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Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Choosing Productivity Over Laziness (Part 2)

January 22, 2026 | 27:29

Robert Jeffress - Choosing Productivity Over Laziness (Part 2)
Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
#Choices #Responsibility #Laziness #Change #Attitude #PromisesofGod #Purpose #Gifting/Talent #Procrastination #RobertJeffress

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Choosing Productivity Over Laziness (Part 2) | January 22, 2026
  • ...
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church
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  • Of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
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  • With dr. robert jeffress.
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  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress and welcome
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  • Again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:16.339 --> 00:00:18.708
  • Ambitious people seem to have a fondness for business plans that
  • 00:00:18.708 --> 00:00:22.612
  • Promise a quick and effortless return.
  • 00:00:22.612 --> 00:00:25.482
  • After all, it seems prudent to leverage our money to work for
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  • Us rather than the other way around.
  • 00:00:29.185 --> 00:00:31.888
  • But most of those schemes to get rich quick fail to deliver what
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  • They promise.
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  • So today, i'm going to describe god's surprising plan that
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  • Yields eternal rewards.
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  • My message is titled "choosing productivity over laziness" on
  • 00:00:43.366 --> 00:00:48.138
  • Today's edition of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:48.138 --> 00:00:51.341
  • ♪ i could live life alone. ♪
  • 00:00:52.775 --> 00:00:58.081
  • ♪ and never fill the longings of my heart. ♪
  • 00:00:58.081 --> 00:01:03.486
  • ♪ the healing warmth of someone's arms. ♪
  • 00:01:03.486 --> 00:01:07.257
  • ♪ and i could live without dreams. ♪
  • 00:01:07.257 --> 00:01:12.862
  • ♪ and never know the thrill of what could be. ♪
  • 00:01:12.862 --> 00:01:18.201
  • ♪ with every star so far. ♪
  • 00:01:18.201 --> 00:01:20.970
  • ♪ and out of reach. ♪
  • 00:01:20.970 --> 00:01:23.673
  • ♪ i could live without many things. ♪
  • 00:01:23.673 --> 00:01:29.279
  • ♪ and i could carry on. ♪
  • 00:01:29.279 --> 00:01:31.881
  • ♪ and i, see, i'd travel the world. ♪
  • 00:01:31.881 --> 00:01:37.320
  • ♪ and see all the wonders, they're beautiful and new. ♪
  • 00:01:37.320 --> 00:01:42.825
  • ♪ but they'd only make me think of you. ♪
  • 00:01:42.825 --> 00:01:46.829
  • ♪ and i, i could have all this life offers. ♪
  • 00:01:46.829 --> 00:01:52.702
  • ♪ riches that were far beyond compare. ♪
  • 00:01:52.702 --> 00:01:57.507
  • ♪ they could grant my every wish without a care. ♪
  • 00:01:57.507 --> 00:02:03.379
  • ♪ oh, i could do anything. ♪
  • 00:02:03.379 --> 00:02:08.585
  • ♪ but lord, if you weren't in it all. ♪
  • 00:02:08.585 --> 00:02:11.955
  • ♪ i couldn't face my life tomorrow. ♪
  • 00:02:11.955 --> 00:02:15.692
  • ♪ without your hope in my heart. ♪
  • 00:02:15.692 --> 00:02:18.428
  • ♪ i know, i can't live a day without you. ♪
  • 00:02:18.428 --> 00:02:25.802
  • ♪ lord, there's no night and there's no morning. ♪
  • 00:02:25.802 --> 00:02:30.506
  • ♪ without your loving arms to hold me. ♪
  • 00:02:30.506 --> 00:02:34.344
  • ♪ you are the heartbeat of all i do. ♪
  • 00:02:34.344 --> 00:02:39.716
  • ♪ i can't live a day without you. ♪
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  • ♪ oh jesus, ♪
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  • ♪ i live because you live. ♪
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  • ♪ you're like the air i breathe. ♪
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  • ♪ oh, jesus, ♪
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  • ♪ i have because you give. ♪
  • 00:03:04.240 --> 00:03:06.743
  • ♪ yes, i have. ♪
  • 00:03:06.743 --> 00:03:09.812
  • ♪ you're everything to me. ♪
  • 00:03:09.812 --> 00:03:13.783
  • ♪ lord, i couldn't face my life tomorrow. ♪
  • 00:03:13.783 --> 00:03:18.288
  • ♪ without your hope. ♪
  • 00:03:18.288 --> 00:03:22.892
  • ♪ i can't live a day without you. ♪
  • 00:03:22.892 --> 00:03:28.564
  • ♪ oh lord, there's no night and there's no morning. ♪
  • 00:03:28.564 --> 00:03:33.136
  • ♪ without your loving arms to hold me. ♪
  • 00:03:33.136 --> 00:03:37.307
  • ♪ you're the heartbeat of all i do. ♪
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  • ♪ i can't live a day without you. ♪♪
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  • Announcer: we all want to live a life of meaning and
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  • Significance, but we often dream too small.
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  • Jeffress: my friends david green, founder and ceo of hobby
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  • Lobby, and bill high, ceo of legacy stone, have written a
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  • Brand new book called "the legacy life."
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  • Jeffress: you've said it in this book several times.
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  • Legacy is not what you leave behind, it's what you set in
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  • Motion for the future.
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  • Jeffress: this book will challenge you to point your life
  • 00:04:21.617 --> 00:04:24.053
  • Heavenward and set in motion a legacy of eternal significance.
  • 00:04:24.053 --> 00:04:29.325
  • David green: bill, i've found that it's much easier to run a
  • 00:04:29.325 --> 00:04:31.728
  • Business, but having a family, a wife, children that serve the
  • 00:04:31.728 --> 00:04:35.164
  • Lord is much, much more difficult.
  • 00:04:35.164 --> 00:04:37.200
  • And that's who we are. we're not about hobby lobby.
  • 00:04:37.200 --> 00:04:39.502
  • We're about mission, vision, and values, and it's all based on
  • 00:04:39.502 --> 00:04:42.605
  • God's word, and that's what we're excited about.
  • 00:04:42.605 --> 00:04:44.841
  • Bill high: no matter what stage of life you're in, "the legacy
  • 00:04:44.841 --> 00:04:47.543
  • Life" will help you understand how to apply god's word and set
  • 00:04:47.543 --> 00:04:52.081
  • In motion a great legacy.
  • 00:04:52.081 --> 00:04:55.017
  • Announcer: request "the legacy life" when you give a generous
  • 00:04:55.017 --> 00:04:57.620
  • Gift to "pathway to victory" or when you become a pathway
  • 00:04:57.620 --> 00:05:00.323
  • Partner.
  • 00:05:00.323 --> 00:05:01.657
  • You'll also receive the powerful book by dr. jeffress, "choose
  • 00:05:01.657 --> 00:05:04.560
  • Your attitudes, change your life."
  • 00:05:04.560 --> 00:05:06.829
  • And when your ministry gift is $100 or more, we'll also send
  • 00:05:06.829 --> 00:05:10.400
  • You the "choose your attitudes, change your life" personal and
  • 00:05:10.400 --> 00:05:13.803
  • Group study guide, plus the complete teaching series on cd
  • 00:05:13.803 --> 00:05:17.540
  • And dvd and a set of attitude booster cards for
  • 00:05:17.540 --> 00:05:21.444
  • Your encouragement.
  • 00:05:21.444 --> 00:05:22.779
  • Thank you for supporting "pathway to victory."
  • 00:05:22.779 --> 00:05:25.281
  • ♪♪♪
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  • Jeffress: the sluggard ignores opportunities.
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  • He ignores opportunities.
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  • The problem with the sluggard in proverbs 24 is not that he was
  • 00:05:39.362 --> 00:05:42.865
  • Sleeping, it's that he was sleeping at the wrong time.
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  • He was sleeping when he should have been preparing his vineyard
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  • For the harvest, preparing the ground and planting seeds so
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  • That when the harvest time came, there was something to harvest.
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  • But the sluggard doesn't do that.
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  • The sluggard, listen to this, the sluggard views opportunities
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  • As a train.
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  • Oh, there'll be another one in five minutes from now.
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  • If i miss this train, there'll be another one.
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  • If i miss this opportunity, there'll be another opportunity.
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  • That's what the sluggard did.
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  • He said, "oh, well, i've got plenty of time to plant seed and
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  • Till the land.
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  • And if i miss the planting time this year, there's always
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  • Next year."
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  • But a wise person, a productive person understands how rare
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  • Opportunities are.
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  • How many times have you heard somebody say, "oh, if only i had
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  • Invested in the xyz company stock 20 years ago, i would have
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  • Been a wealthy person today."
  • 00:06:41.190 --> 00:06:43.693
  • Well, there's a reason that person didn't invest in the xyz
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  • Company 20 years ago.
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  • He was so undisciplined in his finances that he spent
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  • Everything he had and then some.
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  • He never had the resources to take advantage of
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  • That opportunity.
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  • Or somebody says, "you know, i actually thought of the iphone
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  • 30 years ago."
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  • Well, that's great.
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  • But why didn't you do something about it?
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  • Because it would have required too much effort, too much
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  • Hard work.
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  • You see, a sluggard understands or thinks that opportunities
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  • Will always be there.
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  • A fourth characteristic of the sluggard is, the sluggard
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  • Craves riches.
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  • Now, he doesn't like work, but he likes the rewards of work.
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  • And so he wants wealth in order to buy the things that he craves
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  • And wants.
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  • So, since he's not willing to work for them, how does he get
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  • The money?
  • 00:07:39.982 --> 00:07:41.317
  • Well, he short circuits the work process by looking for a get
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  • Rich quick scheme.
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  • Lazy people are always looking for a get rich quick scheme.
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  • By the way, proverbs has something to say about that.
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  • Proverbs 28 verse 20, "he who makes haste to be rich will not
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  • Go unpunished."
  • 00:08:00.469 --> 00:08:03.005
  • Do you know people like this?
  • 00:08:03.005 --> 00:08:05.174
  • They're always looking for the big deal, the big deal.
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  • They're always talking, talking, talking about their next
  • 00:08:08.444 --> 00:08:11.213
  • Big deal.
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  • Their next big deal.
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  • No effort.
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  • Little money that's gonna give them all of these riches.
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  • The key word is they talk about it.
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  • They talk about it but they never do anything.
  • 00:08:19.455 --> 00:08:22.024
  • Proverbs 14:23 says, "in all labor, there is profit but mere
  • 00:08:22.024 --> 00:08:27.463
  • Talk leads only to poverty."
  • 00:08:27.463 --> 00:08:30.566
  • Or proverbs 28 verse 19.
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  • "he who tills his land will have plenty of food.
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  • But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty
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  • And plenty."
  • 00:08:40.109 --> 00:08:42.178
  • May i share with you something i've observed as a pastor for 40
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  • Years now?
  • 00:08:46.415 --> 00:08:48.384
  • Laziness is never compartmentalized.
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  • I've never found yet somebody who is lazy in his work, but
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  • Also diligent in his relationship with god.
  • 00:08:59.695 --> 00:09:03.299
  • Never happens.
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  • If a person is lazy, that laziness infects every area of
  • 00:09:04.967 --> 00:09:10.473
  • His life.
  • 00:09:10.473 --> 00:09:11.907
  • Look at his home and the way he keeps his home, you see it.
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  • Look at his work, you see it.
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  • Look at his finances, they're in a mess.
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  • Look at his relationship with god.
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  • Very little effort.
  • 00:09:22.752 --> 00:09:24.353
  • He's usually have become a victim, a slave to sin in
  • 00:09:24.353 --> 00:09:27.890
  • His life.
  • 00:09:27.890 --> 00:09:29.225
  • Laziness is never compartmentalized.
  • 00:09:29.225 --> 00:09:32.294
  • You know, one of the great historical examples of the
  • 00:09:32.294 --> 00:09:34.930
  • Result of slothfulness is found in the life of the english poet,
  • 00:09:34.930 --> 00:09:39.735
  • Samuel taylor coleridge.
  • 00:09:39.735 --> 00:09:42.938
  • Coleridge was an english poet, but he had all kind of dreams of
  • 00:09:42.938 --> 00:09:49.945
  • Creating a utopian society in america that failed.
  • 00:09:49.945 --> 00:09:53.582
  • He was often charged with plagiarism.
  • 00:09:53.582 --> 00:09:57.486
  • He became an addict to opium.
  • 00:09:57.486 --> 00:09:59.822
  • William barclay summarizes the slothfulness of coleridge life.
  • 00:09:59.822 --> 00:10:05.327
  • He writes, "samuel coleridge is a supreme tragedy
  • 00:10:05.327 --> 00:10:09.932
  • Of indiscipline.
  • 00:10:09.932 --> 00:10:11.701
  • Never did so great a mind produced so little.
  • 00:10:11.701 --> 00:10:16.305
  • He left cambridge university to join the army.
  • 00:10:16.305 --> 00:10:19.608
  • He left the army because he could not rub down a horse.
  • 00:10:19.608 --> 00:10:23.145
  • He returned to oxford and left without a degree.
  • 00:10:23.145 --> 00:10:26.248
  • He began a paper called the watchman which lived for ten
  • 00:10:26.248 --> 00:10:29.251
  • Issues and then died.
  • 00:10:29.251 --> 00:10:31.187
  • It has been said of coleridge, he lost himself to visions of
  • 00:10:31.187 --> 00:10:35.858
  • Work to be done that remained to be done.
  • 00:10:35.858 --> 00:10:40.696
  • Coleridge has every gift but one, the gift of sustained and
  • 00:10:40.696 --> 00:10:46.869
  • Concentrated effort."
  • 00:10:46.869 --> 00:10:49.805
  • Again, slothfulness is an attitude that is indifferent
  • 00:10:49.805 --> 00:10:55.611
  • Toward the talent, the time, the resources, the opportunities god
  • 00:10:55.611 --> 00:11:01.083
  • Has entrusted to us.
  • 00:11:01.083 --> 00:11:02.785
  • Slothfulness leads to a life of dissatisfaction and poverty in
  • 00:11:02.785 --> 00:11:08.424
  • This life and the loss of rewards in the next life
  • 00:11:08.424 --> 00:11:12.461
  • According to matthew 25.
  • 00:11:12.461 --> 00:11:15.631
  • And maybe you're like the writer of proverbs who walked through
  • 00:11:15.631 --> 00:11:19.668
  • And saw that house in disrepair and said, "i don't wanna be like
  • 00:11:19.668 --> 00:11:23.305
  • That guy who would allow that to happen to his house.
  • 00:11:23.305 --> 00:11:26.575
  • I wanna be productive.
  • 00:11:26.575 --> 00:11:28.144
  • I wanna be different."
  • 00:11:28.144 --> 00:11:29.512
  • How do you develop this attitude of productivity?
  • 00:11:29.512 --> 00:11:33.883
  • Let me share with you five quick suggestions, all rooted in
  • 00:11:33.883 --> 00:11:38.487
  • Scripture to develop productivity in your life.
  • 00:11:38.487 --> 00:11:41.957
  • Number one, clearly define your purpose in life.
  • 00:11:41.957 --> 00:11:46.395
  • Clearly define your purpose in life.
  • 00:11:46.395 --> 00:11:48.197
  • Now we're gonna talk about this more next time when we talk
  • 00:11:48.197 --> 00:11:50.900
  • About choosing purpose over aimlessness in life.
  • 00:11:50.900 --> 00:11:56.205
  • But let me just give you a preview.
  • 00:11:56.205 --> 00:11:58.574
  • You know, having a clearly defined purpose, a purpose
  • 00:11:58.574 --> 00:12:02.344
  • Statement is like a beacon in the darkness that gives you
  • 00:12:02.344 --> 00:12:05.681
  • Direction about which way to go in your life.
  • 00:12:05.681 --> 00:12:08.818
  • But a purpose statement also gives you the motivation to
  • 00:12:08.818 --> 00:12:12.788
  • Wanna be productive.
  • 00:12:12.788 --> 00:12:14.356
  • You know, if you don't know what you're doing or what your
  • 00:12:14.356 --> 00:12:16.559
  • Purpose is in life, why should you get up early or work hard or
  • 00:12:16.559 --> 00:12:20.029
  • Manage your money well?
  • 00:12:20.029 --> 00:12:21.463
  • Purpose gives you the motivation to live a productive life.
  • 00:12:21.463 --> 00:12:26.368
  • In ephesians 5 verses 15 to 17, paul says, "therefore be careful
  • 00:12:26.368 --> 00:12:31.073
  • How you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of
  • 00:12:31.073 --> 00:12:36.278
  • Your time, because the days are evil.
  • 00:12:36.278 --> 00:12:39.114
  • So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the
  • 00:12:39.114 --> 00:12:43.853
  • Lord is."
  • 00:12:43.853 --> 00:12:45.187
  • As one paraphrase says, "firmly grasp what you know god's
  • 00:12:45.187 --> 00:12:48.757
  • Purpose for your life is."
  • 00:12:48.757 --> 00:12:51.360
  • Secondly, to be protective, spend your time effectively.
  • 00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:57.633
  • You know, really truly productive people don't measure
  • 00:12:57.633 --> 00:13:01.337
  • Time in decades or years or even months.
  • 00:13:01.337 --> 00:13:05.207
  • They measure time in terms of hours and even minutes.
  • 00:13:05.207 --> 00:13:10.779
  • Valuing time is a biblical concept.
  • 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:14.717
  • In psalm 90 verse 12, moses wrote, "lord teach us to number
  • 00:13:14.717 --> 00:13:19.555
  • Our days.
  • 00:13:19.555 --> 00:13:20.890
  • That we may present to thee a heart of wisdom."
  • 00:13:20.890 --> 00:13:24.693
  • One paraphrase says, "lord, let us know how short our time on
  • 00:13:24.693 --> 00:13:29.698
  • Earth is and help us to spend our days as we should."
  • 00:13:29.698 --> 00:13:34.904
  • That's what he's talking about when he talks
  • 00:13:34.904 --> 00:13:36.739
  • About productivity.
  • 00:13:36.739 --> 00:13:38.307
  • James 4:14, james said, "you do not know what your life will be
  • 00:13:38.307 --> 00:13:42.177
  • Like tomorrow.
  • 00:13:42.177 --> 00:13:43.545
  • You are just a vapor."
  • 00:13:43.545 --> 00:13:44.980
  • Literally, that word means a mist.
  • 00:13:44.980 --> 00:13:47.650
  • "that appears for a little while and then vanishes away."
  • 00:13:47.650 --> 00:13:52.554
  • Knowing how brief our existence is here on earth should cause us
  • 00:13:52.554 --> 00:13:56.325
  • To manage time like a valuable commodity and make the most of
  • 00:13:56.325 --> 00:14:01.363
  • Our time.
  • 00:14:01.363 --> 00:14:03.632
  • Charles schwab was an american industrialist who was the
  • 00:14:03.632 --> 00:14:08.070
  • President of bethlehem steel in the early 1900s.
  • 00:14:08.070 --> 00:14:13.008
  • One day, he called a well known consultant, a man named ivy lee
  • 00:14:13.008 --> 00:14:18.147
  • And asked him to come to his office.
  • 00:14:18.147 --> 00:14:20.649
  • He said, "mr. lee,
  • 00:14:20.649 --> 00:14:22.918
  • I need to be more productive with my time.
  • 00:14:22.918 --> 00:14:26.455
  • And if you'll help me learn how to become productive, more
  • 00:14:26.455 --> 00:14:30.492
  • Productive with my time, i'll pay you whatever fee
  • 00:14:30.492 --> 00:14:34.563
  • You demand."
  • 00:14:34.563 --> 00:14:36.098
  • Ivy lee said, "okay, here's my advice.
  • 00:14:36.098 --> 00:14:39.835
  • Tonight, before you go to bed, take out a sheet of paper and
  • 00:14:39.835 --> 00:14:43.806
  • Write down the five things you need to accomplish tomorrow and
  • 00:14:43.806 --> 00:14:49.478
  • Then prioritize those things.
  • 00:14:49.478 --> 00:14:51.447
  • Number 1,2,3,4, and 5.
  • 00:14:51.447 --> 00:14:55.284
  • When you get to work tomorrow morning,
  • 00:14:55.284 --> 00:14:57.653
  • Start working on number one.
  • 00:14:57.653 --> 00:14:59.855
  • Take as long as you need to to complete that and once you
  • 00:14:59.855 --> 00:15:03.192
  • Complete it, cross it off and go to number two and then to number
  • 00:15:03.192 --> 00:15:07.196
  • Three and so on."
  • 00:15:07.196 --> 00:15:09.398
  • He said, "even if you don't make it all the way through your
  • 00:15:09.398 --> 00:15:12.768
  • List, at least you will have spent your time working on the
  • 00:15:12.768 --> 00:15:16.538
  • Most important thing and then the next day pick up with
  • 00:15:16.538 --> 00:15:21.343
  • Whatever you left off with and make that number one and do the
  • 00:15:21.343 --> 00:15:24.780
  • Same thing and see what happens."
  • 00:15:24.780 --> 00:15:27.583
  • Charles schwab took that challenge.
  • 00:15:27.583 --> 00:15:30.486
  • After a couple of weeks, he sent ivy lee a check for $25,000.
  • 00:15:30.486 --> 00:15:37.659
  • A lot of money in the early 1900s.
  • 00:15:37.659 --> 00:15:40.295
  • It had not only revolutionized his life but he shared it with
  • 00:15:40.295 --> 00:15:43.298
  • His workers.
  • 00:15:43.298 --> 00:15:44.666
  • Within five years, bethlehem steel became the largest
  • 00:15:44.666 --> 00:15:47.870
  • Producer of steel in the world.
  • 00:15:47.870 --> 00:15:50.639
  • Now that's something every one of us can do and it doesn't even
  • 00:15:50.639 --> 00:15:53.709
  • Cost you $25,000.
  • 00:15:53.709 --> 00:15:56.145
  • Just tonight before you go to bed, make that list of the five
  • 00:15:56.145 --> 00:15:59.248
  • Most important things, prioritize it.
  • 00:15:59.248 --> 00:16:01.683
  • That's your to do list for the next day.
  • 00:16:01.683 --> 00:16:03.552
  • Start with number one until you finished it
  • 00:16:03.552 --> 00:16:06.155
  • And number 2,3,4, and 5.
  • 00:16:06.155 --> 00:16:08.457
  • That's what it means to make good use of your time.
  • 00:16:08.457 --> 00:16:11.760
  • Third, how do you build productivity into your life?
  • 00:16:11.760 --> 00:16:14.930
  • Manage your financial resources according to god's plan.
  • 00:16:14.930 --> 00:16:20.069
  • You know, in the bible, there is a correlation between laziness
  • 00:16:20.069 --> 00:16:25.074
  • And financial bondage, but there's also a link between a
  • 00:16:25.074 --> 00:16:31.447
  • Lack of productivity and financial bondage.
  • 00:16:31.447 --> 00:16:35.084
  • Here's why.
  • 00:16:35.084 --> 00:16:36.418
  • People who are constantly enslaved by money worries
  • 00:16:36.418 --> 00:16:41.190
  • Wondering how they're gonna pay the rent that week, wondering
  • 00:16:41.190 --> 00:16:44.560
  • How they're gonna fend off a bill collector.
  • 00:16:44.560 --> 00:16:47.396
  • When you are caught up in financial bondage, you do not
  • 00:16:47.396 --> 00:16:50.566
  • Have the freedom to pursue your god given purpose in life.
  • 00:16:50.566 --> 00:16:55.204
  • And that's why god's plan for every christian is not
  • 00:16:55.204 --> 00:16:58.607
  • Necessarily to be wealthy.
  • 00:16:58.607 --> 00:17:00.409
  • That's not his plan, but his plan is for us to be
  • 00:17:00.409 --> 00:17:03.145
  • Financially free.
  • 00:17:03.145 --> 00:17:05.914
  • In fact, you may remember in my message or series, "the solomon
  • 00:17:05.914 --> 00:17:08.984
  • Secrets," we talked about solomon's abcs to be
  • 00:17:08.984 --> 00:17:12.488
  • Financially free.
  • 00:17:12.488 --> 00:17:13.856
  • When you follow god's principles about spending, about debt,
  • 00:17:13.856 --> 00:17:18.427
  • About giving and so forth, about saving.
  • 00:17:18.427 --> 00:17:21.196
  • If you'll follow those principles, you'll be free to
  • 00:17:21.196 --> 00:17:24.800
  • Pursue your god given purpose in life.
  • 00:17:24.800 --> 00:17:28.237
  • That's why paul said, "owe no man anything except a debt
  • 00:17:28.237 --> 00:17:32.241
  • Of love."
  • 00:17:32.241 --> 00:17:33.575
  • In other words, don't be a slave to anything so that you can be
  • 00:17:33.575 --> 00:17:36.512
  • Free to serve god.
  • 00:17:36.512 --> 00:17:39.348
  • If you don't have financial freedom, you will not have that
  • 00:17:39.348 --> 00:17:42.384
  • Freedom, but you'll be resigned to live a life, as thoreau said,
  • 00:17:42.384 --> 00:17:46.455
  • "of quiet desperation."
  • 00:17:46.455 --> 00:17:48.757
  • Our friend john morgan, for more than 50 years, pastor of the
  • 00:17:48.757 --> 00:17:52.961
  • Sage mont baptist church in houston, has written and spoken
  • 00:17:52.961 --> 00:17:56.331
  • A lot about the subject of biblical principles for finance.
  • 00:17:56.331 --> 00:18:00.202
  • And he gives us seven warning signs, seven symptoms of being
  • 00:18:00.202 --> 00:18:04.540
  • In financial bondage.
  • 00:18:04.540 --> 00:18:06.308
  • Number one, when you charge daily expenditures because of a
  • 00:18:06.308 --> 00:18:09.745
  • Lack of funds.
  • 00:18:09.745 --> 00:18:11.813
  • Number two, when you put off paying a bill due this month
  • 00:18:11.813 --> 00:18:15.651
  • Until next month.
  • 00:18:15.651 --> 00:18:17.386
  • Number three, when you borrow to pay fixed expenses such as taxes
  • 00:18:17.386 --> 00:18:21.890
  • Or insurance.
  • 00:18:21.890 --> 00:18:23.392
  • Number four, when you have creditors calling or writing
  • 00:18:23.392 --> 00:18:26.195
  • About past due bills.
  • 00:18:26.195 --> 00:18:28.397
  • Number five, when you take money from savings to pay your current
  • 00:18:28.397 --> 00:18:32.401
  • Bills, number six, when you have less than three months expenses
  • 00:18:32.401 --> 00:18:37.406
  • In an available account for emergencies.
  • 00:18:37.406 --> 00:18:40.475
  • And number seven, when you find returning your tithe to
  • 00:18:40.475 --> 00:18:44.012
  • God difficult.
  • 00:18:44.012 --> 00:18:47.349
  • Number four, how do you develop a productive life?
  • 00:18:47.349 --> 00:18:50.719
  • Discipline yourself for a productive life?
  • 00:18:50.719 --> 00:18:54.523
  • Again, we have to be honest, most of us have a little bit of
  • 00:18:54.523 --> 00:18:59.228
  • Laziness inside of us.
  • 00:18:59.228 --> 00:19:02.231
  • If give it our way, we'll take the easy way instead the
  • 00:19:02.231 --> 00:19:05.500
  • Hard way.
  • 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:06.835
  • And so we need to discipline ourselves.
  • 00:19:06.835 --> 00:19:08.537
  • 1 corinthians 9:27, paul said, "i paul buffet my body and make
  • 00:19:08.537 --> 00:19:14.643
  • It my slave."
  • 00:19:14.643 --> 00:19:16.011
  • By the way, that's not buffet my body.
  • 00:19:16.011 --> 00:19:17.479
  • He said, "i buffet my body and make it my slave lest possibly
  • 00:19:17.479 --> 00:19:23.252
  • After i've preached to others, i myself might be disqualified."
  • 00:19:23.252 --> 00:19:28.223
  • Maybe you have trouble with this whole area of self-discipline in
  • 00:19:28.223 --> 00:19:32.060
  • Your life.
  • 00:19:32.060 --> 00:19:33.395
  • How do you do that?
  • 00:19:33.395 --> 00:19:34.863
  • How do you develop discipline to have a productive life?
  • 00:19:34.863 --> 00:19:39.501
  • I came across a most interesting article years ago by john
  • 00:19:39.501 --> 00:19:43.572
  • Macarthur that really didn't have a lot to do with the bible,
  • 00:19:43.572 --> 00:19:47.075
  • But it was a great application of 1 corinthians 9:27, about how
  • 00:19:47.075 --> 00:19:51.713
  • To get out of the rut of slothfulness.
  • 00:19:51.713 --> 00:19:54.816
  • If you're a lazy unproductive person, where do you start?
  • 00:19:54.816 --> 00:19:59.488
  • Listen to these tips, six of them very quickly.
  • 00:19:59.488 --> 00:20:01.790
  • Number one, start small.
  • 00:20:01.790 --> 00:20:04.393
  • Start with your room.
  • 00:20:04.393 --> 00:20:05.727
  • Clean it, then keep it clean.
  • 00:20:05.727 --> 00:20:07.896
  • When something is out of place, train yourself to put it where
  • 00:20:07.896 --> 00:20:10.666
  • It belongs, then extend that discipline and neatness to the
  • 00:20:10.666 --> 00:20:14.002
  • Rest of your home.
  • 00:20:14.002 --> 00:20:15.537
  • Secondly, be on time.
  • 00:20:15.537 --> 00:20:17.839
  • Now that may not sound very spiritual, but it's important.
  • 00:20:17.839 --> 00:20:20.676
  • If you're supposed to be somewhere at a specific time, be
  • 00:20:20.676 --> 00:20:24.179
  • There on time.
  • 00:20:24.179 --> 00:20:25.681
  • Develop the ability to manage your activities and demand so
  • 00:20:25.681 --> 00:20:29.484
  • That you can arrive on time.
  • 00:20:29.484 --> 00:20:31.586
  • Number three, do the hardest job first.
  • 00:20:31.586 --> 00:20:36.191
  • Doing that will prevent the hardest jobs from being
  • 00:20:36.191 --> 00:20:39.094
  • Left undone.
  • 00:20:39.094 --> 00:20:41.029
  • Number four, organize your life.
  • 00:20:41.029 --> 00:20:43.498
  • Use a calendar and make a daily list of things you need
  • 00:20:43.498 --> 00:20:46.535
  • To accomplish.
  • 00:20:46.535 --> 00:20:47.903
  • This is so key.
  • 00:20:47.903 --> 00:20:49.237
  • If you don't control your time, everything and everyone
  • 00:20:49.237 --> 00:20:52.374
  • Else will.
  • 00:20:52.374 --> 00:20:54.376
  • Number five, accept correction.
  • 00:20:54.376 --> 00:20:56.645
  • Correction makes you more disciplined because it shows you
  • 00:20:56.645 --> 00:20:59.348
  • What you need to avoid.
  • 00:20:59.348 --> 00:21:00.816
  • Don't avoid criticism, accept it gladly.
  • 00:21:00.816 --> 00:21:04.419
  • And then number six, practice self denial.
  • 00:21:04.419 --> 00:21:07.789
  • Learn, practice saying no to your feelings.
  • 00:21:07.789 --> 00:21:12.194
  • Make it a habit to say no to at least one thing you wanna do
  • 00:21:12.194 --> 00:21:16.765
  • Every day.
  • 00:21:16.765 --> 00:21:18.100
  • Not because that thing is wrong or sinful, but just saying no to
  • 00:21:18.100 --> 00:21:21.803
  • One thing you'd like to do.
  • 00:21:21.803 --> 00:21:23.138
  • That extra piece of dessert, that extra tv show or whatever
  • 00:21:23.138 --> 00:21:26.675
  • It is just saying no to it, will remind your body who's really
  • 00:21:26.675 --> 00:21:30.445
  • In charge.
  • 00:21:30.445 --> 00:21:32.180
  • That is so important.
  • 00:21:32.180 --> 00:21:33.882
  • Practice self denial.
  • 00:21:33.882 --> 00:21:36.852
  • The final step for developing productivity is to make sure you
  • 00:21:36.852 --> 00:21:43.392
  • Define productivity correctly.
  • 00:21:43.392 --> 00:21:47.562
  • Make sure you define productivity correctly.
  • 00:21:47.562 --> 00:21:51.266
  • You know, if you ask the average christian, how would you
  • 00:21:51.266 --> 00:21:54.803
  • Prioritize these issues in your life, your family, your work,
  • 00:21:54.803 --> 00:21:59.775
  • Your finances, and your relationship with god.
  • 00:21:59.775 --> 00:22:03.044
  • Most every christian would say, "oh, my relationship with god's
  • 00:22:03.044 --> 00:22:05.847
  • Number one, is the most important."
  • 00:22:05.847 --> 00:22:09.317
  • But you wouldn't know that by looking at the person's calendar
  • 00:22:09.317 --> 00:22:13.255
  • Or where they spend their efforts or their money.
  • 00:22:13.255 --> 00:22:16.858
  • Most of the time, let's admit it, god gets the leftovers of
  • 00:22:16.858 --> 00:22:20.929
  • Our life.
  • 00:22:20.929 --> 00:22:22.297
  • The leftover time.
  • 00:22:22.297 --> 00:22:23.665
  • The leftover money.
  • 00:22:23.665 --> 00:22:25.033
  • The leftover energy and rarely is there anything much left over
  • 00:22:25.033 --> 00:22:30.138
  • In those areas of our life.
  • 00:22:30.138 --> 00:22:32.607
  • What a tragedy it is to developing, develop productivity
  • 00:22:32.607 --> 00:22:36.812
  • In your life, being focused on your life purpose and then
  • 00:22:36.812 --> 00:22:41.183
  • Realize you neglected the most important thing in life.
  • 00:22:41.183 --> 00:22:44.286
  • Your relationship with god.
  • 00:22:44.286 --> 00:22:47.055
  • You know, the bible says, when that midnight cry comes and
  • 00:22:47.055 --> 00:22:51.626
  • We're called home to be with the lord, everything we've done will
  • 00:22:51.626 --> 00:22:57.232
  • Be left behind and every material possession will be
  • 00:22:57.232 --> 00:23:01.803
  • Burned up by fire.
  • 00:23:01.803 --> 00:23:04.739
  • And that's why as jim elliott said, the most profitable use of
  • 00:23:04.739 --> 00:23:10.378
  • Our life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.
  • 00:23:10.378 --> 00:23:17.419
  • Jesus said it this way in matthew 16:26, "what does it
  • 00:23:17.419 --> 00:23:21.923
  • Profit a person if he gained the whole world and forfeits
  • 00:23:21.923 --> 00:23:28.763
  • His soul."
  • 00:23:28.763 --> 00:23:31.233
  • Make sure you define productivity correctly.
  • 00:23:31.233 --> 00:23:34.636
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:23:35.070 --> 00:23:40.375
  • Jeffress: the world tells us to invest in the here and now and
  • 00:23:40.375 --> 00:23:43.912
  • Reap the benefits tomorrow.
  • 00:23:43.912 --> 00:23:46.081
  • But the counter intuitive wisdom of god's word tells us to invest
  • 00:23:46.081 --> 00:23:50.519
  • In the promise of eternity.
  • 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:53.288
  • Now, in closing, let me assure you that "pathway to victory" is
  • 00:23:53.288 --> 00:23:56.458
  • Fully devoted to bringing this truth to every corner of our
  • 00:23:56.458 --> 00:24:00.095
  • Country and even the world.
  • 00:24:00.095 --> 00:24:02.364
  • While the new cycle continues to be dominated by fear and
  • 00:24:02.364 --> 00:24:06.001
  • Uncertainty, you can be sure that "pathway to victory" will
  • 00:24:06.001 --> 00:24:09.471
  • Be here for you every day with assurance from god's word.
  • 00:24:09.471 --> 00:24:14.042
  • We have this confidence because of the faithful support from
  • 00:24:14.042 --> 00:24:17.445
  • Those of you who share our vision to reach the world with
  • 00:24:17.445 --> 00:24:21.149
  • The bright light of god's word.
  • 00:24:21.149 --> 00:24:23.485
  • Thank you so much for partnering with us so that we can remain a
  • 00:24:23.485 --> 00:24:27.322
  • Beacon of light to a world that's become overcome
  • 00:24:27.322 --> 00:24:31.192
  • In darkness.
  • 00:24:31.192 --> 00:24:32.627
  • Now, stay right there.
  • 00:24:32.627 --> 00:24:33.995
  • I'll be back with more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:24:33.995 --> 00:24:37.732
  • Male announcer: each day, millions of lost people are
  • 00:24:39.234 --> 00:24:41.536
  • Searching for hope and truth.
  • 00:24:41.536 --> 00:24:43.572
  • Through "pathway to victory," god's word is reaching into
  • 00:24:43.572 --> 00:24:46.441
  • Homes across america and around the world, but there are still
  • 00:24:46.441 --> 00:24:50.045
  • So many who haven't heard the saving message of jesus christ.
  • 00:24:50.045 --> 00:24:53.648
  • You can help change that by becoming a pathway partner.
  • 00:24:53.648 --> 00:24:56.918
  • You'll join a dedicated team of broadcast missionaries who are
  • 00:24:56.918 --> 00:25:00.088
  • Sharing the gospel through television and radio.
  • 00:25:00.088 --> 00:25:02.791
  • Your monthly support will help reach people worldwide with the
  • 00:25:02.791 --> 00:25:06.461
  • Life-changing power of the cross.
  • 00:25:06.461 --> 00:25:08.997
  • Jeffress: trading laziness for productivity may seem like a
  • 00:25:11.566 --> 00:25:14.903
  • Daunting choice.
  • 00:25:14.903 --> 00:25:16.371
  • But i hope these five practical suggestions inspire you to
  • 00:25:16.371 --> 00:25:20.742
  • Become fruitful.
  • 00:25:20.742 --> 00:25:22.210
  • When we choose to make the most of our time, money, and gifts
  • 00:25:22.210 --> 00:25:26.214
  • And opportunities god has given to us, eternal rewards are sure
  • 00:25:26.214 --> 00:25:30.619
  • To follow.
  • 00:25:30.619 --> 00:25:32.053
  • Well, at some point in life, every person wonders, why am
  • 00:25:32.053 --> 00:25:35.557
  • I here?
  • 00:25:35.557 --> 00:25:36.925
  • And next time i wanna help you identify god's unique purpose
  • 00:25:36.925 --> 00:25:40.595
  • For your life.
  • 00:25:40.595 --> 00:25:41.963
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in
  • 00:25:41.963 --> 00:25:44.366
  • Our series.
  • 00:25:44.366 --> 00:25:45.734
  • "choose your attitudes, change your life."
  • 00:25:45.734 --> 00:25:48.236
  • Jeffress: studies have shown that less than 3% of americans
  • 00:25:49.504 --> 00:25:54.142
  • Have a clearly defined purpose in life.
  • 00:25:54.142 --> 00:25:57.846
  • But if i were going to say which attitude choice is the most
  • 00:25:57.846 --> 00:26:01.616
  • Essential, certainly the one we're talking about today would
  • 00:26:01.616 --> 00:26:04.753
  • Be close to if not at the top of the list.
  • 00:26:04.753 --> 00:26:07.522
  • Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time
  • 00:26:07.589 --> 00:26:10.091
  • For the message, "choosing
  • 00:26:10.091 --> 00:26:11.826
  • Purpose over aimlessness
  • 00:26:11.826 --> 00:26:14.429
  • Here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:14.429 --> 00:26:16.164
  • Announcer: experience a journey that will refresh your spirit
  • 00:26:19.601 --> 00:26:22.570
  • And renew your faith on the pathway to victory cruise to
  • 00:26:22.570 --> 00:26:25.807
  • Alaska, june 13-20, 2026.
  • 00:26:25.807 --> 00:26:29.411
  • Jeffress: sail aboard holland america's luxurious koningsdam
  • 00:26:29.411 --> 00:26:32.547
  • Through british columbia's beautiful inside passage.
  • 00:26:32.547 --> 00:26:36.351
  • From the pristine waters of glacier bay to the charming
  • 00:26:36.351 --> 00:26:39.754
  • Frontier towns of juneau, ketchikan, and skagway, you'll
  • 00:26:39.754 --> 00:26:44.025
  • Witness god's handiwork on full display.
  • 00:26:44.025 --> 00:26:47.495
  • Announcer: imagine standing on deck surrounded by towering
  • 00:26:47.495 --> 00:26:50.131
  • Glaciers and snowcapped mountains while enjoying
  • 00:26:50.131 --> 00:26:52.734
  • Powerful bible teaching from dr. jeffress.
  • 00:26:52.734 --> 00:26:55.570
  • Then enjoy spirit-lifting worship led by michael o'brien
  • 00:26:55.570 --> 00:26:59.307
  • And share plenty of laughter with dennis swanberg, america's
  • 00:26:59.307 --> 00:27:02.510
  • Minister of encouragement.
  • 00:27:02.510 --> 00:27:04.279
  • Jeffress: this is more than just a vacation.
  • 00:27:04.279 --> 00:27:06.414
  • It's a sacred pause to reconnect with the lord.
  • 00:27:06.414 --> 00:27:09.918
  • Announcer: to reserve your cabin on the 2026 pathway to victory
  • 00:27:09.918 --> 00:27:12.687
  • Cruise to alaska, call ... or visit ptv.org.
  • 00:27:12.687 --> 00:27:12.687