Mission Statement Week 1: “Love God” Conversation

[music] [music] >> Okay friends, let's have a conversation. >> Okay friends, let's have a conversation. >> Okay friends, let's have a conversation. I'm excited about this because we're I'm excited about this because we're I'm excited about this because we're going to be talking about our really why going to be talking about our really why going to be talking about our really why we exist [music] as a church. And so we exist [music] as a church. And so we exist [music] as a church. And so Nick, I'm going to put you on the spot. Nick, I'm going to put you on the spot. Nick, I'm going to put you on the spot. Why do we exist as a church? Why do we exist as a church? Why do we exist as a church? >> Oh, thank you for the softball. >> Oh, thank you for the softball. >> Oh, thank you for the softball. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] We exist to love God, love people, and We exist to love God, love people, and We exist to love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. make disciples of Jesus Christ. make disciples of Jesus Christ. >> Okay, so >> Okay, so >> Okay, so >> That's our mission statement. >> That's our mission statement. >> That's our mission statement. >> It is. And when I think about our >> It is. And when I think about our >> It is. And when I think about our mission, it's like what anchors us. If I mission, it's like what anchors us. If I mission, it's like what anchors us. If I think about the mission of any think about the mission of any think about the mission of any organization, and if I could put a organization, and if I could put a organization, and if I could put a metaphor around that, it's like an metaphor around that, it's like an metaphor around that, it's like an anchor. This this mission anchor. This this mission anchor. This this mission is what we're about. And so the is what we're about. And so the is what we're about. And so the conversation that we're going to have in conversation that we're going to have in conversation that we're going to have in this kind of anchoring reality of who we this kind of anchoring reality of who we this kind of anchoring reality of who we are, why we exist as a church, is to are, why we exist as a church, is to are, why we exist as a church, is to take that mission statement, love God, take that mission statement, love God, take that mission statement, love God, love people, make disciples of Jesus love people, make disciples of Jesus love people, make disciples of Jesus Christ, and like Christ, and like Christ, and like talk about it. talk about it. talk about it. And talk about it not just at like a And talk about it not just at like a And talk about it not just at like a biblical theological level, but talk biblical theological level, but talk biblical theological level, but talk about it we'll start there and then move about it we'll start there and then move about it we'll start there and then move down into the practical level. Like, down into the practical level. Like, down into the practical level. Like, what does that look like? And there's what does that look like? And there's what does that look like? And there's all kinds of applications when I think all kinds of applications when I think all kinds of applications when I think about loving God, when I think about about loving God, when I think about about loving God, when I think about loving people, or making disciples of loving people, or making disciples of loving people, or making disciples of Jesus Christ. We'll talk about in this Jesus Christ. We'll talk about in this Jesus Christ. We'll talk about in this particular series the practice of particular series the practice of particular series the practice of Sabbath, we'll talk about the practice Sabbath, we'll talk about the practice Sabbath, we'll talk about the practice of service, and we'll talk about the of service, and we'll talk about the of service, and we'll talk about the practice of sharing. And so practice of sharing. And so practice of sharing. And so here we are, we're going to talk about here we are, we're going to talk about here we are, we're going to talk about the first one, love the first one, love the first one, love >> God.

>> God. >> God. >> Let's do it. >> Let's do it. >> Let's do it. >> Uh so let's let's kind of get on the >> Uh so let's let's kind of get on the >> Uh so let's let's kind of get on the same page a little bit with what does same page a little bit with what does same page a little bit with what does that What does that mean? What does love that What does that mean? What does love that What does that mean? What does love God mean? God mean? God mean? >> We were just talking about it earlier of >> We were just talking about it earlier of >> We were just talking about it earlier of what it means to treasure Christ, and I what it means to treasure Christ, and I what it means to treasure Christ, and I think that loving God means that you think that loving God means that you think that loving God means that you love and worship him above everything love and worship him above everything love and worship him above everything else. else. else. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, you're joining to offer all of your >> So, you're joining to offer all of your >> So, you're joining to offer all of your life to him. life to him. life to him. And you have a heart that treasures him. And you have a heart that treasures him. And you have a heart that treasures him. And so, it's And so, it's And so, it's it's really recognizing what loves it's really recognizing what loves it's really recognizing what loves compete and then saying, "I'm going to compete and then saying, "I'm going to compete and then saying, "I'm going to actively push against those things so actively push against those things so actively push against those things so that I have a picture of a big God." that I have a picture of a big God." that I have a picture of a big God." >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And you introduced the phrase into our >> And you introduced the phrase into our >> And you introduced the phrase into our kind of vernacular, all of life for all kind of vernacular, all of life for all kind of vernacular, all of life for all of life. And of life. And of life. And so, loving God with all that we are in so, loving God with all that we are in so, loving God with all that we are in every aspect for every season. every aspect for every season. every aspect for every season. >> For every season. >> For every season. >> For every season. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Good, bad, or ugly. >> Good, bad, or ugly. >> Good, bad, or ugly. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Does that square with what kind of what >> Does that square with what kind of what >> Does that square with what kind of what you have in mind you have in mind you have in mind >> Yeah, when I think about that, it's like >> Yeah, when I think about that, it's like >> Yeah, when I think about that, it's like it's all of who I am it's all of who I am it's all of who I am for every day that he gives me. for every day that he gives me. for every day that he gives me. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so, knowing that if becoming more >> And so, knowing that if becoming more >> And so, knowing that if becoming more like becoming who God made us to be is a like becoming who God made us to be is a like becoming who God made us to be is a lifelong process. Our hearts loving him lifelong process. Our hearts loving him lifelong process. Our hearts loving him with all that we are is a lifelong with all that we are is a lifelong with all that we are is a lifelong process. As we get to know him, so, I'm process. As we get to know him, so, I'm process. As we get to know him, so, I'm offering him every dimension of my life.

offering him every dimension of my life. offering him every dimension of my life. I'm surrendering that every day that he I'm surrendering that every day that he I'm surrendering that every day that he gives me. gives me. gives me. And knowing that that process of And knowing that that process of And knowing that that process of discipleship will take all of life. discipleship will take all of life. discipleship will take all of life. >> All of life. >> All of life. >> All of life. >> You don't want to arrive 5 years after >> You don't want to arrive 5 years after >> You don't want to arrive 5 years after you get saved. You can talk to anybody you get saved. You can talk to anybody you get saved. You can talk to anybody who's walked with the Lord for 30, 40 who's walked with the Lord for 30, 40 who's walked with the Lord for 30, 40 years. They're saying, "I'm more aware years. They're saying, "I'm more aware years. They're saying, "I'm more aware of my sin. of my sin. of my sin. I'm more aware of the challenge it is to I'm more aware of the challenge it is to I'm more aware of the challenge it is to love him with all that I am." love him with all that I am." love him with all that I am." And so, they're just trying to stay And so, they're just trying to stay And so, they're just trying to stay closer to him. closer to him. closer to him. >> Gosh, but doesn't that make it even >> Gosh, but doesn't that make it even >> Gosh, but doesn't that make it even sweeter as far as like being so much sweeter as far as like being so much sweeter as far as like being so much more aware? I think more aware? I think more aware? I think we were talking about active. I think we were talking about active. I think we were talking about active. I think all of us have heard at some point all of us have heard at some point all of us have heard at some point that love is not just this feeling, but that love is not just this feeling, but that love is not just this feeling, but it's also like a choice and an action, it's also like a choice and an action, it's also like a choice and an action, and it is active. But as we're obedient and it is active. But as we're obedient and it is active. But as we're obedient to actively pursue him when we do have to actively pursue him when we do have to actively pursue him when we do have those like days, all of us have those like days, all of us have those like days, all of us have experienced where you have those days experienced where you have those days experienced where you have those days where you just truly physically feel the where you just truly physically feel the where you just truly physically feel the love of God. It's like each year that love of God. It's like each year that love of God. It's like each year that gets deeper when that happens because of gets deeper when that happens because of gets deeper when that happens because of the daily surrender. the daily surrender. the daily surrender. I think about times where I can think I think about times where I can think I think about times where I can think back when I first became a believer and back when I first became a believer and back when I first became a believer and like first became aware to how God loved like first became aware to how God loved like first became aware to how God loved me. me. me. And that produced a like reciprocation And that produced a like reciprocation And that produced a like reciprocation of love to him.

of love to him. of love to him. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I think about even just this morning as >> I think about even just this morning as >> I think about even just this morning as I was about this and it was a gift I was about this and it was a gift I was about this and it was a gift because it's not every day but this because it's not every day but this because it's not every day but this morning the Lord met me and I felt so morning the Lord met me and I felt so morning the Lord met me and I felt so much love towards him. much love towards him. much love towards him. >> Love that. >> Love that. >> Love that. >> And it was deeper than it was 15 years >> And it was deeper than it was 15 years >> And it was deeper than it was 15 years ago because of just the years of that ago because of just the years of that ago because of just the years of that daily surrender and daily active pursuit daily surrender and daily active pursuit daily surrender and daily active pursuit of loving God. of loving God. of loving God. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. So in in the framing of it, Ryan, Nick, So in in the framing of it, Ryan, Nick, So in in the framing of it, Ryan, Nick, you guys have other things just as we're you guys have other things just as we're you guys have other things just as we're kind of kind of kind of when we're when we're having this when we're when we're having this when we're when we're having this conversation about loving God, anything conversation about loving God, anything conversation about loving God, anything else we need to say before we kind of else we need to say before we kind of else we need to say before we kind of move into the conversation cuz I have move into the conversation cuz I have move into the conversation cuz I have some questions for you about that. some questions for you about that. some questions for you about that. >> I think it's like where Christian >> I think it's like where Christian >> I think it's like where Christian discipleship begins and in this way you discipleship begins and in this way you discipleship begins and in this way you can't really divorce the vertical from can't really divorce the vertical from can't really divorce the vertical from the horizontal. Like our faith is meant the horizontal. Like our faith is meant the horizontal. Like our faith is meant to touch the world. to touch the world. to touch the world. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so if I'm touching the world before >> And so if I'm touching the world before >> And so if I'm touching the world before I start by situating myself under the I start by situating myself under the I start by situating myself under the waterfall of God's grace, I'm I'm waterfall of God's grace, I'm I'm waterfall of God's grace, I'm I'm literally pouring from empty cisterns. literally pouring from empty cisterns. literally pouring from empty cisterns. So it's how I fill up so that I can flow So it's how I fill up so that I can flow So it's how I fill up so that I can flow out in love to other people and it out in love to other people and it out in love to other people and it starts with loving God. starts with loving God. starts with loving God. >> For sure. >> For sure. >> For sure. And I mean this should be like a given And I mean this should be like a given And I mean this should be like a given but I don't think we can get past the but I don't think we can get past the but I don't think we can get past the fact that only a truly regenerative fact that only a truly regenerative fact that only a truly regenerative heart can actually love God.

heart can actually love God. heart can actually love God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Cuz there's so many people that like I I >> Cuz there's so many people that like I I >> Cuz there's so many people that like I I wonder like man have you truly ever wonder like man have you truly ever wonder like man have you truly ever tasted and seen that the Lord is good tasted and seen that the Lord is good tasted and seen that the Lord is good because if you can't ever think back to because if you can't ever think back to because if you can't ever think back to a time where your heart has actually a time where your heart has actually a time where your heart has actually been like truly stirred with affections been like truly stirred with affections been like truly stirred with affections for God and love for God then I would I for God and love for God then I would I for God and love for God then I would I would I would want to challenge you just would I would want to challenge you just would I would want to challenge you just on man what what yeah do you do you on man what what yeah do you do you on man what what yeah do you do you actually love God? It really is not just actually love God? It really is not just actually love God? It really is not just a like lifelong begrudging obedience. a like lifelong begrudging obedience. a like lifelong begrudging obedience. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> I think it's comes after. >> I think it's comes after. >> I think it's comes after. >> I think it's important also note that >> I think it's important also note that >> I think it's important also note that you're not loving God. Like you're you're not loving God. Like you're you're not loving God. Like you're you're not the origination point. you're not the origination point. you're not the origination point. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Like we love because he first loved us. >> Like we love because he first loved us. >> Like we love because he first loved us. And so the more that you're able to And so the more that you're able to And so the more that you're able to recognize and receive the love of God recognize and receive the love of God recognize and receive the love of God and then to humbly respond and go like and then to humbly respond and go like and then to humbly respond and go like who am I? who am I? who am I? >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Like it's that's >> Like it's that's >> Like it's that's when I recognized that I wasn't like in when I recognized that I wasn't like in when I recognized that I wasn't like in the water waving my hand at Jesus to the water waving my hand at Jesus to the water waving my hand at Jesus to save me but I was dead and he came and save me but I was dead and he came and save me but I was dead and he came and got me. got me. got me. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I had tears of gratitude to go like who >> I had tears of gratitude to go like who >> I had tears of gratitude to go like who am I that you would save me that way?" am I that you would save me that way?" am I that you would save me that way?" >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then I was grateful and realized, >> And then I was grateful and realized, >> And then I was grateful and realized, "Oh, he loves me." "Oh, he loves me." "Oh, he loves me." >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And every year with him of surrendering >> And every year with him of surrendering >> And every year with him of surrendering to him going to him going to him going >> Mhm.

>> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> "Man, you loved me then." That deepens >> "Man, you loved me then." That deepens >> "Man, you loved me then." That deepens my love back to him. But we just can't my love back to him. But we just can't my love back to him. But we just can't go like, "We need to love God." It's go like, "We need to love God." It's go like, "We need to love God." It's like, "Okay, well, why?" like, "Okay, well, why?" like, "Okay, well, why?" >> Yeah, it's our It's It's a responsive >> Yeah, it's our It's It's a responsive >> Yeah, it's our It's It's a responsive love. love. love. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh I am I Y'all know this. I think you I >> Uh I am I Y'all know this. I think you I >> Uh I am I Y'all know this. I think you I think you know. think you know. think you know. I have been in the Old Testament every I have been in the Old Testament every I have been in the Old Testament every day this year. day this year. day this year. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> That's why I'm like steeped in >> That's why I'm like steeped in >> That's why I'm like steeped in covenantal realities and uh and that covenantal realities and uh and that covenantal realities and uh and that that's been good for me. I was in that's been good for me. I was in that's been good for me. I was in Deuteronomy 8 yesterday. Deuteronomy 8 yesterday. Deuteronomy 8 yesterday. And God says or Moses is speaking to the And God says or Moses is speaking to the And God says or Moses is speaking to the people. It's like his last people. It's like his last people. It's like his last um farewell address. You know, this is um farewell address. You know, this is um farewell address. You know, this is what He's about to go. He He didn't get what He's about to go. He He didn't get what He's about to go. He He didn't get to go with them any further. So, he's to go with them any further. So, he's to go with them any further. So, he's saying what he needs to say and he's saying what he needs to say and he's saying what he needs to say and he's kind of reviewing the covenant with them kind of reviewing the covenant with them kind of reviewing the covenant with them and and he said, "God chose you. and and he said, "God chose you. and and he said, "God chose you. God chose you. God chose you. God chose you. And And it wasn't because you were a And And it wasn't because you were a And And it wasn't because you were a country that was great in number. It country that was great in number. It country that was great in number. It wasn't because of your might. It wasn't wasn't because of your might. It wasn't wasn't because of your might. It wasn't because of your strength." I just put because of your strength." I just put because of your strength." I just put that application in our end that cuz that application in our end that cuz that application in our end that cuz that covenant expands. that covenant expands. that covenant expands. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> He came after me and it says, "Because >> He came after me and it says, "Because >> He came after me and it says, "Because he loves you he loves you he loves you >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> and his covenant is affection is for >> and his covenant is affection is for >> and his covenant is affection is for you." So, you." So, you." So, then the like the questions then the like the questions then the like the questions [clears throat] that I was asking myself [clears throat] that I was asking myself [clears throat] that I was asking myself is like, "What does that do to my is like, "What does that do to my is like, "What does that do to my heart?" You know, like, "Wow, he heart?" You know, like, "Wow, he heart?" You know, like, "Wow, he he came after me he came after me he came after me >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> and he loves me." And just to hear you >> and he loves me." And just to hear you >> and he loves me." And just to hear you you all say, "Then I respond to him in you all say, "Then I respond to him in you all say, "Then I respond to him in kind." Like with kind." Like with kind." Like with >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> depth of gratitude and worship and um >> depth of gratitude and worship and um >> depth of gratitude and worship and um just a responsive life that is in light just a responsive life that is in light just a responsive life that is in light of how you love me, of how you love me, of how you love me, >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> "I want to love you back." And I I don't >> "I want to love you back." And I I don't >> "I want to love you back." And I I don't I don't do it so great all the time. I I I don't do it so great all the time. I I I don't do it so great all the time. I I kind of stumble forward and you know, kind of stumble forward and you know, kind of stumble forward and you know, there's We all have stories around that. there's We all have stories around that. there's We all have stories around that. But how beautiful would we just start But how beautiful would we just start But how beautiful would we just start with the fact that loving God with the fact that loving God with the fact that loving God is a response to him loving us first? is a response to him loving us first? is a response to him loving us first? Like, he loved us first. Like, he loved us first. Like, he loved us first. >> While we were still sinners. >> While we were still sinners. >> While we were still sinners. >> Totally, yeah. I love it. >> Totally, yeah. I love it. >> Totally, yeah. I love it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Totally. Um >> Totally. Um >> Totally. Um Right, you you talked about just even Right, you you talked about just even Right, you you talked about just even this morning just the Lord meeting you this morning just the Lord meeting you this morning just the Lord meeting you as you were preparing for this. And I as you were preparing for this. And I as you were preparing for this. And I I'd love to hear just some stories from I'd love to hear just some stories from I'd love to hear just some stories from our own hearts about our own hearts about our own hearts about loving the Lord. Like, what that how loving the Lord. Like, what that how loving the Lord. Like, what that how that takes shape in your life. Um maybe that takes shape in your life. Um maybe that takes shape in your life. Um maybe some seasons where that has been really some seasons where that has been really some seasons where that has been really tender tender tender uh and present. And then we all know uh and present. And then we all know uh and present. And then we all know that we've had seasons where it's like that we've had seasons where it's like that we've had seasons where it's like um I'm trusting it.

um I'm trusting it. um I'm trusting it. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Yeah, I may not feel as deeply. Uh and >> Yeah, I may not feel as deeply. Uh and >> Yeah, I may not feel as deeply. Uh and and so just some stories around that. and so just some stories around that. and so just some stories around that. Like, what are you Like, what are you Like, what are you um what's going on in your heart as you um what's going on in your heart as you um what's going on in your heart as you think about anything about that? think about anything about that? think about anything about that? >> Yeah. Um I can start on that one. Um >> Yeah. Um I can start on that one. Um >> Yeah. Um I can start on that one. Um man, the last probably 2 years um have man, the last probably 2 years um have man, the last probably 2 years um have been a wild ride for me and my family been a wild ride for me and my family been a wild ride for me and my family both circumstantially and just man, on both circumstantially and just man, on both circumstantially and just man, on heart and emotional levels. We've gone heart and emotional levels. We've gone heart and emotional levels. We've gone through some pretty heavy things. Um but through some pretty heavy things. Um but through some pretty heavy things. Um but um it all start that whole season um it all start that whole season um it all start that whole season started with some like major acts of started with some like major acts of started with some like major acts of just faithful obedience to the Lord in just faithful obedience to the Lord in just faithful obedience to the Lord in some things that he was calling me and some things that he was calling me and some things that he was calling me and my family to. Um so being kind of rooted my family to. Um so being kind of rooted my family to. Um so being kind of rooted in that, in that, in that, man, I felt waves of the Lord's nearness man, I felt waves of the Lord's nearness man, I felt waves of the Lord's nearness and kindness as we walked through all and kindness as we walked through all and kindness as we walked through all these various trials. It was this daily these various trials. It was this daily these various trials. It was this daily surrender because of all the hard things surrender because of all the hard things surrender because of all the hard things that were coming. I had no choice but to that were coming. I had no choice but to that were coming. I had no choice but to literally just like cling to to God literally just like cling to to God literally just like cling to to God every single day. And in turn, it made every single day. And in turn, it made every single day. And in turn, it made it so easy to just love him because I it so easy to just love him because I it so easy to just love him because I was seeing him physically show up in all was seeing him physically show up in all was seeing him physically show up in all these tangible ways every day. And it these tangible ways every day. And it these tangible ways every day. And it wasn't through like, you know, like wasn't through like, you know, like wasn't through like, you know, like gifts or anything like that. It was gifts or anything like that. It was gifts or anything like that. It was through his presence mostly. Um and the through his presence mostly. Um and the through his presence mostly. Um and the body. Like, seeing people actually like body. Like, seeing people actually like body. Like, seeing people actually like physically be the hands and feet of physically be the hands and feet of physically be the hands and feet of Jesus and care for me and my family Jesus and care for me and my family Jesus and care for me and my family through different things that we were through different things that we were through different things that we were walking through. Um I was just walking through. Um I was just walking through. Um I was just overwhelmed with gratitude. It a lot of overwhelmed with gratitude. It a lot of overwhelmed with gratitude. It a lot of it comes back to gratitude and just it comes back to gratitude and just it comes back to gratitude and just having the eyes to see God's work and having the eyes to see God's work and having the eyes to see God's work and provision in my life made it so easy to provision in my life made it so easy to provision in my life made it so easy to just like Lord, have it all.

just like Lord, have it all. just like Lord, have it all. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You're so good and I love you. Like I >> You're so good and I love you. Like I >> You're so good and I love you. Like I genuinely can say here and say, I love genuinely can say here and say, I love genuinely can say here and say, I love you. you. you. >> I I see that in you. And just to affirm >> I I see that in you. And just to affirm >> I I see that in you. And just to affirm um, what God has been doing. um, what God has been doing. um, what God has been doing. Just in your heart over these last 2 Just in your heart over these last 2 Just in your heart over these last 2 years. There is a depth and tenderness years. There is a depth and tenderness years. There is a depth and tenderness that is real. that is real. that is real. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> evident. >> evident. >> evident. >> And evident. Like totally evident. >> And evident. Like totally evident. >> And evident. Like totally evident. >> Enjoy. >> Enjoy. >> Enjoy. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Praise God. >> Praise God. >> Praise God. >> It's awesome. And >> It's awesome. And >> It's awesome. And that's the last 2 years. And if you went that's the last 2 years. And if you went that's the last 2 years. And if you went back, you could testify to what he did back, you could testify to what he did back, you could testify to what he did in your heart in college. How he rescued in your heart in college. How he rescued in your heart in college. How he rescued you. And so, you. And so, you. And so, >> I love that. Um, >> I love that. Um, >> I love that. Um, there's other stories, other other areas there's other stories, other other areas there's other stories, other other areas of your of your of your >> I mean, >> I mean, >> I mean, honestly, the first thing that comes to honestly, the first thing that comes to honestly, the first thing that comes to my mind is uh, maybe a 2 3 weeks ago we my mind is uh, maybe a 2 3 weeks ago we my mind is uh, maybe a 2 3 weeks ago we were at our regular rhythm of um, staff were at our regular rhythm of um, staff were at our regular rhythm of um, staff restore. restore. restore. And uh, and a guy came up to teach our And uh, and a guy came up to teach our And uh, and a guy came up to teach our staff on um, staff on um, staff on um, >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> you know, just just what he's blowing it >> you know, just just what he's blowing it >> you know, just just what he's blowing it up. I didn't even know really know what up. I didn't even know really know what up. I didn't even know really know what he taught on. Because the first 20 he taught on. Because the first 20 he taught on. Because the first 20 [laughter] to 30 minutes was just was [laughter] to 30 minutes was just was [laughter] to 30 minutes was just was just him looking at his staff members just him looking at his staff members just him looking at his staff members >> in the eye and say, I remember when, I >> in the eye and say, I remember when, I >> in the eye and say, I remember when, I remember when. Do you remember that remember when. Do you remember that remember when. Do you remember that story? He was just regaling us story? He was just regaling us story? He was just regaling us >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> with stories of God's faithfulness >> with stories of God's faithfulness >> with stories of God's faithfulness through his um, like through how the through his um, like through how the through his um, like through how the Lord has tethered him to this place and Lord has tethered him to this place and Lord has tethered him to this place and specifically to this people. And in that specifically to this people. And in that specifically to this people. And in that moment, I was like, I was caught up in moment, I was like, I was caught up in moment, I was like, I was caught up in it. But I also felt very isolated from it. But I also felt very isolated from it. But I also felt very isolated from it. Uh, like it. Uh, like it. Uh, like immediately lonely in the moment. immediately lonely in the moment. immediately lonely in the moment. Because he's telling stories of 15, 20 Because he's telling stories of 15, 20 Because he's telling stories of 15, 20 years here with these people. And I years here with these people. And I years here with these people. And I don't carry the history of this church don't carry the history of this church don't carry the history of this church like some of us do. Uh, and the enemy like some of us do. Uh, and the enemy like some of us do. Uh, and the enemy loved just kind of like twist that knife loved just kind of like twist that knife loved just kind of like twist that knife in me, you know what I'm saying? So, in in me, you know what I'm saying? So, in in me, you know what I'm saying? So, in my in my like honest heart, I felt my in my like honest heart, I felt my in my like honest heart, I felt lonely. I felt isolated. I was like, lonely. I felt isolated. I was like, lonely. I felt isolated. I was like, "Dang, man. It's like I don't have that "Dang, man. It's like I don't have that "Dang, man. It's like I don't have that history. I don't carry that story like history. I don't carry that story like history. I don't carry that story like so many of us do." so many of us do." so many of us do." And and while sweet as as the morning And and while sweet as as the morning And and while sweet as as the morning was, it just kind of set me in a in a was, it just kind of set me in a in a was, it just kind of set me in a in a place of isolation. place of isolation. place of isolation. And so I came to the morning next And so I came to the morning next And so I came to the morning next morning. You talk about um morning. You talk about um morning. You talk about um how the Lord speaks to you in large how the Lord speaks to you in large how the Lord speaks to you in large ways, but he spoke to me in like this ways, but he spoke to me in like this ways, but he spoke to me in like this really small way just like in a daily. really small way just like in a daily. really small way just like in a daily. And so uh And so uh And so uh I showed up to the word the next morning I showed up to the word the next morning I showed up to the word the next morning and I just brought my heart to him where and I just brought my heart to him where and I just brought my heart to him where it's like really easy for us to hide our it's like really easy for us to hide our it's like really easy for us to hide our hearts. Like Adam, where are you, Adam?

hearts. Like Adam, where are you, Adam? hearts. Like Adam, where are you, Adam? Like he respond in kind with an emotion. Like he respond in kind with an emotion. Like he respond in kind with an emotion. He says, "I was afraid." But then he He says, "I was afraid." But then he He says, "I was afraid." But then he failed the test. He didn't bring his failed the test. He didn't bring his failed the test. He didn't bring his heart to the Lord. Instead, he kept it heart to the Lord. Instead, he kept it heart to the Lord. Instead, he kept it from the Lord. He said, "I was afraid, from the Lord. He said, "I was afraid, from the Lord. He said, "I was afraid, so I hid." So I have a regular practice so I hid." So I have a regular practice so I hid." So I have a regular practice of loving God by just giving him my of loving God by just giving him my of loving God by just giving him my heart every day. And then I and I come heart every day. And then I and I come heart every day. And then I and I come to him in the word and say, "What you to him in the word and say, "What you to him in the word and say, "What you got to say to me?" So I could I brought got to say to me?" So I could I brought got to say to me?" So I could I brought it. I was like, "Lord, I'm I feel it. I was like, "Lord, I'm I feel it. I was like, "Lord, I'm I feel lonely. I feel isolated. I feel like I'm lonely. I feel isolated. I feel like I'm lonely. I feel isolated. I feel like I'm getting assaulted by the enemy this getting assaulted by the enemy this getting assaulted by the enemy this morning." morning." morning." And uh and so I happened to be in Acts 6 And uh and so I happened to be in Acts 6 And uh and so I happened to be in Acts 6 that morning. And that morning. And that morning. And uh and it said uh where it's like the uh and it said uh where it's like the uh and it said uh where it's like the institution of uh the first deacons. institution of uh the first deacons. institution of uh the first deacons. Uh and so he he kind of gives you the Uh and so he he kind of gives you the Uh and so he he kind of gives you the litany. Starts with Stephen and then it litany. Starts with Stephen and then it litany. Starts with Stephen and then it goes through about, you know, five other goes through about, you know, five other goes through about, you know, five other guys and then he comes to a guy named guys and then he comes to a guy named guys and then he comes to a guy named Nicholas. There you go. And I was like, Nicholas. There you go. And I was like, Nicholas. There you go. And I was like, "Oh my gosh, my name is in the Bible." "Oh my gosh, my name is in the Bible." "Oh my gosh, my name is in the Bible." And he said, "Yes, he does." And he And he said, "Yes, he does." And he And he said, "Yes, he does." And he said, "Nicholas, a convert from Antioch." And so there a convert from Antioch." And so there was a guy was a guy was a guy who bears my name or bore my name from a who bears my name or bore my name from a who bears my name or bore my name from a far off place who didn't carry the far off place who didn't carry the far off place who didn't carry the history of a church, uh but was brought history of a church, uh but was brought history of a church, uh but was brought to the Jerusalem church uh to be a part to the Jerusalem church uh to be a part to the Jerusalem church uh to be a part uh actually had an office in the church.

uh actually had an office in the church. uh actually had an office in the church. And I was like, "That's me." And I was like, "That's me." And I was like, "That's me." That's me. So tell me that the Lord That's me. So tell me that the Lord That's me. So tell me that the Lord doesn't speak to us and I'll argue till doesn't speak to us and I'll argue till doesn't speak to us and I'll argue till I'm blue in the face. But he spoke to me I'm blue in the face. But he spoke to me I'm blue in the face. But he spoke to me just out of his kindness. Like literally just out of his kindness. Like literally just out of his kindness. Like literally put my name in the book and said, "I see put my name in the book and said, "I see put my name in the book and said, "I see you you're from a place that's far off you you're from a place that's far off you you're from a place that's far off like this old timer Nicholas and I like this old timer Nicholas and I like this old timer Nicholas and I brought you here to to share in the brought you here to to share in the brought you here to to share in the story that I'm writing as we move story that I'm writing as we move story that I'm writing as we move forward. Boy, it was beautiful. forward. Boy, it was beautiful. forward. Boy, it was beautiful. >> this isn't necessarily what we're >> this isn't necessarily what we're >> this isn't necessarily what we're talking about but I it's talking about but I it's talking about but I it's >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> it's too good. No, no, no. What I'm >> it's too good. No, no, no. What I'm >> it's too good. No, no, no. What I'm about to say the gift of that honest heart right the gift of that honest heart right you're bringing your honest heart to the you're bringing your honest heart to the you're bringing your honest heart to the Lord. Lord. Lord. You're feeling lonely the gift of You're feeling lonely the gift of You're feeling lonely the gift of loneliness if you can bring it honestly loneliness if you can bring it honestly loneliness if you can bring it honestly is what? is what? is what? >> It's belonging. Belonging and mattering >> It's belonging. Belonging and mattering >> It's belonging. Belonging and mattering and that's what I was I was lacking. and that's what I was I was lacking. and that's what I was I was lacking. >> Intimacy. >> Intimacy. >> Intimacy. >> It's intimacy. And what my heart needed >> It's intimacy. And what my heart needed >> It's intimacy. And what my heart needed in the moment was to matter and to in the moment was to matter and to in the moment was to matter and to belong belong in a place and I grieved belong belong in a place and I grieved belong belong in a place and I grieved that you know I say that I shouldn't I that you know I say that I shouldn't I that you know I say that I shouldn't I should stop saying that I've we've been should stop saying that I've we've been should stop saying that I've we've been here pretty long. Um but when I was here pretty long. Um but when I was here pretty long. Um but when I was getting regaled by that brother I was getting regaled by that brother I was getting regaled by that brother I was like man my belonging my question of like man my belonging my question of like man my belonging my question of belonging is less than but I needed it belonging is less than but I needed it belonging is less than but I needed it my heart needed it and the Lord said you my heart needed it and the Lord said you my heart needed it and the Lord said you belong your name's right there in that belong your name's right there in that belong your name's right there in that book book book and by the way I've written in the book and by the way I've written in the book and by the way I've written in the book of life. Uh for eternity but I needed I of life. Uh for eternity but I needed I of life. Uh for eternity but I needed I needed connection I needed intimacy and needed connection I needed intimacy and needed connection I needed intimacy and the Lord called me by my name.

the Lord called me by my name. the Lord called me by my name. >> And you brought an honest heart to him >> And you brought an honest heart to him >> And you brought an honest heart to him and again if we're thinking about and again if we're thinking about and again if we're thinking about stories where we've just sensed and stories where we've just sensed and stories where we've just sensed and appreciated appreciated appreciated uh uh uh and felt so personally cared for by the and felt so personally cared for by the and felt so personally cared for by the Lord. Um Lord. Um Lord. Um it it it it starts with an honest heart you know it starts with an honest heart you know it starts with an honest heart you know it starts with that posture and you it starts with that posture and you it starts with that posture and you receive the gift of connection belonging receive the gift of connection belonging receive the gift of connection belonging intimacy because you brought that heart intimacy because you brought that heart intimacy because you brought that heart to the Lord and he is faithful and good to the Lord and he is faithful and good to the Lord and he is faithful and good to receive his kids and that's a gift. to receive his kids and that's a gift. to receive his kids and that's a gift. >> I think uh >> I think uh >> I think uh hearing [clears throat] you talk about hearing [clears throat] you talk about hearing [clears throat] you talk about that as I was thinking my answer to your that as I was thinking my answer to your that as I was thinking my answer to your question question question for so long I've dealt with fear and for so long I've dealt with fear and for so long I've dealt with fear and anxiety. And that came to me anxiety. And that came to me anxiety. And that came to me like living in the future trying to like living in the future trying to like living in the future trying to troubleshoot things that might bring me troubleshoot things that might bring me troubleshoot things that might bring me shame. shame. shame. And how to avoid it. And how to avoid it. And how to avoid it. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And so I felt isolated, disconnected, >> And so I felt isolated, disconnected, >> And so I felt isolated, disconnected, and just always hardest on myself. and just always hardest on myself. and just always hardest on myself. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And >> And >> And receiving love has always been difficult receiving love has always been difficult receiving love has always been difficult for me. for me. for me. Especially if you're like, "Well, the Especially if you're like, "Well, the Especially if you're like, "Well, the Lord loves me." It's like, "Yeah, I Lord loves me." It's like, "Yeah, I Lord loves me." It's like, "Yeah, I believe that."

believe that." believe that." >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Um but I don't feel it. >> Um but I don't feel it. >> Um but I don't feel it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I feel like I have to earn or produce or >> I feel like I have to earn or produce or >> I feel like I have to earn or produce or prove. prove. prove. And And And I think in the last five or six years I think in the last five or six years I think in the last five or six years he's been doing a work in my life where he's been doing a work in my life where he's been doing a work in my life where it's it's it's through bringing an honest heart to through bringing an honest heart to through bringing an honest heart to friendships, friendships, friendships, and being received by people who have and being received by people who have and being received by people who have received grace from Christ. received grace from Christ. received grace from Christ. So people who are walking with Christ, So people who are walking with Christ, So people who are walking with Christ, know that they're loved, know that know that they're loved, know that know that they're loved, know that they're forgiven, that when I am willing they're forgiven, that when I am willing they're forgiven, that when I am willing to step into something and face my fear to step into something and face my fear to step into something and face my fear of rejection, my fear of not belonging of rejection, my fear of not belonging of rejection, my fear of not belonging or not being wanted, and being met with or not being wanted, and being met with or not being wanted, and being met with grace. grace. grace. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> It's like the living embodiment of God's >> It's like the living embodiment of God's >> It's like the living embodiment of God's love. love. love. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> To say like, I have feel connection, I >> To say like, I have feel connection, I >> To say like, I have feel connection, I feel depth, I feel love, and I'm able to feel depth, I feel love, and I'm able to feel depth, I feel love, and I'm able to after repeated exposure, where it's like after repeated exposure, where it's like after repeated exposure, where it's like just layer after layer of confidence just layer after layer of confidence just layer after layer of confidence built in the Lord's love. built in the Lord's love. built in the Lord's love. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> To turn around and offer that to others. >> To turn around and offer that to others. >> To turn around and offer that to others. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> In a way that's like, I didn't I didn't >> In a way that's like, I didn't I didn't >> In a way that's like, I didn't I didn't know that before, know that before, know that before, but I know it now. but I know it now. but I know it now. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And I've walked with Christ all this >> And I've walked with Christ all this >> And I've walked with Christ all this time, but his love has affected me a time, but his love has affected me a time, but his love has affected me a different way. different way. different way. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> But I've attached to him in a different >> But I've attached to him in a different >> But I've attached to him in a different way.

way. way. And it's brought a level of health that And it's brought a level of health that And it's brought a level of health that I'm just so grateful for. I'm just so grateful for. I'm just so grateful for. >> You said You said I think >> You said You said I think >> You said You said I think [clears throat] he's been doing this in [clears throat] he's been doing this in [clears throat] he's been doing this in me in the last five or six [laughter] me in the last five or six [laughter] me in the last five or six [laughter] years. And do you think that he's been years. And do you think that he's been years. And do you think that he's been doing it in you in the last five or six doing it in you in the last five or six doing it in you in the last five or six years? Like I know he has. Like those years? Like I know he has. Like those years? Like I know he has. Like those are some of my favorite conversations are some of my favorite conversations are some of my favorite conversations with you over and over, and it's with you over and over, and it's with you over and over, and it's >> It is good. It shows up in your >> It is good. It shows up in your >> It is good. It shows up in your preaching, it shows up in your preaching, it shows up in your preaching, it shows up in your leadership, it shows up in our leadership, it shows up in our leadership, it shows up in our friendships. I mean, it friendships. I mean, it friendships. I mean, it And now we start to see how the love of And now we start to see how the love of And now we start to see how the love of God as his patient kindness God as his patient kindness God as his patient kindness comes towards his his children, comes towards his his children, comes towards his his children, and he's drawing our hearts out, and he and he's drawing our hearts out, and he and he's drawing our hearts out, and he is changing us and shaping us, and is changing us and shaping us, and is changing us and shaping us, and there's all kind I I I do want to just there's all kind I I I do want to just there's all kind I I I do want to just talk briefly about um talk briefly about um talk briefly about um like challenges to this. There are like millions of challenges to this. like millions of challenges to this. Can we Can we offer Can we Can we offer Can we Can we offer like what are we experiencing here in like what are we experiencing here in like what are we experiencing here in our church? Maybe personally, just our church? Maybe personally, just our church? Maybe personally, just obstacles, things that get in the way, obstacles, things that get in the way, obstacles, things that get in the way, um hurdles, um hurdles, um hurdles, whether it's busyness, technology. We whether it's busyness, technology. We whether it's busyness, technology. We live in live in live in We live in the Flower Mound area, just We live in the Flower Mound area, just We live in the Flower Mound area, just north of Dallas. There is a pace here north of Dallas. There is a pace here north of Dallas. There is a pace here that that that it It's present.

it It's present. it It's present. >> Unreal. >> Unreal. >> Unreal. >> It's unreal. It's present and >> It's unreal. It's present and >> It's unreal. It's present and um I think this is going to work um I think this is going to work um I think this is going to work I don't know how it's going to work when I don't know how it's going to work when I don't know how it's going to work when we talk about Sabbath because we talk about Sabbath because we talk about Sabbath because I struggle I struggle with it and um I struggle I struggle with it and um I struggle I struggle with it and um So, obstacles, challenges So, obstacles, challenges So, obstacles, challenges uh uh uh to this, like stopping to this, like stopping to this, like stopping >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> and receiving >> and receiving >> and receiving and reflecting on, remembering his love. and reflecting on, remembering his love. and reflecting on, remembering his love. There's a There's a bunch. There's a There's a bunch. There's a There's a bunch. >> And I think we can all talk different >> And I think we can all talk different >> And I think we can all talk different ones. So, I'll tackle one I think is I ones. So, I'll tackle one I think is I ones. So, I'll tackle one I think is I think technology is one of the greatest think technology is one of the greatest think technology is one of the greatest challenges to Christian discipleship challenges to Christian discipleship challenges to Christian discipleship now. And now. And now. And par- particularly the posture with which par- particularly the posture with which par- particularly the posture with which we use it. we use it. we use it. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And so, like I I I think technology's >> And so, like I I I think technology's >> And so, like I I I think technology's great. I think it's a great tool. great. I think it's a great tool. great. I think it's a great tool. When we trust it to deliver us from When we trust it to deliver us from When we trust it to deliver us from ourselves, that's where it's a problem. ourselves, that's where it's a problem. ourselves, that's where it's a problem. >> Do people Do we even know that that's >> Do people Do we even know that that's >> Do people Do we even know that that's what we're doing? Okay. what we're doing? Okay. what we're doing? Okay. >> But we we offload it. So, it's when I >> But we we offload it. So, it's when I >> But we we offload it. So, it's when I don't want to be alone by myself. don't want to be alone by myself. don't want to be alone by myself. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I can invite comfort >> I can invite comfort >> I can invite comfort and distraction. and distraction. and distraction. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Anything you want, you can invite. >> Anything you want, you can invite. >> Anything you want, you can invite. >> Anything I I can invite anything >> Anything I I can invite anything >> Anything I I can invite anything [clears throat] I want. But I can pull [clears throat] I want. But I can pull [clears throat] I want. But I can pull out my phone, I can step into a out my phone, I can step into a out my phone, I can step into a different reality or different different reality or different different reality or different circumstance and numb whatever I need to circumstance and numb whatever I need to circumstance and numb whatever I need to internally.

internally. internally. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And the more that I do that, I'm not >> And the more that I do that, I'm not >> And the more that I do that, I'm not being driven to prayer, I'm not going being driven to prayer, I'm not going being driven to prayer, I'm not going and depending upon Christ. I'm just like and depending upon Christ. I'm just like and depending upon Christ. I'm just like self-medicating. self-medicating. self-medicating. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> For 30 seconds until my heart gets noisy >> For 30 seconds until my heart gets noisy >> For 30 seconds until my heart gets noisy enough again that I can go forward. enough again that I can go forward. enough again that I can go forward. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And where I get really >> And where I get really >> And where I get really uh as a pastor, I get really nervous for uh as a pastor, I get really nervous for uh as a pastor, I get really nervous for people is where we do this people is where we do this people is where we do this uh uh uh really not thinking about it. We just really not thinking about it. We just really not thinking about it. We just step into it and we let our kids step step into it and we let our kids step step into it and we let our kids step into it and we and we're formed into a into it and we and we're formed into a into it and we and we're formed into a being that's not conscious of how we're being that's not conscious of how we're being that's not conscious of how we're adopting these things. And it makes a adopting these things. And it makes a adopting these things. And it makes a certain type of people to where it's certain type of people to where it's certain type of people to where it's hard to actually think and then we don't hard to actually think and then we don't hard to actually think and then we don't want to read, we want to be entertained, want to read, we want to be entertained, want to read, we want to be entertained, we'd rather watch a video or play a game we'd rather watch a video or play a game we'd rather watch a video or play a game or just check out. But everything in the or just check out. But everything in the or just check out. But everything in the New Testament that tells us how we love New Testament that tells us how we love New Testament that tells us how we love God is an imperative. God is an imperative. God is an imperative. Like it is put on the new man. Do these Like it is put on the new man. Do these Like it is put on the new man. Do these things, pursue these things and you're things, pursue these things and you're things, pursue these things and you're doing that through grace-driven effort. doing that through grace-driven effort. doing that through grace-driven effort. That's that's what we should be about. That's that's what we should be about. That's that's what we should be about. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Man. >> Man. >> Man. >> Absolutely. I also um man, I always >> Absolutely. I also um man, I always >> Absolutely. I also um man, I always think of that C.S. Lewis quote when he think of that C.S. Lewis quote when he think of that C.S. Lewis quote when he talks about us just being like too talks about us just being like too talks about us just being like too easily satisfied.

easily satisfied. easily satisfied. Um a lot of the people that I encounter Um a lot of the people that I encounter Um a lot of the people that I encounter and talk to, whether it some people and talk to, whether it some people and talk to, whether it some people within the church, but mostly like within the church, but mostly like within the church, but mostly like outside of the church and just kind of outside of the church and just kind of outside of the church and just kind of inquiring about their lives and when it inquiring about their lives and when it inquiring about their lives and when it becomes quickly clear that man, Jesus is becomes quickly clear that man, Jesus is becomes quickly clear that man, Jesus is part of the equation, but not like the part of the equation, but not like the part of the equation, but not like the main thing in their life. Um when you main thing in their life. Um when you main thing in their life. Um when you start asking more about their lives and start asking more about their lives and start asking more about their lives and their experiences, so many of them have their experiences, so many of them have their experiences, so many of them have just settled and I think a lot of people just settled and I think a lot of people just settled and I think a lot of people um have just settled for like an okay um have just settled for like an okay um have just settled for like an okay walk with the Lord and instead of walk with the Lord and instead of walk with the Lord and instead of realizing that there's just so much more realizing that there's just so much more realizing that there's just so much more of him to experience. of him to experience. of him to experience. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Like they look back at college as like >> Like they look back at college as like >> Like they look back at college as like the glory days of their walk with Jesus the glory days of their walk with Jesus the glory days of their walk with Jesus and they'll recount like, "Oh yeah, so and they'll recount like, "Oh yeah, so and they'll recount like, "Oh yeah, so fun then, but now like I've got all of fun then, but now like I've got all of fun then, but now like I've got all of these things going on." I'm like, "No, these things going on." I'm like, "No, these things going on." I'm like, "No, no, no. no, no. no, no. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> There's more. Let me testify that yes, >> There's more. Let me testify that yes, >> There's more. Let me testify that yes, college was awesome cuz it was just a college was awesome cuz it was just a college was awesome cuz it was just a different season of life with different different season of life with different different season of life with different freedoms, but gosh, I know Jesus even freedoms, but gosh, I know Jesus even freedoms, but gosh, I know Jesus even deeper now. I experience him even more deeper now. I experience him even more deeper now. I experience him even more now. Like, did you know that's possible? now. Like, did you know that's possible? now. Like, did you know that's possible? Like, did you know that you can have Like, did you know that you can have Like, did you know that you can have more of him until he returns? It just more of him until he returns? It just more of him until he returns? It just keeps on getting better."

keeps on getting better." keeps on getting better." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So I I think there's a lot of settling >> So I I think there's a lot of settling >> So I I think there's a lot of settling also. also. also. >> depth of life to walk into. >> depth of life to walk into. >> depth of life to walk into. >> Yes. Yes. Like your life could have so >> Yes. Yes. Like your life could have so >> Yes. Yes. Like your life could have so much more depth to it. much more depth to it. much more depth to it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, you mentioned technology. You >> Yeah, you mentioned technology. You >> Yeah, you mentioned technology. You know, I'd say just like the we run at a know, I'd say just like the we run at a know, I'd say just like the we run at a pretty quick clip around here. There is pretty quick clip around here. There is pretty quick clip around here. There is a there is a current that is pretty a there is a current that is pretty a there is a current that is pretty fast. fast. fast. Like y'all know me, I enjoy running. Like y'all know me, I enjoy running. Like y'all know me, I enjoy running. It's like I actually do that on the It's like I actually do that on the It's like I actually do that on the Sabbath. I'll I'll run longer and more Sabbath. I'll I'll run longer and more Sabbath. I'll I'll run longer and more slowly. slowly. slowly. And I've learned that when I slow the And I've learned that when I slow the And I've learned that when I slow the pace down, I notice the beauty of God pace down, I notice the beauty of God pace down, I notice the beauty of God and his creation. and his creation. and his creation. Like I can actually pick out some of the Like I can actually pick out some of the Like I can actually pick out some of the wildflowers. We got some like no-grow wildflowers. We got some like no-grow wildflowers. We got some like no-grow zones around here. I love them. zones around here. I love them. zones around here. I love them. But I but I see these flowers, man. But But I but I see these flowers, man. But But I but I see these flowers, man. But when I'm running at a fast pace, I when I'm running at a fast pace, I when I'm running at a fast pace, I cruise right past them, man, and I don't cruise right past them, man, and I don't cruise right past them, man, and I don't notice them at all. So, like the rhythm notice them at all. So, like the rhythm notice them at all. So, like the rhythm of Sabbath, like that sacred stop that a of Sabbath, like that sacred stop that a of Sabbath, like that sacred stop that a Sabbath is, like reorients us to an act Sabbath is, like reorients us to an act Sabbath is, like reorients us to an act of faith. of faith. of faith. Because another one for me, like I'm Because another one for me, like I'm Because another one for me, like I'm kind of addicted to doing. Like I like kind of addicted to doing. Like I like kind of addicted to doing. Like I like to produce. I've been praised and to produce. I've been praised and to produce. I've been praised and celebrated, you know, celebrated, you know, celebrated, you know, probably my whole life about putting probably my whole life about putting probably my whole life about putting stuff out.

stuff out. stuff out. But to stop But to stop But to stop when I don't when I'm not at the end when I don't when I'm not at the end when I don't when I'm not at the end when I'm not at inbox zero, but to take when I'm not at inbox zero, but to take when I'm not at inbox zero, but to take that sacred stop to observe the sacred that sacred stop to observe the sacred that sacred stop to observe the sacred rhythm of a Sabbath and say, "Hey, man, rhythm of a Sabbath and say, "Hey, man, rhythm of a Sabbath and say, "Hey, man, I don't I'm not all the way to the I don't I'm not all the way to the I don't I'm not all the way to the bottom, and yet I need to kind of pull bottom, and yet I need to kind of pull bottom, and yet I need to kind of pull back and stop." That's an act of faith. back and stop." That's an act of faith. back and stop." That's an act of faith. Especially for a guy like me. Especially for a guy like me. Especially for a guy like me. >> It's really true. That's so that's so >> It's really true. That's so that's so >> It's really true. That's so that's so prevalent of just I need to push and do prevalent of just I need to push and do prevalent of just I need to push and do and grind and hustle. and grind and hustle. and grind and hustle. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And it is an act of faith, like you >> And it is an act of faith, like you >> And it is an act of faith, like you said, to withdraw from that. said, to withdraw from that. said, to withdraw from that. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Like to go to sleep into a day, into a >> Like to go to sleep into a day, into a >> Like to go to sleep into a day, into a world where you know, when you wake up, world where you know, when you wake up, world where you know, when you wake up, God's already there. God's already there. God's already there. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> And before you get to your to-do list or >> And before you get to your to-do list or >> And before you get to your to-do list or check your inbox, like check your inbox, like check your inbox, like he's waiting for you. he's waiting for you. he's waiting for you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I've been thinking about just >> Yeah. I've been thinking about just >> Yeah. I've been thinking about just going back to you treasuring Christ and going back to you treasuring Christ and going back to you treasuring Christ and just that grateful heart. How many just that grateful heart. How many just that grateful heart. How many people don't take the time to actually people don't take the time to actually people don't take the time to actually think through and dwell on the gratitude think through and dwell on the gratitude think through and dwell on the gratitude that they have for God for all the that they have for God for all the that they have for God for all the different things in their life. We have different things in their life. We have different things in their life. We have a banner above our kitchen table that a banner above our kitchen table that a banner above our kitchen table that says miracles happen here.

says miracles happen here. says miracles happen here. Because I am convinced the fact that I'm Because I am convinced the fact that I'm Because I am convinced the fact that I'm sitting at a dinner table six nights a sitting at a dinner table six nights a sitting at a dinner table six nights a week with three beautiful kids and my week with three beautiful kids and my week with three beautiful kids and my husband is a flipping miracle. But I husband is a flipping miracle. But I husband is a flipping miracle. But I have it there for a reason so that I have it there for a reason so that I have it there for a reason so that I don't ever get complacent in being don't ever get complacent in being don't ever get complacent in being grateful to what God's given me because grateful to what God's given me because grateful to what God's given me because that's just a continuous reminder of me that's just a continuous reminder of me that's just a continuous reminder of me reorienting love and thankfulness back reorienting love and thankfulness back reorienting love and thankfulness back to God. Um cuz I mean we with the pace to God. Um cuz I mean we with the pace to God. Um cuz I mean we with the pace we have, with the technology, we have, with the technology, we have, with the technology, everything's always telling us like hey everything's always telling us like hey everything's always telling us like hey you need more or you don't have enough, you need more or you don't have enough, you need more or you don't have enough, you don't have these things and so that you don't have these things and so that you don't have these things and so that can take up so much of our mental space can take up so much of our mental space can take up so much of our mental space and you you start grumbling and you and you you start grumbling and you and you you start grumbling and you start almost like thinking God's start almost like thinking God's start almost like thinking God's withheld from you. It's hard to have a withheld from you. It's hard to have a withheld from you. It's hard to have a loving heart towards God when you don't loving heart towards God when you don't loving heart towards God when you don't trust him or think that he's constantly trust him or think that he's constantly trust him or think that he's constantly withholding things from you. withholding things from you. withholding things from you. >> Yeah. I >> Yeah. I >> Yeah. I I have a confession uh and I'm going to I have a confession uh and I'm going to I have a confession uh and I'm going to get mine out of the way. get mine out of the way. get mine out of the way. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> When I love God, love people, make >> When I love God, love people, make >> When I love God, love people, make disciples of Jesus Christ, we we decided disciples of Jesus Christ, we we decided disciples of Jesus Christ, we we decided to take the application to take the application to take the application on this one. We could take it a bunch of on this one. We could take it a bunch of on this one. We could take it a bunch of different ways but we're going to we're different ways but we're going to we're different ways but we're going to we're going to talk about Sabbath.

going to talk about Sabbath. going to talk about Sabbath. Um I really struggle with Sab- Sabbath. Um I really struggle with Sab- Sabbath. Um I really struggle with Sab- Sabbath. Um I don't struggle with the concept of Um I don't struggle with the concept of Um I don't struggle with the concept of it. I feel like I understand it it. I feel like I understand it it. I feel like I understand it biblically, theologically. I I mentioned biblically, theologically. I I mentioned biblically, theologically. I I mentioned to y'all I've been in the Old Testament to y'all I've been in the Old Testament to y'all I've been in the Old Testament every day this year. every day this year. every day this year. I'm getting so much Sabbath. I'm getting so much Sabbath. I'm getting so much Sabbath. God takes it very seriously. God takes it very seriously. God takes it very seriously. And and maybe I could go well they used And and maybe I could go well they used And and maybe I could go well they used to take it really seriously like back to take it really seriously like back to take it really seriously like back then. Um then. Um then. Um but maybe not as much now except it but maybe not as much now except it but maybe not as much now except it carries forward in the New Testament, carries forward in the New Testament, carries forward in the New Testament, you know. Um as I'm as I'm listening to us talk, as I'm as I'm listening to us talk, like we didn't script this. We had some like we didn't script this. We had some like we didn't script this. We had some questions and some ways we were going to questions and some ways we were going to questions and some ways we were going to go. go. go. Uh I'm thinking about responding to Uh I'm thinking about responding to Uh I'm thinking about responding to God's love, treasuring his heart, giving God's love, treasuring his heart, giving God's love, treasuring his heart, giving him my heart, him my heart, him my heart, uh receiving back from him, reflecting uh receiving back from him, reflecting uh receiving back from him, reflecting on gratitude. Like all of this on gratitude. Like all of this on gratitude. Like all of this he he built into the calendar. he he built into the calendar. he he built into the calendar. He built into the calendar a time He built into the calendar a time He built into the calendar a time every week every week every week >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> to do that. >> to do that. >> to do that. >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It is >> It is >> It is it is built into a sacred pace, a sacred it is built into a sacred pace, a sacred it is built into a sacred pace, a sacred rhythm rhythm rhythm where he's like, "Hustle and work. Work where he's like, "Hustle and work. Work where he's like, "Hustle and work. Work and keep. Like this is your And then and keep. Like this is your And then and keep. Like this is your And then rest, reflect, respond, worship." rest, reflect, respond, worship." rest, reflect, respond, worship." >> Um >> Um >> Um I I I it is challenging for me to downshift. it is challenging for me to downshift. it is challenging for me to downshift. For all the reasons that you alluded to, For all the reasons that you alluded to, For all the reasons that you alluded to, I mean, we we could spend a lot of time I mean, we we could spend a lot of time I mean, we we could spend a lot of time talking about that. I'd rather talk talking about that. I'd rather talk talking about that. I'd rather talk about your issues than mine in this about your issues than mine in this about your issues than mine in this case. case. case. I know, but and y'all know this. I have I know, but and y'all know this. I have I know, but and y'all know this. I have shared this with it the downshift is shared this with it the downshift is shared this with it the downshift is hard for me. hard for me. hard for me. And I can also testify that every time I And I can also testify that every time I And I can also testify that every time I do it, it's good for me. Like it is do it, it's good for me. Like it is do it, it's good for me. Like it is the world keeps moving. the world keeps moving. the world keeps moving. Um Um Um my heart is replenished. It's deepened my heart is replenished. It's deepened my heart is replenished. It's deepened and it I just think about like these and it I just think about like these and it I just think about like these just layers that get woven over over just layers that get woven over over just layers that get woven over over time and like what it strengthens in me time and like what it strengthens in me time and like what it strengthens in me if that practice is present in my life. if that practice is present in my life. if that practice is present in my life. We're talking about depth. We're talking We're talking about depth. We're talking We're talking about depth. We're talking about significance. Like do I want to be about significance. Like do I want to be about significance. Like do I want to be a deep man?

a deep man? a deep man? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Do I want to be a spiritual man? Do I >> Do I want to be a spiritual man? Do I >> Do I want to be a spiritual man? Do I want to be a productive man? Like all of want to be a productive man? Like all of want to be a productive man? Like all of The answer is yes. The answer is yes. The answer is yes. And God's like, "Here is this gift for And God's like, "Here is this gift for And God's like, "Here is this gift for you." you." you." Do you Do you trust me with this gift? Do you Do you trust me with this gift? Do you Do you trust me with this gift? So, So, So, a lot of thoughts. I'd rather hear yours a lot of thoughts. I'd rather hear yours a lot of thoughts. I'd rather hear yours now. Um now. Um now. Um >> So, just to be clear, what was the >> So, just to be clear, what was the >> So, just to be clear, what was the confession again? confession again? confession again? >> That I'm not good I'm [laughter] not >> That I'm not good I'm [laughter] not >> That I'm not good I'm [laughter] not good at Sabbath. I wish I was better. I good at Sabbath. I wish I was better. I good at Sabbath. I wish I was better. I know it's like it's vital. know it's like it's vital. know it's like it's vital. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um >> Um >> Um >> I think it's important to define how >> I think it's important to define how >> I think it's important to define how we're going to look at the Sabbath. So, we're going to look at the Sabbath. So, we're going to look at the Sabbath. So, like looking at church history, it's like looking at church history, it's like looking at church history, it's been defined a ton of different ways. been defined a ton of different ways. been defined a ton of different ways. Like from the time of the Israelites Like from the time of the Israelites Like from the time of the Israelites where it was like sundown to sundown and where it was like sundown to sundown and where it was like sundown to sundown and they're offering sacrifices and they're they're offering sacrifices and they're they're offering sacrifices and they're set aside to worship God and God is very set aside to worship God and God is very set aside to worship God and God is very takes it very seriously. Yeah. You will takes it very seriously. Yeah. You will takes it very seriously. Yeah. You will not profane the Sabbath. You will keep not profane the Sabbath. You will keep not profane the Sabbath. You will keep it holy. it holy. it holy. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And in Christ we see that he's the >> And in Christ we see that he's the >> And in Christ we see that he's the fulfillment of all things. And so in fulfillment of all things. And so in fulfillment of all things. And so in him, we're not like we're not bound to him, we're not like we're not bound to him, we're not like we're not bound to the law. the law. the law. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And in him we can both go but God has >> And in him we can both go but God has >> And in him we can both go but God has put it in our rhythm. So it is something put it in our rhythm. So it is something put it in our rhythm. So it is something that is good for us to do. And our that is good for us to do. And our that is good for us to do. And our eternal rest is in Christ. eternal rest is in Christ. eternal rest is in Christ. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> And so you have all these different >> And so you have all these different >> And so you have all these different denominations who could be like strict denominations who could be like strict denominations who could be like strict sabbatarians of like no, like you're in sabbatarians of like no, like you're in sabbatarians of like no, like you're in sin if you're not taking a day off like sin if you're not taking a day off like sin if you're not taking a day off like this. And then Nick and I were talking this. And then Nick and I were talking this. And then Nick and I were talking about this earlier as vocational about this earlier as vocational about this earlier as vocational ministers like ministers like ministers like >> Mhm.

>> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Sabbath is a work day. >> Sabbath is a work day. >> Sabbath is a work day. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Like I'm I'm showing up early to sit out >> Like I'm I'm showing up early to sit out >> Like I'm I'm showing up early to sit out here and pray with the elders at 7:00 here and pray with the elders at 7:00 here and pray with the elders at 7:00 a.m. a.m. a.m. And most people are thinking this is my And most people are thinking this is my And most people are thinking this is my day to come worship the Lord. This is my day to come worship the Lord. This is my day to come worship the Lord. This is my Sabbath. Sabbath. Sabbath. So trying to take like how do we look at So trying to take like how do we look at So trying to take like how do we look at our congregation and think well, if our congregation and think well, if our congregation and think well, if you're going to practice Sabbath which you're going to practice Sabbath which you're going to practice Sabbath which it how what what are the elements you it how what what are the elements you it how what what are the elements you should should should consider? consider? consider? And Ryan and I laughed about this And Ryan and I laughed about this And Ryan and I laughed about this earlier because I am a firm believer and earlier because I am a firm believer and earlier because I am a firm believer and it's like a it's like a it's like a it's like a strong conviction for me. it's like a strong conviction for me. it's like a strong conviction for me. >> Tell us. >> Tell us. >> Tell us. >> I didn't know. >> I didn't know. >> I didn't know. >> The Sabbath is not self-care. It is >> The Sabbath is not self-care. It is >> The Sabbath is not self-care. It is self-denial. self-denial. self-denial. And And And uh one of my favorite writers and uh one of my favorite writers and uh one of my favorite writers and pastors Eugene Peterson would say, if pastors Eugene Peterson would say, if pastors Eugene Peterson would say, if your Sabbath becomes self-care it's your Sabbath becomes self-care it's your Sabbath becomes self-care it's actually like a secularized Sabbath. actually like a secularized Sabbath. actually like a secularized Sabbath. >> 100%. >> 100%. >> 100%. >> And so if it's about well, I get time >> And so if it's about well, I get time >> And so if it's about well, I get time off and I'm able to rest and I'm I don't off and I'm able to rest and I'm I don't off and I'm able to rest and I'm I don't have to be bothered by work but I can do have to be bothered by work but I can do have to be bothered by work but I can do these things I enjoy. It's like yes, yes these things I enjoy. It's like yes, yes these things I enjoy. It's like yes, yes and amen. All those are great. and amen. All those are great. and amen. All those are great. But the Sabbath is set aside to actively But the Sabbath is set aside to actively But the Sabbath is set aside to actively pursue delight in God. pursue delight in God. pursue delight in God. >> Totally. >> Totally. >> Totally. >> To pray and play as Peterson would say. >> To pray and play as Peterson would say. >> To pray and play as Peterson would say. Like I'm going to worship the Lord, be Like I'm going to worship the Lord, be Like I'm going to worship the Lord, be among the saints and I'm going to get among the saints and I'm going to get among the saints and I'm going to get out in his creation and enjoy it and out in his creation and enjoy it and out in his creation and enjoy it and remind myself that I am not a human remind myself that I am not a human remind myself that I am not a human human doing. I'm a human being.

human doing. I'm a human being. human doing. I'm a human being. But if it just becomes like it's a But if it just becomes like it's a But if it just becomes like it's a it's a weekly spa day. Like that's rough it's a weekly spa day. Like that's rough it's a weekly spa day. Like that's rough cuz that's not how the Bible encourages cuz that's not how the Bible encourages cuz that's not how the Bible encourages us to see it. us to see it. us to see it. >> For sure. >> For sure. >> For sure. >> That's my hot sports take on it. >> That's my hot sports take on it. >> That's my hot sports take on it. >> I don't think you >> I don't think you >> I don't think you >> I think the Bible would affirm your hot >> I think the Bible would affirm your hot >> I think the Bible would affirm your hot sports sports sports >> pretty I feel like I'm on pretty good >> pretty I feel like I'm on pretty good >> pretty I feel like I'm on pretty good get with it. get with it. get with it. >> You are. >> You are. >> You are. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Absolutely. Yes. >> Absolutely. Yes. >> Absolutely. Yes. >> Yeah, I'll lock arms with you on that. I >> Yeah, I'll lock arms with you on that. I >> Yeah, I'll lock arms with you on that. I mean, the things I typically do on a mean, the things I typically do on a mean, the things I typically do on a Sabbath, man, they are Sabbath, man, they are Sabbath, man, they are worship-provoking. worship-provoking. worship-provoking. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh that's in its the ideal sense. Jesus >> Uh that's in its the ideal sense. Jesus >> Uh that's in its the ideal sense. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. You see him time is Lord of the Sabbath. You see him time is Lord of the Sabbath. You see him time and again doing work to heal people on and again doing work to heal people on and again doing work to heal people on the Lord's Day. the Lord's Day. the Lord's Day. Uh so, it's like if there's an ox in the Uh so, it's like if there's an ox in the Uh so, it's like if there's an ox in the ditch, uh I think we need to get the ox ditch, uh I think we need to get the ox ditch, uh I think we need to get the ox out of the ditch. Uh but on the ideal out of the ditch. Uh but on the ideal out of the ditch. Uh but on the ideal Sabbath for me, I'm doing things just Sabbath for me, I'm doing things just Sabbath for me, I'm doing things just like you're saying that are provoking my like you're saying that are provoking my like you're saying that are provoking my worship. worship. worship. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh I'm I'm taking that run, but it's not >> Uh I'm I'm taking that run, but it's not >> Uh I'm I'm taking that run, but it's not I'm not cramming it in and running fast. I'm not cramming it in and running fast. I'm not cramming it in and running fast. It's longer and it's slower so I can It's longer and it's slower so I can It's longer and it's slower so I can notice those no-grow-zone flowers. notice those no-grow-zone flowers. notice those no-grow-zone flowers. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know what I'm saying? Uh but yes and >> You know what I'm saying? Uh but yes and >> You know what I'm saying? Uh but yes and amen. amen. amen. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I think it has a lot more to do with I think it has a lot more to do with I think it has a lot more to do with just like a dedicated posture, like um just like a dedicated posture, like um just like a dedicated posture, like um one that actual designated time, so it's one that actual designated time, so it's one that actual designated time, so it's not haphazard. It is still intentional.

not haphazard. It is still intentional. not haphazard. It is still intentional. Like setting aside, "Hey, from this time Like setting aside, "Hey, from this time Like setting aside, "Hey, from this time to this time." But it's that active to this time." But it's that active to this time." But it's that active pursuit and posture of a heart of like, pursuit and posture of a heart of like, pursuit and posture of a heart of like, "Lord, I want to delight and rest in "Lord, I want to delight and rest in "Lord, I want to delight and rest in you." you." you." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Not just rest from my life, but rest in >> Not just rest from my life, but rest in >> Not just rest from my life, but rest in you. you. you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I think that can look so many different >> I think that can look so many different >> I think that can look so many different ways. Um ways. Um ways. Um we were talking earlier, for us as a we were talking earlier, for us as a we were talking earlier, for us as a family, it's Friday nights into family, it's Friday nights into family, it's Friday nights into Saturday. Saturday. Saturday. Um and my confession is I have struggled Um and my confession is I have struggled Um and my confession is I have struggled over the years, and the Lord has been over the years, and the Lord has been over the years, and the Lord has been kind and grown me and then regrown me kind and grown me and then regrown me kind and grown me and then regrown me and then taught me new things and taught and then taught me new things and taught and then taught me new things and taught me new things on what it looks like to me new things on what it looks like to me new things on what it looks like to to Sabbath, like personally as an to Sabbath, like personally as an to Sabbath, like personally as an individual and then also help disciple individual and then also help disciple individual and then also help disciple my kids in that. my kids in that. my kids in that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Cuz that can be a hard tension. There >> Cuz that can be a hard tension. There >> Cuz that can be a hard tension. There was a long season where it's like I I was a long season where it's like I I was a long season where it's like I I was off on on Friday, so I treated the was off on on Friday, so I treated the was off on on Friday, so I treated the whole day as Friday as my Sabbath. Then whole day as Friday as my Sabbath. Then whole day as Friday as my Sabbath. Then I realized I was only like letting the I realized I was only like letting the I realized I was only like letting the kids in on the back end of it, cuz they kids in on the back end of it, cuz they kids in on the back end of it, cuz they were at school and things like that. And were at school and things like that. And were at school and things like that. And I was like, "Well, I was like, "Well, I was like, "Well, what does that look like?" So, I mean, what does that look like?" So, I mean, what does that look like?" So, I mean, it's just one day encourage everyone it's just one day encourage everyone it's just one day encourage everyone that's just this ever-evolving process. that's just this ever-evolving process. that's just this ever-evolving process. And praise God for Jesus being the And praise God for Jesus being the And praise God for Jesus being the fulfillment. We're not like living in fulfillment. We're not like living in fulfillment. We're not like living in condemnation cuz we don't have the condemnation cuz we don't have the condemnation cuz we don't have the formula right. But it is, are you formula right. But it is, are you formula right. But it is, are you actually engaging and pursuing the Lord actually engaging and pursuing the Lord actually engaging and pursuing the Lord in it? So, we do Friday nights into in it? So, we do Friday nights into in it? So, we do Friday nights into Saturday, and it started by us like Saturday, and it started by us like Saturday, and it started by us like wanting to rail against the culture wanting to rail against the culture wanting to rail against the culture around us on like hey we're not going to around us on like hey we're not going to around us on like hey we're not going to be those people that literally have be those people that literally have be those people that literally have something filling every single spot of something filling every single spot of something filling every single spot of our calendar. We're just not. We're our calendar. We're just not. We're our calendar. We're just not. We're going to make sure that we block off going to make sure that we block off going to make sure that we block off that time where we are not just like that time where we are not just like that time where we are not just like resting from life but literally like resting from life but literally like resting from life but literally like trying to live counterculture and like trying to live counterculture and like trying to live counterculture and like Lord like we don't have to live that way Lord like we don't have to live that way Lord like we don't have to live that way and we want to actually make space for and we want to actually make space for and we want to actually make space for you.

you. you. And then it wasn't until like years And then it wasn't until like years And then it wasn't until like years later that I was like why is this not later that I was like why is this not later that I was like why is this not our our our Why is this not our Sabbath? Why aren't Why is this not our Sabbath? Why aren't Why is this not our Sabbath? Why aren't we doing this as a family together we doing this as a family together we doing this as a family together instead of like me Sabbathing instead of like me Sabbathing instead of like me Sabbathing individually, Randy individually and individually, Randy individually and individually, Randy individually and then us waiting for the kids to then us waiting for the kids to then us waiting for the kids to magically get old enough to understand magically get old enough to understand magically get old enough to understand it. Yeah, so we've just added it. Yeah, so we've just added it. Yeah, so we've just added intentional elements along the way. So intentional elements along the way. So intentional elements along the way. So like we read a liturgy together at like we read a liturgy together at like we read a liturgy together at dinner before we eat our takeout pizza dinner before we eat our takeout pizza dinner before we eat our takeout pizza cuz I don't cook on the Sabbath. You cuz I don't cook on the Sabbath. You cuz I don't cook on the Sabbath. You know, there's things like that. know, there's things like that. know, there's things like that. >> I think you you need to be intentional >> I think you you need to be intentional >> I think you you need to be intentional about gathering with the saints. about gathering with the saints. about gathering with the saints. >> Uh that's what I was going to say. >> Uh that's what I was going to say. >> Uh that's what I was going to say. That's the piece where that is a part of it. Like a key part of that is a part of it. Like a key part of what it means what it means what it means to Sabbath is to be with his people and to Sabbath is to be with his people and to Sabbath is to be with his people and enjoy him with his people. Um that's not enjoy him with his people. Um that's not enjoy him with his people. Um that's not like a shameless plug to attend a church like a shameless plug to attend a church like a shameless plug to attend a church service. It is a faithful outworking of service. It is a faithful outworking of service. It is a faithful outworking of what God is saying through his word. what God is saying through his word. what God is saying through his word. >> Well, and I mean I wasn't I wasn't topic >> Well, and I mean I wasn't I wasn't topic >> Well, and I mean I wasn't I wasn't topic shifting after you got done. It was shifting after you got done. It was shifting after you got done. It was everything that you're doing with your everything that you're doing with your everything that you're doing with your family. I think it's right and good. family. I think it's right and good. family. I think it's right and good. >> Yeah. And to be able to have a liturgy >> Yeah. And to be able to have a liturgy >> Yeah. And to be able to have a liturgy of how you're walking through things, of how you're walking through things, of how you're walking through things, you're discipling your kids to say like you're discipling your kids to say like you're discipling your kids to say like hey this day is intentional for us.

hey this day is intentional for us. hey this day is intentional for us. Like for years when your kids were Like for years when your kids were Like for years when your kids were little it was Saturday nights because of little it was Saturday nights because of little it was Saturday nights because of my work schedule. Saturday nights we my work schedule. Saturday nights we my work schedule. Saturday nights we would meet with three families, have would meet with three families, have would meet with three families, have dinner. dinner. dinner. Well, you're praying together. We would Well, you're praying together. We would Well, you're praying together. We would worship the Lord. Like we'd have worship the Lord. Like we'd have worship the Lord. Like we'd have intentional conversation. intentional conversation. intentional conversation. Recognizing like I was ending mine and Recognizing like I was ending mine and Recognizing like I was ending mine and they were going into theirs. they were going into theirs. they were going into theirs. And then knowing that we would at some And then knowing that we would at some And then knowing that we would at some point be together at church. point be together at church. point be together at church. So I I think it can be both and but I I So I I think it can be both and but I I So I I think it can be both and but I I mean Luther and Calvin would both say mean Luther and Calvin would both say mean Luther and Calvin would both say like the Sabbath is you are with God's like the Sabbath is you are with God's like the Sabbath is you are with God's people in the service. The word is being people in the service. The word is being people in the service. The word is being preached. You are preached. You are preached. You are actively giving your mind and your time actively giving your mind and your time actively giving your mind and your time on a day that you're not working for a on a day that you're not working for a on a day that you're not working for a paycheck. paycheck. paycheck. Like you're receiving from the Lord and Like you're receiving from the Lord and Like you're receiving from the Lord and you're giving to him. you're giving to him. you're giving to him. It's a day set aside for that. It's a day set aside for that. It's a day set aside for that. >> Well, it's it's fun just to think about >> Well, it's it's fun just to think about >> Well, it's it's fun just to think about and and fun, deep, meaningful, and and fun, deep, meaningful, and and fun, deep, meaningful, significant. significant. significant. It It It We started with responsive worship, We started with responsive worship, We started with responsive worship, responsive love. Sabbath responsive love. Sabbath responsive love. Sabbath is that. It is a way that we get to do is that. It is a way that we get to do is that. It is a way that we get to do that. I appreciate you guys so much. that. I appreciate you guys so much. that. I appreciate you guys so much. I love each and every one of you. I love I love each and every one of you. I love I love each and every one of you. I love your hearts. I love the way that you your hearts. I love the way that you your hearts. I love the way that you lead here and your contribution here and lead here and your contribution here and lead here and your contribution here and so for this conversation, I just bless so for this conversation, I just bless so for this conversation, I just bless you. Thank you.

you. Thank you. you. Thank you. >> Thank you, Josh. >> Thank you, Josh. >> Thank you, Josh. >> Yeah. I look forward to more. Yeah, it >> Yeah. I look forward to more. Yeah, it >> Yeah. I look forward to more. Yeah, it was good. Enjoyed it. was good. Enjoyed it. was good. Enjoyed it. >> [music]