Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit | Kingdom Culture

Everybody, Everybody, >> y'all ready for God's word? Let's give >> y'all ready for God's word? Let's give >> y'all ready for God's word? Let's give Jesus a hand. Come on. Love you, Lord. Jesus a hand. Come on. Love you, Lord. Jesus a hand. Come on. Love you, Lord. [applause] If you got a Bible, go to uh [applause] If you got a Bible, go to uh [applause] If you got a Bible, go to uh Matthew chapter 5. If you got a phone Matthew chapter 5. If you got a phone Matthew chapter 5. If you got a phone and you got a Bible app, uh go to and you got a Bible app, uh go to and you got a Bible app, uh go to Matthew 5. Uh I'm going to be in the New Matthew 5. Uh I'm going to be in the New Matthew 5. Uh I'm going to be in the New King James today if you got a Bible app. King James today if you got a Bible app. King James today if you got a Bible app. But uh uh if you don't, we'll have some But uh uh if you don't, we'll have some But uh uh if you don't, we'll have some scriptures up there on the screen for scriptures up there on the screen for scriptures up there on the screen for you. I'm going to talk to you about you. I'm going to talk to you about you. I'm going to talk to you about kingdom culture. And today, we're just kingdom culture. And today, we're just kingdom culture. And today, we're just laying a foundation that everybody in laying a foundation that everybody in laying a foundation that everybody in this room, you got to get this one. And this room, you got to get this one. And this room, you got to get this one. And uh because if you don't get this, you're uh because if you don't get this, you're uh because if you don't get this, you're not gonna get anything else in the not gonna get anything else in the not gonna get anything else in the series. You got to get it, apply it, let series. You got to get it, apply it, let series. You got to get it, apply it, let it get settled in your heart. This it get settled in your heart. This it get settled in your heart. This reminds me of when Brooke and I moved to reminds me of when Brooke and I moved to reminds me of when Brooke and I moved to Brooklyn, New York. And uh when we lived Brooklyn, New York. And uh when we lived Brooklyn, New York. And uh when we lived there, we lived in Bushwick, Brooklyn, there, we lived in Bushwick, Brooklyn, there, we lived in Bushwick, Brooklyn, which if you go to Bushwick now, it's which if you go to Bushwick now, it's which if you go to Bushwick now, it's coffee shops and vintage record player coffee shops and vintage record player coffee shops and vintage record player stores. Yeah. You didn't just go buy stores. Yeah. You didn't just go buy stores. Yeah. You didn't just go buy records. Uh when we lived there, it was records. Uh when we lived there, it was records. Uh when we lived there, it was drug dealers, prostitutes, gangs. it was drug dealers, prostitutes, gangs. it was drug dealers, prostitutes, gangs. it was uh voted the most likely place to be uh voted the most likely place to be uh voted the most likely place to be murdered in America uh when we moved murdered in America uh when we moved murdered in America uh when we moved there. There's a couple people from that there. There's a couple people from that there. There's a couple people from that area uh that are now at GLR. So, we have area uh that are now at GLR. So, we have area uh that are now at GLR. So, we have that connection. And I don't even know that connection. And I don't even know that connection. And I don't even know if Brook's family has still forgiven me if Brook's family has still forgiven me if Brook's family has still forgiven me for moving their daughter and their for moving their daughter and their for moving their daughter and their their grandkid there. But when we lived their grandkid there. But when we lived their grandkid there. But when we lived there, it was just totally different.

there, it was just totally different. there, it was just totally different. When we moved to town, uh, when we got When we moved to town, uh, when we got When we moved to town, uh, when we got to our apartment, there was no one else to our apartment, there was no one else to our apartment, there was no one else like us exactly on that street because I like us exactly on that street because I like us exactly on that street because I brought my southern culture to the hood. brought my southern culture to the hood. brought my southern culture to the hood. All right. And so, and the hood of New All right. And so, and the hood of New All right. And so, and the hood of New York City. And when I did, we So, York City. And when I did, we So, York City. And when I did, we So, everybody gets on the street and they everybody gets on the street and they everybody gets on the street and they start looking about what are you start looking about what are you start looking about what are you unloading out of your truck? See if unloading out of your truck? See if unloading out of your truck? See if you've got anything. It's worth you've got anything. It's worth you've got anything. It's worth anything, you know. And we're putting in anything, you know. And we're putting in anything, you know. And we're putting in and the last thing I got off the truck and the last thing I got off the truck and the last thing I got off the truck was all of my guns. And uh I didn't know was all of my guns. And uh I didn't know was all of my guns. And uh I didn't know that New York City had the strictest gun that New York City had the strictest gun that New York City had the strictest gun laws in America at the time. You had to laws in America at the time. You had to laws in America at the time. You had to have a permit for every one of them. You have a permit for every one of them. You have a permit for every one of them. You could only have one. You can only have could only have one. You can only have could only have one. You can only have five rounds. I didn't know any of it. So five rounds. I didn't know any of it. So five rounds. I didn't know any of it. So we I mean it took us a long time to get we I mean it took us a long time to get we I mean it took us a long time to get my little arsenal off. I was a oneman my little arsenal off. I was a oneman my little arsenal off. I was a oneman militia. So we got all all the guns. We militia. So we got all all the guns. We militia. So we got all all the guns. We started carrying them to our apartment started carrying them to our apartment started carrying them to our apartment and it freaked out our drug dealers that and it freaked out our drug dealers that and it freaked out our drug dealers that run the block. They were they felt bad run the block. They were they felt bad run the block. They were they felt bad for me. They're like, "Hey, bro. You're for me. They're like, "Hey, bro. You're for me. They're like, "Hey, bro. You're you're going to go to prison. No one can you're going to go to prison. No one can you're going to go to prison. No one can have guns here." I was like, "Except the have guns here." I was like, "Except the have guns here." I was like, "Except the felons." And uh and so [laughter] felons." And uh and so [laughter] felons." And uh and so [laughter] I can hear gunshots every night, you I can hear gunshots every night, you I can hear gunshots every night, you know. And [laughter] so and so AND THEN know. And [laughter] so and so AND THEN know. And [laughter] so and so AND THEN THEN THAT WAS THAT REPUTATION. It's like THEN THAT WAS THAT REPUTATION. It's like THEN THAT WAS THAT REPUTATION. It's like THEY GOT THIS REDNECK HERE AND HE'S THEY GOT THIS REDNECK HERE AND HE'S THEY GOT THIS REDNECK HERE AND HE'S READY FOR a war, you know. That was me.

READY FOR a war, you know. That was me. READY FOR a war, you know. That was me. And and THEN BECAUSE THERE'S SO MANY And and THEN BECAUSE THERE'S SO MANY And and THEN BECAUSE THERE'S SO MANY cultures that just blend in. Our cultures that just blend in. Our cultures that just blend in. Our neighborhood was Puerto Rican, neighborhood was Puerto Rican, neighborhood was Puerto Rican, Dominican, uh a few African nations were Dominican, uh a few African nations were Dominican, uh a few African nations were there. Uh we had black parties. I had there. Uh we had black parties. I had there. Uh we had black parties. I had never seen a block party like this where never seen a block party like this where never seen a block party like this where they would barricade the streets and and they would barricade the streets and and they would barricade the streets and and party until God stopped it by bringing party until God stopped it by bringing party until God stopped it by bringing the sun back up. They party all night the sun back up. They party all night the sun back up. They party all night long. I was like I had never been a part long. I was like I had never been a part long. I was like I had never been a part of anything. They built a fire in the of anything. They built a fire in the of anything. They built a fire in the streets. They brought out some animals streets. They brought out some animals streets. They brought out some animals that I thought was like, "Oh, a petting that I thought was like, "Oh, a petting that I thought was like, "Oh, a petting zoo." Then they killed them and roasted zoo." Then they killed them and roasted zoo." Then they killed them and roasted them all night. Dead serious. And so we them all night. Dead serious. And so we them all night. Dead serious. And so we got there and I was just after a while got there and I was just after a while got there and I was just after a while just I and loved all the cultures. But just I and loved all the cultures. But just I and loved all the cultures. But I'm like, everybody brought their own I'm like, everybody brought their own I'm like, everybody brought their own culture to the city. Uh when Jesus left culture to the city. Uh when Jesus left culture to the city. Uh when Jesus left heaven and came to earth, when he gets heaven and came to earth, when he gets heaven and came to earth, when he gets ready to start his ministry, watch what ready to start his ministry, watch what ready to start his ministry, watch what he's doing. He's bringing heaven's he's doing. He's bringing heaven's he's doing. He's bringing heaven's culture to earth. And when he sits down culture to earth. And when he sits down culture to earth. And when he sits down to teach, he is teaching us what heaven to teach, he is teaching us what heaven to teach, he is teaching us what heaven c heaven's culture looks like, feels c heaven's culture looks like, feels c heaven's culture looks like, feels like, how to replicate that culture in like, how to replicate that culture in like, how to replicate that culture in this world to push back darkness and this world to push back darkness and this world to push back darkness and bring into the world the light of who bring into the world the light of who bring into the world the light of who God is. How many of y'all want to do God is. How many of y'all want to do God is. How many of y'all want to do some of that? Amen. Our whole vision is some of that? Amen. Our whole vision is some of that? Amen. Our whole vision is that it's go time. We've got some people that it's go time. We've got some people that it's go time. We've got some people to reach. But Jesus says, "Before you to reach. But Jesus says, "Before you to reach. But Jesus says, "Before you reach a bunch of people, there's reach a bunch of people, there's reach a bunch of people, there's something you need to become. And I'm something you need to become. And I'm something you need to become. And I'm going to give you a few attitudes, a few going to give you a few attitudes, a few going to give you a few attitudes, a few things about your spirit and the makeup

things about your spirit and the makeup things about your spirit and the makeup of who you are that is not from this of who you are that is not from this of who you are that is not from this world. It's out of this world." And world. It's out of this world." And world. It's out of this world." And these biatitudes, write this down, are these biatitudes, write this down, are these biatitudes, write this down, are the antibiotics. They're the antibiotics the antibiotics. They're the antibiotics the antibiotics. They're the antibiotics of a disease culture that we live in of a disease culture that we live in of a disease culture that we live in right now. And Jesus is saying, "I'm not right now. And Jesus is saying, "I'm not right now. And Jesus is saying, "I'm not just going to live it, breathe it. I'm just going to live it, breathe it. I'm just going to live it, breathe it. I'm going to teach it." Because, listen to going to teach it." Because, listen to going to teach it." Because, listen to me, there's no middle ground here. You me, there's no middle ground here. You me, there's no middle ground here. You are either being shaped by heaven's are either being shaped by heaven's are either being shaped by heaven's culture, or you are being shaped by this culture, or you are being shaped by this culture, or you are being shaped by this world's culture. Like, you're either in world's culture. Like, you're either in world's culture. Like, you're either in it and it's molding you, or you're not it and it's molding you, or you're not it and it's molding you, or you're not of it, but in it and God is molding you. of it, but in it and God is molding you. of it, but in it and God is molding you. So, he's like, "I'm going to commission So, he's like, "I'm going to commission So, he's like, "I'm going to commission you to do some great things." He said, ' you to do some great things." He said, ' you to do some great things." He said, ' But you've got to get this in you. But you've got to get this in you. But you've got to get this in you. Listen to me. The fruits of what Jesus Listen to me. The fruits of what Jesus Listen to me. The fruits of what Jesus had is going to talk about in these had is going to talk about in these had is going to talk about in these biatitudes. They cannot be developed in biatitudes. They cannot be developed in biatitudes. They cannot be developed in this world. They can only be developed this world. They can only be developed this world. They can only be developed out of this world. And the things that out of this world. And the things that out of this world. And the things that he is we're going to talk about in this he is we're going to talk about in this he is we're going to talk about in this series. Uh you've got to put your roots series. Uh you've got to put your roots series. Uh you've got to put your roots in God, in his presence, and in his word in God, in his presence, and in his word in God, in his presence, and in his word if you're going to get these fruits. And if you're going to get these fruits. And if you're going to get these fruits. And it's not that Jesus is thinking of some it's not that Jesus is thinking of some it's not that Jesus is thinking of some attitudes for you to carry and he's attitudes for you to carry and he's attitudes for you to carry and he's spitballing. He he gets about eight of spitballing. He he gets about eight of spitballing. He he gets about eight of them down there. Every one of these are them down there. Every one of these are them down there. Every one of these are in order on purpose and the start of it in order on purpose and the start of it in order on purpose and the start of it ends uh with the with the finish of it.

ends uh with the with the finish of it. ends uh with the with the finish of it. The order is important because when you The order is important because when you The order is important because when you get to the first one, you can't get to get to the first one, you can't get to get to the first one, you can't get to the next one without the first one. You the next one without the first one. You the next one without the first one. You can't get to the third one without one can't get to the third one without one can't get to the third one without one and two. You can't get to fourth without and two. You can't get to fourth without and two. You can't get to fourth without one, two, and three. You can't get to one, two, and three. You can't get to one, two, and three. You can't get to the fifth unless you've really had four. the fifth unless you've really had four. the fifth unless you've really had four. You see what I'm saying? So he starts You see what I'm saying? So he starts You see what I'm saying? So he starts with this. And seeing the multitudes, he with this. And seeing the multitudes, he with this. And seeing the multitudes, he went up on a mountain. And when he was went up on a mountain. And when he was went up on a mountain. And when he was seated, his disciples came to him. Then seated, his disciples came to him. Then seated, his disciples came to him. Then he opened his mouth and taught them, he opened his mouth and taught them, he opened his mouth and taught them, saying, "Blessed are the poor in saying, "Blessed are the poor in saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." Everybody say, "Poor in spirit. spirit." Everybody say, "Poor in spirit. spirit." Everybody say, "Poor in spirit. >> For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. >> For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. >> For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they Blessed are those who mourn, for they Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be shall be shall be >> comforted. Blessed are those who are >> comforted. Blessed are those who are >> comforted. Blessed are those who are meek, for they shall inherit the earth. meek, for they shall inherit the earth. meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst Blessed are those who hunger and thirst Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they'll be filled. for righteousness, they'll be filled. for righteousness, they'll be filled. Blessed are the merciful, they'll obtain Blessed are the merciful, they'll obtain Blessed are the merciful, they'll obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, they'll see God. Blessed are the they'll see God. Blessed are the they'll see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, they'll be called sons of peacemakers, they'll be called sons of peacemakers, they'll be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are God. Blessed are those who are God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake. Some persecuted for righteousness sake. Some persecuted for righteousness sake. Some of y'all are persecuted and think it's of y'all are persecuted and think it's of y'all are persecuted and think it's because you live for God. You've just because you live for God. You've just because you live for God. You've just been an idiot for a while. All right.

been an idiot for a while. All right. been an idiot for a while. All right. So, it's just for righteousness sake. So, it's just for righteousness sake. So, it's just for righteousness sake. You've been unrighteous. All right. For You've been unrighteous. All right. For You've been unrighteous. All right. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute are you when they revile and persecute are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you and say all kinds of evil against you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad. For great is your exceedingly glad. For great is your exceedingly glad. For great is your reward in heaven. For so they persecuted reward in heaven. For so they persecuted reward in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Bless the prophets who were before you. Bless the prophets who were before you. Bless here's the first one. The foundational here's the first one. The foundational here's the first one. The foundational one are the poor in spirit. one are the poor in spirit. one are the poor in spirit. New century version says they are New century version says they are New century version says they are blessed who realize their spiritual blessed who realize their spiritual blessed who realize their spiritual poverty. Everybody say spiritual poverty. Everybody say spiritual poverty. Everybody say spiritual poverty. poverty. poverty. >> Living Bible says humble men are very >> Living Bible says humble men are very >> Living Bible says humble men are very fortunate. fortunate. fortunate. Philip translation says how happy are Philip translation says how happy are Philip translation says how happy are the humble minded. the humble minded. the humble minded. Good news says, "Happy are those who Good news says, "Happy are those who Good news says, "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor." So, so know they are spiritually poor." So, so know they are spiritually poor." So, so let's let's break this down. The first let's let's break this down. The first let's let's break this down. The first thing he says is blessed. Everybody say, thing he says is blessed. Everybody say, thing he says is blessed. Everybody say, "Blessed." Uh that word blessed is our "Blessed." Uh that word blessed is our "Blessed." Uh that word blessed is our favorite Christian greeting as southern favorite Christian greeting as southern favorite Christian greeting as southern believers. It's like, "Oh, bless you.

believers. It's like, "Oh, bless you. believers. It's like, "Oh, bless you. Bless you." You sneeze. You're just Bless you." You sneeze. You're just Bless you." You sneeze. You're just obligated to go right like like if you obligated to go right like like if you obligated to go right like like if you sneeze in public, right, in the south sneeze in public, right, in the south sneeze in public, right, in the south and nobody says, "God bless you." You're and nobody says, "God bless you." You're and nobody says, "God bless you." You're like, "Are there any Christians around? like, "Are there any Christians around? like, "Are there any Christians around? I just sneeze." Right? You bless. Oh, I just sneeze." Right? You bless. Oh, I just sneeze." Right? You bless. Oh, bless you. You do something stupid. We bless you. You do something stupid. We bless you. You do something stupid. We don't say bless you. We go don't say bless you. We go don't say bless you. We go >> bless your heart. That's right. You guys >> bless your heart. That's right. You guys >> bless your heart. That's right. You guys got it, man. Y'all know all [laughter] got it, man. Y'all know all [laughter] got it, man. Y'all know all [laughter] all the things around blessings. This all the things around blessings. This all the things around blessings. This word bless comes from the the word word bless comes from the the word word bless comes from the the word marcarios. And this is what that word marcarios. And this is what that word marcarios. And this is what that word means. It means happy. It means means. It means happy. It means means. It means happy. It means fortunate. And I want you to write this fortunate. And I want you to write this fortunate. And I want you to write this down because I love this biblical down because I love this biblical down because I love this biblical definition the most. It means sacred definition the most. It means sacred definition the most. It means sacred delight. delight. delight. I love that. I love that. I love that. That's powerp packed. It it it means That's powerp packed. It it it means That's powerp packed. It it it means that uh when I walk out these things, that uh when I walk out these things, that uh when I walk out these things, these attributes, I don't walk in these attributes, I don't walk in these attributes, I don't walk in surface level happiness. That's what surface level happiness. That's what surface level happiness. That's what most people have. They have surface most people have. They have surface most people have. They have surface level happiness that is dependent upon level happiness that is dependent upon level happiness that is dependent upon their circumstances. That means if your their circumstances. That means if your their circumstances. That means if your circumstances change changes, your circumstances change changes, your circumstances change changes, your happiness changes. But when you are happiness changes. But when you are happiness changes. But when you are blessed, you have, I want you to write blessed, you have, I want you to write blessed, you have, I want you to write this word down, a soul blessedness to this word down, a soul blessedness to this word down, a soul blessedness to you that's untethered from the you that's untethered from the you that's untethered from the circumstances of this world, something circumstances of this world, something circumstances of this world, something from heaven, deeper than anything in from heaven, deeper than anything in from heaven, deeper than anything in this world, has grounded my soul. He this world, has grounded my soul. He this world, has grounded my soul. He said, YOU ARE BLESSED. AND HE SAYS IT'S said, YOU ARE BLESSED. AND HE SAYS IT'S said, YOU ARE BLESSED. AND HE SAYS IT'S blessed are the Now this is the upside blessed are the Now this is the upside blessed are the Now this is the upside down kingdom.

down kingdom. down kingdom. Blessed are the poor in spirit. I'm Blessed are the poor in spirit. I'm Blessed are the poor in spirit. I'm like, really, Jesus? like, really, Jesus? like, really, Jesus? I mean, you're going to open your mouth, I mean, you're going to open your mouth, I mean, you're going to open your mouth, sit down, teach a crowd, and the first sit down, teach a crowd, and the first sit down, teach a crowd, and the first thing you're going to talk to us about thing you're going to talk to us about thing you're going to talk to us about is being poor in spirit because he is so is being poor in spirit because he is so is being poor in spirit because he is so different than the world's culture. The different than the world's culture. The different than the world's culture. The world's culture, when it goes, I want to world's culture, when it goes, I want to world's culture, when it goes, I want to shape a man. This is what the world shape a man. This is what the world shape a man. This is what the world says. First, I'm going to make you says. First, I'm going to make you says. First, I'm going to make you self-reliant. self-reliant. self-reliant. That means you need to have an attitude That means you need to have an attitude That means you need to have an attitude that says, "If it is to be, it's up to that says, "If it is to be, it's up to that says, "If it is to be, it's up to me." Yeah. You're going to be a man, me." Yeah. You're going to be a man, me." Yeah. You're going to be a man, tough man. You need that in your life. tough man. You need that in your life. tough man. You need that in your life. You need to pull yourself up by the You need to pull yourself up by the You need to pull yourself up by the what? the bootstraps, right? You got to what? the bootstraps, right? You got to what? the bootstraps, right? You got to do then you need to be you need to be do then you need to be you need to be do then you need to be you need to be self-expressed. self-expressed. self-expressed. Let the world know who you are. Express Let the world know who you are. Express Let the world know who you are. Express yourself. We even wrote a song about it yourself. We even wrote a song about it yourself. We even wrote a song about it in the 80s, right? Express yourself. All in the 80s, right? Express yourself. All in the 80s, right? Express yourself. All right. It's just like just people need right. It's just like just people need right. It's just like just people need to know your personality. You need to to know your personality. You need to to know your personality. You need to feel the room. Don't just have your back feel the room. Don't just have your back feel the room. Don't just have your back against the wall. You need to express against the wall. You need to express against the wall. You need to express yourself. Then you need to be yourself. Then you need to be yourself. Then you need to be self-confident. That's what you got to self-confident. That's what you got to self-confident. That's what you got to be. Put your elbows back, shoulders be. Put your elbows back, shoulders be. Put your elbows back, shoulders back, chin up, and you're just like, back, chin up, and you're just like, back, chin up, and you're just like, "BUT I'M INSECURE." FAKE IT TILL YOU "BUT I'M INSECURE." FAKE IT TILL YOU "BUT I'M INSECURE." FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT. SHUT UP. Be a man. AH, JUST MAKE IT. SHUT UP. Be a man. AH, JUST MAKE IT. SHUT UP. Be a man. AH, JUST EXUDE SELF-CONFIDENCE. Then then he's EXUDE SELF-CONFIDENCE. Then then he's EXUDE SELF-CONFIDENCE. Then then he's like, "WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?" WELL, like, "WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?" WELL, like, "WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?" WELL, YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO BUY STUFF YOU YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO BUY STUFF YOU YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO BUY STUFF YOU CAN'T AFFORD. SO, YOU GIVE OFF THAT CAN'T AFFORD. SO, YOU GIVE OFF THAT CAN'T AFFORD. SO, YOU GIVE OFF THAT IMAGE. That's what you got to do. And IMAGE. That's what you got to do. And IMAGE. That's what you got to do. And then you need to discover your then you need to discover your then you need to discover your self-truth.

self-truth. self-truth. And so, if you're self-reliant and And so, if you're self-reliant and And so, if you're self-reliant and you're self-expressed and you're you're self-expressed and you're you're self-expressed and you're self-confident and then you have your self-confident and then you have your self-confident and then you have your own truth, then you can be a man. Jesus own truth, then you can be a man. Jesus own truth, then you can be a man. Jesus goes, "No." goes, "No." goes, "No." He's like, "Here's the whole starting He's like, "Here's the whole starting He's like, "Here's the whole starting point with God. You come before him and point with God. You come before him and point with God. You come before him and you go, God, without you, I am helpless. you go, God, without you, I am helpless. you go, God, without you, I am helpless. Without you, I am utterly hopeless. Without you, I am utterly hopeless. Without you, I am utterly hopeless. Without you, God, I'm lost. I don't know Without you, God, I'm lost. I don't know Without you, God, I'm lost. I don't know WHERE TO GO, WHAT to do in this life. WHERE TO GO, WHAT to do in this life. WHERE TO GO, WHAT to do in this life. HOW'S MY LIFE EVER GOING TO BE FULFILLED HOW'S MY LIFE EVER GOING TO BE FULFILLED HOW'S MY LIFE EVER GOING TO BE FULFILLED without you, God? I am totally without you, God? I am totally without you, God? I am totally spiritually bankrupt. I am poor, God. spiritually bankrupt. I am poor, God. spiritually bankrupt. I am poor, God. I'm a beggar in your presence. I I need I'm a beggar in your presence. I I need I'm a beggar in your presence. I I need you. I am dependent UPON YOU FOR ALL OF you. I am dependent UPON YOU FOR ALL OF you. I am dependent UPON YOU FOR ALL OF MY sustenance in life. I'm insufficient, MY sustenance in life. I'm insufficient, MY sustenance in life. I'm insufficient, inadequate. I can't be who you created inadequate. I can't be who you created inadequate. I can't be who you created me to be without you. I need you. And me to be without you. I need you. And me to be without you. I need you. And Jesus goes everything in life starts Jesus goes everything in life starts Jesus goes everything in life starts with this attitude because blessed that with this attitude because blessed that with this attitude because blessed that means sacred delight are those who are means sacred delight are those who are means sacred delight are those who are humble in their heart for theirs is the humble in their heart for theirs is the humble in their heart for theirs is the what? Kingdom of what? Heaven. Woo. Let what? Kingdom of what? Heaven. Woo. Let what? Kingdom of what? Heaven. Woo. Let me tell you this. If you take a note, me tell you this. If you take a note, me tell you this. If you take a note, write it down. There will be no one in write it down. There will be no one in write it down. There will be no one in heaven who is not first poor in spirit.

heaven who is not first poor in spirit. heaven who is not first poor in spirit. Nobody. I'll tell you this. the the Nobody. I'll tell you this. the the Nobody. I'll tell you this. the the things that God has for your life that things that God has for your life that things that God has for your life that are in heaven, right? Spiritual power, are in heaven, right? Spiritual power, are in heaven, right? Spiritual power, anointing, favor for your life. You do anointing, favor for your life. You do anointing, favor for your life. You do not have access to them until you are not have access to them until you are not have access to them until you are poor in spirit. poor in spirit. poor in spirit. The grace of God for your life, write The grace of God for your life, write The grace of God for your life, write this down, is dependent upon humility. this down, is dependent upon humility. this down, is dependent upon humility. It's dependent. God resists the proud. It's dependent. God resists the proud. It's dependent. God resists the proud. Stiffs are in the proud. He gives grace Stiffs are in the proud. He gives grace Stiffs are in the proud. He gives grace to the humble. And there, listen, every to the humble. And there, listen, every to the humble. And there, listen, every grace in your life starts with humility. grace in your life starts with humility. grace in your life starts with humility. You, how many of y'all have, you need You, how many of y'all have, you need You, how many of y'all have, you need saving grace to get to heaven? Raise saving grace to get to heaven? Raise saving grace to get to heaven? Raise your hand. All right. About 40% your hand. All right. About 40% your hand. All right. About 40% understand theology. All right. You need understand theology. All right. You need understand theology. All right. You need saving grace. You got to be listen. You saving grace. You got to be listen. You saving grace. You got to be listen. You have to humble yourself to get there. have to humble yourself to get there. have to humble yourself to get there. Yet, you have to acknowledge your need Yet, you have to acknowledge your need Yet, you have to acknowledge your need for a savior to get there. Hey, how if for a savior to get there. Hey, how if for a savior to get there. Hey, how if you're going to ever have healing in you're going to ever have healing in you're going to ever have healing in your life, you're going to have to be your life, you're going to have to be your life, you're going to have to be poor in spirit first. You remember the poor in spirit first. You remember the poor in spirit first. You remember the king who had leprosy and the prophet king who had leprosy and the prophet king who had leprosy and the prophet told him, "I want you to go to the River told him, "I want you to go to the River told him, "I want you to go to the River Jordan and I want you to dunk yourself Jordan and I want you to dunk yourself Jordan and I want you to dunk yourself seven times and you'll be healed." He seven times and you'll be healed." He seven times and you'll be healed." He goes, "I'm not doing that."

goes, "I'm not doing that." goes, "I'm not doing that." What is that coming out of his mouth? What is that coming out of his mouth? What is that coming out of his mouth? It's pride. And we read that story and It's pride. And we read that story and It's pride. And we read that story and we go, "I can't believe how prideful he we go, "I can't believe how prideful he we go, "I can't believe how prideful he is." But it happens all the time in is." But it happens all the time in is." But it happens all the time in counseling. We go, "You want to save counseling. We go, "You want to save counseling. We go, "You want to save your marriage? Walk across the room, your marriage? Walk across the room, your marriage? Walk across the room, grab your wife's hand, and pray over grab your wife's hand, and pray over grab your wife's hand, and pray over her. You want to be healed?" They go, her. You want to be healed?" They go, her. You want to be healed?" They go, "I'm not doing that." "Well, I go, "No, "I'm not doing that." "Well, I go, "No, "I'm not doing that." "Well, I go, "No, I do that." I just feel I don't want to I do that." I just feel I don't want to I do that." I just feel I don't want to do it. Well, why don't you want to do do it. Well, why don't you want to do do it. Well, why don't you want to do it? I don't feel comfortable doing it. it? I don't feel comfortable doing it. it? I don't feel comfortable doing it. It's like, "Oh, I'm going to feel It's like, "Oh, I'm going to feel It's like, "Oh, I'm going to feel awkward." All right. When you do awkward." All right. When you do awkward." All right. When you do something that God tells you to do and something that God tells you to do and something that God tells you to do and you feel awkward and you feel you feel awkward and you feel you feel awkward and you feel uncomfortable, that's pride leaving your uncomfortable, that's pride leaving your uncomfortable, that's pride leaving your spirit, right? You do things no matter spirit, right? You do things no matter spirit, right? You do things no matter if they're if they're awkward or if they're if they're awkward or if they're if they're awkward or uncomfortable, you do those things that uncomfortable, you do those things that uncomfortable, you do those things that are awkward and uncomfortable because are awkward and uncomfortable because are awkward and uncomfortable because when you're poor in spirit, then yours when you're poor in spirit, then yours when you're poor in spirit, then yours is the kingdom of heaven. If you need is the kingdom of heaven. If you need is the kingdom of heaven. If you need freeing grace to set you free from freeing grace to set you free from freeing grace to set you free from habits in your life, it's going to start habits in your life, it's going to start habits in your life, it's going to start with you going, I cannot beat this by with you going, I cannot beat this by with you going, I cannot beat this by myself.

myself. myself. >> I need God. I need others. You watch >> I need God. I need others. You watch >> I need God. I need others. You watch people who will walk an aisle, bend people who will walk an aisle, bend people who will walk an aisle, bend their knee, go to the next step room, their knee, go to the next step room, their knee, go to the next step room, right? Go up to the front for prayer, right? Go up to the front for prayer, right? Go up to the front for prayer, put a card on the cross. You go, why do put a card on the cross. You go, why do put a card on the cross. You go, why do they do that? What is so powerful about they do that? What is so powerful about they do that? What is so powerful about that? While you are making that move, that? While you are making that move, that? While you are making that move, you are emptying yourself to be filled. you are emptying yourself to be filled. you are emptying yourself to be filled. While you are doing that, you're going, While you are doing that, you're going, While you are doing that, you're going, "Oh, no, no. People are watching me. "Oh, no, no. People are watching me. "Oh, no, no. People are watching me. People see me and they know me." And People see me and they know me." And People see me and they know me." And then when you die, he comes alive. then when you die, he comes alive. then when you die, he comes alive. >> Every time you meet God poor, you leave >> Every time you meet God poor, you leave >> Every time you meet God poor, you leave his presence rich. his presence rich. his presence rich. >> Amen. Blessed are the poor in spirit. >> Amen. Blessed are the poor in spirit. >> Amen. Blessed are the poor in spirit. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This is how we enter the presence of This is how we enter the presence of This is how we enter the presence of God. You go, I'm just not comfortable God. You go, I'm just not comfortable God. You go, I'm just not comfortable the way y'all worship. I'm not the way y'all worship. I'm not the way y'all worship. I'm not comfortable with that. You get rid of comfortable with that. You get rid of comfortable with that. You get rid of pride. You got access to power. Amen. pride. You got access to power. Amen. pride. You got access to power. Amen. Simeon the prophet, the Lord, the spirit Simeon the prophet, the Lord, the spirit Simeon the prophet, the Lord, the spirit of the Lord spoke to him and said, "You of the Lord spoke to him and said, "You of the Lord spoke to him and said, "You will not die until you see the Messiah."

will not die until you see the Messiah." will not die until you see the Messiah." The problem was he was old. Real old. He The problem was he was old. Real old. He The problem was he was old. Real old. He saw Going with the Wind in a theater. saw Going with the Wind in a theater. saw Going with the Wind in a theater. All right. So, he was old. All right. All right. So, he was old. All right. All right. So, he was old. All right. [laughter] So, so, so Simeon's like, [laughter] So, so, so Simeon's like, [laughter] So, so, so Simeon's like, "I'm up here in years AND I GOT THIS "I'm up here in years AND I GOT THIS "I'm up here in years AND I GOT THIS PROMISE from God that I'm going to see PROMISE from God that I'm going to see PROMISE from God that I'm going to see the Messiah." And then the spirit of the the Messiah." And then the spirit of the the Messiah." And then the spirit of the Lord prompted him, "Go to the temple. Lord prompted him, "Go to the temple. Lord prompted him, "Go to the temple. you'll see him. So Simeon goes to the you'll see him. So Simeon goes to the you'll see him. So Simeon goes to the temple and Mary and Joseph are at the temple and Mary and Joseph are at the temple and Mary and Joseph are at the temple dedicating Jesus, taking him temple dedicating Jesus, taking him temple dedicating Jesus, taking him through his purification rights. And through his purification rights. And through his purification rights. And then when Simeon, the old prophet, sees then when Simeon, the old prophet, sees then when Simeon, the old prophet, sees Jesus, this is what he says about him. Jesus, this is what he says about him. Jesus, this is what he says about him. He goes, "He shall be the fall and rise He goes, "He shall be the fall and rise He goes, "He shall be the fall and rise of many." Now listen to me. He got an of many." Now listen to me. He got an of many." Now listen to me. He got an ancient phrase backwards because to say ancient phrase backwards because to say ancient phrase backwards because to say it right, he should have said he will be it right, he should have said he will be it right, he should have said he will be the rise and the what? The fall. But he the rise and the what? The fall. But he the rise and the what? The fall. But he spiritually got it right. He said when spiritually got it right. He said when spiritually got it right. He said when he looked at Jesus, he goes, "This one he looked at Jesus, he goes, "This one he looked at Jesus, he goes, "This one will be the fall and then the rise."

will be the fall and then the rise." will be the fall and then the rise." Why? Because when you come to Jesus poor Why? Because when you come to Jesus poor Why? Because when you come to Jesus poor in spirit and you say, "God, I humbly in spirit and you say, "God, I humbly in spirit and you say, "God, I humbly give you my life. I am nothing without give you my life. I am nothing without give you my life. I am nothing without you." This is what he does. He goes, you." This is what he does. He goes, you." This is what he does. He goes, "Now you're going to really start to "Now you're going to really start to "Now you're going to really start to rise in life." Listen to me. God resists rise in life." Listen to me. God resists rise in life." Listen to me. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. the proud but gives grace to the humble. the proud but gives grace to the humble. And then what does the Bible promise us And then what does the Bible promise us And then what does the Bible promise us about the presence of God? Listen. If we about the presence of God? Listen. If we about the presence of God? Listen. If we humble ourselves, he will lift us up. humble ourselves, he will lift us up. humble ourselves, he will lift us up. >> Humble yourself up onto the mighty hand >> Humble yourself up onto the mighty hand >> Humble yourself up onto the mighty hand of God. He will lift you up in due time. of God. He will lift you up in due time. of God. He will lift you up in due time. One more thing about Simeon the prophet. One more thing about Simeon the prophet. One more thing about Simeon the prophet. He prophesies this. And I want you to He prophesies this. And I want you to He prophesies this. And I want you to see how he's pouring spirit, old in age, see how he's pouring spirit, old in age, see how he's pouring spirit, old in age, and now he's he's done did everything and now he's he's done did everything and now he's he's done did everything God told him he'd do. And what he ends God told him he'd do. And what he ends God told him he'd do. And what he ends this last line he has on earth. Okay, this last line he has on earth. Okay, this last line he has on earth. Okay, this last line shows you he's poor this last line shows you he's poor this last line shows you he's poor spirit. This is what he says. He goes, spirit. This is what he says. He goes, spirit. This is what he says. He goes, "Now, Lord, you may dismiss your your "Now, Lord, you may dismiss your your "Now, Lord, you may dismiss your your servant in peace."

servant in peace." servant in peace." Isn't that a beautiful way to say, "I'm Isn't that a beautiful way to say, "I'm Isn't that a beautiful way to say, "I'm ready to go to heaven." It's this ready to go to heaven." It's this ready to go to heaven." It's this servant. Isn't that beautiful? Now Lord, servant. Isn't that beautiful? Now Lord, servant. Isn't that beautiful? Now Lord, you can dismiss your servant in peace. you can dismiss your servant in peace. you can dismiss your servant in peace. Well, isn't that a great vision for the Well, isn't that a great vision for the Well, isn't that a great vision for the end of your life is to serve God, hit end of your life is to serve God, hit end of your life is to serve God, hit the tape, and at the end of your life, the tape, and at the end of your life, the tape, and at the end of your life, say, Lord, I'm ready. Dismiss your say, Lord, I'm ready. Dismiss your say, Lord, I'm ready. Dismiss your servant in peace. Everybody said, servant in peace. Everybody said, servant in peace. Everybody said, "Amen." "Amen." "Amen." >> Isaiah 66:2 says this, "These are the >> Isaiah 66:2 says this, "These are the >> Isaiah 66:2 says this, "These are the ones I look on with favor." Because we ones I look on with favor." Because we ones I look on with favor." Because we talk, I use that word favor a lot. Who talk, I use that word favor a lot. Who talk, I use that word favor a lot. Who gets favor? If you want the favor of gets favor? If you want the favor of gets favor? If you want the favor of God, all right, it's concrete. He These God, all right, it's concrete. He These God, all right, it's concrete. He These are the ones I look on with favor. Those are the ones I look on with favor. Those are the ones I look on with favor. Those who are humble and contrite in spirit who are humble and contrite in spirit who are humble and contrite in spirit and who tremble at my word. Somebody and who tremble at my word. Somebody and who tremble at my word. Somebody say, "Amen." say, "Amen." say, "Amen." >> Those who are humble and contrite in >> Those who are humble and contrite in >> Those who are humble and contrite in spirit and who tremble at my word. What spirit and who tremble at my word. What spirit and who tremble at my word. What What does poor in spirit look like? What does poor in spirit look like? What does poor in spirit look like? Number one, Number one, Number one, I depend on God's wisdom, not mine.

I depend on God's wisdom, not mine. I depend on God's wisdom, not mine. Y'all write that down. I depend on God's Y'all write that down. I depend on God's Y'all write that down. I depend on God's wisdom, not mine. wisdom, not mine. wisdom, not mine. How many of you in here, you you have How many of you in here, you you have How many of you in here, you you have kids under 10? Let's just see where are kids under 10? Let's just see where are kids under 10? Let's just see where are those people? We got a bunch. All right. those people? We got a bunch. All right. those people? We got a bunch. All right. Who Who's got kids that are two to five? Who Who's got kids that are two to five? Who Who's got kids that are two to five? Where are those? Okay, we're going to Where are those? Okay, we're going to Where are those? Okay, we're going to just line them up and pray for you. just line them up and pray for you. just line them up and pray for you. Between between two and five, that's Between between two and five, that's Between between two and five, that's when kids ask the most questions in when kids ask the most questions in when kids ask the most questions in their life. Particularly, you can circle their life. Particularly, you can circle their life. Particularly, you can circle age four. Age four. Listen to me. A kid age four. Age four. Listen to me. A kid age four. Age four. Listen to me. A kid asks between 200 and 300 questions a asks between 200 and 300 questions a asks between 200 and 300 questions a day. day. day. Right around age four. Right there. Like Right around age four. Right there. Like Right around age four. Right there. Like they're inquisitive. They want to know. they're inquisitive. They want to know. they're inquisitive. They want to know. They need an explanation. Why? And then They need an explanation. Why? And then They need an explanation. Why? And then why? And then why? And then what for? why? And then why? And then what for? why? And then why? And then what for? And then why would that happen? And what And then why would that happen? And what And then why would that happen? And what would you do? You Now I can just spot would you do? You Now I can just spot would you do? You Now I can just spot them out. You got a four-year-old. them out. You got a four-year-old. them out. You got a four-year-old. They're just walking around like this. They're just walking around like this. They're just walking around like this. They they've answered 2500 questions They they've answered 2500 questions They they've answered 2500 questions this week, right? All right. They go to this week, right? All right. They go to this week, right? All right. They go to the four-year-old classroom. Brooke and the four-year-old classroom. Brooke and the four-year-old classroom. Brooke and I worked that one day. the parents just I worked that one day. the parents just I worked that one day. the parents just come. They're just like, "Just take come. They're just like, "Just take come. They're just like, "Just take them. Take them home." You know, it's them. Take them home." You know, it's them. Take them home." You know, it's just like, it's just nuts. I remember just like, it's just nuts. I remember just like, it's just nuts. I remember one time Austin, he's four years old.

one time Austin, he's four years old. one time Austin, he's four years old. He's in the car seat. He's just We get He's in the car seat. He's just We get He's in the car seat. He's just We get him out of preschool. He's asking him out of preschool. He's asking him out of preschool. He's asking question after question after. And we question after question after. And we question after question after. And we get to a stop sign. He goes, "Dad, why get to a stop sign. He goes, "Dad, why get to a stop sign. He goes, "Dad, why don't you let mom speak more at church?" don't you let mom speak more at church?" don't you let mom speak more at church?" I'm like, "This is above your pay I'm like, "This is above your pay I'm like, "This is above your pay grade." You know, AND THEN HE GOES, grade." You know, AND THEN HE GOES, grade." You know, AND THEN HE GOES, "SHE'S smarter than you." You know, it's "SHE'S smarter than you." You know, it's "SHE'S smarter than you." You know, it's [laughter] like, boy, [laughter] like, boy, [laughter] like, boy, they get there. We We start out with God they get there. We We start out with God they get there. We We start out with God like this. We're just we have this like this. We're just we have this like this. We're just we have this innocence of and this hunger of like, I innocence of and this hunger of like, I innocence of and this hunger of like, I want to know him. I want to know about want to know him. I want to know about want to know him. I want to know about him. I I want to be close to him. And him. I I want to be close to him. And him. I I want to be close to him. And you you have that feeling as soon as you you you have that feeling as soon as you you you have that feeling as soon as you get you get saved, you have that feeling get you get saved, you have that feeling get you get saved, you have that feeling like, I don't know what I need to know. like, I don't know what I need to know. like, I don't know what I need to know. I don't have it figured out. What is I don't have it figured out. What is I don't have it figured out. What is that feeling? You're poor in spirit. and that feeling? You're poor in spirit. and that feeling? You're poor in spirit. and you have a desire to be close to him and you have a desire to be close to him and you have a desire to be close to him and to know him. Listen to me, we can never to know him. Listen to me, we can never to know him. Listen to me, we can never lose that. Whatever that is inside of lose that. Whatever that is inside of lose that. Whatever that is inside of us, it needs to live and breathe and us, it needs to live and breathe and us, it needs to live and breathe and grow inside of us to where like you're grow inside of us to where like you're grow inside of us to where like you're wake you wake up in your morning, you're wake you wake up in your morning, you're wake you wake up in your morning, you're like, I need a word from God. I I need like, I need a word from God. I I need like, I need a word from God. I I need to hear from him. I need daily to hear from him. I need daily to hear from him. I need daily direction.

direction. direction. I need him to be a lamp into my feet. I I need him to be a lamp into my feet. I I need him to be a lamp into my feet. I need him to be a light into my path. I need him to be a light into my path. I need him to be a light into my path. I don't know what to do without you, God. don't know what to do without you, God. don't know what to do without you, God. You see that? It's just like I can't You see that? It's just like I can't You see that? It's just like I can't just depend on my wisdom. I'm depending just depend on my wisdom. I'm depending just depend on my wisdom. I'm depending on God's I need you for vision in my on God's I need you for vision in my on God's I need you for vision in my life. I need some answers. It's just life. I need some answers. It's just life. I need some answers. It's just getting complicated. You You keep getting complicated. You You keep getting complicated. You You keep getting older. You go you go to a one getting older. You go you go to a one getting older. You go you go to a one season of your life, you go to another season of your life, you go to another season of your life, you go to another season, you're just like, I don't even season, you're just like, I don't even season, you're just like, I don't even know what to do this season. I feel like know what to do this season. I feel like know what to do this season. I feel like I'm in kindergarten all over again. But I'm in kindergarten all over again. But I'm in kindergarten all over again. But you have this when you have this heart you have this when you have this heart you have this when you have this heart like God I just I want you and I need like God I just I want you and I need like God I just I want you and I need you. I want to live off of fresh baked you. I want to live off of fresh baked you. I want to live off of fresh baked bread. He goes that's a heart I meet. bread. He goes that's a heart I meet. bread. He goes that's a heart I meet. Psalm 119 verse 26 says I have declared Psalm 119 verse 26 says I have declared Psalm 119 verse 26 says I have declared my ways and you answered me. Now let's my ways and you answered me. Now let's my ways and you answered me. Now let's read the last part of this together. 1 2 read the last part of this together. 1 2 read the last part of this together. 1 2 3. Teach me your statutes. Everybody say 3. Teach me your statutes. Everybody say 3. Teach me your statutes. Everybody say teach me. Psalms 119. If you're taking teach me. Psalms 119. If you're taking teach me. Psalms 119. If you're taking notes I want you to write this down.

notes I want you to write this down. notes I want you to write this down. Psalm 119, the author of it, who might Psalm 119, the author of it, who might Psalm 119, the author of it, who might be Ezra, be Ezra, be Ezra, the author says, "Teach me." Eight the author says, "Teach me." Eight the author says, "Teach me." Eight times. times. times. You think he wants to be taught? I mean, You think he wants to be taught? I mean, You think he wants to be taught? I mean, eight. Can you imagine just like eight eight. Can you imagine just like eight eight. Can you imagine just like eight times? Teach me. Teach me. Teach me. times? Teach me. Teach me. Teach me. times? Teach me. Teach me. Teach me. Teach me, God. Teach me. Teach me. Teach Teach me, God. Teach me. Teach me. Teach Teach me, God. Teach me. Teach me. Teach me. Teach me. I wonder what would happen me. Teach me. I wonder what would happen me. Teach me. I wonder what would happen if that was your attitude driving to the if that was your attitude driving to the if that was your attitude driving to the house of the Lord on Sunday morning. house of the Lord on Sunday morning. house of the Lord on Sunday morning. Some of us is not set. If it's not set, Some of us is not set. If it's not set, Some of us is not set. If it's not set, you're like, "Entertain me. Wow me, you're like, "Entertain me. Wow me, you're like, "Entertain me. Wow me, inspire me." But when you have a heart inspire me." But when you have a heart inspire me." But when you have a heart that says, "Teach me." That's poor in that says, "Teach me." That's poor in that says, "Teach me." That's poor in spirit. spirit. spirit. >> That means all of a sudden you say, >> That means all of a sudden you say, >> That means all of a sudden you say, "Teach me." Then all of a sudden the "Teach me." Then all of a sudden the "Teach me." Then all of a sudden the kingdom of heaven opens to you. Teach kingdom of heaven opens to you. Teach kingdom of heaven opens to you. Teach me. Verse 18, he says, "Open my eyes." me. Verse 18, he says, "Open my eyes." me. Verse 18, he says, "Open my eyes." Verse 27 of Psalm 19, he says, "Make me Verse 27 of Psalm 19, he says, "Make me Verse 27 of Psalm 19, he says, "Make me understand." Verse 32, he says, "Enlarge understand." Verse 32, he says, "Enlarge understand." Verse 32, he says, "Enlarge my heart. I want a larger capacity to my heart. I want a larger capacity to my heart. I want a larger capacity to receive from heaven. Verse 36, he says, receive from heaven. Verse 36, he says, receive from heaven. Verse 36, he says, "Incline my heart. Bend it towards your "Incline my heart. Bend it towards your "Incline my heart. Bend it towards your will, God."

will, God." will, God." Amen. Amen. Amen. >> I want you to write this down. God's >> I want you to write this down. God's >> I want you to write this down. God's wisdom wisdom wisdom and God's will and God's will and God's will are found in God's word. are found in God's word. are found in God's word. God's wisdom and God's will are found in God's wisdom and God's will are found in God's wisdom and God's will are found in God's word. So you go, am I poor in God's word. So you go, am I poor in God's word. So you go, am I poor in spirit? You got to ask yourself this spirit? You got to ask yourself this spirit? You got to ask yourself this question. Am I teachable? question. Am I teachable? question. Am I teachable? Am I teachable? Am I showing up going, I Am I teachable? Am I showing up going, I Am I teachable? Am I showing up going, I need to be taught. I need more wisdom. need to be taught. I need more wisdom. need to be taught. I need more wisdom. Are you just like, you just need to give Are you just like, you just need to give Are you just like, you just need to give me space so I can go figure this out. me space so I can go figure this out. me space so I can go figure this out. Well, we'll see how that works out. Well, we'll see how that works out. Well, we'll see how that works out. Number two, I depend on God's strength, Number two, I depend on God's strength, Number two, I depend on God's strength, not mine. not mine. not mine. Everybody say, "God's strength." Everybody say, "God's strength." Everybody say, "God's strength." So, I depend on his wisdom, not mine. I So, I depend on his wisdom, not mine. I So, I depend on his wisdom, not mine. I depend on God's strength, not mine. depend on God's strength, not mine. depend on God's strength, not mine. Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, and some in horses, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the but we will remember the name of the but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." You got to you got to Lord our God." You got to you got to Lord our God." You got to you got to settle in your mind the strength of who settle in your mind the strength of who settle in your mind the strength of who you're going to uh trust in. I like I'm you're going to uh trust in. I like I'm you're going to uh trust in. I like I'm going, you know what? I'm not trusting going, you know what? I'm not trusting going, you know what? I'm not trusting in my own strength and I'm not trusting in my own strength and I'm not trusting in my own strength and I'm not trusting in any man's strength. I'm not trusting in any man's strength. I'm not trusting in any man's strength. I'm not trusting in the government strength. Listen to in the government strength. Listen to in the government strength. Listen to me. I'm going to trust in God's mighty me. I'm going to trust in God's mighty me. I'm going to trust in God's mighty right hand. Somebody say, "Amen."

right hand. Somebody say, "Amen." right hand. Somebody say, "Amen." Because he sustains me. He protects me. Because he sustains me. He protects me. Because he sustains me. He protects me. He guides me. He has me. He holds me. He guides me. He has me. He holds me. He guides me. He has me. He holds me. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> And when you go, wait, uh, what is the >> And when you go, wait, uh, what is the >> And when you go, wait, uh, what is the indicator that I'm not trusting in God's indicator that I'm not trusting in God's indicator that I'm not trusting in God's strength? Here's the indicator. Stress strength? Here's the indicator. Stress strength? Here's the indicator. Stress is going up. Fear is going up. your own is going up. Fear is going up. your own is going up. Fear is going up. your own personal defensiveness is going up personal defensiveness is going up personal defensiveness is going up because you don't trust in him that he's because you don't trust in him that he's because you don't trust in him that he's strong enough to protect you. When when strong enough to protect you. When when strong enough to protect you. When when those things are going up, it's because those things are going up, it's because those things are going up, it's because pride is elevating in your life, not pride is elevating in your life, not pride is elevating in your life, not circumstances. Because you can have circumstances. Because you can have circumstances. Because you can have circumstances go wrong and still have circumstances go wrong and still have circumstances go wrong and still have peace like a river in your soul. Amen. I peace like a river in your soul. Amen. I peace like a river in your soul. Amen. I want to teach you Humpty Dumpty want to teach you Humpty Dumpty want to teach you Humpty Dumpty theology. Okay, you guys ready? Y'all theology. Okay, you guys ready? Y'all theology. Okay, you guys ready? Y'all remember the nursery rhyme? All right, remember the nursery rhyme? All right, remember the nursery rhyme? All right, y'all with me? Humpty Dumpty. All right, y'all with me? Humpty Dumpty. All right, y'all with me? Humpty Dumpty. All right, let's say it together. Humpty Dumpty sat let's say it together. Humpty Dumpty sat let's say it together. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Let's just stop. We don't on a wall. Let's just stop. We don't on a wall. Let's just stop. We don't know why he did it. All right, know why he did it. All right, know why he did it. All right, apparently after the fact, this is a apparently after the fact, this is a apparently after the fact, this is a tall wall. All right, because it tall wall. All right, because it tall wall. All right, because it destroys his life. All right, so we destroys his life. All right, so we destroys his life. All right, so we don't know if he was just high-risk guy don't know if he was just high-risk guy don't know if he was just high-risk guy or not. But listen, Humpty Dumpty sat on or not. But listen, Humpty Dumpty sat on or not. But listen, Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall. Then what happened to him?

the wall. Then what happened to him? the wall. Then what happened to him? Humpty Dumpty had a great It was really Humpty Dumpty had a great It was really Humpty Dumpty had a great It was really nasty. All right. nasty. All right. nasty. All right. Just shattered him. All right. And then Just shattered him. All right. And then Just shattered him. All right. And then what happened? And all the king's horses what happened? And all the king's horses what happened? And all the king's horses and all the king's men's couldn't and all the king's men's couldn't and all the king's men's couldn't they couldn't put Humpty back together they couldn't put Humpty back together they couldn't put Humpty back together again. Like, what is that nursery rhyme again. Like, what is that nursery rhyme again. Like, what is that nursery rhyme teaching you? teaching you? teaching you? Listen to me. It's biblical. All the Listen to me. It's biblical. All the Listen to me. It's biblical. All the king's horses and all the king's men. king's horses and all the king's men. king's horses and all the king's men. What is he saying? Government can't fix What is he saying? Government can't fix What is he saying? Government can't fix the brokenness of man. Only God can. the brokenness of man. Only God can. the brokenness of man. Only God can. People are going to do things that break People are going to do things that break People are going to do things that break their life. And when your life is their life. And when your life is their life. And when your life is broken, you're going, "How is my heart broken, you're going, "How is my heart broken, you're going, "How is my heart and my life and my future going to ever and my life and my future going to ever and my life and my future going to ever be put back together?" By depending upon be put back together?" By depending upon be put back together?" By depending upon the strength of the Lord. the strength of the Lord. the strength of the Lord. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who wait >> Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who wait >> Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their what? on the Lord shall renew their what? on the Lord shall renew their what? >> Strength." Where's that strength come >> Strength." Where's that strength come >> Strength." Where's that strength come from? Waiting on him. They shall mount from? Waiting on him. They shall mount from? Waiting on him. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall up with wings like eagles. They shall up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk run and not be weary. They shall walk run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. Amen. My morning routine and not faint. Amen. My morning routine and not faint. Amen. My morning routine is this. I get up. I go to the coffee is this. I get up. I go to the coffee is this. I get up. I go to the coffee pot. The Lord leads me there first. All pot. The Lord leads me there first. All pot. The Lord leads me there first. All right. All right. And so sometimes I've right. All right. And so sometimes I've right. All right. And so sometimes I've I've prepared the coffee pot and I just I've prepared the coffee pot and I just I've prepared the coffee pot and I just hit a button. That's a good day. But hit a button. That's a good day. But hit a button. That's a good day. But most days I just had to prepare it and I most days I just had to prepare it and I most days I just had to prepare it and I get the pot going. Then I go to the get the pot going. Then I go to the get the pot going. Then I go to the refrigerator and I pull out my AG1 refrigerator and I pull out my AG1 refrigerator and I pull out my AG1 greens and I have these greens that have

greens and I have these greens that have greens and I have these greens that have all my vitamins and all my vegetables. all my vitamins and all my vegetables. all my vitamins and all my vegetables. And when I drink those, I can eat as bad And when I drink those, I can eat as bad And when I drink those, I can eat as bad as I want to the rest of the day. Praise as I want to the rest of the day. Praise as I want to the rest of the day. Praise God. And so, and I got I got those green God. And so, and I got I got those green God. And so, and I got I got those green powders and I've got to scoop them out powders and I've got to scoop them out powders and I've got to scoop them out and put them in. I drink 16.9 ounces of and put them in. I drink 16.9 ounces of and put them in. I drink 16.9 ounces of water with my AG1 greens every day of my water with my AG1 greens every day of my water with my AG1 greens every day of my life. But half of the skirmishes that life. But half of the skirmishes that life. But half of the skirmishes that Brooke and I have are over these AG1 Brooke and I have are over these AG1 Brooke and I have are over these AG1 greens because she's like, "When you get greens because she's like, "When you get greens because she's like, "When you get up and you scoop out those greens, you up and you scoop out those greens, you up and you scoop out those greens, you get them all over the KITCHEN BAR. IT'S get them all over the KITCHEN BAR. IT'S get them all over the KITCHEN BAR. IT'S JUST ALL OVER THE COUNTER." It's like, JUST ALL OVER THE COUNTER." It's like, JUST ALL OVER THE COUNTER." It's like, "YOU'VE GOT TO YOU'VE GOT TO PUT THOSE "YOU'VE GOT TO YOU'VE GOT TO PUT THOSE "YOU'VE GOT TO YOU'VE GOT TO PUT THOSE GREENS in the sink." And she's right, GREENS in the sink." And she's right, GREENS in the sink." And she's right, but she's also wrong. And that's what I but she's also wrong. And that's what I but she's also wrong. And that's what I want to talk about. All right? Because want to talk about. All right? Because want to talk about. All right? Because [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] cuz every time I do the SCOOP IN THE cuz every time I do the SCOOP IN THE cuz every time I do the SCOOP IN THE SINK, I NEVER SPILL THEM EVER. I do it SINK, I NEVER SPILL THEM EVER. I do it SINK, I NEVER SPILL THEM EVER. I do it in the sink. I'm like, "Look at that." in the sink. I'm like, "Look at that." in the sink. I'm like, "Look at that." BROOKE WASN'T HERE TO SEE THAT, RIGHT? BROOKE WASN'T HERE TO SEE THAT, RIGHT? BROOKE WASN'T HERE TO SEE THAT, RIGHT? AND THEN I'LL GET LIKE THREE OR FOUR AND THEN I'LL GET LIKE THREE OR FOUR AND THEN I'LL GET LIKE THREE OR FOUR DAYS IN A ROW AND I can just hear I pull DAYS IN A ROW AND I can just hear I pull DAYS IN A ROW AND I can just hear I pull it out of the refrigerator. She's like, it out of the refrigerator. She's like, it out of the refrigerator. She's like, "Do it in THE SINK." I'M LIKE, and I go "Do it in THE SINK." I'M LIKE, and I go "Do it in THE SINK." I'M LIKE, and I go to the sink and I do it. I'M LIKE, to the sink and I do it. I'M LIKE, to the sink and I do it. I'M LIKE, "HASTED IT AGAIN." I GET TO DAY FOUR, "HASTED IT AGAIN." I GET TO DAY FOUR, "HASTED IT AGAIN." I GET TO DAY FOUR, PULL IT OUT. I'M LIKE, "NAH, I got this, PULL IT OUT. I'M LIKE, "NAH, I got this, PULL IT OUT. I'M LIKE, "NAH, I got this, baby." And every time I got this, I baby." And every time I got this, I baby." And every time I got this, I spill it all over the counter and I spill it all over the counter and I spill it all over the counter and I leave it there so SHE KNOWS I TRIED. YOU leave it there so SHE KNOWS I TRIED. YOU leave it there so SHE KNOWS I TRIED. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? IT'S JUST LIKE SHE KNOW WHAT I MEAN? IT'S JUST LIKE SHE KNOW WHAT I MEAN? IT'S JUST LIKE SHE KNOWS. Every time in our lives where we KNOWS. Every time in our lives where we KNOWS. Every time in our lives where we go, I got this. That's where we make a go, I got this. That's where we make a go, I got this. That's where we make a mess of our lives.

mess of our lives. mess of our lives. >> You are never going to be so strong in >> You are never going to be so strong in >> You are never going to be so strong in your life that you don't need the your life that you don't need the your life that you don't need the strength of God anymore. strength of God anymore. strength of God anymore. >> It's in your life where you're just >> It's in your life where you're just >> It's in your life where you're just like, "God, I need your strength. I'm like, "God, I need your strength. I'm like, "God, I need your strength. I'm dependent upon you. I don't have this. dependent upon you. I don't have this. dependent upon you. I don't have this. You have this. Then he teaches us life. You have this. Then he teaches us life. You have this. Then he teaches us life. Here's life. My strength is limited. Here's life. My strength is limited. Here's life. My strength is limited. God's strength is unlimited. Somebody God's strength is unlimited. Somebody God's strength is unlimited. Somebody say amen. say amen. say amen. >> My strength is finite. God's strength is >> My strength is finite. God's strength is >> My strength is finite. God's strength is infinite. infinite. infinite. My strength is exhaustable. My strength is exhaustable. My strength is exhaustable. Some of you are exhausted in this room Some of you are exhausted in this room Some of you are exhausted in this room today. God's strength is inexhaustible. today. God's strength is inexhaustible. today. God's strength is inexhaustible. God's strength has no limits and it God's strength has no limits and it God's strength has no limits and it doesn't have an expiration date on it. doesn't have an expiration date on it. doesn't have an expiration date on it. There is nothing too difficult for him. There is nothing too difficult for him. There is nothing too difficult for him. How do you have access to that strength How do you have access to that strength How do you have access to that strength where you're just going, he's the vine, where you're just going, he's the vine, where you're just going, he's the vine, I'm the branch. It starts with a spirit I'm the branch. It starts with a spirit I'm the branch. It starts with a spirit of humility going, I need you. Watch of humility going, I need you. Watch of humility going, I need you. Watch this. Psalm 86:1, David says this, "Bow this. Psalm 86:1, David says this, "Bow this. Psalm 86:1, David says this, "Bow down your ear, O Lord. Hear me." Now, down your ear, O Lord. Hear me." Now, down your ear, O Lord. Hear me." Now, watch what he says. Let's say the end of watch what he says. Let's say the end of watch what he says. Let's say the end of it together. One, two, three. For I am it together. One, two, three. For I am it together. One, two, three. For I am poor and needy. Let's say it together.

poor and needy. Let's say it together. poor and needy. Let's say it together. One, two, three. For I am poor and One, two, three. For I am poor and One, two, three. For I am poor and needy. Now listen to me. We read that. I needy. Now listen to me. We read that. I needy. Now listen to me. We read that. I got to stop and go. David was neither got to stop and go. David was neither got to stop and go. David was neither poor nor needy. poor nor needy. poor nor needy. He really wasn't. He's got the greatest He really wasn't. He's got the greatest He really wasn't. He's got the greatest army in the world. He's got the greatest army in the world. He's got the greatest army in the world. He's got the greatest name in the world. A at this point in name in the world. A at this point in name in the world. A at this point in his life, he's worth around $180 his life, he's worth around $180 his life, he's worth around $180 billion. billion. billion. Now, if you are worth $180 billion, you Now, if you are worth $180 billion, you Now, if you are worth $180 billion, you walk up to me and say, "I'm just so poor walk up to me and say, "I'm just so poor walk up to me and say, "I'm just so poor and needy, I'm going to slap you." You and needy, I'm going to slap you." You and needy, I'm going to slap you." You know what I'm saying? David comes before know what I'm saying? David comes before know what I'm saying? David comes before God and his spirit is poor and needy. God and his spirit is poor and needy. God and his spirit is poor and needy. His heart is poor and needy. And we've His heart is poor and needy. And we've His heart is poor and needy. And we've got to get this heart that we go, God, got to get this heart that we go, God, got to get this heart that we go, God, my education does not give me the my education does not give me the my education does not give me the strength that I need. Amen. My wealth strength that I need. Amen. My wealth strength that I need. Amen. My wealth does not give me the power I need. Amen. does not give me the power I need. Amen. does not give me the power I need. Amen. MY MY STATUS. SOME OF YOU HAVE A great MY MY STATUS. SOME OF YOU HAVE A great MY MY STATUS. SOME OF YOU HAVE A great status in this in this community. It's status in this in this community. It's status in this in this community. It's not the strength that you're going to not the strength that you're going to not the strength that you're going to run on. Your name is not the strength run on. Your name is not the strength run on. Your name is not the strength that you're going to run on. Listen to that you're going to run on. Listen to that you're going to run on. Listen to me. Some of you have done great things me. Some of you have done great things me. Some of you have done great things in your life. Your past accomplishment in your life. Your past accomplishment in your life. Your past accomplishment cannot solve your present problems.

cannot solve your present problems. cannot solve your present problems. >> You can't go, "Did you see the trophies >> You can't go, "Did you see the trophies >> You can't go, "Did you see the trophies I have in my house?" No, you got to deal I have in my house?" No, you got to deal I have in my house?" No, you got to deal with them in the strength of the Lord with them in the strength of the Lord with them in the strength of the Lord today. Your strength is going to fade. today. Your strength is going to fade. today. Your strength is going to fade. Your beauty is going to fade. God is Your beauty is going to fade. God is Your beauty is going to fade. God is never going to change. never going to change. never going to change. >> Amen. And you go, "How do I know that >> Amen. And you go, "How do I know that >> Amen. And you go, "How do I know that I'm relying on the strength of the I'm relying on the strength of the I'm relying on the strength of the Lord?" Here's the question right down. Lord?" Here's the question right down. Lord?" Here's the question right down. Am I praying? Am I praying? Am I praying? Prayer is the language of poor people. Prayer is the language of poor people. Prayer is the language of poor people. It's the language of being poor in the It's the language of being poor in the It's the language of being poor in the spirit. That's how you know if you're spirit. That's how you know if you're spirit. That's how you know if you're poor in spirit. When's the last time I poor in spirit. When's the last time I poor in spirit. When's the last time I prayed? When is the last time I did what prayed? When is the last time I did what prayed? When is the last time I did what Lamentations tells us to do. Pour out Lamentations tells us to do. Pour out Lamentations tells us to do. Pour out your heart like water before the Lord. your heart like water before the Lord. your heart like water before the Lord. God, I got to have you. God, I got to God, I got to have you. God, I got to God, I got to have you. God, I got to have answers. God, God, I need you. have answers. God, God, I need you. have answers. God, God, I need you. And and when Christians were being pled And and when Christians were being pled And and when Christians were being pled around the subject of prayer, it's it's around the subject of prayer, it's it's around the subject of prayer, it's it's just so interesting the stats. Here's just so interesting the stats. Here's just so interesting the stats. Here's the facts. The higher your education, the facts. The higher your education, the facts. The higher your education, the higher your training, the higher the higher your training, the higher the higher your training, the higher your experience, the higher your your your experience, the higher your your your experience, the higher your your earthly success, the less likely you are earthly success, the less likely you are earthly success, the less likely you are to pray.

to pray. to pray. College graduates pray 20% less than College graduates pray 20% less than College graduates pray 20% less than high school graduates. Here's the temp high school graduates. Here's the temp high school graduates. Here's the temp temptation because God's hand is on so temptation because God's hand is on so temptation because God's hand is on so many of your lives. And here's the many of your lives. And here's the many of your lives. And here's the temptation that you're going to have to temptation that you're going to have to temptation that you're going to have to break is that when you are getting a break is that when you are getting a break is that when you are getting a strong footing in this world, you don't strong footing in this world, you don't strong footing in this world, you don't lose your footing with God. lose your footing with God. lose your footing with God. >> Jesus modeled the exact opposite of >> Jesus modeled the exact opposite of >> Jesus modeled the exact opposite of that. That when his ministry intensified that. That when his ministry intensified that. That when his ministry intensified and his ministry grew and he went from a and his ministry grew and he went from a and his ministry grew and he went from a few people following him to thousands few people following him to thousands few people following him to thousands and tens of thousands of people and tens of thousands of people and tens of thousands of people following him. When his ministry following him. When his ministry following him. When his ministry increased, so did his communion with the increased, so did his communion with the increased, so did his communion with the father. He didn't live on yesterday's father. He didn't live on yesterday's father. He didn't live on yesterday's miracles. This is what he did. He got miracles. This is what he did. He got miracles. This is what he did. He got with the father his source of strength. with the father his source of strength. with the father his source of strength. He modeled it for us. He goes, "It's He modeled it for us. He goes, "It's He modeled it for us. He goes, "It's upside down." The better you're doing in upside down." The better you're doing in upside down." The better you're doing in life, the more you need to pray. life, the more you need to pray. life, the more you need to pray. Otherwise, if you live off yesterday's Otherwise, if you live off yesterday's Otherwise, if you live off yesterday's successes, you're going to crash. Amen.

successes, you're going to crash. Amen. successes, you're going to crash. Amen. >> So, you go, "What do I need to do?" Let >> So, you go, "What do I need to do?" Let >> So, you go, "What do I need to do?" Let me give you a few things because this me give you a few things because this me give you a few things because this reminds me I think it's first John maybe reminds me I think it's first John maybe reminds me I think it's first John maybe third John where he goes brothers and third John where he goes brothers and third John where he goes brothers and sisters I pray that you prosper and be sisters I pray that you prosper and be sisters I pray that you prosper and be in good health. You got your footing in in good health. You got your footing in in good health. You got your footing in the world even as your soul prospers. the world even as your soul prospers. the world even as your soul prospers. You got your footing in the relationship You got your footing in the relationship You got your footing in the relationship with God. He's like I'm I'm praying for with God. He's like I'm I'm praying for with God. He's like I'm I'm praying for both things to happen at the same time. both things to happen at the same time. both things to happen at the same time. If your relationship with God is not If your relationship with God is not If your relationship with God is not where it needs to be, then th this needs where it needs to be, then th this needs where it needs to be, then th this needs to change tomorrow. to change tomorrow. to change tomorrow. that you let this pour in spirit message that you let this pour in spirit message that you let this pour in spirit message just get you and you go tomorrow I'm just get you and you go tomorrow I'm just get you and you go tomorrow I'm spending 15 minutes with God. I'm going spending 15 minutes with God. I'm going spending 15 minutes with God. I'm going to rely on his strength. You can start to rely on his strength. You can start to rely on his strength. You can start right there. I I'm going to listen to right there. I I'm going to listen to right there. I I'm going to listen to five minutes of worship music and sing five minutes of worship music and sing five minutes of worship music and sing along and hum along. You know, I'm I'm along and hum along. You know, I'm I'm along and hum along. You know, I'm I'm going to I'm going to get in my Bible going to I'm going to get in my Bible going to I'm going to get in my Bible for five minutes. Now you got 10. Then for five minutes. Now you got 10. Then for five minutes. Now you got 10. Then I'm gonna pray for five minutes. You do I'm gonna pray for five minutes. You do I'm gonna pray for five minutes. You do that, it's guaranteed strength in your that, it's guaranteed strength in your that, it's guaranteed strength in your life.

life. life. >> Amen. Listen, if you don't make a >> Amen. Listen, if you don't make a >> Amen. Listen, if you don't make a decision, then what's going to happen is decision, then what's going to happen is decision, then what's going to happen is the pressures of life will force you to the pressures of life will force you to the pressures of life will force you to be that. If you're a child of God, it'll be that. If you're a child of God, it'll be that. If you're a child of God, it'll those circumstances will force you this those circumstances will force you this those circumstances will force you this way. I was on a on a call with a way. I was on a on a call with a way. I was on a on a call with a missionary. Actually, I went and saw him missionary. Actually, I went and saw him missionary. Actually, I went and saw him in California. And then we've been we've in California. And then we've been we've in California. And then we've been we've been catching up. This is one of the been catching up. This is one of the been catching up. This is one of the missionaries I grew up with. His name is missionaries I grew up with. His name is missionaries I grew up with. His name is Keith Hershey. And uh and and we're just Keith Hershey. And uh and and we're just Keith Hershey. And uh and and we're just talking about what's happening in the talking about what's happening in the talking about what's happening in the world right now. It's just there's a world right now. It's just there's a world right now. It's just there's a tsunami in America with churches and tsunami in America with churches and tsunami in America with churches and pastors. If you don't know this, there pastors. If you don't know this, there pastors. If you don't know this, there are more pastors pastoring that are over are more pastors pastoring that are over are more pastors pastoring that are over the age of 65 than under the age of 40. the age of 65 than under the age of 40. the age of 65 than under the age of 40. So you have churches and one stat says a So you have churches and one stat says a So you have churches and one stat says a third of the churches in America don't third of the churches in America don't third of the churches in America don't have a pastor right now. 20% of churches have a pastor right now. 20% of churches have a pastor right now. 20% of churches in Arkansas closed during COVID. We have in Arkansas closed during COVID. We have in Arkansas closed during COVID. We have people go there's churches on every people go there's churches on every people go there's churches on every corner. Bunch of them are closed. Okay. corner. Bunch of them are closed. Okay. corner. Bunch of them are closed. Okay. So there's a tsunami. The trickle down So there's a tsunami. The trickle down So there's a tsunami. The trickle down effect is when a church doesn't have effect is when a church doesn't have effect is when a church doesn't have pastor a pastor for an extended period pastor a pastor for an extended period pastor a pastor for an extended period of time then it affects missions. It of time then it affects missions. It of time then it affects missions. It affects outreach in the community. It affects outreach in the community. It affects outreach in the community. It affects what they used to do for the affects what they used to do for the affects what they used to do for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and all poor, the widow, the orphan, and all poor, the widow, the orphan, and all over the world. So there are over the world. So there are over the world. So there are missionaries that we supported 10 years missionaries that we supported 10 years missionaries that we supported 10 years ago and they had 40 or other 50 churches ago and they had 40 or other 50 churches ago and they had 40 or other 50 churches supporting them that it's only us supporting them that it's only us supporting them that it's only us supporting them now. And there's a big supporting them now. And there's a big supporting them now. And there's a big responsibility for that. Like when I I responsibility for that. Like when I I responsibility for that. Like when I I look at it, I'm just like and then with look at it, I'm just like and then with look at it, I'm just like and then with this transition, this this tsunami of this transition, this this tsunami of this transition, this this tsunami of there's a massive transition of pastoral there's a massive transition of pastoral there's a massive transition of pastoral leadership and vacancies all over leadership and vacancies all over leadership and vacancies all over America. the first thing people people America. the first thing people people America. the first thing people people uh stop doing, churches stop doing is

uh stop doing, churches stop doing is uh stop doing, churches stop doing is supporting missions and outreach and supporting missions and outreach and supporting missions and outreach and taking care of the poor. It's the first taking care of the poor. It's the first taking care of the poor. It's the first thing that happens. Then they just kind thing that happens. Then they just kind thing that happens. Then they just kind of go into survival mode. So I was of go into survival mode. So I was of go into survival mode. So I was talking to him and he was telling me talking to him and he was telling me talking to him and he was telling me about what's going on in Lebanon. The uh about what's going on in Lebanon. The uh about what's going on in Lebanon. The uh so he started the largest church in the so he started the largest church in the so he started the largest church in the Middle East, four services every Sunday Middle East, four services every Sunday Middle East, four services every Sunday and I just think about the boldness that and I just think about the boldness that and I just think about the boldness that they have. I mean they're being bombed they have. I mean they're being bombed they have. I mean they're being bombed right now and they go to church being right now and they go to church being right now and they go to church being bombed. bombed. bombed. Like it was raining yesterday and we're Like it was raining yesterday and we're Like it was raining yesterday and we're like I wonder if anybody's going to go like I wonder if anybody's going to go like I wonder if anybody's going to go to church. It's raining. You know it's to church. It's raining. You know it's to church. It's raining. You know it's raining bombs. Like you know he's just raining bombs. Like you know he's just raining bombs. Like you know he's just like Marcus you need to come to Beirut. like Marcus you need to come to Beirut. like Marcus you need to come to Beirut. You need to come to this church. I want You need to come to this church. I want You need to come to this church. I want you to speak. I was like I'm not going you to speak. I was like I'm not going you to speak. I was like I'm not going to do it but I have some staff that's to do it but I have some staff that's to do it but I have some staff that's getting on my nerves. I was oneway getting on my nerves. I was oneway getting on my nerves. I was oneway ticket. Right. And so I'm just talking I'm just like And so I'm just talking I'm just like he's got life group leaders that they've he's got life group leaders that they've he's got life group leaders that they've been bombed in the middle of their life been bombed in the middle of their life been bombed in the middle of their life group. People dead. I'm just like, how group. People dead. I'm just like, how group. People dead. I'm just like, how in the world do you get up in the middle in the world do you get up in the middle in the world do you get up in the middle of that and keep serving God? This is of that and keep serving God? This is of that and keep serving God? This is how they do it. They wake up and they how they do it. They wake up and they how they do it. They wake up and they rely on his strength every single day.

rely on his strength every single day. rely on his strength every single day. No matter what's raining down on you, No matter what's raining down on you, No matter what's raining down on you, you can do the same. Amen. Stand on your you can do the same. Amen. Stand on your you can do the same. Amen. Stand on your feet and let me let me pray over you. feet and let me let me pray over you. feet and let me let me pray over you. Come on. Would you just bow your heads and close Would you just bow your heads and close your eyes? Father God, I just pray your eyes? Father God, I just pray your eyes? Father God, I just pray that this will be the first mark of that this will be the first mark of that this will be the first mark of kingdom culture in our heart kingdom culture in our heart kingdom culture in our heart that we are humble and hungry for you. that we are humble and hungry for you. that we are humble and hungry for you. This is a humility that marks our lives. This is a humility that marks our lives. This is a humility that marks our lives. We don't know everything. We don't know everything. We don't know everything. We must have you. We must have you. We must have you. You know Jesus said it very plainly in You know Jesus said it very plainly in You know Jesus said it very plainly in John 15. Apart from me, you can do John 15. Apart from me, you can do John 15. Apart from me, you can do nothing. Can't do one thing. nothing. Can't do one thing. nothing. Can't do one thing. God, I pray for a humble spirit. God, I pray for a humble spirit. God, I pray for a humble spirit. Let that disease of pride leave our Let that disease of pride leave our Let that disease of pride leave our lives lives lives in Jesus name.

in Jesus name. in Jesus name. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. If you're in here and you go, Marcus, I If you're in here and you go, Marcus, I If you're in here and you go, Marcus, I need to be dependent upon God for more need to be dependent upon God for more need to be dependent upon God for more strength and more wisdom right now. strength and more wisdom right now. strength and more wisdom right now. Raise your hand. Raise your hand. Raise your hand. Some of you got some big decisions, life Some of you got some big decisions, life Some of you got some big decisions, life decisions to make. Yep. I've never made a decision out of pride I've never made a decision out of pride that has worked out in my life. that has worked out in my life. that has worked out in my life. Every prideful decision I've ever made Every prideful decision I've ever made Every prideful decision I've ever made has come back to bite me. stolen time, has come back to bite me. stolen time, has come back to bite me. stolen time, money, everything. money, everything. money, everything. So, just you raising your hand is an act So, just you raising your hand is an act So, just you raising your hand is an act of humility that God, I I need you and of humility that God, I I need you and of humility that God, I I need you and I've got to have you. If you're in here I've got to have you. If you're in here I've got to have you. If you're in here and you go, Marcus, I got to get to the and you go, Marcus, I got to get to the and you go, Marcus, I got to get to the starting place with my relationship with starting place with my relationship with starting place with my relationship with God. That first act of humility. I need God. That first act of humility. I need God. That first act of humility. I need God in my life. Maybe you say, "Back in God in my life. Maybe you say, "Back in God in my life. Maybe you say, "Back in my life. I've drifted too far away." my life. I've drifted too far away." my life. I've drifted too far away." Would you raise your hand straight up Would you raise your hand straight up Would you raise your hand straight up and let me pray for you? Yeah. All over and let me pray for you? Yeah. All over and let me pray for you? Yeah. All over this place. this place. this place. just drifted.

just drifted. just drifted. I need God. I need God. I need God. Yeah, I got you, brother. Yeah, I got you, brother. Yeah, I got you, brother. Hallelujah. Those of you that raised Hallelujah. Those of you that raised Hallelujah. Those of you that raised your hand, pray this after me. Jesus, I your hand, pray this after me. Jesus, I your hand, pray this after me. Jesus, I humble myself before you and I tell you, humble myself before you and I tell you, humble myself before you and I tell you, I need you in my life. I need you in my life. I need you in my life. Today, I repent. I turn my back on this Today, I repent. I turn my back on this Today, I repent. I turn my back on this world and I turn my face towards you. world and I turn my face towards you. world and I turn my face towards you. Forgive me for all the sin in my life Forgive me for all the sin in my life Forgive me for all the sin in my life today. I put my faith in you. I believe. today. I put my faith in you. I believe. today. I put my faith in you. I believe. Say that strongly. I believe you died Say that strongly. I believe you died Say that strongly. I believe you died for me and you rose again. Be the Lord for me and you rose again. Be the Lord for me and you rose again. Be the Lord of my life and the savior of my soul in of my life and the savior of my soul in of my life and the savior of my soul in Jesus name. And I pray for every person Jesus name. And I pray for every person Jesus name. And I pray for every person that is they need your wisdom. Some that is they need your wisdom. Some that is they need your wisdom. Some people need a clear word from you. Lord, people need a clear word from you. Lord, people need a clear word from you. Lord, I pray that you destroy pride and the I pray that you destroy pride and the I pray that you destroy pride and the noise that it brings noise that it brings noise that it brings and that humility will rise so we don't and that humility will rise so we don't and that humility will rise so we don't miss a whisper.

miss a whisper. miss a whisper. I pray for the strength that we need, I pray for the strength that we need, I pray for the strength that we need, the power that we need. Lord, I pray the power that we need. Lord, I pray the power that we need. Lord, I pray that there will be nothing that inhibits that there will be nothing that inhibits that there will be nothing that inhibits all of heaven moving on behalf of your all of heaven moving on behalf of your all of heaven moving on behalf of your sons and daughters in Jesus name. sons and daughters in Jesus name. sons and daughters in Jesus name. Everybody said amen. Let's give Jesus a Everybody said amen. Let's give Jesus a Everybody said amen. Let's give Jesus a hand for his word. Amen. [applause]