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But thanks so much for tuning in and thank you again for coming out. I like to start with something funny. I heard about this husband and wife who were driving down the road and they saw this sign that said, Nacodotius 40 miles ahead.

They'd begin to argue over how to correctly pronounce the name Nacodotius. The husband got so upset. He finally said, when we get to town, I'm going to stop and prove to you that I'm right.

They drove silently for the next 30 minutes. When he got to town, he pulled into the first fast food restaurant he could find.

They both marched up to the counter. He said to the young lady working behind it, my wife and I have been arguing for the last 30 minutes.

Can you please tell us very slowly and very clearly how to pronounce the name of this place? The young girl's eyes got real big. She leaned over the counter and said,

burger king. Put up your Bible. Say it like you mean it. This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do.

Today I will be taught the word of God. I'll boldly confess. My mind is alert. My heart is receptive. I will never be the same in Jesus name. God bless you.

I want to talk to you today about thanking God in advance. We all have dreams and goals that God's placed in our heart. Things we're believing for.

Situations we're praying to turn around. These promises start off like seeds. They don't come to pass overnight. There's always a period of waiting involved.

From the time we pray till the time we see it come to fulfillment, that's called the trial of our faith. This is when many people get discouraged and give up.

They start believing the negative thoughts. It's never going to happen. It's taken too long. Now that seed is lying dormant. It's still alive. It still has potential. But you have to do your part and start watering the seed.

The way you water it is by thanking God in advance. You can't wait till you receive the promise. You have to thank God that the answer is on the way.

Maybe you're struggling in your health. The medical report doesn't look good. Don't talk about how you feel. Say, Father, thank you that I'm healthy. Thank you that I'm strong. Thank you with long life you're satisfied with me.

That's not just being positive. That's watering the seed. In your finances. Maybe you're struggling. Business is slow. All through the day. Father, thank you that whatever I touch, prosperous and succeeds. Thank you that I'm coming out of debt. Thank you that your favor surrounds me like a shield.

When you thank God in advance for the answer, it not only waters the seed, but that strengthens your own faith. This is what Abraham did. God placed the seed in his heart that he would have a baby.

24 years went by. There was no sign of a child. It looked impossible. Abraham and Sarah were nearly a hundred years old. Every voice said it wasn't going to happen. They could have easily talked themselves out of it.

But the scripture says Abraham grew strong in faith by giving praise to God. Notice when you give God praise, it gives you strength. When you thank God in advance for the answer, that's what keeps you encouraged.

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