In the midst of the holiday season, Greg Laurie shares his insights on how to have a happy holiday. He talks about the importance of remembering the true reason for the season - the birth of Christ - and the joy and happiness that comes from having a relationship with Him.
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Harvest with Pastor Greg Laurie | Greg Laurie - How To Have A Happy Holiday Season | December 11, 2024
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- Greg laurie: christmas cannot make you happy.
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- Only christ can.
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- What you're really looking for is not presents under a tree,
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- But his presence in your life.
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- ♪ this is the day, the day when life begins. ♪
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- ♪ this is the day, the day when life begins. ♪♪
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- Greg: i was standing in the line outside of a restaurant the
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- Other day and it was actually two weeks ago,
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- Some guy drives by with his stereo blasting
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- A christmas song.
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- I actually yelled out, "no, it's too soon."
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- Well, you can't escape it now, it's everywhere.
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- The holidays can be a joyful time, a wonderful time.
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- They can also be a difficult and sad time for some people.
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- Holidays are filled with sadness and loneliness and anxiety for
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- Some people, and according to the national institute of
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- Health, christmas is the time of year where more people
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- Experience a high incidence of depression.
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- In fact, one north american survey revealed that 45% of the
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- American public dread christmas because of all of the problems
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- It can bring.
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- So, i wanna talk to you about how to have a happy holiday
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- Season, how to get a jump on the whole thing,
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- How you can enjoy this time of the year with happiness and joy.
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- And by the way, god wants you to be happy.
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- There's nothing wrong with wanting personal happiness.
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- That's something the lord wants for you as well.
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- Here's something that might surprise someone: there are 2700
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- Passages in the bible containing words such as "joy,"
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- "happiness," "pleasure," "laughter," "gladness,"
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- "feasting," and "celebration."
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- And check this out: god is a happy god.
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- Did you know that?
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- And understand this, jesus himself was a happy person.
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- How do i know that?
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- Because jesus said in john 15, "i've told you this to make you
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- Completely happy as i am happy."
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- Now, i find that fascinating because when i look at religious
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- Art and depictions of jesus, he doesn't look very happy.
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- He looks depressed half the time.
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- And he also looks like he needs a sandwich.
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- A bit on the emaciated side.
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- This is sort of the image we have of christ,
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- Very sullen, very unhappy.
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- And actually maybe that's based in part on the statement of
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- Scripture where it says that the messiah,
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- When he would come, would be someone who would bear our
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- Sorrows, and that's true.
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- But i don't think jesus walked around all the time in that way.
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- Certainly as he approached the cross of calvary,
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- There was that attitude that he would have a man of sorrows
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- Carrying our pain.
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- But i think the rest of the time,
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- He was a pretty cheerful guy.
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- I think he had a smile on his face.
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- I think he had a twinkle in his eye.
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- Otherwise, why would children be drawn to him, right?
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- Kids are a pretty good judge of character,
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- And they're drawn to people when they see that warmth,
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- And the children were drawn to jesus.
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- And god wants us to have happiness in our life.
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- In fact, paul writes of the glorious good news entrusted to
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- Him by the happy god.
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- But people sometimes think god is disinterested or god is
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- Perpetually angry, but that's not true.
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- In fact, when you walk into the room,
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- In effect, the face of god lights up.
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- You know, like when you see your children come in,
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- Maybe your face lights up, depending on what your
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- Relationship with your child is.
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- Maybe it lights up when they walk out.
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- I don't know.
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- That's a whole 'nother subject.
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- But i can say this: if you have grandchildren,
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- For sure your face lights up, right?
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- How many of you are grandparents?
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- Raise your hand.
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- Yeah, so, you know, grandparenting,
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- That's the reward for all that our children put us through.
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- And it's their punishment, now they've gotta
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- Face it themselves.
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- But we can enjoy the presence of these little ones and our
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- Face lights up.
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- That's how god feels when he sees you.
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- In numbers chapter 6, the priests were told to bring a
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- Blessing on the people, and they were to say,
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- "may the lord bless you and protect you.
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- May he smile upon you and be gracious unto you."
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- So, how can you have a happy holiday season?
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- If you're taking notes, here's point number one:
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- Remember the reason for the season.
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- Remember the reason for the season.
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- Christmas is a celebration of the happiest message
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- Of all time.
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- The son of god left the glory of heaven,
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- And he came to our planet on a rescue mission to be born in a
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- Little manger in bethlehem surrounded by animals,
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- And to live our life and to breathe our air,
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- And then to die our death, and then to rise again
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- From the dead.
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- It's a happy message, that's why the angels said to the shepherds
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- Keeping watch over their flocks by night,
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- "glory to god in the highest," and "i have good news for you
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- That will bring joy to all people."
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- So, it's a happy message.
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- Now, for some people, it isn't happy.
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- And maybe it's because they expect christmas
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- To make them happy.
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- Christmas cannot make you happy. only christ can.
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- What you're really looking for is not presents under a tree,
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- But his presence in your life.
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- I love the statement by c.s. lewis
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- Who said, and i quote, "god cannot give us a happiness
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- And peace apart from himself because it is not there.
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- There is no such thing," end quote.
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- But we get so hung up on all the activities of christmas,
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- It's very easy for god's only begotten son to become god's
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- Only forgotten son.
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- I mean, even mary and joseph lost jesus on one occasion.
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- Can you imagine losing jesus?
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- Didn't he, like, glow in the dark or something?
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- No, he didn't.
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- But they went to jerusalem, remember,
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- For passover, and they got back home.
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- Mary thought jesus was with joseph,
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- Joseph thought jesus was with mary,
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- And they get home, there's no jesus.
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- So, they go back searching for him,
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- But we can lose jesus in the christmas season.
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- So, let's keep our focus as it's said,
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- Keep christ in christmas.
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- Keep him at the forefront of your life in this season,
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- And remember it's a great time to share his love with other
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- People who are sad, who are lonely,
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- And it's also a great time to invite people to church.
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- Say, "why don't you come to church with me?
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- You're gonna love it."
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- Number two: if you want a happy holiday season,
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- Spend time with loved ones.
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- Spend time with loved ones.
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- Don't isolate. don't try to do life alone.
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- "usa today" did an interesting article on what happiness is and
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- How to get it.
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- They determined that other things can bring happiness,
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- And among those things they said quote,
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- "marriage makes people happier; a close family inoculates many
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- Kids against despair," according to long term research.
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- Their conclusion is families and friends provide the best
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- Antidote to unhappiness.
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- You say, "well, greg, i don't really have a
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- Family to gather with."
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- Well, that's where your spiritual family comes in.
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- That's what the church is.
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- The church is a spiritual family.
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- The fact of the matter is you can be closer to fellow brothers
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- And sisters in the faith than you can even be to blood
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- Relatives at time.
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- You know what i'm talkin' about?
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- In fact, are we not blood relatives?
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- We are.
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- We're bought by the blood of jesus christ,
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- Made a part of the family of god,
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- So we're connected as blood relatives in that broad sense.
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- So, being with fellow believers is so important.
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- Greg: well, christmas is upon us,
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- And you hear the songs in the malls.
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- How about this one: "it's the most wonderful
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- Time of the year."
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- Then it goes on to say, "it's the hap-happiest
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- Time of the year."
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- Well, that all depends.
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- It can be for some the most miserable time of the year.
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- There's that pressure put upon us to buy all these things that
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- Maybe we can't afford.
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- But then there's this isolation because some people are
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- Separated from families.
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- Some people have no friends.
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- Some people are lonely, and maybe they're thinking that
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- Something about the holiday will give them happiness.
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- Listen, if you wanna have a joyful and fulfilling christmas,
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- It's not about presents under a tree.
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- It's about his presence in your life.
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- What is the essential message of christmas?
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- You will call his name emmanuel, which means god is with us.
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- Here's what it is: god sent his son to be born in a manger to
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- Die on a cross, to rise again from the dead and then to come
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- Into your life.
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- So, you don't have to be alone in life.
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- God will be with you.
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- And that's what you need more than anything else.
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- You need christ living inside of you.
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- So, with all the busyness and all the pressure and all the
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- Other things that go with this season,
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- Let's remember jesus christ is there with you.
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- And if you're not a believer, he wants to come and live
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- Inside of you.
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- So, let's remember that for ourselves and know jesus,
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- But then let's share that message with others as well.
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- In advance, let me be one of the first to say to you,
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- Merry christmas.
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- Greg: number three, if you wanna have a happy holiday,
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- Be grateful for what you have.
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- Have you just taken stock lately of all of the blessings that god
- 00:10:32.534 --> 00:10:36.138
- Has given to you?
- 00:10:36.138 --> 00:10:38.140
- Psychologists say that gratitude has a lot to do
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- With life satisfaction.
- 00:10:41.110 --> 00:10:43.278
- Talking and writing about what they're grateful for
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- Amplifies adults' happiness.
- 00:10:46.882 --> 00:10:50.152
- There's always something to be unhappy about.
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- There's always something to be troubled about.
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- There's always something to be bugged by.
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- Okay, that's life, right?
- 00:10:58.027 --> 00:10:59.995
- But there're so many things to thank god for.
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- So many blessings in your life as you sit here right now,
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- Maybe with members of your family,
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- With a roof over your head waiting for you when you get
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- Home, with a meal that you'll have this afternoon,
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- With other things that you're planning on doing.
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- You've got your health, perhaps, hopefully.
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- These are blessings from god
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- That we should not take for granted.
- 00:11:21.283 --> 00:11:24.319
- 1 thessalonians 5:18 says, "in everything give thanks for this
- 00:11:24.319 --> 00:11:28.791
- Is the will of god in jesus christ concerning you."
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- It doesn't say in some things give thanks.
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- It says in everything give thanks,
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- For this is the will of god.
- 00:11:37.666 --> 00:11:39.768
- Sometimes we wonder, what's god's will for my life?
- 00:11:39.768 --> 00:11:41.670
- Hey, let's start with a no-brainer,
- 00:11:41.670 --> 00:11:43.972
- Something that's plainly declared in scripture.
- 00:11:43.972 --> 00:11:47.843
- "in everything give thanks for this is the will of god in jesus
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- Christ concerning you."
- 00:11:51.714 --> 00:11:54.950
- Now, that's easier said than done, isn't it?
- 00:11:54.950 --> 00:11:58.954
- Sometimes it's easy to give thanks,
- 00:11:58.954 --> 00:12:00.456
- Maybe at the birth of a baby.
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- Other times it's very hard to give thanks when there's the
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- Death of a loved one.
- 00:12:06.995 --> 00:12:09.164
- But we should give thanks because the lord is good.
- 00:12:09.164 --> 00:12:12.968
- This is what the bible says.
- 00:12:12.968 --> 00:12:14.770
- Psalm 106 verse 1: "give thanks unto the lord for he is good,
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- And his mercy endures forever."
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- It doesn't say give thanks to lord when you feel good.
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- ♪ i feel good! doo-nu-nu. ♪♪
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- Not that. no, you don't always feel good.
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- There's days you feel bad. but i can still give thanks.
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- Now listen, if god ceases to be good,
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- You don't have to give thanks anymore.
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- But since god is always going to be good,
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- I should give thanks unto the lord.
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- That's what the scripture says.
- 00:12:44.500 --> 00:12:46.101
- Philippians 4:4, "rejoice in the lord always,
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- And again i say rejoice."
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- Think about poor job.
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- Oh, man, you talk about things going wrong on one day.
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- And job didn't know what was happening in heaven and
- 00:12:58.280 --> 00:13:02.451
- Conversations between god and satan.
- 00:13:02.451 --> 00:13:05.454
- He was a godly guy.
- 00:13:05.454 --> 00:13:07.122
- He was doing everything he should've been doing for the
- 00:13:07.122 --> 00:13:09.691
- Most part, but on one day calamity layered on calamity
- 00:13:09.691 --> 00:13:15.430
- Befell god's servant.
- 00:13:15.430 --> 00:13:16.799
- And the problem with job is he had never read the book of job.
- 00:13:16.799 --> 00:13:22.037
- If he had read it, he would know that god would bless him in the
- 00:13:22.037 --> 00:13:24.540
- End, but he didn't know.
- 00:13:24.540 --> 00:13:26.175
- It was happening in real time to him,
- 00:13:26.175 --> 00:13:28.811
- But when he lost everything including his livelihood,
- 00:13:28.811 --> 00:13:32.648
- Including his health, and worst of all, his own children.
- 00:13:32.648 --> 00:13:37.186
- We read in job chapter 1 verse 21,
- 00:13:37.186 --> 00:13:40.522
- He said to god, "naked came i from my mother's womb.
- 00:13:40.522 --> 00:13:43.859
- Naked shall i return there.
- 00:13:43.859 --> 00:13:45.761
- The lord has given, and the lord has taken away.
- 00:13:45.761 --> 00:13:48.931
- Blessed be the name of the lord."
- 00:13:48.931 --> 00:13:51.934
- Yes, i should give thanks.
- 00:13:51.934 --> 00:13:53.836
- I need a theology of thanksgiving.
- 00:13:53.836 --> 00:13:57.372
- I need an attitude of gratitude. i make a choice to rejoice.
- 00:13:57.372 --> 00:14:02.678
- I choose to rejoice. i choose to give thanks to god.
- 00:14:02.678 --> 00:14:06.548
- And sometimes it's a sacrifice to praise god, isn't it?
- 00:14:06.548 --> 00:14:11.787
- You know, when we come to church sometimes maybe on sunday
- 00:14:11.787 --> 00:14:14.022
- Morning, we're not in the mood to worship.
- 00:14:14.022 --> 00:14:17.059
- We had a little disagreement with a spouse on the way in,
- 00:14:17.059 --> 00:14:21.530
- And now i don't wanna worship.
- 00:14:21.530 --> 00:14:23.165
- I have a cold.
- 00:14:23.165 --> 00:14:24.499
- I--whatever it is, something's bothering you.
- 00:14:24.499 --> 00:14:28.337
- But what does the bible say?
- 00:14:28.337 --> 00:14:29.671
- Hebrews 13:15, "let's offer the sacrifice of praise
- 00:14:29.671 --> 00:14:33.942
- To god continually."
- 00:14:33.942 --> 00:14:35.677
- That is the fruit of our lips giving thanks.
- 00:14:35.677 --> 00:14:40.115
- God wants you to verbalize your praise.
- 00:14:40.115 --> 00:14:44.119
- We can apply this to marriage.
- 00:14:44.119 --> 00:14:45.821
- It's important to tell your spouse you love them.
- 00:14:45.821 --> 00:14:48.790
- Well, don't they know? well, hopefully.
- 00:14:48.790 --> 00:14:52.761
- But it doesn't hurt when you tell them, now does it?
- 00:14:52.761 --> 00:14:55.497
- "well," the guy says, "i work and put a roof over her head."
- 00:14:55.497 --> 00:14:58.767
- Yeah, that's nice, but it'd be amazing if you just said,
- 00:14:58.767 --> 00:15:01.803
- "i love you," or "that was a great meal,"
- 00:15:01.803 --> 00:15:04.206
- Or "you look beautiful."
- 00:15:04.206 --> 00:15:06.074
- Or, you know, you might be thinking,
- 00:15:06.074 --> 00:15:08.110
- "well, my husband knows i love him."
- 00:15:08.110 --> 00:15:09.645
- When's the last time you told him?
- 00:15:09.645 --> 00:15:11.446
- "honey, i appreciate you and all that you do for this family."
- 00:15:11.446 --> 00:15:15.183
- We have to verbalize these things.
- 00:15:15.183 --> 00:15:16.752
- It matters, and god actually says,
- 00:15:16.752 --> 00:15:18.754
- "i want you to verbalize your praise to me.
- 00:15:18.754 --> 00:15:21.757
- I wanna hear the fruit of your lips."
- 00:15:21.757 --> 00:15:25.227
- So, when we worship together, sing out.
- 00:15:25.227 --> 00:15:28.463
- You say, "well, greg, i don't have a good voice."
- 00:15:28.463 --> 00:15:30.599
- Well, that's okay.
- 00:15:30.599 --> 00:15:32.401
- The bible says make a joyful noise unto the lord.
- 00:15:32.401 --> 00:15:35.437
- So, make your noise, your praise.
- 00:15:35.437 --> 00:15:37.906
- You bring it to god.
- 00:15:37.906 --> 00:15:41.209
- Because what we're doing is we're doin' what we were
- 00:15:41.209 --> 00:15:43.245
- Designed to do, what we were built to do.
- 00:15:43.245 --> 00:15:46.148
- The bible says in psalm 29, "give to the lord the glory due
- 00:15:46.148 --> 00:15:51.053
- His name.
- 00:15:51.053 --> 00:15:52.888
- Worship the lord in the beauty of holiness."
- 00:15:52.888 --> 00:15:55.090
- Listen to this, the two most important moments in a person's
- 00:15:55.090 --> 00:15:58.994
- Life is when they are born, and when they discover
- 00:15:58.994 --> 00:16:03.265
- What they're born for.
- 00:16:03.265 --> 00:16:05.467
- Let me say that again. it's there on the screen.
- 00:16:05.467 --> 00:16:07.235
- The two most important moments in a person's life,
- 00:16:07.235 --> 00:16:09.604
- When they're born and realize what they're born for.
- 00:16:09.604 --> 00:16:13.175
- What are you born for? you say, "i'm born to be wild."
- 00:16:13.175 --> 00:16:18.313
- ♪ get your motor running. ♪♪
- 00:16:18.313 --> 00:16:19.648
- No, no, no, you're born to glorify god.
- 00:16:19.648 --> 00:16:24.553
- That's what you're here for.
- 00:16:24.553 --> 00:16:25.988
- I understood that at the age of 17.
- 00:16:25.988 --> 00:16:28.590
- It suddenly occurred to me, "i was put here on this earth
- 00:16:28.590 --> 00:16:32.294
- To bring glory to god."
- 00:16:32.294 --> 00:16:34.997
- And we're told in colossians 3:17,
- 00:16:34.997 --> 00:16:37.366
- "whatever you do in word or deed,
- 00:16:37.366 --> 00:16:39.267
- Do it all in the name of the lord jesus christ,
- 00:16:39.267 --> 00:16:42.404
- Giving thanks to god the father through him.
- 00:16:42.404 --> 00:16:45.607
- Number four, if you wanna have a happy holiday--
- 00:16:45.607 --> 00:16:48.944
- This is a big one--
- 00:16:48.944 --> 00:16:50.679
- Focus on giving instead of receiving this christmas.
- 00:16:50.679 --> 00:16:55.584
- Focus on giving instead of receiving, because jesus said
- 00:16:55.584 --> 00:17:00.322
- It is more blessed to give than it is to receive.
- 00:17:00.322 --> 00:17:05.394
- Let me re-translate that for you.
- 00:17:05.394 --> 00:17:08.030
- Because as i've told you so many times,
- 00:17:08.030 --> 00:17:09.564
- The word "blessed" can be translated "happy."
- 00:17:09.564 --> 00:17:13.969
- So, here's a new way to look at it.
- 00:17:13.969 --> 00:17:15.404
- It's more happy-making or you will be happier by giving than
- 00:17:15.404 --> 00:17:20.909
- You will be by receiving.
- 00:17:20.909 --> 00:17:22.577
- Now, that's counter-intuitive, but the truth is serving and
- 00:17:22.577 --> 00:17:26.548
- Giving brings personal happiness.
- 00:17:26.548 --> 00:17:30.185
- Proverbs 11:25 says, "the generous will prosper,
- 00:17:30.185 --> 00:17:34.389
- And those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."
- 00:17:34.389 --> 00:17:38.593
- It's true. i'm tellin' you it's true.
- 00:17:38.593 --> 00:17:41.229
- "no, no, just make it all about me.
- 00:17:41.229 --> 00:17:43.498
- The world revolves around me.
- 00:17:43.498 --> 00:17:45.434
- What are you gonna give me?
- 00:17:45.434 --> 00:17:47.135
- How are you gonna meet my needs?"
- 00:17:47.135 --> 00:17:48.470
- That will never bring happiness, because you're living
- 00:17:48.470 --> 00:17:51.573
- A selfish life.
- 00:17:51.573 --> 00:17:53.408
- You want happiness, live a selfless life.
- 00:17:53.408 --> 00:17:56.545
- Think about how can i serve them?
- 00:17:56.545 --> 00:17:58.547
- How can i give to another?
- 00:17:58.547 --> 00:18:00.482
- And the fringe benefit is you will receive the happiness
- 00:18:00.482 --> 00:18:04.152
- You've wanted all along, not from seeking it but by having
- 00:18:04.152 --> 00:18:08.156
- Your priorities right.
- 00:18:08.156 --> 00:18:10.258
- So, clear in scripture, but tragically, we miss it.
- 00:18:10.258 --> 00:18:15.697
- We can all bring something to god.
- 00:18:15.697 --> 00:18:17.732
- I love the words of the psalmist in psalm 116:12,
- 00:18:17.732 --> 00:18:21.403
- "what shall i give unto the lord for all he has given unto me?"
- 00:18:21.403 --> 00:18:26.141
- How could i ever repay god for his faithfulness to me?
- 00:18:26.141 --> 00:18:29.978
- Answer: you can't.
- 00:18:29.978 --> 00:18:31.847
- But yet, the psalmist asked, "what can i give to the lord?"
- 00:18:31.847 --> 00:18:35.484
- Listen, there are three things you can give to god:
- 00:18:35.484 --> 00:18:38.787
- Treasure, talent, and time.
- 00:18:38.787 --> 00:18:41.990
- We all have that.
- 00:18:41.990 --> 00:18:43.525
- No matter how old you are or young you are,
- 00:18:43.525 --> 00:18:46.428
- If you're a man or a woman, doesn't matter.
- 00:18:46.428 --> 00:18:48.763
- We all have these three things we can give to god:
- 00:18:48.763 --> 00:18:51.566
- Treasure, talent, and time.
- 00:18:51.566 --> 00:18:54.169
- First, we bring our treasure to the lord.
- 00:18:54.169 --> 00:18:57.105
- Jesus said, "where your treasure is,
- 00:18:57.105 --> 00:18:59.808
- There will your heart be also."
- 00:18:59.808 --> 00:19:03.245
- And when we give of our finances to god,
- 00:19:03.245 --> 00:19:06.781
- There is a great blessing attached to that.
- 00:19:06.781 --> 00:19:09.351
- And some believers don't do this,
- 00:19:09.351 --> 00:19:11.553
- And they really miss out on the blessing of giving.
- 00:19:11.553 --> 00:19:14.823
- And this is such an important thing for all of us as
- 00:19:14.823 --> 00:19:17.392
- 2 corinthians 9:7 says, "let each one give as he purposes in
- 00:19:17.392 --> 00:19:23.398
- His heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity,
- 00:19:23.398 --> 00:19:26.568
- For god loves a cheerful giver.
- 00:19:26.568 --> 00:19:30.105
- And the word here for "cheerful" could be translated
- 00:19:30.105 --> 00:19:33.041
- A hilarious giver.
- 00:19:33.041 --> 00:19:35.710
- Now, the bible speaks of the believers in macedonia
- 00:19:35.710 --> 00:19:39.981
- In 2 corinthians 8.
- 00:19:39.981 --> 00:19:41.716
- They heard about the needs of the believers in jerusalem.
- 00:19:41.716 --> 00:19:44.586
- So, they received an offering, and paul writes of these
- 00:19:44.586 --> 00:19:48.056
- Believers, "they begged us again and again for the gracious
- 00:19:48.056 --> 00:19:51.026
- Privilege of sharing in the gift
- 00:19:51.026 --> 00:19:53.261
- For the christians in jerusalem."
- 00:19:53.261 --> 00:19:54.829
- I love that.
- 00:19:54.829 --> 00:19:56.164
- They begged, "oh, can we do another offering?
- 00:19:56.164 --> 00:19:58.600
- Let's do that."
- 00:19:58.600 --> 00:19:59.935
- Begging to give?
- 00:19:59.935 --> 00:20:01.870
- Well, that's not commonplace today.
- 00:20:01.870 --> 00:20:03.672
- But they had discovered the joy and the happiness of giving.
- 00:20:03.672 --> 00:20:08.877
- So, we give god our treasure. we give god our talent as well.
- 00:20:08.877 --> 00:20:14.549
- God has given to each of us certain talents,
- 00:20:14.549 --> 00:20:17.085
- And jesus told a parable in matthew 25 of a man who went on
- 00:20:17.085 --> 00:20:21.890
- A journey, and he gave five talents to one;
- 00:20:21.890 --> 00:20:24.726
- To another he gave two; to another, one;
- 00:20:24.726 --> 00:20:27.329
- Each one according to his own ability.
- 00:20:27.329 --> 00:20:29.998
- So, we all have these talents, so we have to figure out,
- 00:20:29.998 --> 00:20:32.867
- "how can i use what i do for god's glory?" you see?
- 00:20:32.867 --> 00:20:37.606
- Some are gifted speaking, some are gifted working
- 00:20:37.606 --> 00:20:40.642
- Behind the scenes.
- 00:20:40.642 --> 00:20:42.210
- Some are gifted with music, others are gifted with other
- 00:20:42.210 --> 00:20:46.448
- Areas, and we all have something to bring to the table,
- 00:20:46.448 --> 00:20:49.618
- And we need to bring our talent to god and say,
- 00:20:49.618 --> 00:20:52.554
- "use me for your glory."
- 00:20:52.554 --> 00:20:54.222
- And finally, we bring our time to god.
- 00:20:54.222 --> 00:20:58.393
- So, it's treasure, talent, and time.
- 00:20:58.393 --> 00:21:02.230
- Every morning, god deposits into your bank of time
- 00:21:02.230 --> 00:21:08.603
- 1,440 minutes.
- 00:21:08.603 --> 00:21:12.474
- That equals 24 hours.
- 00:21:12.474 --> 00:21:14.209
- Now you have to deduct some for sleeping, right?
- 00:21:14.209 --> 00:21:17.012
- But the rest of that time, that is yours to use,
- 00:21:17.012 --> 00:21:20.682
- And it's also yours to waste.
- 00:21:20.682 --> 00:21:23.351
- Nothing is carried over to the next day.
- 00:21:23.351 --> 00:21:26.054
- You use it or you lose it. so, you wanna spend that time.
- 00:21:26.054 --> 00:21:30.191
- But we waste time.
- 00:21:30.191 --> 00:21:32.360
- How many of us will admit we waste time?
- 00:21:32.360 --> 00:21:34.129
- I know i waste time.
- 00:21:34.129 --> 00:21:35.463
- If you have a cell phone, you waste time, right?
- 00:21:35.463 --> 00:21:38.500
- Just scrolling, for starters.
- 00:21:38.500 --> 00:21:40.835
- I read that the average american spends more than 1,300 hours a
- 00:21:40.835 --> 00:21:45.440
- Year on social media, and then people binge-watch
- 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:49.978
- All these things, and it--
- 00:21:49.978 --> 00:21:51.479
- Just so much time can be wasted in that.
- 00:21:51.479 --> 00:21:53.915
- And then there's the time we spend just waiting
- 00:21:53.915 --> 00:21:56.384
- At stop lights.
- 00:21:56.384 --> 00:21:57.719
- We can't control that, but i read that the average american,
- 00:21:57.719 --> 00:22:00.955
- In their lifetime, will spend four months of their life
- 00:22:00.955 --> 00:22:04.926
- Waiting at stop lights.
- 00:22:04.926 --> 00:22:08.296
- We waste a lot of time, but we have a choice as to what to do
- 00:22:08.296 --> 00:22:12.233
- With this precious commodity god has given us called time.
- 00:22:12.233 --> 00:22:16.104
- In romans 13, i had you turn there in the beginning,
- 00:22:16.104 --> 00:22:19.240
- Says this: "this is all the more urgent.
- 00:22:19.240 --> 00:22:22.310
- You know how late it is. time is running out.
- 00:22:22.310 --> 00:22:25.980
- Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when
- 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:28.983
- We first believed.
- 00:22:28.983 --> 00:22:30.385
- The night is almost over.
- 00:22:30.385 --> 00:22:32.020
- The day of salvation will soon be here,
- 00:22:32.020 --> 00:22:34.389
- So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes and put on the
- 00:22:34.389 --> 00:22:38.293
- Shining armor of right living."
- 00:22:38.293 --> 00:22:41.162
- I love that. time is short.
- 00:22:41.162 --> 00:22:44.432
- One translation of this verse is,
- 00:22:44.432 --> 00:22:47.469
- "redeem the time because the days are evil,
- 00:22:47.469 --> 00:22:49.604
- Or literally, make sacred and wise use of every opportunity.
- 00:22:49.604 --> 00:22:56.111
- Because at the end, you don't get more time.
- 00:22:56.111 --> 00:22:59.280
- And all the money in the world will not buy you more time.
- 00:22:59.280 --> 00:23:03.718
- John rockefeller in his day was one of the wealthiest men who
- 00:23:03.718 --> 00:23:07.555
- Ever lived.
- 00:23:07.555 --> 00:23:09.257
- After he died, someone asked his accountant,
- 00:23:09.257 --> 00:23:11.960
- How much did he leave?
- 00:23:11.960 --> 00:23:13.828
- His accountant replied, "all of it."
- 00:23:13.828 --> 00:23:17.899
- That's how much you leave. you leave everything.
- 00:23:17.899 --> 00:23:21.169
- As i've said before, you've never seen a hearse pulling
- 00:23:21.169 --> 00:23:23.738
- A u-haul trailer.
- 00:23:23.738 --> 00:23:26.908
- You just see californians pulling u-haul trailers as they
- 00:23:26.908 --> 00:23:29.711
- Leave our state.
- 00:23:29.711 --> 00:23:32.046
- But you leave it all, so you can't take it with you,
- 00:23:32.046 --> 00:23:35.817
- Listen to this, you can't take it with you,
- 00:23:35.817 --> 00:23:39.888
- But you can send it on ahead.
- 00:23:39.888 --> 00:23:42.190
- You say, "how's that?"
- 00:23:42.190 --> 00:23:43.591
- When you lay up for yourself treasure in heaven.
- 00:23:43.591 --> 00:23:47.929
- Job said, again, "naked came i into this world.
- 00:23:47.929 --> 00:23:51.266
- Naked will i leave."
- 00:23:51.266 --> 00:23:52.967
- All this stuff we worked so hard for will be left,
- 00:23:52.967 --> 00:23:55.103
- But if we lay up treasure in heaven,
- 00:23:55.103 --> 00:23:58.173
- We'll have a lot of stuff waiting for us on
- 00:23:58.173 --> 00:24:00.875
- The other side.
- 00:24:00.875 --> 00:24:02.243
- So, every dollar you invest in spiritual things,
- 00:24:02.243 --> 00:24:05.647
- Every prayer you pray, everything you do in service for
- 00:24:05.647 --> 00:24:09.651
- God is duly noted by the lord.
- 00:24:09.651 --> 00:24:12.387
- So, let's conclude this message, but i want to recap what i've
- 00:24:12.387 --> 00:24:16.624
- Already told you in case you missed it.
- 00:24:16.624 --> 00:24:18.560
- If you want a happy holiday season,
- 00:24:18.560 --> 00:24:20.361
- Number one, remember the reason for the season.
- 00:24:20.361 --> 00:24:24.599
- It's about the birth of christ.
- 00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:27.435
- Remind yourself of that and tell others about that.
- 00:24:27.435 --> 00:24:29.938
- Number two, if you want a happy holiday,
- 00:24:29.938 --> 00:24:32.207
- Spend time with loved ones.
- 00:24:32.207 --> 00:24:34.142
- Don't isolate yourself.
- 00:24:34.142 --> 00:24:36.578
- Remember the church is here for you.
- 00:24:36.578 --> 00:24:38.813
- And this is why small groups are so good,
- 00:24:38.813 --> 00:24:41.316
- Because you can develop a community,
- 00:24:41.316 --> 00:24:44.519
- A group of new friends that you did not previously have.
- 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:48.022
- 'cause it's very easy to come in here and worship and hear a
- 00:24:48.022 --> 00:24:52.327
- Message and then just leave.
- 00:24:52.327 --> 00:24:54.829
- But when you're in a small group,
- 00:24:54.829 --> 00:24:56.598
- You have community, you have a spiritual family.
- 00:24:56.598 --> 00:24:59.400
- So, spend time with other believers.
- 00:24:59.400 --> 00:25:01.603
- If you want a happy holiday, be grateful for what you have.
- 00:25:01.603 --> 00:25:05.707
- Remember to give thanks to god for even the smallest of things.
- 00:25:05.707 --> 00:25:10.211
- Have an attitude of gratitude. make the choice to rejoice.
- 00:25:10.211 --> 00:25:14.282
- And fourth and lastly, focus on giving
- 00:25:14.282 --> 00:25:17.719
- More than receiving this christmas.
- 00:25:17.719 --> 00:25:20.989
- Again, as jesus said, it's more blessed to give
- 00:25:20.989 --> 00:25:24.926
- Than it is to receive.
- 00:25:24.926 --> 00:25:26.928
- Greg: hi, i'm greg laurie. i've got some good news for you.
- 00:25:31.065 --> 00:25:33.768
- God loves you, and god has a plan for your life.
- 00:25:33.768 --> 00:25:37.572
- Here's the problem: we're separated from god by our sin
- 00:25:37.572 --> 00:25:41.075
- Because we've all broken his commandments.
- 00:25:41.075 --> 00:25:43.945
- But the good news is, is 2,000 years ago,
- 00:25:43.945 --> 00:25:46.981
- God sent his son, jesus christ, to die on the cross for your
- 00:25:46.981 --> 00:25:51.185
- Sin, and then to rise again from the dead.
- 00:25:51.185 --> 00:25:54.188
- The same jesus who died and rose is alive and ready to come into
- 00:25:54.188 --> 00:25:58.326
- Your life right now.
- 00:25:58.326 --> 00:26:00.094
- Would you like your sin forgiven?
- 00:26:00.094 --> 00:26:02.163
- Would you like to know that when you die you will go to heaven?
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- If so, pray this simple prayer with me right now.
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- Just say," lord jesus, i know i'm a sinner,
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- But i believe you're the savior who died on the cross
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- For my sin.
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- I turn from my sin now, and i choose to follow you
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- From this moment forward."
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- Did you just pray that prayer with me?
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- If you did, god in heaven has heard you,
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- And i wanna send you a new testament to start reading.
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- Greg: you know, the bible says: "a good person
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- Leaves an inheritance for their children's children."
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- God encourages all of us as christians to manage
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- Our money well so we can be a blessing to our families
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- And to others.
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- Harvest has a special gift for you today, an opportunity
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- To set up a will or a living trust completely free of charge.
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- Here's how you can learn more.
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- Greg: i'm excited to announce that here at harvest
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- We partnered with our friends at freewill.
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- Freewill is an easy to use estate planning tool
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- That allows you to make planned gifts to organizations
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- Of your choice.
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- It's a creative opportunity to support the work we're doing
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- Here at harvest ministries.
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- So as you make your plans, i hope you'll consider
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- Investing in this ministry so we can continue
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- To preach the gospel and teach the word of god
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- For years to come.
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- You can learn more at freewill.com/harvest.
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