WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.320 Turn to 1 Samuel chapter 1, 1 Samuel chapter 1. 00:00:04.980 --> 00:00:08.560 Today is a day that we celebrate precious gifts from the Lord. 00:00:08.800 --> 00:00:13.919 We celebrate mothers and we celebrate those other mothers as well. 00:00:14.300 --> 00:00:21.280 Those ladies that invest in the lives of those that are not their own children but make such a world of difference. 00:00:22.480 --> 00:00:24.300 Ladies, I just want you to know you're a blessing. 00:00:25.060 --> 00:00:28.199 You have a delicate way about you that we don't understand. 00:00:28.199 --> 00:00:32.899 You have a special touch that we fail to have. 00:00:33.839 --> 00:00:37.759 You have a way that we can't describe your blessing. 00:00:38.600 --> 00:00:40.939 Now, don't let me confuse you. 00:00:41.579 --> 00:00:42.899 We don't understand you. 00:00:44.560 --> 00:00:46.739 We may not always get it. 00:00:47.739 --> 00:00:52.500 We don't know exactly where you're aiming or why, but we thank God for you. 00:00:52.500 --> 00:01:02.280 Case in point, some elementary school kids were asked a series of questions about mothers and their responses are telling. 00:01:03.039 --> 00:01:05.739 One question was, why did God make mothers? 00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:09.960 One kid said, to help us get out of there when we're getting born. 00:01:12.640 --> 00:01:13.920 Ask another question. 00:01:14.280 --> 00:01:16.060 How did God make mothers? 00:01:16.060 --> 00:01:21.760 A child said, magic plus superpowers and a lot of stirring. 00:01:23.019 --> 00:01:26.719 And another child said, God made my mom just like he made me. 00:01:26.799 --> 00:01:28.100 He just used bigger parts. 00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:30.859 Another question. 00:01:30.980 --> 00:01:32.780 What ingredients are mothers made of? 00:01:33.320 --> 00:01:39.060 One child said, God makes mothers out of clouds, angel hair, and everything nice in the world. 00:01:39.599 --> 00:01:41.420 And one dab of mean. 00:01:41.420 --> 00:01:48.859 Why did God give you your mother and not some other mother? 00:01:49.659 --> 00:01:54.420 And one child said, God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mamas do. 00:01:55.960 --> 00:01:58.120 And the other one said he did because we're related. 00:01:58.680 --> 00:02:00.000 So, own it. 00:02:00.180 --> 00:02:03.379 And I'm telling you, if they asked men that, it'd probably sound about the same thing. 00:02:03.500 --> 00:02:07.299 So, there's a lot we don't understand, but a whole lot that we like. 00:02:07.299 --> 00:02:11.060 And today, I want to make sure that we celebrate you ladies. 00:02:11.340 --> 00:02:14.039 But it's also a day for more than that. 00:02:14.180 --> 00:02:26.259 Billy Graham's mother was asked one time, or she said, she said, I don't believe Christian women want Mother's Day to be a day of self-congratulations. 00:02:26.800 --> 00:02:28.879 Rather, a day of soul-searching. 00:02:29.259 --> 00:02:33.680 That they might gain a new awareness of the vital role God has given them in the home, 00:02:33.680 --> 00:02:38.520 in the lives of their children, and in the life of their nation as a whole. 00:02:39.140 --> 00:02:39.439 Amen? 00:02:39.840 --> 00:02:40.500 Or, oh, me. 00:02:40.700 --> 00:02:44.260 Either way, regardless, I believe that it should be that way. 00:02:45.120 --> 00:02:48.040 Ladies, you're a gift from God to us. 00:02:48.260 --> 00:02:51.240 Not a possession, but a treasure that is shared. 00:02:51.439 --> 00:02:55.319 And you can't spend your time on earth any better than being godly, quite honestly. 00:02:55.879 --> 00:02:57.400 It makes you a better person. 00:02:57.400 --> 00:03:00.360 It strengthens those around you. 00:03:01.020 --> 00:03:08.300 And the impact of a godly woman's life is absolutely tremendous. 00:03:09.460 --> 00:03:16.980 I heard about an elderly lady that came into a local country church, and she was being helped up the stairs by an usher. 00:03:17.759 --> 00:03:21.099 And he asked, where would you like to sit? 00:03:21.240 --> 00:03:24.020 She said, I'd like to sit on the front row, please. 00:03:24.020 --> 00:03:30.740 And he said, you really don't want to do that because the pastor's really boring. 00:03:32.480 --> 00:03:35.140 And she asked him, she said, do you know who I am? 00:03:35.180 --> 00:03:36.219 And he said, no. 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:38.379 And she said, I'm the pastor's mother. 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:42.140 And the usher said, do you know who I am? 00:03:42.160 --> 00:03:42.920 And she said, no. 00:03:42.980 --> 00:03:43.600 And he said, good. 00:03:44.260 --> 00:03:44.500 Good. 00:03:46.420 --> 00:03:46.860 So. 00:03:46.860 --> 00:03:56.540 And considering the cohorts that are in the foyer and on the sidewalk before the service, that scares me to death, quite honestly. 00:03:58.720 --> 00:04:00.540 Ladies, your impact is tremendous. 00:04:00.760 --> 00:04:04.680 I've learned more and more in ministry that it's not just mothers that have a tremendous impact. 00:04:05.600 --> 00:04:10.960 There are so many ladies, some blessed with their own children, some not, some not yet. 00:04:10.960 --> 00:04:16.540 But so many who have such an impact on the children of the church. 00:04:16.939 --> 00:04:23.540 My own daughters have benefited greatly from many who have invested in them and still invest in them. 00:04:24.500 --> 00:04:31.579 God has entrusted the children of this church, entrusted us with these children. 00:04:31.579 --> 00:04:40.419 And the ministry opportunities that we have with these children are led by good, godly ladies that guide and correct and love and nurture. 00:04:41.560 --> 00:04:47.919 It was said years ago and in a book that it said it takes a village to raise a child. 00:04:49.019 --> 00:04:50.120 I don't believe that. 00:04:50.180 --> 00:04:51.459 Have you ever seen the village people? 00:04:52.279 --> 00:04:53.500 I got news for you. 00:04:54.039 --> 00:04:55.819 I don't want them raising my child. 00:04:58.339 --> 00:05:00.240 No, folks, it takes church. 00:05:00.240 --> 00:05:01.460 It takes a church. 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:03.840 And if you don't know who those people are, that's fine. 00:05:03.939 --> 00:05:04.900 Just thank God you don't. 00:05:04.960 --> 00:05:07.780 But anyway, and you can take them off the screen. 00:05:07.879 --> 00:05:09.240 I don't know what you're going to put up there, but take them off. 00:05:09.280 --> 00:05:10.860 But anyway, I don't want to look at them. 00:05:12.579 --> 00:05:18.800 Our children need good, godly, nurturing ladies who are continuing to grow in their faith. 00:05:19.840 --> 00:05:25.379 So how can mothers in the home and ladies in the church make the greatest amount of difference? 00:05:25.379 --> 00:05:32.579 I believe the mother of Samuel, her name was Hannah, gives us a great example. 00:05:34.100 --> 00:05:46.800 Hannah was distressed about something that distresses many women and many families in some of the most difficult times people experience, and that's infertility. 00:05:46.800 --> 00:05:52.680 If you've suffered with this or are close to someone who has, you've seen and felt the pain. 00:05:53.120 --> 00:05:53.639 It's horrible. 00:05:55.000 --> 00:06:04.939 And in the day in which Hannah lived, it was even worse because there was no way of even imagining what the problem was, and it was thought to have been a curse. 00:06:06.060 --> 00:06:12.160 It was something that women harassed other women about, something that society would shame. 00:06:12.160 --> 00:06:15.400 It was, and it is painful. 00:06:16.080 --> 00:06:20.840 However, I want you to notice where Hannah takes her pain. 00:06:21.960 --> 00:06:24.440 In 1 Samuel 1, verse 10, it says, 00:06:24.600 --> 00:06:30.180 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 00:06:31.080 --> 00:06:32.240 She wept bitterly. 00:06:32.300 --> 00:06:33.100 God blessed her. 00:06:33.840 --> 00:06:35.340 She had a child and noticed. 00:06:36.240 --> 00:06:40.320 And notice what, notice how she responded to that. 00:06:40.319 --> 00:06:45.000 In 1 Samuel 1, verse 27 and 28, a focal passage for us today. 00:06:45.980 --> 00:06:50.000 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 00:06:50.680 --> 00:06:52.360 Therefore, I have lent him to the Lord. 00:06:53.259 --> 00:06:56.219 As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord. 00:06:57.360 --> 00:07:03.699 And the man who heard her worshipped there with her. 00:07:05.459 --> 00:07:06.959 Ladies, do you want to make an impact? 00:07:06.959 --> 00:07:13.959 In fact, I believe the life of Hannah gives us great ways to make an impact on those who God's entrusted to us. 00:07:16.419 --> 00:07:25.060 It may seem counterproductive, but quite honestly, ladies, the way to make the greatest impact is to pray. 00:07:26.359 --> 00:07:27.139 Is to pray. 00:07:27.139 --> 00:07:31.379 Why pray when you can do something about it? 00:07:31.560 --> 00:07:40.139 Well, the reality is prayer comes when you realize that there's nothing you can do outside of the counsel of God. 00:07:40.779 --> 00:07:42.240 Outside the will of God. 00:07:43.779 --> 00:07:46.339 Prayer is surrendering your will to his. 00:07:47.199 --> 00:07:51.719 And in verse 10 that I read a few moments ago, it tells us that she was deeply in distress. 00:07:51.720 --> 00:07:53.240 She wept bitterly. 00:07:54.360 --> 00:07:57.380 And giving all that she had, she gave that in prayer. 00:07:58.480 --> 00:08:00.240 There are going to be times like that in your life. 00:08:00.340 --> 00:08:02.260 There's going to be times when you want a child. 00:08:02.960 --> 00:08:04.840 There's going to be times when you have a child. 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:06.840 There's going to be times when you raise a child. 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:09.880 Every step of the way, there's going to be times of difficulty. 00:08:10.260 --> 00:08:12.900 But give that matter to the Lord. 00:08:14.660 --> 00:08:16.840 Pray every step of the way. 00:08:18.080 --> 00:08:19.040 Pray anywhere. 00:08:20.040 --> 00:08:21.160 Pray anytime. 00:08:21.720 --> 00:08:23.040 Pray alone. 00:08:24.380 --> 00:08:25.160 Pray with others. 00:08:26.760 --> 00:08:27.540 Pray quietly. 00:08:29.020 --> 00:08:29.960 Pray ecstatically. 00:08:31.340 --> 00:08:32.019 Pray again. 00:08:33.420 --> 00:08:34.320 Pray fervently. 00:08:34.480 --> 00:08:37.480 You are approaching the throne of a holy God. 00:08:38.740 --> 00:08:39.660 Pray sincerely. 00:08:39.879 --> 00:08:41.000 God knows your heart anyway. 00:08:41.200 --> 00:08:41.480 Pray. 00:08:41.600 --> 00:08:42.500 Be honest with him. 00:08:43.379 --> 00:08:44.440 Pray faithfully. 00:08:45.340 --> 00:08:49.259 Regularly and with faith that God will answer when you pray. 00:08:50.259 --> 00:08:51.440 Pray purely. 00:08:52.580 --> 00:08:53.779 Keep your heart right. 00:08:54.980 --> 00:08:57.480 Keep it without a hindrance to step in the way. 00:08:58.440 --> 00:08:59.420 Pray thankfully. 00:09:00.360 --> 00:09:02.300 Don't forget what he's already done. 00:09:02.399 --> 00:09:07.639 Sometimes in the midst of our circumstances and the weight of it, we forget what God's already done in our past. 00:09:08.720 --> 00:09:09.779 Pray expectantly. 00:09:09.779 --> 00:09:11.039 Give it to him. 00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:12.759 Rest it with him. 00:09:12.759 --> 00:09:13.199 Leave it with him. 00:09:13.199 --> 00:09:14.839 Pray persistently. 00:09:14.839 --> 00:09:15.740 Pray persistently. 00:09:15.740 --> 00:09:21.039 Christ told us to ask and then to seek and then to knock. 00:09:22.039 --> 00:09:23.740 Pray that his will will be done. 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:25.019 Surrender your will to his. 00:09:25.279 --> 00:09:26.579 Pray in Jesus' name. 00:09:26.580 --> 00:09:30.040 You can only come to the throne because of Christ. 00:09:30.040 --> 00:09:31.759 So let your prayers. 00:09:32.120 --> 00:09:34.100 And this is what it means to pray in Jesus' name. 00:09:34.280 --> 00:09:36.320 Not only to say it, but to mean it. 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:40.740 And that is to pray with your prayers marked by his character. 00:09:41.600 --> 00:09:41.759 His. 00:09:42.220 --> 00:09:44.200 Your prayers marked by his ways. 00:09:44.200 --> 00:09:58.900 The reality is the busyness of our days and the lack of focus of our minds and the loud volume of the world in which we live will distract the most powerful time that we can invest with our family. 00:10:00.180 --> 00:10:03.200 And the reality is a lot of that time will be away from family. 00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:05.480 Praying. 00:10:06.360 --> 00:10:06.879 Alone. 00:10:07.379 --> 00:10:08.060 Before the Lord. 00:10:08.720 --> 00:10:09.480 Now I'll be honest with you. 00:10:09.480 --> 00:10:10.240 Prayer is not easy. 00:10:10.240 --> 00:10:14.039 And there's a reason for that. 00:10:15.700 --> 00:10:17.200 There's power in prayer. 00:10:17.700 --> 00:10:21.700 And so all demonic forces of hell want to keep you from praying. 00:10:22.419 --> 00:10:24.539 Because prayer is where the power is. 00:10:24.659 --> 00:10:26.100 Prayer is where the growth comes. 00:10:26.440 --> 00:10:28.919 Prayer is what God chooses to use. 00:10:29.299 --> 00:10:31.340 And it takes time. 00:10:32.000 --> 00:10:33.379 Which we don't feel like we have much. 00:10:33.440 --> 00:10:34.399 It takes surrender. 00:10:34.620 --> 00:10:35.740 Which is not easy. 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:38.080 And it takes trust. 00:10:38.080 --> 00:10:40.860 But it's more than that. 00:10:42.680 --> 00:10:43.639 It's worth it. 00:10:44.560 --> 00:10:45.020 So pray. 00:10:46.460 --> 00:10:49.600 Pray that children will know the Lord early. 00:10:50.780 --> 00:10:54.780 Pray that they will live for Jesus entirely. 00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:58.460 Pray for their deliverance from danger. 00:10:59.860 --> 00:11:01.520 Pray for their deliverance from evil. 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:04.060 Pray for their teaching that they hear. 00:11:04.220 --> 00:11:05.280 Pray for their wisdom. 00:11:05.800 --> 00:11:07.020 Pray for discernment. 00:11:07.019 --> 00:11:11.019 Pray that God will snatch them from the fire of dumb decisions. 00:11:12.539 --> 00:11:13.879 Pray for their purity. 00:11:15.699 --> 00:11:17.299 Pray for their spouse. 00:11:17.899 --> 00:11:18.720 Early on. 00:11:19.279 --> 00:11:20.120 When they're young. 00:11:21.799 --> 00:11:22.899 Pray for their present. 00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:25.659 Pray for their future. 00:11:27.159 --> 00:11:29.120 You never know this side of eternity. 00:11:29.279 --> 00:11:30.759 The impact of your prayers. 00:11:32.120 --> 00:11:33.539 Denzel Washington said one time. 00:11:33.620 --> 00:11:36.480 He said I walked in the house of my mother one day. 00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:38.720 Fully full of myself. 00:11:38.759 --> 00:11:39.680 I was a movie star. 00:11:40.639 --> 00:11:41.720 And I said to mother. 00:11:42.259 --> 00:11:43.480 Did you ever think. 00:11:44.019 --> 00:11:45.139 This was going to happen. 00:11:46.460 --> 00:11:47.720 And she said to him. 00:11:47.860 --> 00:11:48.220 Please. 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:50.180 First of all. 00:11:50.240 --> 00:11:51.700 Go wash the windows for me. 00:11:52.420 --> 00:11:53.659 Do you have any idea. 00:11:53.759 --> 00:11:55.539 How many people have been praying for you. 00:11:55.659 --> 00:11:57.500 While you were being a knucklehead. 00:11:57.500 --> 00:12:00.720 And the reality is folks. 00:12:00.840 --> 00:12:01.879 God bless Denzel. 00:12:02.019 --> 00:12:04.460 But things going on behind the scenes. 00:12:04.779 --> 00:12:05.259 Affected. 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:06.919 How it happened. 00:12:07.100 --> 00:12:08.919 And so it is with your family. 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:11.620 Do you realize that the reason why. 00:12:11.779 --> 00:12:12.320 Sometimes. 00:12:12.659 --> 00:12:14.460 The blessings that we experience. 00:12:14.700 --> 00:12:15.519 As individuals. 00:12:15.879 --> 00:12:17.279 Is because of prayers. 00:12:17.279 --> 00:12:19.080 Of people who have been in heaven. 00:12:19.299 --> 00:12:20.279 For years. 00:12:21.559 --> 00:12:22.899 That prayed for us. 00:12:22.899 --> 00:12:23.919 A long time ago. 00:12:24.919 --> 00:12:27.240 And God answered those prayers in his time. 00:12:28.419 --> 00:12:30.459 And those prayers just continue to echo. 00:12:30.459 --> 00:12:31.699 Through the halls of glory. 00:12:32.659 --> 00:12:33.079 Pray. 00:12:34.579 --> 00:12:36.240 Don't underestimate that. 00:12:37.159 --> 00:12:38.799 It's very easy to listen to that. 00:12:38.860 --> 00:12:39.059 And say. 00:12:39.139 --> 00:12:40.279 Well what else can I do. 00:12:40.360 --> 00:12:40.500 Well. 00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:42.639 Don't do anything else until you do that. 00:12:44.599 --> 00:12:46.620 Another way to have a great impact. 00:12:47.059 --> 00:12:47.980 The greatest impact. 00:12:47.980 --> 00:12:48.939 Is to love. 00:12:48.940 --> 00:12:51.820 Let your life. 00:12:52.020 --> 00:12:52.780 Be marked. 00:12:52.940 --> 00:12:53.940 By love. 00:12:54.900 --> 00:12:55.420 Number one. 00:12:55.520 --> 00:12:56.180 Love the Lord. 00:12:57.120 --> 00:12:57.780 Hannah's prayer. 00:12:57.920 --> 00:12:58.300 In first. 00:12:58.660 --> 00:12:59.460 Samuel 2. 00:12:59.560 --> 00:13:00.760 Which is a beautiful prayer. 00:13:01.560 --> 00:13:02.840 Shows her love for the Lord. 00:13:02.940 --> 00:13:03.800 Just a part of it. 00:13:03.860 --> 00:13:04.400 Says enough. 00:13:04.980 --> 00:13:06.000 In first Samuel 2. 00:13:06.060 --> 00:13:06.580 Verse 1. 00:13:06.800 --> 00:13:07.340 It says. 00:13:07.540 --> 00:13:08.760 And Hannah prayed. 00:13:10.300 --> 00:13:10.740 And. 00:13:11.620 --> 00:13:12.380 And said. 00:13:12.380 --> 00:13:14.100 My heart exalts in the Lord. 00:13:14.480 --> 00:13:16.420 My horn is exalted in the Lord. 00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:20.240 My mouth derides my enemies. 00:13:20.379 --> 00:13:22.019 Because I rejoice in your salvation. 00:13:22.740 --> 00:13:25.000 There is none holy like the Lord. 00:13:25.579 --> 00:13:27.419 For there is none besides you. 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:30.879 There is no rock like our God. 00:13:31.679 --> 00:13:33.860 When a mother realizes. 00:13:34.319 --> 00:13:36.519 Her child is on loan from God. 00:13:38.199 --> 00:13:39.719 Gives you a different perspective. 00:13:39.819 --> 00:13:40.599 A real perspective. 00:13:41.860 --> 00:13:43.539 That he's entrusted you. 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:44.740 And he's enabled you. 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:47.940 And he's left that child to you. 00:13:48.360 --> 00:13:49.539 So what do you do with that? 00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:52.060 You love the Lord enough. 00:13:52.139 --> 00:13:53.419 And that child enough. 00:13:53.539 --> 00:13:55.019 To give him or her back. 00:13:55.180 --> 00:13:55.720 To the Lord. 00:13:58.539 --> 00:14:00.419 And that's not a one time process. 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:03.680 You have to keep giving her. 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:04.860 Back to the Lord. 00:14:05.740 --> 00:14:07.980 Through each and every stage. 00:14:08.060 --> 00:14:08.980 Of that child's. 00:14:09.580 --> 00:14:09.919 Life. 00:14:11.320 --> 00:14:12.539 A group of tourists. 00:14:12.539 --> 00:14:15.039 We're visiting a beautiful village. 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:18.000 And walking by. 00:14:18.179 --> 00:14:19.939 There was an old man sitting on a gate. 00:14:21.439 --> 00:14:22.980 And there was a tourist. 00:14:22.980 --> 00:14:24.819 That was kind of bored with the whole tour. 00:14:24.939 --> 00:14:26.659 Didn't think there was much to this little town. 00:14:27.860 --> 00:14:28.959 Kind of scoffingly. 00:14:29.099 --> 00:14:30.319 He looked over at the man. 00:14:30.719 --> 00:14:31.500 Patronizing way. 00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:32.120 And said. 00:14:33.299 --> 00:14:35.759 Were any great men born in this village? 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:38.039 And the old man said. 00:14:38.099 --> 00:14:38.360 Nope. 00:14:38.939 --> 00:14:39.759 Only babies. 00:14:39.759 --> 00:14:47.860 You know how men and women become great. 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:51.100 Because of the influences on their life. 00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:54.840 Primarily the influence of the Lord. 00:14:55.840 --> 00:14:57.700 It's often backed by a mother. 00:14:58.460 --> 00:15:00.639 Who dedicated her child to the Lord. 00:15:00.700 --> 00:15:02.340 At an early stage in life. 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:04.139 Or. 00:15:04.879 --> 00:15:06.419 By ladies of the church. 00:15:06.419 --> 00:15:07.179 That surrounded. 00:15:07.299 --> 00:15:07.840 Or the community. 00:15:07.840 --> 00:15:09.240 That surrounded that child. 00:15:09.340 --> 00:15:11.240 And helped raise that child. 00:15:11.460 --> 00:15:12.940 When maybe a mama wasn't looking. 00:15:15.259 --> 00:15:16.740 Make an impact ladies. 00:15:19.180 --> 00:15:19.660 Pray. 00:15:20.340 --> 00:15:21.040 For your family. 00:15:22.420 --> 00:15:23.519 Love your family. 00:15:24.560 --> 00:15:25.879 And the last way to make an impact. 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:27.360 That I want to mention about Hannah's life. 00:15:27.480 --> 00:15:28.300 Is to live. 00:15:28.940 --> 00:15:29.820 To live. 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:31.540 Live a life. 00:15:32.700 --> 00:15:33.860 Before Christ. 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.000 Before your family. 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:37.639 For this. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:37.659 For this. 00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:38.639 I go back to what. 00:15:39.279 --> 00:15:40.620 Marked believing homes. 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:41.480 In the days of Hannah. 00:15:41.940 --> 00:15:42.980 And her son Samuel. 00:15:44.639 --> 00:15:45.820 I go back to it often. 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:46.899 When I talk about the family. 00:15:47.039 --> 00:15:48.059 Because I believe it serves. 00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:49.080 As a model for us. 00:15:49.159 --> 00:15:51.120 As did the Hebrew families. 00:15:51.120 --> 00:15:51.740 Of that day. 00:15:53.259 --> 00:15:54.620 Deuteronomy chapter 6. 00:15:54.840 --> 00:15:56.019 Verse 4 through 7. 00:15:56.519 --> 00:15:57.799 Is simply called the Shema. 00:15:58.019 --> 00:16:00.139 Based on the Hebrew word for here. 00:16:01.179 --> 00:16:01.779 And it says. 00:16:01.919 --> 00:16:02.159 Hear. 00:16:02.279 --> 00:16:02.879 O Israel. 00:16:02.980 --> 00:16:03.659 The Lord our God. 00:16:03.700 --> 00:16:04.419 The Lord is one. 00:16:04.419 --> 00:16:05.799 You shall love the Lord your God. 00:16:05.860 --> 00:16:06.479 With all your heart. 00:16:06.559 --> 00:16:07.240 With all your soul. 00:16:07.959 --> 00:16:08.839 And with all your might. 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:10.959 And these words that I command you. 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:12.459 They shall be upon your heart. 00:16:12.500 --> 00:16:13.759 And I want you to focus on verse 7. 00:16:14.699 --> 00:16:16.639 You shall teach them diligently. 00:16:16.639 --> 00:16:17.519 To your children. 00:16:18.379 --> 00:16:19.719 You shall talk of them. 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:20.860 When you sit in your house. 00:16:21.339 --> 00:16:22.879 When you walk by the way. 00:16:23.379 --> 00:16:24.659 When you lie down. 00:16:24.659 --> 00:16:26.399 And when you rise. 00:16:27.199 --> 00:16:28.500 This passage begins. 00:16:28.500 --> 00:16:30.339 With a powerful theological statement. 00:16:31.059 --> 00:16:31.740 The Lord our God. 00:16:31.740 --> 00:16:32.519 The Lord is one. 00:16:33.240 --> 00:16:35.180 It's followed by instruction. 00:16:36.180 --> 00:16:38.159 And that is to love the Lord your God. 00:16:38.200 --> 00:16:39.379 With everything that you are. 00:16:40.259 --> 00:16:41.399 And then that is followed. 00:16:41.399 --> 00:16:43.500 By very plain application. 00:16:44.899 --> 00:16:46.820 Because we serve one Lord. 00:16:47.580 --> 00:16:50.039 And because he is the love of our lives. 00:16:50.539 --> 00:16:52.360 May we live this faith out. 00:16:52.460 --> 00:16:53.960 Before our families. 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:55.019 When? 00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:56.840 When we sit at home. 00:16:58.340 --> 00:16:59.580 Let me be clear about something. 00:16:59.580 --> 00:17:01.500 Don't be afraid to sit at the house. 00:17:03.900 --> 00:17:05.220 Our urgency today. 00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:06.620 Is always to be moving. 00:17:07.220 --> 00:17:08.000 To be busy. 00:17:08.120 --> 00:17:08.500 Working. 00:17:08.860 --> 00:17:09.299 Entertaining. 00:17:09.600 --> 00:17:10.039 Pursuing. 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:12.319 And all of those things. 00:17:12.400 --> 00:17:13.920 Can often become a distraction. 00:17:13.920 --> 00:17:15.360 That robs us. 00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:17.340 Of real quality time. 00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:18.160 As a family. 00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:20.220 So make time to sit down. 00:17:20.319 --> 00:17:21.259 Make time to talk. 00:17:22.059 --> 00:17:23.200 Talk about your day. 00:17:23.360 --> 00:17:24.460 Talk about your plans. 00:17:24.620 --> 00:17:25.519 Talk about your feelings. 00:17:25.759 --> 00:17:26.700 Talk about the Lord. 00:17:26.700 --> 00:17:26.799 Lord. 00:17:29.600 --> 00:17:30.299 Sit at home. 00:17:30.440 --> 00:17:31.240 Don't be afraid of it. 00:17:31.940 --> 00:17:32.640 It ain't gonna hurt you. 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:33.840 It'll help you. 00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:36.360 When you walk along the way. 00:17:36.580 --> 00:17:37.220 If Moses. 00:17:38.660 --> 00:17:39.960 Would have had a minivan. 00:17:40.080 --> 00:17:40.759 Or an SUV. 00:17:41.059 --> 00:17:42.299 He'd have said as you ride. 00:17:44.880 --> 00:17:45.980 If you're gonna be in a car. 00:17:46.039 --> 00:17:47.059 Don't waste all of it. 00:17:47.220 --> 00:17:48.400 Complaining about traffic. 00:17:49.840 --> 00:17:50.700 Listening to music. 00:17:50.860 --> 00:17:51.920 Scrolling on phones. 00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:53.559 Especially if you're the one driving. 00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:54.319 Please don't. 00:17:54.319 --> 00:17:54.720 Talk. 00:17:56.939 --> 00:17:58.319 And in that talk. 00:17:58.500 --> 00:17:59.480 Bring up the Lord. 00:18:00.439 --> 00:18:01.859 Great opportunities for that. 00:18:02.899 --> 00:18:04.039 When you lie down. 00:18:05.919 --> 00:18:08.159 Don't miss the last moments. 00:18:08.159 --> 00:18:09.000 Of the day. 00:18:10.359 --> 00:18:12.019 Sometimes the greatest reflection. 00:18:13.019 --> 00:18:14.740 Or the accumulation of thoughts. 00:18:14.740 --> 00:18:15.419 From the day. 00:18:15.659 --> 00:18:17.299 Are resting on young minds. 00:18:17.339 --> 00:18:18.099 As they go to bed. 00:18:19.099 --> 00:18:19.919 So pray over them. 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:21.559 If. 00:18:21.559 --> 00:18:23.119 Their teens. 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:24.319 Stay up and wait on them. 00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:27.019 Make eye contact with them. 00:18:28.440 --> 00:18:28.879 Parents. 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:30.079 You need to make eye contact with them. 00:18:30.099 --> 00:18:30.679 When they come in. 00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:32.799 They need to know you are. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:35.059 And talk to them. 00:18:36.119 --> 00:18:37.179 And listen to them. 00:18:39.720 --> 00:18:40.980 Sometimes I don't have an answer. 00:18:41.079 --> 00:18:41.919 When I listen to them. 00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:44.659 And I just simply say. 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:46.819 Let's just pray about this. 00:18:46.819 --> 00:18:49.579 We're just going to pray about this. 00:18:52.460 --> 00:18:53.460 When you rise. 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:57.079 I often tell Millie. 00:18:57.179 --> 00:18:58.220 As she goes out the door. 00:18:59.119 --> 00:18:59.879 I want you to know. 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:00.639 I prayed for you. 00:19:00.679 --> 00:19:01.679 To have a blessed day today. 00:19:03.439 --> 00:19:04.619 When I'd take her to school. 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.839 Before she got out of the car. 00:19:05.919 --> 00:19:06.359 I'd tell her. 00:19:06.399 --> 00:19:07.279 Now I want you to know something. 00:19:07.339 --> 00:19:08.240 You've been prayed for today. 00:19:09.379 --> 00:19:10.639 And if there was something specific. 00:19:10.639 --> 00:19:11.059 Going on. 00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:11.759 I'd tell her exactly. 00:19:11.879 --> 00:19:13.079 What specifically I'd prayed for. 00:19:13.079 --> 00:19:15.819 The other morning early. 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:16.740 I read my Bible. 00:19:16.919 --> 00:19:18.139 And I got ready to pray. 00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:19.259 And I journaled as I pray. 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:21.539 And the phone rang. 00:19:23.220 --> 00:19:24.199 And it was Abby. 00:19:25.839 --> 00:19:26.899 And she called me. 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:28.039 And she's very concerned. 00:19:28.039 --> 00:19:29.939 About things that were going to happen that day. 00:19:31.839 --> 00:19:32.519 She was. 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:35.059 As she said. 00:19:35.119 --> 00:19:35.740 Freaking out. 00:19:38.139 --> 00:19:39.299 And I just listened. 00:19:40.699 --> 00:19:42.619 There wasn't a thing I could do to fix that. 00:19:42.619 --> 00:19:42.839 And I. 00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:46.719 Make it my job to try to. 00:19:47.759 --> 00:19:48.939 Fix things for my family. 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:50.239 And I can't work on anything. 00:19:50.479 --> 00:19:50.639 So. 00:19:52.119 --> 00:19:53.539 I tried my best to make it happen. 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:54.539 And it was nothing I could do. 00:19:55.859 --> 00:19:56.679 I just listened. 00:19:59.419 --> 00:20:00.539 Nothing I could fix. 00:20:00.679 --> 00:20:02.599 As much as I'd love to accommodate them. 00:20:03.639 --> 00:20:04.619 When we hung up. 00:20:04.699 --> 00:20:07.039 I knew specifically how to pray for her that day. 00:20:08.339 --> 00:20:09.099 And I did. 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:09.299 And. 00:20:10.139 --> 00:20:11.379 And then later on. 00:20:11.380 --> 00:20:12.920 In the day I checked on her. 00:20:13.700 --> 00:20:14.140 And she said. 00:20:14.140 --> 00:20:14.440 Oh boy. 00:20:14.440 --> 00:20:15.000 It was wonderful. 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:16.440 I didn't have nothing to be concerned about. 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:17.800 And I said. 00:20:17.840 --> 00:20:18.020 See. 00:20:18.060 --> 00:20:19.500 You got all wound up. 00:20:19.560 --> 00:20:20.040 And she said. 00:20:20.060 --> 00:20:20.260 Yeah. 00:20:20.380 --> 00:20:20.740 But. 00:20:21.000 --> 00:20:21.300 But. 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:23.120 If I freak out beforehand. 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:23.860 It will go smooth. 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:24.760 If I don't freak out. 00:20:24.800 --> 00:20:25.820 It will not go smooth. 00:20:25.819 --> 00:20:26.819 It will go. 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:27.500 I said. 00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:27.819 I said. 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:28.980 Wow. 00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:30.059 What a way to look at things. 00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:31.899 Praise the Lord. 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:32.919 He watched over her. 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:33.799 And took care of her. 00:20:35.519 --> 00:20:35.919 Ladies. 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:36.519 You're a blessing. 00:20:38.579 --> 00:20:41.319 I so appreciate the impact that you make. 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:44.500 And I encourage you to make an impact. 00:20:45.159 --> 00:20:48.240 In whatever way that God has entrusted to you. 00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:52.579 For those that God has placed in your life. 00:20:52.700 --> 00:20:53.319 Pray for them. 00:20:54.759 --> 00:20:55.599 Love the Lord. 00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:57.779 And share that love with them. 00:20:57.880 --> 00:20:59.680 And then live it out before them. 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:01.720 Whether it's your kids. 00:21:01.799 --> 00:21:04.359 Or whether it's some classroom kids. 00:21:05.400 --> 00:21:08.279 That you are entirely tired of now. 00:21:08.339 --> 00:21:08.680 Teachers. 00:21:09.079 --> 00:21:10.480 You're about to get rid of them. 00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:10.940 Thank God. 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:13.240 Maybe it's grandkids. 00:21:13.240 --> 00:21:13.880 Grandkids. 00:21:16.359 --> 00:21:17.920 Maybe it's so snotty nose. 00:21:18.039 --> 00:21:18.720 Church kids. 00:21:20.400 --> 00:21:21.759 Whoever it is. 00:21:23.660 --> 00:21:26.440 Don't be discouraged by the pace. 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:28.980 Pray. 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:30.519 Love. 00:21:32.099 --> 00:21:33.339 Live it out before them. 00:21:34.559 --> 00:21:37.039 That kind of thing changes things. 00:21:38.160 --> 00:21:41.279 And allows you to make a real impact over time. 00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:44.200 And sometimes that time is doggedly slow. 00:21:47.200 --> 00:21:49.279 But I've come to tell you this morning. 00:21:51.399 --> 00:21:52.680 Don't give up. 00:21:54.599 --> 00:21:55.740 You pray. 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:58.779 You love. 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:01.639 You live it out. 00:22:03.019 --> 00:22:04.299 In the end. 00:22:05.639 --> 00:22:07.680 Living for the Lord. 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.779 Before your children. 00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:11.519 That God has entrusted your care. 00:22:12.579 --> 00:22:14.759 Is a precious gift of God. 00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:16.720 To those that you influence. 00:22:18.599 --> 00:22:20.899 And I am thankful for what you do. 00:22:22.819 --> 00:22:24.220 And I will pray. 00:22:25.740 --> 00:22:27.059 For those matters. 00:22:29.139 --> 00:22:30.619 That you're burdened about. 00:22:31.619 --> 00:22:33.180 And that you struggle with. 00:22:34.259 --> 00:22:35.460 Thank you for what you do. 00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:38.140 May we do it more. 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:40.100 And do it better. 00:22:40.940 --> 00:22:42.079 Till Jesus comes. 00:22:44.420 --> 00:22:45.579 The reality is. 00:22:46.660 --> 00:22:48.759 It all starts with a relationship with the Lord. 00:22:50.059 --> 00:22:51.779 It all starts with knowing him personally. 00:22:53.079 --> 00:22:54.039 And if you're here this morning. 00:22:54.079 --> 00:22:55.660 And there's never been a time in your life. 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:57.180 When you've accepted the Lord Jesus. 00:22:57.660 --> 00:22:58.960 And asked him to come into your heart. 00:22:59.019 --> 00:22:59.539 I want you to know. 00:22:59.600 --> 00:23:00.600 We're about to give an invitation. 00:23:00.740 --> 00:23:01.340 And when we do. 00:23:01.600 --> 00:23:02.960 It's your opportunity to come. 00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:04.900 We'd love to guide you in that process. 00:23:05.860 --> 00:23:06.960 Maybe you're here this morning. 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:07.840 And you've done that. 00:23:08.059 --> 00:23:08.460 Privately. 00:23:08.600 --> 00:23:09.940 But you've never done it publicly. 00:23:11.640 --> 00:23:13.059 You've never followed the Lord. 00:23:13.220 --> 00:23:14.039 In that decision. 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:14.819 When baptism. 00:23:16.200 --> 00:23:17.180 It's never happened. 00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:19.620 We'd love to guide you in that process. 00:23:19.819 --> 00:23:20.880 I won't throw that on you. 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:22.860 I'd love to just start that conversation. 00:23:22.859 --> 00:23:25.719 Maybe you're here this morning. 00:23:25.719 --> 00:23:27.459 And the reality is. 00:23:27.539 --> 00:23:28.959 God's drawing you to this church. 00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:30.639 You're a believer. 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:33.899 And you know that. 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:37.479 God's led you to be a part of this church. 00:23:37.599 --> 00:23:38.479 I encourage you to come. 00:23:38.899 --> 00:23:39.899 Maybe you're here this morning. 00:23:39.959 --> 00:23:41.179 And there's just a burden on your heart. 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:43.639 You just need to lay that before the Lord. 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:45.759 You can do that where you are. 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:47.099 Or you can do it at this altar. 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:48.279 Or I'll pray with you. 00:23:48.479 --> 00:23:49.559 Whatever you'd like to do. 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:51.759 I just encourage you this morning. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:53.460 To obey the Lord. 00:23:54.599 --> 00:23:55.220 Trust him. 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:56.059 Trust him. 00:23:56.179 --> 00:23:57.019 Trust his timing. 00:23:57.980 --> 00:23:59.000 Trust how he works. 00:23:59.200 --> 00:24:00.500 Just do what he tells you to do. 00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:02.059 Let's pray together. 00:24:02.179 --> 00:24:03.259 Lord Jesus I love you. 00:24:04.419 --> 00:24:05.399 And I thank you Lord. 00:24:05.480 --> 00:24:06.859 For the love that you have for us. 00:24:06.919 --> 00:24:07.839 And oh God today. 00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:09.139 I ask that you'll work. 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:10.259 And you'll move in our midst. 00:24:11.059 --> 00:24:13.240 Help us simply respond to you in obedience. 00:24:13.240 --> 00:24:14.859 As you speak to our hearts and lives. 00:24:15.539 --> 00:24:17.099 In Jesus precious name. 00:24:17.700 --> 00:24:18.019 Amen.