1 00:00:00,440 --> 00:00:02,160 Speaker 1: Hi, this is Joel and Victoria. 2 00:00:02,240 --> 00:00:05,279 Speaker 2: Thanks for listening to our podcast and thanks for supporting 3 00:00:05,280 --> 00:00:05,920 Speaker 2: the ministry. 4 00:00:06,120 --> 00:00:08,440 Speaker 3: If you enjoy today's message, why don't you be a 5 00:00:08,440 --> 00:00:10,000 Speaker 3: blessing and share it with a friend. 6 00:00:10,360 --> 00:00:13,040 Speaker 2: We appreciate you and pray for God's very best in 7 00:00:13,080 --> 00:00:13,560 Speaker 2: your line. 8 00:00:14,040 --> 00:00:14,800 Speaker 1: God bless you. 9 00:00:15,240 --> 00:00:17,919 Speaker 2: It's great to be with you today, and I hope 10 00:00:17,960 --> 00:00:20,279 Speaker 2: you'll stay connected with us during the week through our 11 00:00:20,360 --> 00:00:24,239 Speaker 2: daily podcast or YouTube channel, social media, and you can 12 00:00:24,280 --> 00:00:25,599 Speaker 2: come visit us in person. 13 00:00:25,760 --> 00:00:27,480 Speaker 1: We'd love to have you be a part of one 14 00:00:27,520 --> 00:00:28,400 Speaker 1: of our services. 15 00:00:28,680 --> 00:00:31,080 Speaker 2: I'd like to start with something funny and I heard 16 00:00:31,080 --> 00:00:32,040 Speaker 2: about this pastor. 17 00:00:32,440 --> 00:00:35,760 Speaker 1: He bought a new horse. He trained it to respond to. 18 00:00:35,760 --> 00:00:40,120 Speaker 2: Praise the Lord meaning giddy up, and Hallelujah meaning woe. 19 00:00:40,800 --> 00:00:43,000 Speaker 2: Every time he said praise the Lord, the horse took 20 00:00:43,080 --> 00:00:46,120 Speaker 2: off running. When he said Hallelujah, it would quickly stop. 21 00:00:46,840 --> 00:00:49,640 Speaker 2: One day, he is out riding and the horse got spooked, 22 00:00:49,920 --> 00:00:53,440 Speaker 2: took off running straight toward the cliff, going full blast, 23 00:00:53,560 --> 00:00:56,440 Speaker 2: and in the panic, he couldn't remember what he taught 24 00:00:56,440 --> 00:00:56,880 Speaker 2: the horse. 25 00:00:57,520 --> 00:01:00,520 Speaker 1: He said, Bless God, Glory, Amen. Nothing happened. 26 00:01:01,040 --> 00:01:04,679 Speaker 2: The last moment he shouted Hallelujah, the horse came to 27 00:01:04,760 --> 00:01:08,200 Speaker 2: a screeching halt just inches before the edge of the cliff. 28 00:01:08,480 --> 00:01:11,319 Speaker 1: He breathed a sigh of relief and said, Praise the Lord. 29 00:01:12,840 --> 00:01:13,840 Speaker 1: Say it like you mean it. 30 00:01:14,319 --> 00:01:17,199 Speaker 2: This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. 31 00:01:17,640 --> 00:01:20,119 Speaker 2: I have what it says I have. I can do 32 00:01:20,200 --> 00:01:22,840 Speaker 2: what it says I can do. Today I will be 33 00:01:22,959 --> 00:01:26,880 Speaker 2: taught the word of God. I boldly confess. My mind 34 00:01:26,959 --> 00:01:30,240 Speaker 2: is alert, my heart is receptive. I will never be 35 00:01:30,319 --> 00:01:35,080 Speaker 2: the same. In Jesus' name, God bless you. I want 36 00:01:35,120 --> 00:01:38,400 Speaker 2: to talk to you today about born with a blessing. 37 00:01:39,400 --> 00:01:42,919 Speaker 2: When you have a generous spirit, you're always giving your time, 38 00:01:43,240 --> 00:01:47,440 Speaker 2: your resources being a blessing. Those are seeds you're sowing 39 00:01:47,960 --> 00:01:50,880 Speaker 2: that will not only make your life more rewarding, but 40 00:01:50,960 --> 00:01:53,760 Speaker 2: it's impacting your children in family line. 41 00:01:54,640 --> 00:01:56,440 Speaker 1: There's a generational blessing. 42 00:01:56,840 --> 00:02:01,120 Speaker 2: When you live generously, you're giving your faithfulness. 43 00:02:01,520 --> 00:02:04,640 Speaker 1: You may not see the full harvest of those seeds. 44 00:02:05,160 --> 00:02:07,640 Speaker 2: Some of it is being stored up for those that 45 00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:11,880 Speaker 2: come after you. Your children will harvest what you planted. 46 00:02:12,600 --> 00:02:17,680 Speaker 2: Your great grandchildren will come into favor because of you. 47 00:02:17,680 --> 00:02:21,680 Speaker 2: Your giving is being credited to their account, and it 48 00:02:21,720 --> 00:02:24,800 Speaker 2: doesn't mean that you won't be blessed, but because you 49 00:02:24,880 --> 00:02:28,560 Speaker 2: have a generous spirit, you will see running over blessings, 50 00:02:28,960 --> 00:02:33,360 Speaker 2: blessings that spill over to the next generation. The scripture says, 51 00:02:33,520 --> 00:02:36,359 Speaker 2: when you honor God with your giving, he will pour 52 00:02:36,400 --> 00:02:40,560 Speaker 2: out blessings you can't contain. That means you can't contain 53 00:02:40,600 --> 00:02:44,240 Speaker 2: it in your lifetime. It's too much for one generation. 54 00:02:44,960 --> 00:02:47,799 Speaker 2: It's going to get passed down to your family line. 55 00:02:48,880 --> 00:02:51,919 Speaker 2: I'm living in blessings today that I didn't earn. 56 00:02:52,680 --> 00:02:55,200 Speaker 1: People that went before me were generous. 57 00:02:55,440 --> 00:02:59,000 Speaker 2: They made sacrifices to help others. They honored God with 58 00:02:59,080 --> 00:03:03,200 Speaker 2: their life, and now I'm reaping favor from the seeds 59 00:03:03,240 --> 00:03:07,440 Speaker 2: they sowed. Every time you give of your time, your talent, 60 00:03:07,760 --> 00:03:11,800 Speaker 2: your resources, you are storing up blessings for your family. 61 00:03:12,480 --> 00:03:14,040 Speaker 1: They're gonna walk into favor. 62 00:03:14,600 --> 00:03:18,120 Speaker 2: See doors open the right people show up because of 63 00:03:18,160 --> 00:03:19,200 Speaker 2: your generosity. 64 00:03:19,639 --> 00:03:21,239 Speaker 1: It's a running over blessing. 65 00:03:21,919 --> 00:03:25,519 Speaker 2: You were faithful, and it ran over to your great grandchildren. 66 00:03:26,240 --> 00:03:29,440 Speaker 2: They can't explain it seems like a lucky break. No, 67 00:03:29,760 --> 00:03:33,760 Speaker 2: that's a generational blessing. They're reaping a harvest from the 68 00:03:33,840 --> 00:03:38,440 Speaker 2: seeds you sowed. Genesis form, Abraham had to go rescue 69 00:03:38,480 --> 00:03:41,720 Speaker 2: his nephew Lot. He'd been captured by these bandits, and 70 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:44,680 Speaker 2: Abraham and his men snuck up in the middle of the. 71 00:03:44,680 --> 00:03:46,240 Speaker 1: Night and attacked the opposition. 72 00:03:46,640 --> 00:03:51,200 Speaker 2: They got locked his family, all the possessions back, plus 73 00:03:51,240 --> 00:03:53,240 Speaker 2: they gathered up the enemy's spoils. 74 00:03:53,680 --> 00:03:54,760 Speaker 1: Was a great victory. 75 00:03:55,240 --> 00:04:00,200 Speaker 2: As they were returning, Milkezedek, the High Priest, met Abraham 76 00:04:00,200 --> 00:04:05,400 Speaker 2: to congratulate him. Verse twenty says Abraham gave Melkezedek a 77 00:04:05,520 --> 00:04:09,800 Speaker 2: tenth of everything he recovered, first place in the scripture 78 00:04:09,800 --> 00:04:12,880 Speaker 2: where we see the tithe ten percent of our income. 79 00:04:13,760 --> 00:04:17,880 Speaker 2: Abraham didn't have to do this, It wasn't required, but 80 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:22,039 Speaker 2: Abraham was a giver. He recognized it was God's favor 81 00:04:22,160 --> 00:04:25,080 Speaker 2: that brought him the victory. He wanted to bless the 82 00:04:25,160 --> 00:04:27,839 Speaker 2: high priest with some of the spoils to show that 83 00:04:27,960 --> 00:04:30,719 Speaker 2: how God was first place in his life, how he 84 00:04:30,839 --> 00:04:32,520 Speaker 2: was grateful for what God had done. 85 00:04:33,560 --> 00:04:36,440 Speaker 1: That seemed like a nice thing to do, just being. 86 00:04:36,279 --> 00:04:40,800 Speaker 2: Generous, but it was more significant than that. Abraham had 87 00:04:40,839 --> 00:04:43,840 Speaker 2: a son named Isaac. Isaac had a son named Jacob. 88 00:04:44,160 --> 00:04:48,120 Speaker 2: Jacob had a son named Levi. Levi was four generations 89 00:04:48,160 --> 00:04:54,680 Speaker 2: after Abraham. Hebrews says Levi paid ties to Melkezedek through 90 00:04:54,720 --> 00:04:58,679 Speaker 2: his ancestor Abraham. For although Levi was not yet born, 91 00:04:59,240 --> 00:05:02,800 Speaker 2: the sea from which he came was in Abraham's loins 92 00:05:03,160 --> 00:05:07,080 Speaker 2: when he gave the tithe till Milkezedak. This is saying 93 00:05:07,560 --> 00:05:11,640 Speaker 2: Abraham gave that gift he honored God, and his great 94 00:05:11,680 --> 00:05:15,520 Speaker 2: great grandson, a young man he had never met had 95 00:05:15,560 --> 00:05:20,440 Speaker 2: not yet been born, was credited with giving ties. Levi 96 00:05:20,720 --> 00:05:23,839 Speaker 2: came out of the womb with favor he had nothing 97 00:05:23,839 --> 00:05:27,880 Speaker 2: to do with. He was born with a blessing because 98 00:05:27,960 --> 00:05:30,200 Speaker 2: his grandfather was so generous. 99 00:05:30,880 --> 00:05:35,039 Speaker 1: Notice the principle when Abraham gave, he didn't just see favor. 100 00:05:35,360 --> 00:05:38,520 Speaker 2: The scripture says he had an abundance of cattle and sheep, 101 00:05:38,680 --> 00:05:41,400 Speaker 2: one of the wealthiest men of his day, but his 102 00:05:41,560 --> 00:05:45,880 Speaker 2: generosity didn't just impact him. It was credited to his 103 00:05:46,040 --> 00:05:47,560 Speaker 2: great grandson's account. 104 00:05:48,200 --> 00:05:49,880 Speaker 1: Four generations later. 105 00:05:49,920 --> 00:05:54,240 Speaker 2: Levi showed up with a blessing because of Abraham's giving. 106 00:05:55,040 --> 00:05:57,760 Speaker 2: Let's live our lives in such a way that our 107 00:05:57,800 --> 00:06:01,799 Speaker 2: descendants are born with the blessing. You can impact future 108 00:06:01,880 --> 00:06:06,800 Speaker 2: generations by living generously. You'll not only see God bless you, 109 00:06:07,320 --> 00:06:11,000 Speaker 2: but there will be blessings. You can't contain blessings that 110 00:06:11,040 --> 00:06:16,080 Speaker 2: flow down to your children, your grandchildren. I realized I 111 00:06:16,080 --> 00:06:19,200 Speaker 2: didn't get here by myself. I didn't have the skill, 112 00:06:19,600 --> 00:06:23,200 Speaker 2: the courage, the faith to make all this happen. I 113 00:06:23,400 --> 00:06:26,560 Speaker 2: was born with favor in my account that I had 114 00:06:26,600 --> 00:06:30,159 Speaker 2: nothing to do with. My grandfather on my mother's side 115 00:06:30,440 --> 00:06:33,719 Speaker 2: was a giver. He had a rough childhood. He lost 116 00:06:33,720 --> 00:06:36,560 Speaker 2: his father at eight years old and was passed from 117 00:06:36,640 --> 00:06:40,320 Speaker 2: family to family. Nobody wanted him. He lived out on 118 00:06:40,440 --> 00:06:43,520 Speaker 2: a barn on his own. He could have been bitter 119 00:06:43,640 --> 00:06:46,360 Speaker 2: and gone through life with a chip on his shoulder. 120 00:06:46,680 --> 00:06:48,880 Speaker 2: But you have to take the hand you've bend out 121 00:06:49,000 --> 00:06:50,120 Speaker 2: and make the most of it. 122 00:06:50,520 --> 00:06:53,560 Speaker 1: Nothing that's happened to you has to stop your purpose. 123 00:06:54,279 --> 00:06:57,440 Speaker 2: He met my grandmother and they got married, and at eighteen, 124 00:06:57,480 --> 00:07:01,359 Speaker 2: my grandfather got a job at the Exon Finery in Baytown. 125 00:07:01,680 --> 00:07:04,680 Speaker 2: For forty years, he never missed a day of work. 126 00:07:05,120 --> 00:07:06,039 Speaker 1: He was faithful. 127 00:07:06,800 --> 00:07:09,720 Speaker 2: When he retired, he'd come to Lakewood during the week 128 00:07:10,000 --> 00:07:12,600 Speaker 2: to do repairs and help the staff, and I would 129 00:07:12,640 --> 00:07:15,840 Speaker 2: see him underneath the portable buildings working on the plumbing. 130 00:07:16,280 --> 00:07:20,720 Speaker 2: He was generous When he passed at ninety four years old. 131 00:07:21,120 --> 00:07:22,720 Speaker 1: We were going through his belongings. 132 00:07:23,400 --> 00:07:26,000 Speaker 2: We found a notebook where he kept a record of 133 00:07:26,040 --> 00:07:30,080 Speaker 2: all of his giving was handwritten. Six dollars to Central 134 00:07:30,080 --> 00:07:33,800 Speaker 2: Baptist Church, his tithe, and eight dollars to the Lakewood 135 00:07:33,800 --> 00:07:38,840 Speaker 2: Building Fund, four dollars to missions. Every gift year after 136 00:07:38,920 --> 00:07:42,960 Speaker 2: year recorded in this book. But he wasn't the only 137 00:07:43,000 --> 00:07:47,560 Speaker 2: one keeping records. God sees the sacrifices you make. He's 138 00:07:47,600 --> 00:07:52,640 Speaker 2: these you're going the extra mile, giving, serving, helping others. 139 00:07:53,320 --> 00:07:55,520 Speaker 2: He's not only going to bring that back to you, 140 00:07:55,800 --> 00:07:58,920 Speaker 2: pressed down, shaken together, but there's going to be some 141 00:07:59,040 --> 00:08:02,880 Speaker 2: running over, some that's gonna be credited to your children, 142 00:08:03,400 --> 00:08:06,960 Speaker 2: to those who come after you. No wonder, I'm blessed. 143 00:08:07,240 --> 00:08:10,640 Speaker 2: I was born with a blessing. I can't take credit 144 00:08:10,720 --> 00:08:14,000 Speaker 2: for it. I had a grandfather that honored God, that 145 00:08:14,120 --> 00:08:15,840 Speaker 2: lived generously with his. 146 00:08:15,880 --> 00:08:18,360 Speaker 1: Talent, his resources. 147 00:08:18,640 --> 00:08:22,600 Speaker 2: Now I'm walking in favor that I can't explain good 148 00:08:22,640 --> 00:08:24,040 Speaker 2: breaks that I didn't earn. 149 00:08:24,480 --> 00:08:26,240 Speaker 1: It's a generational blessing. 150 00:08:27,000 --> 00:08:30,679 Speaker 2: It's because those that went before me stored up favor, 151 00:08:31,240 --> 00:08:35,640 Speaker 2: stored up mercy freely. It's been given to me. Now 152 00:08:35,679 --> 00:08:38,839 Speaker 2: I'm gonna freely give it to others. I'm gonna make 153 00:08:38,880 --> 00:08:43,040 Speaker 2: sure I store up plenty in my children's accounts. Let's 154 00:08:43,120 --> 00:08:47,439 Speaker 2: live in such a way that our grandchildren, our great grandchildren, 155 00:08:47,840 --> 00:08:52,360 Speaker 2: four or five generations later, Like LEVI, they're born with 156 00:08:52,440 --> 00:08:53,640 Speaker 2: a blessing. 157 00:08:53,280 --> 00:08:56,120 Speaker 1: Because of you. You went the extra mile. 158 00:08:56,800 --> 00:08:59,959 Speaker 2: You stayed late to help that friend, you came early 159 00:09:00,120 --> 00:09:03,520 Speaker 2: to serve at church, you stretched to support the ministry. 160 00:09:04,360 --> 00:09:07,640 Speaker 2: All those gifts are being credited to those. 161 00:09:07,400 --> 00:09:10,440 Speaker 1: Who are coming after you. You can't contain all God's 162 00:09:10,440 --> 00:09:10,880 Speaker 1: gonna do. 163 00:09:11,720 --> 00:09:14,200 Speaker 2: I'm not saying He's not gonna bless you, but one 164 00:09:14,320 --> 00:09:17,400 Speaker 2: lifetime is not enough. It's going to spill over to 165 00:09:17,480 --> 00:09:22,160 Speaker 2: your family line, to future generations. I was eighteen years 166 00:09:22,160 --> 00:09:25,440 Speaker 2: old and one evening my parents were dressed up and 167 00:09:25,520 --> 00:09:28,240 Speaker 2: about to leave the house, and wasn't a church night, 168 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:29,200 Speaker 2: and I asked where. 169 00:09:29,080 --> 00:09:31,559 Speaker 1: They were going. My father said there was a new 170 00:09:31,600 --> 00:09:33,920 Speaker 1: police chief in town. He was the. 171 00:09:33,880 --> 00:09:37,440 Speaker 2: First African American chief in Houston, and they were going 172 00:09:37,480 --> 00:09:38,240 Speaker 2: to welcome him. 173 00:09:38,880 --> 00:09:40,760 Speaker 1: I said, that's great. Do you know him? 174 00:09:41,400 --> 00:09:44,040 Speaker 2: They said no, we've never met him. I said, does 175 00:09:44,120 --> 00:09:48,280 Speaker 2: someone invite you? They said no, nobody invited us. I said, 176 00:09:48,280 --> 00:09:50,800 Speaker 2: do you know other people there? They said, no, Joel, 177 00:09:51,040 --> 00:09:54,080 Speaker 2: We're just going to make him feel welcome, let him 178 00:09:54,120 --> 00:09:56,880 Speaker 2: know that we support him and we're praying for him. 179 00:09:57,520 --> 00:09:59,960 Speaker 1: That struck me as being so odd. 180 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:03,480 Speaker 2: No, End, you don't have to go. Nobody's expecting you. 181 00:10:04,240 --> 00:10:05,720 Speaker 2: But my parents were givers. 182 00:10:06,320 --> 00:10:10,439 Speaker 1: They loved to invest in people, to encourage. They were 183 00:10:10,480 --> 00:10:11,959 Speaker 1: always for the underdogs. 184 00:10:12,160 --> 00:10:15,079 Speaker 2: If someone wrote you off, my parents would be there 185 00:10:15,240 --> 00:10:18,360 Speaker 2: to tell you you can still do it. If you failed, 186 00:10:18,440 --> 00:10:21,000 Speaker 2: you made a mistake, they'd be there to lift you up, 187 00:10:21,400 --> 00:10:22,400 Speaker 2: to help restore you. 188 00:10:22,960 --> 00:10:25,360 Speaker 1: To let you know God has another chance. 189 00:10:26,160 --> 00:10:28,760 Speaker 2: They went to the reception and met Chief Ground and 190 00:10:29,280 --> 00:10:31,679 Speaker 2: told him how they believed in him, and how all 191 00:10:31,720 --> 00:10:34,319 Speaker 2: of Lakewood would be praying just so in a seed 192 00:10:34,360 --> 00:10:38,880 Speaker 2: of friendship, just being kind, letting him know that they care. 193 00:10:39,600 --> 00:10:42,200 Speaker 2: Twenty one years later, my father had gone to be 194 00:10:42,280 --> 00:10:45,360 Speaker 2: with the Lord and I'd been pastoring for three years. 195 00:10:46,120 --> 00:10:46,960 Speaker 1: Church was growing. 196 00:10:47,760 --> 00:10:51,520 Speaker 2: We need a larger auditorium. We couldn't find any property 197 00:10:51,559 --> 00:10:55,120 Speaker 2: to build. A friend called and said the Rockets basketball 198 00:10:55,160 --> 00:10:57,600 Speaker 2: team was going to move out of the Compact Center. 199 00:10:58,000 --> 00:11:00,000 Speaker 2: We should try to get that building for lake Wood. 200 00:11:00,720 --> 00:11:03,439 Speaker 2: It was owned by the city. When he said that, 201 00:11:03,960 --> 00:11:04,760 Speaker 2: something came. 202 00:11:04,600 --> 00:11:06,160 Speaker 1: Alive on the inside. 203 00:11:06,280 --> 00:11:09,600 Speaker 2: I knew we were supposed to go after it. He said, Joe, 204 00:11:09,800 --> 00:11:12,120 Speaker 2: you should call the mayor and ask him about it. 205 00:11:12,440 --> 00:11:14,680 Speaker 2: But I'd only been pastor in a short time and 206 00:11:14,840 --> 00:11:15,960 Speaker 2: nobody knew who I was. 207 00:11:16,280 --> 00:11:18,439 Speaker 1: Thought, I can't call the mayor. He's not going to 208 00:11:18,520 --> 00:11:19,240 Speaker 1: take my call. 209 00:11:19,920 --> 00:11:22,720 Speaker 2: Then I remembered who the mayor was. It was no 210 00:11:22,840 --> 00:11:27,480 Speaker 2: longer Police Chief Lee Brown. Now it was Mayor Lee Brown, 211 00:11:27,720 --> 00:11:29,520 Speaker 2: the same man my. 212 00:11:29,600 --> 00:11:31,880 Speaker 1: Parents befriended twenty one years earlier. 213 00:11:32,640 --> 00:11:35,760 Speaker 2: Daddy may have gone, but that favor was stored up 214 00:11:35,760 --> 00:11:36,480 Speaker 2: in my account. 215 00:11:37,040 --> 00:11:39,960 Speaker 1: I called the city Fifteen seconds later. The mayor was 216 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:42,080 Speaker 1: on the line. He said, Joel, what can I do 217 00:11:42,200 --> 00:11:42,560 Speaker 1: for you? 218 00:11:42,920 --> 00:11:45,600 Speaker 2: I told him how we were interested in the Compact Center. 219 00:11:45,880 --> 00:11:48,960 Speaker 2: He said, Joel, I think Lakewood having the Compact Center 220 00:11:49,200 --> 00:11:50,560 Speaker 2: would be great for the. 221 00:11:50,480 --> 00:11:51,360 Speaker 1: City of Houston. 222 00:11:52,200 --> 00:11:55,880 Speaker 2: I thought, how can this be happening? Why does he 223 00:11:55,920 --> 00:11:57,760 Speaker 2: want to go out of his way to be good 224 00:11:57,760 --> 00:12:01,440 Speaker 2: to us? That wasn't something and I did. That was 225 00:12:01,480 --> 00:12:02,880 Speaker 2: the blessing that. 226 00:12:02,880 --> 00:12:07,360 Speaker 1: Came from my parent's generosity. At eighteen years old, I 227 00:12:07,440 --> 00:12:10,719 Speaker 1: wondered why they were going. That seemed odd, but. 228 00:12:10,720 --> 00:12:13,559 Speaker 2: When you live a generous life, You don't know what 229 00:12:13,600 --> 00:12:14,520 Speaker 2: you're storing up. 230 00:12:15,080 --> 00:12:16,520 Speaker 1: You don't know how God. 231 00:12:16,360 --> 00:12:19,200 Speaker 2: Is not only going to bless you, but bless those 232 00:12:19,240 --> 00:12:22,040 Speaker 2: that come after you. On my own, I didn't have 233 00:12:22,080 --> 00:12:26,200 Speaker 2: the clout, the influence, the experience, but there was favor 234 00:12:26,280 --> 00:12:29,559 Speaker 2: in my account. When you look back over your life, 235 00:12:29,760 --> 00:12:33,400 Speaker 2: how many challenges have you overcome that should have stopped you. 236 00:12:34,360 --> 00:12:37,200 Speaker 2: Obstacles too big, dreams too great. 237 00:12:37,679 --> 00:12:39,880 Speaker 1: But somehow you had the strength to outlast. 238 00:12:40,360 --> 00:12:44,319 Speaker 2: The door opened, the company chose you, The sickness turned around, 239 00:12:44,760 --> 00:12:47,520 Speaker 2: somehow you got pregnant when they said you couldn't have 240 00:12:47,600 --> 00:12:48,080 Speaker 2: a baby. 241 00:12:48,640 --> 00:12:52,040 Speaker 1: There are good breaks you can't explain. Turn around. 242 00:12:52,160 --> 00:12:56,080 Speaker 2: You didn't see coming favor that thrust you ahead. It's 243 00:12:56,160 --> 00:13:00,560 Speaker 2: because someone in your family line stored up blessing for you. 244 00:13:01,360 --> 00:13:06,800 Speaker 2: Someone gained sacrifice, served Those blessings ran over into your account. 245 00:13:07,520 --> 00:13:11,720 Speaker 2: They couldn't contain it. Now you're being promoted, you're seeing favor. 246 00:13:12,080 --> 00:13:13,760 Speaker 2: It's a generational blessing. 247 00:13:14,360 --> 00:13:16,960 Speaker 1: It's like LEVI. You were born with the blessing. 248 00:13:17,679 --> 00:13:21,319 Speaker 2: You had relatives that sowed seeds. They didn't reap the 249 00:13:21,360 --> 00:13:25,080 Speaker 2: whole harvest. Some of those seeds were designed to bloom 250 00:13:25,080 --> 00:13:28,600 Speaker 2: in your life. Now you're reaping from what they sowed. 251 00:13:29,600 --> 00:13:33,559 Speaker 2: But my father always dreamed of building a large auditorium 252 00:13:33,640 --> 00:13:36,400 Speaker 2: like the Compact Center. In fact, in one of his 253 00:13:36,559 --> 00:13:40,360 Speaker 2: messages way before we moved in, he said, one day 254 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:43,360 Speaker 2: we're going to buy the Summit. That's what this place 255 00:13:43,640 --> 00:13:47,160 Speaker 2: was called back then. He never saw it in his lifetime. 256 00:13:47,280 --> 00:13:48,520 Speaker 1: He went to be with the Lord. 257 00:13:48,960 --> 00:13:51,839 Speaker 2: But sometimes God will put a dream in your heart 258 00:13:52,160 --> 00:13:53,800 Speaker 2: that your children will fulfill. 259 00:13:54,480 --> 00:13:55,600 Speaker 1: Your grandchildren. 260 00:13:55,960 --> 00:13:59,600 Speaker 2: You will see further than you can go. Your vision 261 00:13:59,840 --> 00:14:03,600 Speaker 2: may be greater than you can accomplish, but God is 262 00:14:03,679 --> 00:14:07,720 Speaker 2: birthing that in your spirit so that future generations can 263 00:14:07,760 --> 00:14:11,760 Speaker 2: step into what you're seeing. The good news is your 264 00:14:11,840 --> 00:14:17,120 Speaker 2: generosity is the way you honor God. Your obedience, your faithfulness. 265 00:14:17,160 --> 00:14:21,280 Speaker 2: Those seeds are accruing for your children, for your family 266 00:14:21,360 --> 00:14:24,920 Speaker 2: lie And like me and Mayor Brown, there will be 267 00:14:25,080 --> 00:14:29,080 Speaker 2: destiny moments for those that come after you, where doors open, 268 00:14:29,760 --> 00:14:32,920 Speaker 2: the right people show up to bring to past what 269 00:14:33,040 --> 00:14:36,160 Speaker 2: God put in your heart. They will reap the harvest 270 00:14:36,400 --> 00:14:39,720 Speaker 2: of some of the seeds that you've sown. Now, keep 271 00:14:39,760 --> 00:14:44,600 Speaker 2: doing the right thing, Keep being generous, Keep encouraging that friend, 272 00:14:45,160 --> 00:14:48,080 Speaker 2: Keep taking care of that elderly neighbor. Keep giving to 273 00:14:48,120 --> 00:14:51,520 Speaker 2: support God's work. You're not only going to see increase, 274 00:14:51,880 --> 00:14:55,160 Speaker 2: but there will be running over blessings, blessings that you 275 00:14:55,240 --> 00:15:00,440 Speaker 2: cannot contain. In the scripture, Jonathan was King saul son 276 00:15:00,520 --> 00:15:03,800 Speaker 2: and he was best friends with David, and Jonathan had 277 00:15:03,800 --> 00:15:07,640 Speaker 2: an incredibly generous spirit. He was next in line to 278 00:15:07,720 --> 00:15:11,160 Speaker 2: be the king after his father passed, but he knew 279 00:15:11,200 --> 00:15:13,880 Speaker 2: God's hand was on David. He went out of his 280 00:15:14,000 --> 00:15:19,200 Speaker 2: way to be good to David. He could have been jealous, competitive, thought, 281 00:15:19,200 --> 00:15:21,680 Speaker 2: I got to push David down, not let him get 282 00:15:21,680 --> 00:15:25,240 Speaker 2: my position, but he was just the opposite. 283 00:15:25,360 --> 00:15:26,400 Speaker 1: David came from. 284 00:15:26,200 --> 00:15:30,240 Speaker 2: A low income family and they were shepherds. Jonathan was 285 00:15:30,360 --> 00:15:34,360 Speaker 2: raised in royalty in the palace. He understood protocol and 286 00:15:34,480 --> 00:15:37,840 Speaker 2: how things operated, and when David came to the palace, 287 00:15:38,280 --> 00:15:41,120 Speaker 2: Jonathan took him under his wing and helped him learn 288 00:15:41,160 --> 00:15:44,840 Speaker 2: how everything worked, how to serve, and how to carry himself. 289 00:15:45,760 --> 00:15:48,920 Speaker 2: When King Saul became jealous of David and was trying 290 00:15:48,960 --> 00:15:53,320 Speaker 2: to kill him, Jonathan protected David, shared secrets to keep 291 00:15:53,360 --> 00:15:55,640 Speaker 2: him safe, and came up with the plans so he 292 00:15:55,640 --> 00:15:59,400 Speaker 2: wouldn't be harmed. If not for Jonathan David may not 293 00:15:59,560 --> 00:16:03,040 Speaker 2: have full filled his purpose. When David was about to 294 00:16:03,080 --> 00:16:06,440 Speaker 2: take off running from King Saul, Jonathan met him out 295 00:16:06,440 --> 00:16:10,160 Speaker 2: in the field. First Samuel eighteen says Jonathan took off 296 00:16:10,160 --> 00:16:15,040 Speaker 2: his robe and gave it to David, along with his armor. 297 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:16,920 Speaker 1: His sword, his bow, and his belt. 298 00:16:17,360 --> 00:16:22,240 Speaker 2: Look at Jonathan a giver, not only incredibly generous, but 299 00:16:22,320 --> 00:16:25,800 Speaker 2: he's given it to someone that's going to take his position. 300 00:16:26,640 --> 00:16:29,160 Speaker 1: God, help us to be that way, not so. 301 00:16:29,360 --> 00:16:33,640 Speaker 2: Selfish and insecure and competitive that I can't bless someone 302 00:16:34,160 --> 00:16:36,440 Speaker 2: that's going to go where I want to go, that 303 00:16:36,560 --> 00:16:39,040 Speaker 2: I can't be good to someone that's going to pass 304 00:16:39,120 --> 00:16:42,800 Speaker 2: me up. When you can pass the test of being 305 00:16:42,880 --> 00:16:45,920 Speaker 2: good to people that are going further than, God can 306 00:16:46,120 --> 00:16:51,400 Speaker 2: entrust you with greater influence, greater resources. When you're unselfish, 307 00:16:51,960 --> 00:16:55,400 Speaker 2: you're comfortable helping others get ahead. You are so in 308 00:16:55,480 --> 00:16:58,960 Speaker 2: a seed for a running over blessing. God's not only 309 00:16:59,000 --> 00:17:03,200 Speaker 2: going to reward your generosity, but your children, those that 310 00:17:03,240 --> 00:17:06,240 Speaker 2: come after you are going to be born with a blessing. 311 00:17:06,600 --> 00:17:10,399 Speaker 2: Your giving is being credited to their account. David and 312 00:17:10,480 --> 00:17:14,320 Speaker 2: Jonathan hugged each other goodbye. David took off into the 313 00:17:14,359 --> 00:17:17,440 Speaker 2: desert Saw chasing after him. They would only see each 314 00:17:17,440 --> 00:17:20,639 Speaker 2: other one more time. It's significant that on one of 315 00:17:20,720 --> 00:17:22,840 Speaker 2: their last encounters. 316 00:17:22,680 --> 00:17:24,600 Speaker 1: Jonathan was giving all these gifts. 317 00:17:25,119 --> 00:17:28,199 Speaker 2: As David hid in the caves month after month, I 318 00:17:28,200 --> 00:17:31,600 Speaker 2: can imagine many times he looked at his robe and 319 00:17:32,119 --> 00:17:35,399 Speaker 2: thought about his good friend Jonathan, how much he loved him, 320 00:17:35,760 --> 00:17:38,000 Speaker 2: put on his belt, picked up his. 321 00:17:37,920 --> 00:17:40,000 Speaker 1: Sword, and thought, Jonathan gave me this. 322 00:17:40,840 --> 00:17:46,399 Speaker 2: He was constantly reminded of Jonathan's generosity, not just material things, 323 00:17:47,000 --> 00:17:50,280 Speaker 2: but how Jonathan helped him navigate the palace, how he 324 00:17:50,400 --> 00:17:54,240 Speaker 2: protected him from King Saul. A few years later, Jonathan 325 00:17:54,560 --> 00:17:57,000 Speaker 2: and his dad Saw were killed in a battle on 326 00:17:57,040 --> 00:17:57,720 Speaker 2: the same. 327 00:17:57,520 --> 00:18:01,040 Speaker 1: Day, and David was made king. Came to pass. 328 00:18:02,040 --> 00:18:06,760 Speaker 2: David was incredibly successful, had great victories, led the Israelites 329 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:10,800 Speaker 2: to conquer enemies and take new ground. Twenty years had 330 00:18:10,840 --> 00:18:14,960 Speaker 2: passed since Jonathan was killed. Now David was known everywhere, 331 00:18:15,119 --> 00:18:18,800 Speaker 2: had all this influence and power. One night, he was 332 00:18:18,880 --> 00:18:21,520 Speaker 2: reminiscing thinking about his dear friend. 333 00:18:21,320 --> 00:18:23,359 Speaker 1: Jonathan, how much he missed him. 334 00:18:23,960 --> 00:18:27,160 Speaker 2: He said to his men, is there anyone still alive 335 00:18:27,440 --> 00:18:30,760 Speaker 2: from the House of Saul that I can show kindness too? 336 00:18:31,320 --> 00:18:32,480 Speaker 1: For Jonathan's sake. 337 00:18:33,480 --> 00:18:37,200 Speaker 2: Two decades had passed and David was saying, I want 338 00:18:37,200 --> 00:18:40,120 Speaker 2: to be good to Jonathan's family. I want to show 339 00:18:40,240 --> 00:18:44,400 Speaker 2: them kindness because of what he did for me. Jonathan 340 00:18:44,440 --> 00:18:47,200 Speaker 2: didn't help David to get something, but look at how 341 00:18:47,240 --> 00:18:47,959 Speaker 2: God works. 342 00:18:48,280 --> 00:18:50,400 Speaker 1: He was storing it up for his children. 343 00:18:51,200 --> 00:18:53,800 Speaker 2: God put it on David's heart to be good to 344 00:18:53,880 --> 00:18:58,920 Speaker 2: Jonathan's descendants. His men said, Jonathan has a son named Mephiboshev. 345 00:18:59,200 --> 00:19:02,320 Speaker 1: He'd living in the city of Loadobar, but he's crippled. 346 00:19:02,640 --> 00:19:07,160 Speaker 1: He can't walk. Lodobar was the poorest city of that day. 347 00:19:07,200 --> 00:19:10,040 Speaker 1: It was the slums. David said, doesn't matter. Go get 348 00:19:10,119 --> 00:19:11,119 Speaker 1: him and bring him to me. 349 00:19:12,119 --> 00:19:15,080 Speaker 2: They searched and searched, and finally found him. Had to 350 00:19:15,119 --> 00:19:19,000 Speaker 2: carry him to the palace. My Phibish ship was nervous. 351 00:19:19,280 --> 00:19:22,160 Speaker 2: He didn't know if David was angry, trying to get 352 00:19:22,200 --> 00:19:25,920 Speaker 2: revenge because his grandfather, King Sauw trying to kill him. 353 00:19:26,240 --> 00:19:29,560 Speaker 1: He was expecting the worst. He came in. David said, MA, 354 00:19:29,640 --> 00:19:33,120 Speaker 1: Phibish Chef, don't worry. I'm not here to harm you. 355 00:19:33,440 --> 00:19:37,560 Speaker 2: I'm here to bless you because your father Jonathan was 356 00:19:37,600 --> 00:19:40,639 Speaker 2: so good to me. From now on, you're gonna live 357 00:19:40,680 --> 00:19:43,440 Speaker 2: in the palace with me. You're gonna eat dinner at 358 00:19:43,440 --> 00:19:46,600 Speaker 2: my table each night, and all the land that belonged 359 00:19:46,600 --> 00:19:48,920 Speaker 2: to your grandfather, I'm giving it to you. 360 00:19:49,840 --> 00:19:50,720 Speaker 1: Here's my point. 361 00:19:51,320 --> 00:19:54,520 Speaker 2: My Phibish chef didn't do anything to deserve this. He 362 00:19:54,600 --> 00:19:57,800 Speaker 2: didn't know David, he didn't work to earn it. But 363 00:19:57,880 --> 00:20:02,200 Speaker 2: because of his father's generosity, he was born with a blessing. 364 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:06,960 Speaker 2: There was favor in his account because his father sold 365 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:12,520 Speaker 2: seeds of kindness, friendship resources. Now that harvest was coming 366 00:20:12,560 --> 00:20:15,760 Speaker 2: to his son, maphibishev it had been stored up. 367 00:20:16,359 --> 00:20:21,040 Speaker 1: Many of you have sowed seeds of generosity. Like Jonathan. 368 00:20:21,480 --> 00:20:25,080 Speaker 2: You've been a blessing to people, giving your time, helping 369 00:20:25,119 --> 00:20:27,280 Speaker 2: those in need, supporting the ministry. 370 00:20:27,880 --> 00:20:29,440 Speaker 1: God is keeping the records. 371 00:20:30,040 --> 00:20:33,399 Speaker 2: He's seen the sacrifices you've made. There will be a 372 00:20:33,480 --> 00:20:37,240 Speaker 2: day where you see a running over blessing. Not only 373 00:20:37,280 --> 00:20:41,760 Speaker 2: are you blessed, but in the future your children, great grandchildren. 374 00:20:42,000 --> 00:20:44,800 Speaker 2: God will cause someone to want to be good to 375 00:20:44,880 --> 00:20:49,639 Speaker 2: them for your sakes. The older I get, now that 376 00:20:49,720 --> 00:20:55,600 Speaker 2: I'm thirty six, the more I realize the blessing of 377 00:20:55,760 --> 00:21:01,119 Speaker 2: having generous parents, generous grandparents. Mother would have turned ninety 378 00:21:01,119 --> 00:21:04,439 Speaker 2: two years old last week, her first birthday in heaven. 379 00:21:04,640 --> 00:21:08,320 Speaker 1: She's there with my father, my grandparents. They left me 380 00:21:08,960 --> 00:21:10,160 Speaker 1: so much better off. 381 00:21:10,960 --> 00:21:14,679 Speaker 2: Often say thank you Daddy, thank you mother, thank you 382 00:21:14,760 --> 00:21:16,600 Speaker 2: granddaddy for you left. 383 00:21:16,560 --> 00:21:17,880 Speaker 1: So much in my account. 384 00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:22,800 Speaker 2: How that inspires me to live that way. It's easy 385 00:21:22,880 --> 00:21:26,440 Speaker 2: these days to be selfish and self centered and only 386 00:21:26,480 --> 00:21:30,119 Speaker 2: focused on me and my problems, my goals. Joel, I 387 00:21:30,160 --> 00:21:33,160 Speaker 2: don't have time to help others. I need all my resources. 388 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:37,119 Speaker 2: That's a shallow way to live. We are a part 389 00:21:37,240 --> 00:21:41,240 Speaker 2: of a much larger plan. We can make it easier 390 00:21:41,560 --> 00:21:44,360 Speaker 2: on those that come after us, or we can make 391 00:21:44,400 --> 00:21:49,160 Speaker 2: it more difficult. We can give them an advantage, have favor, 392 00:21:49,440 --> 00:21:53,360 Speaker 2: good breaks, mercy accredited to their account. Or we can 393 00:21:53,400 --> 00:21:57,160 Speaker 2: be a burden, leave them with nothing to benefit. Let's 394 00:21:57,200 --> 00:22:00,520 Speaker 2: be like Abraham and give out a great illness for 395 00:22:00,560 --> 00:22:03,879 Speaker 2: the victories God's given us. Or how about like Jonathan, 396 00:22:04,320 --> 00:22:08,560 Speaker 2: give unselfishly to help others. That's not only going to 397 00:22:08,640 --> 00:22:12,600 Speaker 2: cause you to be blessed, but it's storing up blessings. 398 00:22:12,040 --> 00:22:13,480 Speaker 1: For future generations. 399 00:22:14,400 --> 00:22:17,600 Speaker 2: In my early twenties, I was in India with my father 400 00:22:17,720 --> 00:22:20,320 Speaker 2: and a few of my siblings and we were at 401 00:22:20,359 --> 00:22:24,800 Speaker 2: the apartment of this Indian pastor, very influential leader that 402 00:22:24,880 --> 00:22:29,440 Speaker 2: my father loved and Lakewood supported for many years. This 403 00:22:29,560 --> 00:22:33,200 Speaker 2: pastor was so passionate about his ministry, he never got 404 00:22:33,240 --> 00:22:35,399 Speaker 2: his family a nicer place to live. 405 00:22:35,960 --> 00:22:38,800 Speaker 1: They're in this whole rundown apartment and. 406 00:22:38,440 --> 00:22:43,040 Speaker 2: Dilapidated and faucets weren't working in a rough area. My 407 00:22:43,160 --> 00:22:46,280 Speaker 2: father decided a couple months earlier that he was going 408 00:22:46,359 --> 00:22:49,960 Speaker 2: to give in the funds personally from our family to 409 00:22:50,040 --> 00:22:52,920 Speaker 2: buy a house to live in. It wasn't as much 410 00:22:52,960 --> 00:22:55,320 Speaker 2: as here in the States, but it's still a significant amount. 411 00:22:56,080 --> 00:22:58,840 Speaker 2: We went to his apartment that night to tell him. 412 00:22:59,280 --> 00:23:03,280 Speaker 2: All of his family gathered around. He had several smaller children. 413 00:23:04,000 --> 00:23:06,240 Speaker 2: My father told him that our family wanted to buy 414 00:23:06,400 --> 00:23:08,680 Speaker 2: a house, and we brought him a gift to make 415 00:23:08,720 --> 00:23:11,280 Speaker 2: it happen. And there were three of us kids there 416 00:23:11,320 --> 00:23:14,800 Speaker 2: and plus one more in our group. Instead of having 417 00:23:14,880 --> 00:23:18,000 Speaker 2: one check for the whole amount, my father had. 418 00:23:17,840 --> 00:23:19,960 Speaker 1: Five checks so we could each give. 419 00:23:20,880 --> 00:23:23,800 Speaker 2: My father gave the first one. The pastor opened it 420 00:23:23,840 --> 00:23:26,639 Speaker 2: up and began to weep. Nobody had ever given him 421 00:23:26,720 --> 00:23:29,600 Speaker 2: that much before. And next I came up and handed 422 00:23:29,680 --> 00:23:32,600 Speaker 2: in the check. He started weeping more, and you know me, 423 00:23:32,760 --> 00:23:36,160 Speaker 2: I started crying myself. Three more came up, one by one, 424 00:23:36,280 --> 00:23:39,280 Speaker 2: handed him the check. It's a moment I'll never forget. 425 00:23:40,400 --> 00:23:43,080 Speaker 1: I had bought a new sports car earlier that year, 426 00:23:43,440 --> 00:23:45,040 Speaker 1: a Camaro Z twenty eight. 427 00:23:45,520 --> 00:23:49,199 Speaker 2: That was so exciting, but that was nothing compared to 428 00:23:49,280 --> 00:23:51,960 Speaker 2: the feeling of giving that pastor that check. 429 00:23:52,320 --> 00:23:56,679 Speaker 1: I'd never felt the joy, the satisfaction. That's what the 430 00:23:56,720 --> 00:23:59,399 Speaker 1: scripture says, more blessed to give than to receive. 431 00:24:00,119 --> 00:24:04,040 Speaker 2: I realized the reason my father had separate checks is 432 00:24:04,080 --> 00:24:07,439 Speaker 2: he wanted us each to experience the joy of giving. 433 00:24:08,160 --> 00:24:12,200 Speaker 2: He knew it would make a lasting impact. Parents, teach 434 00:24:12,200 --> 00:24:13,440 Speaker 2: your children. 435 00:24:13,359 --> 00:24:14,720 Speaker 1: What it means to be a giver. 436 00:24:15,640 --> 00:24:19,160 Speaker 2: Include them when you give your tithes at church, Take 437 00:24:19,200 --> 00:24:21,119 Speaker 2: them to serve with you at the food bank. 438 00:24:21,680 --> 00:24:22,360 Speaker 1: Let them be a. 439 00:24:22,320 --> 00:24:25,160 Speaker 2: Part when you're helping that friend in need or being 440 00:24:25,240 --> 00:24:28,600 Speaker 2: good to that neighbor. Being generous is one of the 441 00:24:28,600 --> 00:24:32,720 Speaker 2: greatest gifts we can leave our family, and today there's 442 00:24:32,720 --> 00:24:35,600 Speaker 2: so much digital giving. In the old days, you would 443 00:24:35,600 --> 00:24:37,680 Speaker 2: bring your offering to church and drop it off in 444 00:24:37,720 --> 00:24:40,879 Speaker 2: the plate. It was an act of worship something you 445 00:24:40,880 --> 00:24:45,399 Speaker 2: could see and pray over and understand the importance. But 446 00:24:45,560 --> 00:24:49,720 Speaker 2: now with everything electronic, it can happen and we don't 447 00:24:49,800 --> 00:24:51,200 Speaker 2: realize the significance. 448 00:24:51,800 --> 00:24:55,000 Speaker 1: We're doing the right thing, but giving is an act 449 00:24:55,040 --> 00:24:57,879 Speaker 1: of worship. It's a way that we honor God. 450 00:24:58,520 --> 00:25:01,280 Speaker 2: Friend of mine that attends here said, when he goes 451 00:25:01,359 --> 00:25:04,320 Speaker 2: to give each month, he has his children gather at 452 00:25:04,320 --> 00:25:07,679 Speaker 2: home around the computer and he has his offering on 453 00:25:07,800 --> 00:25:10,439 Speaker 2: there and they pray over it as a family and 454 00:25:10,760 --> 00:25:13,840 Speaker 2: thank God for the funds. When it's time to give, 455 00:25:14,160 --> 00:25:17,760 Speaker 2: he has the children pushed the sind button so they 456 00:25:17,880 --> 00:25:22,320 Speaker 2: experience what it means to give. When Victoria was a 457 00:25:22,320 --> 00:25:25,240 Speaker 2: little girl, her father was a deacon in the Church 458 00:25:25,280 --> 00:25:27,919 Speaker 2: of Christ, and he would take the offering back to 459 00:25:28,000 --> 00:25:28,600 Speaker 2: be counted. 460 00:25:29,240 --> 00:25:32,400 Speaker 1: Victoria just five six years old. She would sit on. 461 00:25:32,320 --> 00:25:35,400 Speaker 2: The counter and stamp the back of the checks, get 462 00:25:35,440 --> 00:25:38,679 Speaker 2: them ready for deposit. Her father could have left her 463 00:25:38,680 --> 00:25:41,720 Speaker 2: out with the others done that on his own, but 464 00:25:41,840 --> 00:25:45,919 Speaker 2: he wanted her to know. We are givers, We honor God, 465 00:25:46,280 --> 00:25:49,760 Speaker 2: we put him first place. How many of us have 466 00:25:49,880 --> 00:25:53,080 Speaker 2: been born with the blessing because we had parents that 467 00:25:53,160 --> 00:25:57,480 Speaker 2: were generous, relatives that were givers. I pray every day 468 00:25:57,760 --> 00:25:59,879 Speaker 2: God helped me to be a good steward of what 469 00:26:00,119 --> 00:26:03,040 Speaker 2: you've given me. Help me to pass on the favor 470 00:26:03,440 --> 00:26:05,600 Speaker 2: the blessing by living generously. 471 00:26:06,600 --> 00:26:11,000 Speaker 1: Many of you have done this, You've given, served, gone 472 00:26:11,040 --> 00:26:12,640 Speaker 1: out of your way. Here after year. 473 00:26:13,080 --> 00:26:16,200 Speaker 2: God has seen every gift, every sacrifice. 474 00:26:16,720 --> 00:26:17,800 Speaker 1: I believe and. 475 00:26:17,840 --> 00:26:21,760 Speaker 2: Declare, like with Abraham, not only are you going to 476 00:26:21,760 --> 00:26:27,160 Speaker 2: see abundance, but your seed, your Levi's four generations later 477 00:26:27,560 --> 00:26:30,879 Speaker 2: are going to be born with the blessing, favor, influence, 478 00:26:30,960 --> 00:26:35,560 Speaker 2: good breaks because of your generosity in Jesus's. 479 00:26:35,160 --> 00:26:38,080 Speaker 1: Name, and if you receive it, can you say amen? 480 00:26:40,040 --> 00:26:42,720 Speaker 2: I'd like to give you an opportunity to make Jesus 481 00:26:42,800 --> 00:26:43,919 Speaker 2: the Lord of your life. 482 00:26:44,240 --> 00:26:45,199 Speaker 1: Would you pray with me? 483 00:26:45,920 --> 00:26:50,080 Speaker 2: Just say, Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins, Come 484 00:26:50,080 --> 00:26:50,879 Speaker 2: into my heart. 485 00:26:51,600 --> 00:26:53,600 Speaker 1: I make you my Lord and Savior. 486 00:26:54,400 --> 00:26:56,760 Speaker 2: If you prayed that simple prayer, we believe you got 487 00:26:56,800 --> 00:26:59,800 Speaker 2: born again. We'd like to send you some free information 488 00:27:00,119 --> 00:27:02,359 Speaker 2: your new walk with the Lord. You can text the 489 00:27:02,440 --> 00:27:05,000 Speaker 2: number on the screen or go to the website. But 490 00:27:05,080 --> 00:27:07,680 Speaker 2: I hope you'll get into a good Bible based church 491 00:27:07,960 --> 00:27:09,800 Speaker 2: and keep God first place. 492 00:27:11,000 --> 00:27:15,360 Speaker 4: What if every plan you set, every habit you formed, 493 00:27:15,680 --> 00:27:19,360 Speaker 4: and every decision you made became a pathway to see 494 00:27:19,440 --> 00:27:22,080 Speaker 4: God move in your life. 495 00:27:22,119 --> 00:27:25,080 Speaker 2: We all have hopes and dreams, things we're believing for. 496 00:27:25,520 --> 00:27:28,960 Speaker 2: When you start the year in faith, expecting God's goodness, 497 00:27:29,080 --> 00:27:31,640 Speaker 2: you are setting the tone for a blessed new year. 498 00:27:32,080 --> 00:27:34,160 Speaker 2: And we'd love to send you our twenty twenty six 499 00:27:34,359 --> 00:27:37,119 Speaker 2: Faith for the Day Planner. You can write down your 500 00:27:37,160 --> 00:27:39,920 Speaker 2: dreams and goals and plus use it for your everyday 501 00:27:40,000 --> 00:27:41,640 Speaker 2: activities and reminders. 502 00:27:41,880 --> 00:27:44,840 Speaker 3: It's important to feed your faith on a daily basis. 503 00:27:45,200 --> 00:27:48,000 Speaker 3: This planner it's not just a calendar. It's filled with 504 00:27:48,040 --> 00:27:51,800 Speaker 3: scriptures and inspiration to help you stay encouraged and keep 505 00:27:51,840 --> 00:27:54,000 Speaker 3: believing for what God is put in your heart. 506 00:27:54,160 --> 00:27:56,720 Speaker 2: Twenty twenty six is your year to see the goodness 507 00:27:56,720 --> 00:27:59,520 Speaker 2: of God in greater ways, let go of what didn't 508 00:27:59,560 --> 00:28:02,080 Speaker 2: work out, and get ready for the new things God 509 00:28:02,119 --> 00:28:02,840 Speaker 2: has in store. 510 00:28:03,760 --> 00:28:06,160 Speaker 4: As our way of saying thank you for your gift 511 00:28:06,200 --> 00:28:08,800 Speaker 4: of any amount this month, we would like to send 512 00:28:08,840 --> 00:28:11,359 Speaker 4: you a copy of the twenty twenty six Faith for 513 00:28:11,480 --> 00:28:15,840 Speaker 4: Today Planner. Each month features a fresh theme of encouragement, 514 00:28:16,240 --> 00:28:19,880 Speaker 4: a guiding scripture to stand on, room to write your goals, 515 00:28:20,040 --> 00:28:24,920 Speaker 4: prayers and vision space for faith steps. Because faith isn't passive, 516 00:28:25,240 --> 00:28:29,080 Speaker 4: it's active. A monthly QR code linking to a message 517 00:28:29,160 --> 00:28:32,359 Speaker 4: or video to keep your spirit lifted. With a twenty 518 00:28:32,400 --> 00:28:35,960 Speaker 4: twenty six Faith for Today Planner, you'll be reminded that 519 00:28:36,119 --> 00:28:39,400 Speaker 4: living by faith makes room for God to do what 520 00:28:39,600 --> 00:28:43,600 Speaker 4: only He can do. Break through in your business, God's 521 00:28:43,640 --> 00:28:48,400 Speaker 4: healing touch. Loved ones returning to faith. Request your copy 522 00:28:48,440 --> 00:28:50,920 Speaker 4: of the planner and step into the new year with 523 00:28:51,080 --> 00:28:55,560 Speaker 4: bold faith, fresh hope, and daily encouragement. To strengthen your 524 00:28:55,560 --> 00:28:58,480 Speaker 4: spirit and face every challenge with confidence. 525 00:28:59,200 --> 00:29:02,040 Speaker 2: No matter what's to happen around you, faith can rise 526 00:29:02,120 --> 00:29:05,560 Speaker 2: up in you. Keep believing and expecting a blessed twenty 527 00:29:05,600 --> 00:29:08,440 Speaker 2: twenty six Victoria and I pray for you and your 528 00:29:08,480 --> 00:29:11,720 Speaker 2: family every day. Thank you so much for your prayer 529 00:29:11,760 --> 00:29:15,600 Speaker 2: and support. Your generosity is helping people around the world. 530 00:29:16,120 --> 00:29:18,920 Speaker 2: As we finish this year, I hope you'll consider making 531 00:29:18,960 --> 00:29:22,520 Speaker 2: a special year in gift to help keep the ministry strong. 532 00:29:23,040 --> 00:29:25,680 Speaker 2: We still appreciate all the Champion of Hope partners for 533 00:29:25,760 --> 00:29:28,840 Speaker 2: your monthly support. We wish you and your family a 534 00:29:29,040 --> 00:29:31,760 Speaker 2: very merry Christmas. Until we see you next time. 535 00:29:31,960 --> 00:29:33,920 Speaker 1: May the Lord bless you and keep you. 536 00:29:34,760 --> 00:29:37,360 Speaker 4: Be sure to request your copy of the twenty twenty 537 00:29:37,400 --> 00:29:41,520 Speaker 4: six Faith for Today Planner. Visit Joelostein dot com or 538 00:29:41,600 --> 00:29:45,080 Speaker 4: call eight eight eight five six seven Joel for a 539 00:29:45,160 --> 00:29:46,480 Speaker 4: special year end gift. 540 00:29:46,520 --> 00:29:47,600 Speaker 1: This month, we are. 541 00:29:47,480 --> 00:29:51,960 Speaker 4: Also offering the Faith to Share Bundle, Keep One, Give One, 542 00:29:52,360 --> 00:29:56,000 Speaker 4: Give the gift of faith, focus and fresh hope for 543 00:29:56,120 --> 00:29:59,680 Speaker 4: someone special in your life. You can also request the 544 00:29:59,760 --> 00:30:05,160 Speaker 4: God's Word Work Study Collection. This empowering collection includes the NIV, 545 00:30:05,480 --> 00:30:10,160 Speaker 4: the Message, Parallel Bible, a beautifully crafted leather bookmark and pen, 546 00:30:10,560 --> 00:30:13,400 Speaker 4: and how to read your Bible and enjoy it, along 547 00:30:13,440 --> 00:30:17,520 Speaker 4: with two planners. You can request these inspiring resources by 548 00:30:17,560 --> 00:30:21,200 Speaker 4: calling eight eight eight five six seven Joel or logging 549 00:30:21,240 --> 00:30:25,520 Speaker 4: on to Joelostein dot com today call or click anytime 550 00:30:25,760 --> 00:30:30,080 Speaker 4: twenty four hours a day, stay organized, encouraged and full 551 00:30:30,120 --> 00:31:01,560 Speaker 4: of faith all year long. Request these resources today