Choosing Greatness | Full 9:30 service replay

[music] [music] >> All the power of Jesus [music] name >> All the power of Jesus [music] name >> All the power of Jesus [music] name pro for [music] the royal All right. for [music] the royal All right. And And And [music] bring forth the [music] bring forth the [music] royal dam royal dam royal dam and and and [music] [music] [music] glor. Let's stand together. [music] Let every Let's stand together. [music] Let every kindred, every tribe lift up the mighty kindred, every tribe lift up the mighty kindred, every tribe lift up the mighty name of [music] our Lord and Savior name of [music] our Lord and Savior name of [music] our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this morning. Will you join Jesus Christ this morning. Will you join Jesus Christ this morning. Will you join us? Let's sing together. >> [music] >> [music] >> Let every >> Let every >> Let every kindred, every tribe on this kindred, every tribe on this kindred, every tribe on this [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] terrestrial terrestrial terrestrial ball. ball. ball. To him [music] To him [music] To him [music] [singing] all majesty [singing] all majesty [singing] all majesty right and clown him.

right and clown him. right and clown him. [music] our [singing] king. Come on, our [singing] king. Come on, >> come let [music] us bow at his feet. He >> come let [music] us bow at his feet. He >> come let [music] us bow at his feet. He [singing] has done great things. [music] Oh, see [singing] what our Savior has Oh, see [singing] what our Savior has done. done. done. [music] See how his [singing] love [music] See how his [singing] love [music] See how his [singing] love overcomes. overcomes. overcomes. He has done great [music] things. He has done great [music] things. He has done great [music] things. Yes, he has done great things. [music] Oh Oh heaven, you conquer [music] the grave.

heaven, you conquer [music] the grave. heaven, you conquer [music] the grave. You free every captive and break every You free every captive and break every You free every captive and break every chain. [music] Oh God, you have done chain. [music] Oh God, you have done chain. [music] Oh God, you have done great things. We can see your freedom great things. We can see your freedom great things. We can see your freedom [music] away and the light. Oh Jesus our [music] away and the light. Oh Jesus our [music] away and the light. Oh Jesus our savior. Your name lifted high. Oh God, savior. Your name lifted high. Oh God, savior. Your name lifted high. Oh God, you have done [music] great things. faithful, Lord. faithful, Lord. Sing it out. You [music] faithful Sing it out. You [music] faithful Sing it out. You [music] faithful through every storm. through every storm. through every storm. You'll be faithful forever more. [music] You'll be faithful forever more. [music] You'll be faithful forever more. [music] You have done great things. And I know You have done great things. And I know You have done great things. And I know and I [music] know you will do it again. and I [music] know you will do it again. and I [music] know you will do it again. For your [music] promise is yes and For your [music] promise is yes and For your [music] promise is yes and amen. You have done great things. Oh God amen. You have done great things. Oh God amen. You have done great things. Oh God [music] of [music] heaven, you conquer the of [music] heaven, you conquer the grave. You free every captive and break grave. You free every captive and break grave. You free every captive and break every sh. [music] every sh. [music] every sh. [music] Oh God, you have done [singing] great.

Oh God, you have done [singing] great. Oh God, you have done [singing] great. We dance in your freedom away [music] in We dance in your freedom away [music] in We dance in your freedom away [music] in the life of Jesus our the life of Jesus our the life of Jesus our name lifted high. Oh God, you have done name lifted high. Oh God, you have done name lifted high. Oh God, you have done great things. [music] great things. [music] great things. [music] Sing hallelujah. Halleluah. Halleluah. [music] God above it [singing] all. [music] God above it [singing] all. [music] God above it [singing] all. Halleluah. Halleluah. Halleluah. God unshakeable. [music] God unshakeable. [music] God unshakeable. [music] Halleluah. Halleluah. Halleluah. You have done great things. Sing [music] You have done great things. Sing [music] You have done great things. Sing [music] hallelujah. Halleluah. [music] Halleluah. [music] [singing] God above it all. Halleluah. [singing] God above it all. Halleluah. [singing] God above it all. Halleluah. God [music] unshakeable. God [music] unshakeable. God [music] unshakeable. Halleluah. Halleluah. Halleluah. You have done great [music and singing] You have done great [music and singing] You have done great [music and singing] things. For you done great things things. For you done great things things. For you done great things for here of heaven. [music] for here of heaven. [music] for here of heaven. [music] You conquered [singing] You conquered [singing] You conquered [singing] the grave. You free every captive and the grave. You free every captive and the grave. You free every captive and break every chain of God. You [music] break every chain of God. You [music] break every chain of God. You [music] have done great things. We dance in your have done great things. We dance in your have done great things. We dance in your freedom. Awaken [music] the life. Oh freedom. Awaken [music] the life. Oh freedom. Awaken [music] the life. Oh Jesus, I say your name lifted high. Oh Jesus, I say your name lifted high. Oh Jesus, I say your name lifted high. Oh God, [music] God, [music] God, [music] you have the great Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. [music] Father, what a beautiful confession that Father, what a beautiful confession that is. [music] You've been faithful, is. [music] You've been faithful, is. [music] You've been faithful, faithful through every storm. Father, faithful through every storm. Father, faithful through every storm. Father, you have done great things. We confess you have done great things. We confess you have done great things. We confess that. We're thankful for that. Move in a that. We're thankful for that. Move in a that. We're thankful for that. Move in a powerful way in this hour of worship. powerful way in this hour of worship. powerful way in this hour of worship. Move in each and every heart, each and Move in each and every heart, each and Move in each and every heart, each and every life. That's al our simple prayer. every life. That's al our simple prayer. every life. That's al our simple prayer. We ask these things in Christ's name. We ask these things in Christ's name. We ask these things in Christ's name. [music] [music] [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. Welcome this second. We're so glad that Welcome this second. We're so glad that Welcome this second. We're so glad that you're here with us this morning. Our you're here with us this morning. Our you're here with us this morning. Our goal in this time, in this hour of goal in this time, in this hour of goal in this time, in this hour of worship, is to simply do [music] just worship, is to simply do [music] just worship, is to simply do [music] just that. To worship God, to grow in our that. To worship God, to grow in our that. To worship God, to grow in our walk with him as we spend time in walk with him as we spend time in walk with him as we spend time in community, to be stirred up when we community, to be stirred up when we community, to be stirred up when we leave this place to win others to leave this place to win others to leave this place to win others to Christ, to worship, to walk, and to win. Christ, to worship, to walk, and to win. Christ, to worship, to walk, and to win. If you're a guest, we'd love for you to If you're a guest, we'd love for you to If you're a guest, we'd love for you to be a part of that. Most especially, we'd be a part of that. Most especially, we'd be a part of that. Most especially, we'd love a chance to connect with you, to love a chance to connect with you, to love a chance to connect with you, to get to know you, to walk beside you. All get to know you, to walk beside you. All get to know you, to walk beside you. All you have to do, just do one thing for you have to do, just do one thing for you have to do, just do one thing for us, please. All the guests in the room, us, please. All the guests in the room, us, please. All the guests in the room, would you grab this connection card?

would you grab this connection card? would you grab this connection card? [music] This connection card's right in [music] This connection card's right in [music] This connection card's right in front of you in the seat back. Simply front of you in the seat back. Simply front of you in the seat back. Simply grab this card, drop your information grab this card, drop your information grab this card, drop your information that goes straight to our team. We'll that goes straight to our team. We'll that goes straight to our team. We'll get this in the day to come. We'll reach get this in the day to come. We'll reach get this in the day to come. We'll reach out to you. That's the first step. out to you. That's the first step. out to you. That's the first step. That's your first step. Just share your That's your first step. Just share your That's your first step. Just share your information. Let us know that you were information. Let us know that you were information. Let us know that you were here today. Once again, we want to reach here today. Once again, we want to reach here today. Once again, we want to reach out. Want to begin to help you find out. Want to begin to help you find out. Want to begin to help you find community right here inside the second community right here inside the second community right here inside the second family. We're so thrilled about this family. We're so thrilled about this family. We're so thrilled about this hour of worship here. Here's my prayer hour of worship here. Here's my prayer hour of worship here. Here's my prayer for myself. Here's my prayer for all of for myself. Here's my prayer for all of for myself. Here's my prayer for all of you in this room that you would simply you in this room that you would simply you in this room that you would simply push pause, slow down your heart, slow push pause, slow down your heart, slow push pause, slow down your heart, slow down your mind, let God speak to you as down your mind, let God speak to you as down your mind, let God speak to you as we worship together, we worship together, we worship together, participate in that through music, participate in that through music, participate in that through music, through the teaching [music] of his through the teaching [music] of his through the teaching [music] of his words, the prayers we're going to pray words, the prayers we're going to pray words, the prayers we're going to pray today, and ask God to simply move in today, and ask God to simply move in today, and ask God to simply move in your heart, move in your life. That's my your heart, move in your life. That's my your heart, move in your life. That's my prayer for myself. That's my prayer for prayer for myself. That's my prayer for prayer for myself. That's my prayer for you. It's going to be a powerful time of you. It's going to be a powerful time of you. It's going to be a powerful time of worship. Let's continue to do just that worship. Let's continue to do just that worship. Let's continue to do just that together. together. together. We love to celebrate believers baptism We love to celebrate believers baptism We love to celebrate believers baptism and changed lives. And this week we've and changed lives. And this week we've and changed lives. And this week we've had three who have identified publicly had three who have identified publicly had three who have identified publicly through uh believers baptism. The very through uh believers baptism. The very through uh believers baptism. The very first one so in imitation of our lord first one so in imitation of our lord first one so in imitation of our lord and savior Jesus Christ and in obedience and savior Jesus Christ and in obedience and savior Jesus Christ and in obedience to his divine command we baptize in the to his divine command we baptize in the to his divine command we baptize in the name of the father the son and the holy name of the father the son and the holy name of the father the son and the holy spirit. Abraham Dborah, spirit. Abraham Dborah, spirit. Abraham Dborah, Rahm, Joseph, Rahm, Joseph, Rahm, Joseph, [applause and music] I want to be close

I want to be close close to your side. [singing] close to your side. [singing] close to your side. [singing] So heaven is real So heaven is real So heaven is real and death is a lie. and death is a lie. and death is a lie. I want to hear voices I want to hear voices I want to hear voices [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] of angels above of angels above of angels above singing as one. singing as one. singing as one. Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, holy, holy holy, holy holy, holy God almighty, God almighty, God almighty, the great I [music and singing] am, the great I [music and singing] am, the great I [music and singing] am, who is worthy, [music] who is worthy, [music] who is worthy, [music] none beside thee, God almighty, none beside thee, God almighty, none beside thee, God almighty, the great I am. the great I am. the great I am. [music] [music] [music] Let's sing it out. Let's sing it out. Let's sing it out. I want to be near [music] I want to be near [music] I want to be near [music] to your heart. to your heart. to your heart. Loving [music and singing] the well Loving [music and singing] the well Loving [music and singing] the well and hating the dark. and hating the dark. and hating the dark. I want to see [music] dry bones living I want to see [music] dry bones living I want to see [music] dry bones living again.

again. again. [music] Singing as one. [music] Singing as one. [music] Singing as one. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Holy, [music] holy Holy, [music] holy Holy, [music] holy God Almighty, God Almighty, God Almighty, the great [music] I am. the great [music] I am. the great [music] I am. Who is worthy? Who is worthy? Who is worthy? None beside me. God Almighty, [music] None beside me. God Almighty, [music] None beside me. God Almighty, [music] the great I am. the great I am. the great I am. Oh, worship me, Jesus. Great [music] I Oh, worship me, Jesus. Great [music] I Oh, worship me, Jesus. Great [music] I am. You're the great I am. The mountains shake before him. The The mountains shake before him. The demons [music and singing] demons [music and singing] demons [music and singing] run and flee run and flee run and flee at the mention of [music and singing] at the mention of [music and singing] at the mention of [music and singing] the name King of Majesty. the name King of Majesty. the name King of Majesty. There is the power in hell or any who There is the power in hell or any who There is the power in hell or any who can stand before the [music] power and can stand before the [music] power and can stand before the [music] power and the presence of the great I am.

the presence of the great I am. the presence of the great I am. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Single. [music] [music] Holy, holy Holy, holy Holy, holy God, mighty [music] God, mighty [music] God, mighty [music] great I am. great I am. great I am. Who is worthy Who is worthy Who is worthy beside [music] me? God mighty beside [music] me? God mighty beside [music] me? God mighty great. [music] [music] Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus, you're great.

Come on, touch me. The mountain [music] Come on, touch me. The mountain [music] sh sh sh the mountain shake before him. The king the mountain shake before him. The king the mountain shake before him. The king run and [music] the mention of the name king of majesty. the mention of the name king of majesty. There is no power [music] in hell for There is no power [music] in hell for There is no power [music] in hell for any who can stand before the power and any who can stand before the power and any who can stand before the power and the presence of the great. the presence of the great. the presence of the great. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. >> Come on, let's give him praise.

>> Come on, let's give him praise. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] Heavenly Father, we thank you for the Heavenly Father, we thank you for the Heavenly Father, we thank you for the opportunity to gather together this opportunity to gather together this opportunity to gather together this morning and worship you here with our morning and worship you here with our morning and worship you here with our second family. [music] We ask that you second family. [music] We ask that you second family. [music] We ask that you bless these tithes and offerings and use bless these tithes and offerings and use bless these tithes and offerings and use them for the furtherance of your kingdom them for the furtherance of your kingdom them for the furtherance of your kingdom in accordance with your will. In Jesus in accordance with your will. In Jesus in accordance with your will. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. From the words, let there be light. From From the words, let there be light. From darkest void to earth and sky, darkest void to earth and sky, darkest void to earth and sky, came a [singing] sound that [music] came a [singing] sound that [music] came a [singing] sound that [music] still goes on. still goes on. still goes on. the anthem of an endless the anthem of an endless the anthem of an endless song. Now we add our meloies, Now we add our meloies, our grateful hearts [singing] rise up to our grateful hearts [singing] rise up to our grateful hearts [singing] rise up to sing.

sing. sing. With one voice, a glad [music] refrain With one voice, a glad [music] refrain With one voice, a glad [music] refrain the breath God gives turned into the breath God gives turned into the breath God gives turned into praise. He is faithful. He is faithful. Hallelu [singing] to the lamb. [music] to the lamb. [music] All creation All creation All creation gives him glory. gives him glory. gives him glory. Hallelu [music] and [singing] and [singing] amen. What a thought [music] What a thought [music] that even now that even now that even now heaven [music] heaven [music] heaven [music] echoes [singing] with the sound of all echoes [singing] with the sound of all echoes [singing] with the sound of all [music] the saints [music] the saints [music] the saints around the throne. around the throne. around the throne. [music] Giving praise to Christ alone.

[music] Giving praise to Christ alone. [music] Giving praise to Christ alone. Hallelu [music] He is faithful. He is faithful. Hallelu [music] Hallelu [music] Hallelu [music] to the lamb to the lamb to the lamb all creation [music] all creation [music] all creation [music] gives him glory. gives him glory. gives him glory. Hallelu [music] Hallelu [music] Hallelu [music] amen. Worthy, [music] Worthy, [music] worthy, worthy, worthy, worthy [music] is the lamb. worthy [music] is the lamb. worthy [music] is the lamb. Holy, [music] Holy, [music] Holy, [music] holy, holy, holy, holy is the [music] lamb. holy is the [music] lamb. holy is the [music] lamb. Worthy, Worthy, Worthy, worthy, worthy, worthy, worthy is [music] the lamb. worthy is [music] the lamb. worthy is [music] the lamb. Holy, [music] Holy, [music] Holy, [music] so worthy.

so worthy. so worthy. Holy [music] Holy [music] Holy [music] is the lamb. is the lamb. is the lamb. [music] Hallelu, Hallelu, he is [music and singing] faithful. he is [music and singing] faithful. he is [music and singing] faithful. Hallelu Hallelu Hallelu to the lamb. All creation [music] All creation [music] gives him gloryy. gives him gloryy. gives him gloryy. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [music] is faithful. is faithful. is faithful. Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah to the lamb. [music] to the lamb. [music] to the lamb. [music] All creation All creation All creation gives him glory. [music] gives him glory. [music] gives him glory. [music] All creation All creation All creation gives him glory. gives him glory. gives him glory. All creation [music] All creation [music] All creation [music] gives him glory.

gives him glory. gives him glory. [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] [applause] >> I invite you to kneel with me as we go >> I invite you to kneel with me as we go to the Lord in prayer.

God Almighty, we sing hallelujah to your God Almighty, we sing hallelujah to your name today. name today. name today. We worship you. We worship you. We worship you. You are holy, holy, holy You are holy, holy, holy You are holy, holy, holy God. You are transcendent. You are high God. You are transcendent. You are high God. You are transcendent. You are high and above. and above. and above. At the same time, you are right here At the same time, you are right here At the same time, you are right here with us. You are everywhere with us. You are everywhere with us. You are everywhere present. present. present. God, thank you so much for revealing God, thank you so much for revealing God, thank you so much for revealing yourself to us yourself to us yourself to us through this beautiful world that you through this beautiful world that you through this beautiful world that you have created have created have created that we might be made in your image, that we might be made in your image, that we might be made in your image, God, God, God, and through your son. God, speak to us, and through your son. God, speak to us, and through your son. God, speak to us, God. We ask as we open your word in God. We ask as we open your word in God. We ask as we open your word in Jesus name. Jesus name. Jesus name. Amen. I'm not really a soccer fan, but I I'm not really a soccer fan, but I really enjoyed watching the World Cup really enjoyed watching the World Cup really enjoyed watching the World Cup the last few weeks. I really did. And so the last few weeks. I really did. And so the last few weeks. I really did. And so I I think one of the reasons I like I I think one of the reasons I like I I think one of the reasons I like watching the World Cup, the reason many watching the World Cup, the reason many watching the World Cup, the reason many of you like watching it, though you of you like watching it, though you of you like watching it, though you probably don't follow soccer like I do probably don't follow soccer like I do probably don't follow soccer like I do or don't understand it, is or don't understand it, is or don't understand it, is it's like a a form of the Olympics, it's like a a form of the Olympics, it's like a a form of the Olympics, isn't it? In other words, the whole isn't it? In other words, the whole isn't it? In other words, the whole world come together. In this case, uh we world come together. In this case, uh we world come together. In this case, uh we celebrate it here by having the games in celebrate it here by having the games in celebrate it here by having the games in North America. And you know, everybody North America. And you know, everybody North America. And you know, everybody comes from all over the world. They comes from all over the world. They comes from all over the world. They bring their country's colors, their bring their country's colors, their bring their country's colors, their flags, their customs, uh the cheers, the

flags, their customs, uh the cheers, the flags, their customs, uh the cheers, the songs, all of that focuses on this one songs, all of that focuses on this one songs, all of that focuses on this one event to see who's going to be the best event to see who's going to be the best event to see who's going to be the best soccer team on the planet. soccer team on the planet. soccer team on the planet. Now, what's interesting about the World Now, what's interesting about the World Now, what's interesting about the World Cup, it's the same as the Super Bowl or Cup, it's the same as the Super Bowl or Cup, it's the same as the Super Bowl or the World Series, is that when you break the World Series, is that when you break the World Series, is that when you break away away away from from from the game to a commercial, the game to a commercial, the game to a commercial, all the commercials, most all of them all the commercials, most all of them all the commercials, most all of them feature athletes feature athletes feature athletes not in the game usually, but doing what? not in the game usually, but doing what? not in the game usually, but doing what? Training, isn't it? It shows them Training, isn't it? It shows them Training, isn't it? It shows them running around a track. It shows them running around a track. It shows them running around a track. It shows them trying to clear hurdles. It shows them trying to clear hurdles. It shows them trying to clear hurdles. It shows them grabbing those big ropes. I know you've grabbing those big ropes. I know you've grabbing those big ropes. I know you've never done this. And flapping him on the never done this. And flapping him on the never done this. And flapping him on the floor, jumping, plyometrics, weight floor, jumping, plyometrics, weight floor, jumping, plyometrics, weight training, and then it shows them training, and then it shows them training, and then it shows them hydrating themselves with some type of, hydrating themselves with some type of, hydrating themselves with some type of, I don't know, special sports drink or I don't know, special sports drink or I don't know, special sports drink or special electrolytes. It shows them special electrolytes. It shows them special electrolytes. It shows them taking this protein powder or having taking this protein powder or having taking this protein powder or having some little gadget on their cell phone some little gadget on their cell phone some little gadget on their cell phone or something that helps them train and or something that helps them train and or something that helps them train and prepare for the big game. So we prepare for the big game. So we prepare for the big game. So we especially in the in the western world especially in the in the western world especially in the in the western world have bought into that, haven't we? I have bought into that, haven't we? I have bought into that, haven't we? I mean we've committed by and large as a mean we've committed by and large as a mean we've committed by and large as a culture to physical workouts. The culture to physical workouts. The culture to physical workouts. The importance of dieting, eating of protein importance of dieting, eating of protein importance of dieting, eating of protein and balance. We have focused on that for

and balance. We have focused on that for and balance. We have focused on that for a good 50 years now in our culture. But a good 50 years now in our culture. But a good 50 years now in our culture. But so many times so many times so many times we fail to do the same thing, put the we fail to do the same thing, put the we fail to do the same thing, put the same amount of emphasis, intentionality, same amount of emphasis, intentionality, same amount of emphasis, intentionality, and focus on the most important thing in and focus on the most important thing in and focus on the most important thing in all of our lives. The Bible puts it this all of our lives. The Bible puts it this all of our lives. The Bible puts it this way in 1 Timothy 4:8. As Paul is writing way in 1 Timothy 4:8. As Paul is writing way in 1 Timothy 4:8. As Paul is writing to someone he's training by the name of to someone he's training by the name of to someone he's training by the name of Timothy, he says, "For physical training Timothy, he says, "For physical training Timothy, he says, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has is of some value, but godliness has is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise value for all things, holding promise value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life for both the present life and the life for both the present life and the life to come." Paul knew that his people in to come." Paul knew that his people in to come." Paul knew that his people in that day in Ephesus and Greece uh where that day in Ephesus and Greece uh where that day in Ephesus and Greece uh where this was taking place were also obsessed this was taking place were also obsessed this was taking place were also obsessed with training and athletics. It was a with training and athletics. It was a with training and athletics. It was a big part of their culture. big part of their culture. big part of their culture. And so here what does he do? He takes And so here what does he do? He takes And so here what does he do? He takes that cultural obsession with training, that cultural obsession with training, that cultural obsession with training, preparation, getting ready, athleticism, preparation, getting ready, athleticism, preparation, getting ready, athleticism, and he pivots to focus and he pivots to focus and he pivots to focus and to compare it to spiritual and to compare it to spiritual and to compare it to spiritual formation, to working out and being formation, to working out and being formation, to working out and being intentional about our training in intentional about our training in intentional about our training in godliness or in following him.

godliness or in following him. godliness or in following him. That's why we've been looking this That's why we've been looking this That's why we've been looking this summer at spiritual formation. And summer at spiritual formation. And summer at spiritual formation. And spiritual formation basically describes spiritual formation basically describes spiritual formation basically describes the process of how we become more like the process of how we become more like the process of how we become more like Christ. Christ. Christ. Spiritual formation, as we've seen, Spiritual formation, as we've seen, Spiritual formation, as we've seen, involves intentional involves intentional involves intentional practices. practices. practices. It it doesn't just happen by kind of It it doesn't just happen by kind of It it doesn't just happen by kind of floating around. All right? No, it's floating around. All right? No, it's floating around. All right? No, it's intentional. intentional. intentional. What are some of the intentional What are some of the intentional What are some of the intentional practices that we looked at? Well, we practices that we looked at? Well, we practices that we looked at? Well, we looked at silence and solitude. Number two, we looked at the spiritual Number two, we looked at the spiritual practice, intentional practice of practice, intentional practice of practice, intentional practice of meditation. meditation. meditation. And today we're going to look at the And today we're going to look at the And today we're going to look at the third third third aspect, the third practice in spiritual aspect, the third practice in spiritual aspect, the third practice in spiritual formation that we'll get to in a little formation that we'll get to in a little formation that we'll get to in a little bit. But I need to say this bit. But I need to say this bit. But I need to say this parathetically. This is important. parathetically. This is important. parathetically. This is important. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Spiritual formation Spiritual formation Spiritual formation intentional practices intentional practices intentional practices don't save you. They don't save you, but don't save you. They don't save you, but don't save you. They don't save you, but they help sanctify you. To use they help sanctify you. To use they help sanctify you. To use theological terms. In other words, theological terms. In other words, theological terms. In other words, spiritual formations are means of grace spiritual formations are means of grace spiritual formations are means of grace that God's given us to help us grow and that God's given us to help us grow and that God's given us to help us grow and to understand him better and also to be to understand him better and also to be to understand him better and also to be able to apply his life, his reality, his able to apply his life, his reality, his able to apply his life, his reality, his truth to our families, to our business, truth to our families, to our business, truth to our families, to our business, to our school, to every aspect of our to our school, to every aspect of our to our school, to every aspect of our lives.

lives. lives. So today we're going to look at a So today we're going to look at a So today we're going to look at a critical critical critical practice of spiritual formation practice of spiritual formation practice of spiritual formation that we all need to participate in. that we all need to participate in. that we all need to participate in. How do we get there? Well, How do we get there? Well, How do we get there? Well, if you're a parent if you're a parent if you're a parent and you have a child who's sick or and you have a child who's sick or and you have a child who's sick or hurting, you will do anything hurting, you will do anything hurting, you will do anything to help your child. to help your child. to help your child. You'll do anything. You'll climb any You'll do anything. You'll climb any You'll do anything. You'll climb any mountain, sacrifice anything in order to mountain, sacrifice anything in order to mountain, sacrifice anything in order to help your child who is sick. help your child who is sick. help your child who is sick. Many years ago, when the New Testament Many years ago, when the New Testament Many years ago, when the New Testament was written, there was a situation where was written, there was a situation where was written, there was a situation where a father had a son who was really sick. a father had a son who was really sick. a father had a son who was really sick. He was possessed by an evil force that He was possessed by an evil force that He was possessed by an evil force that was so intense that it would cause this was so intense that it would cause this was so intense that it would cause this son to go into convulsions, to throw son to go into convulsions, to throw son to go into convulsions, to throw himself in a fire. And this father was himself in a fire. And this father was himself in a fire. And this father was absolutely distraught. finally heard absolutely distraught. finally heard absolutely distraught. finally heard about a group of people who may give his about a group of people who may give his about a group of people who may give his son help. So he took his son in front of son help. So he took his son in front of son help. So he took his son in front of this group of men. We call this group of this group of men. We call this group of this group of men. We call this group of men men men disciples, the disciples. Can you help disciples, the disciples. Can you help disciples, the disciples. Can you help me? Can you help us? And they tried to me? Can you help us? And they tried to me? Can you help us? And they tried to help the the father with the son. They help the the father with the son. They help the the father with the son. They tried and tried but they could not tried and tried but they could not tried and tried but they could not succeed. So finally the father took the succeed. So finally the father took the succeed. So finally the father took the son before the leader of this group who son before the leader of this group who son before the leader of this group who was known as Yeshua, was known as Yeshua, was known as Yeshua, Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. And he went to Jesus and said, "Lord And he went to Jesus and said, "Lord And he went to Jesus and said, "Lord Jesus, I I tried to to get help from Jesus, I I tried to to get help from Jesus, I I tried to to get help from your disciples, but they could not help your disciples, but they could not help your disciples, but they could not help me. They couldn't release and heal my me. They couldn't release and heal my me. They couldn't release and heal my son. Why did they fail? Why did they fail? Why couldn't they do it? And Jesus said, And Jesus said, "This type of help, this type of healing "This type of help, this type of healing "This type of help, this type of healing only comes through the power of prayer only comes through the power of prayer only comes through the power of prayer and fasting." And he cast the demonic power and force And he cast the demonic power and force out of the boy, out of this father's out of the boy, out of this father's out of the boy, out of this father's son, and healed him. Power Power of prayer and fasting. He doesn't go of prayer and fasting. He doesn't go of prayer and fasting. He doesn't go really on to explain what he meant by really on to explain what he meant by really on to explain what he meant by that, that, that, but we know but we know but we know that we have to tap into that we have to tap into that we have to tap into this power.

For thousands of years, For thousands of years, men and women and young people from men and women and young people from men and women and young people from around the world have engaged in these around the world have engaged in these around the world have engaged in these intentional intentional intentional practices of spiritual formation, practices of spiritual formation, practices of spiritual formation, silence, solitude, silence, solitude, silence, solitude, meditation, and the third one we're meditation, and the third one we're meditation, and the third one we're looking at today, fasting. fasting. There's power There's power There's power in fasting. in fasting. in fasting. In Matthew chapter 6, I invite you to In Matthew chapter 6, I invite you to In Matthew chapter 6, I invite you to turn with me in your Bibles to that. turn with me in your Bibles to that. turn with me in your Bibles to that. Matthew is the very first book in Matthew is the very first book in Matthew is the very first book in the New Testament. the New Testament. the New Testament. Turn to Matthew. If not, Matthew is Turn to Matthew. If not, Matthew is Turn to Matthew. If not, Matthew is going to be on the screen right in front going to be on the screen right in front going to be on the screen right in front of you. Matthew 6:16 following is one of of you. Matthew 6:16 following is one of of you. Matthew 6:16 following is one of the key passages in the entire Bible the key passages in the entire Bible the key passages in the entire Bible that talks about that talks about that talks about fasting. fasting. fasting. This is Jesus speaking here. He says, This is Jesus speaking here. He says, This is Jesus speaking here. He says, "When you fast, do not look somber as "When you fast, do not look somber as "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure the hypocrites do, for they disfigure the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others that they are their faces to show others that they are their faces to show others that they are fasting."

fasting." fasting." In other words, they are posting online In other words, they are posting online In other words, they are posting online in social media, "Hey, look at me. I'm in social media, "Hey, look at me. I'm in social media, "Hey, look at me. I'm spiritual. I'm fasting. Truly I tell you, they've received the Truly I tell you, they've received the reward in full. Like smiley face, reward in full. Like smiley face, reward in full. Like smiley face, hearts. hearts. hearts. That'll go a long way. That'll go a long way. That'll go a long way. But when you fast, But when you fast, But when you fast, put oil on your head, wash your face so put oil on your head, wash your face so put oil on your head, wash your face so that it will be not be obvious to others that it will be not be obvious to others that it will be not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your that you are fasting, but only to your that you are fasting, but only to your father who is unseen. and your father, father who is unseen. and your father, father who is unseen. and your father, God the Father, who sees what you've God the Father, who sees what you've God the Father, who sees what you've done in secret will reward you. It's done in secret will reward you. It's done in secret will reward you. It's interesting when you look at these interesting when you look at these interesting when you look at these passages in 1 Timothy 4, it says there's passages in 1 Timothy 4, it says there's passages in 1 Timothy 4, it says there's value in training for godliness. There's value in training for godliness. There's value in fasting. There's a reward in fasting. in fasting. There's a reward in fasting. in fasting. There's a reward in fasting. And as you look at this passage, notice And as you look at this passage, notice And as you look at this passage, notice Jesus says, "Not if, Jesus says, "Not if, Jesus says, "Not if, not if you fast, but when not if you fast, but when not if you fast, but when you fast."

you fast." you fast." Fasting is one of those givens Fasting is one of those givens Fasting is one of those givens in Christian spirituality. in Christian spirituality. in Christian spirituality. Fasting. Fasting. Fasting. When I think about fasting, I think When I think about fasting, I think When I think about fasting, I think about Jesus about to launch his about Jesus about to launch his about Jesus about to launch his three-year ministry. Remember before he three-year ministry. Remember before he three-year ministry. Remember before he launched his three years ministry, he launched his three years ministry, he launched his three years ministry, he spent 40 days in fasting and preparation spent 40 days in fasting and preparation spent 40 days in fasting and preparation for the launch. for the launch. for the launch. I think about the dedicay that we I think about the dedicay that we I think about the dedicay that we studied a few months ago. The dedicay it studied a few months ago. The dedicay it studied a few months ago. The dedicay it said in those early first second century said in those early first second century said in those early first second century of the church, they would fast on of the church, they would fast on of the church, they would fast on Wednesday and Friday. They would skip Wednesday and Friday. They would skip Wednesday and Friday. They would skip basically breakfast and lunch and break basically breakfast and lunch and break basically breakfast and lunch and break the fast at dinner. the fast at dinner. the fast at dinner. When I was getting ready for the When I was getting ready for the When I was getting ready for the mountain retreat with our high school mountain retreat with our high school mountain retreat with our high school students and we have a group of students students and we have a group of students students and we have a group of students over here, junior high students. That's over here, junior high students. That's over here, junior high students. That's right. Who are getting ready to go on the creek Who are getting ready to go on the creek week. We're going to pray for them in a week. We're going to pray for them in a week. We're going to pray for them in a few moments. When I was getting ready few moments. When I was getting ready few moments. When I was getting ready for the mountain retreat, one of the for the mountain retreat, one of the for the mountain retreat, one of the things I did was I didn't fast from things I did was I didn't fast from things I did was I didn't fast from food. I simply fast from the news and food. I simply fast from the news and food. I simply fast from the news and did a fast from entertainment and media.

did a fast from entertainment and media. did a fast from entertainment and media. Why? Because I was getting ready for Why? Because I was getting ready for Why? Because I was getting ready for that mountain retreat. I would try to that mountain retreat. I would try to that mountain retreat. I would try to receive guidance from God as to what he receive guidance from God as to what he receive guidance from God as to what he wanted to say to our students as we went wanted to say to our students as we went wanted to say to our students as we went to the mountains. to the mountains. to the mountains. So we fast many times to prepare So we fast many times to prepare So we fast many times to prepare ourselves ourselves ourselves to do something for the Lord or to to do something for the Lord or to to do something for the Lord or to prepare ourselves that we deem is really prepare ourselves that we deem is really prepare ourselves that we deem is really important and vital and critical in our important and vital and critical in our important and vital and critical in our lives. Now in scripture you see people lives. Now in scripture you see people lives. Now in scripture you see people fasting for all kind of different fasting for all kind of different fasting for all kind of different reasons. Many times you see people reasons. Many times you see people reasons. Many times you see people fasting over a brokenness over sin. fasting over a brokenness over sin. fasting over a brokenness over sin. They're they're they're They're they're they're They're they're they're broken. They're they're they're broken. They're they're they're broken. They're they're they're devastated. Oh God, I I I can't get rid devastated. Oh God, I I I can't get rid devastated. Oh God, I I I can't get rid of this habit. God, we have engaged in of this habit. God, we have engaged in of this habit. God, we have engaged in something that has displeased you. So we something that has displeased you. So we something that has displeased you. So we want to go and enter into a time of want to go and enter into a time of want to go and enter into a time of fast. Many times we see people uh fast. Many times we see people uh fast. Many times we see people uh fasting also over a time of grief. fasting also over a time of grief. fasting also over a time of grief. They're going through a time of loss and They're going through a time of loss and They're going through a time of loss and brokenness. So they will skip meals and brokenness. So they will skip meals and brokenness. So they will skip meals and they will fast in order to receive they will fast in order to receive they will fast in order to receive comfort and to remember their loved one comfort and to remember their loved one comfort and to remember their loved one who has passed. Other times we see who has passed. Other times we see who has passed. Other times we see people uh fast in scripture when they people uh fast in scripture when they people uh fast in scripture when they feel helpless.

feel helpless. feel helpless. over life. over life. over life. In other words, life has thrown them In other words, life has thrown them In other words, life has thrown them something so difficult, maybe so random, something so difficult, maybe so random, something so difficult, maybe so random, so intense, they're like, "I have no so intense, they're like, "I have no so intense, they're like, "I have no idea where to go, no idea what to do. idea where to go, no idea what to do. idea where to go, no idea what to do. I'm going to spend time fasting so I can I'm going to spend time fasting so I can I'm going to spend time fasting so I can focus on God and hear him." focus on God and hear him." focus on God and hear him." There's a great story in 2 Chronicles uh There's a great story in 2 Chronicles uh There's a great story in 2 Chronicles uh chapter 20 where King Jehoshaphat is chapter 20 where King Jehoshaphat is chapter 20 where King Jehoshaphat is being invaded by three different being invaded by three different being invaded by three different enemies. They're attacking me in three enemies. They're attacking me in three enemies. They're attacking me in three different ways and Jehoshaphat doesn't different ways and Jehoshaphat doesn't different ways and Jehoshaphat doesn't know what to do. He's like, "God, this know what to do. He's like, "God, this know what to do. He's like, "God, this is an impossible situation. How can we is an impossible situation. How can we is an impossible situation. How can we go to battle? We're getting hit from go to battle? We're getting hit from go to battle? We're getting hit from these three different fronts. these three different fronts. these three different fronts. This is impossible." This is impossible." This is impossible." And so he seeks the Lord and the Lord And so he seeks the Lord and the Lord And so he seeks the Lord and the Lord speaks to him and tells him, "Listen, speaks to him and tells him, "Listen, speaks to him and tells him, "Listen, Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat, the battle the battle the battle is not yours. It is mine. The battle is not yours. It is mine. The battle is not yours. It is mine. The battle belongs to the Lord." And Jehoshaphat belongs to the Lord." And Jehoshaphat belongs to the Lord." And Jehoshaphat was fasting. His people were fasting.

was fasting. His people were fasting. was fasting. His people were fasting. And he received the word from God that And he received the word from God that And he received the word from God that he should put the choir and the worship he should put the choir and the worship he should put the choir and the worship leaders on the front line, leaders on the front line, leaders on the front line, which was some of us here, I agree with which was some of us here, I agree with which was some of us here, I agree with that. But no, he put all of them on the that. But no, he put all of them on the that. But no, he put all of them on the front lines and they began to praise and front lines and they began to praise and front lines and they began to praise and worship the Lord and they did not fire worship the Lord and they did not fire worship the Lord and they did not fire one shot. They did not do anything and one shot. They did not do anything and one shot. They did not do anything and they won that battle. they won that battle. they won that battle. All of that happened because they were All of that happened because they were All of that happened because they were seeking to hear God seeking to hear God seeking to hear God in the midst of a helpless and in the midst of a helpless and in the midst of a helpless and impossible situation. impossible situation. impossible situation. So when you think about fasting from a So when you think about fasting from a So when you think about fasting from a biblical perspective, we can see from biblical perspective, we can see from biblical perspective, we can see from this passage in Matthew 6 that fasting this passage in Matthew 6 that fasting this passage in Matthew 6 that fasting first of all is a covert first of all is a covert first of all is a covert operation. operation. operation. Unless it's a congregational fast or Unless it's a congregational fast or Unless it's a congregational fast or community fast, fasting is covert. It's community fast, fasting is covert. It's community fast, fasting is covert. It's not something you should tell people not something you should tell people not something you should tell people about. It's not something you should about. It's not something you should about. It's not something you should post about. It's not something you post about. It's not something you post about. It's not something you should brag about. Okay. Fasting also is should brag about. Okay. Fasting also is should brag about. Okay. Fasting also is about helplessness.

about helplessness. about helplessness. It's about brokenness. It's about It's about brokenness. It's about It's about brokenness. It's about neediness. It's about showing our neediness. It's about showing our neediness. It's about showing our dependence upon him. So if you are pragmatic here today, if So if you are pragmatic here today, if you have a you utilitarian proclivities you have a you utilitarian proclivities you have a you utilitarian proclivities and you're wondering why should I fast? and you're wondering why should I fast? and you're wondering why should I fast? What are the benefits of fast? What's What are the benefits of fast? What's What are the benefits of fast? What's the value? What's the reward? as Christ the value? What's the reward? as Christ the value? What's the reward? as Christ said in Matthew 6. Well, you know, if we said in Matthew 6. Well, you know, if we said in Matthew 6. Well, you know, if we got really pragmatic and drilled it got really pragmatic and drilled it got really pragmatic and drilled it down, we could talk about all the down, we could talk about all the down, we could talk about all the medical benefits of fasting. Reduces medical benefits of fasting. Reduces medical benefits of fasting. Reduces your insulin, inflammation, weight loss, your insulin, inflammation, weight loss, your insulin, inflammation, weight loss, you know, your your your metabolism. you know, your your your metabolism. you know, your your your metabolism. Fasting, regular fasting helps and all Fasting, regular fasting helps and all Fasting, regular fasting helps and all that. that. that. So, you got to start somewhere. But So, you got to start somewhere. But So, you got to start somewhere. But that's not what we're talking about here that's not what we're talking about here that's not what we're talking about here today. We're talking about what God's today. We're talking about what God's today. We're talking about what God's word talks says to us about fasting. And word talks says to us about fasting. And word talks says to us about fasting. And perhaps these medical and physical perhaps these medical and physical perhaps these medical and physical benefits can be thrown in. But why benefits can be thrown in. But why benefits can be thrown in. But why should you fast? Why should we all fast?

should you fast? Why should we all fast? should you fast? Why should we all fast? First of all, we fast because fasting First of all, we fast because fasting First of all, we fast because fasting refocuses your heart refocuses your heart refocuses your heart away from the good to the great. to the great. So when I fast, So when I fast, So when I fast, I'm putting aside the food. I'm putting I'm putting aside the food. I'm putting I'm putting aside the food. I'm putting down the fork, something that's good. down the fork, something that's good. down the fork, something that's good. Food is good. Eating is good. Bread is Food is good. Eating is good. Bread is Food is good. Eating is good. Bread is good. good. good. To focus on the great, to focus To focus on the great, to focus To focus on the great, to focus intensely upon God. intensely upon God. intensely upon God. Professor Eugene Merrill says this. He Professor Eugene Merrill says this. He Professor Eugene Merrill says this. He says that fasting is a theology of says that fasting is a theology of says that fasting is a theology of priorities. priorities. priorities. He summarizes it says by fasting is is a He summarizes it says by fasting is is a He summarizes it says by fasting is is a theology of priorities in which theology of priorities in which theology of priorities in which believers express undivided and believers express undivided and believers express undivided and intensive devotion to the Lord. So intensive devotion to the Lord. So intensive devotion to the Lord. So fasting is not simply about closing your fasting is not simply about closing your fasting is not simply about closing your mouth to food. It's about opening your mouth to food. It's about opening your mouth to food. It's about opening your heart to what God is trying to do and heart to what God is trying to do and heart to what God is trying to do and say in your life.

say in your life. say in your life. fasting. fasting. fasting. There's power There's power There's power in fasting. There's power in setting in fasting. There's power in setting in fasting. There's power in setting aside time aside time aside time to pray, as we looked at last week, to to pray, as we looked at last week, to to pray, as we looked at last week, to meditate deeply on God's word in order meditate deeply on God's word in order meditate deeply on God's word in order to hear his voice, to receive direction to hear his voice, to receive direction to hear his voice, to receive direction and guidance and power in your life. That's why we fast. That's why we fast. We're not fasting in order to somehow We're not fasting in order to somehow We're not fasting in order to somehow manipulate God. No, manipulate God. No, manipulate God. No, we're fasting we're fasting we're fasting because we want to receive more grace because we want to receive more grace because we want to receive more grace from God, power from God, and to see him from God, power from God, and to see him from God, power from God, and to see him move through our lives. move through our lives. move through our lives. Fasting refocuses our heart, our minds, Fasting refocuses our heart, our minds, Fasting refocuses our heart, our minds, and our bodies from something good and our bodies from something good and our bodies from something good to something great. to something great. to something great. Also, fasting reveals what controls you.

Also, fasting reveals what controls you. Also, fasting reveals what controls you. Richard Foster said, "More than any Richard Foster said, "More than any Richard Foster said, "More than any other discipline, fasting reveals the other discipline, fasting reveals the other discipline, fasting reveals the things that control things that control things that control us." He talks about a story about a He talks about a story about a businessman who decided to go on a fast businessman who decided to go on a fast businessman who decided to go on a fast and he thought the fast was going to be and he thought the fast was going to be and he thought the fast was going to be about how in the world can I refrain about how in the world can I refrain about how in the world can I refrain from eating food? How can I do that? How from eating food? How can I do that? How from eating food? How can I do that? How can I stop doing that? And he was can I stop doing that? And he was can I stop doing that? And he was worried about how can he stop eating worried about how can he stop eating worried about how can he stop eating food? But when he started fasting a food? But when he started fasting a food? But when he started fasting a little bit, that wasn't the problem. little bit, that wasn't the problem. little bit, that wasn't the problem. The problem wasn't overcoming the hunger The problem wasn't overcoming the hunger The problem wasn't overcoming the hunger pains. The pro problem wasn't skipping pains. The pro problem wasn't skipping pains. The pro problem wasn't skipping meals. The problem was once he started meals. The problem was once he started meals. The problem was once he started doing that he realized that he had a lot doing that he realized that he had a lot doing that he realized that he had a lot of massive anger issues in his life. of massive anger issues in his life. of massive anger issues in his life. Someone else may realize you start Someone else may realize you start Someone else may realize you start fasting, wow, I've got some serious fasting, wow, I've got some serious fasting, wow, I've got some serious issues with pride in my life. I've got issues with pride in my life. I've got issues with pride in my life. I've got some serious issues of trying to control some serious issues of trying to control some serious issues of trying to control everything and everybody that I need to everything and everybody that I need to everything and everybody that I need to let go of. I've got some serious let go of. I've got some serious let go of. I've got some serious resentments that I'm holding on to. And resentments that I'm holding on to. And resentments that I'm holding on to. And somehow the fasting somehow the fasting somehow the fasting Give space in your life for God to work Give space in your life for God to work Give space in your life for God to work and to convict you of something or and to convict you of something or and to convict you of something or someone that you're holding on to.

It reveals the underlying force It reveals the underlying force that may be controlling and dictating that may be controlling and dictating that may be controlling and dictating your life. If you want to get If you want to get below the surface, beyond the surface, below the surface, beyond the surface, below the surface, beyond the surface, and into the roots of what's going on and into the roots of what's going on and into the roots of what's going on fast, what's controlling you? what's controlling you? What What are you attached to? What are What What are you attached to? What are What What are you attached to? What are you holding on to you holding on to you holding on to that God says you need to let go of? Many times fasting Many times fasting reveals that reveals that reveals that fasting refocuses us on something good, fasting refocuses us on something good, fasting refocuses us on something good, food, to something great. Praying in food, to something great. Praying in food, to something great. Praying in intense devotion to God. Fasting reveals intense devotion to God. Fasting reveals intense devotion to God. Fasting reveals what controls us, what we're holding on what controls us, what we're holding on what controls us, what we're holding on to. And fasting also revives to. And fasting also revives to. And fasting also revives your capacity your capacity your capacity to feast on to feast on to feast on God.

Do you remember when Jesus was fasting Do you remember when Jesus was fasting and once again his disciples said, "Hey, and once again his disciples said, "Hey, and once again his disciples said, "Hey, what are you doing? How do you have this what are you doing? How do you have this what are you doing? How do you have this energy? How do you have this power? energy? How do you have this power? energy? How do you have this power? You're not even eating." And Jesus said, You're not even eating." And Jesus said, You're not even eating." And Jesus said, "I have food that you don't even know "I have food that you don't even know "I have food that you don't even know about." about." about." And that's the spiritual food, the And that's the spiritual food, the And that's the spiritual food, the spiritual strength he had on feasting spiritual strength he had on feasting spiritual strength he had on feasting and communing with his heavenly father. Fasting, Fasting, refraining from food, skipping a meal of refraining from food, skipping a meal of refraining from food, skipping a meal of several meals allows you to revive that several meals allows you to revive that several meals allows you to revive that capacity in your heart and your mind and capacity in your heart and your mind and capacity in your heart and your mind and your spirit to feast on God. to feast your spirit to feast on God. to feast your spirit to feast on God. to feast and to meditate on God's holiness, to and to meditate on God's holiness, to and to meditate on God's holiness, to feast, to meditate on God's power, to feast, to meditate on God's power, to feast, to meditate on God's power, to feast, to meditate on God's love and feast, to meditate on God's love and feast, to meditate on God's love and God's grace God's grace God's grace as we allow our physical hunger to as we allow our physical hunger to as we allow our physical hunger to awaken in us this spiritual hunger awaken in us this spiritual hunger awaken in us this spiritual hunger that's so deep and so real that only God that's so deep and so real that only God that's so deep and so real that only God can fulfill.

We hunger for his holiness, his love, We hunger for his holiness, his love, and his infinite mercy. and his infinite mercy. and his infinite mercy. Fasting Fasting Fasting revives all of this revives all of this revives all of this in our lives, refocuses, refocuses, reveals what's below the surface, reveals what's below the surface, reveals what's below the surface, and revives and revives and revives this capacity this capacity this capacity that we all have to really feed and that we all have to really feed and that we all have to really feed and worship and focus on God, his character, worship and focus on God, his character, worship and focus on God, his character, his promises for us. [snorts] Some of you here who are Some of you here who are listening to this message today, you listening to this message today, you listening to this message today, you have fasted. It's a regular part of your have fasted. It's a regular part of your have fasted. It's a regular part of your life. You've done it before and you're life. You've done it before and you're life. You've done it before and you're like, "Yes, like, "Yes, like, "Yes, amen. Preach it. It's real." And you amen. Preach it. It's real." And you amen. Preach it. It's real." And you could testify today. could testify today. could testify today. Others of us are saying, "Fasting Others of us are saying, "Fasting Others of us are saying, "Fasting Really? You think we should fast? How do Really? You think we should fast? How do Really? You think we should fast? How do I fast? What does fasting look like?

I fast? What does fasting look like? I fast? What does fasting look like? Well, I mean, I'm not going to get into Well, I mean, I'm not going to get into Well, I mean, I'm not going to get into the the details of it, but you just need the the details of it, but you just need the the details of it, but you just need to start to start to start fasting. Start fasting. Now, be wise, fasting. Start fasting. Now, be wise, fasting. Start fasting. Now, be wise, right? If you're about to do two a days, right? If you're about to do two a days, right? If you're about to do two a days, guys, you know, you're a student in guys, you know, you're a student in guys, you know, you're a student in football in August, fasting. It's not football in August, fasting. It's not football in August, fasting. It's not your season to fast. All right? your season to fast. All right? your season to fast. All right? Not that we ever use use sports Not that we ever use use sports Not that we ever use use sports analogies or anything, but think about analogies or anything, but think about analogies or anything, but think about fasting as it's not the offense that you fasting as it's not the offense that you fasting as it's not the offense that you run every single game. It's that special run every single game. It's that special run every single game. It's that special play you put in. You got it. It's that play you put in. You got it. It's that play you put in. You got it. It's that fake reverse, double reverse. It's that, fake reverse, double reverse. It's that, fake reverse, double reverse. It's that, you know, lateral pass. It's the old uh you know, lateral pass. It's the old uh you know, lateral pass. It's the old uh Statue of Liberty play. Coaches, someone Statue of Liberty play. Coaches, someone Statue of Liberty play. Coaches, someone help me. So yeah, fasting is something help me. So yeah, fasting is something help me. So yeah, fasting is something you put into your your game plan if you you put into your your game plan if you you put into your your game plan if you would would would as you're doing life as you're seeking as you're doing life as you're seeking as you're doing life as you're seeking to grow with God. But just start to grow with God. But just start to grow with God. But just start fasting. There's no either way. What is fasting. There's no either way. What is fasting. There's no either way. What is fasting? It's primarily just stop eating fasting? It's primarily just stop eating fasting? It's primarily just stop eating for a while. That's what it is. It's for a while. That's what it is. It's for a while. That's what it is. It's skip a meal, skip two meals, skip three skip a meal, skip two meals, skip three skip a meal, skip two meals, skip three meals, drink water. There are other ways meals, drink water. There are other ways meals, drink water. There are other ways to fast. We can fast from media as I to fast. We can fast from media as I to fast. We can fast from media as I talked about. You can, you know, fast talked about. You can, you know, fast talked about. You can, you know, fast from certain activities. But by and from certain activities. But by and from certain activities. But by and large, it's it has to do with food and large, it's it has to do with food and large, it's it has to do with food and be wise when you fast, but start be wise when you fast, but start be wise when you fast, but start fasting. I I remember years ago, I was fasting. I I remember years ago, I was fasting. I I remember years ago, I was fasting at a 24-hour fast, and I broke fasting at a 24-hour fast, and I broke fasting at a 24-hour fast, and I broke my fast with a pizza. Let me tell you my fast with a pizza. Let me tell you my fast with a pizza. Let me tell you something, that is a rookie mistake. So, something, that is a rookie mistake. So, something, that is a rookie mistake. So, I can tell you that. Don't do that. All I can tell you that. Don't do that. All I can tell you that. Don't do that. All right? But start fasting. You You can right? But start fasting. You You can right? But start fasting. You You can simply start where you are. Start with

simply start where you are. Start with simply start where you are. Start with one meal. say, "Hey, I'm not going to one meal. say, "Hey, I'm not going to one meal. say, "Hey, I'm not going to eat breakfast this Wednesday so I can eat breakfast this Wednesday so I can eat breakfast this Wednesday so I can spend time with the Lord." So maybe spend time with the Lord." So maybe spend time with the Lord." So maybe you've been listening to this series on you've been listening to this series on you've been listening to this series on spiritual formation and they go, "Hey, spiritual formation and they go, "Hey, spiritual formation and they go, "Hey, that's great. Silence and solitude, I that's great. Silence and solitude, I that's great. Silence and solitude, I wish I can do that. Meditation, I need wish I can do that. Meditation, I need wish I can do that. Meditation, I need to do that. I just don't have the time." to do that. I just don't have the time." to do that. I just don't have the time." Listen, fasting Listen, fasting Listen, fasting will give you space and time will give you space and time will give you space and time to spend time with God. Fasting will to spend time with God. Fasting will to spend time with God. Fasting will give you that space in your schedule give you that space in your schedule give you that space in your schedule when you need it to spend time in when you need it to spend time in when you need it to spend time in silence and solitude before him. So silence and solitude before him. So silence and solitude before him. So start fasting. Ask God to lead you. start fasting. Ask God to lead you. start fasting. Ask God to lead you. Start simply Start simply Start simply and watch what he does in your life. Someone put it this way. They said, Someone put it this way. They said, "Fasting "Fasting "Fasting doesn't change God. Fasting changes me. doesn't change God. Fasting changes me. doesn't change God. Fasting changes me. Fasting changes me. It's not about Fasting changes me. It's not about Fasting changes me. It's not about manipulation. It's about transformation.

manipulation. It's about transformation. manipulation. It's about transformation. I think about Esther. You know Esther in I think about Esther. You know Esther in I think about Esther. You know Esther in the Old Testament, her people were the Old Testament, her people were the Old Testament, her people were threatened, the Jewish people to be threatened, the Jewish people to be threatened, the Jewish people to be wiped out. wiped out. wiped out. Yeah. They were going to be wiped out. Yeah. They were going to be wiped out. Yeah. They were going to be wiped out. She didn't know what to do. So what did She didn't know what to do. So what did She didn't know what to do. So what did she do? She fasted. She fasted because she do? She fasted. She fasted because she do? She fasted. She fasted because she had to appear before the king to she had to appear before the king to she had to appear before the king to plead with them that that there was a plead with them that that there was a plead with them that that there was a plot to kill his people. So she fasted plot to kill his people. So she fasted plot to kill his people. So she fasted for three days and three nights and for three days and three nights and for three days and three nights and somehow the king gave her favor and and somehow the king gave her favor and and somehow the king gave her favor and and listened to her request and he listened to her request and he listened to her request and he abolished and wiped out the attack on abolished and wiped out the attack on abolished and wiped out the attack on Esther's people, the Jewish people, Esther's people, the Jewish people, Esther's people, the Jewish people, which could have destroyed them at that which could have destroyed them at that which could have destroyed them at that moment in time. moment in time. moment in time. But as she prepared for this biggest But as she prepared for this biggest But as she prepared for this biggest moment in her life, moment in her life, moment in her life, she did have a day spot. If you read the she did have a day spot. If you read the she did have a day spot. If you read the scripture, go read it. She did Esther She also fasted She also fasted and God gave her power and God delivered and God gave her power and God delivered and God gave her power and God delivered her and delivered her people.

her and delivered her people. her and delivered her people. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, this is a practice we have to engage in. this is a practice we have to engage in. this is a practice we have to engage in. We have to experience to see the We have to experience to see the We have to experience to see the blessing. I want to encourage you to blessing. I want to encourage you to blessing. I want to encourage you to start start start fasting. fasting. fasting. And here's the hard part. And here's the hard part. And here's the hard part. Don't tell anybody. All right, let's Don't tell anybody. All right, let's Don't tell anybody. All right, let's pray. God, thank you. Thank you for this pray. God, thank you. Thank you for this pray. God, thank you. Thank you for this word on fasting. word on fasting. word on fasting. God, thank you that you call us God, thank you that you call us God, thank you that you call us many times many times many times into deep waters. into deep waters. into deep waters. God, you call us God, you call us God, you call us not just to talk, not just to preach, not just to talk, not just to preach, not just to talk, not just to preach, not just to sing, not just to pray. You not just to sing, not just to pray. You not just to sing, not just to pray. You call us into action, call us into action, call us into action, into these practices into these practices into these practices that we might know you on a deeper that we might know you on a deeper that we might know you on a deeper level, on a great level. God, I pray for level, on a great level. God, I pray for level, on a great level. God, I pray for this time of invitation as Terry comes.

this time of invitation as Terry comes. this time of invitation as Terry comes. Lord, use it to draw many into [music] Lord, use it to draw many into [music] Lord, use it to draw many into [music] your family. give them that ability, your family. give them that ability, your family. give them that ability, that that power to respond to what that that power to respond to what that that power to respond to what you're doing in this moment is our you're doing in this moment is our you're doing in this moment is our prayer in Jesus name. These intentional practices, These intentional practices, silence, solitude, meditation today, silence, solitude, meditation today, silence, solitude, meditation today, we've talked about fasting, our pastor we've talked about fasting, our pastor we've talked about fasting, our pastor said, they don't save us. said, they don't save us. said, they don't save us. Salvation does not lie in our ability to Salvation does not lie in our ability to Salvation does not lie in our ability to be able to do certain things or behave a be able to do certain things or behave a be able to do certain things or behave a certain way or certain way or certain way or develop these practices in our life. develop these practices in our life. develop these practices in our life. Salvation Salvation Salvation is found in the work of Jesus Christ. is found in the work of Jesus Christ. is found in the work of Jesus Christ. Our ability Our ability Our ability to pursue or to practice these things to pursue or to practice these things to pursue or to practice these things comes from our relationship with Christ. comes from our relationship with Christ. comes from our relationship with Christ. So it's so important we understand this. So it's so important we understand this. So it's so important we understand this. Salvation comes before sanctification.

Salvation comes before sanctification. Salvation comes before sanctification. It's all sounds like just fancy It's all sounds like just fancy It's all sounds like just fancy theological words, but here's what that theological words, but here's what that theological words, but here's what that means. means. means. Here's what that means. Here's what that means. Here's what that means. Before we try to get oursel put together Before we try to get oursel put together Before we try to get oursel put together and fix our life, we have to bend our knee. we have to bend our knee. We have to surrender. We have to surrender. We have to surrender. For anyone in this room today, I want For anyone in this room today, I want For anyone in this room today, I want you to know something. God loves you. God loves you. He sent his son to die on a cross for He sent his son to die on a cross for He sent his son to die on a cross for you. you. you. Whatever the state of your life is, Whatever the state of your life is, Whatever the state of your life is, whether it's good or bad or great, whether it's good or bad or great, whether it's good or bad or great, apart from the saving work of Jesus apart from the saving work of Jesus apart from the saving work of Jesus Christ, all of us are hopeless, helpless Christ, all of us are hopeless, helpless Christ, all of us are hopeless, helpless and need to be rescued. and need to be rescued. and need to be rescued. So, if you walked in these doors today So, if you walked in these doors today So, if you walked in these doors today and maybe this conversation, this and maybe this conversation, this and maybe this conversation, this message today is is has struck a chord message today is is has struck a chord message today is is has struck a chord in you in you in you and you say, you know, I I need to get and you say, you know, I I need to get and you say, you know, I I need to get that fixed. I I have been doing these that fixed. I I have been doing these that fixed. I I have been doing these intentional practices hoping that they intentional practices hoping that they intentional practices hoping that they would fix something broken in me. I've would fix something broken in me. I've would fix something broken in me. I've been praying. I've been reading God's been praying. I've been reading God's been praying. I've been reading God's word. I've been coming to church, but word. I've been coming to church, but word. I've been coming to church, but something seems to be missing.

something seems to be missing. something seems to be missing. I've never bit my knee. I've never I've never bit my knee. I've never I've never bit my knee. I've never kneled before the Lord and said, "God, kneled before the Lord and said, "God, kneled before the Lord and said, "God, here's my life. You can have it. This here's my life. You can have it. This here's my life. You can have it. This invitation, this moment is for you. It's invitation, this moment is for you. It's invitation, this moment is for you. It's for you. It It's so simple. It's all it takes to kneel before God It's all it takes to kneel before God and say, "God, I confess my need, my and say, "God, I confess my need, my and say, "God, I confess my need, my brokenness. brokenness. brokenness. I need your saving grace. I want to give I need your saving grace. I want to give I need your saving grace. I want to give you my life in exchange for you my life in exchange for you my life in exchange for salvation. salvation. salvation. This moment's for you. I want to This moment's for you. I want to This moment's for you. I want to encourage you. Don't don't delay. Don't encourage you. Don't don't delay. Don't encourage you. Don't don't delay. Don't hesitate. Don't say, you know, I know I hesitate. Don't say, you know, I know I hesitate. Don't say, you know, I know I need to do that. I'll do it later." Here need to do that. I'll do it later." Here need to do that. I'll do it later." Here in a moment, we're going to in a moment, we're going to in a moment, we're going to have a prayer, a song, and an have a prayer, a song, and an have a prayer, a song, and an invitation. We'll just give it a few invitation. We'll just give it a few invitation. We'll just give it a few moments. And during that time, if God is moments. And during that time, if God is moments. And during that time, if God is speaking to you, if God is moving in speaking to you, if God is moving in speaking to you, if God is moving in your heart, your life in any way, I want your heart, your life in any way, I want your heart, your life in any way, I want to I want to encourage you. Stand up, to I want to encourage you. Stand up, to I want to encourage you. Stand up, walk these aisles, and say, "That's what walk these aisles, and say, "That's what walk these aisles, and say, "That's what I need to do. I I need to give my life I need to do. I I need to give my life I need to do. I I need to give my life to Christ today so he can begin to put to Christ today so he can begin to put to Christ today so he can begin to put these broken pieces of my life back these broken pieces of my life back these broken pieces of my life back together." And because of that, some of together." And because of that, some of together." And because of that, some of that fruit, some of that sanctification that fruit, some of that sanctification that fruit, some of that sanctification will show up in my life because of the will show up in my life because of the will show up in my life because of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. If you're saving grace of Jesus Christ. If you're saving grace of Jesus Christ. If you're in this room and you're looking for a in this room and you're looking for a in this room and you're looking for a church home, you you are a Christ church home, you you are a Christ church home, you you are a Christ follower. You've done that. You've given follower. You've done that. You've given follower. You've done that. You've given your life to Christ, but you want that your life to Christ, but you want that your life to Christ, but you want that sanctification process to kick into high sanctification process to kick into high sanctification process to kick into high gear. You you know that you've been in a gear. You you know that you've been in a gear. You you know that you've been in a place or a space in your life where place or a space in your life where place or a space in your life where you've not been pursuing that. You say, you've not been pursuing that. You say, you've not been pursuing that. You say, "I want to begin to to really take my

"I want to begin to to really take my "I want to begin to to really take my faith seriously. I want to do it in the faith seriously. I want to do it in the faith seriously. I want to do it in the context of community. This church is is context of community. This church is is context of community. This church is is a great place. It's a place where you a great place. It's a place where you a great place. It's a place where you can grow, you can serve, you can give, can grow, you can serve, you can give, can grow, you can serve, you can give, you can be a part of what God wants to you can be a part of what God wants to you can be a part of what God wants to do in your life. This invitation is for do in your life. This invitation is for do in your life. This invitation is for you as well. And it's the same thing I you as well. And it's the same thing I you as well. And it's the same thing I would say. would say. would say. Don't wait. Don't wait. Don't wait. Whatever God's calling you to, whatever Whatever God's calling you to, whatever Whatever God's calling you to, whatever he's speaking to you, he's speaking to you, he's speaking to you, be obedient to it. Father, we thank you be obedient to it. Father, we thank you be obedient to it. Father, we thank you for moments like this. Moments when we for moments like this. Moments when we for moments like this. Moments when we can just simply slow down and create can just simply slow down and create can just simply slow down and create space and not rush and not be hurried, space and not rush and not be hurried, space and not rush and not be hurried, but just to simply listen but just to simply listen but just to simply listen and say, "God, what do you want me to and say, "God, what do you want me to and say, "God, what do you want me to do? What do I need to respond to? What do? What do I need to respond to? What do? What do I need to respond to? What what are you calling me to do?" And what are you calling me to do?" And what are you calling me to do?" And Father, I pray for the people in this Father, I pray for the people in this Father, I pray for the people in this room that you're doing that with. And room that you're doing that with. And room that you're doing that with. And for people who need to deal with things, for people who need to deal with things, for people who need to deal with things, for those who who need to truly for those who who need to truly for those who who need to truly surrender their life to you for the surrender their life to you for the surrender their life to you for the first time, for those who need to be a first time, for those who need to be a first time, for those who need to be a part of this church to join and say, "I part of this church to join and say, "I part of this church to join and say, "I want to put my feet here. I want to be want to put my feet here. I want to be want to put my feet here. I want to be committed. I want to be consistent. I committed. I want to be consistent. I committed. I want to be consistent. I want to grow."

want to grow." want to grow." Father, give those people in this moment Father, give those people in this moment Father, give those people in this moment courage and strength to respond, courage and strength to respond, courage and strength to respond, to stand up, to put themselves out to stand up, to put themselves out to stand up, to put themselves out there, to not care what people think or there, to not care what people think or there, to not care what people think or say or say or say or be ashamed, but in boldness and courage be ashamed, but in boldness and courage be ashamed, but in boldness and courage and strength to respond to what you're and strength to respond to what you're and strength to respond to what you're calling them to today. God, this this calling them to today. God, this this calling them to today. God, this this moment belongs to you. Whatever you want moment belongs to you. Whatever you want moment belongs to you. Whatever you want to do in this time, just simply do it. to do in this time, just simply do it. to do in this time, just simply do it. That's all we want. We ask these things That's all we want. We ask these things That's all we want. We ask these things in Christ's name. in Christ's name. in Christ's name. Amen. We're going to sing this song Amen. We're going to sing this song Amen. We're going to sing this song together. What a beautiful song. Just as together. What a beautiful song. Just as together. What a beautiful song. Just as I am. That's true for you. Just as you I am. That's true for you. Just as you I am. That's true for you. Just as you are today during this moment as we sing, are today during this moment as we sing, are today during this moment as we sing, you respond. you respond. you respond. Just as [singing] I am Just as [singing] I am Just as [singing] I am without without without one [singing] one [singing] one [singing] plea, plea, plea, but that thy [singing] blood but that thy [singing] blood but that thy [singing] blood was shed was shed was shed for [singing] for [singing] for [singing] me me me and that and that and that thou [singing] bit me. Come [music] to thou [singing] bit me. Come [music] to thou [singing] bit me. Come [music] to thee, thee, thee, oh [singing] lamb oh [singing] lamb oh [singing] lamb of God, of God, of God, I come.

I come. I come. I I I come. Just as Just as I [singing] am, though tossed I [singing] am, though tossed I [singing] am, though tossed about about about with [music and singing] many a with [music and singing] many a with [music and singing] many a conflict, conflict, conflict, many [music] many [music] many [music] [singing] a doubt, [singing] a doubt, [singing] a doubt, fighting fighting fighting within within within and [singing] and [singing] and [singing] fears fears fears without without without lamb lamb lamb of God. of God. of God. I come. I come. I come. I I I come [music] just as [music] just as I am I am I am without [singing] without [singing] without [singing] one plea. one plea. one plea. that that that my blood [singing] was shed [music] my blood [singing] was shed [music] my blood [singing] was shed [music] for me for me for me and that [singing] and that [singing] and that [singing] thou bit thou bit thou bit become become become to thee. [singing] to thee. [singing] to thee. [singing] Oh lamb [music] Oh lamb [music] Oh lamb [music] of God of God of God I come.

I come. I come. I I I come. [music] >> Let's welcome these who have come >> Let's welcome these who have come forward this morning. We're so proud of forward this morning. We're so proud of forward this morning. We're so proud of them, so thankful for them. They're them, so thankful for them. They're them, so thankful for them. They're going to step out this direction. As going to step out this direction. As going to step out this direction. As they do that, I want to ask our junior they do that, I want to ask our junior they do that, I want to ask our junior high students, would you just simply high students, would you just simply high students, would you just simply stand for a moment? These are our junior stand for a moment? These are our junior stand for a moment? These are our junior high students and leaders. They're high students and leaders. They're high students and leaders. They're leaving for camp. They're part of the leaving for camp. They're part of the leaving for camp. They're part of the 963 963 963 that will be heading out to camp this that will be heading out to camp this that will be heading out to camp this week. As they stand up, can we do this? week. As they stand up, can we do this? week. As they stand up, can we do this? Would you just extend your hand towards Would you just extend your hand towards Would you just extend your hand towards them? Can we just pray over them? Pray them? Can we just pray over them? Pray them? Can we just pray over them? Pray for them. Father, thank you so much for for them. Father, thank you so much for for them. Father, thank you so much for times of retreat, for times of rest. times of retreat, for times of rest. times of retreat, for times of rest. Father, we pray for every student and Father, we pray for every student and Father, we pray for every student and leader headed to Creek week from all of leader headed to Creek week from all of leader headed to Creek week from all of our campuses this week. Be with them. our campuses this week. Be with them. our campuses this week. Be with them. Watch over them. Protect them as they Watch over them. Protect them as they Watch over them. Protect them as they travel. Give them an incredible week travel. Give them an incredible week travel. Give them an incredible week together. Father, let them experience together. Father, let them experience together. Father, let them experience you in a new and a fresh way. Each one you in a new and a fresh way. Each one you in a new and a fresh way. Each one of them individually, whatever way that of them individually, whatever way that of them individually, whatever way that is. Go before them, bless them, keep is. Go before them, bless them, keep is. Go before them, bless them, keep them. We ask these things in Christ's them. We ask these things in Christ's them. We ask these things in Christ's name. Amen. Students, leaders, will you name. Amen. Students, leaders, will you name. Amen. Students, leaders, will you go ahead and head out, get on the bus, go ahead and head out, get on the bus, go ahead and head out, get on the bus, and head to camp. We're praying for you and head to camp. We're praying for you and head to camp. We're praying for you guys. We're excited about a great week.

guys. We're excited about a great week. guys. We're excited about a great week. [applause] [applause] [applause] Yes. Yes. Yes. This is the last week for Operation This is the last week for Operation This is the last week for Operation Christmas Child. If you've not had a Christmas Child. If you've not had a Christmas Child. If you've not had a chance to be a part of that, you can chance to be a part of that, you can chance to be a part of that, you can still pick up your box in the atrium still pick up your box in the atrium still pick up your box in the atrium today. This is our partnership with today. This is our partnership with today. This is our partnership with Samaritan's Purse. This blesses kids all Samaritan's Purse. This blesses kids all Samaritan's Purse. This blesses kids all over the world. So, if you've not had a over the world. So, if you've not had a over the world. So, if you've not had a chance to do that, you can do that up chance to do that, you can do that up chance to do that, you can do that up until July 31st. So, you've got just a until July 31st. So, you've got just a until July 31st. So, you've got just a few more days. Grab that shoe box, be a few more days. Grab that shoe box, be a few more days. Grab that shoe box, be a part of that effort. The Garden of part of that effort. The Garden of part of that effort. The Garden of Reading is officially open. It's for Reading is officially open. It's for Reading is officially open. It's for toddlers and preschool kids and toddlers and preschool kids and toddlers and preschool kids and families. Is a reading library. It's families. Is a reading library. It's families. Is a reading library. It's located on the first floor of our located on the first floor of our located on the first floor of our children's building. It's on Tuesdays children's building. It's on Tuesdays children's building. It's on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon. If and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon. If and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon. If that fits you, if that's something that that fits you, if that's something that that fits you, if that's something that you would love to be a part of, it's you would love to be a part of, it's you would love to be a part of, it's officially open. Be a part of that. We officially open. Be a part of that. We officially open. Be a part of that. We still need donations. We still need still need donations. We still need still need donations. We still need books for toddler and preschool age books for toddler and preschool age books for toddler and preschool age kids. So, if you've got some used books, kids. So, if you've got some used books, kids. So, if you've got some used books, some books you'd love to get rid of and some books you'd love to get rid of and some books you'd love to get rid of and love to go to a good home, please love to go to a good home, please love to go to a good home, please consider donating those. You can drop consider donating those. You can drop consider donating those. You can drop those off in the children's buildings those off in the children's buildings those off in the children's buildings children's building as well. Guests, children's building as well. Guests, children's building as well. Guests, once again, thank you so much for being once again, thank you so much for being once again, thank you so much for being here. We would love a chance to connect here. We would love a chance to connect here. We would love a chance to connect with you. Grab that connection card.

with you. Grab that connection card. with you. Grab that connection card. Hopefully, you filled it out. You can Hopefully, you filled it out. You can Hopefully, you filled it out. You can stop by these red doors on your way out stop by these red doors on your way out stop by these red doors on your way out either side of the room, drop that either side of the room, drop that either side of the room, drop that connection card off, and say, "Hey, I connection card off, and say, "Hey, I connection card off, and say, "Hey, I want to be a part of community." If want to be a part of community." If want to be a part of community." If you're in this service and you wanted to you're in this service and you wanted to you're in this service and you wanted to make a decision today, but you didn't make a decision today, but you didn't make a decision today, but you didn't want to walk an aisle, you wanted a more want to walk an aisle, you wanted a more want to walk an aisle, you wanted a more private way or private time to do that, private way or private time to do that, private way or private time to do that, it's never too late. If that's you, you it's never too late. If that's you, you it's never too late. If that's you, you want to give your life to Christ, talk want to give your life to Christ, talk want to give your life to Christ, talk about baptism, how to be a part of this about baptism, how to be a part of this about baptism, how to be a part of this church, whatever the case may be, stop church, whatever the case may be, stop church, whatever the case may be, stop by those red doors on your way out. We'd by those red doors on your way out. We'd by those red doors on your way out. We'd love a chance to connect with you and love a chance to connect with you and love a chance to connect with you and walk beside you. spiritual formations. spiritual formations. God using these disciplines to make us God using these disciplines to make us God using these disciplines to make us into who he wants us to be through into who he wants us to be through into who he wants us to be through silence, [music] silence, [music] silence, [music] solitude, solitude, solitude, meditation, meditation, meditation, prayer, and fasting. prayer, and fasting. prayer, and fasting. This morning, we want to give all of us This morning, we want to give all of us This morning, we want to give all of us a time and space right now in this a time and space right now in this a time and space right now in this service [music] just for a time of service [music] just for a time of service [music] just for a time of prayer. So, I'm going to ask you all prayer. So, I'm going to ask you all prayer. So, I'm going to ask you all over this auditorium, will you just over this auditorium, will you just over this auditorium, will you just close your eyes, bow your head? You may close your eyes, bow your head? You may close your eyes, bow your head? You may just want to kneel right where you are.

just want to kneel right where you are. just want to kneel right where you are. Some of you may want to get up and come Some of you may want to get up and come Some of you may want to get up and come down here to the altar [music] and kneel down here to the altar [music] and kneel down here to the altar [music] and kneel and pray. and pray. and pray. But would you pray the same prayer that But would you pray the same prayer that But would you pray the same prayer that I'm praying this morning? Lord, I'm praying this morning? Lord, I'm praying this morning? Lord, what is the Holy Spirit saying to me what is the Holy Spirit saying to me what is the Holy Spirit saying to me today? today? today? However God is leading you, let's spend However God is leading you, let's spend However God is leading you, let's spend this quiet few moments [music] in a time this quiet few moments [music] in a time this quiet few moments [music] in a time of prayer and reflection remembering of prayer and reflection remembering of prayer and reflection remembering what God's word says. what God's word says. what God's word says. Peter wrote these words. He said, "So Peter wrote these words. He said, "So Peter wrote these words. He said, "So humble yourselves humble yourselves humble yourselves under the mighty power of God under the mighty power of God under the mighty power of God that at the right time he will lift you that at the right time he will lift you that at the right time he will lift you up in honor." up in honor." up in honor." Then watch this. Then watch this. Then watch this. He says, "Give all your worries [music] He says, "Give all your worries [music] He says, "Give all your worries [music] and cares to God. and cares to God. and cares to God. For he cares [music] For he cares [music] For he cares [music] about you.

[music] [music] >> I just want to speak the the name of >> I just want to speak the the name of >> I just want to speak the the name of Jesus, over [singing] every heart and every over [singing] every heart and every mind. Cuz I know there is peace within your Cuz I know there is peace within your presence. presence. presence. I [music] speak Jesus. >> I just want [music] to speak the name of >> I just want [music] to speak the name of Jesus. Till every dark [music and singing] Till every dark [music and singing] addiction starts to break. >> Declaring there is hope and there is >> Declaring there is hope and there is freedom. freedom. freedom. I speak [music] Jesus. Your name is [music] power. Your name is [music] power. Your name is [singing] he. Your name is [singing] he. Your name is [singing] he. Your name [music] Your name [music] Your name [music] is love.

Break every stronghold. [music] Break every stronghold. [music] Shine through the shadows. [singing] Shine through the shadows. [singing] Shine through the shadows. [singing] Burn like [music] Burn like [music] Burn like [music] a fire. I just want [music] to speak the name of I just want [music] to speak the name of Jesus over fear and all anxiety over fear and all anxiety [singing and music] to every soul [music and singing] captiv to every soul [music and singing] captiv My depression My depression My depression I speak Jesus. [music] Sing it out. Your [music] name is power. Sing it out. Your [music] name is power. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name [music] Your name [music] Your name [music] is [music] [music] shine through the shadow. >> Shout [music] Jesus from [singing] the >> Shout [music] Jesus from [singing] the mountains mountains mountains and Jesus in the streets.

and Jesus in the streets. and Jesus in the streets. Sages in the darkness over every enmy. Sages in the darkness over every enmy. Sages in the darkness over every enmy. Jesus [music] for my family. [singing] Jesus [music] for my family. [singing] Jesus [music] for my family. [singing] I speak the holy name. I speak the holy name. I speak the holy name. Jesus. [singing and music] Jesus. [singing and music] Jesus. [singing and music] Oh [music] sh Jesus from the mountain. [music] sh Jesus from the mountain. Jesus in the streets. Jesus in the streets. Jesus in the streets. Jesus [music] in the darkness over every Jesus [music] in the darkness over every Jesus [music] in the darkness over every enemy. enemy. enemy. Jesus for my family. [music] Jesus for my family. [music] Jesus for my family. [music] I speak the holy name. I speak the holy name. I speak the holy name. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> [music] >> Your name is >> Your name is Your Your Your [music] [music] Come on, let's sing it again.

[music] Come on, let's sing it again. Oh sh Jesus Jesus Jesus [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. the mountain. the mountain. the mountain. Jesus is the Jesus is the Jesus is the Jesus Have a great day, guys. We'll see you Have a great day, guys. We'll see you back here next week. God bless.

back here next week. God bless. back here next week. God bless. [music]