STILL MOVING FORWARD | PAUL DAUGHERTY | FORWARD SERIES PT. 1

Philippians chapter 3 verse 12. Paul the Philippians chapter 3 verse 12. Paul the Apostle says this. He says, "Not that Apostle says this. He says, "Not that Apostle says this. He says, "Not that I've already obtained or achieved these I've already obtained or achieved these I've already obtained or achieved these things. Not that I've already reached things. Not that I've already reached things. Not that I've already reached perfection." By the way, Paul was old at perfection." By the way, Paul was old at perfection." By the way, Paul was old at this point. And I don't mean like really this point. And I don't mean like really this point. And I don't mean like really old. I just mean he was he was no longer old. I just mean he was he was no longer old. I just mean he was he was no longer in his 20s, 30s, or 40s, or 50s. You in his 20s, 30s, or 40s, or 50s. You in his 20s, 30s, or 40s, or 50s. You know, I'm not saying if you're in your know, I'm not saying if you're in your know, I'm not saying if you're in your 60s, you're old. I'm just saying 60s, you're old. I'm just saying 60s, you're old. I'm just saying You're young. You're young. I was You're young. You're young. I was You're young. You're young. I was talking to an awesome man out in the talking to an awesome man out in the talking to an awesome man out in the lobby. He's like, "I'm 64 and I feel lobby. He's like, "I'm 64 and I feel lobby. He's like, "I'm 64 and I feel younger than ever." I was like, "Let's younger than ever." I was like, "Let's younger than ever." I was like, "Let's go." And and and here's the point. I go." And and and here's the point. I go." And and and here's the point. I think age is just a number. I think you think age is just a number. I think you think age is just a number. I think you can actually be 18, but have an old can actually be 18, but have an old can actually be 18, but have an old mindset. You can also be 74 and have a mindset. You can also be 74 and have a mindset. You can also be 74 and have a young fresh mindset. young fresh mindset. young fresh mindset. It's it's all in the mind. And today It's it's all in the mind. And today It's it's all in the mind. And today we're starting a brand new series called we're starting a brand new series called we're starting a brand new series called forward. Everybody say forward. forward. Everybody say forward. forward. Everybody say forward. Forward. The title of the message today Forward. The title of the message today Forward. The title of the message today is still moving forward. Still. Tell the is still moving forward. Still. Tell the is still moving forward. Still. Tell the person, "We're still moving forward." person, "We're still moving forward." person, "We're still moving forward." Come on. Even when the sound goes out, Come on. Even when the sound goes out, Come on. Even when the sound goes out, we're still moving forward. Even when we're still moving forward. Even when we're still moving forward. Even when the lights go out, we're still moving the lights go out, we're still moving the lights go out, we're still moving forward. Even when heartbreak happens, forward. Even when heartbreak happens, forward. Even when heartbreak happens, we're still moving forward. But that's we're still moving forward. But that's we're still moving forward. But that's your choice. I can't say that that your choice. I can't say that that your choice. I can't say that that you're still moving forward. I can say you're still moving forward. I can say you're still moving forward. I can say that I'm still moving forward. You'll that I'm still moving forward. You'll that I'm still moving forward. You'll get to determine what direction you're get to determine what direction you're get to determine what direction you're going. Some of you have walked through going. Some of you have walked through going. Some of you have walked through pain, heartbreak, rejection, loss, pain, heartbreak, rejection, loss, pain, heartbreak, rejection, loss, failure, or even success.

failure, or even success. failure, or even success. And success becomes an enemy of forward And success becomes an enemy of forward And success becomes an enemy of forward motion because people who get motion because people who get motion because people who get successful, all of a sudden they start successful, all of a sudden they start successful, all of a sudden they start thinking, "Yeah, I'm going to retire thinking, "Yeah, I'm going to retire thinking, "Yeah, I'm going to retire with how far I've come. You know, I've with how far I've come. You know, I've with how far I've come. You know, I've done a lot. I've accomplished a lot. I done a lot. I've accomplished a lot. I done a lot. I've accomplished a lot. I reached my goals. So, from here on, I'm reached my goals. So, from here on, I'm reached my goals. So, from here on, I'm just going on autopilot and I'm not just going on autopilot and I'm not just going on autopilot and I'm not really moving forward. In fact, I'm just really moving forward. In fact, I'm just really moving forward. In fact, I'm just going to sit still for the next 30 years going to sit still for the next 30 years going to sit still for the next 30 years of my life." But I believe if there's of my life." But I believe if there's of my life." But I believe if there's breath in your lungs, God's not done breath in your lungs, God's not done breath in your lungs, God's not done with you yet. with you yet. with you yet. That God wants you moving forward. Even That God wants you moving forward. Even That God wants you moving forward. Even if you may not be going back to work at if you may not be going back to work at if you may not be going back to work at your job, God has an assignment for you your job, God has an assignment for you your job, God has an assignment for you spiritually. That God always wants you spiritually. That God always wants you spiritually. That God always wants you to keep growing. Paul at this point, is to keep growing. Paul at this point, is to keep growing. Paul at this point, is in his mid-60s, right? He's writing this in his mid-60s, right? He's writing this in his mid-60s, right? He's writing this letter from jail. He's already planted a letter from jail. He's already planted a letter from jail. He's already planted a lot of churches. He wrote half the New lot of churches. He wrote half the New lot of churches. He wrote half the New Testament. He was the greatest pastor of Testament. He was the greatest pastor of Testament. He was the greatest pastor of his time. He raised up all these his time. He raised up all these his time. He raised up all these incredible preachers. He raised up a guy incredible preachers. He raised up a guy incredible preachers. He raised up a guy named Timothy, who pastored the largest named Timothy, who pastored the largest named Timothy, who pastored the largest church in the world at that time. 40,000 church in the world at that time. 40,000 church in the world at that time. 40,000 people were attending Timothy's church. people were attending Timothy's church. people were attending Timothy's church. So, mega churches didn't start like 20 So, mega churches didn't start like 20 So, mega churches didn't start like 20 years ago. They started in the Bible, years ago. They started in the Bible, years ago. They started in the Bible, right? And so, Paul, he could have said, right? And so, Paul, he could have said, right? And so, Paul, he could have said, "Man, we've accomplished a lot. I've "Man, we've accomplished a lot. I've "Man, we've accomplished a lot. I've raised up a lot of awesome pastors, a raised up a lot of awesome pastors, a raised up a lot of awesome pastors, a lot of great churches. I've written half lot of great churches. I've written half lot of great churches. I've written half the New Testament. I've been used by the New Testament. I've been used by the New Testament. I've been used by God." Paul could have said, "I've God." Paul could have said, "I've God." Paul could have said, "I've achieved and arrived." But, he said, achieved and arrived." But, he said, achieved and arrived." But, he said, "I'm not there yet."

"I'm not there yet." "I'm not there yet." He said, "I'm not there." Somebody say, He said, "I'm not there." Somebody say, He said, "I'm not there." Somebody say, "I'm not there yet." "I'm not there yet." "I'm not there yet." How many of y'all believe it? How many How many of y'all believe it? How many How many of y'all believe it? How many of y'all believe you're not there yet? of y'all believe you're not there yet? of y'all believe you're not there yet? Like, some people walk around with the Like, some people walk around with the Like, some people walk around with the mindset of like, "I know. I know. I mindset of like, "I know. I know. I mindset of like, "I know. I know. I know. I know. Been there, done that, know. I know. Been there, done that, know. I know. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. I've already figured bought the t-shirt. I've already figured bought the t-shirt. I've already figured it all out, Paul." But, information does it all out, Paul." But, information does it all out, Paul." But, information does not mean you are mature. Information not mean you are mature. Information not mean you are mature. Information just means you know some stuff. just means you know some stuff. just means you know some stuff. Maturity is a process that takes a Maturity is a process that takes a Maturity is a process that takes a lifetime. And spiritual maturity is lifetime. And spiritual maturity is lifetime. And spiritual maturity is something that never stops until the day something that never stops until the day something that never stops until the day we step into eternity with God. we step into eternity with God. we step into eternity with God. Like, like, maturity doesn't say, um, Like, like, maturity doesn't say, um, Like, like, maturity doesn't say, um, "Hey, I figured it all out and and and "Hey, I figured it all out and and and "Hey, I figured it all out and and and I've arrived." Maturity says there's I've arrived." Maturity says there's I've arrived." Maturity says there's still more that God has for me. There's still more that God has for me. There's still more that God has for me. There's still something new God's trying to still something new God's trying to still something new God's trying to teach me. There's still revelation. I teach me. There's still revelation. I teach me. There's still revelation. I might have read the Bible three or four might have read the Bible three or four might have read the Bible three or four times or 10 or 20 times or maybe you've times or 10 or 20 times or maybe you've times or 10 or 20 times or maybe you've read the Bible 100 times from Genesis to read the Bible 100 times from Genesis to read the Bible 100 times from Genesis to Revelation. There's still more that God Revelation. There's still more that God Revelation. There's still more that God wants to teach you. wants to teach you. wants to teach you. And Paul says, "I'm still moving And Paul says, "I'm still moving And Paul says, "I'm still moving forward. Even though I'm old, even forward. Even though I'm old, even forward. Even though I'm old, even though my hair is gray, even though I'm though my hair is gray, even though I'm though my hair is gray, even though I'm losing my hair, even though I've losing my hair, even though I've losing my hair, even though I've accomplished a lot, and even though I accomplished a lot, and even though I accomplished a lot, and even though I failed a lot, failed a lot, failed a lot, I still press on." Somebody say, "I'm I still press on." Somebody say, "I'm I still press on." Somebody say, "I'm still moving forward."

still moving forward." still moving forward." He says, "I press on to possess the He says, "I press on to possess the He says, "I press on to possess the perfection for which Christ Jesus first perfection for which Christ Jesus first perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me." In other words, Paul is possessed me." In other words, Paul is possessed me." In other words, Paul is saying, "There is a calling on my life saying, "There is a calling on my life saying, "There is a calling on my life that God is calling me to move forward that God is calling me to move forward that God is calling me to move forward in. God has something in front of me and in. God has something in front of me and in. God has something in front of me and I can't stop here. All of us in this I can't stop here. All of us in this I can't stop here. All of us in this room are moving in a direction. We're room are moving in a direction. We're room are moving in a direction. We're either moving backwards either moving backwards either moving backwards or we're moving sideways and sometimes or we're moving sideways and sometimes or we're moving sideways and sometimes sideways can feel like forward motion. sideways can feel like forward motion. sideways can feel like forward motion. We had a quarterback on our football We had a quarterback on our football We had a quarterback on our football team when I was, you know, in middle team when I was, you know, in middle team when I was, you know, in middle school. When Victory first started a school. When Victory first started a school. When Victory first started a football team, we used to rent out the football team, we used to rent out the football team, we used to rent out the Broken Arrow football stadium cuz we Broken Arrow football stadium cuz we Broken Arrow football stadium cuz we didn't have our own stadium. And I didn't have our own stadium. And I didn't have our own stadium. And I remember going to watch our varsity remember going to watch our varsity remember going to watch our varsity team, the very first varsity team at team, the very first varsity team at team, the very first varsity team at Victory. Y'all, it was a wild beginning Victory. Y'all, it was a wild beginning Victory. Y'all, it was a wild beginning of football at Victory. My dad just of football at Victory. My dad just of football at Victory. My dad just needed to get a coach. I don't know if needed to get a coach. I don't know if needed to get a coach. I don't know if our coach was saved, but he was our coach was saved, but he was our coach was saved, but he was committed to our school. And he started committed to our school. And he started committed to our school. And he started like a weight training program called like a weight training program called like a weight training program called BFS, Bigger Faster Stronger, and it was BFS, Bigger Faster Stronger, and it was BFS, Bigger Faster Stronger, and it was wild, y'all. I'm pretty sure there was wild, y'all. I'm pretty sure there was wild, y'all. I'm pretty sure there was guys on steroids. I don't know I I don't guys on steroids. I don't know I I don't guys on steroids. I don't know I I don't know what was going on. All I know is know what was going on. All I know is know what was going on. All I know is that our quarterback, wherever he came that our quarterback, wherever he came that our quarterback, wherever he came from, he was an incredible quarterback.

from, he was an incredible quarterback. from, he was an incredible quarterback. And he was fast, he was agile. I mean, And he was fast, he was agile. I mean, And he was fast, he was agile. I mean, we relied on this guy. He could run, he we relied on this guy. He could run, he we relied on this guy. He could run, he could outrun every team we played. could outrun every team we played. could outrun every team we played. The only problem was most of the time The only problem was most of the time The only problem was most of the time when he was running, he was running from when he was running, he was running from when he was running, he was running from side to side. Like he was always side to side. Like he was always side to side. Like he was always outrunning all the teams we played, but outrunning all the teams we played, but outrunning all the teams we played, but very rarely was he making forward very rarely was he making forward very rarely was he making forward motion. So he would run to the right, motion. So he would run to the right, motion. So he would run to the right, you know, and the whole team would be you know, and the whole team would be you know, and the whole team would be chasing him. And then he would run to chasing him. And then he would run to chasing him. And then he would run to the left, the whole team would be the left, the whole team would be the left, the whole team would be chasing him. Y'all, each play lasted chasing him. Y'all, each play lasted chasing him. Y'all, each play lasted like 2 minutes. like 2 minutes. like 2 minutes. I'm not kidding. IF YOU WATCHED OUR I'm not kidding. IF YOU WATCHED OUR I'm not kidding. IF YOU WATCHED OUR GAMES, LIKE WE WOULD BE like we would be GAMES, LIKE WE WOULD BE like we would be GAMES, LIKE WE WOULD BE like we would be watching a play for a solid 2 minutes watching a play for a solid 2 minutes watching a play for a solid 2 minutes and it was just our quarterback just and it was just our quarterback just and it was just our quarterback just outrunning everybody. He would pass the outrunning everybody. He would pass the outrunning everybody. He would pass the ball to himself and then catch it over ball to himself and then catch it over ball to himself and then catch it over here. This dude was talented. here. This dude was talented. here. This dude was talented. And then he would run backwards and he And then he would run backwards and he And then he would run backwards and he would have the whole team chasing him to would have the whole team chasing him to would have the whole team chasing him to the 1-yard line. Right right there about the 1-yard line. Right right there about the 1-yard line. Right right there about to get like a a safety or what Yeah, to get like a a safety or what Yeah, to get like a a safety or what Yeah, safety. Okay. And then he would juke him safety. Okay. And then he would juke him safety. Okay. And then he would juke him and he would run back and he would run and he would run back and he would run and he would run back and he would run as fast he could and then he would fall as fast he could and then he would fall as fast he could and then he would fall down and he would fall down exactly down and he would fall down exactly down and he would fall down exactly where we started.

where we started. where we started. 2 minutes of non-stop action and zero 2 minutes of non-stop action and zero 2 minutes of non-stop action and zero forward motion. forward motion. forward motion. And that's a lot of Christians. And that's a lot of Christians. And that's a lot of Christians. We got a lot of action, We got a lot of action, We got a lot of action, but not a lot of forward motion. but not a lot of forward motion. but not a lot of forward motion. Paul says, "I'm pressing on. Paul says, "I'm pressing on. Paul says, "I'm pressing on. I've not achieved I've not achieved I've I've not achieved I've not achieved I've I've not achieved I've not achieved I've not obtained all that's there for me." not obtained all that's there for me." not obtained all that's there for me." He says in verse 13, "Brothers and He says in verse 13, "Brothers and He says in verse 13, "Brothers and sisters, Victory Church, I do not sisters, Victory Church, I do not sisters, Victory Church, I do not consider myself consider myself consider myself yet to have achieved this, but I focus." yet to have achieved this, but I focus." yet to have achieved this, but I focus." Everybody say, "I focus." Everybody say, "I focus." Everybody say, "I focus." This is an important word this year. This is an important word this year. This is an important word this year. Focus is a superpower. Focus is a superpower. Focus is a superpower. Like, we're living in the ADHD Like, we're living in the ADHD Like, we're living in the ADHD generation right now, where everybody is generation right now, where everybody is generation right now, where everybody is distracted and everybody is like distracted and everybody is like distracted and everybody is like cock-eyed. You know, like we got one eye cock-eyed. You know, like we got one eye cock-eyed. You know, like we got one eye over here and one eye over there. We got over here and one eye over there. We got over here and one eye over there. We got one ear listening to this conversation one ear listening to this conversation one ear listening to this conversation and another ear listening to a thousand and another ear listening to a thousand and another ear listening to a thousand other conversations. We got social media other conversations. We got social media other conversations. We got social media open and we got so many windows and so open and we got so many windows and so open and we got so many windows and so many voices and so many apps that we've many voices and so many apps that we've many voices and so many apps that we've opened and we've lost the ability to opened and we've lost the ability to opened and we've lost the ability to focus.

focus. focus. And and then the problem is when we do And and then the problem is when we do And and then the problem is when we do get focused, we end up focusing on the get focused, we end up focusing on the get focused, we end up focusing on the wrong thing. wrong thing. wrong thing. We'll spend hours on rabbit trails on We'll spend hours on rabbit trails on We'll spend hours on rabbit trails on social media just going down hours of social media just going down hours of social media just going down hours of doom scrolling videos and videos and we doom scrolling videos and videos and we doom scrolling videos and videos and we get to the end of the day and, you know, get to the end of the day and, you know, get to the end of the day and, you know, the Lord's like, "What did you the Lord's like, "What did you the Lord's like, "What did you accomplish?" And you're like, "6 hours accomplish?" And you're like, "6 hours accomplish?" And you're like, "6 hours of Instagram." And God's like, "Okay. of Instagram." And God's like, "Okay. of Instagram." And God's like, "Okay. And how does that help your spiritual, And how does that help your spiritual, And how does that help your spiritual, you know, soul?" And you're like, "I you know, soul?" And you're like, "I you know, soul?" And you're like, "I don't know, but I laughed a lot. I was don't know, but I laughed a lot. I was don't know, but I laughed a lot. I was intrigued." And what do you remember? intrigued." And what do you remember? intrigued." And what do you remember? Nothing. And Paul says, "I'm I'm going to focus And Paul says, "I'm I'm going to focus on the thing that matters." Everybody on the thing that matters." Everybody on the thing that matters." Everybody say, "I focus." say, "I focus." say, "I focus." On this one thing. On this one thing. On this one thing. This one thing. What is this one thing? This one thing. What is this one thing? This one thing. What is this one thing? What's your one thing? We got 200,000 What's your one thing? We got 200,000 What's your one thing? We got 200,000 minutes left of 2026. I looked it up minutes left of 2026. I looked it up minutes left of 2026. I looked it up right before this weekend. right before this weekend. right before this weekend. Like, we we're now in the second half of Like, we we're now in the second half of Like, we we're now in the second half of the year. You got 4 months left and the year. You got 4 months left and the year. You got 4 months left and maybe you're watching this right now and maybe you're watching this right now and maybe you're watching this right now and and and it's a totally different time of and and it's a totally different time of and and it's a totally different time of year. What whatever that time of year year. What whatever that time of year year. What whatever that time of year is, is, is, what are you going to do with what what are you going to do with what what are you going to do with what you've got left? What are you going to you've got left? What are you going to you've got left? What are you going to do with the time that's left? Here's an do with the time that's left? Here's an do with the time that's left? Here's an interesting thing.

interesting thing. interesting thing. The compass was invented before the The compass was invented before the The compass was invented before the clock. clock. clock. Because more important than how fast you Because more important than how fast you Because more important than how fast you go somewhere is where you're actually go somewhere is where you're actually go somewhere is where you're actually going. going. going. Direction is more important than the Direction is more important than the Direction is more important than the timing of when you get married, when you timing of when you get married, when you timing of when you get married, when you have kids, when you finally buy a house, have kids, when you finally buy a house, have kids, when you finally buy a house, when you do all this stuff, because you when you do all this stuff, because you when you do all this stuff, because you can get some stuff done fast in the can get some stuff done fast in the can get some stuff done fast in the wrong direction. wrong direction. wrong direction. And God's like, "Yeah, yeah, you And God's like, "Yeah, yeah, you And God's like, "Yeah, yeah, you achieved a lot, achieved a lot, achieved a lot, but it wasn't what I called you to do." but it wasn't what I called you to do." but it wasn't what I called you to do." Paul said, "I focus [snorts] on this one Paul said, "I focus [snorts] on this one Paul said, "I focus [snorts] on this one thing." thing." thing." And for him it was to know Christ. And for him it was to know Christ. And for him it was to know Christ. It was a personal relationship with It was a personal relationship with It was a personal relationship with Jesus. It was not the American dream. It Jesus. It was not the American dream. It Jesus. It was not the American dream. It was not more money. It was not a bigger was not more money. It was not a bigger was not more money. It was not a bigger house. It was not a super nice car. It house. It was not a super nice car. It house. It was not a super nice car. It wasn't getting married and and none of wasn't getting married and and none of wasn't getting married and and none of those things are evil or bad or sinful. those things are evil or bad or sinful. those things are evil or bad or sinful. All of those things are fine. All of those things are fine. All of those things are fine. But if those things become the one But if those things become the one But if those things become the one thing, thing, thing, if you allow a good thing to become a if you allow a good thing to become a if you allow a good thing to become a god in your life, god in your life, god in your life, if you allow mar- like marriage is if you allow mar- like marriage is if you allow mar- like marriage is great. Kids is great. Family is great. A great. Kids is great. Family is great. A great. Kids is great. Family is great. A job, a career is great. But if any of job, a career is great. But if any of job, a career is great. But if any of that stuff becomes the one thing, that stuff becomes the one thing, that stuff becomes the one thing, in the end you're going to regret in the end you're going to regret in the end you're going to regret how much energy, time, and focus you how much energy, time, and focus you how much energy, time, and focus you spent on something that wasn't the main spent on something that wasn't the main spent on something that wasn't the main thing.

thing. thing. Paul said, "I've got one thing I'm Paul said, "I've got one thing I'm Paul said, "I've got one thing I'm focusing on. And here's how I'm going to focusing on. And here's how I'm going to focusing on. And here's how I'm going to get there. I'm going to forget the get there. I'm going to forget the get there. I'm going to forget the past." Everybody say, "Forget about it." past." Everybody say, "Forget about it." past." Everybody say, "Forget about it." Forget about it. And he said, "I'm Forget about it. And he said, "I'm Forget about it. And he said, "I'm looking forward." Everybody say, "I'm looking forward." Everybody say, "I'm looking forward." Everybody say, "I'm looking forward." For some of you that's a hard line to For some of you that's a hard line to say because you're like, "Honestly, I'm say because you're like, "Honestly, I'm say because you're like, "Honestly, I'm not looking forward. not looking forward. not looking forward. I'm still looking backwards. I want to I'm still looking backwards. I want to I'm still looking backwards. I want to look forward, but even the thing that's look forward, but even the thing that's look forward, but even the thing that's in front of me scares me. I'm stressed in front of me scares me. I'm stressed in front of me scares me. I'm stressed about what's ahead. I'm nervous. I'm about what's ahead. I'm nervous. I'm about what's ahead. I'm nervous. I'm anxious. I can't honestly say I'm anxious. I can't honestly say I'm anxious. I can't honestly say I'm looking forward to it because the truth looking forward to it because the truth looking forward to it because the truth is I'm kind of scared about it. I'm kind is I'm kind of scared about it. I'm kind is I'm kind of scared about it. I'm kind of nervous about it. And and and I'm of nervous about it. And and and I'm of nervous about it. And and and I'm really looking at my rearview mirror really looking at my rearview mirror really looking at my rearview mirror more than I'm looking at the front more than I'm looking at the front more than I'm looking at the front window. More than I'm looking at what's window. More than I'm looking at what's window. More than I'm looking at what's in front of me, I'm looking at what's in front of me, I'm looking at what's in front of me, I'm looking at what's behind me. But Paul says, "This one behind me. But Paul says, "This one behind me. But Paul says, "This one thing I know. I am forgetting the past thing I know. I am forgetting the past thing I know. I am forgetting the past and I'm looking forward to what lies and I'm looking forward to what lies and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead. And here's why. Look at the next ahead. And here's why. Look at the next ahead. And here's why. Look at the next verse, verse 14. He says, "I press on." verse, verse 14. He says, "I press on." verse, verse 14. He says, "I press on." Somebody say, "I press on." Somebody say, "I press on." Somebody say, "I press on." He says, "I'm pressing on to reach the He says, "I'm pressing on to reach the He says, "I'm pressing on to reach the end of the race." We are in a race, my end of the race." We are in a race, my end of the race." We are in a race, my friends. We are in a race. Paul often friends. We are in a race. Paul often friends. We are in a race. Paul often talked about this race. It's a spiritual talked about this race. It's a spiritual talked about this race. It's a spiritual race. And I'm not competing against you, race. And I'm not competing against you, race. And I'm not competing against you, and you're not competing against me, and and you're not competing against me, and and you're not competing against me, and we're not competing against another we're not competing against another we're not competing against another church or or or you're not competing church or or or you're not competing church or or or you're not competing against other Christians. You're in a against other Christians. You're in a against other Christians. You're in a race against who God's called you to be race against who God's called you to be race against who God's called you to be and what the enemy and what the devil is and what the enemy and what the devil is and what the enemy and what the devil is trying to convince you to be. So, the trying to convince you to be. So, the trying to convince you to be. So, the devil's whispering in your ear, "Be devil's whispering in your ear, "Be devil's whispering in your ear, "Be lazy. Be mean. Be rude. Hold on to that lazy. Be mean. Be rude. Hold on to that lazy. Be mean. Be rude. Hold on to that grudge. Cut those people off. Don't grudge. Cut those people off. Don't grudge. Cut those people off. Don't forgive them. STAY IN THIS SIN. GO BACK forgive them. STAY IN THIS SIN. GO BACK forgive them. STAY IN THIS SIN. GO BACK TO THE ADDICTION. YOU ARE THIS PERSON.

TO THE ADDICTION. YOU ARE THIS PERSON. TO THE ADDICTION. YOU ARE THIS PERSON. YOU'RE A FAILURE. YOU'RE STUCK IN THIS." YOU'RE A FAILURE. YOU'RE STUCK IN THIS." YOU'RE A FAILURE. YOU'RE STUCK IN THIS." And the enemy is trying to convince you And the enemy is trying to convince you And the enemy is trying to convince you to throw in the towel on the race. But to throw in the towel on the race. But to throw in the towel on the race. But Paul says, "I am pressing on." Despite Paul says, "I am pressing on." Despite Paul says, "I am pressing on." Despite all of the voices, despite all the all of the voices, despite all the all of the voices, despite all the temptations, despite all of my past, temptations, despite all of my past, temptations, despite all of my past, despite what people are saying about me, despite what people are saying about me, despite what people are saying about me, I'm pressing on and I will win this I'm pressing on and I will win this I'm pressing on and I will win this race. I will beat who the devil is race. I will beat who the devil is race. I will beat who the devil is trying to make me to be by being who God trying to make me to be by being who God trying to make me to be by being who God is calling me to be. I've got a heavenly is calling me to be. I've got a heavenly is calling me to be. I've got a heavenly prize. I got something in front of me prize. I got something in front of me prize. I got something in front of me that's greater than what lies behind that's greater than what lies behind that's greater than what lies behind me." And he says, "Christ Jesus is me." And he says, "Christ Jesus is me." And he says, "Christ Jesus is calling me forward." calling me forward." calling me forward." So, let's talk about this. Let's talk So, let's talk about this. Let's talk So, let's talk about this. Let's talk about this. This series that we're about this. This series that we're about this. This series that we're starting this weekend is a series about starting this weekend is a series about starting this weekend is a series about how do you move forward in a world that how do you move forward in a world that how do you move forward in a world that seems to be going backwards? And what seems to be going backwards? And what seems to be going backwards? And what does forward actually look like? What does forward actually look like? What does forward actually look like? What does it look like to take the next step does it look like to take the next step does it look like to take the next step in your personal journey with Christ? in your personal journey with Christ? in your personal journey with Christ? I heard this story, true story, about I heard this story, true story, about I heard this story, true story, about this football player named Roy. this football player named Roy. this football player named Roy. He played for the University of He played for the University of He played for the University of California and he was in a big game California and he was in a big game California and he was in a big game against Georgia Tech. against Georgia Tech. against Georgia Tech. And both teams were undefeated and every And both teams were undefeated and every And both teams were undefeated and every play mattered and they were neck to neck play mattered and they were neck to neck play mattered and they were neck to neck and the game was literally coming down and the game was literally coming down and the game was literally coming down to like like near the end.

to like like near the end. to like like near the end. And they were going getting ready to go And they were going getting ready to go And they were going getting ready to go into like the the the the quarter into like the the the the quarter into like the the the the quarter and something happens. The running back and something happens. The running back and something happens. The running back um on Georgia Tech Georgia Tech gets um on Georgia Tech Georgia Tech gets um on Georgia Tech Georgia Tech gets tackled. And while he's getting tackled, tackled. And while he's getting tackled, tackled. And while he's getting tackled, he gets hit really hard, and the ball he gets hit really hard, and the ball he gets hit really hard, and the ball falls on the ground. It's a fumble. And falls on the ground. It's a fumble. And falls on the ground. It's a fumble. And Roy Riegels picks up the ball, and he Roy Riegels picks up the ball, and he Roy Riegels picks up the ball, and he starts running. Starts running, and starts running. Starts running, and starts running. Starts running, and y'all he runs 10 yd, 20 yd, y'all he runs 10 yd, 20 yd, y'all he runs 10 yd, 20 yd, and his whole team is chasing him. and his whole team is chasing him. and his whole team is chasing him. And the whole stand is going nuts cuz And the whole stand is going nuts cuz And the whole stand is going nuts cuz it's in California, and they're it's in California, and they're it's in California, and they're shouting, and he thinks they're shouting shouting, and he thinks they're shouting shouting, and he thinks they're shouting like, "Let's go!" They're shouting, like, "Let's go!" They're shouting, like, "Let's go!" They're shouting, "Wrong way! "Wrong way! "Wrong way! Turn around!" He was running brilliantly Turn around!" He was running brilliantly Turn around!" He was running brilliantly in the wrong direction. He was running in the wrong direction. He was running in the wrong direction. He was running so fast. I mean, he was the center. And so fast. I mean, he was the center. And so fast. I mean, he was the center. And and this was his first chance to ever and this was his first chance to ever and this was his first chance to ever run with the ball, and he is running run with the ball, and he is running run with the ball, and he is running with the ball, and it's an incredible with the ball, and it's an incredible with the ball, and it's an incredible run. It's just in the wrong direction. run. It's just in the wrong direction. run. It's just in the wrong direction. And he runs 20 yd, 30 yd, 40 yd. His And he runs 20 yd, 30 yd, 40 yd. His And he runs 20 yd, 30 yd, 40 yd. His whole team is trying to tackle him whole team is trying to tackle him whole team is trying to tackle him because they They're like, "Dude, you're because they They're like, "Dude, you're because they They're like, "Dude, you're about to score for the wrong team!"

about to score for the wrong team!" about to score for the wrong team!" And he's not listening to them because And he's not listening to them because And he's not listening to them because he is single-mindedly focused this one he is single-mindedly focused this one he is single-mindedly focused this one thing. If the one thing is the wrong thing. If the one thing is the wrong thing. If the one thing is the wrong thing, you can score a touchdown for the thing, you can score a touchdown for the thing, you can score a touchdown for the wrong team. wrong team. wrong team. And so, they're trying to shout at him. And so, they're trying to shout at him. And so, they're trying to shout at him. They're like, "Come on, bro! Stop! They're like, "Come on, bro! Stop! They're like, "Come on, bro! Stop! Stop!" Finally, one of his teammates Stop!" Finally, one of his teammates Stop!" Finally, one of his teammates tackles him on the 1-yd line before he tackles him on the 1-yd line before he tackles him on the 1-yd line before he scores for the other team. 67 yd in the scores for the other team. 67 yd in the scores for the other team. 67 yd in the wrong direction. wrong direction. wrong direction. His coach pulled him to the side. He was His coach pulled him to the side. He was His coach pulled him to the side. He was super embarrassed, ashamed. He didn't super embarrassed, ashamed. He didn't super embarrassed, ashamed. He didn't realize what had happened. He had gotten realize what had happened. He had gotten realize what had happened. He had gotten confused out on the field. confused out on the field. confused out on the field. And I think that's happening to a lot of And I think that's happening to a lot of And I think that's happening to a lot of Christians. They're getting confused. Christians. They're getting confused. Christians. They're getting confused. And it's not like they're intentionally And it's not like they're intentionally And it's not like they're intentionally trying to run run the wrong direction. trying to run run the wrong direction. trying to run run the wrong direction. It's just that they're getting confused It's just that they're getting confused It's just that they're getting confused in the middle of the battle. in the middle of the battle. in the middle of the battle. And they start running, and and they And they start running, and and they And they start running, and and they stop listening to the right voice. They stop listening to the right voice. They stop listening to the right voice. They start listening to the wrong voice. start listening to the wrong voice. start listening to the wrong voice. And Paul had a decision in this moment And Paul had a decision in this moment And Paul had a decision in this moment whether or not he was going to keep whether or not he was going to keep whether or not he was going to keep moving forward. He could have gotten moving forward. He could have gotten moving forward. He could have gotten depressed into prison. He could have depressed into prison. He could have depressed into prison. He could have gotten angry at God. He could have said, gotten angry at God. He could have said, gotten angry at God. He could have said, "Man, God, you forgot about me. I'm "Man, God, you forgot about me. I'm "Man, God, you forgot about me. I'm stuck in this jail." But instead, he stuck in this jail." But instead, he stuck in this jail." But instead, he said, "Even here, these chains have a said, "Even here, these chains have a said, "Even here, these chains have a purpose. Even here, this season matters.

purpose. Even here, this season matters. purpose. Even here, this season matters. Even at 65, I am not retiring my Even at 65, I am not retiring my Even at 65, I am not retiring my mindset, my attitude, and my heart from mindset, my attitude, and my heart from mindset, my attitude, and my heart from what God wants to do in me." Number one, what God wants to do in me." Number one, what God wants to do in me." Number one, forward starts with humility. I want to forward starts with humility. I want to forward starts with humility. I want to give you five points on how to live this give you five points on how to live this give you five points on how to live this message out. message out. message out. If you're going to still move forward, If you're going to still move forward, If you're going to still move forward, then number one, it starts with then number one, it starts with then number one, it starts with humility. humility. humility. It's a mindset. It's a mindset. It's a mindset. Forward is a mindset before it's an Forward is a mindset before it's an Forward is a mindset before it's an action. By the way, note takers are action. By the way, note takers are action. By the way, note takers are history makers, world changers, culture history makers, world changers, culture history makers, world changers, culture shapers. Here's one thing I know about shapers. Here's one thing I know about shapers. Here's one thing I know about humble people. Humble people take notes. humble people. Humble people take notes. humble people. Humble people take notes. Humble people lean in. Humble people Humble people lean in. Humble people Humble people lean in. Humble people have a hungry attitude. Humble people have a hungry attitude. Humble people have a hungry attitude. Humble people don't leave when the when the game gets don't leave when the when the game gets don't leave when the when the game gets hard, when the sound goes out. They're hard, when the sound goes out. They're hard, when the sound goes out. They're like, "I am so grateful to be in the like, "I am so grateful to be in the like, "I am so grateful to be in the room, and I want to see what God has for room, and I want to see what God has for room, and I want to see what God has for us, and I want to hear what God wants to us, and I want to hear what God wants to us, and I want to hear what God wants to speak to me, and I'm leaning in, and speak to me, and I'm leaning in, and speak to me, and I'm leaning in, and there's still more that God wants to there's still more that God wants to there's still more that God wants to show me, and he's not finished with me show me, and he's not finished with me show me, and he's not finished with me yet." yet." yet." Come on, this is a church of humble, Come on, this is a church of humble, Come on, this is a church of humble, hungry, mighty men and women of God. hungry, mighty men and women of God. hungry, mighty men and women of God. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> We have a motto here at Victory, God's >> We have a motto here at Victory, God's >> We have a motto here at Victory, God's not finished with me yet.

not finished with me yet. not finished with me yet. It's a motto that God spoke to me when I It's a motto that God spoke to me when I It's a motto that God spoke to me when I was discouraged in one of my hardest was discouraged in one of my hardest was discouraged in one of my hardest seasons, where I felt like giving up. seasons, where I felt like giving up. seasons, where I felt like giving up. And here's the enemy of forward. The And here's the enemy of forward. The And here's the enemy of forward. The enemy of forward and the enemy of enemy of forward and the enemy of enemy of forward and the enemy of humility is not always failure, humility is not always failure, humility is not always failure, sometimes it's success. sometimes it's success. sometimes it's success. Sometimes it's it's it's making so many Sometimes it's it's it's making so many Sometimes it's it's it's making so many achievements in your life that you kind achievements in your life that you kind achievements in your life that you kind of feel like, "Yeah, I'm done growing. of feel like, "Yeah, I'm done growing. of feel like, "Yeah, I'm done growing. I'm done moving forward. Like, I think I'm done moving forward. Like, I think I'm done moving forward. Like, I think I'm just going to sit here and stay I'm just going to sit here and stay I'm just going to sit here and stay here." But God says, "Hold up. here." But God says, "Hold up. here." But God says, "Hold up. I still have more in store for you. I still have more in store for you. I still have more in store for you. You don't have to be where you're going You don't have to be where you're going You don't have to be where you're going to thank God to thank God to thank God that you're not where you used to be. that you're not where you used to be. that you're not where you used to be. You're in a process. Salvation is not a You're in a process. Salvation is not a You're in a process. Salvation is not a finish line, it's a starting line. When finish line, it's a starting line. When finish line, it's a starting line. When you got saved, you didn't get saved to you got saved, you didn't get saved to you got saved, you didn't get saved to sit still. You got saved to keep getting sit still. You got saved to keep getting sit still. You got saved to keep getting sanctified to become more like Jesus. sanctified to become more like Jesus. sanctified to become more like Jesus. So, when I got saved, IT WASN'T LIKE, So, when I got saved, IT WASN'T LIKE, So, when I got saved, IT WASN'T LIKE, "I'VE ARRIVED. I'M THE GREATEST VERSION "I'VE ARRIVED. I'M THE GREATEST VERSION "I'VE ARRIVED. I'M THE GREATEST VERSION OF A CHRISTIAN PAUL DAVID DAUGHERTY THAT OF A CHRISTIAN PAUL DAVID DAUGHERTY THAT OF A CHRISTIAN PAUL DAVID DAUGHERTY THAT I CAN BE." NO, it was like, "This is the I CAN BE." NO, it was like, "This is the I CAN BE." NO, it was like, "This is the beginning of a crucifixion path." Then beginning of a crucifixion path." Then beginning of a crucifixion path." Then every single day I'm laying down my every single day I'm laying down my every single day I'm laying down my pride and my ego and my temptations and pride and my ego and my temptations and pride and my ego and my temptations and my failures and my struggles and I'm my failures and my struggles and I'm my failures and my struggles and I'm becoming more like Jesus.

becoming more like Jesus. becoming more like Jesus. And that's the call for every Christian. And that's the call for every Christian. And that's the call for every Christian. And it requires a humble mindset. And it requires a humble mindset. And it requires a humble mindset. Maturity is not saying I've arrived, Maturity is not saying I've arrived, Maturity is not saying I've arrived, it's saying there's still more that God it's saying there's still more that God it's saying there's still more that God has for me. There's still more of has for me. There's still more of has for me. There's still more of knowing Jesus and experiencing him. knowing Jesus and experiencing him. knowing Jesus and experiencing him. Humble people have a prayer life. Humble Humble people have a prayer life. Humble Humble people have a prayer life. Humble people carve out time to hear God's people carve out time to hear God's people carve out time to hear God's voice, to read their Bible, and to pray voice, to read their Bible, and to pray voice, to read their Bible, and to pray and ask God for his help every single and ask God for his help every single and ask God for his help every single day. Humble people show up consistently. day. Humble people show up consistently. day. Humble people show up consistently. Half the battle this school year is Half the battle this school year is Half the battle this school year is going to be just showing up to school, going to be just showing up to school, going to be just showing up to school, showing up in the places where you don't showing up in the places where you don't showing up in the places where you don't feel like showing up, where you feel feel like showing up, where you feel feel like showing up, where you feel like this is boring, I don't like this, like this is boring, I don't like this, like this is boring, I don't like this, I'm tired of this, I'm frustrated, I'm tired of this, I'm frustrated, I'm tired of this, I'm frustrated, people aren't always nice. people aren't always nice. people aren't always nice. But forward starts with humility. But forward starts with humility. But forward starts with humility. Number two, Number two, Number two, forward means releasing what's behind forward means releasing what's behind forward means releasing what's behind you. you. you. Paul says, "I let go of what's behind Paul says, "I let go of what's behind Paul says, "I let go of what's behind me. I forget what's behind me. I'm me. I forget what's behind me. I'm me. I forget what's behind me. I'm releasing what I can't change." God did releasing what I can't change." God did releasing what I can't change." God did not call you to carry yesterday into not call you to carry yesterday into not call you to carry yesterday into tomorrow. tomorrow. tomorrow. God did not call you to carry your past God did not call you to carry your past God did not call you to carry your past into your future. into your future. into your future. I'm a backpack guy and I got my backpack I'm a backpack guy and I got my backpack I'm a backpack guy and I got my backpack with me today.

with me today. with me today. And I think I'm going to be wearing a And I think I'm going to be wearing a And I think I'm going to be wearing a backpack till I'm like 80, 90 years old. backpack till I'm like 80, 90 years old. backpack till I'm like 80, 90 years old. I'm not a briefcase guy, I'm a back I'm not a briefcase guy, I'm a back I'm not a briefcase guy, I'm a back Where's my backpack people at? You know Where's my backpack people at? You know Where's my backpack people at? You know what I'm talking about? You keep You what I'm talking about? You keep You what I'm talking about? You keep You keep your laptop in there, your Bible in keep your laptop in there, your Bible in keep your laptop in there, your Bible in there. And And here's the thing I've there. And And here's the thing I've there. And And here's the thing I've realized is a backpack can get really realized is a backpack can get really realized is a backpack can get really heavy heavy heavy if you don't check what's in the bag if you don't check what's in the bag if you don't check what's in the bag that's no longer necessary. that's no longer necessary. that's no longer necessary. You start carrying stuff to work that You start carrying stuff to work that You start carrying stuff to work that you no longer need. You start carrying you no longer need. You start carrying you no longer need. You start carrying stuff on trips that's unnecessary for stuff on trips that's unnecessary for stuff on trips that's unnecessary for that trip and you overpacked. And you that trip and you overpacked. And you that trip and you overpacked. And you start looking through that bag. Ask the start looking through that bag. Ask the start looking through that bag. Ask the person next to you, "What are you person next to you, "What are you person next to you, "What are you carrying?" carrying?" carrying?" What are you carrying? This is a good What are you carrying? This is a good What are you carrying? This is a good question to ask yourself in your notes, question to ask yourself in your notes, question to ask yourself in your notes, "What am I carrying "What am I carrying "What am I carrying that God's asking me to let go of? that God's asking me to let go of? that God's asking me to let go of? What am I carrying that God's asking me What am I carrying that God's asking me What am I carrying that God's asking me to take out? So, I'm looking through my to take out? So, I'm looking through my to take out? So, I'm looking through my backpack right here backpack right here backpack right here and um and um and um I got an old Lunchables here. I got an old Lunchables here. I got an old Lunchables here. Let's go. Lunchables were like the rich Let's go. Lunchables were like the rich Let's go. Lunchables were like the rich meals that kids had at school. I was meals that kids had at school. I was meals that kids had at school. I was like, "That kid's rich. He's got a like, "That kid's rich. He's got a like, "That kid's rich. He's got a Lunchable." Lunchable." Lunchable." I never got a Lunchable. I always had I never got a Lunchable. I always had I never got a Lunchable. I always had like a you know like a you know like a you know Thank you, Mom. I appreciate what you Thank you, Mom. I appreciate what you Thank you, Mom. I appreciate what you made me.

We just never got Capri Suns. I was We just never got Capri Suns. I was like, "Anyone with a Capri Sun's a like, "Anyone with a Capri Sun's a like, "Anyone with a Capri Sun's a millionaire." I was like, "Those kids millionaire." I was like, "Those kids millionaire." I was like, "Those kids are rich. They got Reese's and Capri are rich. They got Reese's and Capri are rich. They got Reese's and Capri Suns." But Suns." But Suns." But but this is an old meal. but this is an old meal. but this is an old meal. Some of us are living on old, moldy Some of us are living on old, moldy Some of us are living on old, moldy messages messages messages and God's like, "I got fresh manna for and God's like, "I got fresh manna for and God's like, "I got fresh manna for you you you but you you you won't give room for me but you you you won't give room for me but you you you won't give room for me cuz your bag is packed cuz your bag is packed cuz your bag is packed with the old man. You won't even make with the old man. You won't even make with the old man. You won't even make room to read your Bible this year room to read your Bible this year room to read your Bible this year because you think you've read it because you think you've read it because you think you've read it already. already. already. You won't make room to pray because You won't make room to pray because You won't make room to pray because you're you're hanging your hat on the you're you're hanging your hat on the you're you're hanging your hat on the fact that you had a 24-hour prayer fact that you had a 24-hour prayer fact that you had a 24-hour prayer session in 2018 and God's like, "Can we session in 2018 and God's like, "Can we session in 2018 and God's like, "Can we have another prayer session in 2026? have another prayer session in 2026? have another prayer session in 2026? Can can you stop living on yesterday's Can can you stop living on yesterday's Can can you stop living on yesterday's manna?" And and I got old notes in here. I got And and I got old notes in here. I got an old grade in here. an old grade in here. an old grade in here. I got This is when I got an F. I got to I got This is when I got an F. I got to I got This is when I got an F. I got to remember my F because that was my big remember my F because that was my big remember my F because that was my big failure and I got to make sure that my failure and I got to make sure that my failure and I got to make sure that my failure stays with me and God's like, failure stays with me and God's like, failure stays with me and God's like, "That failure, that shame is not helping "That failure, that shame is not helping "That failure, that shame is not helping you in today." you in today." you in today." I didn't call you to carry your past I didn't call you to carry your past I didn't call you to carry your past mistakes into your future purpose.

mistakes into your future purpose. mistakes into your future purpose. And and some of us have broken pencils. And and some of us have broken pencils. And and some of us have broken pencils. I got a Yoo-hoo in here. I don't know I got a Yoo-hoo in here. I don't know I got a Yoo-hoo in here. I don't know the illustration for that but the illustration for that but the illustration for that but you know you know you know my question is what's in your bag right my question is what's in your bag right my question is what's in your bag right now that's no longer necessary? Some of now that's no longer necessary? Some of now that's no longer necessary? Some of you are holding on to rejection from you are holding on to rejection from you are holding on to rejection from people. people. people. You're holding on to a label that You're holding on to a label that You're holding on to a label that someone gave you a long time ago. They someone gave you a long time ago. They someone gave you a long time ago. They haven't said it in the last 10 years but haven't said it in the last 10 years but haven't said it in the last 10 years but you remember when they did in 2010. I you remember when they did in 2010. I you remember when they did in 2010. I remember when they called me stupid, remember when they called me stupid, remember when they called me stupid, fat. They told me I would never amount fat. They told me I would never amount fat. They told me I would never amount to anything. They said I was uh you to anything. They said I was uh you to anything. They said I was uh you know, like unqualified. They told me, know, like unqualified. They told me, know, like unqualified. They told me, "Yeah, but but why are you still "Yeah, but but why are you still "Yeah, but but why are you still carrying that?" carrying that?" carrying that?" Well, because they said it. So, they Well, because they said it. So, they Well, because they said it. So, they said it and it stays with you the rest said it and it stays with you the rest said it and it stays with you the rest of your life. At what point can you take of your life. At what point can you take of your life. At what point can you take that out of your bag and say that's not that out of your bag and say that's not that out of your bag and say that's not who I am? I'm a child of God. I'm made who I am? I'm a child of God. I'm made who I am? I'm a child of God. I'm made in his image. I got a calling on my in his image. I got a calling on my in his image. I got a calling on my life. life. life. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Some of us are holding on to not just >> Some of us are holding on to not just >> Some of us are holding on to not just labels, but the bullying, the mean labels, but the bullying, the mean labels, but the bullying, the mean words. words. words. I remember someone said some really I remember someone said some really I remember someone said some really harsh things to me in 7th grade. They harsh things to me in 7th grade. They harsh things to me in 7th grade. They were making fun of my pimple face and were making fun of my pimple face and were making fun of my pimple face and they were like, "Pimple Paul." You know, they were like, "Pimple Paul." You know, they were like, "Pimple Paul." You know, and I was carrying it with me, y'all. I and I was carrying it with me, y'all. I and I was carrying it with me, y'all. I was carrying it with me into college and was carrying it with me into college and was carrying it with me into college and and I was telling people I was like, and I was telling people I was like, and I was telling people I was like, "Yeah, my name's Pimple Paul." And "Yeah, my name's Pimple Paul." And "Yeah, my name's Pimple Paul." And they're like, "You don't have You don't they're like, "You don't have You don't they're like, "You don't have You don't have that pimple stuff anymore." I was have that pimple stuff anymore." I was have that pimple stuff anymore." I was like, "Yeah, but I did in middle school.

like, "Yeah, but I did in middle school. like, "Yeah, but I did in middle school. People told me about it." They're like, People told me about it." They're like, People told me about it." They're like, "Why are you still rehearsing old "Why are you still rehearsing old "Why are you still rehearsing old labels?" labels?" labels?" Why are you still carrying something Why are you still carrying something Why are you still carrying something that you no longer need to carry? that you no longer need to carry? that you no longer need to carry? Some of you are carrying the shame of Some of you are carrying the shame of Some of you are carrying the shame of past mistakes. You're carrying past mistakes. You're carrying past mistakes. You're carrying comparison. You're carrying something comparison. You're carrying something comparison. You're carrying something you wish you could undo. The shoulda, you wish you could undo. The shoulda, you wish you could undo. The shoulda, coulda, woulda. If I WAS IN THAT JOB, IF coulda, woulda. If I WAS IN THAT JOB, IF coulda, woulda. If I WAS IN THAT JOB, IF I WAS AND WE'RE STILL living in the I WAS AND WE'RE STILL living in the I WAS AND WE'RE STILL living in the glory days like Uncle Rico on Napoleon glory days like Uncle Rico on Napoleon glory days like Uncle Rico on Napoleon Dynamite. I could throw a pigskin a Dynamite. I could throw a pigskin a Dynamite. I could throw a pigskin a quarter mile. Coach would have put me in quarter mile. Coach would have put me in quarter mile. Coach would have put me in in the last quarter of the game. We in the last quarter of the game. We in the last quarter of the game. We would have won the championship. It's would have won the championship. It's would have won the championship. It's like, "Stop, Uncle Rico." like, "Stop, Uncle Rico." like, "Stop, Uncle Rico." Stop living in the past. Stop living in the past. Stop living in the past. You can learn from the past, but don't You can learn from the past, but don't You can learn from the past, but don't live in the past. live in the past. live in the past. You can glance at the rearview mirror, You can glance at the rearview mirror, You can glance at the rearview mirror, but if you stare at the rearview mirror, but if you stare at the rearview mirror, but if you stare at the rearview mirror, you're going to crash your car into you're going to crash your car into you're going to crash your car into something that God has in front of you. something that God has in front of you. something that God has in front of you. Release it. Release it. Release it. Release it. Release it. Release it. Paul does not say deny the past. He Paul does not say deny the past. He Paul does not say deny the past. He says, "Don't live in the past. Don't says, "Don't live in the past. Don't says, "Don't live in the past. Don't don't be stuck in a constant memory of don't be stuck in a constant memory of don't be stuck in a constant memory of museums, rehearsing the and nostalgia museums, rehearsing the and nostalgia museums, rehearsing the and nostalgia has become a mistress in our generation. has become a mistress in our generation. has become a mistress in our generation. Robbing people of their present purpose Robbing people of their present purpose Robbing people of their present purpose cuz they're like, "I miss the '90s. I cuz they're like, "I miss the '90s. I cuz they're like, "I miss the '90s. I miss the Backstreet Boys. I miss the miss the Backstreet Boys. I miss the miss the Backstreet Boys. I miss the days where we were in the '90s and there days where we were in the '90s and there days where we were in the '90s and there was no iPhones and social media." I do was no iPhones and social media." I do was no iPhones and social media." I do too.

too. too. But I also realize we are here for such But I also realize we are here for such But I also realize we are here for such a time as this. In a crazy toxic world, a time as this. In a crazy toxic world, a time as this. In a crazy toxic world, I'm not going to live in yesterday or 20 I'm not going to live in yesterday or 20 I'm not going to live in yesterday or 20 years from now, 20 years from where we years from now, 20 years from where we years from now, 20 years from where we were you know used to be. I'm going to were you know used to be. I'm going to were you know used to be. I'm going to wake up today and say God has put me on wake up today and say God has put me on wake up today and say God has put me on earth for such a time as this and this earth for such a time as this and this earth for such a time as this and this season to be fully awake. Yes, I I'm season to be fully awake. Yes, I I'm season to be fully awake. Yes, I I'm grateful for the 90s and I'm grateful grateful for the 90s and I'm grateful grateful for the 90s and I'm grateful for the early 2000 and I'm grateful for for the early 2000 and I'm grateful for for the early 2000 and I'm grateful for what God has brought us through, but what God has brought us through, but what God has brought us through, but where God has us right now is greater where God has us right now is greater where God has us right now is greater than where we used to be. than where we used to be. than where we used to be. Learn from yesterday, don't live in Learn from yesterday, don't live in Learn from yesterday, don't live in yesterday. yesterday. yesterday. Number three, forward means reaching for Number three, forward means reaching for Number three, forward means reaching for what God has ahead. what God has ahead. what God has ahead. Paul says I'm reaching forward. Somebody Paul says I'm reaching forward. Somebody Paul says I'm reaching forward. Somebody say I'm reaching. say I'm reaching. say I'm reaching. Paul's using physical language here. Paul's using physical language here. Paul's using physical language here. He's saying I'm reaching, I'm He's saying I'm reaching, I'm He's saying I'm reaching, I'm stretching, I'm pursuing. I went on a stretching, I'm pursuing. I went on a stretching, I'm pursuing. I went on a hike this summer and in one day I hiked hike this summer and in one day I hiked hike this summer and in one day I hiked 20 miles. I'm not used to doing that, 20 miles. I'm not used to doing that, 20 miles. I'm not used to doing that, it's not normal for me. And at the end it's not normal for me. And at the end it's not normal for me. And at the end my body was just like feeling the pain my body was just like feeling the pain my body was just like feeling the pain and this guy walks up to me, he's like, and this guy walks up to me, he's like, and this guy walks up to me, he's like, "Did you stretch?" "Did you stretch?" "Did you stretch?" I was like, "Remind me again what that I was like, "Remind me again what that I was like, "Remind me again what that means." He's like, "Stretch." Like means." He's like, "Stretch." Like means." He's like, "Stretch." Like stretch. Do the thing that your body stretch. Do the thing that your body stretch. Do the thing that your body doesn't like doing, but you do it before doesn't like doing, but you do it before doesn't like doing, but you do it before you hike, you do it in the middle of you hike, you do it in the middle of you hike, you do it in the middle of your hike, you do it after your hike.

your hike, you do it after your hike. your hike, you do it after your hike. Some of us haven't stretched our faith Some of us haven't stretched our faith Some of us haven't stretched our faith in a while. Some of us haven't stretched in a while. Some of us haven't stretched in a while. Some of us haven't stretched spiritually. Some of us have stopped spiritually. Some of us have stopped spiritually. Some of us have stopped reaching because it's uncomfortable, but reaching because it's uncomfortable, but reaching because it's uncomfortable, but God says if you're going to move forward God says if you're going to move forward God says if you're going to move forward this year, you got to get comfortable this year, you got to get comfortable this year, you got to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. with being uncomfortable. with being uncomfortable. You got to start pursuing, start You got to start pursuing, start You got to start pursuing, start reaching, start stretching. Paul was not reaching, start stretching. Paul was not reaching, start stretching. Paul was not saying, "I'm sitting here waiting for saying, "I'm sitting here waiting for saying, "I'm sitting here waiting for God to make my future happen." Paul was God to make my future happen." Paul was God to make my future happen." Paul was saying, "I'm pressing onwards. I'm saying, "I'm pressing onwards. I'm saying, "I'm pressing onwards. I'm reaching forwards." Imagine if you were reaching forwards." Imagine if you were reaching forwards." Imagine if you were part of the football team at Victory. I part of the football team at Victory. I part of the football team at Victory. I was on the football team and I was like, was on the football team and I was like, was on the football team and I was like, you know, wide receiver and I remember you know, wide receiver and I remember you know, wide receiver and I remember the quarterback gave me the route. He's the quarterback gave me the route. He's the quarterback gave me the route. He's like, "Here's what I need you to do. like, "Here's what I need you to do. like, "Here's what I need you to do. You're going to run 10 yards You're going to run 10 yards You're going to run 10 yards forward, then you're going to cut hard forward, then you're going to cut hard forward, then you're going to cut hard right, you're going to juke this guy, right, you're going to juke this guy, right, you're going to juke this guy, you know, the quarterback who's guarding you know, the quarterback who's guarding you know, the quarterback who's guarding you and then you're going to cut hard you and then you're going to cut hard you and then you're going to cut hard right, catch the football here and right, catch the football here and right, catch the football here and you're going to score because this team you're going to score because this team you're going to score because this team is not ready for this route. They do not is not ready for this route. They do not is not ready for this route. They do not know what we're about to do. They've know what we're about to do. They've know what we're about to do. They've been like the quarterback was reading been like the quarterback was reading been like the quarterback was reading the defense, he knew exactly where he the defense, he knew exactly where he the defense, he knew exactly where he was going to throw it. He said, "I'm was going to throw it. He said, "I'm was going to throw it. He said, "I'm throwing it there, but I need you to do throwing it there, but I need you to do throwing it there, but I need you to do the route so you can get there, catch the route so you can get there, catch the route so you can get there, catch the ball, and get ready." the ball, and get ready." the ball, and get ready." So, I'm over on the sidelines. And So, I'm over on the sidelines. And So, I'm over on the sidelines. And imagine if the quarterback was like, imagine if the quarterback was like, imagine if the quarterback was like, "Down. Set." And everybody's getting "Down. Set." And everybody's getting "Down. Set." And everybody's getting ready to run the route. And he goes, ready to run the route. And he goes, ready to run the route. And he goes, "Hut." And I just do this.

Come on. Come on. Come on. Deliver to me. Come on. Deliver to me. Come on. Deliver to me. Come on. Give me the ball. And he's Come on. Give me the ball. And he's Come on. Give me the ball. And he's like, "I need you to move. I gave you like, "I need you to move. I gave you like, "I need you to move. I gave you the route. I told you where to go. I the route. I told you where to go. I the route. I told you where to go. I told you where to go. IF YOU GO WHERE told you where to go. IF YOU GO WHERE told you where to go. IF YOU GO WHERE I'VE TOLD YOU TO GO, I PROMISE YOU THE I'VE TOLD YOU TO GO, I PROMISE YOU THE I'VE TOLD YOU TO GO, I PROMISE YOU THE provision's coming. Come on, God. I just provision's coming. Come on, God. I just provision's coming. Come on, God. I just need you to provide for me. God's like, need you to provide for me. God's like, need you to provide for me. God's like, "I told you. Bring the tithe into the "I told you. Bring the tithe into the "I told you. Bring the tithe into the storehouse, and watch if I will not open storehouse, and watch if I will not open storehouse, and watch if I will not open the windows of heaven. Forgive, and it the windows of heaven. Forgive, and it the windows of heaven. Forgive, and it will be pressed down, shaken together." will be pressed down, shaken together." will be pressed down, shaken together." God has given us the route. He's given God has given us the route. He's given God has given us the route. He's given us the playbook. He's given us all of us the playbook. He's given us all of us the playbook. He's given us all of the scriptures. He's saying, "If you run the scriptures. He's saying, "If you run the scriptures. He's saying, "If you run the route, you'll score the touchdown. the route, you'll score the touchdown. the route, you'll score the touchdown. But if you sit down on your booty, and But if you sit down on your booty, and But if you sit down on your booty, and just expect God to Amazon Prime deliver just expect God to Amazon Prime deliver just expect God to Amazon Prime deliver all of his promises to you without you all of his promises to you without you all of his promises to you without you ever moving out of your house." God's ever moving out of your house." God's ever moving out of your house." God's like, "You got to get in motion, because like, "You got to get in motion, because like, "You got to get in motion, because his miracles are motion activated." his miracles are motion activated." his miracles are motion activated." God's break There's faith without works God's break There's faith without works God's break There's faith without works is is is Even as I'm preaching right now with a Even as I'm preaching right now with a Even as I'm preaching right now with a portable sound system, y'all, I could portable sound system, y'all, I could portable sound system, y'all, I could have said, "YOU KNOW WHAT? THE sound's have said, "YOU KNOW WHAT? THE sound's have said, "YOU KNOW WHAT? THE sound's not working. Let's go home." But I felt not working. Let's go home." But I felt not working. Let's go home." But I felt the Lord say, "There's a breakthrough on the Lord say, "There's a breakthrough on the Lord say, "There's a breakthrough on the other side of your press. If you the other side of your press. If you the other side of your press. If you will press in, if you will reach, if you will press in, if you will reach, if you will press in, if you will reach, if you will stretch, if you will GET will stretch, if you will GET will stretch, if you will GET COMFORTABLE WITH UNCOMFORTABLE, IF YOU COMFORTABLE WITH UNCOMFORTABLE, IF YOU COMFORTABLE WITH UNCOMFORTABLE, IF YOU WILL LINGER IN A ROOM WHEN IT'S HARD TO WILL LINGER IN A ROOM WHEN IT'S HARD TO WILL LINGER IN A ROOM WHEN IT'S HARD TO LINGER, IF YOU WILL KEEP PRESSING IN, I LINGER, IF YOU WILL KEEP PRESSING IN, I LINGER, IF YOU WILL KEEP PRESSING IN, I PROMISE you there's a breakthrough."

PROMISE you there's a breakthrough." PROMISE you there's a breakthrough." Paul says, "You got to get in motion. Paul says, "You got to get in motion. Paul says, "You got to get in motion. You don't accidentally become who God You don't accidentally become who God You don't accidentally become who God created you to be. You got to be created you to be. You got to be created you to be. You got to be intentional." intentional." intentional." Everybody say, "You got to reach." Everybody say, "You got to reach." Everybody say, "You got to reach." Two questions on this. Number one, are Two questions on this. Number one, are Two questions on this. Number one, are you making the effort to reach right you making the effort to reach right you making the effort to reach right now? now? now? If you're trying to get in shape, are If you're trying to get in shape, are If you're trying to get in shape, are you making the effort? Cuz you could go you making the effort? Cuz you could go you making the effort? Cuz you could go to the gym and not do anything at the to the gym and not do anything at the to the gym and not do anything at the gym. gym. gym. Just go in there and just kind of look Just go in there and just kind of look Just go in there and just kind of look at yourself in the mirror. Kind of listen to some stuff on your Kind of listen to some stuff on your headphones, talk to people. Are you headphones, talk to people. Are you headphones, talk to people. Are you making the effort to reach? Now, making the effort to reach? Now, making the effort to reach? Now, spiritually, are you making the effort spiritually, are you making the effort spiritually, are you making the effort spiritually to get stronger? spiritually to get stronger? spiritually to get stronger? Number two, what are you reaching for? Number two, what are you reaching for? Number two, what are you reaching for? What are you reaching for? I've been in What are you reaching for? I've been in What are you reaching for? I've been in You could be a Christian and be reaching You could be a Christian and be reaching You could be a Christian and be reaching in the wrong direction. When I went to in the wrong direction. When I went to in the wrong direction. When I went to ORU as a freshman, I was so excited to ORU as a freshman, I was so excited to ORU as a freshman, I was so excited to find my spouse. I thought the only find my spouse. I thought the only find my spouse. I thought the only reason I was at ORU was to find my who I reason I was at ORU was to find my who I reason I was at ORU was to find my who I was going to marry. And I was walking to was going to marry. And I was walking to was going to marry. And I was walking to the prayer gardens on the way to school, the prayer gardens on the way to school, the prayer gardens on the way to school, right? That's like our pathways from the right? That's like our pathways from the right? That's like our pathways from the dorms to our classrooms. And the whole dorms to our classrooms. And the whole dorms to our classrooms. And the whole time I was just looking around the time I was just looking around the time I was just looking around the corner like, just around the river bend. corner like, just around the river bend. corner like, just around the river bend. There's so much God has someone for me.

There's so much God has someone for me. There's so much God has someone for me. He's placed me here for such a time as He's placed me here for such a time as He's placed me here for such a time as this to find my wife, you know? And I this to find my wife, you know? And I this to find my wife, you know? And I was reaching. I'd be in chapel, I'd be was reaching. I'd be in chapel, I'd be was reaching. I'd be in chapel, I'd be worshipping God, one eye closed, one eye worshipping God, one eye closed, one eye worshipping God, one eye closed, one eye open, looking around the room, who's open, looking around the room, who's open, looking around the room, who's like the right woman of God that's like the right woman of God that's like the right woman of God that's you know? you know? you know? And I'd be signing up for different And I'd be signing up for different And I'd be signing up for different groups at ORU, and it was all to try to groups at ORU, and it was all to try to groups at ORU, and it was all to try to find the right what and and finally my find the right what and and finally my find the right what and and finally my friend was like, "Dude, friend was like, "Dude, friend was like, "Dude, your your focus and your like your your your focus and your like your your your focus and your like your current current current direction is off right now." direction is off right now." direction is off right now." He's like, "I feel like you're you're He's like, "I feel like you're you're He's like, "I feel like you're you're you're so consumed with trying to find a you're so consumed with trying to find a you're so consumed with trying to find a spouse. What if God has you here to spouse. What if God has you here to spouse. What if God has you here to become the right one instead of look for become the right one instead of look for become the right one instead of look for the right one? What if God has you here the right one? What if God has you here the right one? What if God has you here to work on you instead of trying to find to work on you instead of trying to find to work on you instead of trying to find somebody else who's working on them? And somebody else who's working on them? And somebody else who's working on them? And what if you work on you, the byproduct what if you work on you, the byproduct what if you work on you, the byproduct is that you end up finding the right one is that you end up finding the right one is that you end up finding the right one by not spending your entire time by not spending your entire time by not spending your entire time reaching? Here's another example. I was reaching? Here's another example. I was reaching? Here's another example. I was with our kids out on the beach and and with our kids out on the beach and and with our kids out on the beach and and they were they were working really hard they were they were working really hard they were they were working really hard on this sandcastle. I mean, 3 hours they on this sandcastle. I mean, 3 hours they on this sandcastle. I mean, 3 hours they were working hard and they were building were working hard and they were building were working hard and they were building it and they were tedious and intentional it and they were tedious and intentional it and they were tedious and intentional and it was incredible. And they had all and it was incredible. And they had all and it was incredible. And they had all these utensils these utensils these utensils and I was going to say something to him and I was going to say something to him and I was going to say something to him and ask him he's like, "Don't talk to and ask him he's like, "Don't talk to and ask him he's like, "Don't talk to him right now. They're not talking to him right now. They're not talking to him right now. They're not talking to us. They're consumed with the us. They're consumed with the us. They're consumed with the sandcastle. Let's just enjoy this sandcastle. Let's just enjoy this sandcastle. Let's just enjoy this quietness." How How of y'all parents quietness." How How of y'all parents quietness." How How of y'all parents just understand just the the goodness of just understand just the the goodness of just understand just the the goodness of enjoying quietness when they're not enjoying quietness when they're not enjoying quietness when they're not messing with you?

messing with you? messing with you? But I knew something. As they're working But I knew something. As they're working But I knew something. As they're working really hard, I knew something was really hard, I knew something was really hard, I knew something was coming. coming. coming. They didn't see it yet, but everything They didn't see it yet, but everything They didn't see it yet, but everything they were working on, everything they they were working on, everything they they were working on, everything they were building, their empire, something was about to happen. The waves something was about to happen. The waves hadn't come yet, but they were coming. hadn't come yet, but they were coming. hadn't come yet, but they were coming. And the tide was not there yet, but it And the tide was not there yet, but it And the tide was not there yet, but it was coming. And right around 5:00 p.m., was coming. And right around 5:00 p.m., was coming. And right around 5:00 p.m., something happened and it was kind of something happened and it was kind of something happened and it was kind of sad and funny to watch. This big wave sad and funny to watch. This big wave sad and funny to watch. This big wave came and just demolished their came and just demolished their came and just demolished their sandcastle. sandcastle. sandcastle. And my daughters, especially my And my daughters, especially my And my daughters, especially my 5-year-old Gianna, she was like, >> "EVERYTHING I'VE WORKED FOR MY WHOLE >> "EVERYTHING I'VE WORKED FOR MY WHOLE LIFE!" LIFE!" LIFE!" "EVERYTHING!" YOU KNOW, IT WAS LIKE A "EVERYTHING!" YOU KNOW, IT WAS LIKE A "EVERYTHING!" YOU KNOW, IT WAS LIKE A Job moment. "Naked I came into this Job moment. "Naked I came into this Job moment. "Naked I came into this earth and naked I shall leave. The Lord earth and naked I shall leave. The Lord earth and naked I shall leave. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away." Right? gives and the Lord takes away." Right? gives and the Lord takes away." Right? Like she was having her moment where she Like she was having her moment where she Like she was having her moment where she realized everything she had built. realized everything she had built. realized everything she had built. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 7, "The Jesus said in Matthew chapter 7, "The Jesus said in Matthew chapter 7, "The foolish man built his house on the sand. foolish man built his house on the sand. foolish man built his house on the sand. And when the storms come and the waves And when the storms come and the waves And when the storms come and the waves come, everything he worked his life for, come, everything he worked his life for, come, everything he worked his life for, everything he was reaching for, is gone everything he was reaching for, is gone everything he was reaching for, is gone in seconds.

in seconds. in seconds. But the man who wise man who built his But the man who wise man who built his But the man who wise man who built his house on the rock, the storm still come, house on the rock, the storm still come, house on the rock, the storm still come, the waves still come. Waves and storms the waves still come. Waves and storms the waves still come. Waves and storms come to Christians and non-Christians. come to Christians and non-Christians. come to Christians and non-Christians. Sickness and pain and hardships and all Sickness and pain and hardships and all Sickness and pain and hardships and all of it it attacks both. of it it attacks both. of it it attacks both. But one person builds their house But one person builds their house But one person builds their house differently. And what you reach for reveals where you And what you reach for reveals where you put your trust. put your trust. put your trust. What you spend your time and your energy What you spend your time and your energy What you spend your time and your energy building and pressing in and pursuing building and pressing in and pursuing building and pressing in and pursuing and reaching and stretching for, it and reaching and stretching for, it and reaching and stretching for, it reveals where you've placed your your reveals where you've placed your your reveals where you've placed your your trust and your value. trust and your value. trust and your value. You can build your whole life around You can build your whole life around You can build your whole life around money, money, money, right? And just consuming as much money right? And just consuming as much money right? And just consuming as much money as possible and then at the end of your as possible and then at the end of your as possible and then at the end of your life it's like the waves start to come. life it's like the waves start to come. life it's like the waves start to come. And it all ends up in wills. And it all ends up in wills. And it all ends up in wills. And it all ends up and you're like, And it all ends up and you're like, And it all ends up and you're like, "Man, I spent my whole life." And it's "Man, I spent my whole life." And it's "Man, I spent my whole life." And it's not like money's bad, but if money not like money's bad, but if money not like money's bad, but if money becomes a god in your life, it's a becomes a god in your life, it's a becomes a god in your life, it's a sandcastle. sandcastle. sandcastle. Social media, right? You could get Social media, right? You could get Social media, right? You could get hundreds of thousands of followers. You hundreds of thousands of followers. You hundreds of thousands of followers. You could build a YouTube channel, and could build a YouTube channel, and could build a YouTube channel, and overnight overnight overnight it's a sandcastle. The waves come in. If it's a sandcastle. The waves come in. If it's a sandcastle. The waves come in. If I'm reaching for things that cannot I'm reaching for things that cannot I'm reaching for things that cannot fulfill my soul, eventually it's going fulfill my soul, eventually it's going fulfill my soul, eventually it's going to dissolve. You can reach for the wrong to dissolve. You can reach for the wrong to dissolve. You can reach for the wrong You can reach for popularity. You can You can reach for popularity. You can You can reach for popularity. You can build the channel. You can build the build the channel. You can build the build the channel. You can build the Instagram.

Instagram. Instagram. And then all of a sudden you start to And then all of a sudden you start to And then all of a sudden you start to realize that those fans are not always realize that those fans are not always realize that those fans are not always fans of you. fans of you. fans of you. And if you put your identity And if you put your identity And if you put your identity in what people say about you, the in what people say about you, the in what people say about you, the approval of people, success, comfort, approval of people, success, comfort, approval of people, success, comfort, influence, achievement, all of these influence, achievement, all of these influence, achievement, all of these things, you can get them and still feel things, you can get them and still feel things, you can get them and still feel empty. empty. empty. You can reach the wrong thing and still You can reach the wrong thing and still You can reach the wrong thing and still call it success. You can have a full call it success. You can have a full call it success. You can have a full hand and still have an empty heart. hand and still have an empty heart. hand and still have an empty heart. This is why Paul says, "I'm pressing on This is why Paul says, "I'm pressing on This is why Paul says, "I'm pressing on and I'm reaching the goal for which and I'm reaching the goal for which and I'm reaching the goal for which Christ has called me." Christ has called me." Christ has called me." Paul is saying, "I'm not reaching for Paul is saying, "I'm not reaching for Paul is saying, "I'm not reaching for something that I want. I'm reaching for something that I want. I'm reaching for something that I want. I'm reaching for what God wants for me." Here's a good what God wants for me." Here's a good what God wants for me." Here's a good question. question. question. Happiness asks, "What do you want?" Happiness asks, "What do you want?" Happiness asks, "What do you want?" Purpose asks, "What does God want? What Purpose asks, "What does God want? What Purpose asks, "What does God want? What does God want for me?" There's a does God want for me?" There's a does God want for me?" There's a difference between satisfaction and difference between satisfaction and difference between satisfaction and significance, cuz I can be satisfied. significance, cuz I can be satisfied. significance, cuz I can be satisfied. Esau did this, right? He traded Esau did this, right? He traded Esau did this, right? He traded significance for satisfaction. significance for satisfaction. significance for satisfaction. He was so hungry, his appetite got the He was so hungry, his appetite got the He was so hungry, his appetite got the best of his soul. best of his soul. best of his soul. So, he was so hungry, he was like, "Man, So, he was so hungry, he was like, "Man, So, he was so hungry, he was like, "Man, I would rather have a bowl of soup I would rather have a bowl of soup I would rather have a bowl of soup than protect my birthright, my identity, than protect my birthright, my identity, than protect my birthright, my identity, my purpose, my calling."

my purpose, my calling." my purpose, my calling." And sin always over-promises and And sin always over-promises and And sin always over-promises and under-delivers. under-delivers. under-delivers. Sin promises satisfaction, but it leaves Sin promises satisfaction, but it leaves Sin promises satisfaction, but it leaves you with starvation. you with starvation. you with starvation. Cuz Esau got the bowl of soup, but he Cuz Esau got the bowl of soup, but he Cuz Esau got the bowl of soup, but he lost what really mattered. lost what really mattered. lost what really mattered. You can reach for something and even get You can reach for something and even get You can reach for something and even get it, it, it, but in the end, was it really worth it? but in the end, was it really worth it? but in the end, was it really worth it? So, let me tell you real quickly what to So, let me tell you real quickly what to So, let me tell you real quickly what to reach for. Reach for Jesus. Paul said in reach for. Reach for Jesus. Paul said in reach for. Reach for Jesus. Paul said in Philippians 3:10, "My goal is to know Philippians 3:10, "My goal is to know Philippians 3:10, "My goal is to know him, to know Christ, his his him, to know Christ, his his him, to know Christ, his his crucifixion, his resurrection. I want to crucifixion, his resurrection. I want to crucifixion, his resurrection. I want to experience him. I want to have a experience him. I want to have a experience him. I want to have a relationship with him." Reach for Jesus. relationship with him." Reach for Jesus. relationship with him." Reach for Jesus. Secondly, reach for spiritual growth. Secondly, reach for spiritual growth. Secondly, reach for spiritual growth. Reach for growth in the areas in your Reach for growth in the areas in your Reach for growth in the areas in your life. How many of y'all are still life. How many of y'all are still life. How many of y'all are still growing in your fruits of the spirit? growing in your fruits of the spirit? growing in your fruits of the spirit? If you didn't raise your hand, your kids If you didn't raise your hand, your kids If you didn't raise your hand, your kids and your family and your spouse will and your family and your spouse will and your family and your spouse will also raise your hand. also raise your hand. also raise your hand. How many of y'all are still learning to How many of y'all are still learning to How many of y'all are still learning to become patient with people? become patient with people? become patient with people? Gentle with people. Help me, Holy Spirit. Help me, Holy Spirit. I'm growing and I'm reaching for it. I'm I'm growing and I'm reaching for it. I'm I'm growing and I'm reaching for it. I'm like, "God, help me. I need to I need to like, "God, help me. I need to I need to like, "God, help me. I need to I need to reach this year." More than you need to reach this year." More than you need to reach this year." More than you need to reach to grow in your career, reach to reach to grow in your career, reach to reach to grow in your career, reach to grow in your walk with Christ.

grow in your walk with Christ. grow in your walk with Christ. And your career will follow as a And your career will follow as a And your career will follow as a byproduct. byproduct. byproduct. Reach for your calling. Reach for your calling. Reach for your calling. Don't just reach for what your friends Don't just reach for what your friends Don't just reach for what your friends are doing, not just reaching for what are doing, not just reaching for what are doing, not just reaching for what gets the most likes on social media. gets the most likes on social media. gets the most likes on social media. Reach for your assignment. What has God Reach for your assignment. What has God Reach for your assignment. What has God called you to do? called you to do? called you to do? Reach for who you're becoming. Reach for Reach for who you're becoming. Reach for Reach for who you're becoming. Reach for where God is trying to grow you in your where God is trying to grow you in your where God is trying to grow you in your generosity, your humility, your generosity, your humility, your generosity, your humility, your leadership, your integrity, your purity, leadership, your integrity, your purity, leadership, your integrity, your purity, your courage. your courage. your courage. God's purpose is not just about where God's purpose is not just about where God's purpose is not just about where you're going, it's about who you're you're going, it's about who you're you're going, it's about who you're becoming becoming becoming while you get there. while you get there. while you get there. It's not about how fast you can It's not about how fast you can It's not about how fast you can accomplish all the goals in your life. accomplish all the goals in your life. accomplish all the goals in your life. It's about who are you becoming on the It's about who are you becoming on the It's about who are you becoming on the journey. journey. journey. Forward is movement in the right Forward is movement in the right Forward is movement in the right direction. Forward is not just movement, direction. Forward is not just movement, direction. Forward is not just movement, it's movement in the right direction. it's movement in the right direction. it's movement in the right direction. There was a race recently that happened There was a race recently that happened There was a race recently that happened and the runner who was in the lead lost and the runner who was in the lead lost and the runner who was in the lead lost the race. the race. the race. Not because he wasn't ahead of Not because he wasn't ahead of Not because he wasn't ahead of everybody, it's because he missed a turn everybody, it's because he missed a turn everybody, it's because he missed a turn in the very last 10 seconds of the run. in the very last 10 seconds of the run. in the very last 10 seconds of the run. He was running and everybody was He was running and everybody was He was running and everybody was supposed to go left, but he got confused supposed to go left, but he got confused supposed to go left, but he got confused and distracted by someone who was out on and distracted by someone who was out on and distracted by someone who was out on the course the course the course and somehow he turned right. Now, he he and somehow he turned right. Now, he he and somehow he turned right. Now, he he would have easily won this race. He was would have easily won this race. He was would have easily won this race. He was ahead of everybody, ahead of everybody, ahead of everybody, but he got confused and distracted and but he got confused and distracted and but he got confused and distracted and he turned right and as he turned right, he turned right and as he turned right, he turned right and as he turned right, he went about 10 steps in the wrong he went about 10 steps in the wrong he went about 10 steps in the wrong direction and they're like, "Turn direction and they're like, "Turn direction and they're like, "Turn around." And he realizes and when he around." And he realizes and when he around." And he realizes and when he turns around, the other runner, the turns around, the other runner, the turns around, the other runner, the American runner, beat him.

American runner, beat him. American runner, beat him. And they asked what happened. He said, And they asked what happened. He said, And they asked what happened. He said, "I was ahead. I was going forward. I "I was ahead. I was going forward. I "I was ahead. I was going forward. I just went the wrong direction." just went the wrong direction." just went the wrong direction." Thankfully, he could turn around, but Thankfully, he could turn around, but Thankfully, he could turn around, but let me just say this. let me just say this. let me just say this. Right now is a season where you need to Right now is a season where you need to Right now is a season where you need to be in tune with the right voices. This be in tune with the right voices. This be in tune with the right voices. This leads me to my fourth point right here. leads me to my fourth point right here. leads me to my fourth point right here. Forward requires a response to the right Forward requires a response to the right Forward requires a response to the right voice. voice. voice. Forward requires a response to the right Forward requires a response to the right Forward requires a response to the right voice. voice. voice. So, number one, forward starts with So, number one, forward starts with So, number one, forward starts with humility. Number two, forward requires humility. Number two, forward requires humility. Number two, forward requires you to release what you cannot change. you to release what you cannot change. you to release what you cannot change. Number three, forward requires you to Number three, forward requires you to Number three, forward requires you to reach for what God has for you. Number reach for what God has for you. Number reach for what God has for you. Number four, forward requires a response to the four, forward requires a response to the four, forward requires a response to the right voice. right voice. right voice. Last week, Ash and I, we were doing a Last week, Ash and I, we were doing a Last week, Ash and I, we were doing a walkie-talkie illustration and she was walkie-talkie illustration and she was walkie-talkie illustration and she was hiding in the back of the room and I was hiding in the back of the room and I was hiding in the back of the room and I was asking her for directions on how to find asking her for directions on how to find asking her for directions on how to find her. How many of you were here last week her. How many of you were here last week her. How many of you were here last week when we talked about this, right? when we talked about this, right? when we talked about this, right? And something that I didn't get to touch And something that I didn't get to touch And something that I didn't get to touch on as strong as I wanted to on as strong as I wanted to on as strong as I wanted to was that when you have walkie-talkies, was that when you have walkie-talkies, was that when you have walkie-talkies, there's always going to be some there's always going to be some there's always going to be some interference. There's always going to be interference. There's always going to be interference. There's always going to be some voices that try to cut into your some voices that try to cut into your some voices that try to cut into your channel. Voices that you didn't invite.

channel. Voices that you didn't invite. channel. Voices that you didn't invite. Sometimes you start picking up random Sometimes you start picking up random Sometimes you start picking up random semi-truck drivers' voices. You're like, semi-truck drivers' voices. You're like, semi-truck drivers' voices. You're like, "Why are they on this channel?" Police, "Why are they on this channel?" Police, "Why are they on this channel?" Police, you know, cars and police chases and you know, cars and police chases and you know, cars and police chases and sirens. sirens. sirens. And we watched this happen with our And we watched this happen with our And we watched this happen with our daughters as they were on the daughters as they were on the daughters as they were on the walkie-talkies. There were all these walkie-talkies. There were all these walkie-talkies. There were all these different voices that started cutting in different voices that started cutting in different voices that started cutting in and they were like, "We didn't invite and they were like, "We didn't invite and they were like, "We didn't invite them on the channel." them on the channel." them on the channel." And that's how life is. You don't always And that's how life is. You don't always And that's how life is. You don't always invite all these voices on the channel, invite all these voices on the channel, invite all these voices on the channel, but they show up. The voice of fear, the but they show up. The voice of fear, the but they show up. The voice of fear, the voice of insecurity, the voice of social voice of insecurity, the voice of social voice of insecurity, the voice of social media, the voice trying to tell you who media, the voice trying to tell you who media, the voice trying to tell you who you should be or who you shouldn't be or you should be or who you shouldn't be or you should be or who you shouldn't be or how you're not good enough, the voice of how you're not good enough, the voice of how you're not good enough, the voice of shame, the voice of failure. All of shame, the voice of failure. All of shame, the voice of failure. All of these voices are vying for your these voices are vying for your these voices are vying for your attention. But I learned something the attention. But I learned something the attention. But I learned something the other day. other day. other day. And I was thinking about this cuz I And I was thinking about this cuz I And I was thinking about this cuz I called Ashley and all the kids were called Ashley and all the kids were called Ashley and all the kids were shouting, screaming, like they were all shouting, screaming, like they were all shouting, screaming, like they were all having a good time and they were having a good time and they were having a good time and they were laughing, and maybe crying, too. Mixture laughing, and maybe crying, too. Mixture laughing, and maybe crying, too. Mixture of all of it. of all of it. of all of it. And we got five kids, if I haven't told And we got five kids, if I haven't told And we got five kids, if I haven't told you that lately. you that lately. you that lately. And they are loud. And they are loud. And they are loud. And um And um And um I'm I'm talking to her in the pool, and I'm I'm talking to her in the pool, and I'm I'm talking to her in the pool, and I hear all their voices, and and I stop I hear all their voices, and and I stop I hear all their voices, and and I stop talking. She goes, "Why are you talking. She goes, "Why are you talking. She goes, "Why are you stopping? Why Why'd you stop talking?" I stopping? Why Why'd you stop talking?" I stopping? Why Why'd you stop talking?" I was like, "Because I can't even hear was like, "Because I can't even hear was like, "Because I can't even hear myself. Can you hear me?" She goes, myself. Can you hear me?" She goes, myself. Can you hear me?" She goes, "Yeah, I've got I've got the earbud in.

"Yeah, I've got I've got the earbud in. "Yeah, I've got I've got the earbud in. I can hear you. Keep talking." I can hear you. Keep talking." I can hear you. Keep talking." And I was like, "Well, what about their And I was like, "Well, what about their And I was like, "Well, what about their voices?" She's like, "I can hear your voices?" She's like, "I can hear your voices?" She's like, "I can hear your voice cuz you're right in my ear voice cuz you're right in my ear voice cuz you're right in my ear louder than their voices." She has this louder than their voices." She has this louder than their voices." She has this mom power, where she's learned to tune mom power, where she's learned to tune mom power, where she's learned to tune out all the voices. out all the voices. out all the voices. How many of y'all know what I'm talking How many of y'all know what I'm talking How many of y'all know what I'm talking about? Those moms that have that power. about? Those moms that have that power. about? Those moms that have that power. And I'm like, "Wow, that's a spiritual And I'm like, "Wow, that's a spiritual And I'm like, "Wow, that's a spiritual lesson right there." lesson right there." lesson right there." This is what Isaiah says in Isaiah 30, This is what Isaiah says in Isaiah 30, This is what Isaiah says in Isaiah 30, verses 21. He says, "You will hear a verses 21. He says, "You will hear a verses 21. He says, "You will hear a voice voice voice right behind you. right behind you. right behind you. You'll hear a voice speaking right You'll hear a voice speaking right You'll hear a voice speaking right behind you. And the voice will say, behind you. And the voice will say, behind you. And the voice will say, 'This is the way. 'This is the way. 'This is the way. Walk in it.'" Walk in it.'" Walk in it.'" And this voice will speak, and it will And this voice will speak, and it will And this voice will speak, and it will It won't eliminate all the other voices. It won't eliminate all the other voices. It won't eliminate all the other voices. You'll still hear the voice of You'll still hear the voice of You'll still hear the voice of comparison. You'll still hear You'll comparison. You'll still hear You'll comparison. You'll still hear You'll still hear the voice of peer pressure. still hear the voice of peer pressure. still hear the voice of peer pressure. You'll still hear the voice of hurry. You'll still hear the voice of hurry. You'll still hear the voice of hurry. You'll still hear the voice of your past You'll still hear the voice of your past You'll still hear the voice of your past saying, "Yeah, you did all those drugs. saying, "Yeah, you did all those drugs. saying, "Yeah, you did all those drugs. You did all that alcohol. You might as You did all that alcohol. You might as You did all that alcohol. You might as well just keep holding on to it. Keep well just keep holding on to it. Keep well just keep holding on to it. Keep hiding that secret sin. Just stay in hiding that secret sin. Just stay in hiding that secret sin. Just stay in this stuff. Just keep going backwards." this stuff. Just keep going backwards." this stuff. Just keep going backwards." BUT YOU WILL HEAR A VOICE IN the midst BUT YOU WILL HEAR A VOICE IN the midst BUT YOU WILL HEAR A VOICE IN the midst of all these other voices.

of all these other voices. of all these other voices. You'll still hear the voice of regret. You'll still hear the voice of regret. You'll still hear the voice of regret. You'll still hear the voice of hurry. You'll still hear the voice of hurry. You'll still hear the voice of hurry. You got to hurry up. You got to hurry You got to hurry up. You got to hurry You got to hurry up. You got to hurry up. You got to catch up with your up. You got to catch up with your up. You got to catch up with your friends. All them are having kids. friends. All them are having kids. friends. All them are having kids. They're getting married. They're buying They're getting married. They're buying They're getting married. They're buying houses. They're doing this stuff. And houses. They're doing this stuff. And houses. They're doing this stuff. And you'll hear all these other voices, but you'll hear all these other voices, but you'll hear all these other voices, but you will hear a still, small voice. you will hear a still, small voice. you will hear a still, small voice. And it requires spending time in His And it requires spending time in His And it requires spending time in His presence. Jesus says, "My sheep know my presence. Jesus says, "My sheep know my presence. Jesus says, "My sheep know my voice. They hear me, and they follow voice. They hear me, and they follow voice. They hear me, and they follow me." Sometimes we're in such a hurry to me." Sometimes we're in such a hurry to me." Sometimes we're in such a hurry to leave the presence of God. leave the presence of God. leave the presence of God. I remember someone asked me. They're I remember someone asked me. They're I remember someone asked me. They're like, "Why aren't you more like this like, "Why aren't you more like this like, "Why aren't you more like this church? And why aren't you more like church? And why aren't you more like church? And why aren't you more like this pastor?" this pastor?" this pastor?" And I was like, because God didn't call And I was like, because God didn't call And I was like, because God didn't call me to be them. me to be them. me to be them. I'm glad God gave I'm glad God gave I'm glad God gave that pastor that church and that purpose that pastor that church and that purpose that pastor that church and that purpose and that calling, but God has a unique and that calling, but God has a unique and that calling, but God has a unique assignment for victory. assignment for victory. assignment for victory. And we're not Life Church, and we're not And we're not Life Church, and we're not And we're not Life Church, and we're not Battle Creek, and we're not Church on Battle Creek, and we're not Church on Battle Creek, and we're not Church on the Move, and I love all those churches, the Move, and I love all those churches, the Move, and I love all those churches, Transformation, I love all those Transformation, I love all those Transformation, I love all those churches, but God has a unique churches, but God has a unique churches, but God has a unique assignment for who God has called assignment for who God has called assignment for who God has called Victory to be. And if we live listening Victory to be. And if we live listening Victory to be. And if we live listening to the voice of comparison and the voice to the voice of comparison and the voice to the voice of comparison and the voice of pressure, and you got to do this, and of pressure, and you got to do this, and of pressure, and you got to do this, and you got to fit in with society, and this you got to fit in with society, and this you got to fit in with society, and this is what social media likes. I don't care is what social media likes. I don't care is what social media likes. I don't care what social media likes. I care about what social media likes. I care about what social media likes. I care about the voice that says, "Well done now, the voice that says, "Well done now, the voice that says, "Well done now, good and faithful servant. You have been good and faithful servant. You have been good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with what I told you to do."

faithful with what I told you to do." faithful with what I told you to do." >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I don't want to be that servant that >> I don't want to be that servant that >> I don't want to be that servant that takes what he got from the master and takes what he got from the master and takes what he got from the master and hides it out of fear, like, "Well, I hides it out of fear, like, "Well, I hides it out of fear, like, "Well, I just knew you're a harsh master, and I'm just knew you're a harsh master, and I'm just knew you're a harsh master, and I'm going to hide it." I want to be faithful going to hide it." I want to be faithful going to hide it." I want to be faithful with who God's called me to be, what with who God's called me to be, what with who God's called me to be, what he's called me to do. Don't let the he's called me to do. Don't let the he's called me to do. Don't let the loudest voice in your life become the loudest voice in your life become the loudest voice in your life become the leading voice in your life. God does not leading voice in your life. God does not leading voice in your life. God does not always shout the loudest, always shout the loudest, always shout the loudest, but he speaks. but he speaks. but he speaks. He speaks, and he leads you, He speaks, and he leads you, He speaks, and he leads you, and he directs you. and he directs you. and he directs you. And he says, "This is the way, walk in And he says, "This is the way, walk in And he says, "This is the way, walk in it." it." it." Faith is not always knowing what's next. Faith is not always knowing what's next. Faith is not always knowing what's next. In fact, faith often times is In fact, faith often times is In fact, faith often times is uncertainty. uncertainty. uncertainty. It's uncertainty about circumstances and It's uncertainty about circumstances and It's uncertainty about circumstances and people and relationships. I don't know people and relationships. I don't know people and relationships. I don't know who's staying and who's going, and I'm who's staying and who's going, and I'm who's staying and who's going, and I'm not going to live my whole life trying not going to live my whole life trying not going to live my whole life trying to control the outcomes of other to control the outcomes of other to control the outcomes of other people's decisions. people's decisions. people's decisions. But faith, while faith is not knowing But faith, while faith is not knowing But faith, while faith is not knowing what's next, faith is knowing who's next what's next, faith is knowing who's next what's next, faith is knowing who's next to you. Faith is knowing who is with to you. Faith is knowing who is with to you. Faith is knowing who is with you, who goes before you and behind you. you, who goes before you and behind you. you, who goes before you and behind you. I don't need the whole map when I have I don't need the whole map when I have I don't need the whole map when I have the one who holds the map leading me and the one who holds the map leading me and the one who holds the map leading me and directing me. Number five, final point directing me. Number five, final point directing me. Number five, final point here, forward is a choice you make every here, forward is a choice you make every here, forward is a choice you make every day.

day. day. Paul says in Philippians 3:14, I pursue Paul says in Philippians 3:14, I pursue Paul says in Philippians 3:14, I pursue the goal, the prize that God has the goal, the prize that God has the goal, the prize that God has promised, the heavenly call from Christ promised, the heavenly call from Christ promised, the heavenly call from Christ Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Every single day, Paul's saying I Every single day, Paul's saying I Every single day, Paul's saying I pursue. Everybody say, "I pursue." pursue. Everybody say, "I pursue." pursue. Everybody say, "I pursue." He doesn't say, "I hope." He doesn't He doesn't say, "I hope." He doesn't He doesn't say, "I hope." He doesn't say, "I wish." He doesn't say, "I'm say, "I wish." He doesn't say, "I'm say, "I wish." He doesn't say, "I'm going to sit around and see what going to sit around and see what going to sit around and see what happens." He says, "I'm pursuing. I'm happens." He says, "I'm pursuing. I'm happens." He says, "I'm pursuing. I'm reaching. I'm stretching. I'm going reaching. I'm stretching. I'm going reaching. I'm stretching. I'm going after it." Little by little, micro after it." Little by little, micro after it." Little by little, micro habits. Every single day I'm waking up habits. Every single day I'm waking up habits. Every single day I'm waking up and I'm asking myself, "Who am I going and I'm asking myself, "Who am I going and I'm asking myself, "Who am I going TO BE TODAY? AM I going to hit that TO BE TODAY? AM I going to hit that TO BE TODAY? AM I going to hit that alarm clock and snooze for a little bit alarm clock and snooze for a little bit alarm clock and snooze for a little bit longer? Am I going to sleep through my longer? Am I going to sleep through my longer? Am I going to sleep through my prayer time? Am I going to not put on prayer time? Am I going to not put on prayer time? Am I going to not put on those running shoes and get out on the those running shoes and get out on the those running shoes and get out on the track and run? Am I going to hold on to track and run? Am I going to hold on to track and run? Am I going to hold on to that bitterness? Am I going to eat that bitterness? Am I going to eat that bitterness? Am I going to eat another crispy cream donut?" Right? Am I another crispy cream donut?" Right? Am I another crispy cream donut?" Right? Am I going to cuss? Am I going to slander? Am going to cuss? Am I going to slander? Am going to cuss? Am I going to slander? Am I going to gossip? Am I going to stay in I going to gossip? Am I going to stay in I going to gossip? Am I going to stay in this conversation? Or am I going to be this conversation? Or am I going to be this conversation? Or am I going to be someone who makes a decision today someone who makes a decision today someone who makes a decision today to be a little bit closer towards Jesus, to be a little bit closer towards Jesus, to be a little bit closer towards Jesus, to forgive, to walk away from a to forgive, to walk away from a to forgive, to walk away from a conversation that's getting toxic, conversation that's getting toxic, conversation that's getting toxic, to stop listening to the lies of the to stop listening to the lies of the to stop listening to the lies of the enemy of shame and fear, to not give in enemy of shame and fear, to not give in enemy of shame and fear, to not give in to temptation when the enemy is trying to temptation when the enemy is trying to temptation when the enemy is trying to tempt me to be someone that I know to tempt me to be someone that I know to tempt me to be someone that I know God has called me not to be.

God has called me not to be. God has called me not to be. Students, every day at school you're Students, every day at school you're Students, every day at school you're going to hear different going to hear different going to hear different voices trying to talk you into different voices trying to talk you into different voices trying to talk you into different decisions and every decision matters. decisions and every decision matters. decisions and every decision matters. Every choice. Every morning you choose a Every choice. Every morning you choose a Every choice. Every morning you choose a direction. direction. direction. Will you compromise? Will you compromise? Will you compromise? Will you pray? What will you do when Will you pray? What will you do when Will you pray? What will you do when you're tempted? Will you give in to the you're tempted? Will you give in to the you're tempted? Will you give in to the tempt- Who will you listen to? What will tempt- Who will you listen to? What will tempt- Who will you listen to? What will you watch? When I was in high school, I you watch? When I was in high school, I you watch? When I was in high school, I noticed my life, for the most part, was noticed my life, for the most part, was noticed my life, for the most part, was moving forward with God. moving forward with God. moving forward with God. You know, I was trying to do everything You know, I was trying to do everything You know, I was trying to do everything I knew to do to try to become a better I knew to do to try to become a better I knew to do to try to become a better follower of Christ. By the way, our job follower of Christ. By the way, our job follower of Christ. By the way, our job is not just to become a better version is not just to become a better version is not just to become a better version of ourselves. Our job is to know Jesus. of ourselves. Our job is to know Jesus. of ourselves. Our job is to know Jesus. To follow Jesus and he will make us a To follow Jesus and he will make us a To follow Jesus and he will make us a better version of ourselves. better version of ourselves. better version of ourselves. So, we're not coming to church to just So, we're not coming to church to just So, we're not coming to church to just follow self-help tools and self-helps- follow self-help tools and self-helps- follow self-help tools and self-helps- No, we're we're we're coming to lean No, we're we're we're coming to lean No, we're we're we're coming to lean into the word of God and let the word of into the word of God and let the word of into the word of God and let the word of God shape us and mold us and form us and God shape us and mold us and form us and God shape us and mold us and form us and change us. change us. change us. But, there was this moment in high But, there was this moment in high But, there was this moment in high school where I was school where I was school where I was I didn't realize it, but I was starting I didn't realize it, but I was starting I didn't realize it, but I was starting to move backwards. to move backwards. to move backwards. I was starting to kind of give in to I was starting to kind of give in to I was starting to kind of give in to temptation when no one was watching.

temptation when no one was watching. temptation when no one was watching. And I found myself craving things And I found myself craving things And I found myself craving things that I knew my spirit that I knew my spirit that I knew my spirit was not was not was not you know, the Holy Spirit was grieved by you know, the Holy Spirit was grieved by you know, the Holy Spirit was grieved by what I was craving. what I was craving. what I was craving. And there was this one night, me, my And there was this one night, me, my And there was this one night, me, my brother, and a couple of our friends, we brother, and a couple of our friends, we brother, and a couple of our friends, we had kind of decided we were going to go had kind of decided we were going to go had kind of decided we were going to go see a movie we knew we shouldn't see cuz see a movie we knew we shouldn't see cuz see a movie we knew we shouldn't see cuz it was this movie we heard people talk it was this movie we heard people talk it was this movie we heard people talk about. We were like, "Oh, we got to go about. We were like, "Oh, we got to go about. We were like, "Oh, we got to go see that, but we can't cuz our parents see that, but we can't cuz our parents see that, but we can't cuz our parents would never allow us to see that." And would never allow us to see that." And would never allow us to see that." And then we were like, "Well, we're 17, we then we were like, "Well, we're 17, we then we were like, "Well, we're 17, we got driver's licenses, we got cars. We got driver's licenses, we got cars. We got driver's licenses, we got cars. We don't have to tell our parents. Let's don't have to tell our parents. Let's don't have to tell our parents. Let's just just just let's just lie. Let's go see something let's just lie. Let's go see something let's just lie. Let's go see something and tell them we're seeing something and tell them we're seeing something and tell them we're seeing something else." And so we did. We went to the movie theater. We we did. We went to the movie theater. We bought the tickets, got the popcorn, Dr. bought the tickets, got the popcorn, Dr. bought the tickets, got the popcorn, Dr. Pepper. We go into this movie. I'm like Pepper. We go into this movie. I'm like Pepper. We go into this movie. I'm like 17, you know, I'm finally old enough to 17, you know, I'm finally old enough to 17, you know, I'm finally old enough to do this. And I'm sitting in the movie do this. And I'm sitting in the movie do this. And I'm sitting in the movie and the Holy Spirit's like grieved and the Holy Spirit's like grieved and the Holy Spirit's like grieved because there's things in that movie because there's things in that movie because there's things in that movie right off the bat, first 15 minutes, right off the bat, first 15 minutes, right off the bat, first 15 minutes, there's trash. there's trash. there's trash. And I'm trying not to look at my And I'm trying not to look at my And I'm trying not to look at my friends. They're trying not to look at friends. They're trying not to look at friends. They're trying not to look at me because we're all feeling awkward. We me because we're all feeling awkward. We me because we're all feeling awkward. We were all raised in church by parents were all raised in church by parents were all raised in church by parents who, for the most part, you know, were who, for the most part, you know, were who, for the most part, you know, were always like following Jesus all the always like following Jesus all the always like following Jesus all the time. So we all knew, we were all kind time. So we all knew, we were all kind time. So we all knew, we were all kind of convicted.

of convicted. of convicted. And finally, after like 15, 20 minutes, And finally, after like 15, 20 minutes, And finally, after like 15, 20 minutes, after the amount of junk that was coming after the amount of junk that was coming after the amount of junk that was coming out, we were just like, "We got to go." out, we were just like, "We got to go." out, we were just like, "We got to go." So we all get up, we walk out. So we all get up, we walk out. So we all get up, we walk out. We're out in the lobby, we try to talk We're out in the lobby, we try to talk We're out in the lobby, we try to talk to the theater, you know, director to the theater, you know, director to the theater, you know, director person behind the cash register and person behind the cash register and person behind the cash register and they're like, "No, you can't get your they're like, "No, you can't get your they're like, "No, you can't get your money back." We were like, "Why? We left money back." We were like, "Why? We left money back." We were like, "Why? We left the movie." They're like, "Why'd you the movie." They're like, "Why'd you the movie." They're like, "Why'd you leave the movie? Go back in and watch leave the movie? Go back in and watch leave the movie? Go back in and watch it." We were like, "Well, it." We were like, "Well, it." We were like, "Well, and we didn't want to explain it." We and we didn't want to explain it." We and we didn't want to explain it." We were like, "We were like, "We were like, "We We just can't watch the movie, you We just can't watch the movie, you We just can't watch the movie, you know." And they're like, "We're not know." And they're like, "We're not know." And they're like, "We're not paying you back." paying you back." paying you back." So then we were like, So then we were like, So then we were like, And my my dad said, "You guys can stay And my my dad said, "You guys can stay And my my dad said, "You guys can stay out till midnight tonight." So we were out till midnight tonight." So we were out till midnight tonight." So we were like, "Okay, we're going to stay out." like, "Okay, we're going to stay out." like, "Okay, we're going to stay out." But we didn't have anything else to do. But we didn't have anything else to do. But we didn't have anything else to do. So we were like, "Let's just go home." So we were like, "Let's just go home." So we were like, "Let's just go home." So we go home and So we go home and So we go home and it's 10:30 at night and and we've all it's 10:30 at night and and we've all it's 10:30 at night and and we've all decided we're not telling any of our decided we're not telling any of our decided we're not telling any of our parents what happened. parents what happened. parents what happened. And sure enough, right at the front And sure enough, right at the front And sure enough, right at the front doorstep is my dad, Pastor Billy Joe, doorstep is my dad, Pastor Billy Joe, doorstep is my dad, Pastor Billy Joe, just waiting in the dark. just waiting in the dark. just waiting in the dark. That's a horror movie, by the way. He's That's a horror movie, by the way. He's That's a horror movie, by the way. He's just sitting there. Just the Clint Eastwood eyebrows, you Just the Clint Eastwood eyebrows, you know. know. know. So, we walk up and So, we walk up and So, we walk up and he's like, "Hey, boys.

he's like, "Hey, boys. he's like, "Hey, boys. Where y'all been?" Where y'all been?" Where y'all been?" And we were like, "Uh And we were like, "Uh And we were like, "Uh we've just been out." And they're like, we've just been out." And they're like, we've just been out." And they're like, and he was like, "Did you go see a and he was like, "Did you go see a and he was like, "Did you go see a movie?" We're like, uh movie?" We're like, uh movie?" We're like, uh My friends all just walk really fast. My friends all just walk really fast. My friends all just walk really fast. They're like, "Paul, John, you guys They're like, "Paul, John, you guys They're like, "Paul, John, you guys answer." answer." answer." And so, we were like, "Yeah." And so, we were like, "Yeah." And so, we were like, "Yeah." "Yeah, we did." He's like, "What did you "Yeah, we did." He's like, "What did you "Yeah, we did." He's like, "What did you see?" And this is where I wanted to lie. see?" And this is where I wanted to lie. see?" And this is where I wanted to lie. But this was a forward choice. Sometimes But this was a forward choice. Sometimes But this was a forward choice. Sometimes forward is just being honest when you forward is just being honest when you forward is just being honest when you want to lie. want to lie. want to lie. Like forward is not just massive steps. Like forward is not just massive steps. Like forward is not just massive steps. Like, "I did something great for God. I Like, "I did something great for God. I Like, "I did something great for God. I went on a mission trip." That's great. went on a mission trip." That's great. went on a mission trip." That's great. But forward is also just on Monday being But forward is also just on Monday being But forward is also just on Monday being honest. honest. honest. On Tuesday, having a conversation with On Tuesday, having a conversation with On Tuesday, having a conversation with with someone in your family that you with someone in your family that you with someone in your family that you just need to talk to and open up and just need to talk to and open up and just need to talk to and open up and say, "Man, I'm struggling in this area. say, "Man, I'm struggling in this area. say, "Man, I'm struggling in this area. I could really use some prayer." I could really use some prayer." I could really use some prayer." Like it's the little things. It's the Like it's the little things. It's the Like it's the little things. It's the little things. And in this moment, I was little things. And in this moment, I was little things. And in this moment, I was like, "Okay, I've been living backwards like, "Okay, I've been living backwards like, "Okay, I've been living backwards cuz I've been making some poor choices cuz I've been making some poor choices cuz I've been making some poor choices when no one's watching and when other when no one's watching and when other when no one's watching and when other people are watching." So, I was honest. people are watching." So, I was honest. people are watching." So, I was honest. I was like, "Dad, we went and saw an I was like, "Dad, we went and saw an I was like, "Dad, we went and saw an R-rated movie and da da da da." And I'm R-rated movie and da da da da." And I'm R-rated movie and da da da da." And I'm like telling him.

like telling him. like telling him. And I'm just waiting for him to like And I'm just waiting for him to like And I'm just waiting for him to like spank us, you know, punch me. I don't spank us, you know, punch me. I don't spank us, you know, punch me. I don't know. I was just No, he wasn't going to know. I was just No, he wasn't going to know. I was just No, he wasn't going to punch me. He's he's sweet. But I I I was punch me. He's he's sweet. But I I I was punch me. He's he's sweet. But I I I was like, "We're going to be busted, you like, "We're going to be busted, you like, "We're going to be busted, you know." I said we we walked out I said we we walked out cuz there was stuff in it. cuz there was stuff in it. cuz there was stuff in it. And he goes, "All you guys?" And all of And he goes, "All you guys?" And all of And he goes, "All you guys?" And all of my friends just have their heads down. my friends just have their heads down. my friends just have their heads down. They're like, "Yes, Pastor Billy Joe. They're like, "Yes, Pastor Billy Joe. They're like, "Yes, Pastor Billy Joe. We're sorry. We're failures, you know." We're sorry. We're failures, you know." We're sorry. We're failures, you know." He's like, "All y'all walked out?" He's like, "All y'all walked out?" He's like, "All y'all walked out?" We're like, "Yeah." And he walks off. He We're like, "Yeah." And he walks off. He We're like, "Yeah." And he walks off. He walks back to his bedroom. We're like, walks back to his bedroom. We're like, walks back to his bedroom. We're like, "Oh, crud. He's getting the spanking "Oh, crud. He's getting the spanking "Oh, crud. He's getting the spanking paddle." We're 17 years old. We're going paddle." We're 17 years old. We're going paddle." We're 17 years old. We're going to get like wooden spankings and we're to get like wooden spankings and we're to get like wooden spankings and we're we're all kind of preparing for it. we're all kind of preparing for it. we're all kind of preparing for it. We're like, "Oh, no. And we're going to We're like, "Oh, no. And we're going to We're like, "Oh, no. And we're going to get grounded. He's going to call all our get grounded. He's going to call all our get grounded. He's going to call all our parents. parents. parents. He comes back in. He comes back in. He comes back in. He pulls out his wallet, and hands each He pulls out his wallet, and hands each He pulls out his wallet, and hands each of us a $10 bill. of us a $10 bill. of us a $10 bill. And he says, "I want you to know And he says, "I want you to know And he says, "I want you to know something. This was not a loss tonight. something. This was not a loss tonight. something. This was not a loss tonight. I don't want you to view tonight as a I don't want you to view tonight as a I don't want you to view tonight as a loss. The price of a movie is not worth loss. The price of a movie is not worth loss. The price of a movie is not worth the price of your soul." the price of your soul." the price of your soul." He said, "I am proud of you guys for He said, "I am proud of you guys for He said, "I am proud of you guys for walking out of that movie. walking out of that movie. walking out of that movie. I am proud of you." I am proud of you." I am proud of you." >> [applause] >> I was ready to get beat by my dad.

>> I was ready to get beat by my dad. Can I tell you you have a heavenly Can I tell you you have a heavenly Can I tell you you have a heavenly Father Father Father that's proud of you for coming back to that's proud of you for coming back to that's proud of you for coming back to church this Sunday? Some of you may not church this Sunday? Some of you may not church this Sunday? Some of you may not have been here in a while. Maybe some of have been here in a while. Maybe some of have been here in a while. Maybe some of you had some bad choices this last week, you had some bad choices this last week, you had some bad choices this last week, but you showed up to church. but you showed up to church. but you showed up to church. Maybe you're teenager here, and you're Maybe you're teenager here, and you're Maybe you're teenager here, and you're like, "Honestly, dude, I did some stupid like, "Honestly, dude, I did some stupid like, "Honestly, dude, I did some stupid stuff last night." But you have a stuff last night." But you have a stuff last night." But you have a heavenly Father that's like, "I am so heavenly Father that's like, "I am so heavenly Father that's like, "I am so glad you're at church today, that you're glad you're at church today, that you're glad you're at church today, that you're in my presence." [music] You have a in my presence." [music] You have a in my presence." [music] You have a heavenly Father that's like, "I want to heavenly Father that's like, "I want to heavenly Father that's like, "I want to reward you for seeking me this year." I reward you for seeking me this year." I reward you for seeking me this year." I want us just to stand to our feet all want us just to stand to our feet all want us just to stand to our feet all over this place. I want to pray for you over this place. I want to pray for you over this place. I want to pray for you right now. right now. right now. And I want to pray that this would be a And I want to pray that this would be a And I want to pray that this would be a year that you experience not just the year that you experience not just the year that you experience not just the presence of God, not just the miracles presence of God, not just the miracles presence of God, not just the miracles of God, not just the grace of God, but of God, not just the grace of God, but of God, not just the grace of God, but that you have forward motion in the that you have forward motion in the that you have forward motion in the direction that God's calling you to go. direction that God's calling you to go. direction that God's calling you to go. That you become who God's called you to That you become who God's called you to That you become who God's called you to be. be. be. That you lay aside every weight, every That you lay aside every weight, every That you lay aside every weight, every hindrance. I look at this backpack, and hindrance. I look at this backpack, and hindrance. I look at this backpack, and I think about spiritually in the room, I think about spiritually in the room, I think about spiritually in the room, there's thousands of backpacks. You there's thousands of backpacks. You there's thousands of backpacks. You can't see them, they're invisible. But can't see them, they're invisible. But can't see them, they're invisible. But some of you brought a backpack in, and some of you brought a backpack in, and some of you brought a backpack in, and you're carrying the mistakes of your you're carrying the mistakes of your you're carrying the mistakes of your past. Someone's carrying just the past. Someone's carrying just the past. Someone's carrying just the failures, the shame, the addiction, the failures, the shame, the addiction, the failures, the shame, the addiction, the secret sin. For some of you, you're secret sin. For some of you, you're secret sin. For some of you, you're carrying the success of your past.

carrying the success of your past. carrying the success of your past. You're like, "Man, I've been doing You're like, "Man, I've been doing You're like, "Man, I've been doing great, Paul. I could really just sit and great, Paul. I could really just sit and great, Paul. I could really just sit and chill." And God's like, "There's more. chill." And God's like, "There's more. chill." And God's like, "There's more. There's more I have for you." There's more I have for you." There's more I have for you." Whether you're 60 or 16, whether you're Whether you're 60 or 16, whether you're Whether you're 60 or 16, whether you're 80 or 18, whatever age you are, God's 80 or 18, whatever age you are, God's 80 or 18, whatever age you are, God's saying, "Can I take you further? Can we saying, "Can I take you further? Can we saying, "Can I take you further? Can we move forward this year? Can we take some move forward this year? Can we take some move forward this year? Can we take some steps in the right direction? Can I help steps in the right direction? Can I help steps in the right direction? Can I help you every day to move in the right you every day to move in the right you every day to move in the right direction and can I help you take out direction and can I help you take out direction and can I help you take out some burdens you've been carrying? some burdens you've been carrying? some burdens you've been carrying? Can I help you get rid of to make space Can I help you get rid of to make space Can I help you get rid of to make space for the new stuff? for the new stuff? for the new stuff? Can I help you let go of some old wounds Can I help you let go of some old wounds Can I help you let go of some old wounds you've been holding on to, some old you've been holding on to, some old you've been holding on to, some old weights? Can I help you weights? Can I help you weights? Can I help you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> clear out some stuff that's no longer >> clear out some stuff that's no longer >> clear out some stuff that's no longer necessary? necessary? necessary? Maybe there's someone here today you Maybe there's someone here today you Maybe there's someone here today you just need to lay down the vape. You need just need to lay down the vape. You need just need to lay down the vape. You need to lay down some of the drugs you you've to lay down some of the drugs you you've to lay down some of the drugs you you've been holding on to, some of the stuff been holding on to, some of the stuff been holding on to, some of the stuff you've been carrying. Maybe there's you've been carrying. Maybe there's you've been carrying. Maybe there's someone here today you go, "Man, I've someone here today you go, "Man, I've someone here today you go, "Man, I've been stuck in some stuff that I I really been stuck in some stuff that I I really been stuck in some stuff that I I really need to get out of." And if I'm honest, there's a part of me And if I'm honest, there's a part of me that stopped writing a couple years ago.

that stopped writing a couple years ago. that stopped writing a couple years ago. Someone asked me, they're like, "When Someone asked me, they're like, "When Someone asked me, they're like, "When are you going to write your next book?" are you going to write your next book?" are you going to write your next book?" I was like, "Well, you know, I wrote I was like, "Well, you know, I wrote I was like, "Well, you know, I wrote Mind Games." And they're like, Mind Games." And they're like, Mind Games." And they're like, "When are you going to write your next "When are you going to write your next "When are you going to write your next book?" And I hear the Lord saying, "It's time And I hear the Lord saying, "It's time to get that pencil out again. to get that pencil out again. to get that pencil out again. It's time to get ready for a new book. It's time to get ready for a new book. It's time to get ready for a new book. It's time to get ready for a new It's time to get ready for a new It's time to get ready for a new miracle. Your best messages are still in miracle. Your best messages are still in miracle. Your best messages are still in front of you. Your best breakthroughs front of you. Your best breakthroughs front of you. Your best breakthroughs are still It's time to make room. I saw a visual picture in my mind as I I saw a visual picture in my mind as I was driving to church here of a football was driving to church here of a football was driving to church here of a football player player player with a with a jersey in in my mind. I with a with a jersey in in my mind. I with a with a jersey in in my mind. I saw the picture he had a a jersey with saw the picture he had a a jersey with saw the picture he had a a jersey with the word forward on it, but all around the word forward on it, but all around the word forward on it, but all around him was everything trying to stop him him was everything trying to stop him him was everything trying to stop him from from moving forward. He's trying to from from moving forward. He's trying to from from moving forward. He's trying to break through. I think they got the break through. I think they got the break through. I think they got the picture. He's trying to break through picture. He's trying to break through picture. He's trying to break through the line and it's like debt, depression, the line and it's like debt, depression, the line and it's like debt, depression, defeat, divorce, disappointment, defeat, divorce, disappointment, defeat, divorce, disappointment, rejection, betrayal of friend, rejection, betrayal of friend, rejection, betrayal of friend, everything. everything. everything. But I want you to take that picture and But I want you to take that picture and But I want you to take that picture and apply it to your personal life. If apply it to your personal life. If apply it to your personal life. If you're a mom and you're trying to break you're a mom and you're trying to break you're a mom and you're trying to break through some things, maybe you're a dad through some things, maybe you're a dad through some things, maybe you're a dad or you're a student, you're walking or you're a student, you're walking or you're a student, you're walking through a high school and there's all through a high school and there's all through a high school and there's all these other Whatever that season of life these other Whatever that season of life these other Whatever that season of life is, imagine what it is the enemy's is, imagine what it is the enemy's is, imagine what it is the enemy's trying to send to stop you. Young man, trying to send to stop you. Young man, trying to send to stop you. Young man, young woman, whoever you are, young woman, whoever you are, young woman, whoever you are, older fathers in the room, older mothers older fathers in the room, older mothers older fathers in the room, older mothers in the room, whatever it is that's in the room, whatever it is that's in the room, whatever it is that's trying to get you to just stop and just trying to get you to just stop and just trying to get you to just stop and just throw in the towel, just lay down. Today throw in the towel, just lay down. Today throw in the towel, just lay down. Today is the day to say, "I'm pressing on. I'm is the day to say, "I'm pressing on. I'm is the day to say, "I'm pressing on. I'm reaching." So, if you're here today and reaching." So, if you're here today and reaching." So, if you're here today and you know this message was for you, I you know this message was for you, I you know this message was for you, I want you to just raise your hand. I want want you to just raise your hand. I want want you to just raise your hand. I want to pray for you today. God is calling to pray for you today. God is calling to pray for you today. God is calling you forward. There's some stuff that you forward. There's some stuff that you forward. There's some stuff that he's saying it's time to lay that down.

he's saying it's time to lay that down. he's saying it's time to lay that down. It's time to let that go. It's time to It's time to let that go. It's time to It's time to let that go. It's time to release what's behind you and it's time release what's behind you and it's time release what's behind you and it's time to press on. to press on. to press on. It's time to press on. It's time to It's time to press on. It's time to It's time to press on. It's time to reach. If you raised your hand or you reach. If you raised your hand or you reach. If you raised your hand or you wanted to raise your hand or you just wanted to raise your hand or you just wanted to raise your hand or you just need to come down to the altar, I want need to come down to the altar, I want need to come down to the altar, I want you to leave your seat right now. Come you to leave your seat right now. Come you to leave your seat right now. Come and meet me at the altar. Come on, let's and meet me at the altar. Come on, let's and meet me at the altar. Come on, let's have a marked moment with God. Let's have a marked moment with God. Let's have a marked moment with God. Let's have an encounter in this room. Let's have an encounter in this room. Let's have an encounter in this room. Let's cheer on brave men that are moving cheer on brave men that are moving cheer on brave men that are moving forward, brave women, young girls, young forward, brave women, young girls, young forward, brave women, young girls, young guys, moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons, guys, moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons, guys, moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, teenagers, college students. daughters, teenagers, college students. daughters, teenagers, college students. God's saying, "This is your year to move God's saying, "This is your year to move God's saying, "This is your year to move forward. Don't miss your moment. forward. Don't miss your moment. forward. Don't miss your moment. Don't miss your moment." I hear God, Don't miss your moment." I hear God, Don't miss your moment." I hear God, he's like, "I'm the quarterback and I'm he's like, "I'm the quarterback and I'm he's like, "I'm the quarterback and I'm saying down, set, hut." And here's the saying down, set, hut." And here's the saying down, set, hut." And here's the route. The route is humility. The route route. The route is humility. The route route. The route is humility. The route is surrender. The route is responding to is surrender. The route is responding to is surrender. The route is responding to this altar saying, "God, you can have my this altar saying, "God, you can have my this altar saying, "God, you can have my mind. You can have my heart. You can mind. You can have my heart. You can mind. You can have my heart. You can have my Lord, the areas where I've been have my Lord, the areas where I've been have my Lord, the areas where I've been reaching, building a sandcastle, the reaching, building a sandcastle, the reaching, building a sandcastle, the areas where I've been spending my energy areas where I've been spending my energy areas where I've been spending my energy in a direction, God, that may just be in a direction, God, that may just be in a direction, God, that may just be fruitless, the areas where the enemy's fruitless, the areas where the enemy's fruitless, the areas where the enemy's been holding onto stuff in my back, God, been holding onto stuff in my back, God, been holding onto stuff in my back, God, the areas where you're trying to do the areas where you're trying to do the areas where you're trying to do something new and fresh in me."

something new and fresh in me." something new and fresh in me." And we're just going to sing this And we're just going to sing this And we're just going to sing this worship song all across this room. worship song all across this room. worship song all across this room. But if you want to come down to the But if you want to come down to the But if you want to come down to the altar, come and join us. Let's worship altar, come and join us. Let's worship altar, come and join us. Let's worship and let's pray. >> I'm not going [music and singing] back. >> I'm not going [music and singing] back. I'm moving ahead. I'm moving ahead. I'm moving ahead. I'm here to declare I'm here to declare I'm here to declare >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> my past [music] >> my past [music] >> my past [music] is over. You all things are made [singing] new. You all things are made [singing] new. Surrender my life [music] to Christ. Surrender my life [music] to Christ. Surrender my life [music] to Christ. I'm moving. [singing] I'm not going I'm moving. [singing] I'm not going I'm moving. [singing] I'm not going back. back. back. I'm moving ahead. I'm moving ahead. I'm moving ahead. I'm here to declare I'm here to declare I'm here to declare to you to you to you my my my >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> past is over. >> past is over. >> past is over. You You You all things [music] are made new. all things [music] are made new. all things [music] are made new. Surrender [singing] my life to Christ. Surrender [singing] my life to Christ. Surrender [singing] my life to Christ. I'm moving. I'm not [music] going back. I'm moving. I'm not [music] going back. I'm moving. I'm not [music] going back. I'm moving [singing] I'm moving [singing] I'm moving [singing] ahead.

ahead. ahead. I'm here to declare I'm here to declare I'm here to declare to you to you to you my my my >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> past is over. >> past is over. >> past is over. You You You all things are made [singing] new. all things are made [singing] new. all things are made [singing] new. Surrender my life to Christ. Surrender my life to Christ. Surrender my life to Christ. I'm [music] moving. [singing] I'm [music] moving. [singing] I'm [music] moving. [singing] Moving forward. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Moving >> Moving >> Moving forward. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I'm moving >> I'm moving >> I'm moving forward. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> And you >> And you >> And you make make make all things new. all things new. all things new. Yes, Yes, Yes, you make you make you make all things new. all things new. all things new. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> And >> And >> And I will I will I will follow you And you And you make make make all things new.

all things new. all things new. Yes, you Yes, you Yes, you >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> make >> make >> make all things new. all things new. all things new. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And >> And >> And I will I will I will follow follow follow >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> you >> you >> you forward. And you And you make [singing] make [singing] make [singing] all things all things all things new. Yes, you new. Yes, you new. Yes, you make make make all all all things new. things new. things new. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> And >> And >> And I will I will I will follow I'm not going [singing] back. I'm not going [singing] back. I'm moving ahead. I'm moving ahead. I'm moving ahead. I'm here to declare I'm here to declare I'm here to declare to you my past [singing] is over. to you my past [singing] is over. to you my past [singing] is over. With you With you With you all things are made [singing] new. all things are made [singing] new. all things are made [singing] new. Surrender my life to Christ. I'm moving. Surrender my life to Christ. I'm moving. Surrender my life to Christ. I'm moving. I'm not going back. I'm not going back. I'm not going back. I'm moving [music and singing] ahead.

I'm moving [music and singing] ahead. I'm moving [music and singing] ahead. I'm here to declare I'm here to declare I'm here to declare to you to you to you my past is over. [music] my past is over. [music] my past is over. [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> With you >> With you >> With you all things are made new. Surrender all things are made new. Surrender all things are made new. Surrender [music] [music] [music] my life to Christ. I'm moving. I'm not my life to Christ. I'm moving. I'm not my life to Christ. I'm moving. I'm not [music] going back. [music] going back. [music] going back. I'm moving ahead. I'm moving ahead. I'm moving ahead. I'm here [singing and music] to declare I'm here [singing and music] to declare I'm here [singing and music] to declare to you to you to you my past is over. my past is over. my past is over. With you With you With you >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> all things [music] are made new. >> all things [music] are made new. >> all things [music] are made new. Surrender my life [singing] Surrender my life [singing] Surrender my life [singing] to Christ. I'm moving. Moving [music] to Christ. I'm moving. Moving [music] to Christ. I'm moving. Moving [music] forward. Moving [singing] Moving [singing] forward. We're moving forward. We're moving forward. [singing and music] Moving forward. Moving forward. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> We're moving [music] >> We're moving [music] >> We're moving [music] forward.

We're moving forward. We're moving forward. >> [singing] [music] [music] >> Because of you, >> Because of you, >> Because of you, >> [singing] >> you >> you make make make all things new. Yes, you all things new. Yes, you all things new. Yes, you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> make all things new. >> make all things new. >> make all things new. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> And >> And >> And I will I will I will follow you forward. forward. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> We declare you make all things new. >> We declare you make all things new. >> We declare you make all things new. And you And you And you make make make all things [singing and music] new. Yes, all things [singing and music] new. Yes, all things [singing and music] new. Yes, you make all things [music] new. make all things [music] new. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> And I >> And I >> And I will will will follow you follow you follow you >> [music] >> forward. [singing] >> forward. [singing] We declare you make all things new. We declare you make all things new. We declare you make all things new. Jesus, you Jesus, you Jesus, you make make make all things new. all things new. all things new. Yes, you [singing] Yes, you [singing] Yes, you [singing] make make make all things new. all things new. all things new. And I And I And I >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> will >> will >> will follow you >> [music] >> We're not going back.

>> We're not going back. >> We're not going back. We're moving ahead. We're moving ahead. We're moving ahead. Here to declare Here to declare Here to declare to you, to you, to you, my past is over. my past is over. my past is over. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> In you, >> In you, >> In you, all things are made new. all things are made new. all things are made new. Surrender my life [singing] Surrender my life [singing] Surrender my life [singing] to Christ. I'm moving. I'm not going to Christ. I'm moving. I'm not going to Christ. I'm moving. I'm not going back. back. back. I'm moving [singing] ahead. I'm moving [singing] ahead. I'm moving [singing] ahead. I'm here to declare to you, my past [singing] is [music] over. my past [singing] is [music] over. In you, In you, In you, all things are made new. all things are made new. all things are made new. Surrender [singing] my life Surrender [singing] my life Surrender [singing] my life to Come on, say it again. I'm moving. to Come on, say it again. I'm moving. to Come on, say it again. I'm moving. I'm not going back. I'm not going back. I'm not going back. I'm moving [singing] ahead. I'm moving [singing] ahead. I'm moving [singing] ahead. I'm here [music] to declare I'm here [music] to declare I'm here [music] to declare to you to you to you my past [singing] is over [music] my past [singing] is over [music] my past [singing] is over [music] for you. for you. for you. All things are made new. Surrender my All things are made new. Surrender my All things are made new. Surrender my life life life >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> to Christ. >> to Christ. >> to Christ. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'm moving, moving forward.

Moving [singing] Moving [singing] forward. >> You know, it's a miracle looking at just >> You know, it's a miracle looking at just these two right here that are worshiping these two right here that are worshiping these two right here that are worshiping with us up on stage cuz with us up on stage cuz with us up on stage cuz she could have died a couple years ago, she could have died a couple years ago, she could have died a couple years ago, but she pressed through. but she pressed through. but she pressed through. She could have She could have given in She could have She could have given in She could have She could have given in to the feelings of sickness, disease. to the feelings of sickness, disease. to the feelings of sickness, disease. When she was on dialysis and and the When she was on dialysis and and the When she was on dialysis and and the amount of just pain she was walking amount of just pain she was walking amount of just pain she was walking through. And I remember times walking up through. And I remember times walking up through. And I remember times walking up to her and I was like, "How are you to her and I was like, "How are you to her and I was like, "How are you doing?" doing?" doing?" And I had to felt bad asking that And I had to felt bad asking that And I had to felt bad asking that question. I was like, "That's a dumb question. I was like, "That's a dumb question. I was like, "That's a dumb question to ask someone who's walking question to ask someone who's walking question to ask someone who's walking through so much pain." through so much pain." through so much pain." But I could tell in her eyes she was But I could tell in her eyes she was But I could tell in her eyes she was like, "I'm still moving forward. like, "I'm still moving forward. like, "I'm still moving forward. I'm still moving forward. I'm still moving forward. I'm still moving forward. I'm still moving forward." I'm still moving forward." I'm still moving forward." >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And sometimes the only thing you can do >> And sometimes the only thing you can do >> And sometimes the only thing you can do is just show up to church. And when his dad died when he was a And when his dad died when he was a teenager, his dad was an usher for us. teenager, his dad was an usher for us. teenager, his dad was an usher for us. He used to usher on Saturday nights He used to usher on Saturday nights He used to usher on Saturday nights right next to me. right next to me. right next to me. And I remember watching Cole as a And I remember watching Cole as a And I remember watching Cole as a teenager lose his dad.

teenager lose his dad. teenager lose his dad. And just And just And just all the different stuff he's walked all the different stuff he's walked all the different stuff he's walked through. through. through. And there was season where he was out of And there was season where he was out of And there was season where he was out of our church for a while. our church for a while. our church for a while. And then God brought him back to Victory And then God brought him back to Victory And then God brought him back to Victory in the last couple years. And to see him in the last couple years. And to see him in the last couple years. And to see him up here leading worship, up here leading worship, up here leading worship, >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> and to see him come on, I'm still moving >> and to see him come on, I'm still moving >> and to see him come on, I'm still moving forward. forward. forward. Just say with me, "I'm still moving Just say with me, "I'm still moving Just say with me, "I'm still moving forward." forward." forward." Here's what I want us to do. I want us Here's what I want us to do. I want us Here's what I want us to do. I want us just to pray this prayer and then we'll just to pray this prayer and then we'll just to pray this prayer and then we'll dismiss. And if you're down here at the dismiss. And if you're down here at the dismiss. And if you're down here at the front, I just encourage you to turn and front, I just encourage you to turn and front, I just encourage you to turn and talk to someone before you leave. But talk to someone before you leave. But talk to someone before you leave. But just say this with me. Say, "Jesus, just say this with me. Say, "Jesus, just say this with me. Say, "Jesus, >> Jesus, >> Jesus, >> Jesus, >> thank you >> thank you >> thank you >> Thank you >> Thank you >> Thank you >> for doing something new >> for doing something new >> for doing something new >> for doing something new >> for doing something new >> for doing something new >> inside of me. >> inside of me. >> inside of me. >> inside of me. >> inside of me. >> inside of me. Changing me. Changing me. Changing me. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, you have permission you have permission you have permission to move me to move me to move me forward. forward. forward. I surrender. I surrender. I surrender. I'm pressing on. I'm pressing on. I'm pressing on. I'm forgetting I'm forgetting I'm forgetting what's behind me. what's behind me. what's behind me. I'm releasing I'm releasing I'm releasing what's behind me what's behind me what's behind me and I'm reaching and I'm reaching and I'm reaching for what's ahead. for what's ahead. for what's ahead. I'm looking forward I'm looking forward I'm looking forward to what God has.

to what God has. to what God has. Forward. Forward. Forward. I'm all yours, God. I'm all yours, God. I'm all yours, God. I repent of my sin. I repent of my sin. I repent of my sin. I receive your forgiveness I receive your forgiveness I receive your forgiveness and I thank you, Jesus, that I'm moving and I thank you, Jesus, that I'm moving and I thank you, Jesus, that I'm moving forward. forward. forward. Come on, amen.