. The second one's approval for others. We can call it people pleasing. Whatever We can call it people pleasing. Whatever you want to call it. We all can struggle you want to call it. We all can struggle you want to call it. We all can struggle with this, myself included. This is with this, myself included. This is with this, myself included. This is where what we think about what other uh where what we think about what other uh where what we think about what other uh people approve us or not us or value us. people approve us or not us or value us. people approve us or not us or value us. That's where our fulfillment will come That's where our fulfillment will come That's where our fulfillment will come from. Now certainly God's hardwired us from. Now certainly God's hardwired us from. Now certainly God's hardwired us to connect with one another, to be loved to connect with one another, to be loved to connect with one another, to be loved by one another. But again, I'm talking by one another. But again, I'm talking by one another. But again, I'm talking about when we get unhealthy when we about when we get unhealthy when we about when we get unhealthy when we literally hunger for the approval of literally hunger for the approval of literally hunger for the approval of others. Meaning, we put the approval of others. Meaning, we put the approval of others. Meaning, we put the approval of man before the approval of God.

man before the approval of God. man before the approval of God. And this is where it'll lead to a And this is where it'll lead to a And this is where it'll lead to a dissatisfaction. As I was praying for dissatisfaction. As I was praying for dissatisfaction. As I was praying for y'all, this I better get specific, but I y'all, this I better get specific, but I y'all, this I better get specific, but I feel like this is what the Lord want me feel like this is what the Lord want me feel like this is what the Lord want me to do. One area of people pleasing I to do. One area of people pleasing I to do. One area of people pleasing I want to talk to you about is with your want to talk to you about is with your want to talk to you about is with your my body image. my body image. my body image. I'm I know it be different to talk about I'm I know it be different to talk about I'm I know it be different to talk about in church, but let me go here for a in church, but let me go here for a in church, but let me go here for a second. A little bit of my story. Before second. A little bit of my story. Before second. A little bit of my story. Before I knew Christ and even after in high I knew Christ and even after in high I knew Christ and even after in high school, in college, and even into young school, in college, and even into young school, in college, and even into young adulthood, but in high school, I played adulthood, but in high school, I played adulthood, but in high school, I played soccer. I lived a very, very active soccer. I lived a very, very active soccer. I lived a very, very active lifestyle. But I would often compare lifestyle. But I would often compare lifestyle. But I would often compare myself compare my physical body to some myself compare my physical body to some myself compare my physical body to some of my best friends because I didn't look of my best friends because I didn't look of my best friends because I didn't look like them. They they were much more fit, like them. They they were much more fit, like them. They they were much more fit, but I was training with them and running but I was training with them and running but I was training with them and running with them and doing all the things they with them and doing all the things they with them and doing all the things they did and not eating crazy. Yet, my body, did and not eating crazy. Yet, my body, did and not eating crazy. Yet, my body, for whatever reason, didn't look like for whatever reason, didn't look like for whatever reason, didn't look like them. And they begin to grow this them. And they begin to grow this them. And they begin to grow this insecurity in me. And I started to insecurity in me. And I started to insecurity in me. And I started to associate my body image with my associate my body image with my associate my body image with my self-worth. self-worth. self-worth. So, I felt less than because my I didn't So, I felt less than because my I didn't So, I felt less than because my I didn't look like them with their shirt offer. I look like them with their shirt offer. I look like them with their shirt offer. I felt less than because I wasn't as felt less than because I wasn't as felt less than because I wasn't as strong as them. And if I could just be strong as them. And if I could just be strong as them. And if I could just be real with you, up until five, seven real with you, up until five, seven real with you, up until five, seven years ago, God's had to really redo my years ago, God's had to really redo my years ago, God's had to really redo my mind of this. From high school all the mind of this. From high school all the mind of this. From high school all the way through young adulthood, almost way through young adulthood, almost way through young adulthood, almost every day when I was putting on my shirt every day when I was putting on my shirt every day when I was putting on my shirt for day, I would look at my stomach at for day, I would look at my stomach at for day, I would look at my stomach at the beer and I'd be discouraged in the beer and I'd be discouraged in the beer and I'd be discouraged in myself myself myself every day.

every day. every day. Well, then I began to realize, okay, so Well, then I began to realize, okay, so Well, then I began to realize, okay, so my motivation for working out and eating my motivation for working out and eating my motivation for working out and eating better and losing weight. It wasn't deep better and losing weight. It wasn't deep better and losing weight. It wasn't deep down, it wasn't to honor God. It wasn't down, it wasn't to honor God. It wasn't down, it wasn't to honor God. It wasn't so I'd be healthier. It wasn't for me. so I'd be healthier. It wasn't for me. so I'd be healthier. It wasn't for me. It was so that someone would approve me. It was so that someone would approve me. It was so that someone would approve me. It was so I would look like someone It was so I would look like someone It was so I would look like someone else. Or when I was single, maybe a girl else. Or when I was single, maybe a girl else. Or when I was single, maybe a girl would want to go on a date with me or I would want to go on a date with me or I would want to go on a date with me or I would feel a little better about myself. would feel a little better about myself. would feel a little better about myself. And I'm telling you, church, it left me And I'm telling you, church, it left me And I'm telling you, church, it left me unsatisfied every time. unsatisfied every time. unsatisfied every time. Now, does the Lord want you to steward Now, does the Lord want you to steward Now, does the Lord want you to steward your life? And one of those is your your life? And one of those is your your life? And one of those is your physical body? Yes. physical body? Yes. physical body? Yes. Our body is described in scripture as a Our body is described in scripture as a Our body is described in scripture as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Yes. But I'm temple of the Holy Spirit. Yes. But I'm temple of the Holy Spirit. Yes. But I'm telling you, church, I want to caution telling you, church, I want to caution telling you, church, I want to caution you. And it's summer time, this might be you. And it's summer time, this might be you. And it's summer time, this might be more apparent. It's easy in our culture more apparent. It's easy in our culture more apparent. It's easy in our culture within all of our insecurities with within all of our insecurities with within all of our insecurities with comparison being so real to do these comparison being so real to do these comparison being so real to do these things more for the approval of others. things more for the approval of others. things more for the approval of others. So, for example, we work out and we lose So, for example, we work out and we lose So, for example, we work out and we lose weight. And just to be real, if you're weight. And just to be real, if you're weight. And just to be real, if you're lighter, I know I'm brown, you want to lighter, I know I'm brown, you want to lighter, I know I'm brown, you want to be dark, you want to be tan, you dress a be dark, you want to be tan, you dress a be dark, you want to be tan, you dress a certain way. Many people take weight certain way. Many people take weight certain way. Many people take weight loss supplements not for themselves. So, loss supplements not for themselves. So, loss supplements not for themselves. So, not for God, not for their family. DEEP not for God, not for their family. DEEP not for God, not for their family. DEEP DOWN BECAUSE YOU WANT OTHER people to DOWN BECAUSE YOU WANT OTHER people to DOWN BECAUSE YOU WANT OTHER people to approve you deep down because you feel approve you deep down because you feel approve you deep down because you feel like that will satisfy you. You'll feel like that will satisfy you. You'll feel like that will satisfy you. You'll feel better. Hey, let me remind us all of us better. Hey, let me remind us all of us better. Hey, let me remind us all of us are going to get old and wrinkly one are going to get old and wrinkly one are going to get old and wrinkly one day. I don't mean that to speak that day. I don't mean that to speak that day. I don't mean that to speak that over you, but it's called gravity and over you, but it's called gravity and over you, but it's called gravity and physiology and life.

It will leave you unsatisfied. Church, It will leave you unsatisfied. Church, people pleasing. Church, the approval of people pleasing. Church, the approval of people pleasing. Church, the approval of others, church, your self-worth and others, church, your self-worth and others, church, your self-worth and value being dictated by what other value being dictated by what other value being dictated by what other people think. We must starve it in Jesus people think. We must starve it in Jesus people think. We must starve it in Jesus name. name. name. >> The last one I want to tell you is >> The last one I want to tell you is >> The last one I want to tell you is escape. Last counterfeit. Life is hard, escape. Last counterfeit. Life is hard, escape. Last counterfeit. Life is hard, stressful, exhausting, challenging. stressful, exhausting, challenging. stressful, exhausting, challenging. Many of in a season right now and you Many of in a season right now and you Many of in a season right now and you can't quite see how you're going to get can't quite see how you're going to get can't quite see how you're going to get through it with your family and your job through it with your family and your job through it with your family and your job transition. So what do we want to do? transition. So what do we want to do? transition. So what do we want to do? Often we want to escape. We want to time Often we want to escape. We want to time Often we want to escape. We want to time out. But there's many unhealthy ways. out. But there's many unhealthy ways. out. But there's many unhealthy ways. Christians pursue that. So we get on our Christians pursue that. So we get on our Christians pursue that. So we get on our phones and we just immerse oursel in our phones and we just immerse oursel in our phones and we just immerse oursel in our phones or in front of a TV. We drink. phones or in front of a TV. We drink. phones or in front of a TV. We drink. People drink alcohol. They take drugs. People drink alcohol. They take drugs. People drink alcohol. They take drugs. They view pornography not for things They view pornography not for things They view pornography not for things just to get something from you. We just to get something from you. We just to get something from you. We isolate from friends and family. isolate from friends and family. isolate from friends and family. from the people who want to. We pursue from the people who want to. We pursue from the people who want to. We pursue unhealthy relationships and deep down unhealthy relationships and deep down unhealthy relationships and deep down maybe you never put words to it, but you maybe you never put words to it, but you maybe you never put words to it, but you think this will help me or this will think this will help me or this will think this will help me or this will numb or this will just give me an escape numb or this will just give me an escape numb or this will just give me an escape for a minute. It will leave you for a minute. It will leave you for a minute. It will leave you unsatisfied. Young people in this room, unsatisfied. Young people in this room, unsatisfied. Young people in this room, the older people will tell you, "Don't the older people will tell you, "Don't the older people will tell you, "Don't go down that route." It's a lie from the go down that route." It's a lie from the go down that route." It's a lie from the world. It's a lie from the enemy.

world. It's a lie from the enemy. world. It's a lie from the enemy. >> Sure, YOU CAN GO AND DRINK AND GET >> Sure, YOU CAN GO AND DRINK AND GET >> Sure, YOU CAN GO AND DRINK AND GET DRUNK, BUT THE NEXT MORNING you're going DRUNK, BUT THE NEXT MORNING you're going DRUNK, BUT THE NEXT MORNING you're going to wake UP AND ALL THE PROBLEMS and all to wake UP AND ALL THE PROBLEMS and all to wake UP AND ALL THE PROBLEMS and all the things you're running for are right the things you're running for are right the things you're running for are right there there there >> with an ounce of shame. This time >> with an ounce of shame. This time >> with an ounce of shame. This time >> we'll talk about where you find this in >> we'll talk about where you find this in >> we'll talk about where you find this in Jesus. You must starve it. Church. Jesus. You must starve it. Church. Jesus. You must starve it. Church. >> What you feed yourself, you will hunger >> What you feed yourself, you will hunger >> What you feed yourself, you will hunger for. The question is, what do I hunger for. The question is, what do I hunger for. The question is, what do I hunger for? Maybe you never thought about that. for? Maybe you never thought about that. for? Maybe you never thought about that. Let me give you a principle within the Let me give you a principle within the Let me give you a principle within the principle be on the screens. What you principle be on the screens. What you principle be on the screens. What you feed grows, but what you starve dies. feed grows, but what you starve dies. feed grows, but what you starve dies. That's you. GOD'S NOT GOING TO COME DOWN That's you. GOD'S NOT GOING TO COME DOWN That's you. GOD'S NOT GOING TO COME DOWN AND TELL YOU STOP EATING THAT AND STARVE AND TELL YOU STOP EATING THAT AND STARVE AND TELL YOU STOP EATING THAT AND STARVE THAT. NO, you have a uh free will. This THAT. NO, you have a uh free will. This THAT. NO, you have a uh free will. This is where PEOPLE ARE LIKE, "MAN, I WANT is where PEOPLE ARE LIKE, "MAN, I WANT is where PEOPLE ARE LIKE, "MAN, I WANT TO BE FREE." THEN YOU GOT TO START THAT TO BE FREE." THEN YOU GOT TO START THAT TO BE FREE." THEN YOU GOT TO START THAT THING, CHURCH, AND YOU GOT TO FEED YOUR THING, CHURCH, AND YOU GOT TO FEED YOUR THING, CHURCH, AND YOU GOT TO FEED YOUR SPIRIT and be led by God. I'm passionate SPIRIT and be led by God. I'm passionate SPIRIT and be led by God. I'm passionate about this because I lived in bondage about this because I lived in bondage about this because I lived in bondage for years. for years. for years. >> AND I WOULD, GOD, WHERE ARE YOU? GOD, >> AND I WOULD, GOD, WHERE ARE YOU? GOD, >> AND I WOULD, GOD, WHERE ARE YOU? GOD, WHERE? AND I'D GO BACK TO THAT THING WHERE? AND I'D GO BACK TO THAT THING WHERE? AND I'D GO BACK TO THAT THING LIKE A DOG TO ITS VOMIT. AND I'D WONDER LIKE A DOG TO ITS VOMIT. AND I'D WONDER LIKE A DOG TO ITS VOMIT. AND I'D WONDER WHY I WASN'T SATISFIED. BECAUSE THERE'S WHY I WASN'T SATISFIED. BECAUSE THERE'S WHY I WASN'T SATISFIED. BECAUSE THERE'S NO LIFE IN IT, CHURCH.

NO LIFE IN IT, CHURCH. NO LIFE IN IT, CHURCH. NO, you have to starve that thing and NO, you have to starve that thing and NO, you have to starve that thing and you have to seek God and his you have to seek God and his you have to seek God and his righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. There you will be filled. There you will be filled. There you will be filled. One more thing, it is very hard to One more thing, it is very hard to One more thing, it is very hard to starve these things, especially if starve these things, especially if starve these things, especially if you're really in strongholds, you're really in strongholds, you're really in strongholds, addictions, challenges. It's really hard addictions, challenges. It's really hard addictions, challenges. It's really hard to starve it by yourself. You need God's to starve it by yourself. You need God's to starve it by yourself. You need God's grace, God's power, God's wisdom, and grace, God's power, God's wisdom, and grace, God's power, God's wisdom, and you need the family of God. You need you need the family of God. You need you need the family of God. You need your family. You need your friends. You your family. You need your friends. You your family. You need your friends. You need your life group. You're never meant need your life group. You're never meant need your life group. You're never meant to starve these things alone. But you to starve these things alone. But you to starve these things alone. But you also need to be honest so you could do also need to be honest so you could do also need to be honest so you could do those things. Number two, we're going to those things. Number two, we're going to those things. Number two, we're going to seek God's righteousness. seek God's righteousness. seek God's righteousness. So, we're going to starve that. Seek So, we're going to starve that. Seek So, we're going to starve that. Seek God's righteousness. Uh a chapter or two God's righteousness. Uh a chapter or two God's righteousness. Uh a chapter or two later in the sermon on the mount. Jesus later in the sermon on the mount. Jesus later in the sermon on the mount. Jesus gives this beautiful promise in Matthew gives this beautiful promise in Matthew gives this beautiful promise in Matthew 6. You've probably heard before. He 6. You've probably heard before. He 6. You've probably heard before. He says, "Hey, seek first the kingdom says, "Hey, seek first the kingdom says, "Hey, seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and all these and his righteousness and all these and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you." Well, he's things will be added to you." Well, he's things will be added to you." Well, he's really reinforcing what the beatitude is really reinforcing what the beatitude is really reinforcing what the beatitude is for today. He's saying, "Hey, when you for today. He's saying, "Hey, when you for today. He's saying, "Hey, when you seek God and what his righteousness seek God and what his righteousness seek God and what his righteousness first in your life, all these things first in your life, all these things first in your life, all these things will be given to you." He's not saying will be given to you." He's not saying will be given to you." He's not saying you'll have whatever you need. He's you'll have whatever you need. He's you'll have whatever you need. He's saying you'll be blessed when you hunger saying you'll be blessed when you hunger saying you'll be blessed when you hunger and thirst for righteousness and you'll and thirst for righteousness and you'll and thirst for righteousness and you'll be filled by God. That's the needs be filled by God. That's the needs be filled by God. That's the needs you'll be. God will do more than you ask you'll be. God will do more than you ask you'll be. God will do more than you ask or imagine. If I could say what's the or imagine. If I could say what's the or imagine. If I could say what's the deepest part of my heart in my sermon, deepest part of my heart in my sermon, deepest part of my heart in my sermon, it's the 10 seconds I'm about to say.

it's the 10 seconds I'm about to say. it's the 10 seconds I'm about to say. Imagine the time, energy, mental space, Imagine the time, energy, mental space, Imagine the time, energy, mental space, money, and effort we put into hungering money, and effort we put into hungering money, and effort we put into hungering and thirsting for other things. And some and thirsting for other things. And some and thirsting for other things. And some of those things are are neutral, aren't of those things are are neutral, aren't of those things are are neutral, aren't bad things. bad things. bad things. BUT WHAT IF WE HUNGERED and thirst for BUT WHAT IF WE HUNGERED and thirst for BUT WHAT IF WE HUNGERED and thirst for God like that? God like that? God like that? >> WHAT WOULD OUR LIFE LOOK LIKE? >> WHAT WOULD OUR LIFE LOOK LIKE? >> WHAT WOULD OUR LIFE LOOK LIKE? Can you imagine that? How different could your life be in a How different could your life be in a beautiful way? H how much of the love of beautiful way? H how much of the love of beautiful way? H how much of the love of God every day would you experience the God every day would you experience the God every day would you experience the joy of the Lord? joy of the Lord? joy of the Lord? Freedom in Jesus' name. Freedom in Jesus' name. Freedom in Jesus' name. Purpose. Purpose. Purpose. One of my favorite Christian One of my favorite Christian One of my favorite Christian psychologists says, "Hey, happiness is a psychologists says, "Hey, happiness is a psychologists says, "Hey, happiness is a terrible life goal. Purpose and terrible life goal. Purpose and terrible life goal. Purpose and righteousness, that's what you want to righteousness, that's what you want to righteousness, that's what you want to seek after, seek after, seek after, man. Doesn't mean you can't be happy. man. Doesn't mean you can't be happy. man. Doesn't mean you can't be happy. You know, you hunger for God's You know, you hunger for God's You know, you hunger for God's righteousness first. Doesn't mean you righteousness first. Doesn't mean you righteousness first. Doesn't mean you don't take care of your soul or your don't take care of your soul or your don't take care of your soul or your physical body. No, it means I'm going to physical body. No, it means I'm going to physical body. No, it means I'm going to seek God for his approval first. It seek God for his approval first. It seek God for his approval first. It doesn't mean you can't find help and doesn't mean you can't find help and doesn't mean you can't find help and you're all alone in hard times. No, I'm you're all alone in hard times. No, I'm you're all alone in hard times. No, I'm going to seek Jesus and the people he's going to seek Jesus and the people he's going to seek Jesus and the people he's put around me to help me. And I wake up put around me to help me. And I wake up put around me to help me. And I wake up every day and I'm going to hunger and every day and I'm going to hunger and every day and I'm going to hunger and thirst for righteousness because there thirst for righteousness because there thirst for righteousness because there God is going to fill me. So to apply God is going to fill me. So to apply God is going to fill me. So to apply this, how do I live righteously? Well, this, how do I live righteously? Well, this, how do I live righteously? Well, there's many promises and commandments there's many promises and commandments there's many promises and commandments and things in this scripture that would and things in this scripture that would and things in this scripture that would tell you. But to oversimplify it, tell you. But to oversimplify it, tell you. But to oversimplify it, church, it goes back to something Pastor church, it goes back to something Pastor church, it goes back to something Pastor Rick taught us from day one. Man, you Rick taught us from day one. Man, you Rick taught us from day one. Man, you put God first in every area of your put God first in every area of your put God first in every area of your life.

life. life. first in your day, first in your family, first in your day, first in your family, first in your day, first in your family, first in your job, first in hobbies, first in your job, first in hobbies, first in your job, first in hobbies, first in your money, first in your time. first in your money, first in your time. first in your money, first in your time. You're just trying to say it's a You're just trying to say it's a You're just trying to say it's a lordship thing, church. You are Lord of lordship thing, church. You are Lord of lordship thing, church. You are Lord of all. So I want you to be first in it. all. So I want you to be first in it. all. So I want you to be first in it. You love God with all your heart, soul, You love God with all your heart, soul, You love God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and let him love you. You and strength, and let him love you. You and strength, and let him love you. You just enjoy following Jesus. You live to just enjoy following Jesus. You live to just enjoy following Jesus. You live to honor him and obey him and live wholly honor him and obey him and live wholly honor him and obey him and live wholly unto him. And you're just led by the unto him. And you're just led by the unto him. And you're just led by the Holy Spirit every day. You live on Holy Spirit every day. You live on Holy Spirit every day. You live on mission because God has something, a mission because God has something, a mission because God has something, a purpose for you every single day. You purpose for you every single day. You purpose for you every single day. You hunger for more of God. Hear this. You hunger for more of God. Hear this. You hunger for more of God. Hear this. You don't just settle for a little bit of don't just settle for a little bit of don't just settle for a little bit of God every day. I'll just Yeah, I just God every day. I'll just Yeah, I just God every day. I'll just Yeah, I just need a little bit of God today. I'll be need a little bit of God today. I'll be need a little bit of God today. I'll be fine. Quick story. Our daughter Ruby's fine. Quick story. Our daughter Ruby's fine. Quick story. Our daughter Ruby's one and her favorite pastime is eating, one and her favorite pastime is eating, one and her favorite pastime is eating, if you would believe that. And Ruby if you would believe that. And Ruby if you would believe that. And Ruby loves so food so much she follows Beth loves so food so much she follows Beth loves so food so much she follows Beth and I most around day. And she grunts and I most around day. And she grunts and I most around day. And she grunts until we give her some food. So we'll until we give her some food. So we'll until we give her some food. So we'll give her a snack, which then she smiles give her a snack, which then she smiles give her a snack, which then she smiles for half a second, then she goes, for half a second, then she goes, for half a second, then she goes, >> [groaning] >> [groaning] >> [groaning] >> and she just wants more food. So, we >> and she just wants more food. So, we >> and she just wants more food. So, we finally put her in the high chair. And finally put her in the high chair. And finally put her in the high chair. And when Beth puts some food on her plate, when Beth puts some food on her plate, when Beth puts some food on her plate, she does this big cheeky grin and she she does this big cheeky grin and she she does this big cheeky grin and she like claps to herself and she's like, like claps to herself and she's like, like claps to herself and she's like, "Thank you so much." [laughter] "Thank you so much." [laughter] "Thank you so much." [laughter] And really, when she's done eating, And really, when she's done eating, And really, when she's done eating, she'll just clap and celebrate because she'll just clap and celebrate because she'll just clap and celebrate because she is fulfilled. She is satisfied. That she is fulfilled. She is satisfied. That she is fulfilled. She is satisfied. That little girl don't settle for one bite or little girl don't settle for one bite or little girl don't settle for one bite or one snack.

one snack. one snack. And thus is the church, man. When we And thus is the church, man. When we And thus is the church, man. When we just try our best to live and hunger, just try our best to live and hunger, just try our best to live and hunger, thirst for God's righteousness, you will thirst for God's righteousness, you will thirst for God's righteousness, you will be filled in ways you could never be filled in ways you could never be filled in ways you could never imagine. Church, here's my weekly imagine. Church, here's my weekly imagine. Church, here's my weekly challenge for you. I've been doing challenge for you. I've been doing challenge for you. I've been doing weekly challenges for two years. I don't weekly challenges for two years. I don't weekly challenges for two years. I don't know if any of y'all do it. I might just know if any of y'all do it. I might just know if any of y'all do it. I might just be doing them byselves. Pray God. be doing them byselves. Pray God. be doing them byselves. Pray God. It's really for you to walk out the It's really for you to walk out the It's really for you to walk out the word. It's not about me. If there was word. It's not about me. If there was word. It's not about me. If there was ever one you would do, I pray all of ever one you would do, I pray all of ever one you would do, I pray all of y'all do this one. My weekly challenge y'all do this one. My weekly challenge y'all do this one. My weekly challenge for you is that we all fast this week. for you is that we all fast this week. for you is that we all fast this week. I'm here fasting the summer. Yeah. We I'm here fasting the summer. Yeah. We I'm here fasting the summer. Yeah. We don't just have to fast in the beginning don't just have to fast in the beginning don't just have to fast in the beginning of the year. of the year. of the year. So something I love to teach about So something I love to teach about So something I love to teach about fasting, if you're like, I don't know a fasting, if you're like, I don't know a fasting, if you're like, I don't know a lot about that, a simple phrase I love lot about that, a simple phrase I love lot about that, a simple phrase I love to say is you fast from something for to say is you fast from something for to say is you fast from something for more God. more God. more God. >> So biblically fasting is always food. >> So biblically fasting is always food. >> So biblically fasting is always food. But what I like to pair with in this But what I like to pair with in this But what I like to pair with in this season of life with all the season of life with all the season of life with all the distractions, I put some media or phone distractions, I put some media or phone distractions, I put some media or phone or something with it too. You fast from or something with it too. You fast from or something with it too. You fast from something for more of God. Okay? something for more of God. Okay? something for more of God. Okay? Practically this is what it looks like. Practically this is what it looks like. Practically this is what it looks like. I want to give you the rest of the day I want to give you the rest of the day I want to give you the rest of the day and you pray. You talk to your family. and you pray. You talk to your family. and you pray. You talk to your family. Starting Monday morning through next Starting Monday morning through next Starting Monday morning through next Sunday service, we fast together as a Sunday service, we fast together as a Sunday service, we fast together as a church.

church. church. When you fast, something that will When you fast, something that will When you fast, something that will always happen is you will feed your always happen is you will feed your always happen is you will feed your spirit and you will starve your flesh. spirit and you will starve your flesh. spirit and you will starve your flesh. And that alone is worth fasting every And that alone is worth fasting every And that alone is worth fasting every time. But with what we're talking about time. But with what we're talking about time. But with what we're talking about today, I want you to think about what I today, I want you to think about what I today, I want you to think about what I can starve in that first point. But then can starve in that first point. But then can starve in that first point. But then I also want to think, how can I seek God I also want to think, how can I seek God I also want to think, how can I seek God first righteously? So fasting is not first righteously? So fasting is not first righteously? So fasting is not just a diet where you say no to some just a diet where you say no to some just a diet where you say no to some food. You want to pursue God more. So food. You want to pursue God more. So food. You want to pursue God more. So think to this day where are pockets of think to this day where are pockets of think to this day where are pockets of time between meetings or taking a kid to time between meetings or taking a kid to time between meetings or taking a kid to preschool, whatever it is that I can preschool, whatever it is that I can preschool, whatever it is that I can pray more. I can see God more. I can get pray more. I can see God more. I can get pray more. I can see God more. I can get on my face before the Lord. And this is on my face before the Lord. And this is on my face before the Lord. And this is what I love about fasting. No matter what I love about fasting. No matter what I love about fasting. No matter what you fast, if it's one thing or many what you fast, if it's one thing or many what you fast, if it's one thing or many things, there's going to come a point things, there's going to come a point things, there's going to come a point where you feel hungry. And that is that where you feel hungry. And that is that where you feel hungry. And that is that beautiful reminder of you need God. beautiful reminder of you need God. beautiful reminder of you need God. So, am I going to hunger and thirst for So, am I going to hunger and thirst for So, am I going to hunger and thirst for him or am I going to hunger and thirst him or am I going to hunger and thirst him or am I going to hunger and thirst for the things that can't fill me? for the things that can't fill me? for the things that can't fill me? >> And God, watch this. Fasting can always >> And God, watch this. Fasting can always >> And God, watch this. Fasting can always do this. God will change your spiritual do this. God will change your spiritual do this. God will change your spiritual appetite. appetite. appetite. >> He'll change the things you hung for.

>> He'll change the things you hung for. >> He'll change the things you hung for. I'm going to be fasting this week. I'm I'm going to be fasting this week. I'm I'm going to be fasting this week. I'm going to be praying for y'all. I would going to be praying for y'all. I would going to be praying for y'all. I would love for you to join. This is not an love for you to join. This is not an love for you to join. This is not an obligation. It's an invitation. Just obligation. It's an invitation. Just obligation. It's an invitation. Just invite you to more of God. If you're invite you to more of God. If you're invite you to more of God. If you're like Air, no problem. You pray and you like Air, no problem. You pray and you like Air, no problem. You pray and you have a great week. And I'll see you next have a great week. And I'll see you next have a great week. And I'll see you next time. I'm going to eat a little less. time. I'm going to eat a little less. time. I'm going to eat a little less. Okay. Number three, Okay. Number three, Okay. Number three, I want you to expect to be filled. I want you to expect to be filled. I want you to expect to be filled. So, we're going to starve to So, we're going to starve to So, we're going to starve to counterfeit. We're going to see God's counterfeit. We're going to see God's counterfeit. We're going to see God's righteousness, but I I want an righteousness, but I I want an righteousness, but I I want an expectation. What's beautiful, me and expectation. What's beautiful, me and expectation. What's beautiful, me and Logan didn't talk about his MC's group. Logan didn't talk about his MC's group. Logan didn't talk about his MC's group. Logan's up here talking about Logan's up here talking about Logan's up here talking about expectation. I was like, "Come on, Holy expectation. I was like, "Come on, Holy expectation. I was like, "Come on, Holy Spirit. I love you so much. Blessed are Spirit. I love you so much. Blessed are Spirit. I love you so much. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for those who hunger and thirst for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Here's the promise. For righteousness. Here's the promise. For righteousness. Here's the promise. For they will be filled." Jesus and John uh they will be filled." Jesus and John uh they will be filled." Jesus and John uh he he has seven I am statements to he he has seven I am statements to he he has seven I am statements to describe himself that were pretty describe himself that were pretty describe himself that were pretty profound. Jesus said this in John 6:35. profound. Jesus said this in John 6:35. profound. Jesus said this in John 6:35. I am the bread of life. Look at this. He I am the bread of life. Look at this. He I am the bread of life. Look at this. He who comes to me will never go hungry. who comes to me will never go hungry. who comes to me will never go hungry. What an emphatic promise. And he who What an emphatic promise. And he who What an emphatic promise. And he who believes in me will never be thirsty. believes in me will never be thirsty. believes in me will never be thirsty. Again, you seek him and he will fulfill Again, you seek him and he will fulfill Again, you seek him and he will fulfill you.

you. you. He describes himself as living water. He describes himself as living water. He describes himself as living water. The Bible says that taste and see that The Bible says that taste and see that The Bible says that taste and see that the Lord is good. This speaks to this the Lord is good. This speaks to this the Lord is good. This speaks to this amazing thought. I don't know what you amazing thought. I don't know what you amazing thought. I don't know what you call this. I've heard many pastors say call this. I've heard many pastors say call this. I've heard many pastors say this, but it's kind of this beautiful this, but it's kind of this beautiful this, but it's kind of this beautiful invitation phrase of you can have as invitation phrase of you can have as invitation phrase of you can have as much of God as you want. much of God as you want. much of God as you want. So, church, get this. That doesn't mean So, church, get this. That doesn't mean So, church, get this. That doesn't mean God's withholding from you. It's more God's withholding from you. It's more God's withholding from you. It's more the more you seek him, the more you can the more you seek him, the more you can the more you seek him, the more you can experience him. The more he's in your experience him. The more he's in your experience him. The more he's in your day, the more of your life that's day, the more of your life that's day, the more of your life that's submitted to him, the more you want him submitted to him, the more you want him submitted to him, the more you want him to be in every aspect, the more you live to be in every aspect, the more you live to be in every aspect, the more you live righteously, the more you're going to righteously, the more you're going to righteously, the more you're going to experience him. These are promises from experience him. These are promises from experience him. These are promises from God. A scripture, Miss B. Pastor Rick's God. A scripture, Miss B. Pastor Rick's God. A scripture, Miss B. Pastor Rick's mom, who's in heaven now, used to always mom, who's in heaven now, used to always mom, who's in heaven now, used to always pray over us. Jeremiah 33, I think it's pray over us. Jeremiah 33, I think it's pray over us. Jeremiah 33, I think it's three. God says, uh, "You will seek me three. God says, uh, "You will seek me three. God says, uh, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all and find me when you seek me with all and find me when you seek me with all your heart." your heart." your heart." So, that's what Jesus promised. What So, that's what Jesus promised. What So, that's what Jesus promised. What should our response be? There's been two should our response be? There's been two should our response be? There's been two things I I've mentioned this a few weeks things I I've mentioned this a few weeks things I I've mentioned this a few weeks ago if you were here. I read this ago if you were here. I read this ago if you were here. I read this beatitude before we were doing beatitude before we were doing beatitude before we were doing biatitudes. biatitudes. biatitudes. There's been two words on my heart since There's been two words on my heart since There's been two words on my heart since January prayer and fasting that I've January prayer and fasting that I've January prayer and fasting that I've been praying for y'all on and off, been praying for y'all on and off, been praying for y'all on and off, praying for our church on off. I want to praying for our church on off. I want to praying for our church on off. I want to unpack them real quick because I believe unpack them real quick because I believe unpack them real quick because I believe it has to do with this beatitude. It's it has to do with this beatitude. It's it has to do with this beatitude. It's these words. I want you to write them these words. I want you to write them these words. I want you to write them down, but we're going to unpack them.

down, but we're going to unpack them. down, but we're going to unpack them. Expectation and engagement. I've been Expectation and engagement. I've been Expectation and engagement. I've been talking to our staff about this. talking to our staff about this. talking to our staff about this. Expectation and engagement. When I say Expectation and engagement. When I say Expectation and engagement. When I say expectation, I mean exercising faith. expectation, I mean exercising faith. expectation, I mean exercising faith. Expectation is all about faith in God. Expectation is all about faith in God. Expectation is all about faith in God. To experience more of God in our lives To experience more of God in our lives To experience more of God in our lives and our families, to see God do amazing and our families, to see God do amazing and our families, to see God do amazing things in our church continuously. And things in our church continuously. And things in our church continuously. And glory be to God, he's done it this year. glory be to God, he's done it this year. glory be to God, he's done it this year. I'm praying that expectation would rise I'm praying that expectation would rise I'm praying that expectation would rise in New Life Church Conway. Our faith in New Life Church Conway. Our faith in New Life Church Conway. Our faith would rise. One of our core values is we would rise. One of our core values is we would rise. One of our core values is we believe uh the presence of God changes believe uh the presence of God changes believe uh the presence of God changes everything. Well, church, that takes everything. Well, church, that takes everything. Well, church, that takes faith. faith. faith. >> It's not faith in oursel. It's faith in >> It's not faith in oursel. It's faith in >> It's not faith in oursel. It's faith in Jesus to be who he says he is and to do Jesus to be who he says he is and to do Jesus to be who he says he is and to do what he says he will do. To be faithful what he says he will do. To be faithful what he says he will do. To be faithful to his word. One of the best ways to to his word. One of the best ways to to his word. One of the best ways to practically speaking to be expected is practically speaking to be expected is practically speaking to be expected is prayer. prayer. prayer. Jesus said, "Hey, I want you to ask and Jesus said, "Hey, I want you to ask and Jesus said, "Hey, I want you to ask and seek and knock." seek and knock." seek and knock." Bible says Ephesians, "If you pray and Bible says Ephesians, "If you pray and Bible says Ephesians, "If you pray and ask, God will do more than you ask or ask, God will do more than you ask or ask, God will do more than you ask or imagine." So apply this to your home, imagine." So apply this to your home, imagine." So apply this to your home, your your job. Man, how am I expecting?

your your job. Man, how am I expecting? your your job. Man, how am I expecting? Just to encourage you. I know many, but Just to encourage you. I know many, but Just to encourage you. I know many, but every Wednesday, our staff's here, but every Wednesday, our staff's here, but every Wednesday, our staff's here, but many members of our church come here and many members of our church come here and many members of our church come here and pray over every prayer card you put pray over every prayer card you put pray over every prayer card you put under that cross. Volunteers, members of under that cross. Volunteers, members of under that cross. Volunteers, members of our church, they pray for you. They pray our church, they pray for you. They pray our church, they pray for you. They pray for your family. They pray for whatever for your family. They pray for whatever for your family. They pray for whatever you put on that card. But they also pray you put on that card. But they also pray you put on that card. But they also pray that whoever is speaking as the word that whoever is speaking as the word that whoever is speaking as the word goes forth, you guys would be built up goes forth, you guys would be built up goes forth, you guys would be built up by God. You would hear from God. You'd by God. You would hear from God. You'd by God. You would hear from God. You'd be encouraged by God. Every Wednesday, I be encouraged by God. Every Wednesday, I be encouraged by God. Every Wednesday, I get in my car. Something our pastors get in my car. Something our pastors get in my car. Something our pastors have taught us. Every Sunday morning, I have taught us. Every Sunday morning, I have taught us. Every Sunday morning, I start praying for y'all. It's not about start praying for y'all. It's not about start praying for y'all. It's not about me. I just pray in expectation. God, me. I just pray in expectation. God, me. I just pray in expectation. God, would you do something in our church? would you do something in our church? would you do something in our church? Would you speak to people? Would you Would you speak to people? Would you Would you speak to people? Would you save people? Would you encourage people? save people? Would you encourage people? save people? Would you encourage people? I get here and there's already leaders I get here and there's already leaders I get here and there's already leaders in children's ministry and kids ministry in children's ministry and kids ministry in children's ministry and kids ministry and leaders and our pastors praying the and leaders and our pastors praying the and leaders and our pastors praying the same thing. There's people who walk same thing. There's people who walk same thing. There's people who walk these chairs on Sunday morning and pray these chairs on Sunday morning and pray these chairs on Sunday morning and pray for you guys. And I just want you to for you guys. And I just want you to for you guys. And I just want you to just take your faith up a notch to just take your faith up a notch to just take your faith up a notch to believe for God in your life and in your believe for God in your life and in your believe for God in your life and in your family but also in our church and our family but also in our church and our family but also in our church and our city. What could God do in Jesus' name? city. What could God do in Jesus' name? city. What could God do in Jesus' name? Amen. But if expectations, faith in God Amen. But if expectations, faith in God Amen. But if expectations, faith in God to do his part, engagement, it's like to do his part, engagement, it's like to do his part, engagement, it's like works. The James the Bible talks about works. The James the Bible talks about works. The James the Bible talks about faith and works. Engagement is like us faith and works. Engagement is like us faith and works. Engagement is like us doing our part. If I could give you a doing our part. If I could give you a doing our part. If I could give you a definition for engagement, it is definition for engagement, it is definition for engagement, it is spiritually leaning in.

spiritually leaning in. spiritually leaning in. I double dog dare you in every area of I double dog dare you in every area of I double dog dare you in every area of your life. your life. your life. 5% spiritually lean in. 10% spiritually 5% spiritually lean in. 10% spiritually 5% spiritually lean in. 10% spiritually lean in a little more. So this is not lean in a little more. So this is not lean in a little more. So this is not just church. When you have daily time just church. When you have daily time just church. When you have daily time with God, lean in. Slow down. with God, lean in. Slow down. with God, lean in. Slow down. When you're at work, when you with your When you're at work, when you with your When you're at work, when you with your friends, you're just open to the Holy friends, you're just open to the Holy friends, you're just open to the Holy Spirit. Is there anything Holy Spirit Spirit. Is there anything Holy Spirit Spirit. Is there anything Holy Spirit you want me to say or do? I'm just you want me to say or do? I'm just you want me to say or do? I'm just leaned in. Someone says something, leaned in. Someone says something, leaned in. Someone says something, you're like, I got to pray for them. I you're like, I got to pray for them. I you're like, I got to pray for them. I don't just hear that and be like, man, don't just hear that and be like, man, don't just hear that and be like, man, that's hard. No, I'm I'm spiritually that's hard. No, I'm I'm spiritually that's hard. No, I'm I'm spiritually leaned in. Let me give you a few ways leaned in. Let me give you a few ways leaned in. Let me give you a few ways you can be engaged at church. This is you can be engaged at church. This is you can be engaged at church. This is not a correction. This is me calling us not a correction. This is me calling us not a correction. This is me calling us to another level during worship. No to another level during worship. No to another level during worship. No matter your how long you've been in matter your how long you've been in matter your how long you've been in church, it's your first time or you've church, it's your first time or you've church, it's your first time or you've been here for 25 years or you're been a been here for 25 years or you're been a been here for 25 years or you're been a believer forever, man. You come here, believer forever, man. You come here, believer forever, man. You come here, you don't got you know, you don't got to you don't got you know, you don't got to you don't got you know, you don't got to wait till the third psalm to worship. I wait till the third psalm to worship. I wait till the third psalm to worship. I know we got to like spiritually warm up. know we got to like spiritually warm up. know we got to like spiritually warm up. That's like a joke, but no, man. try That's like a joke, but no, man. try That's like a joke, but no, man. try your best to get here on time. Not for your best to get here on time. Not for your best to get here on time. Not for me, to honor the Lord. Because what me, to honor the Lord. Because what me, to honor the Lord. Because what Logan said, I'm coming to the house of Logan said, I'm coming to the house of Logan said, I'm coming to the house of the Lord and I want to get in the the Lord and I want to get in the the Lord and I want to get in the presence of God. And man, you worship presence of God. And man, you worship presence of God. And man, you worship how God's wired you. I'm not here to how God's wired you. I'm not here to how God's wired you. I'm not here to tell you how to worship. Jesus said, tell you how to worship. Jesus said, tell you how to worship. Jesus said, "Hey, you worship me with all your "Hey, you worship me with all your "Hey, you worship me with all your heart, soul, and strength." You measure heart, soul, and strength." You measure heart, soul, and strength." You measure that. That's you and God. It's not about that. That's you and God. It's not about that. That's you and God. It's not about hands. It's not about posture. Although hands. It's not about posture. Although hands. It's not about posture. Although the Bible talks about in the Psalms how the Bible talks about in the Psalms how the Bible talks about in the Psalms how you can worship. You worship God with you can worship. You worship God with you can worship. You worship God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Hey, all your heart, soul, and strength. Hey, all your heart, soul, and strength. Hey, during the message, I want you to be during the message, I want you to be during the message, I want you to be leaned in saying, "God's going to speak leaned in saying, "God's going to speak leaned in saying, "God's going to speak to me today.

to me today. to me today. God's going to encourage me." So for me, God's going to encourage me." So for me, God's going to encourage me." So for me, I got to remove distractions. I got to I got to remove distractions. I got to I got to remove distractions. I got to put my phone away. I take notes because put my phone away. I take notes because put my phone away. I take notes because it helps me focus and hear. Hey, help a it helps me focus and hear. Hey, help a it helps me focus and hear. Hey, help a brother out. Something's funny. You brother out. Something's funny. You brother out. Something's funny. You know, you can laugh in church. I didn't know, you can laugh in church. I didn't know, you can laugh in church. I didn't grow up in church, so someone had to grow up in church, so someone had to grow up in church, so someone had to give me permission. Truly. give me permission. Truly. give me permission. Truly. Or if the pastor says something that's Or if the pastor says something that's Or if the pastor says something that's encouraging, you can give an amen. Or a encouraging, you can give an amen. Or a encouraging, you can give an amen. Or a lot of people do. I This is just lot of people do. I This is just lot of people do. I This is just natural. Y'all do like kind of a natural. Y'all do like kind of a natural. Y'all do like kind of a spiritual groan. One of us will share spiritual groan. One of us will share spiritual groan. One of us will share something. You're like, you know, it's something. You're like, you know, it's something. You're like, you know, it's okay to let out a spiritual groan. Why? okay to let out a spiritual groan. Why? okay to let out a spiritual groan. Why? because you're engaged in what's God because you're engaged in what's God because you're engaged in what's God doing? Let me give you one more doing? Let me give you one more doing? Let me give you one more engagement. You know, you can be engaged engagement. You know, you can be engaged engagement. You know, you can be engaged with the people around you. Pastor Rick with the people around you. Pastor Rick with the people around you. Pastor Rick said his day one, we never imagined our said his day one, we never imagined our said his day one, we never imagined our church to be this big, but we're also church to be this big, but we're also church to be this big, but we're also unashamed about many people hearing unashamed about many people hearing unashamed about many people hearing about Jesus, growing in him, kids, and about Jesus, growing in him, kids, and about Jesus, growing in him, kids, and families and people getting baptized. families and people getting baptized. families and people getting baptized. We'll never be ashamed of that. But we, We'll never be ashamed of that. But we, We'll never be ashamed of that. But we, our pastors can only do so much. Hey, I our pastors can only do so much. Hey, I our pastors can only do so much. Hey, I want you to be engaged with each other. want you to be engaged with each other. want you to be engaged with each other. So, hey, meet someone new. I've had So, hey, meet someone new. I've had So, hey, meet someone new. I've had people tell me, God told me in a people tell me, God told me in a people tell me, God told me in a restaurant this a month ago, "Hey, yeah, restaurant this a month ago, "Hey, yeah, restaurant this a month ago, "Hey, yeah, I sit in the back and I come in and I I sit in the back and I come in and I I sit in the back and I come in and I leave." So, that's not a bash if you do leave." So, that's not a bash if you do leave." So, that's not a bash if you do that. It's just you're missing out on that. It's just you're missing out on that. It's just you're missing out on the church family. Hey, most of y'all the church family. Hey, most of y'all the church family. Hey, most of y'all sit in the same area every time. What if sit in the same area every time. What if sit in the same area every time. What if you got here five minutes earlier and you got here five minutes earlier and you got here five minutes earlier and you just introduced yourself to people you just introduced yourself to people you just introduced yourself to people around you? You connected. You met around you? You connected. You met around you? You connected. You met people.

people. people. We're the church. The church isn't the We're the church. The church isn't the We're the church. The church isn't the walls. We are the body of Christ. So, I walls. We are the body of Christ. So, I walls. We are the body of Christ. So, I want you to engage with the people want you to engage with the people want you to engage with the people around you and lean in a little. Why? around you and lean in a little. Why? around you and lean in a little. Why? Because we hunger and thirst for Because we hunger and thirst for Because we hunger and thirst for righteousness together. We grow in righteousness together. We grow in righteousness together. We grow in expectation engagement together and we expectation engagement together and we expectation engagement together and we watch God do amazing things together in watch God do amazing things together in watch God do amazing things together in Jesus name. Blessed are those who hunger Jesus name. Blessed are those who hunger Jesus name. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Last thing and thirst for righteousness. Last thing and thirst for righteousness. Last thing I'll say is just another reminder. I'll say is just another reminder. I'll say is just another reminder. And I say this, I know I'm not the And I say this, I know I'm not the And I say this, I know I'm not the oldest man in the room, but I say this oldest man in the room, but I say this oldest man in the room, but I say this as a pastor who loves you. You can as a pastor who loves you. You can as a pastor who loves you. You can hunger and thirst for the things of this hunger and thirst for the things of this hunger and thirst for the things of this world. Or you can hunger and thirst for world. Or you can hunger and thirst for world. Or you can hunger and thirst for random neutral things that aren't evil. random neutral things that aren't evil. random neutral things that aren't evil. But I'm telling you, you will be left But I'm telling you, you will be left But I'm telling you, you will be left unfulfilled. unfulfilled. unfulfilled. That doesn't mean if some of those That doesn't mean if some of those That doesn't mean if some of those things aren't enjoyable at all or things aren't enjoyable at all or things aren't enjoyable at all or they're cra No. Something deep in you they're cra No. Something deep in you they're cra No. Something deep in you will never be satisfied. Or you can will never be satisfied. Or you can will never be satisfied. Or you can hunger and thirst for Jesus and his word hunger and thirst for Jesus and his word hunger and thirst for Jesus and his word and his righteousness and to live a life and his righteousness and to live a life and his righteousness and to live a life to honor to God and raise your family in to honor to God and raise your family in to honor to God and raise your family in a way that would bring him glory. And a way that would bring him glory. And a way that would bring him glory. And you watch as you hunger and thirst for you watch as you hunger and thirst for you watch as you hunger and thirst for that. You are satisfied that. You are satisfied that. You are satisfied by Jesus. That's a promise from him. in by Jesus. That's a promise from him. in by Jesus. That's a promise from him. in ways you could never imagine. Amen. Will ways you could never imagine. Amen. Will ways you could never imagine. Amen. Will you bow your heads? I want to pray for you bow your heads? I want to pray for you bow your heads? I want to pray for y'all.

Thank you, God, for your word. Thank you, God, for your word. I feel like some of these beatitudes I feel like some of these beatitudes I feel like some of these beatitudes have been challenging, have been challenging, have been challenging, but I think if we truly want to take but I think if we truly want to take but I think if we truly want to take heed to a countercultural way of living, heed to a countercultural way of living, heed to a countercultural way of living, we have to look within our heart, myself we have to look within our heart, myself we have to look within our heart, myself included. included. included. So God, we just thank you. We thank you So God, we just thank you. We thank you So God, we just thank you. We thank you for your word, Jesus. We thank you for for your word, Jesus. We thank you for for your word, Jesus. We thank you for your grace and mercy. Holy Spirit, we your grace and mercy. Holy Spirit, we your grace and mercy. Holy Spirit, we thank you that you speak to us and you thank you that you speak to us and you thank you that you speak to us and you convict us and you comfort us and you convict us and you comfort us and you convict us and you comfort us and you lead and guide us. I thank you, Father, lead and guide us. I thank you, Father, lead and guide us. I thank you, Father, for your great love for us. I'd love to for your great love for us. I'd love to for your great love for us. I'd love to ask you all while we have this simple ask you all while we have this simple ask you all while we have this simple few minutes of prayer. Hey, just pray few minutes of prayer. Hey, just pray few minutes of prayer. Hey, just pray right now right there in your seat. Hey, right now right there in your seat. Hey, right now right there in your seat. Hey, God, what are you speaking to me? God, what are you speaking to me? God, what are you speaking to me? I'm going to pray over you, but I just I'm going to pray over you, but I just I'm going to pray over you, but I just want you to try to listen in your heart. want you to try to listen in your heart. want you to try to listen in your heart. Yeah, it may never be an audible thing. Yeah, it may never be an audible thing. Yeah, it may never be an audible thing. That's not what I'm saying. But just in That's not what I'm saying. But just in That's not what I'm saying. But just in your heart, what do you feel like God's your heart, what do you feel like God's your heart, what do you feel like God's speaking to you? speaking to you? speaking to you? I want to pray for two groups of people. I want to pray for two groups of people. I want to pray for two groups of people. And the first group of people, I'm here And the first group of people, I'm here And the first group of people, I'm here with every head bowed. Maybe you're here with every head bowed. Maybe you're here with every head bowed. Maybe you're here and man, maybe you're far from God or and man, maybe you're far from God or and man, maybe you're far from God or you're not sure what you believe about you're not sure what you believe about you're not sure what you believe about God. Or and maybe you're in a hard God. Or and maybe you're in a hard God. Or and maybe you're in a hard season, hard place. Well, earlier I season, hard place. Well, earlier I season, hard place. Well, earlier I talked about this word righteousness. talked about this word righteousness. talked about this word righteousness. And And And man, that kind of means just to be right man, that kind of means just to be right man, that kind of means just to be right with God. Maybe you've heard this with God. Maybe you've heard this with God. Maybe you've heard this phrase, I want to be right with God, or phrase, I want to be right with God, or phrase, I want to be right with God, or even be in relationship with God. Like, even be in relationship with God. Like, even be in relationship with God. Like, I don't even know how to go there. Well, I don't even know how to go there. Well, I don't even know how to go there. Well, well, first you got to know that, man, well, first you got to know that, man, well, first you got to know that, man, God created us to be in relationship God created us to be in relationship God created us to be in relationship with him. He's the creator of all with him. He's the creator of all with him. He's the creator of all things. But God also gave us a free things. But God also gave us a free things. But God also gave us a free will. And the Bible tells us that we've will. And the Bible tells us that we've will. And the Bible tells us that we've taken that free will and we've sinned taken that free will and we've sinned taken that free will and we've sinned against God. What does that mean? We've against God. What does that mean? We've against God. What does that mean? We've kind of done things our own way. Control kind of done things our own way. Control kind of done things our own way. Control of our own life. We break in his of our own life. We break in his of our own life. We break in his commandments. Well, I teach every week commandments. Well, I teach every week commandments. Well, I teach every week sin's a separator. It separates us sin's a separator. It separates us sin's a separator. It separates us between God here and one day in

between God here and one day in between God here and one day in eternity. And something had to pay for eternity. And something had to pay for eternity. And something had to pay for that separation. Something had to pay that separation. Something had to pay that separation. Something had to pay for that gap of our sin. And so, enter for that gap of our sin. And so, enter for that gap of our sin. And so, enter Jesus, God's son, who lived a perfect Jesus, God's son, who lived a perfect Jesus, God's son, who lived a perfect sinless life. And he died on the cross sinless life. And he died on the cross sinless life. And he died on the cross for you and my sins. This isn't just a for you and my sins. This isn't just a for you and my sins. This isn't just a biblical thing. This is a historical man biblical thing. This is a historical man biblical thing. This is a historical man who lived who 500 people saw him rise who lived who 500 people saw him rise who lived who 500 people saw him rise from the dead. from the dead. from the dead. But he did that to pay for our sins. But he did that to pay for our sins. But he did that to pay for our sins. And when you put your faith and trust in And when you put your faith and trust in And when you put your faith and trust in Jesus and repent of your sins, that Jesus and repent of your sins, that Jesus and repent of your sins, that simply means to turn. The Bible says you simply means to turn. The Bible says you simply means to turn. The Bible says you are made righteous in God's eyes. Hear are made righteous in God's eyes. Hear are made righteous in God's eyes. Hear this. Not by anything you did. All by this. Not by anything you did. All by this. Not by anything you did. All by what Jesus did on the cross for you. You what Jesus did on the cross for you. You what Jesus did on the cross for you. You just have to receive that. You put your just have to receive that. You put your just have to receive that. You put your faith in Jesus. So, if you're here and faith in Jesus. So, if you're here and faith in Jesus. So, if you're here and right now you sense God's stirring on right now you sense God's stirring on right now you sense God's stirring on your heart, I need to make a decision your heart, I need to make a decision your heart, I need to make a decision for Christ. I want to give my heart to for Christ. I want to give my heart to for Christ. I want to give my heart to Jesus. I want to come back to Jesus. If Jesus. I want to come back to Jesus. If Jesus. I want to come back to Jesus. If that's you, with every head bow, I just that's you, with every head bow, I just that's you, with every head bow, I just want you to lift up your hand just so I want you to lift up your hand just so I want you to lift up your hand just so I can pray for you. You're like, "Hey, I can pray for you. You're like, "Hey, I can pray for you. You're like, "Hey, I feel like God's leading me to take a feel like God's leading me to take a feel like God's leading me to take a step to make a decision for him." And step to make a decision for him." And step to make a decision for him." And man, I want I want to give my heart to man, I want I want to give my heart to man, I want I want to give my heart to Jesus and make sure I see you just so I Jesus and make sure I see you just so I Jesus and make sure I see you just so I can pray for you. Yes, sir. I see you. can pray for you. Yes, sir. I see you. can pray for you. Yes, sir. I see you. It's the best decision in your life. I It's the best decision in your life. I It's the best decision in your life. I see you. I have decided to follow Jesus.

see you. I have decided to follow Jesus. see you. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back. No turning back. Anyone else? Anyone else? Anyone else? Man, beautiful. You can put your hands Man, beautiful. You can put your hands Man, beautiful. You can put your hands down. Let me just lead you in that. I down. Let me just lead you in that. I down. Let me just lead you in that. I want you to pray on your own. I don't want you to pray on your own. I don't want you to pray on your own. I don't want to pray a prayer for you. But the want to pray a prayer for you. But the want to pray a prayer for you. But the Bible says if we repent, which means we Bible says if we repent, which means we Bible says if we repent, which means we turn from our sin, turn from control of turn from our sin, turn from control of turn from our sin, turn from control of our life, and we put our faith in Jesus, our life, and we put our faith in Jesus, our life, and we put our faith in Jesus, that he died on the cross for my sins, that he died on the cross for my sins, that he died on the cross for my sins, he rose again. And if you believe in he rose again. And if you believe in he rose again. And if you believe in your heart and confess to my man, Jesus your heart and confess to my man, Jesus your heart and confess to my man, Jesus is Lord, you can pray that God forgive is Lord, you can pray that God forgive is Lord, you can pray that God forgive me. God, I believe you're Lord. Will you me. God, I believe you're Lord. Will you me. God, I believe you're Lord. Will you come into my heart, save me? The Bible come into my heart, save me? The Bible come into my heart, save me? The Bible says a spiritual miracle happens that says a spiritual miracle happens that says a spiritual miracle happens that God forgives you of your sins and you're God forgives you of your sins and you're God forgives you of your sins and you're made righteous in his eyes and he gives made righteous in his eyes and he gives made righteous in his eyes and he gives you a new heart and puts his spirit you a new heart and puts his spirit you a new heart and puts his spirit inside you. I know that's kind of hard inside you. I know that's kind of hard inside you. I know that's kind of hard to comprehend, but you're a spiritually to comprehend, but you're a spiritually to comprehend, but you're a spiritually born again. born again. born again. The old is gone, the new is coming. The The old is gone, the new is coming. The The old is gone, the new is coming. The grace of God is washing over you. The grace of God is washing over you. The grace of God is washing over you. The love of God is washing over you and love of God is washing over you and love of God is washing over you and you're a new creation of Christ. you're a new creation of Christ. you're a new creation of Christ. We're so proud of you. So God, I pray We're so proud of you. So God, I pray We're so proud of you. So God, I pray for right now people making decisions for right now people making decisions for right now people making decisions for you. We thank you for your grace. We for you. We thank you for your grace. We for you. We thank you for your grace. We thank you for Calvary, how you died on thank you for Calvary, how you died on thank you for Calvary, how you died on the cross. And we thank you that you did the cross. And we thank you that you did the cross. And we thank you that you did what something we could never do on our what something we could never do on our what something we could never do on our own. You made us righteous. So I pray own. You made us righteous. So I pray own. You made us righteous. So I pray for the people by faith accepting that for the people by faith accepting that for the people by faith accepting that grace gift. God, I pray for all the grace gift. God, I pray for all the grace gift. God, I pray for all the members of our church and all the members of our church and all the members of our church and all the believers in the room.

believers in the room. believers in the room. Would you show us, Lord, the Would you show us, Lord, the Would you show us, Lord, the counterfeits in our life and maybe counterfeits in our life and maybe counterfeits in our life and maybe they're just neutral things or maybe they're just neutral things or maybe they're just neutral things or maybe they're great things that we've put they're great things that we've put they're great things that we've put above you. We've got it out of order a above you. We've got it out of order a above you. We've got it out of order a little little little things like happiness even like things things like happiness even like things things like happiness even like things that there's nothing wrong with that, that there's nothing wrong with that, that there's nothing wrong with that, right Lord? But we put that above you. right Lord? But we put that above you. right Lord? But we put that above you. We put that above seeking you. Lord, I We put that above seeking you. Lord, I We put that above seeking you. Lord, I pray you, Holy Spirit, you give us pray you, Holy Spirit, you give us pray you, Holy Spirit, you give us awareness of what those things are. And awareness of what those things are. And awareness of what those things are. And we repent for them. We turn for those. we repent for them. We turn for those. we repent for them. We turn for those. But God, help us by the empowerment of But God, help us by the empowerment of But God, help us by the empowerment of your Holy Spirit to seek you with all of your Holy Spirit to seek you with all of your Holy Spirit to seek you with all of our heart to put you first. I pray for our heart to put you first. I pray for our heart to put you first. I pray for areas that we're not putting you first. areas that we're not putting you first. areas that we're not putting you first. We can put you first. And you would help We can put you first. And you would help We can put you first. And you would help us figure out even what that looks like, us figure out even what that looks like, us figure out even what that looks like, Lord. But I pray for expectation, God, Lord. But I pray for expectation, God, Lord. But I pray for expectation, God, to rise in the members of New Life to rise in the members of New Life to rise in the members of New Life Church. faith in you, faith for our Church. faith in you, faith for our Church. faith in you, faith for our families, faith for our future families, families, faith for our future families, families, faith for our future families, faith for healing, faith for freedom, faith for healing, faith for freedom, faith for healing, faith for freedom, faith for you to do what only you can faith for you to do what only you can faith for you to do what only you can do, God. Faith that that we take you at do, God. Faith that that we take you at do, God. Faith that that we take you at your word and we believe the promises your word and we believe the promises your word and we believe the promises you've said in this book for our lives. you've said in this book for our lives. you've said in this book for our lives. We pray them over ourselves in our We pray them over ourselves in our We pray them over ourselves in our families and our jobs and the people we families and our jobs and the people we families and our jobs and the people we love around us in the name of Jesus. But love around us in the name of Jesus. But love around us in the name of Jesus. But Lord, help us being more engaged. We Lord, help us being more engaged. We Lord, help us being more engaged. We don't want to be bystanders just don't want to be bystanders just don't want to be bystanders just watching this world go. Help us be watching this world go. Help us be watching this world go. Help us be leaned into all that you're doing. And leaned into all that you're doing. And leaned into all that you're doing. And God, I praise you. I I already know you.

God, I praise you. I I already know you. God, I praise you. I I already know you. You're doing an expectant work in our You're doing an expectant work in our You're doing an expectant work in our church. But Lord, I pray that would go church. But Lord, I pray that would go church. But Lord, I pray that would go all across our homes and our jobs and all across our homes and our jobs and all across our homes and our jobs and across the city of Conway. across the city of Conway. across the city of Conway. And God, is there anything else you want And God, is there anything else you want And God, is there anything else you want to speak to people do? I pray you do it to speak to people do? I pray you do it to speak to people do? I pray you do it now as we go back into worship. But we now as we go back into worship. But we now as we go back into worship. But we love you, God. We thank you for your love you, God. We thank you for your love you, God. We thank you for your presence. We thank you for your name. We presence. We thank you for your name. We presence. We thank you for your name. We want to hunger after you in Jesus name. want to hunger after you in Jesus name. want to hunger after you in Jesus name. And everyone said, "Amen.