1 00:00:00,560 --> 00:00:03,480 Speaker 1: Hi, this is Joelan Victoria. Thanks so much for listening 2 00:00:03,480 --> 00:00:07,080 Speaker 1: to the podcast and thanks for supporting the ministry. We 3 00:00:07,200 --> 00:00:11,039 Speaker 1: believe you're going to have an awesome twenty twenty four, healthy, productive, 4 00:00:11,200 --> 00:00:15,400 Speaker 1: and favor filled. God bless you today and enjoy the message. Well, 5 00:00:15,440 --> 00:00:18,040 Speaker 1: God bless you. It's great to be with you today, 6 00:00:18,120 --> 00:00:20,639 Speaker 1: and I hope you'll stay connected with us during the 7 00:00:20,680 --> 00:00:24,560 Speaker 1: week to our daily podcast, our YouTube channel on social media, 8 00:00:24,960 --> 00:00:27,600 Speaker 1: and you can come visit us in person. We'd love 9 00:00:27,640 --> 00:00:29,760 Speaker 1: to have you be a part of one of our services, 10 00:00:30,360 --> 00:00:32,640 Speaker 1: nigh Lights us Hot with something Funny and I heard 11 00:00:32,640 --> 00:00:35,839 Speaker 1: about this man. He was the only Protestant in a 12 00:00:35,920 --> 00:00:40,839 Speaker 1: large Catholic neighborhood. Every Friday during Lent, while his neighbors 13 00:00:40,840 --> 00:00:43,720 Speaker 1: were eating cold fish, he was grilling a steak in 14 00:00:43,760 --> 00:00:47,800 Speaker 1: his backyard. They couldn't stand the temptation and decided to 15 00:00:47,840 --> 00:00:51,239 Speaker 1: try to convert him to Catholicism. He finally agreed, and 16 00:00:51,800 --> 00:00:54,520 Speaker 1: a priest came over and sprinkled water on him, said, 17 00:00:54,560 --> 00:00:56,960 Speaker 1: you were born a Baptist, you were raised a Baptist, 18 00:00:57,120 --> 00:01:00,080 Speaker 1: but now you're a Catholic. The next year, on the 19 00:01:00,080 --> 00:01:03,279 Speaker 1: first Friday of Lent, they smell the same smell they 20 00:01:03,360 --> 00:01:06,600 Speaker 1: rouse to his house. He was in the backyard sprinkling 21 00:01:06,640 --> 00:01:09,679 Speaker 1: water over his steak, saying, you were born a cow, 22 00:01:09,880 --> 00:01:13,520 Speaker 1: you were raised a cow, but now you're a fish. 23 00:01:13,880 --> 00:01:16,840 Speaker 1: All right, y'all say it like you mean it. This 24 00:01:16,959 --> 00:01:19,520 Speaker 1: is my Bible. I am what it says I am. 25 00:01:20,040 --> 00:01:22,399 Speaker 1: I have what it says I have. I can do 26 00:01:22,480 --> 00:01:25,080 Speaker 1: what it says I can do. Today I will be 27 00:01:25,120 --> 00:01:29,000 Speaker 1: taught the word of God. I boldly confess. My mind 28 00:01:29,120 --> 00:01:32,520 Speaker 1: is alert, my heart is recepted. I will never be 29 00:01:32,600 --> 00:01:37,679 Speaker 1: the same. In Jesus' name, God bless you. I want 30 00:01:37,720 --> 00:01:41,119 Speaker 1: to talk to you today about dealing with ugly situations 31 00:01:42,040 --> 00:01:45,280 Speaker 1: in life. We all face the good, the bad, and 32 00:01:45,360 --> 00:01:48,880 Speaker 1: the ugly. We love the good times where we're seeing 33 00:01:48,880 --> 00:01:52,840 Speaker 1: God's favor and doors are opening. We can handle the bad. 34 00:01:53,280 --> 00:01:56,600 Speaker 1: We didn't get the contract, a neighbor is talking about us, 35 00:01:56,920 --> 00:02:01,040 Speaker 1: that's just life happening. But there are some situations. The 36 00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:06,040 Speaker 1: only way to describe then is ugly. An ugly medical report. 37 00:02:06,560 --> 00:02:09,240 Speaker 1: We never thought we'd be facing this, or an ugly 38 00:02:09,360 --> 00:02:13,799 Speaker 1: break up. Someone we counted on walked away, an ugly addiction. 39 00:02:14,440 --> 00:02:17,079 Speaker 1: It's easy to get discouraged, and then God where were you. 40 00:02:17,880 --> 00:02:21,320 Speaker 1: But God won't allow a difficulty if he's not going 41 00:02:21,360 --> 00:02:25,040 Speaker 1: to use it for your purpose. The scripture says everything 42 00:02:25,320 --> 00:02:29,280 Speaker 1: is serving his plan, not just the good times, the promotion, 43 00:02:29,600 --> 00:02:33,480 Speaker 1: the blessings, but even the ugly times when it's not 44 00:02:33,680 --> 00:02:37,160 Speaker 1: fair and life throws us accur And if you'll go 45 00:02:37,240 --> 00:02:40,440 Speaker 1: through the suffering with the right attitude and through that 46 00:02:40,520 --> 00:02:44,720 Speaker 1: hardship trusting that God's in control, then God will make 47 00:02:44,800 --> 00:02:48,200 Speaker 1: something beautiful out of the ugly. You will go to 48 00:02:48,320 --> 00:02:51,560 Speaker 1: levels of your destiny that you could have never reached 49 00:02:51,840 --> 00:02:55,440 Speaker 1: by just living in the good times. These ugly seasons 50 00:02:55,440 --> 00:02:58,880 Speaker 1: are uncomfortable. We'd prefer to never have to deal with it, 51 00:02:59,400 --> 00:03:02,880 Speaker 1: but they are necessary to become all you were created 52 00:03:02,919 --> 00:03:05,880 Speaker 1: to be. See, you don't grow as much in the 53 00:03:05,919 --> 00:03:10,280 Speaker 1: good times. It's in the difficult times you're stretched. Your 54 00:03:10,280 --> 00:03:15,600 Speaker 1: faith can increase your trust, your endurance. David said, God, 55 00:03:15,680 --> 00:03:20,000 Speaker 1: you enlarged me in my distress. Not enlarged me when 56 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:23,920 Speaker 1: I was comfortable, when everyone was celebrating me. But you 57 00:03:24,120 --> 00:03:27,320 Speaker 1: enlarged me when I was chased by Saul through the 58 00:03:27,360 --> 00:03:31,440 Speaker 1: desert and I'd done nothing wrong. You enlarged me when 59 00:03:31,440 --> 00:03:35,080 Speaker 1: my own father didn't think I'd amount to anything. You 60 00:03:35,240 --> 00:03:38,400 Speaker 1: enlarged me when people I had been good to were 61 00:03:38,440 --> 00:03:42,880 Speaker 1: slandering me, trying to ruin my reputation. None of us 62 00:03:43,240 --> 00:03:46,480 Speaker 1: liked the ugly seasons. But that's when God does some 63 00:03:46,560 --> 00:03:50,240 Speaker 1: of his greatest work, preparing you for something that you've 64 00:03:50,280 --> 00:03:54,120 Speaker 1: never seen. And that's what happened with Jacob. He just 65 00:03:54,200 --> 00:03:56,680 Speaker 1: moved to a new city and he was working for 66 00:03:56,720 --> 00:04:00,560 Speaker 1: his uncle, a man named Laban. Laban had two daughters, 67 00:04:00,960 --> 00:04:06,400 Speaker 1: Rachel and Leah. Rachel was extremely attractive. She was stunning. 68 00:04:06,840 --> 00:04:10,560 Speaker 1: The scripture says she was beautiful in every way, with 69 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:15,800 Speaker 1: a lovely face and a shapely figure. Everyone admired her beauty. 70 00:04:15,920 --> 00:04:20,159 Speaker 1: She was a knockout, but her older sister, Leah, not 71 00:04:20,320 --> 00:04:25,880 Speaker 1: so much. Verse seventeen says Leah had weak eyes. One 72 00:04:25,920 --> 00:04:30,200 Speaker 1: translation says Leah was dull looking. Rachel got all this 73 00:04:30,360 --> 00:04:34,880 Speaker 1: physical beauty, but Leah was unattractive. And it's not often 74 00:04:35,000 --> 00:04:39,000 Speaker 1: that the scripture described someone's physical appearance. This has a 75 00:04:39,040 --> 00:04:43,240 Speaker 1: deeper meaning because every person is a masterpiece made in 76 00:04:43,279 --> 00:04:47,640 Speaker 1: the image of God. But the symbolism here is Rachel 77 00:04:47,720 --> 00:04:52,080 Speaker 1: is beautiful and Leah is ugly. Well, when Jacob saw 78 00:04:52,279 --> 00:04:55,760 Speaker 1: Rachel he didn't think twice. It was love at first sight. 79 00:04:55,920 --> 00:04:59,039 Speaker 1: He thought, I'm an marry this girl. In those days, 80 00:04:59,480 --> 00:05:03,040 Speaker 1: women were treated almost like property, you had to buy them. 81 00:05:03,640 --> 00:05:05,600 Speaker 1: Jacob went to Laven and said, I'll make a deal 82 00:05:05,640 --> 00:05:08,840 Speaker 1: with you. I'll work for you seven years if you'll 83 00:05:08,920 --> 00:05:12,760 Speaker 1: let me marry Rachel. Laban shook his hand and said, 84 00:05:12,800 --> 00:05:16,360 Speaker 1: you have a deal. Seven years and she's yours. Well, 85 00:05:16,440 --> 00:05:18,880 Speaker 1: Jacob was so in love he couldn't wait for the 86 00:05:19,040 --> 00:05:22,839 Speaker 1: seven years to pass. He worked hard and was faithful. 87 00:05:23,480 --> 00:05:28,280 Speaker 1: He increased Laban's flocks. Because of Jacob, Laban became a 88 00:05:28,320 --> 00:05:31,839 Speaker 1: wealthy man, and Jacob was glad to do it. He 89 00:05:31,960 --> 00:05:35,880 Speaker 1: knew something better was coming in return. This beautiful Rachel 90 00:05:36,279 --> 00:05:39,440 Speaker 1: was about to be his wife. Well, the seven years 91 00:05:39,440 --> 00:05:42,320 Speaker 1: came to an end and Laban had this big wedding, 92 00:05:42,920 --> 00:05:47,359 Speaker 1: all the family and friends. Back then, the bride wore 93 00:05:47,440 --> 00:05:50,640 Speaker 1: a very thick veil and you couldn't see who it was. 94 00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:54,360 Speaker 1: After the ceremony, they had all this dancing, all the partying. 95 00:05:54,960 --> 00:05:58,200 Speaker 1: Finally the night ended, Jacob went home a married man. 96 00:05:58,960 --> 00:06:02,120 Speaker 1: He woke up the next morning looked over in bed, 97 00:06:02,520 --> 00:06:06,720 Speaker 1: but it wasn't Rachel. It was Leah. He nearly passed out. 98 00:06:07,480 --> 00:06:10,680 Speaker 1: He didn't see the beautiful face he dreamed about. He 99 00:06:10,720 --> 00:06:14,640 Speaker 1: saw weak eyes staring at him. No offense, but he 100 00:06:14,680 --> 00:06:17,880 Speaker 1: didn't work that hard that long for something that dull. 101 00:06:18,520 --> 00:06:21,680 Speaker 1: He went straight to Laban said, this is not what 102 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:25,360 Speaker 1: we agreed to. I didn't ask for the unattractive one. 103 00:06:25,640 --> 00:06:29,039 Speaker 1: I asked for the beautiful one. How many times have 104 00:06:29,160 --> 00:06:33,080 Speaker 1: we prayed for Rachel, but we got Leah. Like Jacob, 105 00:06:33,320 --> 00:06:36,800 Speaker 1: we worked hard, we did the right thing. We were 106 00:06:36,839 --> 00:06:41,560 Speaker 1: expecting Rachel, favor, promotion, good breaks, but Leah showed up 107 00:06:42,200 --> 00:06:47,080 Speaker 1: something unfair that we didn't see coming. Well. Laban was dishonest. 108 00:06:47,240 --> 00:06:50,640 Speaker 1: He didn't keep his word. But in his defense, in 109 00:06:50,680 --> 00:06:54,440 Speaker 1: those days, the father was responsible for giving the oldest 110 00:06:54,560 --> 00:06:58,479 Speaker 1: daughter in marriage first. That was the tradition. That was 111 00:06:58,520 --> 00:07:03,200 Speaker 1: being an honorable father, not overlooking the older. Lavin said 112 00:07:03,240 --> 00:07:06,640 Speaker 1: to Jacob, if you'll work for me another seven years, 113 00:07:07,160 --> 00:07:10,760 Speaker 1: then I'll give you Rachel. Jacob wasn't happy about it, 114 00:07:11,000 --> 00:07:14,680 Speaker 1: but he agreed. He worked seven more years in an 115 00:07:14,800 --> 00:07:19,360 Speaker 1: unfair situation he was taken advantage of. It might have 116 00:07:19,440 --> 00:07:22,640 Speaker 1: been protocol, but Laban should have told him and not 117 00:07:22,760 --> 00:07:27,680 Speaker 1: tricked him. But here's the key. Jacob didn't complain. He 118 00:07:27,800 --> 00:07:31,880 Speaker 1: wasn't disrespectful to Leah. She wasn't his choice. He didn't 119 00:07:31,880 --> 00:07:35,320 Speaker 1: blame her. Why are you unattractive? You're not who I wanted. 120 00:07:35,880 --> 00:07:38,720 Speaker 1: He did the right thing when it was hard. He 121 00:07:38,800 --> 00:07:42,320 Speaker 1: kept being his best in an ugly situation, and at 122 00:07:42,360 --> 00:07:45,960 Speaker 1: the end of the seven years he married Rachel, he 123 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:50,600 Speaker 1: saw that promise come to pass. Rachel represents what we're 124 00:07:50,640 --> 00:07:56,600 Speaker 1: believing for our dreams, good health, joy, peace, abundance. We 125 00:07:56,640 --> 00:08:01,920 Speaker 1: all want Rachel, but often Leah's shows up first, something 126 00:08:01,960 --> 00:08:06,080 Speaker 1: that we didn't want, what's unattractive. What you do in 127 00:08:06,120 --> 00:08:10,160 Speaker 1: the ugly situations will determine whether you get stuck there 128 00:08:10,880 --> 00:08:14,880 Speaker 1: or you come into the beautiful things God has for you. 129 00:08:14,880 --> 00:08:17,200 Speaker 1: You may be even one of those ugly times. Now 130 00:08:17,840 --> 00:08:20,880 Speaker 1: things haven't turned out the way you had planned. You 131 00:08:20,920 --> 00:08:24,360 Speaker 1: can get bitter give up on your dreams. Or you 132 00:08:24,400 --> 00:08:27,320 Speaker 1: can do like Jacob and do the right thing when 133 00:08:27,360 --> 00:08:30,920 Speaker 1: it's unfair, keep being your best when life throws you 134 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:35,880 Speaker 1: a curve. Rachel is coming. What God promised you is 135 00:08:35,920 --> 00:08:40,880 Speaker 1: still en route. Leah is a test. The ugly situation 136 00:08:41,400 --> 00:08:43,640 Speaker 1: is where you have to prove to God what you're 137 00:08:43,640 --> 00:08:48,439 Speaker 1: made of anyone can get soured. Forget you, Laban, this 138 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:52,559 Speaker 1: is unfair. But if you don't deal with Leah properly, 139 00:08:53,080 --> 00:08:57,760 Speaker 1: you'll never see Rachel. It was necessary that Leah came first. 140 00:08:58,440 --> 00:09:01,720 Speaker 1: Wasn't a coincidence. That's just how the story panned out. 141 00:09:02,280 --> 00:09:05,560 Speaker 1: It was ordained by God. We can't see it at 142 00:09:05,600 --> 00:09:08,640 Speaker 1: the time. How any good can come out of this 143 00:09:08,880 --> 00:09:13,240 Speaker 1: ugly situation where we were betrayed. We were dealing with 144 00:09:13,280 --> 00:09:16,440 Speaker 1: an illness, We lost a loved one. It may not 145 00:09:16,600 --> 00:09:20,440 Speaker 1: be fair, but without it, you couldn't become all you 146 00:09:20,520 --> 00:09:24,440 Speaker 1: were created to be. It's depositing something in you. It's 147 00:09:24,480 --> 00:09:28,960 Speaker 1: stretching you, getting you prepared for things greater than you've imagined. 148 00:09:29,960 --> 00:09:34,400 Speaker 1: Jacob married Rachel, and he married Leah. He had two wives, 149 00:09:35,120 --> 00:09:38,360 Speaker 1: but he never really loved Leah. The scripture says that 150 00:09:38,480 --> 00:09:44,160 Speaker 1: Leah was disliked. She felt unwanted. She had baby after baby, 151 00:09:44,400 --> 00:09:47,080 Speaker 1: thinking that would cause Jacob to change his mind and 152 00:09:47,360 --> 00:09:52,040 Speaker 1: really fall in love. But Jacob never did. He was respectful, 153 00:09:52,600 --> 00:09:55,439 Speaker 1: but he didn't show her much affection, didn't spend much 154 00:09:55,480 --> 00:09:58,760 Speaker 1: time with her. He loved Rachel. He was drawn to 155 00:09:58,800 --> 00:10:02,120 Speaker 1: her beauty and smile the way she made him feel. 156 00:10:03,360 --> 00:10:08,199 Speaker 1: Over time, both Rachel and Leah had children. Leah had 157 00:10:08,240 --> 00:10:12,040 Speaker 1: a son named Judah. It was thousands of years later 158 00:10:12,480 --> 00:10:16,880 Speaker 1: the Messiah would come through the tribe of Judah. Jesus 159 00:10:17,000 --> 00:10:21,160 Speaker 1: was born through Leah's family line. Out of this ugly 160 00:10:21,280 --> 00:10:26,600 Speaker 1: situation came something magnificent, something Jacob couldn't see at the time. 161 00:10:27,440 --> 00:10:30,880 Speaker 1: All he saw was lave and trick me. This is 162 00:10:30,920 --> 00:10:33,760 Speaker 1: not what we agreed to. I wanted the beautiful daughter, 163 00:10:34,200 --> 00:10:37,600 Speaker 1: not the unattractive one. But you don't know what God 164 00:10:37,679 --> 00:10:42,440 Speaker 1: is up to. Leah was necessary. If Jacob didn't have 165 00:10:42,520 --> 00:10:47,880 Speaker 1: Leah the ugly situation, we wouldn't have the Messiah. God 166 00:10:48,040 --> 00:10:51,520 Speaker 1: uses things that we don't like. He wouldn't have allowed 167 00:10:51,520 --> 00:10:54,920 Speaker 1: it if there wasn't a purpose. We don't understand it. 168 00:10:55,559 --> 00:10:58,400 Speaker 1: All we know is we prayed for Rachel. We did 169 00:10:58,400 --> 00:11:03,040 Speaker 1: our best, we were told, but this business partner cheated us. 170 00:11:03,559 --> 00:11:07,000 Speaker 1: Our child got in trouble. We didn't see this medical 171 00:11:07,040 --> 00:11:11,559 Speaker 1: report coming. Leah showed up. Can I encourage you? Leah 172 00:11:11,720 --> 00:11:16,480 Speaker 1: is necessary. God is working behind the scenes. Stay in faith, 173 00:11:17,080 --> 00:11:21,120 Speaker 1: keep trusting. You won't see Rachel if you don't deal 174 00:11:21,160 --> 00:11:24,959 Speaker 1: with Leah properly. And the fact is God could have 175 00:11:25,040 --> 00:11:28,840 Speaker 1: had Rachel give birth to Judah. Seems to make more sense, 176 00:11:28,880 --> 00:11:33,040 Speaker 1: the beautiful girl, the attractive one. But God was showing 177 00:11:33,160 --> 00:11:37,800 Speaker 1: us how he uses ugly situations to do something beautiful, 178 00:11:38,200 --> 00:11:42,360 Speaker 1: something that you had never seen, without the betrayal, without 179 00:11:42,360 --> 00:11:46,920 Speaker 1: the lass, without the adversity. Genasi Is forty nine. Jacob 180 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:50,120 Speaker 1: was an old man and about to pass called his 181 00:11:50,240 --> 00:11:54,199 Speaker 1: children in spoke blessings. He gathered his loved ones around 182 00:11:54,280 --> 00:11:58,439 Speaker 1: and gave them one final instruction set in verse twenty nine. 183 00:11:58,679 --> 00:12:01,880 Speaker 1: Soon I'm going to die. Bury me in the cave 184 00:12:02,080 --> 00:12:06,600 Speaker 1: of mcpayla, where my grandfather and father are buried. For 185 00:12:06,720 --> 00:12:10,880 Speaker 1: there I buried Leah. In those days, it was very 186 00:12:10,960 --> 00:12:14,679 Speaker 1: important where you were laid to rest. Wasn't an afterthought. 187 00:12:15,120 --> 00:12:17,560 Speaker 1: You would have put much time and effort into It 188 00:12:18,040 --> 00:12:23,040 Speaker 1: had great meaning and significance. Isn't it interesting that Jacob 189 00:12:23,080 --> 00:12:27,439 Speaker 1: didn't say, bury me next to Rachel. Make sure I'm 190 00:12:27,440 --> 00:12:30,240 Speaker 1: beside that woman that was so beautiful that I loved 191 00:12:30,240 --> 00:12:35,120 Speaker 1: and admired you. No, Jacob said bury me next to Leah. 192 00:12:35,200 --> 00:12:37,920 Speaker 1: He was saying, in effect, when I look back over 193 00:12:37,960 --> 00:12:43,120 Speaker 1: my life, I realized Leah was necessary. I was uncomfortable. 194 00:12:43,640 --> 00:12:46,840 Speaker 1: I didn't choose it. It's not what I expected. But 195 00:12:46,960 --> 00:12:51,640 Speaker 1: I wouldn't have become who I am without Leah. When 196 00:12:51,720 --> 00:12:53,480 Speaker 1: we come to the end of life, we're going to 197 00:12:53,559 --> 00:12:57,080 Speaker 1: realize it wasn't just the good breaks, the goddess to 198 00:12:57,080 --> 00:13:00,360 Speaker 1: where we are, the open doors, the happy time. It 199 00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:04,320 Speaker 1: was the Leah's the things we didn't like that weren't fair, 200 00:13:04,840 --> 00:13:08,920 Speaker 1: these ugly moments where we did the right thing. We 201 00:13:09,000 --> 00:13:13,040 Speaker 1: stayed faithful, We trusted even though it didn't make sense. 202 00:13:13,360 --> 00:13:16,880 Speaker 1: That's where we grew. That's where our faith got stronger. 203 00:13:17,920 --> 00:13:22,000 Speaker 1: You may be dealing with Aleiah now something you don't understand. 204 00:13:22,360 --> 00:13:27,320 Speaker 1: Have the right perspective. It's necessary. You couldn't become who 205 00:13:27,360 --> 00:13:30,839 Speaker 1: you were created to be without it. Don't fight it, 206 00:13:31,240 --> 00:13:35,760 Speaker 1: embrace it. It's not stopping you, it's preparing you. God 207 00:13:35,800 --> 00:13:40,480 Speaker 1: wouldn't have allowed that Leah, that ugly situation if he 208 00:13:40,520 --> 00:13:45,000 Speaker 1: didn't have something beautiful coming. Judah came out of Leah. 209 00:13:45,559 --> 00:13:49,239 Speaker 1: God chose to bring his only son through an ugly situation, 210 00:13:49,840 --> 00:13:54,120 Speaker 1: through the lineage of Leah. Your situation may be far 211 00:13:54,160 --> 00:13:58,120 Speaker 1: from beautiful. You were promised Rachel, but you got Leah. 212 00:13:58,360 --> 00:14:01,800 Speaker 1: You don't know what God is up to. Trust him 213 00:14:02,080 --> 00:14:06,520 Speaker 1: when you don't understand. Being in an ugly situation doesn't 214 00:14:06,559 --> 00:14:10,240 Speaker 1: mean God is not working. We wouldn't have the Messiah 215 00:14:10,559 --> 00:14:14,640 Speaker 1: if it wasn't for Leah. Without that difficulty, you couldn't 216 00:14:14,679 --> 00:14:17,960 Speaker 1: become who you were created to be. And I'm not 217 00:14:18,000 --> 00:14:20,880 Speaker 1: saying it's gonna be easy. You're gonna feel like having 218 00:14:20,880 --> 00:14:24,000 Speaker 1: a good attitude, being good to people that weren't good 219 00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:26,960 Speaker 1: to you, and staying in faith when the medical courts 220 00:14:27,160 --> 00:14:31,400 Speaker 1: not improving. But if it was easy, everyone would do it. 221 00:14:32,080 --> 00:14:34,520 Speaker 1: The people that come out of the ugly into the 222 00:14:34,560 --> 00:14:37,640 Speaker 1: beautiful are the people that have a made up mind, 223 00:14:38,160 --> 00:14:41,160 Speaker 1: people that say I'm not moved by who didn't me wrong, 224 00:14:41,800 --> 00:14:45,800 Speaker 1: what didn't work out, what wasn't fair. I know this 225 00:14:46,000 --> 00:14:50,280 Speaker 1: ugly situation is a sign that something beautiful is coming. 226 00:14:51,360 --> 00:14:54,960 Speaker 1: Jesus said in Matthew, take up your cross and follow me. 227 00:14:55,960 --> 00:15:00,400 Speaker 1: We pray for blessings, favor, health. That's good. None of 228 00:15:00,440 --> 00:15:05,040 Speaker 1: us pray for a cross. We won't Rachel, not Leah. 229 00:15:05,120 --> 00:15:08,200 Speaker 1: But there are levels of your destiny you cannot reach 230 00:15:08,720 --> 00:15:13,080 Speaker 1: without taking up your cross. You won't see Rachel until 231 00:15:13,080 --> 00:15:16,840 Speaker 1: you've encountered Leah. Now taking up your cross is not 232 00:15:17,000 --> 00:15:23,440 Speaker 1: some sad, defeated, suffering life. We're supposed to live an abundant, joyful, 233 00:15:23,560 --> 00:15:30,200 Speaker 1: victorious life. But sure there'll be crosses, betrayals, unfair situations, 234 00:15:30,520 --> 00:15:34,240 Speaker 1: dealing with an addiction. Leo will show up. We don't 235 00:15:34,360 --> 00:15:38,400 Speaker 1: like it, We're uncomfortable, but you have to do like Jacob. 236 00:15:38,920 --> 00:15:42,600 Speaker 1: Don't get bitter. Keep doing the right thing when it's hard, 237 00:15:43,640 --> 00:15:46,960 Speaker 1: endure when you feel like giving up, Stay in peace 238 00:15:47,000 --> 00:15:49,640 Speaker 1: when you could be worried. That's what it means to 239 00:15:49,720 --> 00:15:53,320 Speaker 1: take up your cross. You're in an ugly situation, but 240 00:15:53,360 --> 00:15:56,600 Speaker 1: you're not moved. You know it's all working for your good. 241 00:15:57,720 --> 00:16:00,560 Speaker 1: And we hear a lot about the suffering, the burden, 242 00:16:00,720 --> 00:16:04,120 Speaker 1: the pain, but you have to realize the cross is 243 00:16:04,160 --> 00:16:07,440 Speaker 1: not the end of your story. There's a resurrection coming. 244 00:16:07,960 --> 00:16:12,360 Speaker 1: When you take up your cross, it's leading to blessing, favor, 245 00:16:12,520 --> 00:16:16,960 Speaker 1: hell levels of your destiny you could have never reached 246 00:16:17,280 --> 00:16:22,240 Speaker 1: without the adversity Leah had to happen. Leah was necessary 247 00:16:22,280 --> 00:16:26,760 Speaker 1: for your purpose. Don't fight it, complain joy Why did 248 00:16:26,760 --> 00:16:30,120 Speaker 1: these people cheat me? And I'm dealing with this illness 249 00:16:30,200 --> 00:16:34,160 Speaker 1: and these coworkers, they're always trying to discredit me. We're 250 00:16:34,200 --> 00:16:38,560 Speaker 1: all gonna have Leah. But remember the Messiah came through Leah, 251 00:16:39,160 --> 00:16:44,120 Speaker 1: through an ugly situation, through something that was unfair. There's 252 00:16:44,240 --> 00:16:47,440 Speaker 1: purpose in the pain. Favor is going to come out 253 00:16:47,480 --> 00:16:52,840 Speaker 1: of the frustration, promotion out of that loss. For seventeen years, 254 00:16:52,960 --> 00:16:55,800 Speaker 1: I worked behind the scenes here at Lakewood doing the 255 00:16:55,800 --> 00:17:00,640 Speaker 1: television production. I enjoyed making my father look good. I 256 00:17:00,680 --> 00:17:03,160 Speaker 1: thought that's what I would do the rest of my life. 257 00:17:03,280 --> 00:17:05,360 Speaker 1: My father and I were the best of friends and 258 00:17:05,760 --> 00:17:09,480 Speaker 1: had a beautiful wife, two young children. Life was good. 259 00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:13,280 Speaker 1: Then Leah showed up. My father had a heart attack 260 00:17:13,359 --> 00:17:15,919 Speaker 1: and suddenly went to be with the Lord. And I 261 00:17:15,920 --> 00:17:18,639 Speaker 1: didn't see that coming. I thought that he would be 262 00:17:18,720 --> 00:17:24,439 Speaker 1: here another twenty years, but unexpectedly he was gone. I 263 00:17:24,440 --> 00:17:29,240 Speaker 1: found myself in an ugly situation. Was painful. Was so 264 00:17:29,320 --> 00:17:32,680 Speaker 1: much uncertainty. What was going to happen to Lakewood. I 265 00:17:32,760 --> 00:17:35,119 Speaker 1: knew I was supposed to step up and pastor, but 266 00:17:35,680 --> 00:17:39,240 Speaker 1: I was afraid. I didn't feel qualified. Plus I was 267 00:17:39,280 --> 00:17:42,199 Speaker 1: dealing with the loss of my father. I liked the 268 00:17:42,240 --> 00:17:48,000 Speaker 1: way it was before with Rachel. Everything beautiful, But sometimes 269 00:17:48,040 --> 00:17:51,360 Speaker 1: God will send Leah to push you into your purpose. 270 00:17:52,160 --> 00:17:54,680 Speaker 1: If my father was still here, I would have never 271 00:17:54,760 --> 00:17:58,600 Speaker 1: stepped up. I was comfortable where I was. Do you 272 00:17:58,680 --> 00:18:01,040 Speaker 1: know what brought the gifts out that I never knew 273 00:18:01,080 --> 00:18:05,480 Speaker 1: I had? Not Rachel, not the good times, but Leah. 274 00:18:06,040 --> 00:18:09,119 Speaker 1: I thought losing my father would be my darkest hour, 275 00:18:09,520 --> 00:18:12,800 Speaker 1: but in fact it launched me into my brightest hour. 276 00:18:13,680 --> 00:18:16,800 Speaker 1: God was working in the loss, in the pain, in 277 00:18:16,880 --> 00:18:21,520 Speaker 1: the trouble. He was using Leah to get me to Rachel, 278 00:18:22,240 --> 00:18:25,000 Speaker 1: to a level of my destiny. I would have never 279 00:18:25,080 --> 00:18:29,159 Speaker 1: seen without that ugly situation. When I come to the 280 00:18:29,280 --> 00:18:32,760 Speaker 1: end of life, I can say with Jacob Bury me 281 00:18:32,840 --> 00:18:36,320 Speaker 1: next to Leah, because if I hadn't had that loss, 282 00:18:36,440 --> 00:18:38,840 Speaker 1: I would have never stepped up to who I was 283 00:18:38,920 --> 00:18:42,639 Speaker 1: created to be. Without Leah, I would have never become 284 00:18:42,680 --> 00:18:46,280 Speaker 1: a pastor, never had the compact center, never written a book. 285 00:18:47,040 --> 00:18:51,640 Speaker 1: What am I saying? Don't complain about Leah? What was unfair, 286 00:18:51,760 --> 00:18:56,199 Speaker 1: the loss, the breakup, That ugly situation is leading to 287 00:18:56,240 --> 00:19:01,400 Speaker 1: something beautiful out of Leah's lineage, camedom of Siah. Out 288 00:19:01,400 --> 00:19:04,280 Speaker 1: of your ugly seasons, You're going to give birth to 289 00:19:04,440 --> 00:19:10,760 Speaker 1: amazing things. Talent, favor, opportunity that you've never dreamed We 290 00:19:10,880 --> 00:19:14,959 Speaker 1: see this in the scripture with Joseph as a teenager. 291 00:19:15,359 --> 00:19:17,399 Speaker 1: God gave him a dream that he would be in 292 00:19:17,480 --> 00:19:21,800 Speaker 1: leadership and people would bow down before him like Jacob. 293 00:19:21,920 --> 00:19:25,320 Speaker 1: He had this promise that Rachel is coming something beautiful. 294 00:19:26,200 --> 00:19:30,760 Speaker 1: Joseph was being his best, honoring God. Then Leah showed up. 295 00:19:31,440 --> 00:19:34,680 Speaker 1: His brothers were jealous and they threw him into a pit. 296 00:19:35,280 --> 00:19:37,800 Speaker 1: We're going to leave him there, but they ended up 297 00:19:37,880 --> 00:19:42,399 Speaker 1: selling him as a slave in Egypt. I'm sure Joseph thought, God, 298 00:19:42,880 --> 00:19:46,520 Speaker 1: you gave me this dream, you promised me Rachel, but 299 00:19:46,600 --> 00:19:50,560 Speaker 1: now I'm a slave in a foreign country. He dreamed 300 00:19:50,560 --> 00:19:55,760 Speaker 1: of something beautiful, but he was facing something ugly before 301 00:19:55,800 --> 00:19:59,879 Speaker 1: you see Rachel. Often you'll have to deal with Leah. 302 00:20:00,119 --> 00:20:04,080 Speaker 1: How you handle the betrayals, the loss, the delays, that 303 00:20:04,160 --> 00:20:08,159 Speaker 1: will determine whether you see Rachel. It's easy to get sour. 304 00:20:08,840 --> 00:20:11,480 Speaker 1: They put the chip on your shoulder. God to heal 305 00:20:11,560 --> 00:20:15,480 Speaker 1: my mother. Why didn't you heal my father or David? God, 306 00:20:15,600 --> 00:20:19,600 Speaker 1: my own family has turned on me. Those ugly times 307 00:20:19,640 --> 00:20:24,200 Speaker 1: are not random, that's not happenstance. That's a sign God 308 00:20:24,280 --> 00:20:27,879 Speaker 1: is up to something. God knows what he promised you, 309 00:20:28,600 --> 00:20:31,040 Speaker 1: and he knows what he put in you that you 310 00:20:31,119 --> 00:20:35,520 Speaker 1: don't even realize. It's all working for your good. Joseph 311 00:20:35,640 --> 00:20:39,000 Speaker 1: kept being his best, doing the right thing, and he 312 00:20:39,080 --> 00:20:42,760 Speaker 1: was falsely accused and put in prison. One day, the 313 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:47,320 Speaker 1: Pharaoh had a dream that he couldn't interpret. They told 314 00:20:47,400 --> 00:20:51,160 Speaker 1: him about a slave, a foreigner in prison, a man 315 00:20:51,280 --> 00:20:55,720 Speaker 1: named Joseph, how he could interpret dreams. Joseph was brought 316 00:20:55,720 --> 00:20:59,639 Speaker 1: before the Pharaoh, the leader of the country. He interpreted 317 00:20:59,680 --> 00:21:03,720 Speaker 1: his He was so impressed that he made Joseph the 318 00:21:03,800 --> 00:21:07,800 Speaker 1: prime minister of Egypt. Joseph saw his dream come to 319 00:21:07,880 --> 00:21:12,720 Speaker 1: pass in leadership, with people bowing down before him. If 320 00:21:12,800 --> 00:21:16,360 Speaker 1: Joseph were here today, he would tell you, my brothers, 321 00:21:16,400 --> 00:21:22,160 Speaker 1: being jealous was necessary, the betrayal was necessary. Being falsely 322 00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:28,040 Speaker 1: accused was necessary. Leah had to happen. Without the ugly situation, 323 00:21:28,440 --> 00:21:31,359 Speaker 1: he would have never seen Rachel. Was all a part 324 00:21:31,440 --> 00:21:35,400 Speaker 1: of God's plan. Now, I know you can trust God, 325 00:21:35,800 --> 00:21:40,000 Speaker 1: but my question is can he trust you? Can God 326 00:21:40,119 --> 00:21:42,719 Speaker 1: count on you to do the right thing in the 327 00:21:42,800 --> 00:21:47,000 Speaker 1: ugly situations, things that are not fair. When you pray 328 00:21:47,080 --> 00:21:50,600 Speaker 1: for Rachel, but Leah shows up, will you be like 329 00:21:50,720 --> 00:21:54,680 Speaker 1: Joseph and keep being your best. That's passing the task. 330 00:21:55,720 --> 00:21:58,240 Speaker 1: I can't promise you that if you stay in faith, 331 00:21:58,440 --> 00:22:03,960 Speaker 1: you'll always see Rachel blessings, favor, beautiful, attractive. You can't 332 00:22:04,000 --> 00:22:07,800 Speaker 1: reach your destiny without Leah. But I can promise you 333 00:22:08,320 --> 00:22:11,920 Speaker 1: that if you'll endure with a good attitude, go through 334 00:22:11,960 --> 00:22:16,840 Speaker 1: the suffering with a smile, praising instead of complaining, and 335 00:22:17,000 --> 00:22:19,720 Speaker 1: all those things that looked like they would stop you 336 00:22:20,280 --> 00:22:24,119 Speaker 1: will end up thrusting you into your purpose. You'll be 337 00:22:24,160 --> 00:22:27,919 Speaker 1: able to say, like Jacob Bury, me next to Leah, 338 00:22:28,400 --> 00:22:31,119 Speaker 1: I couldn't have become who I was created to be 339 00:22:31,520 --> 00:22:35,760 Speaker 1: without the ugly situation, the things you didn't like, But 340 00:22:35,880 --> 00:22:38,760 Speaker 1: you passed the test, You did the right thing when 341 00:22:38,800 --> 00:22:41,720 Speaker 1: it was hard, and you give birth to your Judah, 342 00:22:42,160 --> 00:22:46,920 Speaker 1: something greater than you've imagined. Back in the late nineteen fifties, 343 00:22:47,440 --> 00:22:51,080 Speaker 1: my father was the pastor of a successful church. They 344 00:22:51,200 --> 00:22:54,159 Speaker 1: just built a new sanctuary that held a thousand people, 345 00:22:54,160 --> 00:22:57,719 Speaker 1: and that was uncommon for back then. He was on 346 00:22:57,760 --> 00:23:00,840 Speaker 1: the state board for his denomination on his way up. 347 00:23:01,400 --> 00:23:05,679 Speaker 1: The future looked so bright. Then Leah showed up. My 348 00:23:05,800 --> 00:23:09,639 Speaker 1: sister was born with a birth injury, something like cerebral 349 00:23:09,680 --> 00:23:13,360 Speaker 1: pauls in the doctors told my parents she'd probably never 350 00:23:13,440 --> 00:23:17,120 Speaker 1: be able to walk or feed herself. They were devastated. 351 00:23:17,920 --> 00:23:21,000 Speaker 1: My father began to read the scripture in a new light. 352 00:23:21,920 --> 00:23:25,439 Speaker 1: He was taught that God doesn't heal today, you just 353 00:23:25,480 --> 00:23:28,600 Speaker 1: have to accept it as his will, that miracles and 354 00:23:28,640 --> 00:23:32,600 Speaker 1: healing were only for Bible days. But he read in 355 00:23:32,720 --> 00:23:38,160 Speaker 1: Hebrews where it says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, 356 00:23:38,240 --> 00:23:42,040 Speaker 1: and forever. That led a new fire on the inside, 357 00:23:42,119 --> 00:23:45,080 Speaker 1: and he came back to his church with this new 358 00:23:45,160 --> 00:23:48,560 Speaker 1: message of faith and victory and how when we believe 359 00:23:48,840 --> 00:23:52,560 Speaker 1: all things are possible. He thought everyone would be excited. 360 00:23:53,200 --> 00:23:57,080 Speaker 1: It's just the opposite. Some people didn't like it didn't 361 00:23:57,080 --> 00:24:00,640 Speaker 1: fit into their tradition, and there was so much tension 362 00:24:00,720 --> 00:24:04,720 Speaker 1: and strife that my parents had to resign. They left 363 00:24:04,760 --> 00:24:07,560 Speaker 1: that church that they had spent years pouring their heart 364 00:24:07,640 --> 00:24:11,399 Speaker 1: and soul into it. They never saw that coming life 365 00:24:11,520 --> 00:24:15,400 Speaker 1: was good, and then their whole world was turned upside down. 366 00:24:16,400 --> 00:24:19,920 Speaker 1: They could have been discouraged. God, we don't understand it, 367 00:24:20,640 --> 00:24:23,679 Speaker 1: but like Jacob, they did the right thing when it 368 00:24:23,760 --> 00:24:27,840 Speaker 1: was not fair. They didn't get bitter, they didn't talk 369 00:24:27,880 --> 00:24:31,679 Speaker 1: badly about the people they went out and started Lakewood 370 00:24:31,920 --> 00:24:35,879 Speaker 1: with ninety people in a rundown feed stories. It was 371 00:24:35,960 --> 00:24:39,960 Speaker 1: just a fraction of the amount they had before, but 372 00:24:40,080 --> 00:24:44,359 Speaker 1: they just kept loving those people, caring for them, faithful 373 00:24:44,560 --> 00:24:48,159 Speaker 1: when it didn't make sense. At nine months old, my 374 00:24:48,240 --> 00:24:51,679 Speaker 1: sister Lisa lifted her head off the bed for the 375 00:24:51,720 --> 00:24:55,239 Speaker 1: first time, something my parents were told she'd never be 376 00:24:55,280 --> 00:24:58,240 Speaker 1: able to do. Little by little she got better and better. 377 00:24:58,280 --> 00:25:01,000 Speaker 1: Of course, you know today Lisa's perfectly healthy, one of 378 00:25:01,040 --> 00:25:04,720 Speaker 1: our leaders on staff, one of our pastors. The critics 379 00:25:04,720 --> 00:25:07,680 Speaker 1: said that Lakewood would never make it, but sixty five 380 00:25:07,800 --> 00:25:12,560 Speaker 1: years later, still going strong. Here's my point. There never 381 00:25:12,640 --> 00:25:17,359 Speaker 1: would have been a Lakewood without a Leah, an ugly situation. 382 00:25:17,920 --> 00:25:22,040 Speaker 1: My parents didn't like it, but Leah was necessary. Without 383 00:25:22,040 --> 00:25:25,840 Speaker 1: my sister's birth injury, my father would have never discovered 384 00:25:25,880 --> 00:25:29,360 Speaker 1: the fullness of the spirit. That's what launched him into 385 00:25:29,400 --> 00:25:32,479 Speaker 1: who we are today. And God doesn't send the trouble, 386 00:25:32,880 --> 00:25:35,960 Speaker 1: he doesn't send the sickness, but if he allows it, 387 00:25:36,200 --> 00:25:39,719 Speaker 1: he's going to somehow use it for good. And you 388 00:25:39,760 --> 00:25:44,359 Speaker 1: may be facing Aliah today something you don't understand. You know, 389 00:25:44,480 --> 00:25:47,840 Speaker 1: God promised you, Rachel, but things haven't turned out the 390 00:25:47,880 --> 00:25:51,160 Speaker 1: way you thought. Looks like God didn't keep his word. 391 00:25:51,560 --> 00:25:55,840 Speaker 1: Can I encourage you? Rachel is still coming. God is 392 00:25:55,920 --> 00:25:59,359 Speaker 1: working behind the scenes. This is a task. This is 393 00:25:59,400 --> 00:26:01,720 Speaker 1: when you have to prove to God that you're not 394 00:26:01,760 --> 00:26:05,119 Speaker 1: going to get discouraged and give up. What if you 395 00:26:05,240 --> 00:26:08,640 Speaker 1: knew it had to happen that you couldn't reach your 396 00:26:08,680 --> 00:26:12,960 Speaker 1: destiny without Leah. Now know we love Rachel, the beautiful, 397 00:26:13,000 --> 00:26:16,359 Speaker 1: the comfortable, but without Leah you want to see the 398 00:26:16,400 --> 00:26:20,159 Speaker 1: greater things God has for you. It was through Leah's lineage, 399 00:26:20,680 --> 00:26:24,280 Speaker 1: through her son Judah, that we have the Messiah. God 400 00:26:24,359 --> 00:26:28,520 Speaker 1: knows how to bring beautiful things out of ugly situations. 401 00:26:28,920 --> 00:26:31,960 Speaker 1: I'm asking you to trust Him when you don't understand, 402 00:26:32,760 --> 00:26:36,200 Speaker 1: do the right thing when you're uncomfortable. One day you'll 403 00:26:36,200 --> 00:26:39,879 Speaker 1: look back and say, like Jacob, bury me next to Leah. 404 00:26:40,200 --> 00:26:42,960 Speaker 1: All those things you didn't like, you had to endure 405 00:26:43,440 --> 00:26:47,560 Speaker 1: suffer through you realize they made you into who you are. 406 00:26:48,240 --> 00:26:51,920 Speaker 1: If you'll do this, I believe and declare, like God 407 00:26:51,960 --> 00:26:54,639 Speaker 1: did for Jacob, You're not only going to see your 408 00:26:54,720 --> 00:26:59,200 Speaker 1: Rachel's the blessing, favor, healing, but God's going to take 409 00:26:59,240 --> 00:27:03,440 Speaker 1: those ugly situations and make something amazing out of them. 410 00:27:03,840 --> 00:27:08,520 Speaker 1: You will rise higher, accomplish dreams, and reach the fullness 411 00:27:08,560 --> 00:27:12,760 Speaker 1: of your destiny in Jesus' name. And if you receive it, 412 00:27:13,040 --> 00:27:16,560 Speaker 1: can you say amen? I'd like to give you an 413 00:27:16,560 --> 00:27:20,160 Speaker 1: opportunity to make Jesus the Lord of your life. Would 414 00:27:20,200 --> 00:27:23,919 Speaker 1: you pray with me? Just say, Lord, Jesus, I repent 415 00:27:23,960 --> 00:27:27,560 Speaker 1: of my sins, Come into my heart. I make you 416 00:27:27,680 --> 00:27:31,160 Speaker 1: my Lord and savior. If you prayed that simple prayer, 417 00:27:31,280 --> 00:27:34,040 Speaker 1: we believe you got born again. We'd love to send 418 00:27:34,080 --> 00:27:36,639 Speaker 1: you some free information on your new walk with the Lord. 419 00:27:37,119 --> 00:27:39,360 Speaker 1: You can text the number on the screen or go 420 00:27:39,400 --> 00:27:41,959 Speaker 1: to the website. But I hope you'll get into a 421 00:27:42,000 --> 00:27:54,679 Speaker 1: good Bible based church and keep God first place. This 422 00:27:54,880 --> 00:27:57,640 Speaker 1: is my Bible. I am what it says I am. 423 00:27:57,960 --> 00:28:00,639 Speaker 1: I have what it says I have. And this is 424 00:28:00,640 --> 00:28:03,520 Speaker 1: the first Bible that my parents gave me I was 425 00:28:03,560 --> 00:28:06,840 Speaker 1: six years old. They taught me the importance of believing 426 00:28:06,960 --> 00:28:09,960 Speaker 1: what God says about you and letting that determine your 427 00:28:09,960 --> 00:28:13,119 Speaker 1: self image. How through the Scripture you can learn to 428 00:28:13,480 --> 00:28:17,600 Speaker 1: handle challenges and pursue your dreams. Some people tell me 429 00:28:17,640 --> 00:28:20,199 Speaker 1: that the Bible's not practical for them and how they 430 00:28:20,200 --> 00:28:23,520 Speaker 1: don't understand it. We've created a new resource called how 431 00:28:23,560 --> 00:28:27,080 Speaker 1: to Read Your Bible and Enjoy It. It provides twelve 432 00:28:27,119 --> 00:28:29,639 Speaker 1: distinct lenses that will help you see the Bible with 433 00:28:29,720 --> 00:28:33,119 Speaker 1: fresh eyes, so you can discover the hidden treasures that 434 00:28:33,240 --> 00:28:36,639 Speaker 1: increase your faith, practical truths that will help you in 435 00:28:36,680 --> 00:28:39,880 Speaker 1: your everyday life. When you tap into the power of 436 00:28:39,920 --> 00:28:42,840 Speaker 1: God's Word, there's no limit to where He'll take you. 437 00:28:43,520 --> 00:28:45,880 Speaker 2: As our way of saying thank you for your gift 438 00:28:45,920 --> 00:28:48,680 Speaker 2: of any size to the ministry this month, Joel would 439 00:28:48,720 --> 00:28:52,840 Speaker 2: like to send you this inspiring new resource. Sometimes reading 440 00:28:52,840 --> 00:28:56,360 Speaker 2: the Bible can feel confusing, out of touch, or even 441 00:28:56,440 --> 00:29:00,600 Speaker 2: produce more fear than faith. But now with this new resource, 442 00:29:00,880 --> 00:29:03,680 Speaker 2: how to Read your Bible and Enjoy It, it will 443 00:29:03,720 --> 00:29:06,600 Speaker 2: make the Word of God come alive in new ways. 444 00:29:07,160 --> 00:29:10,680 Speaker 2: You'll discover fresh inspiration on every page of your Bible. 445 00:29:10,960 --> 00:29:14,160 Speaker 2: The twelve lenses give you the power to see the 446 00:29:14,200 --> 00:29:17,719 Speaker 2: Scripture in a whole new light. When you experience the 447 00:29:17,840 --> 00:29:21,280 Speaker 2: right way to approach God's Word, it will ignite renewed 448 00:29:21,320 --> 00:29:22,520 Speaker 2: passion in your life. 449 00:29:22,960 --> 00:29:25,719 Speaker 1: When you get God's Word down in you, it brings 450 00:29:25,800 --> 00:29:29,280 Speaker 1: life and victory. This has a great Bible reading plan 451 00:29:29,560 --> 00:29:33,320 Speaker 1: plus introductions to each book. It'll help you enjoy reading 452 00:29:33,360 --> 00:29:36,000 Speaker 1: the Bible. Thanks so much for being a part of 453 00:29:36,040 --> 00:29:38,680 Speaker 1: the ministry. Victoria and I pray for you and your 454 00:29:38,720 --> 00:29:42,320 Speaker 1: family every day, and we appreciate your prayers and support. 455 00:29:42,720 --> 00:29:46,120 Speaker 1: Remember you can watch the services online every Sunday morning, 456 00:29:46,560 --> 00:29:50,160 Speaker 1: download our daily podcast, watch on YouTube, or we have 457 00:29:50,240 --> 00:29:53,520 Speaker 1: a new Joel Osting Television network twenty four hours a day, 458 00:29:53,560 --> 00:29:56,720 Speaker 1: and of course SYRIXXM as well. Until we see you 459 00:29:56,760 --> 00:29:59,520 Speaker 1: next time, May the Lord bless you and keep you. 460 00:30:00,200 --> 00:30:02,680 Speaker 2: Be sure to request your copy of How to Read 461 00:30:02,720 --> 00:30:06,840 Speaker 2: Your Bible and Enjoy It today. Visit joelostein dot com 462 00:30:06,960 --> 00:30:10,760 Speaker 2: or call eight eight eight five six seven Joel call 463 00:30:10,880 --> 00:30:15,080 Speaker 2: or click anytime, twenty four hours a day.