Mark Miller: Living a Life of Power

What an incredible What an incredible weekend it's been and it's such an honor weekend it's been and it's such an honor weekend it's been and it's such an honor to be with you in in walking through to be with you in in walking through to be with you in in walking through God's word and God's word and God's word and and and really I just want to walk and and really I just want to walk and and really I just want to walk through and just through and just through and just can we just take some time to reflect on can we just take some time to reflect on can we just take some time to reflect on what it is to live a life of power? what it is to live a life of power? what it is to live a life of power? And to ask yourself, are you living a And to ask yourself, are you living a And to ask yourself, are you living a life of power? As we go back into this life of power? As we go back into this life of power? As we go back into this fall and and summer has been so great fall and and summer has been so great fall and and summer has been so great and I hope you had a chance to get away and I hope you had a chance to get away and I hope you had a chance to get away and reflect and refresh and to be and reflect and refresh and to be and reflect and refresh and to be reminded of the power of God and I'm reminded of the power of God and I'm reminded of the power of God and I'm excited about this fall cuz I want to excited about this fall cuz I want to excited about this fall cuz I want to get back to it and I want to let the get back to it and I want to let the get back to it and I want to let the ways that God has transformed our lives ways that God has transformed our lives ways that God has transformed our lives to be put into practice as we get back to be put into practice as we get back to be put into practice as we get back into the routine of fall. into the routine of fall. into the routine of fall. But I I I refreshing's a big deal and But I I I refreshing's a big deal and But I I I refreshing's a big deal and getting away and seeing the power of God getting away and seeing the power of God getting away and seeing the power of God and for my family just a couple of weeks and for my family just a couple of weeks and for my family just a couple of weeks ago we went to Colorado. Woo. ago we went to Colorado. Woo. ago we went to Colorado. Woo. And when you come face-to-face with a And when you come face-to-face with a And when you come face-to-face with a mountain mountain mountain man, it makes you feel small quickly, man, it makes you feel small quickly, man, it makes you feel small quickly, doesn't it? And you're just reminded of doesn't it? And you're just reminded of doesn't it? And you're just reminded of the power of God and I've been to the to the power of God and I've been to the to the power of God and I've been to the to Colorado many times in the winter and Colorado many times in the winter and Colorado many times in the winter and been able to ski and it's always so been able to ski and it's always so been able to ski and it's always so majestic just to see the snow on the majestic just to see the snow on the majestic just to see the snow on the mountains but I'd never been to Colorado mountains but I'd never been to Colorado mountains but I'd never been to Colorado in the summer before and seeing those in the summer before and seeing those in the summer before and seeing those mountains in the summer was special for mountains in the summer was special for mountains in the summer was special for me and my family and and man, it just me and my family and and man, it just me and my family and and man, it just reminded us of the power of God. These reminded us of the power of God. These reminded us of the power of God. These giant mountains in the Rocky Mountains giant mountains in the Rocky Mountains giant mountains in the Rocky Mountains and even just trying to drive over them and even just trying to drive over them and even just trying to drive over them presents challenges and and we were presents challenges and and we were presents challenges and and we were there and we were enjoying being in the there and we were enjoying being in the there and we were enjoying being in the outdoors and getting to do fly fishing outdoors and getting to do fly fishing outdoors and getting to do fly fishing and spending some time in the cold and spending some time in the cold and spending some time in the cold creeks and rivers and things that were creeks and rivers and things that were creeks and rivers and things that were there and playing some golf in the there and playing some golf in the there and playing some golf in the mountains and watching your ball go a

mountains and watching your ball go a mountains and watching your ball go a little bit further cuz of the altitude little bit further cuz of the altitude little bit further cuz of the altitude making yourself feel good, you know, making yourself feel good, you know, making yourself feel good, you know, even if it doesn't go straight, still even if it doesn't go straight, still even if it doesn't go straight, still goes far, you know, and goes far, you know, and goes far, you know, and and it was so fun and and one of the and it was so fun and and one of the and it was so fun and and one of the things and activities that were there things and activities that were there things and activities that were there that I was excited about was mountain that I was excited about was mountain that I was excited about was mountain biking. I wanted to get up a mountain biking. I wanted to get up a mountain biking. I wanted to get up a mountain and be able to do that and I and I and be able to do that and I and I and be able to do that and I and I walked in and walked in and walked in and and we we had to kind of borrow some and we we had to kind of borrow some and we we had to kind of borrow some bikes from a yurt. bikes from a yurt. bikes from a yurt. It's my first time in a yurt, okay? It's my first time in a yurt, okay? It's my first time in a yurt, okay? Which probably should have let let know Which probably should have let let know Which probably should have let let know that it was a place out of my element that it was a place out of my element that it was a place out of my element and and when I went he the man looked at and and when I went he the man looked at and and when I went he the man looked at me and he said, "Sir, would you like an me and he said, "Sir, would you like an me and he said, "Sir, would you like an e-bike?" I was like, "No, I don't need an e-bike. I was like, "No, I don't need an e-bike. I want a mountain bike riding." And so, I want a mountain bike riding." And so, I want a mountain bike riding." And so, he gave me a mountain bike cuz I was he gave me a mountain bike cuz I was he gave me a mountain bike cuz I was excited about getting up the hill with excited about getting up the hill with excited about getting up the hill with my kids and my kids and my kids and I realized quickly that I'd never really I realized quickly that I'd never really I realized quickly that I'd never really been on an actual mountain bike and he been on an actual mountain bike and he been on an actual mountain bike and he showed me like there was this button showed me like there was this button showed me like there was this button that would make your seat go up and down that would make your seat go up and down that would make your seat go up and down like automatically and and how you would like automatically and and how you would like automatically and and how you would need that and I had never done that need that and I had never done that need that and I had never done that before. That should have been a warning before. That should have been a warning before. That should have been a warning to me and then he showed me like you to me and then he showed me like you to me and then he showed me like you need to be able to work your gears. I'm need to be able to work your gears. I'm need to be able to work your gears. I'm like, "I'm a grown man. I know how to like, "I'm a grown man. I know how to like, "I'm a grown man. I know how to work a bike's gears." And he's like, work a bike's gears." And he's like, work a bike's gears." And he's like, "You might want to go test it out in the "You might want to go test it out in the "You might want to go test it out in the circle drive." Okay, and so here I am circle drive." Okay, and so here I am circle drive." Okay, and so here I am and just kind of pedaling around with my and just kind of pedaling around with my and just kind of pedaling around with my teenage sons and my brother-in-law and teenage sons and my brother-in-law and teenage sons and my brother-in-law and my my 15-year-old nephew and then we my my 15-year-old nephew and then we my my 15-year-old nephew and then we were going to go out and we were going were going to go out and we were going were going to go out and we were going to take the mountain bike trail onto to take the mountain bike trail onto to take the mountain bike trail onto Overlook.

Overlook. Overlook. Which was through the mountains, the Which was through the mountains, the Which was through the mountains, the high trail that was going to get you high trail that was going to get you high trail that was going to get you down. And so, we got onto it and I was down. And so, we got onto it and I was down. And so, we got onto it and I was excited and we took on the first hill excited and we took on the first hill excited and we took on the first hill and we were pumping and I was promised and we were pumping and I was promised and we were pumping and I was promised at the bottom of the hill that there at the bottom of the hill that there at the bottom of the hill that there would be this bench at the top that we would be this bench at the top that we would be this bench at the top that we would get to and the view would be would get to and the view would be would get to and the view would be beautiful and then it was all downhill beautiful and then it was all downhill beautiful and then it was all downhill from there. And so, I was pumping my from there. And so, I was pumping my from there. And so, I was pumping my legs and and my I got into a a gear legs and and my I got into a a gear legs and and my I got into a a gear where my legs were going so fast like where my legs were going so fast like where my legs were going so fast like this and my bike was just going like this and my bike was just going like this and my bike was just going like this. this. this. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Just so slow. And it was so defeating >> Just so slow. And it was so defeating >> Just so slow. And it was so defeating and and so like I made it around a few and and so like I made it around a few and and so like I made it around a few bends and no bench. bends and no bench. bends and no bench. And less wind. And less wind. And less wind. And less air in my lungs. So then we And less air in my lungs. So then we And less air in my lungs. So then we kept going and there was even less air kept going and there was even less air kept going and there was even less air and and before I knew it this mountain, and and before I knew it this mountain, and and before I knew it this mountain, y'all, was kicking my tail. I mean, I y'all, was kicking my tail. I mean, I y'all, was kicking my tail. I mean, I was getting whooped. I had no breath was getting whooped. I had no breath was getting whooped. I had no breath left in my lungs. Everyone was having to left in my lungs. Everyone was having to left in my lungs. Everyone was having to wait on me. I was so tired. It felt like wait on me. I was so tired. It felt like wait on me. I was so tired. It felt like the sun was just beating down on me and the sun was just beating down on me and the sun was just beating down on me and I would stop and it felt like air was I would stop and it felt like air was I would stop and it felt like air was going out but no air was coming back in. going out but no air was coming back in. going out but no air was coming back in. It was like I felt like a fish out of It was like I felt like a fish out of It was like I felt like a fish out of water, you know? Just trying to go up water, you know? Just trying to go up water, you know? Just trying to go up this mountain and and so so like, you this mountain and and so so like, you this mountain and and so so like, you know, my my nephew's trying to encourage know, my my nephew's trying to encourage know, my my nephew's trying to encourage me and my brother-in-law and my boys, me and my brother-in-law and my boys, me and my brother-in-law and my boys, everyone's waiting for me. At one point everyone's waiting for me. At one point everyone's waiting for me. At one point I'm off my bike just walking it up the I'm off my bike just walking it up the I'm off my bike just walking it up the mountain.

mountain. mountain. Just carrying it up the hill and then Just carrying it up the hill and then Just carrying it up the hill and then oh, you think that's the low point. It's oh, you think that's the low point. It's oh, you think that's the low point. It's not, okay? Um not, okay? Um not, okay? Um A few minutes later, around the next A few minutes later, around the next A few minutes later, around the next bend, there was like one little bush and bend, there was like one little bush and bend, there was like one little bush and I literally I I literally I I literally I I'm so humbled. I was in the fetal I'm so humbled. I was in the fetal I'm so humbled. I was in the fetal position in the shade under this one position in the shade under this one position in the shade under this one little tree, just looking up at my little tree, just looking up at my little tree, just looking up at my nephew and I said to him, I said, "You nephew and I said to him, I said, "You nephew and I said to him, I said, "You know, I'm going to have to preach this know, I'm going to have to preach this know, I'm going to have to preach this one day." one day." one day." And I just I was so humbled and trying And I just I was so humbled and trying And I just I was so humbled and trying to get up that hill and my as I was, you to get up that hill and my as I was, you to get up that hill and my as I was, you know, around bend after bend after bend, know, around bend after bend after bend, know, around bend after bend after bend, there was no bench inside. I was like, there was no bench inside. I was like, there was no bench inside. I was like, "Where's the bench? Where is the "Where's the bench? Where is the "Where's the bench? Where is the heavenly bench?" And there was no bench. heavenly bench?" And there was no bench. heavenly bench?" And there was no bench. It was just uphill and uphill and It was just uphill and uphill and It was just uphill and uphill and uphill. And then my brother-in-law, who uphill. And then my brother-in-law, who uphill. And then my brother-in-law, who had been waiting for me for the had been waiting for me for the had been waiting for me for the umpteenth time, came down. He says, umpteenth time, came down. He says, umpteenth time, came down. He says, "Would you like me to take your bike for "Would you like me to take your bike for "Would you like me to take your bike for you?" I said, "Yes, please take it. My I said, "Yes, please take it. My goodness, yes. Take that thing the rest goodness, yes. Take that thing the rest goodness, yes. Take that thing the rest of the way up the hill for me." I had no of the way up the hill for me." I had no of the way up the hill for me." I had no pride left at that point. And so, he's pride left at that point. And so, he's pride left at that point. And so, he's walking up the hill and now I'm just walking up the hill and now I'm just walking up the hill and now I'm just struggling to just walk my way up to the struggling to just walk my way up to the struggling to just walk my way up to the bench. And I'm telling you, when I saw bench. And I'm telling you, when I saw bench. And I'm telling you, when I saw that bench, it was the most beautiful that bench, it was the most beautiful that bench, it was the most beautiful bench I've ever seen in my life. bench I've ever seen in my life. bench I've ever seen in my life. I made it to the bench and we took a I made it to the bench and we took a I made it to the bench and we took a picture up there as if I had conquered picture up there as if I had conquered picture up there as if I had conquered it. I didn't conquer it. I survived it.

it. I didn't conquer it. I survived it. it. I didn't conquer it. I survived it. I had no power. I had no power. I had no power. That's what it felt like. I felt like I That's what it felt like. I felt like I That's what it felt like. I felt like I was powerless. And it was so humbling was powerless. And it was so humbling was powerless. And it was so humbling and defeating. Now, the way down the and defeating. Now, the way down the and defeating. Now, the way down the mountain was so fun. mountain was so fun. mountain was so fun. Being able just to cruise down and the Being able just to cruise down and the Being able just to cruise down and the only thing you're using is just your only thing you're using is just your only thing you're using is just your brakes every once in a while and just brakes every once in a while and just brakes every once in a while and just coasting through and coming down through coasting through and coming down through coasting through and coming down through the aspen trees when the temperature was the aspen trees when the temperature was the aspen trees when the temperature was different and making it back down to the different and making it back down to the different and making it back down to the bottom, there was so much joy and there bottom, there was so much joy and there bottom, there was so much joy and there was so much things that were worth it. was so much things that were worth it. was so much things that were worth it. But going up it, I was powerless and it But going up it, I was powerless and it But going up it, I was powerless and it was so defeating. was so defeating. was so defeating. And I want you to know that when it And I want you to know that when it And I want you to know that when it comes to your spiritual life, I know for comes to your spiritual life, I know for comes to your spiritual life, I know for a lot of us that we feel defeated, we a lot of us that we feel defeated, we a lot of us that we feel defeated, we feel powerless. feel powerless. feel powerless. But God says, "Don't you understand that But God says, "Don't you understand that But God says, "Don't you understand that in this mountain called life, I want you in this mountain called life, I want you in this mountain called life, I want you to live with power?" to live with power?" to live with power?" I want you to believe in a I want you to believe in a I want you to believe in a mountain-moving mountain-moving mountain-moving life. life. life. And Jesus says, "Listen, I can sum up And Jesus says, "Listen, I can sum up And Jesus says, "Listen, I can sum up this life of power that I want you to this life of power that I want you to this life of power that I want you to live." When he was asked by a teacher of live." When he was asked by a teacher of live." When he was asked by a teacher of the religious law, "Jesus, what is the the religious law, "Jesus, what is the the religious law, "Jesus, what is the greatest commandment?" Now, I don't know greatest commandment?" Now, I don't know greatest commandment?" Now, I don't know how familiar you are with the greatest how familiar you are with the greatest how familiar you are with the greatest commandment, whether you're new to commandment, whether you're new to commandment, whether you're new to church or not. But if you stick around church or not. But if you stick around church or not. But if you stick around church, you're going to hear about the church, you're going to hear about the church, you're going to hear about the greatest commandment a lot. greatest commandment a lot. greatest commandment a lot. And I believe that the greatest And I believe that the greatest And I believe that the greatest commandment also is brought to us by commandment also is brought to us by commandment also is brought to us by Jesus to help us to be able to be Jesus to help us to be able to be Jesus to help us to be able to be connected to the life of power that we connected to the life of power that we connected to the life of power that we were meant to live.

were meant to live. were meant to live. And so, would you stand in honor of And so, would you stand in honor of And so, would you stand in honor of God's word, and let's read through the God's word, and let's read through the God's word, and let's read through the greatest commandment, and let's learn greatest commandment, and let's learn greatest commandment, and let's learn from Jesus from Jesus from Jesus how to how to how to get power back into our spiritual life, get power back into our spiritual life, get power back into our spiritual life, and to be able to experience the life and to be able to experience the life and to be able to experience the life that he created us for. It says this in that he created us for. It says this in that he created us for. It says this in Mark chapter 12, verses 29 through 31. Mark chapter 12, verses 29 through 31. Mark chapter 12, verses 29 through 31. Jesus replied, "The most important Jesus replied, "The most important Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this. commandment is this. commandment is this. Listen, O Israel, Listen, O Israel, Listen, O Israel, the Lord our God is the one and only the Lord our God is the one and only the Lord our God is the one and only Lord. Lord. Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with And you must love the Lord your God with And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, all all your heart, and all your soul, all all your heart, and all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. your mind, and all your strength. your mind, and all your strength. And the second is equally important. And the second is equally important. And the second is equally important. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than No other commandment is greater than No other commandment is greater than these." You can be seated. these." You can be seated. these." You can be seated. I love all of the four principles that I love all of the four principles that I love all of the four principles that are in there about how we're called to are in there about how we're called to are in there about how we're called to love God, but in order to be able to love God, but in order to be able to love God, but in order to be able to love God with all of our heart, mind, love God with all of our heart, mind, love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, we need to dial back soul, and strength, we need to dial back soul, and strength, we need to dial back just a little bit to that first just a little bit to that first just a little bit to that first sentence, when Jesus said, as he sentence, when Jesus said, as he sentence, when Jesus said, as he responded to the teacher of religious responded to the teacher of religious responded to the teacher of religious law, he said, "Listen, O Israel, law, he said, "Listen, O Israel, law, he said, "Listen, O Israel, listen, O people of God, listen, O listen, O people of God, listen, O listen, O people of God, listen, O Woodlands Church. Hear me when I say Woodlands Church. Hear me when I say Woodlands Church. Hear me when I say this first principle, the Lord our God this first principle, the Lord our God this first principle, the Lord our God is the one and only Lord.

is the one and only Lord. is the one and only Lord. You see, if we're going to live a life You see, if we're going to live a life You see, if we're going to live a life of power, we better have placed our of power, we better have placed our of power, we better have placed our faith in a powerful God. faith in a powerful God. faith in a powerful God. Because it is impossible to live a life Because it is impossible to live a life Because it is impossible to live a life of power if you face placed your faith of power if you face placed your faith of power if you face placed your faith in a powerless God. in a powerless God. in a powerless God. If you've placed your faith in the wrong If you've placed your faith in the wrong If you've placed your faith in the wrong place, it it has the cuz the Bible place, it it has the cuz the Bible place, it it has the cuz the Bible teaches us that belief has the power to teaches us that belief has the power to teaches us that belief has the power to lead us either to life or to death. Have lead us either to life or to death. Have lead us either to life or to death. Have you placed your faith? Have you placed you placed your faith? Have you placed you placed your faith? Have you placed your belief into something that is your belief into something that is your belief into something that is powerful? Jesus says, "Listen, O church, powerful? Jesus says, "Listen, O church, powerful? Jesus says, "Listen, O church, don't forget that you've placed your don't forget that you've placed your don't forget that you've placed your faith in the one and only living God. faith in the one and only living God. faith in the one and only living God. And that is a powerful statement. And he And that is a powerful statement. And he And that is a powerful statement. And he says, so therefore, what are you going says, so therefore, what are you going says, so therefore, what are you going to do with that? to do with that? to do with that? And if you believe that, then it should And if you believe that, then it should And if you believe that, then it should be reflective in the way that you live be reflective in the way that you live be reflective in the way that you live your life, in your heart, your mind, your life, in your heart, your mind, your life, in your heart, your mind, your soul, and your strength. Because if your soul, and your strength. Because if your soul, and your strength. Because if any of those things are out of any of those things are out of any of those things are out of alignment, then there's no power in your alignment, then there's no power in your alignment, then there's no power in your life. life. life. And God says, I how how I long for you And God says, I how how I long for you And God says, I how how I long for you to to live a life of power. to to live a life of power. to to live a life of power. All of scripture can be summed up in All of scripture can be summed up in All of scripture can be summed up in this commandment, Jesus says.

this commandment, Jesus says. this commandment, Jesus says. Well, let's look at the first part of Well, let's look at the first part of Well, let's look at the first part of that that he says about talks about the that that he says about talks about the that that he says about talks about the power of the heart. power of the heart. power of the heart. The power to believe is no small thing. The power to believe is no small thing. The power to believe is no small thing. To believe in the one true living God To believe in the one true living God To believe in the one true living God and that he can do amazing things. Now, and that he can do amazing things. Now, and that he can do amazing things. Now, I think for some of us we need to stop I think for some of us we need to stop I think for some of us we need to stop right here and first just ask ourselves right here and first just ask ourselves right here and first just ask ourselves this question, where's your heart at this question, where's your heart at this question, where's your heart at today? Where is your heart? Are you allowing Where is your heart? Are you allowing yourself to believe that when you came yourself to believe that when you came yourself to believe that when you came today to hear from God's word that it today to hear from God's word that it today to hear from God's word that it can truly inspire you, transform you, can truly inspire you, transform you, can truly inspire you, transform you, motivate you, and change you? motivate you, and change you? motivate you, and change you? To do something miraculous in your life. To do something miraculous in your life. To do something miraculous in your life. When you open up your your God's word on When you open up your your God's word on When you open up your your God's word on a day-to-day basis, are you expecting a day-to-day basis, are you expecting a day-to-day basis, are you expecting God to do amazing miraculous things, to God to do amazing miraculous things, to God to do amazing miraculous things, to transform you through the hearing of his transform you through the hearing of his transform you through the hearing of his word, to transform others through the word, to transform others through the word, to transform others through the sharing of God's word, that your sharing of God's word, that your sharing of God's word, that your relationships in your life can continue relationships in your life can continue relationships in your life can continue to motivate you and transform you? to motivate you and transform you? to motivate you and transform you? Where's your heart? Where's your heart? Where's your heart? Or are you expecting just another Or are you expecting just another Or are you expecting just another Sunday? Sunday? Sunday? Are are you opening God's word and Are are you opening God's word and Are are you opening God's word and allowing it to just be a a habit or a allowing it to just be a a habit or a allowing it to just be a a habit or a pattern or a religious pattern or a religious pattern or a religious responsibility that you have to do every responsibility that you have to do every responsibility that you have to do every day?

day? day? Are we really believing that God can do Are we really believing that God can do Are we really believing that God can do something different and amazing and something different and amazing and something different and amazing and powerful on this Sunday? powerful on this Sunday? powerful on this Sunday? Because if you've lost that belief, Because if you've lost that belief, Because if you've lost that belief, then it is impossible for God to do the then it is impossible for God to do the then it is impossible for God to do the work of power in your life that he wants work of power in your life that he wants work of power in your life that he wants to do. to do. to do. And he is he has the power and he wants And he is he has the power and he wants And he is he has the power and he wants to bring that power in your life, but to bring that power in your life, but to bring that power in your life, but belief is connected to that. As it said, belief is connected to that. As it said, belief is connected to that. As it said, and you must love the Lord your God with and you must love the Lord your God with and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart. [snorts] all your heart. [snorts] all your heart. [snorts] And the heart is where belief comes And the heart is where belief comes And the heart is where belief comes from. from. from. And oh church, because I love you, I And oh church, because I love you, I And oh church, because I love you, I must say to you, you had better know must say to you, you had better know must say to you, you had better know what it is that you believe. what it is that you believe. what it is that you believe. You had better know what it is that you You had better know what it is that you You had better know what it is that you believe. believe. believe. Because from what you believe is what Because from what you believe is what Because from what you believe is what you are you develop your convictions. you are you develop your convictions. you are you develop your convictions. Every choice and every decision that you Every choice and every decision that you Every choice and every decision that you make as you go throughout your day, as make as you go throughout your day, as make as you go throughout your day, as you go throughout your week, as you go you go throughout your week, as you go you go throughout your week, as you go throughout your life is centered around throughout your life is centered around throughout your life is centered around what it is that you believe. It's when what it is that you believe. It's when what it is that you believe. It's when thoughts and things that come into your thoughts and things that come into your thoughts and things that come into your mind, they get weighed and measured mind, they get weighed and measured mind, they get weighed and measured against what it is that you believe. If against what it is that you believe. If against what it is that you believe. If you believe that God so loved the world you believe that God so loved the world you believe that God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that that he gave his one and only son that that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him would not whoever believes in him would not whoever believes in him would not perish, but instead receive the gift of perish, but instead receive the gift of perish, but instead receive the gift of eternal life, and you believe that, it's eternal life, and you believe that, it's eternal life, and you believe that, it's what your convictions are centered what your convictions are centered what your convictions are centered around, then the way you spend your around, then the way you spend your around, then the way you spend your time, time, time, the way you spend your finances, the way you spend your finances, the way you spend your finances, the way you invest into your family and the way you invest into your family and the way you invest into your family and your relationships and what you do and your relationships and what you do and your relationships and what you do and what you don't do is going to be what you don't do is going to be what you don't do is going to be centered around that belief. You had centered around that belief. You had centered around that belief. You had better know what it is that you believe.

better know what it is that you believe. better know what it is that you believe. Because if you've become wishy-washy on Because if you've become wishy-washy on Because if you've become wishy-washy on your convictions of I believe a little your convictions of I believe a little your convictions of I believe a little bit of this and I believe a little bit bit of this and I believe a little bit bit of this and I believe a little bit of that, and I believe that this can of that, and I believe that this can of that, and I believe that this can fulfill your life a little bit and this fulfill your life a little bit and this fulfill your life a little bit and this can satisfy your life a little bit, and can satisfy your life a little bit, and can satisfy your life a little bit, and your heart is divided in what it is that your heart is divided in what it is that your heart is divided in what it is that you believe, then that is the playground you believe, then that is the playground you believe, then that is the playground for the enemy to be able to get into for the enemy to be able to get into for the enemy to be able to get into your life and to disrupt you from the your life and to disrupt you from the your life and to disrupt you from the life of power that you were created for. life of power that you were created for. life of power that you were created for. You had better know what it is that you You had better know what it is that you You had better know what it is that you believe and have firmly rooted your believe and have firmly rooted your believe and have firmly rooted your convictions in the right thing. convictions in the right thing. convictions in the right thing. Because what you believe, what you root Because what you believe, what you root Because what you believe, what you root your life in, is either leading you to your life in, is either leading you to your life in, is either leading you to life or leading you to death. And beyond life or leading you to death. And beyond life or leading you to death. And beyond that, it is either leading others to that, it is either leading others to that, it is either leading others to life or it is leading them to death. life or it is leading them to death. life or it is leading them to death. It's your convictions. It's what you It's your convictions. It's what you It's your convictions. It's what you believe that is critical. And that's why believe that is critical. And that's why believe that is critical. And that's why the cornerstone of that belief has to be the cornerstone of that belief has to be the cornerstone of that belief has to be first and foremost about who we say first and foremost about who we say first and foremost about who we say Jesus is. Just listen to this in Romans Jesus is. Just listen to this in Romans Jesus is. Just listen to this in Romans 10:9-10, it says this, "If you declare 10:9-10, it says this, "If you declare 10:9-10, it says this, "If you declare with your mouth with your mouth with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you that God raised him from the dead, you that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

will be saved." will be saved." For it is with your heart that you For it is with your heart that you For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified. That is believe and are justified. That is believe and are justified. That is powerful. powerful. powerful. And it is with your mouth that you And it is with your mouth that you And it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. profess your faith and are saved. profess your faith and are saved. Believing in your heart that God raised Believing in your heart that God raised Believing in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead is the cornerstone Jesus from the dead is the cornerstone Jesus from the dead is the cornerstone of every believer's life. of every believer's life. of every believer's life. And if you're going to experience a life And if you're going to experience a life And if you're going to experience a life of power, can I just make sure that we of power, can I just make sure that we of power, can I just make sure that we pause for a second and you allow pause for a second and you allow pause for a second and you allow yourself to reflect on what it is that yourself to reflect on what it is that yourself to reflect on what it is that you believe about Jesus? you believe about Jesus? you believe about Jesus? Jesus asked his his his disciples this Jesus asked his his his disciples this Jesus asked his his his disciples this very question, "Who do the people say very question, "Who do the people say very question, "Who do the people say that I am?" And they listed off a bunch that I am?" And they listed off a bunch that I am?" And they listed off a bunch of things as to who that he felt like he of things as to who that he felt like he of things as to who that he felt like he was compared to and but then Jesus was compared to and but then Jesus was compared to and but then Jesus turned more directly to them and said, turned more directly to them and said, turned more directly to them and said, "But who do you say that I am?" "But who do you say that I am?" "But who do you say that I am?" What's in your heart? Who do you believe What's in your heart? Who do you believe What's in your heart? Who do you believe I am? Am I actually alive and am I able I am? Am I actually alive and am I able I am? Am I actually alive and am I able to overcome the sin problem that is in to overcome the sin problem that is in to overcome the sin problem that is in your life and have I been able to fill your life and have I been able to fill your life and have I been able to fill you with my presence so that I can you with my presence so that I can you with my presence so that I can connect with you today? Do you believe connect with you today? Do you believe connect with you today? Do you believe that? Is it your conviction? Have you that? Is it your conviction? Have you that? Is it your conviction? Have you placed your faith upon that? Because it placed your faith upon that? Because it placed your faith upon that? Because it is by believing that you are justified.

is by believing that you are justified. is by believing that you are justified. Just as if I'd never sinned. When your Just as if I'd never sinned. When your Just as if I'd never sinned. When your heart believes in what Jesus did on the heart believes in what Jesus did on the heart believes in what Jesus did on the cross for you, there is a transformation cross for you, there is a transformation cross for you, there is a transformation that happens. You literally are that happens. You literally are that happens. You literally are transformed from the kingdom of darkness transformed from the kingdom of darkness transformed from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, from the into the kingdom of light, from the into the kingdom of light, from the kingdom of death into the kingdom of kingdom of death into the kingdom of kingdom of death into the kingdom of life by your belief in your heart and life by your belief in your heart and life by your belief in your heart and that what Jesus did for you on the that what Jesus did for you on the that what Jesus did for you on the cross. cross. cross. So, do you believe? So, do you believe? So, do you believe? If you've never settled that in your If you've never settled that in your If you've never settled that in your life, I hope that you will take care of life, I hope that you will take care of life, I hope that you will take care of that today. Because if he's revealing that today. Because if he's revealing that today. Because if he's revealing that truth to you, it is the beginning that truth to you, it is the beginning that truth to you, it is the beginning of living a life of power. of living a life of power. of living a life of power. It's deciding what you believe about It's deciding what you believe about It's deciding what you believe about Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And simply by letting your heart decide And simply by letting your heart decide And simply by letting your heart decide and place a conviction and to put roots and place a conviction and to put roots and place a conviction and to put roots down of saying, "My way to heaven is not down of saying, "My way to heaven is not down of saying, "My way to heaven is not going to be based upon what I do going to be based upon what I do going to be based upon what I do or what I accomplish. or what I accomplish. or what I accomplish. But I receive that I can't get there on But I receive that I can't get there on But I receive that I can't get there on my own. my own. my own. And I believe it is only through what And I believe it is only through what And I believe it is only through what God accomplished for me through his son. God accomplished for me through his son. God accomplished for me through his son. I believe it.

I believe it. I believe it. And by believing, you are transformed. And by believing, you are transformed. And by believing, you are transformed. You are moved. Your heart is uplifted You are moved. Your heart is uplifted You are moved. Your heart is uplifted into back into fellowship with Father into back into fellowship with Father into back into fellowship with Father and Son and Spirit because you have been and Son and Spirit because you have been and Son and Spirit because you have been justified. justified. justified. You've been made right with God because You've been made right with God because You've been made right with God because of your belief. of your belief. of your belief. But then I love what it says at the end But then I love what it says at the end But then I love what it says at the end of Romans 10. It says this, "That's how of Romans 10. It says this, "That's how of Romans 10. It says this, "That's how we are justified. That's how we become we are justified. That's how we become we are justified. That's how we become made right with God." But then look what made right with God." But then look what made right with God." But then look what it says, "And yet, and it is also with it says, "And yet, and it is also with it says, "And yet, and it is also with your mouth that you profess your faith your mouth that you profess your faith your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." Why does it use the word and are saved." Why does it use the word and are saved." Why does it use the word saved twice? saved twice? saved twice? If it makes clear twice that it is with If it makes clear twice that it is with If it makes clear twice that it is with your heart you believe and are your heart you believe and are your heart you believe and are justified, it's with your heart you justified, it's with your heart you justified, it's with your heart you believe and that solves your sin believe and that solves your sin believe and that solves your sin problem, then how come professing Jesus problem, then how come professing Jesus problem, then how come professing Jesus with your mouth saves you again? How can with your mouth saves you again? How can with your mouth saves you again? How can you be saved twice? And this is the you be saved twice? And this is the you be saved twice? And this is the beauty of the resurrection. beauty of the resurrection. beauty of the resurrection. You see, it is by believing in Jesus' You see, it is by believing in Jesus' You see, it is by believing in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection that death, burial, and resurrection that death, burial, and resurrection that your sin problem is atoned for forever. your sin problem is atoned for forever. your sin problem is atoned for forever. It makes you a son and a daughter of It makes you a son and a daughter of It makes you a son and a daughter of God. But Jesus said, "The good news is God. But Jesus said, "The good news is God. But Jesus said, "The good news is that yes, I did die. I was buried and I that yes, I did die. I was buried and I that yes, I did die. I was buried and I rose again. And your belief in that and rose again. And your belief in that and rose again. And your belief in that and that's your way to heaven is what gets that's your way to heaven is what gets that's your way to heaven is what gets you and receives allows you to receive you and receives allows you to receive you and receives allows you to receive the gift of eternal life and of my the gift of eternal life and of my the gift of eternal life and of my spirit.

spirit. spirit. But there's also good news. But there's also good news. But there's also good news. I'm alive. I'm alive. I'm alive. And if you think I saved you through my And if you think I saved you through my And if you think I saved you through my death, death, death, how much more do I want to continue to how much more do I want to continue to how much more do I want to continue to save you and work in YOU THROUGH MY save you and work in YOU THROUGH MY save you and work in YOU THROUGH MY LIFE? LIFE? LIFE? I'M ALIVE TODAY AND I WANT TO WORK WITH I'M ALIVE TODAY AND I WANT TO WORK WITH I'M ALIVE TODAY AND I WANT TO WORK WITH YOU AND I WANT TO MEET WITH YOU AND I YOU AND I WANT TO MEET WITH YOU AND I YOU AND I WANT TO MEET WITH YOU AND I WANT TO BE CONNECTED TO YOU. I HAVE A WANT TO BE CONNECTED TO YOU. I HAVE A WANT TO BE CONNECTED TO YOU. I HAVE A WORK TO DO IN YOUR LIFE TODAY, WHICH IS WORK TO DO IN YOUR LIFE TODAY, WHICH IS WORK TO DO IN YOUR LIFE TODAY, WHICH IS WHY THE BEAUTY OF LIVING a WHY THE BEAUTY OF LIVING a WHY THE BEAUTY OF LIVING a mountain-moving life has nothing to do mountain-moving life has nothing to do mountain-moving life has nothing to do with the age and stage of your life. with the age and stage of your life. with the age and stage of your life. Because if you're in the first quarter Because if you're in the first quarter Because if you're in the first quarter of your life, if you're a young person, of your life, if you're a young person, of your life, if you're a young person, if you're a student in this place, there if you're a student in this place, there if you're a student in this place, there is a beauty that we get to see when we is a beauty that we get to see when we is a beauty that we get to see when we get to see your lives be transformed. So get to see your lives be transformed. So get to see your lives be transformed. So many young people in the room and we get many young people in the room and we get many young people in the room and we get to see what God's doing in your life as to see what God's doing in your life as to see what God's doing in your life as you're trusting God for big and amazing you're trusting God for big and amazing you're trusting God for big and amazing and powerful things in your life as and powerful things in your life as and powerful things in your life as YOU'RE STEPPING OUT IN FAITH AND AND YOU'RE STEPPING OUT IN FAITH AND AND YOU'RE STEPPING OUT IN FAITH AND AND allowing your lives to be transformed in allowing your lives to be transformed in allowing your lives to be transformed in the way that you worship and the way the way that you worship and the way the way that you worship and the way that you're choosing to let go of your that you're choosing to let go of your that you're choosing to let go of your selfishness and obey your parents and selfishness and obey your parents and selfishness and obey your parents and the love that we get to look INTO YOUR the love that we get to look INTO YOUR the love that we get to look INTO YOUR LIVES AND WE SEE THE MOUNTAIN OF LIVES AND WE SEE THE MOUNTAIN OF LIVES AND WE SEE THE MOUNTAIN OF SELFISHNESS BEING MOVED OUT OF YOUR LIFE SELFISHNESS BEING MOVED OUT OF YOUR LIFE SELFISHNESS BEING MOVED OUT OF YOUR LIFE AND WE GET TO GIVE PRAISE TO OUR FATHER AND WE GET TO GIVE PRAISE TO OUR FATHER AND WE GET TO GIVE PRAISE TO OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN AS WE SEE THE GOOD DEEDS that IN HEAVEN AS WE SEE THE GOOD DEEDS that IN HEAVEN AS WE SEE THE GOOD DEEDS that come out of your life.

come out of your life. come out of your life. And we're proud of you. BUT IF YOU'RE IN And we're proud of you. BUT IF YOU'RE IN And we're proud of you. BUT IF YOU'RE IN THE FOURTH quarter of your life, THE FOURTH quarter of your life, THE FOURTH quarter of your life, if you're late into your life and you if you're late into your life and you if you're late into your life and you feel like, "Oh, Mark, I I you know, my feel like, "Oh, Mark, I I you know, my feel like, "Oh, Mark, I I you know, my quarter's done. My season is done. quarter's done. My season is done. quarter's done. My season is done. I've become set in my ways. I worship I've become set in my ways. I worship I've become set in my ways. I worship the way that I worship. I've already the way that I worship. I've already the way that I worship. I've already raised my kids. I'm already in a rhythm raised my kids. I'm already in a rhythm raised my kids. I'm already in a rhythm and a routine with my wife. I've become and a routine with my wife. I've become and a routine with my wife. I've become really established in who I am. really established in who I am. really established in who I am. And now I just feel like I'm watching And now I just feel like I'm watching And now I just feel like I'm watching everyone else now just live out the everyone else now just live out the everyone else now just live out the mountain-moving life." What? mountain-moving life." What? mountain-moving life." What? You know what that sounds to me when you You know what that sounds to me when you You know what that sounds to me when you say you're set in your ways, you've say you're set in your ways, you've say you're set in your ways, you've become rooted. That sounds like a become rooted. That sounds like a become rooted. That sounds like a mountain. mountain. mountain. And you know what I believe is that no And you know what I believe is that no And you know what I believe is that no matter how old you are, in fact, the matter how old you are, in fact, the matter how old you are, in fact, the older you are and the more established older you are and the more established older you are and the more established you've become in your ways, the more you've become in your ways, the more you've become in your ways, the more power there is in us getting to see the power there is in us getting to see the power there is in us getting to see the continued transformation of what God's continued transformation of what God's continued transformation of what God's doing in your life. doing in your life. doing in your life. You aren't done with your life. You're You aren't done with your life. You're You aren't done with your life. You're in the beginning of us getting to see in the beginning of us getting to see in the beginning of us getting to see the incredible transformation of what the incredible transformation of what the incredible transformation of what God continues to do IN YOUR LIFE. God continues to do IN YOUR LIFE. God continues to do IN YOUR LIFE. GOD'S got a plan and a purpose for your GOD'S got a plan and a purpose for your GOD'S got a plan and a purpose for your life no matter what age and stage you life no matter what age and stage you life no matter what age and stage you are. It's not about what great things are. It's not about what great things are. It's not about what great things you've been able to accomplish in this you've been able to accomplish in this you've been able to accomplish in this world. It's about the amount of faith world. It's about the amount of faith world. It's about the amount of faith you're willing to place in God today.

you're willing to place in God today. you're willing to place in God today. And I'm telling you that if you continue And I'm telling you that if you continue And I'm telling you that if you continue to trust the Lord with all your heart, to trust the Lord with all your heart, to trust the Lord with all your heart, there is a purpose and a power in what there is a purpose and a power in what there is a purpose and a power in what it is that he wants to do in your life. it is that he wants to do in your life. it is that he wants to do in your life. And that's the belief that we hold on to And that's the belief that we hold on to And that's the belief that we hold on to is that God is still at work. is that God is still at work. is that God is still at work. Listen to what it says about Listen to what it says about Listen to what it says about difficulties then. God says, "Don't you difficulties then. God says, "Don't you difficulties then. God says, "Don't you understand that therefore that's why I understand that therefore that's why I understand that therefore that's why I use difficulties in your life to help use difficulties in your life to help use difficulties in your life to help deepen your love for me, to help deepen deepen your love for me, to help deepen deepen your love for me, to help deepen your heart." Listen to what it says your heart." Listen to what it says your heart." Listen to what it says in 1 Peter 1:7-8. It says, "These in 1 Peter 1:7-8. It says, "These in 1 Peter 1:7-8. It says, "These trials, these hardships that we go trials, these hardships that we go trials, these hardships that we go through through through will show that your faith, what you will show that your faith, what you will show that your faith, what you believed in, is genuine. believed in, is genuine. believed in, is genuine. It is being tested as fire test and It is being tested as fire test and It is being tested as fire test and purifies gold. purifies gold. purifies gold. Though your faith is far more precious Though your faith is far more precious Though your faith is far more precious than mere gold." Do you see how God than mere gold." Do you see how God than mere gold." Do you see how God treasures your heart? treasures your heart? treasures your heart? So when your faith remains strong So when your faith remains strong So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you through many trials, it will bring you through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the much praise and glory and honor on the much praise and glory and honor on the day day day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the when Jesus Christ is revealed to the when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. whole world. whole world. You love him even though you have never You love him even though you have never You love him even though you have never seen him. seen him. seen him. And though you do not see him now, you And though you do not see him now, you And though you do not see him now, you trust him.

trust him. trust him. And you rejoice with a glorious And you rejoice with a glorious And you rejoice with a glorious inexpressible inexpressible inexpressible joy. joy. joy. You see, when you put your faith in God, You see, when you put your faith in God, You see, when you put your faith in God, God says, "Don't you understand when God says, "Don't you understand when God says, "Don't you understand when from the moment you received Christ as from the moment you received Christ as from the moment you received Christ as your Lord and Savior." If I'm being your Lord and Savior." If I'm being your Lord and Savior." If I'm being honest, even before you received Christ honest, even before you received Christ honest, even before you received Christ as your Lord and Savior, there is as your Lord and Savior, there is as your Lord and Savior, there is something in every person's heart, there something in every person's heart, there something in every person's heart, there is a truth that is in us. The Bible says is a truth that is in us. The Bible says is a truth that is in us. The Bible says that the there is a truth that we have that the there is a truth that we have that the there is a truth that we have to suppress. Because in each and every to suppress. Because in each and every to suppress. Because in each and every created human being, there is a created human being, there is a created human being, there is a knowledge that our hearts were made for knowledge that our hearts were made for knowledge that our hearts were made for something more. something more. something more. That we were made to be connected to That we were made to be connected to That we were made to be connected to God, to be uplifted. And from the moment God, to be uplifted. And from the moment God, to be uplifted. And from the moment you received Christ as your Lord and you received Christ as your Lord and you received Christ as your Lord and Savior, your heart is aware of this Savior, your heart is aware of this Savior, your heart is aware of this connection that is possible and that connection that is possible and that connection that is possible and that hasn't been experienced since the Garden hasn't been experienced since the Garden hasn't been experienced since the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve walked in of Eden when Adam and Eve walked in of Eden when Adam and Eve walked in harmony WITH GOD WHERE THERE WAS NO harmony WITH GOD WHERE THERE WAS NO harmony WITH GOD WHERE THERE WAS NO SELFISHNESS AND THERE was the SELFISHNESS AND THERE was the SELFISHNESS AND THERE was the fulfillment that came through the fulfillment that came through the fulfillment that came through the relationship of the father loving the relationship of the father loving the relationship of the father loving the son and the spirit and us and the son son and the spirit and us and the son son and the spirit and us and the son loving the father and the spirit and us loving the father and the spirit and us loving the father and the spirit and us and Adam and Eve PUTTING GOD BEFORE and Adam and Eve PUTTING GOD BEFORE and Adam and Eve PUTTING GOD BEFORE THEMSELVES. AND AT THAT FULFILLMENT, IT THEMSELVES. AND AT THAT FULFILLMENT, IT THEMSELVES. AND AT THAT FULFILLMENT, IT was made available to us that when we was made available to us that when we was made available to us that when we receive Jesus our Lord and Savior, he's receive Jesus our Lord and Savior, he's receive Jesus our Lord and Savior, he's constantly lifting us to new heights.

constantly lifting us to new heights. constantly lifting us to new heights. But, But, But, as he wants to lift us to new heights, as he wants to lift us to new heights, as he wants to lift us to new heights, there are also things in this world that there are also things in this world that there are also things in this world that we continue to look at that we're afraid we continue to look at that we're afraid we continue to look at that we're afraid of. of. of. It's like the sheep in Psalm 23 that are It's like the sheep in Psalm 23 that are It's like the sheep in Psalm 23 that are l- being led to l- being led to l- being led to green pastures green pastures green pastures and are beside quiet waters. And you and are beside quiet waters. And you and are beside quiet waters. And you think that'd be such the life of a sheep think that'd be such the life of a sheep think that'd be such the life of a sheep of just enjoyment, of being connected of just enjoyment, of being connected of just enjoyment, of being connected with the shepherd, and knowing that's with the shepherd, and knowing that's with the shepherd, and knowing that's what they were made for. what they were made for. what they were made for. But then we see later in Psalm 23 that But then we see later in Psalm 23 that But then we see later in Psalm 23 that he walks his sheep through the valley of he walks his sheep through the valley of he walks his sheep through the valley of the shadow of death. Well, why is that? the shadow of death. Well, why is that? the shadow of death. Well, why is that? What is that in our life? That's why God What is that in our life? That's why God What is that in our life? That's why God allows us to go through hardships of allows us to go through hardships of allows us to go through hardships of many kinds. many kinds. many kinds. Of whatever it is that that we are Of whatever it is that that we are Of whatever it is that that we are constantly afraid of of saying, "Oh, no, constantly afraid of of saying, "Oh, no, constantly afraid of of saying, "Oh, no, but but what about my finances? Oh, no, but but what about my finances? Oh, no, but but what about my finances? Oh, no, what about the the political position of what about the the political position of what about the the political position of this world? What about What if this is this world? What about What if this is this world? What about What if this is going to happen?" And God says, "What going to happen?" And God says, "What going to happen?" And God says, "What What is it that you're afraid of? W- What is it that you're afraid of? W- What is it that you're afraid of? W- What is it that you're so scared of? What is it that you're so scared of? What is it that you're so scared of? Well, then let's go ahead and let's just Well, then let's go ahead and let's just Well, then let's go ahead and let's just walk through that hardship. walk through that hardship. walk through that hardship. You're afraid of what might happen to You're afraid of what might happen to You're afraid of what might happen to your body or your health, and let's walk your body or your health, and let's walk your body or your health, and let's walk through that thing. Because the beauty through that thing. Because the beauty through that thing. Because the beauty of it is is that whatever hardships or of it is is that whatever hardships or of it is is that whatever hardships or trials or difficulties that you walk trials or difficulties that you walk trials or difficulties that you walk through, God says, "Then let's go into through, God says, "Then let's go into through, God says, "Then let's go into that valley." So, when you walk into that valley." So, when you walk into that valley." So, when you walk into that valley of hardship and difficulty, that valley of hardship and difficulty, that valley of hardship and difficulty, whatever it is that you may be facing in whatever it is that you may be facing in whatever it is that you may be facing in your family or your marriage, I want you your family or your marriage, I want you your family or your marriage, I want you to know that I will lift you back up out to know that I will lift you back up out to know that I will lift you back up out of it.

of it. of it. And I will lift your heart. And I will lift your heart. And I will lift your heart. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And whatever valley it is that you fear, >> And whatever valley it is that you fear, >> And whatever valley it is that you fear, GOD SAYS, "YOU DON'T NEED TO FEAR IT. GOD SAYS, "YOU DON'T NEED TO FEAR IT. GOD SAYS, "YOU DON'T NEED TO FEAR IT. LET'S WALK THROUGH IT." And then you LET'S WALK THROUGH IT." And then you LET'S WALK THROUGH IT." And then you will see that you'll be rising to even will see that you'll be rising to even will see that you'll be rising to even new heights from that. God says, "That's new heights from that. God says, "That's new heights from that. God says, "That's what happens." what happens." what happens." That's the power of belief, and that's That's the power of belief, and that's That's the power of belief, and that's why he walks us through trials and why he walks us through trials and why he walks us through trials and through hardships of many kinds because through hardships of many kinds because through hardships of many kinds because he wants to see our hearts be lifted to he wants to see our hearts be lifted to he wants to see our hearts be lifted to new heights. new heights. new heights. And if we want to be able to allow our And if we want to be able to allow our And if we want to be able to allow our hearts to be lifted to new heights hearts to be lifted to new heights hearts to be lifted to new heights because of what we believe, then we also because of what we believe, then we also because of what we believe, then we also must understand that's why we have to must understand that's why we have to must understand that's why we have to protect how we think. protect how we think. protect how we think. Because Jesus went on to say in Mark Because Jesus went on to say in Mark Because Jesus went on to say in Mark 12:30, "And you must love the Lord your 12:30, "And you must love the Lord your 12:30, "And you must love the Lord your God with all of your mind." God with all of your mind." God with all of your mind." The power of the mind is the power of The power of the mind is the power of The power of the mind is the power of choice. choice. choice. And we must learn to guard our hearts by And we must learn to guard our hearts by And we must learn to guard our hearts by protecting what we think. Listen to this protecting what we think. Listen to this protecting what we think. Listen to this warning in Hebrews chapter 3. It says warning in Hebrews chapter 3. It says warning in Hebrews chapter 3. It says this, "Be careful then, dear brothers this, "Be careful then, dear brothers this, "Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters." and sisters." and sisters." You better be on guard, oh church. You better be on guard, oh church. You better be on guard, oh church. Make sure that your own hearts are not Make sure that your own hearts are not Make sure that your own hearts are not evil. Now, remember, he's talking to evil. Now, remember, he's talking to evil. Now, remember, he's talking to believers. Make sure that we don't let believers. Make sure that we don't let believers. Make sure that we don't let our hearts, as believers, become evil our hearts, as believers, become evil our hearts, as believers, become evil and unbelieving, turning you away from and unbelieving, turning you away from and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God.

the living God. the living God. That is the last thing that we want. That is the last thing that we want. That is the last thing that we want. Well, how does it happen? Look at this Well, how does it happen? Look at this Well, how does it happen? Look at this next verse. "You must warn each other." next verse. "You must warn each other." next verse. "You must warn each other." That's why we need church. "You must That's why we need church. "You must That's why we need church. "You must warn each other every day while it is warn each other every day while it is warn each other every day while it is still today, so that none of you will be still today, so that none of you will be still today, so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against deceived by sin and hardened against deceived by sin and hardened against God." God." God." The enemy wants to change your The enemy wants to change your The enemy wants to change your convictions. He wants to change what you convictions. He wants to change what you convictions. He wants to change what you believe, but he knows that it's really believe, but he knows that it's really believe, but he knows that it's really hard to change what you believe. Once hard to change what you believe. Once hard to change what you believe. Once you've experienced the love of God, for you've experienced the love of God, for you've experienced the love of God, for him just to come in and replace that is him just to come in and replace that is him just to come in and replace that is hard. So, what does he do? Instead of hard. So, what does he do? Instead of hard. So, what does he do? Instead of trying to change the way you believe, he trying to change the way you believe, he trying to change the way you believe, he just changes the way you think. just changes the way you think. just changes the way you think. He gets into your thoughts and he gets He gets into your thoughts and he gets He gets into your thoughts and he gets you to focus on things that don't really you to focus on things that don't really you to focus on things that don't really matter. He gets you caught UP ON THE matter. He gets you caught UP ON THE matter. He gets you caught UP ON THE PRESSURES of this world. He gets you PRESSURES of this world. He gets you PRESSURES of this world. He gets you caught up on the pleasures of this caught up on the pleasures of this caught up on the pleasures of this world. He gets you caught up in anything world. He gets you caught up in anything world. He gets you caught up in anything that WILL TIE YOU BACK to the things of that WILL TIE YOU BACK to the things of that WILL TIE YOU BACK to the things of this world where his kingdom is. this world where his kingdom is. this world where his kingdom is. And ChatGPT confirms that the average human has 40 to 60,000 that the average human has 40 to 60,000 thoughts a day.

thoughts a day. thoughts a day. So, if I'm Satan, and though we have few So, if I'm Satan, and though we have few So, if I'm Satan, and though we have few beliefs and convictions, and him trying beliefs and convictions, and him trying beliefs and convictions, and him trying to get us to change that is hard. to get us to change that is hard. to get us to change that is hard. But getting into our thoughts can can But getting into our thoughts can can But getting into our thoughts can can easy. easy. easy. And so, that is why all throughout And so, that is why all throughout And so, that is why all throughout scripture we see a warning from Jesus scripture we see a warning from Jesus scripture we see a warning from Jesus and the disciples of saying, "You better and the disciples of saying, "You better and the disciples of saying, "You better protect your mind. protect your mind. protect your mind. You better protect what you're spending You better protect what you're spending You better protect what you're spending your time thinking about and what you're your time thinking about and what you're your time thinking about and what you're allowing yourself to engage in. Are you allowing yourself to engage in. Are you allowing yourself to engage in. Are you so caught up in the news cycle of what's so caught up in the news cycle of what's so caught up in the news cycle of what's going on that it's just roughing you going on that it's just roughing you going on that it's just roughing you from eternal things? from eternal things? from eternal things? Are you so caught up in your kids sports Are you so caught up in your kids sports Are you so caught up in your kids sports life and what's going to happen with life and what's going to happen with life and what's going to happen with them and trying to control their future them and trying to control their future them and trying to control their future that you're missing the eternal things? that you're missing the eternal things? that you're missing the eternal things? That God has already gone before your That God has already gone before your That God has already gone before your kids and has a plan for them at every kids and has a plan for them at every kids and has a plan for them at every university they could go to you or don't university they could go to you or don't university they could go to you or don't go to. go to. go to. And that as you put your trust in him And that as you put your trust in him And that as you put your trust in him and have a hope in him that that's going and have a hope in him that that's going and have a hope in him that that's going to be the thing that inspires and to be the thing that inspires and to be the thing that inspires and changes your kids and changes your changes your kids and changes your changes your kids and changes your family and helps them and you to family and helps them and you to family and helps them and you to experience a fulfilled life. experience a fulfilled life. experience a fulfilled life. It's not about where they go to school, It's not about where they go to school, It's not about where they go to school, it's about who do they go to school it's about who do they go to school it's about who do they go to school with. with. with. And if they're going with the Lord then And if they're going with the Lord then And if they're going with the Lord then let it go. And if that's something you let it go. And if that's something you let it go. And if that's something you fear then God says let's walk through fear then God says let's walk through fear then God says let's walk through that valley.

that valley. that valley. So you can see I'll lift you up out of So you can see I'll lift you up out of So you can see I'll lift you up out of it. Don't you see I want you to be deep it. Don't you see I want you to be deep it. Don't you see I want you to be deep into what it is that you believe so you into what it is that you believe so you into what it is that you believe so you got to protect the way that you think. got to protect the way that you think. got to protect the way that you think. Cuz the enemy is very happy for you not Cuz the enemy is very happy for you not Cuz the enemy is very happy for you not to be on guard cuz I can tell you this, to be on guard cuz I can tell you this, to be on guard cuz I can tell you this, by the time most of us get to our cars by the time most of us get to our cars by the time most of us get to our cars today, we will have been under attack today, we will have been under attack today, we will have been under attack from the enemy of trying to get us back from the enemy of trying to get us back from the enemy of trying to get us back into old thinking. Thinking about old into old thinking. Thinking about old into old thinking. Thinking about old addictions, old fears, hurts in addictions, old fears, hurts in addictions, old fears, hurts in relationships, pains, anything that he relationships, pains, anything that he relationships, pains, anything that he can do to get us away from living the can do to get us away from living the can do to get us away from living the life of power, the kind of mountain life of power, the kind of mountain life of power, the kind of mountain moving faith that we were created for. So be careful brothers and sisters and So be careful brothers and sisters and stay on guard and stay alert to what the stay on guard and stay alert to what the stay on guard and stay alert to what the enemy is trying to do. We need to be enemy is trying to do. We need to be enemy is trying to do. We need to be ready to fight. ready to fight. ready to fight. Listen to what it says in 2 Corinthians. Listen to what it says in 2 Corinthians. Listen to what it says in 2 Corinthians. Paul's message to the church in Corinth, Paul's message to the church in Corinth, Paul's message to the church in Corinth, he says, "The weapons therefore that we he says, "The weapons therefore that we he says, "The weapons therefore that we fight with are not the weapons of the fight with are not the weapons of the fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have world. On the contrary, they have world. On the contrary, they have divine" Do you see the power that is in divine" Do you see the power that is in divine" Do you see the power that is in you? They have divine power to demolish you? They have divine power to demolish you? They have divine power to demolish strongholds. strongholds. strongholds. We demolish arguments and every We demolish arguments and every We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against pretension that sets itself up against pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive the knowledge of God and we take captive the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to every thought to make it obedient to every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Christ. Christ. The enemy is the deceiver. He is the The enemy is the deceiver. He is the The enemy is the deceiver. He is the shrewdest, sneakiest of all things, and shrewdest, sneakiest of all things, and shrewdest, sneakiest of all things, and he knows that what your heart was made he knows that what your heart was made he knows that what your heart was made for is a relationship of selflessness for is a relationship of selflessness for is a relationship of selflessness between the Father, the Son, and the between the Father, the Son, and the between the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, the way that Jesus came and Spirit, the way that Jesus came and Spirit, the way that Jesus came and lived a life led by the Spirit, lived a life led by the Spirit, lived a life led by the Spirit, constantly lifting up the Father. Read constantly lifting up the Father. Read constantly lifting up the Father. Read John chapter 17, and then the Son says, John chapter 17, and then the Son says, John chapter 17, and then the Son says, "My life is about lifting up you." And "My life is about lifting up you." And "My life is about lifting up you." And Jesus said, and then God says, "No, I'm Jesus said, and then God says, "No, I'm Jesus said, and then God says, "No, I'm going to lift up you, oh son." And the going to lift up you, oh son." And the going to lift up you, oh son." And the Spirit's mixed up in that, AND WE'VE Spirit's mixed up in that, AND WE'VE Spirit's mixed up in that, AND WE'VE BEEN INVITED BACK into that relationship BEEN INVITED BACK into that relationship BEEN INVITED BACK into that relationship of selflessness. And that's what we our of selflessness. And that's what we our of selflessness. And that's what we our hearts know that we were made for. hearts know that we were made for. hearts know that we were made for. And the And the enemy knows that his And the And the enemy knows that his And the And the enemy knows that his goal is to come in and deceive you. If goal is to come in and deceive you. If goal is to come in and deceive you. If that's what you believe, he's going to that's what you believe, he's going to that's what you believe, he's going to use deception to get into your thinking use deception to get into your thinking use deception to get into your thinking to make you make decisions that go to make you make decisions that go to make you make decisions that go against your beliefs. And when That is against your beliefs. And when That is against your beliefs. And when That is the definition of deception. the definition of deception. the definition of deception. Is when you're able to use your thinking Is when you're able to use your thinking Is when you're able to use your thinking to make a decision that goes against to make a decision that goes against to make a decision that goes against your beliefs. And when you make a your beliefs. And when you make a your beliefs. And when you make a decision that goes against your beliefs, decision that goes against your beliefs, decision that goes against your beliefs, he immediately jumps in from being the he immediately jumps in from being the he immediately jumps in from being the deceiver to being the accuser, and he deceiver to being the accuser, and he deceiver to being the accuser, and he fills you in with guilt and shame.

fills you in with guilt and shame. fills you in with guilt and shame. And then that guilt and that shame And then that guilt and that shame And then that guilt and that shame creates an illusion of separation creates an illusion of separation creates an illusion of separation between you and God. between you and God. between you and God. A separation that is not real, because A separation that is not real, because A separation that is not real, because even that sin for those of who believed even that sin for those of who believed even that sin for those of who believed in God has been paid for. But he uses in God has been paid for. But he uses in God has been paid for. But he uses shame and guilt and gets us to buy into shame and guilt and gets us to buy into shame and guilt and gets us to buy into a power that a power that a power that only has power because we're given it by only has power because we're given it by only has power because we're given it by believing the lie that we don't have believing the lie that we don't have believing the lie that we don't have We're not worthy of being in that We're not worthy of being in that We're not worthy of being in that connection with God anymore. And God connection with God anymore. And God connection with God anymore. And God says, "No, that is a lie of the enemy. says, "No, that is a lie of the enemy. says, "No, that is a lie of the enemy. He is deceiving you. Receive my grace He is deceiving you. Receive my grace He is deceiving you. Receive my grace today. And if the enemy is deceiving you today. And if the enemy is deceiving you today. And if the enemy is deceiving you into that sin, fight against that. into that sin, fight against that. into that sin, fight against that. Protect your mind that you might remain Protect your mind that you might remain Protect your mind that you might remain in THE FULFILLMENT OF LIFE that comes in THE FULFILLMENT OF LIFE that comes in THE FULFILLMENT OF LIFE that comes from living a life of selflessness, from living a life of selflessness, from living a life of selflessness, modeling the behavior of the Trinity, modeling the behavior of the Trinity, modeling the behavior of the Trinity, ALWAYS PUTTING GOD BEFORE YOURSELF AND ALWAYS PUTTING GOD BEFORE YOURSELF AND ALWAYS PUTTING GOD BEFORE YOURSELF AND others before yourself." others before yourself." others before yourself." The enemy says, "I'm going to use The enemy says, "I'm going to use The enemy says, "I'm going to use deception to get into your mind to get deception to get into your mind to get deception to get into your mind to get you to make decisions that go against you to make decisions that go against you to make decisions that go against what you believe. what you believe. what you believe. And as you begin to try to allow your And as you begin to try to allow your And as you begin to try to allow your hearts to lift up, I'm going to say, hearts to lift up, I'm going to say, hearts to lift up, I'm going to say, "Oh, "Oh, "Oh, uh you you've If you try to worship in a uh you you've If you try to worship in a uh you you've If you try to worship in a different way than you have, then people different way than you have, then people different way than you have, then people are going to look at you and they're are going to look at you and they're are going to look at you and they're going to judge you. And oh, I mean, if going to judge you. And oh, I mean, if going to judge you. And oh, I mean, if your business is failing, look at that.

your business is failing, look at that. your business is failing, look at that. Oh, how can your faith be this? And he's Oh, how can your faith be this? And he's Oh, how can your faith be this? And he's going to use all types of fear and going to use all types of fear and going to use all types of fear and insecurity and things to tie you back insecurity and things to tie you back insecurity and things to tie you back down to this world. The enemy would love down to this world. The enemy would love down to this world. The enemy would love nothing more than to find ways to just nothing more than to find ways to just nothing more than to find ways to just tie you down and to keep you from the tie you down and to keep you from the tie you down and to keep you from the purposes and the plans that God has for purposes and the plans that God has for purposes and the plans that God has for your life. He says, "I'M GOING TO HOLD your life. He says, "I'M GOING TO HOLD your life. He says, "I'M GOING TO HOLD YOU IN THIS LIFE BY USING DECEPTION and YOU IN THIS LIFE BY USING DECEPTION and YOU IN THIS LIFE BY USING DECEPTION and fear and shame to convince you fear and shame to convince you fear and shame to convince you that there is no fulfillment possible that there is no fulfillment possible that there is no fulfillment possible for you anymore." for you anymore." for you anymore." Which is why it says the thief comes to Which is why it says the thief comes to Which is why it says the thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but God steal and kill and destroy, but God steal and kill and destroy, but God says, "I have come that you might says, "I have come that you might says, "I have come that you might experience life experience life experience life and life in all of its fullness." God and life in all of its fullness." God and life in all of its fullness." God says, "I want to lift you up, but you've says, "I want to lift you up, but you've says, "I want to lift you up, but you've got to protect your mind. got to protect your mind. got to protect your mind. You've got to be protected against what You've got to be protected against what You've got to be protected against what the enemy is trying to do the enemy is trying to do the enemy is trying to do because he's trying to disrupt our because he's trying to disrupt our because he's trying to disrupt our connection, the power of what it is, as connection, the power of what it is, as connection, the power of what it is, as it says in Mark it says in Mark it says in Mark chapter 12, verse 30, "And you must love chapter 12, verse 30, "And you must love chapter 12, verse 30, "And you must love the Lord with all your soul." the Lord with all your soul." the Lord with all your soul." The power of the soul is the power of The power of the soul is the power of The power of the soul is the power of life. Your soul, your spirit is what life. Your soul, your spirit is what life. Your soul, your spirit is what connects us to God's spirit. connects us to God's spirit. connects us to God's spirit. And the stronger this connection is, the And the stronger this connection is, the And the stronger this connection is, the more fulfilled your life is.

more fulfilled your life is. more fulfilled your life is. Jesus says, "Don't you know it's the Jesus says, "Don't you know it's the Jesus says, "Don't you know it's the relational things that we go through relational things that we go through relational things that we go through when you let me change you. when you let me change you. when you let me change you. When you let me be able to work in that When you let me be able to work in that When you let me be able to work in that area of pride or hurt or pain or area of pride or hurt or pain or area of pride or hurt or pain or difficulty in your life and you let me difficulty in your life and you let me difficulty in your life and you let me be able to help you respond against what be able to help you respond against what be able to help you respond against what your body's DESIRES ARE, BUT INSTEAD TO your body's DESIRES ARE, BUT INSTEAD TO your body's DESIRES ARE, BUT INSTEAD TO RESPOND as my son would, and there's RESPOND as my son would, and there's RESPOND as my son would, and there's something relational that happens when something relational that happens when something relational that happens when you let me move you to respond in a way you let me move you to respond in a way you let me move you to respond in a way that your body wouldn't normally in that your body wouldn't normally in that your body wouldn't normally in worship and you let me move your pride worship and you let me move your pride worship and you let me move your pride OUT THE WAY AND ADDRESS these things, OUT THE WAY AND ADDRESS these things, OUT THE WAY AND ADDRESS these things, there's something relational that there's something relational that there's something relational that happens that fulfills your life. happens that fulfills your life. happens that fulfills your life. Because protecting your heart and your Because protecting your heart and your Because protecting your heart and your mind is so important, but the reason we mind is so important, but the reason we mind is so important, but the reason we do that is because the reward is the do that is because the reward is the do that is because the reward is the relationship. relationship. relationship. It's a two-way conversation between us It's a two-way conversation between us It's a two-way conversation between us and God of seeing the transformation in and God of seeing the transformation in and God of seeing the transformation in our lives. And I'm going to tell you our lives. And I'm going to tell you our lives. And I'm going to tell you today the joy, THE INEXPRESSIBLE JOY today the joy, THE INEXPRESSIBLE JOY today the joy, THE INEXPRESSIBLE JOY that I have in my life today is looking that I have in my life today is looking that I have in my life today is looking throughout this room and seeing people throughout this room and seeing people throughout this room and seeing people whose stories I know of transformation.

whose stories I know of transformation. whose stories I know of transformation. Seeing who they once WERE, BUT THEY'RE Seeing who they once WERE, BUT THEY'RE Seeing who they once WERE, BUT THEY'RE NOT THAT PERSON ANYMORE. THAT GOD HAS NOT THAT PERSON ANYMORE. THAT GOD HAS NOT THAT PERSON ANYMORE. THAT GOD HAS MOVED A MOUNTAIN OF PRIDE IN THEIR LIFE. MOVED A MOUNTAIN OF PRIDE IN THEIR LIFE. MOVED A MOUNTAIN OF PRIDE IN THEIR LIFE. THAT GOD HAS MOVED THEM FROM A MOUNTAIN THAT GOD HAS MOVED THEM FROM A MOUNTAIN THAT GOD HAS MOVED THEM FROM A MOUNTAIN OF ADDICTION TO A MOUNTAIN OF PURITY AND OF ADDICTION TO A MOUNTAIN OF PURITY AND OF ADDICTION TO A MOUNTAIN OF PURITY AND HOPE AND LIFE. THAT GOD IS AT WORK IN SO HOPE AND LIFE. THAT GOD IS AT WORK IN SO HOPE AND LIFE. THAT GOD IS AT WORK IN SO MANY PEOPLE'S LIVES IN OUR CHURCH. MANY PEOPLE'S LIVES IN OUR CHURCH. MANY PEOPLE'S LIVES IN OUR CHURCH. THAT'S WHY WE NEED TO KNOW EACH OTHER. THAT'S WHY WE NEED TO KNOW EACH OTHER. THAT'S WHY WE NEED TO KNOW EACH OTHER. That we might allow the relationship That we might allow the relationship That we might allow the relationship that we have with each other and seeing that we have with each other and seeing that we have with each other and seeing how the relationship that individually how the relationship that individually how the relationship that individually we have with God is transforming us. we have with God is transforming us. we have with God is transforming us. It's what brings an inexpressible joy, It's what brings an inexpressible joy, It's what brings an inexpressible joy, something we can't pass to someone else something we can't pass to someone else something we can't pass to someone else unless they experience it for unless they experience it for unless they experience it for themselves. themselves. themselves. But what God uses to help people be able But what God uses to help people be able But what God uses to help people be able to experience is them first getting to to experience is them first getting to to experience is them first getting to see that transformation in your own see that transformation in your own see that transformation in your own life. life. life. That's the joy of what soul-to-soul That's the joy of what soul-to-soul That's the joy of what soul-to-soul connection is. connection is. connection is. As it says in Matthew chapter 10, verse As it says in Matthew chapter 10, verse As it says in Matthew chapter 10, verse 39, it says, "Whoever finds his life 39, it says, "Whoever finds his life 39, it says, "Whoever finds his life in this world, in this world, in this world, whoever's searching to experience whoever's searching to experience whoever's searching to experience fulfillment by what people think about fulfillment by what people think about fulfillment by what people think about you in this world, you in this world, you in this world, by raising your kids just the right way, by raising your kids just the right way, by raising your kids just the right way, by being successful in your business or by being successful in your business or by being successful in your business or holding on to your finances and having holding on to your finances and having holding on to your finances and having enough to retire on, whoever tries to enough to retire on, whoever tries to enough to retire on, whoever tries to find their life in this world find their life in this world find their life in this world will eventually lose it through death.

will eventually lose it through death. will eventually lose it through death. And not just the first death, but the And not just the first death, but the And not just the first death, but the second death, too. second death, too. second death, too. And whoever loses his life in this world And whoever loses his life in this world And whoever loses his life in this world for my sake will find it. for my sake will find it. for my sake will find it. That is That is That is life with me for all of eternity. life with me for all of eternity. life with me for all of eternity. If you want to experience the If you want to experience the If you want to experience the inexpressible joy inexpressible joy inexpressible joy of what God has to offer, of what God has to offer, of what God has to offer, of what you were meant to be made for, of what you were meant to be made for, of what you were meant to be made for, we have to get back to what we were we have to get back to what we were we have to get back to what we were created for from the beginning, a life created for from the beginning, a life created for from the beginning, a life of selflessness. of selflessness. of selflessness. There is no selfishness There is no selfishness There is no selfishness in heavenly relationships. in heavenly relationships. in heavenly relationships. Go back to the Garden of Eden and fast Go back to the Garden of Eden and fast Go back to the Garden of Eden and fast forward to heaven forward to heaven forward to heaven and you get a good glimpse of what God and you get a good glimpse of what God and you get a good glimpse of what God wants for us. And look at the wants for us. And look at the wants for us. And look at the relationship that Jesus had when he relationship that Jesus had when he relationship that Jesus had when he walked this earth between the Father and walked this earth between the Father and walked this earth between the Father and the Spirit and you will see what a life the Spirit and you will see what a life the Spirit and you will see what a life of power looks like. of power looks like. of power looks like. It's a life submitted to God It's a life submitted to God It's a life submitted to God and submitted to each other. and submitted to each other. and submitted to each other. It's the life that we're called to to It's the life that we're called to to It's the life that we're called to to humbly lay out the things in our lives humbly lay out the things in our lives humbly lay out the things in our lives that don't look like Jesus, the that don't look like Jesus, the that don't look like Jesus, the mountains of things that that it feels mountains of things that that it feels mountains of things that that it feels like we couldn't possibly overcome.

like we couldn't possibly overcome. like we couldn't possibly overcome. And to pray and believe with each other And to pray and believe with each other And to pray and believe with each other that God can continue to do a that God can continue to do a that God can continue to do a transformative work in you and in me. transformative work in you and in me. transformative work in you and in me. And I hope that as your pastor you look And I hope that as your pastor you look And I hope that as your pastor you look at someone on stage who you've seen grow at someone on stage who you've seen grow at someone on stage who you've seen grow and progress over the years and the way and progress over the years and the way and progress over the years and the way that I continue to allow God to that I continue to allow God to that I continue to allow God to transform and to be changed because it's transform and to be changed because it's transform and to be changed because it's not about what I say, it's about the not about what I say, it's about the not about what I say, it's about the power of how God transforms me that's power of how God transforms me that's power of how God transforms me that's going to make an impact on people's going to make an impact on people's going to make an impact on people's lives. lives. lives. And that is why I celebrate the church And that is why I celebrate the church And that is why I celebrate the church that I am because I see so much that I am because I see so much that I am because I see so much transformation in this room. transformation in this room. transformation in this room. And if you're not a part of that, get in And if you're not a part of that, get in And if you're not a part of that, get in a life group a life group a life group and let people see the mountains that and let people see the mountains that and let people see the mountains that need to be moved in your life. And as need to be moved in your life. And as need to be moved in your life. And as they see you submit those things to the they see you submit those things to the they see you submit those things to the Lord and see Jesus transform you, it Lord and see Jesus transform you, it Lord and see Jesus transform you, it will inspire them to allow the Lord to will inspire them to allow the Lord to will inspire them to allow the Lord to move the mountains in their life. move the mountains in their life. move the mountains in their life. But the connection with God is what it's But the connection with God is what it's But the connection with God is what it's all about. Listen to this verse in all about. Listen to this verse in all about. Listen to this verse in Romans 8:13-14. If you live on the basis Romans 8:13-14. If you live on the basis Romans 8:13-14. If you live on the basis of selfishness, you are going to die. of selfishness, you are going to die. of selfishness, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death But if by the Spirit you put to death But if by the Spirit you put to death the actions of the body, the actions of the body, the actions of the body, you will live.

you will live. you will live. All who are led by God's Spirit are All who are led by God's Spirit are All who are led by God's Spirit are God's sons and daughters. God's sons and daughters. God's sons and daughters. And the whole purpose of this life that And the whole purpose of this life that And the whole purpose of this life that we're called to live we're called to live we're called to live is that God wants us to be deepened on a is that God wants us to be deepened on a is that God wants us to be deepened on a daily basis of knowing that we are daily basis of knowing that we are daily basis of knowing that we are connected to him and that our hearts, connected to him and that our hearts, connected to him and that our hearts, even through death, will not stop the even through death, will not stop the even through death, will not stop the life that we live. life that we live. life that we live. That it is just the beginning of who we That it is just the beginning of who we That it is just the beginning of who we are, but the enemy constantly says, "No, are, but the enemy constantly says, "No, are, but the enemy constantly says, "No, no, no, I'm going to tie you back to no, no, I'm going to tie you back to no, no, I'm going to tie you back to this world." But then God lifts us up this world." But then God lifts us up this world." But then God lifts us up and the enemy finds a way to pull us and the enemy finds a way to pull us and the enemy finds a way to pull us back down and to drag us back into our back down and to drag us back into our back down and to drag us back into our fear and into our shame. But then he we fear and into our shame. But then he we fear and into our shame. But then he we start to lift up to HIGHER THINGS. WE GO start to lift up to HIGHER THINGS. WE GO start to lift up to HIGHER THINGS. WE GO THROUGH SOMETHING MORE DIFFICULT AND THROUGH SOMETHING MORE DIFFICULT AND THROUGH SOMETHING MORE DIFFICULT AND HARD AND GOD SAYS, "DON'T YOU KNOW I'M HARD AND GOD SAYS, "DON'T YOU KNOW I'M HARD AND GOD SAYS, "DON'T YOU KNOW I'M GOING TO DELIVER you from that?" And GOING TO DELIVER you from that?" And GOING TO DELIVER you from that?" And eventually we continue to BE RAISED UP eventually we continue to BE RAISED UP eventually we continue to BE RAISED UP HIGHER AND HIGHER AND HIGHER, BUT THE HIGHER AND HIGHER AND HIGHER, BUT THE HIGHER AND HIGHER AND HIGHER, BUT THE ENEMY'S NOT GOING TO QUIT COMING for ENEMY'S NOT GOING TO QUIT COMING for ENEMY'S NOT GOING TO QUIT COMING for you. AND DON'T BE AFRAID OF THAT. HE'S you. AND DON'T BE AFRAID OF THAT. HE'S you. AND DON'T BE AFRAID OF THAT. HE'S GOING TO KEEP TRYING TO PULL YOU DOWN. GOING TO KEEP TRYING TO PULL YOU DOWN. GOING TO KEEP TRYING TO PULL YOU DOWN. AND IF YOU'VE BEEN IN THIS PLACE FOR A AND IF YOU'VE BEEN IN THIS PLACE FOR A AND IF YOU'VE BEEN IN THIS PLACE FOR A WHILE, DON'T LET SHAME and guilt grab WHILE, DON'T LET SHAME and guilt grab WHILE, DON'T LET SHAME and guilt grab you. This is just THE WORK OF GOD AT you. This is just THE WORK OF GOD AT you. This is just THE WORK OF GOD AT WORK IN YOU. AND HE'S GOING TO LIFT you WORK IN YOU. AND HE'S GOING TO LIFT you WORK IN YOU. AND HE'S GOING TO LIFT you back up, but then the enemy's going to back up, but then the enemy's going to back up, but then the enemy's going to do his best to pull YOU BACK DOWN. AND do his best to pull YOU BACK DOWN. AND do his best to pull YOU BACK DOWN. AND IT'S the cycle of what's going to IT'S the cycle of what's going to IT'S the cycle of what's going to happen. Oh, boy.

Huh. Huh. Until God lifts you up to a place that Until God lifts you up to a place that Until God lifts you up to a place that even the enemy can't bring you back down even the enemy can't bring you back down even the enemy can't bring you back down from anymore. >> That's the power of what happens when >> That's the power of what happens when you love God with all your soul. you love God with all your soul. you love God with all your soul. It's a transformed life that says, "I'm It's a transformed life that says, "I'm It's a transformed life that says, "I'm not afraid of what you can do for to me not afraid of what you can do for to me not afraid of what you can do for to me anymore. anymore. anymore. I've been set free I've been set free I've been set free to live the kind of selfless life that to live the kind of selfless life that to live the kind of selfless life that is experienced between the Father, Son, is experienced between the Father, Son, is experienced between the Father, Son, and Spirit. My life is going to be about and Spirit. My life is going to be about and Spirit. My life is going to be about living for God, no matter how hard it living for God, no matter how hard it living for God, no matter how hard it is. My life is going to be about living is. My life is going to be about living is. My life is going to be about living for you, no matter how hard it is for you, no matter how hard it is for you, no matter how hard it is because I'm not going to be held to the because I'm not going to be held to the because I'm not going to be held to the things of this world anymore. things of this world anymore. things of this world anymore. And it is only through that kind of And it is only through that kind of And it is only through that kind of connection connection connection that we can see God move mountains. that we can see God move mountains. that we can see God move mountains. That's the only way that we can love God That's the only way that we can love God That's the only way that we can love God with the fourth way that was instructed with the fourth way that was instructed with the fourth way that was instructed by Jesus by Jesus by Jesus to love God through our strength. It to love God through our strength. It to love God through our strength. It says this, "And you must love the Lord says this, "And you must love the Lord says this, "And you must love the Lord your God with all your strength." your God with all your strength." your God with all your strength." You see the power of strength is the You see the power of strength is the You see the power of strength is the power to love. power to love. power to love. It's the ability of what happens when It's the ability of what happens when It's the ability of what happens when you love God with all your heart and you love God with all your heart and you love God with all your heart and your mind and your soul and you're your mind and your soul and you're your mind and your soul and you're experiencing that connection with him experiencing that connection with him experiencing that connection with him and you're protecting that connection by and you're protecting that connection by and you're protecting that connection by not allowing the enemy into your not allowing the enemy into your not allowing the enemy into your thinking and you're making your thinking and you're making your thinking and you're making your decisions from your connect from your decisions from your connect from your decisions from your connect from your convictions of I believe and I'm going convictions of I believe and I'm going convictions of I believe and I'm going to act upon it even when I don't feel to act upon it even when I don't feel to act upon it even when I don't feel it.

it. it. Because I'm building a relationship with Because I'm building a relationship with Because I'm building a relationship with God that it is from that relationship God that it is from that relationship God that it is from that relationship with God with him that we're able to do with God with him that we're able to do with God with him that we're able to do incredibly incredibly incredibly immeasurably more great and powerful immeasurably more great and powerful immeasurably more great and powerful things than we ever could have imagined. Jesus says, "Don't you understand? Jesus says, "Don't you understand? I'm alive in you. I'm alive in you. I'm alive in you. And the way that you're going to And the way that you're going to And the way that you're going to overcome the enemy is by allowing me to overcome the enemy is by allowing me to overcome the enemy is by allowing me to continue to change you. I saved you continue to change you. I saved you continue to change you. I saved you through my death, but I want to keep through my death, but I want to keep through my death, but I want to keep saving you through my life. saving you through my life. saving you through my life. And if you have breath in your lungs, And if you have breath in your lungs, And if you have breath in your lungs, it's because I want my love to be able it's because I want my love to be able it's because I want my love to be able to come out through your dead mortal to come out through your dead mortal to come out through your dead mortal body so that the world will know that body so that the world will know that body so that the world will know that there was power in what I did on the there was power in what I did on the there was power in what I did on the cross. cross. cross. You have a job to do and it's simple to You have a job to do and it's simple to You have a job to do and it's simple to be transformed into looking a little bit be transformed into looking a little bit be transformed into looking a little bit more like Jesus today than you were more like Jesus today than you were more like Jesus today than you were yesterday. yesterday. yesterday. And somehow God uses that And somehow God uses that And somehow God uses that to move mountains in our lives and other to move mountains in our lives and other to move mountains in our lives and other people's lives as well. people's lives as well. people's lives as well. It's the power of what God does when we It's the power of what God does when we It's the power of what God does when we yield to him. Just listen to how Paul yield to him. Just listen to how Paul yield to him. Just listen to how Paul says it to the church in Ephesians in says it to the church in Ephesians in says it to the church in Ephesians in Ephesus. In Ephesians he says this, "I Ephesus. In Ephesians he says this, "I Ephesus. In Ephesians he says this, "I pray pray pray as I pray over us as a church and over as I pray over us as a church and over as I pray over us as a church and over my own life, I pray that the eyes of my own life, I pray that the eyes of my own life, I pray that the eyes of your heart your heart your heart what you believe what you believe what you believe may be enlightened may be enlightened may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope in order that you may know the hope in order that you may know the hope protect your mind.

protect your mind. protect your mind. The hope in which he has called you the The hope in which he has called you the The hope in which he has called you the riches riches riches of his glorious inheritance of his glorious inheritance of his glorious inheritance in his holy people that connection that in his holy people that connection that in his holy people that connection that we have with him with each other as we we have with him with each other as we we have with him with each other as we believe and think right and experience a believe and think right and experience a believe and think right and experience a connection and relationship and through connection and relationship and through connection and relationship and through that relationship, look at this. And his that relationship, look at this. And his that relationship, look at this. And his incomparably great power for us who incomparably great power for us who incomparably great power for us who believe. believe. believe. It's all there. And if you start reading It's all there. And if you start reading It's all there. And if you start reading scripture, you're going to see heart, scripture, you're going to see heart, scripture, you're going to see heart, mind, body, and soul in everything. mind, body, and soul in everything. mind, body, and soul in everything. Because God says it's a continual work. Because God says it's a continual work. Because God says it's a continual work. And every hero of the faith, it was how And every hero of the faith, it was how And every hero of the faith, it was how they loved God with their heart, mind, they loved God with their heart, mind, they loved God with their heart, mind, soul, and strength. And he says, "I'm soul, and strength. And he says, "I'm soul, and strength. And he says, "I'm doing something great in you." I'm doing something great in our church. I'm doing something great in our church. But it's going to come from letting me But it's going to come from letting me But it's going to come from letting me move move move those mountains in your life. those mountains in your life. those mountains in your life. Sure, it's one thing to be able to look Sure, it's one thing to be able to look Sure, it's one thing to be able to look at a mountain, like the mountain in at a mountain, like the mountain in at a mountain, like the mountain in Yosemite, and say, "Yeah, I want to see Yosemite, and say, "Yeah, I want to see Yosemite, and say, "Yeah, I want to see you be lifted up and thrown into the you be lifted up and thrown into the you be lifted up and thrown into the sea." But unless that helps people to address But unless that helps people to address something in their life, what's the something in their life, what's the something in their life, what's the point of it?

God says, "I'd much rather see mountains God says, "I'd much rather see mountains move through the transformation of your move through the transformation of your move through the transformation of your life, of the way that you love me." life, of the way that you love me." life, of the way that you love me." Because that will make a difference for Because that will make a difference for Because that will make a difference for all of eternity. all of eternity. all of eternity. Listen to what it says in Mark 11:22-23. Listen to what it says in Mark 11:22-23. Listen to what it says in Mark 11:22-23. It says, "Then Jesus said to his It says, "Then Jesus said to his It says, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, have faith in God." disciples, have faith in God." disciples, have faith in God." Put your belief in him. Protect your Put your belief in him. Protect your Put your belief in him. Protect your thinking. Develop a relationship with thinking. Develop a relationship with thinking. Develop a relationship with him. him. him. And I tell you the truth, you can say to And I tell you the truth, you can say to And I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, this mountain, this mountain, "Now you be lifted up and thrown into "Now you be lifted up and thrown into "Now you be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and it will happen." the sea, and it will happen." the sea, and it will happen." But you must really believe it will But you must really believe it will But you must really believe it will happen. happen. happen. And have no doubt in your hearts. And have no doubt in your hearts. And have no doubt in your hearts. The mountain that needs to be moved is The mountain that needs to be moved is The mountain that needs to be moved is in our hearts and relationships. Jesus in our hearts and relationships. Jesus in our hearts and relationships. Jesus says, "Let me change you." says, "Let me change you." says, "Let me change you." I'll never forget how humbled I was as I I'll never forget how humbled I was as I I'll never forget how humbled I was as I was in Colorado trying to go up that was in Colorado trying to go up that was in Colorado trying to go up that mountain. I felt powerless. mountain. I felt powerless. mountain. I felt powerless. There was no breath, NOTHING COMING BACK There was no breath, NOTHING COMING BACK There was no breath, NOTHING COMING BACK TO MY LUNGS. TO MY LUNGS. TO MY LUNGS. As I laid under the shade of that As I laid under the shade of that As I laid under the shade of that mountain looking up at my nephew who was mountain looking up at my nephew who was mountain looking up at my nephew who was standing there, and he was so patiently. standing there, and he was so patiently. standing there, and he was so patiently. I kept telling him, I said, "JUST GO I kept telling him, I said, "JUST GO I kept telling him, I said, "JUST GO AHEAD. I'll make it up eventually, or AHEAD. I'll make it up eventually, or AHEAD. I'll make it up eventually, or I'll die. I don't know, but keep going."

I'll die. I don't know, but keep going." I'll die. I don't know, but keep going." And he just said, "No, I'm going to wait And he just said, "No, I'm going to wait And he just said, "No, I'm going to wait with you, Uncle Mark." with you, Uncle Mark." with you, Uncle Mark." Several times I said, "Go ahead." And he Several times I said, "Go ahead." And he Several times I said, "Go ahead." And he said, "No, I'm going to wait with you, said, "No, I'm going to wait with you, said, "No, I'm going to wait with you, Uncle Mark." Uncle Mark." Uncle Mark." AND AS I SAT THERE UNDER THE shade in AND AS I SAT THERE UNDER THE shade in AND AS I SAT THERE UNDER THE shade in fetal position, I looked at him and I fetal position, I looked at him and I fetal position, I looked at him and I said, "Dude, I am so sorry. I'm going to said, "Dude, I am so sorry. I'm going to said, "Dude, I am so sorry. I'm going to have to preach this to the church about have to preach this to the church about have to preach this to the church about how humbled I was and I couldn't do it." how humbled I was and I couldn't do it." how humbled I was and I couldn't do it." And then he looked at me without And then he looked at me without And then he looked at me without skipping a beat and he said, "You will skipping a beat and he said, "You will skipping a beat and he said, "You will also be able to preach, Mark, that you also be able to preach, Mark, that you also be able to preach, Mark, that you made it." made it." made it." Cuz we're going to make this together. Cuz we're going to make this together. Cuz we're going to make this together. And when my brother-in-law came and took And when my brother-in-law came and took And when my brother-in-law came and took that bike and took it up the rest of the that bike and took it up the rest of the that bike and took it up the rest of the mountain, and when we came back down, mountain, and when we came back down, mountain, and when we came back down, you see there was a relationship that you see there was a relationship that you see there was a relationship that was built that was way more powerful was built that was way more powerful was built that was way more powerful than overcoming the mountain. than overcoming the mountain. than overcoming the mountain. God says, "DON'T YOU KNOW THAT'S WHAT God says, "DON'T YOU KNOW THAT'S WHAT God says, "DON'T YOU KNOW THAT'S WHAT YOU WERE MADE FOR IS THE RELATIONSHIP? YOU WERE MADE FOR IS THE RELATIONSHIP? YOU WERE MADE FOR IS THE RELATIONSHIP? And if it takes YOU HUMBLING YOURSELF TO And if it takes YOU HUMBLING YOURSELF TO And if it takes YOU HUMBLING YOURSELF TO EXPERIENCE THAT, THAT IS THE MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE THAT, THAT IS THE MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE THAT, THAT IS THE MOUNTAIN MOVING THAT I WANT TO DO IN YOUR LIFE." MOVING THAT I WANT TO DO IN YOUR LIFE." MOVING THAT I WANT TO DO IN YOUR LIFE." WILL YOU LET ME WORK IN YOUR LIFE, WILL YOU LET ME WORK IN YOUR LIFE, WILL YOU LET ME WORK IN YOUR LIFE, continue to transform you? If you are a continue to transform you? If you are a continue to transform you? If you are a grandparent, they need to see the grandparent, they need to see the grandparent, they need to see the mountain of pride and and and things be mountain of pride and and and things be mountain of pride and and and things be dealt with as you humbly allow yourself dealt with as you humbly allow yourself dealt with as you humbly allow yourself to walk through whatever health issues to walk through whatever health issues to walk through whatever health issues it is that you're facing and that you it is that you're facing and that you it is that you're facing and that you submit to that and you grow in patience submit to that and you grow in patience submit to that and you grow in patience towards your grandkids, that is just AS towards your grandkids, that is just AS towards your grandkids, that is just AS POWERFUL AS A MOUNTAIN BEING THROWN INTO POWERFUL AS A MOUNTAIN BEING THROWN INTO POWERFUL AS A MOUNTAIN BEING THROWN INTO the sea.

the sea. the sea. Or as your people in your office and in Or as your people in your office and in Or as your people in your office and in your work space see that you you spend your work space see that you you spend your work space see that you you spend your time differently, you're focusing your time differently, you're focusing your time differently, you're focusing different things, you're changing your different things, you're changing your different things, you're changing your habits, that there is mountains moving habits, that there is mountains moving habits, that there is mountains moving in you. And I'm telling you that it's through And I'm telling you that it's through that that we experience an inexpressible that that we experience an inexpressible that that we experience an inexpressible joy. joy. joy. And then it becomes easy to do what's And then it becomes easy to do what's And then it becomes easy to do what's next. next. next. When you experience that kind of When you experience that kind of When you experience that kind of connection with God, he says, "Now, let connection with God, he says, "Now, let connection with God, he says, "Now, let me show you how to connect with others." me show you how to connect with others." me show you how to connect with others." And then the second commandment makes And then the second commandment makes And then the second commandment makes sense. sense. sense. The second is equally important. The second is equally important. The second is equally important. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than No other commandment is greater than No other commandment is greater than these. these. these. When you're letting God move mountains When you're letting God move mountains When you're letting God move mountains in you, he will show you how to pray for in you, he will show you how to pray for in you, he will show you how to pray for the mountains of unbelief that need to the mountains of unbelief that need to the mountains of unbelief that need to be moved in people that are around you. be moved in people that are around you. be moved in people that are around you. But he says, "You first have to remove But he says, "You first have to remove But he says, "You first have to remove the log from your own eye. You first the log from your own eye. You first the log from your own eye. You first have to let me remove that mountain in have to let me remove that mountain in have to let me remove that mountain in your own life." your own life." your own life." And it'll be the mountain that I'm And it'll be the mountain that I'm And it'll be the mountain that I'm moving in you that inspires people to moving in you that inspires people to moving in you that inspires people to let me move the mountain in them. let me move the mountain in them. let me move the mountain in them. And that's what Woodland Church is And that's what Woodland Church is And that's what Woodland Church is about. God is transforming us. So, what about. God is transforming us. So, what about. God is transforming us. So, what do we do? There's a a a heart to love do we do? There's a a a heart to love do we do? There's a a a heart to love elementary schools in our area and elementary schools in our area and elementary schools in our area and provide backpacks. There's a heart to go provide backpacks. There's a heart to go provide backpacks. There's a heart to go out to the hill country like some of our out to the hill country like some of our out to the hill country like some of our disaster relief teams are out there disaster relief teams are out there disaster relief teams are out there doing right now, loving on other people doing right now, loving on other people doing right now, loving on other people and loving each other as a team.

and loving each other as a team. and loving each other as a team. They're out there doing the work and and They're out there doing the work and and They're out there doing the work and and doing what happens when we let God doing what happens when we let God doing what happens when we let God transform us. And that's what happens in transform us. And that's what happens in transform us. And that's what happens in our life groups every week when we come our life groups every week when we come our life groups every week when we come together and we're HUMBLE ABOUT WHAT together and we're HUMBLE ABOUT WHAT together and we're HUMBLE ABOUT WHAT GOD'S DOING IN OUR LIVES AND WE REFLECT GOD'S DOING IN OUR LIVES AND WE REFLECT GOD'S DOING IN OUR LIVES AND WE REFLECT UPON THE UPON THE UPON THE THE relationship with what God's doing THE relationship with what God's doing THE relationship with what God's doing in US AND WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE in US AND WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE in US AND WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE LIFTED to where our hearts know they belong. to where our hearts know they belong. Is your heart weighed down today? And there's a mountain that needs to be And there's a mountain that needs to be moved. And I say, "Praise God." moved. And I say, "Praise God." moved. And I say, "Praise God." Cuz I can't wait to see it be moved. Cuz I can't wait to see it be moved. Cuz I can't wait to see it be moved. And if you believe it can be and you And if you believe it can be and you And if you believe it can be and you believe it will with all of your heart, believe it will with all of your heart, believe it will with all of your heart, it will happen. Let him do the work in you and he'll Let him do the work in you and he'll show you how to be praying for that lost show you how to be praying for that lost show you how to be praying for that lost child. He'll show you how to be praying child. He'll show you how to be praying child. He'll show you how to be praying for that lost co-worker. for that lost co-worker. for that lost co-worker. He'll show you how he wants to use the He'll show you how he wants to use the He'll show you how he wants to use the mountain that he's moving in your life mountain that he's moving in your life mountain that he's moving in your life to move the mountain in their life. to move the mountain in their life. to move the mountain in their life. So, there's two questions that have to So, there's two questions that have to So, there's two questions that have to be asked. be asked. be asked. What's the mountain that God needs to What's the mountain that God needs to What's the mountain that God needs to move in your life and will you commit to move in your life and will you commit to move in your life and will you commit to praying to let God's power come out praying to let God's power come out praying to let God's power come out through you?

through you? through you? Maybe it's the way that you eat. Maybe Maybe it's the way that you eat. Maybe Maybe it's the way that you eat. Maybe it's the way that you give. Maybe it's it's the way that you give. Maybe it's it's the way that you give. Maybe it's the way that you love. Maybe it's the the way that you love. Maybe it's the the way that you love. Maybe it's the fruit of the spirit that you know needs fruit of the spirit that you know needs fruit of the spirit that you know needs to grow in you. to grow in you. to grow in you. We are anxiously watching and waiting We are anxiously watching and waiting We are anxiously watching and waiting and excited to see that the power of and excited to see that the power of and excited to see that the power of Jesus can really do that in you. Jesus can really do that in you. Jesus can really do that in you. So, stick to it. So, stick to it. So, stick to it. By simply sticking with him. By simply sticking with him. By simply sticking with him. And he's going to move mountains. He And he's going to move mountains. He And he's going to move mountains. He already has and he still is. already has and he still is. already has and he still is. And if you let him move those mountains, And if you let him move those mountains, And if you let him move those mountains, then there's another way to pray and it then there's another way to pray and it then there's another way to pray and it is what mountains need to be moved in is what mountains need to be moved in is what mountains need to be moved in relationships that are in your life. relationships that are in your life. relationships that are in your life. And don't you quit And don't you quit And don't you quit because we believe in a mountain moving because we believe in a mountain moving because we believe in a mountain moving God. God. God. And our job's to bring those things to And our job's to bring those things to And our job's to bring those things to the altar. Nothing's ever wasted at the the altar. Nothing's ever wasted at the the altar. Nothing's ever wasted at the altar. However much faith you have, if altar. However much faith you have, if altar. However much faith you have, if you put it in God, you will see things you put it in God, you will see things you put it in God, you will see things change. change. change. And when things change, woo. And when things change, woo. And when things change, woo. Inexpressible joy. Inexpressible joy. Inexpressible joy. And if you're not seeing anything And if you're not seeing anything And if you're not seeing anything change, change, change, yeah. And if you're not seeing anything And if you're not seeing anything change, there's no joy.

change, there's no joy. change, there's no joy. So bring something to the altar and let So bring something to the altar and let So bring something to the altar and let him change something in your life. Would him change something in your life. Would him change something in your life. Would you pray with me? you pray with me? you pray with me? God, we love you. God, we love you. God, we love you. And God, as we And God, as we And God, as we choose to continue in worship, choose to continue in worship, choose to continue in worship, God, we're going to bring whatever it is God, we're going to bring whatever it is God, we're going to bring whatever it is that you're putting on our hearts on the that you're putting on our hearts on the that you're putting on our hearts on the altar. altar. altar. God, I pray that as a church in this God, I pray that as a church in this God, I pray that as a church in this next song, that we would just look next song, that we would just look next song, that we would just look within ourselves. within ourselves. within ourselves. Whatever it is that needs to be left at Whatever it is that needs to be left at Whatever it is that needs to be left at the altar. the altar. the altar. Whatever it is in us that you where you Whatever it is in us that you where you Whatever it is in us that you where you want to work, in some area of our life want to work, in some area of our life want to work, in some area of our life that we know does not look like you. Whatever it is that's weighing us down Whatever it is that's weighing us down and holding us in this world. And we just give it back to you. And we just give it back to you. And say we trust you. And say we trust you. And say we trust you. And we want to go where you go. I give And we want to go where you go. I give And we want to go where you go. I give it at the altar. it at the altar. it at the altar. So God, we love you. We give this time So God, we love you. We give this time So God, we love you. We give this time of song to you. In your name we pray. of song to you. In your name we pray. of song to you. In your name we pray. Amen.