Tis' The Season

Robert Madu @ Lakewood Church

Then God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth"; and it was so.

Genesis 1:14‭-‬15 NKJV

Received an invitation to preach to a group of preachers and they even gave in the topic "the art of effective communication".

How you start something is very significant. Even in cinema, they start with car chases, explosions, and etc.

Estimated Relationship Potential

He who starts behind in the great race of life must forever remain behind or run faster than the man in front.

Benjamin E. Mays

God created the world with Word power. God's Word is a transforming agent.

A lot of time it seems like nothing is happening and that's the time to praise God because he can create something out of nothing because when God speaks something it has to come to pass.

Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it  was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

Genesis 1:3‭-‬5 NKJV

Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He  made  the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it  was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

Genesis 1:16‭-‬19 NKJV

Light was created on the first day but light giving entities didn't show up until the fourth day. What was shining for 3 days? It just had to be God's power.

Life is made up the years that God gives you and we have to find value in each day no matter what season you're in.

Every season has its beauty and its burden and you get to choose what you focus on.

Don't let your season dictate your faith or your worship.

Surrounded by the Most High

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

We always feel like we're surrounded by bad things. 

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh no, my Lord! What shall we do?" the servant asked.  "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."  And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, Lord , so that he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

2 Kings 6:15‭-‬17 NIV

The most high God is surrounding our enemy.

Don't get discouraged by what you see with your physical eye.

I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.  Arise, Lord ! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.  From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Psalm 3:6‭-‬8 NIV

Open your eyes of faith.

The one who controls the fire is with us. 

and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.  Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Certainly, Your Majesty."  He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

Daniel 3:23‭-‬25 NIV

Sometimes God will allow the fire to show you as an example.

Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire,

Daniel 3:26, 28 NIV

God will use the fire to establish you,  give you more credibility, and take you to the next level.

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

Daniel 3:28 NIV

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Psalm 34:19 NIV

When the teenagers were in the fire only the cords (the things that were holding them back). They weren't burned and their clothes weren't burned (nothing they needed) 

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Psalm 34:7 NIV

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

Job 13:15 NIV

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Psalm 91:11 NIV

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

Exodus 14:13 NIV

Tauren Wells @ Lakewood Church

Lawson at 18 months does not like to hear the word no and he is just learning to communicate because there is something in the human condition that sees no as a deadend. With God every no is attached to a better yes.

After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed "Twin"), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, "I'm going fishing." The rest of them replied, "We're going with you." They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night [no]. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn't recognize him. Jesus spoke to them: "Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?" They answered, "No." He said, "Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens." They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren't strong enough to pull it in.

John 21:3‭-‬6 MSG

A lot of us look at the present problem as the greatest miracle opportunity.

Joshua was up early and on his way from Shittim with all the People of Israel with him. He arrived at the Jordan and camped before crossing over. After three days, leaders went through the camp and gave out orders to the people: "When you see the Covenant-Chest of God , your God, carried by the Levitical priests, start moving. Follow it. Make sure you keep a proper distance between you and it, about half a mile—be sure now to keep your distance!—and you'll see clearly the route to take. You've never been on this road before."

Joshua 3:1‭-‬4 MSG

https://bible.com/bible/97/jos.3.1-4.MSG

Sowing Generously

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;  then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Proverbs 3:9‭-‬10 NIV

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:6‭-‬8 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.9.6-8.NIV

Pit Praisers

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

We all have times when we feel like we're in the pits (bad medical report, debt, etc...) Praise turns things around and we need to praise before things turn around.

Joseph's brothers were jealous of him and threw him into a pit planning to fake his death.

People don't have the final say when life takes an unexpected path God is still working.

Judah means praise.

So Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is  there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is  our brother and  our flesh." And his brothers listened. Then Midianite traders passed by; so the  brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

Genesis 37:26‭-‬28 NKJV

Praise can get you out of the pit.

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Hebrews 13:15 NKJV

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.

Psalms 40:2 NKJV

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalms 34:1 NKJV

Paul and Silas

They were working for God and got thrown into prison.

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.

Acts 16:25‭-‬26 NKJV

The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV

When we're in the pits it's easy to have a pity party instead, thank God that he is bringing you out.

Sometimes the pit is on the road to your destiny. God will not mismanage your life, he's planed the beginning to the end but he didn't promise that it would always make sense.

In Joseph's dream his brothers were bowing down to him, but when he ended up in the pit it seemed backwards.

Praise can be an attitude.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 NKJV

Pitstop

In motorsports, a pit stop is where a racing vehicle stops in the pits during a race for refuelling, new tyres, repairs, mechanical adjustments, a driver change, as a penalty, or any combination of the above

The pitstops are not the end. It's a time to refuel and get prepared for the next leg of the race.

This pit is not my final destination.

Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Matthew 15:21‭-‬28 NKJV

God will break protocol and turn your situation around when you praise even if you don't deserve it. 

But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.

Psalms 22:3 WEB

the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who will say: "Praise the Lord of hosts, For the Lord  is good, For His mercy endures forever"— and of those who  will bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord . For I will cause the captives of the land to return as at the first,' says the Lord .

Jeremiah 33:11 NKJV

Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6)

It shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the city wall shall fall down flat, and the people shall go up, every man straight in front of him."

Joshua 6:5 WEB

Do you trust God enough to praise him in front of a wall that's not moving?

Exhortation

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.

Psalms 89:1 NKJV

The Trevinos

Affected by generational curse that led them to divorce but remarried his SAME wife after a God coincidence at Lakewood when he ran into his wife again. While allowing God to work on them through faithfulness, getting plugged in, and through classes.

The Villareals

From a rough background but sought God and were able to overcome that. When they first started coming to Lakewood he looked at offering as God wanting to take something from him. The funny thing was that he had nothing to give but God didn't hold that against him. He now has 3 glass companies and is prodpering.

Neither family had Godly examples but they planted themselves at Lakewood and were able to raise their children in a Godly way.

God wants to meet us right where we are and he is not holding anything against me.  His plans for me have not changed.

But this I  say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So  let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

II Corinthians 9:6‭-‬8 NKJV

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

Luke 6:38 NKJV

We are all supposed to grow in our measure of giving.

Healed Through Humility

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

To reach your highest potential you must humble yourself. 

Peter had been out fishing when Jesus suggested that he fish a certain way. Peter could have relied on his own expertise and disagreed but instead he did what Jesus asked him to do.

When you walk in humilty then you'll get your big haul.

Your flesh will tell you all of the reasons that you should put your boat away.

Even Jesus had to humble himself.

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:8 KJV

Our relationships will be better if

The kitchen sink was convenient but Victoria didn't want Joel to use that sink after he had worked out. He told himself that he shouldn't have to walk all the way to the back so he'd use that sink anyway. He didn't want to walk a few feet after he'd just played 90 minutes of basketball running up and down the basketball court! Pride causes us to make lame excuses.

One way to honor God is to honor the people He has placed in our lives.

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

Song of Solomon 2:15 KJV

Just as little negative things can spoil "our vines", little positive things can imptove the vines.

Pride keeps us from rising higher. Humility gives us the power to become obedient.

2 Kings 5 "The Healing Naaman"

A servant from the land that Naaman had just conquered suggested that he go to her homeland for help. He could have considered his station as higher than hers disqualified any suggestion she may have had. He could have considered that a person who didn't look like him or have his background as him didn't have the ability to help him. He went ahead and did it and was told to wash 7 times in his enemy's dirty river. He didn't like that idea.

But his officers [someone lower than him in station] tried to reason with him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn't you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, 'Go and wash and be cured!'"

2 Kings 5:13 NLT

• Treat everyone with respect and value everyone's opinion. God uses everyone.

• Do what God asks even when it doesn't make sense.

• Without humility we'll make excuses.

Pastor John left a church where he pastored thousands to start Lakewood with 90 people.

The Prodigal Son

"When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, 'At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!  I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you,  and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant."' "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.  And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast,

Luke 15:17‭-‬20‭, ‬23 NLT

Don't let pride keep you from God's best. God isn't looking at our performance, he's looking at our heart.

Victoria Osteens Exhortation

She loved to make handmade cards signed with butterflies and flowers at the bottom in yellow words was written "I feel like we're something important and I know that I am".

The voice of God is in us all saying that we are made in His image. The voice is speaking out value and importance but the world tries to drown it out. What we think doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is who God

If life has put some wrinkles in you you haven't lost value. 

When I spend my life well it helps others spend their lives better.

Gideon

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, you mighty man of valour.  And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.  And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?  And [Gideon] said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.

Judges 6:12‭-‬15 KJV

Such a contrast in God's voice and what Gideon had to say.

Many of you have heard the tale of the mouse who rode the elephant across a bridge.  After getting to the other side, the mouse said, "We really shook that bridge!"     Of course, it's the elephant that shook the bridge, but the mouse rode the power!     

The Two Yous

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

We all have contradicting characters living on the inside of us.  There's a constant battle between the flesh and the spirit.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he  is  a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

II Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

The old man may be dead, but he can be resurrected.

Peter in the Bible

In one instance he defended Jesus and was ready to die but not long after, he denied Christ

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 8:13 NKJV

It feels good to feed the flesh but you won't like the results. You may not die a physical death but your dreams or relationships will. If you're always saying whatever you feel like and neglecting your responsibilities then you're letting the old man rule.

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11 NKJV

I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

I Corinthians 15:31 NKJV

The old man is not that strong until you feed him by CHOOSING to do what you know is wrong.

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13 NKJV

Getting your mind going in the right direction is the first step toward victory.

Nabal (1 Samuel 25)

The name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. And she  was a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance; but the man was harsh and evil in his doings. He was  of  the  house  of  Caleb.

I Samuel 25:3 NKJV

Nabal refused to pay David so David decided to destroy Nabal's city. Abigail stepped in and did the right thing. A few days later Nabal died and Abigail married David, the new man.

Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

Romans 5:20 NKJV

When you dig in and do the right thing you will come into your "10th day". The "old man" would die and not have power over you.

When no one was watching David defeated the Lion and the Bear, his personal enemies, then he was trusted to defeat his spiritual enemies. Personal enemies may not be sins, just a weight; being late for work and etc...

David's real enemy was Saul and it took years to defeat him.

Most of the time God will deliver you little by little.

And Jacob was told, "Look, your son Joseph is coming to you"; and Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed.

Genesis 48:2 NKJV

Threshing Floor

thresh·ing floor  ˈTHreSHiNG ˌflô(ə)r/  noun  a hard, level surface on which grain is threshed with a flail.  

they will be like the morning cloud And like dew which soon disappears, Like chaff which is blown away from the threshing floor And like smoke from a chimney.

Hosea 13:3

Sometimes it's uncomfortable to say no to the flesh and stay disciplined but that's what it takes to strengthen our spiritual man. 

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11 NKJV

Victoria's Exhortation 

Your love never fails, and never gives up It never runs out on me 

God has given us His grace to reflect it on others.

Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:4 NKJV

We should 

Our family should not only be on our to-do list but also on our to-love list and that takes work.

You can't stop being your very best so you can continue to reflect the best onto others, especially our family. 

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

Hebrews 10:24 NKJV

When you don't know what to do turn to love and it can't be put on autopilot.

Cheerleaders have a winning attitude no matter what the score is, in the good times as well as the bad; they are consistent. When the score is down the cheerleaders don't change their tone, they change their chant.

If the team is fumbling, they don't want anyone to point that out.  They obviously know that, they want to be reminded that they can score.

And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

Luke 6:31 NKJV

Your response sets the tone for what will go on.

Victoria was on a plane sitting across from her daughter when due to a malfunction, the oxygen masks dropped. Victoria screamed and her daughter started to cry, it wasn't a reaction the situation because she didn't know what was going on what she did know was that her mom was panicking.

You Are Fully Loaded

Joel Osteen @ Lakewood Church

When God created me he included everything I'd need. I didn't get short changed I'm fully loaded and equipped for the race that I was designed to run

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalms 139:14 ESV

I'm not faulty. 

When God created me he said that I was very good, he didn't even say that about the solar system.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

He calls me a masterpiece.

If I had the things designed for someone else then it would be a burden not a blessing.

When Pastor Joel stepped up to lead Lakewood, at first he tried to be like his dad and it was a struggle.

For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption,

Acts 13:36 ESV

I'm free to be me. 

It's easy to be me, I don't have to pretend or perform.

When you're who you are you are powerful. You can be small, quiet, and behind the scenes all while being powerful.

When we become envious we can start competing against people who aren't even in our race.

King Saul

Instead of celebrating David he started competing. He got distracted and started wasting time.

And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?" And Saul eyed David from that day on.

1 Samuel 18:8‭-‬9 ESV

Successful people are so focused on their own goals that they don't have time to look around at what other people are doing.

If someone has "passed you up" in a similar process, be inspired not intimidated.

Sometimes we come in at the end of the movie.

Someone else's success isn't interfering with what God is doing in my life.

True friends show up when you succeed and celebrate you. 

Pastor Joel was running and noticed a man ahead of him. He decided to try to pass him. When he finally did,  he realized that he was blocks off of track.

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

John 1:19‭-‬20 ESV

Knowing what you're not will help you stay focused on who you are. 

If you're trying to be something you're not then it will be a struggle.

"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.  To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away...

Matthew 25:14‭-‬15 ESV

God is sovereign. Before he gave me my "talents", I didn't have anything. I can complain about the distribution but it won't change what the Lord has done...it will just waste time.

You don't have to have a great gift for God to do something great with your life. 

Don't get so caught up celebrating others that you don't recognize that there's something in you to celebrate.

Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His  word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV

Sarah and Abraham

And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a  mother  of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her."

Genesis 17:16 NKJV

All of their circumstances said that they'd die without heirs mostly because they were old.

I'm pregnant with destiny.

Then God said: "No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.

Genesis 17:19 NKJV

Victoria Osteen's Exhortation

A lot of people are praying for their assignments but God has already layed that out and he's working them out now. 

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

A lot of time we think good deeds are "good works". Sometimes we think that good deeds are brownie points to get us more love from God but that's not how it works

Don't do good works to get blessings because that's not how it works.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it  is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 NKJV

The good work is working in me because I'm made to do good works. God has already created a way of escape l. God won't give me anything that I can fail at. 

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 NKJV

Alexander Graham Bell's telephone was a simple invention that accomplished great things.

I'm already walking into my assignment because the good works that I was created to do are working in me. 

Beating Bitterness

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

You can't stop life from happening to you but you can choose how you react.

Bitterness poisons your attitude. It can rob you of your joy and keep you away from blessings.

Let it go and trust the Lord to be your vendicator.

When you feel bitterness trying to take root forgive quickly.

looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Hebrews 12:15 NKJV

You can't see a root, it's hidden and under ground, but a bitter root will produce bitter fruit.

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Proverbs 4:23 NKJV

It's easy to let what's on the outside get on the inside but you only have so much emotional energy for the day. It takes discipline to

You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.

II Timothy 4:15 NKJV

You can't see a root but that's where the root gets life. If you have bitter roots, then you're not getting the nourishment that you need. 

Ask God to reveal the root of your bitterness because you can't get rid of the symptoms without knowing the cause.

African village was overtaken with an illness and after research, they learned that the water was contaminated. So they traced the source to a stream and a dead family of pigs had died and become wedged.

You have to get passed closed doors to get to open doors. What's in your future is better than anything in your past.

Naomi lost her husband and sons. Naomi means "my joy" but she changed it to "Mara".

You may have had bad breaks but don't change your name.

I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?"

Ruth 1:21 NKJV

You may have changed your name but God didn't.  We know this because the scripture never refers to her as Mara. Likewise, you may have put some negative labels on but God still calls you victorious.

Naomi turned her focus away from her own problems and started helping Ruth.

But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you."

Mark 16:6-7 NKJV

Don't stay here (in bitterness) because God is waiting for you there!  God has already gone ahead and prepared a place for you!  God is not in your past, He's in your future. Move forward.

When the prodigal son came back,  his brother was upset. 

"But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.

Luke 15:28 NKJV

His brother's bitterness didn't stop the party, it just kept him away from the party.

A Surge is Coming

Pastor Joel at Lakewood Church

Before the storm surge, the water recedes. When you go through a storm, you feel like you are being pulled back. But just like that storm surge the more you get pulled back the more you will be propelled forward.

It can look permanent but what you can't see is that the opposition is creating the perfect conditions for springing forward.

Pastor John pastored for 40 years then was suddenly taken away and hadn't raised anyone up to take his place. People predicted that Lakewood would not make it...

Surge Protectors: A surge protector is an appliance or device designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes

Some of us need to get rid of our surge protectors.

Psalm 46:1

Psalm 112:4

Job was a good man but still lost everything.

We don't always see the good because we get bitter and negative.

It is easy to make a judgement based on one season.

Psalm 30:5

When the water receded they didn't make any changes (move the buoys, change the docks, etc...) in fact they warned people not to stay in the area because they knew that those conditions were temporary.

Job 10:12

Job got double and went on to live a long life.

Job 42:16

Commentaries say that Job's struggle lasted less than a year.

Zechariah 9:12

What you are saying in the storm will determine how you come out of the storm. If you have a poor mouth then you'll have a poor life. In the middle of the storm dare. Be careful what you speak because you are prophesying your future.

Psalm 3:1-3

1 Samuel 30 David was anointed to be king but had been living in exile. They wept and that's ok. God collects our tears.

Psalm 84

1 Samuel 30:6

Oh magnify the Lord with me...

A good person may fall...

1 Samuel 30:8

1 Samuel 30:18

Within 3 days David suffered his greatest defeat followed by his greatest triumph.

When you have a big storm get ready for a big surge.

Victoria's Exhortation

Friend had foot surgery. Therapist asked if her foot was hurting she said no but the therapist pointed out that she was still limping. She was still limping because she didn't want to get hurt again.

If you don't stop limping then you won't be able to walk the way you used to.

Don't allow pain to keep you walking with an emotional limp.

She had formed a stronghold, she had started to believe that she would never walk the way that she used to even though physical evidence didn't support that thinking. That feeling was lie.

God never decreases, he always increases.

It takes courage to break those strongholds. We have to check our responses to make sure they aren't from a place of defense.

After a miscarriage, a lady was scared to celebrate.

You can't allow a bad experience to trick you into thinking that you will have a bad life.

Like football, bruises may be part of the game but I'm on the winning team.

Fear is not of God because He has not given you fear. He's given us Power and a sound mind.

Don't limp when you were designed to run!

John Gray's Exhortation

They will know you by how you treat others.

We fight for each other when others can't fight for themselves.

Sometimes people need to see a sermon more than they need to hear a sermon.

Being Vulnerable

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

It's easy to walk around pretending.

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

God won't bless who you pretend to be. Being vulnerable is a strength.

Society stresses image which creates a lot of pretending. If you can't be honest with yourself then it will keep you from reaching your full potential.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I  do,  forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

Philippians 3:13 NKJV

Paul had the humility to admit his weaknesses.

God cannot fill a vessel that's already full. 

And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"

Mark 9:22‭-‬24 NKJV

Let the weak say "I am strong".

John Baptized Jesus and experienced this:

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Matthew 3:16‭-‬17 NKJV

Though he experienced this,  he still had doubts:

And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:  The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."

Matthew 11:2‭-‬6 NKJV

You can't overcome a weakness if you won't get it out in the open.

Eventhough John had questions, Jesus said this: "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Matthew 11:11 NKJV

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink."  For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?" Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,  but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw." Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."

John 4:7‭-‬16 NKJV

She could have kept her mask on, lied, and walked away. But she chose to be honest and Jesus revealed himself to her. 

The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband,'  for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly." The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He. "

John 4:17‭-‬18‭, ‬25‭-‬26 NKJV

God already knows your shortcomings anyway.

Take off your superman outfit, sometimes you just have to be Clark Kent. People will learn more from how you handle your struggles.

When you're vulnerable, you're pliable.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

II Timothy 2:20‭-‬21 NKJV

There is a peace when you can be ok with being perfect.

Pastor John Osteen walked in on Joel and some other staff who were laughing and joking. Pastor John thought that they were making fun of him and admonished them. Later Joel told him that they were talking about something else and his dad apologized, admitting that he was insecure about other things. He then asked for the other guys' numbers so that he could call and apologize to them.

Jacob did whatever trickery he could to get ahead. But when he got honest this he received a new name: "And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."

Genesis 32:28 NKJV

Victoria Osteen @ Lakewood Church

How we see ourselves

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:27 NKJV

Our image is our source of stregth. The image was tainted in the garden but when we said yes to Jesus it was washed clean again.

Some people begin to identify with our circumstances intead of Jesus and His power that lives in us.

The only way I know what I look like is by looking in the mirror. The Word of God is our spiritual mirror.

Sometimes we can allow people to taint our image.

If someone is trying to say bad things about me I should not let it distort the way that I see myself.  I need to know that the person they are descring isn't me because I know what I look like.

You can't get what's rightfully yours if you aren't carrying your identification. Like if you go to the bank to get your money out, they won't give it to you becsuse you don't have proof of your identification.

I'm the bearer of God's image and God is eternal. Everything else is temporary and subject to change.

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

II Corinthians 1:21‭-‬22 NKJV

Pastor Craig

Broken crayons still color.

Champions Club

In March 2008, Lakewood Church launched a new program: Champions Club. Our goal was to develop a program that would meet the developmental needs of our children in three important ways, SPIRITUALLY, INTELLECTUALLY, and PHYSICALLY. Our focus was on spiritual growth through God's Word, ministering to the intellect of each child through their senses and engaging the child physically during spiritual gross motor fun. We enlisted the help of several professionals in the fields of special needs and came up with a plan that would allow each child to be ministered to at their individual level.  Champions Club now not only serves children but adults with special needs! Our ratios in our classrooms remain 1-to-1 to allow the individual to be ministered to at a personal level.  Champions Club has gone on to grow from its beginnings at Lakewood to be incorporated into serving the needs of individuals in congregations and communities around the world.   

https://www.lakewoodchurch.com/Pages/Ministry.aspx?mid=40

God's Got This

Joel Osteen @ Lakewood Church

• It's easy to live uptight when you don't see anything changing. God can make things happen

• As long as we're trying to force things, God will step back. You may have a good reason to worry, but you should stay in faith and live out of a place of peace and trust.

• A plan was put in place to get rid of Daniel. When you're in difficult situations God has people praying for you who you don't know anything about. 

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.

Philippians 1:21 NLT

Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can't lose.

• You'll praise God whether you live or die.

• God made Daniel unappetizing to the Lions. God knows how to make you unappetizing to the enemy. There's a blood line around me and my family.

When you see wild animals you're advised to carry yourself with a quiet confidence.

...and do not give the devil a foothold.

Ephesians 4:27 NIV

When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?"  Daniel answered, "May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty."  The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Daniel 6:20‭-‬23 NIV

• Daniel's faith didn't keep him out of the lion's den but it did make him lion-proof.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 NIV

The Lord will perfect that  which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord , endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Psalms 138:8 NKJV

Jonathan and Charlie

The Osteens were worried about Jonathan fitting in after being homeschooled. Victoria met a lady and text Jonathan about finding her son. There were several thousand kids in orientation and Jonathan couldn't figure out how he'd find Charlie but "randomly" sat right next to him.

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:29‭-‬31 NKJV

• Victories are there to fuel your faith.

• Battles are there to bring attention to God.

The Lord  is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord  is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will  be confident.

Psalms 27:1‭-‬3 NKJV

• My advantage is that God has placed me out of reach. 

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

Psalms 27:5 NKJV

Victoria Osteen @ Lakewood Church

Get Even Exposure

Victoria bought solar powered lights and wanted to surprise Joel with them but they weren't working. She was just about to return them she noticed the pull tab hadn't been pulled.

Solar Powered Lights

(https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.festive-lights.com/blog/solar-lights/8-things-to-do-if-your-solar-lights-arent-working/amp/)

Check that there's not a pull tab on the battery

This will apply to newly purchased lights only. Sometimes there is a pull tab on the battery that needs to be removed before the light will function. If your new solar light doesn't work, definitely check on this.

You may need to remove something that's blocking the light.

Some trees don't grow straight because so many things are crowding out the light. It's struggling to grow toward the light.

What's stopping me from being fully exposed to the Son

Remember what it says: "Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled." And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard his voice? Wasn't it the people Moses led out of Egypt? And who made God angry for forty years? Wasn't it the people who sinned, whose corpses lay in the wilderness? And to whom was God speaking when he took an oath that they would never enter his rest? Wasn't it the people who disobeyed him? So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest.

Hebrews 3:15‭-‬19 NLT

Read the word to get exposure to the son.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalms 119:105 NLT

If you read the word God will bring it to life in you.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."

John 8:12

Prospering Under Pressure

Pastor Nick @ Lakewood Church

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 NLT

Vacation Blues: Smashed Rental Car, Sick Daughter, stitched son, flu wife

The question is how are we carrying pressure? How can you live at peace in the midst of pressure.

None of us are accidents and we have been designed with a unique purposes. We were created with a need to carry pressure. Purpose and pressure go hand in hand. We need a healthy sense of pressure to operate at our best. You've been graced for your race. You've been equipped for your trip.

Self-imposed unnecessary pressure.

Basketball vs Football

Pressure will push you to act out of nature and/or compromise.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the 

Hebrews 12:1 NLT

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.

Hebrews 12:2 NLT

Cabin pressure constantly adjusts depending on where the airplane is and that's what we should do.

Cabin pressurization is a process in which conditioned air is pumped into the cabin of an aircraft or spacecraft, in order to create a safe and comfortable environment for passengers and crew flying at high altitudes.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:11‭-‬13 NLT

http://bible.com/116/php.4.11-13.NLT

• Find a promise

As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.

Psalms 119:143 NLT

• Fight to worship

But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.

John 4:23 NLT

Adjust and choose to worship because your worship will fight for you. Allow you pressure to produce a sound.

It's hard to worry and worship at the same time.

You don't worship because all is good but because He is good.

The Good Father

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

People are not perfect and fathers are no exception. Many times, fathers don't have the things that children need. Most fathers don't plan to mess up their children but like a pebble in a peaceful pond, there are ripple effects. But God knew what we'd be missing and has it in store for us and he will never let us down. Don't stay focused on what an earthly father didn't give.

When God laid out each life, he took all of the setbacks into consideration and the Good Father will make it up to you

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:32 NIV

God takes good pleasure in giving.

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

Psalm 68:5 NIV

The good father can help you to break generational curses.

At that time the Lord said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again." So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.

Joshua 5:2‭-‬3 NIV

http://bible.com/111/jos.5.2-3.NIV

When you don't get what you need a a ,child it can be much more painful to receive it as an adult.

These men were in their 20s receiving something they should have received at 8 day old from their fathers.

The good father can bring down walls easier than you imagined.

Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in."

Joshua 6:2‭-‬5 NIV

People usually have to fight to conquer a city.

God will make it easier on you because of what you were missing.

You may be wounded but God has a plan for the wounded.

Ishmael had to pay the price for Abraham's mistake. Abraham was wealthy but when he sent Ishmael and his mom away at the request of his wife, hr only sent them with a loaf of bread and a bottle of water.

God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."

Genesis 21:17‭-‬18 NIV

Even if your parents made a mess out of your life the Good Father God knows how to bring greatness from a great mess! Beauty from ashes!

Ishmael's dad was called the father of faith but he put Ishmael in a bad situation. Sometimes good people can do bad things to you.  Stop trying to make people pay you back. 

Victoria's Exhortation

Be A  God-Made man.

God spoke to Abraham.

The Lord had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.  "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

Genesis 12:1‭-‬2 NIV

He trusted God to make him able.

We are the seed of Abraham because we were born of Jesus Christ

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."  Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.

Romans 4:18‭-‬24 NIV

Abraham was not perfect. God's pattern is a great mentorship program. God won't disqualify us if we make a mistake.

...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6 NIV

Right on Time

Joel Osteen @ Lakewood Church

We all have things that we are waiting on and we know that God put the promise in our heart but we wonder why it’s taking so long. It’s not enough to trust God, we have to also accept his timing.

1. Faith without patience will get you in trouble.
1. Hebrews 12:6
2. that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
3. Faith without patience will get you int
2. God knows what he’s doing we don’t have to force anything.
1. We don’ have to beat down any doors.
2. Psalm 106:13
1. They soon forgot His works;They did not wait for His counsel, 
3. Matthew 11:28-30
1. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
3. Come into the unforced rhythms of grace
1. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 
1. Faith acts before it feels.
2. Nothing changes unless you choose to use your faith to express love.
3. Prayer lessens the grip of the attitude in you.
2. Things will happen without the struggle
4. There are season
1. Planting, Growth, Harvest, Etc…
2. Lemon Trees
1. There are sometimes when Lemon trees produce a lot of lemons but sometimes they don’t. There’s nothing wrong it’s just not their time to produce
2. They naturally bear fruit.
5. Psalm 1
1. Blessed is the onewho does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
1. Waiting is not pleasant
2. Don’t compare someone else’s situation to yours
6. God can see the big picture
1. Sometimes God shows his love not  by what he gives but what he withholds.
1. God knows what we can handle
2. In order to protect us, God says “Not now”
3. A good father may have  a good gift but he won’t give it at the wrong time
2. Example
1. When Jonathan was 10, Joel didn’t give him the car keys
1. Him having a car at 10 wouldn’t be a blessing it would be a curse

1. (2) Joel Approached his dad about creating a radio broadcast
1. Pastor John didn’t want to do that
2. Joel honored his father and didn’t go through with it.
1. Joel didn’t know that his father would pass away 2 years later and now he does have a radio broadcast on SiriusXM
1. He didn’t realize the dreams that he had were for him and it wasn’t time for them yet.
1. Our steps are not directed
1. Psalm 37:23
1. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,And He delights in his way.
1. Wait for the plan to Unfold
1. Joseph
1. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, falsely imprisoned, he rose to become vizier, the second most powerful man in Egypt next to Pharaoh, where his presence and office caused Israel to leave Canaan and settle in Egypt.
1. Everything that happened to Joseph lead him to his destiny
2. It didn’t seem like anything was happening
3. In order to protect us, God says “Not now”
4. A good father may have  a good gift but he won’t give it at the wrong time
2. Sometimes other people will get blessed while you’re waiting
1. Mark 5
1. v.22-24: one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.
2. v35: a woman with an issue of blood interrupted his walk to touch his garment and be healed
1. While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
2. He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
2. The man came to Jesus asking for a healing but because of the delay he received a resurrection

Proverbs 3:5…

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.

Victoria's Exhortation: Love in Faith

1. When we respect others we are promoting the gospel of God. Anyone can throw rocks, anyone can hate on someone. We're the ones who should share God's love. The church should stick together standing under the banner of Jesus Christ and what he did for us. The world needs to see
1. Galatians 5:6
1. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.
2. 1 Corinthians 13:1
1. If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  
2. When an opinion divides you, you need to keep that opinion to yourself. We have to love people through faith; we don't have to use faith to love people who aren't difficult.
3. Romans 12:18
1. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 
1. Faith acts before it feels.
2. Nothing changes unless you choose to use your faith to express love.
3. Prayer lessens the grip of the attitude in you.
2. There may be people who may never change, but when you express faith through love you change.
1. Sometimes the best way to show love is to be quiet.
2. A girl approached Victoria to have a fight and she approached Victoria declaring that she was going to fight here. Victoria didn't know the girl but she asked why. The girl said, "I don't like the way you act." So Victoria said, "Then I'll change" and the girl walked away!
3. You benefit when you're kind.
4. Proverbs 11:17
1. The merciful man does good for his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
2. When you decide that you're going to love God by loving other you'll change.