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 Welcome to the Lansdale Life Church podcast.

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 If you're seeking a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, this podcast is for you.

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 Thank you for joining us today.

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 Lord, we thank you for each one tonight,

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 each brother and sister.

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 Father, we love you, and

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 we're in love with you, and we thank you so much for a meaningful relationship that we have.

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 Broaden our relationship, deepen our relationship, and

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 Father, we will be thankful to praise you for who you are,

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 what you've done in our lives, and where you're taking us, and

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 certainly tonight we yield to you afresh, and

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 Lord, we ask that as

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 you go, we go. As the cloud moved, Israel moved, and Lord, as you move in our lives,

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 we want to move with you, not resist you,

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 not

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 tell you that there's a different way that you want to go, we want to go, but Lord, that you would

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 envelop us in such a way that we would have a yielded heart, so when the cloud stops, we stop, and when the cloud of

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 leading goes another way, we go that way too, and so we thank you for tonight. In the name of Jesus, we ask that

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 what we share, Lord, will be your heart and not mine. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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 Yeah, come on up. All right. See, if you're not, if you're back there, I can't pick on you then. I mean, you know.

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 And I know I'm not doing a good job if you put the earphones back on, right?

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 Yeah, all right. We'll give it to you. All right. We did a little switching around.

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 Amir asked me, he said, I thought you weren't on tonight. Well, between the four of us,

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 vacations are coming,

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 people are going away in business, and all that stuff,

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 so I'll be,

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 I'll be pinch-hitting for a couple, and

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 then they'll do me in the fall, because I've got some other teaching that I have to do.

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 So we're talking about chapter 9, and

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 as you remember, we went off on a divergent path last week, and

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 I think we had gained some ground and understanding, and tonight we're back on track in

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 chapter 9 1 through 23.

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 So

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 let's look at the outline so we know where we're at in this chapter.

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 Verses 1 through 5 talks about the command to celebrate the Passover.

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 We're not going to work the Passover anymore.

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 I think we did justice to that as we went through Exodus,

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 but now they're going to celebrate that Passover, and he instructs Moses in the wilderness of Sinai

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 to have the Israelites celebrate the Passover, so the people obey and celebrate the Passover,

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 you know, the preparation that they all go through, and the remediation of that which was necessary for sin

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 to pass over them and not be in their family.

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 And then verses 6 through 14 is the provision for the unclean and the distant.

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 So some men are

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 ceremonially unclean due to the contact with the dead person and

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 cannot participate. As you know, that was the ritual that they were outside of the camp until they were cleansed.

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 So they appealed to Moses.

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 Say, look, I mean we were unclean and we can't participate in the Passover, which I thought was very good

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 because it shows their interest of

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 performing the ritual that the Lord Jesus, that God wanted, and

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 they're appealed to Moses, and then he says that he will seek God for guidance.

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 So God permits a second Passover on the 14th day of the second month, and I want you to think about that.

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 Remember, he

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 instituted what we call the Passover, and now

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 they require or ask for an adjustment of

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 that Passover, and what does he do? He gives it to them because they could not participate the first time.

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 So I want you to think about that, and we'll attack that as a point of discussion.

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 So those who were unclean, those who went on a distant journey

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 then are the ones that participate in the second Passover.

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 However, anyone who is able but refuses to celebrate will be cut off from the community.

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 That cut off simply means, and I guess we'll wait.

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 Everybody's turning around and looking, so we'll wait.

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 Whatever. Hello all.

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 How are you?

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 Don't sit back too far.

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 Michelle, come on up front. In here. There you go. Okay.

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 Hi, how are you?

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 Oh, Gordon.

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 Yeah, look at this. I tell you what.

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 This is good. After a while, we're gonna overflow. Oh my gosh, I can't believe that.

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 Walt's back from vacation.

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 Yes, good to see you.

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 So we're just going over the outline, so you didn't miss a thing.

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 So then we go down here. It says, however, everyone who is able but refuses to celebrate

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 is to be cut off from the community, and that basically means to be excommunicated.

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 Look, if you didn't do it when you were able,

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 we're going to excommunicate, and I'm not sure that there was a way back,

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 but that's what this word has meant to them.

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 And then some law, the same law abides for those that are Israelites and also foreigners

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 who wish to observe the Passover.

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 And as you remember, when they left Egypt, there were some foreigners that went with them.

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 And they, without getting back into that, so there were other people.

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 So the third element of what we'll be talking about, the cloud over the tabernacle.

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 A cloud covers the tabernacle by day and appears as fire by night.

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 The Israelites move or stay based on the movement of the cloud,

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 and this symbolizes God's presence and guidance.

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 And whether the cloud remains for a day or many days, the people obey the Lord's command.

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 So that's the outline.

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 Now, what we're going to do is kind of work on this area up here where it talks about

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 the second opportunity in the Passover to be able to celebrate that.

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 So we're going to look at that, and then we're going to major most of our time down in here

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 about the cloud, the aspects of the cloud, what the cloud means to them,

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 and what the cloud or the archetype means to us.

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 Okay, here's the first question right out of the bag.

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 What can we learn from God's nature as he made provision for a second Passover

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 for some Israelites?

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 So here's the law.

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 Now all of a sudden he said, okay, yes, but the law,

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 but you know, you can participate in it.

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 What's that say about our Lord God?

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 He's merciful.

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 Anybody else?

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 Merciful is a key word.

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 Patient.

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 Anything else?

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 All right.

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 And you know what?

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 God can change his mind.

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 How's that?

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 It even says in the scriptures, and again, I can't point to it tonight,

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 but he changed his mind about a particular thing

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 where he was going to kill all the people off.

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 And that was Moses, by the way.

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 Moses said, no, God, don't do that.

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 Okay, in Numbers 9, 7 through 10, in verse 10, it says,

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 speak to the sons of Israel saying, if a man of you

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 or of your generation shall be unclean because of a dead body

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 or on a journey, he shall then keep this Passover.

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 So we now learn that there are exceptions to every rule.

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 So God provides that exception for us.

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 So grace was extended.

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 Much grace was extended.

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 Even those who temporarily are unfit, are far away,

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 were still invited to participate.

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 And that kind of gives you an inkling how God works with us.

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 Here's the precept.

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 Here's the goal.

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 And so often, any hands on this, we fall short.

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 Yeah.

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 So in doing so, God allows for his grace.

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 And so often, we don't appreciate that grace.

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 And some of us that have been raised in different religions

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 and backgrounds think that that's a travesty

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 because we have failed in doing what we do.

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 God is graceful.

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 All right.

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 The ritual was not a closed system then as we see it.

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 And it rather shows the heart of compassion of God.

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 He wants everybody to be included in this.

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 Not just some, but those people that couldn't make it.

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 So he provides a second Passover.

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 So fellowship in this case really matters.

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 He desires fellowship and he honored their desire to belong.

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 So think about this.

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 He desires fellowship so much that he created a world.

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 He put Adam and Eve in it.

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 He fellowshiped with them in the garden.

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 There was wonderful, true, honest, wonderful,

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 all the adjectives that you could ever put.

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 And then, of course, came the fall of Adam.

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 And the relinquishing of that fellowship.

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 And he's getting that back by virtue of bringing his son to the earth

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 to die for our sins.

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 We know all these things.

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 But he is so passionate about the fellowship for one another

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 and for him that he's made all these things as opportunities for us.

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 So Revelation 3.20 says,

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 Here am I.

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 I stand at the door and knock.

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 If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,

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 I will come in, eat with him, and he with me.

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 So there is an open invitation.

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 Our fellowship with him really, really matters.

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 How many have been guilty in the fact that as you go through life

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 and you look at some of the ups and downs,

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 fellowship has been sweeter sometimes

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 and not as sweet in other times

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 because either you were by the roadside

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 and sitting down and saying,

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 gee, I'm discouraged, I'm tired,

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 or other things that have come into your life,

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 busyness, work responsibilities, and so forth.

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 And again, but it matters what we do with our Lord

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 and how we do fellowship with him.

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 He is not only in the present with us,

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 but he is emotionally invested in us

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 because he paid that price.

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 He wants to have what you are willing to give.

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 He'll take anything, even some of a loaf,

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 even some prayers that tend to be quick,

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 some devotions that are cut short.

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 He'll take that.

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 He desires more and we've talked about that

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 in that relationship, how we build that.

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 But again, it is what it is

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 and we are in flesh and we understand that.

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 In Zechariah 3.17, it says,

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 the Lord is your God is with you

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 and he will rejoice over you with singing.

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 How about this?

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 He really makes a fuss over us

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 just like we do with our own children.

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 I'm telling you, I did a word study independent of this today

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 and I looked for all the words

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 that were descriptors of Christ's love

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 toward us and I looked at all the verbs.

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 There was about 28 of them

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 and then I developed around that a prayer

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 and I was so blessed in the fact

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 that God, he loves us so much.

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 He rejoices over us.

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 He heals us.

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 He wants to commune with us

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 and all these verbs

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 and I was going to quickly include it,

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 but getting to 15 and 16 pages

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 on Wednesday night

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 is just a little bit too much.

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 I'm a 14-page PowerPoint guy

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 on Wednesday night,

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 but it's the idea that you can rejoice

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 in all these things

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 that God's done for us

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 and as we participate in that fellowship,

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 what begins to happen?

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 We're drawn in more and more and more.

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 My wife, in preparing for today,

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 I usually set Wednesday aside

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 and she has ceramics from one to three

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 and I said, okay, that's good.

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 Well, I sat down in my chair

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 and I just loved him the Lord

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 and I tell you what,

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 it was such a wonderful experience

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 just to have about an hour and a half

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 with him conversing,

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 listening to what God was saying to me

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 and I tell you what,

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 I cherish those things

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 even more so than I did years ago

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 because I guess I have the time now to do it.

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 So I would encourage you

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 to be able to do these things

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 so that you can appreciate his love for you.

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 Another question specifically now,

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 what insight does this give us about God?

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 This is on this side now.

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 What insight is that?

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 Well, how about this?

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 Redemption for the outsiders.

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 The application that we are in fellowship here

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 but what about those that come into us?

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 It's your second chance to connect with God.

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 Even those who are, quote,

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 impure or physically distant are not forgotten.

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 They are the ones that need Christ.

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 We are the ones that should be missional to them,

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 to understand them,

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 to encourage them.

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 Look at this in Jonah 3.1.2

250
00:15:11,279 --> 00:15:11,639
 it says,

251
00:15:12,679 --> 00:15:14,500
 after Jonah ran from God,

252
00:15:14,840 --> 00:15:15,980
 doesn't that sound familiar

253
00:15:15,980 --> 00:15:17,139
 in some of our hearts?

254
00:15:17,879 --> 00:15:20,320
 The Lord gave him a second chance

255
00:15:20,320 --> 00:15:21,919
 to fulfill his mission.

256
00:15:22,759 --> 00:15:24,600
 So don't ever be dejected

257
00:15:24,600 --> 00:15:26,399
 that, okay, I missed it.

258
00:15:26,700 --> 00:15:29,139
 There is possibly an opportunity

259
00:15:29,139 --> 00:15:31,320
 as it will come around again.

260
00:15:32,179 --> 00:15:32,899
 And so often,

261
00:15:35,700 --> 00:15:38,840
 I didn't think I'd get into lawsuits so soon.

262
00:15:43,340 --> 00:15:44,120
 Excuse me.

263
00:15:47,100 --> 00:15:48,259
 If anyone of you offended,

264
00:15:48,460 --> 00:15:49,240
 I got an extra one.

265
00:15:51,039 --> 00:15:51,759
 Oh, there.

266
00:15:52,480 --> 00:15:53,200
 Really?

267
00:15:53,919 --> 00:15:54,399
 Yeah.

268
00:15:55,659 --> 00:15:56,000
 All right.

269
00:15:57,740 --> 00:16:00,679
 So he gives Jonah a second chance,

270
00:16:01,320 --> 00:16:03,240
 he gives us a second chance.

271
00:16:04,600 --> 00:16:07,139
 In Luke 15.20 it says this,

272
00:16:07,620 --> 00:16:08,679
 about the prodigal.

273
00:16:08,919 --> 00:16:09,820
 I just love this.

274
00:16:11,639 --> 00:16:13,120
 From a long distance away,

275
00:16:13,860 --> 00:16:15,299
 his father saw him coming,

276
00:16:16,059 --> 00:16:17,500
 dressed as a beggar,

277
00:16:18,179 --> 00:16:20,480
 and great compassion swelled his heart

278
00:16:21,039 --> 00:16:24,139
 for a son who now was returning home.

279
00:16:25,740 --> 00:16:28,220
 So the father raced out to meet him,

280
00:16:28,840 --> 00:16:30,360
 he swept him up in his arms,

281
00:16:30,659 --> 00:16:32,279
 hugged him dearly,

282
00:16:32,539 --> 00:16:34,360
 and kissed him over and over

283
00:16:34,360 --> 00:16:35,559
 with tender love.

284
00:16:36,039 --> 00:16:37,840
 Isn't that how God works on us?

285
00:16:38,679 --> 00:16:41,000
 And I graphically have to tell you this

286
00:16:41,000 --> 00:16:41,840
 in the sense that,

287
00:16:42,700 --> 00:16:43,799
 some of you know the story

288
00:16:43,799 --> 00:16:45,679
 and I hope I won't repeat myself too much.

289
00:16:46,019 --> 00:16:46,899
 Our second son

290
00:16:49,100 --> 00:16:50,279
 was a prodigal.

291
00:16:51,639 --> 00:16:53,639
 It was so bad that I had to tell him

292
00:16:53,639 --> 00:16:54,379
 to leave the home.

293
00:16:55,940 --> 00:16:57,500
 My wife cried for about six months.

294
00:16:58,019 --> 00:16:58,899
 What did we do wrong?

295
00:16:59,059 --> 00:17:00,379
 I said, we didn't do anything wrong.

296
00:17:00,600 --> 00:17:01,539
 This is the righteousness

297
00:17:01,539 --> 00:17:02,679
 that we stand for.

298
00:17:03,379 --> 00:17:04,720
 If you can't abide by that,

299
00:17:04,819 --> 00:17:05,980
 you have to find your own way.

300
00:17:06,740 --> 00:17:07,779
 Three years go by,

301
00:17:08,180 --> 00:17:09,480
 he calls up one day

302
00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:11,359
 and he says to his mom,

303
00:17:11,440 --> 00:17:12,000
 he says, mom,

304
00:17:12,140 --> 00:17:13,119
 he said, I feel like

305
00:17:14,359 --> 00:17:15,420
 the little lamb

306
00:17:15,420 --> 00:17:16,980
 that was hobbled,

307
00:17:17,399 --> 00:17:18,759
 that's now around Christ

308
00:17:18,759 --> 00:17:19,619
 and that coming back.

309
00:17:19,619 --> 00:17:20,420
 I want to come home

310
00:17:20,420 --> 00:17:21,640
 and straighten my life out.

311
00:17:22,720 --> 00:17:23,579
 And if he did anything,

312
00:17:23,720 --> 00:17:24,400
 he did everything.

313
00:17:25,059 --> 00:17:26,079
 So there was a lot of stuff

314
00:17:26,079 --> 00:17:26,940
 going through it.

315
00:17:27,200 --> 00:17:27,900
 For three years,

316
00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:28,599
 he was absent.

317
00:17:28,779 --> 00:17:29,619
 I think we saw him

318
00:17:29,619 --> 00:17:30,779
 about two or three times

319
00:17:30,779 --> 00:17:31,480
 in that time,

320
00:17:31,579 --> 00:17:32,500
 but we prayed

321
00:17:33,099 --> 00:17:34,460
 and prayed and prayed.

322
00:17:35,039 --> 00:17:36,039
 And when I read this,

323
00:17:36,339 --> 00:17:38,200
 I am remembering

324
00:17:39,439 --> 00:17:40,339
 as a witness

325
00:17:40,339 --> 00:17:42,079
 the feelings that I had.

326
00:17:42,539 --> 00:17:43,660
 They just all melt away.

327
00:17:43,759 --> 00:17:44,680
 The things that he did,

328
00:17:45,200 --> 00:17:46,400
 the things that he said,

329
00:17:46,740 --> 00:17:49,599
 you know, he's just,

330
00:17:49,599 --> 00:17:51,299
 used us to ashes in his mind

331
00:17:51,299 --> 00:17:52,859
 because he didn't want we had.

332
00:17:54,220 --> 00:17:55,400
 So this is the way

333
00:17:55,400 --> 00:17:56,440
 God treats us.

334
00:17:56,859 --> 00:17:57,640
 He wants us.

335
00:17:58,220 --> 00:17:59,279
 He delights in us.

336
00:17:59,900 --> 00:18:00,880
 So God understands

337
00:18:00,880 --> 00:18:02,079
 our human limitations.

338
00:18:02,839 --> 00:18:04,059
 Illness, grief, travel,

339
00:18:04,480 --> 00:18:05,980
 doesn't disqualify anyone

340
00:18:05,980 --> 00:18:06,720
 from the covenant.

341
00:18:07,339 --> 00:18:08,799
 Hebrews 4.15 says,

342
00:18:09,019 --> 00:18:09,779
 for we do not have

343
00:18:09,779 --> 00:18:10,460
 a high priest

344
00:18:10,460 --> 00:18:11,740
 who is unable

345
00:18:12,480 --> 00:18:13,480
 to empathize

346
00:18:13,480 --> 00:18:14,200
 with our weakness.

347
00:18:14,980 --> 00:18:16,319
 But one who has been tempted

348
00:18:16,319 --> 00:18:17,059
 in every way

349
00:18:17,059 --> 00:18:18,119
 just as we are.

350
00:18:18,119 --> 00:18:19,720
 Yet, he did not sin.

351
00:18:20,819 --> 00:18:22,619
 Proverbs 24.16 forth,

352
00:18:23,079 --> 00:18:25,279
 though the righteous fall

353
00:18:25,279 --> 00:18:26,380
 seven times,

354
00:18:26,400 --> 00:18:27,539
 they rise up.

355
00:18:28,259 --> 00:18:30,039
 Just reflect on this.

356
00:18:30,640 --> 00:18:32,180
 That his divine relationship

357
00:18:32,180 --> 00:18:33,200
 is not forced.

358
00:18:33,940 --> 00:18:35,319
 He doesn't have to do this.

359
00:18:35,460 --> 00:18:36,500
 It's not superficial.

360
00:18:37,140 --> 00:18:38,059
 It's tender.

361
00:18:38,400 --> 00:18:39,220
 It's persistent.

362
00:18:39,720 --> 00:18:41,000
 It's rooted in love

363
00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:41,759
 and compassion.

364
00:18:42,519 --> 00:18:42,940
 And for that,

365
00:18:42,940 --> 00:18:43,740
 we ought to rejoice.

366
00:18:44,140 --> 00:18:45,140
 I mean, it's just such

367
00:18:45,140 --> 00:18:46,720
 a wonderful relationship.

368
00:18:47,660 --> 00:18:48,220
 Okay,

369
00:18:49,380 --> 00:18:50,660
 now let's look at

370
00:18:50,660 --> 00:18:52,440
 what is the application

371
00:18:52,440 --> 00:18:53,299
 for us.

372
00:18:54,240 --> 00:18:54,799
 Here we are.

373
00:18:55,420 --> 00:18:56,039
 Like the Lord,

374
00:18:56,319 --> 00:18:57,759
 then we must make room

375
00:18:57,759 --> 00:18:59,079
 for those who feel distant

376
00:18:59,079 --> 00:18:59,619
 physically,

377
00:18:59,660 --> 00:19:00,160
 emotionally,

378
00:19:00,420 --> 00:19:00,880
 and spiritually.

379
00:19:01,720 --> 00:19:02,759
 We must recognize

380
00:19:02,759 --> 00:19:04,019
 that belonging

381
00:19:04,920 --> 00:19:06,519
 extends to all those

382
00:19:06,519 --> 00:19:07,960
 who contact with us.

383
00:19:08,240 --> 00:19:09,480
 They want to belong.

384
00:19:10,759 --> 00:19:11,839
 And graphically,

385
00:19:11,839 --> 00:19:12,839
 you can look at

386
00:19:13,360 --> 00:19:14,480
 the word belonging,

387
00:19:14,480 --> 00:19:15,960
 and you can apply it

388
00:19:15,960 --> 00:19:17,259
 to everybody in this world.

389
00:19:17,640 --> 00:19:18,900
 Everyone wants to belong.

390
00:19:20,559 --> 00:19:21,980
 God built this desire

391
00:19:21,980 --> 00:19:23,859
 into our very being.

392
00:19:25,859 --> 00:19:27,240
 Think about where you were,

393
00:19:27,339 --> 00:19:27,940
 what you did

394
00:19:27,940 --> 00:19:28,680
 without the Lord.

395
00:19:29,359 --> 00:19:30,299
 You tried to fill it

396
00:19:30,299 --> 00:19:30,980
 with things,

397
00:19:32,779 --> 00:19:33,359
 vacations,

398
00:19:34,099 --> 00:19:34,559
 jobs,

399
00:19:35,440 --> 00:19:35,680
 children,

400
00:19:36,279 --> 00:19:37,460
 whatever you name it,

401
00:19:37,480 --> 00:19:38,240
 you put it in there.

402
00:19:38,339 --> 00:19:39,680
 But even worse than that,

403
00:19:39,940 --> 00:19:40,819
 without God,

404
00:19:41,000 --> 00:19:42,259
 this belonging need

405
00:19:42,259 --> 00:19:43,960
 then cannot be fulfilled.

406
00:19:44,920 --> 00:19:46,720
 But it then manifests itself

407
00:19:46,720 --> 00:19:47,640
 in different ways.

408
00:19:48,140 --> 00:19:49,519
 Why do people get in gangs

409
00:19:50,360 --> 00:19:51,480
 for the sense of belonging?

410
00:19:52,220 --> 00:19:53,420
 Why is there body

411
00:19:53,420 --> 00:19:54,660
 mutilation clubs

412
00:19:55,720 --> 00:19:57,079
 that mutilate themselves?

413
00:19:58,839 --> 00:20:00,740
 Drugs, we know about that.

414
00:20:02,319 --> 00:20:03,859
 Usually it's a result

415
00:20:03,859 --> 00:20:05,579
 of wanting to be

416
00:20:05,579 --> 00:20:06,880
 in the in crowd.

417
00:20:07,680 --> 00:20:09,279
 To be loved by somebody,

418
00:20:09,420 --> 00:20:10,140
 and especially those

419
00:20:10,140 --> 00:20:11,240
 that have had a hardship

420
00:20:11,240 --> 00:20:12,960
 in being raised up in a home

421
00:20:12,960 --> 00:20:13,880
 that is not loving,

422
00:20:14,519 --> 00:20:15,819
 maybe a home that is split,

423
00:20:16,019 --> 00:20:17,660
 maybe a home without

424
00:20:19,200 --> 00:20:21,099
 a full cadre of parents

425
00:20:21,099 --> 00:20:23,420
 and people to help you

426
00:20:23,420 --> 00:20:23,920
 in your life.

427
00:20:24,359 --> 00:20:25,339
 I can remember one time

428
00:20:25,339 --> 00:20:26,200
 we were reaching out

429
00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:27,000
 in Norristown,

430
00:20:27,960 --> 00:20:29,539
 and we had these three

431
00:20:29,539 --> 00:20:30,180
 young boys

432
00:20:30,180 --> 00:20:31,240
 that we were picking up

433
00:20:31,240 --> 00:20:32,079
 in Norristown.

434
00:20:32,259 --> 00:20:33,220
 We'd rotate

435
00:20:33,220 --> 00:20:34,119
 and they would come.

436
00:20:35,480 --> 00:20:36,799
 And it got so bad

437
00:20:37,519 --> 00:20:38,660
 that we had to look

438
00:20:38,660 --> 00:20:40,200
 at three different households

439
00:20:40,200 --> 00:20:41,380
 to find these boys

440
00:20:41,380 --> 00:20:42,119
 Sunday morning

441
00:20:42,119 --> 00:20:43,140
 because their parents

442
00:20:43,140 --> 00:20:43,799
 didn't care.

443
00:20:44,200 --> 00:20:45,079
 They were on drugs.

444
00:20:45,299 --> 00:20:46,380
 They may sleep here today.

445
00:20:46,519 --> 00:20:47,799
 They may sleep there today.

446
00:20:48,579 --> 00:20:49,299
 And it was such

447
00:20:49,299 --> 00:20:50,680
 that we bought them bicycles

448
00:20:50,680 --> 00:20:52,059
 for Christmas one year

449
00:20:52,059 --> 00:20:53,519
 and they were so joyed.

450
00:20:53,920 --> 00:20:55,019
 We went back a couple

451
00:20:55,019 --> 00:20:55,640
 of weeks later

452
00:20:55,640 --> 00:20:56,920
 and the bicycles were gone.

453
00:20:57,099 --> 00:20:58,160
 And I said, what's wrong?

454
00:20:58,299 --> 00:20:59,079
 He said, my parents

455
00:20:59,079 --> 00:20:59,940
 sold them for money.

456
00:21:01,000 --> 00:21:02,140
 You know, brutality

457
00:21:02,140 --> 00:21:03,299
 at its worst.

458
00:21:03,559 --> 00:21:03,960
 I mean, you know,

459
00:21:03,980 --> 00:21:04,599
 you talk about

460
00:21:04,599 --> 00:21:07,559
 the implanting of attitudes

461
00:21:07,559 --> 00:21:08,559
 and things

462
00:21:08,559 --> 00:21:09,779
 that people deal with.

463
00:21:09,880 --> 00:21:11,299
 Just have no idea.

464
00:21:12,119 --> 00:21:13,400
 You know, and the idea

465
00:21:13,400 --> 00:21:14,880
 of not having regular meals

466
00:21:14,880 --> 00:21:15,680
 and so forth.

467
00:21:16,240 --> 00:21:17,579
 So we have these things

468
00:21:17,579 --> 00:21:18,680
 that are encumbrances.

469
00:21:19,539 --> 00:21:20,839
 But for us,

470
00:21:21,039 --> 00:21:22,119
 we must not live

471
00:21:22,119 --> 00:21:22,859
 in our bias,

472
00:21:23,039 --> 00:21:23,519
 our prejudice,

473
00:21:23,640 --> 00:21:24,579
 our stereotype

474
00:21:24,579 --> 00:21:25,480
 when it comes

475
00:21:25,480 --> 00:21:26,400
 to being inclusive

476
00:21:26,400 --> 00:21:27,180
 toward others.

477
00:21:28,759 --> 00:21:29,859
 That's the mission.

478
00:21:30,880 --> 00:21:31,579
 I always thought

479
00:21:31,579 --> 00:21:32,680
 my mission would be

480
00:21:32,680 --> 00:21:33,859
 preaching the Lord Jesus

481
00:21:33,859 --> 00:21:34,819
 in a bathing suit

482
00:21:34,819 --> 00:21:35,579
 down in Florida.

483
00:21:36,500 --> 00:21:37,380
 You know, so that was

484
00:21:37,380 --> 00:21:38,700
 my idea of hardship.

485
00:21:39,740 --> 00:21:41,119
 But that's not the case.

486
00:21:42,019 --> 00:21:43,700
 Those that are far off

487
00:21:43,700 --> 00:21:45,480
 or naturally unclean

488
00:21:45,480 --> 00:21:47,059
 are to be nurtured

489
00:21:47,059 --> 00:21:47,859
 into relationship

490
00:21:47,859 --> 00:21:48,759
 with empathy.

491
00:21:50,000 --> 00:21:51,559
 You know, I have learned

492
00:21:51,559 --> 00:21:53,099
 in my life not to go

493
00:21:53,099 --> 00:21:53,660
 for the kill

494
00:21:54,240 --> 00:21:55,079
 on the front end.

495
00:21:55,880 --> 00:21:57,599
 In relational evangelism

496
00:21:57,599 --> 00:21:58,440
 as we practice

497
00:21:58,440 --> 00:21:59,960
 in our community

498
00:22:00,480 --> 00:22:01,759
 is that we make friends

499
00:22:01,759 --> 00:22:02,299
 and, you know,

500
00:22:02,380 --> 00:22:03,180
 a lot of you know this.

501
00:22:03,319 --> 00:22:04,480
 We go and we have dinner

502
00:22:04,480 --> 00:22:04,839
 together.

503
00:22:04,920 --> 00:22:05,920
 We have associations

504
00:22:05,920 --> 00:22:07,339
 together and so forth.

505
00:22:08,119 --> 00:22:08,599
 And then the

506
00:22:09,180 --> 00:22:10,640
 as the friendship develops,

507
00:22:10,640 --> 00:22:11,579
 you begin to ask

508
00:22:11,579 --> 00:22:12,720
 them about, you know,

509
00:22:12,819 --> 00:22:13,440
 about eternity.

510
00:22:16,799 --> 00:22:18,440
 There was one couple

511
00:22:18,440 --> 00:22:19,019
 that had been

512
00:22:19,019 --> 00:22:21,680
 on our WhatsApp prayer list

513
00:22:22,179 --> 00:22:23,680
 that we had been praying for

514
00:22:23,680 --> 00:22:24,759
 which was the John

515
00:22:24,759 --> 00:22:25,660
 and the Gail.

516
00:22:25,839 --> 00:22:26,480
 If you remember,

517
00:22:27,380 --> 00:22:28,339
 not you, Gail,

518
00:22:28,519 --> 00:22:29,339
 but this other Gail.

519
00:22:29,779 --> 00:22:31,160
 And we had dinner with them

520
00:22:31,160 --> 00:22:32,700
 in the last interim of time.

521
00:22:33,480 --> 00:22:33,960
 And I thought,

522
00:22:34,079 --> 00:22:34,519
 okay, Lord,

523
00:22:34,619 --> 00:22:35,819
 we had three dinners with them.

524
00:22:35,920 --> 00:22:37,019
 It's time to kind of

525
00:22:37,019 --> 00:22:38,779
 get to the where we're

526
00:22:38,779 --> 00:22:39,599
 gone with this thing.

527
00:22:39,599 --> 00:22:41,279
 And I was asking the Lord.

528
00:22:42,319 --> 00:22:43,220
 So we went to dinner

529
00:22:43,759 --> 00:22:44,559
 all through dinner

530
00:22:44,559 --> 00:22:45,700
 in the niceties of life,

531
00:22:45,920 --> 00:22:46,799
 yada, yada, yada, yada.

532
00:22:46,900 --> 00:22:47,480
 And it was like

533
00:22:47,480 --> 00:22:48,160
 coming to the end.

534
00:22:48,299 --> 00:22:49,000
 I said, okay, Lord,

535
00:22:49,160 --> 00:22:50,299
 I guess this time has passed.

536
00:22:51,000 --> 00:22:51,680
 And at the end,

537
00:22:51,740 --> 00:22:52,619
 before we got up,

538
00:22:52,779 --> 00:22:54,039
 she said one sentence

539
00:22:54,039 --> 00:22:55,559
 had changed the whole dynamic.

540
00:22:56,259 --> 00:22:57,579
 And it was at the point in time

541
00:22:57,579 --> 00:22:59,759
 not making a long story short

542
00:22:59,759 --> 00:23:00,880
 that I asked them.

543
00:23:00,940 --> 00:23:01,099
 I said,

544
00:23:01,160 --> 00:23:02,059
 did you ever think about

545
00:23:02,059 --> 00:23:03,359
 what's ahead of you?

546
00:23:03,480 --> 00:23:04,720
 What the next step is?

547
00:23:05,339 --> 00:23:06,279
 About what death brings.

548
00:23:06,859 --> 00:23:07,500
 And none of them

549
00:23:07,500 --> 00:23:08,920
 really thought about it.

550
00:23:09,579 --> 00:23:10,980
 To me, that's mind blowing.

551
00:23:11,220 --> 00:23:11,859
 But anyway, I said,

552
00:23:11,920 --> 00:23:12,720
 look, if you'd like to have

553
00:23:12,720 --> 00:23:13,640
 a different conversation,

554
00:23:14,220 --> 00:23:15,299
 not here, not now,

555
00:23:15,359 --> 00:23:15,920
 but sometimes,

556
00:23:16,119 --> 00:23:17,359
 so we laid the groundwork out

557
00:23:17,359 --> 00:23:18,519
 about what Jesus did.

558
00:23:19,039 --> 00:23:20,619
 So that seed is planted.

559
00:23:22,079 --> 00:23:23,259
 And that's what we're to do.

560
00:23:23,740 --> 00:23:24,539
 To be inclusive

561
00:23:24,539 --> 00:23:25,720
 to the point in time saying,

562
00:23:25,839 --> 00:23:27,220
 okay, we'll inconvenience

563
00:23:27,220 --> 00:23:28,779
 ourselves for the sake of people

564
00:23:28,779 --> 00:23:29,740
 that we have opportunity

565
00:23:29,740 --> 00:23:30,700
 to administer to.

566
00:23:31,279 --> 00:23:32,440
 The goal is always

567
00:23:32,440 --> 00:23:33,380
 to be inclusive

568
00:23:33,380 --> 00:23:34,759
 and thus build unity

569
00:23:34,759 --> 00:23:35,940
 in the body of Christ.

570
00:23:36,400 --> 00:23:38,079
 Romans 15, seven says this,

571
00:23:38,079 --> 00:23:39,559
 accept one another

572
00:23:39,559 --> 00:23:41,680
 than just as Christ accept you

573
00:23:42,700 --> 00:23:44,859
 in order to bring praise to God.

574
00:23:46,140 --> 00:23:47,319
 In Luke 15, too,

575
00:23:47,920 --> 00:23:48,640
 speaking of Jesus,

576
00:23:50,079 --> 00:23:51,720
 this man welcomes sinners

577
00:23:51,720 --> 00:23:53,200
 and eats with them.

578
00:23:53,500 --> 00:23:54,180
 That's us.

579
00:23:56,660 --> 00:23:58,000
 Okay, we're going to move on

580
00:23:58,000 --> 00:23:58,579
 to the cloud.

581
00:23:59,400 --> 00:24:00,240
 Enough about that.

582
00:24:01,859 --> 00:24:03,319
 So we have the cloud.

583
00:24:03,819 --> 00:24:05,259
 It appears to be Israelites.

584
00:24:05,920 --> 00:24:07,420
 The first mention of the cloud

585
00:24:07,420 --> 00:24:08,880
 over the Israelites

586
00:24:08,880 --> 00:24:12,359
 in the Bible was Exodus 13, 21.

587
00:24:12,440 --> 00:24:13,640
 We covered a while back

588
00:24:13,640 --> 00:24:15,180
 shortly after their departure

589
00:24:15,180 --> 00:24:17,140
 from Egypt during the Exodus.

590
00:24:18,480 --> 00:24:19,779
 And it says this,

591
00:24:20,500 --> 00:24:22,299
 and Jehovah went before them

592
00:24:22,299 --> 00:24:24,299
 by day in a pillar of the cloud

593
00:24:24,980 --> 00:24:26,980
 to lead them the right way

594
00:24:26,980 --> 00:24:28,900
 and by night in a pillar of fire

595
00:24:28,900 --> 00:24:30,359
 to give them light

596
00:24:30,359 --> 00:24:32,119
 to go by day and night.

597
00:24:32,220 --> 00:24:33,579
 He did not take away

598
00:24:33,579 --> 00:24:35,180
 the pillar of the cloud by day

599
00:24:35,180 --> 00:24:36,299
 nor the pillar of the fire

600
00:24:36,299 --> 00:24:38,460
 by night before the people.

601
00:24:40,039 --> 00:24:41,839
 Here are some very interesting

602
00:24:41,839 --> 00:24:43,319
 aspects about the cloud.

603
00:24:44,480 --> 00:24:46,039
 There was no committee

604
00:24:46,039 --> 00:24:47,220
 or decision

605
00:24:47,980 --> 00:24:49,619
 and casting a vote

606
00:24:49,619 --> 00:24:51,099
 to make the cloud go on.

607
00:24:52,259 --> 00:24:53,700
 It was a total aspect

608
00:24:53,700 --> 00:24:55,019
 of learning to yield

609
00:24:55,019 --> 00:24:55,960
 what God wanted.

610
00:24:56,380 --> 00:24:56,859
 Obedience.

611
00:24:57,640 --> 00:24:58,500
 Being patient.

612
00:24:59,299 --> 00:25:00,220
 And how many times

613
00:25:00,220 --> 00:25:02,220
 have we run ahead of God?

614
00:25:02,640 --> 00:25:04,279
 I won't ask for a show of hands

615
00:25:04,279 --> 00:25:05,180
 because they're probably

616
00:25:05,180 --> 00:25:06,319
 in your heart of hearts

617
00:25:06,319 --> 00:25:07,640
 everybody would raise their hand.

618
00:25:08,299 --> 00:25:09,160
 Yeah, I got it, Lord.

619
00:25:09,539 --> 00:25:09,859
 Okay.

620
00:25:11,819 --> 00:25:13,480
 They simply kept their eyes

621
00:25:13,480 --> 00:25:14,680
 on the pillar of God

622
00:25:15,400 --> 00:25:17,140
 resting over the tabernacle.

623
00:25:17,740 --> 00:25:18,980
 They didn't have to worry

624
00:25:18,980 --> 00:25:20,200
 about what to do next.

625
00:25:20,339 --> 00:25:21,980
 They only watched and followed.

626
00:25:22,519 --> 00:25:23,299
 And that's how

627
00:25:23,299 --> 00:25:24,900
 our Christian life should be.

628
00:25:25,380 --> 00:25:28,039
 God executes a plan for us.

629
00:25:28,200 --> 00:25:29,019
 There was a calling.

630
00:25:29,140 --> 00:25:30,059
 We talked about that.

631
00:25:30,160 --> 00:25:30,920
 There was an anointing.

632
00:25:31,299 --> 00:25:33,240
 But we don't want to run ahead

633
00:25:33,240 --> 00:25:34,599
 of what God wants.

634
00:25:34,599 --> 00:25:35,900
 We want to be in sync

635
00:25:35,900 --> 00:25:37,400
 how he takes us

636
00:25:37,400 --> 00:25:39,079
 and how he unfolds us.

637
00:25:39,559 --> 00:25:40,480
 How many realize

638
00:25:40,480 --> 00:25:42,279
 that we as human beings

639
00:25:42,279 --> 00:25:43,059
 are impatient?

640
00:25:44,279 --> 00:25:44,720
 Yeah.

641
00:25:45,299 --> 00:25:46,279
 I mean, every hand

642
00:25:46,279 --> 00:25:47,380
 ought to go up with that.

643
00:25:47,619 --> 00:25:47,960
 We're even saying,

644
00:25:48,019 --> 00:25:49,759
 okay, Lord, what about?

645
00:25:49,900 --> 00:25:50,960
 What about it was like me

646
00:25:50,960 --> 00:25:51,880
 with Gail and John.

647
00:25:52,099 --> 00:25:52,900
 You know, it was time.

648
00:25:53,420 --> 00:25:54,900
 Lord, we've been at this thing.

649
00:25:54,960 --> 00:25:56,339
 This is the fourth meal together.

650
00:25:57,119 --> 00:25:58,700
 So let's get on with it.

651
00:25:58,960 --> 00:26:00,380
 And he was faithful at the end.

652
00:26:01,880 --> 00:26:03,420
 So the pillar of the cloud

653
00:26:03,420 --> 00:26:05,500
 provided shade and protection

654
00:26:06,140 --> 00:26:08,140
 from the harsh desert and heat.

655
00:26:09,140 --> 00:26:11,579
 Typically, the desert around Israel

656
00:26:11,579 --> 00:26:14,039
 is 100 to 108 degrees.

657
00:26:15,039 --> 00:26:15,880
 Think about that.

658
00:26:16,000 --> 00:26:16,740
 What was it today?

659
00:26:16,920 --> 00:26:17,500
 96?

660
00:26:19,180 --> 00:26:20,200
 Now it's 108.

661
00:26:21,640 --> 00:26:24,019
 Clouds provide a natural reduction

662
00:26:24,019 --> 00:26:25,279
 of anywhere from 10

663
00:26:25,279 --> 00:26:27,039
 to 15 degrees of heat

664
00:26:27,039 --> 00:26:28,279
 when you're under the cloud.

665
00:26:29,119 --> 00:26:29,440
 A cloud.

666
00:26:30,119 --> 00:26:31,119
 Making your skin

667
00:26:31,119 --> 00:26:33,240
 and breathing feel refreshed.

668
00:26:34,040 --> 00:26:35,619
 And the sand becomes

669
00:26:35,619 --> 00:26:37,160
 much cooler to the feet.

670
00:26:37,920 --> 00:26:38,519
 So consequently,

671
00:26:39,259 --> 00:26:41,339
 there was a natural aspect

672
00:26:41,339 --> 00:26:43,000
 to this that they benefited from.

673
00:26:43,819 --> 00:26:45,059
 Some of the interpretations

674
00:26:45,059 --> 00:26:46,579
 of the cloud and fire

675
00:26:46,579 --> 00:26:47,400
 are as follows.

676
00:26:47,859 --> 00:26:48,960
 Many Christian scholars

677
00:26:48,960 --> 00:26:50,539
 believe that it was one pillar

678
00:26:50,539 --> 00:26:52,460
 that appeared as a cloud

679
00:26:52,460 --> 00:26:54,079
 by day and fire by night.

680
00:26:54,539 --> 00:26:55,559
 The fire was likely

681
00:26:55,559 --> 00:26:56,579
 within the cloud

682
00:26:56,579 --> 00:26:58,000
 visible only in darkness.

683
00:26:58,619 --> 00:26:59,920
 However, on the other hand,

684
00:26:59,920 --> 00:27:01,500
 there are Jewish commentators

685
00:27:01,500 --> 00:27:03,039
 and scholars that say,

686
00:27:03,039 --> 00:27:06,319
 like Rashi and Nechmedadis

687
00:27:06,319 --> 00:27:08,119
 would argue that there were

688
00:27:08,119 --> 00:27:09,720
 two different distinct pillars.

689
00:27:10,019 --> 00:27:10,859
 One of the cloud

690
00:27:10,859 --> 00:27:12,240
 and one of the fire

691
00:27:12,240 --> 00:27:15,000
 that alternated or worked together.

692
00:27:15,359 --> 00:27:16,779
 It really makes no difference,

693
00:27:16,859 --> 00:27:17,900
 but it's the idea

694
00:27:17,900 --> 00:27:19,599
 that there was provision.

695
00:27:22,140 --> 00:27:23,279
 Here's a quick timeline

696
00:27:23,279 --> 00:27:24,779
 just to give you a perspective.

697
00:27:25,079 --> 00:27:26,319
 The departure from Egypt.

698
00:27:26,819 --> 00:27:27,720
 The role of the cloud

699
00:27:27,720 --> 00:27:29,180
 guided them by day and night.

700
00:27:29,339 --> 00:27:31,480
 At the Red Sea in Exodus 14,

701
00:27:32,039 --> 00:27:32,839
 there were protection

702
00:27:32,839 --> 00:27:34,140
 from the Egyptian army.

703
00:27:34,839 --> 00:27:35,619
 Out Mount Sinai,

704
00:27:35,839 --> 00:27:37,160
 and this is where we're still after

705
00:27:37,160 --> 00:27:38,819
 beginning to leave God's presence

706
00:27:38,819 --> 00:27:40,160
 during the giving of the law.

707
00:27:40,819 --> 00:27:42,140
 And over the tabernacle,

708
00:27:42,299 --> 00:27:43,839
 God's dwelling and signal

709
00:27:43,839 --> 00:27:45,380
 to move or to stay.

710
00:27:45,900 --> 00:27:46,500
 And lastly,

711
00:27:46,500 --> 00:27:47,700
 during the wilderness journey

712
00:27:47,700 --> 00:27:48,579
 in Numbers 9

713
00:27:48,579 --> 00:27:49,539
 that we're talking about

714
00:27:49,539 --> 00:27:50,740
 indicates time

715
00:27:50,740 --> 00:27:51,579
 for the Israelites

716
00:27:51,579 --> 00:27:52,859
 to begin to move.

717
00:27:53,500 --> 00:27:54,920
 So that's the chronology

718
00:27:54,920 --> 00:27:56,960
 of events at this point in time.

719
00:28:00,379 --> 00:28:01,940
 Okay, question.

720
00:28:04,559 --> 00:28:05,400
 Look at this.

721
00:28:06,180 --> 00:28:07,119
 D-O-E-S.

722
00:28:07,839 --> 00:28:09,740
 What does the cloud reveal

723
00:28:09,740 --> 00:28:11,319
 about God's character

724
00:28:11,319 --> 00:28:13,000
 and his desire to dwell

725
00:28:13,000 --> 00:28:14,299
 among the Israelites?

726
00:28:15,059 --> 00:28:16,579
 What main things

727
00:28:16,579 --> 00:28:17,619
 can you think about

728
00:28:17,619 --> 00:28:19,140
 that the cloud provides

729
00:28:19,140 --> 00:28:20,200
 other than what we talked

730
00:28:20,200 --> 00:28:21,039
 about naturally?

731
00:28:22,519 --> 00:28:23,200
 Any idea?

732
00:28:24,240 --> 00:28:26,299
 Ah, we got some hands here.

733
00:28:27,299 --> 00:28:27,779
 Yes.

734
00:28:30,759 --> 00:28:32,000
 I said guidance.

735
00:28:32,660 --> 00:28:34,460
 All right, key word.

736
00:28:35,039 --> 00:28:36,039
 We'll come back to that.

737
00:28:36,180 --> 00:28:36,980
 That's one of the words.

738
00:28:37,259 --> 00:28:38,400
 You know, you get two points

739
00:28:38,400 --> 00:28:39,779
 on your test at the end.

740
00:28:40,799 --> 00:28:41,660
 His presence.

741
00:28:42,579 --> 00:28:43,559
 That's another one.

742
00:28:43,619 --> 00:28:44,299
 You guys are stealing

743
00:28:44,299 --> 00:28:45,259
 my fire here.

744
00:28:45,400 --> 00:28:45,859
 That's good.

745
00:28:46,680 --> 00:28:47,599
 A little bit of community

746
00:28:47,599 --> 00:28:48,799
 because people are going

747
00:28:48,799 --> 00:28:49,539
 to stay together

748
00:28:49,539 --> 00:28:50,700
 instead of scattering.

749
00:28:51,259 --> 00:28:51,859
 Yeah, right.

750
00:28:52,039 --> 00:28:52,500
 Cohesiveness.

751
00:28:53,160 --> 00:28:53,640
 Yeah, that's good.

752
00:28:54,839 --> 00:28:55,700
 I would say rest.

753
00:28:56,400 --> 00:28:56,680
 Rest?

754
00:28:56,680 --> 00:28:58,220
 Okay, that's good.

755
00:28:59,620 --> 00:29:00,519
 Anybody else?

756
00:29:02,380 --> 00:29:02,940
 Nothing, Roger.

757
00:29:04,160 --> 00:29:05,220
 All right, okay.

758
00:29:07,259 --> 00:29:08,500
 Confidence and comfort.

759
00:29:09,160 --> 00:29:09,980
 Yeah, that's good.

760
00:29:10,420 --> 00:29:11,059
 All inclusive.

761
00:29:11,400 --> 00:29:11,980
 Okay, let's go

762
00:29:11,980 --> 00:29:13,160
 through some of these things.

763
00:29:15,779 --> 00:29:16,339
 Okay.

764
00:29:19,240 --> 00:29:19,839
 There we go.

765
00:29:21,480 --> 00:29:22,519
 It was clear.

766
00:29:23,279 --> 00:29:24,119
 It was a clear

767
00:29:24,119 --> 00:29:25,039
 and visible sign

768
00:29:25,039 --> 00:29:25,940
 that the Lord was

769
00:29:25,940 --> 00:29:27,640
 dwelling among his people

770
00:29:27,640 --> 00:29:28,460
 and leading them.

771
00:29:28,579 --> 00:29:29,619
 There was never a phenomenon

772
00:29:29,619 --> 00:29:30,779
 like this before

773
00:29:30,779 --> 00:29:32,599
 in the history of the world.

774
00:29:34,800 --> 00:29:36,900
 The clouds showed them

775
00:29:37,620 --> 00:29:38,500
 confidence again

776
00:29:38,500 --> 00:29:41,000
 that God's intentional,

777
00:29:41,140 --> 00:29:42,000
 watchful care

778
00:29:42,740 --> 00:29:44,519
 and the value of each one

779
00:29:44,519 --> 00:29:46,460
 was of his greatest interest.

780
00:29:47,380 --> 00:29:48,359
 Now, that's hard to think

781
00:29:48,359 --> 00:29:49,019
 when you think of

782
00:29:49,019 --> 00:29:50,019
 a million people,

783
00:29:50,519 --> 00:29:51,240
 a million men,

784
00:29:51,240 --> 00:29:52,339
 plus the mothers,

785
00:29:53,000 --> 00:29:54,220
 the wives, and the children.

786
00:29:54,500 --> 00:29:55,359
 But think about that.

787
00:29:55,359 --> 00:29:57,500
 He cared for each one.

788
00:29:59,079 --> 00:29:59,880
 And guidance.

789
00:30:00,480 --> 00:30:01,339
 Okay, somebody said that

790
00:30:01,339 --> 00:30:02,680
 the cloud led the Israelites

791
00:30:02,680 --> 00:30:03,960
 through the wilderness by day.

792
00:30:04,420 --> 00:30:05,339
 Well, the pillar of fire

793
00:30:05,339 --> 00:30:06,299
 guided them by night.

794
00:30:06,420 --> 00:30:07,640
 So that's another one.

795
00:30:08,759 --> 00:30:09,740
 The Israelites then

796
00:30:09,740 --> 00:30:10,660
 had to learn

797
00:30:10,660 --> 00:30:13,039
 to trust in God's pace.

798
00:30:14,079 --> 00:30:14,779
 And like we said,

799
00:30:14,839 --> 00:30:16,000
 we tend to be impatient

800
00:30:16,000 --> 00:30:16,779
 and I don't think

801
00:30:16,779 --> 00:30:17,519
 the Israelites

802
00:30:17,519 --> 00:30:18,819
 were any different than us.

803
00:30:19,160 --> 00:30:20,339
 Although our society

804
00:30:20,339 --> 00:30:21,819
 has made us very impatient

805
00:30:21,819 --> 00:30:22,799
 and want the now

806
00:30:22,799 --> 00:30:23,779
 rather than the later.

807
00:30:23,779 --> 00:30:25,059
 In moving them

808
00:30:25,059 --> 00:30:26,420
 toward the promised land.

809
00:30:27,279 --> 00:30:28,400
 In Numbers 9, 19,

810
00:30:28,539 --> 00:30:28,740
 it says,

811
00:30:28,920 --> 00:30:30,740
 the cloud tarried long

812
00:30:31,299 --> 00:30:32,619
 and the people of Israel

813
00:30:32,619 --> 00:30:34,500
 kept the charge of the Lord.

814
00:30:35,160 --> 00:30:35,619
 In other words,

815
00:30:36,019 --> 00:30:37,339
 at least on the front end,

816
00:30:37,680 --> 00:30:39,240
 they were willing to listen

817
00:30:39,759 --> 00:30:41,460
 and to be anointed

818
00:30:41,460 --> 00:30:42,180
 to the point

819
00:30:42,180 --> 00:30:43,259
 where they understood

820
00:30:43,259 --> 00:30:44,200
 what God wanted.

821
00:30:44,319 --> 00:30:45,119
 So they worked

822
00:30:45,660 --> 00:30:47,099
 to set a camp up,

823
00:30:47,680 --> 00:30:48,619
 to do all the things

824
00:30:48,619 --> 00:30:49,339
 that were necessary,

825
00:30:49,519 --> 00:30:50,759
 set the tabernacle up.

826
00:30:51,160 --> 00:30:52,200
 And I often think about

827
00:30:52,200 --> 00:30:53,539
 what if they do all this stuff?

828
00:30:53,539 --> 00:30:54,079
 They prepped,

829
00:30:54,180 --> 00:30:54,819
 they made the tents,

830
00:30:54,940 --> 00:30:55,920
 they got the fire going.

831
00:30:56,059 --> 00:30:56,640
 They made the meat

832
00:30:56,640 --> 00:30:57,339
 and all of a sudden

833
00:30:57,339 --> 00:30:58,299
 that next morning

834
00:30:58,299 --> 00:30:58,819
 you look up

835
00:30:58,819 --> 00:31:00,000
 and the cloud starts to move.

836
00:31:00,200 --> 00:31:01,259
 Okay, up again.

837
00:31:01,660 --> 00:31:02,519
 I don't know that it was

838
00:31:02,519 --> 00:31:03,279
 or wasn't it was,

839
00:31:03,420 --> 00:31:04,079
 but the idea

840
00:31:04,079 --> 00:31:05,559
 that God was testing them

841
00:31:05,559 --> 00:31:06,700
 for their obedience.

842
00:31:08,720 --> 00:31:09,920
 And then the third one,

843
00:31:10,099 --> 00:31:10,420
 protection.

844
00:31:11,119 --> 00:31:13,380
 In Exodus 14, 19, through 20,

845
00:31:13,480 --> 00:31:14,119
 the cloud moved

846
00:31:14,119 --> 00:31:15,359
 between the Israelites

847
00:31:15,359 --> 00:31:17,480
 and the pursuing Egyptian army

848
00:31:17,480 --> 00:31:18,339
 shielding them.

849
00:31:18,839 --> 00:31:18,880
 Okay.

850
00:31:19,919 --> 00:31:21,440
 So also the protection

851
00:31:21,440 --> 00:31:22,960
 from the harsh desert elements

852
00:31:22,960 --> 00:31:23,619
 that we cover.

853
00:31:24,339 --> 00:31:24,819
 So now,

854
00:31:25,079 --> 00:31:26,640
 let's ask the question.

855
00:31:27,380 --> 00:31:28,920
 What are the spiritual principles

856
00:31:28,920 --> 00:31:29,980
 that demonstrate

857
00:31:29,980 --> 00:31:32,359
 God's presence with us today?

858
00:31:34,759 --> 00:31:35,599
 Not then.

859
00:31:35,839 --> 00:31:37,559
 We talked about that today.

860
00:31:38,799 --> 00:31:39,480
 What do you think?

861
00:31:40,299 --> 00:31:41,779
 How is he demonstrating

862
00:31:41,779 --> 00:31:43,099
 his presence to us?

863
00:31:44,900 --> 00:31:45,759
 Well, I'll give you a hint.

864
00:31:45,839 --> 00:31:46,519
 There's the first one.

865
00:31:46,619 --> 00:31:47,200
 He's consistent.

866
00:31:48,400 --> 00:31:49,779
 He doesn't come today

867
00:31:49,779 --> 00:31:51,019
 and go on tomorrow.

868
00:31:52,379 --> 00:31:54,779
 He doesn't give you a pamphlet

869
00:31:54,779 --> 00:31:55,519
 or booklet

870
00:31:55,519 --> 00:31:56,720
 and say read this

871
00:31:56,720 --> 00:31:58,259
 and I'll be back later on.

872
00:31:58,900 --> 00:31:59,539
 Okay.

873
00:31:59,619 --> 00:32:00,960
 He abides with us.

874
00:32:02,680 --> 00:32:03,859
 He is always guiding

875
00:32:03,859 --> 00:32:04,640
 and comforting

876
00:32:04,640 --> 00:32:06,180
 and dwelling with us.

877
00:32:07,299 --> 00:32:08,960
 So that's one area.

878
00:32:09,900 --> 00:32:12,059
 In John 14, 16,

879
00:32:12,059 --> 00:32:12,460
 it says,

880
00:32:12,680 --> 00:32:13,819
 then I will ask the Father

881
00:32:13,819 --> 00:32:14,819
 to send you

882
00:32:14,819 --> 00:32:16,059
 the Holy Spirit

883
00:32:16,059 --> 00:32:17,720
 who will help you

884
00:32:18,299 --> 00:32:20,180
 and always be with you.

885
00:32:20,180 --> 00:32:21,079
 In verse 17,

886
00:32:21,220 --> 00:32:22,519
 the Spirit will show you

887
00:32:22,519 --> 00:32:23,500
 what is true.

888
00:32:24,220 --> 00:32:25,180
 So the Spirit,

889
00:32:26,940 --> 00:32:28,220
 if you will,

890
00:32:29,180 --> 00:32:31,859
 displaces the old covenant

891
00:32:32,519 --> 00:32:33,119
 understanding

892
00:32:33,119 --> 00:32:35,059
 of what being with you means.

893
00:32:35,799 --> 00:32:36,859
 And I, for one,

894
00:32:36,920 --> 00:32:38,460
 we have talked about this before,

895
00:32:39,000 --> 00:32:40,059
 appreciate the fact

896
00:32:40,059 --> 00:32:41,359
 that I'm born on the covenant

897
00:32:41,359 --> 00:32:42,880
 on this side of the covenant

898
00:32:42,880 --> 00:32:44,039
 than on that side

899
00:32:44,580 --> 00:32:46,099
 because of the Holy Spirit

900
00:32:46,099 --> 00:32:47,519
 abiding with us,

901
00:32:47,900 --> 00:32:48,819
 being with us.

902
00:32:48,819 --> 00:32:50,960
 We do not walk this road alone.

903
00:32:51,299 --> 00:32:52,660
 So that's one aspect.

904
00:32:53,460 --> 00:32:55,740
 His presence transforms us.

905
00:32:56,539 --> 00:32:57,819
 We're not the same.

906
00:32:57,940 --> 00:32:59,160
 How many are the same

907
00:33:00,240 --> 00:33:02,440
 10, 4, 6 years ago

908
00:33:02,440 --> 00:33:03,440
 as you were

909
00:33:03,440 --> 00:33:04,720
 when you first came to the Lord?

910
00:33:05,339 --> 00:33:05,819
 No.

911
00:33:06,319 --> 00:33:07,539
 He transforms us.

912
00:33:07,940 --> 00:33:08,680
 How does he do that?

913
00:33:09,839 --> 00:33:10,460
 God's presence

914
00:33:10,460 --> 00:33:11,759
 doesn't leave us unchanged.

915
00:33:12,740 --> 00:33:14,500
 It reshapes our thoughts,

916
00:33:15,359 --> 00:33:16,180
 our attitudes

917
00:33:16,180 --> 00:33:17,119
 and our behaviors.

918
00:33:17,119 --> 00:33:19,599
 He works on the inside of us.

919
00:33:20,079 --> 00:33:21,579
 Remember, quick lesson,

920
00:33:21,779 --> 00:33:22,460
 we talked about

921
00:33:22,460 --> 00:33:25,160
 how we get intuitive knowledge.

922
00:33:26,499 --> 00:33:28,640
 We hear the word of God.

923
00:33:28,819 --> 00:33:30,059
 We read the word of God.

924
00:33:30,779 --> 00:33:32,920
 That gives the Holy Spirit

925
00:33:32,920 --> 00:33:34,279
 opportunity to work.

926
00:33:34,460 --> 00:33:35,559
 The Holy Spirit speaks

927
00:33:35,559 --> 00:33:36,420
 to our conscience

928
00:33:36,420 --> 00:33:37,200
 and our conscience

929
00:33:37,200 --> 00:33:38,480
 then directs our lives.

930
00:33:38,960 --> 00:33:40,559
 So there's a chain of events

931
00:33:40,559 --> 00:33:42,640
 that go that are carried on.

932
00:33:43,839 --> 00:33:45,859
 So he aligns us closely

933
00:33:45,859 --> 00:33:46,700
 with his image

934
00:33:46,700 --> 00:33:47,420
 and then purpose.

935
00:33:48,019 --> 00:33:52,119
 His presence provides intimacy.

936
00:33:53,599 --> 00:33:55,180
 It fosters a relationship

937
00:33:55,180 --> 00:33:56,740
 marked by trust, peace,

938
00:33:57,160 --> 00:33:58,140
 somebody said that, peace

939
00:33:58,140 --> 00:33:59,579
 and communication.

940
00:34:02,039 --> 00:34:03,500
 Experiencing God often feels

941
00:34:03,500 --> 00:34:04,440
 like being known

942
00:34:04,440 --> 00:34:06,440
 and loved at the deepest level.

943
00:34:07,039 --> 00:34:08,380
 And I have a picture of this.

944
00:34:11,860 --> 00:34:13,679
 Oftentimes, not just today,

945
00:34:14,199 --> 00:34:16,619
 oftentimes I get so comfortable

946
00:34:17,239 --> 00:34:19,380
 in the fact when I'm with the Lord,

947
00:34:19,539 --> 00:34:21,260
 I don't want to break that

948
00:34:22,900 --> 00:34:24,619
 and have to get up

949
00:34:24,619 --> 00:34:25,360
 and do something.

950
00:34:25,880 --> 00:34:26,300
 And of course,

951
00:34:26,639 --> 00:34:28,380
 you know, time came that my wife,

952
00:34:28,460 --> 00:34:29,559
 she needed help to go

953
00:34:29,559 --> 00:34:30,840
 from the ceramics department

954
00:34:30,840 --> 00:34:31,739
 back home again.

955
00:34:31,960 --> 00:34:33,340
 So I knew that I had about

956
00:34:33,340 --> 00:34:34,219
 an hour and a half

957
00:34:34,219 --> 00:34:35,780
 set my watch, so to speak.

958
00:34:36,659 --> 00:34:38,320
 But I hated to do that.

959
00:34:38,960 --> 00:34:40,219
 I mean, not help my wife,

960
00:34:40,380 --> 00:34:41,340
 but just the idea of

961
00:34:42,199 --> 00:34:43,599
 when you're in the zone,

962
00:34:43,940 --> 00:34:44,639
 you're in the zone.

963
00:34:44,639 --> 00:34:46,699
 How many experiences is that?

964
00:34:47,239 --> 00:34:48,139
 I mean to tell you,

965
00:34:48,159 --> 00:34:49,139
 it's just so blessed

966
00:34:49,139 --> 00:34:49,980
 I could go on the rest

967
00:34:49,980 --> 00:34:51,320
 of my life feeling this way.

968
00:34:51,780 --> 00:34:52,880
 But of course, we can't.

969
00:34:53,039 --> 00:34:54,280
 We have to do what we do.

970
00:34:54,440 --> 00:34:55,119
 We are flush.

971
00:34:55,920 --> 00:34:56,820
 But it's just the idea

972
00:34:56,820 --> 00:34:59,059
 that those times are so valuable.

973
00:34:59,519 --> 00:35:01,980
 And if you don't spend time,

974
00:35:02,199 --> 00:35:03,900
 I would just encourage you

975
00:35:03,900 --> 00:35:06,559
 to even take a vacation day

976
00:35:06,559 --> 00:35:07,099
 and say,

977
00:35:07,400 --> 00:35:08,059
 okay, Lord,

978
00:35:08,179 --> 00:35:09,619
 I'm not going to do anything else.

979
00:35:11,119 --> 00:35:12,699
 But be in your presence

980
00:35:12,699 --> 00:35:14,199
 and spend time with you.

981
00:35:14,639 --> 00:35:16,699
 And if that's not comfortable

982
00:35:16,699 --> 00:35:17,380
 with you,

983
00:35:17,880 --> 00:35:19,599
 you'll find 50 million excuses

984
00:35:19,599 --> 00:35:20,800
 to do other things.

985
00:35:21,519 --> 00:35:23,039
 Oh, I got to go put the coffee on.

986
00:35:23,199 --> 00:35:24,360
 I got to take the dog out.

987
00:35:25,460 --> 00:35:26,559
 Somebody's at the telephone.

988
00:35:26,800 --> 00:35:28,900
 I actually put the telephone on.

989
00:35:29,079 --> 00:35:29,900
 It goes beep, beep, beep,

990
00:35:29,980 --> 00:35:30,900
 then I hide under a pillow.

991
00:35:31,480 --> 00:35:32,760
 So it doesn't bother me.

992
00:35:33,079 --> 00:35:33,719
 Because invariably,

993
00:35:33,940 --> 00:35:34,519
 you know when you're

994
00:35:34,519 --> 00:35:35,480
 in the comfort of the Lord,

995
00:35:35,659 --> 00:35:36,239
 you know, all of a sudden

996
00:35:36,239 --> 00:35:37,079
 the telephone rings.

997
00:35:37,760 --> 00:35:37,960
 Okay.

998
00:35:39,500 --> 00:35:40,300
 So again,

999
00:35:40,679 --> 00:35:42,340
 I can only encourage you to do that.

1000
00:35:42,860 --> 00:35:44,199
 His presence brings us

1001
00:35:44,199 --> 00:35:46,340
 conviction and clarity.

1002
00:35:47,679 --> 00:35:49,099
 The Holy Spirit gently,

1003
00:35:49,900 --> 00:35:50,659
 not harshly,

1004
00:35:51,099 --> 00:35:51,920
 not like we were taught,

1005
00:35:52,079 --> 00:35:52,760
 many of us,

1006
00:35:53,139 --> 00:35:55,019
 reveals areas where we need

1007
00:35:55,019 --> 00:35:56,579
 to grow or heal.

1008
00:35:57,300 --> 00:35:58,480
 That's another thing

1009
00:35:58,480 --> 00:36:00,659
 his presence does for us.

1010
00:36:01,579 --> 00:36:02,880
 Okay, continuing on.

1011
00:36:03,340 --> 00:36:04,780
 His presence brings us joy

1012
00:36:04,780 --> 00:36:07,340
 and a divine desire to worship.

1013
00:36:07,980 --> 00:36:09,400
 Worship is not just an act,

1014
00:36:09,579 --> 00:36:10,579
 not on Sunday morning,

1015
00:36:10,599 --> 00:36:11,460
 but in your home,

1016
00:36:11,539 --> 00:36:12,159
 in your car,

1017
00:36:12,579 --> 00:36:13,659
 going down the highway,

1018
00:36:14,400 --> 00:36:15,500
 cleaning the apartment,

1019
00:36:15,719 --> 00:36:16,659
 whatever, the house.

1020
00:36:17,280 --> 00:36:18,199
 It is a response

1021
00:36:18,199 --> 00:36:19,480
 to his divine presence.

1022
00:36:19,739 --> 00:36:20,599
 You can't help it,

1023
00:36:20,599 --> 00:36:21,320
 but want to worship.

1024
00:36:21,960 --> 00:36:23,199
 I guess my question is,

1025
00:36:23,360 --> 00:36:24,280
 those that know the Lord

1026
00:36:24,280 --> 00:36:25,900
 that don't have

1027
00:36:25,900 --> 00:36:27,380
 an outgrowth of worship

1028
00:36:27,380 --> 00:36:28,460
 like we do,

1029
00:36:29,559 --> 00:36:30,400
 by comparison,

1030
00:36:30,639 --> 00:36:31,219
 and I don't mean

1031
00:36:31,219 --> 00:36:31,860
 that we're better,

1032
00:36:32,019 --> 00:36:33,639
 but it's just so limiting

1033
00:36:36,159 --> 00:36:37,519
 to close your eyes

1034
00:36:38,219 --> 00:36:39,639
 and your hands folded.

1035
00:36:40,500 --> 00:36:42,300
 And there's a liturgy

1036
00:36:42,820 --> 00:36:43,760
 and you get up

1037
00:36:43,760 --> 00:36:44,519
 and then that's it.

1038
00:36:44,719 --> 00:36:47,699
 I mean, it's so dearth

1039
00:36:47,699 --> 00:36:49,280
 of that relationship

1040
00:36:49,280 --> 00:36:50,820
 that you desire.

1041
00:36:51,199 --> 00:36:52,280
 And once you know these things,

1042
00:36:52,380 --> 00:36:53,340
 you really can't go back.

1043
00:36:55,380 --> 00:36:56,800
 When we experience his presence,

1044
00:36:56,960 --> 00:36:58,679
 there is often an outpouring

1045
00:36:58,679 --> 00:36:59,960
 of praise, gratitude,

1046
00:37:00,440 --> 00:37:01,480
 a sense of awe

1047
00:37:01,480 --> 00:37:03,300
 when we see God's nearness

1048
00:37:03,300 --> 00:37:04,579
 to us and experience that.

1049
00:37:05,000 --> 00:37:06,119
 So we have these things

1050
00:37:06,119 --> 00:37:07,019
 that reinforce it

1051
00:37:07,019 --> 00:37:07,980
 and all you want to do is mourn.

1052
00:37:09,219 --> 00:37:09,480
 All right,

1053
00:37:09,539 --> 00:37:10,719
 his presence brings healing

1054
00:37:10,719 --> 00:37:11,420
 and freedom,

1055
00:37:12,199 --> 00:37:13,179
 emotional, spiritual,

1056
00:37:13,179 --> 00:37:15,019
 and physical healing can flow

1057
00:37:15,019 --> 00:37:16,219
 from the time spent

1058
00:37:16,219 --> 00:37:17,179
 in God's presence.

1059
00:37:17,880 --> 00:37:19,739
 It's where burdens are lifted

1060
00:37:19,739 --> 00:37:21,760
 and chains are broken.

1061
00:37:22,820 --> 00:37:24,920
 You know, oftentimes we think

1062
00:37:24,920 --> 00:37:26,280
 of that in relationship

1063
00:37:26,280 --> 00:37:29,440
 with others or for others.

1064
00:37:29,780 --> 00:37:31,079
 It's also for us

1065
00:37:31,079 --> 00:37:32,800
 spending time strengthening

1066
00:37:32,800 --> 00:37:33,980
 the inner man.

1067
00:37:35,280 --> 00:37:36,960
 And he gives us a fragrance.

1068
00:37:37,739 --> 00:37:39,539
 I ought to asterisk this

1069
00:37:39,539 --> 00:37:40,960
 and put Chris at the bottom

1070
00:37:40,960 --> 00:37:41,719
 as a footnote.

1071
00:37:41,719 --> 00:37:43,300
 He and his fragrance

1072
00:37:43,300 --> 00:37:44,699
 smelling good on Sunday.

1073
00:37:45,139 --> 00:37:45,880
 You know, I used to think

1074
00:37:45,880 --> 00:37:47,460
 about that when I first came.

1075
00:37:47,599 --> 00:37:48,420
 I said, how does that

1076
00:37:48,420 --> 00:37:49,199
 all work out?

1077
00:37:49,739 --> 00:37:51,400
 But, you know, I'm converted

1078
00:37:51,400 --> 00:37:52,119
 now, Chris.

1079
00:37:53,920 --> 00:37:55,300
 Like a spiritual aroma,

1080
00:37:56,199 --> 00:37:57,340
 God's presence in us

1081
00:37:57,340 --> 00:37:59,460
 can be sensed by others.

1082
00:37:59,880 --> 00:38:02,199
 It may not be a sense of smell,

1083
00:38:02,199 --> 00:38:03,239
 but it's a sense.

1084
00:38:03,860 --> 00:38:05,280
 And we talked about this before,

1085
00:38:05,619 --> 00:38:08,079
 how people gravitate

1086
00:38:08,079 --> 00:38:10,099
 or why they gravitate to you.

1087
00:38:10,699 --> 00:38:11,159
 You know, people,

1088
00:38:11,159 --> 00:38:13,000
 they want to be your friend

1089
00:38:13,000 --> 00:38:15,179
 or they want to have you over.

1090
00:38:15,380 --> 00:38:16,199
 Why is that?

1091
00:38:16,559 --> 00:38:17,500
 Because they sense

1092
00:38:17,500 --> 00:38:19,440
 the Godliness in you.

1093
00:38:19,539 --> 00:38:20,400
 There is an aura.

1094
00:38:20,940 --> 00:38:22,539
 If you remember Christ ministering

1095
00:38:22,539 --> 00:38:24,340
 and there was a sense of aura

1096
00:38:24,340 --> 00:38:25,760
 around him as he walked on,

1097
00:38:25,900 --> 00:38:27,659
 he has given us these gifts

1098
00:38:27,659 --> 00:38:29,519
 to really know him

1099
00:38:29,519 --> 00:38:33,119
 and to substantiate in our life

1100
00:38:33,119 --> 00:38:35,900
 the meaning of this aroma

1101
00:38:35,900 --> 00:38:36,860
 that we have

1102
00:38:37,399 --> 00:38:39,260
 that we give out to other people.

1103
00:38:40,060 --> 00:38:41,099
 So, consequently,

1104
00:38:41,719 --> 00:38:44,139
 the idea of people wanting,

1105
00:38:44,420 --> 00:38:46,719
 desiring and knowing

1106
00:38:46,719 --> 00:38:49,980
 who is on the throne in our lives

1107
00:38:49,980 --> 00:38:52,219
 is the hope and the truth

1108
00:38:52,219 --> 00:38:53,559
 and the transformation

1109
00:38:53,559 --> 00:38:55,159
 that we pray for everyone.

1110
00:38:56,280 --> 00:38:56,699
 Okay.

1111
00:38:57,480 --> 00:38:58,900
 Now we're going to go to guidance.

1112
00:38:59,780 --> 00:39:01,400
 What are the spiritual principles

1113
00:39:01,400 --> 00:39:02,639
 that demonstrate

1114
00:39:02,639 --> 00:39:04,360
 God's guidance to us?

1115
00:39:05,940 --> 00:39:06,880
 Well, I'll give you one.

1116
00:39:07,720 --> 00:39:09,579
 God's guidance leads us

1117
00:39:09,579 --> 00:39:10,420
 step by step,

1118
00:39:10,500 --> 00:39:11,260
 not with a cloud,

1119
00:39:11,440 --> 00:39:12,179
 but with his presence

1120
00:39:12,179 --> 00:39:13,199
 in the Holy Spirit.

1121
00:39:14,260 --> 00:39:14,880
 Here is,

1122
00:39:15,159 --> 00:39:17,059
 his guidance provides clarity

1123
00:39:17,059 --> 00:39:18,280
 in decision making.

1124
00:39:19,619 --> 00:39:20,860
 How many have a difficulty

1125
00:39:20,860 --> 00:39:21,840
 making decisions?

1126
00:39:23,219 --> 00:39:24,059
 Oh, okay.

1127
00:39:24,179 --> 00:39:24,559
 Let's see.

1128
00:39:24,739 --> 00:39:25,760
 Is that more men and women?

1129
00:39:26,280 --> 00:39:26,840
 Okay.

1130
00:39:27,159 --> 00:39:27,219
 No.

1131
00:39:27,920 --> 00:39:28,480
 All right.

1132
00:39:30,880 --> 00:39:32,719
 He gives us clarity

1133
00:39:34,079 --> 00:39:35,199
 so often

1134
00:39:35,199 --> 00:39:36,840
 when we worry about

1135
00:39:36,840 --> 00:39:37,940
 the things of life,

1136
00:39:39,320 --> 00:39:40,820
 we can't make a decision

1137
00:39:40,820 --> 00:39:42,139
 and I have a son

1138
00:39:42,139 --> 00:39:43,679
 that's kind of gets stuck

1139
00:39:43,679 --> 00:39:44,500
 on that sometime.

1140
00:39:44,659 --> 00:39:45,280
 He's a follower,

1141
00:39:45,679 --> 00:39:47,480
 but he just can't make himself

1142
00:39:47,480 --> 00:39:49,019
 come to a decision point

1143
00:39:49,019 --> 00:39:49,639
 in his life.

1144
00:39:50,219 --> 00:39:50,940
 So, when he calls me

1145
00:39:50,940 --> 00:39:51,559
 on the telephone

1146
00:39:51,559 --> 00:39:52,420
 and we just happen

1147
00:39:52,420 --> 00:39:53,820
 to be talking today

1148
00:39:54,420 --> 00:39:56,599
 and he was at a point

1149
00:39:56,599 --> 00:39:57,539
 with his one daughter

1150
00:39:57,539 --> 00:39:58,400
 that's in college

1151
00:39:58,400 --> 00:39:59,059
 and she just,

1152
00:39:59,659 --> 00:40:01,719
 she signed a one-year lease

1153
00:40:01,719 --> 00:40:02,400
 on her apartment

1154
00:40:02,400 --> 00:40:03,260
 and she found out

1155
00:40:03,260 --> 00:40:03,780
 that the three

1156
00:40:03,780 --> 00:40:04,840
 Christian girlfriends

1157
00:40:05,199 --> 00:40:06,260
 that are apartmenting

1158
00:40:06,260 --> 00:40:07,320
 with her are cat lovers

1159
00:40:07,320 --> 00:40:08,880
 and she hates cats.

1160
00:40:11,219 --> 00:40:12,099
 So, there's the dilemma

1161
00:40:12,099 --> 00:40:12,780
 right there.

1162
00:40:13,579 --> 00:40:16,179
 So, we talked about that

1163
00:40:16,179 --> 00:40:16,679
 a little bit

1164
00:40:16,679 --> 00:40:18,400
 and I said,

1165
00:40:18,559 --> 00:40:18,900
 well, you know,

1166
00:40:19,039 --> 00:40:20,119
 why don't you ask her

1167
00:40:20,119 --> 00:40:20,940
 and I went on

1168
00:40:20,940 --> 00:40:22,239
 and gave a litany

1169
00:40:22,239 --> 00:40:24,539
 of what my wisdom is

1170
00:40:24,539 --> 00:40:25,659
 because he had asked

1171
00:40:25,659 --> 00:40:26,239
 in the thing.

1172
00:40:26,760 --> 00:40:28,619
 But the decision making process

1173
00:40:28,619 --> 00:40:30,099
 can become easier.

1174
00:40:30,659 --> 00:40:31,340
 God's guidance

1175
00:40:31,340 --> 00:40:33,079
 brings a sense of direction

1176
00:40:33,079 --> 00:40:34,420
 where confusion

1177
00:40:34,420 --> 00:40:35,559
 often resides

1178
00:40:35,559 --> 00:40:37,639
 if we don't allow him

1179
00:40:37,639 --> 00:40:38,960
 to speak to us.

1180
00:40:40,820 --> 00:40:42,119
 Choices become clearer

1181
00:40:42,740 --> 00:40:43,760
 and if the path,

1182
00:40:44,139 --> 00:40:45,000
 even if the path

1183
00:40:45,000 --> 00:40:46,019
 is not easy.

1184
00:40:46,719 --> 00:40:47,780
 Remember years ago

1185
00:40:47,780 --> 00:40:49,440
 we also used to pray.

1186
00:40:49,800 --> 00:40:50,519
 Lord, take us out

1187
00:40:50,519 --> 00:40:51,199
 of this circumstance.

1188
00:40:51,699 --> 00:40:52,699
 How many ever prayed that?

1189
00:40:53,119 --> 00:40:53,860
 Years ago.

1190
00:40:55,039 --> 00:40:55,900
 Now it's, Lord,

1191
00:40:56,400 --> 00:40:57,280
 help us through

1192
00:40:57,280 --> 00:40:58,239
 the circumstances.

1193
00:40:59,199 --> 00:41:00,880
 Let us become stronger

1194
00:41:00,880 --> 00:41:02,940
 by your power.

1195
00:41:03,659 --> 00:41:04,880
 And oftentimes

1196
00:41:04,880 --> 00:41:06,179
 he does take the circumstances

1197
00:41:06,179 --> 00:41:07,440
 and resolves quickly

1198
00:41:07,440 --> 00:41:08,340
 and other times

1199
00:41:08,340 --> 00:41:09,820
 we just keep on going.

1200
00:41:10,239 --> 00:41:10,760
 Okay.

1201
00:41:11,539 --> 00:41:12,320
 Our need

1202
00:41:12,940 --> 00:41:13,940
 and his guidance

1203
00:41:13,940 --> 00:41:15,179
 aligns with Scripture.

1204
00:41:15,699 --> 00:41:17,099
 Nothing that he ever says

1205
00:41:17,099 --> 00:41:18,820
 to you is not scriptural

1206
00:41:18,820 --> 00:41:19,760
 and if it is,

1207
00:41:19,760 --> 00:41:20,619
 it's not the Lord.

1208
00:41:20,820 --> 00:41:21,800
 I just want to declare

1209
00:41:21,800 --> 00:41:23,000
 that tonight.

1210
00:41:23,800 --> 00:41:25,360
 Verses will illuminate

1211
00:41:25,360 --> 00:41:26,619
 certain situations

1212
00:41:26,619 --> 00:41:28,300
 and act as a lamp

1213
00:41:28,300 --> 00:41:28,960
 to our feet.

1214
00:41:29,119 --> 00:41:30,099
 How many have ever needed

1215
00:41:30,099 --> 00:41:30,800
 an answer

1216
00:41:30,800 --> 00:41:31,679
 or something

1217
00:41:31,679 --> 00:41:32,599
 and all of a sudden

1218
00:41:33,359 --> 00:41:35,119
 the Lord begins to open up

1219
00:41:35,119 --> 00:41:36,039
 the word.

1220
00:41:36,280 --> 00:41:37,139
 Oh, there it is.

1221
00:41:37,519 --> 00:41:38,260
 There it is.

1222
00:41:38,659 --> 00:41:39,539
 And that's the answer.

1223
00:41:39,699 --> 00:41:40,199
 That's great.

1224
00:41:40,380 --> 00:41:41,920
 I'm glad you're practicing that.

1225
00:41:42,360 --> 00:41:43,820
 His guidance often comes

1226
00:41:43,820 --> 00:41:45,300
 from trusted mentors,

1227
00:41:45,559 --> 00:41:46,039
 friends,

1228
00:41:46,159 --> 00:41:47,360
 and spiritual leaders.

1229
00:41:48,219 --> 00:41:49,139
 Just be willing

1230
00:41:49,139 --> 00:41:51,320
 to share your burdens,

1231
00:41:51,559 --> 00:41:52,179
 your thoughts,

1232
00:41:52,860 --> 00:41:53,739
 your aspirations,

1233
00:41:54,179 --> 00:41:54,679
 your fears

1234
00:41:54,679 --> 00:41:55,619
 with other people.

1235
00:41:56,039 --> 00:41:56,639
 And I was speaking

1236
00:41:56,639 --> 00:41:57,679
 to someone tonight

1237
00:41:58,579 --> 00:42:00,059
 about their participation

1238
00:42:00,059 --> 00:42:00,500
 in,

1239
00:42:00,500 --> 00:42:01,280
 in hung groups.

1240
00:42:01,280 --> 00:42:02,480
 And hung groups

1241
00:42:02,480 --> 00:42:03,699
 is one of the easiest ways

1242
00:42:03,699 --> 00:42:04,800
 to begin to get started

1243
00:42:04,800 --> 00:42:05,320
 in that.

1244
00:42:05,619 --> 00:42:06,659
 There's a smaller grouping

1245
00:42:06,659 --> 00:42:07,219
 of people.

1246
00:42:07,780 --> 00:42:08,619
 There's an opportunity

1247
00:42:08,619 --> 00:42:09,659
 for us to share

1248
00:42:09,659 --> 00:42:10,980
 and we have brothers

1249
00:42:10,980 --> 00:42:11,500
 and sisters

1250
00:42:11,500 --> 00:42:12,659
 that are in need

1251
00:42:12,659 --> 00:42:14,539
 and that are ministers to us.

1252
00:42:14,880 --> 00:42:15,920
 So that friendship

1253
00:42:15,920 --> 00:42:16,780
 that we develop

1254
00:42:16,780 --> 00:42:17,980
 is very valuable.

1255
00:42:18,800 --> 00:42:19,739
 Let me just show our hands.

1256
00:42:19,860 --> 00:42:20,139
 How many

1257
00:42:20,840 --> 00:42:22,019
 go to a,

1258
00:42:22,019 --> 00:42:22,860
 a,

1259
00:42:22,860 --> 00:42:23,880
 a small group?

1260
00:42:24,880 --> 00:42:25,960
 How many regularly do that?

1261
00:42:26,079 --> 00:42:26,840
 No, half of you.

1262
00:42:27,059 --> 00:42:27,880
 Okay, that's good.

1263
00:42:28,440 --> 00:42:28,639
 All right.

1264
00:42:29,059 --> 00:42:30,179
 I encourage the rest of you

1265
00:42:30,179 --> 00:42:30,880
 to try it out.

1266
00:42:31,280 --> 00:42:33,179
 Proverbs 15 22,

1267
00:42:34,400 --> 00:42:35,820
 where there is no counsel,

1268
00:42:36,760 --> 00:42:38,380
 purposes are disappointed,

1269
00:42:39,340 --> 00:42:40,760
 but in the multitude

1270
00:42:40,760 --> 00:42:41,659
 of counselors,

1271
00:42:42,179 --> 00:42:43,119
 they are established.

1272
00:42:43,579 --> 00:42:44,900
 So that's the proof text

1273
00:42:44,900 --> 00:42:45,639
 for you.

1274
00:42:46,119 --> 00:42:47,320
 His guidance enables us

1275
00:42:47,320 --> 00:42:48,139
 to be patient

1276
00:42:48,139 --> 00:42:49,320
 and wait for his voice.

1277
00:42:50,300 --> 00:42:51,599
 We have talked about that

1278
00:42:51,599 --> 00:42:52,679
 and sometimes guidance

1279
00:42:52,679 --> 00:42:53,480
 comes through,

1280
00:42:54,079 --> 00:42:55,480
 again, seasons of stillness,

1281
00:42:55,960 --> 00:42:57,179
 sometimes where

1282
00:42:57,179 --> 00:42:58,280
 he doesn't even answer.

1283
00:42:58,900 --> 00:42:59,659
 He's silent.

1284
00:43:00,079 --> 00:43:01,260
 The heavens are silent.

1285
00:43:02,000 --> 00:43:02,900
 You know, and you wait,

1286
00:43:03,079 --> 00:43:03,400
 and you wait.

1287
00:43:04,000 --> 00:43:04,519
 Waiting on God

1288
00:43:04,519 --> 00:43:05,579
 cultivates trust

1289
00:43:05,579 --> 00:43:07,340
 and again reveals

1290
00:43:07,340 --> 00:43:08,880
 his timing to us

1291
00:43:08,880 --> 00:43:10,719
 when he wants to act and do.

1292
00:43:11,320 --> 00:43:12,440
 It was like the four,

1293
00:43:12,440 --> 00:43:13,760
 four different times

1294
00:43:13,760 --> 00:43:14,760
 that we spent with,

1295
00:43:14,760 --> 00:43:16,300
 with Gail and John.

1296
00:43:17,980 --> 00:43:20,199
 Psalm 27 14 says this.

1297
00:43:20,619 --> 00:43:21,219
 Wait on the Lord,

1298
00:43:21,599 --> 00:43:22,639
 be of good courage

1299
00:43:22,639 --> 00:43:24,480
 and he shall strengthen your heart.

1300
00:43:24,900 --> 00:43:25,519
 I say,

1301
00:43:25,639 --> 00:43:26,940
 wait on the Lord.

1302
00:43:27,139 --> 00:43:28,340
 Why does he say that twice?

1303
00:43:28,579 --> 00:43:30,079
 Because we need to hear that.

1304
00:43:30,880 --> 00:43:31,880
 Wait on him.

1305
00:43:32,980 --> 00:43:33,119
 Okay.

1306
00:43:34,420 --> 00:43:35,820
 Now we come to protection.

1307
00:43:36,300 --> 00:43:37,500
 What are the spiritual principles

1308
00:43:37,500 --> 00:43:39,000
 that demonstrate protection?

1309
00:43:39,860 --> 00:43:41,440
 Well, it's like walking through life

1310
00:43:41,440 --> 00:43:42,519
 with a divine shield.

1311
00:43:42,980 --> 00:43:44,119
 Again, the armor of God.

1312
00:43:44,260 --> 00:43:45,000
 We all know that.

1313
00:43:45,079 --> 00:43:46,400
 I won't pick up on that.

1314
00:43:47,940 --> 00:43:50,099
 Not one that removes the hardships

1315
00:43:50,099 --> 00:43:52,860
 but one that assures us

1316
00:43:52,860 --> 00:43:54,619
 that we are never alone.

1317
00:43:54,760 --> 00:43:55,940
 His protection covers

1318
00:43:55,940 --> 00:43:58,059
 and guides our hearts and minds

1319
00:43:58,059 --> 00:43:58,820
 from fear,

1320
00:43:59,380 --> 00:44:01,340
 despair and temptation.

1321
00:44:02,260 --> 00:44:03,179
 His provision

1322
00:44:03,179 --> 00:44:05,159
 and his protection shields us

1323
00:44:05,159 --> 00:44:06,460
 from spiritual attacks

1324
00:44:06,460 --> 00:44:07,980
 and rescues us

1325
00:44:07,980 --> 00:44:09,420
 from destructive decisions

1326
00:44:09,420 --> 00:44:10,159
 and pathways.

1327
00:44:10,739 --> 00:44:11,719
 How many have ever been

1328
00:44:11,719 --> 00:44:12,380
 in a situation

1329
00:44:12,380 --> 00:44:13,599
 where you decided

1330
00:44:13,599 --> 00:44:14,619
 to do something

1331
00:44:15,780 --> 00:44:17,579
 and you were about to do it

1332
00:44:17,579 --> 00:44:18,719
 or into it

1333
00:44:20,180 --> 00:44:21,940
 and the Lord stopped you

1334
00:44:22,580 --> 00:44:23,500
 and you realized

1335
00:44:23,500 --> 00:44:24,699
 that that was wrong.

1336
00:44:25,480 --> 00:44:27,420
 I'll raise two hands on that.

1337
00:44:28,059 --> 00:44:30,079
 You know, and I kind of think

1338
00:44:30,079 --> 00:44:31,219
 we have many stories

1339
00:44:31,219 --> 00:44:32,239
 to share with that

1340
00:44:32,239 --> 00:44:33,960
 but it's the idea

1341
00:44:34,820 --> 00:44:36,599
 that he won't let us destroy

1342
00:44:36,599 --> 00:44:37,179
 ourself.

1343
00:44:38,159 --> 00:44:39,559
 If we are following the Lord

1344
00:44:39,559 --> 00:44:40,960
 he will not let us destroy

1345
00:44:40,960 --> 00:44:41,380
 ourself.

1346
00:44:41,659 --> 00:44:43,599
 Now there may be lessons in that

1347
00:44:44,199 --> 00:44:46,440
 but they are redeemable lessons.

1348
00:44:47,380 --> 00:44:48,800
 Lessons that he wants you to learn.

1349
00:44:49,699 --> 00:44:50,219
 Understanding

1350
00:44:50,219 --> 00:44:52,139
 what his character is.

1351
00:44:52,639 --> 00:44:54,119
 It's always a purpose

1352
00:44:54,119 --> 00:44:55,460
 behind everything.

1353
00:44:56,119 --> 00:44:58,199
 I can't stress that enough.

1354
00:44:58,679 --> 00:45:00,179
 You think, well, this is a casual thing

1355
00:45:00,179 --> 00:45:01,179
 or, gee, I don't want

1356
00:45:01,179 --> 00:45:02,599
 to baba beLord about that

1357
00:45:02,599 --> 00:45:03,880
 or this is infinitesimally.

1358
00:45:04,260 --> 00:45:08,599
 I mean, I get down to difficulties

1359
00:45:08,599 --> 00:45:10,719
 with my car.

1360
00:45:10,960 --> 00:45:13,219
 I mean, I had an instance

1361
00:45:13,219 --> 00:45:14,880
 with my car not so long ago.

1362
00:45:15,000 --> 00:45:16,440
 It would just literally stop on me

1363
00:45:16,440 --> 00:45:17,960
 and I don't mind that.

1364
00:45:18,260 --> 00:45:19,199
 You know, you put it in neutral.

1365
00:45:19,420 --> 00:45:20,019
 You start it up

1366
00:45:20,019 --> 00:45:21,340
 but the engine light came on.

1367
00:45:21,780 --> 00:45:22,480
 So I thought, okay,

1368
00:45:22,579 --> 00:45:23,659
 this isn't bad for me

1369
00:45:23,659 --> 00:45:24,579
 because I can get out

1370
00:45:24,579 --> 00:45:25,840
 and yada yada yada.

1371
00:45:25,920 --> 00:45:27,420
 But I've got a wife that's disabled.

1372
00:45:27,579 --> 00:45:28,539
 How do I get her home

1373
00:45:28,539 --> 00:45:29,480
 when she doesn't walk?

1374
00:45:30,539 --> 00:45:31,760
 So I started thinking about this.

1375
00:45:31,940 --> 00:45:32,960
 I said, look, okay.

1376
00:45:33,460 --> 00:45:35,139
 So we have a device in our car

1377
00:45:35,139 --> 00:45:36,239
 that you can put it

1378
00:45:36,239 --> 00:45:37,159
 on the hinge of the door.

1379
00:45:37,280 --> 00:45:39,340
 We'll lift her up from inside,

1380
00:45:39,599 --> 00:45:40,280
 take her out,

1381
00:45:40,380 --> 00:45:41,119
 put her in her chair.

1382
00:45:41,920 --> 00:45:43,780
 Well, every time you get a new tool

1383
00:45:43,780 --> 00:45:45,760
 for that, it's another couple thousand dollars.

1384
00:45:45,960 --> 00:45:46,420
 I thought, okay.

1385
00:45:47,219 --> 00:45:48,960
 So I looked at other Volvo's.

1386
00:45:49,099 --> 00:45:50,239
 There was one down in Florida

1387
00:45:50,239 --> 00:45:52,960
 for $7,500 beautiful thing.

1388
00:45:53,199 --> 00:45:53,739
 It was nice.

1389
00:45:53,739 --> 00:45:55,599
 It was the same year that I had.

1390
00:45:56,599 --> 00:45:57,300
 And then I got to thinking.

1391
00:45:57,420 --> 00:45:58,340
 So I went to the dealership

1392
00:45:58,340 --> 00:45:59,000
 and I asked him,

1393
00:45:59,079 --> 00:45:59,780
 what do I want to fix it?

1394
00:45:59,840 --> 00:46:01,079
 Well, he started at $7,000.

1395
00:46:01,940 --> 00:46:02,780
 I said, okay.

1396
00:46:04,119 --> 00:46:05,980
 Then I looked at the list of things

1397
00:46:05,980 --> 00:46:07,420
 and I said, the engine light was on.

1398
00:46:07,539 --> 00:46:08,559
 I said, what is critical?

1399
00:46:09,079 --> 00:46:10,400
 Well, there was three different

1400
00:46:11,159 --> 00:46:12,280
 distribution pump sensors

1401
00:46:12,280 --> 00:46:12,940
 and so forth

1402
00:46:12,940 --> 00:46:13,980
 and I won't go into detail.

1403
00:46:14,239 --> 00:46:15,079
 But that was five.

1404
00:46:16,599 --> 00:46:18,480
 So I was kind of hesitating

1405
00:46:18,480 --> 00:46:19,460
 and I thought, well, no.

1406
00:46:19,619 --> 00:46:20,659
 You know, five is cheaper

1407
00:46:20,659 --> 00:46:21,920
 than buying another used car

1408
00:46:21,920 --> 00:46:22,980
 that may have the same problem.

1409
00:46:22,980 --> 00:46:24,219
 So I went and got it fixed.

1410
00:46:24,579 --> 00:46:25,599
 Well, I am so happy

1411
00:46:25,599 --> 00:46:28,039
 that the Lord drew me down that way

1412
00:46:28,039 --> 00:46:30,199
 because I wasn't inclined to do so.

1413
00:46:30,739 --> 00:46:33,239
 And he, the car works perfectly now.

1414
00:46:33,559 --> 00:46:34,599
 I didn't have to spend

1415
00:46:34,599 --> 00:46:36,599
 but $5,000 to do this thing.

1416
00:46:36,780 --> 00:46:38,320
 And I'm a happy camper

1417
00:46:38,320 --> 00:46:40,480
 but I was going to do something else.

1418
00:46:41,840 --> 00:46:42,860
 And that something else

1419
00:46:42,860 --> 00:46:44,000
 would have cost me more money.

1420
00:46:44,800 --> 00:46:46,239
 So the lessons learned

1421
00:46:46,239 --> 00:46:47,460
 are not just monetarily

1422
00:46:47,460 --> 00:46:49,699
 but relationally in the family

1423
00:46:49,699 --> 00:46:50,699
 and all the other things

1424
00:46:50,699 --> 00:46:52,019
 that go through our life.

1425
00:46:52,980 --> 00:46:55,119
 In 2 Thessalonians 3, 3,

1426
00:46:55,199 --> 00:46:56,400
 it says the Lord is faithful

1427
00:46:56,400 --> 00:46:58,059
 and He will strengthen you

1428
00:46:58,059 --> 00:46:59,159
 and keep you safe

1429
00:46:59,159 --> 00:47:00,460
 from the evil one.

1430
00:47:01,139 --> 00:47:03,719
 I mean, that's a testimony in itself.

1431
00:47:04,619 --> 00:47:06,119
 His protection brings peace

1432
00:47:06,119 --> 00:47:06,920
 in the storm.

1433
00:47:08,039 --> 00:47:09,760
 When chaos surrounds us,

1434
00:47:09,860 --> 00:47:11,260
 He brings calm.

1435
00:47:12,139 --> 00:47:13,940
 He speaks like He spoke

1436
00:47:13,940 --> 00:47:15,039
 to the waters.

1437
00:47:16,159 --> 00:47:16,619
 Be calm.

1438
00:47:17,980 --> 00:47:19,360
 Maybe you won't get out of the water

1439
00:47:19,360 --> 00:47:20,659
 but the water will be calm

1440
00:47:20,659 --> 00:47:21,960
 so that you can go through life.

1441
00:47:22,599 --> 00:47:24,920
 Psalm 91 provides provision

1442
00:47:24,920 --> 00:47:28,000
 and protection in all that we are

1443
00:47:28,000 --> 00:47:29,059
 and all that we do.

1444
00:47:31,099 --> 00:47:33,260
 I want to ask you a question.

1445
00:47:34,340 --> 00:47:35,940
 When you pray for your family,

1446
00:47:38,159 --> 00:47:41,500
 I want you to consider Psalm 91

1447
00:47:42,159 --> 00:47:44,039
 because you can pray for your family

1448
00:47:44,039 --> 00:47:45,679
 with a lot of different ways.

1449
00:47:46,760 --> 00:47:47,519
 And I'm not saying

1450
00:47:47,519 --> 00:47:49,000
 this is a template for you.

1451
00:47:49,679 --> 00:47:50,860
 But what I am saying,

1452
00:47:50,860 --> 00:47:53,239
 Psalm 91 is so conclusive

1453
00:47:53,980 --> 00:47:56,239
 for daily protection and provision

1454
00:47:57,180 --> 00:47:59,079
 for you, each one of you.

1455
00:47:59,380 --> 00:48:00,780
 Family, if you're single,

1456
00:48:01,300 --> 00:48:02,039
 if you're dating,

1457
00:48:03,079 --> 00:48:04,059
 if you're divorced,

1458
00:48:04,440 --> 00:48:06,139
 if you have family members

1459
00:48:06,139 --> 00:48:06,960
 that aren't following.

1460
00:48:07,739 --> 00:48:09,340
 So I want you to think about this.

1461
00:48:09,780 --> 00:48:10,280
 Joni and I,

1462
00:48:10,380 --> 00:48:13,780
 when we do our devotions

1463
00:48:13,780 --> 00:48:15,760
 and prayer and intercession for people,

1464
00:48:16,219 --> 00:48:19,760
 we go through all the Christian people

1465
00:48:20,320 --> 00:48:21,099
 in our government.

1466
00:48:21,320 --> 00:48:22,639
 And I have them listed by name.

1467
00:48:23,260 --> 00:48:23,860
 I mean, do you know

1468
00:48:23,860 --> 00:48:26,559
 that there is nine or 10 cabinet members

1469
00:48:26,559 --> 00:48:27,420
 that know the Lord,

1470
00:48:27,599 --> 00:48:28,659
 that profess the Lord.

1471
00:48:29,900 --> 00:48:31,739
 Secretaries of Defense,

1472
00:48:32,420 --> 00:48:34,559
 Pete Kedzeth and Noam,

1473
00:48:34,659 --> 00:48:35,280
 Kristi Noam,

1474
00:48:35,340 --> 00:48:36,159
 she knows the Lord.

1475
00:48:36,679 --> 00:48:37,960
 I mean, it's just amazing.

1476
00:48:38,219 --> 00:48:39,059
 And here you have Vance

1477
00:48:39,059 --> 00:48:40,420
 and here you have Trump.

1478
00:48:42,360 --> 00:48:43,659
 So every day,

1479
00:48:43,659 --> 00:48:45,360
 we name the names of the leaders.

1480
00:48:45,840 --> 00:48:46,900
 We name our children

1481
00:48:46,900 --> 00:48:48,179
 and their children

1482
00:48:48,899 --> 00:48:50,699
 and our grandchildren and us.

1483
00:48:51,340 --> 00:48:52,840
 And I want you to close your eyes

1484
00:48:53,379 --> 00:48:55,179
 and I want you to listen to this prayer.

1485
00:48:56,739 --> 00:48:57,519
 Psalm 91.

1486
00:48:59,739 --> 00:49:01,360
 We live under the protection

1487
00:49:01,360 --> 00:49:02,880
 of God most high

1488
00:49:03,539 --> 00:49:05,760
 and stay in the shadow of God

1489
00:49:05,760 --> 00:49:06,699
 all powerful.

1490
00:49:07,840 --> 00:49:09,599
 Then we will say to you, Lord,

1491
00:49:10,480 --> 00:49:12,099
 you are our fortress,

1492
00:49:12,980 --> 00:49:14,500
 our place of safety.

1493
00:49:15,099 --> 00:49:16,719
 You are our God

1494
00:49:16,719 --> 00:49:18,619
 and we will trust you.

1495
00:49:19,579 --> 00:49:21,019
 Lord, you will keep us safe

1496
00:49:21,019 --> 00:49:22,460
 from secret traps

1497
00:49:22,460 --> 00:49:24,079
 and deadly diseases

1498
00:49:25,180 --> 00:49:27,380
 that you will spread your wings

1499
00:49:27,380 --> 00:49:29,340
 over us and keep us secure.

1500
00:49:30,579 --> 00:49:32,699
 Your faithfulness is like a shield

1501
00:49:32,699 --> 00:49:33,860
 or a city wall.

1502
00:49:34,900 --> 00:49:36,440
 We won't need to worry

1503
00:49:36,440 --> 00:49:38,039
 about the dangers at night

1504
00:49:38,720 --> 00:49:40,579
 or the arrows during the day.

1505
00:49:41,300 --> 00:49:42,940
 And we won't fear diseases

1506
00:49:42,940 --> 00:49:44,460
 that strike in the dark

1507
00:49:45,099 --> 00:49:46,980
 or sudden disaster at noon.

1508
00:49:47,860 --> 00:49:49,320
 We will not be harmed

1509
00:49:49,320 --> 00:49:51,840
 though thousands will fall around us.

1510
00:49:52,440 --> 00:49:53,739
 And with our own eyes,

1511
00:49:53,780 --> 00:49:55,099
 we will see the punishment

1512
00:49:55,099 --> 00:49:55,880
 of the wicked.

1513
00:49:56,780 --> 00:49:59,000
 The Lord Most High is our fortress.

1514
00:49:59,960 --> 00:50:01,760
 We will run to you for safety

1515
00:50:01,760 --> 00:50:03,639
 and no terrible disaster

1516
00:50:03,639 --> 00:50:05,380
 will strike us or our home.

1517
00:50:06,199 --> 00:50:08,059
 And you will command your angels

1518
00:50:08,059 --> 00:50:10,260
 to protect us wherever we go.

1519
00:50:10,920 --> 00:50:13,039
 And they will carry us in their arms

1520
00:50:13,039 --> 00:50:16,019
 and we won't hurt our feet on stones.

1521
00:50:17,000 --> 00:50:18,219
 And we will overpower

1522
00:50:18,219 --> 00:50:19,739
 the strongest lions

1523
00:50:20,400 --> 00:50:22,139
 and the most deadly snakes.

1524
00:50:22,820 --> 00:50:23,900
 The Lord says,

1525
00:50:24,360 --> 00:50:25,199
 if you love me

1526
00:50:25,199 --> 00:50:27,079
 and surely know who I am,

1527
00:50:27,579 --> 00:50:29,099
 I will rescue you

1528
00:50:29,099 --> 00:50:30,179
 and keep you safe.

1529
00:50:30,900 --> 00:50:32,179
 When you are in trouble,

1530
00:50:32,619 --> 00:50:33,639
 call out to me.

1531
00:50:33,960 --> 00:50:35,119
 I will answer

1532
00:50:35,119 --> 00:50:36,739
 and be there to protect

1533
00:50:36,739 --> 00:50:37,679
 and honor you.

1534
00:50:38,320 --> 00:50:39,519
 And I love this especially

1535
00:50:39,519 --> 00:50:40,179
 at the end.

1536
00:50:40,320 --> 00:50:40,739
 This is me.

1537
00:50:41,039 --> 00:50:42,340
 And you will live a long life

1538
00:50:42,340 --> 00:50:43,900
 and see my saving power.

1539
00:50:44,559 --> 00:50:45,420
 Now think about that.

1540
00:50:46,360 --> 00:50:47,920
 I have prayed many prayers

1541
00:50:47,920 --> 00:50:48,880
 for my family,

1542
00:50:48,880 --> 00:50:50,260
 but I have found this

1543
00:50:50,260 --> 00:50:51,739
 to be all inclusive.

1544
00:50:52,139 --> 00:50:53,980
 So I want you to just think about that

1545
00:50:53,980 --> 00:50:55,880
 and try it out for yourself

1546
00:50:55,880 --> 00:50:57,440
 tomorrow or the next day.

1547
00:50:57,760 --> 00:50:59,679
 It covers many of the things

1548
00:50:59,679 --> 00:51:01,159
 that you may be praying for.

1549
00:51:01,800 --> 00:51:03,460
 So I exhort you in that.

1550
00:51:03,619 --> 00:51:05,059
 We know that we have guidance.

1551
00:51:05,179 --> 00:51:06,699
 We know that we have protection.

1552
00:51:08,000 --> 00:51:10,000
 And that's just Psalm 91.

1553
00:51:10,000 --> 00:51:12,400
 It's the New English version.

1554
00:51:14,059 --> 00:51:16,340
 And I would just encourage you

1555
00:51:16,340 --> 00:51:18,219
 to be blessed tonight

1556
00:51:19,039 --> 00:51:21,059
 to take home something

1557
00:51:21,059 --> 00:51:22,420
 that we have talked about

1558
00:51:22,420 --> 00:51:24,159
 in the area of the cloud,

1559
00:51:24,739 --> 00:51:26,400
 what it does for us

1560
00:51:26,400 --> 00:51:27,420
 parenthetically

1561
00:51:27,420 --> 00:51:28,579
 through the Holy Spirit.

1562
00:51:29,139 --> 00:51:30,760
 And Lord, we ask you tonight

1563
00:51:31,519 --> 00:51:32,880
 that you would bless us.

1564
00:51:33,239 --> 00:51:34,659
 You would watch over us

1565
00:51:34,659 --> 00:51:37,059
 and you would enable us

1566
00:51:37,760 --> 00:51:38,860
 to encompass

1567
00:51:40,000 --> 00:51:41,199
 through your Psalm

1568
00:51:41,760 --> 00:51:43,980
 that which is the protection

1569
00:51:43,980 --> 00:51:45,000
 and the provision

1570
00:51:45,000 --> 00:51:46,559
 that's needed daily

1571
00:51:46,559 --> 00:51:48,099
 for all our loved ones,

1572
00:51:48,519 --> 00:51:49,539
 those in government,

1573
00:51:50,340 --> 00:51:50,980
 our wives,

1574
00:51:51,179 --> 00:51:51,659
 our husbands,

1575
00:51:51,960 --> 00:51:52,500
 our friends.

1576
00:51:53,360 --> 00:51:54,559
 Lord, we thank you for this,

1577
00:51:54,659 --> 00:51:55,119
 we pray.

1578
00:51:55,760 --> 00:51:56,639
 And everyone said,

1579
00:51:57,400 --> 00:51:57,619
 Amen.

1580
00:52:01,660 --> 00:52:03,219
 Thanks for joining us

1581
00:52:03,219 --> 00:52:04,559
 at Lansdale Life Church

1582
00:52:04,559 --> 00:52:05,719
 as we praise God

1583
00:52:05,719 --> 00:52:07,079
 and discuss His word.

1584
00:52:07,780 --> 00:52:09,019
 Don't forget to join us

1585
00:52:09,019 --> 00:52:10,840
 for Worship Live Sunday mornings

1586
00:52:10,840 --> 00:52:13,239
 at 10 a.m. Eastern on YouTube.

1587
00:52:14,239 --> 00:52:14,719
 Be blessed

1588
00:52:14,719 --> 00:52:16,340
 and have a great day!