1 00:00:01,230 --> 00:00:03,750 Speaker 1: Thanks so much for listening to the podcast today. I 2 00:00:03,970 --> 00:00:05,790 Speaker 1: want you to know that Victoria and I are praying 3 00:00:05,809 --> 00:00:08,469 Speaker 1: for you and your family this summer and just asking 4 00:00:08,520 --> 00:00:11,720 Speaker 1: God to bring you more peace and joy and victory 5 00:00:11,740 --> 00:00:14,470 Speaker 1: than you've ever seen before. Know that God's for you. 6 00:00:14,480 --> 00:00:16,220 Speaker 1: He's got you in the palm of his hand. And 7 00:00:16,400 --> 00:00:19,470 Speaker 1: I hope you enjoy the message today. Well, God bless you. 8 00:00:19,630 --> 00:00:22,150 Speaker 1: It's great to be with you today. And I hope 9 00:00:22,170 --> 00:00:24,729 Speaker 1: you'll stay connected with us during the week through our 10 00:00:24,770 --> 00:00:28,670 Speaker 1: daily podcast or YouTube channel, social media, and you can 11 00:00:28,710 --> 00:00:30,930 Speaker 1: come visit us in person. We'd love to have you 12 00:00:30,950 --> 00:00:33,449 Speaker 1: be a part of one of our services. I'd like 13 00:00:33,470 --> 00:00:35,970 Speaker 1: to start with something funny. And I heard about this 14 00:00:36,050 --> 00:00:40,350 Speaker 1: husband and wife. They'd been arguing a long time about 15 00:00:40,470 --> 00:00:43,490 Speaker 1: who should make the coffee in the morning. The husband 16 00:00:43,510 --> 00:00:45,850 Speaker 1: thought it was the wife's job, but she didn't agree. 17 00:00:46,430 --> 00:00:49,730 Speaker 1: After several heated debates, she finally told him, I can 18 00:00:49,810 --> 00:00:52,410 Speaker 1: prove to you from the Bible that it's the man's 19 00:00:52,450 --> 00:00:54,690 Speaker 1: job to make the coffee. He said, what are you 20 00:00:54,730 --> 00:00:56,950 Speaker 1: talking about? Nothing in the Bible about the man making 21 00:00:56,980 --> 00:00:59,860 Speaker 1: the coffee. She said, sure there is. She opened the 22 00:00:59,900 --> 00:01:04,880 Speaker 1: Bible and turned to the book of Hebrews. All right, y'all. 23 00:01:05,680 --> 00:01:08,000 Speaker 1: Say it like you mean it. This is my Bible. 24 00:01:08,470 --> 00:01:10,770 Speaker 1: I am what it says I am. I have what 25 00:01:10,790 --> 00:01:13,110 Speaker 1: it says I have. I can do what it says 26 00:01:13,190 --> 00:01:15,970 Speaker 1: I can do. Today, I will be taught the word 27 00:01:16,030 --> 00:01:20,070 Speaker 1: of God. I boldly confess my mind is alert. My 28 00:01:20,130 --> 00:01:23,429 Speaker 1: heart is receptive. I will never be the same in 29 00:01:23,510 --> 00:01:28,150 Speaker 1: Jesus name. God bless you. I want to talk to 30 00:01:28,209 --> 00:01:32,080 Speaker 1: you today about the strength of silence. We live in 31 00:01:32,140 --> 00:01:35,319 Speaker 1: a day where everyone has something to say. We're quick 32 00:01:35,360 --> 00:01:38,890 Speaker 1: to give our opinion and quick to respond, quick to 33 00:01:38,930 --> 00:01:41,910 Speaker 1: let people know what we think. They say something we 34 00:01:41,930 --> 00:01:45,090 Speaker 1: don't like, well, we need to straighten them out. Coworker 35 00:01:45,150 --> 00:01:48,250 Speaker 1: offends us, we're going to let them have it. Family 36 00:01:48,290 --> 00:01:51,170 Speaker 1: member says something rude, well, two can play at that game. 37 00:01:51,630 --> 00:01:54,370 Speaker 1: We let them know how we feel. But just because 38 00:01:54,390 --> 00:01:57,440 Speaker 1: you have something to say doesn't mean you're supposed to 39 00:01:57,520 --> 00:02:03,150 Speaker 1: say it. Every offense doesn't deserve your response. Every disagreement 40 00:02:03,570 --> 00:02:08,320 Speaker 1: doesn't need your opinion. Every person that misunderstands you doesn't 41 00:02:08,360 --> 00:02:11,680 Speaker 1: have to be convinced to change. There are battles you 42 00:02:11,720 --> 00:02:15,900 Speaker 1: will never win with more words. Sometimes the most powerful 43 00:02:15,960 --> 00:02:19,350 Speaker 1: thing you can do is say nothing at all. It 44 00:02:19,470 --> 00:02:22,750 Speaker 1: takes strength to stay quiet when you could prove that 45 00:02:22,770 --> 00:02:26,329 Speaker 1: you're right. You have the perfect thing to say, but 46 00:02:26,389 --> 00:02:29,350 Speaker 1: no matter how convincing you are, the other person is 47 00:02:29,389 --> 00:02:32,170 Speaker 1: not going to receive it. The more you talk, the 48 00:02:32,210 --> 00:02:35,430 Speaker 1: more frustrated you get. You're trying to put out the fire, 49 00:02:35,950 --> 00:02:38,770 Speaker 1: but in fact, it's like pouring gasoline on the fire. 50 00:02:39,710 --> 00:02:43,470 Speaker 1: And Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, there's a time to speak 51 00:02:44,030 --> 00:02:46,570 Speaker 1: and there's a time to be silent. I'm not saying 52 00:02:46,610 --> 00:02:50,769 Speaker 1: to never speak up, never confront, deal with conflict, but 53 00:02:50,830 --> 00:02:54,989 Speaker 1: maturity is knowing what time you're in. Is this a 54 00:02:55,050 --> 00:02:58,149 Speaker 1: time to speak, to be bold, to let your voice 55 00:02:58,210 --> 00:03:01,160 Speaker 1: be heard? Or is this a time to be silent, 56 00:03:01,620 --> 00:03:04,820 Speaker 1: to walk away and let things cool down? One of 57 00:03:04,860 --> 00:03:09,620 Speaker 1: the best ways to protect your peace, protect relationships, is 58 00:03:09,660 --> 00:03:13,190 Speaker 1: to learn the strength of silence. You may have every 59 00:03:13,290 --> 00:03:17,130 Speaker 1: right to say something. The question is, does it need 60 00:03:17,150 --> 00:03:20,590 Speaker 1: to be said? Is it going to be helpful, move 61 00:03:20,630 --> 00:03:23,030 Speaker 1: things forward? Or is it just going to make you 62 00:03:23,050 --> 00:03:25,490 Speaker 1: feel good, feed your ego? You got to have the 63 00:03:25,530 --> 00:03:30,580 Speaker 1: last word. When someone makes a disrespectful comment, you don't 64 00:03:30,620 --> 00:03:34,800 Speaker 1: have to answer. They post something you disagree with, you 65 00:03:34,840 --> 00:03:38,260 Speaker 1: don't have to correct them. You're not called to straighten 66 00:03:38,360 --> 00:03:42,580 Speaker 1: everyone out. The Holy Spirit is the one that convicts people. 67 00:03:43,380 --> 00:03:47,150 Speaker 1: Sometimes we're playing Holy Spirit Junior. Let me convict you. 68 00:03:47,590 --> 00:03:51,490 Speaker 1: Let me get you fixed. That's not your assignment. Focus 69 00:03:51,530 --> 00:03:55,710 Speaker 1: on keeping yourself fixed. Maybe your spouse is frustrated and 70 00:03:55,930 --> 00:03:59,350 Speaker 1: they say something sharp. you don't have to say something back. 71 00:03:59,810 --> 00:04:03,660 Speaker 1: Those thoughts will come quickly. They'll give you a dozen zingers. 72 00:04:04,040 --> 00:04:07,360 Speaker 1: You'll think that's good. That's really good. That's a bomb. 73 00:04:07,620 --> 00:04:10,180 Speaker 1: Which one am I going to say? How about being 74 00:04:10,200 --> 00:04:14,620 Speaker 1: the bigger person and saying nothing? Proverbs says, if you'll 75 00:04:14,650 --> 00:04:17,370 Speaker 1: keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble. 76 00:04:18,050 --> 00:04:22,290 Speaker 1: Ushers lock the doors. How much trouble, how much trouble 77 00:04:22,350 --> 00:04:25,969 Speaker 1: do we bring on ourselves because of our mouth? We 78 00:04:25,990 --> 00:04:31,290 Speaker 1: have to have the last word We're always expressing our opinion, defending, proving, 79 00:04:31,650 --> 00:04:35,089 Speaker 1: showing them they're wrong. This can save a lot of heartache. 80 00:04:35,330 --> 00:04:39,589 Speaker 1: Zip it up. Put your ego down. Here's the key. 81 00:04:40,120 --> 00:04:43,450 Speaker 1: Let go of the need to always be right. This 82 00:04:43,500 --> 00:04:46,880 Speaker 1: is what stops many people. They have the facts. They 83 00:04:46,920 --> 00:04:50,180 Speaker 1: can prove and defend. But if on the way to 84 00:04:50,220 --> 00:04:54,700 Speaker 1: being right, things get so heated, there's so much arguing 85 00:04:54,740 --> 00:04:58,979 Speaker 1: and hurtful words, Now you've won, but this damage is done. 86 00:04:59,920 --> 00:05:03,520 Speaker 1: Being right is overrated. You can be right and be 87 00:05:03,560 --> 00:05:06,860 Speaker 1: sleeping on the couch. You can be right and not 88 00:05:06,880 --> 00:05:09,260 Speaker 1: have your job because you were offensive in how you 89 00:05:09,300 --> 00:05:13,620 Speaker 1: said it. I've learned having peace is more important than 90 00:05:13,640 --> 00:05:17,000 Speaker 1: being right. The scripture says it this way, avoiding a 91 00:05:17,240 --> 00:05:20,560 Speaker 1: fight is a mark of honor. It doesn't say winning 92 00:05:20,620 --> 00:05:24,580 Speaker 1: a fight is the honor. It's easy to get into conflict, 93 00:05:24,600 --> 00:05:27,260 Speaker 1: stir things up, But it can be hard to bite 94 00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:30,779 Speaker 1: our tongue. It's hard not to express everything we're thinking. 95 00:05:31,320 --> 00:05:33,719 Speaker 1: Give them a piece of my mind. Tell them what 96 00:05:33,800 --> 00:05:37,339 Speaker 1: I think. If you keep giving pieces away, you will 97 00:05:37,380 --> 00:05:41,960 Speaker 1: lose your piece of mind. How many relationships would be saved? 98 00:05:42,580 --> 00:05:45,790 Speaker 1: How much healthier would our marriages be if we learned 99 00:05:45,830 --> 00:05:52,469 Speaker 1: the strength of silence? That we don't have to defend, debate, argue. Joel, 100 00:05:52,510 --> 00:05:56,330 Speaker 1: I've got the facts. I'm right. Being right doesn't mean 101 00:05:56,350 --> 00:06:00,030 Speaker 1: you have permission to say everything you want. It may 102 00:06:00,089 --> 00:06:02,770 Speaker 1: not be the right time. You can say the right 103 00:06:02,890 --> 00:06:05,650 Speaker 1: thing at the wrong time and it blows up. The 104 00:06:05,690 --> 00:06:09,650 Speaker 1: person wasn't ready. Things too tense. Well, if I don't 105 00:06:09,750 --> 00:06:12,810 Speaker 1: speak up, I'm going to look weak. It's just the opposite. 106 00:06:13,210 --> 00:06:18,760 Speaker 1: Silence is not weakness. Silence is strength under control. Anyone 107 00:06:18,800 --> 00:06:22,520 Speaker 1: can react. Anyone can blow off steam, say whatever they think. 108 00:06:22,779 --> 00:06:26,870 Speaker 1: That's easy. It takes a strong person to have something 109 00:06:26,910 --> 00:06:31,070 Speaker 1: to say and to choose not to say it. Psalm 39, 110 00:06:31,070 --> 00:06:35,330 Speaker 1: David had people coming against him, slandering him, trying to 111 00:06:35,370 --> 00:06:39,350 Speaker 1: ruin his reputation. Under all this pressure, he said in 112 00:06:39,390 --> 00:06:42,950 Speaker 1: verse one, I will keep my tongue from sin. I 113 00:06:43,529 --> 00:06:46,289 Speaker 1: will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the 114 00:06:46,350 --> 00:06:51,010 Speaker 1: presence of the ungodly. He was saying, when I'm in difficulties, 115 00:06:51,510 --> 00:06:54,909 Speaker 1: people doing me wrong, I'm tempted to get upset, I'm 116 00:06:54,950 --> 00:06:58,650 Speaker 1: gonna be careful what I say. He had people lying 117 00:06:58,690 --> 00:07:03,660 Speaker 1: about him. He was misunderstood, hurting, but his first concern 118 00:07:04,140 --> 00:07:07,219 Speaker 1: wasn't what other people were saying, it was what he 119 00:07:07,260 --> 00:07:11,140 Speaker 1: was saying. He said, when I get under pressure, I 120 00:07:11,200 --> 00:07:14,410 Speaker 1: feel like telling people off, speaking my mind, I'm gonna 121 00:07:14,430 --> 00:07:18,460 Speaker 1: put a muzzle on my mouth. That's dramatic. has someone 122 00:07:18,500 --> 00:07:22,220 Speaker 1: that's determined to stay quiet. You know what a muzzle is. 123 00:07:22,660 --> 00:07:24,820 Speaker 1: We were at the veterinarian clinic the other day and 124 00:07:25,180 --> 00:07:28,360 Speaker 1: these big dogs came in. First thing the receptionist said was, 125 00:07:28,560 --> 00:07:31,260 Speaker 1: put a muzzle on him. Make sure he can't open 126 00:07:31,300 --> 00:07:34,330 Speaker 1: his mouth. What if we had this attitude like David? 127 00:07:35,090 --> 00:07:38,350 Speaker 1: Someone says something rude at work and everything in us 128 00:07:38,390 --> 00:07:41,650 Speaker 1: wants to respond. We have some good thoughts coming that 129 00:07:41,670 --> 00:07:45,390 Speaker 1: would prove, defend, pay them back, but we put our 130 00:07:45,430 --> 00:07:48,790 Speaker 1: muzzle on them. We don't get drawn into that conflict. 131 00:07:49,390 --> 00:07:51,830 Speaker 1: We're not gonna sink down to that level and speak 132 00:07:51,910 --> 00:07:55,810 Speaker 1: poison with our mouth. In your home, with your children, 133 00:07:55,830 --> 00:07:59,270 Speaker 1: your spouse, you can't live with people without there being 134 00:07:59,330 --> 00:08:03,810 Speaker 1: times of conflict and misunderstanding. Don't let that get blown 135 00:08:03,870 --> 00:08:08,310 Speaker 1: out of proportion. Anyone can argue, but the bigger person 136 00:08:08,470 --> 00:08:11,930 Speaker 1: puts the muzzle on. The bigger one says, I'm gonna 137 00:08:11,990 --> 00:08:15,280 Speaker 1: bite my tongue. I'm gonna walk away for the sake 138 00:08:15,320 --> 00:08:18,960 Speaker 1: of peace. That's not weak, that's a strong person. That's 139 00:08:19,040 --> 00:08:23,140 Speaker 1: godly restraint. Well, Joel, if I'm always the bigger person, 140 00:08:23,580 --> 00:08:27,370 Speaker 1: I'm never defending myself, setting people straight, then I'm gonna 141 00:08:27,410 --> 00:08:31,470 Speaker 1: get pushed down. I'm gonna continue to have these challenges. No, 142 00:08:31,510 --> 00:08:34,170 Speaker 1: when you leave it up to God, he'll be your defender. 143 00:08:34,830 --> 00:08:38,110 Speaker 1: He'll fight your battles. He'll prove to people who you are. 144 00:08:38,620 --> 00:08:42,180 Speaker 1: The scripture says he will silence the lying lips. He 145 00:08:42,220 --> 00:08:45,960 Speaker 1: will bless you in front of your enemies. Not only that, 146 00:08:46,660 --> 00:08:50,980 Speaker 1: in your family relationships, when you're the peacemaker, when you 147 00:08:51,040 --> 00:08:54,449 Speaker 1: swallow your pride and keep your mouth closed, even though 148 00:08:54,490 --> 00:08:58,650 Speaker 1: you know you're right, you are honoring God. He sees that. 149 00:08:59,390 --> 00:09:01,869 Speaker 1: He'll deal with the other people. He knows how to 150 00:09:01,929 --> 00:09:05,309 Speaker 1: get their attention. One thing my father always taught me 151 00:09:05,470 --> 00:09:08,500 Speaker 1: is you never go wrong by taking the high road, 152 00:09:09,390 --> 00:09:14,150 Speaker 1: overlooking an offense, not responding to the negative chatter, keeping 153 00:09:14,190 --> 00:09:17,750 Speaker 1: the peace when everything in you wants to argue. That's 154 00:09:17,809 --> 00:09:21,250 Speaker 1: a mark of honor. That's what God rewards. And I 155 00:09:21,290 --> 00:09:24,929 Speaker 1: wonder if what David called the sins of the tongue 156 00:09:25,110 --> 00:09:28,770 Speaker 1: are holding you back, saying hurtful things and trying to 157 00:09:28,809 --> 00:09:32,120 Speaker 1: prove your point, always having to have the last word. 158 00:09:32,580 --> 00:09:34,880 Speaker 1: Why don't you try a different approach and get your 159 00:09:34,920 --> 00:09:39,740 Speaker 1: muzzle out? Put that restraint on. David didn't pray, God 160 00:09:39,800 --> 00:09:44,350 Speaker 1: shut them up. Make them quit saying hurtful things, aggravating me, 161 00:09:44,480 --> 00:09:50,280 Speaker 1: slandering me. David prayed, God, help me control me. You 162 00:09:50,320 --> 00:09:53,990 Speaker 1: can't control what other people say, but you can control you. 163 00:09:55,050 --> 00:09:57,930 Speaker 1: Here's the key. There's a muzzle that has your name 164 00:09:58,050 --> 00:10:02,040 Speaker 1: on it. A muzzle that's custom designed, made by the 165 00:10:02,080 --> 00:10:05,220 Speaker 1: creator just for you. Have you ever picked up yours? 166 00:10:06,120 --> 00:10:08,380 Speaker 1: Some of you, it's been in will call for 37 167 00:10:08,380 --> 00:10:11,440 Speaker 1: years and you can't figure out why you can't control 168 00:10:11,500 --> 00:10:15,260 Speaker 1: your tongue. Go get your muzzle. You have the power 169 00:10:15,320 --> 00:10:18,960 Speaker 1: to stay silent. You don't have to respond to the insult. 170 00:10:27,350 --> 00:10:30,530 Speaker 1: You don't have to react when your spouse pushes your buttons. 171 00:10:31,190 --> 00:10:34,069 Speaker 1: You don't have to comment on every post that offends you. 172 00:10:34,370 --> 00:10:38,330 Speaker 1: There's strength in silence. I know this is not easy, 173 00:10:38,750 --> 00:10:41,290 Speaker 1: but it's something we all have to learn, a test 174 00:10:41,350 --> 00:10:43,770 Speaker 1: we have to pass. Because if we keep responding the 175 00:10:43,830 --> 00:10:47,200 Speaker 1: same way, using our words to pay back, to hurt, 176 00:10:47,410 --> 00:10:50,340 Speaker 1: to argue, it will limit how high we can go. 177 00:10:51,100 --> 00:10:53,500 Speaker 1: David said in the next verse, I came to a 178 00:10:53,559 --> 00:10:57,679 Speaker 1: bursting point. My thoughts grew hot within me and began 179 00:10:57,720 --> 00:11:02,860 Speaker 1: to burn, igniting a fire of words. He wasn't pretending. 180 00:11:03,380 --> 00:11:06,800 Speaker 1: Everything was okay. No emotion. He was hot. He was 181 00:11:06,900 --> 00:11:10,240 Speaker 1: boiling on the inside. He wanted to unload on those people. 182 00:11:10,960 --> 00:11:14,380 Speaker 1: His thoughts begin to burn. He knew what would happen 183 00:11:14,480 --> 00:11:17,240 Speaker 1: if he didn't put that muzzle on. He would ignite 184 00:11:17,280 --> 00:11:20,580 Speaker 1: a fire with his words. He would stir up all 185 00:11:20,679 --> 00:11:23,720 Speaker 1: kinds of trouble if he said what he was thinking. 186 00:11:24,360 --> 00:11:27,819 Speaker 1: Here's the principle. Don't speak when your thoughts are hot. 187 00:11:28,760 --> 00:11:32,260 Speaker 1: When you're upset, your emotions out of check, you feel 188 00:11:32,300 --> 00:11:35,070 Speaker 1: that anger, you want to pay him back. That's when 189 00:11:35,090 --> 00:11:38,020 Speaker 1: you have to get the muzzle out David said in 190 00:11:38,040 --> 00:11:42,710 Speaker 1: Psalm 141, God, set a guard over my mouth. Keep 191 00:11:42,830 --> 00:11:45,870 Speaker 1: watch over what I say. When you're hot, that's a 192 00:11:45,929 --> 00:11:48,890 Speaker 1: good time to say, God, I need your help. I'm 193 00:11:48,929 --> 00:11:52,190 Speaker 1: about to ignite a fire with my words. I'm coming 194 00:11:52,230 --> 00:11:55,630 Speaker 1: to a bursting point, gonna say things I know I shouldn't. 195 00:11:55,970 --> 00:11:58,670 Speaker 1: So God, I'm asking you to put a watch over 196 00:11:58,730 --> 00:12:02,650 Speaker 1: my mouth. Help me to zip it up. Don't say 197 00:12:02,730 --> 00:12:06,550 Speaker 1: things in the heat of the moment. When emotions are high, 198 00:12:07,050 --> 00:12:12,520 Speaker 1: wisdom is usually low. When anger arises, common sense usually leaves. 199 00:12:13,340 --> 00:12:16,520 Speaker 1: David didn't trust his mouth when his emotions were hot. 200 00:12:17,340 --> 00:12:19,600 Speaker 1: He knew this wasn't the time to say everything he 201 00:12:19,640 --> 00:12:23,880 Speaker 1: was thinking. He even recognized speaking these wrong words could 202 00:12:23,940 --> 00:12:27,720 Speaker 1: ignite a fire. That's what James said in the scripture. 203 00:12:28,140 --> 00:12:32,120 Speaker 1: The tongue is like a fire. A tiny spark can 204 00:12:32,160 --> 00:12:35,890 Speaker 1: set a whole forest ablaze. When you feel yourself getting 205 00:12:35,970 --> 00:12:38,790 Speaker 1: hot on the inside, it's not the time to have 206 00:12:38,830 --> 00:12:41,770 Speaker 1: a conversation. That's the time to step out of the room, 207 00:12:42,570 --> 00:12:46,110 Speaker 1: walk around the block, get some fresh air. Don't try 208 00:12:46,150 --> 00:12:49,070 Speaker 1: to solve the issue right there. Don't send the email. 209 00:12:49,730 --> 00:12:53,309 Speaker 1: Don't call your cousin. Don't respond to that text. Sleep 210 00:12:53,450 --> 00:12:56,130 Speaker 1: on it. You have to give yourself time to let 211 00:12:56,170 --> 00:13:00,030 Speaker 1: the temperature come down. How many times have we set 212 00:13:00,130 --> 00:13:03,650 Speaker 1: off a fire with our words? said something out of 213 00:13:03,830 --> 00:13:09,170 Speaker 1: anger or ego, blew up, feelings got hurt, relationships were strained. 214 00:13:10,309 --> 00:13:13,940 Speaker 1: Words can leave wounds. Took 10 seconds to say it, 215 00:13:14,490 --> 00:13:17,060 Speaker 1: but 10 years later, the person is still dealing with it. 216 00:13:18,110 --> 00:13:22,510 Speaker 1: Let's quit starting fires. Let's learn to walk away. You're 217 00:13:22,550 --> 00:13:25,740 Speaker 1: not weak when you're silent, you're smart when you're silent. 218 00:13:26,650 --> 00:13:29,580 Speaker 1: And again, I know there are times to address issues 219 00:13:29,620 --> 00:13:33,589 Speaker 1: and confront wrongs. I'm not saying to live passive, I'm saying, 220 00:13:33,610 --> 00:13:37,240 Speaker 1: number one, make sure it's a battle that you're supposed 221 00:13:37,270 --> 00:13:41,100 Speaker 1: to fight. Not just something where you're offended, upset, you're 222 00:13:41,120 --> 00:13:44,160 Speaker 1: going to pay them back. And number two, is it 223 00:13:44,220 --> 00:13:49,160 Speaker 1: the right time? Most damage happens because people were angry 224 00:13:49,620 --> 00:13:52,740 Speaker 1: and they threw words around that they never meant to say. 225 00:13:53,820 --> 00:13:58,160 Speaker 1: Proverbs says, reckless words cut like a sword. All of 226 00:13:58,230 --> 00:14:01,090 Speaker 1: a sudden you put sword marks in people that you love. 227 00:14:02,050 --> 00:14:06,330 Speaker 1: This can be avoided. put that muzzle on. Your peace 228 00:14:06,510 --> 00:14:10,069 Speaker 1: is more important than getting your way. Your peace is 229 00:14:10,150 --> 00:14:14,150 Speaker 1: more valuable than proving that you were right. Some battles 230 00:14:14,170 --> 00:14:18,150 Speaker 1: you're not supposed to fight, they are distractions. That's the 231 00:14:18,230 --> 00:14:21,650 Speaker 1: enemy trying to get you off course, offended, trying to 232 00:14:21,710 --> 00:14:25,310 Speaker 1: prove your point. The problem with those battles is there 233 00:14:25,370 --> 00:14:28,930 Speaker 1: are no spoils. Even if you do win, what has 234 00:14:28,950 --> 00:14:32,620 Speaker 1: that gained you? If it's not between you and your destiny, 235 00:14:32,880 --> 00:14:37,580 Speaker 1: it's a distraction. After David gave us all this emotion, God, 236 00:14:37,660 --> 00:14:40,840 Speaker 1: I'm hot, I'm at a boiling point, about to start 237 00:14:40,880 --> 00:14:44,540 Speaker 1: a fire with my words, he was venting, expressing how 238 00:14:44,620 --> 00:14:49,150 Speaker 1: frustrated he was. The next verse, David said something significant. 239 00:14:49,790 --> 00:14:53,470 Speaker 1: He had a change in perspective. He said, God, help 240 00:14:53,530 --> 00:14:56,970 Speaker 1: me to realize how brief my time here on earth is. 241 00:14:58,280 --> 00:15:01,370 Speaker 1: After letting himself get all worked up, he came back 242 00:15:01,810 --> 00:15:04,430 Speaker 1: to focus and thought, you know what? I'm not always 243 00:15:04,470 --> 00:15:07,850 Speaker 1: gonna be here. This argument is not worth my peace. 244 00:15:08,570 --> 00:15:12,260 Speaker 1: This offense is not worth getting upset over. Life is 245 00:15:12,340 --> 00:15:16,580 Speaker 1: too short to waste valuable time fighting battles that don't matter. 246 00:15:17,420 --> 00:15:19,540 Speaker 1: Trying to prove to people that are never gonna be 247 00:15:19,600 --> 00:15:24,250 Speaker 1: for you. Arguing over petty things. In a hundred years, 248 00:15:24,280 --> 00:15:27,330 Speaker 1: we're all gonna be gone. How much time are you 249 00:15:27,390 --> 00:15:32,120 Speaker 1: spending letting other people determine your joy? How they act, 250 00:15:32,300 --> 00:15:35,359 Speaker 1: what they said, they didn't treat me right. You can't 251 00:15:35,380 --> 00:15:38,620 Speaker 1: control that. Life is going to happen to us all. 252 00:15:39,500 --> 00:15:42,990 Speaker 1: You can let them draw you into conflict, try to 253 00:15:43,030 --> 00:15:46,170 Speaker 1: change their mind, show them who you are, or you 254 00:15:46,190 --> 00:15:49,110 Speaker 1: can be the bigger person and not answer the insults, 255 00:15:49,790 --> 00:15:54,070 Speaker 1: not argue, let things go. See, sometimes we think, well, 256 00:15:54,090 --> 00:15:56,770 Speaker 1: I have a right to say something. But a better 257 00:15:56,850 --> 00:16:00,260 Speaker 1: question is, do you need to say it? Sure, you 258 00:16:00,300 --> 00:16:03,740 Speaker 1: have a right to respond, pay back, defend. You have 259 00:16:03,780 --> 00:16:06,980 Speaker 1: the facts. But what if you win the argument and 260 00:16:07,020 --> 00:16:11,240 Speaker 1: lose your peace? What if you damage the relationship? What 261 00:16:11,280 --> 00:16:13,680 Speaker 1: if you push people away that you need to be 262 00:16:13,760 --> 00:16:17,370 Speaker 1: for you? It's not worth it. Honor doesn't come from 263 00:16:17,450 --> 00:16:22,300 Speaker 1: winning the fight. It comes from avoiding the fight. We think, well, 264 00:16:22,340 --> 00:16:23,960 Speaker 1: if I don't respond, they're going to think I'm weak. 265 00:16:24,600 --> 00:16:28,100 Speaker 1: If I don't defend myself, I'll look bad. Honor isn't 266 00:16:28,180 --> 00:16:32,590 Speaker 1: proving your point. Honor is protecting your peace. Honor is 267 00:16:32,660 --> 00:16:37,110 Speaker 1: keeping the relationship strong. Honor is not letting petty things 268 00:16:37,170 --> 00:16:41,590 Speaker 1: steal your joy. Honor is staying silent when your thoughts 269 00:16:41,710 --> 00:16:45,100 Speaker 1: grow hot within you. It's walking away when you feel 270 00:16:45,130 --> 00:16:48,400 Speaker 1: like telling them off. That's a person of honor. I 271 00:16:48,430 --> 00:16:51,100 Speaker 1: heard about this man. He was eating dinner at this 272 00:16:51,340 --> 00:16:53,760 Speaker 1: country diner way out in the middle of nowhere. And 273 00:16:54,180 --> 00:16:56,600 Speaker 1: all of a sudden about two dozen bikers pulled in. 274 00:16:57,200 --> 00:17:00,820 Speaker 1: You could hear their motorcycles outside practically shaking the little 275 00:17:00,860 --> 00:17:05,240 Speaker 1: wood frame building. They came in the restaurant, big, strong, tough. 276 00:17:06,080 --> 00:17:09,940 Speaker 1: One biker, just to show who was in charge, walked 277 00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:13,080 Speaker 1: over to the man's table and knocked his hamburger onto 278 00:17:13,100 --> 00:17:16,240 Speaker 1: the ground, then picked up his water and poured it 279 00:17:16,320 --> 00:17:19,350 Speaker 1: on the man's head. And He said sarcastically, oh, I'm 280 00:17:19,390 --> 00:17:22,930 Speaker 1: so sorry. It was just an accident, looking for a fight. 281 00:17:23,630 --> 00:17:27,040 Speaker 1: The man very calmly picked up his napkin, wiped his face. 282 00:17:27,859 --> 00:17:29,340 Speaker 1: Then he got up out of the chair and he 283 00:17:29,560 --> 00:17:33,119 Speaker 1: walked out the front door. All the bikers were laughing, 284 00:17:33,160 --> 00:17:36,100 Speaker 1: giving high five. And this main biker looked at the 285 00:17:36,140 --> 00:17:38,220 Speaker 1: waiter and shook his head and said, not much of 286 00:17:38,280 --> 00:17:41,159 Speaker 1: a man was he. The waiter looked out the window 287 00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:44,020 Speaker 1: and said, no, and not much of a driver either. 288 00:17:44,340 --> 00:17:47,159 Speaker 1: He just ran over a dozen choppers on his way out. 289 00:17:48,619 --> 00:17:52,159 Speaker 1: Being silent doesn't mean you're weak. It's strength under control. 290 00:17:53,100 --> 00:17:57,159 Speaker 1: When you know who you are, when you're confident, secure, 291 00:17:57,740 --> 00:18:00,900 Speaker 1: you don't engage in battles that don't matter. You don't 292 00:18:00,940 --> 00:18:05,460 Speaker 1: spend your time defending, arguing, proving. You protect your peace. 293 00:18:06,260 --> 00:18:09,250 Speaker 1: You walk away when you could fight. You put that 294 00:18:09,369 --> 00:18:13,150 Speaker 1: muzzle on when your thoughts grow hot. Your emotions trying 295 00:18:13,190 --> 00:18:15,850 Speaker 1: to control you and get you to say things you'll 296 00:18:15,890 --> 00:18:22,050 Speaker 1: regret later on. Immaturity says I have to respond, react, answer. 297 00:18:22,850 --> 00:18:25,990 Speaker 1: But maturity is when you know there's strength in silence, 298 00:18:26,690 --> 00:18:30,550 Speaker 1: that not every thought deserves to be spoken. Sometimes the 299 00:18:30,590 --> 00:18:34,989 Speaker 1: best response is no response. When Victoria and I go somewhere, 300 00:18:35,119 --> 00:18:37,619 Speaker 1: I like to drive. She says I like to be 301 00:18:37,680 --> 00:18:40,720 Speaker 1: in control. My thought is I want to be alive 302 00:18:40,800 --> 00:18:45,300 Speaker 1: next week. But when we first got married, sometimes I 303 00:18:45,320 --> 00:18:48,320 Speaker 1: would ride to church with her on Sunday mornings looking 304 00:18:48,359 --> 00:18:51,240 Speaker 1: over my notes. And we live 30 minutes away, a 305 00:18:51,380 --> 00:18:55,100 Speaker 1: four lane highway. And I noticed that when she drives, 306 00:18:55,520 --> 00:18:58,740 Speaker 1: instead of staying in the middle of the lane, she 307 00:18:58,800 --> 00:19:02,260 Speaker 1: puts her tires on the passenger side on that dotted 308 00:19:02,300 --> 00:19:05,240 Speaker 1: line on the freeway. Well, that's where I'm sitting. I 309 00:19:05,260 --> 00:19:08,120 Speaker 1: would look up from my notes and 12 inches away, 310 00:19:08,160 --> 00:19:11,530 Speaker 1: there's an 18 wheeler and My life would flash before 311 00:19:11,570 --> 00:19:14,510 Speaker 1: my eyes. Victoria, you've got to move over. You can't 312 00:19:14,570 --> 00:19:17,510 Speaker 1: drive like this. She'd move over five minutes later. She's 313 00:19:17,570 --> 00:19:21,050 Speaker 1: right back to that same place. This happened again and again. Victoria, 314 00:19:21,070 --> 00:19:24,109 Speaker 1: scoot over. This is too close. She'd tell me, Joel, 315 00:19:24,650 --> 00:19:27,410 Speaker 1: I know how to drive. I don't need your instruction. 316 00:19:27,470 --> 00:19:31,340 Speaker 1: I'm fine. After about a year of trying to fix her, 317 00:19:31,580 --> 00:19:35,260 Speaker 1: straighten her out, nagging her, I finally realized this is 318 00:19:35,300 --> 00:19:38,660 Speaker 1: just the way she drives. I can harp on this 319 00:19:38,720 --> 00:19:42,490 Speaker 1: for the next 40 years and bring strife and contention, 320 00:19:42,990 --> 00:19:45,129 Speaker 1: or I can zip it up and keep the peace. 321 00:19:46,150 --> 00:19:49,690 Speaker 1: We're not called to straighten everyone out. You're not called 322 00:19:49,730 --> 00:19:53,520 Speaker 1: to fix your spouse, change your coworker, make all your 323 00:19:53,560 --> 00:19:57,400 Speaker 1: friends just like you. That's gonna lead to frustration, tension. 324 00:19:58,340 --> 00:20:00,900 Speaker 1: A mark of maturity is when you can see things 325 00:20:00,980 --> 00:20:03,960 Speaker 1: in others you don't like and keep your mouth closed. 326 00:20:04,820 --> 00:20:08,770 Speaker 1: Your peace is more important than getting your way. Instead 327 00:20:08,810 --> 00:20:11,780 Speaker 1: of praying, God changed them. I'll give you a better prayer. 328 00:20:12,200 --> 00:20:15,439 Speaker 1: God changed me. Help me to grow. Help me to 329 00:20:15,480 --> 00:20:19,500 Speaker 1: bite my tongue. Teach me the strength of silence. I 330 00:20:19,540 --> 00:20:22,440 Speaker 1: finally learned this. Now when I ride with her, instead 331 00:20:22,480 --> 00:20:24,810 Speaker 1: of trying to fix her and getting upset, I just 332 00:20:24,850 --> 00:20:28,150 Speaker 1: put my helmet on and say, let's go. It's been 333 00:20:28,150 --> 00:20:32,510 Speaker 1: 40 years. She hadn't killed me yet, but sometimes we 334 00:20:32,570 --> 00:20:36,330 Speaker 1: argue over petty things. We fight battles that don't matter. 335 00:20:37,210 --> 00:20:40,040 Speaker 1: Your life will be a lot more peaceful if you'll 336 00:20:40,060 --> 00:20:42,960 Speaker 1: learn the strength of silence. You don't have to fix 337 00:20:43,020 --> 00:20:46,639 Speaker 1: every person. You don't have to correct every wrong. You 338 00:20:46,660 --> 00:20:50,600 Speaker 1: don't have to express your opinion about every issue. Luke 339 00:20:50,619 --> 00:20:54,180 Speaker 1: chapter nine, Jesus was in Galilee and he just multiplied 340 00:20:54,200 --> 00:20:58,139 Speaker 1: the five loaves and fed 5,000. He told his disciples 341 00:20:58,220 --> 00:21:00,510 Speaker 1: it was time for him to go back to Jerusalem 342 00:21:00,530 --> 00:21:03,550 Speaker 1: and He was headed to the most important assignment of 343 00:21:03,590 --> 00:21:06,830 Speaker 1: his life. This is where he'd be crucified and rise 344 00:21:06,869 --> 00:21:12,179 Speaker 1: from the dead. Verse 51 says, he resolutely set out 345 00:21:12,260 --> 00:21:15,960 Speaker 1: for Jerusalem. This wasn't just, hey, let's go see what happens. 346 00:21:16,240 --> 00:21:19,720 Speaker 1: His mind was made up. Well, the direct route went 347 00:21:19,760 --> 00:21:23,740 Speaker 1: through Samaria. He sent messengers ahead to prepare for food 348 00:21:23,790 --> 00:21:27,070 Speaker 1: and lodging. But when they found out it was Jesus, 349 00:21:27,230 --> 00:21:31,419 Speaker 1: this Jewish leader, They refused to let him come through Samaria. 350 00:21:32,010 --> 00:21:35,010 Speaker 1: They wanted nothing to do with him. When James and 351 00:21:35,070 --> 00:21:38,530 Speaker 1: John heard about this, they were furious. They said, Jesus, 352 00:21:38,550 --> 00:21:42,390 Speaker 1: they insulted you. How dare they reject you? They were 353 00:21:42,470 --> 00:21:46,280 Speaker 1: so upset. They said in verse 54, Lord, should we 354 00:21:46,340 --> 00:21:50,159 Speaker 1: call down fire from heaven and destroy them? They were 355 00:21:50,200 --> 00:21:53,440 Speaker 1: ready to put up this big fight, make this big scene. 356 00:21:54,330 --> 00:21:58,149 Speaker 1: The scripture says Jesus rebuked them and they went to 357 00:21:58,190 --> 00:22:02,270 Speaker 1: a different village. Well, Jesus could have proven who he was, 358 00:22:02,770 --> 00:22:05,609 Speaker 1: could have defended himself. He had the power, the ability, 359 00:22:06,330 --> 00:22:10,170 Speaker 1: but he ignored it and kept moving toward his assignment. 360 00:22:10,990 --> 00:22:13,570 Speaker 1: He knew that was a battle he didn't need to fight. 361 00:22:14,330 --> 00:22:19,300 Speaker 1: They couldn't stop his destiny. Their rejection didn't deserve his response. 362 00:22:19,880 --> 00:22:24,199 Speaker 1: Their insults weren't worthy of his time and energy. The 363 00:22:24,240 --> 00:22:27,540 Speaker 1: people that don't believe in you, that say hurtful things, 364 00:22:27,980 --> 00:22:32,140 Speaker 1: most of the time, that's simply a distraction. You don't 365 00:22:32,200 --> 00:22:35,720 Speaker 1: need to explain yourself to everyone. Just keep on walking. 366 00:22:36,380 --> 00:22:40,700 Speaker 1: Keep your face set on your assignment. Don't waste Jerusalem 367 00:22:40,880 --> 00:22:45,619 Speaker 1: energy fighting a Samaritan battle, arguing with people that are 368 00:22:45,660 --> 00:22:48,550 Speaker 1: never gonna receive you, trying to convince them to be 369 00:22:48,650 --> 00:22:53,130 Speaker 1: for you when they're determined to misunderstand you. You don't 370 00:22:53,230 --> 00:22:56,170 Speaker 1: owe them an explanation. You don't have to prove who 371 00:22:56,210 --> 00:22:59,960 Speaker 1: you are. And Jesus didn't debate with them, didn't try 372 00:22:59,980 --> 00:23:04,060 Speaker 1: to get revenge. He didn't waste his emotional energy. He 373 00:23:04,080 --> 00:23:08,820 Speaker 1: just kept walking. See, the enemy loves distractions. He'll try 374 00:23:08,840 --> 00:23:11,720 Speaker 1: to get you pulled into things that don't matter. You're 375 00:23:11,760 --> 00:23:15,620 Speaker 1: headed towards your Jerusalem, so to speak. You have your assignment, 376 00:23:16,160 --> 00:23:19,180 Speaker 1: but a coworker is saying things that aren't true. It's 377 00:23:19,220 --> 00:23:22,159 Speaker 1: tempting to veer off course. Let me go set them straight. 378 00:23:23,100 --> 00:23:26,020 Speaker 1: Don't be like James and John. Let's call down fire 379 00:23:26,080 --> 00:23:29,460 Speaker 1: from heaven. Just ignore it and keep moving. You have 380 00:23:29,500 --> 00:23:34,320 Speaker 1: an assignment. Your destiny is waiting. One of the greatest 381 00:23:34,400 --> 00:23:39,060 Speaker 1: principles to learn is not everyone deserves your response. Your 382 00:23:39,100 --> 00:23:43,379 Speaker 1: time is valuable. Your peace is valuable. Don't spend it 383 00:23:43,440 --> 00:23:48,340 Speaker 1: on every offense, every argument. Do like Jesus and ignore it. 384 00:23:49,340 --> 00:23:53,140 Speaker 1: The strongest person is not the one that wins every argument. 385 00:23:53,619 --> 00:23:57,470 Speaker 1: It's the one that has the self-control to walk away 386 00:23:57,530 --> 00:24:01,850 Speaker 1: from conflict that never needed to happen. That's the strength 387 00:24:01,890 --> 00:24:06,390 Speaker 1: of silence. Someone is rude, keep walking. Don't sink down 388 00:24:06,410 --> 00:24:10,940 Speaker 1: to their level, trade insult for insult. Someone misunderstands you, 389 00:24:11,240 --> 00:24:14,959 Speaker 1: keep walking. They don't need an explanation. You have an assignment. 390 00:24:15,700 --> 00:24:19,280 Speaker 1: Someone says something unfair, keep walking. You don't have to 391 00:24:19,380 --> 00:24:24,390 Speaker 1: attend every battle you're invited to. The Samaritans were inviting 392 00:24:24,470 --> 00:24:27,409 Speaker 1: Jesus in one sense. Jesus, we don't like you. You 393 00:24:27,450 --> 00:24:33,150 Speaker 1: can't stay here. That was an invitation. Come on, fight, argue, debate. 394 00:24:33,810 --> 00:24:36,610 Speaker 1: Jesus said in effect, no thanks. I'm on a mission. 395 00:24:37,300 --> 00:24:41,720 Speaker 1: My time is valuable. My assignment is important. Find someone 396 00:24:41,780 --> 00:24:45,260 Speaker 1: else to distract. I am resolute. I am focused. I 397 00:24:45,320 --> 00:24:48,980 Speaker 1: am headed toward Jerusalem. Amen. The way to win many 398 00:24:49,040 --> 00:24:52,720 Speaker 1: battles is not by what you say, but by what 399 00:24:52,760 --> 00:24:56,140 Speaker 1: you don't say, by what you're willing to walk away from. 400 00:24:57,180 --> 00:25:00,320 Speaker 1: We've all heard the phrase mic drop. Someone says something 401 00:25:00,359 --> 00:25:03,680 Speaker 1: so profound, so brilliant, there's nothing left to say. They 402 00:25:03,920 --> 00:25:07,119 Speaker 1: drop the mic and walk off the stage. This powerful, 403 00:25:07,440 --> 00:25:11,159 Speaker 1: impressive moment. But maybe we need a different type of 404 00:25:11,260 --> 00:25:15,439 Speaker 1: mic drop. How about dropping the mic before you say anything? 405 00:25:16,450 --> 00:25:20,070 Speaker 1: You could argue, but you dropped the mic. You could 406 00:25:20,109 --> 00:25:23,430 Speaker 1: be offended. You have the perfect comeback, but you dropped 407 00:25:23,450 --> 00:25:28,129 Speaker 1: the mic. Your spouse says something hurtful. Your thoughts get hot. 408 00:25:28,850 --> 00:25:32,190 Speaker 1: Everything in you wants to respond, but this time you 409 00:25:32,210 --> 00:25:35,130 Speaker 1: dropped the mic. You don't have to have the last word. 410 00:25:35,670 --> 00:25:38,179 Speaker 1: You don't have to win. You don't have to prove 411 00:25:38,200 --> 00:25:41,820 Speaker 1: that you're right. Some battles are not worth your peace. 412 00:25:42,720 --> 00:25:47,290 Speaker 1: Some arguments are simply distractions to keep you from your Jerusalem. 413 00:25:48,070 --> 00:25:51,510 Speaker 1: Do like Jesus, keep on walking. Keep your face set 414 00:25:51,609 --> 00:25:55,030 Speaker 1: towards your assignment. You know who you are. You know 415 00:25:55,070 --> 00:25:58,270 Speaker 1: where you're going. You don't need everyone to understand you, 416 00:25:58,790 --> 00:26:02,030 Speaker 1: to approve you, or to be for you. And the 417 00:26:02,090 --> 00:26:05,370 Speaker 1: next time your thoughts get hot and you're tempted to react, 418 00:26:05,670 --> 00:26:08,480 Speaker 1: remember you have a muzzle with your name on it. 419 00:26:09,150 --> 00:26:12,090 Speaker 1: You have the power to stay silent. You have the 420 00:26:12,150 --> 00:26:15,730 Speaker 1: strength to walk away, the discipline to drop the mic. 421 00:26:16,720 --> 00:26:19,660 Speaker 1: Some of your greatest victories won't come because of what 422 00:26:19,720 --> 00:26:23,270 Speaker 1: you said, but because of what you chose not to say. 423 00:26:24,109 --> 00:26:27,660 Speaker 1: Be that person of honor and avoid the fight. Learn 424 00:26:27,680 --> 00:26:30,390 Speaker 1: to zip it up. If you'll do this, I believe 425 00:26:30,430 --> 00:26:34,190 Speaker 1: and declare God will fight your battles. He'll be your defender. 426 00:26:34,630 --> 00:26:38,130 Speaker 1: You're going to have better relationships, more peace, and reach 427 00:26:38,230 --> 00:26:42,399 Speaker 1: new levels of your destiny in Jesus' name. And if 428 00:26:42,420 --> 00:26:46,740 Speaker 1: you receive it, can you say amen? I'd like to 429 00:26:46,780 --> 00:26:49,520 Speaker 1: give you an opportunity to make Jesus the Lord of 430 00:26:49,560 --> 00:26:53,379 Speaker 1: your life. Would you pray with me? Just say, Lord Jesus, 431 00:26:54,130 --> 00:26:58,199 Speaker 1: I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I 432 00:26:58,260 --> 00:27:01,429 Speaker 1: make you my Lord and Savior. If you prayed that 433 00:27:01,470 --> 00:27:04,530 Speaker 1: simple prayer, we believe you got born again. And we'd 434 00:27:04,570 --> 00:27:06,750 Speaker 1: love to send you some free information on your new 435 00:27:06,810 --> 00:27:09,169 Speaker 1: walk with the Lord. You can text the number on 436 00:27:09,190 --> 00:27:11,890 Speaker 1: the screen or go to the website. But I hope 437 00:27:11,910 --> 00:27:15,480 Speaker 1: you'll get into a good Bible-based church and keep God 438 00:27:15,800 --> 00:27:27,130 Speaker 1: first place. The scripture says, write the vision and make 439 00:27:27,190 --> 00:27:30,869 Speaker 1: it plain to see. There's something powerful about writing down 440 00:27:30,950 --> 00:27:33,490 Speaker 1: what you're believing for. That's why I'd love to send 441 00:27:33,510 --> 00:27:36,609 Speaker 1: you my new I Believe Planner. It's a place to 442 00:27:36,650 --> 00:27:39,890 Speaker 1: write down your dreams, your prayers, and the promises you're 443 00:27:39,930 --> 00:27:43,480 Speaker 1: standing on. What stays before your eyes has a way 444 00:27:43,520 --> 00:27:46,280 Speaker 1: of staying in your heart. Every time you see what 445 00:27:46,300 --> 00:27:49,060 Speaker 1: you've written, let it be a reminder to thank God 446 00:27:49,100 --> 00:27:51,939 Speaker 1: that He's already at work behind the scenes, even when 447 00:27:51,980 --> 00:27:54,480 Speaker 1: you can't see it. As you keep your faith in 448 00:27:54,540 --> 00:27:57,560 Speaker 1: front of you day after day, you'll be encouraged, your 449 00:27:57,680 --> 00:28:01,120 Speaker 1: expectation will grow, and you'll begin to see God bring 450 00:28:01,140 --> 00:28:02,320 Speaker 1: those dreams to pass. 451 00:28:03,040 --> 00:28:06,450 Speaker 2: The I Believe Planner is a beautiful new resource designed 452 00:28:06,470 --> 00:28:09,430 Speaker 2: to help you believe God for more in your health, 453 00:28:09,710 --> 00:28:13,629 Speaker 2: your family, your future. Inside, you'll find a weekly I 454 00:28:13,690 --> 00:28:17,540 Speaker 2: Believe Declaration to frame your mindset and shift the atmosphere 455 00:28:17,600 --> 00:28:21,859 Speaker 2: with God's Word. daily planning, to-dos, and prayer prompts, and 456 00:28:21,940 --> 00:28:25,379 Speaker 2: space to reflect and record God's faithfulness in your life. 457 00:28:25,900 --> 00:28:28,719 Speaker 2: Each month brings a fresh scripture and theme, plus a 458 00:28:28,840 --> 00:28:32,439 Speaker 2: QR code linking to an exclusive message from Joel to 459 00:28:32,500 --> 00:28:36,730 Speaker 2: keep you encouraged all year long. This 15-month planner will 460 00:28:36,770 --> 00:28:39,390 Speaker 2: inspire you for the rest of this year and set 461 00:28:39,430 --> 00:28:43,870 Speaker 2: you on a course for breakthrough throughout 2027. It's yours 462 00:28:43,950 --> 00:28:46,550 Speaker 2: as a thank you for your gift to the ministry today. 463 00:28:47,150 --> 00:28:50,540 Speaker 2: Be sure to request your copy of The I Believe Planner, 464 00:28:50,800 --> 00:28:57,780 Speaker 2: available this month by visiting us at joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL. 465 00:28:58,580 --> 00:29:01,040 Speaker 1: Don't just carry your dreams in your heart. Put them 466 00:29:01,120 --> 00:29:04,300 Speaker 1: on paper. As you read them each day, keep thanking 467 00:29:04,340 --> 00:29:07,350 Speaker 1: God that He's working. Victoria and I are praying for 468 00:29:07,410 --> 00:29:10,260 Speaker 1: you and your family every day. Thanks so much for 469 00:29:10,300 --> 00:29:14,180 Speaker 1: your prayer and support. Your generosity helps us take this 470 00:29:14,260 --> 00:29:17,440 Speaker 1: message of hope to people around the world. A special 471 00:29:17,480 --> 00:29:20,060 Speaker 1: thank you to our Champion of Hope partners for all 472 00:29:20,100 --> 00:29:23,690 Speaker 1: you do to make the ministry possible. Until we meet again, 473 00:29:23,990 --> 00:29:26,030 Speaker 1: may the Lord keep you and bless you. 474 00:29:26,970 --> 00:29:30,300 Speaker 2: Be sure to request your copy of The I Believe Planner, 475 00:29:30,580 --> 00:29:37,530 Speaker 2: available this month by visiting us at joelosteen.com or call 888-567-JOEL. 476 00:29:37,930 --> 00:29:40,810 Speaker 2: With an additional gift, you can also receive the I 477 00:29:40,870 --> 00:29:44,950 Speaker 2: Believe in His Word collection featuring the Passion Translation New 478 00:29:45,020 --> 00:29:49,219 Speaker 2: Testament Reader's Edition alongside the I Believe Planner so you 479 00:29:49,260 --> 00:29:52,920 Speaker 2: can carry God's Word with you every single day right 480 00:29:53,000 --> 00:29:57,010 Speaker 2: alongside the promises you're standing on. Don't wait until 2027 481 00:29:57,010 --> 00:29:59,170 Speaker 2: to believe God for more. 482 00:29:59,550 --> 00:30:00,880 Speaker 1: This is your moment. 483 00:30:01,260 --> 00:30:06,980 Speaker 2: You can request these inspiring resources by calling 888-567-JOEL or 484 00:30:07,020 --> 00:30:11,510 Speaker 2: logging on to joelostein.com today. Call or click anytime, 24 485 00:30:11,510 --> 00:30:12,070 Speaker 2: hours a day.