1 00:00:00,400 --> 00:00:02,000 Speaker 1: Hi, this is Joel and Victoria. 2 00:00:02,240 --> 00:00:05,240 Speaker 2: Thanks for listening to our podcast and thanks for supporting 3 00:00:05,280 --> 00:00:05,920 Speaker 2: the ministry. 4 00:00:06,120 --> 00:00:08,440 Speaker 3: If you enjoy today's message, why don't you be a 5 00:00:08,480 --> 00:00:10,040 Speaker 3: blessing and share it with a friend. 6 00:00:10,320 --> 00:00:13,040 Speaker 2: We appreciate you and pray for God's very best in 7 00:00:13,080 --> 00:00:15,760 Speaker 2: your life. Will God bless you? And it's a joy 8 00:00:15,760 --> 00:00:17,720 Speaker 2: to come into your homes. And if you're ever in 9 00:00:17,760 --> 00:00:20,159 Speaker 2: our area, please stop by and be a part of 10 00:00:20,160 --> 00:00:22,520 Speaker 2: one of our services. I promise you we'll make you 11 00:00:22,560 --> 00:00:25,280 Speaker 2: feel right at home. But thanks so much for tuning in, 12 00:00:25,320 --> 00:00:28,120 Speaker 2: and thanks again for coming out today. And I like 13 00:00:28,200 --> 00:00:30,960 Speaker 2: to start with something funny, and I heard about this man. 14 00:00:31,480 --> 00:00:35,240 Speaker 2: He was on vacation in Jerusalem with his family when 15 00:00:35,240 --> 00:00:38,479 Speaker 2: his mother in law suddenly died. He went to make 16 00:00:38,560 --> 00:00:41,479 Speaker 2: arrangements to get her body back home, and the consulate 17 00:00:41,520 --> 00:00:44,280 Speaker 2: said it would cost five thousand dollars to have her shipped, 18 00:00:44,720 --> 00:00:47,080 Speaker 2: but he could have her buried right there in Jerusalem 19 00:00:47,120 --> 00:00:49,879 Speaker 2: for one hundred and fifty dollars. Men thought about it 20 00:00:49,920 --> 00:00:51,800 Speaker 2: a moment and said, I'd like to have her body 21 00:00:51,840 --> 00:00:55,160 Speaker 2: shipped home. Consulate said, wow, you must have really loved 22 00:00:55,200 --> 00:00:56,000 Speaker 2: your mother in law. 23 00:00:56,360 --> 00:00:57,920 Speaker 1: He said, no, it's not so much that. 24 00:00:58,280 --> 00:01:01,120 Speaker 2: I just remember a case here many years ago when 25 00:01:01,160 --> 00:01:03,920 Speaker 2: they buried somebody and on the third day they arose, 26 00:01:03,960 --> 00:01:05,360 Speaker 2: and I can't take that chance. 27 00:01:07,080 --> 00:01:07,839 Speaker 1: I have to say. 28 00:01:08,160 --> 00:01:10,520 Speaker 2: I am blessed with a very awesome mother in law 29 00:01:10,600 --> 00:01:11,479 Speaker 2: right here on the front road. 30 00:01:12,880 --> 00:01:17,360 Speaker 1: It's her daughter. I have problems with. Hold up your Bible, 31 00:01:17,440 --> 00:01:18,440 Speaker 1: say it like you mean it. 32 00:01:18,720 --> 00:01:21,400 Speaker 2: This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. 33 00:01:21,840 --> 00:01:24,080 Speaker 2: I have what it says I have. I can do 34 00:01:24,160 --> 00:01:26,640 Speaker 2: what it says I can do. Today I will be 35 00:01:26,720 --> 00:01:30,520 Speaker 2: taught the word of God. I boldly confess. My mind 36 00:01:30,600 --> 00:01:33,720 Speaker 2: is alert, my heart is receptive. I will never be 37 00:01:33,800 --> 00:01:38,479 Speaker 2: the same. In Jesus' name, God bless you. I want 38 00:01:38,520 --> 00:01:41,800 Speaker 2: to talk to you today about use it or lose it. 39 00:01:42,800 --> 00:01:45,800 Speaker 2: God has placed gifts and talents on the inside of 40 00:01:45,840 --> 00:01:49,360 Speaker 2: each one of us. There is potential in you that 41 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:52,960 Speaker 2: you've not yet tapped into. It wasn't designed to come 42 00:01:53,000 --> 00:01:56,320 Speaker 2: out all at once. You don't become everything you were 43 00:01:56,360 --> 00:02:00,360 Speaker 2: created to be overnight. These gifts were put in you 44 00:02:00,600 --> 00:02:04,160 Speaker 2: on a time release. They are destined to open up 45 00:02:04,360 --> 00:02:07,800 Speaker 2: at certain points throughout your life. You will come into 46 00:02:07,920 --> 00:02:12,720 Speaker 2: seasons of new growth, seasons of new opportunity seasons where 47 00:02:12,720 --> 00:02:16,080 Speaker 2: you discover talent and ability that you didn't know you had. 48 00:02:16,919 --> 00:02:19,720 Speaker 2: We weren't created to reach one level and get stuck. 49 00:02:20,600 --> 00:02:24,040 Speaker 2: You may have finished your education, but you haven't finished learning. 50 00:02:25,080 --> 00:02:29,200 Speaker 2: You may have that position you've always dreamed of. You're satisfied, 51 00:02:29,520 --> 00:02:33,160 Speaker 2: but that's not your final step. God is not satisfied. 52 00:02:33,520 --> 00:02:37,559 Speaker 2: He's put more in you. He has new talents, new abilities, 53 00:02:37,840 --> 00:02:42,040 Speaker 2: even new levels. But too often we have gifts lying 54 00:02:42,120 --> 00:02:45,520 Speaker 2: dormant because we're not taking time to develop them. 55 00:02:45,960 --> 00:02:46,880 Speaker 1: We're not being. 56 00:02:46,720 --> 00:02:49,720 Speaker 2: Disciplined to study, to grow, to become better. 57 00:02:50,600 --> 00:02:52,200 Speaker 1: We have talent that's being. 58 00:02:52,120 --> 00:02:56,280 Speaker 2: Underutilized because we're comfortable. We don't want to have to 59 00:02:56,360 --> 00:02:58,520 Speaker 2: stretch and do something out of our routine. 60 00:02:58,919 --> 00:03:00,760 Speaker 1: We think, oh man, I'm doing and good enough. 61 00:03:01,200 --> 00:03:05,400 Speaker 2: But good enough is not your destiny. Sometimes we're stuck 62 00:03:05,520 --> 00:03:09,480 Speaker 2: because we're intimidated. We let thoughts of fear and doubt 63 00:03:09,560 --> 00:03:12,440 Speaker 2: talk us out of it, things like you can't take 64 00:03:12,480 --> 00:03:15,640 Speaker 2: that management position, you can't write that book, you can't 65 00:03:15,720 --> 00:03:18,960 Speaker 2: lead that class, you're not qualified, you come from the 66 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:19,800 Speaker 2: wrong family. 67 00:03:20,760 --> 00:03:22,320 Speaker 1: All the what if thoughts come? 68 00:03:22,840 --> 00:03:25,359 Speaker 2: What if you try and fail, what if it doesn't 69 00:03:25,360 --> 00:03:28,639 Speaker 2: work out? What if you get up there and you're embarrassed. Well, 70 00:03:28,639 --> 00:03:31,240 Speaker 2: what if you get up there and you succeed? What 71 00:03:31,320 --> 00:03:33,360 Speaker 2: if you go to a new level. What if you 72 00:03:33,440 --> 00:03:34,960 Speaker 2: set a new standard. 73 00:03:34,480 --> 00:03:38,720 Speaker 1: For your family. Don't let fear keep you from your destiny. 74 00:03:39,280 --> 00:03:42,440 Speaker 2: That is a time release gift trying to come out. 75 00:03:43,280 --> 00:03:46,800 Speaker 2: Don't miss your season. You look up and another year 76 00:03:47,000 --> 00:03:49,360 Speaker 2: is gone. Life is flying by. 77 00:03:50,160 --> 00:03:52,240 Speaker 1: You don't have time to waste being. 78 00:03:52,160 --> 00:03:57,480 Speaker 2: Unfocused, intimidated, letting opportunities pass you by. You have to 79 00:03:57,600 --> 00:03:59,760 Speaker 2: draw that line in the sand and say that's it. 80 00:04:00,040 --> 00:04:03,240 Speaker 2: I'm going to get focused. I'm going to be intentional. 81 00:04:03,880 --> 00:04:06,120 Speaker 2: I'm not going to play it safe my whole life. 82 00:04:06,240 --> 00:04:09,960 Speaker 2: I'm going to start stretching, taking steps of faith to 83 00:04:10,120 --> 00:04:11,840 Speaker 2: release these gifts. 84 00:04:11,560 --> 00:04:14,760 Speaker 1: That God has put in me. Paul said in Romans. 85 00:04:15,000 --> 00:04:19,240 Speaker 2: God has given each person the ability to do certain things. 86 00:04:19,320 --> 00:04:21,200 Speaker 1: Well, you have a gift. 87 00:04:21,720 --> 00:04:24,480 Speaker 2: There's something you're good at. Find out what it is 88 00:04:24,680 --> 00:04:28,240 Speaker 2: and do it well. Maybe you can sing and you've 89 00:04:28,279 --> 00:04:31,239 Speaker 2: never had a lesson. You can figure out how things 90 00:04:31,240 --> 00:04:34,520 Speaker 2: work technically and nobody had to teach you. You can 91 00:04:34,560 --> 00:04:37,520 Speaker 2: stand up in front of people, lead that class. You 92 00:04:37,560 --> 00:04:39,080 Speaker 2: don't even think twice about it. 93 00:04:39,080 --> 00:04:40,120 Speaker 1: It's just who you are. 94 00:04:40,800 --> 00:04:43,920 Speaker 2: Those are gifts that God has invested in you. 95 00:04:44,640 --> 00:04:45,320 Speaker 1: Here's the key. 96 00:04:45,880 --> 00:04:50,400 Speaker 2: God is expecting a return on his investment. Do you 97 00:04:50,480 --> 00:04:54,280 Speaker 2: have gifts that are being underutilized. You're not taking time 98 00:04:54,360 --> 00:04:57,880 Speaker 2: to develop them, You're too busy to put forth the. 99 00:04:57,839 --> 00:05:00,800 Speaker 1: Extra effort to stretch to learn, become better. 100 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:04,680 Speaker 2: Or perhaps you can feel that stirring on the inside. 101 00:05:05,360 --> 00:05:07,600 Speaker 1: You can feel that desire in your spirit. 102 00:05:07,640 --> 00:05:10,040 Speaker 2: You know you should, but you keep talking yourself out 103 00:05:10,120 --> 00:05:14,560 Speaker 2: of it, letting it intimidate you. Jesus said in Matthew 104 00:05:14,600 --> 00:05:19,040 Speaker 2: twenty five, those who use well what they've been given, 105 00:05:19,839 --> 00:05:23,479 Speaker 2: even more will be given to them. But to those 106 00:05:23,520 --> 00:05:27,000 Speaker 2: who are unfaithful, even what little they have. 107 00:05:27,200 --> 00:05:29,480 Speaker 1: Will be taken away. 108 00:05:29,560 --> 00:05:33,480 Speaker 2: If you don't use well what you've been given, if 109 00:05:33,520 --> 00:05:37,200 Speaker 2: you're not taking time to develop your talents to maximize 110 00:05:37,240 --> 00:05:38,440 Speaker 2: your potential. 111 00:05:38,240 --> 00:05:39,560 Speaker 1: Then it can be taken away. 112 00:05:40,440 --> 00:05:46,080 Speaker 2: But when you use well, you're responsible, you're focused, you're passionate, 113 00:05:46,320 --> 00:05:50,479 Speaker 2: you study, you grow, you get better. Because you're using well, 114 00:05:51,000 --> 00:05:54,800 Speaker 2: even more will be given to you. This scripture came 115 00:05:54,839 --> 00:05:58,240 Speaker 2: from the parable that Jesus told about the talents. There 116 00:05:58,320 --> 00:06:00,800 Speaker 2: was a man that went on a long j He 117 00:06:00,920 --> 00:06:04,440 Speaker 2: left three of his employees different amounts of talents to 118 00:06:04,560 --> 00:06:07,560 Speaker 2: take care of while he was gone. A talent back 119 00:06:07,600 --> 00:06:11,040 Speaker 2: in those days was about one thousand dollars. To one man, 120 00:06:11,160 --> 00:06:14,760 Speaker 2: he left five talents, to another two talents, and to 121 00:06:14,839 --> 00:06:16,640 Speaker 2: the third man he left one talent. 122 00:06:17,080 --> 00:06:18,960 Speaker 1: Then he went on his journey. 123 00:06:19,080 --> 00:06:22,440 Speaker 2: The man with the five immediately went out and invested 124 00:06:22,480 --> 00:06:26,600 Speaker 2: those talents. Over time, he gained five more. The man 125 00:06:26,640 --> 00:06:30,200 Speaker 2: with the two invested those and gained two more. But 126 00:06:30,320 --> 00:06:33,840 Speaker 2: this third man was afraid. He went out and dug 127 00:06:33,880 --> 00:06:38,520 Speaker 2: a hole in the ground and buried his talent. Months later, 128 00:06:38,560 --> 00:06:41,920 Speaker 2: when the owner returned, the man with the five talents 129 00:06:41,960 --> 00:06:44,600 Speaker 2: came and said, sir, here are your five talents that 130 00:06:44,680 --> 00:06:48,280 Speaker 2: you gave me, plus five more that I gained. The 131 00:06:48,320 --> 00:06:51,920 Speaker 2: owner said, well done, you've been faithful over a little 132 00:06:52,320 --> 00:06:55,840 Speaker 2: Now I'm going to give you more. The second man said, sir, 133 00:06:56,000 --> 00:06:58,280 Speaker 2: here are the two talents you gave me, plus two 134 00:06:58,279 --> 00:07:01,839 Speaker 2: more that I gained. Said the same thing, Well done. 135 00:07:01,920 --> 00:07:03,920 Speaker 2: You've been faithful with what i've given you. 136 00:07:04,000 --> 00:07:05,240 Speaker 1: Now I'm going to give you more. 137 00:07:06,200 --> 00:07:08,839 Speaker 2: This third man came up said, sir, I was afraid 138 00:07:09,360 --> 00:07:11,360 Speaker 2: I didn't want to lose what you gave me. I 139 00:07:11,360 --> 00:07:14,000 Speaker 2: didn't want to take any risks, so I just buried 140 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:14,560 Speaker 2: my talent. 141 00:07:14,760 --> 00:07:19,280 Speaker 1: Here's the one talent that you gave me. This owner, who. 142 00:07:19,120 --> 00:07:23,840 Speaker 2: Represents God, could have said, I understand you played it safe. 143 00:07:23,840 --> 00:07:26,720 Speaker 1: At least you didn't lose what I gave you. Instead, 144 00:07:27,280 --> 00:07:31,040 Speaker 1: the owner was furious. He was so angry. He said, 145 00:07:31,080 --> 00:07:32,120 Speaker 1: you lazy man. 146 00:07:32,840 --> 00:07:34,720 Speaker 2: You should have at least put my money in the 147 00:07:34,800 --> 00:07:37,920 Speaker 2: bank so I could have earned some interest. Now take 148 00:07:38,080 --> 00:07:41,000 Speaker 2: from him who has won and give it to the 149 00:07:41,040 --> 00:07:41,920 Speaker 2: man who has ten. 150 00:07:43,200 --> 00:07:44,440 Speaker 1: You would think, since. 151 00:07:44,200 --> 00:07:47,520 Speaker 2: God is so loving, so merciful, he would have said, 152 00:07:47,520 --> 00:07:50,120 Speaker 2: look at this poor gud, he only has one talent. 153 00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:54,000 Speaker 2: He's afraid insecure. Go get a few talents from that 154 00:07:54,080 --> 00:07:56,440 Speaker 2: man that had ten and give it to him. It 155 00:07:56,560 --> 00:07:59,960 Speaker 2: was just the opposite. God was showing us this principle. 156 00:08:00,600 --> 00:08:01,960 Speaker 2: If you don't use. 157 00:08:01,760 --> 00:08:03,200 Speaker 1: It, you'll lose it. 158 00:08:03,840 --> 00:08:07,680 Speaker 2: If you're always making excuses, waiting for the perfect time 159 00:08:07,760 --> 00:08:10,280 Speaker 2: to take a step of faith, Joel, one day I'll 160 00:08:10,280 --> 00:08:12,840 Speaker 2: get out of my comfort zone. One day I'll step 161 00:08:12,920 --> 00:08:15,840 Speaker 2: up and teach that class. One day I'll hone my skills. 162 00:08:16,360 --> 00:08:21,040 Speaker 2: You one day may never come. Friends, Today is your day. 163 00:08:21,320 --> 00:08:25,760 Speaker 2: Don't put it off another year. Don't live life in neutral, 164 00:08:26,120 --> 00:08:31,040 Speaker 2: not passionate, not intentional, not focus. Stir up what God's 165 00:08:31,080 --> 00:08:35,160 Speaker 2: given you, dare to take those steps of faith, develop 166 00:08:35,240 --> 00:08:39,280 Speaker 2: those talents. God is expecting a return from what He's 167 00:08:39,280 --> 00:08:42,600 Speaker 2: invested in you. I don't know about you, but I 168 00:08:42,600 --> 00:08:46,240 Speaker 2: don't want anyone getting what should have been mine. 169 00:08:46,360 --> 00:08:49,480 Speaker 1: I'm not greedy. I love to give, but I don't want. 170 00:08:49,320 --> 00:08:52,200 Speaker 2: God to have to say, Joel, you're not using that talent, 171 00:08:52,720 --> 00:08:56,560 Speaker 2: that gift. You're not staying passionate, you're not taking steps 172 00:08:56,600 --> 00:08:57,360 Speaker 2: to move forward. 173 00:08:57,720 --> 00:08:58,559 Speaker 1: So I'm going to. 174 00:08:58,520 --> 00:09:01,320 Speaker 2: Take what should have been yours and give it to 175 00:09:01,360 --> 00:09:05,040 Speaker 2: someone that's being a good steward over what I've given them. 176 00:09:05,720 --> 00:09:08,920 Speaker 1: No, make this decision with me. You're going to stretch, 177 00:09:09,480 --> 00:09:10,440 Speaker 1: You're going to grow. 178 00:09:11,040 --> 00:09:13,959 Speaker 2: You're going to pray bold prayers. You're going to dream 179 00:09:14,040 --> 00:09:18,120 Speaker 2: big dreams. You're not going to live intimidated, letting thoughts 180 00:09:18,160 --> 00:09:19,600 Speaker 2: of defeat talk you out of it. 181 00:09:20,120 --> 00:09:20,880 Speaker 1: Or you can't do it. 182 00:09:20,920 --> 00:09:23,079 Speaker 2: You don't have what it takes. This is as far 183 00:09:23,120 --> 00:09:25,560 Speaker 2: good as it gets. No, let that go in one 184 00:09:25,679 --> 00:09:28,840 Speaker 2: ear and out the other. Keep using what you have 185 00:09:29,240 --> 00:09:32,040 Speaker 2: and God will give you more. I want to light 186 00:09:32,120 --> 00:09:35,480 Speaker 2: a new fire. Under us today, because we're not always 187 00:09:35,520 --> 00:09:38,720 Speaker 2: going to be here. The Psalmist said, our life is 188 00:09:38,840 --> 00:09:42,320 Speaker 2: like a mist. We're here one moment, and then we're gone. 189 00:09:42,880 --> 00:09:46,320 Speaker 2: When you're tempted to be indifferent, to not pursue what 190 00:09:46,400 --> 00:09:49,160 Speaker 2: you know is in you, you have to remind yourself 191 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:52,000 Speaker 2: this principle. If I don't use it, I'm going to 192 00:09:52,040 --> 00:09:55,080 Speaker 2: lose it. If I'm not giving God a return on 193 00:09:55,200 --> 00:09:59,319 Speaker 2: his investment, if I'm not being a good steward, then 194 00:09:59,320 --> 00:10:00,960 Speaker 2: He's going to take what should have been. 195 00:10:00,840 --> 00:10:02,679 Speaker 1: Mine and give it to someone else. 196 00:10:03,679 --> 00:10:06,920 Speaker 2: This is not so that you will live pressured, but 197 00:10:07,080 --> 00:10:10,040 Speaker 2: so that you will live passionate, so you will stir 198 00:10:10,160 --> 00:10:13,280 Speaker 2: up gifts that are being underutilized, so you will take 199 00:10:13,360 --> 00:10:14,520 Speaker 2: steps of faith. 200 00:10:14,360 --> 00:10:16,200 Speaker 1: To become all you were created to be. 201 00:10:17,200 --> 00:10:20,679 Speaker 2: Here's the key. It's not important how many talents you have. 202 00:10:21,040 --> 00:10:24,600 Speaker 2: What's important is are you using what you have. I 203 00:10:24,679 --> 00:10:28,319 Speaker 2: may have four, she has nine, he has three. God 204 00:10:28,440 --> 00:10:32,800 Speaker 2: is given to every person different talents, different amounts. He's 205 00:10:32,840 --> 00:10:34,920 Speaker 2: not going to judge us by did you go as 206 00:10:34,960 --> 00:10:38,079 Speaker 2: far as your neighbor, Were you as smart as your coworker, 207 00:10:38,600 --> 00:10:41,040 Speaker 2: Were you as talented as your cousin? None of that 208 00:10:41,080 --> 00:10:44,080 Speaker 2: matters to God. He didn't say to the man that 209 00:10:44,120 --> 00:10:47,720 Speaker 2: brought him two extra talents, boy, I'm disappointed in you. 210 00:10:48,160 --> 00:10:50,640 Speaker 2: Why didn't you bring me five like the first man? No, 211 00:10:50,800 --> 00:10:53,840 Speaker 2: he told him, well done, just like the first man. 212 00:10:54,600 --> 00:10:55,280 Speaker 1: What's the point? 213 00:10:55,520 --> 00:11:01,000 Speaker 2: Don't compare your talents with somebody else. Have received three 214 00:11:01,440 --> 00:11:04,800 Speaker 2: and they receive six. That's not up for you to decide. 215 00:11:05,360 --> 00:11:07,679 Speaker 1: You don't have to keep up with them. Just run 216 00:11:07,880 --> 00:11:11,080 Speaker 1: your race. Be the best you can be what God's 217 00:11:11,120 --> 00:11:14,280 Speaker 1: given you. If you'll be faithful with the three, God 218 00:11:14,320 --> 00:11:15,120 Speaker 1: will increase you. 219 00:11:16,480 --> 00:11:20,959 Speaker 2: But when we compare our talents to somebody else, we'll 220 00:11:21,080 --> 00:11:25,760 Speaker 2: end up competing with them, trying to outperform them, outdress 221 00:11:25,840 --> 00:11:28,960 Speaker 2: them outdrive them out, build them, competing in a race 222 00:11:29,000 --> 00:11:30,360 Speaker 2: we were never designed to be in. 223 00:11:31,360 --> 00:11:33,320 Speaker 1: When we compare, we end up. 224 00:11:33,240 --> 00:11:38,959 Speaker 2: Discouraged because there's always somebody more beautiful, more talented, more successful. 225 00:11:39,520 --> 00:11:43,440 Speaker 2: Take the talent that you have and hone that skill, 226 00:11:43,960 --> 00:11:48,360 Speaker 2: develop it, grow, learn, study, and God will give you more. 227 00:11:49,160 --> 00:11:52,280 Speaker 2: When I first started ministering back in nineteen ninety nine, 228 00:11:52,800 --> 00:11:55,560 Speaker 2: I didn't really know what I was doing. I'd only 229 00:11:55,600 --> 00:11:59,280 Speaker 2: ministered one time before then. That same week my dad 230 00:11:59,320 --> 00:12:03,120 Speaker 2: died two weeks later, I found myself up again in 231 00:12:03,120 --> 00:12:04,560 Speaker 2: front of six thousand people. 232 00:12:05,360 --> 00:12:08,920 Speaker 1: The first few months I couldn't even watch myself on video. 233 00:12:09,080 --> 00:12:10,280 Speaker 1: I was so embarrassed. 234 00:12:10,640 --> 00:12:13,360 Speaker 2: I talked so high and so fast, and you could 235 00:12:13,360 --> 00:12:14,640 Speaker 2: tell I was very nervous. 236 00:12:15,160 --> 00:12:17,760 Speaker 1: And of course I grew up as a minister's son. 237 00:12:18,520 --> 00:12:23,440 Speaker 2: I've seen some of the most experienced, articulate, incredible ministers 238 00:12:23,440 --> 00:12:23,840 Speaker 2: of our day. 239 00:12:23,880 --> 00:12:25,040 Speaker 1: I've seen them firsthand. 240 00:12:25,840 --> 00:12:28,640 Speaker 2: If I would have made a mistake of comparing my 241 00:12:28,800 --> 00:12:32,679 Speaker 2: talent to theirs, trying to compete and outperform them, I 242 00:12:32,720 --> 00:12:34,520 Speaker 2: would have given up and quit right. 243 00:12:34,360 --> 00:12:35,360 Speaker 1: There at the very beginning. 244 00:12:36,120 --> 00:12:40,160 Speaker 2: Instead, I simply took what God had given me. I 245 00:12:40,200 --> 00:12:43,760 Speaker 2: took that one talent and I kept honing it, kept 246 00:12:43,760 --> 00:12:47,280 Speaker 2: working on it, kept studying, kept growing. When I would 247 00:12:47,320 --> 00:12:51,880 Speaker 2: see these other ministers that are incredibly experienced, incredibly talented, 248 00:12:52,120 --> 00:12:55,439 Speaker 2: instead of being intimidated by them, I would be inspired 249 00:12:55,480 --> 00:12:59,080 Speaker 2: by them. Little by little, God gave me more insight, 250 00:13:00,559 --> 00:13:03,440 Speaker 2: more influence, more favor. I could have looked at what 251 00:13:03,480 --> 00:13:06,720 Speaker 2: I didn't have. Instead I focused on what I did have. 252 00:13:07,520 --> 00:13:10,200 Speaker 2: I've learned you don't have to have a great gift 253 00:13:10,440 --> 00:13:13,120 Speaker 2: for God to use you in a great way. If 254 00:13:13,160 --> 00:13:16,240 Speaker 2: you'll be faithful with what God has given you, He'll 255 00:13:16,360 --> 00:13:19,920 Speaker 2: entrust you with more. Are you using well what you 256 00:13:20,040 --> 00:13:24,120 Speaker 2: have or are you comparing what you have being discouraged, 257 00:13:24,600 --> 00:13:28,319 Speaker 2: competing with someone that's not even in your race? Are 258 00:13:28,320 --> 00:13:32,240 Speaker 2: you hiding your gifts, burying your talents, too busy to 259 00:13:32,360 --> 00:13:36,680 Speaker 2: invest in what God's given you? Friends, Developing your gifts 260 00:13:36,840 --> 00:13:39,720 Speaker 2: is not an option. If you don't use it, you 261 00:13:39,760 --> 00:13:42,880 Speaker 2: can lose it. We see this principle in the Book 262 00:13:42,920 --> 00:13:48,480 Speaker 2: of Genesis. Isaac said to his son Esau, your brother has. 263 00:13:48,360 --> 00:13:52,800 Speaker 1: Carried away your blessing. That doesn't seem fair. Surely God 264 00:13:52,840 --> 00:13:55,760 Speaker 1: wouldn't let someone take his blessing. But there's a reason. 265 00:13:56,960 --> 00:14:01,800 Speaker 2: Esau was the firstborn son. One brother, Jacob, was born 266 00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:05,239 Speaker 2: right after him. In fact, the scripture says during childbirth, 267 00:14:05,559 --> 00:14:09,560 Speaker 2: Jacob was grabbing at Esau's hills, trying to get ahead. 268 00:14:09,559 --> 00:14:13,160 Speaker 2: From the very beginning, Jacob made a lot of mistakes. 269 00:14:13,600 --> 00:14:17,640 Speaker 2: He didn't have integrity, He cheated people. But despite all 270 00:14:17,679 --> 00:14:21,520 Speaker 2: these weaknesses, he had a boldness to become who he 271 00:14:21,640 --> 00:14:25,240 Speaker 2: was created to be. One time he even wrestled with 272 00:14:25,320 --> 00:14:28,160 Speaker 2: an angel. He told the angel, I'm not letting you 273 00:14:28,240 --> 00:14:32,000 Speaker 2: leave until you bless me. The angel blessed him. He 274 00:14:32,080 --> 00:14:35,320 Speaker 2: went about it the wrong way, especially at first, but 275 00:14:35,440 --> 00:14:38,520 Speaker 2: he was passionate about fulfilling his destiny. 276 00:14:39,400 --> 00:14:44,040 Speaker 1: On the other hand, his brother Esau was just the opposite. 277 00:14:44,360 --> 00:14:47,520 Speaker 2: Esau knew he had the blessing that came from being 278 00:14:47,560 --> 00:14:50,960 Speaker 2: the firstborn son. He knew he would get double the 279 00:14:51,000 --> 00:14:55,160 Speaker 2: inheritance from their father. Back in those days, that birthright 280 00:14:55,520 --> 00:15:00,520 Speaker 2: was extremely valuable. But one day, Esau had been out hunting, 281 00:15:01,080 --> 00:15:04,160 Speaker 2: trying to find something to eat, and he couldn't kill anything, 282 00:15:04,240 --> 00:15:07,200 Speaker 2: and he came back so hungry, felt like he was 283 00:15:07,240 --> 00:15:11,400 Speaker 2: going to starve. He smelled some stew that Jacob had made. 284 00:15:12,040 --> 00:15:13,800 Speaker 2: He went over and asked his brother if he could 285 00:15:13,840 --> 00:15:17,040 Speaker 2: have some. Will Jacob, being the schemer that he was, 286 00:15:17,840 --> 00:15:19,760 Speaker 2: he said, Hey, Esau, I'll make a deal with you. 287 00:15:20,160 --> 00:15:23,160 Speaker 2: I'll trade you my pot of stew for your birthright. 288 00:15:23,440 --> 00:15:26,600 Speaker 2: Was a ridiculous offer. Today, it'd be like saying I'll 289 00:15:26,600 --> 00:15:29,080 Speaker 2: give you my house and my car for one meal. 290 00:15:29,560 --> 00:15:33,640 Speaker 2: He shouldn't have even entertained it, but Esau was so 291 00:15:33,880 --> 00:15:38,680 Speaker 2: indifferent about what he had, so nonchalant, he thought, Hey, 292 00:15:38,960 --> 00:15:41,200 Speaker 2: what good is his birthright going to do me? Anyway, 293 00:15:41,280 --> 00:15:46,080 Speaker 2: if I starved to death, he traded something extremely valuable 294 00:15:46,400 --> 00:15:49,920 Speaker 2: for a pot of stew. Now God could have stopped it. 295 00:15:50,480 --> 00:15:53,320 Speaker 2: God controls the universe. He didn't have to let his 296 00:15:53,360 --> 00:15:54,920 Speaker 2: brother carry away his blessing. 297 00:15:55,080 --> 00:15:55,920 Speaker 1: Why did it happen? 298 00:15:56,880 --> 00:16:01,040 Speaker 2: When God sees someone that has the blessed and doesn't 299 00:16:01,160 --> 00:16:04,000 Speaker 2: value it, they're not passionate. 300 00:16:03,600 --> 00:16:05,000 Speaker 1: About what God has given them. 301 00:16:05,520 --> 00:16:08,880 Speaker 2: They take it for granted, this birthright, No big deal, 302 00:16:09,440 --> 00:16:13,840 Speaker 2: these gifts, these talents, I'll develop them later. If we're 303 00:16:13,920 --> 00:16:20,520 Speaker 2: nonchalant like Esau, not disciplined, not focused, then someone can 304 00:16:20,560 --> 00:16:24,400 Speaker 2: carry away our blessing. God is saying, I'd rather have 305 00:16:24,560 --> 00:16:30,080 Speaker 2: someone like Jacob that makes mistakes, that has weaknesses, but 306 00:16:30,200 --> 00:16:34,040 Speaker 2: at least they're passionate about serving me. At least they 307 00:16:34,080 --> 00:16:37,520 Speaker 2: recognize their gifts. They'll go wrestle with an angel if 308 00:16:37,520 --> 00:16:40,360 Speaker 2: they have to to become who I've created. 309 00:16:39,960 --> 00:16:40,320 Speaker 1: Them to be. 310 00:16:41,440 --> 00:16:46,119 Speaker 2: I'd rather have someone like that than someone like Esau 311 00:16:46,400 --> 00:16:50,800 Speaker 2: that has the blessing and doesn't value it. The scripture 312 00:16:50,840 --> 00:16:54,560 Speaker 2: says God hated Esau. I can't find anyone else in 313 00:16:54,600 --> 00:16:57,360 Speaker 2: the scripture where it says God hated him. What did 314 00:16:57,560 --> 00:17:01,600 Speaker 2: Esau do that was so bad? Kill someone, lie, cheat. Still, 315 00:17:02,480 --> 00:17:05,800 Speaker 2: what made God so displeased was that he had the 316 00:17:05,840 --> 00:17:09,679 Speaker 2: blessing and he didn't value it. He wasn't focused, he 317 00:17:09,720 --> 00:17:13,560 Speaker 2: wasn't disciplined, he wasn't passionate. That's why the apostle Paul 318 00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:17,879 Speaker 2: told Timothy Timothy, stir up your gifts, fan your flame, 319 00:17:18,119 --> 00:17:21,760 Speaker 2: recognize what you have. When I look back over my life, 320 00:17:21,840 --> 00:17:25,560 Speaker 2: God's been too good to me to live indifferent, nonchalant, 321 00:17:25,880 --> 00:17:29,760 Speaker 2: not passionate. I have too much respect and awe for 322 00:17:29,920 --> 00:17:31,000 Speaker 2: God to take. 323 00:17:30,840 --> 00:17:31,680 Speaker 1: Things for granted. 324 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:34,960 Speaker 2: Thy Well, if I have time, I'll develop this gift God. 325 00:17:35,359 --> 00:17:38,480 Speaker 2: One day I'll be more focused, more intentional, more disciplined. 326 00:17:38,800 --> 00:17:42,440 Speaker 2: Don't be an essam. Don't let someone carry away your blessing. 327 00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:45,679 Speaker 2: If you don't value and use it, it can be 328 00:17:45,720 --> 00:17:48,800 Speaker 2: taken away. Well, you say, Joel, I've missed a lot 329 00:17:48,840 --> 00:17:51,159 Speaker 2: of opportunities, made a lot of mistakes. 330 00:17:51,280 --> 00:17:52,560 Speaker 1: I guess it's too late for me. 331 00:17:53,200 --> 00:17:56,359 Speaker 2: No, just the fact that you're here today, just the 332 00:17:56,440 --> 00:17:59,600 Speaker 2: fact that you're listening, is a sign you have a 333 00:17:59,640 --> 00:18:02,600 Speaker 2: heart to God. And what's happened in the past is 334 00:18:02,640 --> 00:18:06,280 Speaker 2: not important. What's important is right now. You can do 335 00:18:06,440 --> 00:18:10,199 Speaker 2: like Timothy and start stirring up your gifts, start using 336 00:18:10,280 --> 00:18:13,480 Speaker 2: well what God has given you. If you do this, 337 00:18:13,960 --> 00:18:17,320 Speaker 2: you don't have to worry. Nobody can carry away your blessing. 338 00:18:18,000 --> 00:18:22,000 Speaker 2: God has a hedge around you and your future that 339 00:18:22,160 --> 00:18:26,960 Speaker 2: cannot be penetrated without God's permission. The only reason Esau 340 00:18:27,040 --> 00:18:30,560 Speaker 2: lost his blessing is because God pulled back that hedge 341 00:18:30,880 --> 00:18:32,879 Speaker 2: and said, all right, Esau, you're not going to use it, 342 00:18:33,240 --> 00:18:35,800 Speaker 2: so I'm going to give it to somebody that will 343 00:18:35,920 --> 00:18:36,879 Speaker 2: use well. 344 00:18:36,800 --> 00:18:38,120 Speaker 1: What I've given them. 345 00:18:38,680 --> 00:18:42,440 Speaker 2: When the prophet Samuel came to Jesse's house to anoint 346 00:18:42,440 --> 00:18:45,840 Speaker 2: one of his sons as the next king, Jesse didn't 347 00:18:45,880 --> 00:18:49,520 Speaker 2: even bring his youngest son, David into the house. When 348 00:18:49,600 --> 00:18:52,320 Speaker 2: Samuel tried to pour the oil on the other sons, 349 00:18:52,400 --> 00:18:57,200 Speaker 2: it wouldn't flow. It defied gravity. David eventually came into 350 00:18:57,200 --> 00:19:01,080 Speaker 2: the house. When Samuel poured the oil, it freely flowed 351 00:19:01,200 --> 00:19:01,840 Speaker 2: on David. 352 00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:05,640 Speaker 1: What am I saying? You don't have to live worried. 353 00:19:05,359 --> 00:19:08,480 Speaker 2: Thinking, Oh man, I'm falling behind. Other people are getting 354 00:19:08,520 --> 00:19:10,960 Speaker 2: my blessing. I'll never get the break I need. Know, 355 00:19:11,080 --> 00:19:14,960 Speaker 2: as long as you keep honoring God, stirring up your gifts, 356 00:19:15,240 --> 00:19:19,560 Speaker 2: developing your talents, The oil that belongs to you will 357 00:19:19,600 --> 00:19:21,000 Speaker 2: not flow to anybody else. 358 00:19:21,280 --> 00:19:23,600 Speaker 1: God will get you to where you're supposed to be. 359 00:19:24,960 --> 00:19:27,480 Speaker 2: When David was out in those shepherds fields as a 360 00:19:27,520 --> 00:19:31,680 Speaker 2: young man, was lonely. His father didn't believe in him. 361 00:19:32,000 --> 00:19:34,719 Speaker 2: He had big dreams, but all he did day in 362 00:19:34,760 --> 00:19:38,040 Speaker 2: and day out was take care of sheep. But instead 363 00:19:38,040 --> 00:19:41,080 Speaker 2: of sitting around complaining, he would get his sling shot 364 00:19:41,119 --> 00:19:42,920 Speaker 2: out and he would sling rocks. 365 00:19:43,359 --> 00:19:44,679 Speaker 1: He became an expert. 366 00:19:45,160 --> 00:19:49,040 Speaker 2: He could hit a bull'seye one hundred feet away compared 367 00:19:49,080 --> 00:19:52,560 Speaker 2: to his dream. It was a small talent, no big deal. 368 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:56,840 Speaker 2: But because he developed the small one day, that small 369 00:19:56,920 --> 00:19:59,720 Speaker 2: talent led him to defeat a big giant. 370 00:20:00,119 --> 00:20:01,560 Speaker 1: It took him to the throne of Israel. 371 00:20:02,160 --> 00:20:04,160 Speaker 2: What if he had been out in the shepherd's field saying, 372 00:20:04,160 --> 00:20:06,920 Speaker 2: God is boring out here. How come I didn't get 373 00:20:06,920 --> 00:20:09,280 Speaker 2: a big gift God. I don't want to mess with 374 00:20:09,320 --> 00:20:12,679 Speaker 2: this slingshot. I want to lead an army. If he 375 00:20:12,720 --> 00:20:16,800 Speaker 2: would have been indifferent like Esau, not valued what God 376 00:20:16,840 --> 00:20:20,280 Speaker 2: had given him, that oil could have flowed to somebody else. 377 00:20:20,840 --> 00:20:22,440 Speaker 1: This is where many people miss it. 378 00:20:22,880 --> 00:20:27,000 Speaker 2: You have to be productive right where you are, whatever 379 00:20:27,040 --> 00:20:30,159 Speaker 2: God's given you, even if it's small, developed that gift. 380 00:20:30,920 --> 00:20:33,000 Speaker 2: God invests the most. 381 00:20:32,800 --> 00:20:34,320 Speaker 1: In people who are productive. 382 00:20:34,520 --> 00:20:37,480 Speaker 2: If you'll show God increase, God will increase you more. 383 00:20:38,440 --> 00:20:42,240 Speaker 2: When the Israelites were in slavery, God said to Moses, 384 00:20:42,680 --> 00:20:44,480 Speaker 2: go tell Pharaoh to let. 385 00:20:44,320 --> 00:20:45,040 Speaker 1: My people go. 386 00:20:45,920 --> 00:20:49,359 Speaker 2: Moses said, God, I can't do that. I don't speak well. 387 00:20:49,600 --> 00:20:50,200 Speaker 1: I stutter. 388 00:20:51,119 --> 00:20:53,119 Speaker 2: He was saying, God, I didn't get a big gift. 389 00:20:53,520 --> 00:20:57,560 Speaker 2: I just got one talent. He kept making excuse after excuse, 390 00:20:57,920 --> 00:21:02,400 Speaker 2: so much so the scripture says God became angry with Moses. 391 00:21:03,160 --> 00:21:06,840 Speaker 2: He wasn't angry because he stuttered. He wasn't angry because 392 00:21:06,840 --> 00:21:10,440 Speaker 2: he had flaws. He was angry because he didn't see 393 00:21:10,480 --> 00:21:12,280 Speaker 2: his gift as being enough. 394 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:15,520 Speaker 1: He was like the man with the one talent, hiding 395 00:21:15,560 --> 00:21:18,359 Speaker 1: it afraid, thinking he didn't have what it takes. 396 00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:22,720 Speaker 2: God is not displeased with us because we still have weaknesses, 397 00:21:23,040 --> 00:21:27,840 Speaker 2: we have shortcomings. He's displeased when we're not using what 398 00:21:27,920 --> 00:21:30,320 Speaker 2: he's given us, when we're making. 399 00:21:30,080 --> 00:21:32,800 Speaker 1: Excuses discounting our gifts. 400 00:21:33,160 --> 00:21:36,040 Speaker 2: Listen, God wouldn't have asked you to do it if 401 00:21:36,080 --> 00:21:38,920 Speaker 2: he hadn't already given you exactly what you need. 402 00:21:39,760 --> 00:21:41,200 Speaker 1: Quit discounting yourself. 403 00:21:41,800 --> 00:21:44,480 Speaker 2: Well, Joel, if I had his talents, if I had 404 00:21:44,520 --> 00:21:47,000 Speaker 2: her looks, if I had their gifts, then I could 405 00:21:47,040 --> 00:21:50,200 Speaker 2: do something great. No, take the talent that you have, 406 00:21:50,800 --> 00:21:53,600 Speaker 2: whether it's five to two or one, and make the 407 00:21:53,600 --> 00:21:56,480 Speaker 2: most of that. If you'll use what God's given you, 408 00:21:56,640 --> 00:22:02,680 Speaker 2: He'll give you more. Moses kept complaining, he kept making excuses. Finally, 409 00:22:02,720 --> 00:22:06,640 Speaker 2: God said to him, Moses, who made your tongue? Who 410 00:22:06,720 --> 00:22:10,040 Speaker 2: makes the death to hear? Who makes the blind to see? 411 00:22:10,080 --> 00:22:14,560 Speaker 2: He was saying, Moses, I created the universe. I flung 412 00:22:14,640 --> 00:22:19,159 Speaker 2: stars into space. I spoke worlds into existence. Moses, I 413 00:22:19,240 --> 00:22:22,320 Speaker 2: know what I'm doing. You didn't get short changed. You're 414 00:22:22,359 --> 00:22:27,040 Speaker 2: not lacking. I've given you exactly what you need. Moses 415 00:22:27,080 --> 00:22:29,960 Speaker 2: still didn't believe. He still wouldn't do it. He was 416 00:22:30,000 --> 00:22:32,720 Speaker 2: holding a staff in his hand, a rod, and God 417 00:22:32,760 --> 00:22:35,720 Speaker 2: told him to throw it down. When he did, it 418 00:22:35,800 --> 00:22:39,760 Speaker 2: turned into a snake. Moses, this mighty man of faith, 419 00:22:40,320 --> 00:22:43,440 Speaker 2: the one who eventually parted the Red Sea and delivered 420 00:22:43,440 --> 00:22:44,960 Speaker 2: the Israelites from slavery. 421 00:22:45,520 --> 00:22:47,680 Speaker 1: When he saw that snake, you know what he did. 422 00:22:47,960 --> 00:22:52,520 Speaker 2: The scripture says he was terrified and turned and ran away. 423 00:22:52,760 --> 00:22:56,120 Speaker 2: Sometimes we see these heroes of faith in the scripture 424 00:22:56,320 --> 00:22:59,439 Speaker 2: as being superhuman. It's good to know they were just 425 00:22:59,560 --> 00:23:02,600 Speaker 2: like us. He was talking with God, saw a snake 426 00:23:02,680 --> 00:23:05,320 Speaker 2: and took off running. That means there's hope for you 427 00:23:05,359 --> 00:23:10,320 Speaker 2: and me. God told him to do something interesting. He said, Moses, 428 00:23:10,920 --> 00:23:14,440 Speaker 2: go back and pick up that snake. Can't you hear God, 429 00:23:14,440 --> 00:23:15,840 Speaker 2: I'm not about to touch that snake. 430 00:23:16,560 --> 00:23:18,680 Speaker 1: I'll go speak to Fairo now, but I'm not gonna 431 00:23:18,680 --> 00:23:19,359 Speaker 1: touch that snake. 432 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:23,040 Speaker 2: Sometimes God will ask us to do things that we're 433 00:23:23,080 --> 00:23:26,960 Speaker 2: afraid of. When my father died tall God, I can't 434 00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:27,480 Speaker 2: step up. 435 00:23:27,440 --> 00:23:30,520 Speaker 1: And pastor the church. I've only ministered one time. 436 00:23:31,280 --> 00:23:34,480 Speaker 2: But just because you feel fear doesn't mean you're not 437 00:23:34,480 --> 00:23:38,320 Speaker 2: supposed to do it. If you have all the confidence, courage, 438 00:23:38,320 --> 00:23:40,680 Speaker 2: strength to do it on your own, doesn't take any faith. 439 00:23:41,480 --> 00:23:43,680 Speaker 1: Faith says God. I'm afraid. 440 00:23:44,400 --> 00:23:46,359 Speaker 2: I don't know if I can step up and speak 441 00:23:46,359 --> 00:23:48,600 Speaker 2: in front of these people. God, I don't know if 442 00:23:48,680 --> 00:23:50,879 Speaker 2: this new business I'm starting is going to make it. 443 00:23:51,080 --> 00:23:53,200 Speaker 1: But God, I believe you put it in my heart. 444 00:23:53,480 --> 00:23:56,119 Speaker 2: So I'm gonna take a step of faith, knowing that 445 00:23:56,160 --> 00:23:58,280 Speaker 2: You're with me each step of the way, and. 446 00:23:58,280 --> 00:24:00,399 Speaker 1: That you will get me to where I'm to be. 447 00:24:01,720 --> 00:24:04,199 Speaker 1: You have to get out of your comfort zone and 448 00:24:04,280 --> 00:24:08,040 Speaker 1: do it afraid. If you play it safe your whole life, 449 00:24:08,160 --> 00:24:09,800 Speaker 1: you'll never reach your full potential. 450 00:24:10,880 --> 00:24:14,800 Speaker 2: Jesus gave an illustration in Luke chapter thirteen about a 451 00:24:14,840 --> 00:24:17,720 Speaker 2: man that had a fig tree in his garden. He 452 00:24:17,760 --> 00:24:20,119 Speaker 2: went out month after month checking on it, but it 453 00:24:20,160 --> 00:24:23,800 Speaker 2: never had any fruit. He was so frustrated he finally 454 00:24:23,840 --> 00:24:28,200 Speaker 2: said to his gardener, I've waited three years. This tree 455 00:24:28,240 --> 00:24:30,040 Speaker 2: has never produced one fig. 456 00:24:30,359 --> 00:24:31,040 Speaker 1: Cut it down. 457 00:24:31,640 --> 00:24:34,080 Speaker 2: It's taking up space that we could be using for 458 00:24:34,160 --> 00:24:38,600 Speaker 2: something else. The gardener said, sir, give it one more chance. 459 00:24:39,320 --> 00:24:43,320 Speaker 2: Leave it another year. I'll give it special attention. If 460 00:24:43,359 --> 00:24:45,480 Speaker 2: it doesn't produce fruit in a year, then we could 461 00:24:45,480 --> 00:24:49,800 Speaker 2: cut it down. The owner of the tree represents the 462 00:24:49,920 --> 00:24:54,320 Speaker 2: justice of God, he was saying. This tree should be 463 00:24:54,440 --> 00:24:58,159 Speaker 2: further along for its age. At three years old, it 464 00:24:58,240 --> 00:25:02,720 Speaker 2: should be producing fruit. Justice says, cut it down. It's 465 00:25:02,760 --> 00:25:06,359 Speaker 2: taking up valuable space. Something could be put there that 466 00:25:06,400 --> 00:25:11,160 Speaker 2: would make better use of the soil, the nutrients, the sunshine. 467 00:25:11,240 --> 00:25:14,199 Speaker 2: The gardener represents the mercy of God. 468 00:25:14,760 --> 00:25:17,920 Speaker 1: He said, sir, give it one more chance. 469 00:25:18,600 --> 00:25:21,560 Speaker 2: Yes, it's bearing, but I still believe it can produce fruit. 470 00:25:22,000 --> 00:25:24,720 Speaker 2: I still see some potential in it. It's not as 471 00:25:24,720 --> 00:25:26,679 Speaker 2: far along as it should be, but I know it 472 00:25:26,720 --> 00:25:30,359 Speaker 2: can catch up. Leave it one more year. If God 473 00:25:30,440 --> 00:25:33,400 Speaker 2: came to take a look at your fig tree, when 474 00:25:33,400 --> 00:25:35,960 Speaker 2: he looks at your life, will he see any fruit? 475 00:25:36,720 --> 00:25:40,400 Speaker 2: Are you producing any figs, developing what He's given you? 476 00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:44,000 Speaker 2: Or would that tree be barren? Well, Joe, you said, 477 00:25:44,440 --> 00:25:46,119 Speaker 2: use it or you lose it. I can tell you 478 00:25:46,160 --> 00:25:49,680 Speaker 2: I've lost it. I've made mistakes. It's too late for me. 479 00:25:50,600 --> 00:25:54,960 Speaker 2: Justice says, you're right, you should be further along. Too bad, 480 00:25:55,040 --> 00:25:58,600 Speaker 2: You're done. The good news is the God of Mercy says, 481 00:25:58,880 --> 00:26:00,480 Speaker 2: I'm going to give you another chance. 482 00:26:01,040 --> 00:26:05,080 Speaker 1: I'm gonna work with you another year. I'm going to give. 483 00:26:04,920 --> 00:26:09,960 Speaker 2: You special attention, the grace, the favor, the wisdom, the strength, 484 00:26:10,200 --> 00:26:14,040 Speaker 2: the breakthroughs to step up to become who you were 485 00:26:14,040 --> 00:26:17,399 Speaker 2: created to be. My challenge is do your part and 486 00:26:17,440 --> 00:26:18,240 Speaker 2: get focused. 487 00:26:19,000 --> 00:26:19,920 Speaker 1: Be intentional. 488 00:26:20,640 --> 00:26:25,160 Speaker 2: Don't waste another moment making excuses. Don't be like Esau 489 00:26:25,520 --> 00:26:29,880 Speaker 2: and not value what God has given you. Live indifferent, nonchalant, 490 00:26:30,160 --> 00:26:34,600 Speaker 2: no stir up those gifts. Be passionate about your dreams. 491 00:26:34,920 --> 00:26:37,240 Speaker 2: Dare to take some steps of faith, getting out of 492 00:26:37,280 --> 00:26:41,120 Speaker 2: your comfort zone. If you will use well what God 493 00:26:41,160 --> 00:26:45,040 Speaker 2: has given you, I believe and declare, God is about 494 00:26:45,119 --> 00:26:48,080 Speaker 2: to increase you with more. You're about to step up 495 00:26:48,119 --> 00:26:51,000 Speaker 2: to a new level. You're going to see new gifts, 496 00:26:51,320 --> 00:26:55,840 Speaker 2: new talents, new opportunities, the fullness of your destiny in 497 00:26:56,000 --> 00:26:59,040 Speaker 2: Jesus's name, And if you receive it today, can you 498 00:26:59,080 --> 00:27:04,159 Speaker 2: say amen? We never like to close our broadcast without 499 00:27:04,200 --> 00:27:07,199 Speaker 2: giving you an opportunity to make Jesus the lord of 500 00:27:07,240 --> 00:27:07,680 Speaker 2: your life. 501 00:27:08,200 --> 00:27:12,639 Speaker 1: Would you pray with me? Just say, Lord, Jesus, I 502 00:27:12,800 --> 00:27:17,720 Speaker 1: repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make 503 00:27:17,800 --> 00:27:21,560 Speaker 1: you my Lord and savior. Friends, if you prayed that 504 00:27:21,640 --> 00:27:24,240 Speaker 1: simple prayer, we believe you got born again. 505 00:27:24,800 --> 00:27:28,000 Speaker 2: Get in a good Bible based church, Keep God first place. 506 00:27:28,320 --> 00:27:30,800 Speaker 2: He's going to take your places that you've never dreamed. 507 00:27:31,280 --> 00:27:35,600 Speaker 4: What if every plan you set, every habit you formed, 508 00:27:35,960 --> 00:27:39,600 Speaker 4: and every decision you made became a pathway to see 509 00:27:39,720 --> 00:27:42,320 Speaker 4: God move in your life. 510 00:27:42,359 --> 00:27:45,320 Speaker 2: We all have hopes and dreams, things we're believing for. 511 00:27:45,760 --> 00:27:49,120 Speaker 2: When you start the year in faith expecting God's goodness, 512 00:27:49,320 --> 00:27:51,880 Speaker 2: you are setting the tone for a blessed new year. 513 00:27:52,359 --> 00:27:54,400 Speaker 2: And we'd love to send you our twenty twenty six 514 00:27:54,600 --> 00:27:57,840 Speaker 2: Faith p Today Planner. You can write down your dreams 515 00:27:57,880 --> 00:28:00,199 Speaker 2: and galls and plus use it for your every day 516 00:28:00,000 --> 00:28:01,880 Speaker 2: activities and reminders. 517 00:28:02,119 --> 00:28:05,080 Speaker 3: It's important to feed your faith on a daily basis. 518 00:28:05,440 --> 00:28:08,240 Speaker 3: This planner it's not just a calendar. It's filled with 519 00:28:08,320 --> 00:28:12,080 Speaker 3: scriptures and inspiration to help you stay encouraged and keep 520 00:28:12,119 --> 00:28:14,240 Speaker 3: believing for what God has put in your heart. 521 00:28:14,400 --> 00:28:16,919 Speaker 2: Twenty twenty six is your year to see the goodness 522 00:28:17,000 --> 00:28:19,800 Speaker 2: of God in greater ways, let go of what didn't 523 00:28:19,800 --> 00:28:22,320 Speaker 2: work out, and get ready for the new things God 524 00:28:22,359 --> 00:28:23,119 Speaker 2: has in store. 525 00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:26,400 Speaker 4: As our way of saying thank you for your gift 526 00:28:26,440 --> 00:28:29,040 Speaker 4: of any amount this month, we would like to send 527 00:28:29,080 --> 00:28:31,600 Speaker 4: you a copy of the twenty twenty six Faith for 528 00:28:31,720 --> 00:28:36,119 Speaker 4: Today Planner. Each month features a fresh theme of encouragement, 529 00:28:36,480 --> 00:28:40,840 Speaker 4: a guiding scripture to stand on, room to write your goals, prayers, 530 00:28:40,880 --> 00:28:45,200 Speaker 4: and vision space for faith steps. Because faith isn't passive, 531 00:28:45,520 --> 00:28:49,320 Speaker 4: it's active. A monthly QR code linking to a message 532 00:28:49,400 --> 00:28:52,600 Speaker 4: or video to keep your spirit lifted. With a twenty 533 00:28:52,680 --> 00:28:56,239 Speaker 4: twenty six Faith for Today Planner, you'll be reminded that 534 00:28:56,400 --> 00:28:59,680 Speaker 4: living by faith makes room for God to do what 535 00:28:59,760 --> 00:29:03,120 Speaker 4: own only He can do break through in your business. 536 00:29:03,400 --> 00:29:08,280 Speaker 4: God's healing touch loved ones returning to faith, request your 537 00:29:08,320 --> 00:29:11,000 Speaker 4: copy of the planner and step into the new year 538 00:29:11,080 --> 00:29:15,600 Speaker 4: with bold faith, fresh hope, and daily encouragement to strengthen 539 00:29:15,640 --> 00:29:18,760 Speaker 4: your spirit and face every challenge with confidence. 540 00:29:19,440 --> 00:29:22,520 Speaker 2: No matter what's happening around you, Faith can rise up 541 00:29:22,560 --> 00:29:26,200 Speaker 2: in you. Keep believing and expecting a blessed twenty twenty 542 00:29:26,240 --> 00:29:29,120 Speaker 2: six Victoria and I pray for you and your family 543 00:29:29,240 --> 00:29:32,680 Speaker 2: every day. Thank you so much for your prayer and support. 544 00:29:33,040 --> 00:29:36,640 Speaker 2: Your generosity is helping people around the world. As we 545 00:29:36,680 --> 00:29:39,840 Speaker 2: finish this year, I hope you'll consider making a special 546 00:29:40,000 --> 00:29:43,400 Speaker 2: year in gift to help keep the ministry strong. We 547 00:29:43,440 --> 00:29:46,200 Speaker 2: so appreciate all the Champion of Hope partners for your 548 00:29:46,240 --> 00:29:49,520 Speaker 2: monthly support. We wish you and your family a very 549 00:29:49,760 --> 00:29:52,480 Speaker 2: merry Christmas. Till we see you next time, May the 550 00:29:52,520 --> 00:29:54,160 Speaker 2: Lord bless you and keep you. 551 00:29:55,000 --> 00:29:57,600 Speaker 4: Be sure to request your copy of the twenty twenty 552 00:29:57,640 --> 00:30:01,760 Speaker 4: six Faith for Today Planner. Visit Joelostein dot com or 553 00:30:01,840 --> 00:30:05,360 Speaker 4: call eight eight eight five six seven Joel for a 554 00:30:05,400 --> 00:30:08,560 Speaker 4: special year end gift. This month, we are also offering 555 00:30:08,760 --> 00:30:12,840 Speaker 4: the Faith to Share Bundle Keep one give one, give 556 00:30:12,920 --> 00:30:16,719 Speaker 4: the gift of faith, focus and fresh hope for someone 557 00:30:16,840 --> 00:30:20,400 Speaker 4: special in your life. You can also request the God's 558 00:30:20,480 --> 00:30:25,400 Speaker 4: Word Work Study Collection. This empowering collection includes the NIV, 559 00:30:25,760 --> 00:30:30,400 Speaker 4: the Message, Parallel Bible, a beautifully crafted leather bookmark and pen, 560 00:30:30,800 --> 00:30:33,640 Speaker 4: and how to read your Bible and enjoy it, along 561 00:30:33,680 --> 00:30:37,760 Speaker 4: with two planners. You can request these inspiring resources by 562 00:30:37,800 --> 00:30:41,479 Speaker 4: calling eight eight eight five six seven Joel or logging 563 00:30:41,520 --> 00:30:45,760 Speaker 4: on to Joelostein dot com today call or click anytime 564 00:30:46,000 --> 00:30:50,320 Speaker 4: twenty four hours a day, stay organized, encouraged, and full 565 00:30:50,360 --> 00:31:12,960 Speaker 4: of faith all year long. Request these resources today