1 00:00:00,750 --> 00:00:03,090 Speaker 1: I hope you and your family are having a great summer. 2 00:00:03,310 --> 00:00:05,689 Speaker 1: Victoria and I are praying for you, believing for God's 3 00:00:05,750 --> 00:00:08,590 Speaker 1: very best in your life. And it's always my pleasure 4 00:00:08,630 --> 00:00:10,490 Speaker 1: to be able to share a message with you. I 5 00:00:10,530 --> 00:00:12,430 Speaker 1: hope you're encouraged and inspired today. 6 00:00:13,310 --> 00:00:16,030 Speaker 2: God bless you. It's great to be with you today. 7 00:00:16,070 --> 00:00:18,689 Speaker 3: And I hope you'll stay connected with us during the 8 00:00:18,750 --> 00:00:23,300 Speaker 3: week through our daily podcast, our YouTube channel, social media, 9 00:00:23,840 --> 00:00:25,779 Speaker 3: and you can come visit us in person. 10 00:00:26,100 --> 00:00:27,840 Speaker 2: We'd love to have you be a part of one 11 00:00:27,860 --> 00:00:28,700 Speaker 2: of our services. 12 00:00:29,520 --> 00:00:31,920 Speaker 3: I like to start with something funny. I heard about 13 00:00:31,940 --> 00:00:35,239 Speaker 3: this young man. He was a huge football fan. He 14 00:00:35,280 --> 00:00:38,680 Speaker 3: bought two tickets to the Super Bowl months ahead of time, 15 00:00:39,040 --> 00:00:42,220 Speaker 3: not realizing it was going to be on the same day. 16 00:00:42,120 --> 00:00:42,880 Speaker 2: As his wedding. 17 00:00:43,720 --> 00:00:46,160 Speaker 3: He had paid a couple thousand dollars for each of 18 00:00:46,190 --> 00:00:49,970 Speaker 3: the tickets, so he put an ad on Facebook seeing 19 00:00:50,020 --> 00:00:52,130 Speaker 3: if anyone wanted to go in his place. 20 00:00:52,729 --> 00:00:55,950 Speaker 2: He said, it will be at three o'clock, First Baptist Church, 21 00:00:56,110 --> 00:01:00,260 Speaker 2: and her name is Tiffany. No, don't do that, y'all. 22 00:01:00,500 --> 00:01:04,080 Speaker 2: Here we go. This is my Bible. I am what 23 00:01:04,100 --> 00:01:06,860 Speaker 2: it says I am. I have what it says I have. 24 00:01:07,360 --> 00:01:09,140 Speaker 2: I can do what it says I can do. 25 00:01:09,550 --> 00:01:12,490 Speaker 3: Today, I will be taught the word of God. I 26 00:01:12,530 --> 00:01:16,750 Speaker 3: boldly confess my mind is alert. My heart is receptive. 27 00:01:17,150 --> 00:01:20,270 Speaker 3: I will never be the same in Jesus' name. 28 00:01:20,650 --> 00:01:21,530 Speaker 2: God bless you. 29 00:01:21,550 --> 00:01:25,630 Speaker 3: I want to talk to you today about let them walk. 30 00:01:26,680 --> 00:01:29,460 Speaker 3: We all have people that God brings across our path 31 00:01:29,480 --> 00:01:31,300 Speaker 3: that are there for a lifetime. 32 00:01:31,940 --> 00:01:35,140 Speaker 2: Our spouse, children, friends that we cherish. 33 00:01:35,680 --> 00:01:38,760 Speaker 3: They're loyal and stick with us through thick and thin. 34 00:01:39,580 --> 00:01:44,450 Speaker 3: But not every relationship is designed to last forever. There 35 00:01:44,490 --> 00:01:48,210 Speaker 3: are seasons and sometimes a good season will come to 36 00:01:48,250 --> 00:01:52,210 Speaker 3: an end. Who you needed to raise your children may 37 00:01:52,270 --> 00:01:54,650 Speaker 3: not be the same ones you need when they're grown 38 00:01:54,690 --> 00:01:55,150 Speaker 3: and gone. 39 00:01:56,090 --> 00:01:59,710 Speaker 2: Other times, God has taken you higher. You're growing. 40 00:02:00,310 --> 00:02:02,910 Speaker 3: The people that have been with you can't go where 41 00:02:02,930 --> 00:02:04,210 Speaker 3: you're going, so. 42 00:02:04,130 --> 00:02:05,160 Speaker 2: Doors will close. 43 00:02:06,190 --> 00:02:08,740 Speaker 3: One of the hardest things for us is to let 44 00:02:08,840 --> 00:02:12,860 Speaker 3: people go. You have to recognize when their part in 45 00:02:12,900 --> 00:02:16,840 Speaker 3: your story is over. Doesn't mean you can't still be friends, 46 00:02:17,360 --> 00:02:20,679 Speaker 3: but it's not gonna be the same. If not, we 47 00:02:20,720 --> 00:02:22,820 Speaker 3: try to hold on to things that God. 48 00:02:22,720 --> 00:02:23,519 Speaker 2: Is finished with. 49 00:02:24,389 --> 00:02:27,210 Speaker 3: When that season is over, there's no grace for it. 50 00:02:27,810 --> 00:02:31,029 Speaker 3: There's this tension. They want to leave, but we don't 51 00:02:31,070 --> 00:02:34,710 Speaker 3: want them to go. Now it's a struggle, a strain, 52 00:02:34,770 --> 00:02:37,980 Speaker 3: trying to force it to work. But when someone wants 53 00:02:38,040 --> 00:02:41,700 Speaker 3: to walk away, you have to learn to let them walk. 54 00:02:42,680 --> 00:02:46,320 Speaker 3: We spend too much time trying to convince people to stay. 55 00:02:45,980 --> 00:02:49,600 Speaker 2: And we have to play up to them, manipulate. Why 56 00:02:49,620 --> 00:02:52,950 Speaker 2: aren't they calling? Am I not good enough? I hope 57 00:02:52,970 --> 00:02:53,750 Speaker 2: they come by. 58 00:02:54,690 --> 00:02:58,620 Speaker 3: Do yourself a favor, move on with your life. Don't 59 00:02:58,690 --> 00:03:03,780 Speaker 3: waste another minute trying to convince someone to love you, call. 60 00:03:03,480 --> 00:03:07,500 Speaker 2: You, come see you. You are a gift. You are 61 00:03:07,560 --> 00:03:10,220 Speaker 2: a treasure, a prized possession. 62 00:03:10,940 --> 00:03:14,820 Speaker 3: If someone doesn't recognize your value, they don't treat you 63 00:03:14,880 --> 00:03:18,910 Speaker 3: like the masterpiece that you are with respect, with honor. 64 00:03:19,610 --> 00:03:23,119 Speaker 2: That's a sign that that season has changed. You have 65 00:03:23,150 --> 00:03:23,990 Speaker 2: to move forward. 66 00:03:24,950 --> 00:03:28,589 Speaker 3: God has already ordained divine connections for you. 67 00:03:29,290 --> 00:03:32,530 Speaker 2: People that can't live without you. People that love being 68 00:03:32,570 --> 00:03:34,790 Speaker 2: with you. Can't wait to see you. 69 00:03:35,610 --> 00:03:39,250 Speaker 3: And sometimes the reason we're not seeing these people is 70 00:03:39,290 --> 00:03:43,160 Speaker 3: we're holding on to the wrong people. Quit chasing someone 71 00:03:43,500 --> 00:03:47,090 Speaker 3: that doesn't want to be with you. letting them control you, 72 00:03:47,690 --> 00:03:52,330 Speaker 3: manipulate you, hoping that you'll gain their approval. Then they'll 73 00:03:52,370 --> 00:03:55,450 Speaker 3: let you in their friend group. Here's the problem. If 74 00:03:55,490 --> 00:03:59,320 Speaker 3: you do convince them, they become your friend. How you 75 00:03:59,400 --> 00:04:02,680 Speaker 3: started that relationship is how you're going to have to 76 00:04:02,720 --> 00:04:05,860 Speaker 3: maintain it. It's going to be a constant struggle to 77 00:04:05,900 --> 00:04:11,980 Speaker 3: keep performing, manipulating, conniving. Solomon said, unless the Lord builds 78 00:04:12,020 --> 00:04:16,020 Speaker 3: the house, we labor in vain. If you'll let God 79 00:04:16,120 --> 00:04:19,740 Speaker 3: bring your relationships and trust him with who comes into 80 00:04:19,779 --> 00:04:22,099 Speaker 3: your life, then it's not a struggle. 81 00:04:22,839 --> 00:04:24,140 Speaker 2: You can be who you are. 82 00:04:24,880 --> 00:04:27,440 Speaker 3: You don't live trying to force people to like you, 83 00:04:28,100 --> 00:04:30,260 Speaker 3: lower your standards to be accepted. 84 00:04:31,140 --> 00:04:33,240 Speaker 2: Someone doesn't want to be in your life. It's no 85 00:04:33,300 --> 00:04:36,719 Speaker 2: big deal. You let them go. And it doesn't mean 86 00:04:36,760 --> 00:04:39,700 Speaker 2: that they're a bad person. Something's wrong with them. 87 00:04:40,300 --> 00:04:43,610 Speaker 3: They're just not right for you at this time. Maybe 88 00:04:43,630 --> 00:04:46,030 Speaker 3: they were fine for a season, but this is a 89 00:04:46,089 --> 00:04:49,690 Speaker 3: new season. And the scripture talks about how God is 90 00:04:49,750 --> 00:04:54,080 Speaker 3: our doorkeeper. He opens and closes doors in our life. 91 00:04:54,980 --> 00:04:58,380 Speaker 3: When God closes a door, there's nothing you can do 92 00:04:58,580 --> 00:05:02,400 Speaker 3: to keep that door open. You can strive and strain, 93 00:05:03,060 --> 00:05:07,510 Speaker 3: try to talk people into staying, perform better. That's laboring 94 00:05:07,650 --> 00:05:10,550 Speaker 3: in vain. All that's going to do is wear you out. 95 00:05:11,370 --> 00:05:13,469 Speaker 3: frustrate you, cause you to get bitter. 96 00:05:14,470 --> 00:05:18,380 Speaker 2: Try a new approach and let them go. If people 97 00:05:18,440 --> 00:05:21,080 Speaker 2: can walk away from you, they're not a part of 98 00:05:21,140 --> 00:05:26,120 Speaker 2: your destiny. Don't take it personally. Don't get offended. Be critical. 99 00:05:26,610 --> 00:05:28,150 Speaker 2: God is ordering your steps. 100 00:05:28,950 --> 00:05:32,590 Speaker 3: The people he's ordained to be in your life cannot leave. 101 00:05:33,290 --> 00:05:35,760 Speaker 3: You can't get rid of them. They love you no 102 00:05:35,779 --> 00:05:39,400 Speaker 3: matter what. They accept you with no makeup, no coffee. 103 00:05:39,839 --> 00:05:42,320 Speaker 3: They come when you don't call. They show up when 104 00:05:42,350 --> 00:05:45,529 Speaker 3: you didn't ask. They laugh with you, cry with you. 105 00:05:46,070 --> 00:05:50,710 Speaker 2: They don't judge you. You never have to think about performing, manipulating, 106 00:05:51,089 --> 00:05:52,150 Speaker 2: hoping they like you. 107 00:05:52,450 --> 00:05:57,169 Speaker 3: They're a divine connection. God ordained them to be there. Now, 108 00:05:57,250 --> 00:06:00,510 Speaker 3: just the opposite is true. The people that are not 109 00:06:00,610 --> 00:06:03,190 Speaker 3: supposed to be in your life cannot stay. 110 00:06:04,130 --> 00:06:06,979 Speaker 2: It's not up to them. God has closed that door. 111 00:06:07,940 --> 00:06:12,020 Speaker 3: No matter how hard you try, how much you serve, give, 112 00:06:12,100 --> 00:06:14,260 Speaker 3: play up to, it's not going to change. 113 00:06:14,980 --> 00:06:15,960 Speaker 2: Take the pressure off. 114 00:06:16,800 --> 00:06:20,000 Speaker 3: Quit trying to win someone over that's not supposed to 115 00:06:20,040 --> 00:06:20,460 Speaker 3: be there. 116 00:06:21,490 --> 00:06:25,710 Speaker 2: We hear that phrase, they ghosted me. Man, they just disappeared. 117 00:06:26,440 --> 00:06:30,200 Speaker 2: They didn't call. They didn't respond. They may have ghosted you, 118 00:06:30,500 --> 00:06:35,190 Speaker 2: but sometimes it's the Holy Ghost shutting that door. They 119 00:06:35,230 --> 00:06:36,990 Speaker 2: don't even know why. 120 00:06:37,010 --> 00:06:41,890 Speaker 3: It's because God is your doorkeeper. He knows who's good 121 00:06:41,950 --> 00:06:45,570 Speaker 3: for you and who's not. Who has the right motives 122 00:06:45,630 --> 00:06:47,190 Speaker 3: and who's just there. 123 00:06:47,050 --> 00:06:48,250 Speaker 2: For what you can do for them. 124 00:06:48,910 --> 00:06:52,050 Speaker 3: He knows who will add value and move you further 125 00:06:52,170 --> 00:06:55,089 Speaker 3: into your destiny and who is a distraction. 126 00:06:55,680 --> 00:06:57,940 Speaker 2: A dead end there to get you off course. 127 00:06:58,779 --> 00:07:01,880 Speaker 3: Bottom line, if someone doesn't want to be your friend, 128 00:07:02,360 --> 00:07:06,560 Speaker 3: don't waste another second trying to convince them. If you 129 00:07:06,610 --> 00:07:10,250 Speaker 3: have to perform to stay in a relationship, it's always 130 00:07:10,290 --> 00:07:13,650 Speaker 3: a struggle. You don't feel like you measure up. They're 131 00:07:13,690 --> 00:07:17,770 Speaker 3: not for you. That's laboring in vain. Let God build 132 00:07:17,810 --> 00:07:20,010 Speaker 3: your house. Trust him to. 133 00:07:19,950 --> 00:07:23,200 Speaker 2: Bring the right people. And here's the key. You have 134 00:07:23,240 --> 00:07:26,560 Speaker 2: to be at peace with who walks away and at 135 00:07:26,660 --> 00:07:29,060 Speaker 2: peace with those who don't accept you. 136 00:07:29,940 --> 00:07:33,420 Speaker 3: Recognize when their part in your story is over. 137 00:07:34,200 --> 00:07:36,740 Speaker 2: You don't have to get bitter, live offended. 138 00:07:37,380 --> 00:07:41,870 Speaker 3: God is the one behind the scenes, opening and closing doors. 139 00:07:42,630 --> 00:07:44,810 Speaker 3: And that friend may have been great for 10 years. 140 00:07:45,050 --> 00:07:49,090 Speaker 3: Then the season changed. They're not around. Or that person 141 00:07:49,350 --> 00:07:50,210 Speaker 3: walked out on you. 142 00:07:50,980 --> 00:07:51,840 Speaker 2: Broke your heart. 143 00:07:52,680 --> 00:07:56,510 Speaker 3: I know that's painful, but you have to realize if 144 00:07:56,550 --> 00:07:58,330 Speaker 3: they left you, you. 145 00:07:58,210 --> 00:08:01,790 Speaker 2: Didn't need them. If you needed them for your purpose, 146 00:08:02,070 --> 00:08:04,250 Speaker 2: for your assignment, they would still be there. 147 00:08:05,330 --> 00:08:08,540 Speaker 3: The scripture says that God will never leave us or 148 00:08:08,600 --> 00:08:13,820 Speaker 3: forsake us. If they walked out, ghosted you, betrayed. 149 00:08:13,340 --> 00:08:17,080 Speaker 2: You, and you needed them, that would mean God was 150 00:08:17,140 --> 00:08:17,900 Speaker 2: forsaking you. 151 00:08:18,740 --> 00:08:22,660 Speaker 3: You can draw the conclusion if they walked away, their 152 00:08:22,780 --> 00:08:24,700 Speaker 3: part in your story was over. 153 00:08:25,680 --> 00:08:27,740 Speaker 2: If they don't want to be your friend, you don't 154 00:08:27,800 --> 00:08:28,320 Speaker 2: need them. 155 00:08:29,140 --> 00:08:32,120 Speaker 3: If they don't value you, make you feel like you 156 00:08:32,179 --> 00:08:34,670 Speaker 3: have something to offer, they're not for you. 157 00:08:34,890 --> 00:08:35,910 Speaker 2: You have to move on. 158 00:08:37,010 --> 00:08:40,170 Speaker 3: Quit trying to talk people into staying that don't want 159 00:08:40,210 --> 00:08:40,670 Speaker 3: to stay. 160 00:08:40,929 --> 00:08:41,690 Speaker 2: Let them walk. 161 00:08:42,630 --> 00:08:45,589 Speaker 3: Jesus told his disciples, when you go into a city, 162 00:08:46,300 --> 00:08:48,950 Speaker 3: if they don't accept the message of the good news, 163 00:08:49,450 --> 00:08:51,710 Speaker 3: they're not for you and they don't want you to 164 00:08:51,750 --> 00:08:54,550 Speaker 3: be there. He didn't say, man, you got to work harder, 165 00:08:55,150 --> 00:08:58,530 Speaker 3: spend more time, try to convince them. No, he said, 166 00:08:58,670 --> 00:09:01,490 Speaker 3: shake the dust off your feet and go on to 167 00:09:01,530 --> 00:09:05,620 Speaker 3: the next city. He was saying, don't waste your time 168 00:09:05,860 --> 00:09:08,739 Speaker 3: trying to win people over that are not a part 169 00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:12,220 Speaker 3: of your destiny. Someone doesn't want to be with you. 170 00:09:12,540 --> 00:09:16,140 Speaker 3: They don't like you. They don't validate you. Shake the 171 00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:19,949 Speaker 3: dust off and move on. Accept that they're not a 172 00:09:19,990 --> 00:09:23,750 Speaker 3: part of your story. If they can walk away, you 173 00:09:23,790 --> 00:09:27,110 Speaker 3: have to let them walk. If you try to convince them, 174 00:09:27,510 --> 00:09:30,089 Speaker 3: it's going to be a constant source of frustration. 175 00:09:30,890 --> 00:09:33,890 Speaker 2: And yes, God can change their mind. If they're supposed 176 00:09:33,929 --> 00:09:37,160 Speaker 2: to be there, he'll turn things around. But you're not 177 00:09:37,240 --> 00:09:39,310 Speaker 2: supposed to live there trying. 178 00:09:39,090 --> 00:09:42,870 Speaker 3: To talk people into liking you, being your friend, hoping 179 00:09:42,890 --> 00:09:43,530 Speaker 3: they call. 180 00:09:44,390 --> 00:09:47,849 Speaker 2: God created you in his own image. You have royal 181 00:09:47,890 --> 00:09:49,510 Speaker 2: blood flowing through your veins. 182 00:09:49,960 --> 00:09:54,380 Speaker 3: He's already lined up people that recognize your value, people 183 00:09:54,420 --> 00:10:04,840 Speaker 3: that love being with you. There's a lady in the 184 00:10:04,900 --> 00:10:09,540 Speaker 3: scripture named Naomi. Her husband passed away and she became 185 00:10:09,580 --> 00:10:11,340 Speaker 3: a widow at a young age. 186 00:10:11,860 --> 00:10:15,220 Speaker 2: Ten years later, both of her grown sons were killed. 187 00:10:15,900 --> 00:10:19,020 Speaker 3: She was so heartbroken, she decided to move back to 188 00:10:19,080 --> 00:10:24,320 Speaker 3: her hometown of Bethlehem. She told her two daughters-in-law, Ruth 189 00:10:24,500 --> 00:10:27,440 Speaker 3: and Orpah, that they should move back to their homes 190 00:10:27,520 --> 00:10:30,480 Speaker 3: as well and go on with their lives. The three 191 00:10:30,500 --> 00:10:33,160 Speaker 3: of them packed up their belongings and headed out on 192 00:10:33,210 --> 00:10:36,790 Speaker 3: the road toward Judah. They came to an intersection and stopped. 193 00:10:37,550 --> 00:10:40,970 Speaker 3: Naomi said, this is where we part ways. You both 194 00:10:41,070 --> 00:10:43,729 Speaker 3: go that way and I'm gonna go on to Bethlehem. 195 00:10:44,750 --> 00:10:49,089 Speaker 3: The scripture says Orpah kissed Naomi goodbye and headed down 196 00:10:49,130 --> 00:10:53,479 Speaker 3: the road. Orpah was a good person. She loved Naomi, 197 00:10:53,940 --> 00:10:58,360 Speaker 3: but now she was leaving. Naomi could have been upset. Thought, man, 198 00:10:58,420 --> 00:11:01,130 Speaker 3: after all I did for her, she's leaving me in 199 00:11:01,190 --> 00:11:04,850 Speaker 3: my darkest time when I need her the most. No, 200 00:11:04,890 --> 00:11:09,740 Speaker 3: Naomi understood this was a new season. that things had changed, 201 00:11:10,179 --> 00:11:12,479 Speaker 3: that it was okay for her to walk away. 202 00:11:13,080 --> 00:11:14,819 Speaker 2: She was at peace with who left. 203 00:11:15,679 --> 00:11:19,020 Speaker 3: She accepted Orpah not being a part of her life 204 00:11:19,200 --> 00:11:22,280 Speaker 3: in the same way without being critical and. 205 00:11:22,280 --> 00:11:23,220 Speaker 2: Bitter toward her. 206 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:26,860 Speaker 3: We like to hold on to people and stay here, 207 00:11:26,880 --> 00:11:30,500 Speaker 3: meet my needs, keep it the same. It's a mark 208 00:11:30,540 --> 00:11:33,160 Speaker 3: of maturity to let people walk away. 209 00:11:33,179 --> 00:11:34,950 Speaker 2: It takes trust. 210 00:11:35,650 --> 00:11:39,760 Speaker 3: You're saying, God, I know you're my doorkeeper You're opening 211 00:11:39,940 --> 00:11:44,040 Speaker 3: and closing the doors of relationships in my life. The 212 00:11:44,100 --> 00:11:48,859 Speaker 3: other daughter-in-law, Ruth, was just the opposite. Naomi tried to 213 00:11:48,900 --> 00:11:52,010 Speaker 3: get her to leave. She said, Ruth, there's no future 214 00:11:52,050 --> 00:11:55,890 Speaker 3: going with me. Nothing in Bethlehem for you. You deserve 215 00:11:56,030 --> 00:11:59,870 Speaker 3: more for your life. She gave her best speech, every 216 00:11:59,990 --> 00:12:03,590 Speaker 3: opportunity to leave with no guilt. But Ruth said in 217 00:12:03,630 --> 00:12:08,920 Speaker 3: verse 16, Naomi, I can't leave. I will go wherever 218 00:12:08,980 --> 00:12:13,110 Speaker 3: you go, live wherever you live. Your people will be 219 00:12:13,160 --> 00:12:16,570 Speaker 3: my people. Your God will be my God. May the 220 00:12:16,610 --> 00:12:20,550 Speaker 3: Lord punish me if I allow anything to separate us. 221 00:12:21,770 --> 00:12:26,480 Speaker 2: How could one daughter-in-law leave so easily? The other wanna stay. 222 00:12:27,220 --> 00:12:31,140 Speaker 3: They both loved their mother-in-law, but Ruth sensed that her 223 00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:35,840 Speaker 3: destiny was tied to Naomi. Naomi. She felt this connection 224 00:12:35,860 --> 00:12:38,280 Speaker 3: that was stronger than her own family. 225 00:12:39,120 --> 00:12:39,940 Speaker 2: She watched her. 226 00:12:39,880 --> 00:12:43,800 Speaker 3: Sister-in-law, Orpah, walk away, but something in her said, you 227 00:12:43,840 --> 00:12:44,620 Speaker 3: have to stay. 228 00:12:45,640 --> 00:12:49,280 Speaker 2: In life, you'll have a lot of Orpas, people that leave. 229 00:12:49,880 --> 00:12:54,010 Speaker 2: They're good people, but the season is over. Things change. 230 00:12:54,309 --> 00:12:59,150 Speaker 2: They're busy, distracted. You have to let them go. Be 231 00:12:59,210 --> 00:13:03,800 Speaker 2: at peace with who left. Don't fault them. Don't get critical. 232 00:13:04,260 --> 00:13:06,800 Speaker 2: God is closing the door. They're in Orpah. 233 00:13:07,640 --> 00:13:11,010 Speaker 3: They were instrumental in your life for a season. They 234 00:13:11,050 --> 00:13:15,470 Speaker 3: were necessary, but now their part in your story is over. 235 00:13:15,990 --> 00:13:19,410 Speaker 3: The good news is God will always give you a Ruth, 236 00:13:20,170 --> 00:13:21,650 Speaker 3: someone you can't get rid of. 237 00:13:22,300 --> 00:13:25,060 Speaker 2: They stick with you through thick and thin. They know 238 00:13:25,340 --> 00:13:27,080 Speaker 2: their destiny is tied to you. 239 00:13:28,070 --> 00:13:31,470 Speaker 3: But sometimes we try to convince the Orpas to stay, 240 00:13:32,030 --> 00:13:38,410 Speaker 3: spending time and energy, gotta manipulate, perform. Orpa loved Naomi, 241 00:13:38,929 --> 00:13:43,470 Speaker 3: but she left. People can love you and leave. If 242 00:13:43,490 --> 00:13:46,870 Speaker 3: they walk away, they're not a bad person. God shut 243 00:13:46,910 --> 00:13:50,930 Speaker 3: the door. That season ended. But when it's a Ruth, 244 00:13:51,320 --> 00:13:54,059 Speaker 3: there's nothing you can do to convince them to go. 245 00:13:55,420 --> 00:13:58,040 Speaker 2: When you understand this, it takes the pressure off. 246 00:13:58,780 --> 00:14:02,699 Speaker 3: You're not frustrated over who left, bitter over that person 247 00:14:02,720 --> 00:14:06,820 Speaker 3: that ghosted you, striving to get that coworker to accept you. 248 00:14:07,480 --> 00:14:12,559 Speaker 3: That's laboring in vain. Let God bring your relationships. Trust 249 00:14:12,620 --> 00:14:17,020 Speaker 3: him with your open and closed doors. If someone leaves, 250 00:14:17,350 --> 00:14:19,590 Speaker 3: do like Naomi, kiss them goodbye. 251 00:14:20,590 --> 00:14:24,460 Speaker 2: Not bitter, angry, man, they never call me back. Why 252 00:14:24,500 --> 00:14:27,500 Speaker 2: won't they invite me to their group? You're not supposed 253 00:14:27,540 --> 00:14:29,920 Speaker 2: to be there. You can't open a. 254 00:14:29,940 --> 00:14:33,180 Speaker 3: Door that God has closed and you can't close a 255 00:14:33,220 --> 00:14:37,270 Speaker 3: door that God has opened. They can't leave when God 256 00:14:37,290 --> 00:14:41,350 Speaker 3: has purposed it. If they walked away, they were supposed 257 00:14:41,390 --> 00:14:44,810 Speaker 3: to go. If they didn't stay, you didn't need them. 258 00:14:45,130 --> 00:14:49,160 Speaker 3: Kiss them goodbye and move on. The mistake we make 259 00:14:49,220 --> 00:14:52,380 Speaker 3: sometimes is instead of kissing them goodbye. 260 00:14:52,660 --> 00:14:56,630 Speaker 2: We kick them goodbye. Good riddance. Get out of here. 261 00:14:56,670 --> 00:15:01,050 Speaker 2: I didn't like you anyway. Talk bad, critical, live offended. 262 00:15:02,270 --> 00:15:05,650 Speaker 2: They may have done you wrong, betrayed you, left you out. 263 00:15:06,130 --> 00:15:10,110 Speaker 2: God is your vindicator. He'll take care of who hurts you. 264 00:15:10,770 --> 00:15:13,410 Speaker 3: But if you let that bitterness get on the inside, 265 00:15:13,430 --> 00:15:15,490 Speaker 3: it's going to poison. 266 00:15:15,050 --> 00:15:18,720 Speaker 2: Your next relationship. You have to be at peace with 267 00:15:18,770 --> 00:15:19,240 Speaker 2: who left. 268 00:15:19,880 --> 00:15:23,020 Speaker 3: You have to accept who walked away as a part 269 00:15:23,040 --> 00:15:23,800 Speaker 3: of God's plans. 270 00:15:24,500 --> 00:15:27,940 Speaker 2: Yes, it was painful. It wasn't fair, but God wouldn't 271 00:15:27,980 --> 00:15:31,680 Speaker 2: have allowed it if it wasn't moving you towards your destiny. 272 00:15:32,580 --> 00:15:35,640 Speaker 2: And sometimes he closes doors we don't understand. 273 00:15:36,380 --> 00:15:39,370 Speaker 3: He takes the orpas out of our life, people we 274 00:15:39,380 --> 00:15:42,750 Speaker 3: were counting on, friends we were used to, but he 275 00:15:42,910 --> 00:15:44,030 Speaker 3: always has a Ruth. 276 00:15:44,730 --> 00:15:48,330 Speaker 2: He always has the right people, destiny connections. 277 00:15:49,270 --> 00:15:53,800 Speaker 3: The late 1950s, My father was pastoring a successful church. 278 00:15:53,820 --> 00:15:57,260 Speaker 3: They just built a beautiful new sanctuary. The future looked 279 00:15:57,300 --> 00:16:00,600 Speaker 3: so bright. My sister Lisa was born with something like 280 00:16:00,660 --> 00:16:04,540 Speaker 3: cerebral palsy. The doctors told my parents that she'd probably 281 00:16:04,970 --> 00:16:07,090 Speaker 3: never be able to walk or feed herself. 282 00:16:07,990 --> 00:16:08,710 Speaker 2: My father went. 283 00:16:08,610 --> 00:16:11,970 Speaker 3: Away for a few days to read the scripture like 284 00:16:12,010 --> 00:16:15,380 Speaker 3: he had never read it before. He saw how Jesus 285 00:16:15,420 --> 00:16:19,300 Speaker 3: went around healing people, doing miracles, and how when you 286 00:16:19,340 --> 00:16:23,400 Speaker 3: believe all things are possible. He was taught in seminary 287 00:16:23,440 --> 00:16:27,760 Speaker 3: back then that miracles only happen in Bible days. He 288 00:16:27,820 --> 00:16:29,900 Speaker 3: came back to his church with a new fire and 289 00:16:30,200 --> 00:16:33,620 Speaker 3: he shared this message of faith and victory. He thought 290 00:16:33,680 --> 00:16:36,950 Speaker 3: everyone would be excited, but it was just the opposite. 291 00:16:37,540 --> 00:16:41,610 Speaker 3: It didn't fit into their traditions. Things got so contentious 292 00:16:41,670 --> 00:16:45,410 Speaker 3: and so divisive that my parents were forced out of 293 00:16:45,460 --> 00:16:49,340 Speaker 3: the church. They had to resign. My mother was 26 294 00:16:49,340 --> 00:16:53,800 Speaker 3: years old. She had lifelong friends that never spoke to 295 00:16:53,840 --> 00:16:57,340 Speaker 3: her again. People she had known for years, gone to 296 00:16:57,400 --> 00:17:01,680 Speaker 3: school with, raised children with, done life together. Now they 297 00:17:01,720 --> 00:17:05,790 Speaker 3: walked away. Wouldn't have anything to do with her. Mother 298 00:17:05,850 --> 00:17:09,030 Speaker 3: is about to be 91 years old. I have never 299 00:17:09,130 --> 00:17:13,510 Speaker 3: heard her say one negative thing about those people. Never 300 00:17:13,550 --> 00:17:16,190 Speaker 3: heard her complain about them, belittle them. 301 00:17:17,130 --> 00:17:18,070 Speaker 2: Sure, it was hurtful. 302 00:17:18,750 --> 00:17:22,230 Speaker 3: She felt the sting of rejection, being misunderstood. Some of 303 00:17:22,250 --> 00:17:25,310 Speaker 3: them talked about her and my father. She could have 304 00:17:25,330 --> 00:17:29,680 Speaker 3: tried to defend herself, convince them to change their mind, 305 00:17:29,960 --> 00:17:31,200 Speaker 3: keep them on her side. 306 00:17:32,000 --> 00:17:36,090 Speaker 2: She understood this principle. If people can walk away, you 307 00:17:36,130 --> 00:17:37,149 Speaker 2: have to let them walk. 308 00:17:37,990 --> 00:17:40,750 Speaker 3: If they leave you, accept it as a part of 309 00:17:40,790 --> 00:17:44,709 Speaker 3: your destiny. Don't spend your life trying to change people's 310 00:17:44,770 --> 00:17:48,510 Speaker 3: minds and win them over, convince them to approve you. 311 00:17:49,340 --> 00:17:53,780 Speaker 2: Like Naomi, you have to kiss them goodbye. Not bitter, 312 00:17:54,580 --> 00:17:57,460 Speaker 2: I'll show you, I'm gonna make you look bad. Leave 313 00:17:57,500 --> 00:17:58,500 Speaker 2: it in God's hands. 314 00:17:59,300 --> 00:18:02,580 Speaker 3: When you're at peace with who walked away, you're passing 315 00:18:02,619 --> 00:18:05,780 Speaker 3: the test. That's when you'll see the new things God 316 00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:11,590 Speaker 3: is doing. My parents went out and started Lakewood, Mother's Day, 1959, 317 00:18:11,590 --> 00:18:14,830 Speaker 3: with 90 people. The critics said it would never last, 318 00:18:15,130 --> 00:18:17,790 Speaker 3: but here we are today, 65 years later, and. 319 00:18:18,010 --> 00:18:19,310 Speaker 2: Still going strong. 320 00:18:20,410 --> 00:18:24,360 Speaker 3: The fact is, my parents couldn't have fulfilled their destiny 321 00:18:24,540 --> 00:18:29,100 Speaker 3: at that church. It was a limited environment. Orpah had 322 00:18:29,160 --> 00:18:33,040 Speaker 3: to walk away. Those people had to misunderstand my parents. 323 00:18:33,580 --> 00:18:34,810 Speaker 3: They had to reject them. 324 00:18:35,400 --> 00:18:38,250 Speaker 2: It was painful, but it was God closing the door. 325 00:18:39,070 --> 00:18:42,250 Speaker 3: You're not always going to understand what God is doing 326 00:18:42,310 --> 00:18:44,930 Speaker 3: and why this person treated you this way. 327 00:18:45,369 --> 00:18:47,630 Speaker 2: You've been good to them, but they left you out, 328 00:18:48,220 --> 00:18:51,420 Speaker 2: said things that weren't true. Leave it in God's hands. 329 00:18:52,180 --> 00:18:55,920 Speaker 3: Don't spend all your energy trying to convince people to stay. 330 00:18:56,340 --> 00:18:59,360 Speaker 2: They don't want to stay. Some people, no matter what 331 00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:02,399 Speaker 2: you do, how hard you try and how good you 332 00:19:02,460 --> 00:19:07,060 Speaker 2: are to them, they're gonna find fault, misunderstand, wanna leave. 333 00:19:07,720 --> 00:19:10,960 Speaker 2: Best thing you can do is let them go. There's 334 00:19:10,980 --> 00:19:14,919 Speaker 2: something called the gift of goodbye. We see it as 335 00:19:14,960 --> 00:19:18,700 Speaker 2: a disappointment. Really, they're doing you a favor. They had 336 00:19:18,760 --> 00:19:19,740 Speaker 2: to leave. 337 00:19:19,600 --> 00:19:22,400 Speaker 3: So you can see the greater things, the levels you 338 00:19:22,440 --> 00:19:26,220 Speaker 3: couldn't reach with those same people. It doesn't mean they're bad. 339 00:19:26,540 --> 00:19:29,880 Speaker 3: It's just a new season. God is doing a new thing. 340 00:19:30,280 --> 00:19:33,119 Speaker 3: So Orpah has to go, but Ruth. 341 00:19:32,900 --> 00:19:33,900 Speaker 2: Will always be there. 342 00:19:34,880 --> 00:19:38,470 Speaker 3: God is controlling the doors in your life who comes 343 00:19:38,609 --> 00:19:40,990 Speaker 3: in and out of relationships. 344 00:19:41,930 --> 00:19:45,230 Speaker 2: If Ruth had walked away, said like Orpah, I'm out 345 00:19:45,280 --> 00:19:47,620 Speaker 2: of here. I'm going to greener pastures. 346 00:19:47,840 --> 00:19:50,439 Speaker 3: I'm not saying with this old woman, if she had 347 00:19:50,480 --> 00:19:54,520 Speaker 3: not stuck with Naomi, she would have never married Boaz 348 00:19:54,920 --> 00:19:59,080 Speaker 3: and become the great grandmother of King David. Now we 349 00:19:59,180 --> 00:20:00,980 Speaker 3: understand why she said. 350 00:20:01,140 --> 00:20:04,890 Speaker 2: I cannot leave. Not maybe I'll come with you, Naomi. 351 00:20:05,580 --> 00:20:07,480 Speaker 2: Maybe I'll go home for a few months and then 352 00:20:07,520 --> 00:20:10,500 Speaker 2: come back to see you. The people God has ordained 353 00:20:10,560 --> 00:20:14,420 Speaker 2: for you cannot walk away. Listen to Ruth's language. 354 00:20:14,740 --> 00:20:17,919 Speaker 3: May the Lord punish me if I allow anything to 355 00:20:17,960 --> 00:20:22,949 Speaker 3: separate us. God will put such a strong desire in 356 00:20:22,990 --> 00:20:24,369 Speaker 3: those who are supposed. 357 00:20:24,030 --> 00:20:27,910 Speaker 2: To stay that they can't leave. Now quit worrying about 358 00:20:27,950 --> 00:20:29,750 Speaker 2: the orpahs. Man, why didn't they stay? 359 00:20:30,510 --> 00:20:34,120 Speaker 3: Or thinking you have to work harder, perform better, convince 360 00:20:34,160 --> 00:20:34,980 Speaker 3: them to not leave. 361 00:20:35,600 --> 00:20:39,100 Speaker 2: That's not your job. Take the pressure off. You have 362 00:20:39,160 --> 00:20:43,700 Speaker 2: a doorkeeper, a God who opens and closes doors, a 363 00:20:43,740 --> 00:20:47,140 Speaker 2: God who moves people out on purpose, and a God 364 00:20:47,180 --> 00:20:50,399 Speaker 2: who causes people to not be able to walk away. 365 00:20:51,300 --> 00:20:54,000 Speaker 2: Your part, my part is to honor God. 366 00:20:54,780 --> 00:20:59,500 Speaker 3: Treat people with respect, be kind, be loving, but you 367 00:20:59,540 --> 00:21:02,740 Speaker 3: don't have to beg people to stay. You don't have 368 00:21:02,780 --> 00:21:05,820 Speaker 3: to play up to that friend hoping they'll give you 369 00:21:05,840 --> 00:21:11,280 Speaker 3: the time of day. Let that coworker manipulate, talk down, belittle. 370 00:21:11,480 --> 00:21:14,640 Speaker 3: If not, they won't accept you. You don't need them. 371 00:21:15,420 --> 00:21:17,280 Speaker 3: The sooner you let them walk away. 372 00:21:17,619 --> 00:21:18,860 Speaker 2: The better off you're going to be. 373 00:21:18,880 --> 00:21:21,879 Speaker 3: And I'm not saying to be mean and rude and 374 00:21:22,180 --> 00:21:25,869 Speaker 3: treat them the same way. I'm just saying, quit depending 375 00:21:25,960 --> 00:21:29,110 Speaker 3: on them for your value. Thinking you have to have 376 00:21:29,170 --> 00:21:32,230 Speaker 3: them to reach your destiny. You don't need them to 377 00:21:32,270 --> 00:21:35,440 Speaker 3: feel good about who you are. Let them walk away 378 00:21:35,840 --> 00:21:38,680 Speaker 3: and God will bring people into your life that see 379 00:21:38,700 --> 00:21:42,320 Speaker 3: you as a masterpiece. People that celebrate who you are. 380 00:21:42,740 --> 00:21:44,340 Speaker 2: That love spending time with you. 381 00:21:45,180 --> 00:21:47,840 Speaker 3: And I know when someone leaves, it's hard to be 382 00:21:47,880 --> 00:21:52,520 Speaker 3: looked down on, betrayed, rejected. But what if you knew, 383 00:21:52,770 --> 00:21:56,270 Speaker 3: like my parents, that it had to happen so you 384 00:21:56,310 --> 00:22:00,010 Speaker 3: could see your Lakewood? What if you knew God closing 385 00:22:00,050 --> 00:22:03,850 Speaker 3: the door was to take you to greater levels? It 386 00:22:03,910 --> 00:22:07,810 Speaker 3: was a disappointment, but in fact, them walking away is 387 00:22:07,890 --> 00:22:08,510 Speaker 3: a present. 388 00:22:09,109 --> 00:22:11,070 Speaker 2: They gave you the gift of goodbye. 389 00:22:11,890 --> 00:22:15,340 Speaker 3: It's very freeing when you realize God is your doorkeeper. 390 00:22:16,080 --> 00:22:19,240 Speaker 3: He's going to have the right people for each season 391 00:22:19,359 --> 00:22:22,280 Speaker 3: of your life. May not be who it's always been. 392 00:22:23,060 --> 00:22:25,020 Speaker 3: I don't mean your spouse, your children, they're with you. 393 00:22:25,240 --> 00:22:29,859 Speaker 3: I'm talking about friends, coworkers, people you grew up with. Yes, 394 00:22:29,940 --> 00:22:34,010 Speaker 3: some are long-term, but some may walk away You have 395 00:22:34,050 --> 00:22:37,090 Speaker 3: to be at peace with who leaves. Some people, they've 396 00:22:37,109 --> 00:22:42,280 Speaker 3: been playing up to people for years, letting them control them, manipulate, 397 00:22:42,820 --> 00:22:43,419 Speaker 3: live under. 398 00:22:43,320 --> 00:22:47,840 Speaker 2: So much pressure, all because they're afraid if they don't perform, 399 00:22:48,119 --> 00:22:51,240 Speaker 2: this person may leave, may not call, may not approve. 400 00:22:51,960 --> 00:22:55,070 Speaker 2: This can save you a lot of heartache. Let them walk. 401 00:22:55,869 --> 00:22:58,230 Speaker 3: They don't want to be your friend. It's their loss, 402 00:22:58,310 --> 00:23:01,609 Speaker 3: not yours. If they don't call, shake the dust off 403 00:23:01,690 --> 00:23:04,609 Speaker 3: and move on. If they ghost you, take it as 404 00:23:04,650 --> 00:23:07,930 Speaker 3: the Holy Ghost shutting that door, keeping you from that jerk. 405 00:23:08,150 --> 00:23:11,830 Speaker 3: I mean that person. A few years after my father passed, 406 00:23:11,869 --> 00:23:15,859 Speaker 3: the church was really growing and we needed a larger auditorium. 407 00:23:16,540 --> 00:23:19,399 Speaker 2: My father always said that he would never move the church. 408 00:23:20,060 --> 00:23:20,800 Speaker 2: I was young. 409 00:23:21,359 --> 00:23:23,600 Speaker 3: I didn't want to rock the boat. But when we 410 00:23:23,619 --> 00:23:27,180 Speaker 3: got word that the compact center became available, I knew 411 00:23:27,240 --> 00:23:30,280 Speaker 3: it was supposed to be ours. I didn't announce it, 412 00:23:30,619 --> 00:23:34,060 Speaker 3: but it came out in the news. 99% of the 413 00:23:34,100 --> 00:23:38,880 Speaker 3: congregation was completely for it. Everyone's so excited. But there 414 00:23:38,920 --> 00:23:43,540 Speaker 3: was this one man, he would find me after every service. Joel, 415 00:23:43,560 --> 00:23:46,560 Speaker 3: you know, your dad said he wouldn't move the church. 416 00:23:47,160 --> 00:23:49,260 Speaker 3: It's not right to go to that other location. 417 00:23:49,740 --> 00:23:50,800 Speaker 2: And if you go, I'm. 418 00:23:51,140 --> 00:23:55,550 Speaker 3: Not going to come. Well, my personality is to want 419 00:23:55,590 --> 00:23:56,669 Speaker 3: everybody to be forward. 420 00:23:56,710 --> 00:23:58,850 Speaker 2: I said, well, man, let's just pray. Let's just wait. 421 00:23:58,890 --> 00:24:02,290 Speaker 3: Let's just see what happens. Hoping to change his mind, 422 00:24:02,750 --> 00:24:05,709 Speaker 3: convince him to get on board. But after about the 423 00:24:06,050 --> 00:24:09,770 Speaker 3: 40th time of him telling me it wasn't right, he 424 00:24:09,810 --> 00:24:13,609 Speaker 3: wasn't going to come. Something shifted in my spirit. I 425 00:24:13,650 --> 00:24:16,090 Speaker 3: didn't say it, but I thought to myself, I hope 426 00:24:16,109 --> 00:24:21,399 Speaker 3: you don't come. In fact, you're not even invited. A 427 00:24:21,520 --> 00:24:26,400 Speaker 3: stronghold was broken in my mind, thinking that if he leaves, 428 00:24:26,680 --> 00:24:30,150 Speaker 3: the world's going to fall apart. You can't accomplish your 429 00:24:30,210 --> 00:24:33,830 Speaker 3: dreams worried about who's going to walk away, who's going 430 00:24:33,850 --> 00:24:36,109 Speaker 3: to accept you, and I got to perform, play up 431 00:24:36,150 --> 00:24:37,290 Speaker 3: to them, make them like me. 432 00:24:37,830 --> 00:24:41,450 Speaker 2: That's no way to live. Some people can't go where 433 00:24:41,470 --> 00:24:44,040 Speaker 2: God has taken you. They're good people. 434 00:24:44,359 --> 00:24:47,320 Speaker 3: They're great for a season, but God has ordained you 435 00:24:47,340 --> 00:24:51,379 Speaker 3: to go higher. It's going to take greater commitment, greater faith, 436 00:24:51,440 --> 00:24:56,340 Speaker 3: greater consecration. So he'll remove certain people that would limit 437 00:24:56,400 --> 00:25:00,550 Speaker 3: you so you can fulfill your purpose. John chapter six, 438 00:25:01,070 --> 00:25:05,190 Speaker 3: Jesus was teaching his disciples about commitment, what it meant 439 00:25:05,230 --> 00:25:06,610 Speaker 3: to be a follower of Christ. 440 00:25:07,430 --> 00:25:12,010 Speaker 2: Some of them didn't understand. Verse 66 says, at that. 441 00:25:11,930 --> 00:25:16,330 Speaker 3: Point, many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. 442 00:25:17,340 --> 00:25:19,300 Speaker 2: Here Jesus had given his life for them. 443 00:25:19,840 --> 00:25:23,480 Speaker 3: They'd seen him do great miracles, traveled with him, eaten together, 444 00:25:23,520 --> 00:25:27,790 Speaker 3: laughed together, but they walked away. Jesus looked at the 445 00:25:27,790 --> 00:25:30,910 Speaker 3: 12 disciples and said, are you going to leave too? 446 00:25:31,869 --> 00:25:35,850 Speaker 3: Peter said, Jesus, where would we go? You have eternal life. 447 00:25:36,390 --> 00:25:39,670 Speaker 3: We believe you're the son of God. He couldn't get 448 00:25:39,750 --> 00:25:43,130 Speaker 3: rid of the 12 disciples. What's interesting is you never 449 00:25:43,210 --> 00:25:47,630 Speaker 3: read where Jesus went chasing after the many disciples that 450 00:25:47,670 --> 00:25:51,100 Speaker 3: left that day. He chased after that one lost sheep 451 00:25:51,160 --> 00:25:54,460 Speaker 3: that got off course, but he didn't go chasing after 452 00:25:54,520 --> 00:25:59,160 Speaker 3: people that didn't want to stay. Your destiny is not 453 00:25:59,240 --> 00:26:03,450 Speaker 3: tied to those that left you. God doesn't need anything 454 00:26:03,490 --> 00:26:08,570 Speaker 3: you lost to bless you. Those that walked away, didn't understand, 455 00:26:08,590 --> 00:26:12,280 Speaker 3: that betrayed, They didn't stop what God has for you. 456 00:26:13,160 --> 00:26:17,460 Speaker 2: Let it go. Quit dwelling on it, reliving the hurt, 457 00:26:18,020 --> 00:26:20,199 Speaker 2: hoping that you can pay them back or trying to 458 00:26:20,270 --> 00:26:22,770 Speaker 2: change their mind. God closed that door. 459 00:26:23,690 --> 00:26:26,129 Speaker 3: I'm asking you to be at peace with those who 460 00:26:26,150 --> 00:26:29,290 Speaker 3: have walked away. Quit trying to hold on to people 461 00:26:29,550 --> 00:26:32,129 Speaker 3: that don't want to be there. You're not supposed to 462 00:26:32,210 --> 00:26:35,200 Speaker 3: chase people to love you and accept. 463 00:26:34,780 --> 00:26:38,770 Speaker 2: You and believe in you. You don't need them. This 464 00:26:38,830 --> 00:26:39,899 Speaker 2: takes the pressure off. 465 00:26:40,140 --> 00:26:43,960 Speaker 3: No more striving, straining, trying to convince people to be 466 00:26:44,000 --> 00:26:47,810 Speaker 3: for you. That's laboring in vain. Trust God to be 467 00:26:47,850 --> 00:26:52,390 Speaker 3: your doorkeeper. Trust him with your relationships. If you'll do this, 468 00:26:52,770 --> 00:26:56,930 Speaker 3: I believe and declare God will bring you divine connections. 469 00:26:57,270 --> 00:27:01,219 Speaker 3: The right people for every season. Orpah may have left, 470 00:27:01,540 --> 00:27:03,639 Speaker 3: but God has some roots coming for you. 471 00:27:03,980 --> 00:27:08,240 Speaker 2: People that cannot leave in Jesus name. And if you 472 00:27:08,290 --> 00:27:09,970 Speaker 2: receive it, can you say amen? 473 00:27:11,720 --> 00:27:14,440 Speaker 3: I'd like to give you an opportunity to make Jesus 474 00:27:14,520 --> 00:27:15,639 Speaker 3: the Lord of your life. 475 00:27:16,119 --> 00:27:19,709 Speaker 2: Would you pray with me? Just say, Lord Jesus, I 476 00:27:19,750 --> 00:27:23,870 Speaker 2: repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make 477 00:27:23,910 --> 00:27:25,490 Speaker 2: you my Lord and Savior. 478 00:27:26,350 --> 00:27:28,870 Speaker 3: If you prayed that simple prayer, we believe you got 479 00:27:28,910 --> 00:27:32,250 Speaker 3: born again. We'd love to send you some free information 480 00:27:32,390 --> 00:27:34,830 Speaker 3: on your new walk with the Lord. You can text 481 00:27:34,890 --> 00:27:37,429 Speaker 3: the number on the screen or go to the website. 482 00:27:37,950 --> 00:27:40,700 Speaker 3: But I hope you'll get into a good Bible-based church 483 00:27:41,000 --> 00:27:51,859 Speaker 3: and keep God first place. The scripture says, write the 484 00:27:51,900 --> 00:27:55,560 Speaker 3: vision and make it plain to see. There's something powerful 485 00:27:55,619 --> 00:27:58,679 Speaker 3: about writing down what you're believing for. That's why I'd 486 00:27:58,700 --> 00:28:01,869 Speaker 3: love to send you my new I Believe Planner. It's 487 00:28:01,890 --> 00:28:04,750 Speaker 3: a place to write down your dreams, your prayers, and 488 00:28:04,770 --> 00:28:08,470 Speaker 3: the promises you're standing on. What stays before your eyes 489 00:28:08,790 --> 00:28:11,380 Speaker 3: has a way of staying in your heart. Every time 490 00:28:11,420 --> 00:28:14,100 Speaker 3: you see what you've written, let it be a reminder 491 00:28:14,119 --> 00:28:17,000 Speaker 3: to thank God that He's already at work behind the scenes, 492 00:28:17,359 --> 00:28:17,960 Speaker 3: even when you. 493 00:28:17,859 --> 00:28:18,560 Speaker 2: Can't see it. 494 00:28:19,190 --> 00:28:20,890 Speaker 3: As you keep your faith in front of you day 495 00:28:20,950 --> 00:28:25,250 Speaker 3: after day, you'll be encouraged, your expectation will grow, and 496 00:28:25,270 --> 00:28:28,050 Speaker 3: you'll begin to see God bring those dreams to pass. 497 00:28:28,770 --> 00:28:32,170 Speaker 4: The I Believe Planner is a beautiful new resource designed 498 00:28:32,190 --> 00:28:35,149 Speaker 4: to help you believe God for more in your health, 499 00:28:35,450 --> 00:28:39,370 Speaker 4: your family, your future. Inside, you'll find a weekly I 500 00:28:39,410 --> 00:28:43,250 Speaker 4: Believe Declaration to frame your mindset and shift the atmosphere 501 00:28:43,310 --> 00:28:47,590 Speaker 4: with God's Word. daily planning, to-dos, and prayer prompts, and 502 00:28:47,670 --> 00:28:51,110 Speaker 4: space to reflect and record God's faithfulness in your life. 503 00:28:51,630 --> 00:28:54,430 Speaker 4: Each month brings a fresh scripture and theme, plus a 504 00:28:54,450 --> 00:28:58,170 Speaker 4: QR code linking to an exclusive message from Joel to 505 00:28:58,230 --> 00:29:02,450 Speaker 4: keep you encouraged all year long. This 15-month planner will 506 00:29:02,490 --> 00:29:05,120 Speaker 4: inspire you for the rest of this year and set 507 00:29:05,150 --> 00:29:09,590 Speaker 4: you on a course for breakthrough throughout 2027. It's yours 508 00:29:09,660 --> 00:29:12,310 Speaker 4: as a thank you for your gift to the ministry today. 509 00:29:12,330 --> 00:29:16,250 Speaker 4: Be sure to request your copy of The I Believe Planner, 510 00:29:16,550 --> 00:29:23,510 Speaker 4: available this month by visiting us at joelosteen.com or call 888-567-JOEL. 511 00:29:24,310 --> 00:29:26,790 Speaker 3: Don't just carry your dreams in your heart. Put them 512 00:29:26,870 --> 00:29:29,610 Speaker 3: on paper. And as you read them each day, keep 513 00:29:29,670 --> 00:29:32,950 Speaker 3: thanking God that He's working. Victoria and I are praying 514 00:29:32,970 --> 00:29:35,840 Speaker 3: for you and your family every day. Thanks so much 515 00:29:35,880 --> 00:29:39,690 Speaker 3: for your prayer and support. Your generosity helps us take 516 00:29:39,750 --> 00:29:42,780 Speaker 3: this message of hope to people around the world a 517 00:29:42,800 --> 00:29:45,560 Speaker 3: special thank you to our champion of hope partners for 518 00:29:45,660 --> 00:29:48,820 Speaker 3: all you do to make the ministry possible until we 519 00:29:48,860 --> 00:29:51,940 Speaker 3: meet again may the lord keep you and bless. 520 00:29:51,640 --> 00:29:55,110 Speaker 4: You Be sure to request your copy of The I 521 00:29:55,160 --> 00:29:59,990 Speaker 4: Believe Planner, available this month by visiting us at joelosteen.com 522 00:30:00,330 --> 00:30:05,530 Speaker 4: or call 888-567-JOEL. With an additional gift, you can also 523 00:30:05,610 --> 00:30:09,260 Speaker 4: receive the I Believe in His Word collection, featuring the 524 00:30:09,320 --> 00:30:14,420 Speaker 4: Passion Translation New Testament Reader's Edition, alongside the I Believe Planner, 525 00:30:14,640 --> 00:30:18,000 Speaker 4: so you can carry God's Word with you every single day, 526 00:30:18,440 --> 00:30:22,370 Speaker 4: right alongside the promises you're standing on. Don't wait until 527 00:30:22,370 --> 00:30:26,610 Speaker 4: 2027 to believe God for more. This is your moment. 528 00:30:26,990 --> 00:30:32,709 Speaker 4: You can request these inspiring resources by calling 888-567-JOEL or 529 00:30:32,750 --> 00:30:37,230 Speaker 4: logging on to joelosteen.com today. Call or click anytime, 24 530 00:30:37,230 --> 00:30:37,790 Speaker 4: hours a day.