Back On Track With Work | Andy Wood

about July, June, July of last year, I about July, June, July of last year, I started uh noticing that I had this a started uh noticing that I had this a started uh noticing that I had this a lot of pressure in my head. I'd wake up lot of pressure in my head. I'd wake up lot of pressure in my head. I'd wake up every morning with my eyes swollen shut. every morning with my eyes swollen shut. every morning with my eyes swollen shut. But the biggest thing was this pressure But the biggest thing was this pressure But the biggest thing was this pressure in [music] my head that I couldn't do in [music] my head that I couldn't do in [music] my head that I couldn't do anything. It like made my life almost anything. It like made my life almost anything. It like made my life almost unlivable. unlivable. unlivable. I did turn to prayer because I'm a very I did turn to prayer because I'm a very I did turn to prayer because I'm a very faithful believer, [music] but I just faithful believer, [music] but I just faithful believer, [music] but I just felt like God are are you with me here felt like God are are you with me here felt like God are are you with me here because I am struggling and I would just because I am struggling and I would just because I am struggling and I would just be crying out to God and I felt like I be crying out to God and I felt like I be crying out to God and I felt like I just wasn't like the Lord wasn't hearing just wasn't like the Lord wasn't hearing just wasn't like the Lord wasn't hearing [music] me. [music] me. [music] me. Then I decided to join a small group Then I decided to join a small group Then I decided to join a small group with uh pickle ball because I thought with uh pickle ball because I thought with uh pickle ball because I thought that would be fun and I would have that would be fun and I would have that would be fun and I would have community in it. I said, "Okay, what can community in it. I said, "Okay, what can community in it. I said, "Okay, what can go wrong here? I'm going to a pickle go wrong here? I'm going to a pickle go wrong here? I'm going to a pickle ball Bible study [music] and and I just ball Bible study [music] and and I just ball Bible study [music] and and I just got out of the hospital a week ago and I got out of the hospital a week ago and I got out of the hospital a week ago and I couldn't walk in the hospital, but here couldn't walk in the hospital, but here couldn't walk in the hospital, but here I am." [laughter] I am." [laughter] I am." [laughter] And I lasted maybe 15 [music] minutes And I lasted maybe 15 [music] minutes And I lasted maybe 15 [music] minutes and playing pickle ball before my heart and playing pickle ball before my heart and playing pickle ball before my heart rate and heart blood pressure was so rate and heart blood pressure was so rate and heart blood pressure was so high. I thought I had a diagnosis that high. I thought I had a diagnosis that high. I thought I had a diagnosis that had a really bad mortality [music] rate.

had a really bad mortality [music] rate. had a really bad mortality [music] rate. And I kept pulling into the doctor's And I kept pulling into the doctor's And I kept pulling into the doctor's office parking lot to just get the test. office parking lot to just get the test. office parking lot to just get the test. And I pulled in probably three times And I pulled in probably three times And I pulled in probably three times into the parking lot and left. But I into the parking lot and left. But I into the parking lot and left. But I just couldn't go in. I have two kids and just couldn't go in. I have two kids and just couldn't go in. I have two kids and I didn't want to leave them alone and I I didn't want to leave them alone and I I didn't want to leave them alone and I wasn't ready to not be here anymore. I wasn't ready to not be here anymore. I wasn't ready to not be here anymore. I told the group that I was struggling told the group that I was struggling told the group that I was struggling with trying to get the diagnosis. Uh with trying to get the diagnosis. Uh with trying to get the diagnosis. Uh they they encouraged me and we did a they they encouraged me and we did a they they encouraged me and we did a prayer circle and I've never been part prayer circle and I've never been part prayer circle and I've never been part of something like that before. And I'm of something like that before. And I'm of something like that before. And I'm telling [music] you that God was in that telling [music] you that God was in that telling [music] you that God was in that room that day. [snorts] He he heard our room that day. [snorts] He he heard our room that day. [snorts] He he heard our prayer because prayer because prayer because every day [music] I was praying, "God, every day [music] I was praying, "God, every day [music] I was praying, "God, just let these doctors, team of doctors just let these doctors, team of doctors just let these doctors, team of doctors figure out what's wrong with me so that figure out what's wrong with me so that figure out what's wrong with me so that I can get better." That prayer circle, I can get better." That prayer circle, I can get better." That prayer circle, it changed my life. it changed my life. it changed my life. And today, I am back to running. I am And today, I am back to running. I am And today, I am back to running. I am back to living my life. I'm [music] back to living my life. I'm [music] back to living my life. I'm [music] actually able to work again. I'm living actually able to work again. I'm living actually able to work again. I'm living my life versus before I was just [music] my life versus before I was just [music] my life versus before I was just [music] surviving. I am so thankful for my small surviving. I am so thankful for my small surviving. I am so thankful for my small group [music] and for everything that group [music] and for everything that group [music] and for everything that they did for me last year. I couldn't they did for me last year. I couldn't they did for me last year. I couldn't have gotten through last year without have gotten through last year without have gotten through last year without [music] my small group. And I was [music] my small group. And I was [music] my small group. And I was praying by myself all the time, but I praying by myself all the time, but I praying by myself all the time, but I didn't see real movement until I had a

didn't see real movement until I had a didn't see real movement until I had a group of believers that were praying group of believers that were praying group of believers that were praying with me. And [music] so join any of the with me. And [music] so join any of the with me. And [music] so join any of the small groups because it can change your small groups because it can change your small groups because it can change your life. life. life. Let's thank Danielle for sharing her Let's thank Danielle for sharing her Let's thank Danielle for sharing her story. I love hearing these stories of how God I love hearing these stories of how God is changing lives through small groups. is changing lives through small groups. is changing lives through small groups. And I do want to say welcome to all of And I do want to say welcome to all of And I do want to say welcome to all of you who are joining us online, all of you who are joining us online, all of you who are joining us online, all of our campuses spread across Southern our campuses spread across Southern our campuses spread across Southern California, our international campuses California, our international campuses California, our international campuses and extensions. Today we're in the last and extensions. Today we're in the last and extensions. Today we're in the last week of our message series called Back week of our message series called Back week of our message series called Back on Track and I have a message that's on Track and I have a message that's on Track and I have a message that's burning in my heart that I cannot wait burning in my heart that I cannot wait burning in my heart that I cannot wait to share with you. But I do want to take to share with you. But I do want to take to share with you. But I do want to take a moment just to highlight what we a moment just to highlight what we a moment just to highlight what we watched in that story. You know, as watched in that story. You know, as watched in that story. You know, as Danielle was sharing her story, I was Danielle was sharing her story, I was Danielle was sharing her story, I was thinking about how she represents thinking about how she represents thinking about how she represents thousands of people from our church thousands of people from our church thousands of people from our church whose lives have been radically changed whose lives have been radically changed whose lives have been radically changed by being a part of a small group. You by being a part of a small group. You by being a part of a small group. You know, there's something that happens know, there's something that happens know, there's something that happens when you're in a group of 10 to 12 when you're in a group of 10 to 12 when you're in a group of 10 to 12 people and you're like getting together, people and you're like getting together, people and you're like getting together, you're encouraging one another, you're you're encouraging one another, you're you're encouraging one another, you're praying, you're being supported. It praying, you're being supported. It praying, you're being supported. It helps you grow so much faster in your helps you grow so much faster in your helps you grow so much faster in your journey with Jesus. And if you're not in journey with Jesus. And if you're not in journey with Jesus. And if you're not in a small group, I want to say you are a small group, I want to say you are a small group, I want to say you are missing out. Like this is one of the missing out. Like this is one of the missing out. Like this is one of the best and most important things that we best and most important things that we best and most important things that we do as a church is to connect people into do as a church is to connect people into do as a church is to connect people into community. And on a personal level, I community. And on a personal level, I community. And on a personal level, I look forward to my small group. Every look forward to my small group. Every look forward to my small group. Every Wednesday night, I get together with a Wednesday night, I get together with a Wednesday night, I get together with a group of guys, same season of life, same group of guys, same season of life, same group of guys, same season of life, same challenges, and I leave refreshed and challenges, and I leave refreshed and challenges, and I leave refreshed and encouraged every time I go. Our kids, encouraged every time I go. Our kids, encouraged every time I go. Our kids, Stacy, our whole family is in small

Stacy, our whole family is in small Stacy, our whole family is in small groups, and we believe in this. So, if groups, and we believe in this. So, if groups, and we believe in this. So, if you're not connected today, you can take you're not connected today, you can take you're not connected today, you can take that step. I'm going to tell you really that step. I'm going to tell you really that step. I'm going to tell you really practically how you can get into a practically how you can get into a practically how you can get into a group. If you open your app, there's a group. If you open your app, there's a group. If you open your app, there's a place that says small groups right at place that says small groups right at place that says small groups right at the top. You're going to see it. It'll the top. You're going to see it. It'll the top. You're going to see it. It'll take you just a few moments. you'll see take you just a few moments. you'll see take you just a few moments. you'll see right at the top of the app and you can right at the top of the app and you can right at the top of the app and you can search like we literally have over a search like we literally have over a search like we literally have over a thousand small groups across our thousand small groups across our thousand small groups across our campuses that are open and there are all campuses that are open and there are all campuses that are open and there are all different types of groups like you saw different types of groups like you saw different types of groups like you saw the pickleball group somebody like I the pickleball group somebody like I the pickleball group somebody like I want to be in the pickleball group so I want to be in the pickleball group so I want to be in the pickleball group so I don't have to wait for a pickleball don't have to wait for a pickleball don't have to wait for a pickleball court anymore you can be a part of that court anymore you can be a part of that court anymore you can be a part of that group and then we have a group called group and then we have a group called group and then we have a group called holy smokes and no they don't smoke holy smokes and no they don't smoke holy smokes and no they don't smoke together they eat meat together and and together they eat meat together and and together they eat meat together and and it's an awesome group there's so many it's an awesome group there's so many it's an awesome group there's so many all across different days different all across different days different all across different days different times different age groups times different age groups times different age groups multi-generation ational, all of it. I multi-generation ational, all of it. I multi-generation ational, all of it. I want to encourage you to take that step want to encourage you to take that step want to encourage you to take that step this weekend. Now, in addition to that, this weekend. Now, in addition to that, this weekend. Now, in addition to that, uh there's so many great things that God uh there's so many great things that God uh there's so many great things that God is doing in our church. And this last is doing in our church. And this last is doing in our church. And this last week, I just got to highlight our 21 week, I just got to highlight our 21 week, I just got to highlight our 21 days of prayer launch last Monday at all days of prayer launch last Monday at all days of prayer launch last Monday at all of our campuses from 700 a.m. to 8:00 of our campuses from 700 a.m. to 8:00 of our campuses from 700 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. We had over,300 a.m. We had over,300 a.m. We had over,300 people on average gathering together people on average gathering together people on average gathering together every day, praying, seeking the heart of every day, praying, seeking the heart of every day, praying, seeking the heart of God. And you're going to see some God. And you're going to see some God. And you're going to see some pictures here. And what I love about pictures here. And what I love about pictures here. And what I love about this is you're seeing the hunger in our this is you're seeing the hunger in our this is you're seeing the hunger in our church for more of the presence of God.

church for more of the presence of God. church for more of the presence of God. You're seeing this longing for God to You're seeing this longing for God to You're seeing this longing for God to move in and through our lives. We're move in and through our lives. We're move in and through our lives. We're praying for God to break through in our praying for God to break through in our praying for God to break through in our communities. We're praying for healing. communities. We're praying for healing. communities. We're praying for healing. Praying for people to come to faith in Praying for people to come to faith in Praying for people to come to faith in Jesus. And I want to honor you. So if Jesus. And I want to honor you. So if Jesus. And I want to honor you. So if you came this week from my heart to you, you came this week from my heart to you, you came this week from my heart to you, thank you for joining. Thank you for thank you for joining. Thank you for thank you for joining. Thank you for believing God can move through prayer. believing God can move through prayer. believing God can move through prayer. And also And also And also if you didn't come last week, you can if you didn't come last week, you can if you didn't come last week, you can come this week. So we invite you to join come this week. So we invite you to join come this week. So we invite you to join us as we keep praying. That's leading us us as we keep praying. That's leading us us as we keep praying. That's leading us into, this is very important, that's into, this is very important, that's into, this is very important, that's leading us into a sacred assembly that leading us into a sacred assembly that leading us into a sacred assembly that we're calling the return gathering. So, we're calling the return gathering. So, we're calling the return gathering. So, it is a three-day event that starts on a it is a three-day event that starts on a it is a three-day event that starts on a Wednesday night, goes Wednesday night, Wednesday night, goes Wednesday night, Wednesday night, goes Wednesday night, Thursday night, all day Friday, and Thursday night, all day Friday, and Thursday night, all day Friday, and we're inviting the whole church to come we're inviting the whole church to come we're inviting the whole church to come together for one big gathering with a together for one big gathering with a together for one big gathering with a purpose of seeking the heart of God, to purpose of seeking the heart of God, to purpose of seeking the heart of God, to go after him, to chase him, to to pursue go after him, to chase him, to to pursue go after him, to chase him, to to pursue his presence, and experience more of him his presence, and experience more of him his presence, and experience more of him in our lives. And we did this last year. in our lives. And we did this last year. in our lives. And we did this last year. We brought all the generations together We brought all the generations together We brought all the generations together from kids to students all at Lake from kids to students all at Lake from kids to students all at Lake Forest. We saw so much life change in a Forest. We saw so much life change in a Forest. We saw so much life change in a very short period of time. And you know, very short period of time. And you know, very short period of time. And you know, if you're a parent and you have kids or if you're a parent and you have kids or if you're a parent and you have kids or students, I don't know if this happens students, I don't know if this happens students, I don't know if this happens to you guys, but I often I probably to you guys, but I often I probably to you guys, but I often I probably shouldn't say this, but I often get shouldn't say this, but I often get shouldn't say this, but I often get jealous when my kids go to camp. Like, I jealous when my kids go to camp. Like, I jealous when my kids go to camp. Like, I want to go to camp, too. Like, what's up want to go to camp, too. Like, what's up want to go to camp, too. Like, what's up with that? You know, where's the adult with that? You know, where's the adult with that? You know, where's the adult camp? Well, there this is the adult camp? Well, there this is the adult camp? Well, there this is the adult camp. This is the time for all of us as camp. This is the time for all of us as camp. This is the time for all of us as a church family to gather together. And a church family to gather together. And a church family to gather together. And I I believe God's going to use it in a I I believe God's going to use it in a I I believe God's going to use it in a powerful way. Now, I want to tell you, powerful way. Now, I want to tell you, powerful way. Now, I want to tell you, um, we are like halfway full and we're um, we are like halfway full and we're um, we are like halfway full and we're already like we got close to three weeks already like we got close to three weeks already like we got close to three weeks left and it's going to fill up. So, if

left and it's going to fill up. So, if left and it's going to fill up. So, if you're not registered, I want to you're not registered, I want to you're not registered, I want to encourage you to take that step this encourage you to take that step this encourage you to take that step this weekend to get registered. And you might weekend to get registered. And you might weekend to get registered. And you might notice when you go there, there have notice when you go there, there have notice when you go there, there have been a couple questions. You might been a couple questions. You might been a couple questions. You might notice that it's $25 to register. Last notice that it's $25 to register. Last notice that it's $25 to register. Last year it was free. You're like, "Well, year it was free. You're like, "Well, year it was free. You're like, "Well, last year it's free. This year it's last year it's free. This year it's last year it's free. This year it's $25." And well, that comes with four $25." And well, that comes with four $25." And well, that comes with four meals. So you can't even eat at Chipotle meals. So you can't even eat at Chipotle meals. So you can't even eat at Chipotle for $25 for four meals. So if you just for $25 for four meals. So if you just for $25 for four meals. So if you just come for the food, it's it's worth the come for the food, it's it's worth the come for the food, it's it's worth the cost. So it's it's not really we will cost. So it's it's not really we will cost. So it's it's not really we will lose money on the event. We're doing lose money on the event. We're doing lose money on the event. We're doing that for buyin and commitment and it's that for buyin and commitment and it's that for buyin and commitment and it's such a low bar of commitment if you ask such a low bar of commitment if you ask such a low bar of commitment if you ask me. But there were a lot of people that me. But there were a lot of people that me. But there were a lot of people that registered last year that didn't show registered last year that didn't show registered last year that didn't show up. So this commitment is just saying up. So this commitment is just saying up. So this commitment is just saying I'm coming. Uh we also we're making it I'm coming. Uh we also we're making it I'm coming. Uh we also we're making it free for kids and students because we free for kids and students because we free for kids and students because we want as many kids as students in the want as many kids as students in the want as many kids as students in the room as possible. All of that again is room as possible. All of that again is room as possible. All of that again is at your app. We want to encourage you to at your app. We want to encourage you to at your app. We want to encourage you to sign up. So many awesome things that God sign up. So many awesome things that God sign up. So many awesome things that God is doing. And today we're wrapping up a is doing. And today we're wrapping up a is doing. And today we're wrapping up a series. This these last five weeks I've series. This these last five weeks I've series. This these last five weeks I've loved so much. And today I want to talk loved so much. And today I want to talk loved so much. And today I want to talk to you about a subject that I love so to you about a subject that I love so to you about a subject that I love so much. The subject of work. And I want to much. The subject of work. And I want to much. The subject of work. And I want to begin with a story. So I grew up uh my begin with a story. So I grew up uh my begin with a story. So I grew up uh my dad is an entrepreneur. He still is. He dad is an entrepreneur. He still is. He dad is an entrepreneur. He still is. He started a business the year I was born.

started a business the year I was born. started a business the year I was born. And I remember growing up watching my And I remember growing up watching my And I remember growing up watching my dad. He is a very hard worker. Still to dad. He is a very hard worker. Still to dad. He is a very hard worker. Still to this day at like 70 years old, he's one this day at like 70 years old, he's one this day at like 70 years old, he's one of the hardest workers I've ever met. of the hardest workers I've ever met. of the hardest workers I've ever met. And I I remember as a kid always feeling And I I remember as a kid always feeling And I I remember as a kid always feeling like I could never like quite work as like I could never like quite work as like I could never like quite work as hard as my dad. And in fact, it really hard as my dad. And in fact, it really hard as my dad. And in fact, it really became apparent when I was about 18 became apparent when I was about 18 became apparent when I was about 18 years old, the disparity between my years old, the disparity between my years old, the disparity between my dad's work ethic and mine. And so I dad's work ethic and mine. And so I dad's work ethic and mine. And so I would oftentimes work for my dad during would oftentimes work for my dad during would oftentimes work for my dad during like school breaks and summer. And there like school breaks and summer. And there like school breaks and summer. And there was this one summer where my dad had was this one summer where my dad had was this one summer where my dad had just bought a piece of property and he just bought a piece of property and he just bought a piece of property and he was going to develop the land and he was going to develop the land and he was going to develop the land and he hired my buddy Mike and I to clear the hired my buddy Mike and I to clear the hired my buddy Mike and I to clear the land and to help get ready for him to do land and to help get ready for him to do land and to help get ready for him to do construction. So we one day went to my construction. So we one day went to my construction. So we one day went to my dad's shop. We got there and my dad dad's shop. We got there and my dad dad's shop. We got there and my dad started giving us instructions and he's started giving us instructions and he's started giving us instructions and he's like, "Okay, you guys go to the property like, "Okay, you guys go to the property like, "Okay, you guys go to the property and I'll leave behind you. It'll just be and I'll leave behind you. It'll just be and I'll leave behind you. It'll just be a few minutes. you get there, you guys a few minutes. you get there, you guys a few minutes. you get there, you guys can get started and then I'll I'll show can get started and then I'll I'll show can get started and then I'll I'll show up later and if there's any questions or up later and if there's any questions or up later and if there's any questions or instructions you need, I'll give you instructions you need, I'll give you instructions you need, I'll give you those. So, Mike and I, we we left, it's those. So, Mike and I, we we left, it's those. So, Mike and I, we we left, it's like middle of the summer, Midwest. I like middle of the summer, Midwest. I like middle of the summer, Midwest. I grew up in Michigan and if you're not grew up in Michigan and if you're not grew up in Michigan and if you're not like from the United States, Michigan is like from the United States, Michigan is like from the United States, Michigan is nice like one month a year and it was nice like one month a year and it was nice like one month a year and it was June. It was this month. So, we got to June. It was this month. So, we got to June. It was this month. So, we got to this piece of property which is on the this piece of property which is on the this piece of property which is on the lake and it was like 70° and sunny and lake and it was like 70° and sunny and lake and it was like 70° and sunny and it just warranted for a nap. I mean, it it just warranted for a nap. I mean, it it just warranted for a nap. I mean, it was like prime sleeping moment, like a was like prime sleeping moment, like a was like prime sleeping moment, like a summer nap. So, we got there, we rolled summer nap. So, we got there, we rolled summer nap. So, we got there, we rolled the windows down, and we're like, we'll the windows down, and we're like, we'll the windows down, and we're like, we'll just close our eyes for like 15 minutes just close our eyes for like 15 minutes just close our eyes for like 15 minutes while we wait on my dad. So, we close while we wait on my dad. So, we close while we wait on my dad. So, we close our eyes. 15 minutes turns into 30

our eyes. 15 minutes turns into 30 our eyes. 15 minutes turns into 30 minutes. This is where my dad and I minutes. This is where my dad and I minutes. This is where my dad and I differ in the story. My dad said turned differ in the story. My dad said turned differ in the story. My dad said turned into two hours. And he shows up at the into two hours. And he shows up at the into two hours. And he shows up at the property with Mike and I in the company property with Mike and I in the company property with Mike and I in the company car with the seats laid back, drool car with the seats laid back, drool car with the seats laid back, drool coming down our faces. And my dad was so coming down our faces. And my dad was so coming down our faces. And my dad was so mad, rightfully so. Now, as a father mad, rightfully so. Now, as a father mad, rightfully so. Now, as a father with two teenage boys, oftentimes I'll with two teenage boys, oftentimes I'll with two teenage boys, oftentimes I'll get mad at them for not working hard. get mad at them for not working hard. get mad at them for not working hard. And then I remember I was the chief of And then I remember I was the chief of And then I remember I was the chief of sinners once. And in the midst of all of sinners once. And in the midst of all of sinners once. And in the midst of all of that, like God somehow taught me about that, like God somehow taught me about that, like God somehow taught me about work. Now, maybe you had some work. Now, maybe you had some work. Now, maybe you had some experiences in your life where work was experiences in your life where work was experiences in your life where work was really hard or maybe for you it took you really hard or maybe for you it took you really hard or maybe for you it took you a while to figure out how do you know a while to figure out how do you know a while to figure out how do you know what kind of career you should pursue. what kind of career you should pursue. what kind of career you should pursue. But the truth is work dominates all of But the truth is work dominates all of But the truth is work dominates all of our waking hours. It's a part of all of our waking hours. It's a part of all of our waking hours. It's a part of all of our lives. And we we think about it. We our lives. And we we think about it. We our lives. And we we think about it. We spend time on it. We actually spend 40% spend time on it. We actually spend 40% spend time on it. We actually spend 40% of our waking hours working. And some of our waking hours working. And some of our waking hours working. And some people spend more. But that that that people spend more. But that that that people spend more. But that that that reality of not only our time, but our reality of not only our time, but our reality of not only our time, but our our mindset and our thinking so often our mindset and our thinking so often our mindset and our thinking so often goes to work. And in the midst of that, goes to work. And in the midst of that, goes to work. And in the midst of that, there's so much pain. Like maybe for you there's so much pain. Like maybe for you there's so much pain. Like maybe for you when you go to work, there's a there's a when you go to work, there's a there's a when you go to work, there's a there's a co-orker that you just can't stand and co-orker that you just can't stand and co-orker that you just can't stand and she chomps on her gum and she bangs on she chomps on her gum and she bangs on she chomps on her gum and she bangs on the keyboard next to your cubicle and the keyboard next to your cubicle and the keyboard next to your cubicle and she drives you crazy. Or maybe you have she drives you crazy. Or maybe you have she drives you crazy. Or maybe you have a boss that's like breathing down your a boss that's like breathing down your a boss that's like breathing down your neck and you you still struggle with neck and you you still struggle with neck and you you still struggle with them years later. Or maybe you have an them years later. Or maybe you have an them years later. Or maybe you have an employee and you're a boss and they just employee and you're a boss and they just employee and you're a boss and they just drive you crazy and they never show up

drive you crazy and they never show up drive you crazy and they never show up on time and you you're trying to figure on time and you you're trying to figure on time and you you're trying to figure out what to do with HR law in California out what to do with HR law in California out what to do with HR law in California and you're like, "How do I deal with and you're like, "How do I deal with and you're like, "How do I deal with this?" And there's like all this this?" And there's like all this this?" And there's like all this pressure that you feel. And then on top pressure that you feel. And then on top pressure that you feel. And then on top of that, it's not even just relational of that, it's not even just relational of that, it's not even just relational issues. There's like all kinds of stress issues. There's like all kinds of stress issues. There's like all kinds of stress with work. And sometimes there's too with work. And sometimes there's too with work. And sometimes there's too much and the amount of time that you much and the amount of time that you much and the amount of time that you have to get done. And maybe you have a have to get done. And maybe you have a have to get done. And maybe you have a job where you're like, I'm working past job where you're like, I'm working past job where you're like, I'm working past when I'm supposed to work. I'm taking it when I'm supposed to work. I'm taking it when I'm supposed to work. I'm taking it home. There's pressure. There's stress. home. There's pressure. There's stress. home. There's pressure. There's stress. Maybe for some of you, work work's not Maybe for some of you, work work's not Maybe for some of you, work work's not the pressure and stress, but you're the pressure and stress, but you're the pressure and stress, but you're like, I I just need a job, man. And if like, I I just need a job, man. And if like, I I just need a job, man. And if if I could just get something that that if I could just get something that that if I could just get something that that would be awesome. And everything in would be awesome. And everything in would be awesome. And everything in between. work dominates our life and the between. work dominates our life and the between. work dominates our life and the pain that we all carry with work is pain that we all carry with work is pain that we all carry with work is real. And what do you do with all of real. And what do you do with all of real. And what do you do with all of that? Like how do you deal with the pain that? Like how do you deal with the pain that? Like how do you deal with the pain of work? And yet at the same time, of work? And yet at the same time, of work? And yet at the same time, there's so much that God speaks about there's so much that God speaks about there's so much that God speaks about with work in the Bible. In fact, the with work in the Bible. In fact, the with work in the Bible. In fact, the work in the Bible often times is so work in the Bible often times is so work in the Bible often times is so confused with the way the world looks at confused with the way the world looks at confused with the way the world looks at work. And today, what I want to do is I work. And today, what I want to do is I work. And today, what I want to do is I want to go back to what the Bible want to go back to what the Bible want to go back to what the Bible teaches about work. And I want to give teaches about work. And I want to give teaches about work. And I want to give you a bigger vision for your life with you a bigger vision for your life with you a bigger vision for your life with work. Now, I know some of you are work. Now, I know some of you are work. Now, I know some of you are students. That's your work right now.

students. That's your work right now. students. That's your work right now. School's your work. Some of you are School's your work. Some of you are School's your work. Some of you are stay-at-home moms. And if you've ever stay-at-home moms. And if you've ever stay-at-home moms. And if you've ever been around a stay-at-home mom, you know been around a stay-at-home mom, you know been around a stay-at-home mom, you know a stay-at-home mom works, doesn't she? a stay-at-home mom works, doesn't she? a stay-at-home mom works, doesn't she? Like, that's one of the hardest jobs on Like, that's one of the hardest jobs on Like, that's one of the hardest jobs on planet Earth. So, all of it is work. And planet Earth. So, all of it is work. And planet Earth. So, all of it is work. And I want to encourage you as we look at I want to encourage you as we look at I want to encourage you as we look at scripture with God's divine design for scripture with God's divine design for scripture with God's divine design for your work. Genesis 1 27. Can we read your work. Genesis 1 27. Can we read your work. Genesis 1 27. Can we read this aloud together? All of our campuses this aloud together? All of our campuses this aloud together? All of our campuses says this. So God created mankind in his says this. So God created mankind in his says this. So God created mankind in his own image. In the image of God he own image. In the image of God he own image. In the image of God he created them. Male and female he created created them. Male and female he created created them. Male and female he created them. God blessed them and said, "Be them. God blessed them and said, "Be them. God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number. Fill fruitful and increase in number. Fill fruitful and increase in number. Fill the earth and subdue it. rule over the the earth and subdue it. rule over the the earth and subdue it. rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky fish in the sea and the birds in the sky fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that and over every living creature that and over every living creature that moves on the ground. Now, this is the moves on the ground. Now, this is the moves on the ground. Now, this is the word of God and it's right in the middle word of God and it's right in the middle word of God and it's right in the middle of the creation story. Chapter 1 goes of the creation story. Chapter 1 goes of the creation story. Chapter 1 goes days 1-6 in creation and then chapter 2 days 1-6 in creation and then chapter 2 days 1-6 in creation and then chapter 2 there's a double click and these first there's a double click and these first there's a double click and these first two chapters God is helping through his two chapters God is helping through his two chapters God is helping through his word helping us understand this is how word helping us understand this is how word helping us understand this is how creation started and God makes mankind creation started and God makes mankind creation started and God makes mankind and he gives a very specific instruction and he gives a very specific instruction and he gives a very specific instruction be fruitful and multiply fill the earth be fruitful and multiply fill the earth be fruitful and multiply fill the earth and subdue it so Adam and Eve are and subdue it so Adam and Eve are and subdue it so Adam and Eve are brought into this in invitation and brought into this in invitation and brought into this in invitation and experiment with God and in Genesis 2:15 experiment with God and in Genesis 2:15 experiment with God and in Genesis 2:15 you see a deeper Look at what God is you see a deeper Look at what God is you see a deeper Look at what God is doing in Gen Genesis 1:27. It says, "The doing in Gen Genesis 1:27. It says, "The doing in Gen Genesis 1:27. It says, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the

Lord God took the man and put him in the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care Garden of Eden to work it and take care Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." So before the fall, before sin of it." So before the fall, before sin of it." So before the fall, before sin enters into the world, God creates work. enters into the world, God creates work. enters into the world, God creates work. This is so important. God creates work This is so important. God creates work This is so important. God creates work and he makes it holy. It's sacred and and he makes it holy. It's sacred and and he makes it holy. It's sacred and set apart. So before work is ever hard, set apart. So before work is ever hard, set apart. So before work is ever hard, work is holy. And I want you to see this work is holy. And I want you to see this work is holy. And I want you to see this important point. God creates, blesses, important point. God creates, blesses, important point. God creates, blesses, and uses work. God creates, blesses, and and uses work. God creates, blesses, and and uses work. God creates, blesses, and uses work. And sometimes maybe your job uses work. And sometimes maybe your job uses work. And sometimes maybe your job or your place of employment feels like or your place of employment feels like or your place of employment feels like it's filled with demons. But it's good it's filled with demons. But it's good it's filled with demons. But it's good to know that before there was ever sin to know that before there was ever sin to know that before there was ever sin in the world, God wanted there to be in the world, God wanted there to be in the world, God wanted there to be this invitation to humanity to work with this invitation to humanity to work with this invitation to humanity to work with him to transform planet Earth. And him to transform planet Earth. And him to transform planet Earth. And notice this quote from Tim Keller. It notice this quote from Tim Keller. It notice this quote from Tim Keller. It says, "Work is rearranging." I love says, "Work is rearranging." I love says, "Work is rearranging." I love this. This is a definition of work. Work this. This is a definition of work. Work this. This is a definition of work. Work is rearranging the raw material of God's is rearranging the raw material of God's is rearranging the raw material of God's creation in such a way that it helps the creation in such a way that it helps the creation in such a way that it helps the world in general and people in world in general and people in world in general and people in particular thrive and flourish. Now, particular thrive and flourish. Now, particular thrive and flourish. Now, that's a mouthful right there. So, maybe that's a mouthful right there. So, maybe that's a mouthful right there. So, maybe we should look at it just a little bit we should look at it just a little bit we should look at it just a little bit longer. Let's bring it back up. work is longer. Let's bring it back up. work is longer. Let's bring it back up. work is rearranging the raw material of God's rearranging the raw material of God's rearranging the raw material of God's creation in such a way that it helps the creation in such a way that it helps the creation in such a way that it helps the world in general and people in world in general and people in world in general and people in particular thrive and flourish. So God particular thrive and flourish. So God particular thrive and flourish. So God says to Adam and Eve, I want you to go says to Adam and Eve, I want you to go says to Adam and Eve, I want you to go forth, be fruitful and multiply. Work forth, be fruitful and multiply. Work forth, be fruitful and multiply. Work with me to bring flourishing to the ends with me to bring flourishing to the ends with me to bring flourishing to the ends of the earth. Now on a personal level, I

of the earth. Now on a personal level, I of the earth. Now on a personal level, I love this subject and I've read several love this subject and I've read several love this subject and I've read several books that have made a huge difference. books that have made a huge difference. books that have made a huge difference. two of them. One is the book that this two of them. One is the book that this two of them. One is the book that this quote is pulled from from Tim Keller quote is pulled from from Tim Keller quote is pulled from from Tim Keller called Every Good Endeavor. It's worth called Every Good Endeavor. It's worth called Every Good Endeavor. It's worth reading. It is a great book. It helps us reading. It is a great book. It helps us reading. It is a great book. It helps us understand a belief or a theology, a understand a belief or a theology, a understand a belief or a theology, a philosophy of work according to the philosophy of work according to the philosophy of work according to the Bible. And the other one is Garden City Bible. And the other one is Garden City Bible. And the other one is Garden City by John Mark Comr. And both of these by John Mark Comr. And both of these by John Mark Comr. And both of these books kind of complement together a books kind of complement together a books kind of complement together a richer, more robust view of what the richer, more robust view of what the richer, more robust view of what the Bible teaches around work. And I love Bible teaches around work. And I love Bible teaches around work. And I love this concept because what Tim Keller is this concept because what Tim Keller is this concept because what Tim Keller is saying is that work is a sacred gift saying is that work is a sacred gift saying is that work is a sacred gift given from God. And I love how even this given from God. And I love how even this given from God. And I love how even this this idea comes out of Martin Luther. If this idea comes out of Martin Luther. If this idea comes out of Martin Luther. If you've ever read about him in the you've ever read about him in the you've ever read about him in the Reformation, he would say in in his Reformation, he would say in in his Reformation, he would say in in his teachings, he insisted that the farmer teachings, he insisted that the farmer teachings, he insisted that the farmer who shoveled manure and the maid who who shoveled manure and the maid who who shoveled manure and the maid who milked her cow, both of them uh they milked her cow, both of them uh they milked her cow, both of them uh they were pleasing God as much as the were pleasing God as much as the were pleasing God as much as the minister preaching or praying. So God minister preaching or praying. So God minister preaching or praying. So God God is trying to encourage us today God is trying to encourage us today God is trying to encourage us today through his word that your work matters.

through his word that your work matters. through his word that your work matters. And in Genesis chapter 3 after all of And in Genesis chapter 3 after all of And in Genesis chapter 3 after all of this happens there is a moment where sin this happens there is a moment where sin this happens there is a moment where sin enters into the world and it impacts enters into the world and it impacts enters into the world and it impacts work. And in Genesis 3:1 17 notice this. work. And in Genesis 3:1 17 notice this. work. And in Genesis 3:1 17 notice this. It says cursed is the ground because of It says cursed is the ground because of It says cursed is the ground because of you. Through painful toil you will eat you. Through painful toil you will eat you. Through painful toil you will eat from the food eat food from it all the from the food eat food from it all the from the food eat food from it all the days of your life. So when Adam and Eve days of your life. So when Adam and Eve days of your life. So when Adam and Eve sin, what the Bible says, God actually sin, what the Bible says, God actually sin, what the Bible says, God actually curses the ground in such a way that now curses the ground in such a way that now curses the ground in such a way that now the relationship that we have with work the relationship that we have with work the relationship that we have with work is impacted. And in Genesis 3:18, God is impacted. And in Genesis 3:18, God is impacted. And in Genesis 3:18, God again speaks and says, "It will produce again speaks and says, "It will produce again speaks and says, "It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you thorns and thistles for you, and you thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field by the will eat the plants of the field by the will eat the plants of the field by the sweat of your brow. You will eat your sweat of your brow. You will eat your sweat of your brow. You will eat your food until you return to the ground, food until you return to the ground, food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken. For dust since from it you were taken. For dust since from it you were taken. For dust you are, and to dust you will return." you are, and to dust you will return." you are, and to dust you will return." So what the Bible teaches us is that not So what the Bible teaches us is that not So what the Bible teaches us is that not only does God bless work but sin only does God bless work but sin only does God bless work but sin corrupts and complicates the very work corrupts and complicates the very work corrupts and complicates the very work that God blesses. This is important that God blesses. This is important that God blesses. This is important because if we understand this we can we because if we understand this we can we because if we understand this we can we can see the frustration that we can see the frustration that we can see the frustration that we experience with work. So in your notes experience with work. So in your notes experience with work. So in your notes it's sin corrupts and complicates the it's sin corrupts and complicates the it's sin corrupts and complicates the work in front of us. And maybe for some work in front of us. And maybe for some work in front of us. And maybe for some of you like your work is so frustrating of you like your work is so frustrating of you like your work is so frustrating to you. And the natural tendency when to you. And the natural tendency when to you. And the natural tendency when work is hard can be to misinterpret the work is hard can be to misinterpret the work is hard can be to misinterpret the frustration and be like, "Oh man, cuz frustration and be like, "Oh man, cuz frustration and be like, "Oh man, cuz it's hard. I just haven't found my it's hard. I just haven't found my it's hard. I just haven't found my calling yet." And the reality is every

calling yet." And the reality is every calling yet." And the reality is every job has a hard part to it because we job has a hard part to it because we job has a hard part to it because we live on the other side of the fall. And live on the other side of the fall. And live on the other side of the fall. And sin now is a part of work. So that sin now is a part of work. So that sin now is a part of work. So that frustration actually is most likely frustration actually is most likely frustration actually is most likely connected to the fall, not because you connected to the fall, not because you connected to the fall, not because you work for a horrible boss. And so the the work for a horrible boss. And so the the work for a horrible boss. And so the the call from God is to understand how sin call from God is to understand how sin call from God is to understand how sin has impacted our work and how he wants has impacted our work and how he wants has impacted our work and how he wants to redeem it. So God is a redeemer of to redeem it. So God is a redeemer of to redeem it. So God is a redeemer of work and it's still a sacred gift. And work and it's still a sacred gift. And work and it's still a sacred gift. And there's three ideas I want us to see there's three ideas I want us to see there's three ideas I want us to see from these verses. The first one, good from these verses. The first one, good from these verses. The first one, good work done God's way, good work done work done God's way, good work done work done God's way, good work done God's way is a gift, not a God. God's way is a gift, not a God. God's way is a gift, not a God. It's a gift from God, but not a God to It's a gift from God, but not a God to It's a gift from God, but not a God to be worshiped. And a lot of people when be worshiped. And a lot of people when be worshiped. And a lot of people when it comes to work, their work becomes the it comes to work, their work becomes the it comes to work, their work becomes the very thing that they give their soul to. very thing that they give their soul to. very thing that they give their soul to. And that comes from a lot of deficits in And that comes from a lot of deficits in And that comes from a lot of deficits in our heart that we think somehow that the our heart that we think somehow that the our heart that we think somehow that the work that we do will please this this work that we do will please this this work that we do will please this this void on the inside of us. But if you void on the inside of us. But if you void on the inside of us. But if you come back to Genesis 2:1 15 and it says, come back to Genesis 2:1 15 and it says, come back to Genesis 2:1 15 and it says, "The Lord God put Adam in the garden and "The Lord God put Adam in the garden and "The Lord God put Adam in the garden and told them to work it and take care of told them to work it and take care of told them to work it and take care of it." He's inviting Adam and Eve into his it." He's inviting Adam and Eve into his it." He's inviting Adam and Eve into his work to do the work with him. And when e work to do the work with him. And when e work to do the work with him. And when e when even when Adam and Eve were placed when even when Adam and Eve were placed when even when Adam and Eve were placed into Eden and this garden there there into Eden and this garden there there into Eden and this garden there there were no cities. It wasn't like there were no cities. It wasn't like there were no cities. It wasn't like there were roads. It wasn't like there were were roads. It wasn't like there were were roads. It wasn't like there were In-N-Out restaurants. Like none of that In-N-Out restaurants. Like none of that In-N-Out restaurants. Like none of that had been created. And it was just this had been created. And it was just this had been created. And it was just this untamed beauty that God says, "I want

untamed beauty that God says, "I want untamed beauty that God says, "I want you to work with me to to be a gardener, you to work with me to to be a gardener, you to work with me to to be a gardener, to be a builder, to be an architect, to to be a builder, to be an architect, to to be a builder, to be an architect, to go forth into this world that I've go forth into this world that I've go forth into this world that I've created." And the key response for us created." And the key response for us created." And the key response for us when it comes to this gift is to receive when it comes to this gift is to receive when it comes to this gift is to receive it as a gift from God. To receive the it as a gift from God. To receive the it as a gift from God. To receive the gift from God. Now, I have here this gift from God. Now, I have here this gift from God. Now, I have here this shovel shovel shovel and this shovel represents work. And I I and this shovel represents work. And I I and this shovel represents work. And I I I like yard work now. Even though I I like yard work now. Even though I I like yard work now. Even though I don't do a whole lot of it, I do like it don't do a whole lot of it, I do like it don't do a whole lot of it, I do like it from time to time. And sometimes when from time to time. And sometimes when from time to time. And sometimes when you go out, you take a shovel, you you you go out, you take a shovel, you you you go out, you take a shovel, you you dig a hole or maybe you you you move dig a hole or maybe you you you move dig a hole or maybe you you you move some things around, but you you have a some things around, but you you have a some things around, but you you have a shovel and it represents what we do with shovel and it represents what we do with shovel and it represents what we do with our hands. Now, your work might not be a our hands. Now, your work might not be a our hands. Now, your work might not be a shovel. Your work might be a keyboard. shovel. Your work might be a keyboard. shovel. Your work might be a keyboard. Your your work might be a conference Your your work might be a conference Your your work might be a conference room. But there there's something in room. But there there's something in room. But there there's something in your hand that God has given to you to your hand that God has given to you to your hand that God has given to you to do your work. And as you consider the do your work. And as you consider the do your work. And as you consider the very thing that God has placed in your very thing that God has placed in your very thing that God has placed in your hand to do your work, there are a couple hand to do your work, there are a couple hand to do your work, there are a couple things that you can do with that. And things that you can do with that. And things that you can do with that. And one is that you could ignore the call one is that you could ignore the call one is that you could ignore the call that God gives to work. I mean, there that God gives to work. I mean, there that God gives to work. I mean, there there are some people that do this and there are some people that do this and there are some people that do this and they rely on the government and other they rely on the government and other they rely on the government and other people to pay their bills. And that people to pay their bills. And that people to pay their bills. And that that's a problem, right? There are some that's a problem, right? There are some that's a problem, right? There are some men that don't take responsibility for men that don't take responsibility for men that don't take responsibility for provision in their own home and they provision in their own home and they provision in their own home and they ignore work. You could also reject work.

ignore work. You could also reject work. ignore work. You could also reject work. So, you could be like, "Okay, I'm I So, you could be like, "Okay, I'm I So, you could be like, "Okay, I'm I don't like work. It's not fun. I'm going don't like work. It's not fun. I'm going don't like work. It's not fun. I'm going to complain about it." You know, anybody to complain about it." You know, anybody to complain about it." You know, anybody that complains about their work all the that complains about their work all the that complains about their work all the time just all the time. I don't like my time just all the time. I don't like my time just all the time. I don't like my boss. I don't like my company. And you boss. I don't like my company. And you boss. I don't like my company. And you could do that. So, you could complain could do that. So, you could complain could do that. So, you could complain about it. You could reject it. Or you about it. You could reject it. Or you about it. You could reject it. Or you could receive it as a gift. And when we could receive it as a gift. And when we could receive it as a gift. And when we receive it as a gift, we're we're receive it as a gift, we're we're receive it as a gift, we're we're literally making a decision. Okay, I'm literally making a decision. Okay, I'm literally making a decision. Okay, I'm going to learn what to do with what going to learn what to do with what going to learn what to do with what God's placed in my hand. I'm going to God's placed in my hand. I'm going to God's placed in my hand. I'm going to grow over the course of time and get grow over the course of time and get grow over the course of time and get better with my work. I'm going to apply better with my work. I'm going to apply better with my work. I'm going to apply myself with diligence, but I'm going to myself with diligence, but I'm going to myself with diligence, but I'm going to receive it as a gift, but I'm not going receive it as a gift, but I'm not going receive it as a gift, but I'm not going to allow it to become my identity. And to allow it to become my identity. And to allow it to become my identity. And the question becomes, does my work look the question becomes, does my work look the question becomes, does my work look more like a gift or more like a god? So, more like a gift or more like a god? So, more like a gift or more like a god? So, a lot of people take their work and they a lot of people take their work and they a lot of people take their work and they worship it. And that's the thing that worship it. And that's the thing that worship it. And that's the thing that they give their heart to. Like their they give their heart to. Like their they give their heart to. Like their their whole life is about their work. their whole life is about their work. their whole life is about their work. Their work is their identity. Their work Their work is their identity. Their work Their work is their identity. Their work is where they derive their value. And it is where they derive their value. And it is where they derive their value. And it makes me think about how when men get makes me think about how when men get makes me think about how when men get together, I have to be care very careful together, I have to be care very careful together, I have to be care very careful that I don't put this in the wrong place that I don't put this in the wrong place that I don't put this in the wrong place and hit myself on the head. I'm making and hit myself on the head. I'm making and hit myself on the head. I'm making some people nervous. But I when when I some people nervous. But I when when I some people nervous. But I when when I think about especially for men when they think about especially for men when they think about especially for men when they get together, there are two questions get together, there are two questions get together, there are two questions that men will often ask each other. And that men will often ask each other. And that men will often ask each other. And the first one is what is it? What do you the first one is what is it? What do you the first one is what is it? What do you do? The second one is where do you live?

do? The second one is where do you live? do? The second one is where do you live? What do you do? And where do you live? What do you do? And where do you live? What do you do? And where do you live? And both of these are in a conversation And both of these are in a conversation And both of these are in a conversation a form of identifiers like, "Oh, you a form of identifiers like, "Oh, you a form of identifiers like, "Oh, you live in that neighborhood. Oh, you work live in that neighborhood. Oh, you work live in that neighborhood. Oh, you work for that company. Oh, you do that." And for that company. Oh, you do that." And for that company. Oh, you do that." And then all of a sudden, we interpret an then all of a sudden, we interpret an then all of a sudden, we interpret an identity based upon those things. And identity based upon those things. And identity based upon those things. And what can happen is then we can begin to what can happen is then we can begin to what can happen is then we can begin to serve an identity hoping that maybe if I serve an identity hoping that maybe if I serve an identity hoping that maybe if I could work at that company or live in could work at that company or live in could work at that company or live in that neighborhood, somehow I'll fill a that neighborhood, somehow I'll fill a that neighborhood, somehow I'll fill a void in my heart. But if I want to live void in my heart. But if I want to live void in my heart. But if I want to live with God's peace with my work, I have to with God's peace with my work, I have to with God's peace with my work, I have to put it in the place of a gift, not a put it in the place of a gift, not a put it in the place of a gift, not a God. And I wonder for some of you today God. And I wonder for some of you today God. And I wonder for some of you today if there's a void inside of you that you if there's a void inside of you that you if there's a void inside of you that you keep trying to go back to saying somehow keep trying to go back to saying somehow keep trying to go back to saying somehow maybe this is going to make me feel maybe this is going to make me feel maybe this is going to make me feel better about myself. But the truth is better about myself. But the truth is better about myself. But the truth is there's a different identity that God there's a different identity that God there's a different identity that God gives. and who you are in Christ. If you gives. and who you are in Christ. If you gives. and who you are in Christ. If you are a follower of Jesus, the Bible says are a follower of Jesus, the Bible says are a follower of Jesus, the Bible says is the moment you put your trust in him, is the moment you put your trust in him, is the moment you put your trust in him, you are a son or a daughter of the most you are a son or a daughter of the most you are a son or a daughter of the most high God. And no longer are you working high God. And no longer are you working high God. And no longer are you working for an identity. You were are working for an identity. You were are working for an identity. You were are working from an identity out of an invitation from an identity out of an invitation from an identity out of an invitation from God to live a different kind of from God to live a different kind of from God to live a different kind of life. So the call is to receive the gift life. So the call is to receive the gift life. So the call is to receive the gift from God as a gift. Now as we receive from God as a gift. Now as we receive from God as a gift. Now as we receive that gift into our life then we have to that gift into our life then we have to that gift into our life then we have to make a decision then we have to make a decision with then we have to make a decision with that gift do do we use it in such a way that gift do do we use it in such a way that gift do do we use it in such a way that blesses and makes the world a that blesses and makes the world a that blesses and makes the world a better place and the second point is better place and the second point is better place and the second point is that good work from God is to build and

that good work from God is to build and that good work from God is to build and to bless not to destroy. It's to build to bless not to destroy. It's to build to bless not to destroy. It's to build and to bless and not to destroy. And and and to bless and not to destroy. And and and to bless and not to destroy. And and I think that that the the idea of your I think that that the the idea of your I think that that the the idea of your hands being used to build or to destroy hands being used to build or to destroy hands being used to build or to destroy is so important. When our kids were is so important. When our kids were is so important. When our kids were little, we used to always say to them, little, we used to always say to them, little, we used to always say to them, especially to the boys, cuz boys love to especially to the boys, cuz boys love to especially to the boys, cuz boys love to fight with their hands. And it's okay to fight with their hands. And it's okay to fight with their hands. And it's okay to wrestle and all of that. It's wonderful. wrestle and all of that. It's wonderful. wrestle and all of that. It's wonderful. And God made us made little boys like And God made us made little boys like And God made us made little boys like that to wrestle and get that energy out. that to wrestle and get that energy out. that to wrestle and get that energy out. But there's also a point at which you But there's also a point at which you But there's also a point at which you have to remind a a young man that those have to remind a a young man that those have to remind a a young man that those hands are to build and to bless, not to hands are to build and to bless, not to hands are to build and to bless, not to destroy. That God gave you two hands, destroy. That God gave you two hands, destroy. That God gave you two hands, all of us, to make a difference here on all of us, to make a difference here on all of us, to make a difference here on planet Earth. And look at Genesis 1:28 planet Earth. And look at Genesis 1:28 planet Earth. And look at Genesis 1:28 in the King James version. I love the in the King James version. I love the in the King James version. I love the way that this says this. God blessed way that this says this. God blessed way that this says this. God blessed Adam and Eve and said unto them, "Be Adam and Eve and said unto them, "Be Adam and Eve and said unto them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the fruitful and multiply, and replenish the fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it, and have dominion earth, and subdue it, and have dominion earth, and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the over the fish of the sea, and over the over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living fowl of the air, and over every living fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." Now, thing that moveth upon the earth." Now, thing that moveth upon the earth." Now, that phrase or that word, I want you to that phrase or that word, I want you to that phrase or that word, I want you to write it down in your notes, replenish, write it down in your notes, replenish, write it down in your notes, replenish, is significant. So when God says be is significant. So when God says be is significant. So when God says be fruitful and multiply and replenish the fruitful and multiply and replenish the fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, this word has very significant earth, this word has very significant earth, this word has very significant meaning in the original language. In the meaning in the original language. In the meaning in the original language. In the Hebrew, the word is mole and it's the Hebrew, the word is mole and it's the Hebrew, the word is mole and it's the same way that we spell our word male and same way that we spell our word male and same way that we spell our word male and it means to fulfill, it means to fulfill, it means to fulfill, complete or finish a work that has

complete or finish a work that has complete or finish a work that has begun. So what the scripture is saying, begun. So what the scripture is saying, begun. So what the scripture is saying, God actually started with creation his God actually started with creation his God actually started with creation his work. So he wanted to beautify planet work. So he wanted to beautify planet work. So he wanted to beautify planet earth. He wanted to build and then he earth. He wanted to build and then he earth. He wanted to build and then he calls Adam and Eve into that to be his calls Adam and Eve into that to be his calls Adam and Eve into that to be his partners to work alongside of him to partners to work alongside of him to partners to work alongside of him to replenish but to fulfill the very work replenish but to fulfill the very work replenish but to fulfill the very work that he started in creation. So I love that he started in creation. So I love that he started in creation. So I love this quote from our very own pastor this quote from our very own pastor this quote from our very own pastor buddy. He and I had a great conversation buddy. He and I had a great conversation buddy. He and I had a great conversation about this and I put his words into a about this and I put his words into a about this and I put his words into a quote and I want you to see these. It quote and I want you to see these. It quote and I want you to see these. It says this work was God's idea not to says this work was God's idea not to says this work was God's idea not to make life miserable but to invite us make life miserable but to invite us make life miserable but to invite us into partnership with him. From the into partnership with him. From the into partnership with him. From the beginning God brought order out of chaos beginning God brought order out of chaos beginning God brought order out of chaos and beauty out of emptiness. And then he and beauty out of emptiness. And then he and beauty out of emptiness. And then he entrusted that same work to us. And work entrusted that same work to us. And work entrusted that same work to us. And work is how we continue what God started in is how we continue what God started in is how we continue what God started in creation. Bringing order where there is creation. Bringing order where there is creation. Bringing order where there is chaos, beauty where there is brokenness, chaos, beauty where there is brokenness, chaos, beauty where there is brokenness, and fruitfulness where there is and fruitfulness where there is and fruitfulness where there is emptiness. Don't you love that quote?

emptiness. Don't you love that quote? emptiness. Don't you love that quote? And the power of God's invitation to And the power of God's invitation to And the power of God's invitation to create. So God is inviting you to create create. So God is inviting you to create create. So God is inviting you to create with your hands. So the key response for with your hands. So the key response for with your hands. So the key response for us is to create. It's to use what God us is to create. It's to use what God us is to create. It's to use what God has given, what God has placed into our has given, what God has placed into our has given, what God has placed into our hands to build, to bless, and to create. hands to build, to bless, and to create. hands to build, to bless, and to create. And when you consider this, God calls And when you consider this, God calls And when you consider this, God calls humanity to complete the work that he humanity to complete the work that he humanity to complete the work that he started. So God has been building this started. So God has been building this started. So God has been building this eternal kingdom. And that eternal eternal kingdom. And that eternal eternal kingdom. And that eternal kingdom of God is simply where God is kingdom of God is simply where God is kingdom of God is simply where God is ruling and is reigning. He is reigning. ruling and is reigning. He is reigning. ruling and is reigning. He is reigning. And that happens in hearts. That happens And that happens in hearts. That happens And that happens in hearts. That happens in homes. That happens in churches. That in homes. That happens in churches. That in homes. That happens in churches. That can happen throughout communities. And can happen throughout communities. And can happen throughout communities. And whatever is surrendered back to God whatever is surrendered back to God whatever is surrendered back to God where he's the king, that becomes the where he's the king, that becomes the where he's the king, that becomes the kingdom of God. So my life, I believe, kingdom of God. So my life, I believe, kingdom of God. So my life, I believe, is a part of the kingdom of God. Our is a part of the kingdom of God. Our is a part of the kingdom of God. Our church and this building we're in today church and this building we're in today church and this building we're in today and your local campus is a part of the and your local campus is a part of the and your local campus is a part of the kingdom of God. And the invitation is to kingdom of God. And the invitation is to kingdom of God. And the invitation is to go forth and build and bless the with go forth and build and bless the with go forth and build and bless the with the rule and reign of God here on planet the rule and reign of God here on planet the rule and reign of God here on planet earth. And your career, your vocation, earth. And your career, your vocation, earth. And your career, your vocation, what's in your hand, God wants to use to what's in your hand, God wants to use to what's in your hand, God wants to use to accomplish that purpose here on planet accomplish that purpose here on planet accomplish that purpose here on planet earth. So it gives so much dignity to earth. So it gives so much dignity to earth. So it gives so much dignity to your work. In fact, in Ephesians chapter your work. In fact, in Ephesians chapter your work. In fact, in Ephesians chapter 2, I love this image of God calling you 2, I love this image of God calling you 2, I love this image of God calling you his handiwork. And what Paul says in his handiwork. And what Paul says in his handiwork. And what Paul says in Ephesians chapter 2, it's by grace Ephesians chapter 2, it's by grace Ephesians chapter 2, it's by grace you've been saved through faith. And you've been saved through faith. And you've been saved through faith. And this is not from yourself. It's a gift

this is not from yourself. It's a gift this is not from yourself. It's a gift of God, not by works so that no one can of God, not by works so that no one can of God, not by works so that no one can boast. This is so important. What what boast. This is so important. What what boast. This is so important. What what Paul is saying is there's no way to earn Paul is saying is there's no way to earn Paul is saying is there's no way to earn your salvation by doing good deeds. with your salvation by doing good deeds. with your salvation by doing good deeds. with good work you your performance at your good work you your performance at your good work you your performance at your company your your hard work religiously company your your hard work religiously company your your hard work religiously none of it will acquire salvation for none of it will acquire salvation for none of it will acquire salvation for you. Salvation actually comes as a free you. Salvation actually comes as a free you. Salvation actually comes as a free gift from God based on what Jesus did on gift from God based on what Jesus did on gift from God based on what Jesus did on a cross when he paid the sin paid for a cross when he paid the sin paid for a cross when he paid the sin paid for the sins of the world that all who would the sins of the world that all who would the sins of the world that all who would come to him and turn to him might be come to him and turn to him might be come to him and turn to him might be forgiven stand holy and righteous before forgiven stand holy and righteous before forgiven stand holy and righteous before God. So the cross and the empty tomb is God. So the cross and the empty tomb is God. So the cross and the empty tomb is the conduit. It's the way when you turn the conduit. It's the way when you turn the conduit. It's the way when you turn to God by faith that you receive the to God by faith that you receive the to God by faith that you receive the gift of salvation into your life. So gift of salvation into your life. So gift of salvation into your life. So that statement when it says not by works that statement when it says not by works that statement when it says not by works so that no one can boast is so so that no one can boast is so so that no one can boast is so important. God does not save you through important. God does not save you through important. God does not save you through good deeds. This is important. God did good deeds. This is important. God did good deeds. This is important. God did not save you through good works. But God not save you through good works. But God not save you through good works. But God does save you so that you might do good does save you so that you might do good does save you so that you might do good works. And it's after salvation that he works. And it's after salvation that he works. And it's after salvation that he then invites you after you've been then invites you after you've been then invites you after you've been forgiven to be a person who brings about forgiven to be a person who brings about forgiven to be a person who brings about his goodness here on planet earth. And his goodness here on planet earth. And his goodness here on planet earth. And so as it says, we are now his handiwork so as it says, we are now his handiwork so as it says, we are now his handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works created in Christ Jesus to do good works created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for each which God prepared in advance for each which God prepared in advance for each one of us to do. So if you're a follower one of us to do. So if you're a follower one of us to do. So if you're a follower of Jesus, God already has the work lined of Jesus, God already has the work lined of Jesus, God already has the work lined out for you. Like he has a plan for your out for you. Like he has a plan for your out for you. Like he has a plan for your life and the gifts and talents. This is life and the gifts and talents. This is life and the gifts and talents. This is why we do activate. activate is a place why we do activate. activate is a place why we do activate. activate is a place where we talk about those gifts and

where we talk about those gifts and where we talk about those gifts and talents. But this should give so much talents. But this should give so much talents. But this should give so much joy to your heart knowing that your work joy to your heart knowing that your work joy to your heart knowing that your work on Monday at 12 PM when you're sitting on Monday at 12 PM when you're sitting on Monday at 12 PM when you're sitting in an office and you feel like you are in an office and you feel like you are in an office and you feel like you are so done with this job that your work can so done with this job that your work can so done with this job that your work can be a part of the good work that God is be a part of the good work that God is be a part of the good work that God is accomplishing on planet earth that you accomplishing on planet earth that you accomplishing on planet earth that you you can build a business that blesses you can build a business that blesses you can build a business that blesses lives and generations of families to lives and generations of families to lives and generations of families to come where there is dignity that people come where there is dignity that people come where there is dignity that people are living with. You could be in the are living with. You could be in the are living with. You could be in the hospitality industry and serving hospitality industry and serving hospitality industry and serving families. You could have a restaurant families. You could have a restaurant families. You could have a restaurant and welcome people through and make and welcome people through and make and welcome people through and make great, excellent food and they're great, excellent food and they're great, excellent food and they're encountering the goodness of God. You encountering the goodness of God. You encountering the goodness of God. You can run an HVAC company like a uh a I can run an HVAC company like a uh a I can run an HVAC company like a uh a I should say an air company for those of should say an air company for those of should say an air company for those of you who are international. You could run you who are international. You could run you who are international. You could run an intern an air company that fixes air. an intern an air company that fixes air. an intern an air company that fixes air. And this last week in our house, it was And this last week in our house, it was And this last week in our house, it was like 95 degrees in the back part of our like 95 degrees in the back part of our like 95 degrees in the back part of our house. We called an HVAC company from house. We called an HVAC company from house. We called an HVAC company from Saddleback. They came and fixed it and Saddleback. They came and fixed it and Saddleback. They came and fixed it and the ne next day we were like and they the ne next day we were like and they the ne next day we were like and they blessed our lives because they worked on blessed our lives because they worked on blessed our lives because they worked on our our HBA system or you could be a our our HBA system or you could be a our our HBA system or you could be a plumber and the the things that work plumber and the the things that work plumber and the the things that work because of plumbing. Imagine the because of plumbing. Imagine the because of plumbing. Imagine the difference if you didn't do your job.

difference if you didn't do your job. difference if you didn't do your job. All of this this should be encouraging All of this this should be encouraging All of this this should be encouraging your heart. All of this is a part of your heart. All of this is a part of your heart. All of this is a part of what God does to build and to bless here what God does to build and to bless here what God does to build and to bless here on planet Earth. It's all sacred work on planet Earth. It's all sacred work on planet Earth. It's all sacred work from the hand of God that when it's done from the hand of God that when it's done from the hand of God that when it's done unto him, you can be a part of building unto him, you can be a part of building unto him, you can be a part of building God's kingdom. Not to mention that at God's kingdom. Not to mention that at God's kingdom. Not to mention that at your place of work, you can be a light your place of work, you can be a light your place of work, you can be a light with the way that you actually work. So with the way that you actually work. So with the way that you actually work. So Christians, one of the greatest calls Christians, one of the greatest calls Christians, one of the greatest calls that we have on our life is not to just that we have on our life is not to just that we have on our life is not to just be somebody who talks about Jesus, but be somebody who talks about Jesus, but be somebody who talks about Jesus, but somebody who works really hard so that somebody who works really hard so that somebody who works really hard so that the people around us, they see a the people around us, they see a the people around us, they see a difference in our work ethic. Like difference in our work ethic. Like difference in our work ethic. Like imagine, man, he talks about Jesus all imagine, man, he talks about Jesus all imagine, man, he talks about Jesus all the time, but he never gets his job the time, but he never gets his job the time, but he never gets his job done. It's like, no, that that's not the done. It's like, no, that that's not the done. It's like, no, that that's not the call. Yeah, talk about Jesus all the call. Yeah, talk about Jesus all the call. Yeah, talk about Jesus all the time, but be the best employee with the time, but be the best employee with the time, but be the best employee with the way that you serve and you love. And way that you serve and you love. And way that you serve and you love. And that leads to this question, what's the that leads to this question, what's the that leads to this question, what's the wake of my work? So, behind every person wake of my work? So, behind every person wake of my work? So, behind every person when we leave a conference room after a when we leave a conference room after a when we leave a conference room after a meeting, are you the kind of person that meeting, are you the kind of person that meeting, are you the kind of person that when when you leave the meeting, they're when when you leave the meeting, they're when when you leave the meeting, they're like, "Oh, I'm so glad he's gone. He like, "Oh, I'm so glad he's gone. He like, "Oh, I'm so glad he's gone. He only threw one coffee cup in the meeting only threw one coffee cup in the meeting only threw one coffee cup in the meeting today." Or or are you the kind of person today." Or or are you the kind of person today." Or or are you the kind of person that after you work with an employee, that after you work with an employee, that after you work with an employee, they're so torn down? Or are you the they're so torn down? Or are you the they're so torn down? Or are you the kind of person that what you touch when kind of person that what you touch when kind of person that what you touch when you serve, people are better and you you serve, people are better and you you serve, people are better and you pour into people's lives and years later pour into people's lives and years later pour into people's lives and years later there's a trail of people that your life there's a trail of people that your life there's a trail of people that your life and your company has served and loved?

and your company has served and loved? and your company has served and loved? Or do do you work in such a way that Or do do you work in such a way that Or do do you work in such a way that after you're done with a project, there after you're done with a project, there after you're done with a project, there was wisdom that was applied and it's was wisdom that was applied and it's was wisdom that was applied and it's like there there's something beautiful like there there's something beautiful like there there's something beautiful about that because he made that he made about that because he made that he made about that because he made that he made that restaurant or that hotel or that that restaurant or that hotel or that that restaurant or that hotel or that clothing line item, but you did clothing line item, but you did clothing line item, but you did something that with your hands something that with your hands something that with your hands afterwards there was a wake that made afterwards there was a wake that made afterwards there was a wake that made the world a better place. This should be the world a better place. This should be the world a better place. This should be encouraging somebody today. Th this encouraging somebody today. Th this encouraging somebody today. Th this should be giving some hope to your heart should be giving some hope to your heart should be giving some hope to your heart that there is a meaning behind your that there is a meaning behind your that there is a meaning behind your work. And there are so many moments that work. And there are so many moments that work. And there are so many moments that you're just so frustrated with your boss you're just so frustrated with your boss you're just so frustrated with your boss or your coworker, but there's a or your coworker, but there's a or your coworker, but there's a different vision that God is trying to different vision that God is trying to different vision that God is trying to give to us with our hands that we can give to us with our hands that we can give to us with our hands that we can use to bless and to build. And I love use to bless and to build. And I love use to bless and to build. And I love this quote. I love this quote. John Mark this quote. I love this quote. John Mark this quote. I love this quote. John Mark Comr says this. Human beings are Comr says this. Human beings are Comr says this. Human beings are responsible for art, for science, for responsible for art, for science, for responsible for art, for science, for medicine, for education. the Systeine medicine, for education. the Systeine medicine, for education. the Systeine Chapel Handles Messiah, New York City, Chapel Handles Messiah, New York City, Chapel Handles Messiah, New York City, space travel, the novel photography and space travel, the novel photography and space travel, the novel photography and Mexican food. And he says, "But we're Mexican food. And he says, "But we're Mexican food. And he says, "But we're also responsible for a world with 20 also responsible for a world with 20 also responsible for a world with 20 million slaves and blatant racism and million slaves and blatant racism and million slaves and blatant racism and the Holocaust and Hiroshima and the the Holocaust and Hiroshima and the the Holocaust and Hiroshima and the genocide in Rwanda and ISIS and the genocide in Rwanda and ISIS and the genocide in Rwanda and ISIS and the financial meltdown of 2008 and financial meltdown of 2008 and financial meltdown of 2008 and pornography and the list could go on. So pornography and the list could go on. So pornography and the list could go on. So the question is what what are you the question is what what are you the question is what what are you building with your hands?" And God gave building with your hands?" And God gave building with your hands?" And God gave you God gave you gifts and talents to you God gave you gifts and talents to you God gave you gifts and talents to build and to bless. And there's a deeper build and to bless. And there's a deeper build and to bless. And there's a deeper call that he has upon your life. And call that he has upon your life. And call that he has upon your life. And this leads me to this last part of this

this leads me to this last part of this this leads me to this last part of this message, which I think is the most message, which I think is the most message, which I think is the most important part. See, good work done important part. See, good work done important part. See, good work done God's way is ultimately for God's God's way is ultimately for God's God's way is ultimately for God's pleasure and not man's applause. pleasure and not man's applause. pleasure and not man's applause. So you can do the same work for a So you can do the same work for a So you can do the same work for a different reason and now all of a sudden different reason and now all of a sudden different reason and now all of a sudden have meaning that fills your soul. And a have meaning that fills your soul. And a have meaning that fills your soul. And a lot of people are going through the lot of people are going through the lot of people are going through the motions of a job, trying to fill a need motions of a job, trying to fill a need motions of a job, trying to fill a need on the inside, trying to get a father's on the inside, trying to get a father's on the inside, trying to get a father's approval that you never got from your approval that you never got from your approval that you never got from your dad when you were growing up. Trying to dad when you were growing up. Trying to dad when you were growing up. Trying to fill some ache inside of your soul of fill some ache inside of your soul of fill some ache inside of your soul of meaning and purpose. And like I hear meaning and purpose. And like I hear meaning and purpose. And like I hear these phrases all the time like I'm just these phrases all the time like I'm just these phrases all the time like I'm just looking for my call. I'm just looking looking for my call. I'm just looking looking for my call. I'm just looking for my passion and I got to leave this for my passion and I got to leave this for my passion and I got to leave this job after six weeks cuz I just can't. job after six weeks cuz I just can't. job after six weeks cuz I just can't. I'm just not passionate about it. And I'm just not passionate about it. And I'm just not passionate about it. And that's my best impersonation. And and that's my best impersonation. And and that's my best impersonation. And and you're like, "No, no, no, no, no, no, you're like, "No, no, no, no, no, no, you're like, "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. you you can be passionate no, no, no. you you can be passionate no, no, no. you you can be passionate about Starbucks as a barista be because about Starbucks as a barista be because about Starbucks as a barista be because when when when you have a higher purpose when when when you have a higher purpose when when when you have a higher purpose and vision for your life, your your call and vision for your life, your your call and vision for your life, your your call is not to a company. Your call is to a is not to a company. Your call is to a is not to a company. Your call is to a savior who bled on a cross for you, who savior who bled on a cross for you, who savior who bled on a cross for you, who conquered the grave, who redeemed your conquered the grave, who redeemed your conquered the grave, who redeemed your life, that that your life that your life life, that that your life that your life life, that that your life that your life would please him. And in Colossians would please him. And in Colossians would please him. And in Colossians 3:23, I love these verses. They they 3:23, I love these verses. They they 3:23, I love these verses. They they they changed me, by the way, from 18 to they changed me, by the way, from 18 to they changed me, by the way, from 18 to 44. Now, my work ethic is very different

44. Now, my work ethic is very different 44. Now, my work ethic is very different than it was at 18. And I I pray that my than it was at 18. And I I pray that my than it was at 18. And I I pray that my kids would grow up and say the same kids would grow up and say the same kids would grow up and say the same thing about my work. that that I that I thing about my work. that that I that I thing about my work. that that I that I honored God in a way that they could honored God in a way that they could honored God in a way that they could look and say, "My my dad, my mom, that look and say, "My my dad, my mom, that look and say, "My my dad, my mom, that they worked so hard as they loved us, they worked so hard as they loved us, they worked so hard as they loved us, but they modeled work ethic in our but they modeled work ethic in our but they modeled work ethic in our home." And this verse, it speaks to my home." And this verse, it speaks to my home." And this verse, it speaks to my heart so much because Paul says these heart so much because Paul says these heart so much because Paul says these words. words. words. He says, "Bond servants," and he's He says, "Bond servants," and he's He says, "Bond servants," and he's speaking of like a master. And there's a speaking of like a master. And there's a speaking of like a master. And there's a lot we could talk about there, but he in lot we could talk about there, but he in lot we could talk about there, but he in essence this applies to your employment essence this applies to your employment essence this applies to your employment and being under leadership. Obey in and being under leadership. Obey in and being under leadership. Obey in everything those who are your earthly everything those who are your earthly everything those who are your earthly masters, not by by way of eye service as masters, not by by way of eye service as masters, not by by way of eye service as people pleasers, but with a sincerity of people pleasers, but with a sincerity of people pleasers, but with a sincerity of your heart, fearing the Lord. And your heart, fearing the Lord. And your heart, fearing the Lord. And whatever you do, whatever you do, work whatever you do, whatever you do, work whatever you do, whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for heartily as for the Lord and not for heartily as for the Lord and not for men. So if you're pouring a cup of c men. So if you're pouring a cup of c men. So if you're pouring a cup of c coffee, pour it with your whole heart.

coffee, pour it with your whole heart. coffee, pour it with your whole heart. If you're fixing a pipe, fix it with If you're fixing a pipe, fix it with If you're fixing a pipe, fix it with your whole heart. If you're sending an your whole heart. If you're sending an your whole heart. If you're sending an email, send it with your whole heart, email, send it with your whole heart, email, send it with your whole heart, not because you're trying to please a not because you're trying to please a not because you're trying to please a man, but because the eyes of Almighty man, but because the eyes of Almighty man, but because the eyes of Almighty God are upon you and he sees you and God are upon you and he sees you and God are upon you and he sees you and there is a commenation from God. Well there is a commenation from God. Well there is a commenation from God. Well done. At the end of the day, when you done. At the end of the day, when you done. At the end of the day, when you lay your head down on a pillow at night, lay your head down on a pillow at night, lay your head down on a pillow at night, you can you can hear that commenation. you can you can hear that commenation. you can you can hear that commenation. Well done. You worked hard today and you Well done. You worked hard today and you Well done. You worked hard today and you did it for me. You did it because you did it for me. You did it because you did it for me. You did it because you love me. You did it because you wanted love me. You did it because you wanted love me. You did it because you wanted to honor me. I saw the way you treated to honor me. I saw the way you treated to honor me. I saw the way you treated that person in the meeting. I saw the that person in the meeting. I saw the that person in the meeting. I saw the way that you were faithful when nobody way that you were faithful when nobody way that you were faithful when nobody was watching. Well done, son. Well done, was watching. Well done, son. Well done, was watching. Well done, son. Well done, daughter. Don't do it for eye service. daughter. Don't do it for eye service. daughter. Don't do it for eye service. Do it as worship unto the Lord. So all Do it as worship unto the Lord. So all Do it as worship unto the Lord. So all day, every day, the very thing that you day, every day, the very thing that you day, every day, the very thing that you dread that is 50 hours of your week that dread that is 50 hours of your week that dread that is 50 hours of your week that you just have been complaining to your you just have been complaining to your you just have been complaining to your wife about for years now, now has wife about for years now, now has wife about for years now, now has meaning and purpose on Monday morning. meaning and purpose on Monday morning. meaning and purpose on Monday morning. that when you walk through the door of that when you walk through the door of that when you walk through the door of your place of work, you walk through your place of work, you walk through your place of work, you walk through with vision because you're there to with vision because you're there to with vision because you're there to please God. You're there to work for please God. You're there to work for please God. You're there to work for him. You're there to please almighty God him. You're there to please almighty God him. You're there to please almighty God who died for you and gave his life for who died for you and gave his life for who died for you and gave his life for you. So, you can do it with your whole you. So, you can do it with your whole you. So, you can do it with your whole heart as unto the Lord. And there heart as unto the Lord. And there heart as unto the Lord. And there there's so many things I could keep there's so many things I could keep there's so many things I could keep preaching on, but many times we get so preaching on, but many times we get so preaching on, but many times we get so thrown off because we work for imperfect thrown off because we work for imperfect thrown off because we work for imperfect companies, imperfect bosses. And I want companies, imperfect bosses. And I want companies, imperfect bosses. And I want you to to to hear this. Might even take you to to to hear this. Might even take you to to to hear this. Might even take a picture of this quote. I'm going to a picture of this quote. I'm going to a picture of this quote. I'm going to say it fast and it's going to go down.

say it fast and it's going to go down. say it fast and it's going to go down. There is no such thing as a perfect job. There is no such thing as a perfect job. There is no such thing as a perfect job. There is no such thing as a perfect There is no such thing as a perfect There is no such thing as a perfect company, a perfect church, a perfect company, a perfect church, a perfect company, a perfect church, a perfect employer, a perfect manager, a perfect employer, a perfect manager, a perfect employer, a perfect manager, a perfect employee. employee. employee. Amen. There is no such thing as Amen. There is no such thing as Amen. There is no such thing as perfection this side of eternity. But perfection this side of eternity. But perfection this side of eternity. But there is a perfect God that we get to there is a perfect God that we get to there is a perfect God that we get to serve in imperfect situations, in serve in imperfect situations, in serve in imperfect situations, in settings, and his eyes are on you. And settings, and his eyes are on you. And settings, and his eyes are on you. And the call is to be faithful. It's to be the call is to be faithful. It's to be the call is to be faithful. It's to be faithful with whatever he's placed into faithful with whatever he's placed into faithful with whatever he's placed into your hands. College student with your your hands. College student with your your hands. College student with your classes. Young adult with a part-time classes. Young adult with a part-time classes. Young adult with a part-time job. Dad who goes to work busting it job. Dad who goes to work busting it job. Dad who goes to work busting it trying to do everything that you can to trying to do everything that you can to trying to do everything that you can to provide for your family. Mom at home provide for your family. Mom at home provide for your family. Mom at home changing diapers when nobody is changing diapers when nobody is changing diapers when nobody is watching. Grandparent investing in the watching. Grandparent investing in the watching. Grandparent investing in the next generation. It's the faithfulness next generation. It's the faithfulness next generation. It's the faithfulness unto Almighty God that gives this sacred unto Almighty God that gives this sacred unto Almighty God that gives this sacred calling to your life that makes your calling to your life that makes your calling to your life that makes your work this beautiful demonstration of work this beautiful demonstration of work this beautiful demonstration of worship unto God. I used to when I was a worship unto God. I used to when I was a worship unto God. I used to when I was a kid hate doing dishes and I remember my kid hate doing dishes and I remember my kid hate doing dishes and I remember my parents would make me do dishes all the parents would make me do dishes all the parents would make me do dishes all the time and I would loathe it. I would say time and I would loathe it. I would say time and I would loathe it. I would say I hate dishes. And now that I'm married, I hate dishes. And now that I'm married, I hate dishes. And now that I'm married, I love dishes because my wife loves when I love dishes because my wife loves when I love dishes because my wife loves when I wash dishes. And now what has changed I wash dishes. And now what has changed I wash dishes. And now what has changed is not the dishes. What has changed is is not the dishes. What has changed is is not the dishes. What has changed is the who that I'm doing it for. So the

the who that I'm doing it for. So the the who that I'm doing it for. So the question is, who are you doing it for? question is, who are you doing it for? question is, who are you doing it for? Who are you doing it for? You can do it Who are you doing it for? You can do it Who are you doing it for? You can do it for God. You can do it for God. And I for God. You can do it for God. And I for God. You can do it for God. And I hope that that sits in your soul on hope that that sits in your soul on hope that that sits in your soul on Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. I hope that that Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. I hope that that Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. I hope that that sits in your soul on Thursday afternoon sits in your soul on Thursday afternoon sits in your soul on Thursday afternoon when you got to go to another weekly when you got to go to another weekly when you got to go to another weekly meeting. I hope that you can wake up meeting. I hope that you can wake up meeting. I hope that you can wake up with vision in your heart that you can with vision in your heart that you can with vision in your heart that you can do your work for God. Now, I want you do your work for God. Now, I want you do your work for God. Now, I want you for just a moment as we wrap up to think for just a moment as we wrap up to think for just a moment as we wrap up to think about Moses. Moses in the Old Testament about Moses. Moses in the Old Testament about Moses. Moses in the Old Testament had a moment had a moment had a moment where he stood before God after 40 years where he stood before God after 40 years where he stood before God after 40 years in the wilderness. He had been on the in the wilderness. He had been on the in the wilderness. He had been on the back side of the desert and God shows up back side of the desert and God shows up back side of the desert and God shows up in a burning bush. And Moses is there as in a burning bush. And Moses is there as in a burning bush. And Moses is there as he is like leading this little flock of he is like leading this little flock of he is like leading this little flock of sheep at the backside of the desert. sheep at the backside of the desert. sheep at the backside of the desert. He's there because he's run from Egypt. He's there because he's run from Egypt. He's there because he's run from Egypt. He killed a man out of anger. He He was He killed a man out of anger. He He was He killed a man out of anger. He He was an Israelite who wanted the Israelites an Israelite who wanted the Israelites an Israelite who wanted the Israelites to be free. And God comes and says, to be free. And God comes and says, to be free. And God comes and says, "Moses, I'm sending you back. sending "Moses, I'm sending you back. sending "Moses, I'm sending you back. sending you back to Egypt to bring my people you back to Egypt to bring my people you back to Egypt to bring my people out. And Moses like argues with God in out. And Moses like argues with God in out. And Moses like argues with God in Exodus 3. Just go read it over and back Exodus 3. Just go read it over and back Exodus 3. Just go read it over and back and forth. And finally in Exodus 4, it's and forth. And finally in Exodus 4, it's and forth. And finally in Exodus 4, it's like it's it's almost like God like it's it's almost like God like it's it's almost like God eventually gets fed up with this back eventually gets fed up with this back eventually gets fed up with this back and forth. And you see it in the and forth. And you see it in the and forth. And you see it in the scripture. But there was a moment where scripture. But there was a moment where scripture. But there was a moment where where Moses says in Exodus 4, what if where Moses says in Exodus 4, what if where Moses says in Exodus 4, what if they don't believe me, God? Like what if they don't believe me, God? Like what if they don't believe me, God? Like what if I go back to Egypt and they don't I go back to Egypt and they don't I go back to Egypt and they don't believe me? And then God asks a very

believe me? And then God asks a very believe me? And then God asks a very simple question of Moses. And the simple question of Moses. And the simple question of Moses. And the question that God asks Moses that I question that God asks Moses that I question that God asks Moses that I think he wants to ask you today is he think he wants to ask you today is he think he wants to ask you today is he asks him the question,"What asks him the question,"What asks him the question,"What is in your hand, Moses?" Now, Moses is in your hand, Moses?" Now, Moses is in your hand, Moses?" Now, Moses after 40 years is like, "This is what I after 40 years is like, "This is what I after 40 years is like, "This is what I got to show. It's a stick, God. It's a got to show. It's a stick, God. It's a got to show. It's a stick, God. It's a stick. That's all I have." And that stick. That's all I have." And that stick. That's all I have." And that stick represented Moses's career, his stick represented Moses's career, his stick represented Moses's career, his shephering. He's taking care of his shephering. He's taking care of his shephering. He's taking care of his father-in-law's sheep. And God says to father-in-law's sheep. And God says to father-in-law's sheep. And God says to Moses, "Take your stick in your hand and Moses, "Take your stick in your hand and Moses, "Take your stick in your hand and lay it down on the ground." And when he lay it down on the ground." And when he lay it down on the ground." And when he lays it down, it turns into a snake. And lays it down, it turns into a snake. And lays it down, it turns into a snake. And God tells Moses as he looks at the God tells Moses as he looks at the God tells Moses as he looks at the snake, he says, "Pick it back up." And snake, he says, "Pick it back up." And snake, he says, "Pick it back up." And Moses reaches down and he picks back up Moses reaches down and he picks back up Moses reaches down and he picks back up that snake that turns back into a stick. that snake that turns back into a stick. that snake that turns back into a stick. And now the very thing that was a And now the very thing that was a And now the very thing that was a shepherd's staff, now after it's been shepherd's staff, now after it's been shepherd's staff, now after it's been laid down, now after the power of God laid down, now after the power of God laid down, now after the power of God comes upon Moses, life when he lays it comes upon Moses, life when he lays it comes upon Moses, life when he lays it down and picks it back up, becomes the down and picks it back up, becomes the down and picks it back up, becomes the rod of God that God uses to liberate the rod of God that God uses to liberate the rod of God that God uses to liberate the Israelites. Moses lifts up that stick as Israelites. Moses lifts up that stick as Israelites. Moses lifts up that stick as the Israelites walk across dry ground as the Israelites walk across dry ground as the Israelites walk across dry ground as they move through the Red Sea. Moses they move through the Red Sea. Moses they move through the Red Sea. Moses lifts up that stick as the Israelites lifts up that stick as the Israelites lifts up that stick as the Israelites would go into battle. That stick now would go into battle. That stick now would go into battle. That stick now becomes anointed by God. the rod of God becomes anointed by God. the rod of God becomes anointed by God. the rod of God when surrendered back to him. And the when surrendered back to him. And the when surrendered back to him. And the question is, what's in your hand? What's question is, what's in your hand? What's question is, what's in your hand? What's in your hand today that God is saying, in your hand today that God is saying, in your hand today that God is saying, "Lay it down. Lay it down. And I will I "Lay it down. Lay it down. And I will I "Lay it down. Lay it down. And I will I will take your ordinary keyboard. I will will take your ordinary keyboard. I will will take your ordinary keyboard. I will take your your your ordinary small

take your your your ordinary small take your your your ordinary small business that you run. I will take your business that you run. I will take your business that you run. I will take your tools and I will use them for my glory tools and I will use them for my glory tools and I will use them for my glory here on planet Earth." And the question here on planet Earth." And the question here on planet Earth." And the question of what's in your hand, there's an of what's in your hand, there's an of what's in your hand, there's an invitation from God to bring it to God. invitation from God to bring it to God. invitation from God to bring it to God. And I want to ask you right now to do And I want to ask you right now to do And I want to ask you right now to do something that I think is very simple, something that I think is very simple, something that I think is very simple, but I want to ask you, you you should but I want to ask you, you you should but I want to ask you, you you should have found a card. You should have have found a card. You should have have found a card. You should have received a white card. Look around you received a white card. Look around you received a white card. Look around you somewhere. If you can go ahead and somewhere. If you can go ahead and somewhere. If you can go ahead and locate that white card and I want to locate that white card and I want to locate that white card and I want to lead you in a prayer of response. This lead you in a prayer of response. This lead you in a prayer of response. This is a moment to come to God with what's is a moment to come to God with what's is a moment to come to God with what's in your hand and to say to God, I I want in your hand and to say to God, I I want in your hand and to say to God, I I want to put what's in my hand in your hand. to put what's in my hand in your hand. to put what's in my hand in your hand. And on that card, what I'm going to ask And on that card, what I'm going to ask And on that card, what I'm going to ask you to do is I'm going to ask you to you to do is I'm going to ask you to you to do is I'm going to ask you to write a prayer related to your work that write a prayer related to your work that write a prayer related to your work that you are believing God for in the coming you are believing God for in the coming you are believing God for in the coming season. And friends, this last week when season. And friends, this last week when season. And friends, this last week when we did our prayers, we had so many we did our prayers, we had so many we did our prayers, we had so many amazing answers to prayer. We heard amazing answers to prayer. We heard amazing answers to prayer. We heard stories of people finding jobs. We heard stories of people finding jobs. We heard stories of people finding jobs. We heard stories of people finding even healing stories of people finding even healing stories of people finding even healing in marriages and relationships. But I in marriages and relationships. But I in marriages and relationships. But I want to ask you on that card to write a want to ask you on that card to write a want to ask you on that card to write a prayer back to God about your work. And prayer back to God about your work. And prayer back to God about your work. And it could be simple like, "God, help me it could be simple like, "God, help me it could be simple like, "God, help me find a job." That could be one. It could find a job." That could be one. It could find a job." That could be one. It could be, "God, help me with that coworker be, "God, help me with that coworker be, "God, help me with that coworker that is just driving me crazy." One that is just driving me crazy." One that is just driving me crazy." One sentence, two sentence, just write it sentence, two sentence, just write it sentence, two sentence, just write it down. What What is the thing that you're down. What What is the thing that you're down. What What is the thing that you're asking of God? It might be for God to asking of God? It might be for God to asking of God? It might be for God to help you find meaning and significance help you find meaning and significance help you find meaning and significance with your work. It might be that you with your work. It might be that you with your work. It might be that you would say, "God, help me stop looking to would say, "God, help me stop looking to would say, "God, help me stop looking to my work for my identity." But that

my work for my identity." But that my work for my identity." But that prayer before you and God is so prayer before you and God is so prayer before you and God is so significant. And I'm going to ask all of significant. And I'm going to ask all of significant. And I'm going to ask all of our campuses that there's going to be an our campuses that there's going to be an our campuses that there's going to be an opportunity to respond with this card. opportunity to respond with this card. opportunity to respond with this card. What is your prayer to Almighty God with What is your prayer to Almighty God with What is your prayer to Almighty God with what he's placed in your hand? And now what he's placed in your hand? And now what he's placed in your hand? And now that is you're writing this down and you that is you're writing this down and you that is you're writing this down and you have it in your hand. The key the key is have it in your hand. The key the key is have it in your hand. The key the key is surrender. See, God's work, God's way surrender. See, God's work, God's way surrender. See, God's work, God's way requires surrender. It requires for you requires surrender. It requires for you requires surrender. It requires for you to open your hand to God. And as you to open your hand to God. And as you to open your hand to God. And as you write that prayer down, I want to pray write that prayer down, I want to pray write that prayer down, I want to pray over you at all of our campuses between over you at all of our campuses between over you at all of our campuses between you and God that you would say, "God, you and God that you would say, "God, you and God that you would say, "God, this is my prayer." And in just a this is my prayer." And in just a this is my prayer." And in just a moment, we're going to tell you what to moment, we're going to tell you what to moment, we're going to tell you what to do with that card. Let me pray over you. do with that card. Let me pray over you. do with that card. Let me pray over you. Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, I thank you for the sacred gift of work. I thank you for the sacred gift of work. I thank you for the sacred gift of work. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Some of you even today, your prayer you Some of you even today, your prayer you Some of you even today, your prayer you might write down is, "God, I'm might write down is, "God, I'm might write down is, "God, I'm committing my work to you.

committing my work to you. committing my work to you. surrendering it to you. surrendering it to you. surrendering it to you. God, I thank you that you give us this God, I thank you that you give us this God, I thank you that you give us this sacred invitation to be a part of sacred invitation to be a part of sacred invitation to be a part of building and blessing here on planet building and blessing here on planet building and blessing here on planet Earth. And Lord, we want to surrender Earth. And Lord, we want to surrender Earth. And Lord, we want to surrender our work back to you today. We want to our work back to you today. We want to our work back to you today. We want to ask for your help. We want to ask for ask for your help. We want to ask for ask for your help. We want to ask for your wisdom. We want to ask, Lord, that your wisdom. We want to ask, Lord, that your wisdom. We want to ask, Lord, that you would anoint God. There dreams you would anoint God. There dreams you would anoint God. There dreams you're placing in people's hearts right you're placing in people's hearts right you're placing in people's hearts right now. There's visions that you're calling now. There's visions that you're calling now. There's visions that you're calling people to, Lord. There's purpose that people to, Lord. There's purpose that people to, Lord. There's purpose that you're pouring out right now. That there you're pouring out right now. That there you're pouring out right now. That there there's a sense of meaning and there's a sense of meaning and there's a sense of meaning and significance that you're giving to the significance that you're giving to the significance that you're giving to the mundane because it's unto you. God, mundane because it's unto you. God, mundane because it's unto you. God, thank you that you give us vision for thank you that you give us vision for thank you that you give us vision for our lives that's well beyond 9 to5. That our lives that's well beyond 9 to5. That our lives that's well beyond 9 to5. That you're lifting our vision today to see you're lifting our vision today to see you're lifting our vision today to see that you have called us to yourself to that you have called us to yourself to that you have called us to yourself to be your servants here on planet Earth. be your servants here on planet Earth. be your servants here on planet Earth. And God, we surrender our work back to And God, we surrender our work back to And God, we surrender our work back to you. We surrender it to you. In the you. We surrender it to you. In the you. We surrender it to you. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen. mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen. mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Oh, [singing] I will [music] Oh, [singing] I will [music] Oh, [singing] I will [music] build my life upon [singing] your love. build my life upon [singing] your love. build my life upon [singing] your love. It is [music] a firm foundation. It is [music] a firm foundation. It is [music] a firm foundation. [singing] [singing] [singing] I will put my trust in [singing] you I will put my trust in [singing] you I will put my trust in [singing] you alone alone alone and I will not be shenen. and I will not be shenen. and I will not be shenen. I [singing] will [music] I [singing] will [music] I [singing] will [music] build my life upon your love. [music] build my life upon your love. [music] build my life upon your love. [music] It is a firmation and I [music] will put my trust in you and I [music] will put my trust in you alone alone alone and [music] I [singing] will not be and [music] I [singing] will not be and [music] I [singing] will not be shenen shenen shenen holy. [music] holy. [music] holy. [music] There is no [singing] one like you and There is no [singing] one like you and There is no [singing] one like you and there is none beside you. Open there is none beside you. Open there is none beside you. Open [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] up my eyes in wonder.

up my eyes in wonder. up my eyes in wonder. Show [music] me who you are and Show [music] me who you are and Show [music] me who you are and [singing] fill me with your [music] [singing] fill me with your [music] [singing] fill me with your [music] heart and lead me in your love to those. heart and lead me in your love to those. heart and lead me in your love to those. We sing that again. Hold me. There is We sing that again. Hold me. There is We sing that again. Hold me. There is [music] no one like [singing] [music] no one like [singing] [music] no one like [singing] you. There is none beside you. Open you. There is none beside you. Open you. There is none beside you. Open [music] up my eyes in wonder. [music] up my eyes in wonder. [music] up my eyes in wonder. Show me who you are and fill me with Show me who you are and fill me with Show me who you are and fill me with your heart and lead me in love to your heart and lead me in love to your heart and lead me in love to [music] those say I will build my life. [music] those say I will build my life. [music] those say I will build my life. I will build my [music] life upon your I will build my [music] life upon your I will build my [music] life upon your love. It is [music] a firm foundation. love. It is [music] a firm foundation. love. It is [music] a firm foundation. I will put [music] my trust in you alone I will put [music] my trust in you alone I will put [music] my trust in you alone and [music and singing] I will sing this and [music and singing] I will sing this and [music and singing] I will sing this one more time.

one more time. one more time. I will build my breath upon [music] I will build my breath upon [music] I will build my breath upon [music] your love. It is a your love. It is a your love. It is a foundation foundation foundation and I [music] will put my trust in you and I [music] will put my trust in you and I [music] will put my trust in you [music] alone [music] alone [music] alone and I will not be shen. I want to challenge you right now as I want to challenge you right now as Pastor Andy at the end of his message Pastor Andy at the end of his message Pastor Andy at the end of his message was talking about taking out that card was talking about taking out that card was talking about taking out that card and writing down some things that maybe and writing down some things that maybe and writing down some things that maybe you're sacrificing, maybe some things you're sacrificing, maybe some things you're sacrificing, maybe some things you're praying and you might be watching you're praying and you might be watching you're praying and you might be watching online, maybe with your extension or online, maybe with your extension or online, maybe with your extension or maybe with your group and you're like, maybe with your group and you're like, maybe with your group and you're like, "Jay, I don't have a white card. I I "Jay, I don't have a white card. I I "Jay, I don't have a white card. I I can't participate in that." You can can't participate in that." You can can't participate in that." You can participate. Now, remember, here at participate. Now, remember, here at participate. Now, remember, here at Saddleback, we believe church is much Saddleback, we believe church is much Saddleback, we believe church is much more than just watching something on more than just watching something on more than just watching something on YouTube or watching on the app. It's YouTube or watching on the app. It's YouTube or watching on the app. It's about transformation. It's about about transformation. It's about about transformation. It's about engagement. And so I want to encourage engagement. And so I want to encourage engagement. And so I want to encourage you uh maybe go back, you can even you uh maybe go back, you can even you uh maybe go back, you can even rewind right now and watch that [music] rewind right now and watch that [music] rewind right now and watch that [music] moment. Take out a card, maybe on on moment. Take out a card, maybe on on moment. Take out a card, maybe on on your phone on the notes app, write down your phone on the notes app, write down your phone on the notes app, write down something that you need to sacrifice, something that you need to sacrifice, something that you need to sacrifice, [music] you need to give over to God.

[music] you need to give over to God. [music] you need to give over to God. And if there's something going on that And if there's something going on that And if there's something going on that we can be praying for you about, we want we can be praying for you about, we want we can be praying for you about, we want to hear about it. So maybe take another to hear about it. So maybe take another to hear about it. So maybe take another step and go into the app. Again, you can step and go into the app. Again, you can step and go into the app. Again, you can find a link in the description if you're find a link in the description if you're find a link in the description if you're watching on YouTube. You can go in the watching on YouTube. You can go in the watching on YouTube. You can go in the app, you can go to the next step area. app, you can go to the next step area. app, you can go to the next step area. There's a prayer section. You can write There's a prayer section. You can write There's a prayer section. You can write that and you can send it into our team. that and you can send it into our team. that and you can send it into our team. Our team wants to be praying for you. Our team wants to be praying for you. Our team wants to be praying for you. While you're also in the app [music] in While you're also in the app [music] in While you're also in the app [music] in that area of next steps, we would love that area of next steps, we would love that area of next steps, we would love to have you at Activate next weekend. to have you at Activate next weekend. to have you at Activate next weekend. You can sign up for a group. We have You can sign up for a group. We have You can sign up for a group. We have groups all around the world. You can groups all around the world. You can groups all around the world. You can participate again. No matter where participate again. No matter where participate again. No matter where you're at in the world, [music] we have you're at in the world, [music] we have you're at in the world, [music] we have a place for you. And so, it starts with a place for you. And so, it starts with a place for you. And so, it starts with you showing up to activate, getting into you showing up to activate, getting into you showing up to activate, getting into a group. We we have so many options, but a group. We we have so many options, but a group. We we have so many options, but it starts with you taking that next it starts with you taking that next it starts with you taking that next step. Now, this next week, we're going step. Now, this next week, we're going step. Now, this next week, we're going to be continuing 21 [music] days of to be continuing 21 [music] days of to be continuing 21 [music] days of prayer. We have a stream that you can prayer. We have a stream that you can prayer. We have a stream that you can engage with. And if you live near one of engage with. And if you live near one of engage with. And if you live near one of our campuses, show up. But online, we our campuses, show up. But online, we our campuses, show up. But online, we have hundreds of people watching online have hundreds of people watching online have hundreds of people watching online [music] every week. I love watching uh [music] every week. I love watching uh [music] every week. I love watching uh all the people tuning in. Actually, if all the people tuning in. Actually, if all the people tuning in. Actually, if you watch real time, there's there's a you watch real time, there's there's a you watch real time, there's there's a counter of how many people you're counter of how many people you're counter of how many people you're joining with, which is really powerful. joining with, which is really powerful. joining with, which is really powerful. So, you can join that. And also, it's So, you can join that. And also, it's So, you can join that. And also, it's going to be leading up to the return going to be leading up to the return going to be leading up to the return gathering, which is going to be February gathering, which is going to be February gathering, which is going to be February [music] 18th uh through the 20th. It's [music] 18th uh through the 20th. It's [music] 18th uh through the 20th. It's going to be really powerful. We have going to be really powerful. We have going to be really powerful. We have people all around the world traveling people all around the world traveling people all around the world traveling in. And so, if you can be here, we want in. And so, if you can be here, we want in. And so, if you can be here, we want to meet you. our team, Cararissa, uh, to meet you. our team, Cararissa, uh, to meet you. our team, Cararissa, uh, Nicholas and team want to meet you in Nicholas and team want to meet you in Nicholas and team want to meet you in person and so show up to the return person and so show up to the return person and so show up to the return gathering. Well, thanks again for being gathering. Well, thanks again for being gathering. Well, thanks again for being with us. I'm praying for you week as with us. I'm praying for you week as with us. I'm praying for you week as you're sacrificing and applying what you're sacrificing and applying what you're sacrificing and applying what Pastor Andy said and we will see you Pastor Andy said and we will see you Pastor Andy said and we will see you right here next week.