Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen - Give The Gift of Yourself

February 21, 2026 | 27:29

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

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Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - Give The Gift of Yourself | February 21, 2026

(applause)
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(applause) well, god bless you.
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(applause) well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into
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Well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your homes. if you're ever in
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It's always a joy to come into your homes. if you're ever in our area please stop by and be
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Your homes. if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a part of one of our services.
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Our area please stop by and be a part of one of our services. i promise you we'll make you
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A part of one of our 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.
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Feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in. thank you again for coming out
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So much for tuning in. thank you again for coming out today.
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Thank you again for coming out today. i like to start with something
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Today. i like to start with something funny. i heard about this
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I like to start with something funny. i heard about this minister. he bought a new
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Funny. i heard about this minister. he bought a new horse. he trained it to respond
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Minister. he bought a new horse. he trained it to respond to, "praise the lord," meaning,
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Horse. he trained it to respond to, "praise the lord," meaning, "giddy up" and "hallelujah,"
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To, "praise the lord," meaning, "giddy up" and "hallelujah," meaning, "whoa." every time he
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"giddy up" and "hallelujah," meaning, "whoa." every time he said, "praise the lord," the
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Meaning, "whoa." every time he said, "praise the lord," the horse took off running. when he
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Said, "praise the lord," the horse took off running. when he said, "hallelujah," it would
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Horse took off running. when he said, "hallelujah," it would quickly stop.
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Said, "hallelujah," it would quickly stop. one day he was out riding and
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Quickly stop. one day he was out riding and the horse got spooked, took off
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One day he was out riding and the horse got spooked, took off straight toward the cliff, going
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The horse got spooked, took off straight toward the cliff, going full blast.
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Straight toward the cliff, going full blast. in the panic, he couldn't
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Full blast. in the panic, he couldn't remember what he had taught the
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In the panic, he couldn't remember what he had taught the horse. (laughter)
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Remember what he had taught the horse. (laughter) he said, "bless god! amen!
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Horse. (laughter) he said, "bless god! amen! glory!" nothing happened.
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He said, "bless god! amen! glory!" nothing happened. the last second he shouted,
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Glory!" nothing happened. the last second he shouted, "hallelujah!" the horse came to
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The last second he shouted, "hallelujah!" the horse came to a screeching halt just inches
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"hallelujah!" the horse came to a screeching halt just inches from the edge of the cliff.
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A screeching halt just inches from the edge of the cliff. he breathed a sigh of relief and
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From the edge of the cliff. he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "praise the lord."
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He breathed a sigh of relief and said, "praise the lord." (laughter/applause)
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Said, "praise the lord." (laughter/applause) all right. hold up your bible.
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(laughter/applause) all right. hold up your bible. say it like you mean it.
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All right. hold up your bible. say it like you mean it. this is my bible.
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Say it like you mean it. this is my bible. i am what it says i am.
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This is my bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it says i have.
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I am what it says i am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it says i can do.
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I have what it says i have. i can do what it says i can do. today i will be taught the word
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I can do what it says i can do. today i will be taught the word of god.
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Today i will be taught the word of god. i boldly confess:
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Of god. i boldly confess: my mind is alert.
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I boldly confess: my mind is alert. my heart is receptive.
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My mind is alert. my heart is receptive. i will never be the same.
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My heart is receptive. i will never be the same. in jesus' name.
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I will never be the same. in jesus' name. god bless you.
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In jesus' name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today
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God bless you. i want to talk to you today about giving the gift of
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I want to talk to you today about giving the gift of yourself.
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About giving the gift of yourself. the greatest gift you can give
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Yourself. the greatest gift you can give is not necessarily your money.
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The greatest gift you can give is not necessarily your money. it's not what you can buy
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Is not necessarily your money. it's not what you can buy someone. the greatest gift is
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It's not what you can buy someone. the greatest gift is your time, your attention, your
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Someone. the greatest gift is your time, your attention, your love, your concern.
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Your time, your attention, your love, your concern. when you take time to go see
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Love, your concern. when you take time to go see someone, you look them in the
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When you take time to go see someone, you look them in the eyes, they feel your love, they
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Someone, you look them in the eyes, they feel your love, they enjoy your company; that means
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Eyes, they feel your love, they enjoy your company; that means more than any material gift that
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Enjoy your company; that means more than any material gift that you could ever give.
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More than any material gift that you could ever give. the people that are close to
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You could ever give. the people that are close to you, that really love and
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The people that are close to you, that really love and respect you, they would rather
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You, that really love and respect you, they would rather have you than your money.
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Respect you, they would rather have you than your money. you can give them all the money
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Have you than your money. you can give them all the money in the world but it you're not
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You can give them all the money in the world but it you're not spending time with them they're
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In the world but it you're not spending time with them they're missing out on the best of you.
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Spending time with them they're missing out on the best of you. when you give the gift of
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Missing out on the best of you. when you give the gift of yourself, you're saying, "you're
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When you give the gift of yourself, you're saying, "you're extremely important to me.
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Yourself, you're saying, "you're extremely important to me. i care about you. i love you.
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Extremely important to me. i care about you. i love you. you're valuable."
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I care about you. i love you. you're valuable." you're giving something that
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You're valuable." you're giving something that money cannot buy. and sometimes
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You're giving something that money cannot buy. and sometimes writing a check is taking the
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Money cannot buy. and sometimes writing a check is taking the easy way out. "i know i need to
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Writing a check is taking the easy way out. "i know i need to go visit my parents but i'm so
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Easy way out. "i know i need to go visit my parents but i'm so busy at the office. i'll just
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Go visit my parents but i'm so busy at the office. i'll just pay the neighbor to watch after
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Busy at the office. i'll just pay the neighbor to watch after them." "my friend is in the
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Pay the neighbor to watch after them." "my friend is in the hospital. i know i should go
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Them." "my friend is in the hospital. i know i should go see them but i don't want to
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Hospital. i know i should go see them but i don't want to miss working out this week.
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See them but i don't want to miss working out this week. i'll just send them some
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Miss working out this week. i'll just send them some flowers."
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I'll just send them some flowers." no, take time to give your
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Flowers." no, take time to give your greatest gift.
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No, take time to give your greatest gift. i learned this from my father.
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Greatest gift. i learned this from my father. at least once a year he would
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I learned this from my father. at least once a year he would have me drive him back to paris,
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At least once a year he would have me drive him back to paris, texas. that's where he grew up.
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Have me drive him back to paris, texas. that's where he grew up. there was this older couple that
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Texas. that's where he grew up. there was this older couple that was related to us somehow.
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There was this older couple that was related to us somehow. the man was american indian, so
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Was related to us somehow. the man was american indian, so nice. and his wife and him,
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The man was american indian, so nice. and his wife and him, they lived in this small wood
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Nice. and his wife and him, they lived in this small wood frame house. they were in their
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They lived in this small wood frame house. they were in their late 80's and had some health
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Frame house. they were in their late 80's and had some health issues and didn't have much
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Late 80's and had some health issues and didn't have much money, didn't have anybody to
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Issues and didn't have much money, didn't have anybody to watch after them.
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Money, didn't have anybody to watch after them. my father would pay their rent,
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Watch after them. my father would pay their rent, buy their medications; have
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My father would pay their rent, buy their medications; have somebody take care of the house.
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Buy their medications; have somebody take care of the house. daddy could have thought,
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Somebody take care of the house. daddy could have thought, "that's good enough. i'm doing
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Daddy could have thought, "that's good enough. i'm doing my part."
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"that's good enough. i'm doing my part." no, he understood this principle
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My part." no, he understood this principle that the greatest gift he could
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No, he understood this principle that the greatest gift he could give was not his money but
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That the greatest gift he could give was not his money but himself. my father was very
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Give was not his money but himself. my father was very busy. he pastored a large
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Himself. my father was very busy. he pastored a large church and had a lot of
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Busy. he pastored a large church and had a lot of responsibilities. this could
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Church and had a lot of responsibilities. this could have been very low on his
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Responsibilities. this could have been very low on his priority list but every year
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Have been very low on his priority list but every year we would take that five-hour
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Priority list but every year we would take that five-hour journey.
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We would take that five-hour journey. the first time we went, i told
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Journey. the first time we went, i told victoria, "next tuesday we're
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The first time we went, i told victoria, "next tuesday we're going to paris." i didn't tell
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Victoria, "next tuesday we're going to paris." i didn't tell her paris, texas until the
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Going to paris." i didn't tell her paris, texas until the morning of. we got to paris and
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Her paris, texas until the morning of. we got to paris and she never did find the eiffel
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Morning of. we got to paris and she never did find the eiffel tower there. (laughter)
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She never did find the eiffel tower there. (laughter) i'll never forget pulling up in
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Tower there. (laughter) i'll never forget pulling up in their driveway. they were
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I'll never forget pulling up in their driveway. they were sitting on the front porch
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Their driveway. they were sitting on the front porch waiting with such anticipation.
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Sitting on the front porch waiting with such anticipation. you would have thought the
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Waiting with such anticipation. you would have thought the president of the united states
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You would have thought the president of the united states showed up. they were so happy.
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President of the united states showed up. they were so happy. we would go in and eat the lunch
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Showed up. they were so happy. we would go in and eat the lunch they had prepared. then we
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We would go in and eat the lunch they had prepared. then we would sit there and visit for
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They had prepared. then we would sit there and visit for hours and hours, listening to
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Would sit there and visit for hours and hours, listening to their stories, the same ones
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Hours and hours, listening to their stories, the same ones i had heard before. a couple
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Their stories, the same ones i had heard before. a couple times i thought, "let me finish
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I had heard before. a couple times i thought, "let me finish it for you." (laughter)
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Times i thought, "let me finish it for you." (laughter) i was in my early 20's. to be
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It for you." (laughter) i was in my early 20's. to be honest, i was so bored.
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I was in my early 20's. to be honest, i was so bored. i thought, "come on, daddy.
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Honest, i was so bored. i thought, "come on, daddy. let's go! we've had lunch.
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I thought, "come on, daddy. let's go! we've had lunch. we've said hello. they know
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Let's go! we've had lunch. we've said hello. they know we love them." my father sat
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We've said hello. they know we love them." my father sat there just as patient as can
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We love them." my father sat there just as patient as can be. what was he doing?
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There just as patient as can be. what was he doing? giving his greatest gift-his
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Be. what was he doing? giving his greatest gift-his time, his attention, his
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Giving his greatest gift-his time, his attention, his friendship, the gift of himself.
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Time, his attention, his friendship, the gift of himself. today, people are so busy.
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Friendship, the gift of himself. today, people are so busy. with the technology it's easy to
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Today, people are so busy. with the technology it's easy to not interact one on one.
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With the technology it's easy to not interact one on one. where we used to go see someone
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Not interact one on one. where we used to go see someone in person, or we used to at
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Where we used to go see someone in person, or we used to at least pick up the phone, now we
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In person, or we used to at least pick up the phone, now we may go months and months and
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Least pick up the phone, now we may go months and months and only communicate by text, by
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May go months and months and only communicate by text, by email, by facebook.
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Only communicate by text, by email, by facebook. and there is nothing wrong with
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Email, by facebook. and there is nothing wrong with that but you have to make sure
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And there is nothing wrong with that but you have to make sure you're not cheating people out
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That but you have to make sure you're not cheating people out of the best of you.
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You're not cheating people out of the best of you. to look someone in the eyes is
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Of the best of you. to look someone in the eyes is very powerful. to give them
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To look someone in the eyes is very powerful. to give them your undivided attention speaks
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Very powerful. to give them your undivided attention speaks volumes. to let them hear your
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Your undivided attention speaks volumes. to let them hear your voice is extremely important.
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Volumes. to let them hear your voice is extremely important. you will never regret spending
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Voice is extremely important. you will never regret spending time with the people that you
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You will never regret spending time with the people that you love.
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Time with the people that you love. i'm all for using technology but
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Love. i'm all for using technology but nothing makes the impact like
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I'm all for using technology but nothing makes the impact like seeing someone face to face.
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Nothing makes the impact like seeing someone face to face. there was this older gentleman
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Seeing someone face to face. there was this older gentleman that i grew up with.
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There was this older gentleman that i grew up with. he was always very good to me.
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That i grew up with. he was always very good to me. he bought some television
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He was always very good to me. he bought some television equipment for us--just a kind,
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He bought some television equipment for us--just a kind, generous man. he would come up
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Equipment for us--just a kind, generous man. he would come up to the office and bring lunch.
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Generous man. he would come up to the office and bring lunch. we would all sit around, laugh,
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To the office and bring lunch. we would all sit around, laugh, talk, and have a good time
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We would all sit around, laugh, talk, and have a good time together.
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Talk, and have a good time together. one day he had a stroke,
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Together. one day he had a stroke, couldn't get out anymore, and
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One day he had a stroke, couldn't get out anymore, and couldn't drive. i felt so badly
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Couldn't get out anymore, and couldn't drive. i felt so badly for him. i meant to call him.
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Couldn't drive. i felt so badly for him. i meant to call him. i had good intentions but i was
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For him. i meant to call him. i had good intentions but i was so busy. we had a newborn
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I had good intentions but i was so busy. we had a newborn little baby daughter.
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So busy. we had a newborn little baby daughter. i was just learning how to
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Little baby daughter. i was just learning how to minister. i had so much going
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I was just learning how to minister. i had so much going on i kept putting it off and
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Minister. i had so much going on i kept putting it off and putting it off.
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On i kept putting it off and putting it off. i know friends that would go out
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Putting it off. i know friends that would go out to see him. i would always tell
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I know friends that would go out to see him. i would always tell them, "be sure to tell him for
00:06:22.905 --> 00:06:24.874
To see him. i would always tell them, "be sure to tell him for me that i miss him, i love him
00:06:24.941 --> 00:06:27.777
Them, "be sure to tell him for me that i miss him, i love him and i'm going to come see him."
00:06:27.844 --> 00:06:29.879
Me that i miss him, i love him and i'm going to come see him." well, weeks turned into months.
00:06:29.946 --> 00:06:31.948
And i'm going to come see him." well, weeks turned into months. months turned into years.
00:06:32.014 --> 00:06:34.650
Well, weeks turned into months. months turned into years. one morning i woke up with him
00:06:34.717 --> 00:06:36.552
Months turned into years. one morning i woke up with him on my mind so strongly that i
00:06:36.619 --> 00:06:38.955
One morning i woke up with him on my mind so strongly that i got in the car and drove to his
00:06:39.021 --> 00:06:41.057
On my mind so strongly that i got in the car and drove to his house. the lady that took care
00:06:41.123 --> 00:06:43.059
Got in the car and drove to his house. the lady that took care of him answered the door.
00:06:43.125 --> 00:06:45.561
House. the lady that took care of him answered the door. she said, "joel, he is going to
00:06:45.628 --> 00:06:46.596
Of him answered the door. she said, "joel, he is going to be so happy to see you. he
00:06:46.662 --> 00:06:48.498
She said, "joel, he is going to be so happy to see you. he talks about you all the time.
00:06:48.564 --> 00:06:51.000
Be so happy to see you. he talks about you all the time. he tells people you're just like
00:06:51.067 --> 00:06:52.001
Talks about you all the time. he tells people you're just like his own son."
00:06:52.068 --> 00:06:54.403
He tells people you're just like his own son." i went in and gave him a big hug
00:06:54.470 --> 00:06:55.671
His own son." i went in and gave him a big hug and he wept and wept.
00:06:55.738 --> 00:06:58.641
I went in and gave him a big hug and he wept and wept. we're all busy. we've all got a
00:06:58.708 --> 00:07:00.676
And he wept and wept. we're all busy. we've all got a lot going on. but i'll never
00:07:00.743 --> 00:07:02.378
We're all busy. we've all got a lot going on. but i'll never regret the time that i spent
00:07:02.445 --> 00:07:05.281
Lot going on. but i'll never regret the time that i spent with him that day. that one
00:07:05.348 --> 00:07:06.916
Regret the time that i spent with him that day. that one hour did more to express my
00:07:06.983 --> 00:07:09.318
With him that day. that one hour did more to express my love, my gratitude, my respect,
00:07:09.385 --> 00:07:13.489
Hour did more to express my love, my gratitude, my respect, than a thousand people telling
00:07:13.556 --> 00:07:15.124
Love, my gratitude, my respect, than a thousand people telling him for me.
00:07:15.191 --> 00:07:17.159
Than a thousand people telling him for me. i could have sent him money,
00:07:17.226 --> 00:07:18.427
Him for me. i could have sent him money, food, medication, encouragement.
00:07:18.494 --> 00:07:21.330
I could have sent him money, food, medication, encouragement. that would have been good.
00:07:21.397 --> 00:07:22.965
Food, medication, encouragement. that would have been good. he would have been grateful.
00:07:23.032 --> 00:07:24.400
That would have been good. he would have been grateful. but it would not have had half
00:07:24.467 --> 00:07:25.668
He would have been grateful. but it would not have had half the impact of that one visit.
00:07:25.735 --> 00:07:28.604
But it would not have had half the impact of that one visit. the fact that i took time to
00:07:28.671 --> 00:07:30.273
The impact of that one visit. the fact that i took time to look him in the eyes, to let him
00:07:30.339 --> 00:07:32.108
The fact that i took time to look him in the eyes, to let him feel the warmth of my hug, to
00:07:32.174 --> 00:07:35.244
Look him in the eyes, to let him feel the warmth of my hug, to give him my undivided attention,
00:07:35.311 --> 00:07:38.080
Feel the warmth of my hug, to give him my undivided attention, to laugh and talk about old
00:07:38.147 --> 00:07:39.749
Give him my undivided attention, to laugh and talk about old times, that was invaluable.
00:07:39.815 --> 00:07:43.019
To laugh and talk about old times, that was invaluable. that cannot be purchased by
00:07:43.085 --> 00:07:44.854
Times, that was invaluable. that cannot be purchased by money. why is that?
00:07:44.921 --> 00:07:46.188
That cannot be purchased by money. why is that? the greatest gift you can give
00:07:46.255 --> 00:07:47.557
Money. why is that? the greatest gift you can give is yourself.
00:07:47.623 --> 00:07:50.893
The greatest gift you can give is yourself. you can't do it for everyone but
00:07:50.960 --> 00:07:53.563
Is yourself. you can't do it for everyone but you can do it for someone.
00:07:53.629 --> 00:07:55.498
You can't do it for everyone but you can do it for someone. god has put people in your life
00:07:55.565 --> 00:07:57.166
You can do it for someone. god has put people in your life that need your gift.
00:07:57.233 --> 00:07:59.669
God has put people in your life that need your gift. don't put it off and say, "oh,
00:07:59.735 --> 00:08:01.270
That need your gift. don't put it off and say, "oh, yeah. joel, i'll do it. one day
00:08:01.337 --> 00:08:02.772
Don't put it off and say, "oh, yeah. joel, i'll do it. one day when it slows down at the
00:08:02.838 --> 00:08:04.407
Yeah. joel, i'll do it. one day when it slows down at the office. maybe when the children
00:08:04.473 --> 00:08:05.908
When it slows down at the office. maybe when the children get back in school. maybe when
00:08:05.975 --> 00:08:08.678
Office. maybe when the children get back in school. maybe when the price of gas comes down."
00:08:08.744 --> 00:08:11.314
Get back in school. maybe when the price of gas comes down." don't hold your breath.
00:08:11.380 --> 00:08:12.748
The price of gas comes down." don't hold your breath. (laughter)
00:08:12.815 --> 00:08:13.816
Don't hold your breath. (laughter) if you keep putting it off you
00:08:13.883 --> 00:08:15.084
(laughter) if you keep putting it off you may miss the opportunity.
00:08:15.151 --> 00:08:17.086
If you keep putting it off you may miss the opportunity. life is short. it's no
00:08:17.153 --> 00:08:19.121
May miss the opportunity. life is short. it's no guarantee of another day.
00:08:19.188 --> 00:08:22.692
Life is short. it's no guarantee of another day. that visit you've been planning
00:08:22.758 --> 00:08:23.926
Guarantee of another day. that visit you've been planning to make, why don't you make it?
00:08:23.993 --> 00:08:26.162
That visit you've been planning to make, why don't you make it? that friend you've been meaning
00:08:26.228 --> 00:08:27.330
To make, why don't you make it? that friend you've been meaning to see, why don't you go see
00:08:27.396 --> 00:08:28.598
That friend you've been meaning to see, why don't you go see them?
00:08:28.664 --> 00:08:30.366
To see, why don't you go see them? when i left his house that
00:08:30.433 --> 00:08:31.434
Them? when i left his house that morning part of me felt very
00:08:31.500 --> 00:08:32.835
When i left his house that morning part of me felt very happy and very fulfilled that
00:08:32.902 --> 00:08:34.670
Morning part of me felt very happy and very fulfilled that i could make his day.
00:08:34.737 --> 00:08:37.239
Happy and very fulfilled that i could make his day. another part of me felt sad that
00:08:37.306 --> 00:08:39.108
I could make his day. another part of me felt sad that i had held my gift back for so
00:08:39.175 --> 00:08:41.644
Another part of me felt sad that i had held my gift back for so long. it had been years i had
00:08:41.711 --> 00:08:44.013
I had held my gift back for so long. it had been years i had been planning to see him.
00:08:44.080 --> 00:08:46.482
Long. it had been years i had been planning to see him. to see the impact that it made,
00:08:46.549 --> 00:08:49.085
Been planning to see him. to see the impact that it made, to see him come alive, to see
00:08:49.151 --> 00:08:51.053
To see the impact that it made, to see him come alive, to see his smile, made me wish i had
00:08:51.120 --> 00:08:53.322
To see him come alive, to see his smile, made me wish i had done it a whole lot sooner.
00:08:53.389 --> 00:08:55.658
His smile, made me wish i had done it a whole lot sooner. i made a vow that day that
00:08:55.725 --> 00:08:57.593
Done it a whole lot sooner. i made a vow that day that i wasn't going to withhold
00:08:57.660 --> 00:08:59.428
I made a vow that day that i wasn't going to withhold my gift anymore.
00:08:59.495 --> 00:09:02.298
I wasn't going to withhold my gift anymore. i'm asking you to do the same
00:09:02.365 --> 00:09:02.898
My gift anymore. i'm asking you to do the same thing.
00:09:02.965 --> 00:09:05.768
I'm asking you to do the same thing. take time for the people that
00:09:05.835 --> 00:09:06.636
Thing. take time for the people that invested in you, the people that
00:09:06.702 --> 00:09:09.472
Take time for the people that invested in you, the people that made sacrifices.
00:09:09.538 --> 00:09:12.041
Invested in you, the people that made sacrifices. like this man, the people that
00:09:12.108 --> 00:09:13.109
Made sacrifices. like this man, the people that went out of their way to be good
00:09:13.175 --> 00:09:15.177
Like this man, the people that went out of their way to be good to you. they need more than
00:09:15.244 --> 00:09:17.279
Went out of their way to be good to you. they need more than your money, more than your well
00:09:17.346 --> 00:09:19.115
To you. they need more than your money, more than your well wishes, more than your friends
00:09:19.181 --> 00:09:22.151
Your money, more than your well wishes, more than your friends saying hello for you.
00:09:22.218 --> 00:09:23.619
Wishes, more than your friends saying hello for you. they need the gift of your self.
00:09:23.686 --> 00:09:26.322
Saying hello for you. they need the gift of your self. here's the key; only you can
00:09:26.389 --> 00:09:27.723
They need the gift of your self. here's the key; only you can give it: your love, your smile,
00:09:27.790 --> 00:09:30.559
Here's the key; only you can give it: your love, your smile, your friendship; your gratitude.
00:09:30.626 --> 00:09:33.095
Give it: your love, your smile, your friendship; your gratitude. that's one of kind.
00:09:33.162 --> 00:09:35.231
Your friendship; your gratitude. that's one of kind. it can't be transferred.
00:09:35.297 --> 00:09:36.799
That's one of kind. it can't be transferred. it doesn't necessarily translate
00:09:36.866 --> 00:09:38.401
It can't be transferred. it doesn't necessarily translate through another person,
00:09:38.467 --> 00:09:40.002
It doesn't necessarily translate through another person, through a letter.
00:09:40.069 --> 00:09:42.605
Through another person, through a letter. a phone call is good but don't
00:09:42.672 --> 00:09:43.472
Through a letter. a phone call is good but don't use that as an excuse to never
00:09:43.539 --> 00:09:45.508
A phone call is good but don't use that as an excuse to never see them face-to-face.
00:09:45.574 --> 00:09:47.910
Use that as an excuse to never see them face-to-face. i'll tell you something strange
00:09:47.977 --> 00:09:49.645
See them face-to-face. i'll tell you something strange about me. there's more than one
00:09:49.712 --> 00:09:50.680
I'll tell you something strange about me. there's more than one thing but this is one.
00:09:50.746 --> 00:09:51.681
About me. there's more than one thing but this is one. (laughter)
00:09:51.747 --> 00:09:53.883
Thing but this is one. (laughter) when i read the newspaper every
00:09:53.949 --> 00:09:54.917
(laughter) when i read the newspaper every morning i always read the
00:09:54.984 --> 00:09:57.219
When i read the newspaper every morning i always read the obituaries. i scan through it
00:09:57.286 --> 00:09:59.555
Morning i always read the obituaries. i scan through it and read about people to see
00:09:59.622 --> 00:10:01.691
Obituaries. i scan through it and read about people to see who they are, what their story
00:10:01.757 --> 00:10:03.259
And read about people to see who they are, what their story is, how long they've lived.
00:10:03.325 --> 00:10:05.761
Who they are, what their story is, how long they've lived. my children still make fun of
00:10:05.828 --> 00:10:06.929
Is, how long they've lived. my children still make fun of me. "daddy is reading the
00:10:06.996 --> 00:10:07.797
My children still make fun of me. "daddy is reading the obituaries again. starting the
00:10:07.863 --> 00:10:09.532
Me. "daddy is reading the obituaries again. starting the day off right thinking about
00:10:09.598 --> 00:10:10.566
Obituaries again. starting the day off right thinking about death." (laughter)
00:10:10.633 --> 00:10:13.536
Day off right thinking about death." (laughter) but i've done that for years
00:10:13.602 --> 00:10:14.670
Death." (laughter) but i've done that for years and years.
00:10:14.737 --> 00:10:16.138
But i've done that for years and years. i think the main reason is to
00:10:16.205 --> 00:10:17.573
And years. i think the main reason is to make sure i'm not in it.
00:10:17.640 --> 00:10:19.241
I think the main reason is to make sure i'm not in it. (laughter)
00:10:19.308 --> 00:10:21.010
Make sure i'm not in it. (laughter) but the real main reason is it
00:10:21.077 --> 00:10:22.244
(laughter) but the real main reason is it reminds me of how fragile life
00:10:22.311 --> 00:10:24.480
But the real main reason is it reminds me of how fragile life really is.
00:10:24.547 --> 00:10:27.883
Reminds me of how fragile life really is. we grow up thinking that we're
00:10:27.950 --> 00:10:28.884
Really is. we grow up thinking that we're invincible, we're going to be
00:10:28.951 --> 00:10:30.319
We grow up thinking that we're invincible, we're going to be here forever with our family and
00:10:30.386 --> 00:10:32.755
Invincible, we're going to be here forever with our family and our friends. our world is
00:10:32.822 --> 00:10:34.323
Here forever with our family and our friends. our world is always going to be perfect.
00:10:34.390 --> 00:10:36.258
Our friends. our world is always going to be perfect. that's not the case.
00:10:36.325 --> 00:10:37.426
Always going to be perfect. that's not the case. james 4:14 says, "our life is
00:10:37.493 --> 00:10:39.562
That's not the case. james 4:14 says, "our life is like a mist. we're here for a
00:10:39.628 --> 00:10:42.298
James 4:14 says, "our life is like a mist. we're here for a moment, then were gone."
00:10:42.364 --> 00:10:45.401
Like a mist. we're here for a moment, then were gone." when you read the obituaries you
00:10:45.468 --> 00:10:47.403
Moment, then were gone." when you read the obituaries you see people who are old and
00:10:47.470 --> 00:10:49.405
When you read the obituaries you see people who are old and people who were young, people
00:10:49.472 --> 00:10:51.474
See people who are old and people who were young, people who had big families and people
00:10:51.540 --> 00:10:53.709
People who were young, people who had big families and people with no families.
00:10:53.776 --> 00:10:56.278
Who had big families and people with no families. some obituaries are very long
00:10:56.345 --> 00:10:57.813
With no families. some obituaries are very long with great accomplishments.
00:10:57.880 --> 00:11:00.116
Some obituaries are very long with great accomplishments. some are short. they just list
00:11:00.182 --> 00:11:01.450
With great accomplishments. some are short. they just list the people's name and their
00:11:01.517 --> 00:11:03.285
Some are short. they just list the people's name and their dates, their age.
00:11:03.352 --> 00:11:05.755
The people's name and their dates, their age. one thing they all have in
00:11:05.821 --> 00:11:07.256
Dates, their age. one thing they all have in common is they're no longer
00:11:07.323 --> 00:11:09.258
One thing they all have in common is they're no longer here. their time on this earth
00:11:09.325 --> 00:11:10.960
Common is they're no longer here. their time on this earth is over.
00:11:11.026 --> 00:11:13.596
Here. their time on this earth is over. it's very sobering to look
00:11:13.662 --> 00:11:14.964
Is over. it's very sobering to look around at who god has put in
00:11:15.030 --> 00:11:17.299
It's very sobering to look around at who god has put in your life.
00:11:17.366 --> 00:11:18.934
Around at who god has put in your life. who has made a difference?
00:11:19.001 --> 00:11:20.669
Your life. who has made a difference? who has invested in you?
00:11:20.736 --> 00:11:22.872
Who has made a difference? who has invested in you? who was there when nobody else
00:11:22.938 --> 00:11:24.240
Who has invested in you? who was there when nobody else was around?
00:11:24.306 --> 00:11:25.908
Who was there when nobody else was around? they took you under their wing.
00:11:25.975 --> 00:11:27.409
Was around? they took you under their wing. they mentored you.
00:11:27.476 --> 00:11:29.378
They took you under their wing. they mentored you. are you giving the gift of your
00:11:29.445 --> 00:11:30.613
They mentored you. are you giving the gift of your self back to them?
00:11:30.679 --> 00:11:33.082
Are you giving the gift of your self back to them? some people come into our lives
00:11:33.149 --> 00:11:35.317
Self back to them? some people come into our lives to get us to a certain level.
00:11:35.384 --> 00:11:37.086
Some people come into our lives to get us to a certain level. they make sacrifices. they pay
00:11:37.153 --> 00:11:38.921
To get us to a certain level. they make sacrifices. they pay the price. then we take off and
00:11:38.988 --> 00:11:41.190
They make sacrifices. they pay the price. then we take off and pass them by.
00:11:41.257 --> 00:11:43.459
The price. then we take off and pass them by. now they're in the shadows.
00:11:43.526 --> 00:11:46.162
Pass them by. now they're in the shadows. it's easy to forget about them.
00:11:46.228 --> 00:11:48.164
Now they're in the shadows. it's easy to forget about them. it's easy to not have any time:
00:11:48.230 --> 00:11:50.132
It's easy to forget about them. it's easy to not have any time: too busy, too important; too
00:11:50.199 --> 00:11:51.400
It's easy to not have any time: too busy, too important; too successful.
00:11:51.467 --> 00:11:52.868
Too busy, too important; too successful. "i've got too much going on."
00:11:52.935 --> 00:11:54.436
Successful. "i've got too much going on." no, if it had not been for them
00:11:54.503 --> 00:11:56.605
"i've got too much going on." no, if it had not been for them you wouldn't be where you are.
00:11:56.672 --> 00:11:58.908
No, if it had not been for them you wouldn't be where you are. take time for the people that
00:11:58.974 --> 00:12:00.242
You wouldn't be where you are. take time for the people that took time for you.
00:12:00.309 --> 00:12:03.646
Take time for the people that took time for you. this is what david did in the
00:12:03.712 --> 00:12:04.880
Took time for you. this is what david did in the scripture. his best friend,
00:12:04.947 --> 00:12:06.749
This is what david did in the scripture. his best friend, jonathan, was killed in a
00:12:06.816 --> 00:12:08.617
Scripture. his best friend, jonathan, was killed in a battle. jonathan was the one
00:12:08.684 --> 00:12:10.986
Jonathan, was killed in a battle. jonathan was the one that really looked after david.
00:12:11.053 --> 00:12:13.255
Battle. jonathan was the one that really looked after david. when his father, king saul, was
00:12:13.322 --> 00:12:14.857
That really looked after david. when his father, king saul, was trying to kill david, jonathan
00:12:14.924 --> 00:12:17.159
When his father, king saul, was trying to kill david, jonathan would get inside information and
00:12:17.226 --> 00:12:18.127
Trying to kill david, jonathan would get inside information and sneak over and give it to his
00:12:18.194 --> 00:12:19.962
Would get inside information and sneak over and give it to his friend, david.
00:12:20.029 --> 00:12:22.198
Sneak over and give it to his friend, david. years after jonathan's death,
00:12:22.264 --> 00:12:24.266
Friend, david. years after jonathan's death, now david is the king.
00:12:24.333 --> 00:12:27.002
Years after jonathan's death, now david is the king. david asked his assistant, "is
00:12:27.069 --> 00:12:28.537
Now david is the king. david asked his assistant, "is anyone from the house of
00:12:28.604 --> 00:12:30.606
David asked his assistant, "is anyone from the house of jonathan still alive?
00:12:30.673 --> 00:12:33.042
Anyone from the house of jonathan still alive? if so, i want to do something
00:12:33.108 --> 00:12:34.310
Jonathan still alive? if so, i want to do something good for them."
00:12:34.376 --> 00:12:36.412
If so, i want to do something good for them." they said, "he has one son
00:12:36.478 --> 00:12:38.080
Good for them." they said, "he has one son that's crippled but he's still
00:12:38.147 --> 00:12:39.682
They said, "he has one son that's crippled but he's still alive."
00:12:39.748 --> 00:12:41.283
That's crippled but he's still alive." this son was living in extreme
00:12:41.350 --> 00:12:42.952
Alive." this son was living in extreme poverty, no future to speak of.
00:12:43.018 --> 00:12:46.088
This son was living in extreme poverty, no future to speak of. david had them go get the young
00:12:46.155 --> 00:12:47.857
Poverty, no future to speak of. david had them go get the young man, bring him to the palace.
00:12:47.923 --> 00:12:50.092
David had them go get the young man, bring him to the palace. he looked him in the eyes and
00:12:50.159 --> 00:12:51.894
Man, bring him to the palace. he looked him in the eyes and said, "listen, from now on,
00:12:51.961 --> 00:12:53.562
He looked him in the eyes and said, "listen, from now on, you're going to eat at my dinner
00:12:53.629 --> 00:12:55.097
Said, "listen, from now on, you're going to eat at my dinner table every night. from now on
00:12:55.164 --> 00:12:57.099
You're going to eat at my dinner table every night. from now on you're going to live in the
00:12:57.166 --> 00:12:58.567
Table every night. from now on you're going to live in the palace with me, treated like
00:12:58.634 --> 00:13:00.035
You're going to live in the palace with me, treated like royalty."
00:13:00.102 --> 00:13:02.037
Palace with me, treated like royalty." the young man was amazed.
00:13:02.104 --> 00:13:04.707
Royalty." the young man was amazed. he asked, "what did i do to
00:13:04.773 --> 00:13:05.808
The young man was amazed. he asked, "what did i do to deserve all this?"
00:13:05.875 --> 00:13:07.476
He asked, "what did i do to deserve all this?" david said, "your father was a
00:13:07.543 --> 00:13:09.445
Deserve all this?" david said, "your father was a friend of mine. your father
00:13:09.511 --> 00:13:11.247
David said, "your father was a friend of mine. your father helped me get to where i am.
00:13:11.313 --> 00:13:13.883
Friend of mine. your father helped me get to where i am. now i'm going to show you honor.
00:13:13.949 --> 00:13:16.085
Helped me get to where i am. now i'm going to show you honor. i'm going to show you respect
00:13:16.151 --> 00:13:17.453
Now i'm going to show you honor. i'm going to show you respect because of who your father was."
00:13:17.519 --> 00:13:19.355
I'm going to show you respect because of who your father was." (applause)
00:13:19.421 --> 00:13:21.056
Because of who your father was." (applause) david could have taken the easy
00:13:21.123 --> 00:13:22.258
(applause) david could have taken the easy way out and said, "i'm going to
00:13:22.324 --> 00:13:23.726
David could have taken the easy way out and said, "i'm going to build you a house down the road
00:13:23.792 --> 00:13:25.494
Way out and said, "i'm going to build you a house down the road and have somebody take care of
00:13:25.561 --> 00:13:26.896
Build you a house down the road and have somebody take care of you. you go off and live a good
00:13:26.962 --> 00:13:28.397
And have somebody take care of you. you go off and live a good life."
00:13:28.464 --> 00:13:29.798
You. you go off and live a good life." no, david understood this
00:13:29.865 --> 00:13:31.767
Life." no, david understood this principle, that the greatest
00:13:31.834 --> 00:13:33.269
No, david understood this principle, that the greatest gift he could give was himself.
00:13:33.335 --> 00:13:36.939
Principle, that the greatest gift he could give was himself. david gave that young man his
00:13:37.006 --> 00:13:37.907
Gift he could give was himself. david gave that young man his time, his attention; his
00:13:37.973 --> 00:13:39.608
David gave that young man his time, his attention; his friendship.
00:13:39.675 --> 00:13:41.510
Time, his attention; his friendship. the truth is, none of us got to
00:13:41.577 --> 00:13:43.512
Friendship. the truth is, none of us got to where we are on our own.
00:13:43.579 --> 00:13:46.115
The truth is, none of us got to where we are on our own. it's easy to find fault with the
00:13:46.181 --> 00:13:47.750
Where we are on our own. it's easy to find fault with the people that raised us.
00:13:47.816 --> 00:13:50.052
It's easy to find fault with the people that raised us. i hear it all the time, "joel,
00:13:50.119 --> 00:13:51.587
People that raised us. i hear it all the time, "joel, my parents didn't treat me
00:13:51.654 --> 00:13:52.721
I hear it all the time, "joel, my parents didn't treat me right. my father worked all the
00:13:52.788 --> 00:13:54.189
My parents didn't treat me right. my father worked all the time. he was never there. my
00:13:54.256 --> 00:13:56.458
Right. my father worked all the time. he was never there. my mother had issues. my teachers,
00:13:56.525 --> 00:13:58.627
Time. he was never there. my mother had issues. my teachers, they didn't really invest in
00:13:58.694 --> 00:13:59.628
Mother had issues. my teachers, they didn't really invest in me."
00:13:59.695 --> 00:14:01.363
They didn't really invest in me." no, they may not have been
00:14:01.430 --> 00:14:02.431
Me." no, they may not have been perfect but they made sacrifices
00:14:02.498 --> 00:14:04.667
No, they may not have been perfect but they made sacrifices so that you could go further.
00:14:04.733 --> 00:14:07.169
Perfect but they made sacrifices so that you could go further. most likely, they did the best
00:14:07.236 --> 00:14:09.038
So that you could go further. most likely, they did the best that they could with what they
00:14:09.104 --> 00:14:11.640
Most likely, they did the best that they could with what they had.
00:14:11.707 --> 00:14:13.042
That they could with what they had. i was talking to a friend
00:14:13.108 --> 00:14:14.176
Had. i was talking to a friend recently. he was the star
00:14:14.243 --> 00:14:15.311
I was talking to a friend recently. he was the star football player in high school.
00:14:15.377 --> 00:14:16.578
Recently. he was the star football player in high school. he loved sports but his father
00:14:16.645 --> 00:14:18.647
Football player in high school. he loved sports but his father never came to one game, never
00:14:18.714 --> 00:14:21.717
He loved sports but his father never came to one game, never saw him play one time.
00:14:21.784 --> 00:14:24.586
Never came to one game, never saw him play one time. but this son wasn't bitter.
00:14:24.653 --> 00:14:26.789
Saw him play one time. but this son wasn't bitter. he said, "joel, my dad was a
00:14:26.855 --> 00:14:28.157
But this son wasn't bitter. he said, "joel, my dad was a good man. he spent all of his
00:14:28.223 --> 00:14:30.125
He said, "joel, my dad was a good man. he spent all of his time and energy working to
00:14:30.192 --> 00:14:32.361
Good man. he spent all of his time and energy working to provide for the family.
00:14:32.428 --> 00:14:34.897
Time and energy working to provide for the family. that's how he showed love."
00:14:34.964 --> 00:14:37.299
Provide for the family. that's how he showed love." come to find out, his father was
00:14:37.366 --> 00:14:38.934
That's how he showed love." come to find out, his father was raised without a father.
00:14:39.001 --> 00:14:41.870
Come to find out, his father was raised without a father. he had never seen a father
00:14:41.937 --> 00:14:43.539
Raised without a father. he had never seen a father modeled, didn't really know what
00:14:43.605 --> 00:14:46.842
He had never seen a father modeled, didn't really know what he was supposed to do.
00:14:46.909 --> 00:14:48.210
Modeled, didn't really know what he was supposed to do. sometimes we judge people by
00:14:48.277 --> 00:14:49.478
He was supposed to do. sometimes we judge people by what we know instead of by what
00:14:49.545 --> 00:14:50.879
Sometimes we judge people by what we know instead of by what they know.
00:14:50.946 --> 00:14:53.615
What we know instead of by what they know. this son was smart enough to
00:14:53.682 --> 00:14:55.551
They know. this son was smart enough to realize his father didn't know
00:14:55.617 --> 00:14:57.119
This son was smart enough to realize his father didn't know any better. he was doing the
00:14:57.186 --> 00:14:58.120
Realize his father didn't know any better. he was doing the best that he knew how.
00:14:58.187 --> 00:15:01.123
Any better. he was doing the best that he knew how. now this son takes his father to
00:15:01.190 --> 00:15:02.691
Best that he knew how. now this son takes his father to all of his grandson's football
00:15:02.758 --> 00:15:05.127
Now this son takes his father to all of his grandson's football games. they sit together in the
00:15:05.194 --> 00:15:07.096
All of his grandson's football games. they sit together in the stands and enjoy each other's
00:15:07.162 --> 00:15:08.430
Games. they sit together in the stands and enjoy each other's company.
00:15:08.497 --> 00:15:09.898
Stands and enjoy each other's company. what am i saying?
00:15:09.965 --> 00:15:11.133
Company. what am i saying? don't make excuses for why you
00:15:11.200 --> 00:15:12.968
What am i saying? don't make excuses for why you don't need to see a loved one.
00:15:13.035 --> 00:15:15.804
Don't make excuses for why you don't need to see a loved one. don't live bitter because you
00:15:15.871 --> 00:15:17.239
Don't need to see a loved one. don't live bitter because you didn't get what you needed.
00:15:17.306 --> 00:15:19.408
Don't live bitter because you didn't get what you needed. "well, joel. they didn't treat
00:15:19.475 --> 00:15:20.442
Didn't get what you needed. "well, joel. they didn't treat me right. they didn't make me
00:15:20.509 --> 00:15:21.610
"well, joel. they didn't treat me right. they didn't make me feel important. they should
00:15:21.677 --> 00:15:22.978
Me right. they didn't make me feel important. they should have spent more time with me."
00:15:23.045 --> 00:15:24.546
Feel important. they should have spent more time with me." why don't you have a bigger
00:15:24.613 --> 00:15:25.514
Have spent more time with me." why don't you have a bigger point of view?
00:15:25.581 --> 00:15:27.149
Why don't you have a bigger point of view? maybe they did the best that
00:15:27.216 --> 00:15:28.550
Point of view? maybe they did the best that they knew how.
00:15:28.617 --> 00:15:30.486
Maybe they did the best that they knew how. after all, that's your family.
00:15:30.552 --> 00:15:32.788
They knew how. after all, that's your family. that's your flesh and blood.
00:15:32.855 --> 00:15:34.957
After all, that's your family. that's your flesh and blood. that's the one god ordained to
00:15:35.024 --> 00:15:36.525
That's your flesh and blood. that's the one god ordained to be in your life.
00:15:36.592 --> 00:15:38.293
That's the one god ordained to be in your life. you didn't just come from any
00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:39.294
Be in your life. you didn't just come from any parents. (applause)
00:15:39.361 --> 00:15:41.563
You didn't just come from any parents. (applause) god handpicked your parents.
00:15:41.630 --> 00:15:44.166
Parents. (applause) god handpicked your parents. he knew what they would have and
00:15:44.233 --> 00:15:46.001
God handpicked your parents. he knew what they would have and what they wouldn't have.
00:15:46.068 --> 00:15:48.270
He knew what they would have and what they wouldn't have. he knew what they could give you
00:15:48.337 --> 00:15:49.538
What they wouldn't have. he knew what they could give you and what they couldn't give you.
00:15:49.605 --> 00:15:52.441
He knew what they could give you and what they couldn't give you. it's easy to focus on the
00:15:52.508 --> 00:15:53.509
And what they couldn't give you. it's easy to focus on the negative but keep the right
00:15:53.575 --> 00:15:55.110
It's easy to focus on the negative but keep the right perspective.
00:15:55.177 --> 00:15:56.578
Negative but keep the right perspective. they're the ones that changed
00:15:56.645 --> 00:15:57.880
Perspective. they're the ones that changed your diapers. they're the ones
00:15:57.946 --> 00:15:59.114
They're the ones that changed your diapers. they're the ones that fed you, clothed you,
00:15:59.181 --> 00:16:01.250
Your diapers. they're the ones that fed you, clothed you, stayed up late at night when
00:16:01.316 --> 00:16:02.851
That fed you, clothed you, stayed up late at night when you didn't feel well. they're
00:16:02.918 --> 00:16:04.153
Stayed up late at night when you didn't feel well. they're the people that when you were a
00:16:04.219 --> 00:16:05.988
You didn't feel well. they're the people that when you were a baby you spit up on them and
00:16:06.055 --> 00:16:07.656
The people that when you were a baby you spit up on them and they shook it off and gave you
00:16:07.723 --> 00:16:09.091
Baby you spit up on them and they shook it off and gave you another bottle. now what have
00:16:09.158 --> 00:16:10.959
They shook it off and gave you another bottle. now what have you done for them lately?
00:16:11.026 --> 00:16:13.495
Another bottle. now what have you done for them lately? have you invited them out to
00:16:13.562 --> 00:16:14.563
You done for them lately? have you invited them out to dinner?
00:16:14.630 --> 00:16:15.731
Have you invited them out to dinner? have you stopped by the house to
00:16:15.798 --> 00:16:16.765
Dinner? have you stopped by the house to enjoy their company, to talk
00:16:16.832 --> 00:16:18.233
Have you stopped by the house to enjoy their company, to talk about old times, to laugh
00:16:18.300 --> 00:16:20.069
Enjoy their company, to talk about old times, to laugh together?
00:16:20.135 --> 00:16:22.805
About old times, to laugh together? what if they weren't going to be
00:16:22.871 --> 00:16:24.206
Together? what if they weren't going to be around next year at this time?
00:16:24.273 --> 00:16:27.242
What if they weren't going to be around next year at this time? what if the next few months was
00:16:27.309 --> 00:16:29.111
Around next year at this time? what if the next few months was the only chance you had to let
00:16:29.178 --> 00:16:31.213
What if the next few months was the only chance you had to let them know how you feel, what
00:16:31.280 --> 00:16:33.315
The only chance you had to let them know how you feel, what they mean to you?
00:16:33.382 --> 00:16:35.317
Them know how you feel, what they mean to you? are you allowing your work
00:16:35.384 --> 00:16:36.485
They mean to you? are you allowing your work schedule too busy to keep you
00:16:36.552 --> 00:16:37.920
Are you allowing your work schedule too busy to keep you from it?
00:16:37.986 --> 00:16:39.388
Schedule too busy to keep you from it? or maybe, have you not spoken in
00:16:39.455 --> 00:16:40.856
From it? or maybe, have you not spoken in years because you don't get
00:16:40.923 --> 00:16:42.991
Or maybe, have you not spoken in years because you don't get along anymore. you're at odds
00:16:43.058 --> 00:16:45.494
Years because you don't get along anymore. you're at odds and you're just letting it
00:16:45.561 --> 00:16:47.196
Along anymore. you're at odds and you're just letting it ride. maybe one day you'll make
00:16:47.262 --> 00:16:48.597
And you're just letting it ride. maybe one day you'll make things better.
00:16:48.664 --> 00:16:51.166
Ride. maybe one day you'll make things better. god is saying, "today is your
00:16:51.233 --> 00:16:52.401
Things better. god is saying, "today is your one day."
00:16:52.468 --> 00:16:54.937
God is saying, "today is your one day." reach out to the people that
00:16:55.003 --> 00:16:56.004
One day." reach out to the people that have sacrificed for you.
00:16:56.071 --> 00:16:57.840
Reach out to the people that have sacrificed for you. go visit that family member.
00:16:57.906 --> 00:16:59.641
Have sacrificed for you. go visit that family member. (applause)
00:16:59.708 --> 00:17:00.909
Go visit that family member. (applause) you have a gift that they need
00:17:00.976 --> 00:17:03.479
(applause) you have a gift that they need and it's not necessarily just
00:17:03.545 --> 00:17:04.913
You have a gift that they need and it's not necessarily just your money, your clothes; your
00:17:04.980 --> 00:17:06.882
And it's not necessarily just your money, your clothes; your food.
00:17:06.949 --> 00:17:08.350
Your money, your clothes; your food. the gift you have is yourself,
00:17:08.417 --> 00:17:11.520
Food. the gift you have is yourself, your friendship, your time, your
00:17:11.587 --> 00:17:13.355
The gift you have is yourself, your friendship, your time, your love, your hug, your smile; your
00:17:13.422 --> 00:17:15.390
Your friendship, your time, your love, your hug, your smile; your gratitude. don't keep putting
00:17:15.457 --> 00:17:17.192
Love, your hug, your smile; your gratitude. don't keep putting it off. do what you know you
00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:18.694
Gratitude. don't keep putting it off. do what you know you need to do.
00:17:18.760 --> 00:17:21.130
It off. do what you know you need to do. last week, i was flipping
00:17:21.196 --> 00:17:22.397
Need to do. last week, i was flipping through the obituaries,
00:17:22.464 --> 00:17:24.433
Last week, i was flipping through the obituaries, my favorite thing to do.
00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.567
Through the obituaries, my favorite thing to do. (laughter)
00:17:25.634 --> 00:17:26.735
My favorite thing to do. (laughter) i saw this picture of a man
00:17:26.802 --> 00:17:28.403
(laughter) i saw this picture of a man about my age. he always waited
00:17:28.470 --> 00:17:30.405
I saw this picture of a man about my age. he always waited on me at the department store.
00:17:30.472 --> 00:17:33.642
About my age. he always waited on me at the department store. i just saw him a couple months
00:17:33.709 --> 00:17:34.843
On me at the department store. i just saw him a couple months ago in the back of the store.
00:17:34.910 --> 00:17:37.045
I just saw him a couple months ago in the back of the store. i was in a hurry but i took a
00:17:37.112 --> 00:17:38.547
Ago in the back of the store. i was in a hurry but i took a few moments to go over and shake
00:17:38.614 --> 00:17:40.249
I was in a hurry but i took a few moments to go over and shake his hand, see how he was doing.
00:17:40.315 --> 00:17:42.885
Few moments to go over and shake his hand, see how he was doing. just a two minute, friendly
00:17:42.951 --> 00:17:44.019
His hand, see how he was doing. just a two minute, friendly conversation, no big deal.
00:17:44.086 --> 00:17:46.321
Just a two minute, friendly conversation, no big deal. i never dreamed that would be
00:17:46.388 --> 00:17:48.323
Conversation, no big deal. i never dreamed that would be the last time i ever saw him.
00:17:48.390 --> 00:17:51.293
I never dreamed that would be the last time i ever saw him. he had been there for years.
00:17:51.360 --> 00:17:53.162
The last time i ever saw him. he had been there for years. friends, life is short.
00:17:53.228 --> 00:17:55.164
He had been there for years. friends, life is short. don't miss these opportunities
00:17:55.230 --> 00:17:57.299
Friends, life is short. don't miss these opportunities to give the gift of yourself.
00:17:57.366 --> 00:17:59.668
Don't miss these opportunities to give the gift of yourself. i was so glad that at least
00:17:59.735 --> 00:18:01.470
To give the gift of yourself. i was so glad that at least i took time to go say hello.
00:18:01.537 --> 00:18:05.073
I was so glad that at least i took time to go say hello. when i saw his picture, while i
00:18:05.140 --> 00:18:07.042
I took time to go say hello. when i saw his picture, while i was saddened to know that he was
00:18:07.109 --> 00:18:09.678
When i saw his picture, while i was saddened to know that he was gone, i was satisfied knowing
00:18:09.745 --> 00:18:11.747
Was saddened to know that he was gone, i was satisfied knowing that i had taken the time to let
00:18:11.813 --> 00:18:14.216
Gone, i was satisfied knowing that i had taken the time to let him know that i cared, that he
00:18:14.283 --> 00:18:16.118
That i had taken the time to let him know that i cared, that he was important to me.
00:18:16.185 --> 00:18:18.754
Him know that i cared, that he was important to me. my question is, the people god
00:18:18.820 --> 00:18:20.856
Was important to me. my question is, the people god put in your life, your family,
00:18:20.923 --> 00:18:22.791
My question is, the people god put in your life, your family, your friends, those that you
00:18:22.858 --> 00:18:24.126
Put in your life, your family, your friends, those that you interact with, if they were gone
00:18:24.193 --> 00:18:26.762
Your friends, those that you interact with, if they were gone tomorrow, would you be satisfied
00:18:26.828 --> 00:18:30.199
Interact with, if they were gone tomorrow, would you be satisfied that they know how much you love
00:18:30.265 --> 00:18:32.067
Tomorrow, would you be satisfied that they know how much you love them, what you mean to them?
00:18:32.134 --> 00:18:34.169
That they know how much you love them, what you mean to them? have you seen them lately,
00:18:34.236 --> 00:18:36.171
Them, what you mean to them? have you seen them lately, expressed your feelings, taken
00:18:36.238 --> 00:18:37.606
Have you seen them lately, expressed your feelings, taken time to enjoy their friendship,
00:18:37.673 --> 00:18:40.375
Expressed your feelings, taken time to enjoy their friendship, laughed together?
00:18:40.442 --> 00:18:41.843
Time to enjoy their friendship, laughed together? if not, why don't you do it
00:18:41.910 --> 00:18:43.612
Laughed together? if not, why don't you do it sooner than later?
00:18:43.679 --> 00:18:45.747
If not, why don't you do it sooner than later? i've been to too many funerals
00:18:45.814 --> 00:18:47.015
Sooner than later? i've been to too many funerals where i hear people say,
00:18:47.082 --> 00:18:48.884
I've been to too many funerals where i hear people say, "if i only had another chance.
00:18:48.951 --> 00:18:51.954
Where i hear people say, "if i only had another chance. if i could just really tell them
00:18:52.020 --> 00:18:53.121
"if i only had another chance. if i could just really tell them what they meant to me."
00:18:53.188 --> 00:18:54.957
If i could just really tell them what they meant to me." this is your other chance.
00:18:55.023 --> 00:18:56.658
What they meant to me." this is your other chance. look around this week.
00:18:56.725 --> 00:18:58.293
This is your other chance. look around this week. don't take the people god put in
00:18:58.360 --> 00:19:00.028
Look around this week. don't take the people god put in your life for granted.
00:19:00.095 --> 00:19:02.097
Don't take the people god put in your life for granted. when you give the gift of
00:19:02.164 --> 00:19:03.498
Your life for granted. when you give the gift of yourself, your time, your
00:19:03.565 --> 00:19:04.766
When you give the gift of yourself, your time, your attention, your love, you're
00:19:04.833 --> 00:19:06.368
Yourself, your time, your attention, your love, you're keeping the accounts full.
00:19:06.435 --> 00:19:09.771
Attention, your love, you're keeping the accounts full. when somebody goes to be with
00:19:09.838 --> 00:19:11.306
Keeping the accounts full. when somebody goes to be with the lord, while you'll still be
00:19:11.373 --> 00:19:13.075
When somebody goes to be with the lord, while you'll still be sad, you'll have no regrets.
00:19:13.141 --> 00:19:16.245
The lord, while you'll still be sad, you'll have no regrets. there will be a satisfaction
00:19:16.311 --> 00:19:17.913
Sad, you'll have no regrets. there will be a satisfaction knowing they knew exactly how
00:19:17.980 --> 00:19:19.615
There will be a satisfaction knowing they knew exactly how much you loved them, how much
00:19:19.681 --> 00:19:21.617
Knowing they knew exactly how much you loved them, how much you valued them in your life.
00:19:21.683 --> 00:19:24.553
Much you loved them, how much you valued them in your life. what makes losing a loved one
00:19:24.620 --> 00:19:25.654
You valued them in your life. what makes losing a loved one much more difficult is when we
00:19:25.721 --> 00:19:27.522
What makes losing a loved one much more difficult is when we have all these things we wish we
00:19:27.589 --> 00:19:29.558
Much more difficult is when we have all these things we wish we would have done.
00:19:29.625 --> 00:19:31.760
Have all these things we wish we would have done. "i wish i would have gone to see
00:19:31.827 --> 00:19:32.928
Would have done. "i wish i would have gone to see them. i wish i would have taken
00:19:32.995 --> 00:19:34.162
"i wish i would have gone to see them. i wish i would have taken my friends."
00:19:34.229 --> 00:19:36.431
Them. i wish i would have taken my friends." or, "i wish i would have
00:19:36.498 --> 00:19:37.399
My friends." or, "i wish i would have forgiven them and made things
00:19:37.466 --> 00:19:39.034
Or, "i wish i would have forgiven them and made things right."
00:19:39.101 --> 00:19:40.802
Forgiven them and made things right." i talked to a young lady just
00:19:40.869 --> 00:19:42.004
Right." i talked to a young lady just recently. she's dealing with
00:19:42.070 --> 00:19:43.572
I talked to a young lady just recently. she's dealing with all this guilt, all this
00:19:43.639 --> 00:19:44.840
Recently. she's dealing with all this guilt, all this remorse, because she got at
00:19:44.906 --> 00:19:46.908
All this guilt, all this remorse, because she got at odds with her father. they had
00:19:46.975 --> 00:19:48.844
Remorse, because she got at odds with her father. they had not spoken in a long, long
00:19:48.910 --> 00:19:50.479
Odds with her father. they had not spoken in a long, long time.
00:19:50.545 --> 00:19:52.481
Not spoken in a long, long time. her father, in his early 50's,
00:19:52.547 --> 00:19:54.516
Time. her father, in his early 50's, was suddenly killed in an
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Her father, in his early 50's, was suddenly killed in an accident.
00:19:55.550 --> 00:19:57.219
Was suddenly killed in an accident. she said, "joel, i can't handle
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Accident. she said, "joel, i can't handle it. i'm dealing with all this
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She said, "joel, i can't handle it. i'm dealing with all this guilt. how do i let it go?"
00:20:00.589 --> 00:20:02.858
It. i'm dealing with all this guilt. how do i let it go?" of course, god will give you the
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Guilt. how do i let it go?" of course, god will give you the grace to do it.
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Of course, god will give you the grace to do it. but the point i'm making today
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Grace to do it. but the point i'm making today is it's much better to keep the
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But the point i'm making today is it's much better to keep the accounts full.
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Is it's much better to keep the accounts full. you've heard the saying, "live
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Accounts full. you've heard the saying, "live every day like it could be your
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You've heard the saying, "live every day like it could be your last."
00:20:13.735 --> 00:20:15.637
Every day like it could be your last." another good thought, "live
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Last." another good thought, "live every day like it could be your
00:20:17.072 --> 00:20:18.273
Another good thought, "live every day like it could be your loved one's last."
00:20:18.340 --> 00:20:22.444
Every day like it could be your loved one's last." because when you die, if you
00:20:22.511 --> 00:20:23.512
Loved one's last." because when you die, if you know the lord, you're going to
00:20:23.578 --> 00:20:24.646
Because when you die, if you know the lord, you're going to go to heaven.
00:20:24.713 --> 00:20:26.682
Know the lord, you're going to go to heaven. you're not going to miss us.
00:20:26.748 --> 00:20:28.417
Go to heaven. you're not going to miss us. there's no time in heaven.
00:20:28.483 --> 00:20:30.052
You're not going to miss us. there's no time in heaven. the next thing you know is we'll
00:20:30.118 --> 00:20:30.952
There's no time in heaven. the next thing you know is we'll be there.
00:20:31.019 --> 00:20:32.387
The next thing you know is we'll be there. the difficulty is not when you
00:20:32.454 --> 00:20:33.689
Be there. the difficulty is not when you die but when a loved one dies.
00:20:33.755 --> 00:20:36.725
The difficulty is not when you die but when a loved one dies. that's when people have too many
00:20:36.792 --> 00:20:37.726
Die but when a loved one dies. that's when people have too many regrets.
00:20:37.793 --> 00:20:40.195
That's when people have too many regrets. i've heard it said, "if you only
00:20:40.262 --> 00:20:42.297
Regrets. i've heard it said, "if you only had an hour to live, who would
00:20:42.364 --> 00:20:43.799
I've heard it said, "if you only had an hour to live, who would you call, what would you say and
00:20:43.865 --> 00:20:46.601
Had an hour to live, who would you call, what would you say and what are you waiting for?"
00:20:46.668 --> 00:20:49.805
You call, what would you say and what are you waiting for?" it was a thursday night thirteen
00:20:49.871 --> 00:20:50.806
What are you waiting for?" it was a thursday night thirteen years ago. i was home sound
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It was a thursday night thirteen years ago. i was home sound asleep in my bed and i heard
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Years ago. i was home sound asleep in my bed and i heard the phone ringing. i woke up in
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Asleep in my bed and i heard the phone ringing. i woke up in a daze, looked at the clock.
00:20:56.912 --> 00:20:58.513
The phone ringing. i woke up in a daze, looked at the clock. it was 4 o'clock in the morning.
00:20:58.580 --> 00:21:00.816
A daze, looked at the clock. it was 4 o'clock in the morning. i answered the phone and it was
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It was 4 o'clock in the morning. i answered the phone and it was my father. he said, "joel, i'm
00:21:02.084 --> 00:21:03.485
I answered the phone and it was my father. he said, "joel, i'm not feeling well. i need to go
00:21:03.552 --> 00:21:04.853
My father. he said, "joel, i'm not feeling well. i need to go up to the clinic to take
00:21:04.920 --> 00:21:06.321
Not feeling well. i need to go up to the clinic to take dialysis. can you take me?"
00:21:06.388 --> 00:21:09.191
Up to the clinic to take dialysis. can you take me?" i said, "sure. i'll be there in
00:21:09.257 --> 00:21:09.991
Dialysis. can you take me?" i said, "sure. i'll be there in just a moment."
00:21:10.058 --> 00:21:11.526
I said, "sure. i'll be there in just a moment." i had gotten in bed that night
00:21:11.593 --> 00:21:12.561
Just a moment." i had gotten in bed that night at 2 o'clock, just had a couple
00:21:12.627 --> 00:21:13.962
I had gotten in bed that night at 2 o'clock, just had a couple of hours of sleep. i picked my
00:21:14.029 --> 00:21:15.931
At 2 o'clock, just had a couple of hours of sleep. i picked my father up and got him to the
00:21:15.997 --> 00:21:18.400
Of hours of sleep. i picked my father up and got him to the dialysis center. most of the
00:21:18.467 --> 00:21:19.634
Father up and got him to the dialysis center. most of the time once he got all hooked up
00:21:19.701 --> 00:21:21.002
Dialysis center. most of the time once he got all hooked up he would go to sleep and so i
00:21:21.069 --> 00:21:23.405
Time once he got all hooked up he would go to sleep and so i would leave and go to work or
00:21:23.472 --> 00:21:25.240
He would go to sleep and so i would leave and go to work or go back home and come pick him
00:21:25.307 --> 00:21:27.242
Would leave and go to work or go back home and come pick him up four hours later.
00:21:27.309 --> 00:21:29.411
Go back home and come pick him up four hours later. this morning i was particularly
00:21:29.478 --> 00:21:31.012
Up four hours later. this morning i was particularly tired but something down in here
00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:33.682
This morning i was particularly tired but something down in here said, "joel, you need to stay
00:21:33.749 --> 00:21:35.117
Tired but something down in here said, "joel, you need to stay and visit with your dad today."
00:21:35.183 --> 00:21:38.320
Said, "joel, you need to stay and visit with your dad today." it just felt right.
00:21:38.387 --> 00:21:39.755
And visit with your dad today." it just felt right. i knew i was supposed to do it.
00:21:39.821 --> 00:21:41.289
It just felt right. i knew i was supposed to do it. so i pulled up a chair and for
00:21:41.356 --> 00:21:42.357
I knew i was supposed to do it. so i pulled up a chair and for the next three or four hours my
00:21:42.424 --> 00:21:43.959
So i pulled up a chair and for the next three or four hours my father and i just sat there and
00:21:44.025 --> 00:21:45.394
The next three or four hours my father and i just sat there and talked and laughed, had a good
00:21:45.460 --> 00:21:47.162
Father and i just sat there and talked and laughed, had a good time together.
00:21:47.229 --> 00:21:48.930
Talked and laughed, had a good time together. he got finished about 8:00 in
00:21:48.997 --> 00:21:50.565
Time together. he got finished about 8:00 in the morning and i took him home.
00:21:50.632 --> 00:21:52.167
He got finished about 8:00 in the morning and i took him home. i was standing in my parent's
00:21:52.234 --> 00:21:53.668
The morning and i took him home. i was standing in my parent's kitchen, just about to leave and
00:21:53.735 --> 00:21:56.238
I was standing in my parent's kitchen, just about to leave and my father called me back over.
00:21:56.304 --> 00:21:59.241
Kitchen, just about to leave and my father called me back over. he gave me a big hug and said,
00:21:59.307 --> 00:22:01.209
My father called me back over. he gave me a big hug and said, "joel, you're the best son a
00:22:01.276 --> 00:22:03.044
He gave me a big hug and said, "joel, you're the best son a father could ever hope to have."
00:22:03.111 --> 00:22:06.248
"joel, you're the best son a father could ever hope to have." i left that day feeling
00:22:06.314 --> 00:22:08.049
Father could ever hope to have." i left that day feeling extremely satisfied.
00:22:08.116 --> 00:22:10.085
I left that day feeling extremely satisfied. i knew how much my father loved
00:22:10.152 --> 00:22:12.788
Extremely satisfied. i knew how much my father loved me and he knew how much i loved
00:22:12.854 --> 00:22:13.922
I knew how much my father loved me and he knew how much i loved him.
00:22:13.989 --> 00:22:16.291
Me and he knew how much i loved him. what i didn't realize was later
00:22:16.358 --> 00:22:18.059
Him. what i didn't realize was later that day he would have a heart
00:22:18.126 --> 00:22:19.928
What i didn't realize was later that day he would have a heart attack and go to be with the
00:22:19.995 --> 00:22:21.563
That day he would have a heart attack and go to be with the lord.
00:22:21.630 --> 00:22:23.131
Attack and go to be with the lord. the last thing i remember him
00:22:23.198 --> 00:22:24.699
Lord. the last thing i remember him saying to me was what a good son
00:22:24.766 --> 00:22:26.568
The last thing i remember him saying to me was what a good son i was.
00:22:26.635 --> 00:22:28.203
Saying to me was what a good son i was. the last thing he remembers me
00:22:28.270 --> 00:22:29.371
I was. the last thing he remembers me doing for him was spending that
00:22:29.438 --> 00:22:31.173
The last thing he remembers me doing for him was spending that three or four hours together.
00:22:31.239 --> 00:22:33.442
Doing for him was spending that three or four hours together. while i still miss my dad, i
00:22:33.508 --> 00:22:35.977
Three or four hours together. while i still miss my dad, i have no regrets.
00:22:36.044 --> 00:22:38.113
While i still miss my dad, i have no regrets. there is nothing i wish i would
00:22:38.180 --> 00:22:39.481
Have no regrets. there is nothing i wish i would have done differently, nothing
00:22:39.548 --> 00:22:41.049
There is nothing i wish i would have done differently, nothing i wish i would have said.
00:22:41.116 --> 00:22:42.551
Have done differently, nothing i wish i would have said. i'm at peace.
00:22:42.617 --> 00:22:44.019
I wish i would have said. i'm at peace. and i don't say that to brag on
00:22:44.085 --> 00:22:45.120
I'm at peace. and i don't say that to brag on me but rather to challenge us to
00:22:45.187 --> 00:22:47.122
And i don't say that to brag on me but rather to challenge us to make sure we're keeping the
00:22:47.189 --> 00:22:49.090
Me but rather to challenge us to make sure we're keeping the accounts full.
00:22:49.157 --> 00:22:51.893
Make sure we're keeping the accounts full. make sure you're not putting
00:22:51.960 --> 00:22:52.961
Accounts full. make sure you're not putting things off, thinking, "yeah, one
00:22:53.028 --> 00:22:54.429
Make sure you're not putting things off, thinking, "yeah, one day i'm going to go see them.
00:22:54.496 --> 00:22:56.798
Things off, thinking, "yeah, one day i'm going to go see them. one day i'm going to take my
00:22:56.865 --> 00:22:57.766
Day i'm going to go see them. one day i'm going to take my grandchildren. one day i'm
00:22:57.833 --> 00:22:59.334
One day i'm going to take my grandchildren. one day i'm going to forgive and make
00:22:59.401 --> 00:23:01.203
Grandchildren. one day i'm going to forgive and make things right."
00:23:01.269 --> 00:23:03.038
Going to forgive and make things right." let today be your 'one day'.
00:23:03.104 --> 00:23:05.774
Things right." let today be your 'one day'. take time for the people god put
00:23:05.841 --> 00:23:07.042
Let today be your 'one day'. take time for the people god put in your life. (applause)
00:23:07.108 --> 00:23:10.779
Take time for the people god put in your life. (applause) don't cheat them out of the
00:23:10.846 --> 00:23:11.646
In your life. (applause) don't cheat them out of the best of you: your friendship,
00:23:11.713 --> 00:23:14.483
Don't cheat them out of the best of you: your friendship, your love, your smile; your hug.
00:23:14.549 --> 00:23:16.885
Best of you: your friendship, your love, your smile; your hug. that's one of a kind.
00:23:16.952 --> 00:23:18.854
Your love, your smile; your hug. that's one of a kind. nobody else can give it.
00:23:18.920 --> 00:23:20.322
That's one of a kind. nobody else can give it. if you'll learn to give the gift
00:23:20.388 --> 00:23:21.890
Nobody else can give it. if you'll learn to give the gift of yourself then your accounts
00:23:21.957 --> 00:23:23.725
If you'll learn to give the gift of yourself then your accounts will stay full, you'll have no
00:23:23.792 --> 00:23:25.327
Of yourself then your accounts will stay full, you'll have no regrets.
00:23:25.393 --> 00:23:26.761
Will stay full, you'll have no regrets. the people in your life will not
00:23:26.828 --> 00:23:28.230
Regrets. the people in your life will not only be better but you will be
00:23:28.296 --> 00:23:29.798
The people in your life will not only be better but you will be better.
00:23:29.865 --> 00:23:31.166
Only be better but you will be better. i believe and declare you will
00:23:31.233 --> 00:23:32.133
Better. i believe and declare you will live a blessed, happy,
00:23:32.200 --> 00:23:33.802
I believe and declare you will live a blessed, happy, fulfilled, victorious life.
00:23:33.869 --> 00:23:36.605
Live a blessed, happy, fulfilled, victorious life. in jesus' name.
00:23:36.671 --> 00:23:38.373
Fulfilled, victorious life. in jesus' name. if you receive it can you say,
00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:39.574
In jesus' name. if you receive it can you say, "amen" today? (amen.)
00:23:39.641 --> 00:23:41.209
If you receive it can you say, "amen" today? (amen.) (cheering/applause)
00:23:41.276 --> 00:23:42.210
"amen" today? (amen.) (cheering/applause) well, we never like to close
00:23:42.277 --> 00:23:43.044
(cheering/applause) well, we never like to close our broadcasts without giving
00:23:43.111 --> 00:23:44.112
Well, we never like to close our broadcasts without giving you an opportunity to make
00:23:44.179 --> 00:23:45.413
Our broadcasts without giving you an opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life.
00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:47.282
You an opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life. would you pray with me?
00:23:47.349 --> 00:23:48.850
Jesus the lord of your life. would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent
00:23:48.917 --> 00:23:51.887
Would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins. come into my heart.
00:23:51.953 --> 00:23:53.922
Just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins. come into my heart. i make you my lord and savior."
00:23:53.989 --> 00:23:59.928
Of my sins. come into my heart. i make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that
00:23:59.995 --> 00:24:00.762
I make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you got
00:24:00.829 --> 00:24:02.163
Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good
00:24:02.230 --> 00:24:03.765
Simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good bible-based church.
00:24:03.832 --> 00:24:05.200
Born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep god first place.
00:24:05.267 --> 00:24:07.002
Bible-based church. keep god first place. he is going to take you places
00:24:07.068 --> 00:24:08.270
Keep god first place. he is going to take you places that you've never dreamed of.
00:24:08.336 --> 00:24:10.005
Many people believe
00:24:10.639 --> 00:24:11.673
Many people believe that god can heal.
00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:13.008
That god can heal. but when nothing is improving,
00:24:13.108 --> 00:24:14.809
But when nothing is improving, our prayers are
00:24:14.876 --> 00:24:15.443
Our prayers are not being answered,
00:24:15.510 --> 00:24:16.645
Not being answered, it's easy to think:
00:24:16.711 --> 00:24:17.812
It's easy to think: will god heal me?
00:24:17.879 --> 00:24:19.581
Will god heal me? the truth is,
00:24:19.648 --> 00:24:20.382
The truth is, god still loves to heal.
00:24:20.448 --> 00:24:22.584
God still loves to heal. i've witnessed
00:24:22.651 --> 00:24:23.218
I've witnessed god's healing power
00:24:23.285 --> 00:24:24.252
God's healing power firsthand in my own family.
00:24:24.319 --> 00:24:26.488
Firsthand in my own family. when situations
00:24:26.555 --> 00:24:27.455
When situations seemed impossible,
00:24:27.522 --> 00:24:28.557
Seemed impossible, and medically
00:24:28.623 --> 00:24:29.391
And medically speaking,
00:24:29.457 --> 00:24:29.791
Speaking, there were no options,
00:24:29.858 --> 00:24:30.892
There were no options, god stepped in and made a way.
00:24:30.992 --> 00:24:33.428
I'd love to send you
00:24:33.528 --> 00:24:34.129
I'd love to send you our new devotional,
00:24:34.195 --> 00:24:35.297
God still loves to heal.
00:24:35.397 --> 00:24:37.198
It's filled with scripture
00:24:37.299 --> 00:24:38.300
It's filled with scripture and encouragement
00:24:38.366 --> 00:24:39.301
And encouragement designed to strengthen
00:24:39.367 --> 00:24:40.435
Designed to strengthen your faith
00:24:40.502 --> 00:24:41.136
Your faith and help
00:24:41.202 --> 00:24:41.603
And help you believe for healing.
00:24:41.670 --> 00:24:43.305
You believe for healing. even when you can't see it,
00:24:43.371 --> 00:24:44.673
Even when you can't see it, god is still working.
00:24:44.739 --> 00:24:46.408
God is still working. as you stand firm and declare
00:24:46.474 --> 00:24:48.176
As you stand firm and declare his promises,
00:24:48.243 --> 00:24:49.077
His promises, healing is on the way.
00:24:49.144 --> 00:24:50.712
The same god who healed in
00:24:50.812 --> 00:24:52.013
The same god who healed in the bible
00:24:52.080 --> 00:24:52.681
Is still healing today.
00:24:52.781 --> 00:24:55.083
Is still healing today. your generous support
00:24:55.150 --> 00:24:56.484
Your generous support is so important to help us
00:24:56.551 --> 00:24:58.086
Is so important to help us share the message of hope.
00:24:58.153 --> 00:24:59.854
Share the message of hope. and as our way of saying
00:24:59.921 --> 00:25:01.122
And as our way of saying thank you
00:25:01.189 --> 00:25:01.690
Thank you for your gift of any amount,
00:25:01.756 --> 00:25:03.358
Pastor
00:25:03.458 --> 00:25:03.925
Joel would like to send you
00:25:04.025 --> 00:25:05.260
Joel would like to send you a copy of god
00:25:05.327 --> 00:25:06.328
Still loves to heal.
00:25:06.428 --> 00:25:07.896
Still loves to heal. this new seasonal devotional
00:25:07.963 --> 00:25:09.864
Will guide younal devotional
00:25:09.965 --> 00:25:10.665
Will guide younal devotional through a weekly rhythm
00:25:10.732 --> 00:25:11.967
Through a weekly rhythm where you'll be encouraged
00:25:12.033 --> 00:25:13.335
Where you'll be encouraged by life-changing insight
00:25:13.401 --> 00:25:14.936
By life-changing insight that will strengthen
00:25:15.003 --> 00:25:15.904
That will strengthen and encourage
00:25:15.971 --> 00:25:16.638
And encourage you in your faith.
00:25:16.705 --> 00:25:18.039
You in your faith. jesus cares
00:25:18.106 --> 00:25:18.940
Jesus cares about you physically,
00:25:19.007 --> 00:25:20.308
About you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
00:25:20.375 --> 00:25:22.377
Mentally, and emotionally. he forgives us, delivers
00:25:22.444 --> 00:25:24.212
He forgives us, delivers us, and he heals
00:25:24.279 --> 00:25:25.747
Us, and he heals us and makes us whole.
00:25:25.814 --> 00:25:27.649
Us and makes us whole. with this
00:25:27.716 --> 00:25:28.216
With this inspiring devotional resource,
00:25:28.316 --> 00:25:30.185
Inspiring devotional resource, you'll go on a healing journey.
00:25:30.251 --> 00:25:32.220
You'll go on a healing journey. you'll enter into god's rest
00:25:32.287 --> 00:25:34.155
You'll enter into god's rest and restoration, knowing
00:25:34.222 --> 00:25:35.790
And restoration, knowing his promises are true
00:25:35.857 --> 00:25:37.459
His promises are true yesterday, today, and forever.
00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:40.228
Yesterday, today, and forever. receive your copy
00:25:40.295 --> 00:25:41.429
Receive your copy of this powerful
00:25:41.496 --> 00:25:42.364
Of this powerful new book
00:25:42.430 --> 00:25:43.198
New book and experience
00:25:43.264 --> 00:25:44.132
And experience god's goodness
00:25:44.199 --> 00:25:45.200
God's goodness and healing power.
00:25:45.266 --> 00:25:46.668
Be sure to request
00:25:46.768 --> 00:25:47.802
Your copy of godst
00:25:47.902 --> 00:25:49.004
Your copy of godst still loves to heal,
00:25:49.070 --> 00:25:50.305
Available this month
00:25:50.405 --> 00:25:51.640
By simply visiting us
00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:53.008
At joelosteen.com
00:25:53.108 --> 00:25:54.909
At joelosteen.com or call 888-567-joel.
00:25:54.976 --> 00:25:58.279
My mother was
00:25:59.047 --> 00:25:59.748
My mother was miraculously healed
00:25:59.814 --> 00:26:01.016
From terminal cancer.
00:26:01.116 --> 00:26:02.651
My sisterinal cancer.
00:26:02.751 --> 00:26:03.184
Lisa was healed
00:26:03.284 --> 00:26:04.019
From a birth injury
00:26:04.119 --> 00:26:05.186
From a birth injury similar to cerebral palsy.
00:26:05.253 --> 00:26:07.155
Similar to cerebral palsy. what god did for us,
00:26:07.222 --> 00:26:08.456
What god did for us, he can do for you.
00:26:08.523 --> 00:26:10.058
Victoria and i
00:26:10.158 --> 00:26:10.525
Are going to be praying for you
00:26:10.625 --> 00:26:11.726
Are going to be praying for you this month,
00:26:11.793 --> 00:26:12.394
This month, especially for healing for
00:26:12.460 --> 00:26:14.362
Especially for healing for you and your family,
00:26:14.429 --> 00:26:15.664
You and your family, not just physically,
00:26:15.730 --> 00:26:16.998
Not just physically, but mentally
00:26:17.065 --> 00:26:17.899
But mentally and emotionally
00:26:17.966 --> 00:26:19.000
And emotionally that you will be
00:26:19.067 --> 00:26:19.668
That you will be completely whole.
00:26:19.734 --> 00:26:21.436
Completely whole. we appreciate your prayer
00:26:21.503 --> 00:26:22.937
We appreciate your prayer and support.
00:26:23.004 --> 00:26:23.972
And support. your generosity
00:26:24.039 --> 00:26:25.040
Your generosity is impacting people
00:26:25.106 --> 00:26:26.207
Around the world.
00:26:26.307 --> 00:26:27.275
And specialworld.
00:26:27.375 --> 00:26:28.076
And specialworld. thank you to our champion
00:26:28.143 --> 00:26:29.244
Thank you to our champion of hope partners
00:26:29.310 --> 00:26:30.178
Of hope partners for all you do
00:26:30.245 --> 00:26:30.945
For all you do to make the ministry possible.
00:26:31.046 --> 00:26:32.947
To make the ministry possible. until we meet again,
00:26:33.014 --> 00:26:34.315
Until we meet again, may the lord bless
00:26:34.382 --> 00:26:35.316
May the lord bless you and keep you.
00:26:35.383 --> 00:26:36.985
Be sure to request
00:26:37.085 --> 00:26:38.119
Your copy of godst
00:26:38.219 --> 00:26:39.320
Still loves to heal.
00:26:39.421 --> 00:26:40.588
Still loves to heal. available this month
00:26:40.655 --> 00:26:41.956
By simply visiting us
00:26:42.057 --> 00:26:43.324
At joelosteen.com
00:26:43.425 --> 00:26:45.226
At joelosteen.com or call 888-567-joel.
00:26:45.293 --> 00:26:48.563
And you can fill your year
00:26:49.264 --> 00:26:50.699
And you can fill your year with strength, peace,
00:26:50.765 --> 00:26:52.167
With strength, peace, and encouragement
00:26:52.233 --> 00:26:53.168
And encouragement with the healing
00:26:53.234 --> 00:26:53.968
And wholeness collection.
00:26:54.069 --> 00:26:55.403
And wholeness collection. it features god's
00:26:55.470 --> 00:26:56.438
Word for every season,
00:26:56.538 --> 00:26:57.872
Word for every season, a guided four-part
00:26:57.939 --> 00:26:59.040
A guided four-part journal series to help anchor
00:26:59.107 --> 00:27:00.608
Journal series to help anchor your heart to his promises.
00:27:00.675 --> 00:27:02.243
Your heart to his promises. plus, god still loves to heal,
00:27:02.343 --> 00:27:04.212
Plus, god still loves to heal, and the blessing
00:27:04.279 --> 00:27:04.946
And the blessing of taking communion.
00:27:05.013 --> 00:27:06.314
Of taking communion. together,
00:27:06.381 --> 00:27:07.182
Together, they'll strengthen your faith,
00:27:07.282 --> 00:27:08.516
They'll strengthen your faith, renew your hope,
00:27:08.583 --> 00:27:09.751
Renew your hope, and remind you
00:27:09.818 --> 00:27:10.652
That jesus still heals
00:27:10.752 --> 00:27:12.220
And restores today.als
00:27:12.320 --> 00:27:14.122
And restores today.als you can request these
00:27:14.189 --> 00:27:15.223
You can request these inspiring resources
00:27:15.290 --> 00:27:16.758
Inspiring resources by calling 888-567-joel
00:27:16.825 --> 00:27:20.161
By calling 888-567-joel or logging on to
00:27:20.228 --> 00:27:21.296
Or logging on to joelosteen.com today.
00:27:21.362 --> 00:27:23.865
Joelosteen.com today. call or click anytime
00:27:23.932 --> 00:27:25.500
Call or click anytime 24 hours a day.
00:27:25.567 --> 00:27:27.135
24 hours a day. request your copies today.
00:27:27.202 --> 00:27:29.010

Joel Osteen - Give The Gift of Yourself

February 21, 2026 | 27:29

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