1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. harvest pastor greg laurie
  4. Episodes
  5. Greg Laurie - How To Deal With Trials And Temptation
Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie - How To Deal With Trials And Temptation

August 15, 2025 | S25 E195 | 27:40

Greg Laurie - How To Deal With Trials And Temptation
Join Pastor Greg Laurie for a time of encouragement, worship, and Bible study.
#inActive #Harvest #Pastors #Trials-HardTimes #Tribulation #Overcoming #RelationshipwithGod #TrustGod

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - How To Deal With Trials And Temptation | August 15, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.334
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:01.801 --> 00:00:05.005
  • Greg laurie: okay, question: where does temptation come from?
  • 00:00:05.105 --> 00:00:09.909
  • Our default answer would probably be, "well, the devil."
  • 00:00:10.010 --> 00:00:12.612
  • There's truth to that, but it's not all of it.
  • 00:00:12.712 --> 00:00:14.914
  • It comes from us, too.
  • 00:00:15.815 --> 00:00:17.150
  • We play a key role in our own temptation.
  • 00:00:17.150 --> 00:00:20.720
  • ♪ this is the day, the day when life begins. ♪
  • 00:00:24.290 --> 00:00:31.231
  • ♪ this is the day, the day when life begins. ♪♪
  • 00:00:31.231 --> 00:00:39.105
  • Greg: maybe i'm talking to somebody going through a fiery
  • 00:00:42.609 --> 00:00:45.078
  • Trial right now.
  • 00:00:45.078 --> 00:00:47.047
  • Seemingly out of nowhere, the bottom just dropped out, and
  • 00:00:47.047 --> 00:00:51.785
  • You're facing problem after problem, and you don't know why
  • 00:00:51.785 --> 00:00:55.321
  • This is happening to you.
  • 00:00:55.321 --> 00:00:57.357
  • You're saying, "what's wrong with me?
  • 00:00:57.357 --> 00:00:59.659
  • What have i done to deserve this?"
  • 00:00:59.659 --> 00:01:01.494
  • Let me have you look at it a little differently.
  • 00:01:01.494 --> 00:01:04.497
  • Instead of asking, "what's wrong with me," maybe you should ask,
  • 00:01:04.497 --> 00:01:08.034
  • "what's right with me?"
  • 00:01:08.034 --> 00:01:10.036
  • Because the reason you're being attacked is because you are a
  • 00:01:10.036 --> 00:01:14.841
  • Threat to satan and his kingdom, and the devil wants to stop you.
  • 00:01:14.841 --> 00:01:20.346
  • So god's allowing these trials in your life for a purpose.
  • 00:01:20.346 --> 00:01:23.850
  • It's been said, christians are a lot like teabags; you don't know
  • 00:01:23.850 --> 00:01:27.387
  • What they're made of until you put them in hot water.
  • 00:01:27.387 --> 00:01:31.357
  • Maybe you're in the hot water of temptation right now.
  • 00:01:31.357 --> 00:01:34.794
  • Are you going through a big trial?
  • 00:01:34.794 --> 00:01:36.396
  • But someone else would say, "well, i'm not going through
  • 00:01:36.396 --> 00:01:39.232
  • Any trials.
  • 00:01:39.232 --> 00:01:40.567
  • I haven't had any hardships, and i can't remember the last time i
  • 00:01:40.567 --> 00:01:43.536
  • Was tempted."
  • 00:01:43.536 --> 00:01:44.904
  • Oh, you just admitted you're basically worthless.
  • 00:01:44.904 --> 00:01:48.775
  • Ever hear the expression, 'you don't need to kick a
  • 00:01:48.775 --> 00:01:51.144
  • Dead horse?'
  • 00:01:51.144 --> 00:01:52.512
  • See, the devil doesn't need to waste his time with an
  • 00:01:52.512 --> 00:01:55.648
  • Immobilized, compromised christian.
  • 00:01:55.648 --> 00:01:58.618
  • Instead, he's gonna focus his energies and his attacks on
  • 00:01:58.618 --> 00:02:02.455
  • Those who are a threat to the kingdom.
  • 00:02:02.455 --> 00:02:04.491
  • But here's the good news.
  • 00:02:04.491 --> 00:02:05.825
  • Jesus said, the gates of hell will not prevail against us.
  • 00:02:05.825 --> 00:02:10.497
  • Have you ever wondered what that means?
  • 00:02:10.497 --> 00:02:12.665
  • See, think of it this way.
  • 00:02:12.665 --> 00:02:14.033
  • Have you ever seen one of those movies where an army is storming
  • 00:02:14.033 --> 00:02:17.403
  • A castle, and they close the gate, and, as the army gets
  • 00:02:17.403 --> 00:02:20.573
  • Closer, they pour boiling oil over the side, right?
  • 00:02:20.573 --> 00:02:24.377
  • But then, what does the army do?
  • 00:02:24.377 --> 00:02:25.945
  • They pull out their battering ram, and they push it through
  • 00:02:25.945 --> 00:02:29.215
  • The gate, and finally the gate breaks, and they go inside.
  • 00:02:29.215 --> 00:02:32.819
  • So, when jesus says, "the gates of hell will not prevail against
  • 00:02:32.819 --> 00:02:35.922
  • You," we're the invading army.
  • 00:02:35.922 --> 00:02:38.191
  • We've got the battering ram of the gospel, and we're breaking
  • 00:02:38.191 --> 00:02:41.928
  • Through the gates, and we're going to break through those
  • 00:02:41.928 --> 00:02:44.430
  • Gates, and those gates will not prevail against us because we're
  • 00:02:44.430 --> 00:02:48.268
  • On the winning side with the message of jesus christ.
  • 00:02:48.268 --> 00:02:51.171
  • That's what that means.
  • 00:02:51.171 --> 00:02:55.441
  • But, if you choose to live that way, you will be opposed.
  • 00:02:55.441 --> 00:03:00.346
  • But that's good news; that's confirmation you're on the
  • 00:03:00.346 --> 00:03:03.316
  • Right track.
  • 00:03:03.316 --> 00:03:04.651
  • All right, so back to the book of james.
  • 00:03:04.651 --> 00:03:05.985
  • This was written to the jewish people who had been scattered;
  • 00:03:05.985 --> 00:03:10.190
  • The 12 tribes of israel were flung far and wide.
  • 00:03:10.190 --> 00:03:13.993
  • They were no longer ruling their own nation as they had in the
  • 00:03:13.993 --> 00:03:16.796
  • Past with kings like david and solomon.
  • 00:03:16.796 --> 00:03:20.033
  • Now they're under the rule of the occupying force of rome and
  • 00:03:20.033 --> 00:03:24.337
  • Caesar, and it's a hard time for them, and they're suffering.
  • 00:03:24.337 --> 00:03:28.641
  • And maybe i'm talking to someone that's suffering right now.
  • 00:03:28.641 --> 00:03:31.511
  • If so, this book is for you.
  • 00:03:31.511 --> 00:03:33.746
  • The book of james was written by the half-brother of
  • 00:03:33.746 --> 00:03:37.450
  • Jesus, james.
  • 00:03:37.450 --> 00:03:38.818
  • Now let me explain half-brother.
  • 00:03:38.818 --> 00:03:41.554
  • The mother of james was mary; the father of james was joseph,
  • 00:03:41.554 --> 00:03:47.060
  • But his half-brother, if you will, was jesus because the
  • 00:03:47.060 --> 00:03:50.363
  • Mother of jesus was mary, but the father of jesus was god the
  • 00:03:50.363 --> 00:03:54.734
  • Father, and he, his son was supernaturally conceived in the
  • 00:03:54.734 --> 00:03:58.705
  • Womb of mary.
  • 00:03:58.705 --> 00:04:00.340
  • Mary was not sinless.
  • 00:04:00.340 --> 00:04:02.875
  • Jesus was not born of what is sometimes called
  • 00:04:02.875 --> 00:04:05.411
  • Immaculate conception.
  • 00:04:05.411 --> 00:04:07.447
  • Mary was a sinner like everyone else, yet she was hand-picked by
  • 00:04:07.447 --> 00:04:12.285
  • God to have this great privilege of being the mother of
  • 00:04:12.285 --> 00:04:16.122
  • The messiah.
  • 00:04:16.122 --> 00:04:17.457
  • But joseph was a stepfather and clearly an earthly father figure
  • 00:04:17.457 --> 00:04:21.995
  • For jesus, and i think he was a great dad.
  • 00:04:21.995 --> 00:04:24.931
  • And we talk a lot about mary and her life, but we shouldn't
  • 00:04:24.931 --> 00:04:28.534
  • Forget joseph because, of all the men god could have chosen,
  • 00:04:28.534 --> 00:04:32.472
  • He said, "i want that man to be the father figure to my son."
  • 00:04:32.472 --> 00:04:37.143
  • And so jesus had siblings because sometimes we hear it
  • 00:04:37.143 --> 00:04:40.179
  • Said jesus had no brothers and sisters.
  • 00:04:40.179 --> 00:04:42.482
  • No, he had brothers and sisters, and james was one of
  • 00:04:42.482 --> 00:04:45.885
  • Those brothers.
  • 00:04:45.885 --> 00:04:47.687
  • But you would think they all believed in him.
  • 00:04:47.687 --> 00:04:49.822
  • I mean, who was a better kid than jesus?
  • 00:04:49.822 --> 00:04:53.359
  • He always did all of his chores, no rebellion, no back talk.
  • 00:04:53.359 --> 00:04:58.931
  • He was the perfect young man, the perfect teenager, the
  • 00:04:58.931 --> 00:05:03.236
  • Perfect young adult.
  • 00:05:03.236 --> 00:05:05.505
  • He was the greatest example of all time.
  • 00:05:05.505 --> 00:05:07.740
  • Yet we read that his own family did not believe in him.
  • 00:05:07.740 --> 00:05:12.045
  • In fact, they came to take him home on one occasion because
  • 00:05:12.045 --> 00:05:15.181
  • They had, they thought he was crazy.
  • 00:05:15.181 --> 00:05:17.383
  • And so that brings me to my first point, if you're
  • 00:05:17.383 --> 00:05:19.552
  • Taking notes.
  • 00:05:19.552 --> 00:05:20.920
  • Even living a perfect christian life will not convince
  • 00:05:20.920 --> 00:05:23.790
  • Some people.
  • 00:05:23.790 --> 00:05:26.025
  • Even living a perfect christian life will not convince
  • 00:05:26.025 --> 00:05:29.729
  • Some people.
  • 00:05:29.729 --> 00:05:31.097
  • Who lived a more perfect life than christ himself?
  • 00:05:31.097 --> 00:05:33.800
  • He never lied, he never stole, he never lost his temper.
  • 00:05:33.800 --> 00:05:37.904
  • He never even sinned inwardly.
  • 00:05:37.904 --> 00:05:40.707
  • Do you think mary ever lectured the other siblings and said,
  • 00:05:40.707 --> 00:05:44.210
  • "kids, why can't you be more like your big brother jesus?
  • 00:05:44.210 --> 00:05:47.980
  • He's such a great example.
  • 00:05:47.980 --> 00:05:49.315
  • In fact, joseph was out in the shop, and he made these little
  • 00:05:49.315 --> 00:05:51.551
  • Wooden bracelets, wwjd.
  • 00:05:51.551 --> 00:05:54.420
  • Wear these.
  • 00:05:54.420 --> 00:05:56.556
  • Ask yourself the question, 'what would jesus do?'"
  • 00:05:56.556 --> 00:06:00.026
  • Well, i don't think that ever happened, but he was a
  • 00:06:00.026 --> 00:06:02.795
  • Perfect example.
  • 00:06:02.795 --> 00:06:04.731
  • But yet they did not believe.
  • 00:06:04.731 --> 00:06:06.332
  • In fact, matthew 13 says he went to his own hometown of nazareth
  • 00:06:06.332 --> 00:06:10.336
  • Where he was raised, he performed miracles.
  • 00:06:10.336 --> 00:06:12.872
  • Their reaction was, "hey, isn't this the carpenter's son?
  • 00:06:12.872 --> 00:06:16.743
  • Isn't his mother's name mary and his brothers james,
  • 00:06:16.743 --> 00:06:19.746
  • Joseph, simon, and judas?"
  • 00:06:19.746 --> 00:06:22.315
  • And they took offense at him, and christ said,
  • 00:06:22.315 --> 00:06:24.650
  • "a prophet is not without honor except in his own country."
  • 00:06:24.650 --> 00:06:28.921
  • And he did not do many miracles there,
  • 00:06:28.921 --> 00:06:31.557
  • The bible says, because of their unbelief.
  • 00:06:31.557 --> 00:06:34.160
  • Listen, the hardest people to reach are the ones closest to
  • 00:06:34.160 --> 00:06:37.230
  • You, hardest people to reach, kids,
  • 00:06:37.230 --> 00:06:40.032
  • Are your parents, hardest people to reach,
  • 00:06:40.032 --> 00:06:42.735
  • Parents, are your kids.
  • 00:06:42.735 --> 00:06:44.437
  • The hardest people to reach are your siblings or your friends
  • 00:06:44.437 --> 00:06:48.441
  • That go all the way back to your school days,
  • 00:06:48.441 --> 00:06:50.810
  • And you'll tell them how christ has changed your life,
  • 00:06:50.810 --> 00:06:53.112
  • And they'll be suspicious.
  • 00:06:53.112 --> 00:06:54.647
  • Don't give up on them, keep praying for them,
  • 00:06:54.647 --> 00:06:58.418
  • But it just shows even jesus really didn't have his own
  • 00:06:58.418 --> 00:07:02.121
  • Family believe in him until he was crucified and resurrected.
  • 00:07:02.121 --> 00:07:06.859
  • But look how james starts his epistle, james chapter 1, verse
  • 00:07:06.859 --> 00:07:10.430
  • 1, "james, a bondservant of god and of the lord jesus christ, to
  • 00:07:10.430 --> 00:07:16.369
  • The twelve tribes that are scattered abroad: greetings, my
  • 00:07:16.369 --> 00:07:19.739
  • Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
  • 00:07:19.739 --> 00:07:23.242
  • Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
  • 00:07:23.242 --> 00:07:26.946
  • But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be
  • 00:07:26.946 --> 00:07:30.183
  • Perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
  • 00:07:30.183 --> 00:07:33.586
  • Okay, point number one, even living a perfect christian life
  • 00:07:33.586 --> 00:07:37.089
  • Will not convince some people.
  • 00:07:37.089 --> 00:07:38.825
  • Point number two.
  • 00:07:38.825 --> 00:07:40.526
  • Make a choice to rejoice when you go through times of trial.
  • 00:07:40.526 --> 00:07:47.233
  • Look at verse 2, "my brethren, count it all joy when you fall
  • 00:07:47.233 --> 00:07:51.170
  • Into various trials," or another translation puts it this way,
  • 00:07:51.170 --> 00:07:55.074
  • "count it pure, unmixed, complete, and total joy."
  • 00:07:55.074 --> 00:08:01.214
  • What kind of weird thing is that to say to a suffering person?
  • 00:08:01.214 --> 00:08:05.918
  • Here's what he isn't saying.
  • 00:08:05.918 --> 00:08:07.920
  • He's not saying enjoy it when you suffer.
  • 00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:11.190
  • I don't think any of us enjoy suffering.
  • 00:08:11.190 --> 00:08:14.227
  • He's not saying that the trials themselves are joy because they
  • 00:08:14.227 --> 00:08:17.830
  • Are not; in fact, hebrews 12:11 says, "no discipline seems
  • 00:08:17.830 --> 00:08:21.901
  • Pleasant at the time, but painful."
  • 00:08:21.901 --> 00:08:24.670
  • What james is saying is consider it pure joy, or, as i said, make
  • 00:08:24.670 --> 00:08:30.009
  • A choice to rejoice.
  • 00:08:30.009 --> 00:08:32.411
  • You see, it's a matter of will, not emotions.
  • 00:08:32.411 --> 00:08:35.615
  • The more we rejoice in our testings, the more we realize
  • 00:08:35.615 --> 00:08:40.186
  • They're not liabilities but privileges, ultimately helpful,
  • 00:08:40.186 --> 00:08:44.991
  • Not harmful, no matter how severe they may appear.
  • 00:08:44.991 --> 00:08:49.962
  • There are times in life that we go through hardship, but we make
  • 00:08:49.962 --> 00:08:53.332
  • A choice to rejoice.
  • 00:08:53.332 --> 00:08:54.667
  • Take jesus as the ultimate example.
  • 00:08:54.667 --> 00:08:57.303
  • It says in hebrews 12, "for the joy that was set before him, he
  • 00:08:57.303 --> 00:09:01.007
  • Endured the cross, despising the shame, and now has set down at
  • 00:09:01.007 --> 00:09:05.111
  • The right hand of god."
  • 00:09:05.111 --> 00:09:06.479
  • Wait, what joy?
  • 00:09:06.479 --> 00:09:07.813
  • Jesus had been scourged 39 times.
  • 00:09:07.813 --> 00:09:11.250
  • Jesus had his beard ripped from his face.
  • 00:09:11.250 --> 00:09:14.120
  • He had been struck repeatedly with fists.
  • 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:17.523
  • He had a crown of thorns pressed down on his head.
  • 00:09:17.523 --> 00:09:20.626
  • He had lost a tremendous amount of blood.
  • 00:09:20.626 --> 00:09:23.062
  • And he's carrying this massive cross.
  • 00:09:23.062 --> 00:09:25.598
  • And yet the joy set before him.
  • 00:09:25.598 --> 00:09:29.001
  • What joy?
  • 00:09:29.001 --> 00:09:30.736
  • That joy was you.
  • 00:09:30.736 --> 00:09:33.439
  • That joy was me.
  • 00:09:33.439 --> 00:09:35.508
  • That joy was us because he knew what the cross would accomplish.
  • 00:09:35.508 --> 00:09:39.845
  • Jesus did not come to this earth to be a good example.
  • 00:09:39.845 --> 00:09:43.816
  • He came to be a suffering savior, to die in our place on
  • 00:09:43.816 --> 00:09:48.654
  • The cross and to bear our sins, and then to rise again from
  • 00:09:48.654 --> 00:09:53.059
  • The dead.
  • 00:09:53.059 --> 00:09:54.393
  • But the joy set before him, you see?
  • 00:09:54.393 --> 00:09:56.829
  • Point number three.
  • 00:09:56.829 --> 00:09:58.698
  • Trials happen to make us stronger in every way.
  • 00:09:58.698 --> 00:10:02.201
  • Verse 3, "knowing that the testing of your faith
  • 00:10:02.201 --> 00:10:05.237
  • Produces patience.
  • 00:10:05.237 --> 00:10:07.239
  • But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be
  • 00:10:07.239 --> 00:10:10.376
  • Perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
  • 00:10:10.376 --> 00:10:12.545
  • Okay, so, the word patience is probably not the best
  • 00:10:12.545 --> 00:10:16.015
  • Translation, and i'm using the new king james version here.
  • 00:10:16.015 --> 00:10:19.418
  • It comes from a greek word that translates out to toughness,
  • 00:10:19.418 --> 00:10:23.656
  • Fortitude, endurance, or staying power.
  • 00:10:23.656 --> 00:10:28.828
  • So it's implying something different than simple patience.
  • 00:10:28.828 --> 00:10:32.064
  • A modern translation of james, verses 3 and 4, say, "let
  • 00:10:32.064 --> 00:10:36.969
  • It grow.
  • 00:10:36.969 --> 00:10:38.304
  • Don't try to squirm out of your problems; for when your patience
  • 00:10:38.304 --> 00:10:41.374
  • Is in full blown--" in full bloom, rather--"you're ready
  • 00:10:41.374 --> 00:10:44.777
  • For anything, strong in character, full and complete."
  • 00:10:44.777 --> 00:10:48.514
  • It's like going to the gym and working out.
  • 00:10:48.514 --> 00:10:51.651
  • How many of you go to a gym or a health club, raise your hand?
  • 00:10:51.651 --> 00:10:54.687
  • Okay, a few more of you might think about it, just saying.
  • 00:10:54.687 --> 00:11:02.261
  • How many of you that go to the gym like to go to the gym?
  • 00:11:02.261 --> 00:11:05.297
  • You enjoy it; you love the release of endorphins.
  • 00:11:05.297 --> 00:11:07.833
  • Okay, you--i hope you're not on steroids, sir, i don't know.
  • 00:11:07.833 --> 00:11:13.205
  • Okay, you are; no more coffee for this man over here.
  • 00:11:13.205 --> 00:11:19.445
  • So, hey, i admire anybody that enjoys working out.
  • 00:11:19.445 --> 00:11:23.382
  • I go to the gym; i don't like it; my favorite time is when
  • 00:11:23.382 --> 00:11:27.386
  • It's done.
  • 00:11:27.386 --> 00:11:28.721
  • But here's the funny thing.
  • 00:11:28.721 --> 00:11:30.089
  • I'll make up every excuse as to why i don't wanna go, even when
  • 00:11:30.089 --> 00:11:33.259
  • I'm there, "i don't wanna do this."
  • 00:11:33.259 --> 00:11:34.860
  • But then, once i'm done, i'm glad i did it.
  • 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:38.130
  • Not because i enjoyed it, but it actually energizes me when i
  • 00:11:38.130 --> 00:11:44.003
  • Complete it.
  • 00:11:44.003 --> 00:11:45.371
  • You see, that's what trials are like.
  • 00:11:45.371 --> 00:11:47.173
  • A lot of people find themselves feeling tired and lethargic.
  • 00:11:47.173 --> 00:11:50.843
  • They say, "well, i'm just getting old."
  • 00:11:50.843 --> 00:11:53.079
  • That, that's maybe true; but you might be out of shape.
  • 00:11:53.079 --> 00:11:56.649
  • Well, you're in a shape; you're in the shape of a pear; that's
  • 00:11:56.649 --> 00:11:59.685
  • Not a good shape.
  • 00:11:59.685 --> 00:12:01.987
  • People even call you the lord's pear, and you don't like it.
  • 00:12:01.987 --> 00:12:07.760
  • So you can't fight age, you can't stop age, but you can do
  • 00:12:07.760 --> 00:12:14.500
  • The best you can with your body and stay strong and get
  • 00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:18.404
  • Stronger physically.
  • 00:12:18.404 --> 00:12:19.972
  • The same can be true spiritually as well.
  • 00:12:19.972 --> 00:12:23.242
  • You might say, "well, i don't feel any spiritual energy.
  • 00:12:23.242 --> 00:12:26.579
  • I feel tired and drained, but i'm still reading my bible.
  • 00:12:26.579 --> 00:12:31.317
  • I'm praying. i'm going to church.
  • 00:12:31.317 --> 00:12:32.651
  • I'm even in a harvest small group.
  • 00:12:32.651 --> 00:12:34.320
  • And i feel this lethargy."
  • 00:12:34.320 --> 00:12:36.789
  • Well, here's my advice to you.
  • 00:12:36.789 --> 00:12:39.558
  • Get off your fat--lazy boy recliner.
  • 00:12:39.558 --> 00:12:43.329
  • What did you think i was gonna say?
  • 00:12:43.329 --> 00:12:46.198
  • Wow, where are your heads at today?
  • 00:12:46.198 --> 00:12:49.535
  • No, get off your lazy boy recliner and do something.
  • 00:12:49.535 --> 00:12:53.906
  • You see, the spiritual life is taking in, but it's also
  • 00:12:53.906 --> 00:12:57.510
  • Giving out.
  • 00:12:57.510 --> 00:12:58.878
  • And, if i only take in, and i don't give out, i am gonna reach
  • 00:12:58.878 --> 00:13:02.114
  • A state of spiritual lethargy.
  • 00:13:02.114 --> 00:13:05.651
  • The bible says, "give and it shall be given unto you, pressed
  • 00:13:05.651 --> 00:13:08.420
  • Down, shaken together, running over.
  • 00:13:08.420 --> 00:13:10.489
  • With the same measure you give, it shall be given back to you."
  • 00:13:10.489 --> 00:13:15.094
  • So trials, trials are like god's gym, where we're broken down in
  • 00:13:15.094 --> 00:13:19.665
  • Order to be built up, where we take our faith from the realm of
  • 00:13:19.665 --> 00:13:24.170
  • Theory to reality so we can start living out our faith in
  • 00:13:24.170 --> 00:13:27.807
  • The real world.
  • 00:13:27.807 --> 00:13:29.208
  • You'll always have trials in this life.
  • 00:13:29.208 --> 00:13:32.678
  • They won't stop until you get to heaven.
  • 00:13:32.678 --> 00:13:36.315
  • But, god will be with you through every single one.
  • 00:13:36.315 --> 00:13:40.152
  • Verse 2 says, "count it all joy when you go through these
  • 00:13:40.152 --> 00:13:43.522
  • Various trials," it's not 'if,' it's 'when;' you're going to go
  • 00:13:43.522 --> 00:13:48.394
  • Through them.
  • 00:13:48.394 --> 00:13:50.029
  • Greg: hey, everybody, greg laurie here with
  • 00:13:53.999 --> 00:13:55.334
  • Some thoughts about anxiety.
  • 00:13:55.334 --> 00:13:57.169
  • Well, there's a lot of things to be anxious about
  • 00:13:57.169 --> 00:13:59.905
  • Right now, aren't there?
  • 00:13:59.905 --> 00:14:01.941
  • All the turmoil in our country, all the fighting,
  • 00:14:01.941 --> 00:14:04.977
  • Which hasn't gotten better, it's actually gotten worse.
  • 00:14:04.977 --> 00:14:08.080
  • Can i make a couple of recommendations?
  • 00:14:08.080 --> 00:14:10.416
  • Maybe don't watch the news for hours on end.
  • 00:14:10.416 --> 00:14:14.353
  • Maybe don't spend all your time on twitter and fighting with
  • 00:14:14.353 --> 00:14:18.858
  • People on social media, et cetera.
  • 00:14:18.858 --> 00:14:20.759
  • And i'm not saying don't be uninformed 'cause we need to be
  • 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:23.362
  • Aware of what's going on so we know how to pray intelligently,
  • 00:14:23.362 --> 00:14:27.066
  • But take time to fill your mind with the word of god,
  • 00:14:27.066 --> 00:14:31.637
  • Take time to focus on your relationship with god.
  • 00:14:31.637 --> 00:14:36.508
  • We all know this verse very well that says,
  • 00:14:36.508 --> 00:14:39.144
  • "don't worry about anything, pray about everything,
  • 00:14:39.144 --> 00:14:42.615
  • And the peace of god will guard your
  • 00:14:42.615 --> 00:14:44.950
  • Heart and mind in christ jesus."
  • 00:14:44.950 --> 00:14:46.285
  • Scripture also says, "thou will keep him in perfect peace who's
  • 00:14:46.285 --> 00:14:50.256
  • Mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee."
  • 00:14:50.256 --> 00:14:53.826
  • So if you find yourself in turmoil and anguish and if you
  • 00:14:53.826 --> 00:14:57.496
  • Find yourself filled with anxiety,
  • 00:14:57.496 --> 00:14:59.265
  • Put your mind on the lord, turn your thoughts toward the lord,
  • 00:14:59.265 --> 00:15:04.670
  • Fill your life with the word of god,
  • 00:15:04.670 --> 00:15:07.339
  • With worship music, with good bible teaching.
  • 00:15:07.339 --> 00:15:10.409
  • We have a podcast, and there's a lot of great things out there,
  • 00:15:10.409 --> 00:15:13.445
  • But we have a podcast you can listen to,
  • 00:15:13.445 --> 00:15:15.447
  • But listen, look to jesus right now and let's keep praying for
  • 00:15:15.447 --> 00:15:19.852
  • Our nation that god's will, will be done,
  • 00:15:19.852 --> 00:15:23.389
  • But let's also pray that he will give us personal peace.
  • 00:15:23.389 --> 00:15:27.860
  • ♪ this is the day, the day when life begins. ♪♪
  • 00:15:27.927 --> 00:15:35.801
  • Greg: point number four.
  • 00:15:36.368 --> 00:15:37.703
  • It is through trials that we learn great wisdom.
  • 00:15:37.703 --> 00:15:41.106
  • So they not only make us stronger spiritually, but,
  • 00:15:41.106 --> 00:15:44.243
  • Through trials, we learn things that we would not have
  • 00:15:44.243 --> 00:15:46.812
  • Otherwise learned.
  • 00:15:46.812 --> 00:15:48.180
  • Look at verse 5, "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of
  • 00:15:48.180 --> 00:15:51.250
  • God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it
  • 00:15:51.250 --> 00:15:54.987
  • Will be given to him.
  • 00:15:54.987 --> 00:15:56.322
  • But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts
  • 00:15:56.322 --> 00:15:59.091
  • Is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
  • 00:15:59.091 --> 00:16:02.294
  • Let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the lord;
  • 00:16:02.294 --> 00:16:06.532
  • He's a double-minded man, unstable in all of his ways."
  • 00:16:06.532 --> 00:16:10.436
  • You know, we live in a time where we can get information
  • 00:16:10.436 --> 00:16:13.872
  • On demand.
  • 00:16:13.872 --> 00:16:15.207
  • All you have to do is say, "hey, siri, what's the
  • 00:16:15.207 --> 00:16:17.743
  • Temperature today?"
  • 00:16:17.743 --> 00:16:19.378
  • "hey, google, what about this?"
  • 00:16:19.378 --> 00:16:21.647
  • "hey, alexa--" you ask her a question, and you talk to this
  • 00:16:21.647 --> 00:16:25.451
  • Artificial intelligence, and, in many ways, we have knowledge
  • 00:16:25.451 --> 00:16:30.122
  • That's a mile wide, but an inch deep.
  • 00:16:30.122 --> 00:16:33.125
  • We have knowledge without wisdom.
  • 00:16:33.125 --> 00:16:35.194
  • Through knowledge, we've learned how to travel faster than sound.
  • 00:16:35.194 --> 00:16:39.131
  • But we show our lack of wisdom by going faster in the
  • 00:16:39.131 --> 00:16:42.468
  • Wrong direction.
  • 00:16:42.468 --> 00:16:44.103
  • See, what we need is wisdom.
  • 00:16:44.103 --> 00:16:45.471
  • Knowledge is good; we want knowledge.
  • 00:16:45.471 --> 00:16:46.839
  • We need biblical knowledge; we need other kinds of knowledge.
  • 00:16:46.839 --> 00:16:50.042
  • But we need wisdom.
  • 00:16:50.042 --> 00:16:51.910
  • And the bible says, "if any man lack wisdom, let him ask
  • 00:16:51.910 --> 00:16:54.980
  • Of god."
  • 00:16:54.980 --> 00:16:56.315
  • And he'll give it generously, but, when you ask, don't doubt.
  • 00:16:56.315 --> 00:16:59.651
  • So this is one of those prayers that, when you pray it, you know
  • 00:16:59.651 --> 00:17:03.188
  • God will answer it.
  • 00:17:03.188 --> 00:17:04.957
  • It's praying for the will of god.
  • 00:17:04.957 --> 00:17:06.658
  • A lot of times, when we sit down to have a meeting or we make
  • 00:17:06.658 --> 00:17:10.362
  • Some plans for the future, we'll pray, "lord, give us wisdom.
  • 00:17:10.362 --> 00:17:14.133
  • You've told us in your word, if any man lacks wisdom, let him
  • 00:17:14.133 --> 00:17:17.069
  • Ask of you, and you'll give it generously.
  • 00:17:17.069 --> 00:17:19.138
  • Lord, we need that wisdom right now."
  • 00:17:19.138 --> 00:17:21.206
  • That's a good prayer to pray.
  • 00:17:21.206 --> 00:17:23.609
  • We need to know his will, especially on the biggest
  • 00:17:23.609 --> 00:17:26.612
  • Decisions of life, one being who you're gonna marry, or maybe god
  • 00:17:26.612 --> 00:17:31.683
  • Won't have you get married.
  • 00:17:31.683 --> 00:17:33.118
  • But you need wisdom to know.
  • 00:17:33.118 --> 00:17:35.254
  • You wanna make the right decision there.
  • 00:17:35.254 --> 00:17:37.823
  • What career path you may choose, what ministry opportunities you
  • 00:17:37.823 --> 00:17:43.062
  • May respond to.
  • 00:17:43.062 --> 00:17:44.396
  • You need this wisdom, and, when you pray, believe you will
  • 00:17:44.396 --> 00:17:47.766
  • Receive it.
  • 00:17:47.766 --> 00:17:49.134
  • Point number five.
  • 00:17:49.134 --> 00:17:50.469
  • God will enable us to endure and get through times of temptation.
  • 00:17:50.469 --> 00:17:54.606
  • God will enable us to endure and get through times of temptation.
  • 00:17:54.673 --> 00:18:01.380
  • James 1, verse 12, "blessed is he who endures temptation; for
  • 00:18:01.380 --> 00:18:05.851
  • When he has been approved, he'll receive the crown of life which
  • 00:18:05.851 --> 00:18:08.654
  • The lord has promised to those who love him.
  • 00:18:08.654 --> 00:18:10.823
  • But let no one say when he is tempted, 'i'm tempted by god;'
  • 00:18:10.823 --> 00:18:13.892
  • For god cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he himself
  • 00:18:13.892 --> 00:18:17.362
  • Tempt anyone."
  • 00:18:17.362 --> 00:18:18.730
  • Look at this part; don't miss these final verses.
  • 00:18:18.730 --> 00:18:20.999
  • "each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires
  • 00:18:20.999 --> 00:18:25.337
  • And is enticed.
  • 00:18:25.337 --> 00:18:26.672
  • And then, when desire has conceived, he gives birth to
  • 00:18:26.672 --> 00:18:29.141
  • Sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."
  • 00:18:29.141 --> 00:18:34.313
  • Okay, question: where does temptation come from?
  • 00:18:34.313 --> 00:18:39.184
  • Our default answer would probably be, "well, the devil."
  • 00:18:39.184 --> 00:18:41.887
  • There's truth to that, but it's not all of it.
  • 00:18:41.887 --> 00:18:45.090
  • It comes from us, too.
  • 00:18:45.090 --> 00:18:46.458
  • We play a key role in our own temptation.
  • 00:18:46.458 --> 00:18:50.162
  • Where there's no desire on our part, there's no temptation.
  • 00:18:50.162 --> 00:18:54.700
  • In fact, in these verses, we have the five steps
  • 00:18:54.700 --> 00:19:00.873
  • To temptation.
  • 00:19:00.873 --> 00:19:02.241
  • Number one, the temptation itself; verse 14, "everyone is
  • 00:19:02.241 --> 00:19:06.178
  • Tempted when they're drawn away by their own desires," which by
  • 00:19:06.178 --> 00:19:10.082
  • The way are common to man.
  • 00:19:10.082 --> 00:19:13.385
  • So, whatever you're being tempted to do, you're not the
  • 00:19:13.385 --> 00:19:15.888
  • Only one because sometimes we may think, "oh, man, how could
  • 00:19:15.888 --> 00:19:19.992
  • That thought have come into my mind?
  • 00:19:19.992 --> 00:19:21.827
  • What is wrong with me?"
  • 00:19:21.827 --> 00:19:23.428
  • Doesn't mean anything's wrong with you.
  • 00:19:23.428 --> 00:19:25.130
  • Listen, it's not a sin to be tempted.
  • 00:19:25.130 --> 00:19:28.133
  • The sin of temptation is not the bait; it's the bite.
  • 00:19:28.133 --> 00:19:32.070
  • If you don't take the bait, you haven't sinned; you have to bite
  • 00:19:32.070 --> 00:19:37.176
  • At it.
  • 00:19:37.176 --> 00:19:38.510
  • So, just because a thought comes to your mind doesn't mean
  • 00:19:38.510 --> 00:19:41.613
  • You're evil.
  • 00:19:41.613 --> 00:19:42.981
  • It just means you're being tempted by evil.
  • 00:19:42.981 --> 00:19:46.585
  • The bible calls it, king james, "the fiery darts of the
  • 00:19:46.585 --> 00:19:50.322
  • Wicked one."
  • 00:19:50.322 --> 00:19:51.890
  • Years ago, when i was a young preacher, i think i was maybe 18
  • 00:19:51.890 --> 00:19:54.860
  • Or 19 when i gave one of my first sermons, was at a
  • 00:19:54.860 --> 00:19:57.663
  • Christian camp.
  • 00:19:57.663 --> 00:19:58.997
  • Chuck smith was there.
  • 00:19:58.997 --> 00:20:00.332
  • I wanted to impress everyone.
  • 00:20:00.332 --> 00:20:02.301
  • And so i was speaking on ephesians 6 about
  • 00:20:02.301 --> 00:20:05.070
  • Spiritual warfare.
  • 00:20:05.070 --> 00:20:06.538
  • And, instead of talking about the fiery darts of the wicked
  • 00:20:06.538 --> 00:20:10.042
  • One, i instead said the diary farts of the wicked one.
  • 00:20:10.042 --> 00:20:15.080
  • It's kind of an embarrassing moment, but, they're not diary
  • 00:20:15.080 --> 00:20:20.452
  • Farts, so it--really, a better translation would be flaming
  • 00:20:20.452 --> 00:20:24.323
  • Arrows, okay, flaming arrows.
  • 00:20:24.323 --> 00:20:26.592
  • So, you know, maybe you're worshiping the lord, and your
  • 00:20:26.592 --> 00:20:29.628
  • Thoughts are on heavenly things, and, all of a sudden--
  • 00:20:29.628 --> 00:20:32.197
  • Phth phth phth--that's the sound of an arrow.
  • 00:20:32.197 --> 00:20:35.434
  • That sound like an arrow?
  • 00:20:35.434 --> 00:20:37.035
  • There it is.
  • 00:20:37.035 --> 00:20:38.403
  • Okay, all of a sudden, weird, bizarre thought,
  • 00:20:38.403 --> 00:20:40.339
  • Horrible thought.
  • 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:41.707
  • Oh, and the devil says, "how could you think that in church?"
  • 00:20:41.707 --> 00:20:45.477
  • Well, these are temptations.
  • 00:20:45.477 --> 00:20:47.446
  • You just say, "i reject that.
  • 00:20:47.446 --> 00:20:48.947
  • That is not from god."
  • 00:20:48.947 --> 00:20:50.282
  • Okay, so, the temptation itself, we're all going to be tempted.
  • 00:20:50.282 --> 00:20:53.852
  • Number two.
  • 00:20:53.852 --> 00:20:55.187
  • But maybe you're interested in it.
  • 00:20:55.187 --> 00:20:56.722
  • So everyone is drawn away by their own desire.
  • 00:20:56.722 --> 00:21:00.359
  • See, "there's, i could have been," "i won't do it, but show
  • 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:04.763
  • Me what you're offering," you know.
  • 00:21:04.763 --> 00:21:07.766
  • It's like that test drive.
  • 00:21:07.766 --> 00:21:09.101
  • You're looking at that car.
  • 00:21:09.101 --> 00:21:10.469
  • "let's take it out for a spin."
  • 00:21:10.469 --> 00:21:11.803
  • Oh, "no."
  • 00:21:11.803 --> 00:21:13.171
  • They go, "come on now."
  • 00:21:13.171 --> 00:21:14.506
  • Why are they doing that?
  • 00:21:14.506 --> 00:21:15.874
  • Because you will be locked in a car with a person that will try
  • 00:21:15.874 --> 00:21:18.810
  • To close that deal and make that sale.
  • 00:21:18.810 --> 00:21:22.581
  • Or the free sample.
  • 00:21:22.581 --> 00:21:24.483
  • You know, i was in a farmer's market yesterday walking along,
  • 00:21:24.483 --> 00:21:27.619
  • And they were offering free samples, and some guy said, "i
  • 00:21:27.619 --> 00:21:30.455
  • Have free sample," and it's soup.
  • 00:21:30.455 --> 00:21:31.957
  • I'm like, "i don't want soup."
  • 00:21:31.957 --> 00:21:34.126
  • What, who even wants to eat soup?
  • 00:21:34.126 --> 00:21:37.229
  • How can anyone make a meal from soup?
  • 00:21:37.229 --> 00:21:40.299
  • Soup to me is like salad.
  • 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:41.933
  • It's what i eat to warm up for real food, right?
  • 00:21:41.933 --> 00:21:44.903
  • "try this."
  • 00:21:44.903 --> 00:21:46.238
  • "nah, it's okay."
  • 00:21:46.238 --> 00:21:47.606
  • "no, try it."
  • 00:21:47.606 --> 00:21:48.940
  • "okay, whatever."
  • 00:21:48.940 --> 00:21:50.309
  • I take a little sip of his tiny little cup.
  • 00:21:50.309 --> 00:21:51.643
  • "i'll have it now.
  • 00:21:51.643 --> 00:21:53.011
  • How much is it?"
  • 00:21:53.011 --> 00:21:54.346
  • It was great soup.
  • 00:21:54.346 --> 00:21:55.714
  • It was really hearty with turkey in it and all kinds of things.
  • 00:21:55.714 --> 00:21:58.050
  • So i bought this bag of frozen soup.
  • 00:21:58.050 --> 00:22:00.686
  • Cathe's buying vegetables.
  • 00:22:00.686 --> 00:22:02.688
  • Look what i bought.
  • 00:22:02.688 --> 00:22:04.022
  • It's like, "why?"
  • 00:22:04.022 --> 00:22:05.390
  • "i don't know.
  • 00:22:05.390 --> 00:22:06.725
  • It was good."
  • 00:22:06.725 --> 00:22:08.093
  • It started with a free sample.
  • 00:22:08.093 --> 00:22:09.428
  • So the devil says, "okay, okay, i know you would never do this
  • 00:22:09.428 --> 00:22:12.097
  • Because you're such a godly person.
  • 00:22:12.097 --> 00:22:14.766
  • But just take this thought for a spin.
  • 00:22:14.766 --> 00:22:18.804
  • Just take a little nibble; it'll be fun.
  • 00:22:18.804 --> 00:22:21.206
  • You would never act on it."
  • 00:22:21.206 --> 00:22:22.541
  • But that's the whole strategy of temptation.
  • 00:22:22.541 --> 00:22:25.444
  • It starts in the realm of your mind.
  • 00:22:25.444 --> 00:22:28.046
  • Now you're almost hooked.
  • 00:22:28.046 --> 00:22:29.848
  • Verse 14 of james 1, "you're drawn away by your own desires."
  • 00:22:29.848 --> 00:22:33.685
  • There's still a way out.
  • 00:22:33.685 --> 00:22:35.320
  • But you're thinking, you're processing, you're considering,
  • 00:22:35.320 --> 00:22:38.924
  • And the hook is now set, and you bite.
  • 00:22:38.924 --> 00:22:41.126
  • Verse 15, "when desire is conceived, it gives birth
  • 00:22:41.126 --> 00:22:43.962
  • To sin."
  • 00:22:43.962 --> 00:22:45.297
  • And so you've acted on the evil thought, and there's maybe the
  • 00:22:45.297 --> 00:22:49.267
  • Momentary pleasure that can come from certain sins.
  • 00:22:49.267 --> 00:22:54.239
  • But then immediately, if your conscience is working, guilt
  • 00:22:54.239 --> 00:22:57.376
  • Kicks in, regret, remorse, that spiritual deadness.
  • 00:22:57.376 --> 00:23:04.082
  • Thank god you can say, "lord, i'm sorry, i repent," and he'll
  • 00:23:04.082 --> 00:23:07.919
  • Forgive you.
  • 00:23:07.919 --> 00:23:09.254
  • But you know the effects of sin that can happen in your life.
  • 00:23:09.254 --> 00:23:12.491
  • And then the effects of sin, number five, kick in; verse 15,
  • 00:23:12.491 --> 00:23:16.395
  • "sin, when it's full-grown, brings forth death."
  • 00:23:16.395 --> 00:23:20.031
  • The bible says, "the soul that sins shall surely die."
  • 00:23:20.031 --> 00:23:23.835
  • It also says, "the wages of sin are death."
  • 00:23:23.835 --> 00:23:26.938
  • You're now separated from god.
  • 00:23:26.938 --> 00:23:28.907
  • So now i wanna blame someone.
  • 00:23:28.907 --> 00:23:30.475
  • This is not my fault.
  • 00:23:30.475 --> 00:23:32.577
  • The devil made me do it.
  • 00:23:32.577 --> 00:23:33.912
  • No, he didn't.
  • 00:23:33.912 --> 00:23:35.280
  • Devil can't make you do anything.
  • 00:23:35.280 --> 00:23:36.615
  • He can tempt you.
  • 00:23:36.615 --> 00:23:37.983
  • You have to cooperate.
  • 00:23:37.983 --> 00:23:39.384
  • "well, this other person, they, it's their fault; they
  • 00:23:39.384 --> 00:23:42.587
  • Tempted me."
  • 00:23:42.587 --> 00:23:43.922
  • Well, maybe they did, but you're still responsible for your
  • 00:23:43.922 --> 00:23:47.025
  • Own actions.
  • 00:23:47.025 --> 00:23:48.627
  • That's what adam did; he blamed eve.
  • 00:23:48.627 --> 00:23:51.196
  • And eve played a role in it, but, ultimately, it was adam's
  • 00:23:51.196 --> 00:23:54.166
  • Decision to eat of that forbidden fruit.
  • 00:23:54.166 --> 00:23:56.768
  • Okay, here's another thought.
  • 00:23:56.768 --> 00:23:58.103
  • We're almost done here.
  • 00:23:58.103 --> 00:23:59.471
  • When does temptation generally come?
  • 00:23:59.471 --> 00:24:01.506
  • This might surprise you.
  • 00:24:01.506 --> 00:24:03.241
  • When does it generally come?
  • 00:24:03.241 --> 00:24:06.044
  • After times of great blessing.
  • 00:24:06.044 --> 00:24:09.347
  • Remember jesus was baptized by his cousin john the baptist.
  • 00:24:09.347 --> 00:24:15.454
  • And then you remember that the father spoke from heaven and
  • 00:24:15.454 --> 00:24:19.057
  • Said, "this is my beloved son in whom i am well pleased."
  • 00:24:19.057 --> 00:24:22.961
  • And the spirit of god came upon jesus in the form of a dove.
  • 00:24:22.961 --> 00:24:26.832
  • What a moment, what a blessing.
  • 00:24:26.832 --> 00:24:29.634
  • And what do we read then?
  • 00:24:29.634 --> 00:24:31.002
  • Immediately after that, jesus went into the wilderness to be
  • 00:24:31.002 --> 00:24:34.172
  • Tested and tempted by the devil.
  • 00:24:34.172 --> 00:24:37.142
  • After the dove came the devil; after the blessing came
  • 00:24:37.142 --> 00:24:42.380
  • The temptation.
  • 00:24:42.380 --> 00:24:43.849
  • So it might happen after church.
  • 00:24:43.849 --> 00:24:45.383
  • Oh, i love that.
  • 00:24:45.383 --> 00:24:46.751
  • Great time of worship, so so sermon.
  • 00:24:46.751 --> 00:24:49.154
  • But, still, you're in your car; someone cuts you off, "you
  • 00:24:49.154 --> 00:24:54.092
  • Stinking oof!"
  • 00:24:54.092 --> 00:24:56.428
  • You start fighting with your wife in front of your kids.
  • 00:24:56.428 --> 00:24:59.498
  • Something else happens.
  • 00:24:59.498 --> 00:25:00.832
  • Wait, what's going on?
  • 00:25:00.832 --> 00:25:02.200
  • Yeah, well, attacks often come after times of blessing.
  • 00:25:02.200 --> 00:25:04.903
  • So brace yourself for that.
  • 00:25:04.903 --> 00:25:06.938
  • Be aware of that, and that's what's going to happen in life.
  • 00:25:06.938 --> 00:25:13.178
  • But god always has a way out for us, and every temptation can
  • 00:25:13.178 --> 00:25:17.482
  • Be resisted.
  • 00:25:17.482 --> 00:25:18.850
  • And listen to this; i love that verse, "blessed is the man that
  • 00:25:18.850 --> 00:25:22.120
  • Endures temptation; for when he has been tried, he'll receive
  • 00:25:22.120 --> 00:25:25.390
  • The crown of life."
  • 00:25:25.390 --> 00:25:32.697
  • Greg: there are so many things to be worried about right now,
  • 00:25:36.935 --> 00:25:39.337
  • Aren't there?
  • 00:25:39.337 --> 00:25:40.672
  • The worrying about terrorism, worry about your personal
  • 00:25:40.672 --> 00:25:43.375
  • Safety, violent crime, the economy, the list goes on.
  • 00:25:43.375 --> 00:25:47.279
  • Here's what the bible says, "don't worry about anything.
  • 00:25:47.279 --> 00:25:50.949
  • Pray about everything."
  • 00:25:50.949 --> 00:25:53.418
  • Turn your panic into prayer.
  • 00:25:53.485 --> 00:25:56.288
  • Jesus said, "come unto me, all of you that are laboring and are
  • 00:25:56.354 --> 00:25:59.658
  • Heavy laden.
  • 00:25:59.658 --> 00:26:00.992
  • I will give you rest."
  • 00:26:00.992 --> 00:26:02.360
  • Give your burdens, give your problems over to god, and let
  • 00:26:02.360 --> 00:26:06.698
  • Him give you his peace in your heart.
  • 00:26:06.698 --> 00:26:10.869
  • Let me send to you, at no charge, what i call a new
  • 00:26:10.936 --> 00:26:14.406
  • Believer's bible to help you grow in a relationship with god
  • 00:26:14.406 --> 00:26:19.778
  • And learn how to turn your panic into prayer and your worry
  • 00:26:19.778 --> 00:26:23.915
  • Into worship.
  • 00:26:23.915 --> 00:26:27.319
  • Greg: greg laurie here.
  • 00:26:30.855 --> 00:26:32.223
  • You know, at harvest ministries, we're committing to reaching
  • 00:26:32.223 --> 00:26:34.626
  • Unexpected people in unexpected places with an
  • 00:26:34.626 --> 00:26:38.029
  • Unexpected message.
  • 00:26:38.029 --> 00:26:39.664
  • And thanks to your financial support, we've been able to
  • 00:26:39.664 --> 00:26:44.069
  • Touch people all over the world with the hope of jesus christ.
  • 00:26:44.069 --> 00:26:48.540
  • Your gifts today not only help us reach millions across the
  • 00:26:48.540 --> 00:26:52.310
  • Country through this television program, they also help us to
  • 00:26:52.310 --> 00:26:56.514
  • Bring hope to people in their biggest need, whether through
  • 00:26:56.514 --> 00:27:00.085
  • Our evangelistic events or our relief efforts, together we've
  • 00:27:00.085 --> 00:27:04.022
  • Been able to minister to so many people devastated by the fires
  • 00:27:04.022 --> 00:27:08.159
  • In lahaina on the island of maui.
  • 00:27:08.159 --> 00:27:10.195
  • And also, your support has helped us partner to bring
  • 00:27:10.195 --> 00:27:13.665
  • Medical help in the ongoing conflict in israel.
  • 00:27:13.665 --> 00:27:16.935
  • So i'm asking you today to continue to support this
  • 00:27:16.935 --> 00:27:20.071
  • Ministry so we can do everything possible to fulfill the
  • 00:27:20.071 --> 00:27:24.342
  • Great commission.
  • 00:27:24.342 --> 00:27:25.710
  • Let's do this together, and let me say in advance,
  • 00:27:25.710 --> 00:27:28.713
  • Thank you and god bless you.
  • 00:27:28.713 --> 00:27:30.000