Pastors Kerry & Chris Shook: God's Book, My Life Line

You know, we just started a new series You know, we just started a new series of messages that we're calling this time of messages that we're calling this time of messages that we're calling this time next year because we believe that God next year because we believe that God next year because we believe that God wants to make some personal and powerful wants to make some personal and powerful wants to make some personal and powerful changes in our lives by this time next changes in our lives by this time next changes in our lives by this time next year. Hey, God can do the impossible year. Hey, God can do the impossible year. Hey, God can do the impossible quickly. He can move mountains you've quickly. He can move mountains you've quickly. He can move mountains you've been trying to get over for years and been trying to get over for years and been trying to get over for years and completely change your circumstances by completely change your circumstances by completely change your circumstances by this time next year. But more this time next year. But more this time next year. But more importantly, importantly, importantly, more importantly than changing your more importantly than changing your more importantly than changing your circumstances, God wants to change you. circumstances, God wants to change you. circumstances, God wants to change you. And God wants to change me. I don't know And God wants to change me. I don't know And God wants to change me. I don't know about you, but at this time next year, I about you, but at this time next year, I about you, but at this time next year, I don't want to be the same old person I don't want to be the same old person I don't want to be the same old person I am right now. I don't know about you, am right now. I don't know about you, am right now. I don't know about you, but I need God to change and grow my but I need God to change and grow my but I need God to change and grow my character to be more like him. At this character to be more like him. At this character to be more like him. At this time next year, I don't want to be stuck time next year, I don't want to be stuck time next year, I don't want to be stuck in the same selfish habits and ways of in the same selfish habits and ways of in the same selfish habits and ways of relating that hurt the people that I relating that hurt the people that I relating that hurt the people that I love. At this time next year, I want to love. At this time next year, I want to love. At this time next year, I want to be closer to God, more attuned to his be closer to God, more attuned to his be closer to God, more attuned to his voice, be a better decision maker. I voice, be a better decision maker. I voice, be a better decision maker. I don't want to keep making the same don't want to keep making the same don't want to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. At this mistakes over and over again. At this mistakes over and over again. At this time next year, I want to be a stronger time next year, I want to be a stronger time next year, I want to be a stronger man of God, a a better husband to Chris, man of God, a a better husband to Chris, man of God, a a better husband to Chris, a a better father, a better grandparent, a a better father, a better grandparent, a a better father, a better grandparent, a better leader of the church. Hey, I a better leader of the church. Hey, I a better leader of the church. Hey, I can't really afford to be the same can't really afford to be the same can't really afford to be the same person at this time next year. I want person at this time next year. I want person at this time next year. I want God to change me.

God to change me. God to change me. So, we want you to imagine that you live So, we want you to imagine that you live So, we want you to imagine that you live on one side of a great big river. Think on one side of a great big river. Think on one side of a great big river. Think of the Mississippi or the Nile or the of the Mississippi or the Nile or the of the Mississippi or the Nile or the Amazon. And your side of the river is Amazon. And your side of the river is Amazon. And your side of the river is far from ideal. It's swampy. You're far from ideal. It's swampy. You're far from ideal. It's swampy. You're forced to live in a shack on sticks over forced to live in a shack on sticks over forced to live in a shack on sticks over the water. But you can see that on the the water. But you can see that on the the water. But you can see that on the other side of the river, life is great. other side of the river, life is great. other side of the river, life is great. There's solid ground to build on. And There's solid ground to build on. And There's solid ground to build on. And you realize you have to find a way to you realize you have to find a way to you realize you have to find a way to get to the other side. And so you try get to the other side. And so you try get to the other side. And so you try swimming, but the current's too strong swimming, but the current's too strong swimming, but the current's too strong and you nearly drown. And so you try and you nearly drown. And so you try and you nearly drown. And so you try building a raft and then a canoe and building a raft and then a canoe and building a raft and then a canoe and then a little boat. But no matter what then a little boat. But no matter what then a little boat. But no matter what you try, no matter how hard you work, you try, no matter how hard you work, you try, no matter how hard you work, your little boat gets battered and your little boat gets battered and your little boat gets battered and tossed and you're forced back to shore. tossed and you're forced back to shore. tossed and you're forced back to shore. And so you finally say, "That's it. I've And so you finally say, "That's it. I've And so you finally say, "That's it. I've got to find a way to cross this river. got to find a way to cross this river. got to find a way to cross this river. I've got to get to the other side. I've I've got to get to the other side. I've I've got to get to the other side. I've got to get to solid ground somehow." And got to get to solid ground somehow." And got to get to solid ground somehow." And so you build a bridge, a strong, so you build a bridge, a strong, so you build a bridge, a strong, permanent way to easily navigate your permanent way to easily navigate your permanent way to easily navigate your way to the other side of the river.

way to the other side of the river. way to the other side of the river. Well, the people of Chipotle Tekken, Well, the people of Chipotle Tekken, Well, the people of Chipotle Tekken, Honduras, they found themselves in this Honduras, they found themselves in this Honduras, they found themselves in this exact situation. In 1996, they began exact situation. In 1996, they began exact situation. In 1996, they began construction on a new modern steel construction on a new modern steel construction on a new modern steel bridge to replace the old bridge that bridge to replace the old bridge that bridge to replace the old bridge that was built in the 1930s. And the new was built in the 1930s. And the new was built in the 1930s. And the new bridge was engineered to be bridge was engineered to be bridge was engineered to be exceptionally strong because of the exceptionally strong because of the exceptionally strong because of the hurricanes that sometimes hit Honduras. hurricanes that sometimes hit Honduras. hurricanes that sometimes hit Honduras. And the bridge was finally completed in And the bridge was finally completed in And the bridge was finally completed in 1998. In October of that year, Hurricane 1998. In October of that year, Hurricane 1998. In October of that year, Hurricane Mitch struck just months after it was Mitch struck just months after it was Mitch struck just months after it was finished. The area received six months finished. The area received six months finished. The area received six months worth of rain in just four days. worth of rain in just four days. worth of rain in just four days. Everything was wiped out. Now, the good Everything was wiped out. Now, the good Everything was wiped out. Now, the good news is that the bridge was great. It news is that the bridge was great. It news is that the bridge was great. It held firm. It came through with flying held firm. It came through with flying held firm. It came through with flying colors despite enduring these category colors despite enduring these category colors despite enduring these category five conditions. Bad news was that the five conditions. Bad news was that the five conditions. Bad news was that the storm was so strong, take a look at this storm was so strong, take a look at this storm was so strong, take a look at this picture. The storm was so strong that picture. The storm was so strong that picture. The storm was so strong that the roads on both sides of the river the roads on both sides of the river the roads on both sides of the river were washed away and the river itself were washed away and the river itself were washed away and the river itself carved a brand new path, leaving the carved a brand new path, leaving the carved a brand new path, leaving the bridge to span entirely dry land. So bridge to span entirely dry land. So bridge to span entirely dry land. So super good bridge absolutely worthless super good bridge absolutely worthless super good bridge absolutely worthless because conditions had changed. Now this because conditions had changed. Now this because conditions had changed. Now this picture it's bridge building. It's a picture it's bridge building. It's a picture it's bridge building. It's a picture of how most of us manage our picture of how most of us manage our picture of how most of us manage our lives. We encounter problems like lives. We encounter problems like lives. We encounter problems like deadlocked issues in our relationships deadlocked issues in our relationships deadlocked issues in our relationships or feelings we'd really rather not have

or feelings we'd really rather not have or feelings we'd really rather not have to deal with or destructive habits we to deal with or destructive habits we to deal with or destructive habits we just can't seem to break. And they're just can't seem to break. And they're just can't seem to break. And they're like these deep wide rivers, these like these deep wide rivers, these like these deep wide rivers, these barriers that keep us from being where barriers that keep us from being where barriers that keep us from being where we want to be. And the river, the issue we want to be. And the river, the issue we want to be. And the river, the issue itself, it's still there, but we we itself, it's still there, but we we itself, it's still there, but we we build these bridges. We think we're build these bridges. We think we're build these bridges. We think we're going to cross it this way. We build going to cross it this way. We build going to cross it this way. We build sturdy bridges uh to hide our sturdy bridges uh to hide our sturdy bridges uh to hide our addictions, to make excuses for our addictions, to make excuses for our addictions, to make excuses for our faults. It's how we navigate life. It's faults. It's how we navigate life. It's faults. It's how we navigate life. It's the way we cope with living on the wrong the way we cope with living on the wrong the way we cope with living on the wrong side of the river. problem is that our side of the river. problem is that our side of the river. problem is that our world and our personal circumstances world and our personal circumstances world and our personal circumstances are constantly changing. Everything are constantly changing. Everything are constantly changing. Everything around us is changing. We're changing. around us is changing. We're changing. around us is changing. We're changing. The people we know are changing. And in The people we know are changing. And in The people we know are changing. And in an effort to keep up, we scramble to an effort to keep up, we scramble to an effort to keep up, we scramble to build newer and stronger bridges. We've build newer and stronger bridges. We've build newer and stronger bridges. We've got to figure out a way. We're got to figure out a way. We're got to figure out a way. We're constantly trying to figure out how to constantly trying to figure out how to constantly trying to figure out how to navigate. We create new systems. We navigate. We create new systems. We navigate. We create new systems. We create new programs to solve our create new programs to solve our create new programs to solve our problems only to find that the rivers problems only to find that the rivers problems only to find that the rivers moved again. Circumstances have changed.

moved again. Circumstances have changed. moved again. Circumstances have changed. Now, if you can relate to that feeling, Now, if you can relate to that feeling, Now, if you can relate to that feeling, then we want you to lean in close then we want you to lean in close then we want you to lean in close because today we're going to open God's because today we're going to open God's because today we're going to open God's word to discover how to stop building word to discover how to stop building word to discover how to stop building bridges and experience real lasting bridges and experience real lasting bridges and experience real lasting change in our lives to get us to solid change in our lives to get us to solid change in our lives to get us to solid ground for good. And Chris and I are ground for good. And Chris and I are ground for good. And Chris and I are convinced that the one thing more than convinced that the one thing more than convinced that the one thing more than anything else that will change your life anything else that will change your life anything else that will change your life by this time next year is spending time by this time next year is spending time by this time next year is spending time with God in his powerful, authoritative, with God in his powerful, authoritative, with God in his powerful, authoritative, divinely inspired, and life-changing divinely inspired, and life-changing divinely inspired, and life-changing word. Folks, if we don't do that, if we word. Folks, if we don't do that, if we word. Folks, if we don't do that, if we don't do what we're talking about today, don't do what we're talking about today, don't do what we're talking about today, nothing else matters. You will be the nothing else matters. You will be the nothing else matters. You will be the same old person at this time next year. same old person at this time next year. same old person at this time next year. That's why we're going to get into God's That's why we're going to get into God's That's why we're going to get into God's word and we do that every week, but word and we do that every week, but word and we do that every week, but we're going to focus in on how to spend we're going to focus in on how to spend we're going to focus in on how to spend time daily. It's so great to come to time daily. It's so great to come to time daily. It's so great to come to church to connect. You've got to do church to connect. You've got to do church to connect. You've got to do that. It's commanded by God to connect, that. It's commanded by God to connect, that. It's commanded by God to connect, you know, with other Christ followers you know, with other Christ followers you know, with other Christ followers and and come to church and fellowship, and and come to church and fellowship, and and come to church and fellowship, but it's also commanded by God to spend but it's also commanded by God to spend but it's also commanded by God to spend time daily with him. We're going to look time daily with him. We're going to look time daily with him. We're going to look at Psalm 119 today because it's powerful at Psalm 119 today because it's powerful at Psalm 119 today because it's powerful passage on the word of God. It's the passage on the word of God. It's the passage on the word of God. It's the longest chapter in the Bible. So, this longest chapter in the Bible. So, this longest chapter in the Bible. So, this will be the longest sermon that we've will be the longest sermon that we've will be the longest sermon that we've ever preached. No, I'm not. We're not ever preached. No, I'm not. We're not ever preached. No, I'm not. We're not going to do that. But, and we want you going to do that. But, and we want you going to do that. But, and we want you to take this message, put it into your to take this message, put it into your to take this message, put it into your life, and continue to study Psalm 119, life, and continue to study Psalm 119, life, and continue to study Psalm 119, but we picked a few verses of passages but we picked a few verses of passages but we picked a few verses of passages from Psalm 119. So, would you stand in

from Psalm 119. So, would you stand in from Psalm 119. So, would you stand in honor of God's word? Because Psalm 119 honor of God's word? Because Psalm 119 honor of God's word? Because Psalm 119 is just a celebration of the word of God is just a celebration of the word of God is just a celebration of the word of God and its power to guide us, protect us, and its power to guide us, protect us, and its power to guide us, protect us, direct us, strengthen us, and empower direct us, strengthen us, and empower direct us, strengthen us, and empower us, and change us. us, and change us. us, and change us. We're going to start with Psalm 119, We're going to start with Psalm 119, We're going to start with Psalm 119, verse 89. verse 89. verse 89. Your word, Lord, is eternal. It stands Your word, Lord, is eternal. It stands Your word, Lord, is eternal. It stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations. You continues through all generations. You continues through all generations. You establish the earth, and it endures. establish the earth, and it endures. establish the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day. For all Your laws endure to this day. For all Your laws endure to this day. For all things serve you. You can be seated. things serve you. You can be seated. things serve you. You can be seated. >> God's word is unlike anything else in >> God's word is unlike anything else in >> God's word is unlike anything else in this world. Our key verse that Carrie this world. Our key verse that Carrie this world. Our key verse that Carrie just read in Psalm 119 begins with your just read in Psalm 119 begins with your just read in Psalm 119 begins with your word, Lord, is eternal. It's eternal. word, Lord, is eternal. It's eternal. word, Lord, is eternal. It's eternal. What does that mean? Well, going to John What does that mean? Well, going to John What does that mean? Well, going to John 1 verse one, it tells us that the word 1 verse one, it tells us that the word 1 verse one, it tells us that the word has always existed. John 1:1 says this. has always existed. John 1:1 says this. has always existed. John 1:1 says this. It says in the beginning was the word It says in the beginning was the word It says in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word and the word was with God and the word and the word was with God and the word was God. So in the beginning was the was God. So in the beginning was the was God. So in the beginning was the word. There's never been a time that the word. There's never been a time that the word. There's never been a time that the word didn't exist. Now moving on from word didn't exist. Now moving on from word didn't exist. Now moving on from there verse two and three it says he was there verse two and three it says he was there verse two and three it says he was with God in the beginning. Through him with God in the beginning. Through him with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made. Without him all things were made. Without him all things were made. Without him nothing was made that has been made. Did nothing was made that has been made. Did nothing was made that has been made. Did you catch that? In the first verse it you catch that? In the first verse it you catch that? In the first verse it says in the beginning. So the word has

says in the beginning. So the word has says in the beginning. So the word has always existed. But in verse two, it always existed. But in verse two, it always existed. But in verse two, it says he was with God in the beginning. says he was with God in the beginning. says he was with God in the beginning. That he refers to the word. So not only That he refers to the word. So not only That he refers to the word. So not only is the word eternal and it's been there is the word eternal and it's been there is the word eternal and it's been there since the beginning, also the word is a since the beginning, also the word is a since the beginning, also the word is a person. He he. And then if you jump down person. He he. And then if you jump down person. He he. And then if you jump down with me to verse 14, the word became with me to verse 14, the word became with me to verse 14, the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We flesh and made his dwelling among us. We flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory. the glory of the have seen his glory. the glory of the have seen his glory. the glory of the one and only son who came from the one and only son who came from the one and only son who came from the father full of grace and truth. father full of grace and truth. father full of grace and truth. You see, when you spend time in God's You see, when you spend time in God's You see, when you spend time in God's word, you are interacting with God word, you are interacting with God word, you are interacting with God himself. The word is not just a person. himself. The word is not just a person. himself. The word is not just a person. The word is Jesus. The word is Jesus. The word is Jesus. The word is Jesus. The word is Jesus. The word is Jesus. Not only was the word present at that Not only was the word present at that Not only was the word present at that time, but he is he will be for eternity. time, but he is he will be for eternity. time, but he is he will be for eternity. And when you meet with you get into the And when you meet with you get into the And when you meet with you get into the word and you interact with the word, you word and you interact with the word, you word and you interact with the word, you are actually not just reading a book.

are actually not just reading a book. are actually not just reading a book. No, you are communicating with Jesus No, you are communicating with Jesus No, you are communicating with Jesus your creator. your creator. your creator. Now God's word, Now God's word, Now God's word, Jesus there in the beginning, in the Jesus there in the beginning, in the Jesus there in the beginning, in the very beginning, as John 1 said, also very beginning, as John 1 said, also very beginning, as John 1 said, also it will continue to stand forever in the it will continue to stand forever in the it will continue to stand forever in the future. future. future. In Isaiah 40:8, we learn this. The grass In Isaiah 40:8, we learn this. The grass In Isaiah 40:8, we learn this. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the withers and the flowers fade, but the withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God will stand forever. word of our God will stand forever. word of our God will stand forever. Forever. So everything and everyone Forever. So everything and everyone Forever. So everything and everyone around us is constantly changing. But around us is constantly changing. But around us is constantly changing. But God, Jesus, his word, that's a solid God, Jesus, his word, that's a solid God, Jesus, his word, that's a solid rock. His truths never change. And he rock. His truths never change. And he rock. His truths never change. And he created you. As it said in verse two, he created you. As it said in verse two, he created you. As it said in verse two, he created you. There's nothing created created you. There's nothing created created you. There's nothing created that he didn't create. He created you. that he didn't create. He created you. that he didn't create. He created you. It includes you and he wants to teach It includes you and he wants to teach It includes you and he wants to teach you and teach me. He wants to guide us. you and teach me. He wants to guide us. you and teach me. He wants to guide us. I can scarcely get over it. But there's I can scarcely get over it. But there's I can scarcely get over it. But there's more. more. more. >> You know, God's word stands forever.

>> You know, God's word stands forever. >> You know, God's word stands forever. It's that one bridge that you need. And It's that one bridge that you need. And It's that one bridge that you need. And that one bridge, Jesus Christ, through that one bridge, Jesus Christ, through that one bridge, Jesus Christ, through his word, that one bridge takes shift to his word, that one bridge takes shift to his word, that one bridge takes shift to wherever you need to go in every wherever you need to go in every wherever you need to go in every situation. God's word has the answers situation. God's word has the answers situation. God's word has the answers for everything we go through. Culture for everything we go through. Culture for everything we go through. Culture changes. God's word doesn't. It stays changes. God's word doesn't. It stays changes. God's word doesn't. It stays strong. It's a solid foundation upon strong. It's a solid foundation upon strong. It's a solid foundation upon which you can build a life. I want you which you can build a life. I want you which you can build a life. I want you to look at Psalm 119 again in verse 105. to look at Psalm 119 again in verse 105. to look at Psalm 119 again in verse 105. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Wisdom is knowing which path on my path. Wisdom is knowing which path on my path. Wisdom is knowing which path to take in every situation in your life, to take in every situation in your life, to take in every situation in your life, which bridge to take. And God's one which bridge to take. And God's one which bridge to take. And God's one bridge will get you to the right bridge bridge will get you to the right bridge bridge will get you to the right bridge every time. And God promises us that if every time. And God promises us that if every time. And God promises us that if we'll spend time in his word, meditate we'll spend time in his word, meditate we'll spend time in his word, meditate on it, put it into our lives, then he'll on it, put it into our lives, then he'll on it, put it into our lives, then he'll give us the wisdom to choose the right give us the wisdom to choose the right give us the wisdom to choose the right path. God's word is a light for my path. path. God's word is a light for my path. path. God's word is a light for my path. Without spending time in God's word and Without spending time in God's word and Without spending time in God's word and making it a daily habit, then I'm just making it a daily habit, then I'm just making it a daily habit, then I'm just stumbling around the dark. We need God's stumbling around the dark. We need God's stumbling around the dark. We need God's direction every day or we'll take a lot direction every day or we'll take a lot direction every day or we'll take a lot of wrong paths. We make a lot of foolish of wrong paths. We make a lot of foolish of wrong paths. We make a lot of foolish decisions and I've done that.

decisions and I've done that. decisions and I've done that. It's so important to connect in God's It's so important to connect in God's It's so important to connect in God's word because we need direction word because we need direction word because we need direction and we make little decisions constantly. and we make little decisions constantly. and we make little decisions constantly. We get concerned about the big We get concerned about the big We get concerned about the big decisions. And if you're a Christ decisions. And if you're a Christ decisions. And if you're a Christ follower, you you you pray, "God, I've follower, you you you pray, "God, I've follower, you you you pray, "God, I've got these two paths ahead of me. Which got these two paths ahead of me. Which got these two paths ahead of me. Which one should I take? God, um you know, one should I take? God, um you know, one should I take? God, um you know, I've got this big decision about work, I've got this big decision about work, I've got this big decision about work, career, relationship. I've got this big career, relationship. I've got this big career, relationship. I've got this big decision, finances, whatever it is." And decision, finances, whatever it is." And decision, finances, whatever it is." And and we pray about those things and we and we pray about those things and we and we pray about those things and we bring those to God. that you make so bring those to God. that you make so bring those to God. that you make so many little decisions each and every day many little decisions each and every day many little decisions each and every day that have profound ramifications for that have profound ramifications for that have profound ramifications for your life that take you down certain your life that take you down certain your life that take you down certain paths and you don't know that you missed paths and you don't know that you missed paths and you don't know that you missed out on God's best because you took this out on God's best because you took this out on God's best because you took this path or that path. All these little path or that path. All these little path or that path. All these little decisions have a profound impact on our decisions have a profound impact on our decisions have a profound impact on our life. And when you're spending time with life. And when you're spending time with life. And when you're spending time with God's word, God says the path finds you God's word, God says the path finds you God's word, God says the path finds you that he guides you that he guides you that he guides you and he gives you clear direction as you and he gives you clear direction as you and he gives you clear direction as you go through life. go through life. go through life. God's wisdom is that ability to make the God's wisdom is that ability to make the God's wisdom is that ability to make the right decisions, to choose the right right decisions, to choose the right right decisions, to choose the right path. And God's wisdom comes through his path. And God's wisdom comes through his path. And God's wisdom comes through his word. God's direction is a result of word. God's direction is a result of word. God's direction is a result of just delighting in his word.

just delighting in his word. just delighting in his word. I love Psalm 119:71 because I can relate I love Psalm 119:71 because I can relate I love Psalm 119:71 because I can relate to it. The psalmist says, "My troubles to it. The psalmist says, "My troubles to it. The psalmist says, "My troubles turned out all for the best. They forced turned out all for the best. They forced turned out all for the best. They forced me to learn from your textbook." me to learn from your textbook." me to learn from your textbook." The psalmist is saying, "Trouble came The psalmist is saying, "Trouble came The psalmist is saying, "Trouble came into my life and pain came into my into my life and pain came into my into my life and pain came into my life." You know, I I was taking a wrong life." You know, I I was taking a wrong life." You know, I I was taking a wrong road. You know, I hit trouble. It was a road. You know, I hit trouble. It was a road. You know, I hit trouble. It was a rocky road. Pain came into my life and rocky road. Pain came into my life and rocky road. Pain came into my life and that turned me to your word and to your that turned me to your word and to your that turned me to your word and to your textbook. So, I started going by your textbook. So, I started going by your textbook. So, I started going by your textbook and not mine. And he said, "I'm textbook and not mine. And he said, "I'm textbook and not mine. And he said, "I'm grateful for the pain because the pain grateful for the pain because the pain grateful for the pain because the pain turned me to your word and I fell in turned me to your word and I fell in turned me to your word and I fell in love with you and you started giving me love with you and you started giving me love with you and you started giving me direction." The psalmist said, "My pain direction." The psalmist said, "My pain direction." The psalmist said, "My pain made me desperate and drove me to your made me desperate and drove me to your made me desperate and drove me to your words for direction." You see, we really words for direction." You see, we really words for direction." You see, we really are desperate for direction every single are desperate for direction every single are desperate for direction every single day of our lives. And we need God for day of our lives. And we need God for day of our lives. And we need God for direction and spend time with God, but direction and spend time with God, but direction and spend time with God, but we don't realize it most of the time. we don't realize it most of the time. we don't realize it most of the time. But I have to admit, it's my problems But I have to admit, it's my problems But I have to admit, it's my problems and my pain that push me into God's and my pain that push me into God's and my pain that push me into God's word. word. word. You know, without pain and problems, I I You know, without pain and problems, I I You know, without pain and problems, I I wouldn't realize how desperate I am for wouldn't realize how desperate I am for wouldn't realize how desperate I am for God's word. And without desperation, God's word. And without desperation, God's word. And without desperation, there is no direction.

there is no direction. there is no direction. The reason why I don't spend time in The reason why I don't spend time in The reason why I don't spend time in God's word at times is because I'm not God's word at times is because I'm not God's word at times is because I'm not really desperate because I think I can really desperate because I think I can really desperate because I think I can make it on my own. I I think I don't make it on my own. I I think I don't make it on my own. I I think I don't need his direction, but I do need his direction, but I do need his direction, but I do desperately. But I have to admit, it's desperately. But I have to admit, it's desperately. But I have to admit, it's pain that wakes me up to how desperately pain that wakes me up to how desperately pain that wakes me up to how desperately I need God's direction. And some of you, I need God's direction. And some of you, I need God's direction. And some of you, some things aren't working. Some bridges some things aren't working. Some bridges some things aren't working. Some bridges that you built aren't working right now. that you built aren't working right now. that you built aren't working right now. Why is that? Because God wants to push Why is that? Because God wants to push Why is that? Because God wants to push you into his word so you'll get closer you into his word so you'll get closer you into his word so you'll get closer to him. And so you'll find fulfillment to him. And so you'll find fulfillment to him. And so you'll find fulfillment and purpose and meaning. and purpose and meaning. and purpose and meaning. And it's that pain that's going on in And it's that pain that's going on in And it's that pain that's going on in your life right now. It's a good thing your life right now. It's a good thing your life right now. It's a good thing because it pushes you into God. A couple because it pushes you into God. A couple because it pushes you into God. A couple of months ago, I went to the dentist to of months ago, I went to the dentist to of months ago, I went to the dentist to get a cavity filled. And I told the get a cavity filled. And I told the get a cavity filled. And I told the dentist that one of my back bottom mers dentist that one of my back bottom mers dentist that one of my back bottom mers was hurting a little bit. And she said, was hurting a little bit. And she said, was hurting a little bit. And she said, "You probably need a root canal. You can "You probably need a root canal. You can "You probably need a root canal. You can wait and see if it gets better, but you wait and see if it gets better, but you wait and see if it gets better, but you don't want to wait too long before you don't want to wait too long before you don't want to wait too long before you schedule a root canal because that's schedule a root canal because that's schedule a root canal because that's really the only thing that can stop the really the only thing that can stop the really the only thing that can stop the pain. pain. pain. But two months went by and I still But two months went by and I still But two months went by and I still hadn't scheduled a root canal. I mean, hadn't scheduled a root canal. I mean, hadn't scheduled a root canal. I mean, it was hurting more, but it's not too it was hurting more, but it's not too it was hurting more, but it's not too bad until last Sunday night. I mean, it bad until last Sunday night. I mean, it bad until last Sunday night. I mean, it hit. I mean, it was so painful. Let me hit. I mean, it was so painful. Let me hit. I mean, it was so painful. Let me describe it. It was like a a dentist describe it. It was like a a dentist describe it. It was like a a dentist drilling on that tooth, but not really a drilling on that tooth, but not really a drilling on that tooth, but not really a dentist, you know, just maybe a kid with dentist, you know, just maybe a kid with dentist, you know, just maybe a kid with a drill. and and there was no novacaane a drill. and and there was no novacaane a drill. and and there was no novacaane and it was constant. I'd never and it was constant. I'd never and it was constant. I'd never experienced any, you know, localized

experienced any, you know, localized experienced any, you know, localized acute pain like that in my life. And, acute pain like that in my life. And, acute pain like that in my life. And, you know, Tylenol Advil did nothing. you know, Tylenol Advil did nothing. you know, Tylenol Advil did nothing. Nothing. I tried ice. I tried heat. I Nothing. I tried ice. I tried heat. I Nothing. I tried ice. I tried heat. I tried everything. I only had one last tried everything. I only had one last tried everything. I only had one last thing to try and that was slamming my thing to try and that was slamming my thing to try and that was slamming my head in the car door. And and I was that head in the car door. And and I was that head in the car door. And and I was that close to doing it. All night I kept close to doing it. All night I kept close to doing it. All night I kept waiting for the sun to come up. Didn't waiting for the sun to come up. Didn't waiting for the sun to come up. Didn't sleep in pain. Before Donna was fully sleep in pain. Before Donna was fully sleep in pain. Before Donna was fully dressed at 7:30, I was at the dentist dressed at 7:30, I was at the dentist dressed at 7:30, I was at the dentist office begging for a root canal. How sad office begging for a root canal. How sad office begging for a root canal. How sad is that? Begging for a root canal. is that? Begging for a root canal. is that? Begging for a root canal. Praying, "God, please let me have a root Praying, "God, please let me have a root Praying, "God, please let me have a root canal." canal." canal." You ever prayed for that? Probably not. You ever prayed for that? Probably not. You ever prayed for that? Probably not. Have you? Probably not. Have you? Probably not. Have you? Probably not. Well, the dentist gave me a steroid Well, the dentist gave me a steroid Well, the dentist gave me a steroid pack, some antibiotics to treat pack, some antibiotics to treat pack, some antibiotics to treat infection, and the swelling has gone infection, and the swelling has gone infection, and the swelling has gone down. Feel a lot better. And guess what? down. Feel a lot better. And guess what? down. Feel a lot better. And guess what? Tomorrow, I get my root canal. And I am Tomorrow, I get my root canal. And I am Tomorrow, I get my root canal. And I am so pumped up. It's like Christmas. so pumped up. It's like Christmas. so pumped up. It's like Christmas. Get a root canal. Praise God. Get a root canal. Praise God. Get a root canal. Praise God. Some of you are excited that I get a Some of you are excited that I get a Some of you are excited that I get a root canal. You're messed up. But that's root canal. You're messed up. But that's root canal. You're messed up. But that's okay. So am I. And I can really relate okay. So am I. And I can really relate okay. So am I. And I can really relate to this passage in Psalm 119.

to this passage in Psalm 119. to this passage in Psalm 119. In verse 147, the psalmist says, "I rise In verse 147, the psalmist says, "I rise In verse 147, the psalmist says, "I rise before dawn and I cry for help. Lord, before dawn and I cry for help. Lord, before dawn and I cry for help. Lord, give me a root canal. I have put my hope give me a root canal. I have put my hope give me a root canal. I have put my hope in your word." But really, that that's in your word." But really, that that's in your word." But really, that that's the passion the psalmist has. He the passion the psalmist has. He the passion the psalmist has. He realizes how desperate he is for God's realizes how desperate he is for God's realizes how desperate he is for God's direction. direction. direction. And he cries out, "God, I need you. I'm And he cries out, "God, I need you. I'm And he cries out, "God, I need you. I'm desperate." And desperation leads to desperate." And desperation leads to desperate." And desperation leads to God's direction. God's direction. God's direction. A lot of times we treat turning to God A lot of times we treat turning to God A lot of times we treat turning to God as our very last resort. Oh, nothing as our very last resort. Oh, nothing as our very last resort. Oh, nothing worked. I guess all we can do is pray. worked. I guess all we can do is pray. worked. I guess all we can do is pray. All we can do is ask God instead of All we can do is ask God instead of All we can do is ask God instead of making it our first option. But God uses making it our first option. But God uses making it our first option. But God uses that pain in our lives to allow us to that pain in our lives to allow us to that pain in our lives to allow us to realize, hey, actually, we're that realize, hey, actually, we're that realize, hey, actually, we're that desperate all the time. Every once in a desperate all the time. Every once in a desperate all the time. Every once in a while we actually realize it. But our while we actually realize it. But our while we actually realize it. But our true condition all the time is we need true condition all the time is we need true condition all the time is we need him for every breath. We need him all him for every breath. We need him all him for every breath. We need him all the time. the time. the time. Sometimes pain comes into our lives. He Sometimes pain comes into our lives. He Sometimes pain comes into our lives. He allows that pain in and we feel it. We allows that pain in and we feel it. We allows that pain in and we feel it. We realize how desperate we really are and realize how desperate we really are and realize how desperate we really are and it turns us to him.

it turns us to him. it turns us to him. But then life gets back to normal. It But then life gets back to normal. It But then life gets back to normal. It might not be perfect, but it feels might not be perfect, but it feels might not be perfect, but it feels manageable. And so we run to him when manageable. And so we run to him when manageable. And so we run to him when there's nowhere else to go. But when he there's nowhere else to go. But when he there's nowhere else to go. But when he rescues us, we pretty much say, "Thanks, rescues us, we pretty much say, "Thanks, rescues us, we pretty much say, "Thanks, God. Got it from here." And we get back God. Got it from here." And we get back God. Got it from here." And we get back on our same old habits, our same old on our same old habits, our same old on our same old habits, our same old patterns until another problem comes up. patterns until another problem comes up. patterns until another problem comes up. And then we run to God and then leave on And then we run to God and then leave on And then we run to God and then leave on repeat. The problem with that is repeat. The problem with that is repeat. The problem with that is God isn't a vending machine. He's our God isn't a vending machine. He's our God isn't a vending machine. He's our loving father, our creator. He loves us. loving father, our creator. He loves us. loving father, our creator. He loves us. He loves you. He longs for a growing He loves you. He longs for a growing He loves you. He longs for a growing relationship with you. And when you love relationship with you. And when you love relationship with you. And when you love someone, someone, someone, what's the logical thing you do? You what's the logical thing you do? You what's the logical thing you do? You spend time with them. You spend time spend time with them. You spend time spend time with them. You spend time with the people that you love. Carrie with the people that you love. Carrie with the people that you love. Carrie and I just this month celebrated 42 and I just this month celebrated 42 and I just this month celebrated 42 years of marriage. And yeah, years of marriage. And yeah, years of marriage. And yeah, [applause] [applause] [applause] >> you put up with me for 42 years. That's >> you put up with me for 42 years. That's >> you put up with me for 42 years. That's amazing.

amazing. amazing. >> 42 years, you guys. It's a long time. >> 42 years, you guys. It's a long time. >> 42 years, you guys. It's a long time. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Mine was a joke. I thought that sounded >> Mine was a joke. I thought that sounded >> Mine was a joke. I thought that sounded serious. serious. serious. >> It seems like it's just been a day to >> It seems like it's just been a day to >> It seems like it's just been a day to me. me. me. >> But we have been through over four >> But we have been through over four >> But we have been through over four decades. We've been through so much decades. We've been through so much decades. We've been through so much together. The high highs and the low together. The high highs and the low together. The high highs and the low lows and everything in between. So, lows and everything in between. So, lows and everything in between. So, we've developed a relationship by we've developed a relationship by we've developed a relationship by spending time together through all the spending time together through all the spending time together through all the times. Not just the hard times and not times. Not just the hard times and not times. Not just the hard times and not just the good times, but all the times. just the good times, but all the times. just the good times, but all the times. And that's how our relationship has And that's how our relationship has And that's how our relationship has grown. And now I know Carrie 10,000 grown. And now I know Carrie 10,000 grown. And now I know Carrie 10,000 times better than I did on the day that times better than I did on the day that times better than I did on the day that we got married. On the day we committed we got married. On the day we committed we got married. On the day we committed to love each other for the rest of our to love each other for the rest of our to love each other for the rest of our lives, we realize now we didn't know lives, we realize now we didn't know lives, we realize now we didn't know anything about each other. anything about each other. anything about each other. >> Yeah. You know the good, bad, and ugly >> Yeah. You know the good, bad, and ugly >> Yeah. You know the good, bad, and ugly now about me. If you didn't know any of now about me. If you didn't know any of now about me. If you didn't know any of the ugly or any of the bad, you might the ugly or any of the bad, you might the ugly or any of the bad, you might not have married me. But anyway, not have married me. But anyway, not have married me. But anyway, >> but now we we just keep growing. We keep >> but now we we just keep growing. We keep >> but now we we just keep growing. We keep learning more about each other all the learning more about each other all the learning more about each other all the time, every year. I mean, it's struggles time, every year. I mean, it's struggles time, every year. I mean, it's struggles come into a relationship when one or come into a relationship when one or come into a relationship when one or both of you just assume that you already both of you just assume that you already both of you just assume that you already know everything there is to know about know everything there is to know about know everything there is to know about that person. Thing is, God is still that person. Thing is, God is still that person. Thing is, God is still working in both of our lives. He's still working in both of our lives. He's still working in both of our lives. He's still changing us. We're still growing. We're changing us. We're still growing. We're changing us. We're still growing. We're and and we have to keep at it. Now our and and we have to keep at it. Now our and and we have to keep at it. Now our relationship with God grows in the same relationship with God grows in the same relationship with God grows in the same way by spending time with him through way by spending time with him through way by spending time with him through all the times the good times the hard all the times the good times the hard all the times the good times the hard times not just running to him only in

times not just running to him only in times not just running to him only in the hard times but everything the the the hard times but everything the the the hard times but everything the the smallest details of our lives and we smallest details of our lives and we smallest details of our lives and we should grow in the same way. And by this should grow in the same way. And by this should grow in the same way. And by this time next year we should be closer to time next year we should be closer to time next year we should be closer to God. We should be becoming more like God. We should be becoming more like God. We should be becoming more like him. No matter how long you've been a him. No matter how long you've been a him. No matter how long you've been a believer, if you've been a believer for believer, if you've been a believer for believer, if you've been a believer for a couple months or you've been a a couple months or you've been a a couple months or you've been a believer for 50 years, it doesn't believer for 50 years, it doesn't believer for 50 years, it doesn't matter. Still, by this time next year, matter. Still, by this time next year, matter. Still, by this time next year, we should be trusting him more, being we should be trusting him more, being we should be trusting him more, being becoming more like him, more loving, becoming more like him, more loving, becoming more like him, more loving, more patient, more kind, more generous, more patient, more kind, more generous, more patient, more kind, more generous, more full of grace and peace. We should more full of grace and peace. We should more full of grace and peace. We should by this time next year have more clarity by this time next year have more clarity by this time next year have more clarity about what matters and what doesn't about what matters and what doesn't about what matters and what doesn't matter. We should be asking for matter. We should be asking for matter. We should be asking for forgiveness more quickly and offering forgiveness more quickly and offering forgiveness more quickly and offering forgiveness more easily. And if we spend forgiveness more easily. And if we spend forgiveness more easily. And if we spend time together with God every day, we time together with God every day, we time together with God every day, we will be different this time next year. will be different this time next year. will be different this time next year. We can't not be we can't not be changed We can't not be we can't not be changed We can't not be we can't not be changed by interaction with God through his by interaction with God through his by interaction with God through his living word. And so with all these living word. And so with all these living word. And so with all these benefits of spending daily time with God benefits of spending daily time with God benefits of spending daily time with God in his word, why is it that so many in his word, why is it that so many in his word, why is it that so many Christians, so many believers continue Christians, so many believers continue Christians, so many believers continue to treat God like their emergency to treat God like their emergency to treat God like their emergency contact year after year, you know, we contact year after year, you know, we contact year after year, you know, we get in trouble and God help. And yes, we get in trouble and God help. And yes, we get in trouble and God help. And yes, we can call upon him and the Bible tells us can call upon him and the Bible tells us can call upon him and the Bible tells us to call upon him when we're in trouble, to call upon him when we're in trouble, to call upon him when we're in trouble, when we need him, but also we're to be when we need him, but also we're to be when we need him, but also we're to be walking with him day by day. I think the

walking with him day by day. I think the walking with him day by day. I think the reason that we run to God often only reason that we run to God often only reason that we run to God often only when we're really feeling the pain is when we're really feeling the pain is when we're really feeling the pain is because the truth is that growing a because the truth is that growing a because the truth is that growing a relationship, whether it's in a marriage relationship, whether it's in a marriage relationship, whether it's in a marriage or with our creator, it's work. or with our creator, it's work. or with our creator, it's work. It takes time. You have to work at it. It takes time. You have to work at it. It takes time. You have to work at it. It's hard sometimes. It's hard sometimes. It's hard sometimes. It's hard to stay committed It's hard to stay committed It's hard to stay committed to something and maybe you haven't spent to something and maybe you haven't spent to something and maybe you haven't spent much time in the Bible during your life much time in the Bible during your life much time in the Bible during your life and that's okay. God takes you right and that's okay. God takes you right and that's okay. God takes you right where you're at. But if that's where where you're at. But if that's where where you're at. But if that's where you're at, I mean, it's it's just true. you're at, I mean, it's it's just true. you're at, I mean, it's it's just true. It's hard to do something regularly that It's hard to do something regularly that It's hard to do something regularly that feels awkward and it isn't even feels awkward and it isn't even feels awkward and it isn't even particularly enjoyable at first. And particularly enjoyable at first. And particularly enjoyable at first. And that's where usually we fall off the that's where usually we fall off the that's where usually we fall off the wagon. wagon. wagon. And now to illustrate this, I'd like for And now to illustrate this, I'd like for And now to illustrate this, I'd like for anybody in this room who's ever taken anybody in this room who's ever taken anybody in this room who's ever taken Piano lessons for any amount of time at Piano lessons for any amount of time at Piano lessons for any amount of time at any age. Raise your hand. Piano lessons. any age. Raise your hand. Piano lessons. any age. Raise your hand. Piano lessons. Oh, we have so many people. Lots of Oh, we have so many people. Lots of Oh, we have so many people. Lots of people took piano lessons. Now, if you people took piano lessons. Now, if you people took piano lessons. Now, if you didn't stick with it, put your hand didn't stick with it, put your hand didn't stick with it, put your hand down.

down. down. Yeah, we the rest of us really respect Yeah, we the rest of us really respect Yeah, we the rest of us really respect the two of you who who stuck it out and the two of you who who stuck it out and the two of you who who stuck it out and can play well. Now, that that is can play well. Now, that that is can play well. Now, that that is fantastic. You know, there's no shame fantastic. You know, there's no shame fantastic. You know, there's no shame here. I'm right there with you. It's here. I'm right there with you. It's here. I'm right there with you. It's like I didn't didn't stick it out. Now, like I didn't didn't stick it out. Now, like I didn't didn't stick it out. Now, if you ever took piano lessons and you if you ever took piano lessons and you if you ever took piano lessons and you wish you would have stuck with it wish you would have stuck with it wish you would have stuck with it somehow so that now you could just sit somehow so that now you could just sit somehow so that now you could just sit down and play, raise your hand again. down and play, raise your hand again. down and play, raise your hand again. Yeah, it's pretty much the people who Yeah, it's pretty much the people who Yeah, it's pretty much the people who started, right? started, right? started, right? Looking back, we can see, oh, if I just Looking back, we can see, oh, if I just Looking back, we can see, oh, if I just would have invested just a little bit of would have invested just a little bit of would have invested just a little bit of effort, wow, that would have been a effort, wow, that would have been a effort, wow, that would have been a great life skill. great life skill. great life skill. Well, you know, it's it's one thing to Well, you know, it's it's one thing to Well, you know, it's it's one thing to fall along the wayside when it comes to fall along the wayside when it comes to fall along the wayside when it comes to playing the piano or maybe dance lessons playing the piano or maybe dance lessons playing the piano or maybe dance lessons or pick any of a hundred things. or pick any of a hundred things. or pick any of a hundred things. And it's another thing entirely And it's another thing entirely And it's another thing entirely to fail to keep practicing God's word to to fail to keep practicing God's word to to fail to keep practicing God's word to stay and make it a habit of our lives. stay and make it a habit of our lives. stay and make it a habit of our lives. We all have regrets about things we wish We all have regrets about things we wish We all have regrets about things we wish we would have been more intentional we would have been more intentional we would have been more intentional about. But because I love you, I'm about. But because I love you, I'm about. But because I love you, I'm telling you, spending time regularly telling you, spending time regularly telling you, spending time regularly with God in his word isn't something with God in his word isn't something with God in his word isn't something that we want to have regrets about.

that we want to have regrets about. that we want to have regrets about. We are on our way to heaven. Now, if We are on our way to heaven. Now, if We are on our way to heaven. Now, if you're a believer, we're already on the you're a believer, we're already on the you're a believer, we're already on the road there. We're on our way. Everything road there. We're on our way. Everything road there. We're on our way. Everything in this life will pass away. Everything. in this life will pass away. Everything. in this life will pass away. Everything. With all my heart, I encourage you to With all my heart, I encourage you to With all my heart, I encourage you to get serious about practicing spending get serious about practicing spending get serious about practicing spending time with God. And it requires time with God. And it requires time with God. And it requires discipline to push through the discipline to push through the discipline to push through the unfamiliarity and the awkwardness of unfamiliarity and the awkwardness of unfamiliarity and the awkwardness of spending focused daily time with God. spending focused daily time with God. spending focused daily time with God. It's hard until it's not. Just like It's hard until it's not. Just like It's hard until it's not. Just like practicing anything, any skill you have, practicing anything, any skill you have, practicing anything, any skill you have, anything you're good at. I don't care if anything you're good at. I don't care if anything you're good at. I don't care if it's cooking or working with tools or it's cooking or working with tools or it's cooking or working with tools or playing a sport or being an accountant. playing a sport or being an accountant. playing a sport or being an accountant. anything you're good at, it's because anything you're good at, it's because anything you're good at, it's because you stuck with it and you worked at it you stuck with it and you worked at it you stuck with it and you worked at it and you stayed with it until and you stayed with it until and you stayed with it until a day came where it was like learning to a day came where it was like learning to a day came where it was like learning to ride a bike. It was awkward until all of ride a bike. It was awkward until all of ride a bike. It was awkward until all of a sudden, hey, you're off and running. a sudden, hey, you're off and running. a sudden, hey, you're off and running. And that day does come and it doesn't And that day does come and it doesn't And that day does come and it doesn't even take that long to come. But you even take that long to come. But you even take that long to come. But you have to stick through it till we get have to stick through it till we get have to stick through it till we get there. And once you stick with it, there. And once you stick with it, there. And once you stick with it, spending time with God in his word, will spending time with God in his word, will spending time with God in his word, will become your joy. Your absolute joy. Our become your joy. Your absolute joy. Our become your joy. Your absolute joy. Our sons Josh and Stephen, two of our four sons Josh and Stephen, two of our four sons Josh and Stephen, two of our four kids, are musicians. And if you're a kids, are musicians. And if you're a kids, are musicians. And if you're a regular here, you've probably enjoyed regular here, you've probably enjoyed regular here, you've probably enjoyed getting to listen to them lead worship.

getting to listen to them lead worship. getting to listen to them lead worship. But let me tell you, as their mom, it But let me tell you, as their mom, it But let me tell you, as their mom, it wasn't always that way. wasn't always that way. wasn't always that way. If you're a parent, you get that. You If you're a parent, you get that. You If you're a parent, you get that. You have a child who's started off with some have a child who's started off with some have a child who's started off with some new instrument. You go through a time new instrument. You go through a time new instrument. You go through a time that's rough, right? They don't want to that's rough, right? They don't want to that's rough, right? They don't want to practice. You don't want to hear them practice. You don't want to hear them practice. You don't want to hear them practice particularly. You know, it's practice particularly. You know, it's practice particularly. You know, it's hard for everybody involved and it takes hard for everybody involved and it takes hard for everybody involved and it takes discipline and then eventually a day discipline and then eventually a day discipline and then eventually a day comes where it's like, hey, I enjoy comes where it's like, hey, I enjoy comes where it's like, hey, I enjoy listening to this. I'm this is this listening to this. I'm this is this listening to this. I'm this is this working for everyone. And then suddenly working for everyone. And then suddenly working for everyone. And then suddenly you don't even have to ask them to you don't even have to ask them to you don't even have to ask them to practice. They're enjoying it. And then practice. They're enjoying it. And then practice. They're enjoying it. And then they start practicing longer and longer. they start practicing longer and longer. they start practicing longer and longer. Our son Steven's first instrument when Our son Steven's first instrument when Our son Steven's first instrument when he was in middle school, he played he was in middle school, he played he was in middle school, he played percussion. percussion. percussion. You know, drums are so great when You know, drums are so great when You know, drums are so great when they're part of a band, but but I mean, they're part of a band, but but I mean, they're part of a band, but but I mean, when you're practicing just drums by when you're practicing just drums by when you're practicing just drums by yourself at home and don't know how to yourself at home and don't know how to yourself at home and don't know how to do it yet, uh it's just it's loud and do it yet, uh it's just it's loud and do it yet, uh it's just it's loud and it's it can even be grading. But you it's it can even be grading. But you it's it can even be grading. But you know what? know what? know what? He stayed at it. Why? Because he had a He stayed at it. Why? Because he had a He stayed at it. Why? Because he had a goal. He wanted to be on drum line and goal. He wanted to be on drum line and goal. He wanted to be on drum line and knew it would take a lot of work. So, he knew it would take a lot of work. So, he knew it would take a lot of work. So, he set his sights. He had a goal, worked at set his sights. He had a goal, worked at set his sights. He had a goal, worked at it, and eventually he got the lead drum it, and eventually he got the lead drum it, and eventually he got the lead drum line when he was in high school. Why did line when he was in high school. Why did line when he was in high school. Why did he stick through it in those tough, he stick through it in those tough, he stick through it in those tough, monotonous times? It was because he had monotonous times? It was because he had monotonous times? It was because he had the goal. He knew what he wanted to be the goal. He knew what he wanted to be the goal. He knew what he wanted to be and then he was going to do whatever it and then he was going to do whatever it and then he was going to do whatever it took to get there. Same with Josh and took to get there. Same with Josh and took to get there. Same with Josh and playing the guitar. And now it's really playing the guitar. And now it's really playing the guitar. And now it's really enjoyable for them to play. They enjoyable for them to play. They enjoyable for them to play. They practice longer than they need to practice longer than they need to practice longer than they need to because they enjoy it. The same is true because they enjoy it. The same is true because they enjoy it. The same is true in our spiritual lives. our desire and

in our spiritual lives. our desire and in our spiritual lives. our desire and our determination to know God and to our determination to know God and to our determination to know God and to obey him and to do things his way. obey him and to do things his way. obey him and to do things his way. That's our goal. That's our clear goal. That's our goal. That's our clear goal. That's our goal. That's our clear goal. And it's what keeps us going until we And it's what keeps us going until we And it's what keeps us going until we learn to like spending time in his word. learn to like spending time in his word. learn to like spending time in his word. And then you will get to a place where And then you will get to a place where And then you will get to a place where you can't imagine life without it. you can't imagine life without it. you can't imagine life without it. Truly, Truly, Truly, when I am still in bed, the thing that when I am still in bed, the thing that when I am still in bed, the thing that gets me out of bed in the morning is gets me out of bed in the morning is gets me out of bed in the morning is anticipation of spending time with him anticipation of spending time with him anticipation of spending time with him because he's that good. Because it's because he's that good. Because it's because he's that good. Because it's it's that incredible because a a plank it's that incredible because a a plank it's that incredible because a a plank cut I cannot believe the things that he cut I cannot believe the things that he cut I cannot believe the things that he shows me. shows me. shows me. It's a relationship like none other in It's a relationship like none other in It's a relationship like none other in Psalm 119 verse 56 says, "This has been Psalm 119 verse 56 says, "This has been Psalm 119 verse 56 says, "This has been my practice. I obey your precepts, my my practice. I obey your precepts, my my practice. I obey your precepts, my practice. And so we encourage you to practice. And so we encourage you to practice. And so we encourage you to this week read through Psalm 119 and this week read through Psalm 119 and this week read through Psalm 119 and underline every time you see the author underline every time you see the author underline every time you see the author commit to knowing God. I want you to I commit to knowing God. I want you to I commit to knowing God. I want you to I mean see it clearly. He's committing to mean see it clearly. He's committing to mean see it clearly. He's committing to I mean it takes commitment to knowing I mean it takes commitment to knowing I mean it takes commitment to knowing God. He says things like I learn your God. He says things like I learn your God. He says things like I learn your laws. I've hidden your word in my heart.

laws. I've hidden your word in my heart. laws. I've hidden your word in my heart. I meditate on your precepts. I've chosen I meditate on your precepts. I've chosen I meditate on your precepts. I've chosen the way of faithfulness. I practice the way of faithfulness. I practice the way of faithfulness. I practice remembering your name. I put my hope in remembering your name. I put my hope in remembering your name. I put my hope in you. I rise before dawn. I rejoice in you. I rise before dawn. I rejoice in you. I rise before dawn. I rejoice in your promise. I will follow your your promise. I will follow your your promise. I will follow your commands. He's commitment, commitment, commands. He's commitment, commitment, commands. He's commitment, commitment, commitment, commitment. It's right there commitment, commitment. It's right there commitment, commitment. It's right there before him. You see, reading the Bible before him. You see, reading the Bible before him. You see, reading the Bible is active. It's not passive. Hear people is active. It's not passive. Hear people is active. It's not passive. Hear people talk about having a quiet time. Let me talk about having a quiet time. Let me talk about having a quiet time. Let me tell you, tell you, tell you, that's the most active time in my day. I that's the most active time in my day. I that's the most active time in my day. I mean, my mind is a light with focus and mean, my mind is a light with focus and mean, my mind is a light with focus and learning and it's like, wow, this is learning and it's like, wow, this is learning and it's like, wow, this is incredible. You'll also see the author incredible. You'll also see the author incredible. You'll also see the author in Psalm 119 asking God things. He's in Psalm 119 asking God things. He's in Psalm 119 asking God things. He's saying, teach me, help me, sustain me, saying, teach me, help me, sustain me, saying, teach me, help me, sustain me, direct my paths, redeem me, defend me, direct my paths, redeem me, defend me, direct my paths, redeem me, defend me, give me understanding. give me understanding. give me understanding. Reading the Bible is interactive. Reading the Bible is interactive. Reading the Bible is interactive. It's not a passive thing that you just It's not a passive thing that you just It's not a passive thing that you just quietly do reading an old ancient book. quietly do reading an old ancient book. quietly do reading an old ancient book. It's interacting actively conversing It's interacting actively conversing It's interacting actively conversing with the God of the universe. How could with the God of the universe. How could with the God of the universe. How could that be boring? And as we spend time that be boring? And as we spend time that be boring? And as we spend time with God, we become more like him. We with God, we become more like him. We with God, we become more like him. We can stop building these temporary can stop building these temporary can stop building these temporary bridges over human barriers because he bridges over human barriers because he bridges over human barriers because he changes us from the inside out and he changes us from the inside out and he changes us from the inside out and he sets us on solid ground. But the thing sets us on solid ground. But the thing sets us on solid ground. But the thing is, we just have to commit to it. This is, we just have to commit to it. This is, we just have to commit to it. This is something that we can't do for you.

is something that we can't do for you. is something that we can't do for you. No one can do it for you. If you're a No one can do it for you. If you're a No one can do it for you. If you're a student, your parents can't do it for student, your parents can't do it for student, your parents can't do it for you. No one can do this for you. It is you. No one can do this for you. It is you. No one can do this for you. It is personal, just between you and God. personal, just between you and God. personal, just between you and God. We don't rise to the level of our We don't rise to the level of our We don't rise to the level of our intentions. We always fall to the level intentions. We always fall to the level intentions. We always fall to the level of our habits. And so that's where of our habits. And so that's where of our habits. And so that's where discipline comes in. We have to create discipline comes in. We have to create discipline comes in. We have to create new habits. Make it a priority. arrange new habits. Make it a priority. arrange new habits. Make it a priority. arrange everything else around your time with everything else around your time with everything else around your time with God God God as opposed to fitting it in whenever you as opposed to fitting it in whenever you as opposed to fitting it in whenever you can, whenever it works and keep pushing can, whenever it works and keep pushing can, whenever it works and keep pushing it to the end of the day and then the it to the end of the day and then the it to the end of the day and then the days at the end and you're tired and it days at the end and you're tired and it days at the end and you're tired and it rolls into another day without focusing rolls into another day without focusing rolls into another day without focusing on him. So, we want to talk about a few on him. So, we want to talk about a few on him. So, we want to talk about a few really practical just really practical really practical just really practical really practical just really practical simple ways. Carrie and I are so average simple ways. Carrie and I are so average simple ways. Carrie and I are so average and normal and we the things that work and normal and we the things that work and normal and we the things that work for us, maybe they'll work for you. But for us, maybe they'll work for you. But for us, maybe they'll work for you. But we encourage you with all our hearts we encourage you with all our hearts we encourage you with all our hearts to try this if you if you never have. to try this if you if you never have. to try this if you if you never have. And if you are spending time with God And if you are spending time with God And if you are spending time with God daily, then continue to invest because daily, then continue to invest because daily, then continue to invest because that is the deepest, richest place of that is the deepest, richest place of that is the deepest, richest place of your life.

your life. your life. We want to say if you're a new believer, We want to say if you're a new believer, We want to say if you're a new believer, maybe you've never done this before or maybe you've never done this before or maybe you've never done this before or you've been a believer for a few years you've been a believer for a few years you've been a believer for a few years and you never really done this before, and you never really done this before, and you never really done this before, been consistent in a daily time with been consistent in a daily time with been consistent in a daily time with God. Um, I'm so excited for you God. Um, I'm so excited for you God. Um, I'm so excited for you >> and you start small, >> and you start small, >> and you start small, >> but then God builds that and you make it >> but then God builds that and you make it >> but then God builds that and you make it the number one commitment in your heart the number one commitment in your heart the number one commitment in your heart and you'll be changed by this time next and you'll be changed by this time next and you'll be changed by this time next year. I also want to say to those you've year. I also want to say to those you've year. I also want to say to those you've been believers for years and you're been believers for years and you're been believers for years and you're saying, you know what, I know all about saying, you know what, I know all about saying, you know what, I know all about having a daily time with God. Yeah, I having a daily time with God. Yeah, I having a daily time with God. Yeah, I had to do that. uh you know at times had to do that. uh you know at times had to do that. uh you know at times yeah I've heard all this before this is yeah I've heard all this before this is yeah I've heard all this before this is not new or really exciting to me yeah I not new or really exciting to me yeah I not new or really exciting to me yeah I know all about that the question is are know all about that the question is are know all about that the question is are you doing it consistently and it's you doing it consistently and it's you doing it consistently and it's better to do it just for 5 10 minutes if better to do it just for 5 10 minutes if better to do it just for 5 10 minutes if you get consistent and keep doing it and you get consistent and keep doing it and you get consistent and keep doing it and then you'll get more and more instead of then you'll get more and more instead of then you'll get more and more instead of having one good quiet time for 30 having one good quiet time for 30 having one good quiet time for 30 minutes or 45 minutes whatever it is and minutes or 45 minutes whatever it is and minutes or 45 minutes whatever it is and then not doing it again for two weeks then not doing it again for two weeks then not doing it again for two weeks and so we need to realize that we need and so we need to realize that we need and so we need to realize that we need it each and every day. And so Chris, I it each and every day. And so Chris, I it each and every day. And so Chris, I know one of the things that that is know one of the things that that is know one of the things that that is important to you and it's also important important to you and it's also important important to you and it's also important to me is to do that in the morning, you to me is to do that in the morning, you to me is to do that in the morning, you know, before we go off into our day know, before we go off into our day know, before we go off into our day because I get so distracted. And when I because I get so distracted. And when I because I get so distracted. And when I don't do it as one of the first things, don't do it as one of the first things, don't do it as one of the first things, then um sometimes I just don't do it then um sometimes I just don't do it then um sometimes I just don't do it because other things start happening and because other things start happening and because other things start happening and I think I'm too busy to spend time with I think I'm too busy to spend time with I think I'm too busy to spend time with God when I'm really too busy not to. I God when I'm really too busy not to. I God when I'm really too busy not to. I think that yeah for us at our stage we think that yeah for us at our stage we think that yeah for us at our stage we like yeah in the morning works great for like yeah in the morning works great for like yeah in the morning works great for us but I will say that when when our

us but I will say that when when our us but I will say that when when our kids were at home kids were at home kids were at home >> I could I mean forget it I couldn't do >> I could I mean forget it I couldn't do >> I could I mean forget it I couldn't do anything in the morning um maybe when anything in the morning um maybe when anything in the morning um maybe when they went to school or maybe you're at they went to school or maybe you're at they went to school or maybe you're at work and you can do this on your lunch work and you can do this on your lunch work and you can do this on your lunch break break break >> and I would take them to the wrong >> and I would take them to the wrong >> and I would take them to the wrong school when four went to four different school when four went to four different school when four went to four different schools. schools. schools. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> One time I took them to a school none of >> One time I took them to a school none of >> One time I took them to a school none of them went to. them went to. them went to. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Like I literally did that. I was like, >> Like I literally did that. I was like, >> Like I literally did that. I was like, "These kids look really small for "These kids look really small for "These kids look really small for >> and he is my emergency contact." >> and he is my emergency contact." >> and he is my emergency contact." >> Yeah. [laughter] >> But but the point being that in the >> But but the point being that in the morning over and over the psalmist talk morning over and over the psalmist talk morning over and over the psalmist talk in multiple places in the Bible talk in multiple places in the Bible talk in multiple places in the Bible talk about in the morning being with God. And about in the morning being with God. And about in the morning being with God. And I if if you can do that, it's great. Set I if if you can do that, it's great. Set I if if you can do that, it's great. Set your alarm a little bit earlier. It will your alarm a little bit earlier. It will your alarm a little bit earlier. It will be so worth it. But if that doesn't work be so worth it. But if that doesn't work be so worth it. But if that doesn't work for you, yeah, maybe you have young for you, yeah, maybe you have young for you, yeah, maybe you have young children or you work at night, whatever children or you work at night, whatever children or you work at night, whatever it is, the point is find a time that it is, the point is find a time that it is, the point is find a time that works for you. The best time is the time works for you. The best time is the time works for you. The best time is the time that you'll do it that you'll do it that you'll do it >> regularly. >> regularly. >> regularly. >> And so just think about your schedule, >> And so just think about your schedule, >> And so just think about your schedule, >> but yeah, you have to make a plan and >> but yeah, you have to make a plan and >> but yeah, you have to make a plan and really prepare for it. really prepare for it. really prepare for it. >> Yeah. I have to have my coffee, too, >> Yeah. I have to have my coffee, too, >> Yeah. I have to have my coffee, too, before I get before I get before I get >> That's great. Yeah, get your coffee >> That's great. Yeah, get your coffee >> That's great. Yeah, get your coffee first.

first. first. >> Whatever. >> Whatever. >> Whatever. >> Now, you Chris, you always have a >> Now, you Chris, you always have a >> Now, you Chris, you always have a certain place. Do you think that's certain place. Do you think that's certain place. Do you think that's important? For me it is because uh important? For me it is because uh important? For me it is because uh that's where I I already have my Bible that's where I I already have my Bible that's where I I already have my Bible pen, my journal, what I need is right pen, my journal, what I need is right pen, my journal, what I need is right there and I already know um what I'm there and I already know um what I'm there and I already know um what I'm going to read next because I like to go going to read next because I like to go going to read next because I like to go through sequentially, you know, so that through sequentially, you know, so that through sequentially, you know, so that I already know it's it's done for me. I already know it's it's done for me. I already know it's it's done for me. It's early in the morning and so I can It's early in the morning and so I can It's early in the morning and so I can pray and um and just acknowledge God's pray and um and just acknowledge God's pray and um and just acknowledge God's presence and I'm opening his word and presence and I'm opening his word and presence and I'm opening his word and I'm picking up where I left off because I'm picking up where I left off because I'm picking up where I left off because the Bible is God's story and there it's the Bible is God's story and there it's the Bible is God's story and there it's it's a story. It's sequential. You can it's a story. It's sequential. You can it's a story. It's sequential. You can learn as you see, oh that this happened learn as you see, oh that this happened learn as you see, oh that this happened yesterday. I wonder what's going to yesterday. I wonder what's going to yesterday. I wonder what's going to happen today. You can see what's happen today. You can see what's happen today. You can see what's happening. So I like having everything happening. So I like having everything happening. So I like having everything in one place. It just reduces um excuses in one place. It just reduces um excuses in one place. It just reduces um excuses for me. for me. for me. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> that is good, isn't it? That's >> that is good, isn't it? That's >> that is good, isn't it? That's important. Sometimes I'd go in different important. Sometimes I'd go in different important. Sometimes I'd go in different places, but I think that probably be places, but I think that probably be places, but I think that probably be better if I just had that one place that better if I just had that one place that better if I just had that one place that I went constantly. So, I'm going to pick I went constantly. So, I'm going to pick I went constantly. So, I'm going to pick your place because I like that. So, wish your place because I like that. So, wish your place because I like that. So, wish different times. How about that?

different times. How about that? different times. How about that? >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Um, we do think differently and do >> Um, we do think differently and do >> Um, we do think differently and do things differently. And that's same in things differently. And that's same in things differently. And that's same in our daily time with God. And our daily time with God. And our daily time with God. And >> and as Chris said, >> and as Chris said, >> and as Chris said, >> I think it's really important to not >> I think it's really important to not >> I think it's really important to not just skip around, but to go through uh just skip around, but to go through uh just skip around, but to go through uh maybe a book of the Bible. Maybe you maybe a book of the Bible. Maybe you maybe a book of the Bible. Maybe you want to go through the book of Psalms want to go through the book of Psalms want to go through the book of Psalms starting with chapter one. It's not so starting with chapter one. It's not so starting with chapter one. It's not so important how far you get is that you do important how far you get is that you do important how far you get is that you do it. And um what I like to do is take a it. And um what I like to do is take a it. And um what I like to do is take a book of the Bible and then I uh start book of the Bible and then I uh start book of the Bible and then I uh start going through one chapter at a time. going through one chapter at a time. going through one chapter at a time. Maybe I go through a chapter that day, Maybe I go through a chapter that day, Maybe I go through a chapter that day, maybe it's two chapters. And what I'll maybe it's two chapters. And what I'll maybe it's two chapters. And what I'll do in my uh journal and there are a lot do in my uh journal and there are a lot do in my uh journal and there are a lot of great Bible apps out there, but Chris of great Bible apps out there, but Chris of great Bible apps out there, but Chris and I truly believe that uh it's so good and I truly believe that uh it's so good and I truly believe that uh it's so good to just have a Bible. Maybe it's a to just have a Bible. Maybe it's a to just have a Bible. Maybe it's a modern paraphrase like the message is so modern paraphrase like the message is so modern paraphrase like the message is so good. You need a physical Bible paper. good. You need a physical Bible paper. good. You need a physical Bible paper. Yeah, we really, you know, I mean, you Yeah, we really, you know, I mean, you Yeah, we really, you know, I mean, you can do it with the Bible app, all that. can do it with the Bible app, all that. can do it with the Bible app, all that. A lot of great ones. But then we also A lot of great ones. But then we also A lot of great ones. But then we also have a notebook to write down on it. And have a notebook to write down on it. And have a notebook to write down on it. And and the way I do it is and the way I do it is and the way I do it is >> I'll just in my notebook write the date >> I'll just in my notebook write the date >> I'll just in my notebook write the date and the passage, say Psalm 1, and then and the passage, say Psalm 1, and then and the passage, say Psalm 1, and then I'll write the word prayer down. And I'll write the word prayer down. And I'll write the word prayer down. And then I'll pray and say, "God, I know then I'll pray and say, "God, I know then I'll pray and say, "God, I know you're here with me. You wrote your you're here with me. You wrote your you're here with me. You wrote your word. Help me understand it." because we word. Help me understand it." because we word. Help me understand it." because we think pastors understand God's word more think pastors understand God's word more think pastors understand God's word more than an average Christian. No, we need than an average Christian. No, we need than an average Christian. No, we need the Holy Spirit to guide us, to help us the Holy Spirit to guide us, to help us the Holy Spirit to guide us, to help us understand. And so then I'll read the understand. And so then I'll read the understand. And so then I'll read the chapter first. I after I pray, I'll just chapter first. I after I pray, I'll just chapter first. I after I pray, I'll just mark down I prayed and then I'll write mark down I prayed and then I'll write mark down I prayed and then I'll write what God showed me today. And I'll read what God showed me today. And I'll read what God showed me today. And I'll read the chapter. Maybe I'll write down one the chapter. Maybe I'll write down one the chapter. Maybe I'll write down one verse that really stood out, that God

verse that really stood out, that God verse that really stood out, that God really brought out. Uh maybe I'll write really brought out. Uh maybe I'll write really brought out. Uh maybe I'll write down several principles that I got. Some down several principles that I got. Some down several principles that I got. Some days I get a lot, some days I don't get days I get a lot, some days I don't get days I get a lot, some days I don't get a whole lot, but God speaks to me. And a whole lot, but God speaks to me. And a whole lot, but God speaks to me. And then I write down how am I going to then I write down how am I going to then I write down how am I going to apply this? And I try to think how am I apply this? And I try to think how am I apply this? And I try to think how am I going to apply this today? How am I going to apply this today? How am I going to apply this today? How am I going to put this in my life? Lord, going to put this in my life? Lord, going to put this in my life? Lord, you're calling me to do this to obey you're calling me to do this to obey you're calling me to do this to obey you. Help me do that. And so that that's you. Help me do that. And so that that's you. Help me do that. And so that that's one of the things that I do. I think a one of the things that I do. I think a one of the things that I do. I think a lot of times if I'm running late and I'm lot of times if I'm running late and I'm lot of times if I'm running late and I'm not feeling desperate like I really am not feeling desperate like I really am not feeling desperate like I really am for God's direction, then you know, for God's direction, then you know, for God's direction, then you know, okay, I'm just going to grab my Bible okay, I'm just going to grab my Bible okay, I'm just going to grab my Bible and just read anywhere. I'm just going and just read anywhere. I'm just going and just read anywhere. I'm just going to pick any place, you know, and just, to pick any place, you know, and just, to pick any place, you know, and just, you know, God, God, show me something you know, God, God, show me something you know, God, God, show me something great because I need it, but I I don't great because I need it, but I I don't great because I need it, but I I don't have time to get anything great from have time to get anything great from have time to get anything great from you. But show me something great. How you. But show me something great. How you. But show me something great. How about this right here? about this right here? about this right here? And then all of a sudden, this is this And then all of a sudden, this is this And then all of a sudden, this is this is uh what? First Kings chapter 22:1. is uh what? First Kings chapter 22:1. is uh what? First Kings chapter 22:1. Now three years passed without war Now three years passed without war Now three years passed without war between Syria and Israel. Then it came between Syria and Israel. Then it came between Syria and Israel. Then it came to pass in the third year that to pass in the third year that to pass in the third year that Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went down down down with the king of Israel.

with the king of Israel. with the king of Israel. >> I want to add that usually we also with >> I want to add that usually we also with >> I want to add that usually we also with our things keep our reading glasses. our things keep our reading glasses. our things keep our reading glasses. >> Yeah, we do definitely. But did that >> Yeah, we do definitely. But did that >> Yeah, we do definitely. But did that speak to your heart? I mean, that was speak to your heart? I mean, that was speak to your heart? I mean, that was powerful. Jehoshaphat and the king of powerful. Jehoshaphat and the king of powerful. Jehoshaphat and the king of Israel went down Israel went down Israel went down to somewhere. I can't even read it. But to somewhere. I can't even read it. But to somewhere. I can't even read it. But anyway, isn't that life-changing? I anyway, isn't that life-changing? I anyway, isn't that life-changing? I mean, it's God's word, but I mean, God mean, it's God's word, but I mean, God mean, it's God's word, but I mean, God says, "Hey, come on." says, "Hey, come on." says, "Hey, come on." >> But it would be really life-changing if >> But it would be really life-changing if >> But it would be really life-changing if if you're reading it in context and you if you're reading it in context and you if you're reading it in context and you just read the chapters before and the just read the chapters before and the just read the chapters before and the days before. days before. days before. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Yeah. It's so exciting to dig in. What >> Yeah. It's so exciting to dig in. What >> Yeah. It's so exciting to dig in. What else Chris can help us with? else Chris can help us with? else Chris can help us with? >> I think what you mentioned about Bible, >> I think what you mentioned about Bible, >> I think what you mentioned about Bible, I just want to add a note to that. The I just want to add a note to that. The I just want to add a note to that. The reason that we use, both of us happen to reason that we use, both of us happen to reason that we use, both of us happen to like to use, and this isn't more godly, like to use, and this isn't more godly, like to use, and this isn't more godly, it's just what we do. We're just an open it's just what we do. We're just an open it's just what we do. We're just an open book here, is because it reduces book here, is because it reduces book here, is because it reduces distractions. Both of us get distracted. distractions. Both of us get distracted. distractions. Both of us get distracted. If I, if I'm reading a Bible app, and I If I, if I'm reading a Bible app, and I If I, if I'm reading a Bible app, and I have one on my phone, and I use it for have one on my phone, and I use it for have one on my phone, and I use it for other purposes, but when I'm just other purposes, but when I'm just other purposes, but when I'm just spending my focus time with God, every spending my focus time with God, every spending my focus time with God, every if there every text or call that pops if there every text or call that pops if there every text or call that pops up, even if it's silence, but I see that up, even if it's silence, but I see that up, even if it's silence, but I see that come up, it distracts me and I'm come up, it distracts me and I'm come up, it distracts me and I'm thinking about, oh, what do I need to do thinking about, oh, what do I need to do thinking about, oh, what do I need to do next? What's going on? So it's this is next? What's going on? So it's this is next? What's going on? So it's this is just low tech less distraction way. Um just low tech less distraction way. Um just low tech less distraction way. Um and I my phone if I have have it with me and I my phone if I have have it with me and I my phone if I have have it with me I always put it face down for the same I always put it face down for the same I always put it face down for the same reason just so I won't see those things reason just so I won't see those things reason just so I won't see those things pop up and I can stay focused. I'm pop up and I can stay focused. I'm pop up and I can stay focused. I'm giving God my attention. Just like when giving God my attention. Just like when giving God my attention. Just like when if you went to dinner with um friends if you went to dinner with um friends if you went to dinner with um friends and they all everybody has their phone and they all everybody has their phone and they all everybody has their phone sitting on the table and they're, you sitting on the table and they're, you sitting on the table and they're, you know, they're constantly checking it, know, they're constantly checking it, know, they're constantly checking it, then you kind of feel like you're a then you kind of feel like you're a then you kind of feel like you're a little bit less important because little bit less important because little bit less important because clearly they have, you know, they're clearly they have, you know, they're clearly they have, you know, they're just kind of seeing who else might be

just kind of seeing who else might be just kind of seeing who else might be getting a hold of them. I want to give getting a hold of them. I want to give getting a hold of them. I want to give God all my attention. And so we just do God all my attention. And so we just do God all my attention. And so we just do what we can to try to reduce what we can to try to reduce what we can to try to reduce distractions. distractions. distractions. >> Yeah. and and you're going to miss some >> Yeah. and and you're going to miss some >> Yeah. and and you're going to miss some days. You make a commitment to it. And days. You make a commitment to it. And days. You make a commitment to it. And maybe you go good for three or four maybe you go good for three or four maybe you go good for three or four days, couple days, and then uh you blow days, couple days, and then uh you blow days, couple days, and then uh you blow up for a couple of days. Don't feel up for a couple of days. Don't feel up for a couple of days. Don't feel guilty about it. Just say, "God, I'm guilty about it. Just say, "God, I'm guilty about it. Just say, "God, I'm sorry. You know, I know I'm desperate sorry. You know, I know I'm desperate sorry. You know, I know I'm desperate for you. I need your direction. I know for you. I need your direction. I know for you. I need your direction. I know if I spend time in your word, you're if I spend time in your word, you're if I spend time in your word, you're going to put these benefits in my life, going to put these benefits in my life, going to put these benefits in my life, even if I'm not aware of it at first. even if I'm not aware of it at first. even if I'm not aware of it at first. And so, I'm going to get back with it." And so, I'm going to get back with it." And so, I'm going to get back with it." And just get back with it because just And just get back with it because just And just get back with it because just be really committed to it. And don't go, be really committed to it. And don't go, be really committed to it. And don't go, "Well, you know, I did it for two days, "Well, you know, I did it for two days, "Well, you know, I did it for two days, but this is impossible. I'm terrible. but this is impossible. I'm terrible. but this is impossible. I'm terrible. I'm a terrible person. I can't do it. I'm a terrible person. I can't do it. I'm a terrible person. I can't do it. No, don't do that. Just get right back No, don't do that. Just get right back No, don't do that. Just get right back with it. I mean, what if you missed a with it. I mean, what if you missed a with it. I mean, what if you missed a meal? You know, what do you do? God, meal? You know, what do you do? God, meal? You know, what do you do? God, I'll never eat again. I'm terrible at I'll never eat again. I'm terrible at I'll never eat again. I'm terrible at missing a meal. No, you eat just more missing a meal. No, you eat just more missing a meal. No, you eat just more the next time. Twice as much. That's the next time. Twice as much. That's the next time. Twice as much. That's great. And so, get right back with it. great. And so, get right back with it. great. And so, get right back with it. I'm telling you, I'm telling you, I'm telling you, nothing will change your life more than nothing will change your life more than nothing will change your life more than spending time and developing a daily spending time and developing a daily spending time and developing a daily habit of spending time in God's word.

habit of spending time in God's word. habit of spending time in God's word. nothing. Two things change your life. nothing. Two things change your life. nothing. Two things change your life. The books you read and the people you The books you read and the people you The books you read and the people you spend time with. You read the book and spend time with. You read the book and spend time with. You read the book and you spend time with the God of the you spend time with the God of the you spend time with the God of the universe. You will be a different person universe. You will be a different person universe. You will be a different person at this time next year. You'll have at this time next year. You'll have at this time next year. You'll have God's direction. You'll have the God's direction. You'll have the God's direction. You'll have the confidence of the Lord in your life. confidence of the Lord in your life. confidence of the Lord in your life. You'll have joy, fulfillment, strength. You'll have joy, fulfillment, strength. You'll have joy, fulfillment, strength. This is what it's all about. This is what it's all about. This is what it's all about. And then I think it's important uh the And then I think it's important uh the And then I think it's important uh the attitude that we bring to it when we go attitude that we bring to it when we go attitude that we bring to it when we go to meet with God having an attitude of to meet with God having an attitude of to meet with God having an attitude of expectation. You know, God, I'm meeting expectation. You know, God, I'm meeting expectation. You know, God, I'm meeting with you and you this is something you with you and you this is something you with you and you this is something you you've said that you want me to do. You you've said that you want me to do. You you've said that you want me to do. You want me to call upon your name. You want want me to call upon your name. You want want me to call upon your name. You want me to spend time with you and so I'm me to spend time with you and so I'm me to spend time with you and so I'm doing it and Lord, I expect you to meet doing it and Lord, I expect you to meet doing it and Lord, I expect you to meet me here with that attitude of of me here with that attitude of of me here with that attitude of of excitement. You know, I can't wait. And excitement. You know, I can't wait. And excitement. You know, I can't wait. And the biggest excuse mo people most people the biggest excuse mo people most people the biggest excuse mo people most people give most Christians for not spending give most Christians for not spending give most Christians for not spending time reading God's word is that they time reading God's word is that they time reading God's word is that they don't have enough time. There's no time don't have enough time. There's no time don't have enough time. There's no time in their day. My schedule's already in their day. My schedule's already in their day. My schedule's already full. And I would suggest that maybe full. And I would suggest that maybe full. And I would suggest that maybe that's not a scheduling problem, that's not a scheduling problem, that's not a scheduling problem, but it's actually an ideological one but it's actually an ideological one but it's actually an ideological one because when you stop and you realize because when you stop and you realize because when you stop and you realize what we're talking about, which is what we're talking about, which is what we're talking about, which is talking to God, spending time with him, talking to God, spending time with him, talking to God, spending time with him, there is nothing else more important in there is nothing else more important in there is nothing else more important in our schedule. I need God's direction for our schedule. I need God's direction for our schedule. I need God's direction for every role, everything I might possibly every role, everything I might possibly every role, everything I might possibly do in my life this day. And that's why I do in my life this day. And that's why I do in my life this day. And that's why I need to hear from him because I need

need to hear from him because I need need to hear from him because I need him. He's the foundation that everything him. He's the foundation that everything him. He's the foundation that everything else springs out of. I can't do life else springs out of. I can't do life else springs out of. I can't do life without him. I can try, but I'll fall without him. I can try, but I'll fall without him. I can try, but I'll fall flat on my face. And if we want to have flat on my face. And if we want to have flat on my face. And if we want to have a growing dynamic a growing dynamic a growing dynamic life, the only way to do it is to stay life, the only way to do it is to stay life, the only way to do it is to stay connected connected connected to the word, connected to Jesus. Says, to the word, connected to Jesus. Says, to the word, connected to Jesus. Says, "I'm the vine. You're the branches. "I'm the vine. You're the branches. "I'm the vine. You're the branches. Abide in me. Abide in me." like abiding Abide in me. Abide in me." like abiding Abide in me. Abide in me." like abiding is not just every once in a while it's is not just every once in a while it's is not just every once in a while it's actually like non-stop non-stop actually like non-stop non-stop actually like non-stop non-stop connected and then the other attitude is connected and then the other attitude is connected and then the other attitude is an attitude of obedience an attitude of an attitude of obedience an attitude of an attitude of obedience an attitude of obedience in Psalm 119 verse 145 it says obedience in Psalm 119 verse 145 it says obedience in Psalm 119 verse 145 it says I call with all my heart answer me Lord I call with all my heart answer me Lord I call with all my heart answer me Lord and I will obey your decrees and I will obey your decrees and I will obey your decrees that is he's giving a yes before he gets that is he's giving a yes before he gets that is he's giving a yes before he gets the marching orders it's already saying the marching orders it's already saying the marching orders it's already saying yes God I'm meeting with you I'm looking yes God I'm meeting with you I'm looking yes God I'm meeting with you I'm looking forward to it I expect you to to hear forward to it I expect you to to hear forward to it I expect you to to hear from you and whatever you say my answer from you and whatever you say my answer from you and whatever you say my answer is yes. Now tell me what to do is yes. Now tell me what to do is yes. Now tell me what to do and he will guide your path. He will he and he will guide your path. He will he and he will guide your path. He will he will guide your path and you will begin will guide your path and you will begin will guide your path and you will begin the most exciting journey of your life the most exciting journey of your life the most exciting journey of your life as your faith deepens and you see him as your faith deepens and you see him as your faith deepens and you see him call you call to him. He answers. you call you call to him. He answers. you call you call to him. He answers. you obey and you see like these places in obey and you see like these places in obey and you see like these places in your life that were stuck for years or your life that were stuck for years or your life that were stuck for years or decades actually moving and you see him decades actually moving and you see him decades actually moving and you see him molding you to be more like him.

molding you to be more like him. molding you to be more like him. >> I'm so excited, Chris, about what God's >> I'm so excited, Chris, about what God's >> I'm so excited, Chris, about what God's going to do in all of our lives as we going to do in all of our lives as we going to do in all of our lives as we commit to this is the most important commit to this is the most important commit to this is the most important thing. Spending time in God's word, I thing. Spending time in God's word, I thing. Spending time in God's word, I mean, this is the year where God's going mean, this is the year where God's going mean, this is the year where God's going to do something in your life, in your to do something in your life, in your to do something in your life, in your relationships, in your family. I mean, relationships, in your family. I mean, relationships, in your family. I mean, God does miracles through his word in God does miracles through his word in God does miracles through his word in such a powerful way in your business. I such a powerful way in your business. I such a powerful way in your business. I can't wait to see what God does in our can't wait to see what God does in our can't wait to see what God does in our church and in our lives. I've got one church and in our lives. I've got one church and in our lives. I've got one more verse from Psalms 119. more verse from Psalms 119. more verse from Psalms 119. Remember your word to your servant, for Remember your word to your servant, for Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my you have given me hope. My comfort in my you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this. Your promise suffering is this. Your promise suffering is this. Your promise preserves my life. The psalmist is preserves my life. The psalmist is preserves my life. The psalmist is saying when I'm going through tough saying when I'm going through tough saying when I'm going through tough times, when I'm hurting, when I'm going times, when I'm hurting, when I'm going times, when I'm hurting, when I'm going through struggles, through struggles, through struggles, when I'm walking the right path, I'm when I'm walking the right path, I'm when I'm walking the right path, I'm following you. I'm spending time with following you. I'm spending time with following you. I'm spending time with you and yet pain is coming into my life you and yet pain is coming into my life you and yet pain is coming into my life and I'm hurting and I cling to your and I'm hurting and I cling to your and I'm hurting and I cling to your promises. It's your word that gives me promises. It's your word that gives me promises. It's your word that gives me strength. It's your word that gives me strength. It's your word that gives me strength. It's your word that gives me hope. I don't know what we would do when hope. I don't know what we would do when hope. I don't know what we would do when we go through pain and problems if we we go through pain and problems if we we go through pain and problems if we didn't have God's word. It's like, God, didn't have God's word. It's like, God, didn't have God's word. It's like, God, I need your word today. I need a word I need your word today. I need a word I need your word today. I need a word from you today. I need a promise from from you today. I need a promise from from you today. I need a promise from you today. And and so many times I'll be you today. And and so many times I'll be you today. And and so many times I'll be reading God's word for that day. And a reading God's word for that day. And a reading God's word for that day. And a promise will just leap out at me. That's promise will just leap out at me. That's promise will just leap out at me. That's God's saying, Carrie, that's for you.

God's saying, Carrie, that's for you. God's saying, Carrie, that's for you. That's for you. That's for you. You hold That's for you. That's for you. You hold That's for you. That's for you. You hold on. I'm going to see you through. You on. I'm going to see you through. You on. I'm going to see you through. You hold on to my promise cuz I'm holding on hold on to my promise cuz I'm holding on hold on to my promise cuz I'm holding on to you. And my word is always true. And to you. And my word is always true. And to you. And my word is always true. And I will come through and I will be I will come through and I will be I will come through and I will be faithful and I'm going to get you faithful and I'm going to get you faithful and I'm going to get you through this. I'm going to provide. through this. I'm going to provide. through this. I'm going to provide. I want to give you a promise to hold on I want to give you a promise to hold on I want to give you a promise to hold on to. Isaiah 41:10. It's our screen saver to. Isaiah 41:10. It's our screen saver to. Isaiah 41:10. It's our screen saver scripture. I want to come back to that scripture. I want to come back to that scripture. I want to come back to that here at the end. And this is for you. here at the end. And this is for you. here at the end. And this is for you. This is God speaking to someone today. This is God speaking to someone today. This is God speaking to someone today. This is God's promise for you. You This is God's promise for you. You This is God's promise for you. You didn't have to dig into God's word, but didn't have to dig into God's word, but didn't have to dig into God's word, but you're digging in through spending time you're digging in through spending time you're digging in through spending time with God. And as we come to church, we with God. And as we come to church, we with God. And as we come to church, we connect to church. Connect to worship connect to church. Connect to worship connect to church. Connect to worship and and his word. He speaks to us. But and and his word. He speaks to us. But and and his word. He speaks to us. But he wants to speak to you every day. he wants to speak to you every day. he wants to speak to you every day. Every day. And here's what he's speaking Every day. And here's what he's speaking Every day. And here's what he's speaking to someone today in your situation that to someone today in your situation that to someone today in your situation that you're in. So do not fear, for I am with you're in. So do not fear, for I am with you're in. So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. God. I will strengthen you and help you. God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous I will uphold you with my righteous I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. God is saying, "I'm not right hand. God is saying, "I'm not right hand. God is saying, "I'm not going to let you down. I know where going to let you down. I know where going to let you down. I know where you're at. I know what you're going you're at. I know what you're going you're at. I know what you're going through. And I've got this. You keep through. And I've got this. You keep through. And I've got this. You keep looking to me. You hold on to my looking to me. You hold on to my looking to me. You hold on to my promise. Hold on to Isaiah 41:10." Are promise. Hold on to Isaiah 41:10." Are promise. Hold on to Isaiah 41:10." Are you going to do that, Woodlands Church?

you going to do that, Woodlands Church? you going to do that, Woodlands Church? Do you believe God's word is true? Do you believe God's word is true? Do you believe God's word is true? >> Do you believe God is always faithful? >> Do you believe God is always faithful? >> Do you believe God is always faithful? And God always keeps his promise. Let's And God always keeps his promise. Let's And God always keeps his promise. Let's stand together stand together stand together and let's pray. Dear God, I thank you so and let's pray. Dear God, I thank you so and let's pray. Dear God, I thank you so much for your word that you've given us, much for your word that you've given us, much for your word that you've given us, Lord, this owner's manual for life. Lord, this owner's manual for life. Lord, this owner's manual for life. >> And it's alive >> And it's alive >> And it's alive because it's you. It's your word. And because it's you. It's your word. And because it's you. It's your word. And Lord, I thank you that we read the Lord, I thank you that we read the Lord, I thank you that we read the Bible, study it, not to know the Bible Bible, study it, not to know the Bible Bible, study it, not to know the Bible better, but to know you better. That we better, but to know you better. That we better, but to know you better. That we obey it, Lord, because it's true and you obey it, Lord, because it's true and you obey it, Lord, because it's true and you love [music] us so much. You created us. love [music] us so much. You created us. love [music] us so much. You created us. You know how we work best. And you give You know how we work best. And you give You know how we work best. And you give us this owner's manual to follow because us this owner's manual to follow because us this owner's manual to follow because you love us. And so Lord, we just commit you love us. And so Lord, we just commit you love us. And so Lord, we just commit to you. I know I commit to you, Lord. I to you. I know I commit to you, Lord. I to you. I know I commit to you, Lord. I need [music] this desperately. So many need [music] this desperately. So many need [music] this desperately. So many times I don't feel desperate and so I times I don't feel desperate and so I times I don't feel desperate and so I don't recognize [music] the truth of how don't recognize [music] the truth of how don't recognize [music] the truth of how much I need you. Or I say, Lord, I much I need you. Or I say, Lord, I much I need you. Or I say, Lord, I really need you desperately, but then I really need you desperately, but then I really need you desperately, but then I don't spend the time with you that I don't spend the time with you that I don't spend the time with you that I should, and it just shows that I don't should, and it just shows that I don't should, and it just shows that I don't really believe it. I I believe that I really believe it. I I believe that I really believe it. I I believe that I can [music] make it on my own, that I can [music] make it on my own, that I can [music] make it on my own, that I can do this day without you. Lord, I can do this day without you. Lord, I can do this day without you. Lord, I need you each and every day desperately.

need you each and every day desperately. need you each and every day desperately. [music] And so I pray that you would [music] And so I pray that you would [music] And so I pray that you would help me, help all of us, Lord Jesus, help me, help all of us, Lord Jesus, help me, help all of us, Lord Jesus, commit to this above [music] everything commit to this above [music] everything commit to this above [music] everything else to spend time with you, and that else to spend time with you, and that else to spend time with you, and that you would change us. I thank you for you would change us. I thank you for you would change us. I thank you for what you're going to do, the [music] what you're going to do, the [music] what you're going to do, the [music] miracles you're going to do, Lord. miracles you're going to do, Lord. miracles you're going to do, Lord. >> The miracles you're going to do in our >> The miracles you're going to do in our >> The miracles you're going to do in our hearts, our lives, our relationships, hearts, our lives, our relationships, hearts, our lives, our relationships, and families and finances. and families and finances. and families and finances. Lord, I thank you. We can't wait to see Lord, I thank you. We can't wait to see Lord, I thank you. We can't wait to see it. And Lord, I pray for those who have it. And Lord, I pray for those who have it. And Lord, I pray for those who have never received [music] you into their never received [music] you into their never received [music] you into their life. They don't have you in their lives life. They don't have you in their lives life. They don't have you in their lives to speak [music] to them and to guide to speak [music] to them and to guide to speak [music] to them and to guide them. them. them. And I pray for those who want that today And I pray for those who want that today And I pray for those who want that today that they would just pray this prayer that they would just pray this prayer that they would just pray this prayer silently to you. Dear Jesus Christ, I silently to you. Dear Jesus Christ, I silently to you. Dear Jesus Christ, I admit I need you desperately. admit I need you desperately. admit I need you desperately. The way I've been living is not working. The way I've been living is not working. The way I've been living is not working. The bridge I've built, doing it my way, The bridge I've built, doing it my way, The bridge I've built, doing it my way, according to my textbook, it's not according to my textbook, it's not according to my textbook, it's not working. I need your way. I need you to working. I need your way. I need you to working. I need your way. I need you to forgive me of my sins. Cleanse [music] forgive me of my sins. Cleanse [music] forgive me of my sins. Cleanse [music] me. Come into my life. Give me a fresh me. Come into my life. Give me a fresh me. Come into my life. Give me a fresh start. Give me the power to follow you.

start. Give me the power to follow you. start. Give me the power to follow you. Lord, I want you to be my Lord from now Lord, I want you to be my Lord from now Lord, I want you to be my Lord from now on. I want to go your way. on. I want to go your way. on. I want to go your way. I ask you, Lord Jesus, to bring me to I ask you, Lord Jesus, to bring me to I ask you, Lord Jesus, to bring me to heaven one day. and I accept your free heaven one day. and I accept your free heaven one day. and I accept your free gift of heaven that only you can give gift of heaven that only you can give gift of heaven that only you can give that I can never earn or deserve. Thank that I can never earn or deserve. Thank that I can never earn or deserve. Thank you for giving it to me through your you for giving it to me through your you for giving it to me through your son's death and resurrection. son's death and resurrection. son's death and resurrection. Now help me grow in my faith. Now help me grow in my faith. Now help me grow in my faith. Be the Lord of my life in Jesus [music] Be the Lord of my life in Jesus [music] Be the Lord of my life in Jesus [music] name. Amen.