CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF COURAGE | ASHLEY DAUGHERTY

Summary

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Episode Overview

Title: Cloudy with a Chance of Courage
Guest Speaker: Ashley Daugherty
Podcast: Victory Church: Paul Daugherty
Date: February 2, 2026

In this heartfelt and motivating message, Ashley Daugherty addresses the challenge of living courageously for Christ in a world full of competing voices, societal pressures, and the ever-present desire to please people. Centered around Galatians 1 and the theme of “resisting the current to people please,” Ashley implores listeners to take up their cross daily, seek God’s approval above all, and step courageously into their unique assignment as followers of Christ—even when “the world is cloudy.”

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Cross We’re Called to Carry (00:00–04:25)

• Ashley opens with Galatians 1, reminding believers they are disciples called to carry a cross, not just receive comfort.
• “If we really want to transform and become more like Christ, we can’t run from conviction because conviction brings transformation.” (A, 01:23)

2. People Pleasing vs. God Pleasing (05:01–11:49)

• Drawing from a childhood rom-com, Ashley illustrates that you “can't ride two horses with one saddle” (05:01), paralleling the impossibility of serving both God and seeking everyone’s approval.
• She highlights Galatians 1:10, where Paul makes it clear you must pick a lane: pleasing men or pleasing God.
• “I cannot be popular and be faithful.” (A, 06:51)

3. Forks in the Road: Everyday Choices (08:02–10:36)

• Moments of decision (“forks in the road”) occur at the polls, in parenting, in betrayal, unanswered prayers, and loss. True discipleship is seen in action, not just words.
• “It’s not just about speaking the words ‘I’m a God pleaser’—it’s about it showing up in the fruit of our lives.” (A, 08:59)

4. Holy Spirit Empowerment & Misconceptions (10:36–13:01)

• The Holy Spirit empowers us to please God, not to aid our people-pleasing tendencies.
• Referencing John Bevere, Ashley underscores that God loves us but doesn’t necessarily approve of all our choices—our standard for pleasing God must continually be renewed by scripture, not popular opinion.
• “When we’re not renewing our mind daily to what pleases God, we will forget what actually pleases God.” (A, 10:50)

5. The Offense of the Gospel & Displaying Our Cross (12:04–16:58)

• The truths of Christ are often confrontational and countercultural—the gospel isn’t meant to blend in.
• Carrying the cross should be evident in every part of life: generosity, family, the workplace, and life decisions.
• “Our cross is meant to be seen… in our families… carried into our workspaces… in decision making.” (A, 15:13)
• Affirmation and approval aren’t inherently bad but become problematic when they overshadow our desire to honor God.

6. Undercover Christianity & Public Witness (18:46–22:35)

• The message warns against “undercover Christianity”—being a believer in private but hiding faith publicly.
• “He says you are meant to be a light on a hill, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.” (A, 19:19)
• Ashley notes that true discipleship doesn’t avoid conflict with the world: “If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.” (A quoting James 4:4, 21:29)

7. Owning Your Assignment (22:35–25:25)

• Every believer has a unique assignment in Christ’s body, regardless of being on church staff.
• “There is no scripture in the Bible that gives us permission to delegate our cross.” (A, 23:49)

8. Courage is Contagious—Don’t Just Rely on Others’ Boldness (24:42–26:05)

• Don’t just ride “on the coattails” of bold leaders or churches; stand up where God has called you.
• “What if you activate the seeds that have been planted in your heart to stand up in the spaces and places that God has called you to carry your cross?” (A, 26:05)

9. Ethics, Public Practice, and Daily Integrity (27:20–28:54)

• Ashley reflects on the difference between faith being quietly “on your sleeve” and it saturating all of life—not for show, but as real devotion.

10. Risk and Reward in Following Christ (29:34–33:24)

• The world says swimming upstream (taking a stand for Christ) is high risk, low reward; scripture says pleasing people is high risk, while pleasing God is the true, eternal reward.
• “Aiming to please people—that’s high risk if it means I’m not winning approval from my heavenly Father.” (A, 31:10)

11. Carrying the Cross: When it Gets Tough (32:17–35:23)

• Real-world illustrations of carrying the cross through parenting challenges and moments when reactions are tested.
• Encourages those weary or feeling the cost of discipleship that “loss” is not the same as “forfeit.” Showing up is what matters.

12. Decision Time: Salvation and Surrender (Altar Call) (35:23–44:51)

• Calls undecided listeners to choose Christ (“Indecision is no decision. It’s a high risk to leave your eternity in [the] balance” —A, 35:23).
• Repentance is essential; carrying shame is not carrying your cross—coming to Christ is.
• Courage is imparted through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit.
• “If you want courage, you gotta believe that what God said, he means. What God says in his word, he will do.” (A, 39:10)

13. Balancing Boldness with Discernment (42:18–43:30)

• Carrying your cross doesn’t mean always speaking out or arguing; spiritual maturity means discerning when to be silent and when to speak up.
• “Carrying the cross is asking for discernment: do I speak up or do I shut up?” (A, 42:22)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On People Pleasing:
  “I cannot be popular and be faithful.” (A, 06:51)
• On Discipleship:
  “It’s not just about speaking the words ‘I’m a God pleaser’—it’s about it showing up in the fruit of our lives.” (A, 08:59)
• On God’s Standards:
  “God accepts us, he loves us, but it doesn’t mean he approves of our life.” (A, 10:48)
• On Living Openly:
  “We are not meant to be undercover Christians… He says you are meant to be a light on a hill, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.” (A, 19:19)
• On Assignment:
  “There is no scripture in the Bible that gives us permission to delegate our cross. Jesus didn’t get to delegate his cross. He had to carry his own cross. We do too.” (A, 23:49)
• On Risk:
  “Aiming to please people—that’s high risk if it means I’m not winning approval from my heavenly Father.” (A, 31:10)
• On Discernment:
  “Carrying the cross is asking for discernment: do I speak up or do I shut up?” (A, 42:22)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Highlight | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Introduction, Galatians 1, call to discipleship | | 06:19 | “You can’t win a race riding in two lanes”—Focus Scripture| | 13:22 | The confrontation of the gospel with culture | | 15:35 | Real talk on people pleasing and God’s approval | | 19:19 | “You are a city on a hill”—visibility of faith | | 21:15 | James 4:4 — Friendship with the world vs. God | | 23:53 | Personal and non-transferable nature of your cross | | 31:10 | “Risk miscalculation”—redefining risk as a believer | | 35:23 | Valley of decision: altar call for salvation/surrender | | 38:26 | Hebrews 12:2—Jesus endured the cross for the joy ahead | | 42:22 | Discernment in carrying the cross |

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Conclusion

Ashley’s passionate sermon challenges believers to get honest about where they seek approval, who they serve, and whether the cross is at the center of their daily lives. Instead of living undercover or prioritizing popularity, followers of Christ are called to courageously, visibly, and consistently carry their cross—even in a “cloudy” world. The altar call invites those ready to break free from approval addiction, embrace their assignment, and walk boldly with Christ—ready to “pick a lane” and win the race set before them.

Takeaway:
“The world might be cloudy, but with the power of the Holy Spirit, there’s always a chance of courage.”

Transcript

[A]

Well, do me a favor and open up your bibles to Galatians 1 today. This is a message for the disciples of Christ. For those of you who decided to give your life to Jesus, there's a cross that we're meant to carry. And if you forgot or if you lost along the way, I'm here to remind you that we have a cross that we're called to carry. And those who are in this room who have yet to give your life to Jesus, there's an invitation from heaven today for you to know your personal Savior. And you're gonna learn what it's like to follow Jesus today. Church I pray that this word, that the Holy Spirit convicts you like he did me as I was preparing and praying for this sermon. If we really want to transform and become more like Christ, we can't run from conviction because conviction brings transformation. And we got to become more like Jesus. And how many of you guys know that your flesh, your humanness, needs to be transformed and more like Jesus? Amen. So today the title of my word is Cloudy with a Chance of Courage. Resisting the Current to people, please. Because the current to people, please, is strong. In fact, it's so strong and it's so easy, you just take your inner tube and ride right down stream to people, Please. That as believers, as disciples of Christ, we are built different because we have the spirit of God on the inside of us. That means we have what it takes to swim upstream and be a God pleaser and one who looks for the approval of God rather than the approval of man. Sometimes it sounds impossible, but that's why we have our helper, the Holy Spirit, to help us move the dial. In this place where there's been complacency and apathy, where there's been fear, where there has been a paralyzed posture in this room and those who are watching online, you can't move forward because of what people think and what people are going to say. And I pray that the power of the Holy Spirit, Spirit today through this word, moves the dial, increases your chance of courage. The world might be cloudy, your home might be cloudy, might be cloudy with confusion, might be cloudy with weariness, might be cloudy with strife, might be cloudy with disappointment, might be cloudy with doubt or stress, but there's a chance of courage. And today, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we are going to increase our chance because we are going to respond to the call of courage. Let's pray. Lord, I thank you so much for this opportunity that I have to preach your word. You know that I cannot do it on my own. And so I ask for the Holy Spirit to show up in ways that I can't even comprehend. Lord, I thank you that every person here is here on purpose, for a purpose. Let us have our hearts to receive, ears to hear, eyes to see what you are speaking today, what the word of the Lord is today in Jesus mighty name. Amen. Amen. Well, one of my favorite rom com movies growing up. I watched it like 20 years ago, but I will never forget a line that was said because I thought it was so true in many ways than just a relationship dilemma. And I love rom coms as much as we're like, oh, what's gonna happen? I love the fact that we know it's gonna happen.

[B]

They end up with the right people.

[A]

It's such a feel good movie. And so it's one of my favorites in this sweet southern girl. She has a high school sweetheart that she was with in high school, then kind of forgot about him, of course, and then moved on to someone who she thought was better. And then the high school sweetheart comes back into her life, perfect, confesses his love for her. But then, oh, man, this new guy, he's so great. He's so amazing.

[B]

He's so wealthy, he's so well off.

[A]

And so the dilemma begins of who do I choose? And she begins to think about the pros and the cons and all of that. And then her Southern dad comes in with such a great point. She said, he said, honey, you can't ride two horses with one saddle. Now, he didn't say saddle, but for the church. I'm gonna keep it G rated this morning. You can't ride two horses with one saddle. Another way to say it in case some of you guys get that later, easier way to understand, you can't win a race riding in two lanes. You can race, but you can't win a race riding in two lanes. Now, if you're like, you know what? I'm not gonna get anything until you just tell me where it is in the word of God. Hey, that's fair. Let me show you. In Galatians 1:10, Paul talks about this, of course, way more spiritual. But he reminds us that we can't win a race if we're in two lanes.

[B]

He says, am I now trying to.

[A]

Win the favor and approval of men one lane, or of God another lane? Or am I seeking to please someone one lane?

[B]

If I were still trying to be.

[A]

Popular with men, I would not be a bond servant of Christ. He could not have both Lanes.

[B]

He could not ride both horses.

[A]

And if Apostle Paul couldn't do it, we can't either. We can race, but to win a race, we gotta choose lame. He said, I cannot be popular and be faithful. Everybody say faithful, not popular. Wow, I spy a fork in the road, man. It feels great to be faithful and popular, right? That feels great when that gets to happen when, when I get to be.

[B]

Liked by people and at the same.

[A]

Time have favor with God.

[B]

But the reality is in our walk with God, there's always a fork in the road of who is our master. There's always a fork in the road of who we're gonna serve. Are we gonna serve God? Are we gonna live for the approvals of man?

[A]

Are we gonna live for the comfort of this human?

[B]

Not every day do we have the.

[A]

Forks in the road, but definitely in our walks. In our walk and our journey with Christ as we're being discipled and shaped and molded by him, there are forks in the road that are present. And so it shows up and times where we're responding to culture. It shows up in our lives when we're going to the voting polls. It shows up in our life when we're parenting. It shows up in our life when we've been betrayed.

[B]

It shows up in our life when there's been an unanswered prayer. It shows up in our life when there is loss. When it shows up in our life.

[A]

When someone says something that we don't like.

[B]

It's not just about speaking the words.

[A]

I'm a God pleaser.

[B]

It's about it showing up in the.

[A]

Fruit of our lives.

[B]

The gospel is full. The Bible is full of the truth that when we are really being discipled by Christ, it's not just mere words. The gospel is meant to be displayed in action and not because that's what Jesus did on the cross.

[A]

And not just action from Victory Church and from Pastor Paul, but action as a believer. As a believer, who is our master? That is my question for you today. Because if we are going to be people that please God, if we're going to be people that find favor with God and the approval of God, guess what church. We're going to need God to help us. We're going to need supernatural power and in case common sense, it's not so.

[B]

Common to everybody, I'm going to keep.

[A]

It real this morning that the Holy Spirit is not going to give us power to be a people pleaser. He's going to give us power when we choose the lane of a Winning the approval of our Heavenly Father.

[B]

You know, the reality is I'm gonna.

[A]

Bring out some John Bevere who is here at conference, some severe truth, because it is truth. Sometimes we call him severe Bevere. Bevere.

[B]

Because I'm like, oh, am I even saved?

[A]

I mean, what he brings out in the Bible is so real and so true. God accepts us, he loves us, but it doesn't mean he approves of our life. It doesn't mean he agrees with it all. So when I say and I ask the question, what do you think pleases God in 2026? It's not okay to settle well with I. I think this please pleases God. When we're not renewing our mind daily to what pleases God, we will forget what actually pleases God. We have way too many feelings, we have way too many emotions, we have way too many riots, we have way too many news channels. We have way too many family dinners consisted of many opinions.

[B]

We cannot afford.

[A]

To not be reminded of what pleases God. Thinking what pleases God is not always the same of what actually pleases God.

[B]

The more I consistently read Scripture church, the more that I realize my life suffers when I don't read it. Not only does it suffer, my obedience suffers.

[A]

Because when I read my Bible, the.

[B]

More I'm amazed of how many people in the body of Christ has claimed something to be controversial. But when I read my Bible, it's very black and white. In fact, it's not only black and white, the letters are in red. But many times as believers, we are ignorant of the red letters of our Bible. Jesus is not in controversy over his truth.

[A]

Is his word confrontational? Absolutely. Does the word of God confront culture? Is it offensive?

[B]

Absolutely. As it should be. It's the offensiveness of it that puts us in a position as sons and daughters of, of our Creator. It puts us in a position to make a decision.

[A]

The Bible said Jesus is a sword.

[B]

So is it confrontational?

[A]

Absolutely. But Jesus's words, He's not confused about the words. He's not confused about where he stands, what the word of God says. But why are so many believers and controversy over the red letters? I'm talking about being a real disciple of Jesus because that's what we're called to be. And I think sometimes we forget what it's like to carry our cross. We respond to the good news that God sent his one and only son to die on the cross for sinners like you and me. The good news of he forgives us and he remembers our sin. No more when we repent.

[B]

But the good news as disciples of.

[A]

Jesus doesn't always feel that good, you know what I mean? So we kind of leave our cross at the door. There's forks in our roads where it requires us.

[B]

Weak and all. Sometimes a little confused, sometimes a little hurt.

[A]

Even ignorant. It's still not an excuse to leave our cross so we can take it to the streets and do what we want to do and say what we want to say. We're meant to carry our cross into every space and place.

[B]

We're meant to carry our cross. Our cross is meant to be seen.

[A]

In the tithes and our offerings.

[B]

Our cross is meant to be seen in our families. Our cross is meant to be seen and carried into our workspace faces. Our cross is meant to be seen and displayed in our interviews. Our cross is meant to be seen and displayed in decision making.

[A]

Wanting to be liked by people isn't wrong. If you want to be liked by people, I'll be the first. I'll be the first to raise my hand. If you want favor with people, I'll be the first to raise my hand. If you want the approval and the.

[B]

Applause of man, I'll be the first.

[A]

To raise my hand. I don't think that's a bad thing. But it becomes problematic when living for the applause and the approval of man is ahead and before and primary to living for the approval of God. It becomes a problem when honoring God with our lives gets a backseat. And I'm here to remind you today, with the help of the Holy Spirit, that as disciples of Jesus, we have a cross to carry. In Proverbs 27:21, it says, Fire tests the purity of silver and gold. But a person is tested by being praised. The desire for applause from man tests our hearts. The abundance of it or the lack of the applause. When we love the applause of man.

[B]

We gravitate where there's applause. When we don't have what we need.

[A]

We gravitate toward to who is going to give it. Sometimes abandoning the cross and selling our soul and moving beyond convictions for the applause and the approval of man. Again, do we like encouraging words? Absolutely. But when I begin to seek it more from people than God, it becomes problematic in my walk with God. And it becomes problematic when it comes to me moving the dialogue with courage to obey God. Many of us want the courage and the boldness to obey God. But we're still living to please people. The moment you decide to be a God pleaser and live for his approval and his favor Rather than people, you will find an incredible fresh wind from heaven because that's the way that he created you to be. In fact, when you move from being a people pleaser to a God pleaser, you now have walked in agreement and alignment with the way that God has created you to be. Again, we're talking about a fork in the road. I'm gonna say something. Church. In case you forgot it, today, we are not meant to be undercover Christians. I like the show Undercover Boss. It's a I was loving a good shock factor.

[B]

But our journey with God is not meant to be an episode of Undercover Christianity where we're hanging out with our friends and we're doing life with our family, and all of a sudden we take off our mask and we say.

[A]

Surprise, I'm a Christian. If somebody says, wow, I didn't know that, I'm wondering, just consider maybe you left your cross somewhere. We're not meant to be undercover Christians. He says you are meant to be a light on a hill, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.

[B]

The devil knows that you are a threat, that I am a threat. When we get this truth that we're not meant to live undercover, why do you think he works so hard to dim your lights? Because he knows the power of a city on a hill for Jesus. He knows the power of a fully devoted follower of Christ.

[A]

All throughout the Bible, we're called to be a light to this world. Again, why am I bringing this up? Because in our effort to not make enemies, in our effort to not be disliked, in our effort to not be misunderstood as one of those Christians, I think we forget these things and people perish for lack of knowledge. And people also forfeit assignments in the body of Christ. When we forget that we're called to carry our cross from the home to the streets, from the platform to the public spaces, we're carried. We're called to carry our cross. Why are we so afraid to be an enemy with the world? Maybe you Forgot what James 4:4 says. It actually is some really hard truth. It's a hard pill to swallow. We're called out, you adulterers.

[B]

Look at you trying to ride two horses with one saddle. Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I'll say it again. If you want to be a friend.

[A]

Of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. I'm not saying you don't have dinner and invite the sinners over like Jesus did with Zacchaeus. Jesus went to Zacchaeus house And it was clear that he was a sinner. I'm just saying many of us have taken the friendship with some sinners too far. And we're afraid to break up with some patterns and some thinking of the world because we don't want to be an enemy. But to be a friend of the world is to be an enemy with God. Did Jesus have enemies?

[B]

Yes, he did. So if he had enemies, what makes us think we will not have enemies? I'm talking about winning a race. I'm talking about, you can race all you want, but if you want to win a race, you got to pick a lane. You gotta pick a lane.

[A]

If you heard me say your assignment in the kingdom of God and the phone did not ring on the inside of your spirit or you heard it ring, but you're like, well, I'm not on staff at a church, then you have missed the mission. You have missed your mission.

[B]

Because the reality is, is when the phone rings in our spirit, that we have an assignment in the army of God. We have an assignment as a soldier of Christ. If you did not pick up because you thought Pastor Paul and Pastor Ashley and Pastor Abby and Pastor Devin were gonna pick up, you could possibly be forfeiting your assignment. Or maybe ignorant of your part to play. If you have breath in your lungs, if you call yourself a believer, you have an assignment in the body of Christ. There is no scripture in the Bible that gives us permission to delegate our cross. Jesus didn't get to delegate his cross. He had to carry his own cross.

[A]

We do too. You know, I'm gonna go out on a limb since Paul's all the way in Oslo, Norway, many of us know that we are so blessed with a pastor who stands up for the truth and who is a God pleaser. Many of us are so blessed to be a part of victory. Victory Church is a God pleasing church. Now, if you know Paul like I do, and it doesn't take much to know this, if you just listen to a few of his sermons, but he is a guy who loves affirmation. He's a guy who loves encouragement.

[B]

He's a guy who likes to be liked.

[A]

It's a part of his testimony. But you better believe, and you have seen it with your own eyes, that.

[B]

When there's a fork in the road, he says, you know what? Sure I care what you think. Sure I care that you like me. Yeah, but there's a fork in the road. And yeah, it's a risk of you not liking me and you leaving some negative comments. But when push comes to shove and there's a fork in the road and I gotta choose. I'm a God pleaser. I'm a God pleaser.

[A]

It's well deserved of an applause, but I wanna flip it from the stage to the seats and to those who.

[B]

Are watching online.

[A]

Don't just ride on the coattails of your pastor's boldness. Don't just ride on the coattails of Victory Church. Be in the church.

[B]

Just like my kids can't ride on.

[A]

The coattails of my walk with Christ. Sure, there's a part to play in their journey, absolutely. But don't just ride on the coattails. What if you activate the seeds that have been planted in your heart to.

[B]

Stand up in the spaces and the places that God has called you to carry your cross?

[A]

Why is Victory a church?

[B]

Why is your pastor, My pastor, a pastor who, when it comes to affordable.

[A]

That we choose to be a God pleaser. We do that so that you would also. So that you would also. God is speaking to your heart. I know he is because I'm speaking the word of God. We're not meant to be an undercover Christian. I'm not saying you gotta go put the shirt on that says I'm a Christian. Maybe some of you shouldn't. Just like I am delayed in putting the Victory bumper sticker on my car. But when it comes to ethics, it needs to show up in the way that we talk, in the way that we vote. It needs to show up. I'm going to end shortly, but recently I read a publication from Hillary Clinton. I bet you didn't think I was gonna say that this morning, but I read something and she was claiming, out of all people, she was actually claiming to know the root of this country's deep moral rot. But her target audience was Christians and specifically women. And she begins to share about Christianity and Jesus and she begins to talk about her faith. And I'm not here to debate whether she was a Christian. Christian or not. I don't know if she is. That's news to me after reading the article. But she said something that's an expression that we've all heard. She said, I'm not one to wear faith on my sleeve, but faith has really shaped me. I mean, it's really been important to me. And to which my response internally was, all right, something that has so deeply shaped you and is so important to you, why just wait? Sleeve. I mean, it's so important to you and church. I'm not asking us to wear it on our Sleeve. I'm asking your relationship and your devotion.

[B]

To Christ to take up way more than your sleeve. I'm asking if Jesus is the Lord of your life. I'm asking him to set your heart on fire. And I'm asking you to restore. Respond to the Gospel not with good words, but with action and in truth, to carry your cross. If your life and my life has been so changed and shaped and our faith means so much to me.

[A]

Then.

[B]

Why do we deny our cross when it gets difficult, when the road gets bumpy? And could I ask you this question? Could it be that you are still trying to ride two horses with one saddle? We are ineffective. We are an ineffective soldier of Christ if we are still living for the approval of man. I'm telling you, God has called you to be an effective dart against the gates of hell. And we will not increase our chances of coming courage if we don't switch lanes and become a full God pleaser.

[A]

I'm going to ask you to stand to your feet as I close. Maybe some of you have heard the phrase high risk, low reward. Low risk, high reward. It's basically a risk analysis. And I think sometimes we get it mixed up and we think, man, God.

[B]

It'S such a high risk. It's such a high risk to swim upstream.

[A]

Such a high risk to swim upstream for a low reward. I mean, you start counting your losses, you're like, well, I'm probably going to lose some friends. Maybe I lose that promotion. Maybe I'll lose favor with my boss. Because, man, I've left my cross at home when I go into work.

[B]

And so if I really decide to.

[A]

Bring it in, I mean, who knows what losses might come. Maybe being made fun of, maybe being talked about, maybe being misunderstood. I mean, some losses that we would think, yeah, that's kind of a low reward for a high risk of swimming upstream. But you know, we in the body of Christ, I think we might have a risk miscalculation because as believers in Christ, we don't operate on earthly risk management systems. We are citizens of heaven. You know what Paul is saying?

[B]

He is saying aiming to please people, that that's high risk. I consider that high risk if aiming to please people means I'm not winning approval from my heavenly Father. He's saying aiming to please God is low risk compared to the reward. You want your name being mentioned to your boss. What if your name was mentioned in heaven to the King of Kings because you are full, devoted follower of Christ.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

People pleasing, bowing down to fear, bowing down to Blending in.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That's easier. Yes. Is your flesh on fire?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

As it should be. Our flesh should be on fire. Isn't the goal to crucify ourselves on the cross the way that Jesus crucified himself? This analogy, whether you're in my parenting season or not, I think you can relate if your flesh being on fire. But when my kids say something that.

[A]

Oh my gosh, puts me on a tilt of whirl and I'm telling you what, I can't believe they said that to me.

[B]

How disrespectful. And of course I want to leave my cross and take it to the streets and start arguing with a 10 year old of what I want to call them names too. And when I'm deciding to carry my cross, which there's been plenty of times.

[A]

When I've left the cross and Jesus trying to hold me back and I just, I'm going for it. Jesus feels good.

[B]

I get it, I get it.

[A]

But man, when we're surrendering to self.

[B]

Control and we're carrying our cross into everything, and especially those men moments, and I respond to the spirit of God versus react to my flesh being offended. Oh, oh, you know, this girl is on fire. Like my flesh is on fire. Your girl is on fire. That's a funny analogy. And some of you guys may relate in that current season, maybe you don't. But if you wonder, man, why does.

[A]

My flesh feel on fire when I'm swimming upstream?

[B]

And as it should, you might have too many friends that try to tell you to leave Christianity when it gets too hot, but I'm gonna be the real friend. And I'm gonna tell you that before you leave the fire of God, please let it consume you. We abandon the call of God on our life. We abandon the assignments of God on our life when we choose to swim to downstream.

[A]

You know, news flash, if you're going downstream, really, you don't even need to swim again. You just get your inner tube and enjoy the journey. Church.

[B]

I get tired, I get weary.

[A]

There's been plenty of times in friendships and relationships and conversations and in loss.

[B]

And disappointment where I'm tempted to leave the cross and sure, give me an inner tube and a lazy river. That sounds good. I. I'm tired. But can I speak to the wounded believer and the weary believer? It is not a loss. It's not the same as forfeiting. Allow God to work on that loss. Bring it to the feet of Jesus. He has a higher perspective of your loss of whatever job or promotion or friendship or whatever that might be. Allow the word of God to speak to that. Give it. Let him give you a higher pursuit perspective to someone who has a higher calling. You have a high calling as a fully devoted follower of Christ. So I'm speaking to you that although you might have losses, it's not the same as forfeit. Even if you lost, that means you showed up to the game. That means you showed up. I'm telling you because some of you are in the valley of decision number one. Some of you are in here watching online, where you have left your eternity unknown, man.

[A]

To leave your eternity unknown when life is like a vapor is high risk. Especially when you know that a decision can be made to spend eternity in heaven. Indecision is no decision. It's a high risk to leave your eternity in balance or in the air, leave it up for grabs. But you can make a choice to make Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior. And some of you are in the valley of decision where you're in a fork in the road and you fail to abandon the cross, you feel to. You're tempted to get off because it hurts.

[B]

It hurts. The misunderstanding, the name calling, being an outcast, the fear of being outcasted by your family, the fear of being fired, the fear of not being considered. I'm telling you, I know those feel like high risk. But what God has reserved for those who please God rather than bow down to, to the fear of man, it.

[A]

Is so much more.

[B]

Even the Bible in Paul and Philippians says, I now consider it loss for the sake of knowing Christ. In other words, the things I thought were so valuable, I now consider garbage for the sake of knowing Christ. Although it might feel like high risk, nothing compares to real joy when you're.

[A]

Pleasing your heavenly Father, your Creator.

[B]

Nothing compares to one real purpose. Nothing compares to real peace.

[A]

Nothing compares to the intimacy that you.

[B]

Have with your Heavenly Father when you live to please him, not perfection. Even carrying the cross, some of you.

[A]

Are like, okay, what does this mean? What about carrying your cross in response to your. To your sin? Shame is not carrying your cross. If you want to carry your cross into your sin, it's repentance. I'm telling you, every space and every place we're meant to carry our cross. Just because you came into victory this morning, just because you've been walking through these doors many times, I'm not going to risk. Thinking that every person in here is a fully devoted follower of Christ. Because like I said, it's really easy to pick up our cross on Sundays. And make it to church. But I'm on, I'm wondering is, where's your cross on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday? We don't have storage for your crosses here.

[B]

Believe me, you gotta carry your cross. You gotta take it home, you gotta take it to wherever you are going and experience the joy. Many of us want the joy of our salvation, but we're not gonna get the joy of our salvation, salvation if we're not carrying our cross.

[A]

One of my favorite verses in Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before him. He endured the cross. In other words, he considered crucifixion low risk compared to the joy set before him.

[B]

Who was the joy? It was me. It was you. The joy was pleasing his heavenly Father because he believed that he had a place in heaven. He believed that God would not. Would not just send him on this earth and abandon him, but he believed that he would raise him up from the dead. I'm telling you, if you want courage, you. You gotta believe that what God said, he means what God says in his word. He will do. What is your fork in the road? Do you want to win a race? Then pick a lane. And I'm telling you the other lane, the people pleasing lane, leads to death. It leads to purposelessness, it leads to chasing wind. But when you pick the lane, a pleasing God, I'm telling you, nothing is like it, nothing is sweeter. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Taste and see that carrying your cross, there is joy that this earth cannot give. So if you would bow your heads and close your eyes, if you're here and you say, you know what? I have not given my life to Jesus. I got to do it today. I want to know that, that I have a place in heaven. I want my name mentioned in the Lamb's book of life. So when I die, I know that I'm going to heaven.

[A]

If that's you in this room, can.

[B]

You raise your hand?

[A]

And those who are watching online, thank you for raising your hands. My friends, with all of those who are raising their hand, acknowledging they need a savior. Can we all repeat this prayer together? Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son to die on the cross for me. I ask you for forgiveness and I receive your forgiveness for my sins. I believe that you died on the cross, rose from the dead, and right now be the Lord of my life in Jesus name. Amen.

[B]

Come on. People got saved today in person and online.

[A]

And I know we're gonna dismiss, but if you're Here.

[B]

And you say, you know what? I need the Holy Spirit to move the dial on the courage. I'm just gonna ask you to leave your seat. You're up against a fork in the road, and you say, you know what? This message is for me. I don't know where it's landing. I don't know where you need the courage of Christ, but he is here to meet you at the altar. We have a team that wants to pray for you. You say, you know what? I'm gonna break the approval addiction. I wanna be able to move forward with that over overthinking what every person thinks about what I'm about to say, what I'm about to do. I'm telling you there are chains being broken off at this altar today. And also, if you're here and you need to repent, you have left your cross somewhere and you don't know where it is. And you say. Or you're one of those people that keeps it in the storage closet here at Victory. In fact, you don't bring it with you on the weekend. You're here to repent and say, God, I repent for not carrying my cross. Let the Holy Spirit set your heart ablaze. Come on up here as we pray for you.

[A]

As we pray for you. I'm gonna let you guys pray. I gotta say this last thing. Cause sometimes we hear these messages being.

[B]

Fully devoted and we get all Braveheart.

[A]

And we're like, you can take my.

[B]

Life, but you will never take my freedom. And it's like, man, we're out to war. But can I tell you that can't.

[A]

Carrying the cross doesn't always mean speaking your mind.

[B]

Carrying the cross is asking for discernment. Do I speak up or do I shut up? I'm telling you that there is spiritual maturity in the body of Christ that needs to strengthen when it comes to our understanding of what it means to carry the cross. So you can have a brave heart.

[A]

And still love with the love of God and deliver the truth and grace. We're gonna pray for those down here at the altar, but I'm gonna go ahead and dismiss everyone else. If you want to go and grab your kids, because I understand they're ready for you. They are hungry for lunch. But I'm. The worship team is going to just play a little bit more. And I want to continue to minister. And if you can see, stick around just for a few minutes and continue to worship. I would love to do that with you. I'm so glad you tuned in online. I'M so glad you came to church today. I want to pray as you guys are dismissed and grabbing your kids and going doing your thing. I'm going to pray for every person down here at the altar. What tender decisions.

[B]

What bold decisions.

[A]

I don't know what brought you down to the altar, but I do know who did.

[B]

The Holy Spirit brought you down to.

[A]

This altar because he wants to break something off of you so that something can be released and something can be.

[B]

Seen even for the first time. Wow.

[A]

God is doing something so deep.

[B]

So right now I pray for the courage of Christ to rise up on.

[A]

Every person in this room.

[B]

I thank you that the Holy Spirit is moving the dial, Father God, increasing our chances of coming courage. I thank you Lord, that the fresh wind from heaven is moving from the front to the back. To those who are tuning in online and listening to this message, Father God.

[A]

I thank you for your freedom in this place, Lord.

[B]

We respond to your presence, God, with repentance. And we say, search our hearts, Lord. Let it convict us so that we can become fully devoted followers, fully devoted disciples of Jesus, Lord. Today is a day of decision. Today is D Day. We are deciding, Father God, what lane we're running in. We're deciding who is our master. We're deciding what's in the primary focus of our minds and our hearts. And that is to please you, Jesus. Just going to ask the worship team.

[A]

Just to begin to play for those who are still around.