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.
   

Praying for Others

Joel @ Lakewood 

• I have the ability to help others reach their goals.

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 5:16 NKJV

• Coworkers, workout partners, neighbors, and etc have been placed in your life on purpose.

And the Lord restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Job 42:10 NKJV 

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 NKJV

• We weren't meant to carry loads alone and prayers help to lighten the load.

• What you do in secret, God will reward you out in the open.

• Prayer moves God's hands.

• Prayer is powerful and makes heaven come to a standstill.

And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand.

Revelation 8:4 NKJV

• James and Peter were in the same situation but scripture makes no reference of anyone praying for James and they had different results.

Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during  the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, "Gird yourself and tie on your sandals"; and so he did. And he said to him, "Put on your garment and follow me." So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

Acts 12:1‭-‬10 NKJV

• You are 10 times more powerful when someone is praying for you. 

How could one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, And the Lord had surrendered them? For their rock is not like our Rock, Even our enemies themselves being judges.

Deuteronomy 32:30‭-‬31 

• Stand in the gap for others.

So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.

Ezekiel 22:30 NKJV

Cities used to be surrounded by walls and a gap would allow the enemy easy access so they'd position their strongest warrior there until it could be repaired.

• It's easy to find fault and criticize but can you be the strong warrior.

Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it. " When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"

Luke 7:6‭-‬9 NKJV

• Don't forget about the people who stand in the gap for you.

But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house. Now it came to pass on the third day, which  was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand. But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.

Genesis 40:14‭, ‬20‭-‬23 

Nevertheless I will not do it in your days, for the sake of your father David; I will tear it out of the hand of your son.

I Kings 11:12 NKJV

Living Guilt Free

Joel Osteen @ Lakewood Church

We all make mistakes but living guilty wears you out and stops your progress. Guilt can keep you from your progress.

The enemy wants you to live with a dark cloud. If someone is bringing up your mistakes thats the accuser.

When you ask for forgiveness, God forgives you and forgets.

God makes you righteous. All of our righteousness is as a filthy rag.

• For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

Romans 5:17 NIV

BE BOLD

• The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1 NIV

I may not feel worthy, holy, blameless or righteous but God has made me that way.

BAGGAGE

We go through carrying things that we were never designed to carry. If the enemy can't get you off track then he will try to weigh you down.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

Hebrews 12:1 NIV

RECEIVE THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS LIKE A CHILD

Children know how to receive a gift.

There should be a convinction but once you ask for forgiveness the price has already been paid.

• WE SERVE AN ALL-KNOWING GOD BUT HE CHOOSES TO STEP OUT OF CHARACTER

"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

Isaiah 43:25 NIV

• Receive God's mercy. When you're tempted to ask for forgiveness turn it into gratitude. Father thank you for your mercy in my life. 

• Stop giving yourself time in the penalty box.

A lot of times we categorize our mistakes. 

JONAH

Jonah did the total opposite of what God asked and got in a lot of trouble but God never gave up on him. 

But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, 'Salvation comes from the Lord .' "  And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Jonah 2:9‭-‬10 NIV

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you."

Jonah 3:1‭-‬2 NIV

After Jonah's mistake He repented then God put him back in the game. God doesn't do timeouts.

SAMPSON

Sampson had made a lot of mistakes but God never gave up on him. 

Then Samson prayed to the Lord , "Sovereign Lord , remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes." Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.

Judges 16:28‭-‬30 NIV

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Romans 8:1 NIV

FEELINGS DON'T ALWAYS TELL US THE TRUTH

You may not feel holy, righteous, or guiltfree but you are because God says so.

DON'T ASSIST THE ENEMY, RESIST THE ENEMY

The enemy always talks to you about your past but that's when you tell him about your future!

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 NIV

Victoria Osteen @ Lakewood Church

Remembering the good is important for our life and our family. The negative tries to weigh you down and alter your life. 

We live out of experiences so choose to remember the good. It can stifle relationships and skills. This is not what God wants.

John 16:33 NIV

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

There's a transforming power in remembering what God has done because then we can remember what He can do!

2 Peter 1:12 NIV

So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

Celebrate with festivals.

Sometimes we forget what we should remember, the joy, the victory, and the success. Then we remember the things that we should forget, the defeats, the pain, etc...

Loosen the grip of past negative experiences and put together the pieces of your God story.

Rewrite your story and rehearse it in your mind. The only reason to get out of your past is to not live in it.

If God isn't holding our past against us then why are we letting it have power over us. 

Stones of rememberance

Joshua 4:2‭-‬7 NIV

"Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight."  So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord . When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

Modern Memorial Stones: cars, degrees, etc...

Sylvester Turner

Tomorrow will be a better day than today. 

Psalm 78:4 NIV

We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord , his power, and the wonders he has done.

We should be laying down memorial stones so that my memorial stones can be stepping stones for those who come after me.