A woman rendered a quadriplegic for 55 years shares the truths she has learned through tremendous suffering.
#Religion;Talk Show
#Disability
#Illness
#Trials-Hard Times
#Testimony
#Author
#Personal Story
#Cancer
#Encouragement
#Sabbath
#Rest of God
#Joni Eareckson Tada
#Robert Morris
#James Robison
#Betty Robison
#Isaiah 53:3
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Life Today with James Robison | Joni Eareckson Tada - Finding God In Hidden Places - November 22, 2021 | December 3, 2021
- Next! Joni Eareckson Tada, a quadriplegic
- 00:00:06.830 --> 00:00:09.699
- since the age of 17, and a cancer survivor
- 00:00:09.699 --> 00:00:12.302
- who recently battled COVID
- 00:00:12.302 --> 00:00:14.304
- is still Finding God in Hidden Places.
- 00:00:14.304 --> 00:00:17.974
- - I don't know how to describe it.
- 00:00:17.974 --> 00:00:20.210
- This wonderfully odd calmness,
- 00:00:20.210 --> 00:00:23.947
- it seemed the Lord just took hold of me
- 00:00:23.947 --> 00:00:27.250
- and pulled me to his breast, as you mentioned earlier
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- and gave me that indescribable peace
- 00:00:30.753 --> 00:00:33.256
- that human understanding can't explain.
- 00:00:33.256 --> 00:00:39.229
- ♪
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- JAMES: Welcome to LIFE Today .
- 00:00:54.077 --> 00:00:55.278
- JAMES: Welcome to LIFE Today . I'm so excited.
- 00:00:55.345 --> 00:00:56.613
- JAMES: Welcome to LIFE Today . I'm so excited. Betty and I are just thrilled
- 00:00:56.679 --> 00:00:57.847
- I'm so excited. Betty and I are just thrilled to get to share this time
- 00:00:57.914 --> 00:00:59.082
- Betty and I are just thrilled to get to share this time with you.
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- to get to share this time with you. We have got one of
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- with you. We have got one of our favorite people,
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- Joni Eareckson Tada
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- Joni Eareckson Tada is with us.
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- Joni Eareckson Tada is with us. You may not know this,
- 00:01:04.587 --> 00:01:05.588
- is with us. You may not know this, all of you viewers, but one
- 00:01:05.655 --> 00:01:06.656
- You may not know this, all of you viewers, but one of the first interviews
- 00:01:06.723 --> 00:01:07.724
- all of you viewers, but one of the first interviews she did right back somewhere
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- of the first interviews she did right back somewhere right around the year '70,
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- she did right back somewhere right around the year '70, 1970, we talked to her
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- right around the year '70, 1970, we talked to her because Billy Graham
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- 1970, we talked to her because Billy Graham and the Walter Bennett Agency
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- because Billy Graham and the Walter Bennett Agency wanted me to talk to her.
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- and the Walter Bennett Agency wanted me to talk to her. We've been praying
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- wanted me to talk to her. We've been praying for each other, been praying
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- We've been praying for each other, been praying basically ever since.
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- Joni, we're so happy
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- Joni, we're so happy to get to talk to you.
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- Joni, we're so happy to get to talk to you. How are you right now?
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- to get to talk to you. How are you right now? JONI: Well, I'm doing well
- 00:01:26.276 --> 00:01:27.577
- How are you right now? JONI: Well, I'm doing well and I can't believe
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- JONI: Well, I'm doing well and I can't believe that all these decades
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- and I can't believe that all these decades have passed since I first
- 00:01:30.046 --> 00:01:31.414
- that all these decades have passed since I first was on LIFE Today .
- 00:01:31.481 --> 00:01:32.615
- have passed since I first was on LIFE Today . So thank you for having me on
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- was on LIFE Today . So thank you for having me on and a special greeting
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- So thank you for having me on and a special greeting to all our viewers.
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- and a special greeting to all our viewers. JAMES: We must have just
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- to all our viewers. JAMES: We must have just been kids the first time
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- JAMES: We must have just been kids the first time we talked.
- 00:01:39.088 --> 00:01:40.123
- been kids the first time we talked. But right now, I've told our
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- we talked. But right now, I've told our audience and they know this,
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- But right now, I've told our audience and they know this, Betty and I both are 77.
- 00:01:42.325 --> 00:01:43.326
- audience and they know this, Betty and I both are 77. She says because I'm 77
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- Betty and I both are 77. She says because I'm 77 one month before her,
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- She says because I'm 77 one month before her, "Don't tell everybody that
- 00:01:47.096 --> 00:01:48.131
- one month before her, "Don't tell everybody that I'll be there
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- "Don't tell everybody that I'll be there in a little while."
- 00:01:49.299 --> 00:01:50.366
- I'll be there in a little while." Okay. So you've been around.
- 00:01:50.433 --> 00:01:51.401
- in a little while." Okay. So you've been around. You want to tell people
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- Okay. So you've been around. You want to tell people how long you've been around?
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- this year and honestly,
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- this year and honestly, here I am a quadriplegic of,
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- here I am a quadriplegic of, this year it will be 55 years
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- this year it will be 55 years in this wheelchair,
- 00:02:01.744 --> 00:02:03.713
- with Stage 3 cancer,
- 00:02:06.049 --> 00:02:07.850
- with Stage 3 cancer, and my lungs are fragile.
- 00:02:07.917 --> 00:02:10.153
- with Stage 3 cancer, and my lungs are fragile. I went through COVID
- 00:02:10.220 --> 00:02:11.387
- and my lungs are fragile. I went through COVID earlier this year
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- I went through COVID earlier this year so what can I say?
- 00:02:12.922 --> 00:02:14.090
- earlier this year so what can I say? It is a miracle that
- 00:02:14.157 --> 00:02:15.124
- so what can I say? It is a miracle that I'm sitting up
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- It is a miracle that I'm sitting up and moving forward into life
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- I'm sitting up and moving forward into life and very grateful to God.
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- and moving forward into life and very grateful to God. JAMES: Joni, from the moment
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- and very grateful to God. JAMES: Joni, from the moment you started sharing
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- JAMES: Joni, from the moment you started sharing your testimony the same glow
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- you started sharing your testimony the same glow and glory of God is on you
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- your testimony the same glow and glory of God is on you just as it was then.
- 00:02:29.939 --> 00:02:31.241
- and glory of God is on you just as it was then. It has never faded.
- 00:02:31.307 --> 00:02:32.775
- just as it was then. It has never faded. I want to talk to people
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- It has never faded. I want to talk to people about the book.
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- I want to talk to people about the book. I really pray that
- 00:02:35.912 --> 00:02:37.280
- about the book. I really pray that everyone who has ever felt
- 00:02:37.347 --> 00:02:38.481
- I really pray that everyone who has ever felt a challenge.
- 00:02:38.548 --> 00:02:39.816
- everyone who has ever felt a challenge. Now think about this,
- 00:02:39.882 --> 00:02:40.984
- a challenge. Now think about this, a paraplegic, neck down,
- 00:02:41.050 --> 00:02:42.685
- Now think about this, a paraplegic, neck down, basically very young
- 00:02:42.752 --> 00:02:43.953
- a paraplegic, neck down, basically very young when this happened, boy
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- basically very young when this happened, boy has she been a shining light.
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- when this happened, boy has she been a shining light. Now here is the book
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- has she been a shining light. Now here is the book she's released and it is
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- Now here is the book she's released and it is probably most appropriate
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- she's released and it is probably most appropriate in the time of this pandemic
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- probably most appropriate in the time of this pandemic right now.
- 00:02:55.965 --> 00:02:57.066
- in the time of this pandemic right now. Here's what it is:
- 00:02:57.133 --> 00:02:58.434
- right now. Here's what it is: Finding God in Hidden Places
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- Here's what it is: Finding God in Hidden Places like you would think with
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- Finding God in Hidden Places like you would think with a broken neck and paraplegic,
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- like you would think with a broken neck and paraplegic, how are you going to find God
- 00:03:04.207 --> 00:03:05.341
- a broken neck and paraplegic, how are you going to find God in that kind of hidden place?
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- how are you going to find God in that kind of hidden place? "His presence in the pieces
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- in that kind of hidden place? "His presence in the pieces of our lives."
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- "His presence in the pieces of our lives." Joni, I just want you to just
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- of our lives." Joni, I just want you to just take off and tell us
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- Joni, I just want you to just take off and tell us about your journey,
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- take off and tell us about your journey, about the battle,
- 00:03:19.055 --> 00:03:20.189
- about your journey, about the battle, what you want us to hear.
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- about the battle, what you want us to hear. But I want you to tell us
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- what you want us to hear. But I want you to tell us why you wrote this book now
- 00:03:22.992 --> 00:03:25.561
- But I want you to tell us why you wrote this book now and what you hope but also
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- why you wrote this book now and what you hope but also believe this book can do
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- and what you hope but also believe this book can do for all who will read it.
- 00:03:29.365 --> 00:03:32.268
- believe this book can do for all who will read it. JONI: Well, thanks for asking.
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- for all who will read it. JONI: Well, thanks for asking. Sometimes we find God
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- JONI: Well, thanks for asking. Sometimes we find God in the places where we would
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- Sometimes we find God in the places where we would least expect him to show up.
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- in the places where we would least expect him to show up. I'm thinking right now
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- least expect him to show up. I'm thinking right now of what, Stage 3 cancer,
- 00:03:41.911 --> 00:03:44.547
- I'm thinking right now of what, Stage 3 cancer, I mentioned that a moment ago.
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- of what, Stage 3 cancer, I mentioned that a moment ago. I'll never forget one day
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- I mentioned that a moment ago. I'll never forget one day after chemotherapy I was weak,
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- I'll never forget one day after chemotherapy I was weak, I was tired, I had gone
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- after chemotherapy I was weak, I was tired, I had gone through surgery, mastectomy.
- 00:03:52.088 --> 00:03:54.590
- I was tired, I had gone through surgery, mastectomy. I was on my sixth round
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- through surgery, mastectomy. I was on my sixth round of chemotherapy and my husband
- 00:03:56.092 --> 00:03:57.760
- I was on my sixth round of chemotherapy and my husband was driving me home
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- of chemotherapy and my husband was driving me home in the van down the freeway.
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- was driving me home in the van down the freeway. I'm tied down in the back
- 00:04:01.397 --> 00:04:02.598
- in the van down the freeway. I'm tied down in the back of the van in my wheelchair
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- I'm tied down in the back of the van in my wheelchair and we're having
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- of the van in my wheelchair and we're having this conversation through
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- and we're having this conversation through the rearview mirror
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- this conversation through the rearview mirror as my husband is driving.
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- the rearview mirror as my husband is driving. We're talking about
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- as my husband is driving. We're talking about how suffering is like
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- We're talking about how suffering is like little splash overs of hell
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- how suffering is like little splash overs of hell because I was so weak,
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- little splash overs of hell because I was so weak, I was feeling so nauseous.
- 00:04:17.046 --> 00:04:18.648
- because I was so weak, I was feeling so nauseous. I'm a quadriplegic,
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- I was feeling so nauseous. I'm a quadriplegic, I deal with chronic pain;
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- I'm a quadriplegic, I deal with chronic pain; how much more can I take?
- 00:04:21.184 --> 00:04:23.186
- I deal with chronic pain; how much more can I take? So we start speaking of
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- how much more can I take? So we start speaking of how suffering is like
- 00:04:24.921 --> 00:04:25.988
- So we start speaking of how suffering is like splash overs of hell
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- how suffering is like splash overs of hell waking us up out of
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- splash overs of hell waking us up out of our spiritual slumber
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- waking us up out of our spiritual slumber and getting us seriously
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- our spiritual slumber and getting us seriously thinking about the hell from
- 00:04:31.227 --> 00:04:32.895
- and getting us seriously thinking about the hell from which Christ has rescued us.
- 00:04:32.962 --> 00:04:35.832
- thinking about the hell from which Christ has rescued us. And so then as we pull up
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- which Christ has rescued us. And so then as we pull up in the driveway, we started
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- And so then as we pull up in the driveway, we started talking about what
- 00:04:39.135 --> 00:04:40.937
- in the driveway, we started talking about what are splash overs of heaven?
- 00:04:41.003 --> 00:04:44.040
- talking about what are splash overs of heaven? Are they those easy breezy
- 00:04:44.107 --> 00:04:45.942
- are splash overs of heaven? Are they those easy breezy break days when
- 00:04:46.008 --> 00:04:47.577
- Are they those easy breezy break days when there are no problems,
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- break days when there are no problems, when all the bills are paid,
- 00:04:48.711 --> 00:04:49.746
- there are no problems, when all the bills are paid, there is no pain,
- 00:04:49.812 --> 00:04:51.447
- when all the bills are paid, there is no pain, the sun is shining,
- 00:04:51.514 --> 00:04:52.515
- all is looking bright?
- 00:04:53.816 --> 00:04:56.686
- all is looking bright? And when Ken turned off
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- And when Ken turned off the engine and we sat there
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- "No, that's not
- 00:05:01.157 --> 00:05:02.525
- "No, that's not a splash over of heaven.
- 00:05:02.592 --> 00:05:03.926
- "No, that's not a splash over of heaven. A splash over of heaven
- 00:05:03.993 --> 00:05:05.461
- a splash over of heaven. A splash over of heaven is finding Jesus Christ
- 00:05:05.528 --> 00:05:07.230
- A splash over of heaven is finding Jesus Christ in your splash over of hell.
- 00:05:07.296 --> 00:05:12.068
- is finding Jesus Christ in your splash over of hell. It's when we find Christ
- 00:05:12.135 --> 00:05:13.302
- in your splash over of hell. It's when we find Christ in the midst of the most
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- It's when we find Christ in the midst of the most hellish circumstances,
- 00:05:14.404 --> 00:05:16.372
- in the midst of the most hellish circumstances, that's when we experience
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- hellish circumstances, that's when we experience heaven's joy and
- 00:05:17.907 --> 00:05:19.675
- that's when we experience heaven's joy and His grace and the peace
- 00:05:19.742 --> 00:05:20.977
- heaven's joy and His grace and the peace and the profound power
- 00:05:21.043 --> 00:05:22.478
- His grace and the peace and the profound power of being able to smile
- 00:05:22.545 --> 00:05:24.180
- and the profound power of being able to smile not in spite of adversity
- 00:05:24.247 --> 00:05:26.249
- of being able to smile not in spite of adversity but because of it.
- 00:05:26.315 --> 00:05:27.917
- not in spite of adversity but because of it. Because in some strange way
- 00:05:27.984 --> 00:05:29.552
- but because of it. Because in some strange way you've been drawn closer
- 00:05:29.619 --> 00:05:32.054
- Because in some strange way you've been drawn closer to Christ than you would
- 00:05:32.121 --> 00:05:33.322
- you've been drawn closer to Christ than you would have ever dreamed possible."
- 00:05:33.389 --> 00:05:35.725
- to Christ than you would have ever dreamed possible." So that's what this
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- have ever dreamed possible." So that's what this little book is all about.
- 00:05:36.793 --> 00:05:37.894
- So that's what this little book is all about. Finding God in those splash
- 00:05:37.960 --> 00:05:39.896
- little book is all about. Finding God in those splash overs of hell, those awful
- 00:05:39.962 --> 00:05:42.064
- Finding God in those splash overs of hell, those awful places where we think
- 00:05:42.131 --> 00:05:43.399
- overs of hell, those awful places where we think we're most alone and
- 00:05:43.466 --> 00:05:45.001
- places where we think we're most alone and most separated from him when
- 00:05:45.067 --> 00:05:46.536
- we're most alone and most separated from him when in fact, we are pressed up
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- most separated from him when in fact, we are pressed up against his breast
- 00:05:49.205 --> 00:05:50.239
- in fact, we are pressed up against his breast in a more intimate way
- 00:05:50.306 --> 00:05:51.307
- against his breast in a more intimate way than we ever would
- 00:05:51.374 --> 00:05:52.475
- in a more intimate way than we ever would have dreamed possible.
- 00:05:52.542 --> 00:05:54.277
- than we ever would have dreamed possible. And we have the assurance
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- have dreamed possible. And we have the assurance that Jesus is never going
- 00:05:55.845 --> 00:05:57.246
- And we have the assurance that Jesus is never going to give us a cross so heavy,
- 00:05:57.313 --> 00:05:59.148
- that Jesus is never going to give us a cross so heavy, so big that it will outweigh
- 00:05:59.215 --> 00:06:00.683
- to give us a cross so heavy, so big that it will outweigh the grace that always
- 00:06:00.750 --> 00:06:03.019
- so big that it will outweigh the grace that always always accompanies it.
- 00:06:03.085 --> 00:06:05.221
- the grace that always always accompanies it. I can tell you this,
- 00:06:05.288 --> 00:06:06.856
- always accompanies it. I can tell you this, 55 years in a wheelchair
- 00:06:06.923 --> 00:06:09.058
- I can tell you this, 55 years in a wheelchair as a quadriplegic,
- 00:06:09.125 --> 00:06:10.126
- 55 years in a wheelchair as a quadriplegic, without the use
- 00:06:10.193 --> 00:06:11.227
- as a quadriplegic, without the use of my hands and my legs
- 00:06:11.294 --> 00:06:12.695
- without the use of my hands and my legs and two bouts of cancer,
- 00:06:12.762 --> 00:06:14.363
- of my hands and my legs and two bouts of cancer, chronic pain, having just
- 00:06:14.430 --> 00:06:15.631
- and two bouts of cancer, chronic pain, having just come through COVID,
- 00:06:15.698 --> 00:06:17.867
- chronic pain, having just come through COVID, God never gives us a cross
- 00:06:17.934 --> 00:06:20.269
- come through COVID, God never gives us a cross so heavy, so great, so big
- 00:06:20.336 --> 00:06:22.405
- God never gives us a cross so heavy, so great, so big that it outweighs the grace
- 00:06:22.472 --> 00:06:23.840
- so heavy, so great, so big that it outweighs the grace that always accompanies it.
- 00:06:23.906 --> 00:06:26.142
- that it outweighs the grace that always accompanies it. And this little book
- 00:06:26.209 --> 00:06:27.276
- that always accompanies it. And this little book speaks about that.
- 00:06:27.343 --> 00:06:28.377
- And this little book speaks about that. It really does.
- 00:06:28.444 --> 00:06:29.846
- JAMES: I was really touched
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- JAMES: I was really touched a moment ago when you said
- 00:06:31.314 --> 00:06:32.515
- JAMES: I was really touched a moment ago when you said that we press in against
- 00:06:32.582 --> 00:06:33.816
- a moment ago when you said that we press in against his breast, his chest,
- 00:06:33.883 --> 00:06:35.017
- that we press in against his breast, his chest, his heart.
- 00:06:35.084 --> 00:06:36.486
- his breast, his chest, his heart. I wanted to say, if you don't,
- 00:06:36.552 --> 00:06:38.554
- just know that he wants
- 00:06:38.654 --> 00:06:39.822
- just know that he wants to pull you up to his heart
- 00:06:39.889 --> 00:06:42.058
- just know that he wants to pull you up to his heart because you are on his heart
- 00:06:42.124 --> 00:06:44.193
- to pull you up to his heart because you are on his heart and he loves you so much.
- 00:06:44.260 --> 00:06:46.395
- because you are on his heart and he loves you so much. And he wants you to feel
- 00:06:46.462 --> 00:06:47.663
- and he loves you so much. And he wants you to feel the comfort that only
- 00:06:47.730 --> 00:06:48.865
- And he wants you to feel the comfort that only he can give in these valleys
- 00:06:48.931 --> 00:06:50.867
- the comfort that only he can give in these valleys of the shadow of whatever
- 00:06:50.933 --> 00:06:52.268
- he can give in these valleys of the shadow of whatever pain or death that comes
- 00:06:52.335 --> 00:06:53.569
- of the shadow of whatever pain or death that comes in your family.
- 00:06:53.636 --> 00:06:55.438
- pain or death that comes in your family. He really wants to give you
- 00:06:55.505 --> 00:06:56.772
- in your family. He really wants to give you the peace that does
- 00:06:56.839 --> 00:06:57.807
- He really wants to give you the peace that does pass understanding
- 00:06:57.874 --> 00:06:59.041
- the peace that does pass understanding beyond all explanation.
- 00:06:59.108 --> 00:07:00.977
- pass understanding beyond all explanation. And so I just tell you
- 00:07:01.043 --> 00:07:02.812
- beyond all explanation. And so I just tell you that you have shown us how
- 00:07:02.879 --> 00:07:05.214
- And so I just tell you that you have shown us how to find God in those very,
- 00:07:05.281 --> 00:07:07.149
- that you have shown us how to find God in those very, very challenging places.
- 00:07:07.216 --> 00:07:08.417
- to find God in those very, very challenging places. I think that verse in
- 00:07:08.484 --> 00:07:09.652
- very challenging places. I think that verse in Romans 8:28, all things
- 00:07:09.719 --> 00:07:11.487
- I think that verse in Romans 8:28, all things work together for good,
- 00:07:11.554 --> 00:07:14.257
- Romans 8:28, all things work together for good, to not everybody, but to those
- 00:07:14.323 --> 00:07:16.125
- work together for good, to not everybody, but to those who love God and I think
- 00:07:16.192 --> 00:07:18.494
- to not everybody, but to those who love God and I think know they're called according
- 00:07:18.561 --> 00:07:19.896
- who love God and I think know they're called according to his kingdom purpose.
- 00:07:19.962 --> 00:07:21.998
- know they're called according to his kingdom purpose. You're here for a purpose.
- 00:07:22.064 --> 00:07:23.499
- to his kingdom purpose. You're here for a purpose. I think that if you'll just
- 00:07:23.566 --> 00:07:25.201
- You're here for a purpose. I think that if you'll just understand he does not
- 00:07:25.268 --> 00:07:26.502
- I think that if you'll just understand he does not for a moment say all things
- 00:07:26.569 --> 00:07:28.404
- understand he does not for a moment say all things are good, all things are
- 00:07:28.471 --> 00:07:31.007
- for a moment say all things are good, all things are without pain or suffering.
- 00:07:31.073 --> 00:07:33.209
- are good, all things are without pain or suffering. He doesn't say that.
- 00:07:33.276 --> 00:07:34.544
- without pain or suffering. He doesn't say that. All things period
- 00:07:34.610 --> 00:07:36.279
- however painful.
- 00:07:36.379 --> 00:07:37.680
- however painful. They work together for good
- 00:07:37.747 --> 00:07:40.082
- however painful. They work together for good to those who love him.
- 00:07:40.149 --> 00:07:41.417
- They work together for good to those who love him. And by the way, don't wait
- 00:07:41.484 --> 00:07:42.552
- for pain and tragedy to come
- 00:07:42.652 --> 00:07:44.053
- for pain and tragedy to come to start trying
- 00:07:44.120 --> 00:07:45.121
- for pain and tragedy to come to start trying to grow to love him.
- 00:07:45.187 --> 00:07:46.489
- to start trying to grow to love him. Sometimes in tragedy
- 00:07:46.556 --> 00:07:47.723
- to grow to love him. Sometimes in tragedy you accuse him.
- 00:07:47.790 --> 00:07:49.058
- Sometimes in tragedy you accuse him. You curse him almost.
- 00:07:49.125 --> 00:07:50.259
- you accuse him. You curse him almost. Stop that!
- 00:07:50.326 --> 00:07:51.527
- You curse him almost. Stop that! Let's fall in love with
- 00:07:51.594 --> 00:07:52.628
- Stop that! Let's fall in love with the one who loves us
- 00:07:52.695 --> 00:07:53.729
- Let's fall in love with the one who loves us with all his heart.
- 00:07:53.796 --> 00:07:54.864
- the one who loves us with all his heart. I want to ask you this,
- 00:07:54.931 --> 00:07:56.032
- with all his heart. I want to ask you this, before you broke your neck,
- 00:07:56.098 --> 00:07:57.433
- I want to ask you this, before you broke your neck, did you love Jesus?
- 00:07:57.500 --> 00:08:00.603
- before you broke your neck, did you love Jesus? JONI: I liked him.
- 00:08:00.670 --> 00:08:03.372
- did you love Jesus? JONI: I liked him. I read about him.
- 00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:05.007
- JONI: I liked him. I read about him. I tucked him away
- 00:08:05.074 --> 00:08:06.075
- I read about him. I tucked him away in the back pocket
- 00:08:06.142 --> 00:08:07.276
- I tucked him away in the back pocket of my Levi jeans.
- 00:08:07.343 --> 00:08:09.378
- in the back pocket of my Levi jeans. And I approached him
- 00:08:09.445 --> 00:08:11.013
- of my Levi jeans. And I approached him as I would, oh, I don't know,
- 00:08:11.080 --> 00:08:13.849
- And I approached him as I would, oh, I don't know, going up to a candy machine.
- 00:08:13.916 --> 00:08:15.918
- as I would, oh, I don't know, going up to a candy machine. You pray, you say
- 00:08:15.985 --> 00:08:17.153
- going up to a candy machine. You pray, you say all the right things,
- 00:08:17.219 --> 00:08:18.220
- You expect answers to
- 00:08:20.289 --> 00:08:21.457
- You expect answers to bless you, give you a smile,
- 00:08:21.524 --> 00:08:23.626
- bless you, give you a smile, make your life comfortable.
- 00:08:23.693 --> 00:08:25.828
- I was living not the abundant
- 00:08:28.164 --> 00:08:31.033
- I was living not the abundant Christian life,
- 00:08:31.100 --> 00:08:32.435
- I was living not the abundant Christian life, I was living the great
- 00:08:32.501 --> 00:08:33.669
- Christian life, I was living the great American dream.
- 00:08:33.736 --> 00:08:35.438
- I was living the great American dream. I soon found out after
- 00:08:35.504 --> 00:08:36.606
- American dream. I soon found out after I broke my neck that
- 00:08:36.672 --> 00:08:38.541
- I soon found out after I broke my neck that God permits what he hates
- 00:08:38.608 --> 00:08:41.043
- I broke my neck that God permits what he hates to always accomplish
- 00:08:41.110 --> 00:08:42.244
- God permits what he hates to always accomplish that which he loves.
- 00:08:42.311 --> 00:08:44.313
- to always accomplish that which he loves. And truly, that's what
- 00:08:44.380 --> 00:08:46.048
- that which he loves. And truly, that's what my broken neck taught me.
- 00:08:46.115 --> 00:08:47.883
- And truly, that's what my broken neck taught me. God permits what he hates.
- 00:08:47.950 --> 00:08:49.752
- my broken neck taught me. God permits what he hates. He takes no pleasure
- 00:08:49.819 --> 00:08:50.953
- God permits what he hates. He takes no pleasure in my broken neck.
- 00:08:51.020 --> 00:08:52.254
- He takes no pleasure in my broken neck. He takes no pleasure in
- 00:08:52.321 --> 00:08:53.923
- in my broken neck. He takes no pleasure in my cancer or my chronic pain,
- 00:08:53.990 --> 00:08:56.192
- He takes no pleasure in my cancer or my chronic pain, but he permits things he hates
- 00:08:56.258 --> 00:08:59.128
- my cancer or my chronic pain, but he permits things he hates always to accomplish
- 00:08:59.195 --> 00:09:00.496
- but he permits things he hates always to accomplish that which he loves,
- 00:09:00.563 --> 00:09:01.631
- always to accomplish that which he loves, and that is Christ in us
- 00:09:01.697 --> 00:09:03.065
- that which he loves, and that is Christ in us the hope of glory.
- 00:09:03.132 --> 00:09:05.001
- and that is Christ in us the hope of glory. And we only experience
- 00:09:05.067 --> 00:09:06.202
- the hope of glory. And we only experience Christ in us when
- 00:09:06.268 --> 00:09:09.238
- And we only experience Christ in us when we cast ourselves upon him
- 00:09:09.305 --> 00:09:11.407
- Christ in us when we cast ourselves upon him out of desperate need.
- 00:09:11.474 --> 00:09:12.642
- we cast ourselves upon him out of desperate need. Jesus, I cannot do this thing
- 00:09:12.708 --> 00:09:14.276
- out of desperate need. Jesus, I cannot do this thing called life.
- 00:09:14.343 --> 00:09:15.478
- Jesus, I cannot do this thing called life. I have no resources.
- 00:09:15.544 --> 00:09:16.479
- called life. I have no resources. I have no strength,
- 00:09:16.545 --> 00:09:17.513
- I have no resources. I have no strength, I have no ability,
- 00:09:17.580 --> 00:09:18.614
- I have no strength, I have no ability, but you do, Jesus.
- 00:09:18.681 --> 00:09:20.750
- I have no ability, but you do, Jesus. I lean on you for
- 00:09:20.816 --> 00:09:21.817
- but you do, Jesus. I lean on you for your strength, your ability.
- 00:09:21.884 --> 00:09:24.086
- I lean on you for your strength, your ability. And friends, I just don't
- 00:09:24.153 --> 00:09:26.455
- your strength, your ability. And friends, I just don't think we would do that,
- 00:09:26.522 --> 00:09:29.025
- And friends, I just don't think we would do that, if God did not give us
- 00:09:29.091 --> 00:09:30.760
- think we would do that, if God did not give us suffering to push us up
- 00:09:30.826 --> 00:09:32.461
- if God did not give us suffering to push us up against the cross
- 00:09:32.528 --> 00:09:34.163
- suffering to push us up against the cross where we always find power.
- 00:09:34.230 --> 00:09:36.032
- against the cross where we always find power. We're told in God's word,
- 00:09:36.098 --> 00:09:37.600
- where we always find power. We're told in God's word, "The cross is the power
- 00:09:37.667 --> 00:09:38.768
- We're told in God's word, "The cross is the power of God."
- 00:09:38.834 --> 00:09:40.036
- "The cross is the power of God." And that's where I found
- 00:09:40.102 --> 00:09:41.203
- of God." And that's where I found my power as I go to God
- 00:09:41.270 --> 00:09:43.205
- And that's where I found my power as I go to God daily saying, man, I can't
- 00:09:43.272 --> 00:09:44.440
- my power as I go to God daily saying, man, I can't do this quadriplegia
- 00:09:44.507 --> 00:09:45.608
- daily saying, man, I can't do this quadriplegia one day longer.
- 00:09:45.675 --> 00:09:46.709
- do this quadriplegia one day longer. I'm so tired
- 00:09:46.776 --> 00:09:47.943
- one day longer. I'm so tired of being paralyzed.
- 00:09:48.010 --> 00:09:49.045
- I'm so tired of being paralyzed. Jesus, I can't do it!
- 00:09:49.111 --> 00:09:50.613
- of being paralyzed. Jesus, I can't do it! But I can do all things
- 00:09:50.680 --> 00:09:51.714
- Jesus, I can't do it! But I can do all things through Christ
- 00:09:51.781 --> 00:09:52.948
- But I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- 00:09:53.015 --> 00:09:54.183
- through Christ who strengthens me. Those are good words
- 00:09:54.250 --> 00:09:55.284
- who strengthens me. Those are good words for our friends today,
- 00:09:55.351 --> 00:09:56.352
- BETTY: It really is, Joni.
- 00:09:57.520 --> 00:09:58.487
- BETTY: It really is, Joni. I've just been so blessed
- 00:09:58.554 --> 00:09:59.555
- I've just been so blessed sitting here listening to you.
- 00:09:59.622 --> 00:10:00.723
- sitting here listening to you. You really have expressed
- 00:10:00.790 --> 00:10:02.158
- You really have expressed through your experiences,
- 00:10:02.224 --> 00:10:03.859
- the Lord the joy
- 00:10:04.960 --> 00:10:06.696
- the Lord the joy that is so unspeakable.
- 00:10:06.762 --> 00:10:08.397
- the Lord the joy that is so unspeakable. In those times when
- 00:10:08.464 --> 00:10:09.665
- that is so unspeakable. In those times when we all feel so hopeless.
- 00:10:09.732 --> 00:10:12.168
- In those times when we all feel so hopeless. Everyone has those times.
- 00:10:12.234 --> 00:10:14.570
- we all feel so hopeless. Everyone has those times. But like you said, he says
- 00:10:14.637 --> 00:10:16.172
- Everyone has those times. But like you said, he says he will never leave us
- 00:10:16.238 --> 00:10:17.540
- But like you said, he says he will never leave us nor forsake us.
- 00:10:17.606 --> 00:10:18.908
- he will never leave us nor forsake us. And I look back on the times
- 00:10:18.974 --> 00:10:20.242
- nor forsake us. And I look back on the times in my walk with him,
- 00:10:20.309 --> 00:10:22.678
- And I look back on the times in my walk with him, those times where it's been
- 00:10:22.745 --> 00:10:23.846
- in my walk with him, those times where it's been so difficult, the loss of
- 00:10:23.913 --> 00:10:25.314
- those times where it's been so difficult, the loss of a daughter, many, many things
- 00:10:25.381 --> 00:10:27.149
- so difficult, the loss of a daughter, many, many things in our life, and I think,
- 00:10:27.216 --> 00:10:28.951
- a daughter, many, many things in our life, and I think, God, at those same times
- 00:10:29.018 --> 00:10:30.786
- in our life, and I think, God, at those same times I've never been as close
- 00:10:30.853 --> 00:10:32.354
- God, at those same times I've never been as close to you as I have as when
- 00:10:32.421 --> 00:10:34.623
- I've never been as close to you as I have as when I'm curled up in your arms,
- 00:10:34.690 --> 00:10:37.359
- to you as I have as when I'm curled up in your arms, you holding me and letting me
- 00:10:37.426 --> 00:10:39.695
- I'm curled up in your arms, you holding me and letting me weep, and then you bringing
- 00:10:39.762 --> 00:10:41.630
- you holding me and letting me weep, and then you bringing joy and peace into my life.
- 00:10:41.697 --> 00:10:45.334
- weep, and then you bringing joy and peace into my life. JONI: Well, Betty,
- 00:10:45.401 --> 00:10:46.635
- joy and peace into my life. JONI: Well, Betty, you and I resonate because
- 00:10:46.702 --> 00:10:48.037
- JONI: Well, Betty, you and I resonate because I totally identify with
- 00:10:48.104 --> 00:10:49.538
- you and I resonate because I totally identify with what you are saying.
- 00:10:49.605 --> 00:10:51.073
- I totally identify with what you are saying. And you know, real quickly,
- 00:10:51.140 --> 00:10:52.608
- what you are saying. And you know, real quickly, speaking of identification,
- 00:10:52.675 --> 00:10:54.777
- And you know, real quickly, speaking of identification, all of us are always
- 00:10:54.844 --> 00:10:55.911
- speaking of identification, all of us are always so grateful that
- 00:10:55.978 --> 00:10:56.979
- all of us are always so grateful that God identified with us.
- 00:10:57.046 --> 00:10:58.414
- so grateful that God identified with us. We've got a great high priest
- 00:10:58.481 --> 00:10:59.782
- God identified with us. We've got a great high priest who has been tested
- 00:10:59.849 --> 00:11:01.016
- We've got a great high priest who has been tested in every way like we have
- 00:11:01.083 --> 00:11:02.485
- who has been tested in every way like we have and he sympathizes
- 00:11:02.551 --> 00:11:03.586
- in every way like we have and he sympathizes with our weaknesses.
- 00:11:03.652 --> 00:11:04.787
- and he sympathizes with our weaknesses. But Betty, I just bet,
- 00:11:04.854 --> 00:11:06.388
- with our weaknesses. But Betty, I just bet, when you were at your worst,
- 00:11:06.455 --> 00:11:07.757
- But Betty, I just bet, when you were at your worst, when you were suffering
- 00:11:07.823 --> 00:11:08.858
- when you were at your worst, when you were suffering your greatest, as have I,
- 00:11:08.924 --> 00:11:10.359
- when you were suffering your greatest, as have I, as have I, it is our chance
- 00:11:10.426 --> 00:11:12.461
- your greatest, as have I, as have I, it is our chance to identify with him.
- 00:11:12.528 --> 00:11:14.764
- as have I, it is our chance to identify with him. Isn't it wonderful that
- 00:11:14.830 --> 00:11:15.765
- to identify with him. Isn't it wonderful that we get a chance
- 00:11:15.831 --> 00:11:16.866
- Isn't it wonderful that we get a chance to identify with Jesus?
- 00:11:16.932 --> 00:11:18.567
- we get a chance to identify with Jesus? That we can empathize
- 00:11:18.634 --> 00:11:19.735
- to identify with Jesus? That we can empathize with his pain, his anguish?
- 00:11:19.802 --> 00:11:21.203
- That we can empathize with his pain, his anguish? A man of sorrows
- 00:11:21.270 --> 00:11:22.338
- with his pain, his anguish? A man of sorrows acquainted with grief.
- 00:11:22.404 --> 00:11:23.439
- A man of sorrows acquainted with grief. We can understand
- 00:11:23.506 --> 00:11:24.573
- That kind of builds a bond
- 00:11:27.376 --> 00:11:29.812
- That kind of builds a bond between us and the Lord
- 00:11:29.879 --> 00:11:30.980
- between us and the Lord Jesus when we suffer.
- 00:11:31.046 --> 00:11:33.082
- Jesus when we suffer. And oh, I cannot wait for
- 00:11:33.149 --> 00:11:34.216
- all the pain and suffering
- 00:11:36.519 --> 00:11:37.686
- all the pain and suffering will be behind us and we will
- 00:11:37.753 --> 00:11:38.888
- all the pain and suffering will be behind us and we will see God's blueprint
- 00:11:38.954 --> 00:11:40.689
- will be behind us and we will see God's blueprint laid out in perfect harmony.
- 00:11:40.756 --> 00:11:43.025
- see God's blueprint laid out in perfect harmony. We will understand it all
- 00:11:43.092 --> 00:11:44.360
- laid out in perfect harmony. We will understand it all and we will say yes!
- 00:11:44.426 --> 00:11:45.795
- We will understand it all and we will say yes! Of course that's what
- 00:11:45.861 --> 00:11:46.962
- and we will say yes! Of course that's what you were doing.
- 00:11:47.029 --> 00:11:48.164
- Of course that's what you were doing. Why didn't I see it?
- 00:11:48.230 --> 00:11:49.365
- you were doing. Why didn't I see it? But thank you for the grace
- 00:11:49.431 --> 00:11:50.466
- Why didn't I see it? But thank you for the grace you gave me to trust.
- 00:11:50.533 --> 00:11:51.801
- But thank you for the grace you gave me to trust. Right, Betty?
- 00:11:51.867 --> 00:11:52.868
- you gave me to trust. Right, Betty? BETTY: I agree. Absolutely.
- 00:11:52.935 --> 00:11:54.003
- Right, Betty? BETTY: I agree. Absolutely. It's going to be
- 00:11:54.069 --> 00:11:55.070
- BETTY: I agree. Absolutely. It's going to be a joyous occasion.
- 00:11:55.137 --> 00:11:56.372
- It's going to be a joyous occasion. JONI: Woohoo!
- 00:11:56.438 --> 00:11:57.973
- how long after your accident
- 00:11:59.475 --> 00:12:03.045
- how long after your accident that put you in the condition
- 00:12:03.112 --> 00:12:04.880
- the first, let's say measure
- 00:12:06.615 --> 00:12:09.852
- the first, let's say measure of peace and miraculous
- 00:12:09.919 --> 00:12:11.787
- the first, let's say measure of peace and miraculous supernatural work of God?
- 00:12:11.854 --> 00:12:14.490
- of peace and miraculous supernatural work of God? How long after the accident
- 00:12:14.557 --> 00:12:16.425
- supernatural work of God? How long after the accident before you experienced that
- 00:12:16.492 --> 00:12:18.294
- How long after the accident before you experienced that which you're wanting people
- 00:12:18.360 --> 00:12:19.695
- before you experienced that which you're wanting people to experience finding God
- 00:12:19.762 --> 00:12:21.130
- which you're wanting people to experience finding God in hidden places?
- 00:12:21.197 --> 00:12:24.300
- to experience finding God in hidden places? JONI: I think it took about
- 00:12:24.366 --> 00:12:25.467
- in hidden places? JONI: I think it took about three or four years
- 00:12:25.534 --> 00:12:28.470
- JONI: I think it took about three or four years of desperate suicidal despair.
- 00:12:28.537 --> 00:12:31.740
- three or four years of desperate suicidal despair. I just could not face a life
- 00:12:31.807 --> 00:12:33.142
- of desperate suicidal despair. I just could not face a life of total paralysis,
- 00:12:33.209 --> 00:12:35.077
- I just could not face a life of total paralysis, sitting down for the rest
- 00:12:35.144 --> 00:12:36.145
- of total paralysis, sitting down for the rest of my life without
- 00:12:36.212 --> 00:12:37.246
- sitting down for the rest of my life without the use of my hands.
- 00:12:37.313 --> 00:12:38.480
- of my life without the use of my hands. I was so discouraged.
- 00:12:38.547 --> 00:12:40.049
- the use of my hands. I was so discouraged. I thought God had
- 00:12:40.115 --> 00:12:41.083
- I was so discouraged. I thought God had the wrong person.
- 00:12:41.150 --> 00:12:42.218
- I thought God had the wrong person. Jesus, I'm the least likely
- 00:12:42.284 --> 00:12:43.385
- the wrong person. Jesus, I'm the least likely candidate to enjoy life
- 00:12:43.452 --> 00:12:46.255
- Jesus, I'm the least likely candidate to enjoy life in a wheelchair.
- 00:12:46.322 --> 00:12:47.423
- candidate to enjoy life in a wheelchair. I cannot do this.
- 00:12:47.489 --> 00:12:49.124
- in a wheelchair. I cannot do this. But it was the Word of God,
- 00:12:49.191 --> 00:12:50.826
- I cannot do this. But it was the Word of God, and I think the prayers
- 00:12:50.893 --> 00:12:52.628
- But it was the Word of God, and I think the prayers of faithful friends that made
- 00:12:52.695 --> 00:12:54.296
- and I think the prayers of faithful friends that made the biggest difference.
- 00:12:54.363 --> 00:12:56.232
- of faithful friends that made the biggest difference. And I read in First Peter
- 00:12:56.298 --> 00:12:58.434
- the biggest difference. And I read in First Peter where I was told that
- 00:12:58.500 --> 00:13:01.670
- And I read in First Peter where I was told that it has been given to me
- 00:13:01.737 --> 00:13:04.039
- where I was told that it has been given to me to suffer for his sake.
- 00:13:04.106 --> 00:13:06.375
- it has been given to me to suffer for his sake. It is a gift.
- 00:13:06.442 --> 00:13:08.010
- to suffer for his sake. It is a gift. Why is suffering a gift?
- 00:13:08.077 --> 00:13:09.879
- It is a gift. Why is suffering a gift? It is hard, it is painful,
- 00:13:09.945 --> 00:13:11.080
- Why is suffering a gift? It is hard, it is painful, it is uncomfortable!
- 00:13:11.146 --> 00:13:13.048
- It is hard, it is painful, it is uncomfortable! We hate it at first.
- 00:13:13.115 --> 00:13:14.316
- it is uncomfortable! We hate it at first. But it is a gift in that
- 00:13:14.383 --> 00:13:16.352
- We hate it at first. But it is a gift in that it binds us to our Savior
- 00:13:16.418 --> 00:13:19.421
- But it is a gift in that it binds us to our Savior as nothing else.
- 00:13:19.488 --> 00:13:21.123
- it binds us to our Savior as nothing else. So he has left us an example,
- 00:13:21.190 --> 00:13:23.125
- as nothing else. So he has left us an example, as it says in First Peter
- 00:13:23.192 --> 00:13:24.627
- So he has left us an example, as it says in First Peter to follow in his steps.
- 00:13:24.693 --> 00:13:27.263
- as it says in First Peter to follow in his steps. That's what I started doing.
- 00:13:27.329 --> 00:13:28.464
- to follow in his steps. That's what I started doing. I started getting into
- 00:13:28.530 --> 00:13:29.598
- That's what I started doing. I started getting into the Word of God, memorizing
- 00:13:29.665 --> 00:13:30.833
- I started getting into the Word of God, memorizing his promises, trusting
- 00:13:30.900 --> 00:13:32.601
- the Word of God, memorizing his promises, trusting that he'll never leave me
- 00:13:32.668 --> 00:13:33.702
- his promises, trusting that he'll never leave me or forsake me.
- 00:13:33.769 --> 00:13:34.870
- that he'll never leave me or forsake me. That he was my ever
- 00:13:34.937 --> 00:13:36.071
- or forsake me. That he was my ever present help in this trouble.
- 00:13:36.138 --> 00:13:37.172
- That he was my ever present help in this trouble. That His grace was
- 00:13:37.239 --> 00:13:38.340
- present help in this trouble. That His grace was more than sufficient.
- 00:13:38.407 --> 00:13:39.742
- That His grace was more than sufficient. That yes, even this would
- 00:13:39.808 --> 00:13:41.277
- more than sufficient. That yes, even this would somehow would work together
- 00:13:41.343 --> 00:13:42.778
- That yes, even this would somehow would work together for my good in his glory.
- 00:13:42.845 --> 00:13:44.079
- somehow would work together for my good in his glory. I kept recounting,
- 00:13:44.146 --> 00:13:45.247
- for my good in his glory. I kept recounting, kept recursing, kept saying
- 00:13:45.314 --> 00:13:46.482
- I kept recounting, kept recursing, kept saying out loud promise after
- 00:13:46.548 --> 00:13:48.183
- kept recursing, kept saying out loud promise after Bible promise.
- 00:13:48.250 --> 00:13:49.852
- out loud promise after Bible promise. And honestly, God's word
- 00:13:49.919 --> 00:13:53.122
- Bible promise. And honestly, God's word revived me like nothing else
- 00:13:53.188 --> 00:13:55.190
- And honestly, God's word revived me like nothing else and it did a miracle
- 00:13:55.257 --> 00:13:56.292
- revived me like nothing else and it did a miracle in my life.
- 00:13:56.358 --> 00:13:57.493
- and it did a miracle in my life. And I'm so grateful that
- 00:13:57.559 --> 00:13:58.560
- in my life. And I'm so grateful that I've hid God's word like
- 00:13:58.627 --> 00:13:59.595
- And I'm so grateful that I've hid God's word like a treasure in my heart.
- 00:13:59.662 --> 00:14:01.263
- I've hid God's word like a treasure in my heart. So in my darkest days,
- 00:14:01.330 --> 00:14:02.831
- a treasure in my heart. So in my darkest days, even now in my 70s when
- 00:14:02.898 --> 00:14:04.600
- So in my darkest days, even now in my 70s when I wake up in the morning
- 00:14:04.667 --> 00:14:05.901
- even now in my 70s when I wake up in the morning and I don't think I can take
- 00:14:05.968 --> 00:14:06.936
- I wake up in the morning and I don't think I can take one more day of quadriplegia,
- 00:14:07.002 --> 00:14:09.571
- of his Bible promises
- 00:14:10.806 --> 00:14:12.441
- of his Bible promises to hang on to.
- 00:14:12.508 --> 00:14:13.976
- to hang on to. I would encourage our friends
- 00:14:14.043 --> 00:14:15.210
- I would encourage our friends listening and watching
- 00:14:15.277 --> 00:14:17.212
- Memorize his Bible promises
- 00:14:19.048 --> 00:14:20.983
- Memorize his Bible promises because those are going
- 00:14:21.050 --> 00:14:22.184
- Memorize his Bible promises because those are going to be the things that
- 00:14:22.251 --> 00:14:23.352
- because those are going to be the things that will anchor your faith
- 00:14:23.419 --> 00:14:24.386
- to be the things that will anchor your faith to the Lord like nothing else,
- 00:14:24.453 --> 00:14:25.421
- will anchor your faith to the Lord like nothing else, right?
- 00:14:25.487 --> 00:14:26.689
- JAMES: Does it come to
- 00:14:26.789 --> 00:14:28.023
- JAMES: Does it come to your mind, Finding God
- 00:14:28.090 --> 00:14:29.725
- JAMES: Does it come to your mind, Finding God in Hidden Places a couple,
- 00:14:29.825 --> 00:14:32.661
- your mind, Finding God in Hidden Places a couple, the kinds of hidden places
- 00:14:32.728 --> 00:14:34.196
- that you have either found
- 00:14:34.296 --> 00:14:36.565
- that you have either found and/or watched others finding
- 00:14:36.632 --> 00:14:38.000
- that you have either found and/or watched others finding that you might want to mention
- 00:14:38.067 --> 00:14:39.435
- and/or watched others finding that you might want to mention that people would perhaps
- 00:14:39.501 --> 00:14:40.569
- that you might want to mention that people would perhaps identify with?
- 00:14:40.636 --> 00:14:43.172
- that people would perhaps identify with? JONI: Well, I think COVID
- 00:14:43.238 --> 00:14:44.573
- identify with? JONI: Well, I think COVID is a challenge right now.
- 00:14:44.640 --> 00:14:46.241
- JONI: Well, I think COVID is a challenge right now. It's on a lot
- 00:14:46.308 --> 00:14:47.443
- is a challenge right now. It's on a lot of people's minds.
- 00:14:47.509 --> 00:14:48.911
- It's on a lot of people's minds. I had COVID very recently
- 00:14:48.978 --> 00:14:50.346
- of people's minds. I had COVID very recently and when I was told I had it,
- 00:14:50.412 --> 00:14:52.414
- I had COVID very recently and when I was told I had it, for a quadriplegic with
- 00:14:52.481 --> 00:14:53.682
- and when I was told I had it, for a quadriplegic with a compromised immune system
- 00:14:53.749 --> 00:14:55.050
- for a quadriplegic with a compromised immune system I thought it was
- 00:14:55.117 --> 00:14:56.251
- a compromised immune system I thought it was a death sentence
- 00:14:56.318 --> 00:14:57.586
- I thought it was a death sentence and I had to go to bed.
- 00:14:57.653 --> 00:14:58.687
- a death sentence and I had to go to bed. You need to understand
- 00:14:58.754 --> 00:14:59.755
- and I had to go to bed. You need to understand that when I'm lying flat
- 00:14:59.822 --> 00:15:01.423
- You need to understand that when I'm lying flat paralyzed in bed,
- 00:15:01.490 --> 00:15:02.925
- that when I'm lying flat paralyzed in bed, gravity is my enemy.
- 00:15:02.992 --> 00:15:05.627
- paralyzed in bed, gravity is my enemy. And so I had to strengthen
- 00:15:05.694 --> 00:15:06.862
- gravity is my enemy. And so I had to strengthen myself in the Lord by
- 00:15:06.929 --> 00:15:08.864
- And so I had to strengthen myself in the Lord by recalling that my disability
- 00:15:08.931 --> 00:15:10.032
- myself in the Lord by recalling that my disability had already taught me
- 00:15:10.099 --> 00:15:11.100
- recalling that my disability had already taught me how to carry crosses.
- 00:15:11.166 --> 00:15:12.201
- had already taught me how to carry crosses. Yes, even this most
- 00:15:12.267 --> 00:15:14.703
- how to carry crosses. Yes, even this most recent cross of COVID.
- 00:15:14.770 --> 00:15:17.172
- Yes, even this most recent cross of COVID. And so I listened to
- 00:15:17.239 --> 00:15:18.440
- recent cross of COVID. And so I listened to the voice of God in the night
- 00:15:18.507 --> 00:15:20.509
- And so I listened to the voice of God in the night and I would encourage
- 00:15:20.576 --> 00:15:21.710
- the voice of God in the night and I would encourage our friends to do the same
- 00:15:21.777 --> 00:15:23.379
- and I would encourage our friends to do the same in their most anxious midnight
- 00:15:23.445 --> 00:15:24.580
- our friends to do the same in their most anxious midnight hours where God will say
- 00:15:24.646 --> 00:15:26.515
- in their most anxious midnight hours where God will say to you at 2:00 in the morning,
- 00:15:26.582 --> 00:15:28.751
- hours where God will say to you at 2:00 in the morning, do you believe me?
- 00:15:28.817 --> 00:15:30.886
- to you at 2:00 in the morning, do you believe me? Do you trust me that
- 00:15:30.953 --> 00:15:31.887
- do you believe me? Do you trust me that I will never leave you
- 00:15:31.954 --> 00:15:33.155
- Do you trust me that I will never leave you or forsake you?
- 00:15:33.222 --> 00:15:34.757
- I will never leave you or forsake you? Do you know that
- 00:15:34.823 --> 00:15:36.291
- or forsake you? Do you know that I'm your ever present help
- 00:15:36.358 --> 00:15:37.693
- Do you know that I'm your ever present help even in this trouble?
- 00:15:37.760 --> 00:15:39.361
- I'm your ever present help even in this trouble? Do you understand
- 00:15:39.428 --> 00:15:40.429
- even in this trouble? Do you understand that doubting me
- 00:15:40.496 --> 00:15:41.497
- Do you understand that doubting me only makes things worse?
- 00:15:41.563 --> 00:15:43.065
- that doubting me only makes things worse? Do you believe that
- 00:15:43.132 --> 00:15:44.199
- only makes things worse? Do you believe that my grace is sufficient?
- 00:15:44.266 --> 00:15:46.368
- Do you believe that my grace is sufficient? And friends, in the dark
- 00:15:46.435 --> 00:15:47.936
- my grace is sufficient? And friends, in the dark when I had COVID and I was
- 00:15:48.003 --> 00:15:49.938
- And friends, in the dark when I had COVID and I was in such pain I cried out,
- 00:15:50.005 --> 00:15:51.373
- when I had COVID and I was in such pain I cried out, yes, Lord, I believe but
- 00:15:51.440 --> 00:15:53.142
- in such pain I cried out, yes, Lord, I believe but please help my unbelief.
- 00:15:53.208 --> 00:15:56.645
- yes, Lord, I believe but please help my unbelief. And then in the ensuing hours
- 00:15:56.712 --> 00:15:58.747
- please help my unbelief. And then in the ensuing hours I sensed this, I don't know
- 00:15:58.814 --> 00:16:00.249
- And then in the ensuing hours I sensed this, I don't know how to describe it,
- 00:16:00.315 --> 00:16:01.550
- I sensed this, I don't know how to describe it, this wonderfully odd calmness
- 00:16:01.617 --> 00:16:04.553
- how to describe it, this wonderfully odd calmness as it seemed the Lord
- 00:16:04.620 --> 00:16:07.990
- this wonderfully odd calmness as it seemed the Lord just took hold of me
- 00:16:08.057 --> 00:16:09.458
- as it seemed the Lord just took hold of me and pulled me to his breast,
- 00:16:09.525 --> 00:16:10.893
- just took hold of me and pulled me to his breast, as you mentioned earlier
- 00:16:10.959 --> 00:16:12.828
- and pulled me to his breast, as you mentioned earlier and gave me that indescribable
- 00:16:12.895 --> 00:16:14.897
- as you mentioned earlier and gave me that indescribable peace that human understanding
- 00:16:14.963 --> 00:16:16.165
- and gave me that indescribable peace that human understanding can't explain.
- 00:16:16.231 --> 00:16:18.500
- peace that human understanding can't explain. So again, COVID,
- 00:16:18.567 --> 00:16:20.536
- can't explain. So again, COVID, that's something current,
- 00:16:20.602 --> 00:16:22.171
- So again, COVID, that's something current, that's something we all fear,
- 00:16:22.237 --> 00:16:23.472
- that's something current, that's something we all fear, right?
- 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:25.107
- that's something we all fear, right? But I don't know if you
- 00:16:25.174 --> 00:16:26.475
- right? But I don't know if you happen to encounter COVID,
- 00:16:26.542 --> 00:16:28.410
- But I don't know if you happen to encounter COVID, I would encourage you
- 00:16:28.477 --> 00:16:29.411
- happen to encounter COVID, I would encourage you to approach it as did I
- 00:16:29.478 --> 00:16:31.880
- I would encourage you to approach it as did I in the middle of the night,
- 00:16:31.947 --> 00:16:33.082
- to approach it as did I in the middle of the night, start recursing those Bible
- 00:16:33.148 --> 00:16:34.283
- in the middle of the night, start recursing those Bible promises and let the
- 00:16:34.349 --> 00:16:35.751
- start recursing those Bible promises and let the Holy Spirit chase away
- 00:16:35.818 --> 00:16:36.819
- promises and let the Holy Spirit chase away all anxiety and fear
- 00:16:36.885 --> 00:16:38.987
- Holy Spirit chase away all anxiety and fear as you anchor yourself
- 00:16:39.054 --> 00:16:40.322
- all anxiety and fear as you anchor yourself to his word.
- 00:16:40.389 --> 00:16:41.857
- as you anchor yourself to his word. And it will give you that
- 00:16:41.924 --> 00:16:42.991
- to his word. And it will give you that calm assurance that yes,
- 00:16:43.058 --> 00:16:44.226
- And it will give you that calm assurance that yes, even with this cross there is
- 00:16:44.293 --> 00:16:46.128
- calm assurance that yes, even with this cross there is enough grace to bear it.
- 00:16:46.195 --> 00:16:48.864
- even with this cross there is enough grace to bear it. JAMES: Well, I want everyone
- 00:16:48.931 --> 00:16:50.232
- enough grace to bear it. JAMES: Well, I want everyone to hear what we know.
- 00:16:50.299 --> 00:16:51.733
- JAMES: Well, I want everyone to hear what we know. We lost our daughter,
- 00:16:51.800 --> 00:16:53.702
- to hear what we know. We lost our daughter, our beautiful baby girl.
- 00:16:53.769 --> 00:16:55.337
- We lost our daughter, our beautiful baby girl. She died at 40, mother
- 00:16:55.404 --> 00:16:56.505
- our beautiful baby girl. She died at 40, mother of three teenagers who are
- 00:16:56.572 --> 00:16:57.906
- She died at 40, mother of three teenagers who are just still on fire for God.
- 00:16:57.973 --> 00:17:00.375
- of three teenagers who are just still on fire for God. Beautiful family.
- 00:17:00.442 --> 00:17:01.610
- just still on fire for God. Beautiful family. She has grandchildren now
- 00:17:01.677 --> 00:17:02.978
- Beautiful family. She has grandchildren now that she sees from heaven.
- 00:17:03.045 --> 00:17:04.213
- She has grandchildren now that she sees from heaven. But I know I just wanted
- 00:17:04.279 --> 00:17:05.380
- that she sees from heaven. But I know I just wanted to scream at God.
- 00:17:05.447 --> 00:17:07.416
- But I know I just wanted to scream at God. I want to say to everybody,
- 00:17:07.483 --> 00:17:08.684
- to scream at God. I want to say to everybody, he can handle your questions.
- 00:17:08.750 --> 00:17:10.419
- I want to say to everybody, he can handle your questions. He can handle your challenges.
- 00:17:10.486 --> 00:17:11.920
- he can handle your questions. He can handle your challenges. He can handle your anger.
- 00:17:11.987 --> 00:17:14.323
- He can handle your challenges. He can handle your anger. But here's what he wants you
- 00:17:14.389 --> 00:17:15.390
- He can handle your anger. But here's what he wants you to know, whatever you want
- 00:17:15.457 --> 00:17:17.392
- But here's what he wants you to know, whatever you want to say to me, whatever
- 00:17:17.459 --> 00:17:20.462
- the moment, I can handle it.
- 00:17:21.864 --> 00:17:24.933
- the moment, I can handle it. Just don't pull away
- 00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:26.268
- Just don't pull away from my love because I want
- 00:17:26.335 --> 00:17:28.036
- Because if you'll let me
- 00:17:30.272 --> 00:17:31.640
- Because if you'll let me I can heal your broken heart
- 00:17:31.707 --> 00:17:33.609
- Because if you'll let me I can heal your broken heart and use you to heal
- 00:17:33.675 --> 00:17:34.977
- I can heal your broken heart and use you to heal the broken hearts of others.
- 00:17:35.043 --> 00:17:36.445
- and use you to heal the broken hearts of others. And Joni, that's what
- 00:17:36.512 --> 00:17:37.713
- the broken hearts of others. And Joni, that's what you're doing.
- 00:17:37.779 --> 00:17:39.081
- And Joni, that's what you're doing. You have Joni's Homes
- 00:17:39.148 --> 00:17:41.049
- you're doing. You have Joni's Homes or Houses, I think.
- 00:17:41.116 --> 00:17:42.284
- You have Joni's Homes or Houses, I think. You've tried to take care
- 00:17:42.351 --> 00:17:43.418
- or Houses, I think. You've tried to take care of people that are struggling.
- 00:17:43.485 --> 00:17:44.853
- You've tried to take care of people that are struggling. Give us a website.
- 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:46.688
- of people that are struggling. Give us a website. We always tell all of
- 00:17:46.755 --> 00:17:47.723
- Give us a website. We always tell all of our viewers, if you want
- 00:17:47.789 --> 00:17:50.125
- We always tell all of our viewers, if you want to help one of our guests,
- 00:17:50.192 --> 00:17:52.161
- our viewers, if you want to help one of our guests, because we love everybody.
- 00:17:52.227 --> 00:17:54.496
- to help one of our guests, because we love everybody. We want to put God's arms
- 00:17:54.563 --> 00:17:55.731
- because we love everybody. We want to put God's arms around the people that put
- 00:17:55.797 --> 00:17:56.765
- We want to put God's arms around the people that put God's arms around people,
- 00:17:56.832 --> 00:17:58.066
- around the people that put God's arms around people, and that's what you do.
- 00:17:58.133 --> 00:17:59.401
- God's arms around people, and that's what you do. How would they find out
- 00:17:59.468 --> 00:18:00.536
- and that's what you do. How would they find out about your houses and
- 00:18:00.602 --> 00:18:01.570
- How would they find out about your houses and the homes that you're trying
- 00:18:01.637 --> 00:18:02.604
- about your houses and the homes that you're trying to help the hurting?
- 00:18:02.671 --> 00:18:03.972
- the homes that you're trying to help the hurting? And I'll just say to all
- 00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:05.641
- to help the hurting? And I'll just say to all of them, you go online and
- 00:18:05.707 --> 00:18:07.009
- And I'll just say to all of them, you go online and you pray about helping Joni.
- 00:18:07.075 --> 00:18:08.277
- of them, you go online and you pray about helping Joni. How would they find them?
- 00:18:08.343 --> 00:18:09.545
- you pray about helping Joni. How would they find them? And how would they help you?
- 00:18:09.611 --> 00:18:11.413
- to JoniAndFriends.org.
- 00:18:12.648 --> 00:18:14.049
- to JoniAndFriends.org. That's
- 00:18:14.116 --> 00:18:14.216
- That's Joniandfriends,
- 00:18:14.283 --> 00:18:17.352
- Joniandfriends, JoniAndFriends.org
- 00:18:17.419 --> 00:18:18.887
- JoniAndFriends.org and you'll learn about
- 00:18:18.954 --> 00:18:20.189
- During COVID we discovered
- 00:18:21.623 --> 00:18:23.025
- During COVID we discovered early on from the
- 00:18:23.091 --> 00:18:24.193
- During COVID we discovered early on from the World Health Organization
- 00:18:24.259 --> 00:18:25.627
- early on from the World Health Organization that people with disabilities
- 00:18:25.694 --> 00:18:27.329
- World Health Organization that people with disabilities were suffering
- 00:18:27.396 --> 00:18:28.497
- that people with disabilities were suffering from starvation.
- 00:18:28.564 --> 00:18:30.832
- were suffering from starvation. They were totally blocked out
- 00:18:30.899 --> 00:18:33.435
- from starvation. They were totally blocked out of any access to medical care.
- 00:18:33.502 --> 00:18:35.370
- They were totally blocked out of any access to medical care. So we have established
- 00:18:35.437 --> 00:18:36.638
- of any access to medical care. So we have established Joni's Houses.
- 00:18:36.705 --> 00:18:37.906
- So we have established Joni's Houses. These are disability centers
- 00:18:37.973 --> 00:18:39.508
- Joni's Houses. These are disability centers where we give wheelchairs,
- 00:18:39.575 --> 00:18:41.243
- These are disability centers where we give wheelchairs, do wheelchair repair,
- 00:18:41.310 --> 00:18:42.444
- where we give wheelchairs, do wheelchair repair, we give evangelism,
- 00:18:42.511 --> 00:18:43.579
- the good news of Jesus.
- 00:18:44.780 --> 00:18:46.048
- the good news of Jesus. We scholarship surgeries.
- 00:18:46.114 --> 00:18:47.649
- We scholarship surgeries. We provide food and dignity
- 00:18:47.716 --> 00:18:49.685
- for people with disabilities
- 00:18:51.987 --> 00:18:52.988
- for people with disabilities who for the most part
- 00:18:53.055 --> 00:18:54.223
- for people with disabilities who for the most part have been pushed off
- 00:18:54.289 --> 00:18:55.390
- who for the most part have been pushed off the bottom rung of
- 00:18:55.457 --> 00:18:56.625
- have been pushed off the bottom rung of the socioeconomic ladder
- 00:18:56.692 --> 00:18:58.026
- the bottom rung of the socioeconomic ladder in many developing nations,
- 00:18:58.093 --> 00:18:59.595
- the socioeconomic ladder in many developing nations, as you two well know
- 00:18:59.661 --> 00:19:00.929
- in many developing nations, as you two well know since you have a work
- 00:19:00.996 --> 00:19:02.130
- as you two well know since you have a work among many people
- 00:19:02.197 --> 00:19:03.332
- since you have a work among many people in developing nations.
- 00:19:03.398 --> 00:19:04.566
- among many people in developing nations. The needs are so, so great
- 00:19:04.633 --> 00:19:05.901
- in developing nations. The needs are so, so great there, especially among
- 00:19:05.968 --> 00:19:07.202
- The needs are so, so great there, especially among those with disabilities.
- 00:19:07.269 --> 00:19:08.737
- there, especially among those with disabilities. So I would encourage
- 00:19:08.804 --> 00:19:10.138
- those with disabilities. So I would encourage our friends watching,
- 00:19:10.205 --> 00:19:11.340
- So I would encourage our friends watching, if you've been inspired by
- 00:19:11.406 --> 00:19:12.641
- our friends watching, if you've been inspired by what the three of us have
- 00:19:12.708 --> 00:19:13.742
- if you've been inspired by what the three of us have talked about and
- 00:19:13.809 --> 00:19:15.277
- what the three of us have talked about and to pass on that inspiration,
- 00:19:15.344 --> 00:19:16.378
- talked about and to pass on that inspiration, pass on that blessing,
- 00:19:16.445 --> 00:19:17.579
- to pass on that inspiration, pass on that blessing, pass on that encouragement
- 00:19:17.646 --> 00:19:19.314
- pass on that blessing, pass on that encouragement to someone else who is
- 00:19:19.381 --> 00:19:20.515
- pass on that encouragement to someone else who is hurting worse than you are.
- 00:19:20.582 --> 00:19:21.950
- to someone else who is hurting worse than you are. Because there are always
- 00:19:22.017 --> 00:19:23.151
- hurting worse than you are. Because there are always people who are hurting
- 00:19:23.218 --> 00:19:24.286
- Because there are always people who are hurting worse than you are.
- 00:19:24.353 --> 00:19:25.354
- people who are hurting worse than you are. Nothing will break
- 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:26.421
- worse than you are. Nothing will break your spirits more,
- 00:19:26.488 --> 00:19:27.489
- Nothing will break your spirits more, nothing will chase away
- 00:19:27.556 --> 00:19:28.624
- your spirits more, nothing will chase away your depression quicker
- 00:19:28.690 --> 00:19:30.425
- nothing will chase away your depression quicker than getting your eyes
- 00:19:30.492 --> 00:19:31.627
- your depression quicker than getting your eyes off your own problems,
- 00:19:31.693 --> 00:19:33.061
- than getting your eyes off your own problems, fix them on Jesus and
- 00:19:33.128 --> 00:19:34.596
- off your own problems, fix them on Jesus and finding out how you can help
- 00:19:34.663 --> 00:19:35.631
- fix them on Jesus and finding out how you can help somebody else who is
- 00:19:35.697 --> 00:19:36.999
- finding out how you can help somebody else who is hurting worse than you are.
- 00:19:37.065 --> 00:19:38.267
- JAMES: Amen!
- 00:19:38.367 --> 00:19:39.401
- JAMES: Amen! Joni, we've got your address
- 00:19:39.468 --> 00:19:40.636
- JAMES: Amen! Joni, we've got your address up on the screen
- 00:19:40.702 --> 00:19:41.903
- Joni, we've got your address up on the screen and our phone center and
- 00:19:41.970 --> 00:19:43.272
- up on the screen and our phone center and our website will have it.
- 00:19:43.338 --> 00:19:45.407
- and our phone center and our website will have it. I pray you'll go there
- 00:19:45.474 --> 00:19:46.908
- our website will have it. I pray you'll go there and you'll help.
- 00:19:46.975 --> 00:19:48.277
- We will send all of you today,
- 00:19:48.377 --> 00:19:50.712
- We will send all of you today, if you would basically,
- 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:53.115
- we're trying to feed
- 00:19:55.183 --> 00:19:56.285
- we're trying to feed hungry children and
- 00:19:56.351 --> 00:19:58.086
- hungry children and the increase in those
- 00:19:58.153 --> 00:19:59.721
- the increase in those who are starving in
- 00:19:59.788 --> 00:20:00.956
- who are starving in the third world countries
- 00:20:01.023 --> 00:20:02.157
- the third world countries has increased because
- 00:20:02.224 --> 00:20:03.425
- has increased because of the COVID.
- 00:20:03.492 --> 00:20:04.860
- of the COVID. It's damaged the workers
- 00:20:04.926 --> 00:20:06.295
- It's damaged the workers in the area where COVID
- 00:20:06.361 --> 00:20:08.497
- in the area where COVID has hit.
- 00:20:08.563 --> 00:20:10.499
- has hit. Floods in southern Sudan
- 00:20:10.565 --> 00:20:11.833
- Floods in southern Sudan have destroyed
- 00:20:11.900 --> 00:20:13.168
- have destroyed the malnutrition clinics.
- 00:20:13.235 --> 00:20:14.403
- the malnutrition clinics. Many of them were mobile;
- 00:20:14.469 --> 00:20:15.704
- Many of them were mobile; they were tents set up
- 00:20:15.771 --> 00:20:17.406
- they were tents set up with all the equipment
- 00:20:17.472 --> 00:20:18.840
- with all the equipment and the equipment is gone.
- 00:20:18.907 --> 00:20:20.375
- and the equipment is gone. The tent crushed;
- 00:20:20.442 --> 00:20:21.977
- The tent crushed; other fully built clinics
- 00:20:22.044 --> 00:20:24.246
- other fully built clinics destroyed.
- 00:20:24.313 --> 00:20:25.414
- destroyed. We've got to restore,
- 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:26.581
- We've got to restore, rebuild 16.
- 00:20:26.648 --> 00:20:28.550
- That is pressing like
- 00:20:29.017 --> 00:20:31.320
- close to $400.000
- 00:20:31.386 --> 00:20:33.789
- so we need a miracle.
- 00:20:33.855 --> 00:20:35.090
- I just said,
- 00:20:35.157 --> 00:20:36.258
- God, give us 400 people
- 00:20:36.325 --> 00:20:37.492
- who'll give $1.000.
- 00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:39.027
- Please!
- 00:20:39.094 --> 00:20:40.395
- And then the exact cost,
- 00:20:40.462 --> 00:20:41.763
- the average
- 00:20:41.830 --> 00:20:42.998
- is a little over $24.000.
- 00:20:43.065 --> 00:20:45.434
- There may be a person
- 00:20:45.500 --> 00:20:46.635
- that says, I've got a clinic.
- 00:20:46.702 --> 00:20:49.004
- I've got one.
- 00:20:49.071 --> 00:20:50.839
- I don't know what God
- 00:20:50.906 --> 00:20:52.207
- is saying to you
- 00:20:52.274 --> 00:20:53.508
- but I know he uses his family,
- 00:20:53.575 --> 00:20:54.676
- his body to reveal his love.
- 00:20:54.743 --> 00:20:57.679
- So please
- 00:20:57.746 --> 00:20:58.847
- let's rebuild those clinics.
- 00:20:58.914 --> 00:21:00.515
- The other thing is
- 00:21:00.582 --> 00:21:02.017
- we've got 350.000 children
- 00:21:02.084 --> 00:21:03.618
- located and organized
- 00:21:03.685 --> 00:21:05.153
- in areas where we knew
- 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:07.055
- it was simple to feeding
- 00:21:07.122 --> 00:21:08.824
- the malnourished.
- 00:21:08.890 --> 00:21:10.392
- Those 350.000
- 00:21:10.459 --> 00:21:12.027
- we break down the cost,
- 00:21:12.094 --> 00:21:13.495
- not total childcare
- 00:21:13.562 --> 00:21:14.863
- but nutritious feeding
- 00:21:14.930 --> 00:21:16.498
- that restores their health
- 00:21:16.565 --> 00:21:18.834
- and gives them a future,
- 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:20.268
- keeps them out
- 00:21:20.335 --> 00:21:21.570
- of the malnutrition clinics,
- 00:21:21.636 --> 00:21:22.804
- the last place they go
- 00:21:22.871 --> 00:21:24.039
- to try to fight for life.
- 00:21:24.106 --> 00:21:25.540
- For $30, $50, or $100
- 00:21:25.607 --> 00:21:27.008
- we can feed three, five,
- 00:21:27.075 --> 00:21:28.410
- or ten children
- 00:21:28.477 --> 00:21:29.878
- for the next months.
- 00:21:29.945 --> 00:21:31.012
- So you're making
- 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:32.147
- a single gift today
- 00:21:32.214 --> 00:21:33.281
- that will keep giving
- 00:21:33.348 --> 00:21:34.416
- for months.
- 00:21:34.483 --> 00:21:35.550
- So Betty, I'm believing God
- 00:21:35.617 --> 00:21:36.685
- for a miracle today.
- 00:21:36.752 --> 00:21:38.653
- I pray
- 00:21:39.121 --> 00:21:40.355
- I pray when I call and ask tomorrow,
- 00:21:40.422 --> 00:21:42.724
- I pray when I call and ask tomorrow, did we get some help,
- 00:21:42.791 --> 00:21:45.260
- when I call and ask tomorrow, did we get some help, the news will overwhelm us
- 00:21:45.327 --> 00:21:46.428
- did we get some help, the news will overwhelm us with joy.
- 00:21:46.495 --> 00:21:47.596
- the news will overwhelm us with joy. You're the joy
- 00:21:47.662 --> 00:21:48.764
- with joy. You're the joy and it is life to the people
- 00:21:48.830 --> 00:21:49.931
- You're the joy and it is life to the people you're reaching out to.
- 00:21:49.998 --> 00:21:51.032
- and it is life to the people you're reaching out to. Thank you.
- 00:21:51.099 --> 00:21:53.502
- Across the continent of Africa,
- 00:21:54.503 --> 00:21:56.505
- children are suffering,
- 00:21:56.505 --> 00:21:58.507
- facing severe malnutrition and even death.
- 00:21:58.507 --> 00:22:01.676
- With food reserves gone
- 00:22:01.676 --> 00:22:03.678
- and many areas experiencing severe famine,
- 00:22:03.678 --> 00:22:06.214
- we urgently need to replenish supplies
- 00:22:06.214 --> 00:22:08.483
- to keep feeding the 350.000 children
- 00:22:08.483 --> 00:22:10.852
- who are counting on us.
- 00:22:10.852 --> 00:22:13.755
- Call now with your lifesaving gift
- 00:22:13.755 --> 00:22:15.757
- of $30, $50, or $100
- 00:22:15.757 --> 00:22:18.026
- to help feed and care for three, five, or ten children
- 00:22:18.026 --> 00:22:21.163
- for three full months.
- 00:22:21.163 --> 00:22:23.231
- Also, please consider an extra gift to help
- 00:22:23.231 --> 00:22:25.233
- immediately rebuild malnutrition clinics
- 00:22:25.233 --> 00:22:27.736
- destroyed by record flooding in South Sudan.
- 00:22:27.736 --> 00:22:31.706
- This urgent need is $392.000 above
- 00:22:31.706 --> 00:22:34.543
- our normal feeding budget
- 00:22:34.543 --> 00:22:36.545
- and is critical to help save the lives
- 00:22:36.545 --> 00:22:38.780
- of those suffering most.
- 00:22:38.780 --> 00:22:40.982
- With your gift of any amount,
- 00:22:40.982 --> 00:22:42.984
- we will send you Christmas Grace.
- 00:22:42.984 --> 00:22:44.986
- This eye-opening, new 31-day devotional
- 00:22:44.986 --> 00:22:46.988
- will give you a fresh perspective
- 00:22:46.988 --> 00:22:48.990
- on the greatest gift ever given
- 00:22:48.990 --> 00:22:50.992
- and the life-transforming hope found in Christ's birth.
- 00:22:50.992 --> 00:22:54.129
- With your gift of $100 or more,
- 00:22:54.129 --> 00:22:56.131
- request the "Love and Thanks" tumbler set
- 00:22:56.131 --> 00:22:58.567
- with scriptures reminding us that God's love never fails
- 00:22:58.567 --> 00:23:01.570
- and to always "Give Thanks."
- 00:23:01.570 --> 00:23:03.572
- These tumblers will keep drinks hot or cold
- 00:23:03.572 --> 00:23:05.574
- wherever you go.
- 00:23:05.574 --> 00:23:07.576
- Finally, with your gift of $1.000 or more
- 00:23:07.576 --> 00:23:09.644
- to help feed and care for 100 children,
- 00:23:09.644 --> 00:23:12.147
- be sure to request our inspiring bronze sculpture,
- 00:23:12.147 --> 00:23:14.783
- "Divine Servant."
- 00:23:14.783 --> 00:23:17.118
- Please call, write, or make your gift online today.
- 00:23:17.118 --> 00:23:24.726
- JAMES: I want to thank all
- 00:23:24.826 --> 00:23:25.994
- JAMES: I want to thank all of you so much for helping.
- 00:23:26.061 --> 00:23:27.529
- JAMES: I want to thank all of you so much for helping. I hope you will pray
- 00:23:27.596 --> 00:23:28.797
- of you so much for helping. I hope you will pray about helping Joni.
- 00:23:28.864 --> 00:23:30.932
- I hope you will pray about helping Joni. She puts God's arms
- 00:23:30.999 --> 00:23:32.100
- about helping Joni. She puts God's arms around people that
- 00:23:32.167 --> 00:23:33.201
- She puts God's arms around people that desperately need it.
- 00:23:33.268 --> 00:23:34.536
- around people that desperately need it. We will send you the book.
- 00:23:34.603 --> 00:23:35.937
- desperately need it. We will send you the book. You can get it online,
- 00:23:36.004 --> 00:23:37.239
- We will send you the book. You can get it online, in the bookstores but
- 00:23:37.305 --> 00:23:38.874
- You can get it online, in the bookstores but we'll send it to you
- 00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:40.008
- in the bookstores but we'll send it to you if you'll just help us put
- 00:23:40.075 --> 00:23:41.042
- we'll send it to you if you'll just help us put God's arms around some of
- 00:23:41.109 --> 00:23:42.244
- if you'll just help us put God's arms around some of these hungry children and
- 00:23:42.310 --> 00:23:43.445
- God's arms around some of these hungry children and support these missionaries.
- 00:23:43.512 --> 00:23:45.213
- these hungry children and support these missionaries. Joni, we want to say to you
- 00:23:45.280 --> 00:23:46.314
- support these missionaries. Joni, we want to say to you again goodbye,
- 00:23:46.381 --> 00:23:47.616
- Joni, we want to say to you again goodbye, God bless you, we love you.
- 00:23:47.682 --> 00:23:49.584
- again goodbye, God bless you, we love you. You have blessed us
- 00:23:49.651 --> 00:23:50.652
- God bless you, we love you. You have blessed us beyond measure.
- 00:23:50.719 --> 00:23:52.387
- You have blessed us beyond measure. Thank you for sharing with us.
- 00:23:52.454 --> 00:23:54.990
- beyond measure. Thank you for sharing with us. JONI: Absolutely.
- 00:23:55.056 --> 00:23:56.224
- Thank you for sharing with us. JONI: Absolutely. And for those of our viewers
- 00:23:56.291 --> 00:23:57.726
- JONI: Absolutely. And for those of our viewers who help your children,
- 00:23:57.792 --> 00:23:59.327
- And for those of our viewers who help your children, Ruth 2:12 says,
- 00:23:59.394 --> 00:24:01.196
- who help your children, Ruth 2:12 says, "May the Lord repay you
- 00:24:01.263 --> 00:24:02.397
- Ruth 2:12 says, "May the Lord repay you for what you've done.
- 00:24:02.464 --> 00:24:03.732
- "May the Lord repay you for what you've done. May you be richly rewarded by
- 00:24:03.798 --> 00:24:04.766
- for what you've done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel."
- 00:24:04.833 --> 00:24:06.535
- May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel." That's a great blessing
- 00:24:06.601 --> 00:24:07.636
- the Lord, the God of Israel." That's a great blessing to sign off with.
- 00:24:07.702 --> 00:24:08.703
- That's a great blessing to sign off with. JAMES: It is!
- 00:24:08.770 --> 00:24:09.771
- to sign off with. JAMES: It is! Thank you, Joni.
- 00:24:09.838 --> 00:24:10.872
- JAMES: It is! Thank you, Joni. Thank all of you for watching.
- 00:24:10.939 --> 00:24:12.173
- Thank you, Joni. Thank all of you for watching. Thanks for sharing God's love.
- 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:14.809
- PASTOR MORRIS: Have you ever
- 00:24:20.515 --> 00:24:21.650
- PASTOR MORRIS: Have you ever been watching television
- 00:24:21.716 --> 00:24:22.817
- been watching television and heard a top ten list?
- 00:24:22.884 --> 00:24:24.452
- and heard a top ten list? We talk about them
- 00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:25.620
- We talk about them all the time.
- 00:24:25.687 --> 00:24:26.888
- all the time. Have you ever thought about
- 00:24:26.955 --> 00:24:28.056
- When we go back to the Bible
- 00:24:30.692 --> 00:24:32.027
- When we go back to the Bible we know that God gave us
- 00:24:32.093 --> 00:24:33.662
- When we go back to the Bible we know that God gave us ten commandments.
- 00:24:33.728 --> 00:24:35.030
- we know that God gave us ten commandments. I think those ten commandments
- 00:24:35.096 --> 00:24:36.331
- ten commandments. I think those ten commandments are His top ten
- 00:24:36.398 --> 00:24:38.133
- I think those ten commandments are His top ten but unfortunately, I think
- 00:24:38.199 --> 00:24:39.534
- are His top ten but unfortunately, I think we as believers, many times,
- 00:24:39.601 --> 00:24:41.036
- but unfortunately, I think we as believers, many times, neglect one of the most
- 00:24:41.102 --> 00:24:43.572
- we as believers, many times, neglect one of the most important of His top ten.
- 00:24:43.638 --> 00:24:45.640
- neglect one of the most important of His top ten. Sometimes we even feel like
- 00:24:45.707 --> 00:24:47.342
- important of His top ten. Sometimes we even feel like nine of those commandments
- 00:24:47.409 --> 00:24:48.977
- Sometimes we even feel like nine of those commandments apply to us today
- 00:24:49.044 --> 00:24:50.412
- nine of those commandments apply to us today but one doesn't.
- 00:24:50.478 --> 00:24:51.846
- apply to us today but one doesn't. We don't believe we should
- 00:24:51.913 --> 00:24:53.114
- but one doesn't. We don't believe we should lie or steal or murder
- 00:24:53.181 --> 00:24:55.550
- We don't believe we should lie or steal or murder or covet, and we also believe
- 00:24:55.617 --> 00:24:58.119
- lie or steal or murder or covet, and we also believe we should honor
- 00:24:58.186 --> 00:24:59.354
- or covet, and we also believe we should honor our mother and father.
- 00:24:59.421 --> 00:25:00.589
- we should honor our mother and father. We shouldn't have
- 00:25:00.655 --> 00:25:01.856
- our mother and father. We shouldn't have any other Gods before him.
- 00:25:01.923 --> 00:25:03.224
- We shouldn't have any other Gods before him. We should not take
- 00:25:03.291 --> 00:25:04.392
- any other Gods before him. We should not take His name in vain.
- 00:25:04.459 --> 00:25:05.627
- We should not take His name in vain. We shouldn't have idols.
- 00:25:05.694 --> 00:25:06.861
- His name in vain. We shouldn't have idols. But for some reason
- 00:25:06.928 --> 00:25:08.129
- We shouldn't have idols. But for some reason we forget about that
- 00:25:08.196 --> 00:25:10.532
- But for some reason we forget about that we should take a day off.
- 00:25:10.599 --> 00:25:12.133
- we forget about that we should take a day off. That's really the principle
- 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:13.768
- we should take a day off. That's really the principle behind the sabbath
- 00:25:13.835 --> 00:25:15.203
- That's really the principle behind the sabbath is to rest one day a week.
- 00:25:15.270 --> 00:25:17.973
- behind the sabbath is to rest one day a week. How much would it change
- 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:19.274
- is to rest one day a week. How much would it change your life if you simply
- 00:25:19.341 --> 00:25:21.242
- How much would it change your life if you simply rested one day a week?
- 00:25:21.309 --> 00:25:23.645
- your life if you simply rested one day a week? We don't keep the
- 00:25:23.712 --> 00:25:24.913
- rested one day a week? We don't keep the Ten Commandments to be saved.
- 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:26.681
- We don't keep the Ten Commandments to be saved. We are saved by grace
- 00:25:26.748 --> 00:25:28.049
- Ten Commandments to be saved. We are saved by grace through faith in
- 00:25:28.116 --> 00:25:29.284
- We are saved by grace through faith in the lord Jesus Christ.
- 00:25:29.351 --> 00:25:30.719
- through faith in the lord Jesus Christ. But if we disobey
- 00:25:30.785 --> 00:25:32.087
- the lord Jesus Christ. But if we disobey the Ten Commandments
- 00:25:32.153 --> 00:25:33.688
- But if we disobey the Ten Commandments are there consequences?
- 00:25:33.755 --> 00:25:35.390
- the Ten Commandments are there consequences? If we lie are
- 00:25:35.457 --> 00:25:36.625
- If we commit adultery
- 00:25:38.893 --> 00:25:40.428
- If we commit adultery are there consequences?
- 00:25:40.495 --> 00:25:42.230
- are there consequences? Absolutely!
- 00:25:42.297 --> 00:25:43.665
- Absolutely! In the same way, if we don't
- 00:25:43.732 --> 00:25:44.866
- In the same way, if we don't rest one day a week
- 00:25:44.933 --> 00:25:46.534
- On the other side, if we obey
- 00:25:48.970 --> 00:25:51.406
- On the other side, if we obey the Ten Commandments
- 00:25:51.473 --> 00:25:52.874
- On the other side, if we obey the Ten Commandments are there blessings?
- 00:25:52.941 --> 00:25:54.643
- the Ten Commandments are there blessings? Are there blessings
- 00:25:54.709 --> 00:25:55.910
- are there blessings? Are there blessings when we rest one day a week?
- 00:25:55.977 --> 00:25:58.380
- Are there blessings when we rest one day a week? God did not create us
- 00:25:58.446 --> 00:26:00.415
- when we rest one day a week? God did not create us to serve the sabbath.
- 00:26:00.482 --> 00:26:02.117
- God did not create us to serve the sabbath. He actually (this is what
- 00:26:02.183 --> 00:26:03.418
- to serve the sabbath. He actually (this is what Jesus said) He created
- 00:26:03.485 --> 00:26:04.853
- He actually (this is what Jesus said) He created the sabbath to serve us.
- 00:26:04.919 --> 00:26:06.821
- Jesus said) He created the sabbath to serve us. God doesn't want you tired
- 00:26:06.888 --> 00:26:09.024
- the sabbath to serve us. God doesn't want you tired and stressed out.
- 00:26:09.090 --> 00:26:10.592
- God doesn't want you tired and stressed out. He wants you rested.
- 00:26:10.659 --> 00:26:12.727
- and stressed out. He wants you rested. The sabbath is actually
- 00:26:12.794 --> 00:26:14.329
- He wants you rested. The sabbath is actually a witness to the whole world
- 00:26:14.396 --> 00:26:16.097
- The sabbath is actually a witness to the whole world because when the other nations
- 00:26:16.164 --> 00:26:17.499
- a witness to the whole world because when the other nations would call Israel and talk
- 00:26:17.565 --> 00:26:19.234
- because when the other nations would call Israel and talk about doing business, and
- 00:26:19.300 --> 00:26:20.969
- would call Israel and talk about doing business, and they would say, "Well, I'll
- 00:26:21.036 --> 00:26:22.070
- about doing business, and they would say, "Well, I'll come on such and such day"
- 00:26:22.137 --> 00:26:23.738
- they would say, "Well, I'll come on such and such day" Israel would say,
- 00:26:23.805 --> 00:26:24.839
- come on such and such day" Israel would say, "We're closed on that day."
- 00:26:24.906 --> 00:26:26.474
- Israel would say, "We're closed on that day." They would say, "Well, why
- 00:26:26.541 --> 00:26:27.575
- "We're closed on that day." They would say, "Well, why are you closed on that day?"
- 00:26:27.642 --> 00:26:28.877
- They would say, "Well, why are you closed on that day?" They would say,
- 00:26:28.943 --> 00:26:30.078
- are you closed on that day?" They would say, "Don't you know?
- 00:26:30.145 --> 00:26:31.413
- They would say, "Don't you know? God created the world
- 00:26:31.479 --> 00:26:32.580
- "Don't you know? God created the world in six days and on
- 00:26:32.647 --> 00:26:33.948
- God created the world in six days and on the seventh day He rested."
- 00:26:34.015 --> 00:26:36.418
- in six days and on the seventh day He rested." One of the greatest things
- 00:26:36.484 --> 00:26:37.952
- the seventh day He rested." One of the greatest things we can do is to witness
- 00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:39.387
- One of the greatest things we can do is to witness to the world that God
- 00:26:39.454 --> 00:26:40.989
- we can do is to witness to the world that God can do more in six days
- 00:26:41.056 --> 00:26:42.724
- to the world that God can do more in six days than He can in seven.
- 00:26:42.791 --> 00:26:44.059
- can do more in six days than He can in seven. There's a blessing to us
- 00:26:44.125 --> 00:26:45.860
- than He can in seven. There's a blessing to us if we'll rest one day a week.
- 00:26:45.927 --> 00:26:48.329
- There's a blessing to us if we'll rest one day a week. So I want to encourage you,
- 00:26:48.396 --> 00:26:49.698
- if we'll rest one day a week. So I want to encourage you, keep the sabbath,
- 00:26:49.764 --> 00:26:51.132
- So I want to encourage you, keep the sabbath, rest one day a week.
- 00:26:51.199 --> 00:26:52.701
- keep the sabbath, rest one day a week. Let me say it another way.
- 00:26:52.767 --> 00:26:54.035
- rest one day a week. Let me say it another way. I'm giving you permission,
- 00:26:54.102 --> 00:26:55.770
- Let me say it another way. I'm giving you permission, actually it's not me, the Lord
- 00:26:55.837 --> 00:26:57.238
- I'm giving you permission, actually it's not me, the Lord is giving you permission
- 00:26:57.305 --> 00:26:58.573
- actually it's not me, the Lord is giving you permission to take the day off.
- 00:26:58.640 --> 00:27:01.076
- - It has every ingredient that today people would say
- 00:27:02.277 --> 00:27:05.980
- it's going to be really hard for you to be anything.
- 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:08.650
- War Room actor, T.C. Stallings, tomorrow!
- 00:27:08.650 --> 00:27:12.554
- LIFE Today is made possible by the supporters of LIFE Outreach International.
- 00:27:12.654 --> 00:27:16.157
- Your gift will be used exclusively for the exempt purposes of LIFE.
- 00:27:16.157 --> 00:27:19.260
- The ministry features specific outreaches
- 00:27:19.260 --> 00:27:21.329
- as examples of the programs it supports and conducts.
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- 00:27:23.398 --> 00:27:25.467
- as to use unless explicitly stipulated by the donor.
- 00:27:25.467 --> 00:27:27.602
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- 00:27:27.602 --> 00:27:27.602