The Proving Ground of Growth | Andy Wood

[applause] [applause] >> Well, it's so good to be together, >> Well, it's so good to be together, >> Well, it's so good to be together, church family. I love that we just got church family. I love that we just got church family. I love that we just got to watch that video of what God is doing to watch that video of what God is doing to watch that video of what God is doing all over North America that we have the all over North America that we have the all over North America that we have the privilege as a church to help other privilege as a church to help other privilege as a church to help other churches get going. And as I watched churches get going. And as I watched churches get going. And as I watched that video just now, that same group of that video just now, that same group of that video just now, that same group of people that we get to support are part people that we get to support are part people that we get to support are part of a bigger network called Strategic of a bigger network called Strategic of a bigger network called Strategic Launch Network that actually helped Launch Network that actually helped Launch Network that actually helped Stacy and I start our church in the Bay Stacy and I start our church in the Bay Stacy and I start our church in the Bay Area before we came here. And so now we Area before we came here. And so now we Area before we came here. And so now we get to return. There are thousands of get to return. There are thousands of get to return. There are thousands of people all over the country that are people all over the country that are people all over the country that are being reached because God is using being reached because God is using being reached because God is using people like you to make a difference. So people like you to make a difference. So people like you to make a difference. So I just want to celebrate one more time I just want to celebrate one more time I just want to celebrate one more time what God is doing all over the place, what God is doing all over the place, what God is doing all over the place, all throughout our church. It's a great all throughout our church. It's a great all throughout our church. It's a great weekend as we're moving up, students are weekend as we're moving up, students are weekend as we're moving up, students are moving up. You know, this week actually moving up. You know, this week actually moving up. You know, this week actually marks for Stacy and I a movement into a marks for Stacy and I a movement into a marks for Stacy and I a movement into a new season. So our kids, our oldest new season. So our kids, our oldest new season. So our kids, our oldest graduated from his freshman year of graduated from his freshman year of graduated from his freshman year of college. Sammy graduated from his junior college. Sammy graduated from his junior college. Sammy graduated from his junior year of high school and Caris, our year of high school and Caris, our year of high school and Caris, our daughter, officially moved from daughter, officially moved from daughter, officially moved from elementary school to middle school. So elementary school to middle school. So elementary school to middle school. So she went from sixth to seventh grade. I she went from sixth to seventh grade. I she went from sixth to seventh grade. I want you to see a picture of her here.

want you to see a picture of her here. want you to see a picture of her here. This is her graduation day. So we This is her graduation day. So we This is her graduation day. So we officially officially officially no longer have elementary kid school no longer have elementary kid school no longer have elementary kid school school kids, which means we're no longer school kids, which means we're no longer school kids, which means we're no longer young parents. We are now officially young parents. We are now officially young parents. We are now officially middle-aged parents. So middle-aged parents. So middle-aged parents. So it's so good to be together today as it's so good to be together today as it's so good to be together today as we're wrapping up this message series we're wrapping up this message series we're wrapping up this message series called get growing. I've loved these called get growing. I've loved these called get growing. I've loved these last few weeks as we've been looking at last few weeks as we've been looking at last few weeks as we've been looking at God's will for you to grow. That God God's will for you to grow. That God God's will for you to grow. That God wants us to grow in all areas of our wants us to grow in all areas of our wants us to grow in all areas of our life and over the course of time, growth life and over the course of time, growth life and over the course of time, growth is a part of what happens as we follow is a part of what happens as we follow is a part of what happens as we follow Jesus. And today I want to begin our Jesus. And today I want to begin our Jesus. And today I want to begin our time together with a little bit of an time together with a little bit of an time together with a little bit of an illustration. So if you could turn your illustration. So if you could turn your illustration. So if you could turn your attention to the screens with me, attention to the screens with me, attention to the screens with me, and you'll see that following Jesus is and you'll see that following Jesus is and you'll see that following Jesus is both a relationship and a journey. He both a relationship and a journey. He both a relationship and a journey. He shows up and he knocks on the door of shows up and he knocks on the door of shows up and he knocks on the door of our hearts and we make a decision to our hearts and we make a decision to our hearts and we make a decision to give him the keys and welcome him into give him the keys and welcome him into give him the keys and welcome him into our lives. As he enters, he begins to our lives. As he enters, he begins to our lives. As he enters, he begins to work with us and reorder our lives. Some work with us and reorder our lives. Some work with us and reorder our lives. Some areas he cleans up and other areas he areas he cleans up and other areas he areas he cleans up and other areas he puts things back the way they're puts things back the way they're puts things back the way they're supposed to be. Room by room he makes supposed to be. Room by room he makes supposed to be. Room by room he makes our lives better and in our journey of our lives better and in our journey of our lives better and in our journey of growth we learn to surrender areas of growth we learn to surrender areas of growth we learn to surrender areas of our life to him like relationships, our life to him like relationships, our life to him like relationships, habits, time, and ambition.

habits, time, and ambition. habits, time, and ambition. And yet, one area remains and it's often And yet, one area remains and it's often And yet, one area remains and it's often the last and hardest area to surrender the last and hardest area to surrender the last and hardest area to surrender to Jesus and that's the area of our to Jesus and that's the area of our to Jesus and that's the area of our personal finances. And I love that illustration. And I love that illustration. Because Because Because it shows the picture so often the area it shows the picture so often the area it shows the picture so often the area that is the last area to be surrendered that is the last area to be surrendered that is the last area to be surrendered to Jesus is the area of finances and I to Jesus is the area of finances and I to Jesus is the area of finances and I want you to see this first. If you have want you to see this first. If you have want you to see this first. If you have your notes you can pull them out. Second your notes you can pull them out. Second your notes you can pull them out. Second Corinthians chapter 8 verse 7 says this, Corinthians chapter 8 verse 7 says this, Corinthians chapter 8 verse 7 says this, "But since you excel in everything." Can "But since you excel in everything." Can "But since you excel in everything." Can we read this together? All of our we read this together? All of our we read this together? All of our campuses along campuses along campuses along "But since you excel in everything, in "But since you excel in everything, in "But since you excel in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we complete earnestness, and in the love we complete earnestness, and in the love we have kindled in you, see that you also have kindled in you, see that you also have kindled in you, see that you also excel in this grace of giving." Now I excel in this grace of giving." Now I excel in this grace of giving." Now I want you to write that phrase in your want you to write that phrase in your want you to write that phrase in your notes, "The grace of giving." And the notes, "The grace of giving." And the notes, "The grace of giving." And the Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and he says there's this grace Corinth and he says there's this grace Corinth and he says there's this grace of giving. And so often we excel in many of giving. And so often we excel in many of giving. And so often we excel in many areas of our life and our relationships areas of our life and our relationships areas of our life and our relationships and in our speech, our knowledge, our and in our speech, our knowledge, our and in our speech, our knowledge, our earnestness to pursue God, but this earnestness to pursue God, but this earnestness to pursue God, but this area, the area of giving is often the area, the area of giving is often the area, the area of giving is often the area that so many people struggle with.

area that so many people struggle with. area that so many people struggle with. Now, the Apostle Paul had a lot to say Now, the Apostle Paul had a lot to say Now, the Apostle Paul had a lot to say about this subject. In the New Testament about this subject. In the New Testament about this subject. In the New Testament in particular, you see from Jesus in particular, you see from Jesus in particular, you see from Jesus tremendous amounts of teaching on the tremendous amounts of teaching on the tremendous amounts of teaching on the subject of money. And today what I want subject of money. And today what I want subject of money. And today what I want to do for our time together is really to do for our time together is really to do for our time together is really zero in on the reality that a growing zero in on the reality that a growing zero in on the reality that a growing relationship with Jesus leads us to a relationship with Jesus leads us to a relationship with Jesus leads us to a generous heart. So if I'm going to step generous heart. So if I'm going to step generous heart. So if I'm going to step into the fullness of what God has for my into the fullness of what God has for my into the fullness of what God has for my life, if I'm going to grow spiritually life, if I'm going to grow spiritually life, if I'm going to grow spiritually over the course of time, it will over the course of time, it will over the course of time, it will ultimately result in a generous heart. ultimately result in a generous heart. ultimately result in a generous heart. And maybe another way of saying it is And maybe another way of saying it is And maybe another way of saying it is that there's no such thing as a mature that there's no such thing as a mature that there's no such thing as a mature faith without a generous heart. So, I faith without a generous heart. So, I faith without a generous heart. So, I have to ask the question, if there's not have to ask the question, if there's not have to ask the question, if there's not generosity coming out of my life, have I generosity coming out of my life, have I generosity coming out of my life, have I truly matured in my faith? And so, the truly matured in my faith? And so, the truly matured in my faith? And so, the invitation from God to us today is to invitation from God to us today is to invitation from God to us today is to step into a life into a heart of step into a life into a heart of step into a life into a heart of generosity as we look at 2 Corinthians generosity as we look at 2 Corinthians generosity as we look at 2 Corinthians chapter 9. Now, let me set the context a chapter 9. Now, let me set the context a chapter 9. Now, let me set the context a little bit of what we're going to look little bit of what we're going to look little bit of what we're going to look at today. The Apostle Paul writes this at today. The Apostle Paul writes this at today. The Apostle Paul writes this letter to the church in Corinth, and he letter to the church in Corinth, and he letter to the church in Corinth, and he spends the first eight chapters or first spends the first eight chapters or first spends the first eight chapters or first seven chapters really establishing his seven chapters really establishing his seven chapters really establishing his apostleship or his leadership. And so, apostleship or his leadership. And so, apostleship or his leadership. And so, he's defending his leadership with this he's defending his leadership with this he's defending his leadership with this church. He actually had spent tremendous church. He actually had spent tremendous church. He actually had spent tremendous amounts of time with them.

amounts of time with them. amounts of time with them. And as he writes this letter to them, he And as he writes this letter to them, he And as he writes this letter to them, he has an intent in mind or in heart that has an intent in mind or in heart that has an intent in mind or in heart that he's going to collect an offering, and he's going to collect an offering, and he's going to collect an offering, and he's going to take it to the church in he's going to take it to the church in he's going to take it to the church in Jerusalem. So, there had been a famine, Jerusalem. So, there had been a famine, Jerusalem. So, there had been a famine, and the church in Jerusalem had been and the church in Jerusalem had been and the church in Jerusalem had been struggling. So, Paul actually in struggling. So, Paul actually in struggling. So, Paul actually in multiple places in his letters, he talks multiple places in his letters, he talks multiple places in his letters, he talks about this offering that he'll take to about this offering that he'll take to about this offering that he'll take to the church in Jerusalem. And we see in the church in Jerusalem. And we see in the church in Jerusalem. And we see in chapter 8 and 9 the longest treatise or chapter 8 and 9 the longest treatise or chapter 8 and 9 the longest treatise or the longest explanation that the Apostle the longest explanation that the Apostle the longest explanation that the Apostle Paul gives to us through his teaching on Paul gives to us through his teaching on Paul gives to us through his teaching on the the reason why generosity or giving the the reason why generosity or giving the the reason why generosity or giving is so significant to a life of growth. is so significant to a life of growth. is so significant to a life of growth. So, today we're going to look at five So, today we're going to look at five So, today we're going to look at five verses, and these five verses have so verses, and these five verses have so verses, and these five verses have so much power. There's so much truth in much power. There's so much truth in much power. There's so much truth in this short little text, and I believe this short little text, and I believe this short little text, and I believe God wants to use it to speak to your God wants to use it to speak to your God wants to use it to speak to your heart today. Now, wherever you're heart today. Now, wherever you're heart today. Now, wherever you're joining us, whether you're at a campus joining us, whether you're at a campus joining us, whether you're at a campus or you're joining online or you're at an or you're joining online or you're at an or you're joining online or you're at an extension, we are so glad that you're extension, we are so glad that you're extension, we are so glad that you're with us, and we're grateful that we get with us, and we're grateful that we get with us, and we're grateful that we get to be one church in multiple locations, to be one church in multiple locations, to be one church in multiple locations, that the word of God is bigger than any that the word of God is bigger than any that the word of God is bigger than any one location. And so, I want you to hear one location. And so, I want you to hear one location. And so, I want you to hear these words from the Apostle Paul today these words from the Apostle Paul today these words from the Apostle Paul today as he writes. He says this, "Remember as he writes. He says this, "Remember as he writes. He says this, "Remember this: this: this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap Whoever sows sparingly will also reap Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously sparingly, and whoever sows generously sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

will also reap generously. will also reap generously. Now, each of you should give what you've Now, each of you should give what you've Now, each of you should give what you've decided in your heart to give, not decided in your heart to give, not decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God reluctantly or under compulsion, for God reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. loves a cheerful giver. loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, And God is able to bless you abundantly, And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, so that in all things at all times, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in having all you need, you will abound in having all you need, you will abound in every good work." every good work." every good work." As it is written, "They have freely As it is written, "They have freely As it is written, "They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor. Their scattered their gifts to the poor. Their scattered their gifts to the poor. Their righteousness endures forever." righteousness endures forever." righteousness endures forever." Now, "He who supplies seed to the sower Now, "He who supplies seed to the sower Now, "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and and bread for food will also supply and and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will increase your store of seed and will increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your enlarge the harvest of your enlarge the harvest of your righteousness, and you will be enriched righteousness, and you will be enriched righteousness, and you will be enriched in every way, so that you can be in every way, so that you can be in every way, so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through generous on every occasion, and through generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in us, your generosity will result in us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." This is the word thanksgiving to God." This is the word thanksgiving to God." This is the word of the Lord. of the Lord. of the Lord. And I love these verses. The Apostle And I love these verses. The Apostle And I love these verses. The Apostle Paul is He's dealing with many of the Paul is He's dealing with many of the Paul is He's dealing with many of the concerns that we often have when it concerns that we often have when it concerns that we often have when it comes to generosity. And he's getting to comes to generosity. And he's getting to comes to generosity. And he's getting to the heart of what does God really care the heart of what does God really care the heart of what does God really care about in our response back to him with about in our response back to him with about in our response back to him with this whole subject of money. And Paul is this whole subject of money. And Paul is this whole subject of money. And Paul is painting a picture of the significance painting a picture of the significance painting a picture of the significance of stewarding the resources that God of stewarding the resources that God of stewarding the resources that God places into our hands. And he uses this places into our hands. And he uses this places into our hands. And he uses this image We've actually journeyed through image We've actually journeyed through image We've actually journeyed through this image multiple times in this series this image multiple times in this series this image multiple times in this series of seed and of harvest and ultimately a of seed and of harvest and ultimately a of seed and of harvest and ultimately a harvest of righteousness. But, I want us harvest of righteousness. But, I want us harvest of righteousness. But, I want us to notice, tucked within this passage, to notice, tucked within this passage, to notice, tucked within this passage, two things that he says about God. And

two things that he says about God. And two things that he says about God. And the first that he points out is that God the first that he points out is that God the first that he points out is that God ultimately is the giver. ultimately is the giver. ultimately is the giver. God is ultimately the giver in every God is ultimately the giver in every God is ultimately the giver in every relationship that God will ever have. relationship that God will ever have. relationship that God will ever have. Now, as you consider your life and maybe Now, as you consider your life and maybe Now, as you consider your life and maybe the gifts that you give to other people. the gifts that you give to other people. the gifts that you give to other people. You know, sometimes you receive a gift You know, sometimes you receive a gift You know, sometimes you receive a gift from somebody else in your life and that from somebody else in your life and that from somebody else in your life and that gift almost indents you to them. Like gift almost indents you to them. Like gift almost indents you to them. Like you're so grateful, you you're so grateful, you you're so grateful, you you love them, you appreciate them, you love them, you appreciate them, you love them, you appreciate them, you're so thankful for the gift that you're so thankful for the gift that you're so thankful for the gift that they've given. And there are some they've given. And there are some they've given. And there are some relationships in our lives that maybe relationships in our lives that maybe relationships in our lives that maybe there's kind of this give and take, but there's kind of this give and take, but there's kind of this give and take, but some relationships get a little bit some relationships get a little bit some relationships get a little bit skewed. And maybe you have one of those skewed. And maybe you have one of those skewed. And maybe you have one of those relationships where you're the giver and relationships where you're the giver and relationships where you're the giver and it feels like you give and you give and it feels like you give and you give and it feels like you give and you give and you give and they take and they take and you give and they take and they take and you give and they take and they take and they take. You know anybody like that? they take. You know anybody like that? they take. You know anybody like that? Okay, don't look at them. But but Okay, don't look at them. But but Okay, don't look at them. But but we have those relationships in our life. we have those relationships in our life. we have those relationships in our life. And a healthy relationship really is And a healthy relationship really is And a healthy relationship really is give and take. It's like back and forth. give and take. It's like back and forth. give and take. It's like back and forth. You give, they take. You they give, you You give, they take. You they give, you You give, they take. You they give, you take. But there's something so important take. But there's something so important take. But there's something so important about our understanding of the about our understanding of the about our understanding of the relationship that we have with God. And relationship that we have with God. And relationship that we have with God. And Paul says this. Watch what he says. In Paul says this. Watch what he says. In Paul says this. Watch what he says. In verse 10 it says, "Now he Now he's verse 10 it says, "Now he Now he's verse 10 it says, "Now he Now he's speaking of God who supplies seed to the speaking of God who supplies seed to the speaking of God who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also sower and bread for food will also sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed supply and increase your store of seed supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your and will enlarge the harvest of your and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." And this reminds me of a righteousness." And this reminds me of a righteousness." And this reminds me of a conversation I just thought of this that conversation I just thought of this that conversation I just thought of this that I had a long time ago with the church we I had a long time ago with the church we I had a long time ago with the church we started in the Bay Area. And there was started in the Bay Area. And there was started in the Bay Area. And there was this guy who was like, you know, really this guy who was like, you know, really this guy who was like, you know, really wealthy. He was kind of in his mid-40s wealthy. He was kind of in his mid-40s wealthy. He was kind of in his mid-40s and he had gone to an Ivy League school

and he had gone to an Ivy League school and he had gone to an Ivy League school and he worked at a high-tech company. and he worked at a high-tech company. and he worked at a high-tech company. And he told me one day, he's like, "See And he told me one day, he's like, "See And he told me one day, he's like, "See these two hands? These hands have built these two hands? These hands have built these two hands? These hands have built everything that I have." everything that I have." everything that I have." And I'm like, "Well, who gave you those And I'm like, "Well, who gave you those And I'm like, "Well, who gave you those hands, bro? Where'd you get them?" "Oh hands, bro? Where'd you get them?" "Oh hands, bro? Where'd you get them?" "Oh yeah, I got them from God." And I love yeah, I got them from God." And I love yeah, I got them from God." And I love this verse because what the Apostle Paul this verse because what the Apostle Paul this verse because what the Apostle Paul does is he he links together the seed does is he he links together the seed does is he he links together the seed and the bread. and the bread. and the bread. So if like maybe you got the bread in So if like maybe you got the bread in So if like maybe you got the bread in your hand and you're a little bit your hand and you're a little bit your hand and you're a little bit haughty or you're a little bit boastful haughty or you're a little bit boastful haughty or you're a little bit boastful about the bread that you kind of planted about the bread that you kind of planted about the bread that you kind of planted the seed on. What Paul is saying is the seed on. What Paul is saying is the seed on. What Paul is saying is actually go back to the seed and actually go back to the seed and actually go back to the seed and recognize he's the one that gives seed recognize he's the one that gives seed recognize he's the one that gives seed to be planted into the ground. So any to be planted into the ground. So any to be planted into the ground. So any harvest in our lives originally started harvest in our lives originally started harvest in our lives originally started with what God gave to us. with what God gave to us. with what God gave to us. And the whole the whole book the whole And the whole the whole book the whole And the whole the whole book the whole book of the Bible from Genesis to book of the Bible from Genesis to book of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, you see God is this giver Revelation, you see God is this giver Revelation, you see God is this giver who just gives over and over and over who just gives over and over and over who just gives over and over and over and over again. And there's no human and over again. And there's no human and over again. And there's no human being who will ever live who can outgive being who will ever live who can outgive being who will ever live who can outgive the grace, the goodness, the kindness of the grace, the goodness, the kindness of the grace, the goodness, the kindness of God and your understanding of who he is.

God and your understanding of who he is. God and your understanding of who he is. And your vision in your mind when you And your vision in your mind when you And your vision in your mind when you think of the character and nature of think of the character and nature of think of the character and nature of God, the question really is do you see God, the question really is do you see God, the question really is do you see yourself as the giver or the receiver in yourself as the giver or the receiver in yourself as the giver or the receiver in the relationship with God? the relationship with God? the relationship with God? And I I just want to say loud and clear And I I just want to say loud and clear And I I just want to say loud and clear from the Bible, from the Bible, from the Bible, you're the receiver. you're the receiver. you're the receiver. The the he initiated long before you and The the he initiated long before you and The the he initiated long before you and I ever responded. The Bible says in I ever responded. The Bible says in I ever responded. The Bible says in Romans 5:8 that God demonstrated his Romans 5:8 that God demonstrated his Romans 5:8 that God demonstrated his love for us in this that while we were love for us in this that while we were love for us in this that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. In still sinners, Christ died for us. In still sinners, Christ died for us. In Psalm 23, King David says, "Surely your Psalm 23, King David says, "Surely your Psalm 23, King David says, "Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all goodness and mercy will follow me all goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life." So, his goodness the days of my life." So, his goodness the days of my life." So, his goodness and his mercy and his kindness and his and his mercy and his kindness and his and his mercy and his kindness and his provision has been following you all the provision has been following you all the provision has been following you all the days of your life. So, the sooner that days of your life. So, the sooner that days of your life. So, the sooner that we can embrace the reality that he's the we can embrace the reality that he's the we can embrace the reality that he's the giver and we're the recipient, it giver and we're the recipient, it giver and we're the recipient, it changes our understanding of a life of changes our understanding of a life of changes our understanding of a life of generosity. generosity. generosity. See, there's a question that we ask in See, there's a question that we ask in See, there's a question that we ask in our minds if if we're the giver back to our minds if if we're the giver back to our minds if if we're the giver back to God. God. God. The question often becomes, "Well, how The question often becomes, "Well, how The question often becomes, "Well, how much do I give?

much do I give? much do I give? How much am I supposed to give back to How much am I supposed to give back to How much am I supposed to give back to God?" God?" God?" And if I'm the recipient, the question And if I'm the recipient, the question And if I'm the recipient, the question actually shifts and the question is not actually shifts and the question is not actually shifts and the question is not how much do I give? The question is, how much do I give? The question is, how much do I give? The question is, "God, how much of the money that you "God, how much of the money that you "God, how much of the money that you gave to me do you want me to keep?" Cuz gave to me do you want me to keep?" Cuz gave to me do you want me to keep?" Cuz really it's all yours. really it's all yours. really it's all yours. It all came from you in the first place It all came from you in the first place It all came from you in the first place and it reminds me of when I go to and it reminds me of when I go to and it reminds me of when I go to Chick-fil-A with my kids Chick-fil-A with my kids Chick-fil-A with my kids and I always have this inner dialogue of and I always have this inner dialogue of and I always have this inner dialogue of whether or not I should get fries. whether or not I should get fries. whether or not I should get fries. And you know those waffle fries? Like And you know those waffle fries? Like And you know those waffle fries? Like you you tell yourself you're not going you you tell yourself you're not going you you tell yourself you're not going to eat too many of them. You don't to eat too many of them. You don't to eat too many of them. You don't really need them. They're 335 calories. really need them. They're 335 calories. really need them. They're 335 calories. You you don't need it. And so you say You you don't need it. And so you say You you don't need it. And so you say no. But then you get to the table and no. But then you get to the table and no. But then you get to the table and your kids have fries. your kids have fries. your kids have fries. And And And you're the parent and you paid for those you're the parent and you paid for those you're the parent and you paid for those fries. fries. fries. And so you reach out and take your tithe And so you reach out and take your tithe And so you reach out and take your tithe before they bite a fry. 1/10 of every before they bite a fry. 1/10 of every before they bite a fry. 1/10 of every fry. The first tenth of every fry fry. The first tenth of every fry fry. The first tenth of every fry comes back to the giver of all fries. comes back to the giver of all fries. comes back to the giver of all fries. And the point that I'm making is so And the point that I'm making is so And the point that I'm making is so often in that moment, you know, there's often in that moment, you know, there's often in that moment, you know, there's this tendency of like don't take any of this tendency of like don't take any of this tendency of like don't take any of my fries. And it's like well, did you my fries. And it's like well, did you my fries. And it's like well, did you know I I can buy you a lot more fries.

know I I can buy you a lot more fries. know I I can buy you a lot more fries. And the truth is that he's the one who And the truth is that he's the one who And the truth is that he's the one who gives. He's the one who who provides. gives. He's the one who who provides. gives. He's the one who who provides. Psalm 24:1 Psalm 24:1 Psalm 24:1 says this, "The earth is the Lord's and says this, "The earth is the Lord's and says this, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, and the world and all everything in it, and the world and all everything in it, and the world and all who live in it. It's all his. This is who live in it. It's all his. This is who live in it. It's all his. This is his world. Everything in your life every his world. Everything in your life every his world. Everything in your life every good and perfect gift, James says, comes good and perfect gift, James says, comes good and perfect gift, James says, comes down from the Father of heavenly lights. down from the Father of heavenly lights. down from the Father of heavenly lights. Oh, I just I wish that we could embrace Oh, I just I wish that we could embrace Oh, I just I wish that we could embrace that wholeheartedly and bask in the that wholeheartedly and bask in the that wholeheartedly and bask in the reality of the goodness of God, the reality of the goodness of God, the reality of the goodness of God, the kindness, the provision of God. In the kindness, the provision of God. In the kindness, the provision of God. In the Old Testament with Hagar, she calls him Old Testament with Hagar, she calls him Old Testament with Hagar, she calls him the God who sees me. Abraham calls him the God who sees me. Abraham calls him the God who sees me. Abraham calls him the God who provides, Yahweh Yireh. He's the God who provides, Yahweh Yireh. He's the God who provides, Yahweh Yireh. He's a God of provision. His generosity knows a God of provision. His generosity knows a God of provision. His generosity knows no limit. And the sooner we embrace no limit. And the sooner we embrace no limit. And the sooner we embrace that, the easier it will be to step into that, the easier it will be to step into that, the easier it will be to step into a life of generosity. Now, if we go back a life of generosity. Now, if we go back a life of generosity. Now, if we go back to 1 Chronicles chapter 29:14, to 1 Chronicles chapter 29:14, to 1 Chronicles chapter 29:14, this moment where the Israelites give this moment where the Israelites give this moment where the Israelites give this sacrificial offering to build the this sacrificial offering to build the this sacrificial offering to build the temple.

temple. temple. It's kind of like a dream now offering It's kind of like a dream now offering It's kind of like a dream now offering that we had as a church. And King David that we had as a church. And King David that we had as a church. And King David as he is speaking, he makes a statement as he is speaking, he makes a statement as he is speaking, he makes a statement as the people of God bring their as the people of God bring their as the people of God bring their offering back to God. And there's this offering back to God. And there's this offering back to God. And there's this just huge outpouring of generosity. The just huge outpouring of generosity. The just huge outpouring of generosity. The temple's going to be built. And I love temple's going to be built. And I love temple's going to be built. And I love this line. He says this, "But who am I? this line. He says this, "But who am I? this line. He says this, "But who am I? And who are my people that we would be And who are my people that we would be And who are my people that we would be able to give as generously as this? And able to give as generously as this? And able to give as generously as this? And this line is so important. Everything this line is so important. Everything this line is so important. Everything comes from you. Everything comes from comes from you. Everything comes from comes from you. Everything comes from you and we have given to you only what you and we have given to you only what you and we have given to you only what comes from your hand." So, he's comes from your hand." So, he's comes from your hand." So, he's generous. generous. generous. Now, this makes more sense when you Now, this makes more sense when you Now, this makes more sense when you actually consider the reality of the actually consider the reality of the actually consider the reality of the gospel message. gospel message. gospel message. Because the gospel message is is the Because the gospel message is is the Because the gospel message is is the greatest message of generosity that any greatest message of generosity that any greatest message of generosity that any human being could ever possibly fathom human being could ever possibly fathom human being could ever possibly fathom that there needed to be a provision to that there needed to be a provision to that there needed to be a provision to restore the relationship between restore the relationship between restore the relationship between humanity and God. And so, God actually humanity and God. And so, God actually humanity and God. And so, God actually said, "I will become the provision to said, "I will become the provision to said, "I will become the provision to make a way that your sins can be make a way that your sins can be make a way that your sins can be forgiven and you can live a life of forgiven and you can live a life of forgiven and you can live a life of righteousness." In 2 Corinthians 5:21 righteousness." In 2 Corinthians 5:21 righteousness." In 2 Corinthians 5:21 speaks of this exchange where Jesus goes speaks of this exchange where Jesus goes speaks of this exchange where Jesus goes to a cross. It says, "God the Father to a cross. It says, "God the Father to a cross. It says, "God the Father made him who had no sin to be sin for us made him who had no sin to be sin for us made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the so that in him we might become the so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." So, Jesus takes righteousness of God." So, Jesus takes righteousness of God." So, Jesus takes my sin. He gives me his righteousness.

my sin. He gives me his righteousness. my sin. He gives me his righteousness. He conquers the grave, gives us the hope He conquers the grave, gives us the hope He conquers the grave, gives us the hope of eternal life. If you're in him, he of eternal life. If you're in him, he of eternal life. If you're in him, he pours out his spirit on you. He puts his pours out his spirit on you. He puts his pours out his spirit on you. He puts his spirit inside of you as a deposit spirit inside of you as a deposit spirit inside of you as a deposit guaranteeing your inheritance. He gives guaranteeing your inheritance. He gives guaranteeing your inheritance. He gives you righteousness this side of eternity you righteousness this side of eternity you righteousness this side of eternity to live a life with him so that you're to live a life with him so that you're to live a life with him so that you're not disconnected from the living God, not disconnected from the living God, not disconnected from the living God, but his presence is always with you. His but his presence is always with you. His but his presence is always with you. His generosity knows no limit. He is the one generosity knows no limit. He is the one generosity knows no limit. He is the one who gives seed to the sower and bread who gives seed to the sower and bread who gives seed to the sower and bread for food. So, he is the giver of life. for food. So, he is the giver of life. for food. So, he is the giver of life. And Paul makes the statement to impact And Paul makes the statement to impact And Paul makes the statement to impact the way that you see the wallet that's the way that you see the wallet that's the way that you see the wallet that's in your pocket. The second point he in your pocket. The second point he in your pocket. The second point he makes is this is that God is ultimately makes is this is that God is ultimately makes is this is that God is ultimately the replenisher. the replenisher. the replenisher. And I love how he says this. This verse And I love how he says this. This verse And I love how he says this. This verse is worth memorizing, putting on a note is worth memorizing, putting on a note is worth memorizing, putting on a note card, saying it over and over again when card, saying it over and over again when card, saying it over and over again when there is fear in your heart around there is fear in your heart around there is fear in your heart around resources. This verse, can you read it resources. This verse, can you read it resources. This verse, can you read it aloud all of our campuses with me? It aloud all of our campuses with me? It aloud all of our campuses with me? It says this, "God is able It's uh you guys says this, "God is able It's uh you guys says this, "God is able It's uh you guys aren't reading with passion or energy. I aren't reading with passion or energy. I aren't reading with passion or energy. I know in Anaheim and Eastvale, you guys know in Anaheim and Eastvale, you guys know in Anaheim and Eastvale, you guys or I should say Corona, you guys can or I should say Corona, you guys can or I should say Corona, you guys can read loud. Come on with me. It says, read loud. Come on with me. It says, read loud. Come on with me. It says, "And God is able to bless you abundantly "And God is able to bless you abundantly "And God is able to bless you abundantly so that in all things at all times so that in all things at all times so that in all things at all times having all you need, you will abound in having all you need, you will abound in having all you need, you will abound in every good work."

every good work." every good work." So, he's able to replenish whatever it So, he's able to replenish whatever it So, he's able to replenish whatever it is that you give back to him. is that you give back to him. is that you give back to him. There's nothing that you could give to There's nothing that you could give to There's nothing that you could give to God that God can't replenish. Isn't that God that God can't replenish. Isn't that God that God can't replenish. Isn't that good news? Like you you can give back to good news? Like you you can give back to good news? Like you you can give back to him, but there's there's there's no way him, but there's there's there's no way him, but there's there's there's no way you can outgive him and there's nothing you can outgive him and there's nothing you can outgive him and there's nothing that you can give to him that he doesn't that you can give to him that he doesn't that you can give to him that he doesn't have the capacity and the ability to have the capacity and the ability to have the capacity and the ability to replenish. replenish. replenish. I I went for a a hike I I went for a a hike I I went for a a hike last year with Stacy and a couple of last year with Stacy and a couple of last year with Stacy and a couple of friends. We went to Yosemite and we we friends. We went to Yosemite and we we friends. We went to Yosemite and we we hiked up through Vernal Falls and then hiked up through Vernal Falls and then hiked up through Vernal Falls and then went to Half Dome and we packed our bags went to Half Dome and we packed our bags went to Half Dome and we packed our bags and got our lunches and our waters and and got our lunches and our waters and and got our lunches and our waters and my friend Shawn Morgan, he said, "Hey, my friend Shawn Morgan, he said, "Hey, my friend Shawn Morgan, he said, "Hey, don't worry about bringing too much don't worry about bringing too much don't worry about bringing too much water. I've got this awesome filter. water. I've got this awesome filter. water. I've got this awesome filter. Like you literally can pee through the Like you literally can pee through the Like you literally can pee through the filter and drink the water afterwards. filter and drink the water afterwards. filter and drink the water afterwards. That's how good it was." I'm sorry, that That's how good it was." I'm sorry, that That's how good it was." I'm sorry, that was bad. But he said he he said it to was bad. But he said he he said it to was bad. But he said he he said it to me. I'm just telling you what he said to me. I'm just telling you what he said to me. I'm just telling you what he said to me. But he said, "It's so unbelievable. me. But he said, "It's so unbelievable. me. But he said, "It's so unbelievable. Um don't worry. There is actually a Um don't worry. There is actually a Um don't worry. There is actually a stream that runs along a massive chunk stream that runs along a massive chunk stream that runs along a massive chunk of the hike that we're going to be of the hike that we're going to be of the hike that we're going to be doing. So, if you drink your water, doing. So, if you drink your water, doing. So, if you drink your water, we'll just go back to the stream. We'll we'll just go back to the stream. We'll we'll just go back to the stream. We'll get the filter out. We'll put the water get the filter out. We'll put the water get the filter out. We'll put the water in there. We'll put it back in your in there. We'll put it back in your in there. We'll put it back in your water bottle and you'll you'll have some water bottle and you'll you'll have some water bottle and you'll you'll have some more water." What he didn't know is like more water." What he didn't know is like more water." What he didn't know is like I don't ever stop drinking water. I I I don't ever stop drinking water. I I I don't ever stop drinking water. I I love drinking water. I have two fears: love drinking water. I have two fears: love drinking water. I have two fears: not having water and not being able to not having water and not being able to not having water and not being able to find a restroom. And they actually work find a restroom. And they actually work find a restroom. And they actually work opposite each other.

opposite each other. opposite each other. But But I as I was thinking about that But But I as I was thinking about that But But I as I was thinking about that moment of him saying that there's this moment of him saying that there's this moment of him saying that there's this stream that is constantly flowing that stream that is constantly flowing that stream that is constantly flowing that never runs dry. never runs dry. never runs dry. That this is the image that the That this is the image that the That this is the image that the scripture is giving of God's ability to scripture is giving of God's ability to scripture is giving of God's ability to provide and it's not just financial provide and it's not just financial provide and it's not just financial provision. It's this life source that provision. It's this life source that provision. It's this life source that comes. He's not a cistern, he's a river. comes. He's not a cistern, he's a river. comes. He's not a cistern, he's a river. He's a river of life that flows and He's a river of life that flows and He's a river of life that flows and blesses and strengthens. So when you're blesses and strengthens. So when you're blesses and strengthens. So when you're weak, he has more strength. When you're weak, he has more strength. When you're weak, he has more strength. When you're empty, he can fill you back up. So every empty, he can fill you back up. So every empty, he can fill you back up. So every resource that you lack, God has. There's resource that you lack, God has. There's resource that you lack, God has. There's no limitation that you have that limits no limitation that you have that limits no limitation that you have that limits God. God. God. And so the more that I can embrace he is And so the more that I can embrace he is And so the more that I can embrace he is a replenisher, the easier it is for me a replenisher, the easier it is for me a replenisher, the easier it is for me to step into a life of generosity. And to step into a life of generosity. And to step into a life of generosity. And there's so much fear that the enemy there's so much fear that the enemy there's so much fear that the enemy wants to breathe into our minds around wants to breathe into our minds around wants to breathe into our minds around God. He will give you lies. The same God. He will give you lies. The same God. He will give you lies. The same lies that he gave to Adam and Eve in lies that he gave to Adam and Eve in lies that he gave to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1 and 2. And there are two Genesis 1 and 2. And there are two Genesis 1 and 2. And there are two things he'll get you to question. One is things he'll get you to question. One is things he'll get you to question. One is the goodness of God and two is the the goodness of God and two is the the goodness of God and two is the greatness and capacity of God. And what greatness and capacity of God. And what greatness and capacity of God. And what you see from the Apostle Paul is this you see from the Apostle Paul is this you see from the Apostle Paul is this goodness of God's generosity, but this goodness of God's generosity, but this goodness of God's generosity, but this greatness of his capacity that he never greatness of his capacity that he never greatness of his capacity that he never runs dry and his ability to care for his runs dry and his ability to care for his runs dry and his ability to care for his kids. So he is the giver. He is the kids. So he is the giver. He is the kids. So he is the giver. He is the replenisher. Maybe today you're down, replenisher. Maybe today you're down, replenisher. Maybe today you're down, you're exhausted, you're empty, you feel you're exhausted, you're empty, you feel you're exhausted, you're empty, you feel broke and God wants you to hear from his broke and God wants you to hear from his broke and God wants you to hear from his word. He is able to bless you abundantly word. He is able to bless you abundantly word. He is able to bless you abundantly so that in all things at all times

so that in all things at all times so that in all things at all times having all you need, you will abound in having all you need, you will abound in having all you need, you will abound in every good work. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> So >> So >> So my my question for you is is what's your my my question for you is is what's your my my question for you is is what's your view of God? view of God? view of God? Like is he is he the giver to you? Is he Like is he is he the giver to you? Is he Like is he is he the giver to you? Is he the replenisher to you? Because maybe if the replenisher to you? Because maybe if the replenisher to you? Because maybe if you see him still as the taker, today you see him still as the taker, today you see him still as the taker, today the very thing God wants to work on for the very thing God wants to work on for the very thing God wants to work on for you is to see him rightfully for his you is to see him rightfully for his you is to see him rightfully for his generosity and his goodness. generosity and his goodness. generosity and his goodness. And what I want us to notice is Paul And what I want us to notice is Paul And what I want us to notice is Paul highlights two things that God wants highlights two things that God wants highlights two things that God wants from us as we study this passage and one from us as we study this passage and one from us as we study this passage and one is our hearts. is our hearts. is our hearts. That God wants your heart. That God wants your heart. That God wants your heart. So God is not after our wallets. So God is not after our wallets. So God is not after our wallets. Like God does not remember, he's the Like God does not remember, he's the Like God does not remember, he's the replenisher, he's the giver. His replenisher, he's the giver. His replenisher, he's the giver. His resources don't run dry. resources don't run dry. resources don't run dry. So he doesn't need our money. So he doesn't need our money. So he doesn't need our money. And when the Apostle Paul speaks of this And when the Apostle Paul speaks of this And when the Apostle Paul speaks of this whole concept of giving back to God of whole concept of giving back to God of whole concept of giving back to God of our resources, notice what he says, our resources, notice what he says, our resources, notice what he says, "Each of you should give what you have "Each of you should give what you have "Each of you should give what you have decided decided decided in your heart to give.

in your heart to give. in your heart to give. Not reluctantly or under compulsion, for Not reluctantly or under compulsion, for Not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." God loves a cheerful giver." God loves a cheerful giver." Now recently we were at this sports Now recently we were at this sports Now recently we were at this sports store store store with lots of outdoor things. with lots of outdoor things. with lots of outdoor things. And maybe you've been there before And maybe you've been there before And maybe you've been there before and you get fishing gear and all kinds and you get fishing gear and all kinds and you get fishing gear and all kinds of stuff. And there was this sales rep of stuff. And there was this sales rep of stuff. And there was this sales rep who was selling vacations. who was selling vacations. who was selling vacations. So I walked by and I looked gullible So I walked by and I looked gullible So I walked by and I looked gullible and this young girl who's like 25 asked, and this young girl who's like 25 asked, and this young girl who's like 25 asked, "Do you ever take your family on "Do you ever take your family on "Do you ever take your family on vacations?" Well, why yes I do. vacations?" Well, why yes I do. vacations?" Well, why yes I do. And ensues a 20-minute conversation. And ensues a 20-minute conversation. And ensues a 20-minute conversation. Lots of questions. I'm backed into a Lots of questions. I'm backed into a Lots of questions. I'm backed into a corner. This is the greatest deal of my corner. This is the greatest deal of my corner. This is the greatest deal of my life ever. I'm never going to find life ever. I'm never going to find life ever. I'm never going to find another deal like the deal in front of another deal like the deal in front of another deal like the deal in front of me. For $99 me. For $99 me. For $99 plus $150 for every month the rest of plus $150 for every month the rest of plus $150 for every month the rest of your life, you can have the best your life, you can have the best your life, you can have the best vacations. And in that moment like I vacations. And in that moment like I vacations. And in that moment like I wanted to be so kind but I felt this wanted to be so kind but I felt this wanted to be so kind but I felt this being hemmed in, like this manipulation, being hemmed in, like this manipulation, being hemmed in, like this manipulation, this compulsion. Have you ever felt like this compulsion. Have you ever felt like this compulsion. Have you ever felt like that before?

that before? that before? Like maybe you're with a sales agent and Like maybe you're with a sales agent and Like maybe you're with a sales agent and they're just getting you, they're they're just getting you, they're they're just getting you, they're locking you in. Their their logic is so locking you in. Their their logic is so locking you in. Their their logic is so tight you can't get out. tight you can't get out. tight you can't get out. And what Paul is saying is that that's And what Paul is saying is that that's And what Paul is saying is that that's not what giving is all about. not what giving is all about. not what giving is all about. So if you feel hemmed in and locked in So if you feel hemmed in and locked in So if you feel hemmed in and locked in with this whole concept of a life of with this whole concept of a life of with this whole concept of a life of generosity, that's not God's will. generosity, that's not God's will. generosity, that's not God's will. That's not what we're preaching as a That's not what we're preaching as a That's not what we're preaching as a church family. And notice, come back. church family. And notice, come back. church family. And notice, come back. It's not reluctantly or under It's not reluctantly or under It's not reluctantly or under compulsion. compulsion. compulsion. So there there there's no treasure. So there there there's no treasure. So there there there's no treasure. It's an invitation from God to a life of It's an invitation from God to a life of It's an invitation from God to a life of generosity. And what it says is for God generosity. And what it says is for God generosity. And what it says is for God loves a cheerful giver. loves a cheerful giver. loves a cheerful giver. The word here in the original language The word here in the original language The word here in the original language is hilarious. There's a laughter about is hilarious. There's a laughter about is hilarious. There's a laughter about it because as you give God your heart it because as you give God your heart it because as you give God your heart and we trust him with the resources he's and we trust him with the resources he's and we trust him with the resources he's placed into our hands, we experience his placed into our hands, we experience his placed into our hands, we experience his provision over and over again. But what provision over and over again. But what provision over and over again. But what Paul is saying, this is so important, Paul is saying, this is so important, Paul is saying, this is so important, giving is a decision. giving is a decision. giving is a decision. Giving is a decision that you make Giving is a decision that you make Giving is a decision that you make between you and God that is so important between you and God that is so important between you and God that is so important that in your relationship with God, out that in your relationship with God, out that in your relationship with God, out of him being the giver and out of him of him being the giver and out of him of him being the giver and out of him being the replenisher, you make a being the replenisher, you make a being the replenisher, you make a decision, but it's a decision that you decision, but it's a decision that you decision, but it's a decision that you make from your heart.

make from your heart. make from your heart. And sometimes we get so confused when it And sometimes we get so confused when it And sometimes we get so confused when it comes to giving and generosity, and the comes to giving and generosity, and the comes to giving and generosity, and the reason we don't step into the fullness reason we don't step into the fullness reason we don't step into the fullness of of God's call and invitation to live of of God's call and invitation to live of of God's call and invitation to live a generous life, one is because we we a generous life, one is because we we a generous life, one is because we we struggle with so much fear. Two, we struggle with so much fear. Two, we struggle with so much fear. Two, we often think of it as a pass-fail often think of it as a pass-fail often think of it as a pass-fail concept. So if I don't do this all the concept. So if I don't do this all the concept. So if I don't do this all the way, then I'm I'm completely a failure. way, then I'm I'm completely a failure. way, then I'm I'm completely a failure. But three, we often miss the reality of But three, we often miss the reality of But three, we often miss the reality of our decision to give. It's not something our decision to give. It's not something our decision to give. It's not something that we do from a wallet, it's something that we do from a wallet, it's something that we do from a wallet, it's something that we do from a heart. that we do from a heart. that we do from a heart. God God wants your heart. God God wants your heart. God God wants your heart. And so generosity is a decision to give And so generosity is a decision to give And so generosity is a decision to give from your heart back to God as an act of from your heart back to God as an act of from your heart back to God as an act of worship. It's first and foremost about worship. It's first and foremost about worship. It's first and foremost about your adoration and your gratitude for your adoration and your gratitude for your adoration and your gratitude for how good God has been to you. So, it's a how good God has been to you. So, it's a how good God has been to you. So, it's a decision that you give from your heart. decision that you give from your heart. decision that you give from your heart. Now, you give through your wallet, but Now, you give through your wallet, but Now, you give through your wallet, but you give from your heart. And what I you give from your heart. And what I you give from your heart. And what I hope you can hear today, so loud and hope you can hear today, so loud and hope you can hear today, so loud and clear, is that what God is after is your clear, is that what God is after is your clear, is that what God is after is your heart. What God wants is your love.

heart. What God wants is your love. heart. What God wants is your love. He's a relational God. So, when he made He's a relational God. So, when he made He's a relational God. So, when he made us as as human beings, God his full us as as human beings, God his full us as as human beings, God his full intention was that we would have this intention was that we would have this intention was that we would have this living, breathing relationship with him, living, breathing relationship with him, living, breathing relationship with him, that we would worship him with our whole that we would worship him with our whole that we would worship him with our whole being. And that's the reason why nothing being. And that's the reason why nothing being. And that's the reason why nothing in this world satisfies us the way that in this world satisfies us the way that in this world satisfies us the way that God does at the core of our being. God God does at the core of our being. God God does at the core of our being. God is the only one who is worthy of your is the only one who is worthy of your is the only one who is worthy of your heart, your worship that comes from deep heart, your worship that comes from deep heart, your worship that comes from deep within you. within you. within you. And the invitation that God is saying And the invitation that God is saying And the invitation that God is saying today is, "Will you give me your heart?" today is, "Will you give me your heart?" today is, "Will you give me your heart?" Now, we live in a culture Now, we live in a culture Now, we live in a culture that is removing our heart from our that is removing our heart from our that is removing our heart from our wallets. It is so intentional. I spent 3 wallets. It is so intentional. I spent 3 wallets. It is so intentional. I spent 3 hours one day a few few months ago going hours one day a few few months ago going hours one day a few few months ago going through all my subscriptions and through all my subscriptions and through all my subscriptions and canceling them. And I'm embarrassed to canceling them. And I'm embarrassed to canceling them. And I'm embarrassed to tell you how many subscriptions I had tell you how many subscriptions I had tell you how many subscriptions I had just $2.99, $3.99. Anybody else have just $2.99, $3.99. Anybody else have just $2.99, $3.99. Anybody else have this struggle? And you look one day and this struggle? And you look one day and this struggle? And you look one day and they're like coming through through your they're like coming through through your they're like coming through through your phone, and it's a transaction phone, and it's a transaction phone, and it's a transaction that removes the heart. This is also that removes the heart. This is also that removes the heart. This is also true when you go and you buy something.

true when you go and you buy something. true when you go and you buy something. Now, sometimes I'll think my kids are Now, sometimes I'll think my kids are Now, sometimes I'll think my kids are coming in close and they get close with coming in close and they get close with coming in close and they get close with my phone for my face. my phone for my face. my phone for my face. And it's just a transaction. And it's just a transaction. And it's just a transaction. And they want the phone to be open. This And they want the phone to be open. This And they want the phone to be open. This is true when you go to buy something and is true when you go to buy something and is true when you go to buy something and you're just your face is scanned, your you're just your face is scanned, your you're just your face is scanned, your face, and it buys something, and that face, and it buys something, and that face, and it buys something, and that transaction removes any form of transaction removes any form of transaction removes any form of relationship. You can buy food, you can relationship. You can buy food, you can relationship. You can buy food, you can go to a restaurant, it's waiting for go to a restaurant, it's waiting for go to a restaurant, it's waiting for you, you never have to interact with you, you never have to interact with you, you never have to interact with another human being. another human being. another human being. And what we've done And what we've done And what we've done is we have applied that same mindset to is we have applied that same mindset to is we have applied that same mindset to generosity. So, I just I put my giving generosity. So, I just I put my giving generosity. So, I just I put my giving on recurring. Now, it's great to make on recurring. Now, it's great to make on recurring. Now, it's great to make recurring giving, but I can put it on recurring giving, but I can put it on recurring giving, but I can put it on recurring giving, and I can just every recurring giving, and I can just every recurring giving, and I can just every month it comes out of my bank account, month it comes out of my bank account, month it comes out of my bank account, and I never remember, "Oh, this was an and I never remember, "Oh, this was an and I never remember, "Oh, this was an act of adoration act of adoration act of adoration back to the one who died on a cross for back to the one who died on a cross for back to the one who died on a cross for my sin and rose again from the dead, and my sin and rose again from the dead, and my sin and rose again from the dead, and me giving back to him is the pouring out me giving back to him is the pouring out me giving back to him is the pouring out of my heart with gratitude for how good of my heart with gratitude for how good of my heart with gratitude for how good he's been to me."

he's been to me." he's been to me." And maybe for some of you you you've And maybe for some of you you you've And maybe for some of you you you've been on this journey of generosity for been on this journey of generosity for been on this journey of generosity for some period now, and what God is saying some period now, and what God is saying some period now, and what God is saying to you is he wants your heart again. to you is he wants your heart again. to you is he wants your heart again. He wants the fullness of your worship He wants the fullness of your worship He wants the fullness of your worship and your adoration. In Matthew 6:24 and your adoration. In Matthew 6:24 and your adoration. In Matthew 6:24 says, "No one can serve two masters. says, "No one can serve two masters. says, "No one can serve two masters. You'll either love the hate the one and You'll either love the hate the one and You'll either love the hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted love the other, or you will be devoted love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You to the one and despise the other. You to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." cannot serve both God and money." cannot serve both God and money." So, the invitation is ultimately a heart So, the invitation is ultimately a heart So, the invitation is ultimately a heart posture of worship back to God. The posture of worship back to God. The posture of worship back to God. The second thing Paul highlights is that God second thing Paul highlights is that God second thing Paul highlights is that God wants our trust. wants our trust. wants our trust. That God wants our trust. That God wants our trust. That God wants our trust. Now, if you go to 1 Timothy 6:17, he Now, if you go to 1 Timothy 6:17, he Now, if you go to 1 Timothy 6:17, he actually gives it very specifically. He actually gives it very specifically. He actually gives it very specifically. He says, "Teach those who are rich in this says, "Teach those who are rich in this says, "Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud, not to put their world not to be proud, not to put their world not to be proud, not to put their trust trust trust in money, which is so unreliable. in money, which is so unreliable. in money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God who richly Their trust should be in God who richly Their trust should be in God who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. gives us all we need for our enjoyment. gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Their trust should be in God who Their trust should be in God who Their trust should be in God who provides for all that we need."

provides for all that we need." provides for all that we need." So, I want to ask you today, have you So, I want to ask you today, have you So, I want to ask you today, have you given God your heart? given God your heart? given God your heart? And have you given God your trust? And have you given God your trust? And have you given God your trust? That's the invitation from him. That's the invitation from him. That's the invitation from him. Now, the Apostle Paul is so beautifully Now, the Apostle Paul is so beautifully Now, the Apostle Paul is so beautifully describing describing describing the church in Corinth as he is inviting the church in Corinth as he is inviting the church in Corinth as he is inviting them in. He's describing what happened them in. He's describing what happened them in. He's describing what happened in another church in Macedonia. in another church in Macedonia. in another church in Macedonia. And I I you to hear his words as he And I I you to hear his words as he And I I you to hear his words as he speaks about them or writes about them. speaks about them or writes about them. speaks about them or writes about them. It says, "For I testify in verse 3 It says, "For I testify in verse 3 It says, "For I testify in verse 3 that they gave as much as they were able that they gave as much as they were able that they gave as much as they were able to and even beyond their ability. to and even beyond their ability. to and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently Entirely on their own, they urgently Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of pleaded with us for the privilege of pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's sharing in this service to the Lord's sharing in this service to the Lord's people and they exceeded our people and they exceeded our people and they exceeded our expectation." expectation." expectation." Now, this is the line I want you to see. Now, this is the line I want you to see. Now, this is the line I want you to see. And they gave themselves And they gave themselves And they gave themselves first of all to the Lord first of all to the Lord first of all to the Lord and then by the will of God also to us. and then by the will of God also to us. and then by the will of God also to us. Do you notice that? Do you notice that? Do you notice that? That he was saying, "As they gave to That he was saying, "As they gave to That he was saying, "As they gave to this offering that was going to the this offering that was going to the this offering that was going to the church in Jerusalem, it started with a church in Jerusalem, it started with a church in Jerusalem, it started with a posture of worship that they gave posture of worship that they gave posture of worship that they gave themselves fully to the Lord and as a themselves fully to the Lord and as a themselves fully to the Lord and as a result of that, out of the overflow of result of that, out of the overflow of result of that, out of the overflow of them giving their whole heart to God, them giving their whole heart to God, them giving their whole heart to God, there was this result of generosity in there was this result of generosity in there was this result of generosity in giving that flowed through their lives."

giving that flowed through their lives." giving that flowed through their lives." And I believe for so many people, the And I believe for so many people, the And I believe for so many people, the reason why we never step fully into a reason why we never step fully into a reason why we never step fully into a life of generosity is cuz we haven't life of generosity is cuz we haven't life of generosity is cuz we haven't fully given ourselves to the Lord. fully given ourselves to the Lord. fully given ourselves to the Lord. And maybe for you there there are these And maybe for you there there are these And maybe for you there there are these areas of your life that God is areas of your life that God is areas of your life that God is graciously cleaning up. graciously cleaning up. graciously cleaning up. And there's this one room And there's this one room And there's this one room that you've said to God, "God, that you've said to God, "God, that you've said to God, "God, you cannot have this room. you cannot have this room. you cannot have this room. You cannot get into my personal You cannot get into my personal You cannot get into my personal finances." finances." finances." Early in church history, many of the Early in church history, many of the Early in church history, many of the warriors would be baptized with their warriors would be baptized with their warriors would be baptized with their sword above the water because they sword above the water because they sword above the water because they didn't want to surrender their sword to didn't want to surrender their sword to didn't want to surrender their sword to God. God. God. And a lot of people in the 21st century And a lot of people in the 21st century And a lot of people in the 21st century get baptized figuratively with their get baptized figuratively with their get baptized figuratively with their wallet above the water cuz they say, wallet above the water cuz they say, wallet above the water cuz they say, "God, you can't have that area of my "God, you can't have that area of my "God, you can't have that area of my life." life." life." Now, I will say to you from my heart, Now, I will say to you from my heart, Now, I will say to you from my heart, the bottom of my heart, the bottom of my heart, the bottom of my heart, that this message is not about you and that this message is not about you and that this message is not about you and Saddleback Church. This message is about Saddleback Church. This message is about Saddleback Church. This message is about you and God. you and God. you and God. And what I so deeply desire for you, I And what I so deeply desire for you, I And what I so deeply desire for you, I was saying this to Stacy, I could just was saying this to Stacy, I could just was saying this to Stacy, I could just tear up when I think about my eyes start tear up when I think about my eyes start tear up when I think about my eyes start sweating when I think about the sweating when I think about the sweating when I think about the faithfulness of God faithfulness of God faithfulness of God and the journey of generosity that he and the journey of generosity that he and the journey of generosity that he started taking us on started taking us on started taking us on 22, 23, 24 years old.

22, 23, 24 years old. 22, 23, 24 years old. And just a decision, God, we're going to And just a decision, God, we're going to And just a decision, God, we're going to put you first in this area of our life. put you first in this area of our life. put you first in this area of our life. And now what God has done over these 23 And now what God has done over these 23 And now what God has done over these 23 plus years of marriage is we have seen plus years of marriage is we have seen plus years of marriage is we have seen the faithfulness of God over and over the faithfulness of God over and over the faithfulness of God over and over and over and over and over and over and and over and over and over and over and and over and over and over and over and over and over again. over and over again. over and over again. And the joy, some of the greatest joys And the joy, some of the greatest joys And the joy, some of the greatest joys in our life are watching the hand of God in our life are watching the hand of God in our life are watching the hand of God as we trust him and we pour out and we as we trust him and we pour out and we as we trust him and we pour out and we give what we don't even think we have give what we don't even think we have give what we don't even think we have the capacity to and God refills it and the capacity to and God refills it and the capacity to and God refills it and replenishes it over and over and over replenishes it over and over and over replenishes it over and over and over and over again. And this message is and over again. And this message is and over again. And this message is about what I deeply long for every about what I deeply long for every about what I deeply long for every follower of Jesus who's a part of our follower of Jesus who's a part of our follower of Jesus who's a part of our church church church that you would experience the cheerful that you would experience the cheerful that you would experience the cheerful joy of a life of generosity. This is the joy of a life of generosity. This is the joy of a life of generosity. This is the good life. This is the joy-filled life. good life. This is the joy-filled life. good life. This is the joy-filled life. It's when the replenisher keeps filling It's when the replenisher keeps filling It's when the replenisher keeps filling your bucket as you pour out. It's the your bucket as you pour out. It's the your bucket as you pour out. It's the giver of life giving to you. It's your giver of life giving to you. It's your giver of life giving to you. It's your heart of gratitude receiving from a heart of gratitude receiving from a heart of gratitude receiving from a savior that paid the ultimate price.

savior that paid the ultimate price. savior that paid the ultimate price. It's the hope of eternity that you have It's the hope of eternity that you have It's the hope of eternity that you have with him and a life that just responds, with him and a life that just responds, with him and a life that just responds, I give to you because you've given to me I give to you because you've given to me I give to you because you've given to me and my heart is just so grateful God for and my heart is just so grateful God for and my heart is just so grateful God for who you are and what you've done. So, I who you are and what you've done. So, I who you are and what you've done. So, I want to invite you to give yourself want to invite you to give yourself want to invite you to give yourself fully to the Lord. That's the fully to the Lord. That's the fully to the Lord. That's the invitation. To say, God, you have my invitation. To say, God, you have my invitation. To say, God, you have my whole heart today. Now, I know that in whole heart today. Now, I know that in whole heart today. Now, I know that in our church we have a lot of people in a our church we have a lot of people in a our church we have a lot of people in a lot of different places. And I want to lot of different places. And I want to lot of different places. And I want to invite you, if you will, just to pull invite you, if you will, just to pull invite you, if you will, just to pull this little card out this little card out this little card out that is a get growing card and I want to that is a get growing card and I want to that is a get growing card and I want to walk through walk through walk through some responses that that that God, I some responses that that that God, I some responses that that that God, I believe, has for us today for your believe, has for us today for your believe, has for us today for your journey of generosity. journey of generosity. journey of generosity. And as you locate it, one of the things And as you locate it, one of the things And as you locate it, one of the things that you'll notice there is this that you'll notice there is this that you'll notice there is this invitation to give ourselves fully to invitation to give ourselves fully to invitation to give ourselves fully to the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. It's an invitation to say, "God, you It's an invitation to say, "God, you It's an invitation to say, "God, you have my whole heart today." And there's have my whole heart today." And there's have my whole heart today." And there's some of you some of you some of you that you've been holding out on God. that you've been holding out on God. that you've been holding out on God. Maybe you believe in your mind. Maybe Maybe you believe in your mind. Maybe Maybe you believe in your mind. Maybe you believe that Jesus rose again from you believe that Jesus rose again from you believe that Jesus rose again from the dead, but you've never said, "I want the dead, but you've never said, "I want the dead, but you've never said, "I want to follow you as the Lord of my life."

to follow you as the Lord of my life." to follow you as the Lord of my life." Now, he is Lord whether or not we follow Now, he is Lord whether or not we follow Now, he is Lord whether or not we follow him, but there's a step that we take to him, but there's a step that we take to him, but there's a step that we take to say, "God, I'm following you. There's no say, "God, I'm following you. There's no say, "God, I'm following you. There's no other master in my life that has first other master in my life that has first other master in my life that has first place. It's you, Jesus." And I want you place. It's you, Jesus." And I want you place. It's you, Jesus." And I want you to notice Romans 14:8-9. It says, "If we to notice Romans 14:8-9. It says, "If we to notice Romans 14:8-9. It says, "If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord." That word die, we die for the Lord." That word die, we die for the Lord." That word means master. So, whether we live or we means master. So, whether we live or we means master. So, whether we live or we die, we belong to the Lord. And for this die, we belong to the Lord. And for this die, we belong to the Lord. And for this very reason, Christ died and returned to very reason, Christ died and returned to very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of life so that he might be the Lord of life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. God does both the dead and the living. God does both the dead and the living. God does not want second place in your life. And not want second place in your life. And not want second place in your life. And he is worthy of your whole heart, your he is worthy of your whole heart, your he is worthy of your whole heart, your whole life. And sometimes we get this whole life. And sometimes we get this whole life. And sometimes we get this disconnect. There's There's no such disconnect. There's There's no such disconnect. There's There's no such thing as a relationship with God as thing as a relationship with God as thing as a relationship with God as savior, and then you decide to say, savior, and then you decide to say, savior, and then you decide to say, "God, I'm going to follow you as Lord." "God, I'm going to follow you as Lord." "God, I'm going to follow you as Lord." They're one in the same. They're one in the same. They're one in the same. And the moment that you surrender your And the moment that you surrender your And the moment that you surrender your life to Jesus, you give the keys of your life to Jesus, you give the keys of your life to Jesus, you give the keys of your life to him. life to him. life to him. And you say, "I receive your And you say, "I receive your And you say, "I receive your righteousness. I receive your righteousness. I receive your righteousness. I receive your forgiveness, and I give it to you. Well, forgiveness, and I give it to you. Well, forgiveness, and I give it to you. Well, come into the house. The deed on the The come into the house. The deed on the The come into the house. The deed on the The house is yours now. It's yours. It's all house is yours now. It's yours. It's all house is yours now. It's yours. It's all belongs to you." And some of you today, belongs to you." And some of you today, belongs to you." And some of you today, maybe you've never made that decision, maybe you've never made that decision, maybe you've never made that decision, and today is your day to say, "God, I'm and today is your day to say, "God, I'm and today is your day to say, "God, I'm giving myself fully to you." Some of you giving myself fully to you." Some of you giving myself fully to you." Some of you who are followers of Jesus, you might who are followers of Jesus, you might who are followers of Jesus, you might even say today, "I've been walking, but even say today, "I've been walking, but even say today, "I've been walking, but not giving myself fully to him." I want not giving myself fully to him." I want not giving myself fully to him." I want to invite you, if that's you, just to to invite you, if that's you, just to to invite you, if that's you, just to mark today, "I want to give myself fully mark today, "I want to give myself fully mark today, "I want to give myself fully to the Lord. I want to surrender my to the Lord. I want to surrender my to the Lord. I want to surrender my whole heart to him." And in just a whole heart to him." And in just a whole heart to him." And in just a moment, we're going to have an moment, we're going to have an moment, we're going to have an opportunity to respond with these cards.

opportunity to respond with these cards. opportunity to respond with these cards. The second thing you'll see there is to The second thing you'll see there is to The second thing you'll see there is to give something. give something. give something. Now, what I would say to this is Now, what I would say to this is Now, what I would say to this is the invitation to a journey of the invitation to a journey of the invitation to a journey of generosity starts somewhere. generosity starts somewhere. generosity starts somewhere. It has to start with one decision to It has to start with one decision to It has to start with one decision to say, "God, I'm going to I'm going to say, "God, I'm going to I'm going to say, "God, I'm going to I'm going to give something." give something." give something." And if you've never taken that step, And if you've never taken that step, And if you've never taken that step, what I would say to you is the the what I would say to you is the the what I would say to you is the the thrill, the joy of a first step with him thrill, the joy of a first step with him thrill, the joy of a first step with him to say, "God, I want to actually give to say, "God, I want to actually give to say, "God, I want to actually give back to you as an act of worship to say, back to you as an act of worship to say, back to you as an act of worship to say, 'God, I'm grateful for how good you've 'God, I'm grateful for how good you've 'God, I'm grateful for how good you've been to me.'" Today can be that day that been to me.'" Today can be that day that been to me.'" Today can be that day that you just make a commitment that I'm you just make a commitment that I'm you just make a commitment that I'm going to start somewhere. And I've been going to start somewhere. And I've been going to start somewhere. And I've been praying all week cuz I know that there praying all week cuz I know that there praying all week cuz I know that there are a lot of people in our church that are a lot of people in our church that are a lot of people in our church that have never taken that step as a part of have never taken that step as a part of have never taken that step as a part of our church family or any church to say, our church family or any church to say, our church family or any church to say, "I'm going to go on a journey of "I'm going to go on a journey of "I'm going to go on a journey of generosity in my relationship with God." generosity in my relationship with God." generosity in my relationship with God." And today can be that day that you just And today can be that day that you just And today can be that day that you just say, "I'm going to give something. I'm say, "I'm going to give something. I'm say, "I'm going to give something. I'm going to start my journey." I'm praying going to start my journey." I'm praying going to start my journey." I'm praying that there are 500 people today that say that there are 500 people today that say that there are 500 people today that say yes to that. And I believe God's going yes to that. And I believe God's going yes to that. And I believe God's going to use it to change your life powerfully to use it to change your life powerfully to use it to change your life powerfully in the years to come. Third thing is to in the years to come. Third thing is to in the years to come. Third thing is to give consistently. So, it's moving out give consistently. So, it's moving out give consistently. So, it's moving out of just this casual kind of I give to of just this casual kind of I give to of just this casual kind of I give to God, but I'm I'm anchoring this area of God, but I'm I'm anchoring this area of God, but I'm I'm anchoring this area of my life like I would any other habit to my life like I would any other habit to my life like I would any other habit to say, "I'm going to trust in God say, "I'm going to trust in God say, "I'm going to trust in God consistently over the course of time consistently over the course of time consistently over the course of time with my giving." And then finally is to with my giving." And then finally is to with my giving." And then finally is to grow in my giving that I want over the grow in my giving that I want over the grow in my giving that I want over the course of my life to experience growth course of my life to experience growth course of my life to experience growth in the area of generosity. And that's in the area of generosity. And that's in the area of generosity. And that's God's will for you is that you would God's will for you is that you would God's will for you is that you would grow if you're a follower of Jesus into grow if you're a follower of Jesus into grow if you're a follower of Jesus into a life of generosity that keeps growing

a life of generosity that keeps growing a life of generosity that keeps growing over the course of time. Now, as you over the course of time. Now, as you over the course of time. Now, as you look at that card, there may be one, look at that card, there may be one, look at that card, there may be one, there may be two, there may be three there may be two, there may be three there may be two, there may be three things that you check. things that you check. things that you check. But I just want to invite you today. But I just want to invite you today. But I just want to invite you today. There's a step for every person, whether There's a step for every person, whether There's a step for every person, whether you've been following Jesus for decades you've been following Jesus for decades you've been following Jesus for decades or you're new to this whole thing, the or you're new to this whole thing, the or you're new to this whole thing, the invitation from God is into a life of invitation from God is into a life of invitation from God is into a life of generosity that Paul says, "Not by guilt generosity that Paul says, "Not by guilt generosity that Paul says, "Not by guilt or compulsion, but from a cheerful heart or compulsion, but from a cheerful heart or compulsion, but from a cheerful heart that's decided, 'God, I want to worship that's decided, 'God, I want to worship that's decided, 'God, I want to worship you with the fullness of my heart. So, I you with the fullness of my heart. So, I you with the fullness of my heart. So, I want to invite you. I'm going to just want to invite you. I'm going to just want to invite you. I'm going to just give you a few more seconds to finish give you a few more seconds to finish give you a few more seconds to finish that card, and then I'm going to lead us that card, and then I'm going to lead us that card, and then I'm going to lead us in a moment of encounter in response to in a moment of encounter in response to in a moment of encounter in response to God. So, if you want to take about 15 to God. So, if you want to take about 15 to God. So, if you want to take about 15 to 20 seconds, and then I'm going to lead 20 seconds, and then I'm going to lead 20 seconds, and then I'm going to lead us in a time of response to the Holy us in a time of response to the Holy us in a time of response to the Holy Spirit.

In just a moment at all of our campuses, In just a moment at all of our campuses, we're going to sing another song and we're going to sing another song and we're going to sing another song and respond in worship. And during that respond in worship. And during that respond in worship. And during that time, the ushers are going to pass these time, the ushers are going to pass these time, the ushers are going to pass these baskets, and you can join with us baskets, and you can join with us baskets, and you can join with us and place that card in as the baskets go and place that card in as the baskets go and place that card in as the baskets go by. You can participate through your app by. You can participate through your app by. You can participate through your app as well. You can take all these steps as as well. You can take all these steps as as well. You can take all these steps as well through the app and join with us in well through the app and join with us in well through the app and join with us in this journey of generosity. I believe this journey of generosity. I believe this journey of generosity. I believe God's going to use it in a powerful way. God's going to use it in a powerful way. God's going to use it in a powerful way. But before we move there, I just want to But before we move there, I just want to But before we move there, I just want to invite you. invite you. invite you. We just been stepping into moments of We just been stepping into moments of We just been stepping into moments of encounter with the living God in our encounter with the living God in our encounter with the living God in our church. So, if you want to just put that church. So, if you want to just put that church. So, if you want to just put that card down somewhere and just free your card down somewhere and just free your card down somewhere and just free your hands, hands, hands, and let's just make a little bit of and let's just make a little bit of and let's just make a little bit of space for the Holy Spirit space for the Holy Spirit space for the Holy Spirit before we sing this last song for the before we sing this last song for the before we sing this last song for the spirit of the living God to move in our spirit of the living God to move in our spirit of the living God to move in our hearts, hearts, hearts, to seal what we've heard. to seal what we've heard. to seal what we've heard. I'll invite you, if you will, just to I'll invite you, if you will, just to I'll invite you, if you will, just to put your hands in front of you as an act put your hands in front of you as an act put your hands in front of you as an act of surrender. You might close your eyes. of surrender. You might close your eyes. of surrender. You might close your eyes. And perhaps today there's something that And perhaps today there's something that And perhaps today there's something that you need to say to God that you've never you need to say to God that you've never you need to say to God that you've never said to him before. said to him before. said to him before. The spirit of God is in the room at all The spirit of God is in the room at all The spirit of God is in the room at all of our campuses. He's here. He's of our campuses. He's here. He's of our campuses. He's here. He's present. He's wanting you today to know present. He's wanting you today to know present. He's wanting you today to know his love.

his love. his love. He's wanting you to know the fullness of He's wanting you to know the fullness of He's wanting you to know the fullness of his willingness to help you. his willingness to help you. his willingness to help you. The Bible says, "Whoever believes in The Bible says, "Whoever believes in The Bible says, "Whoever believes in him, as the scripture says, streams of him, as the scripture says, streams of him, as the scripture says, streams of living water will flow from within them. living water will flow from within them. living water will flow from within them. The Bible calls the spirit of God the The Bible calls the spirit of God the The Bible calls the spirit of God the helper that comes alongside. helper that comes alongside. helper that comes alongside. So, a life of response to God cannot be So, a life of response to God cannot be So, a life of response to God cannot be lived in human power. lived in human power. lived in human power. A life of obedience is not lived with A life of obedience is not lived with A life of obedience is not lived with human strength. human strength. human strength. And so, I just want to ask you between And so, I just want to ask you between And so, I just want to ask you between you and God if you might today just tell you and God if you might today just tell you and God if you might today just tell him, him, him, "I need you. "I need you. "I need you. I need you." I need you." I need you." May even say a simple prayer, "Come, May even say a simple prayer, "Come, May even say a simple prayer, "Come, Holy Spirit, fill me today afresh." Holy Spirit, fill me today afresh." Holy Spirit, fill me today afresh." Now, if you're a follower of Jesus, Now, if you're a follower of Jesus, Now, if you're a follower of Jesus, you've already been given a spirit, but you've already been given a spirit, but you've already been given a spirit, but there's something that happens. There's there's something that happens. There's there's something that happens. There's a fullness of life that he wants to give a fullness of life that he wants to give a fullness of life that he wants to give to you in this moment. You might just to you in this moment. You might just to you in this moment. You might just say to him, "Fill me afresh today that I say to him, "Fill me afresh today that I say to him, "Fill me afresh today that I might be filled with your power, that I might be filled with your power, that I might be filled with your power, that I might be filled up with your joy." might be filled up with your joy." might be filled up with your joy." Maybe you just need to say sorry to him. Maybe you just need to say sorry to him. Maybe you just need to say sorry to him. Maybe there's an area of your life where Maybe there's an area of your life where Maybe there's an area of your life where you've seen him only as the taker and you've seen him only as the taker and you've seen him only as the taker and not the giver.

Let's just for another moment just let Let's just for another moment just let the Holy Spirit, Father, the Holy Spirit, Father, the Holy Spirit, Father, we thank you for your spirit. we thank you for your spirit. we thank you for your spirit. We thank you for your presence. We thank you for your presence. We thank you for your presence. Lord, we thank you today that you are Lord, we thank you today that you are Lord, we thank you today that you are the great [music] the great [music] the great [music] giver of life. giver of life. giver of life. That every good and perfect gift comes That every good and perfect gift comes That every good and perfect gift comes from you. from you. from you. Come, Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. Come, fill our hearts afresh today. Come, fill our hearts afresh today. Come, fill our hearts afresh today. Fill us with renewed vision. Fill us with renewed vision. Fill us with renewed vision. Fill us with hope. Fill us with hope. Fill us with hope. Fill us with a willingness to step Fill us with a willingness to step Fill us with a willingness to step forward in obedience to what you've forward in obedience to what you've forward in obedience to what you've asked of us asked of us asked of us today. today. today. Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you're with Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you're with Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you're with us. us. us. In your name we pray. In your name we pray. In your name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. I'm going to invite you to stand with I'm going to invite you to stand with I'm going to invite you to stand with me. me. me. The ushers are going to come forward. The ushers are going to come forward. The ushers are going to come forward. They're going to pass the buckets. You They're going to pass the buckets. You They're going to pass the buckets. You can drop that card in. can drop that card in. >> [music] >> We want to worship and just thank God. >> We want to worship and just thank God. >> We want to worship and just thank God. Just tell him we trust him as we finish Just tell him we trust him as we finish Just tell him we trust him as we finish our time together today. >> Oh, I trust in God.

>> Oh, I trust in God. He's my [music] savior, He's my [music] savior, He's my [music] savior, the one the one the one who will never Oh, I trust in God. Oh, I trust in God. My savior, My savior, My savior, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the one who will >> the one who will >> the one who will never fail. fail. >> [music] >> He will never fail. >> He will never fail. I trust in [music] God. I trust in [music] God. I trust in [music] God. I trust in God. I trust in God. I trust in God. He's [music] my savior, the one the one who will never who will never who will never >> [music] Oh, I trust in God. Oh, I trust in God. He's my [music] savior, He's my [music] savior, He's my [music] savior, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> the one >> the one >> the one who will never [music] He will never [music] fail.

He will never [music] fail. Oh, I sought the Lord. I sought the [music] Lord. I sought the [music] Lord. And he heard And he heard And he heard and he and he and he answered. answered. answered. I sought [music] the Lord I sought [music] the Lord I sought [music] the Lord and he heard and and he heard and and he heard and answered. answered. answered. I sought the Lord I sought the Lord I sought the Lord and he heard and That's why That's why I trust [music] him. I trust [music] him. I trust [music] him. That's why That's why That's why I trust him. I sought the Lord I trust him. I sought the Lord I trust him. I sought the Lord >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and he answered. >> and he answered. >> and he answered. I sought the [singing] Lord I sought the [singing] Lord I sought the [singing] Lord and he heard and he heard and he heard and he answered. and he answered. and he answered. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I sought the Lord >> I sought the Lord >> I sought the Lord and he heard and and he heard and and he heard and That's why I trust That's why I trust That's why I trust >> [music] >> That's why >> That's why I trust him. >> Well, what a wonderful time of worship >> Well, what a wonderful time of worship [music] it was today and such a great [music] it was today and such a great [music] it was today and such a great message as we were reminded of God's

message as we were reminded of God's message as we were reminded of God's great love and God's great goodness, his great love and God's great goodness, his great love and God's great goodness, his generosity towards us. [music] And also generosity towards us. [music] And also generosity towards us. [music] And also that God is inviting us to give us his that God is inviting us to give us his that God is inviting us to give us his give him our whole hearts and our whole give him our whole hearts and our whole give him our whole hearts and our whole trust in all areas [music] of our life. trust in all areas [music] of our life. trust in all areas [music] of our life. And during the message, Pastor Andy And during the message, Pastor Andy And during the message, Pastor Andy invited us to respond to what the Holy invited us to respond to what the Holy invited us to respond to what the Holy Spirit might have been putting on your Spirit might have been putting on your Spirit might have been putting on your heart today. [music] And so we want to heart today. [music] And so we want to heart today. [music] And so we want to invite you to fill out one of these invite you to fill out one of these invite you to fill out one of these cards that he was talking about. You can cards that he was talking about. You can cards that he was talking about. You can do so by clicking the link in the do so by clicking the link in the do so by clicking the link in the description if you're watching on description if you're watching on description if you're watching on YouTube or open that [music] Saddleback YouTube or open that [music] Saddleback YouTube or open that [music] Saddleback app and find this card and you can fill app and find this card and you can fill app and find this card and you can fill it out there as well. And if there's it out there as well. And if there's it out there as well. And if there's another way that you might want to take another way that you might want to take another way that you might want to take a next step in your faith today, whether a next step in your faith today, whether a next step in your faith today, whether there's something weighing heavy on your there's something weighing heavy on your there's something weighing heavy on your [music] heart that you need prayer for [music] heart that you need prayer for [music] heart that you need prayer for or maybe you want to get plugged in into or maybe you want to get plugged in into or maybe you want to get plugged in into community through small groups or maybe community through small groups or maybe community through small groups or maybe you're just looking to take a very first you're just looking to take a very first you're just looking to take a very first step or a next step in your faith or in step or a next step in your faith or in step or a next step in your faith or in joining the church, we want to invite joining the church, we want to invite joining the church, we want to invite [music] you to join us for Activate. You [music] you to join us for Activate. You [music] you to join us for Activate. You can do all of this through the digital can do all of this through the digital can do all of this through the digital program and through the app as well. So program and through the app as well. So program and through the app as well. So we hope that you'll join us for any of we hope that you'll join us for any of we hope that you'll join us for any of these next [music] steps. But church these next [music] steps. But church these next [music] steps. But church family, we're We're glad that you're family, we're We're glad that you're family, we're We're glad that you're with us today and we hope that you'll with us today and we hope that you'll with us today and we hope that you'll join us again next weekend as we join us again next weekend as we join us again next weekend as we continue through the book of Mark as a continue through the book of Mark as a continue through the book of Mark as a church. We are continuing in part two of church. We are continuing in part two of church. We are continuing in part two of Jesus on the move. So, we hope to see Jesus on the move. So, we hope to see Jesus on the move. So, we hope to see you there. We'll see you next weekend.