New Life Church | Digital Service

Good morning church. So great to see you Good morning church. So great to see you all. Let's stand together and worship all. Let's stand together and worship all. Let's stand together and worship Jesus. felt. felt. But nothing [singing] But nothing [singing] But nothing [singing] could stop what the [music] Lord had could stop what the [music] Lord had could stop what the [music] Lord had planned. Now on this truth will [music] forever Now on this truth will [music] forever stand. This is the goel. This is the goel. Christ [music] died for everyone. Christ [music] died for everyone. Christ [music] died for everyone. s salvation [music] s salvation [music] s salvation [music] borrow with his precious blood sinners.

sinners. Jesus poured [music] out all his blood. Jesus poured [music] out all his blood. Jesus poured [music] out all his blood. Hallelujah. I can't [music] contain it. So I will I can't [music] contain it. So I will proclaim it. [music] This is the truth proclaim it. [music] This is the truth proclaim it. [music] This is the truth [singing] I forever sing. This [music] is the gospel. This [music] is the gospel. Christ died for everyone. [music] Christ died for everyone. [music] Christ died for everyone. [music] This is salvation This is salvation This is salvation spark with his precious blood for sinners.

for sinners. Jesus poured out [music] all his love. Jesus poured out [music] all his love. Jesus poured out [music] all his love. Hallelujah. come on. Let's put [music] our hands come on. Let's put [music] our hands together. Come on. Let's declare this together. Come on. Let's declare this together. [music] One voice. I believe [music] One voice. I believe [music] One voice. I believe >> I believe in my heart [music] >> I believe in my heart [music] >> I believe in my heart [music] and confess with my mouth. Jesus Christ and confess with my mouth. Jesus Christ and confess with my mouth. Jesus Christ is Lord. [singing and music] Jesus is Lord. [singing and music] Jesus is Lord. [singing and music] Jesus Christ is Lord. Oh, he Christ is Lord. Oh, he Christ is Lord. Oh, he [music and singing] rose from that [music and singing] rose from that [music and singing] rose from that grave. There is power in his name. Jesus grave. There is power in his name. Jesus grave. There is power in his name. Jesus Christ is [singing] Lord. Jesus Christ Christ is [singing] Lord. Jesus Christ Christ is [singing] Lord. Jesus Christ [music] [music] [music] is Lord. I believe in my heart and is Lord. I believe in my heart and is Lord. I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is [music] Lord. Jesus Christ is Lord.

is [music] Lord. Jesus Christ is Lord. is [music] Lord. Jesus Christ is Lord. No heroes from [music] that grave. There No heroes from [music] that grave. There No heroes from [music] that grave. There is power in his name. Jesus Christ is is power in his name. Jesus Christ is is power in his name. Jesus Christ is [music] Lord. Jesus Christ. Come on, [music] Lord. Jesus Christ. Come on, [music] Lord. Jesus Christ. Come on, let's declare that together. Jesus let's declare that together. Jesus let's declare that together. Jesus [music] [music] [music] Christ is Lord. Jesus Christ is Lord. Christ is Lord. Jesus Christ is Lord. Christ is Lord. Jesus Christ is Lord. This is the gospel. This is the gospel. This is the gospel. Christ [music] died for everyone. Christ [music] died for everyone. Christ [music] died for everyone. This is salvation This is salvation This is salvation bought with his precious blood bought with his precious blood bought with his precious blood while we sing. while we sing. while we sing. Jesus poured our [music] heart in love. Jesus poured our [music] heart in love. Jesus poured our [music] heart in love. Hallelujah. Church, aren't you thankful for the Church, aren't you thankful for the gospel this morning? Jesus is alive. Our gospel this morning? Jesus is alive. Our gospel this morning? Jesus is alive. Our sins are forgiven. And [music] we have sins are forgiven. And [music] we have sins are forgiven. And [music] we have hope because of him. So, let's fix our hope because of him. So, let's fix our hope because of him. So, let's fix our eyes on the lamb of God, the one who eyes on the lamb of God, the one who eyes on the lamb of God, the one who carried the weight of every sin and gave

carried the weight of every sin and gave carried the weight of every sin and gave everything for our [music] forgiveness. everything for our [music] forgiveness. everything for our [music] forgiveness. Amen. Come on, let's sing this together. Behold the lamb [singing] Behold the lamb [singing] of God of God of God on the cursed cross. on the cursed cross. on the cursed cross. The weight of [singing] every sin lay on The weight of [singing] every sin lay on The weight of [singing] every sin lay on his shoulden [music] and betrayed and betrayed wrapped in all my shame. wrapped in all my shame. wrapped in all my shame. Forsaking [music] everything for my Forsaking [music] everything for my Forsaking [music] everything for my forgiveness. We [music and singing] We [music and singing] praise the lamb praise the lamb praise the lamb upon the throne.

upon the throne. upon the throne. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Deep within [music] the grave Deep within [music] the grave his broken body lay. his broken body lay. his broken body lay. The darkness thought [music] that heaven The darkness thought [music] that heaven The darkness thought [music] that heaven [singing] was 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. And all [music] the angels shouted, "He And all [music] the angels shouted, "He And all [music] the angels shouted, "He is res." is res." is res." >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The tomb was open >> The tomb was open >> The tomb was open wide. wide. wide. [singing] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] We praise him [music] We praise him [music] We praise him [music] upon [singing] upon [singing] upon [singing] the throne.

the throne. the throne. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Soon [singing and music] the day will Soon [singing and music] the day will come. come. come. The skies will open up The skies will open up The skies will open up and on the clouds will see the and on the clouds will see the and on the clouds will see the [singing and music] Lord descending. The gates will [music] open wide. for The gates will [music] open wide. for the dead in Christ will rise the dead in Christ will rise the dead in Christ will rise and he shall raise [music] glory never and he shall raise [music] glory never and he shall raise [music] glory never ending ending ending [music] the [music] the [music] the love love love of >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. We raise the lamb [music] We raise the lamb [music] upon [singing] upon [singing] upon [singing] the throne.

the throne. the throne. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] >> We praise [music] the lamb. We praise >> We praise [music] the lamb. We praise the lamb [singing] the lamb [singing] the lamb [singing] of of of We praise. We praise [music] We praise. We praise [music] We praise. We praise [music] the lamb [singing] the lamb [singing] the lamb [singing] upon. upon. upon. Oh, we [music] praise. We praise the Oh, we [music] praise. We praise the Oh, we [music] praise. We praise the lamb lamb lamb upon [singing] upon [singing] upon [singing] the throne. the throne. the throne. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music and singing] Happy Father's Day everybody. We're so Happy Father's Day everybody. We're so glad that you are with us today. [music] glad that you are with us today. [music] glad that you are with us today. [music] We're about to hear a word from our We're about to hear a word from our We're about to hear a word from our founding pastor, Pastor Rick Bazette. founding pastor, Pastor Rick Bazette. founding pastor, Pastor Rick Bazette. Let's get our hearts ready and our Let's get our hearts ready and our Let's get our hearts ready and our Bibles open. God's ready to speak to Bibles open. God's ready to speak to Bibles open. God's ready to speak to you.

Hey, who stole a clicker? Hey, who stole a clicker? >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, kids these days. kids these days. kids these days. I'm not asleep. I'm resting my eyes. I'm not asleep. I'm resting my eyes. I'm not asleep. I'm resting my eyes. Take you to the rock. Take you to the rock. Take you to the rock. We really needed this. >> Hey, I'm still watching that. >> Hey, I'm still watching that. >> They don't make things like they used >> They don't make things like they used >> They don't make things like they used to. to. to. Man, it is really coming down out there. Sheesh. Hey, where's the remote? Rub Sheesh. Hey, where's the remote? Rub some dirt on it. some dirt on it. some dirt on it. >> Got your mom. >> Got your mom. >> Got your mom. [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] >> I'm hungry. >> I'm hungry. >> I'm hungry. >> Hi, hungry. I'm Dad.

>> Well, what did your mom say? >> Well, what did your mom say? Make good choices. Make good choices. Make good choices. Hey, close the door. We ain't cool in Hey, close the door. We ain't cool in Hey, close the door. We ain't cool in the neighborhood. Thank you. That last kill was the best. Thank you. That last kill was the best. Happy Father's Day. Give it up for the Happy Father's Day. Give it up for the Happy Father's Day. Give it up for the men. Come on, dads. men. Come on, dads. men. Come on, dads. Glad to have you here. Glad to have you here. Glad to have you here. We're broadcasting this around the state We're broadcasting this around the state We're broadcasting this around the state of Arkansas today. But I want to welcome of Arkansas today. But I want to welcome of Arkansas today. But I want to welcome uh the youth group from this campus. uh the youth group from this campus. uh the youth group from this campus. Justin and the youth group. They got Justin and the youth group. They got Justin and the youth group. They got stuck in Dallas and they're watching stuck in Dallas and they're watching stuck in Dallas and they're watching online right now. Would you welcome them online right now. Would you welcome them online right now. Would you welcome them to the service? Sorry you guys got to the service? Sorry you guys got to the service? Sorry you guys got stuck. They're headed to Costa Rica on a stuck. They're headed to Costa Rica on a stuck. They're headed to Costa Rica on a mission trip and uh so we're praying for mission trip and uh so we're praying for mission trip and uh so we're praying for you guys. Tanner is already there. He's you guys. Tanner is already there. He's you guys. Tanner is already there. He's speaking this morning at the church speaking this morning at the church speaking this morning at the church there. But I'm going to talk to the dads there. But I'm going to talk to the dads there. But I'm going to talk to the dads today. And I I like to aim a sermon at today. And I I like to aim a sermon at today. And I I like to aim a sermon at the men. Uh but I don't like this place the men. Uh but I don't like this place the men. Uh but I don't like this place to become or a church to become like a to become or a church to become like a to become or a church to become like a laboratory for guilt. I've noticed that laboratory for guilt. I've noticed that laboratory for guilt. I've noticed that a lot of times on Mother's Day, we a lot of times on Mother's Day, we a lot of times on Mother's Day, we encourage the women and tell them how encourage the women and tell them how encourage the women and tell them how great they are and then the men, we just great they are and then the men, we just great they are and then the men, we just we just rip them apart the whole time.

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

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

want you to encourage people. want you to encourage people. I wrote that down and that really is I wrote that down and that really is I wrote that down and that really is what I'm aiming at right now. But years what I'm aiming at right now. But years what I'm aiming at right now. But years later, I said, "Lord, why do you want me later, I said, "Lord, why do you want me later, I said, "Lord, why do you want me to encourage people so much?" And he to encourage people so much?" And he to encourage people so much?" And he showed me. He said, "Because my people showed me. He said, "Because my people showed me. He said, "Because my people are not encouraged enough. My people are are not encouraged enough. My people are are not encouraged enough. My people are discouraged. They're discouraged." So discouraged. They're discouraged." So discouraged. They're discouraged." So with the men, if you see a family that with the men, if you see a family that with the men, if you see a family that doesn't know the Lord and the man is the doesn't know the Lord and the man is the doesn't know the Lord and the man is the first one to meet Christ in that home, first one to meet Christ in that home, first one to meet Christ in that home, the whole family, there's a 77% chance the whole family, there's a 77% chance the whole family, there's a 77% chance that that whole family is going to that that whole family is going to that that whole family is going to follow after Christ. follow after Christ. follow after Christ. If it's the wife or the mom who meets If it's the wife or the mom who meets If it's the wife or the mom who meets Christ first, it's still great, but it's Christ first, it's still great, but it's Christ first, it's still great, but it's only around 20% of the family, all of only around 20% of the family, all of only around 20% of the family, all of the family will then serve the Lord. So, the family will then serve the Lord. So, the family will then serve the Lord. So, the way that I see it, and it may not be the way that I see it, and it may not be the way that I see it, and it may not be accurate, and it may not be how you see accurate, and it may not be how you see accurate, and it may not be how you see it, you don't have to see it this way. it, you don't have to see it this way. it, you don't have to see it this way. You have the right to be wrong if you You have the right to be wrong if you You have the right to be wrong if you want to. Uh, but the way I see it is want to. Uh, but the way I see it is want to. Uh, but the way I see it is that you really can't win a city until that you really can't win a city until that you really can't win a city until you win a household. And if there's a you win a household. And if there's a you win a household. And if there's a man in that household, you got to win.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

just like sort of fitting somewhere? just like sort of fitting somewhere? No, I love my dad. No, I love my dad. No, I love my dad. And I I can't wait to see him this week. And I I can't wait to see him this week. And I I can't wait to see him this week. And every time I tell my dad that he's a And every time I tell my dad that he's a And every time I tell my dad that he's a great dad, he puts his head down great dad, he puts his head down great dad, he puts his head down and he says, "No." because I know he's and he says, "No." because I know he's and he says, "No." because I know he's remembering stuff remembering stuff remembering stuff that is not the best for him to that is not the best for him to that is not the best for him to remember. remember. remember. And and and so I always tell I've And and and so I always tell I've And and and so I always tell I've noticed in the last 10 years or so when noticed in the last 10 years or so when noticed in the last 10 years or so when I tell him he was a great dad, he says, I tell him he was a great dad, he says, I tell him he was a great dad, he says, "Really?" Why? And he's not it's not as "Really?" Why? And he's not it's not as "Really?" Why? And he's not it's not as much shame. much shame. much shame. He's now giving his heart to Christ. Can He's now giving his heart to Christ. Can He's now giving his heart to Christ. Can I have an amen on that? I have an amen on that? I have an amen on that? >> So I'm talking about this guilt and >> So I'm talking about this guilt and >> So I'm talking about this guilt and grace. So let's go ahead and make it grace. So let's go ahead and make it grace. So let's go ahead and make it point number one. Write write this down. point number one. Write write this down. point number one. Write write this down. If you have notes with blanks in it, If you have notes with blanks in it, If you have notes with blanks in it, we've made it as easy as pie. we've made it as easy as pie. we've made it as easy as pie. Our families need more grace in every Our families need more grace in every Our families need more grace in every part of who we are part of who we are part of who we are because we've all been too judgmental or because we've all been too judgmental or because we've all been too judgmental or too loud or too busy or too bossy.

too loud or too busy or too bossy. too loud or too busy or too bossy. I remember when we moved here, uh my son I remember when we moved here, uh my son I remember when we moved here, uh my son Hunter, uh he was always homeschooled. Hunter, uh he was always homeschooled. Hunter, uh he was always homeschooled. We didn't homeschool because we thought We didn't homeschool because we thought We didn't homeschool because we thought that was the only way you should do it. that was the only way you should do it. that was the only way you should do it. We did it because it was great for We did it because it was great for We did it because it was great for convenience for us. But when we moved convenience for us. But when we moved convenience for us. But when we moved here, we knew we were going to plant a here, we knew we were going to plant a here, we knew we were going to plant a church. We had to put my kids in in church. We had to put my kids in in church. We had to put my kids in in public school. And I thought, man, public school. And I thought, man, public school. And I thought, man, Hunter, he's going to go to a public Hunter, he's going to go to a public Hunter, he's going to go to a public school. He's in the fifth grade. He he's school. He's in the fifth grade. He he's school. He's in the fifth grade. He he's never he doesn't even know what cussing never he doesn't even know what cussing never he doesn't even know what cussing is. And uh Michelle doesn't cuss at the is. And uh Michelle doesn't cuss at the is. And uh Michelle doesn't cuss at the house much, right? And so I thought, you house much, right? And so I thought, you house much, right? And so I thought, you know, I got to tell him what cussing is. know, I got to tell him what cussing is. know, I got to tell him what cussing is. Well, how do you teach a fifth grader Well, how do you teach a fifth grader Well, how do you teach a fifth grader what cussing is? You really can't. I what cussing is? You really can't. I what cussing is? You really can't. I tried and then I finally realized this tried and then I finally realized this tried and then I finally realized this is not working. So I had to go through a is not working. So I had to go through a is not working. So I had to go through a litany of the words, litany of the words, litany of the words, cuss words. Don't look at me with cuss words. Don't look at me with cuss words. Don't look at me with judgmentalism. I was trying. And so I'm judgmentalism. I was trying. And so I'm judgmentalism. I was trying. And so I'm going through the list and uh and it going through the list and uh and it going through the list and uh and it just all summer just trying. So after he just all summer just trying. So after he just all summer just trying. So after he goes to school, I said, "Hunter, have goes to school, I said, "Hunter, have goes to school, I said, "Hunter, have you heard any cussing?" He goes, "No, you heard any cussing?" He goes, "No, you heard any cussing?" He goes, "No, Dad. Not yet." I was like, "Wow, what a Dad. Not yet." I was like, "Wow, what a Dad. Not yet." I was like, "Wow, what a great school." A month later, "Hunter, great school." A month later, "Hunter, great school." A month later, "Hunter, have you heard any cussing?" "No, Dad."

have you heard any cussing?" "No, Dad." have you heard any cussing?" "No, Dad." I said, "Wow, what a great school." I said, "Wow, what a great school." I said, "Wow, what a great school." another month. Have you heard any another month. Have you heard any another month. Have you heard any cussing yet? He said, "Dad, look, the cussing yet? He said, "Dad, look, the cussing yet? He said, "Dad, look, the only person I've heard cuss was you all only person I've heard cuss was you all only person I've heard cuss was you all summer trying to tell me all this stuff. We've all made mistakes." We've all made mistakes." But I want you to know that Jesus had But I want you to know that Jesus had But I want you to know that Jesus had some trouble in his family. some trouble in his family. some trouble in his family. He didn't get married, but in Mark He didn't get married, but in Mark He didn't get married, but in Mark chapter 3, it says that his family kept chapter 3, it says that his family kept chapter 3, it says that his family kept saying, "Don't don't embarrass me." They saying, "Don't don't embarrass me." They saying, "Don't don't embarrass me." They wanted him institutionalized mentally wanted him institutionalized mentally wanted him institutionalized mentally because he thought he was crazy. because he thought he was crazy. because he thought he was crazy. Because if your brother is telling Because if your brother is telling Because if your brother is telling everybody he's the Messiah every day, everybody he's the Messiah every day, everybody he's the Messiah every day, you you're probably going to second you you're probably going to second you you're probably going to second guess him. guess him. guess him. And though if you want to look at And though if you want to look at And though if you want to look at another place, I mean, let's let's take another place, I mean, let's let's take another place, I mean, let's let's take a a deep look at heaven. Heaven is a a a deep look at heaven. Heaven is a a a deep look at heaven. Heaven is a perfect place, but not always. At one perfect place, but not always. At one perfect place, but not always. At one point, Lucifer was there in charge of point, Lucifer was there in charge of point, Lucifer was there in charge of all the worship, Satan. all the worship, Satan. all the worship, Satan. And then one day he realized, "Wow, I'm And then one day he realized, "Wow, I'm And then one day he realized, "Wow, I'm really good at this." And and he said, really good at this." And and he said, really good at this." And and he said, "I want y'all to worship me." So even "I want y'all to worship me." So even "I want y'all to worship me." So even the home of heaven got off track for a the home of heaven got off track for a the home of heaven got off track for a season. And not only was Lucifer kicked season. And not only was Lucifer kicked season. And not only was Lucifer kicked out, but the one-third of the the angels out, but the one-third of the the angels out, but the one-third of the the angels who were now demons uh were kicked out who were now demons uh were kicked out who were now demons uh were kicked out as well. Issues at home. Let's go to the as well. Issues at home. Let's go to the as well. Issues at home. Let's go to the first family in the Bible, Adam and Eve.

first family in the Bible, Adam and Eve. first family in the Bible, Adam and Eve. I mean, my goodness, have you ever I mean, my goodness, have you ever I mean, my goodness, have you ever thought of this? Adam and Eve, you got thought of this? Adam and Eve, you got thought of this? Adam and Eve, you got two. They have two boys. Cain and Abel. two. They have two boys. Cain and Abel. two. They have two boys. Cain and Abel. Two more. One of the boys didn't like Two more. One of the boys didn't like Two more. One of the boys didn't like the other boy. Killed them. That leaves the other boy. Killed them. That leaves the other boy. Killed them. That leaves three. So, at that point on the planet three. So, at that point on the planet three. So, at that point on the planet Earth, 33% of everyone on the planet was Earth, 33% of everyone on the planet was Earth, 33% of everyone on the planet was a murderer. a murderer. a murderer. That makes Little Rock look like Sesame That makes Little Rock look like Sesame That makes Little Rock look like Sesame Street. Moses, he was a dad but absentee for 40 Moses, he was a dad but absentee for 40 years on the back side of a desert. years on the back side of a desert. years on the back side of a desert. I mean, if you think about David, he he I mean, if you think about David, he he I mean, if you think about David, he he was really frustrated with with his son was really frustrated with with his son was really frustrated with with his son Abselum and there was a lot of tension Abselum and there was a lot of tension Abselum and there was a lot of tension there and they really couldn't get it there and they really couldn't get it there and they really couldn't get it together and it hurt the whole family together and it hurt the whole family together and it hurt the whole family and the whole kingdom. And you have and the whole kingdom. And you have and the whole kingdom. And you have people like Eli who was in love with the people like Eli who was in love with the people like Eli who was in love with the Lord but his two boys running wild. Lord but his two boys running wild. Lord but his two boys running wild. So, Proverbs 24:3 says, "Home homes are So, Proverbs 24:3 says, "Home homes are So, Proverbs 24:3 says, "Home homes are built on the foundation of wisdom and built on the foundation of wisdom and built on the foundation of wisdom and understanding." But I want you to know understanding." But I want you to know understanding." But I want you to know there's wisdom in this whole grace there's wisdom in this whole grace there's wisdom in this whole grace teaching. And there's wisdom like, look teaching. And there's wisdom like, look teaching. And there's wisdom like, look at me for a minute. You You're never at me for a minute. You You're never at me for a minute. You You're never You're never going to just get there. No You're never going to just get there. No You're never going to just get there. No one's ever going to say, "Wow, my family one's ever going to say, "Wow, my family one's ever going to say, "Wow, my family was off track." And then somehow just was off track." And then somehow just was off track." And then somehow just bam, it's just worked out.

bam, it's just worked out. bam, it's just worked out. No, because coasting always goes No, because coasting always goes No, because coasting always goes downhill. downhill. downhill. And and so let me show you the verse And and so let me show you the verse And and so let me show you the verse that'll help you a lot if you got a that'll help you a lot if you got a that'll help you a lot if you got a little bit of an issue here and there in little bit of an issue here and there in little bit of an issue here and there in your home. your home. your home. 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace, 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace, 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace, God's grace, God's grace, God's grace, is sufficient for you. is sufficient for you. is sufficient for you. It's enough. It's enough. It's enough. For my power is made perfect in For my power is made perfect in For my power is made perfect in weakness." Listen, God wants to turn to weakness." Listen, God wants to turn to weakness." Listen, God wants to turn to you with his grace and hope and love and you with his grace and hope and love and you with his grace and hope and love and forgiveness, not Satan. Satan wants to forgiveness, not Satan. Satan wants to forgiveness, not Satan. Satan wants to turn to you with despair and guilt and turn to you with despair and guilt and turn to you with despair and guilt and hate, not hope. He hates hope. He hates hate, not hope. He hates hope. He hates hate, not hope. He hates hope. He hates discernment. discernment. discernment. Point number two, live like you want Point number two, live like you want Point number two, live like you want your kids to live. your kids to live. your kids to live. I'm not living the way I want my kids to I'm not living the way I want my kids to I'm not living the way I want my kids to live because I can't even break 80 live because I can't even break 80 live because I can't even break 80 anymore. I don't want that for them. But anymore. I don't want that for them. But anymore. I don't want that for them. But there's things that are in my life. My there's things that are in my life. My there's things that are in my life. My gosh, am am I a model? I don't know. Uh gosh, am am I a model? I don't know. Uh gosh, am am I a model? I don't know. Uh what does a role model mean? It's it's a what does a role model mean? It's it's a what does a role model mean? It's it's a confusing term. But my goodness, I I confusing term. But my goodness, I I confusing term. But my goodness, I I know I have a role to play and in know I have a role to play and in know I have a role to play and in raising my kids. I'm so thankful for raising my kids. I'm so thankful for raising my kids. I'm so thankful for Michelle because Michelle just she was Michelle because Michelle just she was Michelle because Michelle just she was so helpful because I'm I'm a bulldog.

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

with this kid. with this kid. And uh and so I did. And while I was And uh and so I did. And while I was And uh and so I did. And while I was there, there, there, I said, "Is there anything I've done I said, "Is there anything I've done I said, "Is there anything I've done wrong? Is there something going on? Is wrong? Is there something going on? Is wrong? Is there something going on? Is anything you need to forgive me for?" anything you need to forgive me for?" anything you need to forgive me for?" And this kid said, "I don't need to And this kid said, "I don't need to And this kid said, "I don't need to forgive you. I just need a hug. It was like, gosh, It was like, gosh, it's amazing how much grace God will it's amazing how much grace God will it's amazing how much grace God will give you give you give you when you just make a move. when you just make a move. when you just make a move. This applies to all of you. Young This applies to all of you. Young This applies to all of you. Young people, older people, you need more people, older people, you need more people, older people, you need more grace because something's going on in grace because something's going on in grace because something's going on in your life. Just extend it to others. your life. Just extend it to others. your life. Just extend it to others. Number three, keep Jesus in your Number three, keep Jesus in your Number three, keep Jesus in your ordinary dayto-day life. Uh early on, ordinary dayto-day life. Uh early on, ordinary dayto-day life. Uh early on, we would we would always try to do we would we would always try to do we would we would always try to do devotions with my family. Now, look here devotions with my family. Now, look here devotions with my family. Now, look here for a minute. I'm a pastor, but please for a minute. I'm a pastor, but please for a minute. I'm a pastor, but please don't be under the deception that my don't be under the deception that my don't be under the deception that my kids were at the house going, "Dad, kids were at the house going, "Dad, kids were at the house going, "Dad, preach another sermon. It's just so preach another sermon. It's just so preach another sermon. It's just so good." Uh, no way. So, we did devotions good." Uh, no way. So, we did devotions good." Uh, no way. So, we did devotions every morning, and I, for the life of every morning, and I, for the life of every morning, and I, for the life of me, could not figure out why we were me, could not figure out why we were me, could not figure out why we were doing it because they hated it. I doing it because they hated it. I doing it because they hated it. I thought they hated it and cuz but I did thought they hated it and cuz but I did thought they hated it and cuz but I did it anyway every morning. Let's over and it anyway every morning. Let's over and it anyway every morning. Let's over and they were sleepy and they were hardly they were sleepy and they were hardly they were sleepy and they were hardly looking and they were rubbing their looking and they were rubbing their looking and they were rubbing their eyes.

eyes. eyes. But we did it and now my kids are doing But we did it and now my kids are doing But we did it and now my kids are doing devotions. It was a horrible devotion. devotions. It was a horrible devotion. devotions. It was a horrible devotion. They just didn't seem to want to be They just didn't seem to want to be They just didn't seem to want to be there. But somehow the Lord graced that. there. But somehow the Lord graced that. there. But somehow the Lord graced that. I remember one day in my notes one day I remember one day in my notes one day I remember one day in my notes one day uh it was like they weren't listening. I uh it was like they weren't listening. I uh it was like they weren't listening. I said, "Guys, this is the word of God." said, "Guys, this is the word of God." said, "Guys, this is the word of God." Like if Jesus walked in that door and he Like if Jesus walked in that door and he Like if Jesus walked in that door and he looked at each one of you and he wrote looked at each one of you and he wrote looked at each one of you and he wrote something on a piece of paper and then something on a piece of paper and then something on a piece of paper and then he walked out and looked at another and he walked out and looked at another and he walked out and looked at another and wrote it on a piece of paper and then wrote it on a piece of paper and then wrote it on a piece of paper and then looked at another and wrote looked at looked at another and wrote looked at looked at another and wrote looked at each of you and then left. What would each of you and then left. What would each of you and then left. What would you do first? And one of them I you do first? And one of them I you do first? And one of them I would read it. And I said, "Yeah, well would read it. And I said, "Yeah, well would read it. And I said, "Yeah, well that's exactly what the word of God is. that's exactly what the word of God is. that's exactly what the word of God is. It's a note for you. So let's lean in." It's a note for you. So let's lean in." It's a note for you. So let's lean in." Did it help? Nope. Still didn't help but Did it help? Nope. Still didn't help but Did it help? Nope. Still didn't help but the best I had. But look at this in Acts the best I had. But look at this in Acts the best I had. But look at this in Acts 4:13. 4:13. 4:13. The members of the council were amazed The members of the council were amazed The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and when they saw the boldness of Peter and when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were John, for they could see that they were John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in ordinary men with no special training in ordinary men with no special training in scriptures.

scriptures. scriptures. And they also recognized them as men who And they also recognized them as men who And they also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. had been with Jesus. had been with Jesus. Get [laughter] your family around Get [laughter] your family around Get [laughter] your family around Christ. Just get them around Christ. Christ. Just get them around Christ. Christ. Just get them around Christ. Number four, pick a good church and be Number four, pick a good church and be Number four, pick a good church and be faithful to it. Look, we tell you every faithful to it. Look, we tell you every faithful to it. Look, we tell you every week, this is not the best church in week, this is not the best church in week, this is not the best church in town, but you need to be in a church. town, but you need to be in a church. town, but you need to be in a church. Most of the scripture when it uses the Most of the scripture when it uses the Most of the scripture when it uses the word church, it's talking about a local word church, it's talking about a local word church, it's talking about a local church. It's not talking about the church. It's not talking about the church. It's not talking about the universal church. Everyone who's ever universal church. Everyone who's ever universal church. Everyone who's ever been saved, some people say, "I don't been saved, some people say, "I don't been saved, some people say, "I don't need I don't need a church. I'm a need I don't need a church. I'm a need I don't need a church. I'm a Christian." Well, that's true. But the Christian." Well, that's true. But the Christian." Well, that's true. But the way that we carry out our walk with God way that we carry out our walk with God way that we carry out our walk with God is in church. The last time I preached is in church. The last time I preached is in church. The last time I preached to you, I said, "How do we even know to you, I said, "How do we even know to you, I said, "How do we even know you're doing good in your faith?" Like, you're doing good in your faith?" Like, you're doing good in your faith?" Like, how do we know you're doing good with how do we know you're doing good with how do we know you're doing good with pride if it's not displayed out in a pride if it's not displayed out in a pride if it's not displayed out in a relationship? This is why it says in the relationship? This is why it says in the relationship? This is why it says in the church, you forgive one another. You church, you forgive one another. You church, you forgive one another. You pray for one another. You serve one pray for one another. You serve one pray for one another. You serve one another. You're there for one another. another. You're there for one another. another. You're there for one another. It happens in a body of believers. It It happens in a body of believers. It It happens in a body of believers. It doesn't happen like a a person who lived doesn't happen like a a person who lived doesn't happen like a a person who lived a thousand years ago. Yeah. Yeah, a thousand years ago. Yeah. Yeah, a thousand years ago. Yeah. Yeah, they're a part of the church, the entire they're a part of the church, the entire they're a part of the church, the entire church, but how can you carry out your church, but how can you carry out your church, but how can you carry out your faith around them? You cannot picking a faith around them? You cannot picking a faith around them? You cannot picking a good church is huge.

good church is huge. good church is huge. I remember one man, I remember one man, I remember one man, he was so faithful to the church and he was so faithful to the church and he was so faithful to the church and then one day he he left and this happens then one day he he left and this happens then one day he he left and this happens at other churches as well. And I said, at other churches as well. And I said, at other churches as well. And I said, "What happened?" Because he came back "What happened?" Because he came back "What happened?" Because he came back and I said, "What happened?" He goes, and I said, "What happened?" He goes, and I said, "What happened?" He goes, "Well, my daughter uh she told me she "Well, my daughter uh she told me she "Well, my daughter uh she told me she wasn't getting fed anymore in a youth wasn't getting fed anymore in a youth wasn't getting fed anymore in a youth group." And I said, "Well, that's a group." And I said, "Well, that's a group." And I said, "Well, that's a bummer." He said, "But after we left at bummer." He said, "But after we left at bummer." He said, "But after we left at the other church, we realized that she the other church, we realized that she the other church, we realized that she was just there for a boyfriend and then was just there for a boyfriend and then was just there for a boyfriend and then they broke up. So, we're back." they broke up. So, we're back." they broke up. So, we're back." And I thought, man, we can't just chase. And I thought, man, we can't just chase. And I thought, man, we can't just chase. Look, you're either going to have a a Look, you're either going to have a a Look, you're either going to have a a God centered home or a child centric God centered home or a child centric God centered home or a child centric home. home. home. And right now, if you want to know the And right now, if you want to know the And right now, if you want to know the one thing that I see in West Little Rock one thing that I see in West Little Rock one thing that I see in West Little Rock since I've moved here, there was a since I've moved here, there was a since I've moved here, there was a portion of this in Conway as well is portion of this in Conway as well is portion of this in Conway as well is kids are worshiped now. kids are worshiped now. kids are worshiped now. And it's okay to love your kids, but the And it's okay to love your kids, but the And it's okay to love your kids, but the Lord wants to be number one in your Lord wants to be number one in your Lord wants to be number one in your life. Can I have an amen?

life. Can I have an amen? life. Can I have an amen? >> Keep your kids in church. Michelle and I >> Keep your kids in church. Michelle and I >> Keep your kids in church. Michelle and I have even seen people punish their kids have even seen people punish their kids have even seen people punish their kids from going to church. from going to church. from going to church. And uh it just it's it's so important. And uh it just it's it's so important. And uh it just it's it's so important. It doesn't have to be here. I would It doesn't have to be here. I would It doesn't have to be here. I would prefer it to be here because no one prefer it to be here because no one prefer it to be here because no one wants to kick you out, but just be wants to kick you out, but just be wants to kick you out, but just be faithful to a church. faithful to a church. faithful to a church. There's this man in our church that he There's this man in our church that he There's this man in our church that he he goes to the lake a lot and and he and he goes to the lake a lot and and he and he goes to the lake a lot and and he and he and on Sunday instead of coming back, he and on Sunday instead of coming back, he and on Sunday instead of coming back, he can't, you know, it's so far and go he can't, you know, it's so far and go he can't, you know, it's so far and go again. He goes to one of our campuses again. He goes to one of our campuses again. He goes to one of our campuses there. there. there. He just I said, "What's going on with He just I said, "What's going on with He just I said, "What's going on with all that?" He goes, "I want my family to all that?" He goes, "I want my family to all that?" He goes, "I want my family to see that God is the most important thing see that God is the most important thing see that God is the most important thing and we go to church." and we go to church." and we go to church." Average person in the church in America Average person in the church in America Average person in the church in America goes to what they call their church four goes to what they call their church four goes to what they call their church four times a year. times a year. times a year. Number five, don't make excuses for your Number five, don't make excuses for your Number five, don't make excuses for your kids or for yourself. I've never met kids or for yourself. I've never met kids or for yourself. I've never met anybody yet that says, "Man, I just like anybody yet that says, "Man, I just like anybody yet that says, "Man, I just like victims." You know, I just love a victim victims." You know, I just love a victim victims." You know, I just love a victim mentality. I love it when someone's mentality. I love it when someone's mentality. I love it when someone's blaming everybody for stuff that happens blaming everybody for stuff that happens blaming everybody for stuff that happens to them. But it comes in different to them. But it comes in different to them. But it comes in different forms. And I'll tell you where it could forms. And I'll tell you where it could forms. And I'll tell you where it could land on people who don't even like a land on people who don't even like a land on people who don't even like a victim mentality. And it would be the victim mentality. And it would be the victim mentality. And it would be the people who never admit that they're people who never admit that they're people who never admit that they're wrong wrong wrong or never like it when someone accuses or never like it when someone accuses or never like it when someone accuses one of their kids of being wrong.

one of their kids of being wrong. one of their kids of being wrong. I have seen it uh for years years ago. I I have seen it uh for years years ago. I I have seen it uh for years years ago. I was over school. I was over like 12 was over school. I was over like 12 was over school. I was over like 12 different things at this church. I was different things at this church. I was different things at this church. I was the executive pastor and it was over the the executive pastor and it was over the the executive pastor and it was over the school and I was amazed at how many school and I was amazed at how many school and I was amazed at how many parents would drive to the school just parents would drive to the school just parents would drive to the school just because a a teacher would discipline because a a teacher would discipline because a a teacher would discipline their kid or just correct them, pull their kid or just correct them, pull their kid or just correct them, pull them aside and say, "Hey, you're talking them aside and say, "Hey, you're talking them aside and say, "Hey, you're talking too much. I'm trying to teach here." too much. I'm trying to teach here." too much. I'm trying to teach here." Anything like that. and they would just Anything like that. and they would just Anything like that. and they would just drive to the school or a coach who puts drive to the school or a coach who puts drive to the school or a coach who puts a a kid on the sidelines or on the bench a a kid on the sidelines or on the bench a a kid on the sidelines or on the bench and just drive me with a coach and and just drive me with a coach and and just drive me with a coach and constantly trying to stir up all this constantly trying to stir up all this constantly trying to stir up all this stuff. Listen, I'm going to tell you stuff. Listen, I'm going to tell you stuff. Listen, I'm going to tell you there's another way to look at it and there's another way to look at it and there's another way to look at it and that is to be thankful when your kid has that is to be thankful when your kid has that is to be thankful when your kid has a teacher who's not treating them right. a teacher who's not treating them right. a teacher who's not treating them right. Because are you going to run to the Because are you going to run to the Because are you going to run to the university when he gets off track? Some university when he gets off track? Some university when he gets off track? Some of you might. But are you going to run of you might. But are you going to run of you might. But are you going to run to Stevens, Inc. if they get a job over to Stevens, Inc. if they get a job over to Stevens, Inc. if they get a job over there and say, "Uh, Mr. Warren, please there and say, "Uh, Mr. Warren, please there and say, "Uh, Mr. Warren, please want to talk to them or whatever, it's want to talk to them or whatever, it's want to talk to them or whatever, it's just not going to work." And I think just not going to work." And I think just not going to work." And I think it's good when your kids are around it's good when your kids are around it's good when your kids are around things that do do not work perfectly for things that do do not work perfectly for things that do do not work perfectly for them. What are they going to need then?

them. What are they going to need then? them. What are they going to need then? They're going to need Jesus. They're going to need Jesus. They're going to need Jesus. And we can rescue our kids some, but you And we can rescue our kids some, but you And we can rescue our kids some, but you can see it early on. Some sometimes your can see it early on. Some sometimes your can see it early on. Some sometimes your kid, like a four-year-old, is just being kid, like a four-year-old, is just being kid, like a four-year-old, is just being in a bad mood and uh and a parent, they in a bad mood and uh and a parent, they in a bad mood and uh and a parent, they we just go to this stuff. We don't we just go to this stuff. We don't we just go to this stuff. We don't admit. You can hear it and just listen admit. You can hear it and just listen admit. You can hear it and just listen to it in the hidden language. They'll to it in the hidden language. They'll to it in the hidden language. They'll say, "Oh, I'm sorry. They're just say, "Oh, I'm sorry. They're just say, "Oh, I'm sorry. They're just tired." Or, "I'm sorry, they haven't had tired." Or, "I'm sorry, they haven't had tired." Or, "I'm sorry, they haven't had anything to eat yet." Or, "I'm sorry." anything to eat yet." Or, "I'm sorry." anything to eat yet." Or, "I'm sorry." And they they're won't admit. Just say, And they they're won't admit. Just say, And they they're won't admit. Just say, "I'm sorry, we're working on that right "I'm sorry, we're working on that right "I'm sorry, we're working on that right now." now." now." Can I have an amen? Can I have an amen? Can I have an amen? >> Some of you don't like this. >> Some of you don't like this. >> Some of you don't like this. You need to work on this right now. You need to work on this right now. You need to work on this right now. Number six, be led by the spirit. Those Number six, be led by the spirit. Those Number six, be led by the spirit. Those who are led by the spirit of God are who are led by the spirit of God are who are led by the spirit of God are children of God. children of God. children of God. My kids can tell you they're scattered My kids can tell you they're scattered My kids can tell you they're scattered out right now in different places, but out right now in different places, but out right now in different places, but Grace and Kyle are here. And Grace can Grace and Kyle are here. And Grace can Grace and Kyle are here. And Grace can tell you uh that I use the phrase u I tell you uh that I use the phrase u I tell you uh that I use the phrase u I have a check in my spirit about have a check in my spirit about have a check in my spirit about something if they they want to do something if they they want to do something if they they want to do something. I remember Tanner one time, I something. I remember Tanner one time, I something. I remember Tanner one time, I don't know how what age he was at, 12, don't know how what age he was at, 12, don't know how what age he was at, 12, 13, 14. and he wanted to go to a place 13, 14. and he wanted to go to a place 13, 14. and he wanted to go to a place in Hot Springs, uh, Magic Mountain in Hot Springs, uh, Magic Mountain in Hot Springs, uh, Magic Mountain Springs, what's it called? And, uh, they Springs, what's it called? And, uh, they Springs, what's it called? And, uh, they got rides and stuff and he wanted to go got rides and stuff and he wanted to go got rides and stuff and he wanted to go with all of his friends and I could tell with all of his friends and I could tell with all of his friends and I could tell he really wanted to go. He gave me a he really wanted to go. He gave me a he really wanted to go. He gave me a great sales pitch. Dad was he went gave great sales pitch. Dad was he went gave great sales pitch. Dad was he went gave me a bio of every kid and they go to New me a bio of every kid and they go to New me a bio of every kid and they go to New Life, that's going to change my opinion Life, that's going to change my opinion Life, that's going to change my opinion anyway. So, so I told him, I said, uh,

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

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

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

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

completely different vibe. completely different vibe. The joy The joy The joy the joy of the Lord where the spirit of the joy of the Lord where the spirit of the joy of the Lord where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. A merry the Lord is there is freedom. A merry the Lord is there is freedom. A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a heart does good like a medicine, but a heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Enjoy broken spirit dries up the bones. Enjoy broken spirit dries up the bones. Enjoy life with your wife whom you love all life with your wife whom you love all life with your wife whom you love all the days of your life. Deuteronomy, I'm the days of your life. Deuteronomy, I'm the days of your life. Deuteronomy, I'm not going to read it, but it says, "This not going to read it, but it says, "This not going to read it, but it says, "This commandment I give to you today to commandment I give to you today to commandment I give to you today to impress them on your children and your impress them on your children and your impress them on your children and your family." When do you do it? When you're family." When do you do it? When you're family." When do you do it? When you're walking on down a road or when you're, walking on down a road or when you're, walking on down a road or when you're, it doesn't say in a car, but it would if it doesn't say in a car, but it would if it doesn't say in a car, but it would if it was saying it now. When you're doing it was saying it now. When you're doing it was saying it now. When you're doing life together and you're just hanging life together and you're just hanging life together and you're just hanging out, like bring the word into all of out, like bring the word into all of out, like bring the word into all of that. and it'll help you. that. and it'll help you. that. and it'll help you. So, to close out, I want to read a poem So, to close out, I want to read a poem So, to close out, I want to read a poem to you that is going to be hard-hitting, to you that is going to be hard-hitting, to you that is going to be hard-hitting, but there's grace in it that you need. but there's grace in it that you need. but there's grace in it that you need. And see if you can find the grace in And see if you can find the grace in And see if you can find the grace in this um because there's a supernatural this um because there's a supernatural this um because there's a supernatural grace in it, grace in it, grace in it, but it's hard to spot. but it's hard to spot. but it's hard to spot. It's a poem entitled No Time to Play. It's a poem entitled No Time to Play. It's a poem entitled No Time to Play. My precious boy with golden hair came up My precious boy with golden hair came up My precious boy with golden hair came up one day beside my chair and fell upon one day beside my chair and fell upon one day beside my chair and fell upon his bended knee and said, "Daddy or his bended knee and said, "Daddy or his bended knee and said, "Daddy or mommy, mommy, mommy, please play with me."

please play with me." please play with me." I said, "Not now, son. Go on and play. I I said, "Not now, son. Go on and play. I I said, "Not now, son. Go on and play. I got so much to do today." And he smiled got so much to do today." And he smiled got so much to do today." And he smiled through tears and eyes so blue when I through tears and eyes so blue when I through tears and eyes so blue when I said, "We'll play when I get through." said, "We'll play when I get through." said, "We'll play when I get through." But the work lasted all through the day, But the work lasted all through the day, But the work lasted all through the day, and I never did find time to play. and I never did find time to play. and I never did find time to play. And when supper was over, supper was And when supper was over, supper was And when supper was over, supper was over and the dish is done, I was way too over and the dish is done, I was way too over and the dish is done, I was way too tired for my little son. So I tucked him tired for my little son. So I tucked him tired for my little son. So I tucked him in and kissed his cheek and watched my in and kissed his cheek and watched my in and kissed his cheek and watched my angel fall asleep. And as I tossed and angel fall asleep. And as I tossed and angel fall asleep. And as I tossed and turned upon my bed, those words kept turned upon my bed, those words kept turned upon my bed, those words kept ringing in my head, "Not now, son. Go on ringing in my head, "Not now, son. Go on ringing in my head, "Not now, son. Go on and play. I got too much to do today." and play. I got too much to do today." and play. I got too much to do today." And I fell asleep. And in a minute span, And I fell asleep. And in a minute span, And I fell asleep. And in a minute span, my little boy is a full grown man. my little boy is a full grown man. my little boy is a full grown man. No toys are there to clutter the floor. No toys are there to clutter the floor. No toys are there to clutter the floor. No dirty fingerprints on the door. No No dirty fingerprints on the door. No No dirty fingerprints on the door. No snacks to fix. No tears to dry. The snacks to fix. No tears to dry. The snacks to fix. No tears to dry. The rooms just echo my lonely sigh. rooms just echo my lonely sigh. rooms just echo my lonely sigh. And now I've got time to play.

And now I've got time to play. And now I've got time to play. But my precious boy has gone away. And I But my precious boy has gone away. And I But my precious boy has gone away. And I awoke myself with a pitiful scream awoke myself with a pitiful scream awoke myself with a pitiful scream and realize that it was just a dream. and realize that it was just a dream. and realize that it was just a dream. For across the room in his little bed For across the room in his little bed For across the room in his little bed lay my curly-haired boy, the sleepy lay my curly-haired boy, the sleepy lay my curly-haired boy, the sleepy head. head. head. My work will wait till another day. For My work will wait till another day. For My work will wait till another day. For now, now, now, I'm going to find some time to play. I'm going to find some time to play. I'm going to find some time to play. Listen to me. I can't do anything about Listen to me. I can't do anything about Listen to me. I can't do anything about yesterday. yesterday. yesterday. The word can. I can't. But I'll tell you The word can. I can't. But I'll tell you The word can. I can't. But I'll tell you what, the Lord will teach you how to what, the Lord will teach you how to what, the Lord will teach you how to make every day count. make every day count. make every day count. And the best families that I see that And the best families that I see that And the best families that I see that walk with Christ are families that were walk with Christ are families that were walk with Christ are families that were far far away from Christ. And they gave far far away from Christ. And they gave far far away from Christ. And they gave the Lord a chance to move in. the Lord a chance to move in. the Lord a chance to move in. Boy, can he do an acquisition Boy, can he do an acquisition Boy, can he do an acquisition in in Jesus name. Let's bow our heads. in in Jesus name. Let's bow our heads. in in Jesus name. Let's bow our heads. Lord, I thank you for being here as we Lord, I thank you for being here as we Lord, I thank you for being here as we talk about family. And talk about family. And talk about family. And we just want to get this right. Be with we just want to get this right. Be with we just want to get this right. Be with the dads. Lord, please don't let these the dads. Lord, please don't let these the dads. Lord, please don't let these dads do the checklist of failure.

dads do the checklist of failure. dads do the checklist of failure. No. Lord, I pray that just look at you. No. Lord, I pray that just look at you. No. Lord, I pray that just look at you. We all need you. We all need you. We all need you. Your word says if we're guilty of Your word says if we're guilty of Your word says if we're guilty of disobeying one commandment, we are disobeying one commandment, we are disobeying one commandment, we are guilty of disobeying every one of them. guilty of disobeying every one of them. guilty of disobeying every one of them. And that's all of us. And that's all of us. And that's all of us. So Lord, we ask that you forgive us. If So Lord, we ask that you forgive us. If So Lord, we ask that you forgive us. If you're here right now and you just need you're here right now and you just need you're here right now and you just need some extra grace in your life for some extra grace in your life for some extra grace in your life for whatever reason, I'm not going to point whatever reason, I'm not going to point whatever reason, I'm not going to point you out, but would you just look at me you out, but would you just look at me you out, but would you just look at me until I see you around the room? I see until I see you around the room? I see until I see you around the room? I see you. I got it. I got it. Can't really you. I got it. I got it. Can't really you. I got it. I got it. Can't really see that good in the back, but I know see that good in the back, but I know see that good in the back, but I know that people are moving and looking that people are moving and looking that people are moving and looking around. And um so let's let's say this around. And um so let's let's say this around. And um so let's let's say this prayer. Also, if you do not know the prayer. Also, if you do not know the prayer. Also, if you do not know the Lord, he he he's knocking at the door. Lord, he he he's knocking at the door. Lord, he he he's knocking at the door. That's what he says. That's what he says. That's what he says. And those that want him like we confess And those that want him like we confess And those that want him like we confess our sins our sins our sins and repent of our sins and repent of our sins and repent of our sins that he'll come and suck with us, live that he'll come and suck with us, live that he'll come and suck with us, live with us. That's what the cross is all with us. That's what the cross is all with us. That's what the cross is all about. Lord, we just thank you for your about. Lord, we just thank you for your about. Lord, we just thank you for your grace. We're sorry for times that we grace. We're sorry for times that we grace. We're sorry for times that we disappointed you. When you said one disappointed you. When you said one disappointed you. When you said one thing and we said no, we're going in a thing and we said no, we're going in a thing and we said no, we're going in a different way. We apologize for that.

different way. We apologize for that. different way. We apologize for that. And we ask, Lord God, that you move into And we ask, Lord God, that you move into And we ask, Lord God, that you move into our lives and show us how to walk with our lives and show us how to walk with our lives and show us how to walk with you now. And I thank you, Lord Jesus, you now. And I thank you, Lord Jesus, you now. And I thank you, Lord Jesus, that you're not here to point people that you're not here to point people that you're not here to point people out, to leave them there. It's always to out, to leave them there. It's always to out, to leave them there. It's always to get them to turn to you. The most get them to turn to you. The most get them to turn to you. The most positive word in the Bible, repent. positive word in the Bible, repent. positive word in the Bible, repent. Because because of the power of the Because because of the power of the Because because of the power of the cross, they can turn to you and walk cross, they can turn to you and walk cross, they can turn to you and walk with you. So amazing. with you. So amazing. with you. So amazing. So we invite you in. We thank you for So we invite you in. We thank you for So we invite you in. We thank you for the cross and your forgiveness and your the cross and your forgiveness and your the cross and your forgiveness and your grace and the blood of the lamb. grace and the blood of the lamb. grace and the blood of the lamb. In Jesus name we pray. And everybody In Jesus name we pray. And everybody In Jesus name we pray. And everybody said, said, said, "Amen." Would you? "Amen." Would you? "Amen." Would you? >> What a strong word today. I know that >> What a strong word today. I know that >> What a strong word today. I know that God has ministered some things to you. God has ministered some things to you. God has ministered some things to you. If you have made a decision for Christ, If you have made a decision for Christ, If you have made a decision for Christ, we want to know about it so that we can we want to know about it so that we can we want to know about it so that we can help you take your next step with Jesus help you take your next step with Jesus help you take your next step with Jesus and cover your [music] family with and cover your [music] family with and cover your [music] family with prayer. So, if you'll send us a message prayer. So, if you'll send us a message prayer. So, if you'll send us a message or leave us a comment, someone will or leave us a comment, someone will or leave us a comment, someone will follow back up with you. And remember, follow back up with you. And remember, follow back up with you. And remember, we have 18 campuses around the state of we have 18 campuses around the state of we have 18 campuses around the state of Arkansas, and we would love to see you Arkansas, and we would love to see you Arkansas, and we would love to see you at one of our services [music] on the at one of our services [music] on the at one of our services [music] on the weekends. Have a great week. God bless.