New Life Church | Digital Service

Hey everyone, [music] thank you for Hey everyone, [music] thank you for joining us for our online service. So joining us for our online service. So joining us for our online service. So glad that you're here with us. Here in glad that you're here with us. Here in glad that you're here with us. Here in just a second, we're going to worship just a second, we're going to worship just a second, we're going to worship the Lord together, and then we're going the Lord together, and then we're going the Lord together, and then we're going to hear a great word out of our to hear a great word out of our to hear a great word out of our summer-long series Kingdom Culture, summer-long series Kingdom Culture, summer-long series Kingdom Culture, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> where we've been taking a look at the >> where we've been taking a look at the >> where we've been taking a look at the Beatitudes. If you are joining us Beatitudes. If you are joining us Beatitudes. If you are joining us online, our heart would be that you online, our heart would be that you online, our heart would be that you would find a campus near you. There's would find a campus near you. There's would find a campus near you. There's [music] a link on your screen. I [music] a link on your screen. I [music] a link on your screen. I strongly encourage you click on that, strongly encourage you click on that, strongly encourage you click on that, see what campus is nearby you, and we'd see what campus is nearby you, and we'd see what campus is nearby you, and we'd love to see you there. All right, let's love to see you there. All right, let's love to see you there. All right, let's get ready. Let's engage with the Lord. get ready. Let's engage with the Lord. get ready. Let's engage with the Lord. Let's worship him with everything that Let's worship him with everything that Let's worship him with everything that we have. we have. we have. >> Come on, our house is built on Jesus, >> Come on, our house is built on Jesus, >> Come on, our house is built on Jesus, and no storm can change who he is or and no storm can change who he is or and no storm can change who he is or what he's done. what he's done. what he's done. We can trust him completely because the We can trust him completely because the We can trust him completely because the Lamb [music] of God gave his life for Lamb [music] of God gave his life for Lamb [music] of God gave his life for us. He defeated the grave, us. He defeated the grave, us. He defeated the grave, and now he reigns forever on the throne. and now he reigns forever on the throne. and now he reigns forever on the throne. So come on, let's worship [music] him So come on, let's worship [music] him So come on, let's worship [music] him with all of our hearts.

>> Behold the Lamb [singing] of God >> Behold the Lamb [singing] of God >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> on the cursed cross. >> on the cursed cross. >> on the cursed cross. The weight of every sin [music] The weight of every sin [music] The weight of every sin [music] lay on his shoulders. [singing] lay on his shoulders. [singing] lay on his shoulders. [singing] Beaten [music] and betrayed, Beaten [music] and betrayed, Beaten [music] and betrayed, wrapped in all my [singing] shame, wrapped in all my [singing] shame, wrapped in all my [singing] shame, forsaking everything [music] for my forsaking everything [music] for my forsaking everything [music] for my forgiveness. [singing] No greater No greater love is We praise the Lamb We praise the Lamb upon the throne. the throne. Hallelujah.

Deep within the grave, Deep within the grave, his broken body [music] lay. his broken body [music] lay. his broken body [music] lay. The darkness thought that it The darkness thought that it The darkness thought that it had won. had won. had won. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> But >> But >> But >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Jesus defeated But Jesus [music] proved them wrong. But Jesus [music] proved them wrong. For death was overcome, For death was overcome, For death was overcome, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and all the angels shouted, "He >> and all the angels shouted, "He >> and all the angels shouted, "He is risen!" The tomb The tomb was overthrown. [music] was overthrown. [music] was overthrown. [music] >> [singing] >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. [music] >> Hallelujah. [music] >> Hallelujah. [music] [singing] the throne. the throne. >> [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] >> Hallelujah.

Soon [snorts] a day will [singing] come. Soon [snorts] a day will [singing] come. The skies will open up. The skies will open up. The skies will open up. And on the [music] clouds we'll see the And on the [music] clouds we'll see the And on the [music] clouds we'll see the Lord descending. The gates will The gates will open wide. open wide. open wide. The dead in Christ will The dead in Christ will The dead in Christ will rise. rise. rise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And we shall reign >> And we shall reign >> And we shall reign in glory in glory in glory >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> never ending. >> never ending. >> never ending. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Behold the lamb of God. the lamb of God. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] >> We >> We praise the lamb praise the lamb praise the lamb >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> upon >> upon >> upon the throne. the throne. the throne. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Hallelujah.

>> Hallelujah. >> [music] >> We [music] praise the >> We [music] praise the lamb. lamb. lamb. >> We praise the upon the upon the >> Jesus, [music] we praise you. >> Jesus, [music] we praise you. >> Jesus, [music] we praise you. >> We praise >> [music] >> [music] >> We praise >> We praise >> We praise the lamb. >> [music] >> [music] [singing] We [singing] praise the lamb We [singing] praise the lamb upon [music] upon [music] upon [music] the throne.

the throne. the throne. Hallelujah. >> And we fall [singing] down. >> And we fall [singing] down. We lay our crowns We lay our crowns We lay our crowns at the feet at the feet at the feet of Jesus. [singing] The greatness [music] of The greatness [music] of your mercy [singing] and love your mercy [singing] and love your mercy [singing] and love at the feet of Jesus. [singing] of Jesus. [singing] We [music] We [music] We [music] cry, "Holy, holy, [singing] cry, "Holy, holy, [singing] cry, "Holy, holy, [singing] holy." holy." holy." We cry, [singing and music] "Holy, holy, We cry, [singing and music] "Holy, holy, We cry, [singing and music] "Holy, holy, holy." holy." holy." We [singing] cry, "Holy, holy, We [singing] cry, "Holy, holy, We [singing] cry, "Holy, holy, holy [singing] holy [singing] holy [singing] is the lamb.

Who Who is the lamb? is [singing] is [singing] the lamb. Oh, holy and anointed [singing] Oh, holy and anointed [singing] one. one. one. >> Is [music] >> Is [music] >> Is [music] the lamb. >> Oh, perfect [singing] and spotless. >> Oh, perfect [singing] and spotless. >> Is the lamb. >> Is the lamb. >> Is the lamb. >> [music] >> Oh, we join [singing] with all of >> Oh, we join [singing] with all of heaven. heaven. heaven. >> Is the lamb. [music] >> Oh, we sing [singing] holy. >> Oh, we sing [singing] holy. >> Is the lamb. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> And we [music] cry, >> And we [music] cry, >> And we [music] cry, >> holy, holy, >> holy, holy, >> holy, holy, >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> we >> we >> we cry cry cry holy, holy, [singing] holy, holy, [singing] holy, holy, [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> holy, >> holy, >> holy, we we we >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> cry >> cry >> cry >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> holy, holy, holy.

holy. >> Is the lamb. >> Oh, holy [singing] >> Oh, holy [singing] is the lamb. We fall [singing] We fall [singing] down. down. down. We lay our crowns We lay our crowns We lay our crowns at the feet [singing] at the feet [singing] at the feet [singing] of Jesus. The greatness [singing] of The greatness [singing] of >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> your mercy and love. >> your mercy and love. >> your mercy and love. At your feet. At your feet. At your feet. Lord Jesus, [singing] >> My name is Amir, one of the pastors >> My name is Amir, one of the pastors here, and just really really excited. I here, and just really really excited. I here, and just really really excited. I know Logan said the word expectation has know Logan said the word expectation has know Logan said the word expectation has been on my heart for today, and I really been on my heart for today, and I really been on my heart for today, and I really just also want to welcome you. We don't just also want to welcome you. We don't just also want to welcome you. We don't have a lot a lot of friends and family have a lot a lot of friends and family have a lot a lot of friends and family friends who are here for baptism, or friends who are here for baptism, or friends who are here for baptism, or maybe you're checking on our church this maybe you're checking on our church this

maybe you're checking on our church this weekend. Man, our prayer is always that weekend. Man, our prayer is always that weekend. Man, our prayer is always that you're just encouraged by the Lord while you're just encouraged by the Lord while you're just encouraged by the Lord while you're here. you're here. you're here. We've been studying these Beatitudes, We've been studying these Beatitudes, We've been studying these Beatitudes, and we're calling it kingdom culture, and we're calling it kingdom culture, and we're calling it kingdom culture, and it's really what Jesus is intending and it's really what Jesus is intending and it's really what Jesus is intending when he starts the Sermon on the Mount. when he starts the Sermon on the Mount. when he starts the Sermon on the Mount. But, one thing we I've told you guys But, one thing we I've told you guys But, one thing we I've told you guys that we I really want us to get is I that we I really want us to get is I that we I really want us to get is I don't want us just to understand or know don't want us just to understand or know don't want us just to understand or know these Beatitudes, but we want to live these Beatitudes, but we want to live these Beatitudes, but we want to live them out. them out. them out. That's how we experience something that That's how we experience something that That's how we experience something that is cultural in our lives, our homes, and is cultural in our lives, our homes, and is cultural in our lives, our homes, and our city, and as I was praying about our city, and as I was praying about our city, and as I was praying about this, I was reminded of what Jesus would this, I was reminded of what Jesus would this, I was reminded of what Jesus would later say in the Gospels in the Lord's later say in the Gospels in the Lord's later say in the Gospels in the Lord's Prayer. I feel like if we really live Prayer. I feel like if we really live Prayer. I feel like if we really live these kingdom culture Beatitudes out, these kingdom culture Beatitudes out, these kingdom culture Beatitudes out, we'll experience this. Jesus said, "Your we'll experience this. Jesus said, "Your we'll experience this. Jesus said, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth kingdom come, your will be done on earth kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Can I get an amen? as it is in heaven." Can I get an amen? as it is in heaven." Can I get an amen? That's what we want to experience, uh That's what we want to experience, uh That's what we want to experience, uh heaven coming down to earth. So, we have heaven coming down to earth. So, we have heaven coming down to earth. So, we have our first Beatitude for today. It'll be our first Beatitude for today. It'll be our first Beatitude for today. It'll be up on the screen. I will start us, but I up on the screen. I will start us, but I up on the screen. I will start us, but I want us to read it aloud. You know, I want us to read it aloud. You know, I want us to read it aloud. You know, I love to get I love to stand for the love to get I love to stand for the love to get I love to stand for the reading of God's word, but we've been reading of God's word, but we've been reading of God's word, but we've been doing these Beatitudes, they're one doing these Beatitudes, they're one doing these Beatitudes, 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?

now, okay? now, okay? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [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. When I unpack really what Jesus is Amen. When I unpack really what Jesus is Amen. When I unpack really what Jesus is saying contextually, because that helps saying contextually, because that helps saying contextually, because that helps us understand for the rest of our sermon us understand for the rest of our sermon us understand for the rest of our sermon where we're going. where we're going. where we're going. These words hunger and thirst are quite These words hunger and thirst are quite These words hunger and thirst are quite strong from Jesus. strong from Jesus. strong from Jesus. This word hunger in the Greek literally This word hunger in the Greek literally This word hunger in the Greek literally means to crave ardently. I didn't know means to crave ardently. I didn't know means to crave ardently. I didn't know what that word meant until today. Learn what that word meant until today. Learn what that word meant until today. Learn something new. It's passionately something new. It's passionately something new. It's passionately to seek with eager desire. This is not to seek with eager desire. This is not to seek with eager desire. This is not just being hungry. just being hungry. just being hungry. This is where you get to a place where This is where you get to a place where This is where you get to a place where you're desperate for food. To give you a you're desperate for food. To give you a you're desperate for food. To give you a simple example, in one chapter before simple example, in one chapter before simple example, in one chapter before Matthew 4, the Bible says that Jesus Matthew 4, the Bible says that Jesus Matthew 4, the Bible says that Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, and he fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, and he fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, and he became hungry. became hungry. became hungry. It's the same word in the Greek. It's the same word in the Greek. 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 then it says thirst. This is This word then it says thirst. This is This word then it says thirst. This is This word thirst in the Greek simply means to thirst in the Greek simply means to thirst in the Greek simply means to suffer from thirst. suffer from thirst. suffer from thirst. Like you're so thirsty, there's a Like you're so thirsty, there's a 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.

hungry and thirsty. hungry and thirsty. In this day or in this moment, you know, In this day or in this moment, you know, In this day or in this moment, you know, there's certainly a lot of need in there's certainly a lot of need in there's certainly a lot of need in America, but most Americans don't go a America, but most Americans don't go a America, but most Americans don't go a day without food or water. May not have day without food or water. May not have day without food or water. May not have been the case for people that Jesus was been the case for people that Jesus was been the case for people that Jesus was talking to, but he says hunger and talking to, but he says hunger and talking to, but he says hunger and thirst for what? thirst for what? thirst for what? Maybe the most important word in this Maybe the most important word in this Maybe the most important word in this Beatitude is for righteousness. Beatitude is for righteousness. Beatitude is 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. times in the New Testament. times in the New Testament. It's pretty important, but righteousness It's pretty important, but righteousness It's pretty important, but righteousness really has two definitions biblically. really has two definitions biblically. really has two definitions biblically. Jesus was referring to the second one, Jesus was referring to the second one, Jesus was referring to the second one, but I'm going to give you both. The but I'm going to give you both. The but I'm going to give you both. The first definition of righteousness we see first definition of righteousness we see first definition of righteousness we see in God's word is when someone's approved in God's word is when someone's approved in God's word is when someone's approved by God. by God. by God. This happens by faith in Jesus and by This happens by faith in Jesus and by This happens by faith in Jesus and by faith in Jesus alone. faith in Jesus alone. faith in Jesus alone. This is how our sins are forgiven. The This is how our sins are forgiven. The This is how our sins are forgiven. The The legal term would be you're found not The legal term would be you're found not The legal term would be you're found not guilty. guilty. guilty. You've been made righteous because the You've been made righteous because the You've been made righteous because the finished work of the cross, and by grace finished work of the cross, and by grace finished work of the cross, and by grace through faith you receive that gift from through faith you receive that gift from through faith you receive 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.

means. means. But the second uh definition of But the second uh definition of 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. him first in everything. him first in everything. He wants you to live holy. Obedience. He wants you to live holy. Obedience. He wants you to live holy. Obedience. He wants you like we'll talked before, a He wants you like we'll talked before, a He wants you like we'll talked before, a pure heart and following him. This is pure heart and following him. This is 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. Romans 8 says this way, and strengthens. Romans 8 says this way, and strengthens. Romans 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. Jesus one day at a time. Jesus one day at a time. It's the lifelong journey. That's what It's the lifelong journey. That's what It's the lifelong journey. That's what biblical term would be sanctification. biblical term would be sanctification. biblical term would be sanctification. This is what Jesus is referring to. And This is what Jesus is referring to. And This is what Jesus is referring to. And he says, "Hey, when you live righteously he says, "Hey, when you live righteously he says, "Hey, when you live righteously like this, promise, you will be filled." like this, promise, you will be filled." like this, 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. tell you a story. tell you a story. This past week Beth and I celebrated uh This past week Beth and I celebrated uh This past week Beth and I celebrated uh got to get away and celebrate 10 years got to get away and celebrate 10 years got to get away and celebrate 10 years of marriage and we saved up and we of marriage and we saved up and we of marriage and we saved up and we actually went where we went on our actually went where we went on our actually went where we went on our honeymoon in Mexico. It was absolutely honeymoon in Mexico. It was absolutely honeymoon in Mexico. It was absolutely amazing. I love y'all, but I love time amazing. I love y'all, but I love time amazing. I love y'all, but I love time with my wife way more, okay? with my wife way more, okay? with my wife way more, okay? And so we got away where we were leaving And so we got away where we were leaving And so we got away where we were leaving the place where we were staying. We we the place where we were staying. We we the place where we were staying. We we had like 11:45, so we ate breakfast had like 11:45, so we ate breakfast had like 11:45, so we ate breakfast there a little after 7:00. We go to the there a little after 7:00. We go to the there a little after 7:00. We go to the airport, we got to get there super early airport, we got to get there super early airport, we got to get there super early to court for them. And then our flight to court for them. And then our flight to court for them. And then our flight to Dallas was during lunch time, like to to Dallas was during lunch time, like to to Dallas was during lunch time, like to get to Dallas. So we're like, "Man, get to Dallas. So we're like, "Man, get to Dallas. So we're like, "Man, we'll eat a snack, but I don't know, we'll eat a snack, but I don't know, we'll eat a snack, but I don't know, we'll eat when we get to Dallas." So our we'll eat when we get to Dallas." So our we'll eat when we get to Dallas." So our flight's delayed 45 minutes, we still flight's delayed 45 minutes, we still flight's delayed 45 minutes, we still make it to Dallas. By the time you go make it to Dallas. By the time you go make it to Dallas. By the time you go through customs, immigration, all the through customs, immigration, all the through customs, immigration, all the things, get your bags, me and Beth are things, get your bags, me and Beth are things, get your bags, me and Beth are hungry, we don't have time to eat. So, hungry, we don't have time to eat. So, hungry, we don't have time to eat. So, we're like taking the sky train to the we're like taking the sky train to the we're like taking the sky train to the call it Dallas cuz it's massive to our call it Dallas cuz it's massive to our call it Dallas cuz it's massive to our terminal, and we have like 5 minutes to terminal, and we have like 5 minutes to terminal, and we have like 5 minutes to get to our gate. So, we did what you see get to our gate. So, we did what you see get to our gate. So, we did what you see in the movies. We just start running. in the movies. We just start running. in the movies. We just start running. And all I could hear is Beth's sandals And all I could hear is Beth's sandals And all I could hear is Beth's sandals going going going through the airport, and we're breathing through the airport, and we're breathing through the airport, and we're breathing hard cuz we've been eating a lot of hard cuz we've been eating a lot of hard cuz we've been eating a lot of food, and my backpack's like hitting me food, and my backpack's like hitting me food, and my backpack's like hitting me in the back, and and it's like we look in the back, and and it's like we look in the back, and and it's like we look like crazy people. We're literally like crazy people. We're literally like crazy people. We're literally running through the airport like you running through the airport like you running through the airport like you see, and I was like, "We got to make see, and I was like, "We got to make see, and I was like, "We got to make it." And we get there, and the door is it." And we get there, and the door is it." And we get there, and the door is shut.

shut. shut. And it says, "Door is closed." I'm like, And it says, "Door is closed." I'm like, And it says, "Door is closed." I'm like, "But can you open it?" You know, like, "But can you open it?" You know, like, "But can you open it?" You know, like, "I know you're in there." "I know you're in there." "I know you're in there." >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> And this guy, I guess he was just >> And this guy, I guess he was just >> And this guy, I guess he was just sitting there, bystander, and he looked sitting there, bystander, and he looked sitting there, bystander, and he looked at me, he goes, "You missed it by this at me, he goes, "You missed it by this at me, he goes, "You missed it by this much." I didn't know him. much." I didn't know him. much." I didn't know him. And I wanted to be like, "You missed it And I wanted to be like, "You missed it And I wanted to be like, "You missed it by this much." You know, like, "I don't by this much." You know, like, "I don't by this much." You know, like, "I don't know who you are, bro." know who you are, bro." know who 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 na na make my gate, and you're over here na na make my gate, and you're over here na na na. So, we're hungry. We're like, "Can we?" So, we're hungry. We're like, "Can we?" So, we go to the little kiosk. So, So, we go to the little kiosk. So, So, we go to the little kiosk. So, 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 boarding in 20 minutes." Great. flight boarding in 20 minutes." Great. flight boarding in 20 minutes." Great. We go, it's three gates down. I'm just We go, it's three gates down. I'm just We go, it's three gates down. I'm just looking at our door still. Like, "Come looking at our door still. Like, "Come looking at our door still. Like, "Come on, man. You can't open the door." on, man. You can't open the door." on, man. You can't open the door." We get on that flight. We're about to We get on that flight. We're about to We get on that flight. We're about to leave. They pull out from the gate, and leave. They pull out from the gate, and leave. They pull out from the gate, and we're on the runway, and then the we're on the runway, and then the we're on the runway, and then the captain says, "Hey, there's not weather captain says, "Hey, there's not weather captain says, "Hey, there's not weather in Dallas, but there's weather all in Dallas, but there's weather all in Dallas, but there's weather all around us. So, we're one of 20 trying to around us. So, we're one of 20 trying to around us. So, we're one of 20 trying to leave." We have to wait. Guys, we wait leave." We have to wait. Guys, we wait leave." We have to wait. Guys, we wait on the runway for 55 minutes. Just on the runway for 55 minutes. Just on the runway for 55 minutes. Just sitting there. Mind you, our flight was sitting there. Mind you, our flight was sitting there. Mind you, our flight was 57 minutes. 57 minutes. 57 minutes. So, we wait for an hour, fly an hour to So, we wait for an hour, fly an hour to So, we wait for an hour, fly an hour to Little Rock. No, it gets better. So, Little Rock. No, it gets better. So, Little Rock. No, it gets better. So, then we land in Little Rock, pull up, then we land in Little Rock, pull up, then we land in Little Rock, pull up, and at our gate, there's a plane because and at our gate, there's a plane because and at our gate, there's a plane because of all this. So, our captain says, "Hey, of all this. So, our captain says, "Hey, of all this. So, our captain says, "Hey, uh there's a there's a plane at our uh there's a there's a plane at our uh there's a there's a plane at our gate. We're going to wait until it gate. We're going to wait until it gate. We're going to wait until it passes." 55 minutes sitting on the the passes." 55 minutes sitting on the the passes." 55 minutes sitting on the the runway Little Rock. Okay, guys. At this runway Little Rock. Okay, guys. At this runway Little Rock. Okay, guys. At this point, it's about 7:30. I haven't eaten point, it's about 7:30. I haven't eaten point, it's about 7:30. I haven't eaten in 12 hours.

in 12 hours. in 12 hours. I'm hungry, and my head is hurting, my I'm hungry, and my head is hurting, my I'm 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? right? right? And I'm like, "I'm a Christian, okay? And I'm like, "I'm a Christian, okay? And I'm like, "I'm a Christian, okay? I got to chill out a little. I'm really I got to chill out a little. I'm really I got to chill out a little. I'm really teaching the church Beatitudes and I got teaching the church Beatitudes and I got teaching the church Beatitudes and I got to like be one right now, you know? to like be one right now, you know? to like be one right now, you know? Don't talk to me anyone. When we get off Don't talk to me anyone. When we get off Don't talk to me anyone. When we get off the bag we get off the plane we go to the bag we get off the plane we go to the bag we get off the plane we go to get our bags my bag never came in. get our bags my bag never came in. get our bags my bag never came in. Beth's bag came in and at this point I Beth's bag came in and at this point I Beth's bag came in and at this point I was like, "I don't even care. I just was like, "I don't even care. I just was like, "I don't even care. I just want to go eat." Me and Beth drive to want to go eat." Me and Beth drive to want to go eat." Me and Beth drive to the nearest Chick-fil-A, praise God the nearest Chick-fil-A, praise God the 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 of my mouth. Beth was like, "How was out of my mouth. Beth was like, "How was out of my mouth. Beth was like, "How was your food?" I was like, "Beth, my food your food?" I was like, "Beth, my food your food?" I was like, "Beth, my food was good but was good but was good but I thought it would satisfy me more." I thought it would satisfy me more." I thought it would satisfy me more." I don't know why. I don't know if it's I don't know why. I don't know if it's I don't know why. I don't know if it's because we went so long without eating because we went so long without eating because we went so long without eating and it was just a long day right after and it was just a long day right after and it was just a long day right after vacation but I was like, "Man, I just vacation but I was like, "Man, I just vacation but I was like, "Man, I just thought it would hit different." And it thought it would hit different." And it thought it would hit different." And it didn't. I felt unsatisfied. didn't. I felt unsatisfied. 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 teaching these teaching these on the Sermon on the Mount these on the Sermon on the Mount these on the Sermon on the Mount these Beatitudes there's a measure of people Beatitudes there's a measure of people Beatitudes there's a measure of people at their life at this moment they're at their life at this moment they're at their life at this moment they're dissatisfied with something.

dissatisfied with something. dissatisfied with something. Maybe you found yourself here this Maybe you found yourself here this Maybe you found yourself here this weekend. weekend. weekend. There's a measure of dissatisfaction in There's a measure of dissatisfaction in There's a measure of dissatisfaction in your life. your life. your life. In your what you thought your life could In your what you thought your life could In your what you thought your life could be or in your relationship with God or be or in your relationship with God or be or in your relationship with God or maybe you're here searching what what is maybe you're here searching what what is maybe you're here searching what what is God who is that to me and God who is that to me and God who is that to me and man someone just kind of invited me to man someone just kind of invited me to man someone just kind of invited me to church I'm just trying to figure this church I'm just trying to figure this church I'm just trying to figure this out and where Jesus is powerful is out and where Jesus is powerful is out and where Jesus is powerful is you know, in the first three Beatitudes you know, in the first three Beatitudes you know, in the first three Beatitudes we have studied two of them to be poor we have studied two of them to be poor we have studied two of them to be poor in spirit Pastor Kurt Todd or or to to in spirit Pastor Kurt Todd or or to to in spirit Pastor Kurt Todd 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. us our need. us our need. Our need for God, our need for savior Our need for God, our need for savior Our need for God, our need for savior but it kind of comes to the those three but it kind of comes to the those three but it kind of comes to the those three come up to this apex where he says, "You come up to this apex where he says, "You come up to this apex where he says, "You know how you fill that need? You hunger know how you fill that need? You hunger know how you fill that need? You hunger and thirst for righteousness. and thirst for righteousness. and thirst for 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 Beatitudes. filling forms the next three Beatitudes. filling forms the next three Beatitudes. 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 pure heart and you'll see God. There you pure heart and you'll see God. There you pure heart and you'll see God. There you will live as a peacemaker will live as a peacemaker will live as a peacemaker and people will say, "That's a children and people will say, "That's a children and people will say, "That's a children child of God."

child of God." 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' heart. He's saying, "Hey, I Jesus' heart. He's saying, "Hey, I Jesus' 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." think, or imagine." think, or imagine." Cuz he loves us. He cares for us. So, I Cuz he loves us. He cares for us. So, I Cuz he loves us. He cares for us. So, I want to teach you three ways you can want to teach you three ways you can want to teach you three ways you can hunger more for the things of God. Uh hunger more for the things of God. Uh hunger more for the things of God. Uh really to walk out this beatitude. really to walk out this beatitude. really to walk out this beatitude. Number one, if you're taking notes, we Number one, if you're taking notes, we Number one, if you're taking notes, we got to starve the counterfeits. got to starve the counterfeits. got to starve the 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? spicy, okay? spicy, okay? Starve the counterfeits. Our beatitude Starve the counterfeits. Our beatitude Starve the counterfeits. Our beatitude again, "Blessed are those who hunger and again, "Blessed are those who hunger and again, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will thirst for righteousness, for they will thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." be filled." be filled." Well, if you hunger and thirst for Well, if you hunger and thirst for Well, if you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you'll be filled. righteousness, you'll be filled. righteousness, you'll be filled. What happens in life when we hunger and What happens in life when we hunger and What happens in life when we hunger and thirst for other things? thirst for other things? thirst for other things? What is the byproduct? What is the byproduct? What is the byproduct? You know, if you think about hunger, You know, if you think about hunger, You know, if you think about hunger, hunger is this thing that God's hunger is this thing that God's hunger is this thing that God's hardwired us with. It's deep. It's hardwired us with. It's deep. It's hardwired us with. It's deep. It's profound. And the longer you go without profound. And the longer you go without profound. And the longer you go without eating, the stronger the hunger eating, the stronger the hunger 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 And in ways, you can kind of get a And in ways, you can kind of get a little desperate. And a a quick biblical little desperate. And a a quick biblical little 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 prodigal son before Easter, y'all on the prodigal son before Easter, y'all on the prodigal 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 pigs' food that he was just to eat the pigs' food that he was just to eat the pigs' food that he was serving.

serving. serving. I mean, imagine that first of all. But I mean, imagine that first of all. But I mean, imagine that first of all. But then it left him unsatisfied. So, what then it left him unsatisfied. So, what then it left him unsatisfied. So, what did he do? He came to his senses and he did he do? He came to his senses and he did he do? He came to his senses and he realized, "I got to go back to my realized, "I got to go back to my realized, "I got to go back to my father's house." father's house." father's house." And this is physically, yes, he was And this is physically, yes, he was And this is physically, yes, he was blessed with a meal to come back. But blessed with a meal to come back. But blessed with a meal to come back. But there's a spiritual implication here is there's a spiritual implication here is there's a spiritual implication here is when he came back to the father's house, when he came back to the father's house, when he came back to the father's house, then he experienced fulfillment that the then he experienced fulfillment that the then he experienced fulfillment that the world could never give him. world could never give him. world could never give him. But he had to go home to meet the But he had to go home to meet the But he had to go home to meet the hunger. I want to give you a biblical hunger. I want to give you a biblical hunger. I want to give you a biblical principle that some mentors have taught principle that some mentors have taught principle that some mentors have taught me that changed my life me that changed my life me that changed my life that I believe if you take hold of could that I believe if you take hold of could that 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.

chocolate chip cookies. chocolate chip cookies. I could eat them every day. I did that I could eat them every day. I did that I could eat them every day. I did that when we first got married and I gained a when we first got married and I gained a when we first got married and I gained a lot of weight and I learned, "Okay, you lot of weight and I learned, "Okay, you lot of weight and I learned, "Okay, you can't do that every day." can't do that every day." can't do that every day." So, now I try to do it one day a week. So, now I try to do it one day a week. So, now I try to do it one day a week. But, you got to think, like our physical But, you got to think, like our physical But, you got to think, like our physical bodies have these desires, bodies have these desires, 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. And maybe you never thought about that And maybe you never thought about that And 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, nourishment. Really, nourishment. Really, the Bible will tell us, let me give you the Bible will tell us, let me give you the Bible will tell us, let me give you a quick aside, we're three-part beings, a quick aside, we're three-part beings, a quick aside, we're three-part beings, body, soul, spirit, and God's heart is body, soul, spirit, and God's heart is body, soul, spirit, and God's heart is that your spirit would be in lead and that your spirit would be in lead and that your spirit would be in lead and your body and soul will follow. And your body and soul will follow. And your body and soul will follow. And that's when you feed your spirit, but that's when you feed your spirit, but that's when you feed your spirit, but when you feed your flesh, you then your when you feed your flesh, you then your when you feed your flesh, you then your the your your spirit's the caboose and the your your spirit's the caboose and the your your spirit's the caboose and your soul kind of follows your desires your soul kind of follows your desires your soul kind of follows your desires and it urges us. and it urges us. and it urges us. 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, it'll this way, "Many of God's children, it'll this way, "Many of God's children, it'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 Krispy Kreme. Krispy Kreme. Krispy Kreme. But, they have little to no nutritional But, they have little to no nutritional But, they have little to no nutritional value for you.

value for you. value for you. And here's the reality I want you all to And here's the reality I want you all to And here's the reality I want you all to grasp, you can't have a donut-like grasp, you can't have a donut-like grasp, you can't have a donut-like spiritual diet and then wonder why spiritual diet and then wonder why spiritual diet and then wonder why you're not close to God. you're not close to God. you're not close to God. Wonder why you don't experience God. Why Wonder why you don't experience God. Why Wonder why you don't experience God. Why don't wonder why you're you're not being don't wonder why you're you're not being don't wonder why you're you're not being filled by the Lord. The question is, filled by the Lord. The question is, filled by the Lord. The question is, "Hey, what do you feed your soul every "Hey, what do you feed your soul every "Hey, what do you feed your soul every day?" Maybe you've never thought about day?" Maybe you've never thought about day?" Maybe you've never thought about it like that because it will influence it like that because it will influence it like that because it will influence what you hunger for, especially if those what you hunger for, especially if those what you hunger for, especially if those things don't satisfy you. things don't satisfy you. things don't satisfy you. So, I would call them, whether you So, I would call them, whether you So, I would call them, whether you realize it or not, they're counterfeits realize it or not, they're counterfeits realize it or not, they're counterfeits and God wants you to experience the real and God wants you to experience the real and God wants you to experience the real thing in Christ. You must starve them. thing in Christ. You must starve them. thing in Christ. You must starve them. So, as I was praying for y'all, I So, as I was praying for y'all, I So, as I was praying for y'all, I thought of three big picture thought of three big picture thought of three big picture counterfeits. I want to give you all. I counterfeits. I want to give you all. I counterfeits. I want to give you all. I did this with a few message earlier. did this with a few message earlier. did this with a few message earlier. Just just give some handles Just just give some handles Just just give some handles uh and I'll explain them. The first one uh and I'll explain them. The first one uh and I'll explain them. The first one is happiness. is happiness. is happiness. And I'll explain. And I'll explain. And I'll explain. There's nothing evil or wrong with There's nothing evil or wrong with There's nothing evil or wrong with wanting to be happy. wanting to be happy. wanting to be happy. Everyone would say in some measure they Everyone would say in some measure they Everyone would say in some measure they want to be happy. want to be happy. want to be happy. I'm talking about when you hunger and I'm talking about when you hunger and I'm talking about when you hunger and thirst for happiness. thirst for happiness. 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.

everything in your everyday life. everything in your everyday life. Well, then what happens when you have a Well, then what happens when you have a Well, then what happens when you have a day you don't feel happy? What happens day you don't feel happy? What happens day you don't feel happy? What happens when you go through hard things? What when you go through hard things? What when you go through hard things? What happens when there's a curveball? Is God happens when there's a curveball? Is God happens when there's a curveball? Is God not good all of a sudden or is something not good all of a sudden or is something not 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're we're happiness is something we're we're happiness is something we're we're supposed to seek or focus on. Rather, supposed to seek or focus on. Rather, supposed to seek or focus on. Rather, happiness often and many other things happiness often and many other things happiness often and many other things are result of seeking someone, Jesus. are result of seeking someone, Jesus. are result of seeking someone, Jesus. Now, Jesus wants to give you joy, the Now, Jesus wants to give you joy, the Now, Jesus wants to give you joy, the fruit of the spirit that's way more than fruit of the spirit that's way more than fruit of the spirit that's way more than happiness, or seeking something, happiness, or seeking something, happiness, or seeking something, righteousness. righteousness. 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. This will change your life. This will change your life. You are pursuing happiness instead of You are pursuing happiness instead of You are pursuing happiness instead of righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. But Jesus said blessed, which when you But Jesus said blessed, which when you But Jesus said blessed, 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. So, you got to starve that. So, you got to starve that. The second one's approval for others. The second one's approval for others. The second one's approval for others. Bum, bum, bum. Bum, bum, bum. Bum, bum, bum. I'm caught people pleasing, whatever you I'm caught people pleasing, whatever you I'm caught people pleasing, whatever you want to it, we all can struggle with want to it, we all can struggle with want to it, we all can struggle with this, myself included. this, myself included. this, myself included. This is where what we think about what This is where what we think about what This is where what we think about what other uh people approve us or not us or other uh people approve us or not us or other uh people approve us or not us or value us, that's where our fulfillment value us, that's where our fulfillment value us, that's where our fulfillment will come from. will come from. will come from. Now, certainly God's hard-wired us to Now, certainly God's hard-wired us to Now, certainly God's hard-wired us to connect with one another, to be loved by connect with one another, to be loved by connect with one another, to be loved by one another, but again, I'm talking one another, but again, I'm talking 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'm going to get specific, y'all, this I'm going to get specific, y'all, this I'm going to get specific, but I feel like but I feel like but I feel like this is what the Lord want me to do. this is what the Lord want me to do. this is what the Lord want me to do. One area of people pleasing I want to One area of people pleasing I want to One area of people pleasing I want to talk to you about is with talk to you about is with talk to you about is with your my body image.

your my body image. your my body image. I'm I know it may be different to talk I'm I know it may be different to talk I'm I know it may be different to talk about in church, but let me go here for about in church, but let me go here for about in church, but let me go here for a second. a second. a second. Uh a little bit of my story, before I Uh a little bit of my story, before I Uh a little bit of my story, before I knew Christ and even after, in high knew Christ and even after, in high knew Christ and even after, in high school and college and even in the young school and college and even in the young school and college and even in the young adulthood, but in high school I played adulthood, but in high school I played adulthood, but in high school I played soccer. I I lived a very, very active soccer. I I lived a very, very active soccer. I I lived a very, very active lifestyle. lifestyle. lifestyle. But I would often compare myself, But I would often compare myself, But I would often compare myself, compare my physical body to some of my compare my physical body to some of my compare my physical body to some of my best friends, because I didn't look like best friends, because I didn't look like best friends, because I didn't look like them. They They were much more fit, but them. They They were much more fit, but them. They They were much more fit, but I was training with them and running I was training with them and running 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 I began to grow this them, and I began to grow this them, and I began 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 off. I look like them with their shirt off. I look like them with their shirt off. 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 5 7 years ago, real with you, up until 5 7 years ago, real with you, up until 5 7 years ago, God's had to really redo my mind of God's had to really redo my mind of God's had to really redo my mind of this. From high school all the way this. From high school all the way this. From high school all the way through young adulthood, through young adulthood, through young adulthood, almost every day when I was putting on almost every day when I was putting on almost every day when I was putting on my shirt for the day, I would look at my shirt for the day, I would look at my shirt for the day, I would look at myself naked to the mirror, and I'd be myself naked to the mirror, and I'd be myself naked to the mirror, and I'd be discouraged in myself. discouraged in myself. discouraged in 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.

down, it wasn't to honor God. down, it wasn't to honor God. It wasn't so I'd be healthier. It wasn't so I'd be healthier. It wasn't so I'd be healthier. It wasn't for me, it was so that someone It wasn't for me, it was so that someone It wasn't for me, it was so that someone would approve me. would approve me. would approve me. It was so that I would look like someone It was so that I would look like someone It was so that 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? physical body? physical body? Yes. Yes. 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. temple of the Holy Spirit. Yes. temple of the Holy Spirit. Yes. But I'm telling you church, I want to But I'm telling you church, I want to But I'm telling you church, I want to caution you and it's summer time this caution you and it's summer time this caution you and it's summer time this might be more apparent. It's easy in our might be more apparent. It's easy in our might be more apparent. It's easy in our culture within all of our insecurities culture within all of our insecurities culture within all of our insecurities with comparison being so real to do with comparison being so real to do with comparison being so real to do these things more for the approval of these things more for the approval of these things more for the approval of others. others. 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 a weight and just to be real if you're a weight and just to be real if you're a 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.

approve you. approve you. Deep down because you feel like that Deep down because you feel like that Deep down because you feel like that will satisfy you, you'll feel better. will satisfy you, you'll feel better. will satisfy you, you'll feel better. Hey, let me remind us all of us are Hey, let me remind us all of us are Hey, let me remind us all of us are going to get old and wrinkly one day. going to get old and wrinkly one day. going to get old and wrinkly one day. I don't mean that to speak that over I don't mean that to speak that over I don't mean that to speak that over you, but it's called gravity and you, but it's called gravity and you, but it's called gravity and physiology and life. It will leave you unsatisfied church. It will leave you unsatisfied church. People pleasing. People pleasing. People pleasing. Church, the approval of others. Church, Church, the approval of others. Church, Church, the approval of others. Church, your self-worth and value being dictated your self-worth and value being dictated your self-worth and value being dictated by what other people think. We must by what other people think. We must by what other people think. We must starve it in Jesus' name. starve it in Jesus' name. starve it in Jesus' 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. escape. escape. Last counterfeit. Life is hard, Last counterfeit. Life is hard, Last counterfeit. Life is hard, stressful, exhausting, challenging. stressful, exhausting, challenging. stressful, exhausting, challenging. Many of you are in this season right now Many of you are in this season right now Many of you are in this season right now and you can't quite see how you're going and you can't quite see how you're going and you can't quite see how you're going to get through it. With your family and to get through it. With your family and to get through it. With your family and your job transition. your job transition. your job transition. So, what do we want to do often? We want So, what do we want to do often? We want So, what do we want to do often? We want to escape. We want a time out. to escape. We want a time out. to escape. We want a time out. But there's many unhealthy ways But there's many unhealthy ways But there's many unhealthy ways Christians pursue that. So, we get on Christians pursue that. So, we get on Christians pursue that. So, we get on our phones and we just immerse ourselves our phones and we just immerse ourselves our phones and we just immerse ourselves in our phones or in front of a TV. in our phones or in front of a TV. in our phones or in front of a TV. We drink. People drink alcohol. They We drink. People drink alcohol. They We drink. People drink alcohol. They take drugs. They view pornography not take drugs. They view pornography not take drugs. They view pornography not for this just to get something from it.

for this just to get something from it. for this just to get something from it. We isolate from friends and family. We isolate from friends and family. We isolate from friends and family. From the people who want to say we From the people who want to say we From the people who want to say we pursue unhealthy relationships and deep pursue unhealthy relationships and deep pursue unhealthy relationships and deep down maybe you never put words to it but down maybe you never put words to it but down maybe you never put words to it but you think this will help me or this will you think this will help me or this will you 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. for a minute. for a minute. It will leave you unsatisfied. It will leave you unsatisfied. It will leave you unsatisfied. Young people in this room, the older Young people in this room, the older Young people in this room, the older people will tell you don't go down that people will tell you don't go down that people will tell you don't go down that route. It's a lie from the world. It's a route. It's a lie from the world. It's a route. It's a lie from the world. It's a lie from the enemy. Sure, you can go and lie from the enemy. Sure, you can go and lie from the enemy. Sure, you can go and drink and get drunk but the next morning drink and get drunk but the next morning drink and get drunk but the next morning you're going to wake up and all the you're going to wake up and all the you're going to wake up and all the problems and all the things you're problems and all the things you're problems and all the things you're running for are right there. running for are right there. running for are right 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 beyond the screens. What you principle beyond the screens. What you principle beyond 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. That's you. That's you. God's not going to come down and tell God's not going to come down and tell God's not going to come down and tell you stop eating that and starve that. you stop eating that and starve that. you stop eating that and starve that. No, you have a free will.

No, you have a free will. No, you have a free will. This is where people are like, "Man, I This is where people are like, "Man, I This is where people are like, "Man, I want to be free." want to be free." want to be free." Then you got to starve that thing, Then you got to starve that thing, Then you got to starve that thing, church. And you got to feed your spirit church. And you got to feed your spirit church. And you got to feed your spirit and be led by God. I'm passionate about and be led by God. I'm passionate about and be led by God. I'm passionate about this because I lived in bondage for this because I lived in bondage for this because I lived in bondage for years. years. years. And I would go, "God, where are you? And I would go, "God, where are you? And I would go, "God, where are you? God, where are you?" And I'd go back to God, where are you?" And I'd go back to God, where are you?" And I'd go back to that thing like a dog to its vomit. that thing like a dog to its vomit. that thing like a dog to its vomit. And I'd wonder why I wasn't satisfied And I'd wonder why I wasn't satisfied And I'd wonder why I wasn't satisfied because there's no life in it, church. because there's no life in it, church. because there's 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. One more thing. One more thing. It is very hard to starve these things It is very hard to starve these things It is very hard to starve these things especially if you're really in especially if you're really in especially if you're really in strongholds, addictions, challenges. strongholds, addictions, challenges. strongholds, addictions, challenges. It's really hard to starve it by It's really hard to starve it by It's really hard to starve it by yourself. yourself. yourself. You need God's grace, You need God's grace, You need God's grace, God's power, God's wisdom and you need God's power, God's wisdom and you need God's power, God's wisdom and you need the family of God. You need your family, the family of God. You need your family, the family of God. You need your family, you need your friends, you need your you need your friends, you need your you need your friends, you need your life group. You're never meant to starve life group. You're never meant to starve life group. You're never meant to starve these things alone. But you also need to these things alone. But you also need to these things alone. But you also need to be honest so you could do those things.

be honest so you could do those things. be honest so you could do those things. Number two, we're going to seek God's Number two, we're going to seek God's Number two, we're going to seek God's righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. So we're going to start that. See God's So we're going to start that. See God's So we're going to start that. See God's righteousness righteousness righteousness chapter or two later in the Sermon on chapter or two later in the Sermon on chapter or two later in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us beautiful the Mount, Jesus gives us beautiful the Mount, Jesus gives us beautiful promise in Matthew 6. You've probably promise in Matthew 6. You've probably promise in Matthew 6. You've probably heard before. He says, "Hey, seek first heard before. He says, "Hey, seek first heard before. He says, "Hey, seek first the kingdom the kingdom 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." things will be added to you." things will be added to you." Well, he's really reinforcing what the Well, he's really reinforcing what the Well, he's really reinforcing what the Beatitude is for today. Beatitude is for today. Beatitude is for today. He's saying, "Hey, when you seek God and He's saying, "Hey, when you seek God and He's saying, "Hey, when you seek God and what his righteousness first in your what his righteousness first in your what his righteousness first in your life, life, life, all these things will be given to you." all these things will be given to you." all these things will be given to you." He's not saying you'll have whatever you He's not saying you'll have whatever you He's not saying you'll have whatever you need. He's saying you'll be blessed when need. He's saying you'll be blessed when need. He's saying you'll be blessed when you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you hunger and thirst for righteousness, and you'll be filled by God. That's the and you'll be filled by God. That's the and you'll be filled by God. That's the needs you'll be. needs you'll be. needs you'll be. God will do more than you ask or God will do more than you ask or God will do more than you ask or imagine. imagine. imagine. If I could say what's the deepest part If I could say what's the deepest part If I could say what's the deepest part of my heart in my sermon, it's the of my heart in my sermon, it's the of my heart in my sermon, it's the 10 seconds I'm about to say. 10 seconds I'm about to say. 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 thirsted for But what if we hungered and thirsted for But what if we hungered and thirsted 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? beautiful way? beautiful way? How much of the love of God every day How much of the love of God every day How much of the love of God every day would you experience? would you experience? would you experience? The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord. The 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, does it mean you can't be happy? Man, does it mean you can't be happy? Man, does it 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. Does it mean you righteousness first. Does it mean you righteousness first. Does it 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 there God is thirst for righteousness there God is thirst for righteousness there God is going to fill me. going to fill me. going to fill me. So, to apply this, how do I live So, to apply this, how do I live So, to apply this, how do I live righteously? Well, there's righteously? Well, there's righteously? Well, there's many promises and commandments and many promises and commandments and many promises and commandments and things in the scripture that would tell things in the scripture that would tell things in the scripture that would tell you, but to oversimplify it, church, it you, but to oversimplify it, church, it you, but to oversimplify it, church, it goes back to something Pastor Rick goes back to something Pastor Rick goes back to something Pastor Rick taught us from day one. Man, you put God taught us from day one. Man, you put God taught us from day one. Man, you put God first in every area of your life.

first in every area of your life. first in every area of your 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. just enjoy following Jesus. just enjoy following Jesus. You live to honor him and obey him and You live to honor him and obey him and You live to honor him and obey him and live holy unto him and you're just led live holy unto him and you're just led live holy unto him and you're just led by the Holy Spirit every day. You live by the Holy Spirit every day. You live by the Holy Spirit every day. You live on mission because God has something and on mission because God has something and on mission because God has something and a purpose for you every single day. You a purpose for you every single day. You a 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. God every day. God every day. I'll just Yeah, I just need a little bit I'll just Yeah, I just need a little bit I'll just Yeah, I just need a little bit of God today. I'll be fine. of God today. I'll be fine. of God today. I'll be fine. Quick story, our daughter Ruby's one and Quick story, our daughter Ruby's one and Quick story, our daughter Ruby's one and her favorite pastime is eating, her favorite pastime is eating, her favorite pastime is eating, if you would believe that. if you would believe that. if you would believe that. And Ruby loves so food so much she And Ruby loves so food so much she And Ruby loves so food so much she follows Beth and I most around day and follows Beth and I most around day and follows Beth and I most around day and she grunts until we give her some food. she grunts until we give her some food. she grunts until we give her some food. So, we'll give her a snack, which then So, we'll give her a snack, which then So, we'll give her a snack, which then she smiles for half a second and she she smiles for half a second and she she smiles for half a second and she goes, goes, 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."

"Thank you so much." "Thank you so much." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [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 little girl don't settle for one bite little girl don't settle for one bite or one snack. or one snack. or one snack. And that's us the church, man. And that's us the church, man. And that's us the church, man. When we When we When we just try our best to live and hunger and just try our best to live and hunger and just try our best to live and hunger and thirst for God's righteousness, thirst for God's righteousness, thirst for God's righteousness, you will be filled in ways you can never you will be filled in ways you can never you will be filled in ways you can 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 2 years. I don't weekly challenges for 2 years. I don't weekly challenges for 2 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 by myself. Pray God. be doing them by myself. Pray God. be doing them by myself. 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. word. It's not about me. word. It's not about me. If there was ever one you would do, I If there was ever one you would do, I If there was ever one you would do, I pray all of y'all do this one. My weekly pray all of y'all do this one. My weekly pray all of y'all do this one. My weekly challenge for you is that we all fast challenge for you is that we all fast challenge for you is that we all fast this week. this week. this week. I'm here fasting in the summer? I'm here fasting in the summer? I'm here fasting in the summer? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. We don't just have to fast in the We don't just have to fast in the We don't just have to fast in the beginning of the year. beginning of the year. beginning of the year. So, something that I love to teach about So, something that I love to teach about So, something that 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 to say is, you fast from something to say is, you fast from something for more God. for more God. for 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 our life, with all the season of our life, with all the season of our life, with all the distractions, I put some media, or distractions, I put some media, or distractions, I put some media, or phone, or something with it, too. You phone, or something with it, too. You phone, or something with it, too. You fast from something for more God, okay?

fast from something for more God, okay? fast from something for more 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. and you pray. and you pray. You talk to your family. Starting Monday You talk to your family. Starting Monday You talk to your family. Starting Monday morning morning morning through next Sunday service, we fast through next Sunday service, we fast through next Sunday service, we fast together as a church. together as a church. together as a church. When you fast, something that will When you fast, something that will When you fast, something that will always happen always happen always happen is you will feed your spirit, and you is you will feed your spirit, and you is you will feed your spirit, and you will starve your flesh. will starve your flesh. 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. time. time. But, with what we're talking about But, with what we're talking about 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. can starve in that first point. can starve in that first point. But, then I also want to think, how can But, then I also want to think, how can But, then I also want to think, how can I seek God first righteously? So, I seek God first righteously? So, I seek God first righteously? So, fasting is not just a diet where you say fasting is not just a diet where you say fasting is not just a diet where you say no to some food, you want to pursue God no to some food, you want to pursue God no to some food, you want to pursue God more. So, think to this day, where are more. So, think to this day, where are more. So, think to this day, where are pockets of time between meetings, or pockets of time between meetings, or pockets of time between meetings, or taking a kid to preschool, or whatever taking a kid to preschool, or whatever taking a kid to preschool, or whatever it is that I can pray more, I can seek it is that I can pray more, I can seek it is that I can pray more, I can seek God more, I can get on my face before God more, I can get on my face before God more, I can get on my face before the Lord? And this is what I love about the Lord? And this is what I love about the Lord? And this is what I love about fasting. fasting. fasting. No matter what you fast, if it's one No matter what you fast, if it's one No matter what you fast, if it's one thing or many things, there's going to thing or many things, there's going to thing or many things, there's going to come a point where you feel hungry. come a point where you feel hungry. come a point where you feel hungry. And that is that beautiful reminder of And that is that beautiful reminder of And that is that beautiful reminder of you need God. you need God. 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? him? him? Or am I going to hunger and thirst for Or am I going to hunger and thirst for Or am I going to hunger and thirst for the things that can't fill me?

the things that can't fill me? 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. Yep. appetite. Yep. appetite. Yep. 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. obligation. It's an invitation. obligation. It's an invitation. Just invite you to more God. If you're Just invite you to more God. If you're Just invite you to more God. If you're like I'm here, this is not the week, no like I'm here, this is not the week, no like I'm here, this is not the week, no problem. You pray and you have a great problem. You pray and you have a great problem. You pray and you have a great week. I'll see you next time. I'm going week. I'll see you next time. I'm going week. I'll see you next time. I'm going to eat a little less, okay? to eat a little less, okay? to eat a little less, okay? Number three, Number three, 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 start with the So, we're going to start with the So, we're going to start with the 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 script. Logan didn't talk about his MC script. Logan didn't talk about his MC script. 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. Spirit. I love you so much. Spirit. I love you so much. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst Blessed are those who hunger and thirst Blessed are 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. for they will be filled. for they will be filled. Jesus in John, uh he he has seven I am Jesus in John, uh he he has seven I am Jesus in John, uh he he has seven I am statements to describe himself that were statements to describe himself that were statements to describe himself that were pretty profound. Jesus said this in John pretty profound. Jesus said this in John pretty profound. Jesus said this in John 6:35, 6:35, 6:35, "I am the bread of life. Look at this. "I am the bread of life. Look at this. "I am the bread of life. Look at this. He who comes to me will never go He who comes to me will never go He who comes to me will never go hungry." hungry." hungry." What an emphatic promise.

What an emphatic promise. What an emphatic promise. "And he who believes in me will never be "And he who believes in me will never be "And he who believes in me will never be thirsty." thirsty." 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. the Lord is good. the Lord is good. This speaks to this amazing thought. I This speaks to this amazing thought. I This speaks to this amazing thought. I don't know what you call this. I've don't know what you call this. I've don't know what you call this. I've heard many pastors say this, but it's heard many pastors say this, but it's heard many pastors say this, but it's kind of this beautiful invitation phrase kind of this beautiful invitation phrase kind of this beautiful invitation phrase of you can have as much of God as you of you can have as much of God as you of you can have as much of God as you want. want. 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. God's withholding from you. God's withholding from you. It's more the more you seek him, the It's more the more you seek him, the It's more the more you seek him, the more you can experience him. more you can experience him. more you can experience him. The more he's in your day, the more of The more he's in your day, the more of The more he's in your day, the more of your life that's submitted to him, the your life that's submitted to him, the your life that's submitted to him, the more you want him to be in every aspect, more you want him to be in every aspect, more you want him to be in every aspect, the more you live righteously, the more the more you live righteously, the more the more you live righteously, the more you're going to experience him. These you're going to experience him. These you're going to experience him. These are promises from God. are promises from God. are promises from God. A scripture Miss B, Pastor X's mom, A scripture Miss B, Pastor X's mom, A scripture Miss B, Pastor X's mom, who's in heaven now, used to always pray who's in heaven now, used to always pray who's in heaven now, used to always pray over us Jeremiah 33, I think it's three. over us Jeremiah 33, I think it's three. over us Jeremiah 33, I think it's three. Uh God says, uh "You will seek me and Uh God says, uh "You will seek me and Uh God says, uh "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your find me when you seek me with all your find me when you seek me with all your heart." 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're here. I read this ago if you're here. I read this ago if you're here. I read this Beatitude before we're doing Beatitudes.

Beatitude before we're doing Beatitudes. Beatitude before we're doing Beatitudes. 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 praying fasting that I've been January praying fasting that I've been January praying fasting that I've been praying for y'all on and off, praying praying for y'all on and off, praying praying for y'all on and off, praying for our church on off. I want to unpack for our church on off. I want to unpack for our church on off. I want to unpack them real quick because I believe it has them real quick because I believe it has them real quick because I believe it has to do with this Beatitude. It's these to do with this Beatitude. It's these to do with this Beatitude. It's these words. I want you to write them down but words. I want you to write them down but words. I want you to write them down but we're going to unpack them. Expectation we're going to unpack them. Expectation we're going to unpack them. Expectation and engagement. I've been talking to our and engagement. I've been talking to our and engagement. I've been talking to our staff about this. Expectation and staff about this. Expectation and staff about this. Expectation and engagement. When I say expectation, I engagement. When I say expectation, I engagement. When I say expectation, I mean exercising faith. mean exercising faith. mean exercising faith. Expectation's all about faith in God. Expectation's all about faith in God. Expectation's 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 the presence of God changes believe the presence of God changes believe 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 ourself. It's not faith in ourself. It's not faith in ourself. It's faith in Jesus to be who he says he It's faith in Jesus to be who he says he It's faith in Jesus to be who he says he is and to do what he says he will do. To is and to do what he says he will do. To is and to do what he says he will do. To be faithful to his word. One of the best be faithful to his word. One of the best be faithful to his word. One of the best ways to practically speaking to be ways to practically speaking to be ways to practically speaking to be expected is prayer.

expected is prayer. expected is 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 of Just to encourage you, I know many of Just to encourage you, I know many of y'all know this but every Wednesday our y'all know this but every Wednesday our y'all know this but every Wednesday our staff's here but many members of our staff's here but many members of our staff's here but many members of our church come here and pray over every church come here and pray over every church come here and pray over every prayer card you put under that cross. prayer card you put under that cross. prayer card you put under that cross. Volunteers, members of our church, they Volunteers, members of our church, they Volunteers, members of our church, they pray for you. pray for you. pray for you. They pray for your family. They pray for They pray for your family. They pray for They pray for your family. They pray for whatever you put on that card. whatever you put on that card. whatever you put on that card. But they also pray that whoever's But they also pray that whoever's But they also pray that whoever's speaking speaking speaking as the word goes forth, you guys would as the word goes forth, you guys would as the word goes forth, you guys would be built up by God. You would hear from be built up by God. You would hear from be built up by God. You would hear from God. You'd be encouraged by God. Every God. You'd be encouraged by God. Every God. You'd be encouraged by God. Every Wednesday, I get my car, something our Wednesday, I get my car, something our Wednesday, I get my car, something our pastors have taught us every Sunday pastors have taught us every Sunday pastors have taught us every Sunday morning, I start praying for y'all. morning, I start praying for y'all. morning, I start praying for y'all. It's not about me. I just pray in It's not about me. I just pray in It's not about me. I just pray in expectation, God, would you do something expectation, God, would you do something expectation, God, would you do something in our church? Would you speak to in our church? Would you speak to in our church? Would you speak to people? Would you save people? Would you people? Would you save people? Would you people? Would you save people? Would you encourage people? But get here and encourage people? But get here and encourage people? But get here and there's already leaders in children's there's already leaders in children's there's already leaders in children's ministry and kids ministry and leaders ministry and kids ministry and leaders ministry and kids ministry and leaders and our pastors praying the same thing. and our pastors praying the same thing. and our pastors praying the same thing. There's people who walked these chairs There's people who walked these chairs There's people who walked these chairs on Sunday morning and pray for you guys. on Sunday morning and pray for you guys. on Sunday morning and pray for you guys. And I just want you to just take your And I just want you to just take your And I just want you to just take your faith up a notch to believe for God in faith up a notch to believe for God in faith up a notch to believe for God in your life and in your family, but also your life and in your family, but also your life and in your family, but also in our church and our city. What could in our church and our city. What could in our church and our city. What could God do in Jesus name? Amen.

God do in Jesus name? Amen. God do in Jesus name? Amen. But if expectations faith in God to do But if expectations faith in God to do But if expectations faith in God to do his part, engagement is like works. The his part, engagement is like works. The his part, engagement is like works. The James the Bible talks about faith and James the Bible talks about faith and James the Bible talks about faith and works. works. works. Engagement is like us doing our part. Engagement is like us doing our part. Engagement is like us doing our part. If I could give you a definition for If I could give you a definition for If I could give you a definition for engagement, it is spiritually leaning engagement, it is spiritually leaning engagement, it is spiritually leaning in. in. 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. lean in a little more. lean in a little more. So this is not just church. So this is not just church. So this is not just church. When you have daily time with God, lean When you have daily time with God, lean When you have daily time with God, lean in. Slow down. in. Slow down. in. Slow down. When you're at work, when you're with When you're at work, when you're with When you're at work, when you're with your friends, your friends, your friends, you're just open to the Holy Spirit. Is you're just open to the Holy Spirit. Is you're just open to the Holy Spirit. Is there anything Holy Spirit you want me there anything Holy Spirit you want me there anything Holy Spirit you want me to say or do? I'm just leaned in. to say or do? I'm just leaned in. to say or do? I'm just leaned in. Someone says something and you're like, Someone says something and you're like, Someone says something and you're like, I got to pray for them. I got to pray for them. I got to pray for them. I don't just hear that and be like, man, I don't just hear that and be like, man, I 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, to another level. During worship, to another level. During worship, no matter your how long you've been in no matter your how long you've been in no matter your how long you've been in church, is your first time or you've church, is your first time or you've church, is 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 song to worship. wait till the third song to worship. wait till the third song to worship. I know we got to like spiritually warm I know we got to like spiritually warm I know we got to like spiritually warm up. That's like a joke, but no. Man, try up. That's like a joke, but no. Man, try up. 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 Logan me to honor the Lord. Because what Logan me to honor the Lord. Because what Logan said, I'm coming to the house of the said, I'm coming to the house of the said, I'm coming to the house of the Lord and I want to get in the presence Lord and I want to get in the presence Lord and I want to get in the presence of the God. And man, you worship how of the God. And man, you worship how of the God. And man, you worship how God's wired you. I'm not here to tell God's wired you. I'm not here to tell God's wired you. I'm not here to tell you how to worship. Jesus said, hey, you you how to worship. Jesus said, hey, you you how to worship. Jesus said, hey, you worship me with all your heart, soul, worship me with all your heart, soul, worship me with all your heart, soul, and strength. You measure that. and strength. You measure that. and strength. You measure that. That's you and God. It's not about That's you and God. It's not about 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 in here. it helps me focus in here. it helps me focus in here. Hey, help a brother out. Something's Hey, help a brother out. Something's Hey, help a brother out. Something's funny. You know, you can laugh in funny. You know, you can laugh in funny. You know, you can laugh in church. church. church. I didn't grow up in church, so someone I didn't grow up in church, so someone I didn't grow up in church, so someone had to give me permission, truly. had to give me permission, truly. had to 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. encouraging, you can give an amen. encouraging, you can give an amen. Or a lot of people do I I This is just Or a lot of people do I I This is just Or a lot of people do I 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, "Mhm, something you're like, "Mhm, something you're like, "Mhm, you know?"

you know?" you know?" It's okay to let out a spiritual groan. It's okay to let out a spiritual groan. It's okay to let out a spiritual groan. Why? Because you're engaged in what's Why? Because you're engaged in what's Why? Because you're engaged in what's God doing. Let me give you one more God doing. Let me give you one more God 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. with the people around you. with the people around you. Pastor Rick said this day one. We never Pastor Rick said this day one. We never Pastor Rick said this day one. We never imagined our church to be this big, but imagined our church to be this big, but imagined our church to be this big, but we're also unashamed about many people we're also unashamed about many people we're also unashamed about many people hearing about Jesus, growing in him, hearing about Jesus, growing in him, hearing about Jesus, growing in him, kids and families and people getting kids and families and people getting kids and families and people getting baptized. We'll never be ashamed of baptized. We'll never be ashamed of baptized. We'll never be ashamed of that. But, we our pastors can only do so that. But, we our pastors can only do so that. But, we our pastors can only do so much. Hey, I want you to be engaged with much. Hey, I want you to be engaged with much. Hey, I want you to be engaged with each other. each other. each other. So, hey, meet someone new. So, hey, meet someone new. So, hey, meet someone new. I've had people tell me a guy told me at I've had people tell me a guy told me at I've had people tell me a guy told me at a restaurant this a month ago, "Hey, a restaurant this a month ago, "Hey, a restaurant this a month ago, "Hey, Mary, yeah, I sit in the back and I come Mary, yeah, I sit in the back and I come Mary, yeah, I sit in the back and I come in and I leave." So, that's not a bash in and I leave." So, that's not a bash in and I leave." So, that's not a bash if you do that. That's just you're if you do that. That's just you're if you do that. That's just you're missing out on the church family. missing out on the church family. missing out on the church family. Hey, most of y'all sit in the same area Hey, most of y'all sit in the same area Hey, most of y'all sit in the same area every time. What if you got here 5 every time. What if you got here 5 every time. What if you got here 5 minutes early and you just introduce minutes early and you just introduce minutes early and you just introduce yourself to people around you? yourself to people around you? yourself to people around you? You connected. You connected. You connected. You met people. You met people. You met 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. walls. We are the body of Christ. walls. We are the body of Christ. So, I want you to engage with the people So, I want you to engage with the people So, I want you to engage with the people around you. around you. around you. And lean in a little. Why? Because we And lean in a little. Why? Because we And lean in a little. Why? Because we hunger and thirst for righteousness hunger and thirst for righteousness hunger and thirst for righteousness together. We grow in expectation together. We grow in expectation together. We grow in expectation engagement together and we watch God do engagement together and we watch God do engagement together and we watch God do amazing things together in Jesus' name.

amazing things together in Jesus' name. amazing things together in Jesus' name. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst Blessed are those who hunger and thirst Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Last thing I'll say for righteousness. Last thing I'll say for righteousness. Last thing I'll say is just another reminder. is just another reminder. 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. as a pastor who loves you. as a pastor who loves you. You can hunger and thirst for the things You can hunger and thirst for the things You can hunger and thirst for the things of this world. of this world. of this world. Or you can hunger and thirst for random Or you can hunger and thirst for random Or you can hunger and thirst for random neutral things that aren't evil. neutral things that aren't evil. 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 great. No. they're great. No. they're great. No. Something deep in you will never be Something deep in you will never be Something deep in you will never be satisfied. Or satisfied. Or satisfied. Or you can hunger and thirst for Jesus you can hunger and thirst for Jesus you can hunger and thirst for Jesus and his word and his righteousness and and his word and his righteousness and and his word and his righteousness and to live a life to honor to God and raise to live a life to honor to God and raise to live a life to honor to God and raise your family in a way that would bring your family in a way that would bring your family in a way that would bring him glory and you watch as you hunger him glory and you watch as you hunger him glory and you watch as you hunger and thirst for that you are satisfied and thirst for that you are satisfied and thirst for that you are satisfied by Jesus. That's a promise from him by Jesus. That's a promise from him by Jesus. That's a promise from him in ways you can never imagine. Amen. in ways you can never imagine. Amen. in ways you can never imagine. Amen. >> Hey, what a great word we got to hear >> Hey, what a great word we got to hear >> Hey, what a great word we got to hear today. If you're interested in finding today. If you're interested in finding today. If you're interested in finding out any more information about our out any more information about our out any more information about our church, there's [music] a link below. church, there's [music] a link below. church, there's [music] a link below. We'd love for you to click on that. Let We'd love for you to click on that. Let We'd love for you to click on that. Let us know any questions that you might us know any questions that you might us know any questions that you might have. We'd love to see you at one of our have. We'd love to see you at one of our have. We'd love to see you at one of our campuses [music] in person. God