1 00:00:00,680 --> 00:00:03,080 Speaker 1: Hi, this is Joel and Victorian. So great to have 2 00:00:03,160 --> 00:00:05,840 Speaker 1: you listening to the podcast. We have a new resource 3 00:00:05,880 --> 00:00:08,760 Speaker 1: we'd love to send you. It's the twenty twenty four 4 00:00:08,920 --> 00:00:13,000 Speaker 1: Devotional Calendar. It's full of inspiration and encouragement. It'll help 5 00:00:13,039 --> 00:00:15,560 Speaker 1: you to start the day off right. Hope you'll request 6 00:00:15,600 --> 00:00:20,480 Speaker 1: your copy, but enjoy the podcast today. Well, God bless you. 7 00:00:20,920 --> 00:00:23,440 Speaker 1: It's a joy to come into your homes. And if 8 00:00:23,440 --> 00:00:26,119 Speaker 1: you're ever in our area, please stop buying. Be a 9 00:00:26,120 --> 00:00:28,960 Speaker 1: part of one of our services. I promise you we'll 10 00:00:28,960 --> 00:00:31,400 Speaker 1: make you feel right at home. I like to start 11 00:00:31,440 --> 00:00:33,760 Speaker 1: with something funny, and I heard about this six year 12 00:00:33,800 --> 00:00:37,440 Speaker 1: old boy. He was standing in the church lobby staring 13 00:00:37,479 --> 00:00:40,400 Speaker 1: at the large plaque on the wall. It was filled 14 00:00:40,400 --> 00:00:44,479 Speaker 1: with names with small American flags by their side. He 15 00:00:44,520 --> 00:00:48,040 Speaker 1: asked the pastor what all the names were for. The 16 00:00:48,080 --> 00:00:51,320 Speaker 1: pastor explained how that was a memorial to all the 17 00:00:51,400 --> 00:00:55,400 Speaker 1: young men and women that died in the service. The 18 00:00:55,440 --> 00:00:59,360 Speaker 1: little boy stood there silently, so concerned. He finally looked 19 00:00:59,440 --> 00:01:01,920 Speaker 1: up and asked, was it the eight thirty or eleven 20 00:01:01,920 --> 00:01:05,920 Speaker 1: o'clock service? Say it like you mean it. This is 21 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:08,880 Speaker 1: my Bible. I am what it says. I am. I 22 00:01:08,959 --> 00:01:11,399 Speaker 1: have what it says I have. I can do what 23 00:01:11,480 --> 00:01:14,280 Speaker 1: it says I can do. Today I will be taught 24 00:01:14,360 --> 00:01:18,560 Speaker 1: the word of God. I boldly confess. My mind is alert, 25 00:01:19,000 --> 00:01:22,039 Speaker 1: my heart is receptive. I will never be the same. 26 00:01:22,440 --> 00:01:27,160 Speaker 1: In Jesus' name, God bless you. I want to talk 27 00:01:27,200 --> 00:01:32,000 Speaker 1: to you today about recognizing your value. Too often we 28 00:01:32,120 --> 00:01:35,920 Speaker 1: base our value on how someone is treating us, how 29 00:01:35,920 --> 00:01:39,840 Speaker 1: successful we are, how perfect of a life we've lived. 30 00:01:40,360 --> 00:01:44,280 Speaker 1: The problem is all of those things can change. If 31 00:01:44,280 --> 00:01:47,240 Speaker 1: you're getting your value out of how people treat you, 32 00:01:47,840 --> 00:01:51,200 Speaker 1: then if they hurt you, they disappoint you, you're going 33 00:01:51,240 --> 00:01:55,440 Speaker 1: to feel devalued. If you're basing your value off of 34 00:01:55,480 --> 00:01:59,240 Speaker 1: your achievements, how much you make, what you drive, the 35 00:01:59,280 --> 00:02:02,560 Speaker 1: title behind you, your name, Then if something happens and 36 00:02:02,600 --> 00:02:06,200 Speaker 1: you don't have that position, your business goes down, then 37 00:02:06,240 --> 00:02:10,040 Speaker 1: your value will go down. And some people don't feel 38 00:02:10,080 --> 00:02:13,680 Speaker 1: good about themselves because they've made mistakes in life. They're 39 00:02:13,680 --> 00:02:16,960 Speaker 1: not where they thought they would be. Now, they're living insecure, 40 00:02:17,480 --> 00:02:23,080 Speaker 1: feeling inferior. They're basing their value on their performance. Here's 41 00:02:23,120 --> 00:02:27,200 Speaker 1: the key. Your value should be based solely on the 42 00:02:27,200 --> 00:02:30,400 Speaker 1: fact that you are a child of the most High God, 43 00:02:31,040 --> 00:02:34,280 Speaker 1: the creator of the universe, breaths his life into you. 44 00:02:35,080 --> 00:02:39,359 Speaker 1: How someone treats you doesn't change your value. What they 45 00:02:39,440 --> 00:02:43,880 Speaker 1: say or do doesn't lessen who you are. Mistakes you've 46 00:02:43,880 --> 00:02:48,440 Speaker 1: made doesn't decrease your value. That's what you did, that's 47 00:02:48,480 --> 00:02:51,680 Speaker 1: not who you are. You can buy a bigger house, 48 00:02:52,040 --> 00:02:55,080 Speaker 1: drive a better car, but that doesn't make you any 49 00:02:55,120 --> 00:02:59,959 Speaker 1: more valuable. That increases your net worth, not your self worth. 50 00:03:00,880 --> 00:03:04,240 Speaker 1: You were already valuable when you had the small apartment 51 00:03:04,600 --> 00:03:08,480 Speaker 1: and no title behind your name. That position may give 52 00:03:08,520 --> 00:03:12,520 Speaker 1: you more influence, but not more value. You can be 53 00:03:12,560 --> 00:03:16,200 Speaker 1: a stay at home mom raising your children. You may 54 00:03:16,200 --> 00:03:19,680 Speaker 1: not have the influence of the CEO, but you have 55 00:03:19,800 --> 00:03:23,679 Speaker 1: the same value. Value is not based on what you do, 56 00:03:23,840 --> 00:03:27,440 Speaker 1: what you make, who you know. That's superficial. Those things 57 00:03:27,440 --> 00:03:33,160 Speaker 1: can change. Your value comes from your creator. God breathed 58 00:03:33,200 --> 00:03:37,000 Speaker 1: his life into you. You have the DNA of Almighty God. 59 00:03:37,440 --> 00:03:41,720 Speaker 1: You have royalty in your blood. But the enemy works 60 00:03:41,800 --> 00:03:45,800 Speaker 1: over time trying to devalue us. He'd love for you 61 00:03:45,880 --> 00:03:49,160 Speaker 1: to go through life letting what people say make you 62 00:03:49,240 --> 00:03:54,760 Speaker 1: feel inferior, comparing your life to somebody else's thinking. You'll 63 00:03:54,760 --> 00:03:57,880 Speaker 1: feel good about yourself when you catch up to them, 64 00:03:58,280 --> 00:04:02,440 Speaker 1: when you live in that neighborhood, or when you perform perfectly, 65 00:04:03,080 --> 00:04:06,520 Speaker 1: when you break the addiction, then you'll feel valuable. But 66 00:04:06,720 --> 00:04:10,920 Speaker 1: nothing you do will make you any more valuable. Nothing 67 00:04:10,960 --> 00:04:15,760 Speaker 1: you achieve, nothing you overcome. You are valuable right now. 68 00:04:16,360 --> 00:04:20,440 Speaker 1: God calls you a masterpiece. You are one of a kind. 69 00:04:21,080 --> 00:04:24,919 Speaker 1: You didn't come off an assembly line. You weren't mass produced. 70 00:04:25,240 --> 00:04:28,400 Speaker 1: God made you unique. There will never be another. You 71 00:04:29,120 --> 00:04:33,120 Speaker 1: put your shoulders back, start carrying yourself with confidence. You 72 00:04:33,200 --> 00:04:37,839 Speaker 1: have been fearfully and wonderfully made. In Luke, chapter four, 73 00:04:38,160 --> 00:04:41,680 Speaker 1: Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert, where 74 00:04:41,680 --> 00:04:44,760 Speaker 1: he was tempted three times. He'd been out there for 75 00:04:44,760 --> 00:04:49,080 Speaker 1: forty days and hadn't eaten anything. The enemy said to him, 76 00:04:49,480 --> 00:04:53,200 Speaker 1: if you're the son of God, turn these stones into bread. 77 00:04:54,080 --> 00:04:57,000 Speaker 1: He was trying to make his value be based on 78 00:04:57,080 --> 00:05:01,080 Speaker 1: his performance. If you turn these stones into bread, you 79 00:05:01,160 --> 00:05:04,000 Speaker 1: can prove you're the son of God, then you can 80 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:08,080 Speaker 1: feel good about yourself. You performed a miracle. Jesus wouldn't 81 00:05:08,080 --> 00:05:11,080 Speaker 1: do it, He said. Man doesn't live by bread alone. 82 00:05:11,760 --> 00:05:14,479 Speaker 1: He was saying, in effect, I don't have to do 83 00:05:14,600 --> 00:05:18,159 Speaker 1: anything to prove who I am. I don't have to 84 00:05:18,240 --> 00:05:21,680 Speaker 1: perform to feel good about myself. I know who I am. 85 00:05:22,640 --> 00:05:26,040 Speaker 1: The enemy couldn't deceive him into getting his value out 86 00:05:26,080 --> 00:05:31,720 Speaker 1: of being performance based, so he tried possession based. He 87 00:05:31,760 --> 00:05:34,719 Speaker 1: took Jesus to a high place, showed him all the 88 00:05:34,839 --> 00:05:37,280 Speaker 1: kingdoms of the world. He said, you can have it 89 00:05:37,320 --> 00:05:42,000 Speaker 1: all if you'll just bow down and worship me. Jesus said, no, thanks. 90 00:05:42,360 --> 00:05:46,400 Speaker 1: I don't need possessions to prove my worth and value. 91 00:05:46,600 --> 00:05:49,120 Speaker 1: I don't have to have what you think is important 92 00:05:49,360 --> 00:05:53,080 Speaker 1: to feel good about who I am. Possession based didn't work. 93 00:05:53,400 --> 00:05:59,160 Speaker 1: Performance based didn't work, so the enemy tried one final thing, popularity. 94 00:05:59,240 --> 00:06:02,479 Speaker 1: He took Jesus to the highest place in the temple, 95 00:06:03,000 --> 00:06:06,320 Speaker 1: was very crowded below all kinds of people. He said, 96 00:06:06,360 --> 00:06:09,040 Speaker 1: if you're the son of God, jump off this building. 97 00:06:09,640 --> 00:06:13,040 Speaker 1: You said your angels would protect you. He was trying 98 00:06:13,080 --> 00:06:16,560 Speaker 1: to get Jesus to show off. Everybody would see and 99 00:06:16,640 --> 00:06:21,080 Speaker 1: be amazed. He'd gain instant popularity. Jesus said it again, 100 00:06:21,480 --> 00:06:24,960 Speaker 1: I don't need possessions. I don't need popularity. I don't 101 00:06:24,960 --> 00:06:28,680 Speaker 1: need performance to feel valuable. I know who I am. 102 00:06:29,080 --> 00:06:33,279 Speaker 1: I'm the son of the living God. The enemy tried 103 00:06:33,320 --> 00:06:37,240 Speaker 1: to deceive Jesus into proving who he was, and a 104 00:06:37,320 --> 00:06:40,960 Speaker 1: lot of people live in approving mode. They can't feel 105 00:06:40,960 --> 00:06:45,039 Speaker 1: good about themselves unless they prove to people they're important, 106 00:06:45,440 --> 00:06:48,640 Speaker 1: proved to their co worker their talented, proved to their 107 00:06:48,800 --> 00:06:52,720 Speaker 1: critics that they really are okay. There's a constant struggle. 108 00:06:53,240 --> 00:06:59,080 Speaker 1: They're always having to outdo, outperform, outdrive, outdress. It's very 109 00:06:59,120 --> 00:07:02,279 Speaker 1: freeing when you realize you don't have to prove anything. 110 00:07:03,040 --> 00:07:07,080 Speaker 1: You don't have to impress people. Take the pressure off. 111 00:07:08,279 --> 00:07:11,800 Speaker 1: It takes a lot of energy to compete, to prove, 112 00:07:12,040 --> 00:07:16,040 Speaker 1: to impress. If you live in a proving mode, it's 113 00:07:16,120 --> 00:07:19,600 Speaker 1: like you're on a treadmill. As soon as you prove 114 00:07:19,680 --> 00:07:22,920 Speaker 1: to one person you're okay, you'll see somebody else you 115 00:07:23,040 --> 00:07:27,520 Speaker 1: need to impress to never ending cycle. Get off that treadmill. 116 00:07:28,080 --> 00:07:31,000 Speaker 1: You're working hard but not going anywhere. You don't have 117 00:07:31,120 --> 00:07:35,400 Speaker 1: to prove anything. In these days, there's so much emphasis 118 00:07:35,400 --> 00:07:40,360 Speaker 1: on name brands. We're wearing so and so designer shoes 119 00:07:40,520 --> 00:07:43,520 Speaker 1: and sow and so sunglasses, and carrying a so and 120 00:07:43,560 --> 00:07:47,000 Speaker 1: so perse, driving a SO and so card, talking on 121 00:07:47,000 --> 00:07:49,640 Speaker 1: a SO and so cell phone. If you're really cool, 122 00:07:49,680 --> 00:07:53,040 Speaker 1: you got on so and so underwear, you can feel 123 00:07:53,040 --> 00:07:58,120 Speaker 1: good about yourself. Sometimes we have so many other names 124 00:07:58,160 --> 00:08:03,600 Speaker 1: on us. We don't know our own name. We're counting 125 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:07,840 Speaker 1: on all the name brands, all the outside labels to 126 00:08:07,920 --> 00:08:11,800 Speaker 1: make us feel important. Can I tell you your name is 127 00:08:11,800 --> 00:08:17,400 Speaker 1: more important than all those names combine. No disrespect to them. 128 00:08:17,800 --> 00:08:21,120 Speaker 1: But the difference between you and the name brand is 129 00:08:21,200 --> 00:08:25,080 Speaker 1: God breathed his life into you. You're a son, You're 130 00:08:25,120 --> 00:08:28,280 Speaker 1: a daughter of the Most High God. And there's nothing 131 00:08:28,320 --> 00:08:31,760 Speaker 1: wrong with owning it, driving it. We're in it, But 132 00:08:31,880 --> 00:08:34,760 Speaker 1: don't let it be the reason you feel good about 133 00:08:34,760 --> 00:08:40,960 Speaker 1: who you are. Because what's hot today, what's the latest, greatest? 134 00:08:41,200 --> 00:08:44,240 Speaker 1: In a few years, it'll be outdated. If you live 135 00:08:44,360 --> 00:08:47,640 Speaker 1: possession based, you have to run from name to name, 136 00:08:47,800 --> 00:08:51,000 Speaker 1: position to position, friend to friend. That's gonna wear you out. 137 00:08:51,480 --> 00:08:55,079 Speaker 1: Why don't you relax. You can't get any more valuable. 138 00:08:55,600 --> 00:08:58,880 Speaker 1: You can buy more clothes, get more friends. That doesn't 139 00:08:58,960 --> 00:09:05,000 Speaker 1: change your value. Whether you're wearing Gucci or Goodwill, whether 140 00:09:05,080 --> 00:09:09,040 Speaker 1: it's Calvin Klein or Fruit of the Loom, your value 141 00:09:09,200 --> 00:09:12,600 Speaker 1: never changes. You're claughing because you wear Fruit of the 142 00:09:12,600 --> 00:09:16,480 Speaker 1: loom like me. I went to the sporting goods store 143 00:09:16,480 --> 00:09:19,240 Speaker 1: the other day to buy some new T shirts to 144 00:09:19,320 --> 00:09:22,880 Speaker 1: work out in, and there were probably ten racks of shirts. 145 00:09:23,200 --> 00:09:27,520 Speaker 1: Practically everyone had the manufacturer's name on the front in 146 00:09:27,679 --> 00:09:30,960 Speaker 1: big bold letters. I thought to myself, you want me 147 00:09:31,040 --> 00:09:33,640 Speaker 1: to buy your shirt and then go around as a 148 00:09:33,640 --> 00:09:37,280 Speaker 1: billboard for you, no offense, But I don't want to 149 00:09:37,320 --> 00:09:40,480 Speaker 1: wear your name. I like my own name. Do you 150 00:09:40,640 --> 00:09:44,640 Speaker 1: need somebody else's name to make you feel good about yourself? 151 00:09:45,240 --> 00:09:48,120 Speaker 1: Are you trying to prove your worth, your value by 152 00:09:48,120 --> 00:09:51,400 Speaker 1: who you know, what you wear, what you drive, or 153 00:09:51,559 --> 00:09:55,920 Speaker 1: can you say, like Jesus, I don't have to have popularity, possessions, 154 00:09:56,080 --> 00:09:59,559 Speaker 1: or performance to feel good about myself. I am secure 155 00:09:59,640 --> 00:10:02,000 Speaker 1: in who who I am. I know who God made 156 00:10:02,040 --> 00:10:06,080 Speaker 1: me to be. When Jesus was riding into town on 157 00:10:06,160 --> 00:10:10,199 Speaker 1: Palm Sunday, the people laid down branches as he passed by. 158 00:10:10,559 --> 00:10:16,600 Speaker 1: They celebrated, shouting Hosanna from the young to the old, waving, cheering. 159 00:10:16,840 --> 00:10:19,600 Speaker 1: They were so excited to see him. He received a 160 00:10:19,679 --> 00:10:24,160 Speaker 1: heroes welcome. But a few days later those same people, 161 00:10:24,640 --> 00:10:29,320 Speaker 1: instead of shouting Hosanna, they were shouting crucify him. We 162 00:10:29,360 --> 00:10:33,160 Speaker 1: don't want him here. When Jesus went to trial and 163 00:10:33,240 --> 00:10:37,400 Speaker 1: needed his closest friends to support him, his disciples, the 164 00:10:37,440 --> 00:10:41,120 Speaker 1: ones he had poured his life into, they weren't anywhere around. 165 00:10:41,720 --> 00:10:43,800 Speaker 1: He asked them to stay up and pray, but they 166 00:10:43,800 --> 00:10:47,320 Speaker 1: were too tired. They fell asleep. If you base your 167 00:10:47,480 --> 00:10:53,280 Speaker 1: value on people's support, how much they approve you, encourage you, 168 00:10:54,120 --> 00:10:57,240 Speaker 1: then if for some reason they stopped doing that, you'll 169 00:10:57,240 --> 00:11:00,880 Speaker 1: feel devalued. As long as they're telling you you're great, 170 00:11:01,080 --> 00:11:04,800 Speaker 1: you'll feel great. The problem is if they change their mind, 171 00:11:05,320 --> 00:11:08,199 Speaker 1: they're not telling you that, you're not going to feel great. 172 00:11:09,000 --> 00:11:13,280 Speaker 1: You can't base your value on what people give you. 173 00:11:13,320 --> 00:11:16,840 Speaker 1: People are funny. They'll say you're beautiful one day, and 174 00:11:17,120 --> 00:11:20,320 Speaker 1: I don't care for you the next. Hozanna on Sunday, 175 00:11:20,640 --> 00:11:24,600 Speaker 1: crucify them on Friday. If you don't know who you 176 00:11:24,679 --> 00:11:29,160 Speaker 1: are without them, then if they leave, you'll be lost. 177 00:11:29,800 --> 00:11:33,400 Speaker 1: They'll take you with them. Your identity was caught up 178 00:11:33,440 --> 00:11:35,880 Speaker 1: in who they made you to be. You'll try to 179 00:11:35,920 --> 00:11:39,520 Speaker 1: find somebody else to tell you who you are. You 180 00:11:39,559 --> 00:11:42,840 Speaker 1: don't need people to tell you who you are. People 181 00:11:42,960 --> 00:11:46,960 Speaker 1: will let you down. People will get jealous. People have 182 00:11:47,040 --> 00:11:51,199 Speaker 1: their own issues. Let your heavenly father tell you who 183 00:11:51,240 --> 00:11:56,840 Speaker 1: you are. Get your value, your self worth, your approval 184 00:11:57,040 --> 00:12:01,439 Speaker 1: from him. He says you're a masterpiece. He says you're 185 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:05,520 Speaker 1: want of a kind, a prized possession. Somebody may have 186 00:12:05,559 --> 00:12:09,319 Speaker 1: told you the opposite. You're not talented, you're not attractive, 187 00:12:09,480 --> 00:12:12,520 Speaker 1: you don't have a good personality. Let that go in 188 00:12:12,600 --> 00:12:17,280 Speaker 1: one ear and out the other. They don't determine your value. 189 00:12:17,960 --> 00:12:21,480 Speaker 1: What they say or do doesn't make you any less 190 00:12:21,600 --> 00:12:26,120 Speaker 1: a masterpiece. Quit letting how people treat you make you 191 00:12:26,200 --> 00:12:31,160 Speaker 1: feel inferior. They don't control your destiny. They didn't breathe 192 00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:34,200 Speaker 1: life into you. They didn't call you, they didn't anoint you, 193 00:12:34,240 --> 00:12:38,119 Speaker 1: they didn't approve you. Your value came from your creator, 194 00:12:38,480 --> 00:12:42,600 Speaker 1: from the God who spoke worlds into existence. The good 195 00:12:42,640 --> 00:12:46,360 Speaker 1: news is they can't change your value, and you can't 196 00:12:46,440 --> 00:12:49,839 Speaker 1: change it. God put it in you before you showed up. 197 00:12:50,640 --> 00:12:54,080 Speaker 1: You don't need their approval, You don't need their encouragement. 198 00:12:54,400 --> 00:12:58,480 Speaker 1: They don't have to validate you. It's good when it happens, 199 00:12:58,800 --> 00:13:02,000 Speaker 1: but if you're depending on it to feel secure, then 200 00:13:02,040 --> 00:13:04,720 Speaker 1: if they don't do it, you're going to feel inferior. 201 00:13:05,360 --> 00:13:09,600 Speaker 1: Don't give away your power. Don't put your identity, your 202 00:13:09,720 --> 00:13:14,680 Speaker 1: value into somebody else's hands. Even good people can't give 203 00:13:14,720 --> 00:13:18,240 Speaker 1: you everything you need. Somebody that loves you very much, 204 00:13:18,440 --> 00:13:23,160 Speaker 1: they cannot keep you approved, validated, feeling secure. You have 205 00:13:23,240 --> 00:13:27,240 Speaker 1: to go to your heavenly father. And sometimes we're putting 206 00:13:27,280 --> 00:13:30,559 Speaker 1: pressure on people to keep us fixed, keep us validated. 207 00:13:31,400 --> 00:13:34,720 Speaker 1: Let them off the hook. They're not your savior. You 208 00:13:34,800 --> 00:13:37,840 Speaker 1: already have a savior. He's on the throne. Go to 209 00:13:37,960 --> 00:13:42,080 Speaker 1: him and not to people. The problem with trying to 210 00:13:42,120 --> 00:13:45,800 Speaker 1: get this from people is people have issues. People are 211 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:51,960 Speaker 1: dealing with insecurities, fears, hurts, wounds, presententes, dysfunction. They don't 212 00:13:52,000 --> 00:13:56,040 Speaker 1: know any better. That's normal to them. Messed up. People 213 00:13:56,160 --> 00:14:00,240 Speaker 1: can mess you up if that's not profound, But it's good, 214 00:14:00,240 --> 00:14:03,840 Speaker 1: isn't it. If you base your value on what they're 215 00:14:03,880 --> 00:14:07,600 Speaker 1: giving you, you can end up dysfunctional. I talked to 216 00:14:07,640 --> 00:14:11,920 Speaker 1: a lady recently that had a very bad childhood neglect abuse. 217 00:14:12,320 --> 00:14:15,360 Speaker 1: She had just gone through her second divorce. Her ex 218 00:14:15,480 --> 00:14:18,920 Speaker 1: husband told her that she didn't deserve to be loved, 219 00:14:19,440 --> 00:14:21,640 Speaker 1: and I could tell that she believed it because she 220 00:14:21,760 --> 00:14:25,400 Speaker 1: was down on herself, no expression on her face. I 221 00:14:25,520 --> 00:14:28,680 Speaker 1: told her what I'm telling you. Don't let messed up 222 00:14:28,760 --> 00:14:33,040 Speaker 1: people ruin the rest of your life. If somebody hurts you, 223 00:14:33,680 --> 00:14:37,560 Speaker 1: there's a tendency to internalize it and think there's something 224 00:14:37,600 --> 00:14:40,880 Speaker 1: wrong with me. If I was more attractive, he wouldn't 225 00:14:40,920 --> 00:14:44,040 Speaker 1: have left. If I was smarter, I wouldn't have had 226 00:14:44,080 --> 00:14:47,200 Speaker 1: a bad childhood. No, it has nothing to do with you. 227 00:14:47,920 --> 00:14:52,160 Speaker 1: They're treating you out of their hurts, their wounds. Hurting 228 00:14:52,200 --> 00:14:56,200 Speaker 1: people end up hurting other people. Don't let what they 229 00:14:56,280 --> 00:14:59,880 Speaker 1: say define who you are. Don't let what you didn't 230 00:14:59,880 --> 00:15:03,000 Speaker 1: got it make you feel like you're the blame. They 231 00:15:03,040 --> 00:15:06,240 Speaker 1: said you don't deserve to be loved. That's a lie. 232 00:15:06,320 --> 00:15:09,720 Speaker 1: They said you're not attractive, another lie. But if you 233 00:15:09,840 --> 00:15:12,920 Speaker 1: base your value on these lines, you won't have any 234 00:15:13,080 --> 00:15:17,400 Speaker 1: kind of self worth. Studies even show that children that 235 00:15:17,480 --> 00:15:22,280 Speaker 1: went through neglect abuse a bad childhood. Very often they 236 00:15:22,360 --> 00:15:25,360 Speaker 1: take the blame on themselves. They think there's something wrong 237 00:15:25,400 --> 00:15:28,560 Speaker 1: with them. This lady did the same thing. She didn't 238 00:15:28,640 --> 00:15:32,840 Speaker 1: think she deserved to be loved. That's the enemy trying 239 00:15:32,880 --> 00:15:36,880 Speaker 1: to steal your sense of value. If somebody did you wrong, 240 00:15:37,520 --> 00:15:41,520 Speaker 1: instead of internalizing it, have you ever thought about maybe 241 00:15:41,560 --> 00:15:45,160 Speaker 1: they were messed up. Maybe they felt so bad about themselves, 242 00:15:45,240 --> 00:15:48,280 Speaker 1: so unlovable, that they tried to project it on you. 243 00:15:49,080 --> 00:15:51,200 Speaker 1: I know a young man that never felt like he 244 00:15:51,280 --> 00:15:54,680 Speaker 1: fit in growing up. There's very little love in his home. 245 00:15:55,120 --> 00:15:58,000 Speaker 1: He never felt approved or celebrated. It was like he 246 00:15:58,120 --> 00:16:01,960 Speaker 1: was a burden. He found in his early teens that 247 00:16:02,080 --> 00:16:06,360 Speaker 1: his parents always wanted a girl. They were disappointed when 248 00:16:06,440 --> 00:16:09,920 Speaker 1: he was born. Now he's in his twenties, had his 249 00:16:09,960 --> 00:16:15,560 Speaker 1: head down, insecure, feeling unworthy. I told him, your parents 250 00:16:15,600 --> 00:16:18,000 Speaker 1: may have wanted a girl, but the creator of the 251 00:16:18,080 --> 00:16:22,000 Speaker 1: universe wanted a boy. If God doesn't make mistakes, you're 252 00:16:22,040 --> 00:16:27,160 Speaker 1: not an accident. He hand picked you. He chose you 253 00:16:27,360 --> 00:16:30,840 Speaker 1: before you could choose him. Your parents may not have 254 00:16:30,920 --> 00:16:34,280 Speaker 1: known any better, but don't let their lack of approval 255 00:16:34,960 --> 00:16:39,080 Speaker 1: keep you from your destiny. You didn't come from your mother. 256 00:16:39,480 --> 00:16:43,040 Speaker 1: You came through your mother. You came from Oh, by God. 257 00:16:44,280 --> 00:16:47,280 Speaker 1: I begin to tell him how he was a masterpiece, 258 00:16:47,400 --> 00:16:51,720 Speaker 1: called chosen, equipped, one of a kind, with seeds of greatness. 259 00:16:52,040 --> 00:16:55,520 Speaker 1: Nobody had ever spoken faith over his life. He lifted 260 00:16:55,560 --> 00:16:57,800 Speaker 1: his head, he put his shoulders back. I could see 261 00:16:57,800 --> 00:17:01,600 Speaker 1: a smile starting to form. When you base your value 262 00:17:02,040 --> 00:17:04,720 Speaker 1: on what people say or do, that's going to push 263 00:17:04,720 --> 00:17:07,639 Speaker 1: you down. But when you base it on what God 264 00:17:07,680 --> 00:17:10,600 Speaker 1: says about you, it's going to lift you up. You're 265 00:17:10,640 --> 00:17:13,119 Speaker 1: going to have a smile on your face, a string 266 00:17:13,200 --> 00:17:16,480 Speaker 1: in your step. You're not going to be put off 267 00:17:16,680 --> 00:17:19,560 Speaker 1: by what you didn't get by who's not supporting him 268 00:17:20,400 --> 00:17:24,359 Speaker 1: like him. Maybe nobody ever told you what God says 269 00:17:24,359 --> 00:17:29,320 Speaker 1: about you. God says you're amazing. He says he's proud 270 00:17:29,359 --> 00:17:32,840 Speaker 1: of you. He says you're the apple of his eye. 271 00:17:33,520 --> 00:17:36,159 Speaker 1: People may not be celebrating you, but you need to 272 00:17:36,200 --> 00:17:40,680 Speaker 1: know God celebrates you. I've heard it said if God 273 00:17:40,720 --> 00:17:44,520 Speaker 1: had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If 274 00:17:44,520 --> 00:17:47,639 Speaker 1: he had a computer, you'd be on the homepage. The 275 00:17:47,680 --> 00:17:51,879 Speaker 1: scripture says God has your name carved on the palm 276 00:17:51,920 --> 00:17:55,160 Speaker 1: of his hand. He's always thinking about you. You may 277 00:17:55,160 --> 00:17:58,880 Speaker 1: feel like you never really got the approval from your parents. 278 00:17:59,200 --> 00:18:02,720 Speaker 1: From your family, even now, they don't celebrate you, they 279 00:18:02,720 --> 00:18:06,119 Speaker 1: don't affirm you. But the truth is it's not about you. 280 00:18:06,880 --> 00:18:11,879 Speaker 1: It's about their issues, their insecurities. Don't spend your life 281 00:18:12,119 --> 00:18:15,800 Speaker 1: trying to get something that they cannot give. I know 282 00:18:15,840 --> 00:18:18,760 Speaker 1: people working eighty hours a week, trying to prove to 283 00:18:18,800 --> 00:18:22,720 Speaker 1: their parents they're successful, prove to their family they're good enough. 284 00:18:23,359 --> 00:18:26,400 Speaker 1: You have to let it go or you'll be frustrated. 285 00:18:27,240 --> 00:18:31,120 Speaker 1: Turn to your heavenly father. Get your approval from him. 286 00:18:31,400 --> 00:18:35,280 Speaker 1: He's smiling down on you. He sees you excelling. You 287 00:18:35,359 --> 00:18:38,880 Speaker 1: don't have to have their approval to be happy. God 288 00:18:38,920 --> 00:18:42,800 Speaker 1: approves you. He's the one that matters. In the scripture, 289 00:18:43,200 --> 00:18:47,600 Speaker 1: David didn't have his father's approval. When the prophet Samuel 290 00:18:47,680 --> 00:18:51,520 Speaker 1: came in to anoint one of Jesse's sons, Jesse didn't 291 00:18:51,560 --> 00:18:55,000 Speaker 1: even bring David in from the shepherd's fields. He saw 292 00:18:55,119 --> 00:19:00,240 Speaker 1: David as being inferior, not talented, too young, too small. 293 00:19:01,200 --> 00:19:05,439 Speaker 1: Sometimes the people closest to you can't see the greatness 294 00:19:05,440 --> 00:19:09,320 Speaker 1: in you. Jesse didn't see a king in David. He 295 00:19:09,359 --> 00:19:13,200 Speaker 1: didn't see a giant killer, a strategic leader. He saw 296 00:19:13,240 --> 00:19:16,680 Speaker 1: a young boy with not much to offer. He dismissed him, 297 00:19:16,680 --> 00:19:21,480 Speaker 1: didn't pay much attention. Your family may discount you, they 298 00:19:21,520 --> 00:19:24,920 Speaker 1: may leave you out. Don't take it personally. Just keep 299 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:28,720 Speaker 1: being your best, getting your approval from your heavenly father. 300 00:19:29,640 --> 00:19:33,280 Speaker 1: This happened with Jesus, his brothers didn't believe in him. 301 00:19:33,760 --> 00:19:36,760 Speaker 1: They saw him as average. What's the big deal, what's 302 00:19:36,760 --> 00:19:40,119 Speaker 1: all the commotion, It's just Jesus. The people that should 303 00:19:40,119 --> 00:19:43,639 Speaker 1: have supported him the most tried to make him feel inferior. 304 00:19:44,400 --> 00:19:47,920 Speaker 1: The people closest to you may not acknowledge your gifts, 305 00:19:48,359 --> 00:19:52,479 Speaker 1: they may not see your value, but God does. David 306 00:19:52,560 --> 00:19:56,080 Speaker 1: was left out. It wasn't fair. But when Samuel looked 307 00:19:56,119 --> 00:19:59,360 Speaker 1: at the other seven sons, he said, Jesse, it's none 308 00:19:59,400 --> 00:20:03,280 Speaker 1: of these. Do you have any more sons? People may 309 00:20:03,359 --> 00:20:06,800 Speaker 1: leave you out, but God doesn't leave you out. If 310 00:20:06,920 --> 00:20:10,320 Speaker 1: David had to have his family's approval, he would have 311 00:20:10,359 --> 00:20:14,200 Speaker 1: never taken the throne. Quit trying to make people before 312 00:20:14,240 --> 00:20:17,120 Speaker 1: you that are never going to be for you. Quit 313 00:20:17,119 --> 00:20:21,680 Speaker 1: feeling inferior because somebody close to you is not celebrating you. 314 00:20:22,400 --> 00:20:25,760 Speaker 1: If you needed their approval, you would get it. If 315 00:20:25,840 --> 00:20:28,560 Speaker 1: you're not getting it, that means you don't need it 316 00:20:28,800 --> 00:20:34,280 Speaker 1: to become who you were created to be. And yes 317 00:20:35,160 --> 00:20:38,359 Speaker 1: it may be hurtful, but it is not going to 318 00:20:38,480 --> 00:20:42,320 Speaker 1: keep you from your destiny. Sometimes it's God teaching us 319 00:20:42,760 --> 00:20:46,320 Speaker 1: to go to Him and not to people. We rely 320 00:20:46,480 --> 00:20:50,400 Speaker 1: too much on what people think. Who believes in us, 321 00:20:50,400 --> 00:20:54,240 Speaker 1: and how come they're not supporting me. David's brothers made 322 00:20:54,280 --> 00:20:58,040 Speaker 1: fun of him, his father discounted him. He was stuck 323 00:20:58,080 --> 00:21:02,520 Speaker 1: out in the shepherd's fields. Instead of complaining feeling inferior, 324 00:21:02,800 --> 00:21:05,440 Speaker 1: he turned to God. He's the one that wrote in 325 00:21:05,440 --> 00:21:09,080 Speaker 1: Psalm twenty seven, if my mother and father forsake me, 326 00:21:09,520 --> 00:21:13,280 Speaker 1: God will adopt me as his own child. And I 327 00:21:13,320 --> 00:21:17,000 Speaker 1: know many of us had great parents that did their best, 328 00:21:17,560 --> 00:21:20,480 Speaker 1: but we all have people that are not giving us 329 00:21:20,640 --> 00:21:24,560 Speaker 1: their approval. They don't acknowledge our gifts. They don't see 330 00:21:24,560 --> 00:21:28,320 Speaker 1: what we have to offer. Don't live frustrated thinking that 331 00:21:28,359 --> 00:21:31,240 Speaker 1: there's something wrong with you, trying to prove to them 332 00:21:31,280 --> 00:21:34,720 Speaker 1: who you are, trying to convince them to affirm you. 333 00:21:35,440 --> 00:21:39,240 Speaker 1: Let it go. There's nothing wrong with you. If you 334 00:21:39,320 --> 00:21:41,720 Speaker 1: had to have it, they would give it. Since you 335 00:21:41,880 --> 00:21:45,760 Speaker 1: don't shake it off, Keep your head held high, knowing 336 00:21:45,800 --> 00:21:49,399 Speaker 1: that your heavenly father has approved you, accepted you, and 337 00:21:49,480 --> 00:21:53,639 Speaker 1: anointed you. Your value doesn't come from people, It comes 338 00:21:53,720 --> 00:21:58,520 Speaker 1: from your creator. A while back, somebody gave a watch 339 00:21:58,640 --> 00:22:01,000 Speaker 1: to the ministry. I was out of town at one 340 00:22:01,040 --> 00:22:03,320 Speaker 1: of our events, and a man came up and handed 341 00:22:03,320 --> 00:22:06,280 Speaker 1: me this nice box. I opened it. It was a 342 00:22:06,320 --> 00:22:10,960 Speaker 1: beautiful watch. It wasn't super fancy, but it was attractive, sporty, 343 00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:14,840 Speaker 1: and of course I thanked him, very grateful. I brought 344 00:22:14,840 --> 00:22:17,720 Speaker 1: it back and put it in my desk drawer. A 345 00:22:17,760 --> 00:22:19,920 Speaker 1: couple of months later, I opened the drawer to get 346 00:22:19,960 --> 00:22:23,040 Speaker 1: something out, and there was the watch. I had forgotten 347 00:22:23,080 --> 00:22:25,920 Speaker 1: about it. I looked at it again and I thought 348 00:22:25,960 --> 00:22:29,040 Speaker 1: it cost a couple hundred dollars. I didn't notice the 349 00:22:29,119 --> 00:22:33,200 Speaker 1: name brand, but for some reason I googled it. When 350 00:22:33,200 --> 00:22:36,960 Speaker 1: I did, I nearly passed out. The exact watch came up. 351 00:22:37,160 --> 00:22:40,840 Speaker 1: It was worth over ten thousand dollars. It's from a 352 00:22:40,960 --> 00:22:46,240 Speaker 1: very famous, prestigious watchmaker. It looked like to me a 353 00:22:46,280 --> 00:22:49,200 Speaker 1: lot of other watches that I'd seen that cost several 354 00:22:49,280 --> 00:22:54,399 Speaker 1: hundred dollars. But because of the manufacturer, this watch was 355 00:22:54,440 --> 00:22:58,119 Speaker 1: extremely valuable. You could put it side by side and 356 00:22:58,160 --> 00:23:03,399 Speaker 1: you wouldn't see much difference. Average ordinary people had copied it. 357 00:23:03,760 --> 00:23:07,159 Speaker 1: There were knockoffs. On the surface, it seemed the same, 358 00:23:07,640 --> 00:23:12,600 Speaker 1: but what gave it its value was who made it. Sometimes 359 00:23:12,920 --> 00:23:17,520 Speaker 1: we don't realize who we are. You may feel average, ordinary, 360 00:23:17,800 --> 00:23:21,640 Speaker 1: like nothing stands out, but because of your maker, there's 361 00:23:21,680 --> 00:23:26,639 Speaker 1: something about you that makes you extremely valuable. You're not 362 00:23:26,720 --> 00:23:31,719 Speaker 1: a copy, you're not a knockoff, You're an original. The 363 00:23:31,840 --> 00:23:36,200 Speaker 1: creator of the universe is your manufacturer. You can't get 364 00:23:36,280 --> 00:23:39,359 Speaker 1: any more prestigious than that. But if you don't know 365 00:23:39,520 --> 00:23:42,720 Speaker 1: who you are, like I did with the watch, you'll 366 00:23:42,720 --> 00:23:46,440 Speaker 1: discount yourself. They got all, man, I'm ordinary, nothing much 367 00:23:46,480 --> 00:23:49,680 Speaker 1: to offer, nothing special about me. You need to google 368 00:23:49,760 --> 00:23:54,000 Speaker 1: your manufacturer. You have the fingerprints of God all over you. 369 00:23:55,480 --> 00:23:59,520 Speaker 1: Someone thirty nine says God, I praise you because you 370 00:23:59,600 --> 00:24:02,879 Speaker 1: have made me in an amazing way. What you have 371 00:24:03,040 --> 00:24:07,440 Speaker 1: done is wonderful. If you're going to recognize your value, 372 00:24:07,560 --> 00:24:11,680 Speaker 1: you have to see yourself as amazing, as wonderful, not 373 00:24:11,760 --> 00:24:15,199 Speaker 1: because of who you are, but because of who made you. 374 00:24:16,160 --> 00:24:18,360 Speaker 1: Now life will try to make you feel like you're 375 00:24:18,440 --> 00:24:24,840 Speaker 1: anything but amazing. Disappointments, betrayals, rejection will try to steal 376 00:24:24,880 --> 00:24:28,760 Speaker 1: your sense of value. But all through the day, despite 377 00:24:29,080 --> 00:24:32,480 Speaker 1: what thoughts are telling you, despite who left you out, 378 00:24:33,040 --> 00:24:36,720 Speaker 1: you need to remind yourself. I am amazing, I am 379 00:24:36,760 --> 00:24:41,920 Speaker 1: a masterpiece. I have been wonderfully made. Don't discount what 380 00:24:42,000 --> 00:24:45,800 Speaker 1: God has created. Don't go around feeling ordinary when in 381 00:24:45,840 --> 00:24:50,600 Speaker 1: fact you're extraordinary. People may try to make you feel average. 382 00:24:51,040 --> 00:24:54,480 Speaker 1: Like David's father, You don't have much to offer. Are 383 00:24:54,480 --> 00:24:57,919 Speaker 1: you going to believe what people say about you? Or 384 00:24:57,960 --> 00:25:02,639 Speaker 1: believe what God says about you? God says you're amazing? 385 00:25:03,560 --> 00:25:06,800 Speaker 1: Have you ever said that to yourself? It has to 386 00:25:06,840 --> 00:25:11,560 Speaker 1: start on the inside. I read where Tom Brady's jersey 387 00:25:11,840 --> 00:25:14,520 Speaker 1: that he wore during the Super Bowl is worth five 388 00:25:14,640 --> 00:25:18,880 Speaker 1: hundred thousand dollars. I can go online and buy that 389 00:25:19,000 --> 00:25:23,800 Speaker 1: same jersey for forty nine dollars. What's the difference who 390 00:25:23,840 --> 00:25:28,399 Speaker 1: it belongs to? Same jersey, same size, same color, but 391 00:25:28,520 --> 00:25:32,760 Speaker 1: one belongs to Tom Brady. That makes it extremely valuable. 392 00:25:33,520 --> 00:25:38,280 Speaker 1: The scripture says you belong to God. You may feel average, 393 00:25:38,720 --> 00:25:43,200 Speaker 1: think you look ordinary, nothing special about you, but because 394 00:25:43,359 --> 00:25:47,639 Speaker 1: of who you belong to, that makes you extremely valuable. 395 00:25:47,960 --> 00:25:52,080 Speaker 1: Now my challenge, don't let people discount you. Don't let 396 00:25:52,080 --> 00:25:55,760 Speaker 1: your own thoughts push you down. Put your shoulders back. 397 00:25:56,119 --> 00:25:59,400 Speaker 1: You belong to God. You don't have to prove anything. 398 00:26:00,040 --> 00:26:02,520 Speaker 1: You don't have to try to impress people. Just be 399 00:26:02,960 --> 00:26:06,840 Speaker 1: who you are, be amazing. If you'll do this, I 400 00:26:06,960 --> 00:26:10,720 Speaker 1: believe and declare every chain that's held you back is 401 00:26:10,800 --> 00:26:15,399 Speaker 1: being broken. You're going to live free, confidence, secure, valuable, 402 00:26:15,640 --> 00:26:19,480 Speaker 1: and become the masterpiece that God created you to be. 403 00:26:19,880 --> 00:26:23,720 Speaker 1: In Jesus' name. If you receive it, can you say amen? Today? 404 00:26:26,000 --> 00:26:28,800 Speaker 1: I'd like to give you an opportunity to make Jesus 405 00:26:28,840 --> 00:26:31,359 Speaker 1: the Lord of your life. Would you pray with me? 406 00:26:32,080 --> 00:26:37,560 Speaker 1: Just say, Lord, Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come 407 00:26:37,600 --> 00:26:42,760 Speaker 1: into my heart. I make you my Lord and savior. Friends, 408 00:26:42,800 --> 00:26:45,280 Speaker 1: if you prayed that simple prayer, we believe you got 409 00:26:45,280 --> 00:26:49,080 Speaker 1: born again. Get in a good Bible based church, Keep 410 00:26:49,119 --> 00:26:50,080 Speaker 1: God first place. 411 00:26:50,720 --> 00:26:53,280 Speaker 2: Do you have a dream that's waiting to happen, but 412 00:26:53,400 --> 00:26:56,320 Speaker 2: it often feels like you'll never get there? Is your 413 00:26:56,480 --> 00:26:59,640 Speaker 2: dream to start a business, to see a loved one 414 00:26:59,720 --> 00:27:02,879 Speaker 2: come to the Lord? Are you asking God? Will it 415 00:27:02,920 --> 00:27:03,520 Speaker 2: ever happen? 416 00:27:04,560 --> 00:27:07,359 Speaker 1: Sometimes it feels like our dream is so far off. 417 00:27:07,680 --> 00:27:09,680 Speaker 1: But I believe you're closer than you think. 418 00:27:09,880 --> 00:27:12,959 Speaker 3: You're on the verge of seeing things change in your favor, 419 00:27:13,119 --> 00:27:15,920 Speaker 3: new doors opening, the right people showing up. 420 00:27:16,040 --> 00:27:18,200 Speaker 1: I'd love to send you are new Hopes and Dreams 421 00:27:18,240 --> 00:27:21,240 Speaker 1: twenty twenty four Planner. It's not only a calendar, but 422 00:27:21,320 --> 00:27:24,720 Speaker 1: it has scriptures, an inspiration, a place to journal. 423 00:27:24,480 --> 00:27:27,280 Speaker 3: It'll help you stay focused and encouraged so you can 424 00:27:27,320 --> 00:27:28,879 Speaker 3: see your dreams come to pass. 425 00:27:29,359 --> 00:27:32,040 Speaker 2: As you support the ministry this month with a special 426 00:27:32,200 --> 00:27:35,119 Speaker 2: end of year gift of any amount, we would like 427 00:27:35,200 --> 00:27:37,800 Speaker 2: to bless you with the Hopes and Dreams twenty twenty 428 00:27:37,800 --> 00:27:40,960 Speaker 2: four Planner. With the new Planner, you will start the 429 00:27:41,000 --> 00:27:45,399 Speaker 2: new year with fresh ideas, fresh hope, and endless possibilities. 430 00:27:45,800 --> 00:27:48,840 Speaker 2: You'll find monthly calendars and plenty of space to plan 431 00:27:48,960 --> 00:27:52,560 Speaker 2: for a better day ahead. Plus there are inspiring scriptures 432 00:27:52,560 --> 00:27:55,760 Speaker 2: and thoughts that will encourage you to believe for your dreams. 433 00:27:56,320 --> 00:27:59,320 Speaker 1: Thank you so much for your prayer and support your 434 00:27:59,400 --> 00:28:02,680 Speaker 1: year in giving, you're making a difference around the world. 435 00:28:02,960 --> 00:28:05,200 Speaker 1: And a special thank you to our Champion of Hope 436 00:28:05,280 --> 00:28:08,600 Speaker 1: partners for your monthly gifts. If you're not a partner, 437 00:28:08,760 --> 00:28:12,200 Speaker 1: I hope you'll consider becoming one. Remember you can watch 438 00:28:12,240 --> 00:28:15,760 Speaker 1: the services online every Sunday morning, see all the music 439 00:28:15,800 --> 00:28:19,560 Speaker 1: and ministry, and you can download our daily podcast. We 440 00:28:19,720 --> 00:28:20,280 Speaker 1: hope you and. 441 00:28:20,240 --> 00:28:23,840 Speaker 3: Your family have a very blessed Christmas season and a healthy, 442 00:28:24,080 --> 00:28:26,880 Speaker 3: productive favor Field twenty twenty four. 443 00:28:27,600 --> 00:28:29,960 Speaker 2: Be sure to request your copy of The Hopes and 444 00:28:30,040 --> 00:28:34,440 Speaker 2: Dreams twenty twenty four Planner Today. Visit joelostein dot com 445 00:28:34,600 --> 00:28:37,800 Speaker 2: or cull Us Tool free