How to Not Shipwreck Your Life | Andy Wood

We're in the fourth week of a message We're in the fourth week of a message series called the road to freedom. I've series called the road to freedom. I've series called the road to freedom. I've loved this series because we've been loved this series because we've been loved this series because we've been focusing on the reality that God wants focusing on the reality that God wants focusing on the reality that God wants you to live free. God no longer wants you to live free. God no longer wants you to live free. God no longer wants you to live with the bondage of regret you to live with the bondage of regret you to live with the bondage of regret and shame, the habits that seem to and shame, the habits that seem to and shame, the habits that seem to destroy our lives. He's a God who destroy our lives. He's a God who destroy our lives. He's a God who invites us into freedom. And we're going invites us into freedom. And we're going invites us into freedom. And we're going to jump into the message in just a to jump into the message in just a to jump into the message in just a moment, but I want to take a second to moment, but I want to take a second to moment, but I want to take a second to highlight something that's happening highlight something that's happening highlight something that's happening this weekend. Immediately after this this weekend. Immediately after this this weekend. Immediately after this service, uh, we're going to have an service, uh, we're going to have an service, uh, we're going to have an event that we call Newcomers Connection. event that we call Newcomers Connection. event that we call Newcomers Connection. Now, we have been just kind of watching Now, we have been just kind of watching Now, we have been just kind of watching what God's been doing over the last what God's been doing over the last what God's been doing over the last couple of months. We've had close to couple of months. We've had close to couple of months. We've had close to 2,000 new people show up over the last 2,000 new people show up over the last 2,000 new people show up over the last two months here at Saddleback. And two months here at Saddleback. And two months here at Saddleback. And that's probably a lot of you here in that's probably a lot of you here in that's probably a lot of you here in this service today. And you're wondering this service today. And you're wondering this service today. And you're wondering like, what's my next step? Maybe even like, what's my next step? Maybe even like, what's my next step? Maybe even you're new to faith, exploring what you you're new to faith, exploring what you you're new to faith, exploring what you believe about Jesus. Maybe this is the believe about Jesus. Maybe this is the believe about Jesus. Maybe this is the first church that you've ever been a first church that you've ever been a first church that you've ever been a part of. We want to help you get part of. We want to help you get part of. We want to help you get connected and we want to help you along connected and we want to help you along connected and we want to help you along your journey as you're exploring faith. your journey as you're exploring faith. your journey as you're exploring faith. We'd love to get to know you. So We'd love to get to know you. So We'd love to get to know you. So immediately after our service today, immediately after our service today, immediately after our service today, we'd love to meet you on the patio. So we'd love to meet you on the patio. So we'd love to meet you on the patio. So if you just walk out right after if you just walk out right after if you just walk out right after service, there's a place called the hub.

service, there's a place called the hub. service, there's a place called the hub. The team will direct you and we'd love The team will direct you and we'd love The team will direct you and we'd love to help you get connected and get to to help you get connected and get to to help you get connected and get to know you. So you can do that right after know you. So you can do that right after know you. So you can do that right after service. Now, today for my message, I service. Now, today for my message, I service. Now, today for my message, I got to just say on the front end, this got to just say on the front end, this got to just say on the front end, this is one of those messages all week long is one of those messages all week long is one of those messages all week long that God was really laying a burden on that God was really laying a burden on that God was really laying a burden on my heart for what he wants to say today. my heart for what he wants to say today. my heart for what he wants to say today. And I believe today is going to be a And I believe today is going to be a And I believe today is going to be a pivot point for many people. I believe pivot point for many people. I believe pivot point for many people. I believe that today is going to be a moment that that today is going to be a moment that that today is going to be a moment that some of you are set free from decisions some of you are set free from decisions some of you are set free from decisions that you've been making and it's going that you've been making and it's going that you've been making and it's going to be a warning, a call to a higher to be a warning, a call to a higher to be a warning, a call to a higher level of purity and pursuing freedom level of purity and pursuing freedom level of purity and pursuing freedom with your whole heart. My message today with your whole heart. My message today with your whole heart. My message today is titled How to Not Shipwreck Your is titled How to Not Shipwreck Your is titled How to Not Shipwreck Your Life. How to not shipwreck your life. I Life. How to not shipwreck your life. I Life. How to not shipwreck your life. I want to invite you, you can pull out want to invite you, you can pull out want to invite you, you can pull out your notes and find them on the app. your notes and find them on the app. your notes and find them on the app. We've been in this one verse, Galatians We've been in this one verse, Galatians We've been in this one verse, Galatians chapter 5, verse one. This verse is Paul chapter 5, verse one. This verse is Paul chapter 5, verse one. This verse is Paul speaking to the church in Galatia. And I speaking to the church in Galatia. And I speaking to the church in Galatia. And I want us together to read this verse want us together to read this verse want us together to read this verse aloud. Galatians chapter 5 verse one. aloud. Galatians chapter 5 verse one. aloud. Galatians chapter 5 verse one. All of our venues, everybody in this All of our venues, everybody in this All of our venues, everybody in this room with a loud voice, let's read it room with a loud voice, let's read it room with a loud voice, let's read it together. Galatians 5:1 it says this. It together. Galatians 5:1 it says this. It together. Galatians 5:1 it says this. It is for freedom that Christ has set us is for freedom that Christ has set us is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let free. Stand firm then and do not let free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke yourselves be burdened again by a yoke yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Now this verse Paul is of slavery. Now this verse Paul is of slavery. Now this verse Paul is highlighting. He's saying you can make highlighting. He's saying you can make highlighting. He's saying you can make decisions to go back in to slavery. God decisions to go back in to slavery. God decisions to go back in to slavery. God can set you free with your choices. You can set you free with your choices. You can set you free with your choices. You can move back into a life of bondage.

can move back into a life of bondage. can move back into a life of bondage. And today as we look at this idea of not And today as we look at this idea of not And today as we look at this idea of not shipwrecking our life, I want us to hear shipwrecking our life, I want us to hear shipwrecking our life, I want us to hear from Paul his heart as he's speaking to from Paul his heart as he's speaking to from Paul his heart as he's speaking to a younger Timothy about the idea of a younger Timothy about the idea of a younger Timothy about the idea of shipwrecking as a warning for our lives. shipwrecking as a warning for our lives. shipwrecking as a warning for our lives. 1 Timothy chapter 1 verse 18, this 1 Timothy chapter 1 verse 18, this 1 Timothy chapter 1 verse 18, this little section of a letter that Paul little section of a letter that Paul little section of a letter that Paul writes as an older father in the faith writes as an older father in the faith writes as an older father in the faith to his younger son Timothy says this. to his younger son Timothy says this. to his younger son Timothy says this. Timothy, my son, I'm giving you this Timothy, my son, I'm giving you this Timothy, my son, I'm giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies command in keeping with the prophecies command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by once made about you, so that by once made about you, so that by recalling them, you might fight the recalling them, you might fight the recalling them, you might fight the battle well, holding on to faith in a battle well, holding on to faith in a battle well, holding on to faith in a good conscience, which some have good conscience, which some have good conscience, which some have rejected and so have shipwrecked or rejected and so have shipwrecked or rejected and so have shipwrecked or suffered shipwreck with regard to their suffered shipwreck with regard to their suffered shipwreck with regard to their faith. I want you to circle that word faith. I want you to circle that word faith. I want you to circle that word shipwreck in your notes. What Paul is shipwreck in your notes. What Paul is shipwreck in your notes. What Paul is saying is there are some that with their saying is there are some that with their saying is there are some that with their faith they were on a path moving towards faith they were on a path moving towards faith they were on a path moving towards a trajectory or a destination and at a trajectory or a destination and at a trajectory or a destination and at some point they started to drift and some point they started to drift and some point they started to drift and eventually they shipwrecked. Now this is eventually they shipwrecked. Now this is eventually they shipwrecked. Now this is important. You might write this down.

important. You might write this down. important. You might write this down. Shipwrecks never happen on purpose. If Shipwrecks never happen on purpose. If Shipwrecks never happen on purpose. If you've been around for Saddleback for a you've been around for Saddleback for a you've been around for Saddleback for a while, you might say there are no while, you might say there are no while, you might say there are no purposedriven shipwrecks. There is no purposedriven shipwrecks. There is no purposedriven shipwrecks. There is no such a thing as someone who says, "I such a thing as someone who says, "I such a thing as someone who says, "I want to destroy my life." And now, after want to destroy my life." And now, after want to destroy my life." And now, after being in ministry for 25 years, being 43 being in ministry for 25 years, being 43 being in ministry for 25 years, being 43 years old, I've watched a lot of people years old, I've watched a lot of people years old, I've watched a lot of people shipwreck their life, and it troubles me shipwreck their life, and it troubles me shipwreck their life, and it troubles me every time. It brings great grief to my every time. It brings great grief to my every time. It brings great grief to my heart. So many people I know, I love heart. So many people I know, I love heart. So many people I know, I love that have influenced my life. And I that have influenced my life. And I that have influenced my life. And I believe what God is putting his finger believe what God is putting his finger believe what God is putting his finger on today is there are some of you that on today is there are some of you that on today is there are some of you that are on this side of a shipwreck. And God are on this side of a shipwreck. And God are on this side of a shipwreck. And God is saying that does not have to be your is saying that does not have to be your is saying that does not have to be your story. That does not have to be the story. That does not have to be the story. That does not have to be the destination of your life. Some of you destination of your life. Some of you destination of your life. Some of you have a dad who shipwrecked their life. have a dad who shipwrecked their life. have a dad who shipwrecked their life. Some of you have a person in your life Some of you have a person in your life Some of you have a person in your life that you've watched go off the path. And that you've watched go off the path. And that you've watched go off the path. And God wants those stories to be a warning God wants those stories to be a warning God wants those stories to be a warning to help us realize that doesn't have to to help us realize that doesn't have to to help us realize that doesn't have to be our destination. So today, we're be our destination. So today, we're be our destination. So today, we're going to look at a very sobering story going to look at a very sobering story going to look at a very sobering story from the Bible. It's a story from the from the Bible. It's a story from the from the Bible. It's a story from the life of King David. Now, if I said the life of King David. Now, if I said the life of King David. Now, if I said the name King David to you, even if you've name King David to you, even if you've name King David to you, even if you've come to Saddleback for the first time, come to Saddleback for the first time, come to Saddleback for the first time, you've heard of David. You've heard the you've heard of David. You've heard the you've heard of David. You've heard the story of David and Goliath. And there's story of David and Goliath. And there's story of David and Goliath. And there's more written about David in the Old more written about David in the Old more written about David in the Old Testament of the Bible than anybody Testament of the Bible than anybody Testament of the Bible than anybody else. So many things about David that else. So many things about David that else. So many things about David that come to mind for me as I think about come to mind for me as I think about come to mind for me as I think about him. I think about King David as a him. I think about King David as a him. I think about King David as a mentor of mine. I think about moments mentor of mine. I think about moments mentor of mine. I think about moments where David is out in a field. He's where David is out in a field. He's where David is out in a field. He's shephering the flock. He's a young shephering the flock. He's a young shephering the flock. He's a young teenage boy. He's out there being

teenage boy. He's out there being teenage boy. He's out there being faithful. And God says, "I want to have faithful. And God says, "I want to have faithful. And God says, "I want to have a new king." Saul, who stood a head a new king." Saul, who stood a head a new king." Saul, who stood a head taller than the rest of Israel, the king taller than the rest of Israel, the king taller than the rest of Israel, the king who defiles God, disobys him, God's now who defiles God, disobys him, God's now who defiles God, disobys him, God's now going to go after someone who has a going to go after someone who has a going to go after someone who has a heart to pursue him. So God sends Samuel heart to pursue him. So God sends Samuel heart to pursue him. So God sends Samuel out with anointing oil to anoint David out with anointing oil to anoint David out with anointing oil to anoint David as the next king of the nation of as the next king of the nation of as the next king of the nation of Israel. faithful shepherd who stands Israel. faithful shepherd who stands Israel. faithful shepherd who stands eventually on the field with Goliath eventually on the field with Goliath eventually on the field with Goliath with courage takes his five smooth with courage takes his five smooth with courage takes his five smooth stones. The first one hurls it at stones. The first one hurls it at stones. The first one hurls it at Goliath and defeats this great giant. Goliath and defeats this great giant. Goliath and defeats this great giant. David, a man of God, grows over time David, a man of God, grows over time David, a man of God, grows over time where songs are sung about him that say where songs are sung about him that say where songs are sung about him that say Saul is slate is thousands and David is Saul is slate is thousands and David is Saul is slate is thousands and David is tens of thousands. I think about David, tens of thousands. I think about David, tens of thousands. I think about David, the moment when the nation of Israel was the moment when the nation of Israel was the moment when the nation of Israel was bringing the ark of the covenant back in bringing the ark of the covenant back in bringing the ark of the covenant back in to the promised land and God has this to the promised land and God has this to the promised land and God has this leader who's dancing before him with all leader who's dancing before him with all leader who's dancing before him with all his might. He's a passionate lover of his might. He's a passionate lover of his might. He's a passionate lover of God. He pursues God with his whole God. He pursues God with his whole God. He pursues God with his whole heart. David would write many of the heart. David would write many of the heart. David would write many of the psalms that you and I know. Psalms that psalms that you and I know. Psalms that psalms that you and I know. Psalms that say things like, "The Lord is my say things like, "The Lord is my say things like, "The Lord is my shepherd. I have all that I need." So shepherd. I have all that I need." So shepherd. I have all that I need." So David is a man that when you look at his David is a man that when you look at his David is a man that when you look at his life in so many ways is exemplary, but life in so many ways is exemplary, but life in so many ways is exemplary, but there's this one chapter, 2 Samuel there's this one chapter, 2 Samuel there's this one chapter, 2 Samuel chapter 11, that is very, very sobering.

chapter 11, that is very, very sobering. chapter 11, that is very, very sobering. And I almost wish I could sit down with And I almost wish I could sit down with And I almost wish I could sit down with David right before this moment and I David right before this moment and I David right before this moment and I could grab him by the shoulders, tell could grab him by the shoulders, tell could grab him by the shoulders, tell him how much I respect him, tell him how him how much I respect him, tell him how him how much I respect him, tell him how much he's impacted my life, and I'm much he's impacted my life, and I'm much he's impacted my life, and I'm different because of you, David. But I different because of you, David. But I different because of you, David. But I wish I could just say, "David, David, wish I could just say, "David, David, wish I could just say, "David, David, you're about to shipwreck your life. you're about to shipwreck your life. you're about to shipwreck your life. You're about to make a series of You're about to make a series of You're about to make a series of decisions that you will never return decisions that you will never return decisions that you will never return from. It will never be the same in your from. It will never be the same in your from. It will never be the same in your family again. And oh, if you could just family again. And oh, if you could just family again. And oh, if you could just right now see the trajectory that you're right now see the trajectory that you're right now see the trajectory that you're heading on, your story could be heading on, your story could be heading on, your story could be different. So today, let's let David different. So today, let's let David different. So today, let's let David serve as an example for us of what not serve as an example for us of what not serve as an example for us of what not to do, of how not to shipwreck our to do, of how not to shipwreck our to do, of how not to shipwreck our lives. Now, as we journey through this lives. Now, as we journey through this lives. Now, as we journey through this story, I want you to notice there are 20 story, I want you to notice there are 20 story, I want you to notice there are 20 steps that David takes in 2 Samuel steps that David takes in 2 Samuel steps that David takes in 2 Samuel chapter 11. This is important because a chapter 11. This is important because a chapter 11. This is important because a shipwreck is never one decision. It's shipwreck is never one decision. It's shipwreck is never one decision. It's always a series of decisions. And you always a series of decisions. And you always a series of decisions. And you might know somebody, you look up and might know somebody, you look up and might know somebody, you look up and you're like, I never saw that coming. you're like, I never saw that coming. you're like, I never saw that coming. But there were all kinds of things But there were all kinds of things But there were all kinds of things happening under the surface to that one happening under the surface to that one happening under the surface to that one decision that was a shipwreck. Watch decision that was a shipwreck. Watch decision that was a shipwreck. Watch this. says in 2 Samuel chapter 11 verse this. says in 2 Samuel chapter 11 verse this. says in 2 Samuel chapter 11 verse one in the spring of the year when kings one in the spring of the year when kings one in the spring of the year when kings normally go out to war David sent Joab normally go out to war David sent Joab normally go out to war David sent Joab and the is Israelite army to fight the and the is Israelite army to fight the and the is Israelite army to fight the Ammonites they destroyed the Ammonite Ammonites they destroyed the Ammonite Ammonites they destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of army and laid siege to the city of army and laid siege to the city of Rabba. However, David stayed behind in Rabba. However, David stayed behind in Rabba. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. Now you might underline that Jerusalem. Now you might underline that Jerusalem. Now you might underline that word stayed behind or two words stayed word stayed behind or two words stayed word stayed behind or two words stayed behind. That word literally means he sat

behind. That word literally means he sat behind. That word literally means he sat behind. It's the word that's used in behind. It's the word that's used in behind. It's the word that's used in Psalm one that says, "Blessed is the man Psalm one that says, "Blessed is the man Psalm one that says, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the way of sinners who does not walk in the way of sinners who does not walk in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mocker or walk in or sit in the seat of mocker or walk in or sit in the seat of mocker or walk in the way of sinners or the counsel of the the way of sinners or the counsel of the the way of sinners or the counsel of the wicked but or sit in the seat of wicked but or sit in the seat of wicked but or sit in the seat of mockers." And that word sit means mockers." And that word sit means mockers." And that word sit means literally to plop down. So David makes a literally to plop down. So David makes a literally to plop down. So David makes a decision to sit out when he should be in decision to sit out when he should be in decision to sit out when he should be in battle. So he's back. Many historians battle. So he's back. Many historians battle. So he's back. Many historians believe based upon putting stories believe based upon putting stories believe based upon putting stories together that David is probably in his together that David is probably in his together that David is probably in his mid50s at this point. I want you to mid50s at this point. I want you to mid50s at this point. I want you to consider him. So, he's had a lot of consider him. So, he's had a lot of consider him. So, he's had a lot of victories. He's been successful. He's victories. He's been successful. He's victories. He's been successful. He's most likely the most powerful man on most likely the most powerful man on most likely the most powerful man on planet Earth at this point. People planet Earth at this point. People planet Earth at this point. People respect him. Nobody challenges his word. respect him. Nobody challenges his word. respect him. Nobody challenges his word. They do what David says. He is mighty in They do what David says. He is mighty in They do what David says. He is mighty in in battle. So, there there's a lot that in battle. So, there there's a lot that in battle. So, there there's a lot that is going for David at this point. But at is going for David at this point. But at is going for David at this point. But at this moment, David makes a decision. He this moment, David makes a decision. He this moment, David makes a decision. He sends Joab the general into ar into into sends Joab the general into ar into into sends Joab the general into ar into into battle and he's going to stay back in battle and he's going to stay back in battle and he's going to stay back in Jerusalem while his army is out in the Jerusalem while his army is out in the Jerusalem while his army is out in the field. It says next late one afternoon field. It says next late one afternoon field. It says next late one afternoon after his midday rest, David got out of after his midday rest, David got out of after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the bed and was walking on the roof of the bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. So imagine for just a moment palace. So imagine for just a moment palace. So imagine for just a moment like David's watching Netflix, kind of like David's watching Netflix, kind of like David's watching Netflix, kind of falls asleep going from show to show, falls asleep going from show to show, falls asleep going from show to show, wakes up late afternoon. He's doing his wakes up late afternoon. He's doing his wakes up late afternoon. He's doing his siesta thing and his men are out on the siesta thing and his men are out on the siesta thing and his men are out on the battlefield. He's back home bored. And a battlefield. He's back home bored. And a battlefield. He's back home bored. And a lot of us sometimes in our lives can lot of us sometimes in our lives can lot of us sometimes in our lives can find us ourselves at a place of boredom.

find us ourselves at a place of boredom. find us ourselves at a place of boredom. Just kind of I don't I don't know what Just kind of I don't I don't know what Just kind of I don't I don't know what to do with myself. And a lot of times to do with myself. And a lot of times to do with myself. And a lot of times boredom is the beginning of a fall for boredom is the beginning of a fall for boredom is the beginning of a fall for people. So David is bored out of his people. So David is bored out of his people. So David is bored out of his mind. Starts walking around on the mind. Starts walking around on the mind. Starts walking around on the rooftop just looking over the city. And rooftop just looking over the city. And rooftop just looking over the city. And I want you to imagine for just a moment I want you to imagine for just a moment I want you to imagine for just a moment David the king as he's walking around David the king as he's walking around David the king as he's walking around the city in many ways. He's built the the city in many ways. He's built the the city in many ways. He's built the city. He's w won the wars against the city. He's w won the wars against the city. He's w won the wars against the enemies. And now there's power that's enemies. And now there's power that's enemies. And now there's power that's been established. And he's looking, I'm been established. And he's looking, I'm been established. And he's looking, I'm awesome. I'm great. I've won battles. awesome. I'm great. I've won battles. awesome. I'm great. I've won battles. I'm the king. And then all of a sudden, I'm the king. And then all of a sudden, I'm the king. And then all of a sudden, it says that as he's walking around on it says that as he's walking around on it says that as he's walking around on the rooftop, he notices a woman of the rooftop, he notices a woman of the rooftop, he notices a woman of unusual beauty. So this beautiful woman, unusual beauty. So this beautiful woman, unusual beauty. So this beautiful woman, David, notices her and she's on her David, notices her and she's on her David, notices her and she's on her rooftop. She's taking a bath. And notice rooftop. She's taking a bath. And notice rooftop. She's taking a bath. And notice what it says. He looked out. He noticed what it says. He looked out. He noticed what it says. He looked out. He noticed this woman of unu unusual beauty taking this woman of unu unusual beauty taking this woman of unu unusual beauty taking a bath. And he sent someone to find out a bath. And he sent someone to find out a bath. And he sent someone to find out who she was. Now, we know based upon the who she was. Now, we know based upon the who she was. Now, we know based upon the description of who she is. He would have description of who she is. He would have description of who she is. He would have known who she is. He would have known known who she is. He would have known known who she is. He would have known her husband and her father. So David her husband and her father. So David her husband and her father. So David still is like kind of trying to play still is like kind of trying to play still is like kind of trying to play dumb. Go find out who this woman is.

dumb. Go find out who this woman is. dumb. Go find out who this woman is. She's Basheba, the daughter of Eli, the She's Basheba, the daughter of Eli, the She's Basheba, the daughter of Eli, the wife of Uriah the Hitittite. So David, wife of Uriah the Hitittite. So David, wife of Uriah the Hitittite. So David, after finding out who she is, then sends after finding out who she is, then sends after finding out who she is, then sends messengers to get her. And when she messengers to get her. And when she messengers to get her. And when she comes to the palace, he slept with her. comes to the palace, he slept with her. comes to the palace, he slept with her. Now for a moment, just consider this Now for a moment, just consider this Now for a moment, just consider this reality. The Bible says, "What God put reality. The Bible says, "What God put reality. The Bible says, "What God put together, let no man separate." So together, let no man separate." So together, let no man separate." So marriage is a sacred covenant between a marriage is a sacred covenant between a marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman that God establishes. man and a woman that God establishes. man and a woman that God establishes. And David takes his power and peels And David takes his power and peels And David takes his power and peels apart this covenant between Uriah and apart this covenant between Uriah and apart this covenant between Uriah and Bashiba. He does something very very Bashiba. He does something very very Bashiba. He does something very very dishonoring to the Lord in this moment. dishonoring to the Lord in this moment. dishonoring to the Lord in this moment. So he sleeps with Bashibba. And notice So he sleeps with Bashibba. And notice So he sleeps with Bashibba. And notice in the next verse it says she had just in the next verse it says she had just in the next verse it says she had just completed the purification rights after completed the purification rights after completed the purification rights after having her menstrual period. Then she having her menstrual period. Then she having her menstrual period. Then she returned home and later when Bashibba returned home and later when Bashibba returned home and later when Bashibba discovered that she was pregnant, she discovered that she was pregnant, she discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message saying, "I am sent David a message saying, "I am sent David a message saying, "I am pregnant." This is the text nobody wants pregnant." This is the text nobody wants pregnant." This is the text nobody wants to receive. And in that moment, David is to receive. And in that moment, David is to receive. And in that moment, David is like, "Okay, what am I going to do? I like, "Okay, what am I going to do? I like, "Okay, what am I going to do? I got her pregnant. How am I going to got her pregnant. How am I going to got her pregnant. How am I going to cover this up?" Now, this story there, cover this up?" Now, this story there, cover this up?" Now, this story there, there's so much detail in this story.

there's so much detail in this story. there's so much detail in this story. I'm so thankful for God's willingness to I'm so thankful for God's willingness to I'm so thankful for God's willingness to allow us to see into stories like this, allow us to see into stories like this, allow us to see into stories like this, to understand the weight of his to understand the weight of his to understand the weight of his decisions. So, David finds out that decisions. So, David finds out that decisions. So, David finds out that Bashibba is pregnant, and he's going to Bashibba is pregnant, and he's going to Bashibba is pregnant, and he's going to try to cover it up. You're going to try to cover it up. You're going to try to cover it up. You're going to notice decision after decision. First notice decision after decision. First notice decision after decision. First one happens in verse six. David sent one happens in verse six. David sent one happens in verse six. David sent word to Joab, "Send me Uriah the word to Joab, "Send me Uriah the word to Joab, "Send me Uriah the Hittite." So he's got this tactic of how Hittite." So he's got this tactic of how Hittite." So he's got this tactic of how he's going to cover it up. He's going to he's going to cover it up. He's going to he's going to cover it up. He's going to bring Uriah home, get Uriah to sleep bring Uriah home, get Uriah to sleep bring Uriah home, get Uriah to sleep with Basheba, and it's going to look with Basheba, and it's going to look with Basheba, and it's going to look like this is Uriah's baby. So verse like this is Uriah's baby. So verse like this is Uriah's baby. So verse eight, he told Uriah, "Go on home and eight, he told Uriah, "Go on home and eight, he told Uriah, "Go on home and relax." Again, this is not like just relax." Again, this is not like just relax." Again, this is not like just watching Netflix. This is go be with watching Netflix. This is go be with watching Netflix. This is go be with your wife. Like go make a baby. And so your wife. Like go make a baby. And so your wife. Like go make a baby. And so Uriah says that he was receiving a gift Uriah says that he was receiving a gift Uriah says that he was receiving a gift from David and he then left the palace. from David and he then left the palace. from David and he then left the palace. David heard then the next day that Uriah David heard then the next day that Uriah David heard then the next day that Uriah was unwilling to go home. Now think was unwilling to go home. Now think was unwilling to go home. Now think about this for just a moment. Uriah is about this for just a moment. Uriah is about this for just a moment. Uriah is so loyal to David that he will not even so loyal to David that he will not even so loyal to David that he will not even go home and be with his wife. He sleeps go home and be with his wife. He sleeps go home and be with his wife. He sleeps at the doorstep of the palace. This is a at the doorstep of the palace. This is a at the doorstep of the palace. This is a man of integrity. So Uriah won't go back man of integrity. So Uriah won't go back man of integrity. So Uriah won't go back to be with his wife. So David finally to be with his wife. So David finally to be with his wife. So David finally summons him. He's like, "Dude, you've summons him. He's like, "Dude, you've summons him. He's like, "Dude, you've been in war. You've been away from your been in war. You've been away from your been in war. You've been away from your wife. What's wrong with you? Go home and wife. What's wrong with you? Go home and wife. What's wrong with you? Go home and be with your wife." And so he's like, be with your wife." And so he's like, be with your wife." And so he's like, "Well, if he's not going to do it, I'll "Well, if he's not going to do it, I'll "Well, if he's not going to do it, I'll just have to get him drunk. Certainly, just have to get him drunk. Certainly, just have to get him drunk. Certainly, if he's drunk, he'll go home and be with if he's drunk, he'll go home and be with if he's drunk, he'll go home and be with her." So he gets Uriah drunk. It says her." So he gets Uriah drunk. It says her." So he gets Uriah drunk. It says the next day, he invited him to dinner.

the next day, he invited him to dinner. the next day, he invited him to dinner. He gave him bunch of beer, red wine, He gave him bunch of beer, red wine, He gave him bunch of beer, red wine, white wine, and even he couldn't get white wine, and even he couldn't get white wine, and even he couldn't get Uriah after he's drunk to go home and be Uriah after he's drunk to go home and be Uriah after he's drunk to go home and be with his wife. So, here is Uriah drunk with his wife. So, here is Uriah drunk with his wife. So, here is Uriah drunk again, waiting at the doorstep of David. again, waiting at the doorstep of David. again, waiting at the doorstep of David. David. And now David has to make a David. And now David has to make a David. And now David has to make a decision. What's he going to do? He decision. What's he going to do? He decision. What's he going to do? He tried. Uriah's not drunk. He's drunk. tried. Uriah's not drunk. He's drunk. tried. Uriah's not drunk. He's drunk. He's not going home to be with his wife. He's not going home to be with his wife. He's not going home to be with his wife. So, still David has to cover this up in So, still David has to cover this up in So, still David has to cover this up in his mind. So, he's going to make a his mind. So, he's going to make a his mind. So, he's going to make a decision now to write a letter. So, decision now to write a letter. So, decision now to write a letter. So, notice the next verse. It says in verse notice the next verse. It says in verse notice the next verse. It says in verse 14, David wrote a letter to Joab. He's 14, David wrote a letter to Joab. He's 14, David wrote a letter to Joab. He's the he is the general in the army. And the he is the general in the army. And the he is the general in the army. And this letter is going to be delivered to this letter is going to be delivered to this letter is going to be delivered to Joab. He gave it to Uriah and it says Joab. He gave it to Uriah and it says Joab. He gave it to Uriah and it says this, "Station Uriah on the front lines this, "Station Uriah on the front lines this, "Station Uriah on the front lines where the battle is fiercest and then where the battle is fiercest and then where the battle is fiercest and then pull back so that he'll be killed." So pull back so that he'll be killed." So pull back so that he'll be killed." So this guy is carrying his death sentenced this guy is carrying his death sentenced this guy is carrying his death sentenced to the front line of battle. So he's got to the front line of battle. So he's got to the front line of battle. So he's got his letter. He goes and gives it to his letter. He goes and gives it to his letter. He goes and gives it to Joab. Next day Joab sends him out to the Joab. Next day Joab sends him out to the Joab. Next day Joab sends him out to the front lines. Uriah again so faithful front lines. Uriah again so faithful front lines. Uriah again so faithful doing his job. He's on the front lines.

doing his job. He's on the front lines. doing his job. He's on the front lines. And it says in verse 17, "And when the And it says in verse 17, "And when the And it says in verse 17, "And when the enemy soldiers came out of the city to enemy soldiers came out of the city to enemy soldiers came out of the city to fight, Uriah the Hitittite was killed fight, Uriah the Hitittite was killed fight, Uriah the Hitittite was killed along with several other Israelite along with several other Israelite along with several other Israelite soldiers." So now Uriah, he's done. soldiers." So now Uriah, he's done. soldiers." So now Uriah, he's done. David has covered up his adultery with David has covered up his adultery with David has covered up his adultery with murder. Uriah's dead. And now word is murder. Uriah's dead. And now word is murder. Uriah's dead. And now word is going to go back to David. Notice again going to go back to David. Notice again going to go back to David. Notice again David's response when word comes back to David's response when word comes back to David's response when word comes back to him. Aren't you so glad you came to him. Aren't you so glad you came to him. Aren't you so glad you came to church to be encouraged today? This is church to be encouraged today? This is church to be encouraged today? This is like a very sobering story. Verse 22 like a very sobering story. Verse 22 like a very sobering story. Verse 22 says, "So the messenger went to says, "So the messenger went to says, "So the messenger went to Jerusalem and gave the complete report Jerusalem and gave the complete report Jerusalem and gave the complete report to David." Well, to tell Joab not to be to David." Well, to tell Joab not to be to David." Well, to tell Joab not to be discouraged, David said, "The sword discouraged, David said, "The sword discouraged, David said, "The sword devours this one today and that one devours this one today and that one devours this one today and that one tomorrow. Fight harder next time and tomorrow. Fight harder next time and tomorrow. Fight harder next time and conquer the city." It's almost as if conquer the city." It's almost as if conquer the city." It's almost as if David is being dismissive over what David is being dismissive over what David is being dismissive over what happened. Just kind of lz fair. He's happened. Just kind of lz fair. He's happened. Just kind of lz fair. He's dead. Tell him just to be a little bit dead. Tell him just to be a little bit dead. Tell him just to be a little bit more careful next time. And you know, at more careful next time. And you know, at more careful next time. And you know, at this point in the story, there there are this point in the story, there there are this point in the story, there there are a lot of questions that come through our a lot of questions that come through our a lot of questions that come through our mind. I had somebody come to me after mind. I had somebody come to me after mind. I had somebody come to me after the service yesterday and say like, "Why the service yesterday and say like, "Why the service yesterday and say like, "Why didn't you say anything about Basheba?

didn't you say anything about Basheba? didn't you say anything about Basheba? You're just like so hard on David." This You're just like so hard on David." This You're just like so hard on David." This this woman came up to me and asked me this woman came up to me and asked me this woman came up to me and asked me about that. And what I noticed about about that. And what I noticed about about that. And what I noticed about this story, this is really important. this story, this is really important. this story, this is really important. Like the Bible is the Bible's not very Like the Bible is the Bible's not very Like the Bible is the Bible's not very clear about Bashibba. Like it's not like clear about Bashibba. Like it's not like clear about Bashibba. Like it's not like God says this is exactly what was in God says this is exactly what was in God says this is exactly what was in Bashibba's heart or her actions. And Bashibba's heart or her actions. And Bashibba's heart or her actions. And I've heard extremes on both ends, but I've heard extremes on both ends, but I've heard extremes on both ends, but the Bible is a abundantly clear on the Bible is a abundantly clear on the Bible is a abundantly clear on David's decisions. And so that's why David's decisions. And so that's why David's decisions. And so that's why we're focusing on all of these decisions we're focusing on all of these decisions we're focusing on all of these decisions that he keeps making one after the that he keeps making one after the that he keeps making one after the other. So he then in verse 26 it says other. So he then in verse 26 it says other. So he then in verse 26 it says when Uri Uriah's wife heard that her when Uri Uriah's wife heard that her when Uri Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. husband was dead, she mourned for him. husband was dead, she mourned for him. And when the period of mourning was And when the period of mourning was And when the period of mourning was over, David then sent for her and over, David then sent for her and over, David then sent for her and brought her to the palace and she became brought her to the palace and she became brought her to the palace and she became one of his wives. She gave birth to a one of his wives. She gave birth to a one of his wives. She gave birth to a son. And the son. And the son. And the Lord was displeased with what David had Lord was displeased with what David had Lord was displeased with what David had done. that there was a grief in the done. that there was a grief in the done. that there was a grief in the heart of God. And I I just I read this heart of God. And I I just I read this heart of God. And I I just I read this story and I feel like I know this man. I story and I feel like I know this man. I story and I feel like I know this man. I feel like he's he's a spiritual father feel like he's he's a spiritual father feel like he's he's a spiritual father to me. And what hits me when I read a to me. And what hits me when I read a to me. And what hits me when I read a story like this and as I even this week story like this and as I even this week story like this and as I even this week as I've been meditating on it, there is as I've been meditating on it, there is as I've been meditating on it, there is a tendency when we preach the story of a tendency when we preach the story of a tendency when we preach the story of David and I think rightfully so. I think David and I think rightfully so. I think David and I think rightfully so. I think rightfully so to go to mercy and grace.

rightfully so to go to mercy and grace. rightfully so to go to mercy and grace. Psalm 51, Psalm 32, David repents. God Psalm 51, Psalm 32, David repents. God Psalm 51, Psalm 32, David repents. God forgives him. God is gracious and forgives him. God is gracious and forgives him. God is gracious and merciful. But I think sometimes we can merciful. But I think sometimes we can merciful. But I think sometimes we can so quickly go to the repentance and not so quickly go to the repentance and not so quickly go to the repentance and not receive the warning, not receive the receive the warning, not receive the receive the warning, not receive the magnitude of this story. And here's what magnitude of this story. And here's what magnitude of this story. And here's what hits me. If David, if David, a man after hits me. If David, if David, a man after hits me. If David, if David, a man after God's own heart, who faithfully carried God's own heart, who faithfully carried God's own heart, who faithfully carried out God's commandments for decades, can out God's commandments for decades, can out God's commandments for decades, can fall, so can I. So can you. And God fall, so can I. So can you. And God fall, so can I. So can you. And God today is wanting to speak through this today is wanting to speak through this today is wanting to speak through this story a word of warning to our hearts story a word of warning to our hearts story a word of warning to our hearts that our journey can be different than that our journey can be different than that our journey can be different than David's. So I want to give you three David's. So I want to give you three David's. So I want to give you three ideas, three three very important ideas, three three very important ideas, three three very important decisions that you and I can make that decisions that you and I can make that decisions that you and I can make that help us not shipwreck our lives. 1 help us not shipwreck our lives. 1 help us not shipwreck our lives. 1 Corinthians chap 10 11 and 12, Paul Corinthians chap 10 11 and 12, Paul Corinthians chap 10 11 and 12, Paul writes, "These things happen to serve as writes, "These things happen to serve as writes, "These things happen to serve as examples for us. They were written down examples for us. They were written down examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the to warn us who live at the end of the to warn us who live at the end of the age. So if you think you are standing age. So if you think you are standing age. So if you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. There strong, be careful not to fall. There strong, be careful not to fall. There are some of you right now, you're are some of you right now, you're are some of you right now, you're thinking, "I'm so glad my husband is in thinking, "I'm so glad my husband is in thinking, "I'm so glad my husband is in church today." Others of you, maybe church today." Others of you, maybe church today." Others of you, maybe you're like, "This message is for my you're like, "This message is for my you're like, "This message is for my buddy." And you're going to be tempted buddy." And you're going to be tempted buddy." And you're going to be tempted to like try to send him the message.

to like try to send him the message. to like try to send him the message. Send him the message. That's great. But Send him the message. That's great. But Send him the message. That's great. But I also want to say this message is for I also want to say this message is for I also want to say this message is for you today. And the Holy Spirit wants to you today. And the Holy Spirit wants to you today. And the Holy Spirit wants to put his finger on some things in all of put his finger on some things in all of put his finger on some things in all of our hearts. God's been putting his our hearts. God's been putting his our hearts. God's been putting his finger on my heart this whole week as finger on my heart this whole week as finger on my heart this whole week as I've been preparing. And I pray that all I've been preparing. And I pray that all I've been preparing. And I pray that all of us can receive the warning that God of us can receive the warning that God of us can receive the warning that God has from us from David's story. So the has from us from David's story. So the has from us from David's story. So the first big idea is this. It's to stay first big idea is this. It's to stay first big idea is this. It's to stay alert. It's to stay awake. alert. It's to stay awake. alert. It's to stay awake. There is a tendency over the course of There is a tendency over the course of There is a tendency over the course of our life to fall asleep on our our life to fall asleep on our our life to fall asleep on our responsibilities. I grew up in a family responsibilities. I grew up in a family responsibilities. I grew up in a family the wood household. We have this like the wood household. We have this like the wood household. We have this like funny genetic reality and I I believe funny genetic reality and I I believe funny genetic reality and I I believe it's genetic maybe generational sin as it's genetic maybe generational sin as it's genetic maybe generational sin as well but this genetic tendency to fall well but this genetic tendency to fall well but this genetic tendency to fall asleep like borderline narcoleptic. So asleep like borderline narcoleptic. So asleep like borderline narcoleptic. So during the holidays, my dad has three during the holidays, my dad has three during the holidays, my dad has three brothers. There's four guys. And when I brothers. There's four guys. And when I brothers. There's four guys. And when I was growing up, we would get together was growing up, we would get together was growing up, we would get together Thanksgiving. I grew up in Michigan. Thanksgiving. I grew up in Michigan. Thanksgiving. I grew up in Michigan. Detroit Lions would always lose on Detroit Lions would always lose on Detroit Lions would always lose on Thanksgiving as I was growing up. And Thanksgiving as I was growing up. And Thanksgiving as I was growing up. And right around like halime of the Lions right around like halime of the Lions right around like halime of the Lions game, my uncles would all be gathered game, my uncles would all be gathered game, my uncles would all be gathered together with my dad and my grandpa's together with my dad and my grandpa's together with my dad and my grandpa's living room. One would be talking and living room. One would be talking and living room. One would be talking and the other three would be asleep. And the other three would be asleep. And the other three would be asleep. And then one would wake up and start talking then one would wake up and start talking then one would wake up and start talking and then the other would fall asleep. It and then the other would fall asleep. It and then the other would fall asleep. It was so comical. It was like a Saturday was so comical. It was like a Saturday was so comical. It was like a Saturday Night Live skit. It was so funny. And Night Live skit. It was so funny. And Night Live skit. It was so funny. And I've inherited that gene. Stacy can I've inherited that gene. Stacy can I've inherited that gene. Stacy can acknowledge that. And the tendency for acknowledge that. And the tendency for acknowledge that. And the tendency for me is like when I fall asleep, I'm out.

me is like when I fall asleep, I'm out. me is like when I fall asleep, I'm out. And it's a gift from God. But when the And it's a gift from God. But when the And it's a gift from God. But when the kids were young, there were a lot of kids were young, there were a lot of kids were young, there were a lot of moments where I would wake up in the moments where I would wake up in the moments where I would wake up in the morning and I'd be like, "Babe, they morning and I'd be like, "Babe, they morning and I'd be like, "Babe, they slept through the night." And she be slept through the night." And she be slept through the night." And she be like, "No, you slept through the night. like, "No, you slept through the night. like, "No, you slept through the night. They didn't sleep through the night." They didn't sleep through the night." They didn't sleep through the night." And the problem with being asleep is And the problem with being asleep is And the problem with being asleep is that you don't you don't know you're that you don't you don't know you're that you don't you don't know you're asleep when you're asleep. And it's easy asleep when you're asleep. And it's easy asleep when you're asleep. And it's easy in life to fall asleep in such a way. in life to fall asleep in such a way. in life to fall asleep in such a way. And some of you are asleep right now on And some of you are asleep right now on And some of you are asleep right now on the call that God has placed on your the call that God has placed on your the call that God has placed on your life. And God is saying with with loud life. And God is saying with with loud life. And God is saying with with loud and clear warning, wake up. There is so and clear warning, wake up. There is so and clear warning, wake up. There is so much at stake with your life. 1 Timothy much at stake with your life. 1 Timothy much at stake with your life. 1 Timothy 4:15-16. This verse is very crucial. 4:15-16. This verse is very crucial. 4:15-16. This verse is very crucial. Timothy again, the son in the faith. Timothy again, the son in the faith. Timothy again, the son in the faith. Paul speaks to him and he says, "Be Paul speaks to him and he says, "Be Paul speaks to him and he says, "Be diligent in these matters. Give yourself diligent in these matters. Give yourself diligent in these matters. Give yourself holy to them so that everyone might see holy to them so that everyone might see holy to them so that everyone might see your progress. Watch your life and your your progress. Watch your life and your your progress. Watch your life and your doctrine closely." Now, he gives us both doctrine closely." Now, he gives us both doctrine closely." Now, he gives us both of these categories ve very, very of these categories ve very, very of these categories ve very, very important. Your life and your doctrine important. Your life and your doctrine important. Your life and your doctrine matter. One of my mentors who mentored matter. One of my mentors who mentored matter. One of my mentors who mentored me in my 20s, Pastor Bill Cornelius, is me in my 20s, Pastor Bill Cornelius, is me in my 20s, Pastor Bill Cornelius, is here today in our service. Can you show here today in our service. Can you show here today in our service. Can you show him some love? He's from uh from Church him some love? He's from uh from Church him some love? He's from uh from Church Unlimited. And uh I I I think he would Unlimited. And uh I I I think he would Unlimited. And uh I I I think he would acknowledge both of us have been in acknowledge both of us have been in acknowledge both of us have been in ministry. He's about a decade older than ministry. He's about a decade older than ministry. He's about a decade older than me, I believe that's the right. And I me, I believe that's the right. And I me, I believe that's the right. And I think we would both acknowledge pastors

think we would both acknowledge pastors think we would both acknowledge pastors have seen so many fallout in ministry. have seen so many fallout in ministry. have seen so many fallout in ministry. And many times, this is important, And many times, this is important, And many times, this is important, listen to me. Many times when people listen to me. Many times when people listen to me. Many times when people fall out and shipwreck their faith, they fall out and shipwreck their faith, they fall out and shipwreck their faith, they might be doing well with their choices, might be doing well with their choices, might be doing well with their choices, but something starts to shift in their but something starts to shift in their but something starts to shift in their belief that they have experiences in belief that they have experiences in belief that they have experiences in life. Maybe somebody in ministry wounds life. Maybe somebody in ministry wounds life. Maybe somebody in ministry wounds them and they get bitter. Maybe maybe a them and they get bitter. Maybe maybe a them and they get bitter. Maybe maybe a pain happens and they lose something pain happens and they lose something pain happens and they lose something that they deeply care about. And all of that they deeply care about. And all of that they deeply care about. And all of a sudden, what happens is the a sudden, what happens is the a sudden, what happens is the experiences that they have in life now experiences that they have in life now experiences that they have in life now become the filter through which they see become the filter through which they see become the filter through which they see the word of God. So they're looking the word of God. So they're looking the word of God. So they're looking through the pain at the word of God and through the pain at the word of God and through the pain at the word of God and now there are all these squishy thoughts now there are all these squishy thoughts now there are all these squishy thoughts and ideas that get in their perspective and ideas that get in their perspective and ideas that get in their perspective and they find themselves at a place and they find themselves at a place and they find themselves at a place where they never intended to be with where they never intended to be with where they never intended to be with their beliefs. But the word of God is no their beliefs. But the word of God is no their beliefs. But the word of God is no longer the authority over their lives. longer the authority over their lives. longer the authority over their lives. This is so crucial. If you are a This is so crucial. If you are a This is so crucial. If you are a follower of Jesus, God gives us this follower of Jesus, God gives us this follower of Jesus, God gives us this wonderful book called the Bible from wonderful book called the Bible from wonderful book called the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. It is the Genesis to Revelation. It is the Genesis to Revelation. It is the authoritative word of God. We do not authoritative word of God. We do not authoritative word of God. We do not stand in judgment of this book. This stand in judgment of this book. This stand in judgment of this book. This book always stands in judgment over us.

book always stands in judgment over us. book always stands in judgment over us. And the moment that my doctrine or my And the moment that my doctrine or my And the moment that my doctrine or my belief is what that word means, I am belief is what that word means, I am belief is what that word means, I am heading the moment that that gets out of heading the moment that that gets out of heading the moment that that gets out of whack, I am heading towards a shipwreck. whack, I am heading towards a shipwreck. whack, I am heading towards a shipwreck. So the alertness is to wake up and watch So the alertness is to wake up and watch So the alertness is to wake up and watch my life and what I believe very closely. my life and what I believe very closely. my life and what I believe very closely. So much slips in from the world. So much So much slips in from the world. So much So much slips in from the world. So much slips in from our culture and we get slips in from our culture and we get slips in from our culture and we get weak in our mind. So the call is to be weak in our mind. So the call is to be weak in our mind. So the call is to be strong with truth, to fight for what strong with truth, to fight for what strong with truth, to fight for what matters most in your mind, about who God matters most in your mind, about who God matters most in your mind, about who God says you are, about what this book says says you are, about what this book says says you are, about what this book says about marriage and sexual identity and about marriage and sexual identity and about marriage and sexual identity and sexual purity and sons and daughters of sexual purity and sons and daughters of sexual purity and sons and daughters of the most high God. All of this is tucked the most high God. All of this is tucked the most high God. All of this is tucked within this book. It has not changed for within this book. It has not changed for within this book. It has not changed for thousands of years. It will not change. thousands of years. It will not change. thousands of years. It will not change. It's dependable. And the call is to wake It's dependable. And the call is to wake It's dependable. And the call is to wake up and be forewarned. 1 Peter 5'8 says, up and be forewarned. 1 Peter 5'8 says, up and be forewarned. 1 Peter 5'8 says, "Be selfcontrolled and alert. Your "Be selfcontrolled and alert. Your "Be selfcontrolled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a enemy, the devil, prowls around like a enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to roaring lion looking for someone to roaring lion looking for someone to devour, looking for someone to take devour, looking for someone to take devour, looking for someone to take out." So what Satan does is he studies out." So what Satan does is he studies out." So what Satan does is he studies you. He knows your sin tendencies. He you. He knows your sin tendencies. He you. He knows your sin tendencies. He knows your internal weaknesses. And he knows your internal weaknesses. And he knows your internal weaknesses. And he will find that moment when you are down.

will find that moment when you are down. will find that moment when you are down. He will find that moment when you let He will find that moment when you let He will find that moment when you let your guard down for just a little bit. your guard down for just a little bit. your guard down for just a little bit. and he will pounce on you if you are not and he will pounce on you if you are not and he will pounce on you if you are not awake. In my neighborhood, there's um awake. In my neighborhood, there's um awake. In my neighborhood, there's um this kind of rumor going around that this kind of rumor going around that this kind of rumor going around that there are some mountain lions in our there are some mountain lions in our there are some mountain lions in our neighborhood and people think they're neighborhood and people think they're neighborhood and people think they're cute. They catch them on video and there cute. They catch them on video and there cute. They catch them on video and there is nothing cute about a mountain lion to is nothing cute about a mountain lion to is nothing cute about a mountain lion to me. They'll say things like, "Oh, me. They'll say things like, "Oh, me. They'll say things like, "Oh, they're scared of you." I am not willing they're scared of you." I am not willing they're scared of you." I am not willing to test their fear of me out. I don't to test their fear of me out. I don't to test their fear of me out. I don't want to be alone with a mountain lion want to be alone with a mountain lion want to be alone with a mountain lion unless I have something to protect unless I have something to protect unless I have something to protect myself. And I think about this from the myself. And I think about this from the myself. And I think about this from the reality some people they flirt with reality some people they flirt with reality some people they flirt with mountain lions. They flirt with the mountain lions. They flirt with the mountain lions. They flirt with the enemy with their lives. And he is ready. enemy with their lives. And he is ready. enemy with their lives. And he is ready. He is waiting. He does not take a day He is waiting. He does not take a day He is waiting. He does not take a day off. He is not sleeping on the job. So off. He is not sleeping on the job. So off. He is not sleeping on the job. So there's not a moment that I can just there's not a moment that I can just there's not a moment that I can just say, "Well, I'm going to put my guard say, "Well, I'm going to put my guard say, "Well, I'm going to put my guard down. I'm going put my guard down in my down. I'm going put my guard down in my down. I'm going put my guard down in my relationships. I'm going to put my guard relationships. I'm going to put my guard relationships. I'm going to put my guard down in my beliefs." I have to stay down in my beliefs." I have to stay down in my beliefs." I have to stay alert. One more way of thinking about alert. One more way of thinking about alert. One more way of thinking about this. Most of us would acknowledge there this. Most of us would acknowledge there this. Most of us would acknowledge there have been moments where we've been have been moments where we've been have been moments where we've been driving, you've had like 14 Coca-Cola, driving, you've had like 14 Coca-Cola, driving, you've had like 14 Coca-Cola, seven monsters, four quadshot venti seven monsters, four quadshot venti seven monsters, four quadshot venti lattes, and you're doing everything.

lattes, and you're doing everything. lattes, and you're doing everything. You're slapping yourself, dumping ice You're slapping yourself, dumping ice You're slapping yourself, dumping ice water on your head, trying to stay water on your head, trying to stay water on your head, trying to stay alert. Anybody else have those moments alert. Anybody else have those moments alert. Anybody else have those moments just out of curiosity? And then all of a just out of curiosity? And then all of a just out of curiosity? And then all of a sudden, you hear and you hit the road. You know what hear and you hit the road. You know what I'm talking about? That little side I'm talking about? That little side I'm talking about? That little side barrier. Am I the only one this has ever barrier. Am I the only one this has ever barrier. Am I the only one this has ever happened to anybody else? And in that happened to anybody else? And in that happened to anybody else? And in that moment, aren't you grateful that there moment, aren't you grateful that there moment, aren't you grateful that there is a warning before the ditch? There's a is a warning before the ditch? There's a is a warning before the ditch? There's a warning before you shipwreck your life. warning before you shipwreck your life. warning before you shipwreck your life. And today is And today is And today is aom moment that God is saying, "Wake up. aom moment that God is saying, "Wake up. aom moment that God is saying, "Wake up. Wake up, men. Wake up. There's a lot at Wake up, men. Wake up. There's a lot at Wake up, men. Wake up. There's a lot at stake. So much at stake. Generational stake. So much at stake. Generational stake. So much at stake. Generational impact at stake with your engagement. impact at stake with your engagement. impact at stake with your engagement. wholehearted engagement with what wholehearted engagement with what wholehearted engagement with what matters most. And that leads me to point matters most. And that leads me to point matters most. And that leads me to point number two. That's to keep going into number two. That's to keep going into number two. That's to keep going into battle. Again, notice David back at battle. Again, notice David back at battle. Again, notice David back at home, home, home, mid50s, watching Netflix, turning it in, mid50s, watching Netflix, turning it in, mid50s, watching Netflix, turning it in, giving up, and his men are on the front giving up, and his men are on the front giving up, and his men are on the front lines going into war. There is a call lines going into war. There is a call lines going into war. There is a call for us to keep going into battle. It for us to keep going into battle. It for us to keep going into battle. It It's very, very fascinating to watch It's very, very fascinating to watch It's very, very fascinating to watch like mid-40s to me. So, I'm there and like mid-40s to me. So, I'm there and like mid-40s to me. So, I'm there and I'm watching a lot of my friends and I'm watching a lot of my friends and I'm watching a lot of my friends and they're hitting midlife crisis and weird they're hitting midlife crisis and weird they're hitting midlife crisis and weird things happen in their mid-4s. Like I things happen in their mid-4s. Like I things happen in their mid-4s. Like I all of a sudden I'll watch dudes that all of a sudden I'll watch dudes that all of a sudden I'll watch dudes that have never golfed their entire life and have never golfed their entire life and have never golfed their entire life and they start golfing in their mid-4s. Why they start golfing in their mid-4s. Why they start golfing in their mid-4s. Why is that? Like I'm bored. I need a new

is that? Like I'm bored. I need a new is that? Like I'm bored. I need a new habit. Why would you pick up golfing in habit. Why would you pick up golfing in habit. Why would you pick up golfing in your mid-4s? Now, if you're a golfer, I your mid-4s? Now, if you're a golfer, I your mid-4s? Now, if you're a golfer, I know that that we have a lot of golfers know that that we have a lot of golfers know that that we have a lot of golfers in Southern California. God bless you. in Southern California. God bless you. in Southern California. God bless you. That's awesome. Maybe we can go out and That's awesome. Maybe we can go out and That's awesome. Maybe we can go out and golf sometime, but I hate golfing. I am golf sometime, but I hate golfing. I am golf sometime, but I hate golfing. I am horrible. I am not good for a sport that horrible. I am not good for a sport that horrible. I am not good for a sport that when I get angry, I don't do better. MMA when I get angry, I don't do better. MMA when I get angry, I don't do better. MMA would be a much better sport for me to would be a much better sport for me to would be a much better sport for me to pick up in my mid-40s. In fact, I'm pick up in my mid-40s. In fact, I'm pick up in my mid-40s. In fact, I'm thinking about it. And that reality of thinking about it. And that reality of thinking about it. And that reality of like in your in this season of life, like in your in this season of life, like in your in this season of life, boredom creeps in. Dudes that never have boredom creeps in. Dudes that never have boredom creeps in. Dudes that never have motorcycles, get motorcycles. Listen, go motorcycles, get motorcycles. Listen, go motorcycles, get motorcycles. Listen, go golf. Get your motorcycle. But that's golf. Get your motorcycle. But that's golf. Get your motorcycle. But that's not what you need. What you need is a not what you need. What you need is a not what you need. What you need is a bigger vision for your life. What you bigger vision for your life. What you bigger vision for your life. What you need is a dream that keeps calling you need is a dream that keeps calling you need is a dream that keeps calling you back into battle. This is not a game. back into battle. This is not a game. back into battle. This is not a game. This is a war. And some of you, while This is a war. And some of you, while This is a war. And some of you, while there is a war being waged around you, there is a war being waged around you, there is a war being waged around you, you are at home asleep taking a nap, you are at home asleep taking a nap, you are at home asleep taking a nap, walking around on a rooftop. And God is walking around on a rooftop. And God is walking around on a rooftop. And God is saying to you, get back into the battle.

saying to you, get back into the battle. saying to you, get back into the battle. There is so much at stake with your There is so much at stake with your There is so much at stake with your life. I love this question. This has life. I love this question. This has life. I love this question. This has been so good for me just to think about been so good for me just to think about been so good for me just to think about in my own life. Now Stacy would in my own life. Now Stacy would in my own life. Now Stacy would acknowledge I I will delegate anything acknowledge I I will delegate anything acknowledge I I will delegate anything that I can delegate. Um she jokingly that I can delegate. Um she jokingly that I can delegate. Um she jokingly will say I would I would delegate will say I would I would delegate will say I would I would delegate brushing my teeth if I could. In fact, I brushing my teeth if I could. In fact, I brushing my teeth if I could. In fact, I have an electric toothbrush that all I have an electric toothbrush that all I have an electric toothbrush that all I have to do is just hold it, hold it, have to do is just hold it, hold it, have to do is just hold it, hold it, hold it, hold it, done. And so I that's hold it, hold it, done. And so I that's hold it, hold it, done. And so I that's just in me. But here's the tendency. You just in me. But here's the tendency. You just in me. But here's the tendency. You can delicate things that you should own. can delicate things that you should own. can delicate things that you should own. So here's a question. What am I trying So here's a question. What am I trying So here's a question. What am I trying to outsource that I should be owning? to outsource that I should be owning? to outsource that I should be owning? What what am I trying to put off that I What what am I trying to put off that I What what am I trying to put off that I should be in the war on that I should be should be in the war on that I should be should be in the war on that I should be going into battle on? I'll give you some going into battle on? I'll give you some going into battle on? I'll give you some very, very important examples. Again, I very, very important examples. Again, I very, very important examples. Again, I know I'm calling out the men today. know I'm calling out the men today. know I'm calling out the men today. There are some of you you'd love for There are some of you you'd love for There are some of you you'd love for your wife to assume spiritual leadership your wife to assume spiritual leadership your wife to assume spiritual leadership of your family. God gave you that role. of your family. God gave you that role. of your family. God gave you that role. God gave you the assignment to love her, God gave you the assignment to love her, God gave you the assignment to love her, to protect her, to provide for her, to to protect her, to provide for her, to to protect her, to provide for her, to fight for her heart. And that is not fight for her heart. And that is not fight for her heart. And that is not something that any other man or she can something that any other man or she can something that any other man or she can do on behalf of you. She cannot lead do on behalf of you. She cannot lead do on behalf of you. She cannot lead your family spiritually. You are called your family spiritually. You are called your family spiritually. You are called to do that as a man of God. Some of us to do that as a man of God. Some of us to do that as a man of God. Some of us parents, our natural tendency is to parents, our natural tendency is to parents, our natural tendency is to outsource our parenting. School system.

outsource our parenting. School system. outsource our parenting. School system. God knows the school system cannot God knows the school system cannot God knows the school system cannot disciple our children. And the tendency disciple our children. And the tendency disciple our children. And the tendency is to try to let somebody else do a job is to try to let somebody else do a job is to try to let somebody else do a job that's been given to us, an assignment that's been given to us, an assignment that's been given to us, an assignment that's given to us. The church is here that's given to us. The church is here that's given to us. The church is here to walk alongside you, but we're not to walk alongside you, but we're not to walk alongside you, but we're not here to do your job. God gave you the here to do your job. God gave you the here to do your job. God gave you the authority as a mother and a father to authority as a mother and a father to authority as a mother and a father to disciple your own children and to pour disciple your own children and to pour disciple your own children and to pour into them wholeheartedly. Also, your into them wholeheartedly. Also, your into them wholeheartedly. Also, your sexual purity, nobody else can can do sexual purity, nobody else can can do sexual purity, nobody else can can do that for you. There are times in our that for you. There are times in our that for you. There are times in our lives where we just keep trying to lives where we just keep trying to lives where we just keep trying to abdicate responsibility when God says, abdicate responsibility when God says, abdicate responsibility when God says, "Own what I've given to you and go into "Own what I've given to you and go into "Own what I've given to you and go into battle with what matters most." So battle with what matters most." So battle with what matters most." So here's my question. What are you here's my question. What are you here's my question. What are you outsourcing that you need to be owning? outsourcing that you need to be owning? outsourcing that you need to be owning? What's that thing that God is saying to What's that thing that God is saying to What's that thing that God is saying to you? Bring that back into your you? Bring that back into your you? Bring that back into your jurisdiction. I gave it to you and your jurisdiction. I gave it to you and your jurisdiction. I gave it to you and your engagement makes a difference. Your engagement makes a difference. Your engagement makes a difference. Your engagement has generational ripple engagement has generational ripple engagement has generational ripple impact. Today, God is calling us to be impact. Today, God is calling us to be impact. Today, God is calling us to be alert and to keep going into battle. And alert and to keep going into battle. And alert and to keep going into battle. And that leads me to the third and final that leads me to the third and final that leads me to the third and final point, and that's to run from point, and that's to run from point, and that's to run from rooftops. Run from the top of the roof.

rooftops. Run from the top of the roof. rooftops. Run from the top of the roof. Don't walk backwards half-hazardly, Don't walk backwards half-hazardly, Don't walk backwards half-hazardly, sheepishly. Run from the roof roof sheepishly. Run from the roof roof sheepishly. Run from the roof roof rooftop, David. Get away from it as far rooftop, David. Get away from it as far rooftop, David. Get away from it as far as you can. Second Samuel again, come as you can. Second Samuel again, come as you can. Second Samuel again, come back to this verse. He's on the roof, back to this verse. He's on the roof, back to this verse. He's on the roof, midday rest, goes out of bed walking, midday rest, goes out of bed walking, midday rest, goes out of bed walking, looks out, notices a woman of unusual looks out, notices a woman of unusual looks out, notices a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. Had David not gone beauty taking a bath. Had David not gone beauty taking a bath. Had David not gone up on the rooftop, his story would have up on the rooftop, his story would have up on the rooftop, his story would have been different. And some of you today, been different. And some of you today, been different. And some of you today, you are walking around on a rooftop you are walking around on a rooftop you are walking around on a rooftop looking around trying to figure out looking around trying to figure out looking around trying to figure out what's an option for you. way out of what's an option for you. way out of what's an option for you. way out of your marriage, way out of purity. And your marriage, way out of purity. And your marriage, way out of purity. And these little pathways that we find, we these little pathways that we find, we these little pathways that we find, we move towards them. We get closer to the move towards them. We get closer to the move towards them. We get closer to the ledge. And the question oftentimes that ledge. And the question oftentimes that ledge. And the question oftentimes that we ask oursel is, "How close to the we ask oursel is, "How close to the we ask oursel is, "How close to the ledge can I get without shipwrecking my ledge can I get without shipwrecking my ledge can I get without shipwrecking my life?" I've had so many conversations life?" I've had so many conversations life?" I've had so many conversations with young adults and singles and my with young adults and singles and my with young adults and singles and my kids who are 18, my son 16. The tendency kids who are 18, my son 16. The tendency kids who are 18, my son 16. The tendency in that season of life is to say, "How in that season of life is to say, "How in that season of life is to say, "How close to the ledge can I get?" Now, God close to the ledge can I get?" Now, God close to the ledge can I get?" Now, God has given sexual intimacy as this as has given sexual intimacy as this as has given sexual intimacy as this as this wonderful gift in the context of this wonderful gift in the context of this wonderful gift in the context of covenantal marriage between a man and a covenantal marriage between a man and a covenantal marriage between a man and a woman. And this gift that God gives to woman. And this gift that God gives to woman. And this gift that God gives to us, there's so much outside of that that us, there's so much outside of that that us, there's so much outside of that that is destructive. That's what sexual is destructive. That's what sexual is destructive. That's what sexual immorality is. And what Paul says, run immorality is. And what Paul says, run immorality is. And what Paul says, run from sexual immorality. Run from from sexual immorality. Run from from sexual immorality. Run from anything that does not strengthen anything that does not strengthen anything that does not strengthen covenantal bond in a marriage. This is

covenantal bond in a marriage. This is covenantal bond in a marriage. This is for singles. This is for married people. for singles. This is for married people. for singles. This is for married people. Why is this so important? It's because Why is this so important? It's because Why is this so important? It's because all other sins, listen to what Paul all other sins, listen to what Paul all other sins, listen to what Paul says, all other sins a person commits, says, all other sins a person commits, says, all other sins a person commits, they're outside of their body. But when they're outside of their body. But when they're outside of their body. But when a person sins this way, they sin against a person sins this way, they sin against a person sins this way, they sin against themselves or against their own body. So themselves or against their own body. So themselves or against their own body. So anytime a person engages in in anytime a person engages in in anytime a person engages in in pornography or lustfully looking at pornography or lustfully looking at pornography or lustfully looking at another person, that engagement, that another person, that engagement, that another person, that engagement, that sexual immorality is destructive to sexual immorality is destructive to sexual immorality is destructive to their own soul. And I have such a burden their own soul. And I have such a burden their own soul. And I have such a burden for this. I have such a burden because I for this. I have such a burden because I for this. I have such a burden because I have watched so many capable men of God have watched so many capable men of God have watched so many capable men of God be taken out because they got close to be taken out because they got close to be taken out because they got close to that ledge. I've watched so many men and that ledge. I've watched so many men and that ledge. I've watched so many men and women walk around in shame and women walk around in shame and women walk around in shame and condemnation. And I want you to hear me condemnation. And I want you to hear me condemnation. And I want you to hear me loud and clear. My heart right now, loud and clear. My heart right now, loud and clear. My heart right now, there is no condemnation in me towards there is no condemnation in me towards there is no condemnation in me towards you as as your pastor. My heart is a you as as your pastor. My heart is a you as as your pastor. My heart is a heart of love. And I want you to hear heart of love. And I want you to hear heart of love. And I want you to hear from God. God wants you to be free. God from God. God wants you to be free. God from God. God wants you to be free. God wants you to have joy. God wants you to wants you to have joy. God wants you to wants you to have joy. God wants you to be blessed. God wants to pour out be blessed. God wants to pour out be blessed. God wants to pour out generational blessing on your life. And generational blessing on your life. And generational blessing on your life. And that's why these warnings matter so that's why these warnings matter so that's why these warnings matter so much. Says, much. Says, much. Says, "Flee. Flee from the things that can "Flee. Flee from the things that can "Flee. Flee from the things that can destroy your life." So the urgency today destroy your life." So the urgency today destroy your life." So the urgency today God is putting his finger on is that God is putting his finger on is that God is putting his finger on is that decision to be awake to go in battle and decision to be awake to go in battle and decision to be awake to go in battle and to get off of the rooftop and to go back to get off of the rooftop and to go back to get off of the rooftop and to go back inside to do your assignment. Own what

inside to do your assignment. Own what inside to do your assignment. Own what God has given you to do. So on a God has given you to do. So on a God has given you to do. So on a personal level for a few moments I want personal level for a few moments I want personal level for a few moments I want to share with you what does this look to share with you what does this look to share with you what does this look look like for me. Now I'm going to share look like for me. Now I'm going to share look like for me. Now I'm going to share some of my own commitments as I share some of my own commitments as I share some of my own commitments as I share these two verses and I want you to these two verses and I want you to these two verses and I want you to listen to them and I believe God will listen to them and I believe God will listen to them and I believe God will give you your own list. So, Proverbs give you your own list. So, Proverbs give you your own list. So, Proverbs 4:23 says this, "Above all else, guard 4:23 says this, "Above all else, guard 4:23 says this, "Above all else, guard your heart." That means no, nobody else your heart." That means no, nobody else your heart." That means no, nobody else can guard your heart for you. Your mom can guard your heart for you. Your mom can guard your heart for you. Your mom can't guard your heart for you. Your can't guard your heart for you. Your can't guard your heart for you. Your spouse can't guard your heart for you. spouse can't guard your heart for you. spouse can't guard your heart for you. It's your job. It's your responsibility It's your job. It's your responsibility It's your job. It's your responsibility to guard what comes in. And I love how to guard what comes in. And I love how to guard what comes in. And I love how he says this. It's a wellspring of life. he says this. It's a wellspring of life. he says this. It's a wellspring of life. So, life flows out of the heart. Job 311 So, life flows out of the heart. Job 311 So, life flows out of the heart. Job 311 also speaks of how this works. says also speaks of how this works. says also speaks of how this works. says this, I made a covenant with my eyes not this, I made a covenant with my eyes not this, I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman. So, to look lustfully at a young woman. So, to look lustfully at a young woman. So, I made a covenant that my eyes I would I made a covenant that my eyes I would I made a covenant that my eyes I would pursue purity with my eyes is what Job pursue purity with my eyes is what Job pursue purity with my eyes is what Job is saying. So, here are some of my is saying. So, here are some of my is saying. So, here are some of my commitments. Now, as I go through these, commitments. Now, as I go through these, commitments. Now, as I go through these, some of you can be like, well, that some of you can be like, well, that some of you can be like, well, that doesn't apply to me. And D and I just doesn't apply to me. And D and I just doesn't apply to me. And D and I just want to say I I am a man who's married.

want to say I I am a man who's married. want to say I I am a man who's married. You might be a woman. You might not be You might be a woman. You might not be You might be a woman. You might not be married. So, filter through, but I want married. So, filter through, but I want married. So, filter through, but I want to be super practical so that you can to be super practical so that you can to be super practical so that you can look at this list and say, I I can come look at this list and say, I I can come look at this list and say, I I can come up with my own list. can share it with a up with my own list. can share it with a up with my own list. can share it with a friend or family member and make some friend or family member and make some friend or family member and make some commitments because there's something commitments because there's something commitments because there's something about drawing a line in the sand that about drawing a line in the sand that about drawing a line in the sand that says for me this is what it is. It's the says for me this is what it is. It's the says for me this is what it is. It's the lock on the door to the stairs that lead lock on the door to the stairs that lead lock on the door to the stairs that lead up to the rooftop. So this is the lock up to the rooftop. So this is the lock up to the rooftop. So this is the lock that I put in place in my life and it that I put in place in my life and it that I put in place in my life and it might seem extreme to you but I want to might seem extreme to you but I want to might seem extreme to you but I want to say 25 years it's working for me. So say 25 years it's working for me. So say 25 years it's working for me. So listen to these first one is this is to listen to these first one is this is to listen to these first one is this is to keep pursuing your wife. So for me, this keep pursuing your wife. So for me, this keep pursuing your wife. So for me, this means pursue Stacy's heart the same way means pursue Stacy's heart the same way means pursue Stacy's heart the same way I did when I fell in love with her in I did when I fell in love with her in I did when I fell in love with her in college at Charleston Southern college at Charleston Southern college at Charleston Southern University. That means to pursue her University. That means to pursue her University. That means to pursue her through dating her. That means to serve through dating her. That means to serve through dating her. That means to serve her. That means to cherish her. That her. That means to cherish her. That her. That means to cherish her. That means to be romantic together. That means to be romantic together. That means to be romantic together. That means to make a priority on our marriage means to make a priority on our marriage means to make a priority on our marriage above all other commitments after the above all other commitments after the above all other commitments after the Lord is the commitment to pursue my Lord is the commitment to pursue my Lord is the commitment to pursue my wife. I believe this. This is really wife. I believe this. This is really wife. I believe this. This is really important. The greatest antidote to important. The greatest antidote to important. The greatest antidote to adultery is a great marriage. I'll amen adultery is a great marriage. I'll amen adultery is a great marriage. I'll amen myself because nobody did right there.

myself because nobody did right there. myself because nobody did right there. The greatest the greatest way to stay The greatest the greatest way to stay The greatest the greatest way to stay out of an adulterous relationship is to out of an adulterous relationship is to out of an adulterous relationship is to pursue your spouse. I want to encourage pursue your spouse. I want to encourage pursue your spouse. I want to encourage you with that. Stacy and I are going you with that. Stacy and I are going you with that. Stacy and I are going to in two weeks in two weeks we're going to in two weeks in two weeks we're going to in two weeks in two weeks we're going to talk about this. We're going to to talk about this. We're going to to talk about this. We're going to actually team teach together and talk actually team teach together and talk actually team teach together and talk about finding freedom in your marriage about finding freedom in your marriage about finding freedom in your marriage because a lot of people feel stuck in because a lot of people feel stuck in because a lot of people feel stuck in marriage and that God doesn't want you marriage and that God doesn't want you marriage and that God doesn't want you to feel that way. We're going to talk to feel that way. We're going to talk to feel that way. We're going to talk more about that. Secondly is to make more about that. Secondly is to make more about that. Secondly is to make marriage fun. I could take this a marriage fun. I could take this a marriage fun. I could take this a thousand directions, but what I mean by thousand directions, but what I mean by thousand directions, but what I mean by this is to pursue her and make marriage this is to pursue her and make marriage this is to pursue her and make marriage a place of joy, of fulfillment, do fun a place of joy, of fulfillment, do fun a place of joy, of fulfillment, do fun things together. Date nights are way things together. Date nights are way things together. Date nights are way less expensive than counseling. Now, less expensive than counseling. Now, less expensive than counseling. Now, good news is we have free counseling good news is we have free counseling good news is we have free counseling here at Saddleback. So, you can still here at Saddleback. So, you can still here at Saddleback. So, you can still get counseling and go on dates with your get counseling and go on dates with your get counseling and go on dates with your spouse. Now, this is also tied into, in spouse. Now, this is also tied into, in spouse. Now, this is also tied into, in addition, no secrets in marriage other addition, no secrets in marriage other addition, no secrets in marriage other than surprise gifts. That's okay. But I than surprise gifts. That's okay. But I than surprise gifts. That's okay. But I don't want there to be any secrets. I don't want there to be any secrets. I don't want there to be any secrets. I have Life 360 on my phone. Stacy knows have Life 360 on my phone. Stacy knows have Life 360 on my phone. Stacy knows where I am at all times. She has access where I am at all times. She has access where I am at all times. She has access to all of my passwords. There are no to all of my passwords. There are no to all of my passwords. There are no secret relationships, no secret text secret relationships, no secret text secret relationships, no secret text dialogues. Anytime I text a woman that dialogues. Anytime I text a woman that dialogues. Anytime I text a woman that I'm going back and forth, I I'll put I'm going back and forth, I I'll put I'm going back and forth, I I'll put Stacy on the thread so everything is Stacy on the thread so everything is Stacy on the thread so everything is right there for her to see. It is it is right there for her to see. It is it is right there for her to see. It is it is an extreme step that I've taken in a way an extreme step that I've taken in a way an extreme step that I've taken in a way to protect that there's nothing growing to protect that there's nothing growing to protect that there's nothing growing in the dark. No secrets hidden. In in the dark. No secrets hidden. In in the dark. No secrets hidden. In addition to this, never be alone with addition to this, never be alone with addition to this, never be alone with another woman other than Stacy and my another woman other than Stacy and my another woman other than Stacy and my daughter Caris. There have been moments daughter Caris. There have been moments daughter Caris. There have been moments where I'm on an elevator and the door

where I'm on an elevator and the door where I'm on an elevator and the door opens and a woman walks onto the opens and a woman walks onto the opens and a woman walks onto the elevator. It's the 14th floor. I walk elevator. It's the 14th floor. I walk elevator. It's the 14th floor. I walk right off. Who gets off at the 14th right off. Who gets off at the 14th right off. Who gets off at the 14th floor? Weird people. And I'm weird, but floor? Weird people. And I'm weird, but floor? Weird people. And I'm weird, but I am I am willing to be weird in order I am I am willing to be weird in order I am I am willing to be weird in order to finish strong. For me, it's so to finish strong. For me, it's so to finish strong. For me, it's so important. So, I'm I'm willing to do important. So, I'm I'm willing to do important. So, I'm I'm willing to do awkward for the sake of a bigger vision awkward for the sake of a bigger vision awkward for the sake of a bigger vision for my life. And I believe God wants for my life. And I believe God wants for my life. And I believe God wants that to be true for all of us. I don't that to be true for all of us. I don't that to be true for all of us. I don't watch movies with sex scenes or naked watch movies with sex scenes or naked watch movies with sex scenes or naked women. Like, I don't I don't want it in women. Like, I don't I don't want it in women. Like, I don't I don't want it in front of my eyes. It's a temptation. I'm front of my eyes. It's a temptation. I'm front of my eyes. It's a temptation. I'm a man. It's it's a it's something that a man. It's it's a it's something that a man. It's it's a it's something that should not be in front of my eyes. So, should not be in front of my eyes. So, should not be in front of my eyes. So, if there's a show, I Stacy and I'll read if there's a show, I Stacy and I'll read if there's a show, I Stacy and I'll read through online what are the scenes in through online what are the scenes in through online what are the scenes in the movie and we don't even turn it on. the movie and we don't even turn it on. the movie and we don't even turn it on. I'm not even going to just try to fast I'm not even going to just try to fast I'm not even going to just try to fast forward the scenes. I'm not playing with forward the scenes. I'm not playing with forward the scenes. I'm not playing with it. I don't want to get anywhere close it. I don't want to get anywhere close it. I don't want to get anywhere close to it. There's a call on my life that to it. There's a call on my life that to it. There's a call on my life that God has given to me. There's a bigger God has given to me. There's a bigger God has given to me. There's a bigger vision. I'm called to be your pastor. vision. I'm called to be your pastor. vision. I'm called to be your pastor. We're called to impact and transform the We're called to impact and transform the We're called to impact and transform the world. So, we're going to go to great world. So, we're going to go to great world. So, we're going to go to great lengths to protect our purity. In lengths to protect our purity. In lengths to protect our purity. In addition to this, uh, I have a addition to this, uh, I have a addition to this, uh, I have a commitment to not keep looking and not commitment to not keep looking and not commitment to not keep looking and not look again. So, let me explain it like look again. So, let me explain it like look again. So, let me explain it like this. You're driving down the road and a this. You're driving down the road and a this. You're driving down the road and a squirrel comes out. You see that squirrel comes out. You see that squirrel comes out. You see that squirrel, the natural tendency is to squirrel, the natural tendency is to squirrel, the natural tendency is to watch the squirrel. Oh, it's a squirrel.

watch the squirrel. Oh, it's a squirrel. watch the squirrel. Oh, it's a squirrel. And you follow the squirrel. And if you And you follow the squirrel. And if you And you follow the squirrel. And if you follow the squirrel, you might get in a follow the squirrel, you might get in a follow the squirrel, you might get in a car wreck. You might have an accident. car wreck. You might have an accident. car wreck. You might have an accident. So anytime something comes in front of So anytime something comes in front of So anytime something comes in front of my eyes, I want to bounce my eyes. I my eyes, I want to bounce my eyes. I my eyes, I want to bounce my eyes. I want to move on immediately. So this want to move on immediately. So this want to move on immediately. So this means this really practical. Sometimes means this really practical. Sometimes means this really practical. Sometimes I'm on my phone and I, you know, the the I'm on my phone and I, you know, the the I'm on my phone and I, you know, the the the feed knows what I think is funny and the feed knows what I think is funny and the feed knows what I think is funny and I'll watch funny video after funny I'll watch funny video after funny I'll watch funny video after funny video, laugh, laugh, laugh, and then video, laugh, laugh, laugh, and then video, laugh, laugh, laugh, and then there's one out of 10 that is something there's one out of 10 that is something there's one out of 10 that is something I don't want in front of my eyes. So I I don't want in front of my eyes. So I I don't want in front of my eyes. So I have a split decision. What am I going have a split decision. What am I going have a split decision. What am I going to do? Am I going to stop and pause? I to do? Am I going to stop and pause? I to do? Am I going to stop and pause? I look further at this 15 second reel or look further at this 15 second reel or look further at this 15 second reel or keep scrolling. And the decision is to keep scrolling. And the decision is to keep scrolling. And the decision is to keep scrolling so that it's not in front keep scrolling so that it's not in front keep scrolling so that it's not in front of my eyes and doesn't get into my of my eyes and doesn't get into my of my eyes and doesn't get into my heart. And finally, the last one is to heart. And finally, the last one is to heart. And finally, the last one is to guard yourself in communication with guard yourself in communication with guard yourself in communication with women. So I'm I am very guarded in my women. So I'm I am very guarded in my women. So I'm I am very guarded in my relationships with women. One of my relationships with women. One of my relationships with women. One of my mentors, Steve Stroop, when I was young mentors, Steve Stroop, when I was young mentors, Steve Stroop, when I was young said to me, he said, "People who want to said to me, he said, "People who want to said to me, he said, "People who want to have affairs give off pings." So they have affairs give off pings." So they have affairs give off pings." So they give off a ping and they wait for a ping give off a ping and they wait for a ping give off a ping and they wait for a ping and it goes ping ping ping ping ping and it goes ping ping ping ping ping and it goes ping ping ping ping ping ping ping ping ping up here and they ping ping ping ping up here and they ping ping ping ping up here and they destroy their lives starting with a destroy their lives starting with a destroy their lives starting with a ping. So I don't want any pings coming ping. So I don't want any pings coming ping. So I don't want any pings coming off anywhere I go. So that means there off anywhere I go. So that means there off anywhere I go. So that means there there will be times where I am way more there will be times where I am way more there will be times where I am way more jovial and playful and laughing and jovial and playful and laughing and jovial and playful and laughing and cutting up with the dudes. There are cutting up with the dudes. There are cutting up with the dudes. There are things I will share in the context of things I will share in the context of things I will share in the context of relationship with other men emotionally, relationship with other men emotionally, relationship with other men emotionally, spiritually that I will not share with a spiritually that I will not share with a spiritually that I will not share with a woman because I want to guard my woman because I want to guard my woman because I want to guard my relationships. Now, all of these in the

relationships. Now, all of these in the relationships. Now, all of these in the context of your life, God will give you context of your life, God will give you context of your life, God will give you your list. And I want to encourage you. your list. And I want to encourage you. your list. And I want to encourage you. What this list does is it locks the door What this list does is it locks the door What this list does is it locks the door to say there's not a pathway up onto the to say there's not a pathway up onto the to say there's not a pathway up onto the rooftop. There's not a way for me to get rooftop. There's not a way for me to get rooftop. There's not a way for me to get up there to destroy my life. Friends, up there to destroy my life. Friends, up there to destroy my life. Friends, this is important. I want you for just a this is important. I want you for just a this is important. I want you for just a moment before we wrap up. Look at this moment before we wrap up. Look at this moment before we wrap up. Look at this list one more time with me. I want you list one more time with me. I want you list one more time with me. I want you to take a picture of it and I want you to take a picture of it and I want you to take a picture of it and I want you to come up with your own list this week. to come up with your own list this week. to come up with your own list this week. You might already have one and that list You might already have one and that list You might already have one and that list that you have, I want you to share it that you have, I want you to share it that you have, I want you to share it with somebody. Share with a friend, a with somebody. Share with a friend, a with somebody. Share with a friend, a spouse, maybe a family member, your spouse, maybe a family member, your spouse, maybe a family member, your small group, and to make a commitment. I small group, and to make a commitment. I small group, and to make a commitment. I believe today is a very, very crucial believe today is a very, very crucial believe today is a very, very crucial day for many people who are listening to day for many people who are listening to day for many people who are listening to my voice right now. Holy Spirit, in my voice right now. Holy Spirit, in my voice right now. Holy Spirit, in these last few moments wants to do work these last few moments wants to do work these last few moments wants to do work in your heart. Now, I want to ask you in your heart. Now, I want to ask you in your heart. Now, I want to ask you right now, if you will, just to put your right now, if you will, just to put your right now, if you will, just to put your notes down. I want to ask you to make notes down. I want to ask you to make notes down. I want to ask you to make some space in your heart. And we're some space in your heart. And we're some space in your heart. And we're going to slow down for a moment to let going to slow down for a moment to let going to slow down for a moment to let God do business in our hearts. Some of God do business in our hearts. Some of God do business in our hearts. Some of you, if you're honest, you've already you, if you're honest, you've already you, if you're honest, you've already had a David and Bashibba moment. And had a David and Bashibba moment. And had a David and Bashibba moment. And you're walking around with a lot of you're walking around with a lot of you're walking around with a lot of regret today. Walking around with shame.

regret today. Walking around with shame. regret today. Walking around with shame. Maybe Some of you have been hiding one Maybe Some of you have been hiding one Maybe Some of you have been hiding one of those moments and today can be a day of those moments and today can be a day of those moments and today can be a day of freedom. I need you to hear loud and of freedom. I need you to hear loud and of freedom. I need you to hear loud and clear. David's story is a warning. But clear. David's story is a warning. But clear. David's story is a warning. But David's story is also an example in that David's story is also an example in that David's story is also an example in that moment when a person falls of how to moment when a person falls of how to moment when a person falls of how to repent and turn back to God. And it's a repent and turn back to God. And it's a repent and turn back to God. And it's a very clear indicator of how God meets us very clear indicator of how God meets us very clear indicator of how God meets us in our brokenness. Friends, David's in our brokenness. Friends, David's in our brokenness. Friends, David's story could be my story. David's story story could be my story. David's story story could be my story. David's story could be any of our story. So none of us could be any of our story. So none of us could be any of our story. So none of us in this room, nobody listening to my in this room, nobody listening to my in this room, nobody listening to my voice, stands over another person. We voice, stands over another person. We voice, stands over another person. We are all broken people in need of a are all broken people in need of a are all broken people in need of a savior. And I am so thankful today that savior. And I am so thankful today that savior. And I am so thankful today that there is a cross on which Jesus there is a cross on which Jesus there is a cross on which Jesus stretched out his arms and was brutally stretched out his arms and was brutally stretched out his arms and was brutally murdered with nails in his hands and murdered with nails in his hands and murdered with nails in his hands and feet and a crown of thorns in his head. feet and a crown of thorns in his head. feet and a crown of thorns in his head. This is not some religious game. This is This is not some religious game. This is This is not some religious game. This is the God of the universe stretched with the God of the universe stretched with the God of the universe stretched with his arms out wide in his holiness saying his arms out wide in his holiness saying his arms out wide in his holiness saying this this is how much sin is offensive this this is how much sin is offensive this this is how much sin is offensive to me that I will go to a cross so that to me that I will go to a cross so that to me that I will go to a cross so that the price could be paid but I'll do it the price could be paid but I'll do it the price could be paid but I'll do it myself so that people can experience myself so that people can experience myself so that people can experience forgiveness and freedom. And today as forgiveness and freedom. And today as forgiveness and freedom. And today as David comes to the Lord listen to what David comes to the Lord listen to what David comes to the Lord listen to what he says in Psalm 325. This is written he says in Psalm 325. This is written he says in Psalm 325. This is written right after David. David David he right after David. David David he right after David. David David he commits adultery with Basheba. Listen to commits adultery with Basheba. Listen to commits adultery with Basheba. Listen to his words. He says, "Finally, finally, his words. He says, "Finally, finally, his words. He says, "Finally, finally, he he's been just wrecked with shame, he he's been just wrecked with shame, he he's been just wrecked with shame, wrecked with guilt." He said, "I

wrecked with guilt." He said, "I wrecked with guilt." He said, "I confessed all my sins to you and stop confessed all my sins to you and stop confessed all my sins to you and stop trying to hide my guilt. I brought it trying to hide my guilt. I brought it trying to hide my guilt. I brought it into the light. I said to myself, I will into the light. I said to myself, I will into the light. I said to myself, I will confess my rebellion to the Lord." confess my rebellion to the Lord." confess my rebellion to the Lord." Now, if I were to stop right there, Now, if I were to stop right there, Now, if I were to stop right there, there are some of you, you have all there are some of you, you have all there are some of you, you have all these preconceived notions about who God these preconceived notions about who God these preconceived notions about who God is and what God is like. You have even is and what God is like. You have even is and what God is like. You have even in your mind the condemnation and shame in your mind the condemnation and shame in your mind the condemnation and shame you'll be met with. But David very you'll be met with. But David very you'll be met with. But David very clearly speaks of his journey with God. clearly speaks of his journey with God. clearly speaks of his journey with God. And I want you to hear what he says. And I want you to hear what he says. And I want you to hear what he says. David in the Old Testament as he writes David in the Old Testament as he writes David in the Old Testament as he writes Psalm 32 cries out of what God does in Psalm 32 cries out of what God does in Psalm 32 cries out of what God does in the moment of failure and shipwreck. And the moment of failure and shipwreck. And the moment of failure and shipwreck. And he says this, "And you forgave me, and he says this, "And you forgave me, and he says this, "And you forgave me, and all my guilt is gone." The Bible says, all my guilt is gone." The Bible says, all my guilt is gone." The Bible says, "Though your sins be like scarlet, they "Though your sins be like scarlet, they "Though your sins be like scarlet, they shall be white as snow." And what shall be white as snow." And what shall be white as snow." And what happens in that moment that you put your happens in that moment that you put your happens in that moment that you put your trust in Jesus for your brokenness and trust in Jesus for your brokenness and trust in Jesus for your brokenness and your sins, the slate is wiped clean.

your sins, the slate is wiped clean. your sins, the slate is wiped clean. First John 1:9 says, "If we claim to be First John 1:9 says, "If we claim to be First John 1:9 says, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and without sin, we deceive ourselves and without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we the truth is not in us. But if we the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and confess our sins, he is faithful and confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and just and will forgive us our sins and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. And purify us from all unrighteousness. And purify us from all unrighteousness. And there are some of you today, today is there are some of you today, today is there are some of you today, today is the day of salvation for you. Today is the day of salvation for you. Today is the day of salvation for you. Today is the day that you mark a transition in the day that you mark a transition in the day that you mark a transition in your journey, to pursue the heart of your journey, to pursue the heart of your journey, to pursue the heart of God, to recognize your need for God, to recognize your need for God, to recognize your need for forgiveness, to bring it into the light, forgiveness, to bring it into the light, forgiveness, to bring it into the light, to experience his holiness being spoken to experience his holiness being spoken to experience his holiness being spoken over your life. You are not what he did over your life. You are not what he did over your life. You are not what he did to you. You are not your past. The to you. You are not your past. The to you. You are not your past. The moment that you trust in Jesus, your moment that you trust in Jesus, your moment that you trust in Jesus, your identity shifts. You are called a son or identity shifts. You are called a son or identity shifts. You are called a son or daughter of the most high God. You are daughter of the most high God. You are daughter of the most high God. You are declared holy and righteous before God. declared holy and righteous before God. declared holy and righteous before God. This is the gospel message available for This is the gospel message available for This is the gospel message available for anyone who would come. And the anyone who would come. And the anyone who would come. And the invitation is available for you today to invitation is available for you today to invitation is available for you today to put your trust in Jesus that made a way put your trust in Jesus that made a way put your trust in Jesus that made a way that your past does not have to be your that your past does not have to be your that your past does not have to be your story, but the cross and the empty tomb story, but the cross and the empty tomb story, but the cross and the empty tomb can be the story. And God can help you can be the story. And God can help you can be the story. And God can help you rebuild. God can help you start to put rebuild. God can help you start to put rebuild. God can help you start to put the pieces back together. So today, I the pieces back together. So today, I the pieces back together. So today, I want to invite you to receive this gift want to invite you to receive this gift want to invite you to receive this gift from God. So I want to ask you to stand from God. So I want to ask you to stand from God. So I want to ask you to stand with me for a moment. We're going to with me for a moment. We're going to with me for a moment. We're going to make space right now to worship and to make space right now to worship and to make space right now to worship and to respond in song. And I want you to hear respond in song. And I want you to hear respond in song. And I want you to hear the altar of God is open wide. There is the altar of God is open wide. There is the altar of God is open wide. There is an invitation all who are thirsty, all an invitation all who are thirsty, all an invitation all who are thirsty, all who are weak, all who are hurting, all

who are weak, all who are hurting, all who are weak, all who are hurting, all who have sinned to come to the altar and who have sinned to come to the altar and who have sinned to come to the altar and receive the grace and mercy of God. And receive the grace and mercy of God. And receive the grace and mercy of God. And today, if you've never received today, if you've never received today, if you've never received forgiveness for the first time, you can forgiveness for the first time, you can forgiveness for the first time, you can do that right now. So, I want to invite do that right now. So, I want to invite do that right now. So, I want to invite you to close your eyes and bow your you to close your eyes and bow your you to close your eyes and bow your heads with me for a moment between you heads with me for a moment between you heads with me for a moment between you and the living God right now. This can and the living God right now. This can and the living God right now. This can be your day of salvation. You're set be your day of salvation. You're set be your day of salvation. You're set free from sin. No longer a slave to sin, free from sin. No longer a slave to sin, free from sin. No longer a slave to sin, a child of God. Between you and God, if a child of God. Between you and God, if a child of God. Between you and God, if that's you, right now in this moment, do that's you, right now in this moment, do that's you, right now in this moment, do not delay. Don't go out of church. They not delay. Don't go out of church. They not delay. Don't go out of church. They go, "I'll do it later." No. Right now is go, "I'll do it later." No. Right now is go, "I'll do it later." No. Right now is the moment of salvation. Today is the the moment of salvation. Today is the the moment of salvation. Today is the day of salvation between you and the day of salvation between you and the day of salvation between you and the living God. Right now, in this moment, living God. Right now, in this moment, living God. Right now, in this moment, just say to him, "Dear Jesus, I believe just say to him, "Dear Jesus, I believe just say to him, "Dear Jesus, I believe that you died on a cross for my sins. I that you died on a cross for my sins. I that you died on a cross for my sins. I believe that you rose again from the believe that you rose again from the believe that you rose again from the dead. I want to receive your forgiveness dead. I want to receive your forgiveness dead. I want to receive your forgiveness into my heart. I'm choosing to follow into my heart. I'm choosing to follow into my heart. I'm choosing to follow you the best I know how. You have my you the best I know how. You have my you the best I know how. You have my heart. Thank you for new life. And we heart. Thank you for new life. And we heart. Thank you for new life. And we pray these things in Jesus name. Amen.