1 00:00:00,409 --> 00:00:02,990 Speaker 1: Hey, thanks again for being with us today. Always my 2 00:00:03,190 --> 00:00:05,360 Speaker 1: honor to be able to share God's word with you 3 00:00:05,380 --> 00:00:08,160 Speaker 1: and hopefully inspire you and encourage you. If you're enjoying 4 00:00:08,180 --> 00:00:10,280 Speaker 1: the podcast, I hope you'll share it with a friend, 5 00:00:10,460 --> 00:00:13,240 Speaker 1: pass it along. Let's inspire some other people as well, 6 00:00:13,289 --> 00:00:15,010 Speaker 1: but know that we love you. It's going to be 7 00:00:15,030 --> 00:00:19,110 Speaker 1: a blessed day for you. God bless you. It's great 8 00:00:19,150 --> 00:00:21,630 Speaker 1: to be with you today. And I hope you'll stay 9 00:00:21,670 --> 00:00:24,810 Speaker 1: connected with us during the week through our daily podcast 10 00:00:24,870 --> 00:00:28,500 Speaker 1: or YouTube channel and social media. And you can come 11 00:00:28,560 --> 00:00:30,840 Speaker 1: visit us in person. We'd love to have you be 12 00:00:30,860 --> 00:00:33,559 Speaker 1: a part of one of our services. I'd like to 13 00:00:33,580 --> 00:00:36,100 Speaker 1: start with something funny. And I heard about this church 14 00:00:36,140 --> 00:00:39,880 Speaker 1: and one Sunday morning, everything was going great until a 15 00:00:39,940 --> 00:00:43,830 Speaker 1: bolt of lightning hit the sanctuary. When the smoke cleared, 16 00:00:44,150 --> 00:00:48,380 Speaker 1: Satan himself was standing behind the podium. People panicked and 17 00:00:48,640 --> 00:00:52,059 Speaker 1: took off running as fast as they could. Everyone that 18 00:00:52,140 --> 00:00:55,100 Speaker 1: is except one lady. She sat on the front row 19 00:00:55,160 --> 00:00:59,100 Speaker 1: as calm as can be and Satan was appalled. He said, lady, 20 00:00:59,140 --> 00:01:01,660 Speaker 1: do you know who I am? She said, I sure do. 21 00:01:02,400 --> 00:01:04,720 Speaker 1: He said, well, aren't you afraid of me? She said, 22 00:01:04,780 --> 00:01:08,190 Speaker 1: not in the least bit. He said, why not? She said, 23 00:01:08,230 --> 00:01:10,429 Speaker 1: why should I be? I've been married to your brother 24 00:01:10,490 --> 00:01:15,200 Speaker 1: for 30 years. This is my Bible. I am what 25 00:01:15,240 --> 00:01:17,959 Speaker 1: it says I am. I have what it says I have. 26 00:01:18,400 --> 00:01:20,960 Speaker 1: I can do what it says I can do. Today, 27 00:01:20,980 --> 00:01:23,920 Speaker 1: I will be taught the Word of God. I boldly 28 00:01:23,980 --> 00:01:28,030 Speaker 1: confess my mind is alert. My heart is receptive. I 29 00:01:28,060 --> 00:01:32,490 Speaker 1: will never be the same. In Jesus' name. God bless you. 30 00:01:32,510 --> 00:01:36,350 Speaker 1: I want to talk to you today about the gracious 31 00:01:36,430 --> 00:01:40,290 Speaker 1: hand of God. We all face obstacles that look too 32 00:01:40,330 --> 00:01:44,830 Speaker 1: big to overcome and Dreams that seem impossible to accomplish. 33 00:01:45,430 --> 00:01:50,290 Speaker 1: Sometimes it's situations that are just complicated. In a relationship, 34 00:01:50,690 --> 00:01:54,230 Speaker 1: or health, a business. We've tried our best, but we 35 00:01:54,250 --> 00:01:57,090 Speaker 1: don't see how it could ever work out. But when 36 00:01:57,140 --> 00:02:00,500 Speaker 1: you gave your life to Christ, God put something on 37 00:02:00,560 --> 00:02:03,960 Speaker 1: you that gives you an advantage. Something that'll cause you 38 00:02:04,000 --> 00:02:08,000 Speaker 1: to stand out, to accomplish dreams that seem over your head, 39 00:02:08,560 --> 00:02:12,560 Speaker 1: to overcome problems that look permanent. The scripture calls it 40 00:02:13,000 --> 00:02:17,230 Speaker 1: the gracious hand of God. It's his favor that will 41 00:02:17,310 --> 00:02:22,290 Speaker 1: open doors you couldn't open. It's a divine empowerment where 42 00:02:22,310 --> 00:02:26,010 Speaker 1: you have the strength, the courage to overcome what should 43 00:02:26,050 --> 00:02:31,230 Speaker 1: stop you. It's supernatural provision where you have the resources, 44 00:02:31,370 --> 00:02:35,130 Speaker 1: the funding, the right people, where you defy the odds. 45 00:02:35,630 --> 00:02:38,769 Speaker 1: You go where you've never dreamed. You can look back 46 00:02:38,830 --> 00:02:42,260 Speaker 1: now and see the gracious hand of God How did 47 00:02:42,300 --> 00:02:45,340 Speaker 1: you get promoted when you weren't the next in line? 48 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:49,029 Speaker 1: You weren't the most qualified, but for some reason they 49 00:02:49,070 --> 00:02:52,810 Speaker 1: chose you. That was his gracious hand causing you to 50 00:02:52,850 --> 00:02:56,730 Speaker 1: stand out. The medical report said you wouldn't get well. 51 00:02:57,330 --> 00:03:00,460 Speaker 1: Experts said just learn to live with it. But somehow 52 00:03:00,580 --> 00:03:04,040 Speaker 1: it turned around and today you're healthy and whole. That 53 00:03:04,060 --> 00:03:08,280 Speaker 1: wasn't luck, wasn't a coincidence. It was the gracious hand 54 00:03:08,340 --> 00:03:15,210 Speaker 1: of God. Maybe there was dysfunction in your family growing up, addiction, compromise, 55 00:03:15,630 --> 00:03:19,150 Speaker 1: people taking the easy way out. That should have been you, 56 00:03:19,510 --> 00:03:24,450 Speaker 1: but you're the exception. You broke that generational limitation and 57 00:03:24,510 --> 00:03:29,310 Speaker 1: now you're blessed, successful, living a victorious life. You couldn't 58 00:03:29,350 --> 00:03:32,549 Speaker 1: do that on your own. It was the gracious hand 59 00:03:32,610 --> 00:03:37,090 Speaker 1: of God empowering you, favoring you, making ways where you 60 00:03:37,130 --> 00:03:40,680 Speaker 1: didn't see a way. When you understand that you have 61 00:03:40,780 --> 00:03:45,030 Speaker 1: God's gracious hand, you won't live intimidated, thinking you're at 62 00:03:45,070 --> 00:03:48,910 Speaker 1: a disadvantage and man, this obstacle's too big. I'll never 63 00:03:48,950 --> 00:03:52,430 Speaker 1: get well. We'll always struggle, not have enough. No, you'll 64 00:03:52,470 --> 00:03:56,790 Speaker 1: put your shoulders back. You'll pray bold prayers. You'll expect 65 00:03:56,880 --> 00:04:00,280 Speaker 1: things to change in your favor. Your attitude will be, 66 00:04:00,840 --> 00:04:03,100 Speaker 1: this may be too much for me, but I know 67 00:04:03,140 --> 00:04:06,960 Speaker 1: a secret. I have an advantage. There's something on me 68 00:04:07,140 --> 00:04:10,800 Speaker 1: that causes me to stand out. to overcome, to defy 69 00:04:10,840 --> 00:04:14,420 Speaker 1: the odds. The gracious hand of God is on my life. 70 00:04:15,360 --> 00:04:18,969 Speaker 1: David said in Psalm 41, by this I know you 71 00:04:19,029 --> 00:04:23,130 Speaker 1: have favored me. My enemies could not triumph over me. 72 00:04:23,970 --> 00:04:27,350 Speaker 1: The favor of God will keep your enemies from defeating you. 73 00:04:28,310 --> 00:04:32,310 Speaker 1: That sickness should take you out, should stop your destiny. 74 00:04:32,710 --> 00:04:35,870 Speaker 1: But God steps in and says, no, you don't have 75 00:04:35,910 --> 00:04:39,700 Speaker 1: the final say. I do. His favor won't let it 76 00:04:39,760 --> 00:04:43,979 Speaker 1: triumph over you. The trouble at work should set you back. 77 00:04:44,720 --> 00:04:48,110 Speaker 1: Those people that are playing politics, pushing you down, trying 78 00:04:48,150 --> 00:04:51,270 Speaker 1: to make you look bad, seems like they have the advantage. 79 00:04:51,790 --> 00:04:55,029 Speaker 1: Don't worry, there is something on you they can't see. 80 00:04:55,610 --> 00:04:58,510 Speaker 1: There is a favor that keeps you from being defeated. 81 00:04:59,110 --> 00:05:02,029 Speaker 1: They may push you down, but they can't keep you down. 82 00:05:02,570 --> 00:05:05,339 Speaker 1: The favor on your life will cause you to bounce 83 00:05:05,380 --> 00:05:09,159 Speaker 1: right back up. See, when you honor God, you keep 84 00:05:09,200 --> 00:05:12,780 Speaker 1: him first. You have his gracious hand on you. That 85 00:05:12,860 --> 00:05:18,020 Speaker 1: makes you unstoppable. Think about Joseph. His brothers were jealous 86 00:05:18,080 --> 00:05:20,870 Speaker 1: and threw him into a pit. That should have been 87 00:05:20,900 --> 00:05:24,770 Speaker 1: the end. A teenager in a pit, left there to die. 88 00:05:24,830 --> 00:05:27,410 Speaker 1: No way to get out. But then out of nowhere, 89 00:05:27,650 --> 00:05:31,330 Speaker 1: a caravan of Ishmaelites showed up traveling through the desert. 90 00:05:32,070 --> 00:05:34,660 Speaker 1: They got there at just the right time when the 91 00:05:34,700 --> 00:05:38,370 Speaker 1: brothers were about to leave. Instead, they sold Joseph as 92 00:05:38,430 --> 00:05:42,609 Speaker 1: a slave and his life was spared. That caravan came 93 00:05:42,670 --> 00:05:45,970 Speaker 1: from a city hundreds of miles away. They had been 94 00:05:46,010 --> 00:05:50,349 Speaker 1: traveling weeks and weeks. Before Joseph was in the pit, 95 00:05:50,810 --> 00:05:54,370 Speaker 1: they were already on the way. God knows everything that's 96 00:05:54,410 --> 00:05:58,510 Speaker 1: going to happen to you. He's already arranged solutions to 97 00:05:58,589 --> 00:06:02,420 Speaker 1: problems that you haven't even had. It may look like 98 00:06:02,460 --> 00:06:05,099 Speaker 1: that opposition is going to get the best of you, 99 00:06:05,480 --> 00:06:08,680 Speaker 1: but what you can't see is a caravan is already 100 00:06:08,760 --> 00:06:12,539 Speaker 1: on the way with your freedom, your breakthrough, your abundance, 101 00:06:12,560 --> 00:06:16,659 Speaker 1: your healing. Why is that? The gracious hand of God 102 00:06:16,740 --> 00:06:19,960 Speaker 1: is on your life. You belong to the most high. 103 00:06:20,540 --> 00:06:24,140 Speaker 1: You are his prized possession. He said in Psalms, he 104 00:06:24,180 --> 00:06:28,820 Speaker 1: has surrounded you with favor like a shield. This favor 105 00:06:28,880 --> 00:06:32,620 Speaker 1: is not just for good breaks, not just to accomplish dreams, 106 00:06:33,160 --> 00:06:36,820 Speaker 1: but it's to keep your enemies from defeating you. Joseph 107 00:06:36,870 --> 00:06:39,570 Speaker 1: was sold as a slave and was taken to Egypt 108 00:06:39,610 --> 00:06:43,930 Speaker 1: and worked for a high-ranking military official. He was so excellent, 109 00:06:44,430 --> 00:06:46,969 Speaker 1: the official put him in charge of his whole household. 110 00:06:47,550 --> 00:06:50,560 Speaker 1: He ran all the affairs, the staff and the upkeep. 111 00:06:51,380 --> 00:06:55,220 Speaker 1: But the official's wife tried to seduce Joseph. She liked him, 112 00:06:55,260 --> 00:06:57,720 Speaker 1: but he wouldn't give in. He was a man of 113 00:06:57,880 --> 00:07:02,560 Speaker 1: honor and integrity. Even though he had been mistreated, betrayed, 114 00:07:02,779 --> 00:07:07,560 Speaker 1: he still honored God. This wife lied about Joseph, said 115 00:07:07,600 --> 00:07:10,340 Speaker 1: he was trying to harm her. Of course, her husband 116 00:07:10,360 --> 00:07:13,870 Speaker 1: was furious and had him put in prison. Another setback. 117 00:07:14,620 --> 00:07:17,970 Speaker 1: Now he's not only a slave in a foreign country, 118 00:07:18,370 --> 00:07:22,520 Speaker 1: but he's incarcerated. All the odds are against him. Having 119 00:07:22,560 --> 00:07:26,690 Speaker 1: God's favor doesn't mean we won't have difficulties, but it 120 00:07:26,750 --> 00:07:31,110 Speaker 1: does mean those enemies will not triumph over you. They 121 00:07:31,130 --> 00:07:35,830 Speaker 1: will have the last laugh. Breakthrough is coming. In prison, 122 00:07:36,270 --> 00:07:39,090 Speaker 1: Joseph was so excellent that the warden put him in 123 00:07:39,130 --> 00:07:42,120 Speaker 1: charge of the whole prison. You've heard that phrase, you 124 00:07:42,130 --> 00:07:44,980 Speaker 1: can't keep a good man down. The truth is you 125 00:07:45,040 --> 00:07:48,960 Speaker 1: can't keep a favored man down. When God's gracious hand 126 00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:52,860 Speaker 1: is on you, you keep rising to the top. Define 127 00:07:52,900 --> 00:07:57,160 Speaker 1: the odds. You keep succeeding despite what comes against you. 128 00:07:58,240 --> 00:08:02,460 Speaker 1: One day, Joseph interpreted the Pharaoh's dream, the leader of 129 00:08:02,500 --> 00:08:06,390 Speaker 1: the country. The Pharaoh was so impressed, he made Joseph 130 00:08:06,610 --> 00:08:09,930 Speaker 1: the prime minister of Egypt. You too may have had 131 00:08:09,990 --> 00:08:13,070 Speaker 1: some bad breaks and obstacles that look like you could 132 00:08:13,130 --> 00:08:17,260 Speaker 1: never overcome. If Joseph were here, he would tell you, 133 00:08:17,660 --> 00:08:21,700 Speaker 1: don't ever rule out the favor of God. His gracious 134 00:08:21,780 --> 00:08:24,600 Speaker 1: hand on your life will cause you to rise out 135 00:08:24,640 --> 00:08:28,080 Speaker 1: of a pit, to excel despite who did you wrong, 136 00:08:28,420 --> 00:08:32,689 Speaker 1: to shine in the midst of opposition. God is fighting 137 00:08:32,730 --> 00:08:36,390 Speaker 1: your battles. His favor doesn't keep us out of difficulty, 138 00:08:37,090 --> 00:08:40,090 Speaker 1: doesn't stop all the trouble, but it will keep the 139 00:08:40,170 --> 00:08:44,560 Speaker 1: trouble from stopping you. When you're in a pit, You 140 00:08:44,600 --> 00:08:47,590 Speaker 1: don't feel like there's any way out. Look up for 141 00:08:47,620 --> 00:08:51,290 Speaker 1: your redemption draws nigh. There is a God not only 142 00:08:51,350 --> 00:08:55,089 Speaker 1: watching over you, but his gracious hand is on your life. 143 00:08:55,770 --> 00:08:59,480 Speaker 1: His favor is surrounding you. What he has purposed will 144 00:08:59,530 --> 00:09:03,400 Speaker 1: come to pass. No person can stop it. No sickness, 145 00:09:03,500 --> 00:09:07,140 Speaker 1: no trouble, no addiction. The enemies you see today, you 146 00:09:07,179 --> 00:09:10,829 Speaker 1: will see no more. When you're in a pit facing 147 00:09:10,880 --> 00:09:14,630 Speaker 1: trouble and It's good to look back and remember what 148 00:09:14,690 --> 00:09:18,150 Speaker 1: God has done. Find some victories so you can say 149 00:09:18,190 --> 00:09:21,930 Speaker 1: like David, by this I know we have favor. We're 150 00:09:21,960 --> 00:09:26,520 Speaker 1: in the former compact center. The opposition was bigger, stronger. 151 00:09:26,780 --> 00:09:29,780 Speaker 1: They had more resources, but they couldn't keep us out. 152 00:09:30,940 --> 00:09:34,420 Speaker 1: By this I know my family has favor. My mother 153 00:09:34,500 --> 00:09:39,480 Speaker 1: is still alive 44 years after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. 154 00:09:40,480 --> 00:09:52,130 Speaker 1: The cancer couldn't triumph over her. By this, I know 155 00:09:52,210 --> 00:09:55,990 Speaker 1: I have favor. The critics couldn't stop me. The naysayers, 156 00:09:56,030 --> 00:09:59,109 Speaker 1: the noise, the chatter, they tried their best, but their 157 00:09:59,150 --> 00:10:02,460 Speaker 1: best was not enough. The more they pushed down, the 158 00:10:02,520 --> 00:10:06,320 Speaker 1: more God pushed up. He's taken me further than I've 159 00:10:06,440 --> 00:10:09,920 Speaker 1: ever imagined. You don't have to fight all these battles. 160 00:10:10,350 --> 00:10:13,450 Speaker 1: You can stay in peace knowing that there's a force 161 00:10:13,550 --> 00:10:17,449 Speaker 1: for you that cannot be defeated. The gracious hand of 162 00:10:17,490 --> 00:10:22,390 Speaker 1: God protecting you, empowering you, favoring you, providing for you. 163 00:10:23,170 --> 00:10:25,150 Speaker 1: When you're tempted to get discouraged, and we all do 164 00:10:25,170 --> 00:10:28,370 Speaker 1: and think, oh no, Joel, this enemy's too big. This 165 00:10:28,450 --> 00:10:31,460 Speaker 1: opposition too strong. I don't see any way out of 166 00:10:31,500 --> 00:10:34,800 Speaker 1: this problem. You're looking at it from a natural point 167 00:10:34,840 --> 00:10:38,840 Speaker 1: of view. God is supernatural. The favor he put on 168 00:10:38,920 --> 00:10:44,380 Speaker 1: you goes beyond your talent, your strength. your resources. It's 169 00:10:44,440 --> 00:10:47,500 Speaker 1: not limited to what you can do. It's his power. 170 00:10:48,320 --> 00:10:52,860 Speaker 1: He created the universe. He spoke worlds into existence. He 171 00:10:52,920 --> 00:10:58,479 Speaker 1: parts red seas. He multiplied two fish to feed 5,000. 172 00:10:58,480 --> 00:11:01,260 Speaker 1: He caused Sarah to have a baby at 90 years old. 173 00:11:01,950 --> 00:11:05,350 Speaker 1: He opened prison doors for Paul and Silas. He used 174 00:11:05,429 --> 00:11:09,610 Speaker 1: a slingshot to bring down a giant. He is all-powerful. 175 00:11:10,370 --> 00:11:14,170 Speaker 1: Nothing can stand against our God and he is breathing 176 00:11:14,190 --> 00:11:18,250 Speaker 1: on your life right now. You're about to see his 177 00:11:18,330 --> 00:11:23,550 Speaker 1: gracious hand do something you've never seen. Like Joseph, bring 178 00:11:23,580 --> 00:11:27,600 Speaker 1: you out of trouble into victory, out of sickness into health, 179 00:11:28,280 --> 00:11:31,540 Speaker 1: out of being lonely to a great relationship, out of 180 00:11:31,620 --> 00:11:35,700 Speaker 1: struggling into abundance. Now you have to get in agreement 181 00:11:35,740 --> 00:11:39,300 Speaker 1: with God. No more, I never get any good breaks. 182 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:42,610 Speaker 1: I've had this addiction so long and I don't have 183 00:11:42,630 --> 00:11:46,770 Speaker 1: the talent to accomplish my dream. Try a different approach. Father, 184 00:11:46,850 --> 00:11:50,070 Speaker 1: thank you that your gracious hand is upon my life, 185 00:11:50,590 --> 00:11:54,760 Speaker 1: that your favor is keeping enemies from defeating me, opening 186 00:11:54,800 --> 00:11:58,020 Speaker 1: right doors, bringing the right people, causing me to go 187 00:11:58,140 --> 00:12:02,590 Speaker 1: further than I ever imagined. This is what Nehemiah did. 188 00:12:02,610 --> 00:12:06,410 Speaker 1: The Israelites had been in exile in Babylon for many 189 00:12:06,460 --> 00:12:09,819 Speaker 1: years and some of them had returned home to Jerusalem, 190 00:12:10,480 --> 00:12:13,080 Speaker 1: but the city was in ruins and the walls were 191 00:12:13,120 --> 00:12:17,200 Speaker 1: broken down. There was no protection. Without the walls, they 192 00:12:17,240 --> 00:12:21,120 Speaker 1: were easy prey to bandits. Well, Nehemiah lived a thousand 193 00:12:21,140 --> 00:12:24,400 Speaker 1: miles away. He worked as a cupbearer for the king 194 00:12:24,540 --> 00:12:28,280 Speaker 1: of Persia. When he heard about how His people in 195 00:12:28,320 --> 00:12:31,740 Speaker 1: Jerusalem were in such need and the walls down, they 196 00:12:31,780 --> 00:12:36,550 Speaker 1: were so vulnerable. Verse four says, he sat down and wept. 197 00:12:37,170 --> 00:12:39,990 Speaker 1: He was so burdened by it. For four months, he 198 00:12:40,090 --> 00:12:44,890 Speaker 1: prayed and fasted, asking God to help. He never dreamed 199 00:12:44,950 --> 00:12:47,870 Speaker 1: that God would put the desire in him to go 200 00:12:47,929 --> 00:12:51,720 Speaker 1: back and rebuild those walls. He wasn't a builder. He 201 00:12:51,750 --> 00:12:55,420 Speaker 1: didn't have the funds, the materials, the crew. I'm sure 202 00:12:55,440 --> 00:12:58,740 Speaker 1: he thought, God, this is impossible. Yes, I'm concerned, but 203 00:12:58,780 --> 00:13:02,230 Speaker 1: I'm not the answer. You have to find someone more qualified, 204 00:13:02,280 --> 00:13:05,690 Speaker 1: more experienced. But God will ask you to do things 205 00:13:05,970 --> 00:13:09,550 Speaker 1: that seem over your head. Where like Nehemiah, you can 206 00:13:09,590 --> 00:13:12,990 Speaker 1: find a thousand reasons why you can't do it. You 207 00:13:13,030 --> 00:13:16,610 Speaker 1: don't have the talent. You're too young, too old, too timid, 208 00:13:16,650 --> 00:13:20,970 Speaker 1: wrong nationality. Here's the key. God wouldn't have asked you 209 00:13:21,309 --> 00:13:24,839 Speaker 1: if you didn't have everything you need. He'll never ask 210 00:13:24,860 --> 00:13:27,959 Speaker 1: you to do something and not give you the ability 211 00:13:28,020 --> 00:13:31,360 Speaker 1: to do it. It may be over your head, but 212 00:13:31,400 --> 00:13:35,000 Speaker 1: it's not over his head. You have to realize his 213 00:13:35,080 --> 00:13:38,450 Speaker 1: gracious hand is on you. It's a hand of favor. 214 00:13:39,030 --> 00:13:42,390 Speaker 1: Things will happen that you couldn't make happen. Don't talk 215 00:13:42,410 --> 00:13:45,150 Speaker 1: yourself out of it or you'll miss the greatness God 216 00:13:45,210 --> 00:13:48,780 Speaker 1: put in you. Nehemiah went to the king and asked 217 00:13:48,800 --> 00:13:51,970 Speaker 1: for permission to take a leave of absence to go 218 00:13:52,030 --> 00:13:55,970 Speaker 1: back home and rebuild the walls. Imagine the faith that took. 219 00:13:56,650 --> 00:14:00,210 Speaker 1: He didn't have a high ranking position. He wasn't in management. 220 00:14:00,650 --> 00:14:04,490 Speaker 1: He was working in the kitchen, serving, cleaning, running errands. 221 00:14:05,309 --> 00:14:08,550 Speaker 1: You would think he would be timid and shy, but 222 00:14:08,590 --> 00:14:11,209 Speaker 1: when you know the favor of God is on your life, 223 00:14:11,429 --> 00:14:15,230 Speaker 1: you'll have a boldness, a courage to step out and 224 00:14:15,309 --> 00:14:18,030 Speaker 1: do what God's put in your heart. He asked the 225 00:14:18,070 --> 00:14:21,770 Speaker 1: king and much to his surprise, the king said, yes, Nehemiah, 226 00:14:22,170 --> 00:14:26,630 Speaker 1: you can go. He gave him permission. Nehemiah was grateful, 227 00:14:27,030 --> 00:14:29,620 Speaker 1: but he didn't stop there. He said, thank you so much, 228 00:14:29,820 --> 00:14:33,260 Speaker 1: but king, I don't have any materials. I don't have 229 00:14:33,320 --> 00:14:37,600 Speaker 1: any funds. Will you give me letters requiring the owners 230 00:14:37,660 --> 00:14:40,380 Speaker 1: of the lumber mills and the stone quarries to give 231 00:14:40,400 --> 00:14:44,790 Speaker 1: me the supplies I need? Another bold request. Once again, 232 00:14:45,070 --> 00:14:48,690 Speaker 1: the king said, yes. Now he has the time off, 233 00:14:48,730 --> 00:14:51,610 Speaker 1: he has the materials, but he said, one more thing, king, 234 00:14:52,150 --> 00:14:56,250 Speaker 1: I need protection. When I travel back home, it'll be dangerous. 235 00:14:57,000 --> 00:14:59,750 Speaker 1: I need letters to all the governors of the cities 236 00:15:00,010 --> 00:15:02,680 Speaker 1: I go through telling them who I am and how 237 00:15:02,720 --> 00:15:06,400 Speaker 1: they need to watch after me. All these requests seemed 238 00:15:06,440 --> 00:15:09,720 Speaker 1: like he was pushing his luck. The king could have said, man, Nehemiah, 239 00:15:09,740 --> 00:15:11,860 Speaker 1: I gave you time off, get out of here. But 240 00:15:11,940 --> 00:15:14,640 Speaker 1: Proverbs says, God will turn the heart of a king. 241 00:15:15,280 --> 00:15:18,230 Speaker 1: God will cause the people you need to be good 242 00:15:18,270 --> 00:15:22,730 Speaker 1: to you. The king agreed to do it. That didn't 243 00:15:22,770 --> 00:15:26,260 Speaker 1: make sense. Why was he so good to Nehemiah? Why 244 00:15:26,300 --> 00:15:30,280 Speaker 1: did he treat him with such kindness and generosity? Nehemiah 245 00:15:30,340 --> 00:15:34,100 Speaker 1: said in verse eight, the king granted me these requests 246 00:15:34,620 --> 00:15:39,340 Speaker 1: because the gracious hand of God was on me. Nehemiah 247 00:15:39,500 --> 00:15:42,660 Speaker 1: understood this secret that there was a favor on him 248 00:15:43,120 --> 00:15:46,490 Speaker 1: that would cause him to accomplish what he couldn't accomplish 249 00:15:46,570 --> 00:15:50,120 Speaker 1: on his own. Doors would open that he couldn't open. 250 00:15:50,650 --> 00:15:52,750 Speaker 1: It would cause people to go out of their way 251 00:15:53,010 --> 00:15:56,230 Speaker 1: to be good to him. If he hadn't been aware 252 00:15:56,490 --> 00:15:59,570 Speaker 1: of the gracious hand of God, he would have never 253 00:15:59,630 --> 00:16:02,910 Speaker 1: had the boldness to ask the king, the courage to 254 00:16:02,990 --> 00:16:06,370 Speaker 1: leave that comfortable environment to take this step of faith. 255 00:16:07,350 --> 00:16:10,990 Speaker 1: My question for you is, do you realize what you have? 256 00:16:11,810 --> 00:16:15,510 Speaker 1: That you're not just ordinary, doing life on your own, 257 00:16:15,950 --> 00:16:20,920 Speaker 1: limited by your environment, your education, your connections. No, the 258 00:16:20,980 --> 00:16:24,480 Speaker 1: gracious hand of God is on you. A favor that 259 00:16:24,540 --> 00:16:29,520 Speaker 1: empowers and enables and opens doors and keeps enemies from 260 00:16:29,580 --> 00:16:34,510 Speaker 1: defeating you. When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem and saw all 261 00:16:34,550 --> 00:16:38,650 Speaker 1: the ruins, it was much worse than he thought. Logically speaking, 262 00:16:38,690 --> 00:16:40,450 Speaker 1: he didn't know how he was going to do it. 263 00:16:41,190 --> 00:16:44,010 Speaker 1: He found some men and told them of his dream 264 00:16:44,050 --> 00:16:46,610 Speaker 1: to rebuild the walls and ask if they would help. 265 00:16:47,620 --> 00:16:51,280 Speaker 1: I'm sure some of them said, Nehemiah, it's impossible. Look 266 00:16:51,300 --> 00:16:55,180 Speaker 1: at this mess. We're not builders. We don't have the equipment, 267 00:16:55,280 --> 00:16:59,970 Speaker 1: the resources to Nehemiah said in verse 18, I told 268 00:17:00,030 --> 00:17:03,110 Speaker 1: the people how the gracious hand of God was on 269 00:17:03,130 --> 00:17:06,699 Speaker 1: my life. They were trying to talk him out of it. 270 00:17:07,119 --> 00:17:10,000 Speaker 1: He said, in effect, no guys, there's something on me 271 00:17:10,080 --> 00:17:14,359 Speaker 1: you can't see. I may look ordinary. Yes, I'm a cupbearer, 272 00:17:14,800 --> 00:17:17,760 Speaker 1: but I have an advantage. The favor of God is 273 00:17:17,820 --> 00:17:21,280 Speaker 1: on my life. There is a force for me greater 274 00:17:21,400 --> 00:17:24,440 Speaker 1: than any force trying to stop me. They said no 275 00:17:24,500 --> 00:17:28,240 Speaker 1: at first, but then they all changed their mind, said, Nehemiah, 276 00:17:28,640 --> 00:17:32,130 Speaker 1: we're in, let's do this. The favor of God will 277 00:17:32,170 --> 00:17:35,270 Speaker 1: bring the people you need to get behind your vision, 278 00:17:35,790 --> 00:17:39,310 Speaker 1: to help you excel. You don't have to beg people, 279 00:17:39,950 --> 00:17:43,570 Speaker 1: try to manipulate, convince them to be for you. God 280 00:17:43,590 --> 00:17:47,340 Speaker 1: will move on the right people. They started rebuilding the 281 00:17:47,380 --> 00:17:51,420 Speaker 1: wall and had all kinds of opposition. City leaders tried 282 00:17:51,440 --> 00:17:56,159 Speaker 1: to stop them. Critics stirred up trouble and bandits came 283 00:17:56,220 --> 00:17:59,140 Speaker 1: and tried to get them to fight. See, just because 284 00:17:59,160 --> 00:18:02,470 Speaker 1: you're having trouble doesn't mean you're not in God's will. 285 00:18:03,470 --> 00:18:05,649 Speaker 1: When you step out to do what he's called you 286 00:18:05,690 --> 00:18:09,150 Speaker 1: to do and to take new ground, live with excellence 287 00:18:09,230 --> 00:18:14,369 Speaker 1: and integrity, you're going to have opposition, trouble, naysayers. The 288 00:18:14,510 --> 00:18:17,790 Speaker 1: enemy doesn't want you to move forward. The good news 289 00:18:17,950 --> 00:18:21,580 Speaker 1: is the favor on your life will keep those enemies 290 00:18:21,619 --> 00:18:25,510 Speaker 1: from defeating you. They may come, but if you'll stay 291 00:18:25,570 --> 00:18:29,690 Speaker 1: in faith, they will fail. No weapon formed against you 292 00:18:29,750 --> 00:18:33,370 Speaker 1: will prosper. When the enemy comes in like a flood, 293 00:18:34,170 --> 00:18:37,689 Speaker 1: the scripture says the spirit of God will raise up 294 00:18:37,750 --> 00:18:41,129 Speaker 1: a barrier. The spirit of God is the favor of God. 295 00:18:41,810 --> 00:18:45,850 Speaker 1: Keep doing the right thing. Don't get distracted fighting battles 296 00:18:46,170 --> 00:18:49,770 Speaker 1: that you're not supposed to fight. Nehemiah had people at 297 00:18:49,790 --> 00:18:53,050 Speaker 1: the bottom of the mountain making fun of him, threatening him, 298 00:18:53,130 --> 00:18:56,899 Speaker 1: all kinds of noise and negative chatter, but Nehemiah ignored it. 299 00:18:57,710 --> 00:19:00,649 Speaker 1: He knew it was a distraction to try to get 300 00:19:00,690 --> 00:19:03,910 Speaker 1: him to lose focus, to come down from building to fighting. 301 00:19:04,850 --> 00:19:08,910 Speaker 1: Let God fight your battles. All the noise, the chatter, 302 00:19:09,320 --> 00:19:12,560 Speaker 1: people trying to make you look bad, they cannot stop 303 00:19:12,600 --> 00:19:16,320 Speaker 1: your destiny. You have to let God take care of it. 304 00:19:17,010 --> 00:19:20,530 Speaker 1: Let him be your vindicator. If you start fighting and 305 00:19:20,770 --> 00:19:24,370 Speaker 1: trying to prove and defend and pay them back, God's 306 00:19:24,410 --> 00:19:27,540 Speaker 1: going to step back. But if you'll leave it alone, 307 00:19:27,980 --> 00:19:30,560 Speaker 1: God will take care of what's trying to stop you. 308 00:19:31,060 --> 00:19:34,859 Speaker 1: God will vindicate you better than you can vindicate yourselves. 309 00:19:36,020 --> 00:19:38,740 Speaker 1: It looked like rebuilding the wall would take years and years. 310 00:19:38,760 --> 00:19:41,900 Speaker 1: I mean, it was a daunting task, but Nehemiah did 311 00:19:41,960 --> 00:19:45,690 Speaker 1: it in just 52 days. A few months earlier, he 312 00:19:46,190 --> 00:19:49,460 Speaker 1: was working as a cupbearer, just minding his own business. 313 00:19:49,880 --> 00:19:53,020 Speaker 1: Now he's known as one of the heroes of faith. 314 00:19:53,600 --> 00:19:57,060 Speaker 1: He helped save God's people. I wonder how many of 315 00:19:57,240 --> 00:20:01,300 Speaker 1: us are discounting ourselves. God put the promise in our heart, 316 00:20:01,700 --> 00:20:04,410 Speaker 1: but the dream looks too big and the problem too 317 00:20:04,490 --> 00:20:07,430 Speaker 1: great and We're focused on what we don't have, what 318 00:20:07,470 --> 00:20:11,240 Speaker 1: we can't do, when the truth is the gracious hand 319 00:20:11,280 --> 00:20:15,280 Speaker 1: of God is on your life. Just like Nehemiah, there 320 00:20:15,340 --> 00:20:19,859 Speaker 1: is a favor on you, a divine empowerment, the blessing 321 00:20:19,960 --> 00:20:23,030 Speaker 1: of the Most High. But this won't do you any 322 00:20:23,119 --> 00:20:26,830 Speaker 1: good if you don't recognize it. A key to Nehemiah 323 00:20:26,890 --> 00:20:30,490 Speaker 1: fulfilling his purpose was he was aware of the favor. 324 00:20:31,130 --> 00:20:34,850 Speaker 1: He declared it to other people. He wasn't bragging on himself. 325 00:20:35,190 --> 00:20:39,710 Speaker 1: He was bragging on God. His gracious hand is on me. See, 326 00:20:39,850 --> 00:20:43,640 Speaker 1: out of your heart, your mouth speaks. You can tell 327 00:20:43,720 --> 00:20:47,180 Speaker 1: what you believe by what you're saying. I think this 328 00:20:47,240 --> 00:20:48,920 Speaker 1: sickness is going to be the end of me or 329 00:20:49,260 --> 00:20:52,560 Speaker 1: I'll never break this addiction. Joel the expert said, we 330 00:20:52,600 --> 00:20:56,620 Speaker 1: can't have a baby. Negative talk will bring a negative future. 331 00:20:57,220 --> 00:21:02,130 Speaker 1: You are prophesying what's coming. If you talk defeat, lack, 332 00:21:02,230 --> 00:21:05,580 Speaker 1: can't do it, too big, you're gonna see that. Why 333 00:21:05,619 --> 00:21:09,560 Speaker 1: don't you do like Nehemiah when it looks impossible, when 334 00:21:09,600 --> 00:21:12,560 Speaker 1: you don't see a way? You could be complaining, no, no, 335 00:21:12,840 --> 00:21:15,600 Speaker 1: the gracious hand of God is on my life. His 336 00:21:15,720 --> 00:21:20,100 Speaker 1: favor keeps my enemies from defeating me. His favor's taking 337 00:21:20,160 --> 00:21:23,260 Speaker 1: me where I can't go on my own. I've seen 338 00:21:23,280 --> 00:21:25,830 Speaker 1: in my own life, the more I brag on the 339 00:21:25,900 --> 00:21:29,320 Speaker 1: favor of God, the more favor I see it. the 340 00:21:29,359 --> 00:21:33,440 Speaker 1: more I talk about God's goodness, His provision, how He's 341 00:21:33,580 --> 00:21:36,940 Speaker 1: opened doors, brought the right people, given us the compact center, 342 00:21:36,980 --> 00:21:39,979 Speaker 1: healed my mom, the more I see God show out 343 00:21:40,080 --> 00:21:43,540 Speaker 1: in my life. All through the day, keep this down 344 00:21:43,640 --> 00:21:46,600 Speaker 1: in your spirit. Lord, I thank you that your gracious 345 00:21:46,660 --> 00:21:49,380 Speaker 1: hand is upon me. I thank you that your favor 346 00:21:49,440 --> 00:21:52,480 Speaker 1: is causing me to stand out, that you're breathing on 347 00:21:52,500 --> 00:21:58,050 Speaker 1: my health, my children, my finances, on my dreams. Nehemiah's 348 00:21:58,130 --> 00:22:02,300 Speaker 1: colleague was a priest named Ezra. God put in his 349 00:22:02,340 --> 00:22:06,660 Speaker 1: heart to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. Nehemiah rebuilt the walls, 350 00:22:06,740 --> 00:22:10,340 Speaker 1: but Ezra was going to rebuild the city. Six times 351 00:22:10,440 --> 00:22:14,560 Speaker 1: in the scripture, Ezra mentions the gracious hand of God. 352 00:22:15,359 --> 00:22:19,240 Speaker 1: It's not a coincidence that both he and Nehemiah did 353 00:22:19,300 --> 00:22:23,550 Speaker 1: great things. Look at their mindset. They could have been complaining. 354 00:22:23,570 --> 00:22:26,650 Speaker 1: They God, we don't have the supplies or God, I'm 355 00:22:26,690 --> 00:22:30,070 Speaker 1: a minister. I can't rebuild the city. They have plenty 356 00:22:30,130 --> 00:22:33,659 Speaker 1: of reasons not to, but they weren't focused on what 357 00:22:33,720 --> 00:22:38,000 Speaker 1: they didn't have, what looked impossible. They were focused on 358 00:22:38,040 --> 00:22:41,920 Speaker 1: the favor God put on them. They understood they weren't 359 00:22:41,980 --> 00:22:46,389 Speaker 1: doing life by themselves. They had divine enablement that the 360 00:22:46,450 --> 00:22:50,010 Speaker 1: hand of God was on their life. His hand is 361 00:22:50,070 --> 00:22:53,449 Speaker 1: a hand of healing. It's a hand of provision. It's 362 00:22:53,510 --> 00:22:57,170 Speaker 1: a hand of deliverance, a hand of acceleration where God 363 00:22:57,310 --> 00:23:01,030 Speaker 1: speeds things up. When you look at your situation, you 364 00:23:01,070 --> 00:23:04,129 Speaker 1: might think like they did. How can I accomplish my dream, Joel? 365 00:23:04,810 --> 00:23:07,470 Speaker 1: I don't have the funds, the experience. How can I 366 00:23:07,510 --> 00:23:10,990 Speaker 1: build that wall? I'll tell you how, the gracious hand 367 00:23:11,010 --> 00:23:14,760 Speaker 1: of God. Well, how's my son gonna get back on course? 368 00:23:14,930 --> 00:23:17,879 Speaker 1: He's with the wrong crowd, the gracious hand of God. 369 00:23:18,760 --> 00:23:20,290 Speaker 1: How am I going to get well? You should see 370 00:23:20,310 --> 00:23:24,230 Speaker 1: the medical report, the gracious hand of God. There is 371 00:23:24,290 --> 00:23:27,669 Speaker 1: a favor on you that will cause you to overcome 372 00:23:27,750 --> 00:23:31,480 Speaker 1: what should defeat you, cause you to accomplish what looks 373 00:23:31,520 --> 00:23:37,300 Speaker 1: too big. 1997, Victoria and I acquired a construction permit 374 00:23:37,720 --> 00:23:40,850 Speaker 1: for the last full power television station here in Houston. 375 00:23:41,380 --> 00:23:43,640 Speaker 1: We knew God opened the door and we were so 376 00:23:43,720 --> 00:23:46,680 Speaker 1: excited and couldn't wait to put the station on the air. 377 00:23:47,140 --> 00:23:50,330 Speaker 1: We bought the transmitter and the antenna, a lot of 378 00:23:50,350 --> 00:23:53,689 Speaker 1: the equipment, but we couldn't find a place for the studio. 379 00:23:54,450 --> 00:23:56,869 Speaker 1: What made it difficult is it had to be close 380 00:23:56,930 --> 00:24:00,080 Speaker 1: to a cell tower so we could microwave the signal 381 00:24:00,130 --> 00:24:03,460 Speaker 1: to the main tower up north. We looked for moths 382 00:24:03,480 --> 00:24:06,639 Speaker 1: and gone to different places. And a couple of times 383 00:24:06,700 --> 00:24:09,360 Speaker 1: we found locations that we liked, but when we did 384 00:24:09,380 --> 00:24:12,700 Speaker 1: the research, there wasn't a tower close enough. We were 385 00:24:12,740 --> 00:24:16,379 Speaker 1: tempted to get discouraged, but my father always taught us 386 00:24:16,480 --> 00:24:19,600 Speaker 1: about the favor of God. Before we left for school 387 00:24:19,680 --> 00:24:22,440 Speaker 1: every morning as a child, my mother would pray, Lord, 388 00:24:22,700 --> 00:24:26,150 Speaker 1: thank you that my children have your favor. It's always 389 00:24:26,190 --> 00:24:28,980 Speaker 1: been down in me. Well, our real estate agent took 390 00:24:29,040 --> 00:24:32,120 Speaker 1: us to another office complex and we liked this one 391 00:24:32,600 --> 00:24:35,500 Speaker 1: more than any of the others. It seemed perfect. We 392 00:24:35,520 --> 00:24:38,440 Speaker 1: went up on the roof to look around, but there 393 00:24:38,480 --> 00:24:42,159 Speaker 1: wasn't a tower in sight. Another dead end. As we 394 00:24:42,180 --> 00:24:45,159 Speaker 1: were about to leave, I heard some bulldozers on the 395 00:24:45,220 --> 00:24:47,560 Speaker 1: other side of this wood fence where we had parked 396 00:24:47,600 --> 00:24:50,119 Speaker 1: and I was curious about what they were building and 397 00:24:50,480 --> 00:24:52,739 Speaker 1: I grabbed the top of the fence and pulled myself up. 398 00:24:53,540 --> 00:24:57,040 Speaker 1: They were putting forms in for a foundation. About 40 feet, 399 00:24:57,140 --> 00:24:59,610 Speaker 1: about 40 feet. I thought maybe a garage or some 400 00:24:59,630 --> 00:25:02,790 Speaker 1: kind of storage building. The man saw me and stopped 401 00:25:02,830 --> 00:25:05,790 Speaker 1: the tractor. I smiled and said, hey, what are you building? 402 00:25:06,350 --> 00:25:09,270 Speaker 1: He said, we're building a cell tower. It'll be up 403 00:25:09,350 --> 00:25:13,810 Speaker 1: in two months. I almost fell off that fence. That 404 00:25:13,850 --> 00:25:17,840 Speaker 1: was our favorite office building and the tower was going 405 00:25:17,859 --> 00:25:21,420 Speaker 1: in right next door. That wasn't good luck. That was 406 00:25:21,460 --> 00:25:25,260 Speaker 1: the gracious hand of God. When you look back over 407 00:25:25,300 --> 00:25:28,770 Speaker 1: your life, You can see his hand of favor, his 408 00:25:28,790 --> 00:25:32,550 Speaker 1: hand of blessing. Can I encourage you? His gracious hand 409 00:25:32,670 --> 00:25:35,649 Speaker 1: is still on you. There is a favor that keeps 410 00:25:35,690 --> 00:25:38,800 Speaker 1: your enemies from defeating you, a power that will cause 411 00:25:38,840 --> 00:25:42,959 Speaker 1: you to overcome, to withstand. God is going before you 412 00:25:43,060 --> 00:25:47,020 Speaker 1: right now, making crooked places straight, lining up the right people, 413 00:25:47,080 --> 00:25:51,219 Speaker 1: the breaks you need. Don't live intimidated, thinking you had 414 00:25:51,260 --> 00:25:55,750 Speaker 1: a disadvantage. Man, this problem's too big. Instead of living problem-minded, 415 00:25:56,070 --> 00:26:00,930 Speaker 1: live favor-minded. Do like Nehemiah and keep declaring the gracious 416 00:26:00,950 --> 00:26:03,700 Speaker 1: hand of God is on my life. Keep bragging on 417 00:26:03,740 --> 00:26:07,360 Speaker 1: his goodness, talking about his favor. Sure, you may have 418 00:26:07,400 --> 00:26:11,020 Speaker 1: big obstacles, but we serve a big God. Your dream 419 00:26:11,040 --> 00:26:14,629 Speaker 1: may look impossible. One touch of his favor and doors 420 00:26:14,670 --> 00:26:17,650 Speaker 1: will open that you've never dreamed but open. He wouldn't 421 00:26:17,670 --> 00:26:20,169 Speaker 1: have given you that promise if he wasn't going to 422 00:26:20,260 --> 00:26:24,000 Speaker 1: bring it to pass. I believe and declare like Nehemiah, 423 00:26:24,320 --> 00:26:27,240 Speaker 1: God is about to show out in your life. Cause 424 00:26:27,300 --> 00:26:30,150 Speaker 1: people to be good to you. Like Joseph, you're going 425 00:26:30,180 --> 00:26:35,560 Speaker 1: to rise up despite what tried to push you down. Promotion, breakthroughs, healing, 426 00:26:35,900 --> 00:26:40,280 Speaker 1: the fullness of your destiny in Jesus' name. And if 427 00:26:40,300 --> 00:26:44,280 Speaker 1: you receive it, can you say amen? I'd like to 428 00:26:44,320 --> 00:26:46,899 Speaker 1: give you an opportunity to make Jesus the Lord of 429 00:26:46,960 --> 00:26:50,720 Speaker 1: your life. Would you pray with me? Just say, Lord Jesus, 430 00:26:51,380 --> 00:26:55,070 Speaker 1: I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I 431 00:26:55,119 --> 00:26:58,280 Speaker 1: make you my Lord and Savior. If you prayed that 432 00:26:58,320 --> 00:27:01,580 Speaker 1: simple prayer, we believe you got born again. We'd love 433 00:27:01,600 --> 00:27:04,040 Speaker 1: to send you some free information on your new walk 434 00:27:04,060 --> 00:27:06,159 Speaker 1: with the Lord. You can text the number on the 435 00:27:06,200 --> 00:27:09,130 Speaker 1: screen or go to the website. But I hope you'll 436 00:27:09,170 --> 00:27:13,470 Speaker 1: get into a good Bible-based church and keep God first place. 437 00:27:21,960 --> 00:27:24,119 Speaker 1: A few years ago, I stood in a forest of 438 00:27:24,200 --> 00:27:28,030 Speaker 1: giant redwoods, trees hundreds of feet tall and thousands of 439 00:27:28,090 --> 00:27:31,790 Speaker 1: years old. I remember thinking every one of them started 440 00:27:31,910 --> 00:27:35,010 Speaker 1: as a single seed, something you could hold in your hand. 441 00:27:35,630 --> 00:27:38,520 Speaker 1: But I was amazed at what they had become. That's 442 00:27:38,560 --> 00:27:41,540 Speaker 1: not just true of trees. It's true of you. There 443 00:27:41,580 --> 00:27:44,199 Speaker 1: are seeds God has already placed in you that are 444 00:27:44,270 --> 00:27:47,270 Speaker 1: waiting to come to life. You haven't seen all that 445 00:27:47,310 --> 00:27:49,870 Speaker 1: you can become. I'd love to send you my new 446 00:27:49,890 --> 00:27:53,990 Speaker 1: 90-day devotional called Super Bloom. It's designed to help you 447 00:27:54,090 --> 00:27:57,650 Speaker 1: water what God has already planted in your life. Each 448 00:27:57,690 --> 00:28:01,409 Speaker 1: day's reading will strengthen your faith, remind you of God's promises, 449 00:28:01,730 --> 00:28:04,710 Speaker 1: and encourage you to keep believing. As you do this, 450 00:28:04,950 --> 00:28:08,520 Speaker 1: you'll see new confidence, new joy, and new growth. Those 451 00:28:08,580 --> 00:28:11,640 Speaker 1: seeds of greatness will begin to flourish and you'll discover 452 00:28:11,680 --> 00:28:14,500 Speaker 1: a life more rewarding than you've ever imagined. 453 00:28:15,560 --> 00:28:19,220 Speaker 2: Super Bloom, 90 days of growth, encouragement, and hope for 454 00:28:19,290 --> 00:28:22,790 Speaker 2: all seasons of life is Joel's brand new devotional designed 455 00:28:22,830 --> 00:28:26,670 Speaker 2: to help you water what God has already planted in you. Inside, 456 00:28:26,850 --> 00:28:30,450 Speaker 2: you'll find 90 days of scripture, encouragement, and a simple 457 00:28:30,550 --> 00:28:34,730 Speaker 2: daily practice. Whatever season you're walking through, whatever you're believing 458 00:28:34,810 --> 00:28:38,880 Speaker 2: God for, because what you water today is what blooms tomorrow. 459 00:28:39,380 --> 00:28:41,440 Speaker 2: It's yours as a thank you for your gift to 460 00:28:41,480 --> 00:28:45,400 Speaker 2: the ministry today. Be sure to request your copy of Superbloom, 461 00:28:45,640 --> 00:28:50,160 Speaker 2: available this month by visiting us at joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL. 462 00:28:53,010 --> 00:28:55,930 Speaker 1: Keep watering what God has planted. I believe you're going 463 00:28:55,950 --> 00:28:59,160 Speaker 1: to come into your super bloom season. Victoria and I 464 00:28:59,200 --> 00:29:01,960 Speaker 1: love you. We're praying for you and your family every day. 465 00:29:02,000 --> 00:29:05,000 Speaker 1: And thanks so much for your prayer and support. Your 466 00:29:05,060 --> 00:29:08,260 Speaker 1: generosity helps take this message of hope to people all 467 00:29:08,380 --> 00:29:11,240 Speaker 1: over the world who need their own moment with God. 468 00:29:11,800 --> 00:29:14,260 Speaker 1: And a special thank you to our Champion of Hope partners. 469 00:29:14,560 --> 00:29:17,400 Speaker 1: Your monthly support makes a difference every single day. If 470 00:29:17,880 --> 00:29:20,360 Speaker 1: you're not a partner, I hope you'll consider becoming one. 471 00:29:20,820 --> 00:29:23,700 Speaker 1: Until next time, may the Lord bless you and keep you. 472 00:29:24,570 --> 00:29:27,910 Speaker 2: Be sure to request your copy of Superbloom, available this 473 00:29:27,970 --> 00:29:34,410 Speaker 2: month by visiting us at joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL. With 474 00:29:34,450 --> 00:29:37,790 Speaker 2: an additional gift, you can also receive the Superbloom devotional 475 00:29:37,910 --> 00:29:40,900 Speaker 2: together with the Planted in God journal. a place to 476 00:29:40,940 --> 00:29:44,210 Speaker 2: capture your prayers, your dreams, and all the good things 477 00:29:44,310 --> 00:29:47,170 Speaker 2: God is doing in your life. We are also making 478 00:29:47,230 --> 00:29:50,710 Speaker 2: available to you this month the Bloom Expanded Collection, the 479 00:29:50,730 --> 00:29:54,840 Speaker 2: devotional and journal together with the NLT Spiritual Growth Bible, 480 00:29:55,200 --> 00:29:58,360 Speaker 2: one of the most comprehensive study Bibles available to help 481 00:29:58,400 --> 00:30:01,720 Speaker 2: you go even deeper in God's Word. What you water 482 00:30:01,780 --> 00:30:05,980 Speaker 2: today is what blooms tomorrow. You can request these inspiring 483 00:30:06,040 --> 00:30:09,660 Speaker 2: resources by calling 888-567-JOEL or logging on to joelostein.com today. 484 00:30:13,460 --> 00:30:16,480 Speaker 2: Take the step today and watch what God planted in 485 00:30:16,540 --> 00:30:19,700 Speaker 2: you break open into your own super bloom, a season 486 00:30:19,720 --> 00:30:23,709 Speaker 2: of joy, hope, and growth you never imagined. Call or 487 00:30:23,750 --> 00:30:25,060 Speaker 2: click anytime, 24 hours a day.