First Sermons

the name of Jesus. the name of Jesus. >> Yeah, [screaming] God. >> Yeah, [screaming] God. >> Yeah, [screaming] God. >> We give you the glory. We bless your >> We give you the glory. We bless your >> We give you the glory. We bless your name. name. name. >> Oh yes, we know God. We lift you Jesus. >> Oh yes, we know God. We lift you Jesus. >> Oh yes, we know God. We lift you Jesus. >> We lift you Jesus above every [music] >> We lift you Jesus above every [music] >> We lift you Jesus above every [music] above every situation. above every situation. above every situation. Yes, [music] God. Yes, [music] God. Yes, [music] God. >> We to >> We to >> We to [crying] [crying] [crying] God. God. God. >> We lift up God. >> We lift up God. >> We lift up God. >> Oh yes, we do. >> Oh yes, we do. >> Oh yes, we do. >> Nobody like Jesus. >> Nobody like Jesus. >> Nobody like Jesus. >> Nobody like Jesus. >> Nobody like Jesus. >> Nobody like Jesus. >> Nobody like Jesus. Look out, Wheeler. New gospel releases Look out, Wheeler. New gospel releases coming to you next on WABC Radio. You coming to you next on WABC Radio. You coming to you next on WABC Radio. You are now listening to WABC Radio. Your are now listening to WABC Radio. Your are now listening to WABC Radio. Your music on the Avenue.

He's an on [singing] He's an on [singing] God. God. God. Yes, he [music and singing] [music and singing] go. go. go. Yes, he is. Yes, he is. Yes, he is. just just just come when you want it, come when you want it, come when you want it, >> but he >> I believe I'm going to say that one more >> I believe I'm going to say that one more time. time. time. >> He's an on [singing] >> He's an on [singing] >> He's an on [singing] God. God. God. Yes, he [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] go. go. go. Yes, he is. >> Let's get some witnesses in here >> Let's get some witnesses in here tonight. lifted. tonight. lifted. tonight. lifted. >> All right.

>> All right. >> All right. >> You can ask the children of Israel >> You can ask the children of Israel >> You can ask the children of Israel [music] [music] [music] >> at the Red Sea. >> at the Red Sea. >> at the Red Sea. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] >> That mean Pharaoh. Pharaoh. You know what? FROM OUT OF NOWHERE, GOD You know what? FROM OUT OF NOWHERE, GOD You know what? FROM OUT OF NOWHERE, GOD stepped in. He put a high just like stepped in. He put a high just like stepped in. He put a high just like that. that. that. >> Let me [singing] tell you, he's an on. [singing] Yes, he is. [singing] Yes, he is. Oh, Oh, Oh, [music] [music] [music] >> God. >> God. >> God. Yes, he is. >> But he'll [singing] be there. Right on >> But he'll [singing] be there. Right on time. time. time. >> I'll tell you [music] he's >> I'll tell you [music] he's >> I'll tell you [music] he's >> Let's get one more witness. Okay.

[music] [music] >> You can ask the 5,000 What a [singing] What a [singing] miracle. miracle. miracle. He did way back then did way back then for me and you. Let me tell you [music] for me and you. Let me tell you [music] for me and you. Let me tell you [music] who's an on [singing] God. who's an on [singing] God. who's an on [singing] God. Yes, he is. Yes, he is. Yes, he is. Oh [singing and music] Oh [singing and music] Oh [singing and music] my god. my god. my god. Yes, he Yes, he Yes, he just said he may not. just said he may not. just said he may not. >> But he'll be there right on time. >> But he'll be there right on time. >> But he'll be there right on time. >> I'll tell you, he's on. >> Do y'all know what I'm talking about >> Do y'all know what I'm talking about tonight?

tonight? tonight? >> All right. In the Bible, you got a lot >> All right. In the Bible, you got a lot >> All right. In the Bible, you got a lot of witnesses for being on time. of witnesses for being on time. of witnesses for being on time. If we call on Daniel tonight in the If we call on Daniel tonight in the If we call on Daniel tonight in the lion's dream, I believe he say something lion's dream, I believe he say something lion's dream, I believe he say something like this. He's on time. like this. He's on time. like this. He's on time. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> On time. >> On time. >> On time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on. >> He's on. >> He's on. >> Let's call the Hebrew. >> Let's call the Hebrew. >> Let's call the Hebrew. >> They'll tell you [music and singing] >> They'll tell you [music and singing] >> They'll tell you [music and singing] >> he's on time. >> he's on time. >> he's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on. >> He's on. >> He's on. Look at [music and singing] Look at [music and singing] Look at [music and singing] >> how he waited >> how he waited >> how he waited >> on the Lord. >> on the Lord. >> on the Lord. >> Lost everything he had. >> Lost everything he had. >> Lost everything he had. >> But God [music] stepped in. >> But God [music] stepped in. >> But God [music] stepped in. >> On time. >> On time. >> On time. >> On time. >> On time. >> On time. >> On time. [music and singing] >> On time. [music and singing] >> On time. [music and singing] >> Oh yes. >> Oh yes. >> Oh yes. >> On time. >> On time. >> On time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> On time. >> On time. >> On time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> On time. >> On time. >> On time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on time. >> He's on [music and singing] time. He's >> He's on [music and singing] time. He's >> He's on [music and singing] time. He's on time. >> He's an on God.

>> He's an on God. >> Yes, he [music] go. go. >> Well, this is the day that the Lord has >> Well, this is the day that the Lord has >> Well, this is the day that the Lord has made. made. made. >> We will rejoice and be glad in it. >> We will rejoice and be glad in it. >> We will rejoice and be glad in it. Great Saturday morning to each of you Great Saturday morning to each of you Great Saturday morning to each of you who joins us at the Wheeler Avenue who joins us at the Wheeler Avenue who joins us at the Wheeler Avenue Church today. Those who share with us Church today. Those who share with us Church today. Those who share with us online, we thank God for you and for online, we thank God for you and for online, we thank God for you and for your presence with us whether personally your presence with us whether personally your presence with us whether personally or virtually. or virtually. or virtually. We are blessed and benefited We are blessed and benefited We are blessed and benefited to have awakened this morning to come to have awakened this morning to come to have awakened this morning to come into this place [music] made holy by the into this place [music] made holy by the into this place [music] made holy by the presence of the living God. presence of the living God. presence of the living God. And our sole purpose today And our sole purpose today And our sole purpose today is to hear the expressions of five is to hear the expressions of five is to hear the expressions of five individuals individuals individuals who have said yes to the call of God on who have said yes to the call of God on who have said yes to the call of God on their lives. their lives. their lives. And I'm grateful that God continues to And I'm grateful that God continues to And I'm grateful that God continues to call brothers and sisters whom he has call brothers and sisters whom he has call brothers and sisters whom he has chosen to proclaim the glorious gospel chosen to proclaim the glorious gospel chosen to proclaim the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

of Jesus Christ. of Jesus Christ. And as we begin our time together today, And as we begin our time together today, And as we begin our time together today, I'll ask that you will stand with us all I'll ask that you will stand with us all I'll ask that you will stand with us all over the church as you are able. Our over the church as you are able. Our over the church as you are able. Our ministry of music is going to provide ministry of music is going to provide ministry of music is going to provide music for us. music for us. music for us. And as they do, we begin our time of And as they do, we begin our time of And as they do, we begin our time of worship. Dr. Johnson's going to pray a worship. Dr. Johnson's going to pray a worship. Dr. Johnson's going to pray a prayer of invocation and prayer of invocation and prayer of invocation and move [music] us forward toward the time move [music] us forward toward the time move [music] us forward toward the time of presentation of these preachers. of presentation of these preachers. of presentation of these preachers. I shall return after his prayer to I shall return after his prayer to I shall return after his prayer to present our first preacher. Each of them present our first preacher. Each of them present our first preacher. Each of them has a time limit, so don't get too has a time limit, so don't get too has a time limit, so don't get too nervous. We won't be here until nervous. We won't be here until nervous. We won't be here until tomorrow. I promise we will not we will tomorrow. I promise we will not we will tomorrow. I promise we will not we will not be here to tomorrow. They know that not be here to tomorrow. They know that not be here to tomorrow. They know that if I stand up while they're preaching, if I stand up while they're preaching, if I stand up while they're preaching, that's a clear indication it's time for that's a clear indication it's time for that's a clear indication it's time for them to sit down. them to sit down. them to sit down. There's a big clock up there that's There's a big clock up there that's There's a big clock up there that's going to tell them when it's time for going to tell them when it's time for going to tell them when it's time for them to be quiet. But we're excited that them to be quiet. But we're excited that them to be quiet. But we're excited that we have the opportunity to hear from we have the opportunity to hear from we have the opportunity to hear from them today. Ministry of Music is playing them today. Ministry of Music is playing them today. Ministry of Music is playing a great hymn of the church. It's a great hymn of the church. It's a great hymn of the church. It's entitled Lift Him Up. If you know it, entitled Lift Him Up. If you know it, entitled Lift Him Up. If you know it, [music] won't you sing? If you don't, be [music] won't you sing? If you don't, be [music] won't you sing? If you don't, be blessed as others around you sing. The blessed as others around you sing. The blessed as others around you sing. The words may be on [music] the screens. Dr.

words may be on [music] the screens. Dr. words may be on [music] the screens. Dr. Johnson's going to pray and I'll return Johnson's going to pray and I'll return Johnson's going to pray and I'll return thereafter. Song begins. How to [music] thereafter. Song begins. How to [music] thereafter. Song begins. How to [music] reach the masses, people of every birth. reach the masses, people of every birth. reach the masses, people of every birth. Reach the masses [music] Reach the masses [music] Reach the masses [music] of every of every of every Jesus and answer. Jesus and answer. Jesus and answer. Jesus gave the key [music] Jesus gave the key [music] Jesus gave the key [music] and I [singing] can I and I [singing] can I and I [singing] can I be lifted up be lifted up be lifted up [music] to me. Oh the world is hungry. Oh the to me. Oh the world is hungry. Oh the world [singing] is [music] hungry for world [singing] is [music] hungry for world [singing] is [music] hungry for the living the living the living >> for the living. >> for the living. >> for the living. Let the savior Let the savior Let the savior of God [music] of God [music] of God [music] see. see. see. Trust him. Trust him. Trust him. >> Trust him. >> Trust him. >> Trust him. [music] [music] [music] >> Knock down words that he says. >> Knock down words that he says. >> Knock down words that he says. >> I'll draw >> I'll draw >> I'll draw him [music] unto me. him [music] unto me. him [music] unto me. >> Don't exalt the preacher. >> Don't exalt the preacher. >> Don't exalt the preacher. >> Don't exalt the [music] >> Don't exalt the [music] >> Don't exalt the [music] >> Don't exalt the people.

>> Don't exalt the people. >> Don't exalt the people. >> Don't exalt. Preach the gospel. Preach >> Don't exalt. Preach the gospel. Preach >> Don't exalt. Preach the gospel. Preach the [music] gospel. the [music] gospel. the [music] gospel. Simple. >> [music] >> [music] >> You will find promises >> You will find promises >> You will find promises true true true [music] to me. to me. >> Let's say that last verse. Lift him up >> Let's say that last verse. Lift him up >> Let's say that last verse. Lift him up [music] by living as a Christian. as a [music] by living as a Christian. as a [music] by living as a Christian. as a Christian Christian Christian [music and singing] [music] [music] following. [music] [music] >> Come on everybody, let's lift him up. >> Come on everybody, let's lift him up. >> Come on everybody, let's lift him up. Lift him up. Still sweet. [music] Come on, let's lift him up last time.

Come on, let's lift him up last time. Lift him up the savior. Lift him up. Lift him up the savior. Lift him up. Lift him up the savior. Lift him up. >> Still [music] he speaks. Feeling >> Still [music] he speaks. Feeling >> Still [music] he speaks. Feeling for eternity [singing] [music] [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. You may be seated. Receive our executive You may be seated. Receive our executive You may be seated. Receive our executive passage. Let us pray. Let us pray. Most high and holy God, we come thanking Most high and holy God, we come thanking Most high and holy God, we come thanking you on this day, [music] you on this day, [music] you on this day, [music] for the privilege that is ours to find for the privilege that is ours to find for the privilege that is ours to find ourselves here in your presence. ourselves here in your presence. ourselves here in your presence. We thank you, [music] oh God, that in We thank you, [music] oh God, that in We thank you, [music] oh God, that in your presence there's fullness of joy. your presence there's fullness of joy. your presence there's fullness of joy. And we ask, oh God, now that the joy of And we ask, oh God, now that the joy of And we ask, oh God, now that the joy of the Lord would be our strength. We thank the Lord would be our strength. We thank the Lord would be our strength. We thank you, oh God, for this occasion wherein you, oh God, for this occasion wherein you, oh God, for this occasion wherein we are blessed now to hear from your we are blessed now to hear from your we are blessed now to hear from your word. And we pray that you would be word. And we pray that you would be word. And we pray that you would be lifted up so that you might be exalted lifted up so that you might be exalted lifted up so that you might be exalted and [music] draw all men, women, and and [music] draw all men, women, and and [music] draw all men, women, and children unto yourself. We pray now, children unto yourself. We pray now, children unto yourself. We pray now, God, that you would find each of these God, that you would find each of these God, that you would find each of these has been tasked [music] with sharing has been tasked [music] with sharing has been tasked [music] with sharing your word faithful to the task. Bless your word faithful to the task. Bless your word faithful to the task. Bless them now, oh God, that they might be led them now, oh God, that they might be led them now, oh God, that they might be led by your [music] spirit that they might, by your [music] spirit that they might, by your [music] spirit that they might, oh God, preach with power and authority, oh God, preach with power and authority, oh God, preach with power and authority, with clarity and conviction to be in with clarity and conviction to be in with clarity and conviction to be in that souls [music] are saved and lives that souls [music] are saved and lives that souls [music] are saved and lives are transformed. We thank you that they

are transformed. We thank you that they are transformed. We thank you that they are not ashamed of the gospel of our are not ashamed of the gospel of our are not ashamed of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that it Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that it Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that it is the power of God [music] unto is the power of God [music] unto is the power of God [music] unto salvation. So have your way is our salvation. So have your way is our salvation. So have your way is our prayer. Be in our midst and move as you prayer. Be in our midst and move as you prayer. Be in our midst and move as you will. and we promise to give you all will. and we promise to give you all will. and we promise to give you all praise, honor, and glory because you're praise, honor, and glory because you're praise, honor, and glory because you're worthy of it all. In Jesus name we thank worthy of it all. In Jesus name we thank worthy of it all. In Jesus name we thank you. [music] you. [music] you. [music] Amen. >> Will you receive now to preach her first >> Will you receive now to preach her first message in this formal setting, our message in this formal setting, our message in this formal setting, our [music] beloved sister Stephanie Adams. [music] beloved sister Stephanie Adams. [music] beloved sister Stephanie Adams. Come. Come. Come. [music] I'd like for you to turn with me to Luke I'd like for you to turn with me to Luke chapter 1 and verse one. And I'm also going to and verse one. And I'm also going to read 7 11 through 17.

read 7 11 through 17. read 7 11 through 17. And I'm coming to you from the NIV And I'm coming to you from the NIV And I'm coming to you from the NIV version. And it reads as this. Many have version. And it reads as this. Many have version. And it reads as this. Many have undertaken to draw an account of the undertaken to draw an account of the undertaken to draw an account of the things that have been fulfilled among things that have been fulfilled among things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us, just as they were handed down to us, just as they were handed down to those to us by those who from the first those to us by those who from the first those to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the were eyewitnesses and servants of the were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself word. With this in mind, since I myself word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything have carefully investigated everything have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to from the beginning, I too decided to from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most write an orderly account for you, most write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theopoulos, so that you may excellent Theopoulos, so that you may excellent Theopoulos, so that you may know the certainty of things you have know the certainty of things you have know the certainty of things you have been taught. If you go to me with me to been taught. If you go to me with me to been taught. If you go to me with me to chapter 7 verse 11, it says this. Soon chapter 7 verse 11, it says this. Soon chapter 7 verse 11, it says this. Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called afterward, Jesus went to a town called afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nan. And his disciples and a large crowd Nan. And his disciples and a large crowd Nan. And his disciples and a large crowd were went along with him. As he were went along with him. As he were went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person approached the town gate, a dead person approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out. The only son of was being carried out. The only son of was being carried out. The only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a his mother, and she was a widow. And a his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. large crowd from the town was with her. large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went When the Lord saw her, his heart went When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her. And he said, "Don't cry." out to her. And he said, "Don't cry." out to her. And he said, "Don't cry." Then he went up and touched the bear.

Then he went up and touched the bear. Then he went up and touched the bear. They were carrying him on and the bearer They were carrying him on and the bearer They were carrying him on and the bearer stood still. He said, "Young man, I say stood still. He said, "Young man, I say stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up." The dead man sat up and to you, get up." The dead man sat up and to you, get up." The dead man sat up and began to talk. And Jesus gave him back began to talk. And Jesus gave him back began to talk. And Jesus gave him back to his mother. They were all were filled to his mother. They were all were filled to his mother. They were all were filled with awe and praise God. A great prophet with awe and praise God. A great prophet with awe and praise God. A great prophet has appeared among us, they said. And has appeared among us, they said. And has appeared among us, they said. And God has come to help his people. This God has come to help his people. This God has come to help his people. This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea news about Jesus spread throughout Judea news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country. and the surrounding country. and the surrounding country. May God add a blessing to the hearers May God add a blessing to the hearers May God add a blessing to the hearers and doers of this word. I want to speak and doers of this word. I want to speak and doers of this word. I want to speak with you on misunderstanding a text. with you on misunderstanding a text. with you on misunderstanding a text. >> As I began to prepare for this message >> As I began to prepare for this message >> As I began to prepare for this message for today, I was still perplexed. I have for today, I was still perplexed. I have for today, I was still perplexed. I have been struggling. I was having a hard been struggling. I was having a hard been struggling. I was having a hard time because I was trying to understand time because I was trying to understand time because I was trying to understand why the Holy Spirit dropped this why the Holy Spirit dropped this why the Holy Spirit dropped this particular chapter in my spirit. particular chapter in my spirit. particular chapter in my spirit. When we look at the book of Luke, he is When we look at the book of Luke, he is When we look at the book of Luke, he is the only content creator of Luke. Also, the only content creator of Luke. Also, the only content creator of Luke. Also, he's the phys he's he's known as the he's the phys he's he's known as the he's the phys he's he's known as the physician.

physician. physician. So, he begins to tell us in chapter 7 as So, he begins to tell us in chapter 7 as So, he begins to tell us in chapter 7 as he's he's look as he's giving us an he's he's look as he's giving us an he's he's look as he's giving us an account of things that is happening. He account of things that is happening. He account of things that is happening. He begins to tell us about the faith of a begins to tell us about the faith of a begins to tell us about the faith of a centurion. But as I continued to read centurion. But as I continued to read centurion. But as I continued to read this, I started to become intrigued with this, I started to become intrigued with this, I started to become intrigued with se chapter 7 because in chapter 7, I se chapter 7 because in chapter 7, I se chapter 7 because in chapter 7, I started to see he starts to introduce us started to see he starts to introduce us started to see he starts to introduce us to a lady to a lady to a lady in verse 12. She's nameless and she's a in verse 12. She's nameless and she's a in verse 12. She's nameless and she's a widow. And so for me, I was like, wait a widow. And so for me, I was like, wait a widow. And so for me, I was like, wait a minute, why, Lord? Why? minute, why, Lord? Why? minute, why, Lord? Why? What do we have in common? So I What do we have in common? So I What do we have in common? So I continued to to look and dig a little continued to to look and dig a little continued to to look and dig a little deeper. And as I began to dig a little deeper. And as I began to dig a little deeper. And as I began to dig a little deeper, I went to King James version deeper, I went to King James version deeper, I went to King James version because I needed to know what why why because I needed to know what why why because I needed to know what why why this particular passage of scripture. this particular passage of scripture. this particular passage of scripture. And when I looked at it again, I went And when I looked at it again, I went And when I looked at it again, I went and I looked at verse 12 again. And it and I looked at verse 12 again. And it and I looked at verse 12 again. And it says, "And when the Lord saw her, he had says, "And when the Lord saw her, he had says, "And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her. And he said unto her, compassion on her. And he said unto her, compassion on her. And he said unto her, weep not." And at that moment, I weep not." And at that moment, I weep not." And at that moment, I realized I misunderstood this whole realized I misunderstood this whole realized I misunderstood this whole text. Because I was saying, Lord, you text. Because I was saying, Lord, you text. Because I was saying, Lord, you know what? I I get it now. I have some know what? I I get it now. I have some know what? I I get it now. I have some similarities in this chapter. It's some similarities in this chapter. It's some similarities in this chapter. It's some similarities that's going parallel with similarities that's going parallel with similarities that's going parallel with my own life. And as I continued to look my own life. And as I continued to look my own life. And as I continued to look at it, I was like, this particular text, at it, I was like, this particular text, at it, I was like, this particular text, if we look at the word text, guess what?

if we look at the word text, guess what? if we look at the word text, guess what? Text can mean two things. It can be the Text can mean two things. It can be the Text can mean two things. It can be the text that you are reading, and it can be text that you are reading, and it can be text that you are reading, and it can be a text that you do on a day-to-day basis a text that you do on a day-to-day basis a text that you do on a day-to-day basis because that's how we communicate with because that's how we communicate with because that's how we communicate with one another. If you understand that one another. If you understand that one another. If you understand that texting, texting some kind sometimes can texting, texting some kind sometimes can texting, texting some kind sometimes can throw you in a clinch. And what I mean throw you in a clinch. And what I mean throw you in a clinch. And what I mean by that is this. If it's a misspelled by that is this. If it's a misspelled by that is this. If it's a misspelled word or a missing letter, it can change word or a missing letter, it can change word or a missing letter, it can change the whole verbage of a text, it can lead the whole verbage of a text, it can lead the whole verbage of a text, it can lead you to a point where you can either be you to a point where you can either be you to a point where you can either be embarrassed or you can have a smile on embarrassed or you can have a smile on embarrassed or you can have a smile on your face. So, as I continue on to look your face. So, as I continue on to look your face. So, as I continue on to look at this and I was like, "Okay, I'm I'm at this and I was like, "Okay, I'm I'm at this and I was like, "Okay, I'm I'm starting to understand where where the starting to understand where where the starting to understand where where the Holy Spirit was taking me." And so, when Holy Spirit was taking me." And so, when Holy Spirit was taking me." And so, when I looked at that and I said, "You know I looked at that and I said, "You know I looked at that and I said, "You know what? Okay, Luke, I see what you're what? Okay, Luke, I see what you're what? Okay, Luke, I see what you're doing. You've introduced this woman doing. You've introduced this woman doing. You've introduced this woman who's a widow. who's a widow. who's a widow. >> She done lost her only son. >> She done lost her only son. >> She done lost her only son. >> She done lost her husband. >> She done lost her husband. >> She done lost her husband. >> And all of these things are happen. >> And all of these things are happen. >> And all of these things are happen. Matter of fact, we don't know if they Matter of fact, we don't know if they Matter of fact, we don't know if they they happen simultaneously. You don't they happen simultaneously. You don't they happen simultaneously. You don't know if they happen a few years down the know if they happen a few years down the know if they happen a few years down the road, but they have happened. And so, road, but they have happened. And so, road, but they have happened. And so, what brought this brought me to this what brought this brought me to this what brought this brought me to this point when life has a way of bringing point when life has a way of bringing point when life has a way of bringing moments that cause you to question moments that cause you to question moments that cause you to question everything that you thought you knew everything that you thought you knew everything that you thought you knew about everything.

about everything. about everything. >> It brings you to a point where you want >> It brings you to a point where you want >> It brings you to a point where you want to say to the Lord, "Lord, I don't to say to the Lord, "Lord, I don't to say to the Lord, "Lord, I don't understand. I need you to help my understand. I need you to help my understand. I need you to help my understanding because I'm not understanding because I'm not understanding because I'm not understanding WHY I'M IN THIS place understanding WHY I'M IN THIS place understanding WHY I'M IN THIS place again. I'm not understanding why, you again. I'm not understanding why, you again. I'm not understanding why, you know, yesterday I was doing good. Today know, yesterday I was doing good. Today know, yesterday I was doing good. Today I don't understand why I'm all of a I don't understand why I'm all of a I don't understand why I'm all of a sudden I go to work and I might have a sudden I go to work and I might have a sudden I go to work and I might have a pink slip. I'm not understanding, Lord, pink slip. I'm not understanding, Lord, pink slip. I'm not understanding, Lord, why you know what? Guess what? Me and why you know what? Guess what? Me and why you know what? Guess what? Me and her, we were good. We was buddies. We her, we were good. We was buddies. We her, we were good. We was buddies. We were fine. Then all of a sudden there's were fine. Then all of a sudden there's were fine. Then all of a sudden there's AN ALTERCATION ARISE. LORD, I need you AN ALTERCATION ARISE. LORD, I need you AN ALTERCATION ARISE. LORD, I need you to help me to understand. Yesterday he to help me to understand. Yesterday he to help me to understand. Yesterday he was SLEEPING THE BED. TODAY I'm having was SLEEPING THE BED. TODAY I'm having was SLEEPING THE BED. TODAY I'm having to bury him. Lord, I need you to help me to bury him. Lord, I need you to help me to bury him. Lord, I need you to help me because I don't understand what is GOING because I don't understand what is GOING because I don't understand what is GOING ON. LORD, YESTERDAY ME AND THE KIDS, WE ON. LORD, YESTERDAY ME AND THE KIDS, WE ON. LORD, YESTERDAY ME AND THE KIDS, WE WERE HAVING AN UNDERSTANDING. TODAY, WE WERE HAVING AN UNDERSTANDING. TODAY, WE WERE HAVING AN UNDERSTANDING. TODAY, WE HAVE A DISAGREEMENT. SO, FATHER GOD, I HAVE A DISAGREEMENT. SO, FATHER GOD, I HAVE A DISAGREEMENT. SO, FATHER GOD, I need you to help me in this. So, guess need you to help me in this. So, guess need you to help me in this. So, guess what? I started to realize, you know what? I started to realize, you know what? I started to realize, you know what? There are moments where, guess what? There are moments where, guess what? There are moments where, guess what? Words just fail you. what? Words just fail you. what? Words just fail you. >> There's words that fail you because >> There's words that fail you because >> There's words that fail you because you're going through so much. You're you're going through so much. You're you're going through so much. You're going through so many things and it going through so many things and it going through so many things and it makes you feel like, you know what, I makes you feel like, you know what, I makes you feel like, you know what, I might as well throw in the towel. Why?

might as well throw in the towel. Why? might as well throw in the towel. Why? You know, I don't what what do I have? You know, I don't what what do I have? You know, I don't what what do I have? What do I have to stand on? And What do I have to stand on? And What do I have to stand on? And sometimes when all of these things are sometimes when all of these things are sometimes when all of these things are coming up on you, it makes you feel like coming up on you, it makes you feel like coming up on you, it makes you feel like all of the pain that you're suffering all of the pain that you're suffering all of the pain that you're suffering that you're going through, Tylenol, that you're going through, Tylenol, that you're going through, Tylenol, Moltrin can't even fix it. Moltrin can't even fix it. Moltrin can't even fix it. >> It's no pain reliever for what you're >> It's no pain reliever for what you're >> It's no pain reliever for what you're going through. But if you know, like I going through. But if you know, like I going through. But if you know, like I know, it is okay. We can all agree at know, it is okay. We can all agree at know, it is okay. We can all agree at some point in our life, we face these some point in our life, we face these some point in our life, we face these moments. And if we we if we're honest moments. And if we we if we're honest moments. And if we we if we're honest with ourselves, there's times where with ourselves, there's times where with ourselves, there's times where we've been in a dark place, we've been in a dark place, we've been in a dark place, >> where depression has felt like a heavy >> where depression has felt like a heavy >> where depression has felt like a heavy blanket, blanket, blanket, >> where sober minds have seemed to slip us >> where sober minds have seemed to slip us >> where sober minds have seemed to slip us when these times have come. But I'm here when these times have come. But I'm here when these times have come. But I'm here to tell you, if we just trust God, to tell you, if we just trust God, to tell you, if we just trust God, >> if we trust him and believe, >> if we trust him and believe, >> if we trust him and believe, that he will work it out. You know, WHEN that he will work it out. You know, WHEN that he will work it out. You know, WHEN I WAS A CHILD, my grandmother used to I WAS A CHILD, my grandmother used to I WAS A CHILD, my grandmother used to make peach preserves. And when she used make peach preserves. And when she used make peach preserves. And when she used to make these peach preserves, she said, to make these peach preserves, she said, to make these peach preserves, she said, "Come on, Steph. Come on in this kitchen "Come on, Steph. Come on in this kitchen "Come on, Steph. Come on in this kitchen and help me right quick. I'mma do these and help me right quick. I'mma do these and help me right quick. I'mma do these peach preserves." And so, I would go in peach preserves." And so, I would go in peach preserves." And so, I would go in the kitchen and when we would go in the the kitchen and when we would go in the the kitchen and when we would go in the kitchen, she would sit there and my kitchen, she would sit there and my kitchen, she would sit there and my grandmother was a a bad motor scooter, grandmother was a a bad motor scooter, grandmother was a a bad motor scooter, y'all. I'm telling y'all. She would take y'all. I'm telling y'all. She would take y'all. I'm telling y'all. She would take them peaches and she could take that them peaches and she could take that them peaches and she could take that knife and she'll hit that peach and pull knife and she'll hit that peach and pull knife and she'll hit that peach and pull that seed out while she was cutting it.

that seed out while she was cutting it. that seed out while she was cutting it. And while she was doing that, after she And while she was doing that, after she And while she was doing that, after she done finished cutting them, she'll say, done finished cutting them, she'll say, done finished cutting them, she'll say, "Now put them over there in the sink and "Now put them over there in the sink and "Now put them over there in the sink and we're going to rinse them off. But I we're going to rinse them off. But I we're going to rinse them off. But I want you to take that two quart gallon want you to take that two quart gallon want you to take that two quart gallon pot and I want you to put it fill it pot and I want you to put it fill it pot and I want you to put it fill it halfway with water." And I was halfway with water." And I was halfway with water." And I was understanding, Lord, why did m mommy put understanding, Lord, why did m mommy put understanding, Lord, why did m mommy put some water in this pot halfway filled? some water in this pot halfway filled? some water in this pot halfway filled? And she said, "Because peaches make And she said, "Because peaches make And she said, "Because peaches make their own water, baby." their own water, baby." their own water, baby." >> Sometimes we have to trust a person >> Sometimes we have to trust a person >> Sometimes we have to trust a person who's trying to navigate our lives. You who's trying to navigate our lives. You who's trying to navigate our lives. You can't trust him if you always going to can't trust him if you always going to can't trust him if you always going to doubt him. So he's saying to us, YOU doubt him. So he's saying to us, YOU doubt him. So he's saying to us, YOU HAVE TO TRUST THE PROCESS. THE PROCESS HAVE TO TRUST THE PROCESS. THE PROCESS HAVE TO TRUST THE PROCESS. THE PROCESS IS THAT HE knows your expected end. And IS THAT HE knows your expected end. And IS THAT HE knows your expected end. And that's my first point with us. WE HAVE that's my first point with us. WE HAVE that's my first point with us. WE HAVE TO TRUST A PROCESS THAT GOD IS GOING TO TO TRUST A PROCESS THAT GOD IS GOING TO TO TRUST A PROCESS THAT GOD IS GOING TO DO what he said he's going to do. But in DO what he said he's going to do. But in DO what he said he's going to do. But in that, you got to know this. IT DON'T that, you got to know this. IT DON'T that, you got to know this. IT DON'T COME WITHOUT WITHOUT SOME FIRE. IT DON'T COME WITHOUT WITHOUT SOME FIRE. IT DON'T COME WITHOUT WITHOUT SOME FIRE. IT DON'T COME WITHOUT PRESSURE. IT DON'T COME COME WITHOUT PRESSURE. IT DON'T COME COME WITHOUT PRESSURE. IT DON'T COME WITHOUT SOME HEARTACHE. IT DON'T COME WITHOUT SOME HEARTACHE. IT DON'T COME WITHOUT SOME HEARTACHE. IT DON'T COME WITHOUT SOME DISAPPOINTMENTS. BUT YOU WITHOUT SOME DISAPPOINTMENTS. BUT YOU WITHOUT SOME DISAPPOINTMENTS. BUT YOU GOT TO TRUST AND KNOW THAT THE MAN WHO GOT TO TRUST AND KNOW THAT THE MAN WHO GOT TO TRUST AND KNOW THAT THE MAN WHO CALMED THE RED SEA, WHO GAVE SIGHT to CALMED THE RED SEA, WHO GAVE SIGHT to CALMED THE RED SEA, WHO GAVE SIGHT to the blind, GUESS WHAT? HE knows what the blind, GUESS WHAT? HE knows what the blind, GUESS WHAT? HE knows what he's doing for you. He knows what's BEST he's doing for you. He knows what's BEST he's doing for you. He knows what's BEST FOR YOU. IF YOU HAVEN'T CLOSED YOUR FOR YOU. IF YOU HAVEN'T CLOSED YOUR FOR YOU. IF YOU HAVEN'T CLOSED YOUR BIBLE, go back with me right quick. I BIBLE, go back with me right quick. I BIBLE, go back with me right quick. I just want to touch on this right quick.

just want to touch on this right quick. just want to touch on this right quick. Where she's where Jesus, Where she's where Jesus, Where she's where Jesus, help me, Holy Ghost. help me, Holy Ghost. help me, Holy Ghost. Lord God. Oh, Lord. where Jesus he's Lord God. Oh, Lord. where Jesus he's Lord God. Oh, Lord. where Jesus he's he's he's given us hope. He hasn't he he's he's given us hope. He hasn't he he's he's given us hope. He hasn't he hasn't gave us no no hope. He's told us hasn't gave us no no hope. He's told us hasn't gave us no no hope. He's told us guess what he's given us hope and that guess what he's given us hope and that guess what he's given us hope and that hope is this. So when he's looking at hope is this. So when he's looking at hope is this. So when he's looking at her, guess what he tells her? He telling her, guess what he tells her? He telling her, guess what he tells her? He telling her not to weep. her not to weep. her not to weep. >> That's that part I had that that complex >> That's that part I had that that complex >> That's that part I had that that complex part of. He told her not to weep. And so part of. He told her not to weep. And so part of. He told her not to weep. And so I'm trying to figure out, okay, God, you I'm trying to figure out, okay, God, you I'm trying to figure out, okay, God, you telling her not to weep. Why you telling telling her not to weep. Why you telling telling her not to weep. Why you telling her not to weep? Cuz I don't want her to her not to weep? Cuz I don't want her to her not to weep? Cuz I don't want her to weep without with with thinking there's weep without with with thinking there's weep without with with thinking there's no hope. There is hope. no hope. There is hope. no hope. There is hope. There is hope. There is hope. There is hope. >> There's hope for what you're going >> There's hope for what you're going >> There's hope for what you're going through. through. through. >> There is hope. Guess what? It might be >> There is hope. Guess what? It might be >> There is hope. Guess what? It might be dark today. dark today. dark today. >> You know the the Bible speaks on it >> You know the the Bible speaks on it >> You know the the Bible speaks on it tells us this. It says weeping may tells us this. It says weeping may tells us this. It says weeping may endure for a moment, but joy come. endure for a moment, but joy come. endure for a moment, but joy come. >> So when the joy come, guess what? We >> So when the joy come, guess what? We >> So when the joy come, guess what? We know we have hope for tomorrow. So the know we have hope for tomorrow. So the know we have hope for tomorrow. So the thing for me is this. When he told her thing for me is this. When he told her thing for me is this. When he told her not to weep, I was like, Lord, I'm not to weep, I was like, Lord, I'm not to weep, I was like, Lord, I'm already going through so much. So, I do already going through so much. So, I do already going through so much. So, I do understand where she's at right now understand where she's at right now understand where she's at right now because guess what? I might not have because guess what? I might not have because guess what? I might not have lost a loved one as a spouse, but I've lost a loved one as a spouse, but I've lost a loved one as a spouse, but I've lost several loved ones. I might not lost several loved ones. I might not lost several loved ones. I might not have lost what it was that maybe she have lost what it was that maybe she have lost what it was that maybe she felt that it was just financial for her.

felt that it was just financial for her. felt that it was just financial for her. I don't know. Or if it was the spouse I don't know. Or if it was the spouse I don't know. Or if it was the spouse that was giving her the most love. I that was giving her the most love. I that was giving her the most love. I don't know. But I do know this that as I don't know. But I do know this that as I don't know. But I do know this that as I look back over this passage of look back over this passage of look back over this passage of scripture, I am compelled to know this scripture, I am compelled to know this scripture, I am compelled to know this that God will take what broke you, he that God will take what broke you, he that God will take what broke you, he will use to heal you. will use to heal you. will use to heal you. >> So if you didn't catch it that way, let >> So if you didn't catch it that way, let >> So if you didn't catch it that way, let me say whatever wounded you, he's going me say whatever wounded you, he's going me say whatever wounded you, he's going to use to heal you. So you know to use to heal you. So you know to use to heal you. So you know sometimes when family members, we might sometimes when family members, we might sometimes when family members, we might have some words that WAS MISSPOKEN OR have some words that WAS MISSPOKEN OR have some words that WAS MISSPOKEN OR WHATEVER. GUESS WHAT? GOD WILL TAKE THEM WHATEVER. GUESS WHAT? GOD WILL TAKE THEM WHATEVER. GUESS WHAT? GOD WILL TAKE THEM same words, flip them around and change same words, flip them around and change same words, flip them around and change them. And guess what? It show you so them. And guess what? It show you so them. And guess what? It show you so much love. much love. much love. >> God would do the IMPOSSIBLE WHEN WE DEEM >> God would do the IMPOSSIBLE WHEN WE DEEM >> God would do the IMPOSSIBLE WHEN WE DEEM that we thinking IT'S NOT IMPOSSIBLE. that we thinking IT'S NOT IMPOSSIBLE. that we thinking IT'S NOT IMPOSSIBLE. GOD SAYS, "I will never LEAVE YOU NOR GOD SAYS, "I will never LEAVE YOU NOR GOD SAYS, "I will never LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU." SO WHILE YOU GOING FORSAKE YOU." SO WHILE YOU GOING FORSAKE YOU." SO WHILE YOU GOING THROUGH, just trust the hand that God THROUGH, just trust the hand that God THROUGH, just trust the hand that God has given you THAT I'M GOING TO GET YOU has given you THAT I'M GOING TO GET YOU has given you THAT I'M GOING TO GET YOU THROUGH. that whatever you think that THROUGH. that whatever you think that THROUGH. that whatever you think that WHAT BROKE YOU TO THE POINT WHERE YOU WHAT BROKE YOU TO THE POINT WHERE YOU WHAT BROKE YOU TO THE POINT WHERE YOU FELT LIKE YOU was just shattered, FELT LIKE YOU was just shattered, FELT LIKE YOU was just shattered, he'll restore your faith.

he'll restore your faith. he'll restore your faith. >> He'll men the places in your heart >> He'll men the places in your heart >> He'll men the places in your heart that's been broken. that's been broken. that's been broken. >> I'm a firm believer he'll replace the >> I'm a firm believer he'll replace the >> I'm a firm believer he'll replace the love that you felt like you lost. love that you felt like you lost. love that you felt like you lost. >> He will renew your strength. >> He will renew your strength. >> He will renew your strength. >> He will mount you up with wings as >> He will mount you up with wings as >> He will mount you up with wings as eagles. He will make you run and not eagles. He will make you run and not eagles. He will make you run and not faint. But they [applause and cheering] faint. But they [applause and cheering] faint. But they [applause and cheering] they that wait up on the Lord shall be they that wait up on the Lord shall be they that wait up on the Lord shall be renewed. And so all I HAVE TO ALL I WANT renewed. And so all I HAVE TO ALL I WANT renewed. And so all I HAVE TO ALL I WANT TO CONVEY to you is this. Even though it TO CONVEY to you is this. Even though it TO CONVEY to you is this. Even though it may like it may seem like woo hallelujah may like it may seem like woo hallelujah may like it may seem like woo hallelujah to your name, Jesus. >> It may seem like >> It may seem like I can't make it. I can't make it. I can't make it. It may seem like It may seem like It may seem like he don't know to he don't have a end for he don't know to he don't have a end for he don't know to he don't have a end for you that he don't know what your end is. you that he don't know what your end is. you that he don't know what your end is. >> That is not true because in the word if >> That is not true because in the word if >> That is not true because in the word if you go to 17 if you go to 15 he and 14 you go to 17 if you go to 15 he and 14 you go to 17 if you go to 15 he and 14 excuse me he says this and when he and excuse me he says this and when he and excuse me he says this and when he and he came and he touched a bear he came and he touched a bear he came and he touched a bear >> and they that bear him stood still >> and they that bear him stood still >> and they that bear him stood still >> and he said young man I say unto thee >> and he said young man I say unto thee >> and he said young man I say unto thee arise.

arise. arise. And see, for us today, we have that hope And see, for us today, we have that hope And see, for us today, we have that hope that God is telling us right now. Guess that God is telling us right now. Guess that God is telling us right now. Guess what? Even though you might be down what? Even though you might be down what? Even though you might be down right now, even though guess what? It right now, even though guess what? It right now, even though guess what? It might not be what you think it is, but might not be what you think it is, but might not be what you think it is, but he's telling you, guess what? I got this he's telling you, guess what? I got this he's telling you, guess what? I got this for you. for you. for you. >> It will turn around in your favor. You >> It will turn around in your favor. You >> It will turn around in your favor. You will get the victory. But you just have will get the victory. But you just have will get the victory. But you just have to wait and be patient. And that's to wait and be patient. And that's to wait and be patient. And that's something we don't like to do, y'all. something we don't like to do, y'all. something we don't like to do, y'all. I'm telling you right now. It's I'm telling you right now. It's I'm telling you right now. It's something we don't like to do. But guess something we don't like to do. But guess something we don't like to do. But guess what? If we be patient what? If we be patient what? If we be patient >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> and wait on him. >> and wait on him. >> and wait on him. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Trust and know that he's got you. >> Trust and know that he's got you. >> Trust and know that he's got you. >> Through it all, he's got you. >> Through it all, he's got you. >> Through it all, he's got you. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> And I want to leave you with this. The >> And I want to leave you with this. The >> And I want to leave you with this. The other day, I was other day, I was other day, I was I was compelled I was compelled I was compelled by some friends and we were talking and by some friends and we were talking and by some friends and we were talking and in the midst of talking, I get a phone in the midst of talking, I get a phone in the midst of talking, I get a phone call. It was the worst phone call that, call. It was the worst phone call that, call. It was the worst phone call that, you know, a mother sometimes don't want you know, a mother sometimes don't want you know, a mother sometimes don't want to hear. And so I was put in a place to hear. And so I was put in a place to hear. And so I was put in a place where I had to decide. I had to decide where I had to decide. I had to decide where I had to decide. I had to decide my peace my peace my peace or I had to decide I was going to do or I had to decide I was going to do or I had to decide I was going to do what I always do.

>> But in that moment, >> But in that moment, >> I had to trust the process. >> I had to trust the process. >> I had to trust the process. >> I had to trust and know that God already >> I had to trust and know that God already >> I had to trust and know that God already knew about the situation. I had to trust knew about the situation. I had to trust knew about the situation. I had to trust and know that God had already worked it and know that God had already worked it and know that God had already worked it out. out. out. >> That he had worked in between the >> That he had worked in between the >> That he had worked in between the scenes, behind the scenes, and around scenes, behind the scenes, and around scenes, behind the scenes, and around the scenes. I had to know that whatever the scenes. I had to know that whatever the scenes. I had to know that whatever decision I was about to make, it was decision I was about to make, it was decision I was about to make, it was going to be all right. Because guess going to be all right. Because guess going to be all right. Because guess what? I had to trust the creator. I had what? I had to trust the creator. I had what? I had to trust the creator. I had to trust God. I had to trust and know to trust God. I had to trust and know to trust God. I had to trust and know that guess what? He knows my expected that guess what? He knows my expected that guess what? He knows my expected end. So the decision that I had to make, end. So the decision that I had to make, end. So the decision that I had to make, it was going to be all right. It wasn't it was going to be all right. It wasn't it was going to be all right. It wasn't going to feel good. And that's the going to feel good. And that's the going to feel good. And that's the thing. Sometimes the decisions that we thing. Sometimes the decisions that we thing. Sometimes the decisions that we make, they don't feel good. Sometimes make, they don't feel good. Sometimes make, they don't feel good. Sometimes they don't they don't look good. It they don't they don't look good. It they don't they don't look good. It don't make you it make you understand. don't make you it make you understand. don't make you it make you understand. You be like, "Okay, did I did I just do You be like, "Okay, did I did I just do You be like, "Okay, did I did I just do that? Oh, I I don't understand this, that? Oh, I I don't understand this, that? Oh, I I don't understand this, Lord." But you know what? For the Lord." But you know what? For the Lord." But you know what? For the better. It was for the betterment. And better. It was for the betterment. And better. It was for the betterment. And guess what? And I was able to know that guess what? And I was able to know that guess what? And I was able to know that God worked it out. He's still working it God worked it out. He's still working it God worked it out. He's still working it out. Sometimes we got to release that out. Sometimes we got to release that out. Sometimes we got to release that thing. Sometimes that thing that you thing. Sometimes that thing that you thing. Sometimes that thing that you holding on to so tight, please release holding on to so tight, please release holding on to so tight, please release it. I'm here to tell you, we have to it. I'm here to tell you, we have to it. I'm here to tell you, we have to release in order for God to do what he release in order for God to do what he release in order for God to do what he said he would do. He said that he would said he would do. He said that he would said he would do. He said that he would take care of us, that he would love us, take care of us, that he would love us, take care of us, that he would love us, that he would see us all the way through that he would see us all the way through that he would see us all the way through to the very end. So, if I don't leave

to the very end. So, if I don't leave to the very end. So, if I don't leave anything else with you today, I want you anything else with you today, I want you anything else with you today, I want you to know >> that God is everything that you need. >> that God is everything that you need. >> You have to trust him and know he will >> You have to trust him and know he will >> You have to trust him and know he will provide all that you need. You have to provide all that you need. You have to provide all that you need. You have to trust and know that when it gets too trust and know that when it gets too trust and know that when it gets too rough, rough, rough, >> that very thing that you felt that just >> that very thing that you felt that just >> that very thing that you felt that just that wanted to take you out, that wanted to take you out, that wanted to take you out, >> he's got you >> he's got you >> he's got you >> and he's sitting right here with you. >> and he's sitting right here with you. >> and he's sitting right here with you. >> And he's believing >> And he's believing >> And he's believing that you're going to accept him because that you're going to accept him because that you're going to accept him because he always tells us he stands at the door he always tells us he stands at the door he always tells us he stands at the door and knock and all he wants to do is come and knock and all he wants to do is come and knock and all he wants to do is come in with us and suck with us. That's all in with us and suck with us. That's all in with us and suck with us. That's all he wants to do. So I convey to you he wants to do. So I convey to you he wants to do. So I convey to you today, trust in him. Don't doubt. No today, trust in him. Don't doubt. No today, trust in him. Don't doubt. No matter what the situation looks like, matter what the situation looks like, matter what the situation looks like, know that God will know that God will know that God will take care of you.

take care of you. take care of you. [applause] [applause] [applause] [music] >> Well, praise the Lord for >> Well, praise the Lord for our beloved Sister Stephanie Adams. our beloved Sister Stephanie Adams. our beloved Sister Stephanie Adams. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Will you receive now Sister Janice Clark Will you receive now Sister Janice Clark Will you receive now Sister Janice Clark as she brings her first message to us as she brings her first message to us as she brings her first message to us this day? [music] Father, in the name of Jesus, Lord, we Father, in the name of Jesus, Lord, we thank you. We love you. We praise you. thank you. We love you. We praise you. thank you. We love you. We praise you. We honor you. Thank you for who you are. We honor you. Thank you for who you are. We honor you. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for this day. [music] Thank Thank you for this day. [music] Thank Thank you for this day. [music] Thank you for life. Thank you for health. And you for life. Thank you for health. And you for life. Thank you for health. And thank you for strength. God, thank you thank you for strength. God, thank you thank you for strength. God, thank you for what you're doing in this life, what for what you're doing in this life, what for what you're doing in this life, what you have done, and what you are going to you have done, and what you are going to you have done, and what you are going to do. God, I love you. I praise you. I do. God, I love you. I praise you. I do. God, I love you. I praise you. I honor in Jesus name. I pray and believe honor in Jesus name. I pray and believe honor in Jesus name. I pray and believe it is so. Amen.

it is so. Amen. it is so. Amen. We're going to look at Psalm 121, We're going to look at Psalm 121, We're going to look at Psalm 121, New King James Version, verses uh 1-8. It reads, "I will lift up my eyes to the It reads, "I will lift up my eyes to the heels from which comes my help. My help heels from which comes my help. My help heels from which comes my help. My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and comes from the Lord who made heaven and comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be earth. He will not allow your foot to be earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not moved. He who keeps you will not moved. He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The shall neither slumber nor sleep. The shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper. The Lord is your Lord is your keeper. The Lord is your Lord is your keeper. The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall shade at your right hand. The sun shall shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by not strike you by day, nor the moon by not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from night. The Lord shall preserve you from night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil. He shall preserve your soul. all evil. He shall preserve your soul. all evil. He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out The Lord shall preserve your going out The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and your coming in from this time forth and your coming in from this time forth and even forever more. and even forever more. and even forever more. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Today we're going to talk about >> Amen. Today we're going to talk about >> Amen. Today we're going to talk about being kept by God. being kept by God. being kept by God. >> Being >> Being >> Being action word kept by by God.

action word kept by by God. action word kept by by God. >> There's a song titled just another day >> There's a song titled just another day >> There's a song titled just another day that the Lord has kept me. that the Lord has kept me. that the Lord has kept me. >> Some of the lyrics are just another day >> Some of the lyrics are just another day >> Some of the lyrics are just another day that the Lord has kept me. He has kept that the Lord has kept me. He has kept that the Lord has kept me. He has kept me from all evil with my mind staying on me from all evil with my mind staying on me from all evil with my mind staying on him. Just another day that the Lord has him. Just another day that the Lord has him. Just another day that the Lord has kept me. This song has been lifted in kept me. This song has been lifted in kept me. This song has been lifted in worship surface services across worship surface services across worship surface services across countless denominations. countless denominations. countless denominations. When I first heard it years ago, its When I first heard it years ago, its When I first heard it years ago, its words gripped my heart and captivated my words gripped my heart and captivated my words gripped my heart and captivated my attention in such a personal way that it attention in such a personal way that it attention in such a personal way that it quickly became one of my everyday go-to quickly became one of my everyday go-to quickly became one of my everyday go-to songs. You know, one of those songs that songs. You know, one of those songs that songs. You know, one of those songs that you get up in the morning, as soon as you get up in the morning, as soon as you get up in the morning, as soon as you wake up, you sing it. You sing it you wake up, you sing it. You sing it you wake up, you sing it. You sing it whether I'm driving, I'm in the car, I'm whether I'm driving, I'm in the car, I'm whether I'm driving, I'm in the car, I'm at home, at at work, I'm at the park at home, at at work, I'm at the park at home, at at work, I'm at the park walking. That's one of those songs I'm walking. That's one of those songs I'm walking. That's one of those songs I'm humming to. But that song, its message humming to. But that song, its message humming to. But that song, its message always brings me back to the assurance always brings me back to the assurance always brings me back to the assurance of Psalm 121. of Psalm 121. of Psalm 121. The passage of scripture Psalm 121, it The passage of scripture Psalm 121, it The passage of scripture Psalm 121, it belongs to the 15 songs of accent which belongs to the 15 songs of accent which belongs to the 15 songs of accent which are Psalm 120 through 134. This is in are Psalm 120 through 134. This is in are Psalm 120 through 134. This is in which Jewish tradition links these hymns which Jewish tradition links these hymns which Jewish tradition links these hymns to the three annual pilgrimage festivals to the three annual pilgrimage festivals to the three annual pilgrimage festivals found in Deuteronomy 16-16.

found in Deuteronomy 16-16. found in Deuteronomy 16-16. Three times a year men were to appear Three times a year men were to appear Three times a year men were to appear before God in the place that God chose before God in the place that God chose before God in the place that God chose at the feast of unleven bread, the feast at the feast of unleven bread, the feast at the feast of unleven bread, the feast of weeks and the feast of tabernacles. of weeks and the feast of tabernacles. of weeks and the feast of tabernacles. In the journey to these three major In the journey to these three major In the journey to these three major annual feasts, Passover, Pentecost, annual feasts, Passover, Pentecost, annual feasts, Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, Tabernacles, Tabernacles, families and caravans travel up to families and caravans travel up to families and caravans travel up to Jerusalem, you know, which sits on the Jerusalem, you know, which sits on the Jerusalem, you know, which sits on the hill. They memorize these short psalms hill. They memorize these short psalms hill. They memorize these short psalms and would sing them repeatedly as they and would sing them repeatedly as they and would sing them repeatedly as they walked steadily with every step and walked steadily with every step and walked steadily with every step and every stride taken in their travel. They every stride taken in their travel. They every stride taken in their travel. They were focused on the Lord and making it were focused on the Lord and making it were focused on the Lord and making it to him with their offerings. to him with their offerings. to him with their offerings. where they traveled was mostly where they traveled was mostly where they traveled was mostly dangerous. However, they walked and sang dangerous. However, they walked and sang dangerous. However, they walked and sang without concentrating on the threats of without concentrating on the threats of without concentrating on the threats of the journey. It can be said as they the journey. It can be said as they the journey. It can be said as they walked to their destination, dangers walked to their destination, dangers walked to their destination, dangers were were encountered and some of these were were encountered and some of these were were encountered and some of these dangers they were familiar with. dangers they were familiar with. dangers they were familiar with. However, some they were not familiar However, some they were not familiar However, some they were not familiar with. This was their experience because with. This was their experience because with. This was their experience because this is a path that they walk three this is a path that they walk three this is a path that they walk three separate times a year. And as previously separate times a year. And as previously separate times a year. And as previously stated, Psalm 121 is part of the 15 stated, Psalm 121 is part of the 15 stated, Psalm 121 is part of the 15 songs of accents.

songs of accents. songs of accents. Now, starting starting at 120 and ending Now, starting starting at 120 and ending Now, starting starting at 120 and ending in Psalm 134. But before turning our in Psalm 134. But before turning our in Psalm 134. But before turning our attention to Psalm 121, it's worth attention to Psalm 121, it's worth attention to Psalm 121, it's worth pausing for a moment and taking a brief pausing for a moment and taking a brief pausing for a moment and taking a brief look at Psalm 120. look at Psalm 120. look at Psalm 120. 120. Psalm 120. It opens with a cry 1 120. Psalm 120. It opens with a cry 1 120. Psalm 120. It opens with a cry 1 and two says, "In my distress, I cried and two says, "In my distress, I cried and two says, "In my distress, I cried unto the Lord and he heard me. Deliver unto the Lord and he heard me. Deliver unto the Lord and he heard me. Deliver my soul, oh Lord, from lying lips and my soul, oh Lord, from lying lips and my soul, oh Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue. And 120 it also from a deceitful tongue. And 120 it also from a deceitful tongue. And 120 it also it closes with a drained and exhausted it closes with a drained and exhausted it closes with a drained and exhausted soul crying to God. Six and seven says, soul crying to God. Six and seven says, soul crying to God. Six and seven says, "My soul has dwelt too long with one who "My soul has dwelt too long with one who "My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace. hates peace. hates peace. >> I am for peace, but when I speak, they >> I am for peace, but when I speak, they >> I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war." >> Moving on to Psalm 121, where it says, I >> Moving on to Psalm 121, where it says, I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Now, will lift up my eyes to the hills. Now, will lift up my eyes to the hills. Now, it appears when we go to Psalm 121, it it appears when we go to Psalm 121, it it appears when we go to Psalm 121, it appears that a shift has taken place appears that a shift has taken place appears that a shift has taken place from crying out to God and God listening from crying out to God and God listening from crying out to God and God listening and hearing to looking to God and God and hearing to looking to God and God and hearing to looking to God and God keeping. We're talking about being kept keeping. We're talking about being kept keeping. We're talking about being kept by God.

by God. by God. >> The question is what happened for this >> The question is what happened for this >> The question is what happened for this shift to take place? Well, let us shift to take place? Well, let us shift to take place? Well, let us explore and as we do, we will discuss explore and as we do, we will discuss explore and as we do, we will discuss the title of the message [music] being the title of the message [music] being the title of the message [music] being kept by God and what we need to do to be kept by God and what we need to do to be kept by God and what we need to do to be kept by God. What steps and our actions kept by God. What steps and our actions kept by God. What steps and our actions should we take? should we take? should we take? >> Crying out to it goes from crying out to >> Crying out to it goes from crying out to >> Crying out to it goes from crying out to God to God keeping us. Well, let's look God to God keeping us. Well, let's look God to God keeping us. Well, let's look at the first step. at the first step. at the first step. >> The first step to being kept by God is >> The first step to being kept by God is >> The first step to being kept by God is to take action. to take action. to take action. >> Lift your eyes and declare. Psalm 121 >> Lift your eyes and declare. Psalm 121 >> Lift your eyes and declare. Psalm 121 and1. I will lift up my eyes to the and1. I will lift up my eyes to the and1. I will lift up my eyes to the heels from which comes my help. That's heels from which comes my help. That's heels from which comes my help. That's your first step. Let's take some action your first step. Let's take some action your first step. Let's take some action and declare. I'm going to lift my eyes, and declare. I'm going to lift my eyes, and declare. I'm going to lift my eyes, my heart, my mind, my soul, and I'mma my heart, my mind, my soul, and I'mma my heart, my mind, my soul, and I'mma look to God, and I'm going to declare look to God, and I'm going to declare look to God, and I'm going to declare that's where my help comes from. that's where my help comes from. that's where my help comes from. My help comes from the Lord who made My help comes from the Lord who made My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. heaven and earth. heaven and earth. After we look and declare and take After we look and declare and take After we look and declare and take action, we're going to second step we're action, we're going to second step we're action, we're going to second step we're going to acknowledge and proclaim. going to acknowledge and proclaim. going to acknowledge and proclaim. >> The second step is to acknowledge him >> The second step is to acknowledge him >> The second step is to acknowledge him for who he is, for who he is, for who he is, >> knowing that's where your help comes >> knowing that's where your help comes >> knowing that's where your help comes from as your helper and almighty, the from as your helper and almighty, the from as your helper and almighty, the one that made heaven and earth.

one that made heaven and earth. one that made heaven and earth. >> That's the second step. >> That's the second step. >> That's the second step. >> The third step is to believe >> The third step is to believe >> The third step is to believe >> and have faith that God will keep you in >> and have faith that God will keep you in >> and have faith that God will keep you in whatever situation whatever situation whatever situation We believe what what are we believing? We believe what what are we believing? We believe what what are we believing? All of those verses we will be we're All of those verses we will be we're All of those verses we will be we're going to believe. He will not allow your going to believe. He will not allow your going to believe. He will not allow your foot to be moved. foot to be moved. foot to be moved. >> He's saying it. We got to believe that. >> He's saying it. We got to believe that. >> He's saying it. We got to believe that. We We got to believe he who keeps you We We got to believe he who keeps you We We got to believe he who keeps you will not slumber. We got to believe. will not slumber. We got to believe. will not slumber. We got to believe. Behold, he who keeps Israel shall Behold, he who keeps Israel shall Behold, he who keeps Israel shall neither slumber, not sleep. We're going neither slumber, not sleep. We're going neither slumber, not sleep. We're going to believe the Lord is your keeper. The to believe the Lord is your keeper. The to believe the Lord is your keeper. The Lord is your shade at your right hand. Lord is your shade at your right hand. Lord is your shade at your right hand. And after you keep believing, you're And after you keep believing, you're And after you keep believing, you're going to start seeing the preservation going to start seeing the preservation going to start seeing the preservation in your life. The Lord is your shade at in your life. The Lord is your shade at in your life. The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not your right hand. The sun shall not your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by strike you by day, nor the moon by strike you by day, nor the moon by night. night. night. The Lord shall preserve your soul from The Lord shall preserve your soul from The Lord shall preserve your soul from all evil. He shall preserve your soul. all evil. He shall preserve your soul. all evil. He shall preserve your soul. He shall preserve your going out and He shall preserve your going out and He shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and your coming in from this time forth and your coming in from this time forth and and forever, even forever more. Now, and forever, even forever more. Now, and forever, even forever more. Now, this is faith activated daily as you this is faith activated daily as you this is faith activated daily as you walk and move through life. You take the walk and move through life. You take the walk and move through life. You take the action, you look, you acknowledge and action, you look, you acknowledge and action, you look, you acknowledge and believe. And the result is that God believe. And the result is that God believe. And the result is that God receives your he receives your action receives your he receives your action receives your he receives your action and keeps you however you need to be and keeps you however you need to be and keeps you however you need to be kept because we don't know how we need kept because we don't know how we need kept because we don't know how we need to be kept in whatever situation. In to be kept in whatever situation. In to be kept in whatever situation. In verse 3 through 7, like I said before, verse 3 through 7, like I said before, verse 3 through 7, like I said before, it validates whatever the situation, the it validates whatever the situation, the it validates whatever the situation, the circumstance it is that God will keep circumstance it is that God will keep circumstance it is that God will keep you, he will not allow your foot to be you, he will not allow your foot to be you, he will not allow your foot to be moved in fill in the blank. He who keeps moved in fill in the blank. He who keeps moved in fill in the blank. He who keeps you will not slumber. whatever that's you will not slumber. whatever that's you will not slumber. whatever that's going on as you're sleeping and going on as you're sleeping and going on as you're sleeping and slumbering, he's he doesn't sleep or

slumbering, he's he doesn't sleep or slumbering, he's he doesn't sleep or slumber. slumber. slumber. >> He shall preserve you from all. Even >> He shall preserve you from all. Even >> He shall preserve you from all. Even when things are happening, he's keeping when things are happening, he's keeping when things are happening, he's keeping you. you. you. >> Again, if we want to be preserved, >> Again, if we want to be preserved, >> Again, if we want to be preserved, protected, healed, and kept, we must protected, healed, and kept, we must protected, healed, and kept, we must activate our faith. activate our faith. activate our faith. >> Remember in Psalm 120, they called out >> Remember in Psalm 120, they called out >> Remember in Psalm 120, they called out and he heard them in their steady state and he heard them in their steady state and he heard them in their steady state of anguish. Then the shift took place in of anguish. Then the shift took place in of anguish. Then the shift took place in Psalm 21. action were taken was taken Psalm 21. action were taken was taken Psalm 21. action were taken was taken with opening and lifting their eyes and with opening and lifting their eyes and with opening and lifting their eyes and acknowledging the sovereign as their acknowledging the sovereign as their acknowledging the sovereign as their only help. See, God gives us all a only help. See, God gives us all a only help. See, God gives us all a measure of faith. That's Romans 12:3. measure of faith. That's Romans 12:3. measure of faith. That's Romans 12:3. And this is where it comes in where we And this is where it comes in where we And this is where it comes in where we add to this measure of faith by opening add to this measure of faith by opening add to this measure of faith by opening our eyes and acknowledging the sovereign our eyes and acknowledging the sovereign our eyes and acknowledging the sovereign as our only help daily. Not sometimes, as our only help daily. Not sometimes, as our only help daily. Not sometimes, daily. daily. daily. >> We cannot do this life alone in our own >> We cannot do this life alone in our own >> We cannot do this life alone in our own strength. Yes. strength. Yes. strength. Yes. >> When we experience situations that are >> When we experience situations that are >> When we experience situations that are expected expected expected >> and we know what our dangers are, some >> and we know what our dangers are, some >> and we know what our dangers are, some things we know, some things that we're things we know, some things that we're things we know, some things that we're going through, some personal situations, going through, some personal situations, going through, some personal situations, some difficult relationships, marriage, some difficult relationships, marriage, some difficult relationships, marriage, some things going on at the work, some things going on at the work, some things going on at the work, friendships, we can proclaim, you know, friendships, we can proclaim, you know, friendships, we can proclaim, you know, I will lift up my eyes. I've already I will lift up my eyes. I've already I will lift up my eyes. I've already lift up when something happened lift up when something happened lift up when something happened something or an unexpected situation, something or an unexpected situation, something or an unexpected situation, illnesses, illnesses, illnesses, and where it's not looking great. Well, and where it's not looking great. Well, and where it's not looking great. Well, you know, I look I've already lifted you know, I look I've already lifted you know, I look I've already lifted them lifted up my eyes. And if I don't them lifted up my eyes. And if I don't them lifted up my eyes. And if I don't remind myself, I'm going to have to say remind myself, I'm going to have to say remind myself, I'm going to have to say I will lift up my eyes from from the I will lift up my eyes from from the I will lift up my eyes from from the heels from which cometh my help. My help

heels from which cometh my help. My help heels from which cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord. Whatever the comes from the Lord. Whatever the comes from the Lord. Whatever the situation is, whatever the report is, it situation is, whatever the report is, it situation is, whatever the report is, it may. But I believe the report of the may. But I believe the report of the may. But I believe the report of the Lord. I believe his report that I'm Lord. I believe his report that I'm Lord. I believe his report that I'm healed, I'm saved, I'm delivered, I'M healed, I'm saved, I'm delivered, I'M healed, I'm saved, I'm delivered, I'M SET FREE. HE DIED ON THAT CROSS FOR MY SET FREE. HE DIED ON THAT CROSS FOR MY SET FREE. HE DIED ON THAT CROSS FOR MY SIN SO THAT I may have a right to the SIN SO THAT I may have a right to the SIN SO THAT I may have a right to the tree of life. Hallelujah. Thank you tree of life. Hallelujah. Thank you tree of life. Hallelujah. Thank you Jesus. Glory to God. [laughter] Jesus. Glory to God. [laughter] Jesus. Glory to God. [laughter] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> As we look we also offer praise. >> As we look we also offer praise. >> As we look we also offer praise. >> As again the report may not be good but >> As again the report may not be good but >> As again the report may not be good but I proclaim my help comes from the Lord. I proclaim my help comes from the Lord. I proclaim my help comes from the Lord. So if we make this a pattern when any So if we make this a pattern when any So if we make this a pattern when any demanding situ situation arises we may demanding situ situation arises we may demanding situ situation arises we may become distress distressed. We continue become distress distressed. We continue become distress distressed. We continue to look to God as he keeps our whole to look to God as he keeps our whole to look to God as he keeps our whole life. Not part of a life life. Not part of a life life. Not part of a life >> not some of a life but our whole life. >> not some of a life but our whole life. >> not some of a life but our whole life. >> It may not seem as if he's keeping us >> It may not seem as if he's keeping us >> It may not seem as if he's keeping us but he is. but he is. but he is. >> Amen. So let's just take a little >> Amen. So let's just take a little >> Amen. So let's just take a little review. I know my time is short. Let's review. I know my time is short. Let's review. I know my time is short. Let's take a little review on the three take a little review on the three take a little review on the three practical steps on how to be kept.

practical steps on how to be kept. practical steps on how to be kept. >> We need to look and look. We need to >> We need to look and look. We need to >> We need to look and look. We need to declare and we need to believe. The declare and we need to believe. The declare and we need to believe. The first stair first step declare and act. first stair first step declare and act. first stair first step declare and act. I will lift up my eyes to the heels from I will lift up my eyes to the heels from I will lift up my eyes to the heels from which come my help. We need to take that which come my help. We need to take that which come my help. We need to take that action. We're talking about being kept action. We're talking about being kept action. We're talking about being kept by God. How do we do that daily action by God. How do we do that daily action by God. How do we do that daily action that we just can say, "Oh Lord, keep that we just can say, "Oh Lord, keep that we just can say, "Oh Lord, keep me." But we're not doing anything. me." But we're not doing anything. me." But we're not doing anything. Second step, look to God and acknowledge Second step, look to God and acknowledge Second step, look to God and acknowledge him as helper and creator of heaven and him as helper and creator of heaven and him as helper and creator of heaven and earth. Say, "God, there so much is going earth. Say, "God, there so much is going earth. Say, "God, there so much is going on, but God, you're my source. You are on, but God, you're my source. You are on, but God, you're my source. You are the source. You are the strength. the source. You are the strength. the source. You are the strength. You are you created this world." And You are you created this world." And You are you created this world." And what and they are walking around in your what and they are walking around in your what and they are walking around in your hand, in the palm of your hands, hand, in the palm of your hands, hand, in the palm of your hands, God. It this world belongs to you. So we God. It this world belongs to you. So we God. It this world belongs to you. So we look to you where our help comes from. look to you where our help comes from. look to you where our help comes from. The third step, believe and exercise The third step, believe and exercise The third step, believe and exercise daily faith that God will keep you while daily faith that God will keep you while daily faith that God will keep you while while walking. And what is that glorious while walking. And what is that glorious while walking. And what is that glorious result? Action and acknowledgement plus result? Action and acknowledgement plus result? Action and acknowledgement plus belief produces being kept by God. Now, belief produces being kept by God. Now, belief produces being kept by God. Now, a portion of that song just another day a portion of that song just another day a portion of that song just another day that the Lord has kept me. Did I mention that the Lord has kept me. Did I mention that the Lord has kept me. Did I mention earlier says he had kept me from all earlier says he had kept me from all earlier says he had kept me from all evil with my mind staying on him just evil with my mind staying on him just evil with my mind staying on him just another day that the Lord has kept me.

another day that the Lord has kept me. another day that the Lord has kept me. Now this is acknowledging God daily Now this is acknowledging God daily Now this is acknowledging God daily again and consistently as the only help again and consistently as the only help again and consistently as the only help that you know which allows you to be that you know which allows you to be that you know which allows you to be kept and receive all the benefits from kept and receive all the benefits from kept and receive all the benefits from all that is listened in Psalm 121 1-8. all that is listened in Psalm 121 1-8. all that is listened in Psalm 121 1-8. This song has come my proclamation. I This song has come my proclamation. I This song has come my proclamation. I get up in the morning singing it. He has get up in the morning singing it. He has get up in the morning singing it. He has kept me from all evil with my mind stand kept me from all evil with my mind stand kept me from all evil with my mind stand on him. It's it's 5:00 a.m. He has on him. It's it's 5:00 a.m. He has on him. It's it's 5:00 a.m. He has already kept me. I don't know what's already kept me. I don't know what's already kept me. I don't know what's going to happen. I I don't know who going to happen. I I don't know who going to happen. I I don't know who holds the future but he knows what's holds the future but he knows what's holds the future but he knows what's going on. Hallelujah. And whatever that going on. Hallelujah. And whatever that going on. Hallelujah. And whatever that occurs within that 24-hour time frame, occurs within that 24-hour time frame, occurs within that 24-hour time frame, day or night, I'm acknowledging and day or night, I'm acknowledging and day or night, I'm acknowledging and believing that I am covered. Hallelujah. believing that I am covered. Hallelujah. believing that I am covered. Hallelujah. That is the words from the Lord. Amen. That is the words from the Lord. Amen. That is the words from the Lord. Amen. [applause] [music] [music] Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. God Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. God Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. God bless you, bless you, bless you, Sister Janice. We praise God. Did you Sister Janice. We praise God. Did you Sister Janice. We praise God. Did you say you wake up at 5 in the morning?

say you wake up at 5 in the morning? say you wake up at 5 in the morning? >> God bless you, Sister Janice. >> God bless you, Sister Janice. >> God bless you, Sister Janice. Praise God for you. All you early birds, Praise God for you. All you early birds, Praise God for you. All you early birds, God bless you. How we celebrate the God bless you. How we celebrate the God bless you. How we celebrate the words that we are hearing today. words that we are hearing today. words that we are hearing today. And from Stephanie and Janice, we've And from Stephanie and Janice, we've And from Stephanie and Janice, we've already been blessed. Let's hear now already been blessed. Let's hear now already been blessed. Let's hear now from Kyron Riley Riley as he comes to from Kyron Riley Riley as he comes to from Kyron Riley Riley as he comes to bring us >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. >> And I was glad when they said unto me, >> And I was glad when they said unto me, >> And I was glad when they said unto me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord." "Let us go into the house of the Lord." "Let us go into the house of the Lord." [applause] [applause] [applause] It's truly a blessing to be here today. It's truly a blessing to be here today. It's truly a blessing to be here today. Um, and man, just blessed with this Um, and man, just blessed with this Um, and man, just blessed with this opportunity to talk to you all today opportunity to talk to you all today opportunity to talk to you all today about about about having a mouthful of praise in the midst having a mouthful of praise in the midst having a mouthful of praise in the midst of the storm. of the storm. of the storm. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. And we're coming from James 1:es >> Amen. And we're coming from James 1:es >> Amen. And we're coming from James 1:es 2-4.

2-4. 2-4. New King James Version states, New King James Version states, New King James Version states, "My brethren, count it all joy "My brethren, count it all joy "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, when you fall into various trials, when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith knowing that the testing of your faith knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. produces patience. produces patience. >> But let p patience have its perfect >> But let p patience have its perfect >> But let p patience have its perfect work, sir, work, sir, work, sir, >> that you may be perfect and complete, >> that you may be perfect and complete, >> that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Amen. Amen. lacking nothing." Amen. Amen. lacking nothing." Amen. Amen. >> And the Lord a blessing to his hearers, >> And the Lord a blessing to his hearers, >> And the Lord a blessing to his hearers, readers, and doers of his word. One thing we know that through our own One thing we know that through our own experiences is that life has its ups and experiences is that life has its ups and experiences is that life has its ups and life has its downs. life has its downs. life has its downs. Unexpected events and situations Unexpected events and situations Unexpected events and situations that may occur that may cause minor that may occur that may cause minor that may occur that may cause minor delays or major setbacks. delays or major setbacks. delays or major setbacks. Whether it's through unforeseen Whether it's through unforeseen Whether it's through unforeseen circumstances circumstances circumstances or self-inflicted wounds, or self-inflicted wounds, or self-inflicted wounds, we know that as f followers of our Lord we know that as f followers of our Lord we know that as f followers of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that at some and Savior Jesus Christ that at some and Savior Jesus Christ that at some point or another, we will endure trials point or another, we will endure trials point or another, we will endure trials >> and we will endure tribulations.

In 2 Timothy 3rd chapter verse 12, we're In 2 Timothy 3rd chapter verse 12, we're warned. warned. warned. Yes. And all who desire to live godly in Yes. And all who desire to live godly in Yes. And all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Whether it's health issues, uh financial Whether it's health issues, uh financial Whether it's health issues, uh financial issues, depression, issues, depression, issues, depression, divorce, divorce, divorce, disputes within the household, disputes within the household, disputes within the household, uh kids, uh kids, uh kids, the job, the job, the job, mental and spiritual warfare, mental and spiritual warfare, mental and spiritual warfare, >> and the list goes on. >> and the list goes on. >> and the list goes on. Each of us has something that we're Each of us has something that we're Each of us has something that we're either coming out of, presently in, either coming out of, presently in, either coming out of, presently in, or we on our way, too. or we on our way, too. or we on our way, too. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. We live in a world that's shrouded in We live in a world that's shrouded in We live in a world that's shrouded in negativity. Oh man, it's hard to watch negativity. Oh man, it's hard to watch negativity. Oh man, it's hard to watch the news sometimes or log on to social the news sometimes or log on to social the news sometimes or log on to social media, your favorite platform, without media, your favorite platform, without media, your favorite platform, without hearing something that's negative or not hearing something that's negative or not hearing something that's negative or not conducive to growth. Amen. Amen.

conducive to growth. Amen. Amen. conducive to growth. Amen. Amen. >> Um >> Um >> Um homelessness and unemployment rates on homelessness and unemployment rates on homelessness and unemployment rates on the rise. Just the rise. Just the rise. Just >> um misdirection misdirection tactics. >> um misdirection misdirection tactics. >> um misdirection misdirection tactics. Sometimes it feels like we're being Sometimes it feels like we're being Sometimes it feels like we're being played with right in our faces. played with right in our faces. played with right in our faces. >> Um >> Um >> Um unnecessary wars that are being funded, unnecessary wars that are being funded, unnecessary wars that are being funded, >> started >> started >> started while we got our own people right here while we got our own people right here while we got our own people right here in our homeland who can't get help. in our homeland who can't get help. in our homeland who can't get help. The hungry, they can't get fed. The hungry, they can't get fed. The hungry, they can't get fed. >> We're taking care of somewhere else. And >> We're taking care of somewhere else. And >> We're taking care of somewhere else. And right here in our own home, man, we're right here in our own home, man, we're right here in our own home, man, we're struggling. struggling. struggling. >> We're struggling. >> We're struggling. >> We're struggling. We live in an imperfect world full of We live in an imperfect world full of We live in an imperfect world full of uncertainty. uncertainty. uncertainty. But God causes his people to live with But God causes his people to live with But God causes his people to live with perfect praise. perfect praise. perfect praise. Not because this world is perfect, but Not because this world is perfect, but Not because this world is perfect, but because he is faithful. because he is faithful. because he is faithful. [applause] [applause] [applause] He will not leave us and he will not He will not leave us and he will not He will not leave us and he will not forsake us. Amen.

forsake us. Amen. forsake us. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. So today I'm here to express to you as So today I'm here to express to you as So today I'm here to express to you as the text says that no matter what we are the text says that no matter what we are the text says that no matter what we are going through today that through faith going through today that through faith going through today that through faith and obedience to our Lord and Savior and obedience to our Lord and Savior and obedience to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have the victory. Jesus Christ, we have the victory. Jesus Christ, we have the victory. >> Amen. [applause] >> Amen. [applause] >> Amen. [applause] For it is he who has the last say. You For it is he who has the last say. You For it is he who has the last say. You know why? He's the alpha know why? He's the alpha know why? He's the alpha >> and he's the omega. >> and he's the omega. >> and he's the omega. >> He's the beginning and he's the end. >> He's the beginning and he's the end. >> He's the beginning and he's the end. >> Amen. >> As we approach our first point today, we >> As we approach our first point today, we would like to touch on would like to touch on would like to touch on pain for a purpose. pain for a purpose. pain for a purpose. >> It's for a reason, y'all. It's for a >> It's for a reason, y'all. It's for a >> It's for a reason, y'all. It's for a reason. reason. reason. Now, the first time I read this passage, Now, the first time I read this passage, Now, the first time I read this passage, I remember thinking to myself, um, man, I remember thinking to myself, um, man, I remember thinking to myself, um, man, why am I supposed to be happy about a why am I supposed to be happy about a why am I supposed to be happy about a hard time, hard time, hard time, you know? Um, how am I supposed to find you know? Um, how am I supposed to find you know? Um, how am I supposed to find joy when, um, everything around me seems joy when, um, everything around me seems joy when, um, everything around me seems like it's just crashing, right? Yeah.

like it's just crashing, right? Yeah. like it's just crashing, right? Yeah. >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, joy to most of us is maybe spending time joy to most of us is maybe spending time joy to most of us is maybe spending time with a loved one or or your kids or we with a loved one or or your kids or we with a loved one or or your kids or we all have our own definitions of joy, but all have our own definitions of joy, but all have our own definitions of joy, but I'm pretty sure something painful is not I'm pretty sure something painful is not I'm pretty sure something painful is not within that definition. Amen. >> But as we dive deeper into the text, >> But as we dive deeper into the text, James isn't telling us to enjoy pain James isn't telling us to enjoy pain James isn't telling us to enjoy pain itself. itself. itself. Instead, he's telling us to rejoice Instead, he's telling us to rejoice Instead, he's telling us to rejoice >> because God is going to reveal something >> because God is going to reveal something >> because God is going to reveal something in us that is not going to that's only in us that is not going to that's only in us that is not going to that's only going to be received by reaching through going to be received by reaching through going to be received by reaching through him him him >> in the midst of the pain. >> in the midst of the pain. >> in the midst of the pain. >> It's the only way we're going to see it. >> It's the only way we're going to see it. >> It's the only way we're going to see it. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Have you ever been in a situation Have you ever been in a situation and you know that without a shadow of a and you know that without a shadow of a and you know that without a shadow of a doubt that it was only our Lord and doubt that it was only our Lord and doubt that it was only our Lord and Savior Savior Savior >> that saved us?

>> that saved us? >> that saved us? >> I'm talking about something that money >> I'm talking about something that money >> I'm talking about something that money couldn't buy, a friend couldn't help you couldn't buy, a friend couldn't help you couldn't buy, a friend couldn't help you with. Um, with. Um, with. Um, man, that's how God works, man. man, that's how God works, man. man, that's how God works, man. Sometimes he has to strip away the Sometimes he has to strip away the Sometimes he has to strip away the things that are normal for us so that we things that are normal for us so that we things that are normal for us so that we could reach for him. As my sister could reach for him. As my sister could reach for him. As my sister stated, look to the heels. >> Yes. Thank you, Jesus. >> Yes. Thank you, Jesus. >> We are not joyful not for the present >> We are not joyful not for the present >> We are not joyful not for the present situation that we're in, but for what situation that we're in, but for what situation that we're in, but for what God is going to do for us. God is going to do for us. God is going to do for us. >> See, we can't get distracted in what >> See, we can't get distracted in what >> See, we can't get distracted in what we're facing right now cuz it it it we're facing right now cuz it it it we're facing right now cuz it it it looks terrible. It has to look that way, looks terrible. It has to look that way, looks terrible. It has to look that way, right? right? right? >> But it's for what God is going to do for >> But it's for what God is going to do for >> But it's for what God is going to do for us. It's the strength that's going to us. It's the strength that's going to us. It's the strength that's going to come forward. the wisdom, the knowledge. come forward. the wisdom, the knowledge. come forward. the wisdom, the knowledge. See, you can't buy this. And this is See, you can't buy this. And this is See, you can't buy this. And this is something that cannot be taken from us. something that cannot be taken from us. something that cannot be taken from us. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. You see, faith that has not been tested You see, faith that has not been tested cannot be proven. cannot be proven. cannot be proven. >> It has to go that way.

>> It has to go that way. >> It has to go that way. >> It has to go that way. It makes us >> It has to go that way. It makes us >> It has to go that way. It makes us stronger. It makes us wiser. It makes us stronger. It makes us wiser. It makes us stronger. It makes us wiser. It makes us >> better. Amen. [clears throat] So I dare to ask um us today are we So I dare to ask um us today are we asking God why am I going through this asking God why am I going through this asking God why am I going through this or asking him to remove us from the or asking him to remove us from the or asking him to remove us from the situation? situation? situation? Instead we should be asking him father Instead we should be asking him father Instead we should be asking him father God what are you trying to teach us? God what are you trying to teach us? God what are you trying to teach us? >> Where are you leading us? Where are we >> Where are you leading us? Where are we >> Where are you leading us? Where are we going? I don't know but I trust you. going? I don't know but I trust you. going? I don't know but I trust you. Father God I trust you. Father God I trust you. Father God I trust you. >> I trust you. you if we think back to all >> I trust you. you if we think back to all >> I trust you. you if we think back to all the times that he's come through, he the times that he's come through, he the times that he's come through, he hasn't he hasn't left us. He's not going hasn't he hasn't left us. He's not going hasn't he hasn't left us. He's not going to leave us today. Amen. to leave us today. Amen. to leave us today. Amen. >> Now, today may not have the solution, >> Now, today may not have the solution, >> Now, today may not have the solution, and that's okay. We still we stand firm. and that's okay. We still we stand firm. and that's okay. We still we stand firm. We stay rooted. Only the deepest the We stay rooted. Only the deepest the We stay rooted. Only the deepest the deepest roots. deepest roots. deepest roots. >> Deepest roots >> Deepest roots >> Deepest roots >> are the trees that that last in the >> are the trees that that last in the >> are the trees that that last in the storm. Amen.

storm. Amen. storm. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Just remember the and it's painful but Just remember the and it's painful but Just remember the and it's painful but >> the blessing is the lesson. >> the blessing is the lesson. >> the blessing is the lesson. >> That pain is the blessing. You >> That pain is the blessing. You >> That pain is the blessing. You understand? Um that's again that's how understand? Um that's again that's how understand? Um that's again that's how he's working in us and it's where he's he's working in us and it's where he's he's working in us and it's where he's going to take us. But uh man, see the going to take us. But uh man, see the going to take us. But uh man, see the enemy can't use the same tricks on me enemy can't use the same tricks on me enemy can't use the same tricks on me twice though. When I trust God and I twice though. When I trust God and I twice though. When I trust God and I allow him to show me what he's showing allow him to show me what he's showing allow him to show me what he's showing me, um he'll circle back with it again. me, um he'll circle back with it again. me, um he'll circle back with it again. What he say? send a couple more imps to What he say? send a couple more imps to What he say? send a couple more imps to come on back with him. But it's okay. come on back with him. But it's okay. come on back with him. But it's okay. Guess what? It's like your favorite Guess what? It's like your favorite Guess what? It's like your favorite rerun. I've seen this before. I know how rerun. I've seen this before. I know how rerun. I've seen this before. I know how it's going to end. Amen. it's going to end. Amen. it's going to end. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. And for that, we give >> Amen. Amen. Amen. And for that, we give >> Amen. Amen. Amen. And for that, we give him the glory. >> My brothers and sisters, we approach our >> My brothers and sisters, we approach our second point second point second point >> and we're going to talk about endurance. >> and we're going to talk about endurance. >> and we're going to talk about endurance. >> Yeah. By definition, >> Yeah. By definition, >> Yeah. By definition, it's the fact or power of enduring an it's the fact or power of enduring an it's the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or unpleasant or difficult process or unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.

situation without giving way. situation without giving way. >> Without giving way. Amen. >> Without giving way. Amen. >> Without giving way. Amen. Our greatest lessons of faith are Our greatest lessons of faith are Our greatest lessons of faith are learned in the lowest moments of our learned in the lowest moments of our learned in the lowest moments of our lives. I don't know about you, but I've lives. I don't know about you, but I've lives. I don't know about you, but I've had some prayers of desperation in my had some prayers of desperation in my had some prayers of desperation in my life. life. life. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Lord, if you get me out of this one uh uh Lord, I know I said this last uh uh Lord, I know I said this last time, but time, but time, but you know Yeah. Yeah. you know Yeah. Yeah. you know Yeah. Yeah. I know you helped me and I made this but I know you helped me and I made this but I know you helped me and I made this but you know. Amen. Amen. you know. Amen. Amen. you know. Amen. Amen. >> And through those prayers that were >> And through those prayers that were >> And through those prayers that were answered, we will we built stronger answered, we will we built stronger answered, we will we built stronger faith and a greater relationship with faith and a greater relationship with faith and a greater relationship with the father. the father. the father. >> Think about it like this. >> Think about it like this. >> Think about it like this. And some of your maybe your favorite And some of your maybe your favorite And some of your maybe your favorite action movie, right? Um it seems like action movie, right? Um it seems like action movie, right? Um it seems like the enemy is going to win.

>> He's sitting on the edge of your seat. >> He's sitting on the edge of your seat. It's like, "Oh, it's over. Here it It's like, "Oh, it's over. Here it It's like, "Oh, it's over. Here it goes." And then for some unforeseen goes." And then for some unforeseen goes." And then for some unforeseen circumstance. circumstance. circumstance. >> I mean, out the blue, the hero wins. >> I mean, out the blue, the hero wins. >> I mean, out the blue, the hero wins. >> Well, I'm here to tell you, brothers and >> Well, I'm here to tell you, brothers and >> Well, I'm here to tell you, brothers and sisters, that our Lord and Savior Jesus sisters, that our Lord and Savior Jesus sisters, that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is that unforeseen circumstance. Christ is that unforeseen circumstance. Christ is that unforeseen circumstance. [applause] Yes, he is. Yes, he is. You see, God is not wasting our trials. You see, God is not wasting our trials. You see, God is not wasting our trials. >> He is developing our faith. >> He is developing our faith. >> He is developing our faith. >> Sometime that could be painful. >> Sometime that could be painful. >> Sometime that could be painful. >> Um, it's not pleasant, but it's the >> Um, it's not pleasant, but it's the >> Um, it's not pleasant, but it's the greater work that he's doing for us in greater work that he's doing for us in greater work that he's doing for us in the long run. the long run. the long run. >> We see a beautiful rose in the concrete. >> We see a beautiful rose in the concrete. >> We see a beautiful rose in the concrete. And that rose has got to be beautiful. And that rose has got to be beautiful. And that rose has got to be beautiful. It looks pretty in a place where it was It looks pretty in a place where it was It looks pretty in a place where it was not supposed to grow. But can you not supposed to grow. But can you not supposed to grow. But can you imagine the scratches and the you're imagine the scratches and the you're imagine the scratches and the you're just going through that hard concrete, just going through that hard concrete, just going through that hard concrete, how it looks under it. It has to go how it looks under it. It has to go how it looks under it. It has to go through some kind of pain or some kind through some kind of pain or some kind through some kind of pain or some kind of something in order for it to have the of something in order for it to have the of something in order for it to have the beauty that God intended for it to have. beauty that God intended for it to have. beauty that God intended for it to have. Amen.

Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Here we go. But God does not move on our Here we go. But God does not move on our Here we go. But God does not move on our clock. clock. clock. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Get impatient sometimes, don't we? Yeah. >> Get impatient sometimes, don't we? Yeah. >> Get impatient sometimes, don't we? Yeah. and trust in his timing gets a little and trust in his timing gets a little and trust in his timing gets a little uncomfortable. uncomfortable. uncomfortable. >> We must be in p. We must be patient and >> We must be in p. We must be patient and >> We must be in p. We must be patient and endure and not give up. endure and not give up. endure and not give up. Uh we can't leave 5 minutes before the Uh we can't leave 5 minutes before the Uh we can't leave 5 minutes before the miracle happened. You understand? miracle happened. You understand? miracle happened. You understand? Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Spiritual maturity is developed over Spiritual maturity is developed over Spiritual maturity is developed over time and not overnight. time and not overnight. time and not overnight. Not in the microwave, y'all. Not in the Not in the microwave, y'all. Not in the Not in the microwave, y'all. Not in the microwave. It don't go that quick. microwave. It don't go that quick. microwave. It don't go that quick. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> God is more concerned with our character >> God is more concerned with our character >> God is more concerned with our character than our discomfort. than our discomfort. than our discomfort. >> And that's love in itself. >> And that's love in itself. >> And that's love in itself. >> You know, who better to know his >> You know, who better to know his >> You know, who better to know his children than the father.

children than the father. children than the father. >> He knows what's best for us. just we >> He knows what's best for us. just we >> He knows what's best for us. just we have to remember that in that in that have to remember that in that in that have to remember that in that in that time um you know when everything is is time um you know when everything is is time um you know when everything is is bottoming out and we we we just lean and bottoming out and we we we just lean and bottoming out and we we we just lean and trust on him. So it's okay to ask for trust on him. So it's okay to ask for trust on him. So it's okay to ask for help with our unbelief. help with our unbelief. help with our unbelief. >> Okay. It's okay. It's okay. Um >> Okay. It's okay. It's okay. Um >> Okay. It's okay. It's okay. Um >> Amen. >> So we must trust him the same way we >> So we must trust him the same way we trust him on the mountain top. We got to trust him on the mountain top. We got to trust him on the mountain top. We got to trust him in the valley. trust him in the valley. trust him in the valley. When I don't see the light at the end of When I don't see the light at the end of When I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, the tunnel, the tunnel, I know who made the railroad tracks. I know who made the railroad tracks. I know who made the railroad tracks. >> Amen. >> Allow him to order our steps >> Allow him to order our steps day by day, hour by hour. Guess what? day by day, hour by hour. Guess what? day by day, hour by hour. Guess what? Lord, slow it down for me minute by Lord, slow it down for me minute by Lord, slow it down for me minute by minute. Okay? And we thank him through minute. Okay? And we thank him through minute. Okay? And we thank him through it all in the process. Amen. it all in the process. Amen. it all in the process. Amen. Every trial is another step to get Every trial is another step to get Every trial is another step to get closer to Christ.

>> Third point, >> Third point, joy chosen. joy chosen. joy chosen. How many people choose to be joyful How many people choose to be joyful How many people choose to be joyful today? today? today? >> Good, bad times and all. How many of us >> Good, bad times and all. How many of us >> Good, bad times and all. How many of us choose happiness? Joy is not determined by our situations Joy is not determined by our situations or circumstances, but rooted in the fact or circumstances, but rooted in the fact or circumstances, but rooted in the fact that God is in control. >> He knows how it's going to go. >> He knows how it's going to go. He allows us to go through what we go He allows us to go through what we go He allows us to go through what we go through so that we can see where we are through so that we can see where we are through so that we can see where we are in our walk with him. in our walk with him. in our walk with him. >> It's for us, y'all. It's for us. Amen. >> It's for us, y'all. It's for us. Amen. >> It's for us, y'all. It's for us. Amen. in allowing the Lord to have his way in allowing the Lord to have his way in allowing the Lord to have his way instead of our way. Situations that used instead of our way. Situations that used instead of our way. Situations that used to make us angry, we can smile at to make us angry, we can smile at to make us angry, we can smile at because the Lord is with us. because the Lord is with us. because the Lord is with us. >> Some of the same tricks Satan uses, we >> Some of the same tricks Satan uses, we >> Some of the same tricks Satan uses, we don't fall for anymore. don't fall for anymore. don't fall for anymore. >> Because the Lord is with us. >> Because the Lord is with us. >> Because the Lord is with us. >> We are living examples not just for us, >> We are living examples not just for us, >> We are living examples not just for us, but for those depending on us.

but for those depending on us. but for those depending on us. So, the mother who's just recently lost So, the mother who's just recently lost So, the mother who's just recently lost a child needs to hear your testimony on a child needs to hear your testimony on a child needs to hear your testimony on how God carried you through when you how God carried you through when you how God carried you through when you lost your child. lost your child. lost your child. >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, you may have been an alcoholic for 10 you may have been an alcoholic for 10 you may have been an alcoholic for 10 years and then God delivered you. You years and then God delivered you. You years and then God delivered you. You need to talk to that alcoholic who's need to talk to that alcoholic who's need to talk to that alcoholic who's struggling and don't see a way out. struggling and don't see a way out. struggling and don't see a way out. >> Yes, Lord. >> Yes, Lord. >> Yes, Lord. >> All of us is pain for a purpose and >> All of us is pain for a purpose and >> All of us is pain for a purpose and allowing God. We We can't be the nine allowing God. We We can't be the nine allowing God. We We can't be the nine that kept going. We got to be the one that kept going. We got to be the one that kept going. We got to be the one that comes back. that comes back. that comes back. >> We got to come back. Amen. >> Making it out means we are lacking >> Making it out means we are lacking nothing. nothing. nothing. >> Spiritual completeness, >> Spiritual completeness, >> Spiritual completeness, having all necessary faith and character having all necessary faith and character having all necessary faith and character traits, not necessarily material wealth, traits, not necessarily material wealth, traits, not necessarily material wealth, >> but spiritual wealth. >> but spiritual wealth. >> but spiritual wealth. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Equipped. >> Equipped. >> Equipped. So instead of complaining when things So instead of complaining when things So instead of complaining when things don't go our way, we display gratitude don't go our way, we display gratitude don't go our way, we display gratitude and we display joy.

and we display joy. and we display joy. >> We turn our our pain into a praise. >> We turn our our pain into a praise. >> We turn our our pain into a praise. >> Our help is on the other side of that >> Our help is on the other side of that >> Our help is on the other side of that hurdle. Don't go around it. Go over it. hurdle. Don't go around it. Go over it. hurdle. Don't go around it. Go over it. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Even though we do not see the outcome, Even though we do not see the outcome, Even though we do not see the outcome, we must remember who's in charge. we must remember who's in charge. we must remember who's in charge. >> So we count it all joy. Because the Lord >> So we count it all joy. Because the Lord >> So we count it all joy. Because the Lord is peri per performing a mighty work. We is peri per performing a mighty work. We is peri per performing a mighty work. We count it all joy because the Lord is count it all joy because the Lord is count it all joy because the Lord is with us and he's teaching us and most with us and he's teaching us and most with us and he's teaching us and most importantly he loves us. >> To anyone who's who's going through some >> To anyone who's who's going through some of the things that we're talking about of the things that we're talking about of the things that we're talking about or who's feeling attacked and you wonder or who's feeling attacked and you wonder or who's feeling attacked and you wonder why me? Why me? Lord, a thief does not why me? Why me? Lord, a thief does not why me? Why me? Lord, a thief does not break into empty houses. break into empty houses. break into empty houses. >> There's something of value that's within >> There's something of value that's within >> There's something of value that's within you. That's a value to his kingdom. you. That's a value to his kingdom. you. That's a value to his kingdom. [applause] A powerful work.

[applause] A powerful work. [applause] A powerful work. So you keep your head up high. You count So you keep your head up high. You count So you keep your head up high. You count it all joy. The job tripping, it's okay. it all joy. The job tripping, it's okay. it all joy. The job tripping, it's okay. I count it all joy. The family tripping, I count it all joy. The family tripping, I count it all joy. The family tripping, it's okay. I count it all joy. it's okay. I count it all joy. it's okay. I count it all joy. Everybody, the world's against me, it's Everybody, the world's against me, it's Everybody, the world's against me, it's okay. We count it all joy. okay. We count it all joy. okay. We count it all joy. Not for the present situation that we're Not for the present situation that we're Not for the present situation that we're in, but for what God is going to do for in, but for what God is going to do for in, but for what God is going to do for us. us. us. >> You see, at the end of a storm, >> You see, at the end of a storm, >> You see, at the end of a storm, it's a new season, it's a new season, it's a new season, >> which means it's a new opportunity. It's >> which means it's a new opportunity. It's >> which means it's a new opportunity. It's it's it's new crops. Um, another chance it's it's new crops. Um, another chance it's it's new crops. Um, another chance at life. at life. at life. So no matter what, remember to maintain So no matter what, remember to maintain So no matter what, remember to maintain a perfect praise, a perfect praise in a perfect praise, a perfect praise in a perfect praise, a perfect praise in the midst of the storm. the midst of the storm. the midst of the storm. >> God bless you. God bless you. Amen. >> God bless you. God bless you. Amen. >> God bless you. God bless you. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Father. [applause] [music] [music] [applause] >> Well, praise the Lord.

>> Well, praise the Lord. Thank you, brother Riley, for Thank you, brother Riley, for Thank you, brother Riley, for ministering to us today, ministering to us today, ministering to us today, encouraging us in the midst of this encouraging us in the midst of this encouraging us in the midst of this journey of life that all of us have to journey of life that all of us have to journey of life that all of us have to live. Thank God for the joy, live. Thank God for the joy, live. Thank God for the joy, the praise that we have in the midst of the praise that we have in the midst of the praise that we have in the midst of our storm. I love to praise our storm. I love to praise our storm. I love to praise him. him. him. I love to praise. [music] I love to praise. [music] I love to praise. [music] >> I love to praise >> I love to praise >> I love to praise him. [singing] [music] [music] >> I love to praise >> I love to praise >> I love to praise him. Come on, say. him. Come on, say. him. Come on, say. [music] [music] [music] Oh, Oh, Oh, I love to praise I love to praise I love to praise his Lord. his Lord. his Lord. I love to praise I love to praise I love to praise him. Come on, say [music] I love to praise I love to praise him.

him. him. [music] [music] [music] I love to praise I love to praise I love to praise him. [music] him. [music] him. [music] Come on, sing. Come on, sing. Come on, sing. Oh, I love to praise [music] Oh, I love to praise [music] Oh, I love to praise [music] his. his. his. Oh, because he's my Oh, because he's my Oh, because he's my rock. Oh yes, he is my soul. [music] rock. Oh yes, he is my soul. [music] rock. Oh yes, he is my soul. [music] >> Oh, and he's my Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Come on, say [music] hallelujah.

Oh, [screaming] Oh, [screaming] hallelujah. hallelujah. hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] I love praise. I love praise. I love praise. Oh, Oh, Oh, I love [music] I love [music] I love [music] to praise him. One more. to praise him. One more. to praise him. One more. because he's my rock. because he's my rock. because he's my rock. Oh [music] yes, he is my soul. [singing] Oh [music] yes, he is my soul. [singing] Oh [music] yes, he is my soul. [singing] He is my [music] [music] [music] He's never He's just He's just [music] [music] [music] Oh, yes, he is. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Come on say. Oh hallelujah. Oh hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Oh hallelujah.

Oh hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. I love the [singing] [music] Hallelujah. I love the [singing] [music] Hallelujah. I love the [singing] praise. Oh, praise. Oh, praise. Oh, I love I love I love I love I love I love [music] [music] [music] I love giving him the I love giving him the I love giving him the I love [music] blessing his name. I love [music] blessing his name. I love [music] blessing his name. Every time I sing Every time I sing Every time I sing ABOUT WHAT YOU [music and singing] did ABOUT WHAT YOU [music and singing] did ABOUT WHAT YOU [music and singing] did for me, for me, for me, I got to give him the glory. I got to give him the glory. I got to give him the glory. I got to bless his name. I got to bless his name. I got to bless his name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I love I love to raise Jesus. Jesus. [music] >> Hallelujah.

>> Hallelujah. Glory to God. [music] Glory to God. [music] Glory to God. [music] >> You did know we came for church this >> You did know we came for church this >> You did know we came for church this morning, didn't you? Yes. If you love to morning, didn't you? Yes. If you love to morning, didn't you? Yes. If you love to praise him, come on and give him praise praise him, come on and give him praise praise him, come on and give him praise all over the church. all over the church. all over the church. >> Hallelujah. >> Glory to God. Glory to God. You may be >> Glory to God. Glory to God. You may be seated in God's presence as our dear seated in God's presence as our dear seated in God's presence as our dear sister Kendra Snotty comes now to sister Kendra Snotty comes now to sister Kendra Snotty comes now to present the word of God to us. >> Oh yes. Oh yes, I love to praise his >> Oh yes. Oh yes, I love to praise his name. Yes, Lord. Well, good afternoon church. Well, good afternoon church. >> Good afternoon. Thank you all for being >> Good afternoon. Thank you all for being >> Good afternoon. Thank you all for being here here here Lord Jesus. [music] Thank you Jesus. Lord Jesus. [music] Thank you Jesus. Lord Jesus. [music] Thank you Jesus. Hallelujah. [applause] [applause] Glory to your name, Father.

Glory to your name, Father. Glory to your name, Father. Oh Lord, for the time that is ours, I Oh Lord, for the time that is ours, I Oh Lord, for the time that is ours, I want to talk from the subject matter want to talk from the subject matter want to talk from the subject matter standing up to darkness. standing up to darkness. standing up to darkness. >> Standing up to darkness >> because God is our refuge and shelter. >> because God is our refuge and shelter. Believers can stand fearless in the face Believers can stand fearless in the face Believers can stand fearless in the face of darkness. Not in their own strength, of darkness. Not in their own strength, of darkness. Not in their own strength, but because of the victory we have but because of the victory we have but because of the victory we have through Jesus Christ. through Jesus Christ. through Jesus Christ. Let us turn our attention to the word of Let us turn our attention to the word of Let us turn our attention to the word of God. I'll be reading from Psalm 91, the God. I'll be reading from Psalm 91, the God. I'll be reading from Psalm 91, the King James version. King James version. King James version. >> All right. >> When you have it, say amen. >> When you have it, say amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> He that dwelleth in the secret place of >> He that dwelleth in the secret place of >> He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the the most high shall abide under the the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. I will say of shadow of the almighty. I will say of shadow of the almighty. I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my the Lord, he is my refuge and my the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in him will I trust. fortress, my God, in him will I trust. fortress, my God, in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the Surely he shall deliver thee from the Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and from the snare of the fowler and from the snare of the fowler and from the noisesome pestilence. He shall cover noisesome pestilence. He shall cover noisesome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his thee with his feathers, and under his thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust. His truth shall wings shalt thou trust. His truth shall wings shalt thou trust. His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, not be afraid for the terror by night, not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day, nor for the arrow that flieth by day, nor for the arrow that flieth by day, nor for the pestilence that walketh in nor for the pestilence that walketh in nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor for the destruction that darkness, nor for the destruction that darkness, nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side. Yes. And 10,000 at thy fall at thy side. Yes. And 10,000 at thy fall at thy side. Yes. And 10,000 at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh

right hand, but it shall not come nigh right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, and see the reward of the behold, and see the reward of the behold, and see the reward of the wicked, because thou hast made the Lord, wicked, because thou hast made the Lord, wicked, because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most high which is my refuge, even the most high which is my refuge, even the most high thy habitation. There shall no evil thy habitation. There shall no evil thy habitation. There shall no evil befall thee. Neither shall any plague befall thee. Neither shall any plague befall thee. Neither shall any plague come n thy dwelling, for he shall give come n thy dwelling, for he shall give come n thy dwelling, for he shall give his angels, his angels, his angels, >> he shall give his angels charge over >> he shall give his angels charge over >> he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest shall bear thee up in their hands, lest shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against the stone. thou dash thy foot against the stone. thou dash thy foot against the stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and add Thou shalt tread upon the lion and add Thou shalt tread upon the lion and add the young lion and the dragon shalt thou the young lion and the dragon shalt thou the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet because he has set trample under feet because he has set trample under feet because he has set his love upon me. Therefore will I his love upon me. Therefore will I his love upon me. Therefore will I deliver him. I will set him on high deliver him. I will set him on high deliver him. I will set him on high because he hath known my name. He shall because he hath known my name. He shall because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me and I will answer him. I call upon me and I will answer him. I call upon me and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will will be with him in trouble. I will will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him with long deliver him and honor him with long deliver him and honor him with long life. I will satisfy him and show him my life. I will satisfy him and show him my life. I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. salvation. salvation. May God have a blessing to the reading, May God have a blessing to the reading, May God have a blessing to the reading, the hearing, and doing of his holy word.

When fear, uncertainty, When fear, uncertainty, and spiritual opposition arise, and spiritual opposition arise, and spiritual opposition arise, believers must stand on God's word and believers must stand on God's word and believers must stand on God's word and authority, trusting that what Jesus authority, trusting that what Jesus authority, trusting that what Jesus already defeated, we do not have to already defeated, we do not have to already defeated, we do not have to fear. fear. fear. By a show of hands, how many people here By a show of hands, how many people here By a show of hands, how many people here today are not ashamed to admit that they today are not ashamed to admit that they today are not ashamed to admit that they used to be scared of the dark as a used to be scared of the dark as a used to be scared of the dark as a child? It's a safe place. We can be cool child? It's a safe place. We can be cool child? It's a safe place. We can be cool in this place. in this place. in this place. I used to be scared, too. It's okay. How I used to be scared, too. It's okay. How I used to be scared, too. It's okay. How many people are still afraid of the many people are still afraid of the many people are still afraid of the dark? dark? dark? Okay. It's okay. We are at church. It's Okay. It's okay. We are at church. It's Okay. It's okay. We are at church. It's safe to be honest. [laughter] safe to be honest. [laughter] safe to be honest. [laughter] Well, to those who raised their hand or Well, to those who raised their hand or Well, to those who raised their hand or maybe even thought about raising their maybe even thought about raising their maybe even thought about raising their hand, you are not alone. hand, you are not alone. hand, you are not alone. According to a recent study, one-third According to a recent study, one-third According to a recent study, one-third of American adults are still afraid of of American adults are still afraid of of American adults are still afraid of the dark. One in 10 adults sleep with the dark. One in 10 adults sleep with the dark. One in 10 adults sleep with the lights on and one in 10, get this, the lights on and one in 10, get this, the lights on and one in 10, get this, keep stuffed animals in their beds. keep stuffed animals in their beds. keep stuffed animals in their beds. The clinical term is nicobia and is The clinical term is nicobia and is The clinical term is nicobia and is rooted in survival. But darkness is not rooted in survival. But darkness is not rooted in survival. But darkness is not new and neither is the one who overcame new and neither is the one who overcame new and neither is the one who overcame it. Because long before we ever face it. Because long before we ever face it. Because long before we ever face fear, Jesus already stepped into fear, Jesus already stepped into fear, Jesus already stepped into darkness and conquered it. [applause] darkness and conquered it. [applause] darkness and conquered it. [applause] Psalm 91 is often called the psalm of Psalm 91 is often called the psalm of Psalm 91 is often called the psalm of protection. It is traditionally protection. It is traditionally protection. It is traditionally attributed to Moses or David and maybe attributed to Moses or David and maybe attributed to Moses or David and maybe even a temple scribe. There's a lot of even a temple scribe. There's a lot of even a temple scribe. There's a lot of debate as to who the author is and it debate as to who the author is and it debate as to who the author is and it emerges from a context of warfare,

emerges from a context of warfare, emerges from a context of warfare, danger, and uncertainty. Regardless of danger, and uncertainty. Regardless of danger, and uncertainty. Regardless of who wrote it, bottom line, it is a who wrote it, bottom line, it is a who wrote it, bottom line, it is a declaration of trust in God's covering declaration of trust in God's covering declaration of trust in God's covering amid visible and invisible threats. For amid visible and invisible threats. For amid visible and invisible threats. For the believer, that covering is the believer, that covering is the believer, that covering is ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ, ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ, ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ, >> who is our refuge, our protection, our >> who is our refuge, our protection, our >> who is our refuge, our protection, our peace. peace. peace. And if we're honest today, many of us And if we're honest today, many of us And if we're honest today, many of us are no longer afraid of the dark, but we are no longer afraid of the dark, but we are no longer afraid of the dark, but we are afraid of the unknown. are afraid of the unknown. are afraid of the unknown. >> We're afraid of that procedure that's >> We're afraid of that procedure that's >> We're afraid of that procedure that's coming up that we're not sure we're coming up that we're not sure we're coming up that we're not sure we're going to make it out of. We're afraid of going to make it out of. We're afraid of going to make it out of. We're afraid of that sickness that we're not sure that that sickness that we're not sure that that sickness that we're not sure that we're going to make it out of. It's not we're going to make it out of. It's not we're going to make it out of. It's not alleviating itself. It's not going away. alleviating itself. It's not going away. alleviating itself. It's not going away. We're we're scared of the bills that are We're we're scared of the bills that are We're we're scared of the bills that are piling up that we don't have enough piling up that we don't have enough piling up that we don't have enough money to pay for them. a broken, money to pay for them. a broken, money to pay for them. a broken, >> racist, >> racist, >> racist, >> tyrannical, authoritarian government >> tyrannical, authoritarian government >> tyrannical, authoritarian government system and leadership structures that system and leadership structures that system and leadership structures that are indifferent to the suffering of are indifferent to the suffering of are indifferent to the suffering of people. NO MATTER THE PROBLEM, THE WORD people. NO MATTER THE PROBLEM, THE WORD people. NO MATTER THE PROBLEM, THE WORD OF GOD REMINDS US THAT GOD IS STILL A OF GOD REMINDS US THAT GOD IS STILL A OF GOD REMINDS US THAT GOD IS STILL A shelter even when trouble shows up shelter even when trouble shows up shelter even when trouble shows up unannounced. [applause] Now, before you can apply Psalm 91, you Now, before you can apply Psalm 91, you have to first understand what it's have to first understand what it's have to first understand what it's saying.

saying. saying. >> Psalm 91 is not just a beautifully >> Psalm 91 is not just a beautifully >> Psalm 91 is not just a beautifully written poem, per se. is a declaration written poem, per se. is a declaration written poem, per se. is a declaration of faith and a promise of God's of faith and a promise of God's of faith and a promise of God's protection for those who trust in him. protection for those who trust in him. protection for those who trust in him. Beginning with verse one, that word Beginning with verse one, that word Beginning with verse one, that word dwelleth is just a fancy King James way dwelleth is just a fancy King James way dwelleth is just a fancy King James way of saying dwell, which means to remain, of saying dwell, which means to remain, of saying dwell, which means to remain, live, or abide. It describes someone who live, or abide. It describes someone who live, or abide. It describes someone who doesn't occasionally visit God's doesn't occasionally visit God's doesn't occasionally visit God's presence, but makes it their dwelling presence, but makes it their dwelling presence, but makes it their dwelling place. place. place. The secret place is a close relationship The secret place is a close relationship The secret place is a close relationship with God through prayer, worship, with God through prayer, worship, with God through prayer, worship, obedience, and total dependence on him. obedience, and total dependence on him. obedience, and total dependence on him. Notice the promise shall abide under the Notice the promise shall abide under the Notice the promise shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. The word abide shadow of the almighty. The word abide shadow of the almighty. The word abide means to remain, stay or dwell without means to remain, stay or dwell without means to remain, stay or dwell without moving. It paints the picture of someone moving. It paints the picture of someone moving. It paints the picture of someone who remains in close proximity with the who remains in close proximity with the who remains in close proximity with the father. Because we remain near him, we father. Because we remain near him, we father. Because we remain near him, we remain under his shadow. remain under his shadow. remain under his shadow. >> And that shadow is not just any shadow. >> And that shadow is not just any shadow. >> And that shadow is not just any shadow. The Hebrew word for shadow is sail. T S The Hebrew word for shadow is sail. T S The Hebrew word for shadow is sail. T S E L, which literally means shade. Not E L, which literally means shade. Not E L, which literally means shade. Not just any kind of shade, but the kind just any kind of shade, but the kind just any kind of shade, but the kind that provides relief from the scorching that provides relief from the scorching that provides relief from the scorching heat, offering protection, rest, heat, offering protection, rest, heat, offering protection, rest, refreshment to those in need. Throughout refreshment to those in need. Throughout refreshment to those in need. Throughout the Old Testament, cell appears 49 times the Old Testament, cell appears 49 times the Old Testament, cell appears 49 times and is used to convey physical relief, and is used to convey physical relief, and is used to convey physical relief, figurative protection, and in some figurative protection, and in some figurative protection, and in some context, the fleeting nature of human context, the fleeting nature of human context, the fleeting nature of human life. But in Psalm 91, life. But in Psalm 91, life. But in Psalm 91, >> its meaning is unmistakable. God's >> its meaning is unmistakable. God's >> its meaning is unmistakable. God's shadow is far more than just a place of shadow is far more than just a place of shadow is far more than just a place of comfort. It's a covenant picture of his

comfort. It's a covenant picture of his comfort. It's a covenant picture of his faithful guardianship and divine faithful guardianship and divine faithful guardianship and divine protection. Those who make God's protection. Those who make God's protection. Those who make God's presence their dwelling place can rest presence their dwelling place can rest presence their dwelling place can rest confidently under his covering, knowing confidently under his covering, knowing confidently under his covering, knowing that he is their refuge, protector, and that he is their refuge, protector, and that he is their refuge, protector, and defender. Think about it this way. A defender. Think about it this way. A defender. Think about it this way. A shadow can only be experienced when shadow can only be experienced when shadow can only be experienced when you're in close proximity to the one you're in close proximity to the one you're in close proximity to the one that's casting it. that's casting it. that's casting it. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> The closer we stay to God, the more we >> The closer we stay to God, the more we >> The closer we stay to God, the more we experience his peace, protection, and experience his peace, protection, and experience his peace, protection, and security. And here's the good news, security. And here's the good news, security. And here's the good news, FOLKS. HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS. God is not FOLKS. HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS. God is not FOLKS. HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS. God is not distant. He's not reserved just FOR THE distant. He's not reserved just FOR THE distant. He's not reserved just FOR THE ELITE OR JUST FOR CERTAIN PEOPLE. HE'S ELITE OR JUST FOR CERTAIN PEOPLE. HE'S ELITE OR JUST FOR CERTAIN PEOPLE. HE'S AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF us to commune WITH. AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF us to commune WITH. AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF us to commune WITH. HALLELUJAH. AND BUILD A RELATIONSHIP HALLELUJAH. AND BUILD A RELATIONSHIP HALLELUJAH. AND BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH. HE WANTS that from us. Why? WITH. HE WANTS that from us. Why? WITH. HE WANTS that from us. Why? Because he's personally committed TO US. Because he's personally committed TO US. Because he's personally committed TO US. EVERY PROMISE GOD SPEAKS FINDS ITS YES EVERY PROMISE GOD SPEAKS FINDS ITS YES EVERY PROMISE GOD SPEAKS FINDS ITS YES AND AMEN IN JESUS. AND IT'S NOT ABOUT AND AMEN IN JESUS. AND IT'S NOT ABOUT AND AMEN IN JESUS. AND IT'S NOT ABOUT PERFECTION. It's about connection. You PERFECTION. It's about connection. You PERFECTION. It's about connection. You don't have to be perfect to come TO GOD. don't have to be perfect to come TO GOD. don't have to be perfect to come TO GOD. COME JUST AS YOU ARE. COME JUST AS you COME JUST AS YOU ARE. COME JUST AS you COME JUST AS YOU ARE. COME JUST AS you are in the name of Jesus.

are in the name of Jesus. are in the name of Jesus. >> So, let me ask you all another question. >> So, let me ask you all another question. >> So, let me ask you all another question. When was the last time, thank you Jesus, When was the last time, thank you Jesus, When was the last time, thank you Jesus, that you just sat with God, that you just sat with God, that you just sat with God, >> THAT YOU JUST TALKED TO HIM, NOT RUSHED, >> THAT YOU JUST TALKED TO HIM, NOT RUSHED, >> THAT YOU JUST TALKED TO HIM, NOT RUSHED, >> not routine, >> not routine, >> not routine, >> but real. >> but real. >> but real. >> Let me let y'all know how I know all of >> Let me let y'all know how I know all of >> Let me let y'all know how I know all of this is real. This whole Christian this is real. This whole Christian this is real. This whole Christian thing, so to speak. thing, so to speak. thing, so to speak. >> I used to be afraid of the dark very >> I used to be afraid of the dark very >> I used to be afraid of the dark very much so. Well into my mid20s. I lived in much so. Well into my mid20s. I lived in much so. Well into my mid20s. I lived in the hood at the time. time. I have 11 the hood at the time. time. I have 11 the hood at the time. time. I have 11 minutes on the clock. I'm going to make minutes on the clock. I'm going to make minutes on the clock. I'm going to make this short. Um, this short. Um, this short. Um, I lived in the hood right there off of I lived in the hood right there off of I lived in the hood right there off of Richmond and Woodchase by myself. I had Richmond and Woodchase by myself. I had Richmond and Woodchase by myself. I had a whole routine. Every night I would go a whole routine. Every night I would go a whole routine. Every night I would go in the bathroom, check behind the shower in the bathroom, check behind the shower in the bathroom, check behind the shower curtains, check in the closet, check curtains, check in the closet, check curtains, check in the closet, check under the bed, just make sure nobody was under the bed, just make sure nobody was under the bed, just make sure nobody was there, nothing was going to pop off or there, nothing was going to pop off or there, nothing was going to pop off or whatever. And guess what? I still didn't whatever. And guess what? I still didn't whatever. And guess what? I still didn't feel safe. feel safe. feel safe. And then I went through something And then I went through something And then I went through something spiritual. I went through a spiritual spiritual. I went through a spiritual spiritual. I went through a spiritual attack and I realized something very attack and I realized something very attack and I realized something very quickly. You cannot manage spiritual quickly. You cannot manage spiritual quickly. You cannot manage spiritual problems with natural solutions.

[applause and cheering] You cannot [applause and cheering] You cannot you cannot you cannot you cannot I'm going say that again. You cannot I'm going say that again. You cannot I'm going say that again. You cannot manage spiritual problems with natural manage spiritual problems with natural manage spiritual problems with natural solutions. solutions. solutions. I was scared. I was isolated. Everyone I I was scared. I was isolated. Everyone I I was scared. I was isolated. Everyone I talked to about it, including some talked to about it, including some talked to about it, including some church people, thought I was losing my church people, thought I was losing my church people, thought I was losing my mind. But one woman I opened up to about mind. But one woman I opened up to about mind. But one woman I opened up to about it, she didn't give ME A DIAGNOSIS. SHE it, she didn't give ME A DIAGNOSIS. SHE it, she didn't give ME A DIAGNOSIS. SHE DIDN'T TRY TO PUT a label on me. DIDN'T TRY TO PUT a label on me. DIDN'T TRY TO PUT a label on me. Instead, she gave me the word of God. Instead, she gave me the word of God. Instead, she gave me the word of God. She said, "Baby, get in your word and She said, "Baby, get in your word and She said, "Baby, get in your word and read Psalm 91 specifically." That night, read Psalm 91 specifically." That night, read Psalm 91 specifically." That night, that same night, I spoke to the woman, I that same night, I spoke to the woman, I that same night, I spoke to the woman, I woke up to something evil. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> I will not glorify it by going into >> I will not glorify it by going into >> I will not glorify it by going into explicit details, but know this, it was explicit details, but know this, it was explicit details, but know this, it was not from God. Ephesians 6:12 says that not from God. Ephesians 6:12 says that not from God. Ephesians 6:12 says that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] but against principalities, against but against principalities, against but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the powers, against the rulers of the powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against darkness of this world, against darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

spiritual wickedness in high places. spiritual wickedness in high places. Some battles that we're fighting, Some battles that we're fighting, Some battles that we're fighting, they're not with people, they're with they're not with people, they're with they're not with people, they're with spirits. As my grandmother Bessie Lee spirits. As my grandmother Bessie Lee spirits. As my grandmother Bessie Lee Simeon used to say before she went on to Simeon used to say before she went on to Simeon used to say before she went on to be with the Lord, it's not them, it's be with the Lord, it's not them, it's be with the Lord, it's not them, it's the devil. STOP GETTING WORKED UP BEHIND the devil. STOP GETTING WORKED UP BEHIND the devil. STOP GETTING WORKED UP BEHIND PEOPLE. YOU CANNOT ARGUE WITH DEMONS. PEOPLE. YOU CANNOT ARGUE WITH DEMONS. PEOPLE. YOU CANNOT ARGUE WITH DEMONS. YOU CANNOT OUTWORK spiritual opposition. YOU CANNOT OUTWORK spiritual opposition. YOU CANNOT OUTWORK spiritual opposition. Let me say it plainly. A 45 CALIBER Let me say it plainly. A 45 CALIBER Let me say it plainly. A 45 CALIBER WOULD NOT FIX A SPIRITUAL PROBLEM. WOULD NOT FIX A SPIRITUAL PROBLEM. WOULD NOT FIX A SPIRITUAL PROBLEM. INSTEAD, every force of darkness must INSTEAD, every force of darkness must INSTEAD, every force of darkness must RESPOND TO THE NAME OF JESUS. RESPOND TO THE NAME OF JESUS. RESPOND TO THE NAME OF JESUS. [applause] How many PEOPLE KNOW THAT YOUR WORD IS How many PEOPLE KNOW THAT YOUR WORD IS YOUR WEAPON? YOUR WEAPON? YOUR WEAPON? >> YOUR WORD IS YOUR WEAPON? THE BIBLE. THE >> YOUR WORD IS YOUR WEAPON? THE BIBLE. THE >> YOUR WORD IS YOUR WEAPON? THE BIBLE. THE BIBLE. This right here, this right here BIBLE. This right here, this right here BIBLE. This right here, this right here is not just a book of antiquity. is not just a book of antiquity. is not just a book of antiquity. Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of God is Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of God is Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of God is alive that is powerful and sharper than alive that is powerful and sharper than alive that is powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, able to divide." Oh any two-edged sword, able to divide." Oh any two-edged sword, able to divide." Oh Lord, divide soul and spirit, truth and Lord, divide soul and spirit, truth and Lord, divide soul and spirit, truth and error. You have to know the word of God.

error. You have to know the word of God. error. You have to know the word of God. Back in my apartment on that scary Back in my apartment on that scary Back in my apartment on that scary night, I threw those covers off. night, I threw those covers off. night, I threw those covers off. >> I jumped out of bed and made up my mind >> I jumped out of bed and made up my mind >> I jumped out of bed and made up my mind then and there that enough was enough. then and there that enough was enough. then and there that enough was enough. At some point IN YOUR WALK WITH GOD, YOU At some point IN YOUR WALK WITH GOD, YOU At some point IN YOUR WALK WITH GOD, YOU HAVE TO PUT YOUR BIG BOY, BIG GIRL HAVE TO PUT YOUR BIG BOY, BIG GIRL HAVE TO PUT YOUR BIG BOY, BIG GIRL CHRISTIAN PANTS ON AND GET BOLD. I grabbed my Bible, opened it up to I grabbed my Bible, opened it up to Psalm 91, and I read it. Not to myself, Psalm 91, and I read it. Not to myself, Psalm 91, and I read it. Not to myself, not in my head, not mouthing the words, not in my head, not mouthing the words, not in my head, not mouthing the words, but out loud. Out loud. I THEN GOT but out loud. Out loud. I THEN GOT but out loud. Out loud. I THEN GOT AUDACIOUS AND REBUKED EVERYTHING THAT AUDACIOUS AND REBUKED EVERYTHING THAT AUDACIOUS AND REBUKED EVERYTHING THAT was not of God. Not in my strength, not was not of God. Not in my strength, not was not of God. Not in my strength, not in my name, but in the mighty name of in my name, but in the mighty name of in my name, but in the mighty name of Jesus. Yes, God. Jesus. Yes, God. Jesus. Yes, God. I told the enemy, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME I told the enemy, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME I told the enemy, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE AND TO GET OUT. I DIDN'T whisper HERE AND TO GET OUT. I DIDN'T whisper HERE AND TO GET OUT. I DIDN'T whisper it. I didn't negotiate. I wasn't timid. it. I didn't negotiate. I wasn't timid. it. I didn't negotiate. I wasn't timid. And immediately >> immediately, not later, not a few >> immediately, not later, not a few seconds later, immediately the fear seconds later, immediately the fear seconds later, immediately the fear left. The heaviness left. And there was left. The heaviness left. And there was left. The heaviness left. And there was a peace that I cannot explain. BECAUSE a peace that I cannot explain. BECAUSE a peace that I cannot explain. BECAUSE WHEN JESUS STEPS IN, DARKNESS HAS NO WHEN JESUS STEPS IN, DARKNESS HAS NO WHEN JESUS STEPS IN, DARKNESS HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO LEAVE.

CHOICE BUT TO LEAVE. CHOICE BUT TO LEAVE. >> HALLELUJAH. >> Thank you, Jesus. >> Thank you, Jesus. [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] I then got back in the bed, turned off I then got back in the bed, turned off I then got back in the bed, turned off the lights, the lights, the lights, >> AND SLEPT PEACEFULLY. GUESS WHAT? >> AND SLEPT PEACEFULLY. GUESS WHAT? >> AND SLEPT PEACEFULLY. GUESS WHAT? >> In the dark. >> In the dark. >> In the dark. >> In the dark. >> In the dark. >> In the dark. >> In the dark. >> In the dark. >> In the dark. >> I say all that to say, STOP LETTING THE >> I say all that to say, STOP LETTING THE >> I say all that to say, STOP LETTING THE DEVIL THINK HE'S WINNING. DEVIL THINK HE'S WINNING. DEVIL THINK HE'S WINNING. >> HE'S NOT. BECAUSE THE truth of the >> HE'S NOT. BECAUSE THE truth of the >> HE'S NOT. BECAUSE THE truth of the matter is he's already defeated by matter is he's already defeated by matter is he's already defeated by Jesus. Fear not. I don't care what it Jesus. Fear not. I don't care what it Jesus. Fear not. I don't care what it is. IT COULD BE A SPIRITUAL ATTACK LIKE is. IT COULD BE A SPIRITUAL ATTACK LIKE is. IT COULD BE A SPIRITUAL ATTACK LIKE I WENT THROUGH. It could be a senseless I WENT THROUGH. It could be a senseless I WENT THROUGH. It could be a senseless war in Iran. war in Iran. war in Iran. >> Gas prices, pestilence, darkness of any >> Gas prices, pestilence, darkness of any >> Gas prices, pestilence, darkness of any kind, it doesn't matter. Give it to God. kind, it doesn't matter. Give it to God. kind, it doesn't matter. Give it to God. >> There's a story that I heard the late >> There's a story that I heard the late >> There's a story that I heard the late gospel singer, bless his heart, Norman gospel singer, bless his heart, Norman gospel singer, bless his heart, Norman Hutchkins, tell during the praise break. Hutchkins, tell during the praise break. Hutchkins, tell during the praise break. It was about a young boy about six or It was about a young boy about six or It was about a young boy about six or seven years old, reading his favorite seven years old, reading his favorite seven years old, reading his favorite cowboy book. Ever so often, his father cowboy book. Ever so often, his father cowboy book. Ever so often, his father would walk past the room. The father would walk past the room. The father would walk past the room. The father asks his son, "What are you doing?" The asks his son, "What are you doing?" The asks his son, "What are you doing?" The boy replied that he was reading his boy replied that he was reading his boy replied that he was reading his favorite cowboy book. The dad says, "But favorite cowboy book. The dad says, "But favorite cowboy book. The dad says, "But all I hear you say is you going to get all I hear you say is you going to get all I hear you say is you going to get it." H Why do you keep saying that over it." H Why do you keep saying that over it." H Why do you keep saying that over and over? The boy said, The boy says, and over? The boy said, The boy says, and over? The boy said, The boy says, "Well, the good cowboy is always getting "Well, the good cowboy is always getting "Well, the good cowboy is always getting beat up by the bad cowboy. It frightened beat up by the bad cowboy. It frightened beat up by the bad cowboy. It frightened me, so I went to the end of the book to me, so I went to the end of the book to me, so I went to the end of the book to see how it ended.

When I got to the last chapter, I When I got to the last chapter, I discovered that finally the good guy discovered that finally the good guy discovered that finally the good guy beats the bad guy. SO I WENT BACK TO beats the bad guy. SO I WENT BACK TO beats the bad guy. SO I WENT BACK TO WHERE I LEFT OFF. And every time the bad WHERE I LEFT OFF. And every time the bad WHERE I LEFT OFF. And every time the bad guy would hit the good guy, I would guy would hit the good guy, I would guy would hit the good guy, I would remind him, "You going to get it." So remind him, "You going to get it." So remind him, "You going to get it." So the next time all hell breaks loose and the next time all hell breaks loose and the next time all hell breaks loose and Satan starts throwing his best jabs, Satan starts throwing his best jabs, Satan starts throwing his best jabs, TELL HIM, "YOU going to get it." Because TELL HIM, "YOU going to get it." Because TELL HIM, "YOU going to get it." Because we already know how this story ends. we already know how this story ends. we already know how this story ends. Jesus wins. He messed with THE WRONG Jesus wins. He messed with THE WRONG Jesus wins. He messed with THE WRONG ONE. YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH ONE. YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH ONE. YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, COVERED BY THE BLOOD, WALKING IN GOD, COVERED BY THE BLOOD, WALKING IN GOD, COVERED BY THE BLOOD, WALKING IN his authority, standing in his victory. his authority, standing in his victory. his authority, standing in his victory. JESUS SAID IT HIMSELF IN LUKE 10:19, JESUS SAID IT HIMSELF IN LUKE 10:19, JESUS SAID IT HIMSELF IN LUKE 10:19, "BEHOLD, I GIVE UNTO YOU POWER TO TREAD "BEHOLD, I GIVE UNTO YOU POWER TO TREAD "BEHOLD, I GIVE UNTO YOU POWER TO TREAD ON SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS AND OVER ALL ON SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS AND OVER ALL ON SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS AND OVER ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY, AND nothing THE POWER OF THE ENEMY, AND nothing THE POWER OF THE ENEMY, AND nothing >> nothing shall by any means hurt you." SO >> nothing shall by any means hurt you." SO >> nothing shall by any means hurt you." SO WHEN FEAR SHOWS UP, SPEAK. WHEN DARKNESS WHEN FEAR SHOWS UP, SPEAK. WHEN DARKNESS WHEN FEAR SHOWS UP, SPEAK. WHEN DARKNESS CREEPS IN, DECLARE. WHEN YOUR MIND CREEPS IN, DECLARE. WHEN YOUR MIND CREEPS IN, DECLARE. WHEN YOUR MIND STARTS RACING, REMEMBER GOD'S PROMISES. STARTS RACING, REMEMBER GOD'S PROMISES. STARTS RACING, REMEMBER GOD'S PROMISES. STOP FIGHTING SPIRITUAL BATTLES WITH STOP FIGHTING SPIRITUAL BATTLES WITH STOP FIGHTING SPIRITUAL BATTLES WITH natural tools. Lord Jesus, HELP US, GOD.

natural tools. Lord Jesus, HELP US, GOD. natural tools. Lord Jesus, HELP US, GOD. GET IN YOUR WORD. Study it, know it, GET IN YOUR WORD. Study it, know it, GET IN YOUR WORD. Study it, know it, speak it, STAND ON IT, BECAUSE YOU ARE speak it, STAND ON IT, BECAUSE YOU ARE speak it, STAND ON IT, BECAUSE YOU ARE SHELTERED. YOU are covered. You are SHELTERED. YOU are covered. You are SHELTERED. YOU are covered. You are loved. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE. YOU DON'T loved. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE. YOU DON'T loved. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO FEAR THE DARK WHEN YOU BELONG to HAVE TO FEAR THE DARK WHEN YOU BELONG to HAVE TO FEAR THE DARK WHEN YOU BELONG to the marvelous LIGHT WHO IS JESUS CHRIST. the marvelous LIGHT WHO IS JESUS CHRIST. the marvelous LIGHT WHO IS JESUS CHRIST. IF YOU BELIEVE THAT, IF YOU BELIEVE THAT, IF YOU BELIEVE THAT, >> give God some praise. >> give God some praise. >> give God some praise. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. And when the moment comes, And when the moment comes, And when the moment comes, stand up to darkness in Jesus mighty stand up to darkness in Jesus mighty stand up to darkness in Jesus mighty name. [music] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. [music] >> Glory to God. Glory to God.

>> Glory to God. Glory to God. Well, aren't you glad you came to church Well, aren't you glad you came to church Well, aren't you glad you came to church this morning? [music] this morning? [music] this morning? [music] >> I'm certainly glad I'm here. >> I'm certainly glad I'm here. >> I'm certainly glad I'm here. >> How we honor the Lord for Sister Kendra >> How we honor the Lord for Sister Kendra >> How we honor the Lord for Sister Kendra and for the powerful message that she and for the powerful message that she and for the powerful message that she has brought to us [music] has brought to us [music] has brought to us [music] this afternoon. Each of these, as you can tell, has Each of these, as you can tell, has prepared herself himself to proclaim to prepared herself himself to proclaim to prepared herself himself to proclaim to us today. And I'm so grateful that us today. And I'm so grateful that us today. And I'm so grateful that they've spent time with the Lord they've spent time with the Lord they've spent time with the Lord >> so that we might be drawn closer to the >> so that we might be drawn closer to the >> so that we might be drawn closer to the Lord as a consequence of their Lord as a consequence of their Lord as a consequence of their presentations this day. presentations this day. presentations this day. You've already sat through four messages You've already sat through four messages You've already sat through four messages and you're doing all right. Look at you. and you're doing all right. Look at you. and you're doing all right. Look at you. You didn't you didn't think you were You didn't you didn't think you were You didn't you didn't think you were going to be all right at this point, did going to be all right at this point, did going to be all right at this point, did you? you? you? This is the Lord's doing. This is the Lord's doing. This is the Lord's doing. >> It's marvelous in our eyes. >> It's marvelous in our eyes. >> It's marvelous in our eyes. >> Receive now, Sister Lily Wilson. >> [music] >> [music] [applause] >> Good afternoon everyone.

>> Good afternoon everyone. >> Thank you. Thank you. So glad to see you >> Thank you. Thank you. So glad to see you >> Thank you. Thank you. So glad to see you that are here today. I think I see some that are here today. I think I see some that are here today. I think I see some special people in my family [laughter] special people in my family [laughter] special people in my family [laughter] and all of the rest of you. Let's just and all of the rest of you. Let's just and all of the rest of you. Let's just give God some praise. I mean, sister give God some praise. I mean, sister give God some praise. I mean, sister [applause] [applause] [applause] sister PK did it today, didn't she? PK did it today, didn't she? Yes, she did. Thank you, my sister. This Yes, she did. Thank you, my sister. This Yes, she did. Thank you, my sister. This is one of my favorites. So, help me is one of my favorites. So, help me is one of my favorites. So, help me along as I do this here. Psalms the 27th along as I do this here. Psalms the 27th along as I do this here. Psalms the 27th number, number, number, >> 1st through the 5th verses. The Lord is >> 1st through the 5th verses. The Lord is >> 1st through the 5th verses. The Lord is my strength, is my light. and my my strength, is my light. and my my strength, is my light. and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? salvation. Whom shall I fear? salvation. Whom shall I fear? >> The Lord is the strength of my life. Of >> The Lord is the strength of my life. Of >> The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes came upon me even my enemies and my foes came upon me even my enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though the host should encamp fell. Though the host should encamp fell. Though the host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear.

against me, my heart shall not fear. against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war rise up against me, in this Though war rise up against me, in this Though war rise up against me, in this shall I be confident. One thing have I shall I be confident. One thing have I shall I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek desired of the Lord, that will I seek desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of after, that I may dwell in the house of after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to the Lord all the days of my life, to the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. For in the time inquire in his temple. For in the time inquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble, of trouble, of trouble, for in the time of trouble, for in the time of trouble, for in the time of trouble, >> he shall >> he shall >> he shall >> he shall hide me. >> he shall hide me. >> he shall hide me. >> How about you? In his pavilion, >> How about you? In his pavilion, >> How about you? In his pavilion, >> in the secret of his tabernacle shall he >> in the secret of his tabernacle shall he >> in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me. hide me. hide me. >> He shall set me upon a rock. >> He shall set me upon a rock. >> He shall set me upon a rock. >> And now shall my head be lifted up above >> And now shall my head be lifted up above >> And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies. Round about me. Therefore my enemies. Round about me. Therefore my enemies. Round about me. Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle will I offer in his tabernacle will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy. I will sing. Yay. I sacrifices of joy. I will sing. Yay. I sacrifices of joy. I will sing. Yay. I will sing praises unto the Lord. Thank will sing praises unto the Lord. Thank will sing praises unto the Lord. Thank you so much for helping me praise the you so much for helping me praise the you so much for helping me praise the Lord this morning. Yeah. Yeah. I am so Lord this morning. Yeah. Yeah. I am so Lord this morning. Yeah. Yeah. I am so deeply delighted and highly honored to deeply delighted and highly honored to deeply delighted and highly honored to be in your presence uh this morning. And be in your presence uh this morning. And be in your presence uh this morning. And my my topic is my surrounding topic is my my topic is my surrounding topic is my my topic is my surrounding topic is what have you done for me lately?

What have you done for me lately? What have you done for me lately? >> You're familiar with that title, aren't >> You're familiar with that title, aren't >> You're familiar with that title, aren't you? And you know the one who sings it, you? And you know the one who sings it, you? And you know the one who sings it, Janice Jackson. But the Lord is asking Janice Jackson. But the Lord is asking Janice Jackson. But the Lord is asking the question today. What have you done the question today. What have you done the question today. What have you done for me for me for me lately? Matthew my sermonic uh topic is coming Matthew my sermonic uh topic is coming from Matthew 30 25 from Matthew 30 25 from Matthew 30 25 31- 31- 31- 46. 46. 46. My sermonic premise is coming from My sermonic premise is coming from My sermonic premise is coming from Matthew the 25th chapter the 31st Matthew the 25th chapter the 31st Matthew the 25th chapter the 31st through the 32nd verses. through the 32nd verses. through the 32nd verses. And because of time constraints I will And because of time constraints I will And because of time constraints I will read the sermonic premise. Matthew 25 read the sermonic premise. Matthew 25 read the sermonic premise. Matthew 25 31 31 31 through 32. When the Son of Man comes in through 32. When the Son of Man comes in through 32. When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, his glory and all the angels with him, his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his then he will sit on the throne of his then he will sit on the throne of his glory. glory. glory. >> All the nations will be gathered before >> All the nations will be gathered before >> All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them one from him, and he will separate them one from him, and he will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates another, just as a shepherd separates another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on the sheep on his right and the goats on the sheep on his right and the goats on the left. Then the king will say to the left. Then the king will say to the left. Then the king will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are those on his right, "Come, you who are those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed of my father, inherit the blessed of my father, inherit the blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the kingdom prepared for you from the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."

foundation of the world." foundation of the world." >> Now just let me give you a little >> Now just let me give you a little >> Now just let me give you a little background before I give you the background before I give you the background before I give you the breakdown. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. He's Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. He's having this private conversation with having this private conversation with having this private conversation with the 12. the 12. the 12. >> It's a it's a very private conversation. >> It's a it's a very private conversation. >> It's a it's a very private conversation. Now, the conversation begins in Matthew Now, the conversation begins in Matthew Now, the conversation begins in Matthew the 24th the 24th the 24th chapter and it deals with end times. In chapter and it deals with end times. In chapter and it deals with end times. In other words, for esquetology, other words, for esquetology, other words, for esquetology, what's going to happen in the future. So what's going to happen in the future. So what's going to happen in the future. So the disciples the disciples the disciples asked the question, "Master, asked the question, "Master, asked the question, "Master, what's going to happen in the end times? what's going to happen in the end times? what's going to happen in the end times? What's that going to uh be about?" What's that going to uh be about?" What's that going to uh be about?" Now, it's taking place on the mountain Now, it's taking place on the mountain Now, it's taking place on the mountain where olives are grown. It's called the where olives are grown. It's called the where olives are grown. It's called the discourse, the Mount Olive Discourse.

discourse, the Mount Olive Discourse. discourse, the Mount Olive Discourse. I'm I'm sure many of you have heard of I'm I'm sure many of you have heard of I'm I'm sure many of you have heard of that one before. that one before. that one before. And Jesus is making a a specific point And Jesus is making a a specific point And Jesus is making a a specific point here. He says um the righteous here. He says um the righteous here. He says um the righteous will reign with me will reign with me will reign with me but the wicked but the wicked but the wicked will be will suffer eternal damnation. will be will suffer eternal damnation. will be will suffer eternal damnation. But but but what he does what Jesus does But but but what he does what Jesus does But but but what he does what Jesus does in Matthew 25 is he begins by telling in Matthew 25 is he begins by telling in Matthew 25 is he begins by telling the disciples several parables because the disciples several parables because the disciples several parables because you know that the parables you know that the parables you know that the parables are uh earthly stories but they have are uh earthly stories but they have are uh earthly stories but they have what? A heavenly what? A heavenly what? A heavenly >> meaning. Yeah. See that I know I have a >> meaning. Yeah. See that I know I have a >> meaning. Yeah. See that I know I have a church that that studies yet has a church that that studies yet has a church that that studies yet has a heavenly uh meaning. And in Matthew heavenly uh meaning. And in Matthew heavenly uh meaning. And in Matthew 5:31-32, Jesus is asserting that when the son of Jesus is asserting that when the son of man returns in with his in his glory and man returns in with his in his glory and man returns in with his in his glory and all of the angels with him, he will all of the angels with him, he will all of the angels with him, he will separate. He's going to do a separation separate. He's going to do a separation separate. He's going to do a separation there. He will separate the sheep from there. He will separate the sheep from there. He will separate the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his the goats. He will put the sheep on his the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. He will right and the goats on his left. He will right and the goats on his left. He will reward those who took care of the least reward those who took care of the least reward those who took care of the least of these. And he will judge the of these. And he will judge the of these. And he will judge the believers and the non-believers who were believers and the non-believers who were believers and the non-believers who were disobedient in not taking care of the disobedient in not taking care of the disobedient in not taking care of the least of these. What have you done for least of these. What have you done for least of these. What have you done for me lately?

me lately? me lately? >> The Lord continues to explain who the >> The Lord continues to explain who the >> The Lord continues to explain who the least of these are. He begins by least of these are. He begins by least of these are. He begins by defining who the sheep are and who the defining who the sheep are and who the defining who the sheep are and who the gate are. The sheep are those who meet gate are. The sheep are those who meet gate are. The sheep are those who meet the needs of the poor. The Greek word is the needs of the poor. The Greek word is the needs of the poor. The Greek word is pacus. They are those facing economic pacus. They are those facing economic pacus. They are those facing economic and social injustice, political and social injustice, political and social injustice, political corruption. Those who are hungry, those corruption. Those who are hungry, those corruption. Those who are hungry, those who are strangers, those who are who are strangers, those who are who are strangers, those who are foreigners, those who are aliens, those foreigners, those who are aliens, those foreigners, those who are aliens, those who are immigrants, those with a darker who are immigrants, those with a darker who are immigrants, those with a darker skin color, skin color, skin color, >> those who are without clothes to wear, >> those who are without clothes to wear, >> those who are without clothes to wear, those who are sick, those who are in those who are sick, those who are in those who are sick, those who are in prison, those who are homeless, the prison, those who are homeless, the prison, those who are homeless, the widows, the orphans, the oppressed. widows, the orphans, the oppressed. widows, the orphans, the oppressed. When you have done these things to the When you have done these things to the When you have done these things to the least of these, Jesus says, you have least of these, Jesus says, you have least of these, Jesus says, you have done them unto me. done them unto me. done them unto me. >> What have you done for me lately? >> What have you done for me lately? >> What have you done for me lately? Jesus says, because you have been Jesus says, because you have been Jesus says, because you have been obedient and you have helped those who obedient and you have helped those who obedient and you have helped those who cannot help themselves, the least of cannot help themselves, the least of cannot help themselves, the least of these, he will reward them for their these, he will reward them for their these, he will reward them for their obedience. He will live with them in obedience. He will live with them in obedience. He will live with them in eternity. We will. However, those who eternity. We will. However, those who eternity. We will. However, those who did not meet the needs of the least did not meet the needs of the least did not meet the needs of the least least of these are called goats. They're least of these are called goats. They're least of these are called goats. They're disobedient because they not they did disobedient because they not they did disobedient because they not they did not do what he told them to do.

not do what he told them to do. not do what he told them to do. My brothers and sisters, the Lord has My brothers and sisters, the Lord has My brothers and sisters, the Lord has given each of us what we call spiritual given each of us what we call spiritual given each of us what we call spiritual gifts. >> Those gifts are to minister to others, >> Those gifts are to minister to others, especially those in need. especially those in need. especially those in need. >> And he will give us the strength to do >> And he will give us the strength to do >> And he will give us the strength to do so. I'm reminded of Luke 4 18-19 so. I'm reminded of Luke 4 18-19 so. I'm reminded of Luke 4 18-19 when Jesus says, "The spirit of the Lord when Jesus says, "The spirit of the Lord when Jesus says, "The spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to is on me because he has anointed me to is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has preach good news to the poor. He has preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the sent me to proclaim freedom for the sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to blind, to release the oppressed, to blind, to release the oppressed, to announce this is God's time to shine." announce this is God's time to shine." announce this is God's time to shine." Mhm. Philip Alol, watchdog of the United Mhm. Philip Alol, watchdog of the United Mhm. Philip Alol, watchdog of the United Nations, indicated if food stamps and Nations, indicated if food stamps and Nations, indicated if food stamps and access to Medicaid are removed and access to Medicaid are removed and access to Medicaid are removed and housing subsidies are cut, then the housing subsidies are cut, then the housing subsidies are cut, then the effects on people living on the margin effects on people living on the margin effects on people living on the margin will be drastic. That child poverty in will be drastic. That child poverty in will be drastic. That child poverty in America is worse than in any America is worse than in any America is worse than in any industrialized nation.

industrialized nation. industrialized nation. Data indicates that 250,000 people die Data indicates that 250,000 people die Data indicates that 250,000 people die from poverty every year in the United from poverty every year in the United from poverty every year in the United States, the richest nation in the States, the richest nation in the States, the richest nation in the history of the world. history of the world. history of the world. The Lord is going to hold the leaders of The Lord is going to hold the leaders of The Lord is going to hold the leaders of our nation and the leaders of our our nation and the leaders of our our nation and the leaders of our churches and the members of our churches churches and the members of our churches churches and the members of our churches responsible. responsible. responsible. He's still asking the question, "What He's still asking the question, "What He's still asking the question, "What have you done for me lately?" have you done for me lately?" have you done for me lately?" The Lord says, "Woe to those who make The Lord says, "Woe to those who make The Lord says, "Woe to those who make unjust laws unjust laws unjust laws >> and to those who issue oppressive >> and to those who issue oppressive >> and to those who issue oppressive decrees to deprive the poor of their decrees to deprive the poor of their decrees to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the rights and withhold justice from the rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people." Isaiah 21, Amos oppressed of my people." Isaiah 21, Amos oppressed of my people." Isaiah 21, Amos 5:22- 24 says, "The rich gets gets 5:22- 24 says, "The rich gets gets 5:22- 24 says, "The rich gets gets wealthy by oppressing the poor, and the wealthy by oppressing the poor, and the wealthy by oppressing the poor, and the powerful are oppressing the weak, and powerful are oppressing the weak, and powerful are oppressing the weak, and the Lord is not pleased with that." the Lord is not pleased with that." the Lord is not pleased with that." Listen to what the prophet Amos says. Listen to what the prophet Amos says. Listen to what the prophet Amos says. >> Though you bring me burnt offerings and >> Though you bring me burnt offerings and >> Though you bring me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept your meat offerings, I will not accept your meat offerings, I will not accept them.

them. them. Neither will I regard the peace Neither will I regard the peace Neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beast. Take away offerings of your fat beast. Take away offerings of your fat beast. Take away from me the noise of your songs. I will from me the noise of your songs. I will from me the noise of your songs. I will not listen to the music of your hearts. not listen to the music of your hearts. not listen to the music of your hearts. >> But but >> But but >> But but >> let judgment run down as waters >> let judgment run down as waters >> let judgment run down as waters >> and righteousness as a mighty stream. >> and righteousness as a mighty stream. >> and righteousness as a mighty stream. >> Wrap a boots. Boo Riley says it this >> Wrap a boots. Boo Riley says it this >> Wrap a boots. Boo Riley says it this way. Capitalism is like a spider. The way. Capitalism is like a spider. The way. Capitalism is like a spider. The web is getting tighter. Struggling like web is getting tighter. Struggling like web is getting tighter. Struggling like a fighter you can't get out of. Jesus himself knows what it feels to be Jesus himself knows what it feels to be rejected and despised by men and treated rejected and despised by men and treated rejected and despised by men and treated as the least of these are being treated as the least of these are being treated as the least of these are being treated today. In John 1 and 46, the question today. In John 1 and 46, the question today. In John 1 and 46, the question was asked, "Can anything good come out was asked, "Can anything good come out was asked, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"

of Nazareth?" of Nazareth?" >> Jesus came out of Nazareth. >> Jesus came out of Nazareth. >> Jesus came out of Nazareth. [applause] [applause] [applause] Jesus, the rejected stone, came out of Jesus, the rejected stone, came out of Jesus, the rejected stone, came out of the Nazareth, better known today as the the Nazareth, better known today as the the Nazareth, better known today as the hood. hood. hood. >> Jesus said, "The stone that was rejected >> Jesus said, "The stone that was rejected >> Jesus said, "The stone that was rejected has become the chief cornerstone." Amen. has become the chief cornerstone." Amen. has become the chief cornerstone." Amen. >> Jesus is talking about himself. >> Jesus is talking about himself. >> Jesus is talking about himself. >> See, the cornerstone is essential >> See, the cornerstone is essential >> See, the cornerstone is essential foundation in which something is built. foundation in which something is built. foundation in which something is built. >> It's located at the base of the >> It's located at the base of the >> It's located at the base of the building. It's the foundation. building. It's the foundation. building. It's the foundation. >> If I can use my sanctified imagination, >> If I can use my sanctified imagination, >> If I can use my sanctified imagination, I believe Jesus was speaking of rejected I believe Jesus was speaking of rejected I believe Jesus was speaking of rejected stones. stones. stones. >> Rewind. Press play. the poor, alienated, >> Rewind. Press play. the poor, alienated, >> Rewind. Press play. the poor, alienated, vulnerable, homeless, those in prison, vulnerable, homeless, those in prison, vulnerable, homeless, those in prison, widows, orphans, hungry, marginalized, widows, orphans, hungry, marginalized, widows, orphans, hungry, marginalized, disenfranchised, foreigners, strangers, disenfranchised, foreigners, strangers, disenfranchised, foreigners, strangers, immigrants. However, when this nation immigrants. However, when this nation immigrants. However, when this nation begins to take care of the least of begins to take care of the least of begins to take care of the least of these, the rejected stones. And when the these, the rejected stones. And when the these, the rejected stones. And when the rejected stones come together, they can rejected stones come together, they can rejected stones come together, they can bring about unity and change. leaders, bring about unity and change. leaders, bring about unity and change. leaders, [applause] [applause] [applause] leaders of our nation use false visions leaders of our nation use false visions leaders of our nation use false visions and lying divinations and they say this and lying divinations and they say this and lying divinations and they say this is what the sovereign Lord says when the is what the sovereign Lord says when the is what the sovereign Lord says when the Lord has not even spoken.

Lord has not even spoken. Lord has not even spoken. >> I've heard it said that rejected stones >> I've heard it said that rejected stones >> I've heard it said that rejected stones make the best cornerstones. make the best cornerstones. make the best cornerstones. >> Now listen now listen. When Moses had >> Now listen now listen. When Moses had >> Now listen now listen. When Moses had been rejected, he got together with his been rejected, he got together with his been rejected, he got together with his people and spread forth that rod and the people and spread forth that rod and the people and spread forth that rod and the sea opened up and Pharaoh and his army sea opened up and Pharaoh and his army sea opened up and Pharaoh and his army drowned. When Esther and her uncle Mori drowned. When Esther and her uncle Mori drowned. When Esther and her uncle Mori came together, they had been rejected in came together, they had been rejected in came together, they had been rejected in the palace. But when Esther said, "I'm the palace. But when Esther said, "I'm the palace. But when Esther said, "I'm going to see the king, and if I perish, going to see the king, and if I perish, going to see the king, and if I perish, I perish." They were able to stop the I perish." They were able to stop the I perish." They were able to stop the plots of destruction against the people. plots of destruction against the people. plots of destruction against the people. When David was overwhelmed by Samuel and When David was overwhelmed by Samuel and When David was overwhelmed by Samuel and his daddy, he came together with his his daddy, he came together with his his daddy, he came together with his rock, his slingshot, and his faith, and rock, his slingshot, and his faith, and rock, his slingshot, and his faith, and Goliath fell. Goliath fell. Goliath fell. >> They tell me that the headline in the >> They tell me that the headline in the >> They tell me that the headline in the Jerusalem Post the next day says, "The Jerusalem Post the next day says, "The Jerusalem Post the next day says, "The bigger they come, the harder they fall." bigger they come, the harder they fall." bigger they come, the harder they fall." When three Hebrew children got together When three Hebrew children got together When three Hebrew children got together way down in the fiery furnace of way down in the fiery furnace of way down in the fiery furnace of Babylon, then God cooled the fire down Babylon, then God cooled the fire down Babylon, then God cooled the fire down and somebody said they saw a fourth and somebody said they saw a fourth and somebody said they saw a fourth person come standing with this right in person come standing with this right in person come standing with this right in the middle of the flame and he looked the middle of the flame and he looked the middle of the flame and he looked like Jesus.

like Jesus. like Jesus. When we are faced with disappointment When we are faced with disappointment When we are faced with disappointment and dissolution and it seems that we and dissolution and it seems that we and dissolution and it seems that we just don't know what to do, I know just don't know what to do, I know just don't know what to do, I know someone who cares for me and you. His someone who cares for me and you. His someone who cares for me and you. His name is Jesus. name is Jesus. name is Jesus. >> I have experienced this person Jesus. >> I have experienced this person Jesus. >> I have experienced this person Jesus. When things seem hopeless, remember When things seem hopeless, remember When things seem hopeless, remember Jesus cares about those hopeless ones. Jesus cares about those hopeless ones. Jesus cares about those hopeless ones. the distressed, the oppressed, the poor, the distressed, the oppressed, the poor, the distressed, the oppressed, the poor, the homeless, the sad, the grieving. He the homeless, the sad, the grieving. He the homeless, the sad, the grieving. He cares for us. Psalm 61:1-4 cares for us. Psalm 61:1-4 cares for us. Psalm 61:1-4 tells us that he does. He It reads, tells us that he does. He It reads, tells us that he does. He It reads, "Hear my cry, oh God. Attend to my "Hear my cry, oh God. Attend to my "Hear my cry, oh God. Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth, I prayer. From the end of the earth, I prayer. From the end of the earth, I will cry to you. When my heart is will cry to you. When my heart is will cry to you. When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a higher than I. For you have been a higher than I. For you have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the shelter for me, a strong tower from the shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in your tabernacle enemy. I will abide in your tabernacle enemy. I will abide in your tabernacle forever. I will trust in the shelter of forever. I will trust in the shelter of forever. I will trust in the shelter of your wings. your wings. your wings. >> Jesus came to see about me when my >> Jesus came to see about me when my >> Jesus came to see about me when my oldest child, the squeeze child oldest child, the squeeze child oldest child, the squeeze child you ever wanted to meet, went home to be you ever wanted to meet, went home to be you ever wanted to meet, went home to be with Jesus as a result of metastatic with Jesus as a result of metastatic with Jesus as a result of metastatic breast cancer. The aggressive kind. You breast cancer. The aggressive kind. You breast cancer. The aggressive kind. You usually last from a year or two.

usually last from a year or two. usually last from a year or two. I was told by the hospice nurse um I was told by the hospice nurse um I was told by the hospice nurse um before her passing that I would be the before her passing that I would be the before her passing that I would be the strongest of them all, whatever that is. strongest of them all, whatever that is. strongest of them all, whatever that is. Of course, I didn't believe Of course, I didn't believe Of course, I didn't believe this hospice this hospice this hospice nurse even though she had seen and nurse even though she had seen and nurse even though she had seen and talked to hundreds talked to hundreds talked to hundreds of people in my situation. of people in my situation. of people in my situation. But as my child went home to be with the But as my child went home to be with the But as my child went home to be with the Lord, she laid practically in my arms Lord, she laid practically in my arms Lord, she laid practically in my arms and I could see and I could feel every and I could see and I could feel every and I could see and I could feel every breath that she took. [snorts] And it was she was breathing [snorts] And it was she was breathing normally [sighs] and each breath it got quieter and and each breath it got quieter and quieter. [snorts] Then I knew that she had gone home to be Then I knew that she had gone home to be with the Lord. One of the most difficult with the Lord. One of the most difficult with the Lord. One of the most difficult times of my life. It just seems times of my life. It just seems times of my life. It just seems unnatural for them to go before us. This unnatural for them to go before us. This unnatural for them to go before us. This seems unnatural. I told her husband who seems unnatural. I told her husband who seems unnatural. I told her husband who was sitting on the other side of the was sitting on the other side of the was sitting on the other side of the bed. I said, "She's gone home to be with bed. I said, "She's gone home to be with bed. I said, "She's gone home to be with the Lord." And he let out a cry that the Lord." And he let out a cry that the Lord." And he let out a cry that from a man that I had never heard from a man that I had never heard from a man that I had never heard before.

before. before. >> It was a scream. >> It was a scream. >> It was a scream. >> But Jesus is a come see about me God. >> But Jesus is a come see about me God. >> But Jesus is a come see about me God. >> [applause] >> And he's always on time. >> And he's always on time. >> He's the on time God. >> He's the on time God. >> He's the on time God. >> Yes, he is. >> Yes, he is. >> Yes, he is. >> Yes, he is. [laughter] >> Yes, he is. [laughter] >> Yes, he is. [laughter] >> He says, "Trust me." >> He says, "Trust me." >> He says, "Trust me." >> Trust in the Lord with all your heart, >> Trust in the Lord with all your heart, >> Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own and lean not unto your own and lean not unto your own understanding. For I know the plans I understanding. For I know the plans I understanding. For I know the plans I have for you, Lily. plans to prosper you have for you, Lily. plans to prosper you have for you, Lily. plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you and not to harm you. Plans to give you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. And we know hope and a future. And we know hope and a future. And we know >> And we know >> And we know >> And we know >> THAT ALL THINGS, NOT SOME THINGS, >> THAT ALL THINGS, NOT SOME THINGS, >> THAT ALL THINGS, NOT SOME THINGS, >> but all things work together >> but all things work together >> but all things work together >> for good >> for good >> for good >> to those that are called according to >> to those that are called according to >> to those that are called according to >> his purpose. God is my refuge and my >> his purpose. God is my refuge and my >> his purpose. God is my refuge and my strength, a very present help in the strength, a very present help in the strength, a very present help in the time of trouble. I will look to the time of trouble. I will look to the time of trouble. I will look to the heels from whence cometh my help. My heels from whence cometh my help. My heels from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord, the maker of help comes from the Lord, the maker of help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. And it is as it is heaven and earth. And it is as it is heaven and earth. And it is as it is written, for your sakes we face death written, for your sakes we face death written, for your sakes we face death all day long. We are considered as sheep all day long. We are considered as sheep all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these to be slaughtered. No, in all these to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors things we are more than conquerors things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am

through him who loved us. For I am through him who loved us. For I am convinced. I am convinced. I am convinced. I am convinced. I am convinced. I am convinced. I am convinced that neither death convinced that neither death convinced that neither death >> nor life, >> nor life, >> nor life, >> nor angels, >> nor angels, >> nor angels, >> nor demons, >> nor demons, >> nor demons, neither the present nor THE FUTURE, NOR neither the present nor THE FUTURE, NOR neither the present nor THE FUTURE, NOR ANY POWERS, neither height nor depth, ANY POWERS, neither height nor depth, ANY POWERS, neither height nor depth, nor anything ELSE IN ALL OF creation nor anything ELSE IN ALL OF creation nor anything ELSE IN ALL OF creation will be able to separate me will be able will be able to separate me will be able will be able to separate me will be able to separate me from the love of to separate me from the love of to separate me from the love of that is in Christ Jesus that is in Christ Jesus that is in Christ Jesus >> our Lord. >> our Lord. >> our Lord. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> As I close, >> As I close, >> As I close, >> Jesus died for me >> Jesus died for me >> Jesus died for me >> and you >> and you >> and you >> on that old rugged cross. >> on that old rugged cross. >> on that old rugged cross. >> The old preachers used to say, "You >> The old preachers used to say, "You >> The old preachers used to say, "You haven't preached until you preach the haven't preached until you preach the haven't preached until you preach the death, burial, and the resurrection of death, burial, and the resurrection of death, burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Jesus Christ." Jesus Christ." So, you ain't preached until you done So, you ain't preached until you done So, you ain't preached until you done that. that. that. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] Greek word for karma. Charisma. Yeah.

Greek word for karma. Charisma. Yeah. Greek word for karma. Charisma. Yeah. Yeah. He ain't preached yet. So we going Yeah. He ain't preached yet. So we going Yeah. He ain't preached yet. So we going to go there right now. Is that okay? to go there right now. Is that okay? to go there right now. Is that okay? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He died for me and YOU Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He died for me and YOU Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He died for me and YOU ON THAT. OH, RUGGED CROSS. YEAH. Satan ON THAT. OH, RUGGED CROSS. YEAH. Satan ON THAT. OH, RUGGED CROSS. YEAH. Satan thought he had won the battle between thought he had won the battle between thought he had won the battle between life and death. BUT JESUS GOT UP. life and death. BUT JESUS GOT UP. life and death. BUT JESUS GOT UP. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> BUT [cheering] >> BUT [cheering] >> BUT [cheering] BEFORE HE GOT UP, THEY WASHED him up to BEFORE HE GOT UP, THEY WASHED him up to BEFORE HE GOT UP, THEY WASHED him up to Calvary. Calvary. Calvary. They hung him high. They hung him high. They hung him high. >> And they stretched him. >> And they stretched him. >> And they stretched him. >> Why? >> Why? >> Why? >> THEY PUT A CROWN of thorns on his head. >> THEY PUT A CROWN of thorns on his head. >> THEY PUT A CROWN of thorns on his head. >> They pierced him in his side. >> They pierced him in his side. >> They pierced him in his side. >> Yes, they did. And the blood, the blood, >> Yes, they did. And the blood, the blood, >> Yes, they did. And the blood, the blood, the blood, the blood, the blood. YOU the blood, the blood, the blood. YOU the blood, the blood, the blood. YOU HEAR PASTOR talk about that all the HEAR PASTOR talk about that all the HEAR PASTOR talk about that all the time. The blood, the blood, the blood, time. The blood, the blood, the blood, time. The blood, the blood, the blood, the blood. The blood. Yeah. It came the blood. The blood. Yeah. It came the blood. The blood. Yeah. It came streaming down. And he never said a streaming down. And he never said a streaming down. And he never said a mumbling word. mumbling word. mumbling word. He died not for himself but for you. Me He died not for himself but for you. Me He died not for himself but for you. Me >> and for you.

>> and for you. >> and for you. >> He died. >> He died. >> He died. He died from the third hour to the ninth He died from the third hour to the ninth He died from the third hour to the ninth hour. hour. hour. >> He died. He died till the sun refused to >> He died. He died till the sun refused to >> He died. He died till the sun refused to shine. shine. shine. >> He died till the earth began to shake. >> He died till the earth began to shake. >> He died till the earth began to shake. >> He died. Didn't he die? >> He died. Didn't he die? >> He died. Didn't he die? >> He died. Didn't he die? He died. Yes. >> He died. Didn't he die? He died. Yes. >> He died. Didn't he die? He died. Yes. Didn't he die? I believe he died. Do you Didn't he die? I believe he died. Do you Didn't he die? I believe he died. Do you believe? He died. He died. He died. He believe? He died. He died. He died. He believe? He died. He died. He died. He died. He died. BUT HE DIDN'T STAY THERE. died. He died. BUT HE DIDN'T STAY THERE. died. He died. BUT HE DIDN'T STAY THERE. [screaming] HE DIED. THANK YOU, JESUS. HE DIED. THANK YOU, JESUS. They laid him to rest in a borrowed tomb They laid him to rest in a borrowed tomb They laid him to rest in a borrowed tomb >> and he stayed there. You know the story. >> and he stayed there. You know the story. >> and he stayed there. You know the story. All day, all night Friday, all day All day, all night Friday, all day All day, all night Friday, all day Saturday. Oh, but early, very, very, Saturday. Oh, but early, very, very, Saturday. Oh, but early, very, very, very, very early in the morning. Yeah. He rose. Yeah. He rose. >> He rose.

>> He rose. >> He rose. >> He rose. >> He rose. >> He rose. >> And he got up with all power >> And he got up with all power >> And he got up with all power >> in his hand. >> in his hand. >> in his hand. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> He lives. >> Christopher said, "Live. Live. Live. >> Christopher said, "Live. Live. Live. >> Christopher said, "Live. Live. Live. Live. Live, [laughter] Live. Live, [laughter] Live. Live, [laughter] live, live, live, live, live. live, live, live, live, live. live, live, live, live, live. >> He lives. He lives. He lives. >> He lives. He lives. He lives. >> He lives. He lives. He lives. >> He lives today. >> He lives today. >> He lives today. >> I don't know about you, but he lives >> I don't know about you, but he lives >> I don't know about you, but he lives today in my heart. today in my heart. today in my heart. >> You asked me how I know he lives. >> You asked me how I know he lives. >> You asked me how I know he lives. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] I know he lives because he lives within I know he lives because he lives within I know he lives because he lives within me. me. me. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He lives Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He lives Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He lives today. He walks with me and he talks today. He walks with me and he talks today. He walks with me and he talks with me along life's narrow way. with me along life's narrow way. with me along life's narrow way. >> And the joy we share as we carry there. >> And the joy we share as we carry there. >> And the joy we share as we carry there. None other has ever known. You ask me None other has ever known. You ask me None other has ever known. You ask me how I know he lives. He lives within my how I know he lives. He lives within my how I know he lives. He lives within my heart.

heart. heart. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Thank you, Jesus. >> Amen. Thank you, Jesus. >> Amen. Thank you, Jesus. [music] >> Well, to God be the glory. >> Well, to God be the glory. >> We have been helped today. >> We have been helped today. >> We have been helped today. >> We have received the ministry of the >> We have received the ministry of the >> We have received the ministry of the word in five powerful [music] word in five powerful [music] word in five powerful [music] and palpable ways. and palpable ways. and palpable ways. Thank you, [applause] Reverend and Thank you, [applause] Reverend and Thank you, [applause] Reverend and Sister Lily, for this final word today. Sister Lily, for this final word today. Sister Lily, for this final word today. We've already begun to do it, but help We've already begun to do it, but help We've already begun to do it, but help me celebrate all five of these me celebrate all five of these me celebrate all five of these proclaimers. proclaimers. proclaimers. [applause] [applause] [applause] Stephanie Adams, Janice Clark, Kyron Stephanie Adams, Janice Clark, Kyron Stephanie Adams, Janice Clark, Kyron Riley, Kendra Snotty, Riley, Kendra Snotty, Riley, Kendra Snotty, Lily Wilson, and celebrate the God they Lily Wilson, and celebrate the God they Lily Wilson, and celebrate the God they preached about.

preached about. preached about. celebrate the Jesus they pointed us to. celebrate the Jesus they pointed us to. celebrate the Jesus they pointed us to. Come on and thank God for the good news Come on and thank God for the good news Come on and thank God for the good news that we have received on this Lord's that we have received on this Lord's that we have received on this Lord's day. Come on. day. Come on. day. Come on. >> I want to [music] live so >> I want to [music] live so >> I want to [music] live so >> God can use me. >> God can use me. >> God can use me. >> God can use me >> God can use me >> God can use me >> anywhere. >> anywhere. >> anywhere. >> Anywhere. >> Anywhere. >> Anywhere. >> Anytime. >> Anytime. >> Anytime. >> Anytime. [music] >> Anytime. [music] >> Anytime. [music] >> I want to live. So, >> I want to live. So, >> I want to live. So, >> oh, I want to live so >> oh, I want to live so >> oh, I want to live so >> God can use me. >> God can use me. >> God can use me. >> God can use me >> God can use me >> God can use me >> anywhere. Anywhere, [music] >> anywhere. Anywhere, [music] >> anywhere. Anywhere, [music] >> anytime, anytime. >> anytime, anytime. >> anytime, anytime. Oh, I know what Oh, I know what Oh, I know what >> God can use. God can [music] use me >> God can use. God can [music] use me >> God can use. God can [music] use me >> anywhere. Anywhere, Lord. >> anywhere. Anywhere, Lord. >> anywhere. Anywhere, Lord. >> Anytime. Anytime. Yes, I do. I want to >> Anytime. Anytime. Yes, I do. I want to >> Anytime. Anytime. Yes, I do. I want to walk. So lucky. God can use me walk. So lucky. God can use me walk. So lucky. God can use me anywhere. [music] Any time. Any time. Oh, I want to talk so [music] much. God Oh, I want to talk so [music] much. God Oh, I want to talk so [music] much. God can use me anywhere. Anywhere, Lord.

can use me anywhere. Anywhere, Lord. can use me anywhere. Anywhere, Lord. Any time. Yes, I do. I want to talk. So Any time. Yes, I do. I want to talk. So Any time. Yes, I do. I want to talk. So God can use [music] me God can use [music] me God can use [music] me >> anywhere. >> anywhere. >> anywhere. >> Oh, anywhere >> Oh, anywhere >> Oh, anywhere Lord, Lord, Lord, anytime. anytime. anytime. Oh, I want to live. [music] Oh, I want to live. [music] Oh, I want to live. [music] God can use me anywhere. Anywhere, Lord, God can use me anywhere. Anywhere, Lord, God can use me anywhere. Anywhere, Lord, [music] and any time. Yes, I do. [music] and any time. Yes, I do. [music] and any time. Yes, I do. [singing] I want to live. So [singing] I want to live. So [singing] I want to live. So >> God kiss you. >> God kiss you. >> God kiss you. >> God can use me >> God can use me >> God can use me anywhere anywhere anywhere [music] [music] [music] any time. any time. any time. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> I want to [music] preach. So >> I want to [music] preach. So >> I want to [music] preach. So >> God can use anywhere. >> God can use anywhere. >> God can use anywhere. >> Anywhere [music] I want to preach. So I want to preach. So God can use [music] God can use [music] God can use [music] me oh anywhere. Lord me oh anywhere. Lord me oh anywhere. Lord one more. I want to live. I want to one more. I want to live. I want to one more. I want to live. I want to live. So [music] God can use God can use live. So [music] God can use God can use live. So [music] God can use God can use me.

me. me. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Anywhere [music] >> and any time. Yes I do. I want to live >> and any time. Yes I do. I want to live so so so >> God can use me >> God can use me >> God can use me >> that can use me >> that can use me >> that can use me anywhere anywhere anywhere Lord Lord Lord [music] and any time [music] and any time [music] and any time that's your testimony. Seal it with a that's your testimony. Seal it with a that's your testimony. Seal it with a [music] praise on a Saturday afternoon. [music] praise on a Saturday afternoon. [music] praise on a Saturday afternoon. Seal it with a praise on this Saturday Seal it with a praise on this Saturday Seal it with a praise on this Saturday afternoon. Thank you Jesus. you may be afternoon. Thank you Jesus. you may be afternoon. Thank you Jesus. you may be seated in the presence of the Lord. seated in the presence of the Lord. seated in the presence of the Lord. One of the wonderful things of One of the wonderful things of One of the wonderful things of these experiences, not just the these experiences, not just the these experiences, not just the reception of the word, but likewise our reception of the word, but likewise our reception of the word, but likewise our response to it. response to it. response to it. I don't want to [music] take for granted I don't want to [music] take for granted I don't want to [music] take for granted that everyone in the church house has a that everyone in the church house has a that everyone in the church house has a relationship with the Lord Jesus, is relationship with the Lord Jesus, is relationship with the Lord Jesus, is saved, and as a member of a congregation saved, and as a member of a congregation saved, and as a member of a congregation where you're growing and maturing. So where you're growing and maturing. So where you're growing and maturing. So just in case [music] there's one or two just in case [music] there's one or two just in case [music] there's one or two or three or four among us who has not or three or four among us who has not or three or four among us who has not yet accepted Jesus Christ as personal yet accepted Jesus Christ as personal yet accepted Jesus Christ as personal savior, just in case there's somebody savior, just in case there's somebody savior, just in case there's somebody here who needs to join the church of the here who needs to join the church of the here who needs to join the church of the Lord Jesus Christ and be a part of the Lord Jesus Christ and be a part of the Lord Jesus Christ and be a part of the family of Wheeler Avenue family of Wheeler Avenue family of Wheeler Avenue door. My father's house is open to you door. My father's house is open to you door. My father's house is open to you right now. My sister, my brother, right now. My sister, my brother, right now. My sister, my brother, whosoever will let her come. Let him whosoever will let her come. Let him whosoever will let her come. Let him [music] come. I see one coming. And I [music] come. I see one coming. And I [music] come. I see one coming. And I thank God for it even now.

thank God for it even now. thank God for it even now. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Yes, please. [music and applause] Yes. Yes, please. [music and applause] Yes. Yes, please. [music and applause] Yes. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, [music] Lord. Thank you, [music] Lord. Thank you, [music] Lord. The church ought be rejoicing right The church ought be rejoicing right The church ought be rejoicing right here. [applause] here. [applause] here. [applause] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank God for her response to the word Thank God for her response to the word Thank God for her response to the word of God. of God. of God. Maybe there's another Maybe there's Maybe there's another Maybe there's Maybe there's another Maybe there's [music] another who needs to respond to [music] another who needs to respond to [music] another who needs to respond to the word of God. Say, "Pastor, I need to the word of God. Say, "Pastor, I need to the word of God. Say, "Pastor, I need to be saved. Pastor, I need a church home be saved. Pastor, I need a church home be saved. Pastor, I need a church home where I can grow and develop and mature where I can grow and develop and mature where I can grow and develop and mature and become the Christian that these five and become the Christian that these five and become the Christian that these five preachers have told me [music] I need to preachers have told me [music] I need to preachers have told me [music] I need to become." If that's you, my dear one, become." If that's you, my dear one, become." If that's you, my dear one, come. Even now, as our sister [music] come. Even now, as our sister [music] come. Even now, as our sister [music] has come, so too should you come. Is has come, so too should you come. Is has come, so too should you come. Is there another? Are there others who need there another? Are there others who need there another? Are there others who need to come this afternoon? to come this afternoon? to come this afternoon? If you're saved and [music] you know If you're saved and [music] you know If you're saved and [music] you know you're saved, somebody say, "Amen." you're saved, somebody say, "Amen." you're saved, somebody say, "Amen." Amen. Amen. Amen. >> If you're a member of a church and >> If you're a member of a church and >> If you're a member of a church and you're growing where you're going, will you're growing where you're going, will you're growing where you're going, will you say [music] praise the Lord?

you say [music] praise the Lord? you say [music] praise the Lord? >> Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. >> If you could not say either amen or >> If you could not say either amen or >> If you could not say either amen or praise the Lord and you know you need to praise the Lord and you know you need to praise the Lord and you know you need to respond today, I invite you right now. respond today, I invite you right now. respond today, I invite you right now. [music] [music] [music] Today, just come right now. Today, just Today, just come right now. Today, just Today, just come right now. Today, just come. Is there another? come. Is there another? come. Is there another? >> Is there another? >> Is there another? >> Is there another? Help me celebrate this response Help me celebrate this response Help me celebrate this response to the word of God this Saturday to the word of God this Saturday to the word of God this Saturday afternoon. afternoon. afternoon. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. [applause] Amen. [applause] Amen. [applause] Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Sis, tell me your name. Please tell me >> Sis, tell me your name. Please tell me >> Sis, tell me your name. Please tell me your name. your name. your name. >> My name >> My name >> My name >> Trice Edwards. My dear sister, on behalf >> Trice Edwards. My dear sister, on behalf >> Trice Edwards. My dear sister, on behalf of this entire congregation, we warmly of this entire congregation, we warmly of this entire congregation, we warmly welcome you to your new church home. welcome you to your new church home. welcome you to your new church home. We're so grateful [applause] that the We're so grateful [applause] that the We're so grateful [applause] that the Lord has led you to us and that we now Lord has led you to us and that we now Lord has led you to us and that we now have the opportunity of being your have the opportunity of being your have the opportunity of being your sisters and brothers here at the Wheeler sisters and brothers here at the Wheeler sisters and brothers here at the Wheeler Avenue Church and the body of Christ Avenue Church and the body of Christ Avenue Church and the body of Christ worldwide. So on behalf of all of us, worldwide. So on behalf of all of us, worldwide. So on behalf of all of us, [music] we say to you, Sister Tase, [music] we say to you, Sister Tase, [music] we say to you, Sister Tase, welcome to Wheeler Avenue. We're glad welcome to Wheeler Avenue. We're glad welcome to Wheeler Avenue. We're glad that you're here. Let me hug you.

that you're here. Let me hug you. that you're here. Let me hug you. [music] [music] [music] [applause] [applause] [applause] God bless you. That's Reverend Dr. Piles God bless you. That's Reverend Dr. Piles God bless you. That's Reverend Dr. Piles right there. That's Reverend Bascolone. right there. That's Reverend Bascolone. right there. That's Reverend Bascolone. Will you walk with these precious women Will you walk with these precious women Will you walk with these precious women of God? They're going to share some of God? They're going to share some of God? They're going to share some information with you and um and we're information with you and um and we're information with you and um and we're going to celebrate your presence among going to celebrate your presence among going to celebrate your presence among us at New Life in this congregation. us at New Life in this congregation. us at New Life in this congregation. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] [applause] Praise the Lord. Praise the [applause] Praise the Lord. Praise the [applause] Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Lord. Lord. Yeah. We never take for granted that Yeah. We never take for granted that Yeah. We never take for granted that everybody in the house is saved and a everybody in the house is saved and a everybody in the house is saved and a member of the congregation. It doesn't member of the congregation. It doesn't member of the congregation. It doesn't matter what the service is. [music] matter what the service is. [music] matter what the service is. [music] Aren't you glad she she responded to the Aren't you glad she she responded to the Aren't you glad she she responded to the invitation? this afternoon. Amen. invitation? this afternoon. Amen. invitation? this afternoon. Amen. [applause] Amen. [music] [applause] Amen. [music] [applause] Amen. [music] Now, we have one more piece of work that Now, we have one more piece of work that Now, we have one more piece of work that we must do in these next few moments. It we must do in these next few moments. It we must do in these next few moments. It is the traditional work of the church, is the traditional work of the church, is the traditional work of the church, the Baptist church, this church, that we the Baptist church, this church, that we the Baptist church, this church, that we present [music] to these who have present [music] to these who have present [music] to these who have acknowledged and um and given voice to acknowledged and um and given voice to acknowledged and um and given voice to the call of God on their lives. And we the call of God on their lives. And we the call of God on their lives. And we present them with a document that uh present them with a document that uh present them with a document that uh that makes it official. Amen. Makes it that makes it official. Amen. Makes it that makes it official. Amen. Makes it official. [applause and music] official. [applause and music] official. [applause and music] Yeah.

Our executive pastor comes again now to Our executive pastor comes again now to make it official. Receive him as [music] make it official. Receive him as [music] make it official. Receive him as [music] he comes. Zach jump. This reads certificate of license to This reads certificate of license to certify. This is to certify Sister certify. This is to certify Sister certify. This is to certify Sister Stephanie Adams, who has given evidence Stephanie Adams, who has given evidence Stephanie Adams, who has given evidence that God has called her into the gospel that God has called her into the gospel that God has called her into the gospel ministry, was licensed to preach the ministry, was licensed to preach the ministry, was licensed to preach the gospel as she may have opportunity, and gospel as she may have opportunity, and gospel as she may have opportunity, and to exercise her gifts in the work of to exercise her gifts in the work of to exercise her gifts in the work of ministry by Wheeler Avenue Baptist ministry by Wheeler Avenue Baptist ministry by Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Houston, Texas, on the 25th day Church, Houston, Texas, on the 25th day Church, Houston, Texas, on the 25th day of July, 2026. Signed by Dr. Marcus D. of July, 2026. Signed by Dr. Marcus D. of July, 2026. Signed by Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, senior pastor. [applause] Certificate of license. This is to Certificate of license. This is to certify Sister Janice Clark was given certify Sister Janice Clark was given certify Sister Janice Clark was given the evidence that God has called her the evidence that God has called her the evidence that God has called her into the gospel ministry was licensed to into the gospel ministry was licensed to into the gospel ministry was licensed to preach the gospel as she may have preach the gospel as she may have preach the gospel as she may have opportunity and to exercise her gifts in opportunity and to exercise her gifts in opportunity and to exercise her gifts in the work of ministry by Wheeler Avenue the work of ministry by Wheeler Avenue the work of ministry by Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church of Houston, Texas on the Baptist Church of Houston, Texas on the Baptist Church of Houston, Texas on the 25th day of July 2026. Signed again by 25th day of July 2026. Signed again by 25th day of July 2026. Signed again by Dr. Demarcus D. Cosby, senior pastor.

Dr. Demarcus D. Cosby, senior pastor. Dr. Demarcus D. Cosby, senior pastor. [applause] >> Certificate of license. This is to >> Certificate of license. This is to certify whether Kiron Riley who has certify whether Kiron Riley who has certify whether Kiron Riley who has given evidence that God has called him given evidence that God has called him given evidence that God has called him into the gospel ministry was licensed to into the gospel ministry was licensed to into the gospel ministry was licensed to preach the gospel as he may have preach the gospel as he may have preach the gospel as he may have opportunity and to exercise his gifts in opportunity and to exercise his gifts in opportunity and to exercise his gifts in the work of ministry by Wheeler Avenue the work of ministry by Wheeler Avenue the work of ministry by Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church of Houston, Texas on this Baptist Church of Houston, Texas on this Baptist Church of Houston, Texas on this day of July 25th, 2026 signed by Dr. day of July 25th, 2026 signed by Dr. day of July 25th, 2026 signed by Dr. Marcus D. Cosby. [applause] Certificate of license. This is to Certificate of license. This is to certify Sister Kendra Snotty, who has certify Sister Kendra Snotty, who has certify Sister Kendra Snotty, who has given evidence that God has called her given evidence that God has called her given evidence that God has called her into the gospel ministry, was licensed into the gospel ministry, was licensed into the gospel ministry, was licensed to preach as she may have opportunity, to preach as she may have opportunity, to preach as she may have opportunity, and to exercise her gifts in the work of and to exercise her gifts in the work of and to exercise her gifts in the work of ministry by Wheeler Avenue Baptist ministry by Wheeler Avenue Baptist ministry by Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church of Houston, Texas. Signed on this Church of Houston, Texas. Signed on this Church of Houston, Texas. Signed on this 25th day of July, 2026. Signed by the 25th day of July, 2026. Signed by the 25th day of July, 2026. Signed by the Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, senior pastor.

Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, senior pastor. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, senior pastor. [applause] You can imagine what this rate You can imagine what this rate certificate of license. This is to certificate of license. This is to certificate of license. This is to certify Sister Lily Wilson who has given certify Sister Lily Wilson who has given certify Sister Lily Wilson who has given evidence that God has called her into evidence that God has called her into evidence that God has called her into the ministry the gospel ministry was the ministry the gospel ministry was the ministry the gospel ministry was licensed to preach the gospel as she may licensed to preach the gospel as she may licensed to preach the gospel as she may have opportunity and to exercise her have opportunity and to exercise her have opportunity and to exercise her gifts in the work of ministry by Wheeler gifts in the work of ministry by Wheeler gifts in the work of ministry by Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Houston, Texas on Avenue Baptist Church Houston, Texas on Avenue Baptist Church Houston, Texas on the 25th day of July 2026. Signed by the the 25th day of July 2026. Signed by the the 25th day of July 2026. Signed by the Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, senior Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, senior Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, senior pastor. [applause] >> The preaching cohort of 2026. >> The preaching cohort of 2026. We thank God for these five We thank God for these five We thank God for these five on this Lord's day. Amen. on this Lord's day. Amen. on this Lord's day. Amen. [applause and music] [applause and music] [applause and music] Amen. You see a sea of sisters and brothers to You see a sea of sisters and brothers to my left, but they are not the only ones my left, but they are not the only ones my left, but they are not the only ones who comprise the clergy team of Wheeler who comprise the clergy team of Wheeler who comprise the clergy team of Wheeler Avenue. Many of us are standing. All Avenue. Many of us are standing. All Avenue. Many of us are standing. All those who are clergy team members, raise those who are clergy team members, raise those who are clergy team members, raise your hand so everybody can see all of your hand so everybody can see all of your hand so everybody can see all of our preachers all around the church our preachers all around the church our preachers all around the church today. God bless you. Women of God, men today. God bless you. Women of God, men today. God bless you. Women of God, men of God, of God, of God, listen, we've come to the conclusion of listen, we've come to the conclusion of listen, we've come to the conclusion of our time together. And we know that our time together. And we know that our time together. And we know that there are family members of each of there are family members of each of there are family members of each of these, friends, loved ones of each of these, friends, loved ones of each of these, friends, loved ones of each of these who have come to be with them these who have come to be with them these who have come to be with them today. I'm going to ask all of today. I'm going to ask all of today. I'm going to ask all of Stephanie's folk to just wave your hand

Stephanie's folk to just wave your hand Stephanie's folk to just wave your hand at me. Let me see Stephanie's people. at me. Let me see Stephanie's people. at me. Let me see Stephanie's people. Hey y'all. Good to see you. All of Hey y'all. Good to see you. All of Hey y'all. Good to see you. All of Janice's people. Let me see you. Her Janice's people. Let me see you. Her Janice's people. Let me see you. Her husband right there. Hey y'all. Good to husband right there. Hey y'all. Good to husband right there. Hey y'all. Good to see you. Where Kendra's folk? Kindred's see you. Where Kendra's folk? Kindred's see you. Where Kendra's folk? Kindred's f Hey. [music] f Hey. [music] f Hey. [music] All right. All right. Where Lily's All right. All right. Where Lily's All right. All right. Where Lily's people? Lily's people. There they are. people? Lily's people. There they are. people? Lily's people. There they are. God bless you. We're Kirn's folk, Kyra. God bless you. We're Kirn's folk, Kyra. God bless you. We're Kirn's folk, Kyra. All right. Praise God for all of you. All right. Praise God for all of you. All right. Praise God for all of you. Feel free to take as many pictures and Feel free to take as many pictures and Feel free to take as many pictures and fellowship with one another as much as fellowship with one another as much as fellowship with one another as much as you need to. Uh the church campus closes you need to. Uh the church campus closes you need to. Uh the church campus closes at 2, so please leave from the sanctuary at 2, so please leave from the sanctuary at 2, so please leave from the sanctuary by 1:30, so you can get to your car and by 1:30, so you can get to your car and by 1:30, so you can get to your car and slow walk. You can get to your car by slow walk. You can get to your car by slow walk. You can get to your car by 1:45 and you can be out of the third 1:45 and you can be out of the third 1:45 and you can be out of the third ward by 159. Amen. We want to do that so ward by 159. Amen. We want to do that so ward by 159. Amen. We want to do that so we can prepare for for tomorrow morning. we can prepare for for tomorrow morning. we can prepare for for tomorrow morning. Our church leaders, our our campus um Our church leaders, our our campus um Our church leaders, our our campus um facilitators need to make sure they take facilitators need to make sure they take facilitators need to make sure they take [music] care of the Lord's house to get [music] care of the Lord's house to get [music] care of the Lord's house to get it ready for worship tomorrow. Um the it ready for worship tomorrow. Um the it ready for worship tomorrow. Um the Reverend Gwen Pierre is in church today.

Reverend Gwen Pierre is in church today. Reverend Gwen Pierre is in church today. I got to celebrate her. Amen. I got to celebrate her. Amen. I got to celebrate her. Amen. >> [applause and music] >> [applause and music] >> [applause and music] >> Precious woman of God. Precious woman of >> Precious woman of God. Precious woman of >> Precious woman of God. Precious woman of God. [applause and music] God. [applause and music] God. [applause and music] We're celebrating. She's been quite ill We're celebrating. She's been quite ill We're celebrating. She's been quite ill for a few months. Hasn't been at church, for a few months. Hasn't been at church, for a few months. Hasn't been at church, [music] but she's a praying woman. She's [music] but she's a praying woman. She's [music] but she's a praying woman. She's a preaching woman. She's a faithful a preaching woman. She's a faithful a preaching woman. She's a faithful woman, a trusting woman. And she came to woman, a trusting woman. And she came to woman, a trusting woman. And she came to church today. And I'm so glad you're church today. And I'm so glad you're church today. And I'm so glad you're here, sis. [music] So glad that you're here, sis. [music] So glad that you're here, sis. [music] So glad that you're here. To God be the glory for your here. To God be the glory for your here. To God be the glory for your presence in this place [music] today. presence in this place [music] today. presence in this place [music] today. Keep the Reverend Pierre in your Keep the Reverend Pierre in your Keep the Reverend Pierre in your prayers. She's been preaching this prayers. She's been preaching this prayers. She's been preaching this glorious gospel, I believe, for 50 years glorious gospel, I believe, for 50 years glorious gospel, I believe, for 50 years or more. How long you been preaching or more. How long you been preaching or more. How long you been preaching that? Something like that. that? Something like that. that? Something like that. >> 51 years. Excuse me. Let me not take >> 51 years. Excuse me. Let me not take >> 51 years. Excuse me. Let me not take away that one year. Preaching the gospel away that one year. Preaching the gospel away that one year. Preaching the gospel for 51 years. We thank God for her. The for 51 years. We thank God for her. The for 51 years. We thank God for her. The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and Lord make his face to shine upon you and Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious [music] unto you. Lord lift be gracious [music] unto you. Lord lift be gracious [music] unto you. Lord lift the light of his countenance upon you the light of his countenance upon you the light of his countenance upon you and give you his peace today, tomorrow, and give you his peace today, tomorrow, and give you his peace today, tomorrow, and forever all the days of your lives and forever all the days of your lives and forever all the days of your lives in Jesus name. [clears throat and music] in Jesus name. [clears throat and music] in Jesus name. [clears throat and music] Amen. God bless you. Have a great rest Amen. God bless you. Have a great rest Amen. God bless you. Have a great rest of this Saturday. [music] Come make sure of this Saturday. [music] Come make sure of this Saturday. [music] Come make sure that you love on these five or at least that you love on these five or at least that you love on these five or at least the one you know and uh and take the one you know and uh and take the one you know and uh and take whatever [music] pictures and celebrate whatever [music] pictures and celebrate whatever [music] pictures and celebrate them in whichever ways you're led. Thank them in whichever ways you're led. Thank them in whichever ways you're led. Thank you so much for being with us this you so much for being with us this you so much for being with us this [music] Lord's day.

>> I [music] am depending on you Lord. >> I [music] am depending on you Lord. depending on you. depending on you. depending on you. >> I am depending on you, Lord. >> I am depending on you, Lord. >> I am depending on you, Lord. >> Depending on you, >> Depending on you, >> Depending on you, >> depending Lord, I'm depending >> depending Lord, I'm depending >> depending Lord, I'm depending on Lord. on Lord. on Lord. [music] Oh Lord, oh Lord. oh Lord. Oh Lord, Oh Lord, Oh Lord, oh Lord. oh Lord. oh Lord. I am.