1 00:00:00,640 --> 00:00:03,600 Speaker 1: We are so glad that you joined us for this podcast. 2 00:00:03,680 --> 00:00:06,800 Speaker 1: We believe that this is going to be a great February. 3 00:00:07,240 --> 00:00:09,520 Speaker 1: We're starting the year off right and we know that 4 00:00:09,560 --> 00:00:11,719 Speaker 1: God's God blessings in store for you. 5 00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:14,040 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's so awesome that you join us and we 6 00:00:14,160 --> 00:00:16,920 Speaker 2: just speak blessings over you and your family. Get ready 7 00:00:16,960 --> 00:00:22,239 Speaker 2: for a blessed twenty twenty four. Enjoy the message. God 8 00:00:22,280 --> 00:00:25,639 Speaker 2: bless you. Thanks for letting us come into your homes today. 9 00:00:25,760 --> 00:00:28,800 Speaker 2: We love you, and if you're ever in our area, 10 00:00:28,840 --> 00:00:30,760 Speaker 2: please stop by and be a part of one of 11 00:00:30,760 --> 00:00:33,880 Speaker 2: our services. I'll promise you we'll make you feel right 12 00:00:33,920 --> 00:00:36,920 Speaker 2: at home. I like to start with something funny. I 13 00:00:36,960 --> 00:00:40,479 Speaker 2: heard about this pastor. He was finishing up a fiery 14 00:00:40,600 --> 00:00:44,680 Speaker 2: sermon on self control. He said, with great passion, if 15 00:00:44,720 --> 00:00:47,320 Speaker 2: I had all the beer in the world, I'd throw 16 00:00:47,360 --> 00:00:50,760 Speaker 2: it into the river with greater fervor. If I had 17 00:00:50,800 --> 00:00:53,160 Speaker 2: all the wine in the world, I'd throw it into 18 00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:56,200 Speaker 2: the river, almost at the top of his lungs. If 19 00:00:56,240 --> 00:00:57,440 Speaker 2: I had all the whiskey in. 20 00:00:57,400 --> 00:01:01,000 Speaker 3: The world, I'd throw it into the river. He sat down. 21 00:01:01,240 --> 00:01:02,200 Speaker 3: Song leader came. 22 00:01:02,120 --> 00:01:05,240 Speaker 2: Up said for a closing song, let's sing him three 23 00:01:05,360 --> 00:01:06,040 Speaker 2: sixty five. 24 00:01:06,319 --> 00:01:09,959 Speaker 3: Shall we gather at the river say it like you 25 00:01:10,040 --> 00:01:10,360 Speaker 3: mean it. 26 00:01:10,640 --> 00:01:13,360 Speaker 2: This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. 27 00:01:13,840 --> 00:01:16,240 Speaker 2: I have what it says I have. I can do 28 00:01:16,319 --> 00:01:18,840 Speaker 2: what it says I can do. Today I will be 29 00:01:18,920 --> 00:01:22,759 Speaker 2: taught the word of God. I'll boldly confess. My mind 30 00:01:22,840 --> 00:01:26,000 Speaker 2: is alert, my heart is receptive. I will never be 31 00:01:26,160 --> 00:01:30,840 Speaker 2: the same. In Jesus' name, God bless you. I want 32 00:01:30,840 --> 00:01:34,240 Speaker 2: to talk to you today about stay and committed. We 33 00:01:34,319 --> 00:01:37,840 Speaker 2: all have opportunities to give up on what we're believing for, 34 00:01:38,560 --> 00:01:42,560 Speaker 2: walk away from an uncomfortable situation, slack off, and not 35 00:01:42,720 --> 00:01:45,320 Speaker 2: be our best. But if you're going to reach your 36 00:01:45,440 --> 00:01:48,520 Speaker 2: highest potential, you have to stay committed. 37 00:01:49,240 --> 00:01:50,639 Speaker 3: You can't be moved by. 38 00:01:50,520 --> 00:01:53,800 Speaker 2: What's not working out, give up on a child because 39 00:01:53,840 --> 00:01:56,960 Speaker 2: he's not doing what he should, slack off at work 40 00:01:57,160 --> 00:02:00,280 Speaker 2: because you're not being treated right. You have to have 41 00:02:00,440 --> 00:02:03,200 Speaker 2: a made up mind that you are in it for. 42 00:02:03,160 --> 00:02:03,960 Speaker 3: The long haul. 43 00:02:04,800 --> 00:02:07,880 Speaker 2: It may be difficult, you have a good reason to 44 00:02:07,920 --> 00:02:08,519 Speaker 2: walk away. 45 00:02:09,160 --> 00:02:11,000 Speaker 3: Don't take the easy way out. 46 00:02:11,360 --> 00:02:16,160 Speaker 2: Stay committed to your marriage, Stay committed to raising those children. 47 00:02:16,760 --> 00:02:18,480 Speaker 3: Stay committed to your friends. 48 00:02:18,960 --> 00:02:22,720 Speaker 2: They may make mistakes, give them some grace don't be 49 00:02:22,760 --> 00:02:24,040 Speaker 2: a fair weathered friend. 50 00:02:24,400 --> 00:02:27,440 Speaker 3: Be committed in the good times and the tough times. 51 00:02:28,120 --> 00:02:29,880 Speaker 3: Stay committed to your dreams. 52 00:02:30,400 --> 00:02:33,240 Speaker 2: Don't give up on the promises God put in your heart. 53 00:02:33,919 --> 00:02:36,760 Speaker 2: It may be taken longer than you thought, but God 54 00:02:36,840 --> 00:02:40,200 Speaker 2: is still on the throne. He's a faithful God. He's 55 00:02:40,240 --> 00:02:42,880 Speaker 2: already set the time to bring it to pass. 56 00:02:43,800 --> 00:02:47,320 Speaker 3: Stay committed to your church, Stay committed to your job. 57 00:02:47,720 --> 00:02:51,320 Speaker 2: Be a loyal person, somebody they can count on day 58 00:02:51,360 --> 00:02:52,600 Speaker 2: in and day out. 59 00:02:53,120 --> 00:02:54,840 Speaker 3: You're not always going to feel like it. 60 00:02:55,320 --> 00:02:59,120 Speaker 2: There will be good days and tough days, times when 61 00:02:59,160 --> 00:03:02,720 Speaker 2: it's exciting, times when you feel like giving up. That's 62 00:03:02,800 --> 00:03:05,400 Speaker 2: when you have to dig your heels in and say, 63 00:03:05,480 --> 00:03:07,959 Speaker 2: I'm going to do the right thing when it's hard. 64 00:03:08,600 --> 00:03:11,680 Speaker 2: I'm committed to this marriage. I'm going to love you 65 00:03:12,080 --> 00:03:15,920 Speaker 2: even though you don't deserve it. I'm committed to this job. 66 00:03:16,080 --> 00:03:19,000 Speaker 2: I'm going to be my best even though my supervisor 67 00:03:19,200 --> 00:03:20,200 Speaker 2: isn't treating me right. 68 00:03:21,040 --> 00:03:22,760 Speaker 3: I'm committed to my dreams. 69 00:03:22,960 --> 00:03:25,160 Speaker 2: I'm not going to give up because I don't see 70 00:03:25,160 --> 00:03:29,520 Speaker 2: anything happening. I'm going to keep believing, expecting, thanking God. 71 00:03:29,639 --> 00:03:31,360 Speaker 3: I know it's on the way. 72 00:03:31,639 --> 00:03:37,400 Speaker 2: God rewards consistent, faithful, committed people, But too many people 73 00:03:37,760 --> 00:03:41,360 Speaker 2: are wishy washing. They'll love you as long as you 74 00:03:41,480 --> 00:03:42,440 Speaker 2: perform perfectly. 75 00:03:42,960 --> 00:03:43,839 Speaker 3: Not they're out of there. 76 00:03:44,440 --> 00:03:47,480 Speaker 2: They'll be their best if you keep them encouraged, keep 77 00:03:47,520 --> 00:03:50,600 Speaker 2: them propped up. They'll pursue a dream as long as 78 00:03:50,640 --> 00:03:54,880 Speaker 2: they're getting good breaks. Their commitment is based on things 79 00:03:54,920 --> 00:03:56,240 Speaker 2: going their way. 80 00:03:56,400 --> 00:03:57,160 Speaker 3: But when it's. 81 00:03:57,000 --> 00:04:00,320 Speaker 2: Difficult, when it's taken longer than they thought, they get 82 00:04:00,360 --> 00:04:04,200 Speaker 2: discouraged start to slack off. Well, Joel, I don't like 83 00:04:04,280 --> 00:04:07,520 Speaker 2: my job. They don't treat me right. That's why I 84 00:04:07,560 --> 00:04:10,360 Speaker 2: show up late. That's why I play on the computer 85 00:04:10,480 --> 00:04:14,200 Speaker 2: half the day. You're not working under people, you're working 86 00:04:14,280 --> 00:04:14,840 Speaker 2: under God. 87 00:04:15,240 --> 00:04:16,680 Speaker 3: He's keeping the records. 88 00:04:17,480 --> 00:04:21,000 Speaker 2: The scripture says promotion doesn't come from the North or 89 00:04:21,040 --> 00:04:24,400 Speaker 2: the South, it comes from the Lord. Well, they don't 90 00:04:24,440 --> 00:04:28,520 Speaker 2: pay me enough. I'm undervalued. If they would pay me more, 91 00:04:28,720 --> 00:04:31,560 Speaker 2: I would do more. But if you don't pass the 92 00:04:31,680 --> 00:04:35,600 Speaker 2: test of being your best, where you are showing up 93 00:04:35,640 --> 00:04:38,800 Speaker 2: on time with a good attitude, doing more than you 94 00:04:38,880 --> 00:04:42,479 Speaker 2: have to, then you'll get stuck. They may not be 95 00:04:42,640 --> 00:04:45,680 Speaker 2: paying you what you're worth, but your job is not 96 00:04:45,839 --> 00:04:53,040 Speaker 2: your source. God is your source. And yes, God uses people, supervisors, companies, 97 00:04:53,520 --> 00:04:55,400 Speaker 2: but don't get them mixed. 98 00:04:55,200 --> 00:04:56,240 Speaker 3: Up with your source. 99 00:04:57,080 --> 00:05:00,960 Speaker 2: If you see your company as your provider, your boss 100 00:05:01,040 --> 00:05:04,640 Speaker 2: as your source, then in a sense, you're making them 101 00:05:04,680 --> 00:05:05,280 Speaker 2: your God. 102 00:05:06,040 --> 00:05:08,080 Speaker 3: You're letting them control your destiny. 103 00:05:08,400 --> 00:05:11,440 Speaker 2: They determine how high you're going to go, and if 104 00:05:11,480 --> 00:05:14,159 Speaker 2: for some reason they don't like you, they're not for you. 105 00:05:14,640 --> 00:05:18,560 Speaker 2: Too bad, You're limited. No, stop looking to people and 106 00:05:18,640 --> 00:05:22,640 Speaker 2: start looking to God. He not only controls your destiny, 107 00:05:23,000 --> 00:05:24,640 Speaker 2: he controls the whole universe. 108 00:05:25,400 --> 00:05:27,960 Speaker 3: He determines how high you're going to go. 109 00:05:28,480 --> 00:05:32,480 Speaker 2: No person, no supervisor, no company can stand against God. 110 00:05:33,279 --> 00:05:34,359 Speaker 3: He knows what's happening. 111 00:05:34,760 --> 00:05:38,640 Speaker 2: He sees what's unfair when you stay committed to your job, 112 00:05:39,279 --> 00:05:42,240 Speaker 2: when you keep being your best day in and day out, 113 00:05:42,560 --> 00:05:43,920 Speaker 2: despite who doesn't like. 114 00:05:43,920 --> 00:05:47,039 Speaker 3: You, God will make it up to you. God is 115 00:05:47,080 --> 00:05:49,039 Speaker 3: your source. He has the final. 116 00:05:48,839 --> 00:05:53,120 Speaker 2: Say, well, Joel, it's difficult to stay committed to my job, 117 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:57,040 Speaker 2: committed to my marriage, committed to this dream. Nothing's going 118 00:05:57,120 --> 00:06:00,640 Speaker 2: my way. If it was easy, everyone and would do it. 119 00:06:01,400 --> 00:06:05,160 Speaker 2: God chose you because he knew you can handle it. 120 00:06:05,600 --> 00:06:09,279 Speaker 2: You have the courage, the strength, the talent, the anointing. 121 00:06:09,880 --> 00:06:13,120 Speaker 2: You're not weak. You're not lacking. You are full of 122 00:06:13,279 --> 00:06:17,400 Speaker 2: can do power. You didn't come this far to stop now. 123 00:06:18,080 --> 00:06:20,680 Speaker 2: The people that see dreams come to pass are the 124 00:06:20,760 --> 00:06:22,520 Speaker 2: people that stay committed. 125 00:06:23,240 --> 00:06:24,640 Speaker 3: I've heard it said on. 126 00:06:24,560 --> 00:06:29,360 Speaker 2: The road to your destiny, halfway through, every person will 127 00:06:29,360 --> 00:06:32,919 Speaker 2: be tempted to give up, some turn around, go back. 128 00:06:33,440 --> 00:06:38,080 Speaker 2: The others stay committed and keep moving forward. What's interesting 129 00:06:38,400 --> 00:06:43,200 Speaker 2: is both people travel the same distance. One goes halfway 130 00:06:43,240 --> 00:06:46,839 Speaker 2: back to where they started, the other goes halfway. 131 00:06:46,440 --> 00:06:48,000 Speaker 3: Ahead and reach their goal. 132 00:06:48,960 --> 00:06:54,400 Speaker 2: Committed people outlast the difficulty. Committed people stick with the 133 00:06:54,480 --> 00:06:58,400 Speaker 2: relationship even though they have a right to walk away. 134 00:06:58,560 --> 00:07:02,200 Speaker 2: Committed people go the extra mile and do more than 135 00:07:02,240 --> 00:07:05,880 Speaker 2: they have to. Is there an area you've been tempted 136 00:07:05,920 --> 00:07:08,760 Speaker 2: to give up in or just slack off, not be 137 00:07:08,839 --> 00:07:14,120 Speaker 2: your best? God is saying, stay committed, stay faithful, stay loyal. 138 00:07:14,480 --> 00:07:18,960 Speaker 2: Committed people reached the fullness of their destinies. My parents 139 00:07:19,000 --> 00:07:23,160 Speaker 2: started Lakewood in nineteen fifty nine with ninety people. My 140 00:07:23,240 --> 00:07:27,160 Speaker 2: father always knew that he would pastor a church with thousands. 141 00:07:27,400 --> 00:07:30,640 Speaker 2: God put that dream in his heart, But for thirteen 142 00:07:30,720 --> 00:07:34,520 Speaker 2: years Lakewood didn't grow, had less than two hundred people. 143 00:07:35,360 --> 00:07:36,760 Speaker 3: One reason we're here. 144 00:07:36,640 --> 00:07:41,200 Speaker 2: Today is because my father stayed committed. He didn't say, 145 00:07:41,720 --> 00:07:44,640 Speaker 2: I'm committed as long as it's growing. 146 00:07:45,320 --> 00:07:47,160 Speaker 3: I'm committed as long. 147 00:07:46,960 --> 00:07:49,720 Speaker 2: As it's exciding, as long as things are going my way. 148 00:07:50,160 --> 00:07:52,640 Speaker 3: He was committed when nothing was changing. 149 00:07:53,200 --> 00:07:56,120 Speaker 2: He preached three times a week to those ninety people 150 00:07:56,480 --> 00:07:59,200 Speaker 2: like he was preaching to ninety thousand. He never missed 151 00:07:59,200 --> 00:08:04,600 Speaker 2: a service. Year after year, no growth, no increase. But 152 00:08:04,720 --> 00:08:08,120 Speaker 2: in nineteen seventy two, it was like God flipped a switch. 153 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:10,000 Speaker 3: People begin to come. 154 00:08:09,840 --> 00:08:12,720 Speaker 2: From all over the city, grew to thousands and thousands. 155 00:08:13,320 --> 00:08:16,640 Speaker 2: The dreams God's placed in your heart, the promises you're 156 00:08:16,680 --> 00:08:20,400 Speaker 2: standing on, may be taken longer than you thought. You 157 00:08:20,440 --> 00:08:22,200 Speaker 2: don't see any sign of it happening. 158 00:08:22,440 --> 00:08:26,320 Speaker 3: That's a test. Are you going to get discouraged, give. 159 00:08:26,160 --> 00:08:30,160 Speaker 2: Up on what you're believing for? Stay committed, keep doing 160 00:08:30,240 --> 00:08:34,840 Speaker 2: the right thing. God is in control. He sees your faithfulness. 161 00:08:35,080 --> 00:08:37,559 Speaker 2: Like with my father, You're going to come into your 162 00:08:37,679 --> 00:08:38,840 Speaker 2: season of favor. 163 00:08:39,280 --> 00:08:43,360 Speaker 3: Your dream is right up in front of you. Two Kings, 164 00:08:43,400 --> 00:08:44,120 Speaker 3: Chapter two. 165 00:08:44,480 --> 00:08:47,880 Speaker 2: The prophet Elijah was about to be taken up to 166 00:08:47,960 --> 00:08:52,080 Speaker 2: heaven in a whirldwind. He had an assistant named Elisha. 167 00:08:53,120 --> 00:08:57,160 Speaker 2: Elisha was like a son to him. Elisha took care 168 00:08:57,360 --> 00:09:00,880 Speaker 2: of Elijah. He went with him everywhere, sure that he 169 00:09:00,960 --> 00:09:05,560 Speaker 2: had what he wanted. In verse two, Elijah said to Elisha, 170 00:09:05,800 --> 00:09:09,720 Speaker 2: stay here, I'm going to the city of Bethel. And 171 00:09:09,760 --> 00:09:12,800 Speaker 2: Elisha knew the prophet was going to be taken away. 172 00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:14,679 Speaker 3: He knew he was coming to an end. 173 00:09:15,040 --> 00:09:17,520 Speaker 2: He could have thought, all right, I'm gonna stay after all, 174 00:09:17,559 --> 00:09:22,680 Speaker 2: his life's almost over. Instead, Elisha said to him, as 175 00:09:22,720 --> 00:09:24,880 Speaker 2: surely as the Lord lives. 176 00:09:24,679 --> 00:09:28,040 Speaker 3: I will never leave you. They went together to Bethel. 177 00:09:28,559 --> 00:09:32,160 Speaker 2: In Bethel, Elijah said, stay here, I'm going to the 178 00:09:32,160 --> 00:09:36,880 Speaker 2: city of Jericho. Elisha said it again, as surely as 179 00:09:36,920 --> 00:09:37,560 Speaker 2: the Lord. 180 00:09:37,440 --> 00:09:40,880 Speaker 3: Lives, I will not leave you. They arrived in Jericho. 181 00:09:41,480 --> 00:09:45,200 Speaker 2: Elijah told him the third time, stay here, I'm going 182 00:09:45,240 --> 00:09:48,560 Speaker 2: to the Jordan River. Elisha said the same thing. I 183 00:09:48,640 --> 00:09:53,000 Speaker 2: will not leave you three times. Elijah tried to get 184 00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:53,600 Speaker 2: rid of him. 185 00:09:54,280 --> 00:09:55,000 Speaker 3: Three times. 186 00:09:55,040 --> 00:09:58,240 Speaker 2: He said, in effect, you've done enough. You've served me 187 00:09:58,360 --> 00:10:01,240 Speaker 2: well all these years, you've been fed eightful loyal take 188 00:10:01,280 --> 00:10:04,719 Speaker 2: some time off, go relax. Elisha wouldn't hear of it. 189 00:10:05,200 --> 00:10:09,040 Speaker 2: His attitude was I'm committed to you. I'm going to 190 00:10:09,120 --> 00:10:12,400 Speaker 2: stick with you through thick and thin. I was with 191 00:10:12,440 --> 00:10:15,319 Speaker 2: you in the good times when you were performing miracles. 192 00:10:15,640 --> 00:10:18,080 Speaker 2: I'm gonna be with you in the tough times as 193 00:10:18,080 --> 00:10:22,160 Speaker 2: you come to an end. Nobody would have faulted Elisha 194 00:10:22,520 --> 00:10:25,400 Speaker 2: if he had have walked away. His boss told him to. 195 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:28,800 Speaker 2: He had a good reason. But he wouldn't slack off. 196 00:10:29,320 --> 00:10:32,280 Speaker 2: He wouldn't take the easy way out. He was committed, 197 00:10:32,720 --> 00:10:35,760 Speaker 2: He was loyal. He was someone you could count on. 198 00:10:36,640 --> 00:10:39,800 Speaker 2: As they crossed the Jordan River, Elijah said to him, 199 00:10:40,000 --> 00:10:42,120 Speaker 2: what do you want me to do for you before 200 00:10:42,160 --> 00:10:46,240 Speaker 2: I leave? Elisha said, I want a double portion of 201 00:10:46,280 --> 00:10:50,720 Speaker 2: your anointing. He said, you've asked a hard thing, but 202 00:10:50,840 --> 00:10:53,480 Speaker 2: if you see me when I'm taking away. 203 00:10:53,559 --> 00:10:54,320 Speaker 3: You will have it. 204 00:10:55,080 --> 00:10:57,720 Speaker 2: In a little while, as they were walking along, a 205 00:10:57,720 --> 00:11:00,760 Speaker 2: whirlwind took Elijah up to the heavens. 206 00:11:01,480 --> 00:11:03,520 Speaker 3: His mantle fell on Elisha. 207 00:11:04,280 --> 00:11:08,280 Speaker 2: Elisha picked up Elijah's rod, struck the Jordan River, and 208 00:11:08,360 --> 00:11:13,440 Speaker 2: it parted. Elisha ended up performing twice as many miracles 209 00:11:13,480 --> 00:11:14,679 Speaker 2: as Elijah. 210 00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:15,800 Speaker 3: Here's my point. 211 00:11:16,280 --> 00:11:19,400 Speaker 2: He would have never seen the double portion if he 212 00:11:19,440 --> 00:11:20,880 Speaker 2: had not stayed committed. 213 00:11:21,640 --> 00:11:23,280 Speaker 3: If he had left the first time. 214 00:11:23,640 --> 00:11:26,560 Speaker 2: Elijah told him to go or the second time or 215 00:11:26,600 --> 00:11:31,400 Speaker 2: the third, he wouldn't have seen the fullness of his destiny. 216 00:11:31,800 --> 00:11:35,000 Speaker 2: There will be plenty of times where you're tempted to 217 00:11:35,120 --> 00:11:38,880 Speaker 2: walk away. Walk away from a dream it's been too long, 218 00:11:38,960 --> 00:11:41,960 Speaker 2: it's never going to happen. Walk away from a marriage, 219 00:11:42,440 --> 00:11:44,560 Speaker 2: walk away from a church, walk away. 220 00:11:44,360 --> 00:11:45,120 Speaker 3: From a job. 221 00:11:45,600 --> 00:11:49,000 Speaker 2: They don't appreciate you, they never tell you thank you. 222 00:11:49,000 --> 00:11:52,440 Speaker 2: You could slack off, take the easy way out. But 223 00:11:52,520 --> 00:11:56,520 Speaker 2: what you can't see is there's a double portion up in. 224 00:11:56,480 --> 00:11:57,040 Speaker 3: Front of you. 225 00:11:58,000 --> 00:12:02,400 Speaker 2: Stay committed when it's hard, do the right thing when 226 00:12:02,440 --> 00:12:06,560 Speaker 2: the wrong thing is happening. Keep loving that man, that woman, 227 00:12:07,000 --> 00:12:13,000 Speaker 2: even though they don't deserve it. When you stay loyal, consistent, faithful, 228 00:12:13,320 --> 00:12:18,920 Speaker 2: a double portion is coming, double favor, double honor, double resources. 229 00:12:19,240 --> 00:12:23,280 Speaker 2: God will pay you back for staying committed. But this 230 00:12:23,440 --> 00:12:28,840 Speaker 2: double portion isn't for everyone. It's not common, it's not ordinary. 231 00:12:29,440 --> 00:12:32,200 Speaker 2: It's for people that do more than they have to, 232 00:12:32,800 --> 00:12:35,720 Speaker 2: for people that go the extra mile, for people that 233 00:12:35,840 --> 00:12:39,160 Speaker 2: don't give up when it's not exciting. It's for people 234 00:12:39,240 --> 00:12:43,959 Speaker 2: like you, people that stay committed. I can imagine after 235 00:12:44,080 --> 00:12:47,360 Speaker 2: Elijah told Elisha to stay that third time, and he 236 00:12:47,400 --> 00:12:51,000 Speaker 2: wouldn't do it, Elisha must have thought. That is one 237 00:12:51,200 --> 00:12:54,840 Speaker 2: stubborn boy. He will not change his mind. He is 238 00:12:54,960 --> 00:12:57,880 Speaker 2: determined to take care of me. That's the way you 239 00:12:57,960 --> 00:13:01,000 Speaker 2: have to be to see God's best. There has to 240 00:13:01,040 --> 00:13:04,760 Speaker 2: be a stubbornness. I'm committed to this marriage. 241 00:13:04,960 --> 00:13:08,440 Speaker 3: Leaving is not an option. I'm committed to my children. 242 00:13:08,840 --> 00:13:10,920 Speaker 2: No matter what they do or don't do, I'm going 243 00:13:10,960 --> 00:13:12,200 Speaker 2: to be there for them. 244 00:13:12,520 --> 00:13:15,920 Speaker 3: I'm committed to being my best at this job. You 245 00:13:15,960 --> 00:13:18,640 Speaker 3: don't let people talk you out of it. You don't 246 00:13:18,679 --> 00:13:19,400 Speaker 3: slack off. 247 00:13:19,240 --> 00:13:23,000 Speaker 2: Because it's not fair. You're lonely, you're not making progress. 248 00:13:23,280 --> 00:13:26,800 Speaker 2: You have a made up mind. When you stay committed, 249 00:13:27,280 --> 00:13:30,320 Speaker 2: God will make things happen that you couldn't make happen. 250 00:13:31,000 --> 00:13:35,160 Speaker 2: Suddenly things will turn around, Suddenly your marriage will improve, 251 00:13:35,480 --> 00:13:37,120 Speaker 2: Suddenly your business. 252 00:13:36,640 --> 00:13:40,640 Speaker 3: Will take off. Many of you have passed this test. 253 00:13:41,240 --> 00:13:43,840 Speaker 2: You've been committed, You've been doing the right thing. 254 00:13:44,320 --> 00:13:47,680 Speaker 3: Be encouraged. You are close to your double portion. 255 00:13:48,240 --> 00:13:51,280 Speaker 2: You are close to a breakthrough, close to meeting the 256 00:13:51,360 --> 00:13:52,400 Speaker 2: right person. 257 00:13:52,520 --> 00:13:54,120 Speaker 3: Close to your new level. 258 00:13:55,200 --> 00:13:58,120 Speaker 2: When Jesus was in the garden of Gasimine, he was 259 00:13:58,160 --> 00:14:02,480 Speaker 2: so distressed that he swept great drops of blood on 260 00:14:02,520 --> 00:14:05,479 Speaker 2: the way to Calvary. He was so beaten and bruised 261 00:14:05,679 --> 00:14:07,360 Speaker 2: he fell down under the. 262 00:14:07,240 --> 00:14:08,600 Speaker 3: Weight of the cross. 263 00:14:08,840 --> 00:14:11,960 Speaker 2: He could have said, God, it's too much. I did 264 00:14:11,960 --> 00:14:15,439 Speaker 2: the right thing, but these people treated me badly. They 265 00:14:15,520 --> 00:14:17,800 Speaker 2: mocked me, ridiculed me, sent me to the cross. 266 00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:21,440 Speaker 3: I'm done. I've had enough. Jesus stayed committed. 267 00:14:22,240 --> 00:14:25,920 Speaker 2: He was committed when it wasn't fair. He was committed 268 00:14:26,120 --> 00:14:27,880 Speaker 2: when he had every right. 269 00:14:27,760 --> 00:14:28,400 Speaker 3: To give up. 270 00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:32,360 Speaker 2: Nobody would have faulted him if he had walked away. 271 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:35,800 Speaker 2: But he was in it for the long haul. He 272 00:14:35,920 --> 00:14:40,400 Speaker 2: was stubborn when it came to fulfilling his purpose. Where 273 00:14:40,440 --> 00:14:44,160 Speaker 2: are the people that would do like Jesus and stay committed. 274 00:14:44,840 --> 00:14:48,360 Speaker 2: People that don't give up because it's not fair, People 275 00:14:48,360 --> 00:14:51,160 Speaker 2: that don't slack off because it's taken longer than they thought. 276 00:14:51,640 --> 00:14:53,480 Speaker 3: People that have a made up mind. 277 00:14:54,440 --> 00:14:59,000 Speaker 2: Nineteen sixty a young man opened a pizza place in Michigan. 278 00:14:59,480 --> 00:15:01,840 Speaker 2: He was an orphan that had been raised in a 279 00:15:01,880 --> 00:15:05,840 Speaker 2: Catholic orphanage. He borrowed nine hundred dollars and started his 280 00:15:05,920 --> 00:15:07,080 Speaker 2: small pizza place. 281 00:15:07,600 --> 00:15:09,360 Speaker 3: He had all kinds of bad breaks. 282 00:15:09,960 --> 00:15:14,000 Speaker 2: A business partner got into his account and stole several thousand. 283 00:15:13,720 --> 00:15:15,360 Speaker 3: Dollars his life savings. 284 00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:19,720 Speaker 2: Nineteen sixty eight, a fire burned his building down. The 285 00:15:19,720 --> 00:15:23,600 Speaker 2: insurance company paid him a penny on the dollar. He 286 00:15:23,600 --> 00:15:26,640 Speaker 2: could have gotten discouraged, thought this is not meant to be. 287 00:15:27,440 --> 00:15:31,120 Speaker 2: But this young man stayed committed to the dream God 288 00:15:31,160 --> 00:15:34,720 Speaker 2: placed in his heart. He had an idea. Instead of 289 00:15:34,760 --> 00:15:38,600 Speaker 2: people having to come get their pizza, he decided to 290 00:15:38,680 --> 00:15:41,880 Speaker 2: take the pizza to the people. He came up with 291 00:15:42,000 --> 00:15:43,640 Speaker 2: the first delivery service. 292 00:15:44,040 --> 00:15:45,320 Speaker 3: He called it Dominoes. 293 00:15:46,080 --> 00:15:50,160 Speaker 2: He started with one restaurant nine hundred dollars. Today there 294 00:15:50,160 --> 00:15:54,280 Speaker 2: are over six thousand Dominoes. A few years ago, Tom 295 00:15:54,320 --> 00:15:57,160 Speaker 2: Monicham sold his company for a billion dollars. 296 00:15:57,760 --> 00:16:02,280 Speaker 3: He's incredibly generous. He helps underprivileged children around the world. 297 00:16:02,840 --> 00:16:03,640 Speaker 3: What am I saying? 298 00:16:04,200 --> 00:16:07,520 Speaker 2: When you stay committed, God will open doors that you 299 00:16:07,560 --> 00:16:11,320 Speaker 2: could never open. God will bring you into your double portion. 300 00:16:12,520 --> 00:16:15,040 Speaker 2: And you may have plenty of reasons to give up 301 00:16:15,040 --> 00:16:19,520 Speaker 2: on your dream. Like him, You've had disappointments, setbacks, that's 302 00:16:19,640 --> 00:16:23,480 Speaker 2: all a part of the process. When you get knocked down, 303 00:16:23,840 --> 00:16:27,160 Speaker 2: you have to get back up again. God didn't bring 304 00:16:27,200 --> 00:16:31,200 Speaker 2: you this far to leave you. Don't settle for mediocrity. 305 00:16:31,720 --> 00:16:36,080 Speaker 2: God created you for greatness. There is something in you 306 00:16:36,520 --> 00:16:40,600 Speaker 2: that will cause you to stand out. Something nobody else has, 307 00:16:41,120 --> 00:16:44,560 Speaker 2: nobody else can do. God put a seed in you 308 00:16:45,040 --> 00:16:48,160 Speaker 2: so you can leave your mark. Don't let people talk 309 00:16:48,200 --> 00:16:51,040 Speaker 2: you out of it. Don't let failures convince you to 310 00:16:51,080 --> 00:16:54,800 Speaker 2: give up. Don't let delays and detours cause you to 311 00:16:54,840 --> 00:16:58,560 Speaker 2: get discouraged. I know a man had an idea for 312 00:16:58,600 --> 00:17:03,120 Speaker 2: a business. He was down by thirty one banks. Thirty 313 00:17:03,200 --> 00:17:06,280 Speaker 2: one experts told him it wasn't a good idea, he 314 00:17:06,400 --> 00:17:09,840 Speaker 2: was wasting his time. You would think he would get 315 00:17:09,840 --> 00:17:14,359 Speaker 2: the message after thirty one bank said no. Like Elisha, 316 00:17:14,960 --> 00:17:18,639 Speaker 2: this young man was stubborn. Those banks said, in effect, 317 00:17:18,640 --> 00:17:22,119 Speaker 2: go away, leave, it's not a good idea. He said, no, thanks. 318 00:17:22,520 --> 00:17:24,440 Speaker 3: I'm committed to my dream. 319 00:17:24,760 --> 00:17:27,760 Speaker 2: When God puts a dream in your heart, it won't 320 00:17:27,760 --> 00:17:31,439 Speaker 2: go away. You can try to push it down, dismiss it, 321 00:17:31,600 --> 00:17:35,760 Speaker 2: but that seed is still alive. This young man went 322 00:17:35,800 --> 00:17:39,080 Speaker 2: to bank number thirty two. They loved the idea. He 323 00:17:39,200 --> 00:17:42,920 Speaker 2: started his business. It's expanded all over the world, totally 324 00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:46,800 Speaker 2: taken off. Other people may have told you no. But 325 00:17:46,920 --> 00:17:50,720 Speaker 2: when God says yes, his yes cancels out there no, 326 00:17:51,640 --> 00:17:56,399 Speaker 2: His yes over rules. What people are telling you stay 327 00:17:56,400 --> 00:18:00,320 Speaker 2: committed to your dream, do the right thing when it's hard, 328 00:18:00,880 --> 00:18:03,560 Speaker 2: when you have permission to give up on it. 329 00:18:04,160 --> 00:18:05,560 Speaker 3: Joel, the bank told me. 330 00:18:05,600 --> 00:18:09,560 Speaker 2: No, or you have permission to walk out of a relationship. 331 00:18:10,000 --> 00:18:14,080 Speaker 3: Elijah said, I could go be an Elisha. Stay committed, 332 00:18:14,480 --> 00:18:16,119 Speaker 3: stay loyal, stay faithful. 333 00:18:16,800 --> 00:18:20,280 Speaker 2: In the scripture, Joseph and Mary were planning their wedding. 334 00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:23,919 Speaker 3: It was an exciting time. I'm sure their friends and 335 00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:25,520 Speaker 3: family were so happy for them. 336 00:18:25,720 --> 00:18:30,600 Speaker 2: Life was good until God interrupted their plans. The Angel 337 00:18:30,640 --> 00:18:33,720 Speaker 2: appeared to maryan told her she was going to have 338 00:18:33,800 --> 00:18:35,960 Speaker 2: a baby without knowing a man. 339 00:18:36,359 --> 00:18:37,679 Speaker 3: He would be the son of God. 340 00:18:38,359 --> 00:18:42,080 Speaker 2: While she was excited, she wasn't looking forward to having 341 00:18:42,119 --> 00:18:47,320 Speaker 2: this conversation with her fiance. You can imagine how that went. Joseph, 342 00:18:47,480 --> 00:18:52,040 Speaker 2: I have some interesting news. I'm pregnant. I'm having a baby. No, 343 00:18:52,160 --> 00:18:55,280 Speaker 2: it's not your child, but don't worry. The angel said, 344 00:18:55,640 --> 00:18:58,280 Speaker 2: I'm going to give birth to the Messiah. 345 00:18:58,359 --> 00:19:00,440 Speaker 3: You can hear Joseph saying yeah, right. What kind of 346 00:19:00,520 --> 00:19:01,360 Speaker 3: angel was that? 347 00:19:02,680 --> 00:19:07,840 Speaker 2: Joseph was an honorable, well respected man, and back in 348 00:19:07,880 --> 00:19:11,960 Speaker 2: those days, especially having a baby out of wedlock was 349 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:15,160 Speaker 2: a big disgrace. This was going to make him look bad, 350 00:19:15,520 --> 00:19:18,840 Speaker 2: so he was going to quietly call things off, not 351 00:19:18,920 --> 00:19:23,080 Speaker 2: embarrass Mary. But an angel came to him and said, 352 00:19:23,119 --> 00:19:24,520 Speaker 2: take Mary as your wife. 353 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:27,000 Speaker 3: Everything she's told you is the truth. 354 00:19:27,680 --> 00:19:29,879 Speaker 2: Joseph could have said, that's all fine and good, but 355 00:19:30,320 --> 00:19:32,920 Speaker 2: I didn't sign up for this. I don't want all 356 00:19:32,920 --> 00:19:38,199 Speaker 2: this controversy, people tarnishing my reputation, always talking bad about me. 357 00:19:38,720 --> 00:19:42,720 Speaker 2: He had plenty of reasons to back out, but Joseph 358 00:19:42,840 --> 00:19:44,840 Speaker 2: did the right thing when it was hard. 359 00:19:45,520 --> 00:19:47,560 Speaker 3: He was committed. He was loyal. 360 00:19:48,600 --> 00:19:53,400 Speaker 2: In relationships with your spouse, your children, your friends. There 361 00:19:53,440 --> 00:19:57,040 Speaker 2: may be times you have a good reason to get out. 362 00:19:57,880 --> 00:20:00,879 Speaker 3: They did things to hurt you. They didn't put form perfectly. 363 00:20:01,080 --> 00:20:02,000 Speaker 3: They let you down. 364 00:20:02,440 --> 00:20:06,840 Speaker 2: You could justify walking away. Nobody would fault you. But 365 00:20:06,920 --> 00:20:11,120 Speaker 2: when you're a Joseph, when you're committed, you show mercy. 366 00:20:11,800 --> 00:20:15,879 Speaker 2: You give second chances, You make allowances for mistakes. 367 00:20:16,440 --> 00:20:17,639 Speaker 3: They may not deserve it. 368 00:20:17,880 --> 00:20:22,639 Speaker 2: They were guilty, but only the guilty need mercy. Stay 369 00:20:22,640 --> 00:20:25,840 Speaker 2: committed to your family, stay committed to your friends. 370 00:20:26,359 --> 00:20:28,000 Speaker 3: Be someone they can count on. 371 00:20:28,720 --> 00:20:32,760 Speaker 2: A true friend walks in when everybody else walks out. 372 00:20:33,520 --> 00:20:36,159 Speaker 2: A true friend will be there for you. Not just 373 00:20:36,200 --> 00:20:40,600 Speaker 2: when you succeed, but when you fail. I realize there 374 00:20:40,640 --> 00:20:43,320 Speaker 2: are times that a relationship comes to an end you 375 00:20:43,400 --> 00:20:44,199 Speaker 2: have to move on. 376 00:20:45,040 --> 00:20:46,520 Speaker 3: But don't let that be a. 377 00:20:46,560 --> 00:20:50,160 Speaker 2: Pattern where you bail out if they're not meeting all 378 00:20:50,240 --> 00:20:55,439 Speaker 2: your demands, living up to your expectations. People make mistakes. 379 00:20:56,160 --> 00:20:59,760 Speaker 2: Good people can blow it. People that love you can 380 00:20:59,800 --> 00:21:05,080 Speaker 2: let you down. God rewards people who are consistent when 381 00:21:05,160 --> 00:21:08,280 Speaker 2: life is complicated, people that will stick. 382 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:10,439 Speaker 3: With someone when they don't deserve it. 383 00:21:10,960 --> 00:21:14,399 Speaker 2: People that will be their best when someone else was 384 00:21:14,440 --> 00:21:19,120 Speaker 2: at their worst. Years ago, Jim Baker, the former head 385 00:21:19,119 --> 00:21:22,560 Speaker 2: of the PTL television network, went to prison for not 386 00:21:22,680 --> 00:21:23,920 Speaker 2: handling things properly. 387 00:21:24,400 --> 00:21:25,840 Speaker 3: He admitted he made. 388 00:21:25,640 --> 00:21:29,040 Speaker 2: Mistakes and it was a big scandal all over the news. 389 00:21:29,640 --> 00:21:32,640 Speaker 2: When he was about to be released from prison, our 390 00:21:32,680 --> 00:21:37,680 Speaker 2: friend Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son, contacted him and said 391 00:21:37,720 --> 00:21:40,520 Speaker 2: the Grahams wanted to rent him a house and provide 392 00:21:40,560 --> 00:21:43,679 Speaker 2: him a car to drive. Jim Baker said, Franklin, you 393 00:21:43,680 --> 00:21:47,440 Speaker 2: can't do that. I have too much negative baggage. Can't 394 00:21:47,440 --> 00:21:51,920 Speaker 2: be associated with me. You'll be criticized. Franklin said, Jim, 395 00:21:52,119 --> 00:21:55,159 Speaker 2: you are our friend. Before you went to prison, and 396 00:21:55,240 --> 00:21:59,760 Speaker 2: you will be our friend afterwards. The first sunday he 397 00:21:59,840 --> 00:22:04,760 Speaker 2: was out, Ruth Graham, Billy's wife, called the halfway house 398 00:22:05,160 --> 00:22:08,199 Speaker 2: where Jim was staying. She asked the man in charge 399 00:22:08,440 --> 00:22:11,280 Speaker 2: for permission for Jim to come to church. 400 00:22:11,080 --> 00:22:13,080 Speaker 3: With their family that Sunday. 401 00:22:13,160 --> 00:22:16,560 Speaker 2: He approved, and as he arrived at the church, they 402 00:22:16,600 --> 00:22:19,080 Speaker 2: took Jim down to the front row and sat him 403 00:22:19,080 --> 00:22:19,960 Speaker 2: next to Franklin. 404 00:22:20,600 --> 00:22:22,680 Speaker 3: There were two empty seats next to him. 405 00:22:23,080 --> 00:22:25,720 Speaker 2: Jim didn't know who they were for, but right before 406 00:22:25,720 --> 00:22:28,960 Speaker 2: the service started, a side door opened. Billy and Ruth 407 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:31,160 Speaker 2: Graham came out and sat down right next to him. 408 00:22:31,520 --> 00:22:35,160 Speaker 2: Billy Graham was saying to his friend Jim, I'm committed 409 00:22:35,160 --> 00:22:36,240 Speaker 2: to you. 410 00:22:36,240 --> 00:22:37,280 Speaker 3: You can count on me. 411 00:22:37,600 --> 00:22:39,720 Speaker 2: I'll be with you in the good times, and I'll 412 00:22:39,720 --> 00:22:42,880 Speaker 2: be with you in the tough times. You can tell 413 00:22:43,400 --> 00:22:46,720 Speaker 2: who your true friends are not when everything's going great, 414 00:22:47,520 --> 00:22:50,560 Speaker 2: not when you succeed, but when you fail, when you 415 00:22:50,600 --> 00:22:54,760 Speaker 2: get off course. I'm asking you to be a loyal person, 416 00:22:55,640 --> 00:22:58,679 Speaker 2: stay committed to the people God's put in your life. 417 00:22:59,240 --> 00:23:02,040 Speaker 2: They're going to make mistakes, they're going to do things 418 00:23:02,040 --> 00:23:06,520 Speaker 2: you don't understand. They don't need another judge condemning them. 419 00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:09,600 Speaker 2: They don't need more guilt and shame. They've got enough 420 00:23:09,600 --> 00:23:13,280 Speaker 2: of that. You can help love them back into the wholeness. 421 00:23:13,600 --> 00:23:16,480 Speaker 2: You can be the friend that walks in when everybody 422 00:23:16,480 --> 00:23:21,440 Speaker 2: else walks out. When you're committed, when you're loyal, doesn't 423 00:23:21,480 --> 00:23:25,600 Speaker 2: mean you're approving their actions. You're simply showing them the 424 00:23:25,680 --> 00:23:29,200 Speaker 2: mercy that you would want God to show you. You'll 425 00:23:29,240 --> 00:23:33,399 Speaker 2: being a healer, a restorer. They have enough things pushing 426 00:23:33,440 --> 00:23:37,479 Speaker 2: them down. Let's be people that lift them up. Too 427 00:23:37,560 --> 00:23:41,200 Speaker 2: many people today they're fair weather friends. They'll love you 428 00:23:41,280 --> 00:23:44,120 Speaker 2: in the good times, walk away in the tough times. 429 00:23:44,520 --> 00:23:48,160 Speaker 2: Our attitude should be you can count on me. I'm 430 00:23:48,240 --> 00:23:51,760 Speaker 2: committed to loving you. I'm committed to being good to you. 431 00:23:52,000 --> 00:23:56,680 Speaker 2: I'm committed to defending you. There are relationships that will 432 00:23:56,720 --> 00:23:59,560 Speaker 2: go to a new level if you would quit basing 433 00:23:59,600 --> 00:24:04,240 Speaker 2: your commitment on somebody's performance and let them know you're 434 00:24:04,240 --> 00:24:06,920 Speaker 2: in it for the long haul, through thick and thin, 435 00:24:07,280 --> 00:24:09,440 Speaker 2: through the good times and the tough times. 436 00:24:09,640 --> 00:24:11,080 Speaker 3: That takes the pressure off. 437 00:24:11,640 --> 00:24:15,000 Speaker 2: There's a freedom of security when they know, beyond a 438 00:24:15,040 --> 00:24:17,320 Speaker 2: shadow of a doubt, that you were for them. 439 00:24:18,080 --> 00:24:20,960 Speaker 3: I read about two young men named Jim and Philip. 440 00:24:21,359 --> 00:24:25,720 Speaker 2: They were best friends in high school, Practically inseparable, they 441 00:24:25,720 --> 00:24:27,719 Speaker 2: went to college and played sports together. 442 00:24:28,280 --> 00:24:31,040 Speaker 3: After they graduated, they both joined the Marines. 443 00:24:31,600 --> 00:24:35,240 Speaker 2: One day, they were in Germany on a battlefield. In 444 00:24:35,280 --> 00:24:39,160 Speaker 2: the midst of this very fierce battle, gunfire was going everywhere, 445 00:24:39,280 --> 00:24:43,200 Speaker 2: bombs were going off. They finally heard the command to retreat. 446 00:24:43,920 --> 00:24:47,800 Speaker 2: As they were running back, Jim noticed that Philip wasn't 447 00:24:47,840 --> 00:24:48,720 Speaker 2: around with him. 448 00:24:49,280 --> 00:24:50,439 Speaker 3: He pinged into panic. 449 00:24:50,680 --> 00:24:54,040 Speaker 2: He rushed to the commanding officer and asked for permission 450 00:24:54,080 --> 00:24:57,639 Speaker 2: to go back and look for his friend. The officer said, 451 00:24:57,800 --> 00:25:01,159 Speaker 2: are you crazy. That would be commit hitting suicide. You 452 00:25:01,160 --> 00:25:02,919 Speaker 2: don't have a chance to go back in all that 453 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:06,760 Speaker 2: gunfire without missing a beat, He turned around and took 454 00:25:06,800 --> 00:25:11,120 Speaker 2: off running, defying his orders. In a few minutes, the 455 00:25:11,160 --> 00:25:15,879 Speaker 2: officer saw him hobbling back, carrying the lifeless body of 456 00:25:15,960 --> 00:25:19,399 Speaker 2: his friend. The officer screamed at him, you could have 457 00:25:19,440 --> 00:25:22,679 Speaker 2: been killed. I told you not to go. I knew 458 00:25:22,840 --> 00:25:26,520 Speaker 2: your friend was already dead. He said, no, sir, I 459 00:25:26,600 --> 00:25:30,480 Speaker 2: got there just before he died. His last words were, I. 460 00:25:30,520 --> 00:25:34,760 Speaker 3: Knew you'd come back. That's what I want our friends, 461 00:25:35,560 --> 00:25:39,720 Speaker 3: our family to say about us. I knew you'd come back. 462 00:25:40,359 --> 00:25:44,119 Speaker 2: You were committed, you were loyal, You were somebody I 463 00:25:44,160 --> 00:25:47,919 Speaker 2: could count on. Is there some area you're tempted to 464 00:25:47,960 --> 00:25:50,960 Speaker 2: give up in or maybe just slack off, not be 465 00:25:51,119 --> 00:25:55,399 Speaker 2: your best? God is saying stay committed, keep doing the 466 00:25:55,480 --> 00:25:56,000 Speaker 2: right thing. 467 00:25:56,600 --> 00:25:59,000 Speaker 3: You can't see it, but up in front of you 468 00:25:59,160 --> 00:26:00,080 Speaker 3: is a double poor. 469 00:26:00,800 --> 00:26:05,399 Speaker 2: There's something more rewarding than you could imagine. Yes, it 470 00:26:05,440 --> 00:26:07,959 Speaker 2: may be difficult, but you are well able. 471 00:26:08,560 --> 00:26:09,520 Speaker 3: Make up your mind. 472 00:26:09,680 --> 00:26:12,720 Speaker 2: You are in it for the long haul. Be stubborn 473 00:26:12,880 --> 00:26:15,800 Speaker 2: when it comes to not giving up. If you'll do this, 474 00:26:16,200 --> 00:26:20,120 Speaker 2: I believe and declare, like Elisha, You're going to see 475 00:26:20,320 --> 00:26:24,520 Speaker 2: double favor, double honor, double resources. God's going to open 476 00:26:24,560 --> 00:26:27,159 Speaker 2: doors no man can shut and take you to the 477 00:26:27,200 --> 00:26:28,800 Speaker 2: fullness of your destiny. 478 00:26:29,240 --> 00:26:32,480 Speaker 3: In Jesus' name, if you receive it, Can you say amen? 479 00:26:32,560 --> 00:26:37,320 Speaker 2: Today I'd like to give you an opportunity to make 480 00:26:37,400 --> 00:26:40,320 Speaker 2: Jesus the lord of your life. Would you pray with me? 481 00:26:41,040 --> 00:26:45,080 Speaker 2: Just say, Lord, Jesus, I repent of my sins. 482 00:26:46,240 --> 00:26:50,160 Speaker 3: Come into my heart. I make you my Lord and savior. 483 00:26:51,600 --> 00:26:54,160 Speaker 2: If you prayed that simple prayer, we believe you got 484 00:26:54,160 --> 00:26:57,640 Speaker 2: born again. Get in a good Bible, based church, keep 485 00:26:57,680 --> 00:26:58,919 Speaker 2: God first place. 486 00:27:00,560 --> 00:27:03,760 Speaker 4: Breathtaking. That's what you feel when you look out at 487 00:27:03,800 --> 00:27:09,000 Speaker 4: majestic mountain peaks. Yes, God's creation truly is a masterpiece, 488 00:27:09,440 --> 00:27:12,879 Speaker 4: but even as you consider his handiwork, you might also 489 00:27:13,000 --> 00:27:17,879 Speaker 4: feel bless that, not good enough or not valuable. The 490 00:27:18,000 --> 00:27:22,280 Speaker 4: image before you is incredible, but the confidence inside is lacking. 491 00:27:22,840 --> 00:27:23,920 Speaker 3: How do you overcome this? 492 00:27:25,000 --> 00:27:28,520 Speaker 2: The opinion you have of yourself is your most important opinion. 493 00:27:29,080 --> 00:27:33,560 Speaker 2: Too often we see ourselves as ordinary, not talented, unattractive. 494 00:27:34,119 --> 00:27:37,040 Speaker 2: That wrong self image is setting the limits for our lie. 495 00:27:37,720 --> 00:27:39,960 Speaker 2: The key is to get an agreement with who God 496 00:27:40,040 --> 00:27:45,040 Speaker 2: says you are. He calls you a masterpiece, strong, talented, valuable. 497 00:27:45,640 --> 00:27:48,080 Speaker 2: If you'll have the right image of your self, you'll 498 00:27:48,200 --> 00:27:50,800 Speaker 2: rise higher and become who you were created to be. 499 00:27:51,560 --> 00:27:53,359 Speaker 2: We have a new resource that will help you do 500 00:27:53,600 --> 00:27:57,040 Speaker 2: just that. It's called you Are a Masterpiece. It's filled 501 00:27:57,080 --> 00:28:00,560 Speaker 2: with inspiration and encouragement that will remind you who you 502 00:28:00,640 --> 00:28:04,840 Speaker 2: really are, gifted, chosen, approved. It will help you get 503 00:28:04,920 --> 00:28:07,879 Speaker 2: rid of the wrong self image and start seeing yourself 504 00:28:07,960 --> 00:28:10,480 Speaker 2: as the masterpiece God created you to be. 505 00:28:11,560 --> 00:28:14,080 Speaker 4: As our Thank you for your gift of any amount 506 00:28:14,080 --> 00:28:16,440 Speaker 4: to the ministry this month. We want to send you 507 00:28:16,560 --> 00:28:22,560 Speaker 4: Joel's inspiring newbrook. You are a masterpiece. God made you unique, 508 00:28:22,760 --> 00:28:26,520 Speaker 4: with a divine purpose and a bright future. As these 509 00:28:26,600 --> 00:28:30,200 Speaker 4: truths sink down in your spirit, the majesty of God's 510 00:28:30,200 --> 00:28:34,359 Speaker 4: glory will arise within you. Yes, God has breathed his 511 00:28:34,520 --> 00:28:39,240 Speaker 4: life into you. He approved you, equipped you, empowered you. 512 00:28:39,880 --> 00:28:43,200 Speaker 4: Stop believing the lies about you and start hearing what 513 00:28:43,280 --> 00:28:44,480 Speaker 4: God says about you. 514 00:28:44,920 --> 00:28:47,160 Speaker 2: Thanks so much for being a part of the ministry 515 00:28:47,440 --> 00:28:50,200 Speaker 2: between I pray for you and your family every day, 516 00:28:50,520 --> 00:28:53,600 Speaker 2: believing it's going to be a favor filled twenty twenty four. 517 00:28:54,200 --> 00:28:58,880 Speaker 2: We appreciate your prayer and support. Your generosity is impacting. 518 00:28:58,440 --> 00:28:59,800 Speaker 3: People around the world. 519 00:29:00,280 --> 00:29:04,240 Speaker 2: Remember you can watch the services live online Sunday mornings, 520 00:29:04,360 --> 00:29:08,200 Speaker 2: see all the music and ministry. Download our daily podcast. 521 00:29:08,600 --> 00:29:11,080 Speaker 2: Until we meet again, May the Lord bless you. 522 00:29:11,000 --> 00:29:11,560 Speaker 3: And keep you. 523 00:29:12,440 --> 00:29:14,920 Speaker 4: Be sure to request your copy of that You Were 524 00:29:14,960 --> 00:29:25,480 Speaker 4: a Masterpiece today. Visit Joelostein dot com