1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Allen Jackson Ministries
  4. Episodes
  5. Allen Jackson - Joy and Strength (Part 2)
Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Joy and Strength (Part 2)

January 4, 2026 | 27:29

Allen Jackson - Joy and Strength (Part 2)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#Joy #Strength #Culture #Witness/Witnessing #Truth #Church #BodyofChrist #Focus #SeekGod #Comfort #Complacency #Lukewarm #Change #WalkwithGod #AllenJackson

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Joy and Strength (Part 2) | January 4, 2026
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.417
  • Allen jackson: you know, around the world people are searching
  • 00:00:01.517 --> 00:00:03.352
  • For truth and together we're doing our very best to help them
  • 00:00:03.452 --> 00:00:06.622
  • Find it.
  • 00:00:06.722 --> 00:00:07.956
  • When you become a ministry partner with allen jackson
  • 00:00:08.090 --> 00:00:09.892
  • Ministries, you're joining a growing community of believers
  • 00:00:10.025 --> 00:00:13.195
  • Who are committed to strengthening the church and
  • 00:00:13.328 --> 00:00:15.864
  • Sharing god's word through every available channel: television,
  • 00:00:15.964 --> 00:00:19.835
  • Radio, podcast, books, bible studies, digital
  • 00:00:19.968 --> 00:00:23.272
  • Resources, conferences.
  • 00:00:23.372 --> 00:00:23.772
  • Your monthly partnership helps us equip believers to reach new
  • 00:00:25.340 --> 00:00:28.677
  • Audiences and to take the hope of jesus to people who may never
  • 00:00:28.677 --> 00:00:32.548
  • Have heard the gospel otherwise.
  • 00:00:32.548 --> 00:00:34.716
  • Together, we can stand firm in our faith and make god's truth
  • 00:00:34.716 --> 00:00:38.620
  • Known right here at home and around the earth wherever god
  • 00:00:38.620 --> 00:00:41.824
  • Opens a door.
  • 00:00:41.824 --> 00:00:43.158
  • Let's keep gathering his people and building his church until
  • 00:00:43.158 --> 00:00:46.361
  • The day our king returns.
  • 00:00:46.361 --> 00:00:48.630
  • You can find more about becoming a ministry partner
  • 00:00:48.630 --> 00:00:51.700
  • At allenjackson.com/partner.
  • 00:00:51.700 --> 00:00:58.307
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:01.643 --> 00:01:21.663
  • Allen: years ago, we did a men's event here at mtsu
  • 00:01:11.653 --> 00:01:24.199
  • In the football stadium.
  • 00:01:24.199 --> 00:01:26.668
  • And we started out in the bleachers, and we had some
  • 00:01:26.668 --> 00:01:29.571
  • Conversation and some dialogue and some points.
  • 00:01:29.571 --> 00:01:31.607
  • And at one point, we moved from the bleachers and we went out
  • 00:01:31.607 --> 00:01:33.475
  • And sat in the middle of the field.
  • 00:01:33.475 --> 00:01:34.843
  • They turned on the stadium lights.
  • 00:01:34.843 --> 00:01:37.012
  • And the emotions changed completely.
  • 00:01:37.012 --> 00:01:40.782
  • It's a completely different place being a spectator than
  • 00:01:40.782 --> 00:01:44.887
  • Being a participant.
  • 00:01:44.887 --> 00:01:46.288
  • You don't believe me, i'll walk you up here.
  • 00:01:49.925 --> 00:01:54.396
  • You know, sanctuary means a safe place.
  • 00:01:54.396 --> 00:01:56.031
  • You'll feel less safe up here.
  • 00:01:56.031 --> 00:01:59.835
  • Or you'll feel less safe when you get in the arena floor.
  • 00:01:59.835 --> 00:02:03.772
  • For far too long we have coached christians to be like
  • 00:02:03.772 --> 00:02:06.275
  • Olympic judges.
  • 00:02:06.275 --> 00:02:08.944
  • We sit in the seats and we watch the people that we imagine have
  • 00:02:08.944 --> 00:02:12.281
  • The assignment of doing something significant for the
  • 00:02:12.281 --> 00:02:15.083
  • Kingdom of god and then we make an evaluation...
  • 00:02:15.083 --> 00:02:19.188
  • Seven.
  • 00:02:19.188 --> 00:02:20.522
  • And i'm telling you, the invitation of scripture is not
  • 00:02:20.522 --> 00:02:26.261
  • That we're spectators of what god is doing, that we're either
  • 00:02:26.261 --> 00:02:29.198
  • Participants or we're not a part.
  • 00:02:29.198 --> 00:02:33.802
  • There's not like some super disciple, super apostle, some
  • 00:02:33.802 --> 00:02:37.039
  • Hyper christ follower that's supposed to do the thing.
  • 00:02:37.039 --> 00:02:40.175
  • Yes, we have different assignments and
  • 00:02:40.175 --> 00:02:41.643
  • Different responsibilities.
  • 00:02:41.643 --> 00:02:42.978
  • We'll be held accountable for those, but we will, everyone, be
  • 00:02:42.978 --> 00:02:45.480
  • Held accountable, and the accountability goes with the
  • 00:02:45.480 --> 00:02:47.449
  • Gifts that we've been given.
  • 00:02:47.449 --> 00:02:49.785
  • Remember the parable of the talents?
  • 00:02:49.785 --> 00:02:51.253
  • One had five, one had two, one was given one.
  • 00:02:51.253 --> 00:02:56.658
  • The one that got the harshest criticism was the one that had
  • 00:02:56.658 --> 00:02:59.795
  • The least number of talents.
  • 00:02:59.795 --> 00:03:02.698
  • Because the response was out of fear.
  • 00:03:02.698 --> 00:03:04.600
  • We're surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses, the people
  • 00:03:07.836 --> 00:03:11.106
  • Who preceded us in the faith.
  • 00:03:11.106 --> 00:03:12.941
  • Folks, the book of acts has no conclusion because it's
  • 00:03:12.941 --> 00:03:15.344
  • Not finished.
  • 00:03:15.344 --> 00:03:17.646
  • All the other letters in the new testament, all those epistles,
  • 00:03:17.646 --> 00:03:19.915
  • They have conclusions.
  • 00:03:19.915 --> 00:03:21.483
  • Not the book of acts.
  • 00:03:21.483 --> 00:03:22.851
  • We're the 21st century edition.
  • 00:03:22.851 --> 00:03:24.519
  • God is still moving in the earth.
  • 00:03:24.519 --> 00:03:28.757
  • "let's throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so
  • 00:03:28.757 --> 00:03:31.460
  • Easily entangles, and let's run with perseverance the race
  • 00:03:31.460 --> 00:03:34.196
  • Marked out for us."
  • 00:03:34.196 --> 00:03:35.597
  • A lot of debate in the contemporary american christian
  • 00:03:38.667 --> 00:03:40.869
  • About whether we should talk about current events or not.
  • 00:03:40.869 --> 00:03:44.339
  • We're kind of on the record that we believe the church should
  • 00:03:44.339 --> 00:03:46.575
  • Shape culture and not be shaped by culture.
  • 00:03:46.575 --> 00:03:50.078
  • It transcends political parties and candidates.
  • 00:03:50.078 --> 00:03:52.614
  • It's not what it's about, but our biblical worldview, our
  • 00:03:52.614 --> 00:03:54.950
  • Biblical values, the judeo-christian values, we have
  • 00:03:54.950 --> 00:03:58.120
  • To advocate for them, or we're trading away the future of our
  • 00:03:58.120 --> 00:04:01.923
  • Children and our grandchildren for the comfort and convenience
  • 00:04:01.923 --> 00:04:04.192
  • Of anonymity, and that's not an acceptable bargain.
  • 00:04:04.192 --> 00:04:08.030
  • It's not a comfortable bargain always, but it's a
  • 00:04:08.030 --> 00:04:10.932
  • Necessary bargain.
  • 00:04:10.932 --> 00:04:13.168
  • I stood and talked to a family tonight and the--it was a
  • 00:04:13.168 --> 00:04:17.039
  • Father and son.
  • 00:04:17.039 --> 00:04:18.373
  • They were visiting with us from another state and the son had
  • 00:04:18.373 --> 00:04:20.776
  • Served in the national guard and a first responder and was--his
  • 00:04:20.776 --> 00:04:25.714
  • Tour was through the middle east, and i just said thank you.
  • 00:04:25.714 --> 00:04:28.283
  • I said, "you spent your life running towards trouble," and
  • 00:04:28.283 --> 00:04:30.085
  • The dad said, "i went to vietnam."
  • 00:04:30.085 --> 00:04:33.055
  • I mean, it was a moment for me because it was a poignant
  • 00:04:33.055 --> 00:04:36.525
  • Reminder that the freedom and liberty we have is not cheap.
  • 00:04:36.525 --> 00:04:41.797
  • And why in the church do we think we should have the right
  • 00:04:41.797 --> 00:04:44.733
  • And the privilege of our faith being a cultural force if we
  • 00:04:44.733 --> 00:04:48.170
  • Don't have the courage to bring it to our kitchen table or to
  • 00:04:48.170 --> 00:04:51.773
  • The place where we work or to our holiday celebrations?
  • 00:04:51.773 --> 00:04:55.544
  • If we're sheltering ungodliness and immorality at our holiday
  • 00:04:59.748 --> 00:05:04.586
  • Tables, then we're hypocrites to complain about politicians that
  • 00:05:04.586 --> 00:05:09.391
  • Won't enact laws more righteously.
  • 00:05:09.391 --> 00:05:14.096
  • Do we understand?
  • 00:05:14.096 --> 00:05:17.699
  • We have hidden from the implications of our faith
  • 00:05:17.699 --> 00:05:20.135
  • Because the conversations are awkward or difficult.
  • 00:05:20.135 --> 00:05:23.572
  • I'm not saying we're angry or condemning, but we have to have
  • 00:05:23.572 --> 00:05:26.675
  • The courage to struggle with what it means to live out
  • 00:05:26.675 --> 00:05:29.044
  • The truth.
  • 00:05:29.044 --> 00:05:30.679
  • We want others to do that.
  • 00:05:30.679 --> 00:05:33.682
  • But then we want to push it out of our arena.
  • 00:05:33.682 --> 00:05:36.151
  • God will judge us.
  • 00:05:36.151 --> 00:05:37.686
  • We will lose our freedom.
  • 00:05:37.686 --> 00:05:41.623
  • We will find ourselves in the 21st century edition of babylon.
  • 00:05:41.623 --> 00:05:45.293
  • God is moving.
  • 00:05:48.430 --> 00:05:49.765
  • We have a decision.
  • 00:05:49.765 --> 00:05:51.133
  • We have an opportunity to cooperate with him.
  • 00:05:51.133 --> 00:05:52.501
  • "everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."
  • 00:05:55.971 --> 00:05:59.007
  • I knew that outline was going to be a problem.
  • 00:05:59.007 --> 00:06:00.776
  • I confessed already.
  • 00:06:00.776 --> 00:06:04.079
  • Look at the next sentence.
  • 00:06:04.079 --> 00:06:05.614
  • "let us--" this intrigues me.
  • 00:06:05.614 --> 00:06:08.316
  • It's in the book of hebrews, it's a consistent presentation
  • 00:06:08.316 --> 00:06:15.657
  • Of the author, "let us."
  • 00:06:15.657 --> 00:06:17.826
  • It's used several times.
  • 00:06:17.826 --> 00:06:20.662
  • I did a sermon series years ago and i called it the salad series
  • 00:06:20.662 --> 00:06:24.933
  • Because there was so much "let us."
  • 00:06:24.933 --> 00:06:26.468
  • I never said i was clever, folks, just i study my bible.
  • 00:06:29.871 --> 00:06:33.842
  • So this isn't just individual.
  • 00:06:33.842 --> 00:06:36.878
  • We need one another.
  • 00:06:36.878 --> 00:06:39.214
  • There's a lot of pressure since covid, you know, the notion that
  • 00:06:39.214 --> 00:06:41.850
  • We don't need to worship together, that--and it's true,
  • 00:06:41.850 --> 00:06:44.686
  • You can accept the lord in the produce section at the
  • 00:06:44.686 --> 00:06:46.455
  • Grocery store.
  • 00:06:46.455 --> 00:06:47.823
  • You don't need the altar of a church or a choir singing or a
  • 00:06:47.823 --> 00:06:49.491
  • Pastor to be involved.
  • 00:06:49.491 --> 00:06:51.626
  • That's a personal decision between you and the creator of
  • 00:06:51.626 --> 00:06:53.862
  • The universe.
  • 00:06:53.862 --> 00:06:55.530
  • But in order to mature in your faith, you need other believers.
  • 00:06:55.530 --> 00:06:59.734
  • There's no such thing as solo christianity.
  • 00:06:59.734 --> 00:07:03.305
  • And in this context of this chapter, it says now "let us,"
  • 00:07:03.305 --> 00:07:07.342
  • Collectively "fix our eyes on jesus."
  • 00:07:07.342 --> 00:07:09.411
  • We'll need one another to maintain that perspective,
  • 00:07:09.411 --> 00:07:12.647
  • Because we'll get distracted.
  • 00:07:12.647 --> 00:07:14.850
  • "let us fix our eyes on jesus, the author and perfecter of our
  • 00:07:14.850 --> 00:07:17.853
  • Faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,
  • 00:07:17.853 --> 00:07:22.390
  • Scorning its shame, and he sat down at the right hand of the
  • 00:07:22.390 --> 00:07:24.926
  • Throne of god."
  • 00:07:24.926 --> 00:07:27.662
  • And in case you think this is just some historical reference,
  • 00:07:27.662 --> 00:07:30.699
  • Some theological, historical point, the next sentence:
  • 00:07:30.699 --> 00:07:34.936
  • "consider him," consider jesus, "who endured such opposition
  • 00:07:34.936 --> 00:07:37.439
  • From sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and
  • 00:07:37.439 --> 00:07:41.309
  • Lose heart."
  • 00:07:41.309 --> 00:07:42.944
  • The bible does not issue unnecessary notes of caution.
  • 00:07:42.944 --> 00:07:48.216
  • If it cautions us about weariness and losing heart, it's
  • 00:07:48.216 --> 00:07:51.553
  • Because there will be places and times and seasons where you will
  • 00:07:51.553 --> 00:07:54.890
  • Be very tempted to say, "i'm just tired of this," and you'll
  • 00:07:54.890 --> 00:08:00.295
  • Be disheartened.
  • 00:08:00.295 --> 00:08:02.230
  • And it says that the way we avoid that is we consider what
  • 00:08:02.230 --> 00:08:04.933
  • Jesus did, "who for the joy set before him, he endured the
  • 00:08:04.933 --> 00:08:08.503
  • Cross, scorning its shame," that the joy he imagined as a result
  • 00:08:08.503 --> 00:08:16.044
  • Of his relationship with his father enabled him to persevere
  • 00:08:16.044 --> 00:08:19.915
  • And endure the most horrendous physical suffering we
  • 00:08:19.915 --> 00:08:23.418
  • Could imagine.
  • 00:08:23.418 --> 00:08:25.353
  • There's a connection between biblical joy and strength.
  • 00:08:25.353 --> 00:08:30.659
  • I like to think of it as a spiritual fuel.
  • 00:08:30.659 --> 00:08:33.795
  • Joy is a spiritual fuel that enables us to endure
  • 00:08:33.795 --> 00:08:36.698
  • And overcome.
  • 00:08:36.698 --> 00:08:38.767
  • When you're weary and you're disheartened, what do you need?
  • 00:08:38.767 --> 00:08:41.202
  • You need a little fuel.
  • 00:08:41.202 --> 00:08:43.738
  • We've got to come back to the joy of the lord.
  • 00:08:43.738 --> 00:08:45.574
  • Good news of big joy for all people.
  • 00:08:45.574 --> 00:08:50.345
  • We're reading daniel.
  • 00:08:50.345 --> 00:08:51.680
  • How many of you do the bible reading with us?
  • 00:08:51.680 --> 00:08:53.915
  • We're getting ready to start again in a couple of weeks.
  • 00:08:53.915 --> 00:08:56.284
  • So if you passed this year, start to stretch.
  • 00:08:56.284 --> 00:09:00.188
  • Start looking for that 15 minutes, you're gonna block out
  • 00:09:00.188 --> 00:09:02.591
  • Because in january, we're all gonna do this, okay?
  • 00:09:02.591 --> 00:09:06.328
  • But if you're reading with us, we're in the book of daniel.
  • 00:09:06.328 --> 00:09:09.864
  • Daniel was--had a difficult life.
  • 00:09:09.864 --> 00:09:13.268
  • Daniel was one of the most remarkable characters in
  • 00:09:13.268 --> 00:09:15.036
  • The bible.
  • 00:09:15.036 --> 00:09:16.371
  • God gave daniel revelation and insight into what will happen in
  • 00:09:16.371 --> 00:09:18.540
  • The years ahead of us to write down so that you and i can know.
  • 00:09:18.540 --> 00:09:21.876
  • Can you imagine being trusted hundreds of years before the
  • 00:09:21.876 --> 00:09:24.412
  • Birth of jesus with information that you and i would need?
  • 00:09:24.412 --> 00:09:28.483
  • On more than one occasion, the angel gabriel showed up and
  • 00:09:28.483 --> 00:09:31.219
  • Said, "daniel, i was sent here to tell you that in heaven you
  • 00:09:31.219 --> 00:09:34.155
  • Are highly esteemed."
  • 00:09:34.155 --> 00:09:36.424
  • Can you imagine that?
  • 00:09:36.424 --> 00:09:38.893
  • Most of us would be thrilled if somebody told you your neighbor
  • 00:09:38.893 --> 00:09:41.563
  • Said you were nice, right?
  • 00:09:41.563 --> 00:09:45.900
  • Barry, if we could get a coworker to say we were
  • 00:09:45.900 --> 00:09:47.902
  • Reasonably godly, we'd be going, yes!
  • 00:09:47.902 --> 00:09:52.374
  • And the archangel showed up and said to daniel, "you are highly
  • 00:09:52.374 --> 00:09:58.179
  • Valued in heaven."
  • 00:09:58.179 --> 00:10:01.082
  • Drop the mic.
  • 00:10:01.082 --> 00:10:02.984
  • I would have said, "could i video that?
  • 00:10:02.984 --> 00:10:04.486
  • Would you say that again?
  • 00:10:04.486 --> 00:10:08.423
  • I got a social media reel i wanna post."
  • 00:10:08.423 --> 00:10:11.626
  • But daniel's life was difficult.
  • 00:10:11.626 --> 00:10:13.094
  • He spent his entire life, well, the majority of his adult life,
  • 00:10:13.094 --> 00:10:17.666
  • We meet him as a teenager, as a slave.
  • 00:10:17.666 --> 00:10:20.335
  • You have to kind of let that sit right there for a minute.
  • 00:10:23.905 --> 00:10:27.342
  • How could you be highly valued by god and lead your whole life
  • 00:10:27.342 --> 00:10:30.812
  • That way?
  • 00:10:30.812 --> 00:10:33.048
  • Because in my little brain, if god valued me, i get to watch my
  • 00:10:33.048 --> 00:10:37.752
  • Enemies be enslaved.
  • 00:10:37.752 --> 00:10:39.320
  • See, we have somehow molded the gospel into this message that
  • 00:10:43.525 --> 00:10:47.962
  • It's about my comfort and my convenience and what i wanna do
  • 00:10:47.962 --> 00:10:50.632
  • And what makes me feel good and if it makes me--that's god, and
  • 00:10:50.632 --> 00:10:53.601
  • God will do--and i believe god blesses us and brings good
  • 00:10:53.601 --> 00:10:56.805
  • Things to us, but my determination to serve the lord
  • 00:10:56.805 --> 00:10:59.441
  • Is not grounded in the commitment to comfort
  • 00:10:59.441 --> 00:11:01.810
  • And convenience.
  • 00:11:01.810 --> 00:11:05.714
  • So we meet daniel.
  • 00:11:05.714 --> 00:11:07.649
  • A slave, a young man.
  • 00:11:07.649 --> 00:11:09.284
  • And how many people, it'd be a-- it would be a fun collective
  • 00:11:12.320 --> 00:11:17.592
  • Exercise to make a list of the people that you and i know from
  • 00:11:17.592 --> 00:11:20.395
  • Scripture that did not use the freedom and opportunity they had
  • 00:11:20.395 --> 00:11:26.000
  • To serve the lord.
  • 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:29.504
  • The wise men showed up at the palace in jerusalem with an
  • 00:11:29.504 --> 00:11:32.073
  • Announcement to herod, and herod called the chief priest and the
  • 00:11:32.073 --> 00:11:36.444
  • Teachers of the law, and they all said, "oh no, no, the
  • 00:11:36.444 --> 00:11:39.147
  • Messiah is coming from bethlehem," but none of them
  • 00:11:39.147 --> 00:11:40.915
  • Cared to go look.
  • 00:11:40.915 --> 00:11:43.551
  • They just sent the message, "kill the baby boys."
  • 00:11:43.551 --> 00:11:45.587
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:11:46.254 --> 00:11:53.328
  • Allen: welcome to 2026.
  • 00:11:53.328 --> 00:11:54.996
  • Happy new year.
  • 00:11:54.996 --> 00:11:56.364
  • We've created a new book to help you.
  • 00:11:56.364 --> 00:11:57.799
  • It's called, "turn up the light."
  • 00:11:57.799 --> 00:11:59.167
  • It's a devotional for the whole year.
  • 00:11:59.167 --> 00:12:00.802
  • It's a really simple idea.
  • 00:12:00.802 --> 00:12:02.170
  • I can join you for a cup of coffee in the morning.
  • 00:12:02.170 --> 00:12:04.973
  • We'll have a brief conversation with a spiritual principle to
  • 00:12:04.973 --> 00:12:07.809
  • Start our day, a scripture verse, a prayer, and then when
  • 00:12:07.809 --> 00:12:10.812
  • You're tired of me, you can close the book.
  • 00:12:10.812 --> 00:12:13.281
  • It's perfect.
  • 00:12:13.281 --> 00:12:14.849
  • In all seriousness, we do wanna turn up the light.
  • 00:12:14.849 --> 00:12:17.452
  • Let's not rage against the darkness.
  • 00:12:17.452 --> 00:12:18.887
  • Let's invite god into the midst of this year and then just see
  • 00:12:18.887 --> 00:12:21.756
  • What he will do.
  • 00:12:21.756 --> 00:12:23.124
  • Female announcer: pastor allen's new devotional, "turn up the
  • 00:12:23.124 --> 00:12:25.226
  • Light," is designed to equip you every single day of the year.
  • 00:12:25.226 --> 00:12:28.763
  • Inside, you'll find 365 short devotionals, each with a
  • 00:12:28.763 --> 00:12:32.834
  • Scripture, teaching, and a prayer.
  • 00:12:32.834 --> 00:12:35.503
  • As you begin this new year, don't rage against the darkness.
  • 00:12:35.503 --> 00:12:38.740
  • Instead, choose to turn up the light.
  • 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:40.975
  • You can request this book when you donate $25 or more today at
  • 00:12:40.975 --> 00:12:45.079
  • Allenjackson.com or by calling...
  • 00:12:45.079 --> 00:12:50.418
  • Announcer: we are committed to helping you grow in your faith
  • 00:12:53.321 --> 00:12:55.323
  • And have tools for your journey, no matter your schedule.
  • 00:12:55.323 --> 00:12:57.959
  • Get daily encouragement and insight with pastor allen's
  • 00:12:57.959 --> 00:13:00.762
  • Daily devotion right in your inbox.
  • 00:13:00.762 --> 00:13:02.530
  • Just sign up on the website.
  • 00:13:02.530 --> 00:13:04.098
  • Join us on one of our livestream services right from your tv
  • 00:13:04.098 --> 00:13:07.235
  • Using the allen jackson ministries app.
  • 00:13:07.235 --> 00:13:09.604
  • Listen to a powerful message through your favorite podcast
  • 00:13:09.604 --> 00:13:12.340
  • App, perfect for a commute, and
  • 00:13:12.340 --> 00:13:14.108
  • Make sure to follow pastor allen
  • 00:13:14.108 --> 00:13:15.743
  • On social media to stay up to
  • 00:13:15.743 --> 00:13:17.245
  • Date with everything happening
  • 00:13:17.245 --> 00:13:18.680
  • Here with allen jackson ministries.
  • 00:13:18.680 --> 00:13:20.682
  • Allen: well, in daniel chapter 2, very early in the narrative,
  • 00:13:24.719 --> 00:13:29.324
  • We've really just been introduced to them and a little
  • 00:13:29.324 --> 00:13:31.059
  • Bit of their character, and the king has a dream.
  • 00:13:31.059 --> 00:13:33.695
  • The babylonian king has a dream that terrifies him, and when he
  • 00:13:33.695 --> 00:13:36.264
  • Wakes up from the dream, he can't remember the dream.
  • 00:13:36.264 --> 00:13:38.032
  • He just remembers the terror.
  • 00:13:38.032 --> 00:13:40.902
  • Have you ever had a dream that brought real emotional terror
  • 00:13:40.902 --> 00:13:43.671
  • To you?
  • 00:13:43.671 --> 00:13:45.006
  • We all have.
  • 00:13:45.006 --> 00:13:46.374
  • And so he calls the wise men of the kingdom and he demands of
  • 00:13:46.374 --> 00:13:48.877
  • Them to tell him what the dream was.
  • 00:13:48.877 --> 00:13:51.613
  • And they say to him, "that's not fair.
  • 00:13:51.613 --> 00:13:55.083
  • If you'll tell us the dream, we'll give you the
  • 00:13:55.083 --> 00:13:56.684
  • Interpretation, but you can't tell us to tell you what
  • 00:13:56.684 --> 00:13:58.753
  • You dreamt."
  • 00:13:58.753 --> 00:14:00.188
  • And he said, "it may not be fair, but if you can't do it in
  • 00:14:00.188 --> 00:14:02.357
  • The morning, i'm gonna kill you."
  • 00:14:02.357 --> 00:14:05.393
  • Ancient near eastern monarchs had absolute authority.
  • 00:14:05.393 --> 00:14:07.829
  • There was no court of appeal.
  • 00:14:07.829 --> 00:14:09.163
  • There was no circuit court, or district court judge to issue
  • 00:14:09.163 --> 00:14:13.034
  • A stay.
  • 00:14:13.034 --> 00:14:15.203
  • So the message came to daniel that in the morning you'll
  • 00:14:15.203 --> 00:14:18.640
  • Be killed.
  • 00:14:18.640 --> 00:14:22.143
  • And so he goes back to his three friends, the ones that end up in
  • 00:14:22.143 --> 00:14:26.381
  • A furnace later on, and said, "we have to pray because we need
  • 00:14:26.381 --> 00:14:31.953
  • A revelation."
  • 00:14:31.953 --> 00:14:34.489
  • Now i'm fascinated that a young man who'd seen jerusalem
  • 00:14:34.489 --> 00:14:38.192
  • Destroyed, who'd been forced into the service of a foreign
  • 00:14:38.192 --> 00:14:42.497
  • King, who suffered physical mutilation in order to be a part
  • 00:14:42.497 --> 00:14:47.168
  • Of--to be a courtier in a foreign court, that he still
  • 00:14:47.168 --> 00:14:52.106
  • Holds the imagination that god would give him that revelation.
  • 00:14:52.106 --> 00:14:57.245
  • When i say to you that the church has been lulled into a
  • 00:14:57.245 --> 00:15:00.782
  • Lukewarm condition, when we read something like the book of
  • 00:15:00.782 --> 00:15:05.620
  • Daniel, we go, "well, i don't-- i don't know about, i mean, you
  • 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:08.489
  • Know, i'm--me and my people.
  • 00:15:08.489 --> 00:15:12.427
  • You know, we just go to church and sing that 1st and 3rd verse.
  • 00:15:12.427 --> 00:15:15.663
  • You know, i don't know about all that miracle stuff and i mean,
  • 00:15:19.367 --> 00:15:22.203
  • You know, that's--" i mean, we have gradually, bit by bit, idea
  • 00:15:22.203 --> 00:15:28.276
  • By idea, experience by experience, traded away the
  • 00:15:28.276 --> 00:15:31.713
  • Invitations of scripture, but god is moving and he's inviting
  • 00:15:31.713 --> 00:15:34.716
  • Us back.
  • 00:15:34.716 --> 00:15:36.351
  • Back to the table once a week, back to prayer, back to reading
  • 00:15:36.351 --> 00:15:40.154
  • Our bibles, back to cooperating with the spirit of god, back to
  • 00:15:40.154 --> 00:15:44.392
  • Leading generous lives, back to those fundamental expressions of
  • 00:15:44.392 --> 00:15:48.029
  • The faith that are transformational.
  • 00:15:48.029 --> 00:15:51.299
  • They'll change our homes, our lives.
  • 00:15:51.299 --> 00:15:53.468
  • They will ultimately change our culture, far more
  • 00:15:53.468 --> 00:15:57.105
  • Than elections.
  • 00:15:57.105 --> 00:16:00.675
  • Daniel, i was on daniel, i know i was.
  • 00:16:00.675 --> 00:16:03.678
  • Chapter 2, verse 17: "daniel returned to his house," about
  • 00:16:03.678 --> 00:16:09.817
  • Midway in your passage.
  • 00:16:09.817 --> 00:16:11.552
  • "daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to
  • 00:16:11.552 --> 00:16:13.721
  • His friends.
  • 00:16:13.721 --> 00:16:15.356
  • And he urged them to plead for the mercy of god of--from
  • 00:16:15.356 --> 00:16:18.226
  • Heaven concerning this mystery," the dream that they don't know,
  • 00:16:18.226 --> 00:16:22.964
  • "so that he and his friends might not be executed with the
  • 00:16:22.964 --> 00:16:25.366
  • Rest of the wise men of babylon."
  • 00:16:25.366 --> 00:16:26.834
  • How many think they might have prayed with a little bit
  • 00:16:26.834 --> 00:16:30.471
  • Of desperation?
  • 00:16:30.471 --> 00:16:33.875
  • Desperate doesn't mean awful.
  • 00:16:33.875 --> 00:16:37.011
  • If you're at a desperate place this christmas season, you are
  • 00:16:37.011 --> 00:16:40.281
  • Closer to the breakthrough from god than you know.
  • 00:16:40.281 --> 00:16:43.951
  • You're closer than the people who are comfortable
  • 00:16:43.951 --> 00:16:45.953
  • And convenient.
  • 00:16:45.953 --> 00:16:48.456
  • I don't like desperate places.
  • 00:16:48.456 --> 00:16:51.192
  • But the times in my life when i have walked through those places
  • 00:16:51.192 --> 00:16:53.928
  • That felt that way, have been so filled with expressions of god,
  • 00:16:53.928 --> 00:16:58.833
  • They have--they're the transformational windows in
  • 00:16:58.833 --> 00:17:00.902
  • My life.
  • 00:17:00.902 --> 00:17:03.304
  • I don't volunteer for them.
  • 00:17:03.304 --> 00:17:04.672
  • Please don't misunderstand me.
  • 00:17:04.672 --> 00:17:06.808
  • I don't try to organize my way into desperate places.
  • 00:17:06.808 --> 00:17:09.477
  • I try to organize my way away from them.
  • 00:17:09.477 --> 00:17:12.413
  • But i can tell you this, when circumstances are such that you
  • 00:17:12.413 --> 00:17:15.683
  • Feel you're in a desperate place, god is close at hand.
  • 00:17:15.683 --> 00:17:19.420
  • I think it's safe to say those young men didn't have trouble
  • 00:17:19.420 --> 00:17:22.423
  • Staying awake to pray that night.
  • 00:17:22.423 --> 00:17:24.559
  • Is that fair?
  • 00:17:24.559 --> 00:17:27.962
  • "during the night the mystery was revealed to daniel in
  • 00:17:27.962 --> 00:17:30.364
  • A vision."
  • 00:17:30.364 --> 00:17:32.366
  • And this, the next part is what's intriguing to me.
  • 00:17:32.366 --> 00:17:34.602
  • "daniel praised the god of heaven and he said, 'praise be
  • 00:17:34.602 --> 00:17:37.772
  • To the name of god for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.
  • 00:17:37.772 --> 00:17:42.877
  • He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and he
  • 00:17:42.877 --> 00:17:47.315
  • Deposes them.
  • 00:17:47.315 --> 00:17:48.883
  • He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
  • 00:17:48.883 --> 00:17:52.720
  • He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in
  • 00:17:52.720 --> 00:17:56.357
  • Darkness, and light dwells with him.
  • 00:17:56.357 --> 00:17:59.827
  • I thank and praise you, o god of my fathers: you have given me
  • 00:17:59.827 --> 00:18:02.864
  • Wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we ask of you,
  • 00:18:02.864 --> 00:18:07.335
  • You have made known to us the dream of the king.'"
  • 00:18:07.335 --> 00:18:11.506
  • I think i could describe that as an expression of the joy of
  • 00:18:11.506 --> 00:18:14.275
  • The lord.
  • 00:18:14.275 --> 00:18:17.445
  • Daniel's not disheartened.
  • 00:18:17.445 --> 00:18:19.814
  • He's not weary with doing good.
  • 00:18:19.814 --> 00:18:23.684
  • He's in a desperate circumstance.
  • 00:18:23.684 --> 00:18:25.052
  • He has one night to pray.
  • 00:18:25.052 --> 00:18:26.521
  • Folks, that's not a time for beginners.
  • 00:18:26.521 --> 00:18:30.424
  • You know, they were not doing, "let's pray."
  • 00:18:30.424 --> 00:18:32.026
  • You're only allowed one sentence.
  • 00:18:32.026 --> 00:18:35.563
  • I'm pretty confident there was a full-on prayer meeting, and
  • 00:18:35.563 --> 00:18:38.766
  • Daniel's prayer of gratitude reflects this remarkable
  • 00:18:38.766 --> 00:18:41.969
  • Understanding of god.
  • 00:18:41.969 --> 00:18:43.504
  • I know you've already turned the page, but i haven't.
  • 00:18:43.504 --> 00:18:46.641
  • He said, "wisdom and power are god's, that god changes times
  • 00:18:46.641 --> 00:18:50.178
  • And seasons.
  • 00:18:50.178 --> 00:18:51.846
  • It's not just a routine.
  • 00:18:51.846 --> 00:18:53.648
  • That he sets up kings and he removes kings.
  • 00:18:53.648 --> 00:18:57.685
  • He gives wisdom and knowledge.
  • 00:18:57.685 --> 00:18:59.153
  • He reveals deep and hidden things.
  • 00:18:59.153 --> 00:19:01.222
  • He knows what lies in darkness."
  • 00:19:01.222 --> 00:19:02.924
  • Daniel is a teenage slave.
  • 00:19:02.924 --> 00:19:06.327
  • We're too casual.
  • 00:19:09.797 --> 00:19:12.333
  • Lord, i wanna know you.
  • 00:19:12.333 --> 00:19:14.702
  • I wanna understand your nature and your character and what you
  • 00:19:14.702 --> 00:19:17.638
  • Do in the earth and what you will do to confront the
  • 00:19:17.638 --> 00:19:21.008
  • Expressions of wickedness and immorality and perversion and
  • 00:19:21.008 --> 00:19:24.745
  • Ungodliness that seem to be overwhelming us.
  • 00:19:24.745 --> 00:19:29.784
  • We've been invited towards something completely different.
  • 00:19:29.784 --> 00:19:32.053
  • You wanna get your eternity sorted out, and then you just
  • 00:19:32.053 --> 00:19:34.488
  • Want god to bless you.
  • 00:19:34.488 --> 00:19:36.857
  • And i'm an advocate for the blessings of god and you need to
  • 00:19:36.857 --> 00:19:39.126
  • Get your eternity sorted out, but we need to know god in such
  • 00:19:39.126 --> 00:19:42.129
  • A way that when we stand against expressions of evil, we imagine
  • 00:19:42.129 --> 00:19:46.033
  • There's a response.
  • 00:19:46.033 --> 00:19:48.903
  • I think not only what daniel prayed for, what he didn't pray
  • 00:19:53.074 --> 00:19:56.244
  • For, daniel and his friends did not pray for judgment to fall on
  • 00:19:56.244 --> 00:19:58.813
  • The babylonians: "god destroy our enemies tonight before they
  • 00:19:58.813 --> 00:20:04.352
  • Destroy us."
  • 00:20:04.352 --> 00:20:07.455
  • They didn't ask to be restored to jerusalem.
  • 00:20:07.455 --> 00:20:12.059
  • They didn't pray to be delivered from slavery.
  • 00:20:12.059 --> 00:20:16.864
  • And if you take a step back, their coworkers, their peer
  • 00:20:16.864 --> 00:20:19.734
  • Group, the wise men, the enchanters, the magicians of
  • 00:20:19.734 --> 00:20:23.504
  • Babylon, were deeply involved in the occult.
  • 00:20:23.504 --> 00:20:28.309
  • Sorcery and all sorts of expressions of ungodliness.
  • 00:20:28.309 --> 00:20:33.547
  • And daniel and his friends, we know--it's reported in the
  • 00:20:33.547 --> 00:20:36.584
  • Previous chapter, have chosen to reject the powerful local
  • 00:20:36.584 --> 00:20:40.755
  • Influences that would have caused them to conform to the
  • 00:20:40.755 --> 00:20:43.457
  • Culture around them.
  • 00:20:43.457 --> 00:20:44.825
  • They said, "we will not do that."
  • 00:20:44.825 --> 00:20:47.495
  • And they're young.
  • 00:20:50.965 --> 00:20:53.401
  • Stop telling your kids to be ungodly, it's the season of life
  • 00:20:53.401 --> 00:20:57.204
  • They're in.
  • 00:20:57.204 --> 00:20:58.572
  • You're culpable.
  • 00:20:58.572 --> 00:21:00.174
  • If you extend license to the young people that you have
  • 00:21:00.174 --> 00:21:03.110
  • Sphere of influence over to be ungodly and immoral and you wink
  • 00:21:03.110 --> 00:21:07.114
  • At it, you are culpable.
  • 00:21:07.114 --> 00:21:10.718
  • We've been called to guide, coach, encourage.
  • 00:21:10.718 --> 00:21:14.689
  • It's a remarkable story.
  • 00:21:18.225 --> 00:21:22.263
  • The joy they have, the strength they have.
  • 00:21:22.263 --> 00:21:27.401
  • My time is gone.
  • 00:21:27.401 --> 00:21:30.338
  • I'll pick this back up, but happiness and joy, don't
  • 00:21:30.338 --> 00:21:32.340
  • Conflate them, don't confuse them.
  • 00:21:32.340 --> 00:21:34.342
  • Happiness is emotional.
  • 00:21:34.342 --> 00:21:36.744
  • Happiness is linked to your circumstances.
  • 00:21:36.744 --> 00:21:39.847
  • We had a sunny day today.
  • 00:21:39.847 --> 00:21:42.316
  • If you could find a spot in the sun outside and you were out of
  • 00:21:42.316 --> 00:21:44.652
  • The wind, it was pretty comfortable for the middle
  • 00:21:44.652 --> 00:21:46.554
  • Of december.
  • 00:21:46.554 --> 00:21:48.689
  • Tomorrow, not so much.
  • 00:21:48.689 --> 00:21:54.562
  • It'd be easy to be a little grumpy: "i wanna go
  • 00:21:54.562 --> 00:21:57.765
  • Further south.
  • 00:21:57.765 --> 00:22:00.267
  • This is awful.
  • 00:22:00.267 --> 00:22:01.635
  • I won't go outside.
  • 00:22:01.635 --> 00:22:02.970
  • I won't go to church, bah, humbug.
  • 00:22:02.970 --> 00:22:05.039
  • Bring me a blanket."
  • 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:08.209
  • Because of the temperature.
  • 00:22:08.209 --> 00:22:11.145
  • Most of us don't have to go out and feed 200 or 300 head of
  • 00:22:11.145 --> 00:22:13.948
  • Cattle tomorrow.
  • 00:22:13.948 --> 00:22:16.317
  • Most of us won't have to go chop ice so they can get
  • 00:22:16.317 --> 00:22:18.753
  • Water, hallelujah.
  • 00:22:18.753 --> 00:22:23.424
  • Well, it's just it's a little less convenient.
  • 00:22:23.424 --> 00:22:26.560
  • And we--that's happiness.
  • 00:22:26.560 --> 00:22:27.895
  • Happiness is linked to transient things.
  • 00:22:27.895 --> 00:22:30.865
  • And if you don't guard your emotions, if you don't
  • 00:22:30.865 --> 00:22:33.067
  • Understand the spiritual response, and you allow your
  • 00:22:33.067 --> 00:22:35.669
  • Emotions to, they will lead you to destruction.
  • 00:22:35.669 --> 00:22:39.874
  • Joy is different.
  • 00:22:39.874 --> 00:22:41.976
  • Joy is centered not in your emotions.
  • 00:22:41.976 --> 00:22:45.279
  • Joy is about your spirit.
  • 00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:46.881
  • It's founded upon our relationship with jesus.
  • 00:22:46.881 --> 00:22:50.184
  • Our joy has an object.
  • 00:22:50.184 --> 00:22:53.120
  • Remember i asked you when we talked about hope a little bit
  • 00:22:53.120 --> 00:22:55.523
  • Ago, to think of hope as a tangible substance that you had
  • 00:22:55.523 --> 00:22:59.660
  • To protect?
  • 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.995
  • Hope would deteriorate, that your hope rests on something.
  • 00:23:00.995 --> 00:23:04.532
  • It's like a tangible object.
  • 00:23:04.532 --> 00:23:05.900
  • You place hope on something, and if you place hope, it's fragile.
  • 00:23:05.900 --> 00:23:09.537
  • If you place hope on something that isn't substantive, it will
  • 00:23:09.537 --> 00:23:12.673
  • Crash and you will lose hope.
  • 00:23:12.673 --> 00:23:15.876
  • But if you place your hope on god, the word of god, the
  • 00:23:15.876 --> 00:23:19.880
  • Faithfulness of god, your hope has a secure foundation.
  • 00:23:19.880 --> 00:23:24.919
  • Well, joy in a similar way, joy is anchored to something.
  • 00:23:24.919 --> 00:23:28.756
  • It's connected to something, not your emotions.
  • 00:23:28.756 --> 00:23:31.058
  • Your joy is founded upon your relationship with almighty god.
  • 00:23:31.058 --> 00:23:34.862
  • Why does that matter?
  • 00:23:34.862 --> 00:23:36.230
  • Because joy enables you to have the strength to persevere
  • 00:23:36.230 --> 00:23:39.066
  • And overcome.
  • 00:23:39.066 --> 00:23:42.036
  • Not force of character, not great personal discipline.
  • 00:23:42.036 --> 00:23:48.909
  • The devil has crushed people with great personal discipline
  • 00:23:48.909 --> 00:23:52.313
  • For millennia.
  • 00:23:52.313 --> 00:23:54.315
  • We're no match for him.
  • 00:23:54.315 --> 00:23:55.683
  • We need the power of god.
  • 00:23:55.683 --> 00:24:00.087
  • We need the joy of the lord.
  • 00:23:58.719 --> 00:24:01.422
  • What was the announcement in the shepherds' fields outside
  • 00:24:01.422 --> 00:24:03.657
  • Of bethlehem?
  • 00:24:03.657 --> 00:24:04.992
  • "good news, big joy for all people."
  • 00:24:04.992 --> 00:24:08.462
  • Heaven couldn't contain themselves.
  • 00:24:08.462 --> 00:24:10.464
  • You get bigger joy than you've ever had before.
  • 00:24:10.464 --> 00:24:12.700
  • Why?
  • 00:24:12.700 --> 00:24:14.034
  • Because today there is born to you a savior.
  • 00:24:14.034 --> 00:24:16.570
  • His name is christ the lord.
  • 00:24:16.570 --> 00:24:18.539
  • We're not church folks.
  • 00:24:18.539 --> 00:24:20.241
  • We're not religionists, we're not moralists, we're not
  • 00:24:20.241 --> 00:24:22.343
  • Ethicists, we're children of the king.
  • 00:24:22.343 --> 00:24:26.180
  • And it brings a joy that transcends every challenge that
  • 00:24:26.180 --> 00:24:29.250
  • We know.
  • 00:24:29.250 --> 00:24:31.118
  • You don't have to hide from the challengers.
  • 00:24:31.118 --> 00:24:33.921
  • The joy of the lord is our strength.
  • 00:24:33.921 --> 00:24:36.590
  • His joy brings his strength to our lives.
  • 00:24:36.590 --> 00:24:40.694
  • I brought you a prayer.
  • 00:24:40.694 --> 00:24:42.363
  • Why don't we stand together, we'll read it together.
  • 00:24:42.363 --> 00:24:49.069
  • Bless you.
  • 00:24:52.406 --> 00:24:56.110
  • Oh, it's okay.
  • 00:24:59.513 --> 00:25:02.783
  • Did you find the prayer?
  • 00:25:02.783 --> 00:25:04.552
  • If you're home, you read it with us, out loud.
  • 00:25:04.552 --> 00:25:07.254
  • I meet people all the time from other places in the country.
  • 00:25:07.254 --> 00:25:09.890
  • They say, "pastor, when you pray, we stand up."
  • 00:25:09.890 --> 00:25:13.494
  • I'm like, "yeah, well, who thought you wouldn't?
  • 00:25:13.494 --> 00:25:15.296
  • I mean, i'm just--" if you're not standing up, come on.
  • 00:25:15.296 --> 00:25:19.633
  • You don't want to miss the blessings of god because you're
  • 00:25:19.633 --> 00:25:21.535
  • In the recliner.
  • 00:25:21.535 --> 00:25:23.871
  • Let's read it together: "heavenly father, we choose to
  • 00:25:23.871 --> 00:25:27.174
  • Serve you with joy and a glad heart.
  • 00:25:27.174 --> 00:25:30.778
  • You have provided great abundance for us.
  • 00:25:30.778 --> 00:25:34.048
  • We come before you today rejoicing in your great strength
  • 00:25:34.048 --> 00:25:38.152
  • And mercy.
  • 00:25:38.152 --> 00:25:39.553
  • You are our deliverer, our redeemer, and the one who
  • 00:25:39.553 --> 00:25:43.490
  • Secures our future.
  • 00:25:43.490 --> 00:25:45.593
  • As we lift our hearts to you may sorrow and sighing flee away.
  • 00:25:45.593 --> 00:25:51.265
  • Holy spirit, direct our thoughts to the majesty of almighty god
  • 00:25:51.265 --> 00:25:56.437
  • And his expressions of grace towards us.
  • 00:25:56.437 --> 00:25:59.807
  • We pray in the name of the lord jesus, amen," hallelujah.
  • 00:25:59.807 --> 00:26:06.347
  • God bless you.
  • 00:26:06.347 --> 00:26:07.781
  • I'll see you tomorrow.
  • 00:26:07.781 --> 00:26:13.487
  • Allen: how we begin our year, it matters.
  • 00:26:17.424 --> 00:26:19.927
  • So we've created a tool to help you get the year off on the
  • 00:26:19.927 --> 00:26:22.429
  • Right foot.
  • 00:26:22.429 --> 00:26:23.797
  • It's a devotional for this year.
  • 00:26:23.797 --> 00:26:25.132
  • We've taken our email devotionals that you're
  • 00:26:25.132 --> 00:26:27.234
  • Familiar with, and we've edited into a book, 365-day devotional
  • 00:26:27.234 --> 00:26:32.606
  • With a little short thought for the day, a scripture verse, a
  • 00:26:32.606 --> 00:26:35.075
  • Prayer, just a little momentum for every day.
  • 00:26:35.075 --> 00:26:37.945
  • Let's start this year on purpose, inviting god's best
  • 00:26:37.945 --> 00:26:41.682
  • Into our lives.
  • 00:26:41.682 --> 00:26:43.183
  • Many of you are familiar with those devotionals.
  • 00:26:43.183 --> 00:26:44.985
  • You get them in your inbox.
  • 00:26:44.985 --> 00:26:46.420
  • We want to give you a hard copy.
  • 00:26:46.420 --> 00:26:47.788
  • Maybe you get a second copy, share it with a friend, use it
  • 00:26:47.788 --> 00:26:50.124
  • As a mission project this year.
  • 00:26:50.124 --> 00:26:52.092
  • Maybe take it to work, recruit somebody that you're
  • 00:26:52.092 --> 00:26:54.094
  • Working with.
  • 00:26:54.094 --> 00:26:55.429
  • It's a simple way to invite god into the beginning of your day
  • 00:26:55.429 --> 00:26:58.866
  • On purpose, and if we do that, i believe the outcome will be
  • 00:26:58.866 --> 00:27:02.770
  • Truly significant.
  • 00:27:02.770 --> 00:27:04.371
  • God in the midst of whatever we're doing makes the
  • 00:27:04.371 --> 00:27:06.306
  • Outcomes better.
  • 00:27:06.306 --> 00:27:07.775
  • It's an exciting time.
  • 00:27:07.775 --> 00:27:09.109
  • I like the beginning of a new year, all the promise and the
  • 00:27:09.109 --> 00:27:11.078
  • Hope that that brings.
  • 00:27:11.078 --> 00:27:12.413
  • Let's put god in the center of it.
  • 00:27:12.413 --> 00:27:14.281
  • "turn up the light" is the name of the devotional, and i believe
  • 00:27:14.281 --> 00:27:16.316
  • It'll do just that in your life.
  • 00:27:16.316 --> 00:27:27.361