1 00:00:00,400 --> 00:00:02,160 Speaker 1: Hi, this is Joel and Victoria. 2 00:00:02,240 --> 00:00:05,279 Speaker 2: Thanks for listening to our podcast and thanks for supporting 3 00:00:05,280 --> 00:00:08,159 Speaker 2: the ministry. If you enjoy today's message, why don't you 4 00:00:08,280 --> 00:00:11,280 Speaker 2: be a blessing and share it with a friend, reappreciate you, 5 00:00:11,360 --> 00:00:13,720 Speaker 2: and pray for God's very best in your life. 6 00:00:13,880 --> 00:00:14,880 Speaker 1: Well, God bless you. 7 00:00:15,200 --> 00:00:17,560 Speaker 2: It's a joy to come into your homes, and if 8 00:00:17,560 --> 00:00:20,200 Speaker 2: you're ever in our area, please stop by and be 9 00:00:20,280 --> 00:00:21,760 Speaker 2: a part of one of our services. 10 00:00:21,960 --> 00:00:24,239 Speaker 1: I promise you we'll make you feel right at home. 11 00:00:24,480 --> 00:00:26,840 Speaker 2: But thanks so much for tuning in, and thank you 12 00:00:26,880 --> 00:00:29,440 Speaker 2: again for coming out today. I like to start with 13 00:00:29,480 --> 00:00:32,559 Speaker 2: something funny, and I heard about this pastor and this 14 00:00:32,680 --> 00:00:36,360 Speaker 2: song leader. They weren't getting along. It started to spill 15 00:00:36,360 --> 00:00:39,960 Speaker 2: over into the services. One Sunday morning, the pastor spoke 16 00:00:40,040 --> 00:00:43,839 Speaker 2: on being willing to change. Afterwards, the song leader got 17 00:00:43,920 --> 00:00:46,400 Speaker 2: up and led the song I Shall not be moved. 18 00:00:47,760 --> 00:00:50,400 Speaker 2: Next week, the pastor spoke about being a giver. The 19 00:00:50,440 --> 00:00:53,000 Speaker 2: song leader got up and led the song Jesus paid 20 00:00:53,040 --> 00:00:57,000 Speaker 2: it all. Next week, pastor talked about not gossiping, watching 21 00:00:57,040 --> 00:00:59,480 Speaker 2: your tongue. Song leader got up and led the song 22 00:00:59,680 --> 00:01:03,960 Speaker 2: I love to tell the story. Pastor got so Frustrated, 23 00:01:04,160 --> 00:01:07,640 Speaker 2: he resigned told the congregation, Jesus brought me here, and 24 00:01:07,760 --> 00:01:10,720 Speaker 2: Jesus is taking me away. The song leader then led, 25 00:01:11,000 --> 00:01:12,520 Speaker 2: what a friend we have in Jesus. 26 00:01:14,440 --> 00:01:16,600 Speaker 1: Hold up your Bible. Say it like you mean it. 27 00:01:17,000 --> 00:01:19,760 Speaker 1: This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. 28 00:01:20,280 --> 00:01:21,520 Speaker 1: I have what it says I have. 29 00:01:22,080 --> 00:01:24,640 Speaker 2: I can do what it says I can do. Today 30 00:01:24,720 --> 00:01:27,840 Speaker 2: I will be talked the word of God. I boldly confess. 31 00:01:28,280 --> 00:01:31,679 Speaker 2: My mind is alert, my heart is receptive. I will 32 00:01:31,720 --> 00:01:35,399 Speaker 2: never be the same. In Jesus' name, God bless you. 33 00:01:36,560 --> 00:01:39,440 Speaker 2: I want to talk to you today about not fueling 34 00:01:39,480 --> 00:01:43,880 Speaker 2: the fire. We all have opportunities to make people look bad. 35 00:01:44,440 --> 00:01:46,959 Speaker 2: We hear rumors and things that we don't know for 36 00:01:47,040 --> 00:01:51,120 Speaker 2: sure or true, but it's tempting to repeat them. And 37 00:01:51,160 --> 00:01:53,600 Speaker 2: it's not that we're a bad person. We're just telling 38 00:01:53,680 --> 00:01:57,120 Speaker 2: what we heard, or maybe we know something about a 39 00:01:57,160 --> 00:02:00,600 Speaker 2: person that is true. They made a mistake, they had 40 00:02:00,640 --> 00:02:04,600 Speaker 2: a failure. It's easy to justify telling that because it's 41 00:02:04,640 --> 00:02:07,320 Speaker 2: the truth. But there are a lot of things that 42 00:02:07,400 --> 00:02:11,040 Speaker 2: are true that we don't need to tell. We should 43 00:02:11,080 --> 00:02:14,600 Speaker 2: do our best to never show people in an unflattering light. 44 00:02:15,520 --> 00:02:17,680 Speaker 1: One Peter three ten says. 45 00:02:17,520 --> 00:02:20,200 Speaker 2: If you want to see your day fill up with good, 46 00:02:20,760 --> 00:02:25,840 Speaker 2: here's what you do. Say nothing evil or hurtful. We 47 00:02:25,919 --> 00:02:30,359 Speaker 2: live in a society that's filled with rumors, gossip in 48 00:02:30,480 --> 00:02:31,279 Speaker 2: the windows. 49 00:02:31,760 --> 00:02:33,600 Speaker 1: There's a lot of chatter these days. 50 00:02:34,120 --> 00:02:36,520 Speaker 2: People talking on the internet. 51 00:02:36,400 --> 00:02:37,760 Speaker 1: At work, at school. 52 00:02:38,120 --> 00:02:42,400 Speaker 2: Their nosy, busy bodies. They love to get things stirred up. 53 00:02:43,080 --> 00:02:46,160 Speaker 2: They have no problem repeating things they know are only 54 00:02:46,280 --> 00:02:50,040 Speaker 2: half true on purpose. They'll leave out certain details just 55 00:02:50,080 --> 00:02:53,920 Speaker 2: to prove their point. And if we're not careful, we'll 56 00:02:53,960 --> 00:02:57,639 Speaker 2: get pulled in and become carriers of their poison. 57 00:02:58,400 --> 00:02:59,640 Speaker 1: Did you hear what I heard? 58 00:03:00,120 --> 00:03:02,960 Speaker 2: I got some big news, I got some juicy information. 59 00:03:03,680 --> 00:03:04,160 Speaker 1: I read a. 60 00:03:04,120 --> 00:03:07,320 Speaker 2: Quote that I like. Have you heard a word against 61 00:03:07,400 --> 00:03:11,720 Speaker 2: your neighbor? Then let it die within you? In other words, 62 00:03:12,040 --> 00:03:15,280 Speaker 2: have you heard any gossip lately? Have you read something 63 00:03:15,360 --> 00:03:16,680 Speaker 2: juicy on the internet? 64 00:03:17,200 --> 00:03:20,160 Speaker 1: Has a friend told you some inside. 65 00:03:19,720 --> 00:03:23,760 Speaker 2: Information about a person? It's true, it's hot off the press. 66 00:03:23,919 --> 00:03:27,720 Speaker 2: They lied, they cheated. Here's what you're to do. Don't 67 00:03:27,720 --> 00:03:31,280 Speaker 2: go to the phone, don't go call three friends, don't 68 00:03:31,280 --> 00:03:32,680 Speaker 2: get on the internet. 69 00:03:32,240 --> 00:03:33,280 Speaker 1: And expose them. 70 00:03:33,560 --> 00:03:37,000 Speaker 2: God says, let it die within you. Don't say a 71 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:41,000 Speaker 2: word about it. Somebody put it this way. Every person 72 00:03:41,360 --> 00:03:44,880 Speaker 2: carries a bucket of gasoline and a bucket of water. 73 00:03:45,680 --> 00:03:50,320 Speaker 2: When you hear rumors, gossip, juicy information, you can either 74 00:03:50,360 --> 00:03:53,480 Speaker 2: pour your gasoline on it, add fuel to the fire 75 00:03:53,760 --> 00:03:56,400 Speaker 2: and make it worse, or you can do what God 76 00:03:56,480 --> 00:03:58,600 Speaker 2: says and pour water on it. 77 00:03:58,680 --> 00:03:59,920 Speaker 1: Help to try to put it out. 78 00:04:00,840 --> 00:04:04,280 Speaker 2: Too many people are using their gasoline. They try to 79 00:04:04,400 --> 00:04:05,800 Speaker 2: justify it, Joel, It's the truth. 80 00:04:06,400 --> 00:04:07,160 Speaker 1: They were wrong. 81 00:04:07,280 --> 00:04:10,560 Speaker 2: I'm just stating the facts. Yes, they may be guilty, 82 00:04:11,080 --> 00:04:16,719 Speaker 2: but the scripture says love covers a fault. Love doesn't expose, 83 00:04:17,400 --> 00:04:20,919 Speaker 2: Love doesn't tell five friends. Love doesn't get on Facebook 84 00:04:20,960 --> 00:04:21,560 Speaker 2: and add. 85 00:04:21,320 --> 00:04:22,200 Speaker 1: Fuel to the fire. 86 00:04:22,640 --> 00:04:26,040 Speaker 2: Love says they made a mistake, but God can restore them. 87 00:04:26,480 --> 00:04:29,160 Speaker 1: They messed up, but God has a new beginning. They 88 00:04:29,160 --> 00:04:30,599 Speaker 1: did wrong, But I'm. 89 00:04:30,440 --> 00:04:32,960 Speaker 2: Not going to add to their pain by talking about 90 00:04:33,000 --> 00:04:34,599 Speaker 2: them making them look bad. 91 00:04:34,800 --> 00:04:37,440 Speaker 1: I'm going to show mercy and let it die within me. 92 00:04:38,360 --> 00:04:41,520 Speaker 2: When you know something negative about a person, you could 93 00:04:41,520 --> 00:04:45,560 Speaker 2: easily show them in an unflattering light. That is a test. 94 00:04:46,440 --> 00:04:49,240 Speaker 2: How you respond will determine how. 95 00:04:49,160 --> 00:04:49,920 Speaker 1: High you will go. 96 00:04:50,839 --> 00:04:52,960 Speaker 2: If you add fuel to the fire, tell all your 97 00:04:53,000 --> 00:04:56,680 Speaker 2: friends get everything stirred up. That will keep you stuck 98 00:04:56,760 --> 00:05:00,000 Speaker 2: where you are, because God will not promote a gossipl 99 00:05:00,400 --> 00:05:03,520 Speaker 2: a busy body, a fault finder. But if you'll get 100 00:05:03,520 --> 00:05:06,239 Speaker 2: your bucket of water and help put the fire out, 101 00:05:06,800 --> 00:05:09,200 Speaker 2: don't say anything about it, cover that. 102 00:05:09,120 --> 00:05:12,680 Speaker 1: Fault, then you'll pass the test. That's the kind of 103 00:05:12,720 --> 00:05:14,040 Speaker 1: people that God promotes. 104 00:05:14,760 --> 00:05:18,880 Speaker 2: The real question is when we hear juicy information, when 105 00:05:18,920 --> 00:05:22,520 Speaker 2: it's hot off the press, will we use our discipline 106 00:05:22,839 --> 00:05:25,680 Speaker 2: to let it die within us. A few years ago, 107 00:05:26,080 --> 00:05:28,280 Speaker 2: I was at dinner with a friend of mine. This 108 00:05:28,360 --> 00:05:31,680 Speaker 2: man's name came up. Now I knew firsthand this man 109 00:05:31,880 --> 00:05:35,200 Speaker 2: was having legal problems. He had done something wrong, got 110 00:05:35,279 --> 00:05:37,800 Speaker 2: in trouble with the law. The friend I was with 111 00:05:37,920 --> 00:05:41,320 Speaker 2: knew nothing about it. Human nature wants to tell it, 112 00:05:41,920 --> 00:05:44,120 Speaker 2: after all, the man never asked me not to. 113 00:05:44,800 --> 00:05:47,920 Speaker 1: It was all true. I had my gasoline, I had 114 00:05:48,040 --> 00:05:48,640 Speaker 1: my water. 115 00:05:49,080 --> 00:05:51,680 Speaker 2: It's very tempting to just throw a little fuel on 116 00:05:51,720 --> 00:05:52,200 Speaker 2: the fire. 117 00:05:52,839 --> 00:05:54,880 Speaker 1: I don't know how he's doing. I heard that he 118 00:05:54,960 --> 00:05:56,640 Speaker 1: may have some legal problems. 119 00:05:56,960 --> 00:06:00,200 Speaker 2: I could have starred it up, but I knew there 120 00:06:00,240 --> 00:06:02,839 Speaker 2: was a chance that may never come out in public. 121 00:06:03,360 --> 00:06:06,400 Speaker 2: And this friend's opinion of this man would never change. 122 00:06:07,080 --> 00:06:09,840 Speaker 2: But if I were to be undisciplined and just say 123 00:06:09,839 --> 00:06:14,720 Speaker 2: whatever I want, then because of me, this friend's opinion. 124 00:06:14,320 --> 00:06:16,360 Speaker 1: Of that man would forever be lower. 125 00:06:17,360 --> 00:06:20,880 Speaker 2: When you protect a reputation, you are so in a 126 00:06:20,960 --> 00:06:25,839 Speaker 2: seed for God to protect your own reputation. In our conversations, 127 00:06:26,080 --> 00:06:29,000 Speaker 2: we need to ask ourselves. Number one, do I know 128 00:06:29,160 --> 00:06:32,000 Speaker 2: beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is really true? 129 00:06:32,520 --> 00:06:34,760 Speaker 1: Or have I heard it? Third or fourthand and. 130 00:06:34,760 --> 00:06:39,680 Speaker 2: Number two, even if it is true, is it absolutely necessary? 131 00:06:40,240 --> 00:06:42,160 Speaker 2: Do I really need to tell it? Or do I 132 00:06:42,240 --> 00:06:44,600 Speaker 2: just want to tell it? This friend I was at 133 00:06:44,680 --> 00:06:47,080 Speaker 2: dinner with he had no connection with the other man. 134 00:06:47,600 --> 00:06:50,159 Speaker 2: There was no reason, and I didn't do it to 135 00:06:50,279 --> 00:06:53,719 Speaker 2: show that man in an unfavorable light. A lot of 136 00:06:53,720 --> 00:06:55,520 Speaker 2: times we think, well, I'm just going to tell this 137 00:06:55,600 --> 00:06:58,680 Speaker 2: one friend that's not going to hurt anything. But that 138 00:06:58,760 --> 00:07:02,000 Speaker 2: person will tell another person, that person another on and on, 139 00:07:02,400 --> 00:07:05,120 Speaker 2: and no matter how they retell it. 140 00:07:04,640 --> 00:07:05,559 Speaker 1: It won't be the same. 141 00:07:06,080 --> 00:07:09,960 Speaker 2: Things will be exaggerated, blown out of proportion. What's big 142 00:07:10,000 --> 00:07:13,920 Speaker 2: will get bigger, what's bad will get worse. That's why 143 00:07:14,400 --> 00:07:17,920 Speaker 2: if you're hearing things third or fourth hand, you should 144 00:07:17,920 --> 00:07:20,360 Speaker 2: take it with a grain of salt. It can be 145 00:07:20,400 --> 00:07:24,520 Speaker 2: so tainted, so misconstrued that very little of it is true. 146 00:07:24,720 --> 00:07:27,120 Speaker 2: Don't believe it until you hear it from the real source. 147 00:07:27,960 --> 00:07:31,560 Speaker 2: Victoria and I have some good friends now, but for 148 00:07:31,640 --> 00:07:34,960 Speaker 2: about ten years they wouldn't have anything to do with us. 149 00:07:35,480 --> 00:07:39,160 Speaker 2: They liked us from a distance. We're in similar positions, 150 00:07:39,800 --> 00:07:43,360 Speaker 2: but somebody that doesn't know us well, that couldn't handle 151 00:07:43,400 --> 00:07:47,560 Speaker 2: God's favor on our life, poisoned their opinion of us. 152 00:07:48,160 --> 00:07:51,640 Speaker 2: They took things out of context, very one sided, and 153 00:07:51,720 --> 00:07:54,360 Speaker 2: showed how we were these terrible people and we just 154 00:07:54,760 --> 00:07:56,840 Speaker 2: did somebody wrong. We couldn't be trusted. 155 00:07:56,880 --> 00:07:57,440 Speaker 1: On and on. 156 00:07:58,120 --> 00:08:00,800 Speaker 2: When this couple finally met us, they said, you're not 157 00:08:00,880 --> 00:08:04,120 Speaker 2: anything like those people said you are. Since then we 158 00:08:04,240 --> 00:08:08,440 Speaker 2: become good friends. My point is, don't believe everything you hear. 159 00:08:09,080 --> 00:08:12,520 Speaker 2: Don't let the internet and people that are jealous and 160 00:08:12,520 --> 00:08:17,360 Speaker 2: people that can't handle success poison your opinion of somebody else. 161 00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:20,880 Speaker 2: The other day, a man came up to me said, Joel, 162 00:08:21,080 --> 00:08:24,240 Speaker 2: did you hear about so and so. By the way 163 00:08:24,280 --> 00:08:26,480 Speaker 2: he said it, I knew it wasn't going to be good. 164 00:08:27,680 --> 00:08:31,040 Speaker 2: I smiled and said, very politely, no, I didn't hear, 165 00:08:31,560 --> 00:08:33,959 Speaker 2: and if it's not good, I don't want to hear. 166 00:08:35,200 --> 00:08:39,679 Speaker 2: You shouldn't let people fill you with a bunch of trash. 167 00:08:40,120 --> 00:08:44,440 Speaker 2: Somebody wants to talk bad about a person, gossip, put 168 00:08:44,480 --> 00:08:46,920 Speaker 2: them down, don't sit there and take it all in. 169 00:08:47,200 --> 00:08:50,640 Speaker 1: Tell them no thanks. My ears are not garbage cans. 170 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:52,360 Speaker 1: I don't want to hear that trash. 171 00:08:52,679 --> 00:08:55,920 Speaker 2: You want to talk bad about them, gossip, judge them, 172 00:08:56,280 --> 00:08:59,040 Speaker 2: stir up strife. That's your choice, but you're going to 173 00:08:59,080 --> 00:09:01,640 Speaker 2: have to find somebody else to do it with. You've 174 00:09:01,679 --> 00:09:04,880 Speaker 2: got to put your foot down and not allow people 175 00:09:04,960 --> 00:09:07,080 Speaker 2: to poison your life. 176 00:09:07,240 --> 00:09:08,800 Speaker 1: You shouldn't go to lunch. 177 00:09:08,600 --> 00:09:12,400 Speaker 2: Every day at the office and sit with people that gossip, 178 00:09:13,040 --> 00:09:16,880 Speaker 2: bad mouth of boss, complain about the company, trash your friends. 179 00:09:17,160 --> 00:09:20,000 Speaker 2: That's so in discord. That's one of the things that 180 00:09:20,080 --> 00:09:23,160 Speaker 2: God hates. Well, Joel, if I don't eat lunch with them, 181 00:09:23,360 --> 00:09:25,640 Speaker 2: I may not have anybody to eat lunch with. 182 00:09:26,440 --> 00:09:28,679 Speaker 1: Well. I would rather be lonely. 183 00:09:28,480 --> 00:09:31,599 Speaker 2: And not poisoned than to let that trash go into me. 184 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:38,040 Speaker 2: Do you know spirits are transferable? The scripture says don't 185 00:09:38,080 --> 00:09:42,520 Speaker 2: hang around angry people, or you will become angry. You 186 00:09:42,640 --> 00:09:45,800 Speaker 2: hang around gossipers, and you will become a gossip You 187 00:09:45,880 --> 00:09:49,040 Speaker 2: hang around fault finders, you'll become a fault finder. You 188 00:09:49,160 --> 00:09:53,400 Speaker 2: hang out with nosy, busy bodies, and that nosy busy 189 00:09:53,440 --> 00:09:55,080 Speaker 2: body spirit will get off on you. 190 00:09:55,800 --> 00:09:58,280 Speaker 1: Be careful who you associate with. 191 00:09:58,679 --> 00:10:03,080 Speaker 2: Your time is too valuable to be poisoned. We all 192 00:10:03,120 --> 00:10:08,520 Speaker 2: know people that mind everybody's business except their own. They're nosy, 193 00:10:08,559 --> 00:10:12,040 Speaker 2: prying to people's affairs, trying to get the latest scoop. 194 00:10:12,600 --> 00:10:15,079 Speaker 2: Let me tell you what I heard. You won't believe 195 00:10:15,160 --> 00:10:20,640 Speaker 2: what I found out. They're busybodies. They're always spreading rumors. 196 00:10:20,960 --> 00:10:23,880 Speaker 2: They've got an opinion about everything, and they're. 197 00:10:23,720 --> 00:10:25,280 Speaker 1: Going to give it to you, whether you want it 198 00:10:25,400 --> 00:10:25,560 Speaker 1: or not. 199 00:10:26,480 --> 00:10:29,440 Speaker 2: They try to run everybody else's life. The truth is 200 00:10:29,480 --> 00:10:33,000 Speaker 2: they can't even run their own life. Be kind, be respectful, 201 00:10:33,240 --> 00:10:37,280 Speaker 2: but don't associate with the busybody. Listen, if they'll talk 202 00:10:37,320 --> 00:10:41,600 Speaker 2: about somebody else in front of you, don't be fooled. 203 00:10:41,760 --> 00:10:46,000 Speaker 2: They'll talk about you in front of somebody else. We 204 00:10:46,080 --> 00:10:49,840 Speaker 2: have to realize it is just as wrong to listen 205 00:10:49,880 --> 00:10:52,199 Speaker 2: to gossip as it is to tell It. 206 00:10:52,200 --> 00:10:54,600 Speaker 1: Takes to the gossip the mouth. 207 00:10:54,640 --> 00:10:59,520 Speaker 2: And the ears, the seed and the soil Proverbs eleven 208 00:10:59,640 --> 00:11:03,960 Speaker 2: thirteen and says, a gossip goes around spreading rumors, but 209 00:11:04,080 --> 00:11:08,280 Speaker 2: a person of honor tries to quiet them. Notice a 210 00:11:08,360 --> 00:11:12,360 Speaker 2: gossip has the gasoline, but when you're an honorable person, 211 00:11:13,080 --> 00:11:14,319 Speaker 2: you've got the water. 212 00:11:14,600 --> 00:11:17,360 Speaker 1: You defend, You show mercy, you cover. 213 00:11:18,000 --> 00:11:21,560 Speaker 2: If somebody starts gossiping around you, starts talking bad about 214 00:11:21,600 --> 00:11:23,120 Speaker 2: a person, you can do a couple things. 215 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:24,839 Speaker 1: Number One, you can say, oh, I. 216 00:11:24,920 --> 00:11:27,280 Speaker 2: Just realized I've got to go make a telephone call. 217 00:11:27,320 --> 00:11:28,520 Speaker 2: I'm gonna have to step out. 218 00:11:28,720 --> 00:11:31,520 Speaker 1: You can politely excuse yourself. If you want to. 219 00:11:31,520 --> 00:11:34,360 Speaker 2: Be more bold, you can say, hey, instead of talking 220 00:11:34,400 --> 00:11:35,200 Speaker 2: about them. 221 00:11:35,200 --> 00:11:36,840 Speaker 1: Why don't we pray for them? 222 00:11:37,480 --> 00:11:40,040 Speaker 2: If we would spend the same amount of time praying 223 00:11:40,080 --> 00:11:43,720 Speaker 2: for people as we do talking about them, then they 224 00:11:43,760 --> 00:11:44,520 Speaker 2: would change. 225 00:11:44,800 --> 00:11:47,439 Speaker 1: A person of honor sticks up for their family. 226 00:11:48,080 --> 00:11:52,120 Speaker 2: You defend your friends, You cover their weaknesses. If I 227 00:11:52,160 --> 00:11:54,640 Speaker 2: hear somebody talking about you, and I know you're a 228 00:11:54,640 --> 00:11:57,280 Speaker 2: part of the Lakewood family, I'm going to do everything 229 00:11:57,360 --> 00:11:58,240 Speaker 2: I can to. 230 00:11:58,320 --> 00:12:00,080 Speaker 1: Take up for you. 231 00:12:00,080 --> 00:12:02,040 Speaker 2: Oh, one of your members tried to run me off 232 00:12:02,080 --> 00:12:05,320 Speaker 2: the road last week. Now, I'm sure they didn't mean to. 233 00:12:05,559 --> 00:12:08,959 Speaker 2: They probably just dropped their cell phone, got distracted. No, man, 234 00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:10,959 Speaker 2: they were honking their horn, had their fist up in 235 00:12:11,000 --> 00:12:13,680 Speaker 2: the air. Now, I'm sure they're just worshiping the Lord. 236 00:12:15,760 --> 00:12:17,960 Speaker 1: You are good all the time. You are good. 237 00:12:20,240 --> 00:12:23,079 Speaker 2: I'm not gonna pour gasoline, I'm gonna pull water. 238 00:12:23,679 --> 00:12:25,800 Speaker 1: You're my friends, you're my family. 239 00:12:26,360 --> 00:12:28,600 Speaker 2: That's the way you need to be with the people 240 00:12:28,640 --> 00:12:29,320 Speaker 2: in your life. 241 00:12:29,600 --> 00:12:31,200 Speaker 1: Defend them, stick up for them. 242 00:12:31,520 --> 00:12:35,360 Speaker 2: Somebody starts gossiping, bad mouthing, your attitude should be, hey, 243 00:12:35,480 --> 00:12:36,240 Speaker 2: you're messing with. 244 00:12:36,200 --> 00:12:37,040 Speaker 1: The wrong person. 245 00:12:37,280 --> 00:12:40,559 Speaker 2: That's my family. They're a part of my church. They're 246 00:12:40,600 --> 00:12:46,000 Speaker 2: my friend, they're my classmate. You have a responsibility to 247 00:12:46,120 --> 00:12:47,600 Speaker 2: help stop that gossip. 248 00:12:48,160 --> 00:12:50,680 Speaker 1: You should be especially loyal. 249 00:12:50,400 --> 00:12:54,360 Speaker 2: To your own family, your parents, your brothers, your sisters, 250 00:12:54,360 --> 00:12:56,200 Speaker 2: your siblings, your relatives, your cousins. 251 00:12:56,559 --> 00:12:58,760 Speaker 1: You may not always agree with them. 252 00:12:59,120 --> 00:13:01,439 Speaker 2: They may get on your nerves from time to time. 253 00:13:01,880 --> 00:13:05,040 Speaker 2: They may be a little bit different. Doesn't matter. Somebody 254 00:13:05,120 --> 00:13:08,440 Speaker 2: starts talking about your family, it's your duty to put 255 00:13:08,440 --> 00:13:11,640 Speaker 2: a stop to it. That's your blood, that's who God 256 00:13:11,679 --> 00:13:13,320 Speaker 2: has chosen you to be with. 257 00:13:14,160 --> 00:13:15,120 Speaker 1: Now, I've seen people. 258 00:13:15,400 --> 00:13:18,680 Speaker 2: Somebody starts talking about a family member, they jump on 259 00:13:18,760 --> 00:13:21,640 Speaker 2: the bandwagon. Yeah, I know what you mean. They've been 260 00:13:21,640 --> 00:13:23,600 Speaker 2: a jerk their whole life. I've had to put up 261 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:25,800 Speaker 2: with them for years. Now, put a stop to it. 262 00:13:26,360 --> 00:13:28,920 Speaker 2: They may not be perfect, but you can say something. 263 00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:30,720 Speaker 1: Yeah. I know they're a little different. 264 00:13:30,840 --> 00:13:33,679 Speaker 2: They've got some issues, but you know what, they're growing, 265 00:13:34,120 --> 00:13:35,840 Speaker 2: they're changing deep down. 266 00:13:35,840 --> 00:13:38,800 Speaker 1: They're a good person. That's my family. I love them. 267 00:13:39,240 --> 00:13:42,520 Speaker 1: Be loyal, stick up for them. For Joe, you don't 268 00:13:42,559 --> 00:13:44,200 Speaker 1: know what they've done. 269 00:13:44,240 --> 00:13:47,079 Speaker 2: My brother borrowed money from everybody in the family, hasn't 270 00:13:47,080 --> 00:13:47,880 Speaker 2: paid us back. 271 00:13:48,600 --> 00:13:49,720 Speaker 1: My dad ran off with. 272 00:13:49,800 --> 00:13:53,880 Speaker 2: Somebody else, messed up our family. That's unfortunate, but it's 273 00:13:53,920 --> 00:13:58,080 Speaker 2: still your family. It's easy to kick people when they're down. 274 00:13:58,800 --> 00:14:01,679 Speaker 2: It's easy to be judge jamental say I told you so. 275 00:14:02,480 --> 00:14:04,800 Speaker 1: But the honorable thing to do is stay on the 276 00:14:04,880 --> 00:14:07,280 Speaker 1: high road and help restore them. 277 00:14:07,720 --> 00:14:10,840 Speaker 2: Help bring peace back to your family. They got enough 278 00:14:10,880 --> 00:14:13,480 Speaker 2: people trying to push them down. They should be able 279 00:14:13,520 --> 00:14:14,480 Speaker 2: to count on you. 280 00:14:14,400 --> 00:14:17,040 Speaker 1: As family to help lift them up. Now. 281 00:14:17,080 --> 00:14:20,720 Speaker 2: I feel very blessed because I have family members that 282 00:14:20,800 --> 00:14:23,200 Speaker 2: I know would defend me till my dying day. 283 00:14:23,880 --> 00:14:26,840 Speaker 1: I could go out rob a bank, steal a car. 284 00:14:27,200 --> 00:14:29,240 Speaker 2: They say, oh, Joe, he's not really stealing, he's just 285 00:14:29,360 --> 00:14:31,680 Speaker 2: borrowing it. He wants to help somebody. 286 00:14:32,440 --> 00:14:32,640 Speaker 1: Now. 287 00:14:32,640 --> 00:14:35,520 Speaker 2: Behind closed doors, they tell me to get my act together, 288 00:14:35,960 --> 00:14:37,960 Speaker 2: But in front of you, I can do no wrong. 289 00:14:38,120 --> 00:14:40,200 Speaker 1: They're my family. They believe in me. 290 00:14:40,360 --> 00:14:43,880 Speaker 2: They're loyal, they're honorable people. If we can't count on 291 00:14:43,960 --> 00:14:48,280 Speaker 2: our family, who can we count on? Proverbs says a 292 00:14:48,400 --> 00:14:52,160 Speaker 2: friend loves it all time, but a brother is born 293 00:14:52,280 --> 00:14:53,120 Speaker 2: for adversity. 294 00:14:53,840 --> 00:14:55,640 Speaker 1: That's saying your friends are great, we. 295 00:14:55,640 --> 00:14:59,920 Speaker 2: All need them, but there's something about your family. Were 296 00:15:00,160 --> 00:15:04,240 Speaker 2: born for adversity, and in the tough times, your family 297 00:15:04,560 --> 00:15:10,520 Speaker 2: needs you more than ever. Too often we let strife, jealousy, competition, 298 00:15:10,680 --> 00:15:15,720 Speaker 2: division pull us apart. Rise above that, get over the 299 00:15:15,720 --> 00:15:19,840 Speaker 2: petty differences. Quit arguing over things that don't matter. In 300 00:15:19,880 --> 00:15:24,560 Speaker 2: a little while, we're all going to be gone. Your brothers, sisters, cousins, relatives, 301 00:15:24,720 --> 00:15:28,360 Speaker 2: they need you. Stick up for your family, defend them, 302 00:15:28,880 --> 00:15:32,560 Speaker 2: cover their faults. The Book of Genesis tells how Noah 303 00:15:32,880 --> 00:15:35,640 Speaker 2: was on the ark for one hundred and ninety days 304 00:15:36,000 --> 00:15:39,080 Speaker 2: with his family and with all of the animals. It 305 00:15:39,160 --> 00:15:42,040 Speaker 2: rained for forty days, and then it took one hundred 306 00:15:42,080 --> 00:15:45,320 Speaker 2: and fifty days for the waters to recede. You can 307 00:15:45,400 --> 00:15:49,280 Speaker 2: imagine how Noah must have felt being cramped up all 308 00:15:49,360 --> 00:15:51,960 Speaker 2: that time, with not only the animals, but with all 309 00:15:52,040 --> 00:15:55,880 Speaker 2: of his family, all of his relatives one hundred and 310 00:15:56,040 --> 00:16:01,000 Speaker 2: ninety days nowhere to go, always together. Somebody pointed out, 311 00:16:01,320 --> 00:16:03,680 Speaker 2: when Noah got off the ark, the first thing he 312 00:16:03,720 --> 00:16:07,480 Speaker 2: did was went out and got drunk. And it wasn't right, 313 00:16:07,560 --> 00:16:11,080 Speaker 2: but he had had enough. We laugh, but most of 314 00:16:11,160 --> 00:16:14,960 Speaker 2: us can only take a one day family reunion. Imagine 315 00:16:14,960 --> 00:16:18,800 Speaker 2: a one hundred and ninety day family reunion with all 316 00:16:18,840 --> 00:16:22,640 Speaker 2: of your relatives, never able to leave the house. Well, 317 00:16:22,680 --> 00:16:26,560 Speaker 2: Noah was lying on the floor of his tent, drunk, 318 00:16:27,120 --> 00:16:31,280 Speaker 2: passed out, totally naked, taking off all of his clothes. 319 00:16:31,680 --> 00:16:35,040 Speaker 2: His youngest son, Ham came in and saw his father 320 00:16:35,160 --> 00:16:38,200 Speaker 2: lying there drunk and naked. Ham ran out and started 321 00:16:38,240 --> 00:16:41,680 Speaker 2: telling everybody found his two brothers. You won't believe what 322 00:16:41,840 --> 00:16:45,000 Speaker 2: dad has done, making a fool of himself. He's drunk, 323 00:16:45,200 --> 00:16:48,680 Speaker 2: he's lying their naked on and on. Ham told everybody 324 00:16:48,760 --> 00:16:53,280 Speaker 2: he could find. Instead of covering his father's fault, he 325 00:16:53,400 --> 00:16:54,360 Speaker 2: exposed it. 326 00:16:54,800 --> 00:16:56,320 Speaker 1: He added fuel to the fire. 327 00:16:57,120 --> 00:16:59,920 Speaker 2: The other two sons did just the opposite. They went 328 00:17:00,120 --> 00:17:03,240 Speaker 2: to Noah's tent. When they saw their father lying there 329 00:17:03,320 --> 00:17:05,840 Speaker 2: drunk and naked, they turned around. 330 00:17:06,400 --> 00:17:08,480 Speaker 1: They've refused to look at their father. 331 00:17:09,119 --> 00:17:12,399 Speaker 2: They got some blankets and they backed into the tent, 332 00:17:13,119 --> 00:17:16,680 Speaker 2: never looking at their father in that shame. They took 333 00:17:16,720 --> 00:17:20,600 Speaker 2: those blankets and they covered Noah up. They were saying, 334 00:17:20,640 --> 00:17:24,800 Speaker 2: by their actions, Dad was wrong, he made poor choices. 335 00:17:25,040 --> 00:17:27,439 Speaker 2: He's lying here drunk and naked. But we're not going 336 00:17:27,520 --> 00:17:30,040 Speaker 2: to do like our younger brother Ham and go out 337 00:17:30,080 --> 00:17:34,359 Speaker 2: telling everybody and expose him and add fuel to the fire. 338 00:17:34,640 --> 00:17:37,800 Speaker 2: We got this water. We're going to cover his fault. 339 00:17:38,320 --> 00:17:43,400 Speaker 2: They were saying, that's our father, that's our flesh and blood. Yes, 340 00:17:43,480 --> 00:17:46,960 Speaker 2: he's lying here in shame, but we're going to protect 341 00:17:47,000 --> 00:17:50,160 Speaker 2: him while he's down. We're going to defend him while 342 00:17:50,240 --> 00:17:52,720 Speaker 2: he's not up to par. We're not gonna let anybody 343 00:17:52,720 --> 00:17:57,440 Speaker 2: else see him in this negative light. When Noah woke up, 344 00:17:58,160 --> 00:18:01,360 Speaker 2: he found out what had happened, how one son had 345 00:18:01,400 --> 00:18:06,040 Speaker 2: exposed his faults, the other two sons had covered his faults. 346 00:18:06,760 --> 00:18:10,320 Speaker 2: He said to Ham, the one that went out telling everybody, 347 00:18:10,480 --> 00:18:15,560 Speaker 2: your children and your grandchildren will always struggle. There will 348 00:18:15,600 --> 00:18:19,359 Speaker 2: be a curse on your descendants because you dishonored me. 349 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:21,719 Speaker 2: You didn't protect my reputation. 350 00:18:22,080 --> 00:18:23,119 Speaker 1: You exposed me. 351 00:18:24,320 --> 00:18:27,240 Speaker 2: Noah said to the two sons that showed him honor 352 00:18:27,400 --> 00:18:31,760 Speaker 2: by covering his faults. By protecting his reputation, you and 353 00:18:31,880 --> 00:18:36,520 Speaker 2: your descendants will always be blessed. You will prosper, You 354 00:18:36,520 --> 00:18:40,359 Speaker 2: will rule over cities, Your land will increase, You will 355 00:18:40,359 --> 00:18:44,640 Speaker 2: have God's favor because you showed me honor even when 356 00:18:44,680 --> 00:18:46,360 Speaker 2: I deserved dishonor. 357 00:18:47,080 --> 00:18:47,920 Speaker 1: And it's interesting. 358 00:18:48,359 --> 00:18:51,920 Speaker 2: Ham could have just as easily put water on instead 359 00:18:51,920 --> 00:18:55,680 Speaker 2: of the gasoline. He could have covered his father's faults. 360 00:18:56,040 --> 00:18:56,640 Speaker 1: He could have. 361 00:18:56,880 --> 00:19:01,000 Speaker 2: Defended Noah, but he was undisciplined. He chose to go 362 00:19:01,119 --> 00:19:05,040 Speaker 2: out and tell everybody. When we make the choice to 363 00:19:05,119 --> 00:19:08,919 Speaker 2: make people look bad, to say things, to damage a reputation, 364 00:19:09,520 --> 00:19:12,920 Speaker 2: to show them in an unfavorable light, that puts us 365 00:19:13,200 --> 00:19:17,679 Speaker 2: on Ham's side instead of the two brother side. But 366 00:19:17,800 --> 00:19:21,480 Speaker 2: when you show honor even when honor is not due, 367 00:19:22,320 --> 00:19:26,600 Speaker 2: maybe what the person is doing is wrong, they deserve shame. 368 00:19:27,320 --> 00:19:30,920 Speaker 2: But because you choose to cover the fault, because you 369 00:19:31,000 --> 00:19:34,359 Speaker 2: stick up for your father, because you defend your brother, 370 00:19:34,480 --> 00:19:38,080 Speaker 2: your cousin, your relative, God says to you, what Noah 371 00:19:38,119 --> 00:19:41,080 Speaker 2: said to the two sons, you will be blessed, you 372 00:19:41,119 --> 00:19:43,919 Speaker 2: will prosper, you will be in a position of honor. 373 00:19:44,680 --> 00:19:48,560 Speaker 2: Make sure you stay on the two brothers side. Now 374 00:19:48,600 --> 00:19:52,080 Speaker 2: let's take this beyond our biological family. How about our 375 00:19:52,160 --> 00:19:55,520 Speaker 2: church family. That person you sit close to each week, 376 00:19:55,800 --> 00:19:57,920 Speaker 2: that volunteer you see in the nursery. 377 00:19:58,400 --> 00:20:00,880 Speaker 1: If they fall, if they make. 378 00:20:00,720 --> 00:20:04,160 Speaker 2: A mistake, are you going to cover them? How about 379 00:20:04,200 --> 00:20:07,119 Speaker 2: that coworker that blew it they were wrong? Are you 380 00:20:07,200 --> 00:20:10,399 Speaker 2: going to go out like ham and expose them? Blow 381 00:20:10,400 --> 00:20:15,040 Speaker 2: it up bigger? After all, it's true. Now just because 382 00:20:15,080 --> 00:20:16,639 Speaker 2: it's true doesn't give. 383 00:20:16,560 --> 00:20:17,720 Speaker 1: Us the right to repeat it. 384 00:20:18,200 --> 00:20:21,600 Speaker 2: Well, Joel, they're guilty, they were wrong, yes, but only 385 00:20:21,720 --> 00:20:27,320 Speaker 2: the guilty need mercy. Paul said in Galatians, when someone falls, 386 00:20:27,640 --> 00:20:32,520 Speaker 2: you who are spiritual are to gently restore them. Notice 387 00:20:32,520 --> 00:20:36,000 Speaker 2: he didn't say to expose them, to tell everybody make 388 00:20:36,040 --> 00:20:38,159 Speaker 2: sure they feel embarrassed and ashamed. 389 00:20:38,480 --> 00:20:40,440 Speaker 1: He said to gently restore them. 390 00:20:41,240 --> 00:20:45,680 Speaker 2: If you will cover people when they fall, cover their weaknesses. 391 00:20:46,000 --> 00:20:49,399 Speaker 2: God will make sure somebody will always be there to 392 00:20:49,480 --> 00:20:54,520 Speaker 2: cover you. But it's easy to expose, want to be critical, judgmental. 393 00:20:55,080 --> 00:20:58,720 Speaker 2: Remember this, the same amount of mercy you show others 394 00:20:59,320 --> 00:21:02,920 Speaker 2: is the amount of mercy God will show you. When 395 00:21:02,920 --> 00:21:06,800 Speaker 2: you protect a reputation, you are sowing a seed not 396 00:21:06,920 --> 00:21:10,560 Speaker 2: only for your life, but for your children. The scripture 397 00:21:10,600 --> 00:21:14,600 Speaker 2: talks about how we can store up mercy for future generations. 398 00:21:15,240 --> 00:21:18,560 Speaker 1: When you cover that fault, you may not receive the mercy. 399 00:21:18,840 --> 00:21:21,640 Speaker 2: It may go to one of your children in their 400 00:21:21,680 --> 00:21:24,400 Speaker 2: time of need. I don't know about you, but I'm 401 00:21:24,440 --> 00:21:27,520 Speaker 2: going to be generous with my mercy. I'm not gonna 402 00:21:27,520 --> 00:21:30,160 Speaker 2: be a fault finder. I'm going to be a protector. 403 00:21:30,760 --> 00:21:33,520 Speaker 2: There's nothing you can do that will cause me to 404 00:21:33,600 --> 00:21:36,680 Speaker 2: expose you. If you fall, I'm going to cover you. 405 00:21:37,320 --> 00:21:40,720 Speaker 2: If you blow it, I'm gonna protect your reputation. If 406 00:21:40,720 --> 00:21:43,720 Speaker 2: somebody is talking about you, I'm gonna defend you. If 407 00:21:43,760 --> 00:21:45,840 Speaker 2: you drop out, I'm gonna help restore you. 408 00:21:46,280 --> 00:21:47,320 Speaker 1: I'm going to be a friend. 409 00:21:47,400 --> 00:21:49,960 Speaker 2: You can count on someone that will stick with you 410 00:21:50,040 --> 00:21:53,119 Speaker 2: through thick and thin, to protect you, to defend you, 411 00:21:53,440 --> 00:21:54,200 Speaker 2: to cover you. 412 00:21:54,800 --> 00:21:55,760 Speaker 1: See, we live in. 413 00:21:55,680 --> 00:21:58,720 Speaker 2: A society that likes to kick people when they're down. 414 00:21:59,440 --> 00:22:01,400 Speaker 2: A lot of people people jump on the bandwagon whow 415 00:22:01,440 --> 00:22:05,640 Speaker 2: they're wrong, critical, judgmental. No, don't be a fair weathered 416 00:22:05,680 --> 00:22:10,480 Speaker 2: friend Stick with people, your family, your friends. They need 417 00:22:10,520 --> 00:22:13,040 Speaker 2: you more in the tough times than they do the 418 00:22:13,080 --> 00:22:17,200 Speaker 2: good times. Where are the people that will defend their family. 419 00:22:17,600 --> 00:22:20,680 Speaker 2: Where are the people like Noah's two sons that will say, yes, 420 00:22:21,040 --> 00:22:23,640 Speaker 2: my cousin may have fallen, but don't you dare talk 421 00:22:23,680 --> 00:22:24,200 Speaker 2: about them. 422 00:22:24,400 --> 00:22:27,600 Speaker 1: That's my family. He may be down, he's not staying down. 423 00:22:27,640 --> 00:22:30,040 Speaker 1: He's coming back again. This is not the end. 424 00:22:30,080 --> 00:22:31,880 Speaker 2: It's a bump in the road. He's going to come 425 00:22:31,880 --> 00:22:35,760 Speaker 2: out stronger than before. Hey, yeah, but I don't see 426 00:22:35,760 --> 00:22:37,200 Speaker 2: how he could have made that mistake. 427 00:22:37,280 --> 00:22:38,359 Speaker 1: What was he thinking? 428 00:22:38,960 --> 00:22:42,000 Speaker 2: Just ask them, have you ever made a mistake? Have 429 00:22:42,160 --> 00:22:44,720 Speaker 2: you ever done something that you're not proud of? If not, 430 00:22:44,960 --> 00:22:47,600 Speaker 2: you can throw the first stone. But if you have, 431 00:22:48,359 --> 00:22:50,600 Speaker 2: you need to zip it up because you're talking about 432 00:22:50,680 --> 00:22:53,600 Speaker 2: my family and these ears are not garbage cans. 433 00:22:53,640 --> 00:22:55,160 Speaker 1: I don't want to hear that trash. 434 00:22:55,480 --> 00:22:58,960 Speaker 2: Defend your family, stick up for your friends, put an 435 00:22:59,119 --> 00:22:59,600 Speaker 2: end to that. 436 00:22:59,640 --> 00:23:02,960 Speaker 1: God's so do what you can to cover a fault. 437 00:23:04,119 --> 00:23:07,360 Speaker 2: Years ago, there was a minister that made some poor decisions. 438 00:23:07,720 --> 00:23:09,320 Speaker 1: It's a very public ordeal. 439 00:23:09,880 --> 00:23:13,159 Speaker 2: Big controversy in the press went on for months and 440 00:23:13,320 --> 00:23:17,840 Speaker 2: months At one point, another minister that was also very 441 00:23:17,880 --> 00:23:22,760 Speaker 2: well known got on television and criticized this minister and 442 00:23:22,920 --> 00:23:26,760 Speaker 2: told everyone what a disgrace he was and how he 443 00:23:26,880 --> 00:23:30,520 Speaker 2: was like a cancer that needed to be removed no mercy, 444 00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:34,720 Speaker 2: so harsh. It's as if this man's reputation wasn't bad 445 00:23:34,840 --> 00:23:38,199 Speaker 2: enough already, but this minister just added fuel to the fire, 446 00:23:38,640 --> 00:23:42,760 Speaker 2: made it even worse. Eventually he had to resign, lost 447 00:23:42,800 --> 00:23:43,440 Speaker 2: his ministry. 448 00:23:43,440 --> 00:23:44,680 Speaker 1: A very sad situation. 449 00:23:45,480 --> 00:23:49,159 Speaker 2: But when we choose to expose, when we choose to 450 00:23:49,240 --> 00:23:52,560 Speaker 2: run out and tell everybody, that's just like him not 451 00:23:52,720 --> 00:23:56,080 Speaker 2: covering for his father, Noah. A couple of years later, 452 00:23:56,680 --> 00:23:59,879 Speaker 2: this minister that was so hard on the other minister 453 00:24:00,160 --> 00:24:03,600 Speaker 2: or he got involved in the same type of thing. 454 00:24:04,359 --> 00:24:08,160 Speaker 2: It was an even bigger controversy. He ended up losing 455 00:24:08,160 --> 00:24:12,720 Speaker 2: his ministry as well. When somebody has done wrong, when 456 00:24:12,720 --> 00:24:17,960 Speaker 2: they're at fault, you could say that situation is contagious. 457 00:24:18,520 --> 00:24:20,840 Speaker 1: Like a virus. You've been exposed. 458 00:24:21,560 --> 00:24:24,840 Speaker 2: Now how you handle it is going to determine whether 459 00:24:24,920 --> 00:24:27,399 Speaker 2: or not you come down with it. In other words, 460 00:24:27,480 --> 00:24:31,000 Speaker 2: like a person that has the flu, they're contagious if 461 00:24:31,040 --> 00:24:32,120 Speaker 2: you get around them. 462 00:24:32,520 --> 00:24:33,520 Speaker 1: You've been exposed. 463 00:24:33,520 --> 00:24:36,840 Speaker 2: To it that virus can get off on you. What's 464 00:24:36,880 --> 00:24:39,840 Speaker 2: going to protect you is if you have a flu shot, 465 00:24:40,520 --> 00:24:43,679 Speaker 2: the vaccination will keep you from getting it. In the 466 00:24:43,760 --> 00:24:48,240 Speaker 2: same way, when you've been exposed to somebody that's done wrong, 467 00:24:48,760 --> 00:24:52,600 Speaker 2: they're contagious, you can catch the exact same thing that 468 00:24:52,640 --> 00:24:52,960 Speaker 2: they have. 469 00:24:53,760 --> 00:24:58,800 Speaker 1: Here's the key, mercy is your vaccine. Covering the fault. 470 00:24:58,840 --> 00:25:01,680 Speaker 2: Is the equivalent of taking in a flu shot. That's 471 00:25:01,680 --> 00:25:04,600 Speaker 2: what's going to keep you from being infected. But if 472 00:25:04,600 --> 00:25:07,639 Speaker 2: you're hard, you show no mercy. You let them have 473 00:25:07,720 --> 00:25:12,439 Speaker 2: it the very thing that you're critical about. Because they're contagious, 474 00:25:12,880 --> 00:25:16,080 Speaker 2: it can come right back to you. We all face 475 00:25:16,119 --> 00:25:19,320 Speaker 2: situations where we could be judgmental and man, I can't 476 00:25:19,359 --> 00:25:20,320 Speaker 2: believe they did that. 477 00:25:20,600 --> 00:25:22,920 Speaker 1: I'm gonna let everybody know how wrong they were. 478 00:25:23,760 --> 00:25:27,199 Speaker 2: No, it's much better to say I've been exposed to 479 00:25:27,280 --> 00:25:29,920 Speaker 2: something that I don't want. Now I know the secret. 480 00:25:30,200 --> 00:25:32,639 Speaker 2: I'm going to show mercy. I'm not going to do 481 00:25:32,760 --> 00:25:35,960 Speaker 2: like hand run out telling everybody. Let me tell you 482 00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:38,080 Speaker 2: what my dad did, let me tell you what my 483 00:25:38,119 --> 00:25:39,879 Speaker 2: neighbor got caught doing last week. 484 00:25:40,240 --> 00:25:44,160 Speaker 1: No, be a person of honor and cover it, show mercy. 485 00:25:44,600 --> 00:25:46,200 Speaker 1: That's your vaccine. 486 00:25:46,320 --> 00:25:49,040 Speaker 2: That's what's going to keep you from doing the exact 487 00:25:49,119 --> 00:25:52,960 Speaker 2: same thing somewhere down the road. As a parent, when 488 00:25:52,960 --> 00:25:57,280 Speaker 2: somebody does something good for our children, they help restore. 489 00:25:56,880 --> 00:25:57,920 Speaker 1: Them in a time of need. 490 00:25:57,960 --> 00:26:02,480 Speaker 2: They're kind, they're forgiving their mur There's nothing we wouldn't 491 00:26:02,520 --> 00:26:03,399 Speaker 2: do for that person. 492 00:26:03,800 --> 00:26:06,359 Speaker 1: We'd be so grateful, we'd go out of our way 493 00:26:06,480 --> 00:26:08,240 Speaker 1: to do anything that they ask. 494 00:26:09,200 --> 00:26:12,200 Speaker 2: In the same way, when you stick up for one 495 00:26:12,240 --> 00:26:16,080 Speaker 2: of God's children, when you defend them, when you help 496 00:26:16,119 --> 00:26:19,560 Speaker 2: restore them, when you protect a reputation. 497 00:26:19,440 --> 00:26:21,720 Speaker 1: There's nothing that God won't do for you. 498 00:26:22,320 --> 00:26:25,560 Speaker 2: When you are generous with your mercy, you will always 499 00:26:25,600 --> 00:26:30,280 Speaker 2: have God's favor. Mercy sets the tone for blessing. My 500 00:26:30,440 --> 00:26:32,720 Speaker 2: challenge for all of us. When you hear a word 501 00:26:32,760 --> 00:26:38,320 Speaker 2: against your neighbor, against your family, against your friend, be disciplined. 502 00:26:37,960 --> 00:26:39,280 Speaker 1: To let it die within you. 503 00:26:40,040 --> 00:26:42,720 Speaker 2: If you will be a person of honor, not let 504 00:26:42,760 --> 00:26:47,080 Speaker 2: people gossip around you, cover those faults. Then, because you 505 00:26:47,160 --> 00:26:51,399 Speaker 2: choose the water and not the gasoline, just like Noah's 506 00:26:51,480 --> 00:26:55,080 Speaker 2: two sons, I believe and declare, you will be blessed. 507 00:26:55,440 --> 00:26:58,439 Speaker 1: You will prosper, you will succeed, and you will. 508 00:26:58,320 --> 00:27:02,000 Speaker 2: Become everything God's created you to be amen? 509 00:27:02,040 --> 00:27:03,000 Speaker 1: Do you receive it today? 510 00:27:04,840 --> 00:27:07,520 Speaker 2: Or we never like to close our broadcast without giving 511 00:27:07,520 --> 00:27:09,119 Speaker 2: you an opportunity. 512 00:27:08,520 --> 00:27:10,960 Speaker 1: To make Jesus the lord of your life. Would you 513 00:27:11,000 --> 00:27:11,560 Speaker 1: pray with me? 514 00:27:12,280 --> 00:27:17,600 Speaker 2: Just say, Lord, Jesus, I repent of my sins, Come 515 00:27:17,640 --> 00:27:22,879 Speaker 2: into my heart. I make you my Lord and savior. Well, 516 00:27:22,920 --> 00:27:25,400 Speaker 2: if you prayed that simple prayer, we believe you got 517 00:27:25,400 --> 00:27:28,320 Speaker 2: born again. Get in a good Bible based church, and 518 00:27:28,560 --> 00:27:31,320 Speaker 2: keep God first place. He's going to take you places 519 00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:32,480 Speaker 2: that you've never dreamed of. 520 00:27:34,200 --> 00:27:40,399 Speaker 3: Every day we can live discouraged, angry, depressed, defeated. Is 521 00:27:40,440 --> 00:27:43,560 Speaker 3: it possible to turn these negatives into an outlook filled 522 00:27:43,600 --> 00:27:45,679 Speaker 3: with purpose, happiness and joy. 523 00:27:46,920 --> 00:27:50,200 Speaker 2: Every day we make choices how we see ourselves, how 524 00:27:50,200 --> 00:27:53,240 Speaker 2: we respond to challenges, how we approach what's in front 525 00:27:53,280 --> 00:27:56,720 Speaker 2: of us. I've readen a devotional called Today I Choose 526 00:27:56,960 --> 00:28:00,440 Speaker 2: Devotions for a Better Life. It's designed it help you 527 00:28:00,520 --> 00:28:03,840 Speaker 2: make those choices on purpose, to choose faith over fear, 528 00:28:04,280 --> 00:28:08,840 Speaker 2: peace over frustration, and kindness over offends. Each day is 529 00:28:08,840 --> 00:28:12,240 Speaker 2: filled with scripture and practical encouragement to help you live 530 00:28:12,280 --> 00:28:13,720 Speaker 2: with confidence and victory. 531 00:28:14,280 --> 00:28:16,160 Speaker 1: You can't wait to see what kind of day it's 532 00:28:16,200 --> 00:28:18,400 Speaker 1: going to be. You have to decide ahead of time. 533 00:28:18,880 --> 00:28:21,560 Speaker 2: When you do, you can step into a more blessed, 534 00:28:21,720 --> 00:28:22,680 Speaker 2: fulfilled life. 535 00:28:23,080 --> 00:28:24,040 Speaker 1: I'd love to send. 536 00:28:23,880 --> 00:28:26,760 Speaker 3: You a copy as our way of saying thank you 537 00:28:26,920 --> 00:28:29,280 Speaker 3: for your gift of any amount, we would like to 538 00:28:29,280 --> 00:28:32,919 Speaker 3: send you a copy of Today, I Choose Devotions for 539 00:28:33,040 --> 00:28:36,600 Speaker 3: a Better Life. Every day begins with a choice, and 540 00:28:36,680 --> 00:28:40,840 Speaker 3: this inspiring book is packed with powerful devotional truths that 541 00:28:40,920 --> 00:28:44,280 Speaker 3: will help you in the specific challenges you face in life, 542 00:28:44,480 --> 00:28:48,520 Speaker 3: including today, I choose to turn down the noise, to 543 00:28:48,600 --> 00:28:52,160 Speaker 3: believe what I cannot see, to be happy, to trust 544 00:28:52,160 --> 00:28:56,560 Speaker 3: God's timing. They will transform your attitude, your outlook, your 545 00:28:56,720 --> 00:29:00,760 Speaker 3: entire day. As you embrace these biblical principles, you'll see 546 00:29:00,800 --> 00:29:06,000 Speaker 3: problems dissolve, hope restored mountains move, choose the joy and 547 00:29:06,080 --> 00:29:09,560 Speaker 3: happiness God has chosen for you. Be sure to request 548 00:29:09,600 --> 00:29:13,720 Speaker 3: your copy of Today, I Choose Devotions for a Better Life, 549 00:29:13,880 --> 00:29:17,760 Speaker 3: available this month by simply visiting us at Joelosting dot 550 00:29:17,800 --> 00:29:21,400 Speaker 3: com or call eight eight eight five six seven Joel 551 00:29:21,960 --> 00:29:24,920 Speaker 3: Call or click anytime twenty four hours a day. 552 00:29:25,640 --> 00:29:29,000 Speaker 2: When you make choices based on what God says about you, 553 00:29:29,000 --> 00:29:32,040 Speaker 2: You're going to live happier, have more peace, and you'll 554 00:29:32,080 --> 00:29:35,120 Speaker 2: be a bigger blessing to others. Thanks so much for 555 00:29:35,200 --> 00:29:37,680 Speaker 2: being with us today, Victoria and I pray for you 556 00:29:37,760 --> 00:29:41,120 Speaker 2: and your family every day. We sure appreciate your prayer 557 00:29:41,200 --> 00:29:45,000 Speaker 2: and support. Your generosity helps us take this message to 558 00:29:45,040 --> 00:29:48,200 Speaker 2: people around the world. Now, special thank you to our 559 00:29:48,280 --> 00:29:50,880 Speaker 2: Champion of Hope partners for all you do to make 560 00:29:50,920 --> 00:29:54,120 Speaker 2: the ministry possible. And until we meet again, May the 561 00:29:54,160 --> 00:29:55,080 Speaker 2: Lord bless. 562 00:29:54,800 --> 00:29:55,840 Speaker 1: You and keep you. 563 00:29:56,760 --> 00:29:59,800 Speaker 3: Be sure to request your copy of Today I Chew 564 00:30:00,320 --> 00:30:04,040 Speaker 3: Devotions for a Better Life available this month by simply 565 00:30:04,120 --> 00:30:07,800 Speaker 3: visiting us at Joelostein dot com or call eight eight 566 00:30:07,800 --> 00:30:11,680 Speaker 3: eight five six seven Joel call or click any time 567 00:30:12,000 --> 00:30:15,040 Speaker 3: twenty four hours a day. You can also receive that 568 00:30:15,120 --> 00:30:19,480 Speaker 3: Today I Choose to Rejoice signature edition art print created 569 00:30:19,520 --> 00:30:23,640 Speaker 3: to encourage faith and purpose filled living. This beautifully framed 570 00:30:23,760 --> 00:30:27,280 Speaker 3: twelve by fifteen art piece features the powerful promise of 571 00:30:27,320 --> 00:30:30,640 Speaker 3: Psalm one eighteen twenty four. This is the day the 572 00:30:30,720 --> 00:30:34,040 Speaker 3: Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. 573 00:30:34,480 --> 00:30:37,920 Speaker 3: Choose every morning to begin with a declaration of God's 574 00:30:38,000 --> 00:30:42,560 Speaker 3: eternal promise. You can request these inspiring resources by calling 575 00:30:42,640 --> 00:30:45,840 Speaker 3: eight eight eight five sixty seven Joel or logging on 576 00:30:46,000 --> 00:30:49,960 Speaker 3: to joelostein dot com today, Call or click any time, 577 00:30:50,280 --> 00:30:57,320 Speaker 3: twenty four hours a day. Request your copies today,