9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [Audience applauding] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [Joel] God bless you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it's great to be with you today and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I hope you'll stay connected with us 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 during the week. Our daily podcast, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or YouTube channel, social media, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and you can come visit us in person. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We'd love to have you be apart 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of one of our services. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I like to start with something funny and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I heard about these brothers 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 ages 4 and 6. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They were spending the night 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 at their grandmothers house and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 she told them before they went to bed 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to make sure they said their prayers. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They went to their bedroom and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 got down on their knees and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the youngest brother started praying 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 at the top of his lungs. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God, I pray for a new bicycle, pray for a 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 PlayStation. I pray for a puppy . 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 His brother stopped and said 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Why are you screaming? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God is not deaf. He said I know that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But grandmother is. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [Audience laughing] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Say it like you mean it. This is my bible 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I am what it says I am 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I have what it says I have 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I can do what it says I can do. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Today I will be taught the word of God. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I boldly confess, my mind is alert, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 my heart is receptive, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I will never be the same. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In Jesus name. God bless you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I want to talk to you today about 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 not getting sidetracked. God has a best 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 track for all of our lives. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 A path that leads to our divine purpose. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's filled with opportunity, favor and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 protection. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But along the way their will be forces 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 trying to get us off course. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That will compromise. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Hanging around the wrong people, living 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 offended. These are all distractions to 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 keep us from our destiny. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The enemy cannot stop your purpose 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but if he can get you sidetracked, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 entangled, fighting battles that 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 don't matter. Busy doing good things but 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 not the best. Then he can keep you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 from your purpose. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Proverbs 4 says "look straight ahead, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 stick to the path and stay safe. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Do not get sidetracked." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God knew there would be all these 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 opportunities to get off course. If your 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 going to reach your highest potential 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you have to recognize what's a 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 distraction and what's important. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What you should spend your time on, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 what's valuable, what's making you better, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 causing you to grow and what's dragging 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you down. Causing you to compromise. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Paul said in Ephesians "To make the most 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of your time, not living vague, but with 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 purpose, in every step." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Time is one of the most valuable things 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that you have. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Once we live this day, you can never 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 get it back. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Just like you spend your money, you are 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 spending your time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But your time is more valuable than money. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You can make more money but you can't 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 make more time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Are you investing your time, living with 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 purpose, on course, pursing your dreams 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or are you wasting your time? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Living vague, distracted playing on 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 social media, taking the easy way out. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This day is a gift from God, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We have a responsibility to live focused, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 wisely, making the most of it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 On a regular basis, you need to evaluate 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 how you're spending your time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Are you on that best path? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Honoring God. Doing what he put in your 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 heart. Or have you gotten sidetracked? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Holding a grudge, mad at that 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 family member, jealous of that coworker. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Trying to outperform them. Hanging around 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 friends that bring out the work in you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The fact is we've all gotten of course 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 at times. Made mistakes, been distracted. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The good news is that you can get back on 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 course. It's not too late. You haven't 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 gotten too far off. You can still become 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 who you were created to be. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Now you have to do your part and make 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 a course correction. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Recognize what is a distraction. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 An entanglement, what's got you busy 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 spinning wheels, but not going anywhere. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Make the necessary adjustments. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You have a destiny to fulfill. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There's a calling on your life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 An assignment for you to accomplish. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 How you spend your time, will determine 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 whether you fulfill that best plan, see 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God do more than you can imagine or 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 whether you get stuck and having to settle 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 for a life mediocrity. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In the scripture, Samson's birth was 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 predicted by the prophets. His mother was 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 bearing and an angel appeared. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Said she would bear a son and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He would leave the Israelites. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That his hair was never to be cut. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Long hair was a sign that he was dedicated 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to God. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 She gave birth to Samson and I can imagine 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 as a little boy. She told him Samson 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 there is a calling on your life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 An angel appeared to me, you're going 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to do something great. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He'd heard this since he was a child. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 One time when he was a young man 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he was walking down a road 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and this Lion attacked him 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The scripture says "The spirit of the Lord 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 powerfully took control of him." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He ripped the Lion apart with his 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 bare hands. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That was the first time he recognized 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 there was something different about him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He knew he had this incredible calling. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That God had raised him up to save his 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 people. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Whenever you have a great assignment 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the enemy will always come with 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 distractions, temptations, opportunities 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to compromise. He will bring people 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to try to bait you into conflict. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That is not a part of your destiny. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 His goal is to get you sidetracked, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of course. Where you're not focusing on 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 what your called to do. You're entangled 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in things that don't matter. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You may wonder why people come against you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and you struggle with that same tempation, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you don't feel like being disciplined. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's because there is a great calling on 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 your life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The enemy would leave you alone if he 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 didn't know you were a threat. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He's not fighting you for where you are, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he is fighting you for where you are going 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He knows there is greatness in you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Sometimes he can see our potential better 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 than we can. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He knows you're a giant killer, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 a history maker, your destined to take 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 your family to new levels. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So, what's his strategy? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Get you distracted, jealous, compromised, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 busy doing things that are not a part 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of your destiny. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You would think Samson that since 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he had this supernatural strength. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He heard about the angel prophesize his 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 birth. He would go out of his way to make 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 good decisions, be responsible with God 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 had given him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He let his guard down, started hanging 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 around the wrong people. He married a 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 girl from the city of Tenma. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 She was a philistine. The philistine's 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 were the ones oppressing the Israelites. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He was supposed to deliver the from 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the philistines instead he's sleeping with 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 a philistine. He had this incredible gift 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 all this power. What does he do? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He starts telling riddles to the enemy. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He made a bet, if you can figure out 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 my riddle. I'll give you 60 white robes 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and if not, you give me 60 robes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Playing games, not focused on the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 destiny, he was called to. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This led to all kinds of conflict. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He killed 1,000 philistines. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He tore the gates of the city and carried 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 them off. They couldn't figure out how 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to stop him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He fell in love with another philistine 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 women named Delilah. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 She kept asking him about where 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 his power came from. He would make up 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 things and tease her. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Would never tell her the secret was his 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 long hair. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 she nagged him and nagged him 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and nagged him. A man can only take so 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 much nagging that he finally gave in. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The philistines cut his hair while he was 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 sleeping. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They came to capture him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He stood ready to fight but this time 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 there was no supernatural strength. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 No power to overcome. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He had lost what God had given him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I can imagine many times along the way 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he heard a still small voice saying 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 come on Samson get back on course, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 quit playing around with your destiny. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Be responsible for what I entrusted 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you with. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God will always give us opportunities 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to have a course correction. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He doesn't hold our faults against us 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he doesn't say man you're done, you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 made too many mistakes. There will come a 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 time where that window of grace 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 will close. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Where if you're not going to be 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 responsible with the gifts, the favor, the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 opportunity. God will force things 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to change. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Doesn't mean you're not going to have 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 another chance but he is not going 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to let you stay of course 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and be comfortable. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Just ask Jonah, sitting in the belly 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of a whale. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Samson could always count on this 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 supernatural strength. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thinking I can tell riddles, I can 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 compromise, hangout with the enemy, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 no big deal. I've got a secret weapon. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But Paul said I do not frustrate the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 grace of God. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God will never run out of grace, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 never run out of mercy but if you take it 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 for granted. It may not be there in the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 same way. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Samson's story is not in the scripture to 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 depress us. It actually has a good ending. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's there to challenge us, to make 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 course corrections. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Pay attention to the still small voice. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That thing that is bother your conscience 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You know that friend is not good for you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or you need to spend more time with 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 your children. Less on the computer, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or you need to ignore that coworker that 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 gets on your nerves. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Not let is upset you everyday. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That's the enemy trying to get you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 sidetracked. You don't have time for that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The angel may have not prophesized your 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 birth like Samson but before you were 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 formed in your mother's womb, the most 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 high God knew you and planned out your day 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he has given you gifts, talents, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 opportunities. Are you making the most of 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 each day? Spending your time wisely, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or have you gotten sidetracked? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Like Samson playing with the enemy, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 compromising, not serious about your gifts 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This is time for course correction. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To get focused, to be on purpose, to make 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 decisions that honor God. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Life is going by so fast it seems like 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 just yesterday I graduated from 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 high school. I look up now I'm 39 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 years old. [Audience laughing] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We don't have time to be distracted. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We have a purpose to fulfill. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's interesting what Jesus told about the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 talents. One man had 1, another had 2, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and the 3rd had 5. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They all went out and doubled what 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 they had. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Expect the man with 1. He was afraid 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and hid his talent. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The owner said take from him the one 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and give to the one who has five. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The scripture says the man who has used 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 well, what has given him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The point is if you don't use well 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 what's been given to you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Eventually it will be taken away. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That is what happened to Samson. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He didn't fulfill the best plan. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Having his eyes gouged out, the enemy 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 making fun of him. That was not God's best 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I don't want us to come to the end of life 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and be like Samson. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Man, I made it but were beat up, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 broke, addicted, lonely. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That is not your destiny. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Samson would have had a different story 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 if he had not gotten sidetracked. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This should stir us up to stay focused. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To stay on course, to deal with things 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that we know are not right. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There is no shame in getting of course, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 were human, we make mistakes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There is shame in staying off course. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 No matter what you've done, how much 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 time you wasted. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You can still get back on course. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You are in a window of grace today. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You have not missed your chance, you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 would not be hearing this if God wasn't 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 giving you the mercy, the grace, and the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 power to make changes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let's not be a Samson, have all this power 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 favor, anointing, and then get 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 sidetracked. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Waste our time, rather than invest it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If you will use well what God has given 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you. You know what will happen? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God will give you more. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 When he can trust you to be a good 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 steward of your gifts, time, and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you stay focused. You get rid of 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 distractions. He will take you further 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 than you ever dreamed. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But sometimes it's not the major things, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 like way we got way off course like Samson 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It can be little things like time 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and energy. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Jealous of a coworker, competing with them 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 , trying to prove your worth and prove 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 your talent. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If you live with that proving mentality, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it's like you're on a treadmill that's 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 never going to stop. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because there will always be someone more 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 talented, more attractive, more successful 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That's a distraction. You're not running 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 their race. The only person you should 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 compete with is yourself. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Have a goal to be better next year, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 than you are right now. Be healthier, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 smarter, kinder, more generous, to be 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 closer to God. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You'll never reach your potential if your 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 competing with others, basing your 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 worth and value on how you measure 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 up to them. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Successful people are so focused on what 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 their doing, they don't have time to look 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 around at others. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 One translation of Proverbs 4 says 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "Don't look to the left or to the right, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 stay focused on the goal." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Quit competing, quit comparing, and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 run your race." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I talked to a gentleman after service and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he told how a relationship he was in 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 didn't last. He had given it his best but 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the woman had other ideas and walked 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 away. Broke his heart, so angry and bitter 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I realize that's very painful. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Things happen in life that we 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 don't understand. There is a time where we 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 have to heal and give ourselves grace to 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 get strong again. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You can't let a season of mourning 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 turn into a lifetime of mourning. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If you don't let it go, it will poison 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 your life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He was so upset, I thought it happened 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 a mother ago. I asked him when it happened 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He said this happened in 1997. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I didn't say anything but I calculated in 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 my mind. 2007, 2017, 2020. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That was 27 years ago. Yes, we all have 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 hurts. Disappointments, bad breaks but at 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 some point you have to move on with your 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 life. The enemy would love to use that 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 hurt to get you sidetracked. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To where you live bitter, bitter, chip 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 on your shoulder, never expecting 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 anything good. The problem with not 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 letting it go is that it's going to poison 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the next relationship. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God said he would give you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 beauty for those ashes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I've learned you have to let go of the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 ashes before you'll see the beauty. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You're not making the most of each day 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 if you're holding on to unforgiveness 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 trying to pay people back. They hurt you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 once, don't let them continue to hurt you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It takes a lot of emotional energy 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to think about what they did and how 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that wasn't right. You need that energy 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to love the people God had given you now. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To play with your children, to purse your 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 dreams. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Maybe the course correction for you is 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to forgive the person who did you wrong. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Forgive your parents for what they 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 did not give you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Forgive the business partner that cheated 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Life's too short to carry around 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the bitterness. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You'll always have these offences, people 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 saying things that aren't true, somebody 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 walks away. You can't stop that from com- 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 ing but you don't have to let it stop you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You don' have to get sidetracked, you can 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 stay on the best path and trust God to 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 make it up to you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Years ago, I was driving with a friend 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to his house after we came from the gym. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He invited some of us over and I jumped in 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the car to ride with him. He had a real 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 nice sports car. Kept it super clean. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 On the way to his house, I noticed that 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he took the long way. 3 or 4 miles out of 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the way. I asked him why? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He said my ex-girlfriend lives on this 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 street. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I always drive by to make sure she sees 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 what she missed out on. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They had been broken up for years but 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he was still driving by every chance 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 he got. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Trying to prove he was worthy, successful 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and trying to prove he could make it 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 without her. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He couldn't see it but he was distracted. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 spending time and energy on something 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that didn't matter. Don't let that be you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Are you using well what God has given you? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Or have you gotten sidetracked? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Trying to prove to people who you are 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 jealous of that friend, offended by that 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 coworker. Your time is too valuable for 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The funny thing about my friend is that he 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 found out later that his ex-girlfriend 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 had moved to another state. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [Audience laughing] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He had been driving by that house 2 years 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and she wasn't even there. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God has a sense of humor. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 My prayer is God show us any areas 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that we need to have a course correction, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 where we don't realize. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Verse Samual 25. David and his 6 men were 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 living out in the countryside. This is 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 when Saul was chasing David. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There was a wealthy man named Nabel that 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 lived right next door. He had thousands 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of sheep and cattle. David and his army 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 had been protecting Nabel by just being 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that area. When bandits came and they saw 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 David's forces, they would naturally back 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 down. It was time for sheering the sheep, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the harvest season. David sent 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 messengers to Nabel since they have 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 watched over his property. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Nabel what very rude and harsh. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 His name means fool and he lived up to it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He said who is this man David? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I don't even know him. You tell him I am 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 not going to give him a penny. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He insulted David. When the men came back 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 with report David was furious. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He told his men to pack up their 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 belongings. They were going to go 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 take care of Nabel. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Your not supposed to fight every battle. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Many of the things that come against us 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 are simply distractions. If that battle 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 is not between you and your destiny 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you need to ignore it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That's the enemy trying to get 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you sidetracked. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Involved in conflict that doesn't matter. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You have to ask yourself, are there any 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 spoils? If you win is it going to move you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 towards your purpose? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or is it just going to feed your ego? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Make you feel better. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You don't have time to respond to every 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 critic. To try to straighten out 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 every coworker, make that friend stop 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 saying things that aren't true. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 One of the enemy's favorite tools is 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to bait you into conflict. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Get you stirred up. Don't fall into 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that trap. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You're time in valuable, your energy, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 your emotions. You have to be selective 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 what you give that to. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If you make the mistake of fighting 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 every battle. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Your not going to have the time or 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the emotional energy to reach your purpose 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The scripture says God will silence 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the lying lips. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If you ignore it, God will take care of 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 your enemies. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 David headed toward Nabel's house 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 so upset, full speed ahead. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 About to make a mistake, that would affect 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 his destiny. Here's how good God is 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Nabel's wife met David on the road with 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 all kinds of food and provision. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 She bowed down before him. In verse 24 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 she said David, you were called to be the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 king of Israel. Why would you even fight 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 with this fool? Don't let this needless 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 battle be a blemish on your record. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Notice she called it a needless battle. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He knew it was a distraction. David came 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to his senses. He said Abagael the Lord 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God Isreal has sent you to me today 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 for you have not kept me from 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 carrying out vengeance, not one of your 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 family members would be alive. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We're all going to encounter Nabel's 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 People that are rude, hard to along with, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 stir up trouble. I'll ask you what 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Abigail asked David. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Why are fighting with a fool? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Why are you in conflict with someone 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that is not between you and your destiny? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They are a distraction. Trying to get you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 off course. Wasting valuable 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 time and energy that you need to for 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 your dreams. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Had Abigail not intervened and kept David 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 out of that conflict. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We might not be talking about David 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God will always send you an Abigail 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to warn you when you're about to get 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 sidetracked. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Maybe today, I'm that Abigail. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God sent me to remind you not to get 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 baited into conflict. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You could be upset, offended, trying 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to pay them back. All that is going 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to do is get you off course. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and keep you from the great things God 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 has in store. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What they say can't stop your purpose. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They may be loud, jealous, noisy. Their 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 just a Nabel. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You keep running your race, focused on 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 what God's called you to do. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And got will take care of the Nabel's in 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 your life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [Audience applauding ] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Elijah in the scripture had an assistant 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 named Elijah. He left his family business 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 as a young man to take care of Elijah. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He served him faithfully through the years 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 When Elijah was about to pass, he asked 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Elijah what he wanted. Elijah said 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 a double portion of his spirt. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That is what he received. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There are twice as many miracles recorded 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 for Elijah than Elijah. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Eljah had an assistant name Ghazia. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He served Elijah year after year. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Everything was going great. He was next 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in line to do amazing things. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Being mentored by this great prophet. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 One day a Capitan of the Syrian Army 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 came to Elijah. He had leprosy. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Elijah told him to go wash in the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Jordan River seven times and he would 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 be healed. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 When he did, his skin was perfectly normal 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He came back to Elijah so grateful, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 so happy. He tried to pay him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Do something to show his gratitude but 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Elijah wouldn't take it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He knew it was God that healed him 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and not him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The Capitan pleaded with him and said 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 please let me leave you some gold 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or silver or something to help you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Again, Elijah refused. Well, Ghazia 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 was there overhearing all this. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Captain and his entourage headed back home 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Ghazia snuck out of the camp without 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Elijah knowing. He caught up with him, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 they were so surprised and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 said what's wrong? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He said nothing, but we had some 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 unexpected guests show up. Elijah changed 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 his mind and would like some of those 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 gifts that you offered. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He got the money and headed back to the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 house. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thinking nobody knew anything but God sees 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 everything. He is the one that controls 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the universe. Promotion doesn't come 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 from people, it comes from God. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Elijah called him in and said Ghazia 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 where have you been? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He said nowhere, I've just been here 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 hanging out. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The scripture says immediately, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Ghazia's skin was filled with leprosy. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What's interesting is you never read 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 anything more about Ghazia in 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the scripture. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We hear all about Elijah, how great he was 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Elijah and all the miracles he performed. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Ghazia was next in line. He should have 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 had 4 times the anointing of Elijah. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But distractions can keep you from your 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 purpose. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Being sidetracked can stop your destiny. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Ghazia thought man if I can get a few of 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 these gifts, without anybody knowing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That will put me way ahead. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He didn't realize, God would have blessed 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 him in much greater ways by being a person 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of honor. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Staying on that high road. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 My father had a message about Ghazia 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 called the man who could've been. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Don't miss the greatness God put in you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because you got sidetracked. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Listen to the still small voice, pay 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 attention when your conscience is 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 bothering you. Learn to deal with 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 those things God brings to life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We're not going to be here forever, let's 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 make the most of each day. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Well Joel, I think it's too late for me. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I'm like Ghazia, I think I missed 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 my chance. Let me show you 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the beauty of our God. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Samson made mistakes year after year, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 wasn't a good steward with what God gave 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 him, ended up lying, in captivity. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The scripture says, the spirt of God 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 came on Samson one more time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Samson defeated more Philistines in his 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 death than he did his whole life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That's what happens when you get back 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 on course. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God doesn't hold your mistakes against 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you. Is there any area you need to make 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 a course correction? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Holding on to unforgiveness, trying 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to prove your worth. Like Samson 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 playing around with your gift. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Don't go another week like that, you put 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it off a week. It will turn into a year. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 A year into twenty years. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You can get back on course today. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God's mercy, his grace is available. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You just have to tap into it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If you do this, I believe and declare 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God's going to help you get back 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 on the best path for your life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The favor, the ability, the blessing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You will fulfill your purpose and 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 become all you were created to be. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In Jesus name 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and if you receive it, can you say amen 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I'd like to give you an opportunity to 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 make Jesus the Lord of your life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Would you pray with me? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Just say, Lord Jesus I repent of my sins 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 come into my heart, I make you my 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Lord and Savior. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If you prayed that simple prayer, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we believe you got born again. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We'd love to send you some free 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 information on your new walk with the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Lord. You can text the number on the 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 screen or go to the website. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I hope you'll get into a good bible 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 based church. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and keep God first place.