1 00:00:00,400 --> 00:00:02,000 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 --> 00:00:05,920 Speaker 2: the ministry. 4 00:00:06,120 --> 00:00:08,440 Speaker 3: If you enjoy today's message, why don't you be a 5 00:00:08,480 --> 00:00:10,039 Speaker 3: blessing and share it with a friend. 6 00:00:10,320 --> 00:00:13,040 Speaker 2: We appreciate you and pray for God's very best in 7 00:00:13,080 --> 00:00:13,760 Speaker 2: your life. 8 00:00:13,920 --> 00:00:16,759 Speaker 1: Now, God bless you. It's a joy to come into 9 00:00:16,800 --> 00:00:17,480 Speaker 1: your homes. 10 00:00:17,640 --> 00:00:20,360 Speaker 2: We love you, and I know God has great things 11 00:00:20,400 --> 00:00:23,160 Speaker 2: in store. If you're ever in our area, I hope 12 00:00:23,160 --> 00:00:25,000 Speaker 2: you'll stop by and be a part of one of 13 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:27,440 Speaker 2: our services. I promise you will make you feel right 14 00:00:27,480 --> 00:00:29,720 Speaker 2: at home. But thanks so much for tuning in today. 15 00:00:30,280 --> 00:00:32,120 Speaker 2: And I like to get started each week with something 16 00:00:32,200 --> 00:00:34,600 Speaker 2: kind of funny. And I heard about this man. He 17 00:00:34,680 --> 00:00:37,280 Speaker 2: called the church office and said, I want to speak 18 00:00:37,320 --> 00:00:41,760 Speaker 2: to the head hog at the trough. The secretary was offended. 19 00:00:42,040 --> 00:00:44,640 Speaker 2: She said, if you mean the pastor, you're going to 20 00:00:44,720 --> 00:00:46,880 Speaker 2: have to call him pastor, but you may not call 21 00:00:46,960 --> 00:00:49,800 Speaker 2: him the head hog at the trough. He said, fine, 22 00:00:49,960 --> 00:00:52,640 Speaker 2: but I was thinking about making a ten thousand dollars 23 00:00:52,640 --> 00:00:55,960 Speaker 2: donation to your church. She said, hang on, Porky just 24 00:00:56,000 --> 00:01:01,840 Speaker 2: walked in. All right, hold up your bibles. Let's say 25 00:01:01,840 --> 00:01:05,000 Speaker 2: it like we mean it. This is my Bible. I 26 00:01:05,040 --> 00:01:07,640 Speaker 2: am what it says I am. I have what it 27 00:01:07,680 --> 00:01:10,280 Speaker 2: says I have. I can do what it says I 28 00:01:10,319 --> 00:01:13,440 Speaker 2: can do. Today I will be taught the word of God. 29 00:01:14,000 --> 00:01:18,880 Speaker 2: I boldly confess. My mind is alert, my heart is receptive. 30 00:01:19,280 --> 00:01:22,960 Speaker 2: I will never be the same. In Jesus's name, God 31 00:01:23,000 --> 00:01:26,280 Speaker 2: bless you. I want to talk to you today about 32 00:01:26,360 --> 00:01:30,360 Speaker 2: being comfortable with who God made you to be. God 33 00:01:30,400 --> 00:01:34,400 Speaker 2: has equipped each one of us with specific gifts and talents. 34 00:01:34,920 --> 00:01:37,959 Speaker 2: When God made you, he knew how high you could jump, 35 00:01:38,440 --> 00:01:41,880 Speaker 2: how fast you could run, and how much you could accomplish. 36 00:01:42,240 --> 00:01:46,039 Speaker 2: He put in you a specific set of skills. And 37 00:01:46,080 --> 00:01:48,680 Speaker 2: it's up to each one of us to not only 38 00:01:48,880 --> 00:01:52,760 Speaker 2: identify those gifts, but we have to be disciplined to 39 00:01:52,880 --> 00:01:56,200 Speaker 2: develop our gifts. And one of the keys is you 40 00:01:56,320 --> 00:01:58,559 Speaker 2: need to stay in your strength zone. 41 00:01:59,400 --> 00:02:01,280 Speaker 1: There's some that you're good at. 42 00:02:01,200 --> 00:02:05,040 Speaker 2: Naturally, something you can do that comes easy to you. 43 00:02:05,760 --> 00:02:08,000 Speaker 2: Some of you you could sell ice. 44 00:02:07,800 --> 00:02:09,000 Speaker 1: To an Eskimo. 45 00:02:09,440 --> 00:02:12,920 Speaker 2: You have a gift of communication, and you shouldn't be 46 00:02:13,080 --> 00:02:16,840 Speaker 2: sitting behind a desk all day not interacting with other people. 47 00:02:17,200 --> 00:02:20,560 Speaker 2: Get in your area of gifting. Some of you are 48 00:02:20,600 --> 00:02:24,320 Speaker 2: great with your hands, you can build furniture, you can 49 00:02:24,400 --> 00:02:28,359 Speaker 2: make cabinets. It's like that second nature to you. That's 50 00:02:28,440 --> 00:02:31,640 Speaker 2: your strength zone, that's the way God has wired you. 51 00:02:32,160 --> 00:02:35,240 Speaker 2: It's all a part of your divine destiny. 52 00:02:35,320 --> 00:02:38,680 Speaker 1: And we need to ask ourselves what am I good at? Naturally? 53 00:02:39,240 --> 00:02:40,600 Speaker 1: What do I do well? 54 00:02:41,320 --> 00:02:45,840 Speaker 2: We have to identify our strengths and then identify our weaknesses, 55 00:02:46,480 --> 00:02:50,200 Speaker 2: and the scripture says to give yourself to your gifts. 56 00:02:50,919 --> 00:02:54,040 Speaker 2: In other words, don't spend all your time trying to 57 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:58,920 Speaker 2: improve your weaknesses. Don't waste valuable days pursuing things that 58 00:02:58,960 --> 00:03:01,040 Speaker 2: are outside your main gifting. 59 00:03:01,560 --> 00:03:03,160 Speaker 1: Focus on your strengths. 60 00:03:03,800 --> 00:03:07,240 Speaker 2: Spend time improving the areas that you're already good at. 61 00:03:08,080 --> 00:03:10,959 Speaker 2: I heard somebody say on a scale of one to ten, 62 00:03:11,400 --> 00:03:14,440 Speaker 2: with ten being the highest, the most we can ever 63 00:03:14,560 --> 00:03:18,400 Speaker 2: improve is two or three numbers. And for instance, I 64 00:03:18,480 --> 00:03:21,480 Speaker 2: may have a desire to sing, but I can tell 65 00:03:21,480 --> 00:03:24,680 Speaker 2: you my singing ability would only rate about a two. 66 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:26,680 Speaker 1: Don't laugh, yours is not any better. 67 00:03:28,280 --> 00:03:31,720 Speaker 2: But even if I spent years taking voice lessons and 68 00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:35,480 Speaker 2: having people train me, I would still probably only be 69 00:03:35,520 --> 00:03:38,240 Speaker 2: able to bring that up to a four, maybe a five. 70 00:03:38,760 --> 00:03:42,360 Speaker 2: But think about it, five is average five is just mediocre. 71 00:03:43,000 --> 00:03:46,880 Speaker 2: If you'll take something that you're already above average in 72 00:03:47,000 --> 00:03:51,360 Speaker 2: right now, something that you're already naturally good at, maybe 73 00:03:51,400 --> 00:03:54,880 Speaker 2: in cells in building and teaching, you're already a six 74 00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:58,160 Speaker 2: or a seven. If you'll put your time and energy 75 00:03:58,560 --> 00:04:02,120 Speaker 2: focused on developing that skill, you'll look up one day 76 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:05,720 Speaker 2: and you'll be a eight, a nine, who knows, maybe 77 00:04:05,760 --> 00:04:09,360 Speaker 2: even a ten. Focus on your strengths, the things that 78 00:04:09,400 --> 00:04:13,160 Speaker 2: you're already good at. That's what God has wired into you. 79 00:04:14,040 --> 00:04:17,000 Speaker 2: But too often we see somebody doing something and we think, 80 00:04:17,080 --> 00:04:20,120 Speaker 2: I want to do that. That looks more exciting, that 81 00:04:20,240 --> 00:04:23,880 Speaker 2: seems more impressive, and we make the mistake of getting 82 00:04:23,920 --> 00:04:26,960 Speaker 2: out of our strength zone. But you have to stay 83 00:04:27,160 --> 00:04:30,280 Speaker 2: in your area of gifting and don't fall into the 84 00:04:30,320 --> 00:04:34,839 Speaker 2: trap of comparing your success with someone else's. You're not 85 00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:38,680 Speaker 2: running against them. They have their own race, they have 86 00:04:38,760 --> 00:04:41,039 Speaker 2: their own set of skills, they have their own purpose. 87 00:04:41,600 --> 00:04:44,920 Speaker 2: If you're going to compete against anyone, compete against your 88 00:04:45,000 --> 00:04:48,800 Speaker 2: own inner voice, that voice down in your spirit that 89 00:04:48,880 --> 00:04:51,400 Speaker 2: tells you who you are and what you were created 90 00:04:51,440 --> 00:04:54,560 Speaker 2: to be. When you get complacent, that's the voice that 91 00:04:54,600 --> 00:04:56,400 Speaker 2: tells you, come on, press forward. 92 00:04:56,480 --> 00:04:58,760 Speaker 1: God has more in store, but. 93 00:04:58,720 --> 00:05:02,200 Speaker 2: Don't compete against other people. Run your own race and 94 00:05:02,240 --> 00:05:04,960 Speaker 2: be the best that you can be. I think about 95 00:05:05,120 --> 00:05:08,640 Speaker 2: on a football team, there are certain positions that require 96 00:05:08,960 --> 00:05:13,320 Speaker 2: different talents. If you're alignman that blocks the defense from 97 00:05:13,320 --> 00:05:15,360 Speaker 2: trying to get the quarterback, you need to be. 98 00:05:15,400 --> 00:05:17,680 Speaker 1: Big and heavy and strong. 99 00:05:18,279 --> 00:05:21,920 Speaker 2: You don't have to necessarily be fast. You don't have 100 00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:24,160 Speaker 2: to have good hands, you don't have to throw accurately. 101 00:05:24,680 --> 00:05:28,479 Speaker 2: Size and strength is what's really important. But on the 102 00:05:28,520 --> 00:05:31,719 Speaker 2: other hand, if you're a running back, it's a totally 103 00:05:31,839 --> 00:05:37,440 Speaker 2: different set of requirements. You need speed, agility, quickness. You 104 00:05:37,520 --> 00:05:39,760 Speaker 2: have to be able to dart here and there and 105 00:05:39,960 --> 00:05:43,600 Speaker 2: try to out maneuver your opponents. It's the same team, 106 00:05:43,720 --> 00:05:48,159 Speaker 2: but different requirements. The problem occurs when the lineman says, 107 00:05:48,520 --> 00:05:51,000 Speaker 2: I'm not happy where I am. I never get to 108 00:05:51,080 --> 00:05:53,520 Speaker 2: run the ball. People don't cheer for me like they 109 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:56,080 Speaker 2: cheer for their running back. I think I'm going to 110 00:05:56,200 --> 00:06:00,280 Speaker 2: change positions. This is what many people do in life. 111 00:06:00,400 --> 00:06:02,960 Speaker 2: They try to function outside of. 112 00:06:02,880 --> 00:06:04,000 Speaker 1: Their natural gifting. 113 00:06:04,640 --> 00:06:08,920 Speaker 2: They see somebody that's more successful or something that's more glamorous, 114 00:06:09,400 --> 00:06:12,880 Speaker 2: and instead of running their race being comfortable with who 115 00:06:12,920 --> 00:06:17,240 Speaker 2: God made them, to be. They compare themselves and they 116 00:06:17,360 --> 00:06:20,600 Speaker 2: end up letting that frustrate them. But you have to 117 00:06:20,680 --> 00:06:23,640 Speaker 2: stay in your strength zone. You're not going to be 118 00:06:23,760 --> 00:06:26,680 Speaker 2: good at something that you were not equipped to do. 119 00:06:27,400 --> 00:06:30,600 Speaker 2: And God will help you to become everything He's created 120 00:06:30,640 --> 00:06:33,400 Speaker 2: you to be, but he will not help you to 121 00:06:33,440 --> 00:06:34,680 Speaker 2: be something you were. 122 00:06:34,520 --> 00:06:35,440 Speaker 1: Not created to be. 123 00:06:36,279 --> 00:06:39,720 Speaker 2: And the scripture tells us we have to accept the 124 00:06:39,760 --> 00:06:42,800 Speaker 2: gift God has given us. It's easy to think, God, 125 00:06:42,839 --> 00:06:45,160 Speaker 2: I want that gift. God, I want to be able 126 00:06:45,160 --> 00:06:47,640 Speaker 2: to sing. God, I want to be in management. I 127 00:06:47,680 --> 00:06:50,479 Speaker 2: want to be the running back. But if you'll quit 128 00:06:50,560 --> 00:06:54,599 Speaker 2: comparing and take the pressure off of yourself thinking that 129 00:06:54,680 --> 00:06:57,720 Speaker 2: you have to have a certain position in order to 130 00:06:57,760 --> 00:07:01,440 Speaker 2: feel good about who you are doing that you'll feel 131 00:07:01,480 --> 00:07:04,640 Speaker 2: that weight lift off of you. Some of you are 132 00:07:04,680 --> 00:07:08,520 Speaker 2: always in competition with a family member, with a friend, 133 00:07:08,640 --> 00:07:09,600 Speaker 2: with a coworker. 134 00:07:09,920 --> 00:07:11,480 Speaker 1: But you need to get free today. 135 00:07:11,920 --> 00:07:15,120 Speaker 2: We're not supposed to be competing against anyone else. Run 136 00:07:15,160 --> 00:07:18,880 Speaker 2: your own race. I heard somebody say I would rather 137 00:07:19,000 --> 00:07:23,160 Speaker 2: be a great sergeant than a poor general. We have 138 00:07:23,200 --> 00:07:26,400 Speaker 2: to realize not everyone was equipped to be a general. 139 00:07:26,800 --> 00:07:29,440 Speaker 2: Everyone can't be the leader, everyone. 140 00:07:29,080 --> 00:07:30,080 Speaker 1: Can't be the boss. 141 00:07:30,640 --> 00:07:33,040 Speaker 2: But a lot of times, because of the pressure we 142 00:07:33,080 --> 00:07:36,480 Speaker 2: put on ourselves and the need we feel to impress, 143 00:07:36,960 --> 00:07:37,800 Speaker 2: we think. 144 00:07:37,800 --> 00:07:39,200 Speaker 1: I've got to do what they're doing. 145 00:07:39,440 --> 00:07:42,000 Speaker 2: I've got to be in that position so I'll be respected, 146 00:07:42,240 --> 00:07:46,440 Speaker 2: so I'll feel important. But that need to impress is 147 00:07:46,480 --> 00:07:49,760 Speaker 2: because we have our worth and value in what we 148 00:07:49,840 --> 00:07:53,280 Speaker 2: do instead of who we are. You don't need to 149 00:07:53,320 --> 00:07:56,760 Speaker 2: impress people in order to feel good about yourself. If 150 00:07:56,800 --> 00:07:59,640 Speaker 2: you'll quit looking at others and just take what God 151 00:07:59,640 --> 00:08:02,480 Speaker 2: has gets you and be the best that you can be, 152 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:04,920 Speaker 2: then you can feel good about yourself. 153 00:08:05,440 --> 00:08:06,800 Speaker 1: I think about my brother Paul. 154 00:08:07,280 --> 00:08:09,840 Speaker 2: In nineteen ninety nine, when my father went to be 155 00:08:09,920 --> 00:08:13,280 Speaker 2: with the Lord, Paul gave up his practice as a 156 00:08:13,280 --> 00:08:17,480 Speaker 2: successful surgeon. He moved back home to help us here 157 00:08:17,520 --> 00:08:20,640 Speaker 2: in the ministry and in the natural. He could have 158 00:08:20,680 --> 00:08:23,640 Speaker 2: wanted to be in charge, after all, he's the older brother. 159 00:08:24,160 --> 00:08:25,720 Speaker 2: He could have thought, I'm not going to go back 160 00:08:25,760 --> 00:08:28,960 Speaker 2: home and serve my younger brother, especially if he's going 161 00:08:29,040 --> 00:08:29,680 Speaker 2: to get up there. 162 00:08:29,560 --> 00:08:31,040 Speaker 1: And make jokes about me all the time. 163 00:08:32,600 --> 00:08:35,920 Speaker 2: But Paul is comfortable in who God made him to be. 164 00:08:36,559 --> 00:08:38,680 Speaker 1: He doesn't have to be up here in order to 165 00:08:38,679 --> 00:08:40,040 Speaker 1: feel good about himself. 166 00:08:40,679 --> 00:08:45,120 Speaker 2: We recognize our giftings are different. I know I enjoy 167 00:08:45,280 --> 00:08:48,240 Speaker 2: spending most of the week preparing for the week ends. 168 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:51,480 Speaker 2: This is what I focus on down deep. I believe 169 00:08:51,520 --> 00:08:53,800 Speaker 2: this is what I was born to do. On the 170 00:08:53,840 --> 00:08:57,640 Speaker 2: other hand, Paul enjoys meeting with people one on one, 171 00:08:58,240 --> 00:09:01,680 Speaker 2: getting into their lives out how he can help. He's 172 00:09:01,800 --> 00:09:04,360 Speaker 2: very relational. I'll call him some nice Hey, what are 173 00:09:04,400 --> 00:09:07,199 Speaker 2: you doing. We're having friends over for dinner? Another night, 174 00:09:07,240 --> 00:09:09,920 Speaker 2: what's going on? We're having the couple's class over, like 175 00:09:10,040 --> 00:09:12,680 Speaker 2: thirty or forty of them. Another time he's at a 176 00:09:12,720 --> 00:09:16,520 Speaker 2: friend's counseling them that's struggling in their marriage. Paul likes 177 00:09:16,600 --> 00:09:19,679 Speaker 2: getting into people's lives and don't get me wrong, I 178 00:09:19,760 --> 00:09:22,720 Speaker 2: love people, but I'm just the opposite. When I'm at home, 179 00:09:22,800 --> 00:09:28,720 Speaker 2: I don't want any company. Listen, I loved you, but 180 00:09:28,760 --> 00:09:29,440 Speaker 2: do me a favor. 181 00:09:29,520 --> 00:09:30,640 Speaker 1: Do not come and visit me. 182 00:09:33,320 --> 00:09:39,480 Speaker 2: What is that God has wired us differently? Paul recognizes 183 00:09:39,600 --> 00:09:43,360 Speaker 2: his gifting. He's not striving to be up here. He's 184 00:09:43,360 --> 00:09:45,520 Speaker 2: not thinking one day, I'm gonna feel good about myself 185 00:09:45,559 --> 00:09:46,400 Speaker 2: when I'm in charge. 186 00:09:46,720 --> 00:09:49,080 Speaker 1: Paul accepts the gifts God has given him. 187 00:09:49,280 --> 00:09:52,160 Speaker 2: He has the attitude I'd rather be a great sergeant 188 00:09:52,400 --> 00:09:55,840 Speaker 2: functioning in my gifting than be just an average general. 189 00:09:56,400 --> 00:09:59,559 Speaker 2: But there's this temptation today to compare our gifts, and 190 00:09:59,640 --> 00:10:02,040 Speaker 2: when we do so often we get out of our 191 00:10:02,080 --> 00:10:05,160 Speaker 2: strength zone, we get into areas that are not our 192 00:10:05,240 --> 00:10:08,320 Speaker 2: main gifting. So much better to do like Paul did 193 00:10:08,520 --> 00:10:11,840 Speaker 2: and just recognize these are the gifts God has given me, 194 00:10:12,200 --> 00:10:14,840 Speaker 2: and I'm gonna accept it. And at the same time, 195 00:10:14,960 --> 00:10:18,120 Speaker 2: I'm not gonna feel less than and inferior because I 196 00:10:18,160 --> 00:10:21,520 Speaker 2: can't do what somebody else can do. I know sometimes 197 00:10:21,559 --> 00:10:25,880 Speaker 2: I'll hear other ministers and they can articulate things so well. 198 00:10:26,280 --> 00:10:29,960 Speaker 2: They're these great orators, and they've got deep voices, and 199 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:32,760 Speaker 2: they can move the audience. I think to myself, I 200 00:10:32,800 --> 00:10:35,760 Speaker 2: am so ordinary. I just get up here and talk 201 00:10:36,040 --> 00:10:41,600 Speaker 2: in my Texas Twain compared to them. If I allowed myself, 202 00:10:41,800 --> 00:10:46,559 Speaker 2: I could feel inferior, insecure. But I've learned this simple principle. 203 00:10:47,080 --> 00:10:50,200 Speaker 2: I'm not competing against them. I don't have to compare. 204 00:10:50,559 --> 00:10:52,719 Speaker 2: All I've got to do is be the best me 205 00:10:53,200 --> 00:10:58,000 Speaker 2: that I can be. The Scripture says they're in Proverbs 206 00:10:58,040 --> 00:10:59,199 Speaker 2: eighteen sixteen. 207 00:11:00,520 --> 00:11:01,640 Speaker 1: We'll make room for you. 208 00:11:02,160 --> 00:11:05,520 Speaker 2: If you will develop what God has given you, you 209 00:11:05,640 --> 00:11:09,360 Speaker 2: will have opportunity, you will see favor, you will. 210 00:11:09,200 --> 00:11:10,200 Speaker 1: Have doors open. 211 00:11:10,800 --> 00:11:15,160 Speaker 2: Understand, staying in your gifting and developing your talents is 212 00:11:15,160 --> 00:11:18,240 Speaker 2: a key to fulfilling your destiny. I know when my 213 00:11:18,600 --> 00:11:20,920 Speaker 2: father went to be with the Lord, I made a 214 00:11:21,000 --> 00:11:24,040 Speaker 2: decision at the very beginning that I was going. 215 00:11:23,960 --> 00:11:25,640 Speaker 1: To be who God made me to be. 216 00:11:26,520 --> 00:11:29,839 Speaker 2: My father was raised Southern Baptist, and he was forty 217 00:11:29,920 --> 00:11:32,960 Speaker 2: years older than I am, and our personality and styles 218 00:11:33,000 --> 00:11:36,400 Speaker 2: weren't exactly the same. I'm kind of laid back and easygoing, 219 00:11:36,480 --> 00:11:38,400 Speaker 2: and my father could be a little more fiery, a 220 00:11:38,440 --> 00:11:41,760 Speaker 2: little more feisty. And at first I thought maybe I 221 00:11:41,800 --> 00:11:44,800 Speaker 2: should be like my dad. Everybody's used to him, after all, 222 00:11:44,800 --> 00:11:47,680 Speaker 2: he built the church. But I never gave into that temptation. 223 00:11:48,080 --> 00:11:49,920 Speaker 2: I said, God, I'm going to be who you made 224 00:11:49,920 --> 00:11:51,839 Speaker 2: me to be, and if it doesn't work out, I'll 225 00:11:51,880 --> 00:11:55,760 Speaker 2: go do something else. When I first began ministering, I 226 00:11:55,800 --> 00:11:59,959 Speaker 2: thought I had to have so many scriptures and opening texts. 227 00:11:59,559 --> 00:12:01,240 Speaker 1: And so much this and so much of that. 228 00:12:01,840 --> 00:12:04,680 Speaker 2: But the more I ministered, the more I realized I'm 229 00:12:04,679 --> 00:12:07,640 Speaker 2: my very best when I'm just sharing a simple thought. 230 00:12:08,080 --> 00:12:10,359 Speaker 2: I feel the most at ease and the most fulfilled 231 00:12:10,480 --> 00:12:13,079 Speaker 2: when I just encourage people and talk about living a 232 00:12:13,200 --> 00:12:18,160 Speaker 2: victorious life. Now I realize that's my area of gifting. 233 00:12:18,559 --> 00:12:20,200 Speaker 1: That's the way God has wired me. 234 00:12:21,120 --> 00:12:24,400 Speaker 2: You have to be sensitive enough to not only identify 235 00:12:24,480 --> 00:12:28,160 Speaker 2: your gifts, but take it a step further and develop them. 236 00:12:28,520 --> 00:12:32,040 Speaker 2: Give yourself to your gift. In other words, focus on 237 00:12:32,120 --> 00:12:34,680 Speaker 2: what you do best. It may not be the way 238 00:12:34,720 --> 00:12:37,120 Speaker 2: other people do, it may not be the way you're 239 00:12:37,160 --> 00:12:40,040 Speaker 2: expected to do it. I'm sure I could teach on 240 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:43,200 Speaker 2: different subjects and go more down this road or that road, 241 00:12:43,559 --> 00:12:46,960 Speaker 2: but I recognize the main gifting God put on my life, 242 00:12:47,040 --> 00:12:49,840 Speaker 2: and I put all my energy into that. And I 243 00:12:49,920 --> 00:12:52,360 Speaker 2: found most of the time, we are not going to 244 00:12:52,360 --> 00:12:55,720 Speaker 2: be good at doing five different things. We may be average, 245 00:12:55,840 --> 00:12:58,800 Speaker 2: but I really believe there's one thing you were born 246 00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:02,320 Speaker 2: to do, one thing you can excel at. And really, 247 00:13:02,440 --> 00:13:05,680 Speaker 2: we are not free until we are free from trying 248 00:13:05,679 --> 00:13:09,560 Speaker 2: to please everyone. And I say this respectfully, but you 249 00:13:09,679 --> 00:13:12,600 Speaker 2: cannot live just to be who your parents want you 250 00:13:12,640 --> 00:13:14,880 Speaker 2: to be, or who your boss wants you to be, 251 00:13:15,200 --> 00:13:17,400 Speaker 2: or who your friends want you to be. You have 252 00:13:17,480 --> 00:13:20,040 Speaker 2: to stay true to who God made you to be. 253 00:13:21,080 --> 00:13:25,720 Speaker 2: When my father died, I recognized my father's calling was 254 00:13:25,760 --> 00:13:28,719 Speaker 2: not exactly the same as my calling. And as much 255 00:13:28,760 --> 00:13:32,080 Speaker 2: as I love and respect my father, I knew I 256 00:13:32,120 --> 00:13:36,040 Speaker 2: could not run his race. People say to me sometimes, Joey, 257 00:13:36,080 --> 00:13:38,920 Speaker 2: you're doing a great job filling your dad's shoes, and 258 00:13:38,960 --> 00:13:42,360 Speaker 2: I understand what they mean. They're complimenting me, But really, 259 00:13:42,480 --> 00:13:44,680 Speaker 2: we're not called to fill anyone's shoes. 260 00:13:44,840 --> 00:13:46,520 Speaker 1: You got to run your own race. 261 00:13:47,160 --> 00:13:50,000 Speaker 2: Now, I know my father's calling was to help bring 262 00:13:50,040 --> 00:13:53,559 Speaker 2: down the denominational walls. He went all over the world 263 00:13:53,600 --> 00:13:56,840 Speaker 2: ministering about the fullness of the spirit. And when I 264 00:13:56,880 --> 00:13:58,840 Speaker 2: first took over, I thought, maybe I should just do 265 00:13:58,920 --> 00:14:01,600 Speaker 2: what Daddy did, Maybe I should preach his sermons, go 266 00:14:01,600 --> 00:14:04,959 Speaker 2: down that same road. But when I really searched my heart, 267 00:14:05,559 --> 00:14:08,040 Speaker 2: I knew down deep my calling is to plan a 268 00:14:08,040 --> 00:14:11,280 Speaker 2: seed of hope, a set of encouragement in people's lives. 269 00:14:11,679 --> 00:14:13,640 Speaker 1: And of course I wanted to honor. 270 00:14:13,360 --> 00:14:16,440 Speaker 2: My father, and I struggled with this, knowing that the 271 00:14:16,559 --> 00:14:20,000 Speaker 2: vision God put in me wasn't exactly the same as 272 00:14:20,000 --> 00:14:21,400 Speaker 2: the one he put in my father. 273 00:14:21,920 --> 00:14:23,560 Speaker 1: But one day I was reading. 274 00:14:23,240 --> 00:14:25,880 Speaker 2: A scripture and It really set me free. It was 275 00:14:25,880 --> 00:14:30,960 Speaker 2: talking about David, and it said David fulfilled God's purpose 276 00:14:31,240 --> 00:14:34,240 Speaker 2: for his generation. And when I read that, I could 277 00:14:34,280 --> 00:14:37,160 Speaker 2: hear God speaking to me right down in here. He said, Joel, 278 00:14:37,480 --> 00:14:40,640 Speaker 2: your dad fulfilled his purpose for his generation. 279 00:14:41,080 --> 00:14:44,480 Speaker 1: Now you go out and fulfill your purpose for your generation. 280 00:14:47,240 --> 00:14:51,960 Speaker 2: And I realized at that point, I realized, I've got 281 00:14:51,960 --> 00:14:54,680 Speaker 2: to run my race and be the best me that 282 00:14:54,760 --> 00:14:57,680 Speaker 2: I can be. After all, God doesn't want a bunch 283 00:14:57,680 --> 00:15:01,720 Speaker 2: of cheap imitations. Let's be the originals God has created 284 00:15:01,800 --> 00:15:08,200 Speaker 2: us today. One reason David was so blessed was he 285 00:15:08,280 --> 00:15:12,440 Speaker 2: understood what he was good at. He really knew his gifting. 286 00:15:12,800 --> 00:15:15,680 Speaker 2: When he was out in the shepherd's fields, he developed 287 00:15:15,720 --> 00:15:19,520 Speaker 2: his talent with the slingshot. He became a master sharpshooter. 288 00:15:20,120 --> 00:15:23,320 Speaker 2: That didn't just automatically happen. He had a natural bent 289 00:15:23,400 --> 00:15:26,400 Speaker 2: toward it, and he took the time to develop that talent. 290 00:15:26,880 --> 00:15:28,960 Speaker 2: I can imagine as he was taking. 291 00:15:28,680 --> 00:15:30,320 Speaker 1: Care of his father's sheep. 292 00:15:30,320 --> 00:15:34,280 Speaker 2: He didn't just sit around there lazy and unmotivated. He 293 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:38,360 Speaker 2: used that time to practice hitting targets with his slingshot. 294 00:15:38,960 --> 00:15:41,720 Speaker 2: He got better and better, until one day he could 295 00:15:41,800 --> 00:15:44,320 Speaker 2: hit a bull's eye one hundred feet away. 296 00:15:44,560 --> 00:15:47,000 Speaker 1: And it's interesting. David had other talents. 297 00:15:47,360 --> 00:15:50,680 Speaker 2: He was a great songwriter, he was a skilled musician, 298 00:15:50,960 --> 00:15:53,640 Speaker 2: he was a talented leader. But do you know the 299 00:15:53,680 --> 00:15:56,520 Speaker 2: gift that got him promoted, the gift that made room 300 00:15:56,560 --> 00:16:00,320 Speaker 2: for him, was his talent with the little slingshot. What 301 00:16:00,360 --> 00:16:03,840 Speaker 2: am I saying? Don't despise the gift God has given you. 302 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:07,960 Speaker 2: It may seem small, it may not seem very significant, 303 00:16:08,240 --> 00:16:10,960 Speaker 2: but it doesn't have to be an important. 304 00:16:10,480 --> 00:16:12,800 Speaker 1: Gift for God to use it in a great way. 305 00:16:13,400 --> 00:16:16,800 Speaker 2: Stay focused, stay determined, and pursue what God's put in 306 00:16:16,800 --> 00:16:20,200 Speaker 2: your heart. At that time, the leader was King Saul. 307 00:16:20,600 --> 00:16:21,600 Speaker 1: He loved David. 308 00:16:22,200 --> 00:16:24,920 Speaker 2: He could see David's potential and he would have David 309 00:16:24,960 --> 00:16:28,760 Speaker 2: over to his home. David was one of his military strategists. 310 00:16:28,960 --> 00:16:31,480 Speaker 2: He'd have David go out and lead the troops, and 311 00:16:31,600 --> 00:16:35,600 Speaker 2: David was extremely effective, and at first Saul was so 312 00:16:35,760 --> 00:16:36,520 Speaker 2: happy for him. 313 00:16:36,680 --> 00:16:37,200 Speaker 1: He was his. 314 00:16:37,160 --> 00:16:41,080 Speaker 2: Number one fan. But something happened that changed it all. 315 00:16:41,720 --> 00:16:44,720 Speaker 2: One day, David was coming home from a battle where 316 00:16:44,760 --> 00:16:48,040 Speaker 2: he had defeated the Philistines, and the women were singing 317 00:16:48,040 --> 00:16:53,120 Speaker 2: a song saying, Saul has killed thousands but David has 318 00:16:53,200 --> 00:16:57,240 Speaker 2: killed tens of thousands. The scripture says, from that moment, 319 00:16:57,680 --> 00:17:01,600 Speaker 2: Saul never looked at David the same way. What happened 320 00:17:01,960 --> 00:17:06,240 Speaker 2: Saul became jealous. He was so insecure. He thought, I 321 00:17:06,280 --> 00:17:09,280 Speaker 2: can't be number two. I'm supposed to be the greatest. 322 00:17:09,280 --> 00:17:12,119 Speaker 2: I'm supposed to get all the compliments. Now they're talking 323 00:17:12,119 --> 00:17:13,640 Speaker 2: about somebody's. 324 00:17:13,080 --> 00:17:15,080 Speaker 1: Greater than I am. 325 00:17:15,119 --> 00:17:18,080 Speaker 2: Saul could not walk in the company of great men 326 00:17:18,560 --> 00:17:23,160 Speaker 2: because he didn't really know who he was. Sometimes, like David, 327 00:17:23,600 --> 00:17:28,280 Speaker 2: people will despise you because you're effective. Sometimes people will 328 00:17:28,280 --> 00:17:32,320 Speaker 2: talk behind your back simply because you're talented. The fact 329 00:17:32,520 --> 00:17:33,480 Speaker 2: is David. 330 00:17:33,200 --> 00:17:34,320 Speaker 1: Didn't do anything wrong. 331 00:17:35,000 --> 00:17:37,920 Speaker 2: He didn't come back saying, look how great I am, Saul, out, 332 00:17:38,000 --> 00:17:41,040 Speaker 2: did you, man, I'm something special. No, he was simply 333 00:17:41,280 --> 00:17:43,119 Speaker 2: being the best that he could be. 334 00:17:43,800 --> 00:17:45,080 Speaker 1: He was giving it his all. 335 00:17:45,640 --> 00:17:48,560 Speaker 2: It was the other people that were seeing David's praises. 336 00:17:48,960 --> 00:17:52,800 Speaker 2: The problem with King Saul was he was not satisfied 337 00:17:53,040 --> 00:17:56,240 Speaker 2: with the gifts God has given him. When he heard them 338 00:17:56,280 --> 00:17:58,760 Speaker 2: singing about how he had killed thousands, he liked that. 339 00:17:59,560 --> 00:18:01,240 Speaker 1: But when they started singing. 340 00:18:00,960 --> 00:18:04,040 Speaker 2: About how David had killed tens of thousands and how 341 00:18:04,080 --> 00:18:08,320 Speaker 2: David had outdone him. It was that comparison that caused 342 00:18:08,359 --> 00:18:11,880 Speaker 2: him to get jealous and despised David. If he could 343 00:18:11,880 --> 00:18:16,520 Speaker 2: have just recognized David was running a different race. God 344 00:18:16,560 --> 00:18:20,840 Speaker 2: had given him different talents even though David was more successful, 345 00:18:21,280 --> 00:18:25,040 Speaker 2: Saul didn't have to feel inferior or less than, but 346 00:18:25,160 --> 00:18:29,520 Speaker 2: he let that unhealthy competitive spirit cause him to think 347 00:18:30,200 --> 00:18:32,840 Speaker 2: David's getting all the praise. They're gonna think David's greater 348 00:18:32,920 --> 00:18:33,920 Speaker 2: than I am. 349 00:18:34,119 --> 00:18:34,800 Speaker 1: Here's the key. 350 00:18:35,320 --> 00:18:38,680 Speaker 2: If you're not comfortable with who you are, you'll never 351 00:18:38,840 --> 00:18:42,680 Speaker 2: be able to celebrate somebody that's ahead of you, somebody 352 00:18:42,680 --> 00:18:46,360 Speaker 2: that has more talent, because when we're insecure, we're always comparing, 353 00:18:47,040 --> 00:18:50,600 Speaker 2: even if it's your best friend, like David was to Saul. 354 00:18:50,720 --> 00:18:55,639 Speaker 2: If you can't compliment them and celebrate their successes without 355 00:18:55,640 --> 00:18:59,800 Speaker 2: feeling inferior, without getting jealous, then that poison that's on 356 00:18:59,800 --> 00:19:03,160 Speaker 2: the inside is going to keep you from becoming all 357 00:19:03,240 --> 00:19:04,320 Speaker 2: God's created you to be. 358 00:19:05,200 --> 00:19:06,119 Speaker 1: If Saul could have. 359 00:19:06,240 --> 00:19:10,840 Speaker 2: Just recognized he wasn't running against David, he wasn't competing 360 00:19:10,880 --> 00:19:14,240 Speaker 2: against him. Saul had his own race, with his own 361 00:19:14,280 --> 00:19:17,120 Speaker 2: set of skills, with his own purpose. If he would 362 00:19:17,119 --> 00:19:21,000 Speaker 2: have just been able to congratulate David and genuinely be 363 00:19:21,080 --> 00:19:23,600 Speaker 2: happy for him. He could have gone on to do 364 00:19:23,680 --> 00:19:27,000 Speaker 2: great things and to fulfill his purpose, but he let 365 00:19:27,080 --> 00:19:30,720 Speaker 2: that resentment, He let the fact that somebody was ahead 366 00:19:30,720 --> 00:19:34,840 Speaker 2: of him cause him to get distracted. He lost focus, 367 00:19:35,200 --> 00:19:38,879 Speaker 2: and he never did fulfill his divine destiny. Here's a 368 00:19:38,880 --> 00:19:44,560 Speaker 2: phrase I want you to remember. Don't compare yourself. Celebrate yourself. 369 00:19:44,600 --> 00:19:48,639 Speaker 2: Someone else may have conquered ten thousand and you only 370 00:19:48,720 --> 00:19:52,560 Speaker 2: conquered a thousand, but you have to realize a thousand 371 00:19:52,800 --> 00:19:56,359 Speaker 2: is still very good. Some people only conquered five hundred, 372 00:19:56,760 --> 00:20:01,240 Speaker 2: some people only conquered fifty. Don't lose you usiasm because 373 00:20:01,240 --> 00:20:04,280 Speaker 2: you're not keeping up with others. We're not supposed to 374 00:20:04,359 --> 00:20:07,440 Speaker 2: keep pace with other people. We're supposed to keep pace 375 00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:10,240 Speaker 2: with our own inner voice. We need to have the 376 00:20:10,280 --> 00:20:13,320 Speaker 2: attitude I'm going to be the best me that I 377 00:20:13,359 --> 00:20:15,879 Speaker 2: can be. I know I am one of a kind. 378 00:20:16,280 --> 00:20:18,840 Speaker 2: I know I'm in a class all by myself. Now, 379 00:20:18,840 --> 00:20:20,760 Speaker 2: I'm not gonna try to be like David. He may 380 00:20:20,800 --> 00:20:23,600 Speaker 2: have conquered tens of thousands, but God knows what I'm 381 00:20:23,600 --> 00:20:27,639 Speaker 2: capable of, and I'm not gonna feel inferior just because 382 00:20:27,640 --> 00:20:30,359 Speaker 2: somebody out did me. I'm going to be comfortable with 383 00:20:30,400 --> 00:20:33,440 Speaker 2: who God made me to be now. I found if 384 00:20:33,480 --> 00:20:37,359 Speaker 2: you can't compliment others, you'll never really be able to 385 00:20:37,400 --> 00:20:42,000 Speaker 2: compliment yourself, because every time you accomplish something new, every 386 00:20:42,040 --> 00:20:44,800 Speaker 2: time you rise higher, you'll see somebody else that can 387 00:20:44,800 --> 00:20:47,000 Speaker 2: do it a little better than you, somebody else that's 388 00:20:47,040 --> 00:20:50,639 Speaker 2: a little more successful. You have to be secure enough 389 00:20:50,680 --> 00:20:54,800 Speaker 2: in who you are to celebrate other people's victories. It's 390 00:20:54,880 --> 00:20:57,920 Speaker 2: only when we can celebrate others that we can really 391 00:20:57,960 --> 00:21:03,600 Speaker 2: celebrate ourselves. To this, the creator of the universe has 392 00:21:03,680 --> 00:21:05,359 Speaker 2: put different gifts and. 393 00:21:05,320 --> 00:21:06,920 Speaker 1: Talents in each one of us. 394 00:21:07,640 --> 00:21:10,919 Speaker 2: Every person doesn't have the same amount of talent, the 395 00:21:11,000 --> 00:21:13,760 Speaker 2: same amount of potential, and we have to be big 396 00:21:13,880 --> 00:21:17,360 Speaker 2: enough to recognize I may not be a ten thousand 397 00:21:17,440 --> 00:21:20,320 Speaker 2: level person like David. God may have made me to 398 00:21:20,359 --> 00:21:23,120 Speaker 2: be a thousand level person. But I can guarantee you this, 399 00:21:23,560 --> 00:21:26,879 Speaker 2: I'm gonna be the best thousand level man you've ever seen. 400 00:21:27,280 --> 00:21:30,000 Speaker 2: I'm not gonna stop at nine ninety, not gonna stop 401 00:21:30,000 --> 00:21:33,359 Speaker 2: at nine ninety five, not gonna stop at nine ninety nine. 402 00:21:33,680 --> 00:21:34,800 Speaker 1: I'm gonna become. 403 00:21:34,800 --> 00:21:37,760 Speaker 2: All God's created me to be and when I hit 404 00:21:37,800 --> 00:21:40,560 Speaker 2: a thousand, I'm not gonna look back and get depressed 405 00:21:40,680 --> 00:21:43,840 Speaker 2: because somebody hit ten thousand. I'm running my race. I 406 00:21:43,880 --> 00:21:47,080 Speaker 2: know God's put in me everything that I need. That 407 00:21:47,200 --> 00:21:50,719 Speaker 2: means I have the right personality. I have the right looks, 408 00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:53,280 Speaker 2: I have the right height, I have the right gifts, 409 00:21:53,320 --> 00:21:55,359 Speaker 2: I have the right talents. I have the wisdom. The 410 00:21:55,440 --> 00:21:59,280 Speaker 2: idea is the creativity. God has equipped each one of 411 00:21:59,359 --> 00:22:02,800 Speaker 2: us with the exactly what we need. Quit thinking that 412 00:22:02,840 --> 00:22:05,920 Speaker 2: you have to measure up to someone else. You don't 413 00:22:05,920 --> 00:22:09,000 Speaker 2: have to feel less than because you're not as successful 414 00:22:09,200 --> 00:22:12,399 Speaker 2: as another family member or a friend or a coworker. 415 00:22:12,800 --> 00:22:16,160 Speaker 2: You're not running their race. You're in a class all 416 00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:19,960 Speaker 2: by yourself. When God made you, he threw away the mold. 417 00:22:20,600 --> 00:22:23,600 Speaker 2: You don't have to live up to anyone's expectations. Just 418 00:22:23,680 --> 00:22:26,680 Speaker 2: be the best that you can be. Celebrate who God 419 00:22:26,680 --> 00:22:29,240 Speaker 2: made you to be. And some of you are real 420 00:22:29,280 --> 00:22:32,920 Speaker 2: good at celebrating others, but you need to start celebrating yourself. 421 00:22:33,560 --> 00:22:36,199 Speaker 2: You may not be a general, we may not be 422 00:22:36,400 --> 00:22:38,640 Speaker 2: like King David, but we don't have to feel less than. 423 00:22:39,000 --> 00:22:40,520 Speaker 1: Put your shoulders back and. 424 00:22:40,480 --> 00:22:42,880 Speaker 2: Be the best private you can be. Be the best 425 00:22:42,920 --> 00:22:45,280 Speaker 2: corporal you can be. Be the best sergeant you can be. 426 00:22:45,960 --> 00:22:48,959 Speaker 2: Bottom line is, take what God has given you and 427 00:22:49,000 --> 00:22:52,919 Speaker 2: make the very most of it. Don't ever feel intimidated 428 00:22:53,040 --> 00:22:57,200 Speaker 2: because you see somebody that has more gifts or more talents. Listen, 429 00:22:57,280 --> 00:22:59,720 Speaker 2: if it was not for the goodness of God, none 430 00:22:59,720 --> 00:23:03,080 Speaker 2: of us would be where we are today. When we compare. 431 00:23:04,800 --> 00:23:09,199 Speaker 2: When we compare, we lose focus. We get distracted. But 432 00:23:09,240 --> 00:23:12,560 Speaker 2: I've learned I can't run with your vision. I can't 433 00:23:12,600 --> 00:23:15,480 Speaker 2: fall it in your footsteps. It may be a great vision, 434 00:23:15,720 --> 00:23:19,240 Speaker 2: it may be exciting, but I recognize. 435 00:23:19,080 --> 00:23:21,399 Speaker 1: God has equipped you with what you need. 436 00:23:21,920 --> 00:23:24,760 Speaker 2: You have the gifts and the talents to accomplish what 437 00:23:24,800 --> 00:23:27,520 Speaker 2: God's put in your heart. But the moment I get 438 00:23:27,560 --> 00:23:29,960 Speaker 2: out of my calling and try to do what you're doing, 439 00:23:30,359 --> 00:23:34,320 Speaker 2: I lose my annointing. My gifting is not right, my 440 00:23:34,520 --> 00:23:38,000 Speaker 2: tools are not appropriate. It's like I need some screwdrivers, 441 00:23:38,040 --> 00:23:39,600 Speaker 2: but all I got is a bunch of wrenches. 442 00:23:39,920 --> 00:23:44,160 Speaker 1: What happened I got out of my calling. God has put. 443 00:23:43,960 --> 00:23:48,639 Speaker 2: In you everything you need to fulfill your destiny, but 444 00:23:48,720 --> 00:23:52,040 Speaker 2: he has not equipped you to do something that's outside 445 00:23:52,200 --> 00:23:54,720 Speaker 2: of your vision. Now I know people that are in 446 00:23:54,800 --> 00:23:58,080 Speaker 2: their fifties, even in their sixties, and they're still not 447 00:23:58,200 --> 00:24:02,000 Speaker 2: happy with who they are because they're trying to bring 448 00:24:02,119 --> 00:24:05,360 Speaker 2: something out of them that was never in them. At 449 00:24:05,400 --> 00:24:08,960 Speaker 2: some point they got off course, they got distracted and 450 00:24:09,040 --> 00:24:12,400 Speaker 2: instead of running their race, staying in their gifting, they 451 00:24:12,400 --> 00:24:14,679 Speaker 2: saw a friend doing something and now they're trying to 452 00:24:14,720 --> 00:24:15,000 Speaker 2: do it. 453 00:24:15,280 --> 00:24:18,280 Speaker 1: They're trying to be something that they're not. It's so 454 00:24:18,440 --> 00:24:19,160 Speaker 1: important that. 455 00:24:19,080 --> 00:24:22,840 Speaker 2: We stay free from comparisons and free from trying to 456 00:24:22,960 --> 00:24:26,520 Speaker 2: keep up with everyone. Now take the pressure off yourself. 457 00:24:27,119 --> 00:24:30,080 Speaker 2: Just go out each day and be the very best 458 00:24:30,200 --> 00:24:33,120 Speaker 2: that you can be. And when you really follow your 459 00:24:33,160 --> 00:24:36,080 Speaker 2: own inner vision, it's not a constant struggle. 460 00:24:36,640 --> 00:24:38,560 Speaker 1: Yes it takes work, yes it takes. 461 00:24:38,359 --> 00:24:42,480 Speaker 2: Determination, But when you're in your calling, running your race, 462 00:24:42,840 --> 00:24:46,600 Speaker 2: the gifts, the talents, the drive, the determination, it comes 463 00:24:46,680 --> 00:24:49,960 Speaker 2: up out of you naturally, So you cannot pull from 464 00:24:49,960 --> 00:24:51,040 Speaker 2: something that's not there. 465 00:24:51,240 --> 00:24:51,840 Speaker 1: You've got to be. 466 00:24:51,840 --> 00:24:55,080 Speaker 2: Comfortable with who God made you to be. Old King 467 00:24:55,119 --> 00:24:58,320 Speaker 2: Saw he was so jealous he couldn't stand the fact 468 00:24:58,359 --> 00:25:01,600 Speaker 2: that they were singing about David's praises. He ended up 469 00:25:01,640 --> 00:25:04,719 Speaker 2: trying to kill David. He spent years trying to get 470 00:25:04,840 --> 00:25:07,760 Speaker 2: rid of him, but all that did was lead to 471 00:25:07,800 --> 00:25:12,280 Speaker 2: his own untimely death. When God has anointed someone to 472 00:25:12,320 --> 00:25:14,800 Speaker 2: be at a certain position, there's nothing we can do 473 00:25:14,880 --> 00:25:19,080 Speaker 2: to stop it. Being jealous, being critical, talking behind their back, 474 00:25:19,359 --> 00:25:21,760 Speaker 2: that's not going to stop them. All that's going to 475 00:25:21,840 --> 00:25:24,960 Speaker 2: do is lead to our own downfall. It's much better 476 00:25:25,080 --> 00:25:28,640 Speaker 2: to just recognize God has gifted this person. God has 477 00:25:28,680 --> 00:25:31,359 Speaker 2: put talents in them, and who am I to argue 478 00:25:31,400 --> 00:25:33,399 Speaker 2: with the creator of the universe. I'm going to be 479 00:25:33,440 --> 00:25:36,760 Speaker 2: happy for him and at the same time recognize God 480 00:25:36,760 --> 00:25:40,440 Speaker 2: has given me everything I need to be victorious. It's 481 00:25:40,440 --> 00:25:45,320 Speaker 2: interesting how Saul faced his successor verse how the apostle 482 00:25:45,400 --> 00:25:50,199 Speaker 2: Paul faced his successor. Saul tried to kill David, but 483 00:25:50,320 --> 00:25:51,760 Speaker 2: the apostle Paul did it right. 484 00:25:52,080 --> 00:25:53,280 Speaker 1: He encouraged Timothy. 485 00:25:53,560 --> 00:25:56,680 Speaker 2: He tried to build him up instead of being jealous 486 00:25:56,720 --> 00:26:01,040 Speaker 2: and intimidated. He said, Timothy, stir up your gifts. You 487 00:26:01,080 --> 00:26:03,600 Speaker 2: don't have a spirit of fear. You're strong, You're courageous. 488 00:26:03,840 --> 00:26:06,760 Speaker 2: He was saying, Timothy, you're gonna do great things. I 489 00:26:06,920 --> 00:26:10,200 Speaker 2: celebrate what God has put in you. How could Paul 490 00:26:10,240 --> 00:26:10,560 Speaker 2: do that? 491 00:26:10,720 --> 00:26:11,360 Speaker 1: Here's the key. 492 00:26:11,800 --> 00:26:15,600 Speaker 2: Paul said, I have kept the faith. I have finished 493 00:26:15,840 --> 00:26:20,360 Speaker 2: my course. Paul knew he wasn't competing against anyone. He 494 00:26:20,440 --> 00:26:23,520 Speaker 2: was running his own race. He developed his gift, he 495 00:26:23,640 --> 00:26:26,480 Speaker 2: stayed in his calling. He was able to say, I 496 00:26:26,600 --> 00:26:29,520 Speaker 2: become all God's created me to be. I have finished 497 00:26:29,640 --> 00:26:33,120 Speaker 2: my assignment. That's my prayer for each one of you, 498 00:26:33,520 --> 00:26:36,240 Speaker 2: that you will develop your gifts and talents and. 499 00:26:36,200 --> 00:26:37,639 Speaker 1: You will run your race. 500 00:26:38,320 --> 00:26:41,800 Speaker 2: Why don't you break free from any comparisons. You're not 501 00:26:41,840 --> 00:26:45,800 Speaker 2: competing with others, compete against your own inner voice. Don't 502 00:26:45,800 --> 00:26:48,040 Speaker 2: compare yourself. Celebrate yourself. 503 00:26:48,080 --> 00:26:50,040 Speaker 1: You will one of a kind if. 504 00:26:50,000 --> 00:26:53,160 Speaker 2: You will stay in your strength zone and develop your gifts. 505 00:26:53,359 --> 00:26:56,320 Speaker 2: God has promised your gifts will make room for you. 506 00:26:56,880 --> 00:26:57,000 Speaker 1: Now. 507 00:26:57,040 --> 00:27:01,000 Speaker 2: I know every one of us has untapped potential. Stay 508 00:27:01,040 --> 00:27:04,600 Speaker 2: focused and work on the things that you're already good at. 509 00:27:05,280 --> 00:27:07,359 Speaker 2: If you will be comfortable with who God made you 510 00:27:07,440 --> 00:27:10,879 Speaker 2: to be, not go around competing and comparing. You're not 511 00:27:10,920 --> 00:27:13,560 Speaker 2: only going to enjoy your life more, but God's going 512 00:27:13,600 --> 00:27:16,680 Speaker 2: to pour out his blessings and one day, like Paul, 513 00:27:16,720 --> 00:27:18,800 Speaker 2: you'll be able to look back and say, I've kept 514 00:27:18,800 --> 00:27:19,240 Speaker 2: the faith. 515 00:27:19,560 --> 00:27:22,919 Speaker 1: I have finished my course. Amen, do you receive it today? 516 00:27:25,119 --> 00:27:28,159 Speaker 2: We never like to close our broadcast without giving you 517 00:27:28,200 --> 00:27:31,160 Speaker 2: an opportunity to make Jesus the lord of your life. 518 00:27:31,359 --> 00:27:35,560 Speaker 1: Would you pray with me? Just say, Lord, Jesus, I 519 00:27:35,720 --> 00:27:40,440 Speaker 1: repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make 520 00:27:40,480 --> 00:27:41,800 Speaker 1: you my Lord in Savior. 521 00:27:43,080 --> 00:27:45,560 Speaker 2: Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer, we believe you 522 00:27:45,600 --> 00:27:48,680 Speaker 2: got born again. Get in a good Bible based church, 523 00:27:48,720 --> 00:27:51,199 Speaker 2: and keep God first place. He's going to take your 524 00:27:51,200 --> 00:27:55,040 Speaker 2: places that you've never dreamed of. It's easy to get 525 00:27:55,040 --> 00:27:58,320 Speaker 2: stuck in life because of fear and lack of confidence. 526 00:27:58,680 --> 00:28:02,760 Speaker 2: We've been through disappointments, but I'm excited about Victoria's new book, 527 00:28:03,000 --> 00:28:06,240 Speaker 2: Grace to Go. It'll help you move past what's holding 528 00:28:06,280 --> 00:28:09,200 Speaker 2: you back and step into new levels of your destiny. 529 00:28:09,560 --> 00:28:11,800 Speaker 3: My heart for this book is that you will discover 530 00:28:12,040 --> 00:28:15,200 Speaker 3: the courage, the gifts, and the faith that God has 531 00:28:15,280 --> 00:28:17,360 Speaker 3: put in you so that you can see your dreams 532 00:28:17,400 --> 00:28:20,719 Speaker 3: come to pass. It's not too late, the obstacles are 533 00:28:20,760 --> 00:28:23,480 Speaker 3: not too big. The grace of God equips you to 534 00:28:23,560 --> 00:28:27,360 Speaker 3: go beyond your comfort zone and overcome what looks impossible. 535 00:28:27,760 --> 00:28:30,560 Speaker 3: You are stronger than you think. You are not alone. 536 00:28:30,760 --> 00:28:32,160 Speaker 3: You are grace to Go. 537 00:28:33,040 --> 00:28:35,359 Speaker 4: As our way of saying thank you for your gift 538 00:28:35,400 --> 00:28:39,000 Speaker 4: of any amount. This month, we'll send you Victoria Ostein's 539 00:28:39,040 --> 00:28:42,800 Speaker 4: brand new book, Grace to Go Step onto the Bigger, 540 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:47,400 Speaker 4: Bolder life that belongs to you. This inspiring resource will 541 00:28:47,400 --> 00:28:51,760 Speaker 4: help you break through fear, insecurity, or regret, and activate 542 00:28:51,800 --> 00:28:55,760 Speaker 4: the faith to move forward. Each chapter will stir your spirit, 543 00:28:56,120 --> 00:29:00,400 Speaker 4: renew your perspective, and empower you to live boldly. You 544 00:29:00,440 --> 00:29:04,080 Speaker 4: don't have to wait for perfect conditions. God's grace meets 545 00:29:04,080 --> 00:29:06,920 Speaker 4: you where you are and propels you into a future 546 00:29:07,080 --> 00:29:11,000 Speaker 4: full of purpose and peace. With an additional gift, we'll 547 00:29:11,040 --> 00:29:14,600 Speaker 4: send you the Grace to Go Bold bundle featuring Grace 548 00:29:14,680 --> 00:29:18,840 Speaker 4: to Go by Victoria Ostein and Pray Bold by Jolo Stein. 549 00:29:19,360 --> 00:29:23,360 Speaker 4: These two powerful books will stir your faith, break hesitation, 550 00:29:23,760 --> 00:29:25,680 Speaker 4: and help you believe big again. 551 00:29:26,680 --> 00:29:30,160 Speaker 3: Grace is power. When you receive it by faith, it 552 00:29:30,280 --> 00:29:32,760 Speaker 3: enables you to take the next step so you can 553 00:29:32,800 --> 00:29:34,440 Speaker 3: become all you are created to be. 554 00:29:34,960 --> 00:29:37,200 Speaker 2: Victory and I are so grateful to spend this time 555 00:29:37,240 --> 00:29:40,240 Speaker 2: with you. We pray for you and your family every day. 556 00:29:40,720 --> 00:29:43,680 Speaker 2: Thank you so much for your prayer and support. Your 557 00:29:43,680 --> 00:29:47,440 Speaker 2: generosity is helping people around the world. Special thank you 558 00:29:47,520 --> 00:29:50,280 Speaker 2: to our Champion of Hope partners for your monthly gifts. 559 00:29:50,560 --> 00:29:53,480 Speaker 2: If you're not a partner, I hope you'll consider becoming one. 560 00:29:53,640 --> 00:29:57,120 Speaker 2: Remember you can watch the services online every Sunday morning, 561 00:29:57,440 --> 00:30:00,200 Speaker 2: download our daily podcast, watch you on New Time to 562 00:30:00,680 --> 00:30:02,200 Speaker 2: the new Joelosting Network. 563 00:30:02,320 --> 00:30:05,400 Speaker 1: Social media. Of course, listen on Sirius XM twenty four 564 00:30:05,480 --> 00:30:08,680 Speaker 1: to seven. We'll help you stay encouraged and inspired. 565 00:30:09,080 --> 00:30:11,440 Speaker 2: If you're a pastor, we'd like to invite you to 566 00:30:11,480 --> 00:30:12,840 Speaker 2: our Pastor's Gathering. 567 00:30:13,080 --> 00:30:15,200 Speaker 1: We'd be honored to spend the day with you here 568 00:30:15,240 --> 00:30:15,960 Speaker 1: at Lakewood. 569 00:30:16,280 --> 00:30:19,240 Speaker 2: We'll share some of the things we've learned, insights and 570 00:30:19,280 --> 00:30:22,959 Speaker 2: behind the scenes. Be a time of inspiration and encouragement. 571 00:30:23,120 --> 00:30:24,320 Speaker 2: We'd love to meet you. 572 00:30:25,080 --> 00:30:29,080 Speaker 4: These two powerful books will stir your faith, break hesitation, 573 00:30:29,440 --> 00:30:33,160 Speaker 4: and help you believe big again. Be sure to request 574 00:30:33,240 --> 00:30:37,880 Speaker 4: your copy of these powerful resources today for an additional donation. 575 00:30:38,040 --> 00:30:41,680 Speaker 4: This month, we are also offering the NLT Large Print 576 00:30:41,800 --> 00:30:46,120 Speaker 4: Theinline Reference Bible. This Bible also enables you to connect 577 00:30:46,160 --> 00:30:49,440 Speaker 4: through your smartphone or tablet to a vast, power packed 578 00:30:49,560 --> 00:30:54,920 Speaker 4: array of study notes, devotionals, interactive maps, videos, worship music. 579 00:30:55,400 --> 00:30:59,040 Speaker 4: You can request these inspiring resources by calling eight eight 580 00:30:59,080 --> 00:31:04,360 Speaker 4: eight seven Joel or logging on to joelousine dot com today, 581 00:31:04,960 --> 00:31:09,160 Speaker 4: Call or click anytime, twenty four hours a day, Start fresh, 582 00:31:09,440 --> 00:31:13,960 Speaker 4: step forward. You are graced to go. Request your copies 583 00:31:14,040 --> 00:31:17,120 Speaker 4: today