Amen. I'm Darrell Bailey. Thank you for tuning us in here for our Sunday School. As we get into the wonderful Word of God, I want to be able to use something that someone's very familiar with to try to reach someone that would never listen to the Word of God. I'm going to be talking about Christian life rules today. And I'm glad that as we do, similar to how Jethro Gibbs has his famous rules in NCIS, that they would likely be grounded in a biblical principle guiding you and I to live by faith and not by sight. I thank God as you tune us in. Here, we look at our introduction of Christian life rules. A little bit about this is years ago, I'd never saw this show. And my good friend Mark Pratt began to give me some tapes of it. And I began to get myself caught up and it really held my attention being a military man myself. Here the NCIS. talked about on the show was criminal investigation or criminal investigative service was a long running series that followed a team of special agents that investigated crimes involving the US Navy and the Marine Corps. It was led by a skilled leader like Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the team that solves complex cases using forensic science, intelligence, and teamwork. And the show highlighted a lot of themes of loyalty and justice and personal sacrifice, values that align with the Christian call to serve others selflessly. And so as I look at this, I want to see if I can hold someone's attention that would never listen to a message. Here in the end of my Sunday school lesson, I wrote a song that I'm going to play a little bit of. when I recently went over to Alabama to do a wedding for some of my kinfolks. I got part of the song going out and on the way back I finished it up. And I want to share a little bit with you on the ending of this. But here, when we look at NCIS, we look at another acronym of Never Compromise In Service. I'm glad the end, Never Compromise Biblical Truth. 2 Timothy 3.16 says, all scripture is given by inspiration of God, is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. And then the C, commit to Christian daily. If any man will come after me and let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke chapter nine, verse 23. When we look at the NCIS of never compromising in service for a Christian, if Jeffrey Gibbs was writing one as a Christian, this would be it. Because the I would be investigate everything with discernment. Prove all things, hold fast that which is good in 1 Thessalonians 5.21. And the S, serve God and others faithfully. And whatsoever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men in Colossians 3.26. And so as we get into this, we look at the Christian life rules. For you and I, if we were investigators, if we were writing a set of rules for us today as men and women of God, I believe that this would be it. Matthew chapter 20 verse 28, even as a son of man came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give his life a rampson for many. I believe Christian service means a lot for all of us today. I could not put a picture of Jethro Gibbs because the infringements of copyright would come at me and come at Sermon Audio. And so this is a close likeness of someone that would be an investigator like Jethro Gibbs. And so let's open up with a time of prayer and ask the Lord to intervene and ask him to give us the understanding of the Word of God as we apply these Christian life rules to all of our lives out of Matthew chapter 20, verse 28. Father, we come together to seek your wisdom and guidance and help us to be able to walk, Lord, in our faith and also to be able to live in truth and reflect your love in all that we do. Let these principles, let these life rules be more than just words. May we make them a foundation of our daily lives to give us the strength to follow Christ's example and Lord to be able to serve as he did. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. All right, as we continue on, I'm glad that the scripture that we see even as the son of man came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many it captures the heart of Jesus's mission on this earth and instead of seeking power and looking out for number one every one of us today we look and we realize that through the recognition of service from others. Jesus demonstrated true greatness through humility and sacrifice. The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto and Jesus thought that the King of Kings did not come demanding service or honor. Unlike earthly rulers who expect to be served, he took the position of a servant but to minister And thank God, Jesus actively served others. He healed the sick. He washed the disciples' feet. And he taught the multitudes. His life was about giving, not taking. And to give his life a rampson for many, the ultimate act of service was his sacrificial death. Here in the month of March, where we know that the resurrection and Easter comes around. I'm glad we see a rampson is a price that's paid to set someone free. And Jesus paid the price for our sins with his own blood. His death on the cross secured a salvation for all who believe in him. And so I want to encourage you, that Jesus, the Son of God, lived a life of service and sacrifice. How much more should we do the same? And so, as we open up with Christian life rules, one of the first rules that we come up with, rule number one is put God first. I put God first in every decision is one of the things that we ought to make our life rules for Christians today. Because I'm glad that each and every one of us, when we look and realize, he says, but seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Well, you know what? When we look at Gibbs's rules and what Leroy Jethro Gibbs, he lived by a set of rules that guide his life and his decisions. And I think that every one of us should do the same thing. I believe the word of God ought to be that rule book that every one of us abides by. And so his rule number one is simple. Never let suspects stay together. This rule is a foundational that keeps the investigation on track. It prevents deception. And just like Gibbs has a rule that directs how he approaches every case, God has a rule for you and I. And that is put him first in everything. When we follow this divine rule, our lives stay on track. We avoid confusion and worry and wrong decisions. And so I'm glad that each and every one of us can do the same. Make seeking God's will your top priority. We also look and see rule number two, pray before you panic. Other words, I choose prayer over worry because I'm glad that when we look at Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7 he says be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God and so I'm glad that here as we look at uh the lesson uh that uh that we see that uh Leroy Jethro Gibbs has that strict rule that uh We never were never able to go anything without, do anything without putting it to the Lord. Don't take all that panic in. Amen. I'm glad Jethro Gibbs never went anywhere without a pocket knife. Why? Because he believes in always being in preparedness. And no matter the situation, that we need to pray before we panic, we choose prayer over worry. And so he'd always carry a pocket knife to be prepared. No matter the situation, he knows that he's got a tool to defend himself or to solve a problem. And I'm not telling you that you can solve every problem with a weapon. But as Christians, our greatest tool is prayer. But too often, we panic before we pray. And instead of reaching for worry, we need to reach for prayer first. I think this rule number two will go in with rule number nine in just a minute, if you'll remember that. And so prayer is our first response, not our last resort. And so I'm glad that the choice is ours. Life brings unexpected problems. health, financial problems, family struggles, and our natural reaction is fear. But God tells us to pray instead. Prayer shifts our focus from the problem to the one that controls everything. And so I'm glad I remember that over in 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat, when an army threatened Israel, he didn't panic. He prayed and he sought God. And the result? God fought the battle for him. The power of prayer brings peace. Paul tells us to be careful for nothing, meaning don't be anxious, but instead worry we should bring it to the request of God with thanksgiving and give peace because God's peace will guard our hearts and minds even when situations seem like they're out of control. And so I'm glad that Jesus calmed the storm for the disciples. They panicked in that storm, but Jesus was at peace and he simply spoke and the storm stopped. Thank God, I'm glad that we can do the same, how that we can develop a habit of praying before panicking and start and end each day with prayer. Make prayer your first action, not your last. And so we see our second rule, rule number three, daily Bible reading. I commit to daily Bible reading is our rule. Joshua 1.8, this book of the law shall not depart out by mouth, but thou shall meditate therein day and night. And I'm glad that when we look at this rule number three of our daily Bible reading, I commit to daily Bible reading. I believe that this scripture of Joshua is one of the most powerful things that we can do. A lesson that from Gibbs's rule number 23 on his thing. Rule number 23 was never mess with a Marine's coffee. And you know what? Hey, if you want to live, why is this rule important? Because Gibbs relies on coffee. It keeps him focused, sharp, and ready for the challenges of the day. And as Christians, we have something even more important than coffee. We have God's amazing word. And I tell people all the time how powerful the word of God is, just as Gibbs. uh wouldn't start his day without coffee we shouldn't start our day without the bible daily bible reading that fuels our faith sharpens our mind prepares us for life's challenges and so the importance of daily bible reading that the bible is our guide for life not just another book It is the living word of God, and God commands us to meditate on it day and night, not just occasionally, but I'm glad that we can make wise decisions, resist temptation, grow spiritually, and I'm glad that Psalms 119, 105, the Bible tells us, thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Oh, man, just like a flashlight in the dark. God's word guides us when we don't know where to go. And Bible reading leads to spiritual success. Joshua was preparing to lead Israel into the promised land, and God gave him one key instruction. He said, I want you to stay in this word. And God equates success with obedience to his word. And when we read and obey the Bible, God blesses our path. He gives us wisdom. Can you imagine? Jesus was resisting temptation in Matthew chapter four. But when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus didn't argue and he didn't panic. He quoted scripture. And if Jesus relied on God's word, how much more do we need it? how to develop a habit of daily Bible reading and set a specific time and read the Bible first thing in the morning or before bedtime. Start out with reading, with a reading plan. Read a chapter of Proverbs daily or follow a yearly plan, but do one or the other. And I'm glad that every one of us can meditate and we can, when we meditate, one of the things that I do is What is God teaching me today? You know, what is God teaching me today? The Bible is not just for information, but it is for transformation. And I'm glad Gibbs always reads case files to stay sharp. He studies the details to uncover the truth. And if an NCIS agent needs to study cases, how much more do we need to study the Bible to uncover God's truth? And so, I believe that we could read the Bible and make it a daily habit and whatever distractions we can keep them from spending time and by getting in God's Word, we can apply that to us because the Bible is spiritual food. Not just as Gibbs won't function without coffee. We cannot function spiritually without God's word. Can I hear an amen? And so you want to be strong? Hey, you want to be wise and be prepared for life's battles. We must commit to reading the Bible daily. Praise God. And so as we move on to the next rule, rule number four is walk by faith and not sight. I walk by faith and not by sight. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5, 74, we walk by faith and not by sight. Well, you know what? Each and every one of us as we go through life today, I'm glad that from NCIS and Gibbs, this reminds me of rule number 39. Rule number 39 talked about on the show, there is no such thing as coincidence. There is no such thing as coincidence, because Gibbs doesn't believe in random events. He trusts that everything happens for a reason. And likewise, as Christians, we must believe that God is in control, even when we don't understand what's happening. Faith means trusting God's plan. And even when we can't see the outcome, walking by faith over sight, faith is trusting God beyond what we can see. And we often want to see before we believe. But faith, listen to me, is believing before we see. The Christian life today, it's a journey of trusting God's promises, even in uncertainty. For the many years that I've pastored, and as I started out from the ground up and continue to learn, as I started out way back in Ackworth and Park Street Baptist Church, Amen. All the way back over to Woodstock to Rope Mill Baptist Church. All the way to Cartersville to Oakland Heights Baptist Church. Amen. And there to People's Valley Baptist Church. And now with Pastor Keith at Bethel Crossroads Baptist Church. We walk by faith and it means relying on God's word over our feelings and our circumstances. Well, there's a lot of times that you just got to take it in. But when you walk by faith and not by sight, Peter walked on the water. Oh my goodness. In Matthew chapter 14, Peter stepped out. Oh my goodness. And he stepped out of the boat in faith. But when he focused on all the things that were around him, he began to sink. Faith is keeping our eyes on Jesus and not on the waves that are around us. Walking by faith means obeying even when it's hard. Faith is not just believing, it's acting on what God says. And sometimes God calls us to step out before we see the full picture. And sometimes we'll never see the full picture. If we always wait to see first, we may miss God's blessings. And so, Abraham left his home in Genesis chapter 12, and God told Abraham to go to a land that he had never been, never seen. He obeyed without knowing all the details, and that is faith. Faith is stepping forward even when the destination isn't clear. And so, Gibbs often tells his team to go with their gut. Even if they don't have all the answers, they've got it to go back. I'm glad that even in my house today, I've got it to go back. And I'm glad that it means that at a moment's notice, I've got to be able to get up and get out of my house. Faith is trusting God's leading, even when we don't have all the answers. Faith brings peace from even the uncertainty. And when we trust God, we don't have to panic about the future. We can have peace knowing that God sees the full picture. Walking by faith means saying, God, I trust you even when I don't understand. And so the walls of Jericho, in Joshua 6, God told Israel, I want you to march around that Jericho city and I want you to do it for seven days. And it didn't make sense. They obeyed in faith and God brought victory, faith, means obeying even when the plan doesn't seem logic. And so each and every one of us as we go through life, there's got to be faith. Are you waiting to see first before trusting God? How can you take a step of faith this week? Listen, faith is walking with God in the dark. And just like Gibbs, trust his instincts. Even when the case is unclear, we must trust God, even when life doesn't make sense. Walking by faith is choosing to trust God's plan, even when we can't see the full picture. You know what? You don't need to see the whole staircase. Just take that next step in faith. I'm going to tell you something. Each and every one of us can do the same. Rule number five, love like Christ. The rule is, I strive to love others as Christ loves me. I didn't say that that would be easy, but John chapter 13, verse 34, a new commandment I give unto you that you love one another as I have loved you. And so when we begin to look at the scripture of God, here from NCIS and Gibbs rule number 12, Gibbs's rule was in rule number 12, never date a coworker. Well, you know what? While Gibbs is strict about keeping relationships professional, Jesus teaches us something even deeper. Love isn't just about who we like or get along with. It's a commandment to love others selflessly. And just as he loves us, on NCIS, Gibbs shows tough love. He pushes his team, not because he dislikes them, but because he wants the best for them. He wants them to succeed. And God calls us to love, not just when it's easy, but even when it's difficult. You know, we've got neighbors all around us, and you know what? I try to do right by my neighbors. I'm going to tell you, if my neighbors was to be listening to this, I ain't ashamed to know that they'd be knowing that I'm telling the truth because I try to do right by all my neighbors that are on all the sides around me. But how do we love like Christ? Christ's love is unconditional. Jesus didn't say love one another if they deserve it. His love doesn't depend on our actions. It is constant. It's patient and it's forgiving. And loving like Christ means loving even when it's inconvenient. You know what? The prodigal son of Luke chapter 15, the father welcomed his rebel son and rebellious son without hesitation. You see, love isn't about keeping score. It's about grace and Christ calls all of us to love others, even when they are or when they wrong us. You know what? There might be some folks that were around us, not narcissistic. They're so Gnostic that it's all about themselves. It's all about me, myself and I. But we still try to overlook the selfishness that is so selfish in many people's lives today. But Gibbs repeatedly forgives Tony for his sarcasm and mistakes because he sees Tony's potential. Christ sees our potential too. He calls us to love others in the same way. And Christ's love is sacrificial. Jesus didn't just say he loves us. He showed it by dying for us on the cross of Calvary. True love isn't just words. I said it a while ago. It's action. And when we love like Christ, it means putting others first. That's not easy. And so Jesus washed the disciples feet in John chapter 13. And the king of kings humbled himself to serve his followers. Love is not about status. It's about service. Are we willing to serve others even when it unbearable? becomes uncomfortable for each and every one of us, amen. And so Gibbs protects his team at all costs. He leads by example, even taking bullets for them. Loving like Christ, it means putting others' needs above our own. Love is transformational. And when we love like Christ, it changes us and those that are around us and love breaks down barriers. It heals wounds and it shows the world who Jesus is, amen. And so the best way to show Christ is not just by preaching, but by loving others. You know what? When I think of the Bible, I think of Zacchaeus, the tax collector in Luke chapter 19. Jesus is loved a man everyone hated. And so because of Christ's love, Zacchaeus's life changed forever. Loving others can bring the closest relationship to Jesus because we give that impression. You know, Abby, way back in those shows, I'm talking about a lot of older ones, was the heart of the team. Her kindness transformed even the toughest ages. A loving attitude can change the atmosphere around us. And so only when it's easy or do, you know, do many people try to go that route. But sometimes love can be hard, you know, and love can be very difficult. We show love in action, not just in words. And so there may be someone in your life that you need to forgive and love like Christ. Love is the mark of a true Christian. Gibson knows his loyalty by his actions and people should know that we follow Jesus by our love. The greatest witness is not just your words. Listen, but it's your love. And so. Rule, as we go through NCIS, never compromise in your service for your Christian life rules. And so rule number six, speak truth with grace. I speak truth with grace and kindness. Paul said in Ephesians 4.15, but speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things. And so when we look and realize that NCIS and Gibbs, his rule was rule number six, And that rule, rule number six is never apologize. It's a sign of weakness. Well, while Gibbs believes in sticking to the truth without second guessing himself, Jesus teaches us something even deeper. Truth must be spoken with love and grace. And NCIS Gibbs doesn't sugarcoat anything. He tells it like it is. However, he also cares deeply for his team, even if he doesn't always express it in soft words. Likewise, as Christians, we're called to speak the truth boldly. I'm glad I got a good coworker, Rita Hammond. And buddy, I'm going to tell you something. She's going to speak it plain or bust a gut, but she's going to speak it. And so I thank God, every one of us, we need to speak the truth boldly, but also with grace and kindness. How to speak truth with grace. Truth without grace is kind of harsh because when you speak the truth without love, it can wound rather than heal someone. And the goal is not to prove a point, but to help others grow. People listen when they feel respected and valued. And so the Pharisees versus Jesus in John chapter eight, the Pharisees brought a woman caught in the very act of sin and adultery to Jesus. And they knew the laws and they were ready to condemn her. Well, Jesus didn't deny the truth, but he spoke with grace. Thank God. He began to take his finger and he wrote down in the sand. And I said, neither do I condone. And so, you know what? I'm glad Jesus showed us how to correctly do the right thing without trying to incriminate and blame her. Gims often corrects a lot of folks on his team, whether even McGee with a head slap. but he does it to make them better. He'll slap them on the back of the head, so not to shame them, but as Christians, we must correct in a way that builds up and not tears that are down, but grace without truth is weak. If we only show kindness without truth, we fail to help people grow. Love means caring enough to be honest, even when it's uncomfortable. And so I'm glad that when we look at 2 Samuel chapter 12, Nathan confronts David about a sin. David had sinned and Nathan didn't ignore it. Instead of attacking David, Nathan used wisdom and grace to reveal the truth because of this, David repented of his sin. And I'm glad that each and every one of us, as we look at the story from a perspective of comparing it to the Bible of NCIS, when Ziva kept secrets about her past, Gibbs called her out, but with concern, not just criticism, we must speak the truth. And that's the way that leads to restoration and not rebellion. And so the balance of truth and grace together, Jesus was full of grace and truth. And when we speak truth with love, we reflect Christ's heart. Our words should point people to God, not push them away. And so I'm glad that each and every one of us, when we look and realize that we speak honestly, but with compassion that he tells us from the mighty word of God, Rule seven, practice forgiveness. I practice forgiveness daily. Matthew 6, 14, for if we forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you. Well, as we apply these Christian life practices to our life, amen, a lesson from NCIS and Gibbs was rule number seven, Gibbs rule, always be pacific when you lie. Well, while Gibbs rule is about catching people in deception, Jesus teaches the opposite. Always be ready to forgive because in NCIS we see moments when characters hold on to grudges, but we also see the power of letting go and moving forward. And one of the hardest things to do in life is forgive. But Jesus made it clear, if we want God's forgiveness, we must forgive others. And forgiveness isn't about forgetting. It's about freeing ourselves from the burden of bitterness. How to practice forgiveness? You know, forgiveness is a command. It's not an option. Jesus didn't suggest, well, I want you just to forgive people if you could. No, forgiveness is something that he commanded it. Unforgiveness blocks our relationship with God. It blocks it with your wife. Can you imagine a preacher trying to get up and preach behind the pulpit and there's something going on between him and his wife? Oh my goodness, if we expect God to forgive us, we must be willing to forgive others. And in doing that, I'm glad that we see that the parable of the unforgiving servant of Matthew chapter 18, a servant was forgiven a great debt, oh man, but refused to forgive someone else's small debt that he had because of his unforgiveness, he was punished severely. And so he was taught a lesson because if God forgave us for so much, how can we refuse to forgive others? And so when Ziva's father betrayed her trust in NCIS, she struggled to forgive him. And she held on to anger only caused her more pain. But you know what? When she was close, when she chose to move forward, she found peace. And so forgiveness frees you from bitterness. Unforgiveness hurts you more than it does others. And so when we hold grudges, it's like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. But forgiveness, it doesn't mean excusing wrongs. It means releasing resentment. It may be challenging, but Joseph forgiven his brothers for their betrayal. In Genesis chapter 50, his brothers betrayed him and sold him into slavery. And instead of revenge, Joseph said, thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good. And so Joseph let go of the past, and he walked in God's plan. Gibbs lost his wife and daughter to a criminal's act of revenge in the show, and he struggled with unforgiveness. But over time, he learned that holding on to anger didn't bring them back. Forgiveness reflects Christ's love. Jesus forgave those who crucified him. And Luke chapter 23, when we forgive, we become more like Christ. Forgiveness opens up the door for healing, peace and restoration. And so Peter denied Jesus three times, but Jesus forgave him and restored him. And true forgiveness gives people another chance. And I'm glad that McGee one time once made a big mistake that cost Gibbs, but Gibbs chose to move forward rather than hold it against him. When we forgive, we allow people and ourselves to grow. And I wonder who in your life do you need to forgive today? Have you ever experienced peace after letting go of a grudge? How does forgiving others help you grow closer to God? When we forgive like Christ, Jesus forgave us when we didn't deserve it. And so we must do the same. Forgiveness isn't about who was right or wrong. It's about choosing freedom over bitterness. Listen, I thank God as we go to rule number eight, keep your word. I keep my word and live with integrity. The wisdom of Proverbs 10 9, he that walketh uprightly walketh surely, but he that perverted his way shall be known. And so when we look at the lesson here, Gibbs, he always dealt with integrity. Gibbs had a rule and on the show it was rule number five. I believe it was you don't waste good. Gibbs rule was about being efficient and honest, valuing every moment. And it speaks to all of us of the integrity in our work and in our relationships. Because in NCIS, the characters like Gibbs, they exemplify integrity, always keeping their word even when it costs them. And so integrity means, listen to this, it means being trustworthy, reliable, and true to your word no matter the circumstances. How that we're to keep our word and to live with integrity is it starts with a right heart. Integrity is about consistency being the same person in private as in public. I know some people that they ain't the same by everybody. They put on a really good show in front of others. But while there's others, they don't treat them the same. I believe consistency should be the same with everybody. You know, that really tells about a person. If they're not the same with everybody, and they're going to be that way with just individuals. How do you think about that? Our word is a reflection of our heart. And when we speak truthfully, we build trust with others. And so when we look at Daniel's integrity and Daniel chapter six, Daniel was so trustworthy that even his enemies couldn't even find any fault in him. Daniel's integrity led to his promotion and God's election of integrity. Can you imagine if you can meet somebody like that? Integrity is being trustworthy in all things, no matter who's watching. Gibbs is known for keeping his word, whether it's a promise to a friend or a commitment to his team. His unwavering honesty helps build trust and respect within that team. And so, you know, a person of integrity walks securely. Of the wisdom that I've read to you, he that walks uprightly walketh surely, but he that perverted his ways shall be known. And so, when you keep your word, you walk with confidence because your actions and words align. Living with integrity allows you to stand firm even in difficult situations. Jesus, the perfect example of all integrity, Matthew chapter 5, Jesus said, let your communication be yea and yea and nay. And Jesus always spoke the truth fully and kept his promises and the integrity was flawless. And I'm glad that we can also be confident and walk in the truth because God is with us. And when we honor our word. I'm glad Gibbs' word is his bond, and he doesn't make empty promises. He leads by showing his team the power of reliability and being true to one's word. And so I'm glad each and every one of us. Rule number nine, stay humble. I remain humble in every circumstances. And so I'm glad Proverbs 16, 18, pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Well, when we look at rule number nine to stay humble, here from NCIS's Gibbs humility and humbleness, that I believe was rule number 12, never date a co-worker. And this is what I said earlier when I said look at rule number nine because when we get to it, it'll repeat, never date a co-worker. And this rule might sound simple, but it points to humility. Gibbs, as a leader, knows that personal relationships in the workplace can blur lines and lead to chaos. And his humility and leadership shows us that it's not about self-promotion, but about the success of the team. And NCIS Gibbs stays humble despite his leadership role, acknowledging the work of his team and focusing on their collective success rather than his own achievements. That's the key to true greatness. Living humbly and giving credit where it's due. Give God the glory in all achievements. And so when we stay humble, we give glory to God. Humility is the path to true success. Pride often leads to downfall. And Proverbs 16, 18 reminds us that pride comes before destruction. True success comes from acknowledging that we that all we have comes from God and we submit to his will because humility places us in a position to learn and grow. And I'm glad that King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel chapter 4 talked about how that he was humbled by God because of his pride. And he boasted about his own achievements, but was basically struck down until he acknowledged that God is the true ruler. And the lesson, humbling ourselves before God protects us from productive pride. And so Gibbs rarely takes credit for a case or success. He always credits his team and remains humble despite being the leader because Humility for Gibbs is about placing others first, recognizing that success is a team effort, and it helps us serve others. And I'm glad that that's how we're able to do the very best of anything that we do today. Praise God. Jesus washed the disciples' feet. Praise God. And so in doing this, I'm glad that all the glory belongs to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. And so I'm glad that when we live humbly, we follow Christ's example. and allow God to lift us up at the right time. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less and thinking more of others. Would you like me, as we look at that, to realize that each and every one of us, as we go through life today, we get to our very last rule, and that is rule number 10, be doers of the word. I don't just hear the word, I live it. James 1.22, but be ye doers of the word and not hearers only. Well, when we look at this last rule for all of our lives, I'm glad that Gibbs's action was about leadership. And it reminds me of rule number nine of the show, never take anything for granted because that rule would apply perfectly to our Christian walk. And it's not enough to just know the truth or hear it. We must act on it. In NCIS, Gibbs is known for his hands-on approach. He doesn't just give others or let things slide. He gets involved and leads by example. Similarity as followers of Christ, We are called to live out our faith through tangible action, not merely by knowing the scriptures, but I'm glad, how to live out the word of God through action, hearing versus doing why. Action is essential and hearing God's word is very, very important and it's what makes a difference in all of our lives. James warns us that just hearing the word without putting it into practice leads to self-deception. Faith without works is dead and so The Word of God is not meant to just fill our minds, but to transform our hearts and our actions. And so the parable of the two builders of Matthew chapter 7, Jesus compares those who hear his words and do them to a wise man who built his house on the rock, and the one that hears but does not act is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. I'm glad that it's not enough to hear the word, but we must live it in our daily lives each and every day. Gibbs doesn't talk about what needs to be done. He takes action when solving cases. He leads by example. And so I'm glad that each and every one of us, as we get ready, and as I get ready to close out, faith in action doesn't just be a hearer of the word, but a doer. And true faith is shown through how we live. And so I'm glad that each and every one of us, as we go forward, the word of God isn't a suggestion. It's a way of life. Live it out every day. And so, I'm glad as I get ready to close out, live by faith every day. These rules aren't just guidelines. They're a way of life to commit to walking in faith, trusting God's plan, and living in his love. My last scripture out of Paul's writing of Romans 12 2 and be not conformed to this world would be you transformed by the renewing of your mind. I believe that we need to pray for strength, seek wisdom and live boldly for the Lord. And as I get ready to close out, I'll remind you again that living by these rules isn't just about being a good Christian. It's about experiencing the abundant life God has for us. Just like Gibbs follows his rules for a reason, these Christian life rules keep us on the right path. Which rule speaks to you the most? Are you struggling to trust God or to give or to put him first? Whatever it is, God's grace is enough to help you. And so I want you to pray with me as I close out. I'm gonna pray first. And then I'm gonna end my thing with a half of my song that I wrote that I told you about a while back, a song that I wrote while I was going to Alabama to do a wedding for some of my kinfolk. And so I thank God as we get ready to do that in just a minute, I wanna close out with a time of prayer and go and ask the Lord to help us as we do that. Will you pray with me? Heavenly Father, we want to thank you for your word and for these truths that guide our lives. Help us to put you first, trust you completely, live out our faith daily. Give us the strength to love, to forgive, to walk in obedience. And may we be doers of the word and not just hearers. And we asked all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Amen. Barbecue smoke curling under stars at night. Got a good dog beside me and a laugh to the point. Amen. Never compromise in service. God bless you.