Listening to Silence | Full 11:11 service replay

Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music]

[music] >> Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. >> [music] >> [music] >> Are you [music] [music] ready? >> Good morning, second [music] family. >> Good morning, second [music] family. Let's stand to our feet. This is the day Let's stand to our feet. This is the day Let's stand to our feet. This is the day that the Lord has made. So, we will [music] rejoice and be glad So, we will [music] rejoice and be glad in it.

Praise [music] him for all that he's Praise [music] him for all that he's doing. doing. doing. Praise him for all that he's done. Praise him for all that he's done. Praise him for all that he's done. Seeing of the ways he is moving, Seeing of the ways he is moving, Seeing of the ways he is moving, working [music] through people like us. working [music] through people like us. working [music] through people like us. He's breaking the chains of [music] the He's breaking the chains of [music] the He's breaking the chains of [music] the sinner. sinner. sinner. He's raising the dead back to life. He's raising the dead back to life. He's raising the dead back to life. He's giving the lost new [music] He's giving the lost new [music] He's giving the lost new [music] beginnings. beginnings. beginnings. He's piercing the darkness with light. He's piercing the darkness with light. He's piercing the darkness with light. Oh, this [music] is the day. Come on, we Oh, this [music] is the day. Come on, we Oh, this [music] is the day. Come on, we declare declare declare the Lord is made. the Lord is made. the Lord is made. [music] [music] [music] Let us sing praise Let us sing praise Let us sing praise cuz this is the day we gather [music] in great expectation. we gather [music] in great expectation. There's nothing our God cannot do. There's nothing our God cannot do. There's nothing our God cannot do. His son is alive. [music] He is risen.

His son is alive. [music] He is risen. His son is alive. [music] He is risen. The spirit is making [music] us new. Oh, The spirit is making [music] us new. Oh, The spirit is making [music] us new. Oh, this is the day. Come on, church. this is the day. Come on, church. this is the day. Come on, church. The Lord is made. Let us [music] sing praise Let us [music] sing praise cuz this is the day. the Lord is made. the Lord is made. [music] Let us sing praise. [music] Let us sing praise. [music] Let us sing praise. Cuz [music] this is the day. Cuz [music] this is the day. Cuz [music] this is the day. Oh, this is the day. Oh, this is the day. Oh, this is the day. [music] Yes, this is the day we open [music] we open [music] your word. You open the gates. We open your word. You open the gates. We open your word. You open the gates. We open our hands to receive [music] our hands to receive [music] our hands to receive [music] your grace. We open our hearts. You pour your grace. We open our hearts. You pour your grace. We open our hearts. You pour [music] out your love. We lift up a song [music] out your love. We lift up a song [music] out your love. We lift up a song that you're worthy of. We open your that you're worthy of. We open your that you're worthy of. We open your word. You open the gates. [music] word. You open the gates. [music] word. You open the gates. [music] We open our heads to receive your grace.

We open our heads to receive your grace. We open our heads to receive your grace. We open our hearts. You pour out your We open our hearts. You pour out your We open our hearts. You pour out your love. [music] love. [music] love. [music] We lift up a song that you're worthy We lift up a song that you're worthy We lift up a song that you're worthy of. Oh, this is the [music] day. Come on, we Oh, this is the [music] day. Come on, we declare declare declare the Lord is made. [music] And let us sing praise. And let us sing praise. [music] Cuz this is the day. [singing] [music] Cuz this is the day. [singing] [music] Cuz this is the day. [singing] Yes, this is the day. This is [music] Yes, this is the day. This is [music] Yes, this is the day. This is [music] the day. This is the day. The day. The [music] This is the day. The day. The [music] day. Oh, this is the day. cuz this is [music] the day.

cuz this is [music] the day. Give him praise this morning. [music] Give him praise this morning. [music] Give him praise this morning. [music] Well, good morning 11-11. You may be Well, good morning 11-11. You may be Well, good morning 11-11. You may be seated. We [music] are thrilled that you seated. We [music] are thrilled that you seated. We [music] are thrilled that you are here worshiping with us today. We are here worshiping with us today. We are here worshiping with us today. We know that God has a great message for know that God has a great message for know that God has a great message for each and every one of us. Again, it is a each and every one of us. Again, it is a each and every one of us. Again, it is a treat to see you here, church family. If treat to see you here, church family. If treat to see you here, church family. If you are visiting and checking this place you are visiting and checking this place you are visiting and checking this place out, man, we are thrilled that you are out, man, we are thrilled that you are out, man, we are thrilled that you are here. It is not lost on us that this here. It is not lost on us that this here. It is not lost on us that this place is massive and it is easy to get place is massive and it is easy to get place is massive and it is easy to get lost in and we don't want that for you. lost in and we don't want that for you. lost in and we don't want that for you. So, if you're visiting, you're our So, if you're visiting, you're our So, if you're visiting, you're our honored guest. We would love to connect honored guest. We would love to connect honored guest. We would love to connect with you, but we're going to need you to with you, but we're going to need you to with you, but we're going to need you to do something for us. There's actually a do something for us. There's actually a do something for us. There's actually a connection card on the back of the seat connection card on the back of the seat connection card on the back of the seat that looks just like this in front of that looks just like this in front of that looks just like this in front of you. If you grab that card, you can fill you. If you grab that card, you can fill you. If you grab that card, you can fill it out and place it in the offering it out and place it in the offering it out and place it in the offering plate later on in the service or there's plate later on in the service or there's plate later on in the service or there's going to be a QR code on the screen. You going to be a QR code on the screen. You going to be a QR code on the screen. You can scan that QR code and fill out the can scan that QR code and fill out the can scan that QR code and fill out the information. One of our staff, some of information. One of our staff, some of information. One of our staff, some of our church family would love to reach our church family would love to reach our church family would love to reach out to you this week and hopefully get out to you this week and hopefully get out to you this week and hopefully get you plugged into what God is doing here you plugged into what God is doing here you plugged into what God is doing here at Second. Our pastor says all the time at Second. Our pastor says all the time at Second. Our pastor says all the time that Christianity is not a solo sport.

that Christianity is not a solo sport. that Christianity is not a solo sport. And so if you're out there this morning And so if you're out there this morning And so if you're out there this morning and you've been feeling beat up, you've and you've been feeling beat up, you've and you've been feeling beat up, you've been feeling lonely, then my prayer and been feeling lonely, then my prayer and been feeling lonely, then my prayer and hope for you today is that you would hope for you today is that you would hope for you today is that you would feel right at home, that you would feel right at home, that you would feel right at home, that you would realize that God has provided [music] a realize that God has provided [music] a realize that God has provided [music] a community around you to support you, to community around you to support you, to community around you to support you, to encourage you, and to do life with you. encourage you, and to do life with you. encourage you, and to do life with you. And we would love to do that with you. And we would love to do that with you. And we would love to do that with you. So please don't miss a chance to get So please don't miss a chance to get So please don't miss a chance to get plugged in. The best way for you to do plugged in. The best way for you to do plugged in. The best way for you to do that, though, is at the conclusion of that, though, is at the conclusion of that, though, is at the conclusion of our service. There's a red door located our service. There's a red door located our service. There's a red door located on either side of our worship center. if on either side of our worship center. if on either side of our worship center. if you would just stop by that red door. you would just stop by that red door. you would just stop by that red door. There's no kickoff this afternoon. The There's no kickoff this afternoon. The There's no kickoff this afternoon. The the Astros don't play till 1:30, so you the Astros don't play till 1:30, so you the Astros don't play till 1:30, so you have time. Stop by that red door. Let us have time. Stop by that red door. Let us have time. Stop by that red door. Let us answer any questions you may have and answer any questions you may have and answer any questions you may have and hopefully get you plugged in to all that hopefully get you plugged in to all that hopefully get you plugged in to all that God is doing here. Now, we have the God is doing here. Now, we have the God is doing here. Now, we have the privilege this morning of getting to privilege this morning of getting to privilege this morning of getting to witness life change. We have some folks witness life change. We have some folks witness life change. We have some folks that are going to be baptized. Let's that are going to be baptized. Let's that are going to be baptized. Let's continue to worship together as we continue to worship together as we continue to worship together as we celebrate with those that are being celebrate with those that are being celebrate with those that are being baptized.

In imitation of our Lord and Savior In imitation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and in obedience to his Jesus Christ, and in obedience to his Jesus Christ, and in obedience to his divine command, we baptize these in the divine command, we baptize these in the divine command, we baptize these in the name of the Father, the Son, and the name of the Father, the Son, and the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Sloan Notley. [music] Holy Spirit. Sloan Notley. [music] Holy Spirit. Sloan Notley. [music] [applause] Yeah. [applause] Yeah. [applause] Yeah. Praise the Lord. Charlotte [music] Praise the Lord. Charlotte [music] Praise the Lord. Charlotte [music] Notley. >> Church, [music] let's stand to our feet >> Church, [music] let's stand to our feet and declare this truth. There's peace that I'll last on There's peace that I'll last on hope [music] that's in [singing] the hope [music] that's in [singing] the hope [music] that's in [singing] the blood. blood. blood. There's future [music] There's future [music] There's future [music] grace that's mine today that [music] grace that's mine today that [music] grace that's mine today that [music] Jesus Christ has won Jesus Christ has won Jesus Christ has won so I can face tomorrow.

so I can face tomorrow. so I can face tomorrow. [music] More tomorrows [music] More tomorrows [music] More tomorrows in your ends. in your ends. in your ends. All I [music] need you will proide. Just All I [music] need you will proide. Just All I [music] need you will proide. Just like you always [music] have. You've already [music] You've already [music] won. No matter what comes my way, No matter what comes my way, I will I will I will come. [music] come. [music] come. [music] Don't know what you're doing, I'm fighting [music and singing] a I'm fighting [music and singing] a battle battle battle you already won. >> When the sea is raging, >> When the sea is raging, your spirit is my help.

your spirit is my help. your spirit is my help. I'll fix my eyes on Jesus Christ. I'll fix my eyes on Jesus Christ. I'll fix my eyes on Jesus Christ. [music] [music] [music] I'll say that it is well. I'll say that it is well. I'll say that it is well. Oh, I know that [music] he is well. I'm fighting. I'm fighting. [music] [music] [music] You already won. No [music] matter what comes my way. No [music] matter what comes my way. I will I will I will [music] [music] [music] come. Don't know what you do, come. Don't know what you do, come. Don't know what you do, [music] [music] [music] but I know what you've done. How [music] How [music] you you you know you already won We declare We declare [music] [music] [music] you're my savior, mighty.

No [music] more fear in life or death. I No [music] more fear in life or death. I [music] know how the story [music] [music] Heat. Heat. I I [music] [music] [music] don't know what you're doing, I'm [music] I'm [music] your [music] [music] We give you praise.

I was a wretch. [music] I was a wretch. [music] I remember who [singing] I was. I remember who [singing] I was. I remember who [singing] I was. I [music] was lost. I was blind. I [music] was lost. I was blind. I [music] was lost. I was blind. I was running out of time. I was running out of time. I was running out of time. Sin [music] Sin [music] Sin [music] separated. separated. separated. The breach was far too [singing] wide. The breach was far too [singing] wide. The breach was far too [singing] wide. From the [music] far side of the chasm, From the [music] far side of the chasm, From the [music] far side of the chasm, you had me [singing] in your [music] you had me [singing] in your [music] you had me [singing] in your [music] side. side. side. So you made a way So you made a way So you made a way across the great divine, [music] across the great divine, [music] across the great divine, [music] left behind left behind left behind heaven's throne heaven's throne heaven's throne to build it [music and singing] here to build it [music and singing] here to build it [music and singing] here inside. inside. inside. And there at the cross, [music] And there at the cross, [music] And there at the cross, [music] you paid the debt I [singing] owed. you paid the debt I [singing] owed. you paid the debt I [singing] owed. Broke my chains, free [music] my soul. Broke my chains, free [music] my soul. Broke my chains, free [music] my soul. [singing] [singing] [singing] For the first time, I had hope. For the first time, I had hope. For the first time, I had hope. Thank you Jesus [music] for the blood Thank you Jesus [music] for the blood Thank you Jesus [music] for the blood applied.

applied. applied. Thank you Jesus. It has Thank you Jesus. It has Thank you Jesus. It has [music and singing] washed me white. [music and singing] washed me white. [music and singing] washed me white. Thank you Jesus. [music] Thank you Jesus. [music] Thank you Jesus. [music] You have saved my [singing] life. You have saved my [singing] life. You have saved my [singing] life. Brought me [music] from the darkness Brought me [music] from the darkness Brought me [music] from the darkness into glorious [singing] into glorious [singing] into glorious [singing] light. You [music] You [music] took my place, laid inside my tomb of took my place, laid inside my tomb of took my place, laid inside my tomb of sin. sin. sin. You were [singing] buried for [music] You were [singing] buried for [music] You were [singing] buried for [music] three days, but then you walked right three days, but then you walked right three days, but then you walked right out again. out again. out again. [music] And now death has no sting. [music] And now death has no sting. [music] And now death has no sting. And life [music and singing] has no end. And life [music and singing] has no end. And life [music and singing] has no end. For I have been transformed For I have been transformed For I have been transformed by the blood [music] of the lamb.

by the blood [music] of the lamb. by the blood [music] of the lamb. Thank you Jesus for [music] the blood Thank you Jesus for [music] the blood Thank you Jesus for [music] the blood of life. [singing] Thank you Jesus. [music] Thank you Jesus. [music] It has washed me white. It has washed me white. It has washed me white. Thank [music] you Jesus. You have saved Thank [music] you Jesus. You have saved Thank [music] you Jesus. You have saved life. Brought me [music and singing] from the Brought me [music and singing] from the darkness into glorious darkness into glorious darkness into glorious love. [music] There is nothing stronger There is nothing stronger than the wondering than the wondering than the wondering power [music] of the Lord. Sons [singing] and daughters Sons [singing] and daughters be by [music] your father through the be by [music] your father through the be by [music] your father through the world.

[singing] [singing] [music] >> Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. >> Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [music] Thank you Jesus for [music] the blood of Thank you Jesus for [music] the blood of life. life. life. Thank you [music] Jesus. He has washed Thank you [music] Jesus. He has washed Thank you [music] Jesus. He has washed me. me. me. [music] [music] [music] Thank you Jesus. You have [music] saved Thank you Jesus. You have [music] saved Thank you Jesus. You have [music] saved my life. brought me from the [singing] darkness brought me from the [singing] darkness into glorious into glorious into glorious light.

[music] [music] Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Lord Jesus, we step into this moment of Lord Jesus, we step into this moment of Lord Jesus, we step into this moment of offering um in response to the wondrous offering um in response to the wondrous offering um in response to the wondrous work that you have done Jesus on the work that you have done Jesus on the work that you have done Jesus on the cross. You've given us everything. And cross. You've given us everything. And cross. You've given us everything. And so it is our response, Lord Jesus, to so it is our response, Lord Jesus, to so it is our response, Lord Jesus, to give back to you our time, our treasure, give back to you our time, our treasure, give back to you our time, our treasure, our talents. Lord, it's all for you. our talents. Lord, it's all for you. our talents. Lord, it's all for you. It's all for your glory. And I just ask It's all for your glory. And I just ask It's all for your glory. And I just ask Lord that would you would take um the Lord that would you would take um the Lord that would you would take um the things that are deep within our hearts things that are deep within our hearts things that are deep within our hearts that we just give it to you. If that's a that we just give it to you. If that's a that we just give it to you. If that's a little, if that's a lot, Lord, we want little, if that's a lot, Lord, we want little, if that's a lot, Lord, we want to be obedient to what your voice and to be obedient to what your voice and to be obedient to what your voice and your spirit is calling us to do. So we your spirit is calling us to do. So we your spirit is calling us to do. So we give you this time of offering, this give you this time of offering, this give you this time of offering, this moment, this space to do what you need moment, this space to do what you need moment, this space to do what you need to do in us to make us more like Jesus to do in us to make us more like Jesus to do in us to make us more like Jesus Christ. So Lord, we invite you here. We Christ. So Lord, we invite you here. We Christ. So Lord, we invite you here. We know you're already here. Would you open know you're already here. Would you open know you're already here. Would you open our eyes to behold the wondrous work of our eyes to behold the wondrous work of our eyes to behold the wondrous work of Christ amongst us? It's in Jesus name we Christ amongst us? It's in Jesus name we Christ amongst us? It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. Church, you may be seated pray. Amen. Church, you may be seated pray. Amen. Church, you may be seated and just give this time of [music] and just give this time of [music] and just give this time of [music] offering it. This is worship unto our offering it. This is worship unto our offering it. This is worship unto our God.

breath. breath. For my [singing] daily For my [singing] daily For my [singing] daily breath, breath, breath, I depend [singing and music] I depend [singing and music] I depend [singing and music] on you. on you. on you. I [music] depend on you I [music] depend on you I [music] depend on you for the sun to rise, for the sun to rise, for the sun to rise, for my sleep [music] for my sleep [music] for my sleep [music] [singing] at night. [singing] at night. [singing] at night. I [music] depend on you. I [music] depend on you. I [music] depend on you. I [music] depend on [singing] you. I [music] depend on [singing] you. I [music] depend on [singing] you. You're the way, the truth, and [music] You're the way, the truth, and [music] You're the way, the truth, and [music] the life. the life. the life. You're the world that never runs You're the world that never runs You're the world that never runs [singing] dry. [singing] dry. [singing] dry. I'm [music] the preion. You are the I'm [music] the preion. You are the I'm [music] the preion. You are the vine. vine. vine. Draw me [music and singing] close and Draw me [music and singing] close and Draw me [music and singing] close and teach me to abide still in [music] front [singing] of me.

still in [music] front [singing] of me. Eyes [music] Eyes [music] Eyes [music] depend on you. We declare [music] I depend on you. We declare [music] I depend on you. We declare [music] I depend on you. depend on you. depend on you. [music] You're the way truth and life. [music] You're the way truth and life. [music] You're the way truth and life. You're [music] the world that never runs You're [music] the world that never runs You're [music] the world that never runs dry. dry. dry. I'm the best. [music] You are divine. I'm the best. [music] You are divine. I'm the best. [music] You are divine. Draw me close and teach me to abide. And [music] I pass through death. And [music] I pass through death. As I [music] enter, I depend [music and singing] I depend [music and singing] on you. We declare. on you. We declare. on you. We declare. I depend on [singing] you I depend on [singing] you I depend on [singing] you for eternity. to [music] be raised with Christ.

to [music] be raised with Christ. [music] I depend on you. [music] I depend on you. [music] I depend on you. I depend [singing] on you. I depend [singing] on you. I depend [singing] on you. [music] [music] [music] You're the way, the truth, and the life. You're the way, the truth, and the life. You're the way, the truth, and the life. [music] You're the world that never runs [music] You're the world that never runs [music] You're the world that never runs dry. dry. dry. I'm the pres [music] you are [singing] I'm the pres [music] you are [singing] I'm the pres [music] you are [singing] divine divine divine strong to to be [music] my strength my song in the be [music] my strength my song in the be [music] my strength my song in the night night night be my [music] be my [music] be my [music] treasure my prize treasure my prize treasure my prize I am yours forever your Heat. Heat. I am yours forever your Heat. Heat. I am yours forever your Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] I am [singing] an instrument [music] I am [singing] an instrument [music] of exult

and [music] I was born to lift your name and [music] I was born to lift your name [singing] above all names. [singing] above all names. [singing] above all names. You hear the mey [music] but there's [music] a song [singing] of but there's [music] a song [singing] of praise that only I can bring. praise that only I can bring. praise that only I can bring. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is [music] worthy? There is no one. Only you, Jesus. There is no one. Only you, Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? There is no one. There is no one. Only [music] you, [singing] Jesus. Only [music] you, [singing] Jesus. Only [music] you, [singing] Jesus. You are the infinite You are the infinite You are the infinite God [music and singing] of the aes. God [music and singing] of the aes. God [music and singing] of the aes. Yet you chose to make [singing] my heart Yet you chose to make [singing] my heart Yet you chose to make [singing] my heart your dwelling place.

your dwelling place. your dwelling place. You [music] healed my brokenness. You [music] healed my brokenness. You [music] healed my brokenness. Showed me your glory. Showed me your glory. Showed me your glory. So I [music] have songs of thanks. So I [music] have songs of thanks. So I [music] have songs of thanks. [singing] Not even angels sing. [singing] Not even angels sing. [singing] Not even angels sing. Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? There is [music] no one There is [music] no one you Jesus. [music and singing] you Jesus. [music and singing] you Jesus. [music and singing] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There [music] is no one, There [music] is no one, only Jesus. only Jesus. only Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is [music] worthy? There is no one. [music] There is no one. [music] Only you, Jesus. Only you, Jesus. Only you, Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy?

There is no one. There is no one. Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. Let's Let's Let's [music] sing this out together. [music] sing this out together. [music] Thou God [singing] anointed one who was Thou God [singing] anointed one who was Thou God [singing] anointed one who was and is [music] and is to come seated and is [music] and is to come seated and is [music] and is to come seated [singing] [singing] [singing] on the throne above. [music] on the throne above. [music] on the throne above. [music] Holy, Holy, Holy, holy, holy, holy, righteous one who shed his blood and righteous one who shed his blood and righteous one who shed his blood and prove [music] to us the father's love. prove [music] to us the father's love. prove [music] to us the father's love. Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy, Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy, Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy, holy, holy, holy, lamb of God, anointed one who was lamb of God, anointed one who was lamb of God, anointed one who was [music] seated on the throne above. Holy, seated on the throne above. Holy, holy, [music] holy, [music] holy, [music] rightous rightous rightous sh sh sh to us. Father's [music] love Jesus to us. Father's [music] love Jesus to us. Father's [music] love Jesus Christ we lifted up. [music] Christ we lifted up. [music] Christ we lifted up. [music] Holy Holy Holy lamb of God anointing [music]

lamb of God anointing [music] lamb of God anointing [music] one who was and is to come see it all one who was and is to come see it all one who was and is to come see it all the [music] the [music] the [music] above. Holy, above. Holy, above. Holy, holy, holy, holy, rightous [music] rightous [music] rightous [music] one his blood one his blood one his blood to us to us to us Jesus [music] Christ. [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] [music] [music] There is no Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] Jesus. Jesus. There is no way There is no way There is no way only you Jesus. [music] only you Jesus. [music] only you Jesus. [music] There is no There is no There is no only you Jesus. [music] If there's a formula to get happy, to be

If there's a formula to get happy, to be happy, what would that formula look happy, what would that formula look happy, what would that formula look like? What would you include in your like? What would you include in your like? What would you include in your happiness potion if you would? happiness potion if you would? happiness potion if you would? Harvard professor Arthur Brooks says Harvard professor Arthur Brooks says Harvard professor Arthur Brooks says this about the online formula this about the online formula this about the online formula for happiness. He said, here it is. for happiness. He said, here it is. for happiness. He said, here it is. Number one, love things. Number one, love things. Number one, love things. Number two, Number two, Number two, use people. use people. use people. And number three, worship yourself. And number three, worship yourself. And number three, worship yourself. Now, every time you check your phone, Now, every time you check your phone, Now, every time you check your phone, every time you scroll or click or swipe, every time you scroll or click or swipe, every time you scroll or click or swipe, it doesn't mean that it's just going to it doesn't mean that it's just going to it doesn't mean that it's just going to jump out at you and go, "Hey, you know, jump out at you and go, "Hey, you know, jump out at you and go, "Hey, you know, you people and worship yourself." But you people and worship yourself." But you people and worship yourself." But underlying everything underlying everything underlying everything is that message is that message is that message of worship yourself, of worship yourself, of worship yourself, use people, use people, use people, love things. It just underwrites love things. It just underwrites love things. It just underwrites everything we see. And what it does is everything we see. And what it does is everything we see. And what it does is it kind of turns us or puts us into this it kind of turns us or puts us into this it kind of turns us or puts us into this ongoing treadmill, this frenzy ongoing treadmill, this frenzy ongoing treadmill, this frenzy of activity of activity of activity and busyiness and busyiness and busyiness and noise.

and noise. and noise. This is where we live. As we're going This is where we live. As we're going This is where we live. As we're going through our workday, as we're meeting through our workday, as we're meeting through our workday, as we're meeting deadlines, as we're going to meetings, deadlines, as we're going to meetings, deadlines, as we're going to meetings, as we're meeting friends, we are as we're meeting friends, we are as we're meeting friends, we are constantly slaves slaves to technology, to technology, to technology, slaves to our schedule, slaves to noise slaves to our schedule, slaves to noise slaves to our schedule, slaves to noise and busyness and news and videos. It and busyness and news and videos. It and busyness and news and videos. It just runs on a constant stream wherever just runs on a constant stream wherever just runs on a constant stream wherever we go and whatever we do. we go and whatever we do. we go and whatever we do. Give yourself a test or ask yourself the Give yourself a test or ask yourself the Give yourself a test or ask yourself the question when you're driving in your question when you're driving in your question when you're driving in your car. car. car. Do you ever stay in the right lane the Do you ever stay in the right lane the Do you ever stay in the right lane the whole trip? whole trip? whole trip? Are you always trying to get over in Are you always trying to get over in Are you always trying to get over in that left lane so you can pass? Because that left lane so you can pass? Because that left lane so you can pass? Because unlike the car in front of you, you are unlike the car in front of you, you are unlike the car in front of you, you are in a hurry and you're important. in a hurry and you're important. in a hurry and you're important. How about this? You're getting a few How about this? You're getting a few How about this? You're getting a few items at the grocery store, just some items at the grocery store, just some items at the grocery store, just some milk and orange juice and some bread, milk and orange juice and some bread, milk and orange juice and some bread, and you're looking to find which one is and you're looking to find which one is and you're looking to find which one is the shortest line.

the shortest line. the shortest line. And then as you get in the line, you're And then as you get in the line, you're And then as you get in the line, you're counting the items of the person in counting the items of the person in counting the items of the person in front of you because it's more than 10 front of you because it's more than 10 front of you because it's more than 10 and they're messing with your life. your and they're messing with your life. your and they're messing with your life. your schedule, your busyiness because you are schedule, your busyiness because you are schedule, your busyiness because you are in a hurry. in a hurry. in a hurry. How about when you're sitting at a How about when you're sitting at a How about when you're sitting at a stoplight and you look out your right stoplight and you look out your right stoplight and you look out your right passenger side window or you look out passenger side window or you look out passenger side window or you look out the driver's side window. What is the the driver's side window. What is the the driver's side window. What is the driver in the other car doing? What are they doing? What are they doing? >> They're looking at their phones. They're >> They're looking at their phones. They're >> They're looking at their phones. They're looking down. They're now looking to see looking down. They're now looking to see looking down. They're now looking to see if the stoplight is red, yellow, green, if the stoplight is red, yellow, green, if the stoplight is red, yellow, green, purple with yellow polka dots. An purple with yellow polka dots. An purple with yellow polka dots. An elephant could run across a qu uh the elephant could run across a qu uh the elephant could run across a qu uh the street and they wouldn't catch it. street and they wouldn't catch it. street and they wouldn't catch it. That's where we are. That's where we are. That's where we are. We're busy. We get anything we want with We're busy. We get anything we want with We're busy. We get anything we want with a click or a swipe and it better be a click or a swipe and it better be a click or a swipe and it better be there soon or the next day or that there soon or the next day or that there soon or the next day or that person's in trouble. I'm going to blow person's in trouble. I'm going to blow person's in trouble. I'm going to blow them up.

And we want more And we want more more things, more things, more things, more likes, more activities, more likes, more activities, more likes, more activities, more goods. And we want it faster, more goods. And we want it faster, more goods. And we want it faster, faster, faster. Now, now, now. That is faster, faster. Now, now, now. That is faster, faster. Now, now, now. That is the world. That is the spirit of the the world. That is the spirit of the the world. That is the spirit of the times where we live. times where we live. times where we live. We're addicted. We're addicted. We're addicted. We're all addicts. All of us here are We're all addicts. All of us here are We're all addicts. All of us here are addicted to speed. We're addicted to addicted to speed. We're addicted to addicted to speed. We're addicted to noise. We're addicted to news. We're noise. We're addicted to news. We're noise. We're addicted to news. We're addicted to little videos. We're addicted to little videos. We're addicted to little videos. We're addicted addicted addicted to these to these to these so-called so-called so-called smartphones and screens smartphones and screens smartphones and screens that are ubiquitous in the world where that are ubiquitous in the world where that are ubiquitous in the world where you and I live. No one is exempt. centuries centuries before we lived in this digital space in before we lived in this digital space in before we lived in this digital space in this this this technological maze.

technological maze. technological maze. Scientist and philosopher Bla1 Pascal Scientist and philosopher Bla1 Pascal Scientist and philosopher Bla1 Pascal wrote these prophetic words. He said, wrote these prophetic words. He said, wrote these prophetic words. He said, "The sole call of man's unhappiness is "The sole call of man's unhappiness is "The sole call of man's unhappiness is that he doesn't know how to stay quietly that he doesn't know how to stay quietly that he doesn't know how to stay quietly in his room." The soul calls The soul calls of all unhappiness is that we cannot be of all unhappiness is that we cannot be of all unhappiness is that we cannot be alone alone alone in our rooms. Romans 12 says this. Romans 12 says, Romans 12 says this. Romans 12 says, "Don't allow the world to squeeze you "Don't allow the world to squeeze you "Don't allow the world to squeeze you into its mold. into its mold. into its mold. Don't allow technology, Don't allow technology, Don't allow technology, your phones, your screens, your your phones, your screens, your your phones, your screens, your schedule, the pace of the culture in schedule, the pace of the culture in schedule, the pace of the culture in which you live in. Don't allow it to which you live in. Don't allow it to which you live in. Don't allow it to squeeze you into its mold. But if we all squeeze you into its mold. But if we all squeeze you into its mold. But if we all could be a little bit honest here this could be a little bit honest here this could be a little bit honest here this morning, we would have to say, you know morning, we would have to say, you know morning, we would have to say, you know what? We're all a little bit moldy.

what? We're all a little bit moldy. what? We're all a little bit moldy. Just a little bit moldy. Just a little bit moldy. Just a little bit moldy. Because this is where we live. We live Because this is where we live. We live Because this is where we live. We live in a time where our screens, our social in a time where our screens, our social in a time where our screens, our social media, all of this stuff, our media, all of this stuff, our media, all of this stuff, our connectivity is squeezing us into a connectivity is squeezing us into a connectivity is squeezing us into a particular kind of mold particular kind of mold particular kind of mold and it threatens, I think, and it threatens, I think, and it threatens, I think, our very souls. The good news is God always The good news is God always provides a way out. provides a way out. provides a way out. No matter how jacked up, no matter how No matter how jacked up, no matter how No matter how jacked up, no matter how crazy, no matter how so-called busy a crazy, no matter how so-called busy a crazy, no matter how so-called busy a society is, his word, his truth cuts society is, his word, his truth cuts society is, his word, his truth cuts through all of it. through all of it. through all of it. What does he tell us in our key passage What does he tell us in our key passage What does he tell us in our key passage in this brand new series? 1 Timothy 4:8. in this brand new series? 1 Timothy 4:8. in this brand new series? 1 Timothy 4:8. Look at it. It says, "For physical Look at it. It says, "For physical Look at it. It says, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness training is of some value, but godliness training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding has value for all things, holding has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and promise for both the present life and promise for both the present life and the life to come." What is he saying the life to come." What is he saying the life to come." What is he saying here? Part one, exercise is a good here? Part one, exercise is a good here? Part one, exercise is a good thing. Physical training, walking, thing. Physical training, walking, thing. Physical training, walking, working out, playing tennis, playing working out, playing tennis, playing working out, playing tennis, playing pickle ball, golfing, whatever you do, pickle ball, golfing, whatever you do, pickle ball, golfing, whatever you do, swimming to get your body in motion.

swimming to get your body in motion. swimming to get your body in motion. Physical exercise has certain dividends Physical exercise has certain dividends Physical exercise has certain dividends for our bodies and for our souls as for our bodies and for our souls as for our bodies and for our souls as well. It is a good thing to work out. well. It is a good thing to work out. well. It is a good thing to work out. On the other hand, the second part of On the other hand, the second part of On the other hand, the second part of this, he's saying spiritual training this, he's saying spiritual training this, he's saying spiritual training has a better ROI, a better return on the has a better ROI, a better return on the has a better ROI, a better return on the investment because it pays benefits now investment because it pays benefits now investment because it pays benefits now in this reality and also in the reality in this reality and also in the reality in this reality and also in the reality to come beyond the grave. to come beyond the grave. to come beyond the grave. So, if we want to experience So, if we want to experience So, if we want to experience all that God has for us, if we want to all that God has for us, if we want to all that God has for us, if we want to experience more of God, then we've got experience more of God, then we've got experience more of God, then we've got to enter into a time of spiritual to enter into a time of spiritual to enter into a time of spiritual training, what we're calling spiritual training, what we're calling spiritual training, what we're calling spiritual formation. formation. formation. Years ago, a friend of mine uh saw me at Years ago, a friend of mine uh saw me at Years ago, a friend of mine uh saw me at at a birthday party. He came up to me. at a birthday party. He came up to me. at a birthday party. He came up to me. He goes to our church. He goes, "Hey, He goes to our church. He goes, "Hey, He goes to our church. He goes, "Hey, hey, hey, man. you know, I was watching hey, hey, man. you know, I was watching hey, hey, man. you know, I was watching you preach and I was just thinking, you you preach and I was just thinking, you you preach and I was just thinking, you know, you you look pretty good, but but know, you you look pretty good, but but know, you you look pretty good, but but you're too skinny. You you need to put you're too skinny. You you need to put you're too skinny. You you need to put on some muscle. I was like, well, on some muscle. I was like, well, on some muscle. I was like, well, yeah, are you a detective or what? So, yeah, are you a detective or what? So, yeah, are you a detective or what? So, so yeah. I said, okay. He goes, well, so yeah. I said, okay. He goes, well, so yeah. I said, okay. He goes, well, hey, man, I got a gym. You come to my hey, man, I got a gym. You come to my hey, man, I got a gym. You come to my gym, meet me there, and and I I'll help gym, meet me there, and and I I'll help gym, meet me there, and and I I'll help you do it. And I said, well, I can't do you do it. And I said, well, I can't do you do it. And I said, well, I can't do it right now. I think the party was in it right now. I think the party was in it right now. I think the party was in May. I said, August 1st. August 1st, I May. I said, August 1st. August 1st, I May. I said, August 1st. August 1st, I will come. I will show up at the gym, will come. I will show up at the gym, will come. I will show up at the gym, and you can do whatever you want. I'm and you can do whatever you want. I'm and you can do whatever you want. I'm in. Okay. So, couple months pass, August in. Okay. So, couple months pass, August in. Okay. So, couple months pass, August 1st, calendar. I show up at the gym. He 1st, calendar. I show up at the gym. He 1st, calendar. I show up at the gym. He gives me a trainer and I just listen to gives me a trainer and I just listen to gives me a trainer and I just listen to the trainer. The trainer tells me to do

the trainer. The trainer tells me to do the trainer. The trainer tells me to do this and I do this. He tells me to not this and I do this. He tells me to not this and I do this. He tells me to not do this and I don't do this. He tells me do this and I don't do this. He tells me do this and I don't do this. He tells me to do this. And I start doing all these to do this. And I start doing all these to do this. And I start doing all these new exercises, all these new practices new exercises, all these new practices new exercises, all these new practices I've never done. I'm eating things or I've never done. I'm eating things or I've never done. I'm eating things or eating more things I haven't eaten. And eating more things I haven't eaten. And eating more things I haven't eaten. And I'm saying, "Hey, I'm in. I want to try I'm saying, "Hey, I'm in. I want to try I'm saying, "Hey, I'm in. I want to try to put on, I don't know, 12 pounds of to put on, I don't know, 12 pounds of to put on, I don't know, 12 pounds of muscle or so in this time period." Six muscle or so in this time period." Six muscle or so in this time period." Six months later, I actually did. Now, months later, I actually did. Now, months later, I actually did. Now, here's the deal. I would not have gotten here's the deal. I would not have gotten here's the deal. I would not have gotten stronger. I not would have put on that stronger. I not would have put on that stronger. I not would have put on that muscle mass. It's gone now. So, I I muscle mass. It's gone now. So, I I muscle mass. It's gone now. So, I I would not would have put that on if it would not would have put that on if it would not would have put that on if it were not been for the personal trainer were not been for the personal trainer were not been for the personal trainer telling me, showing me what to do. telling me, showing me what to do. telling me, showing me what to do. And second of all, opening up my mind, And second of all, opening up my mind, And second of all, opening up my mind, my body, and my schedule to do new my body, and my schedule to do new my body, and my schedule to do new things. If I didn't do the new things, things. If I didn't do the new things, things. If I didn't do the new things, the new exercise, the new practices, if the new exercise, the new practices, if the new exercise, the new practices, if you would, I would not have seen any you would, I would not have seen any you would, I would not have seen any gains. gains. gains. It's the same thing with God. You say, It's the same thing with God. You say, It's the same thing with God. You say, "Wow, I I want to know more of God. I "Wow, I I want to know more of God. I "Wow, I I want to know more of God. I want to understand more of his plan and want to understand more of his plan and want to understand more of his plan and purposes for my life. How do I live it purposes for my life. How do I live it purposes for my life. How do I live it out in my relationships, at school, at out in my relationships, at school, at out in my relationships, at school, at work, etc." Then you have to open work, etc." Then you have to open work, etc." Then you have to open yourself up to new things in order to yourself up to new things in order to yourself up to new things in order to experience new life.

experience new life. experience new life. If you don't open yourself to new things If you don't open yourself to new things If you don't open yourself to new things and new practices, then you can't grow. and new practices, then you can't grow. and new practices, then you can't grow. You can't progress to the next level You can't progress to the next level You can't progress to the next level that God has for you. So that's why this that God has for you. So that's why this that God has for you. So that's why this summer we're doing a brief series on summer we're doing a brief series on summer we're doing a brief series on spiritual formation. And spirit spiritual formation. And spirit spiritual formation. And spirit spiritual formation, if you remember, spiritual formation, if you remember, spiritual formation, if you remember, describes the process describes the process describes the process process of how we become more like process of how we become more like process of how we become more like Christ. Christ. Christ. There are certain practices that There are certain practices that There are certain practices that Christians have engaged in for thousands Christians have engaged in for thousands Christians have engaged in for thousands of years now in different places, of years now in different places, of years now in different places, different parts of the country, from different parts of the country, from different parts of the country, from different backgrounds, but they've different backgrounds, but they've different backgrounds, but they've engaged in these same practices that engaged in these same practices that engaged in these same practices that allow them to grow deeper allow them to grow deeper allow them to grow deeper and wiser in the truth and the reality and wiser in the truth and the reality and wiser in the truth and the reality of God. Now, today we're going to look of God. Now, today we're going to look of God. Now, today we're going to look at what I believe to be, at least in my at what I believe to be, at least in my at what I believe to be, at least in my life, I I think it's the most valuable life, I I think it's the most valuable life, I I think it's the most valuable of of the spiritual formation that we'll of of the spiritual formation that we'll of of the spiritual formation that we'll look at. look at. look at. I I've been doing this for decades, I I've been doing this for decades, I I've been doing this for decades, almost every single day, so I have a lot almost every single day, so I have a lot almost every single day, so I have a lot of experience here. I'm still trying to of experience here. I'm still trying to of experience here. I'm still trying to dial it in. I haven't arrived yet, but dial it in. I haven't arrived yet, but dial it in. I haven't arrived yet, but I've learned a lot over the years. And I've learned a lot over the years. And I've learned a lot over the years. And we will get into a little bit of it this we will get into a little bit of it this we will get into a little bit of it this week and more next week.

week and more next week. week and more next week. So look at Mark chapter number 6:30. If So look at Mark chapter number 6:30. If So look at Mark chapter number 6:30. If not, it's going to be on the screen. I not, it's going to be on the screen. I not, it's going to be on the screen. I know we have a lot of passages today. know we have a lot of passages today. know we have a lot of passages today. Mark 6:30. So the followers of Jesus Mark 6:30. So the followers of Jesus Mark 6:30. So the followers of Jesus came back to him after they'd been out came back to him after they'd been out came back to him after they'd been out on a mission and they told Jesus all on a mission and they told Jesus all on a mission and they told Jesus all they had uh done and taught. He said to they had uh done and taught. He said to they had uh done and taught. He said to them, "Listen, Christ said, "Come away them, "Listen, Christ said, "Come away them, "Listen, Christ said, "Come away from the people, be by yourselves, and from the people, be by yourselves, and from the people, be by yourselves, and rest." rest." rest." There were many people coming and going, There were many people coming and going, There were many people coming and going, and they had no time even to eat. They and they had no time even to eat. They and they had no time even to eat. They went by themselves in a boat went by themselves in a boat went by themselves in a boat to a desert. Jesus knew Jesus knew the limitations of his followers. the limitations of his followers. the limitations of his followers. Jesus knows our limitations as human Jesus knows our limitations as human Jesus knows our limitations as human beings and how much information, beings and how much information, beings and how much information, how much activity, how much activity, how much activity, how much stress and bandwidth we have. how much stress and bandwidth we have. how much stress and bandwidth we have. And he calls them just like he calls us And he calls them just like he calls us And he calls them just like he calls us to come away, disconnect in order to to come away, disconnect in order to to come away, disconnect in order to reconnect with the father.

reconnect with the father. reconnect with the father. Now Jesus didn't just invite people to Now Jesus didn't just invite people to Now Jesus didn't just invite people to come away and disconnect and rest. He come away and disconnect and rest. He come away and disconnect and rest. He modeled it. In Luke chapter 5, it says, modeled it. In Luke chapter 5, it says, modeled it. In Luke chapter 5, it says, "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places places places to pray." to pray." to pray." Mark 1, very early in the morning while Mark 1, very early in the morning while Mark 1, very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left it was still dark, Jesus got up, left it was still dark, Jesus got up, left his house, and went off to a solitary his house, and went off to a solitary his house, and went off to a solitary place place place where he prayed. where he prayed. where he prayed. Matthew 14. After he dismissed them, he Matthew 14. After he dismissed them, he Matthew 14. After he dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to went up on a mountainside by himself to went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Let that sink in. Let that sink in. Jesus had only three years. Jesus had only three years. Jesus had only three years. Three years to gather a group of men and Three years to gather a group of men and Three years to gather a group of men and women that he would train. Three years women that he would train. Three years women that he would train. Three years to equip them. Three years to start a to equip them. Three years to start a to equip them. Three years to start a movement that would change the world.

movement that would change the world. movement that would change the world. He's teaching. He's healing. He's He's teaching. He's healing. He's He's teaching. He's healing. He's casting out demons. He's traveling. casting out demons. He's traveling. casting out demons. He's traveling. He is He is He is the image of the living God, the unique the image of the living God, the unique the image of the living God, the unique son of God on earth. son of God on earth. son of God on earth. Yet Yet Yet he makes space in his life he makes space in his life he makes space in his life for silence for silence for silence and solitude. Now, I would argue that Jesus Christ had Now, I would argue that Jesus Christ had a pretty important task to fulfill. a pretty important task to fulfill. a pretty important task to fulfill. I would argue that Jesus Christ in this I would argue that Jesus Christ in this I would argue that Jesus Christ in this three years of a public life when he was three years of a public life when he was three years of a public life when he was making it happen, if you would, was making it happen, if you would, was making it happen, if you would, was pretty busy. I would say he had a little pretty busy. I would say he had a little pretty busy. I would say he had a little bit of pressure on him. bit of pressure on him. bit of pressure on him. And yet he took time he took time to enter into a place to enter into a place to enter into a place of silence of silence of silence and solitude and solitude and solitude to hear the father's voice.

Kind of scary, isn't it? Kind of scary, isn't it? Seemed a lot longer. Seemed a lot longer. Seemed a lot longer. Our Our Our minds, minds, minds, our hearts, our hearts, our hearts, our our souls, our spirits crave crave our our souls, our spirits crave crave our our souls, our spirits crave crave silence and solitude. Mother Teresa said this. She said that Mother Teresa said this. She said that God is the friend of silence. His God is the friend of silence. His God is the friend of silence. His language is silence. And he requires us language is silence. And he requires us language is silence. And he requires us to be silent to discover him in this in this crazy, crazy, crazy, incessant, waters of technology that we swim in waters of technology that we swim in every single day. We have to every single day. We have to every single day. We have to get away, get away, get away, take some rest, take some rest, take some rest, and make space for solitude and silence and make space for solitude and silence and make space for solitude and silence in our lives.

Moses Moses when he was called to release his people when he was called to release his people when he was called to release his people from bondage and slavery was in the from bondage and slavery was in the from bondage and slavery was in the outer wilderness when he heard God speak. when he heard God speak. Paul went to Arabia for at least three Paul went to Arabia for at least three Paul went to Arabia for at least three years in the desert to hear God speak. to hear God speak. John was exiled on the aisle of Padmas John was exiled on the aisle of Padmas John was exiled on the aisle of Padmas when he heard God speak and he gave him when he heard God speak and he gave him when he heard God speak and he gave him the revelation of the end of the world. Psalm says Psalm says be still be still be still and know that I am God. and know that I am God. and know that I am God. It does not say be busy It does not say be busy It does not say be busy and know that I'm God. and know that I'm God. and know that I'm God. It does not say get in a hurry and know It does not say get in a hurry and know It does not say get in a hurry and know that I'm God. It doesn't say perform that I'm God. It doesn't say perform that I'm God. It doesn't say perform before me and know that I No, no, no.

A lot of us here A lot of us here have been to rehab. Some of us have been have been to rehab. Some of us have been have been to rehab. Some of us have been to rehab to get free from an addiction. to rehab to get free from an addiction. to rehab to get free from an addiction. Some of us have been to rehab for a Some of us have been to rehab for a Some of us have been to rehab for a shoulder surgery or knee surgery or shoulder surgery or knee surgery or shoulder surgery or knee surgery or whatever. We we we know what it is to go whatever. We we we know what it is to go whatever. We we we know what it is to go to a rehab to be rehabilitated. to a rehab to be rehabilitated. to a rehab to be rehabilitated. I I I think 99.9% of us here need I I I think 99.9% of us here need I I I think 99.9% of us here need spiritual rehab spiritual rehab spiritual rehab of silence and solitude on a daily of silence and solitude on a daily of silence and solitude on a daily basis. We do. We do. We're not going to basis. We do. We do. We're not going to basis. We do. We do. We're not going to make it through without those moments of make it through without those moments of make it through without those moments of silence and solitude in our schedule and silence and solitude in our schedule and silence and solitude in our schedule and our days. We're simply not going to make our days. We're simply not going to make our days. We're simply not going to make it through. it through. it through. There too many demands. There's too much There too many demands. There's too much There too many demands. There's too much stuff swimming inside of our heads and stuff swimming inside of our heads and stuff swimming inside of our heads and our brains. Too much information coming our brains. Too much information coming our brains. Too much information coming in. Too many things that are tempting us in. Too many things that are tempting us in. Too many things that are tempting us to get involved and by and give our to get involved and by and give our to get involved and by and give our emotional time and energy to. We have to emotional time and energy to. We have to emotional time and energy to. We have to be able to say no to that. be able to say no to that. be able to say no to that. No to that No to that No to that and yes to him to spend time alone and yes to him to spend time alone and yes to him to spend time alone and silence and solitude.

and silence and solitude. and silence and solitude. Solitude Solitude Solitude is nurturing. Solitude is a place of is nurturing. Solitude is a place of is nurturing. Solitude is a place of refuge and the storm. Solitude is a refuge and the storm. Solitude is a refuge and the storm. Solitude is a sanctuary of safety and security and sanctuary of safety and security and sanctuary of safety and security and stability in our lives and in a world stability in our lives and in a world stability in our lives and in a world that feels like it's spinning that feels like it's spinning that feels like it's spinning out of control. We just got back from the mountain We just got back from the mountain retreat in Gloretta, New Mexico, a lot retreat in Gloretta, New Mexico, a lot retreat in Gloretta, New Mexico, a lot of our students [applause] [applause] and we had a great time up there. And and we had a great time up there. And and we had a great time up there. And one of the things we did uh which on a one of the things we did uh which on a one of the things we did uh which on a lot of our retreats is we had moments of lot of our retreats is we had moments of lot of our retreats is we had moments of silence and solitude called silent silence and solitude called silent silence and solitude called silent sounds. We had them in the morning, we sounds. We had them in the morning, we sounds. We had them in the morning, we had them in the evening. And all this is had them in the evening. And all this is had them in the evening. And all this is our attempt to enter into this practice our attempt to enter into this practice our attempt to enter into this practice of spiritual formation of spiritual formation of spiritual formation in order to hear God speak to us and to in order to hear God speak to us and to in order to hear God speak to us and to quiet our hearts and our minds before quiet our hearts and our minds before quiet our hearts and our minds before him. So that we'll take that mountaintop him. So that we'll take that mountaintop him. So that we'll take that mountaintop experience and bring it down into the experience and bring it down into the experience and bring it down into the valleys where you and I live. How do you valleys where you and I live. How do you valleys where you and I live. How do you do it? Many of you here today could do it? Many of you here today could do it? Many of you here today could stand up and say, "Yeah, amen. I can stand up and say, "Yeah, amen. I can stand up and say, "Yeah, amen. I can testify to that. I've been setting uh a testify to that. I've been setting uh a testify to that. I've been setting uh a time to have solitude and silence for time to have solitude and silence for time to have solitude and silence for many years." And here are the benefits.

many years." And here are the benefits. many years." And here are the benefits. Some of us, it's a brand new thing for Some of us, it's a brand new thing for Some of us, it's a brand new thing for you. You're starting it. What do you do? you. You're starting it. What do you do? you. You're starting it. What do you do? Several things. We'll look at more next Several things. We'll look at more next Several things. We'll look at more next week, but first of all, set a time. week, but first of all, set a time. week, but first of all, set a time. Set a time of day. Early in the morning, Set a time of day. Early in the morning, Set a time of day. Early in the morning, midday, at night, doesn't matter. Set a midday, at night, doesn't matter. Set a midday, at night, doesn't matter. Set a time. time. time. Find a place. Maybe it's a special place Find a place. Maybe it's a special place Find a place. Maybe it's a special place in your house, a special chair where you in your house, a special chair where you in your house, a special chair where you sit. Maybe you take a walk. That's sit. Maybe you take a walk. That's sit. Maybe you take a walk. That's better for you. Find a place. And then better for you. Find a place. And then better for you. Find a place. And then three, turn it off. Turn off the three, turn it off. Turn off the three, turn it off. Turn off the technology to tune in to God. Turn it technology to tune in to God. Turn it technology to tune in to God. Turn it off to tune in to him, to hear his off to tune in to him, to hear his off to tune in to him, to hear his voice. You can't make it. I can't make it. We You can't make it. I can't make it. We can't make it without being recharged by can't make it without being recharged by can't make it without being recharged by him. Think about it. We have to recharge him. Think about it. We have to recharge him. Think about it. We have to recharge how many different stinking things every how many different stinking things every how many different stinking things every day or we can't use our precious day or we can't use our precious day or we can't use our precious gadgets, right? gadgets, right? gadgets, right? How much more do our human bodies, our How much more do our human bodies, our How much more do our human bodies, our minds, our souls, our spirits need to minds, our souls, our spirits need to minds, our souls, our spirits need to recharge with the grace and mercy and recharge with the grace and mercy and recharge with the grace and mercy and word of God? We all need that. We crave word of God? We all need that. We crave word of God? We all need that. We crave that. So do those things.

that. So do those things. that. So do those things. [applause] Set a time. Find a place. Turn it off. Set a time. Find a place. Turn it off. And then next week we'll talk about what And then next week we'll talk about what And then next week we'll talk about what you feel in that space when you enter you feel in that space when you enter you feel in that space when you enter into a time of silence and solitude. Now into a time of silence and solitude. Now into a time of silence and solitude. Now listen, I I don't I I don't want to listen, I I don't I I don't want to listen, I I don't I I don't want to impose empty nests spirituality impose empty nests spirituality impose empty nests spirituality on moms who have a full nest right now, on moms who have a full nest right now, on moms who have a full nest right now, right, with babies and toddlers. I get right, with babies and toddlers. I get right, with babies and toddlers. I get it. Okay, I get it. We're in different it. Okay, I get it. We're in different it. Okay, I get it. We're in different seasons in our life. So this is not seasons in our life. So this is not seasons in our life. So this is not about quantity. This is about quality. about quantity. This is about quality. about quantity. This is about quality. Finding sometimes just minutes a day. If Finding sometimes just minutes a day. If Finding sometimes just minutes a day. If you have baby and kids and arms running you have baby and kids and arms running you have baby and kids and arms running around you, just minutes a day where you around you, just minutes a day where you around you, just minutes a day where you can take a deep breath, where you can can take a deep breath, where you can can take a deep breath, where you can pray, where you can meditate on God's pray, where you can meditate on God's pray, where you can meditate on God's word and and and then go from there. So word and and and then go from there. So word and and and then go from there. So I understand we're at different places I understand we're at different places I understand we're at different places in our in our life and our life in our in our life and our life in our in our life and our life stations. stations. stations. But we have to ask ourselves the But we have to ask ourselves the But we have to ask ourselves the question this morning this. We have to question this morning this. We have to question this morning this. We have to ask ourselves the question, what's ask ourselves the question, what's ask ourselves the question, what's keeping you?

keeping you? keeping you? What's the noise in your life that's What's the noise in your life that's What's the noise in your life that's keeping you from hearing keeping you from hearing keeping you from hearing the father speak? the father speak? the father speak? When was the last time you intentionally When was the last time you intentionally When was the last time you intentionally carved out space in your day and your carved out space in your day and your carved out space in your day and your schedule schedule schedule to enter into a time of solitude and to enter into a time of solitude and to enter into a time of solitude and silence? When was that? We know the We know the online formula for happiness is online formula for happiness is online formula for happiness is cuckoo for cocoa puffs. We shouldn't cuckoo for cocoa puffs. We shouldn't cuckoo for cocoa puffs. We shouldn't love things, use people, and worship love things, use people, and worship love things, use people, and worship yourself. As Dr. Brooks said, we should yourself. As Dr. Brooks said, we should yourself. As Dr. Brooks said, we should reverse it. Love God, worship God, love reverse it. Love God, worship God, love reverse it. Love God, worship God, love people, and use things. people, and use things. people, and use things. That's the proper order. God invites us God invites us to experience more of him through this to experience more of him through this to experience more of him through this practices of spiritual formation.

Several years ago, uh I had opportunity Several years ago, uh I had opportunity to go to a baseball playoff game and I to go to a baseball playoff game and I to go to a baseball playoff game and I had seats right behind home plate. It had seats right behind home plate. It had seats right behind home plate. It was for um first grade coach pitch was for um first grade coach pitch was for um first grade coach pitch baseball playoffs and baseball playoffs and baseball playoffs and got some of you. So got some of you. So got some of you. So I was there and there was a little first I was there and there was a little first I was there and there was a little first grader who I knew named Thomas on first grader who I knew named Thomas on first grader who I knew named Thomas on first base and his little friend was at the base and his little friend was at the base and his little friend was at the plate. He was at the key point of the plate. He was at the key point of the plate. He was at the key point of the game and coach just lobbed that perfect game and coach just lobbed that perfect game and coach just lobbed that perfect pitch over the plate. That little first pitch over the plate. That little first pitch over the plate. That little first grader made contact with the ball. It grader made contact with the ball. It grader made contact with the ball. It kind of dribbles through the infield, kind of dribbles through the infield, kind of dribbles through the infield, goes through the legs, you know, of the goes through the legs, you know, of the goes through the legs, you know, of the short shot probably and goes into the short shot probably and goes into the short shot probably and goes into the outfield and Thomas is at first and the outfield and Thomas is at first and the outfield and Thomas is at first and the first B and and the third base coach and first B and and the third base coach and first B and and the third base coach and the crowd's going, "Run, run, Thomas, the crowd's going, "Run, run, Thomas, the crowd's going, "Run, run, Thomas, run." So he is running as fast as any run." So he is running as fast as any run." So he is running as fast as any first grader can and man, he's his foot first grader can and man, he's his foot first grader can and man, he's his foot touches that second base and they're touches that second base and they're touches that second base and they're going, "Run, run. You can make it to going, "Run, run. You can make it to going, "Run, run. You can make it to third go." And they're waving him on and third go." And they're waving him on and third go." And they're waving him on and he gets about halfway and the coach he gets about halfway and the coach he gets about halfway and the coach looks and he's like, "Stop, Thomas.

looks and he's like, "Stop, Thomas. looks and he's like, "Stop, Thomas. Stop. Stop. And all the crowd's going, Stop. Stop. And all the crowd's going, Stop. Stop. And all the crowd's going, "Stop. Stop." Because they knew he "Stop. Stop." Because they knew he "Stop. Stop." Because they knew he couldn't make it home or he's going to couldn't make it home or he's going to couldn't make it home or he's going to get thrown out. They're going, "Stop. get thrown out. They're going, "Stop. get thrown out. They're going, "Stop. Stop. Don't run. Stop." And one voice in Stop. Don't run. Stop." And one voice in Stop. Don't run. Stop." And one voice in the crowd goes, "Run, Thomas, run." And the crowd goes, "Run, Thomas, run." And the crowd goes, "Run, Thomas, run." And so, so, so, you know what happened? So, he ignores you know what happened? So, he ignores you know what happened? So, he ignores his coach, ignores the crowd, and that his coach, ignores the crowd, and that his coach, ignores the crowd, and that one little voice that said, "Run, run." one little voice that said, "Run, run." one little voice that said, "Run, run." He just takes off, rounds third as fast He just takes off, rounds third as fast He just takes off, rounds third as fast as he can, throws at the plate, and as he can, throws at the plate, and as he can, throws at the plate, and he's safe as a judge. Right? he's safe as a judge. Right? he's safe as a judge. Right? So, you're wondering, or maybe you're not you're wondering, or maybe you're not wondering, why out of the coach's voice wondering, why out of the coach's voice wondering, why out of the coach's voice and all the crowd's voice, why in the and all the crowd's voice, why in the and all the crowd's voice, why in the world did little Thomas listen to that world did little Thomas listen to that world did little Thomas listen to that one contrarian voice from the stands? You know why? You know why? Because that was the voice Because that was the voice Because that was the voice of his father.

of his father. of his father. And Thomas had learned to hear the voice And Thomas had learned to hear the voice And Thomas had learned to hear the voice of his father of his father of his father above the noise of the crowd. Why Why should we retreat into silence and should we retreat into silence and should we retreat into silence and solitude? Why? in order to hear in order to hear the father's voice above all the noise above all the noise of the crowd. Let's pray. [applause] Let's pray. [applause] Lord God, Lord God, Lord God, we are we are we are funny people. funny people. funny people. We are funny people We are funny people We are funny people running around, running around, running around, staring down at the ground into pieces staring down at the ground into pieces staring down at the ground into pieces of plastic, of plastic, of plastic, stressing out stressing out stressing out filled with way, way too much filled with way, way too much filled with way, way too much stuff.

stuff. stuff. God, we God, we God, we are not looking to have a are not looking to have a are not looking to have a cell phone computer burning after the cell phone computer burning after the cell phone computer burning after the service. That's not what we're about service. That's not what we're about service. That's not what we're about here today. here today. here today. But we are about learning, God, how to But we are about learning, God, how to But we are about learning, God, how to disconnect disconnect disconnect daily daily daily from all the stuff from all the stuff from all the stuff in order to hear your higher voice. in order to hear your higher voice. in order to hear your higher voice. God, as we continue to look at these God, as we continue to look at these God, as we continue to look at these practices, these spiritual formation, practices, these spiritual formation, practices, these spiritual formation, God, I pray that you would speak to us God, I pray that you would speak to us God, I pray that you would speak to us and help us to implement them and help us to implement them and help us to implement them intentionally intentionally intentionally into our lives. into our lives. into our lives. God, right now during the time of God, right now during the time of God, right now during the time of invitation, help us to follow and do invitation, help us to follow and do invitation, help us to follow and do what you're telling us to do. This is what you're telling us to do. This is what you're telling us to do. This is our prayer in Jesus name. Right now, we our prayer in Jesus name. Right now, we our prayer in Jesus name. Right now, we have a time of invitation and I want to have a time of invitation and I want to have a time of invitation and I want to invite you to respond to what God may be invite you to respond to what God may be invite you to respond to what God may be doing in your life. Maybe you're here doing in your life. Maybe you're here doing in your life. Maybe you're here and you say, you know, I really need to and you say, you know, I really need to and you say, you know, I really need to have an authentic [music] have an authentic [music] have an authentic [music] relationship with God. And God is doing relationship with God. And God is doing relationship with God. And God is doing something in my heart and mind. I can't something in my heart and mind. I can't something in my heart and mind. I can't explain it, but I know that he's calling explain it, but I know that he's calling explain it, but I know that he's calling me to make a decision, a commitment to me to make a decision, a commitment to me to make a decision, a commitment to him. So, as our band leads us in this him. So, as our band leads us in this him. So, as our band leads us in this song, I'll invite you at this moment, song, I'll invite you at this moment, song, I'll invite you at this moment, you should stand and come and make your you should stand and come and make your you should stand and come and make your way down these aisles. Just face the way down these aisles. Just face the way down these aisles. Just face the steps right down front. We want to sit steps right down front. We want to sit steps right down front. We want to sit down and pray with you for a few down and pray with you for a few down and pray with you for a few moments, give you some information that moments, give you some information that moments, give you some information that will help you enter into that will help you enter into that will help you enter into that relationship with the God who knows you

relationship with the God who knows you relationship with the God who knows you and loves you. Maybe hear me say, "Hey, and loves you. Maybe hear me say, "Hey, and loves you. Maybe hear me say, "Hey, listen. I I I I know God. I'm a Christ listen. I I I I know God. I'm a Christ listen. I I I I know God. I'm a Christ follower. I know him. I just want to be follower. I know him. I just want to be follower. I know him. I just want to be a part of the community. God's leading a part of the community. God's leading a part of the community. God's leading me or God's leading us to join this me or God's leading us to join this me or God's leading us to join this community. God's leading you here. You community. God's leading you here. You community. God's leading you here. You stay in the come as well. Make your way stay in the come as well. Make your way stay in the come as well. Make your way down these aisles, face these steps, and down these aisles, face these steps, and down these aisles, face these steps, and we will gladly, gladly receive you to we will gladly, gladly receive you to we will gladly, gladly receive you to this his church family. As he leads, this his church family. As he leads, this his church family. As he leads, don't miss this opportunity to respond don't miss this opportunity to respond don't miss this opportunity to respond to him. As the band sings, you stand to to him. As the band sings, you stand to to him. As the band sings, you stand to come and make your way down front. As he come and make your way down front. As he come and make your way down front. As he leads, you stand to come as we sing this leads, you stand to come as we sing this leads, you stand to come as we sing this song together. song together. song together. >> Lord, I come. >> Lord, I come. >> Lord, I come. I confess. I confess. I confess. Bowing [music and singing] here Bowing [music and singing] here Bowing [music and singing] here I find my rest. I find my rest. I find my rest. Without [music and singing] you Without [music and singing] you Without [music and singing] you I fall apart. I fall apart. I fall apart. You're the one [singing] You're the one [singing] You're the one [singing] [music] that guides my heart.

Lord, I need [music] Lord, I need [music] you. Oh, [singing] I need you. Oh, [singing] I need you. Oh, [singing] I need you you you [music] every [singing] hour. I need [music] every [singing] hour. I need [music] every [singing] hour. I need you. My one defense, [music] you. My one defense, [music] you. My one defense, [music] my rightousness. [singing] my rightousness. [singing] my rightousness. [singing] Oh God, how I [music] need Oh God, how I [music] need Oh God, how I [music] need you. Where [music] sin runs deep, Where [music] sin runs deep, your grace is more. [music and singing] your grace is more. [music and singing] your grace is more. [music and singing] Where grace is found Where grace is found Where grace is found is [music] where you are. is [music] where you are. is [music] where you are. And where you are, And where you are, And where you are, Lord, I [music] am free. Lord, I [music] am free. Lord, I [music] am free. Holiness Holiness Holiness is [music] Christ in me. Oh Oh [music] [music] [music] Lord, I need you. Oh, I need Lord, I need you. Oh, I need Lord, I need you. Oh, I need you.

you. you. Every [music] hour I need [singing] Every [music] hour I need [singing] Every [music] hour I need [singing] you. My [music] one defense, [singing] you. My [music] one defense, [singing] you. My [music] one defense, [singing] my rightousness. >> welcome these who've come down front >> welcome these who've come down front this morning. If you would, [music] this morning. If you would, [music] this morning. If you would, [music] if you guys step out for a time of if you guys step out for a time of if you guys step out for a time of prayer, let's pray for these. Father, prayer, let's pray for these. Father, prayer, let's pray for these. Father, thank you for your grace. Thank you for thank you for your grace. Thank you for thank you for your grace. Thank you for those who responded to [music] your those who responded to [music] your those who responded to [music] your words, your call. God, I pray that we as words, your call. God, I pray that we as words, your call. God, I pray that we as a church community uh would reach out a church community uh would reach out a church community uh would reach out and welcome them with open arms. God, and welcome them with open arms. God, and welcome them with open arms. God, we're excited about what you're going to we're excited about what you're going to we're excited about what you're going to do in the life of our church today and do in the life of our church today and do in the life of our church today and this week [music] as we just see many this week [music] as we just see many this week [music] as we just see many young people's lives changed. God, we young people's lives changed. God, we young people's lives changed. God, we look forward to that. We ask this in look forward to that. We ask this in look forward to that. We ask this in Jesus name. [music] Amen. So, tomorrow Jesus name. [music] Amen. So, tomorrow Jesus name. [music] Amen. So, tomorrow is vacation bible school. We've got VBS, is vacation bible school. We've got VBS, is vacation bible school. We've got VBS, VBX Star Alliance. I am thrilled for VBX Star Alliance. I am thrilled for VBX Star Alliance. I am thrilled for this week. Like our pastor said, it's this week. Like our pastor said, it's this week. Like our pastor said, it's going to be a great week for our church.

going to be a great week for our church. going to be a great week for our church. There is still room. So, anyone that is There is still room. So, anyone that is There is still room. So, anyone that is 5 years old up to fifth grade can 5 years old up to fifth grade can 5 years old up to fifth grade can register. Go online at second.org or register. Go online at second.org or register. Go online at second.org or honestly Monday you can show up tomorrow honestly Monday you can show up tomorrow honestly Monday you can show up tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. and we'll get you guys morning at 8 a.m. and we'll get you guys morning at 8 a.m. and we'll get you guys checked in. We would love for your checked in. We would love for your checked in. We would love for your students to be your kids to be a part of students to be your kids to be a part of students to be your kids to be a part of that. And you can also buy a t-shirt on that. And you can also buy a t-shirt on that. And you can also buy a t-shirt on the third floor of the age building if the third floor of the age building if the third floor of the age building if you want to do that. Stop by up there. you want to do that. Stop by up there. you want to do that. Stop by up there. And then July 4th through the 31st, we And then July 4th through the 31st, we And then July 4th through the 31st, we have Operation Christmas Child. It's a have Operation Christmas Child. It's a have Operation Christmas Child. It's a great thing for you and your family to great thing for you and your family to great thing for you and your family to partner with our church. We work with partner with our church. We work with partner with our church. We work with Samaritan's Purse to give the gifts all Samaritan's Purse to give the gifts all Samaritan's Purse to give the gifts all over the world. And so stop by the over the world. And so stop by the over the world. And so stop by the atrium. You can pick up some boxes. Take atrium. You can pick up some boxes. Take atrium. You can pick up some boxes. Take your kids, your grandkids, your your kids, your grandkids, your your kids, your grandkids, your neighborhood kids, your friends. Go fill neighborhood kids, your friends. Go fill neighborhood kids, your friends. Go fill those boxes up and share the love of those boxes up and share the love of those boxes up and share the love of Jesus, the gospel with those all over Jesus, the gospel with those all over Jesus, the gospel with those all over the world. And then once again, if you the world. And then once again, if you the world. And then once again, if you are a guest or maybe during that are a guest or maybe during that are a guest or maybe during that invitation you were nervous and didn't invitation you were nervous and didn't invitation you were nervous and didn't want to come down front, I want to want to come down front, I want to want to come down front, I want to encourage, I want to challenge you. Stop encourage, I want to challenge you. Stop encourage, I want to challenge you. Stop by one of our red doors located on by one of our red doors located on by one of our red doors located on either side of our worship center. We either side of our worship center. We either side of our worship center. We would love to meet you and get you would love to meet you and get you would love to meet you and get you plugged into all that God is doing here.

plugged into all that God is doing here. plugged into all that God is doing here. If you guys would please stand for our If you guys would please stand for our If you guys would please stand for our closing prayer. closing prayer. closing prayer. Heavenly Father, thank you again, God, Heavenly Father, thank you again, God, Heavenly Father, thank you again, God, for who you are. God, thank you for what for who you are. God, thank you for what for who you are. God, thank you for what you've done in this place. God, for the you've done in this place. God, for the you've done in this place. God, for the word that you've given each and every word that you've given each and every word that you've given each and every one of us, Father, I pray this week that one of us, Father, I pray this week that one of us, Father, I pray this week that we wouldn't find time, but God, that we we wouldn't find time, but God, that we we wouldn't find time, but God, that we would make time, Father, to get silent would make time, Father, to get silent would make time, Father, to get silent to spend time with you, like Pastor Ben to spend time with you, like Pastor Ben to spend time with you, like Pastor Ben said, whether that's five minutes or 50 said, whether that's five minutes or 50 said, whether that's five minutes or 50 minutes, [music] whatever. God, that we minutes, [music] whatever. God, that we minutes, [music] whatever. God, that we would get silent and spend time growing would get silent and spend time growing would get silent and spend time growing with you. Father, use us to build your with you. Father, use us to build your with you. Father, use us to build your kingdom this week. We pray for our kingdom this week. We pray for our kingdom this week. We pray for our teachers, our volunteers, our pastors, teachers, our volunteers, our pastors, teachers, our volunteers, our pastors, [music] [music] [music] everybody involved with VBS. And God, we everybody involved with VBS. And God, we everybody involved with VBS. And God, we play pray for the students and the kids play pray for the students and the kids play pray for the students and the kids coming, God, those that will have divine coming, God, those that will have divine coming, God, those that will have divine appointments with you, Father, that appointments with you, Father, that appointments with you, Father, that their lives would be forever changed by their lives would be forever changed by their lives would be forever changed by you, by your son, Jesus, the good news you, by your son, Jesus, the good news you, by your son, Jesus, the good news of the gospel. It's in Jesus name that of the gospel. It's in Jesus name that of the gospel. It's in Jesus name that we pray. [music] Amen. >> Heat.

>> Heat. Heat.