1 00:00:01,740 --> 00:00:02,779 Speaker 1: This is Stephen Furtick. 2 00:00:02,800 --> 00:00:05,859 Speaker 2: I'm the pastor of Elevation Church, and this is our podcast. 3 00:00:05,920 --> 00:00:07,720 Speaker 1: I wanted to thank you for joining us today. I 4 00:00:08,119 --> 00:00:10,620 Speaker 1: hope this inspires you. I hope it builds your faith. 5 00:00:10,640 --> 00:00:12,520 Speaker 1: I hope it gives you perspective to see God is 6 00:00:12,580 --> 00:00:14,600 Speaker 1: moving in your life. Enjoy the message. 7 00:00:19,040 --> 00:00:23,400 Speaker 2: This is the truth now. We are so glad you're 8 00:00:23,420 --> 00:00:26,279 Speaker 2: here today, if it is your first time. Come on, 9 00:00:26,280 --> 00:00:28,300 Speaker 2: let's show all of our first-time visitors how much. 10 00:00:28,240 --> 00:00:35,310 Speaker 1: We appreciate them. God is so good. 11 00:00:36,830 --> 00:00:39,630 Speaker 2: I believe he brought you here at a strategic moment. 12 00:00:39,750 --> 00:00:43,379 Speaker 2: Our church is … I guess you could say we 13 00:00:43,409 --> 00:00:47,120 Speaker 2: have a tradition. I know they call us the non-traditional church. 14 00:00:48,320 --> 00:00:51,560 Speaker 2: We have people with purple hair, pink hair, and that's 15 00:00:51,600 --> 00:00:52,960 Speaker 2: the same lady I'm talking about. 16 00:00:53,560 --> 00:00:56,740 Speaker 1: Purple and pink hair on the sides and the top. 17 00:00:57,280 --> 00:00:58,080 Speaker 1: You look amazing. 18 00:00:59,030 --> 00:01:00,990 Speaker 2: And when they call us non-traditional, if what they mean 19 00:01:01,010 --> 00:01:03,850 Speaker 2: by that is that you can come in no matter 20 00:01:03,890 --> 00:01:06,610 Speaker 2: if you have any religious background or that we're not 21 00:01:06,630 --> 00:01:10,229 Speaker 2: going to just like confine God to the way that 22 00:01:10,270 --> 00:01:13,229 Speaker 2: he moved, you know, 50 years ago and we're always 23 00:01:13,270 --> 00:01:14,890 Speaker 2: going to be seeking what God is doing. 24 00:01:14,720 --> 00:01:16,830 Speaker 1: Now, then certainly we are non-traditional. 25 00:01:17,520 --> 00:01:21,180 Speaker 2: But that being said, there are a few things that 26 00:01:21,220 --> 00:01:25,460 Speaker 2: are always appropriate. And so as we welcome all of 27 00:01:25,520 --> 00:01:28,690 Speaker 2: our family across all of our locations today, I wanted 28 00:01:28,730 --> 00:01:31,209 Speaker 2: to let you know that just like families have traditions 29 00:01:31,830 --> 00:01:36,740 Speaker 2: maybe around holidays and different special occasions, we have a 30 00:01:36,780 --> 00:01:41,440 Speaker 2: tradition here at Elevation Church, which is to end each 31 00:01:41,600 --> 00:01:47,130 Speaker 2: year with appreciation and anticipation at the same time. 32 00:01:48,110 --> 00:01:49,750 Speaker 1: We've been doing this since 2014. The reason I said. 33 00:01:51,580 --> 00:01:53,360 Speaker 2: I'm so glad if you're here for the first time, 34 00:01:53,780 --> 00:01:56,220 Speaker 2: because this is the absolute best. 35 00:01:56,060 --> 00:01:58,130 Speaker 1: Time you could have picked. 36 00:01:58,570 --> 00:02:01,010 Speaker 2: I don't know who drug you here or who drugged 37 00:02:01,070 --> 00:02:05,250 Speaker 2: you and brought you here. We have some aggressive evangelists 38 00:02:05,330 --> 00:02:09,269 Speaker 2: at Elevation Church, some unusual tactics, but I was going 39 00:02:09,290 --> 00:02:15,320 Speaker 2: to say that you are about to see faith in 40 00:02:15,520 --> 00:02:19,400 Speaker 2: action over the next five weeks in a way that 41 00:02:19,440 --> 00:02:20,919 Speaker 2: is going to inspire you. 42 00:02:22,360 --> 00:02:23,040 Speaker 1: And bless you. 43 00:02:24,280 --> 00:02:27,810 Speaker 2: And the way we do it is each year we 44 00:02:27,850 --> 00:02:32,070 Speaker 2: select a word. I started this in 2014. Of course, 45 00:02:32,130 --> 00:02:34,200 Speaker 2: the church is on our 14th year. But in 2014, 46 00:02:34,190 --> 00:02:37,869 Speaker 2: the Lord led me to begin. I remember sending chunks 47 00:02:37,910 --> 00:02:40,329 Speaker 2: to text. I want to end the year with a 48 00:02:40,370 --> 00:02:43,850 Speaker 2: season of faith and expansion. And I want to challenge 49 00:02:43,880 --> 00:02:47,320 Speaker 2: the people to bring their best offering to God at 50 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:50,040 Speaker 2: the end of the year to commemorate what he's done. 51 00:02:50,810 --> 00:02:54,850 Speaker 2: and to prepare for what he's going to do. The 52 00:02:54,870 --> 00:02:57,250 Speaker 2: thing that's so unusual about it is this is not 53 00:02:57,460 --> 00:03:01,120 Speaker 2: a sad or stingy or weird time for us. It's 54 00:03:01,180 --> 00:03:06,340 Speaker 2: really a privilege. It's really a privilege. Through the years, 55 00:03:06,400 --> 00:03:09,320 Speaker 2: we've chosen different words. I remember one year the word 56 00:03:09,360 --> 00:03:15,030 Speaker 2: was surround, and then we chose the word beyond, and 57 00:03:15,060 --> 00:03:18,790 Speaker 2: then we chose the word fulfilled. I remember one year 58 00:03:18,810 --> 00:03:23,280 Speaker 2: we did Way maker Last year we we came around 59 00:03:23,300 --> 00:03:26,139 Speaker 2: the word game changer And we just spend some time 60 00:03:26,520 --> 00:03:28,780 Speaker 2: teaching around this word this year the word that God 61 00:03:28,820 --> 00:03:31,160 Speaker 2: has given me is based on a song that we 62 00:03:31,200 --> 00:03:36,560 Speaker 2: sang a Few minutes ago and the word is available available. 63 00:03:37,860 --> 00:03:39,580 Speaker 1: And we're gonna talk about that word. 64 00:03:41,980 --> 00:03:44,660 Speaker 2: Together as a as a movement as a global church 65 00:03:44,720 --> 00:03:46,320 Speaker 2: body that God is I never see you as a 66 00:03:46,380 --> 00:03:51,589 Speaker 2: crowd I never do I see you as a living, breathing, 67 00:03:51,750 --> 00:03:57,180 Speaker 2: advancing church of Jesus Christ. To take these moments over 68 00:03:57,220 --> 00:04:00,380 Speaker 2: the next few weeks and just ask God to increase. 69 00:04:00,540 --> 00:04:06,290 Speaker 2: How many want God to increase your faith? Some of 70 00:04:06,330 --> 00:04:09,130 Speaker 2: y'all raised your hand a little slower because you know 71 00:04:09,170 --> 00:04:11,809 Speaker 2: what he does to increase your faith. He increases your 72 00:04:11,850 --> 00:04:16,830 Speaker 2: need for faith. We're going to talk about that And 73 00:04:17,610 --> 00:04:19,110 Speaker 2: on your way to your seat, before I get into 74 00:04:19,150 --> 00:04:21,870 Speaker 2: the message today, just ask the person next to you, 75 00:04:22,110 --> 00:04:24,710 Speaker 2: not in like a creepy swiping kind of way, but 76 00:04:24,770 --> 00:04:25,050 Speaker 2: ask them. 77 00:04:25,570 --> 00:04:26,410 Speaker 1: Are you available? 78 00:04:28,570 --> 00:04:28,830 Speaker 2: Amen. 79 00:04:28,880 --> 00:04:29,710 Speaker 1: You may be seated. 80 00:04:31,740 --> 00:04:34,180 Speaker 2: As I already said, welcome to all of our locations, 81 00:04:35,100 --> 00:04:36,440 Speaker 2: our eFam around the world. 82 00:04:37,060 --> 00:04:37,839 Speaker 1: Come on, Valentine. 83 00:04:37,860 --> 00:04:40,539 Speaker 2: Let's welcome all of our locations and our extended family 84 00:04:41,240 --> 00:04:46,720 Speaker 2: joining us now. It's a beautiful scripture I want to 85 00:04:46,779 --> 00:04:49,220 Speaker 2: show you today as we begin this journey of faith 86 00:04:49,279 --> 00:04:52,680 Speaker 2: over the next five weeks. Of course, our teaching will 87 00:04:52,700 --> 00:04:56,480 Speaker 2: culminate in an offering on December 7 and 8. 88 00:04:56,480 --> 00:05:00,670 Speaker 1: That weekend, thousands of people will bring their best offering. 89 00:05:00,730 --> 00:05:03,810 Speaker 2: Really, the church is not built on special offerings but 90 00:05:03,830 --> 00:05:08,510 Speaker 2: people who consistently give to God. Just like kids aren't 91 00:05:08,589 --> 00:05:13,360 Speaker 2: raised by uncles who show up on Christmas. It's the daily. 92 00:05:13,440 --> 00:05:14,320 Speaker 2: It's the discipline. 93 00:05:15,080 --> 00:05:17,660 Speaker 1: And so I thank God for each and every one 94 00:05:17,680 --> 00:05:17,859 Speaker 1: of you. 95 00:05:17,900 --> 00:05:19,320 Speaker 2: But I want to show you a scripture today as 96 00:05:19,360 --> 00:05:24,089 Speaker 2: we begin this journey about being available to God. And 97 00:05:24,130 --> 00:05:25,850 Speaker 2: if I could give you a thesis for this series, 98 00:05:25,930 --> 00:05:27,469 Speaker 2: it goes back to a cliche I heard. 99 00:05:27,370 --> 00:05:28,010 Speaker 1: As a young man. 100 00:05:28,029 --> 00:05:33,700 Speaker 2: And some cliches are corny, but they're still true. And 101 00:05:33,940 --> 00:05:36,420 Speaker 2: one man told me when I started walking with the Lord, 102 00:05:36,920 --> 00:05:40,900 Speaker 2: he said, it is not about your ability. It's about 103 00:05:40,960 --> 00:05:44,710 Speaker 2: your availability. I didn't know if he was right when 104 00:05:44,730 --> 00:05:47,229 Speaker 2: he said it, but I promise you I am not 105 00:05:47,290 --> 00:05:49,410 Speaker 2: one of these pastors who had a promising career in 106 00:05:49,450 --> 00:05:53,010 Speaker 2: the NBA but decided to serve God. I was five 107 00:05:53,070 --> 00:05:56,140 Speaker 2: foot eight and a half when God called me. If 108 00:05:56,180 --> 00:05:58,600 Speaker 2: you hear my early preaching tapes, not only did I 109 00:05:58,640 --> 00:06:01,039 Speaker 2: have the same little lisp that I have right now 110 00:06:01,080 --> 00:06:03,360 Speaker 2: that comes through and pops through the microphone … They 111 00:06:03,380 --> 00:06:05,400 Speaker 2: have to get me a special thing on my mic 112 00:06:05,520 --> 00:06:09,580 Speaker 2: because it's so strong, you know? My southern accent was 113 00:06:09,660 --> 00:06:13,510 Speaker 2: so deep that I think people outside of four states 114 00:06:13,790 --> 00:06:16,469 Speaker 2: had to have a translator, and I was speaking English. 115 00:06:18,310 --> 00:06:19,630 Speaker 2: But just what he said to me, I want to 116 00:06:19,670 --> 00:06:22,469 Speaker 2: show you today for your own life as well, that 117 00:06:22,510 --> 00:06:26,120 Speaker 2: it is never about our ability, how much God uses us, 118 00:06:26,220 --> 00:06:31,020 Speaker 2: to an extent. You definitely don't need to move to 119 00:06:31,080 --> 00:06:34,500 Speaker 2: Nashville and be a country singer or if your wife 120 00:06:34,600 --> 00:06:36,800 Speaker 2: doesn't even like the way you sing. There is a 121 00:06:36,860 --> 00:06:40,120 Speaker 2: talent factor that determines what we do with our life, 122 00:06:40,839 --> 00:06:42,140 Speaker 2: but at the same time … I want to show 123 00:06:42,190 --> 00:06:46,310 Speaker 2: you in 2 Corinthians, chapter 9. I selected this as 124 00:06:46,630 --> 00:06:51,470 Speaker 2: the richest New Testament Scripture on generosity. I think if 125 00:06:51,490 --> 00:06:54,159 Speaker 2: you want to look ultimately to the cross where God 126 00:06:54,180 --> 00:06:57,800 Speaker 2: gave his Son, it is the ultimate demonstration of generosity, certainly. 127 00:06:58,620 --> 00:07:01,520 Speaker 2: But if you want to find a teaching on generosity, 128 00:07:01,540 --> 00:07:03,560 Speaker 2: and not just for our offering that we're receiving, but 129 00:07:03,600 --> 00:07:06,000 Speaker 2: just for the way you live your life, I believe 130 00:07:06,050 --> 00:07:09,930 Speaker 2: that 2 Corinthians 9 gives us a template. Go ahead 131 00:07:09,970 --> 00:07:13,430 Speaker 2: and turn there or click there or just look at 132 00:07:13,470 --> 00:07:13,910 Speaker 2: the screen. 133 00:07:13,970 --> 00:07:14,690 Speaker 1: Who cares? 134 00:07:15,590 --> 00:07:17,110 Speaker 2: Either way, I want you to get this word in you. 135 00:07:18,190 --> 00:07:20,260 Speaker 2: Ask the person next to you one more time. Say, 136 00:07:20,300 --> 00:07:21,040 Speaker 2: Are you available? 137 00:07:22,600 --> 00:07:23,740 Speaker 1: Are you available? 138 00:07:24,100 --> 00:07:25,660 Speaker 2: Is that how you ask people on a date, too? 139 00:07:28,600 --> 00:07:31,180 Speaker 2: Ask them with a clear voice. Say, are you available? 140 00:07:33,880 --> 00:07:36,080 Speaker 2: A lot of times, while we're trying to get more 141 00:07:36,120 --> 00:07:39,320 Speaker 2: of God in our life, it's like God is trying 142 00:07:39,340 --> 00:07:40,140 Speaker 2: to get more of us. 143 00:07:41,680 --> 00:07:42,440 Speaker 1: Are you available? 144 00:07:42,440 --> 00:07:47,600 Speaker 2: 2 Corinthians 9, verse 6. It's been an awkward letter 145 00:07:48,660 --> 00:07:51,880 Speaker 2: that Paul has written to the Corinthian church because they 146 00:07:51,920 --> 00:07:56,080 Speaker 2: are so carnal that when they come for communion, some 147 00:07:56,120 --> 00:07:57,040 Speaker 2: of them are getting drunk. 148 00:07:58,070 --> 00:07:59,590 Speaker 1: Turning up at the communion table. 149 00:08:01,670 --> 00:08:04,470 Speaker 2: That's a really difficult pastoral situation. That's why we pass 150 00:08:04,510 --> 00:08:08,450 Speaker 2: out the grape juice in the little cups, just to 151 00:08:08,490 --> 00:08:13,070 Speaker 2: make sure. It's not only that, but there's a strained relationship, 152 00:08:13,890 --> 00:08:16,850 Speaker 2: as fathers and children often go through, between Paul and 153 00:08:16,870 --> 00:08:21,280 Speaker 2: the church he started. He's having to, in the midst 154 00:08:21,320 --> 00:08:24,420 Speaker 2: of all of this tension and conflict, prepare them to 155 00:08:24,440 --> 00:08:31,640 Speaker 2: give an offering. The offering is specifically for the believers 156 00:08:31,680 --> 00:08:38,420 Speaker 2: in Jerusalem who are spiritually rich and physically poor. The 157 00:08:38,460 --> 00:08:40,360 Speaker 2: reason I said it like that is because you can 158 00:08:40,380 --> 00:08:44,559 Speaker 2: have it the other way around. You can be very, 159 00:08:44,640 --> 00:08:50,739 Speaker 2: very rich financially and be spiritually poor. Some of you 160 00:08:50,760 --> 00:08:52,000 Speaker 2: are like, well, I'd like to try it. 161 00:08:52,120 --> 00:08:54,320 Speaker 1: You know what I'm saying? That sounds good. 162 00:08:55,960 --> 00:08:58,959 Speaker 2: But he has a challenging task in order to get 163 00:08:59,000 --> 00:09:02,699 Speaker 2: this church at Corinth, these Gentile believers, to give to 164 00:09:02,720 --> 00:09:07,000 Speaker 2: the Jewish church, the church in Jerusalem. The reason he 165 00:09:07,040 --> 00:09:10,840 Speaker 2: thinks it's appropriate is because the faith began within. 166 00:09:10,640 --> 00:09:11,740 Speaker 1: The Jewish tradition. 167 00:09:12,600 --> 00:09:15,620 Speaker 2: Then the Christian church that is in Jerusalem, they're undergoing 168 00:09:15,679 --> 00:09:20,370 Speaker 2: a severe trial, not only persecution but famine. Now, Paul 169 00:09:20,390 --> 00:09:23,270 Speaker 2: spent about five years of his life preparing this offering, 170 00:09:23,290 --> 00:09:23,590 Speaker 2: so it's a. 171 00:09:23,570 --> 00:09:25,670 Speaker 1: Big deal to him. It's a big deal to them. 172 00:09:25,830 --> 00:09:27,090 Speaker 1: This is what you can't get people to understand. 173 00:09:27,890 --> 00:09:30,370 Speaker 2: Some things you just walked into are a big deal 174 00:09:30,450 --> 00:09:32,460 Speaker 2: to somebody sitting next to you. 175 00:09:32,500 --> 00:09:34,020 Speaker 1: Make some noise if this church is. 176 00:09:33,940 --> 00:09:36,970 Speaker 2: A big deal to you, if this is meaningful to you. 177 00:09:39,220 --> 00:09:41,400 Speaker 2: If you're not just watching the lights and the show 178 00:09:41,460 --> 00:09:44,660 Speaker 2: and hoping they play Reckless Love, but this is really 179 00:09:45,090 --> 00:09:50,230 Speaker 2: your church where God meets with you, and his presence 180 00:09:50,590 --> 00:09:53,970 Speaker 2: is important, and you love to gather together, and you 181 00:09:54,050 --> 00:09:57,150 Speaker 2: are excited about the work of God. If you can't 182 00:09:57,190 --> 00:09:59,980 Speaker 2: help but shout, then go ahead and shout. If you 183 00:10:00,010 --> 00:10:03,160 Speaker 2: scare your neighbor, they can get earplugs next week. If 184 00:10:03,220 --> 00:10:04,520 Speaker 2: this is a big deal to you. 185 00:10:05,020 --> 00:10:08,480 Speaker 1: Shout Gaston. Shout Lake Norman. Shout all the. 186 00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:11,439 Speaker 2: Way from Kenya if this church is a blessing to you. 187 00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:12,720 Speaker 1: It's a big deal. 188 00:10:17,520 --> 00:10:19,860 Speaker 2: So for Paul, this offering is so important that he's 189 00:10:20,140 --> 00:10:25,360 Speaker 2: sending some delegates to make sure that the Corinthian church 190 00:10:25,420 --> 00:10:28,260 Speaker 2: doesn't screw this up like they've been screwing everything else up. 191 00:10:29,470 --> 00:10:30,380 Speaker 1: But he's smart, right? 192 00:10:31,110 --> 00:10:33,450 Speaker 2: He knows that in order to get people sometimes to 193 00:10:33,490 --> 00:10:36,730 Speaker 2: live up to their potential, they need a little competition. 194 00:10:37,890 --> 00:10:43,450 Speaker 2: In 2 Corinthians 8, he moves into this comparison about 195 00:10:43,470 --> 00:10:47,880 Speaker 2: the Macedonian church who have already contributed to the offering, 196 00:10:48,380 --> 00:10:51,160 Speaker 2: even though they had less money than the Corinthians. And 197 00:10:51,179 --> 00:10:53,699 Speaker 2: then he does this move where he says, and I 198 00:10:53,740 --> 00:10:56,370 Speaker 2: know if they did it, you're going to do it. 199 00:10:58,110 --> 00:11:01,069 Speaker 2: And as he gets into this, he gives a practical illustration, 200 00:11:01,630 --> 00:11:02,830 Speaker 2: and that's what I want to share with you now. 201 00:11:03,050 --> 00:11:05,670 Speaker 2: The title of this message for installment one of Available 202 00:11:05,750 --> 00:11:08,469 Speaker 2: is called Kneaders and Feeders. 203 00:11:10,280 --> 00:11:11,520 Speaker 1: Kneaders and Feeders. 204 00:11:12,820 --> 00:11:14,880 Speaker 2: We're going to locate ourselves in this text in 2 205 00:11:14,880 --> 00:11:17,980 Speaker 2: Corinthians 9 today, verse 6. 206 00:11:17,980 --> 00:11:18,380 Speaker 1: We begin. 207 00:11:19,220 --> 00:11:25,360 Speaker 2: Remember, he says, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. See, 208 00:11:25,380 --> 00:11:28,710 Speaker 2: you don't even have to believe in Moses, Abraham, and 209 00:11:28,750 --> 00:11:32,550 Speaker 2: Jesus to say amen to that. This is a principle. 210 00:11:33,510 --> 00:11:36,330 Speaker 2: He says, like we would say, you get out of 211 00:11:36,410 --> 00:11:40,020 Speaker 2: it what you put into it. That's why I'm always 212 00:11:40,080 --> 00:11:42,440 Speaker 2: interested when someone says, like, well, I went to the church, 213 00:11:42,480 --> 00:11:44,319 Speaker 2: but I didn't get anything out of it. I would 214 00:11:44,340 --> 00:11:47,490 Speaker 2: always ask the question, what did you put into it? 215 00:11:48,100 --> 00:11:49,980 Speaker 2: Because the last time I went to the bank and 216 00:11:50,100 --> 00:11:51,840 Speaker 2: asked them for more money than I put in the 217 00:11:51,860 --> 00:11:53,540 Speaker 2: bank account, it didn't work. 218 00:11:54,760 --> 00:11:56,300 Speaker 1: The last time I went to church and I went 219 00:11:56,340 --> 00:11:57,660 Speaker 1: with a bad attitude. 220 00:11:57,260 --> 00:11:59,569 Speaker 2: And didn't lift my hands because nobody's going to manipulate 221 00:11:59,590 --> 00:12:00,420 Speaker 2: me into worshiping. 222 00:12:00,490 --> 00:12:02,450 Speaker 1: I just worship when I go in nature with God. 223 00:12:02,490 --> 00:12:03,910 Speaker 1: I like deer. It didn't work. 224 00:12:08,210 --> 00:12:14,620 Speaker 2: So he says, whoever sows generously will reap generously. 225 00:12:14,820 --> 00:12:15,959 Speaker 1: Each man should give. 226 00:12:15,980 --> 00:12:19,420 Speaker 2: I'm stuck on that part, because I think some people 227 00:12:19,460 --> 00:12:20,140 Speaker 2: make excuses. 228 00:12:20,179 --> 00:12:21,580 Speaker 1: But each man should give. 229 00:12:23,460 --> 00:12:26,780 Speaker 2: What he has decided in his heart to give, not 230 00:12:27,679 --> 00:12:35,370 Speaker 2: reluctantly or under compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. See, 231 00:12:35,429 --> 00:12:36,569 Speaker 2: I get that. Right. 232 00:12:37,929 --> 00:12:39,750 Speaker 1: Because God has no needs. 233 00:12:42,050 --> 00:12:47,600 Speaker 2: The definition of God suggests that he is self-sufficient. 234 00:12:48,600 --> 00:12:49,880 Speaker 1: By extension, we are not. 235 00:12:51,240 --> 00:12:53,500 Speaker 2: Yet, have you ever had somebody do something for you 236 00:12:54,140 --> 00:12:57,600 Speaker 2: that was nice, but the way they did it made 237 00:12:57,640 --> 00:13:01,679 Speaker 2: you wish they didn't do it? Holly told me that 238 00:13:02,000 --> 00:13:03,960 Speaker 2: one time early in our marriage. Two things happened early 239 00:13:03,980 --> 00:13:04,520 Speaker 2: in our marriage. 240 00:13:05,140 --> 00:13:05,720 Speaker 1: I got fat. 241 00:13:05,860 --> 00:13:09,140 Speaker 2: I gained 50 pounds without exercise. 242 00:13:11,460 --> 00:13:12,959 Speaker 1: I did all that by diet alone. 243 00:13:13,120 --> 00:13:19,900 Speaker 2: I gained 50 pounds off of fried rice, fettuccine Alfredo. 244 00:13:21,840 --> 00:13:22,819 Speaker 1: I had a realization. 245 00:13:23,920 --> 00:13:26,900 Speaker 2: What I did … I was walking by the mirror 246 00:13:27,820 --> 00:13:30,740 Speaker 2: with my shirt off, and I had a revelation moment 247 00:13:32,510 --> 00:13:36,230 Speaker 2: I jumped up, and everything was still shaking like 30 248 00:13:36,230 --> 00:13:36,890 Speaker 2: seconds later. 249 00:13:38,720 --> 00:13:40,080 Speaker 1: I realized, if I don't get. 250 00:13:40,000 --> 00:13:46,830 Speaker 2: Some disciplines, I can get fat being married to this woman. 251 00:13:46,870 --> 00:13:50,430 Speaker 2: You can get fat coming to a church like Elevation. Elevation. 252 00:13:52,080 --> 00:13:54,740 Speaker 2: You can get fat because these singers are so good, 253 00:13:55,260 --> 00:13:58,560 Speaker 2: and these musicians are so good, and the people … Oh, 254 00:13:58,600 --> 00:13:59,240 Speaker 2: did you see. 255 00:13:59,120 --> 00:14:00,510 Speaker 1: The creators when you walked in? 256 00:14:00,960 --> 00:14:04,420 Speaker 2: How happy they looked, and they've been here since 6 o'clock. 257 00:14:05,280 --> 00:14:06,860 Speaker 1: Did you see how happy they were to see you? 258 00:14:07,940 --> 00:14:12,569 Speaker 1: Were they happy? I'm just checking. I went through a 259 00:14:12,590 --> 00:14:13,150 Speaker 1: different door. 260 00:14:15,370 --> 00:14:18,520 Speaker 2: But But see, when I was growing up in church, 261 00:14:19,260 --> 00:14:20,800 Speaker 2: the church I grew up in was small, and then 262 00:14:20,840 --> 00:14:22,900 Speaker 2: the church I learned to do ministry in was small. 263 00:14:23,220 --> 00:14:25,390 Speaker 2: It would only have 100 people in it. What that 264 00:14:25,470 --> 00:14:28,070 Speaker 2: meant was that if you missed church … When Pastor 265 00:14:28,090 --> 00:14:30,340 Speaker 2: Mickey used to go up, and he'd be turning to 266 00:14:30,380 --> 00:14:33,740 Speaker 2: his Scripture, he'd turn to the Scripture. While he was turning, 267 00:14:34,080 --> 00:14:37,080 Speaker 2: he had this little notepad, a little memo book, and 268 00:14:37,100 --> 00:14:39,200 Speaker 2: he'd be writing something down in the pad. 269 00:14:39,280 --> 00:14:41,160 Speaker 1: I thought for the longest time that he. 270 00:14:41,080 --> 00:14:43,920 Speaker 2: Was writing scriptures that God was giving him, that God 271 00:14:43,940 --> 00:14:44,790 Speaker 2: was speaking. 272 00:14:44,500 --> 00:14:46,550 Speaker 1: To him when he took the pulpit. One day I 273 00:14:46,550 --> 00:14:48,170 Speaker 1: asked him. He was like, no, that's my seating chart. 274 00:14:49,050 --> 00:14:52,100 Speaker 2: Because on the way home, if you miss church at 275 00:14:52,200 --> 00:14:56,180 Speaker 2: Santee Circle Baptist Mission, you would get a call from. 276 00:14:56,100 --> 00:14:57,870 Speaker 1: Pastor Mickey White's bag phone. 277 00:14:58,210 --> 00:15:01,750 Speaker 2: Zach Morris would call you on the way home from 278 00:15:01,810 --> 00:15:05,170 Speaker 2: church talking about,' I missed you today, big boy.' You 279 00:15:05,190 --> 00:15:07,390 Speaker 2: weren't there on the third row, second seat in like 280 00:15:07,430 --> 00:15:09,200 Speaker 2: you always are. Now I'm going to see you back 281 00:15:09,270 --> 00:15:11,240 Speaker 2: next week. I don't care if you were throwing up. 282 00:15:11,280 --> 00:15:13,820 Speaker 2: Wear a surgical mask and come to church. He had 283 00:15:13,880 --> 00:15:16,400 Speaker 2: no time for it. We need you here. But in 284 00:15:16,440 --> 00:15:18,740 Speaker 2: a church like this, you can begin to feel like 285 00:15:18,780 --> 00:15:20,400 Speaker 2: you are not needed and. 286 00:15:20,360 --> 00:15:23,320 Speaker 1: You are not known. In one sense, you are right. 287 00:15:23,620 --> 00:15:27,980 Speaker 1: God doesn't need you. God doesn't need me. 288 00:15:29,660 --> 00:15:31,790 Speaker 2: If I drop this mic, God will put a gift 289 00:15:31,850 --> 00:15:33,670 Speaker 2: of preaching in somebody else, and they'll pick it up 290 00:15:33,870 --> 00:15:38,030 Speaker 2: and preach it better. That sets me free, by the way, 291 00:15:40,310 --> 00:15:43,410 Speaker 2: because then I can understand that God loves a cheerful giver. 292 00:15:45,700 --> 00:15:46,700 Speaker 1: One day Holly cooked for me. 293 00:15:47,060 --> 00:15:49,940 Speaker 2: I'm 50 pounds heavier than when she married me, and 294 00:15:49,980 --> 00:15:50,480 Speaker 2: I was over. 295 00:15:50,360 --> 00:15:52,740 Speaker 1: There washing the dishes. I was so proud I was 296 00:15:52,780 --> 00:15:53,520 Speaker 1: washing the dishes. 297 00:15:55,870 --> 00:15:58,790 Speaker 2: I started whistling to get her attention so she could 298 00:15:58,810 --> 00:16:03,850 Speaker 2: see I was washing the dishes. After about three little 299 00:16:05,280 --> 00:16:06,500 Speaker 2: statements I made about it. 300 00:16:06,540 --> 00:16:08,060 Speaker 1: I don't mind washing the dishes. 301 00:16:08,080 --> 00:16:13,040 Speaker 2: It's something I enjoy doing to serve my wife. 302 00:16:13,220 --> 00:16:14,820 Speaker 1: As Christ loved the church. 303 00:16:16,180 --> 00:16:18,640 Speaker 2: I'm in a big deal of it. She said, I 304 00:16:18,680 --> 00:16:22,320 Speaker 2: would rather you not do it if I have to 305 00:16:22,360 --> 00:16:28,960 Speaker 2: hear this much about it. They did something for you, 306 00:16:29,220 --> 00:16:31,300 Speaker 2: but they made it look so hard while they were 307 00:16:31,350 --> 00:16:37,150 Speaker 2: doing it. I thought about calling this message, God Doesn't 308 00:16:37,190 --> 00:16:41,650 Speaker 2: Want It. If we come to God with an attitude like, wow, 309 00:16:41,750 --> 00:16:44,770 Speaker 2: God is so lucky to have us, if we think 310 00:16:44,810 --> 00:16:47,600 Speaker 2: that bringing our presence into the presence of God is 311 00:16:47,630 --> 00:16:51,620 Speaker 2: a favor to him, we probably read the book backwards. See, 312 00:16:51,800 --> 00:16:55,700 Speaker 2: it is not my presence that is honored. It is 313 00:16:55,820 --> 00:17:00,110 Speaker 2: God's presence that is invaluable. I know we live in 314 00:17:00,130 --> 00:17:05,130 Speaker 2: a time where we worship celebrities. We don't worship the Creator. 315 00:17:05,290 --> 00:17:08,150 Speaker 2: We worship the gifts he gave people that he created. 316 00:17:08,170 --> 00:17:10,290 Speaker 1: That's messed up. 317 00:17:10,630 --> 00:17:15,230 Speaker 2: God was God before a celebrity shouted him out. God 318 00:17:15,750 --> 00:17:18,469 Speaker 2: doesn't need a celebrity to make him cool for him 319 00:17:18,540 --> 00:17:22,710 Speaker 2: to be God. God sits on a throne. God fills 320 00:17:22,790 --> 00:17:26,730 Speaker 2: heaven and earth. God is the Ancient of Days. God 321 00:17:26,790 --> 00:17:29,530 Speaker 2: is the Lamb slain before the foundation of the earth. 322 00:17:30,130 --> 00:17:32,950 Speaker 2: God is the Great I Am. God is the Breath 323 00:17:33,050 --> 00:17:36,950 Speaker 2: of Life. God is El Shaddai. God is Elohim. 324 00:17:37,250 --> 00:17:40,510 Speaker 3: He doesn't need anything, and if he needs it, he'll 325 00:17:40,570 --> 00:17:44,369 Speaker 3: speak it, because his word is power. Somebody shout if 326 00:17:44,410 --> 00:17:47,909 Speaker 3: you know you serve a God who is able. 327 00:17:47,930 --> 00:17:49,870 Speaker 1: To supply your needs. 328 00:17:56,640 --> 00:18:00,679 Speaker 2: So Paul says, I want to give you the privilege 329 00:18:00,800 --> 00:18:06,280 Speaker 2: to give to something bigger than you. And remember this. 330 00:18:07,520 --> 00:18:12,730 Speaker 2: If you sow sparingly, you reap sparingly. If you sow generously, 331 00:18:13,950 --> 00:18:18,050 Speaker 2: you reap generously. And verse 8 is something that I 332 00:18:18,070 --> 00:18:21,880 Speaker 2: want you to internalize. Really let it become a reflection 333 00:18:22,260 --> 00:18:25,600 Speaker 2: in your heart. Do you believe what verse 8 says, 334 00:18:25,820 --> 00:18:26,700 Speaker 2: and God is able? 335 00:18:30,300 --> 00:18:32,540 Speaker 1: All right. Take that much. Now add this. 336 00:18:33,560 --> 00:18:40,620 Speaker 2: To make all grace abound to you. Please forgive me 337 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:46,510 Speaker 2: for truncating this. I could spend all five weeks on 338 00:18:46,590 --> 00:18:49,730 Speaker 2: that part of that verse and still not do it justice. 339 00:18:50,580 --> 00:18:53,240 Speaker 2: Because everything about that verse is a challenge for me 340 00:18:53,260 --> 00:18:58,260 Speaker 2: to believe. And God is able to make all grace 341 00:18:59,520 --> 00:19:01,590 Speaker 2: abound to you. A lot of times I believe that 342 00:19:01,619 --> 00:19:05,110 Speaker 2: God's grace is available to others, but do you believe 343 00:19:05,150 --> 00:19:08,370 Speaker 2: that God is able to make all grace abound to you? 344 00:19:10,270 --> 00:19:11,030 Speaker 1: And he goes further. 345 00:19:11,550 --> 00:19:14,109 Speaker 2: He says, God is able to make all grace abound 346 00:19:14,150 --> 00:19:18,300 Speaker 2: to you so that in all things, at all times … 347 00:19:19,270 --> 00:19:25,640 Speaker 2: Having all that you need, you will abound in every 348 00:19:25,660 --> 00:19:27,359 Speaker 2: good work. As it is written, he has scattered abroad 349 00:19:27,380 --> 00:19:29,840 Speaker 2: his gifts to the poor. His righteousness endures forever. Now, 350 00:19:31,220 --> 00:19:34,440 Speaker 2: he who supplies seed to the sower, and it's about 351 00:19:34,480 --> 00:19:36,320 Speaker 2: to get good because Paul is about to let us 352 00:19:36,420 --> 00:19:38,850 Speaker 2: in on a principle that explains why some of us 353 00:19:39,770 --> 00:19:45,450 Speaker 2: are struggling with discouragement, and even though we pray about it, 354 00:19:46,070 --> 00:19:48,630 Speaker 2: we don't seem to receive what we need from the Lord. 355 00:19:49,100 --> 00:19:49,219 Speaker 4: Okay? 356 00:19:50,440 --> 00:19:51,440 Speaker 1: Let's slow down and read this. 357 00:19:51,859 --> 00:19:59,810 Speaker 2: Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread 358 00:19:59,930 --> 00:20:04,129 Speaker 2: for food will also supply and increase your store of 359 00:20:04,190 --> 00:20:08,840 Speaker 2: seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. What 360 00:20:08,880 --> 00:20:12,180 Speaker 2: that verse means is not that God will just give 361 00:20:12,240 --> 00:20:16,639 Speaker 2: you a harvest because you asked for it. What the 362 00:20:16,660 --> 00:20:19,929 Speaker 2: verse says is that God supplies seed to the sower. 363 00:20:21,070 --> 00:20:23,810 Speaker 2: The question is not, is God able? The question is, 364 00:20:23,990 --> 00:20:28,719 Speaker 2: are you a sower? Or have you allowed yourself to 365 00:20:28,760 --> 00:20:33,930 Speaker 2: be lulled into a complacent, consumeristic Christianity that bears more 366 00:20:33,990 --> 00:20:37,210 Speaker 2: resemblance to a kid making their Christmas list than a 367 00:20:37,270 --> 00:20:39,469 Speaker 2: Christian who is serving Jesus Christ? 368 00:20:41,530 --> 00:20:44,699 Speaker 1: Y'all like this message? I'm honestly shocked. 369 00:20:46,660 --> 00:20:49,960 Speaker 2: I'm honestly shocked because a lot of people do get 370 00:20:50,100 --> 00:20:54,850 Speaker 2: stuck at the level of, what I need. One lady 371 00:20:55,170 --> 00:20:56,850 Speaker 2: last night I was preaching, and she said, we get 372 00:20:56,910 --> 00:21:01,050 Speaker 2: stuck in me mode. It's just, God bless me. 373 00:21:01,130 --> 00:21:01,530 Speaker 1: Help me. 374 00:21:01,590 --> 00:21:05,850 Speaker 2: Encourage me. While you're praying about those needs, they're not selfish. 375 00:21:05,910 --> 00:21:07,730 Speaker 2: It's fine for you to bring those things before God, 376 00:21:07,770 --> 00:21:09,350 Speaker 2: but the way he will respond to your. 377 00:21:09,270 --> 00:21:10,490 Speaker 1: Need is to give you a seed. 378 00:21:11,730 --> 00:21:14,760 Speaker 2: That's confusing to us, because we want God to give 379 00:21:14,800 --> 00:21:17,760 Speaker 2: us a harvest, but God does not respond to our 380 00:21:17,840 --> 00:21:20,580 Speaker 2: needs with a harvest. He responds to our need with 381 00:21:20,660 --> 00:21:24,010 Speaker 2: a seed. So I have found it to be true … 382 00:21:24,030 --> 00:21:27,669 Speaker 2: I wonder about you. When I found myself in need, 383 00:21:28,130 --> 00:21:30,350 Speaker 2: the best thing for me to do is to get 384 00:21:30,410 --> 00:21:36,430 Speaker 2: out of me mode and to get into sow mode. 385 00:21:37,109 --> 00:21:40,270 Speaker 2: I know this is not an agricultural society, but if 386 00:21:40,310 --> 00:21:44,510 Speaker 2: it were, we could see that seeding or sowing is 387 00:21:44,550 --> 00:21:45,510 Speaker 2: a form of investment. 388 00:21:46,270 --> 00:21:47,129 Speaker 1: It is a process. 389 00:21:47,850 --> 00:21:50,929 Speaker 2: How many times have I been discouraged and weary in 390 00:21:50,970 --> 00:21:54,190 Speaker 2: my own soul, only to find that when I took 391 00:21:54,320 --> 00:21:58,280 Speaker 2: five minutes to be a blessing to someone else, when 392 00:21:58,359 --> 00:22:01,820 Speaker 2: I sowed what God gave me, it became what I needed? 393 00:22:03,150 --> 00:22:06,070 Speaker 2: This is difficult because when you are in a season 394 00:22:06,109 --> 00:22:08,990 Speaker 2: of need in your own life, the last thing you 395 00:22:09,060 --> 00:22:11,760 Speaker 2: want to do is to sow into something else. 396 00:22:12,460 --> 00:22:13,270 Speaker 1: Am I right about it? 397 00:22:13,780 --> 00:22:16,219 Speaker 2: When you are out of energy, the last thing you 398 00:22:16,260 --> 00:22:19,500 Speaker 2: want to think about is anything other than you. But 399 00:22:19,520 --> 00:22:21,800 Speaker 2: the only way for you to receive what you need 400 00:22:21,900 --> 00:22:24,320 Speaker 2: is to give what you have. Can I prove it 401 00:22:24,359 --> 00:22:27,700 Speaker 2: from Jesus? Give, and it will be given to you. 402 00:22:28,090 --> 00:22:31,450 Speaker 2: That's not a financial scripture. That's a scripture about anything. 403 00:22:31,869 --> 00:22:34,629 Speaker 2: If you give what you have, God will give to 404 00:22:34,690 --> 00:22:37,909 Speaker 2: you what was already inside of you, waiting to be 405 00:22:38,030 --> 00:22:40,290 Speaker 2: sown in something that is bigger than you. 406 00:22:44,010 --> 00:22:45,910 Speaker 1: God helped me for all the times I got stuck 407 00:22:45,970 --> 00:22:51,780 Speaker 1: in me-mode. Bless me. Me, me, me, me, me, me, me. 408 00:22:52,200 --> 00:22:54,439 Speaker 1: What about do, re, fa, sol, la, ti, do? No, 409 00:22:54,460 --> 00:22:56,800 Speaker 1: just me, me, me, me, me, me, me. None of 410 00:22:56,840 --> 00:22:57,220 Speaker 1: the other ones. 411 00:22:58,040 --> 00:23:02,480 Speaker 2: . 412 00:23:02,350 --> 00:23:25,359 Speaker 4: . 413 00:23:25,200 --> 00:23:39,859 Speaker 2: Fa, so, me, so, me, so, me, so. 414 00:23:39,940 --> 00:23:48,440 Speaker 2: God said, I'm switching you from me, so, me, so, 415 00:23:50,020 --> 00:23:55,369 Speaker 2: because you have been So, so good to me. 416 00:23:56,570 --> 00:24:06,350 Speaker 5: So, me. So, you saved me. So, you filled me. So, 417 00:24:07,350 --> 00:24:14,260 Speaker 5: you blessed me. So, you gave me life. So, come on, 418 00:24:14,300 --> 00:24:15,560 Speaker 5: I'm coming out of me-mo. 419 00:24:16,960 --> 00:24:18,060 Speaker 1: You made a way. 420 00:24:18,480 --> 00:24:29,629 Speaker 2: So, So he says, this is good, isn't it? 421 00:24:30,310 --> 00:24:33,730 Speaker 1: This is rich. This is challenging. This is difficult. 422 00:24:34,240 --> 00:24:37,820 Speaker 2: Because God responds to your need with a bigger need. 423 00:24:40,240 --> 00:24:40,479 Speaker 1: All right? 424 00:24:41,790 --> 00:24:44,450 Speaker 2: Jesus told his disciples in Matthew, chapter 14, he's like, 425 00:24:44,910 --> 00:24:46,629 Speaker 2: let's go away and get some rest. 426 00:24:46,890 --> 00:24:50,950 Speaker 1: They're like, oh, good. I need some me time. Where 427 00:24:50,970 --> 00:24:52,080 Speaker 1: is it again? I messed it up. 428 00:24:52,609 --> 00:24:58,410 Speaker 2: I need some me time. They're going to get some 429 00:24:58,490 --> 00:25:01,130 Speaker 2: me time with Jesus. John the Baptist has just been beheaded. 430 00:25:01,190 --> 00:25:03,740 Speaker 2: It's a rough time. Harry is going crazy, cutting heads off. 431 00:25:04,180 --> 00:25:06,380 Speaker 2: Now the disciples need some rest. Jesus is like, let's 432 00:25:06,420 --> 00:25:09,260 Speaker 2: go and rest. When they get there … How many 433 00:25:09,280 --> 00:25:12,090 Speaker 2: of y'all know this Bible story? They're like, oh, good, man. 434 00:25:12,130 --> 00:25:16,170 Speaker 2: We need it. We really need it. This is going 435 00:25:16,190 --> 00:25:20,050 Speaker 2: to be really helpful, Jesus. Wow, what wisdom you have, 436 00:25:20,890 --> 00:25:25,570 Speaker 2: because you know what we need. You hear our needs, Lord. 437 00:25:26,750 --> 00:25:31,280 Speaker 2: So they get there, and they need rest, right? Guess 438 00:25:31,320 --> 00:25:35,240 Speaker 2: what they run into when they get there? Needy people. 439 00:25:37,380 --> 00:25:40,419 Speaker 2: So now we have the disciples who need rest. and 440 00:25:40,440 --> 00:25:43,820 Speaker 2: the people who need healing, and Jesus, who has no need, 441 00:25:44,400 --> 00:25:45,240 Speaker 2: as the go-between. 442 00:25:46,119 --> 00:25:47,180 Speaker 1: But watch what he's about to do. 443 00:25:47,600 --> 00:25:51,070 Speaker 2: He's about to meet the disciples' need with the needs 444 00:25:51,109 --> 00:25:54,150 Speaker 2: of the people, and he does it by feeding their faith. 445 00:25:54,190 --> 00:25:54,970 Speaker 1: Now, here's the shift. 446 00:25:55,609 --> 00:25:59,149 Speaker 2: If you can receive it, this will be life-changing, because 447 00:25:59,190 --> 00:26:02,710 Speaker 2: he is about to take them from needers to feeders. 448 00:26:04,600 --> 00:26:11,670 Speaker 2: He's about to take them from me to so Me 449 00:26:12,440 --> 00:26:16,449 Speaker 2: to sow. The disciples turn to Jesus after he heals 450 00:26:16,510 --> 00:26:20,909 Speaker 2: like number 953. There are 5,000 men, women, and children. 451 00:26:21,250 --> 00:26:24,750 Speaker 2: It says Jesus was healing everybody who needed healing. Nothing 452 00:26:24,790 --> 00:26:28,550 Speaker 2: was too small. Nothing was too big. Nothing was intimidating. 453 00:26:28,830 --> 00:26:33,190 Speaker 2: Nothing was inconsequential. After he gets done teaching and healing 454 00:26:33,450 --> 00:26:36,560 Speaker 2: and meeting every need, the disciples said to him,' This 455 00:26:36,580 --> 00:26:44,639 Speaker 2: is a remote place, and it's already getting late, and 456 00:26:44,740 --> 00:26:47,820 Speaker 2: so you need to send the crowds away so they 457 00:26:47,859 --> 00:26:50,420 Speaker 2: can go to the villages and buy themselves some food. 458 00:26:50,619 --> 00:26:53,260 Speaker 2: See how spiritual that sounds on the surface? Jesus, we 459 00:26:53,320 --> 00:26:55,780 Speaker 2: are concerned about these precious sheep for which you came. 460 00:26:56,260 --> 00:26:57,919 Speaker 2: The truth of it is Peter was hungry. 461 00:27:00,680 --> 00:27:01,940 Speaker 1: They didn't get to eat either. 462 00:27:01,960 --> 00:27:09,300 Speaker 2: It wasn't like the disciples were in a place of plenty. Sometimes, 463 00:27:09,640 --> 00:27:12,180 Speaker 2: when you are in a state of great need, you 464 00:27:12,220 --> 00:27:16,419 Speaker 2: miss opportunities because you are too hungry and weak to 465 00:27:16,520 --> 00:27:18,260 Speaker 2: see the potential to fulfill the need. 466 00:27:19,340 --> 00:27:21,649 Speaker 1: Y'all don't look at me like I'm crazy. I'm preaching good. 467 00:27:23,590 --> 00:27:26,689 Speaker 2: We get in situations where Jesus is like, you know 468 00:27:26,710 --> 00:27:27,470 Speaker 2: what would be cool? 469 00:27:28,590 --> 00:27:32,489 Speaker 1: If we fed them. The disciples are like, you know 470 00:27:32,530 --> 00:27:33,320 Speaker 1: what would have been cool? 471 00:27:34,740 --> 00:27:36,820 Speaker 2: If you would have told us ahead of time so 472 00:27:36,840 --> 00:27:41,570 Speaker 2: we could have hired a catering company. Jesus is like, no, 473 00:27:42,200 --> 00:27:44,990 Speaker 2: I'm DoorDash, Uber Eats, and a catering company all rolled 474 00:27:45,030 --> 00:27:47,190 Speaker 2: into one. I am the Christ, the Son of the Living. 475 00:27:47,470 --> 00:27:48,970 Speaker 2: I am the bread of life. What are you talking 476 00:27:48,990 --> 00:27:49,930 Speaker 2: about you don't have any bread? 477 00:27:50,030 --> 00:27:53,250 Speaker 1: I am bread. I am presence. I am provision. I 478 00:27:53,369 --> 00:27:55,070 Speaker 1: am your shepherd. I am enough. 479 00:27:55,630 --> 00:27:59,030 Speaker 2: So anyway, they didn't know that yet, and Jesus needed 480 00:27:59,070 --> 00:28:02,270 Speaker 2: to show them who he was, so he replied in 481 00:28:02,290 --> 00:28:10,730 Speaker 2: verse 16. They do not need to go away. You 482 00:28:11,109 --> 00:28:15,510 Speaker 2: give them something to eat. You will never know what 483 00:28:15,609 --> 00:28:18,150 Speaker 2: you really have until God shows you a need that 484 00:28:18,210 --> 00:28:22,669 Speaker 2: is bigger than you. You will never know that God 485 00:28:22,840 --> 00:28:25,480 Speaker 2: is able until he puts you in a situation where 486 00:28:25,500 --> 00:28:31,719 Speaker 2: you are not. He has orchestrated this opportunity. I don't 487 00:28:31,740 --> 00:28:34,840 Speaker 2: know what in your life is like that today. If 488 00:28:34,890 --> 00:28:38,140 Speaker 2: I could guess, I would say that for some of 489 00:28:38,220 --> 00:28:41,360 Speaker 2: us it is a physical need, and for others it 490 00:28:41,400 --> 00:28:44,080 Speaker 2: occupies a different category of real estate in our life. 491 00:28:45,400 --> 00:28:48,160 Speaker 2: It often takes the shape of a relational need or, 492 00:28:48,940 --> 00:28:50,480 Speaker 2: a lot of times in my life, it's just not 493 00:28:50,560 --> 00:28:54,080 Speaker 2: knowing what I need to do. Wave at me if 494 00:28:54,100 --> 00:28:56,070 Speaker 2: you have a situation right in front of you right 495 00:28:56,110 --> 00:28:59,450 Speaker 2: now where the need seems to be more than the supply. 496 00:29:03,560 --> 00:29:06,610 Speaker 2: I'm praying for the people who didn't raise their hands, 497 00:29:07,400 --> 00:29:09,200 Speaker 2: because they have no place for God to show up. 498 00:29:10,490 --> 00:29:12,510 Speaker 2: Raise your hand again if you have a situation where 499 00:29:12,550 --> 00:29:15,910 Speaker 2: the need seems to be greater than the supply. Here's 500 00:29:15,950 --> 00:29:20,060 Speaker 2: what's about to happen. You are about to see yourself 501 00:29:20,900 --> 00:29:25,719 Speaker 2: going from needer to feeder. We have always taught the 502 00:29:25,760 --> 00:29:30,150 Speaker 2: text in Matthew, chapter 14, that Jesus fed the multitudes. 503 00:29:30,610 --> 00:29:34,570 Speaker 2: That's not exactly accurate. If you read the text, Jesus 504 00:29:34,630 --> 00:29:37,890 Speaker 2: told the disciples, they do not need to go away. 505 00:29:38,390 --> 00:29:39,770 Speaker 1: You give them something to eat. 506 00:29:40,610 --> 00:29:43,780 Speaker 2: What happens next is one of the greatest revelations you 507 00:29:43,800 --> 00:29:48,260 Speaker 2: can ever receive. When they mentioned their limited supply, we 508 00:29:48,320 --> 00:29:51,880 Speaker 2: have here only five loaves and two fish. That was 509 00:29:51,920 --> 00:29:55,690 Speaker 2: their answer. That was what was available to them, but 510 00:29:55,790 --> 00:29:59,430 Speaker 2: God is able. We do not have enough, but God 511 00:29:59,510 --> 00:30:02,310 Speaker 2: is able. See, this is when you get the opportunity 512 00:30:02,370 --> 00:30:06,640 Speaker 2: to believe 2 Corinthians 9 that God is able when 513 00:30:06,680 --> 00:30:09,280 Speaker 2: you are in a situation where you are not able. 514 00:30:10,020 --> 00:30:11,380 Speaker 1: This thing came alive for me. 515 00:30:11,400 --> 00:30:15,459 Speaker 2: I always thought that Jesus fed the 5,000, but he didn't. 516 00:30:15,760 --> 00:30:16,620 Speaker 1: Watch what he did. 517 00:30:16,980 --> 00:30:21,480 Speaker 2: He enabled the disciples to feed the 5,000. God said, 518 00:30:21,660 --> 00:30:24,120 Speaker 2: I am putting you in a season where I'm going 519 00:30:24,180 --> 00:30:26,740 Speaker 2: to give you what you need, but it is not 520 00:30:26,830 --> 00:30:29,990 Speaker 2: just for you. It is not just for you to consume. 521 00:30:30,410 --> 00:30:32,630 Speaker 2: It is not just for you to have a good feeling. 522 00:30:32,970 --> 00:30:34,930 Speaker 2: It is not just for you to get a goose bump. 523 00:30:35,320 --> 00:30:37,620 Speaker 2: It is for you to be a feeder, because I 524 00:30:37,680 --> 00:30:40,540 Speaker 2: put you in the earth for my glory, and I 525 00:30:40,620 --> 00:30:42,670 Speaker 2: gave you gifts for a purpose. 526 00:30:43,210 --> 00:30:45,630 Speaker 1: I gave you an assignment for the sake of. 527 00:30:45,610 --> 00:30:49,590 Speaker 2: My great name, and your supply is in your assignment. 528 00:30:50,050 --> 00:30:52,740 Speaker 1: When you bring me what little bit you have. 529 00:30:52,780 --> 00:30:56,240 Speaker 2: And put it in my capable hands, I know no need, 530 00:30:56,580 --> 00:31:00,040 Speaker 2: for my hand created the earth, and my word sustains 531 00:31:00,100 --> 00:31:03,410 Speaker 2: the world. I am God over the galaxies, and I 532 00:31:03,490 --> 00:31:04,190 Speaker 2: am God. 533 00:31:03,970 --> 00:31:07,030 Speaker 1: Of time and space. I am God before. 534 00:31:06,750 --> 00:31:09,610 Speaker 2: You got here, and I will be God when you're gone. 535 00:31:10,130 --> 00:31:12,870 Speaker 1: I cannot be impeached, and I never. 536 00:31:12,630 --> 00:31:16,110 Speaker 2: Will step down, because I see your need, and I 537 00:31:16,290 --> 00:31:19,790 Speaker 2: am your supply. He said in verse 18,' Bring them 538 00:31:19,910 --> 00:31:26,540 Speaker 2: here to me.' It's not,' Are you able?' It's,' Are you. 539 00:31:28,360 --> 00:31:31,080 Speaker 1: Available?' Are you? 540 00:31:31,100 --> 00:31:35,100 Speaker 2: Because he gives seed to the sower. 541 00:31:36,440 --> 00:31:39,060 Speaker 1: Are you a sower? I don't just mean money. 542 00:31:40,360 --> 00:31:42,160 Speaker 2: Please stop thinking about this as a money thing. 543 00:31:43,560 --> 00:31:45,000 Speaker 1: I know that that's how people use it, but that's 544 00:31:45,020 --> 00:31:45,820 Speaker 1: not what the Bible means. 545 00:31:46,510 --> 00:31:50,530 Speaker 2: Paul is using this opportunity to help them to see 546 00:31:51,810 --> 00:31:56,870 Speaker 2: that in God's dictionary, sacrifice looks a lot different. 547 00:31:56,910 --> 00:31:57,770 Speaker 1: Than in our dictionary. 548 00:31:59,790 --> 00:32:02,590 Speaker 2: I was thinking of A person who has been in 549 00:32:02,620 --> 00:32:04,670 Speaker 2: the church with us … I would say their name, 550 00:32:04,690 --> 00:32:06,930 Speaker 2: because they're actually in this worship experience, but they don't 551 00:32:06,950 --> 00:32:10,150 Speaker 2: like a lot of trumpet-blowing stuff. 552 00:32:10,990 --> 00:32:14,610 Speaker 1: I'm washing the dishes. They're not like that. They don't care. 553 00:32:14,950 --> 00:32:17,690 Speaker 1: They don't want to be known. They just want to sell. 554 00:32:18,970 --> 00:32:21,070 Speaker 2: I wrote them a letter the other day, and I 555 00:32:21,110 --> 00:32:23,030 Speaker 2: had to start it over, because I wrote down something. 556 00:32:23,250 --> 00:32:26,410 Speaker 2: Thank you for all the sacrifices you've made to make 557 00:32:26,430 --> 00:32:27,690 Speaker 2: this church possible. 558 00:32:27,730 --> 00:32:28,110 Speaker 1: Here's the deal. 559 00:32:29,280 --> 00:32:31,320 Speaker 2: People can come to this church and never give anything, 560 00:32:31,360 --> 00:32:32,080 Speaker 2: and we still feed them. 561 00:32:35,880 --> 00:32:42,230 Speaker 1: That's our job. That's my job. It's our job. 562 00:32:42,870 --> 00:32:46,770 Speaker 2: If you pull up to the table, go back for seconds, burp, 563 00:32:46,810 --> 00:32:49,630 Speaker 2: and walk off, we're still going to feed you next week. 564 00:32:51,570 --> 00:32:54,400 Speaker 2: If you watch this sermon and then click off or 565 00:32:54,440 --> 00:32:59,270 Speaker 2: click over to something else, we'll still feed you. Every 566 00:32:59,310 --> 00:33:01,350 Speaker 2: week we'll be here to feed. That's not the question. 567 00:33:02,370 --> 00:33:04,810 Speaker 2: Do you really want to spend the rest of your 568 00:33:04,870 --> 00:33:10,430 Speaker 2: life as a needer and not see what God could 569 00:33:10,470 --> 00:33:13,310 Speaker 2: do through you if you brought him what you have 570 00:33:14,350 --> 00:33:16,070 Speaker 2: to feed others? Because it will never be enough when 571 00:33:16,090 --> 00:33:17,570 Speaker 2: you bring it to him. It'll start as a seed. 572 00:33:19,250 --> 00:33:24,450 Speaker 2: That's the contrast, seed and sacrifice. When I was writing 573 00:33:24,470 --> 00:33:26,630 Speaker 2: the note, I said, Thank you for your sacrifices, and 574 00:33:26,650 --> 00:33:30,000 Speaker 2: then I remembered One time I told them that, and 575 00:33:30,020 --> 00:33:34,810 Speaker 2: they said back to me, it's not a sacrifice. After 576 00:33:34,850 --> 00:33:38,070 Speaker 2: all God has done for us, it's not a sacrifice. 577 00:33:39,110 --> 00:33:42,010 Speaker 2: That really stuck with me, how they didn't see it 578 00:33:42,070 --> 00:33:46,780 Speaker 2: as a sacrifice. Paul tells the church, he goes, I 579 00:33:46,820 --> 00:33:50,100 Speaker 2: want you to have the opportunity to give to something 580 00:33:50,160 --> 00:33:53,720 Speaker 2: bigger than you, to sow. He doesn't ever use the 581 00:33:53,740 --> 00:33:59,330 Speaker 2: word sacrifice. He says, I want you to sow See, 582 00:33:59,350 --> 00:34:03,880 Speaker 2: sacrifice means you give something, and it goes away. Sow 583 00:34:03,930 --> 00:34:14,460 Speaker 2: means you give something, and it gets bigger. They said 584 00:34:14,500 --> 00:34:15,460 Speaker 2: it's not a sacrifice. 585 00:34:16,500 --> 00:34:17,000 Speaker 1: It's a seed. 586 00:34:18,160 --> 00:34:21,259 Speaker 2: When God gave his son as a sacrifice, Jesus was 587 00:34:21,360 --> 00:34:26,030 Speaker 2: a seed. God sowed Jesus as the firstborn among many 588 00:34:26,090 --> 00:34:28,730 Speaker 2: brethren so that we could become the children of God. 589 00:34:29,050 --> 00:34:30,029 Speaker 1: It's not a sacrifice. 590 00:34:31,210 --> 00:34:34,690 Speaker 2: God doesn't even want it when we think it's some sacrifice. 591 00:34:35,850 --> 00:34:39,110 Speaker 2: He is God, and so to give to him is 592 00:34:39,130 --> 00:34:40,009 Speaker 2: not a sacrifice. 593 00:34:40,930 --> 00:34:51,100 Speaker 1: It's a privilege. Y'all look at me for a minute. 594 00:34:51,400 --> 00:34:53,700 Speaker 2: You remember how I told you that this is the 595 00:34:53,739 --> 00:34:57,739 Speaker 2: best New Testament scripture for teaching generosity? Let me give 596 00:34:57,760 --> 00:35:02,509 Speaker 2: you the picture of it. from the Old Testament. When 597 00:35:02,550 --> 00:35:05,680 Speaker 2: God called Abraham … You've heard of Abraham before, right? 598 00:35:06,260 --> 00:35:09,840 Speaker 2: He's called the father of faith. When God called him, 599 00:35:09,880 --> 00:35:12,400 Speaker 2: he said, I'm going to give you a son. It 600 00:35:12,460 --> 00:35:15,950 Speaker 2: took maybe as many as 25 years. The timeline is unclear, 601 00:35:16,239 --> 00:35:19,830 Speaker 2: but it took a period of decades for that promise 602 00:35:19,850 --> 00:35:22,969 Speaker 2: to become a reality to where Abraham had a son 603 00:35:23,010 --> 00:35:25,430 Speaker 2: named Isaac, and he was the child of the promise. 604 00:35:25,880 --> 00:35:28,580 Speaker 2: And God said, I'm going to bless the earth through Isaac. 605 00:35:28,620 --> 00:35:30,960 Speaker 2: And Abraham was too old to have kids, and they 606 00:35:30,980 --> 00:35:33,580 Speaker 2: didn't have pharmaceuticals to help with stuff like that. 607 00:35:33,700 --> 00:35:35,550 Speaker 1: In that day. I'm going to leave that alone. You 608 00:35:35,570 --> 00:35:36,290 Speaker 1: can talk to your parents. 609 00:35:36,630 --> 00:35:40,230 Speaker 2: But what happened in Abraham's case was God did something 610 00:35:40,350 --> 00:35:46,350 Speaker 2: supernaturally at the appointed time. And then the part that 611 00:35:46,370 --> 00:35:49,779 Speaker 2: I've always struggled with, because I have three kids. Abby 612 00:35:49,820 --> 00:35:53,700 Speaker 2: is eight, Graham is 12, Elijah is 14. And by 613 00:35:53,739 --> 00:35:57,370 Speaker 2: this point, Isaac, was a teenager, and God told him 614 00:35:57,430 --> 00:36:00,790 Speaker 2: one day,' I want you to take Isaac and sacrifice 615 00:36:00,830 --> 00:36:05,130 Speaker 2: him to me.' When Abraham got up the mountain and 616 00:36:05,190 --> 00:36:09,170 Speaker 2: he was ready to sacrifice Isaac, God got his attention 617 00:36:09,190 --> 00:36:12,089 Speaker 2: at the last moment and showed him that there was 618 00:36:12,130 --> 00:36:14,750 Speaker 2: a ram in the bush, and God didn't want him 619 00:36:14,790 --> 00:36:18,670 Speaker 2: to lay a hand on his son. So, in that moment, 620 00:36:19,050 --> 00:36:22,530 Speaker 2: it must have been confusing to Abraham that he thought 621 00:36:22,550 --> 00:36:26,710 Speaker 2: God was calling him to sacrifice what God gave him. Really, 622 00:36:26,750 --> 00:36:29,469 Speaker 2: what we see in the pattern of God is that 623 00:36:29,510 --> 00:36:33,560 Speaker 2: God never really calls us to sacrifice anything, and that 624 00:36:33,780 --> 00:36:36,479 Speaker 2: anything we give to him is not sacrificed. 625 00:36:36,680 --> 00:36:37,300 Speaker 1: It is sown. 626 00:36:39,120 --> 00:36:42,480 Speaker 2: God had already made a provision for Abraham to obey him. 627 00:36:43,000 --> 00:36:45,320 Speaker 2: When he did it, when he listened to the voice 628 00:36:45,380 --> 00:36:49,160 Speaker 2: of the Lord, when he made himself available to God … 629 00:36:50,320 --> 00:36:52,590 Speaker 2: The Bible says in Genesis 22, verse 15, that the 630 00:36:53,110 --> 00:36:58,209 Speaker 2: angel of the Lord spoke to Abraham a second time 631 00:36:58,810 --> 00:37:01,890 Speaker 2: out of heaven. The angel said, go to verse 16, please. 632 00:37:02,630 --> 00:37:06,670 Speaker 2: By myself I have sworn, because you have done this 633 00:37:06,750 --> 00:37:11,430 Speaker 2: thing and have not withheld your son, your only son. 634 00:37:12,290 --> 00:37:14,470 Speaker 1: See, Abraham was willing to let. 635 00:37:14,390 --> 00:37:18,689 Speaker 2: Something go that God gave him to begin with. There's 636 00:37:18,750 --> 00:37:22,820 Speaker 2: no such thing as a sacrifice, because everything I have 637 00:37:22,910 --> 00:37:26,850 Speaker 2: came from God. If I loan you my car and 638 00:37:26,870 --> 00:37:29,910 Speaker 2: you give it back, you didn't give me anything. You 639 00:37:29,989 --> 00:37:34,299 Speaker 2: returned to me what was already mine. Who gave you 640 00:37:34,380 --> 00:37:38,120 Speaker 2: that gift? Who gave you that breath? Who gave you 641 00:37:38,180 --> 00:37:42,100 Speaker 2: that opportunity? Who gave you this moment? Who gave you 642 00:37:42,160 --> 00:37:45,940 Speaker 2: those children? Who gave you that promise? Who gave you 643 00:37:46,000 --> 00:37:50,950 Speaker 2: that strength? It's not a sacrifice, but God said,' Because 644 00:37:51,010 --> 00:37:54,230 Speaker 2: I've seen your heart, because you didn't think it was yours, 645 00:37:54,610 --> 00:37:55,189 Speaker 2: because you. 646 00:37:55,210 --> 00:37:57,730 Speaker 1: Offered it back to me, here's what I'm going to do. 647 00:37:58,150 --> 00:38:02,900 Speaker 2: Blessing, I will bless you, and multiplying, I will multiply 648 00:38:02,940 --> 00:38:06,680 Speaker 2: your descendants.' as the stars of heaven and as the 649 00:38:06,700 --> 00:38:10,120 Speaker 2: sand which is on the seashore, and your descendants shall 650 00:38:10,160 --> 00:38:12,040 Speaker 2: possess the gate of their enemies. 651 00:38:12,480 --> 00:38:13,280 Speaker 1: What is he saying? 652 00:38:13,719 --> 00:38:17,380 Speaker 2: God will multiply whatever you are willing to sacrifice. 653 00:38:18,040 --> 00:38:21,140 Speaker 1: God is a giver. God is a good God. God 654 00:38:21,200 --> 00:38:23,780 Speaker 1: is a generous God. God is abundant God. 655 00:38:24,180 --> 00:38:26,859 Speaker 2: God is able to make all grace abound to you 656 00:38:27,239 --> 00:38:30,930 Speaker 2: so that in all things, at all times, you will 657 00:38:30,989 --> 00:38:31,690 Speaker 2: have all. 658 00:38:31,630 --> 00:38:33,030 Speaker 1: That you need. 659 00:38:33,750 --> 00:38:37,110 Speaker 2: To do everything he's called you to do. This is 660 00:38:37,150 --> 00:38:40,350 Speaker 2: a moment for you to decide. Will you be like 661 00:38:40,370 --> 00:38:43,950 Speaker 2: the disciples who were so focused on their own need 662 00:38:44,900 --> 00:38:46,920 Speaker 2: that they didn't realize that God had called them to 663 00:38:46,960 --> 00:38:49,279 Speaker 2: feed the people that were right in front of them? 664 00:38:50,660 --> 00:38:53,520 Speaker 2: I think sometimes we have to commission ourselves as Christians 665 00:38:54,140 --> 00:38:57,400 Speaker 2: to be able to say, God, not only do I 666 00:38:57,420 --> 00:39:00,219 Speaker 2: need you to do something for me, I want you 667 00:39:00,239 --> 00:39:01,400 Speaker 2: to do something through me. 668 00:39:03,120 --> 00:39:05,739 Speaker 1: Through me. through me. 669 00:39:06,160 --> 00:39:09,040 Speaker 2: When's the last time we stopped and asked God to 670 00:39:09,080 --> 00:39:12,820 Speaker 2: do something through us? I know we ask him to 671 00:39:12,860 --> 00:39:15,890 Speaker 2: do stuff for us all the time, but what about 672 00:39:15,910 --> 00:39:18,250 Speaker 2: that thing we were praying about this morning? When's the 673 00:39:18,290 --> 00:39:21,029 Speaker 2: last time we stopped, Holly, and said, God, what do 674 00:39:21,050 --> 00:39:24,250 Speaker 2: you want to do through us? Maybe it's not about us. 675 00:39:25,170 --> 00:39:27,669 Speaker 2: Maybe it's not about us getting what we need to eat. 676 00:39:28,969 --> 00:39:32,879 Speaker 2: Maybe God brought you to church today to encourage somebody else. 677 00:39:34,880 --> 00:39:37,890 Speaker 2: If this preaching is not popular, that makes it even 678 00:39:37,930 --> 00:39:41,750 Speaker 2: more important, because the more we stay focused on cultural 679 00:39:41,830 --> 00:39:46,090 Speaker 2: ideas and norms of consumer-based Christianity, the world starves. 680 00:39:46,910 --> 00:39:50,160 Speaker 6: The world starves for truth, The world starves for hope. 681 00:39:50,540 --> 00:39:54,779 Speaker 6: The world starves for light. We have the bread. So 682 00:39:54,800 --> 00:39:58,120 Speaker 6: I'm asking you a question. Are you available? Do you 683 00:39:58,180 --> 00:40:00,900 Speaker 6: believe that God is able? Do you believe that he 684 00:40:00,980 --> 00:40:04,609 Speaker 6: is your source? Are you a channel? Are you a vessel? 685 00:40:04,910 --> 00:40:07,390 Speaker 6: Are you an instrument? Are you willing? 686 00:40:08,830 --> 00:40:11,930 Speaker 1: Are you available? 687 00:40:13,550 --> 00:40:16,629 Speaker 2: Stand up at every location. I want you to take 688 00:40:16,670 --> 00:40:17,610 Speaker 2: a posture of prayer. 689 00:40:17,690 --> 00:40:20,360 Speaker 1: No one leaving. I want you to take a posture 690 00:40:20,380 --> 00:40:20,740 Speaker 1: of prayer. 691 00:40:23,900 --> 00:40:29,160 Speaker 2: Team, you can come. He said that God is able. 692 00:40:29,200 --> 00:40:32,270 Speaker 2: That's not the question, to make all grace abound. That's 693 00:40:32,290 --> 00:40:37,129 Speaker 2: not in doubt. Are you available? Well, I only have 694 00:40:37,170 --> 00:40:40,629 Speaker 2: five loaves and two fish. I'm not one of these 695 00:40:40,690 --> 00:40:41,590 Speaker 2: amazing people. 696 00:40:41,690 --> 00:40:45,560 Speaker 1: No, no, no. It's not, are you able? It's, are 697 00:40:45,600 --> 00:40:47,100 Speaker 1: you available? 698 00:40:48,540 --> 00:40:48,759 Speaker 2: Are you? 699 00:40:50,100 --> 00:40:52,560 Speaker 1: Are you a needer or a feeder? 700 00:40:55,200 --> 00:40:58,600 Speaker 2: The real truth is you're both, and the way God 701 00:40:58,660 --> 00:41:01,799 Speaker 2: meets your needs is through you meeting the needs of others. 702 00:41:04,020 --> 00:41:06,420 Speaker 1: So, bow your head. Close your eyes. 703 00:41:10,860 --> 00:41:13,960 Speaker 2: The Scripture says that if we will make ourselves living 704 00:41:14,260 --> 00:41:19,300 Speaker 2: sacrifices and offer ourselves to God, we will be able 705 00:41:19,340 --> 00:41:22,820 Speaker 2: to test and approve what his will is, his good, perfect, 706 00:41:23,320 --> 00:41:27,779 Speaker 2: pleasing will. Lord, you brought us together today by the 707 00:41:27,840 --> 00:41:31,200 Speaker 2: thousands across multiple backgrounds. 708 00:41:33,140 --> 00:41:35,180 Speaker 1: You brought us together not. 709 00:41:35,060 --> 00:41:38,859 Speaker 2: Only to receive from you, but to supply us with 710 00:41:38,920 --> 00:41:41,910 Speaker 2: seeds so that we could give. We miss that sometimes, 711 00:41:41,950 --> 00:41:46,230 Speaker 2: and we confess it. We miss sometimes that everything you 712 00:41:46,250 --> 00:41:49,620 Speaker 2: give us is not for us. but we just take 713 00:41:49,660 --> 00:41:53,279 Speaker 2: this moment to acknowledge the great gifts you have given us. 714 00:41:54,860 --> 00:41:57,819 Speaker 2: Forgive us for living in me mode. Forgive me for 715 00:41:57,860 --> 00:42:02,230 Speaker 2: living in me mode, what I need, what I want. God, 716 00:42:02,250 --> 00:42:05,290 Speaker 2: I pray that you would shift our hearts and that 717 00:42:05,330 --> 00:42:08,410 Speaker 2: we would offer all we are and all we have. 718 00:42:09,820 --> 00:42:13,779 Speaker 1: We're available to you. In Jesus' name, amen. 719 00:42:15,739 --> 00:42:17,680 Speaker 2: Take a screenshot and share it on your social stories 720 00:42:17,700 --> 00:42:18,520 Speaker 2: and tag us at Elevation Church. 721 00:42:18,540 --> 00:42:19,940 Speaker 1: Thanks again for listening. God bless you.