Kerry Shook: This Time Next Year

Hey everyone, welcome in. My name is Hey everyone, welcome in. My name is Pastor Ryan. Today I'm joined with one Pastor Ryan. Today I'm joined with one Pastor Ryan. Today I'm joined with one of our amazing preschool team, Mary. of our amazing preschool team, Mary. of our amazing preschool team, Mary. How's it going? How's it going? How's it going? >> It's going great. So excited to be here. >> It's going great. So excited to be here. >> It's going great. So excited to be here. Yeah, I'm so thankful for the way that Yeah, I'm so thankful for the way that Yeah, I'm so thankful for the way that we invest in our kids' ministry and our we invest in our kids' ministry and our we invest in our kids' ministry and our children's ministry. And Mary, you're children's ministry. And Mary, you're children's ministry. And Mary, you're continually thinking up new curriculum, continually thinking up new curriculum, continually thinking up new curriculum, new uh ways of teaching. What is it you new uh ways of teaching. What is it you new uh ways of teaching. What is it you love most about reaching this kind of love most about reaching this kind of love most about reaching this kind of next generation? next generation? next generation? >> Yeah, I love getting to teach them God's >> Yeah, I love getting to teach them God's >> Yeah, I love getting to teach them God's word. The Bible says that God's word is word. The Bible says that God's word is word. The Bible says that God's word is living and active, and I love getting to living and active, and I love getting to living and active, and I love getting to just kind of have a first impression of just kind of have a first impression of just kind of have a first impression of what the Bible is and how important it what the Bible is and how important it what the Bible is and how important it is to have a relationship with Jesus. is to have a relationship with Jesus. is to have a relationship with Jesus. >> Oh, I love that. It's so cool. We raise >> Oh, I love that. It's so cool. We raise >> Oh, I love that. It's so cool. We raise our kids up to know Jesus and have a our kids up to know Jesus and have a our kids up to know Jesus and have a personal relationship with him. Well, personal relationship with him. Well, personal relationship with him. Well, Mary, I'm probably twice your age and Mary, I'm probably twice your age and Mary, I'm probably twice your age and now I'm getting so old I'm losing touch now I'm getting so old I'm losing touch now I'm getting so old I'm losing touch with what is cool to text. Um, let me with what is cool to text. Um, let me with what is cool to text. Um, let me ask you, is it okay to say JK on your ask you, is it okay to say JK on your ask you, is it okay to say JK on your text messages or LOL? Is that text messages or LOL? Is that text messages or LOL? Is that >> It is okay to say JK and LOL. Real >> It is okay to say JK and LOL. Real >> It is okay to say JK and LOL. Real people will still love you. people will still love you. people will still love you. >> Okay. Uh, what about R L? Yeah, >> Okay. Uh, what about R L? Yeah, >> Okay. Uh, what about R L? Yeah, >> I don't even know what that is, Ryan. >> I don't even know what that is, Ryan. >> I don't even know what that is, Ryan. I think I think it means rolling or R O I think I think it means rolling or R O I think I think it means rolling or R O T F L T F L T F L >> Rolling on the floor laughing.

>> Rolling on the floor laughing. >> Rolling on the floor laughing. >> Okay. Okay, there we go. All right. >> Okay. Okay, there we go. All right. >> Okay. Okay, there we go. All right. >> I might have to look it up first. >> I might have to look it up first. >> I might have to look it up first. >> What about Do you know what NVM >> What about Do you know what NVM >> What about Do you know what NVM means? means? means? >> Never mind. >> Never mind. >> Never mind. >> Okay. Okay, fine. Fine. That's great. >> Okay. Okay, fine. Fine. That's great. >> Okay. Okay, fine. Fine. That's great. So, any other slang or text message So, any other slang or text message So, any other slang or text message slang I should know as an old person now slang I should know as an old person now slang I should know as an old person now to stay relevant? to stay relevant? to stay relevant? >> A big one. TBH. To be honest, Ryan, you >> A big one. TBH. To be honest, Ryan, you >> A big one. TBH. To be honest, Ryan, you should know these a little bit better. should know these a little bit better. should know these a little bit better. That's good. That's good. That's good. >> Um, BRB. >> Um, BRB. >> Um, BRB. >> Oh, yeah. That's >> Oh, yeah. That's >> Oh, yeah. That's >> Come on, be right back. Um, LOL. Love of >> Come on, be right back. Um, LOL. Love of >> Come on, be right back. Um, LOL. Love of my life. Love of my That's a my life. Love of my That's a my life. Love of my That's a >> Those are some good ones. >> Those are some good ones. >> Those are some good ones. >> Wait, how do you say it? >> Wait, how do you say it? >> Wait, how do you say it? >> Lol. >> Lol. >> Lol. >> L of my life. >> L of my life. >> L of my life. >> Okay, I'm going to use that one uh >> Okay, I'm going to use that one uh >> Okay, I'm going to use that one uh pretty soon. And and punctuation. I've pretty soon. And and punctuation. I've pretty soon. And and punctuation. I've heard that may not be appropriate heard that may not be appropriate heard that may not be appropriate anymore. anymore. anymore. >> Sometimes when people send you a period >> Sometimes when people send you a period >> Sometimes when people send you a period at the end of a text, it kind of sounds at the end of a text, it kind of sounds at the end of a text, it kind of sounds like they're mad at you, right? And so I like they're mad at you, right? And so I like they're mad at you, right? And so I think I think people my age are are think I think people my age are are think I think people my age are are guilty of using too many exclamation guilty of using too many exclamation guilty of using too many exclamation points, like a little too aggressively points, like a little too aggressively points, like a little too aggressively because we just want you to know that because we just want you to know that because we just want you to know that we're not angry at you and that we're we're not angry at you and that we're we're not angry at you and that we're really excited to talk to you. really excited to talk to you. really excited to talk to you. >> Okay. Okay. So, if I get a lot of >> Okay. Okay. So, if I get a lot of >> Okay. Okay. So, if I get a lot of exclamation points from someone, it exclamation points from someone, it exclamation points from someone, it means they're excited. If I get a means they're excited. If I get a means they're excited. If I get a period, though, that kind of changed a period, though, that kind of changed a period, though, that kind of changed a lot of texts I've gotten. That means lot of texts I've gotten. That means lot of texts I've gotten. That means that uh you're mad.

that uh you're mad. that uh you're mad. >> I mean, it kind of appears that way, but >> I mean, it kind of appears that way, but >> I mean, it kind of appears that way, but sometimes you have to know the person sometimes you have to know the person sometimes you have to know the person cuz some people just do that and they're cuz some people just do that and they're cuz some people just do that and they're not actually angry. not actually angry. not actually angry. >> Yeah. Well, I what I do is I do all >> Yeah. Well, I what I do is I do all >> Yeah. Well, I what I do is I do all caps. Hey, what's up? Because I think caps. Hey, what's up? Because I think caps. Hey, what's up? Because I think it's just uh the way to do it. All caps it's just uh the way to do it. All caps it's just uh the way to do it. All caps no matter what you write. Do that in the no matter what you write. Do that in the no matter what you write. Do that in the chat. Try try it today. All caps chat. Try try it today. All caps chat. Try try it today. All caps screaming at everybody. screaming at everybody. screaming at everybody. >> Yes. Exactly. [laughter] >> Yes. Exactly. [laughter] >> Yes. Exactly. [laughter] Hey, I want to know in the chat right Hey, I want to know in the chat right Hey, I want to know in the chat right now, what are the abbreviations that you now, what are the abbreviations that you now, what are the abbreviations that you know? Please keep it appropriate. Come know? Please keep it appropriate. Come know? Please keep it appropriate. Come on, you guys. Church online. Well, we're on, you guys. Church online. Well, we're on, you guys. Church online. Well, we're so thankful that you're here today. so thankful that you're here today. so thankful that you're here today. God's going to do some great things. We God's going to do some great things. We God's going to do some great things. We have an amazing message for you. I know have an amazing message for you. I know have an amazing message for you. I know we're getting back into school. I know we're getting back into school. I know we're getting back into school. I know that kind of routines are getting going that kind of routines are getting going that kind of routines are getting going again. So, we're praying for all the again. So, we're praying for all the again. So, we're praying for all the parents. Mary, would you mind leading us parents. Mary, would you mind leading us parents. Mary, would you mind leading us in a prayer for all the parents of in a prayer for all the parents of in a prayer for all the parents of little ones, whether it's up to high little ones, whether it's up to high little ones, whether it's up to high school as they get ready to go back to school as they get ready to go back to school as they get ready to go back to school? school? school? >> I would love to. Um, dear heavenly >> I would love to. Um, dear heavenly >> I would love to. Um, dear heavenly father, Lord, thank you so much um for father, Lord, thank you so much um for father, Lord, thank you so much um for the opportunity to know you and to love the opportunity to know you and to love the opportunity to know you and to love you and to get to experience you uh with you and to get to experience you uh with you and to get to experience you uh with other believers. Father, I just pray for other believers. Father, I just pray for other believers. Father, I just pray for all the parents out there as the all the parents out there as the all the parents out there as the busyiness of school picks up, Lord. That busyiness of school picks up, Lord. That busyiness of school picks up, Lord. That you would just strengthen them and equip you would just strengthen them and equip you would just strengthen them and equip them to love and to parent their kids them to love and to parent their kids them to love and to parent their kids just as you would, Lord. And that you just as you would, Lord. And that you just as you would, Lord. And that you would um help them realize that you are would um help them realize that you are would um help them realize that you are a priority in their life and that you a priority in their life and that you a priority in their life and that you should be a priority, God, and help should be a priority, God, and help should be a priority, God, and help everything just flow out of your love, everything just flow out of your love, everything just flow out of your love, God. Help us to know that you love us God. Help us to know that you love us God. Help us to know that you love us and have a purpose for us and all of the and have a purpose for us and all of the and have a purpose for us and all of the parents out there, Lord. Um and that you parents out there, Lord. Um and that you parents out there, Lord. Um and that you would just give them strength and would just give them strength and would just give them strength and encouragement in Jesus name. [music] encouragement in Jesus name. [music] encouragement in Jesus name. [music] Amen.

Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Hey, we can't wait to see you in >> Amen. Hey, we can't wait to see you in >> Amen. Hey, we can't wait to see you in chat. Let's see you in the service. >> Let's worship [music] together this >> Let's worship [music] together this morning. Come on, we sing. morning. Come on, we sing. morning. Come on, we sing. Where two are more gathered, Where two are more gathered, Where two are more gathered, there you come [music] with power, there you come [music] with power, there you come [music] with power, Jesus. All we want is [singing] for you. Full of faith, surrender. [music] Full of faith, surrender. [music] God, you're all we're after. God, you're all we're after. God, you're all we're after. Come and do it all you can do. [music] Come and do it all you can do. [music] Come and do it all you can do. [music] Now with one uniting cry, God we bring Now with one uniting cry, God we bring Now with one uniting cry, God we bring this sacrifice [music] this sacrifice [music] this sacrifice [music] forever. forever. forever. God be praised forever. [music] God be praised forever. [music] God be praised forever. [music] Have you reign we bring honor worthy of Have you reign we bring honor worthy of Have you reign we bring honor worthy of your name. [music] your name. [music] your name. [music] Come on lift it up. Forever Come on lift it up. Forever Come on lift it up. Forever be lifted high [music] forever be lifted high [music] forever be lifted high [music] forever magnified.

magnified. magnified. Only you [music] are worthy to be Only you [music] are worthy to be Only you [music] are worthy to be praised. praised. praised. Worthy to be praised. Worthy to be praised. Worthy to be praised. Oh, it's like a [music] glimpse [singing] of it's like a [music] glimpse [singing] of heaven heaven heaven to be in your presence. [music] to be in your presence. [music] to be in your presence. [music] God, we're praying. Would you fill this God, we're praying. Would you fill this God, we're praying. Would you fill this room? Oh, Holy Spirit forever. forever. [music] Praise forever. [music] Praise forever. [music] Praise forever. I worthy of your name. worthy of your name. See [music] See [music] See [music] forever [music] [music] Only you are worthy to be praised. Only you are worthy to be praised. Only you are worthy to be praised. [music] Worthy to be praised.

>> One united [music] Christ. God, we bring >> One united [music] Christ. God, we bring this sacrifice. this sacrifice. this sacrifice. Standing here with arms strength. Why? Standing here with arms strength. Why? Standing here with arms strength. Why? [music] Cuz I was dead. Now I'm alive. [music] Cuz I was dead. Now I'm alive. [music] Cuz I was dead. Now I'm alive. Now with one uniting cry [music] Now with one uniting cry [music] Now with one uniting cry [music] sacrifice sacrifice sacrifice standing here with arms stretch wide. standing here with arms stretch wide. standing here with arms stretch wide. Cuz I was dead. Now [music] I'm alive Cuz I was dead. Now [music] I'm alive Cuz I was dead. Now [music] I'm alive forever. forever. forever. God be praised. Forever [music] God be praised. Forever [music] God be praised. Forever [music] have your way. We bring our worthy of have your way. We bring our worthy of have your way. We bring our worthy of your name. Are we sing [music] your name. Are we sing [music] your name. Are we sing [music] forever forever forever lifted high forever. [music] Only you are worthy to be pushed [music] Only you are worthy to be pushed out. Worthy to be praised. out. Worthy to be praised. out. Worthy to be praised. [music] you're worthy to be praised.

you're worthy to be praised. Come [music] on, praise the name of Come [music] on, praise the name of Come [music] on, praise the name of Jesus this morning, church. He's worthy Jesus this morning, church. He's worthy Jesus this morning, church. He's worthy of it. Hey, come on. Let's keep [music] those hands come on. Let's keep [music] those hands going. Yeah. Come on. We sing goodbye going. Yeah. Come on. We sing goodbye going. Yeah. Come on. We sing goodbye yesterday. Lift it up. Goodbye yesterday. Lift it up. Goodbye yesterday. Lift it up. Goodbye yesterday. [music] yesterday. [music] yesterday. [music] I'm living in the light of a new day. I I'm living in the light of a new day. I I'm living in the light of a new day. I won't waste another minute [music] in my won't waste another minute [music] in my won't waste another minute [music] in my old ways. Praise the Lord. I've been old ways. Praise the Lord. I've been old ways. Praise the Lord. I've been born again. Goodbye yesterday. I'm born again. Goodbye yesterday. I'm born again. Goodbye yesterday. I'm living [music] in the light of a new living [music] in the light of a new living [music] in the light of a new day. I won't waste another minute in all day. I won't waste another minute in all day. I won't waste another minute in all the ways. [music] Praise the Lord. I've the ways. [music] Praise the Lord. I've the ways. [music] Praise the Lord. I've been born. Let's go. been born. Let's go. been born. Let's go. Hey. [music] Oh, [music] yeah. Come on. Again. Again. Oh, [music] yeah. Come on. Again. Again. And again and again. You rescued me out And again and again. You rescued me out And again and again. You rescued me out of the mess I was in. You traded [music] of the mess I was in. You traded [music] of the mess I was in. You traded [music] my sorrow for something to sing. Now I'm my sorrow for something to sing. Now I'm my sorrow for something to sing. Now I'm dancing on the grave that I'm saying dancing on the grave that I'm saying dancing on the grave that I'm saying goodbye. Goodbye. [music] Yesterday I'm goodbye. Goodbye. [music] Yesterday I'm goodbye. Goodbye. [music] Yesterday I'm living in light of a new day. I won't living in light of a new day. I won't living in light of a new day. I won't [music] waste another minute in all the [music] waste another minute in all the [music] waste another minute in all the ways. Praise the Lord. I've [music] been ways. Praise the Lord. I've [music] been ways. Praise the Lord. I've [music] been born again. Goodbye yesterday. The born again. Goodbye yesterday. The born again. Goodbye yesterday. The spirit of the Lord is upon me. I [music] spirit of the Lord is upon me. I [music] spirit of the Lord is upon me. I [music] got resurrection in my hands. Praise the

got resurrection in my hands. Praise the got resurrection in my hands. Praise the Lord. I [music] again and again and Lord. I [music] again and again and Lord. I [music] again and again and again. You rescued me out of the mess I again. You rescued me out of the mess I again. You rescued me out of the mess I was [music] in. You traded my sorrow for was [music] in. You traded my sorrow for was [music] in. You traded my sorrow for something to sing. Now I'm dancing on a something to sing. Now I'm dancing on a something to sing. Now I'm dancing on a grave. Come [music] on, church. Again grave. Come [music] on, church. Again grave. Come [music] on, church. Again and again and again and again. You and again and again and again. You and again and again and again. You [music] rescue me out of the mess I was [music] rescue me out of the mess I was [music] rescue me out of the mess I was in. Betraying my sorrow to sing. Now I'm in. Betraying my sorrow to sing. Now I'm in. Betraying my sorrow to sing. Now I'm dancing [music] on a grave that I sleep. dancing [music] on a grave that I sleep. dancing [music] on a grave that I sleep. Come on, we declare it out this morning. Come on, we declare it out this morning. Come on, we declare it out this morning. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I have decided >> I have decided >> I have decided to follow [singing and music] Jesus to follow [singing and music] Jesus to follow [singing and music] Jesus with the world behind the cross before with the world behind the cross before with the world behind the cross before [music] [music] [music] I turn. I turn. I turn. I have decided I have decided I have decided to follow [music] Jesus to follow [music] Jesus to follow [music] Jesus with the world behind cross be [music] the world [music] behind me and cross the world [music] behind me and cross before before before I am decided I am decided I am decided [music] to follow Jesus.

[music] to follow Jesus. [music] to follow Jesus. going to leave the world behind me and going to leave the world behind me and going to leave the world behind me and cross before it. Come [music] on, say [music] [music] the world behind the world behind the world behind me. I turn me. I turn me. I turn around [music] again and again and again [music] again and again and again [music] and again. You rescue me out of me. You and again. You rescue me out of me. You and again. You rescue me out of me. You my s Yeah. Yeah. You resing [music] Come on, church. Lift up a shout of Come on, church. Lift up a shout of praise this morning. be thankful for praise this morning. be thankful for praise this morning. be thankful for Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Amen.

Maybe we've [music] made this Maybe we've [music] made this complicated. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Oh, more than it was ever meant to be. And hasn't it [music] always been about And hasn't it [music] always been about the same thing? the same thing? the same thing? Oh Lord, bring [music] us back to simple Oh Lord, bring [music] us back to simple Oh Lord, bring [music] us back to simple things and [music] you be the center of it all. and [music] you be the center of it all. My [music] heart [singing] belongs to My [music] heart [singing] belongs to My [music] heart [singing] belongs to you, my savior. [music] All in all, you, my savior. [music] All in all, you, my savior. [music] All in all, you're the one I hold on you're the one I hold on you're the one I hold on [music and singing] to. For the beauty [music and singing] to. For the beauty [music and singing] to. For the beauty of your name, my soul will live to of your name, my soul will live to of your name, my soul will live to [music] say, [music] say, [music] say, Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you. [music] [music] [music] and teach us to discern the moment and teach us to discern the moment and teach us to discern the moment [singing] of when to serve and when [music] to sit of when to serve and when [music] to sit here at your [singing] feet and keep us away to what's important.

and keep us away to what's important. Oh, [music] just like Mary Oh, [music] just like Mary Oh, [music] just like Mary chose the benefit. chose the benefit. chose the benefit. You are the sinner. [music] You are the sinner. [music] You are the sinner. [music] You are the center [singing] You are the center [singing] You are the center [singing] of it all. My [music] heart belongs to of it all. My [music] heart belongs to of it all. My [music] heart belongs to you. My savior all. you. My savior all. you. My savior all. You're the one I hold on [music] to for You're the one I hold on [music] to for You're the one I hold on [music] to for the [singing] beauty of your name. My the [singing] beauty of your name. My the [singing] beauty of your name. My [music] soul will live to save. [music] soul will live to save. [music] soul will live to save. Jesus, I love you. [singing] You're s Jesus, I love you. [singing] You're s Jesus, I love you. [singing] You're s for you for you for you are the [music] center of it all. My are the [music] center of it all. My are the [music] center of it all. My heart belongs [music] heart belongs [music] heart belongs [music] to you. My savior [singing] all to you. My savior [singing] all to you. My savior [singing] all you're the one I hold on [music] to. For you're the one I hold on [music] to. For you're the one I hold on [music] to. For the beauty [singing] the beauty [singing] the beauty [singing] of your name. [music] of your name. [music] of your name. [music] My soul will live to sing.

My soul will live to sing. My soul will live to sing. Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] I love you. you. Oh, how I love you. I love you. you. Oh, how I love you. I love you. you. Oh, how I love you. [music] [music] [music] Come on, church. Just sing that out Come on, church. Just sing that out Come on, church. Just sing that out tonight. Today. This is all he wants to tonight. Today. This is all he wants to tonight. Today. This is all he wants to hear. It's that simple. [music] Jesus, hear. It's that simple. [music] Jesus, hear. It's that simple. [music] Jesus, we love you. And oh, how [music] I love you. And oh, how [music] I love you. Yes, I [music] do. Yes, I [music] do. Yes, I [music] do. And how I love you. [music] and my [music] whole life for you. and my [music] whole life for you. Glory, my whole world for you [music] Glory, my whole world for you [music] Glory, my whole world for you [music] all everything all everything all everything for the [singing] honor of your name. for the [singing] honor of your name. for the [singing] honor of your name. [music] [music] [music] And if my days tell a story, let [music] And if my days tell a story, let [music] And if my days tell a story, let [music] it be it be it be of you only everything of you only everything of you only everything for the honor of your name.

for the honor of your name. for the honor of your name. In my [music] whole life for your glory. In my [music] whole life for your glory. In my [music] whole life for your glory. My whole world for [music] you every day My whole world for [music] you every day My whole world for [music] you every day for the honor [singing] for the honor [singing] for the honor [singing] of your name. of your name. of your name. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. All right. Hey, good morning [music]

All right. Hey, good morning [music] church. We're so glad you guys are here. church. We're so glad you guys are here. church. We're so glad you guys are here. Ain't it what an incredible song to sing Ain't it what an incredible song to sing Ain't it what an incredible song to sing to our God Jesus be at the center of it to our God Jesus be at the center of it to our God Jesus be at the center of it all. And if there's any pursuit that I all. And if there's any pursuit that I all. And if there's any pursuit that I have in my worship, not just the songs have in my worship, not just the songs have in my worship, not just the songs that I sing, but my daily worship that I sing, but my daily worship that I sing, but my daily worship lifestyle. What I have to offer the lifestyle. What I have to offer the lifestyle. What I have to offer the Lord, it is [music] Lord, it is [music] Lord, it is [music] a pursuit that I am begging you, church, a pursuit that I am begging you, church, a pursuit that I am begging you, church, to join in with me. That is the to join in with me. That is the to join in with me. That is the motivation behind everything is not so motivation behind everything is not so motivation behind everything is not so that I get the stuff receive the that I get the stuff receive the that I get the stuff receive the blessing but solely because Jesus I love blessing but solely because Jesus I love blessing but solely because Jesus I love you. Oh how I love you. And if we you. Oh how I love you. And if we you. Oh how I love you. And if we [music] can follow God in that way from [music] can follow God in that way from [music] can follow God in that way from just a pursuit of loving him the one who just a pursuit of loving him the one who just a pursuit of loving him the one who loves us so much. I will tell you church loves us so much. I will tell you church loves us so much. I will tell you church and I'm seeing it in your lives. The and I'm seeing it in your lives. The and I'm seeing it in your lives. The amount of life change will be amount of life change will be amount of life change will be unbelievable. unbelievable. unbelievable. And so I'm [music] so glad that we are And so I'm [music] so glad that we are And so I'm [music] so glad that we are here worshiping that way [snorts] this here worshiping that way [snorts] this here worshiping that way [snorts] this morning. Before you take your seats, can morning. Before you take your seats, can morning. Before you take your seats, can you just let's do some church this you just let's do some church this you just let's do some church this morning. Let's greet our neighbors morning. Let's greet our neighbors morning. Let's greet our neighbors around them. Let them know how much you around them. Let them know how much you around them. Let them know how much you love them and how glad you are to be in love them and how glad you are to be in love them and how glad you are to be in church with them. I'm going to give a church with them. I'm going to give a church with them. I'm going to give a big shout out to everybody watching with big shout out to everybody watching with big shout out to everybody watching with us online. We love you. We're so glad us online. We love you. We're so glad us online. We love you. We're so glad that you guys are here. Let us know in that you guys are here. Let us know in that you guys are here. Let us know in the chat where you guys are worshiping the chat where you guys are worshiping the chat where you guys are worshiping from. You guys can go ahead and be from. You guys can go ahead and be from. You guys can go ahead and be seated here in the room. Well, if you seated here in the room. Well, if you seated here in the room. Well, if you don't know me, my name is Pastor Jordan don't know me, my name is Pastor Jordan don't know me, my name is Pastor Jordan Alf. I'm one of the pastors on staff Alf. I'm one of the pastors on staff Alf. I'm one of the pastors on staff here and it is my honor today to here and it is my honor today to here and it is my honor today to continue in worship through our time of continue in worship through our time of continue in worship through our time of giving and I've got a verse that is giving and I've got a verse that is giving and I've got a verse that is [music] [music] [music] I mean it's so cool. It's such an I mean it's so cool. It's such an I mean it's so cool. It's such an incredible encouragement from God's incredible encouragement from God's incredible encouragement from God's word. Um and I want to share with you word. Um and I want to share with you

word. Um and I want to share with you guys. It's Luke 6 [music] guys. It's Luke 6 [music] guys. It's Luke 6 [music] 37 and 38. And my challenge for you guys 37 and 38. And my challenge for you guys 37 and 38. And my challenge for you guys is how can I look more like God through is how can I look more like God through is how can I look more like God through what Jesus is challenging us [music] in what Jesus is challenging us [music] in what Jesus is challenging us [music] in this verse. Here's what it says. Do not this verse. Here's what it says. Do not this verse. Here's what it says. Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. condemn and you will not be condemned. condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you. A good and it will be given to you. A good and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed [music] down, shaken measure pressed [music] down, shaken measure pressed [music] down, shaken together, and running over will be together, and running over will be together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the poured into your lap. For with the poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to measure you use, it will be measured to measure you use, it will be measured to you. I love this illustration of it will you. I love this illustration of it will you. I love this illustration of it will be poured [music] into our lap. this be poured [music] into our lap. this be poured [music] into our lap. this overwhelming overpouring of blessing overwhelming overpouring of blessing overwhelming overpouring of blessing [music] once we in and by faith give [music] once we in and by faith give [music] once we in and by faith give unto the Lord that it will be something unto the Lord that it will be something unto the Lord that it will be something that we cannot contain that those around that we cannot contain that those around that we cannot contain that those around us will will will be influenced by the us will will will be influenced by the us will will will be influenced by the way we give in the way God will give way we give in the way God will give way we give in the way God will give back to us not again from the motivation back to us not again from the motivation back to us not again from the motivation of the blessing but just like that song of the blessing but just like that song of the blessing but just like that song [music] was saying because we love the [music] was saying because we love the [music] was saying because we love the Lord that blessing will become something Lord that blessing will become something Lord that blessing will become something that others will see which is why we're that others will see which is why we're that others will see which is why we're not shy about giving here at Woodland's not shy about giving here at Woodland's not shy about giving here at Woodland's church it is a spiritual discipline church it is a spiritual discipline church it is a spiritual discipline meant to grow your faith. And so week in meant to grow your faith. And so week in meant to grow your faith. And so week in and week out, we honor the Lord and and week out, we honor the Lord and and week out, we honor the Lord and worship the Lord through our time of worship the Lord through our time of worship the Lord through our time of giving to say, "Jesus, we love you. Use giving to say, "Jesus, we love you. Use giving to say, "Jesus, we love you. Use us this week. What we have to give is us this week. What we have to give is us this week. What we have to give is yours." And so I want to call our ushers yours." And so I want to call our ushers yours." And so I want to call our ushers forward, encourage you that that when forward, encourage you that that when forward, encourage you that that when that can become our mindset behind that can become our mindset behind that can become our mindset behind giving, you will unlock an incredible

giving, you will unlock an incredible giving, you will unlock an incredible spiritual discipline [music] spiritual discipline [music] spiritual discipline [music] that is a faith grower in your life. that is a faith grower in your life. that is a faith grower in your life. There's plenty of ways here at There's plenty of ways here at There's plenty of ways here at Wilderness Church. You can't get You can Wilderness Church. You can't get You can Wilderness Church. You can't get You can give. You can give online. You can give give. You can give online. You can give give. You can give online. You can give through the app. You can give here in through the app. You can give here in through the app. You can give here in the room. But I want to encourage you. the room. But I want to encourage you. the room. But I want to encourage you. It is [music] not how, it is why when it It is [music] not how, it is why when it It is [music] not how, it is why when it becomes that overflowing of Jesus, I becomes that overflowing of Jesus, I becomes that overflowing of Jesus, I love you. So I want to bless our time of love you. So I want to bless our time of love you. So I want to bless our time of giving and then we'll go through some giving and then we'll go through some giving and then we'll go through some announcements. So please, if you would announcements. So please, if you would announcements. So please, if you would join me, let's bow our heads [music] and join me, let's bow our heads [music] and join me, let's bow our heads [music] and give it to God. Yeah. Lord, we love you. give it to God. Yeah. Lord, we love you. give it to God. Yeah. Lord, we love you. Oh, how we love you, Oh, how we love you, Oh, how we love you, God. We could never repay you for what God. We could never repay you for what God. We could never repay you for what it is that you've done [music] for us it is that you've done [music] for us it is that you've done [music] for us through your son, Jesus. But what an through your son, Jesus. But what an through your son, Jesus. But what an incredible opportunity to just honor you incredible opportunity to just honor you incredible opportunity to just honor you with the blessings that you've [music] with the blessings that you've [music] with the blessings that you've [music] given us. And I ask that you can give us given us. And I ask that you can give us given us. And I ask that you can give us wisdom and clarity on what that looks wisdom and clarity on what that looks wisdom and clarity on what that looks like, God. Never that we're giving back like, God. Never that we're giving back like, God. Never that we're giving back to you out of obligation, but that we to you out of obligation, but that we to you out of obligation, but that we lay our lives before you, our choices lay our lives before you, our choices lay our lives before you, our choices before you as an offering to say, "Here before you as an offering to say, "Here before you as an offering to say, "Here it is, Lord. Use us to further your it is, Lord. Use us to further your it is, Lord. Use us to further your kingdom. Fulfill us through the purpose kingdom. Fulfill us through the purpose kingdom. Fulfill us through the purpose and the promises [music] that you have and the promises [music] that you have and the promises [music] that you have blessed us with. We give this to you. We blessed us with. We give this to you. We blessed us with. We give this to you. We love you. We thank you. We pray all love you. We thank you. We pray all love you. We thank you. We pray all these things in Jesus name. Everybody these things in Jesus name. Everybody these things in Jesus name. Everybody said, "Amen." Well, hey, couple of said, "Amen." Well, hey, couple of said, "Amen." Well, hey, couple of awesome, incredible things going on as awesome, incredible things going on as awesome, incredible things going on as we're wrapping up summer. Parents, I we're wrapping up summer. Parents, I we're wrapping up summer. Parents, I know it's right around the corner.

know it's right around the corner. know it's right around the corner. Students [music] also right around the Students [music] also right around the Students [music] also right around the corner. Prepare your hearts. Uh it is corner. Prepare your hearts. Uh it is corner. Prepare your hearts. Uh it is incredible. We have teams that are going incredible. We have teams that are going incredible. We have teams that are going out through our Hill Country disaster out through our Hill Country disaster out through our Hill Country disaster relief. I don't know if you're aware of relief. I don't know if you're aware of relief. I don't know if you're aware of this, but there [music] were over 700 this, but there [music] were over 700 this, but there [music] were over 700 structures flooded a few weeks ago over structures flooded a few weeks ago over structures flooded a few weeks ago over in the Hill Country a little couple in the Hill Country a little couple in the Hill Country a little couple hours west of us. That's twice as many hours west of us. That's twice as many hours west of us. That's twice as many as were affected last year. The amount as were affected last year. The amount as were affected last year. The amount of work is large and we as Woodlands of work is large and we as Woodlands of work is large and we as Woodlands Church just sent one of the largest Church just sent one of the largest Church just sent one of the largest teams of volunteers that we have ever teams of volunteers that we have ever teams of volunteers that we have ever sent and we're going to continue sending sent and we're going to continue sending sent and we're going to continue sending teams out uh to just help. I think they teams out uh to just help. I think they teams out uh to just help. I think they just wrapped up on their fourth house just wrapped up on their fourth house just wrapped up on their fourth house that they've done a ton of disaster that they've done a ton of disaster that they've done a ton of disaster relief for and like I said, we're relief for and like I said, we're relief for and like I said, we're continuing to go. So, if that is continuing to go. So, if that is continuing to go. So, if that is something that you would like to be a something that you would like to be a something that you would like to be a part of as the hands and feet of part of as the hands and feet of part of as the hands and feet of Woodlands Church, lifting up the local Woodlands Church, lifting up the local Woodlands Church, lifting up the local churches out there and [music] pointing churches out there and [music] pointing churches out there and [music] pointing people back towards Jesus in the middle people back towards Jesus in the middle people back towards Jesus in the middle of craziness. We would love your help. of craziness. We would love your help. of craziness. We would love your help. The next six weeks, you can sign up The next six weeks, you can sign up The next six weeks, you can sign up through this QR [music] code, hop on a through this QR [music] code, hop on a through this QR [music] code, hop on a team, incredible community from your team, incredible community from your team, incredible community from your church to go bless the church uh over a church to go bless the church uh over a church to go bless the church uh over a couple hours west of us in the Hill couple hours west of us in the Hill couple hours west of us in the Hill Country disaster relief. And then next Country disaster relief. And then next Country disaster relief. And then next weekend, [music] we have our kickoff weekend, [music] we have our kickoff weekend, [music] we have our kickoff weekend. If you've been connected to weekend. If you've been connected to weekend. If you've been connected to Woodlands Church here, you know that we Woodlands Church here, you know that we Woodlands Church here, you know that we kick the school year off in a profound kick the school year off in a profound kick the school year off in a profound and exciting. It's a big old party, an and exciting. It's a big old party, an and exciting. It's a big old party, an awesome way, our kids team. We're awesome way, our kids team. We're awesome way, our kids team. We're bringing in an incredible group called bringing in an incredible group called bringing in an incredible group called Offaxis Aerobatics. I don't even know Offaxis Aerobatics. I don't even know Offaxis Aerobatics. I don't even know what it means, but [music] it sounds what it means, but [music] it sounds what it means, but [music] it sounds amazing, right? We're going to have some amazing, right? We're going to have some amazing, right? We're going to have some trampoline teams out here that's just trampoline teams out here that's just trampoline teams out here that's just going to have a big old party on the going to have a big old party on the going to have a big old party on the plaza. So, don't get lost in this. We do plaza. So, don't get lost in this. We do plaza. So, don't get lost in this. We do these things Woodland's church so that

these things Woodland's church so that these things Woodland's church so that you, the church, can go get your you, the church, can go get your you, the church, can go get your friends, get your family, get your friends, get your family, get your friends, get your family, get your neighbors excited about what Jesus is neighbors excited about what Jesus is neighbors excited about what Jesus is doing here. And our kids are going to doing here. And our kids are going to doing here. And our kids are going to love it. It's going to be so much fun. love it. It's going to be so much fun. love it. It's going to be so much fun. But do not miss out on [music] this But do not miss out on [music] this But do not miss out on [music] this opportunity to invite a friend to opportunity to invite a friend to opportunity to invite a friend to church. Yeah. Well, [snorts] that's next church. Yeah. Well, [snorts] that's next church. Yeah. Well, [snorts] that's next week. This week, you guys are in for a week. This week, you guys are in for a week. This week, you guys are in for a treat because Pastor Carrie is back. His treat because Pastor Carrie is back. His treat because Pastor Carrie is back. His message this weekend is titled This Time message this weekend is titled This Time message this weekend is titled This Time Next Year. Uh, it's going to be an Next Year. Uh, it's going to be an Next Year. Uh, it's going to be an incredible message. I'm so glad that you incredible message. I'm so glad that you incredible message. I'm so glad that you guys are here for it. But would you guys are here for it. But would you guys are here for it. But would you please join me? Let's stand up and please join me? Let's stand up and please join me? Let's stand up and continue [music] to worship together. continue [music] to worship together. continue [music] to worship together. God bless you, church. So glad you're God bless you, church. So glad you're God bless you, church. So glad you're here. I was a thief [music and singing] upon I was a thief [music and singing] upon the cross. I was the prodal son [music] the cross. I was the prodal son [music] the cross. I was the prodal son [music] lost like Simon Peter in the storm. Sink lost like Simon Peter in the storm. Sink lost like Simon Peter in the storm. Sink and shout. Save me Lord. I've been and shout. Save me Lord. I've been and shout. Save me Lord. I've been Joseph [music] Joseph [music] Joseph [music] in the pit. Daniel in the lion's in the pit. Daniel in the lion's in the pit. Daniel in the lion's [music and singing] den. I've been Jacob [music and singing] den. I've been Jacob [music and singing] den. I've been Jacob wrestling, wrestling, wrestling, begging, plead and don't leave [singing] begging, plead and don't leave [singing] begging, plead and don't leave [singing] yet. It's [music] been me of little yet. It's [music] been me of little yet. It's [music] been me of little faith. I've taken risk. I've played it

faith. I've taken risk. I've played it faith. I've taken risk. I've played it safe. But through it [singing] all, you safe. But through it [singing] all, you safe. But through it [singing] all, you stay [music] the same. stay [music] the same. stay [music] the same. So I will call upon your name [singing] cuz you've been faithful [music] cuz you've been faithful [music] through the ages. Your promises [music] through the ages. Your promises [music] through the ages. Your promises [music] don't change. Jesus, come and have your don't change. Jesus, come and have your don't change. Jesus, come and have your way. way. way. Oh, here's my life, Lord. Take [music] Oh, here's my life, Lord. Take [music] Oh, here's my life, Lord. Take [music] it. Keep it. I [singing] exist to give it. Keep it. I [singing] exist to give it. Keep it. I [singing] exist to give you praise. you praise. you praise. >> [music] >> I've [music] been David. I've been Paul. >> I've [music] been David. I've been Paul. Called like [singing] Esther, lost like Called like [singing] Esther, lost like Called like [singing] Esther, lost like Saul. I've slain giants with a [music] Saul. I've slain giants with a [music] Saul. I've slain giants with a [music] stone. And I've been reckless on my own. stone. And I've been reckless on my own. stone. And I've been reckless on my own. But there is grace for everyone, [music] But there is grace for everyone, [music] But there is grace for everyone, [music] every daughter, [singing] every daughter, [singing] every daughter, [singing] every son. [music] The 99 are just the every son. [music] The 99 are just the every son. [music] The 99 are just the one I will call upon and I will [music] one I will call upon and I will [music] one I will call upon and I will [music] call upon your name. [singing] Cuz you've been faithful [music] Cuz you've been faithful [music] through [singing] the ages. Your through [singing] the ages. Your through [singing] the ages. Your promises don't change. Jesus, come and promises don't change. Jesus, come and promises don't change. Jesus, come and have your way. [music]

Oh, here's my life, Lord. Take it. keep Oh, here's my life, Lord. Take it. keep it. [singing] I exist to [music] give it. [singing] I exist to [music] give it. [singing] I exist to [music] give you praise. I will call [singing] you praise. I will call [singing] you praise. I will call [singing] upon your name. upon your name. upon your name. Cuz you've [music] been faithful through Cuz you've [music] been faithful through Cuz you've [music] been faithful through the ages. Your promises [music] the ages. Your promises [music] the ages. Your promises [music] don't change. Jesus, come and have your don't change. Jesus, come and have your don't change. Jesus, come and have your way. way. way. Oh, here's my life, Lord. Take it. keep Oh, here's my life, Lord. Take it. keep Oh, here's my life, Lord. Take it. keep it. [music] it. [music] it. [music] I exist to give you praise [music] and nothing else. [music] and nothing else. I exist to give you praise. Come on, I exist to give you praise. Come on, I exist to give you praise. Come on, church. Let's [music] sing this out church. Let's [music] sing this out church. Let's [music] sing this out together. together. together. Let's believe it. Let's believe it. Let's believe it. So I lift my hands and give you thanks, So I lift my hands and give you thanks, So I lift my hands and give you thanks, Lord. All I am is yours.

Lord. All I am is yours. Lord. All I am is yours. And death has lost [music] And death has lost [music] And death has lost [music] it. it. it. No hope on [singing] me, Lord. All I am No hope on [singing] me, Lord. All I am No hope on [singing] me, Lord. All I am is [music and singing] yours. is [music and singing] yours. is [music and singing] yours. Well, so I lift [music] my hands and Well, so I lift [music] my hands and Well, so I lift [music] my hands and give you thanks, [music and singing] give you thanks, [music and singing] give you thanks, [music and singing] Lord. All I am is yours Lord. All I am is yours Lord. All I am is yours and death has lost his se and death has lost his se and death has lost his se [music] [music] [music] on on on [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] your [music] faithful through the ages. Your [music] faithful through the ages. Your promises don't [music] change. Jesus promises don't [music] change. Jesus promises don't [music] change. Jesus come come come away.

away. away. Oh, my life will take your king. I used Oh, my life will take your king. I used Oh, my life will take your king. I used to [music] give you praise and I will to [music] give you praise and I will to [music] give you praise and I will call call call upon your name. upon your name. upon your name. Cuz you've been faithful through the Cuz you've been faithful through the Cuz you've been faithful through the ages. [music] ages. [music] ages. [music] Your promises don't change. Jesus coming Your promises don't change. Jesus coming Your promises don't change. Jesus coming [music] [music] [music] your way. your way. your way. Oh, here's my life for take and keep it. Oh, here's my life for take and keep it. Oh, here's my life for take and keep it. I exist to [music] give you praise. I exist to [music] give you praise. I exist to [music] give you praise. Here's my life for take and keep it. I Here's my life for take and keep it. I Here's my life for take and keep it. I exist to give you praise. [music] exist to give you praise. [music] exist to give you praise. [music] Here's my life for take. Here's my life for take. Here's my life for take. I exist to give you praise. I exist to give you praise. I exist to give you praise. >> [music] >> Are you guys [music] excited about the >> Are you guys [music] excited about the fall?

fall? fall? >> Yeah. Some of you parents are really >> Yeah. Some of you parents are really >> Yeah. Some of you parents are really excited about the fall. Sending your excited about the fall. Sending your excited about the fall. Sending your kids back to school this week. It's kids back to school this week. It's kids back to school this week. It's going to be great. Yeah. It's hard not going to be great. Yeah. It's hard not going to be great. Yeah. It's hard not to cheer. That's good. to cheer. That's good. to cheer. That's good. I'm really excited about the fall. What I'm really excited about the fall. What I'm really excited about the fall. What God's going to do. And you know, we're God's going to do. And you know, we're God's going to do. And you know, we're really praying for those of you who are really praying for those of you who are really praying for those of you who are parents and sending your kids to school parents and sending your kids to school parents and sending your kids to school and for the kids who [music] are going and for the kids who [music] are going and for the kids who [music] are going to school, praying over them and for all to school, praying over them and for all to school, praying over them and for all the teachers. Uh we had so many teachers the teachers. Uh we had so many teachers the teachers. Uh we had so many teachers in Woodland Church attending our three in Woodland Church attending our three in Woodland Church attending our three campuses. And uh tomorrow, [music] campuses. And uh tomorrow, [music] campuses. And uh tomorrow, [music] all of CISD's faculty, all the teachers, all of CISD's faculty, all the teachers, all of CISD's faculty, all the teachers, all the [music] administrators, all the all the [music] administrators, all the all the [music] administrators, all the employees, uh tomorrow will be right employees, uh tomorrow will be right employees, uh tomorrow will be right here in our auditorium. They have a big here in our auditorium. They have a big here in our auditorium. They have a big kickoff and [music] there's so many of kickoff and [music] there's so many of kickoff and [music] there's so many of them that they'll fill this place up them that they'll fill this place up them that they'll fill this place up three times and um it's like over 10,000 three times and um it's like over 10,000 three times and um it's like over 10,000 employees [music] and we open up the employees [music] and we open up the employees [music] and we open up the building to them every year at this time building to them every year at this time building to them every year at this time so that they can do that, have a rally so that they can do that, have a rally so that they can do that, have a rally and encouragement, you know, get ready and encouragement, you know, get ready and encouragement, you know, get ready for the the new school [music] year. So, for the the new school [music] year. So, for the the new school [music] year. So, be praying for them. And I I know it's be praying for them. And I I know it's be praying for them. And I I know it's going to be an amazing fall at Woodland going to be an amazing fall at Woodland going to be an amazing fall at Woodland Church.

Church. Church. This is going to be the fall and the This is going to be the fall and the This is going to be the fall and the year of great personal [music] spiritual year of great personal [music] spiritual year of great personal [music] spiritual growth. We're unveiling so many things growth. We're unveiling so many things growth. We're unveiling so many things to help you grow, to become more like to help you grow, to become more like to help you grow, to become more like Christ, [music] to grow strong in his Christ, [music] to grow strong in his Christ, [music] to grow strong in his word, to really become a disciple, a word, to really become a disciple, a word, to really become a disciple, a disciple who makes disciples. And one of disciple who makes disciples. And one of disciple who makes disciples. And one of the things we've been doing every week the things we've been doing every week the things we've been doing every week [music] is encourage you to meditate and [music] is encourage you to meditate and [music] is encourage you to meditate and memorize scripture. And so we've been memorize scripture. And so we've been memorize scripture. And so we've been doing a screen lock um scripture [music] doing a screen lock um scripture [music] doing a screen lock um scripture [music] each and every week that you can put on each and every week that you can put on each and every week that you can put on your screen saver and it pops up all the your screen saver and it pops up all the your screen saver and it pops up all the time. You can memorize it. We've been time. You can memorize it. We've been time. You can memorize it. We've been memorizing scripture, put it into our memorizing scripture, put it into our memorizing scripture, put it into our lives. And so [music] this year's um or lives. And so [music] this year's um or lives. And so [music] this year's um or this week's screen saver scripture is this week's screen saver scripture is this week's screen saver scripture is this in Psalm 34:4. I [music] sought the this in Psalm 34:4. I [music] sought the this in Psalm 34:4. I [music] sought the Lord and he answered me. He delivered me Lord and he answered me. He delivered me Lord and he answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. And I know going into from all my fears. And I know going into from all my fears. And I know going into the fall, uh, some of you have fears. the fall, uh, some of you have fears. the fall, uh, some of you have fears. Maybe fears at work, [music] fears of Maybe fears at work, [music] fears of Maybe fears at work, [music] fears of the economy. Maybe it's fears of your the economy. Maybe it's fears of your the economy. Maybe it's fears of your kids going to school that everything kids going to school that everything kids going to school that everything will work out just [music] right for will work out just [music] right for will work out just [music] right for those of you parents. Yeah, I I don't those of you parents. Yeah, I I don't those of you parents. Yeah, I I don't know what your fears are. Maybe know what your fears are. Maybe know what your fears are. Maybe teachers, you you have a lot of fears teachers, you you have a lot of fears teachers, you you have a lot of fears going into the fall, but uh we want going into the fall, but uh we want going into the fall, but uh we want [music] to pray for you. And you can get [music] to pray for you. And you can get [music] to pray for you. And you can get that on the app, pick out the wallpaper that on the app, pick out the wallpaper that on the app, pick out the wallpaper you want, put it on your phone each and you want, put it on your phone each and you want, put it on your phone each and [music] every week. got a new scripture [music] every week. got a new scripture [music] every week. got a new scripture for you to meditate on and memorize for you to meditate on and memorize for you to meditate on and memorize because because because God's word changes our lives. [music] God's word changes our lives. [music] God's word changes our lives. [music] But let's pray. I want us to pray for But let's pray. I want us to pray for But let's pray. I want us to pray for all the teachers, all the students, and all the teachers, all the students, and all the teachers, all the students, and all the parents right now. [music] Dear all the parents right now. [music] Dear all the parents right now. [music] Dear God, we thank you so much for your love God, we thank you so much for your love God, we thank you so much for your love for us. We thank you for

for us. We thank you for for us. We thank you for this school year. It starts [music] this this school year. It starts [music] this this school year. It starts [music] this week. week. week. And I pray Lord for all the teachers at And I pray Lord for all the teachers at And I pray Lord for all the teachers at our three campuses that you would just our three campuses that you would just our three campuses that you would just give them your strength [music] and your give them your strength [music] and your give them your strength [music] and your wisdom and your blessing as they make wisdom and your blessing as they make wisdom and your blessing as they make such a difference in students lives. And such a difference in students lives. And such a difference in students lives. And Lord, I pray for every student that Lord, I pray for every student that Lord, I pray for every student that [music] you would just guide them right [music] you would just guide them right [music] you would just guide them right to where you want them to be. Guide them to where you want them to be. Guide them to where you want them to be. Guide them to the right friends. to the right friends. to the right friends. Lord, help them learn all the things you Lord, help them learn all the things you Lord, help them learn all the things you want them to learn. Fill them with a want them to learn. Fill them with a want them to learn. Fill them with a purpose. Let them know that you love purpose. Let them know that you love purpose. Let them know that you love them, that [music] you have a plan for them, that [music] you have a plan for them, that [music] you have a plan for their life. Protect them, Lord. And and their life. Protect them, Lord. And and their life. Protect them, Lord. And and I just pray for all the parents that you I just pray for all the parents that you I just pray for all the parents that you give them such an assurance as things give them such an assurance as things give them such an assurance as things get so busy and crazy that [music] you get so busy and crazy that [music] you get so busy and crazy that [music] you would just let them know you're there would just let them know you're there would just let them know you're there for them, that you're watching over them for them, that you're watching over them for them, that you're watching over them and over their family. And then Lord, I and over their family. And then Lord, I and over their family. And then Lord, I thank you for what you're about to do at thank you for what you're about to do at thank you for what you're about to do at Willen Church this fall. [music] We just Willen Church this fall. [music] We just Willen Church this fall. [music] We just thank you, Lord, for how you care about thank you, Lord, for how you care about thank you, Lord, for how you care about each and every one of us. And you're each and every one of us. And you're each and every one of us. And you're going to speak to us today from your going to speak to us today from your going to speak to us today from your word. And I thank you, Lord Jesus, for word. And I thank you, Lord Jesus, for word. And I thank you, Lord Jesus, for the message you put on my heart from the message you put on my heart from the message you put on my heart from your word. I pray that you'd [music] your word. I pray that you'd [music] your word. I pray that you'd [music] speak through me and you'd help every speak through me and you'd help every speak through me and you'd help every one of us really hear it in our hearts one of us really hear it in our hearts one of us really hear it in our hearts and put it into our lives. For it's in and put it into our lives. For it's in and put it into our lives. For it's in Jesus [music] name we pray. Amen. You Jesus [music] name we pray. Amen. You Jesus [music] name we pray. Amen. You can be seated. There's a common phrase can be seated. There's a common phrase can be seated. There's a common phrase every fall that football fans across the every fall that football fans across the every fall that football fans across the country say. It's a phrase that fans country say. It's a phrase that fans country say. It's a phrase that fans with eternal optimism for their team say with eternal optimism for their team say with eternal optimism for their team say each year right before the season each year right before the season each year right before the season starts. It's a phrase that many fans starts. It's a phrase that many fans starts. It's a phrase that many fans have said for years, year after year, have said for years, year after year, have said for years, year after year, hoping that this could be the year that

hoping that this could be the year that hoping that this could be the year that their long-suffering team finally wins a their long-suffering team finally wins a their long-suffering team finally wins a championship. championship. championship. What's the phrase? What's the phrase? What's the phrase? This is our year. This is our year. This This is our year. This is our year. This This is our year. This is our year. This is our year is a phrase the Dallas is our year is a phrase the Dallas is our year is a phrase the Dallas Cowboys fan base has notoriously become Cowboys fan base has notoriously become Cowboys fan base has notoriously become known for and trolled for. And I like known for and trolled for. And I like known for and trolled for. And I like that. Sorry, Cowboy fans. that. Sorry, Cowboy fans. that. Sorry, Cowboy fans. But I have to admit, it's a phrase But I have to admit, it's a phrase But I have to admit, it's a phrase Texans fans have said for 27 years we've Texans fans have said for 27 years we've Texans fans have said for 27 years we've been wrong every time. But this year is been wrong every time. But this year is been wrong every time. But this year is our year [applause] our year [applause] our year [applause] maybe. So uh maybe. So uh maybe. So uh now when it comes to your college now when it comes to your college now when it comes to your college football team, some of you say it very football team, some of you say it very football team, some of you say it very arrogant. I mean confidently. You arrogant. I mean confidently. You arrogant. I mean confidently. You Longhorn fans are letting everyone know Longhorn fans are letting everyone know Longhorn fans are letting everyone know this is your year. And all you Aggies this is your year. And all you Aggies this is your year. And all you Aggies are confidently saying to Longhorn fans, are confidently saying to Longhorn fans, are confidently saying to Longhorn fans, "No, this is not your year. It's our "No, this is not your year. It's our "No, this is not your year. It's our year. And if it's not our year, we sure year. And if it's not our year, we sure year. And if it's not our year, we sure hope it's not your year because we care hope it's not your year because we care hope it's not your year because we care more about that than it being our year. more about that than it being our year. more about that than it being our year. I I know you guys. And I confidently say I I know you guys. And I confidently say I I know you guys. And I confidently say every year as a Baylor grad, this is every year as a Baylor grad, this is every year as a Baylor grad, this is probably [clears throat] not our year.

I don't know about your football team, I don't know about your football team, but I really believe this is your year. but I really believe this is your year. but I really believe this is your year. This is your year to experience personal This is your year to experience personal This is your year to experience personal and powerful change in your life. This and powerful change in your life. This and powerful change in your life. This is your year to finally break free from is your year to finally break free from is your year to finally break free from the things that have kept you stuck for the things that have kept you stuck for the things that have kept you stuck for so long. This is your year to stop so long. This is your year to stop so long. This is your year to stop making the same mistakes, reverting back making the same mistakes, reverting back making the same mistakes, reverting back to the same hurtful habits, making the to the same hurtful habits, making the to the same hurtful habits, making the same old excuses that have caused so same old excuses that have caused so same old excuses that have caused so much pain in your life and in your much pain in your life and in your much pain in your life and in your relationships. This is your year to stop relationships. This is your year to stop relationships. This is your year to stop racing through life with an overwhelming racing through life with an overwhelming racing through life with an overwhelming schedule and start living with an schedule and start living with an schedule and start living with an overarching purpose. This is your year. overarching purpose. This is your year. overarching purpose. This is your year. This is your year to finally seek God This is your year to finally seek God This is your year to finally seek God with all your heart and experience all with all your heart and experience all with all your heart and experience all the miracles that he has for you. This the miracles that he has for you. This the miracles that he has for you. This is your year to watch him change you is your year to watch him change you is your year to watch him change you into the person you've always wanted to into the person you've always wanted to into the person you've always wanted to be. I know that's what I need. I know be. I know that's what I need. I know be. I know that's what I need. I know that's what I want. I want God to do that's what I want. I want God to do that's what I want. I want God to do something in my life this year that something in my life this year that something in my life this year that changes me. This year is going to be the changes me. This year is going to be the changes me. This year is going to be the year of personal growth at Willen year of personal growth at Willen year of personal growth at Willen Church. You're going to have an Church. You're going to have an Church. You're going to have an opportunity to grow closer to God, to opportunity to grow closer to God, to opportunity to grow closer to God, to grow stronger in your faith than ever grow stronger in your faith than ever grow stronger in your faith than ever before. We're unveiling our disciplehip before. We're unveiling our disciplehip before. We're unveiling our disciplehip training, disciplehip one, how to become training, disciplehip one, how to become training, disciplehip one, how to become a growing disciple with the disciplines a growing disciple with the disciplines a growing disciple with the disciplines of the Christian faith. A and then of the Christian faith. A and then of the Christian faith. A and then really beginning to see the great truths really beginning to see the great truths really beginning to see the great truths of Christianity and God's word that are of Christianity and God's word that are of Christianity and God's word that are just mind-boggling, eyeopening, and just mind-boggling, eyeopening, and just mind-boggling, eyeopening, and lifechanging in the doctrines of the lifechanging in the doctrines of the lifechanging in the doctrines of the faith. How to become a growing disciple faith. How to become a growing disciple faith. How to become a growing disciple in Christ. And then it's disciplehip 2,

in Christ. And then it's disciplehip 2, in Christ. And then it's disciplehip 2, disciplehip three. It's how to be a disciplehip three. It's how to be a disciplehip three. It's how to be a discipler. Just all these things that discipler. Just all these things that discipler. Just all these things that we're going to be doing in this process we're going to be doing in this process we're going to be doing in this process we're unveiling this fall. I can't wait we're unveiling this fall. I can't wait we're unveiling this fall. I can't wait to see what God has done in our lives to see what God has done in our lives to see what God has done in our lives and in our church by this time next and in our church by this time next and in our church by this time next year. Well, I want to go to God's year. Well, I want to go to God's year. Well, I want to go to God's life-changing word because I've got a life-changing word because I've got a life-changing word because I've got a word for you today from the word of God. word for you today from the word of God. word for you today from the word of God. And would you stand in honor of God's And would you stand in honor of God's And would you stand in honor of God's word? We look at Genesis chapter 18. word? We look at Genesis chapter 18. word? We look at Genesis chapter 18. It says, "The Lord appeared to Abraham It says, "The Lord appeared to Abraham It says, "The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamry while he near the great trees of Mamry while he near the great trees of Mamry while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent was sitting at the entrance to his tent was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked in the heat of the day. Abraham looked in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. up and saw three men standing nearby. up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the When he saw them, he hurried from the When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and entrance of his tent to meet them and entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground." "Where's your bowed low to the ground." "Where's your bowed low to the ground." "Where's your wife Sarah?" they asked him. "They're in wife Sarah?" they asked him. "They're in wife Sarah?" they asked him. "They're in the tent," he said. Then one of them the tent," he said. Then one of them the tent," he said. Then one of them said, "I will surely return to you about said, "I will surely return to you about said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah, your this time next year, and Sarah, your this time next year, and Sarah, your wife, will have a son." Now Sarah was wife, will have a son." Now Sarah was wife, will have a son." Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent listening at the entrance to the tent listening at the entrance to the tent which was was behind him. Abraham and which was was behind him. Abraham and which was was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old and Sarah Sarah were already very old and Sarah Sarah were already very old and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So was past the age of childbearing. So was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought Sarah laughed to herself as she thought Sarah laughed to herself as she thought after I'm worn out. My Lord is old. Will after I'm worn out. My Lord is old. Will after I'm worn out. My Lord is old. Will I now have this pleasure? Then the Lord I now have this pleasure? Then the Lord I now have this pleasure? Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, will I really have a child now and say, will I really have a child now and say, will I really have a child now that I'm old? Is anything too hard for that I'm old? Is anything too hard for that I'm old? Is anything too hard for the Lord? I'll return to you at the the Lord? I'll return to you at the the Lord? I'll return to you at the appointed time next year. And Sarah will appointed time next year. And Sarah will appointed time next year. And Sarah will have a son. Sarah was afraid. So she have a son. Sarah was afraid. So she have a son. Sarah was afraid. So she lied and said, "I did not laugh." But he lied and said, "I did not laugh." But he lied and said, "I did not laugh." But he said, "Yes, you did laugh. You can be

said, "Yes, you did laugh. You can be said, "Yes, you did laugh. You can be seated." seated." seated." Years before, God had promised Abraham Years before, God had promised Abraham Years before, God had promised Abraham that he'd be the father of a great that he'd be the father of a great that he'd be the father of a great nation. But years later, he and his wife nation. But years later, he and his wife nation. But years later, he and his wife Sarah still haven't had a son. And by Sarah still haven't had a son. And by Sarah still haven't had a son. And by this time, Abraham was 100 years old. this time, Abraham was 100 years old. this time, Abraham was 100 years old. Sarah was 90 years old. Sarah was 90 years old. Sarah was 90 years old. They had been waiting on God for so long They had been waiting on God for so long They had been waiting on God for so long and he still hadn't fulfilled his and he still hadn't fulfilled his and he still hadn't fulfilled his promise. So, it looked like the dream promise. So, it looked like the dream promise. So, it looked like the dream was dead. It looked like it was an empty was dead. It looked like it was an empty was dead. It looked like it was an empty promise. But in our key passage, it says promise. But in our key passage, it says promise. But in our key passage, it says that God comes to Abraham again. He goes that God comes to Abraham again. He goes that God comes to Abraham again. He goes on to say there were three men. Now, we on to say there were three men. Now, we on to say there were three men. Now, we don't know if it was God and two angels don't know if it was God and two angels don't know if it was God and two angels or if it was the Trinity, but God visits or if it was the Trinity, but God visits or if it was the Trinity, but God visits Abraham and he reminds him of the Abraham and he reminds him of the Abraham and he reminds him of the promise. And then he says this as we promise. And then he says this as we promise. And then he says this as we break down Genesis chapter 18 in 1812 break down Genesis chapter 18 in 1812 break down Genesis chapter 18 in 1812 it says so Sarah or it says in 1810 I'm it says so Sarah or it says in 1810 I'm it says so Sarah or it says in 1810 I'm sorry then one of them said I will sorry then one of them said I will sorry then one of them said I will surely return to you about this time surely return to you about this time surely return to you about this time next year and Sarah your wife will have next year and Sarah your wife will have next year and Sarah your wife will have a son. a son. a son. Focus on that phrase this time next Focus on that phrase this time next Focus on that phrase this time next year.

year. year. this time next year, Sarah will have a this time next year, Sarah will have a this time next year, Sarah will have a son. God says, "By this time next year, son. God says, "By this time next year, son. God says, "By this time next year, everything in your life will have everything in your life will have everything in your life will have changed." God says,"Abraham and Sarah, I changed." God says,"Abraham and Sarah, I changed." God says,"Abraham and Sarah, I know it doesn't look like it today, but know it doesn't look like it today, but know it doesn't look like it today, but by this time next year, your despair by this time next year, your despair by this time next year, your despair will be turned into joy. I know it will be turned into joy. I know it will be turned into joy. I know it doesn't make sense right now, but by doesn't make sense right now, but by doesn't make sense right now, but by this time next year, all your pain will this time next year, all your pain will this time next year, all your pain will be turned into purpose." God says, "I be turned into purpose." God says, "I be turned into purpose." God says, "I know you're facing a seemingly know you're facing a seemingly know you're facing a seemingly impossible situation right now, but by impossible situation right now, but by impossible situation right now, but by this time next year, you'll see that I'm this time next year, you'll see that I'm this time next year, you'll see that I'm the God of the impossible. I know it the God of the impossible. I know it the God of the impossible. I know it doesn't look like it right now. You've doesn't look like it right now. You've doesn't look like it right now. You've been waiting for years. You've almost been waiting for years. You've almost been waiting for years. You've almost lost hope and the promise, but by this lost hope and the promise, but by this lost hope and the promise, but by this time next year, you'll see that I'm the time next year, you'll see that I'm the time next year, you'll see that I'm the God who always keeps his promises. By God who always keeps his promises. By God who always keeps his promises. By this time next year, you'll be changed this time next year, you'll be changed this time next year, you'll be changed and everything in your life will be and everything in your life will be and everything in your life will be changed." changed." changed." I know God's speaking to someone today. I know God's speaking to someone today. I know God's speaking to someone today. He's saying, "I know you've been waiting He's saying, "I know you've been waiting He's saying, "I know you've been waiting for me to come through for you. I know for me to come through for you. I know for me to come through for you. I know you're about to lose hope, but don't you you're about to lose hope, but don't you you're about to lose hope, but don't you dare give up because I'm the God who dare give up because I'm the God who dare give up because I'm the God who always keeps his promises. Hold on always keeps his promises. Hold on always keeps his promises. Hold on because I'm the God who can do the because I'm the God who can do the because I'm the God who can do the impossible. He's the God who can do the impossible. He's the God who can do the impossible. He's the God who can do the impossible quickly. He can do the impossible quickly. He can do the impossible quickly. He can do the impossible impossible impossible in your life by this time next year." By in your life by this time next year." By in your life by this time next year." By the way, that's the title of my message the way, that's the title of my message the way, that's the title of my message if you haven't got it yet. by this time if you haven't got it yet. by this time if you haven't got it yet. by this time next year. This time next year, think next year. This time next year, think next year. This time next year, think of the person God wants you to be this of the person God wants you to be this of the person God wants you to be this time next year.

time next year. time next year. Think of what you want to be like this Think of what you want to be like this Think of what you want to be like this time next year. Now, when God says this time next year. Now, when God says this time next year. Now, when God says this to Abraham, Sarah's at the entrance of to Abraham, Sarah's at the entrance of to Abraham, Sarah's at the entrance of the tent and she's listening in and the tent and she's listening in and the tent and she's listening in and she's hearing everything. And look how she's hearing everything. And look how she's hearing everything. And look how she responds in Genesis 18:12. she responds in Genesis 18:12. she responds in Genesis 18:12. So Sarah laughed silently. A woman my So Sarah laughed silently. A woman my So Sarah laughed silently. A woman my age have a baby. She scoffed to herself. age have a baby. She scoffed to herself. age have a baby. She scoffed to herself. And with a husband as old as mine. So And with a husband as old as mine. So And with a husband as old as mine. So when God says by this time next year when God says by this time next year when God says by this time next year Sarah will have a child. Sarah laughs. Sarah will have a child. Sarah laughs. Sarah will have a child. Sarah laughs. She is. Yeah right. A woman my age have She is. Yeah right. A woman my age have She is. Yeah right. A woman my age have a baby and with this old guy it's not a baby and with this old guy it's not a baby and with this old guy it's not happening. This is a joke. Sarah laughed happening. This is a joke. Sarah laughed happening. This is a joke. Sarah laughed in doubt but I think she also laughed in in doubt but I think she also laughed in in doubt but I think she also laughed in pain. I mean many times we hide our pain pain. I mean many times we hide our pain pain. I mean many times we hide our pain behind laughter. Psychologists tell us behind laughter. Psychologists tell us behind laughter. Psychologists tell us that many times when we have pain, you that many times when we have pain, you that many times when we have pain, you know, laughter comes out or or we smile know, laughter comes out or or we smile know, laughter comes out or or we smile and it hides as a way to cope. And so and it hides as a way to cope. And so and it hides as a way to cope. And so many of the greatest comedians struggle many of the greatest comedians struggle many of the greatest comedians struggle with depression. I I think Sarah laughed with depression. I I think Sarah laughed with depression. I I think Sarah laughed as a way to try to cope with her as a way to try to cope with her as a way to try to cope with her overwhelming sense of loss and the deep overwhelming sense of loss and the deep overwhelming sense of loss and the deep pain in her heart.

pain in her heart. pain in her heart. We often hide our deep hurt behind a We often hide our deep hurt behind a We often hide our deep hurt behind a smile. And some of you today are smiling smile. And some of you today are smiling smile. And some of you today are smiling on the outside, but you're dying on the on the outside, but you're dying on the on the outside, but you're dying on the inside. And we come to church and we inside. And we come to church and we inside. And we come to church and we say, "How you doing?" "Oh, great. How say, "How you doing?" "Oh, great. How say, "How you doing?" "Oh, great. How are you doing?" "Great." When your are you doing?" "Great." When your are you doing?" "Great." When your soul's wounded and your heart is soul's wounded and your heart is soul's wounded and your heart is breaking. breaking. breaking. You know, Woodland Church is a place You know, Woodland Church is a place You know, Woodland Church is a place where we celebrate, we laugh, we share where we celebrate, we laugh, we share where we celebrate, we laugh, we share with each other the great things God is with each other the great things God is with each other the great things God is doing. I mean, we're joyful at Willland doing. I mean, we're joyful at Willland doing. I mean, we're joyful at Willland Church, but Willland Church is also a Church, but Willland Church is also a Church, but Willland Church is also a place where you don't have to hide your place where you don't have to hide your place where you don't have to hide your hurts. Everyone carries a hidden hurt. hurts. Everyone carries a hidden hurt. hurts. Everyone carries a hidden hurt. >> You don't have to hide your brokenness. >> You don't have to hide your brokenness. >> You don't have to hide your brokenness. You can just admit it to God, and we can You can just admit it to God, and we can You can just admit it to God, and we can admit it to each other so we can admit it to each other so we can admit it to each other so we can experience more healing from God, a experience more healing from God, a experience more healing from God, a continual healing that we need so continual healing that we need so continual healing that we need so desperately. desperately. desperately. So, how are you doing really? So, how are you doing really? So, how are you doing really? Maybe you'd say, "To be honest, Gary, Maybe you'd say, "To be honest, Gary, Maybe you'd say, "To be honest, Gary, I'm really hurting. I feel like my I'm really hurting. I feel like my I'm really hurting. I feel like my marriage is falling apart. I don't know marriage is falling apart. I don't know marriage is falling apart. I don't know what to do. I mean, how are you doing what to do. I mean, how are you doing what to do. I mean, how are you doing really?

really? really? Truthfully, I am struggling with Truthfully, I am struggling with Truthfully, I am struggling with depression. It never seems to live. Then depression. It never seems to live. Then depression. It never seems to live. Then I'm about to give up." How are you doing I'm about to give up." How are you doing I'm about to give up." How are you doing really? really? really? Well, my heart's breaking. I'm crying Well, my heart's breaking. I'm crying Well, my heart's breaking. I'm crying out to God because my teenage daughter out to God because my teenage daughter out to God because my teenage daughter has a a an eating disorder and I feel so has a a an eating disorder and I feel so has a a an eating disorder and I feel so helpless. helpless. helpless. How are you doing really? How are you doing really? How are you doing really? Honestly, I'm scared because my business Honestly, I'm scared because my business Honestly, I'm scared because my business is barely hanging on. I don't know how is barely hanging on. I don't know how is barely hanging on. I don't know how to turn it around. I mean, how are you to turn it around. I mean, how are you to turn it around. I mean, how are you doing really? doing really? doing really? Not great. I'm waiting on the test Not great. I'm waiting on the test Not great. I'm waiting on the test results, but it doesn't look good. results, but it doesn't look good. results, but it doesn't look good. I want you to know God knows how you're I want you to know God knows how you're I want you to know God knows how you're doing really and he hurts with you. I I doing really and he hurts with you. I I doing really and he hurts with you. I I believe Sarah laughed to cover up her believe Sarah laughed to cover up her believe Sarah laughed to cover up her pain, but God already knew about the pain, but God already knew about the pain, but God already knew about the deep sadness in her heart and he already deep sadness in her heart and he already deep sadness in her heart and he already hurt with her. hurt with her. hurt with her. God knew her pain. God cared about her God knew her pain. God cared about her God knew her pain. God cared about her pain. pain. pain. He knew it. And he knows you're hurt.

He knew it. And he knows you're hurt. He knew it. And he knows you're hurt. Maybe no one else does, but he knows and Maybe no one else does, but he knows and Maybe no one else does, but he knows and he cares. he cares. he cares. And Sarah also laughed, I think, because And Sarah also laughed, I think, because And Sarah also laughed, I think, because she doubted God's promise. I mean, she doubted God's promise. I mean, she doubted God's promise. I mean, that's clear. She had her doubts. She that's clear. She had her doubts. She that's clear. She had her doubts. She laughed when God gave the promise. laughed when God gave the promise. laughed when God gave the promise. Again, she tried to hide her doubts from Again, she tried to hide her doubts from Again, she tried to hide her doubts from God, but God knew her doubts. God, but God knew her doubts. God, but God knew her doubts. Look at Genesis 18:13. Look at Genesis 18:13. Look at Genesis 18:13. Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, "Will I really have Sarah laugh and say, "Will I really have Sarah laugh and say, "Will I really have a child now that I am old?" a child now that I am old?" a child now that I am old?" I mean, Sarah laughs. Her doubts come I mean, Sarah laughs. Her doubts come I mean, Sarah laughs. Her doubts come out in her laughter out in her laughter out in her laughter and God knows it. and God knows it. and God knows it. And God says, "Hey, why did Sarah And God says, "Hey, why did Sarah And God says, "Hey, why did Sarah laugh?" He asked Abraham this, but he's laugh?" He asked Abraham this, but he's laugh?" He asked Abraham this, but he's really saying it's Sarah because he really saying it's Sarah because he really saying it's Sarah because he knows that she's listening. He knows knows that she's listening. He knows knows that she's listening. He knows that she laughs. She laughed to herself, that she laughs. She laughed to herself, that she laughs. She laughed to herself, but God knew her heart. but God knew her heart. but God knew her heart. And he says, "Why did Sarah laugh?" It's And he says, "Why did Sarah laugh?" It's And he says, "Why did Sarah laugh?" It's basically, Sarah, why did you laugh when basically, Sarah, why did you laugh when basically, Sarah, why did you laugh when I said this? Why did you laugh when I I said this? Why did you laugh when I I said this? Why did you laugh when I gave you this promise?

gave you this promise? gave you this promise? And Sarah lies and says,"I didn't And Sarah lies and says,"I didn't And Sarah lies and says,"I didn't laugh." And he says, "Yeah, you did laugh." And he says, "Yeah, you did laugh." And he says, "Yeah, you did laugh." She tries to lie and cover up laugh." She tries to lie and cover up laugh." She tries to lie and cover up her doubts. That's what we do many her doubts. That's what we do many her doubts. That's what we do many times. But notice, God doesn't condemn times. But notice, God doesn't condemn times. But notice, God doesn't condemn Sarah for her doubts. He just asked, Sarah for her doubts. He just asked, Sarah for her doubts. He just asked, "Why did you laugh? Why'd you doubt what "Why did you laugh? Why'd you doubt what "Why did you laugh? Why'd you doubt what I said?" God didn't say, "Sarah, I can't I said?" God didn't say, "Sarah, I can't I said?" God didn't say, "Sarah, I can't believe you have doubts. How dare you believe you have doubts. How dare you believe you have doubts. How dare you laugh at my promise? I'm leaving you. laugh at my promise? I'm leaving you. laugh at my promise? I'm leaving you. I'm never f fulfilling my promise I'm never f fulfilling my promise I'm never f fulfilling my promise because you doubted me. because you doubted me. because you doubted me. You doubted me, so I'm out of here. I'm You doubted me, so I'm out of here. I'm You doubted me, so I'm out of here. I'm done with you. No, he doesn't condemn done with you. No, he doesn't condemn done with you. No, he doesn't condemn her for her doubts. He just goes on to her for her doubts. He just goes on to her for her doubts. He just goes on to remind her of what kind of God he is. remind her of what kind of God he is. remind her of what kind of God he is. And he doesn't condemn you for your And he doesn't condemn you for your And he doesn't condemn you for your doubts. He says, "Bring them to me. Just doubts. He says, "Bring them to me. Just doubts. He says, "Bring them to me. Just bring them to me." He knows our doubts. bring them to me." He knows our doubts. bring them to me." He knows our doubts. And by the way, without some doubt, you And by the way, without some doubt, you And by the way, without some doubt, you can't really have faith. can't really have faith. can't really have faith. I I mean, think about it. I mean, I I mean, think about it. I mean, I I mean, think about it. I mean, without some doubt, you can't really without some doubt, you can't really without some doubt, you can't really step out in faith to trust him. You You step out in faith to trust him. You You step out in faith to trust him. You You see, so many times in my life when God see, so many times in my life when God see, so many times in my life when God has spoken to my heart and saying, "Step has spoken to my heart and saying, "Step has spoken to my heart and saying, "Step out in faith. I'm going to take care of out in faith. I'm going to take care of out in faith. I'm going to take care of you." You like, "Yes, you sure are, God.

you." You like, "Yes, you sure are, God. you." You like, "Yes, you sure are, God. I know you're going to do it. I'm going I know you're going to do it. I'm going I know you're going to do it. I'm going to step out in faith. I mean, you're to step out in faith. I mean, you're to step out in faith. I mean, you're going to come through. I'm so convinced going to come through. I'm so convinced going to come through. I'm so convinced you're going to come through, God. I'm you're going to come through, God. I'm you're going to come through, God. I'm going to step out." Are you really going going to step out." Are you really going going to step out." Are you really going to come through? to come through? to come through? You get to about 98% 95% 90. But then You get to about 98% 95% 90. But then You get to about 98% 95% 90. But then you've got to take a step of faith. you've got to take a step of faith. you've got to take a step of faith. >> You got to take a step of faith. And God >> You got to take a step of faith. And God >> You got to take a step of faith. And God says without faith it's impossible to says without faith it's impossible to says without faith it's impossible to please me. And so please me. And so please me. And so >> what happens is you bring your doubts to >> what happens is you bring your doubts to >> what happens is you bring your doubts to God. God's not afraid of our questions. God. God's not afraid of our questions. God. God's not afraid of our questions. He's not afraid of our doubts. You just He's not afraid of our doubts. You just He's not afraid of our doubts. You just bring them to God. Go, God, I I don't bring them to God. Go, God, I I don't bring them to God. Go, God, I I don't get it. I've been waiting and waiting. get it. I've been waiting and waiting. get it. I've been waiting and waiting. You're not answering my prayer. God, I You're not answering my prayer. God, I You're not answering my prayer. God, I don't understand. And but you know what, don't understand. And but you know what, don't understand. And but you know what, God? I'm going to take a step of faith God? I'm going to take a step of faith God? I'm going to take a step of faith anyway. You see, God doesn't condemn anyway. You see, God doesn't condemn anyway. You see, God doesn't condemn Sarah for her doubts. He just reminds Sarah for her doubts. He just reminds Sarah for her doubts. He just reminds her of what kind of God he is. Look at her of what kind of God he is. Look at her of what kind of God he is. Look at it with me. In Genesis 18:14, God said it with me. In Genesis 18:14, God said it with me. In Genesis 18:14, God said this to Sarah. He says this to you this to Sarah. He says this to you this to Sarah. He says this to you today. Is anything too hard for the today. Is anything too hard for the today. Is anything too hard for the Lord? I'll return to you at the Lord? I'll return to you at the Lord? I'll return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will appointed time next year and Sarah will appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.

have a son. have a son. He reminds her of what kind of God he He reminds her of what kind of God he He reminds her of what kind of God he is. He's the God of the impossible. is. He's the God of the impossible. is. He's the God of the impossible. >> And then he reminds her of the promise. >> And then he reminds her of the promise. >> And then he reminds her of the promise. He said it twice. You know, it's like, He said it twice. You know, it's like, He said it twice. You know, it's like, I'm going to say it again whether you I'm going to say it again whether you I'm going to say it again whether you doubt me or not. This time next year, doubt me or not. This time next year, doubt me or not. This time next year, everything will have changed for you everything will have changed for you everything will have changed for you because I'm the God of the impossible. because I'm the God of the impossible. because I'm the God of the impossible. And I'm the God who always keeps my And I'm the God who always keeps my And I'm the God who always keeps my promises. Even if you're faithless, I promises. Even if you're faithless, I promises. Even if you're faithless, I remain faithful. God wants to remind you today of who he God wants to remind you today of who he is. He's the God of the impossible. He is. He's the God of the impossible. He is. He's the God of the impossible. He doesn't condemn us for our doubts. He doesn't condemn us for our doubts. He doesn't condemn us for our doubts. He wants us to admit our doubts. Bring our wants us to admit our doubts. Bring our wants us to admit our doubts. Bring our doubts to him so he can remind us that doubts to him so he can remind us that doubts to him so he can remind us that he's the God of the impossible who he's the God of the impossible who he's the God of the impossible who always keeps his promises. You bring always keeps his promises. You bring always keeps his promises. You bring your doubts to God. Bring your your doubts to God. Bring your your doubts to God. Bring your impossible situation to God so he can impossible situation to God so he can impossible situation to God so he can remind you that he's the God of the remind you that he's the God of the remind you that he's the God of the impossible. And he can say, "I can do impossible. And he can say, "I can do impossible. And he can say, "I can do the impossible quickly by this time next the impossible quickly by this time next the impossible quickly by this time next year. year. year. I can take that impossible situation and I can take that impossible situation and I can take that impossible situation and change it completely. I can knock that change it completely. I can knock that change it completely. I can knock that barrier down. I can move that mountain. barrier down. I can move that mountain. barrier down. I can move that mountain. And I'm going to remind you of that. I And I'm going to remind you of that. I And I'm going to remind you of that. I can do it by this time next year. God can do it by this time next year. God can do it by this time next year. God changes Sarah's circumstances in one changes Sarah's circumstances in one changes Sarah's circumstances in one year. God did a miracle and took away year. God did a miracle and took away year. God did a miracle and took away her greatest pain and turned it into her her greatest pain and turned it into her her greatest pain and turned it into her greatest joy. God changed her greatest joy. God changed her greatest joy. God changed her circumstances. But more importantly, God circumstances. But more importantly, God circumstances. But more importantly, God changed her.

changed her. changed her. You see, in Hebrews chapter 11, You see, in Hebrews chapter 11, You see, in Hebrews chapter 11, I it's the great hall of faith that Ryan I it's the great hall of faith that Ryan I it's the great hall of faith that Ryan preached on a few weeks ago where preached on a few weeks ago where preached on a few weeks ago where there's listed the great men and women there's listed the great men and women there's listed the great men and women of faith and God bless their faith. of faith and God bless their faith. of faith and God bless their faith. And guess who's in there in Hebrews And guess who's in there in Hebrews And guess who's in there in Hebrews 11:11. Look at it with me. And by faith, 11:11. Look at it with me. And by faith, 11:11. Look at it with me. And by faith, even Sarah, who was past childbearing even Sarah, who was past childbearing even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children age, was enabled to bear children age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who because she considered him faithful who because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. What? Sarah is in had made the promise. What? Sarah is in had made the promise. What? Sarah is in the hall of faith. I mean, the hall of faith. I mean, the hall of faith. I mean, she laughed. She doubted God. she laughed. She doubted God. she laughed. She doubted God. Didn't put any faith in the promise. Didn't put any faith in the promise. Didn't put any faith in the promise. But now she's listed in the hall of But now she's listed in the hall of But now she's listed in the hall of faith. And it says that because of her faith. And it says that because of her faith. And it says that because of her faith, God enabled her to conceive and faith, God enabled her to conceive and faith, God enabled her to conceive and have that child because she believed have that child because she believed have that child because she believed that God was faithful to his promise. So that God was faithful to his promise. So that God was faithful to his promise. So here's the question. What happened in here's the question. What happened in here's the question. What happened in her life between the time she laughed her life between the time she laughed her life between the time she laughed and 3 months later when she conceived and 3 months later when she conceived and 3 months later when she conceived something huge happened in her life?

something huge happened in her life? something huge happened in her life? Think about it. Think about it. Think about it. What happened? What happened? What happened? I think she finally came to that place I think she finally came to that place I think she finally came to that place of surrender. of surrender. of surrender. You see, I think she had come to the You see, I think she had come to the You see, I think she had come to the place more than likely of given up a place more than likely of given up a place more than likely of given up a long time ago. It's pretty clear with long time ago. It's pretty clear with long time ago. It's pretty clear with her doubts. her doubts. her doubts. I I think that years ago she came to the I I think that years ago she came to the I I think that years ago she came to the place where you know what I give up. I place where you know what I give up. I place where you know what I give up. I just give up on God. She had given up just give up on God. She had given up just give up on God. She had given up given up on the promise because it's not given up on the promise because it's not given up on the promise because it's not going to happen. This is crazy. going to happen. This is crazy. going to happen. This is crazy. She had given up on the promise. She'd She had given up on the promise. She'd She had given up on the promise. She'd given up on God. She'd come to that given up on God. She'd come to that given up on God. She'd come to that place a long time ago, but she hadn't place a long time ago, but she hadn't place a long time ago, but she hadn't come to the place where she gave it over come to the place where she gave it over come to the place where she gave it over to God. to God. to God. She gave it over to God and took the She gave it over to God and took the She gave it over to God and took the little bit of imperfect faith she had to little bit of imperfect faith she had to little bit of imperfect faith she had to go, "Okay, God, I don't see it, but I'm go, "Okay, God, I don't see it, but I'm go, "Okay, God, I don't see it, but I'm going to trust what you just said. going to trust what you just said. going to trust what you just said. I'm going to believe. I'm going to believe. I'm going to believe. I I I'm going to just take that I I I'm going to just take that I I I'm going to just take that imperfect faith and I'm going to choose imperfect faith and I'm going to choose imperfect faith and I'm going to choose to believe even though I don't see it at to believe even though I don't see it at to believe even though I don't see it at all." all." all." You see, I think she came to the place You see, I think she came to the place You see, I think she came to the place first where she gave up. Sometimes we first where she gave up. Sometimes we first where she gave up. Sometimes we got to get to that place where we give got to get to that place where we give got to get to that place where we give up. Give up on you got to give up. But up. Give up on you got to give up. But up. Give up on you got to give up. But then she gave it over to God and said, then she gave it over to God and said, then she gave it over to God and said, "You're God. I'm not. I'm going to trust "You're God. I'm not. I'm going to trust "You're God. I'm not. I'm going to trust you." It says, "By faith, even Sarah you." It says, "By faith, even Sarah you." It says, "By faith, even Sarah placed her imperfect faith in a faithful placed her imperfect faith in a faithful placed her imperfect faith in a faithful God, and God worked a miracle. He did God, and God worked a miracle. He did God, and God worked a miracle. He did the impossible. He changed her the impossible. He changed her the impossible. He changed her circumstances. But even more circumstances. But even more circumstances. But even more importantly, he changed her. Her faith importantly, he changed her. Her faith importantly, he changed her. Her faith grew. She focused on God's promise and grew. She focused on God's promise and grew. She focused on God's promise and chose to believe him even when she chose to believe him even when she chose to believe him even when she didn't feel like it. Even when she didn't feel like it. Even when she didn't feel like it. Even when she thought, "I don't see it happening.

thought, "I don't see it happening. thought, "I don't see it happening. Doesn't look like it, but I believe you, Doesn't look like it, but I believe you, Doesn't look like it, but I believe you, God. And I believe at this time next God. And I believe at this time next God. And I believe at this time next year, God could do the impossible in year, God could do the impossible in year, God could do the impossible in your life and work a miracle to change your life and work a miracle to change your life and work a miracle to change your circumstances. I believe that with your circumstances. I believe that with your circumstances. I believe that with all my heart, but even more importantly, all my heart, but even more importantly, all my heart, but even more importantly, I know that at this time next year, God I know that at this time next year, God I know that at this time next year, God wants you to be changed. He wants you to wants you to be changed. He wants you to wants you to be changed. He wants you to be closer to him. He wants your faith to be closer to him. He wants your faith to be closer to him. He wants your faith to have grown. He wants you to know his have grown. He wants you to know his have grown. He wants you to know his word better. He wants you to believe him word better. He wants you to believe him word better. He wants you to believe him for so much more than you are right now. And how do we start this process? And how do we start this process? I mean, just wishing I'm going to be I mean, just wishing I'm going to be I mean, just wishing I'm going to be different next year. I want to be different next year. I want to be different next year. I want to be different. I need to be different next different. I need to be different next different. I need to be different next year. I I need to be closer to God. year. I I need to be closer to God. year. I I need to be closer to God. I want to be more in love with him next I want to be more in love with him next I want to be more in love with him next year. I want to look more like him. I I year. I want to look more like him. I I year. I want to look more like him. I I I want to believe him for greater things I want to believe him for greater things I want to believe him for greater things in my life at this time next year. But in my life at this time next year. But in my life at this time next year. But how does this start? How does this faith how does this start? How does this faith how does this start? How does this faith start? Well, look at Proverbs 1:7. It start? Well, look at Proverbs 1:7. It start? Well, look at Proverbs 1:7. It says start with God. The first step in says start with God. The first step in says start with God. The first step in learning is bowing down to God. Only learning is bowing down to God. Only learning is bowing down to God. Only fools thumb their noses is such wisdom fools thumb their noses is such wisdom fools thumb their noses is such wisdom and learning.

and learning. and learning. He said it all starts with God. It all He said it all starts with God. It all He said it all starts with God. It all starts with bowing down to God. Going, starts with bowing down to God. Going, starts with bowing down to God. Going, you're God. I'm not. I've been trying to you're God. I'm not. I've been trying to you're God. I'm not. I've been trying to do it my way for so long and I'm going do it my way for so long and I'm going do it my way for so long and I'm going to do it your way now. Even if I don't to do it your way now. Even if I don't to do it your way now. Even if I don't understand it, even if it doesn't make understand it, even if it doesn't make understand it, even if it doesn't make sense, I'm going to follow your sense, I'm going to follow your sense, I'm going to follow your commands. Because really, it comes down commands. Because really, it comes down commands. Because really, it comes down to obedience. to obedience. to obedience. If you're going to become a different If you're going to become a different If you're going to become a different person for this time next year, person for this time next year, person for this time next year, it really comes down to obedience. It it really comes down to obedience. It it really comes down to obedience. It comes down to saying, "God, I'm going to comes down to saying, "God, I'm going to comes down to saying, "God, I'm going to obey your word and what it says. I'm obey your word and what it says. I'm obey your word and what it says. I'm going to do it your way instead of my going to do it your way instead of my going to do it your way instead of my way, even if I don't understand it. I'm way, even if I don't understand it. I'm way, even if I don't understand it. I'm going to take a step of faith and going to take a step of faith and going to take a step of faith and another step of faith and another step another step of faith and another step another step of faith and another step of faith." You see, I think Sarah came of faith." You see, I think Sarah came of faith." You see, I think Sarah came to the place where she's like, "Oh, it's to the place where she's like, "Oh, it's to the place where she's like, "Oh, it's going to happen." First, she's I'm this going to happen." First, she's I'm this going to happen." First, she's I'm this is going to happen. This is such a great is going to happen. This is such a great is going to happen. This is such a great promise. I'm going to have a son. How promise. I'm going to have a son. How promise. I'm going to have a son. How wonderful. And then when it didn't wonderful. And then when it didn't wonderful. And then when it didn't happen, I think eventually she just gave happen, I think eventually she just gave happen, I think eventually she just gave up. But then she gives it over to God up. But then she gives it over to God up. But then she gives it over to God and she just trusts him and obeys no and she just trusts him and obeys no and she just trusts him and obeys no matter what it looks like. Start with matter what it looks like. Start with matter what it looks like. Start with God. God. God. Start. It all starts with God. And it Start. It all starts with God. And it Start. It all starts with God. And it starts with surrendering to God. Going starts with surrendering to God. Going starts with surrendering to God. Going this year, God, it's your way, not my this year, God, it's your way, not my this year, God, it's your way, not my way. Help me to follow you. Help me to way. Help me to follow you. Help me to way. Help me to follow you. Help me to obey you. And then look at Psalms 46:10.

obey you. And then look at Psalms 46:10. obey you. And then look at Psalms 46:10. God says, "Be still and know that I am God says, "Be still and know that I am God says, "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the God. I will be exalted among the God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. nations. I will be exalted in the earth. nations. I will be exalted in the earth. Be still and know. He's saying, Be still and know. He's saying, Be still and know. He's saying, surrender to me. You be still in your surrender to me. You be still in your surrender to me. You be still in your heart and remember that I'm God, the God heart and remember that I'm God, the God heart and remember that I'm God, the God of the impossible and you're not. So of the impossible and you're not. So of the impossible and you're not. So trust me even when you can't understand trust me even when you can't understand trust me even when you can't understand it because I'm in the future already. it because I'm in the future already. it because I'm in the future already. Nothing surprises me and I'm with you in Nothing surprises me and I'm with you in Nothing surprises me and I'm with you in the present and my promises are always the present and my promises are always the present and my promises are always true. Don't trust your feelings, trust true. Don't trust your feelings, trust true. Don't trust your feelings, trust me. He says, "Be still for a moment and me. He says, "Be still for a moment and me. He says, "Be still for a moment and remember that I'm the God of the remember that I'm the God of the remember that I'm the God of the impossible. That I'm God and you're not. impossible. That I'm God and you're not. impossible. That I'm God and you're not. Surrender to me and my authority in your Surrender to me and my authority in your Surrender to me and my authority in your life. Stop trying to do it your way. life. Stop trying to do it your way. life. Stop trying to do it your way. Stop trying to do it in your own Stop trying to do it in your own Stop trying to do it in your own strength and you surrender to me this strength and you surrender to me this strength and you surrender to me this year. Stay surrendered to me." year. Stay surrendered to me." year. Stay surrendered to me." What I want us to do and I challenge us What I want us to do and I challenge us What I want us to do and I challenge us to do, challenge myself to do starting to do, challenge myself to do starting to do, challenge myself to do starting tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow is to be still and know that he is God.

is to be still and know that he is God. is to be still and know that he is God. He's going to be exalted. His purpose He's going to be exalted. His purpose He's going to be exalted. His purpose will be fulfilled. He's going to do will be fulfilled. He's going to do will be fulfilled. He's going to do great things if you'll trust him. great things if you'll trust him. great things if you'll trust him. And he wants us to trust him so we can And he wants us to trust him so we can And he wants us to trust him so we can experience those things he wants to do experience those things he wants to do experience those things he wants to do in our lives. And so what I'm going to in our lives. And so what I'm going to in our lives. And so what I'm going to ask you to do ask you to do ask you to do is for five minutes after you get up is for five minutes after you get up is for five minutes after you get up just to sit before God in silence and be just to sit before God in silence and be just to sit before God in silence and be still. Still your heart before God. And still. Still your heart before God. And still. Still your heart before God. And I want you to take this scripture. I want you to take this scripture. I want you to take this scripture. It's in your sermon notes in the app if It's in your sermon notes in the app if It's in your sermon notes in the app if you want to look at it there. You get you want to look at it there. You get you want to look at it there. You get your Bible out, whatever you want to do. your Bible out, whatever you want to do. your Bible out, whatever you want to do. And I want you to read that scripture And I want you to read that scripture And I want you to read that scripture and meditate on that scripture and just and meditate on that scripture and just and meditate on that scripture and just remind yourself, remind yourself, remind yourself, you're God and I'm not. So, I'm going to you're God and I'm not. So, I'm going to you're God and I'm not. So, I'm going to surrender to you today. I need you surrender to you today. I need you surrender to you today. I need you today. And I'm going to be still and today. And I'm going to be still and today. And I'm going to be still and quiet for five minutes quiet for five minutes quiet for five minutes to show you that I'm surrendering to to show you that I'm surrendering to to show you that I'm surrendering to you. Just five minutes. And I'm telling you. Just five minutes. And I'm telling you. Just five minutes. And I'm telling you, if you've never done this before, you, if you've never done this before, you, if you've never done this before, that after about two minutes, it's going that after about two minutes, it's going that after about two minutes, it's going to feel like an hour and you're going to to feel like an hour and you're going to to feel like an hour and you're going to go, "Whoa." Everything will be going go, "Whoa." Everything will be going go, "Whoa." Everything will be going through your mind. And and tomorrow, God through your mind. And and tomorrow, God through your mind. And and tomorrow, God may not speak to you. He may not say may not speak to you. He may not say may not speak to you. He may not say anything big to you in your heart, anything big to you in your heart, anything big to you in your heart, but you just do it anyway as a but you just do it anyway as a but you just do it anyway as a discipline. And I want you to do that.

discipline. And I want you to do that. discipline. And I want you to do that. Start doing that. We'll do it all week Start doing that. We'll do it all week Start doing that. We'll do it all week in just five minutes. in just five minutes. in just five minutes. And I really believe that every great And I really believe that every great And I really believe that every great work of God started when someone stopped work of God started when someone stopped work of God started when someone stopped moving. moving. moving. Every great movement of God started when Every great movement of God started when Every great movement of God started when someone stopped moving. Every great work someone stopped moving. Every great work someone stopped moving. Every great work of God started when someone got still of God started when someone got still of God started when someone got still before him. So let's do that. Let's see what he So let's do that. Let's see what he does. And and maybe I know for me this does. And and maybe I know for me this does. And and maybe I know for me this is hard. And maybe as we do it, we'll be is hard. And maybe as we do it, we'll be is hard. And maybe as we do it, we'll be able to do it a little more and a little able to do it a little more and a little able to do it a little more and a little more and spend time in God's word, too. more and spend time in God's word, too. more and spend time in God's word, too. But just be silent before him. It's an But just be silent before him. It's an But just be silent before him. It's an acknowledgement that you're God and I'm acknowledgement that you're God and I'm acknowledgement that you're God and I'm not. And this year, I need you. I'm not not. And this year, I need you. I'm not not. And this year, I need you. I'm not going to be foolish. Try to do it going to be foolish. Try to do it going to be foolish. Try to do it myself. I need you. I'm going to depend myself. I need you. I'm going to depend myself. I need you. I'm going to depend on you. You're God. I'm not. You're the on you. You're God. I'm not. You're the on you. You're God. I'm not. You're the God of the impossible. I can't do God of the impossible. I can't do God of the impossible. I can't do anything without you, but I can do all anything without you, but I can do all anything without you, but I can do all things through your strength. And so, I things through your strength. And so, I things through your strength. And so, I need you today. need you today. need you today. You know, I'm praying by this time next You know, I'm praying by this time next You know, I'm praying by this time next year, God will do some miracles that year, God will do some miracles that year, God will do some miracles that change some of the circumstances in my change some of the circumstances in my change some of the circumstances in my life that right now feel impossible to life that right now feel impossible to life that right now feel impossible to overcome.

overcome. overcome. But I'm really determined by God's grace But I'm really determined by God's grace But I'm really determined by God's grace that by this time next year, I'll have that by this time next year, I'll have that by this time next year, I'll have let God change me. This time next year, let God change me. This time next year, let God change me. This time next year, I don't want to be the same person I am I don't want to be the same person I am I don't want to be the same person I am today. I want to be closer to God. I today. I want to be closer to God. I today. I want to be closer to God. I want to grow in my character. I want to grow in my character. I want to grow in my character. I desperately need God to change some desperately need God to change some desperately need God to change some areas of my life. But that won't happen areas of my life. But that won't happen areas of my life. But that won't happen just by hoping just by hoping just by hoping it'll happen by surrendering to God. And it'll happen by surrendering to God. And it'll happen by surrendering to God. And the kind of person you become next year the kind of person you become next year the kind of person you become next year will be determined by the commitment you will be determined by the commitment you will be determined by the commitment you make today. Did you know that? I mean, make today. Did you know that? I mean, make today. Did you know that? I mean, it doesn't just happen. Or you'll end up it doesn't just happen. Or you'll end up it doesn't just happen. Or you'll end up by this time next year as the same by this time next year as the same by this time next year as the same person you were. Same person you've been person you were. Same person you've been person you were. Same person you've been at the same place in your spiritual at the same place in your spiritual at the same place in your spiritual growth that you've been year after year. growth that you've been year after year. growth that you've been year after year. So, what commitments are you making that So, what commitments are you making that So, what commitments are you making that are going to change the game? Commit to are going to change the game? Commit to are going to change the game? Commit to spend time with the Lord. And by the spend time with the Lord. And by the spend time with the Lord. And by the way, you need to commit to join the way, you need to commit to join the way, you need to commit to join the church. If you haven't joined the church. If you haven't joined the church. If you haven't joined the church, it's part of God's plan. It's church, it's part of God's plan. It's church, it's part of God's plan. It's part of God's commands. Christian life part of God's commands. Christian life part of God's commands. Christian life is not just a matter of believing. It's is not just a matter of believing. It's is not just a matter of believing. It's a matter of belonging. God wants you to a matter of belonging. God wants you to a matter of belonging. God wants you to make a commitment to a local church make a commitment to a local church make a commitment to a local church family and join a church. There are a family and join a church. There are a family and join a church. There are a lot of great churches around here. As lot of great churches around here. As lot of great churches around here. As long as they preach and teach God's word long as they preach and teach God's word long as they preach and teach God's word is true and they lift up Jesus as the is true and they lift up Jesus as the is true and they lift up Jesus as the only way to heaven, then it's great.

only way to heaven, then it's great. only way to heaven, then it's great. You know, all different styles, but you You know, all different styles, but you You know, all different styles, but you pick one and join one. Pray about it. pick one and join one. Pray about it. pick one and join one. Pray about it. Pick. If you're here at Willan Church, Pick. If you're here at Willan Church, Pick. If you're here at Willan Church, it probably means you need to join it probably means you need to join it probably means you need to join Willland's church and commit to joining Willland's church and commit to joining Willland's church and commit to joining the church. And I'm telling you, those the church. And I'm telling you, those the church. And I'm telling you, those little commitments make a huge little commitments make a huge little commitments make a huge difference. We commit to a thousand difference. We commit to a thousand difference. We commit to a thousand different things half-heartedly that different things half-heartedly that different things half-heartedly that just wear us out, but we don't commit to just wear us out, but we don't commit to just wear us out, but we don't commit to the few things that are going to make the few things that are going to make the few things that are going to make all the difference. So, our membership all the difference. So, our membership all the difference. So, our membership classes at the end of the month is going classes at the end of the month is going classes at the end of the month is going to be huge. I teach the class just two to be huge. I teach the class just two to be huge. I teach the class just two hours and we feed you. Get signed up hours and we feed you. Get signed up hours and we feed you. Get signed up online. online. online. This is your class. And by the way, if This is your class. And by the way, if This is your class. And by the way, if you're not in a life group, get in a you're not in a life group, get in a you're not in a life group, get in a life group. Commit to a life group. You life group. Commit to a life group. You life group. Commit to a life group. You need a smaller group of people who are need a smaller group of people who are need a smaller group of people who are you're doing life together, going you're doing life together, going you're doing life together, going through the same stuff together, same through the same stuff together, same through the same stuff together, same ages and stages. ages and stages. ages and stages. as part of God's plan for your life. as part of God's plan for your life. as part of God's plan for your life. Then get involved in this disciplehip Then get involved in this disciplehip Then get involved in this disciplehip process. Become a growing disciple, process. Become a growing disciple, process. Become a growing disciple, getting into God's word, the disciplines getting into God's word, the disciplines getting into God's word, the disciplines of the Christian faith and commit to a of the Christian faith and commit to a of the Christian faith and commit to a daily time with God. Let's commit to daily time with God. Let's commit to daily time with God. Let's commit to being silent before him for five minutes being silent before him for five minutes being silent before him for five minutes and then reading his word before we go and then reading his word before we go and then reading his word before we go off into our day or at night. Maybe it's off into our day or at night. Maybe it's off into our day or at night. Maybe it's the best time for you to do that at the best time for you to do that at the best time for you to do that at night when you're at your best. Give God night when you're at your best. Give God night when you're at your best. Give God your best when you're at your best. So your best when you're at your best. So your best when you're at your best. So God blesses our commitments and our God blesses our commitments and our God blesses our commitments and our obedience to build our faith. But he obedience to build our faith. But he obedience to build our faith. But he also uses the delays to develop our also uses the delays to develop our also uses the delays to develop our character.

character. character. >> He builds our faith and he changes us to >> He builds our faith and he changes us to >> He builds our faith and he changes us to prepare us for his purpose. prepare us for his purpose. prepare us for his purpose. >> God uses those delays to build us into >> God uses those delays to build us into >> God uses those delays to build us into the the person he wants us to be to the the person he wants us to be to the the person he wants us to be to prepare us for a new position that he prepare us for a new position that he prepare us for a new position that he has for us. You see, I think all along has for us. You see, I think all along has for us. You see, I think all along God was using the long delay to build God was using the long delay to build God was using the long delay to build Abraham and Sarah's faith and to teach Abraham and Sarah's faith and to teach Abraham and Sarah's faith and to teach them to trust him because he was them to trust him because he was them to trust him because he was preparing them for a new season, the preparing them for a new season, the preparing them for a new season, the greatest season of their life. when greatest season of their life. when greatest season of their life. when Abraham was 100 and she was 90. God Abraham was 100 and she was 90. God Abraham was 100 and she was 90. God always wants to move us into new and always wants to move us into new and always wants to move us into new and greater and more productive seasons in greater and more productive seasons in greater and more productive seasons in our lives. I believe that with all my our lives. I believe that with all my our lives. I believe that with all my heart. You know, retirement is not in heart. You know, retirement is not in heart. You know, retirement is not in the Bible. the Bible. the Bible. It's not in the Bible. I mean, you can It's not in the Bible. I mean, you can It's not in the Bible. I mean, you can retire from a job, but you don't retire retire from a job, but you don't retire retire from a job, but you don't retire from the Christian faith. God has from the Christian faith. God has from the Christian faith. God has something new and powerful for you. something new and powerful for you. something new and powerful for you. Whether you're 15 or you're 95, if God Whether you're 15 or you're 95, if God Whether you're 15 or you're 95, if God has given you another day, he's got a has given you another day, he's got a has given you another day, he's got a purpose. God always wants to take us to purpose. God always wants to take us to purpose. God always wants to take us to a new level, doing something fresh and a new level, doing something fresh and a new level, doing something fresh and new and powerful in our lives. And so new and powerful in our lives. And so new and powerful in our lives. And so when God brings us through a delay, it's when God brings us through a delay, it's when God brings us through a delay, it's always to prepare us for a new position.

always to prepare us for a new position. always to prepare us for a new position. Look at Genesis 18:14 again. Look at Genesis 18:14 again. Look at Genesis 18:14 again. Is anything too hard for the Lord? I Is anything too hard for the Lord? I Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time will return to you at the appointed time will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son. next year, and Sarah will have a son. next year, and Sarah will have a son. God reminds Sarah that he's the God of God reminds Sarah that he's the God of God reminds Sarah that he's the God of the impossible. the impossible. the impossible. And he reminds her that it's at the And he reminds her that it's at the And he reminds her that it's at the appointed time. The appointed time. And appointed time. The appointed time. And appointed time. The appointed time. And I think that's so important. The I think that's so important. The I think that's so important. The appointed time. Think about that. appointed time. Think about that. appointed time. Think about that. The appointed time. The appointed time. The appointed time. God has an appointed time. God has an appointed time. God has an appointed time. God has the right time. And God's timing God has the right time. And God's timing God has the right time. And God's timing is always perfect. God says, "I'm going is always perfect. God says, "I'm going is always perfect. God says, "I'm going to come through at the appointed time. to come through at the appointed time. to come through at the appointed time. The time I appointed before I created The time I appointed before I created The time I appointed before I created the world. That's when I'm coming the world. That's when I'm coming the world. That's when I'm coming through at just the right time." Look at through at just the right time." Look at through at just the right time." Look at Habach 2:3. Habach 2:3. Habach 2:3. It's a powerful verse that somebody It's a powerful verse that somebody It's a powerful verse that somebody needs today. Habach was a prophet in the needs today. Habach was a prophet in the needs today. Habach was a prophet in the Old Testament. And in his day, evil was Old Testament. And in his day, evil was Old Testament. And in his day, evil was triumphing. It looked like God was triumphing. It looked like God was triumphing. It looked like God was nowhere around. His prayers weren't nowhere around. His prayers weren't nowhere around. His prayers weren't being answered. God had given him a being answered. God had given him a being answered. God had given him a great vision for his nation, but yet it great vision for his nation, but yet it great vision for his nation, but yet it wasn't coming to pass. And then God wasn't coming to pass. And then God wasn't coming to pass. And then God tells him this in Habach 2:3. I think tells him this in Habach 2:3. I think tells him this in Habach 2:3. I think he's telling somebody this he's telling somebody this he's telling somebody this in this auditorium right now or maybe at in this auditorium right now or maybe at in this auditorium right now or maybe at one of our campuses or maybe online. I one of our campuses or maybe online. I one of our campuses or maybe online. I think God wants to tell you this. But think God wants to tell you this. But think God wants to tell you this. But these things I plan won't happen right these things I plan won't happen right these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely the time away. Slowly, steadily, surely the time away. Slowly, steadily, surely the time approaches when the vision will be

approaches when the vision will be approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely despair, for these things will surely despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient. They will come to pass. Just be patient. They will come to pass. Just be patient. They will not be overdue a single day. Focus on not be overdue a single day. Focus on not be overdue a single day. Focus on the phrase in that passage. They will the phrase in that passage. They will the phrase in that passage. They will not be overdue a single day. Maybe not be overdue a single day. Maybe not be overdue a single day. Maybe you've been praying. You've been you've been praying. You've been you've been praying. You've been trusting God and God's not answering trusting God and God's not answering trusting God and God's not answering your prayers. It feels like the heavens your prayers. It feels like the heavens your prayers. It feels like the heavens are silent and you can't see God doing are silent and you can't see God doing are silent and you can't see God doing anything. You've been waiting and anything. You've been waiting and anything. You've been waiting and waiting and waiting and you're asking waiting and waiting and you're asking waiting and waiting and you're asking God, "When are you ever going to come God, "When are you ever going to come God, "When are you ever going to come through? Why am I having to wait year through? Why am I having to wait year through? Why am I having to wait year after year?" after year?" after year?" And God says, "It may seem slow to you, And God says, "It may seem slow to you, And God says, "It may seem slow to you, but it's not going to be overdue a but it's not going to be overdue a but it's not going to be overdue a single day. My timing is always perfect. single day. My timing is always perfect. single day. My timing is always perfect. I'm never too early. I'm never too late. I'm never too early. I'm never too late. I'm never too early. I'm never too late. I'm just right on time. It's going to I'm just right on time. It's going to I'm just right on time. It's going to happen at just the right time, but my happen at just the right time, but my happen at just the right time, but my time may all might not always be your time may all might not always be your time may all might not always be your time. time. time. My time may not seem like the right time My time may not seem like the right time My time may not seem like the right time to you." And he says, "If it seems slow to you." And he says, "If it seems slow to you." And he says, "If it seems slow to you, don't give up. Don't despair. to you, don't give up. Don't despair. to you, don't give up. Don't despair. It's going to happen. Just be patient."

It's going to happen. Just be patient." It's going to happen. Just be patient." But I get so impatient. We want to hurry But I get so impatient. We want to hurry But I get so impatient. We want to hurry God up. We want things right now. And it God up. We want things right now. And it God up. We want things right now. And it causes us to make a lot of bad decisions causes us to make a lot of bad decisions causes us to make a lot of bad decisions in life and we get in a hurry. But so in life and we get in a hurry. But so in life and we get in a hurry. But so many times God has us in this healing many times God has us in this healing many times God has us in this healing process. And it takes time. This miracle process. And it takes time. This miracle process. And it takes time. This miracle process where he's building our faith. process where he's building our faith. process where he's building our faith. He's getting us ready. He's preparing us He's getting us ready. He's preparing us He's getting us ready. He's preparing us for this great position that he has for for this great position that he has for for this great position that he has for us. This new season of fruitfulness and us. This new season of fruitfulness and us. This new season of fruitfulness and productivity that he has for us. He's productivity that he has for us. He's productivity that he has for us. He's developing us for our destiny. developing us for our destiny. developing us for our destiny. But we get frustrated. We want it now. But we get frustrated. We want it now. But we get frustrated. We want it now. And God says, "I want you to see the And God says, "I want you to see the And God says, "I want you to see the eternal view. You're just thinking about eternal view. You're just thinking about eternal view. You're just thinking about everything instantly and how things are everything instantly and how things are everything instantly and how things are right now. But I have this eternal view right now. But I have this eternal view right now. But I have this eternal view and I want you to synchronize your and I want you to synchronize your and I want you to synchronize your hearts with my eternal standard time and hearts with my eternal standard time and hearts with my eternal standard time and see the big picture so you can see the big picture so you can see the big picture so you can experience the miracle that I planned experience the miracle that I planned experience the miracle that I planned for you. Don't miss the miracle." I for you. Don't miss the miracle." I for you. Don't miss the miracle." I think Sarah finally realized that all think Sarah finally realized that all think Sarah finally realized that all the years of delay didn't destroy God's the years of delay didn't destroy God's the years of delay didn't destroy God's plan at all. Delays never destroy God's plan at all. Delays never destroy God's plan at all. Delays never destroy God's plan. And by the way, a delay is not a plan. And by the way, a delay is not a plan. And by the way, a delay is not a denial.

denial. denial. There's a big difference between no and There's a big difference between no and There's a big difference between no and not yet. Sometimes God says not yet. not yet. Sometimes God says not yet. not yet. Sometimes God says not yet. Yeah, I want to do that, but not yet. Yeah, I want to do that, but not yet. Yeah, I want to do that, but not yet. It's not the right time. It's not the It's not the right time. It's not the It's not the right time. It's not the appointed time. appointed time. appointed time. Those of you who are parents, you Those of you who are parents, you Those of you who are parents, you understand this. There's a big understand this. There's a big understand this. There's a big difference between telling your kids no difference between telling your kids no difference between telling your kids no and not yet. And when you say not yet, and not yet. And when you say not yet, and not yet. And when you say not yet, they think it's a no because they want they think it's a no because they want they think it's a no because they want it now, don't they? We had some of our it now, don't they? We had some of our it now, don't they? We had some of our grandkids over the other day for grandkids over the other day for grandkids over the other day for breakfast and they wanted to eat candy breakfast and they wanted to eat candy breakfast and they wanted to eat candy before their breakfast. And I said, "NO, before their breakfast. And I said, "NO, before their breakfast. And I said, "NO, YOU GOT to eat your chocolate donut YOU GOT to eat your chocolate donut YOU GOT to eat your chocolate donut before you eat candy. Come on." That's before you eat candy. Come on." That's before you eat candy. Come on." That's crazy. I'm a really strict grandparent. crazy. I'm a really strict grandparent. crazy. I'm a really strict grandparent. As grandparents, we can do that. You As grandparents, we can do that. You As grandparents, we can do that. You know, we get them all hyped up on sugar know, we get them all hyped up on sugar know, we get them all hyped up on sugar and send them back to their parents. and send them back to their parents. and send them back to their parents. It's payback. That's what it is. You It's payback. That's what it is. You It's payback. That's what it is. You know, know, know, there have been so many times in my life there have been so many times in my life there have been so many times in my life where I've wanted to knock the door down where I've wanted to knock the door down where I've wanted to knock the door down and get out of the waiting room of life and get out of the waiting room of life and get out of the waiting room of life and God keeps the door closed. And then and God keeps the door closed. And then and God keeps the door closed. And then years later, I see it and go, "God, years later, I see it and go, "God, years later, I see it and go, "God, thank you for keeping the door closed.

thank you for keeping the door closed. thank you for keeping the door closed. Thank you. You didn't open that door for Thank you. You didn't open that door for Thank you. You didn't open that door for me at the time because I would have me at the time because I would have me at the time because I would have settled for the good thing rather than settled for the good thing rather than settled for the good thing rather than your best." And many times we make those your best." And many times we make those your best." And many times we make those decisions in the moment and we miss out decisions in the moment and we miss out decisions in the moment and we miss out on God's best. God knows what's best for on God's best. God knows what's best for on God's best. God knows what's best for us. His timing is always perfect. us. His timing is always perfect. us. His timing is always perfect. Eternal standard time is not central Eternal standard time is not central Eternal standard time is not central standard time, Eastern Standard Time, or standard time, Eastern Standard Time, or standard time, Eastern Standard Time, or my time. It's God's time and it's the my time. It's God's time and it's the my time. It's God's time and it's the perfect time. perfect time. perfect time. Let's just say that you're in an Let's just say that you're in an Let's just say that you're in an airplane and it's a 5hour flight and and airplane and it's a 5hour flight and and airplane and it's a 5hour flight and and you get seated in the middle seat next you get seated in the middle seat next you get seated in the middle seat next to two really annoying people. to two really annoying people. to two really annoying people. Have you ever been there? Have you ever been there? Have you ever been there? And the plane is crowded and you're And the plane is crowded and you're And the plane is crowded and you're like, I can't take this. I can't take like, I can't take this. I can't take like, I can't take this. I can't take this for five hours. And finally, you this for five hours. And finally, you this for five hours. And finally, you you've had enough. You can't wait any you've had enough. You can't wait any you've had enough. You can't wait any longer. And after two hours of the longer. And after two hours of the longer. And after two hours of the fight, you just get fed up. So, you fight, you just get fed up. So, you fight, you just get fed up. So, you can't wait any longer. So, you open up can't wait any longer. So, you open up can't wait any longer. So, you open up the emergency exit and you just get out the emergency exit and you just get out the emergency exit and you just get out and finally I got out. and finally I got out. and finally I got out. Let's just say you're at the 4 hour and Let's just say you're at the 4 hour and Let's just say you're at the 4 hour and 45 minute mark and you can't take it any 45 minute mark and you can't take it any 45 minute mark and you can't take it any longer and you jump out. You probably longer and you jump out. You probably longer and you jump out. You probably should wait another 15 minutes until the should wait another 15 minutes until the should wait another 15 minutes until the plane lands because you're going to get plane lands because you're going to get plane lands because you're going to get out, but not yet. You better wait. It's out, but not yet. You better wait. It's out, but not yet. You better wait. It's for your own good. And then when you do for your own good. And then when you do for your own good. And then when you do land, usually have to wait another 45 land, usually have to wait another 45 land, usually have to wait another 45 minutes while they taxi. And then when minutes while they taxi. And then when minutes while they taxi. And then when you can finally stand up, there's always you can finally stand up, there's always you can finally stand up, there's always some jerk behind you that's like, "Hey, some jerk behind you that's like, "Hey, some jerk behind you that's like, "Hey, I'm more important than you. I got a I'm more important than you. I got a I'm more important than you. I got a plane to catch trying to knock you plane to catch trying to knock you plane to catch trying to knock you over."

over." over." Basically, they're saying, "I'm more Basically, they're saying, "I'm more Basically, they're saying, "I'm more important than you." I I remember one important than you." I I remember one important than you." I I remember one time after the plane had landed and we'd time after the plane had landed and we'd time after the plane had landed and we'd come up, you know, to the terminal and come up, you know, to the terminal and come up, you know, to the terminal and and all of a sudden, you know, Chris and and all of a sudden, you know, Chris and and all of a sudden, you know, Chris and I stand up and they're getting ready to I stand up and they're getting ready to I stand up and they're getting ready to let us out and and we had a 30-minute let us out and and we had a 30-minute let us out and and we had a 30-minute connection and we're playing. How are we connection and we're playing. How are we connection and we're playing. How are we going to do this? We better run. We got going to do this? We better run. We got going to do this? We better run. We got to get this right. And and so as soon as to get this right. And and so as soon as to get this right. And and so as soon as they started letting us out, this guy they started letting us out, this guy they started letting us out, this guy just barreled right through us. He said, just barreled right through us. He said, just barreled right through us. He said, "I got a plane to catch in two hours. I "I got a plane to catch in two hours. I "I got a plane to catch in two hours. I got to go. I got a connection." So I got to go. I got a connection." So I got to go. I got a connection." So I just stuck my leg out and I tripped him just stuck my leg out and I tripped him just stuck my leg out and I tripped him on the way by. No, I didn't do that. I on the way by. No, I didn't do that. I on the way by. No, I didn't do that. I wanted to. you're so bad, you know? I wanted to. you're so bad, you know? I wanted to. you're so bad, you know? I mean, what a jerk. You know, I I wanted mean, what a jerk. You know, I I wanted mean, what a jerk. You know, I I wanted to, but I was afraid someone would video to, but I was afraid someone would video to, but I was afraid someone would video it and it would go viral. That's why it and it would go viral. That's why it and it would go viral. That's why pastors don't do things they really want pastors don't do things they really want pastors don't do things they really want to do. They're afraid it's going to go to do. They're afraid it's going to go to do. They're afraid it's going to go viral. That's what it is. It's not about viral. That's what it is. It's not about viral. That's what it is. It's not about being godly. And so, we want to do that. being godly. And so, we want to do that. being godly. And so, we want to do that. I'll admit it to you. Now, you could do I'll admit it to you. Now, you could do I'll admit it to you. Now, you could do it and I recommend it. So, it and I recommend it. So, it and I recommend it. So, you could do it maybe and you could do you could do it maybe and you could do you could do it maybe and you could do it. You could do it for me. How about it. You could do it for me. How about it. You could do it for me. How about that? That'd be great. that? That'd be great. that? That'd be great. You know, we get so frustrated. We're You know, we get so frustrated. We're You know, we get so frustrated. We're stuck and we want to jump out of the stuck and we want to jump out of the stuck and we want to jump out of the plane. And God says, "You ought to wait plane. And God says, "You ought to wait plane. And God says, "You ought to wait until it lands because I'm going to land until it lands because I'm going to land until it lands because I'm going to land this thing at just the right place at this thing at just the right place at this thing at just the right place at just the right time because I've got just the right time because I've got just the right time because I've got something great for you." Hold on. Hold something great for you." Hold on. Hold something great for you." Hold on. Hold on. Delays never destroy God's purpose on. Delays never destroy God's purpose on. Delays never destroy God's purpose for your life. They're part of God's for your life. They're part of God's for your life. They're part of God's plan.

plan. plan. Now, a look at Genesis 21. We're going Now, a look at Genesis 21. We're going Now, a look at Genesis 21. We're going to go three chapters ahead to see what to go three chapters ahead to see what to go three chapters ahead to see what happens. happens. happens. Now, the Lord was gracious to Sarah. I'm Now, the Lord was gracious to Sarah. I'm Now, the Lord was gracious to Sarah. I'm so glad God's gracious to us, even we so glad God's gracious to us, even we so glad God's gracious to us, even we have imperfect faith. The Lord was have imperfect faith. The Lord was have imperfect faith. The Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said. And gracious to Sarah as he had said. And gracious to Sarah as he had said. And the Lord did for Sarah what he had the Lord did for Sarah what he had the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham at his old age. At the a son to Abraham at his old age. At the a son to Abraham at his old age. At the very time God had promised him, Abraham very time God had promised him, Abraham very time God had promised him, Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore. You know what the name Isaac bore. You know what the name Isaac bore. You know what the name Isaac means? Laughter. means? Laughter. means? Laughter. Laughter. Laughter. Laughter. I love that. God was reminding them, I love that. God was reminding them, I love that. God was reminding them, "Hey, you laugh, but I came through." "Hey, you laugh, but I came through." "Hey, you laugh, but I came through." God said to Abraham earlier, "I I want God said to Abraham earlier, "I I want God said to Abraham earlier, "I I want you to name the child laughter because you to name the child laughter because you to name the child laughter because you're going to remember those doubts. you're going to remember those doubts. you're going to remember those doubts. You're going to remember my goodness, You're going to remember my goodness, You're going to remember my goodness, and then you're going to laugh with joy and then you're going to laugh with joy and then you're going to laugh with joy because I'm going to come through. I because I'm going to come through. I because I'm going to come through. I always keep my promises." Now you may always keep my promises." Now you may always keep my promises." Now you may not realize this but just a chapter not realize this but just a chapter not realize this but just a chapter before God had come to Abraham when he before God had come to Abraham when he before God had come to Abraham when he was by himself and God had already told was by himself and God had already told was by himself and God had already told him Sarah is going to have a son. She is him Sarah is going to have a son. She is him Sarah is going to have a son. She is going to be the mother of kings and going to be the mother of kings and going to be the mother of kings and nations and Sarah's going to have a son nations and Sarah's going to have a son nations and Sarah's going to have a son and and Abraham laughed to himself. that and and Abraham laughed to himself. that and and Abraham laughed to himself. that says Abraham had already laughed says Abraham had already laughed says Abraham had already laughed and by the time God came to him again at and by the time God came to him again at and by the time God came to him again at the tent, the tent, the tent, he had already worked through those

he had already worked through those he had already worked through those doubts to faith. doubts to faith. doubts to faith. But I don't think Sarah had yet. And I But I don't think Sarah had yet. And I But I don't think Sarah had yet. And I think God came that time just for Sarah think God came that time just for Sarah think God came that time just for Sarah because he wanted her to be in tune with because he wanted her to be in tune with because he wanted her to be in tune with him. He wanted her to learn that she him. He wanted her to learn that she him. He wanted her to learn that she could trust him and that faith activates could trust him and that faith activates could trust him and that faith activates God working in our lives. And so God working in our lives. And so God working in our lives. And so they both laughed and then God said, they both laughed and then God said, they both laughed and then God said, "You're going to name Isaac because that "You're going to name Isaac because that "You're going to name Isaac because that means laughter." And look what Sarah means laughter." And look what Sarah means laughter." And look what Sarah says after Isaac is born. says after Isaac is born. says after Isaac is born. Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter and everyone who hears about this will and everyone who hears about this will and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." She remembered that she laugh with me." She remembered that she laugh with me." She remembered that she had laughed in doubt, laughed to cover had laughed in doubt, laughed to cover had laughed in doubt, laughed to cover up her pain, I believe. And now she's up her pain, I believe. And now she's up her pain, I believe. And now she's laughing with joy. She's smiling with laughing with joy. She's smiling with laughing with joy. She's smiling with joy and she says, "I'm not hiding my joy and she says, "I'm not hiding my joy and she says, "I'm not hiding my laughter this time. I want everyone to laughter this time. I want everyone to laughter this time. I want everyone to laugh with me." Praise God. What a God laugh with me." Praise God. What a God laugh with me." Praise God. What a God He is. How joyful it is. And I believe He is. How joyful it is. And I believe He is. How joyful it is. And I believe God wants to turn your pain into God wants to turn your pain into God wants to turn your pain into purpose. I believe God wants to turn purpose. I believe God wants to turn purpose. I believe God wants to turn your mourning into dancing. It may be your mourning into dancing. It may be your mourning into dancing. It may be dark in the night, but joy comes in the dark in the night, but joy comes in the dark in the night, but joy comes in the morning, and that joy is coming. So you morning, and that joy is coming. So you morning, and that joy is coming. So you hold on because that delay did not hold on because that delay did not hold on because that delay did not destroy God's purpose for your life.

destroy God's purpose for your life. destroy God's purpose for your life. God's purpose will be fulfilled. God's purpose will be fulfilled. God's purpose will be fulfilled. >> Don't run ahead of God, though. You stay >> Don't run ahead of God, though. You stay >> Don't run ahead of God, though. You stay right there. right there. right there. Surrender to him. Remember, he's God, Surrender to him. Remember, he's God, Surrender to him. Remember, he's God, God of the impossible. And you take God of the impossible. And you take God of the impossible. And you take steps of faith. But I want you to see steps of faith. But I want you to see steps of faith. But I want you to see this. In Genesis 18:3, God comes to this. In Genesis 18:3, God comes to this. In Genesis 18:3, God comes to Abraham and God and Abraham realized Abraham and God and Abraham realized Abraham and God and Abraham realized something's going on here. You know, he something's going on here. You know, he something's going on here. You know, he God's visited him before. He said, "This God's visited him before. He said, "This God's visited him before. He said, "This may be God. This may be angels. may be God. This may be angels. may be God. This may be angels. Something's going on here. Something's going on here. Something's going on here. And right away in verse three, he said, And right away in verse three, he said, And right away in verse three, he said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my "If I have found favor in your eyes, my "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by." Look lord, do not pass your servant by." Look lord, do not pass your servant by." Look at that phrase. Do not pass your servant at that phrase. Do not pass your servant at that phrase. Do not pass your servant by. by. by. He said, "I don't want to miss this. I'm He said, "I don't want to miss this. I'm He said, "I don't want to miss this. I'm not going to miss this opportunity. I'm not going to miss this opportunity. I'm not going to miss this opportunity. I'm not going to miss this year and say, not going to miss this year and say, not going to miss this year and say, "Well, "Well, "Well, this year's not that important. I'm just this year's not that important. I'm just this year's not that important. I'm just going to do the same things I always going to do the same things I always going to do the same things I always did." He said, "I'm not going to let God did." He said, "I'm not going to let God did." He said, "I'm not going to let God pass by. [music] I'm not going to let pass by. [music] I'm not going to let pass by. [music] I'm not going to let this year pass by without making changes this year pass by without making changes this year pass by without making changes and putting into practice the things God and putting into practice the things God and putting into practice the things God wants me to. I'm not going to let this wants me to. I'm not going to let this wants me to. I'm not going to let this this year pass by like so many other this year pass by like so many other this year pass by like so many other years and end up by this time next year years and end up by this time next year years and end up by this time next year being the same person that I've always being the same person that I've always being the same person that I've always been. I can't afford to do that anymore.

been. I can't afford to do that anymore. been. I can't afford to do that anymore. I've got to put God first, surrender to I've got to put God first, surrender to I've got to put God first, surrender to him, trust him, realize he's the God of him, trust him, realize he's the God of him, trust him, realize he's the God of the impossible, and he wants to do the impossible, and he wants to do the impossible, and he wants to do something impossible in my life. Don't something impossible in my life. Don't something impossible in my life. Don't you dare let this year pass by doing the you dare let this year pass by doing the you dare let this year pass by doing the same old things the same old way and end same old things the same old way and end same old things the same old way and end up this time next year being the same up this time next year being the same up this time next year being the same person. Don't let this year pass by person. Don't let this year pass by person. Don't let this year pass by without letting God change you. Some without letting God change you. Some without letting God change you. Some [music] fans of teams that seem to [music] fans of teams that seem to [music] fans of teams that seem to always come up short say the same sad always come up short say the same sad always come up short say the same sad phrase at the end of every year. Wait phrase at the end of every year. Wait phrase at the end of every year. Wait till next year. Wait till next year. till next year. Wait till next year. till next year. Wait till next year. Don't you dare wait till next year. Will Don't you dare wait till next year. Will Don't you dare wait till next year. Will church, this is your year. This is a church, this is your year. This is a church, this is your year. This is a critical year. Take advantage of this critical year. Take advantage of this critical year. Take advantage of this year year year because by this time next year, God because by this time next year, God because by this time next year, God wants you to be a different [music] wants you to be a different [music] wants you to be a different [music] person. By this time next year, I person. By this time next year, I person. By this time next year, I believe the God of the impossible wants believe the God of the impossible wants believe the God of the impossible wants to do some impossible things in your to do some impossible things in your to do some impossible things in your life. If we realize that he's God and life. If we realize that he's God and life. If we realize that he's God and we're not and we trust him. Let's stand we're not and we trust him. Let's stand we're not and we trust him. Let's stand together willing, church. Do you believe together willing, church. Do you believe together willing, church. Do you believe God's the God of the impossible and God's the God of the impossible and God's the God of the impossible and nothing is too hard for him? You say, nothing is too hard for him? You say, nothing is too hard for him? You say, Carrie, I believe mostly. Well, that's Carrie, I believe mostly. Well, that's Carrie, I believe mostly. Well, that's okay. Hey, you just take that imperfect okay. Hey, you just take that imperfect okay. Hey, you just take that imperfect faith and put it in the God of the faith and put it in the God of the faith and put it in the God of the impossible because he is faithful. He impossible because he is faithful. He impossible because he is faithful. He will always come through. We have a God will always come through. We have a God will always come through. We have a God who always keeps his promises. Let's who always keeps his promises. Let's who always keeps his promises. Let's pray together.

pray together. pray together. Dear God, I thank you so much that Dear God, I thank you so much that Dear God, I thank you so much that you're the God who always keeps his you're the God who always keeps his you're the God who always keeps his promises. promises. promises. Lord, I thank you for reminding us of Lord, I thank you for reminding us of Lord, I thank you for reminding us of that today. that today. that today. As Sarah took [music] that little step As Sarah took [music] that little step As Sarah took [music] that little step of faith and you changed her and you of faith and you changed her and you of faith and you changed her and you changed everything. Lord, I know that by changed everything. Lord, I know that by changed everything. Lord, I know that by this time next year, this time next year, this time next year, you could change things [music] that you could change things [music] that you could change things [music] that feel like feel like feel like are impossible things to change in our are impossible things to change in our are impossible things to change in our lives. lives. lives. Lord, you can do miracles by this time Lord, you can do miracles by this time Lord, you can do miracles by this time next year. You can move mountains that next year. You can move mountains that next year. You can move mountains that we've never been able to move. we've never been able to move. we've never been able to move. You can break down barriers, Lord. And I You can break down barriers, Lord. And I You can break down barriers, Lord. And I pray that [music] you would do that. pray that [music] you would do that. pray that [music] you would do that. That you would, Lord, That you would, Lord, That you would, Lord, heal and rescue marriages that look like heal and rescue marriages that look like heal and rescue marriages that look like there's no hope. that you, Lord, would there's no hope. that you, Lord, would there's no hope. that you, Lord, would bring healing to broken hearts [music] bring healing to broken hearts [music] bring healing to broken hearts [music] that have suffered so much trauma and it that have suffered so much trauma and it that have suffered so much trauma and it looks like there's no hope. That you looks like there's no hope. That you looks like there's no hope. That you would heal bodies, Lord, when the doctor would heal bodies, Lord, when the doctor would heal bodies, Lord, when the doctor is given a prognosis that's not your is given a prognosis that's not your is given a prognosis that's not your prognosis. Lord, prognosis. Lord, prognosis. Lord, you're the one who determines and you you're the one who determines and you you're the one who determines and you [music] can bring healing. Lord, I pray [music] can bring healing. Lord, I pray [music] can bring healing. Lord, I pray that you do miracles in businesses and that you do miracles in businesses and that you do miracles in businesses and people's finances. I pray that you would people's finances. I pray that you would people's finances. I pray that you would do miracles, Lord Jesus, in families.

do miracles, Lord Jesus, in families. do miracles, Lord Jesus, in families. That only [music] you can. That you That only [music] you can. That you That only [music] you can. That you would change impossible situations would change impossible situations would change impossible situations because nothing is too hard for you. By because nothing is too hard for you. By because nothing is too hard for you. By this time next year, Lord, you can do a this time next year, Lord, you can do a this time next year, Lord, you can do a work work work that we could have never that we could have never that we could have never done. Thank you, [music] Lord. But Lord, done. Thank you, [music] Lord. But Lord, done. Thank you, [music] Lord. But Lord, I pray that more importantly, you would I pray that more importantly, you would I pray that more importantly, you would change us. And if you choose this year change us. And if you choose this year change us. And if you choose this year not to change that circumstance, change not to change that circumstance, change not to change that circumstance, change us through the circumstance and show us us through the circumstance and show us us through the circumstance and show us that you will bring us through. [music] that you will bring us through. [music] that you will bring us through. [music] and you will bring us through to become and you will bring us through to become and you will bring us through to become a different person. a different person. a different person. Lord, I thank you that you want to grow Lord, I thank you that you want to grow Lord, I thank you that you want to grow us, that you want to change us, that you us, that you want to change us, that you us, that you want to change us, that you have a [music] new vision and purpose have a [music] new vision and purpose have a [music] new vision and purpose for each and every one of our lives, a for each and every one of our lives, a for each and every one of our lives, a fresh vision. Lord, I don't want to rely fresh vision. Lord, I don't want to rely fresh vision. Lord, I don't want to rely on what you did 30 years ago in my life on what you did 30 years ago in my life on what you did 30 years ago in my life [music] or in our church. I don't want [music] or in our church. I don't want [music] or in our church. I don't want to rely on what you did three months to rely on what you did three months to rely on what you did three months ago. I need something fresh and new from ago. I need something fresh and new from ago. I need something fresh and new from you today. And I realize it won't happen you today. And I realize it won't happen you today. And I realize it won't happen unless I realize [music] unless I realize [music] unless I realize [music] that you're God and I'm not surrendered that you're God and I'm not surrendered that you're God and I'm not surrendered to you. It won't happen unless I make to you. It won't happen unless I make to you. It won't happen unless I make some new commitments some new commitments some new commitments that make the difference. And Lord, I that make the difference. And Lord, I that make the difference. And Lord, I pray that [music] we would all do that.

pray that [music] we would all do that. pray that [music] we would all do that. I pray for those, Lord, too, who have I pray for those, Lord, too, who have I pray for those, Lord, too, who have never received you into their life. never received you into their life. never received you into their life. They've never committed their life to They've never committed their life to They've never committed their life to you, that right now that they would do you, that right now that they would do you, that right now that they would do that. They would just [music] pray this that. They would just [music] pray this that. They would just [music] pray this prayer silently. Dear Jesus, I need you. prayer silently. Dear Jesus, I need you. prayer silently. Dear Jesus, I need you. So, I ask you to come into my life and So, I ask you to come into my life and So, I ask you to come into my life and ask you to forgive me of all my sins. I ask you to forgive me of all my sins. I ask you to forgive me of all my sins. I surrender my life to you as best I know surrender my life to you as best I know surrender my life to you as best I know how. I place my faith in you [music] to how. I place my faith in you [music] to how. I place my faith in you [music] to save me. save me. save me. Thank you for saving me. I accept your Thank you for saving me. I accept your Thank you for saving me. I accept your free gift of heaven one day. I can't free gift of heaven one day. I can't free gift of heaven one day. I can't make it to heaven on my own. I need you. make it to heaven on my own. I need you. make it to heaven on my own. I need you. You're God. I'm not. I surrender my life You're God. I'm not. I surrender my life You're God. I'm not. I surrender my life to you. Ask you to be the Lord of my to you. Ask you to be the Lord of my to you. Ask you to be the Lord of my life and help me grow in my faith from life and help me grow in my faith from life and help me grow in my faith from now on. Thank you in Jesus name. Amen. now on. Thank you in Jesus name. Amen. now on. Thank you in Jesus name. Amen. [music] [music] [music] If you prayed that Christ came into your If you prayed that Christ came into your If you prayed that Christ came into your life, we want to cheer for you. There's life, we want to cheer for you. There's life, we want to cheer for you. There's a party in heaven going on. The Bible a party in heaven going on. The Bible a party in heaven going on. The Bible says the angels rejoice. says the angels rejoice. says the angels rejoice. Find one of our pastors or one of our Find one of our pastors or one of our Find one of our pastors or one of our greeters and they want to give you a greeters and they want to give you a greeters and they want to give you a Bible in help you take the next steps in Bible in help you take the next steps in Bible in help you take the next steps in your faith. [music] your faith. [music] your faith. [music] God's up to great things next weekend. God's up to great things next weekend. God's up to great things next weekend. It's kickoff weekend church. We have a It's kickoff weekend church. We have a It's kickoff weekend church. We have a lot of fun out on the plaza. Invite a lot of fun out on the plaza. Invite a lot of fun out on the plaza. Invite a friend and Chris and I'll be speaking friend and Chris and I'll be speaking friend and Chris and I'll be speaking together next weekend. So, it'll be a together next weekend. So, it'll be a together next weekend. So, it'll be a real blessing. Don't miss it as we real blessing. Don't miss it as we real blessing. Don't miss it as we continue learning about what God wants continue learning about what God wants continue learning about what God wants to do in our [music] lives that goes to do in our [music] lives that goes to do in our [music] lives that goes beyond anything that we could do. God beyond anything that we could do. God beyond anything that we could do. God bless you. Willing church. You believe bless you. Willing church. You believe bless you. Willing church. You believe you have a God of impossible. Let's live you have a God of impossible. Let's live you have a God of impossible. Let's live like it this week and surrender to him.

like it this week and surrender to him. like it this week and surrender to him. God bless you. Let's praise him. Let's God bless you. Let's praise him. Let's God bless you. Let's praise him. Let's sing to him. Have a great Sunday. Sing now [music] with one unit mighty Sing now [music] with one unit mighty cry. God we bring this sacrifice. cry. God we bring this sacrifice. cry. God we bring this sacrifice. Standing here [music] with arms fly. Standing here [music] with arms fly. Standing here [music] with arms fly. Now [singing] I'm alive. Now with one Now [singing] I'm alive. Now with one Now [singing] I'm alive. Now with one [music] uniting cry we bring this [music] uniting cry we bring this [music] uniting cry we bring this sacriice sacriice sacriice standing [music] here with arms stretch standing [music] here with arms stretch standing [music] here with arms stretch wide cuz I will stand now I'm alive wide cuz I will stand now I'm alive wide cuz I will stand now I'm alive forever [music] forever [music] forever [music] praise forever praise forever praise forever have [music] you have [music] you have [music] you are worthy of your name all we sing are worthy of your name all we sing are worthy of your name all we sing forever [music] forever [music] forever [music] be lifted I forever be lifted I forever be lifted I forever magnify. [music] magnify. [music] magnify. [music] Only you are worthy to be praised.

Only you are worthy to be praised. Only you are worthy to be praised. Worthy to [music] be praised. You're worthy [music] You're worthy [music] to be praised. You're worthy to be [music] praised. You're worthy to be [music] praised. Amen. Church, we love you guys. You're Amen. Church, we love you guys. You're Amen. Church, we love you guys. You're dismissed. Have a great rest of your dismissed. Have a great rest of your dismissed. Have a great rest of your Sunday. See you next [music] weekend.