Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen - Accept People For Who They Are

January 10, 2026 | 27:29

Joel and Victoria Osteen's message of unconditional love and unending hope reaches everyone across the world.

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Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - Accept People For Who They Are | January 10, 2026

(applause)
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(applause) god bless you. it's a joy to
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(applause) god bless you. it's a joy to come into your homes.
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God bless you. it's a joy to come into your homes. if you're ever in our area
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Come into your homes. if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a part of
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If you're ever in our area please stop by and be a part of one of our services. i promise
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Please stop by and be a part of one of our services. i promise you we'll make you feel right
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One of our services. i promise you we'll make you feel right at home. but thanks so much for
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You we'll make you feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in.
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At home. but thanks so much for tuning in. thank you again for coming out
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Tuning in. thank you again for coming out today.
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Thank you again for coming out today. i like to start with something
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Today. i like to start with something funny. i heard about this young
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I like to start with something funny. i heard about this young lady. she took her fiance home
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Funny. i heard about this young lady. she took her fiance home to meet her parents. the dad
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Lady. she took her fiance home to meet her parents. the dad said, "son, tell me about
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To meet her parents. the dad said, "son, tell me about yourself. what do you do?"
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Said, "son, tell me about yourself. what do you do?" he said, "i'm a bible scholar."
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Yourself. what do you do?" he said, "i'm a bible scholar." the dad said, "that's great but
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He said, "i'm a bible scholar." the dad said, "that's great but how are you going to provide a
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The dad said, "that's great but how are you going to provide a living for my daughter?"
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How are you going to provide a living for my daughter?" he said, "i'm going to study
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Living for my daughter?" he said, "i'm going to study the bible and i know god will
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He said, "i'm going to study the bible and i know god will provide."
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The bible and i know god will provide." he said, "yeah, but how are you
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Provide." he said, "yeah, but how are you going to afford an engagement
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He said, "yeah, but how are you going to afford an engagement ring for her?"
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Going to afford an engagement ring for her?" he said, "i'm going to focus on
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Ring for her?" he said, "i'm going to focus on my studies and i know god will
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He said, "i'm going to focus on my studies and i know god will provide."
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My studies and i know god will provide." he said, "well, in a few years
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Provide." he said, "well, in a few years you all may have children. how
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He said, "well, in a few years you all may have children. how are you going to provide for
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You all may have children. how are you going to provide for those children?"
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Are you going to provide for those children?" he said, "sir, don't worry. god
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Those children?" he said, "sir, don't worry. god will provide."
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He said, "sir, don't worry. god will provide." later that night, the man's wife
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Will provide." later that night, the man's wife asked him how the talk with
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Later that night, the man's wife asked him how the talk with their future son-in-law went.
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Asked him how the talk with their future son-in-law went. he said, "not good. he has no
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Their future son-in-law went. he said, "not good. he has no plans, no job and he thinks
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He said, "not good. he has no plans, no job and he thinks that i am god."
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Plans, no job and he thinks that i am god." (laughter/applause)
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That i am god." (laughter/applause) hold up your bibles. say it
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(laughter/applause) hold up your bibles. say it like you mean it.
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Hold up your bibles. say it like you mean it. this is my bible.
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Like you mean it. this is my bible. i am what it says i am.
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This is my bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it says i have.
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I am what it says i am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it says i can do.
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I have what it says i have. i can do what it says i can do. today i will be taught the word
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I can do what it says i can do. today i will be taught the word of god.
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Today i will be taught the word of god. i boldly confess:
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Of god. i boldly confess: my mind is alert.
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I boldly confess: my mind is alert. my heart is receptive.
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My mind is alert. my heart is receptive. i will never be the same.
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My heart is receptive. i will never be the same. in jesus' name.
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I will never be the same. in jesus' name. god bless you.
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In jesus' name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today
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God bless you. i want to talk to you today about accepting people for
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I want to talk to you today about accepting people for who they are.
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About accepting people for who they are. when we get into relationship
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Who they are. when we get into relationship with someone it's easy to try to
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When we get into relationship with someone it's easy to try to make them into who we want them
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With someone it's easy to try to make them into who we want them to be, especially our spouse,
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Make them into who we want them to be, especially our spouse, our children, the people that
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To be, especially our spouse, our children, the people that are close to us.
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Our children, the people that are close to us. one of the best things i've
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Are close to us. one of the best things i've learned is god didn't bring
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One of the best things i've learned is god didn't bring people into my life to make them
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Learned is god didn't bring people into my life to make them just like me.
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People into my life to make them just like me. god made us different on
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Just like me. god made us different on purpose: different
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God made us different on purpose: different personalities, different
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Purpose: different personalities, different strengths; different looks.
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Personalities, different strengths; different looks. we're all at different maturity
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Strengths; different looks. we're all at different maturity levels.
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We're all at different maturity levels. the mistake we make too often is
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Levels. the mistake we make too often is we try to fit people into our
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The mistake we make too often is we try to fit people into our mold.
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We try to fit people into our mold. it's like we've got them on our
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Mold. it's like we've got them on our potter's wheel and we're trying
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It's like we've got them on our potter's wheel and we're trying to work out the lumps and get
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Potter's wheel and we're trying to work out the lumps and get rid of what we don't like and
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To work out the lumps and get rid of what we don't like and get them all fixed up.
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Rid of what we don't like and get them all fixed up. the problem with this is we are
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Get them all fixed up. the problem with this is we are not the potter - god is.
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The problem with this is we are not the potter - god is. god is the one that is making
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Not the potter - god is. god is the one that is making and molding people.
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God is the one that is making and molding people. really, we can't change anyone.
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And molding people. really, we can't change anyone. we can encourage them.
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Really, we can't change anyone. we can encourage them. we can pray for them.
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We can encourage them. we can pray for them. we can lead by example.
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We can pray for them. we can lead by example. but only god can truly change
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We can lead by example. but only god can truly change people.
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But only god can truly change people. when someone doesn't have our
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People. when someone doesn't have our same strengths and we're working
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When someone doesn't have our same strengths and we're working overtime trying to make them
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Same strengths and we're working overtime trying to make them just like us, all that does is
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Overtime trying to make them just like us, all that does is frustrates us, brings stress and
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Just like us, all that does is frustrates us, brings stress and tension into the relationship.
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Frustrates us, brings stress and tension into the relationship. you've got to give people room
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Tension into the relationship. you've got to give people room to be who god made them to be.
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You've got to give people room to be who god made them to be. if god wanted us to all look
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To be who god made them to be. if god wanted us to all look alike, think alike, have the
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If god wanted us to all look alike, think alike, have the same strengths, the same
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Alike, think alike, have the same strengths, the same personalities, he would have
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Same strengths, the same personalities, he would have made us that way.
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Personalities, he would have made us that way. think about this. the same god
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Made us that way. think about this. the same god that made the butterfly made
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Think about this. the same god that made the butterfly made the locust.
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That made the butterfly made the locust. the same god that made the
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The locust. the same god that made the poodle made the bulldog.
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The same god that made the poodle made the bulldog. the same god that made the horse
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Poodle made the bulldog. the same god that made the horse made the mule.
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The same god that made the horse made the mule. and the same god that made me
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Made the mule. and the same god that made me made my brother paul.
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And the same god that made me made my brother paul. (laughter)
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Made my brother paul. (laughter) god likes variety.
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(laughter) god likes variety. i'm not looking at him.
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God likes variety. i'm not looking at him. (laughter)
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I'm not looking at him. (laughter) you may be trying to change
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(laughter) you may be trying to change someone that doesn't have your
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You may be trying to change someone that doesn't have your strengths, your kind of
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Someone that doesn't have your strengths, your kind of personality, you goals, yet god
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Strengths, your kind of personality, you goals, yet god made them like that on purpose.
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Personality, you goals, yet god made them like that on purpose. you're fighting against who they
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Made them like that on purpose. you're fighting against who they really are.
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You're fighting against who they really are. we have this plant at home.
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Really are. we have this plant at home. it's kind of like an ivy. it's
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We have this plant at home. it's kind of like an ivy. it's in this large pot. it drapes
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It's kind of like an ivy. it's in this large pot. it drapes over toward the ground.
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In this large pot. it drapes over toward the ground. when we first got married, at
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Over toward the ground. when we first got married, at our townhouse, we had this same
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When we first got married, at our townhouse, we had this same type of plant on our back porch.
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Our townhouse, we had this same type of plant on our back porch. i took care of it. it was my
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Type of plant on our back porch. i took care of it. it was my project. i made sure it had the
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I took care of it. it was my project. i made sure it had the right amount of sunlight,
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Project. i made sure it had the right amount of sunlight, the right amount of water.
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Right amount of sunlight, the right amount of water. it had these thick, dark green
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The right amount of water. it had these thick, dark green leaves, very lush, very full; as
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It had these thick, dark green leaves, very lush, very full; as healthy as can be.
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Leaves, very lush, very full; as healthy as can be. if those leaves ever started
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Healthy as can be. if those leaves ever started turning to a lighter green i
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If those leaves ever started turning to a lighter green i knew it wasn't getting enough
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Turning to a lighter green i knew it wasn't getting enough water. i would water it more
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Knew it wasn't getting enough water. i would water it more and in no time they would be
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Water. i would water it more and in no time they would be back to dark green.
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And in no time they would be back to dark green. well, in our back yard now we
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Back to dark green. well, in our back yard now we have this same type of plant but
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Well, in our back yard now we have this same type of plant but i could never get the leaves to
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Have this same type of plant but i could never get the leaves to look right.
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I could never get the leaves to look right. they were always a little bit
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Look right. they were always a little bit lighter green, almost on the
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They were always a little bit lighter green, almost on the verge of being yellow.
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Lighter green, almost on the verge of being yellow. so i watered them like i did my
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Verge of being yellow. so i watered them like i did my last plant, again and again, but
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So i watered them like i did my last plant, again and again, but it didn't do any good.
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Last plant, again and again, but it didn't do any good. still light green leaves.
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It didn't do any good. still light green leaves. i was kind of puzzled by it.
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Still light green leaves. i was kind of puzzled by it. i thought maybe something is
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I was kind of puzzled by it. i thought maybe something is wrong with the soil.
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I thought maybe something is wrong with the soil. so i went down to the nursery
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Wrong with the soil. so i went down to the nursery and i picked up some fertilizer
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So i went down to the nursery and i picked up some fertilizer and i gave that plant food day
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And i picked up some fertilizer and i gave that plant food day after day. i pampered this
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And i gave that plant food day after day. i pampered this plant. i prayed over it. i sang
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After day. i pampered this plant. i prayed over it. i sang to it. i told it i loved it.
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Plant. i prayed over it. i sang to it. i told it i loved it. i did everything i could.
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To it. i told it i loved it. i did everything i could. (laughter)
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I did everything i could. (laughter) nothing helped.
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(laughter) nothing helped. i thought, "why can't i get this
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Nothing helped. i thought, "why can't i get this plant healthy? why can't i get
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I thought, "why can't i get this plant healthy? why can't i get these leaves dark green?"
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Plant healthy? why can't i get these leaves dark green?" finally i called the expert out,
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These leaves dark green?" finally i called the expert out, the man from the nursery.
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Finally i called the expert out, the man from the nursery. he looked at it and said, "joel,
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The man from the nursery. he looked at it and said, "joel, this plant is as healthy as can
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He looked at it and said, "joel, this plant is as healthy as can be. there's nothing wrong with
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This plant is as healthy as can be. there's nothing wrong with it."
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Be. there's nothing wrong with it." i said, "well, why does it have
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It." i said, "well, why does it have light green leaves and not dark
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I said, "well, why does it have light green leaves and not dark green?"
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Light green leaves and not dark green?" he said, "this plant is a slight
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Green?" he said, "this plant is a slight variation from the plant you had
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He said, "this plant is a slight variation from the plant you had last time. the vines are the
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Variation from the plant you had last time. the vines are the same size, same shape.
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Last time. the vines are the same size, same shape. they grow at the same rate.
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Same size, same shape. they grow at the same rate. the only difference is one has
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They grow at the same rate. the only difference is one has dark green leaves and one has
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The only difference is one has dark green leaves and one has light green leaves."
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Dark green leaves and one has light green leaves." (laughter)
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Light green leaves." (laughter) here i had spent months being
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(laughter) here i had spent months being frustrated trying to make that
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Here i had spent months being frustrated trying to make that plant into something that it was
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Frustrated trying to make that plant into something that it was never designed to be.
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Plant into something that it was never designed to be. too often we do what i did with
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Never designed to be. too often we do what i did with people.
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Too often we do what i did with people. we think they're supposed to be
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People. we think they're supposed to be a certain way. they look the
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We think they're supposed to be a certain way. they look the same. they come from the same
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A certain way. they look the same. they come from the same family.
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Same. they come from the same family. but just like this plant, no
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Family. but just like this plant, no matter how hard you try to fit
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But just like this plant, no matter how hard you try to fit them into that mold, it's not
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Matter how hard you try to fit them into that mold, it's not going to happen.
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Them into that mold, it's not going to happen. it's not who god created them to
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Going to happen. it's not who god created them to be.
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It's not who god created them to be. when i was a little boy growing
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Be. when i was a little boy growing up i would get into bed every
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When i was a little boy growing up i would get into bed every night very carefully so i
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Up i would get into bed every night very carefully so i wouldn't mess up the covers.
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Night very carefully so i wouldn't mess up the covers. i would sleep perfectly still.
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Wouldn't mess up the covers. i would sleep perfectly still. (laughter)
00:06:21.704 --> 00:06:22.772
I would sleep perfectly still. (laughter) i wouldn't move, wouldn't roll
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(laughter) i wouldn't move, wouldn't roll over.
00:06:23.706 --> 00:06:24.640
I wouldn't move, wouldn't roll over. when i woke up the next day i
00:06:24.707 --> 00:06:25.908
Over. when i woke up the next day i would get out of bed as
00:06:25.975 --> 00:06:27.477
When i woke up the next day i would get out of bed as carefully as can be. that way
00:06:27.543 --> 00:06:29.679
Would get out of bed as carefully as can be. that way i wouldn't have to make the
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Carefully as can be. that way i wouldn't have to make the bed up. it was already made.
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I wouldn't have to make the bed up. it was already made. (laughter)
00:06:33.382 --> 00:06:35.051
Bed up. it was already made. (laughter) you talking about structure.
00:06:35.117 --> 00:06:36.085
(laughter) you talking about structure. you roll around in your covers?
00:06:36.152 --> 00:06:37.920
You talking about structure. you roll around in your covers? what's wrong with you?
00:06:37.987 --> 00:06:39.088
You roll around in your covers? what's wrong with you? (laughter)
00:06:39.155 --> 00:06:40.723
What's wrong with you? (laughter) it's funny, our daughter
00:06:40.790 --> 00:06:41.691
(laughter) it's funny, our daughter alexandra, she's thirteen years
00:06:41.757 --> 00:06:43.125
It's funny, our daughter alexandra, she's thirteen years old and she's just like me - as
00:06:43.192 --> 00:06:45.161
Alexandra, she's thirteen years old and she's just like me - as perfect as can be.
00:06:45.228 --> 00:06:47.129
Old and she's just like me - as perfect as can be. (laughter)
00:06:47.196 --> 00:06:49.365
Perfect as can be. (laughter) our son jonathan, he's
00:06:49.432 --> 00:06:50.533
(laughter) our son jonathan, he's seventeen years old and he is
00:06:50.600 --> 00:06:51.834
Our son jonathan, he's seventeen years old and he is just like victoria - perfect in
00:06:51.901 --> 00:06:53.803
Seventeen years old and he is just like victoria - perfect in a different way.
00:06:53.870 --> 00:06:56.372
Just like victoria - perfect in a different way. (laughter)
00:06:56.439 --> 00:06:58.040
A different way. (laughter) alexandra picks out her clothes
00:06:58.107 --> 00:06:59.642
(laughter) alexandra picks out her clothes the night before what she's
00:06:59.709 --> 00:07:01.310
Alexandra picks out her clothes the night before what she's going to wear to school the next
00:07:01.377 --> 00:07:02.512
The night before what she's going to wear to school the next day, very prepared.
00:07:02.578 --> 00:07:03.880
Going to wear to school the next day, very prepared. we're going on a trip in a
00:07:03.946 --> 00:07:05.081
Day, very prepared. we're going on a trip in a couple of weeks. alexandra has
00:07:05.147 --> 00:07:06.749
We're going on a trip in a couple of weeks. alexandra has already got those clothes laid
00:07:06.816 --> 00:07:09.085
Couple of weeks. alexandra has already got those clothes laid out. she knows what she is
00:07:09.151 --> 00:07:10.052
Already got those clothes laid out. she knows what she is going to take.
00:07:10.119 --> 00:07:11.487
Out. she knows what she is going to take. jonathan has a different
00:07:11.554 --> 00:07:12.522
Going to take. jonathan has a different approach. he will pick his out
00:07:12.588 --> 00:07:14.524
Jonathan has a different approach. he will pick his out not two weeks before but maybe
00:07:14.590 --> 00:07:16.325
Approach. he will pick his out not two weeks before but maybe a couple of hours before.
00:07:16.392 --> 00:07:17.894
Not two weeks before but maybe a couple of hours before. (laughter)
00:07:17.960 --> 00:07:19.128
A couple of hours before. (laughter) different personalities.
00:07:19.195 --> 00:07:19.962
(laughter) different personalities. different strengths.
00:07:20.029 --> 00:07:21.364
Different personalities. different strengths. when alexandra packs her
00:07:21.430 --> 00:07:22.431
Different strengths. when alexandra packs her suitcase it is a work of art.
00:07:22.498 --> 00:07:25.167
When alexandra packs her suitcase it is a work of art. everything is strategically
00:07:25.234 --> 00:07:26.802
Suitcase it is a work of art. everything is strategically placed, perfectly sectioned off.
00:07:26.869 --> 00:07:29.605
Everything is strategically placed, perfectly sectioned off. she's got all these little bags:
00:07:29.672 --> 00:07:31.674
Placed, perfectly sectioned off. she's got all these little bags: bags for makeup, bags for
00:07:31.741 --> 00:07:32.708
She's got all these little bags: bags for makeup, bags for shampoo, bags for soap, bag of
00:07:32.775 --> 00:07:34.043
Bags for makeup, bags for shampoo, bags for soap, bag of snacks. that's for the plane
00:07:34.110 --> 00:07:35.211
Shampoo, bags for soap, bag of snacks. that's for the plane ride going. then of course
00:07:35.278 --> 00:07:38.481
Snacks. that's for the plane ride going. then of course there is another bag of snacks
00:07:38.548 --> 00:07:40.049
Ride going. then of course there is another bag of snacks strategically placed. that's
00:07:40.116 --> 00:07:42.151
There is another bag of snacks strategically placed. that's for the plane ride coming back
00:07:42.218 --> 00:07:43.553
Strategically placed. that's for the plane ride coming back home. (laughter)
00:07:43.619 --> 00:07:45.321
For the plane ride coming back home. (laughter) when i was jonathan's age i was
00:07:45.388 --> 00:07:46.722
Home. (laughter) when i was jonathan's age i was playing sports all the time.
00:07:46.789 --> 00:07:49.258
When i was jonathan's age i was playing sports all the time. jonathan not only plays sports
00:07:49.325 --> 00:07:50.960
Playing sports all the time. jonathan not only plays sports but he'll go practice his guitar
00:07:51.027 --> 00:07:53.429
Jonathan not only plays sports but he'll go practice his guitar for a couple of hours.
00:07:53.496 --> 00:07:55.398
But he'll go practice his guitar for a couple of hours. i can't play any instrument.
00:07:55.464 --> 00:07:56.632
For a couple of hours. i can't play any instrument. then he may go write on his
00:07:56.699 --> 00:07:58.401
I can't play any instrument. then he may go write on his screenplay that he's been
00:07:58.467 --> 00:07:59.735
Then he may go write on his screenplay that he's been working on for a year and a
00:07:59.802 --> 00:08:01.003
Screenplay that he's been working on for a year and a half. i would never write
00:08:01.070 --> 00:08:02.738
Working on for a year and a half. i would never write anything extra unless the
00:08:02.805 --> 00:08:03.606
Half. i would never write anything extra unless the teachers required us to do it.
00:08:03.673 --> 00:08:05.808
Anything extra unless the teachers required us to do it. (laughter)
00:08:05.875 --> 00:08:07.877
Teachers required us to do it. (laughter) god puts people in our life
00:08:07.944 --> 00:08:09.111
(laughter) god puts people in our life that are different than we are,
00:08:09.178 --> 00:08:10.846
God puts people in our life that are different than we are, different strengths, different
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That are different than we are, different strengths, different talents, different goals.
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Different strengths, different talents, different goals. too often we look at them and
00:08:13.916 --> 00:08:15.718
Talents, different goals. too often we look at them and say, "hey, you're not like me.
00:08:15.785 --> 00:08:17.720
Too often we look at them and say, "hey, you're not like me. let me fix you. let me get you
00:08:17.787 --> 00:08:19.488
Say, "hey, you're not like me. let me fix you. let me get you straightened out."
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Let me fix you. let me get you straightened out." they don't need to be fixed.
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Straightened out." they don't need to be fixed. they don't need to be
00:08:23.225 --> 00:08:23.993
They don't need to be fixed. they don't need to be straightened out.
00:08:24.060 --> 00:08:24.961
They don't need to be straightened out. they need to be accepted,
00:08:25.027 --> 00:08:26.596
Straightened out. they need to be accepted, approved, loved, encouraged.
00:08:26.662 --> 00:08:28.164
They need to be accepted, approved, loved, encouraged. (applause)
00:08:28.230 --> 00:08:30.600
Approved, loved, encouraged. (applause) just because they're not like
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(applause) just because they're not like you doesn't mean that they're
00:08:31.867 --> 00:08:33.135
Just because they're not like you doesn't mean that they're less than.
00:08:33.202 --> 00:08:34.604
You doesn't mean that they're less than. most likely they have strengths
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Less than. most likely they have strengths that you don't have.
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Most likely they have strengths that you don't have. they're good at something that
00:08:38.774 --> 00:08:39.976
That you don't have. they're good at something that you're not good at. don't waste
00:08:40.042 --> 00:08:41.644
They're good at something that you're not good at. don't waste your valuable time and energy
00:08:41.711 --> 00:08:43.879
You're not good at. don't waste your valuable time and energy trying to make somebody just
00:08:43.946 --> 00:08:45.481
Your valuable time and energy trying to make somebody just like you. let them be who god
00:08:45.548 --> 00:08:47.416
Trying to make somebody just like you. let them be who god made them to be.
00:08:47.483 --> 00:08:49.285
Like you. let them be who god made them to be. i have a 14-year-old niece named
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Made them to be. i have a 14-year-old niece named caroline. this is my sister
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I have a 14-year-old niece named caroline. this is my sister lisa's daughter and her husband
00:08:54.423 --> 00:08:55.491
Caroline. this is my sister lisa's daughter and her husband kevin.
00:08:55.558 --> 00:08:56.926
Lisa's daughter and her husband kevin. caroline is not only beautiful
00:08:56.993 --> 00:08:58.894
Kevin. caroline is not only beautiful but she is extremely creative.
00:08:58.961 --> 00:09:01.330
Caroline is not only beautiful but she is extremely creative. she loves fashion.
00:09:01.397 --> 00:09:03.099
But she is extremely creative. she loves fashion. she's got a great eye for
00:09:03.165 --> 00:09:04.400
She loves fashion. she's got a great eye for design.
00:09:04.467 --> 00:09:05.601
She's got a great eye for design. she can take the most unusual
00:09:05.668 --> 00:09:06.936
Design. she can take the most unusual clothes and jewelry and put them
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She can take the most unusual clothes and jewelry and put them together and make them really
00:09:08.638 --> 00:09:10.039
Clothes and jewelry and put them together and make them really look great.
00:09:10.106 --> 00:09:11.707
Together and make them really look great. nobody taught her to do this.
00:09:11.774 --> 00:09:13.476
Look great. nobody taught her to do this. it just comes naturally to her.
00:09:13.542 --> 00:09:15.511
Nobody taught her to do this. it just comes naturally to her. but here's the thing, caroline
00:09:15.578 --> 00:09:16.479
It just comes naturally to her. but here's the thing, caroline doesn't like traditional. she
00:09:16.545 --> 00:09:18.914
But here's the thing, caroline doesn't like traditional. she likes anything out of the
00:09:18.981 --> 00:09:20.082
Doesn't like traditional. she likes anything out of the ordinary.
00:09:20.149 --> 00:09:22.652
Likes anything out of the ordinary. she likes her hair any color but
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Ordinary. she likes her hair any color but her normal color. (laughter)
00:09:23.986 --> 00:09:25.721
She likes her hair any color but her normal color. (laughter) not brown but red or blonde or
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Her normal color. (laughter) not brown but red or blonde or black or with an orange streak
00:09:27.857 --> 00:09:29.725
Not brown but red or blonde or black or with an orange streak through it. she's got this
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Black or with an orange streak through it. she's got this incredible personality, so
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Through it. she's got this incredible personality, so stylish, so fashionable.
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Incredible personality, so stylish, so fashionable. when god puts people in our
00:09:35.564 --> 00:09:36.766
Stylish, so fashionable. when god puts people in our lives like that that are
00:09:36.832 --> 00:09:38.567
When god puts people in our lives like that that are different it's easy to think,
00:09:38.634 --> 00:09:40.136
Lives like that that are different it's easy to think, "well, they're far out. they're
00:09:40.202 --> 00:09:41.671
Different it's easy to think, "well, they're far out. they're strange. let me get them into
00:09:41.737 --> 00:09:42.972
"well, they're far out. they're strange. let me get them into my mold."
00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:45.107
Strange. let me get them into my mold." no, that's like trying to make
00:09:45.174 --> 00:09:47.043
My mold." no, that's like trying to make that dark green plant have light
00:09:47.109 --> 00:09:48.978
No, that's like trying to make that dark green plant have light green leaves.
00:09:49.045 --> 00:09:50.813
That dark green plant have light green leaves. it's not who they are.
00:09:50.880 --> 00:09:52.481
Green leaves. it's not who they are. god is the one that puts the
00:09:52.548 --> 00:09:53.883
It's not who they are. god is the one that puts the talents, the creativities, the
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God is the one that puts the talents, the creativities, the strengths, into different
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Talents, the creativities, the strengths, into different people.
00:09:57.420 --> 00:09:59.255
Strengths, into different people. our job is not to try to change
00:09:59.321 --> 00:10:00.690
People. our job is not to try to change them and make them like us.
00:10:00.756 --> 00:10:02.958
Our job is not to try to change them and make them like us. we should encourage them, give
00:10:03.025 --> 00:10:04.694
Them and make them like us. we should encourage them, give them advice, give them wisdom,
00:10:04.760 --> 00:10:06.762
We should encourage them, give them advice, give them wisdom, but take people off of your
00:10:06.829 --> 00:10:09.398
Them advice, give them wisdom, but take people off of your potter's wheel.
00:10:09.465 --> 00:10:10.733
But take people off of your potter's wheel. don't try to make them just like
00:10:10.800 --> 00:10:11.867
Potter's wheel. don't try to make them just like you. accept them for who god
00:10:11.934 --> 00:10:14.236
Don't try to make them just like you. accept them for who god made them to be.
00:10:14.303 --> 00:10:16.205
You. accept them for who god made them to be. you see me up here. it may seem
00:10:16.272 --> 00:10:18.207
Made them to be. you see me up here. it may seem like i'm really outgoing, i'm
00:10:18.274 --> 00:10:20.643
You see me up here. it may seem like i'm really outgoing, i'm very talkative. but the truth
00:10:20.710 --> 00:10:22.111
Like i'm really outgoing, i'm very talkative. but the truth is when i'm not up here i'm
00:10:22.178 --> 00:10:24.080
Very talkative. but the truth is when i'm not up here i'm very quiet and reserved.
00:10:24.146 --> 00:10:26.682
Is when i'm not up here i'm very quiet and reserved. i'm not super-talkative.
00:10:26.749 --> 00:10:28.484
Very quiet and reserved. i'm not super-talkative. of course, victoria and i, we
00:10:28.551 --> 00:10:29.852
I'm not super-talkative. of course, victoria and i, we talk at home and we have fun
00:10:29.919 --> 00:10:31.287
Of course, victoria and i, we talk at home and we have fun together. there's a lot of
00:10:31.353 --> 00:10:32.922
Talk at home and we have fun together. there's a lot of laughter in our home.
00:10:32.988 --> 00:10:34.690
Together. there's a lot of laughter in our home. but as much as victoria would
00:10:34.757 --> 00:10:36.525
Laughter in our home. but as much as victoria would probably like me to sit down and
00:10:36.592 --> 00:10:38.094
But as much as victoria would probably like me to sit down and talk with her two or three hours
00:10:38.160 --> 00:10:39.729
Probably like me to sit down and talk with her two or three hours every evening that's just not
00:10:39.795 --> 00:10:41.497
Talk with her two or three hours every evening that's just not who i am. (laughter)
00:10:41.564 --> 00:10:44.033
Every evening that's just not who i am. (laughter) i've grown. i do my best to
00:10:44.100 --> 00:10:45.367
Who i am. (laughter) i've grown. i do my best to communicate properly but
00:10:45.434 --> 00:10:47.636
I've grown. i do my best to communicate properly but victoria recognizes that's not
00:10:47.703 --> 00:10:49.605
Communicate properly but victoria recognizes that's not one of my strengths. she
00:10:49.672 --> 00:10:52.007
Victoria recognizes that's not one of my strengths. she doesn't try to make me into
00:10:52.074 --> 00:10:53.576
One of my strengths. she doesn't try to make me into something that i'm not. she
00:10:53.642 --> 00:10:55.377
Doesn't try to make me into something that i'm not. she accepts the fact that i'm just
00:10:55.444 --> 00:10:57.880
Something that i'm not. she accepts the fact that i'm just not one that's probably
00:10:57.947 --> 00:10:59.749
Accepts the fact that i'm just not one that's probably going to sit down and tell my
00:10:59.815 --> 00:11:01.083
Not one that's probably going to sit down and tell my innermost, deepest feelings.
00:11:01.150 --> 00:11:04.153
Going to sit down and tell my innermost, deepest feelings. one reason we have a good
00:11:04.220 --> 00:11:05.855
Innermost, deepest feelings. one reason we have a good relationship is because we're
00:11:05.921 --> 00:11:07.990
One reason we have a good relationship is because we're not constantly trying to change
00:11:08.057 --> 00:11:09.658
Relationship is because we're not constantly trying to change each other. we accept each
00:11:09.725 --> 00:11:11.761
Not constantly trying to change each other. we accept each other for who we are.
00:11:11.827 --> 00:11:13.729
Each other. we accept each other for who we are. if you're always working on
00:11:13.796 --> 00:11:15.197
Other for who we are. if you're always working on another person trying to change
00:11:15.264 --> 00:11:16.932
If you're always working on another person trying to change them, there's going to be this
00:11:16.999 --> 00:11:18.467
Another person trying to change them, there's going to be this underlying resentment that will
00:11:18.534 --> 00:11:20.603
Them, there's going to be this underlying resentment that will develop.
00:11:20.669 --> 00:11:22.171
Underlying resentment that will develop. it says, "why doesn't he talk to
00:11:22.238 --> 00:11:24.206
Develop. it says, "why doesn't he talk to me more? why does she act
00:11:24.273 --> 00:11:25.441
It says, "why doesn't he talk to me more? why does she act that way?"
00:11:25.508 --> 00:11:26.842
Me more? why does she act that way?" no, it's much better to say,
00:11:26.909 --> 00:11:29.278
That way?" no, it's much better to say, "that's just who god made them
00:11:29.345 --> 00:11:30.646
No, it's much better to say, "that's just who god made them to be. i can't change them,
00:11:30.713 --> 00:11:32.948
"that's just who god made them to be. i can't change them, only god can and if he does,
00:11:33.015 --> 00:11:35.918
To be. i can't change them, only god can and if he does, great. but in the meantime i'm
00:11:35.985 --> 00:11:37.520
Only god can and if he does, great. but in the meantime i'm not going to be frustrated."
00:11:37.586 --> 00:11:39.054
Great. but in the meantime i'm not going to be frustrated." here's my whole message in a
00:11:39.121 --> 00:11:40.990
Not going to be frustrated." here's my whole message in a nutshell; the other person may
00:11:41.056 --> 00:11:42.458
Here's my whole message in a nutshell; the other person may not change but you can change.
00:11:42.525 --> 00:11:45.561
Nutshell; the other person may not change but you can change. you don't have to allow what
00:11:45.628 --> 00:11:47.129
Not change but you can change. you don't have to allow what they do or don't do upset you
00:11:47.196 --> 00:11:49.799
You don't have to allow what they do or don't do upset you for the next 25 years.
00:11:49.865 --> 00:11:51.433
They do or don't do upset you for the next 25 years. (applause)
00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:53.769
For the next 25 years. (applause) victoria has had to make
00:11:53.836 --> 00:11:54.737
(applause) victoria has had to make allowances for my weaknesses.
00:11:54.804 --> 00:11:56.572
Victoria has had to make allowances for my weaknesses. i've had to make allowances for
00:11:56.639 --> 00:11:57.606
Allowances for my weaknesses. i've had to make allowances for her weaknesses.
00:11:57.673 --> 00:11:59.575
I've had to make allowances for her weaknesses. when i come to church i like to
00:11:59.642 --> 00:12:00.709
Her weaknesses. when i come to church i like to arrive at least 30 minutes early
00:12:00.776 --> 00:12:03.679
When i come to church i like to arrive at least 30 minutes early so i can go over my notes,
00:12:03.746 --> 00:12:05.114
Arrive at least 30 minutes early so i can go over my notes, prepare and really be in peace.
00:12:05.181 --> 00:12:08.150
So i can go over my notes, prepare and really be in peace. victoria on the other hand, she
00:12:08.217 --> 00:12:09.885
Prepare and really be in peace. victoria on the other hand, she likes to come just a few minutes
00:12:09.952 --> 00:12:11.320
Victoria on the other hand, she likes to come just a few minutes before the service starts.
00:12:11.387 --> 00:12:13.522
Likes to come just a few minutes before the service starts. she prepares at home and goes
00:12:13.589 --> 00:12:14.590
Before the service starts. she prepares at home and goes over her notes there.
00:12:14.657 --> 00:12:16.559
She prepares at home and goes over her notes there. for years i really tried to
00:12:16.625 --> 00:12:17.326
Over her notes there. for years i really tried to change her.
00:12:17.393 --> 00:12:17.960
For years i really tried to change her. i'd say, "victoria, why don't
00:12:18.027 --> 00:12:20.496
Change her. i'd say, "victoria, why don't you leave a little bit earlier
00:12:20.563 --> 00:12:21.831
I'd say, "victoria, why don't you leave a little bit earlier in case you get caught in
00:12:21.897 --> 00:12:23.399
You leave a little bit earlier in case you get caught in traffic, in case you get delayed
00:12:23.465 --> 00:12:24.233
In case you get caught in traffic, in case you get delayed for some reason."
00:12:24.300 --> 00:12:26.368
Traffic, in case you get delayed for some reason." we've been doing this for twelve
00:12:26.435 --> 00:12:27.603
For some reason." we've been doing this for twelve years and she's never once
00:12:27.670 --> 00:12:28.971
We've been doing this for twelve years and she's never once missed the opening of the
00:12:29.038 --> 00:12:29.638
Years and she's never once missed the opening of the service.
00:12:29.705 --> 00:12:31.273
Missed the opening of the service. i was just trying to fit her
00:12:31.340 --> 00:12:32.107
Service. i was just trying to fit her into my mold.
00:12:32.174 --> 00:12:35.244
I was just trying to fit her into my mold. when we moved from the other
00:12:35.311 --> 00:12:36.445
Into my mold. when we moved from the other location to this new building
00:12:36.512 --> 00:12:38.147
When we moved from the other location to this new building instead of being a 30-minute
00:12:38.214 --> 00:12:40.482
Location to this new building instead of being a 30-minute drive it's only a ten minute
00:12:40.549 --> 00:12:41.851
Instead of being a 30-minute drive it's only a ten minute drive. i thought, "great!
00:12:41.917 --> 00:12:43.686
Drive it's only a ten minute drive. i thought, "great! that's going to solve
00:12:43.752 --> 00:12:44.353
Drive. i thought, "great! that's going to solve everything. she's going to be
00:12:44.420 --> 00:12:45.354
That's going to solve everything. she's going to be here 20 minutes early."
00:12:45.421 --> 00:12:46.589
Everything. she's going to be here 20 minutes early." but that's not how she saw it.
00:12:46.655 --> 00:12:48.958
Here 20 minutes early." but that's not how she saw it. she already calculated that's 20
00:12:49.024 --> 00:12:50.326
But that's not how she saw it. she already calculated that's 20 minutes for her to get something
00:12:50.392 --> 00:12:52.094
She already calculated that's 20 minutes for her to get something else done. (laughter)
00:12:52.161 --> 00:12:53.929
Minutes for her to get something else done. (laughter) here's my point: she didn't
00:12:53.996 --> 00:12:55.497
Else done. (laughter) here's my point: she didn't change but i changed.
00:12:55.564 --> 00:12:58.534
Here's my point: she didn't change but i changed. after 25 years of marriage, 25
00:12:58.601 --> 00:13:00.002
Change but i changed. after 25 years of marriage, 25 years of trying to make her just
00:13:00.069 --> 00:13:02.338
After 25 years of marriage, 25 years of trying to make her just like me, i had a breakthrough, a
00:13:02.404 --> 00:13:04.073
Years of trying to make her just like me, i had a breakthrough, a revelation.
00:13:04.139 --> 00:13:06.609
Like me, i had a breakthrough, a revelation. god made her like that on
00:13:06.675 --> 00:13:07.843
Revelation. god made her like that on purpose.
00:13:07.910 --> 00:13:09.411
God made her like that on purpose. i've learned to accept her and
00:13:09.478 --> 00:13:11.347
Purpose. i've learned to accept her and approve her just the way she is.
00:13:11.413 --> 00:13:13.215
I've learned to accept her and approve her just the way she is. (applause)
00:13:13.282 --> 00:13:15.084
Approve her just the way she is. (applause) are there people in your life,
00:13:15.150 --> 00:13:18.888
(applause) are there people in your life, you're waiting for them to
00:13:18.954 --> 00:13:20.356
Are there people in your life, you're waiting for them to change and then you're going to
00:13:20.422 --> 00:13:21.657
You're waiting for them to change and then you're going to be happy?
00:13:21.724 --> 00:13:23.058
Change and then you're going to be happy? then you're going to let them
00:13:23.125 --> 00:13:23.926
Be happy? then you're going to let them off the hook.
00:13:23.993 --> 00:13:24.827
Then you're going to let them off the hook. as soon as they fit into your
00:13:24.894 --> 00:13:26.028
Off the hook. as soon as they fit into your mold then you're going to give
00:13:26.095 --> 00:13:27.363
As soon as they fit into your mold then you're going to give them your approval.
00:13:27.429 --> 00:13:29.965
Mold then you're going to give them your approval. no, take this in the right way:
00:13:30.032 --> 00:13:31.267
Them your approval. no, take this in the right way: they may never change.
00:13:31.333 --> 00:13:34.003
No, take this in the right way: they may never change. it may not be who god created
00:13:34.069 --> 00:13:35.437
They may never change. it may not be who god created them to be.
00:13:35.504 --> 00:13:36.872
It may not be who god created them to be. the good news is you can change.
00:13:36.939 --> 00:13:39.241
Them to be. the good news is you can change. it doesn't have to bother you.
00:13:39.308 --> 00:13:41.176
The good news is you can change. it doesn't have to bother you. it doesn't have to lessen the
00:13:41.243 --> 00:13:42.311
It doesn't have to bother you. it doesn't have to lessen the relationship.
00:13:42.378 --> 00:13:44.046
It doesn't have to lessen the relationship. don't focus on what you don't
00:13:44.113 --> 00:13:45.481
Relationship. don't focus on what you don't like about that person.
00:13:45.547 --> 00:13:47.449
Don't focus on what you don't like about that person. focus on their good qualities.
00:13:47.516 --> 00:13:49.685
Like about that person. focus on their good qualities. i've heard it said, "men, when
00:13:49.752 --> 00:13:51.587
Focus on their good qualities. i've heard it said, "men, when you're tempted to complain about
00:13:51.654 --> 00:13:53.055
I've heard it said, "men, when you're tempted to complain about your wife's faults remember it
00:13:53.122 --> 00:13:54.857
You're tempted to complain about your wife's faults remember it was those faults that kept her
00:13:54.924 --> 00:13:56.892
Your wife's faults remember it was those faults that kept her from getting a better husband."
00:13:56.959 --> 00:13:59.028
Was those faults that kept her from getting a better husband." (laughter/applause)
00:13:59.094 --> 00:14:00.996
From getting a better husband." (laughter/applause) focus on the good qualities.
00:14:01.063 --> 00:14:02.531
(laughter/applause) focus on the good qualities. remember the reasons that you
00:14:02.598 --> 00:14:03.599
Focus on the good qualities. remember the reasons that you fell in love.
00:14:03.666 --> 00:14:06.001
Remember the reasons that you fell in love. proverbs 18:22 says, "he who
00:14:06.068 --> 00:14:07.603
Fell in love. proverbs 18:22 says, "he who finds a wife finds a good thing
00:14:07.670 --> 00:14:09.571
Proverbs 18:22 says, "he who finds a wife finds a good thing and finds favor from the lord."
00:14:09.638 --> 00:14:13.075
Finds a wife finds a good thing and finds favor from the lord." (applause)
00:14:13.142 --> 00:14:14.843
And finds favor from the lord." (applause) husbands, you've got to remind
00:14:14.910 --> 00:14:15.644
(applause) husbands, you've got to remind yourself your wife is bringing
00:14:15.711 --> 00:14:16.845
Husbands, you've got to remind yourself your wife is bringing you favor.
00:14:16.912 --> 00:14:18.948
Yourself your wife is bringing you favor. victoria doest let me forget
00:14:19.014 --> 00:14:20.115
You favor. victoria doest let me forget it. shll go through the house
00:14:20.182 --> 00:14:21.050
Victoria doest let me forget it. shll go through the house saying, "joel, when you got me
00:14:21.116 --> 00:14:22.484
It. shll go through the house saying, "joel, when you got me you got favor."
00:14:22.551 --> 00:14:24.320
Saying, "joel, when you got me you got favor." i say, "yeah, and i got a lot of
00:14:24.386 --> 00:14:25.587
You got favor." i say, "yeah, and i got a lot of other things too."
00:14:25.654 --> 00:14:26.588
I say, "yeah, and i got a lot of other things too." (laughter)
00:14:26.655 --> 00:14:29.258
Other things too." (laughter) but here's a key: give people
00:14:29.325 --> 00:14:30.259
(laughter) but here's a key: give people room to not be perfect.
00:14:30.326 --> 00:14:33.362
But here's a key: give people room to not be perfect. your wife may not be the
00:14:33.429 --> 00:14:34.697
Room to not be perfect. your wife may not be the greatest cook in the world but
00:14:34.763 --> 00:14:36.632
Your wife may not be the greatest cook in the world but she is a fantastic mother.
00:14:36.699 --> 00:14:38.600
Greatest cook in the world but she is a fantastic mother. you and your children are
00:14:38.667 --> 00:14:40.235
She is a fantastic mother. you and your children are blessed to have that woman in
00:14:40.302 --> 00:14:44.840
You and your children are blessed to have that woman in your life.
00:14:44.907 --> 00:14:45.641
Blessed to have that woman in your life. see the good.
00:14:45.708 --> 00:14:46.575
Your life. see the good. your husband may not be the
00:14:46.642 --> 00:14:47.443
See the good. your husband may not be the greatest communicator but he is
00:14:47.509 --> 00:14:48.377
Your husband may not be the greatest communicator but he is a hard worker.
00:14:48.444 --> 00:14:49.311
Greatest communicator but he is a hard worker. you never have to worry about
00:14:49.378 --> 00:14:50.446
A hard worker. you never have to worry about the bills being paid.
00:14:50.512 --> 00:14:51.313
You never have to worry about the bills being paid. focus on those good qualities.
00:14:51.380 --> 00:14:53.649
The bills being paid. focus on those good qualities. the scripture says, "a wife is
00:14:53.716 --> 00:14:54.917
Focus on those good qualities. the scripture says, "a wife is to enjoy her husband."
00:14:54.984 --> 00:14:58.687
The scripture says, "a wife is to enjoy her husband." notice it doesn't say, "you are
00:14:58.754 --> 00:14:59.855
To enjoy her husband." notice it doesn't say, "you are to remodel your husband."
00:14:59.922 --> 00:15:00.956
Notice it doesn't say, "you are to remodel your husband." (laughter)
00:15:01.023 --> 00:15:02.791
To remodel your husband." (laughter) take that man off your potter's
00:15:02.858 --> 00:15:03.759
(laughter) take that man off your potter's wheel.
00:15:03.826 --> 00:15:05.027
Take that man off your potter's wheel. sometimes we are not enjoying
00:15:05.094 --> 00:15:06.962
Wheel. sometimes we are not enjoying the people god has put in our
00:15:07.029 --> 00:15:08.497
Sometimes we are not enjoying the people god has put in our life because we're too busy
00:15:08.564 --> 00:15:10.032
The people god has put in our life because we're too busy trying to change them.
00:15:10.099 --> 00:15:12.801
Life because we're too busy trying to change them. "well, joel. my husband doesn't
00:15:12.868 --> 00:15:14.003
Trying to change them. "well, joel. my husband doesn't bring me flowers like susie's
00:15:14.069 --> 00:15:15.170
"well, joel. my husband doesn't bring me flowers like susie's husband every week. they have a
00:15:15.237 --> 00:15:17.606
Bring me flowers like susie's husband every week. they have a candlelight dinner every friday
00:15:17.673 --> 00:15:19.041
Husband every week. they have a candlelight dinner every friday night. he writes her this
00:15:19.108 --> 00:15:21.310
Candlelight dinner every friday night. he writes her this beautiful, romantic, poetry."
00:15:21.377 --> 00:15:23.979
Night. he writes her this beautiful, romantic, poetry." no, quit comparing your spouse
00:15:24.046 --> 00:15:25.280
Beautiful, romantic, poetry." no, quit comparing your spouse to romeo over there.
00:15:25.347 --> 00:15:27.449
No, quit comparing your spouse to romeo over there. and just accept the person god
00:15:27.516 --> 00:15:29.284
To romeo over there. and just accept the person god has given you.
00:15:29.351 --> 00:15:31.120
And just accept the person god has given you. that other man may be romeo but
00:15:31.186 --> 00:15:33.689
Has given you. that other man may be romeo but i can assure you he has some
00:15:33.756 --> 00:15:35.724
That other man may be romeo but i can assure you he has some weaknesses. there's something
00:15:35.791 --> 00:15:37.526
I can assure you he has some weaknesses. there's something that lady has to overlook.
00:15:37.593 --> 00:15:39.928
Weaknesses. there's something that lady has to overlook. i'll admit i'm not the most
00:15:39.995 --> 00:15:40.796
That lady has to overlook. i'll admit i'm not the most romantic person but i remind
00:15:40.863 --> 00:15:42.831
I'll admit i'm not the most romantic person but i remind victoria all the time, "i may
00:15:42.898 --> 00:15:44.166
Romantic person but i remind victoria all the time, "i may not be romeo but at least i'm
00:15:44.233 --> 00:15:46.068
Victoria all the time, "i may not be romeo but at least i'm joel-eo."
00:15:46.135 --> 00:15:47.870
Not be romeo but at least i'm joel-eo." (laughter/applause)
00:15:47.936 --> 00:15:49.438
Joel-eo." (laughter/applause) that's really corny. (laughter)
00:15:49.505 --> 00:15:53.609
(laughter/applause) that's really corny. (laughter) i didn't come up with it.
00:15:53.675 --> 00:15:54.243
That's really corny. (laughter) i didn't come up with it. somebody gave it to me though.
00:15:54.309 --> 00:15:55.310
I didn't come up with it. somebody gave it to me though. (laughter.)
00:15:55.377 --> 00:15:57.446
Somebody gave it to me though. (laughter.) instead of complaining about
00:15:57.513 --> 00:15:58.514
(laughter.) instead of complaining about what you don't like about a
00:15:58.580 --> 00:16:00.616
Instead of complaining about what you don't like about a person, "well, you never bring
00:16:00.682 --> 00:16:02.051
What you don't like about a person, "well, you never bring me flowers. well, you never
00:16:02.117 --> 00:16:03.218
Person, "well, you never bring me flowers. well, you never talk to me. well, you're always
00:16:03.285 --> 00:16:04.953
Me flowers. well, you never talk to me. well, you're always too busy. you're never
00:16:05.020 --> 00:16:05.921
Talk to me. well, you're always too busy. you're never available."
00:16:05.988 --> 00:16:06.722
Too busy. you're never available." no, try a different approach.
00:16:06.789 --> 00:16:08.257
Available." no, try a different approach. start telling that person what
00:16:08.323 --> 00:16:10.292
No, try a different approach. start telling that person what you do like about them.
00:16:10.359 --> 00:16:11.794
Start telling that person what you do like about them. "i really appreciate you being
00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:13.162
You do like about them. "i really appreciate you being such a great mother. you are so
00:16:13.228 --> 00:16:15.030
"i really appreciate you being such a great mother. you are so good with our children."
00:16:15.097 --> 00:16:16.965
Such a great mother. you are so good with our children." "i really appreciate you being
00:16:17.032 --> 00:16:18.667
Good with our children." "i really appreciate you being such a hard worker. you're
00:16:18.734 --> 00:16:19.535
"i really appreciate you being such a hard worker. you're somebody i can always count
00:16:19.601 --> 00:16:20.769
Such a hard worker. you're somebody i can always count on."
00:16:20.836 --> 00:16:22.404
Somebody i can always count on." listen, people respond to praise
00:16:22.471 --> 00:16:23.739
On." listen, people respond to praise a lot better than they do
00:16:23.806 --> 00:16:24.973
Listen, people respond to praise a lot better than they do criticism. instead of nagging
00:16:25.040 --> 00:16:27.876
A lot better than they do criticism. instead of nagging that husband, "you're so lazy.
00:16:27.943 --> 00:16:29.445
Criticism. instead of nagging that husband, "you're so lazy. you never mow the lawn.
00:16:29.511 --> 00:16:31.080
That husband, "you're so lazy. you never mow the lawn. why don't you get up off this
00:16:31.146 --> 00:16:32.414
You never mow the lawn. why don't you get up off this couch?" (laughter)
00:16:32.481 --> 00:16:33.515
Why don't you get up off this couch?" (laughter) no, just say, "have i ever told
00:16:33.582 --> 00:16:34.850
Couch?" (laughter) no, just say, "have i ever told you when i see you out there
00:16:34.917 --> 00:16:36.452
No, just say, "have i ever told you when i see you out there mowing the lawn and those
00:16:36.518 --> 00:16:38.120
You when i see you out there mowing the lawn and those muscles bulging and that sweat
00:16:38.187 --> 00:16:41.290
Mowing the lawn and those muscles bulging and that sweat dripping down your face, the
00:16:41.356 --> 00:16:43.792
Muscles bulging and that sweat dripping down your face, the wind blowing through your
00:16:43.859 --> 00:16:45.360
Dripping down your face, the wind blowing through your toupee, how incredibly handsome
00:16:45.427 --> 00:16:48.430
Wind blowing through your toupee, how incredibly handsome you are?" (laughter/applause)
00:16:48.497 --> 00:16:51.533
Toupee, how incredibly handsome you are?" (laughter/applause) you praise him like that and
00:16:51.600 --> 00:16:52.868
You are?" (laughter/applause) you praise him like that and he'll mow the lawn every day.
00:16:52.935 --> 00:16:54.837
You praise him like that and he'll mow the lawn every day. (laughter)
00:16:54.903 --> 00:16:58.240
He'll mow the lawn every day. (laughter) it's amazing what people will
00:16:58.307 --> 00:16:59.641
(laughter) it's amazing what people will do when you see the best in
00:16:59.708 --> 00:17:01.009
It's amazing what people will do when you see the best in them, when you honor them, when
00:17:01.076 --> 00:17:03.712
Do when you see the best in them, when you honor them, when you respect them.
00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:05.647
Them, when you honor them, when you respect them. it not only strengthens the
00:17:05.714 --> 00:17:06.748
You respect them. it not only strengthens the relationship but it will help
00:17:06.815 --> 00:17:08.117
It not only strengthens the relationship but it will help that other person rise higher.
00:17:08.183 --> 00:17:10.319
Relationship but it will help that other person rise higher. it's like a cork that's inside a
00:17:10.385 --> 00:17:11.787
That other person rise higher. it's like a cork that's inside a large bottle.
00:17:11.854 --> 00:17:14.323
It's like a cork that's inside a large bottle. as long as there's no water in
00:17:14.389 --> 00:17:16.558
Large bottle. as long as there's no water in the bottle the cork will be at
00:17:16.625 --> 00:17:17.926
As long as there's no water in the bottle the cork will be at the bottom. but when you pour
00:17:17.993 --> 00:17:19.528
The bottle the cork will be at the bottom. but when you pour water in, the cork will always
00:17:19.595 --> 00:17:21.396
The bottom. but when you pour water in, the cork will always rise to the top of the water.
00:17:21.463 --> 00:17:24.366
Water in, the cork will always rise to the top of the water. well, the person you're in
00:17:24.433 --> 00:17:25.200
Rise to the top of the water. well, the person you're in relationship with is like the
00:17:25.267 --> 00:17:26.168
Well, the person you're in relationship with is like the cork.
00:17:26.235 --> 00:17:27.936
Relationship with is like the cork. they may be on the bottom right
00:17:28.003 --> 00:17:29.071
Cork. they may be on the bottom right now but as you give encourage
00:17:29.138 --> 00:17:31.073
They may be on the bottom right now but as you give encourage -ment, show honor, show
00:17:31.140 --> 00:17:32.641
Now but as you give encourage -ment, show honor, show respect, you're pouring water
00:17:32.708 --> 00:17:34.076
-ment, show honor, show respect, you're pouring water into that bottle. they won't
00:17:34.143 --> 00:17:36.178
Respect, you're pouring water into that bottle. they won't stay where they are. they'll
00:17:36.245 --> 00:17:38.413
Into that bottle. they won't stay where they are. they'll continue to rise to the level
00:17:38.480 --> 00:17:40.282
Stay where they are. they'll continue to rise to the level that you pour into them.
00:17:40.349 --> 00:17:42.551
Continue to rise to the level that you pour into them. you want to make your spouse,
00:17:42.618 --> 00:17:43.819
That you pour into them. you want to make your spouse, your children, your loved one a
00:17:43.886 --> 00:17:44.987
You want to make your spouse, your children, your loved one a better person?
00:17:45.053 --> 00:17:46.655
Your children, your loved one a better person? honor them in a greater way.
00:17:46.722 --> 00:17:48.524
Better person? honor them in a greater way. accept them for who they are.
00:17:48.590 --> 00:17:51.059
Honor them in a greater way. accept them for who they are. give them your approval even if
00:17:51.126 --> 00:17:52.928
Accept them for who they are. give them your approval even if they don't fit into your mold.
00:17:52.995 --> 00:17:55.597
Give them your approval even if they don't fit into your mold. you have tremendous power and
00:17:55.664 --> 00:17:57.366
They don't fit into your mold. you have tremendous power and influence into their lives.
00:17:57.432 --> 00:17:59.835
You have tremendous power and influence into their lives. you can push them further with
00:17:59.902 --> 00:18:01.937
Influence into their lives. you can push them further with your honor, your acceptance,
00:18:02.004 --> 00:18:04.206
You can push them further with your honor, your acceptance, your approval, or you can
00:18:04.273 --> 00:18:05.807
Your honor, your acceptance, your approval, or you can withhold it and keep them back.
00:18:05.874 --> 00:18:08.477
Your approval, or you can withhold it and keep them back. i know this young couple that
00:18:08.544 --> 00:18:10.045
Withhold it and keep them back. i know this young couple that were newly married.
00:18:10.112 --> 00:18:12.147
I know this young couple that were newly married. the husband was a graphic
00:18:12.214 --> 00:18:13.248
Were newly married. the husband was a graphic designer, very talented, very
00:18:13.315 --> 00:18:14.950
The husband was a graphic designer, very talented, very creative. his wife was so proud
00:18:15.017 --> 00:18:17.619
Designer, very talented, very creative. his wife was so proud of him. she was always bragging
00:18:17.686 --> 00:18:19.154
Creative. his wife was so proud of him. she was always bragging on him, saying, "you are so
00:18:19.221 --> 00:18:21.323
Of him. she was always bragging on him, saying, "you are so gifted. you're going to do
00:18:21.390 --> 00:18:22.858
On him, saying, "you are so gifted. you're going to do great things."
00:18:22.925 --> 00:18:24.760
Gifted. you're going to do great things." the first few years of the
00:18:24.826 --> 00:18:26.094
Great things." the first few years of the marriage this husband got
00:18:26.161 --> 00:18:27.963
The first few years of the marriage this husband got several major promotions.
00:18:28.030 --> 00:18:30.399
Marriage this husband got several major promotions. his career just took off and
00:18:30.465 --> 00:18:31.934
Several major promotions. his career just took off and excelled. his wife was so happy
00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:33.368
His career just took off and excelled. his wife was so happy and she continued to encourage
00:18:33.435 --> 00:18:35.837
Excelled. his wife was so happy and she continued to encourage him. but the next four or five
00:18:35.904 --> 00:18:37.639
And she continued to encourage him. but the next four or five year span, things had slowed
00:18:37.706 --> 00:18:39.841
Him. but the next four or five year span, things had slowed down. he didn't get any
00:18:39.908 --> 00:18:41.810
Year span, things had slowed down. he didn't get any promotions. he was at the same
00:18:41.877 --> 00:18:43.078
Down. he didn't get any promotions. he was at the same level doing the same type of
00:18:43.145 --> 00:18:44.746
Promotions. he was at the same level doing the same type of work. he was still very
00:18:44.813 --> 00:18:46.615
Level doing the same type of work. he was still very successful, still proud of
00:18:46.682 --> 00:18:47.849
Work. he was still very successful, still proud of himself. the problem is he had
00:18:47.916 --> 00:18:49.484
Successful, still proud of himself. the problem is he had not met his wife's
00:18:49.551 --> 00:18:51.553
Himself. the problem is he had not met his wife's expectations.
00:18:51.620 --> 00:18:54.523
Not met his wife's expectations. she thought he should be further
00:18:54.590 --> 00:18:56.124
Expectations. she thought he should be further and that he wasn't nearly as
00:18:56.191 --> 00:18:58.093
She thought he should be further and that he wasn't nearly as aggressive enough.
00:18:58.160 --> 00:18:59.962
And that he wasn't nearly as aggressive enough. she didn't say anything out loud
00:19:00.028 --> 00:19:01.797
Aggressive enough. she didn't say anything out loud but by her actions you could
00:19:01.863 --> 00:19:03.899
She didn't say anything out loud but by her actions you could tell she was disappointed. she
00:19:03.966 --> 00:19:05.968
But by her actions you could tell she was disappointed. she quit pouring in the honor. she
00:19:06.034 --> 00:19:08.003
Tell she was disappointed. she quit pouring in the honor. she quit encouraging. she didn't
00:19:08.070 --> 00:19:10.205
Quit pouring in the honor. she quit encouraging. she didn't brag on him anymore. why?
00:19:10.272 --> 00:19:12.608
Quit encouraging. she didn't brag on him anymore. why? he wasn't fitting into her mold.
00:19:12.674 --> 00:19:15.611
Brag on him anymore. why? he wasn't fitting into her mold. he wasn't meeting her standards.
00:19:15.677 --> 00:19:17.879
He wasn't fitting into her mold. he wasn't meeting her standards. and they had always had a great
00:19:17.946 --> 00:19:18.680
He wasn't meeting her standards. and they had always had a great marriage, as happy as can be.
00:19:18.747 --> 00:19:21.250
And they had always had a great marriage, as happy as can be. but now the seeds of discontent
00:19:21.316 --> 00:19:23.485
Marriage, as happy as can be. but now the seeds of discontent started to take root.
00:19:23.552 --> 00:19:25.487
But now the seeds of discontent started to take root. long story short, a few years
00:19:25.554 --> 00:19:27.122
Started to take root. long story short, a few years later, they split up and went
00:19:27.189 --> 00:19:28.490
Long story short, a few years later, they split up and went their separate ways.
00:19:28.557 --> 00:19:30.192
Later, they split up and went their separate ways. that's what can happen when we
00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:31.627
Their separate ways. that's what can happen when we try to make people fit into our
00:19:31.693 --> 00:19:33.962
That's what can happen when we try to make people fit into our mold.
00:19:34.029 --> 00:19:35.731
Try to make people fit into our mold. we quit pouring the honor in.
00:19:35.797 --> 00:19:37.399
Mold. we quit pouring the honor in. we quit respecting.
00:19:37.466 --> 00:19:39.434
We quit pouring the honor in. we quit respecting. we may not say it out loud but
00:19:39.501 --> 00:19:41.737
We quit respecting. we may not say it out loud but by our actions they can feel
00:19:41.803 --> 00:19:43.872
We may not say it out loud but by our actions they can feel that we're disappointed, that
00:19:43.939 --> 00:19:45.440
By our actions they can feel that we're disappointed, that we're not proud of them. we're
00:19:45.507 --> 00:19:47.509
That we're disappointed, that we're not proud of them. we're focused on their faults and all
00:19:47.576 --> 00:19:49.378
We're not proud of them. we're focused on their faults and all the qualities that we don't
00:19:49.444 --> 00:19:50.445
Focused on their faults and all the qualities that we don't like about them.
00:19:50.512 --> 00:19:52.514
The qualities that we don't like about them. no, take people off of your
00:19:52.581 --> 00:19:53.482
Like about them. no, take people off of your potter's wheel.
00:19:53.548 --> 00:19:56.251
No, take people off of your potter's wheel. your spouse, your children, the
00:19:56.318 --> 00:19:57.552
Potter's wheel. your spouse, your children, the people you love, they may not
00:19:57.619 --> 00:19:59.521
Your spouse, your children, the people you love, they may not have met your goals, they may
00:19:59.588 --> 00:20:01.757
People you love, they may not have met your goals, they may not be as aggressive as you
00:20:01.823 --> 00:20:03.725
Have met your goals, they may not be as aggressive as you would like them to be but you
00:20:03.792 --> 00:20:04.926
Not be as aggressive as you would like them to be but you have to accept them for who they
00:20:04.993 --> 00:20:06.795
Would like them to be but you have to accept them for who they are today.
00:20:06.862 --> 00:20:09.798
Have to accept them for who they are today. they may not be where you want
00:20:09.865 --> 00:20:10.899
Are today. they may not be where you want them to be but god is the one
00:20:10.966 --> 00:20:12.668
They may not be where you want them to be but god is the one that is directing their steps.
00:20:12.734 --> 00:20:15.470
Them to be but god is the one that is directing their steps. god is the one that is making
00:20:15.537 --> 00:20:16.605
That is directing their steps. god is the one that is making them and mold them.
00:20:16.672 --> 00:20:18.840
God is the one that is making them and mold them. love them for who they are right
00:20:18.907 --> 00:20:19.808
Them and mold them. love them for who they are right now.
00:20:19.875 --> 00:20:22.311
Love them for who they are right now. don't have the attitude, "i'll
00:20:22.377 --> 00:20:23.445
Now. don't have the attitude, "i'll love you as long as you succeed
00:20:23.512 --> 00:20:26.882
Don't have the attitude, "i'll love you as long as you succeed on my timetable, as long as you
00:20:26.948 --> 00:20:28.216
Love you as long as you succeed on my timetable, as long as you meet my standards, as long as
00:20:28.283 --> 00:20:30.886
On my timetable, as long as you meet my standards, as long as you change the way i want you to
00:20:30.952 --> 00:20:32.187
Meet my standards, as long as you change the way i want you to change."
00:20:32.254 --> 00:20:33.955
You change the way i want you to change." no, give people room to be who
00:20:34.022 --> 00:20:35.457
Change." no, give people room to be who god created them to be.
00:20:35.524 --> 00:20:38.493
No, give people room to be who god created them to be. god's plan for their life may
00:20:38.560 --> 00:20:40.162
God created them to be. god's plan for their life may not be the same plan that you
00:20:40.228 --> 00:20:42.397
God's plan for their life may not be the same plan that you have for their life.
00:20:42.464 --> 00:20:44.299
Not be the same plan that you have for their life. his timetable may be different
00:20:44.366 --> 00:20:45.534
Have for their life. his timetable may be different than your timetable.
00:20:45.600 --> 00:20:49.171
His timetable may be different than your timetable. but i can assure you god knows
00:20:49.237 --> 00:20:50.272
Than your timetable. but i can assure you god knows what he is doing.
00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:52.407
But i can assure you god knows what he is doing. his plan will be bigger, better,
00:20:52.474 --> 00:20:54.609
What he is doing. his plan will be bigger, better, more rewarding, more fulfilling.
00:20:54.676 --> 00:20:57.245
His plan will be bigger, better, more rewarding, more fulfilling. now don't withhold your
00:20:57.312 --> 00:20:58.447
More rewarding, more fulfilling. now don't withhold your blessing. keep pouring in the
00:20:58.513 --> 00:21:00.749
Now don't withhold your blessing. keep pouring in the honor. keep encouraging.
00:21:00.816 --> 00:21:03.452
Blessing. keep pouring in the honor. keep encouraging. keep respecting. and god will
00:21:03.518 --> 00:21:04.720
Honor. keep encouraging. keep respecting. and god will get them to where he wants them
00:21:04.786 --> 00:21:06.521
Keep respecting. and god will get them to where he wants them to be. (applause)
00:21:06.588 --> 00:21:08.724
Get them to where he wants them to be. (applause) but too many people, like this
00:21:08.790 --> 00:21:09.891
To be. (applause) but too many people, like this woman, they end a relationship
00:21:09.958 --> 00:21:11.626
But too many people, like this woman, they end a relationship because there is one main thing
00:21:11.693 --> 00:21:14.363
Woman, they end a relationship because there is one main thing they don't like about the
00:21:14.429 --> 00:21:16.031
Because there is one main thing they don't like about the person. they focus on what
00:21:16.098 --> 00:21:17.766
They don't like about the person. they focus on what annoys them and magnify how
00:21:17.833 --> 00:21:20.435
Person. they focus on what annoys them and magnify how they've got too much of this or
00:21:20.502 --> 00:21:23.338
Annoys them and magnify how they've got too much of this or not enough of that.
00:21:23.405 --> 00:21:25.040
They've got too much of this or not enough of that. they'll go find somebody else
00:21:25.107 --> 00:21:27.008
Not enough of that. they'll go find somebody else that has a strength where that
00:21:27.075 --> 00:21:28.643
They'll go find somebody else that has a strength where that other person has a weakness.
00:21:28.710 --> 00:21:31.646
That has a strength where that other person has a weakness. the problem is this new person
00:21:31.713 --> 00:21:33.148
Other person has a weakness. the problem is this new person will have a weakness where the
00:21:33.215 --> 00:21:35.217
The problem is this new person will have a weakness where the other person had a strength.
00:21:35.283 --> 00:21:37.552
Will have a weakness where the other person had a strength. we're just moving things around.
00:21:37.619 --> 00:21:38.920
Other person had a strength. we're just moving things around. so it's always going to come
00:21:38.987 --> 00:21:40.288
We're just moving things around. so it's always going to come down to overlooking the
00:21:40.355 --> 00:21:41.723
So it's always going to come down to overlooking the weaknesses, seeing the best in
00:21:41.790 --> 00:21:43.392
Down to overlooking the weaknesses, seeing the best in them, accepting people for who
00:21:43.458 --> 00:21:45.360
Weaknesses, seeing the best in them, accepting people for who they are.
00:21:45.427 --> 00:21:47.929
Them, accepting people for who they are. i've heard it said, "someone
00:21:47.996 --> 00:21:49.164
They are. i've heard it said, "someone will leave a person that has 80%
00:21:49.231 --> 00:21:50.565
I've heard it said, "someone will leave a person that has 80% of what they need because they
00:21:50.632 --> 00:21:53.969
Will leave a person that has 80% of what they need because they find the other 20% in somebody
00:21:54.035 --> 00:21:55.137
Of what they need because they find the other 20% in somebody else."
00:21:55.203 --> 00:21:58.874
Find the other 20% in somebody else." what they don't realize is no
00:21:58.940 --> 00:21:59.508
Else." what they don't realize is no person has 100%.
00:21:59.574 --> 00:22:03.578
What they don't realize is no person has 100%. if you leave the 80 because you
00:22:03.645 --> 00:22:05.046
Person has 100%. if you leave the 80 because you find the 20 in someone else,
00:22:05.113 --> 00:22:07.215
If you leave the 80 because you find the 20 in someone else, well sooner than later, you will
00:22:07.282 --> 00:22:09.484
Find the 20 in someone else, well sooner than later, you will realize that there is 20% that
00:22:09.551 --> 00:22:12.320
Well sooner than later, you will realize that there is 20% that that new person doesn't have as
00:22:12.387 --> 00:22:14.523
Realize that there is 20% that that new person doesn't have as well.
00:22:14.589 --> 00:22:15.090
That new person doesn't have as well. it's much better to recognize no
00:22:15.157 --> 00:22:16.324
Well. it's much better to recognize no one person can give you
00:22:16.391 --> 00:22:18.693
It's much better to recognize no one person can give you everything that you need.
00:22:18.760 --> 00:22:20.996
One person can give you everything that you need. you've got to focus on their
00:22:21.062 --> 00:22:22.497
Everything that you need. you've got to focus on their good qualities and don't be
00:22:22.564 --> 00:22:24.232
You've got to focus on their good qualities and don't be frustrated by what they don't
00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:26.168
Good qualities and don't be frustrated by what they don't have or what they can't give
00:22:26.234 --> 00:22:27.602
Frustrated by what they don't have or what they can't give you.
00:22:27.669 --> 00:22:28.970
Have or what they can't give you. it's like that old saying, "the
00:22:29.037 --> 00:22:29.805
You. it's like that old saying, "the grass may look greener on the
00:22:29.871 --> 00:22:31.173
It's like that old saying, "the grass may look greener on the other side but it still has to
00:22:31.239 --> 00:22:33.241
Grass may look greener on the other side but it still has to be mowed."
00:22:33.308 --> 00:22:34.476
Other side but it still has to be mowed." that's basically saying,
00:22:34.543 --> 00:22:36.044
Be mowed." that's basically saying, "there's still 20% that that
00:22:36.111 --> 00:22:37.045
That's basically saying, "there's still 20% that that other person is not going to
00:22:37.112 --> 00:22:38.146
"there's still 20% that that other person is not going to have."
00:22:38.213 --> 00:22:39.481
Other person is not going to have." some of you would see your
00:22:39.548 --> 00:22:40.916
Have." some of you would see your relationships go to a new level
00:22:40.982 --> 00:22:42.951
Some of you would see your relationships go to a new level if you would start accepting
00:22:43.018 --> 00:22:44.286
Relationships go to a new level if you would start accepting people for who they are.
00:22:44.352 --> 00:22:46.721
If you would start accepting people for who they are. like that plant, you may be a
00:22:46.788 --> 00:22:48.590
People for who they are. like that plant, you may be a dark green leaf. they're a
00:22:48.657 --> 00:22:49.958
Like that plant, you may be a dark green leaf. they're a light green leaf.
00:22:50.025 --> 00:22:52.561
Dark green leaf. they're a light green leaf. but you're doing everything you
00:22:52.627 --> 00:22:53.195
Light green leaf. but you're doing everything you can to try to make them just
00:22:53.261 --> 00:22:54.763
But you're doing everything you can to try to make them just like you. the problem is that's
00:22:54.830 --> 00:22:57.032
Can to try to make them just like you. the problem is that's not who god designed them to
00:22:57.098 --> 00:22:59.401
Like you. the problem is that's not who god designed them to be. why don't you let them off
00:22:59.468 --> 00:23:00.602
Not who god designed them to be. why don't you let them off of your potter's wheel?
00:23:00.669 --> 00:23:02.571
Be. why don't you let them off of your potter's wheel? don't try to fix them.
00:23:02.637 --> 00:23:03.772
Of your potter's wheel? don't try to fix them. don't try to make them fit into
00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:05.874
Don't try to fix them. don't try to make them fit into your mold.
00:23:05.941 --> 00:23:06.575
Don't try to make them fit into your mold. god is the potter.
00:23:06.641 --> 00:23:08.043
Your mold. god is the potter. he knows what he's doing.
00:23:08.109 --> 00:23:10.278
God is the potter. he knows what he's doing. now do your part and start
00:23:10.345 --> 00:23:11.746
He knows what he's doing. now do your part and start pouring the honor in.
00:23:11.813 --> 00:23:13.648
Now do your part and start pouring the honor in. start respecting them in a
00:23:13.715 --> 00:23:15.250
Pouring the honor in. start respecting them in a greater way. don't love them if
00:23:15.317 --> 00:23:17.085
Start respecting them in a greater way. don't love them if they meet your standards.
00:23:17.152 --> 00:23:19.554
Greater way. don't love them if they meet your standards. love them for who they are right
00:23:19.621 --> 00:23:21.056
They meet your standards. love them for who they are right now.
00:23:21.122 --> 00:23:22.324
Love them for who they are right now. if you will start accepting and
00:23:22.390 --> 00:23:24.092
Now. if you will start accepting and approving the people god has put
00:23:24.159 --> 00:23:27.028
If you will start accepting and approving the people god has put in your life you will not only
00:23:27.095 --> 00:23:27.629
Approving the people god has put in your life you will not only help them rise higher and then
00:23:27.696 --> 00:23:28.763
In your life you will not only help them rise higher and then fulfill their destiny but i
00:23:28.830 --> 00:23:30.599
Help them rise higher and then fulfill their destiny but i believe and declare you will
00:23:30.665 --> 00:23:32.067
Fulfill their destiny but i believe and declare you will rise higher. you will have
00:23:32.133 --> 00:23:33.668
Believe and declare you will rise higher. you will have better relationships.
00:23:33.735 --> 00:23:35.937
Rise higher. you will have better relationships. and you will become everything
00:23:36.004 --> 00:23:37.806
Better relationships. and you will become everything god has created you to be.
00:23:37.873 --> 00:23:39.774
And you will become everything god has created you to be. amen? do you receive it today?
00:23:39.841 --> 00:23:40.976
God has created you to be. amen? do you receive it today? (applause)
00:23:41.042 --> 00:23:43.612
Amen? do you receive it today? (applause) we never like to close our
00:23:43.678 --> 00:23:44.412
(applause) we never like to close our broadcast without giving you
00:23:44.479 --> 00:23:45.480
We never like to close our broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make jesus the
00:23:45.547 --> 00:23:46.748
Broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life.
00:23:46.815 --> 00:23:48.717
An opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life. would you pray with me?
00:23:48.783 --> 00:23:50.519
Lord of your life. would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus,
00:23:50.585 --> 00:23:52.320
Would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins.
00:23:52.387 --> 00:23:54.756
Just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins. come in to my heart.
00:23:54.823 --> 00:23:57.058
I repent of my sins. come in to my heart. i make you my lord and savior."
00:23:57.125 --> 00:24:00.328
Come in to my heart. i make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that
00:24:00.395 --> 00:24:01.563
I make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you
00:24:01.630 --> 00:24:03.164
Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you got born again.
00:24:03.231 --> 00:24:04.866
Simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good bible-based
00:24:04.933 --> 00:24:05.767
Got born again. get in a good bible-based church.
00:24:05.834 --> 00:24:07.002
Get in a good bible-based church. keep god first place.
00:24:07.068 --> 00:24:08.270
Church. keep god first place. he is going to take you places
00:24:08.336 --> 00:24:09.037
Keep god first place. he is going to take you places you've never dreamed of.
00:24:09.104 --> 00:24:10.005
It's a new year.
00:24:10.639 --> 00:24:11.806
It's a new year. time to see the impossible
00:24:11.873 --> 00:24:13.508
Time to see the impossible become possible.
00:24:13.575 --> 00:24:14.910
Become possible. it's a new year.
00:24:14.976 --> 00:24:16.077
It's a new year. life's setbacks are about
00:24:16.144 --> 00:24:17.779
Life's setbacks are about to become god's setups
00:24:17.846 --> 00:24:19.347
To become god's setups for new opportunity.
00:24:19.414 --> 00:24:20.849
For new opportunity. it's a new year.
00:24:20.916 --> 00:24:22.217
It's a new year. cherished dreams
00:24:22.284 --> 00:24:23.351
Cherished dreams will become unexpected reality.
00:24:23.418 --> 00:24:26.221
Will become unexpected reality. the start of the new year
00:24:26.288 --> 00:24:27.455
The start of the new year is the perfect time
00:24:27.522 --> 00:24:28.490
Is the perfect time to reset your focus,
00:24:28.557 --> 00:24:29.958
To reset your focus, release disappointments
00:24:30.025 --> 00:24:31.192
Release disappointments of the past,
00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:32.060
Of the past, and get ready for
00:24:32.127 --> 00:24:32.861
And get ready for the new things
00:24:32.928 --> 00:24:33.662
The new things god has in store.
00:24:33.728 --> 00:24:35.297
Every january,
00:24:35.397 --> 00:24:36.331
Every january, we create
00:24:36.398 --> 00:24:36.932
We create a new 365-day
00:24:36.998 --> 00:24:39.100
A new 365-day devotional calendar.
00:24:39.167 --> 00:24:40.969
Devotional calendar. i'd love to send it to you.
00:24:41.036 --> 00:24:42.437
I'd love to send it to you. each day is filled
00:24:42.504 --> 00:24:43.371
Each day is filled with inspiration,
00:24:43.438 --> 00:24:44.372
With inspiration, scripture, and uplifting
00:24:44.439 --> 00:24:46.007
Scripture, and uplifting declarations
00:24:46.074 --> 00:24:46.808
Declarations to fuel your faith.
00:24:46.875 --> 00:24:48.310
To fuel your faith. when you begin the day thanking
00:24:48.376 --> 00:24:49.811
When you begin the day thanking god for what he's done,
00:24:49.878 --> 00:24:51.212
God for what he's done, speaking victory
00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:52.247
Speaking victory over your future,
00:24:52.314 --> 00:24:53.648
Over your future, you're positioning yourself
00:24:53.715 --> 00:24:55.150
You're positioning yourself for a blessed,
00:24:55.216 --> 00:24:56.051
For a blessed, favor-filled year.
00:24:56.117 --> 00:24:57.719
Favor-filled year. amazing things happen
00:24:57.786 --> 00:24:59.020
Amazing things happen when you keep god first place.
00:24:59.120 --> 00:25:01.456
When you keep god first place. as our way of saying thank you
00:25:01.556 --> 00:25:03.191
As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount
00:25:03.258 --> 00:25:04.726
For your gift of any amount this first month of the year,
00:25:04.793 --> 00:25:06.361
This first month of the year, we would like to send you
00:25:06.428 --> 00:25:07.629
A copy
00:25:07.729 --> 00:25:08.129
Aof our brand new 365-day, 2026
00:25:08.229 --> 00:25:12.167
Aof our brand new 365-day, 2026 devotional calendar.
00:25:12.233 --> 00:25:13.668
Devotional calendar. do you want to overcome
00:25:13.735 --> 00:25:15.070
Do you want to overcome your most pressing
00:25:15.136 --> 00:25:15.971
Your most pressing challenges in 2026?
00:25:16.037 --> 00:25:18.039
Challenges in 2026? do you want to see your life
00:25:18.106 --> 00:25:19.474
Do you want to see your life take off in new directions
00:25:19.541 --> 00:25:21.176
Take off in new directions of influence,
00:25:21.242 --> 00:25:22.143
Of influence, favor and provision
00:25:22.210 --> 00:25:23.645
Favor and provision in the year ahead?
00:25:23.712 --> 00:25:25.046
In the year ahead? with this daily encouragement,
00:25:25.146 --> 00:25:26.982
With this daily encouragement, you'll not only smile
00:25:27.048 --> 00:25:28.383
You'll not only smile at your day,
00:25:28.450 --> 00:25:29.250
At your day, you'll be reminded
00:25:29.317 --> 00:25:30.318
You'll be reminded that god is smiling
00:25:30.385 --> 00:25:31.653
That god is smiling on your entire life.
00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:33.421
On your entire life. each day
00:25:33.488 --> 00:25:34.222
Each day will be a fresh new day.
00:25:34.289 --> 00:25:35.857
Will be a fresh new day. turn discouragement
00:25:35.924 --> 00:25:37.492
Turn discouragement to encouragement.
00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:38.960
To encouragement. frustration to fulfillment.
00:25:39.027 --> 00:25:41.262
Frustration to fulfillment. anxiety to overcoming.
00:25:41.329 --> 00:25:43.732
Anxiety to overcoming. using this devotional calendar
00:25:43.832 --> 00:25:45.700
Using this devotional calendar is as easy as one, two, three.
00:25:45.800 --> 00:25:49.037
Is as easy as one, two, three. one: wake up with an expectancy
00:25:49.104 --> 00:25:51.840
One: wake up with an expectancy in your heart.
00:25:51.906 --> 00:25:53.141
In your heart. two: reflect
00:25:53.208 --> 00:25:54.342
Two: reflect on the daily scripture verse
00:25:54.409 --> 00:25:55.810
On the daily scripture verse and devotional from joel.
00:25:55.877 --> 00:25:57.712
And devotional from joel. three:
00:25:57.779 --> 00:25:58.480
Three: capture the lord's
00:25:58.546 --> 00:25:59.547
Capture the lord's promises to you
00:25:59.614 --> 00:26:00.782
Promises to you on journaling lines
00:26:00.849 --> 00:26:02.017
On journaling lines for writing and reflection.
00:26:02.083 --> 00:26:04.252
For writing and reflection. 2026 is going to be
00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:05.954
2026 is going to be one of your best years ever.
00:26:06.021 --> 00:26:07.922
One of your best years ever. we're going to help you
00:26:07.989 --> 00:26:08.590
We're going to help you stay in faith
00:26:08.657 --> 00:26:09.491
So you can see
00:26:09.591 --> 00:26:10.225
The goodness of god
00:26:10.325 --> 00:26:11.593
The goodness of god in new ways.
00:26:11.660 --> 00:26:13.061
In new ways. victoria and i pray for
00:26:13.128 --> 00:26:14.129
Victoria and i pray for you and your family every day
00:26:14.195 --> 00:26:15.830
You and your family every day and we want to
00:26:15.897 --> 00:26:16.531
And we want to thank you for your prayer
00:26:16.598 --> 00:26:17.699
Thank you for your prayer and support.
00:26:17.766 --> 00:26:18.767
And support. your generosity is impacting
00:26:18.833 --> 00:26:20.635
Your generosity is impacting lives around the world.
00:26:20.702 --> 00:26:22.370
Lives around the world. a special
00:26:22.437 --> 00:26:22.871
A special thank you to our champion
00:26:22.937 --> 00:26:24.039
Thank you to our champion of hope partners
00:26:24.105 --> 00:26:24.939
Of hope partners for your monthly gifts.
00:26:25.006 --> 00:26:26.441
For your monthly gifts. if you're not a partner,
00:26:26.508 --> 00:26:27.308
If you're not a partner, i hope you'll consider
00:26:27.375 --> 00:26:28.176
I hope you'll consider becoming one.
00:26:28.243 --> 00:26:29.477
Becoming one. remember,
00:26:29.544 --> 00:26:29.978
Remember, you can watch the services
00:26:30.045 --> 00:26:31.246
You can watch the services online live
00:26:31.312 --> 00:26:32.580
Online live every sunday morning.
00:26:32.647 --> 00:26:34.115
Every sunday morning. download our daily podcast,
00:26:34.182 --> 00:26:36.051
Download our daily podcast, watch on youtube
00:26:36.117 --> 00:26:37.385
Watch on youtube or the new joel osteen network
00:26:37.485 --> 00:26:39.154
Or the new joel osteen network 24 hours a day.
00:26:39.220 --> 00:26:40.889
24 hours a day. of course,
00:26:40.955 --> 00:26:41.256
Of course, listen live on sirius
00:26:41.322 --> 00:26:42.390
Listen live on sirius xm as well.
00:26:42.457 --> 00:26:43.792
Xm as well. but until we meet again,
00:26:43.858 --> 00:26:45.293
But until we meet again, may the lord bless
00:26:45.360 --> 00:26:46.227
May the lord bless you and keep you.
00:26:46.294 --> 00:26:48.063
You and keep you. request your copy of the 2026
00:26:48.129 --> 00:26:50.498
Request your copy of the 2026 devotional calendar today
00:26:50.565 --> 00:26:52.300
Devotional calendar today with your gift of any amount.
00:26:52.367 --> 00:26:54.369
With your gift of any amount. also, no matter what season
00:26:54.436 --> 00:26:56.271
Also, no matter what season you're in,
00:26:56.337 --> 00:26:57.005
You're in, god wants to speak into each
00:26:57.072 --> 00:26:59.040
God wants to speak into each and every moment.
00:26:59.107 --> 00:27:00.408
And every moment. god's word for
00:27:00.475 --> 00:27:01.476
God's word for every season is a guided
00:27:01.543 --> 00:27:03.178
Every season is a guided journal series
00:27:03.244 --> 00:27:04.179
Journal series designed to help you slow down,
00:27:04.245 --> 00:27:06.247
Designed to help you slow down, write out
00:27:06.314 --> 00:27:06.815
Write out scripture, and reflect
00:27:06.881 --> 00:27:08.316
Scripture, and reflect on its truth,
00:27:08.383 --> 00:27:09.217
On its truth, one verse at a time.
00:27:09.284 --> 00:27:11.019
One verse at a time. as you engage with his word,
00:27:11.086 --> 00:27:12.921
As you engage with his word, you'll discover fresh strength,
00:27:12.987 --> 00:27:14.889
You'll discover fresh strength, deeper peace,
00:27:14.956 --> 00:27:15.924
Deeper peace, and timely encouragement
00:27:15.990 --> 00:27:17.459
And timely encouragement for every step of your journey.
00:27:17.525 --> 00:27:19.661
For every step of your journey. you can request these
00:27:19.728 --> 00:27:20.762
You can request these inspiring resources
00:27:20.829 --> 00:27:22.263
Inspiring resources by calling 888-567-joel
00:27:22.330 --> 00:27:25.567
By calling 888-567-joel or logging on to
00:27:25.633 --> 00:27:26.634
Or logging on to joelosteen.com today.
00:27:26.701 --> 00:27:29.010

Joel Osteen - Accept People For Who They Are

January 10, 2026 | 27:29

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