Allen Jackson - Lead With Faith, Holiday Edition (Part 1)

December 3, 2024 | S24:E4903

Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Lead With Faith, Holiday Edition (Part 1) | December 3, 2024
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.025
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:01.326 --> 00:00:06.498
  • Allen: it's an honor to be with you today.
  • 00:00:06.498 --> 00:00:08.167
  • Our topic is "leading with our faith
  • 00:00:08.167 --> 00:00:09.802
  • In the midst of the holidays."
  • 00:00:09.802 --> 00:00:11.537
  • You know, it's an important time of the year.
  • 00:00:11.537 --> 00:00:13.205
  • You're gonna be gathered with friends and family
  • 00:00:13.205 --> 00:00:14.606
  • And co-workers, all sorts of collections of people.
  • 00:00:14.606 --> 00:00:17.242
  • We don't wanna just exchange gifts or greetings or enjoy
  • 00:00:17.242 --> 00:00:20.379
  • Our favorite holiday food.
  • 00:00:20.379 --> 00:00:21.914
  • I wanna bring our faith into those discussions.
  • 00:00:21.914 --> 00:00:24.750
  • So we're gonna talk about some ways we can do that in a way
  • 00:00:24.750 --> 00:00:26.819
  • That will not cause us to be excluded from the holidays
  • 00:00:26.819 --> 00:00:29.188
  • Next year.
  • 00:00:29.188 --> 00:00:30.522
  • I promise it'll be fun.
  • 00:00:30.522 --> 00:00:32.191
  • Grab your bible and a notepad, but most importantly,
  • 00:00:32.191 --> 00:00:34.393
  • Open your heart.
  • 00:00:34.393 --> 00:00:35.761
  • Allen: i want to, in this session and the next at least,
  • 00:00:37.729 --> 00:00:42.367
  • Do a holiday edition of "leading with faith."
  • 00:00:42.367 --> 00:00:47.139
  • For the next few weeks we have the opportunity to gather
  • 00:00:47.139 --> 00:00:50.843
  • With family and friends and other big gatherings at school
  • 00:00:50.843 --> 00:00:55.047
  • And at work, i mean, there'll just be
  • 00:00:55.047 --> 00:00:56.949
  • Any number of collections of people that are available
  • 00:00:56.949 --> 00:01:00.252
  • To us because of the holidays
  • 00:01:00.252 --> 00:01:02.321
  • For which that won't be true in just a few more weeks.
  • 00:01:02.321 --> 00:01:06.992
  • So there's a very unique opportunity to lead
  • 00:01:06.992 --> 00:01:09.194
  • With our faith and what i'd like to do is try
  • 00:01:09.194 --> 00:01:12.998
  • To process that with you a little bit and then to give you
  • 00:01:12.998 --> 00:01:15.334
  • Some tools so that you can be prepared to make an impact
  • 00:01:15.334 --> 00:01:19.905
  • For the kingdom of god.
  • 00:01:19.905 --> 00:01:22.641
  • But it is such an important time.
  • 00:01:22.641 --> 00:01:25.277
  • You know, the god--the purposes and the plans of god are moving
  • 00:01:25.277 --> 00:01:27.846
  • Forward in the earth at a pace and you just see
  • 00:01:27.846 --> 00:01:30.782
  • The wickedness marching.
  • 00:01:30.782 --> 00:01:32.184
  • I assure you the purposes of god are moving forward
  • 00:01:32.184 --> 00:01:34.052
  • Even more rapidly.
  • 00:01:34.052 --> 00:01:36.655
  • That there's a divine script unfolding all around us.
  • 00:01:36.655 --> 00:01:39.324
  • We're living in the midst of something
  • 00:01:39.324 --> 00:01:41.960
  • That i really don't think can be understood
  • 00:01:41.960 --> 00:01:43.562
  • In any other way than the supernatural.
  • 00:01:43.562 --> 00:01:46.298
  • The question that i wanna pose to you is to what extent
  • 00:01:46.298 --> 00:01:49.835
  • Do you intend to be a part of that.
  • 00:01:49.835 --> 00:01:53.238
  • Or do you have the imagination that you're born again,
  • 00:01:53.238 --> 00:01:55.340
  • You're saved, you're converted, you've got a ticket for heaven,
  • 00:01:55.340 --> 00:01:57.576
  • And you're just gonna go sit in the bleachers and watch?
  • 00:01:57.576 --> 00:02:00.612
  • I hope not because, if you're willing,
  • 00:02:00.612 --> 00:02:03.315
  • God will enable you to use your strength and your days under the
  • 00:02:03.315 --> 00:02:07.019
  • Sun in such a way that you could be rewarded for all eternity.
  • 00:02:07.019 --> 00:02:11.523
  • I would submit that's a better way to travel.
  • 00:02:11.523 --> 00:02:14.526
  • And i'm gonna start with the be-attitudes of the holidays.
  • 00:02:14.526 --> 00:02:19.831
  • It's a difficult time of the year.
  • 00:02:19.831 --> 00:02:21.433
  • The incidence of depression and discouragement is higher
  • 00:02:21.433 --> 00:02:24.002
  • At the end of the year than any other season of the year,
  • 00:02:24.002 --> 00:02:27.406
  • But i don't believe that has to be true.
  • 00:02:27.406 --> 00:02:29.875
  • I think we can make some choices to counteract that a little bit,
  • 00:02:29.875 --> 00:02:33.512
  • So i wanna start real quickly with some be-attitudes
  • 00:02:33.512 --> 00:02:36.181
  • Of the holidays.
  • 00:02:36.181 --> 00:02:37.516
  • First of all, be prepared.
  • 00:02:37.516 --> 00:02:40.519
  • The holidays are coming.
  • 00:02:40.519 --> 00:02:42.254
  • You've got the same family tree filled with fruits and nuts
  • 00:02:42.254 --> 00:02:44.923
  • That you had last year.
  • 00:02:44.923 --> 00:02:46.592
  • Shouldn't be a surprise.
  • 00:02:47.859 --> 00:02:49.228
  • You've done this before.
  • 00:02:49.228 --> 00:02:51.797
  • So be prepared to make a difference
  • 00:02:51.797 --> 00:02:53.498
  • For the kingdom of god.
  • 00:02:53.498 --> 00:02:54.933
  • Don't be caught unprepared.
  • 00:02:54.933 --> 00:02:57.069
  • Don't be surprised.
  • 00:02:57.069 --> 00:02:59.438
  • Don't say, "well, it never occurred to me that--"
  • 00:02:59.438 --> 00:03:01.573
  • And it's a rinse and repeat of what you've seen before.
  • 00:03:01.573 --> 00:03:05.444
  • Let's determine that we'll be prepared this holiday as never
  • 00:03:05.444 --> 00:03:08.447
  • Before to make a difference for the kingdom of god.
  • 00:03:08.447 --> 00:03:11.950
  • The second be-attitude is to be flexible.
  • 00:03:11.950 --> 00:03:15.988
  • You know, we make our plans and we get everything scripted
  • 00:03:15.988 --> 00:03:19.358
  • The way we want it to go, and then reality happens.
  • 00:03:19.358 --> 00:03:23.929
  • And reality very seldom considers our plans.
  • 00:03:23.929 --> 00:03:28.834
  • "well, i didn't know they'd be late,"
  • 00:03:28.834 --> 00:03:31.470
  • Or "i didn't know a flight would get canceled,"
  • 00:03:31.470 --> 00:03:34.139
  • Or "i didn't know somebody was gonna get sick."
  • 00:03:34.139 --> 00:03:36.808
  • And then all those intrusions seem to cascade upon us.
  • 00:03:36.808 --> 00:03:40.545
  • Emotionally, we go, "well, i just wasn't prepared."
  • 00:03:40.545 --> 00:03:44.016
  • Be prepared to be flexible.
  • 00:03:44.016 --> 00:03:47.319
  • It's not gonna work as perfectly as you would like.
  • 00:03:47.319 --> 00:03:49.988
  • The light in your oven will go out,
  • 00:03:49.988 --> 00:03:53.759
  • The turkey will be overdone or underdone or too smoky
  • 00:03:53.759 --> 00:03:57.562
  • Or not smoky enough or something.
  • 00:03:57.562 --> 00:04:01.700
  • Somebody will show up with a guest
  • 00:04:01.700 --> 00:04:03.402
  • And you've got one more person than you have places set.
  • 00:04:03.402 --> 00:04:06.772
  • Or something.
  • 00:04:06.772 --> 00:04:09.207
  • And don't allow it to collapse your joy.
  • 00:04:09.207 --> 00:04:14.279
  • The third piece is to be purposeful.
  • 00:04:14.279 --> 00:04:17.516
  • Let's begin this holiday with the intent to make
  • 00:04:17.516 --> 00:04:21.353
  • A kingdom difference, not just to shop
  • 00:04:21.353 --> 00:04:24.456
  • Or to cook or to decorate.
  • 00:04:24.456 --> 00:04:27.192
  • And i know many of you have significant emotional
  • 00:04:27.192 --> 00:04:29.895
  • Investments in those things and i'm not challenging that.
  • 00:04:29.895 --> 00:04:32.798
  • I think it's okay to celebrate the holiday season.
  • 00:04:32.798 --> 00:04:36.268
  • I mean, some of you do it with an enthusiasm
  • 00:04:36.268 --> 00:04:38.637
  • That started in july.
  • 00:04:38.637 --> 00:04:41.973
  • You're trying to make the 21st century edition
  • 00:04:41.973 --> 00:04:44.176
  • Of "christmas vacation."
  • 00:04:44.176 --> 00:04:46.912
  • That's okay with me, but let's be equally intent
  • 00:04:46.912 --> 00:04:50.248
  • On a kingdom purpose for the holiday.
  • 00:04:50.248 --> 00:04:53.819
  • Let's have objectives.
  • 00:04:53.819 --> 00:04:55.454
  • What would it look like for-- to have the most spiritually
  • 00:04:55.454 --> 00:04:59.024
  • Influential or impactful holiday season that you've ever had?
  • 00:04:59.024 --> 00:05:05.063
  • Think about it.
  • 00:05:05.063 --> 00:05:06.631
  • Ask the lord about it, begin to pray about it.
  • 00:05:06.631 --> 00:05:11.470
  • Number four: be helpful.
  • 00:05:11.470 --> 00:05:14.506
  • "see, and i don't know how to do all this stuff.
  • 00:05:14.506 --> 00:05:15.974
  • You're gonna talk to me about praying prayers,
  • 00:05:15.974 --> 00:05:17.442
  • I don't know how to do that."
  • 00:05:17.442 --> 00:05:19.244
  • I'll give you a way you could change the--
  • 00:05:19.244 --> 00:05:21.480
  • You be more helpful than you've ever been.
  • 00:05:21.480 --> 00:05:25.650
  • Wash more dishes, say "thank you" more frequently,
  • 00:05:25.650 --> 00:05:34.860
  • Don't require others to wait on you,
  • 00:05:34.860 --> 00:05:38.997
  • Facilitate good outcomes, show up with the best attitude
  • 00:05:38.997 --> 00:05:43.235
  • That your friends or families or co-workers have ever seen.
  • 00:05:43.235 --> 00:05:47.806
  • Make them wonder what happened to you.
  • 00:05:47.806 --> 00:05:53.512
  • "never seen her be that cooperative."
  • 00:05:53.512 --> 00:05:56.415
  • Decide to do it on purpose, not because you feel like it,
  • 00:05:56.415 --> 00:06:00.218
  • Not because you want to, but it's a way to honor the lord.
  • 00:06:00.218 --> 00:06:04.823
  • It's a way to serve the lord.
  • 00:06:04.823 --> 00:06:07.025
  • After all, the entire season, "holiday" is a corruption
  • 00:06:07.025 --> 00:06:11.062
  • Of "holy days."
  • 00:06:11.062 --> 00:06:13.899
  • You're getting those breaks in your schedule and days off work
  • 00:06:13.899 --> 00:06:16.601
  • And days out of school because we are celebrating holy days.
  • 00:06:16.601 --> 00:06:22.174
  • So why, as the people of god, don't we bring an attitude
  • 00:06:22.174 --> 00:06:25.043
  • Of holiness to the holy days?
  • 00:06:25.043 --> 00:06:28.580
  • "well, i just don't like how secular it is."
  • 00:06:28.580 --> 00:06:30.649
  • Well, okay, just get your holy self on out there
  • 00:06:30.649 --> 00:06:34.719
  • To the holy days and be more helpful than you've ever been.
  • 00:06:34.719 --> 00:06:42.127
  • Number five: be available, primarily to the lord.
  • 00:06:42.127 --> 00:06:46.731
  • Be available to the lord.
  • 00:06:46.731 --> 00:06:49.668
  • I would--for the next few weeks, i would start every day saying,
  • 00:06:49.668 --> 00:06:52.204
  • "lord, i'm--whatever you have today,
  • 00:06:52.204 --> 00:06:54.039
  • I'm on assignment."
  • 00:06:54.039 --> 00:06:56.107
  • What would that look like?
  • 00:06:56.107 --> 00:06:57.442
  • Who do i know for whom an act of kindness would make
  • 00:06:57.442 --> 00:07:00.045
  • A big difference?
  • 00:07:00.045 --> 00:07:02.347
  • Who is it in my sphere of influence where a kind word
  • 00:07:02.347 --> 00:07:04.282
  • Could change the outcome of their day or their attitude
  • 00:07:04.282 --> 00:07:07.953
  • Or their holiday?
  • 00:07:07.953 --> 00:07:09.788
  • Be available.
  • 00:07:09.788 --> 00:07:11.122
  • And the last one on your be-attitudes list is
  • 00:07:11.122 --> 00:07:12.958
  • To be grateful.
  • 00:07:12.958 --> 00:07:15.193
  • Now, for some of us, it's not an easy time of the year.
  • 00:07:15.193 --> 00:07:17.796
  • We've had losses, we've had difficult things happen,
  • 00:07:17.796 --> 00:07:20.532
  • And oftentimes the end of the year is a reminder
  • 00:07:20.532 --> 00:07:22.767
  • Of some of those things or maybe your life isn't the way
  • 00:07:22.767 --> 00:07:26.137
  • You would like it to be.
  • 00:07:26.137 --> 00:07:28.707
  • You know, maybe the kids aren't coming home or maybe
  • 00:07:28.707 --> 00:07:30.842
  • The kids are coming home or-- everybody brings joy,
  • 00:07:30.842 --> 00:07:38.550
  • Some with their arrival and some with their departure,
  • 00:07:38.550 --> 00:07:41.152
  • But everybody brings joy.
  • 00:07:41.152 --> 00:07:43.021
  • You know, maybe the grandkids aren't available
  • 00:07:46.091 --> 00:07:47.759
  • Or maybe they're too available.
  • 00:07:47.759 --> 00:07:49.261
  • I mean, they're just--it's really easy to understand
  • 00:07:49.261 --> 00:07:52.497
  • Why you're unhappy and it's easy to get focused on that.
  • 00:07:52.497 --> 00:07:56.801
  • "well, it's not going the way i wanted it.
  • 00:07:56.801 --> 00:07:58.203
  • I'm not getting my way," or "they never include me
  • 00:07:58.203 --> 00:08:00.939
  • The way i wanna be included," or "i've been left off of this,
  • 00:08:00.939 --> 00:08:03.542
  • Or pushed out of that," or "i've been invited to too many,"
  • 00:08:03.542 --> 00:08:06.211
  • Or "there's--" whatever.
  • 00:08:06.211 --> 00:08:08.713
  • Just determine at the beginning of the holiday season,
  • 00:08:08.713 --> 00:08:11.550
  • "i am going to be grateful.
  • 00:08:11.550 --> 00:08:15.353
  • Lord, i'm gonna worship you.
  • 00:08:15.353 --> 00:08:17.956
  • I'm gonna give thanks to you.
  • 00:08:17.956 --> 00:08:20.659
  • You are the one that i'm directing
  • 00:08:20.659 --> 00:08:22.327
  • My thankful attitude towards.
  • 00:08:22.327 --> 00:08:24.095
  • You're the one that sent your son to change my life in time
  • 00:08:24.095 --> 00:08:27.432
  • And eternity."
  • 00:08:27.432 --> 00:08:29.601
  • There's no circumstance.
  • 00:08:29.601 --> 00:08:31.336
  • "the christmas trees are more expensive."
  • 00:08:31.336 --> 00:08:32.737
  • I'm not gonna stop worshiping the lord because
  • 00:08:32.737 --> 00:08:36.441
  • The knuckleheads have inflated what things cost
  • 00:08:36.441 --> 00:08:40.312
  • And then tell me it's my imagination.
  • 00:08:40.312 --> 00:08:44.282
  • Apparently, i have a very active imagination.
  • 00:08:48.253 --> 00:08:52.557
  • I actually built these from scripture
  • 00:08:52.557 --> 00:08:55.560
  • But i'm not gonna walk you through all the verses.
  • 00:08:55.560 --> 00:08:57.495
  • 1 peter 3 says: "in your hearts set apart christ as lord.
  • 00:08:57.495 --> 00:09:03.401
  • Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
  • 00:09:03.401 --> 00:09:06.204
  • Who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
  • 00:09:06.204 --> 00:09:09.708
  • Always be prepared.
  • 00:09:09.708 --> 00:09:11.943
  • Okay, for the next few weeks, be prepared.
  • 00:09:11.943 --> 00:09:15.413
  • I'm gonna give you some tools, i'm gonna offer
  • 00:09:15.413 --> 00:09:16.848
  • Some suggestions, i'm gonna bundle up some prayers
  • 00:09:16.848 --> 00:09:18.683
  • And send 'em with you and you can put 'em in your phone.
  • 00:09:18.683 --> 00:09:21.586
  • Take a picture of your outline.
  • 00:09:21.586 --> 00:09:23.288
  • I'll direct you towards some tools where you can--
  • 00:09:23.288 --> 00:09:25.056
  • I mean, we will give you some things to choose from,
  • 00:09:25.056 --> 00:09:28.293
  • But you have to decide to be prepared.
  • 00:09:28.293 --> 00:09:32.397
  • It's too late to be in the moment and go,
  • 00:09:32.397 --> 00:09:34.199
  • "wait, what did he say?
  • 00:09:34.199 --> 00:09:35.533
  • And when was that?
  • 00:09:35.533 --> 00:09:36.868
  • And what was i supposed to do?"
  • 00:09:36.868 --> 00:09:38.603
  • That's not preparation.
  • 00:09:38.603 --> 00:09:41.873
  • Be prepared to give a reason for why you have hope.
  • 00:09:41.873 --> 00:09:46.277
  • Stop being part of the choir of complaining.
  • 00:09:46.277 --> 00:09:50.982
  • There's enough negative voices.
  • 00:09:50.982 --> 00:09:54.753
  • You know why they can take-- some of the--
  • 00:09:54.753 --> 00:09:57.288
  • Our elite universities can take some
  • 00:09:57.288 --> 00:10:00.191
  • Of our at least higher-scoring students and motivate them
  • 00:10:00.191 --> 00:10:05.096
  • On behalf of antisemitism?
  • 00:10:05.096 --> 00:10:06.865
  • Because for generations now, we've been coaching young people
  • 00:10:06.865 --> 00:10:09.267
  • To hate our country.
  • 00:10:09.267 --> 00:10:11.870
  • How about you use your holiday to tell--teach everybody
  • 00:10:11.870 --> 00:10:13.872
  • That's within earshot of you why you love this place?
  • 00:10:13.872 --> 00:10:19.477
  • You say, "well, everybody wouldn't like that."
  • 00:10:19.477 --> 00:10:23.381
  • Ephesians chapter 5 takes us into a little bigger picture,
  • 00:10:27.585 --> 00:10:31.423
  • Really the heart of this issue, i think.
  • 00:10:31.423 --> 00:10:34.459
  • "to be imitators of god, as dearly loved children and
  • 00:10:34.459 --> 00:10:38.430
  • Live a life of love, just as christ loved us and gave himself
  • 00:10:38.430 --> 00:10:42.367
  • Up for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to god."
  • 00:10:42.367 --> 00:10:49.541
  • This is part of a much larger conversation that started
  • 00:10:49.541 --> 00:10:52.077
  • In chapter 4, but for the sake of brevity,
  • 00:10:52.077 --> 00:10:55.547
  • This is really kind of the summary component.
  • 00:10:55.547 --> 00:10:58.416
  • And the instruction is to be an imitator of god
  • 00:10:58.416 --> 00:11:00.719
  • And live a life of love, just as christ loved us.
  • 00:11:00.719 --> 00:11:05.323
  • It's a message that has been dominant in contemporary
  • 00:11:05.323 --> 00:11:08.693
  • Evangelicalism in our nation.
  • 00:11:08.693 --> 00:11:11.596
  • I'm an advocate for that.
  • 00:11:11.596 --> 00:11:14.199
  • I believe in the love of god.
  • 00:11:14.199 --> 00:11:16.768
  • I believe we have to give expression to the love of god.
  • 00:11:16.768 --> 00:11:20.338
  • But it's confusing this time of the year because,
  • 00:11:20.338 --> 00:11:22.507
  • As we gather with families and friends,
  • 00:11:22.507 --> 00:11:24.375
  • It's not easy always to know how to do that
  • 00:11:24.375 --> 00:11:29.013
  • Because we are all works in progress.
  • 00:11:29.013 --> 00:11:32.350
  • And when we gather, what does that look like?
  • 00:11:32.350 --> 00:11:36.454
  • It's not an easy question.
  • 00:11:36.454 --> 00:11:39.090
  • And i think this passage is very insightful.
  • 00:11:39.090 --> 00:11:41.159
  • It begins with this fundamental notion
  • 00:11:41.159 --> 00:11:43.661
  • To live a life of love as christ loved us.
  • 00:11:43.661 --> 00:11:47.699
  • And then in verse 3 it says: "but among you
  • 00:11:47.699 --> 00:11:49.868
  • There must not even be a hint of sexual immorality,
  • 00:11:49.868 --> 00:11:55.640
  • Or any kind of impurity, or of greed,
  • 00:11:55.640 --> 00:11:58.977
  • Because these are improper for god's holy people."
  • 00:11:58.977 --> 00:12:03.214
  • It's a thought.
  • 00:12:03.214 --> 00:12:04.549
  • He said, "listen, amongst the people of god
  • 00:12:04.549 --> 00:12:08.153
  • There shouldn't even be a hint of immorality
  • 00:12:08.153 --> 00:12:11.389
  • Or any kind of impurity or greed.
  • 00:12:11.389 --> 00:12:15.426
  • It's just not appropriate for god's people.
  • 00:12:15.426 --> 00:12:19.364
  • And the next sentence is if he-- his mind is running
  • 00:12:19.364 --> 00:12:22.500
  • And he says, "well, wait a minute," he said,
  • 00:12:22.500 --> 00:12:25.336
  • "in fact, there shouldn't be any obscenity or foolish talk
  • 00:12:25.336 --> 00:12:30.074
  • Or coarse joking, those are out of place,
  • 00:12:30.074 --> 00:12:33.978
  • But rather thanksgiving.
  • 00:12:33.978 --> 00:12:37.115
  • For of this you can be sure."
  • 00:12:37.115 --> 00:12:38.650
  • It's just like once he started pulling this thread,
  • 00:12:38.650 --> 00:12:40.652
  • He said, "of this you can be sure:
  • 00:12:40.652 --> 00:12:42.153
  • No immoral, impure or greedy person--
  • 00:12:42.153 --> 00:12:45.423
  • Such a person is an idolater--
  • 00:12:45.423 --> 00:12:47.125
  • Has any inheritance
  • 00:12:47.125 --> 00:12:48.459
  • In the kingdom of christ and of god."
  • 00:12:48.459 --> 00:12:52.030
  • Now, all of that's in the context
  • 00:12:52.030 --> 00:12:53.832
  • Of living a life of love.
  • 00:12:53.832 --> 00:12:57.735
  • He said, "among you, these things just can't happen.
  • 00:12:57.735 --> 00:13:02.807
  • There's no room for them.
  • 00:13:02.807 --> 00:13:04.142
  • There's no place for them.
  • 00:13:04.142 --> 00:13:05.476
  • It's not love to make room for them."
  • 00:13:05.476 --> 00:13:08.146
  • And then he tells us why in the next sentence:
  • 00:13:08.146 --> 00:13:10.348
  • "let no one deceive you with empty words," [clearing throat]
  • 00:13:10.348 --> 00:13:14.285
  • Excuse me, "for because of such things
  • 00:13:14.285 --> 00:13:17.055
  • God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
  • 00:13:17.055 --> 00:13:21.392
  • Therefore don't be partners with them."
  • 00:13:21.392 --> 00:13:24.162
  • A more literal translation says: "have nothing to do with them."
  • 00:13:24.162 --> 00:13:29.100
  • So we have this rather stark presentation.
  • 00:13:29.100 --> 00:13:33.104
  • It says: "be imitators of god and live a life of love."
  • 00:13:33.104 --> 00:13:38.209
  • Okay, but then we're given some definition
  • 00:13:38.209 --> 00:13:40.378
  • On what that looks like.
  • 00:13:40.378 --> 00:13:42.513
  • He said, "among you, there's a distinction between people
  • 00:13:42.513 --> 00:13:46.084
  • Who intend to honor god and people who don't."
  • 00:13:46.084 --> 00:13:50.421
  • When you're with people who have no intention of honoring god,
  • 00:13:50.421 --> 00:13:53.024
  • The ground rules are different.
  • 00:13:53.024 --> 00:13:56.694
  • I think we understand we have to be a light in those places,
  • 00:13:56.694 --> 00:14:00.465
  • That there may be conversations that we don't enter into.
  • 00:14:00.465 --> 00:14:03.001
  • There may be humor that's expressed
  • 00:14:04.502 --> 00:14:06.104
  • That we choose not to engage with.
  • 00:14:06.104 --> 00:14:10.308
  • There may be behaviors or activities or whatever
  • 00:14:10.308 --> 00:14:12.343
  • And we have reason to say, "listen, you know,
  • 00:14:12.343 --> 00:14:14.512
  • My faith kind of leaves me a little apart from that.
  • 00:14:14.512 --> 00:14:17.849
  • I'm happy to be your friend, i'll be around you,
  • 00:14:17.849 --> 00:14:19.417
  • But there's a fundamental difference in the authority
  • 00:14:19.417 --> 00:14:22.687
  • That i answer to."
  • 00:14:22.687 --> 00:14:25.356
  • I mean, after all, that's the verse we just read.
  • 00:14:25.356 --> 00:14:26.991
  • It said to be prepared to give an answer for the hope
  • 00:14:26.991 --> 00:14:30.328
  • That we have.
  • 00:14:30.328 --> 00:14:33.331
  • Among you, these things can't hurt,
  • 00:14:33.331 --> 00:14:36.034
  • But if we're with people who imagine themselves
  • 00:14:36.034 --> 00:14:38.002
  • To be godly and they are practicing ungodliness,
  • 00:14:38.002 --> 00:14:45.510
  • That's a different discussion altogether.
  • 00:14:45.510 --> 00:14:48.246
  • Not an easy one.
  • 00:14:48.246 --> 00:14:51.082
  • Not a comfortable one.
  • 00:14:51.082 --> 00:14:53.351
  • Doesn't mean that we have to turn our holidays
  • 00:14:53.351 --> 00:14:55.219
  • Into a theological debate.
  • 00:14:55.219 --> 00:15:00.792
  • We do have to understand the nature of the kingdom of god.
  • 00:15:00.792 --> 00:15:04.295
  • And if we care about the people that we're gathering with,
  • 00:15:04.295 --> 00:15:06.531
  • At the very least we wanna be prepared for those interactions
  • 00:15:06.531 --> 00:15:09.133
  • Because our interaction might be a component that brings
  • 00:15:09.133 --> 00:15:12.236
  • Some freedom and deliverance to them, if god were so merciful
  • 00:15:12.236 --> 00:15:16.407
  • As to choose to do that.
  • 00:15:16.407 --> 00:15:19.177
  • And paul ends this little passage with a warning.
  • 00:15:19.177 --> 00:15:23.748
  • He said: "let no one deceive you with empty words."
  • 00:15:23.748 --> 00:15:28.886
  • See, i think one of the things that we're facing
  • 00:15:28.886 --> 00:15:30.421
  • In the christian community is widespread deception.
  • 00:15:30.421 --> 00:15:33.658
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:15:33.658 --> 00:15:39.697
  • Allen: i want to take just a moment to say thank you.
  • 00:15:41.032 --> 00:15:43.534
  • In a year of political turmoil and confusion and wars and
  • 00:15:43.534 --> 00:15:47.271
  • Rumors of wars, because of your partnership,
  • 00:15:47.271 --> 00:15:49.874
  • Your generosity, your prayers, your encouragement,
  • 00:15:49.874 --> 00:15:53.044
  • We have done more for the gospel than any year
  • 00:15:53.044 --> 00:15:55.546
  • In our ministry so far.
  • 00:15:55.546 --> 00:15:56.881
  • We started a whole new genre of programing.
  • 00:15:56.881 --> 00:15:59.283
  • Allen jackson now does a daily review of headlines
  • 00:15:59.283 --> 00:16:01.986
  • From a biblical worldview.
  • 00:16:01.986 --> 00:16:03.788
  • We've started a new podcast, "culture & christianity," to
  • 00:16:03.788 --> 00:16:06.224
  • Help stabilize god's people in the midst of all the confusion.
  • 00:16:06.224 --> 00:16:10.428
  • All of that because of your faithfulness,
  • 00:16:10.428 --> 00:16:12.263
  • Your generosity, your prayers.
  • 00:16:12.263 --> 00:16:13.931
  • Thank you so much.
  • 00:16:13.931 --> 00:16:15.633
  • As we come to the end of this year, i want to ask
  • 00:16:15.633 --> 00:16:17.368
  • You to prayerfully consider making a sacrificial
  • 00:16:17.368 --> 00:16:19.904
  • Investment in what's next.
  • 00:16:19.904 --> 00:16:22.607
  • We want to take those programs, share them in new
  • 00:16:22.607 --> 00:16:24.909
  • Places with more people.
  • 00:16:24.909 --> 00:16:27.045
  • We want to continue to be creative in how we share the
  • 00:16:27.045 --> 00:16:29.847
  • Good news of jesus christ.
  • 00:16:29.847 --> 00:16:31.983
  • A generous partner makes it possible.
  • 00:16:31.983 --> 00:16:33.684
  • Every gift you give will be matched.
  • 00:16:33.684 --> 00:16:35.319
  • It doubles your gift between now and the end of the year.
  • 00:16:35.319 --> 00:16:38.089
  • Let me thank you in advance for what we've been doing and what
  • 00:16:38.089 --> 00:16:40.625
  • God's going to do with our lives and our partnership
  • 00:16:40.625 --> 00:16:43.494
  • Together in 2025.
  • 00:16:43.494 --> 00:16:45.763
  • Thank you and god bless you.
  • 00:16:45.763 --> 00:16:48.199
  • Female announcer: god is moving in major ways in the
  • 00:16:48.199 --> 00:16:50.301
  • Ministry and our world.
  • 00:16:50.301 --> 00:16:52.837
  • As we watched the 2024 election unfold,
  • 00:16:52.837 --> 00:16:55.706
  • We witnessed a miracle.
  • 00:16:55.706 --> 00:16:57.742
  • God has heard our prayers.
  • 00:16:57.742 --> 00:16:59.844
  • He has shown us his mercy.
  • 00:16:59.844 --> 00:17:02.080
  • We're entering a new era with new leaders,
  • 00:17:02.080 --> 00:17:05.149
  • But it's not a time to rest.
  • 00:17:05.149 --> 00:17:07.351
  • Our assignment hasn't changed.
  • 00:17:07.351 --> 00:17:09.387
  • In fact, it's as urgent as ever.
  • 00:17:09.387 --> 00:17:12.423
  • You and i have been set apart by god for his purposes,
  • 00:17:12.423 --> 00:17:15.660
  • And there's a lot for us to do.
  • 00:17:15.660 --> 00:17:18.129
  • Allen: i believe when god shows you mercy,
  • 00:17:18.129 --> 00:17:22.433
  • He gives with it an opportunity.
  • 00:17:22.433 --> 00:17:25.203
  • I want us to quietly say to the lord, "here am i.
  • 00:17:25.203 --> 00:17:34.946
  • Let me go.
  • 00:17:34.946 --> 00:17:37.381
  • Let me go back to where i work in the name of jesus.
  • 00:17:37.381 --> 00:17:41.252
  • Let me go back into my neighborhood
  • 00:17:41.252 --> 00:17:42.887
  • In the name of jesus."
  • 00:17:42.887 --> 00:17:45.356
  • God himself has shown us grace, and it will require of us
  • 00:17:45.356 --> 00:17:53.297
  • Greater strength and greater courage than we have ever had to
  • 00:17:53.297 --> 00:17:57.335
  • Attach to our faith before.
  • 00:17:57.335 --> 00:18:01.105
  • Let's go. let's go.
  • 00:18:01.105 --> 00:18:04.842
  • Announcer: let's set our hearts on preparing for what's
  • 00:18:04.842 --> 00:18:06.878
  • Next with pastor allen's brand-new 90-day devotional
  • 00:18:06.878 --> 00:18:10.548
  • Called "set apart for his purposes."
  • 00:18:10.548 --> 00:18:13.751
  • It will help us seek god so we can recognize his voice and
  • 00:18:13.751 --> 00:18:16.787
  • Consistently choose to follow him.
  • 00:18:16.787 --> 00:18:18.990
  • Each day includes scripture, a short teaching,
  • 00:18:18.990 --> 00:18:21.292
  • And a prayer, followed by a journaling prompt and room
  • 00:18:21.292 --> 00:18:24.529
  • To write and reflect.
  • 00:18:24.529 --> 00:18:26.264
  • Let's get ready for the season ahead.
  • 00:18:26.264 --> 00:18:28.533
  • Request your copy of "set apart for his purposes" when you
  • 00:18:28.533 --> 00:18:31.369
  • Donate $50 or more today at allenjackson.com or by calling
  • 00:18:31.369 --> 00:18:35.706
  • ...
  • 00:18:35.706 --> 00:18:39.310
  • Allen: we act as if god really doesn't have an opinion
  • 00:18:41.145 --> 00:18:44.448
  • And if he does, then my opinion is just as significant as his.
  • 00:18:44.448 --> 00:18:49.687
  • And that is not a biblical attitude.
  • 00:18:49.687 --> 00:18:53.958
  • God establishes truth.
  • 00:18:53.958 --> 00:18:56.994
  • God establishes right and wrong.
  • 00:18:56.994 --> 00:18:59.130
  • Look at 2 corinthians 5 and verse 19.
  • 00:18:59.130 --> 00:19:01.165
  • It says: "he's committed to us the message of reconciliation.
  • 00:19:01.165 --> 00:19:04.702
  • We are therefore christ's ambassadors,
  • 00:19:04.702 --> 00:19:07.071
  • As though god were making his appeal through us."
  • 00:19:07.071 --> 00:19:09.907
  • In all these places we're gonna be for these next few weeks,
  • 00:19:09.907 --> 00:19:12.376
  • We're going as ambassadors for the kingdom of god.
  • 00:19:12.376 --> 00:19:16.013
  • There's gonna be a god appeal made through our lives.
  • 00:19:16.013 --> 00:19:19.784
  • "well, really, pastor, all i wanted to do was take dessert."
  • 00:19:19.784 --> 00:19:22.320
  • God's making an appeal through us.
  • 00:19:26.123 --> 00:19:28.259
  • There are some things you and i can do to prepare
  • 00:19:28.259 --> 00:19:31.963
  • Because i think this needs some pretty practical coaching
  • 00:19:31.963 --> 00:19:35.633
  • 'cause i interact with enough of you, and you come to me
  • 00:19:35.633 --> 00:19:37.568
  • With your personal circumstances and the individual stories
  • 00:19:37.568 --> 00:19:40.171
  • And we can't do this on a one-on-one basis,
  • 00:19:40.171 --> 00:19:43.674
  • But there are some things we can do to prepare.
  • 00:19:43.674 --> 00:19:45.910
  • We have to respect authority.
  • 00:19:45.910 --> 00:19:47.612
  • If we're going into someone else's home
  • 00:19:48.913 --> 00:19:51.449
  • Or someone other's-- it's another environment
  • 00:19:51.449 --> 00:19:53.651
  • And we are entering as a guest, our role is different.
  • 00:19:53.651 --> 00:19:59.590
  • So as much as i would love for you to begin a holiday meal
  • 00:19:59.590 --> 00:20:01.692
  • With a prayer, if you're a guest in that setting it's really
  • 00:20:01.692 --> 00:20:03.861
  • Not appropriate to climb up on the table and say,
  • 00:20:03.861 --> 00:20:07.331
  • "i'm here as an ambassador for the kingdom of god.
  • 00:20:07.331 --> 00:20:11.535
  • And buckle up 'cause i'm about to drop the word of the lord
  • 00:20:11.535 --> 00:20:15.206
  • Upon you."
  • 00:20:15.206 --> 00:20:21.145
  • You don't have that authority unless you've been invited.
  • 00:20:21.145 --> 00:20:27.351
  • If it's a group of people and you'd like to bless the food
  • 00:20:27.351 --> 00:20:29.820
  • Or you'd like to have a prayer, it would be appropriate to ask
  • 00:20:29.820 --> 00:20:32.790
  • Permission in a private setting, not at the table
  • 00:20:32.790 --> 00:20:36.427
  • When there's no gracious way for them to say,
  • 00:20:36.427 --> 00:20:38.296
  • "no, i think you're crazy."
  • 00:20:38.296 --> 00:20:40.231
  • Be respectful of the authority that you're under.
  • 00:20:41.999 --> 00:20:47.772
  • That doesn't mean you submit to evil.
  • 00:20:47.772 --> 00:20:50.641
  • That's another discussion.
  • 00:20:50.641 --> 00:20:51.976
  • We'll do that in another series.
  • 00:20:51.976 --> 00:20:54.712
  • There's a second component of preparation.
  • 00:20:54.712 --> 00:20:56.314
  • There are settings in which you'll gather
  • 00:20:56.314 --> 00:20:58.649
  • This holiday season where you will be the primary authority.
  • 00:20:58.649 --> 00:21:02.520
  • If it's your home and it's your table,
  • 00:21:03.421 --> 00:21:05.089
  • You have the authority to offer a prayer.
  • 00:21:05.089 --> 00:21:09.493
  • If it's your gathering, if you're the one
  • 00:21:09.493 --> 00:21:11.929
  • That extended the invitation, the nature of that gathering
  • 00:21:11.929 --> 00:21:15.333
  • Reflects your values and your views and your hopes
  • 00:21:15.333 --> 00:21:18.769
  • And your dreams and your aspirations.
  • 00:21:18.769 --> 00:21:21.872
  • Are you honoring the lord?
  • 00:21:21.872 --> 00:21:24.775
  • Are you creating an environment and a series of interactions
  • 00:21:24.775 --> 00:21:27.712
  • That represent the faith that you want to display?
  • 00:21:27.712 --> 00:21:33.818
  • There's a third component of preparation
  • 00:21:33.818 --> 00:21:35.653
  • And i would encourage you to prepare prayerfully
  • 00:21:35.653 --> 00:21:38.622
  • For every one of these holiday opportunities
  • 00:21:38.622 --> 00:21:40.758
  • That you will have.
  • 00:21:40.758 --> 00:21:42.993
  • Spend a little time talking to the lord about it,
  • 00:21:42.993 --> 00:21:44.862
  • Listening to the lord about it.
  • 00:21:44.862 --> 00:21:47.465
  • There may be people that you're gonna gather with
  • 00:21:47.465 --> 00:21:49.400
  • And you think they need to hear a word from god,
  • 00:21:49.400 --> 00:21:51.669
  • And god may have somebody else entirely that he thinks needs
  • 00:21:51.669 --> 00:21:54.505
  • A note of encouragement.
  • 00:21:54.505 --> 00:21:57.475
  • Spend some time prayerfully preparing.
  • 00:21:57.475 --> 00:21:59.510
  • You say, "well, i don't know how to do that.
  • 00:21:59.510 --> 00:22:01.545
  • I'm not one of those goofy prayer people."
  • 00:22:01.545 --> 00:22:04.081
  • Oh, you are.
  • 00:22:04.081 --> 00:22:06.317
  • You're listening to a church service on a saturday night.
  • 00:22:06.317 --> 00:22:08.552
  • That makes you goofy.
  • 00:22:08.552 --> 00:22:11.722
  • I'm not suggesting anything any more bizarre than say,
  • 00:22:11.722 --> 00:22:13.991
  • "lord, before i gather with my family or my friends,"
  • 00:22:13.991 --> 00:22:16.961
  • For whatever the activity is or whatever the event is,
  • 00:22:16.961 --> 00:22:21.265
  • "i'd like to ask you to be there."
  • 00:22:21.265 --> 00:22:26.771
  • It may be an office function or a school function
  • 00:22:26.771 --> 00:22:28.973
  • Or a neighborhood function.
  • 00:22:28.973 --> 00:22:30.775
  • It may not be an overtly christian thing,
  • 00:22:30.775 --> 00:22:32.843
  • But "father, i'd like to ask you to be there.
  • 00:22:32.843 --> 00:22:36.147
  • Rather than me just blend in or participate or be entertained
  • 00:22:36.147 --> 00:22:40.017
  • Or be entertaining, i would like to go on your behalf.
  • 00:22:40.017 --> 00:22:47.691
  • Is there any way i could do that, father,
  • 00:22:47.691 --> 00:22:49.727
  • And be an encouragement to someone or a help
  • 00:22:49.727 --> 00:22:52.530
  • To someone or serve someone or--
  • 00:22:52.530 --> 00:22:56.567
  • Could christ in me be visible enough
  • 00:22:56.567 --> 00:22:58.202
  • That you could trust me to send somebody to me with a question
  • 00:22:58.202 --> 00:23:02.173
  • Or i could offer a sentence prayer for them,
  • 00:23:02.173 --> 00:23:04.208
  • I could have a 'let's pray' moment in the middle of that?"
  • 00:23:04.208 --> 00:23:07.077
  • See, you can do that.
  • 00:23:07.077 --> 00:23:10.080
  • None of those prayers or ideas are beyond you.
  • 00:23:10.080 --> 00:23:12.383
  • They don't require greek or hebrew,
  • 00:23:12.383 --> 00:23:15.519
  • You don't have to feel spiritual or holy.
  • 00:23:15.519 --> 00:23:18.522
  • What you have to have is the intent.
  • 00:23:18.522 --> 00:23:21.358
  • We go back to our be-attitudes for the holidays.
  • 00:23:21.358 --> 00:23:24.395
  • So a little intercession.
  • 00:23:26.163 --> 00:23:28.532
  • Intercession means you're praying for someone other
  • 00:23:28.532 --> 00:23:30.334
  • Than yourself.
  • 00:23:30.334 --> 00:23:32.369
  • See, this is the time of year we get so wrapped up in
  • 00:23:32.369 --> 00:23:34.171
  • What i want, and how i want it to go, and who i wanna be with,
  • 00:23:34.171 --> 00:23:36.974
  • And what i wanna do for this person,
  • 00:23:36.974 --> 00:23:38.709
  • And what i want done for me, and how i want this to go,
  • 00:23:38.709 --> 00:23:42.346
  • And then life starts happening, and we get torqued.
  • 00:23:42.346 --> 00:23:44.882
  • "it's not the way i wanted it."
  • 00:23:45.783 --> 00:23:47.218
  • Okay, i got that.
  • 00:23:47.218 --> 00:23:48.819
  • Me too.
  • 00:23:50.354 --> 00:23:52.423
  • But let's not surrender.
  • 00:23:52.423 --> 00:23:54.725
  • Let's walk into this holiday season with a purposefulness
  • 00:23:54.725 --> 00:23:57.661
  • And an intentionality and a determination
  • 00:23:57.661 --> 00:24:00.798
  • To make a difference for the kingdom of god.
  • 00:24:00.798 --> 00:24:04.335
  • Have a plan, an objective.
  • 00:24:04.335 --> 00:24:07.104
  • You can do this as a family.
  • 00:24:07.104 --> 00:24:10.541
  • Years ago, when i--my brothers and i were still at home,
  • 00:24:10.541 --> 00:24:14.278
  • My brothers had a classmate.
  • 00:24:14.278 --> 00:24:15.846
  • They went to a different school than i did.
  • 00:24:15.846 --> 00:24:18.215
  • I was special.
  • 00:24:18.215 --> 00:24:20.284
  • Not in the best sense of the word.
  • 00:24:23.087 --> 00:24:25.890
  • But they had a classmate who was battling an ill--
  • 00:24:25.890 --> 00:24:28.926
  • He had a brain tumor and his family weren't church people.
  • 00:24:28.926 --> 00:24:34.431
  • And we knew them through the horse business,
  • 00:24:34.431 --> 00:24:36.567
  • So we interacted with them and we had connections with them.
  • 00:24:36.567 --> 00:24:39.403
  • And i remember the holiday.
  • 00:24:39.403 --> 00:24:41.338
  • We had a plan.
  • 00:24:41.338 --> 00:24:42.673
  • We were gonna invite the young man
  • 00:24:42.673 --> 00:24:44.008
  • To come spend an afternoon with us.
  • 00:24:44.008 --> 00:24:47.011
  • And the friendships were in place that made
  • 00:24:47.011 --> 00:24:48.846
  • That appropriate but we had a discussion,
  • 00:24:48.846 --> 00:24:50.648
  • I remember my parents got us together and said,
  • 00:24:50.648 --> 00:24:52.483
  • "listen, we're not gonna let this young man leave
  • 00:24:52.483 --> 00:24:54.818
  • Our house without talking to him about eternity."
  • 00:24:54.818 --> 00:24:59.189
  • And so, the christmas story became a part of the afternoon
  • 00:24:59.189 --> 00:25:01.559
  • And why jesus came became a part of the afternoon.
  • 00:25:01.559 --> 00:25:05.129
  • And we prayed together as a-- and we weren't in the habit
  • 00:25:05.129 --> 00:25:07.731
  • Of getting--well, there were three boys in our house.
  • 00:25:07.731 --> 00:25:10.334
  • There were many things we would do in the afternoon,
  • 00:25:10.334 --> 00:25:12.202
  • But getting together for prayer with our friend
  • 00:25:12.202 --> 00:25:13.904
  • Was not one of them.
  • 00:25:13.904 --> 00:25:16.340
  • But that day, we understood we had an assignment.
  • 00:25:16.340 --> 00:25:20.611
  • And that wasn't all we did that christmas.
  • 00:25:20.611 --> 00:25:23.480
  • Wasn't the only thing we did, but there was an expression
  • 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:25.983
  • Of intentionality in the midst of that.
  • 00:25:25.983 --> 00:25:28.185
  • Please don't let these next few weeks go past without you being
  • 00:25:28.185 --> 00:25:31.455
  • Purposeful about your faith.
  • 00:25:31.455 --> 00:25:35.159
  • See, we have to--we have to demonstrate that
  • 00:25:35.159 --> 00:25:37.962
  • We're trustworthy to the lord, that his purposes matter to us,
  • 00:25:37.962 --> 00:25:44.969
  • That the people that he puts around us are important enough
  • 00:25:44.969 --> 00:25:48.005
  • To us that we're willing to climb over
  • 00:25:48.005 --> 00:25:50.307
  • Some of those awkward moments.
  • 00:25:50.307 --> 00:25:51.742
  • I would have never done that at that point in my life
  • 00:25:51.742 --> 00:25:53.410
  • Without parental threats.
  • 00:25:53.410 --> 00:25:55.546
  • I wasn't that comfortable with my faith.
  • 00:25:59.450 --> 00:26:03.954
  • I was intimidated by people with life-threatening diseases.
  • 00:26:03.954 --> 00:26:08.425
  • That young man went to heaven and i understand it may be
  • 00:26:08.425 --> 00:26:15.299
  • A little beyond what you're comfortable with or--
  • 00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:17.935
  • But it's worth it.
  • 00:26:17.935 --> 00:26:19.570
  • If you'll allow me and i mean this as respectfully as i can,
  • 00:26:19.570 --> 00:26:22.640
  • It's not about you.
  • 00:26:22.640 --> 00:26:24.508
  • It really isn't.
  • 00:26:26.577 --> 00:26:28.746
  • We're on an assignment and if i can add to that
  • 00:26:28.746 --> 00:26:30.414
  • One more phrase without being overly offensive,
  • 00:26:30.414 --> 00:26:32.983
  • Don't be weird.
  • 00:26:32.983 --> 00:26:34.518
  • Spiritual is not weird.
  • 00:26:35.386 --> 00:26:37.655
  • Allen: our most important preparation
  • 00:26:38.822 --> 00:26:40.157
  • For the holidays is our self-preparation.
  • 00:26:40.157 --> 00:26:42.593
  • Let's ask the lord to give us a heart in the right place
  • 00:26:42.593 --> 00:26:45.529
  • Before we begin those gatherings.
  • 00:26:45.529 --> 00:26:47.731
  • Let's pray.
  • 00:26:47.731 --> 00:26:49.133
  • Father, i thank you that you love us,
  • 00:26:49.133 --> 00:26:50.467
  • That you have forgiven us, and i pray as we prepare
  • 00:26:50.467 --> 00:26:53.504
  • Ourselves to gather with friends and families that we will go,
  • 00:26:53.504 --> 00:26:56.173
  • Filled with your grace and your love and your mercy.
  • 00:26:56.173 --> 00:26:59.543
  • I thank you for that and for your goodness to us,
  • 00:26:59.543 --> 00:27:01.879
  • In jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:27:01.879 --> 00:27:03.947
  • God bless you.
  • 00:27:03.947 --> 00:27:05.282
  • Enjoy the holiday.
  • 00:27:05.282 --> 00:27:06.617
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:06.617 --> 00:27:26.336