How To Stay On Track | Andy Wood & Johnny Baker

It's Memorial Day weekend here in the It's Memorial Day weekend here in the United States of America and I do want United States of America and I do want United States of America and I do want to say on behalf of our church family to to say on behalf of our church family to to say on behalf of our church family to those of you who've had family members those of you who've had family members those of you who've had family members or someone you love serve in the armed or someone you love serve in the armed or someone you love serve in the armed forces uh perhaps that lost their life forces uh perhaps that lost their life forces uh perhaps that lost their life or were deeply impacted by a war or or were deeply impacted by a war or or were deeply impacted by a war or being engaged. We want to say thank you being engaged. We want to say thank you being engaged. We want to say thank you for your contribution and your for your contribution and your for your contribution and your sacrifice. The Bible says greater love sacrifice. The Bible says greater love sacrifice. The Bible says greater love has no one than this that they lay down has no one than this that they lay down has no one than this that they lay down their life for their friends. And this their life for their friends. And this their life for their friends. And this is an opportunity. We have a three-day is an opportunity. We have a three-day is an opportunity. We have a three-day weekend here in our country, but it's weekend here in our country, but it's weekend here in our country, but it's because many people have sacrificed and because many people have sacrificed and because many people have sacrificed and we don't want to forget what we're we don't want to forget what we're we don't want to forget what we're remembering. And so from my heart, from remembering. And so from my heart, from remembering. And so from my heart, from your church, we honor you together. Can your church, we honor you together. Can your church, we honor you together. Can we put our hands together and just show we put our hands together and just show we put our hands together and just show some love and honor some love and honor some love and honor [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] today? Today we are in the fifth week of today? Today we are in the fifth week of today? Today we are in the fifth week of a message series called the road to a message series called the road to a message series called the road to freedom. We've been talking about God's freedom. We've been talking about God's freedom. We've been talking about God's desire for all of us to live with desire for all of us to live with desire for all of us to live with greater levels of freedom. And today greater levels of freedom. And today greater levels of freedom. And today we're going to do something a little we're going to do something a little we're going to do something a little different. I'm going to bring the first different. I'm going to bring the first different. I'm going to bring the first part of the message today. Then Pastor part of the message today. Then Pastor part of the message today. Then Pastor Johnny Baker, who leads up Celebrate Johnny Baker, who leads up Celebrate Johnny Baker, who leads up Celebrate Recovery, is going to come and deliver Recovery, is going to come and deliver Recovery, is going to come and deliver the second part. And then together, the second part. And then together, the second part. And then together, we're going to just dialogue about his we're going to just dialogue about his we're going to just dialogue about his journey of leading in recovery with journey of leading in recovery with journey of leading in recovery with Celebrate Recovery for the last 20 plus Celebrate Recovery for the last 20 plus Celebrate Recovery for the last 20 plus years. And this was supposed to be the years. And this was supposed to be the years. And this was supposed to be the last weekend of this message series, but last weekend of this message series, but last weekend of this message series, but I really did feel like there was one I really did feel like there was one I really did feel like there was one more message that we were supposed to more message that we were supposed to more message that we were supposed to bring. So, next weekend, I want to bring. So, next weekend, I want to bring. So, next weekend, I want to encourage you to be back to bring encourage you to be back to bring encourage you to be back to bring somebody with you. Stacy and I are going somebody with you. Stacy and I are going somebody with you. Stacy and I are going to be t uh team teaching together and to be t uh team teaching together and to be t uh team teaching together and we're going to talk about marriage. And we're going to talk about marriage. And we're going to talk about marriage. And the subject we're going to deal with is

the subject we're going to deal with is the subject we're going to deal with is why do so many people feel stuck in why do so many people feel stuck in why do so many people feel stuck in their marriage? Have you ever heard that their marriage? Have you ever heard that their marriage? Have you ever heard that before? Somebody says, "I feel stuck in before? Somebody says, "I feel stuck in before? Somebody says, "I feel stuck in my marriage." Maybe you've never said my marriage." Maybe you've never said my marriage." Maybe you've never said it, but you know somebody who has. And it, but you know somebody who has. And it, but you know somebody who has. And how do you deal with that? Like when how do you deal with that? Like when how do you deal with that? Like when that feel your life feels like you're that feel your life feels like you're that feel your life feels like you're restricted or restrained. Well, God restricted or restrained. Well, God restricted or restrained. Well, God doesn't want it to be that way. God doesn't want it to be that way. God doesn't want it to be that way. God designed marriage as a gift. And we're designed marriage as a gift. And we're designed marriage as a gift. And we're going to talk about that. We're going to going to talk about that. We're going to going to talk about that. We're going to look at what the Bible teaches. Stacy look at what the Bible teaches. Stacy look at what the Bible teaches. Stacy and I are going to share some of our and I are going to share some of our and I are going to share some of our stories and our journey of of really stories and our journey of of really stories and our journey of of really living into God's design and living into God's design and living into God's design and experiencing greater levels of his experiencing greater levels of his experiencing greater levels of his freedom in marriage. So, I want to freedom in marriage. So, I want to freedom in marriage. So, I want to encourage you to be back for that. Now, encourage you to be back for that. Now, encourage you to be back for that. Now, I want to also begin today with a story. I want to also begin today with a story. I want to also begin today with a story. So, few weeks ago recently, I uh was So, few weeks ago recently, I uh was So, few weeks ago recently, I uh was getting ready. My oldest son is getting ready. My oldest son is getting ready. My oldest son is graduating from high school this year, graduating from high school this year, graduating from high school this year, and I have two boys, 18 and 16, senior and I have two boys, 18 and 16, senior and I have two boys, 18 and 16, senior and sophomore year. So, one of my and sophomore year. So, one of my and sophomore year. So, one of my buddies up in eastern Washington does buddies up in eastern Washington does buddies up in eastern Washington does this event called Mancard. So, Mancard this event called Mancard. So, Mancard this event called Mancard. So, Mancard is this right of passage event where is this right of passage event where is this right of passage event where young men go into the mountains into the young men go into the mountains into the young men go into the mountains into the wilderness for a day and a half. They're wilderness for a day and a half. They're wilderness for a day and a half. They're like dropped onto a mountain after doing like dropped onto a mountain after doing like dropped onto a mountain after doing a day of training and there all these a day of training and there all these a day of training and there all these challenges that they walk through. The challenges that they walk through. The challenges that they walk through. The dads stay back at base camp and drink dads stay back at base camp and drink dads stay back at base camp and drink coffee and they're up on the mountain coffee and they're up on the mountain coffee and they're up on the mountain and they're sleeping out there in the and they're sleeping out there in the and they're sleeping out there in the wilderness. It was awesome. So, I want wilderness. It was awesome. So, I want wilderness. It was awesome. So, I want to show you some pictures. This is my to show you some pictures. This is my to show you some pictures. This is my This is uh my boys and their gear. They This is uh my boys and their gear. They This is uh my boys and their gear. They look really tough. And uh you'll see a look really tough. And uh you'll see a look really tough. And uh you'll see a little bit here of like the skills little bit here of like the skills little bit here of like the skills training they go through. Learning how training they go through. Learning how training they go through. Learning how to build a fire in the wilderness, to build a fire in the wilderness, to build a fire in the wilderness, learning how to wayfind all these learning how to wayfind all these learning how to wayfind all these awesome skills. And so as they're sent awesome skills. And so as they're sent awesome skills. And so as they're sent out into the wilderness for these 30

out into the wilderness for these 30 out into the wilderness for these 30 hours to sleep on the mountain with hours to sleep on the mountain with hours to sleep on the mountain with bears and mountain lions, uh they are bears and mountain lions, uh they are bears and mountain lions, uh they are then on the next day after hiking 15 then on the next day after hiking 15 then on the next day after hiking 15 miles with 40 pounds on their back. They miles with 40 pounds on their back. They miles with 40 pounds on their back. They come back into camp. They're carrying come back into camp. They're carrying come back into camp. They're carrying this huge raft. Then they have this pole this huge raft. Then they have this pole this huge raft. Then they have this pole that they've carved out, a piece of that they've carved out, a piece of that they've carved out, a piece of wood, like they've carved it out of a wood, like they've carved it out of a wood, like they've carved it out of a tree. They're carrying it on their tree. They're carrying it on their tree. They're carrying it on their shoulders. And they come into base camp shoulders. And they come into base camp shoulders. And they come into base camp and they think that they're done. And and they think that they're done. And and they think that they're done. And the instructor stands in front of them the instructor stands in front of them the instructor stands in front of them and says, "Hey guys, I know you think and says, "Hey guys, I know you think and says, "Hey guys, I know you think you're done. I know you think this is you're done. I know you think this is you're done. I know you think this is the end, but it's not. There's more. You the end, but it's not. There's more. You the end, but it's not. There's more. You get to take that log that you've just get to take that log that you've just get to take that log that you've just carved up a hill one mile to plant the carved up a hill one mile to plant the carved up a hill one mile to plant the flag at the top of the hill. Blessings. flag at the top of the hill. Blessings. flag at the top of the hill. Blessings. So glad that you made it this far, but So glad that you made it this far, but So glad that you made it this far, but you're not finished." And it it was a you're not finished." And it it was a you're not finished." And it it was a beautiful actually a beautiful beautiful actually a beautiful beautiful actually a beautiful illustration of how life works. And the illustration of how life works. And the illustration of how life works. And the the illustration was to help these young the illustration was to help these young the illustration was to help these young men see that sometimes in life, you men see that sometimes in life, you men see that sometimes in life, you think you're done with something. You think you're done with something. You think you're done with something. You can show this picture here at the top. can show this picture here at the top. can show this picture here at the top. You think you're done with something, You think you're done with something, You think you're done with something, but you're not. There's more work to do. but you're not. There's more work to do. but you're not. There's more work to do. So, this is the picture of them all the So, this is the picture of them all the So, this is the picture of them all the way at the top. This is them pushing up way at the top. This is them pushing up way at the top. This is them pushing up the hill. And then you'll see one more the hill. And then you'll see one more the hill. And then you'll see one more them at the top planting the flag there.

them at the top planting the flag there. them at the top planting the flag there. So, it's to illustrate though that So, it's to illustrate though that So, it's to illustrate though that sometimes you think you're done, but sometimes you think you're done, but sometimes you think you're done, but you're not. There are often moments in you're not. There are often moments in you're not. There are often moments in life and maybe you've had this happen life and maybe you've had this happen life and maybe you've had this happen where you get set free. You you feel the where you get set free. You you feel the where you get set free. You you feel the freedom. Maybe you stopped some habit. freedom. Maybe you stopped some habit. freedom. Maybe you stopped some habit. Maybe God moved in your life. Something Maybe God moved in your life. Something Maybe God moved in your life. Something happened. You got baptized and there was happened. You got baptized and there was happened. You got baptized and there was this joy that you experienced. And then this joy that you experienced. And then this joy that you experienced. And then after that freedom, it almost felt like after that freedom, it almost felt like after that freedom, it almost felt like you were on an uphill battle or an you were on an uphill battle or an you were on an uphill battle or an uphill journey. And sometimes life feels uphill journey. And sometimes life feels uphill journey. And sometimes life feels like that that you're trying to make like that that you're trying to make like that that you're trying to make progress, you get one step forward, then progress, you get one step forward, then progress, you get one step forward, then it feels like you move backwards. And it feels like you move backwards. And it feels like you move backwards. And how do you deal with that? Well, there's how do you deal with that? Well, there's how do you deal with that? Well, there's an important principle at play, and I an important principle at play, and I an important principle at play, and I want to encourage you to pull your notes want to encourage you to pull your notes want to encourage you to pull your notes out to write this down. Total freedom is out to write this down. Total freedom is out to write this down. Total freedom is not just a moment in time. It's not just not just a moment in time. It's not just not just a moment in time. It's not just one moment where you get set free. Now, one moment where you get set free. Now, one moment where you get set free. Now, God can change you in a moment, but God can change you in a moment, but God can change you in a moment, but total freedom is more than that. Total total freedom is more than that. Total total freedom is more than that. Total freedom is a lifong journey. It's not freedom is a lifong journey. It's not freedom is a lifong journey. It's not just a moment. It's a lifelong journey. just a moment. It's a lifelong journey. just a moment. It's a lifelong journey. The more that we can understand that, The more that we can understand that, The more that we can understand that, the less discouraged we'll be when life the less discouraged we'll be when life the less discouraged we'll be when life is hard. So today we want to talk about is hard. So today we want to talk about is hard. So today we want to talk about how do you live into that lifelong how do you live into that lifelong how do you live into that lifelong journey, the journey that leads to journey, the journey that leads to journey, the journey that leads to lasting freedom. So we're going to look lasting freedom. So we're going to look lasting freedom. So we're going to look today at Romans chapter 7. And these few today at Romans chapter 7. And these few today at Romans chapter 7. And these few verses are very, very powerful. The verses are very, very powerful. The verses are very, very powerful. The Apostle Paul is writing and he describes Apostle Paul is writing and he describes Apostle Paul is writing and he describes his journey with us. He makes a his journey with us. He makes a his journey with us. He makes a statement in Romans 7. I want you to statement in Romans 7. I want you to statement in Romans 7. I want you to listen to his struggle of how he finds listen to his struggle of how he finds listen to his struggle of how he finds himself doing things that he doesn't himself doing things that he doesn't himself doing things that he doesn't want to do and having a hard time doing want to do and having a hard time doing want to do and having a hard time doing the things that he does want to do. So the things that he does want to do. So the things that he does want to do. So listen to

listen to listen to this. I do not understand what I do. For this. I do not understand what I do. For this. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what what I want to do, I do not do, but what what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate to do. And if I do what I do not I hate to do. And if I do what I do not I hate to do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree the law is good. As want to do, I agree the law is good. As want to do, I agree the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it is, it is no longer I myself who do it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it's sin living in me. For I it, but it's sin living in me. For I it, but it's sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in know that good itself does not dwell in know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is in my sinful nature. For I me, that is in my sinful nature. For I me, that is in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but have the desire to do what is good, but have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do I cannot carry it out. For I do not do I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do the good I want to do, but the evil I do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do. This I keep on doing. not want to do. This I keep on doing. not want to do. This I keep on doing. No, now if I do what I do not want to No, now if I do what I do not want to No, now if I do what I do not want to do, it's no longer I who do it, but it's do, it's no longer I who do it, but it's do, it's no longer I who do it, but it's sin living in me that does it. Now, sin living in me that does it. Now, sin living in me that does it. Now, there's a lot of do do in that passage. there's a lot of do do in that passage. there's a lot of do do in that passage. And Paul is describing how sometimes in And Paul is describing how sometimes in And Paul is describing how sometimes in life you you want to do something. You life you you want to do something. You life you you want to do something. You have an internal desire, but you find have an internal desire, but you find have an internal desire, but you find yourself not mustering up the strength yourself not mustering up the strength yourself not mustering up the strength to do it. or there's something that you to do it. or there's something that you to do it. or there's something that you don't want to do and you find yourself don't want to do and you find yourself don't want to do and you find yourself doing it again and again and again. And doing it again and again and again. And doing it again and again and again. And I I feel this oftentimes. My daughter, I I feel this oftentimes. My daughter, I I feel this oftentimes. My daughter, she makes these awesome oatmeal she makes these awesome oatmeal she makes these awesome oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. And yesterday chocolate chip cookies. And yesterday chocolate chip cookies. And yesterday she had made a huge batch of them. They she had made a huge batch of them. They she had made a huge batch of them. They were on the counter. I walked by. This were on the counter. I walked by. This were on the counter. I walked by. This is a picture of what they look like. And is a picture of what they look like. And is a picture of what they look like. And they're really good. They are very hard they're really good. They are very hard they're really good. They are very hard to resist. If the chocolate chip cookies to resist. If the chocolate chip cookies to resist. If the chocolate chip cookies are there, I'm probably going to eat are there, I'm probably going to eat are there, I'm probably going to eat them. And I find myself that there are them. And I find myself that there are them. And I find myself that there are moments, comical things like chocolate moments, comical things like chocolate moments, comical things like chocolate chip cookies, but there's often times chip cookies, but there's often times chip cookies, but there's often times for me on a personal level where I for me on a personal level where I for me on a personal level where I thought I was done with something. Like, thought I was done with something. Like, thought I was done with something. Like, how am I still so impatient with my

how am I still so impatient with my how am I still so impatient with my kids? How do I still struggle with kids? How do I still struggle with kids? How do I still struggle with control issues? Why is it that there are control issues? Why is it that there are control issues? Why is it that there are moments where I feel like I should have moments where I feel like I should have moments where I feel like I should have peace because of God's work in me, but I peace because of God's work in me, but I peace because of God's work in me, but I still struggle with anxiety? I remember still struggle with anxiety? I remember still struggle with anxiety? I remember when the kids were young, they're like when the kids were young, they're like when the kids were young, they're like one, three, and six years old. And I'm one, three, and six years old. And I'm one, three, and six years old. And I'm like, how is it that a little like, how is it that a little like, how is it that a little three-year-old kid can make me so angry three-year-old kid can make me so angry three-year-old kid can make me so angry that I yell at them? Like they should be that I yell at them? Like they should be that I yell at them? Like they should be the one with the anger, not me. And that the one with the anger, not me. And that the one with the anger, not me. And that tendency, anybody else ever feel like tendency, anybody else ever feel like tendency, anybody else ever feel like that? Like you you want to be done, but that? Like you you want to be done, but that? Like you you want to be done, but you find this internal struggle? Or you you find this internal struggle? Or you you find this internal struggle? Or you try to change. You try to wake up early try to change. You try to wake up early try to change. You try to wake up early and read your Bible, but you keep and read your Bible, but you keep and read your Bible, but you keep pressing snooze. Or you try to serve pressing snooze. Or you try to serve pressing snooze. Or you try to serve somebody, but you deal with your own somebody, but you deal with your own somebody, but you deal with your own selfishness. And there's this journey selfishness. And there's this journey selfishness. And there's this journey that we're going on as humans of living that we're going on as humans of living that we're going on as humans of living with greater levels of freedom, but with greater levels of freedom, but with greater levels of freedom, but there's a war at place on the inside. there's a war at place on the inside. there's a war at place on the inside. Now, I was doing some research this week Now, I was doing some research this week Now, I was doing some research this week and I found it fascinating as you look and I found it fascinating as you look and I found it fascinating as you look at people who change, people who quit at people who change, people who quit at people who change, people who quit smoking, people who lose weight, and smoking, people who lose weight, and smoking, people who lose weight, and people who stop drinking. Now, we could people who stop drinking. Now, we could people who stop drinking. Now, we could probably find this with many different probably find this with many different probably find this with many different things that people stop doing. Did you things that people stop doing. Did you things that people stop doing. Did you know that 85% of people who stop know that 85% of people who stop know that 85% of people who stop smoking, quit drinking, or lose weight smoking, quit drinking, or lose weight smoking, quit drinking, or lose weight within one year will go back to the same within one year will go back to the same within one year will go back to the same place that they started? Now, that's place that they started? Now, that's place that they started? Now, that's really encouraging, isn't it? Stacy said really encouraging, isn't it? Stacy said really encouraging, isn't it? Stacy said to me yesterday, she like, "Thank you to me yesterday, she like, "Thank you to me yesterday, she like, "Thank you for sharing that with me. That's really for sharing that with me. That's really for sharing that with me. That's really encouraging." Now after she shared that encouraging." Now after she shared that encouraging." Now after she shared that with me, I also shared with her there with me, I also shared with her there with me, I also shared with her there was more research that says if somebody was more research that says if somebody was more research that says if somebody goes on a journey and enters into a goes on a journey and enters into a goes on a journey and enters into a process like Celebrate Recovery, like process like Celebrate Recovery, like process like Celebrate Recovery, like Alcohol Anonymous, and for seven months

Alcohol Anonymous, and for seven months Alcohol Anonymous, and for seven months they commit and they go every single they commit and they go every single they commit and they go every single week, there is a 70% success rate that week, there is a 70% success rate that week, there is a 70% success rate that they don't relapse into the same thing they don't relapse into the same thing they don't relapse into the same thing that they came out of. Now, that should that they came out of. Now, that should that they came out of. Now, that should encourage us. There is a way forward to encourage us. There is a way forward to encourage us. There is a way forward to lasting freedom and so much of it is lasting freedom and so much of it is lasting freedom and so much of it is learning on an individual level and learning on an individual level and learning on an individual level and collectively as a community to cooperate collectively as a community to cooperate collectively as a community to cooperate with how God designed life to work and with how God designed life to work and with how God designed life to work and to learn to live according to his to learn to live according to his to learn to live according to his principles and his power. So Paul is principles and his power. So Paul is principles and his power. So Paul is describing this. Now listen to what he describing this. Now listen to what he describing this. Now listen to what he says. So I find this law at work in me. says. So I find this law at work in me. says. So I find this law at work in me. I want to do good. Evil's right there. I want to do good. Evil's right there. I want to do good. Evil's right there. For in my inner being I delight in God's For in my inner being I delight in God's For in my inner being I delight in God's law. But I see another law law at work law. But I see another law law at work law. But I see another law law at work in me, waging war against the law of my in me, waging war against the law of my in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner to the law mind and making me a prisoner to the law mind and making me a prisoner to the law of sin at work within me. What a of sin at work within me. What a of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am. Now, this is the wretched man I am. Now, this is the wretched man I am. Now, this is the Apostle Paul. This is the one that Apostle Paul. This is the one that Apostle Paul. This is the one that started churches, wrote over one-third started churches, wrote over one-third started churches, wrote over one-third of the New Testament. He was a very of the New Testament. He was a very of the New Testament. He was a very godly man. Yet, he still at many points godly man. Yet, he still at many points godly man. Yet, he still at many points in his life felt like a wretched man.

in his life felt like a wretched man. in his life felt like a wretched man. And he makes this statement or this And he makes this statement or this And he makes this statement or this final question. Listen to what he says. final question. Listen to what he says. final question. Listen to what he says. Who will rescue me from this body that Who will rescue me from this body that Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? What is the rescue is subject to death? What is the rescue is subject to death? What is the rescue plan for this battle on the inside? plan for this battle on the inside? plan for this battle on the inside? That's what we're trying to address That's what we're trying to address That's what we're trying to address today. And the first truth is this. To today. And the first truth is this. To today. And the first truth is this. To stay on track to keep living with stay on track to keep living with stay on track to keep living with freedom, the first thing I must do is I freedom, the first thing I must do is I freedom, the first thing I must do is I must learn to rely on God's power, not must learn to rely on God's power, not must learn to rely on God's power, not willpower. Rely on God's power, not willpower. Rely on God's power, not willpower. Rely on God's power, not willpower. Will you please help me willpower. Will you please help me willpower. Will you please help me welcome Johnny Baker to the stage to welcome Johnny Baker to the stage to welcome Johnny Baker to the stage to talk through this one. Love you, brother. Love you. Love you, brother. Love you. Well, hey everybody. Good to be with you Well, hey everybody. Good to be with you Well, hey everybody. Good to be with you this week. Uh, I'm really excited to be this week. Uh, I'm really excited to be this week. Uh, I'm really excited to be with you, but um I'm like 90% sure that with you, but um I'm like 90% sure that with you, but um I'm like 90% sure that the only reason Pastor Andy asked me to the only reason Pastor Andy asked me to the only reason Pastor Andy asked me to speak was so that you'd stop writing speak was so that you'd stop writing speak was so that you'd stop writing negative comment cards about his tattoo. negative comment cards about his tattoo. negative comment cards about his tattoo. um and start writing them about mine. Um um and start writing them about mine. Um um and start writing them about mine. Um that's totally fine right away. I will that's totally fine right away. I will that's totally fine right away. I will never read them. Um but just really glad never read them. Um but just really glad never read them. Um but just really glad to be with you and and let's jump right to be with you and and let's jump right to be with you and and let's jump right in. We need to rely on God's power, not in. We need to rely on God's power, not in. We need to rely on God's power, not our willpower. If we want total lasting our willpower. If we want total lasting our willpower. If we want total lasting freedom, we need to rely on God's power.

freedom, we need to rely on God's power. freedom, we need to rely on God's power. Because here's the thing, you and I do Because here's the thing, you and I do Because here's the thing, you and I do have some power to help us overcome our have some power to help us overcome our have some power to help us overcome our issues, but it's limited. It's finite. issues, but it's limited. It's finite. issues, but it's limited. It's finite. God has unlimited power, infinite power. God has unlimited power, infinite power. God has unlimited power, infinite power. The power that spoke the world into The power that spoke the world into The power that spoke the world into existence. The power that rose Jesus existence. The power that rose Jesus existence. The power that rose Jesus from the grave is available for you and from the grave is available for you and from the grave is available for you and I to help us overcome our issues. But so I to help us overcome our issues. But so I to help us overcome our issues. But so often we get exposed to this idea that often we get exposed to this idea that often we get exposed to this idea that there's something that needs to change there's something that needs to change there's something that needs to change and instead of going to God, we just and instead of going to God, we just and instead of going to God, we just think, right, I need to buckle down. I think, right, I need to buckle down. I think, right, I need to buckle down. I need to work harder. I need to earn it. need to work harder. I need to earn it. need to work harder. I need to earn it. And so we do things like we walk around And so we do things like we walk around And so we do things like we walk around and we go, "Okay, I'm just going to stop and we go, "Okay, I'm just going to stop and we go, "Okay, I'm just going to stop that bad behavior. I'm just going to that bad behavior. I'm just going to that bad behavior. I'm just going to stop it. I just if I work hard enough, I stop it. I just if I work hard enough, I stop it. I just if I work hard enough, I can stop it. That thing I've believed can stop it. That thing I've believed can stop it. That thing I've believed about myself entire life, I'm going to about myself entire life, I'm going to about myself entire life, I'm going to stop believing." Or that pain that I've stop believing." Or that pain that I've stop believing." Or that pain that I've carried that's been so deep in my heart, carried that's been so deep in my heart, carried that's been so deep in my heart, I'm just going to get over it. And then I'm just going to get over it. And then I'm just going to get over it. And then we under we can't understand why we we under we can't understand why we we under we can't understand why we can't move forward. Let me ask you this. can't move forward. Let me ask you this. can't move forward. Let me ask you this. Does this look like freedom? Because Does this look like freedom? Because Does this look like freedom? Because that's how we end up walking around that's how we end up walking around that's how we end up walking around trying so hard. Instead, what we need to trying so hard. Instead, what we need to trying so hard. Instead, what we need to do is trust God that his power is do is trust God that his power is do is trust God that his power is available for us and he can transform available for us and he can transform available for us and he can transform us. As Pastor Andy was reading in Romans us. As Pastor Andy was reading in Romans us. As Pastor Andy was reading in Romans 7, he goes on to say, "What a wretched 7, he goes on to say, "What a wretched 7, he goes on to say, "What a wretched man I am. Who will rescue me from this man I am. Who will rescue me from this man I am. Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?" And then body that is subject to death?" And then body that is subject to death?" And then he says this, "Thanks be to God who he says this, "Thanks be to God who he says this, "Thanks be to God who delivers me through Jesus Christ our delivers me through Jesus Christ our delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord." So then, I myself in my mind am a Lord." So then, I myself in my mind am a Lord." So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful slave to God's law, but in my sinful slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature, a slave to the law of sin. See,

nature, a slave to the law of sin. See, nature, a slave to the law of sin. See, we need rescuing, but we can't rescue we need rescuing, but we can't rescue we need rescuing, but we can't rescue ourselves. It's God who rescues us. Now, ourselves. It's God who rescues us. Now, ourselves. It's God who rescues us. Now, there's this concept in recovery of of there's this concept in recovery of of there's this concept in recovery of of trying hard on your own way that we call trying hard on your own way that we call trying hard on your own way that we call white knuckling, right? It's where we're white knuckling, right? It's where we're white knuckling, right? It's where we're squeezing so hard. We're trying so hard squeezing so hard. We're trying so hard squeezing so hard. We're trying so hard to change on our own that that it's like to change on our own that that it's like to change on our own that that it's like when you're driving a car and you're when you're driving a car and you're when you're driving a car and you're gripping the steering wheel really gripping the steering wheel really gripping the steering wheel really tightly. And maybe picture you're on tightly. And maybe picture you're on tightly. And maybe picture you're on like a windy road or it's raining like a windy road or it's raining like a windy road or it's raining outside or you're just trying to get out outside or you're just trying to get out outside or you're just trying to get out of the parking lot after service and of the parking lot after service and of the parking lot after service and you're so stressed by it that your your you're so stressed by it that your your you're so stressed by it that your your knuckles are getting white and and it's knuckles are getting white and and it's knuckles are getting white and and it's I'm trying so hard to change on my own. I'm trying so hard to change on my own. I'm trying so hard to change on my own. And if I'm honest, when I first sought And if I'm honest, when I first sought And if I'm honest, when I first sought recovery and sobriety, that's what I recovery and sobriety, that's what I recovery and sobriety, that's what I did. For my first 30 days of sobriety, I did. For my first 30 days of sobriety, I did. For my first 30 days of sobriety, I walked around saying, "Don't drink. walked around saying, "Don't drink. walked around saying, "Don't drink. Don't drink. Don't drink." I just lost Don't drink. Don't drink." I just lost Don't drink. Don't drink." I just lost some of you, didn't I? You're like, some of you, didn't I? You're like, some of you, didn't I? You're like, "What did he just say?" Now, I began "What did he just say?" Now, I began "What did he just say?" Now, I began attending Celebrate Recovery because of attending Celebrate Recovery because of attending Celebrate Recovery because of an addiction to alcohol. Now, there's a an addiction to alcohol. Now, there's a an addiction to alcohol. Now, there's a couple things about that. One, some of couple things about that. One, some of couple things about that. One, some of you were like, "Great. That's what I you were like, "Great. That's what I you were like, "Great. That's what I thought. Celebrate Recovery is just for thought. Celebrate Recovery is just for thought. Celebrate Recovery is just for drug addicts and alcoholics. I don't drug addicts and alcoholics. I don't drug addicts and alcoholics. I don't have to listen anymore. It's not for have to listen anymore. It's not for have to listen anymore. It's not for me." Uh the truth is celebrate recovery me." Uh the truth is celebrate recovery me." Uh the truth is celebrate recovery is for everybody. You all qualify for is for everybody. You all qualify for is for everybody. You all qualify for celebrate recovery. And I'll prove it to celebrate recovery. And I'll prove it to celebrate recovery. And I'll prove it to you. The Bible says that all have sinned you. The Bible says that all have sinned you. The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. That and fall short of the glory of God. That and fall short of the glory of God. That means that my sin has hurt me. It's hurt means that my sin has hurt me. It's hurt means that my sin has hurt me. It's hurt other people. And other people's sin has other people. And other people's sin has other people. And other people's sin has hurt them and other people. We talk hurt them and other people. We talk hurt them and other people. We talk about that Celebrate Recovery is for about that Celebrate Recovery is for about that Celebrate Recovery is for anybody with a hurt, hangup, or habit.

anybody with a hurt, hangup, or habit. anybody with a hurt, hangup, or habit. You have relationships. You've all been You have relationships. You've all been You have relationships. You've all been hurt. We'll see you at Celebrate hurt. We'll see you at Celebrate hurt. We'll see you at Celebrate Recovery. Um, and two, the thing that Recovery. Um, and two, the thing that Recovery. Um, and two, the thing that brought me to recovery was my struggle brought me to recovery was my struggle brought me to recovery was my struggle with alcohol, but the thing that's kept with alcohol, but the thing that's kept with alcohol, but the thing that's kept me in recovery all these years are so me in recovery all these years are so me in recovery all these years are so many different things that God has many different things that God has many different things that God has revealed to me. So, while I found over revealed to me. So, while I found over revealed to me. So, while I found over 20 years of freedom from alcohol, I'm 20 years of freedom from alcohol, I'm 20 years of freedom from alcohol, I'm also finding freedom from people also finding freedom from people also finding freedom from people pleasing. I'm finding freedom from pleasing. I'm finding freedom from pleasing. I'm finding freedom from codependency with my therapist help. I'm codependency with my therapist help. I'm codependency with my therapist help. I'm finding freedom from anxiety and finding freedom from anxiety and finding freedom from anxiety and depression. depression. depression. But when I first started, I was trying But when I first started, I was trying But when I first started, I was trying so hard on my own. It wasn't until I so hard on my own. It wasn't until I so hard on my own. It wasn't until I began attending recovery and trusting began attending recovery and trusting began attending recovery and trusting God and his power that I was able to let God and his power that I was able to let God and his power that I was able to let go, do my part, but allow God to do his go, do my part, but allow God to do his go, do my part, but allow God to do his part, and all the sudden freedom was part, and all the sudden freedom was part, and all the sudden freedom was possible. I think of it a lot like a possible. I think of it a lot like a possible. I think of it a lot like a cell phone. We all, most of us carry cell phone. We all, most of us carry cell phone. We all, most of us carry around cell phones in our pockets all around cell phones in our pockets all around cell phones in our pockets all day. And a cell phone has a battery, day. And a cell phone has a battery, day. And a cell phone has a battery, right? A cell phone has some power, but right? A cell phone has some power, but right? A cell phone has some power, but eventually that cell phone needs to be eventually that cell phone needs to be eventually that cell phone needs to be plugged in to a power source greater plugged in to a power source greater plugged in to a power source greater than itself or it dies and it's no than itself or it dies and it's no than itself or it dies and it's no longer useful for you and I. We need to longer useful for you and I. We need to longer useful for you and I. We need to plug into God's power or we're going to plug into God's power or we're going to plug into God's power or we're going to burn out. And we plug into God's power burn out. And we plug into God's power burn out. And we plug into God's power through prayer, through Bible reading, through prayer, through Bible reading, through prayer, through Bible reading, through worship, through coming to through worship, through coming to through worship, through coming to services like this, through being in a services like this, through being in a services like this, through being in a small group. And we're find that when we small group. And we're find that when we small group. And we're find that when we do that, we have an influx of power. I do that, we have an influx of power. I do that, we have an influx of power. I would say if you're someone who feels

would say if you're someone who feels would say if you're someone who feels burned out or exhausted, it may be that burned out or exhausted, it may be that burned out or exhausted, it may be that you're trying to overcome your issues or you're trying to overcome your issues or you're trying to overcome your issues or live life on your willpower and not live life on your willpower and not live life on your willpower and not trusting God for his power. And look at trusting God for his power. And look at trusting God for his power. And look at what happens when we do trust him for what happens when we do trust him for what happens when we do trust him for his power. In Romans 8:es 1-2, it says, his power. In Romans 8:es 1-2, it says, his power. In Romans 8:es 1-2, it says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation "Therefore, there is now no condemnation "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. for those who are in Christ Jesus. for those who are in Christ Jesus. Because through Christ Jesus, the law of Because through Christ Jesus, the law of Because through Christ Jesus, the law of the spirit who gives life has set you the spirit who gives life has set you the spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." free from the law of sin and death." free from the law of sin and death." That is real freedom. So to find total That is real freedom. So to find total That is real freedom. So to find total freedom, we need to rely on God's power, freedom, we need to rely on God's power, freedom, we need to rely on God's power, not our willpower. And then the second not our willpower. And then the second not our willpower. And then the second thing we need to do is we need to commit thing we need to do is we need to commit thing we need to do is we need to commit to walking in community not to walking in community not to walking in community not alone. Over the last few weeks as Pastor alone. Over the last few weeks as Pastor alone. Over the last few weeks as Pastor Andy and Stacy have been taking us Andy and Stacy have been taking us Andy and Stacy have been taking us through this series, I would guess that through this series, I would guess that through this series, I would guess that there's been something that's been there's been something that's been there's been something that's been brought to your mind, an area that's brought to your mind, an area that's brought to your mind, an area that's keeping you stuck, an area that you keeping you stuck, an area that you keeping you stuck, an area that you would love to find freedom over. And at would love to find freedom over. And at would love to find freedom over. And at the same time, and as soon as you've the same time, and as soon as you've the same time, and as soon as you've thought about that thing, another thought about that thing, another thought about that thing, another thought may have come to the surface, thought may have come to the surface, thought may have come to the surface, which is, I can never tell anybody about which is, I can never tell anybody about which is, I can never tell anybody about this. I just need to keep it to myself.

this. I just need to keep it to myself. this. I just need to keep it to myself. So what happens is we go, I need to work So what happens is we go, I need to work So what happens is we go, I need to work harder and I need to do it harder and I need to do it harder and I need to do it alone because if I tell anybody, they'll alone because if I tell anybody, they'll alone because if I tell anybody, they'll laugh at me or they'll judge me or laugh at me or they'll judge me or laugh at me or they'll judge me or they'll kick me out of the church or or they'll kick me out of the church or or they'll kick me out of the church or or maybe it's a thought that no one has maybe it's a thought that no one has maybe it's a thought that no one has ever done as bad things as I've done. ever done as bad things as I've done. ever done as bad things as I've done. Nobody's experience the things I've Nobody's experience the things I've Nobody's experience the things I've experienced. I'm all alone and I have to experienced. I'm all alone and I have to experienced. I'm all alone and I have to stay that way. Can I tell you that is a stay that way. Can I tell you that is a stay that way. Can I tell you that is a lie from your lie from your lie from your enemy. He wants to keep you isolated. He enemy. He wants to keep you isolated. He enemy. He wants to keep you isolated. He wants to keep you wants to keep you wants to keep you alone because when we're alone, we're alone because when we're alone, we're alone because when we're alone, we're easy pickings. When we're isolated, easy pickings. When we're isolated, easy pickings. When we're isolated, we're easier for him to pick off. He we're easier for him to pick off. He we're easier for him to pick off. He doesn't want you to find freedom. He doesn't want you to find freedom. He doesn't want you to find freedom. He doesn't want you to walk in joy and and doesn't want you to walk in joy and and doesn't want you to walk in joy and and experience all that God has for us. He experience all that God has for us. He experience all that God has for us. He wants to keep you stuck and feeling like wants to keep you stuck and feeling like wants to keep you stuck and feeling like no one will understand you. The truth no one will understand you. The truth no one will understand you. The truth is, you have a community of people who is, you have a community of people who is, you have a community of people who want to walk through this with you. And want to walk through this with you. And want to walk through this with you. And you need it. And I need it. I love you need it. And I need it. I love you need it. And I need it. I love nature documentaries. It's a little nature documentaries. It's a little nature documentaries. It's a little weird, but I love nature documentaries weird, but I love nature documentaries weird, but I love nature documentaries and I love the ones about lions. And I and I love the ones about lions. And I and I love the ones about lions. And I don't know what that says about me. If don't know what that says about me. If don't know what that says about me. If you're a therapist, don't tell me. And I you're a therapist, don't tell me. And I you're a therapist, don't tell me. And I I love I love these documentaries. And I love I love these documentaries. And I love I love these documentaries. And there's always a moment where the lions there's always a moment where the lions there's always a moment where the lions are hunting gazelle, right? And the are hunting gazelle, right? And the are hunting gazelle, right? And the British narrator, I don't know why he's British narrator, I don't know why he's British narrator, I don't know why he's always British, but he's always British, always British, but he's always British, always British, but he's always British, will will tell us that it's that they've will will tell us that it's that they've will will tell us that it's that they've separated a gazelle from the rest of the separated a gazelle from the rest of the separated a gazelle from the rest of the herd. And as soon as you hear those herd. And as soon as you hear those herd. And as soon as you hear those words, you know it's just a moment until

words, you know it's just a moment until words, you know it's just a moment until lions have lunch. Because the the lion lions have lunch. Because the the lion lions have lunch. Because the the lion has tried to separate only one gazelle has tried to separate only one gazelle has tried to separate only one gazelle because the safety for the gazelle, the because the safety for the gazelle, the because the safety for the gazelle, the individual gazelle, is in the security individual gazelle, is in the security individual gazelle, is in the security of the herd. Well, the Bible tells us of the herd. Well, the Bible tells us of the herd. Well, the Bible tells us that we have an enemy who prowls around that we have an enemy who prowls around that we have an enemy who prowls around like a lion looking for someone to like a lion looking for someone to like a lion looking for someone to devour. and he wants to isolate us as devour. and he wants to isolate us as devour. and he wants to isolate us as well because the safety for us as well because the safety for us as well because the safety for us as individuals is in the security of individuals is in the security of individuals is in the security of community. And so we need to stay community. And so we need to stay community. And so we need to stay together. We need to bring other people together. We need to bring other people together. We need to bring other people into our worlds and invite them into our into our worlds and invite them into our into our worlds and invite them into our struggle. One of our theme verses in struggle. One of our theme verses in struggle. One of our theme verses in Celebrate Recovery is James 5:16. It Celebrate Recovery is James 5:16. It Celebrate Recovery is James 5:16. It says, "Therefore, confess your sins to says, "Therefore, confess your sins to says, "Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so each other and pray for each other so each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." If we want to that you may be healed." If we want to that you may be healed." If we want to find forgiveness, the only way we do find forgiveness, the only way we do find forgiveness, the only way we do that is we go to God and we confess our that is we go to God and we confess our that is we go to God and we confess our sins. But God tells us that when we want sins. But God tells us that when we want sins. But God tells us that when we want to find healing, we include him and to find healing, we include him and to find healing, we include him and other people. So, this might look like other people. So, this might look like other people. So, this might look like going to celebrate recovery and and going to celebrate recovery and and going to celebrate recovery and and showing up there. It might look like showing up there. It might look like showing up there. It might look like checking out a support group. It might checking out a support group. It might checking out a support group. It might be telling your counselor or your small be telling your counselor or your small be telling your counselor or your small group. It might even be inviting a group. It might even be inviting a group. It might even be inviting a friend to coffee and just saying, "Can friend to coffee and just saying, "Can friend to coffee and just saying, "Can we be real? Can we talk?" Over and over we be real? Can we talk?" Over and over we be real? Can we talk?" Over and over in scripture, it tells us that we need in scripture, it tells us that we need in scripture, it tells us that we need other people. In Ecclesiastes 4 9-12, it other people. In Ecclesiastes 4 9-12, it other people. In Ecclesiastes 4 9-12, it says this, "Two are better than one

says this, "Two are better than one says this, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for because they have a good return for because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls their labor. If either of them falls their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But down, one can help the other up. But down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to pity anyone who falls and has no one to pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down help them up. Also, if two lie down help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how together, they will keep warm. But how together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? And though one can one keep warm alone? And though one can one keep warm alone? And though one may be overpowered, two can defend may be overpowered, two can defend may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. And a cord of three strands themselves. And a cord of three strands themselves. And a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Do you see what is not quickly broken. Do you see what is not quickly broken. Do you see what the word is telling us? We need other the word is telling us? We need other the word is telling us? We need other people to support us and listen to us. people to support us and listen to us. people to support us and listen to us. Not to judge us, not to fix us, not to Not to judge us, not to fix us, not to Not to judge us, not to fix us, not to tell us what to do, but just to enter tell us what to do, but just to enter tell us what to do, but just to enter into it with us. And listen, I would into it with us. And listen, I would into it with us. And listen, I would love for you to come to celebrate love for you to come to celebrate love for you to come to celebrate recovery, but I know for some of you recovery, but I know for some of you recovery, but I know for some of you that's just never going to happen. And that's just never going to happen. And that's just never going to happen. And so what I would encourage you to do is so what I would encourage you to do is so what I would encourage you to do is to find a trusted friend. Invite them to find a trusted friend. Invite them to find a trusted friend. Invite them out for a cup of coffee and ask them out for a cup of coffee and ask them out for a cup of coffee and ask them just face to face if you can talk about just face to face if you can talk about just face to face if you can talk about some of the struggles you're going some of the struggles you're going some of the struggles you're going through. And if you're that friend, if through. And if you're that friend, if through. And if you're that friend, if you get that invitation and the person you get that invitation and the person you get that invitation and the person that you're sitting with says these that you're sitting with says these that you're sitting with says these words, "I've never told anyone this words, "I've never told anyone this words, "I've never told anyone this before," lean in because whatever before," lean in because whatever before," lean in because whatever follows that phrase is about to set that follows that phrase is about to set that follows that phrase is about to set that person free and be honored that they person free and be honored that they person free and be honored that they brought you into that place. And so, brought you into that place. And so, brought you into that place. And so, fight against the temptation to do it fight against the temptation to do it fight against the temptation to do it all on your own.

all on your own. all on your own. Fight against the temptation to do it on Fight against the temptation to do it on Fight against the temptation to do it on your power and understand that God has your power and understand that God has your power and understand that God has designed us to be in relationship. We designed us to be in relationship. We designed us to be in relationship. We have said for years around this place have said for years around this place have said for years around this place that were better together. So we rely on that were better together. So we rely on that were better together. So we rely on God's power, not our own willpower. We God's power, not our own willpower. We God's power, not our own willpower. We walk in community, not alone. And the walk in community, not alone. And the walk in community, not alone. And the next thing that we need to do is to next thing that we need to do is to next thing that we need to do is to pursue total freedom, not just good pursue total freedom, not just good pursue total freedom, not just good enough. And Pastor Andy is going to come enough. And Pastor Andy is going to come enough. And Pastor Andy is going to come back out. We're going to have a back out. We're going to have a back out. We're going to have a conversation about some of these conversation about some of these conversation about some of these things. Thanks, Johnny. Thank you. Thank you for Thanks, Johnny. Thank you. Thank you for your wisdom. And it's been fun just all your wisdom. And it's been fun just all your wisdom. And it's been fun just all weekend long getting to hear you walk weekend long getting to hear you walk weekend long getting to hear you walk through and even process together. So, through and even process together. So, through and even process together. So, what I want to do now is just pull out what I want to do now is just pull out what I want to do now is just pull out of you as we kind of talk through this of you as we kind of talk through this of you as we kind of talk through this third point. You've been you've been in third point. You've been you've been in third point. You've been you've been in recovery ministry now for 20 plus years. recovery ministry now for 20 plus years. recovery ministry now for 20 plus years. Is that right? That's right. Yeah. It's Is that right? That's right. Yeah. It's Is that right? That's right. Yeah. It's awesome. Thanks. awesome. Thanks. awesome. Thanks. And as you as you reflect on everything And as you as you reflect on everything And as you as you reflect on everything that we talked about today and just the that we talked about today and just the that we talked about today and just the journey of recovery that so many people journey of recovery that so many people journey of recovery that so many people have walked through, I'd love for you to have walked through, I'd love for you to have walked through, I'd love for you to walk us through kind of that first point walk us through kind of that first point walk us through kind of that first point when you said rely on God's power, not when you said rely on God's power, not when you said rely on God's power, not willpower. There's also a piece of that, willpower. There's also a piece of that, willpower. There's also a piece of that, right? that and even this morning I was right? that and even this morning I was right? that and even this morning I was like kind of thinking back through this like kind of thinking back through this like kind of thinking back through this message and the idea that so often message and the idea that so often message and the idea that so often people can say well it's all up to God people can say well it's all up to God people can say well it's all up to God but not involve themselves. So talk a but not involve themselves. So talk a but not involve themselves. So talk a little bit about that. What does that little bit about that. What does that little bit about that. What does that mean in terms of our engagement if we're

mean in terms of our engagement if we're mean in terms of our engagement if we're relying on God's power not just relying on God's power not just relying on God's power not just willpower? Yeah I think what we need to willpower? Yeah I think what we need to willpower? Yeah I think what we need to understand is when it comes to finding understand is when it comes to finding understand is when it comes to finding freedom there's our part and there's freedom there's our part and there's freedom there's our part and there's God's part. And Stacy talked about this God's part. And Stacy talked about this God's part. And Stacy talked about this a couple weeks ago that we need to move a couple weeks ago that we need to move a couple weeks ago that we need to move toward the miracle. Right? So when Jesus toward the miracle. Right? So when Jesus toward the miracle. Right? So when Jesus says to the man at the pool, "Do you says to the man at the pool, "Do you says to the man at the pool, "Do you want to get well?" He had to be involved want to get well?" He had to be involved want to get well?" He had to be involved in that. He had to say yes and then pick in that. He had to say yes and then pick in that. He had to say yes and then pick up his mat and do those things. And so up his mat and do those things. And so up his mat and do those things. And so for all of us when it comes to freedom, for all of us when it comes to freedom, for all of us when it comes to freedom, we have our part and God's part. I think we have our part and God's part. I think we have our part and God's part. I think what often ends up happening is that we what often ends up happening is that we what often ends up happening is that we get those things backwards. Yeah. And we get those things backwards. Yeah. And we get those things backwards. Yeah. And we think, "Right, I'll do the things that think, "Right, I'll do the things that think, "Right, I'll do the things that only God can do and then I'll expect God only God can do and then I'll expect God only God can do and then I'll expect God to do the things that I'm supposed to to do the things that I'm supposed to to do the things that I'm supposed to do." And so, for example, one of the do." And so, for example, one of the do." And so, for example, one of the things that we do in recovery is that we things that we do in recovery is that we things that we do in recovery is that we make amends to people that we've hurt. make amends to people that we've hurt. make amends to people that we've hurt. And while I need to make amends for the And while I need to make amends for the And while I need to make amends for the harm I've caused, I can't control the harm I've caused, I can't control the harm I've caused, I can't control the heart of the person that I'm apologizing heart of the person that I'm apologizing heart of the person that I'm apologizing to. Yeah. But what I'll do is I'll to. Yeah. But what I'll do is I'll to. Yeah. But what I'll do is I'll think, okay, if I do it right, this think, okay, if I do it right, this think, okay, if I do it right, this person's heart will change instead of person's heart will change instead of person's heart will change instead of thinking, no, what I'm supposed to do is thinking, no, what I'm supposed to do is thinking, no, what I'm supposed to do is just sit down and say, I'm sorry. And just sit down and say, I'm sorry. And just sit down and say, I'm sorry. And so, I think we end up getting those so, I think we end up getting those so, I think we end up getting those things mixed up sometimes. And so what things mixed up sometimes. And so what things mixed up sometimes. And so what I'm saying is we do our part and then we I'm saying is we do our part and then we I'm saying is we do our part and then we trust that God's going to do the parts trust that God's going to do the parts trust that God's going to do the parts that we can't control. It's brilliant.

that we can't control. It's brilliant. that we can't control. It's brilliant. That could be a whole sermon right That could be a whole sermon right That could be a whole sermon right there. That that piece Philippians 4:6 there. That that piece Philippians 4:6 there. That that piece Philippians 4:6 says, "Don't be anxious about anything, says, "Don't be anxious about anything, says, "Don't be anxious about anything, but everything in prayer and petition but everything in prayer and petition but everything in prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests with thanksgiving, present your requests with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God which to God, and the peace of God which to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard transcends all understanding will guard transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ your heart and your mind in Christ your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus." But that's hard to do on a Jesus." But that's hard to do on a Jesus." But that's hard to do on a day-to-day basis. Yeah. And I love what day-to-day basis. Yeah. And I love what day-to-day basis. Yeah. And I love what you're saying about God. God God has a you're saying about God. God God has a you're saying about God. God God has a bucket. We have a bucket. And on a bucket. We have a bucket. And on a bucket. We have a bucket. And on a personal level, I can find myself personal level, I can find myself personal level, I can find myself obsessing over what's God's. And I'm obsessing over what's God's. And I'm obsessing over what's God's. And I'm sure there's there's words for that. sure there's there's words for that. sure there's there's words for that. Obsessive compulsive tendencies. I'm not Obsessive compulsive tendencies. I'm not Obsessive compulsive tendencies. I'm not here to judge you or to fix it. Thank here to judge you or to fix it. Thank here to judge you or to fix it. Thank you. And then there's there's the part you. And then there's there's the part you. And then there's there's the part that is like mine and I can find myself that is like mine and I can find myself that is like mine and I can find myself abdicating and wanting God or somebody abdicating and wanting God or somebody abdicating and wanting God or somebody else to take care of that. So that's else to take care of that. So that's else to take care of that. So that's it's good even just sorting out like it's good even just sorting out like it's good even just sorting out like what is my part? What is God's? Now, what is my part? What is God's? Now, what is my part? What is God's? Now, let's talk a little bit more about the let's talk a little bit more about the let's talk a little bit more about the reliance upon God's power. What What do reliance upon God's power. What What do reliance upon God's power. What What do you think that looks like just on an you think that looks like just on an you think that looks like just on an ongoing basis? Yeah. I think it's a it's ongoing basis? Yeah. I think it's a it's ongoing basis? Yeah. I think it's a it's a continual checking in with God and a continual checking in with God and a continual checking in with God and saying, "I can only do this if you're in saying, "I can only do this if you're in saying, "I can only do this if you're in it." Yeah. You know, and I think we I I it." Yeah. You know, and I think we I I it." Yeah. You know, and I think we I I can be so wake up, get moving, do the can be so wake up, get moving, do the can be so wake up, get moving, do the things that I need to do for the day, things that I need to do for the day, things that I need to do for the day, and then later on, maybe even sometimes and then later on, maybe even sometimes and then later on, maybe even sometimes when I lay my head down, go, "Hey, how when I lay my head down, go, "Hey, how when I lay my head down, go, "Hey, how was that, God?" Right? And I think was that, God?" Right? And I think was that, God?" Right? And I think instead to start that day with, "Hey instead to start that day with, "Hey instead to start that day with, "Hey God, what is it you have for me? Can you God, what is it you have for me? Can you God, what is it you have for me? Can you will you meet me in these places where I will you meet me in these places where I will you meet me in these places where I feel weak?" Because we have such a feel weak?" Because we have such a feel weak?" Because we have such a loving God who wants to be in that loving God who wants to be in that loving God who wants to be in that place. And so often, if I'm honest, I place. And so often, if I'm honest, I place. And so often, if I'm honest, I have taken God out of his rightful place

have taken God out of his rightful place have taken God out of his rightful place and I've kind of set myself on the and I've kind of set myself on the and I've kind of set myself on the throne. Yeah. You know, I've got it. throne. Yeah. You know, I've got it. throne. Yeah. You know, I've got it. I'll take care of everything. And what I I'll take care of everything. And what I I'll take care of everything. And what I love about the verse from Philippians love about the verse from Philippians love about the verse from Philippians you just quoted is that that's the you just quoted is that that's the you just quoted is that that's the antidote to worry. Yeah. Right. So, if antidote to worry. Yeah. Right. So, if antidote to worry. Yeah. Right. So, if you're someone like me who struggles you're someone like me who struggles you're someone like me who struggles with anxiety, praying and asking God to with anxiety, praying and asking God to with anxiety, praying and asking God to show up in that place and then trusting show up in that place and then trusting show up in that place and then trusting that he will is such a relief. And I that he will is such a relief. And I that he will is such a relief. And I think, you know, we have a prayer in think, you know, we have a prayer in think, you know, we have a prayer in Celebrate Recovery that it's called the Celebrate Recovery that it's called the Celebrate Recovery that it's called the serenity prayer. We pray it all the serenity prayer. We pray it all the serenity prayer. We pray it all the time. And the first part of it says, time. And the first part of it says, time. And the first part of it says, "God, grant me the serenity to accept "God, grant me the serenity to accept "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage the things I cannot change, the courage the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the to change the things I can, and the to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." And so wisdom to know the difference." And so wisdom to know the difference." And so when we're in those moments and and when we're in those moments and and when we're in those moments and and really checking in, like you said, and really checking in, like you said, and really checking in, like you said, and going, "Is this something I can change? going, "Is this something I can change? going, "Is this something I can change? Is this something I can do?" No. Then I Is this something I can do?" No. Then I Is this something I can do?" No. Then I got to give that to God. Yeah. Is this got to give that to God. Yeah. Is this got to give that to God. Yeah. Is this something I can change? Yeah. Is it something I can change? Yeah. Is it something I can change? Yeah. Is it going to be hard? Yeah. Okay. But I need going to be hard? Yeah. Okay. But I need going to be hard? Yeah. Okay. But I need to enter into it anyway. And I think to enter into it anyway. And I think to enter into it anyway. And I think that living in that place and reminding that living in that place and reminding that living in that place and reminding yourself daily again with Bible reading yourself daily again with Bible reading yourself daily again with Bible reading and prayer and all of those things that and prayer and all of those things that and prayer and all of those things that it's God who has the power really gives it's God who has the power really gives it's God who has the power really gives a sense of relief of there's so much in a sense of relief of there's so much in a sense of relief of there's so much in this life that I can't control and I this life that I can't control and I this life that I can't control and I just need to leave it up to God. That's just need to leave it up to God. That's just need to leave it up to God. That's good. Can you tell us the the first step good. Can you tell us the the first step good. Can you tell us the the first step of the 12 steps? Yeah. We admitted we of the 12 steps? Yeah. We admitted we of the 12 steps? Yeah. We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and were powerless over our addictions and were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors that our lives have compulsive behaviors that our lives have compulsive behaviors that our lives have become unmanageable. Okay. to the become unmanageable. Okay. to the become unmanageable. Okay. to the acknowledgment that we we need help.

acknowledgment that we we need help. acknowledgment that we we need help. Yeah. Okay. Talk talk about why does Yeah. Okay. Talk talk about why does Yeah. Okay. Talk talk about why does that work? Like what So even going to that work? Like what So even going to that work? Like what So even going to that statistic did I think you probably that statistic did I think you probably that statistic did I think you probably heard me say that 70% of people that heard me say that 70% of people that heard me say that 70% of people that walk through this journey they they end walk through this journey they they end walk through this journey they they end up living with freedom. Yeah. They don't up living with freedom. Yeah. They don't up living with freedom. Yeah. They don't relapse. What what is that? So much of relapse. What what is that? So much of relapse. What what is that? So much of admitting that we have an issue. There's admitting that we have an issue. There's admitting that we have an issue. There's so much power in that. It's like I it's so much power in that. It's like I it's so much power in that. It's like I it's like I was saying that when we say I've like I was saying that when we say I've like I was saying that when we say I've never said this before. We often say never said this before. We often say never said this before. We often say like you're as sick as your secrets or like you're as sick as your secrets or like you're as sick as your secrets or that thing that you can't talk about that thing that you can't talk about that thing that you can't talk about that thing owns you. And so being able that thing owns you. And so being able that thing owns you. And so being able to say the words I struggle with this we to say the words I struggle with this we to say the words I struggle with this we can own it and then there there's can own it and then there there's can own it and then there there's something that breaks in that moment. So something that breaks in that moment. So something that breaks in that moment. So I'll tell you a story. I um I haven't I'll tell you a story. I um I haven't I'll tell you a story. I um I haven't said this before to you. In December of said this before to you. In December of said this before to you. In December of 1999, I was arrested for a DUI and I had 1999, I was arrested for a DUI and I had 1999, I was arrested for a DUI and I had to go to a number of um classes uh to go to a number of um classes uh to go to a number of um classes uh afterwards and the leader kept saying, afterwards and the leader kept saying, afterwards and the leader kept saying, "You're an alcoholic." And I was like, "You're an alcoholic." And I was like, "You're an alcoholic." And I was like, "No, I'm not." Because I was in denial. "No, I'm not." Because I was in denial. "No, I'm not." Because I was in denial. And um and I remember thinking, "The And um and I remember thinking, "The And um and I remember thinking, "The moment I say I'm an alcoholic, I can moment I say I'm an alcoholic, I can moment I say I'm an alcoholic, I can never drink again." Right? And it wasn't never drink again." Right? And it wasn't never drink again." Right? And it wasn't until later on when I got serious about until later on when I got serious about until later on when I got serious about my recovery that it dawned on me that my recovery that it dawned on me that my recovery that it dawned on me that actually the moment I said that, I never actually the moment I said that, I never actually the moment I said that, I never had to drink again. M now there's an had to drink again. M now there's an had to drink again. M now there's an important distinction in in celebrate important distinction in in celebrate important distinction in in celebrate recovery. I actually don't say I'm an recovery. I actually don't say I'm an recovery. I actually don't say I'm an alcoholic. I say I'm a believer who alcoholic. I say I'm a believer who alcoholic. I say I'm a believer who struggles with alcoholism because my struggles with alcoholism because my struggles with alcoholism because my identity isn't found in my struggle and identity isn't found in my struggle and identity isn't found in my struggle and my sin. My identity is found in Jesus.

my sin. My identity is found in Jesus. my sin. My identity is found in Jesus. Yes. And so it's just it's an important Yes. And so it's just it's an important Yes. And so it's just it's an important distinction to be distinction to be distinction to be made. But but saying that and tell and made. But but saying that and tell and made. But but saying that and tell and and getting it out, there's something and getting it out, there's something and getting it out, there's something about it that it's no longer a secret. about it that it's no longer a secret. about it that it's no longer a secret. And also I'm no longer carrying it on my And also I'm no longer carrying it on my And also I'm no longer carrying it on my own. Yeah. when you bring other people own. Yeah. when you bring other people own. Yeah. when you bring other people into it, the burden and the crushing into it, the burden and the crushing into it, the burden and the crushing weight that you've been carrying, all of weight that you've been carrying, all of weight that you've been carrying, all of a sudden you have other people who can a sudden you have other people who can a sudden you have other people who can help you carry it and it's no help you carry it and it's no help you carry it and it's no longer that that heavy of a thing. Yeah. longer that that heavy of a thing. Yeah. longer that that heavy of a thing. Yeah. One of the other things that you had One of the other things that you had One of the other things that you had mentioned in the other services that I mentioned in the other services that I mentioned in the other services that I think is so good is that we weren't think is so good is that we weren't think is so good is that we weren't designed like we weren't designed to designed like we weren't designed to designed like we weren't designed to carry it alone both when it comes to carry it alone both when it comes to carry it alone both when it comes to bringing it to God and others. And yeah, bringing it to God and others. And yeah, bringing it to God and others. And yeah, I think that there's a there's a natural I think that there's a there's a natural I think that there's a there's a natural flow of how life works. I watched this flow of how life works. I watched this flow of how life works. I watched this show called Blue Zone. How many you guys show called Blue Zone. How many you guys show called Blue Zone. How many you guys have seen that show just out of have seen that show just out of have seen that show just out of curiosity on Netflix? So it's curiosity on Netflix? So it's curiosity on Netflix? So it's interesting what they do is they study interesting what they do is they study interesting what they do is they study people who live to over a hundred. So people who live to over a hundred. So people who live to over a hundred. So that's a blue zone. And they look at the that's a blue zone. And they look at the that's a blue zone. And they look at the patterns of why they live so long. So patterns of why they live so long. So patterns of why they live so long. So like one is food, the other's rest, one like one is food, the other's rest, one like one is food, the other's rest, one is purpose, the other's community. And is purpose, the other's community. And is purpose, the other's community. And then at the end of the show, like the then at the end of the show, like the then at the end of the show, like the series, they put it all together and series, they put it all together and series, they put it all together and they put the patterns on the screen and they put the patterns on the screen and they put the patterns on the screen and you're like, "Oh, that's that's actually you're like, "Oh, that's that's actually you're like, "Oh, that's that's actually how God designed life to work." Many of how God designed life to work." Many of how God designed life to work." Many of them were not even Christians or them were not even Christians or them were not even Christians or followers of Jesus, but they lived in followers of Jesus, but they lived in followers of Jesus, but they lived in accordance with God's design. A lot of accordance with God's design. A lot of accordance with God's design. A lot of times we grind against design. Our times we grind against design. Our times we grind against design. Our busyiness here, especially in the United busyiness here, especially in the United busyiness here, especially in the United States of America, our tendency to do States of America, our tendency to do States of America, our tendency to do life individualistically, like on our life individualistically, like on our life individualistically, like on our own, we're grinding against God's own, we're grinding against God's own, we're grinding against God's design. But today, we're really design. But today, we're really design. But today, we're really addressing how do we work within it. The addressing how do we work within it. The addressing how do we work within it. The other piece I want to ask you about with

other piece I want to ask you about with other piece I want to ask you about with kind of how God made us to do life kind of how God made us to do life kind of how God made us to do life together in in uh Celebrate Recovery, together in in uh Celebrate Recovery, together in in uh Celebrate Recovery, there's this idea of having a sponsor. there's this idea of having a sponsor. there's this idea of having a sponsor. Unpack what that is and then talk a Unpack what that is and then talk a Unpack what that is and then talk a little bit about what that might look little bit about what that might look little bit about what that might look like. And you kind of alluded to this a like. And you kind of alluded to this a like. And you kind of alluded to this a moment ago, but what it might look like moment ago, but what it might look like moment ago, but what it might look like to have that kind of relationship if to have that kind of relationship if to have that kind of relationship if you're not in Celebrate Recovery. Yeah, you're not in Celebrate Recovery. Yeah, you're not in Celebrate Recovery. Yeah, a sponsor is someone who's gone ahead of a sponsor is someone who's gone ahead of a sponsor is someone who's gone ahead of us in recovery. So, they've completed us in recovery. So, they've completed us in recovery. So, they've completed the steps and the principles and they're the steps and the principles and they're the steps and the principles and they're they're a season or two ahead of us and they're a season or two ahead of us and they're a season or two ahead of us and they can help guide us through the the they can help guide us through the the they can help guide us through the the process when things don't feel natural process when things don't feel natural process when things don't feel natural or I don't want to do it. They can kind or I don't want to do it. They can kind or I don't want to do it. They can kind of help me understand why. If I'm going of help me understand why. If I'm going of help me understand why. If I'm going too slow, they can help me speed up. If too slow, they can help me speed up. If too slow, they can help me speed up. If I'm going too fast, they can help me I'm going too fast, they can help me I'm going too fast, they can help me slow down. Another word for that is just slow down. Another word for that is just slow down. Another word for that is just mentor. So, it's someone in your life mentor. So, it's someone in your life mentor. So, it's someone in your life who is ahead of you that you can go to who is ahead of you that you can go to who is ahead of you that you can go to and ask for wisdom. And it's one of the and ask for wisdom. And it's one of the and ask for wisdom. And it's one of the things I love about being at a things I love about being at a things I love about being at a multigenerational church like Saddleback multigenerational church like Saddleback multigenerational church like Saddleback is that we have that. Yeah. you know, is that we have that. Yeah. you know, is that we have that. Yeah. you know, and so if you're a younger person, look and so if you're a younger person, look and so if you're a younger person, look for someone older that can mentor you. for someone older that can mentor you. for someone older that can mentor you. If you're an older person, look for If you're an older person, look for If you're an older person, look for someone that you can mentor. It's funny someone that you can mentor. It's funny someone that you can mentor. It's funny because I'm realizing now I'm in the because I'm realizing now I'm in the because I'm realizing now I'm in the mentor stage and I'm like, "No, I'm mentor stage and I'm like, "No, I'm mentor stage and I'm like, "No, I'm still a young guy and I'm not." Somebody still a young guy and I'm not." Somebody still a young guy and I'm not." Somebody said to me yesterday like, "Johnny's got said to me yesterday like, "Johnny's got said to me yesterday like, "Johnny's got a lot more gray hair." Yeah, that's a lot more gray hair." Yeah, that's a lot more gray hair." Yeah, that's rude. Um, and I'm glad they said that to rude. Um, and I'm glad they said that to rude. Um, and I'm glad they said that to you, not me, but um, tell me who it was you, not me, but um, tell me who it was you, not me, but um, tell me who it was later. And um but but it's really just later. And um but but it's really just later. And um but but it's really just somebody who can guide us and that we somebody who can guide us and that we somebody who can guide us and that we can be honest with. And I think that's can be honest with. And I think that's can be honest with. And I think that's what's such a key is we all need to find what's such a key is we all need to find what's such a key is we all need to find someone that we can just be gut level someone that we can just be gut level someone that we can just be gut level honest with that we can sit with and go

honest with that we can sit with and go honest with that we can sit with and go this I'm not pretending. I'm not this I'm not pretending. I'm not this I'm not pretending. I'm not playing. And what a beautiful thing to playing. And what a beautiful thing to playing. And what a beautiful thing to be at a church where that's how we can be at a church where that's how we can be at a church where that's how we can be that we don't have to show up here be that we don't have to show up here be that we don't have to show up here and pretend like we have it all and pretend like we have it all and pretend like we have it all together. It's one of my favorite things together. It's one of my favorite things together. It's one of my favorite things about this place is with Celebrate about this place is with Celebrate about this place is with Celebrate Recovery support groups, their Recovery support groups, their Recovery support groups, their counseling ministry, you can be who you counseling ministry, you can be who you counseling ministry, you can be who you are and come here. Yeah. And have a are and come here. Yeah. And have a are and come here. Yeah. And have a relationship with Jesus and then be relationship with Jesus and then be relationship with Jesus and then be different. Yeah. On the other side of different. Yeah. On the other side of different. Yeah. On the other side of that, it's such such a good thing. Two that, it's such such a good thing. Two that, it's such such a good thing. Two two other things I'll say that again, two other things I'll say that again, two other things I'll say that again, you said these in some of the other you said these in some of the other you said these in some of the other services, but one was finding somebody services, but one was finding somebody services, but one was finding somebody who's kind of gone through the journey. who's kind of gone through the journey. who's kind of gone through the journey. You mentioned that just now, but then You mentioned that just now, but then You mentioned that just now, but then with somebody who's the same gender. with somebody who's the same gender. with somebody who's the same gender. Yes. You know, like not uh would you Yes. You know, like not uh would you Yes. You know, like not uh would you call it dating In recovery, we call it call it dating In recovery, we call it call it dating In recovery, we call it 13th stepping. Okay. When you come to 13th stepping. Okay. When you come to 13th stepping. Okay. When you come to recovery to find a date. Yeah. It's a no recovery to find a date. Yeah. It's a no recovery to find a date. Yeah. It's a no no. We don't let that happen. That's no. We don't let that happen. That's no. We don't let that happen. That's good. Okay. I want to hit these last few good. Okay. I want to hit these last few good. Okay. I want to hit these last few points here underneath total freedom points here underneath total freedom points here underneath total freedom with being kind of this mindset of not with being kind of this mindset of not with being kind of this mindset of not just settling in. Why do you think in just settling in. Why do you think in just settling in. Why do you think in the recovery journey that so many people the recovery journey that so many people the recovery journey that so many people make progress but then they settle in?

make progress but then they settle in? make progress but then they settle in? So, they don't keep pursuing all the way So, they don't keep pursuing all the way So, they don't keep pursuing all the way to total freedom. Yeah. I think it's to total freedom. Yeah. I think it's to total freedom. Yeah. I think it's because we need to keep going to the because we need to keep going to the because we need to keep going to the source. We need to keep digging and get source. We need to keep digging and get source. We need to keep digging and get to the source. You said this a couple to the source. You said this a couple to the source. You said this a couple weeks ago and I loved it that don't weeks ago and I loved it that don't weeks ago and I loved it that don't address the symptom, address the source. address the symptom, address the source. address the symptom, address the source. Yeah. And I think that what ends up Yeah. And I think that what ends up Yeah. And I think that what ends up happening is again I came to recovery happening is again I came to recovery happening is again I came to recovery because of my struggle with alcohol. But because of my struggle with alcohol. But because of my struggle with alcohol. But what has kept me there are all the other what has kept me there are all the other what has kept me there are all the other things really the the core issues that I things really the the core issues that I things really the the core issues that I have that God has been so loving to show have that God has been so loving to show have that God has been so loving to show me and say there's freedom there too. me and say there's freedom there too. me and say there's freedom there too. Yeah. And so I think what happens is we Yeah. And so I think what happens is we Yeah. And so I think what happens is we come to recovery or we come to support come to recovery or we come to support come to recovery or we come to support group or whatever it is and we go, "Oh, group or whatever it is and we go, "Oh, group or whatever it is and we go, "Oh, I feel a little better and that's good I feel a little better and that's good I feel a little better and that's good enough. A little better is good enough." enough. A little better is good enough." enough. A little better is good enough." And God's God's saying, "I've got total And God's God's saying, "I've got total And God's God's saying, "I've got total freedom for you." So don't settle for, freedom for you." So don't settle for, freedom for you." So don't settle for, "Oh, that's that's okay. That's fine "Oh, that's that's okay. That's fine "Oh, that's that's okay. That's fine when I have so much more for you." And I when I have so much more for you." And I when I have so much more for you." And I I think a lot of it like um a field of I think a lot of it like um a field of I think a lot of it like um a field of weeds that someone takes a lawn mower weeds that someone takes a lawn mower weeds that someone takes a lawn mower and runs over the weeds and then looks and runs over the weeds and then looks and runs over the weeds and then looks at it and goes, "Oh, the weeds are at it and goes, "Oh, the weeds are at it and goes, "Oh, the weeds are gone." But the first rain those weeds gone." But the first rain those weeds gone." But the first rain those weeds pop up because weeds have to be removed pop up because weeds have to be removed pop up because weeds have to be removed from the root. Yeah. And for us we can from the root. Yeah. And for us we can from the root. Yeah. And for us we can say, "Oh, I've I'm I've had a couple say, "Oh, I've I'm I've had a couple say, "Oh, I've I'm I've had a couple weeks where I'm not doing the thing weeks where I'm not doing the thing weeks where I'm not doing the thing anymore." And then if we don't address anymore." And then if we don't address anymore." And then if we don't address the root pain and honestly a lot of the the root pain and honestly a lot of the the root pain and honestly a lot of the times the root is pain and we've tried times the root is pain and we've tried times the root is pain and we've tried so hard to stuff and comfort other ways.

so hard to stuff and comfort other ways. so hard to stuff and comfort other ways. And so when we get to the source, it's And so when we get to the source, it's And so when we get to the source, it's no longer just about what I do, but it's no longer just about what I do, but it's no longer just about what I do, but it's about why I do what I do. That's good. about why I do what I do. That's good. about why I do what I do. That's good. There there is the reality like for all There there is the reality like for all There there is the reality like for all of us there there's so many layers to of us there there's so many layers to of us there there's so many layers to who we are. And one of my mentors had who we are. And one of my mentors had who we are. And one of my mentors had this statement. He said people in their this statement. He said people in their this statement. He said people in their 40s and 50s end up dealing with what 40s and 50s end up dealing with what 40s and 50s end up dealing with what they didn't take care of in their 20s they didn't take care of in their 20s they didn't take care of in their 20s and 30s. And there's an opportunity even and 30s. And there's an opportunity even and 30s. And there's an opportunity even if you're in your 40s and 50s there's an if you're in your 40s and 50s there's an if you're in your 40s and 50s there's an opportunity to go to the source. opportunity to go to the source. opportunity to go to the source. Sometimes we think we're good. We're Sometimes we think we're good. We're Sometimes we think we're good. We're like I'm good man. I got it all figured like I'm good man. I got it all figured like I'm good man. I got it all figured out. I'm fine. Yeah. And what would you out. I'm fine. Yeah. And what would you out. I'm fine. Yeah. And what would you say to somebody that that's kind of say to somebody that that's kind of say to somebody that that's kind of their posture? I mean, I probably their posture? I mean, I probably their posture? I mean, I probably wouldn't say much because for somebody wouldn't say much because for somebody wouldn't say much because for somebody who that's how they feel, I'm just going who that's how they feel, I'm just going who that's how they feel, I'm just going to let them stay in denial. And um and to let them stay in denial. And um and to let them stay in denial. And um and if I do love them, I might That was if I do love them, I might That was if I do love them, I might That was funny. No. Uh if I do love them, I I funny. No. Uh if I do love them, I I funny. No. Uh if I do love them, I I might say, "How's that denial working might say, "How's that denial working might say, "How's that denial working for you?" You know, and and but but what for you?" You know, and and but but what for you?" You know, and and but but what I have found over the years is that I have found over the years is that I have found over the years is that people don't begin a process of finding people don't begin a process of finding people don't begin a process of finding freedom until they're ready. And freedom until they're ready. And freedom until they're ready. And honestly, so much of the time it's honestly, so much of the time it's honestly, so much of the time it's because the pain hasn't gotten painful because the pain hasn't gotten painful because the pain hasn't gotten painful enough. Yeah. And so it makes me sad enough. Yeah. And so it makes me sad enough. Yeah. And so it makes me sad sometimes because I can see this happens sometimes because I can see this happens sometimes because I can see this happens especially in young people. They will be especially in young people. They will be especially in young people. They will be going through a painful situation and going through a painful situation and going through a painful situation and they think I'll wait until it's worse they think I'll wait until it's worse they think I'll wait until it's worse instead of like the moment it happens instead of like the moment it happens instead of like the moment it happens and the moment they something happens.

and the moment they something happens. and the moment they something happens. It's like no, just run to it now. Why It's like no, just run to it now. Why It's like no, just run to it now. Why wait until it's 20 more years and you've wait until it's 20 more years and you've wait until it's 20 more years and you've lost so much more and the pain has lost so much more and the pain has lost so much more and the pain has gotten so much worse. And so for me, I gotten so much worse. And so for me, I gotten so much worse. And so for me, I would say it will continue to get worse would say it will continue to get worse would say it will continue to get worse until you deal with it. It's really until you deal with it. It's really until you deal with it. It's really good. Yeah. That also plays into like good. Yeah. That also plays into like good. Yeah. That also plays into like our relationships as humans. We have all our relationships as humans. We have all our relationships as humans. We have all these relationships that stack up these relationships that stack up these relationships that stack up throughout the course of our life. throughout the course of our life. throughout the course of our life. Hundreds and hundreds. And there are Hundreds and hundreds. And there are Hundreds and hundreds. And there are wounds that we carry from parents and wounds that we carry from parents and wounds that we carry from parents and coaches and people that we've walked coaches and people that we've walked coaches and people that we've walked alongside, maybe teachers, bosses, and alongside, maybe teachers, bosses, and alongside, maybe teachers, bosses, and dealing with that. There's a level of dealing with that. There's a level of dealing with that. There's a level of forgiveness and I'd love for you to talk forgiveness and I'd love for you to talk forgiveness and I'd love for you to talk about the significance of forgiveness. about the significance of forgiveness. about the significance of forgiveness. Yeah, we need to keep forgiving the Yeah, we need to keep forgiving the Yeah, we need to keep forgiving the people who hurt us. And this can be people who hurt us. And this can be people who hurt us. And this can be really hard, but not forgiving people really hard, but not forgiving people really hard, but not forgiving people who hurt us keeps us in in bondage of who hurt us keeps us in in bondage of who hurt us keeps us in in bondage of the past and we what happens is the past and we what happens is the past and we what happens is something that happened 20, 30 years something that happened 20, 30 years something that happened 20, 30 years ago, we're by not forgiving that person, ago, we're by not forgiving that person, ago, we're by not forgiving that person, it's it's really destroying our lives it's it's really destroying our lives it's it's really destroying our lives today. M like I said, I know that today. M like I said, I know that today. M like I said, I know that forgiveness can be hard and what we feel forgiveness can be hard and what we feel forgiveness can be hard and what we feel like is, well, if I forgive that person, like is, well, if I forgive that person, like is, well, if I forgive that person, it lets them off the hook for hurting it lets them off the hook for hurting it lets them off the hook for hurting me. But really, it lets us off the hook me. But really, it lets us off the hook me. But really, it lets us off the hook where we're not reminded of it. And this where we're not reminded of it. And this where we're not reminded of it. And this can be a hard thing. And forgiveness is can be a hard thing. And forgiveness is can be a hard thing. And forgiveness is is often a process. And the deeper is often a process. And the deeper is often a process. And the deeper someone hurts us, the harder it can be someone hurts us, the harder it can be someone hurts us, the harder it can be to forgive them. And so I always say to forgive them. And so I always say to forgive them. And so I always say that it's easy, somewhat easy to forgive that it's easy, somewhat easy to forgive that it's easy, somewhat easy to forgive the barista for giving you, you know, the barista for giving you, you know, the barista for giving you, you know, regular coffee when you ask for decaf.

regular coffee when you ask for decaf. regular coffee when you ask for decaf. And now, but what if they give you decaf And now, but what if they give you decaf And now, but what if they give you decaf when you ask for regular? That's harder. when you ask for regular? That's harder. when you ask for regular? That's harder. Um Um Um but but when when it's a loved one who's but but when when it's a loved one who's but but when when it's a loved one who's really deeply hurt you, whether it's really deeply hurt you, whether it's really deeply hurt you, whether it's childhood wounds or neglect or abuse or childhood wounds or neglect or abuse or childhood wounds or neglect or abuse or betrayal, adultery, some of these betrayal, adultery, some of these betrayal, adultery, some of these things, those wounds can be really deep. things, those wounds can be really deep. things, those wounds can be really deep. And me just saying, "Oh, you need to And me just saying, "Oh, you need to And me just saying, "Oh, you need to forgive them to find freedom." can feel forgive them to find freedom." can feel forgive them to find freedom." can feel dismissive. I know it's a process, but I dismissive. I know it's a process, but I dismissive. I know it's a process, but I also know that for all of us, if we want also know that for all of us, if we want also know that for all of us, if we want freedom, we have to get to that place. freedom, we have to get to that place. freedom, we have to get to that place. And so I'll often say, if that's you, And so I'll often say, if that's you, And so I'll often say, if that's you, would you become willing to forgive that would you become willing to forgive that would you become willing to forgive that person that hurt you? And to be honest, person that hurt you? And to be honest, person that hurt you? And to be honest, sometimes people say, "No, I'm not." And sometimes people say, "No, I'm not." And sometimes people say, "No, I'm not." And I say, "Okay, would you become willing I say, "Okay, would you become willing I say, "Okay, would you become willing to become willing to forgive that to become willing to forgive that to become willing to forgive that person?" Yeah. And just even start that person?" Yeah. And just even start that person?" Yeah. And just even start that process. Yeah. that that is like a a process. Yeah. that that is like a a process. Yeah. that that is like a a great place for a prayer of like, God, great place for a prayer of like, God, great place for a prayer of like, God, I'm not ready, but would you help me be I'm not ready, but would you help me be I'm not ready, but would you help me be ready? Would you you make my heart ready? Would you you make my heart ready? Would you you make my heart willing? And there's a beauty in that willing? And there's a beauty in that willing? And there's a beauty in that honesty with God to just bring forth. honesty with God to just bring forth. honesty with God to just bring forth. God, I'm struggling with forgiveness. So God, I'm struggling with forgiveness. So God, I'm struggling with forgiveness. So often I've seen in people's journey that often I've seen in people's journey that often I've seen in people's journey that bitterness and forgiveness can become bitterness and forgiveness can become bitterness and forgiveness can become like this root, bitterness and like this root, bitterness and like this root, bitterness and unforgiveness can be this root that just unforgiveness can be this root that just unforgiveness can be this root that just ends up impacting the entirety of life.

ends up impacting the entirety of life. ends up impacting the entirety of life. And many times it goes back to something And many times it goes back to something And many times it goes back to something that wasn't dealt with. Yeah. And it's that wasn't dealt with. Yeah. And it's that wasn't dealt with. Yeah. And it's not that we're up here flippantly saying not that we're up here flippantly saying not that we're up here flippantly saying just forgive. It's just that that's at just forgive. It's just that that's at just forgive. It's just that that's at the core of Jesus's teaching. So, can the core of Jesus's teaching. So, can the core of Jesus's teaching. So, can you read just a couple of these verses you read just a couple of these verses you read just a couple of these verses for us? Yeah. In Luke 11:4, it says, for us? Yeah. In Luke 11:4, it says, for us? Yeah. In Luke 11:4, it says, "Forgive us our sins, for we also "Forgive us our sins, for we also "Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive anyone who sins against us, and forgive anyone who sins against us, and forgive anyone who sins against us, and lead us not into temptation." In lead us not into temptation." In lead us not into temptation." In Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind and Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind and Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving compassionate to one another, forgiving compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just in Christ God forgave each other, just in Christ God forgave each other, just in Christ God forgave you." Something we haven't talked about you." Something we haven't talked about you." Something we haven't talked about together here yet is that we also need together here yet is that we also need together here yet is that we also need to learn how to forgive ourselves for to learn how to forgive ourselves for to learn how to forgive ourselves for the things that we've done. Yeah. So the things that we've done. Yeah. So the things that we've done. Yeah. So many of us carry shame and we we I we many of us carry shame and we we I we many of us carry shame and we we I we talked about it earlier. When we bring talked about it earlier. When we bring talked about it earlier. When we bring this to God, we have this loving God who this to God, we have this loving God who this to God, we have this loving God who already knows how we've blown it anyway. already knows how we've blown it anyway. already knows how we've blown it anyway. He's already paid for it through Jesus. He's already paid for it through Jesus. He's already paid for it through Jesus. And there's no condemnation for our And there's no condemnation for our And there's no condemnation for our sins. And so sometimes the the hardest sins. And so sometimes the the hardest sins. And so sometimes the the hardest person to forgive is myself. Yeah. And I person to forgive is myself. Yeah. And I person to forgive is myself. Yeah. And I can remind myself over and over of the can remind myself over and over of the can remind myself over and over of the bad things I've done. And again, that bad things I've done. And again, that bad things I've done. And again, that can be a process, too. Yeah. So good. can be a process, too. Yeah. So good. can be a process, too. Yeah. So good. Okay. There's one last blank in Okay. There's one last blank in Okay. There's one last blank in everybody's notes. And for those who are everybody's notes. And for those who are everybody's notes. And for those who are obsessivempulsive, should we just leave obsessivempulsive, should we just leave obsessivempulsive, should we just leave the blank and just finish up the the blank and just finish up the the blank and just finish up the message? Just let them just rock message? Just let them just rock message? Just let them just rock themselves and just sort of like I just themselves and just sort of like I just themselves and just sort of like I just I need that. I need that.

I need that. I need that. I need that. I need that. It's good. Okay. So, what wrap us up It's good. Okay. So, what wrap us up It's good. Okay. So, what wrap us up here? What is the last thing? Yeah, we here? What is the last thing? Yeah, we here? What is the last thing? Yeah, we need to keep owning our own junk. And I need to keep owning our own junk. And I need to keep owning our own junk. And I think this can be really um hard to do think this can be really um hard to do think this can be really um hard to do because after finding some freedom, it because after finding some freedom, it because after finding some freedom, it can be tough. It just I just want to act can be tough. It just I just want to act can be tough. It just I just want to act like I've got it all together. Yeah. And like I've got it all together. Yeah. And like I've got it all together. Yeah. And the reality of it is is none of us does. the reality of it is is none of us does. the reality of it is is none of us does. We all are works in progress. And um and We all are works in progress. And um and We all are works in progress. And um and so own own it. If if there's something so own own it. If if there's something so own own it. If if there's something going on in your life, address it and going on in your life, address it and going on in your life, address it and own it. And in the same way, like I just own it. And in the same way, like I just own it. And in the same way, like I just said, not in a se not in a spirit of said, not in a se not in a spirit of said, not in a se not in a spirit of shame. Yeah. But just this is true. And shame. Yeah. But just this is true. And shame. Yeah. But just this is true. And and the truth will set you free. And so and the truth will set you free. And so and the truth will set you free. And so we just need to own that truth. The we just need to own that truth. The we just need to own that truth. The second thing is for a lot of people, second thing is for a lot of people, second thing is for a lot of people, we're it's easier to point fingers at we're it's easier to point fingers at we're it's easier to point fingers at everyone else and go, "Well, if they all everyone else and go, "Well, if they all everyone else and go, "Well, if they all got their act together, I'd be okay." got their act together, I'd be okay." got their act together, I'd be okay." And the reality is is that there's some And the reality is is that there's some And the reality is is that there's some exceptions to this, but in most exceptions to this, but in most exceptions to this, but in most relationships, there's their part and my relationships, there's their part and my relationships, there's their part and my part of why things aren't good and I part of why things aren't good and I part of why things aren't good and I need to own my part. So good, Johnny. need to own my part. So good, Johnny. need to own my part. So good, Johnny. From our whole church family to you, From our whole church family to you, From our whole church family to you, we're so thankful for you and Jenny for we're so thankful for you and Jenny for we're so thankful for you and Jenny for your leadership, your faithfulness. your leadership, your faithfulness. your leadership, your faithfulness. God's using you in a powerful way. Just God's using you in a powerful way. Just God's using you in a powerful way. Just want to honor you as we wrap up our time together you as we wrap up our time together today. You know, one of the things I today. You know, one of the things I today. You know, one of the things I love about the character and the nature love about the character and the nature love about the character and the nature of God is that he stands waiting, of God is that he stands waiting, of God is that he stands waiting, wanting to help us as human beings. And wanting to help us as human beings. And wanting to help us as human beings. And the reality of our own journeys, we we the reality of our own journeys, we we the reality of our own journeys, we we all have what we're wrestling through.

all have what we're wrestling through. all have what we're wrestling through. We're all on a journey. Every one of us We're all on a journey. Every one of us We're all on a journey. Every one of us is imperfect, in need of a savior, in is imperfect, in need of a savior, in is imperfect, in need of a savior, in need of mercy and forgiveness. And I need of mercy and forgiveness. And I need of mercy and forgiveness. And I love that verse that Johnny read that love that verse that Johnny read that love that verse that Johnny read that says, "There is therefore now no says, "There is therefore now no says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ condemnation for those who are in Christ condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the spirit of life Jesus. For the law of the spirit of life Jesus. For the law of the spirit of life sets you free from the law of sin and sets you free from the law of sin and sets you free from the law of sin and death. So we're doing more than just death. So we're doing more than just death. So we're doing more than just gathering for a talk or a conference or gathering for a talk or a conference or gathering for a talk or a conference or a big event. We're coming together a big event. We're coming together a big event. We're coming together around the reality of the gospel message around the reality of the gospel message around the reality of the gospel message of Jesus. That Jesus took the sins of of Jesus. That Jesus took the sins of of Jesus. That Jesus took the sins of the world and nailed them to a cross so the world and nailed them to a cross so the world and nailed them to a cross so that anyone who would come could be that anyone who would come could be that anyone who would come could be forgiven from their sins could receive forgiven from their sins could receive forgiven from their sins could receive eternal life and walk in freedom from eternal life and walk in freedom from eternal life and walk in freedom from the power of sin and death. This is good the power of sin and death. This is good the power of sin and death. This is good news today. No matter where you are, news today. No matter where you are, news today. No matter where you are, this gospel message is for you. Whether this gospel message is for you. Whether this gospel message is for you. Whether you've been in church for decades or you've been in church for decades or you've been in church for decades or you're new to faith, God loves you and you're new to faith, God loves you and you're new to faith, God loves you and God is for you. God is not waiting up in God is for you. God is not waiting up in God is for you. God is not waiting up in heaven for an opportunity to take away heaven for an opportunity to take away heaven for an opportunity to take away your joy or strike you dead with your joy or strike you dead with your joy or strike you dead with lightning. God is pursuing your heart lightning. God is pursuing your heart lightning. God is pursuing your heart with goodness and mercy and wanting to with goodness and mercy and wanting to with goodness and mercy and wanting to come alongside you to walk in freedom.

come alongside you to walk in freedom. come alongside you to walk in freedom. And we as a church, we we have that same And we as a church, we we have that same And we as a church, we we have that same heart for you to experience God's heart for you to experience God's heart for you to experience God's freedom. And today, all of us have a freedom. And today, all of us have a freedom. And today, all of us have a step that we can take in response to step that we can take in response to step that we can take in response to God's message for our hearts. And I want God's message for our hearts. And I want God's message for our hearts. And I want to invite you. We're going to in just a to invite you. We're going to in just a to invite you. We're going to in just a moment go into response to sing this moment go into response to sing this moment go into response to sing this beautiful song. God, I need you. I need beautiful song. God, I need you. I need beautiful song. God, I need you. I need you. But I just want to ask you to you. But I just want to ask you to you. But I just want to ask you to reflect for a moment. What is your next reflect for a moment. What is your next reflect for a moment. What is your next step today? Some of you, it is to step today? Some of you, it is to step today? Some of you, it is to recognize you've been relying on your recognize you've been relying on your recognize you've been relying on your power and you need to turn it over to power and you need to turn it over to power and you need to turn it over to God. Others of you maybe it's to get God. Others of you maybe it's to get God. Others of you maybe it's to get connected into community. In two weeks connected into community. In two weeks connected into community. In two weeks from today we have something we're doing from today we have something we're doing from today we have something we're doing called activate where you can hear all called activate where you can hear all called activate where you can hear all about the small groups and what we have about the small groups and what we have about the small groups and what we have to offer to help you in your journey to offer to help you in your journey to offer to help you in your journey spiritually. Also in addition to that we spiritually. Also in addition to that we spiritually. Also in addition to that we have a whole counseling ministry that have a whole counseling ministry that have a whole counseling ministry that waits for people who are in need to say waits for people who are in need to say waits for people who are in need to say I need help that walk alongside to I need help that walk alongside to I need help that walk alongside to encourage. We have over 200 trained encourage. We have over 200 trained encourage. We have over 200 trained counselors that are waiting and ready to counselors that are waiting and ready to counselors that are waiting and ready to help you. And so today you can go to help you. And so today you can go to help you. And so today you can go to saddleback.com/cares. You can sign up on saddleback.com/cares. You can sign up on saddleback.com/cares. You can sign up on Tuesday. You can be meeting with one of Tuesday. You can be meeting with one of Tuesday. You can be meeting with one of our counselors here at our church for our counselors here at our church for our counselors here at our church for free. And in addition to that, we have free. And in addition to that, we have free. And in addition to that, we have support groups. We have grief groups. We support groups. We have grief groups. We support groups. We have grief groups. We have uh groups that walk alongside have uh groups that walk alongside have uh groups that walk alongside people who have lost a loved one. All of people who have lost a loved one. All of people who have lost a loved one. All of this is available. And today you can this is available. And today you can this is available. And today you can take a next step there. But one of the take a next step there. But one of the take a next step there. But one of the most important steps that we can take is most important steps that we can take is most important steps that we can take is to recognize together our need for God's to recognize together our need for God's to recognize together our need for God's help. And I want to invite you, if you help. And I want to invite you, if you help. And I want to invite you, if you will, to stand with me in this moment.

will, to stand with me in this moment. will, to stand with me in this moment. We're going to sing this beautiful song We're going to sing this beautiful song We're going to sing this beautiful song of recognition. God, I need you. There of recognition. God, I need you. There of recognition. God, I need you. There there's little that is more powerful in there's little that is more powerful in there's little that is more powerful in our relationship with God than just this our relationship with God than just this our relationship with God than just this prayer. God, I need you. God, I need prayer. God, I need you. God, I need prayer. God, I need you. God, I need you. So, I want to invite you, if you you. So, I want to invite you, if you you. So, I want to invite you, if you will, just close your eyes by your heads will, just close your eyes by your heads will, just close your eyes by your heads and between you and God, just in your and between you and God, just in your and between you and God, just in your heart, just say, God, I need you. I need heart, just say, God, I need you. I need heart, just say, God, I need you. I need you. We just acknowledge that to him you. We just acknowledge that to him you. We just acknowledge that to him this morning. and perhaps just imagine this morning. and perhaps just imagine this morning. and perhaps just imagine yourself putting into God's hands, that yourself putting into God's hands, that yourself putting into God's hands, that thing that you're challenged with, that thing that you're challenged with, that thing that you're challenged with, that you're walking through. And so, God, we you're walking through. And so, God, we you're walking through. And so, God, we thank you today that you want to help thank you today that you want to help thank you today that you want to help us, that we can come before you, the us, that we can come before you, the us, that we can come before you, the living God, by faith in you and what living God, by faith in you and what living God, by faith in you and what you've done on a cross in the empty tomb you've done on a cross in the empty tomb you've done on a cross in the empty tomb to receive your help. We place our lives to receive your help. We place our lives to receive your help. We place our lives into your hands as we declare, Lord, I into your hands as we declare, Lord, I into your hands as we declare, Lord, I need you in Jesus name. Amen.