Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen - Are You Listening?

January 22, 2026 | 27:29

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

#VoiceofGod #Focus #SeekGod #PresenceofGod #Faith #TrustGod #JoelOsteen

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Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - Are You Listening? | January 22, 2026

(applause)
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(applause) well, god bless you. it's
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(applause) well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your
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Well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your homes and if you're ever in our
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Always a joy to come into your homes and if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a
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Homes and if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a part of one of the services.
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Area please stop by and be a part of one of the services. i promise you we'll make you
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Part of one of the services. i promise you we'll make you feel right at home. but thanks
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I promise you we'll make you feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in. thank
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Feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in. thank you again for coming out today.
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So much for tuning in. thank you again for coming out today. i like to start with something
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You again for coming out today. i like to start with something funny. i heard about this man.
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I like to start with something funny. i heard about this man. he was the only protestant in a
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Funny. i heard about this man. he was the only protestant in a large catholic neighborhood.
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He was the only protestant in a large catholic neighborhood. every friday during lent, while
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Large catholic neighborhood. every friday during lent, while his neighbors were eating cold
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Every friday during lent, while his neighbors were eating cold fish he was in the backyard
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His neighbors were eating cold fish he was in the backyard grilling a steak. (laughter)
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Fish he was in the backyard grilling a steak. (laughter) they couldn't stand the
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Grilling a steak. (laughter) they couldn't stand the temptation and decided to try
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They couldn't stand the temptation and decided to try to convert him to catholicism.
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Temptation and decided to try to convert him to catholicism. he finally agreed. a priest
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To convert him to catholicism. he finally agreed. a priest came over and sprinkled water
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He finally agreed. a priest came over and sprinkled water on his head and said, "you were
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Came over and sprinkled water on his head and said, "you were born a baptist. you were raised
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On his head and said, "you were born a baptist. you were raised a baptist but now you're a
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Born a baptist. you were raised a baptist but now you're a catholic. (laughter.)
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A baptist but now you're a catholic. (laughter.) the next year on the first
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Catholic. (laughter.) the next year on the first friday of lent they smelled
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The next year on the first friday of lent they smelled the same smell in the air. they
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Friday of lent they smelled the same smell in the air. they rushed to his backyard. he was
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The same smell in the air. they rushed to his backyard. he was back there sprinkling water
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Rushed to his backyard. he was back there sprinkling water over his steak saying, "you
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Back there sprinkling water over his steak saying, "you were born a cow. you were
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Over his steak saying, "you were born a cow. you were raised a cow but now you're a
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Were born a cow. you were raised a cow but now you're a fish." (applause)
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Raised a cow but now you're a fish." (applause) hold up your bible. say it like
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Fish." (applause) hold up your bible. say it like you mean it.
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Hold up your bible. say it like you mean it. this is my bible. i am what it
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You mean it. this is my bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it says
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This is my bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it says i
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Says i am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it says i can do. today i will be taught
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I have. i can do what it says i can do. today i will be taught the word of god. i boldly
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Can do. today i will be taught the word of god. i boldly confess: my mind is alert. my
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The word of god. i boldly confess: my mind is alert. my heart is receptive. i will
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Confess: my mind is alert. my heart is receptive. i will never be the same. in jesus'
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Heart is receptive. i will never be the same. in jesus' name. god bless you.
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Never be the same. in jesus' name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today
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Name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today about are you listening? right
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I want to talk to you today about are you listening? right now there are hundreds of radio
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About are you listening? right now there are hundreds of radio frequencies in the air,
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Now there are hundreds of radio frequencies in the air, hundreds of television signals
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Frequencies in the air, hundreds of television signals all around us, yet we're not
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Hundreds of television signals all around us, yet we're not receiving any of them. the
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All around us, yet we're not receiving any of them. the reason is we're not tuned
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Receiving any of them. the reason is we're not tuned in. if we were to get a radio
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Reason is we're not tuned in. if we were to get a radio tuned to that frequency we
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In. if we were to get a radio tuned to that frequency we would hear what the station was
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Tuned to that frequency we would hear what the station was saying. in the same way god is
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Would hear what the station was saying. in the same way god is constantly transmitting to us.
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Saying. in the same way god is constantly transmitting to us. he wants to lead us, guide us,
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Constantly transmitting to us. he wants to lead us, guide us, protect us, give us insight.
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He wants to lead us, guide us, protect us, give us insight. but too often we're not tuned to
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Protect us, give us insight. but too often we're not tuned to his frequency. you have to pay
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But too often we're not tuned to his frequency. you have to pay attention to what you're
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His frequency. you have to pay attention to what you're feeling down in here.
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Attention to what you're feeling down in here. god doesn't speak to us most of
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Feeling down in here. god doesn't speak to us most of the time out loud like you see
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God doesn't speak to us most of the time out loud like you see on the movies. he speaks to us
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The time out loud like you see on the movies. he speaks to us through subtle things. you have
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On the movies. he speaks to us through subtle things. you have an unrest, an uneasiness.
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Through subtle things. you have an unrest, an uneasiness. you don't feel good about
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An unrest, an uneasiness. you don't feel good about something. that's not just your
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You don't feel good about something. that's not just your nerves. that's god saying, "go
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Something. that's not just your nerves. that's god saying, "go slow. be careful. there is
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Nerves. that's god saying, "go slow. be careful. there is danger up ahead."
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Slow. be careful. there is danger up ahead." it can be a prompting, a
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Danger up ahead." it can be a prompting, a suggestion. all of the sudden
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It can be a prompting, a suggestion. all of the sudden you have a desire to check on
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Suggestion. all of the sudden you have a desire to check on your child, to call a friend,
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You have a desire to check on your child, to call a friend, to start a new class.
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Your child, to call a friend, to start a new class. it's easy to think, "oh, i
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To start a new class. it's easy to think, "oh, i don't need to do that."
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It's easy to think, "oh, i don't need to do that." no, you've heard the phrase,
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Don't need to do that." no, you've heard the phrase, "trust your gut." a better way
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No, you've heard the phrase, "trust your gut." a better way to put it is, "trust your
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"trust your gut." a better way to put it is, "trust your sensor." that's god telling you
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To put it is, "trust your sensor." that's god telling you what to do.
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Sensor." that's god telling you what to do. there are times when god will
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What to do. there are times when god will give you intuition. you just
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There are times when god will give you intuition. you just know something. you can't
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Give you intuition. you just know something. you can't explain it. you don't have
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Know something. you can't explain it. you don't have facts to back you up. you just
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Explain it. you don't have facts to back you up. you just know that you know that you
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Facts to back you up. you just know that you know that you know. don't override that.
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Know that you know that you know. don't override that. don't talk yourself out of it.
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Know. don't override that. don't talk yourself out of it. that's god giving you inside
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Don't talk yourself out of it. that's god giving you inside information, helping you to
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That's god giving you inside information, helping you to know things that you wouldn't
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Information, helping you to know things that you wouldn't normally know.
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Know things that you wouldn't normally know. some people say, "that's the
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Normally know. some people say, "that's the universe talking to you."
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Some people say, "that's the universe talking to you." i like to add two words,
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Universe talking to you." i like to add two words, "that's the creator of the
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I like to add two words, "that's the creator of the universe talking to you."
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"that's the creator of the universe talking to you." (applause)
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Universe talking to you." (applause) that's your heavenly father.
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(applause) that's your heavenly father. he didn't just put you on the
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That's your heavenly father. he didn't just put you on the earth and say, "good luck.
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He didn't just put you on the earth and say, "good luck. you're on your own. i hope you
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Earth and say, "good luck. you're on your own. i hope you make it." no, he has given you
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You're on your own. i hope you make it." no, he has given you a helper, a guide, a counselor.
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Make it." no, he has given you a helper, a guide, a counselor. his spirit lives in you. the
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A helper, a guide, a counselor. his spirit lives in you. the question is, "are you
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His spirit lives in you. the question is, "are you listening?"
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Question is, "are you listening?" in 1999, i was eating dinner at
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Listening?" in 1999, i was eating dinner at my house one evening. my father
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In 1999, i was eating dinner at my house one evening. my father called and asked me if i would
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My house one evening. my father called and asked me if i would speak for him that sunday at
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Called and asked me if i would speak for him that sunday at lakewood. in my 36 years i had
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Speak for him that sunday at lakewood. in my 36 years i had never ministered one time
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Lakewood. in my 36 years i had never ministered one time before. i didn't have any
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Never ministered one time before. i didn't have any desire to be up in front of
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Before. i didn't have any desire to be up in front of people. i liked being behind
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Desire to be up in front of people. i liked being behind the scenes. i said, "i'm sorry,
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People. i liked being behind the scenes. i said, "i'm sorry, daddy. that's just not who i
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The scenes. i said, "i'm sorry, daddy. that's just not who i am. i'm not a minister."
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Daddy. that's just not who i am. i'm not a minister." he laughed and said, "well,
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Am. i'm not a minister." he laughed and said, "well, that's fine, joel. at least i
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He laughed and said, "well, that's fine, joel. at least i wanted to ask you."
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That's fine, joel. at least i wanted to ask you." when i sat back down to finish
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Wanted to ask you." when i sat back down to finish eating my dinner something said
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When i sat back down to finish eating my dinner something said so strongly, "joel, you need to
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Eating my dinner something said so strongly, "joel, you need to do it." it wasn't out loud. it
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So strongly, "joel, you need to do it." it wasn't out loud. it was just an impression; a
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Do it." it wasn't out loud. it was just an impression; a knowing. i can't explain it.
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Was just an impression; a knowing. i can't explain it. it didn't make sense to my mind.
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Knowing. i can't explain it. it didn't make sense to my mind. every voice of reasoning said,
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It didn't make sense to my mind. every voice of reasoning said, "don't do it," but i couldn't
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Every voice of reasoning said, "don't do it," but i couldn't get away from it. i called my
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"don't do it," but i couldn't get away from it. i called my father back and said i had
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Get away from it. i called my father back and said i had changed my mind. i ministered
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Father back and said i had changed my mind. i ministered for him that next sunday.
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Changed my mind. i ministered for him that next sunday. what i didn't realize is that
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For him that next sunday. what i didn't realize is that would be the last sunday of my
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What i didn't realize is that would be the last sunday of my father's life. the next friday
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Would be the last sunday of my father's life. the next friday he had a heart attack and went
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Father's life. the next friday he had a heart attack and went to be with the lord. had i not
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He had a heart attack and went to be with the lord. had i not ministered that sunday i don't
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To be with the lord. had i not ministered that sunday i don't know if i would have had the
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Ministered that sunday i don't know if i would have had the courage to step up and pastor
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Know if i would have had the courage to step up and pastor the church. god knows what's
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Courage to step up and pastor the church. god knows what's best for us. he knows what you
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The church. god knows what's best for us. he knows what you need and when you need it.
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Best for us. he knows what you need and when you need it. he knows how to put you at the
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Need and when you need it. he knows how to put you at the right place at the right time.
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He knows how to put you at the right place at the right time. he knows where the danger is,
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Right place at the right time. he knows where the danger is, where the good breaks are.
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He knows where the danger is, where the good breaks are. i could have overridden that
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Where the good breaks are. i could have overridden that feeling, ignored it, listened to
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I could have overridden that feeling, ignored it, listened to my mind, thought, "that's crazy.
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Feeling, ignored it, listened to my mind, thought, "that's crazy. i'm not getting up there."
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My mind, thought, "that's crazy. i'm not getting up there." no, i've learned to trust my
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I'm not getting up there." no, i've learned to trust my sensor. that's one of my
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No, i've learned to trust my sensor. that's one of my strengths. i won't go against
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Sensor. that's one of my strengths. i won't go against what i'm feeling down in here.
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Strengths. i won't go against what i'm feeling down in here. in my mind it may seem
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What i'm feeling down in here. in my mind it may seem impossible. all the odds are
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In my mind it may seem impossible. all the odds are against me. i don't have the
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Impossible. all the odds are against me. i don't have the qualifications. but if i feel
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Against me. i don't have the qualifications. but if i feel good about it in my heart i'm
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Qualifications. but if i feel good about it in my heart i'm going to move forward. on the
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Good about it in my heart i'm going to move forward. on the other hand if there is an
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Going to move forward. on the other hand if there is an unrest, an uneasiness, i don't
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Other hand if there is an unrest, an uneasiness, i don't have peace. it can be once in a
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Unrest, an uneasiness, i don't have peace. it can be once in a lifetime opportunity and i'm
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Have peace. it can be once in a lifetime opportunity and i'm going to pass. don't ignore the
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Lifetime opportunity and i'm going to pass. don't ignore the promptings, the impressions,
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Going to pass. don't ignore the promptings, the impressions, the knowings. that's god
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Promptings, the impressions, the knowings. that's god talking to you.
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The knowings. that's god talking to you. proverbs 3 says, "listen to
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Talking to you. proverbs 3 says, "listen to god's voice in everything you
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Proverbs 3 says, "listen to god's voice in everything you do and everywhere you go.
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God's voice in everything you do and everywhere you go. he is the one who will keep you
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Do and everywhere you go. he is the one who will keep you on the best path."
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He is the one who will keep you on the best path." god wants to help you in your
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On the best path." god wants to help you in your everyday life, not just big
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God wants to help you in your everyday life, not just big decisions but even small things.
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Everyday life, not just big decisions but even small things. i wonder how much more favor we
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Decisions but even small things. i wonder how much more favor we would have, how much less
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I wonder how much more favor we would have, how much less frustration and heartache we
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Would have, how much less frustration and heartache we would see if all through the day
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Frustration and heartache we would see if all through the day we would be sensitive to what
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Would see if all through the day we would be sensitive to what we're feeling, the promptings,
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We would be sensitive to what we're feeling, the promptings, the suggestions, the uneasiness.
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We're feeling, the promptings, the suggestions, the uneasiness. at the mall, we don't feel good
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The suggestions, the uneasiness. at the mall, we don't feel good about that purchase. no big
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At the mall, we don't feel good about that purchase. no big deal. we put it back.
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About that purchase. no big deal. we put it back. at the office we feel an unrest
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Deal. we put it back. at the office we feel an unrest toward a certain person. we
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At the office we feel an unrest toward a certain person. we back away.
00:06:36.118 --> 00:06:38.020
Toward a certain person. we back away. at home we feel a prompting to
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Back away. at home we feel a prompting to spend time with our child. we
00:06:40.289 --> 00:06:42.024
At home we feel a prompting to spend time with our child. we obey.
00:06:42.091 --> 00:06:44.093
Spend time with our child. we obey. at night we hear that
00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:45.161
Obey. at night we hear that suggestion, "turn off the tv.
00:06:45.228 --> 00:06:46.896
At night we hear that suggestion, "turn off the tv. god to bed. you need your
00:06:46.963 --> 00:06:48.264
Suggestion, "turn off the tv. god to bed. you need your rest." we turn it off.
00:06:48.331 --> 00:06:50.533
God to bed. you need your rest." we turn it off. in the kitchen, about to eat
00:06:50.600 --> 00:06:52.301
Rest." we turn it off. in the kitchen, about to eat our third piece of pecan pie.
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In the kitchen, about to eat our third piece of pecan pie. (laughter) we hear the voice
00:06:54.637 --> 00:06:57.306
Our third piece of pecan pie. (laughter) we hear the voice saying, "don't do it." instead
00:06:57.373 --> 00:06:58.608
(laughter) we hear the voice saying, "don't do it." instead of saying, "get behind me,
00:06:58.674 --> 00:06:59.442
Saying, "don't do it." instead of saying, "get behind me, satan," we walk away.
00:06:59.509 --> 00:07:00.776
Of saying, "get behind me, satan," we walk away. (laughter)
00:07:00.843 --> 00:07:02.445
Satan," we walk away. (laughter) pay attention to what you're
00:07:02.512 --> 00:07:03.513
(laughter) pay attention to what you're feeling. don't ignore the
00:07:03.579 --> 00:07:05.381
Pay attention to what you're feeling. don't ignore the impressions, the promptings.
00:07:05.448 --> 00:07:07.850
Feeling. don't ignore the impressions, the promptings. god speaks to us in a still
00:07:07.917 --> 00:07:10.219
Impressions, the promptings. god speaks to us in a still small voice. it's not thunder.
00:07:10.286 --> 00:07:12.855
God speaks to us in a still small voice. it's not thunder. he is not going to boom out
00:07:12.922 --> 00:07:14.957
Small voice. it's not thunder. he is not going to boom out lightening to get your
00:07:15.024 --> 00:07:15.958
He is not going to boom out lightening to get your attention. he is not going to
00:07:16.025 --> 00:07:17.360
Lightening to get your attention. he is not going to flash it across your tv screen,
00:07:17.426 --> 00:07:19.295
Attention. he is not going to flash it across your tv screen, "my son, speak for your father
00:07:19.362 --> 00:07:20.997
Flash it across your tv screen, "my son, speak for your father this sunday." it's going to be
00:07:21.063 --> 00:07:22.632
"my son, speak for your father this sunday." it's going to be subtle.
00:07:22.698 --> 00:07:24.333
This sunday." it's going to be subtle. if you're going to hear a
00:07:24.400 --> 00:07:25.268
Subtle. if you're going to hear a whisper you've got to get close.
00:07:25.334 --> 00:07:27.103
If you're going to hear a whisper you've got to get close. you've got to be tuned in. it's
00:07:27.169 --> 00:07:30.106
Whisper you've got to get close. you've got to be tuned in. it's got to be a priority. you're
00:07:30.172 --> 00:07:32.041
You've got to be tuned in. it's got to be a priority. you're not going to hear it by
00:07:32.108 --> 00:07:33.242
Got to be a priority. you're not going to hear it by accident, with the business of
00:07:33.309 --> 00:07:35.077
Not going to hear it by accident, with the business of the day, the stress of the
00:07:35.144 --> 00:07:37.313
Accident, with the business of the day, the stress of the office, running here and there.
00:07:37.380 --> 00:07:38.814
The day, the stress of the office, running here and there. on purpose you have to ask
00:07:38.881 --> 00:07:41.417
Office, running here and there. on purpose you have to ask yourself, "what am i feeling?
00:07:41.484 --> 00:07:43.586
On purpose you have to ask yourself, "what am i feeling? what am i sensing?" take time
00:07:43.653 --> 00:07:45.855
Yourself, "what am i feeling? what am i sensing?" take time to get quiet. develop this art
00:07:45.922 --> 00:07:47.957
What am i sensing?" take time to get quiet. develop this art of listening.
00:07:48.024 --> 00:07:49.759
To get quiet. develop this art of listening. i was at the mall one time.
00:07:49.825 --> 00:07:52.328
Of listening. i was at the mall one time. i found this tie that i really
00:07:52.395 --> 00:07:53.796
I was at the mall one time. i found this tie that i really liked. when i find something
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I found this tie that i really liked. when i find something that i like it doesn't take me
00:07:55.865 --> 00:07:57.500
Liked. when i find something that i like it doesn't take me long. i don't debate it.
00:07:57.567 --> 00:07:59.035
That i like it doesn't take me long. i don't debate it. i don't overanalyze it. like
00:07:59.101 --> 00:08:00.870
Long. i don't debate it. i don't overanalyze it. like most men, we don't need two
00:08:00.937 --> 00:08:03.105
I don't overanalyze it. like most men, we don't need two hours in a store. give us ten
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Most men, we don't need two hours in a store. give us ten minutes and we'll find what we
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Hours in a store. give us ten minutes and we'll find what we need. (laughter)
00:08:06.175 --> 00:08:08.177
Minutes and we'll find what we need. (laughter) i walked up to the counter to
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Need. (laughter) i walked up to the counter to pay and i heard something say to
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I walked up to the counter to pay and i heard something say to me, not my mind but my heart,
00:08:11.113 --> 00:08:14.617
Pay and i heard something say to me, not my mind but my heart, "joel, don't buy it now. just
00:08:14.684 --> 00:08:16.285
Me, not my mind but my heart, "joel, don't buy it now. just wait." it wasn't thunder. it
00:08:16.352 --> 00:08:18.554
"joel, don't buy it now. just wait." it wasn't thunder. it wasn't lightening flashing
00:08:18.621 --> 00:08:20.723
Wait." it wasn't thunder. it wasn't lightening flashing across the sky. it was just a
00:08:20.790 --> 00:08:22.391
Wasn't lightening flashing across the sky. it was just a small uneasiness, just a slight
00:08:22.458 --> 00:08:25.528
Across the sky. it was just a small uneasiness, just a slight check. if you're not tuned in
00:08:25.595 --> 00:08:28.097
Small uneasiness, just a slight check. if you're not tuned in you'll ignore it and you'll
00:08:28.164 --> 00:08:29.632
Check. if you're not tuned in you'll ignore it and you'll move on.
00:08:29.699 --> 00:08:31.133
You'll ignore it and you'll move on. in the natural there was no
00:08:31.200 --> 00:08:32.468
Move on. in the natural there was no reason why i shouldn't buy the
00:08:32.535 --> 00:08:33.703
In the natural there was no reason why i shouldn't buy the tie but i had that check and i
00:08:33.769 --> 00:08:36.072
Reason why i shouldn't buy the tie but i had that check and i told victoria, "i think i'm
00:08:36.138 --> 00:08:37.940
Tie but i had that check and i told victoria, "i think i'm going to wait" and i set it
00:08:38.007 --> 00:08:39.475
Told victoria, "i think i'm going to wait" and i set it down. a couple of hours later,
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Going to wait" and i set it down. a couple of hours later, just before we were to leave
00:08:41.744 --> 00:08:43.813
Down. a couple of hours later, just before we were to leave the mall, victoria wanted to
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Just before we were to leave the mall, victoria wanted to run into one last store. and
00:08:45.414 --> 00:08:47.617
The mall, victoria wanted to run into one last store. and i never shop at this store but
00:08:47.683 --> 00:08:49.285
Run into one last store. and i never shop at this store but i went with her. as we were
00:08:49.352 --> 00:08:50.987
I never shop at this store but i went with her. as we were passing the men's department
00:08:51.053 --> 00:08:52.922
I went with her. as we were passing the men's department she said, "joel, there's that
00:08:52.989 --> 00:08:53.990
Passing the men's department she said, "joel, there's that exact tie you wanted to buy."
00:08:54.056 --> 00:08:56.425
She said, "joel, there's that exact tie you wanted to buy." i walked over, picked it up.
00:08:56.492 --> 00:08:57.660
Exact tie you wanted to buy." i walked over, picked it up. it was marked down to half
00:08:57.727 --> 00:08:58.995
I walked over, picked it up. it was marked down to half price. i felt real good about
00:08:59.061 --> 00:09:00.830
It was marked down to half price. i felt real good about it then. (laughter)
00:09:00.896 --> 00:09:04.600
Price. i felt real good about it then. (laughter) if you will pay attention to
00:09:04.667 --> 00:09:06.135
It then. (laughter) if you will pay attention to these impressions, follow these
00:09:06.202 --> 00:09:07.937
If you will pay attention to these impressions, follow these promptings, you'll see god's
00:09:08.004 --> 00:09:09.605
These impressions, follow these promptings, you'll see god's goodness in your everyday life.
00:09:09.672 --> 00:09:12.942
Promptings, you'll see god's goodness in your everyday life. i pray each morning, "god, help
00:09:13.009 --> 00:09:14.410
Goodness in your everyday life. i pray each morning, "god, help my spiritual ears to be open and
00:09:14.477 --> 00:09:16.512
I pray each morning, "god, help my spiritual ears to be open and sensitive to your voice. god,
00:09:16.579 --> 00:09:19.382
My spiritual ears to be open and sensitive to your voice. god, help me to hear what you're
00:09:19.448 --> 00:09:20.683
Sensitive to your voice. god, help me to hear what you're saying today." it's not that
00:09:20.750 --> 00:09:22.685
Help me to hear what you're saying today." it's not that god is not speaking. it's not
00:09:22.752 --> 00:09:25.221
Saying today." it's not that god is not speaking. it's not that he is not giving us
00:09:25.287 --> 00:09:26.555
God is not speaking. it's not that he is not giving us direction. it's the fact that
00:09:26.622 --> 00:09:28.557
That he is not giving us direction. it's the fact that we're not always paying
00:09:28.624 --> 00:09:30.226
Direction. it's the fact that we're not always paying attention. if we'll listen in
00:09:30.292 --> 00:09:32.228
We're not always paying attention. if we'll listen in everything we do and everywhere
00:09:32.294 --> 00:09:34.830
Attention. if we'll listen in everything we do and everywhere we go god will lead us down the
00:09:34.897 --> 00:09:36.966
Everything we do and everywhere we go god will lead us down the best path. he wants to give you
00:09:37.033 --> 00:09:38.768
We go god will lead us down the best path. he wants to give you wisdom, direction, protection,
00:09:38.834 --> 00:09:41.203
Best path. he wants to give you wisdom, direction, protection, guidance, that will save you
00:09:41.270 --> 00:09:42.972
Wisdom, direction, protection, guidance, that will save you heartache, make your life
00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:45.007
Guidance, that will save you heartache, make your life easier, give you breaks that
00:09:45.074 --> 00:09:46.809
Heartache, make your life easier, give you breaks that will put you years ahead.
00:09:46.876 --> 00:09:48.944
Easier, give you breaks that will put you years ahead. my brother-in-law kevin told how
00:09:49.011 --> 00:09:51.047
Will put you years ahead. my brother-in-law kevin told how his washing machine had broken
00:09:51.113 --> 00:09:52.748
My brother-in-law kevin told how his washing machine had broken at his house. kevin is very
00:09:52.815 --> 00:09:54.750
His washing machine had broken at his house. kevin is very good with his hands. he's
00:09:54.817 --> 00:09:56.352
At his house. kevin is very good with his hands. he's mechanically minded. he can fix
00:09:56.419 --> 00:09:58.087
Good with his hands. he's mechanically minded. he can fix just about anything. he pulled
00:09:58.154 --> 00:10:00.156
Mechanically minded. he can fix just about anything. he pulled the washing machine out to take
00:10:00.222 --> 00:10:01.791
Just about anything. he pulled the washing machine out to take a look at it. he disconnected
00:10:01.857 --> 00:10:03.659
The washing machine out to take a look at it. he disconnected the hoses in the back. he
00:10:03.726 --> 00:10:05.327
A look at it. he disconnected the hoses in the back. he turned the water off there at
00:10:05.394 --> 00:10:07.229
The hoses in the back. he turned the water off there at the faucet in the wall. he knew
00:10:07.296 --> 00:10:09.665
Turned the water off there at the faucet in the wall. he knew he needed some more parts and
00:10:09.732 --> 00:10:11.467
The faucet in the wall. he knew he needed some more parts and was going to work on it later.
00:10:11.534 --> 00:10:13.602
He needed some more parts and was going to work on it later. as he was about to leave the
00:10:13.669 --> 00:10:15.004
Was going to work on it later. as he was about to leave the house something said to him -
00:10:15.071 --> 00:10:17.073
As he was about to leave the house something said to him - again not out loud - just an
00:10:17.139 --> 00:10:18.808
House something said to him - again not out loud - just an impression. he wasn't even
00:10:18.874 --> 00:10:20.042
Again not out loud - just an impression. he wasn't even thinking about it. it said,
00:10:20.109 --> 00:10:21.510
Impression. he wasn't even thinking about it. it said, "kevin, you need to put a cap
00:10:21.577 --> 00:10:23.112
Thinking about it. it said, "kevin, you need to put a cap on that faucet in case the
00:10:23.179 --> 00:10:25.114
"kevin, you need to put a cap on that faucet in case the valve breaks."
00:10:25.181 --> 00:10:27.249
On that faucet in case the valve breaks." you know, when you turn the
00:10:27.316 --> 00:10:28.317
Valve breaks." you know, when you turn the faucet off on your washing
00:10:28.384 --> 00:10:29.385
You know, when you turn the faucet off on your washing machine you don't normally need
00:10:29.452 --> 00:10:30.519
Faucet off on your washing machine you don't normally need to put a cap on it. but he
00:10:30.586 --> 00:10:31.987
Machine you don't normally need to put a cap on it. but he heard this distinctly several
00:10:32.054 --> 00:10:33.556
To put a cap on it. but he heard this distinctly several different times. kevin thought,
00:10:33.622 --> 00:10:35.324
Heard this distinctly several different times. kevin thought, "ah, i'm just being overly
00:10:35.391 --> 00:10:36.625
Different times. kevin thought, "ah, i'm just being overly cautious. i don't need to cap
00:10:36.692 --> 00:10:38.494
"ah, i'm just being overly cautious. i don't need to cap it. it's not going to hurt
00:10:38.561 --> 00:10:39.662
Cautious. i don't need to cap it. it's not going to hurt anything." he left the house.
00:10:39.729 --> 00:10:41.363
It. it's not going to hurt anything." he left the house. three hours later he received a
00:10:41.430 --> 00:10:43.799
Anything." he left the house. three hours later he received a phone call, "kevin, come home.
00:10:43.866 --> 00:10:45.367
Three hours later he received a phone call, "kevin, come home. there's water all over your
00:10:45.434 --> 00:10:46.769
Phone call, "kevin, come home. there's water all over your floors, the kitchen, the den,
00:10:46.836 --> 00:10:49.038
There's water all over your floors, the kitchen, the den, the living room."
00:10:49.105 --> 00:10:50.606
Floors, the kitchen, the den, the living room." he said, "joel, i heard it so
00:10:50.673 --> 00:10:52.141
The living room." he said, "joel, i heard it so strongly but i ignored it."
00:10:52.208 --> 00:10:55.044
He said, "joel, i heard it so strongly but i ignored it." friends, god wants to make your
00:10:55.111 --> 00:10:57.079
Strongly but i ignored it." friends, god wants to make your life easier. if you will listen
00:10:57.146 --> 00:10:58.948
Friends, god wants to make your life easier. if you will listen in everything you do and
00:10:59.014 --> 00:11:01.083
Life easier. if you will listen in everything you do and everywhere you go god can save
00:11:01.150 --> 00:11:03.185
In everything you do and everywhere you go god can save you from bad breaks, from
00:11:03.252 --> 00:11:05.054
Everywhere you go god can save you from bad breaks, from heartache, from difficulties.
00:11:05.121 --> 00:11:07.656
You from bad breaks, from heartache, from difficulties. all of us can look back and say
00:11:07.723 --> 00:11:09.258
Heartache, from difficulties. all of us can look back and say like kevin, "i knew i was
00:11:09.325 --> 00:11:10.960
All of us can look back and say like kevin, "i knew i was supposed to stay away from that
00:11:11.026 --> 00:11:12.595
Like kevin, "i knew i was supposed to stay away from that person." "i knew i was supposed
00:11:12.661 --> 00:11:14.697
Supposed to stay away from that person." "i knew i was supposed to start eating better."
00:11:14.764 --> 00:11:16.198
Person." "i knew i was supposed to start eating better." "i knew i was supposed to be
00:11:16.265 --> 00:11:17.333
To start eating better." "i knew i was supposed to be more disciplined." we ignore it
00:11:17.399 --> 00:11:18.934
"i knew i was supposed to be more disciplined." we ignore it and it ends up making our life
00:11:19.001 --> 00:11:21.003
More disciplined." we ignore it and it ends up making our life more difficult.
00:11:21.070 --> 00:11:22.938
And it ends up making our life more difficult. one time my father was driving
00:11:23.005 --> 00:11:24.473
More difficult. one time my father was driving on the feeder. he was about to
00:11:24.540 --> 00:11:26.075
One time my father was driving on the feeder. he was about to get on the freeway. he was in a
00:11:26.142 --> 00:11:28.077
On the feeder. he was about to get on the freeway. he was in a big hurry going 20 miles an
00:11:28.144 --> 00:11:29.879
Get on the freeway. he was in a big hurry going 20 miles an hour over the speed limit.
00:11:29.945 --> 00:11:32.314
Big hurry going 20 miles an hour over the speed limit. as he approached a curve
00:11:32.381 --> 00:11:34.150
Hour over the speed limit. as he approached a curve something said to him, "you
00:11:34.216 --> 00:11:35.618
As he approached a curve something said to him, "you better slow down. there's a
00:11:35.684 --> 00:11:37.319
Something said to him, "you better slow down. there's a policeman around the corner."
00:11:37.386 --> 00:11:39.622
Better slow down. there's a policeman around the corner." he heard it very clearly but he
00:11:39.688 --> 00:11:41.624
Policeman around the corner." he heard it very clearly but he ignored it. he got around the
00:11:41.690 --> 00:11:43.392
He heard it very clearly but he ignored it. he got around the corner and sure enough there
00:11:43.459 --> 00:11:44.894
Ignored it. he got around the corner and sure enough there was a police officer, had his
00:11:44.960 --> 00:11:46.729
Corner and sure enough there was a police officer, had his radar gun out, pulled my father
00:11:46.796 --> 00:11:48.564
Was a police officer, had his radar gun out, pulled my father over to give him a ticket.
00:11:48.631 --> 00:11:50.766
Radar gun out, pulled my father over to give him a ticket. when the officer came up to the
00:11:50.833 --> 00:11:52.368
Over to give him a ticket. when the officer came up to the window my dad had a big smile on
00:11:52.434 --> 00:11:54.670
When the officer came up to the window my dad had a big smile on his face. he said, "officer,
00:11:54.737 --> 00:11:56.872
Window my dad had a big smile on his face. he said, "officer, you're not going to believe
00:11:56.939 --> 00:11:58.174
His face. he said, "officer, you're not going to believe this but god told me you were
00:11:58.240 --> 00:11:59.508
You're not going to believe this but god told me you were here." (laughter)
00:11:59.575 --> 00:12:03.179
This but god told me you were here." (laughter) that policeman looked at my dad
00:12:03.245 --> 00:12:04.413
Here." (laughter) that policeman looked at my dad like he was from another planet.
00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:06.615
That policeman looked at my dad like he was from another planet. he took his driver's license.
00:12:06.682 --> 00:12:08.184
Like he was from another planet. he took his driver's license. he came back in a few minutes
00:12:08.250 --> 00:12:09.819
He took his driver's license. he came back in a few minutes and said, "listen here preacher.
00:12:09.885 --> 00:12:11.287
He came back in a few minutes and said, "listen here preacher. i'm going to let you go but the
00:12:11.353 --> 00:12:13.022
And said, "listen here preacher. i'm going to let you go but the next time god speaks to you,
00:12:13.088 --> 00:12:14.857
I'm going to let you go but the next time god speaks to you, you'd better listen."
00:12:14.924 --> 00:12:16.091
Next time god speaks to you, you'd better listen." (laughter)
00:12:16.158 --> 00:12:18.761
You'd better listen." (laughter) a friend of ours was a
00:12:18.828 --> 00:12:19.929
(laughter) a friend of ours was a methodist minister for many
00:12:19.995 --> 00:12:21.030
A friend of ours was a methodist minister for many years and very popular on
00:12:21.096 --> 00:12:22.431
Methodist minister for many years and very popular on television. he had this long
00:12:22.498 --> 00:12:24.099
Years and very popular on television. he had this long southern drawl. he got pulled
00:12:24.166 --> 00:12:26.135
Television. he had this long southern drawl. he got pulled over by a policeman. he said,
00:12:26.202 --> 00:12:27.837
Southern drawl. he got pulled over by a policeman. he said, "oh, officer. don't give me a
00:12:27.903 --> 00:12:29.338
Over by a policeman. he said, "oh, officer. don't give me a ticket. i'm just a poor old
00:12:29.405 --> 00:12:31.173
"oh, officer. don't give me a ticket. i'm just a poor old preacher." the officer said, "i
00:12:31.240 --> 00:12:33.375
Ticket. i'm just a poor old preacher." the officer said, "i know that. i heard you last
00:12:33.442 --> 00:12:34.810
Preacher." the officer said, "i know that. i heard you last sunday on television."
00:12:34.877 --> 00:12:36.178
Know that. i heard you last sunday on television." (applause)
00:12:36.245 --> 00:12:38.013
Sunday on television." (applause) the point is, don't override
00:12:38.080 --> 00:12:39.815
(applause) the point is, don't override the alarms, when you feel
00:12:39.882 --> 00:12:42.585
The point is, don't override the alarms, when you feel uncomfortable, the uneasiness,
00:12:42.651 --> 00:12:44.687
The alarms, when you feel uncomfortable, the uneasiness, the alarm is going off. pull
00:12:44.753 --> 00:12:46.789
Uncomfortable, the uneasiness, the alarm is going off. pull back and see what god is
00:12:46.856 --> 00:12:48.257
The alarm is going off. pull back and see what god is saying.
00:12:48.324 --> 00:12:49.725
Back and see what god is saying. a young man i know used to do
00:12:49.792 --> 00:12:51.227
Saying. a young man i know used to do landscaping in our neighborhood.
00:12:51.293 --> 00:12:53.195
A young man i know used to do landscaping in our neighborhood. i saw him one day. he was all
00:12:53.262 --> 00:12:55.564
Landscaping in our neighborhood. i saw him one day. he was all beat up. he had black eyes. his
00:12:55.631 --> 00:12:58.267
I saw him one day. he was all beat up. he had black eyes. his lips were swollen. he had this
00:12:58.334 --> 00:12:59.969
Beat up. he had black eyes. his lips were swollen. he had this broken wrist. it looked like he
00:13:00.035 --> 00:13:01.737
Lips were swollen. he had this broken wrist. it looked like he had been in an accident.
00:13:01.804 --> 00:13:03.572
Broken wrist. it looked like he had been in an accident. i asked him what had happened.
00:13:03.639 --> 00:13:05.441
Had been in an accident. i asked him what had happened. he explained how on his way home
00:13:05.507 --> 00:13:08.244
I asked him what had happened. he explained how on his way home from work he had gotten car
00:13:08.310 --> 00:13:09.411
He explained how on his way home from work he had gotten car jacked. he was sitting at a
00:13:09.478 --> 00:13:11.046
From work he had gotten car jacked. he was sitting at a light. these guys came up,
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Jacked. he was sitting at a light. these guys came up, pulled him out of the car, beat
00:13:13.148 --> 00:13:14.416
Light. these guys came up, pulled him out of the car, beat him up, took his wallet and a
00:13:14.483 --> 00:13:16.118
Pulled him out of the car, beat him up, took his wallet and a lot of his equipment. then he
00:13:16.185 --> 00:13:18.354
Him up, took his wallet and a lot of his equipment. then he said something interesting.
00:13:18.420 --> 00:13:20.289
Lot of his equipment. then he said something interesting. this young man, he wasn't
00:13:20.356 --> 00:13:21.390
Said something interesting. this young man, he wasn't necessarily a religious type
00:13:21.457 --> 00:13:23.225
This young man, he wasn't necessarily a religious type person. he wasn't raised in
00:13:23.292 --> 00:13:24.426
Necessarily a religious type person. he wasn't raised in church but he said, "joel, the
00:13:24.493 --> 00:13:26.395
Person. he wasn't raised in church but he said, "joel, the funny thing is something told
00:13:26.462 --> 00:13:28.264
Church but he said, "joel, the funny thing is something told me to not go home that way."
00:13:28.330 --> 00:13:31.901
Funny thing is something told me to not go home that way." very clearly on the inside
00:13:31.967 --> 00:13:33.535
Me to not go home that way." very clearly on the inside something said, "you need to
00:13:33.602 --> 00:13:34.570
Very clearly on the inside something said, "you need to take another route." he heard
00:13:34.637 --> 00:13:36.138
Something said, "you need to take another route." he heard it so strongly that he even
00:13:36.205 --> 00:13:38.173
Take another route." he heard it so strongly that he even answered it back in his mind.
00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:40.576
It so strongly that he even answered it back in his mind. he thought, "why do i need to go
00:13:40.643 --> 00:13:41.877
Answered it back in his mind. he thought, "why do i need to go another way? this is the way i
00:13:41.944 --> 00:13:43.445
He thought, "why do i need to go another way? this is the way i always go. that doesn't make
00:13:43.512 --> 00:13:44.747
Another way? this is the way i always go. that doesn't make sense." there was this debate
00:13:44.813 --> 00:13:46.548
Always go. that doesn't make sense." there was this debate taking place but he ignored it.
00:13:46.615 --> 00:13:48.584
Sense." there was this debate taking place but he ignored it. he said, "i realize now that was
00:13:48.651 --> 00:13:50.552
Taking place but he ignored it. he said, "i realize now that was god trying to protect me from
00:13:50.619 --> 00:13:52.554
He said, "i realize now that was god trying to protect me from danger. the next time i'm going
00:13:52.621 --> 00:13:54.156
God trying to protect me from danger. the next time i'm going to listen."
00:13:54.223 --> 00:13:56.191
Danger. the next time i'm going to listen." see, god knows where the
00:13:56.258 --> 00:13:57.826
To listen." see, god knows where the pitfalls are. he knows where
00:13:57.893 --> 00:13:59.428
See, god knows where the pitfalls are. he knows where the danger is. all through the
00:13:59.495 --> 00:14:00.996
Pitfalls are. he knows where the danger is. all through the day be sensitive. pay attention
00:14:01.063 --> 00:14:04.066
The danger is. all through the day be sensitive. pay attention to these promptings. i've
00:14:04.133 --> 00:14:05.935
Day be sensitive. pay attention to these promptings. i've learned god won't allow us to
00:14:06.001 --> 00:14:08.170
To these promptings. i've learned god won't allow us to make a major mistake without
00:14:08.237 --> 00:14:10.472
Learned god won't allow us to make a major mistake without first giving us warnings. the
00:14:10.539 --> 00:14:13.042
Make a major mistake without first giving us warnings. the scripture says, "god will
00:14:13.108 --> 00:14:14.677
First giving us warnings. the scripture says, "god will always provide a way of escape."
00:14:14.743 --> 00:14:17.646
Scripture says, "god will always provide a way of escape." could it be that god is
00:14:17.713 --> 00:14:19.315
Always provide a way of escape." could it be that god is providing a way out, giving you
00:14:19.381 --> 00:14:21.517
Could it be that god is providing a way out, giving you wisdom, direction, intuition,
00:14:21.583 --> 00:14:23.652
Providing a way out, giving you wisdom, direction, intuition, protection, trying to keep you
00:14:23.719 --> 00:14:25.587
Wisdom, direction, intuition, protection, trying to keep you from danger but like my friend
00:14:25.654 --> 00:14:27.656
Protection, trying to keep you from danger but like my friend you're overriding it? and it
00:14:27.723 --> 00:14:30.025
From danger but like my friend you're overriding it? and it may not be something as
00:14:30.092 --> 00:14:31.327
You're overriding it? and it may not be something as dramatic as he faced. it may be
00:14:31.393 --> 00:14:33.295
May not be something as dramatic as he faced. it may be when you're around a certain
00:14:33.362 --> 00:14:35.130
Dramatic as he faced. it may be when you're around a certain person you feel an unrest, an
00:14:35.197 --> 00:14:37.533
When you're around a certain person you feel an unrest, an uneasiness. that alarm is going
00:14:37.599 --> 00:14:39.501
Person you feel an unrest, an uneasiness. that alarm is going off. they seem nice, friendly,
00:14:39.568 --> 00:14:42.404
Uneasiness. that alarm is going off. they seem nice, friendly, kind. you can't put your finger
00:14:42.471 --> 00:14:43.639
Off. they seem nice, friendly, kind. you can't put your finger on it. something is just not
00:14:43.706 --> 00:14:45.674
Kind. you can't put your finger on it. something is just not right. don't ignore it. that's
00:14:45.741 --> 00:14:48.110
On it. something is just not right. don't ignore it. that's god trying to keep you from
00:14:48.177 --> 00:14:50.312
Right. don't ignore it. that's god trying to keep you from heartache. if you'll listen god
00:14:50.379 --> 00:14:52.281
God trying to keep you from heartache. if you'll listen god will give you discernment.
00:14:52.348 --> 00:14:54.717
Heartache. if you'll listen god will give you discernment. a lot of people are not who
00:14:54.783 --> 00:14:56.752
Will give you discernment. a lot of people are not who they say they are. they may
00:14:56.819 --> 00:14:58.420
A lot of people are not who they say they are. they may seem fine on the outside but
00:14:58.487 --> 00:15:00.656
They say they are. they may seem fine on the outside but they have wrong motives.
00:15:00.723 --> 00:15:03.058
Seem fine on the outside but they have wrong motives. they want to be your friend for
00:15:03.125 --> 00:15:04.626
They have wrong motives. they want to be your friend for what you can do for them.
00:15:04.693 --> 00:15:06.729
They want to be your friend for what you can do for them. they're takers and never givers.
00:15:06.795 --> 00:15:09.064
What you can do for them. they're takers and never givers. once they use you up they'll
00:15:09.131 --> 00:15:10.432
They're takers and never givers. once they use you up they'll move on to the next person.
00:15:10.499 --> 00:15:12.401
Once they use you up they'll move on to the next person. no matter how good they look.
00:15:12.468 --> 00:15:14.036
Move on to the next person. no matter how good they look. no matter how fine she is.
00:15:14.103 --> 00:15:16.638
No matter how good they look. no matter how fine she is. no matter how much money he has.
00:15:16.705 --> 00:15:18.474
No matter how fine she is. no matter how much money he has. he may be tall, dark, handsome
00:15:18.540 --> 00:15:20.175
No matter how much money he has. he may be tall, dark, handsome and rich but if you hear that
00:15:20.242 --> 00:15:22.444
He may be tall, dark, handsome and rich but if you hear that alarm going off, you need to be
00:15:22.511 --> 00:15:24.146
And rich but if you hear that alarm going off, you need to be smart enough to walk away.
00:15:24.213 --> 00:15:26.782
Alarm going off, you need to be smart enough to walk away. all that glitters is not gold.
00:15:26.849 --> 00:15:28.917
Smart enough to walk away. all that glitters is not gold. don't override those warnings.
00:15:28.984 --> 00:15:32.254
All that glitters is not gold. don't override those warnings. if they're not the right person
00:15:32.321 --> 00:15:33.789
Don't override those warnings. if they're not the right person for you that means god has
00:15:33.856 --> 00:15:35.357
If they're not the right person for you that means god has somebody better in store.
00:15:35.424 --> 00:15:37.326
For you that means god has somebody better in store. i've talked to too many people
00:15:37.393 --> 00:15:38.761
Somebody better in store. i've talked to too many people that overrode what they were
00:15:38.827 --> 00:15:40.562
I've talked to too many people that overrode what they were feeling. years later there is
00:15:40.629 --> 00:15:42.698
That overrode what they were feeling. years later there is heartache, broken dreams, pain.
00:15:42.765 --> 00:15:45.968
Feeling. years later there is heartache, broken dreams, pain. it all could have been avoided.
00:15:46.035 --> 00:15:48.103
Heartache, broken dreams, pain. it all could have been avoided. don't be so set on having it
00:15:48.170 --> 00:15:49.838
It all could have been avoided. don't be so set on having it your way that you ignore what
00:15:49.905 --> 00:15:51.507
Don't be so set on having it your way that you ignore what you're feeling.
00:15:51.573 --> 00:15:53.509
Your way that you ignore what you're feeling. that uneasiness is not just your
00:15:53.575 --> 00:15:54.943
You're feeling. that uneasiness is not just your nerves, not just you being
00:15:55.010 --> 00:15:56.745
That uneasiness is not just your nerves, not just you being overly cautious. that's god
00:15:56.812 --> 00:15:58.580
Nerves, not just you being overly cautious. that's god saying, "keep your distance.
00:15:58.647 --> 00:16:00.249
Overly cautious. that's god saying, "keep your distance. stay away." they may be a good
00:16:00.315 --> 00:16:02.818
Saying, "keep your distance. stay away." they may be a good person. they're just not good
00:16:02.885 --> 00:16:04.186
Stay away." they may be a good person. they're just not good for you. this is one of the
00:16:04.253 --> 00:16:06.622
Person. they're just not good for you. this is one of the most important principles you
00:16:06.688 --> 00:16:08.090
For you. this is one of the most important principles you could ever learn. if you will
00:16:08.157 --> 00:16:09.758
Most important principles you could ever learn. if you will trust your sensor, not go
00:16:09.825 --> 00:16:11.827
Could ever learn. if you will trust your sensor, not go against what you're feeling,
00:16:11.894 --> 00:16:13.729
Trust your sensor, not go against what you're feeling, not override the alarms, god
00:16:13.796 --> 00:16:15.964
Against what you're feeling, not override the alarms, god will lead you down the best
00:16:16.031 --> 00:16:17.633
Not override the alarms, god will lead you down the best path. you won't waste valuable
00:16:17.699 --> 00:16:20.102
Will lead you down the best path. you won't waste valuable time involved in things that
00:16:20.169 --> 00:16:22.271
Path. you won't waste valuable time involved in things that you were never supposed to be
00:16:22.337 --> 00:16:23.272
Time involved in things that you were never supposed to be involved in.
00:16:23.338 --> 00:16:24.807
You were never supposed to be involved in. i have some friends, this
00:16:24.873 --> 00:16:25.974
Involved in. i have some friends, this couple, that lived in another
00:16:26.041 --> 00:16:27.142
I have some friends, this couple, that lived in another state. the lady was a very
00:16:27.209 --> 00:16:29.111
Couple, that lived in another state. the lady was a very gifted singer. she had an
00:16:29.178 --> 00:16:30.846
State. the lady was a very gifted singer. she had an incredible voice. she was
00:16:30.913 --> 00:16:32.414
Gifted singer. she had an incredible voice. she was working as an executive
00:16:32.481 --> 00:16:34.983
Incredible voice. she was working as an executive at a marketing company but her
00:16:35.050 --> 00:16:36.251
Working as an executive at a marketing company but her dream was to be in full-time
00:16:36.318 --> 00:16:38.120
At a marketing company but her dream was to be in full-time ministry. she wanted to use her
00:16:38.187 --> 00:16:40.155
Dream was to be in full-time ministry. she wanted to use her gift to bless others.
00:16:40.222 --> 00:16:41.890
Ministry. she wanted to use her gift to bless others. one day she received a phone
00:16:41.957 --> 00:16:43.092
Gift to bless others. one day she received a phone call out of the blue from one of
00:16:43.158 --> 00:16:45.394
One day she received a phone call out of the blue from one of the largest most prominent
00:16:45.461 --> 00:16:47.196
Call out of the blue from one of the largest most prominent ministries of that time. they
00:16:47.262 --> 00:16:49.465
The largest most prominent ministries of that time. they offered her a full-time
00:16:49.531 --> 00:16:51.033
Ministries of that time. they offered her a full-time position to come and lead
00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:52.768
Offered her a full-time position to come and lead worship; her dream job. she
00:16:52.835 --> 00:16:54.937
Position to come and lead worship; her dream job. she would not only be singing in
00:16:55.003 --> 00:16:56.705
Worship; her dream job. she would not only be singing in large auditoriums all over the
00:16:56.772 --> 00:16:58.574
Would not only be singing in large auditoriums all over the world but to many more people
00:16:58.640 --> 00:17:00.542
Large auditoriums all over the world but to many more people through the television ministry.
00:17:00.609 --> 00:17:02.811
World but to many more people through the television ministry. she and her husband were on
00:17:02.878 --> 00:17:04.413
Through the television ministry. she and her husband were on cloud nine. god had done more
00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:07.149
She and her husband were on cloud nine. god had done more than they could even imagine.
00:17:07.216 --> 00:17:08.884
Cloud nine. god had done more than they could even imagine. they went out and celebrated.
00:17:08.951 --> 00:17:11.053
Than they could even imagine. they went out and celebrated. but over the next week or so
00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:12.621
They went out and celebrated. but over the next week or so they both began to feel an
00:17:12.688 --> 00:17:14.756
But over the next week or so they both began to feel an unrest. in their mind it was an
00:17:14.823 --> 00:17:17.559
They both began to feel an unrest. in their mind it was an easy decision. they were
00:17:17.626 --> 00:17:19.294
Unrest. in their mind it was an easy decision. they were excited. "take the job."
00:17:19.361 --> 00:17:21.263
Easy decision. they were excited. "take the job." but in their heart the alarm was
00:17:21.330 --> 00:17:23.031
Excited. "take the job." but in their heart the alarm was going off. something was
00:17:23.098 --> 00:17:24.600
But in their heart the alarm was going off. something was saying, "be careful. this is
00:17:24.666 --> 00:17:25.934
Going off. something was saying, "be careful. this is not right." the husband felt it
00:17:26.001 --> 00:17:28.403
Saying, "be careful. this is not right." the husband felt it so strongly but he didn't want
00:17:28.470 --> 00:17:30.539
Not right." the husband felt it so strongly but he didn't want to say anything to his wife.
00:17:30.606 --> 00:17:32.141
So strongly but he didn't want to say anything to his wife. he didn't want to dampen her
00:17:32.207 --> 00:17:33.375
To say anything to his wife. he didn't want to dampen her enthusiasm. he thought it was
00:17:33.442 --> 00:17:34.943
He didn't want to dampen her enthusiasm. he thought it was just his nerves, thinking about
00:17:35.010 --> 00:17:36.411
Enthusiasm. he thought it was just his nerves, thinking about the change and having to move
00:17:36.478 --> 00:17:37.880
Just his nerves, thinking about the change and having to move across the country. but in a
00:17:37.946 --> 00:17:40.215
The change and having to move across the country. but in a few days his wife came to him,
00:17:40.282 --> 00:17:42.484
Across the country. but in a few days his wife came to him, said, "honey, you're going to
00:17:42.551 --> 00:17:44.353
Few days his wife came to him, said, "honey, you're going to think i'm crazy but we need to
00:17:44.419 --> 00:17:45.587
Said, "honey, you're going to think i'm crazy but we need to talk. i don't think i should
00:17:45.654 --> 00:17:47.389
Think i'm crazy but we need to talk. i don't think i should take the job." he explained how
00:17:47.456 --> 00:17:49.358
Talk. i don't think i should take the job." he explained how he felt the same way. when they
00:17:49.424 --> 00:17:51.627
Take the job." he explained how he felt the same way. when they made the decision to not take
00:17:51.693 --> 00:17:53.595
He felt the same way. when they made the decision to not take it, it was like a heavy burden
00:17:53.662 --> 00:17:55.564
Made the decision to not take it, it was like a heavy burden had been lifted off of them.
00:17:55.631 --> 00:17:57.299
It, it was like a heavy burden had been lifted off of them. they felt a peace.
00:17:57.366 --> 00:17:58.734
Had been lifted off of them. they felt a peace. what's interesting is a few
00:17:58.800 --> 00:18:01.537
They felt a peace. what's interesting is a few months later that ministry that
00:18:01.603 --> 00:18:03.372
What's interesting is a few months later that ministry that they were going to join was
00:18:03.438 --> 00:18:04.940
Months later that ministry that they were going to join was involved in a huge controversy.
00:18:05.007 --> 00:18:07.643
They were going to join was involved in a huge controversy. it was all over the news.
00:18:07.709 --> 00:18:09.444
Involved in a huge controversy. it was all over the news. several months later 90% of
00:18:09.511 --> 00:18:11.146
It was all over the news. several months later 90% of the employees were let go.
00:18:11.213 --> 00:18:14.283
Several months later 90% of the employees were let go. the ministry basically shut
00:18:14.349 --> 00:18:15.484
The employees were let go. the ministry basically shut down. here they would have just
00:18:15.551 --> 00:18:17.219
The ministry basically shut down. here they would have just moved across the country, sold
00:18:17.286 --> 00:18:19.054
Down. here they would have just moved across the country, sold their house, quit their jobs,
00:18:19.121 --> 00:18:21.256
Moved across the country, sold their house, quit their jobs, taken their children out of
00:18:21.323 --> 00:18:22.891
Their house, quit their jobs, taken their children out of school, all for nothing.
00:18:22.958 --> 00:18:25.460
Taken their children out of school, all for nothing. friends, god can see the big
00:18:25.527 --> 00:18:26.728
School, all for nothing. friends, god can see the big picture for your life he knows
00:18:26.795 --> 00:18:28.664
Friends, god can see the big picture for your life he knows what's best for you. don't
00:18:28.730 --> 00:18:30.699
Picture for your life he knows what's best for you. don't override the warnings. don't
00:18:30.766 --> 00:18:32.367
What's best for you. don't override the warnings. don't ignore the unrest. god is not
00:18:32.434 --> 00:18:34.803
Override the warnings. don't ignore the unrest. god is not trying to keep you from your
00:18:34.870 --> 00:18:36.405
Ignore the unrest. god is not trying to keep you from your dreams. he is trying to keep
00:18:36.471 --> 00:18:38.407
Trying to keep you from your dreams. he is trying to keep you from heartache. he wants to
00:18:38.473 --> 00:18:40.342
Dreams. he is trying to keep you from heartache. he wants to keep you on the best path for
00:18:40.409 --> 00:18:41.910
You from heartache. he wants to keep you on the best path for your life. will you trust him?
00:18:41.977 --> 00:18:44.112
Keep you on the best path for your life. will you trust him? colossians 3 says, "let peace
00:18:44.179 --> 00:18:46.915
Your life. will you trust him? colossians 3 says, "let peace act as an umpire." an umpire
00:18:46.982 --> 00:18:49.985
Colossians 3 says, "let peace act as an umpire." an umpire calls us safe or out. before
00:18:50.052 --> 00:18:52.187
Act as an umpire." an umpire calls us safe or out. before you make a decision see if you
00:18:52.254 --> 00:18:55.023
Calls us safe or out. before you make a decision see if you have peace. before you get into
00:18:55.090 --> 00:18:57.025
You make a decision see if you have peace. before you get into relationship with that person
00:18:57.092 --> 00:18:58.894
Have peace. before you get into relationship with that person check your heart. do you have
00:18:58.961 --> 00:19:00.128
Relationship with that person check your heart. do you have peace? before you buy that new
00:19:00.195 --> 00:19:02.130
Check your heart. do you have peace? before you buy that new car, before you take that job,
00:19:02.197 --> 00:19:04.733
Peace? before you buy that new car, before you take that job, before you eat that krispy
00:19:04.800 --> 00:19:07.002
Car, before you take that job, before you eat that krispy kreme donut, see if you have
00:19:07.069 --> 00:19:08.837
Before you eat that krispy kreme donut, see if you have peace. (applause)
00:19:08.904 --> 00:19:10.439
Kreme donut, see if you have peace. (applause) if there's an unrest, an
00:19:10.505 --> 00:19:11.206
Peace. (applause) if there's an unrest, an uneasiness, then don't move
00:19:11.273 --> 00:19:13.008
If there's an unrest, an uneasiness, then don't move forward. let peace be the
00:19:13.075 --> 00:19:14.910
Uneasiness, then don't move forward. let peace be the umpire. it tells you yes or no.
00:19:14.977 --> 00:19:18.313
Forward. let peace be the umpire. it tells you yes or no. how many people get into
00:19:18.380 --> 00:19:19.581
Umpire. it tells you yes or no. how many people get into relationship with someone that
00:19:19.648 --> 00:19:21.383
How many people get into relationship with someone that they didn't have peace about and
00:19:21.450 --> 00:19:23.685
Relationship with someone that they didn't have peace about and they end up miserable? they buy
00:19:23.752 --> 00:19:25.587
They didn't have peace about and they end up miserable? they buy things they didn't have peace
00:19:25.654 --> 00:19:27.122
They end up miserable? they buy things they didn't have peace about. they end up in debt.
00:19:27.189 --> 00:19:29.157
Things they didn't have peace about. they end up in debt. they take a job they didn't have
00:19:29.224 --> 00:19:30.759
About. they end up in debt. they take a job they didn't have peace about. they end up
00:19:30.826 --> 00:19:32.427
They take a job they didn't have peace about. they end up frustrated. here's the key.
00:19:32.494 --> 00:19:35.097
Peace about. they end up frustrated. here's the key. if you don't have peace before
00:19:35.163 --> 00:19:36.698
Frustrated. here's the key. if you don't have peace before you make the decision you're not
00:19:36.765 --> 00:19:38.600
If you don't have peace before you make the decision you're not going to have peace after you
00:19:38.667 --> 00:19:40.168
You make the decision you're not going to have peace after you make the decision. if you don't
00:19:40.235 --> 00:19:41.970
Going to have peace after you make the decision. if you don't have peace about that person
00:19:42.037 --> 00:19:44.072
Make the decision. if you don't have peace about that person now you're not going to have
00:19:44.139 --> 00:19:45.407
Have peace about that person now you're not going to have peace if you get into
00:19:45.474 --> 00:19:46.541
Now you're not going to have peace if you get into relationship. if you don't have
00:19:46.608 --> 00:19:48.543
Peace if you get into relationship. if you don't have peace about buying that new car
00:19:48.610 --> 00:19:50.712
Relationship. if you don't have peace about buying that new car you're not going to have peace
00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:52.314
Peace about buying that new car you're not going to have peace when the payments come each
00:19:52.381 --> 00:19:53.215
You're not going to have peace when the payments come each month. if you don't have peace
00:19:53.282 --> 00:19:55.017
When the payments come each month. if you don't have peace about taking that job you won't
00:19:55.083 --> 00:19:56.818
Month. if you don't have peace about taking that job you won't have peace when you go to work
00:19:56.885 --> 00:19:58.186
About taking that job you won't have peace when you go to work each day. it may pay more
00:19:58.253 --> 00:20:00.422
Have peace when you go to work each day. it may pay more money, be more influential,
00:20:00.489 --> 00:20:02.357
Each day. it may pay more money, be more influential, have more benefits, but if you
00:20:02.424 --> 00:20:04.293
Money, be more influential, have more benefits, but if you don't have peace it means it's
00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:06.061
Have more benefits, but if you don't have peace it means it's not the right job for you.
00:20:06.128 --> 00:20:08.397
Don't have peace it means it's not the right job for you. god has something better.
00:20:08.463 --> 00:20:09.865
Not the right job for you. god has something better. let peace be your umpire.
00:20:09.931 --> 00:20:11.566
God has something better. let peace be your umpire. (applause)
00:20:11.633 --> 00:20:13.669
Let peace be your umpire. (applause) for years my father tried to
00:20:13.735 --> 00:20:14.836
(applause) for years my father tried to buy the property across the
00:20:14.903 --> 00:20:16.271
For years my father tried to buy the property across the street from our first small
00:20:16.338 --> 00:20:17.906
Buy the property across the street from our first small church. it was a big open
00:20:17.973 --> 00:20:19.741
Street from our first small church. it was a big open field; 20 acres. it had a bunch
00:20:19.808 --> 00:20:21.777
Church. it was a big open field; 20 acres. it had a bunch of cows grazing on it. at that
00:20:21.843 --> 00:20:24.246
Field; 20 acres. it had a bunch of cows grazing on it. at that time lakewood only owned two
00:20:24.313 --> 00:20:26.648
Of cows grazing on it. at that time lakewood only owned two acres. that was barely enough
00:20:26.715 --> 00:20:28.383
Time lakewood only owned two acres. that was barely enough room for the services and the
00:20:28.450 --> 00:20:30.085
Acres. that was barely enough room for the services and the people to park. my dad knew
00:20:30.152 --> 00:20:32.254
Room for the services and the people to park. my dad knew that one day he was going to
00:20:32.321 --> 00:20:33.588
People to park. my dad knew that one day he was going to build a larger sanctuary. they
00:20:33.655 --> 00:20:35.457
That one day he was going to build a larger sanctuary. they were going to expand so that
00:20:35.524 --> 00:20:36.591
Build a larger sanctuary. they were going to expand so that property was extremely valuable
00:20:36.658 --> 00:20:38.827
Were going to expand so that property was extremely valuable to him. he went and met with
00:20:38.894 --> 00:20:40.529
Property was extremely valuable to him. he went and met with the owners and they were
00:20:40.595 --> 00:20:42.097
To him. he went and met with the owners and they were willing to sell it. they wanted
00:20:42.164 --> 00:20:43.865
The owners and they were willing to sell it. they wanted $400,000 and that was a fair
00:20:43.932 --> 00:20:46.468
Willing to sell it. they wanted $400,000 and that was a fair price back then, $20,000 an
00:20:46.535 --> 00:20:48.303
$400,000 and that was a fair price back then, $20,000 an acre. they were even willing to
00:20:48.370 --> 00:20:50.305
Price back then, $20,000 an acre. they were even willing to finance it. my dad was prepared
00:20:50.372 --> 00:20:52.941
Acre. they were even willing to finance it. my dad was prepared to present it to the
00:20:53.008 --> 00:20:55.310
Finance it. my dad was prepared to present it to the congregation and start raising
00:20:55.377 --> 00:20:56.745
To present it to the congregation and start raising the funds but down in here
00:20:56.812 --> 00:20:58.146
Congregation and start raising the funds but down in here something didn't feel right.
00:20:58.213 --> 00:21:00.649
The funds but down in here something didn't feel right. he had that unrest. he thought
00:21:00.716 --> 00:21:02.217
Something didn't feel right. he had that unrest. he thought it was just his nerves, tried
00:21:02.284 --> 00:21:04.353
He had that unrest. he thought it was just his nerves, tried to push it down, but week after
00:21:04.419 --> 00:21:05.787
It was just his nerves, tried to push it down, but week after week it wouldn't go away. every
00:21:05.854 --> 00:21:07.556
To push it down, but week after week it wouldn't go away. every time he thought about it he
00:21:07.622 --> 00:21:09.224
Week it wouldn't go away. every time he thought about it he could hear the alarm going
00:21:09.291 --> 00:21:10.425
Time he thought about it he could hear the alarm going off. finally, he told the
00:21:10.492 --> 00:21:12.427
Could hear the alarm going off. finally, he told the owners that lakewood wasn't
00:21:12.494 --> 00:21:13.628
Off. finally, he told the owners that lakewood wasn't going to purchase it. five
00:21:13.695 --> 00:21:15.397
Owners that lakewood wasn't going to purchase it. five years went by. my dad got all
00:21:15.464 --> 00:21:17.699
Going to purchase it. five years went by. my dad got all stirred up. "we need that
00:21:17.766 --> 00:21:19.234
Years went by. my dad got all stirred up. "we need that property. we need a bigger
00:21:19.301 --> 00:21:20.535
Stirred up. "we need that property. we need a bigger sanctuary." he went back.
00:21:20.602 --> 00:21:21.903
Property. we need a bigger sanctuary." he went back. the owner said, "fine. we'll
00:21:21.970 --> 00:21:23.672
Sanctuary." he went back. the owner said, "fine. we'll sell it to you for the same
00:21:23.739 --> 00:21:25.507
The owner said, "fine. we'll sell it to you for the same amount as we asked before."
00:21:25.574 --> 00:21:27.642
Sell it to you for the same amount as we asked before." just as he was about to announce
00:21:27.709 --> 00:21:29.644
Amount as we asked before." just as he was about to announce it he could hear the alarm going
00:21:29.711 --> 00:21:31.313
Just as he was about to announce it he could hear the alarm going off again. he felt that same
00:21:31.380 --> 00:21:32.981
It he could hear the alarm going off again. he felt that same uneasiness. in his mind, it
00:21:33.048 --> 00:21:36.318
Off again. he felt that same uneasiness. in his mind, it didn't make sense. now he had
00:21:36.385 --> 00:21:38.120
Uneasiness. in his mind, it didn't make sense. now he had the money. they had the
00:21:38.186 --> 00:21:39.755
Didn't make sense. now he had the money. they had the property but no peace.
00:21:39.821 --> 00:21:42.190
The money. they had the property but no peace. five years later, ten years
00:21:42.257 --> 00:21:44.359
Property but no peace. five years later, ten years after the initial meeting, he
00:21:44.426 --> 00:21:46.261
Five years later, ten years after the initial meeting, he went back to meet with the
00:21:46.328 --> 00:21:47.662
After the initial meeting, he went back to meet with the owners. this time the market
00:21:47.729 --> 00:21:49.898
Went back to meet with the owners. this time the market had gone down. the economy was
00:21:49.965 --> 00:21:51.900
Owners. this time the market had gone down. the economy was low. the owners were desperate
00:21:51.967 --> 00:21:54.603
Had gone down. the economy was low. the owners were desperate to sell. my father walked in.
00:21:54.669 --> 00:21:56.772
Low. the owners were desperate to sell. my father walked in. the owner said, "we asked
00:21:56.838 --> 00:21:58.607
To sell. my father walked in. the owner said, "we asked $20,000 an acre before. how
00:21:58.673 --> 00:22:00.876
The owner said, "we asked $20,000 an acre before. how about we sell it to you for
00:22:00.942 --> 00:22:02.411
$20,000 an acre before. how about we sell it to you for $5,000 an acre now?" my dad
00:22:02.477 --> 00:22:05.046
About we sell it to you for $5,000 an acre now?" my dad said, "i think that would be
00:22:05.113 --> 00:22:06.415
$5,000 an acre now?" my dad said, "i think that would be okay." (laughter) the property
00:22:06.481 --> 00:22:08.517
Said, "i think that would be okay." (laughter) the property went from $400,000 to $100,000.
00:22:08.583 --> 00:22:11.753
Okay." (laughter) the property went from $400,000 to $100,000. when you feel an unrest, an
00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:13.388
Went from $400,000 to $100,000. when you feel an unrest, an uneasiness, that's not god
00:22:13.455 --> 00:22:16.024
When you feel an unrest, an uneasiness, that's not god trying to keep something from
00:22:16.091 --> 00:22:17.626
Uneasiness, that's not god trying to keep something from you. that's god trying to get
00:22:17.692 --> 00:22:19.428
Trying to keep something from you. that's god trying to get something better to you. now
00:22:19.494 --> 00:22:21.630
You. that's god trying to get something better to you. now don't be hardheaded. don't have
00:22:21.696 --> 00:22:23.765
Something better to you. now don't be hardheaded. don't have to settle for second best.
00:22:23.832 --> 00:22:25.534
Don't be hardheaded. don't have to settle for second best. think, "well, i'm going to do my
00:22:25.600 --> 00:22:26.768
To settle for second best. think, "well, i'm going to do my own thing my own way." no, if
00:22:26.835 --> 00:22:29.137
Think, "well, i'm going to do my own thing my own way." no, if you'll let god lead you he will
00:22:29.204 --> 00:22:30.972
Own thing my own way." no, if you'll let god lead you he will do more than you can ask
00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:32.240
You'll let god lead you he will do more than you can ask or think.
00:22:32.307 --> 00:22:33.408
Do more than you can ask or think. job put it this way. "god
00:22:33.475 --> 00:22:35.544
Or think. job put it this way. "god speaks to us in different ways
00:22:35.610 --> 00:22:37.846
Job put it this way. "god speaks to us in different ways but we don't always hear his
00:22:37.913 --> 00:22:39.714
Speaks to us in different ways but we don't always hear his voice." god is constantly
00:22:39.781 --> 00:22:42.150
But we don't always hear his voice." god is constantly transmitting to you.
00:22:42.217 --> 00:22:44.453
Voice." god is constantly transmitting to you. my question is, "are you tuned
00:22:44.519 --> 00:22:46.822
Transmitting to you. my question is, "are you tuned in?" are you on the right
00:22:46.888 --> 00:22:48.457
My question is, "are you tuned in?" are you on the right frequency? pay attention to
00:22:48.523 --> 00:22:50.826
In?" are you on the right frequency? pay attention to what you're feeling down in
00:22:50.892 --> 00:22:52.294
Frequency? pay attention to what you're feeling down in here: the promptings, the
00:22:52.360 --> 00:22:53.829
What you're feeling down in here: the promptings, the suggestions; the uneasiness.
00:22:53.895 --> 00:22:56.465
Here: the promptings, the suggestions; the uneasiness. remember, it's a still small
00:22:56.531 --> 00:22:58.500
Suggestions; the uneasiness. remember, it's a still small voice. you're not going to hear
00:22:58.567 --> 00:23:00.335
Remember, it's a still small voice. you're not going to hear this by accident. it's got to
00:23:00.402 --> 00:23:02.170
Voice. you're not going to hear this by accident. it's got to be a priority. "god, what are
00:23:02.237 --> 00:23:04.206
This by accident. it's got to be a priority. "god, what are you saying to me today?"
00:23:04.272 --> 00:23:06.575
Be a priority. "god, what are you saying to me today?" not just in the big decisions
00:23:06.641 --> 00:23:08.143
You saying to me today?" not just in the big decisions but everywhere you go and in
00:23:08.210 --> 00:23:10.045
Not just in the big decisions but everywhere you go and in everything you do. be
00:23:10.111 --> 00:23:11.913
But everywhere you go and in everything you do. be sensitive. don't override the
00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:13.682
Everything you do. be sensitive. don't override the warnings. don't ignore the
00:23:13.748 --> 00:23:15.951
Sensitive. don't override the warnings. don't ignore the alarms. let peace act as the
00:23:16.017 --> 00:23:18.286
Warnings. don't ignore the alarms. let peace act as the umpire. if you'll do this, god
00:23:18.353 --> 00:23:20.589
Alarms. let peace act as the umpire. if you'll do this, god promises he will lead you,
00:23:20.655 --> 00:23:22.691
Umpire. if you'll do this, god promises he will lead you, guide you, protect you, show
00:23:22.757 --> 00:23:24.860
Promises he will lead you, guide you, protect you, show you his favor, give you inside
00:23:24.926 --> 00:23:26.528
Guide you, protect you, show you his favor, give you inside information. and i believe and
00:23:26.595 --> 00:23:28.997
You his favor, give you inside information. and i believe and declare you will rise higher,
00:23:29.064 --> 00:23:30.966
Information. and i believe and declare you will rise higher, overcome every obstacle and
00:23:31.032 --> 00:23:32.968
Declare you will rise higher, overcome every obstacle and become everything god has
00:23:33.034 --> 00:23:34.569
Overcome every obstacle and become everything god has created you to be. in jesus'
00:23:34.636 --> 00:23:36.271
Become everything god has created you to be. in jesus' name. if you receive it can you
00:23:36.338 --> 00:23:38.306
Created you to be. in jesus' name. if you receive it can you say, "amen" today? (applause)
00:23:38.373 --> 00:23:41.977
Name. if you receive it can you say, "amen" today? (applause) well, we never like to close
00:23:42.043 --> 00:23:42.944
Say, "amen" today? (applause) well, we never like to close our broadcast without giving you
00:23:43.011 --> 00:23:44.079
Well, we never like to close our broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make jesus the
00:23:44.145 --> 00:23:45.981
Our broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life. would you
00:23:46.047 --> 00:23:47.849
An opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life. would you pray with me? just say, "lord
00:23:47.916 --> 00:23:49.618
Lord of your life. would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins.
00:23:49.684 --> 00:23:53.889
Pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins. come into my heart. i make you
00:23:53.955 --> 00:23:56.992
Jesus, i repent of my sins. come into my heart. i make you my lord and savior."
00:23:57.058 --> 00:24:00.695
Come into my heart. i make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that
00:24:00.762 --> 00:24:02.430
My lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you
00:24:02.497 --> 00:24:03.398
Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good
00:24:03.465 --> 00:24:05.267
Simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep god
00:24:05.333 --> 00:24:06.434
Got born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep god first place. he is going to
00:24:06.501 --> 00:24:07.969
Bible-based church. keep god first place. he is going to take you places that you've
00:24:08.036 --> 00:24:09.404
First place. he is going to take you places that you've never dreamed of.
00:24:09.471 --> 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 --> 00:27:28.937

Joel Osteen - Are You Listening?

January 22, 2026 | 27:29

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