Mike Novotny - The God Connection

January 17, 2026 | 27:29

Time of Grace teaches tough topics in an approachable and relatable way, making the Bible clear and understandable for those who need encouragement in their walks of faith and for those who don’t yet know Jesus at all.

#Loneliness #PresenceofGod #SeekGod #TrustGod #WalkwithGod #Faith #SpiritualGrowth #Relationships #MikeNovotny

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Time Of Grace With Mike Novotny | Mike Novotny - The God Connection | January 17, 2026

♪ ♪
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>> how filled up
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>> how filled up is your relational cup?
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Is your relational cup? it's a question i want you
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It's a question i want you to think about today.
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To think about today. all of us have
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Kind of different preferences
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When it comes to how much
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When it comes to how much people time we like.
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People time we like. some of you are super people
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Some of you are super people people who can never get
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People who can never get enough time with people.
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Enough time with people. others of you appreciate
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Others of you appreciate solitude and me time
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Solitude and me time and quiet time.
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I'm not sure how big the cup is
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I'm not sure how big the cup is if you're a 12 ouncer,
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If you're a 12 ouncer, a 32 ouncer,
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A 32 ouncer, or you're one of those
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Or you're one of those massive from the gas station
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Massive from the gas station 64 ounce kind of people.
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64 ounce kind of people. but whatever the size of,
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But whatever the size of, like, your social preference is,
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Like, your social preference is, my question today is,
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My question today is, how filled up is that
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How filled up is that relational cup?
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Relational cup? how close to like
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How close to like ideal, satisfactory,
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Ideal, satisfactory, i'm super content and pleased
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I'm super content and pleased with my relationships are you?
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With my relationships are you? think about your relationship
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Think about your relationship with god or your relationship
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With god or your relationship with your parents or your
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With your parents or your siblings if you have them,
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Siblings if you have them, if you're dating or married
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If you're dating or married or have kids,
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Or have kids, just think about
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Just think about your families,
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Your families, think about friendships
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Think about friendships or even here at church,
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Or even here at church, like the connections
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Like the connections you have with brothers
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You have with brothers and sisters in jesus,
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And sisters in jesus, how filled up
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How filled up is that relational cup?
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Is that relational cup? i want to ask you that question
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I want to ask you that question today because more and more
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Today because more and more studies are coming out that
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Studies are coming out that are revealing that the way
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Are revealing that the way the average american feels
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The average american feels about their relationships
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About their relationships is not what it used to be.
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Is not what it used to be. there are increasing,
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There are increasing, some people would say
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Some people would say skyrocketing levels
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Skyrocketing levels of isolation and loneliness
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Of isolation and loneliness happening right here
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Happening right here in our culture.
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In our culture. but we have to admit that there
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But we have to admit that there are things that happened to us
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Are things that happened to us in life that mess with
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In life that mess with our relational health,
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Our relational health, and we just can't
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And we just can't control them, right?
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Control them, right? if you get into an accident,
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If you get into an accident, you have a surgery and you're
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You have a surgery and you're stuck in a hospital room,
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Stuck in a hospital room, or you have a disability
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Or you have a disability and you're watching at home,
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And you're watching at home, or if you lose someone
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Or if you lose someone that you love or a friend
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That you love or a friend moves to the other side
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Moves to the other side of the country,
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Of the country, that affects
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That affects our relational health.
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Our relational health. but we also have to admit
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But we also have to admit that that kind of stuff
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That that kind of stuff has always happened.
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Has always happened. death and separation have been
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Death and separation have been part of the human story
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Part of the human story since adam and eve.
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Since adam and eve. so, what's so different about
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So, what's so different about here and now in modern culture
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Here and now in modern culture that these levels would not just
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That these levels would not just stay flat or increase,
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Stay flat or increase, but skyrocket?
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But skyrocket? i think the answer can be found
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I think the answer can be found in the story of the african
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In the story of the african washing machines.
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Washing machines. i was reading a book last year
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I was reading a book last year about community and isolation
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About community and isolation and the author told the story
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And the author told the story of this african village,
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Of this african village, true story,
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True story, where the women
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Where the women of the village had to do
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Of the village had to do this exhausting, hard,
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This exhausting, hard, constant work of washing
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Constant work of washing by hand all of their
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By hand all of their family's clothes.
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Family's clothes. can you picture it,
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Can you picture it, just loading up
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Just loading up all the clothes in some
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All the clothes in some big basket on top of their
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Big basket on top of their head, huffed on their back?
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Head, huffed on their back? they'd walk all the way down
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They'd walk all the way down to the river with
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To the river with the other women and they'd
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The other women and they'd pull out all the clothes and
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Pull out all the clothes and wash and wring out every one,
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Wash and wring out every one, and lay them on the rocks,
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And lay them on the rocks, load them back up once
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Load them back up once they were dry,
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They were dry, huff it back to the village,
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Huff it back to the village, only to do it again and again
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Only to do it again and again and again and again
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And again and again until one --
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Until one -- until one day the harvest
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Until one day the harvest of this village was
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Of this village was so great and the profit
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So great and the profit that they made from
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That they made from the sale of the crops
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The sale of the crops was so high that they were able
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Was so high that they were able to purchase washing machines.
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To purchase washing machines. every woman, instead of doing
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Every woman, instead of doing the hard work of walking down
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The hard work of walking down to the river again and again,
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To the river again and again, could just throw in...
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[beeping]
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Push the buttons.
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Push the buttons. thank you, jesus,
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Thank you, jesus, for modern technology.
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For modern technology. but you know what happened?
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But you know what happened? they discovered that a year
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They discovered that a year after the washing machines
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After the washing machines ended up in
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Ended up in these women's houses,
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These women's houses, rates of depression,
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Rates of depression, isolation and loneliness
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Isolation and loneliness shot through the roof,
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Shot through the roof, and i bet you can
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And i bet you can figure out why.
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Figure out why. because even though
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Because even though it was hard work,
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It was hard work, while they were walking
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While they were walking down to the river,
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Down to the river, they were with... people.
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They were with... people. and even no one wants to like
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And even no one wants to like wring out your kid's undies in
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Wring out your kid's undies in some river as you were doing it,
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Some river as you were doing it, they had time to talk to people.
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They had time to talk to people. and as they're going back
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And as they're going back to their homes,
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To their homes, they were face to face
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They were face to face sharing highs and lows,
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Sharing highs and lows, good and bad, celebrations
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Good and bad, celebrations and sorrows with people.
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And sorrows with people. but the convenience
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But the convenience had an unintended effect,
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Had an unintended effect, and that effect was loneliness.
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And that effect was loneliness. life got easier, but it
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Life got easier, but it left them so much lonelier.
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Left them so much lonelier. that's my theory
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That's my theory for what's happened today
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For what's happened today in our culture,
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In our culture, and i'd love for you
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And i'd love for you to write it down.
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To write it down. our primary problem is that
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Our primary problem is that we often choose what's easier
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We often choose what's easier without thinking deeply
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Without thinking deeply of whether or not it will
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Of whether or not it will leave us lonelier.
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Leave us lonelier. you and i, compared
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You and i, compared to other humans in history,
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To other humans in history, live in a shockingly
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Live in a shockingly convenient age.
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Convenient age. could you imagine if we
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Could you imagine if we could bring like your great,
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Could bring like your great, great, great, great, great,
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Great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandpa,
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Great, great, great grandpa, time machine him just
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Time machine him just to watch you live for a week?
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To watch you live for a week? what do you think he'd say?
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What do you think he'd say? "how do you communicate with
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"how do you communicate with your family who doesn't
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Your family who doesn't live nearby?
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Live nearby? what?
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What? well, how do you get food
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Well, how do you get food to feed your family?"
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To feed your family?" "look at this app.
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"look at this app. it's called grubhub, grandpa."
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It's called grubhub, grandpa." there's so many things that
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There's so many things that are so insanely convenient.
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Are so insanely convenient. but think about it,
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But think about it, if you lean too far
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If you lean too far into the convenience,
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Into the convenience, does it not make logical sense
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Does it not make logical sense that you'd end up
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That you'd end up with greater loneliness?
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With greater loneliness? and imagine a person who their
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And imagine a person who their education instead of doing
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Education instead of doing the hard work of going to class
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The hard work of going to class and sitting there through
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And sitting there through the lecture and trying
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The lecture and trying to fight to pay attention,
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To fight to pay attention, they just do everything
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They just do everything online and answer on
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Online and answer on a post at their convenience.
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A post at their convenience. and their job,
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And their job, instead of sitting
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Instead of sitting in a meeting and making
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In a meeting and making small talk and being
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Small talk and being by the water cooler instead
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By the water cooler instead it's all on a screen from home
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It's all on a screen from home in their pajama pants.
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In their pajama pants. imagine if getting groceries
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Imagine if getting groceries isn't like walking a 5k
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Isn't like walking a 5k through every single aisle
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Through every single aisle and making small talk with
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And making small talk with the awkward cashier
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The awkward cashier who can't find the barcode,
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Who can't find the barcode, but it's just delivered
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But it's just delivered in the trunk of my car
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In the trunk of my car or to my front porch.
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Or to my front porch. and imagine if my friendship
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And imagine if my friendship isn't like going to the mall
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Isn't like going to the mall and hanging out with friends
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And hanging out with friends or having a sleep over,
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Or having a sleep over, but instead just through
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But instead just through asynchronous texting
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Asynchronous texting and sharing of memes,
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And sharing of memes, and snapchat pictures.
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And snapchat pictures. none of it, i'm not saying this,
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None of it, i'm not saying this, is right or wrong,
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Is right or wrong, is sinful or holy,
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Is sinful or holy, but you can see
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But you can see what would happen.
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What would happen. the more we decrease the amount
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The more we decrease the amount of time we have with humans
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Of time we have with humans for the sake of convenience.
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For the sake of convenience. add up enough of those things
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Add up enough of those things and you end up just
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And you end up just like those african women
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Like those african women with an easier life,
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With an easier life, but perhaps,
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But perhaps, a much lonelier one.
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A much lonelier one. but what would happen?
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But what would happen? and here's my big question
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And here's my big question for this sermon series.
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For this sermon series. what would happen if you would
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What would happen if you would intentionally not choose
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Intentionally not choose what was easier?
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What was easier? what if you would step back
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What if you would step back from your life and make
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From your life and make choices not driven by
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Choices not driven by the priority of convenience,
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The priority of convenience, but instead in hot pursuit
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But instead in hot pursuit of a decrease
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Of a decrease in your loneliness?
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In your loneliness? if you believe,
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If you believe, and i hope you believe this,
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And i hope you believe this, that the end of your life,
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That the end of your life, what will matter most
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What will matter most are your relationships,
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Are your relationships, not how fast you
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Not how fast you got your work done,
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Got your work done, not how easy it was to do,
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Not how easy it was to do, but your connection
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But your connection to god and family
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To god and family and friends and church.
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And friends and church. if that would matter more,
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If that would matter more, what would happen if we would
00:07:05.103 --> 00:07:05.804
What would happen if we would intentionally make
00:07:05.871 --> 00:07:07.138
Intentionally make harder choices that lead
00:07:07.205 --> 00:07:07.973
Harder choices that lead to a long term happier life?
00:07:08.039 --> 00:07:10.375
To a long term happier life? that just might
00:07:10.442 --> 00:07:11.710
That just might make us less lonely.
00:07:11.776 --> 00:07:15.714
Make us less lonely. and now,
00:07:15.780 --> 00:07:16.181
And now, my brothers and sisters,
00:07:16.248 --> 00:07:16.681
My brothers and sisters, is what this sermon series
00:07:16.748 --> 00:07:18.016
Is what this sermon series is all about.
00:07:18.083 --> 00:07:20.385
Is all about. you are going to love it
00:07:20.452 --> 00:07:21.453
You are going to love it and you're going to hate it.
00:07:21.520 --> 00:07:23.488
And you're going to hate it. it's going to push you,
00:07:23.555 --> 00:07:24.523
It's going to push you, and prod you, and bless you.
00:07:24.589 --> 00:07:26.825
And prod you, and bless you. we're going to talk about
00:07:26.892 --> 00:07:27.626
We're going to talk about some not so easy,
00:07:27.692 --> 00:07:28.560
Some not so easy, but simple steps
00:07:28.627 --> 00:07:29.594
But simple steps to a less lonely life.
00:07:29.661 --> 00:07:31.062
To a less lonely life. we're going to talk about things
00:07:31.129 --> 00:07:31.863
We're going to talk about things like repentance, submission,
00:07:31.930 --> 00:07:35.467
Like repentance, submission, yielding to the will of god.
00:07:35.534 --> 00:07:37.235
Yielding to the will of god. we're going to talk about
00:07:37.302 --> 00:07:38.169
We're going to talk about humilities in our family,
00:07:38.236 --> 00:07:40.539
Humilities in our family, putting other people first,
00:07:40.605 --> 00:07:41.773
Putting other people first, owning our parts,
00:07:41.840 --> 00:07:42.541
Owning our parts, doing the hard work
00:07:42.607 --> 00:07:43.308
Doing the hard work of communication.
00:07:43.375 --> 00:07:44.476
Of communication. we're going to think
00:07:44.543 --> 00:07:45.477
We're going to think intentionally about technology
00:07:45.544 --> 00:07:46.745
Intentionally about technology and busyness and just fighting
00:07:46.811 --> 00:07:48.246
And busyness and just fighting the currents of our culture.
00:07:48.313 --> 00:07:49.648
The currents of our culture. we're going to fight for
00:07:49.714 --> 00:07:50.815
We're going to fight for face to face friendships.
00:07:50.882 --> 00:07:52.150
Face to face friendships. we're going to talk about church
00:07:52.217 --> 00:07:53.018
We're going to talk about church and avoiding the big
00:07:53.084 --> 00:07:53.785
And avoiding the big ditches of both past
00:07:53.852 --> 00:07:55.887
Ditches of both past and current generations.
00:07:55.954 --> 00:07:57.589
And current generations. a generation that would show up
00:07:57.656 --> 00:07:58.557
A generation that would show up every sunday for church,
00:07:58.623 --> 00:07:59.491
Every sunday for church, but they would never
00:07:59.558 --> 00:08:00.058
But they would never share the real them.
00:08:00.125 --> 00:08:01.860
Share the real them. and a generation that will
00:08:01.927 --> 00:08:02.460
And a generation that will share everything about you,
00:08:02.527 --> 00:08:03.495
Share everything about you, but you won't show up
00:08:03.562 --> 00:08:04.296
But you won't show up and commit to the rhythms
00:08:04.362 --> 00:08:05.864
And commit to the rhythms and habits of church.
00:08:05.931 --> 00:08:06.798
And habits of church. we're going to talk about
00:08:06.865 --> 00:08:07.666
We're going to talk about how to talk.
00:08:07.732 --> 00:08:09.668
How to talk. we're all going to stand
00:08:09.734 --> 00:08:10.302
We're all going to stand in front of the mirror and ask
00:08:10.368 --> 00:08:11.169
In front of the mirror and ask ourselves the question,
00:08:11.236 --> 00:08:12.971
Ourselves the question, "am i the kind of person
00:08:13.038 --> 00:08:13.705
"am i the kind of person that other people like
00:08:13.772 --> 00:08:14.506
That other people like talking to?"
00:08:14.573 --> 00:08:18.043
Talking to?" it's going to be so fun.
00:08:18.109 --> 00:08:21.012
It's going to be so fun. but at the end
00:08:21.079 --> 00:08:21.680
But at the end of those hard questions
00:08:21.746 --> 00:08:22.347
Of those hard questions and difficult steps,
00:08:22.414 --> 00:08:23.281
And difficult steps, i have a hunch
00:08:23.348 --> 00:08:24.015
I have a hunch that god's going to do for you
00:08:24.082 --> 00:08:25.116
That god's going to do for you what he's been doing for lots
00:08:25.183 --> 00:08:25.884
What he's been doing for lots and lots of his sons
00:08:25.951 --> 00:08:26.651
And lots of his sons and daughters,
00:08:26.718 --> 00:08:27.152
And daughters, he's going to bless you
00:08:27.218 --> 00:08:27.786
He's going to bless you with a less lonely life.
00:08:27.852 --> 00:08:32.791
With a less lonely life. so, let's kick off that
00:08:32.857 --> 00:08:33.758
So, let's kick off that discussion with the biggest
00:08:33.825 --> 00:08:34.726
Discussion with the biggest and most important
00:08:34.793 --> 00:08:35.627
And most important relationship of all,
00:08:35.694 --> 00:08:36.194
Relationship of all, your relationship with god.
00:08:36.261 --> 00:08:40.298
Your relationship with god. if you're taking notes,
00:08:40.365 --> 00:08:40.966
If you're taking notes, here's the number one solution
00:08:41.032 --> 00:08:43.368
Here's the number one solution to your relationship struggles,
00:08:43.435 --> 00:08:46.271
To your relationship struggles, the more lord, the less lonely.
00:08:46.338 --> 00:08:53.011
The more lord, the less lonely. the more lord you have
00:08:53.078 --> 00:08:53.778
The more lord you have in your life,
00:08:53.845 --> 00:08:54.446
In your life, the less lonely
00:08:54.512 --> 00:08:56.348
The less lonely you will be.
00:08:56.414 --> 00:08:57.182
You will be. the more you think of god,
00:08:57.248 --> 00:09:00.285
The more you think of god, and the frequency in which
00:09:00.352 --> 00:09:01.653
And the frequency in which you think of god
00:09:01.720 --> 00:09:03.421
You think of god has an incredible impact on
00:09:03.488 --> 00:09:05.824
Has an incredible impact on the loneliness you experience
00:09:05.890 --> 00:09:06.958
The loneliness you experience in your heart.
00:09:07.025 --> 00:09:08.960
In your heart. there is
00:09:09.027 --> 00:09:09.427
There is an inverse relationship,
00:09:09.494 --> 00:09:10.095
An inverse relationship, i would say,
00:09:10.161 --> 00:09:11.129
I would say, between your lord
00:09:11.196 --> 00:09:12.964
Between your lord and your loneliness.
00:09:13.031 --> 00:09:13.798
And your loneliness. increase god in your thoughts
00:09:13.865 --> 00:09:16.735
Increase god in your thoughts and your loneliness will,
00:09:16.801 --> 00:09:18.637
And your loneliness will, by correlation, decrease.
00:09:18.703 --> 00:09:20.138
By correlation, decrease. to put another way,
00:09:20.205 --> 00:09:20.739
To put another way, god's presence
00:09:20.805 --> 00:09:22.540
God's presence is the bible's primary
00:09:22.607 --> 00:09:23.174
Is the bible's primary answer to our loneliness.
00:09:23.241 --> 00:09:27.846
Answer to our loneliness. where did i come up with this?
00:09:27.912 --> 00:09:31.383
Where did i come up with this? in this book.
00:09:31.449 --> 00:09:33.918
In this book. do you know the most repeated
00:09:33.985 --> 00:09:35.620
Do you know the most repeated command in all the bible?
00:09:35.687 --> 00:09:39.591
Command in all the bible? "do not be afraid."
00:09:39.658 --> 00:09:41.259
"do not be afraid." and do you know most
00:09:41.326 --> 00:09:42.427
And do you know most repeated promise that
00:09:42.494 --> 00:09:43.228
Repeated promise that comes after that command?
00:09:43.294 --> 00:09:45.196
Comes after that command? "for i am with you."
00:09:45.263 --> 00:09:49.901
"for i am with you." when god would see people
00:09:49.968 --> 00:09:51.102
When god would see people stressed, overwhelmed,
00:09:51.169 --> 00:09:53.271
Stressed, overwhelmed, isolated, afraid, guilty,
00:09:53.338 --> 00:09:56.141
Isolated, afraid, guilty, ashamed, anxious,
00:09:56.207 --> 00:09:58.410
Ashamed, anxious, he said again, and again,
00:09:58.476 --> 00:09:59.477
He said again, and again, and again, and again,
00:09:59.544 --> 00:10:00.512
And again, and again, "i promise to be with you."
00:10:00.578 --> 00:10:04.349
"i promise to be with you." let me show you
00:10:04.416 --> 00:10:04.916
Let me show you in five quick passages.
00:10:04.983 --> 00:10:07.152
In five quick passages. in joshua 1, when a man
00:10:07.218 --> 00:10:09.154
In joshua 1, when a man named moses was about to die
00:10:09.220 --> 00:10:10.522
Named moses was about to die and joshua was taking over,
00:10:10.588 --> 00:10:12.257
And joshua was taking over, when joshua was overwhelmed
00:10:12.323 --> 00:10:13.558
When joshua was overwhelmed with the thought
00:10:13.625 --> 00:10:14.426
With the thought of grieving his friend moses
00:10:14.492 --> 00:10:16.494
And being like the point man
00:10:16.594 --> 00:10:17.762
And being like the point man for millions of israelites,
00:10:17.829 --> 00:10:19.731
For millions of israelites, god showed up and he said this,
00:10:19.798 --> 00:10:20.699
God showed up and he said this, "have i not commanded you?
00:10:20.765 --> 00:10:21.966
"have i not commanded you? be strong and courageous.
00:10:22.033 --> 00:10:24.703
Be strong and courageous. do not be afraid,
00:10:24.769 --> 00:10:25.637
Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged,
00:10:25.704 --> 00:10:26.271
Do not be discouraged, for the lord your god,"
00:10:26.337 --> 00:10:28.540
For the lord your god," get this, "will be with you
00:10:28.606 --> 00:10:31.543
Get this, "will be with you wherever you go."
00:10:31.609 --> 00:10:33.912
If you're processing
00:10:34.012 --> 00:10:34.479
If you're processing your grief well
00:10:34.546 --> 00:10:35.313
Your grief well or you're just in the pit
00:10:35.380 --> 00:10:36.748
Or you're just in the pit of missing moses who is now gone
00:10:36.815 --> 00:10:38.550
Of missing moses who is now gone and is not coming back,
00:10:38.616 --> 00:10:40.051
And is not coming back, don't be discouraged
00:10:40.118 --> 00:10:40.752
Don't be discouraged and don't be afraid for god,
00:10:40.819 --> 00:10:42.220
And don't be afraid for god, your god will be with you
00:10:42.287 --> 00:10:43.621
Your god will be with you wherever you go.
00:10:43.688 --> 00:10:46.858
Wherever you go. number two, when king david
00:10:46.925 --> 00:10:49.160
Number two, when king david was running from saul,
00:10:49.227 --> 00:10:50.929
Was running from saul, this abusive, aggressive man,
00:10:50.995 --> 00:10:53.965
This abusive, aggressive man, he wrote this famous song
00:10:54.032 --> 00:10:54.833
He wrote this famous song that we call psalm 23.
00:10:54.899 --> 00:10:56.267
Maybe you've heard it
00:10:56.367 --> 00:10:57.102
Maybe you've heard it at a funeral before,
00:10:57.168 --> 00:10:58.303
At a funeral before, where david said this,
00:10:58.369 --> 00:10:59.871
Where david said this, "even though i walk through
00:10:59.938 --> 00:11:00.805
"even though i walk through the darkest valley,
00:11:00.872 --> 00:11:02.373
The darkest valley, i will fear no evil,
00:11:02.440 --> 00:11:04.109
I will fear no evil, for you, god, are with me."
00:11:04.175 --> 00:11:08.747
For you, god, are with me." he said, "i have such
00:11:08.813 --> 00:11:09.748
A good life if god is with me,
00:11:09.848 --> 00:11:11.549
A good life if god is with me, even if i'm in
00:11:11.616 --> 00:11:12.317
Even if i'm in the darkest valley,
00:11:12.383 --> 00:11:12.984
The darkest valley, even if life is really hard,
00:11:13.051 --> 00:11:13.985
Even if life is really hard, if i have god,
00:11:14.052 --> 00:11:15.553
If i have god, i have everything that i need."
00:11:15.620 --> 00:11:18.323
I have everything that i need." i think the prophet isaiah,
00:11:18.389 --> 00:11:21.092
I think the prophet isaiah, when the people of israel
00:11:21.159 --> 00:11:22.293
When the people of israel were about to be
00:11:22.360 --> 00:11:22.861
Were about to be taken into exile,
00:11:22.927 --> 00:11:23.828
Taken into exile, far from their homes,
00:11:23.895 --> 00:11:25.463
Beds, family and friends,
00:11:25.563 --> 00:11:27.232
Beds, family and friends, god showed up and he said this,
00:11:27.298 --> 00:11:28.133
God showed up and he said this, "do not fear, for i am with you.
00:11:28.199 --> 00:11:30.502
"do not fear, for i am with you. do not be dismayed,
00:11:30.568 --> 00:11:31.503
Do not be dismayed, for i am your god.
00:11:31.569 --> 00:11:32.303
For i am your god. i will strengthen you
00:11:32.370 --> 00:11:33.571
I will strengthen you and help you.
00:11:33.638 --> 00:11:34.305
And help you. i will uphold you with
00:11:34.372 --> 00:11:35.039
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
00:11:35.106 --> 00:11:39.110
When the prophet jeremiah,
00:11:39.210 --> 00:11:39.911
When the prophet jeremiah, number four,
00:11:39.978 --> 00:11:40.512
Number four, was persecuted for his faith
00:11:40.578 --> 00:11:41.913
Was persecuted for his faith when he was ridiculed
00:11:41.980 --> 00:11:42.881
When he was ridiculed for believing in god,
00:11:42.947 --> 00:11:43.982
For believing in god, tossed into a dark pit
00:11:44.048 --> 00:11:45.683
All by himself,
00:11:45.784 --> 00:11:47.619
All by himself, god said this,
00:11:47.685 --> 00:11:48.887
God said this, "do not be afraid of them,
00:11:48.953 --> 00:11:49.687
"do not be afraid of them, for i'm with you
00:11:49.754 --> 00:11:52.056
For i'm with you and i will rescue you."
00:11:52.123 --> 00:11:55.193
And i will rescue you." and the best example,
00:11:55.260 --> 00:11:55.960
And the best example, before jesus returned
00:11:56.027 --> 00:11:56.795
To heaven as his guys,
00:11:56.895 --> 00:12:00.198
To heaven as his guys, his apostles were such
00:12:00.265 --> 00:12:01.399
His apostles were such incredible works in progress.
00:12:01.466 --> 00:12:03.234
Incredible works in progress. he died, rose from the grave,
00:12:03.301 --> 00:12:04.836
He died, rose from the grave, and 40 days later he was
00:12:04.903 --> 00:12:06.004
And 40 days later he was about to go back to his
00:12:06.070 --> 00:12:06.871
About to go back to his heavenly father.
00:12:06.938 --> 00:12:07.839
What did he say?
00:12:07.939 --> 00:12:09.741
What did he say? "don't panic, peter, for surely
00:12:09.808 --> 00:12:12.777
"don't panic, peter, for surely i will be with you," how often?
00:12:12.844 --> 00:12:17.048
I will be with you," how often? "always."
00:12:17.115 --> 00:12:18.950
Wait, so god's with me
00:12:19.050 --> 00:12:21.252
Wait, so god's with me wherever i go and he's god,
00:12:21.319 --> 00:12:22.153
Wherever i go and he's god, and he's amazing,
00:12:22.220 --> 00:12:22.854
And he's amazing, and he's loving, and he's kind.
00:12:22.921 --> 00:12:24.589
And he's loving, and he's kind. what's so hard about that?
00:12:24.656 --> 00:12:26.257
What's so hard about that? i'll tell you.
00:12:26.324 --> 00:12:28.726
I'll tell you. when the lord is with you,
00:12:28.793 --> 00:12:33.331
When the lord is with you, the lord is with you.
00:12:33.398 --> 00:12:39.737
The lord is with you. none of you are
00:12:39.804 --> 00:12:40.271
None of you are writing that down.
00:12:40.338 --> 00:12:40.905
Writing that down. let me say it again.
00:12:40.972 --> 00:12:41.906
Let me say it again. when the lord is with you,
00:12:41.973 --> 00:12:44.008
When the lord is with you, the lord is with you.
00:12:44.075 --> 00:12:47.912
The lord is with you. not your all-powerful
00:12:47.979 --> 00:12:50.181
Not your all-powerful butler is with you.
00:12:50.248 --> 00:12:53.451
Butler is with you. not your divine ai,
00:12:53.518 --> 00:12:55.620
Not your divine ai, who can give you answers
00:12:55.687 --> 00:12:56.654
Who can give you answers when you have questions.
00:12:56.721 --> 00:12:59.157
When you have questions. no, when the lord is with you,
00:12:59.224 --> 00:13:01.359
No, when the lord is with you, who's with you?
00:13:01.426 --> 00:13:03.228
Who's with you? the lord.
00:13:03.294 --> 00:13:04.262
The lord. that title comes with authority.
00:13:04.329 --> 00:13:07.866
That title comes with authority. god is the one who gets
00:13:07.932 --> 00:13:09.567
God is the one who gets to decide how you should
00:13:09.634 --> 00:13:11.669
To decide how you should live your life.
00:13:11.736 --> 00:13:12.470
Live your life. in other words,
00:13:12.537 --> 00:13:13.304
In other words, if jesus is going
00:13:13.371 --> 00:13:14.038
If jesus is going to be with you always,
00:13:14.105 --> 00:13:15.006
To be with you always, he will never sit
00:13:15.073 --> 00:13:15.874
He will never sit in the back seat
00:13:15.940 --> 00:13:17.709
In the back seat and he won't be your buddy
00:13:17.775 --> 00:13:18.610
And he won't be your buddy sitting shotgun to give you
00:13:18.676 --> 00:13:19.744
Sitting shotgun to give you encouragement and advice.
00:13:19.811 --> 00:13:20.645
Encouragement and advice. he either has the wheel
00:13:20.712 --> 00:13:22.146
He either has the wheel or he's not in the car at all.
00:13:22.213 --> 00:13:26.417
Or he's not in the car at all. and in the culture for some
00:13:26.484 --> 00:13:27.352
And in the culture for some of you that's taught you
00:13:27.418 --> 00:13:28.052
Of you that's taught you your entire life that you
00:13:28.119 --> 00:13:28.920
Your entire life that you should follow your heart
00:13:28.987 --> 00:13:30.421
Should follow your heart and be true to yourself,
00:13:30.488 --> 00:13:32.957
And be true to yourself, and it's your life to live
00:13:33.024 --> 00:13:34.759
And it's your life to live and you get to decide
00:13:34.826 --> 00:13:35.627
And you get to decide what's good or bad,
00:13:35.693 --> 00:13:36.361
What's good or bad, what's right or wrong.
00:13:36.427 --> 00:13:37.362
What's right or wrong. you'll decide with money
00:13:37.428 --> 00:13:39.063
You'll decide with money and time and schedule
00:13:39.130 --> 00:13:40.098
And time and schedule and sexuality
00:13:40.164 --> 00:13:40.765
And sexuality and everything else,
00:13:40.832 --> 00:13:41.366
And everything else, what's good.
00:13:41.432 --> 00:13:42.200
What's good. jesus says, "nope.
00:13:42.267 --> 00:13:44.636
Jesus says, "nope. either i'm with you or i'm not.
00:13:44.702 --> 00:13:47.739
Either i'm with you or i'm not. i'm not here as your buddy
00:13:47.805 --> 00:13:48.606
I'm not here as your buddy or your sidekick.
00:13:48.673 --> 00:13:49.207
Or your sidekick. i will show up in power and love
00:13:49.274 --> 00:13:50.742
I will show up in power and love and i will be your lord."
00:13:50.808 --> 00:13:52.043
And i will be your lord." and this is
00:13:52.110 --> 00:13:53.311
And this is incredibly difficult.
00:13:53.378 --> 00:13:55.680
Incredibly difficult. i wonder if some of you here
00:13:55.747 --> 00:13:57.015
I wonder if some of you here today aren't very religious
00:13:57.081 --> 00:13:59.751
Today aren't very religious or christian at all because
00:13:59.817 --> 00:14:00.852
Or christian at all because you're smart enough to know
00:14:00.919 --> 00:14:02.921
That jesus is lord.
00:14:03.021 --> 00:14:07.792
That jesus is lord. in fact, that's exactly
00:14:07.859 --> 00:14:08.660
In fact, that's exactly what jesus said in mark 8.
00:14:08.726 --> 00:14:10.094
What jesus said in mark 8. he said, "whoever wants to be
00:14:10.161 --> 00:14:11.496
He said, "whoever wants to be my disciple must deny
00:14:11.562 --> 00:14:13.197
My disciple must deny themselves and take up
00:14:13.264 --> 00:14:14.198
Themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
00:14:14.265 --> 00:14:17.635
Their cross and follow me. for whoever wants to save
00:14:17.702 --> 00:14:18.469
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it,
00:14:18.536 --> 00:14:19.203
Their life will lose it, but whoever loses
00:14:19.270 --> 00:14:19.938
But whoever loses their life for me and for
00:14:20.004 --> 00:14:21.572
Their life for me and for the gospel will save it."
00:14:21.639 --> 00:14:25.410
I really saw some tickets for
00:14:25.510 --> 00:14:27.045
I really saw some tickets for $13 apiece to take my family
00:14:27.111 --> 00:14:29.480
$13 apiece to take my family to see the milwaukee bucks play
00:14:29.547 --> 00:14:31.316
To see the milwaukee bucks play the washington wizards.
00:14:31.382 --> 00:14:33.451
The washington wizards. i'm not sure if you go
00:14:33.518 --> 00:14:34.185
I'm not sure if you go to professional sports games,
00:14:34.252 --> 00:14:35.119
To professional sports games, but $13 will not get you
00:14:35.186 --> 00:14:36.988
But $13 will not get you close to the superstars.
00:14:37.055 --> 00:14:39.023
Close to the superstars. we were in like the fourth
00:14:39.090 --> 00:14:40.992
We were in like the fourth to last row up in
00:14:41.059 --> 00:14:42.026
To last row up in the nosebleed seats
00:14:42.093 --> 00:14:43.027
The nosebleed seats watching little ants pass
00:14:43.094 --> 00:14:44.195
Watching little ants pass the ball down.
00:14:44.262 --> 00:14:45.196
The ball down. except we had a plan that day.
00:14:45.263 --> 00:14:47.699
Except we had a plan that day. i'm not sure if you
00:14:47.765 --> 00:14:48.299
I'm not sure if you follow the nba,
00:14:48.366 --> 00:14:49.167
Follow the nba, but currently,
00:14:49.233 --> 00:14:50.001
But currently, the washington wizards
00:14:50.068 --> 00:14:50.969
The washington wizards number one's star making
00:14:51.035 --> 00:14:51.970
Number one's star making $30 million a year is a guard
00:14:52.036 --> 00:14:54.706
$30 million a year is a guard named jordan poole.
00:14:54.772 --> 00:14:55.606
Named jordan poole. have you heard of him?
00:14:55.673 --> 00:14:56.708
Have you heard of him? he's actually
00:14:56.774 --> 00:14:57.342
He's actually a wisconsin native.
00:14:57.408 --> 00:14:58.876
A wisconsin native. when he was in preschool,
00:14:58.943 --> 00:14:59.877
When he was in preschool, my wife was
00:14:59.944 --> 00:15:00.645
My wife was his sister's teacher.
00:15:00.712 --> 00:15:02.280
His sister's teacher. so, we had this
00:15:02.347 --> 00:15:02.880
So, we had this crazy connection.
00:15:02.947 --> 00:15:04.248
Crazy connection. my daughter,
00:15:04.315 --> 00:15:05.350
My daughter, my first born brooklyn,
00:15:05.416 --> 00:15:06.184
My first born brooklyn, bought a jordan poole jersey
00:15:06.250 --> 00:15:07.485
Bought a jordan poole jersey when he played for
00:15:07.552 --> 00:15:08.152
When he played for the golden state warriors.
00:15:08.219 --> 00:15:09.454
The golden state warriors. and brooklyn had this dream
00:15:09.520 --> 00:15:11.155
And brooklyn had this dream of getting the autograph
00:15:11.222 --> 00:15:12.290
Of getting the autograph of jordan poole, nba superstar.
00:15:12.357 --> 00:15:15.293
Of jordan poole, nba superstar. there's one problem,
00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:17.462
There's one problem, when you're sitting in
00:15:17.528 --> 00:15:18.363
When you're sitting in the last row of a stadium,
00:15:18.429 --> 00:15:21.132
The last row of a stadium, it's hard to throw
00:15:21.199 --> 00:15:21.733
It's hard to throw a sharpie down to the court.
00:15:21.799 --> 00:15:24.469
A sharpie down to the court. so, we came up with this plan.
00:15:24.535 --> 00:15:25.370
So, we came up with this plan. we said what if we get
00:15:25.436 --> 00:15:26.237
We said what if we get there really early,
00:15:26.304 --> 00:15:27.205
There really early, like right when the doors open
00:15:27.271 --> 00:15:28.473
Like right when the doors open before people get
00:15:28.539 --> 00:15:29.140
Before people get to their seats and we go
00:15:29.207 --> 00:15:30.008
To their seats and we go all the way down to, like,
00:15:30.074 --> 00:15:30.875
All the way down to, like, the tunnel where the players
00:15:30.942 --> 00:15:32.143
The tunnel where the players come out and maybe,
00:15:32.210 --> 00:15:32.910
Come out and maybe, just maybe jordan poole
00:15:32.977 --> 00:15:34.012
Just maybe jordan poole come running out,
00:15:34.078 --> 00:15:34.812
Come running out, we can hold the sharpie
00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:35.580
We can hold the sharpie and you can get
00:15:35.646 --> 00:15:35.947
And you can get your autograph?
00:15:36.014 --> 00:15:37.115
Your autograph? good plan.
00:15:37.181 --> 00:15:38.516
Good plan. so, our family starts walking
00:15:38.583 --> 00:15:39.150
So, our family starts walking down past the $100 seats,
00:15:39.217 --> 00:15:40.852
Down past the $100 seats, and the $250 seats,
00:15:40.918 --> 00:15:42.253
And the $250 seats, and the $500 seats.
00:15:42.320 --> 00:15:43.488
And the $500 seats. and then, we run into,
00:15:43.554 --> 00:15:44.956
And then, we run into, kenneth, the security guard.
00:15:45.023 --> 00:15:47.625
Kenneth, the security guard. and kenneth, he knows what
00:15:47.692 --> 00:15:49.627
And kenneth, he knows what we're up to before we even
00:15:49.694 --> 00:15:51.429
We're up to before we even get close to the court.
00:15:51.496 --> 00:15:52.597
Get close to the court. he can tell these
00:15:52.663 --> 00:15:53.264
He can tell these are not our seats.
00:15:53.331 --> 00:15:54.565
Are not our seats. and so, we're standing there,
00:15:54.632 --> 00:15:55.199
And so, we're standing there, trying not to feel too awkward.
00:15:55.266 --> 00:15:56.868
Trying not to feel too awkward. and kenneth says,
00:15:56.934 --> 00:15:57.301
And kenneth says, "hey, can't stand in the aisle,
00:15:57.368 --> 00:16:00.838
"hey, can't stand in the aisle, got to sit down."
00:16:00.905 --> 00:16:04.108
Got to sit down." so, we kind of sit down
00:16:04.175 --> 00:16:04.709
So, we kind of sit down in these seats
00:16:04.776 --> 00:16:06.210
In these seats waiting for someone to come
00:16:06.277 --> 00:16:07.245
Waiting for someone to come that actually owns the seats.
00:16:07.311 --> 00:16:09.414
That actually owns the seats. as i'm sitting there,
00:16:09.480 --> 00:16:10.114
As i'm sitting there, kenneth, the security guard,
00:16:10.181 --> 00:16:10.915
Kenneth, the security guard, he looks at me and he does this.
00:16:10.982 --> 00:16:19.090
He looks at me and he does this. so, i get up
00:16:19.157 --> 00:16:19.557
So, i get up and i shuffle over to him,
00:16:19.624 --> 00:16:21.325
And i shuffle over to him, and i lean in, and kenneth
00:16:21.392 --> 00:16:23.094
And i lean in, and kenneth leans in and he says,
00:16:23.161 --> 00:16:27.765
Leans in and he says, "time of grace?"
00:16:27.832 --> 00:16:29.167
[laughter]
00:16:29.434 --> 00:16:30.635
I said, "yeah, yeah."
00:16:31.803 --> 00:16:34.372
I said, "yeah, yeah." kenneth's like,
00:16:34.439 --> 00:16:34.839
Kenneth's like, "i love time of grace.
00:16:34.906 --> 00:16:35.873
"i love time of grace. i watch time of grace
00:16:35.940 --> 00:16:36.507
I watch time of grace all the time."
00:16:36.574 --> 00:16:37.008
All the time." like kenneth, you're my favorite
00:16:37.075 --> 00:16:38.109
Like kenneth, you're my favorite security guard ever.
00:16:38.176 --> 00:16:39.143
Security guard ever. so, i start learning about
00:16:39.210 --> 00:16:40.645
So, i start learning about kenneth and how long he's been
00:16:40.711 --> 00:16:41.746
Kenneth and how long he's been working security for the bucks,
00:16:41.813 --> 00:16:42.947
Working security for the bucks, and he starts asking about me,
00:16:43.014 --> 00:16:43.815
And he starts asking about me, and ministry, and pastor stuff.
00:16:43.881 --> 00:16:45.516
And ministry, and pastor stuff. and so, i tell him
00:16:45.583 --> 00:16:46.184
And so, i tell him the story like,
00:16:46.250 --> 00:16:46.717
The story like, "here's my daughter brooklyn,
00:16:46.784 --> 00:16:47.418
"here's my daughter brooklyn, she wants to meet jordan poole.
00:16:47.485 --> 00:16:49.487
She wants to meet jordan poole. and here's my wife, and she used
00:16:49.554 --> 00:16:50.421
And here's my wife, and she used to teach jordan's sister."
00:16:50.488 --> 00:16:51.222
To teach jordan's sister." and kenneth looks
00:16:51.289 --> 00:16:51.823
And kenneth looks at me and he says,
00:16:51.889 --> 00:16:53.858
At me and he says, "i got you."
00:16:53.925 --> 00:16:56.094
"i got you." so, he says to brooklyn,
00:16:56.160 --> 00:16:56.694
So, he says to brooklyn, my daughter, "hey, hey,
00:16:56.761 --> 00:16:57.462
My daughter, "hey, hey, stand over there
00:16:57.528 --> 00:16:58.296
Stand over there right by that seat."
00:16:58.362 --> 00:16:59.397
Right by that seat." let me show you what happened.
00:16:59.464 --> 00:17:00.498
Wait for it.
00:17:17.915 --> 00:17:18.883
Wait for it. wait for it, kenneth.
00:17:18.950 --> 00:17:21.018
Wait for it, kenneth. yeah.
00:17:21.085 --> 00:17:21.652
[laughing]
00:17:22.053 --> 00:17:24.388
Yes.
00:17:24.722 --> 00:17:25.823
Yes. how did that happen?
00:17:25.890 --> 00:17:27.892
How did that happen? how did that --
00:17:27.959 --> 00:17:28.559
How did that -- by the way,
00:17:28.626 --> 00:17:28.960
By the way, within one minute,
00:17:29.026 --> 00:17:29.727
Within one minute, the actual people
00:17:29.794 --> 00:17:30.361
The actual people in those seats came
00:17:30.428 --> 00:17:30.928
In those seats came and we had to huff our way
00:17:30.995 --> 00:17:31.829
And we had to huff our way back up to the $13 seats.
00:17:31.896 --> 00:17:33.931
Back up to the $13 seats. i thought, how is my --
00:17:33.998 --> 00:17:35.133
I thought, how is my -- how is my daughter
00:17:35.199 --> 00:17:36.000
How is my daughter meeting this man?
00:17:36.067 --> 00:17:37.101
Meeting this man? and there's one answer.
00:17:37.168 --> 00:17:38.669
And there's one answer. not 'cause we deserved it,
00:17:38.736 --> 00:17:41.038
Not 'cause we deserved it, but because someone in great
00:17:41.105 --> 00:17:41.839
But because someone in great kindness and love connected us
00:17:41.906 --> 00:17:43.474
Kindness and love connected us to someone we didn't deserve.
00:17:43.541 --> 00:17:45.610
To someone we didn't deserve. this is exactly what jesus
00:17:45.676 --> 00:17:46.777
This is exactly what jesus does for us, doesn't he?
00:17:46.844 --> 00:17:48.312
Does for us, doesn't he? but we should be up in like
00:17:48.379 --> 00:17:49.180
But we should be up in like the nosebleed spiritual seats,
00:17:49.247 --> 00:17:51.449
The nosebleed spiritual seats, nowhere close to a god
00:17:51.516 --> 00:17:53.451
Nowhere close to a god who is so good.
00:17:53.518 --> 00:17:54.352
Who is so good. but jesus says,
00:17:54.418 --> 00:17:58.456
But jesus says, not to kick us out,
00:17:58.523 --> 00:17:59.524
Not to kick us out, but to invite us
00:17:59.590 --> 00:18:00.091
To something more.
00:18:00.191 --> 00:18:02.326
And his love,
00:18:02.393 --> 00:18:02.793
And his kindness,
00:18:02.860 --> 00:18:03.528
And compassion, he offers you
00:18:03.594 --> 00:18:04.762
A connection to god.
00:18:04.829 --> 00:18:06.697
He says,
00:18:06.764 --> 00:18:07.198
"it won't always be easy.
00:18:07.265 --> 00:18:07.899
You'll have to deny yourself
00:18:07.965 --> 00:18:08.766
And take up the cross fighting
00:18:08.833 --> 00:18:10.368
Your own desires and interests.
00:18:10.434 --> 00:18:12.803
But follow me and i will give
00:18:12.870 --> 00:18:14.438
You a life that never ends."
00:18:14.505 --> 00:18:17.975
That's what i love about jesus,
00:18:18.042 --> 00:18:19.076
That no matter what happens
00:18:19.143 --> 00:18:20.178
In my life and with
00:18:20.244 --> 00:18:21.012
My relationships and yours too,
00:18:21.078 --> 00:18:22.547
Through jesus you get god.
00:18:22.613 --> 00:18:27.351
Think of it.
00:18:27.451 --> 00:18:27.818
Think of it. i hope you have
00:18:27.885 --> 00:18:28.586
I hope you have an amazing family.
00:18:28.653 --> 00:18:30.922
An amazing family. hope you're super close
00:18:30.988 --> 00:18:32.056
Hope you're super close to your mom and dad.
00:18:32.123 --> 00:18:33.090
To your mom and dad. you're tight with
00:18:33.157 --> 00:18:33.724
You're tight with your brothers and sisters.
00:18:33.791 --> 00:18:35.560
Your brothers and sisters. if you're married
00:18:35.626 --> 00:18:36.260
If you're married or dating someone,
00:18:36.327 --> 00:18:36.794
Or dating someone, i hope there's love
00:18:36.861 --> 00:18:37.595
I hope there's love and compassion and respect.
00:18:37.662 --> 00:18:39.096
And compassion and respect. but whatever is happening
00:18:39.163 --> 00:18:39.864
But whatever is happening in your family,
00:18:39.931 --> 00:18:43.367
In your family, through jesus, you're part
00:18:43.434 --> 00:18:43.935
Through jesus, you're part of the family of god.
00:18:44.001 --> 00:18:46.704
Of the family of god. you can pray wild things like,
00:18:46.771 --> 00:18:49.974
You can pray wild things like, "our father in heaven."
00:18:50.041 --> 00:18:53.744
"our father in heaven." to have god as your dad.
00:18:53.811 --> 00:18:55.746
To have god as your dad. the one who's running
00:18:55.813 --> 00:18:56.547
The one who's running the universe.
00:18:56.614 --> 00:18:57.481
The universe. he's not some distant deity.
00:18:57.548 --> 00:18:58.783
He's not some distant deity. he's your loving father
00:18:58.849 --> 00:18:59.717
He's your loving father in heaven,
00:18:59.784 --> 00:19:00.284
In heaven, and he knows your name,
00:19:00.351 --> 00:19:01.219
And he knows your name, and he has promised to be
00:19:01.285 --> 00:19:02.520
And he has promised to be with you no matter what.
00:19:02.587 --> 00:19:05.289
With you no matter what. i hope you have amazing friends,
00:19:05.356 --> 00:19:08.125
I hope you have amazing friends, friends who know
00:19:08.192 --> 00:19:08.693
Friends who know everything about you
00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:09.293
Everything about you and they still love you.
00:19:09.360 --> 00:19:11.162
And they still love you. friends you can send jokes to
00:19:11.229 --> 00:19:12.763
Friends you can send jokes to and will put in the effort
00:19:12.830 --> 00:19:13.731
And will put in the effort to get together and celebrate
00:19:13.798 --> 00:19:15.399
To get together and celebrate with you face to face.
00:19:15.466 --> 00:19:16.167
With you face to face. but whenever you have
00:19:16.234 --> 00:19:17.268
But whenever you have amazing friends or you
00:19:17.335 --> 00:19:18.336
Amazing friends or you just want one friend,
00:19:18.402 --> 00:19:21.239
Just want one friend, jesus said crazy things
00:19:21.305 --> 00:19:22.740
Jesus said crazy things in the bible like,
00:19:22.807 --> 00:19:24.208
In the bible like, "i've not called you servants
00:19:24.275 --> 00:19:25.009
"i've not called you servants but my friends."
00:19:25.076 --> 00:19:29.213
But my friends." and jesus is the most
00:19:29.280 --> 00:19:30.248
And jesus is the most sacrificial, amazing friend
00:19:30.314 --> 00:19:31.882
Sacrificial, amazing friend who'd give his life so that you
00:19:31.949 --> 00:19:33.351
Who'd give his life so that you could be a friend of god
00:19:33.417 --> 00:19:34.352
Could be a friend of god forever and ever.
00:19:34.418 --> 00:19:35.820
Forever and ever. i hope you found connections
00:19:35.886 --> 00:19:36.554
I hope you found connections here at our church.
00:19:36.621 --> 00:19:37.288
Here at our church. i hope this isn't just
00:19:37.355 --> 00:19:38.055
I hope this isn't just a place you attend,
00:19:38.122 --> 00:19:39.423
A place you attend, but you've met people
00:19:39.490 --> 00:19:40.491
But you've met people who love you and love god
00:19:40.558 --> 00:19:42.159
Who love you and love god and want to help you
00:19:42.226 --> 00:19:43.160
And want to help you love god more.
00:19:43.227 --> 00:19:43.894
Love god more. but whatever your relationship
00:19:43.961 --> 00:19:44.762
But whatever your relationship is at this place,
00:19:44.829 --> 00:19:46.764
Is at this place, through baptism,
00:19:46.831 --> 00:19:47.865
Through baptism, you're part of the holy
00:19:47.932 --> 00:19:50.001
You're part of the holy christian church,
00:19:50.067 --> 00:19:50.635
Christian church, the communion of saints,
00:19:50.701 --> 00:19:51.969
The communion of saints, but people who have been
00:19:52.036 --> 00:19:52.837
But people who have been made perfect in the eyes
00:19:52.903 --> 00:19:54.138
Made perfect in the eyes of a perfect god.
00:19:54.205 --> 00:19:56.874
Of a perfect god. and so, we don't know
00:19:56.941 --> 00:19:57.675
And so, we don't know what's going to happen
00:19:57.742 --> 00:19:58.576
What's going to happen if people love us back,
00:19:58.643 --> 00:20:00.411
If people love us back, if we do the hard thing,
00:20:00.478 --> 00:20:01.178
If we do the hard thing, if they'll reciprocate.
00:20:01.245 --> 00:20:02.446
If they'll reciprocate. but we do know this because
00:20:02.513 --> 00:20:03.381
But we do know this because of jesus, we have god.
00:20:03.447 --> 00:20:06.784
Of jesus, we have god. profound to me.
00:20:06.851 --> 00:20:07.718
Profound to me. there's a song we sometimes
00:20:07.785 --> 00:20:08.719
There's a song we sometimes sing at our church that says,
00:20:08.786 --> 00:20:10.588
Sing at our church that says, "god, if you never
00:20:10.655 --> 00:20:12.023
"god, if you never did another thing,
00:20:12.089 --> 00:20:14.892
Did another thing, if there are no more blessings,
00:20:14.959 --> 00:20:16.494
If there are no more blessings, if this was the last
00:20:16.560 --> 00:20:17.128
If this was the last healthy day of my life,
00:20:17.194 --> 00:20:18.262
Healthy day of my life, if i had you, i'd have such
00:20:18.329 --> 00:20:21.532
If i had you, i'd have such a profoundly good life."
00:20:21.599 --> 00:20:26.404
A profoundly good life." a couple months ago here
00:20:26.470 --> 00:20:27.238
A couple months ago here at our church after
00:20:27.305 --> 00:20:27.905
At our church after the first service was over,
00:20:27.972 --> 00:20:28.906
The first service was over, someone came out and said
00:20:28.973 --> 00:20:31.575
Someone came out and said the detroit lions head coach
00:20:31.642 --> 00:20:33.344
The detroit lions head coach was in church today.
00:20:33.411 --> 00:20:36.881
Was in church today. the lions were playing
00:20:36.947 --> 00:20:37.415
The lions were playing the packers.
00:20:37.481 --> 00:20:38.015
The packers. some of you know that
00:20:38.082 --> 00:20:39.016
Some of you know that opposing teams just stay
00:20:39.083 --> 00:20:39.784
Opposing teams just stay at a hotel down the street.
00:20:39.850 --> 00:20:41.252
At a hotel down the street. and people were, like,
00:20:41.319 --> 00:20:43.187
And people were, like, buzzing with excitement
00:20:43.254 --> 00:20:43.821
Buzzing with excitement in the lobby.
00:20:43.888 --> 00:20:44.522
In the lobby. like, "what?
00:20:44.588 --> 00:20:45.690
Like, "what? an nfl coach was here
00:20:45.756 --> 00:20:46.691
An nfl coach was here at our church."
00:20:46.757 --> 00:20:48.693
At our church." then we realized it was just
00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:49.560
Then we realized it was just like a tall, built guy named
00:20:49.627 --> 00:20:50.795
Like a tall, built guy named mike who sometimes sits
00:20:50.861 --> 00:20:51.729
Mike who sometimes sits in the front row, so.
00:20:51.796 --> 00:20:53.531
In the front row, so. but you should have seen
00:20:53.597 --> 00:20:54.198
But you should have seen the excitement like,
00:20:54.265 --> 00:20:54.832
The excitement like, "whoa, someone --
00:20:54.899 --> 00:20:55.866
"whoa, someone -- someone important
00:20:55.933 --> 00:20:56.500
Someone important is at our church."
00:20:56.567 --> 00:20:59.103
Is at our church." i was thinking about that.
00:20:59.170 --> 00:20:59.970
I was thinking about that. someone important
00:21:00.037 --> 00:21:00.538
Someone important is always at our church.
00:21:00.604 --> 00:21:03.674
Is always at our church. he's the best kind of pastor,
00:21:03.741 --> 00:21:05.543
He's the best kind of pastor, his name is jesus.
00:21:05.609 --> 00:21:07.712
His name is jesus. and he says whoever takes up
00:21:07.778 --> 00:21:09.780
And he says whoever takes up the cross to follow him gets
00:21:09.847 --> 00:21:11.048
The cross to follow him gets to be part of the best church
00:21:11.115 --> 00:21:12.650
To be part of the best church family you can ever imagine,
00:21:12.717 --> 00:21:14.585
The very family of god.
00:21:14.685 --> 00:21:16.754
So, i'm hoping and i'm praying
00:21:16.821 --> 00:21:18.556
That we can work on
00:21:18.622 --> 00:21:19.357
All those relationships.
00:21:19.423 --> 00:21:20.558
But i'm coming back to this
00:21:20.624 --> 00:21:21.692
Rock solid promise that
00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.893
Whatever we lose for jesus,
00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:24.929
We gain a million times over
00:21:24.995 --> 00:21:26.163
Because jesus gives us god.
00:21:26.230 --> 00:21:30.000
So, here's my homework
00:21:30.101 --> 00:21:30.901
So, here's my homework for you before i say amen.
00:21:30.968 --> 00:21:32.670
For you before i say amen. i want you to write this down
00:21:32.737 --> 00:21:33.671
I want you to write this down for the next week,
00:21:33.738 --> 00:21:34.805
For the next week, i want to give you
00:21:34.872 --> 00:21:35.406
I want to give you a challenge, and it's this.
00:21:35.473 --> 00:21:37.274
A challenge, and it's this. that every time you pray,
00:21:37.341 --> 00:21:39.643
That every time you pray, you would start with praise.
00:21:39.710 --> 00:21:43.748
You would start with praise. i'm not sure
00:21:43.814 --> 00:21:44.215
I'm not sure what your prayer life
00:21:44.281 --> 00:21:44.749
What your prayer life is like these days.
00:21:44.815 --> 00:21:45.983
Is like these days. normally when i start praying,
00:21:46.050 --> 00:21:46.584
Normally when i start praying, it kind of goes like this,
00:21:46.650 --> 00:21:47.651
It kind of goes like this, "dear god, help!
00:21:47.718 --> 00:21:51.122
"dear god, help! amen."
00:21:51.188 --> 00:21:53.657
Amen." with some details
00:21:53.724 --> 00:21:54.325
With some details and more specifics.
00:21:54.392 --> 00:21:56.327
And more specifics. but there's something
00:21:56.394 --> 00:21:56.927
But there's something that i sometimes do that
00:21:56.994 --> 00:21:57.728
That i sometimes do that is so sweet for my soul.
00:21:57.795 --> 00:21:59.096
Is so sweet for my soul. and it's before i say,
00:21:59.163 --> 00:22:00.364
And it's before i say, "god, help me, help me, help me,
00:22:00.431 --> 00:22:01.632
"god, help me, help me, help me, or i'm sorry, i'm sorry,
00:22:01.699 --> 00:22:02.500
Or i'm sorry, i'm sorry, i'm sorry."
00:22:02.566 --> 00:22:03.200
I'm sorry." i just talk
00:22:03.267 --> 00:22:03.834
I just talk to god about god.
00:22:03.901 --> 00:22:06.404
To god about god. i try to praise him.
00:22:06.470 --> 00:22:07.338
I try to praise him. i try to magnify his --
00:22:07.405 --> 00:22:08.672
I try to magnify his -- i try to remember
00:22:08.739 --> 00:22:09.340
I try to remember that he is --
00:22:09.407 --> 00:22:10.808
That he is -- he's better than my best friend,
00:22:10.875 --> 00:22:12.443
He's better than my best friend, he's more exciting,
00:22:12.510 --> 00:22:15.012
He's more exciting, the majestic mountains,
00:22:15.079 --> 00:22:16.447
The majestic mountains, he's the kindest, wisest,
00:22:16.514 --> 00:22:17.982
He's the kindest, wisest, most creative, powerful,
00:22:18.048 --> 00:22:19.116
Most creative, powerful, forgiving, amazing, consistent,
00:22:19.183 --> 00:22:21.285
Forgiving, amazing, consistent, like, rock solid person
00:22:21.352 --> 00:22:22.720
Like, rock solid person in my life.
00:22:22.787 --> 00:22:23.287
In my life. i try to --
00:22:23.354 --> 00:22:24.488
I try to -- jesus said this
00:22:24.555 --> 00:22:25.156
Jesus said this is hallowing his name.
00:22:25.222 --> 00:22:26.290
Is hallowing his name. it's making a big deal
00:22:26.357 --> 00:22:27.358
It's making a big deal out of god and i find that
00:22:27.425 --> 00:22:28.526
Out of god and i find that when i do that first,
00:22:28.592 --> 00:22:31.595
When i do that first, i should believe this
00:22:31.662 --> 00:22:32.329
I should believe this crazy thing the bible says
00:22:32.396 --> 00:22:33.030
Crazy thing the bible says that if you have god,
00:22:33.097 --> 00:22:33.964
That if you have god, you have everything you need.
00:22:34.031 --> 00:22:35.599
You have everything you need. a small god will not fill up
00:22:35.666 --> 00:22:37.201
A small god will not fill up your relational cup.
00:22:37.268 --> 00:22:39.303
Your relational cup. so, can i challenge you for
00:22:39.370 --> 00:22:40.037
So, can i challenge you for the next seven days to start
00:22:40.104 --> 00:22:40.838
The next seven days to start every prayer that you
00:22:40.905 --> 00:22:41.772
Every prayer that you pray with praise?
00:22:41.839 --> 00:22:43.274
Pray with praise? remind your own heart
00:22:43.340 --> 00:22:44.141
Remind your own heart of the greatness of god,
00:22:44.208 --> 00:22:46.944
Of the greatness of god, and maybe you'll believe
00:22:47.011 --> 00:22:47.478
And maybe you'll believe that god is really,
00:22:47.545 --> 00:22:48.112
That god is really, truly all you need.
00:22:48.179 --> 00:22:53.184
Truly all you need. oh man, i can't wait
00:22:53.250 --> 00:22:54.552
Oh man, i can't wait for the rest of this series.
00:22:54.618 --> 00:22:56.954
For the rest of this series. we have so much to talk about.
00:22:57.021 --> 00:22:57.855
We have so much to talk about. we're going to talk about
00:22:57.922 --> 00:22:59.590
We're going to talk about humility in our families.
00:22:59.657 --> 00:23:01.325
Humility in our families. that's so hard,
00:23:01.392 --> 00:23:02.226
That's so hard, but it's so good.
00:23:02.293 --> 00:23:03.360
But it's so good. we're going to talk about
00:23:03.427 --> 00:23:03.961
We're going to talk about friendships in a digital age,
00:23:04.028 --> 00:23:05.629
Friendships in a digital age, how we've got to fight to get
00:23:05.696 --> 00:23:07.264
How we've got to fight to get together face to face.
00:23:07.331 --> 00:23:08.165
Together face to face. we want to talk about how
00:23:08.232 --> 00:23:09.099
We want to talk about how to talk and about how church
00:23:09.166 --> 00:23:10.768
To talk and about how church can be a place that we show up
00:23:10.835 --> 00:23:11.869
Can be a place that we show up consistently and share
00:23:11.936 --> 00:23:13.337
Consistently and share the real us consistently.
00:23:13.404 --> 00:23:14.305
The real us consistently. it's going to be
00:23:14.371 --> 00:23:14.839
It's going to be so difficult and so divine.
00:23:14.905 --> 00:23:17.908
So difficult and so divine. i can't wait to share it
00:23:17.975 --> 00:23:18.642
I can't wait to share it with you.
00:23:18.709 --> 00:23:21.479
With you. but until then, i just
00:23:21.545 --> 00:23:22.279
But until then, i just want you to know this.
00:23:22.346 --> 00:23:23.247
Want you to know this. the more lord you have,
00:23:23.314 --> 00:23:25.382
The more lord you have, the less lonely you'll be.
00:23:25.449 --> 00:23:29.620
The less lonely you'll be. and thanks to jesus,
00:23:29.687 --> 00:23:30.821
And thanks to jesus, the lord is what
00:23:30.888 --> 00:23:31.689
The lord is what you have today.
00:23:31.755 --> 00:23:34.625
You have today. let's pray.
00:23:34.692 --> 00:23:36.794
Let's pray. oh god, thank you for
00:23:36.861 --> 00:23:37.728
Oh god, thank you for your kindness and compassion.
00:23:37.795 --> 00:23:38.863
Your kindness and compassion. and i think about my own sins
00:23:38.929 --> 00:23:43.033
And i think about my own sins for four seconds and just
00:23:43.100 --> 00:23:48.439
For four seconds and just realize i shouldn't even
00:23:48.506 --> 00:23:49.139
Realize i shouldn't even be in the building.
00:23:49.206 --> 00:23:49.907
Be in the building. i shouldn't get to shake
00:23:49.974 --> 00:23:51.842
I shouldn't get to shake your hand and much less spend
00:23:51.909 --> 00:23:52.943
Your hand and much less spend forever in your presence,
00:23:53.010 --> 00:23:53.878
Forever in your presence, but you have been so good
00:23:53.944 --> 00:23:55.579
But you have been so good through your son, jesus,
00:23:55.646 --> 00:23:56.614
Through your son, jesus, not just to me,
00:23:56.680 --> 00:23:57.381
Not just to me, but to all of us.
00:23:57.448 --> 00:23:58.282
But to all of us. god, you so loved
00:23:58.349 --> 00:23:59.316
God, you so loved this whole world,
00:23:59.383 --> 00:24:00.084
This whole world, every one of us that you
00:24:00.150 --> 00:24:01.485
Every one of us that you gave your one and only son,
00:24:01.552 --> 00:24:02.419
Gave your one and only son, that whoever believes
00:24:02.486 --> 00:24:03.120
That whoever believes in jesus shall be saved.
00:24:03.187 --> 00:24:06.557
In jesus shall be saved. i don't know why
00:24:06.624 --> 00:24:07.091
I don't know why you're so kind to us, god,
00:24:07.157 --> 00:24:08.158
You're so kind to us, god, but that's who you are,
00:24:08.225 --> 00:24:09.493
But that's who you are, and we love you for it.
00:24:09.560 --> 00:24:11.862
And we love you for it. so, we exalt your name today.
00:24:11.929 --> 00:24:13.163
So, we exalt your name today. we try to remind ourselves
00:24:13.230 --> 00:24:14.598
We try to remind ourselves that you are better than
00:24:14.665 --> 00:24:15.432
That you are better than the beaches and the mountains.
00:24:15.499 --> 00:24:16.734
You're better than grandchildren
00:24:16.834 --> 00:24:18.035
And super bowl commercials.
00:24:18.102 --> 00:24:20.337
You're better than
00:24:20.404 --> 00:24:20.871
The best steak
00:24:20.938 --> 00:24:22.072
Or the coldest drink.
00:24:22.139 --> 00:24:23.374
Everything in life is just
00:24:23.440 --> 00:24:24.275
A taste and a glimpse,
00:24:24.341 --> 00:24:25.576
A small bit of the goodness
00:24:25.643 --> 00:24:26.944
That you are with a capital g.
00:24:27.011 --> 00:24:29.613
And so, i pray god that
00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:30.347
No matter what happens in life,
00:24:30.414 --> 00:24:31.615
We would be so ultimately
00:24:31.682 --> 00:24:33.317
Satisfied in you.
00:24:33.384 --> 00:24:35.686
Satisfy us every single morning
00:24:35.753 --> 00:24:36.720
With your unfailing love,
00:24:36.787 --> 00:24:38.289
That we could sing for joy
00:24:38.355 --> 00:24:39.290
And be glad all of our days.
00:24:39.356 --> 00:24:42.359
And finally, god, i pray for
00:24:42.426 --> 00:24:43.360
Our relationships.
00:24:43.427 --> 00:24:44.628
This series is
00:24:44.695 --> 00:24:45.429
About us personally,
00:24:45.496 --> 00:24:46.597
But it's about more than us.
00:24:46.664 --> 00:24:49.900
We might be the answer
00:24:49.967 --> 00:24:50.901
To someone else's loneliness.
00:24:50.968 --> 00:24:53.771
It might be our invitation.
00:24:53.837 --> 00:24:56.307
It might be a seat
00:24:56.373 --> 00:24:57.141
At our dinner table.
00:24:57.207 --> 00:24:59.043
It might be someone
00:24:59.109 --> 00:24:59.743
That we see at church
00:24:59.810 --> 00:25:00.744
And treat with hospitality.
00:25:00.811 --> 00:25:02.379
God, this isn't just
00:25:02.446 --> 00:25:03.080
About blessing us singular,
00:25:03.147 --> 00:25:04.448
But blessing us plural.
00:25:04.515 --> 00:25:06.684
And so, i pray that you would
00:25:06.750 --> 00:25:07.651
Fill our church family with
00:25:07.718 --> 00:25:08.786
The selflessness that connects
00:25:08.852 --> 00:25:09.720
More and more people
00:25:09.787 --> 00:25:10.521
To good relationships,
00:25:10.588 --> 00:25:12.256
Most importantly,
00:25:12.323 --> 00:25:12.790
A relationship with you.
00:25:12.856 --> 00:25:14.425
Thank you today for your word.
00:25:14.491 --> 00:25:15.459
Thank you especially
00:25:15.526 --> 00:25:16.460
For your grace.
00:25:16.527 --> 00:25:17.194
We celebrate you today in
00:25:17.261 --> 00:25:18.929
The beautiful name of jesus.
00:25:18.996 --> 00:25:21.365
And all god's people said, amen.
00:25:21.432 --> 00:25:23.834
>> thanks pastor mike
00:25:25.035 --> 00:25:25.803
>> thanks pastor mike for reminding us the easy way
00:25:25.869 --> 00:25:27.304
For reminding us the easy way is often the lonely way,
00:25:27.371 --> 00:25:29.039
Is often the lonely way, but god's way is to walk with us
00:25:29.106 --> 00:25:31.041
But god's way is to walk with us through whatever comes our way.
00:25:31.108 --> 00:25:33.210
Through whatever comes our way. since we're talking
00:25:33.277 --> 00:25:34.011
Since we're talking about relationships,
00:25:34.078 --> 00:25:35.112
About relationships, i want to tell you about
00:25:35.179 --> 00:25:35.879
I want to tell you about a new book i just wrote.
00:25:35.946 --> 00:25:37.548
A new book i just wrote. it's called
00:25:37.615 --> 00:25:37.982
It's called "when friendship feels hard",
00:25:38.048 --> 00:25:39.650
"when friendship feels hard", god's design
00:25:39.717 --> 00:25:40.384
God's design for deep relationships.
00:25:40.451 --> 00:25:42.152
For deep relationships. in my new book,
00:25:42.219 --> 00:25:42.953
In my new book, i talk about how
00:25:43.020 --> 00:25:43.587
I talk about how christ centered relationships
00:25:43.654 --> 00:25:45.122
Christ centered relationships anchor you in hard times
00:25:45.189 --> 00:25:46.724
Anchor you in hard times and remind you
00:25:46.790 --> 00:25:47.257
And remind you you were never meant
00:25:47.324 --> 00:25:48.058
You were never meant to walk alone.
00:25:48.125 --> 00:25:49.326
To walk alone. request your copy with
00:25:49.393 --> 00:25:50.494
Request your copy with your gift to time of grace.
00:25:50.561 --> 00:25:52.062
Your gift to time of grace. here's a little more about it.
00:25:52.129 --> 00:25:53.764
>> you scroll,
00:25:56.767 --> 00:25:57.601
You follow,
00:25:57.668 --> 00:25:58.669
You like.
00:25:58.736 --> 00:25:59.403
Yet deep down
00:25:59.470 --> 00:26:00.104
You still feel unseen,
00:26:00.170 --> 00:26:01.705
Unsupported and alone.
00:26:01.772 --> 00:26:03.273
>> but the truth is,
00:26:03.340 --> 00:26:04.308
You were created
00:26:04.375 --> 00:26:05.075
For connection.
00:26:05.142 --> 00:26:06.477
God designed you
00:26:06.543 --> 00:26:07.378
To walk side by side
00:26:07.444 --> 00:26:08.612
With jesus and with others,
00:26:08.679 --> 00:26:11.215
Encouraging and strengthening
00:26:11.281 --> 00:26:13.050
One another.
00:26:13.117 --> 00:26:14.351
In "when a friendship
00:26:14.418 --> 00:26:15.285
Feels hard",
00:26:15.352 --> 00:26:16.420
Amber albee swenson explores
00:26:16.487 --> 00:26:18.155
God's original design
00:26:18.222 --> 00:26:19.623
For how people
00:26:19.690 --> 00:26:20.257
Are meant to care for
00:26:20.324 --> 00:26:21.325
And strengthen one another,
00:26:21.392 --> 00:26:22.626
Building deep connections
00:26:22.693 --> 00:26:23.827
That help bring joy, healing,
00:26:23.894 --> 00:26:25.596
And purpose to everyday life.
00:26:25.663 --> 00:26:27.498
>> "when friendship feels hard"
00:26:27.564 --> 00:26:28.766
Is our way of thanking you
00:26:28.832 --> 00:26:30.167
For helping us show
00:26:30.234 --> 00:26:31.135
More people that jesus
00:26:31.201 --> 00:26:32.436
Is their greatest friend.
00:26:32.503 --> 00:26:34.338
Request yours today
00:26:34.405 --> 00:26:35.372
By calling
00:26:35.439 --> 00:26:36.040
800-661-3311,
00:26:36.106 --> 00:26:39.376
Visiting timeofgrace.org,
00:26:39.443 --> 00:26:40.878
Or writing us at
00:26:40.944 --> 00:26:42.012
P.o. box 301,
00:26:42.079 --> 00:26:43.914
Milwaukee, wi 53201.
00:26:43.981 --> 00:26:46.717
♪ ♪
00:26:47.017 --> 00:26:53.157
>> time of grace
00:26:53.657 --> 00:26:54.525
Doesn't end here.
00:26:54.625 --> 00:26:56.193
Visit timeofgrace.org
00:26:56.293 --> 00:26:57.728
And explore
00:26:57.828 --> 00:26:58.495
Encouraging resources
00:26:58.595 --> 00:27:00.097
Or sign up for our daily email
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And have everything delivered
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Right to your inbox, like our
00:27:02.499 --> 00:27:04.001
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Blog, and podcasts.
00:27:06.704 --> 00:27:09.106
Follow us on social media,
00:27:09.206 --> 00:27:10.908
Where you'll find a supportive
00:27:11.008 --> 00:27:11.942
Christian community.
00:27:12.042 --> 00:27:13.110
Do you need prayer?
00:27:13.210 --> 00:27:14.244
Contact us and let us know
00:27:14.344 --> 00:27:15.312
What's on your heart.
00:27:15.412 --> 00:27:16.680
Thank you so much
00:27:16.780 --> 00:27:17.414
For your support.
00:27:17.514 --> 00:27:18.315
>> see you next week
00:27:19.016 --> 00:27:19.650
On time of grace.
00:27:19.717 --> 00:27:20.784

Mike Novotny - The God Connection

January 17, 2026 | 27:29

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