Allen Jackson - I Am Sending You (Part 2)

December 9, 2024 | 27:29

Pastor Allen Jackson encourages his congregation to lead with their faith during the holiday season. He shares the story of Moses and how God equipped him with miracles and authority to lead the Israelites out of oppression. Pastor Allen challenges his listeners to bring their faith to bear in their interactions with others, to pray for those in need, and to be prepared with compassionate and kind actions. He emphasizes the power of God and the importance of shining God's light in a world filled with challenges and opposition.

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - I Am Sending You (Part 2) | December 9, 2024
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  • Cc by aberdeen captioning 1-800-688-6621 www.aberdeen.io
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  • Allen jackson: over these next few weeks, with all the people
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  • You'll interact with in a new way.
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  • We're giving thanks, we're celebrating jesus's birth, all
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  • Sorts of god opportunities around that.
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  • When you meet somebody that has a need for god's intervention,
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  • Something we can't do, you think, oh, i wish i knew what
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  • To say.
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  • You know, i have this crazy pastor and he gave us a prayer,
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  • Let's pray.
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  • If you have to keep it, let me look it up in my phone.
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  • I got a picture of it, just a minute.
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  • I don't pay close enough attention to remember what he
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  • Says, he talks all the time, but i took a picture of it.
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  • Here it is.
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  • Heavenly father, nothing is impossible for you.
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  • We ask for your intervention.
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  • Let your grace and power be made evident, in jesus's name, amen.
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  • And when you say amen, don't stand there and wait, don't give
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  • Them the creepy one-eyed spiritual look.
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  • You know what i'm talking--don't do that to them.
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  • Happy thanksgiving. merry christmas.
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  • God bless you.
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  • Let them come back and find you and tell you about what god did.
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  • Moses isn't done, he's not convinced.
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  • The lord said, verse 6: "the lord said, 'moses, put your hand
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  • Inside your cloak.'
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  • So moses put his hand into his cloak, and when he took it out,
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  • It was leprous, like snow.
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  • 'now put it back into your cloak,' he said.
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  • So moses put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it
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  • Out, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh."
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  • That sounds to me a whole lot like a healing story.
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  • Moses, i wanna show you another part of the authority.
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  • He said, i can maintain your health, your well-being.
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  • It will be a part of the revelation moses walks the
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  • Entire group of people towards.
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  • It says multiple places, that while they wandered for--it's a
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  • 40-year period in the desert.
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  • It says that their clothing didn't wear out.
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  • God kept them strong, even their feet didn't swell.
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  • Now, i've lived in israel.
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  • I have hiked the negev.
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  • That's the desert, it's not some sandy, wavy place with every
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  • Mile and a half an oasis with palm trees and ice cream.
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  • It's a miserable, hot, brutal--we were there
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  • Videotaping one day, we had several things we had to shoot
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  • And we only had one day.
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  • We had multiple stops to make, we're down by the dead sea.
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  • The guy that was helping us came up and he said, "pastor, it's
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  • 115 degrees."
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  • He said, "even the israeli military cancels activities when
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  • It's this hot."
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  • I said, "i know, but they don't have to leave the country
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  • Tomorrow and we do, we gotta finish."
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  • Moses, i can keep my people well.
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  • It's a revelation god will give to them.
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  • He will say to them, when they're delivered after the red
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  • Sea, he said i'm jehovah rapha.
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  • It's the modern day hebrew word for physician.
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  • I'll be the lord, your doctor.
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  • It's amazing to me what god is giving to moses.
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  • He said, i can do the miracles you'll need.
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  • The power will be available to break the bondage of the
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  • Authority that holds them in oppression.
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  • And my presence will be there, my power is sufficient to give
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  • Them the physical strength to complete the assignment you've
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  • Given to them.
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  • Church, we have to believe that the power of god is present to
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  • Break the bondage of evil over our lives, our families,
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  • Our communities.
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  • We have to know that god can give us the strength we
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  • Will need.
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  • It doesn't mean we won't have struggles.
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  • It doesn't mean there won't be oppression.
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  • It doesn't mean that we won't face challenges, but we have to
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  • Believe the power is available.
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  • I gave you another prayer: almighty god, thank you for
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  • Doctors and health care which is available.
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  • I am most grateful for those things.
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  • But you are our healer, and we ask your intervention, bring
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  • Health and life and freedom from pain, open a way for health
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  • And wholeness, in jesus's name, amen.
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  • You could pray that prayer with anybody that needed a touch
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  • From god.
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  • He can do it with a physician.
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  • He can do it as a result of pharmaceutical intervention, or
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  • He can do it supernaturally.
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  • I'm gonna give him the thanks either way.
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  • Folks, if i take my car to the mechanic, i pray.
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  • I pray it will cost less than they want it to.
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  • I pray that the outcome will exceed their expectations.
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  • I will gladly pay the bill and give thanks to god.
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  • We get really weird as christians.
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  • You go, pastor, do you believe in medicine or prayer?
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  • That's like--that's--to me, it's not really much different
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  • Saying, pastor, when you drive your car, do you believe in
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  • Gasoline or prayer?
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  • Well, if you've been on i-24, you better believe in both,
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  • 'cause you need fuel, but you will need the supernatural
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  • Intervention of almighty god.
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  • Huh?
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  • We get so weird.
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  • We better pray that prayer together.
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  • Almighty god, thank you for doctors and health care which
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  • Is available.
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  • You are our healer.
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  • We ask for your intervention, bring health, life, freedom from
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  • Pain, open a way for health and wholeness, in jesus's
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  • Name, amen.
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  • God's not done.
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  • He's given moses this amazing little--it's a short course.
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  • "the lord said, 'if they don't believe you or pay attention to
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  • The first miraculous sign, they may believe the second.
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  • But if they don't believe these two signs or listen to you, take
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  • Some water from the nile and pour it on the dry ground.
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  • The water you take from the river will become blood on
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  • The ground.'"
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  • Moses turned the page and continued writing: "and moses
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  • Said to the lord, 'o lord, i've never been eloquent, neither in
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  • The past nor since you've spoken to your servant.
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  • I'm slow with speech and tongue.'
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  • And the lord said to him, 'who gave man his mouth?
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  • Who makes him deaf or mute?
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  • Who gives him sight or makes him blind?
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  • Is it not i, the lord?
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  • Now go; i will help you speak and will teach you what
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  • To say.'"
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  • Moses has these persistent personal concerns.
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  • He understands the nature of the opposition, he's been in the
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  • Midst of it.
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  • He's aware of the challenges, but he has an even greater
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  • Awareness of his own weakness and his previous failures.
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  • What i love about this is god is saying, moses, i've even got the
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  • Water under control.
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  • Take some water out of the nile, the difference-maker in egypt,
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  • What separates egypt from the land of israel.
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  • Israel has no major rivers.
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  • They have the jordan river.
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  • My israeli friends say that the jordan's not a mighty river,
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  • It's a creek with good pr.
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  • When you see the jordan river, it's underwhelming.
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  • It truly is.
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  • We have to find a very special spot with a dam attached to it
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  • In order to have enough jordan river water to do baptisms when
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  • We visit the land.
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  • But in egypt, they have the nile, they have a constant
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  • Source of water, which means they have a constant way to
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  • Irrigate crops and grow food, and it made them a
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  • Prosperous place.
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  • In israel, you're dependent upon the rain.
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  • It's a part of the nature of the bargain, the covenant with god,
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  • I will send the rain for your land so that you'll have crops
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  • In their season.
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  • And god is saying, moses, i even have power over the water, pour
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  • It on the ground.
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  • It's an important part of the lesson.
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  • He's about to lead hundreds of thousands of people into the
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  • Desert without an adequate water source.
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  • And on more than one occasion, moses will need to know god has
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  • The power to make water available for the people.
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  • You and i have to understand the invitation we put before people:
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  • God can change your life.
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  • God will transform your life.
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  • God will make a difference in your family.
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  • God could impact our community.
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  • God could change our schools.
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  • God could change the heart of a nation.
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  • We can't do those things.
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  • On my best day, i can't heal a gnat's wing.
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  • It's beyond us.
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  • But the one we worship can, he has the authority,
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  • He has the power.
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  • Church, how can we have more faith in the government than we
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  • Do in almighty god?
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  • How can we imagine that an election has more potential to
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  • Transform our world than yielding to almighty god does?
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  • I would expect the ungodly to think like that, but i will
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  • Never accept the people of god thinking like that.
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  • He's sending us.
  • 00:09:46.735 --> 00:09:49.337
  • He is sending us.
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  • I brought you another prayer.
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  • Heavenly father, you're the provider of all things.
  • 00:09:55.777 --> 00:09:58.680
  • We ask now for your provision in our lives.
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  • We put our trust in you and lay aside worry and anxiety, in
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  • Jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:10:05.654 --> 00:10:09.958
  • You'll meet somebody over these next few days or weeks, that are
  • 00:10:09.958 --> 00:10:13.828
  • In a place where you don't have the power or the ability to
  • 00:10:13.828 --> 00:10:16.431
  • Resolve the challenge before them.
  • 00:10:16.431 --> 00:10:19.467
  • And you have a choice, you can be quiet, you can give them the
  • 00:10:19.467 --> 00:10:22.337
  • Wonderful southern expression of sympathy: bless your heart.
  • 00:10:22.337 --> 00:10:29.077
  • Or you can say let's pray.
  • 00:10:29.077 --> 00:10:31.946
  • Don't ask them for permission to pray, just say let's pray.
  • 00:10:31.946 --> 00:10:35.483
  • Wait a minute, i have to look it up on my phone,
  • 00:10:35.483 --> 00:10:37.085
  • But as soon as i find it, let's pray.
  • 00:10:37.085 --> 00:10:40.355
  • Let's read that prayer together.
  • 00:10:40.355 --> 00:10:42.057
  • Heavenly father, you were the provider of all things.
  • 00:10:42.057 --> 00:10:46.428
  • We ask now for your provision in our lives.
  • 00:10:46.428 --> 00:10:49.564
  • We put our trust in you and lay aside worry and anxiety, in
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  • Jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:10:54.869 --> 00:10:58.573
  • Now, all of that is my introduction, but i will quit on
  • 00:10:58.573 --> 00:11:04.345
  • Time, there's babies in the house.
  • 00:11:04.345 --> 00:11:07.749
  • The challenge is to lead with our faith through the holidays,
  • 00:11:07.749 --> 00:11:11.619
  • Not just return to our favorite habits or our favorite
  • 00:11:11.619 --> 00:11:14.422
  • Gatherings or to be engaged in the things that we associate
  • 00:11:14.422 --> 00:11:20.295
  • That have pleasant memories with us, but to bring our faith
  • 00:11:20.295 --> 00:11:23.965
  • To bear.
  • 00:11:23.965 --> 00:11:25.333
  • So i wanna give you some very simple things you can do.
  • 00:11:25.333 --> 00:11:28.403
  • This is intended to be more practical than it is
  • 00:11:28.403 --> 00:11:31.039
  • Anything else.
  • 00:11:31.039 --> 00:11:32.574
  • And then the first thing i wanna suggest is you have to get your
  • 00:11:32.574 --> 00:11:34.809
  • Holiday outfit ready.
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  • Now, for me, that's not a big deal.
  • 00:11:37.378 --> 00:11:40.849
  • But for others amongst us, i understand there's like even
  • 00:11:40.849 --> 00:11:43.284
  • Planning that goes into this, what you would wear to an event.
  • 00:11:43.284 --> 00:11:50.391
  • Perhaps i would be better off if i had a little bit of that.
  • 00:11:50.391 --> 00:11:53.094
  • But if you'll imagine that there are things that--the clothes or
  • 00:11:53.094 --> 00:11:58.933
  • Colors or sweaters or things that go with the holidays, i
  • 00:11:58.933 --> 00:12:04.172
  • Assure you that spiritually, there's a preparation that is an
  • 00:12:04.172 --> 00:12:07.275
  • Essential part of this.
  • 00:12:07.275 --> 00:12:08.643
  • Look at colossians 3: "as god's chosen people, holy and dearly
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  • Loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, with kindness, with
  • 00:12:13.615 --> 00:12:18.219
  • Humility, with gentleness and with patience."
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  • Folks, if you're being given instructions to clothe yourself
  • 00:12:22.190 --> 00:12:24.759
  • With something, it's possible to go out without those things.
  • 00:12:24.759 --> 00:12:30.632
  • If the instruction is to put on compassion and kindness and
  • 00:12:30.632 --> 00:12:33.968
  • Humility and gentleness and patience, it's possible to go
  • 00:12:33.968 --> 00:12:37.105
  • Forth without them.
  • 00:12:37.105 --> 00:12:38.840
  • "bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you
  • 00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:42.010
  • May have against one another.
  • 00:12:42.010 --> 00:12:43.812
  • Forgive as the lord forgave you."
  • 00:12:43.812 --> 00:12:47.682
  • In the plainest of language, don't bring jealousy, anger,
  • 00:12:47.682 --> 00:12:50.852
  • Resentment, or hatred to the gatherings in the days and the
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  • Weeks ahead of us.
  • 00:12:53.922 --> 00:12:56.191
  • Prepare yourself, every family, every family system comes
  • 00:12:56.191 --> 00:13:02.864
  • With stress.
  • 00:13:02.864 --> 00:13:04.899
  • Every workplace, every neighborhood, every
  • 00:13:04.899 --> 00:13:10.104
  • Homeowners association.
  • 00:13:10.104 --> 00:13:15.310
  • Allen: i want to take just a moment to say thank you.
  • 00:13:19.380 --> 00:13:21.883
  • In a year of political turmoil and confusion and wars and
  • 00:13:21.883 --> 00:13:25.620
  • Rumors of wars, because of your partnership,
  • 00:13:25.620 --> 00:13:28.223
  • Your generosity, your prayers, your encouragement,
  • 00:13:28.223 --> 00:13:31.392
  • We have done more for the gospel than any year
  • 00:13:31.392 --> 00:13:33.895
  • In our ministry so far.
  • 00:13:33.895 --> 00:13:35.230
  • We started a whole new genre of programing.
  • 00:13:35.230 --> 00:13:37.632
  • Allen jackson now does a daily review of headlines
  • 00:13:37.632 --> 00:13:40.335
  • From a biblical worldview.
  • 00:13:40.335 --> 00:13:42.136
  • We've started a new podcast, "culture & christianity," to
  • 00:13:42.136 --> 00:13:44.572
  • Help stabilize god's people in the midst of all the confusion.
  • 00:13:44.572 --> 00:13:48.776
  • All of that because of your faithfulness,
  • 00:13:48.776 --> 00:13:50.612
  • Your generosity, your prayers.
  • 00:13:50.612 --> 00:13:52.280
  • Thank you so much.
  • 00:13:52.280 --> 00:13:53.982
  • As we come to the end of this year, i want to ask
  • 00:13:53.982 --> 00:13:55.717
  • You to prayerfully consider making a sacrificial
  • 00:13:55.717 --> 00:13:58.253
  • Investment in what's next.
  • 00:13:58.253 --> 00:14:00.955
  • We want to take those programs, share them in new
  • 00:14:00.955 --> 00:14:03.258
  • Places with more people.
  • 00:14:03.258 --> 00:14:05.393
  • We want to continue to be creative in how we share the
  • 00:14:05.393 --> 00:14:08.196
  • Good news of jesus christ.
  • 00:14:08.196 --> 00:14:10.331
  • A generous partner makes it possible.
  • 00:14:10.331 --> 00:14:12.033
  • Every gift you give will be matched.
  • 00:14:12.033 --> 00:14:13.668
  • It doubles your gift between now and the end of the year.
  • 00:14:13.668 --> 00:14:16.437
  • Let me thank you in advance for what we've been doing and what
  • 00:14:16.437 --> 00:14:18.973
  • God's going to do with our lives and our partnership
  • 00:14:18.973 --> 00:14:21.843
  • Together in 2025.
  • 00:14:21.843 --> 00:14:24.112
  • Thank you and god bless you.
  • 00:14:24.112 --> 00:14:26.547
  • Female announcer: god is moving in major ways in the
  • 00:14:26.547 --> 00:14:28.650
  • Ministry and our world.
  • 00:14:28.650 --> 00:14:31.185
  • As we watched the 2024 election unfold,
  • 00:14:31.185 --> 00:14:34.055
  • We witnessed a miracle.
  • 00:14:34.055 --> 00:14:36.090
  • God has heard our prayers.
  • 00:14:36.090 --> 00:14:38.192
  • He has shown us his mercy.
  • 00:14:38.192 --> 00:14:40.428
  • We're entering a new era with new leaders,
  • 00:14:40.428 --> 00:14:43.498
  • But it's not a time to rest.
  • 00:14:43.498 --> 00:14:45.700
  • Our assignment hasn't changed.
  • 00:14:45.700 --> 00:14:47.735
  • In fact, it's as urgent as ever.
  • 00:14:47.735 --> 00:14:50.772
  • You and i have been set apart by god for his purposes,
  • 00:14:50.772 --> 00:14:54.008
  • And there's a lot for us to do.
  • 00:14:54.008 --> 00:14:56.477
  • Allen: i believe when god shows you mercy,
  • 00:14:56.477 --> 00:15:00.782
  • He gives with it an opportunity.
  • 00:15:00.782 --> 00:15:03.551
  • I want us to quietly say to the lord, "here am i.
  • 00:15:03.551 --> 00:15:13.294
  • Let me go.
  • 00:15:13.294 --> 00:15:15.730
  • Let me go back to where i work in the name of jesus.
  • 00:15:15.730 --> 00:15:19.600
  • Let me go back into my neighborhood
  • 00:15:19.600 --> 00:15:21.235
  • In the name of jesus."
  • 00:15:21.235 --> 00:15:23.705
  • God himself has shown us grace, and it will require of us
  • 00:15:23.705 --> 00:15:31.646
  • Greater strength and greater courage than we have ever had to
  • 00:15:31.646 --> 00:15:35.683
  • Attach to our faith before.
  • 00:15:35.683 --> 00:15:39.454
  • Let's go. let's go.
  • 00:15:39.454 --> 00:15:43.191
  • Announcer: let's set our hearts on preparing for what's
  • 00:15:43.191 --> 00:15:45.226
  • Next with pastor allen's brand-new 90-day devotional
  • 00:15:45.226 --> 00:15:48.896
  • Called "set apart for his purposes."
  • 00:15:48.896 --> 00:15:52.100
  • It will help us seek god so we can recognize his voice and
  • 00:15:52.100 --> 00:15:55.136
  • Consistently choose to follow him.
  • 00:15:55.136 --> 00:15:57.338
  • Each day includes scripture, a short teaching,
  • 00:15:57.338 --> 00:15:59.640
  • And a prayer, followed by a journaling prompt and room
  • 00:15:59.640 --> 00:16:02.877
  • To write and reflect.
  • 00:16:02.877 --> 00:16:04.612
  • Let's get ready for the season ahead.
  • 00:16:04.612 --> 00:16:06.881
  • Request your copy of "set apart for his purposes" when you
  • 00:16:06.881 --> 00:16:09.717
  • Donate $50 or more today at allenjackson.com or by calling
  • 00:16:09.717 --> 00:16:14.055
  • ...
  • 00:16:14.055 --> 00:16:17.658
  • Allen: so here's my first suggestion if you got one of
  • 00:16:20.695 --> 00:16:22.764
  • Those gatherings coming up, identify who your--who are the
  • 00:16:22.764 --> 00:16:27.969
  • Like-minded people.
  • 00:16:27.969 --> 00:16:30.538
  • Oh, i don't wanna know who you're worried about or who the
  • 00:16:30.538 --> 00:16:33.441
  • Problem is or the antagonist is, who's the one person there that
  • 00:16:33.441 --> 00:16:37.145
  • You think, you know, they kind of know the lord too?
  • 00:16:37.145 --> 00:16:41.983
  • And go and prepare.
  • 00:16:41.983 --> 00:16:43.317
  • The first dialogue, the first conversation
  • 00:16:43.317 --> 00:16:45.820
  • Is with those person.
  • 00:16:45.820 --> 00:16:47.221
  • "you know, i've been looking forward to being with you
  • 00:16:47.221 --> 00:16:49.924
  • Because your faith always encourages me.
  • 00:16:49.924 --> 00:16:53.961
  • When i think about this gathering, you always have a
  • 00:16:53.961 --> 00:16:57.365
  • Smile or something kind to say or a god story to share.
  • 00:16:57.365 --> 00:17:03.438
  • Thank you."
  • 00:17:03.438 --> 00:17:06.274
  • Go in more aware of your allies than you are concerned about
  • 00:17:06.274 --> 00:17:12.313
  • Whoever else will be there.
  • 00:17:12.313 --> 00:17:14.916
  • Can you do that?
  • 00:17:14.916 --> 00:17:17.819
  • If you haven't noticed it, i'm asking you not just to go in
  • 00:17:17.819 --> 00:17:20.388
  • There like you woke up, that is childish.
  • 00:17:20.388 --> 00:17:27.161
  • You know, the kids don't worry about it.
  • 00:17:27.161 --> 00:17:29.230
  • I had to leave home before i knew that dinner didn't
  • 00:17:29.230 --> 00:17:31.165
  • Cook itself.
  • 00:17:31.165 --> 00:17:37.905
  • I just thought food showed up on the table about 5 o'clock.
  • 00:17:37.905 --> 00:17:44.345
  • I thought laundry just happened.
  • 00:17:44.345 --> 00:17:45.980
  • You know, there was a box over there in that room and you
  • 00:17:45.980 --> 00:17:47.849
  • Stuffed everything down in it and you did something and
  • 00:17:47.849 --> 00:17:51.252
  • Something and out came clean clothes all folded.
  • 00:17:51.252 --> 00:17:56.190
  • I left home, my clothes changed.
  • 00:17:56.190 --> 00:18:01.162
  • And most of us are spiritually just about that immature.
  • 00:18:01.162 --> 00:18:05.066
  • Well, i thought maybe god would do something this year, you
  • 00:18:05.066 --> 00:18:07.602
  • Know, it's always such a miserable gathering.
  • 00:18:07.602 --> 00:18:13.941
  • God said, "i have, i've sent you."
  • 00:18:13.941 --> 00:18:17.245
  • I don't want to lead with my faith, let somebody else go.
  • 00:18:17.245 --> 00:18:20.047
  • Yes, moses.
  • 00:18:20.047 --> 00:18:25.186
  • It'll be probably--it's highly probable that in some of the
  • 00:18:25.186 --> 00:18:27.989
  • Places you go, not everybody will have a biblical worldview,
  • 00:18:27.989 --> 00:18:31.759
  • Be excited about what's happening, so don't be shocked.
  • 00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:40.635
  • That grumpy member in your family that's been grumpy for
  • 00:18:40.635 --> 00:18:42.970
  • The last 30 holiday seasons, there's a high degree of
  • 00:18:42.970 --> 00:18:47.074
  • Probability they're gonna roll in with their same grumpy self,
  • 00:18:47.074 --> 00:18:51.479
  • So that if you're surprised, who's the one with the problem?
  • 00:18:51.479 --> 00:19:01.222
  • Well, i've been praying for him for six days, you're gonna have
  • 00:19:01.222 --> 00:19:07.929
  • To lead, you're gonna influence them with your strength, with
  • 00:19:07.929 --> 00:19:12.400
  • Your respect, with your dignity.
  • 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:15.336
  • Look at romans 12: "if it's possible, as far as it depends
  • 00:19:15.336 --> 00:19:18.339
  • On you, live at peace with everyone.
  • 00:19:18.339 --> 00:19:21.676
  • Don't take revenge, but leave room for god's wrath."
  • 00:19:21.676 --> 00:19:27.281
  • See, nobody gets away with it, folks, we will face the judgment
  • 00:19:27.281 --> 00:19:31.185
  • Of god.
  • 00:19:31.185 --> 00:19:33.087
  • You know why you pray for people that are difficult, because your
  • 00:19:33.087 --> 00:19:37.525
  • Intercession might be what delivers them from the judgment
  • 00:19:37.525 --> 00:19:40.995
  • Of god.
  • 00:19:40.995 --> 00:19:43.898
  • To the degree that it's possible, that it depends on
  • 00:19:43.898 --> 00:19:47.201
  • You, live at peace with everyone.
  • 00:19:47.201 --> 00:19:48.736
  • Now, biblically, peace is not the absence of conflict.
  • 00:19:48.736 --> 00:19:52.707
  • Biblically, peace is a calm assurance of god's
  • 00:19:52.707 --> 00:19:55.376
  • Abiding presence.
  • 00:19:55.376 --> 00:19:56.877
  • There are some false objectives in the christian community that
  • 00:19:56.877 --> 00:19:59.113
  • Have very little to do with scripture, unity.
  • 00:19:59.113 --> 00:20:03.651
  • We get shamed on this one a lot, but we should just all be
  • 00:20:03.651 --> 00:20:06.320
  • In unity.
  • 00:20:06.320 --> 00:20:07.688
  • No, actually, jesus said i came to bring division.
  • 00:20:07.688 --> 00:20:13.694
  • I know in john 17 that he prayed his closest friends would be
  • 00:20:13.694 --> 00:20:16.797
  • United, but jesus's ministry and life is not a portrayal
  • 00:20:16.797 --> 00:20:21.636
  • Of unity.
  • 00:20:21.636 --> 00:20:24.038
  • And if you're trying to unify with evil, you're in a bad
  • 00:20:24.038 --> 00:20:29.010
  • Place, it's a false objective.
  • 00:20:29.010 --> 00:20:33.414
  • A more realistic objective would be a peaceful day, a respectful
  • 00:20:33.414 --> 00:20:37.685
  • Day, a god-honoring day.
  • 00:20:37.685 --> 00:20:41.355
  • Lord, let us be able to be together this year and
  • 00:20:41.355 --> 00:20:43.424
  • Honor you.
  • 00:20:43.424 --> 00:20:45.092
  • May we all go away and feel like jesus's name was honored.
  • 00:20:45.092 --> 00:20:51.465
  • We don't go in unprepared.
  • 00:20:51.465 --> 00:20:54.368
  • Philippians 2 says: "do everything without complaining
  • 00:20:54.368 --> 00:20:56.937
  • Or arguing," you can't even complain on the way, "so that
  • 00:20:56.937 --> 00:21:05.313
  • You may become blameless and pure, children of god without
  • 00:21:05.313 --> 00:21:07.848
  • Fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine
  • 00:21:07.848 --> 00:21:10.318
  • Like stars as you hold out the word of life."
  • 00:21:10.318 --> 00:21:12.753
  • I'm sending you to hold out the word of life.
  • 00:21:12.753 --> 00:21:17.191
  • Well, i just said i would bring a pecan pie.
  • 00:21:17.191 --> 00:21:23.531
  • Philippians 1: "whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a
  • 00:21:23.531 --> 00:21:25.966
  • Manner worthy of the gospel of christ.
  • 00:21:25.966 --> 00:21:28.402
  • I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one
  • 00:21:28.402 --> 00:21:31.472
  • Man for the faith."
  • 00:21:31.472 --> 00:21:33.574
  • Did you get the language?
  • 00:21:33.574 --> 00:21:34.909
  • Standing firm, contending, that's not passive language.
  • 00:21:34.909 --> 00:21:39.947
  • I'm sending you to stand firm.
  • 00:21:39.947 --> 00:21:42.883
  • I'm sending you to contend for the gospel, "without being
  • 00:21:42.883 --> 00:21:48.956
  • Frightened in any way by those who oppose you."
  • 00:21:48.956 --> 00:21:53.794
  • The supposition, the given, is that there will be opposition.
  • 00:21:53.794 --> 00:21:59.734
  • The surprise would be none, that would be the amazing part.
  • 00:21:59.734 --> 00:22:08.409
  • And paul's writing to a group of christians, they're--he's
  • 00:22:08.409 --> 00:22:10.611
  • Writing to churches, to believers.
  • 00:22:10.611 --> 00:22:13.314
  • Hold out the word of life.
  • 00:22:13.314 --> 00:22:15.783
  • Don't be frightened because of the opposition.
  • 00:22:15.783 --> 00:22:21.589
  • Prepare yourself, prepare your heart for some practical
  • 00:22:21.589 --> 00:22:24.024
  • Expressions of faith.
  • 00:22:24.024 --> 00:22:26.127
  • If it's a setting where you have the privilege, maybe you can
  • 00:22:26.127 --> 00:22:28.396
  • Pray for the meal.
  • 00:22:28.396 --> 00:22:30.364
  • If it's not your table, it's not your authority, then don't,
  • 00:22:30.364 --> 00:22:37.605
  • Don't be that person.
  • 00:22:37.605 --> 00:22:42.977
  • Go in the kitchen and pray for it while it's being prepared.
  • 00:22:42.977 --> 00:22:46.814
  • Go find the people that are working so diligently and say, i
  • 00:22:46.814 --> 00:22:49.383
  • Wanna thank you for your hard work to feed this mess of
  • 00:22:49.383 --> 00:22:52.787
  • People.
  • 00:22:52.787 --> 00:22:54.688
  • Bless you.
  • 00:22:54.688 --> 00:22:56.924
  • Father, bless these people that have sacrificed and worked for
  • 00:22:56.924 --> 00:22:59.493
  • Days to feed us.
  • 00:22:59.493 --> 00:23:00.961
  • We're gonna gobble it down in 30 minutes and hardly say
  • 00:23:00.961 --> 00:23:03.197
  • Thank you.
  • 00:23:03.197 --> 00:23:06.233
  • If you've got the privilege and the authority, if it's your
  • 00:23:06.233 --> 00:23:08.169
  • Table, thank the lord for it.
  • 00:23:08.169 --> 00:23:09.970
  • Now, don't pray for every missionary you've ever met, pray
  • 00:23:09.970 --> 00:23:15.843
  • Short enough that the people who don't like it will be amazed
  • 00:23:15.843 --> 00:23:18.512
  • That you hushed.
  • 00:23:18.512 --> 00:23:23.284
  • It's not the time to prove how much scripture you can quote,
  • 00:23:23.284 --> 00:23:27.755
  • That's not the place.
  • 00:23:27.755 --> 00:23:32.193
  • Thank god for his blessings in your life.
  • 00:23:32.193 --> 00:23:35.463
  • You can do that in the casual conversations.
  • 00:23:35.463 --> 00:23:37.398
  • How are you doing?
  • 00:23:37.398 --> 00:23:38.766
  • You know, the lord has blessed me so much.
  • 00:23:38.766 --> 00:23:43.237
  • Simple statements that plant seeds.
  • 00:23:43.237 --> 00:23:46.474
  • God's been really good to me.
  • 00:23:46.474 --> 00:23:49.376
  • It's good to see you.
  • 00:23:49.376 --> 00:23:51.812
  • You're looking well, god must have been good to you too.
  • 00:23:51.812 --> 00:23:55.316
  • Well, well, well, um, i guess.
  • 00:23:55.316 --> 00:24:01.388
  • Everybody didn't get that.
  • 00:24:01.388 --> 00:24:02.723
  • I said i was invited to dinner one night and somebody was
  • 00:24:02.723 --> 00:24:05.659
  • Telling me about some--something that--the blessing they had.
  • 00:24:05.659 --> 00:24:09.463
  • And i said, "the lord has really blessed you," and they said to
  • 00:24:09.463 --> 00:24:11.398
  • Me, "no, no, preacher, i worked hard."
  • 00:24:11.398 --> 00:24:17.872
  • And i'm a little stubborn and i said, "i know you have, but the
  • 00:24:17.872 --> 00:24:21.942
  • Lord blessed you."
  • 00:24:21.942 --> 00:24:25.112
  • "no, preacher, i worked hard."
  • 00:24:25.112 --> 00:24:29.950
  • Pray for my wife 'cause at this point, she knows.
  • 00:24:29.950 --> 00:24:37.157
  • And i said, "well, you know, i know the lord is--i know you've
  • 00:24:37.157 --> 00:24:39.627
  • Worked hard, but i have friends all over the world that work
  • 00:24:39.627 --> 00:24:41.595
  • Hard just to survive, and the lord has blessed you."
  • 00:24:41.595 --> 00:24:45.533
  • And we never did get to a point of agreement, but he's my friend
  • 00:24:45.533 --> 00:24:50.004
  • Until today, and he's very aware of the blessings of god in
  • 00:24:50.004 --> 00:24:54.141
  • His life.
  • 00:24:54.141 --> 00:24:55.543
  • So you don't have to win, you just represent.
  • 00:24:55.543 --> 00:25:01.215
  • It's not personal, go in with some simple ways that you can
  • 00:25:01.215 --> 00:25:06.720
  • Bring an acknowledgment of god.
  • 00:25:06.720 --> 00:25:08.989
  • If somebody has a great need, invite god's assistance.
  • 00:25:08.989 --> 00:25:13.060
  • One of those little let's-pray moments.
  • 00:25:13.060 --> 00:25:14.461
  • Oh lord, in jesus name, do what only you can do, amen.
  • 00:25:14.461 --> 00:25:19.099
  • Don't draw attention, everybody over here.
  • 00:25:19.099 --> 00:25:22.937
  • Is there any oil in the house?
  • 00:25:22.937 --> 00:25:26.373
  • You know, we believe in anointing.
  • 00:25:26.373 --> 00:25:29.543
  • And i don't like olive oil, do you have 10w-40?
  • 00:25:29.543 --> 00:25:31.845
  • Let's get the heavy stuff out.
  • 00:25:31.845 --> 00:25:36.817
  • In fact, the lord has shown me grease is better than oil.
  • 00:25:36.817 --> 00:25:42.289
  • Stop it!
  • 00:25:42.289 --> 00:25:45.759
  • It's not about drawing attention to ourselves.
  • 00:25:45.759 --> 00:25:48.929
  • A quiet, simple little prayer, invite god into that
  • 00:25:48.929 --> 00:25:53.634
  • Circumstance and move right on as if that's as normal as
  • 00:25:53.634 --> 00:26:01.375
  • Asking what time the ball game starts, or can you have another
  • 00:26:01.375 --> 00:26:03.944
  • Piece of pie or--you see, you can make a difference.
  • 00:26:03.944 --> 00:26:09.149
  • God is sending us to all kinds of places
  • 00:26:09.149 --> 00:26:13.187
  • Over these next few weeks.
  • 00:26:13.187 --> 00:26:14.521
  • You'll meet people so lonely, so desperate, so broken.
  • 00:26:14.521 --> 00:26:23.564
  • He's sending us.
  • 00:26:23.564 --> 00:26:27.267
  • He's prepared us just as much as he prepared moses.
  • 00:26:27.267 --> 00:26:30.437
  • Are you ready?
  • 00:26:30.437 --> 00:26:32.006
  • I brought you a prayer.
  • 00:26:32.006 --> 00:26:33.374
  • I know i gotta hush, stand with me.
  • 00:26:33.374 --> 00:26:40.781
  • Four prayers in one sermon, that doesn't mean you can stay
  • 00:26:40.781 --> 00:26:42.750
  • Away for four weeks.
  • 00:26:42.750 --> 00:26:45.386
  • It's bad math.
  • 00:26:45.386 --> 00:26:49.323
  • Let's read it together.
  • 00:26:49.323 --> 00:26:50.858
  • Heavenly father, our desire is to boldly serve you.
  • 00:26:50.858 --> 00:26:55.462
  • We invite you into the midst of our holiday activities.
  • 00:26:55.462 --> 00:26:59.400
  • May everyone with whom we interact, everywhere we gather,
  • 00:26:59.400 --> 00:27:03.671
  • Be aware of your abiding presence.
  • 00:27:03.671 --> 00:27:06.440
  • May jesus name be honored and his authority be visible, in
  • 00:27:06.440 --> 00:27:11.345
  • Jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:27:11.345 --> 00:27:13.681
  • Hallelujah, god bless you, let's go lead with our faith.
  • 00:27:13.681 --> 00:27:19.153
  • ♪♪♪
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