Back On Track With My Finances | Andy Wood

I want to say welcome to our whole I want to say welcome to our whole church family spread across all of our church family spread across all of our church family spread across all of our campuses. Those of you who are watching campuses. Those of you who are watching campuses. Those of you who are watching football online, you're with us but not football online, you're with us but not football online, you're with us but not with us. We're glad you're here as well. with us. We're glad you're here as well. with us. We're glad you're here as well. Today's a great day. We're in the third Today's a great day. We're in the third Today's a great day. We're in the third week of a message series called Back on week of a message series called Back on week of a message series called Back on Track. And we've been talking about how Track. And we've been talking about how Track. And we've been talking about how do we get our lives back on track in all do we get our lives back on track in all do we get our lives back on track in all areas. So we've been looking at some areas. So we've been looking at some areas. So we've been looking at some various different components of life, various different components of life, various different components of life, what the Bible says about that and how what the Bible says about that and how what the Bible says about that and how to start the new year in the right to start the new year in the right to start the new year in the right direction. In just a moment, we're going direction. In just a moment, we're going direction. In just a moment, we're going to talk about getting back on track with to talk about getting back on track with to talk about getting back on track with money. But I want to share two very money. But I want to share two very money. But I want to share two very important things that I want to important things that I want to important things that I want to encourage you to participate in for your encourage you to participate in for your encourage you to participate in for your own growth, for what God will do in you own growth, for what God will do in you own growth, for what God will do in you as a result of it. So, in just over a as a result of it. So, in just over a as a result of it. So, in just over a week, we are starting uh what we are week, we are starting uh what we are week, we are starting uh what we are calling 21 days of prayer on January 26 calling 21 days of prayer on January 26 calling 21 days of prayer on January 26 here in the States, the following week here in the States, the following week here in the States, the following week internationally, but we're going to internationally, but we're going to internationally, but we're going to start 21 days of prayer. And we are for start 21 days of prayer. And we are for start 21 days of prayer. And we are for 21 days. We're going to gather Monday to 21 days. We're going to gather Monday to 21 days. We're going to gather Monday to Friday at all of our campuses at 7 a.m. Friday at all of our campuses at 7 a.m. Friday at all of our campuses at 7 a.m. We're going to seek the heart of God.

We're going to seek the heart of God. We're going to seek the heart of God. We're going to pray. We're going to ask We're going to pray. We're going to ask We're going to pray. We're going to ask God to move in our own lives. We're God to move in our own lives. We're God to move in our own lives. We're going to ask God to move in the life of going to ask God to move in the life of going to ask God to move in the life of our church. We're going to pray for the our church. We're going to pray for the our church. We're going to pray for the needs of our church. And we're believing needs of our church. And we're believing needs of our church. And we're believing that God's going to use that for all of that God's going to use that for all of that God's going to use that for all of what he's going to accomplish this year. what he's going to accomplish this year. what he's going to accomplish this year. So, I want to invite you to be a part of So, I want to invite you to be a part of So, I want to invite you to be a part of that. Maybe for some of you, 7 a.m. is that. Maybe for some of you, 7 a.m. is that. Maybe for some of you, 7 a.m. is early. I'm going to invite [snorts] you early. I'm going to invite [snorts] you early. I'm going to invite [snorts] you to stretch yourself. Some of you, maybe to stretch yourself. Some of you, maybe to stretch yourself. Some of you, maybe you've got a lot going on. We're going you've got a lot going on. We're going you've got a lot going on. We're going to start at 7:00. will be out by 7:50 so to start at 7:00. will be out by 7:50 so to start at 7:00. will be out by 7:50 so you can get on to school and work. But I you can get on to school and work. But I you can get on to school and work. But I want to challenge you to come the first want to challenge you to come the first want to challenge you to come the first day just to be here for the first day. day just to be here for the first day. day just to be here for the first day. And I believe God will use it so much in And I believe God will use it so much in And I believe God will use it so much in your life and the lives of those around your life and the lives of those around your life and the lives of those around you that you're going to keep coming you that you're going to keep coming you that you're going to keep coming back. So I can't wait for that starting back. So I can't wait for that starting back. So I can't wait for that starting on Monday, January 26th. And then that's on Monday, January 26th. And then that's on Monday, January 26th. And then that's going to lead us into our return going to lead us into our return going to lead us into our return gathering February 18th through 20th. gathering February 18th through 20th. gathering February 18th through 20th. Now the return gathering is a sacred Now the return gathering is a sacred Now the return gathering is a sacred assembly. It's a gathering of the whole assembly. It's a gathering of the whole assembly. It's a gathering of the whole church family at Lake Forest. And when church family at Lake Forest. And when church family at Lake Forest. And when we gather together, we have one purpose. we gather together, we have one purpose. we gather together, we have one purpose. We want to encounter the presence of God We want to encounter the presence of God We want to encounter the presence of God together as a church family. We want to together as a church family. We want to together as a church family. We want to seek his heart for our lives, for our seek his heart for our lives, for our seek his heart for our lives, for our year, for our community. We did this year, for our community. We did this year, for our community. We did this last year. It was amazing. God moved in last year. It was amazing. God moved in last year. It was amazing. God moved in power and we're doing it again. So, I'm power and we're doing it again. So, I'm power and we're doing it again. So, I'm telling you today because registration telling you today because registration telling you today because registration just opened and we anticipate that it just opened and we anticipate that it just opened and we anticipate that it will be completely filled up. So, I want will be completely filled up. So, I want will be completely filled up. So, I want to encourage you to go ahead and get to encourage you to go ahead and get to encourage you to go ahead and get registered. It's all generations. It's registered. It's all generations. It's registered. It's all generations. It's adults, it's kids, it's students, and adults, it's kids, it's students, and adults, it's kids, it's students, and it's a powerful time of connection, it's a powerful time of connection, it's a powerful time of connection, worship, and ultimately life change. So worship, and ultimately life change. So worship, and ultimately life change. So that's February 18th through 20th. All that's February 18th through 20th. All that's February 18th through 20th. All of that you can get to in your app. If

of that you can get to in your app. If of that you can get to in your app. If you just go to the app, you'll see you just go to the app, you'll see you just go to the app, you'll see return gathering. You'll see 21 days of return gathering. You'll see 21 days of return gathering. You'll see 21 days of prayer. I want to encourage you today to prayer. I want to encourage you today to prayer. I want to encourage you today to sign up to be a part of that gathering. sign up to be a part of that gathering. sign up to be a part of that gathering. Now, today, as we are in the third week Now, today, as we are in the third week Now, today, as we are in the third week of our back on track message series, I of our back on track message series, I of our back on track message series, I want to show you just a little picture want to show you just a little picture want to show you just a little picture of where we've been and where we're of where we've been and where we're of where we've been and where we're headed. So, the first week we talked headed. So, the first week we talked headed. So, the first week we talked about getting back on track with our about getting back on track with our about getting back on track with our faith, our relationship with God. Last faith, our relationship with God. Last faith, our relationship with God. Last week we talked about getting back on week we talked about getting back on week we talked about getting back on track with our health and understanding track with our health and understanding track with our health and understanding God's design for our bodies. This week God's design for our bodies. This week God's design for our bodies. This week we're going to talk about finances. Next we're going to talk about finances. Next we're going to talk about finances. Next week Stacy's going to preach and she's week Stacy's going to preach and she's week Stacy's going to preach and she's going to talk about relationships. How going to talk about relationships. How going to talk about relationships. How do you get back on track and the most do you get back on track and the most do you get back on track and the most important relationships in your life? important relationships in your life? important relationships in your life? And I say this right now because some of And I say this right now because some of And I say this right now because some of you might have somebody in your life you might have somebody in your life you might have somebody in your life that you're not on track with. This is a that you're not on track with. This is a that you're not on track with. This is a great opportunity to bring them to great opportunity to bring them to great opportunity to bring them to church with you. just be like, "Hey, church with you. just be like, "Hey, church with you. just be like, "Hey, pastor's going to preach on something pastor's going to preach on something pastor's going to preach on something great. I don't even know what it's going great. I don't even know what it's going great. I don't even know what it's going to be, but I just want to encourage you to be, but I just want to encourage you to be, but I just want to encourage you to come to church with me." So, you can to come to church with me." So, you can to come to church with me." So, you can have that person with you next weekend. have that person with you next weekend. have that person with you next weekend. And then the last weekend, I'm very And then the last weekend, I'm very And then the last weekend, I'm very excited about talking about a subject excited about talking about a subject excited about talking about a subject that that so many people struggle with that that so many people struggle with that that so many people struggle with and how do I find purpose in my work?

and how do I find purpose in my work? and how do I find purpose in my work? God has a vision for what happens God has a vision for what happens God has a vision for what happens throughout the course of the rest of throughout the course of the rest of throughout the course of the rest of your week, your vocation. So, that's the your week, your vocation. So, that's the your week, your vocation. So, that's the last week of the message series. Now, as last week of the message series. Now, as last week of the message series. Now, as we begin our conversation today about we begin our conversation today about we begin our conversation today about money, I was reminded this week of a money, I was reminded this week of a money, I was reminded this week of a quote from Ernest Hemingway. And this quote from Ernest Hemingway. And this quote from Ernest Hemingway. And this quote became the title of one of my quote became the title of one of my quote became the title of one of my favorite books from last year. So, the favorite books from last year. So, the favorite books from last year. So, the story either is a novel or it is Ernest story either is a novel or it is Ernest story either is a novel or it is Ernest Hemingway actually saying it. So, it's Hemingway actually saying it. So, it's Hemingway actually saying it. So, it's there's a lot of debate. So, Ernest there's a lot of debate. So, Ernest there's a lot of debate. So, Ernest Hemingway who is an author uh went Hemingway who is an author uh went Hemingway who is an author uh went bankrupt and there was a conversation bankrupt and there was a conversation bankrupt and there was a conversation where somebody came to him and asked him where somebody came to him and asked him where somebody came to him and asked him a question. What happened? How did you a question. What happened? How did you a question. What happened? How did you go bankrupt? And Ernest Hemingway go bankrupt? And Ernest Hemingway go bankrupt? And Ernest Hemingway Hemingway after writing all these books Hemingway after writing all these books Hemingway after writing all these books and being very wealthy looked at the and being very wealthy looked at the and being very wealthy looked at the person and said two ways gradually then person and said two ways gradually then person and said two ways gradually then suddenly. And I love that line. suddenly. And I love that line. suddenly. And I love that line. Gradually then suddenly can we say that Gradually then suddenly can we say that Gradually then suddenly can we say that together? Gradually then suddenly there together? Gradually then suddenly there together? Gradually then suddenly there are so many problems in our life that are so many problems in our life that are so many problems in our life that are gradual problems and then there's a are gradual problems and then there's a are gradual problems and then there's a moment where it explodes. This is true moment where it explodes. This is true moment where it explodes. This is true with finances. you know, you are with finances. you know, you are with finances. you know, you are stretched financially, you're trying to stretched financially, you're trying to stretched financially, you're trying to make ends meet, maybe you're under make ends meet, maybe you're under make ends meet, maybe you're under credit card debt, and then you lose your credit card debt, and then you lose your credit card debt, and then you lose your job gradually, then suddenly. But the job gradually, then suddenly. But the job gradually, then suddenly. But the same is true. God's principles work both same is true. God's principles work both same is true. God's principles work both directions. So compound interest and directions. So compound interest and directions. So compound interest and faithfulness works the other direction.

faithfulness works the other direction. faithfulness works the other direction. So how do we live according to God's So how do we live according to God's So how do we live according to God's design so that that gradually then design so that that gradually then design so that that gradually then suddenly is not working against us, but suddenly is not working against us, but suddenly is not working against us, but it's working in the direction of God's it's working in the direction of God's it's working in the direction of God's best for our lives. Well, I wanted to best for our lives. Well, I wanted to best for our lives. Well, I wanted to share some statistics with you that share some statistics with you that share some statistics with you that highlight the reason why that question highlight the reason why that question highlight the reason why that question is so important right now in our is so important right now in our is so important right now in our culture. And what I think is important culture. And what I think is important culture. And what I think is important to recognize about finance is that to recognize about finance is that to recognize about finance is that financial struggle is not just wealth. financial struggle is not just wealth. financial struggle is not just wealth. It's not just poor people or people It's not just poor people or people It's not just poor people or people don't have a lot or people uh who are don't have a lot or people uh who are don't have a lot or people uh who are young or old. It is like everything. young or old. It is like everything. young or old. It is like everything. It's young, it's old, it's people make a It's young, it's old, it's people make a It's young, it's old, it's people make a lot of money, people who don't make much lot of money, people who don't make much lot of money, people who don't make much money. Finances are a challenge. And I money. Finances are a challenge. And I money. Finances are a challenge. And I found this statistic this week. I found this statistic this week. I found this statistic this week. I thought it was very fascinating. Nearly thought it was very fascinating. Nearly thought it was very fascinating. Nearly half, 48% of adults over 55 have zero half, 48% of adults over 55 have zero half, 48% of adults over 55 have zero retirement saving. Woo. That's a little retirement saving. Woo. That's a little retirement saving. Woo. That's a little unnerving. It's quiet in this service, unnerving. It's quiet in this service, unnerving. It's quiet in this service, but there are often times where people but there are often times where people but there are often times where people are looking at their future with no are looking at their future with no are looking at their future with no plan. Another one, maybe it's because plan. Another one, maybe it's because plan. Another one, maybe it's because there's not a lot of people over 55 in there's not a lot of people over 55 in there's not a lot of people over 55 in the service. I don't know. But Gen Z the service. I don't know. But Gen Z the service. I don't know. But Gen Z adults, maybe this one will hit another adults, maybe this one will hit another adults, maybe this one will hit another uh nerve for some of us. Gen Z adults, uh nerve for some of us. Gen Z adults, uh nerve for some of us. Gen Z adults, this is in the early 20s, on average this is in the early 20s, on average this is in the early 20s, on average carry about $34,000 carry about $34,000 carry about $34,000 in debt. That's a lot of money for in debt. That's a lot of money for in debt. That's a lot of money for somebody that's making $15,000 a year.

somebody that's making $15,000 a year. somebody that's making $15,000 a year. And the the reality is it's affecting a And the the reality is it's affecting a And the the reality is it's affecting a whole generation. 26% of households in whole generation. 26% of households in whole generation. 26% of households in the highest income bracket carry credit the highest income bracket carry credit the highest income bracket carry credit card debt that they don't pay in full card debt that they don't pay in full card debt that they don't pay in full every month. So, there are a lot of every month. So, there are a lot of every month. So, there are a lot of people that make a lot of money but people that make a lot of money but people that make a lot of money but still are stacked under credit card still are stacked under credit card still are stacked under credit card bills. And when they pay that bill, it's bills. And when they pay that bill, it's bills. And when they pay that bill, it's a 20% interest. And so much of that a 20% interest. And so much of that a 20% interest. And so much of that money is going just to pay the credit money is going just to pay the credit money is going just to pay the credit card company, not to deal deal away with card company, not to deal deal away with card company, not to deal deal away with the debt. So this is a problem in our the debt. So this is a problem in our the debt. So this is a problem in our culture. Not to mention all that's culture. Not to mention all that's culture. Not to mention all that's happening with inflation. There are happening with inflation. There are happening with inflation. There are financial problems that we feel. I I financial problems that we feel. I I financial problems that we feel. I I went shopping this weekend for the first went shopping this weekend for the first went shopping this weekend for the first time, grocery shopping for the first time, grocery shopping for the first time, grocery shopping for the first time in a long time, and I was like time in a long time, and I was like time in a long time, and I was like blown away the cost of bread from last blown away the cost of bread from last blown away the cost of bread from last time I went grocery shopping. It's like time I went grocery shopping. It's like time I went grocery shopping. It's like I could have bought four loaves of bread I could have bought four loaves of bread I could have bought four loaves of bread last time I went. this time. It's been a last time I went. this time. It's been a last time I went. this time. It's been a while. But the point being that while. But the point being that while. But the point being that inflation, we're all experiencing it. inflation, we're all experiencing it. inflation, we're all experiencing it. So, what do we do about that? How do we So, what do we do about that? How do we So, what do we do about that? How do we get back on track with our finances? And get back on track with our finances? And get back on track with our finances? And I have a few different groups of people I have a few different groups of people I have a few different groups of people in mind today. I have in mind some of in mind today. I have in mind some of in mind today. I have in mind some of you who are strapped financially and you who are strapped financially and you who are strapped financially and you're trying so hard to pay your bills you're trying so hard to pay your bills you're trying so hard to pay your bills and you feel like there's not enough. I and you feel like there's not enough. I and you feel like there's not enough. I have in mind those of you who are have in mind those of you who are have in mind those of you who are married couples and you have a lot of married couples and you have a lot of married couples and you have a lot of fights over money. Stacy and I had a fights over money. Stacy and I had a fights over money. Stacy and I had a season like that where we we learned to season like that where we we learned to season like that where we we learned to work through it. I have in mind some of work through it. I have in mind some of work through it. I have in mind some of you who have student loans and credit you who have student loans and credit you who have student loans and credit card debts that you're trying to pay card debts that you're trying to pay card debts that you're trying to pay off. I have in mind some of you who are off. I have in mind some of you who are off. I have in mind some of you who are young and have your whole future in young and have your whole future in young and have your whole future in front of you and you're trying to figure front of you and you're trying to figure front of you and you're trying to figure out what do you believe about money and out what do you believe about money and out what do you believe about money and how do you handle money. And then how do you handle money. And then how do you handle money. And then finally, there are some of you that just finally, there are some of you that just finally, there are some of you that just need a tuneup. Maybe maybe you actually

need a tuneup. Maybe maybe you actually need a tuneup. Maybe maybe you actually excel in this area and the principles excel in this area and the principles excel in this area and the principles today are going to help you tune up an today are going to help you tune up an today are going to help you tune up an area of your life where God can help you area of your life where God can help you area of your life where God can help you grow even more. So today as we do all of grow even more. So today as we do all of grow even more. So today as we do all of this, we're going to look at the Bible. this, we're going to look at the Bible. this, we're going to look at the Bible. I want to invite you if you have your I want to invite you if you have your I want to invite you if you have your notes to pull them out. And you can also notes to pull them out. And you can also notes to pull them out. And you can also turn in your Bible to Matthew chap 25 turn in your Bible to Matthew chap 25 turn in your Bible to Matthew chap 25 14-19. And we're going to look very 14-19. And we're going to look very 14-19. And we're going to look very briefly on the front end at a parable briefly on the front end at a parable briefly on the front end at a parable that Jesus gives to his disciples. He's that Jesus gives to his disciples. He's that Jesus gives to his disciples. He's teaching and he's trying to help them teaching and he's trying to help them teaching and he's trying to help them understand the significance one of the understand the significance one of the understand the significance one of the kingdom of heaven and two principles of kingdom of heaven and two principles of kingdom of heaven and two principles of money as God sees it. Now, this is money as God sees it. Now, this is money as God sees it. Now, this is important because you could watch a important because you could watch a important because you could watch a YouTube video on finance and get a lot YouTube video on finance and get a lot YouTube video on finance and get a lot of hacks of what to do with your money. of hacks of what to do with your money. of hacks of what to do with your money. But what we need more than hacks is the But what we need more than hacks is the But what we need more than hacks is the wisdom, the principles, the truth of wisdom, the principles, the truth of wisdom, the principles, the truth of God's word for our lives. So, we want to God's word for our lives. So, we want to God's word for our lives. So, we want to elevate our vision to understand what elevate our vision to understand what elevate our vision to understand what does God think about your paycheck? What does God think about your paycheck? What does God think about your paycheck? What does God think about the bills that keep does God think about the bills that keep does God think about the bills that keep coming? What does God think about the coming? What does God think about the coming? What does God think about the credit cards payments that show up in credit cards payments that show up in credit cards payments that show up in the mail over and over again? And how do the mail over and over again? And how do the mail over and over again? And how do we get back on track? So Matthew chapter we get back on track? So Matthew chapter we get back on track? So Matthew chapter 25, Jesus is speaking and he says this 25, Jesus is speaking and he says this 25, Jesus is speaking and he says this again. The kingdom of heaven can be again. The kingdom of heaven can be again. The kingdom of heaven can be illustrated like this. It's by the story illustrated like this. It's by the story illustrated like this. It's by the story of a man going on a long trip. And he of a man going on a long trip. And he of a man going on a long trip. And he called together his servants and called together his servants and called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was entrusted his money to them while he was entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags. Everybody say gone. He gave five bags. Everybody say gone. He gave five bags. Everybody say five bags. Five bags of silver to one five bags. Five bags of silver to one five bags. Five bags of silver to one and two bags of silver. Say two bags.

and two bags of silver. Say two bags. and two bags of silver. Say two bags. two bags of silver to another and then two bags of silver to another and then two bags of silver to another and then one bag, let's say it together, one bag one bag, let's say it together, one bag one bag, let's say it together, one bag of silver to the last. So, five bags, of silver to the last. So, five bags, of silver to the last. So, five bags, two bags, and one bag. And he says, two bags, and one bag. And he says, two bags, and one bag. And he says, "Then he left on his trip. And the "Then he left on his trip. And the "Then he left on his trip. And the servant who had received the bag of servant who had received the bag of servant who had received the bag of silver, five of them, began to invest silver, five of them, began to invest silver, five of them, began to invest them and the money and earned five more. them and the money and earned five more. them and the money and earned five more. And the servant who received two bags of And the servant who received two bags of And the servant who received two bags of silver, also went to work and earned two silver, also went to work and earned two silver, also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received one more. But the servant who received one more. But the servant who received one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground bag of silver dug a hole in the ground bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money. And after a and hid the master's money. And after a and hid the master's money. And after a long time, the master returned from his long time, the master returned from his long time, the master returned from his trip and he called them to give an trip and he called them to give an trip and he called them to give an account of how they had used his money. account of how they had used his money. account of how they had used his money. Now Jesus gives us the master, the one Now Jesus gives us the master, the one Now Jesus gives us the master, the one who owns it all. And based on the who owns it all. And based on the who owns it all. And based on the abilities of the five talent, the two abilities of the five talent, the two abilities of the five talent, the two talent, and the one talent, he talent, and the one talent, he talent, and the one talent, he distributes his money to them. He goes distributes his money to them. He goes distributes his money to them. He goes on a trip and he comes back. And when he on a trip and he comes back. And when he on a trip and he comes back. And when he comes back, they're going to give an comes back, they're going to give an comes back, they're going to give an account for what they did with what he account for what they did with what he account for what they did with what he had placed in their hands. And they all had placed in their hands. And they all had placed in their hands. And they all do something different. They all respond do something different. They all respond do something different. They all respond in a different way. And in these verses, in a different way. And in these verses, in a different way. And in these verses, there's so much truth from God's word there's so much truth from God's word there's so much truth from God's word that can impact the way that we see our that can impact the way that we see our that can impact the way that we see our finances. And the first truth I want us finances. And the first truth I want us finances. And the first truth I want us to see, God's truth for my finances. God to see, God's truth for my finances. God to see, God's truth for my finances. God generously gives as the owner of it all.

generously gives as the owner of it all. generously gives as the owner of it all. So, you have a view of God that is So, you have a view of God that is So, you have a view of God that is impacting how you hear this message. You impacting how you hear this message. You impacting how you hear this message. You have a view of God that impacts how you have a view of God that impacts how you have a view of God that impacts how you respond in a worship service. It impacts respond in a worship service. It impacts respond in a worship service. It impacts how you think about every area of your how you think about every area of your how you think about every area of your life, but especially when it comes to life, but especially when it comes to life, but especially when it comes to finance. We've got to ask the question, finance. We've got to ask the question, finance. We've got to ask the question, what do I think about when I think about what do I think about when I think about what do I think about when I think about God? What's the character of God? And God? What's the character of God? And God? What's the character of God? And what Jesus is describing is a God, a what Jesus is describing is a God, a what Jesus is describing is a God, a master who's generous. He's a God that master who's generous. He's a God that master who's generous. He's a God that loves to give. The Bible says that he is loves to give. The Bible says that he is loves to give. The Bible says that he is a good father, a heavenly father that a good father, a heavenly father that a good father, a heavenly father that wants to bless his children. He's wants to bless his children. He's wants to bless his children. He's generous from his heart to us. And as he generous from his heart to us. And as he generous from his heart to us. And as he gives generously, he gives to entrust gives generously, he gives to entrust gives generously, he gives to entrust his servants with what belongs to him. his servants with what belongs to him. his servants with what belongs to him. So it all is his. It all belongs to him. So it all is his. It all belongs to him. So it all is his. It all belongs to him. Now if I live with a perspective that my Now if I live with a perspective that my Now if I live with a perspective that my money is mine, there's a weight that I money is mine, there's a weight that I money is mine, there's a weight that I carry. that there's an anxiety that carry. that there's an anxiety that carry. that there's an anxiety that fills my life when my mindset is this is fills my life when my mindset is this is fills my life when my mindset is this is all mine. I have to figure it all out.

all mine. I have to figure it all out. all mine. I have to figure it all out. But when I shift my perspective to what But when I shift my perspective to what But when I shift my perspective to what Jesus says, let's look back one more Jesus says, let's look back one more Jesus says, let's look back one more time. Verse 14. Again, the kingdom can time. Verse 14. Again, the kingdom can time. Verse 14. Again, the kingdom can be illustrated by the story of a man on be illustrated by the story of a man on be illustrated by the story of a man on a long trip. He called together his a long trip. He called together his a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to servants and entrusted his money to servants and entrusted his money to them. I want to encourage you, underline them. I want to encourage you, underline them. I want to encourage you, underline both of those. His servants, his money. both of those. His servants, his money. both of those. His servants, his money. If that's my perspective, when I shift, If that's my perspective, when I shift, If that's my perspective, when I shift, I begin to experience God's peace. When I begin to experience God's peace. When I begin to experience God's peace. When I stop seeing money as mine and I start I stop seeing money as mine and I start I stop seeing money as mine and I start understanding that it's all God's, that understanding that it's all God's, that understanding that it's all God's, that he entrusts me with some, it allows me he entrusts me with some, it allows me he entrusts me with some, it allows me to live with a greater level of peace. to live with a greater level of peace. to live with a greater level of peace. And there are a lot of moments, again, And there are a lot of moments, again, And there are a lot of moments, again, for me personally, where I lose this for me personally, where I lose this for me personally, where I lose this perspective and I have to get back on perspective and I have to get back on perspective and I have to get back on track with my mindset to understand it's track with my mindset to understand it's track with my mindset to understand it's God's. And it makes me think a lot about God's. And it makes me think a lot about God's. And it makes me think a lot about my kids. So, I have three kids, as my kids. So, I have three kids, as my kids. So, I have three kids, as you've heard me say if you've been here. you've heard me say if you've been here. you've heard me say if you've been here. Um, if as you know, they're 18, 19, 17, Um, if as you know, they're 18, 19, 17, Um, if as you know, they're 18, 19, 17, and 12. Well, my oldest two, they don't and 12. Well, my oldest two, they don't and 12. Well, my oldest two, they don't want to spend as much time together now. want to spend as much time together now. want to spend as much time together now. And there are like moments where Stacy And there are like moments where Stacy And there are like moments where Stacy and I are trying to pull everybody and I are trying to pull everybody and I are trying to pull everybody together and they're like they're trying together and they're like they're trying together and they're like they're trying to make plans with their friends and to make plans with their friends and to make plans with their friends and it's it's always that they're planning it's it's always that they're planning it's it's always that they're planning at the last minute and we're like, "You at the last minute and we're like, "You at the last minute and we're like, "You want to hang out?" And they're like, want to hang out?" And they're like, want to hang out?" And they're like, "No, maybe. I don't know." And if you "No, maybe. I don't know." And if you "No, maybe. I don't know." And if you have teenagers, you know how this goes.

have teenagers, you know how this goes. have teenagers, you know how this goes. So, you're trying to make plans and I'm So, you're trying to make plans and I'm So, you're trying to make plans and I'm like, "Let's find a way to hang out." like, "Let's find a way to hang out." like, "Let's find a way to hang out." So, one of the things I've noticed about So, one of the things I've noticed about So, one of the things I've noticed about my two oldests, the fastest way to get my two oldests, the fastest way to get my two oldests, the fastest way to get them to commit is to say, "Would you them to commit is to say, "Would you them to commit is to say, "Would you like to go out to eat for barbecued on like to go out to eat for barbecued on like to go out to eat for barbecued on dad?" dad?" dad?" And it's almost always a yes. So, when And it's almost always a yes. So, when And it's almost always a yes. So, when we go out, they know they can get the we go out, they know they can get the we go out, they know they can get the full rack of ribs, they can get the full rack of ribs, they can get the full rack of ribs, they can get the brisket, they can get the first brisket, they can get the first brisket, they can get the first cornbread, the second cornbread, the cornbread, the second cornbread, the cornbread, the second cornbread, the banana pudding. they can get all of it banana pudding. they can get all of it banana pudding. they can get all of it because dad's paying for it. That's because dad's paying for it. That's because dad's paying for it. That's that's why they know. And there's that's why they know. And there's that's why they know. And there's there's a different weight that is off there's a different weight that is off there's a different weight that is off of them when they know that it's dad of them when they know that it's dad of them when they know that it's dad who's in charge. It's all his money who's in charge. It's all his money who's in charge. It's all his money that's being spent. And there's a that's being spent. And there's a that's being spent. And there's a there's a perspective shift when I live there's a perspective shift when I live there's a perspective shift when I live understanding that my heavenly father is understanding that my heavenly father is understanding that my heavenly father is carrying the weight. He's the one who is carrying the weight. He's the one who is carrying the weight. He's the one who is able to provide and help and and able to provide and help and and able to provide and help and and strengthen me. It gives me a kind of strengthen me. It gives me a kind of strengthen me. It gives me a kind of peace. But there's also a level of peace. But there's also a level of peace. But there's also a level of responsibility that comes with responsibility that comes with responsibility that comes with understanding that he entrusts me with understanding that he entrusts me with understanding that he entrusts me with some. So as Psalm 24:1 and2 says, it some. So as Psalm 24:1 and2 says, it some. So as Psalm 24:1 and2 says, it says, "The earth is the Lord's and says, "The earth is the Lord's and says, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all its everything in it, the world and all its everything in it, the world and all its people belong to him, for he laid the people belong to him, for he laid the people belong to him, for he laid the earth's foundation on the seas and built earth's foundation on the seas and built earth's foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths." So the whole it on the ocean depths." So the whole it on the ocean depths." So the whole world belongs to God. Every nation world belongs to God. Every nation world belongs to God. Every nation belongs to God. every landscape, every belongs to God. every landscape, every belongs to God. every landscape, every mountain, all the seas, every city, mountain, all the seas, every city, mountain, all the seas, every city, ultimately it's God's and he entrusts us ultimately it's God's and he entrusts us ultimately it's God's and he entrusts us with some. So he then expects us to with some. So he then expects us to with some. So he then expects us to faithfully steward what he gives to us.

faithfully steward what he gives to us. faithfully steward what he gives to us. And it it also reminds me of a time And it it also reminds me of a time And it it also reminds me of a time earlier when the kids were younger, we earlier when the kids were younger, we earlier when the kids were younger, we used to have like really beat up cars used to have like really beat up cars used to have like really beat up cars and oftentimes I would hang out with my and oftentimes I would hang out with my and oftentimes I would hang out with my friends who had a lot nicer cars. And I friends who had a lot nicer cars. And I friends who had a lot nicer cars. And I remember one time I went and hung out remember one time I went and hung out remember one time I went and hung out with one of my friends who had a really with one of my friends who had a really with one of my friends who had a really nice sports car. And so we went and we nice sports car. And so we went and we nice sports car. And so we went and we drove in his sports car and he's like, drove in his sports car and he's like, drove in his sports car and he's like, "Nice Honda Odyssey, bro." And I'm like, "Nice Honda Odyssey, bro." And I'm like, "Nice Honda Odyssey, bro." And I'm like, "Well, at least it's paid off." You "Well, at least it's paid off." You "Well, at least it's paid off." You know, it's like I don't owe anything on know, it's like I don't owe anything on know, it's like I don't owe anything on it, but it is nasty. And so it, but it is nasty. And so it, but it is nasty. And so there was a moment where my friend who there was a moment where my friend who there was a moment where my friend who felt really sorry for me driving around felt really sorry for me driving around felt really sorry for me driving around in a minivan so much um said, "Hey man, in a minivan so much um said, "Hey man, in a minivan so much um said, "Hey man, I'm going to I want to let you borrow my I'm going to I want to let you borrow my I'm going to I want to let you borrow my sports car for a little while. I'm going sports car for a little while. I'm going sports car for a little while. I'm going out of town." And I'm like, "Okay, sure. out of town." And I'm like, "Okay, sure. out of town." And I'm like, "Okay, sure. I'll I'll borrow it for a little while. I'll I'll borrow it for a little while. I'll I'll borrow it for a little while. That's great." And so when he left, I'd That's great." And so when he left, I'd That's great." And so when he left, I'd started driving around town and I'm like started driving around town and I'm like started driving around town and I'm like super nervous. Like everywhere I go, you super nervous. Like everywhere I go, you super nervous. Like everywhere I go, you know, I'm like looking at cars. I'm know, I'm like looking at cars. I'm know, I'm like looking at cars. I'm parking at the back of the parking lot, parking at the back of the parking lot, parking at the back of the parking lot, so there's like no cars by my car. And so there's like no cars by my car. And so there's like no cars by my car. And then there were some moments where I had then there were some moments where I had then there were some moments where I had to take the kids in the car and I'm to take the kids in the car and I'm to take the kids in the car and I'm like, "Okay, guys, are your hands like, "Okay, guys, are your hands like, "Okay, guys, are your hands cleaned off? Is there any anything cleaned off? Is there any anything cleaned off? Is there any anything sticky on your fingers? Do you have any sticky on your fingers? Do you have any sticky on your fingers? Do you have any food in your pockets? Um, okay. Don't food in your pockets? Um, okay. Don't food in your pockets? Um, okay. Don't breathe while you were in the car. just breathe while you were in the car. just breathe while you were in the car. just like just sit there and just be still like just sit there and just be still like just sit there and just be still because I don't want to mess this car because I don't want to mess this car because I don't want to mess this car up. So at the end I give him the car up. So at the end I give him the car up. So at the end I give him the car back. I like I take it through the you back. I like I take it through the you back. I like I take it through the you know to the through the car wash. I'm know to the through the car wash. I'm know to the through the car wash. I'm cleaning it on the inside because I want cleaning it on the inside because I want cleaning it on the inside because I want to give it back to him better than I to give it back to him better than I to give it back to him better than I received it. It's not mine. It belongs

received it. It's not mine. It belongs received it. It's not mine. It belongs to him. So there's a perspective that to him. So there's a perspective that to him. So there's a perspective that shifts, a stewardship, a faithfulness shifts, a stewardship, a faithfulness shifts, a stewardship, a faithfulness when I live understanding that there's when I live understanding that there's when I live understanding that there's there's money that God has entrusted. there's money that God has entrusted. there's money that God has entrusted. There are possessions that God has given There are possessions that God has given There are possessions that God has given to me that ultimately are his that he to me that ultimately are his that he to me that ultimately are his that he calls me to take care of. So that calls me to take care of. So that calls me to take care of. So that mindset changes when I understand it's mindset changes when I understand it's mindset changes when I understand it's his. Now, there are two positive his. Now, there are two positive his. Now, there are two positive mindsets connected to understanding that mindsets connected to understanding that mindsets connected to understanding that money belongs to God. And the first one, money belongs to God. And the first one, money belongs to God. And the first one, I want to encourage you to write these I want to encourage you to write these I want to encourage you to write these down, is a management mindset. down, is a management mindset. down, is a management mindset. So management mindset is like, hey, I'm So management mindset is like, hey, I'm So management mindset is like, hey, I'm I'm going to take care of what's been I'm going to take care of what's been I'm going to take care of what's been given to me. If I've got $10, I'm going given to me. If I've got $10, I'm going given to me. If I've got $10, I'm going to spend those $10 wisely. And that is a to spend those $10 wisely. And that is a to spend those $10 wisely. And that is a part the Bible calls that stewardship. part the Bible calls that stewardship. part the Bible calls that stewardship. So that's a that's a good thing. But So that's a that's a good thing. But So that's a that's a good thing. But there's also another mindset, not just there's also another mindset, not just there's also another mindset, not just management. There is a multiplication management. There is a multiplication management. There is a multiplication mindset that says, I'm going to grow mindset that says, I'm going to grow mindset that says, I'm going to grow what God has given to me. So if God has what God has given to me. So if God has what God has given to me. So if God has entrusted me with some, I have a entrusted me with some, I have a entrusted me with some, I have a responsibility. Now this is not just responsibility. Now this is not just responsibility. Now this is not just your money. This is your time. This is your money. This is your time. This is your money. This is your time. This is your energy. This is your whole life your energy. This is your whole life your energy. This is your whole life that God wants you to grow and be that God wants you to grow and be that God wants you to grow and be fruitful with what he's handed to you.

fruitful with what he's handed to you. fruitful with what he's handed to you. This is also true when it comes to This is also true when it comes to This is also true when it comes to finances. So the invitation from God, as finances. So the invitation from God, as finances. So the invitation from God, as we see in this passage, is to take what we see in this passage, is to take what we see in this passage, is to take what he's given to us, to steward it, yes, he's given to us, to steward it, yes, he's given to us, to steward it, yes, but also to grow it. So what you have in but also to grow it. So what you have in but also to grow it. So what you have in your hands is not fixed. Actually, God your hands is not fixed. Actually, God your hands is not fixed. Actually, God gives us the ability to grow what we've gives us the ability to grow what we've gives us the ability to grow what we've been handed. So if we come back to this been handed. So if we come back to this been handed. So if we come back to this passage, notice again one more time. The passage, notice again one more time. The passage, notice again one more time. The five talent man who had five bags of five talent man who had five bags of five talent man who had five bags of silver, he began to invest the money and silver, he began to invest the money and silver, he began to invest the money and he earned five more. And the other he earned five more. And the other he earned five more. And the other servant went to work and earned two servant went to work and earned two servant went to work and earned two more. And the other servant buried the more. And the other servant buried the more. And the other servant buried the treasure, dug a hole in the ground and treasure, dug a hole in the ground and treasure, dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money. So the second hid the master's money. So the second hid the master's money. So the second very important truth is that God not very important truth is that God not very important truth is that God not only owns it all but he expects me to be only owns it all but he expects me to be only owns it all but he expects me to be an investor of his money. So when God an investor of his money. So when God an investor of his money. So when God gives to me, God wants a return with gives to me, God wants a return with gives to me, God wants a return with what he gives to me. He wants me to what he gives to me. He wants me to what he gives to me. He wants me to invest what he's given to me in assets. invest what he's given to me in assets. invest what he's given to me in assets. Now there are two types of ways that I Now there are two types of ways that I Now there are two types of ways that I can invest and I'll talk about that in can invest and I'll talk about that in can invest and I'll talk about that in just a moment. But it's it's significant just a moment. But it's it's significant just a moment. But it's it's significant to recognize not everybody is equally to recognize not everybody is equally to recognize not everybody is equally faithful to invest what they've been faithful to invest what they've been faithful to invest what they've been handed. And what happens with investment handed. And what happens with investment handed. And what happens with investment is over time investment grows. And there is over time investment grows. And there is over time investment grows. And there are two ways that you can invest. One, are two ways that you can invest. One, are two ways that you can invest. One, you can invest in assets here on earth.

you can invest in assets here on earth. you can invest in assets here on earth. And I'm going to tell you both of them And I'm going to tell you both of them And I'm going to tell you both of them and then I'm going to talk about it. and then I'm going to talk about it. and then I'm going to talk about it. One, we can invest in assets on earth. One, we can invest in assets on earth. One, we can invest in assets on earth. And number two, we can invest in assets And number two, we can invest in assets And number two, we can invest in assets for eternity. And both of them are good. for eternity. And both of them are good. for eternity. And both of them are good. like both of them can be a part of God's like both of them can be a part of God's like both of them can be a part of God's divine plan for our finances. Now, let divine plan for our finances. Now, let divine plan for our finances. Now, let me explain with assets. If you're in me explain with assets. If you're in me explain with assets. If you're in finance or you're a business owner, most finance or you're a business owner, most finance or you're a business owner, most of us understand the concept of assets. of us understand the concept of assets. of us understand the concept of assets. But assets could be a house. It could be But assets could be a house. It could be But assets could be a house. It could be a bank account. It could be a car. It's a bank account. It could be a car. It's a bank account. It could be a car. It's a physical property or asset that has a physical property or asset that has a physical property or asset that has been that has been built or maybe it has been that has been built or maybe it has been that has been built or maybe it has been acquired financially. But when I been acquired financially. But when I been acquired financially. But when I invest in that asset, it has the ability invest in that asset, it has the ability invest in that asset, it has the ability potentially to grow over the course of potentially to grow over the course of potentially to grow over the course of time. And I I think about it like this. time. And I I think about it like this. time. And I I think about it like this. When I was in high school, I remember When I was in high school, I remember When I was in high school, I remember one time my grandpa, he said to me, one time my grandpa, he said to me, one time my grandpa, he said to me, Andy, I want you to come over my house Andy, I want you to come over my house Andy, I want you to come over my house before you go away to college. There's before you go away to college. There's before you go away to college. There's something I want to give to you. So my something I want to give to you. So my something I want to give to you. So my dad had kind of set me up for this dad had kind of set me up for this dad had kind of set me up for this conversation. And when I get to my conversation. And when I get to my conversation. And when I get to my grandpa's, he hands me a an envelope and grandpa's, he hands me a an envelope and grandpa's, he hands me a an envelope and it's a check inside. And my grandpa it's a check inside. And my grandpa it's a check inside. And my grandpa says, "This is just a little check I says, "This is just a little check I says, "This is just a little check I wanted to give to you." almost like a wanted to give to you." almost like a wanted to give to you." almost like a form of inheritance before you go away form of inheritance before you go away form of inheritance before you go away to school. So I opened it and it was to school. So I opened it and it was to school. So I opened it and it was about the money amount of money to buy a about the money amount of money to buy a about the money amount of money to buy a good computer. And so I was like, "Ah, good computer. And so I was like, "Ah, good computer. And so I was like, "Ah, maybe I should buy a laptop before I go maybe I should buy a laptop before I go maybe I should buy a laptop before I go to school." So I remember having a to school." So I remember having a to school." So I remember having a conversation with my dad about this this conversation with my dad about this this conversation with my dad about this this check my grandpa gave to me. And my dad check my grandpa gave to me. And my dad check my grandpa gave to me. And my dad when I asked him, "Dad, what should I do when I asked him, "Dad, what should I do when I asked him, "Dad, what should I do with the money?" My dad was like, "You with the money?" My dad was like, "You with the money?" My dad was like, "You should just invest it." And I'm like, should just invest it." And I'm like, should just invest it." And I'm like, "Invest it in what?" And he's like, "Invest it in what?" And he's like, "Invest it in what?" And he's like, "Well, find a Roth IRA and invest it in

"Well, find a Roth IRA and invest it in "Well, find a Roth IRA and invest it in that." Well, I didn't know if I did that." Well, I didn't know if I did that." Well, I didn't know if I did that, that meant I couldn't touch it that, that meant I couldn't touch it that, that meant I couldn't touch it again until I'm 59 and a half. again until I'm 59 and a half. again until I'm 59 and a half. At the time, I didn't know, but I did At the time, I didn't know, but I did At the time, I didn't know, but I did it. So, I went and I opened up a it. So, I went and I opened up a it. So, I went and I opened up a Vanguard account at like 18 years old, Vanguard account at like 18 years old, Vanguard account at like 18 years old, and I I bought with the money my grandpa and I I bought with the money my grandpa and I I bought with the money my grandpa had given to me this account that I had given to me this account that I had given to me this account that I could not touch. I still have not could not touch. I still have not could not touch. I still have not touched it. Now, today, over 25 years touched it. Now, today, over 25 years touched it. Now, today, over 25 years later, after my grandpa gave it to me, later, after my grandpa gave it to me, later, after my grandpa gave it to me, it's no longer the amount of a computer. it's no longer the amount of a computer. it's no longer the amount of a computer. It's the amount of a really nice car. It's the amount of a really nice car. It's the amount of a really nice car. and it's just sat there and multiplied and it's just sat there and multiplied and it's just sat there and multiplied over and over and over and over and over over and over and over and over and over over and over and over and over and over again. So that that's the brilliance of again. So that that's the brilliance of again. So that that's the brilliance of the way an investment works and you and the way an investment works and you and the way an investment works and you and I can live in such a way that we invest I can live in such a way that we invest I can live in such a way that we invest here wisely on planet earth and then we here wisely on planet earth and then we here wisely on planet earth and then we leverage what God has given to us with leverage what God has given to us with leverage what God has given to us with an eternal perspective. So let me say it an eternal perspective. So let me say it an eternal perspective. So let me say it like this. I want to invest in assets on like this. I want to invest in assets on like this. I want to invest in assets on earth with an eye on eternity. So, if I earth with an eye on eternity. So, if I earth with an eye on eternity. So, if I buy a home, I want to ask the question, buy a home, I want to ask the question, buy a home, I want to ask the question, how do how do I let God use this home how do how do I let God use this home how do how do I let God use this home that he's entrusted me with to help meet that he's entrusted me with to help meet that he's entrusted me with to help meet the needs of people around me? So, when the needs of people around me? So, when the needs of people around me? So, when Stacy and I bought a home when we moved Stacy and I bought a home when we moved Stacy and I bought a home when we moved to Southern California and we said, to Southern California and we said, to Southern California and we said, "God, we we we commit this home to you.

"God, we we we commit this home to you. "God, we we we commit this home to you. We we give it back to you as you've We we give it back to you as you've We we give it back to you as you've given it to us, and we want to ask that given it to us, and we want to ask that given it to us, and we want to ask that you would use this earthly asset to you would use this earthly asset to you would use this earthly asset to bless people." And so there have been bless people." And so there have been bless people." And so there have been thousands of people that have come to thousands of people that have come to thousands of people that have come to our home, like literally hundreds of our home, like literally hundreds of our home, like literally hundreds of people that have stayed in our home people that have stayed in our home people that have stayed in our home overnight, friends, family members, and overnight, friends, family members, and overnight, friends, family members, and we said, "God, we want you to use this we said, "God, we want you to use this we said, "God, we want you to use this asset to bless people, to help people in asset to bless people, to help people in asset to bless people, to help people in need." Now, the same is true about our need." Now, the same is true about our need." Now, the same is true about our Lake Forest campus and many other Lake Forest campus and many other Lake Forest campus and many other locations that we have that our church locations that we have that our church locations that we have that our church is physical buildings that God has given is physical buildings that God has given is physical buildings that God has given to us as a church family. The Lake to us as a church family. The Lake to us as a church family. The Lake Forest at one point was campus was at Forest at one point was campus was at Forest at one point was campus was at one point a 100 acre piece of land that one point a 100 acre piece of land that one point a 100 acre piece of land that our church gave generously to buy a our church gave generously to buy a our church gave generously to buy a physical piece of property. And now as a physical piece of property. And now as a physical piece of property. And now as a result close to 70,000 people have result close to 70,000 people have result close to 70,000 people have gotten baptized and God's used a gotten baptized and God's used a gotten baptized and God's used a physical piece of property to change physical piece of property to change physical piece of property to change people's lives for all eternity. Are you people's lives for all eternity. Are you people's lives for all eternity. Are you guys tracking with me? So the the the guys tracking with me? So the the the guys tracking with me? So the the the mindset mindset mindset is how do I live here with earthly is how do I live here with earthly is how do I live here with earthly assets in a way that impacts eternity.

assets in a way that impacts eternity. assets in a way that impacts eternity. So watch this. Paul says in second uh 1 So watch this. Paul says in second uh 1 So watch this. Paul says in second uh 1 Timothy 6, tell those who are rich not Timothy 6, tell those who are rich not Timothy 6, tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to put their trust to be proud and not to put their trust to be proud and not to put their trust in money which will soon be gone, but in money which will soon be gone, but in money which will soon be gone, but their pride should be in the living God their pride should be in the living God their pride should be in the living God who always richly gives all we need for who always richly gives all we need for who always richly gives all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their our enjoyment. Tell them to use their our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in money to do good. They should be rich in money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to good works and should give happily to good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to those in need, always being ready to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given share with others whatever God has given share with others whatever God has given to them. And by doing this, check this to them. And by doing this, check this to them. And by doing this, check this out. By doing this, they will be strong out. By doing this, they will be strong out. By doing this, they will be strong storing up real treasure for themselves storing up real treasure for themselves storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven. It's the only safe investment in heaven. It's the only safe investment in heaven. It's the only safe investment for eternity and they will be living a for eternity and they will be living a for eternity and they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as fruitful Christian life down here as fruitful Christian life down here as well. So, let me explain what Paul is well. So, let me explain what Paul is well. So, let me explain what Paul is saying, why this is so important. Every saying, why this is so important. Every saying, why this is so important. Every time I invest in the kingdom of God, the time I invest in the kingdom of God, the time I invest in the kingdom of God, the work of God on planet earth, I'm work of God on planet earth, I'm work of God on planet earth, I'm impacting eternity. So, I think about impacting eternity. So, I think about impacting eternity. So, I think about what God has done over the course of our what God has done over the course of our what God has done over the course of our year last year and the thousands of year last year and the thousands of year last year and the thousands of people that made decisions to follow people that made decisions to follow people that made decisions to follow Jesus, but individual families that were Jesus, but individual families that were Jesus, but individual families that were impacted for generations to come. I can impacted for generations to come. I can impacted for generations to come. I can think of stories of people that came to think of stories of people that came to think of stories of people that came to church last fall and they were about to church last fall and they were about to church last fall and they were about to go through a divorce and they said, go through a divorce and they said, go through a divorce and they said, "Because what God is doing here, our "Because what God is doing here, our "Because what God is doing here, our marriage is back on track and healed."

marriage is back on track and healed." marriage is back on track and healed." And God used our church to impact kids And God used our church to impact kids And God used our church to impact kids and grandkids for generations to come. I and grandkids for generations to come. I and grandkids for generations to come. I think about people that were estranged think about people that were estranged think about people that were estranged from their parents, came home to their from their parents, came home to their from their parents, came home to their parents, and came back to God within the parents, and came back to God within the parents, and came back to God within the last year. Thousands of salvations, last year. Thousands of salvations, last year. Thousands of salvations, thousands of baptisms, and every time I thousands of baptisms, and every time I thousands of baptisms, and every time I or you invest in the work of God, it's or you invest in the work of God, it's or you invest in the work of God, it's an impact on eternity. So on the other an impact on eternity. So on the other an impact on eternity. So on the other side, there will be so many lives that side, there will be so many lives that side, there will be so many lives that come up every time you've invested. This come up every time you've invested. This come up every time you've invested. This is also true when you invest in a is also true when you invest in a is also true when you invest in a mission work overseas or serve somebody mission work overseas or serve somebody mission work overseas or serve somebody that is taking the message of Jesus to that is taking the message of Jesus to that is taking the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth. It's you the ends of the earth. It's you the ends of the earth. It's you investing what God's placed into your investing what God's placed into your investing what God's placed into your hands to make an eternal impact. So I hands to make an eternal impact. So I hands to make an eternal impact. So I take what God has given me temporally take what God has given me temporally take what God has given me temporally with an eternal perspective to invest it with an eternal perspective to invest it with an eternal perspective to invest it knowing that God can use it beyond what knowing that God can use it beyond what knowing that God can use it beyond what I can do with my own power. This is a I can do with my own power. This is a I can do with my own power. This is a great joy when we understand the the great joy when we understand the the great joy when we understand the the thrill of letting God use our hands to thrill of letting God use our hands to thrill of letting God use our hands to build and grow things and then invest in build and grow things and then invest in build and grow things and then invest in the impact in people's lives. Some of the impact in people's lives. Some of the impact in people's lives. Some of you who are listening to my voice today, you who are listening to my voice today, you who are listening to my voice today, you are se sit sitting or seated in a you are se sit sitting or seated in a you are se sit sitting or seated in a place that is here today because place that is here today because place that is here today because somebody else had an eternal somebody else had an eternal somebody else had an eternal perspective. And I hope today that our perspective. And I hope today that our perspective. And I hope today that our hearts can be filled with the gratitude hearts can be filled with the gratitude hearts can be filled with the gratitude that God invites us to be his investors.

that God invites us to be his investors. that God invites us to be his investors. And then finally, there's one last part And then finally, there's one last part And then finally, there's one last part of this that's so significant as he of this that's so significant as he of this that's so significant as he invites me to invest what he's placed in invites me to invest what he's placed in invites me to invest what he's placed in my hand. He wants me to have a my hand. He wants me to have a my hand. He wants me to have a perspective that money ultimately is a perspective that money ultimately is a perspective that money ultimately is a tool and I am to leverage it. I'm to tool and I am to leverage it. I'm to tool and I am to leverage it. I'm to leverage money as a tool to do good here leverage money as a tool to do good here leverage money as a tool to do good here on planet Earth. And this ties into what on planet Earth. And this ties into what on planet Earth. And this ties into what we just talked about. But notice how God we just talked about. But notice how God we just talked about. But notice how God gives the master or Jesus gives the gives the master or Jesus gives the gives the master or Jesus gives the master as the one who comes back to the master as the one who comes back to the master as the one who comes back to the servants with 52 and one. And he's going servants with 52 and one. And he's going servants with 52 and one. And he's going to respond to them based upon what they to respond to them based upon what they to respond to them based upon what they did with what he placed in their hands. did with what he placed in their hands. did with what he placed in their hands. So if you notice the first one, it says So if you notice the first one, it says So if you notice the first one, it says the master was full of praise. the master was full of praise. the master was full of praise. Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done, good and faithful servant. You've been faithful in handling this You've been faithful in handling this You've been faithful in handling this small amount. So now I will give you small amount. So now I will give you small amount. So now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's many more responsibilities. Let's many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together. Now, this joy that celebrate together. Now, this joy that celebrate together. Now, this joy that God describes through his word is the God describes through his word is the God describes through his word is the joy that comes with a life that's joy that comes with a life that's joy that comes with a life that's faithful. A life that takes what God faithful. A life that takes what God faithful. A life that takes what God places in our hands and and uses it to places in our hands and and uses it to places in our hands and and uses it to bless and uses it to serve and uses it bless and uses it to serve and uses it bless and uses it to serve and uses it as a tool here on planet Earth. And the as a tool here on planet Earth. And the as a tool here on planet Earth. And the contrary, Jesus gives us is this other contrary, Jesus gives us is this other contrary, Jesus gives us is this other servant. And the other servant who servant. And the other servant who servant. And the other servant who buries his treasure when the master buries his treasure when the master buries his treasure when the master comes back, notice his perspective.

comes back, notice his perspective. comes back, notice his perspective. says, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh says, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh says, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops that you didn't man, harvesting crops that you didn't man, harvesting crops that you didn't plant, gathering crops you didn't plant, gathering crops you didn't plant, gathering crops you didn't cultivate, and I was what? Afraid. I was cultivate, and I was what? Afraid. I was cultivate, and I was what? Afraid. I was fearful that I would lose your money, so fearful that I would lose your money, so fearful that I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here's your I hid it in the earth. Look, here's your I hid it in the earth. Look, here's your money back. So Jesus says, "This guy out money back. So Jesus says, "This guy out money back. So Jesus says, "This guy out of his fear takes what has been given to of his fear takes what has been given to of his fear takes what has been given to him, and he buries the talent." And then him, and he buries the talent." And then him, and he buries the talent." And then the master looks back and says to him, the master looks back and says to him, the master looks back and says to him, "You wicked, lazy servant. If you knew I "You wicked, lazy servant. If you knew I "You wicked, lazy servant. If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant or harvested crops I didn't plant or harvested crops I didn't plant or gathered crops I didn't cultivate. Why gathered crops I didn't cultivate. Why gathered crops I didn't cultivate. Why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? didn't you deposit my money in the bank? didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some At least I could have gotten some At least I could have gotten some interest back on it. Jesus is saying interest back on it. Jesus is saying interest back on it. Jesus is saying that there is a reward for faithfulness that there is a reward for faithfulness that there is a reward for faithfulness and consequence for a life that buries and consequence for a life that buries and consequence for a life that buries the treasure. So I want to encourage you the treasure. So I want to encourage you the treasure. So I want to encourage you to write this down. God re rewards those to write this down. God re rewards those to write this down. God re rewards those who are faithful with money. God rewards who are faithful with money. God rewards who are faithful with money. God rewards those who are faithful with what he those who are faithful with what he those who are faithful with what he places into their hands. Now, when it places into their hands. Now, when it places into their hands. Now, when it comes to money, the question becomes, comes to money, the question becomes, comes to money, the question becomes, how do I do that? How do I build and how do I do that? How do I build and how do I do that? How do I build and cultivate a life of faithfulness? And cultivate a life of faithfulness? And cultivate a life of faithfulness? And some of you in our church family have some of you in our church family have some of you in our church family have been doing this for decades. And you been doing this for decades. And you been doing this for decades. And you could stand on the sta stage and teach could stand on the sta stage and teach could stand on the sta stage and teach exactly what I'm teaching right now. And exactly what I'm teaching right now. And exactly what I'm teaching right now. And you will say yes and amen to all these you will say yes and amen to all these you will say yes and amen to all these principles from God's word. But there principles from God's word. But there principles from God's word. But there are others that maybe you know it and are others that maybe you know it and are others that maybe you know it and you're not living in accordance with it.

you're not living in accordance with it. you're not living in accordance with it. And then there are some of you that And then there are some of you that And then there are some of you that these next few moments will be so these next few moments will be so these next few moments will be so crucial to give some tools to your tool crucial to give some tools to your tool crucial to give some tools to your tool belt to know how do I actually do this? belt to know how do I actually do this? belt to know how do I actually do this? Well, notice in Proverbs 10:16, Well, notice in Proverbs 10:16, Well, notice in Proverbs 10:16, an important component of our an important component of our an important component of our perspective on what God gives to us. It perspective on what God gives to us. It perspective on what God gives to us. It says this, "The wages of the righteous says this, "The wages of the righteous says this, "The wages of the righteous lead to life and the gain of the wicked lead to life and the gain of the wicked lead to life and the gain of the wicked to sin." This is a very significant to sin." This is a very significant to sin." This is a very significant verse in the Bible about money. And what verse in the Bible about money. And what verse in the Bible about money. And what Solomon is saying is that a dollar when Solomon is saying is that a dollar when Solomon is saying is that a dollar when it comes into the hands of a person, it it comes into the hands of a person, it it comes into the hands of a person, it takes on the character trait of the takes on the character trait of the takes on the character trait of the person whose hands that it's in. And you person whose hands that it's in. And you person whose hands that it's in. And you might have heard this phrase before, might have heard this phrase before, might have heard this phrase before, money is the root of all evil. And maybe money is the root of all evil. And maybe money is the root of all evil. And maybe even you've heard somebody say, "The even you've heard somebody say, "The even you've heard somebody say, "The Bible says money is the root of all Bible says money is the root of all Bible says money is the root of all evil." And the truth is, the Bible does evil." And the truth is, the Bible does evil." And the truth is, the Bible does not say that. The Bible says the love of not say that. The Bible says the love of not say that. The Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil. Somebody money is the root of all evil. Somebody money is the root of all evil. Somebody was telling me after the last service, was telling me after the last service, was telling me after the last service, they were in a small group and they were they were in a small group and they were they were in a small group and they were talking about this verse and the guy talking about this verse and the guy talking about this verse and the guy said, "Well, can I just have a little said, "Well, can I just have a little said, "Well, can I just have a little bit of love of money cuz I really like bit of love of money cuz I really like bit of love of money cuz I really like it." And the the truth is there is a war it." And the the truth is there is a war it." And the the truth is there is a war in our heart. Love for God and love for in our heart. Love for God and love for in our heart. Love for God and love for money. So you cannot love God and love money. So you cannot love God and love money. So you cannot love God and love money and serve both of them with the money and serve both of them with the money and serve both of them with the ambition of your life. So money is not ambition of your life. So money is not ambition of your life. So money is not evil. And and the important component is evil. And and the important component is evil. And and the important component is to ask the question, what happens when a to ask the question, what happens when a to ask the question, what happens when a dollar goes into my hand? So the Bible dollar goes into my hand? So the Bible dollar goes into my hand? So the Bible describes four types of people with

describes four types of people with describes four types of people with wealth here on planet earth. There are wealth here on planet earth. There are wealth here on planet earth. There are people who have a lot and there are people who have a lot and there are people who have a lot and there are people who don't have a lot. and the people who don't have a lot. and the people who don't have a lot. and the group that has a lot. Sometimes when you group that has a lot. Sometimes when you group that has a lot. Sometimes when you see somebody that that really see somebody that that really see somebody that that really financially is doing well, you could financially is doing well, you could financially is doing well, you could misinterpret their financial success and misinterpret their financial success and misinterpret their financial success and believe that maybe somehow that God is believe that maybe somehow that God is believe that maybe somehow that God is blessing them and they're they're doing blessing them and they're they're doing blessing them and they're they're doing it must be living right cuz he's driving it must be living right cuz he's driving it must be living right cuz he's driving a Bentley like he's got something a Bentley like he's got something a Bentley like he's got something working. And the truth is that there are working. And the truth is that there are working. And the truth is that there are two types of wealthy people. There are two types of wealthy people. There are two types of wealthy people. There are righteous rich and there are unrighteous righteous rich and there are unrighteous righteous rich and there are unrighteous rich. So there are people that have a rich. So there are people that have a rich. So there are people that have a lot who are faithful and and love God lot who are faithful and and love God lot who are faithful and and love God and are blessing the world with what and are blessing the world with what and are blessing the world with what God's placed in their hands. And there God's placed in their hands. And there God's placed in their hands. And there are some people that have a lot and man, are some people that have a lot and man, are some people that have a lot and man, they are stingy. They are nasty. They they are stingy. They are nasty. They they are stingy. They are nasty. They are selfish and they do not live a are selfish and they do not live a are selfish and they do not live a righteous life. So if you have a lot, righteous life. So if you have a lot, righteous life. So if you have a lot, you got to ask the question, which of you got to ask the question, which of you got to ask the question, which of those two does my life represent? Now, those two does my life represent? Now, those two does my life represent? Now, there are also those who are righteous there are also those who are righteous there are also those who are righteous and poor. So you you can't look at and poor. So you you can't look at and poor. So you you can't look at somebody that doesn't have a lot and somebody that doesn't have a lot and somebody that doesn't have a lot and say, well, because they don't have a say, well, because they don't have a say, well, because they don't have a lot, God's removed his hand from them. I lot, God's removed his hand from them. I lot, God's removed his hand from them. I mean, how about Mother Teresa? Like, she mean, how about Mother Teresa? Like, she mean, how about Mother Teresa? Like, she she gave everything that she had to she gave everything that she had to she gave everything that she had to serve the poor and became poor serve the poor and became poor serve the poor and became poor financially as a result, but had eternal financially as a result, but had eternal financially as a result, but had eternal riches in heaven because of her riches in heaven because of her riches in heaven because of her faithfulness to God. So, there is a faithfulness to God. So, there is a faithfulness to God. So, there is a righteous poor and an unrighteous poor.

righteous poor and an unrighteous poor. righteous poor and an unrighteous poor. And there are some people that live in And there are some people that live in And there are some people that live in poverty, but they still love and worship poverty, but they still love and worship poverty, but they still love and worship money. So, the goal is to live rightly money. So, the goal is to live rightly money. So, the goal is to live rightly before God with what he places into our before God with what he places into our before God with what he places into our hands. Thank God his word tells us what hands. Thank God his word tells us what hands. Thank God his word tells us what that means. And the first thing we see that means. And the first thing we see that means. And the first thing we see in God's word is that the right way or in God's word is that the right way or in God's word is that the right way or the righteous way to use money is to use the righteous way to use money is to use the righteous way to use money is to use money for good. So when a dollar comes money for good. So when a dollar comes money for good. So when a dollar comes into my hands, I can use that dollar for into my hands, I can use that dollar for into my hands, I can use that dollar for good here on planet Earth. I can take good here on planet Earth. I can take good here on planet Earth. I can take money that God places into my hands that money that God places into my hands that money that God places into my hands that comes after I work and I can use it when comes after I work and I can use it when comes after I work and I can use it when I'm standing in line at a coffee shop to I'm standing in line at a coffee shop to I'm standing in line at a coffee shop to buy the person behind me a cup of buy the person behind me a cup of buy the person behind me a cup of coffee. I can do good that way. I can coffee. I can do good that way. I can coffee. I can do good that way. I can use money to bless my kids and and serve use money to bless my kids and and serve use money to bless my kids and and serve them in such a way that we go on family them in such a way that we go on family them in such a way that we go on family vacations and make memories together. vacations and make memories together. vacations and make memories together. And that's a good use of money. I can And that's a good use of money. I can And that's a good use of money. I can use money to to to build up our family's use money to to to build up our family's use money to to to build up our family's home and create an environment where our home and create an environment where our home and create an environment where our children flourish. I can use money to children flourish. I can use money to children flourish. I can use money to serve a a single mom in need. All of serve a a single mom in need. All of serve a a single mom in need. All of that is a good use of money. But I that is a good use of money. But I that is a good use of money. But I recently saw an example of a 20-year-old recently saw an example of a 20-year-old recently saw an example of a 20-year-old kid in our church, young man who kid in our church, young man who kid in our church, young man who beautifully displayed what you can do beautifully displayed what you can do beautifully displayed what you can do with money to show honor to others and with money to show honor to others and with money to show honor to others and bless the heart of God. So EJ uh who is bless the heart of God. So EJ uh who is bless the heart of God. So EJ uh who is 20 years old today, has his birthday 20 years old today, has his birthday 20 years old today, has his birthday today. EJ started a business a couple today. EJ started a business a couple today. EJ started a business a couple years ago selling clothes out of the years ago selling clothes out of the years ago selling clothes out of the back of his car because he wanted to back of his car because he wanted to back of his car because he wanted to make money to help his mom who had make money to help his mom who had make money to help his mom who had cancer. So EJ, as he starts to make this

cancer. So EJ, as he starts to make this cancer. So EJ, as he starts to make this money, is serving his family, but he money, is serving his family, but he money, is serving his family, but he learns the joy of giving and blessing learns the joy of giving and blessing learns the joy of giving and blessing other people. So EJ happens to be my other people. So EJ happens to be my other people. So EJ happens to be my oldest cadman's good friend, and they oldest cadman's good friend, and they oldest cadman's good friend, and they were in a small group together. And EJ were in a small group together. And EJ were in a small group together. And EJ and the rest of the small group, they've and the rest of the small group, they've and the rest of the small group, they've journeyied together for years. And it journeyied together for years. And it journeyied together for years. And it just so happened EJ had come home from just so happened EJ had come home from just so happened EJ had come home from college, and they were going to hang out college, and they were going to hang out college, and they were going to hang out together. And they ended up hanging out together. And they ended up hanging out together. And they ended up hanging out at my house. And that night, EJ kind of at my house. And that night, EJ kind of at my house. And that night, EJ kind of comes in a little bit late from comes in a little bit late from comes in a little bit late from everybody else and he walks in the house everybody else and he walks in the house everybody else and he walks in the house with this huge mound of presents like EJ with this huge mound of presents like EJ with this huge mound of presents like EJ Claus. It's like it's not Santa Claus. Claus. It's like it's not Santa Claus. Claus. It's like it's not Santa Claus. Here is EJ Claus in the house. And he Here is EJ Claus in the house. And he Here is EJ Claus in the house. And he has these presents and I'm like, "Okay, has these presents and I'm like, "Okay, has these presents and I'm like, "Okay, they're all presents the same thing for they're all presents the same thing for they're all presents the same thing for everybody. Maybe it's like a, you know, everybody. Maybe it's like a, you know, everybody. Maybe it's like a, you know, nice little cool small present." And no, nice little cool small present." And no, nice little cool small present." And no, EJ has a unique present for each kid. EJ has a unique present for each kid. EJ has a unique present for each kid. And he starts passing it out to these And he starts passing it out to these And he starts passing it out to these young men and they open them one by one young men and they open them one by one young men and they open them one by one and they're like in my living room and they're like in my living room and they're like in my living room going, "Yeah, yeah." And I want you to going, "Yeah, yeah." And I want you to going, "Yeah, yeah." And I want you to see a picture of why they said that. So see a picture of why they said that. So see a picture of why they said that. So EJ knows what each of the young men EJ knows what each of the young men EJ knows what each of the young men loves and he got them jerseys. All of loves and he got them jerseys. All of loves and he got them jerseys. All of them are wearing a jersey of their them are wearing a jersey of their them are wearing a jersey of their favorite team. And thank God, no Raiders favorite team. And thank God, no Raiders favorite team. And thank God, no Raiders fans in that group. But fans in that group. But fans in that group. But he blessed them. And he knew what they he blessed them. And he knew what they he blessed them. And he knew what they he knew what they love. He used what God he knew what they love. He used what God he knew what they love. He used what God had placed in his hands to bless all of had placed in his hands to bless all of had placed in his hands to bless all of these friends of his. So I just I love these friends of his. So I just I love these friends of his. So I just I love that example of using what God gives us that example of using what God gives us that example of using what God gives us for good. Can we just celebrate EJ? Just for good. Can we just celebrate EJ? Just for good. Can we just celebrate EJ? Just a awesome story.

The other part of using money for good The other part of using money for good that there's there's a righteous that there's there's a righteous that there's there's a righteous principle at play in Proverbs 2:15 that principle at play in Proverbs 2:15 that principle at play in Proverbs 2:15 that helps us see that good planning and hard helps us see that good planning and hard helps us see that good planning and hard work leads to prosperity, but hasty work leads to prosperity, but hasty work leads to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts leads to poverty. Good shortcuts leads to poverty. Good shortcuts leads to poverty. Good planning plus hard work leads to planning plus hard work leads to planning plus hard work leads to prosperity. prosperity. prosperity. And it it it's so goes that money comes And it it it's so goes that money comes And it it it's so goes that money comes from work. Money, my dad used to say, from work. Money, my dad used to say, from work. Money, my dad used to say, money does not grow on trees. And the money does not grow on trees. And the money does not grow on trees. And the the truth is a lot of people look to the truth is a lot of people look to the truth is a lot of people look to someone else to provide them money as someone else to provide them money as someone else to provide them money as though it's their job. It's not the though it's their job. It's not the though it's their job. It's not the government's job to provide money for government's job to provide money for government's job to provide money for every person and that it's not the every person and that it's not the every person and that it's not the government's job to provide money for government's job to provide money for government's job to provide money for people. That's that is what happens people. That's that is what happens people. That's that is what happens often times when we look at ourselves often times when we look at ourselves often times when we look at ourselves and we're like, man, we we struggle. and we're like, man, we we struggle. and we're like, man, we we struggle. Somebody else should take care of us. Somebody else should take care of us. Somebody else should take care of us. And the truth is, especially for men, And the truth is, especially for men, And the truth is, especially for men, God gives us the responsibility to work God gives us the responsibility to work God gives us the responsibility to work hard for our family and to provide an hard for our family and to provide an hard for our family and to provide an income with his help, to work hard and income with his help, to work hard and income with his help, to work hard and plan. So we want to develop a mindset plan. So we want to develop a mindset plan. So we want to develop a mindset that money comes from work. We used to that money comes from work. We used to that money comes from work. We used to say this to our kids when they were say this to our kids when they were say this to our kids when they were young, money comes from work. Sometimes young, money comes from work. Sometimes young, money comes from work. Sometimes money works, but money comes from money works, but money comes from money works, but money comes from ultimately the origination is from God.

ultimately the origination is from God. ultimately the origination is from God. and then he uses work to distribute it. and then he uses work to distribute it. and then he uses work to distribute it. In addition to that, Solomon is saying In addition to that, Solomon is saying In addition to that, Solomon is saying you should have a money plan. You should you should have a money plan. You should you should have a money plan. You should have a plan of what you're going to do have a plan of what you're going to do have a plan of what you're going to do with that money. So, if you've been with that money. So, if you've been with that money. So, if you've been around our church for a long time, if around our church for a long time, if around our church for a long time, if you've been a part of this family for you've been a part of this family for you've been a part of this family for decades, you know the 101080 plan. How decades, you know the 101080 plan. How decades, you know the 101080 plan. How many of you have heard of the 101080 many of you have heard of the 101080 many of you have heard of the 101080 plan before? So, I love this concept and plan before? So, I love this concept and plan before? So, I love this concept and it's not in the Bible, but it's a it's not in the Bible, but it's a it's not in the Bible, but it's a principle-based concept for a plan of principle-based concept for a plan of principle-based concept for a plan of what do you do with $100 or 100% of what what do you do with $100 or 100% of what what do you do with $100 or 100% of what comes into your hands? 10 1080 plan. And comes into your hands? 10 1080 plan. And comes into your hands? 10 1080 plan. And I want to break it down. So, I've got I want to break it down. So, I've got I want to break it down. So, I've got some cash that somebody got me. I said, some cash that somebody got me. I said, some cash that somebody got me. I said, "Can you give me a $100 on your way to "Can you give me a $100 on your way to "Can you give me a $100 on your way to church and give it to me?" And then I church and give it to me?" And then I church and give it to me?" And then I I'll try to give it back to you after I'll try to give it back to you after I'll try to give it back to you after church today. So, so I have 10 tens church today. So, so I have 10 tens church today. So, so I have 10 tens right here. And these 10 tens represent right here. And these 10 tens represent right here. And these 10 tens represent all the money that comes through 100%. all the money that comes through 100%. all the money that comes through 100%. And if I look at this money and I say, And if I look at this money and I say, And if I look at this money and I say, "Okay, well, you know, there's the "Okay, well, you know, there's the "Okay, well, you know, there's the Netflix bill and then playoff time for Netflix bill and then playoff time for Netflix bill and then playoff time for football. There's the YouTube TV bill football. There's the YouTube TV bill football. There's the YouTube TV bill and then there's, you know, there's the and then there's, you know, there's the and then there's, you know, there's the In-N-Out burger bill and then there's, In-N-Out burger bill and then there's, In-N-Out burger bill and then there's, you know, the house bill." And if I just you know, the house bill." And if I just you know, the house bill." And if I just keep going, eventually I get to a place keep going, eventually I get to a place keep going, eventually I get to a place where it's all gone. And what the Bible where it's all gone. And what the Bible where it's all gone. And what the Bible teaches us is that actually money works teaches us is that actually money works teaches us is that actually money works out of priority and order. And the first out of priority and order. And the first out of priority and order. And the first of what God gives to me, the first I of what God gives to me, the first I of what God gives to me, the first I give back to him as a tithe. So the give back to him as a tithe. So the give back to him as a tithe. So the first 10% of my income goes back to God.

first 10% of my income goes back to God. first 10% of my income goes back to God. And this is a biblical principle. It And this is a biblical principle. It And this is a biblical principle. It shows up in the Bible. The word tithe shows up in the Bible. The word tithe shows up in the Bible. The word tithe means the first tenth. And the question means the first tenth. And the question means the first tenth. And the question becomes why? Like why do why do I tithe? becomes why? Like why do why do I tithe? becomes why? Like why do why do I tithe? I had a father as a growing up as a kid I had a father as a growing up as a kid I had a father as a growing up as a kid that modeled this for me. So I never I that modeled this for me. So I never I that modeled this for me. So I never I never lived my life not not having an never lived my life not not having an never lived my life not not having an example financially of somebody ahead of example financially of somebody ahead of example financially of somebody ahead of me to to show me how to do this. But we me to to show me how to do this. But we me to to show me how to do this. But we would sit in church and he would every would sit in church and he would every would sit in church and he would every week he'd write his check and he would week he'd write his check and he would week he'd write his check and he would give it back to God as a tithe back to give it back to God as a tithe back to give it back to God as a tithe back to God. Now in Deuteronomy 14:23 it says God. Now in Deuteronomy 14:23 it says God. Now in Deuteronomy 14:23 it says the reason why the purpose of tithing is the reason why the purpose of tithing is the reason why the purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in to teach you always to put God first in to teach you always to put God first in your life. So when I take the first your life. So when I take the first your life. So when I take the first tenth of what God entrusts to me and I tenth of what God entrusts to me and I tenth of what God entrusts to me and I give it back to God, what I'm telling my give it back to God, what I'm telling my give it back to God, what I'm telling my soul is that it all came from God and I soul is that it all came from God and I soul is that it all came from God and I rely upon God to provide for every need rely upon God to provide for every need rely upon God to provide for every need that I have. Well, Malachi also that I have. Well, Malachi also that I have. Well, Malachi also describes that this is an invitation describes that this is an invitation describes that this is an invitation from God to blessing. And I have seen from God to blessing. And I have seen from God to blessing. And I have seen this in my own life and in the lives of this in my own life and in the lives of this in my own life and in the lives of thousands of people throughout the last thousands of people throughout the last thousands of people throughout the last 25 years of ministry that when we put 25 years of ministry that when we put 25 years of ministry that when we put God first, there's a blessing. So God first, there's a blessing. So God first, there's a blessing. So Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, which is the tithe into the storehouse, which is the tithe into the storehouse, which is the local church." And it says, "That there local church." And it says, "That there local church." And it says, "That there might be food in my house. Test me in might be food in my house. Test me in might be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I don't throw open the floodgates of I don't throw open the floodgates of I don't throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing heaven and pour out so much blessing heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to that there will not be room enough to that there will not be room enough to store it." This is an invitation from store it." This is an invitation from store it." This is an invitation from God to trust him first. Now, I want to God to trust him first. Now, I want to God to trust him first. Now, I want to say a couple things here. First of all, say a couple things here. First of all, say a couple things here. First of all, I want you to know this is not about

I want you to know this is not about I want you to know this is not about what I or we want from you. It's about what I or we want from you. It's about what I or we want from you. It's about what we want for you. And I believe that what we want for you. And I believe that what we want for you. And I believe that that when you trust God first, you that when you trust God first, you that when you trust God first, you experience blessing as a result. I also experience blessing as a result. I also experience blessing as a result. I also know that there are some of you that are know that there are some of you that are know that there are some of you that are strapped and there there there are some strapped and there there there are some strapped and there there there are some of you that deep within your soul, and I of you that deep within your soul, and I of you that deep within your soul, and I believe this to be the case for most believe this to be the case for most believe this to be the case for most followers of Jesus who are not living followers of Jesus who are not living followers of Jesus who are not living generously. The primary problem is not generously. The primary problem is not generously. The primary problem is not that they're stingy. The problem is that that they're stingy. The problem is that that they're stingy. The problem is that they're strapped. And so, what do you do they're strapped. And so, what do you do they're strapped. And so, what do you do when you're strapped? like everything when you're strapped? like everything when you're strapped? like everything your bills are more than the amount of your bills are more than the amount of your bills are more than the amount of money than you can bring in. My money than you can bring in. My money than you can bring in. My encouragement to you if that's you to encouragement to you if that's you to encouragement to you if that's you to get on the journey of trusting God at a get on the journey of trusting God at a get on the journey of trusting God at a deeper level and just start pick a deeper level and just start pick a deeper level and just start pick a percentage and go like pick a percentage percentage and go like pick a percentage percentage and go like pick a percentage and start trusting God and watch God and start trusting God and watch God and start trusting God and watch God bless you as you trust in him more and bless you as you trust in him more and bless you as you trust in him more and more. Now in our family we every every more. Now in our family we every every more. Now in our family we every every time a paycheck comes in the first thing time a paycheck comes in the first thing time a paycheck comes in the first thing that we give we give back to God. And so that we give we give back to God. And so that we give we give back to God. And so in that decision is to say, "Okay, God, in that decision is to say, "Okay, God, in that decision is to say, "Okay, God, I'm going to trust you at this level and I'm going to trust you at this level and I'm going to trust you at this level and over time, watch him bless you." Now, over time, watch him bless you." Now, over time, watch him bless you." Now, I'm going to also talk about if you're I'm going to also talk about if you're I'm going to also talk about if you're in that position, how do you get out of in that position, how do you get out of in that position, how do you get out of that position? Because I think we also that position? Because I think we also that position? Because I think we also need a plan to move away from that to need a plan to move away from that to need a plan to move away from that to live with freedom in our finances. So live with freedom in our finances. So live with freedom in our finances. So the second is to save. So the first 10 I the second is to save. So the first 10 I the second is to save. So the first 10 I give, the second 10 I save, and I I put give, the second 10 I save, and I I put give, the second 10 I save, and I I put it back for the future. It might be for it back for the future. It might be for it back for the future. It might be for a need. It might be for something ahead a need. It might be for something ahead a need. It might be for something ahead of me. But I'm saving it into the future of me. But I'm saving it into the future of me. But I'm saving it into the future and not spending all that comes through.

and not spending all that comes through. and not spending all that comes through. Now, Proverbs 21 says this, verse 20, Now, Proverbs 21 says this, verse 20, Now, Proverbs 21 says this, verse 20, "Precious treasure and oil are in a wise "Precious treasure and oil are in a wise "Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man man's dwelling, but a foolish man man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours all that he has." And I just devours all that he has." And I just devours all that he has." And I just have this image that Solomon is like, have this image that Solomon is like, have this image that Solomon is like, there's a guy and everything that comes there's a guy and everything that comes there's a guy and everything that comes into his hands, he's like into his hands, he's like into his hands, he's like and he eats it all and it's all gone. and he eats it all and it's all gone. and he eats it all and it's all gone. And that's the way a lot of people live And that's the way a lot of people live And that's the way a lot of people live their lives. They devour all that they their lives. They devour all that they their lives. They devour all that they have. So we want to learn and ask the have. So we want to learn and ask the have. So we want to learn and ask the question, how do I reduce my expenses to question, how do I reduce my expenses to question, how do I reduce my expenses to live below my means so that I'm not live below my means so that I'm not live below my means so that I'm not always strapped? But that also requires always strapped? But that also requires always strapped? But that also requires a plan for that last 80% to spend. So a plan for that last 80% to spend. So a plan for that last 80% to spend. So that's where all like the house bill and that's where all like the house bill and that's where all like the house bill and the electric bill and the water bill and the electric bill and the water bill and the electric bill and the water bill and the bread and the you know all the the bread and the you know all the the bread and the you know all the chicken for the kids and all the chicken for the kids and all the chicken for the kids and all the barbecue all that comes into play and barbecue all that comes into play and barbecue all that comes into play and that's a part of life. Like if you if that's a part of life. Like if you if that's a part of life. Like if you if you have a family there there are you have a family there there are you have a family there there are expenses and your investment in your expenses and your investment in your expenses and your investment in your family is also an investment in eternal family is also an investment in eternal family is also an investment in eternal things. Like those kids are going to things. Like those kids are going to things. Like those kids are going to last for eternity and you want them to last for eternity and you want them to last for eternity and you want them to know the heart of God. So you're you're know the heart of God. So you're you're know the heart of God. So you're you're serving them with your provision for serving them with your provision for serving them with your provision for your family. That 80% does matter. And your family. That 80% does matter. And your family. That 80% does matter. And there are some times in life where where there are some times in life where where there are some times in life where where we get to a place where we're strapped we get to a place where we're strapped we get to a place where we're strapped and we don't know what to do. And what I and we don't know what to do. And what I and we don't know what to do. And what I hope for you today, I want you to look hope for you today, I want you to look hope for you today, I want you to look me in the eyes at all of our campuses.

me in the eyes at all of our campuses. me in the eyes at all of our campuses. What I hope for you today is that you What I hope for you today is that you What I hope for you today is that you can lift your head, that you don't walk can lift your head, that you don't walk can lift your head, that you don't walk out in shame or guilt, and that you hear out in shame or guilt, and that you hear out in shame or guilt, and that you hear from God a sense of hope that there's a from God a sense of hope that there's a from God a sense of hope that there's a way forward for you. Stacy and I were in way forward for you. Stacy and I were in way forward for you. Stacy and I were in that place in the first few years of our that place in the first few years of our that place in the first few years of our marriage. We were broke. We struggled marriage. We were broke. We struggled marriage. We were broke. We struggled paycheck to paycheck. I was going to paycheck to paycheck. I was going to paycheck to paycheck. I was going to grad school. Uh we had student loans. I grad school. Uh we had student loans. I grad school. Uh we had student loans. I was starting a church from scratch with was starting a church from scratch with was starting a church from scratch with her help, but I was the one getting her help, but I was the one getting her help, but I was the one getting paid. And it was not enough money. She paid. And it was not enough money. She paid. And it was not enough money. She was teaching and all of this had was teaching and all of this had was teaching and all of this had combined and she got pregnant with combined and she got pregnant with combined and she got pregnant with Cademan, our oldest. And we wanted her Cademan, our oldest. And we wanted her Cademan, our oldest. And we wanted her to stay at home at work and not continue to stay at home at work and not continue to stay at home at work and not continue to work as a teacher. And there was one to work as a teacher. And there was one to work as a teacher. And there was one day I was walking through the halls of day I was walking through the halls of day I was walking through the halls of the church where they had an office they the church where they had an office they the church where they had an office they were letting our our little fledgling were letting our our little fledgling were letting our our little fledgling church plant office out of. And I was church plant office out of. And I was church plant office out of. And I was walking through the hallway and the guy walking through the hallway and the guy walking through the hallway and the guy that was on staff who I knew who had that was on staff who I knew who had that was on staff who I knew who had kind of given us the office saw me and kind of given us the office saw me and kind of given us the office saw me and he's like, "Dude, you you look messed up he's like, "Dude, you you look messed up he's like, "Dude, you you look messed up today. What's wrong with you?" And I'm today. What's wrong with you?" And I'm today. What's wrong with you?" And I'm like, "Bro, my my wife's pregnant and like, "Bro, my my wife's pregnant and like, "Bro, my my wife's pregnant and we're struggling struggling financially we're struggling struggling financially we're struggling struggling financially and I I I just like I don't know what to and I I I just like I don't know what to and I I I just like I don't know what to do." And he goes, "You need to go to do." And he goes, "You need to go to do." And he goes, "You need to go to Financial Peace. It's it's $100." I'm Financial Peace. It's it's $100." I'm Financial Peace. It's it's $100." I'm like, "Bro, I just told you I'm broke. I like, "Bro, I just told you I'm broke. I like, "Bro, I just told you I'm broke. I can't I can't pay $100." And he's like, can't I can't pay $100." And he's like, can't I can't pay $100." And he's like, "I'll pay for it. I'll pay for it for "I'll pay for it. I'll pay for it for "I'll pay for it. I'll pay for it for you." And this guy, I still think about you." And this guy, I still think about you." And this guy, I still think about he was on staff at Saddleback for a he was on staff at Saddleback for a he was on staff at Saddleback for a while, guy named Clayton Coats. Uh he while, guy named Clayton Coats. Uh he while, guy named Clayton Coats. Uh he said, "I'll take care of it." So Stacy said, "I'll take care of it." So Stacy said, "I'll take care of it." So Stacy and I started going to this financial and I started going to this financial and I started going to this financial piece, which is a 12week course small

piece, which is a 12week course small piece, which is a 12week course small group where you get a plan. You talk group where you get a plan. You talk group where you get a plan. You talk through how do you budget your money? through how do you budget your money? through how do you budget your money? What do you do with it? How do you get What do you do with it? How do you get What do you do with it? How do you get rid of debt if you have it? He gives rid of debt if you have it? He gives rid of debt if you have it? He gives this idea of a debt snowball and it's this idea of a debt snowball and it's this idea of a debt snowball and it's the Dave Ramsey course and it I'm the Dave Ramsey course and it I'm the Dave Ramsey course and it I'm telling you it changed our life. Like if telling you it changed our life. Like if telling you it changed our life. Like if I look back on our journey of marriage, I look back on our journey of marriage, I look back on our journey of marriage, that was a shift in our marriage that if that was a shift in our marriage that if that was a shift in our marriage that if we had not gone through that course at we had not gone through that course at we had not gone through that course at that time, I think we would have that time, I think we would have that time, I think we would have continued to struggle in our marriage continued to struggle in our marriage continued to struggle in our marriage with finances. And I say all that to say with finances. And I say all that to say with finances. And I say all that to say I'm very very excited about the fact I'm very very excited about the fact I'm very very excited about the fact that at all of our campuses when we roll that at all of our campuses when we roll that at all of our campuses when we roll out our small groups this semester, out our small groups this semester, out our small groups this semester, we're going to be rolling out financial we're going to be rolling out financial we're going to be rolling out financial peace at every one of our campuses. And peace at every one of our campuses. And peace at every one of our campuses. And it is a great opportunity. Now, now here it's not a hundred bucks. Now, now here it's not a hundred bucks. So, you know, get that out of your mind. So, you know, get that out of your mind. So, you know, get that out of your mind. Maybe you're holding on. I can't do it, Maybe you're holding on. I can't do it, Maybe you're holding on. I can't do it, man. Well, we don't want that to be a man. Well, we don't want that to be a man. Well, we don't want that to be a barrier. So, if that's a barrier, let us barrier. So, if that's a barrier, let us barrier. So, if that's a barrier, let us know. We will help. And really, it's it know. We will help. And really, it's it know. We will help. And really, it's it is one of the greatest opportunities to is one of the greatest opportunities to is one of the greatest opportunities to step into community, learn, and grow. step into community, learn, and grow. step into community, learn, and grow. And I want you to hear just a couple of And I want you to hear just a couple of And I want you to hear just a couple of stories of people who have taken that stories of people who have taken that stories of people who have taken that step and one leader who leads the step and one leader who leads the step and one leader who leads the financial peace group and let them share financial peace group and let them share financial peace group and let them share their story of how God's used that in their story of how God's used that in their story of how God's used that in their life. Let's watch together.

their life. Let's watch together. their life. Let's watch together. >> I've been with the Financial Freedom >> I've been with the Financial Freedom >> I've been with the Financial Freedom Ministry for about three years. Ministry for about three years. Ministry for about three years. >> I [music] started learning about >> I [music] started learning about >> I [music] started learning about financial peace university financial peace university financial peace university through myself just trying to get out of through myself just trying to get out of through myself just trying to get out of debt. I had [music] been through a debt. I had [music] been through a debt. I had [music] been through a divorce, had a lot of debt, and attended divorce, had a lot of debt, and attended divorce, had a lot of debt, and attended my first financial peace class, and it my first financial peace class, and it my first financial peace class, and it started to change my life. People are started to change my life. People are started to change my life. People are coming in that are [music] coming in that are [music] coming in that are [music] unemployed, in mounds of debt, don't unemployed, in mounds of debt, don't unemployed, in mounds of debt, don't know how to budget, um have never gotten know how to budget, um have never gotten know how to budget, um have never gotten insurance before. They're they're insurance before. They're they're insurance before. They're they're leaving with a more positive [music] leaving with a more positive [music] leaving with a more positive [music] impact on their life from taking the impact on their life from taking the impact on their life from taking the class. class. class. >> They're changing. Their lifestyle is >> They're changing. Their lifestyle is >> They're changing. Their lifestyle is changing. They're being less stressed changing. They're being less stressed changing. They're being less stressed about money. So you see God working, about money. So you see God working, about money. So you see God working, doing his miracles, you know, making doing his miracles, you know, making doing his miracles, you know, making changes [music] in people's lives. changes [music] in people's lives. changes [music] in people's lives. >> I had 13 credit cards that were maxed >> I had 13 credit cards that were maxed >> I had 13 credit cards that were maxed out. Now I have no credit cards that are out. Now I have no credit cards that are out. Now I have no credit cards that are maxed out. And my daughter too, she had maxed out. And my daughter too, she had maxed out. And my daughter too, she had a car debt. She had a credit card debt a car debt. She had a credit card debt a car debt. She had a credit card debt and she had huge and she had huge and she had huge uh student loan debt. [music] And in uh student loan debt. [music] And in uh student loan debt. [music] And in October of 2025, October of 2025, October of 2025, as my daughter hit the last pay [music] as my daughter hit the last pay [music] as my daughter hit the last pay [music] student loan, my I'm going to cry. My student loan, my I'm going to cry. My student loan, my I'm going to cry. My daughter shouted out, "Mom, I'm daughter shouted out, "Mom, I'm daughter shouted out, "Mom, I'm debtree." And it was just so exciting to debtree." And it was just so exciting to debtree." And it was just so exciting to see that my commitment and my diligence see that my commitment and my diligence see that my commitment and my diligence to pay off my own debt was able to like to pay off my own debt was able to like to pay off my own debt was able to like my daughter took it as a sponge and she my daughter took it as a sponge and she my daughter took it as a sponge and she was able to also pay off her own debt.

was able to also pay off her own debt. was able to also pay off her own debt. Don't feel embarrassed about what you're Don't feel embarrassed about what you're Don't feel embarrassed about what you're going through. You just need a plan, a going through. You just need a plan, a going through. You just need a plan, a system to help you get out of that. system to help you get out of that. system to help you get out of that. >> We get all to like how to do a budget, >> We get all to like how to do a budget, >> We get all to like how to do a budget, debt, insurance planning, retirement debt, insurance planning, retirement debt, insurance planning, retirement planning, but like in the end, we want planning, but like in the end, we want planning, but like in the end, we want to [music] live leave a legacy. to [music] live leave a legacy. to [music] live leave a legacy. >> Our ultimate goal is generosity, giving >> Our ultimate goal is generosity, giving >> Our ultimate goal is generosity, giving to impact other people to change the to impact other people to change the to impact other people to change the world around us. I always get to learn world around us. I always get to learn world around us. I always get to learn something new every time I still teach something new every time I still teach something new every time I still teach the class because I'm in a different the class because I'm in a different the class because I'm in a different stage of my life that it may not have stage of my life that it may not have stage of my life that it may not have rung [music] a bell 10 years ago, but it rung [music] a bell 10 years ago, but it rung [music] a bell 10 years ago, but it rings a bell now. rings a bell now. rings a bell now. >> You will see God working, doing his >> You will see God working, doing his >> You will see God working, doing his work, and [music] that's the most work, and [music] that's the most work, and [music] that's the most rewarding part in this ministry. rewarding part in this ministry. rewarding part in this ministry. >> I'd love to invite you guys to the >> I'd love to invite you guys to the >> I'd love to invite you guys to the Financial Peace University um that's Financial Peace University um that's Financial Peace University um that's starting up in February. [music] Just starting up in February. [music] Just starting up in February. [music] Just come cuz all the leaders are going to come cuz all the leaders are going to come cuz all the leaders are going to welcome you. You'll get to meet some new welcome you. You'll get to meet some new welcome you. You'll get to meet some new people that you'll see around campus now people that you'll see around campus now people that you'll see around campus now and so you'll like build friends. and so you'll like build friends. and so you'll like build friends. [music] [music] [music] It's about walking into the room and It's about walking into the room and It's about walking into the room and knowing that you are on your way to knowing that you are on your way to knowing that you are on your way to financial peace and building financial peace and building financial peace and building relationships with others that truly relationships with others that truly relationships with others that truly understand where you are.

What gets me so excited is to think What gets me so excited is to think about literally thousands of families about literally thousands of families about literally thousands of families from our church that could have that from our church that could have that from our church that could have that exact same experience. This this next 12 exact same experience. This this next 12 exact same experience. This this next 12 weeks is one of the greatest weeks is one of the greatest weeks is one of the greatest opportunities to get on track through opportunities to get on track through opportunities to get on track through our small groups with Financial Peace our small groups with Financial Peace our small groups with Financial Peace University. So, I want to share with you University. So, I want to share with you University. So, I want to share with you very briefly how you can be a part of very briefly how you can be a part of very briefly how you can be a part of that, how you can get into one of those that, how you can get into one of those that, how you can get into one of those small groups. If you'll pull out your small groups. If you'll pull out your small groups. If you'll pull out your phone and if you will text to 83,000, phone and if you will text to 83,000, phone and if you will text to 83,000, text FPU to 83,000. You'll get a link text FPU to 83,000. You'll get a link text FPU to 83,000. You'll get a link that will come directly to your phone. that will come directly to your phone. that will come directly to your phone. And when that link comes to your phone, And when that link comes to your phone, And when that link comes to your phone, there's going to be a short form that there's going to be a short form that there's going to be a short form that looks like this. This is not you signing looks like this. This is not you signing looks like this. This is not you signing up for the rest of your life. This is up for the rest of your life. This is up for the rest of your life. This is not even you signing up for the group. not even you signing up for the group. not even you signing up for the group. This is you just saying, "I'm interested This is you just saying, "I'm interested This is you just saying, "I'm interested in being a part of a financial peace in being a part of a financial peace in being a part of a financial peace group." Now, you'll see when you go group." Now, you'll see when you go group." Now, you'll see when you go there, not only is there an opportunity there, not only is there an opportunity there, not only is there an opportunity to be a part of a group, but there's an to be a part of a group, but there's an to be a part of a group, but there's an opportunity to lead a group. Maybe you opportunity to lead a group. Maybe you opportunity to lead a group. Maybe you you see a lot of fruit in this area and you see a lot of fruit in this area and you see a lot of fruit in this area and God's blessed you and you can lead a God's blessed you and you can lead a God's blessed you and you can lead a group. We'd love to invite you to be a group. We'd love to invite you to be a group. We'd love to invite you to be a part of that team that leads out. Let's part of that team that leads out. Let's part of that team that leads out. Let's keep that up for just another moment. keep that up for just another moment. keep that up for just another moment. And then the other thing you're going to And then the other thing you're going to And then the other thing you're going to see there is there's below that the see there is there's below that the see there is there's below that the opportunity to say, you know what, I opportunity to say, you know what, I opportunity to say, you know what, I want to lead a group, but maybe not a want to lead a group, but maybe not a want to lead a group, but maybe not a financial peace small group. Now, as financial peace small group. Now, as financial peace small group. Now, as you're looking at this for just a you're looking at this for just a you're looking at this for just a moment, there are some of you that are moment, there are some of you that are moment, there are some of you that are thinking, I'm going to go home and I'm thinking, I'm going to go home and I'm thinking, I'm going to go home and I'm going to do it. I'm going to think about going to do it. I'm going to think about going to do it. I'm going to think about it later. No, you won't. You will forget it later. No, you won't. You will forget it later. No, you won't. You will forget about it and you won't do it. You'll be about it and you won't do it. You'll be about it and you won't do it. You'll be watching football and your team will watching football and your team will watching football and your team will lose because you didn't obey God in lose because you didn't obey God in lose because you didn't obey God in church today and sign up for financial church today and sign up for financial church today and sign up for financial peace. So, I want to just ask you to do peace. So, I want to just ask you to do peace. So, I want to just ask you to do it now. just to text to 83,000 FPU. Take

it now. just to text to 83,000 FPU. Take it now. just to text to 83,000 FPU. Take that step to sign up to say I'm that step to sign up to say I'm that step to sign up to say I'm interested. And that will be a moment interested. And that will be a moment interested. And that will be a moment that God will use powerfully. And I just that God will use powerfully. And I just that God will use powerfully. And I just think about God's journey that he took think about God's journey that he took think about God's journey that he took us on of how our lives were changed as a us on of how our lives were changed as a us on of how our lives were changed as a result. Those 12 weeks, you walk out result. Those 12 weeks, you walk out result. Those 12 weeks, you walk out with a plan. You walk out with with a plan. You walk out with with a plan. You walk out with direction, with common language. If direction, with common language. If direction, with common language. If you're married, it changes the game. you're married, it changes the game. you're married, it changes the game. That step can make generational impact That step can make generational impact That step can make generational impact in your life. Now, I have one last uh in your life. Now, I have one last uh in your life. Now, I have one last uh blank because I don't want everybody blank because I don't want everybody blank because I don't want everybody shaking on their way home. Um, but in shaking on their way home. Um, but in shaking on their way home. Um, but in your notes, the last point I want to your notes, the last point I want to your notes, the last point I want to make today is that righteous living with make today is that righteous living with make today is that righteous living with money is to trust God over money. It's money is to trust God over money. It's money is to trust God over money. It's to trust God over the wealth of this to trust God over the wealth of this to trust God over the wealth of this world. And as we conclude our time world. And as we conclude our time world. And as we conclude our time together today, I want to read this together today, I want to read this together today, I want to read this proverb over you. It says, "Trust in proverb over you. It says, "Trust in proverb over you. It says, "Trust in your money and down you go, but the your money and down you go, but the your money and down you go, but the godly will flourish like leaves in the godly will flourish like leaves in the godly will flourish like leaves in the spring." And it doesn't say anything spring." And it doesn't say anything spring." And it doesn't say anything about the amount of money you make. In about the amount of money you make. In about the amount of money you make. In that verse, it says about trusting in that verse, it says about trusting in that verse, it says about trusting in God and flourishing in every season. So God and flourishing in every season. So God and flourishing in every season. So when you have a lot and when you have a when you have a lot and when you have a when you have a lot and when you have a little, you can live in such a way that little, you can live in such a way that little, you can live in such a way that you flourish if your trust is in God.

you flourish if your trust is in God. you flourish if your trust is in God. And I want to ask you right now in this And I want to ask you right now in this And I want to ask you right now in this moment to put your trust in him, moment to put your trust in him, moment to put your trust in him, especially with your finances. You could especially with your finances. You could especially with your finances. You could do that by writing a prayer request on do that by writing a prayer request on do that by writing a prayer request on the back of that prayer card card that the back of that prayer card card that the back of that prayer card card that you have, but also just very simply just you have, but also just very simply just you have, but also just very simply just acknowledging your trust in God. So, I acknowledging your trust in God. So, I acknowledging your trust in God. So, I want to invite you, if you will, to want to invite you, if you will, to want to invite you, if you will, to close your eyes and bow your head for a close your eyes and bow your head for a close your eyes and bow your head for a moment. And some of you as you do, moment. And some of you as you do, moment. And some of you as you do, you're you're trusting in God today you're you're trusting in God today you're you're trusting in God today needs to be for the forgiveness of your needs to be for the forgiveness of your needs to be for the forgiveness of your sin. And just to say, God, I need your sin. And just to say, God, I need your sin. And just to say, God, I need your mercy in my life, the forgiveness of my mercy in my life, the forgiveness of my mercy in my life, the forgiveness of my sin. Jesus died on a cross and rose sin. Jesus died on a cross and rose sin. Jesus died on a cross and rose again from the dead so that you can have again from the dead so that you can have again from the dead so that you can have the gift of eternal life. And today you the gift of eternal life. And today you the gift of eternal life. And today you can put your trust in him. If that's can put your trust in him. If that's can put your trust in him. If that's you, just tell him, "I want to put my you, just tell him, "I want to put my you, just tell him, "I want to put my trust in you in this moment." And there trust in you in this moment." And there trust in you in this moment." And there are some of you right now that that are some of you right now that that are some of you right now that that decision as you trust in him, you you decision as you trust in him, you you decision as you trust in him, you you right now sense God drawing you to right now sense God drawing you to right now sense God drawing you to himself. And you can make that decision himself. And you can make that decision himself. And you can make that decision right now. And there are others of you right now. And there are others of you right now. And there are others of you right now with your head bowed and your right now with your head bowed and your right now with your head bowed and your clos eyes closed. There are some of you clos eyes closed. There are some of you clos eyes closed. There are some of you today that are recognizing you want to today that are recognizing you want to today that are recognizing you want to put this area of your life into God's put this area of your life into God's put this area of your life into God's hands. You say, "I want to put my trust hands. You say, "I want to put my trust hands. You say, "I want to put my trust in God over money." And right now, just in God over money." And right now, just in God over money." And right now, just tell them, God, I put this area of my tell them, God, I put this area of my tell them, God, I put this area of my life into your hands today. Just tell life into your hands today. Just tell life into your hands today. Just tell them from the bottom of your heart, God, them from the bottom of your heart, God, them from the bottom of your heart, God, I'm choosing to trust in you. And I want I'm choosing to trust in you. And I want I'm choosing to trust in you. And I want to ask right now, Holy Spirit, that you to ask right now, Holy Spirit, that you to ask right now, Holy Spirit, that you would lift the vision of every person would lift the vision of every person would lift the vision of every person listening to my voice. Lift our soul listening to my voice. Lift our soul listening to my voice. Lift our soul today that we might walk out with a today that we might walk out with a today that we might walk out with a countenance of hope and joy, knowing countenance of hope and joy, knowing countenance of hope and joy, knowing that there is a way forward. God, thank that there is a way forward. God, thank that there is a way forward. God, thank you that you're with us and for us. We you that you're with us and for us. We you that you're with us and for us. We pray all these things in the name of

pray all these things in the name of pray all these things in the name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Jesus. Amen. Amen. Jesus. Amen. Amen. Well, I hope that you are feeling Well, I hope that you are feeling Well, I hope that you are feeling encouraged today [music] by that encouraged today [music] by that encouraged today [music] by that message. You know, we are going through message. You know, we are going through message. You know, we are going through this back on track series because we this back on track series because we this back on track series because we believe that God [music] wants to offer believe that God [music] wants to offer believe that God [music] wants to offer each one of us hope whether it's in our each one of us hope whether it's in our each one of us hope whether it's in our finances or in our health or in our finances or in our health or in our finances or in our health or in our relationships. [music] relationships. [music] relationships. [music] We know that God is good. And in the We know that God is good. And in the We know that God is good. And in the Bible, he shows us that we can trust him Bible, he shows us that we can trust him Bible, he shows us that we can trust him with all [music] with all [music] with all [music] areas of our lives. And in just a areas of our lives. And in just a areas of our lives. And in just a moment, we're going to continue to moment, we're going to continue to moment, we're going to continue to worship through song. And as we do that, worship through song. And as we do that, worship through song. And as we do that, [music] we want to invite you to respond [music] we want to invite you to respond [music] we want to invite you to respond to this message in two ways. The first to this message in two ways. The first to this message in two ways. The first way is by letting us know how we [music] way is by letting us know how we [music] way is by letting us know how we [music] can be praying for you. We want to let can be praying for you. We want to let can be praying for you. We want to let you know that you can fill out a prayer you know that you can fill out a prayer you know that you can fill out a prayer card through the Saddleback app. And card through the Saddleback app. And card through the Saddleback app. And that's going to be an opportunity where that's going to be an opportunity where that's going to be an opportunity where we as a church family [music] are going we as a church family [music] are going we as a church family [music] are going to take those prayer requests and pray to take those prayer requests and pray to take those prayer requests and pray over them during 21 days of prayer. over them during 21 days of prayer. over them during 21 days of prayer. [music] [music] [music] And also the second way that you can And also the second way that you can And also the second way that you can respond today is by giving your tithes respond today is by giving your tithes respond today is by giving your tithes and your offerings. If you call and your offerings. If you call and your offerings. If you call Saddleach Church your [music] home and Saddleach Church your [music] home and Saddleach Church your [music] home and you want to trust God with the first 10% you want to trust God with the first 10% you want to trust God with the first 10% of what you earn, that tithe, that first of what you earn, that tithe, that first of what you earn, that tithe, that first 10% as Pastor Andy was talking about 10% as Pastor Andy was talking about 10% as Pastor Andy was talking about today, we want [music] to encourage you today, we want [music] to encourage you today, we want [music] to encourage you to do so through the Saddleback app as to do so through the Saddleback app as to do so through the Saddleback app as well. Or you can text the word give to well. Or you can text the word give to well. Or you can text the word give to 83,000 or scan the QR code that you see 83,000 or scan the QR code that you see 83,000 or scan the QR code that you see on [music] the screen. But as we worship on [music] the screen. But as we worship on [music] the screen. But as we worship together, we want to encourage you to together, we want to encourage you to together, we want to encourage you to respond to respond to what the Lord respond to respond to what the Lord respond to respond to what the Lord might be putting on your heart in this might be putting on your heart in this might be putting on your heart in this [music] moment. So let's worship.

Oh, [singing and music] your mercy never Oh, [singing and music] your mercy never fails me. fails me. fails me. All my [music and singing] days All my [music and singing] days All my [music and singing] days I've been held in your hands. [music] I've been held in your hands. [music] I've been held in your hands. [music] From the moment that [singing] I wake up From the moment that [singing] I wake up From the moment that [singing] I wake up [music] until I lay my head. [music] until I lay my head. [music] until I lay my head. Oh, I will [singing] sing of the Oh, I will [singing] sing of the Oh, I will [singing] sing of the goodness goodness goodness of God. All [music and singing] my life you have All [music and singing] my life you have been faithful. All my [music and singing] life you have All my [music and singing] life you have been so so good. been so so good. been so so good. [music] With every breath that [singing] [music] With every breath that [singing] [music] With every breath that [singing] I am able. I am able. I am able. Oh, [music] I will sing of the goodness Oh, [music] I will sing of the goodness Oh, [music] I will sing of the goodness [singing] [singing] [singing] of God. of God. of God. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [music] Your goodness is running after.

[music] Your goodness is running after. [music] Your goodness is running after. It's running [singing] after me. It's running [singing] after me. It's running [singing] after me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Your goodness is running after. It's >> Your goodness is running after. It's >> Your goodness is running after. It's running after [music] running after [music] running after [music] me. me. me. With my life [singing] laid down, With my life [singing] laid down, With my life [singing] laid down, surrender now. I give you everything. surrender now. I give you everything. surrender now. I give you everything. [music] Your goodness is [singing] running Your goodness is [singing] running after. It's running after me. Oh, after. It's running after me. Oh, after. It's running after me. Oh, your goodness is running after. [music] your goodness is running after. [music] your goodness is running after. [music] It's running after me. Oh my days It's running after me. Oh my days It's running after me. Oh my days [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] running out. It's running after me. running out. It's running after me. running out. It's running after me. With my life [music] laid down, I With my life [music] laid down, I With my life [music] laid down, I surrender now. I give you everything. Your goodness [music] is running after. Your goodness [music] is running after. [singing] [singing] [singing] It's running after me. if he's been good and faithful. Let's if he's been good and faithful. Let's declare these words today.

declare these words today. declare these words today. All my life you have been faithful. All my life you have been faithful. All my life you have been faithful. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. All my life you have been All my life you have been All my life you have been [music and singing] so so good. [music and singing] so so good. [music and singing] so so good. With every breath [singing] that I am With every breath [singing] that I am With every breath [singing] that I am able, able, able, I will sing of the goodness [music] I will sing of the goodness [music] I will sing of the goodness [music] of God. [singing] All my [music and singing] life you have All my [music and singing] life you have been faithful. been faithful. been faithful. Yes, you have, Lord. Yes, you have, Lord. Yes, you have, Lord. All my life [music and singing] All my life [music and singing] All my life [music and singing] you have been so so good. you have been so so good. you have been so so good. With every [music] breath that I am With every [music] breath that I am With every [music] breath that I am able. [singing] able. [singing] able. [singing] [music] Oh, I will sing of the goodness [music] Oh, I will sing of the goodness [music] Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God. [music] of God. [music] of God. [music] Oh, I will sing of the [music] goodness Oh, I will sing of the [music] goodness Oh, I will sing of the [music] goodness of God. [singing] Well, church family, [music] thank you Well, church family, [music] thank you for joining us for worship today. And for joining us for worship today. And for joining us for worship today. And hey, before you go, we want to remind hey, before you go, we want to remind hey, before you go, we want to remind you if you want to join [music] a you if you want to join [music] a you if you want to join [music] a Financial Peace University small group Financial Peace University small group Financial Peace University small group or maybe another small group, our spring or maybe another small group, our spring or maybe another small group, our spring semester of small groups is kicking off semester of small groups is kicking off semester of small groups is kicking off February [music] 7th. And so we want to February [music] 7th. And so we want to February [music] 7th. And so we want to invite you to learn more, find a group,

invite you to learn more, find a group, invite you to learn more, find a group, or maybe God is calling you [music] to or maybe God is calling you [music] to or maybe God is calling you [music] to lead a group in this semester and in lead a group in this semester and in lead a group in this semester and in this season. You can do that and find this season. You can do that and find this season. You can do that and find out more information through the out more information through the out more information through the Saddleback app. And through the app, you Saddleback app. And through the app, you Saddleback app. And through the app, you can also take another next step, [music] can also take another next step, [music] can also take another next step, [music] whether it's getting baptized, attending whether it's getting baptized, attending whether it's getting baptized, attending activate, or letting us know how we can activate, or letting us know how we can activate, or letting us know how we can be [music] praying for you. We love you be [music] praying for you. We love you be [music] praying for you. We love you so much, and we hope that you join us so much, and we hope that you join us so much, and we hope that you join us again next week as we continue this back again next week as we continue this back again next week as we continue this back on track series.