August 11, 2024 • 21 mins
Reflecting on Summer and Embracing God's Nature
In this episode of 'Seen and Heard,' I, JT, talk about the transformative experiences of the past summer and explore the Gospel of Matthew. Reflecting on biblical passages like 2 Corinthians 3 and John 15, I emphasize the significance of knowing God deeply and continuing to live for Jesus beyond structured group activities. I share personal insights on God's nature as a loving Father and the essence of eternal life in knowing Him. I also recount my experiences of sharing faith in everyday settings and encourage listeners to utilize their unique gifts to further God's kingdom. The episode concludes with my thoughts on taking risks for God and finding joy in partnering with Him.
00:00 Introduction and Summer Recap
01:05 Pursuing Jesus Beyond Group Meetings
02:03 Understanding God's Nature
05:14 Living Out Your Faith
09:29 Preparing for the Next Year
11:04 A Prayer for God's Comfort and Blessing
11:11 The Parable of the Talents: A Lesson in Faithfulness
12:26 Understanding God's Expectations
13:12 Embracing Creative Initiative for God's Kingdom
14:02 Taking Bold Steps in Faith
15:39 Sharing Faith Through Everyday Actions
16:39 A Day of Evangelism: Real-Life Encounters
19:55 Reflecting on the Experience and Encouragement
20:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
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(00:05):
I'm JT, and this is Seen and Heard.
Hey guys, welcome to the podcast.
.999This is a place where we just can't help, but tell others of what we have seen and heard God do in our lives and in the lives of those around us. 4 00:00:28,782.768963817 --> 00:00:29,657.768963817 On today's show. 5 00:00:29,932.768963817 --> 00:00:35,317.084912419 I want to fill you in on how the summer went and then jump into the gospel of Matthew. 6 00:00:35,667.084912419 --> 00:00:37,567.084912419 So let's get going. 7 00:00:38,437.103808867 --> 00:00:40,637.103808867 Okay, so I'm trying to sum up. 8 00:00:40,803.770475533 --> 00:00:42,328.770475533 This summer. 9 00:00:42,903.770475533 --> 00:00:43,478.770475533 And. 10 00:00:43,645.4371422 --> 00:00:46,645.4371422 As I'm thinking about this, I'm thinking of so many verses. 11 00:00:46,995.4371422 --> 00:00:49,20.4371422 But second Corinthians three. 12 00:00:49,220.4371422 --> 00:00:50,370.4371422 Just at the very end. 13 00:00:50,537.103808867 --> 00:00:51,187.103808867 Paul's talking. 14 00:00:51,212.103808867 --> 00:00:57,612.103808867 He says in verse 18, we all with unveiled faces are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord. 15 00:00:57,778.770475533 --> 00:01:02,203.770475533 And are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory. 16 00:01:02,528.770475533 --> 00:01:09,628.770475533 This is from the Lord who is the spirit? And as I think on this past summer yeah, our nine month groups go. 17 00:01:10,53.770475533 --> 00:01:17,378.770475533 We're actually about to start another one in a couple of weeks, and then it'll go until the end of April into may, just depending on how it. 18 00:01:17,837.103808867 --> 00:01:18,787.103808867 Line's up, but. 19 00:01:18,953.770475533 --> 00:01:21,303.770475533 Just because the group is over doesn't mean. 20 00:01:21,470.4371422 --> 00:01:21,970.4371422 The. 21 00:01:22,137.103808867 --> 00:01:24,503.770475533 Not what I mean is not that many things change. 22 00:01:24,670.4371422 --> 00:01:28,445.4371422 I am still pursuing Jesus desiring to be used by him. 23 00:01:28,445.4371422 --> 00:01:31,970.4371422 Desiring to, as John 15 says, abide in the vine. 24 00:01:32,137.103808867 --> 00:01:33,787.103808867 cause I don't want to be anywhere else. 25 00:01:34,187.103808867 --> 00:01:37,428.770475533 It says again in John 15, that we would have his joy. 26 00:01:37,595.4371422 --> 00:01:39,945.4371422 And then it will be full in our lives that. 27 00:01:40,112.10380887 --> 00:01:41,887.10380887 We would be satisfied by him. 28 00:01:41,887.10380887 --> 00:01:48,128.77047553 And so even though our group ends and it's very intense, We still are pursuing Jesus day in and day out. 29 00:01:48,128.77047553 --> 00:01:51,478.77047553 And that definitely looks different and there's less structure. 30 00:01:51,645.4371422 --> 00:01:53,795.4371422 But Jesus is always the goal. 31 00:01:53,962.10380887 --> 00:01:58,987.10380887 And this summer, I would say there have been ups and downs and the lack of structure. 32 00:01:59,153.77047553 --> 00:01:59,803.77047553 Has. 33 00:01:59,970.4371422 --> 00:02:01,870.4371422 Definitely been more difficult to summer. 34 00:02:02,328.77047553 --> 00:02:02,878.77047553 But. 35 00:02:03,45.4371422 --> 00:02:06,370.4371422 Ultimately one thing that I feel like God has been showing me. 36 00:02:06,820.4371422 --> 00:02:07,470.4371422 Is that. 37 00:02:07,795.4371422 --> 00:02:09,345.4371422 The goal of everything. 38 00:02:09,512.10380887 --> 00:02:10,387.10380887 Is to know him. 39 00:02:10,553.77047553 --> 00:02:12,203.77047553 It actually says in John. 40 00:02:12,370.4371422 --> 00:02:13,770.4371422 I believe it's 17. 41 00:02:13,937.10380887 --> 00:02:16,887.10380887 In John 17 three, it says this is eternal life. 42 00:02:17,262.10380887 --> 00:02:18,212.10380887 And they may know you. 43 00:02:18,562.10380887 --> 00:02:19,912.10380887 The only true God. 44 00:02:20,78.77047553 --> 00:02:21,503.77047553 And the one you have sent. 45 00:02:21,703.77047553 --> 00:02:22,753.77047553 Jesus Christ. 46 00:02:22,920.4371422 --> 00:02:24,795.4371422 This is Jesus praying to the father. 47 00:02:25,220.4371422 --> 00:02:27,270.4371422 He says, this is eternal life. 48 00:02:27,520.4371422 --> 00:02:29,20.4371422 To know God. 49 00:02:29,187.10380887 --> 00:02:33,403.77047553 So what else is there? God wants to reveal himself to us every day. 50 00:02:33,653.77047553 --> 00:02:37,303.77047553 This is a relationship we're called in John 15 to abide. 51 00:02:37,303.77047553 --> 00:02:39,453.77047553 And we're supposed to be with him continually. 52 00:02:39,903.77047553 --> 00:02:40,528.77047553 It's not. 53 00:02:41,37.10380887 --> 00:02:42,937.10380887 30 minute, quiet time in the morning. 54 00:02:42,937.10380887 --> 00:02:45,512.10380887 And then I go live my day for myself. 55 00:02:45,537.10380887 --> 00:02:49,337.10380887 And then I come and say my nightly prayers, again, meeting with Jesus, but rather. 56 00:02:49,503.77047553 --> 00:02:57,903.77047553 He desires to fill us with his holy spirit, that we would be led and directed by his spirit to live the life that he has called us to live. 57 00:02:58,70.4371422 --> 00:03:00,220.4371422 We can't love people like Jesus. 58 00:03:00,570.4371422 --> 00:03:02,345.4371422 Unless the spirit empowers us. 59 00:03:02,488.77047553 --> 00:03:02,988.77047553 This summer. 60 00:03:03,463.77047553 --> 00:03:05,838.77047553 Again, I think that I've been learning. 61 00:03:06,5.4371422 --> 00:03:06,730.4371422 Who is God. 62 00:03:06,897.10380887 --> 00:03:11,147.10380887 A lot of times, if you ask somebody this question, tell me about God, tell me about Jesus. 63 00:03:11,313.77047553 --> 00:03:12,355.4371422 I'll say I know he loves me. 64 00:03:12,522.10380887 --> 00:03:14,772.10380887 Jesus died on the cross for my sins. 65 00:03:14,797.10380887 --> 00:03:16,672.10380887 There's grace, I'm forgiven. 66 00:03:17,22.10380887 --> 00:03:19,255.4371422 They like to use these kinds of things, but no. 67 00:03:19,305.4371422 --> 00:03:20,5.4371422 Tell me. 68 00:03:20,172.10380887 --> 00:03:21,347.10380887 Tell me about the father. 69 00:03:21,513.77047553 --> 00:03:25,155.4371422 What is he like? And I think to some, this question might actually be. 70 00:03:25,572.10380887 --> 00:03:26,72.10380887 Crazy. 71 00:03:26,238.77047553 --> 00:03:27,513.77047553 He's more than just. 72 00:03:27,930.4371422 --> 00:03:29,5.4371422 Get out of hell ticket. 73 00:03:29,172.10380887 --> 00:03:36,47.10380887 And I already said it, but one of the best descriptors, actually primary descriptors of God is that he is our father. 74 00:03:36,213.77047553 --> 00:03:39,738.77047553 Even before he's to creator or he's the king, he's the ruler. 75 00:03:39,905.4371422 --> 00:03:40,680.4371422 Relationally. 76 00:03:40,680.4371422 --> 00:03:41,605.4371422 He's our father. 77 00:03:41,772.10380887 --> 00:03:44,672.10380887 He's our father that creates he's our father. 78 00:03:44,672.10380887 --> 00:03:46,172.10380887 That's in charge, but. 79 00:03:46,338.77047553 --> 00:03:48,313.77047553 Even if a ruler lets me off. 80 00:03:48,480.4371422 --> 00:03:50,755.4371422 If they say, okay, you're not guilty. 81 00:03:50,755.4371422 --> 00:03:52,630.4371422 You're you know, everything's going to be okay. 82 00:03:52,797.10380887 --> 00:03:55,872.10380887 I'm not going to say, I love that ruler might be thankful. 83 00:03:55,872.10380887 --> 00:03:57,397.10380887 I might say is a good guy, but. 84 00:03:57,563.77047553 --> 00:03:58,38.77047553 Love. 85 00:03:58,205.4371422 --> 00:04:00,555.4371422 But primarily God is our father. 86 00:04:00,722.10380887 --> 00:04:04,63.77047553 And so when we look to him, Now we can look at him with love. 87 00:04:04,230.4371422 --> 00:04:07,230.4371422 He's a loving father, a good father that. 88 00:04:07,397.10380887 --> 00:04:10,422.10380887 Also has all authority in power. 89 00:04:10,588.77047553 --> 00:04:11,780.4371422 And he can create. 90 00:04:12,205.4371422 --> 00:04:14,730.4371422 With the breadth of his mouth, he just speaks. 91 00:04:14,897.10380887 --> 00:04:15,847.10380887 And he creates. 92 00:04:16,13.77047553 --> 00:04:20,138.77047553 All of heaven and earth that says that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess. 93 00:04:20,138.77047553 --> 00:04:20,463.77047553 Yes. 94 00:04:20,863.77047553 --> 00:04:23,113.77047553 He is our king and our ruler. 95 00:04:23,280.4371422 --> 00:04:24,305.4371422 But he is our father. 96 00:04:24,472.10380887 --> 00:04:27,222.10380887 And he loves us and he delights in us. 97 00:04:27,672.10380887 --> 00:04:29,322.10380887 And he wants to be with us. 98 00:04:29,488.77047553 --> 00:04:30,388.77047553 And he wants us. 99 00:04:30,555.4371422 --> 00:04:32,205.4371422 To delight in him and to know him. 100 00:04:32,372.10380887 --> 00:04:35,197.10380887 Also our God is eternal. 101 00:04:35,363.77047553 --> 00:04:36,638.77047553 He's never had a beginning. 102 00:04:36,888.77047553 --> 00:04:37,863.77047553 He's never had an end. 103 00:04:37,888.77047553 --> 00:04:38,288.77047553 He is. 104 00:04:38,455.4371422 --> 00:04:39,430.4371422 Without measure. 105 00:04:39,597.10380887 --> 00:04:41,622.10380887 And time is also a measurement. 106 00:04:41,622.10380887 --> 00:04:42,822.10380887 I matter. 107 00:04:43,247.10380887 --> 00:04:49,47.10380887 And our universe is a measurement and he is without any boundaries or any measurement, he is limitless. 108 00:04:49,372.10380887 --> 00:04:51,47.10380887 So he is eternal. 109 00:04:51,372.10380887 --> 00:04:52,622.10380887 And he is infinite. 110 00:04:52,788.77047553 --> 00:04:54,163.77047553 And also our God. 111 00:04:54,513.77047553 --> 00:04:55,813.77047553 He transcends. 112 00:04:55,963.77047553 --> 00:04:57,563.77047553 He is not like us. 113 00:04:57,763.77047553 --> 00:04:59,138.77047553 The angels are not like him either. 114 00:04:59,305.4371422 --> 00:05:00,405.4371422 He is transcendent. 115 00:05:00,430.4371422 --> 00:05:01,380.4371422 He is above. 116 00:05:01,905.4371422 --> 00:05:02,955.4371422 All of creation. 117 00:05:03,405.4371422 --> 00:05:04,680.4371422 What is seen and. 118 00:05:05,130.4371422 --> 00:05:05,930.4371422 The unseen. 119 00:05:06,97.10380887 --> 00:05:07,447.10380887 He is ultimately good. 120 00:05:07,613.77047553 --> 00:05:08,838.77047553 He is ultimate good. 121 00:05:09,5.4371422 --> 00:05:10,30.4371422 And ultimate love. 122 00:05:10,197.10380887 --> 00:05:11,247.10380887 There is none. 123 00:05:11,622.10380887 --> 00:05:13,222.10380887 Like our God. 124 00:05:13,388.77047553 --> 00:05:14,188.77047553 And our father. 125 00:05:14,355.4371422 --> 00:05:18,430.4371422 And I don't know what you're going through today or what struggle you're having. 126 00:05:18,597.10380887 --> 00:05:23,47.10380887 But my theory is that the more you learn about God, the more satisfied. 127 00:05:23,213.77047553 --> 00:05:26,813.77047553 The more, you will know how to navigate whatever that issue is. 128 00:05:26,980.4371422 --> 00:05:32,5.4371422 If you've, if you don't believe in a good God, if you believe that he is abandoned you and that you were all alone. 129 00:05:32,255.4371422 --> 00:05:37,805.4371422 Then that is definitely going to cause some anxiety that might cause some anger and you feel like you have to take control of life. 130 00:05:37,972.10380887 --> 00:05:44,47.10380887 But if you believe in a good God that says in Romans that he works all things for your good and for his glory. 131 00:05:44,255.4371422 --> 00:05:47,122.10380887 So that he may be made known in every nation. 132 00:05:47,288.77047553 --> 00:05:49,613.77047553 For your good and for his glory. 133 00:05:49,963.77047553 --> 00:05:51,638.77047553 If you believe that you can rest. 134 00:05:52,55.4371422 --> 00:05:53,630.4371422 You can have peace and joy. 135 00:05:53,797.10380887 --> 00:06:00,5.4371422 Do you believe that? How do you live out your life? Does your life say, I believe in the goodness of God. 136 00:06:00,172.10380887 --> 00:06:03,97.10380887 Or are you striving? To figure it out on your own. 137 00:06:03,263.77047553 --> 00:06:06,88.77047553 I read one time a w Tozer said. 138 00:06:06,255.4371422 --> 00:06:09,447.10380887 The most important thing about you? Is what you think about. 139 00:06:09,613.77047553 --> 00:06:10,638.77047553 When you think about God. 140 00:06:10,805.4371422 --> 00:06:11,880.4371422 I thought about that. 141 00:06:12,47.10380887 --> 00:06:13,222.10380887 And I was like, oh, I love God. 142 00:06:13,247.10380887 --> 00:06:14,47.10380887 Man I got this. 143 00:06:14,47.10380887 --> 00:06:30,288.77047553 And then I realized why then do people around me think that I'm miserable or depressed or upset? Why am I struggling to interact in large crowds? Is it because I have a fear of God and not a fear of man is because I believe in the goodness of God and my identity is wrapped up in him. 144 00:06:30,455.4371422 --> 00:06:32,85.4371422 Or is it because, and I don't trust. 145 00:06:32,85.4371422 --> 00:06:32,760.4371422 Others. 146 00:06:32,927.10380887 --> 00:06:34,652.10380887 Maybe I believe that God forgot me. 147 00:06:34,818.77047553 --> 00:06:37,368.77047553 And I had this moment where I was thinking through this and I realized. 148 00:06:37,535.4371422 --> 00:06:39,185.4371422 That I wasn't thinking rightly. 149 00:06:39,485.4371422 --> 00:06:40,185.4371422 About God. 150 00:06:40,352.10380887 --> 00:06:42,477.10380887 And I think about this even today. 151 00:06:42,643.77047553 --> 00:06:45,418.77047553 If you look at Psalm 1 0 3. 152 00:06:45,585.4371422 --> 00:06:46,235.4371422 Every year. 153 00:06:46,402.10380887 --> 00:06:47,202.10380887 The groups memorized. 154 00:06:47,627.10380887 --> 00:06:49,777.10380887 Three before we start up and. 155 00:06:49,943.77047553 --> 00:06:51,168.77047553 It changed my life. 156 00:06:51,593.77047553 --> 00:06:54,193.77047553 God changed my life through this song. 157 00:06:54,360.4371422 --> 00:06:57,910.4371422 I'm going to read a portion of this and you tell me if you believe this. 158 00:06:58,77.10380887 --> 00:07:00,493.77047553 Does your live show that you believe this? My soul. 159 00:07:00,493.77047553 --> 00:07:02,218.77047553 Bless the Lord in all that is within me. 160 00:07:02,218.77047553 --> 00:07:03,368.77047553 Bless his holy name. 161 00:07:03,535.4371422 --> 00:07:05,985.4371422 My soul, bless the Lord and do not forget all his benefits. 162 00:07:06,152.10380887 --> 00:07:08,27.10380887 He forgives all your inequity. 163 00:07:08,193.77047553 --> 00:07:10,343.77047553 He heals all your diseases. 164 00:07:10,510.4371422 --> 00:07:12,235.4371422 He redeemed your life from the pit. 165 00:07:12,560.4371422 --> 00:07:15,110.4371422 He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. 166 00:07:15,310.4371422 --> 00:07:17,360.4371422 He satisfies you with good things. 167 00:07:17,560.4371422 --> 00:07:19,585.4371422 Your youth is renewed like the Eagle. 168 00:07:20,85.4371422 --> 00:07:24,10.4371422 The Lord executes, acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 169 00:07:24,177.10380887 --> 00:07:27,402.10380887 He revealed his ways to Moses his deeds, to the people of Israel. 170 00:07:27,627.10380887 --> 00:07:32,927.10380887 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love. 171 00:07:33,93.77047553 --> 00:07:35,143.77047553 As verses one through eight and I'll stop right there. 172 00:07:35,310.4371422 --> 00:07:36,35.4371422 But think about that. 173 00:07:36,60.4371422 --> 00:07:36,935.4371422 Do you believe. 174 00:07:37,102.10380887 --> 00:07:38,427.10380887 That you were once. 175 00:07:38,952.10380887 --> 00:07:40,127.10380887 An enemy of God. 176 00:07:40,293.77047553 --> 00:07:41,518.77047553 That you were destined. 177 00:07:41,685.4371422 --> 00:07:43,610.4371422 To eternal punishment separated. 178 00:07:43,935.4371422 --> 00:07:44,585.4371422 From God. 179 00:07:44,752.10380887 --> 00:07:45,877.10380887 And that he saved you. 180 00:07:46,43.77047553 --> 00:07:48,893.77047553 That all of your sin, iniquity, transgression. 181 00:07:49,60.4371422 --> 00:07:49,960.4371422 Has been forgiven. 182 00:07:50,127.10380887 --> 00:07:51,677.10380887 And removed from your account. 183 00:07:51,843.77047553 --> 00:07:58,85.4371422 Do you believe? That he has redeemed your life from the pit that he has put a spiritual crown. 184 00:07:58,485.4371422 --> 00:08:00,985.4371422 Of his faithful love and compassion on you. 185 00:08:01,152.10380887 --> 00:08:02,552.10380887 That he gives you good things. 186 00:08:02,718.77047553 --> 00:08:03,468.77047553 Is the Lord. 187 00:08:03,693.77047553 --> 00:08:05,593.77047553 Compassionate and gracious. 188 00:08:05,618.77047553 --> 00:08:06,393.77047553 Do you believe that. 189 00:08:06,560.4371422 --> 00:08:09,927.10380887 Do you believe that he's slow to anger? And abounding in faithful love. 190 00:08:10,93.77047553 --> 00:08:10,493.77047553 To you. 191 00:08:10,660.4371422 --> 00:08:11,460.4371422 If you did. 192 00:08:11,627.10380887 --> 00:08:18,10.4371422 Would you not be more compassionate? Would you not be known as someone who is gracious towards others. 193 00:08:18,585.4371422 --> 00:08:19,385.4371422 It was forgiving. 194 00:08:19,760.4371422 --> 00:08:20,535.4371422 Who is loving. 195 00:08:20,702.10380887 --> 00:08:21,452.10380887 Of course you would. 196 00:08:22,27.10380887 --> 00:08:23,52.10380887 If you're alive. 197 00:08:23,77.10380887 --> 00:08:28,843.77047553 I showed that you knew the God of the universe, who is your father? People would know that. 198 00:08:29,10.4371422 --> 00:08:29,535.4371422 Don't you think. 199 00:08:29,702.10380887 --> 00:08:30,252.10380887 Oh, amazing. 200 00:08:30,252.10380887 --> 00:08:30,602.10380887 Is that. 201 00:08:30,768.77047553 --> 00:08:33,643.77047553 And as I said, this summer has been one about. 202 00:08:33,810.4371422 --> 00:08:34,860.4371422 Learning more. 203 00:08:35,385.4371422 --> 00:08:36,835.4371422 About who God is. 204 00:08:36,860.4371422 --> 00:08:43,18.77047553 What is his nature? What does he delight in? Because it's in learning more and more about the nature of God. 205 00:08:43,185.4371422 --> 00:08:45,810.4371422 That protects us from lies from the enemy. 206 00:08:45,977.10380887 --> 00:08:46,527.10380887 Romans eight. 207 00:08:46,527.10380887 --> 00:08:49,602.10380887 One says that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. 208 00:08:49,768.77047553 --> 00:08:53,193.77047553 I don't know if you're like me, but there are many days where I condemn myself. 209 00:08:53,360.4371422 --> 00:08:57,585.4371422 And I can believe that God is angry at me, or I feel ashamed. 210 00:08:57,752.10380887 --> 00:08:59,177.10380887 But those are lies from the enemy. 211 00:08:59,343.77047553 --> 00:09:01,143.77047553 Your sin has been paid for. 212 00:09:01,310.4371422 --> 00:09:03,210.4371422 Transgression has been removed. 213 00:09:03,377.10380887 --> 00:09:04,277.10380887 And the father. 214 00:09:04,443.77047553 --> 00:09:05,168.77047553 Loves you. 215 00:09:05,335.4371422 --> 00:09:06,485.4371422 And as for you. 216 00:09:06,652.10380887 --> 00:09:08,27.10380887 And his caring for you right now. 217 00:09:08,193.77047553 --> 00:09:11,343.77047553 He is constantly calling you in to know him more every day. 218 00:09:11,510.4371422 --> 00:09:12,60.4371422 Every moment. 219 00:09:12,227.10380887 --> 00:09:13,352.10380887 So there's no condemnation. 220 00:09:13,518.77047553 --> 00:09:14,468.77047553 So why is it that I. 221 00:09:14,635.4371422 --> 00:09:16,60.4371422 Walk in shame some days. 222 00:09:16,610.4371422 --> 00:09:17,360.4371422 Or fear. 223 00:09:17,527.10380887 --> 00:09:18,427.10380887 And other days. 224 00:09:18,593.77047553 --> 00:09:23,768.77047553 But if I knew the nature of God and I trusted and actually believed that he is that way. 225 00:09:23,935.4371422 --> 00:09:29,383.77047553 How in the world, could I walk in shame? Like I said this summer has been one about learning. 226 00:09:29,858.77047553 --> 00:09:30,858.77047553 The nature of God. 227 00:09:31,25.4371422 --> 00:09:31,875.4371422 And then also. 228 00:09:32,42.10380887 --> 00:09:33,417.10380887 Preparing for this next year. 229 00:09:33,583.77047553 --> 00:09:36,883.77047553 Summer is a time to support res. 230 00:09:37,408.77047553 --> 00:09:38,808.77047553 To connect with. 231 00:09:38,975.4371422 --> 00:09:41,875.4371422 With friends and family that I don't get to interact with. 232 00:09:42,100.4371422 --> 00:09:43,625.4371422 During the years much. 233 00:09:43,792.10380887 --> 00:09:44,342.10380887 And then. 234 00:09:44,508.77047553 --> 00:09:46,558.77047553 Yeah, we just got back from. 235 00:09:46,725.4371422 --> 00:09:48,475.4371422 Staff gathering for launch global. 236 00:09:48,875.4371422 --> 00:09:55,675.4371422 And that was just a great time to be around people that are doing the same job that I am, but in 20 other churches across the us and. 237 00:09:56,8.77047553 --> 00:09:59,283.77047553 Get to hear what God's doing and all these different churches and. 238 00:09:59,450.4371422 --> 00:10:04,925.4371422 A time of renewed vision and to hear and be close to God and in community. 239 00:10:04,925.4371422 --> 00:10:05,50.4371422 And. 240 00:10:05,217.10380887 --> 00:10:06,650.4371422 Just a really good time and. 241 00:10:06,817.10380887 --> 00:10:10,217.10380887 It helps to build up our hearts to prepare for this next year. 242 00:10:10,383.77047553 --> 00:10:15,625.4371422 And so as I look towards this next year starting in a couple of weeks, I look forward with excitement. 243 00:10:15,750.4371422 --> 00:10:17,25.4371422 At anticipation. 244 00:10:17,425.4371422 --> 00:10:20,600.4371422 With expectancy that God is going to move. 245 00:10:21,75.4371422 --> 00:10:22,650.4371422 There will be hard moments. 246 00:10:22,875.4371422 --> 00:10:24,275.4371422 There will be days where. 247 00:10:24,442.10380887 --> 00:10:28,742.10380887 The enemy is coming after us, where there is pruning being done by the father. 248 00:10:28,908.77047553 --> 00:10:29,883.77047553 But ultimately. 249 00:10:30,50.4371422 --> 00:10:31,700.4371422 Whether it's hard day. 250 00:10:31,952.65936442 --> 00:10:32,442.87100463 Or a day that we get to see God move. 251 00:10:32,442.87100463 --> 00:10:32,835.0403168 In a big way and somebody who's alive. 252 00:10:32,870.26329488 --> 00:10:34,145.26329488 we get to see God move. 253 00:10:34,570.26329488 --> 00:10:35,920.26329488 In a big way and somebody who's alive. 254 00:10:35,945.26329488 --> 00:10:37,495.26329488 However that day unfolds. 255 00:10:37,661.92996155 --> 00:10:40,586.92996155 We will learn more about God through this next year. 256 00:10:40,611.92996155 --> 00:10:43,61.92996155 We will get to see him move in powerful ways. 257 00:10:43,228.59662822 --> 00:10:48,378.59662822 And it's such a joy and a privilege to be able to get to do this again, to those that are on my support team. 258 00:10:48,545.26329488 --> 00:10:49,445.26329488 I'm so thankful. 259 00:10:49,770.26329488 --> 00:10:51,270.26329488 That I get to be a part of this. 260 00:10:51,270.26329488 --> 00:10:53,895.26329488 I'm thankful that we get to do this together. 261 00:10:54,61.92996155 --> 00:10:56,536.92996155 And I was just praying that you would be encouraged that. 262 00:10:56,703.59662822 --> 00:10:59,802.67448158 How you're pouring into this ministry and into the kingdom. 263 00:11:00,418.05241053 --> 00:11:02,368.05241053 I just pray that God would multiply. 264 00:11:02,593.05241053 --> 00:11:03,343.05241053 The fruit. 265 00:11:03,718.05241053 --> 00:11:04,768.05241053 His near Innes. 266 00:11:04,976.38574386 --> 00:11:06,301.38574386 That God would comfort you. 267 00:11:06,468.05241053 --> 00:11:09,268.05241053 Would teach you so that you would know him in a deeper way. 268 00:11:09,434.7190772 --> 00:11:10,409.7190772 In this next year. 269 00:11:10,576.38574386 --> 00:11:11,576.38574386 That he would bless you. 270 00:11:11,743.05241053 --> 00:11:14,118.05241053 This morning, I got to share with our team. 271 00:11:14,284.7190772 --> 00:11:18,659.7190772 About the parable, the talents in Matthew 25 it's versus. 272 00:11:19,184.7190772 --> 00:11:20,609.7190772 14 through 30. 273 00:11:20,776.38574386 --> 00:11:23,576.38574386 And I would encourage you to go and read this passage. 274 00:11:23,784.7190772 --> 00:11:26,484.7190772 At the very beginning, it says that there is a man. 275 00:11:26,759.7190772 --> 00:11:31,84.7190772 That is about to go on a journey and he called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 276 00:11:31,251.38574386 --> 00:11:37,1.38574386 He gave one, five talents and other too, and another one town, depending on each one's ability, then he went on a journey. 277 00:11:37,168.05241053 --> 00:11:41,118.05241053 And we know the story, the one with five doubled it to, he doubles it. 278 00:11:41,118.05241053 --> 00:11:44,43.05241053 And the one, he buries it in the field and he hides it. 279 00:11:44,393.05241053 --> 00:11:50,251.38574386 And when the master comes back, he's Hey, what's going on? The first one says, Hey, I took that five and I have 10. 280 00:11:50,676.38574386 --> 00:11:51,451.38574386 It says well done. 281 00:11:51,451.38574386 --> 00:11:53,351.38574386 Good and faithful servant one with two doubled it. 282 00:11:53,401.38574386 --> 00:11:54,126.38574386 Now it has four. 283 00:11:54,351.38574386 --> 00:11:54,976.38574386 Well done. 284 00:11:54,976.38574386 --> 00:11:55,876.38574386 Good and faithful servant. 285 00:11:56,151.38574386 --> 00:12:00,951.38574386 And then the last one says I had one and I know that you're a harsh man reaping where you didn't. 286 00:12:00,993.05241053 --> 00:12:03,643.05241053 And so I was afraid essentially, and I hit it. 287 00:12:03,809.7190772 --> 00:12:04,934.7190772 And here's your one talent. 288 00:12:05,101.38574386 --> 00:12:05,901.38574386 And the master. 289 00:12:06,176.38574386 --> 00:12:06,751.38574386 Says. 290 00:12:06,918.05241053 --> 00:12:09,93.05241053 In verse 26, you evil, lazy servant. 291 00:12:09,568.05241053 --> 00:12:10,293.05241053 If you knew. 292 00:12:10,693.05241053 --> 00:12:11,568.05241053 That I reap. 293 00:12:11,893.05241053 --> 00:12:13,843.05241053 Where I haven't sown and gather where I haven't scattered. 294 00:12:14,9.7190772 --> 00:12:16,459.7190772 And you should have deposited my money with the bankers and I would have. 295 00:12:16,626.38574386 --> 00:12:19,176.38574386 Receive my money back with interest when I return. 296 00:12:19,343.05241053 --> 00:12:23,193.05241053 And so it goes on and takes his talent, gives it to one with 10 talents now. 297 00:12:23,359.7190772 --> 00:12:25,884.7190772 And what's amazing about this store is that. 298 00:12:26,334.7190772 --> 00:12:30,309.7190772 I've never thought about this, but the master isn't, he doesn't tell them specifically what to do. 299 00:12:30,476.38574386 --> 00:12:33,301.38574386 You just gives them the talent or the money or whatever it is. 300 00:12:33,468.05241053 --> 00:12:35,93.05241053 It gives it to him and he goes on a journey. 301 00:12:35,259.7190772 --> 00:12:36,959.7190772 And they multiply it. 302 00:12:37,126.38574386 --> 00:12:38,226.38574386 It doesn't tell them what to do. 303 00:12:38,393.05241053 --> 00:12:42,543.05241053 And then secondly, when he comes back, He tells that servant you wicked. 304 00:12:42,893.05241053 --> 00:12:44,93.05241053 And lazy servant. 305 00:12:44,259.7190772 --> 00:12:47,684.7190772 Have you ever wanted to do something for God, but you were afraid. 306 00:12:47,851.38574386 --> 00:12:49,326.38574386 You're afraid that it was wrong. 307 00:12:49,493.05241053 --> 00:12:54,518.05241053 You're afraid that if you do it and you mess up and you failed that he's going to be displeased with you. 308 00:12:54,684.7190772 --> 00:12:56,59.7190772 I think one of the lessons here. 309 00:12:56,409.7190772 --> 00:12:57,834.7190772 Is do you believe. 310 00:12:58,184.7190772 --> 00:12:59,109.7190772 That your father. 311 00:12:59,276.38574386 --> 00:13:01,151.38574386 Is a harsh taskmaster. 312 00:13:01,318.05241053 --> 00:13:03,843.05241053 Unless you perform to the peak ability. 313 00:13:04,368.05241053 --> 00:13:05,418.05241053 He's going to be. 314 00:13:05,484.7190772 --> 00:13:06,334.7190772 Upset with you. 315 00:13:06,501.38574386 --> 00:13:09,751.38574386 Because again in this passage, he doesn't tell them what to do. 316 00:13:09,918.05241053 --> 00:13:11,534.7190772 It just says, here it is now. 317 00:13:11,559.7190772 --> 00:13:12,109.7190772 Go for it. 318 00:13:12,276.38574386 --> 00:13:14,176.38574386 Dallas Willard in his book hearing God. 319 00:13:14,343.05241053 --> 00:13:15,243.05241053 Points this out. 320 00:13:15,409.7190772 --> 00:13:17,484.7190772 And he calls it creative initiative. 321 00:13:17,651.38574386 --> 00:13:19,201.38574386 We're not a bunch of robots. 322 00:13:19,551.38574386 --> 00:13:20,851.38574386 God created you. 323 00:13:21,76.38574386 --> 00:13:21,851.38574386 Uniquely. 324 00:13:22,351.38574386 --> 00:13:27,51.38574386 And he desires that you would use the gifts and talents and resources and time and wisdom. 325 00:13:27,351.38574386 --> 00:13:28,76.38574386 And everything. 326 00:13:28,576.38574386 --> 00:13:32,276.38574386 To bring glory to him so that the world would know about him. 327 00:13:32,443.05241053 --> 00:13:34,243.05241053 And so my question for you. 328 00:13:34,409.7190772 --> 00:13:37,384.7190772 Considering that you don't believe that God is a harsh task master. 329 00:13:37,551.38574386 --> 00:13:40,201.38574386 You see him as a good loving father. 330 00:13:40,368.05241053 --> 00:13:42,943.05241053 What would you like to do? To multiply his kingdom. 331 00:13:43,343.05241053 --> 00:13:45,493.05241053 What do you think? Brings you joy. 332 00:13:45,659.7190772 --> 00:13:46,559.7190772 For me, it's doing. 333 00:13:46,884.7190772 --> 00:13:49,234.7190772 Fun little things like this podcast or. 334 00:13:49,693.05241053 --> 00:13:52,418.05241053 Making a magazine for our nine month group. 335 00:13:52,584.7190772 --> 00:13:54,776.38574386 What is it for you? If you could do anything. 336 00:13:54,943.05241053 --> 00:13:57,193.05241053 If you could do anything for God, for his kingdom. 337 00:13:57,359.7190772 --> 00:13:59,351.38574386 What would that be? Using your creativity. 338 00:13:59,518.05241053 --> 00:14:07,993.05241053 What do you think would bring you the most joy? Now I want to put a little asterix on this and say, yes, there are times in which God says, I want you to go here. 339 00:14:08,343.05241053 --> 00:14:09,568.05241053 I want you to do this. 340 00:14:09,734.7190772 --> 00:14:13,993.05241053 But if you're not in one of those seasons, he's not asking you to sit back and do nothing. 341 00:14:14,159.7190772 --> 00:14:18,59.7190772 He's not asking you to stay back paralyzed in fear that you're not going to get it right. 342 00:14:18,226.38574386 --> 00:14:19,901.38574386 He's calling you into the work. 343 00:14:20,68.05241053 --> 00:14:23,34.7190772 How do you want to be used? And it might not be anything crazy. 344 00:14:23,34.7190772 --> 00:14:23,609.7190772 It might be. 345 00:14:24,59.7190772 --> 00:14:25,759.7190772 Actually, I love to make coffee. 346 00:14:25,926.38574386 --> 00:14:27,101.38574386 And I love serving people. 347 00:14:27,101.38574386 --> 00:14:28,801.38574386 And so I want to help the church with. 348 00:14:29,301.38574386 --> 00:14:31,176.38574386 Serving coffee in the mornings or. 349 00:14:31,343.05241053 --> 00:14:34,818.05241053 I really love spreadsheets and numbers, and I want to. 350 00:14:35,318.05241053 --> 00:14:37,593.05241053 Be used in that way somehow with. 351 00:14:37,759.7190772 --> 00:14:40,484.7190772 My church or with a nonprofit or. 352 00:14:40,651.38574386 --> 00:14:42,251.38574386 I don't know, that's not me. 353 00:14:42,251.38574386 --> 00:14:43,576.38574386 So I can't really come up with it. 354 00:14:43,743.05241053 --> 00:14:44,393.05241053 But what isn't. 355 00:14:44,559.7190772 --> 00:14:45,34.7190772 For you. 356 00:14:45,201.38574386 --> 00:14:45,976.38574386 And just try it. 357 00:14:46,143.05241053 --> 00:14:47,43.05241053 And I guarantee you. 358 00:14:47,543.05241053 --> 00:14:49,443.05241053 You'll try and you might succeed. 359 00:14:49,443.05241053 --> 00:14:50,193.05241053 You might fail. 360 00:14:50,193.05241053 --> 00:14:51,93.05241053 It doesn't matter. 361 00:14:51,259.7190772 --> 00:14:52,734.7190772 The father will be pleased. 362 00:14:52,734.7190772 --> 00:14:54,84.7190772 He is going to delight in you. 363 00:14:54,84.7190772 --> 00:14:56,284.7190772 He's going to find joy in you the entire way. 364 00:14:56,859.7190772 --> 00:14:58,334.7190772 He finds join you regardless. 365 00:14:58,501.38574386 --> 00:15:00,951.38574386 But he wants you to participate in the ministry with him. 366 00:15:01,118.05241053 --> 00:15:01,843.05241053 So quickly. 367 00:15:01,968.05241053 --> 00:15:03,293.05241053 I just wanted to point this out. 368 00:15:03,459.7190772 --> 00:15:04,859.7190772 You don't have to be afraid. 369 00:15:05,259.7190772 --> 00:15:06,584.7190772 If you get it wrong or not. 370 00:15:06,751.38574386 --> 00:15:08,251.38574386 God is much bigger than you. 371 00:15:08,751.38574386 --> 00:15:10,726.38574386 And your rational thinking or. 372 00:15:10,893.05241053 --> 00:15:12,618.05241053 You can't mess up his plans. 373 00:15:12,784.7190772 --> 00:15:13,959.7190772 But you can be a part of them. 374 00:15:14,126.38574386 --> 00:15:16,326.38574386 And the question is, if you don't. 375 00:15:16,493.05241053 --> 00:15:18,68.05241053 Take a step and a risk. 376 00:15:18,234.7190772 --> 00:15:19,259.7190772 And do something. 377 00:15:19,559.7190772 --> 00:15:20,534.7190772 For God's kingdom. 378 00:15:20,701.38574386 --> 00:15:21,776.38574386 What's the alternative. 379 00:15:21,943.05241053 --> 00:15:24,318.05241053 They're like, I don't know what it is and I'm afraid. 380 00:15:24,793.05241053 --> 00:15:25,843.05241053 What's the alternative. 381 00:15:26,9.7190772 --> 00:15:26,809.7190772 To do nothing. 382 00:15:26,976.38574386 --> 00:15:31,893.05241053 What do you think God wants you to do nothing or something? Why not do something. 383 00:15:32,293.05241053 --> 00:15:33,193.05241053 That brings you joy. 384 00:15:33,359.7190772 --> 00:15:35,184.7190772 And it draws you closer to God. 385 00:15:35,351.38574386 --> 00:15:38,276.38574386 And then he gets to partner with you in the work that he's doing. 386 00:15:38,851.38574386 --> 00:15:39,126.38574386 Okay. 387 00:15:39,126.38574386 --> 00:15:42,751.38574386 As we in this episode, I just wanted to share with y'all. 388 00:15:43,151.38574386 --> 00:15:45,326.38574386 Today, our mobilization team. 389 00:15:45,826.38574386 --> 00:15:47,101.38574386 Went and spent time. 390 00:15:47,626.38574386 --> 00:15:48,401.38574386 Sharing our faith. 391 00:15:48,568.05241053 --> 00:15:52,493.05241053 Because we want to be people that take the kingdom of God wherever we go. 392 00:15:52,659.7190772 --> 00:15:56,184.7190772 And so we were in a training this morning and we're challenged. 393 00:15:56,359.7190772 --> 00:15:57,609.7190772 They called it mobbing. 394 00:15:57,776.38574386 --> 00:16:03,426.38574386 And essentially what it is you go in a small group to a restaurant or to a food court or anywhere really. 395 00:16:03,593.05241053 --> 00:16:05,418.05241053 And you're going, but the intentionality. 396 00:16:05,818.05241053 --> 00:16:08,143.05241053 To pray for people to share the gospel. 397 00:16:08,493.05241053 --> 00:16:12,468.05241053 To talk to your waiter or the people at the business. 398 00:16:12,634.7190772 --> 00:16:19,309.7190772 And then while you're sitting at the table, of course, you're just interacting as friends, but at some point you're going to read a Bible story. 399 00:16:19,709.7190772 --> 00:16:22,809.7190772 And you're going to spend time together at the restaurant. 400 00:16:23,168.05241053 --> 00:16:24,618.05241053 It's a way for you to. 401 00:16:25,93.05241053 --> 00:16:26,618.05241053 Be bold in a group. 402 00:16:26,784.7190772 --> 00:16:37,743.05241053 So we were talking about where do we go? We go to this restaurant or this one, do we want to focus on internationals or does it matter? And came to the point where, Hey, we're not going to do it perfectly. 403 00:16:37,743.05241053 --> 00:16:39,393.05241053 So just pick one and let's go. 404 00:16:39,559.7190772 --> 00:16:42,101.3857439 And so we picked this local Indian restaurant. 405 00:16:42,268.0524105 --> 00:16:43,168.0524105 In our neighborhood. 406 00:16:43,334.7190772 --> 00:16:45,184.7190772 And as we're driving there. 407 00:16:45,584.7190772 --> 00:16:48,176.3857439 One of the guys in the car said, Hey, let's ask that guy. 408 00:16:48,176.3857439 --> 00:16:49,701.3857439 If he wants to join us for lunch. 409 00:16:49,868.0524105 --> 00:16:53,1.3857439 And yeah, We couldn't tell if he was homeless or just. 410 00:16:53,168.0524105 --> 00:16:59,51.3857439 Waiting on the bus or we didn't know, but just jumped out and asked him, Hey, we're about to go grab lunch. 411 00:16:59,101.3857439 --> 00:17:01,368.0524105 Do you want to go? And he. 412 00:17:01,534.7190772 --> 00:17:02,684.7190772 Eventually said no. 413 00:17:02,851.3857439 --> 00:17:03,326.3857439 But. 414 00:17:03,743.0524105 --> 00:17:04,718.0524105 We've got to talk to him. 415 00:17:05,18.0524105 --> 00:17:06,393.0524105 Ask him, if you need a prayer. 416 00:17:06,559.7190772 --> 00:17:08,59.7190772 And ultimately. 417 00:17:08,518.0524105 --> 00:17:09,893.0524105 He didn't go with us and that's okay. 418 00:17:09,918.0524105 --> 00:17:14,568.0524105 So then we're going, and as we were going to the restaurant, we just had this thought like, oh, wow. 419 00:17:14,918.0524105 --> 00:17:15,568.0524105 What if. 420 00:17:15,734.7190772 --> 00:17:17,309.7190772 We've already talked to people about Jesus. 421 00:17:17,634.7190772 --> 00:17:18,734.7190772 At this apartment complex. 422 00:17:18,734.7190772 --> 00:17:22,701.3857439 What if we went and invited some of the people that we've met? And so went to that apartment complex. 423 00:17:22,701.3857439 --> 00:17:24,76.3857439 We invited a few people. 424 00:17:24,526.3857439 --> 00:17:26,601.3857439 Ultimately, nobody came. 425 00:17:26,768.0524105 --> 00:17:27,568.0524105 But that's okay. 426 00:17:27,734.7190772 --> 00:17:31,284.7190772 They, we had one guy that we'd never met before we prayed for him. 427 00:17:31,701.3857439 --> 00:17:33,76.3857439 That was a great conversation. 428 00:17:33,526.3857439 --> 00:17:37,501.3857439 And then we invited some other people and they said, no, but when's the last time. 429 00:17:37,668.0524105 --> 00:17:39,993.0524105 Some people that you didn't know that well, I just said, Hey. 430 00:17:40,159.7190772 --> 00:17:41,509.7190772 I want you to come to lunch with us. 431 00:17:41,676.3857439 --> 00:17:44,276.3857439 And so I'm hoping that it was encouraging to those people. 432 00:17:44,443.0524105 --> 00:17:45,743.0524105 And maybe next time. 433 00:17:46,168.0524105 --> 00:17:48,593.0524105 If we keep asking, eventually somebody will say, yeah, let's go. 434 00:17:48,759.7190772 --> 00:17:50,834.7190772 And so then we showed up to the restaurant. 435 00:17:51,1.3857439 --> 00:17:54,351.3857439 And it was a mixture of just excitement. 436 00:17:54,518.0524105 --> 00:17:55,643.0524105 Honestly fear. 437 00:17:55,809.7190772 --> 00:17:56,259.7190772 And. 438 00:17:56,426.3857439 --> 00:17:58,726.3857439 Anticipation for, to see what God was going to do. 439 00:17:58,726.3857439 --> 00:17:58,876.3857439 And. 440 00:17:59,43.0524105 --> 00:18:03,768.0524105 At the end of our time there, we basically talked to all the staff at that restaurant that had came on the floor. 441 00:18:03,934.7190772 --> 00:18:06,259.7190772 And all of them knew that we were Christians. 442 00:18:06,426.3857439 --> 00:18:08,101.3857439 We asked them where they were from. 443 00:18:08,276.3857439 --> 00:18:16,1.3857439 We talked to them about different places in India and the climates and the food and what they love about being here in Austin. 444 00:18:16,168.0524105 --> 00:18:17,793.0524105 We shared things about the Bible. 445 00:18:17,959.7190772 --> 00:18:20,984.7190772 And then this one guy that we actually didn't even say anything to. 446 00:18:20,984.7190772 --> 00:18:24,559.7190772 We talked to him once, but didn't say anything to him about Jesus yet. 447 00:18:24,726.3857439 --> 00:18:26,476.3857439 And he comes back to us and he says, Hey. 448 00:18:26,643.0524105 --> 00:18:28,918.0524105 I just, I gotta get this off my chest. 449 00:18:29,84.7190772 --> 00:18:30,534.7190772 You guys look really familiar. 450 00:18:30,534.7190772 --> 00:18:31,384.7190772 Do I know you. 451 00:18:31,551.3857439 --> 00:18:33,751.3857439 And we've never seen this guy before in our life. 452 00:18:34,168.0524105 --> 00:18:34,968.0524105 Turns out. 453 00:18:35,134.7190772 --> 00:18:36,384.7190772 He's actually a Mormon. 454 00:18:36,959.7190772 --> 00:18:39,9.7190772 And he goes to a Mormon church in round rock. 455 00:18:39,176.3857439 --> 00:18:40,126.3857439 He's an Indian guy. 456 00:18:40,651.3857439 --> 00:18:41,501.3857439 That somehow. 457 00:18:41,918.0524105 --> 00:18:47,93.0524105 Since he came to the states, interacted with the church and then ended up in a Mormon. 458 00:18:47,259.7190772 --> 00:18:47,659.7190772 Church. 459 00:18:47,659.7190772 --> 00:18:50,784.7190772 And I don't know how all that worked out, but we were able to talk to him. 460 00:18:51,59.7190772 --> 00:18:53,309.7190772 You could tell that God was working on his heart. 461 00:18:53,476.3857439 --> 00:18:59,701.3857439 And one of the guys with me got his phone number and just told him we would love to read the Bible with you. 462 00:18:59,701.3857439 --> 00:19:02,593.0524105 Sometime we offered to read the Bible with him right then but he was. 463 00:19:03,9.7190772 --> 00:19:04,134.7190772 Nervous to do that. 464 00:19:04,301.3857439 --> 00:19:04,901.3857439 And then. 465 00:19:05,68.0524105 --> 00:19:08,768.0524105 You said that he's got some personal things that are pretty tough right now. 466 00:19:08,793.0524105 --> 00:19:10,43.0524105 He doesn't have a lot of time and. 467 00:19:10,209.7190772 --> 00:19:15,734.7190772 And so my friend got to share with him that God loves him and he's listened to his prayers and he's there for him then. 468 00:19:15,901.3857439 --> 00:19:17,951.3857439 You've just really encouraged him and got to pray with him. 469 00:19:17,951.3857439 --> 00:19:18,101.3857439 And. 470 00:19:18,676.3857439 --> 00:19:19,226.3857439 It was funny. 471 00:19:19,226.3857439 --> 00:19:24,801.3857439 It was like during that time, and even afterwards, like there were just moments in all of that, that you could just tell. 472 00:19:24,968.0524105 --> 00:19:28,193.0524105 I just a joy in different people in our group where. 473 00:19:28,359.7190772 --> 00:19:29,159.7190772 Just coming out. 474 00:19:29,326.3857439 --> 00:19:30,1.3857439 They couldn't help it. 475 00:19:30,176.3857439 --> 00:19:32,676.3857439 They were just so full of joy. 476 00:19:33,151.3857439 --> 00:19:34,376.3857439 To be able to do something. 477 00:19:34,376.3857439 --> 00:19:39,368.0524105 So what seemed so wild and crazy? But at the same time, taking the gospel. 478 00:19:39,893.0524105 --> 00:19:43,443.0524105 And loving on our neighbors in a way that we weren't used to. 479 00:19:43,768.0524105 --> 00:19:45,318.0524105 It was just so fun to partner with God. 480 00:19:45,759.7190772 --> 00:19:46,459.7190772 And all that. 481 00:19:46,559.7190772 --> 00:19:49,709.7190772 And so just ask that you would pray for our waiter. 482 00:19:50,18.0524105 --> 00:19:54,18.0524105 Ask the God would break through the lies that he's believed in the Mormon church. 483 00:19:54,184.7190772 --> 00:19:55,484.7190772 God would work in his life. 484 00:19:55,651.3857439 --> 00:19:58,351.3857439 What I learned today from this process is that. 485 00:19:58,518.0524105 --> 00:20:01,443.0524105 It's not about going out and sharing your faith one time a week. 486 00:20:01,609.7190772 --> 00:20:04,234.7190772 It's about taking the kingdom of God everywhere you go. 487 00:20:04,401.3857439 --> 00:20:05,801.3857439 Whether you go to a restaurant. 488 00:20:05,968.0524105 --> 00:20:07,118.0524105 Or to the grocery store. 489 00:20:07,284.7190772 --> 00:20:08,359.7190772 Whether you're going to. 490 00:20:08,526.3857439 --> 00:20:12,276.3857439 A recreational place like a park, or you're going to go play pickleball. 491 00:20:12,443.0524105 --> 00:20:13,743.0524105 Take the kingdom of God with you. 492 00:20:13,743.0524105 --> 00:20:14,743.0524105 You never know. 493 00:20:14,909.7190772 --> 00:20:16,634.7190772 Where God is wanting to use you. 494 00:20:16,801.3857439 --> 00:20:18,201.3857439 And I think when you share. 495 00:20:18,476.3857439 --> 00:20:23,226.3857439 The hope and the joy that Jesus gives you, you will experience. 496 00:20:23,393.0524105 --> 00:20:23,868.0524105 Joy. 497 00:20:24,443.0524105 --> 00:20:25,243.0524105 And apiece. 498 00:20:25,409.7190772 --> 00:20:26,309.7190772 You just don't know. 499 00:20:26,476.3857439 --> 00:20:26,801.3857439 When. 500 00:20:27,251.3857439 --> 00:20:28,501.3857439 When you're not living life. 501 00:20:29,51.3857439 --> 00:20:29,676.3857439 For the kingdom. 502 00:20:29,718.0524105 --> 00:20:31,818.0524105 Again, I was terrified. 503 00:20:31,984.7190772 --> 00:20:33,334.7190772 The majority of the time. 504 00:20:33,509.7190772 --> 00:20:36,84.7190772 I was the one that was like, Hey, I don't know if we should do that. 505 00:20:36,84.7190772 --> 00:20:36,309.7190772 Or. 506 00:20:36,476.3857439 --> 00:20:39,176.3857439 It's just, sometimes it gets so nerve wracking. 507 00:20:39,343.0524105 --> 00:20:41,543.0524105 But when you see God move, it just reminds you. 508 00:20:41,709.7190772 --> 00:20:42,234.7190772 Yes. 509 00:20:42,784.7190772 --> 00:20:43,109.7190772 Do it. 510 00:20:43,276.3857439 --> 00:20:44,226.3857439 Jesus's worthy. 511 00:20:44,393.0524105 --> 00:20:46,243.0524105 I hope that this episode is encouraging. 512 00:20:46,409.7190772 --> 00:20:48,134.7190772 And again, just want to ask that question. 513 00:20:48,301.3857439 --> 00:20:51,426.3857439 Knowing your gifts and talents and abilities and where you're at in life. 514 00:20:51,593.0524105 --> 00:20:56,151.3857439 What would bring you joy? And how could you partner with God for his kingdom? And just try it. 515 00:20:56,318.0524105 --> 00:20:57,818.0524105 I would love to hear your stories. 516 00:20:58,18.0524105 --> 00:20:58,943.0524105 I would love to hear. 517 00:20:59,268.0524105 --> 00:21:02,168.0524105 Of how you just take a risk for God and his kingdom. 518 00:21:02,334.7190772 --> 00:21:02,859.7190772 Remember. 519 00:21:03,26.3857439 --> 00:21:05,609.7190772 This podcast is seen and heard. 520 00:21:05,776.3857439 --> 00:21:07,801.3857439 Because this is the place where we just can't help. 521 00:21:08,226.3857439 --> 00:21:13,776.3857439 But tell others about what we have seen in her God doing our lives and in the lives of others. 522 00:21:14,449.7190772 --> 00:21:15,449.7190772 So you guys next time.
I'm JT, and this is Seen and Heard.
Hey guys, welcome to the podcast.
.999This is a place where we just can't help, but tell others of what we have seen and heard God do in our lives and in the lives of those around us. 4 00:00:28,782.768963817 --> 00:00:29,657.768963817 On today's show. 5 00:00:29,932.768963817 --> 00:00:35,317.084912419 I want to fill you in on how the summer went and then jump into the gospel of Matthew. 6 00:00:35,667.084912419 --> 00:00:37,567.084912419 So let's get going. 7 00:00:38,437.103808867 --> 00:00:40,637.103808867 Okay, so I'm trying to sum up. 8 00:00:40,803.770475533 --> 00:00:42,328.770475533 This summer. 9 00:00:42,903.770475533 --> 00:00:43,478.770475533 And. 10 00:00:43,645.4371422 --> 00:00:46,645.4371422 As I'm thinking about this, I'm thinking of so many verses. 11 00:00:46,995.4371422 --> 00:00:49,20.4371422 But second Corinthians three. 12 00:00:49,220.4371422 --> 00:00:50,370.4371422 Just at the very end. 13 00:00:50,537.103808867 --> 00:00:51,187.103808867 Paul's talking. 14 00:00:51,212.103808867 --> 00:00:57,612.103808867 He says in verse 18, we all with unveiled faces are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord. 15 00:00:57,778.770475533 --> 00:01:02,203.770475533 And are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory. 16 00:01:02,528.770475533 --> 00:01:09,628.770475533 This is from the Lord who is the spirit? And as I think on this past summer yeah, our nine month groups go. 17 00:01:10,53.770475533 --> 00:01:17,378.770475533 We're actually about to start another one in a couple of weeks, and then it'll go until the end of April into may, just depending on how it. 18 00:01:17,837.103808867 --> 00:01:18,787.103808867 Line's up, but. 19 00:01:18,953.770475533 --> 00:01:21,303.770475533 Just because the group is over doesn't mean. 20 00:01:21,470.4371422 --> 00:01:21,970.4371422 The. 21 00:01:22,137.103808867 --> 00:01:24,503.770475533 Not what I mean is not that many things change. 22 00:01:24,670.4371422 --> 00:01:28,445.4371422 I am still pursuing Jesus desiring to be used by him. 23 00:01:28,445.4371422 --> 00:01:31,970.4371422 Desiring to, as John 15 says, abide in the vine. 24 00:01:32,137.103808867 --> 00:01:33,787.103808867 cause I don't want to be anywhere else. 25 00:01:34,187.103808867 --> 00:01:37,428.770475533 It says again in John 15, that we would have his joy. 26 00:01:37,595.4371422 --> 00:01:39,945.4371422 And then it will be full in our lives that. 27 00:01:40,112.10380887 --> 00:01:41,887.10380887 We would be satisfied by him. 28 00:01:41,887.10380887 --> 00:01:48,128.77047553 And so even though our group ends and it's very intense, We still are pursuing Jesus day in and day out. 29 00:01:48,128.77047553 --> 00:01:51,478.77047553 And that definitely looks different and there's less structure. 30 00:01:51,645.4371422 --> 00:01:53,795.4371422 But Jesus is always the goal. 31 00:01:53,962.10380887 --> 00:01:58,987.10380887 And this summer, I would say there have been ups and downs and the lack of structure. 32 00:01:59,153.77047553 --> 00:01:59,803.77047553 Has. 33 00:01:59,970.4371422 --> 00:02:01,870.4371422 Definitely been more difficult to summer. 34 00:02:02,328.77047553 --> 00:02:02,878.77047553 But. 35 00:02:03,45.4371422 --> 00:02:06,370.4371422 Ultimately one thing that I feel like God has been showing me. 36 00:02:06,820.4371422 --> 00:02:07,470.4371422 Is that. 37 00:02:07,795.4371422 --> 00:02:09,345.4371422 The goal of everything. 38 00:02:09,512.10380887 --> 00:02:10,387.10380887 Is to know him. 39 00:02:10,553.77047553 --> 00:02:12,203.77047553 It actually says in John. 40 00:02:12,370.4371422 --> 00:02:13,770.4371422 I believe it's 17. 41 00:02:13,937.10380887 --> 00:02:16,887.10380887 In John 17 three, it says this is eternal life. 42 00:02:17,262.10380887 --> 00:02:18,212.10380887 And they may know you. 43 00:02:18,562.10380887 --> 00:02:19,912.10380887 The only true God. 44 00:02:20,78.77047553 --> 00:02:21,503.77047553 And the one you have sent. 45 00:02:21,703.77047553 --> 00:02:22,753.77047553 Jesus Christ. 46 00:02:22,920.4371422 --> 00:02:24,795.4371422 This is Jesus praying to the father. 47 00:02:25,220.4371422 --> 00:02:27,270.4371422 He says, this is eternal life. 48 00:02:27,520.4371422 --> 00:02:29,20.4371422 To know God. 49 00:02:29,187.10380887 --> 00:02:33,403.77047553 So what else is there? God wants to reveal himself to us every day. 50 00:02:33,653.77047553 --> 00:02:37,303.77047553 This is a relationship we're called in John 15 to abide. 51 00:02:37,303.77047553 --> 00:02:39,453.77047553 And we're supposed to be with him continually. 52 00:02:39,903.77047553 --> 00:02:40,528.77047553 It's not. 53 00:02:41,37.10380887 --> 00:02:42,937.10380887 30 minute, quiet time in the morning. 54 00:02:42,937.10380887 --> 00:02:45,512.10380887 And then I go live my day for myself. 55 00:02:45,537.10380887 --> 00:02:49,337.10380887 And then I come and say my nightly prayers, again, meeting with Jesus, but rather. 56 00:02:49,503.77047553 --> 00:02:57,903.77047553 He desires to fill us with his holy spirit, that we would be led and directed by his spirit to live the life that he has called us to live. 57 00:02:58,70.4371422 --> 00:03:00,220.4371422 We can't love people like Jesus. 58 00:03:00,570.4371422 --> 00:03:02,345.4371422 Unless the spirit empowers us. 59 00:03:02,488.77047553 --> 00:03:02,988.77047553 This summer. 60 00:03:03,463.77047553 --> 00:03:05,838.77047553 Again, I think that I've been learning. 61 00:03:06,5.4371422 --> 00:03:06,730.4371422 Who is God. 62 00:03:06,897.10380887 --> 00:03:11,147.10380887 A lot of times, if you ask somebody this question, tell me about God, tell me about Jesus. 63 00:03:11,313.77047553 --> 00:03:12,355.4371422 I'll say I know he loves me. 64 00:03:12,522.10380887 --> 00:03:14,772.10380887 Jesus died on the cross for my sins. 65 00:03:14,797.10380887 --> 00:03:16,672.10380887 There's grace, I'm forgiven. 66 00:03:17,22.10380887 --> 00:03:19,255.4371422 They like to use these kinds of things, but no. 67 00:03:19,305.4371422 --> 00:03:20,5.4371422 Tell me. 68 00:03:20,172.10380887 --> 00:03:21,347.10380887 Tell me about the father. 69 00:03:21,513.77047553 --> 00:03:25,155.4371422 What is he like? And I think to some, this question might actually be. 70 00:03:25,572.10380887 --> 00:03:26,72.10380887 Crazy. 71 00:03:26,238.77047553 --> 00:03:27,513.77047553 He's more than just. 72 00:03:27,930.4371422 --> 00:03:29,5.4371422 Get out of hell ticket. 73 00:03:29,172.10380887 --> 00:03:36,47.10380887 And I already said it, but one of the best descriptors, actually primary descriptors of God is that he is our father. 74 00:03:36,213.77047553 --> 00:03:39,738.77047553 Even before he's to creator or he's the king, he's the ruler. 75 00:03:39,905.4371422 --> 00:03:40,680.4371422 Relationally. 76 00:03:40,680.4371422 --> 00:03:41,605.4371422 He's our father. 77 00:03:41,772.10380887 --> 00:03:44,672.10380887 He's our father that creates he's our father. 78 00:03:44,672.10380887 --> 00:03:46,172.10380887 That's in charge, but. 79 00:03:46,338.77047553 --> 00:03:48,313.77047553 Even if a ruler lets me off. 80 00:03:48,480.4371422 --> 00:03:50,755.4371422 If they say, okay, you're not guilty. 81 00:03:50,755.4371422 --> 00:03:52,630.4371422 You're you know, everything's going to be okay. 82 00:03:52,797.10380887 --> 00:03:55,872.10380887 I'm not going to say, I love that ruler might be thankful. 83 00:03:55,872.10380887 --> 00:03:57,397.10380887 I might say is a good guy, but. 84 00:03:57,563.77047553 --> 00:03:58,38.77047553 Love. 85 00:03:58,205.4371422 --> 00:04:00,555.4371422 But primarily God is our father. 86 00:04:00,722.10380887 --> 00:04:04,63.77047553 And so when we look to him, Now we can look at him with love. 87 00:04:04,230.4371422 --> 00:04:07,230.4371422 He's a loving father, a good father that. 88 00:04:07,397.10380887 --> 00:04:10,422.10380887 Also has all authority in power. 89 00:04:10,588.77047553 --> 00:04:11,780.4371422 And he can create. 90 00:04:12,205.4371422 --> 00:04:14,730.4371422 With the breadth of his mouth, he just speaks. 91 00:04:14,897.10380887 --> 00:04:15,847.10380887 And he creates. 92 00:04:16,13.77047553 --> 00:04:20,138.77047553 All of heaven and earth that says that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess. 93 00:04:20,138.77047553 --> 00:04:20,463.77047553 Yes. 94 00:04:20,863.77047553 --> 00:04:23,113.77047553 He is our king and our ruler. 95 00:04:23,280.4371422 --> 00:04:24,305.4371422 But he is our father. 96 00:04:24,472.10380887 --> 00:04:27,222.10380887 And he loves us and he delights in us. 97 00:04:27,672.10380887 --> 00:04:29,322.10380887 And he wants to be with us. 98 00:04:29,488.77047553 --> 00:04:30,388.77047553 And he wants us. 99 00:04:30,555.4371422 --> 00:04:32,205.4371422 To delight in him and to know him. 100 00:04:32,372.10380887 --> 00:04:35,197.10380887 Also our God is eternal. 101 00:04:35,363.77047553 --> 00:04:36,638.77047553 He's never had a beginning. 102 00:04:36,888.77047553 --> 00:04:37,863.77047553 He's never had an end. 103 00:04:37,888.77047553 --> 00:04:38,288.77047553 He is. 104 00:04:38,455.4371422 --> 00:04:39,430.4371422 Without measure. 105 00:04:39,597.10380887 --> 00:04:41,622.10380887 And time is also a measurement. 106 00:04:41,622.10380887 --> 00:04:42,822.10380887 I matter. 107 00:04:43,247.10380887 --> 00:04:49,47.10380887 And our universe is a measurement and he is without any boundaries or any measurement, he is limitless. 108 00:04:49,372.10380887 --> 00:04:51,47.10380887 So he is eternal. 109 00:04:51,372.10380887 --> 00:04:52,622.10380887 And he is infinite. 110 00:04:52,788.77047553 --> 00:04:54,163.77047553 And also our God. 111 00:04:54,513.77047553 --> 00:04:55,813.77047553 He transcends. 112 00:04:55,963.77047553 --> 00:04:57,563.77047553 He is not like us. 113 00:04:57,763.77047553 --> 00:04:59,138.77047553 The angels are not like him either. 114 00:04:59,305.4371422 --> 00:05:00,405.4371422 He is transcendent. 115 00:05:00,430.4371422 --> 00:05:01,380.4371422 He is above. 116 00:05:01,905.4371422 --> 00:05:02,955.4371422 All of creation. 117 00:05:03,405.4371422 --> 00:05:04,680.4371422 What is seen and. 118 00:05:05,130.4371422 --> 00:05:05,930.4371422 The unseen. 119 00:05:06,97.10380887 --> 00:05:07,447.10380887 He is ultimately good. 120 00:05:07,613.77047553 --> 00:05:08,838.77047553 He is ultimate good. 121 00:05:09,5.4371422 --> 00:05:10,30.4371422 And ultimate love. 122 00:05:10,197.10380887 --> 00:05:11,247.10380887 There is none. 123 00:05:11,622.10380887 --> 00:05:13,222.10380887 Like our God. 124 00:05:13,388.77047553 --> 00:05:14,188.77047553 And our father. 125 00:05:14,355.4371422 --> 00:05:18,430.4371422 And I don't know what you're going through today or what struggle you're having. 126 00:05:18,597.10380887 --> 00:05:23,47.10380887 But my theory is that the more you learn about God, the more satisfied. 127 00:05:23,213.77047553 --> 00:05:26,813.77047553 The more, you will know how to navigate whatever that issue is. 128 00:05:26,980.4371422 --> 00:05:32,5.4371422 If you've, if you don't believe in a good God, if you believe that he is abandoned you and that you were all alone. 129 00:05:32,255.4371422 --> 00:05:37,805.4371422 Then that is definitely going to cause some anxiety that might cause some anger and you feel like you have to take control of life. 130 00:05:37,972.10380887 --> 00:05:44,47.10380887 But if you believe in a good God that says in Romans that he works all things for your good and for his glory. 131 00:05:44,255.4371422 --> 00:05:47,122.10380887 So that he may be made known in every nation. 132 00:05:47,288.77047553 --> 00:05:49,613.77047553 For your good and for his glory. 133 00:05:49,963.77047553 --> 00:05:51,638.77047553 If you believe that you can rest. 134 00:05:52,55.4371422 --> 00:05:53,630.4371422 You can have peace and joy. 135 00:05:53,797.10380887 --> 00:06:00,5.4371422 Do you believe that? How do you live out your life? Does your life say, I believe in the goodness of God. 136 00:06:00,172.10380887 --> 00:06:03,97.10380887 Or are you striving? To figure it out on your own. 137 00:06:03,263.77047553 --> 00:06:06,88.77047553 I read one time a w Tozer said. 138 00:06:06,255.4371422 --> 00:06:09,447.10380887 The most important thing about you? Is what you think about. 139 00:06:09,613.77047553 --> 00:06:10,638.77047553 When you think about God. 140 00:06:10,805.4371422 --> 00:06:11,880.4371422 I thought about that. 141 00:06:12,47.10380887 --> 00:06:13,222.10380887 And I was like, oh, I love God. 142 00:06:13,247.10380887 --> 00:06:14,47.10380887 Man I got this. 143 00:06:14,47.10380887 --> 00:06:30,288.77047553 And then I realized why then do people around me think that I'm miserable or depressed or upset? Why am I struggling to interact in large crowds? Is it because I have a fear of God and not a fear of man is because I believe in the goodness of God and my identity is wrapped up in him. 144 00:06:30,455.4371422 --> 00:06:32,85.4371422 Or is it because, and I don't trust. 145 00:06:32,85.4371422 --> 00:06:32,760.4371422 Others. 146 00:06:32,927.10380887 --> 00:06:34,652.10380887 Maybe I believe that God forgot me. 147 00:06:34,818.77047553 --> 00:06:37,368.77047553 And I had this moment where I was thinking through this and I realized. 148 00:06:37,535.4371422 --> 00:06:39,185.4371422 That I wasn't thinking rightly. 149 00:06:39,485.4371422 --> 00:06:40,185.4371422 About God. 150 00:06:40,352.10380887 --> 00:06:42,477.10380887 And I think about this even today. 151 00:06:42,643.77047553 --> 00:06:45,418.77047553 If you look at Psalm 1 0 3. 152 00:06:45,585.4371422 --> 00:06:46,235.4371422 Every year. 153 00:06:46,402.10380887 --> 00:06:47,202.10380887 The groups memorized. 154 00:06:47,627.10380887 --> 00:06:49,777.10380887 Three before we start up and. 155 00:06:49,943.77047553 --> 00:06:51,168.77047553 It changed my life. 156 00:06:51,593.77047553 --> 00:06:54,193.77047553 God changed my life through this song. 157 00:06:54,360.4371422 --> 00:06:57,910.4371422 I'm going to read a portion of this and you tell me if you believe this. 158 00:06:58,77.10380887 --> 00:07:00,493.77047553 Does your live show that you believe this? My soul. 159 00:07:00,493.77047553 --> 00:07:02,218.77047553 Bless the Lord in all that is within me. 160 00:07:02,218.77047553 --> 00:07:03,368.77047553 Bless his holy name. 161 00:07:03,535.4371422 --> 00:07:05,985.4371422 My soul, bless the Lord and do not forget all his benefits. 162 00:07:06,152.10380887 --> 00:07:08,27.10380887 He forgives all your inequity. 163 00:07:08,193.77047553 --> 00:07:10,343.77047553 He heals all your diseases. 164 00:07:10,510.4371422 --> 00:07:12,235.4371422 He redeemed your life from the pit. 165 00:07:12,560.4371422 --> 00:07:15,110.4371422 He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. 166 00:07:15,310.4371422 --> 00:07:17,360.4371422 He satisfies you with good things. 167 00:07:17,560.4371422 --> 00:07:19,585.4371422 Your youth is renewed like the Eagle. 168 00:07:20,85.4371422 --> 00:07:24,10.4371422 The Lord executes, acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 169 00:07:24,177.10380887 --> 00:07:27,402.10380887 He revealed his ways to Moses his deeds, to the people of Israel. 170 00:07:27,627.10380887 --> 00:07:32,927.10380887 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love. 171 00:07:33,93.77047553 --> 00:07:35,143.77047553 As verses one through eight and I'll stop right there. 172 00:07:35,310.4371422 --> 00:07:36,35.4371422 But think about that. 173 00:07:36,60.4371422 --> 00:07:36,935.4371422 Do you believe. 174 00:07:37,102.10380887 --> 00:07:38,427.10380887 That you were once. 175 00:07:38,952.10380887 --> 00:07:40,127.10380887 An enemy of God. 176 00:07:40,293.77047553 --> 00:07:41,518.77047553 That you were destined. 177 00:07:41,685.4371422 --> 00:07:43,610.4371422 To eternal punishment separated. 178 00:07:43,935.4371422 --> 00:07:44,585.4371422 From God. 179 00:07:44,752.10380887 --> 00:07:45,877.10380887 And that he saved you. 180 00:07:46,43.77047553 --> 00:07:48,893.77047553 That all of your sin, iniquity, transgression. 181 00:07:49,60.4371422 --> 00:07:49,960.4371422 Has been forgiven. 182 00:07:50,127.10380887 --> 00:07:51,677.10380887 And removed from your account. 183 00:07:51,843.77047553 --> 00:07:58,85.4371422 Do you believe? That he has redeemed your life from the pit that he has put a spiritual crown. 184 00:07:58,485.4371422 --> 00:08:00,985.4371422 Of his faithful love and compassion on you. 185 00:08:01,152.10380887 --> 00:08:02,552.10380887 That he gives you good things. 186 00:08:02,718.77047553 --> 00:08:03,468.77047553 Is the Lord. 187 00:08:03,693.77047553 --> 00:08:05,593.77047553 Compassionate and gracious. 188 00:08:05,618.77047553 --> 00:08:06,393.77047553 Do you believe that. 189 00:08:06,560.4371422 --> 00:08:09,927.10380887 Do you believe that he's slow to anger? And abounding in faithful love. 190 00:08:10,93.77047553 --> 00:08:10,493.77047553 To you. 191 00:08:10,660.4371422 --> 00:08:11,460.4371422 If you did. 192 00:08:11,627.10380887 --> 00:08:18,10.4371422 Would you not be more compassionate? Would you not be known as someone who is gracious towards others. 193 00:08:18,585.4371422 --> 00:08:19,385.4371422 It was forgiving. 194 00:08:19,760.4371422 --> 00:08:20,535.4371422 Who is loving. 195 00:08:20,702.10380887 --> 00:08:21,452.10380887 Of course you would. 196 00:08:22,27.10380887 --> 00:08:23,52.10380887 If you're alive. 197 00:08:23,77.10380887 --> 00:08:28,843.77047553 I showed that you knew the God of the universe, who is your father? People would know that. 198 00:08:29,10.4371422 --> 00:08:29,535.4371422 Don't you think. 199 00:08:29,702.10380887 --> 00:08:30,252.10380887 Oh, amazing. 200 00:08:30,252.10380887 --> 00:08:30,602.10380887 Is that. 201 00:08:30,768.77047553 --> 00:08:33,643.77047553 And as I said, this summer has been one about. 202 00:08:33,810.4371422 --> 00:08:34,860.4371422 Learning more. 203 00:08:35,385.4371422 --> 00:08:36,835.4371422 About who God is. 204 00:08:36,860.4371422 --> 00:08:43,18.77047553 What is his nature? What does he delight in? Because it's in learning more and more about the nature of God. 205 00:08:43,185.4371422 --> 00:08:45,810.4371422 That protects us from lies from the enemy. 206 00:08:45,977.10380887 --> 00:08:46,527.10380887 Romans eight. 207 00:08:46,527.10380887 --> 00:08:49,602.10380887 One says that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. 208 00:08:49,768.77047553 --> 00:08:53,193.77047553 I don't know if you're like me, but there are many days where I condemn myself. 209 00:08:53,360.4371422 --> 00:08:57,585.4371422 And I can believe that God is angry at me, or I feel ashamed. 210 00:08:57,752.10380887 --> 00:08:59,177.10380887 But those are lies from the enemy. 211 00:08:59,343.77047553 --> 00:09:01,143.77047553 Your sin has been paid for. 212 00:09:01,310.4371422 --> 00:09:03,210.4371422 Transgression has been removed. 213 00:09:03,377.10380887 --> 00:09:04,277.10380887 And the father. 214 00:09:04,443.77047553 --> 00:09:05,168.77047553 Loves you. 215 00:09:05,335.4371422 --> 00:09:06,485.4371422 And as for you. 216 00:09:06,652.10380887 --> 00:09:08,27.10380887 And his caring for you right now. 217 00:09:08,193.77047553 --> 00:09:11,343.77047553 He is constantly calling you in to know him more every day. 218 00:09:11,510.4371422 --> 00:09:12,60.4371422 Every moment. 219 00:09:12,227.10380887 --> 00:09:13,352.10380887 So there's no condemnation. 220 00:09:13,518.77047553 --> 00:09:14,468.77047553 So why is it that I. 221 00:09:14,635.4371422 --> 00:09:16,60.4371422 Walk in shame some days. 222 00:09:16,610.4371422 --> 00:09:17,360.4371422 Or fear. 223 00:09:17,527.10380887 --> 00:09:18,427.10380887 And other days. 224 00:09:18,593.77047553 --> 00:09:23,768.77047553 But if I knew the nature of God and I trusted and actually believed that he is that way. 225 00:09:23,935.4371422 --> 00:09:29,383.77047553 How in the world, could I walk in shame? Like I said this summer has been one about learning. 226 00:09:29,858.77047553 --> 00:09:30,858.77047553 The nature of God. 227 00:09:31,25.4371422 --> 00:09:31,875.4371422 And then also. 228 00:09:32,42.10380887 --> 00:09:33,417.10380887 Preparing for this next year. 229 00:09:33,583.77047553 --> 00:09:36,883.77047553 Summer is a time to support res. 230 00:09:37,408.77047553 --> 00:09:38,808.77047553 To connect with. 231 00:09:38,975.4371422 --> 00:09:41,875.4371422 With friends and family that I don't get to interact with. 232 00:09:42,100.4371422 --> 00:09:43,625.4371422 During the years much. 233 00:09:43,792.10380887 --> 00:09:44,342.10380887 And then. 234 00:09:44,508.77047553 --> 00:09:46,558.77047553 Yeah, we just got back from. 235 00:09:46,725.4371422 --> 00:09:48,475.4371422 Staff gathering for launch global. 236 00:09:48,875.4371422 --> 00:09:55,675.4371422 And that was just a great time to be around people that are doing the same job that I am, but in 20 other churches across the us and. 237 00:09:56,8.77047553 --> 00:09:59,283.77047553 Get to hear what God's doing and all these different churches and. 238 00:09:59,450.4371422 --> 00:10:04,925.4371422 A time of renewed vision and to hear and be close to God and in community. 239 00:10:04,925.4371422 --> 00:10:05,50.4371422 And. 240 00:10:05,217.10380887 --> 00:10:06,650.4371422 Just a really good time and. 241 00:10:06,817.10380887 --> 00:10:10,217.10380887 It helps to build up our hearts to prepare for this next year. 242 00:10:10,383.77047553 --> 00:10:15,625.4371422 And so as I look towards this next year starting in a couple of weeks, I look forward with excitement. 243 00:10:15,750.4371422 --> 00:10:17,25.4371422 At anticipation. 244 00:10:17,425.4371422 --> 00:10:20,600.4371422 With expectancy that God is going to move. 245 00:10:21,75.4371422 --> 00:10:22,650.4371422 There will be hard moments. 246 00:10:22,875.4371422 --> 00:10:24,275.4371422 There will be days where. 247 00:10:24,442.10380887 --> 00:10:28,742.10380887 The enemy is coming after us, where there is pruning being done by the father. 248 00:10:28,908.77047553 --> 00:10:29,883.77047553 But ultimately. 249 00:10:30,50.4371422 --> 00:10:31,700.4371422 Whether it's hard day. 250 00:10:31,952.65936442 --> 00:10:32,442.87100463 Or a day that we get to see God move. 251 00:10:32,442.87100463 --> 00:10:32,835.0403168 In a big way and somebody who's alive. 252 00:10:32,870.26329488 --> 00:10:34,145.26329488 we get to see God move. 253 00:10:34,570.26329488 --> 00:10:35,920.26329488 In a big way and somebody who's alive. 254 00:10:35,945.26329488 --> 00:10:37,495.26329488 However that day unfolds. 255 00:10:37,661.92996155 --> 00:10:40,586.92996155 We will learn more about God through this next year. 256 00:10:40,611.92996155 --> 00:10:43,61.92996155 We will get to see him move in powerful ways. 257 00:10:43,228.59662822 --> 00:10:48,378.59662822 And it's such a joy and a privilege to be able to get to do this again, to those that are on my support team. 258 00:10:48,545.26329488 --> 00:10:49,445.26329488 I'm so thankful. 259 00:10:49,770.26329488 --> 00:10:51,270.26329488 That I get to be a part of this. 260 00:10:51,270.26329488 --> 00:10:53,895.26329488 I'm thankful that we get to do this together. 261 00:10:54,61.92996155 --> 00:10:56,536.92996155 And I was just praying that you would be encouraged that. 262 00:10:56,703.59662822 --> 00:10:59,802.67448158 How you're pouring into this ministry and into the kingdom. 263 00:11:00,418.05241053 --> 00:11:02,368.05241053 I just pray that God would multiply. 264 00:11:02,593.05241053 --> 00:11:03,343.05241053 The fruit. 265 00:11:03,718.05241053 --> 00:11:04,768.05241053 His near Innes. 266 00:11:04,976.38574386 --> 00:11:06,301.38574386 That God would comfort you. 267 00:11:06,468.05241053 --> 00:11:09,268.05241053 Would teach you so that you would know him in a deeper way. 268 00:11:09,434.7190772 --> 00:11:10,409.7190772 In this next year. 269 00:11:10,576.38574386 --> 00:11:11,576.38574386 That he would bless you. 270 00:11:11,743.05241053 --> 00:11:14,118.05241053 This morning, I got to share with our team. 271 00:11:14,284.7190772 --> 00:11:18,659.7190772 About the parable, the talents in Matthew 25 it's versus. 272 00:11:19,184.7190772 --> 00:11:20,609.7190772 14 through 30. 273 00:11:20,776.38574386 --> 00:11:23,576.38574386 And I would encourage you to go and read this passage. 274 00:11:23,784.7190772 --> 00:11:26,484.7190772 At the very beginning, it says that there is a man. 275 00:11:26,759.7190772 --> 00:11:31,84.7190772 That is about to go on a journey and he called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 276 00:11:31,251.38574386 --> 00:11:37,1.38574386 He gave one, five talents and other too, and another one town, depending on each one's ability, then he went on a journey. 277 00:11:37,168.05241053 --> 00:11:41,118.05241053 And we know the story, the one with five doubled it to, he doubles it. 278 00:11:41,118.05241053 --> 00:11:44,43.05241053 And the one, he buries it in the field and he hides it. 279 00:11:44,393.05241053 --> 00:11:50,251.38574386 And when the master comes back, he's Hey, what's going on? The first one says, Hey, I took that five and I have 10. 280 00:11:50,676.38574386 --> 00:11:51,451.38574386 It says well done. 281 00:11:51,451.38574386 --> 00:11:53,351.38574386 Good and faithful servant one with two doubled it. 282 00:11:53,401.38574386 --> 00:11:54,126.38574386 Now it has four. 283 00:11:54,351.38574386 --> 00:11:54,976.38574386 Well done. 284 00:11:54,976.38574386 --> 00:11:55,876.38574386 Good and faithful servant. 285 00:11:56,151.38574386 --> 00:12:00,951.38574386 And then the last one says I had one and I know that you're a harsh man reaping where you didn't. 286 00:12:00,993.05241053 --> 00:12:03,643.05241053 And so I was afraid essentially, and I hit it. 287 00:12:03,809.7190772 --> 00:12:04,934.7190772 And here's your one talent. 288 00:12:05,101.38574386 --> 00:12:05,901.38574386 And the master. 289 00:12:06,176.38574386 --> 00:12:06,751.38574386 Says. 290 00:12:06,918.05241053 --> 00:12:09,93.05241053 In verse 26, you evil, lazy servant. 291 00:12:09,568.05241053 --> 00:12:10,293.05241053 If you knew. 292 00:12:10,693.05241053 --> 00:12:11,568.05241053 That I reap. 293 00:12:11,893.05241053 --> 00:12:13,843.05241053 Where I haven't sown and gather where I haven't scattered. 294 00:12:14,9.7190772 --> 00:12:16,459.7190772 And you should have deposited my money with the bankers and I would have. 295 00:12:16,626.38574386 --> 00:12:19,176.38574386 Receive my money back with interest when I return. 296 00:12:19,343.05241053 --> 00:12:23,193.05241053 And so it goes on and takes his talent, gives it to one with 10 talents now. 297 00:12:23,359.7190772 --> 00:12:25,884.7190772 And what's amazing about this store is that. 298 00:12:26,334.7190772 --> 00:12:30,309.7190772 I've never thought about this, but the master isn't, he doesn't tell them specifically what to do. 299 00:12:30,476.38574386 --> 00:12:33,301.38574386 You just gives them the talent or the money or whatever it is. 300 00:12:33,468.05241053 --> 00:12:35,93.05241053 It gives it to him and he goes on a journey. 301 00:12:35,259.7190772 --> 00:12:36,959.7190772 And they multiply it. 302 00:12:37,126.38574386 --> 00:12:38,226.38574386 It doesn't tell them what to do. 303 00:12:38,393.05241053 --> 00:12:42,543.05241053 And then secondly, when he comes back, He tells that servant you wicked. 304 00:12:42,893.05241053 --> 00:12:44,93.05241053 And lazy servant. 305 00:12:44,259.7190772 --> 00:12:47,684.7190772 Have you ever wanted to do something for God, but you were afraid. 306 00:12:47,851.38574386 --> 00:12:49,326.38574386 You're afraid that it was wrong. 307 00:12:49,493.05241053 --> 00:12:54,518.05241053 You're afraid that if you do it and you mess up and you failed that he's going to be displeased with you. 308 00:12:54,684.7190772 --> 00:12:56,59.7190772 I think one of the lessons here. 309 00:12:56,409.7190772 --> 00:12:57,834.7190772 Is do you believe. 310 00:12:58,184.7190772 --> 00:12:59,109.7190772 That your father. 311 00:12:59,276.38574386 --> 00:13:01,151.38574386 Is a harsh taskmaster. 312 00:13:01,318.05241053 --> 00:13:03,843.05241053 Unless you perform to the peak ability. 313 00:13:04,368.05241053 --> 00:13:05,418.05241053 He's going to be. 314 00:13:05,484.7190772 --> 00:13:06,334.7190772 Upset with you. 315 00:13:06,501.38574386 --> 00:13:09,751.38574386 Because again in this passage, he doesn't tell them what to do. 316 00:13:09,918.05241053 --> 00:13:11,534.7190772 It just says, here it is now. 317 00:13:11,559.7190772 --> 00:13:12,109.7190772 Go for it. 318 00:13:12,276.38574386 --> 00:13:14,176.38574386 Dallas Willard in his book hearing God. 319 00:13:14,343.05241053 --> 00:13:15,243.05241053 Points this out. 320 00:13:15,409.7190772 --> 00:13:17,484.7190772 And he calls it creative initiative. 321 00:13:17,651.38574386 --> 00:13:19,201.38574386 We're not a bunch of robots. 322 00:13:19,551.38574386 --> 00:13:20,851.38574386 God created you. 323 00:13:21,76.38574386 --> 00:13:21,851.38574386 Uniquely. 324 00:13:22,351.38574386 --> 00:13:27,51.38574386 And he desires that you would use the gifts and talents and resources and time and wisdom. 325 00:13:27,351.38574386 --> 00:13:28,76.38574386 And everything. 326 00:13:28,576.38574386 --> 00:13:32,276.38574386 To bring glory to him so that the world would know about him. 327 00:13:32,443.05241053 --> 00:13:34,243.05241053 And so my question for you. 328 00:13:34,409.7190772 --> 00:13:37,384.7190772 Considering that you don't believe that God is a harsh task master. 329 00:13:37,551.38574386 --> 00:13:40,201.38574386 You see him as a good loving father. 330 00:13:40,368.05241053 --> 00:13:42,943.05241053 What would you like to do? To multiply his kingdom. 331 00:13:43,343.05241053 --> 00:13:45,493.05241053 What do you think? Brings you joy. 332 00:13:45,659.7190772 --> 00:13:46,559.7190772 For me, it's doing. 333 00:13:46,884.7190772 --> 00:13:49,234.7190772 Fun little things like this podcast or. 334 00:13:49,693.05241053 --> 00:13:52,418.05241053 Making a magazine for our nine month group. 335 00:13:52,584.7190772 --> 00:13:54,776.38574386 What is it for you? If you could do anything. 336 00:13:54,943.05241053 --> 00:13:57,193.05241053 If you could do anything for God, for his kingdom. 337 00:13:57,359.7190772 --> 00:13:59,351.38574386 What would that be? Using your creativity. 338 00:13:59,518.05241053 --> 00:14:07,993.05241053 What do you think would bring you the most joy? Now I want to put a little asterix on this and say, yes, there are times in which God says, I want you to go here. 339 00:14:08,343.05241053 --> 00:14:09,568.05241053 I want you to do this. 340 00:14:09,734.7190772 --> 00:14:13,993.05241053 But if you're not in one of those seasons, he's not asking you to sit back and do nothing. 341 00:14:14,159.7190772 --> 00:14:18,59.7190772 He's not asking you to stay back paralyzed in fear that you're not going to get it right. 342 00:14:18,226.38574386 --> 00:14:19,901.38574386 He's calling you into the work. 343 00:14:20,68.05241053 --> 00:14:23,34.7190772 How do you want to be used? And it might not be anything crazy. 344 00:14:23,34.7190772 --> 00:14:23,609.7190772 It might be. 345 00:14:24,59.7190772 --> 00:14:25,759.7190772 Actually, I love to make coffee. 346 00:14:25,926.38574386 --> 00:14:27,101.38574386 And I love serving people. 347 00:14:27,101.38574386 --> 00:14:28,801.38574386 And so I want to help the church with. 348 00:14:29,301.38574386 --> 00:14:31,176.38574386 Serving coffee in the mornings or. 349 00:14:31,343.05241053 --> 00:14:34,818.05241053 I really love spreadsheets and numbers, and I want to. 350 00:14:35,318.05241053 --> 00:14:37,593.05241053 Be used in that way somehow with. 351 00:14:37,759.7190772 --> 00:14:40,484.7190772 My church or with a nonprofit or. 352 00:14:40,651.38574386 --> 00:14:42,251.38574386 I don't know, that's not me. 353 00:14:42,251.38574386 --> 00:14:43,576.38574386 So I can't really come up with it. 354 00:14:43,743.05241053 --> 00:14:44,393.05241053 But what isn't. 355 00:14:44,559.7190772 --> 00:14:45,34.7190772 For you. 356 00:14:45,201.38574386 --> 00:14:45,976.38574386 And just try it. 357 00:14:46,143.05241053 --> 00:14:47,43.05241053 And I guarantee you. 358 00:14:47,543.05241053 --> 00:14:49,443.05241053 You'll try and you might succeed. 359 00:14:49,443.05241053 --> 00:14:50,193.05241053 You might fail. 360 00:14:50,193.05241053 --> 00:14:51,93.05241053 It doesn't matter. 361 00:14:51,259.7190772 --> 00:14:52,734.7190772 The father will be pleased. 362 00:14:52,734.7190772 --> 00:14:54,84.7190772 He is going to delight in you. 363 00:14:54,84.7190772 --> 00:14:56,284.7190772 He's going to find joy in you the entire way. 364 00:14:56,859.7190772 --> 00:14:58,334.7190772 He finds join you regardless. 365 00:14:58,501.38574386 --> 00:15:00,951.38574386 But he wants you to participate in the ministry with him. 366 00:15:01,118.05241053 --> 00:15:01,843.05241053 So quickly. 367 00:15:01,968.05241053 --> 00:15:03,293.05241053 I just wanted to point this out. 368 00:15:03,459.7190772 --> 00:15:04,859.7190772 You don't have to be afraid. 369 00:15:05,259.7190772 --> 00:15:06,584.7190772 If you get it wrong or not. 370 00:15:06,751.38574386 --> 00:15:08,251.38574386 God is much bigger than you. 371 00:15:08,751.38574386 --> 00:15:10,726.38574386 And your rational thinking or. 372 00:15:10,893.05241053 --> 00:15:12,618.05241053 You can't mess up his plans. 373 00:15:12,784.7190772 --> 00:15:13,959.7190772 But you can be a part of them. 374 00:15:14,126.38574386 --> 00:15:16,326.38574386 And the question is, if you don't. 375 00:15:16,493.05241053 --> 00:15:18,68.05241053 Take a step and a risk. 376 00:15:18,234.7190772 --> 00:15:19,259.7190772 And do something. 377 00:15:19,559.7190772 --> 00:15:20,534.7190772 For God's kingdom. 378 00:15:20,701.38574386 --> 00:15:21,776.38574386 What's the alternative. 379 00:15:21,943.05241053 --> 00:15:24,318.05241053 They're like, I don't know what it is and I'm afraid. 380 00:15:24,793.05241053 --> 00:15:25,843.05241053 What's the alternative. 381 00:15:26,9.7190772 --> 00:15:26,809.7190772 To do nothing. 382 00:15:26,976.38574386 --> 00:15:31,893.05241053 What do you think God wants you to do nothing or something? Why not do something. 383 00:15:32,293.05241053 --> 00:15:33,193.05241053 That brings you joy. 384 00:15:33,359.7190772 --> 00:15:35,184.7190772 And it draws you closer to God. 385 00:15:35,351.38574386 --> 00:15:38,276.38574386 And then he gets to partner with you in the work that he's doing. 386 00:15:38,851.38574386 --> 00:15:39,126.38574386 Okay. 387 00:15:39,126.38574386 --> 00:15:42,751.38574386 As we in this episode, I just wanted to share with y'all. 388 00:15:43,151.38574386 --> 00:15:45,326.38574386 Today, our mobilization team. 389 00:15:45,826.38574386 --> 00:15:47,101.38574386 Went and spent time. 390 00:15:47,626.38574386 --> 00:15:48,401.38574386 Sharing our faith. 391 00:15:48,568.05241053 --> 00:15:52,493.05241053 Because we want to be people that take the kingdom of God wherever we go. 392 00:15:52,659.7190772 --> 00:15:56,184.7190772 And so we were in a training this morning and we're challenged. 393 00:15:56,359.7190772 --> 00:15:57,609.7190772 They called it mobbing. 394 00:15:57,776.38574386 --> 00:16:03,426.38574386 And essentially what it is you go in a small group to a restaurant or to a food court or anywhere really. 395 00:16:03,593.05241053 --> 00:16:05,418.05241053 And you're going, but the intentionality. 396 00:16:05,818.05241053 --> 00:16:08,143.05241053 To pray for people to share the gospel. 397 00:16:08,493.05241053 --> 00:16:12,468.05241053 To talk to your waiter or the people at the business. 398 00:16:12,634.7190772 --> 00:16:19,309.7190772 And then while you're sitting at the table, of course, you're just interacting as friends, but at some point you're going to read a Bible story. 399 00:16:19,709.7190772 --> 00:16:22,809.7190772 And you're going to spend time together at the restaurant. 400 00:16:23,168.05241053 --> 00:16:24,618.05241053 It's a way for you to. 401 00:16:25,93.05241053 --> 00:16:26,618.05241053 Be bold in a group. 402 00:16:26,784.7190772 --> 00:16:37,743.05241053 So we were talking about where do we go? We go to this restaurant or this one, do we want to focus on internationals or does it matter? And came to the point where, Hey, we're not going to do it perfectly. 403 00:16:37,743.05241053 --> 00:16:39,393.05241053 So just pick one and let's go. 404 00:16:39,559.7190772 --> 00:16:42,101.3857439 And so we picked this local Indian restaurant. 405 00:16:42,268.0524105 --> 00:16:43,168.0524105 In our neighborhood. 406 00:16:43,334.7190772 --> 00:16:45,184.7190772 And as we're driving there. 407 00:16:45,584.7190772 --> 00:16:48,176.3857439 One of the guys in the car said, Hey, let's ask that guy. 408 00:16:48,176.3857439 --> 00:16:49,701.3857439 If he wants to join us for lunch. 409 00:16:49,868.0524105 --> 00:16:53,1.3857439 And yeah, We couldn't tell if he was homeless or just. 410 00:16:53,168.0524105 --> 00:16:59,51.3857439 Waiting on the bus or we didn't know, but just jumped out and asked him, Hey, we're about to go grab lunch. 411 00:16:59,101.3857439 --> 00:17:01,368.0524105 Do you want to go? And he. 412 00:17:01,534.7190772 --> 00:17:02,684.7190772 Eventually said no. 413 00:17:02,851.3857439 --> 00:17:03,326.3857439 But. 414 00:17:03,743.0524105 --> 00:17:04,718.0524105 We've got to talk to him. 415 00:17:05,18.0524105 --> 00:17:06,393.0524105 Ask him, if you need a prayer. 416 00:17:06,559.7190772 --> 00:17:08,59.7190772 And ultimately. 417 00:17:08,518.0524105 --> 00:17:09,893.0524105 He didn't go with us and that's okay. 418 00:17:09,918.0524105 --> 00:17:14,568.0524105 So then we're going, and as we were going to the restaurant, we just had this thought like, oh, wow. 419 00:17:14,918.0524105 --> 00:17:15,568.0524105 What if. 420 00:17:15,734.7190772 --> 00:17:17,309.7190772 We've already talked to people about Jesus. 421 00:17:17,634.7190772 --> 00:17:18,734.7190772 At this apartment complex. 422 00:17:18,734.7190772 --> 00:17:22,701.3857439 What if we went and invited some of the people that we've met? And so went to that apartment complex. 423 00:17:22,701.3857439 --> 00:17:24,76.3857439 We invited a few people. 424 00:17:24,526.3857439 --> 00:17:26,601.3857439 Ultimately, nobody came. 425 00:17:26,768.0524105 --> 00:17:27,568.0524105 But that's okay. 426 00:17:27,734.7190772 --> 00:17:31,284.7190772 They, we had one guy that we'd never met before we prayed for him. 427 00:17:31,701.3857439 --> 00:17:33,76.3857439 That was a great conversation. 428 00:17:33,526.3857439 --> 00:17:37,501.3857439 And then we invited some other people and they said, no, but when's the last time. 429 00:17:37,668.0524105 --> 00:17:39,993.0524105 Some people that you didn't know that well, I just said, Hey. 430 00:17:40,159.7190772 --> 00:17:41,509.7190772 I want you to come to lunch with us. 431 00:17:41,676.3857439 --> 00:17:44,276.3857439 And so I'm hoping that it was encouraging to those people. 432 00:17:44,443.0524105 --> 00:17:45,743.0524105 And maybe next time. 433 00:17:46,168.0524105 --> 00:17:48,593.0524105 If we keep asking, eventually somebody will say, yeah, let's go. 434 00:17:48,759.7190772 --> 00:17:50,834.7190772 And so then we showed up to the restaurant. 435 00:17:51,1.3857439 --> 00:17:54,351.3857439 And it was a mixture of just excitement. 436 00:17:54,518.0524105 --> 00:17:55,643.0524105 Honestly fear. 437 00:17:55,809.7190772 --> 00:17:56,259.7190772 And. 438 00:17:56,426.3857439 --> 00:17:58,726.3857439 Anticipation for, to see what God was going to do. 439 00:17:58,726.3857439 --> 00:17:58,876.3857439 And. 440 00:17:59,43.0524105 --> 00:18:03,768.0524105 At the end of our time there, we basically talked to all the staff at that restaurant that had came on the floor. 441 00:18:03,934.7190772 --> 00:18:06,259.7190772 And all of them knew that we were Christians. 442 00:18:06,426.3857439 --> 00:18:08,101.3857439 We asked them where they were from. 443 00:18:08,276.3857439 --> 00:18:16,1.3857439 We talked to them about different places in India and the climates and the food and what they love about being here in Austin. 444 00:18:16,168.0524105 --> 00:18:17,793.0524105 We shared things about the Bible. 445 00:18:17,959.7190772 --> 00:18:20,984.7190772 And then this one guy that we actually didn't even say anything to. 446 00:18:20,984.7190772 --> 00:18:24,559.7190772 We talked to him once, but didn't say anything to him about Jesus yet. 447 00:18:24,726.3857439 --> 00:18:26,476.3857439 And he comes back to us and he says, Hey. 448 00:18:26,643.0524105 --> 00:18:28,918.0524105 I just, I gotta get this off my chest. 449 00:18:29,84.7190772 --> 00:18:30,534.7190772 You guys look really familiar. 450 00:18:30,534.7190772 --> 00:18:31,384.7190772 Do I know you. 451 00:18:31,551.3857439 --> 00:18:33,751.3857439 And we've never seen this guy before in our life. 452 00:18:34,168.0524105 --> 00:18:34,968.0524105 Turns out. 453 00:18:35,134.7190772 --> 00:18:36,384.7190772 He's actually a Mormon. 454 00:18:36,959.7190772 --> 00:18:39,9.7190772 And he goes to a Mormon church in round rock. 455 00:18:39,176.3857439 --> 00:18:40,126.3857439 He's an Indian guy. 456 00:18:40,651.3857439 --> 00:18:41,501.3857439 That somehow. 457 00:18:41,918.0524105 --> 00:18:47,93.0524105 Since he came to the states, interacted with the church and then ended up in a Mormon. 458 00:18:47,259.7190772 --> 00:18:47,659.7190772 Church. 459 00:18:47,659.7190772 --> 00:18:50,784.7190772 And I don't know how all that worked out, but we were able to talk to him. 460 00:18:51,59.7190772 --> 00:18:53,309.7190772 You could tell that God was working on his heart. 461 00:18:53,476.3857439 --> 00:18:59,701.3857439 And one of the guys with me got his phone number and just told him we would love to read the Bible with you. 462 00:18:59,701.3857439 --> 00:19:02,593.0524105 Sometime we offered to read the Bible with him right then but he was. 463 00:19:03,9.7190772 --> 00:19:04,134.7190772 Nervous to do that. 464 00:19:04,301.3857439 --> 00:19:04,901.3857439 And then. 465 00:19:05,68.0524105 --> 00:19:08,768.0524105 You said that he's got some personal things that are pretty tough right now. 466 00:19:08,793.0524105 --> 00:19:10,43.0524105 He doesn't have a lot of time and. 467 00:19:10,209.7190772 --> 00:19:15,734.7190772 And so my friend got to share with him that God loves him and he's listened to his prayers and he's there for him then. 468 00:19:15,901.3857439 --> 00:19:17,951.3857439 You've just really encouraged him and got to pray with him. 469 00:19:17,951.3857439 --> 00:19:18,101.3857439 And. 470 00:19:18,676.3857439 --> 00:19:19,226.3857439 It was funny. 471 00:19:19,226.3857439 --> 00:19:24,801.3857439 It was like during that time, and even afterwards, like there were just moments in all of that, that you could just tell. 472 00:19:24,968.0524105 --> 00:19:28,193.0524105 I just a joy in different people in our group where. 473 00:19:28,359.7190772 --> 00:19:29,159.7190772 Just coming out. 474 00:19:29,326.3857439 --> 00:19:30,1.3857439 They couldn't help it. 475 00:19:30,176.3857439 --> 00:19:32,676.3857439 They were just so full of joy. 476 00:19:33,151.3857439 --> 00:19:34,376.3857439 To be able to do something. 477 00:19:34,376.3857439 --> 00:19:39,368.0524105 So what seemed so wild and crazy? But at the same time, taking the gospel. 478 00:19:39,893.0524105 --> 00:19:43,443.0524105 And loving on our neighbors in a way that we weren't used to. 479 00:19:43,768.0524105 --> 00:19:45,318.0524105 It was just so fun to partner with God. 480 00:19:45,759.7190772 --> 00:19:46,459.7190772 And all that. 481 00:19:46,559.7190772 --> 00:19:49,709.7190772 And so just ask that you would pray for our waiter. 482 00:19:50,18.0524105 --> 00:19:54,18.0524105 Ask the God would break through the lies that he's believed in the Mormon church. 483 00:19:54,184.7190772 --> 00:19:55,484.7190772 God would work in his life. 484 00:19:55,651.3857439 --> 00:19:58,351.3857439 What I learned today from this process is that. 485 00:19:58,518.0524105 --> 00:20:01,443.0524105 It's not about going out and sharing your faith one time a week. 486 00:20:01,609.7190772 --> 00:20:04,234.7190772 It's about taking the kingdom of God everywhere you go. 487 00:20:04,401.3857439 --> 00:20:05,801.3857439 Whether you go to a restaurant. 488 00:20:05,968.0524105 --> 00:20:07,118.0524105 Or to the grocery store. 489 00:20:07,284.7190772 --> 00:20:08,359.7190772 Whether you're going to. 490 00:20:08,526.3857439 --> 00:20:12,276.3857439 A recreational place like a park, or you're going to go play pickleball. 491 00:20:12,443.0524105 --> 00:20:13,743.0524105 Take the kingdom of God with you. 492 00:20:13,743.0524105 --> 00:20:14,743.0524105 You never know. 493 00:20:14,909.7190772 --> 00:20:16,634.7190772 Where God is wanting to use you. 494 00:20:16,801.3857439 --> 00:20:18,201.3857439 And I think when you share. 495 00:20:18,476.3857439 --> 00:20:23,226.3857439 The hope and the joy that Jesus gives you, you will experience. 496 00:20:23,393.0524105 --> 00:20:23,868.0524105 Joy. 497 00:20:24,443.0524105 --> 00:20:25,243.0524105 And apiece. 498 00:20:25,409.7190772 --> 00:20:26,309.7190772 You just don't know. 499 00:20:26,476.3857439 --> 00:20:26,801.3857439 When. 500 00:20:27,251.3857439 --> 00:20:28,501.3857439 When you're not living life. 501 00:20:29,51.3857439 --> 00:20:29,676.3857439 For the kingdom. 502 00:20:29,718.0524105 --> 00:20:31,818.0524105 Again, I was terrified. 503 00:20:31,984.7190772 --> 00:20:33,334.7190772 The majority of the time. 504 00:20:33,509.7190772 --> 00:20:36,84.7190772 I was the one that was like, Hey, I don't know if we should do that. 505 00:20:36,84.7190772 --> 00:20:36,309.7190772 Or. 506 00:20:36,476.3857439 --> 00:20:39,176.3857439 It's just, sometimes it gets so nerve wracking. 507 00:20:39,343.0524105 --> 00:20:41,543.0524105 But when you see God move, it just reminds you. 508 00:20:41,709.7190772 --> 00:20:42,234.7190772 Yes. 509 00:20:42,784.7190772 --> 00:20:43,109.7190772 Do it. 510 00:20:43,276.3857439 --> 00:20:44,226.3857439 Jesus's worthy. 511 00:20:44,393.0524105 --> 00:20:46,243.0524105 I hope that this episode is encouraging. 512 00:20:46,409.7190772 --> 00:20:48,134.7190772 And again, just want to ask that question. 513 00:20:48,301.3857439 --> 00:20:51,426.3857439 Knowing your gifts and talents and abilities and where you're at in life. 514 00:20:51,593.0524105 --> 00:20:56,151.3857439 What would bring you joy? And how could you partner with God for his kingdom? And just try it. 515 00:20:56,318.0524105 --> 00:20:57,818.0524105 I would love to hear your stories. 516 00:20:58,18.0524105 --> 00:20:58,943.0524105 I would love to hear. 517 00:20:59,268.0524105 --> 00:21:02,168.0524105 Of how you just take a risk for God and his kingdom. 518 00:21:02,334.7190772 --> 00:21:02,859.7190772 Remember. 519 00:21:03,26.3857439 --> 00:21:05,609.7190772 This podcast is seen and heard. 520 00:21:05,776.3857439 --> 00:21:07,801.3857439 Because this is the place where we just can't help. 521 00:21:08,226.3857439 --> 00:21:13,776.3857439 But tell others about what we have seen in her God doing our lives and in the lives of others. 522 00:21:14,449.7190772 --> 00:21:15,449.7190772 So you guys next time.
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