Willow Welcomes | Jud Wilhite

Hey, Willow. This weekend is a really Hey, Willow. This weekend is a really special one because one of my favorite special one because one of my favorite special one because one of my favorite people on planet Earth is here to teach people on planet Earth is here to teach people on planet Earth is here to teach for us here at Willow. My for us here at Willow. My for us here at Willow. My brother-in-law, Jud will height. Now, brother-in-law, Jud will height. Now, brother-in-law, Jud will height. Now, I've known Jud for over 30 years. He's I've known Jud for over 30 years. He's I've known Jud for over 30 years. He's been a mentor, a friend, someone who been a mentor, a friend, someone who been a mentor, a friend, someone who consistently points me back to Jesus. consistently points me back to Jesus. consistently points me back to Jesus. Here's a fun fact about Jud. When Gene Here's a fun fact about Jud. When Gene Here's a fun fact about Jud. When Gene Apple left Las Vegas to come here to Apple left Las Vegas to come here to Apple left Las Vegas to come here to Willow in 2003, Jud stepped in as Willow in 2003, Jud stepped in as Willow in 2003, Jud stepped in as [music] lead pastor at Central Church in [music] lead pastor at Central Church in [music] lead pastor at Central Church in Las Vegas. has been leading for the past Las Vegas. has been leading for the past Las Vegas. has been leading for the past couple decades. And you know, and over couple decades. And you know, and over couple decades. And you know, and over those last two decades, I've had the those last two decades, I've had the those last two decades, I've had the privilege of watching God [music] use privilege of watching God [music] use privilege of watching God [music] use him in incredible ways as that church him in incredible ways as that church him in incredible ways as that church has grown to reach people across has grown to reach people across has grown to reach people across multiple states [music] and even around multiple states [music] and even around multiple states [music] and even around the world. But here's what I love most the world. But here's what I love most the world. But here's what I love most about Jud. Uh before he was a pastor, he about Jud. Uh before he was a pastor, he about Jud. Uh before he was a pastor, he was just a guy whose life was was just a guy whose life was was just a guy whose life was transformed by the grace [music] of transformed by the grace [music] of transformed by the grace [music] of Jesus. And he'll tell you, he's just a Jesus. And he'll tell you, he's just a Jesus. And he'll tell you, he's just a grace guy. And if you've ever heard him grace guy. And if you've ever heard him grace guy. And if you've ever heard him teach, you [music] know exactly what teach, you [music] know exactly what teach, you [music] know exactly what that means. uh he has this incredible that means. uh he has this incredible that means. uh he has this incredible way of opening God's word in kind of an way of opening God's word in kind of an way of opening God's word in kind of an honest, hopeful, practical way that is honest, hopeful, practical way that is honest, hopeful, practical way that is just full [music] of grace. So, Willow, just full [music] of grace. So, Willow, just full [music] of grace. So, Willow, would you give a very warm welcome to my would you give a very warm welcome to my would you give a very warm welcome to my friend, my mentor, [music] friend, my mentor, [music] friend, my mentor, [music] my brother-in-law, Jud Will height?

All right. All right. Willow Creek All right. All right. Willow Creek Community Church. What a joy to be here. Community Church. What a joy to be here. Community Church. What a joy to be here. Ah, we have had a great morning so far Ah, we have had a great morning so far Ah, we have had a great morning so far and I'm so honored to be with you today. and I'm so honored to be with you today. and I'm so honored to be with you today. This church has had a huge impact on This church has had a huge impact on This church has had a huge impact on myself, on my wife, on our church and um myself, on my wife, on our church and um myself, on my wife, on our church and um so we're very indebted to you and I got so we're very indebted to you and I got so we're very indebted to you and I got to be a part of the global leadership to be a part of the global leadership to be a part of the global leadership summit attending uh the last couple of summit attending uh the last couple of summit attending uh the last couple of days and [applause] days and [applause] days and [applause] the the the summit was amazing. But I the the the summit was amazing. But I the the the summit was amazing. But I told Pastor Sean, I said truly like the told Pastor Sean, I said truly like the told Pastor Sean, I said truly like the thing that blew my mind the most was the thing that blew my mind the most was the thing that blew my mind the most was the staff and volunteers of Willow Creek and staff and volunteers of Willow Creek and staff and volunteers of Willow Creek and how kind they were, how they went above how kind they were, how they went above how kind they were, how they went above and beyond for people. Such incredible and beyond for people. Such incredible and beyond for people. Such incredible servants hearts and so um well done servants hearts and so um well done servants hearts and so um well done Willow and thank you for who you are. I Willow and thank you for who you are. I Willow and thank you for who you are. I love your pastor uh Sean. Um I now I love your pastor uh Sean. Um I now I love your pastor uh Sean. Um I now I have known him a very very very long have known him a very very very long have known him a very very very long time. I took him to seventh grade camp. time. I took him to seventh grade camp. time. I took him to seventh grade camp. So, um I'll be available, you know, So, um I'll be available, you know, So, um I'll be available, you know, around after service. Anything you around after service. Anything you around after service. Anything you really want to know, I'm your guy. Just really want to know, I'm your guy. Just really want to know, I'm your guy. Just find me and I'll tell you, I'll give you find me and I'll tell you, I'll give you find me and I'll tell you, I'll give you all the dirt. But, um no, you know, Sean all the dirt. But, um no, you know, Sean all the dirt. But, um no, you know, Sean is exactly who you think he is. Uh what is exactly who you think he is. Uh what is exactly who you think he is. Uh what you see on the platform is who he is off you see on the platform is who he is off you see on the platform is who he is off the platform. Tremendous servants heart.

the platform. Tremendous servants heart. the platform. Tremendous servants heart. Um humble, kind, but uh but also Um humble, kind, but uh but also Um humble, kind, but uh but also courageous and tough and smart. And I've courageous and tough and smart. And I've courageous and tough and smart. And I've seen him grow into all of these amazing seen him grow into all of these amazing seen him grow into all of these amazing leadership gifts over the years. And I leadership gifts over the years. And I leadership gifts over the years. And I hope you know how blessed you are, hope you know how blessed you are, hope you know how blessed you are, Willow Creek, uh to be under Pastor Willow Creek, uh to be under Pastor Willow Creek, uh to be under Pastor Sha's leadership. [applause] Well, I bring you greetings from Las Well, I bring you greetings from Las Vegas. Uh there are churches and Vegas. Uh there are churches and Vegas. Uh there are churches and Christians in Las Vegas. We should Christians in Las Vegas. We should Christians in Las Vegas. We should probably start there for some of you. Um probably start there for some of you. Um probably start there for some of you. Um just like everywhere else, mostly except just like everywhere else, mostly except just like everywhere else, mostly except for when it's not. Uh, I remember when for when it's not. Uh, I remember when for when it's not. Uh, I remember when my kids were when our kids were little. my kids were when our kids were little. my kids were when our kids were little. Um, we pulled up to a stop sign and at Um, we pulled up to a stop sign and at Um, we pulled up to a stop sign and at the stop sign there was a billboard. On the stop sign there was a billboard. On the stop sign there was a billboard. On the billboard were four or five ladies the billboard were four or five ladies the billboard were four or five ladies and it was like their backsiz. They they and it was like their backsiz. They they and it was like their backsiz. They they they were barebacked. They had bikini they were barebacked. They had bikini they were barebacked. They had bikini bottoms on. You just saw their hair. And bottoms on. You just saw their hair. And bottoms on. You just saw their hair. And um my son was still in a car seat at the um my son was still in a car seat at the um my son was still in a car seat at the time from the back seat. He was in this time from the back seat. He was in this time from the back seat. He was in this whole season of like what's your whole season of like what's your whole season of like what's your favorite thing? What's your favorite favorite thing? What's your favorite favorite thing? What's your favorite color? What's your favorite, you know, color? What's your favorite, you know, color? What's your favorite, you know, whatever. And we hear him say to his whatever. And we hear him say to his whatever. And we hear him say to his sister Emma, "Emma, who's your favorite sister Emma, "Emma, who's your favorite sister Emma, "Emma, who's your favorite naked girl?

naked girl? naked girl? He says, 'I like the one with brown He says, 'I like the one with brown He says, 'I like the one with brown hair. And I remember like all the air hair. And I remember like all the air hair. And I remember like all the air just sucked out of our car and we just sucked out of our car and we just sucked out of our car and we thought, "What are we doing raising our thought, "What are we doing raising our thought, "What are we doing raising our kids in this god-forsaken place?" kids in this god-forsaken place?" kids in this god-forsaken place?" But uh but we we we love it. You know, But uh but we we we love it. You know, But uh but we we we love it. You know, we've been there now. Um this this year we've been there now. Um this this year we've been there now. Um this this year we'll start our 24th year uh serving in we'll start our 24th year uh serving in we'll start our 24th year uh serving in Las Vegas. And it's been a dream and an Las Vegas. And it's been a dream and an Las Vegas. And it's been a dream and an honor for us to do that [applause] honor for us to do that [applause] honor for us to do that [applause] by the grace of God. But I want to talk by the grace of God. But I want to talk by the grace of God. But I want to talk to you today about something I think we to you today about something I think we to you today about something I think we all have some experience in. And that is all have some experience in. And that is all have some experience in. And that is seasons that are hard or difficult. seasons that are hard or difficult. seasons that are hard or difficult. Seasons we might call being stuck in the Seasons we might call being stuck in the Seasons we might call being stuck in the middle. You ever felt like you're just middle. You ever felt like you're just middle. You ever felt like you're just stuck in the middle? You're stuck in the stuck in the middle? You're stuck in the stuck in the middle? You're stuck in the middle between a hard situation. You're middle between a hard situation. You're middle between a hard situation. You're stuck in the middle in a, you know, in a stuck in the middle in a, you know, in a stuck in the middle in a, you know, in a tough moment. I I I it's kind of like um tough moment. I I I it's kind of like um tough moment. I I I it's kind of like um I remember not too long ago I flew on a I remember not too long ago I flew on a I remember not too long ago I flew on a Southwest flight and uh Southwest Southwest flight and uh Southwest Southwest flight and uh Southwest Airlines. This was before they changed Airlines. This was before they changed Airlines. This was before they changed their seating policy because back then their seating policy because back then their seating policy because back then they were like a school bus with wings, they were like a school bus with wings, they were like a school bus with wings, right? Like you it was open seating. You right? Like you it was open seating. You right? Like you it was open seating. You was kind of like you're you're on your was kind of like you're you're on your was kind of like you're you're on your own. You get on the plane, you just had own. You get on the plane, you just had own. You get on the plane, you just had to like try to find the best seat you to like try to find the best seat you to like try to find the best seat you could. And I grew up riding a school bus could. And I grew up riding a school bus could. And I grew up riding a school bus to school every day. Anybody? Any any to school every day. Anybody? Any any to school every day. Anybody? Any any school bus people? Any school bus school bus people? Any school bus school bus people? Any school bus people? A few of you, man. School bus people? A few of you, man. School bus people? A few of you, man. School bus that was like an alternate universe, you that was like an alternate universe, you that was like an alternate universe, you know? Like I got bullied on the school know? Like I got bullied on the school know? Like I got bullied on the school bus. I got in fights on the school bus.

bus. I got in fights on the school bus. bus. I got in fights on the school bus. I pierced my ear on the school bus. like I pierced my ear on the school bus. like I pierced my ear on the school bus. like I you know I some somewhere along the I you know I some somewhere along the I you know I some somewhere along the way my parents wouldn't let me pierce my way my parents wouldn't let me pierce my way my parents wouldn't let me pierce my ear in middle school and I'm like all ear in middle school and I'm like all ear in middle school and I'm like all right so I brought a needle and I had right so I brought a needle and I had right so I brought a needle and I had some ice and I got my bros and we all some ice and I got my bros and we all some ice and I got my bros and we all went to the back of the bus and as the went to the back of the bus and as the went to the back of the bus and as the bus is bouncing along it's like just do bus is bouncing along it's like just do bus is bouncing along it's like just do it do it you know boom they'd stick it it do it you know boom they'd stick it it do it you know boom they'd stick it and they missed and then they did it and they missed and then they did it and they missed and then they did it again there was blood pain it was bad it again there was blood pain it was bad it again there was blood pain it was bad it was bad but the worst part about the was bad but the worst part about the was bad but the worst part about the about riding the school bus is when you about riding the school bus is when you about riding the school bus is when you get on and the bus is full and like you get on and the bus is full and like you get on and the bus is full and like you have to do the walk of shame and just have to do the walk of shame and just have to do the walk of shame and just hope somebody let you sit beside them. hope somebody let you sit beside them. hope somebody let you sit beside them. And that's what this Southwest flight And that's what this Southwest flight And that's what this Southwest flight felt like. It was open seating, but felt like. It was open seating, but felt like. It was open seating, but there were only some middle seats left. there were only some middle seats left. there were only some middle seats left. And so I'm walking down the aisle, one And so I'm walking down the aisle, one And so I'm walking down the aisle, one of the last people on the plane, and of the last people on the plane, and of the last people on the plane, and nobody wants to make eye contact with nobody wants to make eye contact with nobody wants to make eye contact with you. And everybody's looking away and you. And everybody's looking away and you. And everybody's looking away and acting like they're reading a book or acting like they're reading a book or acting like they're reading a book or putting their headphones on cuz nobody putting their headphones on cuz nobody putting their headphones on cuz nobody wants you to sit in the middle seat. And wants you to sit in the middle seat. And wants you to sit in the middle seat. And so I took this middle seat. And as soon so I took this middle seat. And as soon so I took this middle seat. And as soon as I sat down, I sat next to one guy who as I sat down, I sat next to one guy who as I sat down, I sat next to one guy who just didn't have proper boundaries. You just didn't have proper boundaries. You just didn't have proper boundaries. You know what I mean? Like his arms were way know what I mean? Like his arms were way know what I mean? Like his arms were way over where they should have been on the over where they should have been on the over where they should have been on the armrest. You may be sitting next to armrest. You may be sitting next to armrest. You may be sitting next to somebody like this right now. Anyway, somebody like this right now. Anyway, somebody like this right now. Anyway, look at them later. But like he's like look at them later. But like he's like look at them later. But like he's like rubbing arm hair with me and I'm like rubbing arm hair with me and I'm like rubbing arm hair with me and I'm like ah, you know, and then on the other side ah, you know, and then on the other side ah, you know, and then on the other side this person gets sick and they're like this person gets sick and they're like this person gets sick and they're like coughing and sneezing and I am like the coughing and sneezing and I am like the coughing and sneezing and I am like the middle is stressful, right? The middle middle is stressful, right? The middle middle is stressful, right? The middle is exhausting. All you want to do when is exhausting. All you want to do when is exhausting. All you want to do when you're in the middle is like not be in you're in the middle is like not be in you're in the middle is like not be in the middle anymore. Just get me off this the middle anymore. Just get me off this the middle anymore. Just get me off this plane. And I think some of us right now plane. And I think some of us right now plane. And I think some of us right now are in the middle in life. We're in the are in the middle in life. We're in the are in the middle in life. We're in the middle of a tough situation. We're in

middle of a tough situation. We're in middle of a tough situation. We're in the middle in our career. We're in the the middle in our career. We're in the the middle in our career. We're in the middle with our kids. We're in the middle with our kids. We're in the middle with our kids. We're in the middle with our health. We don't know middle with our health. We don't know middle with our health. We don't know where it's going. We don't know how it's where it's going. We don't know how it's where it's going. We don't know how it's going to end up. We can't understand going to end up. We can't understand going to end up. We can't understand what God is doing right now. Nobody what God is doing right now. Nobody what God is doing right now. Nobody wants to really be in the middle. But wants to really be in the middle. But wants to really be in the middle. But can I just encourage you today, Willow can I just encourage you today, Willow can I just encourage you today, Willow Creek, that it's in the middle that God Creek, that it's in the middle that God Creek, that it's in the middle that God does his best work. And it's in the does his best work. And it's in the does his best work. And it's in the middle middle middle that God prepares you for the next that God prepares you for the next that God prepares you for the next chapter and for the next blessing he has chapter and for the next blessing he has chapter and for the next blessing he has for you in your life. So I want to share for you in your life. So I want to share for you in your life. So I want to share from the Israelites journey in the Old from the Israelites journey in the Old from the Israelites journey in the Old Testament and from my own life as I've Testament and from my own life as I've Testament and from my own life as I've navigated some uh times in the middle navigated some uh times in the middle navigated some uh times in the middle this last year. And we're going to be in this last year. And we're going to be in this last year. And we're going to be in Exodus chapter 13 today if you want to Exodus chapter 13 today if you want to Exodus chapter 13 today if you want to follow along in your Bibles beginning in follow along in your Bibles beginning in follow along in your Bibles beginning in verse 17. Exodus 13:17. Now, the Bible verse 17. Exodus 13:17. Now, the Bible verse 17. Exodus 13:17. Now, the Bible has a term for the middle, and it's the has a term for the middle, and it's the has a term for the middle, and it's the term wilderness, being in the term wilderness, being in the term wilderness, being in the wilderness. And the Israelites found wilderness. And the Israelites found wilderness. And the Israelites found themselves in the wilderness. The themselves in the wilderness. The themselves in the wilderness. The Israelites have been captive for 400 Israelites have been captive for 400 Israelites have been captive for 400 years. Uh, as you read through the story years. Uh, as you read through the story years. Uh, as you read through the story of the Old Testament, and you get to the of the Old Testament, and you get to the of the Old Testament, and you get to the book of Exodus, and God raises up an book of Exodus, and God raises up an book of Exodus, and God raises up an incredible leader named Moses, who leads incredible leader named Moses, who leads incredible leader named Moses, who leads the Israelites out of captivity, and now the Israelites out of captivity, and now the Israelites out of captivity, and now they're headed towards Israel, towards they're headed towards Israel, towards they're headed towards Israel, towards the promised land. It's going to be the promised land. It's going to be the promised land. It's going to be amazing. It's going to be good. But amazing. It's going to be good. But amazing. It's going to be good. But they're between the promise of God and they're between the promise of God and they're between the promise of God and the full fulfillment of that promise.

the full fulfillment of that promise. the full fulfillment of that promise. They're in the wilderness. And it's They're in the wilderness. And it's They're in the wilderness. And it's interesting the journey God takes them interesting the journey God takes them interesting the journey God takes them on. Exodus 13, beginning of verse 17, on. Exodus 13, beginning of verse 17, on. Exodus 13, beginning of verse 17, check it out. It says this. When Pharaoh check it out. It says this. When Pharaoh check it out. It says this. When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them let the people go, God did not lead them let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine on the road through the Philistine on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. country, though that was shorter. country, though that was shorter. Remember that was shorter. For God said Remember that was shorter. For God said Remember that was shorter. For God said if they face war, they might change if they face war, they might change if they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. So God their minds and return to Egypt. So God their minds and return to Egypt. So God led the people around by the desert road led the people around by the desert road led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. In other words, toward the Red Sea. In other words, toward the Red Sea. In other words, God's leading his people, but he's not God's leading his people, but he's not God's leading his people, but he's not going to lead them the direct way. Why? going to lead them the direct way. Why? going to lead them the direct way. Why? Because they weren't ready to go the Because they weren't ready to go the Because they weren't ready to go the direct way to the promised land. They direct way to the promised land. They direct way to the promised land. They weren't ready to face battle with the weren't ready to face battle with the weren't ready to face battle with the Philistines. They weren't ready for all Philistines. They weren't ready for all Philistines. They weren't ready for all that would mean. So God took them what that would mean. So God took them what that would mean. So God took them what some translations call the roundabout some translations call the roundabout some translations call the roundabout way. God took them the long way so that way. God took them the long way so that way. God took them the long way so that they would be ready for the situations they would be ready for the situations they would be ready for the situations that they would face to deal with and that they would face to deal with and that they would face to deal with and inherit the promise that God had given inherit the promise that God had given inherit the promise that God had given them. Now, this is a word for somebody. them. Now, this is a word for somebody. them. Now, this is a word for somebody. All right, you ready for this? Because All right, you ready for this? Because All right, you ready for this? Because some of you right now are in a situation some of you right now are in a situation some of you right now are in a situation where you feel like God's taken you the where you feel like God's taken you the where you feel like God's taken you the long way around. You know what I mean?

long way around. You know what I mean? long way around. You know what I mean? Like you thought your career was going Like you thought your career was going Like you thought your career was going to go one way and it hasn't gone that to go one way and it hasn't gone that to go one way and it hasn't gone that way. You thought your kids were just way. You thought your kids were just way. You thought your kids were just going to do everything you said and that going to do everything you said and that going to do everything you said and that didn't happen. You thought life was didn't happen. You thought life was didn't happen. You thought life was going to like flow in a certain pattern going to like flow in a certain pattern going to like flow in a certain pattern and it's flowed in a completely and it's flowed in a completely and it's flowed in a completely different direction and you are like, different direction and you are like, different direction and you are like, "God, what are you doing? God, where are "God, what are you doing? God, where are "God, what are you doing? God, where are you? God, like I need you to move. I you? God, like I need you to move. I you? God, like I need you to move. I need you to work. I need you to show up need you to work. I need you to show up need you to work. I need you to show up in my life." But listen, it may be that in my life." But listen, it may be that in my life." But listen, it may be that the blessing you've been praying for, the blessing you've been praying for, the blessing you've been praying for, you're not yet ready to experience the you're not yet ready to experience the you're not yet ready to experience the burden that comes with the blessing. And burden that comes with the blessing. And burden that comes with the blessing. And so God has taken you the long way so so God has taken you the long way so so God has taken you the long way so that you're ready and prepared so you that you're ready and prepared so you that you're ready and prepared so you can step into the blessing that he has can step into the blessing that he has can step into the blessing that he has for you at the right time. for you at the right time. for you at the right time. This is what he's doing with the This is what he's doing with the This is what he's doing with the Israelites. Israelites. Israelites. He's taking them the long way, not to He's taking them the long way, not to He's taking them the long way, not to punish them, but to prepare them. And punish them, but to prepare them. And punish them, but to prepare them. And can I tell you that when we find can I tell you that when we find can I tell you that when we find ourselves in the middle in the ourselves in the middle in the ourselves in the middle in the wilderness, we grow more than we ever wilderness, we grow more than we ever wilderness, we grow more than we ever will in the comfort of not being in the will in the comfort of not being in the will in the comfort of not being in the middle. When we're in the difficult middle. When we're in the difficult middle. When we're in the difficult seasons, we grow more than we ever will seasons, we grow more than we ever will seasons, we grow more than we ever will on the mountaintop. You can do decades on the mountaintop. You can do decades on the mountaintop. You can do decades on the mountaintop. One year in the on the mountaintop. One year in the on the mountaintop. One year in the valley, you'll grow more. And so God valley, you'll grow more. And so God valley, you'll grow more. And so God will change us and mold us and shape us will change us and mold us and shape us will change us and mold us and shape us to prepare us for the blessing that to prepare us for the blessing that to prepare us for the blessing that we've been praying for and holding out we've been praying for and holding out we've been praying for and holding out for. So if you're in the middle today, for. So if you're in the middle today, for. So if you're in the middle today, take heart. If God led you to it, he can take heart. If God led you to it, he can take heart. If God led you to it, he can lead you through it. And you can see you lead you through it. And you can see you lead you through it. And you can see you through it on the other side. What do we through it on the other side. What do we through it on the other side. What do we do when we're stuck in the middle?

do when we're stuck in the middle? do when we're stuck in the middle? Here's a couple thoughts um I'm going to Here's a couple thoughts um I'm going to Here's a couple thoughts um I'm going to share with you today from the share with you today from the share with you today from the Israelites. The first is this. Trust God Israelites. The first is this. Trust God Israelites. The first is this. Trust God in the uncertainty. Trust God in the in the uncertainty. Trust God in the in the uncertainty. Trust God in the uncertainty. Um my wife Lori just went uncertainty. Um my wife Lori just went uncertainty. Um my wife Lori just went on a mission trip to Peru. Uh she's on a mission trip to Peru. Uh she's on a mission trip to Peru. Uh she's goes, this is uh Pastor Sean's sister. goes, this is uh Pastor Sean's sister. goes, this is uh Pastor Sean's sister. And uh so you know, I met this cute And uh so you know, I met this cute And uh so you know, I met this cute little innocent girl 30 years ago in little innocent girl 30 years ago in little innocent girl 30 years ago in Amarillo, Texas. And I had no idea she Amarillo, Texas. And I had no idea she Amarillo, Texas. And I had no idea she was going to grow up to be Indiana was going to grow up to be Indiana was going to grow up to be Indiana Jones's daughter. But that's who she is. Jones's daughter. But that's who she is. Jones's daughter. But that's who she is. I mean, she's like, if there's a mission I mean, she's like, if there's a mission I mean, she's like, if there's a mission trip, if it's dangerous, if she's, you trip, if it's dangerous, if she's, you trip, if it's dangerous, if she's, you know, going into whatever country and, know, going into whatever country and, know, going into whatever country and, you know, underground, whatever. Like, you know, underground, whatever. Like, you know, underground, whatever. Like, Lory's like, I'm in. Lory's like, I'm in. Lory's like, I'm in. So, they're going up into Peru and So, they're going up into Peru and So, they're going up into Peru and they're going to work in these villages they're going to work in these villages they're going to work in these villages that you can only access by way of the that you can only access by way of the that you can only access by way of the Amazon River. Now, a friend of mine, his Amazon River. Now, a friend of mine, his Amazon River. Now, a friend of mine, his um Beyonce was also going on this um Beyonce was also going on this um Beyonce was also going on this mission trip and um so he's really kind mission trip and um so he's really kind mission trip and um so he's really kind of u concerned and he's sending me of u concerned and he's sending me of u concerned and he's sending me thermal images of the Amazon River. Like thermal images of the Amazon River. Like thermal images of the Amazon River. Like thermal images where you see there are thermal images where you see there are thermal images where you see there are anaconda snakes everywhere. I'm not anaconda snakes everywhere. I'm not anaconda snakes everywhere. I'm not talking five or 10. I'm talking hundreds talking five or 10. I'm talking hundreds talking five or 10. I'm talking hundreds of them under the water of the Amazon of them under the water of the Amazon of them under the water of the Amazon River where our girls are going to be on River where our girls are going to be on River where our girls are going to be on a little boat, a little boat, a little boat, you know, cruising along.

you know, cruising along. you know, cruising along. And so he's just like, "Oh my gosh, he's And so he's just like, "Oh my gosh, he's And so he's just like, "Oh my gosh, he's he's calling his fiance. He's texting he's calling his fiance. He's texting he's calling his fiance. He's texting his fiance. He's checking in on her his fiance. He's checking in on her his fiance. He's checking in on her like, "Are you okay? How long were you like, "Are you okay? How long were you like, "Are you okay? How long were you on the boat? Did you see any anacondas? on the boat? Did you see any anacondas? on the boat? Did you see any anacondas? What about pythons?" You know, all this What about pythons?" You know, all this What about pythons?" You know, all this like the whole thing. And and this goes like the whole thing. And and this goes like the whole thing. And and this goes on for like two or three days. And and on for like two or three days. And and on for like two or three days. And and finally Lori calls me back in the finally Lori calls me back in the finally Lori calls me back in the States. She says, "Jud, like you haven't States. She says, "Jud, like you haven't States. She says, "Jud, like you haven't called me once. He's calling every day. called me once. He's calling every day. called me once. He's calling every day. He's texting every day. You haven't He's texting every day. You haven't He's texting every day. You haven't reached out to me once." I said, "I I reached out to me once." I said, "I I reached out to me once." I said, "I I surrendered you to God 30 years ago, surrendered you to God 30 years ago, surrendered you to God 30 years ago, girl. I realized I couldn't control you girl. I realized I couldn't control you girl. I realized I couldn't control you anyway. Like I'm more worried about what anyway. Like I'm more worried about what anyway. Like I'm more worried about what you're going to do to the anacondas than you're going to do to the anacondas than you're going to do to the anacondas than what the anacondas are going to do to what the anacondas are going to do to what the anacondas are going to do to you. Those anacondas don't understand you. Those anacondas don't understand you. Those anacondas don't understand what's coming. what's coming. what's coming. Anyway, my favorite moment, by the way, Anyway, my favorite moment, by the way, Anyway, my favorite moment, by the way, from the summit was we were sitting from the summit was we were sitting from the summit was we were sitting there and this guy told this story about there and this guy told this story about there and this guy told this story about um you know, using technology and using um you know, using technology and using um you know, using technology and using phones and I elbowed Lori like, "Haha, phones and I elbowed Lori like, "Haha, phones and I elbowed Lori like, "Haha, that's you." And she goes, "Yeah." You that's you." And she goes, "Yeah." You that's you." And she goes, "Yeah." You know, and then he kept talking and so I know, and then he kept talking and so I know, and then he kept talking and so I then I elbowed her again. I'm like, then I elbowed her again. I'm like, then I elbowed her again. I'm like, "That's you." She goes, "You need to "That's you." She goes, "You need to "That's you." She goes, "You need to stop now." And he kept talking. And then stop now." And he kept talking. And then stop now." And he kept talking. And then I elbowed her again. She says, "You do I elbowed her again. She says, "You do I elbowed her again. She says, "You do it one more time. We're going to fight it one more time. We're going to fight it one more time. We're going to fight right here." Okay. Anyway, right here." Okay. Anyway, right here." Okay. Anyway, I sent Lori this story, the anaconda I sent Lori this story, the anaconda I sent Lori this story, the anaconda snake uh uh that that I found online.

snake uh uh that that I found online. snake uh uh that that I found online. It's it's what to do if you're attacked It's it's what to do if you're attacked It's it's what to do if you're attacked by an anaconda snake. Anaconda is 35 ft by an anaconda snake. Anaconda is 35 ft by an anaconda snake. Anaconda is 35 ft long. Um it can swallow an animal 3 to long. Um it can swallow an animal 3 to long. Um it can swallow an animal 3 to 400 lb. And so here's what it says. 400 lb. And so here's what it says. 400 lb. And so here's what it says. Number one, if you're attacked by an Number one, if you're attacked by an Number one, if you're attacked by an anaconda, don't run. anaconda, don't run. anaconda, don't run. The snake is faster than you are. Number The snake is faster than you are. Number The snake is faster than you are. Number two, lie flat on the ground. Put your two, lie flat on the ground. Put your two, lie flat on the ground. Put your arms tight against your sides and your arms tight against your sides and your arms tight against your sides and your legs tight against one another. Number legs tight against one another. Number legs tight against one another. Number three, tuck in your chin. [laughter] So, three, tuck in your chin. [laughter] So, three, tuck in your chin. [laughter] So, I don't know if you're putting all this I don't know if you're putting all this I don't know if you're putting all this together, but if I see an anaconda, like together, but if I see an anaconda, like together, but if I see an anaconda, like what I'm supposed to do is stop, lie what I'm supposed to do is stop, lie what I'm supposed to do is stop, lie down, put my arms together, and tuck in down, put my arms together, and tuck in down, put my arms together, and tuck in my chin. I mean, that's feeling like my chin. I mean, that's feeling like my chin. I mean, that's feeling like bait, right? bait, right? bait, right? And then then it then it says this, like And then then it then it says this, like And then then it then it says this, like um it says uh the snake will begin to um it says uh the snake will begin to um it says uh the snake will begin to nudge and climb over your body. Do not nudge and climb over your body. Do not nudge and climb over your body. Do not panic. After the snake has examined you, it After the snake has examined you, it will begin to swallow you from the feet will begin to swallow you from the feet will begin to swallow you from the feet in. Always from the feet in. Permit the in. Always from the feet in. Permit the in. Always from the feet in. Permit the snake to swallow your feet and ankles.

snake to swallow your feet and ankles. snake to swallow your feet and ankles. Do not panic. Do not panic. Do not panic. What planet are these people living on? What planet are these people living on? What planet are these people living on? The snake will now begin to suck your The snake will now begin to suck your The snake will now begin to suck your legs into its body. You must lie legs into its body. You must lie legs into its body. You must lie perfectly still. This will take a long perfectly still. This will take a long perfectly still. This will take a long time. time. time. Number eight. When the snake has reached Number eight. When the snake has reached Number eight. When the snake has reached your knees, slowly and with as little your knees, slowly and with as little your knees, slowly and with as little movement as possible, reach down to get movement as possible, reach down to get movement as possible, reach down to get your knife and very gently slide it into your knife and very gently slide it into your knife and very gently slide it into the snake's mouth between the edge of the snake's mouth between the edge of the snake's mouth between the edge of its mouth and your leg and then suddenly its mouth and your leg and then suddenly its mouth and your leg and then suddenly rip upwards, severing its head. rip upwards, severing its head. rip upwards, severing its head. Number nine, Number nine, Number nine, be sure to have your knife. be sure to have your knife. be sure to have your knife. Can you imagine? [snorts] Well, Can you imagine? [snorts] Well, Can you imagine? [snorts] Well, thankfully Lori didn't get attacked by thankfully Lori didn't get attacked by thankfully Lori didn't get attacked by any anacondas. But I tell you that story any anacondas. But I tell you that story any anacondas. But I tell you that story because what because basically what it's because what because basically what it's because what because basically what it's saying is if an anaconda comes, what do saying is if an anaconda comes, what do saying is if an anaconda comes, what do you do? You become bait. You know what you do? You become bait. You know what you do? You become bait. You know what God is doing with the Israelite people God is doing with the Israelite people God is doing with the Israelite people in the wilderness? He's taking them the in the wilderness? He's taking them the in the wilderness? He's taking them the long way around. And he's using them as long way around. And he's using them as long way around. And he's using them as bait. He's basically saying, "I'm going bait. He's basically saying, "I'm going bait. He's basically saying, "I'm going to take you over here and then I'm going to take you over here and then I'm going to take you over here and then I'm going to take you over here." And then to take you over here." And then to take you over here." And then Pharaoh, the leader of Egypt, is going Pharaoh, the leader of Egypt, is going Pharaoh, the leader of Egypt, is going to think you're confused. You're lost in to think you're confused. You're lost in to think you're confused. You're lost in the desert. You don't know what's going the desert. You don't know what's going the desert. You don't know what's going on. And so Pharaoh is going to attack on. And so Pharaoh is going to attack on. And so Pharaoh is going to attack you. Then I'm going to defeat him and you. Then I'm going to defeat him and you. Then I'm going to defeat him and I'm going to get all the glory. And so I'm going to get all the glory. And so I'm going to get all the glory. And so we see it. God basically breaks it down we see it. God basically breaks it down we see it. God basically breaks it down for the people. Exodus 14, beginning in for the people. Exodus 14, beginning in for the people. Exodus 14, beginning in verse 1, check this out. It says, "Then verse 1, check this out. It says, "Then verse 1, check this out. It says, "Then the Lord said to Moses, tell the the Lord said to Moses, tell the the Lord said to Moses, tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Israelites to turn back and encamp near Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahy between Mgdal and the sea. They Pi Hahy between Mgdal and the sea. They Pi Hahy between Mgdal and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea directly are to encamp by the sea directly are to encamp by the sea directly opposite Baal Zapon." Pharaoh will

opposite Baal Zapon." Pharaoh will opposite Baal Zapon." Pharaoh will think, "The Israelites are wandering think, "The Israelites are wandering think, "The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, himmmed by around the land in confusion, himmmed by around the land in confusion, himmmed by the desert. and I will harden Pharaoh's the desert. and I will harden Pharaoh's the desert. and I will harden Pharaoh's heart and he will pursue them and I will heart and he will pursue them and I will heart and he will pursue them and I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh gain glory for myself through Pharaoh gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army and the Egyptians will and all his army and the Egyptians will and all his army and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord. So the know that I am the Lord. So the know that I am the Lord. So the Israelites did this. So God is basically Israelites did this. So God is basically Israelites did this. So God is basically using them as bait. He's leading them using them as bait. He's leading them using them as bait. He's leading them over there and then he's leading them over there and then he's leading them over there and then he's leading them over here and then ultimately he's going over here and then ultimately he's going over here and then ultimately he's going to lead them to where their back is to lead them to where their back is to lead them to where their back is against the Red Sea and they have against the Red Sea and they have against the Red Sea and they have nowhere left to go and the Egyptian nowhere left to go and the Egyptian nowhere left to go and the Egyptian armies form in front of them. armies form in front of them. armies form in front of them. What do you do when God's taking you the What do you do when God's taking you the What do you do when God's taking you the long way and it doesn't make sense? What long way and it doesn't make sense? What long way and it doesn't make sense? What do you do when you can't figure out what do you do when you can't figure out what do you do when you can't figure out what God is doing in your life right now? God is doing in your life right now? God is doing in your life right now? Well, you trust God in the uncertainty. Well, you trust God in the uncertainty. Well, you trust God in the uncertainty. You trust him in the uncertainty. I went You trust him in the uncertainty. I went You trust him in the uncertainty. I went through like a season this last year through like a season this last year through like a season this last year that was the toughest leadership season that was the toughest leadership season that was the toughest leadership season I've ever faced in many, many years of I've ever faced in many, many years of I've ever faced in many, many years of ministry. And so, I knew I needed help ministry. And so, I knew I needed help ministry. And so, I knew I needed help and counsel. So I I hired this outside and counsel. So I I hired this outside and counsel. So I I hired this outside coach uh to help me and give me coach uh to help me and give me coach uh to help me and give me perspective. And he had spent 20 years perspective. And he had spent 20 years perspective. And he had spent 20 years as a performance psychologist in the as a performance psychologist in the as a performance psychologist in the military. So he had he had been a military. So he had he had been a military. So he had he had been a performance psychologist for uh performance psychologist for uh performance psychologist for uh primarily special operators, Navy Seals, primarily special operators, Navy Seals, primarily special operators, Navy Seals, you know, all these people doing these you know, all these people doing these you know, all these people doing these incredible missions. Um but also like incredible missions. Um but also like incredible missions. Um but also like one-star generals all the way up to one-star generals all the way up to one-star generals all the way up to fourstar generals, you know, he had done fourstar generals, you know, he had done fourstar generals, you know, he had done it all. And so one of the things he told it all. And so one of the things he told it all. And so one of the things he told me when I started working with him is he me when I started working with him is he me when I started working with him is he said, um, he said, "Jud, there's a a an

said, um, he said, "Jud, there's a a an said, um, he said, "Jud, there's a a an a thing that we do in SEAL training." a thing that we do in SEAL training." a thing that we do in SEAL training." And we take Navy Seals, we don't give And we take Navy Seals, we don't give And we take Navy Seals, we don't give them any explanation about what we're them any explanation about what we're them any explanation about what we're about to do, but we blindfold them, we about to do, but we blindfold them, we about to do, but we blindfold them, we tie their hands behind their back, we tie their hands behind their back, we tie their hands behind their back, we tie their feet together, and we push tie their feet together, and we push tie their feet together, and we push them into a deep body of water. them into a deep body of water. them into a deep body of water. And he said, 'The whole point is to see And he said, 'The whole point is to see And he said, 'The whole point is to see what you will do when everything within what you will do when everything within what you will do when everything within you says you're going to die because you you says you're going to die because you you says you're going to die because you can't survive more than a few minutes can't survive more than a few minutes can't survive more than a few minutes without oxygen. You can fight against without oxygen. You can fight against without oxygen. You can fight against the things that bind you, but you're not the things that bind you, but you're not the things that bind you, but you're not getting out of those. And that actually getting out of those. And that actually getting out of those. And that actually takes up more energy, more oxygen if you takes up more energy, more oxygen if you takes up more energy, more oxygen if you do. What do you do? And he said, "Some do. What do you do? And he said, "Some do. What do you do? And he said, "Some people panic. Some people try to get out people panic. Some people try to get out people panic. Some people try to get out of the binds. Uh some people have to be of the binds. Uh some people have to be of the binds. Uh some people have to be rescued in that moment. But the point of rescued in that moment. But the point of rescued in that moment. But the point of the exercise is that there are a few who the exercise is that there are a few who the exercise is that there are a few who will control their minds and they will will control their minds and they will will control their minds and they will not panic in that moment. And if they not panic in that moment. And if they not panic in that moment. And if they will control their minds, they'll will control their minds, they'll will control their minds, they'll realize that if they push up strong realize that if they push up strong realize that if they push up strong enough from the base of the pool with enough from the base of the pool with enough from the base of the pool with everything they've got, they can go just everything they've got, they can go just everything they've got, they can go just high enough where their nose and their high enough where their nose and their high enough where their nose and their lips can break the plane of the water lips can break the plane of the water lips can break the plane of the water and they can take a breath. And then and they can take a breath. And then and they can take a breath. And then they sink all the way back down to the they sink all the way back down to the they sink all the way back down to the bottom. If they push up with all they've bottom. If they push up with all they've bottom. If they push up with all they've got, they could take a breath. And he got, they could take a breath. And he got, they could take a breath. And he said, if you're actually in good enough said, if you're actually in good enough said, if you're actually in good enough physical condition, you could live for physical condition, you could live for physical condition, you could live for 24 hours in that situation.

24 hours in that situation. 24 hours in that situation. But most people can't control their But most people can't control their But most people can't control their minds when you can't see and your hands minds when you can't see and your hands minds when you can't see and your hands are tied behind your back and you don't are tied behind your back and you don't are tied behind your back and you don't know what's happening and you're thrown know what's happening and you're thrown know what's happening and you're thrown into a body of water. into a body of water. into a body of water. And so what he told me in my situation And so what he told me in my situation And so what he told me in my situation was this. Jud, right now you've done was this. Jud, right now you've done was this. Jud, right now you've done everything you can do. Some of you are everything you can do. Some of you are everything you can do. Some of you are in this situation with your kids, your in this situation with your kids, your in this situation with your kids, your family, your friends. You may feel like family, your friends. You may feel like family, your friends. You may feel like this is where you're at with work. Done this is where you're at with work. Done this is where you're at with work. Done everything you can do. He said, "No, the everything you can do. He said, "No, the everything you can do. He said, "No, the key is control your thoughts. Take every key is control your thoughts. Take every key is control your thoughts. Take every thought captive to Jesus Christ. Do not thought captive to Jesus Christ. Do not thought captive to Jesus Christ. Do not let the enemy get in your mind. The let the enemy get in your mind. The let the enemy get in your mind. The enemy will tell you you're finished." enemy will tell you you're finished." enemy will tell you you're finished." The enemy tell you will tell you this is The enemy tell you will tell you this is The enemy tell you will tell you this is where you drown. The enemy will tell you where you drown. The enemy will tell you where you drown. The enemy will tell you this is where it's game over. The enemy this is where it's game over. The enemy this is where it's game over. The enemy will lie, steal, cheat, and kill. But will lie, steal, cheat, and kill. But will lie, steal, cheat, and kill. But the Bible says fix your thoughts on what the Bible says fix your thoughts on what the Bible says fix your thoughts on what is good and true and noble and is good and true and noble and is good and true and noble and righteous. Fix your thoughts on Jesus righteous. Fix your thoughts on Jesus righteous. Fix your thoughts on Jesus Christ. Fix your thoughts on all God has Christ. Fix your thoughts on all God has Christ. Fix your thoughts on all God has done for us. And if you can do nothing done for us. And if you can do nothing done for us. And if you can do nothing else, breathe, else, breathe, else, breathe, push, and breathe. And keep your push, and breathe. And keep your push, and breathe. And keep your thoughts fixed on him until he rescues thoughts fixed on him until he rescues thoughts fixed on him until he rescues you. And he will. Well, can I tell you you. And he will. Well, can I tell you you. And he will. Well, can I tell you my own experience, even in all of the my own experience, even in all of the my own experience, even in all of the uncertainty, what I went through this uncertainty, what I went through this uncertainty, what I went through this last year has changed me. I've prayed last year has changed me. I've prayed last year has changed me. I've prayed more in the last year than in any year more in the last year than in any year more in the last year than in any year of my life. I've depended on God more in of my life. I've depended on God more in of my life. I've depended on God more in the last year than any year in my life.

the last year than any year in my life. the last year than any year in my life. I have been humbled in a good way. I'm I have been humbled in a good way. I'm I have been humbled in a good way. I'm not the same leader I was. Can I tell not the same leader I was. Can I tell not the same leader I was. Can I tell you something though? I'm better. And you something though? I'm better. And you something though? I'm better. And what I mean by that is I'm less about what I mean by that is I'm less about what I mean by that is I'm less about myself and I'm more about God and his myself and I'm more about God and his myself and I'm more about God and his glory. Right? glory. Right? glory. Right? God will take you through the wilderness God will take you through the wilderness God will take you through the wilderness not to punish you, but to purify you, to not to punish you, but to purify you, to not to punish you, but to purify you, to prune you, to shape you so that he can prune you, to shape you so that he can prune you, to shape you so that he can use you for his glory and for his story. use you for his glory and for his story. use you for his glory and for his story. Trust God in the uncertainty. And here's Trust God in the uncertainty. And here's Trust God in the uncertainty. And here's another thought then. Just keep going if another thought then. Just keep going if another thought then. Just keep going if you're in the middle. just keep going if you're in the middle. just keep going if you're in the middle. just keep going if you're in the middle. Uh I know for me you're in the middle. Uh I know for me you're in the middle. Uh I know for me like when I played um uh high school like when I played um uh high school like when I played um uh high school football, I mostly just uh warmed the football, I mostly just uh warmed the football, I mostly just uh warmed the bench. I wasn't very good. And uh I can bench. I wasn't very good. And uh I can bench. I wasn't very good. And uh I can remember my my one game that I had near remember my my one game that I had near remember my my one game that I had near the end of my my football career was uh the end of my my football career was uh the end of my my football career was uh when I was we were playing Dowart, when I was we were playing Dowart, when I was we were playing Dowart, Texas, y'all. And um it was um they had Texas, y'all. And um it was um they had Texas, y'all. And um it was um they had the ball. Game was almost over. So we the ball. Game was almost over. So we the ball. Game was almost over. So we were on defense. They were driving. It were on defense. They were driving. It were on defense. They were driving. It looked like, you know, we were going to looked like, you know, we were going to looked like, you know, we were going to lose. was I think they were down by like lose. was I think they were down by like lose. was I think they were down by like three three points and all of a sudden three three points and all of a sudden three three points and all of a sudden one of our defensive players got hurt one of our defensive players got hurt one of our defensive players got hurt probably was the second one because um probably was the second one because um probably was the second one because um to get hurt because they called me off to get hurt because they called me off to get hurt because they called me off the bench to come in and play and that the bench to come in and play and that the bench to come in and play and that never happened and the coach was like never happened and the coach was like never happened and the coach was like Will height you know get in there and Will height you know get in there and Will height you know get in there and I'm like what huh did he call my name I'm like what huh did he call my name I'm like what huh did he call my name what I remember I couldn't find my what I remember I couldn't find my what I remember I couldn't find my helmet that's the one thing I remember helmet that's the one thing I remember helmet that's the one thing I remember is like oh where's my helmet somebody is like oh where's my helmet somebody is like oh where's my helmet somebody find my helmet cuz my helmet never got find my helmet cuz my helmet never got find my helmet cuz my helmet never got used anyway grabbed my helmet put it on used anyway grabbed my helmet put it on used anyway grabbed my helmet put it on I run out on the field and um they snap

I run out on the field and um they snap I run out on the field and um they snap the ball I'm playing defense defense. I the ball I'm playing defense defense. I the ball I'm playing defense defense. I get through the line, my friends get get through the line, my friends get get through the line, my friends get through the line, he's my part, my my through the line, he's my part, my my through the line, he's my part, my my buddy, he sacks the quarterback. buddy, he sacks the quarterback. buddy, he sacks the quarterback. Amazing. And the quarterback fumbles the Amazing. And the quarterback fumbles the Amazing. And the quarterback fumbles the ball. So now the ball is like bouncing ball. So now the ball is like bouncing ball. So now the ball is like bouncing backwards or towards our end zone, backwards or towards our end zone, backwards or towards our end zone, right? Where we can score the points. right? Where we can score the points. right? Where we can score the points. And we're I'm just running. I don't know And we're I'm just running. I don't know And we're I'm just running. I don't know what I'm doing. Just keep running. Just what I'm doing. Just keep running. Just what I'm doing. Just keep running. Just keep running. I don't belong here. I'm keep running. I don't belong here. I'm keep running. I don't belong here. I'm never out here. never out here. never out here. And then my other friend falls on the And then my other friend falls on the And then my other friend falls on the football. And when he falls on it, it football. And when he falls on it, it football. And when he falls on it, it like squirts out and it like bounces like squirts out and it like bounces like squirts out and it like bounces another 10 yards. And I literally am another 10 yards. And I literally am another 10 yards. And I literally am just running. And the ball, no lie, no just running. And the ball, no lie, no just running. And the ball, no lie, no exaggeration, it just bounces right up. exaggeration, it just bounces right up. exaggeration, it just bounces right up. I didn't even catch it. Like literally I didn't even catch it. Like literally I didn't even catch it. Like literally my hands were just there and and it just my hands were just there and and it just my hands were just there and and it just like fell right into my hands and I just like fell right into my hands and I just like fell right into my hands and I just stopped Forest Gump style Forest Gump style and I was in the end zone. We scored a and I was in the end zone. We scored a and I was in the end zone. We scored a touchdown. We won the game. It was touchdown. We won the game. It was touchdown. We won the game. It was amazing. I didn't even know what amazing. I didn't even know what amazing. I didn't even know what happened. happened. happened. My coach, coach Todd, who hated me, came My coach, coach Todd, who hated me, came My coach, coach Todd, who hated me, came running all out onto the field, ran over running all out onto the field, ran over running all out onto the field, ran over to me. I mean, the guys were going, it to me. I mean, the guys were going, it to me. I mean, the guys were going, it was like I was Rudy Rutiger for a was like I was Rudy Rutiger for a was like I was Rudy Rutiger for a minute, you know, like Rudy, we won the game. Amazing. And after we won the game. Amazing. And after that, I quit football because I had that, I quit football because I had that, I quit football because I had already had the greatest moment I was already had the greatest moment I was already had the greatest moment I was ever going to have. And you just need to ever going to have. And you just need to ever going to have. And you just need to go out on a high note. Y'all remember go out on a high note. Y'all remember go out on a high note. Y'all remember that? Everybody remember that? I'm out.

that? Everybody remember that? I'm out. that? Everybody remember that? I'm out. You know what that is? That's a picture You know what that is? That's a picture You know what that is? That's a picture of grace. Grace is undeserved favor. I of grace. Grace is undeserved favor. I of grace. Grace is undeserved favor. I didn't do anything to deserve that win, didn't do anything to deserve that win, didn't do anything to deserve that win, to deserve that football. I just I was to deserve that football. I just I was to deserve that football. I just I was in the right place at the right time and in the right place at the right time and in the right place at the right time and it had very little to do with me. And it had very little to do with me. And it had very little to do with me. And when the Bible talks about the when the Bible talks about the when the Bible talks about the undeserved, unmmerited favor and undeserved, unmmerited favor and undeserved, unmmerited favor and forgiveness of God, it looks a lot like forgiveness of God, it looks a lot like forgiveness of God, it looks a lot like that. It's not because we're so that. It's not because we're so that. It's not because we're so together. It's not because we did together. It's not because we did together. It's not because we did everything right. It's not because we everything right. It's not because we everything right. It's not because we have it all together. It's because Jesus have it all together. It's because Jesus have it all together. It's because Jesus in his goodness and in his grace chose in his goodness and in his grace chose in his goodness and in his grace chose to call us, forgive us, restore us, heal to call us, forgive us, restore us, heal to call us, forgive us, restore us, heal us, empower us, put his spirit in us, us, empower us, put his spirit in us, us, empower us, put his spirit in us, and deploy us on mission. That's the and deploy us on mission. That's the and deploy us on mission. That's the grace and the goodness of God. And it's grace and the goodness of God. And it's grace and the goodness of God. And it's about what God did more than it is about about what God did more than it is about about what God did more than it is about what I did. what I did. what I did. And so grace And so grace And so grace and what you see in the book of Exodus and what you see in the book of Exodus and what you see in the book of Exodus chapter 14 is the greatest grace picture chapter 14 is the greatest grace picture chapter 14 is the greatest grace picture of the Old Testament. It's the salvific of the Old Testament. It's the salvific of the Old Testament. It's the salvific moment, if you will, of the Israelite moment, if you will, of the Israelite moment, if you will, of the Israelite people in the Old Testament. Exodus 14 people in the Old Testament. Exodus 14 people in the Old Testament. Exodus 14 right here. What we're about to look at right here. What we're about to look at right here. What we're about to look at is the first time the word save ever is the first time the word save ever is the first time the word save ever occurs in the Hebrew language of the occurs in the Hebrew language of the occurs in the Hebrew language of the Bible as you begin to read it because Bible as you begin to read it because Bible as you begin to read it because God is going to save the Israelite God is going to save the Israelite God is going to save the Israelite people as they cross through the Red Sea people as they cross through the Red Sea people as they cross through the Red Sea and then the waters ultimately take out and then the waters ultimately take out and then the waters ultimately take out the Egyptian forces who are about to the Egyptian forces who are about to the Egyptian forces who are about to attack them. And so, uh, here's what we attack them. And so, uh, here's what we attack them. And so, uh, here's what we read in Exodus 14 beginning in verse 13.

read in Exodus 14 beginning in verse 13. read in Exodus 14 beginning in verse 13. It says uh Moses answered the people, It says uh Moses answered the people, It says uh Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will will see the deliverance the Lord will will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see bring you today. The Egyptians you see bring you today. The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The today, you will never see again. The today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you. You need only Lord will fight for you. You need only Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still." So what's happening here to be still." So what's happening here to be still." So what's happening here is God has led the people over here and is God has led the people over here and is God has led the people over here and then over there and then over here and then over there and then over here and then over there and then over here and then over there so that the Pharaoh then over there so that the Pharaoh then over there so that the Pharaoh thinks these these guys are dumb. They thinks these these guys are dumb. They thinks these these guys are dumb. They don't even know where they're going. don't even know where they're going. don't even know where they're going. They're they're lost. And then he leads They're they're lost. And then he leads They're they're lost. And then he leads them to where their back is against the them to where their back is against the them to where their back is against the wall. Their their backs against the Red wall. Their their backs against the Red wall. Their their backs against the Red Sea. They're facing the Egyptians. Sea. They're facing the Egyptians. Sea. They're facing the Egyptians. Pharaoh's got his 600 best chariots. Pharaoh's got his 600 best chariots. Pharaoh's got his 600 best chariots. They got all he's got all of his best They got all he's got all of his best They got all he's got all of his best foot soldiers and they're charging foot soldiers and they're charging foot soldiers and they're charging towards the Israelites. And the Lord towards the Israelites. And the Lord towards the Israelites. And the Lord sends Moses out to say, "Do not be sends Moses out to say, "Do not be sends Moses out to say, "Do not be afraid." afraid." afraid." Right? Reads a lot like the Anaconda Right? Reads a lot like the Anaconda Right? Reads a lot like the Anaconda story. story. story. Do not be afraid. Just stand still. Do not be afraid. Just stand still. Do not be afraid. Just stand still. Now, can you imagine how hard that would Now, can you imagine how hard that would Now, can you imagine how hard that would be in that moment? Cuz it's not like be in that moment? Cuz it's not like be in that moment? Cuz it's not like you're just standing still like I'm just you're just standing still like I'm just you're just standing still like I'm just standing up here. Stand still. You're standing up here. Stand still. You're standing up here. Stand still. You're standing still when an army is standing still when an army is standing still when an army is potentially charging down on you and you potentially charging down on you and you potentially charging down on you and you can feel the ground move from the hor's can feel the ground move from the hor's can feel the ground move from the hor's feet.

feet. feet. Stand still. Stand still. Stand still. Watch the Lord rescue you today. Do not Watch the Lord rescue you today. Do not Watch the Lord rescue you today. Do not be afraid. be afraid. be afraid. And so, I went through the Bible because And so, I went through the Bible because And so, I went through the Bible because I thought that was so rich and so good. I thought that was so rich and so good. I thought that was so rich and so good. And one of the things that's interesting And one of the things that's interesting And one of the things that's interesting when you go through kind of the Bible when you go through kind of the Bible when you go through kind of the Bible and you look at all the times we're and you look at all the times we're and you look at all the times we're commanded to not be afraid. commanded to not be afraid. commanded to not be afraid. Um it's often connected to who God is to Um it's often connected to who God is to Um it's often connected to who God is to his character and his goodness. It's not his character and his goodness. It's not his character and his goodness. It's not just don't be afraid, right? Some of you just don't be afraid, right? Some of you just don't be afraid, right? Some of you are in a tough situation. Your back's are in a tough situation. Your back's are in a tough situation. Your back's against the wall. And I'm not here to against the wall. And I'm not here to against the wall. And I'm not here to just tell you don't be afraid. I'm here just tell you don't be afraid. I'm here just tell you don't be afraid. I'm here to tell you don't be afraid because of to tell you don't be afraid because of to tell you don't be afraid because of who God is and because of what he can do who God is and because of what he can do who God is and because of what he can do in your life. And so I want to share in your life. And so I want to share in your life. And so I want to share with you. I just went through the whole with you. I just went through the whole with you. I just went through the whole Bible. I just flew over it. 50,000 ft Bible. I just flew over it. 50,000 ft Bible. I just flew over it. 50,000 ft and um wrote down all the times it said and um wrote down all the times it said and um wrote down all the times it said do not be afraid and what it said after do not be afraid and what it said after do not be afraid and what it said after that. So here it is. Do not be afraid that. So here it is. Do not be afraid that. So here it is. Do not be afraid for God is with you. Do not be afraid for God is with you. Do not be afraid for God is with you. Do not be afraid for your God hears you. Do not be afraid for your God hears you. Do not be afraid for your God hears you. Do not be afraid for the battle belongs to the Lord. Do for the battle belongs to the Lord. Do for the battle belongs to the Lord. Do not be afraid for God is coming to save not be afraid for God is coming to save not be afraid for God is coming to save you. Do not be afraid for God is here to you. Do not be afraid for God is here to you. Do not be afraid for God is here to help you. Do not be afraid. God will help you. Do not be afraid. God will help you. Do not be afraid. God will strengthen you. Do not be afraid. God strengthen you. Do not be afraid. God strengthen you. Do not be afraid. God will hold you up with his victorious will hold you up with his victorious will hold you up with his victorious right hand. Do not be afraid. the Lord right hand. Do not be afraid. the Lord right hand. Do not be afraid. the Lord personally goes ahead of you. Do not be personally goes ahead of you. Do not be personally goes ahead of you. Do not be afraid. God will not fail you. Do not be afraid. God will not fail you. Do not be afraid. God will not fail you. Do not be afraid. God will never abandon you. Do afraid. God will never abandon you. Do afraid. God will never abandon you. Do not be afraid, for the Lord will protect not be afraid, for the Lord will protect not be afraid, for the Lord will protect you. Do not be afraid, for he knows your you. Do not be afraid, for he knows your you. Do not be afraid, for he knows your name. Do not be afraid, for he knows the name. Do not be afraid, for he knows the name. Do not be afraid, for he knows the number of hairs on your head. Do not be number of hairs on your head. Do not be number of hairs on your head. Do not be afraid, for he's out to bless you. Do afraid, for he's out to bless you. Do afraid, for he's out to bless you. Do not be afraid, for he will help you. Do

not be afraid, for he will help you. Do not be afraid, for he will help you. Do not be afraid, for he will heal you. Do not be afraid, for he will heal you. Do not be afraid, for he will heal you. Do not be afraid, for he will give you a not be afraid, for he will give you a not be afraid, for he will give you a great reward. Do not be afraid of the great reward. Do not be afraid of the great reward. Do not be afraid of the insults. Do not be afraid of the future. insults. Do not be afraid of the future. insults. Do not be afraid of the future. Do not be afraid of the powers of people Do not be afraid of the powers of people Do not be afraid of the powers of people or the powers of hell. Do not be afraid. or the powers of hell. Do not be afraid. or the powers of hell. Do not be afraid. He has overcome them once for all. Do He has overcome them once for all. Do He has overcome them once for all. Do not be afraid because nothing can not be afraid because nothing can not be afraid because nothing can separate you from his love, his value, separate you from his love, his value, separate you from his love, his value, his greater future. Do not be afraid his greater future. Do not be afraid his greater future. Do not be afraid because he has given the view the because he has given the view the because he has given the view the victory and it's his pleasure to give victory and it's his pleasure to give victory and it's his pleasure to give you the kingdom. Do not be afraid you the kingdom. Do not be afraid you the kingdom. Do not be afraid because he's the first and the last. Do because he's the first and the last. Do because he's the first and the last. Do not be afraid. He's the alpha and the not be afraid. He's the alpha and the not be afraid. He's the alpha and the omega, the king of all rulers. Death omega, the king of all rulers. Death omega, the king of all rulers. Death couldn't defeat him. The grave couldn't couldn't defeat him. The grave couldn't couldn't defeat him. The grave couldn't hold him. And the world couldn't hold him. And the world couldn't hold him. And the world couldn't overcome him. Do not be afraid because overcome him. Do not be afraid because overcome him. Do not be afraid because Jesus is alive today and tomorrow and Jesus is alive today and tomorrow and Jesus is alive today and tomorrow and forever and he is coming soon. Do not forever and he is coming soon. Do not forever and he is coming soon. Do not be afraid. [applause] So when your backs against the wall, So when your backs against the wall, you remember who God is and you remember you remember who God is and you remember you remember who God is and you remember who you are to him. He's got you. He's who you are to him. He's got you. He's who you are to him. He's got you. He's got you. Don't be afraid. Stand still got you. Don't be afraid. Stand still got you. Don't be afraid. Stand still and watch the Lord rescue you. Just keep and watch the Lord rescue you. Just keep and watch the Lord rescue you. Just keep going in the middle.

going in the middle. going in the middle. Here's a few things I wrote down that Here's a few things I wrote down that Here's a few things I wrote down that have helped me. Just some learnings from have helped me. Just some learnings from have helped me. Just some learnings from this last year, and they're very simple, this last year, and they're very simple, this last year, and they're very simple, but they were very profound for me. The but they were very profound for me. The but they were very profound for me. The first one was uh simply this. If to keep first one was uh simply this. If to keep first one was uh simply this. If to keep going in the middle, you know, lean on going in the middle, you know, lean on going in the middle, you know, lean on God and others. Lean on God and others. God and others. Lean on God and others. God and others. Lean on God and others. And I think for me as I was honest with And I think for me as I was honest with And I think for me as I was honest with friends and with family about some of friends and with family about some of friends and with family about some of the things we were going through is I the things we were going through is I the things we were going through is I was transparent. I was just so moved by was transparent. I was just so moved by was transparent. I was just so moved by how how how you ever feel like you show up for you ever feel like you show up for you ever feel like you show up for people but you're not really sure if people but you're not really sure if people but you're not really sure if they'll show up for you. they'll show up for you. they'll show up for you. And what I learned this last year is And what I learned this last year is And what I learned this last year is that they will that they will that they will they will show up for you. They showed they will show up for you. They showed they will show up for you. They showed up for me and they carried me along and up for me and they carried me along and up for me and they carried me along and they said, "Jud, if you can't walk right they said, "Jud, if you can't walk right they said, "Jud, if you can't walk right now, we're going to hold your arms and now, we're going to hold your arms and now, we're going to hold your arms and we're going to help you walk. If you we're going to help you walk. If you we're going to help you walk. If you can't keep going right now, we're going can't keep going right now, we're going can't keep going right now, we're going to show you you can keep going. We're to show you you can keep going. We're to show you you can keep going. We're going to pray for you and we're going to going to pray for you and we're going to going to pray for you and we're going to walk with you and you're not alone in walk with you and you're not alone in walk with you and you're not alone in this." And I'll tell you, it changed me. this." And I'll tell you, it changed me. this." And I'll tell you, it changed me. It changed me. It's okay to rely not It changed me. It's okay to rely not It changed me. It's okay to rely not only on God, but to rely on others. And only on God, but to rely on others. And only on God, but to rely on others. And can I tell you today church, you are can I tell you today church, you are can I tell you today church, you are surrounded by an amazing community of surrounded by an amazing community of surrounded by an amazing community of people. They will pray with you. They people. They will pray with you. They people. They will pray with you. They will encourage you. This is a special will encourage you. This is a special will encourage you. This is a special what God is doing here right now. Right what God is doing here right now. Right what God is doing here right now. Right now is special and sacred and holy and now is special and sacred and holy and now is special and sacred and holy and beautiful. And you can be part of that.

beautiful. And you can be part of that. beautiful. And you can be part of that. And as you open your life up to And as you open your life up to And as you open your life up to somebody, they will encourage you and somebody, they will encourage you and somebody, they will encourage you and walk with you and you'll find mutual walk with you and you'll find mutual walk with you and you'll find mutual strength together. Lean on God and strength together. Lean on God and strength together. Lean on God and others. Here's another thing I wrote others. Here's another thing I wrote others. Here's another thing I wrote down that helped me keep going in the down that helped me keep going in the down that helped me keep going in the middle. Embrace today as a gift. Embrace middle. Embrace today as a gift. Embrace middle. Embrace today as a gift. Embrace today as a gift. When you're in the today as a gift. When you're in the today as a gift. When you're in the middle, all you want to do is get out of middle, all you want to do is get out of middle, all you want to do is get out of it. Right? Come on. All you want to do it. Right? Come on. All you want to do it. Right? Come on. All you want to do is get to the other side. I just all is get to the other side. I just all is get to the other side. I just all year I've just been like, "God, get me year I've just been like, "God, get me year I've just been like, "God, get me out of this crazy situation that I out of this crazy situation that I out of this crazy situation that I didn't create. Just get me out of it." didn't create. Just get me out of it." didn't create. Just get me out of it." But what you realize is the greatest But what you realize is the greatest But what you realize is the greatest work God can do in your life will work God can do in your life will work God can do in your life will happen. When you stop fighting against happen. When you stop fighting against happen. When you stop fighting against it and when you embrace it, it is what it and when you embrace it, it is what it and when you embrace it, it is what it is until the Lord moves and until it is until the Lord moves and until it is until the Lord moves and until something until you have a breakthrough something until you have a breakthrough something until you have a breakthrough and you start to embrace every day as a and you start to embrace every day as a and you start to embrace every day as a gift and you learn to sit in it. Even if gift and you learn to sit in it. Even if gift and you learn to sit in it. Even if it hurts, even if it's uncomfortable, it hurts, even if it's uncomfortable, it hurts, even if it's uncomfortable, even if it's difficult, you embrace even if it's difficult, you embrace even if it's difficult, you embrace today as a gift. And you realize today as a gift. And you realize today as a gift. And you realize tomorrow is not guaranteed in this life, tomorrow is not guaranteed in this life, tomorrow is not guaranteed in this life, but today is a gift. I don't want to but today is a gift. I don't want to but today is a gift. I don't want to miss it. miss it. miss it. Third thing I wrote down is this. Don't Third thing I wrote down is this. Don't Third thing I wrote down is this. Don't borrow trouble from tomorrow. I have a borrow trouble from tomorrow. I have a borrow trouble from tomorrow. I have a PhD in borrowing trouble from tomorrow.

PhD in borrowing trouble from tomorrow. PhD in borrowing trouble from tomorrow. I got a PhD in worry, anxiety. I can I got a PhD in worry, anxiety. I can I got a PhD in worry, anxiety. I can imagine all your worst case scenarios. imagine all your worst case scenarios. imagine all your worst case scenarios. Some of you are conspiracy theorists. I Some of you are conspiracy theorists. I Some of you are conspiracy theorists. I don't even need to be a conspiracy don't even need to be a conspiracy don't even need to be a conspiracy theorist. I just it just happens theorist. I just it just happens theorist. I just it just happens naturally for me. I imagine all the naturally for me. I imagine all the naturally for me. I imagine all the stuff. But here's what I've learned in stuff. But here's what I've learned in stuff. But here's what I've learned in my in my own life. It's like, man, Jesus my in my own life. It's like, man, Jesus my in my own life. It's like, man, Jesus said it right. like to you know don't said it right. like to you know don't said it right. like to you know don't worry about tomorrow. Today has enough worry about tomorrow. Today has enough worry about tomorrow. Today has enough trouble of its own and all worry and trouble of its own and all worry and trouble of its own and all worry and anxiety really does look anxiety really does look anxiety really does look it doesn't fix tomorrow. It only ruins it doesn't fix tomorrow. It only ruins it doesn't fix tomorrow. It only ruins today. today. today. And so man don't borrow that stuff from And so man don't borrow that stuff from And so man don't borrow that stuff from tomorrow. Let God carry you through tomorrow. Let God carry you through tomorrow. Let God carry you through today. The fourth thing I wrote down was today. The fourth thing I wrote down was today. The fourth thing I wrote down was this. This too shall pass. Whatever this. This too shall pass. Whatever this. This too shall pass. Whatever whatever situation you're in, whatever whatever situation you're in, whatever whatever situation you're in, whatever your struggle is right now, this too your struggle is right now, this too your struggle is right now, this too shall pass. Being in the middle means shall pass. Being in the middle means shall pass. Being in the middle means you're in a season. Seasons come and you're in a season. Seasons come and you're in a season. Seasons come and seasons go. And life is a journey seasons go. And life is a journey seasons go. And life is a journey through the ups and the downs and the through the ups and the downs and the through the ups and the downs and the difficulties, but God will bring you difficulties, but God will bring you difficulties, but God will bring you through it. This two shall pass is through it. This two shall pass is through it. This two shall pass is something my father always said. My something my father always said. My something my father always said. My father um is an older was the older father um is an older was the older father um is an older was the older generation. and he dropped out of high generation. and he dropped out of high generation. and he dropped out of high school so that um he could serve in school so that um he could serve in school so that um he could serve in World War II like many people did in his World War II like many people did in his World War II like many people did in his generation. And my dad was like a master generation. And my dad was like a master generation. And my dad was like a master sergeant in the army and fought in the sergeant in the army and fought in the sergeant in the army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge and went all the way Battle of the Bulge and went all the way Battle of the Bulge and went all the way up into Germany with the Allies and was up into Germany with the Allies and was up into Germany with the Allies and was in part of the Korean War like you know in part of the Korean War like you know in part of the Korean War like you know he he was a he was a military guy. Um he he was a he was a military guy. Um he he was a he was a military guy. Um and then later was like a small business and then later was like a small business and then later was like a small business owner and really just a great person of

owner and really just a great person of owner and really just a great person of faith and a great role model to me. I faith and a great role model to me. I faith and a great role model to me. I was a crazy teenager. Addiction, drugs, was a crazy teenager. Addiction, drugs, was a crazy teenager. Addiction, drugs, partying, all the things. Got in all partying, all the things. Got in all partying, all the things. Got in all kinds of trouble. And my dad was so kinds of trouble. And my dad was so kinds of trouble. And my dad was so amazing in the way he walked with me and amazing in the way he walked with me and amazing in the way he walked with me and loved me through all of that. So, I just loved me through all of that. So, I just loved me through all of that. So, I just want to honor him. I'm grateful for for want to honor him. I'm grateful for for want to honor him. I'm grateful for for who he was. And who he was. And who he was. And [music] if you had a great dad, then that's a if you had a great dad, then that's a sacred thing. And I encourage you to sacred thing. And I encourage you to sacred thing. And I encourage you to honor them. If you didn't have a great honor them. If you didn't have a great honor them. If you didn't have a great dad, you have a great heavenly father dad, you have a great heavenly father dad, you have a great heavenly father and you have some incredible men around and you have some incredible men around and you have some incredible men around you and you can be the great dad that you and you can be the great dad that you and you can be the great dad that you didn't have and make a difference you didn't have and make a difference you didn't have and make a difference for the people and the kids in your for the people and the kids in your for the people and the kids in your life. But but in my life, I remember I life. But but in my life, I remember I life. But but in my life, I remember I got the call a while back several years got the call a while back several years got the call a while back several years ago that that [music] my dad was really ago that that [music] my dad was really ago that that [music] my dad was really sick and I needed to get home. And so I sick and I needed to get home. And so I sick and I needed to get home. And so I went back to Amarillo, Texas. And um I went back to Amarillo, Texas. And um I went back to Amarillo, Texas. And um I went into the hospital and you know my went into the hospital and you know my went into the hospital and you know my dad was like already kind of not dad was like already kind of not dad was like already kind of not conscious and so I'm sitting there and conscious and so I'm sitting there and conscious and so I'm sitting there and he would have these moments where he he would have these moments where he he would have these moments where he would all of a sudden become lucid and would all of a sudden become lucid and would all of a sudden become lucid and uh I mean my dad kind of died uh I mean my dad kind of died uh I mean my dad kind of died [clears throat] like a like a master [clears throat] like a like a master [clears throat] like a like a master sergeant in the army would die right sergeant in the army would die right sergeant in the army would die right like he's completely unconscious all of like he's completely unconscious all of like he's completely unconscious all of a sudden he would like open his eye and a sudden he would like open his eye and a sudden he would like open his eye and look at me and the first time he looked look at me and the first time he looked look at me and the first time he looked at me I'm not even sure he fully at me I'm not even sure he fully at me I'm not even sure he fully recognized me he said it's about time we recognized me he said it's about time we recognized me he said it's about time we wrap this up and then he [music] was out. I was like, and then he [music] was out. I was like, "I got it, Dad. I hear you loud and "I got it, Dad. I hear you loud and "I got it, Dad. I hear you loud and clear. I understand."

clear. I understand." clear. I understand." Another time, I'm sitting there and he Another time, I'm sitting there and he Another time, I'm sitting there and he looked up at me out of the corner of his looked up at me out of the corner of his looked up at me out of the corner of his eyes, he goes, "It's about time we let eyes, he goes, "It's about time we let eyes, he goes, "It's about time we let her rip." Yep, Dad. Got it. We're her rip." Yep, Dad. Got it. We're her rip." Yep, Dad. Got it. We're working on that. That's kind of in the working on that. That's kind of in the working on that. That's kind of in the Lord's hands right now, but yeah. At one Lord's hands right now, but yeah. At one Lord's hands right now, but yeah. At one point, his defibrill went off and he point, his defibrill went off and he point, his defibrill went off and he thought it was keeping him alive. And thought it was keeping him alive. And thought it was keeping him alive. And so, he got zapped. And it it wasn't so, he got zapped. And it it wasn't so, he got zapped. And it it wasn't keeping him alive, but he kept thinking keeping him alive, but he kept thinking keeping him alive, but he kept thinking it was like restarting his heart or it was like restarting his heart or it was like restarting his heart or something. He gets zapped. He sits up. something. He gets zapped. He sits up. something. He gets zapped. He sits up. He's all angry. He's got fire in his He's all angry. He's got fire in his He's all angry. He's got fire in his eyes. He looks right at me and he goes, eyes. He looks right at me and he goes, eyes. He looks right at me and he goes, "You better get that heart doctor in "You better get that heart doctor in "You better get that heart doctor in here right now. I paid him a lot of here right now. I paid him a lot of here right now. I paid him a lot of money and I should be dead by now." money and I should be dead by now." money and I should be dead by now." Boom. Back on his back. Boom. Back on his back. Boom. Back on his back. Got a dad. Got a dad. Got a dad. My sister and I, you know, we finally go My sister and I, you know, we finally go My sister and I, you know, we finally go in. They say, "You need to say your your in. They say, "You need to say your your in. They say, "You need to say your your last words." [music] Many of you have last words." [music] Many of you have last words." [music] Many of you have had this moment. had this moment. had this moment. So, we go in and I'm holding his hands So, we go in and I'm holding his hands So, we go in and I'm holding his hands and [music] kneeling down beside his and [music] kneeling down beside his and [music] kneeling down beside his hospital bed, thanking him for not hospital bed, thanking him for not hospital bed, thanking him for not giving up on me and loving me through giving up on me and loving me through giving up on me and loving me through all my crazy stuff and just telling him all my crazy stuff and just telling him all my crazy stuff and just telling him I'll try to be a good man, follow in his I'll try to be a good man, follow in his I'll try to be a good man, follow in his footsteps.

footsteps. footsteps. And all of a sudden, he just opened his And all of a sudden, he just opened his And all of a sudden, he just opened his eyes. He looked at me. He looked at my eyes. He looked at me. He looked at my eyes. He looked at me. He looked at my sister and he gave us a gift. He said, sister and he gave us a gift. He said, sister and he gave us a gift. He said, "You're good kids and I love you. I'm "You're good kids and I love you. I'm "You're good kids and I love you. I'm going for a walk in the sunshine. I'll going for a walk in the sunshine. I'll going for a walk in the sunshine. I'll see you on the other side. It's the last see you on the other side. It's the last see you on the other side. It's the last thing my dad ever spoke. thing my dad ever spoke. thing my dad ever spoke. And you know, walking out of that And you know, walking out of that And you know, walking out of that hospital room hospital room hospital room kind of changed me cuz you realize so kind of changed me cuz you realize so kind of changed me cuz you realize so much of the stuff we give ourselves to much of the stuff we give ourselves to much of the stuff we give ourselves to in life just doesn't matter at the end in life just doesn't matter at the end in life just doesn't matter at the end of your life. What matters at the end, of your life. What matters at the end, of your life. What matters at the end, it's not your golf game. And I hope it's it's not your golf game. And I hope it's it's not your golf game. And I hope it's good. good. good. Yeah. It's not your It's not your your Yeah. It's not your It's not your your Yeah. It's not your It's not your your fishing catch. I hope it's amazing. fishing catch. I hope it's amazing. fishing catch. I hope it's amazing. What matters at the end is [music] your What matters at the end is [music] your What matters at the end is [music] your love for God, your love for people, and love for God, your love for people, and love for God, your love for people, and it's a short list. And my dad taught me in that moment, And my dad taught me in that moment, seasons come and seasons go, but the seasons come and seasons go, but the seasons come and seasons go, but the Lord is faithful. And if you will hold Lord is faithful. And if you will hold Lord is faithful. And if you will hold on to him, if you'll trust him in the on to him, if you'll trust him in the on to him, if you'll trust him in the uncertainty, if you'll keep going even uncertainty, if you'll keep going even uncertainty, if you'll keep going even in the middle, what you'll find is he in the middle, what you'll find is he in the middle, what you'll find is he will see you through every season, even will see you through every season, even will see you through every season, even the last season and the final the last season and the final the last season and the final transition. My dad went out with peace transition. My dad went out with peace transition. My dad went out with peace because he had made peace with his because he had made peace with his because he had made peace with his maker.

maker. maker. And he trusted him in his life. [music] And maybe some of you are here today, And maybe some of you are here today, [clears throat] maybe you've never [clears throat] maybe you've never [clears throat] maybe you've never crossed that line of faith. I want to crossed that line of faith. I want to crossed that line of faith. I want to give you that opportunity just to reach give you that opportunity just to reach give you that opportunity just to reach out to God, to ask him to forgive and out to God, to ask him to forgive and out to God, to ask him to forgive and heal and restore, to place your faith heal and restore, to place your faith heal and restore, to place your faith and your trust in Jesus Christ. I'd love and your trust in Jesus Christ. I'd love and your trust in Jesus Christ. I'd love to lead you in a simple prayer just to to lead you in a simple prayer just to to lead you in a simple prayer just to open your heart to God. It's it's not open your heart to God. It's it's not open your heart to God. It's it's not the the final step. It's just a first the the final step. It's just a first the the final step. It's just a first step to help you reach out to him and step to help you reach out to him and step to help you reach out to him and begin that spiritual journey. So, could begin that spiritual journey. So, could begin that spiritual journey. So, could I just ask all of you to please bow your I just ask all of you to please bow your I just ask all of you to please bow your heads and close your eyes? And if you'd heads and close your eyes? And if you'd heads and close your eyes? And if you'd like to become a follower of Jesus, you like to become a follower of Jesus, you like to become a follower of Jesus, you can begin that journey by repeating this can begin that journey by repeating this can begin that journey by repeating this prayer after me. You can say it out prayer after me. You can say it out prayer after me. You can say it out loud. You can just say it in your own loud. You can just say it in your own loud. You can just say it in your own heart and mind. I believe God hears you. heart and mind. I believe God hears you. heart and mind. I believe God hears you. [music] Just say, "Dear God, I thank you [music] Just say, "Dear God, I thank you [music] Just say, "Dear God, I thank you for loving me. for loving me. for loving me. Thank you for sending Jesus into the Thank you for sending Jesus into the Thank you for sending Jesus into the world. world. world. I believe he died on the cross for my I believe he died on the cross for my I believe he died on the cross for my sins. Forgive me for my sins.

Forgive me for my sins. Give me the gift of eternal life. Give me the gift of eternal life. Give me the gift of eternal life. Help me face the challenges I'm up Help me face the challenges I'm up Help me face the challenges I'm up against. against. against. God, I surrender my life to you. God, I surrender my life to you. God, I surrender my life to you. In Christ's name, In Christ's name, In Christ's name, friends, with every head bowed and every friends, with every head bowed and every friends, with every head bowed and every eye closed, if that's your prayer today, eye closed, if that's your prayer today, eye closed, if that's your prayer today, if it's your commitment, I want to ask if it's your commitment, I want to ask if it's your commitment, I want to ask you to just lift your hand in the air you to just lift your hand in the air you to just lift your hand in the air just to acknowledge you're going to just to acknowledge you're going to just to acknowledge you're going to follow him. You're going to trust him follow him. You're going to trust him follow him. You're going to trust him today. Just reach out to him. And God, we thank you. We thank you for And God, we thank you. We thank you for each of these individuals just reaching each of these individuals just reaching each of these individuals just reaching out to you. [music] We thank you for out to you. [music] We thank you for out to you. [music] We thank you for what you're doing in their life. And we what you're doing in their life. And we what you're doing in their life. And we pray for them right now. We pray that pray for them right now. We pray that pray for them right now. We pray that you bring healing and hope, forgiveness, you bring healing and hope, forgiveness, you bring healing and hope, forgiveness, restoration, [music] restoration, [music] restoration, [music] that you guide them, that they may find that you guide them, that they may find that you guide them, that they may find their path as they reach out to you in their path as they reach out to you in their path as they reach out to you in faith. God, we give you praise for them. faith. God, we give you praise for them. faith. God, we give you praise for them. We thank you for them in Christ's name. We thank you for them in Christ's name. We thank you for them in Christ's name. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Let's put our hands together Amen. Amen. Let's put our hands together Amen. Amen. Let's put our hands together for those who made spiritual for those who made spiritual for those who made spiritual commitments. [music] God bless you guys. commitments. [music] God bless you guys. commitments. [music] God bless you guys. Thank you.