Hello. 00:00:19.80\00:00:20.77 My name is Shelley Quinn 00:00:20.78\00:00:21.75 and I welcome you to 00:00:21.76\00:00:22.85 "Exalting His Word". 00:00:22.90\00:00:24.12 A program that will focus on 00:00:24.17\00:00:26.52 the transforming power of 00:00:26.57\00:00:28.05 the word of God. 00:00:28.10\00:00:29.38 I'm convinced this teaching series can be 00:00:29.43\00:00:31.88 life changing for you. 00:00:31.93\00:00:33.42 Now, that's a bold statement but 00:00:33.47\00:00:35.45 I have it supported both by scripture 00:00:35.50\00:00:38.22 and by personal testimonies. 00:00:38.27\00:00:40.35 In scripture, 00:00:40.40\00:00:41.62 God said in Deuteronomy 32:47 that 00:00:41.67\00:00:45.98 His words are not idle words. 00:00:46.03\00:00:48.45 But that they are life to you. 00:00:48.50\00:00:50.98 And Jesus said in John 6:63 00:00:51.03\00:00:54.35 "The spirit gives life. 00:00:54.40\00:00:56.55 "The flesh counts for nothing. 00:00:56.60\00:00:58.12 "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit 00:00:58.17\00:01:02.72 "and they are life." 00:01:02.77\00:01:03.74 Our Loving Heavenly Father has a plan for our lives 00:01:03.75\00:01:08.12 and it is revealed in His word. 00:01:08.17\00:01:11.58 More than that, 00:01:11.63\00:01:12.60 the word of God has the creative power to 00:01:12.61\00:01:14.95 fulfill every detail of His plan. 00:01:15.00\00:01:17.85 And through this series 00:01:17.90\00:01:19.98 we'll be taking a closer look at 00:01:20.03\00:01:22.32 His wonderful plan of love 00:01:22.37\00:01:24.32 and learn how to put it into action by 00:01:24.37\00:01:27.95 putting God's word into practice. 00:01:28.00\00:01:30.65 And relying on the power of God that's available for us. 00:01:30.70\00:01:35.85 And as far as testimonies go, 00:01:35.90\00:01:37.72 I've been sharing this teaching for 00:01:37.77\00:01:39.88 a number of years now. 00:01:39.93\00:01:41.58 And I've witnessed when 00:01:41.63\00:01:42.98 you learn to Exalt His Word, 00:01:43.03\00:01:44.38 it doesn't matter how long you've been a Christian. 00:01:44.43\00:01:49.42 You learn to tap into 00:01:49.47\00:01:51.68 the source of God's power that 00:01:51.73\00:01:53.78 will change you in ways that 00:01:53.83\00:01:55.68 you didn't think possible. 00:01:55.73\00:01:57.35 Everyone from baby Christians to 00:01:57.40\00:02:00.35 Pastors have marveled 00:02:00.40\00:02:02.62 at how God changed their lives 00:02:02.67\00:02:04.38 through this wonderful understanding of 00:02:04.43\00:02:07.55 this Bible teaching. 00:02:07.60\00:02:09.12 He brought them into 00:02:09.17\00:02:10.58 a more intimate relationship with Him. 00:02:10.63\00:02:13.05 And a relationship that was filled with love, 00:02:13.10\00:02:17.28 joy, 00:02:17.33\00:02:18.30 peace, 00:02:18.31\00:02:19.48 and power! 00:02:19.53\00:02:20.55 Power that God provides us to walk in Christ's footsteps. 00:02:20.60\00:02:24.22 Like others, you'll discover that 00:02:24.27\00:02:27.02 the power of God's word 00:02:27.07\00:02:29.15 through that power you can escape from 00:02:29.20\00:02:31.62 the corruption of the world 00:02:31.67\00:02:33.72 and learn to be more like Jesus. 00:02:33.77\00:02:35.88 Which by the way, 00:02:35.93\00:02:36.90 the Bible says it's your destiny. 00:02:36.91\00:02:39.12 If we want to have abundant life here on earth 00:02:39.17\00:02:43.62 and share in the glorious eternal inheritance that 00:02:43.67\00:02:46.12 God has prepared for us, 00:02:46.17\00:02:49.15 it's vital that we understand 00:02:49.20\00:02:51.95 the importance of taping into 00:02:52.00\00:02:54.38 the power of God's word 00:02:54.43\00:02:56.85 by putting it into practice. 00:02:56.90\00:02:58.18 That's what we'll be talking about in this series. 00:02:58.23\00:03:00.78 How to enjoy abundant life 00:03:00.83\00:03:03.22 by putting God's word into practice. 00:03:03.27\00:03:05.65 Let's ask the Lord to bless our time together today. 00:03:05.70\00:03:10.35 Heavenly Father, 00:03:10.40\00:03:11.75 we ask in a special way that 00:03:11.80\00:03:13.68 you would anoint this program. 00:03:13.73\00:03:16.08 Anoint the ears of my brothers 00:03:16.13\00:03:19.75 and my sisters who are listening. 00:03:19.80\00:03:21.62 And Father God in the Name of Jesus we ask that 00:03:21.67\00:03:24.72 you will teach us how to 00:03:24.77\00:03:26.85 tap into the power that 00:03:26.90\00:03:28.68 You make available for us to 00:03:28.73\00:03:30.35 overcome evil and become like Jesus. 00:03:30.40\00:03:32.58 We give you all the praise and all the glory. 00:03:32.63\00:03:35.35 And we just acknowledge Father that 00:03:35.40\00:03:37.58 the Holy Spirit is our teacher. 00:03:37.63\00:03:39.88 In Christ' Name, amen. 00:03:39.93\00:03:43.02 Do you feel 00:03:43.07\00:03:44.04 there's got to be more to life than 00:03:44.05\00:03:46.98 you've been experiencing? 00:03:47.03\00:03:49.12 Are you tired of the old 00:03:49.17\00:03:51.02 three steps forward 00:03:51.07\00:03:52.62 two steps back routine? 00:03:52.67\00:03:54.62 Then stay tuned to learn that 00:03:54.67\00:03:56.55 God has a plan for your life! 00:03:56.60\00:03:58.98 He will give you 00:03:59.03\00:04:00.18 the power to press forward victoriously! 00:04:00.23\00:04:03.45 Before we begin today's Bible study, 00:04:03.50\00:04:06.28 let me first share some highlights of 00:04:06.33\00:04:08.85 what you can expect in weeks to come. 00:04:08.90\00:04:11.82 This will be a rapid overview just to 00:04:11.87\00:04:14.45 wet your appetite for 00:04:14.50\00:04:16.62 what's coming in these series. 00:04:16.67\00:04:18.62 I'll be sharing... [information on screen] 00:04:18.67\00:04:25.35 Then we'll move on to the plan the Lord has. 00:04:26.00\00:04:28.45 [information on screen] 00:04:28.50\00:05:27.42 It's going to be an exciting series! 00:05:27.47\00:05:30.32 I do hope you'll make it your practice to 00:05:30.37\00:05:33.08 tune in every week 00:05:33.13\00:05:34.68 and follow this teaching as it develops. 00:05:34.73\00:05:37.92 I know God will bless 00:05:37.97\00:05:40.08 the instruction of His word 00:05:40.13\00:05:42.48 and I eagerly expect Him to 00:05:42.53\00:05:44.12 bless you through this teaching. 00:05:44.17\00:05:46.25 We will be learning the act that God declares is 00:05:46.30\00:05:49.32 the most appropriate for you and for me to 00:05:49.37\00:05:53.25 give Him our highest respect 00:05:53.30\00:05:57.82 and bring Him glory. 00:05:57.87\00:05:58.84 And that is Exalting His Word. 00:05:58.85\00:06:02.35 In fact, 00:06:02.40\00:06:03.37 the practice of Exalting His Word 00:06:03.38\00:06:05.92 will give you a new lease on life. 00:06:05.97\00:06:10.12 Have you ever looked at your life 00:06:10.17\00:06:13.42 and wished that 00:06:13.47\00:06:15.92 you could maybe start over at some point? 00:06:15.97\00:06:19.25 I don't know your circumstances but 00:06:19.30\00:06:21.55 if you're anything like I was in the past, 00:06:21.60\00:06:24.82 feeling powerless to affect changes in your life, 00:06:24.87\00:06:29.18 desiring a closer walk with God 00:06:29.23\00:06:32.82 and wanting the joy of 00:06:32.87\00:06:35.08 your salvation restored. 00:06:35.13\00:06:37.55 I know you would appreciate a new beginning. 00:06:37.60\00:06:40.65 I've got good news! 00:06:40.70\00:06:42.75 God is the God of new beginnings! 00:06:42.80\00:06:45.65 Let me share with you how 00:06:45.70\00:06:47.35 He brought me from a destructive path 00:06:47.40\00:06:51.38 to His path of life. 00:06:51.43\00:06:53.22 Perhaps you're familiar with 00:06:53.27\00:06:55.28 the verse found in Isaiah 35:8 00:06:55.33\00:06:57.98 which talks about 00:06:58.03\00:06:59.35 God's highway of Holiness. 00:06:59.40\00:07:01.38 I think this is the narrow road that 00:07:01.43\00:07:03.78 Jesus mentioned that leads to life. 00:07:03.83\00:07:08.08 Let me read this to you from 00:07:08.13\00:07:09.68 Matthews 7:13 and 14 00:07:09.73\00:07:13.82 Jesus said, 00:07:13.87\00:07:14.84 "Enter through the narrow gate 00:07:14.85\00:07:16.98 "for wide is the gate 00:07:17.03\00:07:18.65 "and broad is the road that 00:07:18.70\00:07:20.72 "leads to destruction. 00:07:20.77\00:07:22.52 "But small is the gate 00:07:22.57\00:07:24.75 "and narrow the road that leads to life 00:07:24.80\00:07:28.82 "and only a few find it." 00:07:28.87\00:07:32.52 You know, I have to admit... 00:07:32.57\00:07:35.65 In the past it seemed to me that 00:07:35.70\00:07:39.42 God's highway of Holiness 00:07:39.47\00:07:41.42 was poorly paved and marked. 00:07:41.47\00:07:45.02 I didn't recognize the road signs. 00:07:45.07\00:07:47.92 The guide posts that 00:07:47.97\00:07:50.32 needed to be there to keep me 00:07:50.37\00:07:54.25 on the right path. 00:07:54.30\00:07:55.75 In fact, I stumbled into many potholes! 00:07:55.80\00:07:58.42 I took several wrong turns 00:07:58.47\00:08:00.15 and exits that ended in road blocks. 00:08:00.20\00:08:04.32 My loving Lord 00:08:04.37\00:08:05.78 would reach out for me 00:08:05.83\00:08:07.05 and guide me back to His path of life. 00:08:07.10\00:08:10.98 And hand in hand I walked happily with my Savior 00:08:11.03\00:08:14.95 for long stretches of the way. 00:08:15.00\00:08:17.12 Then incredibly I would withdraw my hands from His. 00:08:17.17\00:08:21.75 When I started wondering around 00:08:21.80\00:08:24.28 under my own direction again, 00:08:24.33\00:08:26.88 confusion soon clouded my mind. 00:08:26.93\00:08:30.22 I couldn't see the narrow path that 00:08:30.27\00:08:34.48 Christ ask me to follow. 00:08:34.53\00:08:38.05 You know, it baffled me 00:08:38.10\00:08:40.28 when passion for Christ as my first love 00:08:40.33\00:08:43.68 begin to fade. 00:08:43.73\00:08:44.85 Have you ever experienced that? 00:08:44.90\00:08:46.75 Why does the joy drain from Bible study? 00:08:46.80\00:08:51.48 Why does prayer become stiff 00:08:51.53\00:08:55.15 and mechanical? 00:08:55.20\00:08:56.65 Few people in the church 00:08:56.70\00:08:58.75 speak of this awkward condition so, 00:08:58.80\00:09:01.75 most of us master the cover up... 00:09:01.80\00:09:05.72 a verbal camouflage. 00:09:05.77\00:09:07.85 You know what I mean! 00:09:07.90\00:09:09.15 We give God lip service but 00:09:09.20\00:09:11.92 we don't yield daily control to Him. 00:09:11.97\00:09:15.72 That's what I did! 00:09:15.77\00:09:16.88 Can you identify with this dilemma? 00:09:16.93\00:09:20.28 If we're really honest with ourselves, 00:09:20.33\00:09:23.55 I think most of us can! 00:09:23.60\00:09:25.65 On a couple of occasions when I was young, 00:09:25.70\00:09:29.18 I ignored God's direction all together 00:09:29.23\00:09:31.95 and I followed a destructive path. 00:09:32.00\00:09:36.18 I would slam into a barricade 00:09:36.23\00:09:39.52 and then stunned and ashamed 00:09:39.57\00:09:42.58 I limped away. 00:09:42.63\00:09:46.18 Away from Christ. 00:09:46.23\00:09:48.32 This is embarrassing to admit but, 00:09:48.37\00:09:50.45 if I had been on trial 00:09:50.50\00:09:52.38 as a believer in Christ 00:09:52.43\00:09:54.35 during those episodes, 00:09:54.40\00:09:55.75 they couldn't have produced enough physical evidence 00:09:55.80\00:09:59.12 to convict me. 00:09:59.17\00:10:01.22 Even now, 00:10:01.27\00:10:02.45 shame strikes at my heart if 00:10:02.50\00:10:05.08 I visit the gallery of my past. 00:10:05.13\00:10:06.98 But the Lord has taught me to 00:10:07.03\00:10:09.78 return my focus to Him rapidly! 00:10:09.83\00:10:14.38 We ALL need to keep our eyes 00:10:14.43\00:10:17.55 fixed on our Savior. 00:10:17.60\00:10:19.22 And then His voice reassuring us that we are forgiven 00:10:19.27\00:10:23.75 will help us to avoid falling 00:10:23.80\00:10:26.35 into the pit of condemnation. 00:10:26.40\00:10:28.35 We should learn to side step that snare of the devil! 00:10:28.40\00:10:33.48 And by God's divine grace to press forward, 00:10:33.53\00:10:38.02 in assurance of His power to 00:10:38.07\00:10:41.38 keep our feet from slipping off track again. 00:10:41.43\00:10:44.58 If we do this our hearts will be filled with joy, 00:10:44.63\00:10:49.22 thanksgiving, 00:10:49.27\00:10:50.45 and praise to the God of new beginnings! 00:10:50.50\00:10:54.18 There is a way to keep our hand in God's hand. 00:10:54.23\00:10:59.28 God is teaching me to walk so near to Him that 00:10:59.33\00:11:04.12 I sense His heartbeat! 00:11:04.17\00:11:06.22 And He wants to teach this to you also. 00:11:06.27\00:11:10.42 We all need to recognize 00:11:10.47\00:11:12.55 we're absolutely dependant upon His power to 00:11:12.60\00:11:17.18 work in us. 00:11:17.23\00:11:19.25 God has revealed to me 00:11:19.30\00:11:20.82 the central mystery of Christian life. 00:11:20.87\00:11:24.35 And that is the triumphant intrigue of His word. 00:11:24.40\00:11:30.12 The miracle working power of God's word is 00:11:30.17\00:11:34.55 His way to transform us into His image. 00:11:34.60\00:11:38.82 God is teaching me to exalt His word above all things. 00:11:38.87\00:11:44.28 And the Lord wants you to experience 00:11:44.33\00:11:47.32 the joy of this lifestyle too! 00:11:47.37\00:11:50.55 It pays to know this. 00:11:50.60\00:11:52.42 The secret of success for all humanity is 00:11:52.47\00:11:57.92 "Exalting His Word". 00:11:57.97\00:12:00.58 I want to explain to you 00:12:00.63\00:12:02.62 where the program title came from. 00:12:02.67\00:12:06.58 In Psalms 138:2 the Bible says... 00:12:06.63\00:12:11.78 [text on screen] 00:12:11.83\00:12:13.45 What does that mean? 00:12:24.70\00:12:26.32 A study in the Hebrew language 00:12:26.37\00:12:28.55 helped me gain a better understanding of 00:12:28.60\00:12:32.02 this wonderful truth. 00:12:32.07\00:12:35.38 The bottom line is this... 00:12:35.43\00:12:37.65 God exalts His word above everything! 00:12:37.70\00:12:42.88 That means nothing is more important to God 00:12:42.93\00:12:46.65 than His word! 00:12:46.70\00:12:48.08 [information on screen] 00:12:48.13\00:12:50.38 Why? 00:13:41.17\00:13:42.48 The Bible explains it to us 00:13:42.53\00:13:44.38 in the first chapter of the Gospel of John. 00:13:44.43\00:13:48.45 "In the beginning was the Word 00:13:48.50\00:13:51.15 "and the Word was with God 00:13:51.20\00:13:53.38 "and the Word was God. 00:13:53.43\00:13:56.35 "And in Him... 00:13:56.40\00:13:58.25 He became flesh, the Word became flesh 00:13:58.30\00:14:01.88 "In Him was life, 00:14:01.93\00:14:04.25 "and that life was the light for all men." 00:14:04.30\00:14:08.42 And the word of God sacrificed His lifeblood to 00:14:08.47\00:14:14.15 save you and me. 00:14:14.20\00:14:16.02 Jesus Christ was, is and ever will be 00:14:16.07\00:14:21.95 the Living Word of God. 00:14:22.00\00:14:24.72 Even at His second coming, 00:14:24.77\00:14:26.38 the Bible describes Jesus as the Word. 00:14:26.43\00:14:31.05 Let me read to you from 00:14:31.10\00:14:34.15 Revelation 19:13 and 16. 00:14:34.20\00:14:40.15 This is what the Bible declares... 00:14:40.20\00:14:42.32 "He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood. 00:14:42.37\00:14:47.32 "And His name is called the Word of God. 00:14:47.37\00:14:52.65 "And He has on His robe and on His thigh 00:14:52.70\00:14:57.32 "a name written 00:14:57.37\00:14:58.58 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords." 00:14:58.63\00:15:03.38 In the Bible Christ is also called 00:15:03.43\00:15:06.82 the Word of Life. 00:15:06.87\00:15:08.32 Everything that He is, the Bible is also. 00:15:08.37\00:15:13.65 He is love, 00:15:13.70\00:15:14.98 light, 00:15:15.03\00:15:16.05 life 00:15:16.10\00:15:17.07 and power. 00:15:17.10\00:15:18.45 The Bible is love, 00:15:18.50\00:15:20.62 light, 00:15:20.67\00:15:22.18 life 00:15:22.23\00:15:23.95 and power. 00:15:24.00\00:15:25.65 How privileged we are to 00:15:25.70\00:15:27.12 hold a Bible in our hands! 00:15:27.17\00:15:30.32 We are grasping the hand of God. 00:15:30.37\00:15:34.48 And He will lead us! 00:15:34.53\00:15:36.48 Since God exalts His word above everything else, 00:15:36.53\00:15:42.45 would you agree with me that 00:15:42.50\00:15:44.38 the Word of God should be our top priority also? 00:15:44.43\00:15:49.82 God's promises, 00:15:49.87\00:15:52.28 His purpose in bringing you this teaching is to 00:15:52.33\00:15:57.22 help you grasp the true meaning of 00:15:57.27\00:16:00.68 Exalting His Word. 00:16:00.73\00:16:02.32 We'll let the Bible tell us 00:16:02.37\00:16:06.05 and teach us 00:16:06.10\00:16:07.07 why God has elevated His word to 00:16:07.08\00:16:09.62 the place of highest honor and ranking. 00:16:09.67\00:16:13.52 Just as important, 00:16:13.57\00:16:14.62 this study will teach us and reveal 00:16:14.67\00:16:18.28 how we too can exalt God's Word! 00:16:18.33\00:16:21.32 This is a life changing study! 00:16:21.37\00:16:25.32 I have it on the authority of God's word. 00:16:25.37\00:16:29.55 Do you want a closer walk with Jesus? 00:16:29.60\00:16:35.48 Do you want the joy of your salvation 00:16:35.53\00:16:38.38 restored to you? 00:16:38.43\00:16:40.05 Are you ready to over come a powerless condition? 00:16:40.10\00:16:44.38 If you'll take to heart 00:16:44.43\00:16:46.52 the studies in this lesson series, 00:16:46.57\00:16:50.35 God will do a great work in you! 00:16:50.40\00:16:54.25 Hundreds of Christians have 00:16:54.30\00:16:56.22 eagerly embraced this teaching. 00:16:56.27\00:16:58.75 And their testimonies confirms 00:16:58.80\00:17:00.98 the power of Exalting God's Word. 00:17:01.03\00:17:03.95 I also testify to this truth by my own changed life. 00:17:04.00\00:17:09.15 God gave me a new beginning 00:17:09.20\00:17:11.45 and when He opened up my understanding to 00:17:11.50\00:17:15.75 this teaching of the power of His word, 00:17:15.80\00:17:19.55 He changed me in all ways! 00:17:19.60\00:17:23.08 If you really want to get 00:17:23.13\00:17:24.75 into the depth of this teaching, 00:17:24.80\00:17:26.42 I've written a companion book that will... 00:17:26.47\00:17:31.02 That you might enjoy as a study tool. 00:17:31.07\00:17:33.78 We're gonna take a quick break 00:17:33.83\00:17:35.88 and the announcer will tell you 00:17:35.93\00:17:37.68 how you could order this book if you're interested. 00:17:37.73\00:17:40.42 But please stay with us because 00:17:40.47\00:17:42.85 we'll be right back to 00:17:42.90\00:17:45.12 talk about the power of God that's 00:17:45.17\00:17:47.78 available to us for the asking. 00:17:47.83\00:17:51.02 If this dynamic series is making a difference in your life, 00:17:56.30\00:17:59.08 Then you should know about a special study guide 00:17:59.13\00:18:01.25 written by Shelley Quinn. 00:18:01.30\00:18:02.62 Exalting His Word With 00:18:02.67\00:18:03.65 Life Affirmations From Scripture 00:18:03.70\00:18:05.18 Is an in dept study of the Word of God. 00:18:05.23\00:18:08.08 Please send your love gifts to 00:18:10.80\00:18:12.92 Even now, 00:18:31.27\00:18:32.24 if I reflect on my Christian walk 00:18:32.25\00:18:34.52 I recognize that I daily live 00:18:34.57\00:18:37.18 in either one of two conditions. 00:18:37.23\00:18:40.15 I'm either powerful 00:18:40.20\00:18:41.48 or pitiful! 00:18:41.53\00:18:42.50 Either I walk in the power of God's word, 00:18:42.51\00:18:45.38 in His Spirit or 00:18:45.43\00:18:47.08 I limp through the day 00:18:47.13\00:18:48.32 staggering under the weight of my earthly burdens. 00:18:48.37\00:18:51.45 Life is a messy affair, isn't it? 00:18:51.50\00:18:54.58 If we try to live as Christians 00:18:54.63\00:18:58.52 by limited human strength 00:18:58.57\00:19:00.12 and understanding, 00:19:00.17\00:19:01.42 we are to be pitied because we have forgotten 00:19:01.47\00:19:04.35 our Lord's advice to us from John 15:5. 00:19:04.40\00:19:09.02 Jesus said, 00:19:09.07\00:19:10.04 "Apart from Me, you can do nothing." 00:19:10.05\00:19:14.05 The pitiful condition of 00:19:14.10\00:19:15.65 my earlier Christian experience 00:19:15.70\00:19:17.95 was because I tried to 00:19:18.00\00:19:20.85 live for Christ by self propelled performance. 00:19:20.90\00:19:25.35 Not knowing how to achieve 00:19:25.40\00:19:28.58 and sustain maturity in Christ. 00:19:28.63\00:19:30.18 I followed the old routine of three steps forward 00:19:30.23\00:19:34.42 two steps back! 00:19:34.47\00:19:36.15 In fact, I felt like a child that 00:19:36.20\00:19:38.42 was trying to walk up the down escalator. 00:19:38.47\00:19:41.82 Have you ever seen a child at play like this? 00:19:41.87\00:19:44.15 With great enthusiasm he meets the challenge of 00:19:44.20\00:19:46.45 the mechanical stairs that are flowing downward. 00:19:46.50\00:19:51.02 And usually he scrambles about half way up 00:19:51.07\00:19:55.45 the moving staircase. 00:19:55.50\00:19:57.05 Then resting for a moment he lets 00:19:57.10\00:19:59.88 the staircase bring him back 00:19:59.93\00:20:02.52 in the opposite direction. 00:20:02.57\00:20:03.62 And then as he nears the bottom platform again 00:20:03.67\00:20:06.25 the upward struggle begins again! 00:20:06.30\00:20:10.15 You know, 00:20:10.20\00:20:11.17 watching children in this action 00:20:11.18\00:20:13.05 I've noted something that's very interesting. 00:20:13.10\00:20:15.45 Rarely do they press forward all the way to the top 00:20:15.50\00:20:19.32 and step off the escalator. 00:20:19.37\00:20:21.45 Most often they perform the upward effort, 00:20:21.50\00:20:24.28 stop their advancement, 00:20:24.33\00:20:25.52 and ride the downward flow. 00:20:25.57\00:20:28.05 Then they struggle up a similar distance 00:20:28.10\00:20:31.65 and backslide again. 00:20:31.70\00:20:33.08 When they're finally weary of the game 00:20:33.13\00:20:35.78 they stop! 00:20:35.83\00:20:38.08 Can you see a comparison 00:20:38.13\00:20:40.68 between our Christian walk 00:20:40.73\00:20:42.72 and this escalator scene? 00:20:42.77\00:20:44.75 Christians struggle against 00:20:44.80\00:20:46.98 the downward trend of the world system. 00:20:47.03\00:20:50.65 It's just like we were trying to 00:20:50.70\00:20:53.02 walk up a down escalator! 00:20:53.07\00:20:55.85 If we stop advancing, 00:20:55.90\00:20:58.45 we start back sliding! 00:20:58.50\00:21:00.98 And if we're startled into weariness of loss ground 00:21:01.03\00:21:05.25 usually we start pressing forward again 00:21:05.30\00:21:08.35 unless we've grown exhausted by the effort. 00:21:08.40\00:21:11.42 Oh how we must guard our hearts so that 00:21:11.47\00:21:15.22 we don't weary of the upward race! 00:21:15.27\00:21:18.92 Unchecked backsliding 00:21:18.97\00:21:20.15 can cost us our relationship with Christ 00:21:20.20\00:21:23.02 and it doesn't have to be this way! 00:21:23.07\00:21:25.82 God will give us the victory 00:21:25.87\00:21:28.05 if we'll just let Him! 00:21:28.10\00:21:29.82 We must press forward in determination to 00:21:29.87\00:21:33.65 make to the top in Christ like maturity 00:21:33.70\00:21:35.95 depending on His power to overcome all of our obstacles! 00:21:36.00\00:21:41.72 One of my favorite scripture promises is 00:21:41.77\00:21:45.08 II Corinthians 12:9. 00:21:45.13\00:21:47.65 Jesus said, 00:21:47.70\00:21:48.67 "My GRACE is sufficient for you. 00:21:48.68\00:21:51.28 "For My power is made perfect in your weakness." 00:21:51.33\00:21:55.95 He never intended for us to rely on limited human strength. 00:21:56.00\00:22:02.32 We can't press forward without His power! 00:22:02.37\00:22:05.98 Backsliding can't be prevented without His power! 00:22:06.03\00:22:10.78 Remember the Savior's words? 00:22:10.83\00:22:13.25 "Apart from me you can do nothing." 00:22:13.30\00:22:17.02 Only the power of Christ overcomes our weaknesses. 00:22:17.07\00:22:21.88 Only by His power are we able to 00:22:21.93\00:22:26.15 do what He asks us to do. 00:22:26.20\00:22:27.72 Our hope is found in absolute dependence upon God. 00:22:27.77\00:22:34.28 It's true. 00:22:34.33\00:22:35.30 He is the God of new beginnings! 00:22:35.31\00:22:37.88 The Bible tells us in Lamentations 3:22,23 00:22:37.93\00:22:43.12 "because of the Lord's great love 00:22:43.17\00:22:48.35 "For His compassions never fail! 00:22:48.40\00:22:51.12 "They are new every morning!" 00:22:51.17\00:22:54.22 Let me ask you... 00:22:54.27\00:22:55.75 have you grown weary 00:22:55.80\00:22:57.32 and realized that you are backsliding? 00:22:57.37\00:22:58.98 He will renew your strength 00:22:59.03\00:23:00.78 exchanging His strength for yours! 00:23:00.83\00:23:04.68 Have you made a wrong turn 00:23:04.73\00:23:06.98 and find you're in a crooked path? 00:23:07.03\00:23:09.65 Cry out for direction. 00:23:09.70\00:23:10.88 He will guide you back to the path of light! 00:23:10.93\00:23:14.98 Is there an obstacle that is preventing you 00:23:15.03\00:23:19.68 from drawing near to the Lord? 00:23:19.73\00:23:22.15 He desires to remove it 00:23:22.20\00:23:24.12 and He will 00:23:24.17\00:23:25.14 if you'll just give Him permission. 00:23:25.15\00:23:27.52 Let me read one of 00:23:27.57\00:23:29.52 my favorite scripture promises from Isaiah... 00:23:29.57\00:23:33.18 excuse me- 00:23:33.23\00:23:34.68 Jeremiah 29:11. 00:23:34.73\00:23:37.58 I hardly have to read it because 00:23:37.63\00:23:39.22 I know this one by heart but He says, 00:23:39.27\00:23:42.28 "I know the plans I have for you. 00:23:42.33\00:23:46.55 "Plans to prosper you 00:23:46.60\00:23:49.58 "and not to harm you. 00:23:49.63\00:23:52.72 "Plans to give you hope and a future." 00:23:52.77\00:23:55.85 God does have a plan for our lives! 00:23:55.90\00:23:59.22 And let me tell you something... 00:23:59.27\00:24:00.72 It's better than the one we're living! 00:24:00.77\00:24:03.82 In fact, 00:24:03.87\00:24:05.58 it is dramatically different than the one 00:24:05.63\00:24:08.75 most Christians are following. 00:24:08.80\00:24:10.55 In His unconditional love 00:24:10.60\00:24:12.95 and infinite wisdom 00:24:13.00\00:24:15.02 He designed a plan that is so simple 00:24:15.07\00:24:18.62 anyone can share in it. 00:24:18.67\00:24:21.35 The word of God reveals the plan 00:24:21.40\00:24:25.72 but it does more than that. 00:24:25.77\00:24:26.82 It actually brings the power to 00:24:26.87\00:24:30.42 create God's purposes in us. 00:24:30.47\00:24:32.48 Jesus Christ is the mediator for this plan. 00:24:32.53\00:24:35.65 He brings us into agreement with this God 00:24:35.70\00:24:38.98 and reconciles our differences. 00:24:39.03\00:24:40.88 Now what exactly does that mean to reconcile? 00:24:40.93\00:24:46.08 To understand this term 00:24:46.13\00:24:47.58 I think the easiest thing to do is to 00:24:47.63\00:24:50.25 compare it to our banking account. 00:24:50.30\00:24:53.42 We were overdrawn in our account with God 00:24:53.47\00:25:00.35 because of sin. 00:25:00.40\00:25:01.75 There was no way that we could pay the debt. 00:25:01.80\00:25:04.95 So Christ paid our debt for us 00:25:05.00\00:25:09.18 on the cross of Calvary. 00:25:09.23\00:25:11.48 And then in addition to that, 00:25:11.53\00:25:13.68 He deposited His righteousness into our account to 00:25:13.73\00:25:20.18 cover our deficit. 00:25:20.23\00:25:22.02 Then God sent His Holy Spirit 00:25:22.07\00:25:24.42 and He is the agent... 00:25:24.47\00:25:26.55 the helper of this plan. 00:25:26.60\00:25:29.62 I'll tell you 00:25:29.67\00:25:30.65 it is by the Spirit's power operating within us that 00:25:30.70\00:25:35.15 God can work out His plan for our lives. 00:25:35.20\00:25:39.38 In fact... 00:25:39.43\00:25:40.40 [information on screen] 00:25:40.41\00:25:43.22 My most favorite Bible promise is 00:26:04.07\00:26:07.22 Philippians 2:13 00:26:07.27\00:26:09.38 [text on screen] 00:26:09.43\00:26:12.48 God's message to you today can be summarized 00:26:16.57\00:26:20.85 in Isaiah 43:18,19. 00:26:20.90\00:26:23.95 Listen to the heart of 00:26:24.00\00:26:25.92 our loving Heavenly Father... 00:26:25.97\00:26:28.48 [information on screen] 00:26:28.53\00:26:31.38 Friend, God wants to give you 00:26:55.63\00:26:59.45 the gift of a new beginning. 00:26:59.50\00:27:03.35 Will you receive it? 00:27:03.40\00:27:05.18 I pray that you do. 00:27:05.23\00:27:07.75 Well, that's all the time that we have for today. 00:27:07.80\00:27:11.78 I hope that you'll tune in next week 00:27:11.83\00:27:13.82 when I'll share how God proved to me that 00:27:13.87\00:27:18.12 His word is life. 00:27:18.17\00:27:20.05 When He miraculously healed me. 00:27:20.10\00:27:22.95 My prayer for you is that 00:27:23.00\00:27:25.08 God will multiply His mercy, 00:27:25.13\00:27:29.02 His love and His grace to you and yours. 00:27:29.07\00:27:32.05 And that He will watch over His word to 00:27:32.10\00:27:35.45 perform it in your life 00:27:35.50\00:27:37.68 as you cooperate with Him. 00:27:37.73\00:27:39.45 I hope that today you've been encouraged 00:27:39.50\00:27:43.52 in some way to spend your time 00:27:43.57\00:27:46.15 making that which is most important to God 00:27:46.20\00:27:50.15 the very thing that is also most important to you. 00:27:50.20\00:27:56.55 Exalting His Word. 00:27:56.60\00:28:00.08