1 00:00:00,230 --> 00:00:02,770 Speaker 1: Thanks so much for listening to the podcast today. I 2 00:00:02,980 --> 00:00:04,800 Speaker 1: want you to know that Victoria and I are praying 3 00:00:04,820 --> 00:00:07,480 Speaker 1: for you and your family this summer and just asking 4 00:00:07,520 --> 00:00:10,730 Speaker 1: God to bring you more peace and joy and victory 5 00:00:10,750 --> 00:00:12,030 Speaker 1: than you've ever seen before. 6 00:00:12,390 --> 00:00:13,480 Speaker 2: Know that God's for you. 7 00:00:13,490 --> 00:00:15,230 Speaker 1: He's got you in the palm of his hand and 8 00:00:15,430 --> 00:00:18,669 Speaker 1: I hope you enjoy the message today. God bless you. 9 00:00:18,690 --> 00:00:21,780 Speaker 1: It's always a joy to come into your homes. And 10 00:00:22,160 --> 00:00:24,700 Speaker 1: if you're ever in our area, please stop by and 11 00:00:24,800 --> 00:00:26,840 Speaker 1: be a part of one of our services. These are 12 00:00:26,880 --> 00:00:29,800 Speaker 1: the finest people in all of Houston, Texas, right here 13 00:00:29,900 --> 00:00:32,489 Speaker 1: at Lakewood Church. So come out and be a part. 14 00:00:32,510 --> 00:00:35,250 Speaker 1: But thanks for tuning in. Thank you again for coming out. 15 00:00:35,970 --> 00:00:38,690 Speaker 1: I like to start with something funny. I heard about this. 16 00:00:38,590 --> 00:00:42,040 Speaker 2: Group of elderly ladies. They were way up in their 80s. 17 00:00:42,670 --> 00:00:46,300 Speaker 1: As they were driving down the freeway together, they got pulled. 18 00:00:46,120 --> 00:00:47,600 Speaker 2: Over by a police officer. 19 00:00:48,080 --> 00:00:50,880 Speaker 1: The officer said to the driver, ma'am, do you realize 20 00:00:51,120 --> 00:00:55,080 Speaker 1: you're only going 35 miles an hour? She said, yes, officer, 21 00:00:55,120 --> 00:00:57,320 Speaker 1: I do realize that. He said, well, why are you 22 00:00:57,360 --> 00:01:01,709 Speaker 1: going so slow? She said, the sign says 35. The 23 00:01:01,770 --> 00:01:02,670 Speaker 1: officer kind of laughed. 24 00:01:02,710 --> 00:01:05,630 Speaker 2: He said, no, ma'am, that's the number of the freeway. 25 00:01:05,690 --> 00:01:09,619 Speaker 1: This is highway 35. By the way, why are these 26 00:01:09,720 --> 00:01:13,280 Speaker 1: other ladies in your car so terrified looking? She smiled 27 00:01:13,319 --> 00:01:18,670 Speaker 1: and said, because we just got off highway 95. Hold 28 00:01:18,730 --> 00:01:21,850 Speaker 1: up your Bible. Say it like you mean it. This 29 00:01:21,930 --> 00:01:24,410 Speaker 1: is my Bible. I am what it says I am. 30 00:01:24,950 --> 00:01:27,220 Speaker 1: I have what it says I have. I can do 31 00:01:27,280 --> 00:01:29,640 Speaker 1: what it says I can do. Today, I will be 32 00:01:29,680 --> 00:01:33,340 Speaker 1: taught the Word of God. I boldly confess my mind 33 00:01:33,400 --> 00:01:36,680 Speaker 1: is alert. My heart is receptive. I will never be 34 00:01:36,720 --> 00:01:41,699 Speaker 1: the same. In Jesus' name, God bless you. I want 35 00:01:41,720 --> 00:01:45,030 Speaker 1: to talk to you today about making God a part 36 00:01:45,170 --> 00:01:49,180 Speaker 1: of your everyday life. God wants to help you not 37 00:01:49,380 --> 00:01:52,350 Speaker 1: just in the big things. God wants to help you 38 00:01:52,550 --> 00:01:55,120 Speaker 1: cooking dinner. driving in the traffic. 39 00:01:55,680 --> 00:01:58,360 Speaker 2: He wants to help you with your schoolwork, help you. 40 00:01:58,280 --> 00:02:01,040 Speaker 1: Be more productive at the office. But here's the key. 41 00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:03,940 Speaker 1: God will only be involved in as much of your 42 00:02:03,980 --> 00:02:07,340 Speaker 1: life as you allow him to. A lot of people 43 00:02:07,420 --> 00:02:10,420 Speaker 1: have God in a Sunday morning box. That's when they 44 00:02:10,460 --> 00:02:14,180 Speaker 1: come to church, pray, think about God. Then they go 45 00:02:14,300 --> 00:02:17,460 Speaker 1: out during the week and they don't really include God 46 00:02:17,600 --> 00:02:18,200 Speaker 1: in their life. 47 00:02:18,660 --> 00:02:19,500 Speaker 2: They love God. 48 00:02:20,080 --> 00:02:23,340 Speaker 1: They reverence him. but they think there's nothing spiritual about 49 00:02:23,540 --> 00:02:26,899 Speaker 1: going to the grocery store, cooking dinner, or meeting with 50 00:02:26,960 --> 00:02:30,720 Speaker 1: a client. Because they keep God in this box, they're 51 00:02:30,760 --> 00:02:33,820 Speaker 1: missing the blessings and favor that God wants to give them. 52 00:02:34,760 --> 00:02:39,400 Speaker 1: Proverbs 3, 6 says, acknowledge God in all. 53 00:02:39,340 --> 00:02:40,040 Speaker 2: Of your ways. 54 00:02:40,860 --> 00:02:43,720 Speaker 1: Not some of your ways, not just the big things. 55 00:02:44,460 --> 00:02:48,020 Speaker 1: If you'll start acknowledging God in all of your ways, 56 00:02:48,300 --> 00:02:51,710 Speaker 1: he will crown your efforts with success. One way to 57 00:02:51,850 --> 00:02:56,460 Speaker 1: acknowledge God is simply ask for his help. On the 58 00:02:56,500 --> 00:02:59,620 Speaker 1: way to the grocery store, under your breath, God help 59 00:02:59,639 --> 00:03:01,960 Speaker 1: me to find what I'm looking for. Help this to 60 00:03:02,020 --> 00:03:07,490 Speaker 1: be a productive trip. That's acknowledging God. You're saying in effect, God, 61 00:03:07,570 --> 00:03:11,190 Speaker 1: I need you. I want you in my life. That 62 00:03:11,370 --> 00:03:15,670 Speaker 1: simple acknowledgement allows the creator of the universe to direct 63 00:03:15,710 --> 00:03:19,010 Speaker 1: your steps. God will help you find what you may 64 00:03:19,050 --> 00:03:21,840 Speaker 1: not have found. He'll put you at the right place 65 00:03:22,030 --> 00:03:24,980 Speaker 1: at the right time. And sure, you can do this 66 00:03:25,020 --> 00:03:28,100 Speaker 1: without God's help. You can do it in your own strength. 67 00:03:28,730 --> 00:03:31,780 Speaker 1: But life will go so much better. There will be 68 00:03:31,850 --> 00:03:35,600 Speaker 1: less frustration. You'll accomplish more when you. 69 00:03:35,480 --> 00:03:38,020 Speaker 2: Develop this habit of acknowledging God. 70 00:03:39,000 --> 00:03:42,800 Speaker 1: When you acknowledge God, he breathes his favor on your life. 71 00:03:43,700 --> 00:03:47,400 Speaker 1: You'll come into an anointing of ease. What should have 72 00:03:47,420 --> 00:03:51,140 Speaker 1: been a struggle won't be a struggle. That's God crowning 73 00:03:51,220 --> 00:03:54,320 Speaker 1: your efforts with success. And it doesn't have to be 74 00:03:54,560 --> 00:03:59,040 Speaker 1: some long drawn out thing. Brushing your teeth in the morning. Lord, 75 00:03:59,160 --> 00:04:02,470 Speaker 1: thank you for another beautiful day. You just acknowledge God. 76 00:04:03,320 --> 00:04:06,130 Speaker 1: Driving in the traffic. Lord, thank you for a safe trip. 77 00:04:06,630 --> 00:04:10,950 Speaker 1: That's acknowledging God. Before you go into the restaurant, under 78 00:04:10,990 --> 00:04:13,650 Speaker 1: your breath, God help us to have a good dinner. 79 00:04:14,150 --> 00:04:15,510 Speaker 2: Bless this time together. 80 00:04:16,420 --> 00:04:20,740 Speaker 1: When God sees you showing your dependency on him like that, 81 00:04:21,120 --> 00:04:24,740 Speaker 1: relying on him in your everyday life, that's what'll cause 82 00:04:24,779 --> 00:04:27,840 Speaker 1: him to make your life easier. Well, Joel, I don't 83 00:04:27,860 --> 00:04:30,760 Speaker 1: think I need to pray about that. Something so small, 84 00:04:31,040 --> 00:04:34,500 Speaker 1: so routine. You don't have to, but if you want 85 00:04:34,560 --> 00:04:37,430 Speaker 1: God to help you, if you want him to direct 86 00:04:37,470 --> 00:04:41,110 Speaker 1: your steps and cause things to fall into place, you 87 00:04:41,150 --> 00:04:45,670 Speaker 1: have to invite him into your everyday life. Years ago, 88 00:04:45,690 --> 00:04:49,090 Speaker 1: I was in another city leaving a hotel room early 89 00:04:49,190 --> 00:04:52,360 Speaker 1: in the morning and I had a large suitcase and 90 00:04:52,380 --> 00:04:55,140 Speaker 1: a big binder under this arm and a heavy suit 91 00:04:55,200 --> 00:04:58,300 Speaker 1: bag and my computer under this arm. And normally we 92 00:04:58,339 --> 00:05:01,060 Speaker 1: travel together as a team, but this day I was 93 00:05:01,160 --> 00:05:04,720 Speaker 1: coming down by myself and I was making it okay, 94 00:05:04,779 --> 00:05:07,230 Speaker 1: but it was a struggle to carry all the luggage. 95 00:05:07,810 --> 00:05:09,290 Speaker 2: Plus I was running a little late. 96 00:05:10,110 --> 00:05:12,729 Speaker 1: And under my breath, I was doing what I'm asking 97 00:05:12,750 --> 00:05:16,169 Speaker 1: you to do, thanking God for the day, thanking Him 98 00:05:16,210 --> 00:05:18,450 Speaker 1: for a safe trip home, thanking Him that it would 99 00:05:18,510 --> 00:05:24,120 Speaker 1: all work out. Nothing deep, nothing complicated, just acknowledging God, 100 00:05:24,580 --> 00:05:28,600 Speaker 1: making Him a part of my everyday life. About halfway 101 00:05:28,660 --> 00:05:31,560 Speaker 1: down the hallway, a young man that worked for the 102 00:05:31,620 --> 00:05:35,460 Speaker 1: hotel showed up out of nowhere and said,' Let me 103 00:05:35,500 --> 00:05:38,780 Speaker 1: carry those bags.' He didn't take part of them. He 104 00:05:38,800 --> 00:05:41,580 Speaker 1: took all of them. He wouldn't let me carry anything. 105 00:05:42,380 --> 00:05:44,870 Speaker 1: We got down to the elevator. There's a bunch of 106 00:05:44,940 --> 00:05:48,170 Speaker 1: people waiting. Looked like a big sports group. He said, 107 00:05:48,250 --> 00:05:51,529 Speaker 1: come with me. He took me to a service elevator. 108 00:05:51,790 --> 00:05:54,870 Speaker 1: It opened right up. Didn't wait one second. We went down, 109 00:05:55,110 --> 00:05:58,250 Speaker 1: put the bags in the car. I got to the airport. 110 00:05:58,830 --> 00:06:02,010 Speaker 1: The line for security was very long. like it'd take 111 00:06:02,290 --> 00:06:05,430 Speaker 1: at least a half an hour. As I was standing there, 112 00:06:05,750 --> 00:06:07,830 Speaker 1: a man came up wearing a badge and said, come 113 00:06:07,870 --> 00:06:10,490 Speaker 1: with me. I didn't know if I was in trouble 114 00:06:10,550 --> 00:06:11,670 Speaker 1: or seeing God's favor. 115 00:06:12,610 --> 00:06:14,930 Speaker 2: He opened a new line, took. 116 00:06:14,770 --> 00:06:18,240 Speaker 1: My bags through security for me. Never ask him to. 117 00:06:18,760 --> 00:06:21,099 Speaker 1: He ordered a cart and drove me to my gate. 118 00:06:21,839 --> 00:06:24,600 Speaker 1: I got home and sat in my favorite green chair, 119 00:06:24,920 --> 00:06:27,339 Speaker 1: put my legs up in the air. About that time, 120 00:06:27,440 --> 00:06:32,430 Speaker 1: Victoria brought my dinner in on a train. At that point, 121 00:06:32,550 --> 00:06:37,140 Speaker 1: I knew the day of miracles was not over. If 122 00:06:37,180 --> 00:06:41,110 Speaker 1: you'll acknowledge God, he'll go before you and make crooked 123 00:06:41,140 --> 00:06:44,690 Speaker 1: places straight. He'll cause the right people to show up. 124 00:06:45,130 --> 00:06:48,440 Speaker 1: He'll open doors that you could not open. He'll crown 125 00:06:48,480 --> 00:06:52,090 Speaker 1: your efforts with success. And this is something we shouldn't 126 00:06:52,130 --> 00:06:55,670 Speaker 1: do every once in a while. On Sundays, we'll pray. 127 00:06:56,130 --> 00:06:58,880 Speaker 1: Maybe before dinner, we'll thank God for the food. Before 128 00:06:58,920 --> 00:07:00,320 Speaker 1: we go to bed, we'll say a prayer. 129 00:07:00,680 --> 00:07:01,460 Speaker 2: That's all good. 130 00:07:01,720 --> 00:07:04,480 Speaker 1: But what I'm saying today is God wants to help 131 00:07:04,540 --> 00:07:09,490 Speaker 1: you all through the day. One translation says, in everything 132 00:07:09,550 --> 00:07:12,700 Speaker 1: you do, acknowledge God. That means when you get up 133 00:07:12,740 --> 00:07:16,880 Speaker 1: in the morning, acknowledge God. Good morning, Lord. I love 134 00:07:16,920 --> 00:07:20,350 Speaker 1: you today. Lord, I wouldn't be alive without your goodness. 135 00:07:20,930 --> 00:07:23,130 Speaker 1: When you see your children, God, thank you for these 136 00:07:23,190 --> 00:07:26,990 Speaker 1: amazing children. At the office, Lord, thank you for your favor. 137 00:07:27,250 --> 00:07:29,290 Speaker 1: Thank you that I excel at what you've called me 138 00:07:29,330 --> 00:07:32,240 Speaker 1: to do. Even mowing the lawn, Lord, thank you that 139 00:07:32,260 --> 00:07:36,960 Speaker 1: I'm healthy and strong. The scripture says to pray without ceasing. 140 00:07:37,680 --> 00:07:39,900 Speaker 1: That doesn't mean 24 hours a day to get on 141 00:07:39,960 --> 00:07:42,250 Speaker 1: our knees and never do anything else, never. 142 00:07:42,020 --> 00:07:44,250 Speaker 2: Go to work. It's talking about an attitude. 143 00:07:45,170 --> 00:07:49,350 Speaker 1: Under our breath, in our thoughts, we're constantly thinking about God, 144 00:07:49,850 --> 00:07:53,990 Speaker 1: thanking Him for His goodness, meditating on His promises, asking 145 00:07:54,070 --> 00:07:58,130 Speaker 1: for His help. This should be a lifestyle where it's 146 00:07:58,250 --> 00:08:02,510 Speaker 1: so ingrained in us, it's automatic. Anything you do, you 147 00:08:02,570 --> 00:08:06,980 Speaker 1: include God. You've developed that habit of acknowledging Him. That's 148 00:08:07,040 --> 00:08:10,080 Speaker 1: when god will fight your battles. That's when god will 149 00:08:10,120 --> 00:08:14,050 Speaker 1: make the crooked places smooth Now don't go the next 150 00:08:14,050 --> 00:08:18,690 Speaker 1: 20 years doing everything on your own If you'll acknowledge 151 00:08:18,730 --> 00:08:21,630 Speaker 1: god before you go to the mall, he'll help you 152 00:08:21,670 --> 00:08:23,070 Speaker 1: to find the best deals. 153 00:08:23,550 --> 00:08:26,270 Speaker 2: Victoria be sure you're listening here. Save me some money. 154 00:08:27,430 --> 00:08:30,950 Speaker 1: If you'll acknowledge god Before you go to the gym, 155 00:08:31,130 --> 00:08:34,320 Speaker 1: he'll help you get a better workout If you'll acknowledge 156 00:08:34,380 --> 00:08:38,359 Speaker 1: God before you go into that meeting, 10 seconds under 157 00:08:38,400 --> 00:08:42,320 Speaker 1: your breath, God, give me your favor. God, I need 158 00:08:42,340 --> 00:08:45,830 Speaker 1: your blessing. That meeting will go better. God will give 159 00:08:45,850 --> 00:08:49,589 Speaker 1: you the words to speak. He'll give you ideas, creativity. 160 00:08:49,830 --> 00:08:52,650 Speaker 1: He could even cause those people to like you. When 161 00:08:52,670 --> 00:08:56,070 Speaker 1: you need to clean the house, instead of complaining, getting negative, 162 00:08:56,510 --> 00:09:00,400 Speaker 1: acknowledge God and he'll give you more strength. He'll help 163 00:09:00,420 --> 00:09:03,620 Speaker 1: you to get it done in less time. Jesus put 164 00:09:03,640 --> 00:09:07,970 Speaker 1: it this way, without me, you can do nothing. He 165 00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:12,429 Speaker 1: was saying, without inviting me into every area of your life, 166 00:09:12,910 --> 00:09:13,970 Speaker 1: that day. 167 00:09:13,970 --> 00:09:15,590 Speaker 2: Is not going to be what it could have been. 168 00:09:16,650 --> 00:09:18,250 Speaker 2: We should live with this attitude. 169 00:09:18,570 --> 00:09:21,750 Speaker 1: God, I realize this day is not going to be 170 00:09:21,809 --> 00:09:26,990 Speaker 1: as productive, as successful, nor as easy without your blessing 171 00:09:27,110 --> 00:09:29,370 Speaker 1: and your favor. So I'm going to make it a 172 00:09:29,410 --> 00:09:34,230 Speaker 1: priority to acknowledge you in all of my ways. When 173 00:09:34,250 --> 00:09:38,940 Speaker 1: you acknowledge God, that's a sign of humility. You're saying, God, 174 00:09:39,100 --> 00:09:42,920 Speaker 1: I know you created the whole universe. You flung the 175 00:09:42,980 --> 00:09:47,000 Speaker 1: stars into space. You tell every raindrop where to fall. 176 00:09:47,780 --> 00:09:50,870 Speaker 1: I'm not here by accident. You breathe your life into me. 177 00:09:51,420 --> 00:09:54,069 Speaker 1: You made me in your image. You crowned me with 178 00:09:54,110 --> 00:09:57,770 Speaker 1: your favor. Now, God, I can't do this without you. 179 00:09:58,470 --> 00:09:59,950 Speaker 1: I can't make it on my own. 180 00:10:00,360 --> 00:10:01,880 Speaker 2: I need you in my life. 181 00:10:10,170 --> 00:10:13,550 Speaker 1: When you show that kind of dependency on God, there 182 00:10:13,650 --> 00:10:15,410 Speaker 1: is nothing he won't do for you. 183 00:10:15,870 --> 00:10:18,930 Speaker 2: God will move heaven and earth to get you to 184 00:10:18,970 --> 00:10:22,589 Speaker 2: where you're supposed to be. You may struggle in a 185 00:10:22,650 --> 00:10:24,449 Speaker 2: certain area. It's been that way year after year. 186 00:10:24,510 --> 00:10:27,850 Speaker 1: Again, instead of complaining, instead of getting negative all through 187 00:10:27,890 --> 00:10:29,690 Speaker 1: the day, God, I need your help. 188 00:10:30,170 --> 00:10:31,890 Speaker 2: God, I'm asking for your strength. 189 00:10:32,890 --> 00:10:36,740 Speaker 1: When you humble yourself and admit that that you cannot 190 00:10:36,800 --> 00:10:40,460 Speaker 1: do it on your own, that's when God can exalt you. 191 00:10:41,080 --> 00:10:42,559 Speaker 2: That's when he can turn it around. 192 00:10:43,500 --> 00:10:48,060 Speaker 1: The dependency on God is not a weakness, it's a strength. 193 00:10:48,760 --> 00:10:52,560 Speaker 1: It activates God's power. In our weakness, God shows up 194 00:10:52,600 --> 00:10:57,340 Speaker 1: the strongest. But when we don't acknowledge God, really that's 195 00:10:57,400 --> 00:10:58,720 Speaker 1: a sign of pride. 196 00:10:59,440 --> 00:11:02,400 Speaker 2: We're saying, God, I don't really need you to help 197 00:11:02,440 --> 00:11:03,230 Speaker 2: me run my life. 198 00:11:03,280 --> 00:11:05,910 Speaker 1: I'm doing okay. I got it all figured out. God 199 00:11:05,950 --> 00:11:08,150 Speaker 1: will step back and let us do it on our own. 200 00:11:08,950 --> 00:11:11,410 Speaker 2: God is a gentleman. He will not force his way 201 00:11:11,530 --> 00:11:12,150 Speaker 2: into your life. 202 00:11:13,080 --> 00:11:16,800 Speaker 1: Jesus said, if you abide in me, you will bear 203 00:11:17,020 --> 00:11:21,680 Speaker 1: much fruit. One translation says, if you will depend on me. 204 00:11:22,929 --> 00:11:28,530 Speaker 1: The word depend indicates continual action. You don't depend once 205 00:11:28,700 --> 00:11:31,680 Speaker 1: and then you're done. Joel, I went to church on Sunday. 206 00:11:32,200 --> 00:11:33,160 Speaker 1: I spent a couple hours. 207 00:11:33,240 --> 00:11:34,000 Speaker 2: I did my duty. 208 00:11:34,360 --> 00:11:37,060 Speaker 1: No, if you're going to depend on God all through 209 00:11:37,100 --> 00:11:40,140 Speaker 1: the day, God, I need you. God, help me to 210 00:11:40,220 --> 00:11:43,620 Speaker 1: understand this subject in school. God, help me to raise 211 00:11:43,710 --> 00:11:46,750 Speaker 1: these children. That's what it means to depend on God. 212 00:11:46,790 --> 00:11:50,570 Speaker 1: And I've learned the more you depend on God, the 213 00:11:50,610 --> 00:11:51,710 Speaker 1: better things will work out. 214 00:11:52,220 --> 00:11:53,800 Speaker 2: You will bear much fruit. 215 00:11:54,920 --> 00:11:58,360 Speaker 1: But I wonder how many times we don't have as 216 00:11:58,480 --> 00:12:03,430 Speaker 1: fruitful or productive day as we could have because we're 217 00:12:03,470 --> 00:12:08,809 Speaker 1: not taking time to acknowledge God. Simple things, driving in 218 00:12:08,850 --> 00:12:11,860 Speaker 1: the car, Lord, thank you that your angels have charge 219 00:12:11,920 --> 00:12:16,450 Speaker 1: over me. You just invited God into your car. At school, 220 00:12:16,720 --> 00:12:20,360 Speaker 1: God helped me to understand this lesson today. You invited 221 00:12:20,440 --> 00:12:25,260 Speaker 1: God into your studies, working out, mowing the lawn, cooking dinner. Lord, 222 00:12:25,400 --> 00:12:29,300 Speaker 1: thank you for your health, your strength. You invited the 223 00:12:29,420 --> 00:12:32,900 Speaker 1: creator of the universe to help you. We can take 224 00:12:32,920 --> 00:12:36,170 Speaker 1: the opposite of what Jesus said. If we don't depend 225 00:12:36,290 --> 00:12:38,870 Speaker 1: on him, we're not going to be as productive as 226 00:12:38,950 --> 00:12:41,230 Speaker 1: we could have been. We've all had one of those 227 00:12:41,290 --> 00:12:44,340 Speaker 1: days where you drive across town to pick something up, 228 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:47,260 Speaker 1: When you get there, you find out they just closed 229 00:12:48,100 --> 00:12:49,939 Speaker 1: or you work all day long and. 230 00:12:49,900 --> 00:12:53,360 Speaker 2: Then your computer crashes. You lose the information. You go 231 00:12:53,400 --> 00:12:55,820 Speaker 2: to the gym and realize you forgot your tennis shoes. 232 00:12:55,860 --> 00:12:56,700 Speaker 2: You can't work out. 233 00:12:57,760 --> 00:13:01,160 Speaker 1: Little things can cause us to be unproductive and not 234 00:13:01,470 --> 00:13:05,730 Speaker 1: every time, of course, but I believe sometimes it's because 235 00:13:06,210 --> 00:13:09,609 Speaker 1: we're not asking God for his help. We're doing it 236 00:13:09,830 --> 00:13:13,969 Speaker 1: all on our own. God has politely stepped away. Make 237 00:13:14,050 --> 00:13:15,950 Speaker 1: sure that you're acknowledging God. 238 00:13:16,890 --> 00:13:20,660 Speaker 2: Hebrews 11, 6 says, God is a rewarder of. 239 00:13:20,640 --> 00:13:26,080 Speaker 1: Those that diligently seek Him. Notice who God rewards. Not 240 00:13:26,160 --> 00:13:29,870 Speaker 1: people that half-heartedly seek Him. people that just think about 241 00:13:29,929 --> 00:13:32,690 Speaker 1: him on Sundays, people that just pray once a week. 242 00:13:33,130 --> 00:13:35,110 Speaker 2: No, God rewards people like. 243 00:13:34,929 --> 00:13:37,530 Speaker 1: You that get up every morning and thank him for 244 00:13:37,570 --> 00:13:41,130 Speaker 1: his goodness. People that go through the day meditating on 245 00:13:41,190 --> 00:13:44,710 Speaker 1: his promises, people that acknowledge him in all of their ways. 246 00:13:45,950 --> 00:13:49,890 Speaker 1: When you diligently seek God, there will be a reward. 247 00:13:50,610 --> 00:13:54,290 Speaker 1: Your life will go better. God will take you where 248 00:13:54,330 --> 00:13:57,930 Speaker 1: you could not go on your own. The amazing thing 249 00:13:57,970 --> 00:14:01,170 Speaker 1: about God is he says, you don't even have to 250 00:14:01,270 --> 00:14:02,069 Speaker 1: find me. 251 00:14:02,590 --> 00:14:05,130 Speaker 2: If you just seek me, I'll give you the reward. 252 00:14:05,920 --> 00:14:08,579 Speaker 1: If you just make an effort to please me, if 253 00:14:08,620 --> 00:14:11,720 Speaker 1: you just take time to thank me, if you just 254 00:14:11,840 --> 00:14:16,400 Speaker 1: acknowledge me throughout the day, then I'll reward you for. 255 00:14:16,320 --> 00:14:17,280 Speaker 2: Just making the effort. 256 00:14:18,360 --> 00:14:20,740 Speaker 1: My father was raised in a family that knew nothing 257 00:14:20,780 --> 00:14:24,210 Speaker 1: about God and At the age of 17, when he 258 00:14:24,250 --> 00:14:27,630 Speaker 1: gave his life to Christ, he started preaching on the 259 00:14:27,670 --> 00:14:31,250 Speaker 1: street corners, in the prisons, in the seniors' homes. 260 00:14:31,840 --> 00:14:33,120 Speaker 2: He'd never been to seminary. 261 00:14:33,760 --> 00:14:36,680 Speaker 1: He didn't know much about the Bible. One time he 262 00:14:36,740 --> 00:14:39,960 Speaker 1: preached a whole message on Samson and realized at the 263 00:14:40,120 --> 00:14:45,350 Speaker 1: end he had been calling him Tarzan. At 17, daddy 264 00:14:45,370 --> 00:14:49,380 Speaker 1: didn't have it all figured out. But one thing he had. 265 00:14:49,610 --> 00:14:53,180 Speaker 2: Was a desire to please God. He was seeking him. 266 00:14:53,490 --> 00:14:54,670 Speaker 2: He was making the effort. 267 00:14:55,130 --> 00:14:58,810 Speaker 1: See, God doesn't say, as long as you can quote 268 00:14:58,970 --> 00:15:02,250 Speaker 1: all the scriptures, as long as you understand all the theology, 269 00:15:02,350 --> 00:15:06,170 Speaker 1: I'll reward you. No, God says, I'll pay you for 270 00:15:06,230 --> 00:15:09,610 Speaker 1: seeking me. I'll pay you for simply making the effort. 271 00:15:11,080 --> 00:15:13,700 Speaker 1: From the time I was a little boy, my parents 272 00:15:13,760 --> 00:15:16,400 Speaker 1: taught me the importance of honoring God. 273 00:15:17,030 --> 00:15:19,810 Speaker 2: I wasn't perfect. I made plenty of mistakes. But for 274 00:15:19,850 --> 00:15:21,290 Speaker 2: as long as I can. 275 00:15:21,190 --> 00:15:24,670 Speaker 1: Remember, I would get up every morning and take a 276 00:15:24,690 --> 00:15:28,270 Speaker 1: moment and thank God for that day and ask Him 277 00:15:28,330 --> 00:15:32,040 Speaker 1: for wisdom and protection. Every day I would read a 278 00:15:32,120 --> 00:15:36,890 Speaker 1: chapter in my Bible. Didn't always understand it, still don't. 279 00:15:37,150 --> 00:15:39,790 Speaker 1: And I'm the pastor of a big church. God has 280 00:15:39,860 --> 00:15:43,080 Speaker 1: not blessed me because I'm the smartest, the most talented, 281 00:15:43,100 --> 00:15:46,560 Speaker 1: the most skilled. God has blessed me because I've made 282 00:15:46,600 --> 00:15:48,280 Speaker 1: it a goal to seek. 283 00:15:48,060 --> 00:15:50,310 Speaker 2: Him, to please him, to honor him. 284 00:15:52,440 --> 00:15:55,220 Speaker 1: I still take the first half hour of every day 285 00:15:55,660 --> 00:15:57,200 Speaker 1: to thank God for his goodness. 286 00:15:57,590 --> 00:15:58,850 Speaker 2: Read my Bible and pray. 287 00:15:59,470 --> 00:16:02,870 Speaker 1: I ask every day, God, let everything I do today 288 00:16:03,150 --> 00:16:06,250 Speaker 1: bring honor to your name. God has taken me places 289 00:16:06,270 --> 00:16:09,510 Speaker 1: that I've never dreamed of. He's blessed our family more 290 00:16:09,550 --> 00:16:11,730 Speaker 1: than I can imagine. And I'd love to tell you, 291 00:16:11,740 --> 00:16:14,760 Speaker 1: I'm just that smart. I'm just that talented. I'm just 292 00:16:14,800 --> 00:16:19,660 Speaker 1: an overachiever. No, I've done my part to Develop what 293 00:16:19,700 --> 00:16:22,400 Speaker 1: God's put in me, but I know the blessings the 294 00:16:22,480 --> 00:16:25,700 Speaker 1: favor the honor has come because I've done my best 295 00:16:25,920 --> 00:16:29,040 Speaker 1: to Diligently seek God to keep him first place in 296 00:16:29,080 --> 00:16:34,110 Speaker 1: my life That's what I'm asking you to do Jesus 297 00:16:34,150 --> 00:16:37,950 Speaker 1: said in Matthew 6 seek first the kingdom of God 298 00:16:38,570 --> 00:16:42,350 Speaker 1: that word seek is a strong word one definition is 299 00:16:42,590 --> 00:16:47,150 Speaker 1: to require as a vital necessity You have to see 300 00:16:47,450 --> 00:16:51,090 Speaker 1: spending time with God as being vital to living a 301 00:16:51,130 --> 00:16:52,130 Speaker 1: victorious life. 302 00:16:52,720 --> 00:16:54,620 Speaker 2: Because some mornings we think, I don't want to get 303 00:16:54,670 --> 00:16:56,940 Speaker 2: up early. I don't feel like reading my Bible. I 304 00:16:56,940 --> 00:16:58,400 Speaker 2: don't feel like going to church today. 305 00:16:59,120 --> 00:17:02,400 Speaker 1: But once you get in a habit and you see 306 00:17:02,440 --> 00:17:06,620 Speaker 1: the benefits of how you feel refreshed and restored, you 307 00:17:06,640 --> 00:17:10,680 Speaker 1: make better decisions, you're more creative, you have God's favor, 308 00:17:11,320 --> 00:17:14,139 Speaker 1: then you'll think, I can't afford not to do it. 309 00:17:14,540 --> 00:17:17,160 Speaker 1: When I don't spend time with God, I don't feel right. 310 00:17:17,420 --> 00:17:20,800 Speaker 2: Something is missing. It says, seek first. 311 00:17:21,619 --> 00:17:25,270 Speaker 1: That indicates take time for God at the start of 312 00:17:25,290 --> 00:17:28,430 Speaker 1: the day. Make him a part of your normal routine. 313 00:17:29,290 --> 00:17:32,230 Speaker 1: My father was on dialysis the last few months of 314 00:17:32,270 --> 00:17:35,950 Speaker 1: his life. Three times a week for four hours a day, 315 00:17:36,290 --> 00:17:37,830 Speaker 1: he would have to go up to the clinic and 316 00:17:38,130 --> 00:17:41,460 Speaker 1: have his blood cleaned. There were days he didn't feel 317 00:17:41,500 --> 00:17:42,060 Speaker 1: like doing it. 318 00:17:42,720 --> 00:17:45,520 Speaker 2: He was tired. He was busy. He had other things 319 00:17:45,580 --> 00:17:50,100 Speaker 2: to do. Didn't matter. He went up anyway. Why? His 320 00:17:50,200 --> 00:17:54,179 Speaker 2: life depended on it. It wasn't an option. It was vital. 321 00:17:55,270 --> 00:17:58,990 Speaker 1: In life, things get busy. Tactic at the office, your 322 00:17:59,030 --> 00:18:01,710 Speaker 1: children need you. You got a thousand things to do, 323 00:18:02,330 --> 00:18:05,450 Speaker 1: but you got to see spending time with God like 324 00:18:05,540 --> 00:18:07,150 Speaker 1: my father on dialysis. 325 00:18:07,540 --> 00:18:08,600 Speaker 2: It's not an option. 326 00:18:09,000 --> 00:18:11,220 Speaker 1: If you're going to stay strong, if you're going to 327 00:18:11,240 --> 00:18:15,000 Speaker 1: have God's wisdom and favor, you may have to rearrange 328 00:18:15,040 --> 00:18:18,520 Speaker 1: some things so you can make it a priority. 329 00:18:17,920 --> 00:18:19,080 Speaker 2: To spend time with God. 330 00:18:19,640 --> 00:18:24,280 Speaker 1: You draw strength, encouragement, wisdom from spending time with God. 331 00:18:25,030 --> 00:18:28,650 Speaker 1: That's what's going to keep your life fresh. Just like 332 00:18:28,830 --> 00:18:31,649 Speaker 1: we have to feed our physical person, we need to 333 00:18:31,750 --> 00:18:33,810 Speaker 1: feed our spiritual person. 334 00:18:34,619 --> 00:18:36,580 Speaker 2: Learn to invest in yourself. 335 00:18:37,600 --> 00:18:41,540 Speaker 1: Sometimes we feed our physical man three hot meals a day, 336 00:18:42,260 --> 00:18:45,639 Speaker 1: but we only feed our spiritual man one cold snack 337 00:18:45,680 --> 00:18:49,460 Speaker 1: a week. And then we wonder why we don't have energy, 338 00:18:49,940 --> 00:18:54,179 Speaker 1: God's favor, wisdom. It's because we're not taking time to 339 00:18:54,220 --> 00:18:55,159 Speaker 1: get filled back up. 340 00:18:56,180 --> 00:19:00,260 Speaker 2: In God's presence is fullness of joy, peace, victory. 341 00:19:00,500 --> 00:19:04,419 Speaker 1: That's where you get refreshed and re-energized. Every day, you 342 00:19:04,940 --> 00:19:08,689 Speaker 1: ought to take time to read the scripture. Meditate on 343 00:19:08,730 --> 00:19:12,310 Speaker 1: God's promises. Put on good praise music when you can. 344 00:19:12,869 --> 00:19:17,640 Speaker 1: Have a quiet time with you and God. Everything's so busy, hectic, 345 00:19:17,859 --> 00:19:21,530 Speaker 1: noisy these days. But when you get quiet and say, God, 346 00:19:22,090 --> 00:19:25,190 Speaker 1: I love you today. Lord, thank you for my life, 347 00:19:25,609 --> 00:19:29,609 Speaker 1: my family, my dreams. Lord, I realize every good thing 348 00:19:29,710 --> 00:19:32,780 Speaker 1: comes from you. That's what's going to keep you strong. 349 00:19:33,760 --> 00:19:37,440 Speaker 1: Jesus said, I am the living water. If you drink 350 00:19:37,480 --> 00:19:41,900 Speaker 1: of me, you'll never thirst again. During the day, Things 351 00:19:41,960 --> 00:19:45,340 Speaker 1: come against you. It's easy to get upset, maybe stressed out. 352 00:19:45,700 --> 00:19:48,600 Speaker 1: You need to take a two-minute break and go drink 353 00:19:48,880 --> 00:19:49,780 Speaker 1: of the living water. 354 00:19:50,460 --> 00:19:52,380 Speaker 2: Get quiet and say, God, I need you. 355 00:19:52,840 --> 00:19:55,220 Speaker 1: I'm asking you, God, help me to stay strong. Help 356 00:19:55,260 --> 00:19:58,090 Speaker 1: me to stay in peace. When you do that, you're 357 00:19:58,130 --> 00:20:02,310 Speaker 1: taking a drink. You're strengthening your inner man. When the 358 00:20:02,350 --> 00:20:04,389 Speaker 1: boss is giving you a hard time, just tell him, 359 00:20:04,690 --> 00:20:05,710 Speaker 1: I got to go get a drink. 360 00:20:06,630 --> 00:20:08,120 Speaker 2: I'm talking about the living water now. 361 00:20:09,450 --> 00:20:12,119 Speaker 1: In our quiet time, people tell me, Joe, I don't 362 00:20:12,140 --> 00:20:15,140 Speaker 1: know how to pray. I'm not a religious person, but 363 00:20:15,300 --> 00:20:21,200 Speaker 1: prayer is simply talking to God. Sometimes religion makes things complicated, 364 00:20:21,900 --> 00:20:24,830 Speaker 1: makes us think we had to pray these long, fancy 365 00:20:24,930 --> 00:20:28,690 Speaker 1: these and those prayers. No, talk to God in your 366 00:20:28,810 --> 00:20:32,649 Speaker 1: everyday language. If you talk country, the good news is 367 00:20:32,820 --> 00:20:37,130 Speaker 1: God talks country. If you talk New York, God talks 368 00:20:37,210 --> 00:20:37,609 Speaker 1: New York. 369 00:20:37,790 --> 00:20:40,320 Speaker 2: He understands you. We don't, but he does. 370 00:20:41,820 --> 00:20:45,640 Speaker 1: When you pray, talk to God like you're talking. 371 00:20:45,359 --> 00:20:46,359 Speaker 2: To your best friend. 372 00:20:47,180 --> 00:20:50,770 Speaker 1: Tell him your needs, your concerns, ask him for help, 373 00:20:51,350 --> 00:20:55,570 Speaker 1: and then thank him for what he's already done. Our 374 00:20:55,650 --> 00:21:00,189 Speaker 1: praise should outweigh our petitions. Don't spend your whole quiet 375 00:21:00,250 --> 00:21:03,859 Speaker 1: time telling God your problems, your needs. He already knows 376 00:21:03,890 --> 00:21:07,430 Speaker 1: your needs. Take time to thank him. When you read 377 00:21:07,450 --> 00:21:12,159 Speaker 1: the scripture, you may not understand everything, but that's okay. 378 00:21:12,180 --> 00:21:16,020 Speaker 1: Just read it and move on. The Holy Spirit is 379 00:21:16,100 --> 00:21:17,100 Speaker 1: called our teacher. 380 00:21:17,660 --> 00:21:20,900 Speaker 2: He'll make sure you understand what you need to understand. 381 00:21:21,960 --> 00:21:25,070 Speaker 1: God's word is like a seed. Once you put it 382 00:21:25,119 --> 00:21:28,630 Speaker 1: in you, it will never die. You may not understand 383 00:21:28,690 --> 00:21:31,609 Speaker 1: it now, but at the right time when you need it, 384 00:21:31,850 --> 00:21:34,870 Speaker 1: God will cause it to come alive. I read about 385 00:21:34,890 --> 00:21:37,350 Speaker 1: a young man in junior high. He didn't have any 386 00:21:37,410 --> 00:21:40,969 Speaker 1: kind of spiritual upbringing. One summer, all of his friends 387 00:21:41,109 --> 00:21:44,270 Speaker 1: invited him to a camp put on by the local church. 388 00:21:45,070 --> 00:21:47,150 Speaker 1: When he got there, he noticed on the platform there 389 00:21:47,170 --> 00:21:51,920 Speaker 1: was a big trophy. He was very competitive. great in sports, 390 00:21:51,980 --> 00:21:54,820 Speaker 1: great in academics. He made up his mind right then 391 00:21:54,840 --> 00:21:57,740 Speaker 1: and there he was going to win that trophy. Come 392 00:21:57,760 --> 00:22:00,129 Speaker 1: to find out it was going to be given to 393 00:22:00,150 --> 00:22:05,170 Speaker 1: the person who could memorize the most scripture verses. This 394 00:22:05,230 --> 00:22:08,290 Speaker 1: young man had never picked up the Bible, never been 395 00:22:08,330 --> 00:22:11,740 Speaker 1: to church before, but he was so competitive in two 396 00:22:11,780 --> 00:22:15,679 Speaker 1: days he memorized 30 verses of scripture. 397 00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:16,340 Speaker 2: And he won the trophies. 398 00:22:16,340 --> 00:22:21,660 Speaker 1: 15 years later, he was an all-American football player headed 399 00:22:21,700 --> 00:22:25,960 Speaker 1: to the NFL, very bright future, when one day he 400 00:22:26,020 --> 00:22:26,359 Speaker 1: felt a. 401 00:22:26,400 --> 00:22:29,920 Speaker 2: Terrible pain in his chest. Didn't know what was happening. 402 00:22:30,160 --> 00:22:31,320 Speaker 2: He soon passed out. 403 00:22:32,080 --> 00:22:35,220 Speaker 1: At 22 years of age, he had a massive heart attack. 404 00:22:36,080 --> 00:22:39,290 Speaker 1: Laying there, he woke up in the emergency room, tubes 405 00:22:39,350 --> 00:22:43,050 Speaker 1: coming out of everywhere, scared to death, didn't know what 406 00:22:43,090 --> 00:22:47,369 Speaker 1: to do. laying on that emergency room table, all of 407 00:22:47,410 --> 00:22:51,110 Speaker 1: the sudden from right down in here, all those scriptures 408 00:22:51,350 --> 00:22:54,310 Speaker 1: he had memorized 15 years earlier begin to. 409 00:22:54,290 --> 00:22:55,270 Speaker 2: Come up once again. 410 00:22:56,770 --> 00:23:00,379 Speaker 1: Friends, God's word is full of power. When you need it, 411 00:23:00,609 --> 00:23:02,370 Speaker 1: it's going to take root and God's going to cause 412 00:23:02,430 --> 00:23:03,149 Speaker 1: it to come alive. 413 00:23:03,810 --> 00:23:05,970 Speaker 2: He started quoting scripture after scripture. 414 00:23:06,470 --> 00:23:09,280 Speaker 1: Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 415 00:23:09,660 --> 00:23:11,959 Speaker 1: I will fear no evil for you are with me. 416 00:23:12,740 --> 00:23:14,659 Speaker 1: The doctors didn't think he was going to make it, 417 00:23:14,859 --> 00:23:18,020 Speaker 1: but today that young man is healthy and whole. In fact, 418 00:23:18,080 --> 00:23:21,500 Speaker 1: he's a minister. He goes all over telling people what 419 00:23:21,540 --> 00:23:24,820 Speaker 1: God has done for him. But it all started when 420 00:23:24,859 --> 00:23:27,960 Speaker 1: he put the seed of God's word on the inside. 421 00:23:28,480 --> 00:23:31,080 Speaker 1: You may not understand it now, but you can rest 422 00:23:31,140 --> 00:23:33,899 Speaker 1: assured when you need it, God's going to cause it 423 00:23:33,940 --> 00:23:37,930 Speaker 1: to come alive in your own life. Malachi chapter 3 424 00:23:37,930 --> 00:23:42,170 Speaker 1: verse 16 it talks about how God has a book 425 00:23:42,590 --> 00:23:47,200 Speaker 1: of remembrance in this book of Every time we talk 426 00:23:47,260 --> 00:23:49,790 Speaker 1: about God, we thank him for his goodness. 427 00:23:49,830 --> 00:23:52,609 Speaker 2: We meditate on his promises. We ask for his help. 428 00:23:53,070 --> 00:23:57,230 Speaker 1: God has the angels write that down in this book 429 00:23:57,430 --> 00:24:01,890 Speaker 1: of remembrance on your behalf. When you even think about God, 430 00:24:02,190 --> 00:24:05,490 Speaker 1: the angels record it. In fact, this moment right now, 431 00:24:05,710 --> 00:24:08,370 Speaker 1: the angels are writing it down in the book of remembrance. 432 00:24:08,530 --> 00:24:12,310 Speaker 1: They're at Lakewood honoring God. This book is not up 433 00:24:12,390 --> 00:24:16,060 Speaker 1: in a storeroom shelf in heaven somewhere. The scripture says 434 00:24:16,540 --> 00:24:21,840 Speaker 1: it stays constantly before God wide open as a reminder 435 00:24:22,160 --> 00:24:25,850 Speaker 1: of those who are thinking of him. Imagine with me, 436 00:24:26,440 --> 00:24:28,850 Speaker 1: God sees the angel start to write in the book 437 00:24:28,890 --> 00:24:32,330 Speaker 1: of remembrance. God asked the angel, who are you writing about? 438 00:24:33,190 --> 00:24:37,189 Speaker 1: The angel says, I'm writing about Julie. She's attending Lakewood again. 439 00:24:37,710 --> 00:24:40,730 Speaker 1: She's down there singing praises, listening to your word. I'm 440 00:24:40,750 --> 00:24:43,030 Speaker 1: going to make a record of it. A couple of 441 00:24:43,090 --> 00:24:46,710 Speaker 1: hours later, God asked again, who are you writing about now? 442 00:24:47,340 --> 00:24:50,300 Speaker 1: The angel says, I'm still writing about Julie. She's at 443 00:24:50,380 --> 00:24:52,899 Speaker 1: lunch with some of her friends talking about you. A 444 00:24:53,859 --> 00:24:56,560 Speaker 1: few hours later, same thing. Who are you writing about now? 445 00:24:56,900 --> 00:25:00,159 Speaker 1: Angel says, I'm still writing about Julie. She's driving in 446 00:25:00,200 --> 00:25:03,790 Speaker 1: her car. She's got some praise music on. early the 447 00:25:03,830 --> 00:25:06,830 Speaker 1: next morning. God asked again, who are you writing? I'm 448 00:25:06,910 --> 00:25:09,949 Speaker 1: still writing about Julie. She's up early, got her coffee, 449 00:25:10,170 --> 00:25:14,160 Speaker 1: reading her Bible. Few hours later, God sees the angel 450 00:25:14,180 --> 00:25:17,580 Speaker 1: start to write. God says, let me guess. Don't tell 451 00:25:17,619 --> 00:25:20,879 Speaker 1: me you're writing about Julie, aren't you? The angel says, 452 00:25:21,220 --> 00:25:24,980 Speaker 1: you're exactly right. God all through the day, she's acknowledging you, 453 00:25:25,300 --> 00:25:29,840 Speaker 1: thanking you, depending on you. Now imagine with me, Julie 454 00:25:29,880 --> 00:25:33,840 Speaker 1: has a need. She goes boldly to the throne, says, God, 455 00:25:33,900 --> 00:25:35,740 Speaker 1: I need your help. I've got this problem. 456 00:25:36,480 --> 00:25:39,380 Speaker 2: Who is this? God asks. She says, it's Julie. 457 00:25:40,020 --> 00:25:43,430 Speaker 1: God says, oh yeah, I know you, Julie. You're always 458 00:25:43,510 --> 00:25:46,790 Speaker 1: talking about me. You've always got me on your mind. 459 00:25:47,270 --> 00:25:51,010 Speaker 1: What can I do for you? That's the way we 460 00:25:51,070 --> 00:25:54,350 Speaker 1: should live. We should keep God constantly in our thoughts, 461 00:25:55,030 --> 00:25:59,170 Speaker 1: meditating on his promises, thanking him for his goodness, acknowledging 462 00:25:59,230 --> 00:26:00,490 Speaker 1: him throughout the day. 463 00:26:01,280 --> 00:26:03,040 Speaker 2: Our goal should be to give. 464 00:26:02,920 --> 00:26:06,260 Speaker 1: That angel a cramp in his hand from writing about 465 00:26:06,380 --> 00:26:09,600 Speaker 1: us in that book of remembrance. If that's going to happen, 466 00:26:10,180 --> 00:26:13,070 Speaker 1: you got to let God out of your Sunday morning box. 467 00:26:13,830 --> 00:26:17,690 Speaker 1: Include him in every part of your life. Take time 468 00:26:17,750 --> 00:26:20,869 Speaker 1: each day to get your inner person filled up. If 469 00:26:20,910 --> 00:26:23,890 Speaker 1: you will keep God first in everything you do, He 470 00:26:23,970 --> 00:26:26,409 Speaker 1: promises He's going to crown your. 471 00:26:26,350 --> 00:26:27,490 Speaker 2: Efforts with success. 472 00:26:28,030 --> 00:26:32,530 Speaker 1: Because you diligently seek Him, I believe and declare a 473 00:26:32,609 --> 00:26:36,530 Speaker 1: reward is coming. Favor is coming. Good breaks are coming. 474 00:26:36,850 --> 00:26:41,380 Speaker 1: Promotion is coming. A shift is coming. Healing's coming. Restoration 475 00:26:41,410 --> 00:26:44,100 Speaker 1: is coming. You need to get ready. You're not going 476 00:26:44,119 --> 00:26:48,730 Speaker 1: to live an average, ordinary life Because you depend on him, 477 00:26:49,090 --> 00:26:51,649 Speaker 1: God is going to increase you. You are going to 478 00:26:51,690 --> 00:26:54,720 Speaker 1: bear much fruit. He's going to make you more productive. 479 00:26:54,980 --> 00:26:57,340 Speaker 1: You're going to get more done in less time. He's 480 00:26:57,380 --> 00:26:59,960 Speaker 1: going to make your life easier, take you where you 481 00:27:00,080 --> 00:27:02,900 Speaker 1: could not go on your own. It's going to be 482 00:27:02,980 --> 00:27:05,100 Speaker 1: greater than you ever even dreamed of. 483 00:27:05,460 --> 00:27:08,580 Speaker 2: I believe it in Jesus' name. If you receive it, 484 00:27:09,250 --> 00:27:10,130 Speaker 2: can you say amen? 485 00:27:12,210 --> 00:27:14,879 Speaker 1: We never like to close our broadcast without giving you 486 00:27:14,900 --> 00:27:17,600 Speaker 1: an opportunity to make Jesus the Lord of your life. 487 00:27:18,080 --> 00:27:22,380 Speaker 1: Would you pray with me? Just say, Lord Jesus, I 488 00:27:22,400 --> 00:27:27,240 Speaker 1: repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make 489 00:27:27,290 --> 00:27:30,910 Speaker 1: you my Lord and Savior. Friends, if you prayed that 490 00:27:30,970 --> 00:27:32,470 Speaker 1: simple prayer, we believe. 491 00:27:32,270 --> 00:27:33,330 Speaker 2: You got born again. 492 00:27:33,830 --> 00:27:37,169 Speaker 1: Get in a good Bible-based church. Keep God first place. 493 00:27:37,570 --> 00:27:39,850 Speaker 2: He's going to take you places that you've never dreamed of. 494 00:27:48,040 --> 00:27:51,020 Speaker 1: The scripture says, write the vision and make it plain 495 00:27:51,080 --> 00:27:54,620 Speaker 1: to see. There's something powerful about writing down what you're 496 00:27:54,660 --> 00:27:57,200 Speaker 1: believing for. That's why I'd love to send you my 497 00:27:57,260 --> 00:28:00,340 Speaker 1: new I Believe Planner. It's a place to write down 498 00:28:00,380 --> 00:28:03,859 Speaker 1: your dreams, your prayers, and the promises you're standing on. 499 00:28:04,500 --> 00:28:07,300 Speaker 1: What stays before your eyes has a way of staying 500 00:28:07,340 --> 00:28:10,220 Speaker 1: in your heart. Every time you see what you've written, 501 00:28:10,560 --> 00:28:12,780 Speaker 1: let it be a reminder to thank God that He's 502 00:28:12,840 --> 00:28:14,580 Speaker 1: already at work behind the scenes. 503 00:28:14,940 --> 00:28:16,139 Speaker 2: Even when you can't see it. 504 00:28:16,790 --> 00:28:18,470 Speaker 1: As you keep your faith in front of you day 505 00:28:18,550 --> 00:28:22,830 Speaker 1: after day, you'll be encouraged, your expectation will grow, and 506 00:28:22,869 --> 00:28:25,530 Speaker 1: you'll begin to see God bring those dreams to pass. 507 00:28:26,369 --> 00:28:29,750 Speaker 3: The I Believe Planner is a beautiful new resource designed 508 00:28:29,790 --> 00:28:32,750 Speaker 3: to help you believe God for more in your health, 509 00:28:33,030 --> 00:28:36,949 Speaker 3: your family, your future. Inside, you'll find a weekly I 510 00:28:37,010 --> 00:28:40,850 Speaker 3: Believe Declaration to frame your mindset and shift the atmosphere 511 00:28:40,910 --> 00:28:45,200 Speaker 3: with God's Word, daily planning, to-dos, and prayer prompts, and 512 00:28:45,260 --> 00:28:48,720 Speaker 3: space to reflect and record God's faithfulness in your life. 513 00:28:49,240 --> 00:28:52,060 Speaker 3: Each month brings a fresh scripture and theme, plus a 514 00:28:52,080 --> 00:28:55,750 Speaker 3: QR code linking to an exclusive message from Joel, to 515 00:28:55,810 --> 00:29:00,050 Speaker 3: keep you encouraged all year long. This 15-month planner will 516 00:29:00,090 --> 00:29:02,710 Speaker 3: inspire you for the rest of this year and set 517 00:29:02,730 --> 00:29:07,170 Speaker 3: you on a course for breakthrough throughout 2027. It's yours 518 00:29:07,250 --> 00:29:09,890 Speaker 3: as a thank you for your gift to the ministry today. 519 00:29:09,910 --> 00:29:13,850 Speaker 3: Be sure to request your copy of The I Believe Planner, 520 00:29:14,130 --> 00:29:21,130 Speaker 3: available this month by visiting us at joelosteen.com or call 888-567-JOEL. 521 00:29:21,910 --> 00:29:24,380 Speaker 1: Don't just carry your dreams in your heart. Put them 522 00:29:24,430 --> 00:29:27,160 Speaker 1: on paper. And as you read them each day, keep 523 00:29:27,240 --> 00:29:30,550 Speaker 1: thanking God that he's working. Victoria and I are praying 524 00:29:30,570 --> 00:29:33,430 Speaker 1: for you and your family every day. Thanks so much 525 00:29:33,470 --> 00:29:37,290 Speaker 1: for your prayer and support. Your generosity helps us take 526 00:29:37,330 --> 00:29:40,380 Speaker 1: this message of hope to people around the world. A 527 00:29:40,400 --> 00:29:43,160 Speaker 1: special thank you to our Champion of Hope partners for 528 00:29:43,240 --> 00:29:46,430 Speaker 1: all you do to make the ministry possible. Until we 529 00:29:46,470 --> 00:29:49,370 Speaker 1: meet again, may the Lord keep you and bless you. 530 00:29:50,290 --> 00:29:53,610 Speaker 3: Be sure to request your copy of The I Believe Planner, 531 00:29:53,890 --> 00:30:00,840 Speaker 3: available this month by visiting us at joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL. 532 00:30:01,240 --> 00:30:04,160 Speaker 3: With an additional gift, you can also receive the I 533 00:30:04,200 --> 00:30:08,300 Speaker 3: Believe in His Word collection, featuring the Passion Translation New 534 00:30:08,360 --> 00:30:12,560 Speaker 3: Testament Reader's Edition, alongside the I Believe Planner, so you 535 00:30:12,600 --> 00:30:16,260 Speaker 3: can carry God's Word with you every single day, right 536 00:30:16,320 --> 00:30:20,050 Speaker 3: alongside the promises you're standing on. Don't wait until 2027 537 00:30:20,050 --> 00:30:24,709 Speaker 3: to believe God for more. This is your moment. You 538 00:30:24,730 --> 00:30:30,690 Speaker 3: can request these inspiring resources by calling 888-567-JOEL or logging 539 00:30:30,800 --> 00:30:34,800 Speaker 3: on to joelostein.com today. Call or click anytime, 24 hours 540 00:30:34,820 --> 00:30:35,190 Speaker 3: a day.