WEBVTT

1
00:00:03.160 --> 00:00:07.440
<v Speaker 1>This is Pastor Rick's Daily Hope, the audio broadcast ministry

2
00:00:07.480 --> 00:00:10.960
<v Speaker 1>of Pastor Rick Warren. Well, today we continue with our

3
00:00:11.039 --> 00:00:15.839
<v Speaker 1>special Christmas series called the Light of Jesus at Christmas.

4
00:00:15.880 --> 00:00:18.839
<v Speaker 1>In these lessons, Pastor Rick shows us how the Light

5
00:00:18.920 --> 00:00:24.839
<v Speaker 1>of Jesus brought into the world at Christmas, illuminates, purifies, heals,

6
00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:28.920
<v Speaker 1>and grows each of us in this season and beyond. Now,

7
00:00:28.960 --> 00:00:31.280
<v Speaker 1>before we get started, we want to let you know

8
00:00:31.359 --> 00:00:34.920
<v Speaker 1>that a very generous friend has given one hundred thousand

9
00:00:35.000 --> 00:00:38.600
<v Speaker 1>dollars matching grant to Daily Hope. That means that all

10
00:00:38.679 --> 00:00:41.880
<v Speaker 1>this month, every dollar you give to help Daily Hope

11
00:00:41.920 --> 00:00:44.799
<v Speaker 1>share the Hope of Jesus around the world will be

12
00:00:44.920 --> 00:00:48.320
<v Speaker 1>matched up to one hundred thousand dollars. You can find

13
00:00:48.359 --> 00:00:51.719
<v Speaker 1>out more by going to Pastorick dot com or by

14
00:00:51.799 --> 00:00:55.759
<v Speaker 1>texting the word daily to eight hundred six hundred five

15
00:00:55.840 --> 00:00:59.600
<v Speaker 1>thousand and four. That's Pastorick dot com or the word

16
00:00:59.679 --> 00:01:03.479
<v Speaker 1>Daily to eight hundred six hundred five thousand and four.

17
00:01:04.120 --> 00:01:07.519
<v Speaker 1>Right now, here's Pastor Rick Warren with part one of

18
00:01:07.560 --> 00:01:11.480
<v Speaker 1>a message called the Light of Jesus for your Darkest Days.

19
00:01:12.439 --> 00:01:16.120
<v Speaker 2>Now, did you know that light is a major theme

20
00:01:16.159 --> 00:01:18.280
<v Speaker 2>of the Bible. That's why we're going to look at

21
00:01:18.280 --> 00:01:20.640
<v Speaker 2>a lot of Bible verses today. Light played a major

22
00:01:20.719 --> 00:01:23.680
<v Speaker 2>role in the First Christmas. The Bible tells us the

23
00:01:23.760 --> 00:01:26.480
<v Speaker 2>angels lit up the sky with a bright light, and

24
00:01:26.519 --> 00:01:29.519
<v Speaker 2>they put on a dazzling light show for the shepherds.

25
00:01:30.159 --> 00:01:32.280
<v Speaker 2>The Bible tells us the wise men were led to

26
00:01:32.359 --> 00:01:37.680
<v Speaker 2>Jesus by an unusually bright star. Christmas is the celebration

27
00:01:38.280 --> 00:01:44.680
<v Speaker 2>of God's light entering the world. Now why is that important?

28
00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:49.959
<v Speaker 2>Because the Bible tells us to expect dark days in

29
00:01:50.000 --> 00:01:54.439
<v Speaker 2>our lives. Let me read your verse from Ecclesiastes, chapter eleven,

30
00:01:55.040 --> 00:01:58.840
<v Speaker 2>Verse eight says this people should enjoy every day of

31
00:01:58.840 --> 00:02:02.680
<v Speaker 2>their lives, no matter how long they live, but they

32
00:02:02.719 --> 00:02:07.840
<v Speaker 2>should remember that there will be many dark days. The

33
00:02:07.840 --> 00:02:10.680
<v Speaker 2>Bible tells us that in life we will go through

34
00:02:10.759 --> 00:02:12.560
<v Speaker 2>many dark days.

35
00:02:12.599 --> 00:02:13.599
<v Speaker 3>No, what are dark days?

36
00:02:13.879 --> 00:02:17.400
<v Speaker 2>Well, there are any days where you're feeling negative emotions.

37
00:02:17.560 --> 00:02:20.439
<v Speaker 2>There are dark days of confusion when you don't know

38
00:02:20.479 --> 00:02:22.919
<v Speaker 2>which way to turn, you doubt which way you're going.

39
00:02:22.960 --> 00:02:25.800
<v Speaker 2>There are dark days of conflict when you're having relational

40
00:02:25.840 --> 00:02:29.280
<v Speaker 2>conflicts of people. There are dark days of disappointment when

41
00:02:29.280 --> 00:02:30.879
<v Speaker 2>things didn't turn out The way you wanted.

42
00:02:31.080 --> 00:02:32.439
<v Speaker 3>There are dark days of loss.

43
00:02:33.439 --> 00:02:37.479
<v Speaker 2>There are dark days of loneliness when you're feeling all alone.

44
00:02:37.840 --> 00:02:41.240
<v Speaker 2>They are dark days of grief when we've experienced a

45
00:02:41.280 --> 00:02:44.879
<v Speaker 2>loss of a loved one or or a job or something.

46
00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:49.000
<v Speaker 2>There are dark days of stress and anxiety and fear.

47
00:02:49.400 --> 00:02:53.800
<v Speaker 2>There are dark days of heartbreak, dark days of depression,

48
00:02:54.479 --> 00:02:59.960
<v Speaker 2>dark days even of despair. You know, Isaiah predicted dark

49
00:03:00.039 --> 00:03:03.240
<v Speaker 2>ark days in his book. In Isaiah chapter six, verse

50
00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:07.199
<v Speaker 2>twenty one and twenty two, he says this, talking about

51
00:03:07.199 --> 00:03:12.960
<v Speaker 2>these dark days, people will wander aimlessly, distressed and hungry

52
00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:13.919
<v Speaker 2>for what they don't have.

53
00:03:14.159 --> 00:03:15.280
<v Speaker 3>Does that sound like today?

54
00:03:16.039 --> 00:03:20.000
<v Speaker 2>In deep frustration, they'll become enraged, and they'll shake their

55
00:03:20.080 --> 00:03:23.960
<v Speaker 2>fists at leaders and even at God. And everywhere they

56
00:03:23.960 --> 00:03:27.840
<v Speaker 2>look they'll see trouble and darkness and despair, and they'll

57
00:03:27.840 --> 00:03:32.199
<v Speaker 2>have to live in dark days. That was a prediction

58
00:03:32.280 --> 00:03:36.159
<v Speaker 2>that Isaiah meant many many years ago. But he also

59
00:03:36.199 --> 00:03:39.680
<v Speaker 2>predicted the coming of Jesus to Earth at Christmas, and

60
00:03:39.719 --> 00:03:42.560
<v Speaker 2>in Isaiah nine, verse two, he says this, the people

61
00:03:42.560 --> 00:03:46.120
<v Speaker 2>who walk in darkness, they will see a great light,

62
00:03:47.159 --> 00:03:49.840
<v Speaker 2>a light that will shine on all who have been

63
00:03:49.919 --> 00:03:55.800
<v Speaker 2>living in the shadow of death. How do we have

64
00:03:55.919 --> 00:03:58.840
<v Speaker 2>the light of Christ in our darkest days? The antidote

65
00:03:58.919 --> 00:04:02.560
<v Speaker 2>to your darkest day is to turn to God's light.

66
00:04:03.280 --> 00:04:07.080
<v Speaker 2>The Bible is filled with references to the effect of

67
00:04:07.199 --> 00:04:10.599
<v Speaker 2>God's light in our lives. First off, it says that

68
00:04:10.680 --> 00:04:14.319
<v Speaker 2>God's character. God's character is the source of all light

69
00:04:14.360 --> 00:04:17.720
<v Speaker 2>in the universe. Without God, there would be no light.

70
00:04:18.279 --> 00:04:21.240
<v Speaker 2>Without God, there would be no universe. Firse John one

71
00:04:21.360 --> 00:04:26.839
<v Speaker 2>five says God is light, so it says it's his nature.

72
00:04:27.160 --> 00:04:30.680
<v Speaker 2>All light comes from God. God is light, and in

73
00:04:30.759 --> 00:04:33.560
<v Speaker 2>him there is no darkness at all. This is the

74
00:04:33.639 --> 00:04:37.680
<v Speaker 2>message Jesus has given us to announce. First John one five.

75
00:04:38.279 --> 00:04:42.319
<v Speaker 2>The Bible tells us that God's very first act in creation,

76
00:04:42.399 --> 00:04:45.000
<v Speaker 2>when he created the universe, the first thing he did

77
00:04:45.279 --> 00:04:49.560
<v Speaker 2>was create light Genesis one one to four. In the beginning,

78
00:04:50.040 --> 00:04:52.920
<v Speaker 2>God created the heavens and the earth, and God said,

79
00:04:53.279 --> 00:04:55.600
<v Speaker 2>let there be light.

80
00:04:56.639 --> 00:04:57.360
<v Speaker 3>And there was light.

81
00:04:58.199 --> 00:05:00.240
<v Speaker 2>And God saw that the light was good, and he

82
00:05:00.360 --> 00:05:05.000
<v Speaker 2>separated the light from the darkness. God is light. The

83
00:05:05.040 --> 00:05:07.480
<v Speaker 2>first act of creation is light. And at the First

84
00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:10.959
<v Speaker 2>Christmas twenty twenty years ago, God came to earth as

85
00:05:11.040 --> 00:05:14.319
<v Speaker 2>Jesus to give us more light. Light about himself, light

86
00:05:14.360 --> 00:05:20.319
<v Speaker 2>about life, light about death, life, light about eternity, love forgiveness, salvation,

87
00:05:20.839 --> 00:05:25.079
<v Speaker 2>and much much more. John twelve forty six. Jesus says this,

88
00:05:25.720 --> 00:05:30.120
<v Speaker 2>I have come as a light. I have come as

89
00:05:30.120 --> 00:05:35.279
<v Speaker 2>a light to shine in this dark world, so that

90
00:05:35.360 --> 00:05:38.480
<v Speaker 2>all who put their trust in me will no longer

91
00:05:38.600 --> 00:05:43.319
<v Speaker 2>wander in darkness. So you know what I did this week?

92
00:05:43.759 --> 00:05:47.079
<v Speaker 2>I restudied. I got out the physics books and stuff,

93
00:05:47.240 --> 00:05:50.360
<v Speaker 2>and I restudied all of the properties and all of

94
00:05:50.399 --> 00:05:55.319
<v Speaker 2>the effects of light, the properties of light to see

95
00:05:55.360 --> 00:06:01.399
<v Speaker 2>the parallels of what God's world created, He created in

96
00:06:01.439 --> 00:06:05.199
<v Speaker 2>his world, and what it teaches us about God himself.

97
00:06:06.480 --> 00:06:08.560
<v Speaker 2>Now what do we know about light? Well, let me

98
00:06:08.639 --> 00:06:11.399
<v Speaker 2>just give you a quick overview. Light is an electromatic

99
00:06:12.360 --> 00:06:18.079
<v Speaker 2>magnetic wave, and it's commonly classified in seven kinds of

100
00:06:18.120 --> 00:06:21.079
<v Speaker 2>different ways, from large or small, and they all travel

101
00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:24.319
<v Speaker 2>at the same speed, the speed of light. There are

102
00:06:24.439 --> 00:06:29.160
<v Speaker 2>radio waves, there are microwaves, there are infrared waves. There's

103
00:06:29.279 --> 00:06:33.720
<v Speaker 2>visible light. Then there's ultraviolet light, their X rays and

104
00:06:33.759 --> 00:06:37.519
<v Speaker 2>their gamma rays. And I learned this week how different

105
00:06:37.639 --> 00:06:42.800
<v Speaker 2>wavelengths of life interact differently with matter, and there are

106
00:06:42.839 --> 00:06:48.839
<v Speaker 2>actually spiritual parallels to how light interacts in different ways. Now,

107
00:06:48.839 --> 00:06:52.839
<v Speaker 2>we all know that light is illuminating, but we often

108
00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:56.319
<v Speaker 2>ignore the other effects of life of light, such as

109
00:06:57.160 --> 00:07:04.279
<v Speaker 2>light can be purifying, light can be warming, light can

110
00:07:04.360 --> 00:07:09.079
<v Speaker 2>even be transforming. So this Christmas, I want to ask

111
00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:11.800
<v Speaker 2>the question, how does the light of Jesus when he

112
00:07:11.800 --> 00:07:14.040
<v Speaker 2>says I'm the light of the world, How does the

113
00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:21.199
<v Speaker 2>light of Jesus help you in your darkest days? But

114
00:07:21.319 --> 00:07:26.000
<v Speaker 2>let me just suggest four ways, all right, four different ways. Now,

115
00:07:26.040 --> 00:07:29.959
<v Speaker 2>a first effect of light is this light can illuminate.

116
00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:35.399
<v Speaker 2>Light can illuminate. Ephesians five point thirteen says light makes

117
00:07:35.560 --> 00:07:38.920
<v Speaker 2>all things easy to see. Now, I don't have to

118
00:07:38.920 --> 00:07:42.560
<v Speaker 2>belabor this point because you use this principle every time

119
00:07:42.600 --> 00:07:45.560
<v Speaker 2>you flip a light switch. Why in the world do

120
00:07:45.600 --> 00:07:49.600
<v Speaker 2>you turn on lights to see better? And you can

121
00:07:49.639 --> 00:07:51.319
<v Speaker 2>always see more in the light than you can in

122
00:07:51.360 --> 00:07:53.279
<v Speaker 2>the dark. And the brighter the light, the better you

123
00:07:53.319 --> 00:07:55.959
<v Speaker 2>can see. Light illuminates. I mean, this is not a

124
00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:56.480
<v Speaker 2>big deal.

125
00:07:56.560 --> 00:07:56.839
<v Speaker 3>You know.

126
00:07:56.920 --> 00:08:01.920
<v Speaker 2>This light exposes, light uncovers, clarifies you. Ever shine the

127
00:08:01.959 --> 00:08:03.920
<v Speaker 2>light under your bed, you see stuff there you didn't

128
00:08:03.920 --> 00:08:07.160
<v Speaker 2>know was there. Life gives you a perspective completely different.

129
00:08:08.279 --> 00:08:09.199
<v Speaker 3>Then when you're in the dark.

130
00:08:10.680 --> 00:08:14.279
<v Speaker 1>Thank you so much for listening to Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

131
00:08:14.319 --> 00:08:17.360
<v Speaker 1>We've got some incredible news to share with you. A

132
00:08:17.560 --> 00:08:21.439
<v Speaker 1>very generous friend has given a one hundred thousand dollars

133
00:08:21.480 --> 00:08:25.680
<v Speaker 1>matching grant to this ministry all this month. Every dollar

134
00:08:25.800 --> 00:08:28.680
<v Speaker 1>you give to help Daily Hope share the certain hope

135
00:08:28.720 --> 00:08:31.839
<v Speaker 1>of Jesus around the world will be matched up to

136
00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:36.960
<v Speaker 1>one hundred thousand dollars, So twenty five dollars becomes fifty dollars,

137
00:08:37.240 --> 00:08:41.159
<v Speaker 1>fifty becomes one hundred and five hundred becomes a thousand.

138
00:08:41.480 --> 00:08:44.600
<v Speaker 1>Whatever you give will be doubled by the matching grant

139
00:08:44.759 --> 00:08:48.440
<v Speaker 1>up to one hundred thousand dollars, but only till midnight

140
00:08:48.519 --> 00:08:52.799
<v Speaker 1>December thirty first, So please contact us today, go to

141
00:08:52.879 --> 00:08:57.000
<v Speaker 1>Pastorick dot com or just call eight hundred six hundred

142
00:08:57.279 --> 00:08:58.440
<v Speaker 1>five thousand and four.

143
00:08:59.000 --> 00:09:00.960
<v Speaker 4>If you want to make your time and prayer the

144
00:09:01.039 --> 00:09:03.360
<v Speaker 4>best it can be, then you're going to want to

145
00:09:03.399 --> 00:09:06.080
<v Speaker 4>get a copy of the brand new twenty twenty one

146
00:09:06.399 --> 00:09:10.600
<v Speaker 4>Daily Hope Prayer Journal. This year's theme, God's Great Adventure

147
00:09:10.679 --> 00:09:13.480
<v Speaker 4>for You, will help you tap into God's power and

148
00:09:13.559 --> 00:09:17.480
<v Speaker 4>presence when you learn how to pray with passion and purpose.

149
00:09:17.960 --> 00:09:21.960
<v Speaker 4>Covered in soft vegan leather with full color pages, this

150
00:09:22.039 --> 00:09:26.360
<v Speaker 4>prayer journal has sections to pray for specific people and situations,

151
00:09:26.559 --> 00:09:29.879
<v Speaker 4>as well as space to express your gratitude and personal

152
00:09:29.919 --> 00:09:34.159
<v Speaker 4>prayer requests to God. Each page is beautifully designed and

153
00:09:34.240 --> 00:09:39.120
<v Speaker 4>filled with inspiring Bible verses, photos and artwork. The God's

154
00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:42.399
<v Speaker 4>Great Adventure for You Prayer Journal is a spiritual growth

155
00:09:42.440 --> 00:09:45.919
<v Speaker 4>tool designed to help you enjoy a vibrant prayer life,

156
00:09:46.120 --> 00:09:51.000
<v Speaker 4>connect with God, and establish consistent daily prayer time. When

157
00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:53.360
<v Speaker 4>you give a gift to help daily Hope take the

158
00:09:53.519 --> 00:09:57.200
<v Speaker 4>certain Hope of Jesus to people around the world, we'll

159
00:09:57.240 --> 00:10:00.600
<v Speaker 4>send you the all new twenty twenty one Dailey Hope

160
00:10:00.600 --> 00:10:04.759
<v Speaker 4>Prayer Journal to say thanks. Quantities are limited, so don't wait.

161
00:10:05.279 --> 00:10:08.000
<v Speaker 4>Call it eight hundred and six hundred, five zero zero

162
00:10:08.039 --> 00:10:10.879
<v Speaker 4>four to get your prayer Journal and have your gift

163
00:10:10.960 --> 00:10:14.200
<v Speaker 4>matched up to one hundred thousand dollars. Or you can

164
00:10:14.320 --> 00:10:17.480
<v Speaker 4>visit pastorick dot com. That's eight hundred and six hundred

165
00:10:17.480 --> 00:10:22.360
<v Speaker 4>at five zero zero four or pastorick dot com.

166
00:10:22.679 --> 00:10:26.759
<v Speaker 1>This is Pastor Rick's Daily Hope, the audio broadcast Ministry

167
00:10:26.759 --> 00:10:30.240
<v Speaker 1>of Pastor Rick Warren. Once again, Here's Rick.

168
00:10:33.679 --> 00:10:37.080
<v Speaker 2>If you've ever had surgery, you know that surgeons always

169
00:10:37.080 --> 00:10:41.279
<v Speaker 2>want the brightest lights in that operating room so they

170
00:10:41.320 --> 00:10:43.440
<v Speaker 2>can see every little detail.

171
00:10:43.559 --> 00:10:46.159
<v Speaker 3>They don't want to miss a thing. I mean, no.

172
00:10:46.200 --> 00:10:49.279
<v Speaker 2>Surgeon has ever said, hey, let's turn these lights down

173
00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:52.519
<v Speaker 2>for a different mood in this surgery, let's make it

174
00:10:52.600 --> 00:10:53.799
<v Speaker 2>like a bar lounge.

175
00:10:54.840 --> 00:10:57.840
<v Speaker 3>No. No, they want it as bright as possible so

176
00:10:57.879 --> 00:10:59.399
<v Speaker 3>they can see as much as possible.

177
00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:02.000
<v Speaker 2>If I asked you to go on a night hike

178
00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:07.480
<v Speaker 2>with me to climb mount saddleback, and how would you

179
00:11:07.480 --> 00:11:08.879
<v Speaker 2>want to do it? Would you A want to do

180
00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:11.639
<v Speaker 2>it with completely in the dark or B Would you

181
00:11:11.720 --> 00:11:14.879
<v Speaker 2>like to use a weak dim flashlight that only shines

182
00:11:14.879 --> 00:11:16.159
<v Speaker 2>about a foot out?

183
00:11:16.480 --> 00:11:18.039
<v Speaker 3>Or se would you like to use.

184
00:11:17.879 --> 00:11:21.480
<v Speaker 2>A Costco maxipower lantern that you can see everything on

185
00:11:21.480 --> 00:11:25.720
<v Speaker 2>the trail for four hundred yards. Well, obviously, for clarity

186
00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:28.080
<v Speaker 2>and for illumination, you'd want to use the brightest light

187
00:11:28.120 --> 00:11:32.759
<v Speaker 2>you could get. It make the journey easier. Now listen,

188
00:11:33.200 --> 00:11:35.480
<v Speaker 2>the same is true for life.

189
00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:38.039
<v Speaker 3>To make the.

190
00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:42.440
<v Speaker 2>Journey easier, you need more light in your life, the

191
00:11:42.559 --> 00:11:45.080
<v Speaker 2>light of Jesus, who says I'm the light of the world.

192
00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:48.000
<v Speaker 2>The same is true for clarity. You need the brightest

193
00:11:48.080 --> 00:11:50.759
<v Speaker 2>light you can get. So where do you find the

194
00:11:50.799 --> 00:11:54.559
<v Speaker 2>best light for life?

195
00:11:54.799 --> 00:11:55.679
<v Speaker 3>John eight twelve.

196
00:11:55.960 --> 00:11:59.279
<v Speaker 2>Jesus said, I am the light of the world, and

197
00:11:59.320 --> 00:12:03.360
<v Speaker 2>if you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness,

198
00:12:04.320 --> 00:12:10.639
<v Speaker 2>for living light will flood your path. Okay, during dark days,

199
00:12:11.440 --> 00:12:15.600
<v Speaker 2>trusting Christ will help me see things more clearly. So

200
00:12:15.679 --> 00:12:18.440
<v Speaker 2>I want you to write this down number one. In

201
00:12:18.559 --> 00:12:22.399
<v Speaker 2>dark days, I need the light of Jesus. When I

202
00:12:22.519 --> 00:12:26.919
<v Speaker 2>can't see the way forward, When I can't see the

203
00:12:26.919 --> 00:12:30.960
<v Speaker 2>way forward, when I'm confused, when I'm undecided, when I

204
00:12:31.039 --> 00:12:33.879
<v Speaker 2>don't know what's best, when I can't figure out what

205
00:12:33.919 --> 00:12:37.200
<v Speaker 2>to do next, when everything looks black and I can't

206
00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:40.240
<v Speaker 2>see which way to go, I need the light of

207
00:12:40.320 --> 00:12:44.399
<v Speaker 2>Christ in my life. Now I know that the common

208
00:12:44.440 --> 00:12:49.480
<v Speaker 2>answer in the world when you're confused is this, trust yourself,

209
00:12:49.960 --> 00:12:54.320
<v Speaker 2>trust your gut, follow your instincts. But anybody who's tried

210
00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:57.080
<v Speaker 2>that knows that it best. You're only right about fifty

211
00:12:57.080 --> 00:13:01.720
<v Speaker 2>percent of the time. Your light is we your perspective

212
00:13:01.759 --> 00:13:03.919
<v Speaker 2>is small. It's like using one of those little wimpy

213
00:13:04.200 --> 00:13:08.799
<v Speaker 2>pen lights you put on your keychain. They don't illuminate anything,

214
00:13:09.320 --> 00:13:11.559
<v Speaker 2>and as a result, You've made a lot of bad

215
00:13:11.600 --> 00:13:15.559
<v Speaker 2>decisions in life. Instead, here's what the Bible says to

216
00:13:15.600 --> 00:13:17.240
<v Speaker 2>do Isaiah fifty.

217
00:13:17.080 --> 00:13:17.519
<v Speaker 3>Verse ten.

218
00:13:18.200 --> 00:13:23.360
<v Speaker 2>For anyone who doesn't know where you're going, anyone groping

219
00:13:23.799 --> 00:13:28.919
<v Speaker 2>in the dark, here's what to do. Trust in God. Yes,

220
00:13:29.480 --> 00:13:34.399
<v Speaker 2>lean on God. Don't trust your own light, trust the

221
00:13:34.480 --> 00:13:37.399
<v Speaker 2>light of the Lord. And you say, okay, Rick, I

222
00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:41.039
<v Speaker 2>would love to have God's perspective on my problems. I'd

223
00:13:41.080 --> 00:13:44.879
<v Speaker 2>love to have his help, his light on my challenges

224
00:13:44.919 --> 00:13:48.639
<v Speaker 2>and my choices and my future. But how do I

225
00:13:48.720 --> 00:13:51.039
<v Speaker 2>discover God's viewpoint? How can I see what God sees

226
00:13:51.080 --> 00:13:53.399
<v Speaker 2>in my life? How do I get God's light on

227
00:13:53.840 --> 00:13:55.720
<v Speaker 2>the things that matter to me? And the answer is this.

228
00:13:56.200 --> 00:14:01.639
<v Speaker 2>Get into this book, the Bible. You need to read it,

229
00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:05.879
<v Speaker 2>you need to study it, because God's will is always

230
00:14:05.919 --> 00:14:10.200
<v Speaker 2>found in God's word. Saturate your mind with the Bible.

231
00:14:10.279 --> 00:14:14.320
<v Speaker 2>Psalm one nineteen one oh five says this, your words

232
00:14:14.840 --> 00:14:18.360
<v Speaker 2>are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me

233
00:14:18.960 --> 00:14:21.399
<v Speaker 2>and keep me from stumbling. You know, if you hear

234
00:14:21.480 --> 00:14:24.159
<v Speaker 2>the farm noise out here, don't let it bother because

235
00:14:24.200 --> 00:14:27.039
<v Speaker 2>it doesn't bother me. They're working on stuff, they're cutting

236
00:14:27.080 --> 00:14:30.519
<v Speaker 2>down some stuff and tearing up some stuff. But you

237
00:14:30.559 --> 00:14:33.799
<v Speaker 2>know what, I'm always amazed at how many people are

238
00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:36.720
<v Speaker 2>always waiting around for God to give them a sign

239
00:14:36.960 --> 00:14:40.320
<v Speaker 2>in the air instead of just reading the directions that

240
00:14:40.360 --> 00:14:44.799
<v Speaker 2>He's already given us. Stop looking for a vision in

241
00:14:44.879 --> 00:14:48.879
<v Speaker 2>the sky and start looking for a verse in the Bible.

242
00:14:49.399 --> 00:14:52.080
<v Speaker 2>That's where you're going to find the light. You're going

243
00:14:52.159 --> 00:14:55.000
<v Speaker 2>to continue to stumble around in dark days. If you

244
00:14:55.120 --> 00:14:57.919
<v Speaker 2>spend more time listening to negative news in the media,

245
00:14:58.159 --> 00:15:01.759
<v Speaker 2>then you spend in time reading God's word. Saw Him

246
00:15:01.840 --> 00:15:06.600
<v Speaker 2>nineteen verse eight says this, God's instructions are always right,

247
00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:12.240
<v Speaker 2>and they point the way to happiness. His commands shine brightly,

248
00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:16.679
<v Speaker 2>and they light up the right way to go.

249
00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:18.440
<v Speaker 3>If you want to go the right.

250
00:15:18.279 --> 00:15:21.720
<v Speaker 2>Way, you got to get in this book, Colosso three

251
00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:25.960
<v Speaker 2>point fifteen says, the peace that Christ gives you will

252
00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:30.679
<v Speaker 2>guide you in the decisions you make. Now, I want

253
00:15:30.720 --> 00:15:34.519
<v Speaker 2>to show you on this first principle, how light illuminates.

254
00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:36.600
<v Speaker 3>It shows us where to go when we're in the dark,

255
00:15:36.639 --> 00:15:37.440
<v Speaker 3>when we're confused.

256
00:15:37.600 --> 00:15:40.120
<v Speaker 2>Let me show you an amazing promise of guidance that

257
00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:42.960
<v Speaker 2>God gives to you. If you let the words of

258
00:15:43.080 --> 00:15:47.919
<v Speaker 2>Jesus in this book guide your journey. It's Isaiah forty two,

259
00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:52.960
<v Speaker 2>verse sixteen. In the message that says this, God says, listen,

260
00:15:53.519 --> 00:15:55.960
<v Speaker 2>I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way,

261
00:15:57.279 --> 00:16:01.080
<v Speaker 2>who can't see where they're going, that's in dark. I'll

262
00:16:01.120 --> 00:16:05.120
<v Speaker 2>be a personal guide to them, directing them through the

263
00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:10.000
<v Speaker 2>unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what

264
00:16:10.159 --> 00:16:13.480
<v Speaker 2>roads to take. This is God talking. I'll make sure

265
00:16:13.519 --> 00:16:16.879
<v Speaker 2>they don't fall into the ditch. These are the things

266
00:16:16.960 --> 00:16:21.159
<v Speaker 2>I'll be doing for them, sticking with them, not leaving.

267
00:16:20.799 --> 00:16:24.799
<v Speaker 3>Them for a minute. Not amazing promise from God.

268
00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:28.360
<v Speaker 2>God says, I will be your personal guide. If you'll

269
00:16:28.440 --> 00:16:31.320
<v Speaker 2>let me light up your life, you won't be stumbling

270
00:16:31.360 --> 00:16:34.120
<v Speaker 2>around in the dark. So let me ask you a

271
00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:38.639
<v Speaker 2>very personal question. Where right now do you feel you're

272
00:16:38.679 --> 00:16:42.000
<v Speaker 2>in the dark. I want you to think about that.

273
00:16:42.600 --> 00:16:47.639
<v Speaker 2>What is confusing to you in your life? What needs

274
00:16:47.679 --> 00:16:51.759
<v Speaker 2>to be clarified? Where do you need God's light to

275
00:16:51.840 --> 00:16:57.919
<v Speaker 2>shine and give you direction. Well, it's completely available to

276
00:16:57.960 --> 00:17:01.559
<v Speaker 2>you and it's free, but you have to ask for it.

277
00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:03.080
<v Speaker 3>Now.

278
00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:06.880
<v Speaker 2>You may be a little worried about what's happening, what's going.

279
00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:07.799
<v Speaker 3>To happen next? In your life.

280
00:17:07.799 --> 00:17:10.160
<v Speaker 2>But let me give you a Bible verse that you

281
00:17:10.279 --> 00:17:12.000
<v Speaker 2>might want to make your daily prayer.

282
00:17:12.839 --> 00:17:15.480
<v Speaker 3>Psalm twenty three, Verse four, David.

283
00:17:15.119 --> 00:17:21.519
<v Speaker 2>Prayed, even though I go through the deepest darkness, I

284
00:17:21.559 --> 00:17:22.920
<v Speaker 2>will not be afraid.

285
00:17:24.359 --> 00:17:28.160
<v Speaker 3>I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me.

286
00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:31.920
<v Speaker 2>So the first benefit of filling your life with God's light,

287
00:17:32.720 --> 00:17:35.759
<v Speaker 2>everything gets a lot clearer. You don't have as much confusion.

288
00:17:36.119 --> 00:17:38.799
<v Speaker 2>You'll have a bigger perspective on life. You'll see things

289
00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:42.079
<v Speaker 2>the way God sees them. And that's called wisdom. Why

290
00:17:42.400 --> 00:17:47.039
<v Speaker 2>because light illuminates. Now, let me give you a second

291
00:17:47.440 --> 00:17:53.480
<v Speaker 2>effect of light. Light not only illuminates. Light can disinfect.

292
00:17:54.279 --> 00:17:54.880
<v Speaker 2>Did you know that?

293
00:17:55.799 --> 00:17:56.039
<v Speaker 3>Yeah?

294
00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:59.680
<v Speaker 2>Did you know? Light is a great disinfectant. It can

295
00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:05.039
<v Speaker 2>kill germs, It can purify water. Light can cleanse and

296
00:18:05.160 --> 00:18:10.200
<v Speaker 2>sanitize a lot of stuff. You know, during our peace

297
00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:14.200
<v Speaker 2>teams visiting all around the world in rural villages, when

298
00:18:14.200 --> 00:18:16.839
<v Speaker 2>we teach good health practices and developing nations, one of

299
00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:19.480
<v Speaker 2>the things we teach is the importance of hanging out

300
00:18:19.559 --> 00:18:23.559
<v Speaker 2>your bedsheets to dry in the sun to sanitize them.

301
00:18:24.680 --> 00:18:29.480
<v Speaker 2>Light has a disinfecting impact. This week, I read an

302
00:18:29.559 --> 00:18:33.079
<v Speaker 2>article about how New York city officials have built a

303
00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:39.200
<v Speaker 2>water disinfection facility using ultraviolet light to destroy germs and

304
00:18:39.480 --> 00:18:42.599
<v Speaker 2>disinfect it's drinking water, which is brought in from about

305
00:18:42.640 --> 00:18:46.039
<v Speaker 2>one hundred miles away. And instead of using chlorine, which

306
00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:49.079
<v Speaker 2>most of us use, which has some downsides to it,

307
00:18:49.359 --> 00:18:53.960
<v Speaker 2>they're now using the sun's power to disinfect and sanitize

308
00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:59.200
<v Speaker 2>their water using light rays. They disinfect two point four

309
00:18:59.319 --> 00:19:02.519
<v Speaker 2>billion gallons of water every day.

310
00:19:02.960 --> 00:19:03.119
<v Speaker 3>Now.

311
00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:07.079
<v Speaker 2>In a similar way, getting the light of God in

312
00:19:07.119 --> 00:19:15.200
<v Speaker 2>your life can disinfect and sanitize and purify and cleanse harmful.

313
00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:16.839
<v Speaker 3>Bad stuff out of your life.

314
00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:20.640
<v Speaker 2>The harmful words, the harmful thoughts, the harmful actions that

315
00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:26.559
<v Speaker 2>make you spiritually and emotionally and sometimes physically sick. Here's

316
00:19:26.599 --> 00:19:29.000
<v Speaker 2>what the Bible says, First John, chapter one, verse six

317
00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:31.599
<v Speaker 2>to nine. If we claim to have a relationship with

318
00:19:31.640 --> 00:19:35.920
<v Speaker 2>God but we continue living in darkness.

319
00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:39.079
<v Speaker 3>Then we lie and we aren't following the truth.

320
00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:44.960
<v Speaker 2>But if we live in the light, as God is

321
00:19:45.079 --> 00:19:48.319
<v Speaker 2>in the light, then we can have real fellowship with

322
00:19:48.359 --> 00:19:52.119
<v Speaker 2>each other. And the blood of Jesus, God's Son, purifies us.

323
00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:57.880
<v Speaker 2>That's cleanses, sanitizes, disinfects. God's son blood purifies us from

324
00:19:57.920 --> 00:19:59.880
<v Speaker 2>all sin, and if we claim to be without sin,

325
00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:02.720
<v Speaker 2>we're just fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth.

326
00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:06.240
<v Speaker 2>But if we confess our sins to him, God is

327
00:20:06.279 --> 00:20:10.279
<v Speaker 2>faithful and just, and he will forgive and cleanse us

328
00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:13.680
<v Speaker 2>from every wrong. So I want you to write this

329
00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:19.279
<v Speaker 2>down number two. In dark days, I need the light

330
00:20:19.359 --> 00:20:23.559
<v Speaker 2>of Jesus when I want to clean start, when I

331
00:20:23.599 --> 00:20:28.839
<v Speaker 2>want to clean start. You know, I could not count

332
00:20:28.880 --> 00:20:31.880
<v Speaker 2>the number of times that people have said to me confidentially.

333
00:20:32.279 --> 00:20:34.160
<v Speaker 2>You know, Rick, I have made so many mistakes in

334
00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:36.039
<v Speaker 2>my life.

335
00:20:36.160 --> 00:20:38.640
<v Speaker 3>I really need a fresh start. We should.

336
00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:41.839
<v Speaker 2>You could just clean the slate, wipe it all off,

337
00:20:41.839 --> 00:20:44.519
<v Speaker 2>and begin again. I'm so tired of carrying a heavy

338
00:20:44.559 --> 00:20:49.720
<v Speaker 2>load of emotional baggage from all my poor decisions. So

339
00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:53.319
<v Speaker 2>many people today are going through dark days because they're

340
00:20:53.400 --> 00:20:58.640
<v Speaker 2>carrying a load, a secret load of guilt and shame

341
00:20:58.720 --> 00:21:03.400
<v Speaker 2>and regret. They may look successful on the outside, but

342
00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:07.640
<v Speaker 2>they're tortured by their secrets. Is there a way to

343
00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:10.799
<v Speaker 2>wipe the slate clean? Is there a way to get

344
00:21:10.839 --> 00:21:15.640
<v Speaker 2>a fresh start. Yes, it's called being born again. That

345
00:21:15.680 --> 00:21:18.000
<v Speaker 2>doesn't mean you turn over a new leaf and try harder.

346
00:21:18.319 --> 00:21:20.519
<v Speaker 2>It means you get a brand new life.

347
00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:27.039
<v Speaker 1>Thank you so much for listening to Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

348
00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:30.119
<v Speaker 1>We've got some incredible news to share with you. A

349
00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:34.240
<v Speaker 1>very generous friend has given a one hundred thousand dollars

350
00:21:34.279 --> 00:21:38.359
<v Speaker 1>matching grant to this ministry. That means that all this month,

351
00:21:38.519 --> 00:21:41.400
<v Speaker 1>every dollar you give to help Daily Hope share the

352
00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:45.000
<v Speaker 1>certain Hope of Jesus around the world will be matched

353
00:21:45.119 --> 00:21:49.119
<v Speaker 1>up to one hundred thousand dollars. Here's Pastor Rick to

354
00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:49.920
<v Speaker 1>tell you more.

355
00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:52.240
<v Speaker 2>I know I tell you this all the time, but

356
00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:55.039
<v Speaker 2>again I want you to know how much I thank

357
00:21:55.119 --> 00:21:59.160
<v Speaker 2>God for you and appreciate your support of Daily Hope.

358
00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:02.519
<v Speaker 2>We couldn't do this without your prayers, and we can't

359
00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:05.839
<v Speaker 2>do it without your financial gifts. And I know that

360
00:22:05.920 --> 00:22:09.079
<v Speaker 2>for many of you this is a real sacrifice in

361
00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:12.039
<v Speaker 2>order to be able to support the Ministry of Daily

362
00:22:12.079 --> 00:22:14.880
<v Speaker 2>Hope as we take the message of Christ literally around

363
00:22:14.880 --> 00:22:18.079
<v Speaker 2>the world into places that nobody else is going to.

364
00:22:19.680 --> 00:22:23.559
<v Speaker 2>As you consider your year in giving, I want to

365
00:22:23.559 --> 00:22:26.920
<v Speaker 2>ask you to consider about sending your greatest gift to

366
00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:30.400
<v Speaker 2>Daily Hope that you've ever given. You know, the great

367
00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:33.759
<v Speaker 2>news is that in this month your financial gift will

368
00:22:33.839 --> 00:22:38.599
<v Speaker 2>be doubled because a generous friend is offering one hundred

369
00:22:38.640 --> 00:22:43.079
<v Speaker 2>thousand dollars matching grant, and they've challenged all of the

370
00:22:43.119 --> 00:22:45.720
<v Speaker 2>rest of us to give as much as we can

371
00:22:45.880 --> 00:22:48.920
<v Speaker 2>and they will match it up to one hundred thousand dollars.

372
00:22:49.200 --> 00:22:51.759
<v Speaker 2>That means that every dollar you give the Daily Hope

373
00:22:52.200 --> 00:22:55.839
<v Speaker 2>in December, up to one hundred thousand dollars will be doubled.

374
00:22:55.920 --> 00:22:59.000
<v Speaker 2>You give twenty five dollars, it's like given fifty dollars,

375
00:22:59.079 --> 00:23:01.720
<v Speaker 2>and if you give one hundred, it's like giving two

376
00:23:01.839 --> 00:23:03.720
<v Speaker 2>hundred dollars. And if you're able to give a thousand

377
00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:07.920
<v Speaker 2>dollars or more, it will be doubled. Your generosity, and

378
00:23:08.000 --> 00:23:10.559
<v Speaker 2>of course Christmas is all about the spirit of generosity.

379
00:23:10.599 --> 00:23:14.160
<v Speaker 2>God so loved the world that he gave. Your generosity

380
00:23:14.279 --> 00:23:17.880
<v Speaker 2>makes this ministry possible. It allows us to reach into

381
00:23:17.920 --> 00:23:21.079
<v Speaker 2>refugee camps, It allows us to reach out around the

382
00:23:21.119 --> 00:23:24.559
<v Speaker 2>world overseas. It allows us to reach people who could

383
00:23:24.599 --> 00:23:28.519
<v Speaker 2>not ever afford to pay for any discipleship tools or materials.

384
00:23:29.359 --> 00:23:34.119
<v Speaker 2>So your donations matter. Let me ask you a personal favor.

385
00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:37.759
<v Speaker 2>No't forget to pray for us during this season. We're

386
00:23:37.799 --> 00:23:42.119
<v Speaker 2>praying for you. Let me know that you prayed. It

387
00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:45.480
<v Speaker 2>really blesses me to hear from you. I love the letters,

388
00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:49.119
<v Speaker 2>the emails, the cards, the stories that come in because

389
00:23:49.160 --> 00:23:53.039
<v Speaker 2>it helps me realize we truly are partnering together in

390
00:23:53.119 --> 00:23:56.839
<v Speaker 2>this ministry. It's not about me. It's about the Word

391
00:23:56.880 --> 00:23:59.200
<v Speaker 2>of God, and it's about what we can do together

392
00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:01.920
<v Speaker 2>that none of us could do on our own. We

393
00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:06.160
<v Speaker 2>are more effective together, we're better together. God bless you

394
00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:07.880
<v Speaker 2>and have a great Christmas season.

395
00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:11.720
<v Speaker 1>Remember, as Rick just shared, whatever you give today will

396
00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:15.319
<v Speaker 1>be doubled by the matching grant up to one hundred

397
00:24:15.440 --> 00:24:20.119
<v Speaker 1>thousand dollars, but only till midnight December thirty first. Anything

398
00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:24.279
<v Speaker 1>not matched will be lost, so please contact us today.

399
00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:28.079
<v Speaker 1>You can give right now by going to pastorig dot

400
00:24:28.119 --> 00:24:32.240
<v Speaker 1>com or by calling eight hundred six hundred five thousand

401
00:24:32.240 --> 00:24:35.400
<v Speaker 1>and four. We'll say thanks by sending you the brand

402
00:24:35.440 --> 00:24:39.440
<v Speaker 1>new Daily Hope Prayer Journal that's pastorig dot com or

403
00:24:39.559 --> 00:24:43.240
<v Speaker 1>by calling eight hundred six hundred five thousand and four.

404
00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:46.480
<v Speaker 1>Be sure to join us again next time as we

405
00:24:46.559 --> 00:24:50.640
<v Speaker 1>look into God's Word for our daily hope. This program

406
00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:54.559
<v Speaker 1>is sponsored by Pastor Rick's Daily Hope and your generous

407
00:24:54.599 --> 00:24:55.759
<v Speaker 1>financial support
