COUNT IT (ALL) = JOY | EMONNE MARKLAND

Who's excited to get into the word Who's excited to get into the word today? today? today? I'm excited. It's been a joyful occasion I'm excited. It's been a joyful occasion I'm excited. It's been a joyful occasion to share the word. Can we give it up for to share the word. Can we give it up for to share the word. Can we give it up for our pastors, Pastor Paul and Ashley? our pastors, Pastor Paul and Ashley? our pastors, Pastor Paul and Ashley? >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> So grateful for them. They are away >> So grateful for them. They are away >> So grateful for them. They are away getting some time to rest and enjoy getting some time to rest and enjoy getting some time to rest and enjoy their family during this time and I their family during this time and I their family during this time and I found it such a great honor to be found it such a great honor to be found it such a great honor to be entrusted with this moment to share the entrusted with this moment to share the entrusted with this moment to share the word of the Lord this weekend. word of the Lord this weekend. word of the Lord this weekend. And as I was praying, I knew that God And as I was praying, I knew that God And as I was praying, I knew that God gave me something very specific. I want gave me something very specific. I want gave me something very specific. I want you to open your Bible to the book of you to open your Bible to the book of you to open your Bible to the book of James. James. James. >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Woo! Woo! >> Woo! Woo! >> Woo! Woo! We get excited when we open the word. If We get excited when we open the word. If We get excited when we open the word. If you're like, why are people getting you're like, why are people getting you're like, why are people getting excited? Because we know when we open excited? Because we know when we open excited? Because we know when we open the word, God's about to speak. the word, God's about to speak. the word, God's about to speak. Something's about to happen. This word Something's about to happen. This word Something's about to happen. This word is living and active and sharper than is living and active and sharper than is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. This is not some any two-edged sword. This is not some any two-edged sword. This is not some dusty book that we just read. This is a dusty book that we just read. This is a dusty book that we just read. This is a living word. This is a word that's living word. This is a word that's living word. This is a word that's appropriate for today. appropriate for today. appropriate for today. And so as we go into the book of James, And so as we go into the book of James, And so as we go into the book of James, I want to give you a little bit of I want to give you a little bit of I want to give you a little bit of context. Uh this book is written by context. Uh this book is written by context. Uh this book is written by guess who? James. Um it is uh an amazing guess who? James. Um it is uh an amazing guess who? James. Um it is uh an amazing book. It kind of reads like a wisdom book. It kind of reads like a wisdom book. It kind of reads like a wisdom book. If you've read through James, it's book. If you've read through James, it's book. If you've read through James, it's just five chapters. But it reads kind of just five chapters. But it reads kind of just five chapters. But it reads kind of like Proverbs. It provides wisdom for like Proverbs. It provides wisdom for like Proverbs. It provides wisdom for the experience of not just becoming a the experience of not just becoming a the experience of not just becoming a Christian and having faith, but what it Christian and having faith, but what it Christian and having faith, but what it looks like to walk that faith out. And looks like to walk that faith out. And looks like to walk that faith out. And so as we go through the text today, I so as we go through the text today, I so as we go through the text today, I want you to take that into want you to take that into want you to take that into consideration. Another thing that I love consideration. Another thing that I love consideration. Another thing that I love about scripture is that it is something about scripture is that it is something about scripture is that it is something that we can study not just as one book,

that we can study not just as one book, that we can study not just as one book, but it's actually a library. Did you but it's actually a library. Did you but it's actually a library. Did you know your Bible is a library? Ooh! Wee! Ooh! Wee! It's a library. Why? Because it's not It's a library. Why? Because it's not It's a library. Why? Because it's not just one book, it's actually 66 books in just one book, it's actually 66 books in just one book, it's actually 66 books in one. one. one. So today we're going to pull one book So today we're going to pull one book So today we're going to pull one book out and we're going to read from it. I out and we're going to read from it. I out and we're going to read from it. I also want to say hello, shout out to our also want to say hello, shout out to our also want to say hello, shout out to our campuses, Victory North. Shout out to campuses, Victory North. Shout out to campuses, Victory North. Shout out to Victory Manford. We love you so much. My Victory Manford. We love you so much. My Victory Manford. We love you so much. My husband I have the honor and the husband I have the honor and the husband I have the honor and the privilege of leading the Victory North privilege of leading the Victory North privilege of leading the Victory North campus as a campus pastors there. It's campus as a campus pastors there. It's campus as a campus pastors there. It's been 6 years going on 7 years this year. been 6 years going on 7 years this year. been 6 years going on 7 years this year. Maybe it's I don't know how many it's Maybe it's I don't know how many it's Maybe it's I don't know how many it's been so many years. We almost lost been so many years. We almost lost been so many years. We almost lost count. But it has been awesome and I count. But it has been awesome and I count. But it has been awesome and I love it and I love studying the word. We love it and I love studying the word. We love it and I love studying the word. We do a 9:00 a.m. Bible study and then do a 9:00 a.m. Bible study and then do a 9:00 a.m. Bible study and then 11:00 a.m. is the service and it's just 11:00 a.m. is the service and it's just 11:00 a.m. is the service and it's just been amazing what God is doing across been amazing what God is doing across been amazing what God is doing across all of our campuses. There's so much all of our campuses. There's so much all of our campuses. There's so much growth and so much expectation. growth and so much expectation. growth and so much expectation. But as we go into the book, I want you But as we go into the book, I want you But as we go into the book, I want you to go with me to James chapter 1. to go with me to James chapter 1. to go with me to James chapter 1. Woo! Woo! Woo! >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> Woo!

And it says this in verse 2. My And it says this in verse 2. My brethren, count it all joy. brethren, count it all joy. brethren, count it all joy. Somebody got it already. I don't even Somebody got it already. I don't even Somebody got it already. I don't even need to preach no more. need to preach no more. need to preach no more. When you fall into various trials, When you fall into various trials, When you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith knowing that the testing of your faith knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. produces patience. produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work But let patience have its perfect work But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete that you may be perfect and complete that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing. lacking nothing. lacking nothing. As I was preparing to know what it is As I was preparing to know what it is As I was preparing to know what it is that the word of the Lord is for this that the word of the Lord is for this that the word of the Lord is for this weekend, I don't want to go based on weekend, I don't want to go based on weekend, I don't want to go based on something I'm personally studying or something I'm personally studying or something I'm personally studying or something that I'm excited about or something that I'm excited about or something that I'm excited about or whatever. I said, "God, what do you want whatever. I said, "God, what do you want whatever. I said, "God, what do you want to say? to say? to say? This is your church. These are your This is your church. These are your This is your church. These are your people. I'm just a messenger. I'm just a people. I'm just a messenger. I'm just a people. I'm just a messenger. I'm just a vessel. What's the message that I get to vessel. What's the message that I get to vessel. What's the message that I get to carry into the weekend?" carry into the weekend?" carry into the weekend?" And as I was praying, God gave me four And as I was praying, God gave me four And as I was praying, God gave me four words. words. words. Count it Count it Count it all all all joy. joy. joy. And that is the title of our message. If And that is the title of our message. If And that is the title of our message. If you're taking notes, note takers are you're taking notes, note takers are you're taking notes, note takers are what? what? what? That's right. Note takers are history That's right. Note takers are history That's right. Note takers are history makers. So if you're taking notes, the makers. So if you're taking notes, the makers. So if you're taking notes, the title of my message today is count it title of my message today is count it title of my message today is count it all joy. Now, I understand that all joy. Now, I understand that all joy. Now, I understand that sometimes when we think about this sometimes when we think about this sometimes when we think about this scripture, you're like, "Man, can we scripture, you're like, "Man, can we scripture, you're like, "Man, can we like not read this scripture because like not read this scripture because like not read this scripture because sometimes makes me feel some kind of sometimes makes me feel some kind of sometimes makes me feel some kind of way. I kind of want to get over what I'm way. I kind of want to get over what I'm way. I kind of want to get over what I'm going through." But actually, God has going through." But actually, God has going through." But actually, God has given me a revelation that is to given me a revelation that is to given me a revelation that is to encourage you today.

encourage you today. encourage you today. That is here to shift your perspective That is here to shift your perspective That is here to shift your perspective about what you're going through because about what you're going through because about what you're going through because the enemy wants you to count it as loss. the enemy wants you to count it as loss. the enemy wants you to count it as loss. But God wants you to count it as gain. But God wants you to count it as gain. But God wants you to count it as gain. He wants you to count it as profit. He wants you to count it as profit. He wants you to count it as profit. It's profitable. The scripture says it It's profitable. The scripture says it It's profitable. The scripture says it was good for me was good for me was good for me that I was afflicted that I may know that I was afflicted that I may know that I was afflicted that I may know your ways, that I may understand your your ways, that I may understand your your ways, that I may understand your your law. And so as we go into this text your law. And so as we go into this text your law. And so as we go into this text and we begin to unpack it, we're going and we begin to unpack it, we're going and we begin to unpack it, we're going to look at three points of unpacking the to look at three points of unpacking the to look at three points of unpacking the scripture and then I'm going to give you scripture and then I'm going to give you scripture and then I'm going to give you some ways to walk it out practically. some ways to walk it out practically. some ways to walk it out practically. I'm going to pray and then we're going I'm going to pray and then we're going I'm going to pray and then we're going to get right into the word. Father, I to get right into the word. Father, I to get right into the word. Father, I thank you thank you thank you for the opportunity for the opportunity for the opportunity to deliver your word today. I thank you to deliver your word today. I thank you to deliver your word today. I thank you that the grass withers and the flower that the grass withers and the flower that the grass withers and the flower fades, but the Lord word of the Lord fades, but the Lord word of the Lord fades, but the Lord word of the Lord will stand forever. will stand forever. will stand forever. God, I trust that you are moving today. God, I trust that you are moving today. God, I trust that you are moving today. I trust that you are going to take I trust that you are going to take I trust that you are going to take this individual message this individual message this individual message and divide it multiple ways and divide it multiple ways and divide it multiple ways so that every person who is in this room so that every person who is in this room so that every person who is in this room or watching online who will hear this or watching online who will hear this or watching online who will hear this message at any point in history.

message at any point in history. message at any point in history. I pray, Lord, that you will put your I pray, Lord, that you will put your I pray, Lord, that you will put your anointing anointing anointing your weight of glory your divine your weight of glory your divine your weight of glory your divine illumination that brings revelation on illumination that brings revelation on illumination that brings revelation on this individual word and that your this individual word and that your this individual word and that your people will emerge encouraged, that they people will emerge encouraged, that they people will emerge encouraged, that they will emerge stronger knowing that the will emerge stronger knowing that the will emerge stronger knowing that the test isn't taking them down test isn't taking them down test isn't taking them down but it's building them up. Thank you for but it's building them up. Thank you for but it's building them up. Thank you for what you want to speak today. Use me as what you want to speak today. Use me as what you want to speak today. Use me as you will. I take a step back. I ask that you will. I take a step back. I ask that you will. I take a step back. I ask that you take a step forward. Use my voice you take a step forward. Use my voice you take a step forward. Use my voice for your glory. I love you and I trust for your glory. I love you and I trust for your glory. I love you and I trust you in Jesus' name. Amen. you in Jesus' name. Amen. you in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. I love the Lord. Anybody else love Amen. I love the Lord. Anybody else love Amen. I love the Lord. Anybody else love the Lord? the Lord? the Lord? All right. We're talking about count it All right. We're talking about count it All right. We're talking about count it all joy. all joy. all joy. Now, here's the thing. Now, here's the thing. Now, here's the thing. I don't know about you, but have you I don't know about you, but have you I don't know about you, but have you ever had a season in your life where ever had a season in your life where ever had a season in your life where life wasn't adding up? life wasn't adding up? life wasn't adding up? Anybody else, or is it just me up here? Anybody else, or is it just me up here? Anybody else, or is it just me up here? Where life was life-ing. Where life was life-ing. Where life was life-ing. Where you were on the strongest soldiers Where you were on the strongest soldiers Where you were on the strongest soldiers list for 2026 list for 2026 list for 2026 in the spirit realm and you're like, in the spirit realm and you're like, in the spirit realm and you're like, "Lord, can you remove my name off the "Lord, can you remove my name off the "Lord, can you remove my name off the list because I feel that I've got the list because I feel that I've got the list because I feel that I've got the strength I need. I'm ready to take a strength I need. I'm ready to take a strength I need. I'm ready to take a break. We've had a bit of a Job season.

break. We've had a bit of a Job season. break. We've had a bit of a Job season. What are we doing? What's going on?" What are we doing? What's going on?" What are we doing? What's going on?" I don't know about you, but I definitely I don't know about you, but I definitely I don't know about you, but I definitely have felt that way in moments this year. have felt that way in moments this year. have felt that way in moments this year. Throughout my life, but definitely this Throughout my life, but definitely this Throughout my life, but definitely this year. year. year. I started January off and I was excited I started January off and I was excited I started January off and I was excited about Victory Conference, Lisa Harper, about Victory Conference, Lisa Harper, about Victory Conference, Lisa Harper, and all the speakers. It's going to be and all the speakers. It's going to be and all the speakers. It's going to be great. I was praying and believing for great. I was praying and believing for great. I was praying and believing for healing for a family member. And while I healing for a family member. And while I healing for a family member. And while I was up praying watching a a prayer thing was up praying watching a a prayer thing was up praying watching a a prayer thing on on YouTube. I've been praying, I've on on YouTube. I've been praying, I've on on YouTube. I've been praying, I've been fasting, believing God for my been fasting, believing God for my been fasting, believing God for my aunt's healing. We've been doing all aunt's healing. We've been doing all aunt's healing. We've been doing all kind of family prayer calls on Zoom. And kind of family prayer calls on Zoom. And kind of family prayer calls on Zoom. And I'm up early praying and then I get a I'm up early praying and then I get a I'm up early praying and then I get a text and my aunt passed away. text and my aunt passed away. text and my aunt passed away. What do you do when you fast and pray, What do you do when you fast and pray, What do you do when you fast and pray, but yet God gives you an outcome that but yet God gives you an outcome that but yet God gives you an outcome that wasn't what you were believing for? wasn't what you were believing for? wasn't what you were believing for? It was difficult for me. It was difficult for me. It was difficult for me. I found myself going to Detroit, I found myself going to Detroit, I found myself going to Detroit, Michigan to help as one of the Michigan to help as one of the Michigan to help as one of the officiants for her funeral. I'm in all officiants for her funeral. I'm in all officiants for her funeral. I'm in all black, freezing cold. How many of y'all black, freezing cold. How many of y'all black, freezing cold. How many of y'all Anybody from Detroit that knows how cold Anybody from Detroit that knows how cold Anybody from Detroit that knows how cold it Y'all understand. I went to high it Y'all understand. I went to high it Y'all understand. I went to high school in Detroit. It's cold.

school in Detroit. It's cold. school in Detroit. It's cold. It was cold in my heart. It was cold It was cold in my heart. It was cold It was cold in my heart. It was cold outside. outside. outside. And I'm just thinking, "Lord, well, I And I'm just thinking, "Lord, well, I And I'm just thinking, "Lord, well, I don't understand why the year is don't understand why the year is don't understand why the year is starting this way, starting this way, starting this way, but I got to find a way to trust you." I but I got to find a way to trust you." I but I got to find a way to trust you." I get back and there was a member of our get back and there was a member of our get back and there was a member of our church whose son suddenly passed away church whose son suddenly passed away church whose son suddenly passed away and I was asked to do the funeral. and I was asked to do the funeral. and I was asked to do the funeral. And I remember preparing the message and And I remember preparing the message and And I remember preparing the message and here I am in all black again and here I am in all black again and here I am in all black again and thinking, "Lord, what is what is thinking, "Lord, what is what is thinking, "Lord, what is what is happening? I'm continuing to face loss happening? I'm continuing to face loss happening? I'm continuing to face loss over and over again." Have you ever over and over again." Have you ever over and over again." Have you ever faced loss over and over again? faced loss over and over again? faced loss over and over again? My son had a sudden emergency surgery My son had a sudden emergency surgery My son had a sudden emergency surgery that we weren't expecting. that we weren't expecting. that we weren't expecting. Watching him come up out of the Watching him come up out of the Watching him come up out of the anesthesia, thanking God for his anesthesia, thanking God for his anesthesia, thanking God for his healing, but also wondering why are healing, but also wondering why are healing, but also wondering why are there all these sudden there all these sudden there all these sudden challenges? challenges? challenges? I remember being at a I remember being at a I remember being at a place for brunch. I got a place in place for brunch. I got a place in place for brunch. I got a place in Midtown that I really like. And I was Midtown that I really like. And I was Midtown that I really like. And I was sitting there enjoying my brunch, had my sitting there enjoying my brunch, had my sitting there enjoying my brunch, had my headphones, had my Bible, and there was headphones, had my Bible, and there was headphones, had my Bible, and there was somebody that came up to me. There was a somebody that came up to me. There was a somebody that came up to me. There was a gentleman came up to me. He slid me a gentleman came up to me. He slid me a gentleman came up to me. He slid me a little piece of paper, and I was like, little piece of paper, and I was like, little piece of paper, and I was like, hold up.

hold up. hold up. What's this brother up to? What's this brother up to? What's this brother up to? Cuz I'm married. I'm happily married. Cuz I'm married. I'm happily married. Cuz I'm married. I'm happily married. Don't play with me. Don't test me in Don't play with me. Don't test me in Don't play with me. Don't test me in that way. I don't want to embarrass you. that way. I don't want to embarrass you. that way. I don't want to embarrass you. No. No. No. So, he's So, he's So, he's So, he slid me this paper. We Can we So, he slid me this paper. We Can we So, he slid me this paper. We Can we keep it real? keep it real? keep it real? So, he slid me this piece of paper. So, he slid me this piece of paper. So, he slid me this piece of paper. I remember opening it, and obviously you I remember opening it, and obviously you I remember opening it, and obviously you can see that I've still kept it. This can see that I've still kept it. This can see that I've still kept it. This was many months ago. was many months ago. was many months ago. And on the paper it said, "Please pray And on the paper it said, "Please pray And on the paper it said, "Please pray for me for healing. for me for healing. for me for healing. I didn't want to bother you." I looked at the message. I read it over I looked at the message. I read it over and over again. and over again. and over again. I begin to realize that, man, not only I begin to realize that, man, not only I begin to realize that, man, not only was I experiencing trials, but again, of was I experiencing trials, but again, of was I experiencing trials, but again, of course we know this, but when you course we know this, but when you course we know this, but when you encounter it, it's like, man, encounter it, it's like, man, encounter it, it's like, man, here is this gentleman that is here is this gentleman that is here is this gentleman that is experiencing challenge, too. experiencing challenge, too. experiencing challenge, too. He came up to me later, and he said, He came up to me later, and he said, He came up to me later, and he said, "Hey, I recognize you from Victory "Hey, I recognize you from Victory "Hey, I recognize you from Victory North. I've been to the campus before, North. I've been to the campus before, North. I've been to the campus before, and I didn't want to bother you, but I and I didn't want to bother you, but I and I didn't want to bother you, but I just wanted to ask for prayer. I've been just wanted to ask for prayer. I've been just wanted to ask for prayer. I've been going through so much this year. My going through so much this year. My going through so much this year. My health has been under attack. Different health has been under attack. Different health has been under attack. Different things have been under attack, and I things have been under attack, and I things have been under attack, and I just wanted to ask you to pray for me."

just wanted to ask you to pray for me." just wanted to ask you to pray for me." And I committed to keeping that And I committed to keeping that And I committed to keeping that gentleman's piece of paper with me in my gentleman's piece of paper with me in my gentleman's piece of paper with me in my notebook, notebook, notebook, and praying for him. and praying for him. and praying for him. I realize that for all of us, there are I realize that for all of us, there are I realize that for all of us, there are different challenges that we face in different challenges that we face in different challenges that we face in life. The Bible doesn't say, "If you life. The Bible doesn't say, "If you life. The Bible doesn't say, "If you have trials." It actually says, "Count have trials." It actually says, "Count have trials." It actually says, "Count it all joy when you it all joy when you it all joy when you have trials." It's a part of our human have trials." It's a part of our human have trials." It's a part of our human experience experience experience that we all experience challenges, but that we all experience challenges, but that we all experience challenges, but the interesting thing about this text is the interesting thing about this text is the interesting thing about this text is that it gives us an invitation to have a that it gives us an invitation to have a that it gives us an invitation to have a new perspective on the test. new perspective on the test. new perspective on the test. And in my life, I begin to recognize And in my life, I begin to recognize And in my life, I begin to recognize I've got to make a choice. Either I can I've got to make a choice. Either I can I've got to make a choice. Either I can keep counting the things that are going keep counting the things that are going keep counting the things that are going wrong, or I can actually start counting wrong, or I can actually start counting wrong, or I can actually start counting the things that are going right. I can the things that are going right. I can the things that are going right. I can actually start looking for God's actually start looking for God's actually start looking for God's presence in the middle of what I'm going presence in the middle of what I'm going presence in the middle of what I'm going through. I've got to stop calculating through. I've got to stop calculating through. I've got to stop calculating the difficulties, and I actually need to the difficulties, and I actually need to the difficulties, and I actually need to start looking at it as a whole. start looking at it as a whole. start looking at it as a whole. Not just some things, but all things. Not just some things, but all things. Not just some things, but all things. Not just the good days, but the bad Not just the good days, but the bad Not just the good days, but the bad days, and recognize that God is present days, and recognize that God is present days, and recognize that God is present in it all.

in it all. in it all. There's a example of something that I There's a example of something that I There's a example of something that I began to do, began to do, began to do, and I'm going to share that with you and I'm going to share that with you and I'm going to share that with you even here. even here. even here. I said, "All right, I've got to start I said, "All right, I've got to start I said, "All right, I've got to start counting what's going well." And the counting what's going well." And the counting what's going well." And the first point is count. first point is count. first point is count. In this message, if you're going to In this message, if you're going to In this message, if you're going to count it all joy, guess what? You first count it all joy, guess what? You first count it all joy, guess what? You first have to count. You've got to take have to count. You've got to take have to count. You've got to take account of what it is that you're going account of what it is that you're going account of what it is that you're going through. You've got to not just numb it, through. You've got to not just numb it, through. You've got to not just numb it, not overlook it, not just say, "I'm not overlook it, not just say, "I'm not overlook it, not just say, "I'm going to survive it. I'm just going to going to survive it. I'm just going to going to survive it. I'm just going to get through it." No, I'm actually going get through it." No, I'm actually going get through it." No, I'm actually going to count it. I'm going to evaluate it. to count it. I'm going to evaluate it. to count it. I'm going to evaluate it. I'm going to look at it. I'm going to I'm going to look at it. I'm going to I'm going to look at it. I'm going to stare at it dead in the face, and I'm stare at it dead in the face, and I'm stare at it dead in the face, and I'm going to ask the Lord to give me going to ask the Lord to give me going to ask the Lord to give me revelation about what it is that I'm revelation about what it is that I'm revelation about what it is that I'm going through, because I trust that you going through, because I trust that you going through, because I trust that you are working on something. I don't know are working on something. I don't know are working on something. I don't know how, I don't know when, I don't know how, I don't know when, I don't know how, I don't know when, I don't know why, but I'm counting. I'm counting in this season. I'm counting in this season. I'm counting it I'm counting it I'm counting it all. all. all. The interesting thing about this, even The interesting thing about this, even The interesting thing about this, even this equation behind me, I was looking this equation behind me, I was looking this equation behind me, I was looking at some of this. If you want to look at at some of this. If you want to look at at some of this. If you want to look at this equation and think about the whole this equation and think about the whole this equation and think about the whole thought of count, you see that the all thought of count, you see that the all thought of count, you see that the all is in a parenthesis.

is in a parenthesis. is in a parenthesis. That means you count up everything. That means you count up everything. That means you count up everything. Count it all. The trials, the testing, Count it all. The trials, the testing, Count it all. The trials, the testing, don't remove anything. Listen, I am not don't remove anything. Listen, I am not don't remove anything. Listen, I am not an algebra person. I am not a math an algebra person. I am not a math an algebra person. I am not a math girly. There are some of you that are girly. There are some of you that are girly. There are some of you that are really great at math, but I'm telling really great at math, but I'm telling really great at math, but I'm telling you as I began to study this message and you as I began to study this message and you as I began to study this message and assess this scripture, all I could see assess this scripture, all I could see assess this scripture, all I could see was plus, minus, division, was plus, minus, division, was plus, minus, division, multiplication, all of these equations. multiplication, all of these equations. multiplication, all of these equations. In other words, GOD IS TAKING ALL In other words, GOD IS TAKING ALL In other words, GOD IS TAKING ALL THAT WE'RE GOING through THAT WE'RE GOING through THAT WE'RE GOING through and he's doing the math. and he's doing the math. and he's doing the math. When life doesn't make sense, God is When life doesn't make sense, God is When life doesn't make sense, God is still doing the math. still doing the math. still doing the math. And if we're going to count, we can't And if we're going to count, we can't And if we're going to count, we can't just count it some of it. We've got to just count it some of it. We've got to just count it some of it. We've got to count the sum count the sum count the sum of it. You follow me? of it. You follow me? of it. You follow me? Also, we look at that word count. Count Also, we look at that word count. Count Also, we look at that word count. Count helps us to evaluate what it is that helps us to evaluate what it is that helps us to evaluate what it is that we're going through. we're going through. we're going through. Count is a defining factor. You can Count is a defining factor. You can Count is a defining factor. You can either count it as a loss or you can either count it as a loss or you can either count it as a loss or you can count it as gain. To count it all joy count it as gain. To count it all joy count it as gain. To count it all joy means to consider from the standpoint of means to consider from the standpoint of means to consider from the standpoint of faith that the tests and trials of life, faith that the tests and trials of life, faith that the tests and trials of life, though they are painful in the moment, though they are painful in the moment, though they are painful in the moment, are producing something in you are producing something in you are producing something in you that outweighs what's happening to you.

that outweighs what's happening to you. that outweighs what's happening to you. That's why I'm counting it. That's why That's why I'm counting it. That's why That's why I'm counting it. That's why I'm journaling. That's why I'm writing I'm journaling. That's why I'm writing I'm journaling. That's why I'm writing it down because I'm going to be able to it down because I'm going to be able to it down because I'm going to be able to look back over my life and see how God look back over my life and see how God look back over my life and see how God has been adding up all of the different has been adding up all of the different has been adding up all of the different things that I've gone through, even things that I've gone through, even things that I've gone through, even things that look like loss, even things things that look like loss, even things things that look like loss, even things that look like failure, even times when that look like failure, even times when that look like failure, even times when it didn't happen the way I wanted to, it didn't happen the way I wanted to, it didn't happen the way I wanted to, God was still doing the math. God was still doing the math. God was still doing the math. And if God's doing math, I'mma go ahead And if God's doing math, I'mma go ahead And if God's doing math, I'mma go ahead and count, too. and count, too. and count, too. Look at your neighbor and say, "I'mma Look at your neighbor and say, "I'mma Look at your neighbor and say, "I'mma count, too." count, too." count, too." I'mma count, too. I'mma count, too. I'mma count, too. Counting again is your evaluation. It's Counting again is your evaluation. It's Counting again is your evaluation. It's your perspective, your calculation of it your perspective, your calculation of it your perspective, your calculation of it all. all. all. And that counting is the variable that And that counting is the variable that And that counting is the variable that allows us by faith to reference what it allows us by faith to reference what it allows us by faith to reference what it is all equaling up to. If you look at is all equaling up to. If you look at is all equaling up to. If you look at that equal sign, if you do know math, that equal sign, if you do know math, that equal sign, if you do know math, the equal sign means that guess what? the equal sign means that guess what? the equal sign means that guess what? Both sides on that equal side are equal. Both sides on that equal side are equal. Both sides on that equal side are equal. It's the same.

It's the same. It's the same. So, how is it that my trials and my So, how is it that my trials and my So, how is it that my trials and my tribulations are on one side of the tribulations are on one side of the tribulations are on one side of the equation, but joy is on the other side equation, but joy is on the other side equation, but joy is on the other side of the equation? Because God knows how of the equation? Because God knows how of the equation? Because God knows how to count it all up to count it all up to count it all up and work all things together for the and work all things together for the and work all things together for the good. good. good. It may not look like it's balancing now, It may not look like it's balancing now, It may not look like it's balancing now, but in the end of the equation, but in the end of the equation, but in the end of the equation, it's going to balance out. it's going to balance out. it's going to balance out. And it's going to equal joy. And it's going to equal joy. And it's going to equal joy. And it's going to look like favor. And And it's going to look like favor. And And it's going to look like favor. And it's going to look like overcoming. And it's going to look like overcoming. And it's going to look like overcoming. And it's going to look like victory. I don't it's going to look like victory. I don't it's going to look like victory. I don't know what you've been going through, know what you've been going through, know what you've been going through, >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> but I know the enemy has wanted us >> but I know the enemy has wanted us >> but I know the enemy has wanted us to discount the season. to discount the season. to discount the season. If you discount the variables, or you If you discount the variables, or you If you discount the variables, or you discount the test, discount the test, discount the test, you're giving it lesser value you're giving it lesser value you're giving it lesser value in your own perspective. in your own perspective. in your own perspective. Now, I don't know about you, but I do Now, I don't know about you, but I do Now, I don't know about you, but I do like a discount at some of my favorite like a discount at some of my favorite like a discount at some of my favorite stores. Let's be honest. stores. Let's be honest. stores. Let's be honest. I'm cool with a discount.

I'm cool with a discount. I'm cool with a discount. But when it comes to my life and what I But when it comes to my life and what I But when it comes to my life and what I go through, I don't want to discount go through, I don't want to discount go through, I don't want to discount anything. I don't want to devalue anything. I don't want to devalue anything. I don't want to devalue anything. And the reality is the anything. And the reality is the anything. And the reality is the discount at the store doesn't mean that discount at the store doesn't mean that discount at the store doesn't mean that anything in the garment changed. anything in the garment changed. anything in the garment changed. It's the same garment in fall as it is It's the same garment in fall as it is It's the same garment in fall as it is spring. They just decided to change the spring. They just decided to change the spring. They just decided to change the price price price and to discount the garment. and to discount the garment. and to discount the garment. I don't mind that, I don't mind that, I don't mind that, but I don't to discount my season. but I don't to discount my season. but I don't to discount my season. I don't want to discount my trial I don't want to discount my trial I don't want to discount my trial because I trust it's got weight. It's because I trust it's got weight. It's because I trust it's got weight. It's got value. God is using it. God is got value. God is using it. God is got value. God is using it. God is moving in it. So, I'm not discounting. moving in it. So, I'm not discounting. moving in it. So, I'm not discounting. I'm counting. I'm counting. I'm counting. Somebody say counting. Somebody say counting. Somebody say counting. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Counting it all joy doesn't mean that >> Counting it all joy doesn't mean that >> Counting it all joy doesn't mean that you're avoiding or ignoring the pain or you're avoiding or ignoring the pain or you're avoiding or ignoring the pain or denying grief or numbing your emotion. denying grief or numbing your emotion. denying grief or numbing your emotion. It actually means that you're trusting It actually means that you're trusting It actually means that you're trusting God in the adversity. God in the adversity. God in the adversity. You've chosen to trust him. You've chosen to trust him. You've chosen to trust him. You don't understand all of the details You don't understand all of the details You don't understand all of the details and maybe the equation seems so long and maybe the equation seems so long and maybe the equation seems so long that you've gotten lost.

that you've gotten lost. that you've gotten lost. But, you know that God is moving. You But, you know that God is moving. You But, you know that God is moving. You know that he's faithful. know that he's faithful. know that he's faithful. And that's what it looks like to count And that's what it looks like to count And that's what it looks like to count it all joy. Knowing he's present and it all joy. Knowing he's present and it all joy. Knowing he's present and he's at work. he's at work. he's at work. Simply put, counting it all joy is Simply put, counting it all joy is Simply put, counting it all joy is faith's response to a time of trial. faith's response to a time of trial. faith's response to a time of trial. It's a faith response. It's a faith response. It's a faith response. It's a shift from a survival mentality It's a shift from a survival mentality It's a shift from a survival mentality into a profitable mentality. Now, if you into a profitable mentality. Now, if you into a profitable mentality. Now, if you think about a ledger again, you're think about a ledger again, you're think about a ledger again, you're thinking about this from a thinking about this from a thinking about this from a let's say an accounting term. let's say an accounting term. let's say an accounting term. I'm going to take everything I'm going to take everything I'm going to take everything that I'm going through that I'm going through that I'm going through and I'm going to move it from the ledger and I'm going to move it from the ledger and I'm going to move it from the ledger of loss to the ledger of profit. of loss to the ledger of profit. of loss to the ledger of profit. If you look at profit and loss, the If you look at profit and loss, the If you look at profit and loss, the enemy will tell you this is loss. enemy will tell you this is loss. enemy will tell you this is loss. Remember you lost that situation. You Remember you lost that situation. You Remember you lost that situation. You lost that job. You lost that car. You lost that job. You lost that car. You lost that job. You lost that car. You lost that family member. You lost that lost that family member. You lost that lost that family member. You lost that you lost and he wants to get you just you lost and he wants to get you just you lost and he wants to get you just lost. lost. lost. But, count it all joy as a faith But, count it all joy as a faith But, count it all joy as a faith perspective moves you into the profit perspective moves you into the profit perspective moves you into the profit ledger ledger ledger of what it is that you're going through of what it is that you're going through of what it is that you're going through to say, "No.

to say, "No. to say, "No. I'm taking that back. I'm taking that back. I'm taking that back. I'm counting it all JOY AND I'M COUNTING I'm counting it all JOY AND I'M COUNTING I'm counting it all JOY AND I'M COUNTING IT AS PROFIT. I I know about you, but in IT AS PROFIT. I I know about you, but in IT AS PROFIT. I I know about you, but in my Bible, when I look at James 1, right my Bible, when I look at James 1, right my Bible, when I look at James 1, right above verse 2, it says profiting from above verse 2, it says profiting from above verse 2, it says profiting from trials. trials. trials. That's why we count it. That's why we count it. That's why we count it. Because we're actually profiting. It's Because we're actually profiting. It's Because we're actually profiting. It's making a purpose evaluation of your making a purpose evaluation of your making a purpose evaluation of your suffering based on God's character and suffering based on God's character and suffering based on God's character and the belief of that by faith this will the belief of that by faith this will the belief of that by faith this will add up. It's going to add up to add up. It's going to add up to add up. It's going to add up to spiritual growth. It's going to add up spiritual growth. It's going to add up spiritual growth. It's going to add up to progress. It's adding up to something to progress. It's adding up to something to progress. It's adding up to something and I'm excited to see what it's adding and I'm excited to see what it's adding and I'm excited to see what it's adding up to. up to. up to. To choose to log the pain To choose to log the pain To choose to log the pain as gain. as gain. as gain. Sometimes we want to get through it, but Sometimes we want to get through it, but Sometimes we want to get through it, but God is first asking us to count it. God is first asking us to count it. God is first asking us to count it. Take account and acknowledge it all. Take account and acknowledge it all. Take account and acknowledge it all. Stop pouting, stop doubting, start Stop pouting, stop doubting, start Stop pouting, stop doubting, start counting. Counting. Counting. Look at the calculator. Look at the calculator. Look at the calculator. Yes.

Yes. Yes. Counting means I'm adding up Counting means I'm adding up Counting means I'm adding up all of it all of it all of it and I'm trusting that when it equals and I'm trusting that when it equals and I'm trusting that when it equals out, God is going to be faithful on the out, God is going to be faithful on the out, God is going to be faithful on the other side. other side. other side. That's what it means to count it all That's what it means to count it all That's what it means to count it all joy. joy. joy. I love it so much because it's making a I love it so much because it's making a I love it so much because it's making a purpose evaluation of the suffering and purpose evaluation of the suffering and purpose evaluation of the suffering and saying, based on God's character and his saying, based on God's character and his saying, based on God's character and his faithful track record, this will all add faithful track record, this will all add faithful track record, this will all add up to my growth. up to my growth. up to my growth. So, what may look like a deficit now can So, what may look like a deficit now can So, what may look like a deficit now can be a testimony of overflow. Two be a testimony of overflow. Two be a testimony of overflow. Two equations that I want to show you, equations that I want to show you, equations that I want to show you, actually one equation then I want to actually one equation then I want to actually one equation then I want to give you a personal example. give you a personal example. give you a personal example. Let's do the equation then I'll do the Let's do the equation then I'll do the Let's do the equation then I'll do the personal example. personal example. personal example. So, in the Bible, there is one miracle So, in the Bible, there is one miracle So, in the Bible, there is one miracle that is included in all four gospels. that is included in all four gospels. that is included in all four gospels. Does anybody know what it is? Does anybody know what it is? Does anybody know what it is? Pop quiz. Pop quiz. Pop quiz. It is the feeding of the 5,000. It is the feeding of the 5,000. It is the feeding of the 5,000. We see it in every gospel. We see it in every gospel. We see it in every gospel. Now, originally you may look at it and Now, originally you may look at it and Now, originally you may look at it and say, okay, cool. We see that the say, okay, cool. We see that the say, okay, cool. We see that the disciples were there. Jesus had been disciples were there. Jesus had been disciples were there. Jesus had been preaching all day and the people were preaching all day and the people were preaching all day and the people were now hungry. It was time to go home. I'm now hungry. It was time to go home. I'm now hungry. It was time to go home. I'm sure the disciples were like, "Yep, let sure the disciples were like, "Yep, let sure the disciples were like, "Yep, let them go on home so we can go eat. God them go on home so we can go eat. God them go on home so we can go eat. God has done a great work. Let's move it all has done a great work. Let's move it all has done a great work. Let's move it all along." Have you ever been in a service along." Have you ever been in a service along." Have you ever been in a service so long that you got hungry?

so long that you got hungry? so long that you got hungry? That's all right. We all have, haven't That's all right. We all have, haven't That's all right. We all have, haven't we? we? we? And that's kind of what happened. And that's kind of what happened. And that's kind of what happened. The disciples came to Jesus and said, The disciples came to Jesus and said, The disciples came to Jesus and said, "Hey, the people are hungry. Just let "Hey, the people are hungry. Just let "Hey, the people are hungry. Just let them go. It's been a great service. Man, them go. It's been a great service. Man, them go. It's been a great service. Man, what a word. That was awesome." what a word. That was awesome." what a word. That was awesome." Jesus was like, "Hey, you give them Jesus was like, "Hey, you give them Jesus was like, "Hey, you give them something to eat." something to eat." something to eat." Me? Me? Me? We? Give them something to eat? We? Give them something to eat? We? Give them something to eat? What are we talking about? He said, What are we talking about? He said, What are we talking about? He said, "You." "You." "You." He said, "But we don't have anything." He said, "But we don't have anything." He said, "But we don't have anything." He said, "Well, go What do you have? Go He said, "Well, go What do you have? Go He said, "Well, go What do you have? Go see." They said, "I've got five and I've see." They said, "I've got five and I've see." They said, "I've got five and I've got two." got two." got two." Five loaves of barley Five loaves of barley Five loaves of barley and two and two and two fish. fish. fish. He said, "I've got five barley loaves He said, "I've got five barley loaves He said, "I've got five barley loaves and two fish, which equals seven, and two fish, which equals seven, and two fish, which equals seven, right?" right?" right?" She said, "Okay. She said, "Okay. She said, "Okay. You've counted what you have. You've counted what you have. You've counted what you have. Now I want you to count the people and Now I want you to count the people and Now I want you to count the people and set it in order." set it in order." set it in order." They counted the people, groups of They counted the people, groups of They counted the people, groups of hundreds, groups of 50, sat them down. hundreds, groups of 50, sat them down. hundreds, groups of 50, sat them down. Jesus took what they had. He blessed it. Jesus took what they had. He blessed it. Jesus took what they had. He blessed it. He broke it. And then what did he do? He He broke it. And then what did he do? He He broke it. And then what did he do? He multiplied it. He multiplied it so much multiplied it. He multiplied it so much multiplied it. He multiplied it so much so that the 5,000, not including women so that the 5,000, not including women so that the 5,000, not including women and children, all ate until they were and children, all ate until they were and children, all ate until they were full and then there were 12 basketful.

full and then there were 12 basketful. full and then there were 12 basketful. There was one person clapping. Y'all There was one person clapping. Y'all There was one person clapping. Y'all going to catch it in a minute. going to catch it in a minute. going to catch it in a minute. There were 12 basketfuls There were 12 basketfuls There were 12 basketfuls of overflow after everybody ate. of overflow after everybody ate. of overflow after everybody ate. I count that as 12 joy meals, not happy I count that as 12 joy meals, not happy I count that as 12 joy meals, not happy meals. They all had enough to They all had enough to count. See, the interesting thing, I count. See, the interesting thing, I count. See, the interesting thing, I want you to put this equation up, want you to put this equation up, want you to put this equation up, is that this is representing a miracle is that this is representing a miracle is that this is representing a miracle equation. The five plus two was the equation. The five plus two was the equation. The five plus two was the initial human input, the five loaves and initial human input, the five loaves and initial human input, the five loaves and the two fish. the two fish. the two fish. But then we have this M. Somebody say But then we have this M. Somebody say But then we have this M. Somebody say miracle factor. miracle factor. miracle factor. There was a miracle factor that they There was a miracle factor that they There was a miracle factor that they didn't count or take account for in the didn't count or take account for in the didn't count or take account for in the equation of the situation. They saw five equation of the situation. They saw five equation of the situation. They saw five and two and then they saw 5,000 plus. and two and then they saw 5,000 plus. and two and then they saw 5,000 plus. Jesus recognized it, yes, you've got Jesus recognized it, yes, you've got Jesus recognized it, yes, you've got five and two, but if you allow the five and two, but if you allow the five and two, but if you allow the miracle factor into the situation, there miracle factor into the situation, there miracle factor into the situation, there will actually be an abundance, a will actually be an abundance, a will actually be an abundance, a surplus, an overflow. Everybody's going surplus, an overflow. Everybody's going surplus, an overflow. Everybody's going to eat and there's going to be 12 to eat and there's going to be 12 to eat and there's going to be 12 basketful basketful basketful leftover. Anybody else like leftovers?

leftover. Anybody else like leftovers? leftover. Anybody else like leftovers? I'm a leftover person. I love leftovers. I'm a leftover person. I love leftovers. I'm a leftover person. I love leftovers. The P represents the total people fed The P represents the total people fed The P represents the total people fed and satisfied. It's approximately 15 to and satisfied. It's approximately 15 to and satisfied. It's approximately 15 to 20,000 men, women, and children. And 20,000 men, women, and children. And 20,000 men, women, and children. And then you see the 12 with the final then you see the 12 with the final then you see the 12 with the final surplus of the 12 basketfuls leftover. surplus of the 12 basketfuls leftover. surplus of the 12 basketfuls leftover. In the natural, this would never add up, In the natural, this would never add up, In the natural, this would never add up, but when the miracle factor is applied, but when the miracle factor is applied, but when the miracle factor is applied, a deficit is transformed into a surplus. a deficit is transformed into a surplus. a deficit is transformed into a surplus. I want to tell you what may look like a I want to tell you what may look like a I want to tell you what may look like a deficit now can turn into a surplus deficit now can turn into a surplus deficit now can turn into a surplus later if you begin to evaluate that later if you begin to evaluate that later if you begin to evaluate that there is a miracle factor. there is a miracle factor. there is a miracle factor. There's a miracle factor of what God can There's a miracle factor of what God can There's a miracle factor of what God can do. do. do. He has a way of taking a little bit and He has a way of taking a little bit and He has a way of taking a little bit and turning it in into a whole lot. He has A turning it in into a whole lot. He has A turning it in into a whole lot. He has A WAY OF TAKING the simple things and WAY OF TAKING the simple things and WAY OF TAKING the simple things and making it profound. He has a way of making it profound. He has a way of making it profound. He has a way of taking what you do have. See again, the taking what you do have. See again, the taking what you do have. See again, the enemy wants you to discount, oh, you enemy wants you to discount, oh, you enemy wants you to discount, oh, you don't have enough. don't have enough. don't have enough. But Jesus like, that's just enough for But Jesus like, that's just enough for But Jesus like, that's just enough for me to multiply.

me to multiply. me to multiply. That's just enough for me to do That's just enough for me to do That's just enough for me to do something with it. Not just enough, but just enough to Not just enough, but just enough to multiply. multiply. multiply. As I was in that season of As I was in that season of As I was in that season of recognizing that there were a lot of recognizing that there were a lot of recognizing that there were a lot of different challenges in my life this different challenges in my life this different challenges in my life this year, I had to start counting it myself. year, I had to start counting it myself. year, I had to start counting it myself. And so what I felt to do was to create a And so what I felt to do was to create a And so what I felt to do was to create a blessing jar. blessing jar. blessing jar. Have you ever heard of a blessing jar or Have you ever heard of a blessing jar or Have you ever heard of a blessing jar or seen a blessing jar? seen a blessing jar? seen a blessing jar? This represents This represents This represents an expectation an expectation an expectation and a notation and a notation and a notation of the blessings in my life throughout of the blessings in my life throughout of the blessings in my life throughout the day. the day. the day. So, what I did is I got this jar, So, what I did is I got this jar, So, what I did is I got this jar, I got a little notepad, got a pen, and I I got a little notepad, got a pen, and I I got a little notepad, got a pen, and I said, "Listen, I've got to stop said, "Listen, I've got to stop said, "Listen, I've got to stop rehearsing the challenges, and I need to rehearsing the challenges, and I need to rehearsing the challenges, and I need to start looking for God's goodness." start looking for God's goodness." start looking for God's goodness." So, I put that paper and that pen next So, I put that paper and that pen next So, I put that paper and that pen next to my blessing jar, and I started to my blessing jar, and I started to my blessing jar, and I started writing things down. writing things down. writing things down. I started writing down anything and I started writing down anything and I started writing down anything and everything that I noticed. Hey, everything that I noticed. Hey, everything that I noticed. Hey, something good happened. I'm at Target, something good happened. I'm at Target, something good happened. I'm at Target, and on the way out, the little barista and on the way out, the little barista and on the way out, the little barista at Starbucks gave me a little at Starbucks gave me a little at Starbucks gave me a little Frappuccino. I was so excited.

Frappuccino. I was so excited. Frappuccino. I was so excited. It was a tough day, too. Grace wasn't It was a tough day, too. Grace wasn't It was a tough day, too. Grace wasn't feeling well, my daughter Grace, and I feeling well, my daughter Grace, and I feeling well, my daughter Grace, and I went to get her medicine, and on my way went to get her medicine, and on my way went to get her medicine, and on my way out, the little young lady comes up, out, the little young lady comes up, out, the little young lady comes up, "Hi, would you like a little "Hi, would you like a little "Hi, would you like a little Frappuccino, honey?" I'm like, "Yes, I Frappuccino, honey?" I'm like, "Yes, I Frappuccino, honey?" I'm like, "Yes, I would. I'm by myself, too. They have the would. I'm by myself, too. They have the would. I'm by myself, too. They have the little straw." It was awesome. little straw." It was awesome. little straw." It was awesome. Didn't have to share with anybody. It Didn't have to share with anybody. It Didn't have to share with anybody. It tastes so good. tastes so good. tastes so good. And I said, "Man, here I was on the way And I said, "Man, here I was on the way And I said, "Man, here I was on the way to get medicine for my daughter who to get medicine for my daughter who to get medicine for my daughter who wasn't well, but I started counting the wasn't well, but I started counting the wasn't well, but I started counting the blessings." blessings." blessings." I started counting it all joy. I started counting it all joy. I started counting it all joy. And I begin to write things down. Let me And I begin to write things down. Let me And I begin to write things down. Let me see here what I wrote here. see here what I wrote here. see here what I wrote here. Wow. Wow. Wow. It says, "Josiah's dental extractions It says, "Josiah's dental extractions It says, "Josiah's dental extractions recovery, 2 days together at home." recovery, 2 days together at home." recovery, 2 days together at home." Instead of focusing on the surgery, I Instead of focusing on the surgery, I Instead of focusing on the surgery, I said, "Hey, we actually got 2 days said, "Hey, we actually got 2 days said, "Hey, we actually got 2 days together at home to rest." Let me see. Let me see. Gamble's pasta for lunch with the Gamble's pasta for lunch with the Gamble's pasta for lunch with the Stefanos. Getting to have a lunch with Stefanos. Getting to have a lunch with Stefanos. Getting to have a lunch with some people from church. Recognizing some people from church. Recognizing some people from church. Recognizing that little things can be big blessings that little things can be big blessings that little things can be big blessings when we begin to count it. Somebody say when we begin to count it. Somebody say when we begin to count it. Somebody say count it.

count it. count it. Number two is know. Somebody say know. Number two is know. Somebody say know. Number two is know. Somebody say know. Now, I'm not talking about N O, you Now, I'm not talking about N O, you Now, I'm not talking about N O, you know, kids go, "No." know, kids go, "No." know, kids go, "No." Talking about know. Talking about know. Talking about know. The scripture says in James 1, "Count it The scripture says in James 1, "Count it The scripture says in James 1, "Count it all joy when you fall into various all joy when you fall into various all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your trials, knowing that the testing of your trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let faith produces patience. But let faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you patience have its perfect work, that you patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking may be perfect and complete, lacking may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. When you face trials, nothing. When you face trials, nothing. When you face trials, know that the test is producing know that the test is producing know that the test is producing patience. Everyone in this room is going patience. Everyone in this room is going patience. Everyone in this room is going through a variety of trials, but we've through a variety of trials, but we've through a variety of trials, but we've got to know while we're in the test that got to know while we're in the test that got to know while we're in the test that this is not subtracting, this is this is not subtracting, this is this is not subtracting, this is producing. This is building. I'm producing. This is building. I'm producing. This is building. I'm actually getting my weight up in this actually getting my weight up in this actually getting my weight up in this season. I'm actually building muscle in season. I'm actually building muscle in season. I'm actually building muscle in this season. I'm actually getting this season. I'm actually getting this season. I'm actually getting endurance in this season. The kind of endurance in this season. The kind of endurance in this season. The kind of patience that's not a quality of sitting patience that's not a quality of sitting patience that's not a quality of sitting at the doctor waiting for your name to at the doctor waiting for your name to at the doctor waiting for your name to be called, but the kind of patience that be called, but the kind of patience that be called, but the kind of patience that allows you to endure to the end of a allows you to endure to the end of a allows you to endure to the end of a marathon.

marathon. marathon. That is what you are getting in this That is what you are getting in this That is what you are getting in this season. You are profiting, Victory season. You are profiting, Victory season. You are profiting, Victory Church. Church. Church. You're gaining. You're gaining. You're gaining. You're gaining in this season. You're gaining in this season. You're gaining in this season. You're gaining some weight. And when I You're gaining some weight. And when I You're gaining some weight. And when I say weight, I know different people take say weight, I know different people take say weight, I know different people take that differently. I'm talking about that differently. I'm talking about that differently. I'm talking about weight in the spirit. weight in the spirit. weight in the spirit. I'm talking about muscle mass in the I'm talking about muscle mass in the I'm talking about muscle mass in the spirit. I'm talking about the weight of spirit. I'm talking about the weight of spirit. I'm talking about the weight of his glory on the weight of your his glory on the weight of your his glory on the weight of your situation. There's something about the situation. There's something about the situation. There's something about the weight of the glory OF GOD THAT WILL weight of the glory OF GOD THAT WILL weight of the glory OF GOD THAT WILL OUTWEIGH EVERYTHING THAT has been trying OUTWEIGH EVERYTHING THAT has been trying OUTWEIGH EVERYTHING THAT has been trying to weigh you down. to weigh you down. to weigh you down. >> [cheering] >> If you know what I'm talking ABOUT, >> If you know what I'm talking ABOUT, SHOUT AMEN IN THIS PLACE. SHOUT AMEN IN THIS PLACE. SHOUT AMEN IN THIS PLACE. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> There's some glory. GUESS WHAT I KNOW? I >> There's some glory. GUESS WHAT I KNOW? I >> There's some glory. GUESS WHAT I KNOW? I KNOW THAT GLORY IS COMING after this. This light and momentary affliction is This light and momentary affliction is not be to be compared with the glory not be to be compared with the glory not be to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed. which shall be revealed. which shall be revealed. Paul said this is light work. This is Paul said this is light work. This is Paul said this is light work. This is momentary work. I'm looking at eternity.

momentary work. I'm looking at eternity. momentary work. I'm looking at eternity. I'M LOOKING AT WHAT I KNOW. I'm looking I'M LOOKING AT WHAT I KNOW. I'm looking I'M LOOKING AT WHAT I KNOW. I'm looking at who I know." at who I know." at who I know." I'm profiting. I'm profiting. I'm profiting. I think about who Paul became in the I think about who Paul became in the I think about who Paul became in the middle of his trials. He didn't just sit middle of his trials. He didn't just sit middle of his trials. He didn't just sit around and wait around for him to get around and wait around for him to get around and wait around for him to get out of jail. He started profiting in his out of jail. He started profiting in his out of jail. He started profiting in his season of suffering. He started writing season of suffering. He started writing season of suffering. He started writing letters to people in churches. He letters to people in churches. He letters to people in churches. He started making use of where he was. He started making use of where he was. He started making use of where he was. He said, "If I'm chained up to a soldier, said, "If I'm chained up to a soldier, said, "If I'm chained up to a soldier, guess what? The armor of God. I'mma look guess what? The armor of God. I'mma look guess what? The armor of God. I'mma look at this armor. I'mma write this letter at this armor. I'mma write this letter at this armor. I'mma write this letter because I KNOW THAT GOD can use me and because I KNOW THAT GOD can use me and because I KNOW THAT GOD can use me and build profit in the middle of my build profit in the middle of my build profit in the middle of my suffering." suffering." suffering." And we're still gaining And we're still gaining And we're still gaining from the revelations that he received from the revelations that he received from the revelations that he received and that he took note of and that he took note of and that he took note of as the spirit led him and gave him as the spirit led him and gave him as the spirit led him and gave him utterance. utterance. utterance. What do you know? What do you know? What do you know? Romans says, "We are also glory in Romans says, "We are also glory in Romans says, "We are also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation tribulations, knowing that tribulation tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance produces perseverance, and perseverance produces perseverance, and perseverance character, and character hope." Now, character, and character hope." Now, character, and character hope." Now, hope does not disappoint because the hope does not disappoint because the hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our love of God has been poured out in our love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

That patience represents active That patience represents active endurance. endurance. endurance. Paul said in Hebrews 10:36, Paul said in Hebrews 10:36, Paul said in Hebrews 10:36, "For you have need of endurance. "For you have need of endurance. "For you have need of endurance. So that after you have done the will of So that after you have done the will of So that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise." Guess God, you may receive the promise." Guess God, you may receive the promise." Guess what? Your endurance is leading to what? Your endurance is leading to what? Your endurance is leading to promise. The test is an incubator of promise. The test is an incubator of promise. The test is an incubator of development and an indicator that development and an indicator that development and an indicator that promotion, perfection, and completion is promotion, perfection, and completion is promotion, perfection, and completion is on the way. And that is why we can't on the way. And that is why we can't on the way. And that is why we can't abort the process. abort the process. abort the process. Cuz there's something that's coming. Cuz there's something that's coming. Cuz there's something that's coming. There's something on the way. That's why There's something on the way. That's why There's something on the way. That's why we can count it all joy in the middle we can count it all joy in the middle we can count it all joy in the middle because I recognize that God is working. because I recognize that God is working. because I recognize that God is working. He's doing the math. I know that he's He's doing the math. I know that he's He's doing the math. I know that he's doing the math. I know that he's working doing the math. I know that he's working doing the math. I know that he's working it out. I know that he's faithful. I it out. I know that he's faithful. I it out. I know that he's faithful. I know that he who began a good work in me know that he who began a good work in me know that he who began a good work in me will see it to completion. That's what I will see it to completion. That's what I will see it to completion. That's what I know. know. know. What do you know about God? What do you know about God? What do you know about God? It's our history with God that helps us It's our history with God that helps us It's our history with God that helps us to know. David said he was with me when to know. David said he was with me when to know. David said he was with me when I slayed the lion and the bear and I slayed the lion and the bear and I slayed the lion and the bear and surely he will be with me with this surely he will be with me with this surely he will be with me with this uncircumcised Philistine. Y'all looking uncircumcised Philistine. Y'all looking uncircumcised Philistine. Y'all looking at the Philistine. I'm looking at God.

at the Philistine. I'm looking at God. at the Philistine. I'm looking at God. HE'S A LOT BIGGER THAN THE PHILISTINE. HE'S A LOT BIGGER THAN THE PHILISTINE. HE'S A LOT BIGGER THAN THE PHILISTINE. HE'S A LOT MORE FAITHFUL. I'M NOT HE'S A LOT MORE FAITHFUL. I'M NOT HE'S A LOT MORE FAITHFUL. I'M NOT WORRIED ABOUT how he's shouting and WORRIED ABOUT how he's shouting and WORRIED ABOUT how he's shouting and saying different things. saying different things. saying different things. I've already heard God's voice. I've already heard God's voice. I've already heard God's voice. And I've decided to count the voice of And I've decided to count the voice of And I've decided to count the voice of God God God with more weight and value than the with more weight and value than the with more weight and value than the voice of the enemy. voice of the enemy. voice of the enemy. Everyone else was swayed by Goliath. Everyone else was swayed by Goliath. Everyone else was swayed by Goliath. But there was David standing steadfast But there was David standing steadfast But there was David standing steadfast and immovable and immovable and immovable because he gave more weight because he gave more weight because he gave more weight to the power of God to the power of God to the power of God and the voice of God and the voice of God and the voice of God than the trial that his nation was than the trial that his nation was than the trial that his nation was facing. facing. facing. Facing and sure enough he was the one to Facing and sure enough he was the one to Facing and sure enough he was the one to help gain the victory. The testing of your faith is also The testing of your faith is also purifying. Like the fire that purifies purifying. Like the fire that purifies purifying. Like the fire that purifies and refines gold. and refines gold. and refines gold. That's what we can know. That's what we can know. That's what we can know. Isaiah 48:10 says, "Behold, I've refined Isaiah 48:10 says, "Behold, I've refined Isaiah 48:10 says, "Behold, I've refined you not as silver. I've tested you in you not as silver. I've tested you in you not as silver. I've tested you in the furnace of affliction." the furnace of affliction." the furnace of affliction." Job 23:10 says, "But he knows the way Job 23:10 says, "But he knows the way Job 23:10 says, "But he knows the way that I take and when he has tested me, I that I take and when he has tested me, I that I take and when he has tested me, I shall come forth as gold." Is there shall come forth as gold." Is there shall come forth as gold." Is there anybody else that wants to come forth as anybody else that wants to come forth as anybody else that wants to come forth as gold? I don't want to look like or smell gold? I don't want to look like or smell gold? I don't want to look like or smell like what I've been through. I want to like what I've been through. I want to like what I've been through. I want to be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that if I go into the fire, when you see that if I go into the fire, when you see that if I go into the fire, when you see me come OUT, YOU GOING TO SAY, "WERE YOU me come OUT, YOU GOING TO SAY, "WERE YOU me come OUT, YOU GOING TO SAY, "WERE YOU in a fire?" There are some people in in a fire?" There are some people in in a fire?" There are some people in this room. You don't look like what this room. You don't look like what this room. You don't look like what you've been through. You don't look like you've been through. You don't look like you've been through. You don't look like the diagnosis. YOU DON'T LOOK LIKE THE the diagnosis. YOU DON'T LOOK LIKE THE the diagnosis. YOU DON'T LOOK LIKE THE DIVORCE. You don't look like the DIVORCE. You don't look like the DIVORCE. You don't look like the situation, BUT IT'S BECAUSE GOD was with

situation, BUT IT'S BECAUSE GOD was with situation, BUT IT'S BECAUSE GOD was with you in the MIDDLE OF YOUR FIRE. ONE you in the MIDDLE OF YOUR FIRE. ONE you in the MIDDLE OF YOUR FIRE. ONE THING I KNOW. THING I KNOW. THING I KNOW. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] [cheering] I'm reminded of the story of the I'm reminded of the story of the gentleman who received the healing and gentleman who received the healing and gentleman who received the healing and everybody said, "Whose sin that this man everybody said, "Whose sin that this man everybody said, "Whose sin that this man was born blind?" was born blind?" was born blind?" He said, "Nobody sinned. This is so the He said, "Nobody sinned. This is so the He said, "Nobody sinned. This is so the glory will be revealed." They began to press him and ask him, They began to press him and ask him, "What happened? How did How He's like, "What happened? How did How He's like, "What happened? How did How He's like, "Listen, I don't know. "Listen, I don't know. "Listen, I don't know. But one thing I do know But one thing I do know But one thing I do know IS I WAS BLIND AND NOW I SEE. THIS IS IS I WAS BLIND AND NOW I SEE. THIS IS IS I WAS BLIND AND NOW I SEE. THIS IS WHAT I WANT YOU TO START CALCULATING." WHAT I WANT YOU TO START CALCULATING." WHAT I WANT YOU TO START CALCULATING." >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] [applause] [applause] [applause] >> WHAT DO YOU KNOW? >> WHAT DO YOU KNOW? >> WHAT DO YOU KNOW? What do you know? What's the one thing What do you know? What's the one thing What do you know? What's the one thing you know? you know? you know? Write it down. Think about it. Write it down. Think about it. Write it down. Think about it. The one thing that you know. The one thing that you know. The one thing that you know. In a practical sense, you could even In a practical sense, you could even In a practical sense, you could even write out a timeline of your life. write out a timeline of your life. write out a timeline of your life. Begin to think back on the decades.

Begin to think back on the decades. Begin to think back on the decades. And list out what it is that God has And list out what it is that God has And list out what it is that God has done, even the difficult things. And done, even the difficult things. And done, even the difficult things. And then then then where God's faithfulness showed up is where God's faithfulness showed up is where God's faithfulness showed up is that miracle factor. that miracle factor. that miracle factor. You could assess your current situation You could assess your current situation You could assess your current situation and say, "Hey, and say, "Hey, and say, "Hey, all right, here are all the details. all right, here are all the details. all right, here are all the details. Here are all the challenges." And take Here are all the challenges." And take Here are all the challenges." And take it before the Lord in prayer and say, it before the Lord in prayer and say, it before the Lord in prayer and say, "Lord, show me the profit even in the "Lord, show me the profit even in the "Lord, show me the profit even in the loss. loss. loss. Show me what you're doing Show me what you're doing Show me what you're doing in the middle of this season." in the middle of this season." in the middle of this season." That's what it looks like to That's what it looks like to That's what it looks like to know. know. know. And we know that all things work And we know that all things work And we know that all things work together for the good to those who are together for the good to those who are together for the good to those who are called and love God, who are called called and love God, who are called called and love God, who are called according to his purpose. The third according to his purpose. The third according to his purpose. The third thing is to look. thing is to look. thing is to look. Somebody say, "Look." In looking, this is a reference to In looking, this is a reference to our perspective. our perspective. our perspective. Our perspective in a trial or a test, if Our perspective in a trial or a test, if Our perspective in a trial or a test, if we're going to count it all joy, we've we're going to count it all joy, we've we're going to count it all joy, we've actually got to look. actually got to look. actually got to look. We've got to look forward. We've got to We've got to look forward. We've got to We've got to look forward. We've got to look up. And we've also got to look look up. And we've also got to look look up. And we've also got to look around. Sometimes when you're going around. Sometimes when you're going around. Sometimes when you're going through a test, you start looking down through a test, you start looking down through a test, you start looking down so much you don't even see that God so much you don't even see that God so much you don't even see that God wants to use you to help somebody around wants to use you to help somebody around wants to use you to help somebody around you.

you. you. That's why I love that we referenced the That's why I love that we referenced the That's why I love that we referenced the backpack giveaway and the different ways backpack giveaway and the different ways backpack giveaway and the different ways that we can serve. Don't you wait until that we can serve. Don't you wait until that we can serve. Don't you wait until you get a change in your situation to you get a change in your situation to you get a change in your situation to start serving. start serving. start serving. Start looking around and seeing what Start looking around and seeing what Start looking around and seeing what kind of needs you can meet. kind of needs you can meet. kind of needs you can meet. God can take your little and make it God can take your little and make it God can take your little and make it much if you let him. Talking about no. Talking about no. And then we're talking about look. And then we're talking about look. And then we're talking about look. Scripture says in Hebrews, Scripture says in Hebrews, Scripture says in Hebrews, "Looking unto Jesus, "Looking unto Jesus, "Looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our the author and the finisher of our the author and the finisher of our faith, who for the faith, who for the faith, who for the joy joy joy that was set before him endured the that was set before him endured the that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat cross, despising the shame, and has sat cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of down at the right hand of the throne of down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him who endured such God. For consider him who endured such God. For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, hostility from sinners against himself, hostility from sinners against himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in lest you become weary and discouraged in lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." your souls." your souls." When we look to Jesus, we see that when When we look to Jesus, we see that when When we look to Jesus, we see that when life isn't adding up, life isn't adding up, life isn't adding up, God is doing the math. God is doing the math. God is doing the math. The cross looked like loss.

The cross looked like loss. The cross looked like loss. Saturday looked like the end. Saturday looked like the end. Saturday looked like the end. Things appeared to be defeated. Things appeared to be defeated. Things appeared to be defeated. But God was doing the math. But God was doing the math. But God was doing the math. God was counting it all up. God had God was counting it all up. God had God was counting it all up. God had resurrection in mind. He had salvation resurrection in mind. He had salvation resurrection in mind. He had salvation in mind. He had purity in mind. He had in mind. He had purity in mind. He had in mind. He had purity in mind. He had holiness in mind. He had family in mind. holiness in mind. He had family in mind. holiness in mind. He had family in mind. He had you and me in mind. He had you and me in mind. He had you and me in mind. But in that time of enduring, But in that time of enduring, But in that time of enduring, it says that as we look to Jesus, we can it says that as we look to Jesus, we can it says that as we look to Jesus, we can look and see that Jesus was looking to look and see that Jesus was looking to look and see that Jesus was looking to and it says that there was joy set and it says that there was joy set and it says that there was joy set before him. before him. before him. He was looking at joy. Look at your He was looking at joy. Look at your He was looking at joy. Look at your neighbor. Look at the people next to you neighbor. Look at the people next to you neighbor. Look at the people next to you on your row. on your row. on your row. That's what joy looks like. It looked like you and me coming into It looked like you and me coming into the family of God on the other SIDE OF the family of God on the other SIDE OF the family of God on the other SIDE OF THE CROSS. It looked like joy. It may THE CROSS. It looked like joy. It may THE CROSS. It looked like joy. It may NOT LOOK LIKE JOY ON THE CROSS, BUT IT NOT LOOK LIKE JOY ON THE CROSS, BUT IT NOT LOOK LIKE JOY ON THE CROSS, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE JOY IN THE RESURRECTION. WE LOOKS LIKE JOY IN THE RESURRECTION. WE LOOKS LIKE JOY IN THE RESURRECTION. WE CAN COUNT IT ALL JOY BECAUSE IT ALL CAN COUNT IT ALL JOY BECAUSE IT ALL CAN COUNT IT ALL JOY BECAUSE IT ALL ADDED UP.

ADDED UP. ADDED UP. >> [applause] >> JESUS math looks like this. You ever >> JESUS math looks like this. You ever heard of girl math and different things heard of girl math and different things heard of girl math and different things like that that's on social media? If you don't know, you can look it up If you don't know, you can look it up later. We ain't got time for that. later. We ain't got time for that. later. We ain't got time for that. Jesus math is this. Jesus math is this. Jesus math is this. Prophecy plus birth plus growth plus Prophecy plus birth plus growth plus Prophecy plus birth plus growth plus obedience plus baptism plus wilderness obedience plus baptism plus wilderness obedience plus baptism plus wilderness plus teaching plus discipleship plus plus teaching plus discipleship plus plus teaching plus discipleship plus miracles plus rejection plus surrender miracles plus rejection plus surrender miracles plus rejection plus surrender plus crucifixion plus crucifixion plus crucifixion plus death plus resurrection plus plus death plus resurrection plus plus death plus resurrection plus ascension equals joy. ascension equals joy. ascension equals joy. >> [applause] >> That's why we look to Jesus because he >> That's why we look to Jesus because he shows us the equation from beginning to shows us the equation from beginning to shows us the equation from beginning to end that God is counting it all up. We end that God is counting it all up. We end that God is counting it all up. We have a high priest who sympathizes with have a high priest who sympathizes with have a high priest who sympathizes with us. He's doing intercession for us. He's us. He's doing intercession for us. He's us. He's doing intercession for us. He's praying for us while we're going through praying for us while we're going through praying for us while we're going through things. HE WAS TESTED AT ALL POINTS yet things. HE WAS TESTED AT ALL POINTS yet things. HE WAS TESTED AT ALL POINTS yet without sin. SO, HE KNOWS how to without sin. SO, HE KNOWS how to without sin. SO, HE KNOWS how to intercede on your behalf. Did you know intercede on your behalf. Did you know intercede on your behalf. Did you know that he's praying for you?

You know the Holy Spirit is ever doing You know the Holy Spirit is ever doing intercession for us? intercession for us? intercession for us? While you're going through, you got a While you're going through, you got a While you're going through, you got a whole prayer team. whole prayer team. whole prayer team. You got a whole bunch of joy on the You got a whole bunch of joy on the You got a whole bunch of joy on the other side of what you're going through. other side of what you're going through. other side of what you're going through. Joy is not a happy feeling that you look Joy is not a happy feeling that you look Joy is not a happy feeling that you look forward to after the test is over. forward to after the test is over. forward to after the test is over. Joy is the strength you need to get Joy is the strength you need to get Joy is the strength you need to get through it. Joy is not a feeling that I have. Joy is not a feeling that I have. It's a fruit. It's a fruit. It's a fruit. Joy is a fruit that the Holy Spirit Joy is a fruit that the Holy Spirit Joy is a fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives. Joy is not based on what's happening cuz Joy is not based on what's happening cuz that's happiness. Happiness is about that's happiness. Happiness is about that's happiness. Happiness is about what happens. Joy is unconditional. what happens. Joy is unconditional. what happens. Joy is unconditional. It disregards the conditions and it It disregards the conditions and it It disregards the conditions and it becomes something that is so becomes something that is so becomes something that is so unreasonable that it doesn't actually unreasonable that it doesn't actually unreasonable that it doesn't actually add up or make sense when you look from add up or make sense when you look from add up or make sense when you look from a natural standpoint.

a natural standpoint. a natural standpoint. There was a story of a pastor who was There was a story of a pastor who was There was a story of a pastor who was speaking at a conference and received a speaking at a conference and received a speaking at a conference and received a note from someone after his sermon. note from someone after his sermon. note from someone after his sermon. It said, "Dear pastor, a friend was It said, "Dear pastor, a friend was It said, "Dear pastor, a friend was suffering from terminal brain cancer and suffering from terminal brain cancer and suffering from terminal brain cancer and its treatments. His relationship with its treatments. His relationship with its treatments. His relationship with Jesus was such that the nurse on duty Jesus was such that the nurse on duty Jesus was such that the nurse on duty wrote a critical comment in his chart. wrote a critical comment in his chart. wrote a critical comment in his chart. Mr. X appears to be inappropriately Mr. X appears to be inappropriately Mr. X appears to be inappropriately joyful." Here is this man. Here is this man. Terminal cancer. Terminal cancer. Terminal cancer. Going through treatment. Going through treatment. Going through treatment. And is inappropriately And is inappropriately And is inappropriately joyful. joyful. joyful. That sounds like Jesus joy. That sounds like Jesus joy. That sounds like Jesus joy. That sounds like the kind of joy that That sounds like the kind of joy that That sounds like the kind of joy that have you singing, "I got the joy, joy, have you singing, "I got the joy, joy, have you singing, "I got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Down in my joy, joy down in my heart. Down in my joy, joy down in my heart. Down in my heart. Down in my heart." It's that kind of joy.

It's that kind of joy. >> [applause] >> It's that kind of joy that will remind >> It's that kind of joy that will remind you of Sunday school if you went to you of Sunday school if you went to you of Sunday school if you went to Sunday school back in the day. Sunday school back in the day. Sunday school back in the day. The joy that's down in your heart, not The joy that's down in your heart, not The joy that's down in your heart, not on the surface level. That's a whole word. That's a whole word. This was writing as a critical It was This was writing as a critical It was This was writing as a critical It was written as a critical uh clinical written as a critical uh clinical written as a critical uh clinical critique, rather, because from a medical critique, rather, because from a medical critique, rather, because from a medical worldly perspective, it didn't make worldly perspective, it didn't make worldly perspective, it didn't make sense. It was illogical to experience sense. It was illogical to experience sense. It was illogical to experience such great suffering such great suffering such great suffering and yet have great joy at the same time. and yet have great joy at the same time. and yet have great joy at the same time. Since then, the writer of the note Since then, the writer of the note Since then, the writer of the note listed, "It has become one of my goals listed, "It has become one of my goals listed, "It has become one of my goals to be inappropriately joyful." to be inappropriately joyful." to be inappropriately joyful." I don't know about you, but I kind of I don't know about you, but I kind of I don't know about you, but I kind of like the thought of being like the thought of being like the thought of being inappropriately joyful. inappropriately joyful. inappropriately joyful. Like just joyful that doesn't make Like just joyful that doesn't make Like just joyful that doesn't make sense. sense. sense. Because of what's down on the inside, Because of what's down on the inside, Because of what's down on the inside, because of what who I'm looking to on because of what who I'm looking to on because of what who I'm looking to on the outside, because of how I know that the outside, because of how I know that the outside, because of how I know that God is doing the math and working it all God is doing the math and working it all God is doing the math and working it all out. out. out. That joy is what distinguishes us as That joy is what distinguishes us as That joy is what distinguishes us as believers in our suffering believers in our suffering believers in our suffering with those who are in the world.

with those who are in the world. with those who are in the world. We can have joy because we know that God We can have joy because we know that God We can have joy because we know that God is with us. is with us. is with us. That he's moving. Bible says in Proverbs That he's moving. Bible says in Proverbs That he's moving. Bible says in Proverbs 24:16, "A righteous man may fall seven 24:16, "A righteous man may fall seven 24:16, "A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again." times and rise again." times and rise again." Somebody needs to know today that you're Somebody needs to know today that you're Somebody needs to know today that you're going to rise again. going to rise again. going to rise again. You will not stay down. You will not stay down. You will not stay down. You will not continue to experience You will not continue to experience You will not continue to experience loss. I even believe prophetically that loss. I even believe prophetically that loss. I even believe prophetically that this month your season is changing. this month your season is changing. this month your season is changing. What looked like difficulty and ongoing What looked like difficulty and ongoing What looked like difficulty and ongoing job experiences is actually going to job experiences is actually going to job experiences is actually going to turn into profit and joy. turn into profit and joy. turn into profit and joy. It's going to begin to turn. There's a It's going to begin to turn. There's a It's going to begin to turn. There's a scripture in Psalms that the Lord had scripture in Psalms that the Lord had scripture in Psalms that the Lord had put in my heart at the beginning of the put in my heart at the beginning of the put in my heart at the beginning of the year. Psalm 66, it says, "We went year. Psalm 66, it says, "We went year. Psalm 66, it says, "We went through fire and water, through fire and water, through fire and water, but you brought us out into rich but you brought us out into rich but you brought us out into rich fulfillment." fulfillment." fulfillment." There's rich fulfillment on the other There's rich fulfillment on the other There's rich fulfillment on the other side of this. side of this. side of this. But what does it look like to count it But what does it look like to count it But what does it look like to count it all joy in your everyday life? What's all joy in your everyday life? What's all joy in your everyday life? What's the practical tools? What What How do we the practical tools? What What How do we the practical tools? What What How do we do this for real? do this for real? do this for real? I want them to throw on the screen seven I want them to throw on the screen seven I want them to throw on the screen seven ways to count it all joy.

ways to count it all joy. ways to count it all joy. Seven ways to count it all Seven ways to count it all Seven ways to count it all joy. joy. joy. Want you to take your screenshot. I'm Want you to take your screenshot. I'm Want you to take your screenshot. I'm going to go through them pretty quickly. going to go through them pretty quickly. going to go through them pretty quickly. But, I want you to recognize that there But, I want you to recognize that there But, I want you to recognize that there are ways that we can exercise and apply are ways that we can exercise and apply are ways that we can exercise and apply this message. You can almost think of it this message. You can almost think of it this message. You can almost think of it like the SOAP method of Bible study. like the SOAP method of Bible study. like the SOAP method of Bible study. Does anybody like the SOAP method or Does anybody like the SOAP method or Does anybody like the SOAP method or you've heard of it? you've heard of it? you've heard of it? SOAP method represents S, scripture. O SOAP method represents S, scripture. O SOAP method represents S, scripture. O is observation. A is application, and is observation. A is application, and is observation. A is application, and then P is prayer. So, we're going to then P is prayer. So, we're going to then P is prayer. So, we're going to move from observation now into move from observation now into move from observation now into application. application. application. The first of the seven is to count it The first of the seven is to count it The first of the seven is to count it all. all. all. Why do we count it all? Because it's Why do we count it all? Because it's Why do we count it all? Because it's adding up. You and I are a sum total of adding up. You and I are a sum total of adding up. You and I are a sum total of our experiences, so we've got to count our experiences, so we've got to count our experiences, so we've got to count it all from the perspective of faith. it all from the perspective of faith. it all from the perspective of faith. Perspective is what changes the season. Perspective is what changes the season. Perspective is what changes the season. But, when we take into consideration all But, when we take into consideration all But, when we take into consideration all of the experience, and we begin to count of the experience, and we begin to count of the experience, and we begin to count it, again, we're adding value to it. it, again, we're adding value to it. it, again, we're adding value to it. We're making that timeline. You could We're making that timeline. You could We're making that timeline. You could even ask God, "Show me the value of what even ask God, "Show me the value of what even ask God, "Show me the value of what I'm going through."

I'm going through." I'm going through." As you make the timeline, I think it As you make the timeline, I think it As you make the timeline, I think it gives us an opportunity to place some gives us an opportunity to place some gives us an opportunity to place some memorial stones in our lives. memorial stones in our lives. memorial stones in our lives. See, the enemy wants us to look at See, the enemy wants us to look at See, the enemy wants us to look at situations and put a gravestone there. situations and put a gravestone there. situations and put a gravestone there. Said, "It's over. It's lost." But, God Said, "It's over. It's lost." But, God Said, "It's over. It's lost." But, God says, "No. says, "No. says, "No. Put a memorial stone there. Put a memorial stone there. Put a memorial stone there. Recognize that this is something you can Recognize that this is something you can Recognize that this is something you can look back on with gratitude. look back on with gratitude. look back on with gratitude. Seeing God's faithfulness. The second Seeing God's faithfulness. The second Seeing God's faithfulness. The second point is to consider who you're point is to consider who you're point is to consider who you're becoming. becoming. becoming. Guess what? You're gaining. Guess what? You're gaining. Guess what? You're gaining. You're becoming stronger through what it You're becoming stronger through what it You're becoming stronger through what it is that you're going through. is that you're going through. is that you're going through. Often times we look at the first part of Often times we look at the first part of Often times we look at the first part of count it all joy when you go through count it all joy when you go through count it all joy when you go through trials, and it's like, "Ugh." trials, and it's like, "Ugh." trials, and it's like, "Ugh." But then if you keep going it says, But then if you keep going it says, But then if you keep going it says, "Count it all joy when you go through "Count it all joy when you go through "Count it all joy when you go through various trials knowing that the testing various trials knowing that the testing various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. of your faith produces patience. of your faith produces patience. So, let patience have its perfect work So, let patience have its perfect work So, let patience have its perfect work that you may be that you may be that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing." perfect and complete lacking nothing." perfect and complete lacking nothing." You will be made strong. You will be made strong. You will be made strong. That word for perfection isn't about That word for perfection isn't about That word for perfection isn't about being flawless, it means maturity.

being flawless, it means maturity. being flawless, it means maturity. It means full-grown. And we're in a time It means full-grown. And we're in a time It means full-grown. And we're in a time where we've got to grow spiritually. where we've got to grow spiritually. where we've got to grow spiritually. We've got to grow up. We've got to grow up. We've got to grow up. We've got to grow in God. We don't want We've got to grow in God. We don't want We've got to grow in God. We don't want to just keep coming to church, we to just keep coming to church, we to just keep coming to church, we actually want to grow in church. actually want to grow in church. actually want to grow in church. I don't want to just go to church, I I don't want to just go to church, I I don't want to just go to church, I want to grow in church. want to grow in church. want to grow in church. I want to grow so much that I've got an I want to grow so much that I've got an I want to grow so much that I've got an opportunity to look for ways I can help opportunity to look for ways I can help opportunity to look for ways I can help other people grow. That's why we have other people grow. That's why we have other people grow. That's why we have small groups. That's why we have small groups. That's why we have small groups. That's why we have outreaches because we want to outreaches because we want to outreaches because we want to help other people grow and know the God help other people grow and know the God help other people grow and know the God that we know. that we know. that we know. So, I want to encourage you, you're So, I want to encourage you, you're So, I want to encourage you, you're becoming someone great on the other side becoming someone great on the other side becoming someone great on the other side of this. of this. of this. God is establishing you. God is establishing you. God is establishing you. He's doing something powerful. He's doing something powerful. He's doing something powerful. 1 Peter 5:10 says, 1 Peter 5:10 says, 1 Peter 5:10 says, "But may the God of all grace who has "But may the God of all grace who has "But may the God of all grace who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ called us to his eternal glory by Christ called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you've suffered a while, Jesus, after you've suffered a while, Jesus, after you've suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and perfect, establish, strengthen, and perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." settle you." settle you." We know that David faced a lot of We know that David faced a lot of We know that David faced a lot of trials, trials, trials, but even in his trials where there were but even in his trials where there were but even in his trials where there were some things that he was dealing with some things that he was dealing with some things that he was dealing with based on things that he had done wrong, based on things that he had done wrong, based on things that he had done wrong, he knew he couldn't change the he knew he couldn't change the he knew he couldn't change the situation, but he situation, but he situation, but he brought a a heart of repentance.

brought a a heart of repentance. brought a a heart of repentance. And he said, "Create in me a clean And he said, "Create in me a clean And he said, "Create in me a clean heart. Renew in me a steadfast spirit. heart. Renew in me a steadfast spirit. heart. Renew in me a steadfast spirit. Don't take your presence from me, but Don't take your presence from me, but Don't take your presence from me, but restore to me the joy of my salvation." restore to me the joy of my salvation." restore to me the joy of my salvation." Sometimes we take a season of loss and Sometimes we take a season of loss and Sometimes we take a season of loss and turn it to profit when we repent turn it to profit when we repent turn it to profit when we repent based on the hardness of our heart or based on the hardness of our heart or based on the hardness of our heart or the things that went wrong and say, the things that went wrong and say, the things that went wrong and say, "God, I I you to make me new. I want you "God, I I you to make me new. I want you "God, I I you to make me new. I want you to make me over. I realize I can't to make me over. I realize I can't to make me over. I realize I can't change the past, but you can change me. You can change my present situation. So, You can change my present situation. So, I'm inviting you in I'm inviting you in I'm inviting you in to restore my joy. to restore my joy. to restore my joy. God can restore you no matter what God can restore you no matter what God can restore you no matter what you've done and give you the gift of you've done and give you the gift of you've done and give you the gift of joy. joy. joy. Third thing is to pray. Third thing is to pray. Third thing is to pray. Pray. Pray. Pray. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and all liberally and without reproach, and all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." it will be given to him." it will be given to him." When we pray and we ask God for wisdom, When we pray and we ask God for wisdom, When we pray and we ask God for wisdom, we're recognizing this trial is we're recognizing this trial is we're recognizing this trial is requiring more than my natural ability.

requiring more than my natural ability. requiring more than my natural ability. I need to tap into the supernatural. In I need to tap into the supernatural. In I need to tap into the supernatural. In order for me to walk by faith and not by order for me to walk by faith and not by order for me to walk by faith and not by sight, I need some wisdom applied to sight, I need some wisdom applied to sight, I need some wisdom applied to this knowledge. this knowledge. this knowledge. So, we've got to pray. So, we've got to pray. So, we've got to pray. It says in James 5: It says in James 5: It says in James 5: 13, "If anyone among you is suffering, 13, "If anyone among you is suffering, 13, "If anyone among you is suffering, let him pray." let him pray." let him pray." Take time to pray and then then take a Take time to pray and then then take a Take time to pray and then then take a moment to listen. moment to listen. moment to listen. Prayer is not a monologue, it's a Prayer is not a monologue, it's a Prayer is not a monologue, it's a conversation with God. I like to go on conversation with God. I like to go on conversation with God. I like to go on prayer walks around my neighborhood. I prayer walks around my neighborhood. I prayer walks around my neighborhood. I like that it says Jesus often withdrew like that it says Jesus often withdrew like that it says Jesus often withdrew to play with to pray, which reminds me to play with to pray, which reminds me to play with to pray, which reminds me he got out from where he was and he he got out from where he was and he he got out from where he was and he walked out and he started praying. walked out and he started praying. walked out and he started praying. That's what I started doing. That's what I started doing. That's what I started doing. I didn't just sit in my prayer I mean, I I didn't just sit in my prayer I mean, I I didn't just sit in my prayer I mean, I still want in the prayer closet. We love still want in the prayer closet. We love still want in the prayer closet. We love the war room, but I say, "Hey, sometimes the war room, but I say, "Hey, sometimes the war room, but I say, "Hey, sometimes when I walk, I feel just like me and God when I walk, I feel just like me and God when I walk, I feel just like me and God are just having a conversation." are just having a conversation." are just having a conversation." So, maybe that's something that you can So, maybe that's something that you can So, maybe that's something that you can do to count it all joy. Just go on a do to count it all joy. Just go on a do to count it all joy. Just go on a prayer walk. Engage in the spirit. prayer walk. Engage in the spirit. prayer walk. Engage in the spirit. Fourth is to praise. Fourth is to praise. Fourth is to praise. We know Paul and Silas when they were in We know Paul and Silas when they were in We know Paul and Silas when they were in the middle of chains and challenge in the middle of chains and challenge in the middle of chains and challenge in prison, prison, prison, they counted it all joy so much that they counted it all joy so much that they counted it all joy so much that they began to pray and then sing psalms.

they began to pray and then sing psalms. they began to pray and then sing psalms. They began to sing hymns. They began to They began to sing hymns. They began to They began to sing hymns. They began to praise God. And when they did, the place praise God. And when they did, the place praise God. And when they did, the place where they were began to shake. Did you where they were began to shake. Did you where they were began to shake. Did you know the enemy is counting on your know the enemy is counting on your know the enemy is counting on your silence, but God is looking for your silence, but God is looking for your silence, but God is looking for your praise? He's looking for you to praise him in He's looking for you to praise him in the middle. the middle. the middle. I think about Job who was entrusted with I think about Job who was entrusted with I think about Job who was entrusted with suffering. God said to the enemy, "Have suffering. God said to the enemy, "Have suffering. God said to the enemy, "Have you considered my servant Job?" Now, I'm you considered my servant Job?" Now, I'm you considered my servant Job?" Now, I'm not saying we want to be considered for not saying we want to be considered for not saying we want to be considered for suffering, but one thing we do see is suffering, but one thing we do see is suffering, but one thing we do see is that with everything that Job went that with everything that Job went that with everything that Job went through, he had a way of saying, "The through, he had a way of saying, "The through, he had a way of saying, "The Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord." I DON'T KNOW be the name of the Lord." I DON'T KNOW be the name of the Lord." I DON'T KNOW WHY I'M GOING THROUGH IT, BUT I'm going WHY I'M GOING THROUGH IT, BUT I'm going WHY I'M GOING THROUGH IT, BUT I'm going to continue to praise God. to continue to praise God. to continue to praise God. There were many chapters that we see There were many chapters that we see There were many chapters that we see people judging him, his friends, and he people judging him, his friends, and he people judging him, his friends, and he had his different moments where he's had his different moments where he's had his different moments where he's like, "Why did I even get born?" like, "Why did I even get born?" like, "Why did I even get born?" whatever. But guess what? At the end of whatever. But guess what? At the end of whatever. But guess what? At the end of it, on the other side, it says that God it, on the other side, it says that God it, on the other side, it says that God recovered his losses, that everything recovered his losses, that everything recovered his losses, that everything that he lost became gain.

that he lost became gain. that he lost became gain. God restored him and he saw his God restored him and he saw his God restored him and he saw his children's children's children. children's children's children. children's children's children. We sing the song, "I've got a reason to We sing the song, "I've got a reason to We sing the song, "I've got a reason to praise." Guess what? We do have a reason praise." Guess what? We do have a reason praise." Guess what? We do have a reason to praise. We actually do have a reason to praise. We actually do have a reason to praise. We actually do have a reason to praise. to praise. to praise. Even in the middle, Even in the middle, Even in the middle, because who God is doesn't change based because who God is doesn't change based because who God is doesn't change based on what I'm going through. on what I'm going through. on what I'm going through. That's why I want to lift up my voice That's why I want to lift up my voice That's why I want to lift up my voice and praise him in the middle. and praise him in the middle. and praise him in the middle. The fifth thing is to consider the The fifth thing is to consider the The fifth thing is to consider the cloud. cloud. cloud. I like this because I'm telling you, I'm I like this because I'm telling you, I'm I like this because I'm telling you, I'm one of those people that really loves one of those people that really loves one of those people that really loves grandparents. Do we have any grandparents. Do we have any grandparents. Do we have any grandparents in the room? grandparents in the room? grandparents in the room? Grandparents, older people, 65, 70 plus. Grandparents, older people, 65, 70 plus. Grandparents, older people, 65, 70 plus. I'm so grateful for your example and for I'm so grateful for your example and for I'm so grateful for your example and for what God is doing. But when we think what God is doing. But when we think what God is doing. But when we think about the cloud, I'm actually about the cloud, I'm actually about the cloud, I'm actually referencing not the iCloud. referencing not the iCloud. referencing not the iCloud. I'm actually referencing the great cloud I'm actually referencing the great cloud I'm actually referencing the great cloud of witnesses. of witnesses. of witnesses. The great crowd of witnesses in Hebrews The great crowd of witnesses in Hebrews The great crowd of witnesses in Hebrews chapter 12 makes me think about people chapter 12 makes me think about people chapter 12 makes me think about people who endured testing and trials, and they who endured testing and trials, and they who endured testing and trials, and they were able to experience God's were able to experience God's were able to experience God's faithfulness, even if they didn't see faithfulness, even if they didn't see faithfulness, even if they didn't see the final portion of what they were the final portion of what they were the final portion of what they were going through.

They were faithful in the trial. They were faithful in the trial. They had faith in the middle. They had faith in the middle. They had faith in the middle. We consider the cloud We consider the cloud We consider the cloud like Joseph whose life proves that God like Joseph whose life proves that God like Joseph whose life proves that God can turn every form of hardship for can turn every form of hardship for can turn every form of hardship for good. He said to his brothers who had good. He said to his brothers who had good. He said to his brothers who had betrayed him and thrown him into the pit betrayed him and thrown him into the pit betrayed him and thrown him into the pit and tore his robe and told their father and tore his robe and told their father and tore his robe and told their father that he was dead. that he was dead. that he was dead. Once he they came back and didn't Once he they came back and didn't Once he they came back and didn't recognize him recognize him recognize him as he was now in second in command in as he was now in second in command in as he was now in second in command in Egypt. Joseph began to Egypt. Joseph began to Egypt. Joseph began to do the math. do the math. do the math. He was calculating the different things He was calculating the different things He was calculating the different things that he'd gone through. that he'd gone through. that he'd gone through. He was calculating the pit and He was calculating the pit and He was calculating the pit and Potiphar's house and the prison and he Potiphar's house and the prison and he Potiphar's house and the prison and he was actually recognizing that it all was actually recognizing that it all was actually recognizing that it all added up. He told his brothers, "Guess added up. He told his brothers, "Guess added up. He told his brothers, "Guess what? You meant it for evil, but the what? You meant it for evil, but the what? You meant it for evil, but the Lord meant it for good. There were two Lord meant it for good. There were two Lord meant it for good. There were two intentions at the same time. Your intentions at the same time. Your intentions at the same time. Your intention was my loss, but God's intention was my loss, but God's intention was my loss, but God's intention was my profit. He even sent me intention was my profit. He even sent me intention was my profit. He even sent me here to preserve you."

We consider the cloud when we look at We consider the cloud when we look at people LIKE JOSEPH OR PAUL WHO reminds people LIKE JOSEPH OR PAUL WHO reminds people LIKE JOSEPH OR PAUL WHO reminds us that we can be fruitful and us that we can be fruitful and us that we can be fruitful and purposeful even in the testing. purposeful even in the testing. purposeful even in the testing. He said in Romans 8:18, He said in Romans 8:18, He said in Romans 8:18, "For I consider from the standpoint of "For I consider from the standpoint of "For I consider from the standpoint of faith faith faith in the amplified translation that the in the amplified translation that the in the amplified translation that the sufferings of this present time are not sufferings of this present time are not sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory worthy to be compared with the glory worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed in us and that is about to be revealed in us and that is about to be revealed in us and to us." to us." to us." We consider the cloud. I don't know who We consider the cloud. I don't know who We consider the cloud. I don't know who your favorite Bible character is. I have your favorite Bible character is. I have your favorite Bible character is. I have so many I'd keep us up here for hours so many I'd keep us up here for hours so many I'd keep us up here for hours talking through the ones that I glean so talking through the ones that I glean so talking through the ones that I glean so much from. much from. much from. But when you're going through, remember But when you're going through, remember But when you're going through, remember that other people have gone through, that other people have gone through, that other people have gone through, too? too? too? And if you are someone who's older and And if you are someone who's older and And if you are someone who's older and you've been in the church and you've you've been in the church and you've you've been in the church and you've seen that legacy wall that we view in seen that legacy wall that we view in seen that legacy wall that we view in our hallways, you've actually lived that our hallways, you've actually lived that our hallways, you've actually lived that out. Can I encourage you and also out. Can I encourage you and also out. Can I encourage you and also challenge you? Please share with us your challenge you? Please share with us your challenge you? Please share with us your testimonies. testimonies. testimonies. We actually want to hear it. And if I We actually want to hear it. And if I We actually want to hear it. And if I can challenge the young people, start can challenge the young people, start can challenge the young people, start taking people out to lunch and ask them, taking people out to lunch and ask them, taking people out to lunch and ask them, "What has God taught you?

"What has God taught you? "What has God taught you? I want to learn wisdom from you. I want to learn wisdom from you. I want to learn wisdom from you. Not everything needs to be learned by Not everything needs to be learned by Not everything needs to be learned by experience. Amen? experience. Amen? experience. Amen? Sometimes you can learn from someone Sometimes you can learn from someone Sometimes you can learn from someone else's experience else's experience else's experience and gain some knowledge. and gain some knowledge. and gain some knowledge. Wisdom is applied knowledge. Wisdom is applied knowledge. Wisdom is applied knowledge. The fifth is to rehearse. The sixth, The fifth is to rehearse. The sixth, The fifth is to rehearse. The sixth, rather, is to rehearse. rather, is to rehearse. rather, is to rehearse. Rehearse God's promises. Rehearse God's promises. Rehearse God's promises. Begin to look into scripture for verses Begin to look into scripture for verses Begin to look into scripture for verses that will encourage you, that will encourage you, that will encourage you, that will keep you strengthened while that will keep you strengthened while that will keep you strengthened while you're going through so that you have you're going through so that you have you're going through so that you have that endurance to continue forward. that endurance to continue forward. that endurance to continue forward. I think about all kinds of different I think about all kinds of different I think about all kinds of different scriptures, many of which we referenced scriptures, many of which we referenced scriptures, many of which we referenced today, today, today, that are an encouragement to us that we that are an encouragement to us that we that are an encouragement to us that we can write down and then begin to can write down and then begin to can write down and then begin to meditate. Sometimes we get really down meditate. Sometimes we get really down meditate. Sometimes we get really down because we get a misuse of meditation. because we get a misuse of meditation. because we get a misuse of meditation. We're meditating on the wrong things. We're meditating on the wrong things. We're meditating on the wrong things. And then it's bringing your heart down. And then it's bringing your heart down. And then it's bringing your heart down. It's bringing you into a place of just It's bringing you into a place of just It's bringing you into a place of just feeling down and out. But God said, "If feeling down and out. But God said, "If feeling down and out. But God said, "If you meditate on my word you meditate on my word you meditate on my word and remember who I am and what I said, and remember who I am and what I said, and remember who I am and what I said, you can gain endurance and strength and you can gain endurance and strength and you can gain endurance and strength and hope. Whatever you rehearse hope. Whatever you rehearse hope. Whatever you rehearse will become your recital.

Whatever you practice Whatever you practice will become your performance. will become your performance. will become your performance. That's why we want to rehearse the That's why we want to rehearse the That's why we want to rehearse the promises of God. And let me tell you, if promises of God. And let me tell you, if promises of God. And let me tell you, if there are promises or prophetic words there are promises or prophetic words there are promises or prophetic words that you have not seen come into that you have not seen come into that you have not seen come into completion yet, completion yet, completion yet, count it all joy count it all joy count it all joy cuz cuz cuz >> God is still doing the math. >> God is still doing the math. >> God is still doing the math. And he's adding it all up. And he's adding it all up. And he's adding it all up. The last point for application is to The last point for application is to The last point for application is to consider your reward. consider your reward. consider your reward. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is a man who James 1:12 says, "Blessed is a man who James 1:12 says, "Blessed is a man who endures temptation. endures temptation. endures temptation. For when he has been approved, he will For when he has been approved, he will For when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord receive the crown of life which the Lord receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him." has promised to those who love him." has promised to those who love him." There's a reward connected to your There's a reward connected to your There's a reward connected to your endurance. endurance. endurance. There's a reward connected to your test There's a reward connected to your test There's a reward connected to your test and your trial. and your trial. and your trial. That's why you're gaining. That's why That's why you're gaining. That's why That's why you're gaining. That's why you're receiving that endurance because you're receiving that endurance because you're receiving that endurance because there's something on the other side. there's something on the other side. there's something on the other side. He that endures to the end He that endures to the end He that endures to the end receives the promise. Receives what God receives the promise. Receives what God receives the promise. Receives what God had in mind all along. That's why we had in mind all along. That's why we had in mind all along. That's why we consider it all joy because of who we're consider it all joy because of who we're consider it all joy because of who we're becoming and because what's on the way.

becoming and because what's on the way. becoming and because what's on the way. So, when life doesn't add up, So, when life doesn't add up, So, when life doesn't add up, don't quit solving the equation don't quit solving the equation don't quit solving the equation while God is still doing the math. while God is still doing the math. while God is still doing the math. You know what the equation looks like? You know what the equation looks like? You know what the equation looks like? It looks like trial It looks like trial It looks like trial plus faith plus faith plus faith plus testing plus testing plus testing plus endurance plus endurance plus endurance plus maturity plus maturity plus maturity equals joy. equals joy. equals joy. That is the word of the Lord for you That is the word of the Lord for you That is the word of the Lord for you today. today. today. I want everyone to stand on their feet I want everyone to stand on their feet I want everyone to stand on their feet all over this place. I want you to bow your head and close I want you to bow your head and close your eyes in this moment. Every person who is under the sound of Every person who is under the sound of my voice, whether you're in this room or my voice, whether you're in this room or my voice, whether you're in this room or watching online, watching online, watching online, there's something that God is adding up there's something that God is adding up there's something that God is adding up in your life. [music] in your life. [music] in your life. [music] And he's doing some Jesus math. Maybe you've been discouraged along the Maybe you've been discouraged along the way and you haven't really understood way and you haven't really understood way and you haven't really understood what's happening. what's happening. what's happening. I want you right where you are to ask I want you right where you are to ask I want you right where you are to ask the Holy Spirit, "What are you speaking the Holy Spirit, "What are you speaking the Holy Spirit, "What are you speaking to me in this moment?"

Right where you are, I want you to ask Right where you are, I want you to ask him and I want to take a moment to him and I want to take a moment to him and I want to take a moment to listen. >> God, [music] I thank you that it's all >> God, [music] I thank you that it's all adding up. That you're doing math [music] with That you're doing math [music] with every single person in this room. every single person in this room. every single person in this room. And inviting us to count it [music] all And inviting us to count it [music] all And inviting us to count it [music] all joy. Because you're working, because you're Because you're working, because you're present, [music] because you're with us. found it hard to count it all joy found it hard to count it all joy because I'd been making choices to because I'd been making choices to because I'd been making choices to pursue God and yet in April 2007, my pursue God and yet in April 2007, my pursue God and yet in April 2007, my life was in the balance.

life was in the balance. life was in the balance. I found out that I had lung cancer and I left ORU. I didn't know what was going I left ORU. I didn't know what was going to happen to me. I coughed up blood on to happen to me. I coughed up blood on to happen to me. I coughed up blood on Easter Sunday to be real real with you. Easter Sunday to be real real with you. Easter Sunday to be real real with you. I'm thinking, "How is it that I started I'm thinking, "How is it that I started I'm thinking, "How is it that I started pursuing God more fervently and now pursuing God more fervently and now pursuing God more fervently and now this? this? this? What is happening to me? It didn't add What is happening to me? It didn't add What is happening to me? It didn't add up." up." up." Went home and had the surgery. Went home and had the surgery. Went home and had the surgery. Came back to Tulsa to finish out my Came back to Tulsa to finish out my Came back to Tulsa to finish out my senior year at ORU. Still wasn't really adding up. Still wasn't really adding up. But God has a way of turning things But God has a way of turning things But God has a way of turning things [music] [music] [music] and working all things for our good. and working all things for our good. and working all things for our good. What looked like it would be an occasion What looked like it would be an occasion What looked like it would be an occasion of loss every year in April of loss every year in April of loss every year in April became the beginning of perpetual became the beginning of perpetual became the beginning of perpetual [music] faithfulness [music] faithfulness [music] faithfulness of God in my life. of God in my life. of God in my life. If you think of my timeline in April If you think of my timeline in April If you think of my timeline in April 2007, I had my surgery 2007, I had my surgery 2007, I had my surgery and I had to how to walk and talk and and I had to how to walk and talk and and I had to how to walk and talk and eat and drink. eat and drink. eat and drink. But then 2 years later in April, But then 2 years later in April, But then 2 years later in April, I was actually I was actually I was actually getting married and celebrating [music] getting married and celebrating [music] getting married and celebrating [music] the love that God had brought into my the love that God had brought into my the love that God had brought into my life.

life. life. And 2 years later in April, I was back And 2 years later in April, I was back And 2 years later in April, I was back in the hospital, but it wasn't because I in the hospital, but it wasn't because I in the hospital, but it wasn't because I was [music] sick. was [music] sick. was [music] sick. It's because I was giving birth to our It's because I was giving birth to our It's because I was giving birth to our daughter Grace. daughter Grace. daughter Grace. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> God had a way of multiplying. >> [applause and music] >> [applause and music] >> God did the math when they said, "We've >> God did the math when they said, "We've >> God did the math when they said, "We've got to take half of your left lung." God got to take half of your left lung." God got to take half of your left lung." God said, "You can go ahead and take it said, "You can go ahead and take it said, "You can go ahead and take it because I'm going to make my strength because I'm going to make my strength because I'm going to make my strength perfect [music] perfect [music] perfect [music] in her area of weakness. This doesn't in her area of weakness. This doesn't in her area of weakness. This doesn't mean she's not going to speak anymore. mean she's not going to speak anymore. mean she's not going to speak anymore. This actually means that I'm going to This actually means that I'm going to This actually means that I'm going to put an anointing on everything that put an anointing on everything that put an anointing on everything that [music] was lost and I'm going to make [music] was lost and I'm going to make [music] was lost and I'm going to make sure that for the rest of my days, I can sure that for the rest of my days, I can sure that for the rest of my days, I can declare that Jesus is faithful." I'm counting. I'm counting. April 2019, my family uprooted from April 2019, my family uprooted from April 2019, my family uprooted from Dallas to Tulsa. [music] I'm counting. Dallas to Tulsa. [music] I'm counting. Dallas to Tulsa. [music] I'm counting. God keeps doing things. God keeps God keeps doing things. God keeps God keeps doing things. God keeps [music] adding it up. [music] adding it up. [music] adding it up. So, I encourage you, whatever it is that So, I encourage you, whatever it is that So, I encourage you, whatever it is that God spoke to you in your seat, God spoke to you in your seat, God spoke to you in your seat, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I want you to recognize that he's still >> I want you to recognize that he's still >> I want you to recognize that he's still doing the math in your situation.

doing the math in your situation. doing the math in your situation. I want to open the altar to any person I want to open the altar to any person I want to open the altar to any person who would like to receive prayer before who would like to receive prayer before who would like to receive prayer before we go. [music] I believe it's important we go. [music] I believe it's important we go. [music] I believe it's important to respond to what God is speaking. to respond to what God is speaking. to respond to what God is speaking. If you want to pray and receive If you want to pray and receive If you want to pray and receive encouragement for your situation, encouragement for your situation, encouragement for your situation, [music] [music] [music] if you're asking for someone to agree if you're asking for someone to agree if you're asking for someone to agree with you for healing, I believe the with you for healing, I believe the with you for healing, I believe the healer's in the room. If you're healer's in the room. If you're healer's in the room. If you're believing for restoration, [music] I believing for restoration, [music] I believing for restoration, [music] I believe the restorer is in the room. believe the restorer is in the room. believe the restorer is in the room. If you're just needing fresh oil of joy, If you're just needing fresh oil of joy, If you're just needing fresh oil of joy, I want you to run [music] up here. I'm I want you to run [music] up here. I'm I want you to run [music] up here. I'm not even going to count anymore. Y'all not even going to count anymore. Y'all not even going to count anymore. Y'all got it. Come on up here if you need got it. Come on up here if you need got it. Come on up here if you need prayer. prayer. prayer. If you want to give your life to Jesus If you want to give your life to Jesus If you want to give your life to Jesus Christ, if you [music] don't want to go Christ, if you [music] don't want to go Christ, if you [music] don't want to go searching for joy, if you realize you searching for joy, if you realize you searching for joy, if you realize you found it today and his name is Jesus, found it today and his name is Jesus, found it today and his name is Jesus, run [music] up to this altar. Say, "I run [music] up to this altar. Say, "I run [music] up to this altar. Say, "I want to have Jesus in my life. I don't want to have Jesus in my life. I don't want to have Jesus in my life. I don't want to lose anymore. I want to profit want to lose anymore. I want to profit want to lose anymore. I want to profit in my life. I want to grow. I want to in my life. I want to grow. I want to in my life. I want to grow. I want to see God's goodness. see God's goodness. see God's goodness. >> [music] >> The altar is open for every single >> The altar is open for every single person who needs prayer for any reason person who needs prayer for any reason person who needs prayer for any reason at all. at all. at all. Because we recognize that the altar is Because we recognize that the altar is Because we recognize that the altar is not a place of shame. It is a place not a place of shame. It is a place not a place of shame. It is a place [music] of surrender and sacrifice.

[music] of surrender and sacrifice. [music] of surrender and sacrifice. So, as you're coming forward, we're So, as you're coming forward, we're So, as you're coming forward, we're [music] going to begin to pray and I [music] going to begin to pray and I [music] going to begin to pray and I want the worship team to begin to want the worship team to begin to want the worship team to begin to worship. worship. worship. >> There's going to be glory. [singing] >> There's going to be glory. [singing] >> There's going to be glory. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> There's going to be glory. >> There's going to be glory. >> There's going to be glory. There will be [singing] glory after There will be [singing] glory after There will be [singing] glory after this. this. this. No need [music] to worry. [singing] This present suffering. This present suffering. There will be glory [music] There will be glory [music] There will be glory [music] [singing] after [singing] after [singing] after this. this. this. There's going to be glory. [music] There's going to be glory. [music] There's going to be glory. [music] >> There's going to be glory. >> There's going to be glory. >> There's going to be glory. There's going to be glory. There's going to be glory. There's going to be glory. There [music] will [singing] be glory There [music] will [singing] be glory There [music] will [singing] be glory after this. after this. after this. Yes, I believe. Yes, I believe. Yes, I believe. No need to worry. No need to worry. No need to worry. This [music and singing] present This [music and singing] present This [music and singing] present suffering. suffering. suffering. There will be glory [singing] after There will be glory [singing] after There will be glory [singing] after >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> this. There's going to be glory.

>> this. There's going to be glory. >> this. There's going to be glory. >> There's going [singing] to be glory. >> There's going [singing] to be glory. >> There's going [singing] to be glory. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> There's going to be glory. >> There's going to be glory. >> There's going to be glory. There will be glory [singing] after There will be glory [singing] after There will be glory [singing] after this. this. this. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I believe. >> I believe. >> I believe. No need to [singing] worry. No need to [singing] worry. No need to [singing] worry. This present suffering. This present suffering. This present suffering. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> There will >> There will >> There will be glory after this. be glory after this. be glory after this. There's going to be glory. There's going to be glory. There's going to be glory. >> There's going [music and singing] to be >> There's going [music and singing] to be >> There's going [music and singing] to be glory. glory. glory. There's going to be glory. There will be glory There will be glory >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] [singing] >> but I hear the Holy Spirit saying that >> but I hear the Holy Spirit saying that there is an anointing for [music] an there is an anointing for [music] an there is an anointing for [music] an outbreak of joy that is in this room. I outbreak of joy that is in this room. I outbreak of joy that is in this room. I have not said this in any other service.

have not said this in any other service. have not said this in any other service. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> There is an outbreak of joy. >> There is an outbreak of joy. >> There is an outbreak of joy. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> If you receive it today, I want you to >> If you receive it today, I want you to >> If you receive it today, I want you to lift up your hands. lift up your hands. lift up your hands. Father, we pray and we receive an Father, we pray and we receive an Father, we pray and we receive an outbreak of [music] joy in the mighty outbreak of [music] joy in the mighty outbreak of [music] joy in the mighty name of Jesus. I command depression and name of Jesus. I command depression and name of Jesus. I command depression and oppression to break up off of you in the oppression to break up off of you in the oppression to break up off of you in the name of Jesus. I thank you that sickness name of Jesus. I thank you that sickness name of Jesus. I thank you that sickness [music] has to go, that disease has to [music] has to go, that disease has to [music] has to go, that disease has to go, that infirmity has to go, go, that infirmity has to go, go, that infirmity has to go, that that relationship issue has to go. that that relationship issue has to go. that that relationship issue has to go. I thank you, God, that you're working I thank you, God, that you're working I thank you, God, that you're working [music] it out, that you're sending your [music] it out, that you're sending your [music] it out, that you're sending your joy into the midst of your people today joy into the midst of your people today joy into the midst of your people today in the mighty name [music] of Jesus. in the mighty name [music] of Jesus. in the mighty name [music] of Jesus. Let's give them a praise right here, Let's give them a praise right here, Let's give them a praise right here, right here. [music] [music] >> I want you to pray this after me. Lord >> I want you to pray this after me. Lord >> I want you to pray this after me. Lord Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, today today today I surrender I surrender I surrender my [music] will my [music] will my [music] will and my mouth

and my mouth and my mouth to you. to you. to you. I'm expecting I'm expecting I'm expecting all things all things all things are working are working are working for my good. for my good. for my good. Forgive me Forgive me Forgive me of my sin of my sin of my sin and my unbelief. and my unbelief. and my unbelief. Heal me Heal me Heal me in the areas in the areas in the areas that need healing. that need healing. that need healing. I declare [music] I declare [music] I declare [music] that Jesus that Jesus that Jesus is my savior is my savior is my savior and Lord and Lord and Lord over my life. over my life. over my life. And from this day forward And from this day forward And from this day forward I'm looking for joy. I'm looking for joy. I'm looking for joy. I'm looking for growth. I'm looking for growth. I'm looking for growth. I'm looking for faithfulness I'm looking for faithfulness I'm looking for faithfulness because I trust you because I trust you because I trust you right here in the middle. right here in the middle. right here in the middle. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Do you receive the word today?