Victory In All Things- Pastor Dave Divine

Good morning, men and women. It's such an honor and a blessing to be able to speak into your life this morning from Life Fellowship Church right here in McKinney, Texas into your tablet on the Pando app and the correctional facilities that you're in. My name is Logan Williams. My TDC number is 1490218. I have four numbers after that and I just share that with you because I've been to prison over and over and over again, did nine and a half years total. It's not, you know, a super long time. Some of you've done more, some of you've done less, but like I get it. I get all the feelings that come with landing in prison, wanting to do better, being unable to do that, coming back, coming back, all of that, man. I just want to tell you, man, there is hope. Don't lose heart. Be encouraged. When you get all in with God, anything is possible. Anything is possible. Man, I just want to remind you that you are part of this Life Fellowship Church family. You are part of our family. We are not just praying for you as you're just staying out there somewhere. No, we want you to know that you're part of this church and we love you. And as part of this church, we just want to let you know, we just want to tell you that Pastor Chris has resigned and he's no longer the senior pastor here at Life Fellowship due to some things that are just outside of our control. Some outside things that have happened caused him to have to resign. God is leading him somewhere else. And yes, we're very sad and we're very, but we're very hopeful, very hopeful for the future. And we do have a new interim pastor or transitional pastor that has stepped in that is going to lead us and pastor us through this transitional time until we find another senior pastor. And he's preaching on a topic this month. You may have seen his first message, but the sermon series is if God is for us, and that comes out of Romans. It comes out of Romans 8 verse 31 that says, what then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? And I know that sounds good, you know, when you're in the world and you're not locked up and things are not the way they are for you guys. But I'm just telling you, man, like having walked that out, having been there and walked it out. Yes, when I'm there, it's hard for me to grasp this, this idea, but man, if God is for us, who can be against us? But what goes with that is just back it up three verses in verse 28. And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose. Like God can take our mess. God can take our rebellion, our screw ups,

all that that we did and turn it for the good. He's done it in my life, nine and a half years in prison. He's turned it for the good, but I had to say yes to him. He's not going to force anything on us. And so we're believing that in our church right now, in the midst of the uncertainty, that he can work all things for the good and that he is for us. And I want to encourage you in that, in that whatever facility that you're at, wherever you're at, um, that he's doing the same for you, that he is for you and he can work all of this to the good, all of it to the good. He takes our broken pieces of a life and he picks them all up and he builds back something so beautiful, so beautiful. It just takes time sometimes. Um, God's timing is one of the things that I argue with him about sometimes, but his timing is always perfect. So I want to encourage you to hang in there. I want to encourage you, um, to, to persevere and not give up, uh, continue to seek his face, continue to, to, to meet with like-minded brothers and sisters wherever you're at. And if you don't have like-minded brothers and sisters that you can walk with, man, pray and ask God to bring them. We never meant to do this walk alone. Never. We need at least need one. So God, uh, let's pray. Let's pray right now. God, I just thank you for all the men and women that you're drawing to yourself. I thank you for, um, Life Fellowship Church. I thank you for the Pando app. I thank you that, um, that, that there's, you provided resources for us to, to be on there and to speak into. their lives. And God, I just want to pray for them that they can see that you are for them. God, if you don't answer any prayer this week, would you just do something? Give them a sign, give them a song, give them a comment, something on TV, something in a book, something that would resonate with them to let them know that, yes, you are for them. Even though it might not feel like it, even though it might not seem like it, God, show them that you're for them and that that would just birth a faith and a fire to persevere and to seek your face, even in the midst of trying circumstances, God. Let them know also that you're working all these things for the good, just like you did for me. Like you did it for me, you can do it for them. God, who's next? God, touch somebody, draw somebody, bless somebody, anybody that's watching. God, we love you and we give you all the praise and glory in Jesus' name. Amen. Who's house? God's house. Let's give them some praise.

We're so glad you're here with us this morning. Go ahead and stand up. Let's worship together. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Oh, I am free.

Thank you, Jesus. Tell us another one. Thank you, Jesus. I am free. Thank you, Jesus. Oh, I am free. Thank you, Jesus. I am free. Thank you, Jesus. Tell us another one. Thank you, Jesus. I am free. Thank you, Jesus. I am free, yeah. Because you pick me up. Thank you, Jesus. Turn me around. You place my feet on the solid ground. I thank the Master. I thank the Savior. Because you heal my heart. You changed my name. Forever free. I am not the same. I thank the Master. I thank the Savior. I thank God. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.

Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Come on, if you are grateful. Come on, celebrate the Lord. Come on, lift a shout of praise for Jesus. Lord, we are thankful. We are grateful, Lord, for all that you have done in our lives, Jesus. Lord, we are here to praise you and to worship you, Lord. You have our full attention, God. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. How we thank you, Lord. How we thank you, Lord. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. There was no way until you made one. Oh, grace upon grace. Hallelujah. And even though I don't deserve it, you did it. And even though I couldn't hurt it, you gave it. Sing it again. Oh, there was no way until you made one. Oh, grace upon grace. Hallelujah. And even though I don't deserve it, you did it. And even though I couldn't hurt it, you gave it. So we say, who am I that you keep me on your mind? God, I'm just grateful for you. God, I'm just grateful for you. And all my life, you've been right here by my side. God, I'm just grateful for you. God, I'm just grateful for you.

Holy, holy. There's only one. Yes, Lord, I give you glory for all that you've done. And even though I don't deserve it, you did it. Yes, you did. And even though I couldn't hurt it, you gave it. So who am I that you keep me on your mind? God, I'm just grateful for you. God, I'm just grateful for you. And all my life, you've been right here by my side. God, I'm just grateful for you. God, I'm just grateful for you. Say, who am I? Say, who am I that you keep me on your mind? God, I'm just grateful for you. God, I'm just grateful for you. And all my life, you've been right here by my side. God, I'm just grateful for you. Yeah. We come grateful, Lord. Oh, Jesus, we remember all your days and all you do, Lord. We come grateful for you, Jesus. Yeah. Yeah. And I, I'm lifting both of my hands. Because you gave me chance after chance after chance. And I, I'm giving all that I have. Cause you gave me chance after chance, after chance won't stay And I, I'm lifting over my head Cause you gave me chance after chance, after chance

And I, I'm giving over my head Cause you gave me chance after chance, after chance So who am I that you can't be on your mind But I'm just grateful for, God I'm just grateful for you And all of my life you've been right here by my side I'm just grateful for your love So who am I that you can't be on your mind I'm just grateful for your love And all of my life you've been right here by my side I'm just grateful for your love And I, I'm lifting over my head Cause you gave me chance after chance, after chance And I, I'm giving over my head Cause you gave me chance after chance, after chance And I, I'm lifting over my head Cause you gave me chance after chance, after chance And I, I'm giving over my head Cause you gave me chance after chance, after chance So who am I that you can't be on your mind Oh God I'm just, Lord all my life You've been right here by my side I'm just grateful for you Sing it again, sing Who am I that you can't be on your mind God I'm just grateful for you Sing all my life I'm just grateful for you Just right here can we just lift up our voice and just give thanks to Jesus Even if you don't feel it, even if you don't even know what you're grateful for He deserves the honor of your thanks

He died on that cross for you So if you don't know what you're grateful for Give thanks for that Whatever's going on in your life right here Just let it go, surrender your worries, surrender your fears Whatever's going on, whatever your situation is Right here, close your eyes and just let it go Give it to the Lord This is a time to give thanks This is a time to honor the Lord And He deserves it, He is worthy of our thank you He is worthy of our attention He is worthy of this time So right here if y'all could just close your eyes and just thank the Lord Lift up your voice, I challenge you Lift up your voice and verbally thank the Lord Thank the Lord Thank the Lord We honor you Jesus We honor you Jesus Oh yeah We honor you Jesus Oh, we honor you, Lord. We give thanks to you, Lord. How we worship you, Lord. And I, I'm lifting both of my hands, cause you gave me chance after chance, after chance. And I, I'm giving all that I am, cause you gave me chance after chance, after chance. And I, I'm lifting both of my hands, cause you gave me chance after chance, after chance. And I, I'm giving all that I am, cause you gave me chance after chance, after chance. Lord, you gave me chance after chance. You gave me chance after chance, Lord. You gave me chance after chance. You gave me chance after chance, Lord. You gave me chance after chance. You gave me chance after chance, Lord.

You gave me chance after chance. And you gave me chance after chance, Lord. You gave me chance after chance. You gave me chance after chance, Lord. You gave me chance after chance. You gave me chance after chance. You gave me chance after chance, Lord. You gave me chance after chance. You gave me chance after chance, Lord. So who am I that you keep me on your mind? I'm just grateful for you, God, I'm just. And all my life you've been right here by my side. I'm just grateful for you, God, I'm just grateful for you, yes. A thousand generations falling down the ocean to sing the song of ages into the night. And all who've gone before us and all who will believe will sing the song of ages into the night. A thousand generations falling down the ocean to sing the song of ages into the night. And all who've gone before us and all who will believe will sing the song of ages into the night. Your name is the highest and your name is the greatest and your name it stands above them all. All cross and dominions and all powers and positions, your name it stands above them all. And the angels cry, holy, all creation, sing it out. Your name is the highest and your name it stands above them all. And if you've been forgiven and if you've been redeemed, sing the song forever to the world. And if you walk in freedom, and if you bear his name, we'll sing the song forever to the land. Oh, we'll sing the song forever at David and the angel's cry. Holy, all creation rise. Holy, to unlifted high. Holy, holy forever. Oh, hear the angels sing. We sing holy, holy to the king of kings. Oh, holy as you will always be. Holy, holy forever. Come on, that's your moment right there to lift up your hand to the holy king of kings and the Lord. The one who is worthy of our praise, adoration, glory, honor, power, dominion. Everything belongs to him. He is holy forever and ever and ever and ever. He shall reign forevermore.

Your name is the highest. Your name. Come on, shout it out. Your name is the highest. Your name is the highest. It stands above them all. It stands above them all. Above all creation. Dominion. Dominion. Oh, your name is movin' me in the name. Oh, your name is the highest. I declare it. Your name is greater than the intellect. Above all creation. Above all creation. And the angels cry. Your name is greater than the intellect. And the angels, what do they cry? Oh, your name is greater than the intellect. Oh, your name is greater than the intellect. It's you I lift it high. Holy, holy, glory. Oh, do I hear your people sing. Hear all of creation sing. Holy, holy, glory. Holy, you will always be. Holy, holy forever. You will always be. Holy, holy forever.

You will always be. Holy, holy forever. You will always be. Holy, holy forever. Philippians chapter 2 says this. Elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names And then and that is the name of Jesus and at that name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth And every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord to glory of God the Father So when We sing these songs when we worship we're not just humming a melody we're not just Repeating lyrics or reading off a screen We are unlocking what God has put inside of our souls, which is to worship him the one true God Who sent his son to die for us? So that we could do what we just did Which was approach the throne in worship and in teaching So as we get ready to continue on in service today, I want to do something just a little bit different I want to ask if everybody in here would just for a moment bow their heads and close their eyes And I want to ask just a question Because I'd be willing to bet there are some of us who came in today Who are in a couple of different groups? I mean life is great And it is smooth sailing and you are celebrating and worshiping and thanking the Lord But there may be some of us here today that have a need. Maybe it's a financial need. Maybe it's a physical need Maybe it's an emotional or spiritual need You have something that you're asking God for and or you're waiting on God for something If you're in any of those groups today Would you be bold enough just to slip your hand into the air because I want to pray over us today Just as I thought there are hands all across the room So let's do this. Let's extend our hands like we're gonna receive something from the Lord and let me pray a blessing over us today God we are your children and God we Invite you into this space God you are already here

God today there are those of us here that are celebrating that are worshiping God there are some of us here today that need a touch that need a physical healing a financial healing a relational reset God would you be Jehovah Jireh? God would you provide today? God would you be Jehovah Rapha? Would you heal today? God in this moment, would you draw us closer as your children? God speak to us today and we pray this because of Jesus and all God's people said Amen Well as you guys are finding your seats, I just wanted to say hello. I'm so glad you're here We have an incredible day ahead of us You know One of the things that we do consistently every week at Life Fellowship is that not only do we worship and we read scripture together But we also receive tithes and offerings and that's not because we're trying to get into your bank account or we're trying to buy Something fancy for ourselves We really believe that when we give back as God has given us that he can use that to reach his kingdom And it's not just about what's happening in this room But it's about what's happening in rooms just like this all across the nation as we pray for his kingdom to come from heaven To earth so the ways to give her on the screen I want to thank you for considering to give today and as you do that I want to remind you or actually not remind you because you don't know yet. I haven't told you hey next Sunday We're gonna do something. We've never done before We are going to do what we're calling next gen Sunday And we're gonna commission an entire generation of kids students and young adults as they begin a new school year I'm gonna bring a message our Students our young adults are gonna lead worship kids are gonna be in service with us It's gonna be an incredible day And then at the end of the day you're gonna have the opportunity To stop by the lobby and our team our prayer team our staff are gonna be out there And we're gonna pray and bless each individual kid and family that comes next weekend It's gonna be incredibly powerful so bring your friends bring your family be here next week

It's gonna be amazing, and you do not want to miss it and then finally as schools gets ready to start We're also kicking back our groups semester And we asked one of our group leaders if she would kind of share a word on what? Groups have done for her and what she's seen God do through this ministry, so let's take a look at this together I think it's important to hear God's voice because again to me but that's the most important thing of all to know the one that's created you and to hear what he has to say for you because this life gets a little bit crazy and Hearing his voice has a way of just bringing peace bringing direction bringing understanding And without it. I just feel like he's my he's my compass. He's my guide and It's everything I feel like God put it on my heart, because again, I think hearing God's voice is just it's everything and it's foundational to life in Christ, right? We're supposed to live in a walk by faith. And how are you supposed to do that if you don't, if you don't hear, if you don't know? And so I think a burden in my heart for that is I want everyone to like when I, I've got kids and the most important thing to me, I mean, there are many things, but one of the most important things to me is I want them to know how to hear God. I won't be with them everywhere they go, but if they can hear God for themselves and he can direct them no matter where they are and what they're doing, they're going to be good. So hearing God will basically awaken an awareness of his voice and I'll go into the many ways in which God speaks. And I think, and my hope is after taking this class, you realize you're hearing more than you thought. Hey, good morning everybody. Good to see you today. I'm pastor Dave. I'm back. Uh, some of you know that cause you were here last week. Some of you don't know that and you're wondering who's this guy.

So I'm pastor Dave divine. I'm a transition pastor and so glad to be with you today. And what, and all of you that are watching online and from the correctional facilities, we welcome you to life fellowship. Let's give it up for everybody that's watching today. Part of our church family. So I'm pastor Dave. My wife, Cindy is back with me today. Cindy, would you stand for those maybe that didn't meet you last week? This is Cindy, mother of our three kids, our 14 grandkids and one great. So, uh, we are so blessed for all of our kids and our family. So those of you who didn't hear that last week, but, uh, last Sunday, I just have to say it was so special for us. And, uh, we just kind of been enjoying the, the, the, the sense of that all week long. And you guys, um, you just are so kind and warm and welcoming and hospitable in all those ways. And we really, really loved our experience last Sunday and then Monday all day with the team here. Uh, an amazing team. God is doing something special here at life fellowship. We sense it. Uh, you know, when you come into a place for the first time, you really don't know what to expect. You can kind of get a little glimpse online and see something, but until you get in the room, you really don't have a full sense of what, what it is and what God is doing. And so we sensed that last week and loved it, especially me just say Sunday night, Sunday night pursuit night. I felt like we really got the heartbeat of who life fellowship is on Sunday night as almost maybe 200 people gathered and just sought Jesus and worship and prayer and just, just extended time in the presence of the Lord.

And we love that so very, very much. It's very familiar to us. The passion, the hunger, um, just the, the heart for God. It was just, it was just wonderful. So I just want to say that up front. And, uh, I also want to encourage you as pastor Matt mentioned something about groups. I want to encourage you to consider getting in a group and do it just as soon as you can. Listen, I noticed the name of our church. Can I say our church? I noticed the name of our church is life fellowship. Well, that's what the church is. It's a place of fellowship. I love the name. I love the name of the church, but that's what groups really focuses on. In fact, um, the early church was birthed in small groups of people and they were birthed. And what they did was they, the Bible says they, they had the breaking of bread together and they, they studied the apostles doctrine. They studied the teachings of God together. And so, and then they encouraged one another and they prayed for one another. They were in prayer together. So I think fellowship groups, life fellowship groups ought to be a priority for everyone. And, um, I, I won't go over all the excuses that I've heard of why people don't feel like they can be, but let me give you just one because of time. But one is I'm just too busy and I'm sure that may be one of those that you've said, okay, I can't do a group because I'm just too busy, but I would just challenge you to look at all the things you're doing in your week, all the different things that you're doing and just see if maybe fellowship groups might be even more important than some of the other things that you've said are priorities. And you peel some of that away and all of a sudden now you make it a priority. And I believe God would smile on that and you would be a blessing to so many other people.

All right. And, and one more thing, continue to do this, man, the room is almost full today. Continue to do this on Sunday to gather together, make Sunday morning a real priority. Hebrews chapter 10 verse 25 says, don't forsake the assembling of yourselves together. Or the NIV, I think it is says, don't give up meeting together. You know, there's, there's reasons we come up with why we can't or we shouldn't, or I'm just tired. It's been a busy week, but this is a place where you get refreshed. This is a place you get renewed. And, and the writer of Hebrews goes on to say, don't give up meeting together. give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing. And just don't go there, but come and gather and encourage one another to love and good works and just see and watch how the Holy Spirit will refresh you and renew you as you do it. And the very end of that verse, it says, even so much more as you see the day of the Lord approaching even so much more in this culture that we're in today, even so much more, I think the church needs this Sunday weekend gathering. So I just wanted to say that to you and I celebrate your faith effort to be here today and to be a part of our church family. And if you're watching online, thank you for tuning in. And at the correctional facilities, we welcome all of you a part of Life Fellowship. All right, if you were here last week or you tuned in online, we went to Romans chapter eight and in verse 31, it's kind of the theme for this series

we're in for here in the month of August. And Paul tells us this in Romans eight verse 31, if God is for us, go ahead and finish it for me, who can be against us? I told you, it's a rhetorical question. If God is for us, no one can be against us. I mean, next question, please, something else. So last week we did this flyover in Romans chapter eight and we were reminded that we have victory in Christ in all things and our victory is a result of Christ's victory on the cross because he didn't just die for our sins, but he rose again on the third day and his victory is our victory. And because of his victory, Paul was so confident, he writes these words, for I'm persuaded. I'm persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. He says, I'm persuaded of these things. Nothing can separate us from God's love. And if you're here for the first time, or maybe you haven't been here for a long time, I just wanna remind you, God loves you. He loves you unconditionally. He loves you more than you can even think about someone loving you.

God loves you. Now, here's where I want us to focus today as we continue. The Holy Spirit will give us everything we need for God's intended purposes in our lives. I just wanted to say that, this is where we're going. In fact, Romans 8, 28, that we kind of landed on last week for a little bit, it says all things work together for good to those who love God. It's conditional, it's for those who love God and for those who are called according to his purpose. God has a purpose for each of us day to day. He has an intended purpose. Maybe it's for your calling, but he has a purpose for us as families, as moms and dads, business leaders. He's got a purpose for ministry leaders, but God doesn't give us an assignment and then leave us alone. He doesn't do that. God doesn't intend for us to fulfill his purposes, but do it in our own ability. Why? Because God is for us, because God is with us. He is our helper in every way. Now I'm a talk back preacher, so feel free to talk back to me. If I should say something, you think, hey, that was good, or I agree with that, or I feel that. If you feel like you wanna say amen, feel free to do that. If you don't, don't, but feel free.

If you want to shout once or twice, just don't throw anything at me, all right? Amen. Here's what I know, here's what I know. We need the Holy Spirit. We need him more and more and more. As followers of Jesus, we need the Holy Spirit. We need his presence. Life Fellowship, we need his presence. We need his power. And in a day, let me say, in a day when the culture around us seems more confused than a termite in a yo-yo, we need the Holy Spirit. And in a day when the world doesn't know the difference between right and wrong, and good and evil, am I right? Or what's up and what's down, we need the Holy Spirit more and more because the Bible says the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. We need the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself called the Holy Spirit our advocate. Advocate is the Greek word paraclete, meaning helper, counselor. Yes, advocate, to come alongside, to aid, to assist. And so if God is for us, it makes perfect sense that he would see to it that his... sons and his daughters wouldn't have to go it alone. He doesn't give us assignment and say, okay, you go take care of that. I've got some other things to tend to. No, he says, I'll go

with you and I will help you. And I will enable you to fulfill it. Whatever it is that I've called you to do. And we can have confidence in that. In fact, Jesus said in John chapter 14, verse 16, if you have your Bibles, you can open or click it open or see it on the screen. It says this, I will pray the father and he will give you another helper. Somebody say helper. We need his help that he may abide with you forever. The spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him, but you know him. Why? Because of faith. You trust him. You know him for he dwells with you. You've experienced him. You experienced a transforming work in your life. I was talking with Robert who works on the facilities team this morning and he just, I just started asking him questions and he popped out this amazing testimony about Jesus. Christ has radically changed his life and how Jesus has transformed him from the inside out. And, and Jesus said, you will know him. You will know that he dwells within you. You will know him partly because of the change he'll make in you. And then he says this in verse 18, he says, I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you. I will not leave you alone. Jesus is saying the Holy spirit is your helper, even like a father who's there to help his kids. And Jesus said, if you then who are evil or sinful, you know how to give good gifts to your kids. How much more will the Holy spirit give you good things or give you what you need? So I want you to see today that God gives his presence. God gives something called the anointing and how the anointing is from the Holy spirit. And Jesus says, I'm going away so you can have it. Jesus, when he was here, he could kind of be with there in the flesh and be with him in person. But he says, I'm going to give you something even greater. I'm going to go away. And it's more expedient that I go away so the Holy spirit can come and he can abide with you forever, wherever, whenever, however, whatever you need him for. He can be with you and abide with you. Everybody with me so far. Okay. The word anointing means to smear on the word anointing means to rub on or to make sacred. It's a consecration or dedication to God. So the anointing is, is for God's use and his purpose. The anointing is always representative of God's presence. Let me say that again. The anointing is always representative of God's presence and it's always for God's purpose. We're anointed for a purpose. Lean over and whisper to your neighbor. We're anointed for a purpose. I want you to know that I want you to get that we're anointed. His Holy spirit is available to us for a purpose. Now in Bible days, olive oil was used to anoint and it was poured or rubbed or smeared on. And when they poured it on, they were serious

about it. I mean, they were very generous with the anointing oil in the old Testament. In fact, in Exodus, God instructed that they would use a hen of oil, a hen H I N a hen of oil. A hen of oil was about a gallon and a half of oil to anoint someone with or five and a half liters. Now think about that. Can you imagine, okay, we're going to anoint that guy or that girl and Hey, you got the oil, you're ready to anoint them. It's not, it's not this little oil that we use. We use these little bottles and we put a little dab. I was going to say the old bro cream phrase, but that take that dates me so much. Remember bro cream, anybody old enough for that? A little dab will do you. There you go. All right. So no, they didn't do a little dab will do you in the old covenant. No, a gallon and a half. Can you imagine pouring a gallon and a half on, on somebody said that's going to ruin a good shirt for sure. And they, but they weren't stingy with it. And all of that in the old Testament though, was a picture or a symbol of what was to come in the new covenant. And then when we see the Holy spirit poured out on the day of Pentecost and X two, are you ready for this? God wasn't stingy with it either. In X chapter two, there was an overflow and this pouring out of God's spirit and his anointing represented this historical dividing line, a turning of the page. If you will, no longer was it just a picture or no longer was it just a symbol of the Holy spirit, but to experience the full reality of God and his power, it was made available to all who would believe through Jesus Christ. It is still available today. God didn't turn off the spigot of his presence and his power, but he continues to pour it out today. Now some of you may have come today for the first time and you might be thinking, oh no, it's one of those churches. Okay, we're just a Bible church. We're going to preach and teach what God's word says. And it's so real and it's such an experience that we can have in Christ Jesus through the full work of the Holy Spirit. So if you believe that and want that, go ahead and clap your hands with everybody else. And so Jesus goes away and he pours out the real thing. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all in one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues of fire and it sat upon each of them. And the Bible says that they were all filled, filled. There was more than enough filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. So there was a divine manifestation of God's power and presence through these people speaking in another language.

The presence of the Holy Spirit was given to the church that day. And it's given to the church today through our faith in Jesus Christ. We receive the Holy Spirit and God just wants us to know he has even more for us. And so he gives us the Holy Spirit to serve and worship God better. He gives us the Holy Spirit to live a life that's faithful to Jesus and let's say holy, set apart to him. He gives us the Holy Spirit to serve others better. He gives us the Holy Spirit to minister in God's power and to fulfill, get this part, this is you for sure, to fulfill God's intended purpose for you. He'll give you the Holy Spirit, whatever that may be, he'll give you the Holy Spirit for that. Here's what I've learned. The anointing is the presence of the Holy Spirit and it enables me to do things in a way that I'm just incapable of without it. Or it's just hard without it. Or I just can't quite get there. I like to think of it this way, that God's presence and the anointing is the extra. God just gives me the extra to be able to do what he's asked me to do. Now in my calling as a pastor, and I'm sure your pastors could testify to the same things, whether it be in counseling sessions or leadership meetings or training classes. Or sometimes, I've probably noticed this most frequently even in times where I've served people and they were in a moment of grief or going through a season of loss. And you know when you walk into those situations, whether it be a hospital room or maybe a funeral home or you're into a situation like I just don't know what to say. And that's kind of a common refrain I hear from people. I just don't know what to say. But the Holy Spirit knows what you need to say. The Holy Spirit. And so there's an anointing for us even in those times. And as a pastor, I've so appreciated that. That God is just faithful. I'm just grateful for him. For what he gives me when I need it. I've been on global missions trips. Some of you have too. And you never know what's going to happen when you're on a missions trip. But God gives us what we need when we need it.

Now why would God do that for me? Why would he do that for you? Well, if God is for us, why wouldn't he do that? I mean, if I had it to give to my kids, I would give it to my kids. How much more will God give it to his kids when we need it? It's the anointing that makes the difference. We need that. Have you ever said, wow, our music here at Life Fellowship is so awesome. I have already. I've already said that. I've told people. I've gone back to Atlanta and said, you ought to hear their music. I mean, it's awesome. And their team. They're wonderful. Leslie. Some of you may have said, Leslie, she's so anointed. And so the music is a blessing. Or our worship team, our band, the musicians. Or maybe you've had a preacher come through here and say, man, that preacher is so anointed. See, there's a difference between singers and preachers that are anointed and those that are not. Say amen again. Thank you so much. I love that. There's a difference. But it's the Holy Spirit that makes the difference. And you know what? It's not just singers and preachers, but it's servant leaders. It's those who are serving in the local church or serving out in the community or serving and doing the work of God together. You have an anointed staff here.

I've sensed that already. I've seen them doing things that maybe even go beyond what they're normally capable of in the natural. But God just gives them that extra. You know, there's a. It's because there's a heart posture that attracts the anointing. Trent, you have it. There's a heart posture of humility that attracts God's presence and his anointing. And when you have a heart posture of humility, God just, I can use that one. I can bless them. I'm gonna give them what they need because you know what? It's the anointing then that lives, that takes us to the place that God wants us to be. It's the anointing that enables us to serve in ways that we're incapable of it without it. We're talking about groups today. And I remember in 1986, I was a small group leader in a church that had 35 small groups. Now this was before groups were a thing. This is before groups were popular, but we were kind of on the front end of that. And we had lots of small groups and we were in need of more leaders. So I went up to a man and woman in our church named Greg and Vera, and they were a wonderful couple. They really hadn't gotten too involved yet. And I just tapped him on the shoulder. And I said, Greg, I would like for you and Vera to consider being a small group leader here at our church.

And Greg was like, ah, yeah, I don't think so. Yeah, I just don't feel equipped for that. I don't really feel like that's something that we could do. And I said, well, that's fine. But Greg, do me a favor, just pray about it. And Greg was a humble man, a man of integrity. And he said, I will. And I knew if Greg said he would, he would. And he went and prayed about it and came back very soon. He said, Pastor Dave, I think Greg or Vera and I are supposed to lead a small group. And I said, and God's gonna anoint you and equip you and enable you to do it. And 35 years later, right before Vera went to heaven, they were still leading a small group. I had the privilege and the privilege and the pleasure to run into Greg last week. He's 79 years old now. And Vera went to heaven a few, just a little less than a year ago. And I was talking to him and I said, how's things going? And just encouraging him. And he said, Pastor Dave, I'm thinking about starting a small group. He's 79, but it's the same Greg, he's sharp, he's humble. He wants to be busy doing something for Jesus. And the anointing will give you what you need when you need it. I want you to see also today that the anointing of the Holy Spirit

is not just reserved for ministry, Sunday or Wednesday or small groups. Dad, mom, the anointing will enable you to lead and serve your family. It will enable you to go beyond your normal understanding and natural ability to lead and disciple and train your kids. I remember when our kids were teenagers and Brandon, our oldest was 15 going on 16 and he had a girlfriend. And Cindy and I were talking about it. She goes, you need to go in and talk to him about that. And there was one particular issue with this girlfriend. And so I'm like, you want me to do that? And she's like, yeah, you're the dad, right? I'm like, oh God, oh God, oh God, I need you to help me. And I'm praying in, oh God, oh God, oh God, I need your help. Guess what? I go in and he helps me and he gave me what I need. And that conversation turned the corner and things were different from that moment forward. He helps us, mom and dad. The anointing is not just for people in specialized ministry or even for family ministry, but it's for everyone who's on mission for God. The anointing and the Holy Spirit will come to us and help us in our moments of need in the marketplace, in education, maybe you're serving areas of government or law enforcement, lawmakers, judges.

We've got a superior court judge in our church back home. And he sits behind the bench and he's told me privately and personally, he said, there's times where I'll just make a judgment because I sense God is leading me there or here. God will give you what you need when you need it. In the medical community, we need anointed doctors and nurses and surgeons. How many of you wanted an anointed surgeon? If you're going in for surgery soon, pray God to give you an anointed surgeon. Our granddaughter just had a baby a couple of weeks ago I've mentioned, and Cindy can tell you a story about the people who cared for Madison, was so anointed and helped her when the delivery wasn't happening smoothly. They just helped her, but they were anointed. The anointing takes the good gifts from God and lifts them up to another level and how we need it in these days. There's a story in the Old Testament. First Samuel chapter 16, and it helps us to learn about the anointing. One day, the prophet Samuel. was led by God. He went to the house of Jesse. And if you know the story, maybe you've seen house of David. And he goes to Jesse's house to appoint

and to anoint the next king of Israel. So Samuel asked Jesse to bring out all the sons so he could select the next king. He knew from God, the prophet knew from God that it was gonna be here at Jesse's house and he's gonna select the next king. Well, Jesse had eight sons. So Jesse brings out seven sons. Wait a minute, I thought he had eight. He does, but he brings out seven sons. And one by one, Samuel looks at them and first comes Abinadab. And Samuel knows immediately, it's not Abinadab. Nope. And then it's Eliab. Nope, it's not Eliab. And then it's Shammah. No, it's not Shammah. And then he brings out four more sons and none of them. And Samuel's over there going, what's going on here? I know the next king is here, but these seven guys are not it. So finally, Samuel says to Jesse, you got any more sons? And Jesse finally sheepishly admits that he's got another son. Sheepishly, I didn't mean to throw that in there right before I talk about the shepherd, but it's amazing what you say under the anointing, but let's keep going.

But David was out in the field caring for the sheep, but Jesse's like, he's just a boy. He's just a shepherd. I wanna say to you today, you can be just anything when you have a heart for God and you're serving in humility. When you have a heart for God and you're serving in humility, God can pick you up right from where you're at and place you in a place where he's gonna anoint you to serve. So David was brought in from the fields. Of course, Samuel knew right away. So he takes that horn of oil and the Bible says in 1 Samuel 16, verse 13, then Samuel took the horn of oil. He didn't pour just a little, that horn contained a significant amount of oil and anointed David in the midst of his brothers and the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. He was anointed. Do you see that? The spirit of the Lord came upon him. And from that moment, David's life was never the same and he became the greatest king of Israel. Now there were many years before he even assumed the throne, but once he did, God's anointing enabled him to accomplish God's purpose for him. Here's what I want you to see today.

The presence of the Holy Spirit, the anointing will lift you to fulfill the purposes of God. It's the difference between David practicing a slingshot out in a field and David taking down a giant. That's the difference. It's the difference between someone overseeing a flock of sheep and this king ruling a nation. It's the anointing that makes the difference. It makes the difference in church. Yes, it makes the difference in ministry. It makes the difference in business. It makes the difference in our schools. It makes the difference in whatever you put your hand to do. God says, I wanna be with you and bless you and give you what you need to accomplish my purpose for you. How many of you already understand and know what I'm talking about today? Wave your hand at me. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. It makes a difference in your group, Carly. It makes a difference in your life and what you're allowing God to do through you. The anointing makes the difference. Let me take you a little bit further and show you what the prophet Isaiah talks about in Isaiah chapter 10. Are you ready? The prophet Isaiah talks about a yoke breaking anointing.

A yoke breaking anointing. Maybe some of you grew up in old school church and you've heard that phrase before that it's the anointing that breaks the yoke. The anointing breaks the yoke of what? It breaks the yoke of bondage. It breaks the yoke of addiction. It breaks the yoke of fear. It will even break the yoke of complacency. Watch this. The New King James verse says it this way. And it shall come to pass in that day that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder and his yoke from off thy neck and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. The anointing breaks the yoke. The yoke has nothing to do with frying eggs. It doesn't. I like me some over easy eggs. I'll dip some toast in that. It has nothing to do with that. The New Living Translation says it this way. The yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat. Now let me say it this way. The more we, I'm not talking about eating more ice cream. No. Let me say it. The more time we spend in God's presence, we grow fatter in the Holy Spirit. The more we ask, the more we seek, the more we knock,

the more we pray in the Spirit, the more full we grow in God. And as you grow fatter in the Holy Spirit, if you will, yokes are breaking off of your life. They simply cannot stay. I could give you some self-helps. I could go through all sorts of books that you've already read. And none of those are going. to break you free from that spirit of depression that's on you, that demonic spirit of depression. You need an anointing that will break the yoke of bondage, that will break you through, break you free and break you out of that. God gives that through the Holy Spirit and the presence of God will become bigger than any problem, bigger than any fear, bigger than any mountain that you can see or not see. The anointing is enough for you and the yoke will be broken off of your neck. And to increase the anointing, what do we do? Well, we just continue to seek God in humility. Remember, it's humility that attracts the presence of God. We read God's word. We spend time in his presence. We lay on hands. That's just something about the laying on of hands. Some of you may not know this, but at the close of the services each week, you'll see prayer teams that will come up here and they will pray with you. And if you would allow them to, they will lay hands on you in prayer. They do that because it's a Bible directive for us. The Bible tells us in James chapter five, to call for the leaders, the elders of the church, laying hands, anointing with oil in the name of the Lord. The oil represents Holy Spirit, anoint with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer

of faith shall save the sick, will deliver, will heal, will break through. All these things happen through the laying on of hands. So that may be something you want to make yourself available to today or in the coming weeks. It's just come in agreement with someone in prayer. Let them lay hands on you. There's this spiritual connection. The Holy Spirit is not only in us. I like to say he's also on us and we are connected to it in faith as we pray and believe together. That's a lot more teaching than I have time for today, but I just want you to say, make yourself available to the laying on of hands. And I think that's important when you need a yoke breaking anointing. You got it. Say, got it. Okay, good. I'm going to keep going. We got to wrap up and pray. You can have a yoke breaking anointing, but the Bible also tells us we need a fresh anointing, a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit in our lives. If God is for us, why, why wouldn't our heavenly father give his children a fresh anointing? If we would ask him to, Psalm 92 10 says, but my horn, you've exalted like a wild ox. Look what it says. I've been anointed with fresh oil. Here's what I need you to hear. And you may already know this. You probably do. You can grow stale in your walk with Jesus. You can grow stale in the anointing. I've learned that I need a fresh anointing. My anointing for last week is not sufficient for this week.

The Lord will renew us day by day, but there are outward man perishes, grows weak. The inward man is renewed day by day, by day, by day. Can I ask you a couple of questions on Sunday morning? Is the touch of God still fresh in your life? I know you believe. I hope you believe. I hope you, I hope you're following Jesus, but let me ask you, is, is, is it still fresh? Is it something that man, you just wake up in the morning, man, say, good morning, Jesus, Holy spirit lead me today, guide me today. Is getting up and coming to worship something you look forward to? Is it like, so, so how long is it? When's it going to be over? Or is this something that you're drawn to and that you want to be a part of? Or is it something like, okay, I know I'm a Christian. That's what I should do. I'm getting, I'm getting real here. Is it still fresh on your life? Is the touch of God still fresh or has church become routine? Has personal worship in your quiet time? Do you have a quiet time? Do you have a daily quiet time? I'll teach on this later on, but I strongly believe in, in, in call people to, to make a decision to have a time daily with Jesus. I just called it quiet time. Some people call it chair time. That's a great name for it. Just get in your favorite chair with your cup of coffee and be alone and turn everything off. Turn your device off because it will interrupt you and just be alone with Jesus. You know what he'll give you?

He'll give you a fresh wind of his anointing. He'll give you something for the day, faith for the day, something fresh for the day. Maybe these summer months have just caused you to kind of start going through the motions again and you've not really set aside, you've got out of your routine. Maybe you got out of the routine of having that quiet time or chair time. I want to encourage you to start today, tomorrow, start tomorrow with that quiet time. Maybe, maybe recently through whatever events have happened, even here, maybe your eyes have got shifted onto the problems of man and off the. God can together we just shift our eyes back to the promises of God today knowing that God is faithful and good and true and his promises are yes and amen for all those who believe or maybe even you're just doing ministry by memory and you're not doing it under the fresh touch of the Holy Spirit God we need your fresh touch these musicians and this band I've already said it I'll say it again later but they're awesome but here's what I know they can do this by memory they're good they're gifted musicians they're gifted singers and they can do it in their own strength and they come in and they can go do it they can even make the moves by memory but I'm praying that God just continues to give them a fresh anointing week after week after week the stage is only a place for somebody who's gone low in humility where the Holy Spirit now says okay I can have my way through him or through her and God begins to use this team again he already is but he's using them in a way that's beyond their natural giftings and their natural giftings are Wow are you hearing me today when the Holy Spirit brings the anointing there's a freshness to it and don't be surprised when doors start to open don't be surprised when promotions start to come because there's a promotion that comes with God's blessing and God's favor and anointing finally write this down we're about out of time we can also have a powerful anointing acts 10 and 38 says how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil for God was with him hear me today there's a powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit the presence of the Holy

Spirit is real we can't we can't fake the anointing it comes from God we can't fake the powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit nothing can take the place of his presence when we're anointed by the Holy Spirit we go about doing good God opens the doors we're lifted things happen that we couldn't even make happen on our own I want to leave you with that today and I hope you'll go into your week this this week hungry desperate desiring more and more God's presence and just ask him as your Heavenly Father who only wants to do good things for you now the good that he does for you might not feel like good because you're gonna have to walk through something but he has good things for you and the good thing that he has for you today and this week I believe is to just give you his presence in a new and a fresh way he just wants you to ask would you bow your heads with me right now maybe you're here today and you say Pastor Dave I heard all that and I feel convicted in my heart because right now I'm not even sure I'm in in right standing with God I want to be in a right place with God and I feel drawn by the Holy Spirit to to just give my life and surrender my life to Jesus or maybe you're here today and you know you need to recommit your life to Jesus you've kind of you not only have you grown stale but you begin to walk a different path today the Holy Spirit is drawing you back into the way of Christ to follow Jesus and to walk with him and to know him personally in a fresh way and then to be able to experience this Holy Spirit the anointing of the Holy Spirit in your life so if you're here today and say Pastor Dave I know I need Jesus I know I need to ask him to forgive me and wash me and cleanse me of sin I know I've gone my own way and today I want to turn to him or return to him on the count of three would you just slip up your hand and we're gonna pray for you right now one two three slip of hand anywhere in the room yes sir yes yes ma'am yes I see your hands yes yes ma'am God bless you yes all over the room go ahead and lift it up yes anyone else yes God bless you yes many hands going up yes yes ma'am those of you online just let us know yes I'm saying yes to Jesus in the correctional facility I'm saying yes to Jesus right now Lord Jesus I want you to pray a simple prayer and pray it pray it after me but let's all pray it

together out loud and encourage those who lifted their hands dear Lord Jesus I give you my life I know that I've sinned and I know I've gone my own way but today I repent and I turn to you and I ask you to forgive me of my sin cleanse me and wash me make me a brand new person from the inside out Jesus I believe you died on the cross and I believe you rose again on the third day now I ask you to come and live in me let your spirit live in me today I choose to follow you I want to know you better. I don't want I want to continue to be changed Into your image Jesus Thank you for saving me. Let's put our hands together and thank him for what he's doing in people right now All right, so The preacher went a little bit too long But that doesn't mean we can't pray and ask for that special anointing. So here's what I ask you to do We're gonna close a little bit different I'm gonna ask you to stand and I'm gonna ask the prayer team to come right here Now you heard me talk about the laying on of hands and there may be a few of you you say, you know what? I want to take advantage of that today Because I know that there's a yoke that needs to be broken in my life. Maybe it's depression. Maybe you're like man I'm so glad he mentioned that because I've been struggling with depression or maybe it's just the spirit of Complacency and you just want to break out of that or maybe there's an addiction or there's just something That's just the enemy has really had you bound with and you can't get through maybe today You'd want someone to just lay hands on you and pray with you Or maybe you just need a powerful anointing for whatever God's called you to do So I'm gonna invite you the team is going to begin to sing again And we're just gonna spend the next few minutes just in God's presence singing if you want prayer you can come forward or you can Stay right where you're at, but you can enjoy God's presence and ask him for that fresh anointing ask him for that powerful anointing He's going to give good gifts to those who ask all right So let me pray and I want the team to start singing Lord Jesus Give us a yoke breaking anointing this morning. Give us that fresh anointing this morning Give us that powerful anointing in Jesus name. We pray amen

And if you have to slip out you're welcome to do that thank you for coming to life life fellowship today, we love you We need a fresh We need a fresh We need you Jesus we need a fresh Oh We worship you Jesus No, it's For your spirit For your spirit We welcome you Holy Spirit For your spirit We welcome you Break through Lord Jesus break through Jesus break through Lord Jesus We believe you Lord Jesus Jesus in the mighty name of Jesus in the mighty name of Jesus in the mighty name of Jesus the mighty name of Jesus Jesus welcome Holy Spirit. Welcome Yes, what Good Lord Jesus do it Thank you Lord Jesus Jesus breakthroughs breakthroughs Lord Jesus Blow it blow it Blow with the God Let your wind blows Holy Spirit Yes, Jesus fresh touch A fresh anointing a fresh anointing Jesus a fresh anointing Lord A powerful anointing in this place Jesus do it Lord Jesus We need a fresh wind

Pour your spirit Pour your spirit out we need you Lord A holy anointing Let a fresh wind blow in our families today Jesus In our marriages Lord that be a fresh wind a fresh anointing Lord give us a powerful anointing for ministry for the work of God. Thank you for a powerful anointing today. Thank you for breakthroughs. Thank you, Jesus. It's the anointing that breaks the yoke. Thank you for our breakthroughs. Miracles, Jesus. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Yes. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out.