Josh Shook: Rewards in Heaven

Juan Hernandez had never heard of SpaceX Juan Hernandez had never heard of SpaceX before he started working there as a before he started working there as a before he started working there as a welder. welder. welder. It was just another job for him. But It was just another job for him. But It was just another job for him. But what started as a contract job turned what started as a contract job turned what started as a contract job turned into a hired position, and in 2015, Juan into a hired position, and in 2015, Juan into a hired position, and in 2015, Juan Hernandez, a first-generation immigrant, Hernandez, a first-generation immigrant, Hernandez, a first-generation immigrant, was offered $10,000 worth of company was offered $10,000 worth of company was offered $10,000 worth of company stock as a part of his compensation. stock as a part of his compensation. stock as a part of his compensation. He was confused He was confused He was confused because up until that point, he had only because up until that point, he had only because up until that point, he had only ever been paid hourly. ever been paid hourly. ever been paid hourly. So, he was thankful though, just So, he was thankful though, just So, he was thankful though, just confused. confused. confused. And he was really thankful this last And he was really thankful this last And he was really thankful this last Friday when SpaceX went public with a Friday when SpaceX went public with a Friday when SpaceX went public with a record-setting IPO. record-setting IPO. record-setting IPO. Now, Juan Hernandez is worth over a Now, Juan Hernandez is worth over a Now, Juan Hernandez is worth over a million dollars along with 4,000 other million dollars along with 4,000 other million dollars along with 4,000 other SpaceX employees, and that includes SpaceX employees, and that includes SpaceX employees, and that includes custodial staff and cafeteria workers. custodial staff and cafeteria workers. custodial staff and cafeteria workers. And when you hear stories like that, if And when you hear stories like that, if And when you hear stories like that, if you're like me, DON'T YOU JUST GO, you're like me, DON'T YOU JUST GO, you're like me, DON'T YOU JUST GO, "I picked the wrong job." You know, "I picked the wrong job." You know, "I picked the wrong job." You know, "I made the wrong career path.

"I made the wrong career path. "I made the wrong career path. Why didn't I take advantage of that Why didn't I take advantage of that Why didn't I take advantage of that opportunity?" opportunity?" opportunity?" You know, it makes me think back to when You know, it makes me think back to when You know, it makes me think back to when I was in fifth grade, and I'm dating I was in fifth grade, and I'm dating I was in fifth grade, and I'm dating myself a little bit here, but my older myself a little bit here, but my older myself a little bit here, but my older brother Ryan, who was 12 at the time, brother Ryan, who was 12 at the time, brother Ryan, who was 12 at the time, came into my room. I have this distinct came into my room. I have this distinct came into my room. I have this distinct memory, and he comes in just cradling memory, and he comes in just cradling memory, and he comes in just cradling this this this well, white and chrome box, and had this well, white and chrome box, and had this well, white and chrome box, and had this little spinny wheel on it, and he goes, little spinny wheel on it, and he goes, little spinny wheel on it, and he goes, "Josh, "Josh, "Josh, look, this will change the way people look, this will change the way people look, this will change the way people listen to music." And I was like, "What listen to music." And I was like, "What listen to music." And I was like, "What is it?" He goes, "It's an iPod." is it?" He goes, "It's an iPod." is it?" He goes, "It's an iPod." And I was like, "What does it do?" "It And I was like, "What does it do?" "It And I was like, "What does it do?" "It plays songs." "Where? Where does the CD plays songs." "Where? Where does the CD plays songs." "Where? Where does the CD go?" "It doesn't use CDs. You plug it go?" "It doesn't use CDs. You plug it go?" "It doesn't use CDs. You plug it into your computer, it downloads them." into your computer, it downloads them." into your computer, it downloads them." "How many songs does it hold?" "It has "How many songs does it hold?" "It has "How many songs does it hold?" "It has over 10 GB of memory. over 10 GB of memory. over 10 GB of memory. That's 2,000 songs." And I was like, That's 2,000 songs." And I was like, That's 2,000 songs." And I was like, "Why would I ever want to have 2,000 "Why would I ever want to have 2,000 "Why would I ever want to have 2,000 songs on tap at any time? It's way too songs on tap at any time? It's way too songs on tap at any time? It's way too many songs." many songs." many songs." It It didn't end there. I I just It It didn't end there. I I just It It didn't end there. I I just distinctly remember writing that and he distinctly remember writing that and he distinctly remember writing that and he would tell my mom and dad. would tell my mom and dad. would tell my mom and dad. I'm serious. He would say, "Mom, Dad, I'm serious. He would say, "Mom, Dad, I'm serious. He would say, "Mom, Dad, Steve Jobs is back. You need to invest Steve Jobs is back. You need to invest Steve Jobs is back. You need to invest in Apple stock."

in Apple stock." in Apple stock." "You need to invest in Apple stock. I'm "You need to invest in Apple stock. I'm "You need to invest in Apple stock. I'm telling you." And then of course my mom telling you." And then of course my mom telling you." And then of course my mom and dad like me with the iPod like, "Oh, and dad like me with the iPod like, "Oh, and dad like me with the iPod like, "Oh, Ryan, you and your crazy ideas." Ryan, you and your crazy ideas." Ryan, you and your crazy ideas." And Ryan is still hurting from that And Ryan is still hurting from that And Ryan is still hurting from that missed opportunity. And I think my missed opportunity. And I think my missed opportunity. And I think my parents are too. parents are too. parents are too. But the Bible talks about an opportunity But the Bible talks about an opportunity But the Bible talks about an opportunity that makes a trillion dollars look like that makes a trillion dollars look like that makes a trillion dollars look like pennies. pennies. pennies. So, I want us to look at Corinthians So, I want us to look at Corinthians So, I want us to look at Corinthians 3:10-15 3:10-15 3:10-15 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? But whoever is building on this But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no foundation must be very careful. For no foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than one can lay any foundation other than one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have, Jesus Christ. the one we already have, Jesus Christ. the one we already have, Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may Anyone who builds on that foundation may Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials, gold, use a variety of materials, gold, use a variety of materials, gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day fire will reveal But on the judgment day fire will reveal But on the judgment day fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. what kind of work each builder has done. what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work is The fire will show if a person's work is The fire will show if a person's work is any value. If the work survives, that any value. If the work survives, that any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if builder will receive a reward. But if builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will the work is burned up, the builder will the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be suffer great loss. The builder will be suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping saved, but like someone barely escaping saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. You may be through a wall of flames. You may be through a wall of flames. You may be seated.

seated. seated. So, that passage is referring to the So, that passage is referring to the So, that passage is referring to the judgment of believers to determine our judgment of believers to determine our judgment of believers to determine our rewards in heaven. And that's what I'm rewards in heaven. And that's what I'm rewards in heaven. And that's what I'm talking about today. Now, notice where talking about today. Now, notice where talking about today. Now, notice where it says the day of judgment. it says the day of judgment. it says the day of judgment. And the Bible talks about two judgments And the Bible talks about two judgments And the Bible talks about two judgments in eternity. Two judgments that take in eternity. Two judgments that take in eternity. Two judgments that take place as we enter into heaven. And when place as we enter into heaven. And when place as we enter into heaven. And when we enter into heaven, all of us are we enter into heaven, all of us are we enter into heaven, all of us are going to stand before one of two going to stand before one of two going to stand before one of two judgments. judgments. judgments. The first is the great white throne The first is the great white throne The first is the great white throne judgment. So, well, let's talk about it. judgment. So, well, let's talk about it. judgment. So, well, let's talk about it. And the Bible talks about it in And the Bible talks about it in And the Bible talks about it in Revelation 20:11 and 12 and 15. Revelation 20:11 and 12 and 15. Revelation 20:11 and 12 and 15. It says this, then I saw a great white It says this, then I saw a great white It says this, then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. throne and him who was seated on it. throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence and Earth and sky fled from his presence and Earth and sky fled from his presence and there was no place for them. And I saw there was no place for them. And I saw there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing the dead, great and small, standing the dead, great and small, standing before the throne and books were opened. before the throne and books were opened. before the throne and books were opened. Another book was opened which is the Another book was opened which is the Another book was opened which is the book of life. The dead were judged book of life. The dead were judged book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as according to what they had done as according to what they had done as recorded in the books. Anyone whose name recorded in the books. Anyone whose name recorded in the books. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of was not found written in the book of was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

life was thrown into the lake of fire. life was thrown into the lake of fire. In the great white throne judgement, it In the great white throne judgement, it In the great white throne judgement, it says that Jesus will be there. He will says that Jesus will be there. He will says that Jesus will be there. He will be enthroned and he will have a great be enthroned and he will have a great be enthroned and he will have a great book in front of him, the lamb's book of book in front of him, the lamb's book of book in front of him, the lamb's book of life. life. life. And it contains the names of everyone And it contains the names of everyone And it contains the names of everyone who has placed their faith in Christ. who has placed their faith in Christ. who has placed their faith in Christ. Everyone who has accepted his free gift Everyone who has accepted his free gift Everyone who has accepted his free gift of forgiveness. of forgiveness. of forgiveness. But the people who will be at the great But the people who will be at the great But the people who will be at the great white throne judgement, white throne judgement, white throne judgement, they're going to be the ones who they're going to be the ones who they're going to be the ones who rejected Christ. They're the ones who rejected Christ. They're the ones who rejected Christ. They're the ones who said, "I don't need Christ in my life. I said, "I don't need Christ in my life. I said, "I don't need Christ in my life. I don't need Jesus." They They will stand don't need Jesus." They They will stand don't need Jesus." They They will stand before Christ and he will look for their before Christ and he will look for their before Christ and he will look for their name in the book of life. name in the book of life. name in the book of life. And he'll show them, he'll say, "Look, And he'll show them, he'll say, "Look, And he'll show them, he'll say, "Look, your name isn't here." your name isn't here." your name isn't here." Now, heaven is a perfect place for Now, heaven is a perfect place for Now, heaven is a perfect place for perfect people. perfect people. perfect people. And there are two ways to get to heaven. And there are two ways to get to heaven. And there are two ways to get to heaven. The first way is pretty simple, you just The first way is pretty simple, you just The first way is pretty simple, you just be perfect. be perfect. be perfect. You be perfect. You never have a wrong You be perfect. You never have a wrong You be perfect. You never have a wrong thought. thought. thought. You never have a bad attitude. You never have a bad attitude. You never have a bad attitude. You always do the things that you should You always do the things that you should You always do the things that you should do and you never do the things that you do and you never do the things that you do and you never do the things that you shouldn't do.

shouldn't do. shouldn't do. And when you die and when you go meet And when you die and when you go meet And when you die and when you go meet God and he says, "Well, why should I let God and he says, "Well, why should I let God and he says, "Well, why should I let you into my perfect heaven?" You go, you into my perfect heaven?" You go, you into my perfect heaven?" You go, "Easy, I'm perfect. Done. This place was "Easy, I'm perfect. Done. This place was "Easy, I'm perfect. Done. This place was made for me. made for me. made for me. I got it together." I got it together." I got it together." But the reality is we've all blown it. But the reality is we've all blown it. But the reality is we've all blown it. We've all sinned. We've all made We've all sinned. We've all made We've all sinned. We've all made mistakes. Nobody is perfect. We all know mistakes. Nobody is perfect. We all know mistakes. Nobody is perfect. We all know that. And that's why God created another that. And that's why God created another that. And that's why God created another way. He wanted us to be in heaven with way. He wanted us to be in heaven with way. He wanted us to be in heaven with him. him. him. And he wanted it so desperately And he wanted it so desperately And he wanted it so desperately that he sent his only son to take our that he sent his only son to take our that he sent his only son to take our place in our judgment on the cross and place in our judgment on the cross and place in our judgment on the cross and he took all of our sins and our shame. he took all of our sins and our shame. he took all of our sins and our shame. And so now, because I've accepted his And so now, because I've accepted his And so now, because I've accepted his forgiveness and I've accepted him into forgiveness and I've accepted him into forgiveness and I've accepted him into my life, when I go to meet God my life, when I go to meet God my life, when I go to meet God one day when I die and he says, "Josh, one day when I die and he says, "Josh, one day when I die and he says, "Josh, why should I let you into my perfect why should I let you into my perfect why should I let you into my perfect heaven?" I'll say, "I'm not perfect. heaven?" I'll say, "I'm not perfect. heaven?" I'll say, "I'm not perfect. I'm not. I've sinned just like everyone I'm not. I've sinned just like everyone I'm not. I've sinned just like everyone else. else. else. But I trusted your son. But I trusted your son. But I trusted your son. I took the way that you made instead of I took the way that you made instead of I took the way that you made instead of going my own way. That's the only reason going my own way. That's the only reason going my own way. That's the only reason I'm here, not because of anything I've I'm here, not because of anything I've I'm here, not because of anything I've done. done. done. I trusted your son and what he did for I trusted your son and what he did for I trusted your son and what he did for me. That's why I'm here.

me. That's why I'm here. me. That's why I'm here. You see the people who will be at the You see the people who will be at the You see the people who will be at the great white throne judgment will be the great white throne judgment will be the great white throne judgment will be the ones who said, ones who said, ones who said, "I don't want to choose the Jesus way. "I don't want to choose the Jesus way. "I don't want to choose the Jesus way. I'm going to try to make it some other I'm going to try to make it some other I'm going to try to make it some other way. I'm going to make it with my own way. I'm going to make it with my own way. I'm going to make it with my own good works, my own perfection. good works, my own perfection. good works, my own perfection. And so basically what will happen is God And so basically what will happen is God And so basically what will happen is God will show them that their name isn't in will show them that their name isn't in will show them that their name isn't in the book of life. the book of life. the book of life. And because he's a fair God and a just And because he's a fair God and a just And because he's a fair God and a just God, he'll say, "Okay, well, you didn't God, he'll say, "Okay, well, you didn't God, he'll say, "Okay, well, you didn't choose my way. choose my way. choose my way. So you're depending on your own good So you're depending on your own good So you're depending on your own good works and perfection to get into perfect works and perfection to get into perfect works and perfection to get into perfect heaven. heaven. heaven. So let's see. I want to give you a fair So let's see. I want to give you a fair So let's see. I want to give you a fair shot. I want to give you a fair shot. shot. I want to give you a fair shot. shot. I want to give you a fair shot. And let's see if you're perfect." And let's see if you're perfect." And let's see if you're perfect." And the Bible says that their whole life And the Bible says that their whole life And the Bible says that their whole life will be reviewed before them and will be reviewed before them and will be reviewed before them and everyone to see. everyone to see. everyone to see. Now just imagine for a moment, Now just imagine for a moment, Now just imagine for a moment, what if everything you've ever done, what if everything you've ever done, what if everything you've ever done, everything you've ever said, everything you've ever said, everything you've ever said, everything you've ever thought, everything you've ever thought, everything you've ever thought, you know, every motive you've ever had, you know, every motive you've ever had, you know, every motive you've ever had, all of that was being shown today on all of that was being shown today on all of that was being shown today on this big screen behind me this big screen behind me this big screen behind me for all of us to see.

for all of us to see. for all of us to see. I don't know about you, but for me I don't know about you, but for me I don't know about you, but for me that's terrifying. That's a nightmare that's terrifying. That's a nightmare that's terrifying. That's a nightmare scenario. That's a that's a scary scenario. That's a that's a scary scenario. That's a that's a scary thought, but that's exactly what the thought, but that's exactly what the thought, but that's exactly what the Bible says will happen. And and after Bible says will happen. And and after Bible says will happen. And and after the movie is shown and the credits roll the movie is shown and the credits roll the movie is shown and the credits roll and their sins are revealed for all to and their sins are revealed for all to and their sins are revealed for all to see, That person standing before God at see, That person standing before God at see, That person standing before God at the great white throne judgment the great white throne judgment the great white throne judgment will realize they have no excuse. will realize they have no excuse. will realize they have no excuse. God no excuse. God no excuse. God no excuse. The the white throne judgment is for The the white throne judgment is for The the white throne judgment is for non-believers. And then after that it says that they And then after that it says that they will endure separation from God for all will endure separation from God for all will endure separation from God for all eternity. But the good news is God doesn't want But the good news is God doesn't want anyone to go to hell. The Bible says God anyone to go to hell. The Bible says God anyone to go to hell. The Bible says God didn't create hell for people. He didn't create hell for people. He didn't create hell for people. He created it for the devil and his demons. created it for the devil and his demons. created it for the devil and his demons. God doesn't want to send people to hell. God doesn't want to send people to hell. God doesn't want to send people to hell. But people choose to go there because But people choose to go there because But people choose to go there because they choose to reject Christ. they choose to reject Christ. they choose to reject Christ. Now here's the good news, okay? And Now here's the good news, okay? And Now here's the good news, okay? And gospel literally just means good news. gospel literally just means good news. gospel literally just means good news. And the reason why it is good news And the reason why it is good news And the reason why it is good news is this, if you're a believer is this, if you're a believer is this, if you're a believer you get to skip that part.

you get to skip that part. you get to skip that part. If you're a believer, you get to skip If you're a believer, you get to skip If you're a believer, you get to skip the great white throne judgment. That's the great white throne judgment. That's the great white throne judgment. That's good news. good news. good news. Aren't you guys excited about that? If Aren't you guys excited about that? If Aren't you guys excited about that? If you're a believer, if you have Christ in you're a believer, if you have Christ in you're a believer, if you have Christ in your heart your heart your heart you don't have to go through that you don't have to go through that you don't have to go through that judgment. judgment. judgment. Because Jesus was judged in your place. Because Jesus was judged in your place. Because Jesus was judged in your place. And the Bible tells us that it says, And the Bible tells us that it says, And the Bible tells us that it says, "There is therefore no condemn- There is "There is therefore no condemn- There is "There is therefore no condemn- There is now no condemnation for those in Christ now no condemnation for those in Christ now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus." That's good news. Jesus." That's good news. Jesus." That's good news. So we get to go to heaven. So we get to go to heaven. So we get to go to heaven. And we we didn't earn it, but we don't And we we didn't earn it, but we don't And we we didn't earn it, but we don't have to be judged because Christ was have to be judged because Christ was have to be judged because Christ was judged in our place. Your name is judged in our place. Your name is judged in our place. Your name is written in the book of life. written in the book of life. written in the book of life. But we skip over this part a lot as But we skip over this part a lot as But we skip over this part a lot as believers. There's another judgment for believers. There's another judgment for believers. There's another judgment for us. us. us. It's another judgment in heaven and it's It's another judgment in heaven and it's It's another judgment in heaven and it's a judgment for rewards. a judgment for rewards. a judgment for rewards. And the Bible calls it the judgment seat And the Bible calls it the judgment seat And the Bible calls it the judgment seat of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. And it says it right here in 2 And it says it right here in 2 And it says it right here in 2 Corinthians 5:10. Corinthians 5:10. Corinthians 5:10. For we must all appear before the For we must all appear before the For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one judgment seat of Christ that each one judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due do him for the may receive what is due do him for the may receive what is due do him for the things done while in the body whether things done while in the body whether things done while in the body whether good or bad.

good or bad. good or bad. Now the original Greek Now the original Greek Now the original Greek translated word as translated word as translated word as The original Greek word that was The original Greek word that was The original Greek word that was translated as judgment seat there is translated as judgment seat there is translated as judgment seat there is bema. bema. bema. And in ancient Greece, the bema was an And in ancient Greece, the bema was an And in ancient Greece, the bema was an elevated stone platform that was used in elevated stone platform that was used in elevated stone platform that was used in Olympic competitions in arenas. And that Olympic competitions in arenas. And that Olympic competitions in arenas. And that was where the judges and umpires sat. was where the judges and umpires sat. was where the judges and umpires sat. And then they they not only ensured that And then they they not only ensured that And then they they not only ensured that the rules were followed in the game by the rules were followed in the game by the rules were followed in the game by the competitors, but at the end of the the competitors, but at the end of the the competitors, but at the end of the event that was where they awarded prizes event that was where they awarded prizes event that was where they awarded prizes or crowns to the champions, to the or crowns to the champions, to the or crowns to the champions, to the winners. winners. winners. See, the judgment seat of Christ is See, the judgment seat of Christ is See, the judgment seat of Christ is where he will reward believers according where he will reward believers according where he will reward believers according to how they lived their one and only to how they lived their one and only to how they lived their one and only life. life. life. So, what is this judgment for rewards? So, what is this judgment for rewards? So, what is this judgment for rewards? And the Bible tells us, it says, "If And the Bible tells us, it says, "If And the Bible tells us, it says, "If you're a believer, you're going to be you're a believer, you're going to be you're a believer, you're going to be judged by what you're building." If we judged by what you're building." If we judged by what you're building." If we go back to our key passage, you're going go back to our key passage, you're going go back to our key passage, you're going to be judged by what you're building. to be judged by what you're building. to be judged by what you're building. You need to realize You need to realize You need to realize that in the split second of time you're that in the split second of time you're that in the split second of time you're here, here, here, you are constantly building something.

you are constantly building something. you are constantly building something. You're building something, whether you You're building something, whether you You're building something, whether you realize it or not. realize it or not. realize it or not. Now, the only foundation it says that Now, the only foundation it says that Now, the only foundation it says that you can build on that will last is Jesus you can build on that will last is Jesus you can build on that will last is Jesus Christ. If you're a believer, that's Christ. If you're a believer, that's Christ. If you're a believer, that's your foundation. Jesus Christ, the rock your foundation. Jesus Christ, the rock your foundation. Jesus Christ, the rock that you're building upon. that you're building upon. that you're building upon. But every day we get to choose But every day we get to choose But every day we get to choose the building materials that we use. What the building materials that we use. What the building materials that we use. What are we building with? are we building with? are we building with? And we can either build And we can either build And we can either build with sticks with sticks with sticks or bricks. or bricks. or bricks. We can build with temporary sticks or We can build with temporary sticks or We can build with temporary sticks or eternal bricks. eternal bricks. eternal bricks. Your name is in the book of life. Your name is in the book of life. Your name is in the book of life. We don't have to worry about the great We don't have to worry about the great We don't have to worry about the great white throne judgment. We can just set white throne judgment. We can just set white throne judgment. We can just set that aside if you're a believer. But if that aside if you're a believer. But if that aside if you're a believer. But if you have put your faith in Jesus, it you have put your faith in Jesus, it you have put your faith in Jesus, it really comes down to two things. really comes down to two things. really comes down to two things. Sticks or bricks. Sticks or bricks. Sticks or bricks. So, what are you building with? So, what are you building with? So, what are you building with? With every action that you take, every With every action that you take, every With every action that you take, every word that you speak, word that you speak, word that you speak, you're building. you're building. you're building. And sometimes you're building with And sometimes you're building with And sometimes you're building with temporary sticks temporary sticks temporary sticks that aren't going to last and sometimes that aren't going to last and sometimes that aren't going to last and sometimes you're building with eternal bricks. you're building with eternal bricks. you're building with eternal bricks. Eternal building materials that will Eternal building materials that will Eternal building materials that will last forever.

last forever. last forever. And the judgment seat of Christ And the judgment seat of Christ And the judgment seat of Christ is where all your bricks and all your is where all your bricks and all your is where all your bricks and all your sticks, all of it will be put together, sticks, all of it will be put together, sticks, all of it will be put together, he says. he says. he says. They're going to be mixed together They're going to be mixed together They're going to be mixed together and all the things that you did that and all the things that you did that and all the things that you did that were of eternal value were of eternal value were of eternal value and all the things that you did that and all the things that you did that and all the things that you did that were temporary were temporary were temporary uh all of it, you know, the things that uh all of it, you know, the things that uh all of it, you know, the things that the temporary things that didn't really the temporary things that didn't really the temporary things that didn't really matter here, the things that were just matter here, the things that were just matter here, the things that were just about you, uh all of that will be mixed about you, uh all of that will be mixed about you, uh all of that will be mixed together in this huge pile. All the together in this huge pile. All the together in this huge pile. All the sticks, all the bricks, and everything sticks, all the bricks, and everything sticks, all the bricks, and everything you used to build throughout your entire you used to build throughout your entire you used to build throughout your entire life will be mixed together. And then it life will be mixed together. And then it life will be mixed together. And then it says on the day of judgment God is going says on the day of judgment God is going says on the day of judgment God is going to light a match to it. to light a match to it. to light a match to it. And and you're going to see what's And and you're going to see what's And and you're going to see what's combustible and what's fireproof. combustible and what's fireproof. combustible and what's fireproof. Everything that you did that was just Everything that you did that was just Everything that you did that was just about you, everything that you did that about you, everything that you did that about you, everything that you did that was selfish, everything temporary, was selfish, everything temporary, was selfish, everything temporary, that's going to burn away. that's going to burn away. that's going to burn away. It's going to go up in smoke. It's going to go up in smoke. It's going to go up in smoke. And the only things that's going to be And the only things that's going to be And the only things that's going to be left left left are things that mattered for eternity. are things that mattered for eternity. are things that mattered for eternity. Uh look again at what it says in 1 Uh look again at what it says in 1 Uh look again at what it says in 1 Corinthians 3:15. Corinthians 3:15. Corinthians 3:15. But the work is burned up, the builder But the work is burned up, the builder But the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will will suffer great loss. The builder will will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely be saved, but like someone barely be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

escaping through a wall of flames. escaping through a wall of flames. I mean, this verse is basically saying I mean, this verse is basically saying I mean, this verse is basically saying that some Christians who live in that some Christians who live in that some Christians who live in mansions here on this earth mansions here on this earth mansions here on this earth are going to have a one-bedroom condo in are going to have a one-bedroom condo in are going to have a one-bedroom condo in heaven. heaven. heaven. That's basically what it's saying. That's basically what it's saying. That's basically what it's saying. They'll be saved because of Christ's They'll be saved because of Christ's They'll be saved because of Christ's forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. They're not getting into heaven because They're not getting into heaven because They're not getting into heaven because of anything they've done or didn't do. of anything they've done or didn't do. of anything they've done or didn't do. It's just I put my faith in Jesus. It's just I put my faith in Jesus. It's just I put my faith in Jesus. That's it. The only way. That's it. The only way. That's it. The only way. But they're going to miss out on the But they're going to miss out on the But they're going to miss out on the eternal rewards eternal rewards eternal rewards that a good God wants them to have. that a good God wants them to have. that a good God wants them to have. And my prayer and my deepest desire for And my prayer and my deepest desire for And my prayer and my deepest desire for this message today is that you'll be this message today is that you'll be this message today is that you'll be ready and I'll be ready for the eternity ready and I'll be ready for the eternity ready and I'll be ready for the eternity test, the test of fire. test, the test of fire. test, the test of fire. So that what we're building with our So that what we're building with our So that what we're building with our lives won't go up in smoke, but it will lives won't go up in smoke, but it will lives won't go up in smoke, but it will last forever. last forever. last forever. And so my message today is all about And so my message today is all about And so my message today is all about getting us ready for that eternity test. getting us ready for that eternity test. getting us ready for that eternity test. So how do I get ready for the eternity So how do I get ready for the eternity So how do I get ready for the eternity test? test? test? Well, first I have to examine my heart. Well, first I have to examine my heart. Well, first I have to examine my heart. I have to examine my heart. The Bible I have to examine my heart. The Bible I have to examine my heart. The Bible says, "For where your treasure is, there says, "For where your treasure is, there says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

your heart will be also." your heart will be also." So if I'm going to invest in heaven, So if I'm going to invest in heaven, So if I'm going to invest in heaven, I got to have a heart for heaven. I got to have a heart for heaven. I got to have a heart for heaven. I need to have a heart for what God God I need to have a heart for what God God I need to have a heart for what God God has a heart for. It's a heart issue. I has a heart for. It's a heart issue. I has a heart for. It's a heart issue. I have to value what God says is valuable, have to value what God says is valuable, have to value what God says is valuable, not what the world says is valuable. If not what the world says is valuable. If not what the world says is valuable. If I'm going to invest in heaven, I have to I'm going to invest in heaven, I have to I'm going to invest in heaven, I have to have a heart for heaven. I have to have have a heart for heaven. I have to have have a heart for heaven. I have to have a heart for people. That's what God a heart for people. That's what God a heart for people. That's what God cares about. Remember, he wants everyone cares about. Remember, he wants everyone cares about. Remember, he wants everyone to go to heaven. to go to heaven. to go to heaven. So what is my heart like? So what is my heart like? So what is my heart like? Now, the wood, hay, and the straws, Now, the wood, hay, and the straws, Now, the wood, hay, and the straws, those are sticks. They They They those are sticks. They They They those are sticks. They They They represent temporary things. You know, represent temporary things. You know, represent temporary things. You know, almost everything on this earth is almost everything on this earth is almost everything on this earth is temporary. You know, our possessions, temporary. You know, our possessions, temporary. You know, our possessions, our jobs, our careers, our hobbies and our jobs, our careers, our hobbies and our jobs, our careers, our hobbies and interests, interests, interests, our even our minds and our bodies, our even our minds and our bodies, our even our minds and our bodies, you know, that we have here on this you know, that we have here on this you know, that we have here on this earth, they're temporary. They're just earth, they're temporary. They're just earth, they're temporary. They're just wood and straw. They're sticks. They wood and straw. They're sticks. They wood and straw. They're sticks. They were never meant to last and they're not were never meant to last and they're not were never meant to last and they're not going to. going to. going to. Now, sticks in this context seem really Now, sticks in this context seem really Now, sticks in this context seem really negative. negative. negative. But just because they don't last doesn't But just because they don't last doesn't But just because they don't last doesn't mean that they're bad.

mean that they're bad. mean that they're bad. It's okay to have sticks. It's okay to have sticks. It's okay to have sticks. God made sticks, and he made them for God made sticks, and he made them for God made sticks, and he made them for our good and for our enjoyment and for our good and for our enjoyment and for our good and for our enjoyment and for his glory. his glory. his glory. Have you ever Maybe this is a guy thing, Have you ever Maybe this is a guy thing, Have you ever Maybe this is a guy thing, but have you ever like gone for a walk but have you ever like gone for a walk but have you ever like gone for a walk or a hike and you stop and go, "Whoa. or a hike and you stop and go, "Whoa. or a hike and you stop and go, "Whoa. That's a good stick." That's a good stick." That's a good stick." And you pick it up like, "Dude. And you pick it up like, "Dude. And you pick it up like, "Dude. Oh, yeah." Oh, yeah." Oh, yeah." No, I I Looked like a good stick and it No, I I Looked like a good stick and it No, I I Looked like a good stick and it is. I picked it up. Sometimes it's a is. I picked it up. Sometimes it's a is. I picked it up. Sometimes it's a walking stick. It's a wizard staff. It's walking stick. It's a wizard staff. It's walking stick. It's a wizard staff. It's a sword. It's something like, "Oh, a sword. It's something like, "Oh, a sword. It's something like, "Oh, that's a cool stick." that's a cool stick." that's a cool stick." You know, like You know, like You know, like Well, the If you If that describes you, Well, the If you If that describes you, Well, the If you If that describes you, you are not alone because a few years you are not alone because a few years you are not alone because a few years ago some friends in Utah had a group ago some friends in Utah had a group ago some friends in Utah had a group texting thread and they would go hiking texting thread and they would go hiking texting thread and they would go hiking and they would just text each other's and they would just text each other's and they would just text each other's stick like, "Bro, check out this stick. stick like, "Bro, check out this stick. stick like, "Bro, check out this stick. It's pretty cool." It's pretty cool." It's pretty cool." And they would be like, "Yeah, that's And they would be like, "Yeah, that's And they would be like, "Yeah, that's like an eight out of 10. That's a good like an eight out of 10. That's a good like an eight out of 10. That's a good stick." And they They would They would stick." And they They would They would stick." And they They would They would They laughed about it and you know what? They laughed about it and you know what? They laughed about it and you know what? We should start an Instagram page called We should start an Instagram page called We should start an Instagram page called Stick Reviews. Stick Reviews. Stick Reviews. I bet we're not the only ones. I bet I bet we're not the only ones. I bet I bet we're not the only ones. I bet there's other people who are like us. It there's other people who are like us. It there's other people who are like us. It turns out they were right. And now it's turns out they were right. And now it's turns out they were right. And now it's gone viral. They were just on Jimmy gone viral. They were just on Jimmy gone viral. They were just on Jimmy Fallon about a few weeks ago. Fallon about a few weeks ago. Fallon about a few weeks ago. And And they rated Jimmy Fallon brought And And they rated Jimmy Fallon brought And And they rated Jimmy Fallon brought a stick that he found out and I was a stick that he found out and I was a stick that he found out and I was like, "Oh, good. What do you think of like, "Oh, good. What do you think of like, "Oh, good. What do you think of it?" And they rated it. But it's turned it?" And they rated it. But it's turned it?" And they rated it. But it's turned into this whole thing where people into this whole thing where people into this whole thing where people submit their videos and they go, "Hey, submit their videos and they go, "Hey, submit their videos and they go, "Hey, Stick Nation. This is my stick. It's Stick Nation. This is my stick. It's Stick Nation. This is my stick. It's pretty cool. Tell me what you think."

pretty cool. Tell me what you think." pretty cool. Tell me what you think." And it's like It's hilarious. It's And it's like It's hilarious. It's And it's like It's hilarious. It's amazing. So, just check this out. This amazing. So, just check this out. This amazing. So, just check this out. This is just a compilation of some. is just a compilation of some. is just a compilation of some. >> Hello, Stick Nation. I'm calling from >> Hello, Stick Nation. I'm calling from >> Hello, Stick Nation. I'm calling from Uppsala in Sweden and I want to show Uppsala in Sweden and I want to show Uppsala in Sweden and I want to show this amazing stick that I found. Look at this amazing stick that I found. Look at this amazing stick that I found. Look at this. this. this. Look at this big crown here. Look at this big crown here. Look at this big crown here. >> What is up, Stick Nation? This is my >> What is up, Stick Nation? This is my >> What is up, Stick Nation? This is my official submission. official submission. official submission. This stick was growing through a fence. This stick was growing through a fence. This stick was growing through a fence. You can see its great at casting. This You can see its great at casting. This You can see its great at casting. This is a wizard type stick. is a wizard type stick. is a wizard type stick. >> What's up, Stick Nation? I just found a >> What's up, Stick Nation? I just found a >> What's up, Stick Nation? I just found a beautiful piece of art. Looks like a beautiful piece of art. Looks like a beautiful piece of art. Looks like a beautiful sword. beautiful sword. beautiful sword. Love it. Love it. Love it. >> Hi, Stick Nation. This is my stick I >> Hi, Stick Nation. This is my stick I >> Hi, Stick Nation. This is my stick I found. It's a short found. It's a short found. It's a short stick stick stick and it has these and it has these and it has these like kind of comes to there. like kind of comes to there. like kind of comes to there. Feed it. Feed it. Feed it. >> Hello, Stick Nation. >> Hello, Stick Nation. >> Hello, Stick Nation. I'm Eric. I'm from the Philippines and I I'm Eric. I'm from the Philippines and I I'm Eric. I'm from the Philippines and I just found this just found this just found this uh wonderful sword, but I don't know uh wonderful sword, but I don't know uh wonderful sword, but I don't know what to call it. So, what to call it. So, what to call it. So, uh if you have any suggestions, uh if you have any suggestions, uh if you have any suggestions, please comment down below.

please comment down below. please comment down below. >> Hey, Stick Nation. This is my stick. >> Hey, Stick Nation. This is my stick. >> Hey, Stick Nation. This is my stick. Uh it looks kind of like a gun to me. Uh it looks kind of like a gun to me. Uh it looks kind of like a gun to me. >> Isn't that amazing? That video has 20 >> Isn't that amazing? That video has 20 >> Isn't that amazing? That video has 20 million views. million views. million views. Isn't that hilarious? I love that Stick Isn't that hilarious? I love that Stick Isn't that hilarious? I love that Stick Nation. Nation. Nation. And as silly and as fun as that is, I And as silly and as fun as that is, I And as silly and as fun as that is, I mean, that really describes all of us, mean, that really describes all of us, mean, that really describes all of us, right? Because when it comes down to right? Because when it comes down to right? Because when it comes down to what we are most proud of in life, what what we are most proud of in life, what what we are most proud of in life, what we most want to show the world, our we most want to show the world, our we most want to show the world, our careers, our accomplishments, our careers, our accomplishments, our careers, our accomplishments, our possessions, our successes, possessions, our successes, possessions, our successes, in light of eternity, we might as well in light of eternity, we might as well in light of eternity, we might as well just be making posts on Stick Nation. just be making posts on Stick Nation. just be making posts on Stick Nation. That's all they are. That's all they are. That's all they are. And now you need some sticks on this And now you need some sticks on this And now you need some sticks on this earth. God has entrusted us with earth. God has entrusted us with earth. God has entrusted us with some pretty cool sticks. It's okay to some pretty cool sticks. It's okay to some pretty cool sticks. It's okay to have sticks. In fact, some of you have have sticks. In fact, some of you have have sticks. In fact, some of you have saved your sticks for years so that you saved your sticks for years so that you saved your sticks for years so that you could build your dream home. You worked could build your dream home. You worked could build your dream home. You worked hard. Some of you have taken your sticks hard. Some of you have taken your sticks hard. Some of you have taken your sticks and put them in the bank or invested and put them in the bank or invested and put them in the bank or invested them. And you've set aside sticks for them. And you've set aside sticks for them. And you've set aside sticks for retirement or to put your kids through retirement or to put your kids through retirement or to put your kids through college, which is amazing. And with college, which is amazing. And with college, which is amazing. And with inflation the way it is, some of you are inflation the way it is, some of you are inflation the way it is, some of you are looking at your paycheck and just looking at your paycheck and just looking at your paycheck and just praying like, "God, praying like, "God, praying like, "God, I need more sticks.

I need more sticks. I need more sticks. I don't know what to do. My stick today I don't know what to do. My stick today I don't know what to do. My stick today is only worth 77% of a stick from 2020, is only worth 77% of a stick from 2020, is only worth 77% of a stick from 2020, and I don't know what's going to and I don't know what's going to and I don't know what's going to happen." happen." happen." You know, it's not that sticks are bad. You know, it's not that sticks are bad. You know, it's not that sticks are bad. They're not in and of themselves. It all They're not in and of themselves. It all They're not in and of themselves. It all depends on what you do with them. depends on what you do with them. depends on what you do with them. And the judgment seat of Christ, that's And the judgment seat of Christ, that's And the judgment seat of Christ, that's where we're going to be judged where we're going to be judged where we're going to be judged on what we did with the sticks that God on what we did with the sticks that God on what we did with the sticks that God entrusted to us. What did we do with the entrusted to us. What did we do with the entrusted to us. What did we do with the resources, time, talents, and resources, time, talents, and resources, time, talents, and opportunities that he entrusted us with? opportunities that he entrusted us with? opportunities that he entrusted us with? Now, whether you have a trillion sticks Now, whether you have a trillion sticks Now, whether you have a trillion sticks or just one, he's going to ask you what or just one, he's going to ask you what or just one, he's going to ask you what you did with them. you did with them. you did with them. Did you use them to build something Did you use them to build something Did you use them to build something eternal? eternal? eternal? The Bible says that the word of God and The Bible says that the word of God and The Bible says that the word of God and the souls of men and women will live on the souls of men and women will live on the souls of men and women will live on forever in eternity. forever in eternity. forever in eternity. So, anytime you do anything to invest So, anytime you do anything to invest So, anytime you do anything to invest your life into someone else, when you your life into someone else, when you your life into someone else, when you choose to be the hands and feet of Jesus choose to be the hands and feet of Jesus choose to be the hands and feet of Jesus to someone, when you invest your life in to someone, when you invest your life in to someone, when you invest your life in someone else because God has a heart for someone else because God has a heart for someone else because God has a heart for them, and you value what he values, them, and you value what he values, them, and you value what he values, then what you're doing is you're then what you're doing is you're then what you're doing is you're building with bricks. You're building building with bricks. You're building building with bricks. You're building with costly stones, silver, and gold. with costly stones, silver, and gold. with costly stones, silver, and gold. That's what you're doing.

That's what you're doing. That's what you're doing. You're building something that's going You're building something that's going You're building something that's going to last forever. I mean, this building to last forever. I mean, this building to last forever. I mean, this building is a great example of something that's is a great example of something that's is a great example of something that's not going to last. not going to last. not going to last. It looks permanent. It's nice. We're so It looks permanent. It's nice. We're so It looks permanent. It's nice. We're so grateful for it. We're grateful we have grateful for it. We're grateful we have grateful for it. We're grateful we have an air-conditioned place to meet an air-conditioned place to meet an air-conditioned place to meet here in Houston. here in Houston. here in Houston. But, a thousand years from now, every But, a thousand years from now, every But, a thousand years from now, every brick in this building will have brick in this building will have brick in this building will have crumbled to dust because it's just crumbled to dust because it's just crumbled to dust because it's just sticks. sticks. sticks. That's it. That's it. That's it. But, there will be thousands of people But, there will be thousands of people But, there will be thousands of people alive in heaven for all eternity because alive in heaven for all eternity because alive in heaven for all eternity because of what we're doing here in these of what we're doing here in these of what we're doing here in these buildings. buildings. buildings. That's what I get excited about. That's That's what I get excited about. That's That's what I get excited about. That's what it's all about. what it's all about. what it's all about. You see, church is not a building. You see, church is not a building. You see, church is not a building. Church is people. And we're making a Church is people. And we're making a Church is people. And we're making a difference for eternity. It's the things difference for eternity. It's the things difference for eternity. It's the things that look so temporary that look so temporary that look so temporary and the things that you can't see and the things that you can't see and the things that you can't see that last forever. that last forever. that last forever. We have to realize We have to realize We have to realize that most of the things that we strive that most of the things that we strive that most of the things that we strive for in this life are just not going to for in this life are just not going to for in this life are just not going to last. last. last. They're sticks. They're nice. They're They're sticks. They're nice. They're They're sticks. They're nice. They're fine. They're great, but they're sticks. fine. They're great, but they're sticks. fine. They're great, but they're sticks. They won't last. They won't last. They won't last. And the things that look permanent are And the things that look permanent are And the things that look permanent are temporary. And the things that we can't temporary. And the things that we can't temporary. And the things that we can't see last forever. And it's actually see last forever. And it's actually see last forever. And it's actually pretty easy to quickly determine pretty easy to quickly determine pretty easy to quickly determine if I'm building something that will last if I'm building something that will last if I'm building something that will last or if I'm just playing with sticks.

or if I'm just playing with sticks. or if I'm just playing with sticks. I just have to look at two things: how I I just have to look at two things: how I I just have to look at two things: how I spend my time and how I spend my money. spend my time and how I spend my money. spend my time and how I spend my money. That's it. That's it. That's it. How I spend my time and how I spend my How I spend my time and how I spend my How I spend my time and how I spend my money. It doesn't matter what I say I money. It doesn't matter what I say I money. It doesn't matter what I say I love. It doesn't matter what emotions I love. It doesn't matter what emotions I love. It doesn't matter what emotions I have or have or have or how strongly I feel them. how strongly I feel them. how strongly I feel them. All that matters is how you spend your All that matters is how you spend your All that matters is how you spend your time and how you spend your money. That time and how you spend your money. That time and how you spend your money. That shows you what you love. shows you what you love. shows you what you love. That shows you where your heart is. The Bible says it. If your treasure is The Bible says it. If your treasure is in sticks, that's where you're going to in sticks, that's where you're going to in sticks, that's where you're going to spend all your time and your money and spend all your time and your money and spend all your time and your money and your energy. your energy. your energy. And that's when you start to see people And that's when you start to see people And that's when you start to see people get really possessive of their sticks. get really possessive of their sticks. get really possessive of their sticks. You know, they say, "Don't touch my You know, they say, "Don't touch my You know, they say, "Don't touch my sticks. These are my sticks." They grab sticks. These are my sticks." They grab sticks. These are my sticks." They grab them. They hold them close. They're so them. They hold them close. They're so them. They hold them close. They're so proud of them. proud of them. proud of them. You know, and and and they have their You know, and and and they have their You know, and and and they have their sticks, and maybe there's sticks, and maybe there's sticks, and maybe there's stick gets scratched in the parking lot stick gets scratched in the parking lot stick gets scratched in the parking lot because they drive a cyber stick, you because they drive a cyber stick, you because they drive a cyber stick, you know, and they're get so mad about it. know, and they're get so mad about it. know, and they're get so mad about it. And and it ruins their day. And and it ruins their day. And and it ruins their day. They take care of their sticks. They They take care of their sticks. They They take care of their sticks. They insure their sticks. They polish their insure their sticks. They polish their insure their sticks. They polish their sticks. They're constantly checking sticks. They're constantly checking sticks. They're constantly checking their sticks. Their sticks going up or their sticks. Their sticks going up or their sticks. Their sticks going up or down. What what's going on? And they down. What what's going on? And they down. What what's going on? And they won't want to give away any of their won't want to give away any of their won't want to give away any of their sticks because these are my sticks. Stay sticks because these are my sticks. Stay sticks because these are my sticks. Stay away from them.

away from them. away from them. I worked hard to get these sticks. I worked hard to get these sticks. I worked hard to get these sticks. And then one day they will die, and And then one day they will die, and And then one day they will die, and they're going to give away all their they're going to give away all their they're going to give away all their sticks. sticks. sticks. That's it. That's it. That's it. They're everything Yeah, see, they're They're everything Yeah, see, they're They're everything Yeah, see, they're worthless. That's all that they are. worthless. That's all that they are. worthless. That's all that they are. They're somebody else's sticks that now They're somebody else's sticks that now They're somebody else's sticks that now they're ours, and one day they're going they're ours, and one day they're going they're ours, and one day they're going to be somebody else's. When we die, we to be somebody else's. When we die, we to be somebody else's. When we die, we you know, we're going to pass our sticks you know, we're going to pass our sticks you know, we're going to pass our sticks to our kids, and they'll fight over our to our kids, and they'll fight over our to our kids, and they'll fight over our sticks. sticks. sticks. That's all that's going to happen. That's all that's going to happen. That's all that's going to happen. God says it's okay to have sticks, but God says it's okay to have sticks, but God says it's okay to have sticks, but life isn't about sticks, okay? Don't get life isn't about sticks, okay? Don't get life isn't about sticks, okay? Don't get TOO ATTACHED TO YOUR STICKS. DON'T HOLD TOO ATTACHED TO YOUR STICKS. DON'T HOLD TOO ATTACHED TO YOUR STICKS. DON'T HOLD ON TOO TIGHTLY because those sticks ON TOO TIGHTLY because those sticks ON TOO TIGHTLY because those sticks because they're just temporary. They're because they're just temporary. They're because they're just temporary. They're temporary. And that's where so many temporary. And that's where so many temporary. And that's where so many Christians miss out on the eternal Christians miss out on the eternal Christians miss out on the eternal rewards that a good God wants to bless rewards that a good God wants to bless rewards that a good God wants to bless them with. them with. them with. They get confused, and they think that They get confused, and they think that They get confused, and they think that sticks are the end game. sticks are the end game. sticks are the end game. We get angry with God. We get angry with God. We get angry with God. When something happens, and God, WHY DID When something happens, and God, WHY DID When something happens, and God, WHY DID YOU TAKE AWAY MY STICKS? YOU TAKE AWAY MY STICKS? YOU TAKE AWAY MY STICKS? And God said, "It was never about the And God said, "It was never about the And God said, "It was never about the sticks. I already told you. sticks. I already told you. sticks. I already told you. They're not going to last. They're not going to last. They're not going to last. They're going to burn away. They're They're going to burn away. They're They're going to burn away. They're temporary. temporary. temporary. I want your heart to be set on eternal I want your heart to be set on eternal I want your heart to be set on eternal treasure, not temporary blessings.

If we could just see all of our If we could just see all of our temporary treasure in this life for what temporary treasure in this life for what temporary treasure in this life for what it truly is, it truly is, it truly is, worthless sticks, worthless sticks, worthless sticks, then we wouldn't hesitate to be generous then we wouldn't hesitate to be generous then we wouldn't hesitate to be generous when we saw someone in need. I could when we saw someone in need. I could when we saw someone in need. I could just give away a stick. Here you go. just give away a stick. Here you go. just give away a stick. Here you go. I tried to not throw it at your face. Um I tried to not throw it at your face. Um I tried to not throw it at your face. Um you know, we wouldn't let the stresses you know, we wouldn't let the stresses you know, we wouldn't let the stresses of work of work of work keep us from connection with our keep us from connection with our keep us from connection with our families. We'd be able to say, "God, you families. We'd be able to say, "God, you families. We'd be able to say, "God, you know, I care about this job. You know, know, I care about this job. You know, know, I care about this job. You know, I'm passionate about it, but you know, I'm passionate about it, but you know, I'm passionate about it, but you know, I'm stressed right now, but you know I'm stressed right now, but you know I'm stressed right now, but you know what? what? what? It's just sticks. It's just sticks. It's just sticks. I'm going to trust you with it. You're I'm going to trust you with it. You're I'm going to trust you with it. You're going to take care of me and my family. going to take care of me and my family. going to take care of me and my family. You're going to take care of this. You're going to take care of this. You're going to take care of this. I'm not going to let this keep me from I'm not going to let this keep me from I'm not going to let this keep me from eternal treasure. And I could be able to eternal treasure. And I could be able to eternal treasure. And I could be able to give someone else a stick. Don't worry, give someone else a stick. Don't worry, give someone else a stick. Don't worry, this one's kind of big. I'll throw it this one's kind of big. I'll throw it this one's kind of big. I'll throw it back there. There you go. I didn't want back there. There you go. I didn't want back there. There you go. I didn't want to hit Gosh, I'm bad at this. And tithing wouldn't be And tithing wouldn't be such a struggle because we could just be such a struggle because we could just be such a struggle because we could just be like, like, like, "Okay, God, "Okay, God, "Okay, God, I got 10 sticks and you only want one? I got 10 sticks and you only want one? I got 10 sticks and you only want one? Okay. I mean, they're just sticks. Okay. I mean, they're just sticks. Okay. I mean, they're just sticks. And they're your sticks anyway. You gave And they're your sticks anyway. You gave And they're your sticks anyway. You gave me all of them. So, if you only want one me all of them. So, if you only want one me all of them. So, if you only want one back, sure. Okay, here you go.

back, sure. Okay, here you go. back, sure. Okay, here you go. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> There's plenty more where that came >> There's plenty more where that came >> There's plenty more where that came from. from. from. And you say you'll meet my needs. So, if And you say you'll meet my needs. So, if And you say you'll meet my needs. So, if I need more I I'm assuming you'll give I need more I I'm assuming you'll give I need more I I'm assuming you'll give me more sticks. You're going to I trust me more sticks. You're going to I trust me more sticks. You're going to I trust you. I trust what your word says is you. I trust what your word says is you. I trust what your word says is true. true. true. You know why it's so easy to give these You know why it's so easy to give these You know why it's so easy to give these away? Because they're worthless. Because they're worthless. I don't want to ever see these sticks I don't want to ever see these sticks I don't want to ever see these sticks again. I don't care if I do. again. I don't care if I do. again. I don't care if I do. I just picked them up today. Someone I just picked them up today. Someone I just picked them up today. Someone thought I was doing maintenance outside. thought I was doing maintenance outside. thought I was doing maintenance outside. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And compared to the eternal rewards God >> And compared to the eternal rewards God >> And compared to the eternal rewards God has for you, the temporary is worthless. has for you, the temporary is worthless. has for you, the temporary is worthless. It's worthless. It's worthless. It's worthless. That's why the Apostle Paul said he That's why the Apostle Paul said he That's why the Apostle Paul said he considered everything else garbage considered everything else garbage considered everything else garbage compared to the surpassing greatness of compared to the surpassing greatness of compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. And if we could just see every temporary And if we could just see every temporary And if we could just see every temporary treasure that we hold so closely to in treasure that we hold so closely to in treasure that we hold so closely to in this life for what it is, garbage, it this life for what it is, garbage, it this life for what it is, garbage, it would be easy. It would be easy. We would be easy. It would be easy. We would be easy. It would be easy. We wouldn't lose hope wouldn't lose hope wouldn't lose hope when when when the doctor gives us an unfavorable the doctor gives us an unfavorable the doctor gives us an unfavorable diagnosis. diagnosis. diagnosis. You know, we would say, "God, you know You know, we would say, "God, you know You know, we would say, "God, you know what? You know I'm afraid. You know I'm what? You know I'm afraid. You know I'm what? You know I'm afraid. You know I'm scared. And you know I don't even scared. And you know I don't even scared. And you know I don't even understand. But you know what?

understand. But you know what? understand. But you know what? I trust you when you say you're the I trust you when you say you're the I trust you when you say you're the ultimate physician, but I also trust you ultimate physician, but I also trust you ultimate physician, but I also trust you when you say this body, this stick, it's when you say this body, this stick, it's when you say this body, this stick, it's temporary. I know you have the power to temporary. I know you have the power to temporary. I know you have the power to heal, but I couldn't take this with me heal, but I couldn't take this with me heal, but I couldn't take this with me anyway. anyway. anyway. I I you. I I you. I I you. It was always supposed to be temporary It was always supposed to be temporary It was always supposed to be temporary and it was never meant to last. and it was never meant to last. and it was never meant to last. That was a little more forceful. My joy is not dependent on the condition My joy is not dependent on the condition of this stick. of this stick. of this stick. You know, God cares about our bodies. He You know, God cares about our bodies. He You know, God cares about our bodies. He cares about our needs. And the Bible cares about our needs. And the Bible cares about our needs. And the Bible says that he will meet our needs, but says that he will meet our needs, but says that he will meet our needs, but it's so hard to trust him, isn't it? it's so hard to trust him, isn't it? it's so hard to trust him, isn't it? It's hard. It's hard. It's hard. You know why? It's because we find You know why? It's because we find You know why? It's because we find comfort in the temporary. comfort in the temporary. comfort in the temporary. We we We we We we want immediate relief from our pain. want immediate relief from our pain. want immediate relief from our pain. We want to be distracted from We want to be distracted from We want to be distracted from difficulty, and so we start trusting in difficulty, and so we start trusting in difficulty, and so we start trusting in our sticks our sticks our sticks instead of the one who gave them to us instead of the one who gave them to us instead of the one who gave them to us in the first place. And and we say, "Look, I may not know And and we say, "Look, I may not know anything else that's going on in this anything else that's going on in this anything else that's going on in this life. I don't know may not know anything life. I don't know may not know anything life. I don't know may not know anything else going on in this world. I'm not else going on in this world. I'm not else going on in this world. I'm not certain of anything, but what's right in certain of anything, but what's right in certain of anything, but what's right in front of me. And what's right in front front of me. And what's right in front front of me. And what's right in front of me are my sticks. These are my of me are my sticks. These are my of me are my sticks. These are my sticks.

sticks. sticks. I may not have control of anything else, I may not have control of anything else, I may not have control of anything else, but I have control of my sticks. These but I have control of my sticks. These but I have control of my sticks. These are mine. They're mine, and I'm not are mine. They're mine, and I'm not are mine. They're mine, and I'm not letting go." letting go." letting go." God gave you the sticks, but he never God gave you the sticks, but he never God gave you the sticks, but he never intended you to build with them. intended you to build with them. intended you to build with them. That's the greatest mistake that we make That's the greatest mistake that we make That's the greatest mistake that we make as Christ followers. God never intended as Christ followers. God never intended as Christ followers. God never intended for you to build with sticks because he for you to build with sticks because he for you to build with sticks because he knows that there's a day of judgment knows that there's a day of judgment knows that there's a day of judgment coming when all that is temporary will coming when all that is temporary will coming when all that is temporary will burn away. burn away. burn away. And he wants you to spend your one and And he wants you to spend your one and And he wants you to spend your one and only life here on this earth building only life here on this earth building only life here on this earth building something that will last. something that will last. something that will last. Something that matters. Something that matters. Something that matters. So, if he gave you sticks, So, if he gave you sticks, So, if he gave you sticks, what does he want you to do with them? He wants you to exchange them. That's He wants you to exchange them. That's what he wants you to do with them. what he wants you to do with them. what he wants you to do with them. He wants you to exchange them. First, I He wants you to exchange them. First, I He wants you to exchange them. First, I examine my heart, and then I exchange my examine my heart, and then I exchange my examine my heart, and then I exchange my sticks for bricks. I exchange the sticks for bricks. I exchange the sticks for bricks. I exchange the temporary temporary temporary for the eternal. It's the greatest for the eternal. It's the greatest for the eternal. It's the greatest investment opportunity of all time. It's investment opportunity of all time. It's investment opportunity of all time. It's better than trading literal sticks better than trading literal sticks better than trading literal sticks for SpaceX stock. for SpaceX stock. for SpaceX stock. It's great.

It's great. It's great. You spend all your temporary resources, You spend all your temporary resources, You spend all your temporary resources, your time, your effort, your energy, the your time, your effort, your energy, the your time, your effort, your energy, the things that you can't take with you things that you can't take with you things that you can't take with you anyway, anyway, anyway, and you build the eternal. You exchange and you build the eternal. You exchange and you build the eternal. You exchange it for something that will last. And it it for something that will last. And it it for something that will last. And it is your responsibility as a Christ is your responsibility as a Christ is your responsibility as a Christ follower to exchange your sticks for follower to exchange your sticks for follower to exchange your sticks for bricks. bricks. bricks. And And we exchange our sticks for And And we exchange our sticks for And And we exchange our sticks for bricks when we use those temporary bricks when we use those temporary bricks when we use those temporary resources to build eternal treasure. You resources to build eternal treasure. You resources to build eternal treasure. You can't take it with you, but you can send can't take it with you, but you can send can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead. it on ahead. it on ahead. We need some sticks on this earth, but We need some sticks on this earth, but We need some sticks on this earth, but you can't use them in heaven. So, the you can't use them in heaven. So, the you can't use them in heaven. So, the goal is to take the sticks we have and goal is to take the sticks we have and goal is to take the sticks we have and exchange them for something that will exchange them for something that will exchange them for something that will last. last. last. In 1871, In 1871, In 1871, a fire broke out in Chicago, Illinois, a fire broke out in Chicago, Illinois, a fire broke out in Chicago, Illinois, and it burned over 3 square miles of the and it burned over 3 square miles of the and it burned over 3 square miles of the city. city. city. It It destroyed more than 17,000 It It destroyed more than 17,000 It It destroyed more than 17,000 structures and buildings, structures and buildings, structures and buildings, and it killed over 300 people. It was and it killed over 300 people. It was and it killed over 300 people. It was one of the worst fires in US history. one of the worst fires in US history. one of the worst fires in US history. And it left 100,000 people homeless, And it left 100,000 people homeless, And it left 100,000 people homeless, which is a huge portion of the city. which is a huge portion of the city. which is a huge portion of the city. Now, at the time of the Great Chicago Now, at the time of the Great Chicago Now, at the time of the Great Chicago Fire, as it came to be known, Fire, as it came to be known, Fire, as it came to be known, most of the buildings were made of wood.

most of the buildings were made of wood. most of the buildings were made of wood. They were made of wood. So, when it came They were made of wood. So, when it came They were made of wood. So, when it came time to rebuild, time to rebuild, time to rebuild, people weren't too keen on spending all people weren't too keen on spending all people weren't too keen on spending all their effort into rebuilding more their effort into rebuilding more their effort into rebuilding more kindling for a bigger fire. kindling for a bigger fire. kindling for a bigger fire. So, what did they do? They ended up So, what did they do? They ended up So, what did they do? They ended up using modeled clay from the bed of the using modeled clay from the bed of the using modeled clay from the bed of the Chicago River. Chicago River. Chicago River. They started to make these bricks. This They started to make these bricks. This They started to make these bricks. This is an old Chicago brick is what it's is an old Chicago brick is what it's is an old Chicago brick is what it's called. And to this day, they're still called. And to this day, they're still called. And to this day, they're still highly sought after because of their highly sought after because of their highly sought after because of their unique texture and their character. unique texture and their character. unique texture and their character. They're not making any more of them. They're not making any more of them. They're not making any more of them. And they get re-salvaged and used, and And they get re-salvaged and used, and And they get re-salvaged and used, and they're used in new builds to this day they're used in new builds to this day they're used in new builds to this day all around the country. all around the country. all around the country. A hundred years later, these these A hundred years later, these these A hundred years later, these these bricks are still here. bricks are still here. bricks are still here. You see, God You see, God You see, God wants you to build with bricks because wants you to build with bricks because wants you to build with bricks because the fire is coming. the fire is coming. the fire is coming. He doesn't want you to miss out. The He doesn't want you to miss out. The He doesn't want you to miss out. The goal is to exchange our earthly sticks goal is to exchange our earthly sticks goal is to exchange our earthly sticks into eternal treasure. into eternal treasure. into eternal treasure. And what we do with our sticks in this And what we do with our sticks in this And what we do with our sticks in this little dot of time here on earth little dot of time here on earth little dot of time here on earth determines everything that we have for determines everything that we have for determines everything that we have for eternity. eternity. eternity. But again, it's But again, it's But again, it's excuse [clears throat] me, it's hard, excuse [clears throat] me, it's hard, excuse [clears throat] me, it's hard, right?

right? right? Because so often everything here on Because so often everything here on Because so often everything here on earth that is truly eternal earth that is truly eternal earth that is truly eternal seems cheap and temporary. seems cheap and temporary. seems cheap and temporary. It's hard to see things for what they It's hard to see things for what they It's hard to see things for what they truly are. Pursuing the eternal, it can truly are. Pursuing the eternal, it can truly are. Pursuing the eternal, it can feel like you're just running in feel like you're just running in feel like you're just running in circles. circles. circles. I mean, right? I mean, right? I mean, right? Especially okay, if you're a parent and Especially okay, if you're a parent and Especially okay, if you're a parent and you have kids at home, you know what I'm you have kids at home, you know what I'm you have kids at home, you know what I'm talking about, right? talking about, right? talking about, right? Everything, every act or effort of Everything, every act or effort of Everything, every act or effort of parenting parenting parenting so often it just feels so temporary and so often it just feels so temporary and so often it just feels so temporary and ineffective. ineffective. ineffective. If you have kids in grade school or If you have kids in grade school or If you have kids in grade school or preschool like me, preschool like me, preschool like me, it's like everything you do during the it's like everything you do during the it's like everything you do during the day gets completely and done undone by day gets completely and done undone by day gets completely and done undone by the end of the day. You wash the dishes the end of the day. You wash the dishes the end of the day. You wash the dishes and they're immediately dirty again. You and they're immediately dirty again. You and they're immediately dirty again. You do the laundry and pick up the house and do the laundry and pick up the house and do the laundry and pick up the house and it's trashed and you didn't even see it's trashed and you didn't even see it's trashed and you didn't even see them come in the door. them come in the door. them come in the door. You buy new clothes and then they just You buy new clothes and then they just You buy new clothes and then they just immediately get stained with some immediately get stained with some immediately get stained with some unknown substance and then best case unknown substance and then best case unknown substance and then best case scenario though, they can wear them for scenario though, they can wear them for scenario though, they can wear them for a week and then they're too small. a week and then they're too small. a week and then they're too small. And so And so And so it's just everything seems so pointless.

it's just everything seems so pointless. it's just everything seems so pointless. You you do your best to discipline them, You you do your best to discipline them, You you do your best to discipline them, to to to raise them, to teach them the right raise them, to teach them the right raise them, to teach them the right values and you spend all your time okay, values and you spend all your time okay, values and you spend all your time okay, I want you to get this and you're like, I want you to get this and you're like, I want you to get this and you're like, yeah, okay, I did a good job and they go yeah, okay, I did a good job and they go yeah, okay, I did a good job and they go up and they just slap another kid and up and they just slap another kid and up and they just slap another kid and you go, well, you go, well, you go, well, I'll try again tomorrow. I'll try again tomorrow. I'll try again tomorrow. They didn't comprehend a word you just They didn't comprehend a word you just They didn't comprehend a word you just said. said. said. My My My my four-year-old son, I mean, he already my four-year-old son, I mean, he already my four-year-old son, I mean, he already eats so much. I don't even know where it eats so much. I don't even know where it eats so much. I don't even know where it goes. It's crazy. It's like he just goes. It's crazy. It's like he just goes. It's crazy. It's like he just burns so much energy. It's he's like an burns so much energy. It's he's like an burns so much energy. It's he's like an original, you know, Hummer that gets original, you know, Hummer that gets original, you know, Hummer that gets like 10 to 12 miles per gallon on the like 10 to 12 miles per gallon on the like 10 to 12 miles per gallon on the highway. You know what I mean? It's like highway. You know what I mean? It's like highway. You know what I mean? It's like I don't know if there's anything to show I don't know if there's anything to show I don't know if there's anything to show for this investment that we're making in for this investment that we're making in for this investment that we're making in groceries right now. I open my fridge groceries right now. I open my fridge groceries right now. I open my fridge like we just got groceries two days ago. like we just got groceries two days ago. like we just got groceries two days ago. What is going on? What is going on? What is going on? And three beautiful daughters, they're And three beautiful daughters, they're And three beautiful daughters, they're beautiful because they take after their beautiful because they take after their beautiful because they take after their mom, are also very dramatic because they mom, are also very dramatic because they mom, are also very dramatic because they take after me. take after me. take after me. And And And and I can only imagine how the teenage and I can only imagine how the teenage and I can only imagine how the teenage years will go. years will go. years will go. Right? You know, and if you have Right? You know, and if you have Right? You know, and if you have teenagers, I know there's a few of you teenagers, I know there's a few of you teenagers, I know there's a few of you I'm thinking of right now, it's like not I'm thinking of right now, it's like not I'm thinking of right now, it's like not only am I praying for you, but hey, in a only am I praying for you, but hey, in a only am I praying for you, but hey, in a few years I'm going to be coming to you few years I'm going to be coming to you few years I'm going to be coming to you for parenting advice, for prayer, for parenting advice, for prayer, for parenting advice, for prayer, you know, for therapy, all of it.

And I especially want to say a word to And I especially want to say a word to you if you're a parent of a child with you if you're a parent of a child with you if you're a parent of a child with special needs. special needs. special needs. This world may not see it, This world may not see it, This world may not see it, but your child's growth and development but your child's growth and development but your child's growth and development is no less important than anyone else's. is no less important than anyone else's. is no less important than anyone else's. Your child's place in our community and Your child's place in our community and Your child's place in our community and in our church family is no less in our church family is no less in our church family is no less important than anyone else's. important than anyone else's. important than anyone else's. And your child's relationship with the And your child's relationship with the And your child's relationship with the Lord Lord Lord is no less important than yours or mine. is no less important than yours or mine. is no less important than yours or mine. The Lord wants you to know that he sees The Lord wants you to know that he sees The Lord wants you to know that he sees every difficulty and sacrifice you make every difficulty and sacrifice you make every difficulty and sacrifice you make as a parent that goes unrecognized. as a parent that goes unrecognized. as a parent that goes unrecognized. He sees every time that you're judged He sees every time that you're judged He sees every time that you're judged and misunderstood by people who think and misunderstood by people who think and misunderstood by people who think they know better. they know better. they know better. And when it feels like you're not making And when it feels like you're not making And when it feels like you're not making any progress, but you get up and you any progress, but you get up and you any progress, but you get up and you keep going because you're just trusting keep going because you're just trusting keep going because you're just trusting on what God says is true, you see the on what God says is true, you see the on what God says is true, you see the value in your child and and you see value in your child and and you see value in your child and and you see value sometimes when an outsider might value sometimes when an outsider might value sometimes when an outsider might just see temporary, just see temporary, just see temporary, I want you to know that you will be I want you to know that you will be I want you to know that you will be richly rewarded. richly rewarded. richly rewarded. You are building something eternal that You are building something eternal that You are building something eternal that will last. It doesn't feel like will last. It doesn't feel like will last. It doesn't feel like but you're building eternal treasure but you're building eternal treasure but you're building eternal treasure because when you invest in the life of because when you invest in the life of because when you invest in the life of your child, the Bible says that when you your child, the Bible says that when you your child, the Bible says that when you give even a cup of cold water to a give even a cup of cold water to a give even a cup of cold water to a little one, it will not go unrewarded.

little one, it will not go unrewarded. little one, it will not go unrewarded. And I think about what you do as a And I think about what you do as a And I think about what you do as a parent. parent. parent. You will be richly rewarded. You will be richly rewarded. You will be richly rewarded. You're investing in the eternal. You're You're investing in the eternal. You're You're investing in the eternal. You're investing into what God cares about, investing into what God cares about, investing into what God cares about, people. people. people. And even though it looks like everything And even though it looks like everything And even though it looks like everything you did is undone by the end of the day, you did is undone by the end of the day, you did is undone by the end of the day, and it all seems so temporary, just know and it all seems so temporary, just know and it all seems so temporary, just know that it's eternal. That's why I love that it's eternal. That's why I love that it's eternal. That's why I love you, Woodlands Church. You're a church you, Woodlands Church. You're a church you, Woodlands Church. You're a church that cares about the eternal. that cares about the eternal. that cares about the eternal. And I And And I And And I And if you do have a child with special if you do have a child with special if you do have a child with special needs, needs, needs, I just I mean, I have to shout out our I just I mean, I have to shout out our I just I mean, I have to shout out our Embrace Ministry because I love them so Embrace Ministry because I love them so Embrace Ministry because I love them so much. We have a whole ministry just for much. We have a whole ministry just for much. We have a whole ministry just for them. them. them. And we have a service designed just for And we have a service designed just for And we have a service designed just for them. We have um resources and a place them. We have um resources and a place them. We have um resources and a place to designed just for them because we to designed just for them because we to designed just for them because we want to invest in the eternal here at want to invest in the eternal here at want to invest in the eternal here at Woodlands Church. Woodlands Church. Woodlands Church. And we know what's valuable. Our church And we know what's valuable. Our church And we know what's valuable. Our church Our church family is not whole if your Our church family is not whole if your Our church family is not whole if your child is not here. child is not here. child is not here. We believe that with our whole hearts We believe that with our whole hearts We believe that with our whole hearts because that's what God says. because that's what God says. because that's what God says. And like you, we are learning and we are And like you, we are learning and we are And like you, we are learning and we are growing every day, but our lives are so growing every day, but our lives are so growing every day, but our lives are so much richer because that we get to share much richer because that we get to share much richer because that we get to share them with you and your child. So, don't them with you and your child. So, don't them with you and your child. So, don't let the enemy use any excuse to keep you let the enemy use any excuse to keep you let the enemy use any excuse to keep you from connection.

from connection. from connection. And don't deny us the blessing And don't deny us the blessing And don't deny us the blessing of your child. You're showing us how it's done. You're showing us how it's done. You're exchanging the temporary for the You're exchanging the temporary for the You're exchanging the temporary for the eternal. eternal. eternal. I love that about you, church. I love that about you, church. I love that about you, church. And really, I In God's word, he says, And really, I In God's word, he says, And really, I In God's word, he says, "We can turn anything "We can turn anything "We can turn anything any stick into a brick." any stick into a brick." any stick into a brick." God's word tells us that. You just look God's word tells us that. You just look God's word tells us that. You just look at Colossians 3:23. He says, He says, "Whatever work you do, do it with all "Whatever work you do, do it with all "Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not your heart. Do it for the Lord and not your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men. Remember that you will get your for men. Remember that you will get your for men. Remember that you will get your reward from the Lord. He will give you reward from the Lord. He will give you reward from the Lord. He will give you what you should receive. You are working what you should receive. You are working what you should receive. You are working for the Lord Christ." for the Lord Christ." for the Lord Christ." I love that. He's saying, I love that. He's saying, I love that. He's saying, "All the temporary stuff cuz sometimes "All the temporary stuff cuz sometimes "All the temporary stuff cuz sometimes it is more apparent, but there's so much it is more apparent, but there's so much it is more apparent, but there's so much It's like, no, you can You do whatever It's like, no, you can You do whatever It's like, no, you can You do whatever it is in your life, you do it for the it is in your life, you do it for the it is in your life, you do it for the glory of God." glory of God." glory of God." And you're storing up treasures in And you're storing up treasures in And you're storing up treasures in heaven. You are. heaven. You are. heaven. You are. He just tells us that right there. I He just tells us that right there. I He just tells us that right there. I mean, do it for God's glory. If you like mean, do it for God's glory. If you like mean, do it for God's glory. If you like golf, golf, golf, like, take your golf clubs and turn like, take your golf clubs and turn like, take your golf clubs and turn those sticks into bricks. You can do those sticks into bricks. You can do those sticks into bricks. You can do that.

that. that. You know, invite a friend, a co-worker. You know, invite a friend, a co-worker. You know, invite a friend, a co-worker. Start investing into their life. Invite Start investing into their life. Invite Start investing into their life. Invite them to church or or your life group. them to church or or your life group. them to church or or your life group. You know, let them know how much God You know, let them know how much God You know, let them know how much God loves them. Be intentional with what loves them. Be intentional with what loves them. Be intentional with what time you have. I mean, I don't know if time you have. I mean, I don't know if time you have. I mean, I don't know if there's golf in heaven, but you won't be there's golf in heaven, but you won't be there's golf in heaven, but you won't be taking the clubs you have, you might as taking the clubs you have, you might as taking the clubs you have, you might as well turn them into bricks. There's so many opportunities for this, There's so many opportunities for this, and we're so blind to it. Whatever you and we're so blind to it. Whatever you and we're so blind to it. Whatever you do, you can do it for God's glory. You do, you can do it for God's glory. You do, you can do it for God's glory. You can start by honoring God with your can start by honoring God with your can start by honoring God with your time. time. time. You know, just give them the first part You know, just give them the first part You know, just give them the first part of your day. It doesn't have to be of your day. It doesn't have to be of your day. It doesn't have to be complicated. Start every morning with a complicated. Start every morning with a complicated. Start every morning with a short prayer. short prayer. short prayer. Just a short prayer. God, I've got so Just a short prayer. God, I've got so Just a short prayer. God, I've got so many hours today. many hours today. many hours today. You know what my schedule is like. You know what my schedule is like. You know what my schedule is like. I don't want to waste my time on the I don't want to waste my time on the I don't want to waste my time on the temporary. temporary. temporary. Let me be sensitive to your Holy Spirit Let me be sensitive to your Holy Spirit Let me be sensitive to your Holy Spirit today. today. today. Give me wisdom to prioritize the most Give me wisdom to prioritize the most Give me wisdom to prioritize the most important over what seems urgent. Lord, important over what seems urgent. Lord, important over what seems urgent. Lord, I just want to honor you. Help me I just want to honor you. Help me I just want to honor you. Help me exchange the temporary for the eternal. exchange the temporary for the eternal. exchange the temporary for the eternal. That's it. That's it. That's it. You will be shocked at how much the Lord You will be shocked at how much the Lord You will be shocked at how much the Lord will just the Holy Spirit will bring to will just the Holy Spirit will bring to will just the Holy Spirit will bring to mind different opportunities mind different opportunities mind different opportunities throughout the day.

throughout the day. throughout the day. When we just When we just When we just focus on just listing and that's why we focus on just listing and that's why we focus on just listing and that's why we even do the verse wallpapers. Nothing even do the verse wallpapers. Nothing even do the verse wallpapers. Nothing special about that, but like I said, special about that, but like I said, special about that, but like I said, we're easily distracted. It's not we're easily distracted. It's not we're easily distracted. It's not complicated. It's just Man, I'll I'll complicated. It's just Man, I'll I'll complicated. It's just Man, I'll I'll use any opportunity I have to make God's use any opportunity I have to make God's use any opportunity I have to make God's word the main thing in my life. word the main thing in my life. word the main thing in my life. Cuz I know my inclination is to look at Cuz I know my inclination is to look at Cuz I know my inclination is to look at anything else. anything else. anything else. I don't want to be distracted. I don't want to be distracted. I don't want to be distracted. I want to keep my eyes fixed on the I want to keep my eyes fixed on the I want to keep my eyes fixed on the prize. And you got to make prayer a priority in And you got to make prayer a priority in your home. That's another way. You know, your home. That's another way. You know, your home. That's another way. You know, prioritize your time with your kids and prioritize your time with your kids and prioritize your time with your kids and praying together. Prioritize time with praying together. Prioritize time with praying together. Prioritize time with your kids and your spouse as well your kids and your spouse as well your kids and your spouse as well because because because God called you to serve them. He called God called you to serve them. He called God called you to serve them. He called you to serve them. And because you to serve them. And because you to serve them. And because you want them to know you want them to know you want them to know what's valuable in this life. what's valuable in this life. what's valuable in this life. You want your kids to know the You want your kids to know the You want your kids to know the difference between eternal treasure and difference between eternal treasure and difference between eternal treasure and temporary trash. temporary trash. temporary trash. And And if you think And And if you think And And if you think that that that you know you you If you think that you know you you If you think that you know you you If you think that you've prioritized it right and you're you've prioritized it right and you're you've prioritized it right and you're doing it right, your kids will tell you. doing it right, your kids will tell you. doing it right, your kids will tell you. They know. They see. Even when you think They know. They see. Even when you think They know. They see. Even when you think that you do got it right, even when you that you do got it right, even when you that you do got it right, even when you think that you're at man, I'm God, I'm think that you're at man, I'm God, I'm think that you're at man, I'm God, I'm really pursuing you. They know what really pursuing you. They know what really pursuing you. They know what you're really spending your time on.

you're really spending your time on. you're really spending your time on. They know if you're really on your phone They know if you're really on your phone They know if you're really on your phone all the time, if you're distracted, if all the time, if you're distracted, if all the time, if you're distracted, if you always say just give me a minute. you always say just give me a minute. you always say just give me a minute. I'm speaking because I've been convicted I'm speaking because I've been convicted I'm speaking because I've been convicted of that lately. Okay, just give me a of that lately. Okay, just give me a of that lately. Okay, just give me a minute. Hold on a second. minute. Hold on a second. minute. Hold on a second. I'm just throwing away valuable time. I'm just throwing away valuable time. I'm just throwing away valuable time. God doesn't want you to do that. He God doesn't want you to do that. He God doesn't want you to do that. He wants you to be intentional. wants you to be intentional. wants you to be intentional. The stage of life that you're in seems The stage of life that you're in seems The stage of life that you're in seems like it's going to last forever, but like it's going to last forever, but like it's going to last forever, but it's not. It's temporary. Don't waste it's not. It's temporary. Don't waste it's not. It's temporary. Don't waste it. it. it. One day the kids will be moved out of One day the kids will be moved out of One day the kids will be moved out of the house, the house will be quiet, and the house, the house will be quiet, and the house, the house will be quiet, and God wants you to be grateful that you God wants you to be grateful that you God wants you to be grateful that you exchange those temporary sticks for exchange those temporary sticks for exchange those temporary sticks for eternal treasure. eternal treasure. eternal treasure. That that time when your family lived That that time when your family lived That that time when your family lived under one roof, you didn't waste it. You under one roof, you didn't waste it. You under one roof, you didn't waste it. You enjoyed every minute of it, and you made enjoyed every minute of it, and you made enjoyed every minute of it, and you made the most of it, and you exchanged it for the most of it, and you exchanged it for the most of it, and you exchanged it for eternal treasure because you invested in eternal treasure because you invested in eternal treasure because you invested in their lives because the souls of men and their lives because the souls of men and their lives because the souls of men and women will last forever. women will last forever. women will last forever. Be grateful. Be grateful. Be grateful. Be grateful. Our gratitude exchanges the Be grateful. Our gratitude exchanges the Be grateful. Our gratitude exchanges the temporary for the eternal. I mean, it's temporary for the eternal. I mean, it's temporary for the eternal. I mean, it's so easy to focus on the sticks that we so easy to focus on the sticks that we so easy to focus on the sticks that we don't have, but when we start thanking don't have, but when we start thanking don't have, but when we start thanking God God God for the ones that we do, it turns them for the ones that we do, it turns them for the ones that we do, it turns them into bricks.

into bricks. into bricks. Some of you need a journal, and every Some of you need a journal, and every Some of you need a journal, and every time you open it up, just start by time you open it up, just start by time you open it up, just start by saying, "God, I thank you for this." saying, "God, I thank you for this." saying, "God, I thank you for this." Just start listing down all the things Just start listing down all the things Just start listing down all the things that you're grateful for, that you're that you're grateful for, that you're that you're grateful for, that you're thankful for. Just thank God for every thankful for. Just thank God for every thankful for. Just thank God for every good thing in your life. good thing in your life. good thing in your life. Because when you're grateful, Because when you're grateful, Because when you're grateful, you'll focus on what you do have, and if you'll focus on what you do have, and if you'll focus on what you do have, and if you're not grateful, you're just going you're not grateful, you're just going you're not grateful, you're just going to focus to focus to focus on all the things you don't have, and on all the things you don't have, and on all the things you don't have, and you're going to miss out on the you're going to miss out on the you're going to miss out on the blessings and the opportunities that you blessings and the opportunities that you blessings and the opportunities that you do. And that's one of the reasons why we And that's one of the reasons why we give here at Woodland Hills Church. We give here at Woodland Hills Church. We give here at Woodland Hills Church. We give out of gratitude. That's why we give out of gratitude. That's why we give out of gratitude. That's why we give. That's why we tithe. We do it out give. That's why we tithe. We do it out give. That's why we tithe. We do it out of gratitude. of gratitude. of gratitude. Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole tithe into my storehouse, that there may tithe into my storehouse, that there may tithe into my storehouse, that there may be food in my house." be food in my house." be food in my house." The word tithe literally means a tenth. The word tithe literally means a tenth. The word tithe literally means a tenth. So, So, So, a tithe is 1/10 of what I make. a tithe is 1/10 of what I make. a tithe is 1/10 of what I make. If I make a hundred sticks, if I get 100 If I make a hundred sticks, if I get 100 If I make a hundred sticks, if I get 100 sticks, I give God 10. sticks, I give God 10. sticks, I give God 10. If I get 1,000 sticks, I give God back If I get 1,000 sticks, I give God back If I get 1,000 sticks, I give God back the first 100. the first 100. the first 100. I can't trust God with the eternal if I I can't trust God with the eternal if I I can't trust God with the eternal if I can't trust him with the temporary.

can't trust him with the temporary. can't trust him with the temporary. I can't. I can't. I can't. That's what tithing is all about. It's That's what tithing is all about. It's That's what tithing is all about. It's an act of worship. God doesn't need my an act of worship. God doesn't need my an act of worship. God doesn't need my money. money. money. It's just sticks, but he wants what it It's just sticks, but he wants what it It's just sticks, but he wants what it represents, my heart. represents, my heart. represents, my heart. See, if God's not first place in my See, if God's not first place in my See, if God's not first place in my money, he's not first place in my life. money, he's not first place in my life. money, he's not first place in my life. He knows that finances are such an He knows that finances are such an He knows that finances are such an important part of our lives, and he important part of our lives, and he important part of our lives, and he doesn't want temporary sticks to doesn't want temporary sticks to doesn't want temporary sticks to displace eternal treasure in our heart. displace eternal treasure in our heart. displace eternal treasure in our heart. He doesn't want money having a foothold He doesn't want money having a foothold He doesn't want money having a foothold on our eternal hearts. on our eternal hearts. on our eternal hearts. God doesn't need my money, but he wants God doesn't need my money, but he wants God doesn't need my money, but he wants what it represents. He wants your heart. what it represents. He wants your heart. what it represents. He wants your heart. And that's why he says we're to give. And that's why he says we're to give. And that's why he says we're to give. And maybe you have never tithed. And maybe you have never tithed. And maybe you have never tithed. Or maybe you stopped tithing. Or maybe you stopped tithing. Or maybe you stopped tithing. Maybe you're hearing this and you're Maybe you're hearing this and you're Maybe you're hearing this and you're thinking, "Look, we just can't give thinking, "Look, we just can't give thinking, "Look, we just can't give right now. It's right now. It's right now. It's Or I would love to tithe, but right now Or I would love to tithe, but right now Or I would love to tithe, but right now I'm just going to give my time. I'm just going to give my time. I'm just going to give my time. I can volunteer. I can volunteer. I can volunteer. Or I'm I'm planning on it. I just need Or I'm I'm planning on it. I just need Or I'm I'm planning on it. I just need to see what's left over at the end of to see what's left over at the end of to see what's left over at the end of the month. Hold on.

the month. Hold on. the month. Hold on. I just want to tell you, hear my heart, I just want to tell you, hear my heart, I just want to tell you, hear my heart, you're missing it. You're missing it. you're missing it. You're missing it. you're missing it. You're missing it. Can't take any of it with you. None of Can't take any of it with you. None of Can't take any of it with you. None of us can. us can. us can. And if we can't trust God with the And if we can't trust God with the And if we can't trust God with the temporary, how can we trust him with the temporary, how can we trust him with the temporary, how can we trust him with the eternal? Do we actually believe what he eternal? Do we actually believe what he eternal? Do we actually believe what he says is true? He's not asking you to says is true? He's not asking you to says is true? He's not asking you to give something you don't have. He's not give something you don't have. He's not give something you don't have. He's not asking you to give sticks you don't asking you to give sticks you don't asking you to give sticks you don't have. He's asking for a fraction of what have. He's asking for a fraction of what have. He's asking for a fraction of what you do. you do. you do. He doesn't need your money, He doesn't need your money, He doesn't need your money, but he does want you to build something but he does want you to build something but he does want you to build something that lasts. that lasts. that lasts. He wants to reward you. The Bible tells He wants to reward you. The Bible tells He wants to reward you. The Bible tells us that God isn't going to is not going us that God isn't going to is not going us that God isn't going to is not going to hold us accountable to hold us accountable to hold us accountable for the sticks that he didn't give us, for the sticks that he didn't give us, for the sticks that he didn't give us, but he is going to hold us accountable but he is going to hold us accountable but he is going to hold us accountable for the ones that he did. for the ones that he did. for the ones that he did. What did you do with your one and only What did you do with your one and only What did you do with your one and only life? life? life? Did you exchange those sticks, those Did you exchange those sticks, those Did you exchange those sticks, those opportunities, possessions, your time, opportunities, possessions, your time, opportunities, possessions, your time, your talent, your treasure? Did you your talent, your treasure? Did you your talent, your treasure? Did you exchange that for eternal bricks? exchange that for eternal bricks? exchange that for eternal bricks? And some of you may be hearing me and And some of you may be hearing me and And some of you may be hearing me and thinking, "Look, I didn't have many thinking, "Look, I didn't have many thinking, "Look, I didn't have many sticks to begin with, okay?"

sticks to begin with, okay?" sticks to begin with, okay?" I mean, some of you are hearing me and I mean, some of you are hearing me and I mean, some of you are hearing me and you worked hard for every stick you you worked hard for every stick you you worked hard for every stick you have. have. have. You didn't have certain opportunities You didn't have certain opportunities You didn't have certain opportunities that your peers did. that your peers did. that your peers did. And some of you have faced challenges or And some of you have faced challenges or And some of you have faced challenges or trauma trauma trauma that we in this room could never that we in this room could never that we in this room could never understand or comprehend. understand or comprehend. understand or comprehend. And maybe you suffer from a disability And maybe you suffer from a disability And maybe you suffer from a disability or an illness or an injury. or an illness or an injury. or an illness or an injury. You didn't You don't need me to tell you You didn't You don't need me to tell you You didn't You don't need me to tell you that life is hard and unfair. that life is hard and unfair. that life is hard and unfair. You never planned on declaring You never planned on declaring You never planned on declaring bankruptcy. bankruptcy. bankruptcy. You never wanted the divorce. You didn't plan on having that surgery. You didn't plan on having that surgery. But life happens. But life happens. But life happens. Life is hard and it's unfair. Life is hard and it's unfair. Life is hard and it's unfair. But friends, it is temporary. But friends, it is temporary. But friends, it is temporary. It's temporary. It's temporary. It's temporary. It's a dot on the timeline, a split It's a dot on the timeline, a split It's a dot on the timeline, a split second. That's it. second. That's it. second. That's it. How many sticks you have in this life is How many sticks you have in this life is How many sticks you have in this life is not a reflection of God's love for you.

not a reflection of God's love for you. not a reflection of God's love for you. He doesn't love you any more or any less He doesn't love you any more or any less He doesn't love you any more or any less based on how many sticks you have or based on how many sticks you have or based on how many sticks you have or even what you do do with them. But no even what you do do with them. But no even what you do do with them. But no matter what, how much or little you have matter what, how much or little you have matter what, how much or little you have on this earth, when you get to heaven, on this earth, when you get to heaven, on this earth, when you get to heaven, he's going to ask you, "What did you do he's going to ask you, "What did you do he's going to ask you, "What did you do with them?" Because he wants to reward with them?" Because he wants to reward with them?" Because he wants to reward you. It determines your reward. you. It determines your reward. you. It determines your reward. I mean, just look at this story I mean, just look at this story I mean, just look at this story in Mark. in Mark. in Mark. It's the story of the poor widow's It's the story of the poor widow's It's the story of the poor widow's offering. It's Mark 12:41 offering. It's Mark 12:41 offering. It's Mark 12:41 through 44. Jesus sat down opposite the through 44. Jesus sat down opposite the through 44. Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put, and place where the offerings were put, and place where the offerings were put, and this is the temple, the place of worship this is the temple, the place of worship this is the temple, the place of worship at the time. And watched the crowd at the time. And watched the crowd at the time. And watched the crowd putting their money into the temple putting their money into the temple putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in treasury. Many rich people threw in treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. large amounts. large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two But a poor widow came and put in two But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins worth only a few very small copper coins worth only a few very small copper coins worth only a few cents. cents. cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus Calling his disciples to him, Jesus Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, said, "Truly I tell you, said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the this poor widow has put more into the this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. treasury than all the others. treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but They all gave out of their wealth, but They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in she, out of her poverty, put in she, out of her poverty, put in everything, all she had to live on." You know what really struck me about You know what really struck me about that passage?

that passage? that passage? Jesus goes on to say this woman will be Jesus goes on to say this woman will be Jesus goes on to say this woman will be richly rewarded. richly rewarded. richly rewarded. And what struck me about it was he And what struck me about it was he And what struck me about it was he didn't say that she would be richly didn't say that she would be richly didn't say that she would be richly rewarded because of how nice she was to rewarded because of how nice she was to rewarded because of how nice she was to everybody. everybody. everybody. He He didn't say it because she was He He didn't say it because she was He He didn't say it because she was volunteering her time in the temple. volunteering her time in the temple. volunteering her time in the temple. Jesus said it because she gave. Jesus said it because she gave. Jesus said it because she gave. And And more than just tithe, she gave And And more than just tithe, she gave And And more than just tithe, she gave all he had when anyone else, including all he had when anyone else, including all he had when anyone else, including me, would probably say, "Look, I have I me, would probably say, "Look, I have I me, would probably say, "Look, I have I literally have too little to give. literally have too little to give. literally have too little to give. It's not an option for me." She It's not an option for me." She It's not an option for me." She She gave all that she had because she She gave all that she had because she She gave all that she had because she went all in on the best investment you went all in on the best investment you went all in on the best investment you could ever make. could ever make. could ever make. God doesn't want the temporary to God doesn't want the temporary to God doesn't want the temporary to displace the eternal in your heart. displace the eternal in your heart. displace the eternal in your heart. It's not about how many sticks you have It's not about how many sticks you have It's not about how many sticks you have or don't have, it's about what you do or don't have, it's about what you do or don't have, it's about what you do with them because that's what shows with them because that's what shows with them because that's what shows what's in your heart. That woman had a what's in your heart. That woman had a what's in your heart. That woman had a lot of faith in Jesus. She had a lot of faith that that God She had a lot of faith that that God would take care of her. If you can't trust God with just 1/10 of If you can't trust God with just 1/10 of your sticks, how can you trust him with your sticks, how can you trust him with your sticks, how can you trust him with anything?

anything? anything? The Bible tells us that our giving is an The Bible tells us that our giving is an The Bible tells us that our giving is an act of worship, but it's also an act of act of worship, but it's also an act of act of worship, but it's also an act of wisdom. wisdom. wisdom. It's an act of wisdom. When I give God It's an act of wisdom. When I give God It's an act of wisdom. When I give God the first stick back, I'm saying, the first stick back, I'm saying, the first stick back, I'm saying, "Look, God, I believe that heaven's "Look, God, I believe that heaven's "Look, God, I believe that heaven's real. real. real. I really do believe that in a hundred I really do believe that in a hundred I really do believe that in a hundred million years from now, million years from now, million years from now, I'll be in heaven. I believe that. I'll be in heaven. I believe that. I'll be in heaven. I believe that. And when you tell me I can exchange And when you tell me I can exchange And when you tell me I can exchange temporary sticks for eternal bricks, I temporary sticks for eternal bricks, I temporary sticks for eternal bricks, I believe you. Doesn't mean it's easy, believe you. Doesn't mean it's easy, believe you. Doesn't mean it's easy, but I trust you, God. I'm I'm staking my but I trust you, God. I'm I'm staking my but I trust you, God. I'm I'm staking my life on this. life on this. life on this. It It's foolish not to tithe because It It's foolish not to tithe because It It's foolish not to tithe because it's basically saying, "Look, it's basically saying, "Look, it's basically saying, "Look, I don't want to think about eternity. I don't want to think about eternity. I don't want to think about eternity. All I know and all I believe in right All I know and all I believe in right All I know and all I believe in right now is what's in front of me right now. now is what's in front of me right now. now is what's in front of me right now. I'm going to hold on to my stakes cuz I'm going to hold on to my stakes cuz I'm going to hold on to my stakes cuz that's all that I see. that's all that I see. that's all that I see. I'm not sure what's going to happen I'm not sure what's going to happen I'm not sure what's going to happen next. next. next. And I'm going to hold on to what I have And I'm going to hold on to what I have And I'm going to hold on to what I have as if I can take it with me, and you as if I can take it with me, and you as if I can take it with me, and you can't. can't. can't. It's foolish not to invest in eternity. And it's foolish to miss out on the And it's foolish to miss out on the rewards that a good God wants to give us rewards that a good God wants to give us rewards that a good God wants to give us in heaven in heaven in heaven by missing out on the opportunities we by missing out on the opportunities we by missing out on the opportunities we have here on this earth.

have here on this earth. have here on this earth. I mean, do you believe what God says is I mean, do you believe what God says is I mean, do you believe what God says is true? true? true? Do you believe it? Do you believe it? Do you believe it? In Malachi 3:10, In Malachi 3:10, In Malachi 3:10, he says, he says, he says, "Test me in this," "Test me in this," "Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of will not throw open the floodgates of will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing heaven and pour out so much blessing heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for that you will not have room enough for that you will not have room enough for it." it." it." He says it right there. He'll meet your He says it right there. He'll meet your He says it right there. He'll meet your needs. needs. needs. He'll meet your needs. He'll meet your needs. He'll meet your needs. Do you believe him? Do you believe him? Do you believe him? He's going to take care of you. Do you He's going to take care of you. Do you He's going to take care of you. Do you believe him? And I'll be honest, from believe him? And I'll be honest, from believe him? And I'll be honest, from personal experience, I have struggled personal experience, I have struggled personal experience, I have struggled with that verse before. with that verse before. with that verse before. I have struggled with it. God, are you I have struggled with it. God, are you I have struggled with it. God, are you really going to meet your needs? Maybe really going to meet your needs? Maybe really going to meet your needs? Maybe I'm misunderstanding this. I'm misunderstanding this. I'm misunderstanding this. Cuz Cuz Cuz I feel like I'm waiting right now. I feel like I'm waiting right now. I feel like I'm waiting right now. I feel like I'm waiting. I feel like I'm waiting. I feel like I'm waiting. But what I can't deny is that every time But what I can't deny is that every time But what I can't deny is that every time I've done it anyway, I've done it anyway, I've done it anyway, God has shown up and he has met my needs God has shown up and he has met my needs God has shown up and he has met my needs in unexpected ways. in unexpected ways. in unexpected ways. I thought I needed something and he I thought I needed something and he I thought I needed something and he turned it around. It turns out I needed turned it around. It turns out I needed turned it around. It turns out I needed something completely different, and I something completely different, and I something completely different, and I would have missed it. I would have would have missed it. I would have would have missed it. I would have missed it entirely if I didn't trust missed it entirely if I didn't trust missed it entirely if I didn't trust him. He has goodness for you here. He's him. He has goodness for you here. He's him. He has goodness for you here. He's going to meet your needs here. He wants going to meet your needs here. He wants going to meet your needs here. He wants you to know that you can trust him with you to know that you can trust him with you to know that you can trust him with your one and only life. He wants you to your one and only life. He wants you to your one and only life. He wants you to know you can trust him with the know you can trust him with the know you can trust him with the temporary.

Cuz he wants you to be ready for that Cuz he wants you to be ready for that eternal test. eternal test. eternal test. Do you believe him? Do you believe him? Do you believe him? Hebrews 11:6 Hebrews 11:6 Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith, it is says, "And without faith, it is says, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God. Because anyone impossible to please God. Because anyone impossible to please God. Because anyone who comes to him must believe that he who comes to him must believe that he who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who exists and that he rewards those who exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." earnestly seek him." earnestly seek him." Did you get that? Did you get that? Did you get that? Anyone that comes to him must believe Anyone that comes to him must believe Anyone that comes to him must believe that he exists, first of all, that he exists, first of all, that he exists, first of all, and that he rewards those who earnestly and that he rewards those who earnestly and that he rewards those who earnestly [music] [music] [music] seek him. seek him. seek him. Do you really believe that when you obey Do you really believe that when you obey Do you really believe that when you obey God, you're storing up treasures in God, you're storing up treasures in God, you're storing up treasures in heaven? heaven? heaven? Do you really believe Do you really believe Do you really believe that he's going to take care of you here that he's going to take care of you here that he's going to take care of you here on earth? on earth? on earth? It really comes down to, do I believe It really comes down to, do I believe It really comes down to, do I believe what God says is true? Do I believe it? Comes down to faith. Do Do I believe it? Comes down to faith. Do I trust that what he says is true? I trust that what he says is true? I trust that what he says is true? That's faith. It says without faith That's faith. It says without faith That's faith. It says without faith right there, it's impossible to please right there, it's impossible to please right there, it's impossible to please God. So, when I express my faith, I'm So, when I express my faith, I'm exchanging my sticks and I'm turning exchanging my sticks and I'm turning exchanging my sticks and I'm turning them into bricks. them into bricks. them into bricks. It's not It's not It's not faith is a vague concept faith is a vague concept faith is a vague concept or a spiritual comment. Faith is just or a spiritual comment. Faith is just or a spiritual comment. Faith is just means I'm going to live as if God's word means I'm going to live as if God's word means I'm going to live as if God's word is the truth. That's it.

is the truth. That's it. is the truth. That's it. Regardless of how I feel, regardless of Regardless of how I feel, regardless of Regardless of how I feel, regardless of how it looks like, I'm staking my life how it looks like, I'm staking my life how it looks like, I'm staking my life on this, my firm foundation. That's what on this, my firm foundation. That's what on this, my firm foundation. That's what I'm going to build upon. I'm going to build upon. I'm going to build upon. Do you believe what God says is true? Do you believe what God says is true? Do you believe what God says is true? Our faith is expressed through Our faith is expressed through Our faith is expressed through obedience. If you believe his promises, obedience. If you believe his promises, obedience. If you believe his promises, you will obey his word. you will obey his word. you will obey his word. And as we do, we'll get better at seeing And as we do, we'll get better at seeing And as we do, we'll get better at seeing this world for what it truly is, this world for what it truly is, this world for what it truly is, temporary. Temporary. temporary. Temporary. temporary. Temporary. Temporary. Maybe we should get the Temporary. Maybe we should get the Temporary. Maybe we should get the stickers and put them on every stickers and put them on every stickers and put them on every possession. possession. possession. Everything in this life, every Everything in this life, every Everything in this life, every Well, I don't know. Just that temper, Well, I don't know. Just that temper, Well, I don't know. Just that temper, remind ourselves, "No, this is remind ourselves, "No, this is remind ourselves, "No, this is temporary. This is not going to last. temporary. This is not going to last. temporary. This is not going to last. I'm not going to get upset over this. I'm not going to get upset over this. I'm not going to get upset over this. I'm not going to waste my one and only I'm not going to waste my one and only I'm not going to waste my one and only life on these sticks." And maybe you've never taken that first And maybe you've never taken that first step of obedience. Maybe you're step of obedience. Maybe you're step of obedience. Maybe you're thinking, thinking, thinking, "Josh, look, okay, I'm still kind of "Josh, look, okay, I'm still kind of "Josh, look, okay, I'm still kind of hung up on that white throne judgment hung up on that white throne judgment hung up on that white throne judgment you talked about. you talked about. you talked about. I don't know if I've ever taken that I don't know if I've ever taken that I don't know if I've ever taken that first step of faith." Well, I want you first step of faith." Well, I want you first step of faith." Well, I want you to know you can settle that today, right to know you can settle that today, right to know you can settle that today, right here and right now. here and right now. here and right now. Bow your heads with me, everyone. Bow your heads with me, everyone. Bow your heads with me, everyone. And if you've never And if you've never And if you've never taken that first step of faith, but you're ready, but you're ready, then just pray this silently in your then just pray this silently in your then just pray this silently in your heart.

I don't know, maybe sometimes I thought I don't know, maybe sometimes I thought that I didn't consciously think about what I didn't consciously think about what would happen in eternity. I didn't like would happen in eternity. I didn't like would happen in eternity. I didn't like to think about it. to think about it. to think about it. Or maybe I made a conscious decision Or maybe I made a conscious decision Or maybe I made a conscious decision that nope, I'm not doing this. I'm going that nope, I'm not doing this. I'm going that nope, I'm not doing this. I'm going my own way. But either way, Lord, right my own way. But either way, Lord, right my own way. But either way, Lord, right here, right now, here, right now, here, right now, I can't get away from the fact that I'm I can't get away from the fact that I'm I can't get away from the fact that I'm a sinner. a sinner. a sinner. I'm imperfect and I need you. I'm imperfect and I need you. I'm imperfect and I need you. And I want to build something that And I want to build something that And I want to build something that lasts. lasts. lasts. I want to live for the eternal, not the I want to live for the eternal, not the I want to live for the eternal, not the temporary. temporary. temporary. And when you say that you love me more And when you say that you love me more And when you say that you love me more than I could ever comprehend or than I could ever comprehend or than I could ever comprehend or understand, I believe you. understand, I believe you. understand, I believe you. I believe in your son, Jesus Christ. I I believe in your son, Jesus Christ. I I believe in your son, Jesus Christ. I believe that he died on the cross, that believe that he died on the cross, that believe that he died on the cross, that he took on my sin and my shame and that he took on my sin and my shame and that he took on my sin and my shame and that of the whole world. But after he died, that he rose again to But after he died, that he rose again to new life and because he took the new life and because he took the new life and because he took the punishment for my sin, I get to go into punishment for my sin, I get to go into punishment for my sin, I get to go into perfect heaven now. I get to bypass that perfect heaven now. I get to bypass that perfect heaven now. I get to bypass that white throne judgment. I get to say, "Lord, it's nothing I've done. It's only "Lord, it's nothing I've done. It's only because of what your son did." because of what your son did." because of what your son did." Now, Lord, help me.

Now, Lord, help me. Now, Lord, help me. Help me build something eternal. Help me Help me build something eternal. Help me Help me build something eternal. Help me exchange my sticks for bricks, one step exchange my sticks for bricks, one step exchange my sticks for bricks, one step at a time, one day at a time. at a time, one day at a time. at a time, one day at a time. Show me how to be more like you, Lord Show me how to be more like you, Lord Show me how to be more like you, Lord Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. In your mighty name we pray. Amen.