Praying Through Colossians // Colossians 1 and 2 // Watermark Community Church

Well, good morning, Watermark. How are Well, good morning, Watermark. How are we doing today? we doing today? we doing today? [applause] [applause] [applause] >> Hey, it's good to see you. I have I have >> Hey, it's good to see you. I have I have >> Hey, it's good to see you. I have I have missed you. Uh my name is Timothy Teague missed you. Uh my name is Timothy Teague missed you. Uh my name is Timothy Teague and I am on staff at this church and I am on staff at this church and I am on staff at this church and so I'm just glad to be back. I truly and so I'm just glad to be back. I truly and so I'm just glad to be back. I truly have uh missed you. If this is your have uh missed you. If this is your have uh missed you. If this is your first time ever with us on a Sunday, first time ever with us on a Sunday, first time ever with us on a Sunday, thanks for trusting us with your Sunday thanks for trusting us with your Sunday thanks for trusting us with your Sunday morning. And look, we really want to be morning. And look, we really want to be morning. And look, we really want to be a church where anyone can come and take a church where anyone can come and take a church where anyone can come and take either your your first or your next step either your your first or your next step either your your first or your next step with Jesus Christ. every single Sunday, with Jesus Christ. every single Sunday, with Jesus Christ. every single Sunday, uh, we open up the Bible and we study it uh, we open up the Bible and we study it uh, we open up the Bible and we study it because we believe God has gone to great because we believe God has gone to great because we believe God has gone to great lengths to speak to us. So when we open lengths to speak to us. So when we open lengths to speak to us. So when we open it, it's like we're opening up his mouth it, it's like we're opening up his mouth it, it's like we're opening up his mouth and we can hear from the living God. So and we can hear from the living God. So and we can hear from the living God. So we believe God's here and he wants to we believe God's here and he wants to we believe God's here and he wants to speak to us. And one of the ways that we speak to us. And one of the ways that we speak to us. And one of the ways that we prepare our hearts to hear from God is prepare our hearts to hear from God is prepare our hearts to hear from God is just by asking him to speak. So I just just by asking him to speak. So I just just by asking him to speak. So I just want to give you a moment. Would you want to give you a moment. Would you want to give you a moment. Would you take a moment and pray for yourself and take a moment and pray for yourself and take a moment and pray for yourself and just say, "God, would you speak to me just say, "God, would you speak to me just say, "God, would you speak to me this morning?

And I want to invite you to pray for the And I want to invite you to pray for the people around you and just say, "God, people around you and just say, "God, people around you and just say, "God, would you speak to them as well?" And then would you pray for me and ask And then would you pray for me and ask God to speak through me to you? Well, Lord, we know you're here. I'm Well, Lord, we know you're here. I'm just asking that you would make yourself just asking that you would make yourself just asking that you would make yourself known. known. known. That your presence with us would become That your presence with us would become That your presence with us would become overwhelmingly evident. God, open our overwhelmingly evident. God, open our overwhelmingly evident. God, open our eyes to see you. Open our ears to hear eyes to see you. Open our ears to hear eyes to see you. Open our ears to hear you, God. I pray that our hearts would you, God. I pray that our hearts would you, God. I pray that our hearts would be soft and receptive to everything you be soft and receptive to everything you be soft and receptive to everything you want to say. Lord, if there is anyone in want to say. Lord, if there is anyone in want to say. Lord, if there is anyone in this room right now that does not have a this room right now that does not have a this room right now that does not have a real and saving faith in Jesus Christ, real and saving faith in Jesus Christ, real and saving faith in Jesus Christ, then my hope and prayer is over the the then my hope and prayer is over the the then my hope and prayer is over the the course of this message, you would so course of this message, you would so course of this message, you would so clearly introduce yourself to them in a clearly introduce yourself to them in a clearly introduce yourself to them in a way that they would turn from their sin way that they would turn from their sin way that they would turn from their sin and turn towards you.

and turn towards you. and turn towards you. And Lord, I pray that you would wake us And Lord, I pray that you would wake us And Lord, I pray that you would wake us all up, that every single person in this all up, that every single person in this all up, that every single person in this room would leave having met with the room would leave having met with the room would leave having met with the living God. So we give this time to you living God. So we give this time to you living God. So we give this time to you and we come expectant and we come expectant and we come expectant wanting to meet with you God. So we love wanting to meet with you God. So we love wanting to meet with you God. So we love you in Jesus name. Amen. you in Jesus name. Amen. you 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. It it really was gave me some time away. It it really was gave me some time away. It it really was a good time and I'm going to share about a good time and I'm going to share about a good time and I'm going to share about it uh throughout the course of this it uh throughout the course of this it uh throughout the course of this message. Uh but my time away ended with message. Uh but my time away ended with message. Uh but my time away ended with a family trip to Park City, Utah. Uh and a family trip to Park City, Utah. Uh and a family trip to Park City, Utah. Uh and we had a great time in Park City. While we had a great time in Park City. While we had a great time in Park City. While we were there, we went as a family and we were there, we went as a family and we were there, we went as a family and we did we did a ropes course. And one we did we did a ropes course. And one we did we did a ropes course. And one thing I've learned about myself is that thing I've learned about myself is that thing I've learned about myself is that I just don't love heights. I just don't love heights. I just don't love heights. So, it's like, should we do the the low So, it's like, should we do the the low So, it's like, should we do the the low course, the medium course, or the high course, the medium course, or the high course, the medium course, or the high course? And my kids are like, let's do course? And my kids are like, let's do course? And my kids are like, let's do the high course. I was like, great, the high course. I was like, great, the high course. I was like, great, we'll do the medium course. Compromise. we'll do the medium course. Compromise. we'll do the medium course. Compromise. And so, we did that. And the way that it And so, we did that. And the way that it And so, we did that. And the way that it works is you have these poles, and these works is you have these poles, and these works is you have these poles, and these poles also have platforms. That's where poles also have platforms. That's where poles also have platforms. That's where you rest. And then there's these you rest. And then there's these you rest. And then there's these obstacles that you go from platform to obstacles that you go from platform to obstacles that you go from platform to platform on a ropes course. And there's platform on a ropes course. And there's platform on a ropes course. And there's about 10 of those.

about 10 of those. about 10 of those. On the second one, the second obstacle On the second one, the second obstacle On the second one, the second obstacle was about 25 ft up. And it was just a was about 25 ft up. And it was just a was about 25 ft up. And it was just a wire that you were supposed to walk wire that you were supposed to walk wire that you were supposed to walk across. So there's the wire that you across. So there's the wire that you across. So there's the wire that you walk across and then right next to the walk across and then right next to the walk across and then right next to the wire was this sagging rope. wire was this sagging rope. wire was this sagging rope. And uh I let my 8-year-old go first. You And uh I let my 8-year-old go first. You And uh I let my 8-year-old go first. You know, hey man, you're the leader. You know, hey man, you're the leader. You know, hey man, you're the leader. You show as hell it's done. show as hell it's done. show as hell it's done. And then I went and then my 16-year-old And then I went and then my 16-year-old And then I went and then my 16-year-old was behind me. And when it came my turn was behind me. And when it came my turn was behind me. And when it came my turn to do this part of the course. Uh I feel to do this part of the course. Uh I feel to do this part of the course. Uh I feel like I really figured it out. So much so like I really figured it out. So much so like I really figured it out. So much so that I told my 16-year-old no. I was that I told my 16-year-old no. I was that I told my 16-year-old no. I was like, "No, this is how you do this like, "No, this is how you do this like, "No, this is how you do this section of the course. section of the course. section of the course. You step out on the wire and this You step out on the wire and this You step out on the wire and this sagging rope, you pick it up and you sagging rope, you pick it up and you sagging rope, you pick it up and you push it out straight in front of you so push it out straight in front of you so push it out straight in front of you so that the there's no longer a sag. that the there's no longer a sag. that the there's no longer a sag. There's tension in the rope. Well, There's tension in the rope. Well, There's tension in the rope. Well, when you step out on that wire, that when you step out on that wire, that when you step out on that wire, that wire starts shaking. And when you have wire starts shaking. And when you have wire starts shaking. And when you have your arms out, it kind of looks like your arms out, it kind of looks like your arms out, it kind of looks like this. And some of you are like, "That this. And some of you are like, "That this. And some of you are like, "That kind of looks inappropriate." Yeah, kind of looks inappropriate." Yeah, kind of looks inappropriate." Yeah, thankfully it's not every generation thankfully it's not every generation thankfully it's not every generation July anymore, but this this was the July anymore, but this this was the July anymore, but this this was the reality. And I kind of shuffled across reality. And I kind of shuffled across reality. And I kind of shuffled across and when I got to the other side, I was and when I got to the other side, I was and when I got to the other side, I was like, I kind of crushed that and I like, I kind of crushed that and I like, I kind of crushed that and I helped my 16-year-old out.

helped my 16-year-old out. helped my 16-year-old out. Well, we got in the car afterward and we Well, we got in the car afterward and we Well, we got in the car afterward and we weren't talking about it, but my wife weren't talking about it, but my wife weren't talking about it, but my wife just said, "Hey, just said, "Hey, just said, "Hey, that was hard to see." Kind of like you like you can't unsee Kind of like you like you can't unsee that. Like that was that was hard to that. Like that was that was hard to that. Like that was that was hard to see. And then Noah from the way back see. And then Noah from the way back see. And then Noah from the way back seat was like, "Yeah, that was hard to seat was like, "Yeah, that was hard to seat was like, "Yeah, that was hard to see." see." see." And I was like, it it was just a And I was like, it it was just a And I was like, it it was just a reminder like I don't like ropes reminder like I don't like ropes reminder like I don't like ropes courses. courses. courses. I got in the car and we drove away and I I got in the car and we drove away and I I got in the car and we drove away and I was like, "We paid money for that. Why was like, "We paid money for that. Why was like, "We paid money for that. Why did we do that?" And when I think about did we do that?" And when I think about did we do that?" And when I think about my experience on the course, I loved the my experience on the course, I loved the my experience on the course, I loved the platforms. And I kid you not, it's no platforms. And I kid you not, it's no platforms. And I kid you not, it's no exaggeration. Whenever I got to the exaggeration. Whenever I got to the exaggeration. Whenever I got to the platform, the rest place, I I would hug platform, the rest place, I I would hug platform, the rest place, I I would hug the pole. I I literally both arms around the pole. I I literally both arms around the pole. I I literally both arms around the pole, and I would get so focused on the pole, and I would get so focused on the pole, and I would get so focused on my 8-year-old, who I'd let go in front my 8-year-old, who I'd let go in front my 8-year-old, who I'd let go in front of me to be nice. Uh, of me to be nice. Uh, of me to be nice. Uh, I got so focused on him that I forgot I got so focused on him that I forgot I got so focused on him that I forgot that I would have to go too. And then it that I would have to go too. And then it that I would have to go too. And then it was like my turn in every 10 times.

was like my turn in every 10 times. was like my turn in every 10 times. I had the thought, I had the thought, I had the thought, I don't want to do this. I don't want to do this. I don't want to do this. And then I get to the next platform and And then I get to the next platform and And then I get to the next platform and I was so thankful for the rest and I I was so thankful for the rest and I I was so thankful for the rest and I hated the work. hated the work. hated the work. And I'm so thankful coming back to And I'm so thankful coming back to And I'm so thankful coming back to Watermark. It's the opposite here that I Watermark. It's the opposite here that I Watermark. It's the opposite here that I loved the rest, but man, I'm so excited loved the rest, but man, I'm so excited loved the rest, but man, I'm so excited about the work. Like I I I'm not just about the work. Like I I I'm not just about the work. Like I I I'm not just saying this. Like I've come back like saying this. Like I've come back like saying this. Like I've come back like with a fire in my bones and I'm so with a fire in my bones and I'm so with a fire in my bones and I'm so excited and expectant about what God is excited and expectant about what God is excited and expectant about what God is going to do in our church this fall in going to do in our church this fall in going to do in our church this fall in 2026. But then I also feel like God has 2026. But then I also feel like God has 2026. But then I also feel like God has brought clarity as to some things he's brought clarity as to some things he's brought clarity as to some things he's going to do in 2027. And so I just come going to do in 2027. And so I just come going to do in 2027. And so I just come back expectant and excited about what is back expectant and excited about what is back expectant and excited about what is in store. So it's good to be back. And in store. So it's good to be back. And in store. So it's good to be back. And as I was preparing this week for this as I was preparing this week for this as I was preparing this week for this message, I was preparing Acts 17, which message, I was preparing Acts 17, which message, I was preparing Acts 17, which is the next section in the book of Acts.

is the next section in the book of Acts. is the next section in the book of Acts. Acts 17, you find Paul at Mars Hill. Acts 17, you find Paul at Mars Hill. Acts 17, you find Paul at Mars Hill. It's one of the most famous passages in It's one of the most famous passages in It's one of the most famous passages in the entire book. I've never gotten to the entire book. I've never gotten to the entire book. I've never gotten to preach it before. I have looked forward preach it before. I have looked forward preach it before. I have looked forward to preaching this passage. to preaching this passage. to preaching this passage. And yet I got to Thursday and my sense And yet I got to Thursday and my sense And yet I got to Thursday and my sense was that the message was in my head but was that the message was in my head but was that the message was in my head but it wasn't in my heart yet. Like I could it wasn't in my heart yet. Like I could it wasn't in my heart yet. Like I could teach it but I couldn't preach it. teach it but I couldn't preach it. teach it but I couldn't preach it. And um And um And um as as I as I uh processed with the Lord, as as I as I uh processed with the Lord, as as I as I uh processed with the Lord, I just had the sense that like he wanted I just had the sense that like he wanted I just had the sense that like he wanted me to share what was in my heart because me to share what was in my heart because me to share what was in my heart because there's a lot in my heart from my time there's a lot in my heart from my time there's a lot in my heart from my time away. And during my time away, there's a away. And during my time away, there's a away. And during my time away, there's a lot that God taught me. And so I just lot that God taught me. And so I just lot that God taught me. And so I just sense that for this Sunday, the best sense that for this Sunday, the best sense that for this Sunday, the best thing I can do is just share what the thing I can do is just share what the thing I can do is just share what the Lord has been teaching me in hopes that Lord has been teaching me in hopes that Lord has been teaching me in hopes that it might be helpful to you. it might be helpful to you. it might be helpful to you. And we'll be back in Acts next week. But And we'll be back in Acts next week. But And we'll be back in Acts next week. But for this Sunday, I want to invite you to for this Sunday, I want to invite you to for this Sunday, I want to invite you to turn with me to the book of Colossians.

turn with me to the book of Colossians. turn with me to the book of Colossians. The reason you're turning to the book of The reason you're turning to the book of The reason you're turning to the book of Colossians is because during my time Colossians is because during my time Colossians is because during my time away, uh, I I prayed through the book of away, uh, I I prayed through the book of away, uh, I I prayed through the book of Colossians. And the way that that worked Colossians. And the way that that worked Colossians. And the way that that worked was I would just read in the book of was I would just read in the book of was I would just read in the book of Colossians until there was enough to Colossians until there was enough to Colossians until there was enough to pray for. So sometimes that would only pray for. So sometimes that would only pray for. So sometimes that would only take a verse. Other times it would be take a verse. Other times it would be take a verse. Other times it would be several verses. And yet the Lord used several verses. And yet the Lord used several verses. And yet the Lord used the book of Colossians in my life in the book of Colossians in my life in the book of Colossians in my life in really meaningful ways. So if you're really meaningful ways. So if you're really meaningful ways. So if you're just visiting, here's what you need to just visiting, here's what you need to just visiting, here's what you need to know. Here at Watermark, we are know. Here at Watermark, we are know. Here at Watermark, we are committed to expository preaching, which committed to expository preaching, which committed to expository preaching, which means we anchor ourselves in a text and means we anchor ourselves in a text and means we anchor ourselves in a text and we excavate that text and we let the we excavate that text and we let the we excavate that text and we let the point of that text be the point of the point of that text be the point of the point of that text be 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 to bounce around the book of Colossians to bounce around the book of Colossians to different passages different passages different passages and at different points like I'm just and at different points like I'm just and at different points like I'm just going to I'm actually going to read to going to I'm actually going to read to going to I'm actually going to read to you from my prayer journal. Now notice I you from my prayer journal. Now notice I you from my prayer journal. Now notice I didn't use the word diary. didn't use the word diary. didn't use the word diary. I'm talking about like my man journal.

I'm talking about like my man journal. I'm talking about like my man journal. And this is more me just sharing what And this is more me just sharing what And this is more me just sharing what the Lord's been teaching me in hopes the Lord's been teaching me in hopes the Lord's been teaching me in hopes that it might be helpful to you. Uh we that it might be helpful to you. Uh we that it might be helpful to you. Uh we study the book of Colossians as a church study the book of Colossians as a church study the book of Colossians as a church back in 2024. If you if you forget what back in 2024. If you if you forget what back in 2024. If you if you forget what Colossians is about, Paul is writing Colossians is about, Paul is writing Colossians is about, Paul is writing this young vibrant church at Colasse this young vibrant church at Colasse this young vibrant church at Colasse that is being threatened by some false that is being threatened by some false that is being threatened by some false teaching. And the way the false teaching teaching. And the way the false teaching teaching. And the way the false teaching basically went was this. Uh if you're basically went was this. Uh if you're basically went was this. Uh if you're going to attain to the highest levels of going to attain to the highest levels of going to attain to the highest levels of spiritual maturity, then you're going to spiritual maturity, then you're going to spiritual maturity, then you're going to need more than Jesus. need more than Jesus. need more than Jesus. And Paul's basically writing to say, you And Paul's basically writing to say, you And Paul's basically writing to say, you don't need more than Jesus. You just don't need more than Jesus. You just don't need more than Jesus. You just need more of Jesus. need more of Jesus. need more of Jesus. You don't outgrow Jesus. You grow in You don't outgrow Jesus. You grow in You don't outgrow Jesus. You grow in Jesus. And you can't grow without Jesus. Jesus. And you can't grow without Jesus. Jesus. And you can't grow without Jesus. That's his whole point. That's his whole point. That's his whole point. You want more of Jesus to grow in Jesus. You want more of Jesus to grow in Jesus. You want more of Jesus to grow in Jesus. And so as the Lord was just growing me And so as the Lord was just growing me And so as the Lord was just growing me in my relationship with Jesus, I want to in my relationship with Jesus, I want to in my relationship with Jesus, I want to share with you share with you share with you what he taught me.

what he taught me. what he taught me. We'll start in verse one of the book. Paul says this. Paul says this. He says, "Paul, an apostle of Christ He says, "Paul, an apostle of Christ He says, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God in Timothy, Jesus, by the will of God in Timothy, Jesus, by the will of God in Timothy, our brother." So, here's what I love. On our brother." So, here's what I love. On our brother." So, here's what I love. On the first day of my time away, I only the first day of my time away, I only the first day of my time away, I only made it through the first verse. made it through the first verse. made it through the first verse. That's how incredible the Holy Spirit That's how incredible the Holy Spirit That's how incredible the Holy Spirit is. is. is. That when you slow down and allow the That when you slow down and allow the That when you slow down and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in reading, God Holy Spirit to lead you in reading, God Holy Spirit to lead you in reading, God can speak to you and overwhelm you in can speak to you and overwhelm you in can speak to you and overwhelm you in just the greeting of the book. And the just the greeting of the book. And the just the greeting of the book. And the reason that this verse stuck out to me reason that this verse stuck out to me reason that this verse stuck out to me is in this verse, what we see Paul doing is in this verse, what we see Paul doing is in this verse, what we see Paul doing is Paul is reminding himself and he's is Paul is reminding himself and he's is Paul is reminding himself and he's writing reminding the readers who he is. writing reminding the readers who he is. writing reminding the readers who he is. But not just who he is, who he is by the But not just who he is, who he is by the But not just who he is, who he is by the will of God. That really jumped out to will of God. That really jumped out to will of God. That really jumped out to me and and spoke to me and it prompted me and and spoke to me and it prompted me and and spoke to me and it prompted me me me to just remind myself of who I am. Not to just remind myself of who I am. Not to just remind myself of who I am. Not just who I think I am, just who I think I am, just who I think I am, but who I am by the will of God. Here's but who I am by the will of God. Here's but who I am by the will of God. Here's what I wrote in my man journal.

what I wrote in my man journal. what I wrote in my man journal. This was my prayer. This was my prayer. This was my prayer. I just said, "Your will for my life is I just said, "Your will for my life is I just said, "Your will for my life is perfect, and to argue or question it perfect, and to argue or question it perfect, and to argue or question it would be ignorant and immature. would be ignorant and immature. would be ignorant and 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. And thank you by you, chosen by you. And thank you by you, chosen by you. And thank you that by your will I'm a husband to cat. that by your will I'm a husband to cat. that by your will I'm a husband to cat. What kindness, Lord, what a joy. Thank What kindness, Lord, what a joy. Thank What kindness, Lord, what a joy. Thank you for the sweet gift that cat is. You you for the sweet gift that cat is. You you for the sweet gift that cat is. You knew what I needed and would need. knew what I needed and would need. knew what I needed and 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. So grateful for each one of my boys. So grateful for each one of my boys. 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 a privilege to teach your word joy and a privilege to teach your word joy and a privilege to teach your word and to lead the church towards you. It's and to lead the church towards you. It's and to lead the church towards you. It's a privilege to shepherd and care for a privilege to shepherd and care for a privilege to shepherd and care for people.

people. people. Lord, thank you that Lord, thank you that Lord, thank you that thank you for your will for my life. thank you for your will for my life. thank you for your will for my life. Your grace in my life is so evident. Your grace in my life is so evident. Your grace in my life is so evident. It's overwhelming. You truly do give It's overwhelming. You truly do give It's overwhelming. You truly do give good gifts to your children. good gifts to your children. good gifts to your children. Now, here's what I want to be clear on. Now, here's what I want to be clear on. Now, here's what I want to be clear on. I didn't write that because everything I didn't write that because everything I didn't write that because everything in the family is easy and everything's in the family is easy and everything's in the family is easy and everything's perfect. No. The reality is that there perfect. No. The reality is that there perfect. No. The reality is that there are some days that marriage is hard are some days that marriage is hard are some days that marriage is hard work. And there's some days that work. And there's some days that work. And there's some days that parenting can be really challenging, parenting can be really challenging, parenting can be really challenging, exhausting, and if I'm honest, exhausting, and if I'm honest, exhausting, and if I'm honest, anxietyinducing. anxietyinducing. anxietyinducing. In a church this size, there's always In a church this size, there's always In a church this size, there's always problems to solve, issues to address, problems to solve, issues to address, problems to solve, issues to address, and complexities to manage. and complexities to manage. and complexities to manage. But here's the reality. Sometimes when But here's the reality. Sometimes when But here's the reality. Sometimes when you get stuck in the weeds of hard days you get stuck in the weeds of hard days you get stuck in the weeds of hard days and weeks, it's hard to be grateful. And and weeks, it's hard to be grateful. And and weeks, it's hard to be grateful. And it's easy to be negative and it's easy to be negative and it's easy to be negative and discouraged. And what I'm telling you is discouraged. And what I'm telling you is discouraged. And what I'm telling you is as I thought about who I am specifically as I thought about who I am specifically as I thought about who I am specifically by the will of God, I was filled with by the will of God, I was filled with by the will of God, I was filled with gratitude. Like I I felt the privilege gratitude. Like I I felt the privilege gratitude. Like I I felt the privilege of God willing me to be his child, to be of God willing me to be his child, to be of God willing me to be his child, to be Cat's husband, to be my boy's father, Cat's husband, to be my boy's father, Cat's husband, to be my boy's father, and to be your pastor.

and to be your pastor. and to be your pastor. And the way I hope this is helpful for And the way I hope this is helpful for And the way I hope this is helpful for you is is simply in this way. Look, I you is is simply in this way. Look, I you is is simply in this way. Look, I think that so much insecurity think that so much insecurity think that so much insecurity and discouragement and comparison and and discouragement and comparison and and discouragement and comparison and resentment and jealousy is spent on who resentment and jealousy is spent on who resentment and jealousy is spent on who we aren't we aren't we aren't or we who we think we're supposed to be or we who we think we're supposed to be or we who we think we're supposed to be or who other people tell us we're or who other people tell us we're or who other people tell us we're supposed to be. And I'm just telling you supposed to be. And I'm just telling you supposed to be. And I'm just telling you that there is joy and there is peace and that there is joy and there is peace and that there is joy and there is peace and there is gratitude waiting for you in there is gratitude waiting for you in there is gratitude waiting for you in who you are. Not just who you think you who you are. Not just who you think you who you are. Not just who you think you are, but who you are by the will of God. are, but who you are by the will of God. are, but who you are by the will of God. We spend so much time thinking about who We spend so much time thinking about who We spend so much time thinking about who we're not by the will of God. we're not by the will of God. we're not by the will of God. But who are you by the will of God? But who are you by the will of God? But who are you by the will of God? There's gratitude and joy waiting for There's gratitude and joy waiting for There's gratitude and joy waiting for you there. There's confidence and you there. There's confidence and you there. There's confidence and security waiting for you there.

security waiting for you there. security waiting for you there. Whoever you are by the will of God. I'm Whoever you are by the will of God. I'm Whoever you are by the will of God. I'm just telling you it's a privilege that just telling you it's a privilege that just telling you it's a privilege that God has given to you and that's his God has given to you and that's his God has given to you and that's his grace in your life. grace in your life. grace in your life. So I just want to invite you right now So I just want to invite you right now So I just want to invite you right now to even even just ask the Lord to remind to even even just ask the Lord to remind to even even just ask the Lord to remind you right now. Ask him, God, who am I by you right now. Ask him, God, who am I by you right now. Ask him, God, who am I by your will? your will? your will? And just take a moment and express And just take a moment and express And just take a moment and express gratitude for that. I'll just give you a gratitude for that. I'll just give you a gratitude for that. I'll just give you a second to pray in the process. Do that second to pray in the process. Do that second to pray in the process. Do that real quick. Who are you by the will of real quick. Who are you by the will of real quick. Who are you by the will of God?

Well, Lord, I want to ask you to drive Well, Lord, I want to ask you to drive out of this room any spirit of out of this room any spirit of out of this room any spirit of discouragement or insecurity or discouragement or insecurity or discouragement or insecurity or comparison or resentment. comparison or resentment. comparison or resentment. And I pray that you would fill your And I pray that you would fill your And I pray that you would fill your people here with joy and confidence and people here with joy and confidence and people here with joy and confidence and gratitude at the privilege of who they gratitude at the privilege of who they gratitude at the privilege of who they are by your will. Would you just have your way? And if Would you just have your way? And if there's anyone here who doesn't know the there's anyone here who doesn't know the there's anyone here who doesn't know the joy of being your child, I pray that joy of being your child, I pray that joy of being your child, I pray that right now even it would be your will right now even it would be your will right now even it would be your will that they would trust your son Jesus for that they would trust your son Jesus for that they would trust your son Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and be the forgiveness of their sins and be the forgiveness of their sins and be called into your family in Jesus name. called into your family in Jesus name. called into your family in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Second passage I'm going to look at is Second passage I'm going to look at is Second passage I'm going to look at is just it just continues. It's verse two just it just continues. It's verse two just it just continues. It's verse two through five. So let me read this to you through five. So let me read this to you through five. So let me read this to you and this actually deals with you. Paul and this actually deals with you. Paul and this actually deals with you. Paul says this in verse two to the saints and says this in verse two to the saints and says this in verse two to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colasse. faithful brothers in Christ at Colasse. faithful brothers in Christ at Colasse. Grace to you and peace from God our Grace to you and peace from God our Grace to you and peace from God our father. We always thank God the father father. We always thank God the father father. We always thank God the father of our Lord Jesus Christ when we pray of our Lord Jesus Christ when we pray of our Lord Jesus Christ when we pray for you since we heard of your faith in for you since we heard of your faith in for you since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have Christ Jesus and of the love you have Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints because of the hope for all the saints because of the hope for all the saints because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you laid up for you in heaven. Of this you laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of truth have heard before in the word of truth have heard before in the word of truth the gospel. So what Paul is doing right the gospel. So what Paul is doing right the gospel. So what Paul is doing right now is he's expressing gratitude now is he's expressing gratitude now is he's expressing gratitude for the church. And what he's for the church. And what he's for the church. And what he's articulating is that he finds himself in articulating is that he finds himself in articulating is that he finds himself in prayer thanking God for the Christians

prayer thanking God for the Christians prayer thanking God for the Christians in Colasse because of a couple things, in Colasse because of a couple things, in Colasse because of a couple things, faith faith faith and love. And it's all because of the and love. And it's all because of the and love. And it's all because of the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ has gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ has gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ has taken root in their hearts in such a way taken root in their hearts in such a way taken root in their hearts in such a way that the result is great faith. godly that the result is great faith. godly that the result is great faith. godly men and women and love. Like there's men and women and love. Like there's men and women and love. Like there's amazing expressions of Christlike love amazing expressions of Christlike love amazing expressions of Christlike love in the church at Colasse. Here's what I in the church at Colasse. Here's what I in the church at Colasse. Here's what I wrote in my man journal. I said this. wrote in my man journal. I said this. wrote in my man journal. I said this. I said, "Lord, I'm realizing that I I said, "Lord, I'm realizing that I I said, "Lord, 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 one another. A deep commitment one another. A deep commitment to one another. to one another. to one another. And I was so encouraged just early on in And I was so encouraged just early on in And I was so encouraged just early on in my time away. This was like day two. my time away. This was like day two. my time away. This was like day two. And and what was happening was the Lord And and what was happening was the Lord And and what was happening was the Lord was gently convicting me. And here was was gently convicting me. And here was was gently convicting me. And here was the gentle conviction that the gentle the gentle conviction that the gentle the gentle conviction that the gentle conviction was that I don't thank him conviction was that I don't thank him conviction was that I don't thank him enough for you. And you might be enough for you. And you might be enough for you. And you might be offended by that. So let me just explain offended by that. So let me just explain offended by that. So let me just explain what I mean. I'm super thankful for you, what I mean. I'm super thankful for you, what I mean. I'm super thankful for you, but when I pray for you, here's my but when I pray for you, here's my but when I pray for you, here's my tendency. My tendency as your pastor tendency. My tendency as your pastor tendency. My tendency as your pastor is to spot the places where we as a is to spot the places where we as a is to spot the places where we as a church have room to grow up into church have room to grow up into church have room to grow up into spiritual maturity. So my prayers for

spiritual maturity. So my prayers for spiritual maturity. So my prayers for you tend to be for the spirit's you tend to be for the spirit's you tend to be for the spirit's continued work instead of expressing continued work instead of expressing continued work instead of expressing gratitude for the work he has already gratitude for the work he has already gratitude for the work he has already done. done. done. And as I sat with the Lord, I he brought And as I sat with the Lord, I he brought And as I sat with the Lord, I he brought many of you to mind. Like I saw your many of you to mind. Like I saw your many of you to mind. Like I saw your faces in my mind. I thought of your faces in my mind. I thought of your faces in my mind. I thought of your names. Like I was I was just so grateful names. Like I was I was just so grateful names. Like I was I was just so grateful for so many godly men and women at this for so many godly men and women at this for so many godly men and women at this church. Like so many people in this church. Like so many people in this church. Like so many people in this church have incredible faith in Jesus church have incredible faith in Jesus church have incredible faith in Jesus Christ. Like you are living radical Christ. Like you are living radical Christ. Like you are living radical spirit empowered lives. So many of you spirit empowered lives. So many of you spirit empowered lives. So many of you are leveraging your life for the sake of are leveraging your life for the sake of are leveraging your life for the sake of the gospel. You've rejected American the gospel. You've rejected American the gospel. You've rejected American Christianity and you've embraced Christianity and you've embraced Christianity and you've embraced biblical Christianity where you are biblical Christianity where you are biblical Christianity where you are following Jesus wholeheartedly. Jesus following Jesus wholeheartedly. Jesus following Jesus wholeheartedly. Jesus isn't just a part of your life. He is isn't just a part of your life. He is isn't just a part of your life. He is the passion of your life. And that's so the passion of your life. And that's so the passion of your life. And that's so encouraging. It's not just a few of you.

encouraging. It's not just a few of you. encouraging. It's not just a few of you. It's so many of you. It's so many of you. It's so many of you. And there's so many people for 27 years And there's so many people for 27 years And there's so many people for 27 years of this church's existence where every of this church's existence where every of this church's existence where every single year for 27 years, you have been single year for 27 years, you have been single year for 27 years, you have been investing your life into others, investing your life into others, investing your life into others, discipling people, discipling people, discipling people, building up marriages, helping others building up marriages, helping others building up marriages, helping others find hope and healing, pushing back the find hope and healing, pushing back the find hope and healing, pushing back the darkness and brokenness in our city. darkness and brokenness in our city. darkness and brokenness in our city. And I I was just reminded there are so And I I was just reminded there are so And I I was just reminded there are so many incredible expressions of love in many incredible expressions of love in many incredible expressions of love in our church. So many of you show up when our church. So many of you show up when our church. So many of you show up when others in this church are suffering, others in this church are suffering, others in this church are suffering, grieving, and struggling. grieving, and struggling. grieving, and struggling. During our time away, Cat and I went During our time away, Cat and I went During our time away, Cat and I went over to a friend's house and just to over to a friend's house and just to over to a friend's house and just to pray for one of their kids. And then pray for one of their kids. And then pray for one of their kids. And then there were other people there from their there were other people there from their there were other people there from their life at this church who figured out what life at this church who figured out what life at this church who figured out what to do with their own kids just to come to do with their own kids just to come to do with their own kids just to come and to spend a couple hours just leaning and to spend a couple hours just leaning and to spend a couple hours just leaning in together and passionately seeking the in together and passionately seeking the in together and passionately seeking the Lord for one of their kids. And I left Lord for one of their kids. And I left Lord for one of their kids. And I left that night just so full because that's that night just so full because that's that night just so full because that's what the body of Christ does. That's what the body of Christ does. That's what the body of Christ does. That's what the people of God do. We're in this what the people of God do. We're in this what the people of God do. We're in this together.

together. together. And then I ran into a watermark member And then I ran into a watermark member And then I ran into a watermark member at the pool who was taking care of at the pool who was taking care of at the pool who 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 moments of their life. moments of their life. moments of their life. And then I engaged with another member And then I engaged with another member And then I engaged with another member who almost every day is doing something who almost every day is doing something who almost every day is doing something to serve another member who is in the to serve another member who is in the to serve another member who is in the midst of just significant trials. And it midst of just significant trials. And it midst of just significant trials. And it was just one reminder after another. was just one reminder after another. was just one reminder after another. This church family shows up for one This church family shows up for one This church family shows up for one another. I'm so encouraged by the faith another. I'm so encouraged by the faith another. I'm so encouraged by the faith and love that is in this church. and love that is in this church. and love that is in this church. So, thank you. So, thank you. So, thank you. If you're just visiting, If you're just visiting, If you're just visiting, here's what I want you to hear me say. here's what I want you to hear me say. here's what I want you to hear me say. This is an incredible church. And you This is an incredible church. And you This is an incredible church. And you might hear that and you're like, "That might hear that and you're like, "That might hear that and you're like, "That sounds arrogant. Aren't you the pastor?" sounds arrogant. Aren't you the pastor?" sounds arrogant. Aren't you the pastor?" Like, how? Look, I'm not talking about Like, how? Look, I'm not talking about Like, how? Look, I'm not talking about my preaching. I'm not talking about the my preaching. I'm not talking about the my preaching. I'm not talking about the music even. I'm talking about the music even. I'm talking about the music even. I'm talking about the people. Because the church isn't a people. Because the church isn't a people. Because the church isn't a place, it's a people.

place, it's a people. place, it's a people. And this church is full of amazing, And this church is full of amazing, And this church is full of amazing, godly men and women. So, look, if you're godly men and women. So, look, if you're godly men and women. So, look, if you're only attending on Sundays, I'm just only attending on Sundays, I'm just only attending on Sundays, I'm just telling you, you're missing out. telling you, you're missing out. telling 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 your faith. And if them to stimulate your faith. And if them to stimulate your faith. And if you've been around Watermark for a while you've been around Watermark for a while you've been around Watermark for a while and it feels like your community as and it feels like your community as and it feels like your community as community group has gotten stale or community group has gotten stale or community group has gotten stale or things have kind of grown cold, here's things have kind of grown cold, here's things have kind of grown cold, here's what I would encourage you to do. Like what I would encourage you to do. Like what I would encourage you to do. Like be the solution. And the way to be the be the solution. And the way to be the be the solution. And the way to be the solution is to ask the spirit of God to solution is to ask the spirit of God to solution is to ask the spirit of God to show you show you show you what expression of faith and love you what expression of faith and love you what expression of faith and love you would bring into your group that God would bring into your group that God would bring into your group that God might want to work through you to spur might want to work through you to spur might want to work through you to spur your group on towards love and good your group on towards love and good your group on towards love and good deeds. But I'm thankful for you deeds. But I'm thankful for you deeds. But I'm thankful for you watermark family. watermark family. watermark family. Skip down now to verse 15. I want to Skip down now to verse 15. I want to Skip down now to verse 15. I want to talk about a different passage now.

I'm going to read you verses 15- 20. I'm going to read you verses 15- 20. These are some of the most important These are some of the most important These are some of the most important verses in the entire book and honestly verses in the entire book and honestly verses in the entire book and honestly in the entire New Testament. in the entire New Testament. in the entire New Testament. What these verses do is they reenter me. What these verses do is they reenter me. What these verses do is they reenter me. They bring all of life into focus and They bring all of life into focus and They bring all of life into focus and they reshuffle my priorities. they reshuffle my priorities. they reshuffle my priorities. So, here's my hope is even as I read So, here's my hope is even as I read So, here's my hope is even as I read them, like here's what I'm I'm I'm just them, like here's what I'm I'm I'm just them, like here's what I'm I'm I'm just going to pray. Spirit of the living God, going to pray. Spirit of the living God, going to pray. Spirit of the living God, my prayer is that even as I read these my prayer is that even as I read these my prayer is that even as I read these verses, verses, verses, you might open everyone's eyes in this you might open everyone's eyes in this you might open everyone's eyes in this room to see all of life clearly. Would room to see all of life clearly. Would room to see all of life clearly. Would you bring everything into focus? Would you bring everything into focus? Would you bring everything into focus? Would you reenter our lives and repprioritize you reenter our lives and repprioritize you reenter our lives and repprioritize everything around you, Lord Jesus? everything around you, Lord Jesus? everything around you, Lord Jesus? So listen to Colossians 1 verse 15 says So listen to Colossians 1 verse 15 says So listen to Colossians 1 verse 15 says this. This is talking about Jesus. It's This is talking about Jesus. It's talking about the eternal talking about the eternal talking about the eternal son of God who took on flesh in the son of God who took on flesh in the son of God who took on flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. It says he is person of Jesus Christ. It says he is person of Jesus Christ. It says he is the image of the invisible God. What the image of the invisible God. What the image of the invisible God. What does that mean? It means that Jesus does that mean? It means that Jesus does that mean? It means that Jesus reveals God perfectly to us because he reveals God perfectly to us because he reveals God perfectly to us because he is God. He's the image of the invisible is God. He's the image of the invisible is God. He's the image of the invisible God. firstborn of all creation.

God. firstborn of all creation. God. firstborn of all creation. Now, in the Bible, firstborn right here Now, in the Bible, firstborn right here Now, in the Bible, firstborn right here isn't meaning that Jesus was the first isn't meaning that Jesus was the first isn't meaning that Jesus was the first baby born to God. Firstborn in the Bible baby born to God. Firstborn in the Bible baby born to God. Firstborn in the Bible can actually be just signifying that can actually be just signifying that can actually be just signifying that this there's no one of greater this there's no one of greater this there's no one of greater importance than this person. When it importance than this person. When it importance than this person. When it says that Jesus is the firstborn of says that Jesus is the firstborn of says that Jesus is the firstborn of creation, that's saying Jesus is the creation, that's saying Jesus is the creation, that's saying Jesus is the supreme king over all creation. And supreme king over all creation. And supreme king over all creation. And there is no one of greater importance there is no one of greater importance there is no one of greater importance than Jesus. than Jesus. than Jesus. Verse 16, here's why there's no one of Verse 16, here's why there's no one of Verse 16, here's why there's no one of greater importance. For by him greater importance. For by him greater importance. For by him all things were created in heaven and on all things were created in heaven and on all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether earth, visible and invisible, whether earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or thrones or dominions or rulers or thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. Watch this. All things, authorities. Watch this. All things, authorities. Watch this. All things, that includes you, that includes me. All that includes you, that includes me. All that includes you, that includes me. All things were created through him. And things were created through him. And things were created through him. And then what's those final two words? And then what's those final two words? And then what's those final two words? And what? what? what? >> And for him. So you have been created >> And for him. So you have been created >> And for him. So you have been created for Jesus. I have been created for for Jesus. I have been created for for Jesus. I have been created for Jesus. Everything in creation has been Jesus. Everything in creation has been Jesus. Everything in creation has been created for Jesus.

created for Jesus. created for Jesus. Creation doesn't just begin in Christ, Creation doesn't just begin in Christ, Creation doesn't just begin in Christ, it ends in Christ. Everything in all it ends in Christ. Everything in all it ends in Christ. Everything in all creation is meant to find its ultimate creation is meant to find its ultimate creation is meant to find its ultimate point and purpose in Christ. He's the point and purpose in Christ. He's the point and purpose in Christ. He's the point of everything. Verse 17, he's point of everything. Verse 17, he's point of everything. Verse 17, he's before all things and in him all things before all things and in him all things before all things and in him all things hold together, which means everything hold together, which means everything hold together, which means everything would fall apart apart from Jesus. would fall apart apart from Jesus. would fall apart apart from Jesus. Verse 18, he's the head of the body, the Verse 18, he's the head of the body, the Verse 18, he's the head of the body, the church. church. church. That means he's the one in charge. He's That means he's the one in charge. He's That means he's the one in charge. He's the owner and leader of the church. the owner and leader of the church. the owner and leader of the church. He's the beginning, He's the beginning, He's the beginning, the firstborn from the dead. the firstborn from the dead. the firstborn from the dead. That means he's the founder of a new That means he's the founder of a new That means he's the founder of a new humanity marked by resurrection life. humanity marked by resurrection life. humanity marked by resurrection life. That in everything he might be That in everything he might be That in everything he might be preeminent. preeminent. preeminent. What does it mean that Jesus is to be What does it mean that Jesus is to be What does it mean that Jesus is to be preeminent in all things? What does the preeminent in all things? What does the preeminent in all things? What does the word preeminent mean? It means supreme. word preeminent mean? It means supreme. word preeminent mean? It means supreme. It means taking first place. So Jesus It means taking first place. So Jesus It means taking first place. So Jesus Christ because of who he is and what Christ because of who he is and what Christ because of who he is and what he's done is to take first place in he's done is to take first place in he's done is to take first place in everything including your life and mine.

everything including your life and mine. everything including your life and mine. Verse 19, for in him all the fullness of Verse 19, for in him all the fullness of Verse 19, for in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and through him God was pleased to dwell and through him God was pleased to dwell and through him to reconcile to himself all things to reconcile to himself all things to reconcile to himself all things whether on earth or in heaven making whether on earth or in heaven making whether on earth or in heaven making peace by the blood of his cross. That is peace by the blood of his cross. That is peace by the blood of his cross. That is what Jesus Christ has done through his what Jesus Christ has done through his what Jesus Christ has done through his death, burial, and resurrection is for death, burial, and resurrection is for death, burial, and resurrection is for all who put their faith in Jesus Christ, all who put their faith in Jesus Christ, all who put their faith in Jesus Christ, he has made you right he has made you right he has made you right with the God of the universe. This is with the God of the universe. This is with the God of the universe. This is what I wrote in my journal. I said, Lord what I wrote in my journal. I said, Lord what I wrote in my journal. I said, Lord Jesus, you are everything. Jesus, you are everything. Jesus, you are everything. Everything finds its meaning and purpose Everything finds its meaning and purpose Everything finds its meaning and purpose in you. You are the point of everything. in you. You are the point of everything. in you. You are 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. So, let me just tell you the the small So, let me just tell you the the small So, let me just tell you the the small ways that God used this passage in my ways that God used this passage in my ways that God used this passage in my life. I'm showing you the small ways life. I'm showing you the small ways life. I'm showing you the small ways because it the big ways are are they're because it the big ways are are they're because it the big ways are are they're more of a given, but it's the small more of a given, but it's the small more of a given, but it's the small ways. Like I read this passage on a day ways. Like I read this passage on a day ways. Like I read this passage on a day when I was getting like worked up about when I was getting like worked up about when I was getting like worked up about youth sports.

Anyone else Anyone else ever gotten worked up about youth ever gotten worked up about youth ever gotten worked up about youth sports? sports? sports? Not this church, huh? Okay, good. Well, Not this church, huh? Okay, good. Well, Not this church, huh? Okay, good. Well, thankfully then I don't ever have to thankfully then I don't ever have to thankfully then I don't ever have to talk about youth sports. Y'all don't talk about youth sports. Y'all don't talk about youth sports. Y'all don't ever struggle with that. Just me. So, ever struggle with that. Just me. So, ever struggle with that. Just me. So, pray for me. pray for me. pray for me. I was getting worked up about youth I was getting worked up about youth I was getting worked up about youth sports and I was pushing one of my kids sports and I was pushing one of my kids sports and I was pushing one of my kids to practice to practice to practice more than was necessary. Like it was more than was necessary. Like it was more than was necessary. Like it was beginning to discourage him beginning to discourage him beginning to discourage him and then I read this passage and then I read this passage and then I read this passage and like everything comes into focus. and like everything comes into focus. and like everything comes into focus. And here's look, I'm not against you And here's look, I'm not against you And here's look, I'm not against you sports. We're playing you sports. But sports. We're playing you sports. But sports. We're playing you sports. But you know what God did through this you know what God did through this you know what God did through this passage? you as a reminder that's not passage? you as a reminder that's not passage? you as a reminder that's not what I've been made for. what I've been made for. what I've been made for. I haven't been made for youth sports. My I haven't been made for youth sports. My I haven't been made for youth sports. My son has not been made for youth sports. son has not been made for youth sports. son has not been made for youth sports. He can play youth sports. He has been He can play youth sports. He has been He can play youth sports. He has been made for Jesus Christ. I have been made made for Jesus Christ. I have been made made for Jesus Christ. I have been made for Jesus Christ. To give my anxiety to for Jesus Christ. To give my anxiety to for Jesus Christ. To give my anxiety to youth sports is a form of idolatry youth sports is a form of idolatry youth sports is a form of idolatry because I've been made for youth sports.

because I've been made for youth sports. because I've been made for youth sports. my affection, my anxiety, they find my affection, my anxiety, they find my affection, my anxiety, they find their place in the one I've been made their place in the one I've been made their place in the one I've been made for, that's Jesus Christ. for, that's Jesus Christ. for, that's Jesus Christ. And then I was watching a popular show And then I was watching a popular show And then I was watching a popular show where this incredibly gifted actor where this incredibly gifted actor where this incredibly gifted actor was cussing and telling this disgusting was cussing and telling this disgusting was cussing and telling this disgusting story that other people in the show were story that other people in the show were story that other people in the show were laughing about. laughing about. laughing about. And like after reading this passage, And like after reading this passage, And like after reading this passage, like we have been made for Jesus, like we have been made for Jesus, like we have been made for Jesus, like I just had this like sickening like I just had this like sickening like I just had this like sickening feeling like how offensive and feeling like how offensive and feeling like how offensive and disgusting it must be for those who have disgusting it must be for those who have disgusting it must be for those who have been made for Jesus to use what been made for Jesus to use what been made for Jesus to use what what has been what has been what has been the way they've been wired to use it to the way they've been wired to use it to the way they've been wired to use it to glorify the darkness. glorify the darkness. glorify the darkness. So, I'm no longer watching that show. I So, I'm no longer watching that show. I So, I'm no longer watching that show. I don't tell you that to talk about what don't tell you that to talk about what don't tell you that to talk about what shows you should watch or shouldn't shows you should watch or shouldn't shows you should watch or shouldn't watch. We should talk about that watch. We should talk about that watch. We should talk about that sometime.

But here's what I'm trying to show is But here's what I'm trying to show is like this passage, it brings everything like this passage, it brings everything like this passage, it brings everything into focus, like to see life clearly. Like this is like to see life clearly. Like this is what I've been made for. This actor, what I've been made for. This actor, what I've been made for. This actor, this actor hasn't been made for that. this actor hasn't been made for that. this actor hasn't been made for that. he's been made for him he's been made for him he's been made for him and he's been he's using the things he's and he's been he's using the things he's and he's been he's using the things he's been made for that are meant to be been made for that are meant to be been made for that are meant to be worshipful towards God and he's worshipful towards God and he's worshipful towards God and he's glorifying the darkness with those glorifying the darkness with those glorifying the darkness with those things. things. things. Like I'm just telling you it brings Like I'm just telling you it brings Like I'm just telling you it brings things into focus. It it reenters. And things into focus. It it reenters. And things into focus. It it reenters. And so I tell you that just to say look you so I tell you that just to say look you so I tell you that just to say look you have been made for Jesus. You have you have been made for Jesus. You have you have been made for Jesus. You have you have been made for Jesus. You will have been made for Jesus. You will have been made for Jesus. You will experience the most peace, the most joy, experience the most peace, the most joy, experience the most peace, the most joy, the most satisfaction, the most the most satisfaction, the most the most satisfaction, the most security, and the most confidence, and security, and the most confidence, and security, and the most confidence, and the most comfort in your life when you the most comfort in your life when you the most comfort in your life when you find your rest in your hope in Jesus find your rest in your hope in Jesus find your rest in your hope in Jesus Christ, the one you've been made for. Christ, the one you've been made for. Christ, the one you've been made for. Now, you can live like you've been made Now, you can live like you've been made Now, you can live like you've been made for something else. You can live like for something else. You can live like for something else. You can live like you've been made for success or money or you've been made for success or money or you've been made for success or money or popularity, but it doesn't change the popularity, but it doesn't change the popularity, but it doesn't change the fact that you have been made fact that you have been made fact that you have been made for Jesus.

Everything exists for him. He is to take Everything exists for him. He is to take first place in all things. So I'll just first place in all things. So I'll just first place in all things. So I'll just ask you, who are you living for? ask you, who are you living for? ask you, who are you living for? And what are you doing that you haven't And what are you doing that you haven't And what are you doing that you haven't been made to do? And I just think about how encouraging And I just think about how encouraging this passage is. It says that Jesus is this passage is. It says that Jesus is this passage is. It says that Jesus is the head of the church. And so I just the head of the church. And so I just the head of the church. And so I just want to be clear, Jesus is the head of want to be clear, Jesus is the head of want to be clear, Jesus is the head of Watermark Community Church. I'm not the Watermark Community Church. I'm not the Watermark Community Church. I'm not the leader. The elders aren't the leaders. leader. The elders aren't the leaders. leader. The elders aren't the leaders. Jesus Christ is the leader. Jesus Christ is the leader. Jesus Christ is the leader. And so like our aim here at Watermark is And so like our aim here at Watermark is And so like our aim here at Watermark is to please Jesus. It's to exalt Jesus to please Jesus. It's to exalt Jesus to please Jesus. It's to exalt Jesus Christ. It is to glorify Christ. So you Christ. It is to glorify Christ. So you Christ. It is to glorify Christ. So you might not love everything that we do. It might not love everything that we do. It might not love everything that we do. It might not match all of your preferences, might not match all of your preferences, might not match all of your preferences, but can we agree but can we agree but can we agree that this place exists solely for Jesus that this place exists solely for Jesus that this place exists solely for Jesus Christ? Christ? Christ? It doesn't even exist for you or for me. It doesn't even exist for you or for me. It doesn't even exist for you or for me. It exists for him. It exists for him. It exists for him. And we will be most filled with joy as a And we will be most filled with joy as a And we will be most filled with joy as a church and most unified when we are all church and most unified when we are all church and most unified when we are all in agreement on those things, on that in agreement on those things, on that in agreement on those things, on that one thing.

one thing. one thing. And it's also encouraging that he holds And it's also encouraging that he holds And it's also encouraging that he holds all things together. Isn't that good all things together. Isn't that good all things together. Isn't that good news? news? news? Like everything falls apart without him. Like everything falls apart without him. Like everything falls apart without him. But this has been an encouragement as But this has been an encouragement as But this has been an encouragement as I've prayed for friends over my time I've prayed for friends over my time I've prayed for friends over my time away with a cancer diagnosis or those away with a cancer diagnosis or those away with a cancer diagnosis or those experiencing loss that Jesus holds their experiencing loss that Jesus holds their experiencing loss that Jesus holds their lives together. lives together. lives together. At the beginning of my time away, part At the beginning of my time away, part At the beginning of my time away, part of my time away was just rest. The other of my time away was just rest. The other of my time away was just rest. The other part of it was like seeking the Lord for part of it was like seeking the Lord for part of it was like seeking the Lord for for where he's taking us as a church. for where he's taking us as a church. for where he's taking us as a church. And with that can come some pressure. And with that can come some pressure. And with that can come some pressure. And so a friend of mine just told me at And so a friend of mine just told me at And so a friend of mine just told me at the beginning of my time away, "You will the beginning of my time away, "You will the beginning of my time away, "You will have what you need when you need it." have what you need when you need it." have what you need when you need it." And I'm like, "Man, that sounds so good, And I'm like, "Man, that sounds so good, And I'm like, "Man, that sounds so good, but I want what I need when I want it. but I want what I need when I want it. but I want what I need when I want it. And I kind of want it now And I kind of want it now And I kind of want it now so I can have it now and rest the rest so I can have it now and rest the rest so I can have it now and rest the rest of the time." of the time." of the time." And that's just me forgetting And that's just me forgetting And that's just me forgetting and not resting in the fact that he is and not resting in the fact that he is and not resting in the fact that he is before all things and in him all things before all things and in him all things before all things and in him all things hold together. Sure enough, I have what hold together. Sure enough, I have what hold together. Sure enough, I have what I need when I need it. I didn't have it I need when I need it. I didn't have it I need when I need it. I didn't have it when I wanted it. I had it when I need when I wanted it. I had it when I need when I wanted it. I had it when I need it.

it. it. But the Lord's stretching me to But the Lord's stretching me to But the Lord's stretching me to understand he is before all things and understand he is before all things and understand he is before all things and in him all things hold together. Look, in him all things hold together. Look, in him all things hold together. Look, let me just be really clear. let me just be really clear. let me just be really clear. Jesus is the point of life. for Jesus to Jesus is the point of life. for Jesus to Jesus is the point of life. for Jesus to be a part of your life but not the point be a part of your life but not the point be a part of your life but not the point and passion of your life is to waste and passion of your life is to waste and passion of your life is to waste your life. The next passage I want to look at is is The next passage I want to look at is is just the next few verses. It's verses just the next few verses. It's verses just the next few verses. It's verses 21- 23. Paul says this. Paul says this. He says, "And you who once were He says, "And you who once were He 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 is now reconciled in his evil deeds, he is now reconciled in his evil deeds, he is 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. If indeed you reproach before him. If indeed you reproach before him. If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and continue in the faith, stable and continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of steadfast, not shifting from the hope of steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has the gospel that you heard, which has the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under been proclaimed in all creation under been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a heaven, of which I, Paul, became a heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister." minister." minister." What's Paul saying here? What Paul is What's Paul saying here? What Paul is What's Paul saying here? 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 on the cross effective Christ's work on the cross effective Christ's work on the cross was. He takes those who were alienated was. He takes those who were alienated was. He takes those who were alienated from God, those who were hostile towards from God, those who were hostile towards from God, those who were hostile towards God, those who were evil, and he brings God, those who were evil, and he brings God, those who were evil, and he brings such peace that you are pure, holy, such peace that you are pure, holy, such peace that you are pure, holy, blameless, and above reproach before blameless, and above reproach before blameless, and above reproach before God. That's crazy. God doesn't just God. That's crazy. God doesn't just God. That's crazy. God doesn't just tolerate you.

tolerate you. tolerate you. He so thoroughly cleanses you and makes He so thoroughly cleanses you and makes He so thoroughly cleanses you and makes you new that you are holy and blameless you new that you are holy and blameless you new that you are holy and blameless before him. But then there's this before him. But then there's this before him. But then there's this conditional statement. Paul says that is conditional statement. Paul says that is conditional statement. Paul says that is all true if all true if all 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. hope of the gospel that you heard. hope of the gospel that you heard. Verses like this can cause anxiety in Verses like this can cause anxiety in Verses like this can cause anxiety in people, especially those who struggle people, especially those who struggle people, especially those who struggle with scrupulosity, OCD. You can read a with scrupulosity, OCD. You can read a with scrupulosity, OCD. You can read a verse like this and you can wonder, verse like this and you can wonder, verse like this and you can wonder, well, have I have I done enough or am I well, have I have I done enough or am I well, have I have I done enough or am I doing something that would bring this doing something that would bring this doing something that would bring this conditional statement into place? So, conditional statement into place? So, conditional statement into place? So, let me just be really clear on what Paul let me just be really clear on what Paul let me just be really clear on what Paul is really saying here. Here's the point is really saying here. Here's the point is really saying here. Here's the point of the if. of the if. of the if. The point of the if is this. The point of the if is this. The point of the if is this. If everything that he just said in If everything that he just said in If everything that he just said in verses 15 through 20 are true. If Christ verses 15 through 20 are true. If Christ verses 15 through 20 are true. If Christ is everything, if he's before all things is everything, if he's before all things is everything, if he's before all things and in him all things hold together, if and in him all things hold together, if and in him all things hold together, if everything Paul said is true, and you everything Paul said is true, and you everything Paul said is true, and you still think you need more than Jesus still think you need more than Jesus still think you need more than Jesus to attain all the levels of spiritual to attain all the levels of spiritual to attain all the levels of spiritual maturity, then you clearly haven't maturity, then you clearly haven't maturity, then you clearly haven't understood Jesus. That's his point.

understood Jesus. That's his point. understood Jesus. That's his point. Like if you if you get off track in that Like if you if you get off track in that Like if you if you get off track in that way, if you become unstable way, if you become unstable way, if you become unstable in your faith and you shift from the in your faith and you shift from the in your faith and you shift from the hope of the gospel, which means Jesus is hope of the gospel, which means Jesus is hope of the gospel, which means Jesus is everything, everything, everything, and you believe that there's something and you believe that there's something and you believe that there's something apart from Jesus that you need, then you apart from Jesus that you need, then you apart from Jesus that you need, then you haven't understood Jesus. haven't understood Jesus. haven't understood Jesus. Now, why did God use this passage in my Now, why did God use this passage in my Now, why did God use this passage in my time away? Did Timothy experience a time away? Did Timothy experience a time away? Did Timothy experience a crisis of faith? No. crisis of faith? No. crisis of faith? No. Thankfully, no. Thankfully, no. Thankfully, no. And yet he on the the second to last night he on the the second to last night before I was coming back to work, we before I was coming back to work, we before I was coming back to work, we were in Park City, Utah. And at night, I were in Park City, Utah. And at night, I were in Park City, Utah. And at night, I decided to go out and sit on this decided to go out and sit on this decided to go out and sit on this balcony outside and just sit with the balcony outside and just sit with the balcony outside and just sit with the Lord to to prepare my heart to to return Lord to to prepare my heart to to return Lord to to prepare my heart to to return to work. to work. to work. And there's no other way to explain it And there's no other way to explain it And there's no other way to explain it besides like as I sat there, I sensed besides like as I sat there, I sensed besides like as I sat there, I sensed some hardness in my heart. Like there's some hardness in my heart. Like there's some hardness in my heart. Like there's no other way to describe it. God speaks no other way to describe it. God speaks no other way to describe it. God speaks to me sometimes in pictures to me sometimes in pictures to me sometimes in pictures and the picture I had was a picture of and the picture I had was a picture of and the picture I had was a picture of some rock formation in my heart, some some rock formation in my heart, some some rock formation in my heart, some hardness that I couldn't pinpoint.

hardness that I couldn't pinpoint. hardness that I couldn't pinpoint. And then this is what I journaled or And then this is what I journaled or And then this is what I journaled or prayed. I said, "Lord, prayed. I said, "Lord, prayed. I said, "Lord, I want to continue in the faith, stable I want to continue in the faith, stable I 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. Lord, I think I've hope of the gospel. Lord, I think I've hope of the gospel. Lord, I think I've experienced some instability in my walk experienced some instability in my walk experienced some instability in my walk with you during my time away because I with you during my time away because I with you during my time away because I haven't been preaching the gospel to haven't been preaching the gospel to haven't been preaching the gospel to myself." myself." myself." So, there's these subtle shifts away So, there's these subtle shifts away So, there's these subtle shifts away from the hope of the gospel. So, here's from the hope of the gospel. So, here's from the hope of the gospel. So, here's what I said. So then I just began to what I said. So then I just began to what I said. So then I just began to meditate on the gospel and think about meditate on the gospel and think about meditate on the gospel and think about what is true of me because of Christ. So what is true of me because of Christ. So what is true of me because of Christ. So I said, 'Lord, thank you that you are I said, 'Lord, thank you that you are I said, 'Lord, thank you that you are near. Thank you that I am loved. Thank near. Thank you that I am loved. Thank near. Thank you that I am loved. Thank you that I am clean. Thank you that even you that I am clean. Thank you that even you that I am clean. Thank you that even right now you're speaking to me and right now you're speaking to me and right now you're speaking to me and you've been speaking to me. Holy Spirit, you've been speaking to me. Holy Spirit, you've been speaking to me. Holy Spirit, thank you that you've been leading me. thank you that you've been leading me. thank you that you've been 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.

others. others. Lord, I've been anxious about so many Lord, I've been anxious about so many Lord, I've been anxious about so many things. I've been a Martha. things. I've been a Martha. 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. Thank you that I'm not on to me today. Thank you that I'm not on to me today. Thank you that I'm not on my own. Thank you for your grace. my own. Thank you for your grace. my own. Thank you for your grace. And as I sat there And as I sat there And as I sat there and preached the gospel to myself, the and preached the gospel to myself, the and preached the gospel to myself, the Lord met me in that moment. And this Lord met me in that moment. And this Lord met me in that moment. And this might sound cheesy, but that rock might sound cheesy, but that rock might sound cheesy, but that rock formation, this is what I continued to formation, this is what I continued to formation, this is what I continued to write. I said, "Thank you for dynamiting write. I said, "Thank you for dynamiting write. I said, "Thank you for dynamiting whatever has been hard in me." Like I I whatever has been hard in me." Like I I whatever has been hard in me." Like I I felt this complete complete softening felt this complete complete softening felt this complete complete softening in a nearness and a joy in an embrace in a nearness and a joy in an embrace in a nearness and a joy in an embrace from the Lord. So I said, "Thank you for from the Lord. So I said, "Thank you for from the Lord. So I said, "Thank you for your love, presence, and embrace. I love your love, presence, and embrace. I love your love, presence, and embrace. I love you so much, Lord." Like the reason I'm you so much, Lord." Like the reason I'm you so much, Lord." Like the reason I'm even sharing this very personal moment even sharing this very personal moment even sharing this very personal moment with you is that I just want you to be with you is that I just want you to be with you is that I just want you to be clear. This is how powerful the gospel clear. This is how powerful the gospel clear. This is how powerful the gospel is. Like we don't have a self-help is. Like we don't have a self-help is. Like we don't have a self-help religion where it's do better, try religion where it's do better, try religion where it's do better, try harder.

harder. harder. The gospel isn't just what saves us, The gospel isn't just what saves us, The gospel isn't just what saves us, it's what sustains us and changes us. it's what sustains us and changes us. it's what sustains us and changes us. So, I don't know where you're at in life So, I don't know where you're at in life So, I don't know where you're at in life or what's going on, but I just want to or what's going on, but I just want to or what's going on, but I just want to encourage you to sit down and remind encourage you to sit down and remind encourage you to sit down and remind yourself of everything that is true of yourself of everything that is true of yourself of everything that is true of you because of the gospel of Jesus you because of the gospel of Jesus you because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And look, if you've never come Christ. And look, if you've never come Christ. And look, if you've never come to a place, to a place, to a place, maybe you know about Jesus or you are maybe you know about Jesus or you are maybe you know about Jesus or you are religious but you don't have a religious but you don't have a religious but you don't have a relationship with Jesus where the death relationship with Jesus where the death relationship with Jesus where the death of Christ for your sin in the of Christ for your sin in the of Christ for your sin in the resurrection of Christ for your new resurrection of Christ for your new resurrection of Christ for your new life, life, life, eternal life with God. If you've never eternal life with God. If you've never eternal life with God. If you've never received Christ for the first time, then received Christ for the first time, then received Christ for the first time, then let today be that day where you turn let today be that day where you turn let today be that day where you turn from your sin, turn towards Christ, and from your sin, turn towards Christ, and from your sin, turn towards Christ, and receive him as savior. Let me show you one more thing. I wish I Let me show you one more thing. I wish I had a few more hours to show you all the had a few more hours to show you all the had a few more hours to show you all the things. I know you don't wish I had a things. I know you don't wish I had a things. I know you don't wish I had a few more hours, but I wish I had a few few more hours, but I wish I had a few few more hours, but I wish I had a few more hours because it's just, hey, look, more hours because it's just, hey, look, more hours because it's just, hey, look, if anything, here's my encouragement is if anything, here's my encouragement is if anything, here's my encouragement is like share what God's doing in your life like share what God's doing in your life like share what God's doing in your life with others because you know what it with others because you know what it with others because you know what it does is it just reminds you God is does is it just reminds you God is does is it just reminds you God is really at work in your life.

really at work in your life. really at work in your life. So, I encourage you to share over text So, I encourage you to share over text So, I encourage you to share over text or over a phone call or coffee. Here's or over a phone call or coffee. Here's or over a phone call or coffee. Here's the last passage I'll turn you to. the last passage I'll turn you to. the last passage I'll turn you to. It's Colossians 2 16-19. And Paul says, It's Colossians 2 16-19. And Paul says, It's Colossians 2 16-19. And Paul says, "Therefore, let no one pass judgment on "Therefore, let no one pass judgment on "Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink or you in questions of food and drink or you in questions of food and drink or with regard to a festival or a new moon with regard to a festival or a new moon with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance things to come, but the substance things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. belongs to Christ. belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting Let no one disqualify you, insisting Let no one disqualify you, insisting ones as aceticism and worship of angels, ones as aceticism and worship of angels, ones as aceticism and worship of angels, going on in details about vision, detail going on in details about vision, detail going on in details about vision, detail about visions, puffed up without reason about visions, puffed up without reason about visions, puffed up without reason by a sensuous mind and not holding fast by a sensuous mind and not holding fast by a sensuous mind and not holding fast to the head from whom the whole body to the head from whom the whole body to the head from whom the whole body nourished and together through its nourished and together through its nourished and together through its joints and ligaments grows with a growth joints and ligaments grows with a growth joints and ligaments grows with a growth that is from God. Now, what did God do that is from God. Now, what did God do that is from God. Now, what did God do through this passage in my life? Like through this passage in my life? Like through this passage in my life? Like why would he highlight it? Well, let me why would he highlight it? Well, let me why would he highlight it? Well, let me tell you what's happening in this tell you what's happening in this tell you what's happening in this passage. Um, the false teachers are passage. Um, the false teachers are passage. Um, the false teachers are basically acting like they are handing basically acting like they are handing basically acting like they are handing down a judgment from God to the down a judgment from God to the down a judgment from God to the Christians at Colassic. And here's Christians at Colassic. And here's Christians at Colassic. And here's basically their point. We're on varsity.

basically their point. We're on varsity. basically their point. We're on varsity. You're on JV. And if you really want God You're on JV. And if you really want God You're on JV. And if you really want God to not just love you, but like you, to not just love you, but like you, to not just love you, but like you, you're going to need to do more for God. you're going to need to do more for God. you're going to need to do more for God. Your Microsoft Outlook is is going to Your Microsoft Outlook is is going to Your Microsoft Outlook is is going to need to be the calendar is going to need need to be the calendar is going to need need to be the calendar is going to need to be packed full of these various Old to be packed full of these various Old to be packed full of these various Old Testament rituals. You need to do more Testament rituals. You need to do more Testament rituals. You need to do more for God if he's really going to love you for God if he's really going to love you for God if he's really going to love you and like you. And not just that, you and like you. And not just that, you and like you. And not just that, you really need to have these supernatural really need to have these supernatural really need to have these supernatural mystical experiences if you're really mystical experiences if you're really mystical experiences if you're really going to be a mature Christian. going to be a mature Christian. going to be a mature Christian. Otherwise, you're going to be riding the Otherwise, you're going to be riding the Otherwise, you're going to be riding the JV vent bench the rest of the time. JV vent bench the rest of the time. JV vent bench the rest of the time. Remember Paul is writing the Colossians Paul is writing the Colossians to just remind him to just remind him to just remind him 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. Jesus. You grow in Jesus. Jesus. You grow in Jesus. The way God used this passage in my life The way God used this passage in my life The way God used this passage in my life was this. Like when people have asked me was this. Like when people have asked me was this. Like when people have asked me how my time away has been, it hasn't how my time away has been, it hasn't how my time away has been, it hasn't been an easy answer.

been an easy answer. been an easy answer. Like I've paused. I've had to like work Like I've paused. I've had to like work Like I've paused. I've had to like work to find to find to find the response. And the reason it's been the response. And the reason it's been the response. And the reason it's been that way is that my time away didn't go that way is that my time away didn't go that way is that my time away didn't go how I thought it was going to go. Here's how I thought it was going to go. Here's how I thought it was going to go. Here's what I mean by that. Like going into my what I mean by that. Like going into my what I mean by that. Like going into my time away, time away, time away, there were certain spiritual practices there were certain spiritual practices there were certain spiritual practices that had been a source of joy in the that had been a source of joy in the that had been a source of joy in the past that I thought I would practice past that I thought I would practice past that I thought I would practice again. And these practices involve again. And these practices involve again. And these practices involve extended time alone with God. extended time alone with God. extended time alone with God. And something unhealthy grew in me that And something unhealthy grew in me that And something unhealthy grew in me that if I'm honest, I began to believe that I if I'm honest, I began to believe that I if I'm honest, I began to believe that I wouldn't experience maximum intimacy wouldn't experience maximum intimacy wouldn't experience maximum intimacy with Jesus unless I was able to do these with Jesus unless I was able to do these with Jesus unless I was able to do these spiritual practices every day. spiritual practices every day. spiritual practices every day. Then on July 4th, Then on July 4th, Then on July 4th, two of our cars on the same day had the two of our cars on the same day had the two of our cars on the same day had the check engine light come on. check engine light come on. check engine light come on. And that started a chain of events And that started a chain of events And that started a chain of events which which which led to my life being consumed with car led to my life being consumed with car led to my life being consumed with car problems. And to be clear, car car problems. And to be clear, car car problems. And to be clear, car car problems were the worst of our issues problems were the worst of our issues problems were the worst of our issues that week. So life was really not that that week. So life was really not that that week. So life was really not that bad.

bad. bad. But it just changed things. But it just changed things. But it just changed things. Like one of the cars had to be towed and Like one of the cars had to be towed and Like one of the cars had to be towed and then I needed to get two cars to two then I needed to get two cars to two then I needed to get two cars to two different dealerships. And so we were different dealerships. And so we were different dealerships. And so we were kind of playing musical cars and my son kind of playing musical cars and my son kind of playing musical cars and my son was working in Grapevine. So now I need was working in Grapevine. So now I need was working in Grapevine. So now I need to get him out to Grapevine in the to get him out to Grapevine in the to get him out to Grapevine in the morning and pick him up from Grapevine morning and pick him up from Grapevine morning and pick him up from Grapevine in the afternoon. And then you know how in the afternoon. And then you know how in the afternoon. And then you know how it goes sometimes like you call the it goes sometimes like you call the it goes sometimes like you call the dealership and you sit on hold and you dealership and you sit on hold and you dealership and you sit on hold and you hear the same waiting music hear the same waiting music hear the same waiting music every time you call to where you've kind every time you call to where you've kind every time you call to where you've kind of memorized the song and now you have of memorized the song and now you have of memorized the song and now you have it playing in your head even when you're it playing in your head even when you're it playing in your head even when you're not on the phone. So that's kind of not on the phone. So that's kind of not on the phone. So that's kind of happening. and then you get disconnected happening. and then you get disconnected happening. and then you get disconnected or the service person isn't available or or the service person isn't available or or the service person isn't available or they're not in that day and then you they're not in that day and then you they're not in that day and then you find out your car needs an entire new find out your car needs an entire new find out your car needs an entire new engine which is more expensive than the engine which is more expensive than the engine which is more expensive than the car itself. So now you're realizing car itself. So now you're realizing car itself. So now you're realizing that car is not coming back to your that car is not coming back to your that car is not coming back to your family ever again. And what happened was like for five days And what happened was like for five days all I was doing was dealing with cars.

all I was doing was dealing with cars. all I was doing was dealing with cars. I don't know what I would have done if I I don't know what I would have done if I I don't know what I would have done if I wasn't if I was working. wasn't if I was working. wasn't if I was working. And like this is when I was supposed to And like this is when I was supposed to And like this is when I was supposed to be alone to experience maximum intimacy. be alone to experience maximum intimacy. be alone to experience maximum intimacy. And it was all getting eaten up by cars. And it was all getting eaten up by cars. And it was all getting eaten up by cars. Like I felt like I was being pulled away Like I felt like I was being pulled away Like I felt like I was being pulled away from Jesus. I wasn't able to do the from Jesus. I wasn't able to do the from Jesus. I wasn't able to do the things that would lead me to maximum things that would lead me to maximum things that would lead me to maximum intimacy. And then finally, it took me intimacy. And then finally, it took me intimacy. And then finally, it took me too long to to get there, but I sense too long to to get there, but I sense too long to to get there, but I sense the Lord like saying, "This isn't the Lord like saying, "This isn't the Lord like saying, "This isn't pulling you away from me. I'm actually pulling you away from me. I'm actually pulling you away from me. I'm actually inviting you to meet me in the midst of inviting you to meet me in the midst of inviting you to meet me in the midst of this stuff." this stuff." this stuff." Like it was like the Lord was trying to Like it was like the Lord was trying to Like it was like the Lord was trying to teach me not just to listen to him when teach me not just to listen to him when teach me not just to listen to him when I'm alone for experience extended I'm alone for experience extended I'm alone for experience extended periods of time, but he's he's he was periods of time, but he's he's he was periods of time, but he's he's he was trying to cultivate those muscles of trying to cultivate those muscles of trying to cultivate those muscles of listening to him all throughout the day, listening to him all throughout the day, listening to him all throughout the day, especially in the midst of the mess. especially in the midst of the mess. especially in the midst of the mess. God was revealing some spiritual God was revealing some spiritual God was revealing some spiritual immaturity to me that I had begun to immaturity to me that I had begun to immaturity to me that I had begun to believe that spiritual intimacy with God believe that spiritual intimacy with God believe that spiritual intimacy with God could only be experienced if I was doing could only be experienced if I was doing could only be experienced if I was doing certain things that I had previously certain things that I had previously certain things that I had previously done.

done. done. And there was multiple times during my And there was multiple times during my And there was multiple times during my time away where the Lord brought Jesus's time away where the Lord brought Jesus's time away where the Lord brought Jesus's words from Matthew 11 to mind where words from Matthew 11 to mind where words from Matthew 11 to mind where Jesus says, "Come to me all who labor Jesus says, "Come to me all who labor Jesus says, "Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you and are heavy laden and I will give you and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." He says, "Take my yoke upon you rest." He says, "Take my yoke upon you rest." He says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I'm gentle and and learn from me for I'm gentle and and learn from me for I'm gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest lowly in heart and you will find rest lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls." And then watch the for your souls." And then watch the for your souls." And then watch the wording at the end. He says, "For my wording at the end. He says, "For my wording at the end. He says, "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 I felt like the Lord was like, And I felt like the Lord was like, And I felt like the Lord was like, "You're making my yoke difficult and "You're making my yoke difficult and "You're making my yoke difficult and heavy." heavy." heavy." And it was freeing because it gave way And it was freeing because it gave way And it was freeing because it gave way to me sitting with the Lord and his to me sitting with the Lord and his to me sitting with the Lord and his spirit showing me how spirit showing me how spirit showing me how how to reshape my time with him. how to reshape my time with him. how to reshape my time with him. And so I'll share with you in case it's And so I'll share with you in case it's And so I'll share with you in case it's helpful. And it's nothing radical. helpful. And it's nothing radical. helpful. And it's nothing radical. You'll you'll hear this and be like, You'll you'll hear this and be like, You'll you'll hear this and be like, "Yeah, I think that's what time with the "Yeah, I think that's what time with the "Yeah, I think that's what time with the Lord should look like." But for me, it's Lord should look like." But for me, it's Lord should look like." But for me, it's it's it's just tweaking things to and it's it's just tweaking things to and it's it's just tweaking things to and you might see this list and be like, you might see this list and be like, you might see this list and be like, "That feels burdensome." It isn't for "That feels burdensome." It isn't for "That feels burdensome." It isn't for me. It's just where God has me right me. It's just where God has me right me. It's just where God has me right now. So, if it's helpful, I just want to now. So, if it's helpful, I just want to now. So, if it's helpful, I just want to start my time by spending a few minutes start my time by spending a few minutes start my time by spending a few minutes seeking his presence. What I mean by seeking his presence. What I mean by seeking his presence. What I mean by that is just sitting quietly making that is just sitting quietly making that is just sitting quietly making myself aware that God is with me and myself aware that God is with me and myself aware that God is with me and he's he's in me. Then I want to spend a he's he's in me. Then I want to spend a he's he's in me. Then I want to spend a few minutes seeking his face in few minutes seeking his face in few minutes seeking his face in forgiveness.

forgiveness. forgiveness. That just means worshiping him, That just means worshiping him, That just means worshiping him, expanding my view of him, reminding expanding my view of him, reminding expanding my view of him, reminding myself of who he is, and asking him if myself of who he is, and asking him if myself of who he is, and asking him if there's any barriers of sin that I need there's any barriers of sin that I need there's any barriers of sin that I need to repent of. to repent of. to repent of. Then I want to spend some time seeking Then I want to spend some time seeking Then I want to spend some time seeking his voice. What I mean by that is I want his voice. What I mean by that is I want his voice. What I mean by that is I want to seek to hear from God through the to seek to hear from God through the to seek to hear from God through the reading of his word. reading of his word. reading of his word. And then I want to seek his heart. I And then I want to seek his heart. I And then I want to seek his heart. I want to align my heart with his heart by want to align my heart with his heart by want to align my heart with his heart by praying through the scripture that I praying through the scripture that I praying through the scripture that I just read. just read. just read. Then I want to spend a little bit of Then I want to spend a little bit of Then I want to spend a little bit of time seeking his hand. I just want to time seeking his hand. I just want to time seeking his hand. I just want to ask God for things on behalf of cat and ask God for things on behalf of cat and ask God for things on behalf of cat and the boys and watermark and friends and the boys and watermark and friends and the boys and watermark and friends and unbelievers. And then finally, I want to unbelievers. And then finally, I want to unbelievers. And then finally, I want to spend a few minutes seeking his whisper, spend a few minutes seeking his whisper, spend a few minutes seeking his whisper, which is just asking him if there's which is just asking him if there's which is just asking him if there's anything he anything else he wants to anything he anything else he wants to anything he anything else he wants to say to me. say to me. say to me. And this can take a lot of time or it And this can take a lot of time or it And this can take a lot of time or it can take a little time. But this is my can take a little time. But this is my can take a little time. But this is my my goal is that what's what's great is my goal is that what's what's great is my goal is that what's what's great is that I'm experiencing new intimacy with that I'm experiencing new intimacy with that I'm experiencing new intimacy with the Lord that I experienced doing other the Lord that I experienced doing other the Lord that I experienced doing other practices in the past, but but the Lord practices in the past, but but the Lord practices in the past, but but the Lord is allowing it to look different now.

is allowing it to look different now. is allowing it to look different now. And so I just share that with you. Is And so I just share that with you. Is And so I just share that with you. Is your time with the Lord enjoyable? Are your time with the Lord enjoyable? Are your time with the Lord enjoyable? Are you experiencing intimacy with him? Is you experiencing intimacy with him? Is you experiencing intimacy with him? Is there any way that you're making his there any way that you're making his there any way that you're making his yoke difficult and heavy? Join the yoke difficult and heavy? Join the yoke difficult and heavy? Join the journey is a great resource that's journey is a great resource that's journey is a great resource that's already emphasizing these things. >> I know I've gone long this morning, so >> I know I've gone long this morning, so I just want to close by reading I just want to close by reading I just want to close by reading verse 16 one more time of chapter 1. Paul says, "For by him all things were Paul says, "For by him all things were created created created in heaven and on earth, visible and in heaven and on earth, visible and in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions invisible, whether thrones or dominions invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, all things, or rulers or authorities, all things, or rulers or authorities, all things, that includes you, that includes me, all that includes you, that includes me, all that includes you, that includes me, all things were created through him things were created through him things were created through him and for him." Lord Jesus, my hope and prayer right now Lord Jesus, my hope and prayer right now is that you would speak to the heart of is that you would speak to the heart of is that you would speak to the heart of every person in this room. If there's every person in this room. If there's every person in this room. If there's anyone here today who has never anyone here today who has never anyone here today who has never understood that they have been made for understood that they have been made for understood that they have been made for you, that their hope and joy and peace you, that their hope and joy and peace you, that their hope and joy and peace and salvation is only found in the and salvation is only found in the and salvation is only found in the person of Jesus Christ.

So I pray that they would turn to you So I pray that they would turn to you right now in prayer and invite you into right now in prayer and invite you into right now in prayer and invite you into their life to be their savior. their life to be their savior. their life to be their savior. Lord, for anyone in the room who has Lord, for anyone in the room who has Lord, for anyone in the room who has made you, Jesus, a part of their life, made you, Jesus, a part of their life, made you, Jesus, a part of their life, but not the point in passion. Lord, I but not the point in passion. Lord, I but not the point in passion. Lord, I pray right now, pray right now, pray right now, you would call them to yourself in a you would call them to yourself in a you would call them to yourself in a fresh way. fresh way. fresh way. Yeah. I just pray that Watermark would Yeah. I just pray that Watermark would Yeah. I just pray that Watermark would be a church full of people who exalt be a church full of people who exalt be a church full of people who exalt you, Lord Jesus, you, Lord Jesus, you, Lord Jesus, who welcome your rule and reign in our who welcome your rule and reign in our who welcome your rule and reign in our hearts and our lives every moment of hearts and our lives every moment of hearts and our lives every moment of every day. So, we love you, God, and we every day. So, we love you, God, and we every day. So, we love you, God, and we trust you in Jesus name. trust you in Jesus name. trust you in Jesus name. Amen.