Watermark Community Church

[music] [music] >> Good morning, church family. Welcome to >> Good morning, church family. Welcome to >> Good morning, church family. Welcome to Watermark. We're glad y'all are here. Watermark. We're glad y'all are here. Watermark. We're glad y'all are here. Whether you're watching on the stream or Whether you're watching on the stream or Whether you're watching on the stream or here live in the room, just welcome. here live in the room, just welcome. here live in the room, just welcome. We're We're really good. It's really We're We're really good. It's really We're We're really good. It's really good to be together and to worship good to be together and to worship good to be together and to worship together. I want to remind us and make together. I want to remind us and make together. I want to remind us and make us aware of a couple of things before we us aware of a couple of things before we us aware of a couple of things before we get started. The first is just a get started. The first is just a get started. The first is just a reminder that that we are a a Bible reminder that that we are a a Bible reminder that that we are a a Bible revering church is one of our 10 revering church is one of our 10 revering church is one of our 10 markers. And we want to saturate these markers. And we want to saturate these markers. And we want to saturate these services as we gather with [music] God's services as we gather with [music] God's services as we gather with [music] God's word because it is our authority. It's word because it is our authority. It's word because it is our authority. It's our It's our guide. It's living and our It's our guide. It's living and our It's our guide. It's living and inactive and we want to read it and know inactive and we want to read it and know inactive and we want to read it and know it. it. it. And um and so on the screen, you're And um and so on the screen, you're And um and so on the screen, you're going to see scripture passages going to see scripture passages going to see scripture passages throughout our time as we're singing and throughout our time as we're singing and throughout our time as we're singing and use take advantage of those times to use take advantage of those times to use take advantage of those times to meditate [music] on God's word. Um meditate [music] on God's word. Um meditate [music] on God's word. Um because because because it's good and we need to and it is true it's good and we need to and it is true it's good and we need to and it is true and it is helpful. And um and also I and it is helpful. And um and also I and it is helpful. And um and also I want to share that God throughout the want to share that God throughout the want to share that God throughout the Old Testament through the New Testament Old Testament through the New Testament Old Testament through the New Testament [music] to now we know that God has always wanted to we know that God has always wanted to make himself known to us make himself known to us make himself known to us which is an [music] amazing thing. He's which is an [music] amazing thing. He's which is an [music] amazing thing. He's he's always moving towards us. In the he's always moving towards us. In the he's always moving towards us. In the Old Testament, whether it was the Old Testament, whether it was the Old Testament, whether it was the tabernacle or the tent of meeting or the tabernacle or the tent of meeting or the tabernacle or the tent of meeting or the [music] burning bush with Moses, it was [music] burning bush with Moses, it was [music] burning bush with Moses, it was always him initiating, him making always him initiating, him making always him initiating, him making himself known to us and telling us who

himself known to us and telling us who himself known to us and telling us who he is, telling us [music] about his he is, telling us [music] about his he is, telling us [music] about his character. character. character. And now we have the word through the New And now we have the word through the New And now we have the word through the New Testament. Now, the spirit is living in Testament. Now, the spirit is living in Testament. Now, the spirit is living in each of us as believers. And he's each of us as believers. And he's each of us as believers. And he's >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> omniresent. He's always here. He's >> omniresent. He's always here. He's >> omniresent. He's always here. He's always with us. But similar to if we're always with us. But similar to if we're always with us. But similar to if we're in a room together in a room together in a room together and we're present with one another, but and we're present with one another, but and we're present with one another, but I don't really know you, I don't really know you, I don't really know you, I can take steps [music] towards knowing I can take steps [music] towards knowing I can take steps [music] towards knowing you deeper and knowing you more. And you deeper and knowing you more. And you deeper and knowing you more. And that's my prayer [music] for this that's my prayer [music] for this that's my prayer [music] for this morning is that we would take steps morning is that we would take steps morning is that we would take steps toward the Lord, toward the Lord, toward the Lord, to know him deeper. to know him deeper. to know him deeper. And so [music] I thought that we would And so [music] I thought that we would And so [music] I thought that we would just start with silence for a moment. just start with silence for a moment. just start with silence for a moment. The music's going to play, but just you The music's going to play, but just you The music's going to play, but just you and the Lord and just ask the Lord to and the Lord and just ask the Lord to and the Lord and just ask the Lord to prepare [music] you to meet with him prepare [music] you to meet with him prepare [music] you to meet with him today. And so, let's begin our time together in And so, let's begin our time together in our service with asking the Lord that. our service with asking the Lord that. our service with asking the Lord that. Let's just take a moment and say, Lord, Let's just take a moment and say, Lord, Let's just take a moment and say, Lord, would you meet with me today?

Father, thank you for your word. Father, thank you for your word. Spirit, thank you for your presence. Spirit, thank you for your presence. Spirit, thank you for your presence. Would you help us to exalt Christ? Thank you, Lord, that we are here, that Thank you, Lord, that we are here, that you have gathered us here, and that you you have gathered us here, and that you you have gathered us here, and that you want to be known by us. And so, Lord, want to be known by us. And so, Lord, want to be known by us. And so, Lord, again, I pray prepare our hearts right again, I pray prepare our hearts right again, I pray prepare our hearts right now to meet with you today in the name now to meet with you today in the name now to meet with you today in the name of Jesus. Amen. of Jesus. Amen. of Jesus. Amen. If you haven't already, stand to your If you haven't already, stand to your If you haven't already, stand to your feet and sing with us to the Lord. Christ is my [music and singing] firm Christ is my [music and singing] firm foundation, the rock on [singing and music] which I the rock on [singing and music] which I stand. When everything around me is stand. When everything around me is stand. When everything around me is shaking, [music] I've never been more glad. And I put my I've never been more glad. And I put my faith [music] in Jesus [singing] cuz he's never let me down. He's cuz he's never let me down. He's faithful [music] through generations.

So why [music and singing] would he fail So why [music and singing] would he fail now? He won't. I've still [music and singing] got joy I've still [music and singing] got joy in chaos. in chaos. in chaos. I've [music] got peace that makes I've [music] got peace that makes I've [music] got peace that makes [singing] no sense. So I won't be [singing] no sense. So I won't be [singing] no sense. So I won't be [music] going on. [music] going on. [music] going on. I'm [music] not held by [singing] my own I'm [music] not held by [singing] my own I'm [music] not held by [singing] my own strength. Cuz I built my life on [music] strength. Cuz I built my life on [music] strength. Cuz I built my life on [music] Jesus. He's there to let me down. He's faithful He's there to let me down. He's faithful in every [music] in every [music] in every [music] season. The rock on which I stand.

The rock on which I stand. Everything [music] Everything [music] Everything [music] around me shaking. I've never [music] I've never [music] been more. been more. been more. And I put my faith in Jesus. He's never let me down. [music] He's He's never let me down. [music] He's faithful to generations. [music] Oh, I believe there [music] Oh, I believe there [music] you >> Rain came >> Rain came blew but my house was spawning. [music] I'm safe with you and I'm going to make I'm safe with you and I'm going to make it through.

it through. it through. [music] [music] [music] Rain [singing] came with blue miles was Rain [singing] came with blue miles was Rain [singing] came with blue miles was built on me. built on me. built on me. I'm [music] I'm [music] I'm [music] safe with you. I'm going [music] to make safe with you. I'm going [music] to make safe with you. I'm going [music] to make it. through the miles [music] through the miles [music] on [music] [music] you. I'm going to make you. you. I'm going to make you. you. I'm going to make you. Oh, [music] I'm going to make it Oh, [music] I'm going to make it Oh, [music] I'm going to make it through. through. through. [music] Oh, I'm going to make you Oh, I'm going to make you [music] [music] [music] smile. The rock The rock [music] [music] [music] everything around me.

He's never He's never me down. [music] me down. [music] me down. [music] for the generations. [music] [music] So I will be [music] [music] won't fail. He won't fail. He won't fail. [music] Oh, you praise [music] Oh, you praise [music] your faith.

In this In this living [music] oh to taste oh to taste and see your [music] goodness and see your [music] goodness and see your [music] goodness come and fill come and fill come and fill the [music] car of my life. the [music] car of my life. the [music] car of my life. Fill us Lord Fill us Lord Fill us Lord in this [music] joy found in your in this [music] joy found in your in this [music] joy found in your [singing] presence. [singing] presence. [singing] presence. [music] Lord you are my dwelling place [music] Lord you are my dwelling place [music] Lord you are my dwelling place [music] [music] [music] and there are treasures and there are treasures and there are treasures [music] [music] [music] forever. forever. forever. I'll make known the path for life. I'll make known the path for life. I'll make known the path for life. [music] Oh my soul, behold your hope Oh my soul, behold your hope [singing and music] is only Jesus.

[singing and music] is only Jesus. [singing and music] is only Jesus. Oh my soul, be still and know that he is Oh my soul, be still and know that he is Oh my soul, be still and know that he is [music and singing] God. [music and singing] God. [music and singing] God. And like a shepher, he [music] will And like a shepher, he [music] will And like a shepher, he [music] will guide [singing] us all the day and guide [singing] us all the day and guide [singing] us all the day and through the night. Oh my soul, behold through the night. Oh my soul, behold through the night. Oh my soul, behold your hope is only Christ. in [music] this grace for [singing] sin in [music] this grace for [singing] sin broken broken broken underneath [music] underneath [music] underneath [music] the way the way the way of sh the cross. [music] Oh, [singing] of sh the cross. [music] Oh, [singing] of sh the cross. [music] Oh, [singing] the cross the cross the cross of Christ our silence. [music] of Christ our silence. [music] of Christ our silence. [music] Come and see. He's risen from [singing] Come and see. He's risen from [singing] Come and see. He's risen from [singing] the grave. the grave. the grave. Oh my [music] soul behold your holy Oh my [music] soul behold your holy Oh my [music] soul behold your holy Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. Oh my soul [music] still and lonely is Oh my soul [music] still and lonely is Oh my soul [music] still and lonely is God God God and [music] life and [music] life and [music] life will guide us all the day and through will guide us all the day and through will guide us all the day and through the night. [music] Oh my soul the night. [music] Oh my soul the night. [music] Oh my soul is only crying. in this praise in this praise belongs [singing] belongs [singing] belongs [singing] to [music] Jesus.

to [music] Jesus. to [music] Jesus. Glory to his [music] matchless Glory to his [music] matchless Glory to his [music] matchless name. name. name. How we long to [music] see the Savior How we long to [music] see the Savior How we long to [music] see the Savior [singing] come adore come adore the Lord our God we praise. We sing that the Lord our God we praise. We sing that the Lord our God we praise. We sing that [music] again. How we long for you [music] again. How we long for you [music] again. How we long for you Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And in this [music] race we belong to And in this [music] race we belong to And in this [music] race we belong to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] Glory [singing] to his majest. [music] [music] How we long to see [music] our savior How we long to see [music] our savior How we long to see [music] our savior adore adore adore the Lord our God the Lord our God the Lord our God [music] Heat.

Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Oh [music] my Oh [music] my go [music] [music] [applause] Christ is our only hope.

Christ is our only hope. What a glorious [music] hope you are. What a glorious [music] hope you are. What a glorious [music] hope you are. Fix our eyes on you, King Jesus, the Fix our eyes on you, King Jesus, the Fix our eyes on you, King Jesus, the lamb [music] slain lamb [music] slain lamb [music] slain before the foundation of the world. Our before the foundation of the world. Our before the foundation of the world. Our savior, [music] our king. savior, [music] our king. savior, [music] our king. Our hearts bow before you. Our hearts bow before you. Our hearts bow before you. Our hearts bow before you, Lord Jesus. [music] The king love [singing] [music] The king love [singing] of his life. of his life. of his life. The darkest [music] day in history. They're on a cross they made [music] for They're on a cross they made [music] for sinners. [singing] [music] For every curse your blood [music] For every curse your blood atone.

atone. atone. Thank you [music] Jesus. One final Thank you [music] Jesus. One final Thank you [music] Jesus. One final [singing] breath and it was finished. For the earth [music and singing] began For the earth [music and singing] began to shake to shake to shake and the [music and singing] and the [music and singing] and the [music and singing] torn. torn. torn. What [music] sacrifice was made What [music] sacrifice was made What [music] sacrifice was made as the [music] heavens [singing] as the [music] heavens [singing] as the [music] heavens [singing] roar. Oh [singing and music] the heavens roar. Oh [singing and music] the heavens roar. All hail King Jesus. [music and singing] All hail the Lord of heaven and earth. All hail the Lord of heaven and earth. [music] [music] [music] [singing] All hail King Jesus. All hail [singing and music] All hail [singing and music] the savior the savior the savior of the world.

We adore [music] you. We adore you We adore [music] you. We adore you Jesus. I think there was a moment. I think there was a moment. And there [music] was a moment [singing] And there [music] was a moment [singing] And there [music] was a moment [singing] when the sky lit up. when the sky lit up. when the sky lit up. A flash [music] A flash [music] A flash [music] of light [singing] breaking through. [music] And when all [singing] was lost, [music] And when all [singing] was lost, they crossed eternity. The king [music] of life is [singing] on The king [music] of life is [singing] on the road. the road. the road. For in a dark where I [music] want to be where I [music] want to be one [music] and we forever and we forever change change change [music] we are forever Jesus.

Jesus. We adore you Lord. [music] We adore you Lord. [music] We adore you Lord. [music] All [singing] hell All [singing] hell All [singing] hell of heaven and earth. of heaven and earth. of heaven and earth. All [music and singing] hell All [music and singing] hell All [music and singing] hell Jesus. All [music and singing] hell. The All [music and singing] hell. The savior. savior. savior. Everybody else. [music] Everybody else. [music] Everybody else. [music] All hell. All hell. All hell. He's the king. [music] He's the king. [music] He's the king. [music] Lord, Jesus, Jesus, [music] the world. the world. [music] [music] [music] You're the savior of the world. You're the savior of the world. You're the savior of the world. How we adore [music] you every How we adore [music] you every How we adore [music] you every Every [music] [music] king [music] love [music] love your Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] We're singing We're singing [music] Jesus. Jesus. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> All of the savior >> All of the savior >> All of the savior of the world You're worthy of it [music] all, You're worthy of it [music] all, Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. For from you [music and singing] are all For from you [music and singing] are all For from you [music and singing] are all things and best to you are all things. things and best to you are all things. things and best to you are all things. [music] Oh, you deserve the glory. [music] Oh, you deserve the glory. [music] Oh, you deserve the glory. [singing] Hear people [music] sing Hear people [music] sing that you're worthy of it all. that you're worthy of it all. that you're worthy of it all. All [music and singing] the glory. All All [music and singing] the glory. All All [music and singing] the glory. All the honor. And you're worthy of it all. For from you [music and singing] are all For from you [music and singing] are all things things things and to you are all [singing] things. For and to you are all [singing] things. For and to you are all [singing] things. For from you and for [music] from you are from you and for [music] from you are from you and for [music] from you are all things. all things. all things. And to you are all things. For from And to you are all things. For from And to you are all things. For from [music] you are all things. [music] you are all things. [music] you are all things. And to you [singing] are all things. Oh, And to you [singing] are all things. Oh, And to you [singing] are all things. Oh, you deserve [music] glory. [singing] Lord Jesus. You alone deserve all glory, Lord Jesus. You alone deserve all glory, all honor, all praise. [music] For you were slain and with your blood, For you were slain and with your blood, you redeemed us to God. People from you redeemed us to God. People from you redeemed us to God. People from every tribe, tongue, [music] and nation.

every tribe, tongue, [music] and nation. every tribe, tongue, [music] and nation. We say Jesus alone is Lord and King We say Jesus alone is Lord and King We say Jesus alone is Lord and King forever more. And so [music] we cast forever more. And so [music] we cast forever more. And so [music] we cast every crown at your feet this morning. every crown at your feet this morning. every crown at your feet this morning. We say it's [music] all yours We say it's [music] all yours We say it's [music] all yours for you, to you, through you, by you. for you, to you, through you, by you. for you, to you, through you, by you. Because of you, Because of you, Because of you, in you we live, move, and have [music] in you we live, move, and have [music] in you we live, move, and have [music] our being. our being. our being. We say, Lord Jesus, you are the center, We say, Lord Jesus, you are the center, We say, Lord Jesus, you are the center, the substance, and the source. the substance, and the source. the substance, and the source. Everything and everyone has to bow. Everything and everyone has to bow. Everything and everyone has to bow. So as [music] your people, as your So as [music] your people, as your So as [music] your people, as your church, we bow now. church, we bow now. church, we bow now. We say [music] be exalted. We say [music] be exalted. We say [music] be exalted. Give us eyes to see you rightly Give us eyes to see you rightly Give us eyes to see you rightly that we might [music] delight in you that we might [music] delight in you that we might [music] delight in you fully, completely. fully, completely. fully, completely. Holy Spirit, would you give us the Holy Spirit, would you give us the Holy Spirit, would you give us the spirit of [music] wisdom and revelation spirit of [music] wisdom and revelation spirit of [music] wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our understanding would that the eyes of our understanding would that the eyes of our understanding would be enlightened to know [music] Christ.

In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. Amen. [music] Church, before you guys Amen. [music] Church, before you guys Amen. [music] Church, before you guys take a seat, would you take just a few take a seat, would you take just a few take a seat, would you take just a few moments to turn and say good morning to moments to turn and say good morning to moments to turn and say good morning to a few folks sitting around you?

>> Well, good morning, Watermark. How are >> Well, good morning, Watermark. How are we doing today? we doing today? we doing today? >> [cheering and applause] >> [cheering and applause] >> [cheering and applause] >> Hey, it is uh it's so good to see you. >> Hey, it is uh it's so good to see you. >> Hey, it is uh it's so good to see you. Uh my name is Timothy Teague and I am on Uh my name is Timothy Teague and I am on Uh my name is Timothy Teague and I am on staff here at this church staff here at this church staff here at this church and uh I'm so glad to be back. I have and uh I'm so glad to be back. I have and uh I'm so glad to be back. I have truly missed you and uh just so excited truly missed you and uh just so excited truly missed you and uh just so excited to get to spend today with you. This is to get to spend today with you. This is to get to spend today with you. This is your first time ever with us. Uh thanks your first time ever with us. Uh thanks your first time ever with us. Uh thanks for trusting us with your Sunday. This for trusting us with your Sunday. This for trusting us with your Sunday. This is a place where we want you to take a is a place where we want you to take a is a place where we want you to take a first or a next step with Jesus Christ. first or a next step with Jesus Christ. first or a next step with Jesus Christ. We believe that God is here and that we We believe that God is here and that we We believe that God is here and that we get to meet with him today. And we study get to meet with him today. And we study get to meet with him today. And we study the Bible here every Sunday. We believe the Bible here every Sunday. We believe the Bible here every Sunday. We believe that God has gone to great lengths to that God has gone to great lengths to that God has gone to great lengths to speak to us. And when we open up the speak to us. And when we open up the speak to us. And when we open up the Bible, it's like we're opening God's Bible, it's like we're opening God's Bible, it's like we're opening God's mouth and we can hear from him. But one mouth and we can hear from him. But one mouth and we can hear from him. But one of the ways that we just prepare of the ways that we just prepare of the ways that we just prepare ourselves to hear from God is we ask him ourselves to hear from God is we ask him ourselves to hear from God is we ask him to speak. So I just want to give you a to speak. So I just want to give you a to speak. So I just want to give you a moment real quick to pray for yourself. moment real quick to pray for yourself. moment real quick to pray for yourself. If you will just take a moment and pause If you will just take a moment and pause If you will just take a moment and pause and pray and pray and pray and just say, "God, would you speak to and just say, "God, would you speak to and just say, "God, would you speak to me this morning?"

And then would you pray for the people And then would you pray for the people around you, family, friends, around you, family, friends, around you, family, friends, everyone else in the room, and just ask everyone else in the room, and just ask everyone else in the room, and just ask God to speak to them. And then I want to ask you to pray for And then I want to ask you to pray for me. And would you just ask God to speak me. And would you just ask God to speak me. And would you just ask God to speak through me to you? Well, Lord, I pray that our eyes would Well, Lord, I pray that our eyes would be open to see you and our ears would be be open to see you and our ears would be be open to see you and our ears would be open to hear from you and our hearts open to hear from you and our hearts open to hear from you and our hearts would be receptive to all that you have would be receptive to all that you have would be receptive to all that you have for us. Lord, I just think about what for us. Lord, I just think about what for us. Lord, I just think about what could be true could be true could be true this coming week if thousands of people this coming week if thousands of people this coming week if thousands of people all lean in together and hear from the all lean in together and hear from the all lean in together and hear from the living God. I thank you that you're living God. I thank you that you're living God. I thank you that you're here, God. Would you wake us up to your here, God. Would you wake us up to your here, God. Would you wake us up to your presence today? presence today? presence today? Would you make yourself evident to us?

Would you make yourself evident to us? Would you make yourself evident to us? Holy Spirit, would you move in all of Holy Spirit, would you move in all of Holy Spirit, would you move in all of our hearts in an unmistakable way? If our hearts in an unmistakable way? If our hearts in an unmistakable way? If there's anyone in the room right now who there's anyone in the room right now who there's anyone in the room right now who does not have a real saving faith, then does not have a real saving faith, then does not have a real saving faith, then I want to ask this morning that Jesus I want to ask this morning that Jesus I want to ask this morning that Jesus you would introduce yourself to them in you would introduce yourself to them in you would introduce yourself to them in the kindest of way and that today would the kindest of way and that today would the kindest of way and that today would be the day of salvation. So we just give be the day of salvation. So we just give be the day of salvation. So we just give this time to you and I pray that you'd this time to you and I pray that you'd this time to you and I pray that you'd be pleased by it in Jesus name. Amen. be pleased by it in Jesus name. Amen. be pleased by it in Jesus name. Amen. Well, I was so thankful that the elders Well, I was so thankful that the elders Well, I was so thankful that the elders gave me some time away. Our family gave me some time away. Our family gave me some time away. Our family wrapped up the time away last week in wrapped up the time away last week in wrapped up the time away last week in Park City, Utah. And while we were in Park City, Utah. And while we were in Park City, Utah. And while we were in Park City, uh we went to this place Park City, uh we went to this place Park City, uh we went to this place where we would where we as a family, we where we would where we as a family, we where we would where we as a family, we did a ropes course. And one of the did a ropes course. And one of the did a ropes course. And one of the things that I've learned about myself is things that I've learned about myself is things that I've learned about myself is I don't love heights. It's just not I don't love heights. It's just not I don't love heights. It's just not something that I get super into. And so something that I get super into. And so something that I get super into. And so when it came to choosing the lowest, the when it came to choosing the lowest, the when it came to choosing the lowest, the middle, or the highest, my kids were middle, or the highest, my kids were middle, or the highest, my kids were like, "Let's do the highest." I was like, "Let's do the highest." I was like, "Let's do the highest." I was like, "Great. We'll do the middle one." like, "Great. We'll do the middle one." like, "Great. We'll do the middle one." So we compromised and we were about 25 So we compromised and we were about 25 So we compromised and we were about 25 ft in the air and there was like the way ft in the air and there was like the way ft in the air and there was like the way that it worked is that there would be a that it worked is that there would be a that it worked is that there would be a pole which was like a platform resting pole which was like a platform resting pole which was like a platform resting place and then there was there was a place and then there was there was a place and then there was there was a length of course that you would move length of course that you would move length of course that you would move across to another platform. And there across to another platform. And there across to another platform. And there were that happened 10 different times.

were that happened 10 different times. were that happened 10 different times. And on the second And on the second And on the second like obstacle, it was just a wire. And like obstacle, it was just a wire. And like obstacle, it was just a wire. And you're supposed to walk across this you're supposed to walk across this you're supposed to walk across this wire. And uh right next to the wire was wire. And uh right next to the wire was wire. And uh right next to the wire was this uh rope that that sagged. It was this uh rope that that sagged. It was this uh rope that that sagged. It was like a sagging rope. And so my like a sagging rope. And so my like a sagging rope. And so my 8-year-old I sent my 8-year-old first. I 8-year-old I sent my 8-year-old first. I 8-year-old I sent my 8-year-old first. I was like, "Hey man, go ahead. was like, "Hey man, go ahead. was like, "Hey man, go ahead. Be the leader." Be the leader." Be the leader." Then my 16-year-old was right behind me. Then my 16-year-old was right behind me. Then my 16-year-old was right behind me. So, I got up to this wire and I was So, I got up to this wire and I was So, I got up to this wire and I was like, "You know what I'll do is I took like, "You know what I'll do is I took like, "You know what I'll do is I took the the rope that was kind of sagging the the rope that was kind of sagging the the rope that was kind of sagging and I pushed it out in front of me so and I pushed it out in front of me so and I pushed it out in front of me so that there was tension." And I was like, that there was tension." And I was like, that there was tension." And I was like, "I've got this." Like, I figured this "I've got this." Like, I figured this "I've got this." Like, I figured this out. And I turned to Noah who is behind out. And I turned to Noah who is behind out. And I turned to Noah who is behind me. I was like, "Noah, this is how you me. I was like, "Noah, this is how you me. I was like, "Noah, this is how you do this obstacle is you push this rope do this obstacle is you push this rope do this obstacle is you push this rope out in front of you and then you move out in front of you and then you move out in front of you and then you move across." Well, because the wire was kind across." Well, because the wire was kind across." Well, because the wire was kind of shaking and then this rope was of shaking and then this rope was of shaking and then this rope was shaking. This is what was happening. And shaking. This is what was happening. And shaking. This is what was happening. And some of you are like, "That looks some of you are like, "That looks some of you are like, "That looks inappropriate." Well, thank goodness inappropriate." Well, thank goodness inappropriate." Well, thank goodness it's not still every generation July, it's not still every generation July, it's not still every generation July, but this is what was happening. And I but this is what was happening. And I but this is what was happening. And I thought I crushed it thought I crushed it thought I crushed it cuz I made it across.

cuz I made it across. cuz I made it across. And then I And then I And then I If that shows up on social media, we're If that shows up on social media, we're If that shows up on social media, we're going to have words. Okay. going to have words. Okay. going to have words. Okay. But I got in the car and my wife was But I got in the car and my wife was But I got in the car and my wife was like, "Uh, hey." like, "Uh, hey." like, "Uh, hey." That was really hard to see. That was really hard to see. That was really hard to see. Like it was out of the blue. We weren't Like it was out of the blue. We weren't Like it was out of the blue. We weren't even talking about it. She was just even talking about it. She was just even talking about it. She was just like, "Hey, that moment that moment that was hard to see. Like you can't that was hard to see. Like you can't that was hard to see. Like you can't unsee that." And then Noah who was in unsee that." And then Noah who was in unsee that." And then Noah who was in the back seat was like, "Yeah, that was the back seat was like, "Yeah, that was the back seat was like, "Yeah, that was hard to see. hard to see. hard to see. And it it just it reminded me like I And it it just it reminded me like I And it it just it reminded me like I don't like ropes courses. I just don't don't like ropes courses. I just don't don't like ropes courses. I just don't like them. Like I drove out of the like them. Like I drove out of the like them. Like I drove out of the parking lot like we paid to do that. I parking lot like we paid to do that. I parking lot like we paid to do that. I paid for that misery. And and when I paid for that misery. And and when I paid for that misery. And and when I think back to making my way through that think back to making my way through that think back to making my way through that course, here's truly what was happening course, here's truly what was happening course, here's truly what was happening in me. Like when I would get to one of in me. Like when I would get to one of in me. Like when I would get to one of the platforms, one of the poles, I would the platforms, one of the poles, I would the platforms, one of the poles, I would hug I literally I would wrap my arms hug I literally I would wrap my arms hug I literally I would wrap my arms around the pole cuz I don't like around the pole cuz I don't like around the pole cuz I don't like heights. And I would watch my 8-year-old heights. And I would watch my 8-year-old heights. And I would watch my 8-year-old go across the next obstacle. And I would go across the next obstacle. And I would go across the next obstacle. And I would be so focused on Jake moving across that be so focused on Jake moving across that be so focused on Jake moving across that I would forget. I truly I would forget I would forget. I truly I would forget I would forget. I truly I would forget that I was going to have to go.

that I was going to have to go. that I was going to have to go. And then when it was my turn to go, I And then when it was my turn to go, I And then when it was my turn to go, I would get this feeling like I don't want would get this feeling like I don't want would get this feeling like I don't want to do this. And that happened 10 to do this. And that happened 10 to do this. And that happened 10 different times. different times. different times. I loved the rest. I hated the work. I loved the rest. I hated the work. I loved the rest. I hated the work. And I tell you that just say I'm so glad And I tell you that just say I'm so glad And I tell you that just say I'm so glad it's the opposite coming back to work it's the opposite coming back to work it's the opposite coming back to work here at Watermark. here at Watermark. here at Watermark. Like I loved the rest and I was thankful Like I loved the rest and I was thankful Like I loved the rest and I was thankful for it and God did a great work in my for it and God did a great work in my for it and God did a great work in my life during the rest. But I'm coming life during the rest. But I'm coming life during the rest. But I'm coming back with fire in my bones about what back with fire in my bones about what back with fire in my bones about what God has in store. Like I truly am. I am God has in store. Like I truly am. I am God has in store. Like I truly am. I am so expectant so expectant so expectant for what God is going to do in our for what God is going to do in our for what God is going to do in our church over the course of the fall and church over the course of the fall and church over the course of the fall and then all throughout 2027. I feel like then all throughout 2027. I feel like then all throughout 2027. I feel like God has given me clarity uh that I get God has given me clarity uh that I get God has given me clarity uh that I get to share with the elders and invite them to share with the elders and invite them to share with the elders and invite them to pray and process if this is what God to pray and process if this is what God to pray and process if this is what God has. But I'm so expectant for the rest has. But I'm so expectant for the rest has. But I'm so expectant for the rest of this year in 2027. So, I'm glad to be of this year in 2027. So, I'm glad to be of this year in 2027. So, I'm glad to be back at work and I'm excited to share back at work and I'm excited to share back at work and I'm excited to share what God's done in my life over the past what God's done in my life over the past what God's done in my life over the past several weeks.

several weeks. several weeks. As I got back into the office this week, As I got back into the office this week, As I got back into the office this week, I started preparing to teach the next I started preparing to teach the next I started preparing to teach the next passage in Acts, which is Acts 17. If passage in Acts, which is Acts 17. If passage in Acts, which is Acts 17. If you're familiar with the book of Acts, you're familiar with the book of Acts, you're familiar with the book of Acts, Acts chapter 17 involves Paul at Mars Acts chapter 17 involves Paul at Mars Acts chapter 17 involves Paul at Mars Hill, which is one of the most famous Hill, which is one of the most famous Hill, which is one of the most famous passages in all of Acts. passages in all of Acts. passages in all of Acts. I've never gotten to preach it before. I've never gotten to preach it before. I've never gotten to preach it before. I've looked forward to the opportunity I've looked forward to the opportunity I've looked forward to the opportunity to preaching it. to preaching it. to preaching it. And yet, I got to Thursday night and I And yet, I got to Thursday night and I And yet, I got to Thursday night and I had this sense that Acts 17 was in my had this sense that Acts 17 was in my had this sense that Acts 17 was in my head, but it wasn't in my heart yet. head, but it wasn't in my heart yet. head, but it wasn't in my heart yet. Like, I could teach it, but I couldn't Like, I could teach it, but I couldn't Like, I could teach it, but I couldn't preach it. And so, as I as I was preach it. And so, as I as I was preach it. And so, as I as I was processing with the Lord, here's the processing with the Lord, here's the processing with the Lord, here's the reality. There's so much in my heart reality. There's so much in my heart reality. There's so much in my heart from the Lord because of what he's from the Lord because of what he's from the Lord because of what he's taught me over the past five weeks. And taught me over the past five weeks. And taught me over the past five weeks. And I just sense that the Lord wanted me to I just sense that the Lord wanted me to I just sense that the Lord wanted me to just have a pastoral time like where as just have a pastoral time like where as just have a pastoral time like where as your pastor instead of just moving on to your pastor instead of just moving on to your pastor instead of just moving on to the next passage of Acts like I felt the next passage of Acts like I felt the next passage of Acts like I felt like he wanted me to spend a Sunday just like he wanted me to spend a Sunday just like he wanted me to spend a Sunday just sharing my heart sharing my heart sharing my heart like sharing what he has been teaching like sharing what he has been teaching like sharing what he has been teaching me in hopes that it might be helpful to me in hopes that it might be helpful to me in hopes that it might be helpful to you.

you. you. And so, uh, what you need to know is And so, uh, what you need to know is And so, uh, what you need to know is during my time away, uh, I prayed during my time away, uh, I prayed during my time away, uh, I prayed through the book of Colossians. The way through the book of Colossians. The way through the book of Colossians. The way that that would work is is I would read that that would work is is I would read that that would work is is I would read until there was enough to pray through. until there was enough to pray through. until there was enough to pray through. Sometimes that was just one verse. Other Sometimes that was just one verse. Other Sometimes that was just one verse. Other times it was several. And and I would times it was several. And and I would times it was several. And and I would write prayers to God in my prayer write prayers to God in my prayer write prayers to God in my prayer journal. I want to be clear on what I journal. I want to be clear on what I journal. I want to be clear on what I just said. I didn't just say diary. just said. I didn't just say diary. just said. I didn't just say diary. I'm talking about in my man journal. I'm talking about in my man journal. I'm talking about in my man journal. I would journal prayers to God. So, this I would journal prayers to God. So, this I would journal prayers to God. So, this Sunday is going to look a little Sunday is going to look a little Sunday is going to look a little different. If you're a visitor, here's different. If you're a visitor, here's different. If you're a visitor, here's what you know, need to know. We are what you know, need to know. We are what you know, need to know. We are committed to expository preaching where committed to expository preaching where committed to expository preaching where we open up the Bible and we anchor we open up the Bible and we anchor we open up the Bible and we anchor ourselves in a text and whatever the ourselves in a text and whatever the ourselves in a text and whatever the point of the text is is the point of the point of the text is is the point of the point of the text is is the point of the message. Today's going to be a little message. Today's going to be a little message. Today's going to be a little bit different because we're going to bit different because we're going to bit different because we're going to bounce around the book of Colossians. bounce around the book of Colossians. bounce around the book of Colossians. And I'm really going to more share how And I'm really going to more share how And I'm really going to more share how God used different passages in God used different passages in God used different passages in Colossians in my life. And my hope is Colossians in my life. And my hope is Colossians in my life. And my hope is that as we just bounce around and I that as we just bounce around and I that as we just bounce around and I share what the Lord has been teaching share what the Lord has been teaching share what the Lord has been teaching me, my hope is that the spirit might me, my hope is that the spirit might me, my hope is that the spirit might spark something in you and that it might spark something in you and that it might spark something in you and that it might be helpful for you. So, if you have a be helpful for you. So, if you have a be helpful for you. So, if you have a Bible, turn to the book of Colossians.

Bible, turn to the book of Colossians. Bible, turn to the book of Colossians. We'll start in verse one. We studied the We'll start in verse one. We studied the We'll start in verse one. We studied the book of Colossians uh back in 2024. I book of Colossians uh back in 2024. I book of Colossians uh back in 2024. I love the book of Colossians. If you need love the book of Colossians. If you need love the book of Colossians. If you need just a refresher on why Paul wrote the just a refresher on why Paul wrote the just a refresher on why Paul wrote the book of Colossians, he's writing to a book of Colossians, he's writing to a book of Colossians, he's writing to a young growing church in Colasse that is young growing church in Colasse that is young growing church in Colasse that is being threatened by false teaching. And being threatened by false teaching. And being threatened by false teaching. And the false teaching went something like the false teaching went something like the false teaching went something like this. this. this. If you want to attain to the highest If you want to attain to the highest If you want to attain to the highest places of spiritual maturity, you're places of spiritual maturity, you're places of spiritual maturity, you're going to need more than Jesus. going to need more than Jesus. going to need more than Jesus. And Paul writes this book to just say, And Paul writes this book to just say, And Paul writes this book to just say, you don't need more than Jesus. You just you don't need more than Jesus. You just you don't need more than Jesus. You just need more of Jesus. You don't outgrow need more of Jesus. You don't outgrow need more of Jesus. You don't outgrow Jesus. You grow in Jesus. And you cannot Jesus. You grow in Jesus. And you cannot Jesus. You grow in Jesus. And you cannot grow without Jesus. That's the point of grow without Jesus. That's the point of grow without Jesus. That's the point of the book. the book. the book. And so as as the Lord has been leading And so as as the Lord has been leading And so as as the Lord has been leading me to enjoy more of Jesus over the past me to enjoy more of Jesus over the past me to enjoy more of Jesus over the past five weeks, I I just want to open up my five weeks, I I just want to open up my five weeks, I I just want to open up my journal and sense like there's going to journal and sense like there's going to journal and sense like there's going to be times I'm just going to read from my be times I'm just going to read from my be times I'm just going to read from my journal to you. I just want to share journal to you. I just want to share journal to you. I just want to share what the Lord has been teaching me in what the Lord has been teaching me in what the Lord has been teaching me in hopes that it might be helpful hopes that it might be helpful hopes that it might be helpful to you. Look with me at verse one.

This was on the the first day of my time This was on the the first day of my time away. Colossians 1:1. away. Colossians 1:1. away. Colossians 1:1. Paul says, "Paul, Paul says, "Paul, Paul says, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy, our brother." Stop. of God, and Timothy, our brother." Stop. of God, and Timothy, our brother." Stop. That's where I stopped on day one. That's where I stopped on day one. That's where I stopped on day one. Isn't it amazing Isn't it amazing Isn't it amazing that the Holy Spirit can work in our that the Holy Spirit can work in our that the Holy Spirit can work in our lives in such a way that when you read lives in such a way that when you read lives in such a way that when you read God's word, God can speak to you and God's word, God can speak to you and God's word, God can speak to you and overwhelm you just in the greeting of overwhelm you just in the greeting of overwhelm you just in the greeting of the book. the book. the book. Like I didn't make it past verse one. Like I didn't make it past verse one. Like I didn't make it past verse one. And here's why it was so meaningful to And here's why it was so meaningful to And here's why it was so meaningful to me. Because Paul starts his book me. Because Paul starts his book me. Because Paul starts his book reminding himself and reminding his reminding himself and reminding his reminding himself and reminding his readers of who he is, but not just who readers of who he is, but not just who readers of who he is, but not just who he is. Who he is, key wording, by the he is. Who he is, key wording, by the he is. Who he is, key wording, by the will of God. will of God. will of God. And it was just good for me to pause it And it was just good for me to pause it And it was just good for me to pause it and remind myself who I am. Not just who and remind myself who I am. Not just who and remind myself who I am. Not just who I am, but who God has willed me to be.

I am, but who God has willed me to be. I am, but who God has willed me to be. like who I am because of solely because like who I am because of solely because like who I am because of solely because of God's perfect sovereign will. of God's perfect sovereign will. of God's perfect sovereign will. So here's what I wrote in my man So here's what I wrote in my man So here's what I wrote in my man journal. Here's what I prayed. I said, "Your will Here's what I prayed. I said, "Your will for my life is perfect, and to argue or for my life is perfect, and to argue or for my life is perfect, and to argue or question it would be ignorant and question it would be ignorant and question it would be ignorant and immature. immature. immature. Thank you that by your will I am your Thank you that by your will I am your Thank you that by your will I am your child. Loved by you, cared for by you, child. Loved by you, cared for by you, child. Loved by you, cared for by you, delighted in by you, permanently secured delighted in by you, permanently secured delighted in by you, permanently secured by you, chosen by you. by you, chosen by you. by you, chosen by you. And thank you that by your will, I'm a And thank you that by your will, I'm a And thank you that by your will, I'm a husband to cat. What kindness, Lord, husband to cat. What kindness, Lord, husband to cat. What kindness, Lord, what a joy. Thank you for the sweet gift what a joy. Thank you for the sweet gift what a joy. Thank you for the sweet gift that cat is. You knew what I needed and that cat is. You knew what I needed and that cat is. You knew what I needed and would need. would need. would need. And thank you that by your will, I'm a And thank you that by your will, I'm a And thank you that by your will, I'm a dad to Noah, Andrew, and Jake. What a dad to Noah, Andrew, and Jake. What a dad to Noah, Andrew, and Jake. What a privilege to be called dad. What a privilege to be called dad. What a privilege to be called dad. What a privilege to have kids to invest in, privilege to have kids to invest in, privilege to have kids to invest in, laugh with, spend time with, and raise. laugh with, spend time with, and raise. laugh with, spend time with, and raise. I'm so grateful for each one of my boys.

I'm so grateful for each one of my boys. I'm so grateful for each one of my boys. And thank you that by your will, I'm a And thank you that by your will, I'm a And thank you that by your will, I'm a pastor specifically at Watermark. It's a pastor specifically at Watermark. It's a pastor specifically at Watermark. It's a joy and privilege to teach your word and joy and privilege to teach your word and joy and privilege to teach your word and to lead the church toward you. It's a to lead the church toward you. It's a to lead the church toward you. It's a privilege to shepherd and care for privilege to shepherd and care for privilege to shepherd and care for people. Lord, thank you for your will people. Lord, thank you for your will people. Lord, thank you for your will for my life. Your grace in my life is so for my life. Your grace in my life is so for my life. Your grace in my life is so evident. It's overwhelming. evident. It's overwhelming. evident. It's overwhelming. You truly do give good gifts to your You truly do give good gifts to your You truly do give good gifts to your children. children. children. Now, here's what I want you to know. I Now, here's what I want you to know. I Now, here's what I want you to know. I didn't write that because everything in didn't write that because everything in didn't write that because everything in the life is just easy and perfect. Like, the life is just easy and perfect. Like, the life is just easy and perfect. Like, there are some days where marriage is there are some days where marriage is there are some days where marriage is hard work. hard work. hard work. There are days when parenting is There are days when parenting is There are days when parenting is incredibly challenging, exhausting, and incredibly challenging, exhausting, and incredibly challenging, exhausting, and if I'm honest, anxietyinducing. In a church this size, there are always In a church this size, there are always problems to solve, issues to address, problems to solve, issues to address, problems to solve, issues to address, and complexities to manage. Uh, but and complexities to manage. Uh, but and complexities to manage. Uh, but here's what here's what I realized. here's what here's what I realized. here's what here's what I realized. Sometimes when you get stuck in the Sometimes when you get stuck in the Sometimes when you get stuck in the weeds of hard days and weeks, it's hard weeds of hard days and weeks, it's hard weeds of hard days and weeks, it's hard to be grateful. Like, it's easy to be to be grateful. Like, it's easy to be to be grateful. Like, it's easy to be negative or discouraged.

negative or discouraged. negative or discouraged. And I'm just telling you, as I thought And I'm just telling you, as I thought And I'm just telling you, as I thought about who I am specifically by the will about who I am specifically by the will about who I am specifically by the will of God, I was overwhelmed with of God, I was overwhelmed with of God, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Like I I found myself gratitude. Like I I found myself gratitude. Like I I found myself recalibrating to the privilege recalibrating to the privilege recalibrating to the privilege it is to be willed by God to be his it is to be willed by God to be his it is to be willed by God to be his child, Cat's husband, my boy's dad, and child, Cat's husband, my boy's dad, and child, Cat's husband, my boy's dad, and your pastor. your pastor. your pastor. And the reason I share that with you and And the reason I share that with you and And the reason I share that with you and the reason that I hope it might be the reason that I hope it might be the reason that I hope it might be helpful for someone in the room is that helpful for someone in the room is that helpful for someone in the room is that I think that things like insecurity, I think that things like insecurity, I think that things like insecurity, discouragement, comparison, resentment, discouragement, comparison, resentment, discouragement, comparison, resentment, in jealousy in jealousy in jealousy get spent on who we aren't. get spent on who we aren't. get spent on who we aren't. Like we spend time consumed with who we Like we spend time consumed with who we Like we spend time consumed with who we aren't or who we think we're supposed to aren't or who we think we're supposed to aren't or who we think we're supposed to be or who other people tell us we're be or who other people tell us we're be or who other people tell us we're supposed to be. But I'm just telling you supposed to be. But I'm just telling you supposed to be. But I'm just telling you what matters is who you are by the will what matters is who you are by the will what matters is who you are by the will of God.

of God. of God. And so I just encourage you to to And so I just encourage you to to And so I just encourage you to to evaluate who are you? evaluate who are you? evaluate who are you? Not just who you think you are, but who Not just who you think you are, but who Not just who you think you are, but who has God willed you to be? Not who God has God willed you to be? Not who God has God willed you to be? Not who God has not willed you to be, but who has has not willed you to be, but who has has not willed you to be, but who has God willed you to be? Whatever the God willed you to be? Whatever the God willed you to be? Whatever the answer it is, let me just encourage you. answer it is, let me just encourage you. answer it is, let me just encourage you. It's a privilege that God has given It's a privilege that God has given It's a privilege that God has given has given to you. That's his grace in has given to you. That's his grace in has given to you. That's his grace in your life. So I just encourage you. your life. So I just encourage you. your life. So I just encourage you. Let's just pause for a moment Let's just pause for a moment Let's just pause for a moment and just think for yourself who ask God and just think for yourself who ask God and just think for yourself who ask God who are you who are you who are you by the will of God. Just take a moment by the will of God. Just take a moment by the will of God. Just take a moment and if you need to close your eyes and and if you need to close your eyes and and if you need to close your eyes and pray just allow the spirit to lead you. pray just allow the spirit to lead you. pray just allow the spirit to lead you. Who are you by the will of God?

Well Lord, I pray gratitude. Well Lord, I pray gratitude. I pray contentment. I pray contentment. I pray contentment. I pray peace I pray peace I pray peace and confidence and confidence and confidence for your people here at Watermark for your people here at Watermark for your people here at Watermark because of who we are by your will. because of who we are by your will. because of who we are by your will. Amen. Amen. Amen. Next passage we're going to look at is Next passage we're going to look at is Next passage we're going to look at is it's verses 2 through 5 in chapter 1. it's verses 2 through 5 in chapter 1. it's verses 2 through 5 in chapter 1. I'm going to talk about something I'm going to talk about something I'm going to talk about something different, but I'm just again just different, but I'm just again just different, but I'm just again just sharing what the Lord taught me in hopes sharing what the Lord taught me in hopes sharing what the Lord taught me in hopes that it'll be helpful for you. Verse that it'll be helpful for you. Verse that it'll be helpful for you. Verse two, two, two, Paul goes on and says to the saints and Paul goes on and says to the saints and Paul goes on and says to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colasse, faithful brothers in Christ at Colasse, faithful brothers in Christ at Colasse, he says, "Grace to you and peace from he says, "Grace to you and peace from he says, "Grace to you and peace from God our father." Watch this in verse God our father." Watch this in verse God our father." Watch this in verse three. He says,"We always thank God the three. He says,"We always thank God the three. He says,"We always thank God the father of our Lord Lord Jesus Christ father of our Lord Lord Jesus Christ father of our Lord Lord Jesus Christ when we pray for you since we heard of when we pray for you since we heard of when we pray for you since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the your faith in Christ Jesus and of the your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints love that you have for all the saints love that you have for all the saints because of the hope laid up for you in because of the hope laid up for you in because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in heaven. Of this you have heard before in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of truth, the gospel." So that the word of truth, the gospel." So that the word of truth, the gospel." So that this next thing that the Lord did in my this next thing that the Lord did in my this next thing that the Lord did in my life, it has everything to do with you.

life, it has everything to do with you. life, it has everything to do with you. Paul is writing and he refers to the Paul is writing and he refers to the Paul is writing and he refers to the brothers and sisters that he has in brothers and sisters that he has in brothers and sisters that he has in Christ at Colasse as he he refers to Christ at Colasse as he he refers to Christ at Colasse as he he refers to them as faithful them as faithful them as faithful and he talks about how he always thanks and he talks about how he always thanks and he talks about how he always thanks God in his prayers for those Christians God in his prayers for those Christians God in his prayers for those Christians in Colasse for specific reasons for in Colasse for specific reasons for in Colasse for specific reasons for their faith and love and that faith and their faith and love and that faith and their faith and love and that faith and love is rooted in hope love is rooted in hope love is rooted in hope and it's all because of the gospel. So and it's all because of the gospel. So and it's all because of the gospel. So what Paul is observing in the Christians what Paul is observing in the Christians what Paul is observing in the Christians in Colasse is how the gospel has taken in Colasse is how the gospel has taken in Colasse is how the gospel has taken root in their hearts and the result has root in their hearts and the result has root in their hearts and the result has been incredible faith towards God and been incredible faith towards God and been incredible faith towards God and incredible love towards one another. incredible love towards one another. incredible love towards one another. So here's what I wrote in my man So here's what I wrote in my man So here's what I wrote in my man journal. I said, 'Lord, I I'm realizing that I I said, 'Lord, I I'm realizing that I don't thank you enough for the saints don't thank you enough for the saints don't thank you enough for the saints and faithful brothers at Watermark.

and faithful brothers at Watermark. and faithful brothers at Watermark. Lord, thank you for the faith of so many Lord, thank you for the faith of so many Lord, thank you for the faith of so many members, members, members, for members who love you and are for members who love you and are for members who love you and are passionate to live for you and want to passionate to live for you and want to passionate to live for you and want to see your kingdom advanced. Thank you for see your kingdom advanced. Thank you for see your kingdom advanced. Thank you for the love that so many members have for the love that so many members have for the love that so many members have for one another, a deep commitment to one one another, a deep commitment to one one another, a deep commitment to one another. So here's what here's what the another. So here's what here's what the another. So here's what here's what the Lord did in me. Lord did in me. Lord did in me. Like on the second day of my time away, Like on the second day of my time away, Like on the second day of my time away, I read this and the Lord was gently I read this and the Lord was gently I read this and the Lord was gently convicting me and he was gently convicting me and he was gently convicting me and he was gently convicting me that I don't thank him convicting me that I don't thank him convicting me that I don't thank him enough for you. And that might offend enough for you. And that might offend enough for you. And that might offend you. you. you. But let me tell you what I mean by that. But let me tell you what I mean by that. But let me tell you what I mean by that. When I pray for you, my tendency as your When I pray for you, my tendency as your When I pray for you, my tendency as your pastor is to see the areas pastor is to see the areas pastor is to see the areas where we as a church have room to grow where we as a church have room to grow where we as a church have room to grow up into spiritual maturity. So if I'm up into spiritual maturity. So if I'm up into spiritual maturity. So if I'm praying for you, my tendency is to pray praying for you, my tendency is to pray praying for you, my tendency is to pray for the spirit's continued work in you for the spirit's continued work in you for the spirit's continued work in you instead of spending time expressing instead of spending time expressing instead of spending time expressing gratitude for the work he has already gratitude for the work he has already gratitude for the work he has already done in you. And it was the kindness of done in you. And it was the kindness of done in you. And it was the kindness of the Lord to just remind me to be the Lord to just remind me to be the Lord to just remind me to be grateful for what he's already done.

grateful for what he's already done. grateful for what he's already done. And as I process with the Lord, many of And as I process with the Lord, many of And as I process with the Lord, many of you came to mind like I saw specific you came to mind like I saw specific you came to mind like I saw specific faces in my mind because there's so many faces in my mind because there's so many faces in my mind because there's so many members at this church who are living members at this church who are living members at this church who are living radical spirit empowered lives for the radical spirit empowered lives for the radical spirit empowered lives for the sake of the gospel. Like I'm amazed by sake of the gospel. Like I'm amazed by sake of the gospel. Like I'm amazed by so many people in this church who have so many people in this church who have so many people in this church who have really amazing deeprooted mature faith really amazing deeprooted mature faith really amazing deeprooted mature faith in Christ. Like you you leverage your in Christ. Like you you leverage your in Christ. Like you you leverage your life for the sake of the gospel. life for the sake of the gospel. life for the sake of the gospel. And so many of you we have we have And so many of you we have we have And so many of you we have we have thousands of people here thousands of people here thousands of people here who aren't just um acquiescing to the who aren't just um acquiescing to the who aren't just um acquiescing to the American church like no you want American church like no you want American church like no you want biblical Christianity. biblical Christianity. biblical Christianity. You want Jesus Christ. You want his You want Jesus Christ. You want his You want Jesus Christ. You want his glory in his name and his renown. glory in his name and his renown. glory in his name and his renown. And so many of you are committed and you And so many of you are committed and you And so many of you are committed and you have been committed for the past 27 have been committed for the past 27 have been committed for the past 27 years of the life of this church. You've years of the life of this church. You've years of the life of this church. You've been committed to making disciples and been committed to making disciples and been committed to making disciples and strengthening marriages and helping strengthening marriages and helping strengthening marriages and helping others find hope and healing and pushing others find hope and healing and pushing others find hope and healing and pushing back the darkness and brokenness in our back the darkness and brokenness in our back the darkness and brokenness in our city.

city. city. And I'm so encouraged by so many And I'm so encouraged by so many And I'm so encouraged by so many people's faith in this church. And people's faith in this church. And people's faith in this church. And honestly, I'm overwhelmed by the honestly, I'm overwhelmed by the honestly, I'm overwhelmed by the expressions of love that I see between expressions of love that I see between expressions of love that I see between members in this church. Like this show, members in this church. Like this show, members in this church. Like this show, this church shows up this church shows up this church shows up when people are suffering or grieving when people are suffering or grieving when people are suffering or grieving or struggling. or struggling. or struggling. Last month, Cat and I went over to some Last month, Cat and I went over to some Last month, Cat and I went over to some friends house and and then people from friends house and and then people from friends house and and then people from their life just came over, members from their life just came over, members from their life just came over, members from this church, and we spent a couple hours this church, and we spent a couple hours this church, and we spent a couple hours just praying for one of their children. just praying for one of their children. just praying for one of their children. And I left that night just like so, so And I left that night just like so, so And I left that night just like so, so full, full, full, full of joy. full of joy. full of joy. And like this is what the church is. And like this is what the church is. And like this is what the church is. This is what the church does. The church This is what the church does. The church This is what the church does. The church is a group of people who will figure out is a group of people who will figure out is a group of people who will figure out what to do with their kids just to be what to do with their kids just to be what to do with their kids just to be able to go and spend a couple of hours able to go and spend a couple of hours able to go and spend a couple of hours leaning in, begging God on behalf of leaning in, begging God on behalf of leaning in, begging God on behalf of someone else's child. It's a beautiful someone else's child. It's a beautiful someone else's child. It's a beautiful thing. I ran into another member at the thing. I ran into another member at the thing. I ran into another member at the swimming pool and she was taking care of swimming pool and she was taking care of swimming pool and she was taking care of another member's kids because that another member's kids because that another member's kids because that member was in the midst of the hardest member was in the midst of the hardest member was in the midst of the hardest days of their life. I think about days of their life. I think about days of their life. I think about another member who almost every day of another member who almost every day of another member who almost every day of the week is doing something to serve the week is doing something to serve the week is doing something to serve another member who is in the midst of another member who is in the midst of another member who is in the midst of one of the most significant trials. This one of the most significant trials. This one of the most significant trials. This church just shows up. The faith and the church just shows up. The faith and the church just shows up. The faith and the love in this church is truly amazing. If love in this church is truly amazing. If love in this church is truly amazing. If you're just visiting Watermark, here's

you're just visiting Watermark, here's you're just visiting Watermark, here's what I want you to hear me say. This is what I want you to hear me say. This is what I want you to hear me say. This is an amazing church. an amazing church. an amazing church. And you might you might hear that. And you might you might hear that. And you might you might hear that. Some of you are like, "Yeah, it is." Some of you are like, "Yeah, it is." Some of you are like, "Yeah, it is." Others of you are like, "That sounds Others of you are like, "That sounds Others of you are like, "That sounds arrogant." arrogant." arrogant." Well, I want to be clear. I'm not Well, I want to be clear. I'm not Well, I want to be clear. I'm not talking about my preaching, not talking talking about my preaching, not talking talking about my preaching, not talking about the music. I'm talking about the about the music. I'm talking about the about the music. I'm talking about the people. people. people. Watermark isn't a place. It's a people. Watermark isn't a place. It's a people. Watermark isn't a place. It's a people. And God has brought amazing people And God has brought amazing people And God has brought amazing people to be a part of this church family. to be a part of this church family. to be a part of this church family. If you only attend on Sundays, let me If you only attend on Sundays, let me If you only attend on Sundays, let me just tell you, you're missing out. just tell you, you're missing out. just tell you, you're missing out. I would so encourage you to get more I would so encourage you to get more I would so encourage you to get more involved because there are so many involved because there are so many involved because there are so many people here who passionately love Jesus people here who passionately love Jesus people here who passionately love Jesus and his people and the spirit will use and his people and the spirit will use and his people and the spirit will use them to stimulate them to stimulate them to stimulate your faith. your faith. your faith. If you've been here a while and it feels If you've been here a while and it feels If you've been here a while and it feels like your community group is kind of like your community group is kind of like your community group is kind of stalled out, look, let me just encourage stalled out, look, let me just encourage stalled out, look, let me just encourage you. Ask the Holy Spirit. Ask him you. Ask the Holy Spirit. Ask him you. Ask the Holy Spirit. Ask him how what expression of faith how would how what expression of faith how would how what expression of faith how would you encourage me God to express faith you encourage me God to express faith you encourage me God to express faith toward my group? How would you use me to toward my group? How would you use me to toward my group? How would you use me to express Christlike love to my group that express Christlike love to my group that express Christlike love to my group that might actually spur my group on toward might actually spur my group on toward might actually spur my group on toward love and good deeds? If you feel like love and good deeds? If you feel like love and good deeds? If you feel like you've grown cold in your faith, just you've grown cold in your faith, just you've grown cold in your faith, just get around some of the people here.

get around some of the people here. get around some of the people here. Just get around some people who are experiencing a lot of joy right who are experiencing a lot of joy right now in the Lord. And I promise you, you now in the Lord. And I promise you, you now in the Lord. And I promise you, you can draft off of them and the Lord will can draft off of them and the Lord will can draft off of them and the Lord will use them in your life. I want to read you verses 15- 20. I want to read you verses 15- 20. These are some of the most significant These are some of the most significant These are some of the most significant verses in the book and honestly in the verses in the book and honestly in the verses in the book and honestly in the whole New Testament. What this passage does for me is it What this passage does for me is it reenters me like it brings everything reenters me like it brings everything reenters me like it brings everything into focus. It repprioritizes life. And into focus. It repprioritizes life. And into focus. It repprioritizes life. And my hope is that as I read it right now, my hope is that as I read it right now, my hope is that as I read it right now, the spirit might um as I was praying for the spirit might um as I was praying for the spirit might um as I was praying for you this morning, my prayer is just that you this morning, my prayer is just that you this morning, my prayer is just that the spirit like in the moment as we're the spirit like in the moment as we're the spirit like in the moment as we're reading it would cause for some of you reading it would cause for some of you reading it would cause for some of you all of life to come into focus all of life to come into focus all of life to come into focus like all priorities to be reshifted like all priorities to be reshifted like all priorities to be reshifted right now.

right now. right now. Listen to what it says about Jesus. Listen to what it says about Jesus. Listen to what it says about Jesus. It says he is the image of the invisible It says he is the image of the invisible It says he is the image of the invisible God. What does that mean? It means Jesus God. What does that mean? It means Jesus God. What does that mean? It means Jesus Christ reveals God perfectly to us Christ reveals God perfectly to us Christ reveals God perfectly to us because he is God. He's the image of the because he is God. He's the image of the because he is God. He's the image of the invisible God, the firstborn invisible God, the firstborn invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. of all creation. of all creation. Firstborn in the Bible isn't talking Firstborn in the Bible isn't talking Firstborn in the Bible isn't talking about Jesus being the the one who was about Jesus being the the one who was about Jesus being the the one who was first birthed by God. No firstborn first birthed by God. No firstborn first birthed by God. No firstborn in the Bible can refer to the one in the Bible can refer to the one in the Bible can refer to the one of greatest importance. of greatest importance. of greatest importance. What this is declaring is that Jesus is What this is declaring is that Jesus is What this is declaring is that Jesus is the supreme king over all creation and the supreme king over all creation and the supreme king over all creation and there is no one or nothing of greater there is no one or nothing of greater there is no one or nothing of greater importance than Jesus. importance than Jesus. importance than Jesus. Verse 16. For by him, by the eternal son Verse 16. For by him, by the eternal son Verse 16. For by him, by the eternal son of God, took on flesh in the person of of God, took on flesh in the person of of God, took on flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. By him all things were Jesus Christ. By him all things were Jesus Christ. By him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible created in heaven and on earth, visible created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or and invisible, whether thrones or and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities.

dominions or rulers or authorities. dominions or rulers or authorities. Watch this. All things, that includes Watch this. All things, that includes Watch this. All things, that includes you and me, all things were created you and me, all things were created you and me, all things were created through him. And watch the last words. through him. And watch the last words. through him. And watch the last words. And what did the last two words say? And what did the last two words say? And what did the last two words say? and for him. and for him. and for him. So let just let that sink in. All things So let just let that sink in. All things So let just let that sink in. All things all things everything all things were all things everything all things were all things everything all things were created through him and created through him and created through him and for him. for him. for him. So creation doesn't just begin in So creation doesn't just begin in So creation doesn't just begin in Christ. Its end is Christ. Everything in Christ. Its end is Christ. Everything in Christ. Its end is Christ. Everything in all creation is meant to find its all creation is meant to find its all creation is meant to find its ultimate point in purpose in Christ. ultimate point in purpose in Christ. ultimate point in purpose in Christ. Jesus is the point of everything. You Jesus is the point of everything. You Jesus is the point of everything. You and I, we have been made for Jesus. So and I, we have been made for Jesus. So and I, we have been made for Jesus. So even right now, I my hope, Holy Spirit, even right now, I my hope, Holy Spirit, even right now, I my hope, Holy Spirit, I'm asking you to make that real for the I'm asking you to make that real for the I'm asking you to make that real for the people in this room. My hope is that people in this room. My hope is that people in this room. My hope is that you're understanding you've been made you're understanding you've been made you're understanding you've been made for him. You exist for Jesus. You have for him. You exist for Jesus. You have for him. You exist for Jesus. You have breath in your lungs for Jesus. You have breath in your lungs for Jesus. You have breath in your lungs for Jesus. You have a job that is to be done for Jesus.

a job that is to be done for Jesus. a job that is to be done for Jesus. You've been given roommates or a spouse You've been given roommates or a spouse You've been given roommates or a spouse or kids for Jesus to make Jesus Christ or kids for Jesus to make Jesus Christ or kids for Jesus to make Jesus Christ known. known. known. Verse 17, he's before all things, and in Verse 17, he's before all things, and in Verse 17, he's before all things, and in him all things hold together, which him all things hold together, which him all things hold together, which means everything would fall apart, apart means everything would fall apart, apart means everything would fall apart, apart from Jesus. Verse 18, he's the head of from Jesus. Verse 18, he's the head of from Jesus. Verse 18, he's the head of the body, the church, which means that the body, the church, which means that the body, the church, which means that Jesus Christ is the one in charge of the Jesus Christ is the one in charge of the Jesus Christ is the one in charge of the church. He's the owner. He's the leader. church. He's the owner. He's the leader. church. He's the owner. He's the leader. He's the beginning, the firstborn from He's the beginning, the firstborn from He's the beginning, the firstborn from the dead. That in everything, he might the dead. That in everything, he might the dead. That in everything, he might be preeminent. be preeminent. be preeminent. What's that saying? It's saying he's the What's that saying? It's saying he's the What's that saying? It's saying he's the founder of a new humanity marked by founder of a new humanity marked by founder of a new humanity marked by resurrection life. And because of that, resurrection life. And because of that, resurrection life. And because of that, watch the wording. In everything, that watch the wording. In everything, that watch the wording. In everything, that means in all of our lives, means in all of our lives, means in all of our lives, he might be preeminent. Do you know what he might be preeminent. Do you know what he might be preeminent. Do you know what preeminent means? preeminent means? preeminent means? It means supreme. It means supreme. It means supreme. It means first place. It means that It means first place. It means that It means first place. It means that Jesus Christ takes first place. Verse Jesus Christ takes first place. Verse Jesus Christ takes first place. Verse 19, for in him all the fullness of God 19, for in him all the fullness of God 19, for in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to was pleased to dwell, and through him to was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether reconcile to himself all things, whether reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by on earth or in heaven, making peace by on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. This is what the blood of his cross. This is what the blood of his cross. This is what he's done for us is he has brought peace he's done for us is he has brought peace he's done for us is he has brought peace with God. This is what I wrote in my with God. This is what I wrote in my with God. This is what I wrote in my journal. I said, "Lord Jesus, you are journal. I said, "Lord Jesus, you are journal. I said, "Lord Jesus, you are everything.

everything. everything. Everything finds its meaning and purpose Everything finds its meaning and purpose Everything finds its meaning and purpose in you. You're the point of everything. in you. You're the point of everything. in you. You're the point of everything. To see you, to worship you, to know you, To see you, to worship you, to know you, To see you, to worship you, to know you, to live for you, to serve you, to to live for you, to serve you, to to live for you, to serve you, to reflect you, to bring praise to you is reflect you, to bring praise to you is reflect you, to bring praise to you is the point of life. the point of life. the point of life. And I just want to share like the small And I just want to share like the small And I just want to share like the small ways ways ways that God was that God was that God was refocusing me or reentering me. Like I I refocusing me or reentering me. Like I I refocusing me or reentering me. Like I I read this passage on a day read this passage on a day read this passage on a day Like I'm I'm sharing the small things Like I'm I'm sharing the small things Like I'm I'm sharing the small things with you right now with you right now with you right now because it's in the small things that because it's in the small things that because it's in the small things that like that sometimes get the the greatest like that sometimes get the the greatest like that sometimes get the the greatest amount of energy. Like I I read this on amount of energy. Like I I read this on amount of energy. Like I I read this on a day when I was getting worked up about a day when I was getting worked up about a day when I was getting worked up about youth sports. youth sports. youth sports. You ever been there? No one in this You ever been there? No one in this You ever been there? No one in this room. room. room. And it was a day when I was pushing one And it was a day when I was pushing one And it was a day when I was pushing one of my kids to practice more and more and of my kids to practice more and more and of my kids to practice more and more and like I read this like I read this like I read this and look I I'm not against youth sports.

and look I I'm not against youth sports. and look I I'm not against youth sports. We are playing them. We are playing them. We are playing them. But the Lord convicted me like that's But the Lord convicted me like that's But the Lord convicted me like that's not what I've been made for and that's not what I've been made for and that's not what I've been made for and that's not what my son has ultimately been made not what my son has ultimately been made not what my son has ultimately been made for. He hasn't been made for that. for. He hasn't been made for that. for. He hasn't been made for that. He has been made for Jesus. I have been He has been made for Jesus. I have been He has been made for Jesus. I have been made for Jesus. made for Jesus. made for Jesus. And so if this thing is causing me, if And so if this thing is causing me, if And so if this thing is causing me, if I'm turning this into an idol, if it's I'm turning this into an idol, if it's I'm turning this into an idol, if it's getting my affection, if it's getting my getting my affection, if it's getting my getting my affection, if it's getting my attention and my anxiety, something is attention and my anxiety, something is attention and my anxiety, something is seriously off cuz this isn't what I've seriously off cuz this isn't what I've seriously off cuz this isn't what I've been made for. I've been made for him. And then I was I was watching a a And then I was I was watching a a popular show and on this popular show popular show and on this popular show popular show and on this popular show this incredibly gifted actor this incredibly gifted actor this incredibly gifted actor was cussing and telling this disgusting was cussing and telling this disgusting was cussing and telling this disgusting story. story. story. And like I as I watched, I had read this And like I as I watched, I had read this And like I as I watched, I had read this passage and it was like the Lord passage and it was like the Lord passage and it was like the Lord was showing me like how offensive and was showing me like how offensive and was showing me like how offensive and disgusting it must be for those that he disgusting it must be for those that he disgusting it must be for those that he has made for himself to use has made for himself to use has made for himself to use what has been made for him to actually what has been made for him to actually what has been made for him to actually glorify the darkness. And I'm no longer glorify the darkness. And I'm no longer glorify the darkness. And I'm no longer watching that show. I don't tell you watching that show. I don't tell you watching that show. I don't tell you that that that to talk about what you should or to talk about what you should or to talk about what you should or shouldn't watch. Here's here's why I shouldn't watch. Here's here's why I shouldn't watch. Here's here's why I even share that with you. I'm just even share that with you. I'm just even share that with you. I'm just telling you.

telling you. telling you. Like when I when I'm reminded of who Like when I when I'm reminded of who Like when I when I'm reminded of who Jesus is, Jesus is, Jesus is, it brings everything into focus. It reenters me. So I my hope is that it It reenters me. So I my hope is that it reenters you. Let me just tell you plain reenters you. Let me just tell you plain reenters you. Let me just tell you plain and simple. You've been made for Jesus. and simple. You've been made for Jesus. and simple. You've been made for Jesus. You've been made for him. You can live You've been made for him. You can live You've been made for him. You can live like you've been made for something like you've been made for something like you've been made for something else. Like you've been made for success, else. Like you've been made for success, else. Like you've been made for success, made for money, made for youth sports. made for money, made for youth sports. made for money, made for youth sports. You've been made for Jesus. You will be You've been made for Jesus. You will be You've been made for Jesus. You will be most fully of life when you recalibrate most fully of life when you recalibrate most fully of life when you recalibrate to that reality. You exist for him. He to that reality. You exist for him. He to that reality. You exist for him. He doesn't exist for you. You exist for doesn't exist for you. You exist for doesn't exist for you. You exist for him. And you will experience the most him. And you will experience the most him. And you will experience the most joy, the most life, the most peace, the joy, the most life, the most peace, the joy, the most life, the most peace, the most satisfaction when Christ is in your most satisfaction when Christ is in your most satisfaction when Christ is in your life who he actually is. life who he actually is. life who he actually is. >> Amen.

>> Amen. >> Amen. >> First place. So, let me just ask you, who are you So, let me just ask you, who are you living for? living for? living for? What are you doing that you haven't been What are you doing that you haven't been What are you doing that you haven't been made to do? made to do? made to do? And then let me just encourage you. And then let me just encourage you. And then let me just encourage you. Watermark is Jesus's church. Watermark is Jesus's church. Watermark is Jesus's church. It says that he is the head of the It says that he is the head of the It says that he is the head of the church. church. church. And so look, you might not agree or like And so look, you might not agree or like And so look, you might not agree or like everything that we do here at Watermark, everything that we do here at Watermark, everything that we do here at Watermark, but let me just tell you, I hope you're but let me just tell you, I hope you're but let me just tell you, I hope you're encouraged. Like our ultimate aim encouraged. Like our ultimate aim encouraged. Like our ultimate aim is to please Christ. is to please Christ. is to please Christ. It's not to please you. It is to please It's not to please you. It is to please It's not to please you. It is to please Christ. Like our greatest aim is to Christ. Like our greatest aim is to Christ. Like our greatest aim is to exalt Christ to make much of Christ and exalt Christ to make much of Christ and exalt Christ to make much of Christ and to call everyone who walks into this to call everyone who walks into this to call everyone who walks into this room room room to know Jesus and to not just know him to know Jesus and to not just know him to know Jesus and to not just know him but to adore him but to adore him but to adore him and to walk with him and to live all of and to walk with him and to live all of and to walk with him and to live all of life for him.

life for him. life for him. And it's really encouraging that Jesus And it's really encouraging that Jesus And it's really encouraging that Jesus is before all things and in him all is before all things and in him all is before all things and in him all things hold together. Isn't that good things hold together. Isn't that good things hold together. Isn't that good news that he holds all things together? news that he holds all things together? news that he holds all things together? That's been an encouragement as I've That's been an encouragement as I've That's been an encouragement as I've prayed for friends in this church with a prayed for friends in this church with a prayed for friends in this church with a cancer diagnosis or those experiencing cancer diagnosis or those experiencing cancer diagnosis or those experiencing loss. It's so encouraging to know that loss. It's so encouraging to know that loss. It's so encouraging to know that Jesus holds all of our lives together. Jesus holds all of our lives together. Jesus holds all of our lives together. Friend of mine told me towards the Friend of mine told me towards the Friend of mine told me towards the beginning of my time away because part beginning of my time away because part beginning of my time away because part of my time away wasn't just rest. It was of my time away wasn't just rest. It was of my time away wasn't just rest. It was it was to seek the Lord for where he's it was to seek the Lord for where he's it was to seek the Lord for where he's leading us. And so there can come some leading us. And so there can come some leading us. And so there can come some pressure with that. And this friend just pressure with that. And this friend just pressure with that. And this friend just told me, hey, you'll have what you need told me, hey, you'll have what you need told me, hey, you'll have what you need when you need it. I'm like, that sounds when you need it. I'm like, that sounds when you need it. I'm like, that sounds really good. really good. really good. But then there's the reality of like, But then there's the reality of like, But then there's the reality of like, but I want it now. Like, give just give but I want it now. Like, give just give but I want it now. Like, give just give me what I need now so then I can rest. me what I need now so then I can rest. me what I need now so then I can rest. It's like the Lord was like, no, but I It's like the Lord was like, no, but I It's like the Lord was like, no, but I hold all things together hold all things together hold all things together so you'll have what you need when you so you'll have what you need when you so you'll have what you need when you need it.

and I have what I need when I needed it. and I have what I need when I needed it. It wasn't when I wanted it, It wasn't when I wanted it, It wasn't when I wanted it, but he holds all things together. The next passage I want to look at is The next passage I want to look at is just the next few verses, verses 21- 23. Paul says, "And you who once were Paul says, "And you who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing alienated and hostile in mind, doing alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to body of flesh by his death, in order to body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above present you holy and blameless and above present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. reproach before him. reproach before him. If indeed you continue in the faith If indeed you continue in the faith If indeed you continue in the faith stable and steadfast, not shifting from stable and steadfast, not shifting from stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard the hope of the gospel that you heard the hope of the gospel that you heard which is being proclaimed in all which is being proclaimed in all which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven and of which I creation under heaven and of which I creation under heaven and of which I Paul became a minister. So track with me Paul became a minister. So track with me Paul became a minister. So track with me on this because um this is such an on this because um this is such an on this because um this is such an important few verses. What Paul is important few verses. What Paul is important few verses. What Paul is saying is this is how thorough and saying is this is how thorough and saying is this is how thorough and effective Christ's work was on the effective Christ's work was on the effective Christ's work was on the cross. His death, burial, and cross. His death, burial, and cross. His death, burial, and resurrection was so thorough that he has resurrection was so thorough that he has resurrection was so thorough that he has taken those who were alienated from God, taken those who were alienated from God, taken those who were alienated from God, those who were hostile towards God, those who were hostile towards God, those who were hostile towards God, those who were evil, and he has brought those who were evil, and he has brought those who were evil, and he has brought such peace that those who know Jesus such peace that those who know Jesus such peace that those who know Jesus Christ are in fact holy, blameless, and Christ are in fact holy, blameless, and Christ are in fact holy, blameless, and above reproach before God. That's crazy.

above reproach before God. That's crazy. above reproach before God. That's crazy. God doesn't just tolerate you. No, he so God doesn't just tolerate you. No, he so God doesn't just tolerate you. No, he so thoroughly cleanses you and changes you thoroughly cleanses you and changes you thoroughly cleanses you and changes you that you are now holy, blameless, and that you are now holy, blameless, and that you are now holy, blameless, and above reproach. But then I want you to above reproach. But then I want you to above reproach. But then I want you to notice the the condition in the verses. notice the the condition in the verses. notice the the condition in the verses. The conditional The conditional The conditional statement. statement. statement. He says that these things are true if He says that these things are true if He says that these things are true if indeed you continue in the faith, stable indeed you continue in the faith, stable indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the and steadfast, not shifting from the and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard. These hope of the gospel that you heard. These hope of the gospel that you heard. These types of verses can be anxietyinducing types of verses can be anxietyinducing types of verses can be anxietyinducing for people because it can cause people for people because it can cause people for people because it can cause people to think, well, but is my faith enough to think, well, but is my faith enough to think, well, but is my faith enough then? Have I have I have I lost some of then? Have I have I have I lost some of then? Have I have I have I lost some of my faith enough that that this my faith enough that that this my faith enough that that this conditional statement now applies to me? conditional statement now applies to me? conditional statement now applies to me? Let me just make sure you know what Paul Let me just make sure you know what Paul Let me just make sure you know what Paul is saying. Remember what verses 15 is saying. Remember what verses 15 is saying. Remember what verses 15 through 20 just said about Jesus. He is through 20 just said about Jesus. He is through 20 just said about Jesus. He is everything. He is supreme. He is everything. He is supreme. He is everything. He is supreme. He is everything. Remember what the argument everything. Remember what the argument everything. Remember what the argument was of the false teachers? If you're was of the false teachers? If you're was of the false teachers? If you're really going to be spiritually mature, really going to be spiritually mature, really going to be spiritually mature, you're going to need more than Jesus.

you're going to need more than Jesus. you're going to need more than Jesus. So Paul's point is this. So Paul's point is this. So Paul's point is this. If everything we just said in verses 15- If everything we just said in verses 15- If everything we just said in verses 15- 20 is true about Jesus and you still 20 is true about Jesus and you still 20 is true about Jesus and you still think you need more than Jesus, you think you need more than Jesus, you think you need more than Jesus, you haven't understood Jesus. haven't understood Jesus. haven't understood Jesus. You have shifted. You have shifted. You have shifted. And during my time away, I I didn't have And during my time away, I I didn't have And during my time away, I I didn't have any crises of faith. Like I I didn't any crises of faith. Like I I didn't any crises of faith. Like I I didn't feel like there was any major shifts, feel like there was any major shifts, feel like there was any major shifts, but it was really interesting on the the but it was really interesting on the the but it was really interesting on the the second to last night before I was coming second to last night before I was coming second to last night before I was coming back to work, we were still in Park back to work, we were still in Park back to work, we were still in Park City, Utah, and I went out on the City, Utah, and I went out on the City, Utah, and I went out on the balcony at night just to like sit with balcony at night just to like sit with balcony at night just to like sit with the Lord the Lord the Lord to get prepared to to kind of reenter to get prepared to to kind of reenter to get prepared to to kind of reenter here. here. here. And there's no other way to describe it And there's no other way to describe it And there's no other way to describe it than what I sensed than what I sensed than what I sensed was there was still something hard in my was there was still something hard in my was there was still something hard in my heart. Like I couldn't put my finger on heart. Like I couldn't put my finger on heart. Like I couldn't put my finger on it. I just sensed that there was it. I just sensed that there was it. I just sensed that there was something in me that was not completely something in me that was not completely something in me that was not completely soft towards the Lord.

The God sometimes speaks to me in The God sometimes speaks to me in pictures. He'll give me pictures which pictures. He'll give me pictures which pictures. He'll give me pictures which which help me understand what he's doing which help me understand what he's doing which help me understand what he's doing in my life. And the picture in my mind in my life. And the picture in my mind in my life. And the picture in my mind was like of this rock formation in my was like of this rock formation in my was like of this rock formation in my heart. There's no other way to explain heart. There's no other way to explain heart. There's no other way to explain it. So this is what I wrote in my it. So this is what I wrote in my it. So this is what I wrote in my journal. As I sat out there, I just journal. As I sat out there, I just journal. As I sat out there, I just started journaling and I said, "Lord, I started journaling and I said, "Lord, I started journaling and I said, "Lord, I want to continue in the faith, stable want to continue in the faith, stable want to continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the and steadfast, not shifting from the and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel, hope of the gospel, hope of the gospel, but Lord, I think I've experienced some but Lord, I think I've experienced some but Lord, I think I've experienced some instability in my walk with you during instability in my walk with you during instability in my walk with you during my time away because I haven't been my time away because I haven't been my time away because I haven't been preaching the gospel to myself." And so I just started remembering the And so I just started remembering the gospel and understanding what Christ has gospel and understanding what Christ has gospel and understanding what Christ has done and how he has made us right with done and how he has made us right with done and how he has made us right with him. And I said, 'Lord, thank you that him. And I said, 'Lord, thank you that him. And I said, 'Lord, thank you that you are near. Thank you that I am loved. you are near. Thank you that I am loved. you are near. Thank you that I am loved. Thank you that I am clean. Thank you Thank you that I am clean. Thank you Thank you that I am clean. Thank you that even right now, you are speaking to that even right now, you are speaking to that even right now, you are speaking to me. You have been speaking to me, Holy me. You have been speaking to me, Holy me. You have been speaking to me, Holy Spirit. Thank you that you've been Spirit. Thank you that you've been Spirit. Thank you that you've been leading me, leading me, leading me, Lord. No one deserves my fear except Lord. No one deserves my fear except Lord. No one deserves my fear except you. I'm called to make it my aim to you. I'm called to make it my aim to you. I'm called to make it my aim to please you. I'm called to work for you.

please you. I'm called to work for you. please you. I'm called to work for you. I confess that I've worked to please I confess that I've worked to please I confess that I've worked to please others. Lord, I've been anxious about so others. Lord, I've been anxious about so others. Lord, I've been anxious about so many things. I've been a Martha. many things. I've been a Martha. many things. I've been a Martha. But Lord, you are who I want in need. But Lord, you are who I want in need. But Lord, you are who I want in need. Lord, I claim your peace. I invite your Lord, I claim your peace. I invite your Lord, I claim your peace. I invite your peace that surpasses all understanding. peace that surpasses all understanding. peace that surpasses all understanding. I invite your peace to guard my heart I invite your peace to guard my heart I invite your peace to guard my heart and mind. Thank you that it isn't all up and mind. Thank you that it isn't all up and mind. Thank you that it isn't all up to me today. to me today. to me today. Thank you that I'm not on my own. Thank Thank you that I'm not on my own. Thank Thank you that I'm not on my own. Thank you for your grace you for your grace you for your grace and and as I preach the gospel to and and as I preach the gospel to and and as I preach the gospel to myself, myself, myself, like there's no other way to explain it, like there's no other way to explain it, like there's no other way to explain it, but whatever that rock formation was but whatever that rock formation was but whatever that rock formation was like these are the these are the words like these are the these are the words like these are the these are the words and it might sound cheesy to you, but and it might sound cheesy to you, but and it might sound cheesy to you, but like this is what came out on the page. like this is what came out on the page. like this is what came out on the page. I said, "Thank you for dynamiting I said, "Thank you for dynamiting I said, "Thank you for dynamiting whatever has been hard in me. whatever has been hard in me. whatever has been hard in me. Thank you for your love, presence, and Thank you for your love, presence, and Thank you for your love, presence, and embrace. I love you so much, Lord. Like embrace. I love you so much, Lord. Like embrace. I love you so much, Lord. Like as I sat there and that is the power of as I sat there and that is the power of as I sat there and that is the power of the gospel. That is how incredible the the gospel. That is how incredible the the gospel. That is how incredible the gospel is. The gospel isn't just what gospel is. The gospel isn't just what gospel is. The gospel isn't just what saves us. It sustains us and it changes saves us. It sustains us and it changes saves us. It sustains us and it changes us.

us. us. So, I tell you that just to say, look, I So, I tell you that just to say, look, I So, I tell you that just to say, look, I don't know where you're at right now, don't know where you're at right now, don't know where you're at right now, but I'm just telling you, but I'm just telling you, but I'm just telling you, preach the gospel to yourself. preach the gospel to yourself. preach the gospel to yourself. The gospel changes things. The gospel changes things. The gospel changes things. I don't know. I I just encourage you, I don't know. I I just encourage you, I don't know. I I just encourage you, find time, sit with the Lord, and to find time, sit with the Lord, and to find time, sit with the Lord, and to remind yourself of all that is true remind yourself of all that is true remind yourself of all that is true because of Christ. The final thing I'll share with you from The final thing I'll share with you from my time away, my time away, my time away, and there's there's so much I I wish I and there's there's so much I I wish I and there's there's so much I I wish I had a few hours, and I know you don't had a few hours, and I know you don't had a few hours, and I know you don't wish that I had a few hours, but I wish wish that I had a few hours, but I wish wish that I had a few hours, but I wish I had a few hours. I had a few hours. I had a few hours. I want to share this last one with you, I want to share this last one with you, I want to share this last one with you, and then I'll wrap up. Paul says, "Therefore, let no one pass Paul says, "Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and judgment on you in questions of food and judgment on you in questions of food and drink or with regard to a festival or a drink or with regard to a festival or a drink or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the shadow of the things to come, but the shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one substance belongs to Christ. Let no one substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on disqualify you, insisting on disqualify you, insisting on aestheticism and worship of angels, aestheticism and worship of angels, aestheticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions puffed going on in detail about visions puffed going on in detail about visions puffed up without reason by a sensuous mind up without reason by a sensuous mind up without reason by a sensuous mind and not holding fast to the head from and not holding fast to the head from and not holding fast to the head from whom the whole body nourished and knit whom the whole body nourished and knit whom the whole body nourished and knit together through its joints and together through its joints and together through its joints and ligaments grows with a growth that is ligaments grows with a growth that is ligaments grows with a growth that is from God. So here's what's happening from God. So here's what's happening from God. So here's what's happening here.

here. here. The the false teachers are acting like The the false teachers are acting like The the false teachers are acting like they're handing down a judgment from God they're handing down a judgment from God they're handing down a judgment from God to the people in Colassic. And here's to the people in Colassic. And here's to the people in Colassic. And here's their point. They're basically saying, their point. They're basically saying, their point. They're basically saying, "Look, you're playing on JV. We're on "Look, you're playing on JV. We're on "Look, you're playing on JV. We're on varsity. And if you want to play on varsity. And if you want to play on varsity. And if you want to play on varsity, you're going to need more than varsity, you're going to need more than varsity, you're going to need more than Jesus." And you know what? Like, you're Jesus." And you know what? Like, you're Jesus." And you know what? Like, you're going to need to do just the right going to need to do just the right going to need to do just the right things. Like, your Outlook calendar is things. Like, your Outlook calendar is things. Like, your Outlook calendar is going to need to be full of all of these going to need to be full of all of these going to need to be full of all of these Old Testament rituals Old Testament rituals Old Testament rituals if you're going to be enough for God. if you're going to be enough for God. if you're going to be enough for God. And you're probably not enough for God. And you're probably not enough for God. And you're probably not enough for God. But you need to do all the right things But you need to do all the right things But you need to do all the right things to be enough for him. And you need to to be enough for him. And you need to to be enough for him. And you need to have all of these supernatural mystical have all of these supernatural mystical have all of these supernatural mystical experiences if you're really going to be experiences if you're really going to be experiences if you're really going to be mature. The reason that this passage spoke to me The reason that this passage spoke to me is when people have asked me how my time is when people have asked me how my time is when people have asked me how my time away has been, like it hasn't been an away has been, like it hasn't been an away has been, like it hasn't been an easy quick answer. Like if I want to be easy quick answer. Like if I want to be easy quick answer. Like if I want to be honest, like there's been pauses or honest, like there's been pauses or honest, like there's been pauses or there's been like a well like I'm there's been like a well like I'm there's been like a well like I'm finding the words.

finding the words. finding the words. And the reason I've had to work to find And the reason I've had to work to find And the reason I've had to work to find the words the words the words is because um is because um is because um the time didn't go how I thought it was the time didn't go how I thought it was the time didn't go how I thought it was going to go. going to go. going to go. And now I can look back and see how good And now I can look back and see how good And now I can look back and see how good it was. But it didn't go how I thought it was. But it didn't go how I thought it was. But it didn't go how I thought it was going to go. When when I went it was going to go. When when I went it was going to go. When when I went into my time away, there were certain into my time away, there were certain into my time away, there were certain spiritual practices that had been a spiritual practices that had been a spiritual practices that had been a source of joy for me in the past that I source of joy for me in the past that I source of joy for me in the past that I thought I would practice again. And thought I would practice again. And thought I would practice again. And these practices involve extended time these practices involve extended time these practices involve extended time alone with God. alone with God. alone with God. And I think if I'm honest, something in And I think if I'm honest, something in And I think if I'm honest, something in me believed me believed me believed like this is the unhealth, but something like this is the unhealth, but something like this is the unhealth, but something in me believed that I wouldn't in me believed that I wouldn't in me believed that I wouldn't experience maximum maximum intimacy with experience maximum maximum intimacy with experience maximum maximum intimacy with Jesus unless I was able to do these Jesus unless I was able to do these Jesus unless I was able to do these spiritual practices every day. spiritual practices every day. spiritual practices every day. Then on the same day, Then on the same day, Then on the same day, two of our cars have the check engine two of our cars have the check engine two of our cars have the check engine light. Come on. Same day, July 4th.

light. Come on. Same day, July 4th. light. Come on. Same day, July 4th. Perfect time. Perfect time. Perfect time. And that began that began a week of And that began that began a week of And that began that began a week of dealing with nothing but cars. Like if I dealing with nothing but cars. Like if I dealing with nothing but cars. Like if I was working, I don't know what we would was working, I don't know what we would was working, I don't know what we would have done. Like it was it it set off have done. Like it was it it set off have done. Like it was it it set off this chain reaction of just this chain reaction of just this chain reaction of just dealing with cars. One car had to be dealing with cars. One car had to be dealing with cars. One car had to be towed. I needed to get two cars to two towed. I needed to get two cars to two towed. I needed to get two cars to two different dealerships. We were playing different dealerships. We were playing different dealerships. We were playing musical cars. My my son is working out musical cars. My my son is working out musical cars. My my son is working out in grapevine. So now I need to get him in grapevine. So now I need to get him in grapevine. So now I need to get him out there in the morning. I need to pick out there in the morning. I need to pick out there in the morning. I need to pick him up in the afternoon. And then you him up in the afternoon. And then you him up in the afternoon. And then you know how it goes dealing with some know how it goes dealing with some know how it goes dealing with some things. You you call the dealership and things. You you call the dealership and things. You you call the dealership and then you sit on hold and you hear the then you sit on hold and you hear the then you sit on hold and you hear the same waiting music every time you call. same waiting music every time you call. same waiting music every time you call. So you've got it memorized now and then So you've got it memorized now and then So you've got it memorized now and then you get disconnected or the service you get disconnected or the service you get disconnected or the service person isn't available or they have the person isn't available or they have the person isn't available or they have the day off and then you find out your car day off and then you find out your car day off and then you find out your car needs an entire new engine which is more needs an entire new engine which is more needs an entire new engine which is more than the car actually is worth. So now than the car actually is worth. So now than the car actually is worth. So now you don't have that car anymore ever you don't have that car anymore ever you don't have that car anymore ever again. And then again. And then again. And then and to be clear, the worst thing going and to be clear, the worst thing going and to be clear, the worst thing going on that week was dealing with cars. So on that week was dealing with cars. So on that week was dealing with cars. So we were we were fine.

we were we were fine. we were we were fine. Life was not that bad. But But as the days went by, it felt like for as the days went by, it felt like for as the days went by, it felt like for five days all I was doing was dealing five days all I was doing was dealing five days all I was doing was dealing with cars. And I felt like And I felt like I felt like I was being pulled away from I felt like I was being pulled away from I felt like I was being pulled away from the Lord because I wasn't able to do the Lord because I wasn't able to do the Lord because I wasn't able to do these spiritual practices like I wanted these spiritual practices like I wanted these spiritual practices like I wanted to do them every single day. to do them every single day. to do them every single day. And then I sensed the Lord opening my And then I sensed the Lord opening my And then I sensed the Lord opening my eyes to what he was doing. What the Lord eyes to what he was doing. What the Lord eyes to what he was doing. What the Lord was doing was he was inviting me to meet was doing was he was inviting me to meet was doing was he was inviting me to meet him in the midst of all of it. He was him in the midst of all of it. He was him in the midst of all of it. He was inviting me to grow in listening to him inviting me to grow in listening to him inviting me to grow in listening to him throughout the day, not just in extended throughout the day, not just in extended throughout the day, not just in extended periods of time sitting by myself with periods of time sitting by myself with periods of time sitting by myself with him. He was trying to to grow me in ways him. He was trying to to grow me in ways him. He was trying to to grow me in ways that I hadn't even envisioned. that I hadn't even envisioned. that I hadn't even envisioned. And what God was doing was he was And what God was doing was he was And what God was doing was he was revealing some spiritual immaturity in revealing some spiritual immaturity in revealing some spiritual immaturity in me that I had begun to believe that me that I had begun to believe that me that I had begun to believe that spiritual intimacy with God could only spiritual intimacy with God could only spiritual intimacy with God could only be experienced if I was doing certain be experienced if I was doing certain be experienced if I was doing certain things that I had done previously.

things that I had done previously. things that I had done previously. And if I wasn't doing those things, then And if I wasn't doing those things, then And if I wasn't doing those things, then I was failing. And there was multiple I was failing. And there was multiple I was failing. And there was multiple times during my time away times during my time away times during my time away that God brought Jesus's words in that God brought Jesus's words in that God brought Jesus's words in Matthew 11 to mind where Jesus says, Matthew 11 to mind where Jesus says, Matthew 11 to mind where Jesus says, "Come to me all who are labor and are "Come to me all who are labor and are "Come to me all who are labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." heavy laden and I will give you rest." heavy laden and I will give you rest." Says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn Says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn Says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I'm gentle and lowly in from me for I'm gentle and lowly in from me for I'm gentle and lowly in heart and you'll find rest for your heart and you'll find rest for your heart and you'll find rest for your souls." Watch his last wording, "For my souls." Watch his last wording, "For my souls." Watch his last wording, "For my yoke is easy yoke is easy yoke is easy and my burden is light. and my burden is light. and my burden is light. And what the Lord was revealing to me And what the Lord was revealing to me And what the Lord was revealing to me was I was actually making Jesus's yoke was I was actually making Jesus's yoke was I was actually making Jesus's yoke difficult and heavy, not easy and light. difficult and heavy, not easy and light. difficult and heavy, not easy and light. And it gave way to me sitting with the And it gave way to me sitting with the And it gave way to me sitting with the Lord and the spirit just inviting me to Lord and the spirit just inviting me to Lord and the spirit just inviting me to rethink the structure of my time with rethink the structure of my time with rethink the structure of my time with the Lord in the morning. And the result the Lord in the morning. And the result the Lord in the morning. And the result has been more joy has been more joy has been more joy and more intimacy with the Lord. And the and more intimacy with the Lord. And the and more intimacy with the Lord. And the Lord's been showing me that I can Lord's been showing me that I can Lord's been showing me that I can experience intimacy with him experience intimacy with him experience intimacy with him that I have experienced in the past that I have experienced in the past that I have experienced in the past doing other practices.

doing other practices. doing other practices. I can experience it in other ways, too. I can experience it in other ways, too. I can experience it in other ways, too. And it's been so encouraging. So, I'll And it's been so encouraging. So, I'll And it's been so encouraging. So, I'll just ask you, is your time with Jesus just ask you, is your time with Jesus just ask you, is your time with Jesus each day enjoyable? each day enjoyable? each day enjoyable? Are you experiencing intimacy with him? Are you experiencing intimacy with him? Are you experiencing intimacy with him? Is there any way that you're making his Is there any way that you're making his Is there any way that you're making his yoke difficult and heavy? If so, just ask the spirit to to lead If so, just ask the spirit to to lead you in a new way. If it's helpful, here's how I'm If it's helpful, here's how I'm structuring my time with the Lord each structuring my time with the Lord each structuring my time with the Lord each day. I'm only sharing this with you if day. I'm only sharing this with you if day. I'm only sharing this with you if it's helpful. And you might see this and it's helpful. And you might see this and it's helpful. And you might see this and be like, "Look, it feels like you be like, "Look, it feels like you be like, "Look, it feels like you created another weighty task." No, for created another weighty task." No, for created another weighty task." No, for me, this is what is helpful, at least me, this is what is helpful, at least me, this is what is helpful, at least right now. right now. right now. And it's not it's not anything radical, And it's not it's not anything radical, And it's not it's not anything radical, but if it gives you language, then but if it gives you language, then but if it gives you language, then great. Number one, great. Number one, great. Number one, I want to seek his presence. First, I want to seek his presence. What First, I want to seek his presence. What that means is I just take a few minutes that means is I just take a few minutes that means is I just take a few minutes to sit quietly and remind myself that to sit quietly and remind myself that to sit quietly and remind myself that God is here.

God is here. God is here. Then, I want to seek his face and his Then, I want to seek his face and his Then, I want to seek his face and his forgiveness. I want to spend a few forgiveness. I want to spend a few forgiveness. I want to spend a few minutes just praising God for who he is, minutes just praising God for who he is, minutes just praising God for who he is, expanding my view of him and asking him expanding my view of him and asking him expanding my view of him and asking him if there's anything that would hinder if there's anything that would hinder if there's anything that would hinder intimacy with him and repent. intimacy with him and repent. intimacy with him and repent. Then I want to seek his voice. I want to Then I want to seek his voice. I want to Then I want to seek his voice. I want to hear from God through the reading of his hear from God through the reading of his hear from God through the reading of his word. word. word. Then I want to seek his heart. I want to Then I want to seek his heart. I want to Then I want to seek his heart. I want to seek his heart by aligning my heart with seek his heart by aligning my heart with seek his heart by aligning my heart with his heart by praying through the his heart by praying through the his heart by praying through the scripture that I just read. scripture that I just read. scripture that I just read. Then I want to seek his hand. I want to Then I want to seek his hand. I want to Then I want to seek his hand. I want to spend a few minutes asking God for spend a few minutes asking God for spend a few minutes asking God for things on behalf of my wife, my boys, things on behalf of my wife, my boys, things on behalf of my wife, my boys, watermark friends, and unbelievers. watermark friends, and unbelievers. watermark friends, and unbelievers. And then finally, I want to spend a few And then finally, I want to spend a few And then finally, I want to spend a few minutes seeking his whisper. minutes seeking his whisper. minutes seeking his whisper. And I just want to create a few minutes And I just want to create a few minutes And I just want to create a few minutes to just listen if there's anything else to just listen if there's anything else to just listen if there's anything else the Lord wants to press on my heart. And the Lord wants to press on my heart. And the Lord wants to press on my heart. And that's been helpful and enjoyable and that's been helpful and enjoyable and that's been helpful and enjoyable and honestly freeing. And join the journey honestly freeing. And join the journey honestly freeing. And join the journey is actually helping with so much of is actually helping with so much of is actually helping with so much of this. But what I want for you is joy.

this. But what I want for you is joy. this. But what I want for you is joy. I've gone long today, so I need to wrap I've gone long today, so I need to wrap I've gone long today, so I need to wrap up. But I'll close just reminding you of But I'll close just reminding you of what Colossians 1:16 says. Let me just what Colossians 1:16 says. Let me just what Colossians 1:16 says. Let me just read it to you one more time read it to you one more time read it to you one more time and trust the Lord to use it however he and trust the Lord to use it however he and trust the Lord to use it however he wants. For by him all things were wants. For by him all things were wants. For by him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible created in heaven and on earth, visible created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or and invisible, whether thrones or and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All dominions or rulers or authorities. All dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through him and for things were created through him and for things were created through him and for him. him. him. Lord Jesus, I pray that we would know Lord Jesus, I pray that we would know Lord Jesus, I pray that we would know that. And if there's anyone in this room right And if there's anyone in this room right now that has never understood that they now that has never understood that they now that has never understood that they have been made for relationship with have been made for relationship with have been made for relationship with you, you, you, then I pray right now, God, that you then I pray right now, God, that you then I pray right now, God, that you would move into their lives, that they would move into their lives, that they would move into their lives, that they would send you calling them to yourself.

would send you calling them to yourself. would send you calling them to yourself. that they would know that there is grace that they would know that there is grace that they would know that there is grace and forgiveness available to them today. And Lord, I pray for anyone in the room And Lord, I pray for anyone in the room who has made you a part of their life who has made you a part of their life who has made you a part of their life but not the point and passion of their but not the point and passion of their but not the point and passion of their lives. lives. lives. I just pray that this would be a church I just pray that this would be a church I just pray that this would be a church full of people who proclaim that you, Jesus, are who proclaim that you, Jesus, are everything. everything. everything. And Lord, would you just take what And Lord, would you just take what And Lord, would you just take what you've taught me and would you use it in you've taught me and would you use it in you've taught me and would you use it in the lives of my friends? the lives of my friends? the lives of my friends? I know we've bounced around, but I pray I know we've bounced around, but I pray I know we've bounced around, but I pray that that that your spirit as people leave would just your spirit as people leave would just your spirit as people leave would just continue to speak to hearts this continue to speak to hearts this continue to speak to hearts this morning. morning. morning. And we just say you're a good king and And we just say you're a good king and And we just say you're a good king and we love you in Jesus name. Amen. Praise Praise [music] [music] [music] Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. Glory to [music] his matchless. How we long How we long to see [music] the to see [music] the to see [music] the king adore king adore king adore the Lord our [music] God. [music] [music] to Jesus. to Jesus. to Jesus. All glory to his merc. Oh, how [music and singing] we long to Oh, how [music and singing] we long to see the Savior. see the Savior. see the Savior. Adore [music] Adore [music] Adore [music] the Lord our God. You reign. Oh, you [music] reign. Oh, you [music] reign. Oh my soul. Oh, your home. Show me Oh my soul. Oh, your home. Show me Oh my soul. Oh, your home. Show me Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. All my [music] soul is still Oh [music] my soul, behold your hope is Oh [music] my soul, behold your hope is only Christ. only Christ. only Christ. Oh my [music] soul, behold your only Oh my [music] soul, behold your only Oh my [music] soul, behold your only Christ.

Amen. Amen. Well, as TA shared so much of his heart Well, as TA shared so much of his heart Well, as TA shared so much of his heart with us today, the odds are that with us today, the odds are that with us today, the odds are that something he shared connected with your something he shared connected with your something he shared connected with your heart. And so I want to encourage you as heart. And so I want to encourage you as heart. And so I want to encourage you as we dismiss. If God is speaking to you we dismiss. If God is speaking to you we dismiss. If God is speaking to you and working in your life, don't rush out and working in your life, don't rush out and working in your life, don't rush out of here too quickly. You are welcome to of here too quickly. You are welcome to of here too quickly. You are welcome to remain in your [music] seat. Spend a few remain in your [music] seat. Spend a few remain in your [music] seat. Spend a few moments in prayer listening and moments in prayer listening and moments in prayer listening and responding to God. Or if you would like responding to God. Or if you would like responding to God. Or if you would like someone to pray with you or for you, someone to pray with you or for you, someone to pray with you or for you, there is always a team of people that there is always a team of people that there is always a team of people that stands here in front of this stage after stands here in front of this stage after stands here in front of this stage after dismissal every week and [music] they'd dismissal every week and [music] they'd dismissal every week and [music] they'd love to welcome you and pray with you love to welcome you and pray with you love to welcome you and pray with you today. If you don't own a Bible where today. If you don't own a Bible where today. If you don't own a Bible where you can read the book of Colossians for you can read the book of Colossians for you can read the book of Colossians for yourself and seek God's voice every day yourself and seek God's voice every day yourself and seek God's voice every day through his word, this team that is here through his word, this team that is here through his word, this team that is here in front of the stage, they'll have a in front of the stage, they'll have a in front of the stage, they'll have a Bible they'd love to give you for free Bible they'd love to give you for free Bible they'd love to give you for free as our gift. If there's any other way as our gift. If there's any other way as our gift. If there's any other way this church can serve you, there's a this church can serve you, there's a this church can serve you, there's a tear off section in your Watermark News. tear off section in your Watermark News. tear off section in your Watermark News. You can leave whatever information you You can leave whatever information you You can leave whatever information you want to leave in there, a question, a want to leave in there, a question, a want to leave in there, a question, a prayer request, or some feedback, and prayer request, or some feedback, and prayer request, or some feedback, and you can leave it in a giving [music] box you can leave it in a giving [music] box you can leave it in a giving [music] box or out in the welcome center on your way or out in the welcome center on your way or out in the welcome center on your way out. and we'll read everyone and follow out. and we'll read everyone and follow out. and we'll read everyone and follow up with you. Make sure you read up with you. Make sure you read up with you. Make sure you read Katherine's story and be encouraged by Katherine's story and be encouraged by Katherine's story and be encouraged by that today. And remember to pray for the that today. And remember to pray for the that today. And remember to pray for the next generation of our church. Today is next generation of our church. Today is next generation of our church. Today is promotion Sunday where kids are moving promotion Sunday where kids are moving promotion Sunday where kids are moving into their new classrooms. And we want into their new classrooms. And we want into their new classrooms. And we want to make sure every kid and every student to make sure every kid and every student to make sure every kid and every student has someone helping them grow as a has someone helping them grow as a has someone helping them grow as a disciple of Jesus. So this is your disciple of Jesus. So this is your disciple of Jesus. So this is your moment. Maybe God is moving you to get moment. Maybe God is moving you to get moment. Maybe God is moving you to get in the game and to serve kids. You can

in the game and to serve kids. You can in the game and to serve kids. You can go to watermark.org/servekids /servekids go to watermark.org/servekids /servekids go to watermark.org/servekids /servekids to find out more about how you can meet to find out more about how you can meet to find out more about how you can meet the needs. We always need leaders, the needs. We always need leaders, the needs. We always need leaders, especially now at the beginning of the especially now at the beginning of the especially now at the beginning of the school year. So, would you please school year. So, would you please school year. So, would you please prayerfully consider serving with prayerfully consider serving with prayerfully consider serving with Watermark Kids? And then, uh, two more Watermark Kids? And then, uh, two more Watermark Kids? And then, uh, two more things and we are out of here quickly. things and we are out of here quickly. things and we are out of here quickly. We want to celebrate. We needed 450 We want to celebrate. We needed 450 We want to celebrate. We needed 450 backpacks for RISD Academy and you backpacks for RISD Academy and you backpacks for RISD Academy and you showed up with 1,255 showed up with 1,255 showed up with 1,255 backpacks. So every kid in the school is backpacks. So every kid in the school is backpacks. So every kid in the school is going to be supported and other ministry going to be supported and other ministry going to be supported and other ministry partners are going to use those as well. partners are going to use those as well. partners are going to use those as well. So way to go watermark. Thank you so So way to go watermark. Thank you so So way to go watermark. Thank you so much. And today we get to celebrate much. And today we get to celebrate much. And today we get to celebrate eight baptisms on the way out. Madison, eight baptisms on the way out. Madison, eight baptisms on the way out. Madison, Asher, Noah, Jackson, Cohen, Reese, Asher, Noah, Jackson, Cohen, Reese, Asher, Noah, Jackson, Cohen, Reese, Addie, and Lauren have [music] put their Addie, and Lauren have [music] put their Addie, and Lauren have [music] put their faith in Jesus and they are going faith in Jesus and they are going faith in Jesus and they are going public. So go celebrate with them at the public. So go celebrate with them at the public. So go celebrate with them at the pond and have a great week of worship. pond and have a great week of worship. pond and have a great week of worship. We'll see you next Sunday.

[music] [music] >> Hey, hey, hey.